Charlie stood at his usual place. In front of the chalk board tap tap tapping away at some complicated math problem. He had been trying to map the pattern of the latest killer Don had asked for his help with for the last two days. When he finally heard the knock at his office door and Larry calling his name, it was a welcomed break.
"Well Charles I see you're busy with another FBI problem so we won't keep you long."
Charlie wondered what Larry meant by "we", but then he saw her. A very attractive young lady stepped into the room following Larry. She was dressed very professionally but still managed to keep a young look about her. Charlie figured she must be a new student looking to make a good first impression on her first day.
"Charles allow me to introduce Kelley James, she has just accepted the position of Assistant to the Dean in the Physics Department and will also be helping in out here in the Math Department"
The lady offered her hand to Charlie.
"Nice to meet you Dr. Eppes. Dr. Fleinhardt has told me a lot about you."
"All good I hope." Charlie said gently shaking her hand. Her skin was soft and warn and her hand felt tiny in his.
"Oh yes all good." She replied with as bright smile.
"Forgive me Miss James…" Charlie started but Kelley quickly interrupted.
"No please call me Kelley"
"OK, Kelley, forgive me but you look awful young to be an Assistant to the Dean"
"Well I just graduated from business school this past May"
"Oh really. Where did you do your undergrad work?"
"I attended the University of Mississippi."
"Oh a Southern Belle" Larry finally joined the conversation.
"I guess you could say that" she said moving a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Her answer may have been directed at Larry, but her big blue eyes never left Charlie's gaze.
"Well I guess we'd better be off, other faculty to meet," Larry said starting to usher Kelley from the room.
"OK. Well it's nice to meet you Dr. Eppes. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again soon." She said as she walked toward the door.
"It's nice to meet you too. And Kelley."
"Yes, Dr. Eppes?"
"It's Charlie, not Dr. Eppes"
"Ok, Charlie, see 'ya later."
"I hope so," Charlie said under his breath, "I hope so."
ONE WEEK LATER
Charlie was once again working at his chalk board. His problem from last week had been solved, but was quickly replaced by a series of bank robberies that Don needed help solving. It had been a week since Kelley had first walked through his door. Even though he hadn't seen her again, he couldn't get her off his mind. Her dark brown hair and big blue eyes had left a lasting impression on Charlie. And that adorable Southern accent. Just thinking about the way she talked made Charlie smile.
As if on cue there was a knock at the door. When Charlie turned around, there she was.
"Hi Charlie"
"Kelley, Hi"
"I was doing some work in the Math department and needed your signature on some papers."
"Sure no Problem"
"I can just leave them with you if you need me too," she said as she laid the papers on his desk.
"No, it's no problem. I have time now," as he reached for the papers, his hand brushed hers. A shock went through both of them. Their eyes met. For a moment they looked deeply into each others eyes. Quickly they broke their stare. Both looked away and began to blush.
"Ok, so where do I need to sign."
"Right here and right here," she said pointing at the lines that required Charlie's signature.
When he had finished, she took the papers, making sure not to touch him.
"Ok that takes care of that. Thanks Charlie." Still a little embarrassed she headed quickly for the door.
Just as she thought she was scott free. She heard Charlie call her name.
"Kelley, hang on a second."
She turned around quickly, wondering what he might say. "Yeah Charlie"
"Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?"
Her heart leaped into her throat. Was this absolutely adorable man asking her for a date? She had thought about Charlie a lot since last week. His wild, curly hair made him so endearing to her. But the thing that she couldn't stop thinking about was his eyes. Those huge brown eyes that seemed so warm. She could look into his eyes forever.
"Sure, I'd like that," she finally managed to choke out.
"Great. I'll meet you at your office around 12 tomorrow?" he said ringing his hands nervously.
"Yeah that's perfect. So I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Ok tomorrow."
"Bye"
"Bye" Charlie answered. With his last work, Kelley finally managed to pull herself out the door.
As she headed down the hall she smiled to herself. She was going to have lunch with Charlie. She couldn't wait.
Meanwhile, back in his office, Charlie let out a long breath. Did he really just ask her for a date? He couldn't believe he had been so bold, but he was glad he had. He turned back to his work on the board. Smiling to himself and thinking about the following day and his date with Kelley.
THE NEXT DAY
Kelley had taken extra care when dressing that mourning. She had selected a nice pair of black pants and a black and white striped blouse. She even paid extra attention to her jewelry that day.
Charlie had taken extra care that morning as well. He took his time shaving, making sure not to cut himself. He double checked his shirt and pants to make sure they were neatly pressed and wrinkle free.
She had been anxious all morning. Sitting in front of her computer, it was hard to get any work done. At 11 she started to get VERY nervous. So at 11:45 she stopped "pretending" to work and refreshed her make-up and checked her hair. Charlie would be there soon and she wanted to look her best.
Lucky for Charlie, today was his morning class. He finished at 11 and the nerves kicked in. He tried to work on some equations but it was no use, he couldn't get his upcoming date out of his mind. He eventually gave up and headed for Kelley's office.
THAT EVENING
Charlie walked through the front door with a huge smile on his face. He had had the same expression all afternoon. His lunch with Kelley had gone amazingly. They had talked and laughed and found they really enjoyed each others company.
As he made his way to the living room he could hear two voices. One was he father, Alan's, and the other belonged to his brother, Don.
"Charlie is that you?" Alan called from behind his newspaper.
"Yeah, Dad it's me"
Charlie entered the living room and sat down in his favorite chair.
"How's it going brother?' Don asked as he sipped his beer.
"Absolutely fabulous Don," he answered with a huge smile.
"Whoa you haven't been this chipper in quite some time Charlie. What happened? You solve a big equation today?" Alan asked looking over his paper.
"Nope, even better. I met a girl last week and we had a lunch date today."
"Well, Well, Well. And does this girl have a name?" The thought of his youngest having a date made Alan lower his paper and stare at Charlie intently.
"Yes, she does. Her name is Kelley and she works in the Physics and Math Departments at CalSci. Larry introduced us on her first day last week. When she came by my office yesterday, I asked her to lunch."
"Nice little brother. Is she cute?" Son asked raising his Bud in a mock toast.
"She is VERY cute, and her accent is adorable."
"Accent? What kind of Accent?" Alan asked very interested in this new girl, and very happy that Charlie seemed so excited about dating her.
"Southern. Very southern. She just moved here from Mississippi," Charlie smiled at the thought of her talking.
"Whoo Whoo. I hear Mississippi girls are always pretty. Can't wait to meet her." Don smiled at Charlie.
"All in good time brother. All in good time."
"Well I don't know about you boys but I'm starving. Whatda 'ya say we go out to dinner?" Alan raised himself from his chair and headed for the door. The boys began to follow.
"Sounds good to me. While we're there Charlie can tell us more about his date with this Southern Belle whih the adorable accent." Don said as he playfully poked Charlie in the ribs.
"Hey I could talk about her all day!"
"Wow! One date and you are already this crazy about her. My hope for grandchildren is rekindled!!" Alan put on his jacket and opened the door. "When are you going to see her again?"
"Friday night we're going to dinner."
"Now if only Donnie could be this crazy for a girl. Does this one have a sister?" They all laughed and headed to dinner and the play-by-play of Charlie's date.
