"I'm going to miss your funny face. Can I drive you to the airport and pick you up when you come back?"
"That's not why I called - to fish for a ride. I was going to ask Brian or Susan, but since you are offering..."
"What time is your flight?"
"Nine-thirty Sunday morning."
"How about this? I'll pick you up at six-thirty and we'll have breakfast together at Kelly's. That should give us lots of time to get to the airport."
"Sounds good. See you Sunday." She hung up the phone, pleased with her first effort to approach him.
Sunday dawned clear and warm. Melanie had packed the night before, had talked to her parents by Skype to let them know the trip was still on, and what time to meet her at the airport. She was ready and waiting when Russ rang the doorbell.
"All set?"
"All set and ready to go. I really appreciate this, Russ."
"That's what friends are for - helping one another."
"So, what can I do in return?"
"I have that all figured out, but you'll have to wait until you get back. I'm going to 'kidnap' you for the entire day on Saturday."
"Now you've made me curious. Can I at least have a clue?"
"Okay - I'm going to fulfill one of your lifelong dreams for you. How's that for a teaser?"
"Just plain mean! How am I going to survive a week wondering what it is?"
"Just know that it's going to make you very happy."
They didn't linger over breakfast, not wanting to be late to the airport. Russ waited with her until she had to check in, then pulled her into his arms for a long hug. "Have a safe trip and a great visit. I can't wait until you get back." Again, he kissed her on the forehead, and let her go to board the plane.
If anyone had been watching her on the flight, they would have seen her expressions changing from smiling to frowning to grinning, depending on which conversation she was remembering.
The week with her parents passed very quickly. Her mother still hadn't taken a job, so they were able to spend a great deal of time together. Many times, it was on the tip of Melanie's tongue to mention Russ, but since she didn't know where their relationship was going, or even if they had one, she didn't say anything.