To Her Surprise

Chance meeting on the street

It was a cool morning for the fall in her part of England. The clouds above let her know it may rain later. That is why she wore her black rain jacket tied at the waist and her black wool cap. Her red hair flowed out of it. Her black framed glasses framed out her pale face.

Her knee high black boots clicked on the concrete sidewalk as she exited the store. The pink pocket book resting on her shoulder gave her outfit the splash of color and needed. In her right hand is the small bag holding her lunch. As she stepped down into the street she heard someone calling her to her. At first she did not respond to the name Andrea, but then the way he shortened it to Andy made her stop in her tracks.

In her online groups she goes by Andrea. It’s her middle name. She did not want to use her real name in those auction groups. She remembers the way that American accent said Andy. She turned slowly to see him standing there.

It took her a second since seeing him was out of context and they have not spoken in years. She remembers being upset with him, but not the reason and then stopped talking to him. As time went by she realized that she missed him, but after all that time and how she treated him she was embarrassed to reach out to him. But he was now standing in front of her.

And he looked better then she remembered. His six foot frame was well built. She can tell that he lost the extra weight around his midsection. His gray, blonde hair was brushed to the side. He was in a suit, not something she remembered him wearing much.

He looked good. Better than good, as her heart skipped a beat. She was always attracted to him but seeing him now, she was in awe with him.

“So, you are not going to say hello to your friend,” he questioned. That little smirk that she thought was so sexy.

“Hi Atticus,” the confusion in her voice. “Is it really you? How? Why?”

“Yes it is me Sara,” he said, switching to her first name. Her mind again racing on how he knows her first name. Did she tell him that all those years ago? Seeing her confusion he continued,” You told me your first name in one of our chats and that Andrea is your middle name after your grandmother. I won’t forget those kinds of details.”

Her mind tried to remember if she told her his real name. He must have, but for the life of her she could not pick it free in her mind. He waits for her pause and finally says,” Lucas.”

Shaken out of her thought she said,” What was that?” Her feet start moving back and forth nervously. Her free hand tapping her side.

“Lucas, that is my name. You were trying to remember it.”

Her hand moves up to her face, brushing the strand of hair that came loose. “I remember, Lucas. Right,” she said, feeling an ease coming over her. “You did not answer why you are here?” Her hand goes back to tapping.

“I have always wanted to see England so here I am. Finding you was a little harder than one would think, but I’m glad I ran into you.” His hand came out from his pocket and handed her a card. “On the back is the hotel I’m staying at. I’m going to dine at 8. I would love you to join me so we can catch up.” He then leaned in and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Hope to see you tonight.” With that he turned and walked away down the street.

She just stood there on the sidewalk and watched him walk away. Did he just fly all way here to ask her to dinner? Wait, someone asked her to dinner. That has not happened in forever. Slowly a smile grew on her face. She felt butterflies. She has not felt like this in a while.

The phone call

It was hard for her to concentrate on working the rest of the day. She messaged her best friend that she needed to talk and she rushed home. She was a whirlwind as she walked into her home. Dropping her bag and jacket on the chair. She hurried upstairs to take a quick shower and get ready. She made up her mind that she was going to go to talk. Then if she was going to go she may as well look as good as she could.

She trim on the water in her small shower and headed back into her bedroom. Stripping out of her work clothes, she tossed them on her bed. Just in her undergarments, she headed back downstairs and poured herself a glass of red wine.