A Second Chance
"Come on, Elizabeth! I didn't mean it. We were playing around and it just came out," John pleads. He reaches out and takes her hands in his, looking her in the eye.
Elizabeth returns the look. Glares.
Grimacing inwardly, John tries again. "I really am sorry, Elizabeth. It was a mistake and I shouldn't have said it."
"You should even be thinking it," Elizabeth shoots back. She runs her tongue over her lips. "Not now, especially. Not since we started this thing." She gestures first at herself and then at John. "If this is going to work, it's got to be you and me and no one else."
John nods. He hangs his head, lifting it only when he speaks again. His words are quiet, solemn, deadly serious. "I do want this. Us. More than anything. And I'm sorry for what I said. I am. That tech was cute, but she's nothing compared to you. I was just playing around."
"And 'playing around' makes it okay?"
"Yes!" John says firmly. He wavers when she frowns. "Uh...no?"
"Better." Elizabeth offers a flat smile.
"Okay. No, then. I'm sorry." He pauses. "Give me a second chance? Let me make it up to you?"
Elizabeth allows her smile to grow slightly wider and nods in agreement. "Deal. But this making it up to me better be good. Damn good."
John smiles tentatively back at her, ideas already flooding his brain.
Whatever it takes.
"Oh, it'll be good," he says. "You can count on it."
fin.
