* * *
"So do you think you can get down here this weekend, sweetheart?"
Ken's tone was hopeful as he awaited her response.
"Absolutely!" Maddy assured him enthusiastically. She was beyond
the point of putting on silly pretensions; with him she didn't feel the need.
Besides, he'd been pursuing her as a gentleman should ever since the
morning he'd come looking for her on the beach. Why play hard to get when
his interest in her was plain for anyone to see?
Maddy stretched out on her twin bed, enjoying the exquisite privacy
of her own exclusive phone line-well at least the one she shared with her
sister, Lori. In the Ocean City house, there had been no need for such
extravagances; they were really only there three months out of the year,
save for an occasional fall weekend or possibly even a winter break,
weather permitting. Were it not for Ken, she'd most likely see the cottage
on Simpson Avenue eight months from now, when things finally began to
thaw in May. Now here she was, anxious for the September days to fly by
so she could head over the bridge again and into his waiting arms.
"I can't wait to see you baby," he cooed. "If you're definitely coming,
then I am going to work a few extra shifts this week so I can get time off
on the weekend."
"Ok, but don't work yourself too hard, Kenny. We can manage
around your schedule if we have to. I don't mind."
"Sweetheart, I'd work seven days straight with no sleep if it meant
spending more time with you." Her heart fluttered in her chest.
"You are so wonderful to me," she sighed. Then, noticing a
disruption in the background, asked what was going on. On his end of the
line, Ken made a face at Quentin that told him in no uncertain terms that
his presence in the room wasn't welcome; Quentin's retort had been to
remind him that they were at work and Ken's assistance was required. He
gestured to his co-worker to give him a minute, before focusing back on
his new love.
"Nothing, baby, but I do have to get back to work now. Can I call
you when I get home?"
"Sure, but won't that be at 6 a.m.? You might be tired."
"Never too tired to hear your sweet voice, Madeline Rose," he replied
softly, trying to hold the image of her beautiful face in his mind like a still
photograph.
"In that case, it'll be the best wake-up call I could ask for."
After saying goodbye, Maddy snuggled up under the covers, dreaming
of his arms around her as she went to sleep.