Saturday was Parker's and Parker's only. They discussed the things they wanted, nailing down a plan. Parker would stop drifting and finally, officially, put her name on Auggie's lease, first thing on Monday. She bought a couple bridal magazines at the store. They started thinking about redecorating, maybe buying a decent sized TV. Parker started looking for work.

She'd called her family when Auggie popped the question, so now it was Auggie's turn to do the same. They called Parker's parents one more time, to arrange a dinner date for later in the week, on a day Auggie was almost sure he wouldn't have to work.

Auggie couldn't really express why that Saturday felt like a new beginning. Parker seemed lighter. He felt lighter. That spark at the beginning of their relationship felt like it might be returning, this time without the inhibition of a presumed two years in Eritrea. Auggie couldn't think of anything he wanted more.

Well, maybe one thing.

But she was who-knew-where, doing who-knew-what, and she wasn't there to share in his happiness.

He dialed her number last, after all the siblings and aunts and uncles and friends, while Parker was in the shower.

"This is Annie! Leave a message."

He drew in a quick breath at the beep.

"Walker! Hey! Great to hear your voice...mail. Your voicemail. Who do I have to kill to get a call back? Well, anyway... Get back to me, okay? I talked to my brother today and he seems to think he's the best man, so you might have to have some sort of duel. He's got a high center of gravity, you could take him..." Auggie cringed at his forced rambling. "But yeah, call me back. Miss seeing you around, so to speak."

"When do I get to meet the mystical Annie Walker?" Parker asked from the direction of the bedroom.

"As soon as she calls me the hell back," Auggie said with a forced laugh. "What's on the docket for tonight?"

"I was thinking we could order Chinese and I could describe wedding dresses to you out of this enormous stack of bridal magazines," she said, like that would make for the sexiest night of all time.

Auggie grinned. "Perfect."

...

Annie returned to DC early Saturday morning.

She'd been sitting at home, alone that night, when the phone rang.

She watched as it rang itself to voicemail.

She pretended she'd listen to the message during commercial.

At the end of this episode.

When she finished this bowl of ice cream.

When she'd finished the dishes.

When she was out of the shower.

After she brushed her teeth.

When she woke up the next morning.

It felt better to pretend than to admit that she couldn't bear whatever he had to say.

She pretended straight through Sunday, and as if by magic, forgot all about it just in time to avoid him at work on Monday.