The One That Got Away
He was her first stop when she got off the plane. He was the reason she got on the plane.
She couldn't help but smile as she walked into the Lockhart/Gardner offices. A cheerful 'Hello!' to the secretary, a smile at her 'Haven't seen you for a while', 'Oh just a trip for work, is he in?' and just like always, 'He'll be right back, have a seat dear.' It's only been two weeks; no one has to know.
She still hated his towels but they did the job. A bit of fresh makeup, one more button undone, and finger comb her hair. She ignored the suspicious feeling edging in the back of her mind at the new mint scented liquid soap and smiled one more confident smile in the mirror. He had always loved her hair like this.
She was waiting for him in his office when he got off the elevator. Relaxed and happy, gorgeous in his suit- everything was almost right again. Then a smile for the woman with him that made the fear rise in the back of her throat, quickly pushed back down.
She knows the moment he sees her. His stride never breaks but the happy smile turns tense and she can't help but mirror him. His hello is friendly, but his eyes are confused. Her answers are as simple as his questions. 'When did you get back?' 'Just now.' 'Why did you come here?' 'I missed you.' He doesn't seem to care about the hair or the extra button and she feels her stomach start to turn.
It takes only minutes. His message is clear, her head is reeling. 'It was good to see you Tammy.' The dismissal in his voice matches the distant look in his eyes. He barely takes the time to grab his briefcase and he's gone.
She watches him walk to the elevator again, perfect timing to help Alicia with her coat and it clicked. It was six o'clock but there would be no dinner with her. All she could do was sit in his office and realize she would never be the one he waited for.