SURPRISES
Chapter 2 of 2
Janet couldn't remember closing up for the night and driving home. She was still blown away by what Eddie had asked her an hour before.
As she let herself into her house, she locked the door behind her and threw her keys into the ceramic dish on the counter. She was heading to the bathroom to have her ritual after-work shower when she noticed the light on her answering machine blinking.
She made her way over to it, pressed play expecting to hear Hannah's voice along with an explanation about what had happened earlier with Nick at the bar. But she could hardly believe her hears as she listened to the message.
"Hi Janet. It's Eddie. I know you're not home from work yet because I actually just left you a minute ago, but I was wondering if you had thought any more about what I asked you? If you get this message before you go to bed call me at home, I'll be up. If not, I hope to hear from you in the morning. Bye Janet". The answering machine beeped signaling the end of the message.
Janet was beyond stunned and replayed the message to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. She couldn't believe he hadn't waited before calling her and asking her out again. This was almost too good to be true.
Janet ignored the slightest feeling of dread that passed over her. She had always been the practical girl, the girl who thought things through to the last detail before acting. Just this once she wanted to be the other girl. The one who jumped in with both feet just to see how deep the water was.
The phone was in her hand before she had time to think about it. She dialed Eddie's number and almost passed out while waiting for him to answer. It rang four times and Janet was about to hang up when she heard the receiver being lifted on the other end.
"Hello". Eddie said sleepily
"Hi Eddie, it's Janet. I just got home and heard your message and thought I'd call, but you sound like you were sleeping. I'll just call you back tomorrow. Bye" Janet said hurriedly, panic setting in. She pulled the phone from her ear to hang up but stopped when she heard Eddie on the other end.
"Wait Janet! Are you still there?"
"Yeah Eddie. I'm still here. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. You said to call, so….I called."
"It's okay Janet. I just fell asleep in front of the TV. I was hoping you would get my message tonight"
"Well, I got your message…." Janet said not sure what to say next.
"And?" Eddie said expectantly. She heard in his voice that he was smiling. He seemed to be enjoying her discomfort a little too much.
"And, okay. I'll go out with you." She said as if that would show him.
"Great." Janet could picture him smiling to beat the band on the other end of the line. "How about Friday. I know a place that has the best veal scallopini you've ever tasted."
"Okay. That sounds great." Janet replied, unable to keep the smile from her voice as well.
"I'll pick you up at seven. See you then Janet"
"See you then Eddie. 'Night." Janet said and hung up the phone.
Needless to say the rest of her night was a blur and she didn't think Friday could come fast enough.
END