He was surprising Nancy at her graduation. She didn't know he was in town. With Carson Drew's help he planned to surprise her. He'd told her that he had a final that day . Luckily his professor had allowed him to take the final two days early.
Her graduation was in several hours. He'd texted George who'd promised to get him at the airport. He walked through the terminal until he heard a female voice calling him.
He looked blankly for a minute, and then he realized it was Bess calling him.
"Hey Frank." Bess smiled as she waited with him until his luggage came off the plane.
" Hey Bess. Long time no see. I almost didn't recognize you." He smiled." Nice curls." He commented as he hugged her .
Bess grinned." Finally someone noticed."
Frank chuckled." Usually I'm hopeless." He offered " Where's George?" He asked.." I thought she was coming."
Bess pouted." And here I thought you'd be thrilled to see me after so long."
Frank laughed." OK OK sorry I asked ." He smiled at her knowing with her flair for drama she was just teasing him.
She laughed as she led him to her car." She's at my place. She got a last minute phone interview for a summer position. This is the place she really wants to work at this summer."
Frank nodded understanding." I hope she gets it." Frank said on a yawn. He closed his eyes and leaned back in the car seat.
Bess took a close look." You're a mess Hardy." She waited for a reply . After a moment when none came, she looked over. Frank was asleep in the passenger seat of her car.
Bess chuckled. George had told her how hard Harvard worked them. She knew that Frank had to do extra work to get here on time. He'd probably slept even less than usual.
Nancy's graduation wasn't until 6, so she figured Frank could get a few hours sleep before they had to leave.
Bess pulled into the driveway and stopped the engine as she considered the elder Hardy. She had always been closer to Joe. They personally were more alike. Still she liked Frank a lot. He was solid. He was quiet but he was the perfect counterpoint to Nancy. She thought he was perfect for her. It was obvious to anyone who knew them they were meant to be together. She'd known since they'd worked together in Egypt. She sometimes wondered what had taken them so long.
She'd been thrilled when George had told her what had happened. When Nancy had come home from NY starry eyed floating on a cloud she'd been thrilled. She and Joe had emailed and texted. Everyone agreed it was about time.
Bess gave him points for being here. He clearly was exhausted. She reached over and shook him.
" Frank...Frank!" She called.
Frank jumped confused as he took in his surroundings for a minute ." Bess?" He asked as he realized where he was." Oh God sorry..."
Bess laughed." Come on you can crash in the guest room for a few hours." She got out of the car.
Frank followed." Thanks. Sorry I haven't slept much in the past few days." He explained.
Bess chuckled." I thought I was boring you or something."
Frank laughed." That guest room sounds like a good idea. Hopefully that way I'll stay awake through graduation."
Bess laughed." You must be an exciting date Hardy."
Frank chuckled." Just point me to the room. I'll be a lot more exciting when I can keep my eyes open." He said as he yawned. He was too tired to spar with anyone.
" Come on. " Bess led him to the room.
Frank offered his thanks and apologies. He gratefully sank in the bed.
Bess went back to tell him that she'd wake him a few hours to get ready. Frank was already snoring.
She smiled and closed the door. She decided to grab his stuff from the back seat of the car, so he wouldn't have to do it later.