She'd remember him sometimes. A year passed and he was still on her mind (well, he was on her mind way more than she'd like to admit). And then came an unexpected turn of events – he called. One day, out of nowhere, a number she deleted from her phone, but never from her mind, called. And she picked up, her fingers trembling while swiping the green button to the side.
"Foster." The voice from the other side of the line said before she had the chance to introduce herself. And that settled it – it wasn't just a number called by a mistake.
It took her a couple of seconds to come to her mind. She thought about saying that it was a wrong number or simply asking who it was, but she knew he'd figure out she's lying. After all, it was his job to notice the little things as a change in the tone is; it was his job to see through people and their lies. And he was a hell of a professional at what he did.
So she decided not to play games she knew she couldn't win. "Cal."
"It's been a while, uh?" It was not a question, but she didn't expect him to be an expert with words when it comes down to them.
"Quite a while." For a moment even she lost the track of what was happening, of what she was supposed to say. "How can I help you?" And it was a question that made sense. He wouldn't have called a year after they parted ways just to check on how she was doing. He needed something.
"Better question, love, is what can I do for you." There's a short pause, but after her silence he continues. "I'm offering you to come and work for me again."
A breathy laugh escapes her throat and he can almost hear her rolling her eyes at him. "Thank you, Cal, but I think I'll skip that offer. We both know how it ended up last time."
"Come on, Gil, we're both grownups. I'm over it. You're over it. It's been over a year."
"We might be over it, Cal, but you are still the same stubborn, annoying man who cannot help but cross every line someone draws, just so you can prove yourself."
"Gimme one talk, love. Four eyes. And I'll convince you." She was good enough to hear a pinch of desperation in his voice and she couldn't help but feel a bit proud of it. Cal Lightman, calling her to practically beg for her to come back to his company.
"There's no use. It'll be just a waste of time."
"Then let me waste that time with ya. I'll change your mind. Just hear me out."
She let out a breath, more impatient than annoyed. She did want to see him. "Alright, Cal. Just one meeting and then you leave me alone."
"After this meeting, love, we'll see."
In the middle of her laugh, she hung up.