Chapter 6

At 14.00pm, Andy took a break from the case and headed to a small restaurant near the courthouse, where he would meet Erica.

''It's the first time you are waiting for me''.

''I was already around'', she said reading the menu. ''I want to ask you something'', she told him after their orders.

''What's going on?''

''That girl we met at the party… Penny I think…''

''Yes… What about her?''

''How long have you known her?''

''Just a few days. Why do you ask?''. Erica paused before she answered.

''It seemed like she wasn't so happy to meet me''.

''I don't understand''.

''She gave me the impression she was disappointed when I interrupted you. I don't know. Perhaps it's my intuition but I'd bet she doesn't just see you as the uncle of a pupil''.

''You mean…'', he said looking at her in disbelief and then began to laugh. ''No way''.

''How can you be so certain?'', his friend asked.

''No way, I'm telling you. She is much younger than me. You must have imagined it''.

''What does the age have to do, Andy? You are an attractive man and you know it. You've impressed a young woman. Why does it sound unbelievable to you?''

''Just like Annie!'', he murmured as their dishes arrived.

''What do you mean?''

''She has the same thoughts. The other day she said that I should marry Miss Penny!''

''Is that so crazy?''. Hearing these words Andy looked at her with disbelief. ''Just listen to me. We've been friends for many years and I know better than anyone what's in your heart. Also, I would love to see you happy''.

''I see… And how will I be happy, Erica? If I marry Annie's teacher?''

''Let's put the weddings aside and talk seriously. I didn't say you should get married but you could just ask her out''. With a nod of his head he rejected the suggestion immediately. ''Give her a chance and who knows? Maybe this is the road that leads to happiness''.

''You read too many novels, Erica. I never thought you were that romantic''.

''I'm not speaking of romantic fairytales. I'm clear with you, because I really care. One day, you have to stop punishing yourself. You have the right to be happy. I can't see you throw it away because of mistakes that belong to the past''.

''Look at the time. I must return'', Andy said leaving his fork into the almost full plate.

''What do you have to lose?'', Erica insisted but he gave her a cold look and left without speaking.


''Well, what's going on with you?'', Amanda asked standing in the school yard next to Penny as the kids ran around them.

''What?''

''Since you like him, why don't you tell him?''

''Are you kidding? Weren't you there when he introduced us to his girlfriend?''

''Actually, he introduced us to his friend, Penny. They never mentioned they were a couple. Don't jump into conclusions. Since you are obviously interested in him, I think you should speak to him'', she encouraged her before going back inside. Thinking about it, Penny realized that everything Amanda said, sounded logical. It was true that he had not said they were a couple. On the other hand, she still had her doubts. However, she decided to follow her heart and her friend's advice to see where it would take her and she did not wait long to make that move. The following day, few minutes before the end of the school day, she looked outside the window and saw Andy waiting at the opposite sidewalk next ro his car. At first, she felt that there was no way she could do what Amanda told her. But then, she took a few deep breaths, which gave her the courage she needed to go out. The frozen wind that hit her face did not stop her from proceeding.

''Hello, Mr Patton'', she said awkwardly with her hands in the pockets.

''School isn't over yet, right?'', he said looking at his watch.

''No, you made no mistake'', Penny answered. ''The bell will ring in a few minutes''.

''Is there a reason you came out earlier? Did anything happen to Annie?'', he asked starting to get worried.

''No, nothing is wrong. To be honest, I came here to ask you something''.

''Ask me?''. His bewildered look caused Penny to feel even more awkward. She was ready to run away, when she realized she had come too far to back down now.

''Would you like to go out with me tonight?'', she asked and bit her tongue. Having said what she had in mind, it now sounded ridiculous to her.

''I don't know what to say…'', he said. ''I didn't expect that…''. Hearing these words, Penny felt so ashamed that her face turned red. She felt that rejection was coming any minute now.

''You know… Just forget that I asked'', she said and was about to leave as fast as she could.

''Miss?'', she heard his voice and stood still. ''It would be my pleasure to have dinner with you''.


When the bell rang, Annie threw her markers into the bag and ran out of the classroom. As she stood at the exit, she saw her uncle talking with her teacher. She had no idea what those two could be talking about but the bright smile on Miss Penny's face as she returned, was the proof that they were definitely talking about something pleasant.