'She didn't even see me, and to think, we are supposed to be dating.' Shoulders hunched, he continued on his walk through downtown River Heights.
Emerson University, where he attended school, was out on Spring Break. Ned had hoped he would be able to spend some time with his girlfriend before classes started again on Monday. Almost an entire week went by without even one date! He should have realized she would be too busy to see him. If she wasn't galavanting around town solving mysteries (which, Ned had to admit, he enjoyed helping her solve) she was involved with something else. Rarely, did she have time for him.
Normally, Ned was a very understanding guy. He knew Nancy was percocious, and filled with an adventuresome spirit. That is what he liked about her. Only, he was starting to feel neglected. Almost every date he planned, she broke, and she was never truly apologetic about doing so. Ned was beginning to wonder if she took their relationship as seriously as he did.
'Hey, Ned!' a shout from across the street brought Ned out of his silent musings. Blinking, he glanced up at the tallest building in River Heigths and grimaced. Nancy's father's law firm stood as solid and imposing as Carson Drew himself. Ned wished Mr. Drew would take a heavier hand with his daughter, and put a stop to her galavanting all over town; doing who knew what. His attention quickly went to the young man running up to him.
'Hi, Scott.' Ned mumbled. The other boy smiled, his short husky build mixed with red hair and freckles contrasted sharply with Ned's tall athletic good looks. Nontheless, if not best friends they had remained close aquaintences since grade school. Both attended Emerson University one town over.
Clapping Ned on the shoulder, Scott asked 'Nancy break another date?
Showing the first signs of anger, an uncharacteristic trait for the young college student, Ned gestured negatively with his hands. 'That's just it! I haven't seen her, accept in passing, for almost the entire spring break!'
Scott nodded sympathetically. He couldn't understand why his friend put up with this drama. Yes, Nancy was attractive. Yes, she came from a wealthy, influential family. Only, she had the nasty habit of being, in his opinion, a busy body. A trait he could do without in the opposite sex.
Ned, of course, saw matters differently. He considered Nancy to be the yin to his yang. He considered the qualities Scott found annoying to be cute and endearing. Apparently, those very same qualities were beginning to chafe at the old boyfriend's bit.
Which brought Scott to the question he wanted to ask his friend. Apparently, his timing couldn't have been better. Taking a deep breath, he started off with, 'I have a favor to ask of you...'
Ned stared at Scott dubiously. Stuffing his hands in the back pockets of his tan slacks he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet while biting his lower lip.
'If I remember correctly you owe me several favors. Consider this payment in full.' Scott added before Ned could make an excuse.
Ned's head jerked up. ' That's low.'
Scott was beginning to feel exasperated. Ned was a really good guy. He didn't like seeing him turn loopy over a girl. Scott plunged ahead, 'Look! I'm not asking you to cheat on Nancy. Think of it as being a chaperone. Lacey won't go on a date with me unless she can bring a friend, and we all know that three is a crowd.' Scott ended that last statement with a wink and a nudge.
Frowning, Ned glared at Scott for a couple of seconds. He was obviously wasn't pleased with the innuendos Scott left hanging between them. Ned lived by the gentleman's code of conduct. It wasn't just his soft curly brown hair or his big brown eyes that girls found so attractive, it was how he treated them that really got their attention.
'Fine. I'll do it. Make sure they know before hand that it is NOT a double date!' Feeling like a philanderer, Ned stalked off leaving Scott grinning behind him.
Scott watched Ned walk in to the local music shop before turning around and running home. He couldn't wait to call Lacey with the good news. Ned Nickerson agreed to a double date!