The meeting dragged on forever, it seemed to him. He couldn't wait to get away from what seemed like very petty problems. His mind was miles away but nobody seemed to notice. Finally he was able to make his excuses and hurry to his car. The others were meeting at the president's house as they sometimes did, but he just pleaded a prior engagement and sped to the florist, hoping the shop wouldn't be closed.
Choosing a large bunch of pink carnations and potted ivy, he placed them in the car, then went into the nearest department store and picked out the softest, most loveable teddy bear he could find. A stop at the grocery store for some mixed cheeses and fruit, and then a side trip into a bookstore just as the girl was about to close up, and his purchases were complete.
Except for one thing. He popped into a phone booth, dialled her number, and hung up as soon as she answered. Had she still been staying with her uncle, he would have had a great time explaining his purchases to his housekeeper.
One more trip into the Chinese restaurant to place an order for take-out, and his plans were complete. Except for some wine. But the store was already closed. Damn!
What if she had already eaten? What if she went out somewhere before he got there? What if she didn't want to see him? He tried to stay calm as he drove into her yard and gathered up his purchases. With arms full, he had to push the doorbell with his elbow. It seemed to take forever before she opened the door. And suddenly the effort was worthwhile. His doubts all vanished as he saw her face light up like a candle.
* * *
Charly replaced the receiver thoughtfully. Who would call and then hang up when she answered? Shrugging her shoulders, she assumed it was someone who had reached a wrong number, and went back to the sofa and her book. She had been reading constantly since she returned home, except for an occasional walk, as ordered by the doctor. She had been thinking about McKinnon too. It had been so hard in the hospital with no one but her aunt and uncle to visit. She had refused to let them call her parents, because she knew they had been looking forward to the trip and there was nothing they could do for her anyway.
Day after day she lay in the hospital wondering if McKinnon would come in to see her. Day after day passed with no sign of him. And as soon as she was mobile, she stood by the phone often, talking herself out of calling him. Now the worst was over. She was back in her own little house, her health was on the mend, and she had survived without him. Settling back down, she lost herself once more in her book, promising to make something to eat after the next chapter.