39 Heading Ou (1/2)

Over lunch, Meaghan decided to take Ivoire's file out and see if there was any correlation between her current assignments. She was reaching for her bag when her cell phone rang.

Looking at the screen, she felt a little burst of happiness.

”Hello,” she said, holding the phone in both hands.

”How are you doing, Meggie,” Rickie's warm tones started a shiver across her shoulder blades, ”I wanted to see you this morning, but I've been busy.”

”That's okay,” she answered almost breathlessly ”I'm doing good.I've missed you.”

At her admission, Rickie wanted to haul her off and have some time for just the two of them.

Cursing his busy schedule, he thought for a moment, and then smiled. ”Would you like to come with me to our gas rig? I promised my father I would perform the final inspection before they start drilling. Since I know your boss, I'm sure he'll allow you to take off for the rest of the day.”

He allowed a little hopefulness to creep into his voice.

Meaghan smiled.”I'd love to, but I can't; I promised your sister we would go shopping this evening.”

Rickie deflated, but, still, he wanted her to spend time with his family. Sethe liked her, although no one in the family knew about them yet. He didn't want their fledgling relationship to come under the scrutiny of his father just yet. If Sethe became her friend, then she would be firmly on his side if there were any objections.

”Well, have fun with Sethe then, and I'll talk to you later tonight.”

”I'd like that.” Meaghan replied.”Be safe then.”

She hung up already anticipating when she would hear from him again.

~~~

Meaghan had just changed into a floral print sundress when Tina came home.She gave her older sister a hug and a kiss, looked at her critically, and then nodded.

”Just give me a moment to change, and we can head out.”

A few minutes later, Tina came out. Surprisingly, she wasn't as colorful as usual; she wore a short skirt in blue, with a yellow, green, and blue patterned jersey top. A wide black belt and black sneakers completed the outfit. Her normally spiky hair was pulled up in a curly ponytail, but without the streaks of color. Even her earrings were simple gold dangling chains, not her usual eye-popping style.

”You almost look like you're going to a funeral,” Meaghan said good-naturedly.

Leaf said, seriously, ”I just want to give a good impression.”