ANDY FITCH'S APARTMENT
Maggie brings the car to a stop beside
the curb, per Andy's
instructions.
"And this," he says, "would be my
humble abode."
"Looks pretty ritzy to me." She studies
the complex, with its clean beige exterior, obviously large apartments,
and spacious balconies. "I'm not seeing too much of that humble thing."
"Shut up," he says with a laugh as
he opens the passenger-side door. He turns as if ready to slide out of
the car and then stops, turning back to face her. "Thank you."
"For the ride home? No problem. We've
been all over the place anyway, haven't we?"
"Very true. I don't believe I have
ever taken a walk through the park until six in the morning on New Year's
Eve before."
"And I don't believe I've ever taken
part in interrupting a wedding before," she says. She notes the immediate
melancholy that fills his expression. "I'm sorry that didn't go how you
wanted it to."
"No need for apologies," he replies
with a shake of the head. "Or consolations, for that matter. I have spent
the better part of a night unloading my emotional baggage on you, and you've
done an unbelievable job of lifting my spirits."
"Glad I could be of service. And
for what it's worth, you did do your fair share of listening. I
don't think I've done that much talking about my rollercoaster of a marriage
in a long time. I didn't realize how much I needed it."
"And I didn't realize how much I
still needed to talk about my mother
and Danielle ... but I guess it was
everything that happened last night that made it all come spilling out.
I'm just thankful I didn't have to be alone after seeing my mother marry
that man." He smiles. "And I'm thankful I was able to spend the time with
someone so enjoyable."
"You do realize how high this is
going to make my expectations next time my car is rear-ended, don't you?"
He shrugs. "Could be worse things."
"I suppose so," she nods, grinning
widely.
In the momentary lull, their eyes
catch. The silence is extended as they stare into each other, reading and
wondering ...
"I'll give you a call," Andy says
suddenly. "To discuss paying for the damages and everything." He slides
out of the car.
"All right. It was, um, nice meeting
you." She raises her eyebrows and flashes him a vibrant smile.
"You, too. Bye." He closes the car
door. "Have a safe trip home."
"Thanks. Take care." She rolls up
the window and starts the car again. Andy ascends the stairs to his apartment
but pauses at the door, watching as Maggie's SUV pulls away from the curb
and out of the complex.
He reaches into his pocket and fingers
the card with her number on it, staring off at the path of Maggie's vehicle
long after it is gone ... and, finally, he finishes unlocking the door
and enters the apartment.
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