How did you get my number?
I know a guy.
Bella laughed aloud, and wondered if that ‘guy’ was Big G.
Sure, I’m awake, give me a call if you like,she wrote back.
Two seconds later the phone rang, and this time she answered.
“Hi.” they said at the same time.
“How have you been?”
“Good, good - busy as always, and you?” Bella heard a bark in the background.
“Is that Daisy?” she asked.
“Yes, she’s on the bed here with me. Well, more like she allows me to be on my bed - she takes up the whole thing, I’ve got a little space allocated but that’s it.”
Bella laughed, “That’s Primrose. How can little dogs take up so much room?”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch sooner. The night ended on a note I hadn’t planned on; I wasn’t sure what to say, and then it just got so busy here, our schedule is solid between meetings, classes, and training. We’ve been at it 10 hours a day, and I’m wiped by the time I get home, get dinner going for the girls, shower. And then it’s rinse and repeat the next day, and the next. We are in the critical timeframe, with some intensive sims. It’s not an excuse, but it’s the truth.”
“You’ve got an important task coming up. It isn’t like you work a regular 9-5 job. But I appreciate the call and the sentiment all the same.”
“I understand you are here in town next week, but just for one day. Are you coming in the day before by any chance?” he asked.
“I’m not - I’m flying in that morning and back out in the afternoon. I took advantage of Jackie a lot last month, so I wanted to give her a break.”
“Oh, I see. I thought we might meet for dinner, but I’ve also got ulterior motives. I was hoping you could help me with something.”
“If I can help I'm happy to.” Her interest was piqued.
“It’s Sloane. Apparently a‘boy’has asked her to go to the Homecoming Dance at the end of the month, and she wants to go dress shopping. You’re the most stylish woman I’ve ever seen, I thought maybe if you had some extra time while you were in town you could come with us. I’m helpless when it comes to fashion. I mean, I can appreciate it when I see it but shopping for it? A completely different matter. Is that asking too much?”
Bella was both touched and shocked at the same time.He wants me to go shopping with him. With his daughter.
Trying to sound casual, Bella replied, “Sure, I can do that. I’ll fly in early Sunday morning, if that works for you. I’ll ask my parents to keep Primmy at their place for one night. Most shops don’t open till 11am on a Sunday, but that should be plenty of time. Was there a store in particular Sloane might want to go to? Or should we go to the mall, so we have plenty of options? Do you think Sloane will be okay with me coming along?”
“Thank you so much Bella, you are a lifesaver. I’m sure Sloane will be happy to have you there instead of her old dad. Well, I mean, I’ll be there with you, but still.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Just let me know what mall to meet you at and the time and I’ll be there.”
“We can pick you up at your hotel on the way to the mall, we aren’t too far from there. Bella?”
“Yes?”
“Put my number in your phone so you know it’s me calling next time. I can’t wait to see what shoes you bring with you.” he said as he hung up.
Ha! He DID notice the shoes.
Bella was in her office the next day when her phone rang. Picking it up she could see it was a FaceTime group call with Angela and Madeline.
“Hey, you two, what’s up?”
“Nothing, we just haven’t spoken in a few days, so we thought we’d check in” replied Madeline.
“How’s Primmy, does she miss me?” asked Angela.
