The Replacements- 19
"Can I get you something?" She asked, as she guided us over to the couch.
"No thanks," I answered. "We just ate."
"Nothing for me, either, Prin." Jase added. "Nice place you got here."
"Thanks. What about you, Tiny?" She looked over at the big guy, who was taking up over half of the couch.
"You got any soda?" Tiny asked. "And maybe some chips?"
"I'll go see what I can dig up." She giggled, and then disappeared into the kitchen.
"Did you have to make us look so…desperate?" I grumbled at Tiny.
"Sorry Commander, I didn't mean to, I was just glad to see her…that's all." Tiny replied.
I looked over at Jason. "You are going to apologize, right?"
The Condor reclined and propped his arms behind his head, grinning. "Don't worry, Skip. I've got it all under control."
"Just don't blow it." I barked.
Princess glided back into the room with Tiny's requested items and sat opposite us on a nearby chair.
An uncomfortable silence lingered for what seemed like hours, yet it was only minutes.
Between bites, Tiny finally got the guts to speak up. "Princess, how have you been?"
"Fine. Actually, I…" She opened her mouth to speak, but paused and stopped herself. "Fine." She blushed. "How about you? Lots of training, I suppose."
"Yeah," Tiny agreed, showing his muscles. "Have to bulk up."
Princess smiled demurely in response.
I finally realized that it was my duty to ask her the question we had come for. "Princess, I think you know why we came. All three of us agree that we want you to come back; to join the team again."
After a few seconds of silence, I spoke again. "Before you give us an answer, I'd like for you to consider that we're not the only ones who need you. The whole world needs you. You have talents that most people can only dream of, and yes, there might be someone else out there for the Chief to put on the team in your place, but we want you. Female or not, we believe that you are the best candidate for the team, and we want our Swan back with us."
Jason smirked as he added, "And we'll all treat you with respect from now on. I'll make sure of that."
"You?" Princess giggled. "And who is going to keep you on your best behavior?"
"You are, Princess. I've seen that high kick of yours…terrifying!" Tiny chuckled.
Everyone laughed at Tiny's lighthearted remark. It was just what we needed to clear the air. Jason had apologized, in his own way, and Princess knew that Tiny had always been there for her. There was only one cobweb left to sweep out. The kiss.
"I need a little time to think it over. Can I sleep on it?" Princess perused.
"Of course…" I smiled at her.
Jason stood up and stretched. "Ok, guys, it's getting late, and our Swannie here has some thinking to do." He motioned toward the door. Tiny followed him as he walked out into the stairwell.
I hesitated for a moment and called out to my comrades. "Wait for me downstairs, I'll catch up in a few minutes."
Princess backed up a bit when she saw me turn around and gaze at her.
"Princess, there's one more thing I wanted to say…" I began. "I'm sorry about the other night. I …don't know what came over me. I can assure you that I will behave professionally around you from here on out if you'll come back to us."
Her cheeks flushed as she responded. "That's all I was worried about, Mark. I didn't want you to respect me any less than the others, just because I was a woman."
"I respect you, Princess." I grinned. "And I'm sure you'll let me know if I am overstepping my bounds."
She brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face and glanced shyly at her feet as she whispered, "I will, Mark."
My heart pounded as I heard her last statement. It certainly sounded like she had made up her mind to join the team again.
"Will you call me in the morning, and let me know your decision?" I asked.
"You can count on it." She answered softly, smiling slightly.