147 Chance Encounters 2 (2/2)
”Nothing special at the moment.” Elle replied, not realizing in the moment that his mother mistook her to be a model. ”Just the typical small projects here and there.”
”What about you Amelia.”
”I think I have something big coming up.” She replied proudly. ”But I'm going to keep quiet until it's more certain.”
”Oh come now. That only makes me more curious. Doesn't it Elle?”
Elle only smiled politely in response. The conversation continued in the same manner for some time until Elle's phone broke the sound of the continuous murmur of the conversation. Elle felt panic consume her as she saw Adam's name appear on her screen. She scrambled to answer the call before either of the others could see who it was.
”Hello?” She answered.
”Where are you?” The groggy voice responded.
”I'm still at the mall.”
”Good. I forgot we were out of dish soap. Do you think you can pick some up on your way home?”
”Okay, sure.”
”...Are you with someone?” Adam asked as he noticed the polite strain in her voice.
”That's right! You'll never guess who I bumped into; Amelia and Mrs. Hayes.” Elle said with fake enthusiasm thick in her voice. But Amelia and Mrs. H didn't notice, and simply smiled at their being mentioned.
”My mother?” Adam asked with a furrowed brow.
”That's right.” Elle responded through the gritted teeth of her best smile. ”But don't worry, I'll be sure to keep our prior engagement. I won't be late.” She added, cleverly creating her fool proof excuse to leave the gathering early.
”No, no, no. there's no need for you to rush back. You should stay there and enjoy yourself properly.”
”What's that? You want to meet earlier?”
Adam laughed at her blatant scheme from his end of the line.
”Sorry, I don't think I'll be able to make it to you early. I definitely won't be late though.”
”Fine, fine. Run away if you want.” Adam teased. ”You've worked hard my love. I'll see you at home.”
”Okay, I'll see you soon.” Elle was unable to answer his sweet words with ones of her own while in front of his mother and friend but their presence couldn't stop the ever-so-slight blush that coloured her cheeks.
”I take it you have to leave us now.” Amelia said regretfully.
”Unfortunately, but I thank you very much for the conversation.” As Elle gathered her things another phone began to ring.
”Ah! It's my son.” Mrs. Hayes said excitedly. ”Hello Adam. Pray tell, what was so important that you ignored my earlier call?” She asked in a teasing voice.
Her eyes widened in surprise to whatever it was Adam said in response. ”You slept in? Really? You? However did you manage it?”
Elle could just imagine Adam's disinterested reply; 'Yes, me. I slept in. Now it's your turn. Tell me what did you call for?'
It seemed like he really did reply along those lines for Mrs. H said ”Ah, I was out with Amelia this morning and we bumped into Elle. I wanted to invite you out to lunch with the three of us but it seems like Elle needs to leave to meet someone else already. Why don't you join Amelia and me?”
....
”Eh? You're busy too? How unfortunate. Next time all four of us should meet. Speaking of which, why haven't you introduced me to Elle before? I thought I knew everyone from your little circle by now.”
Elle's heart beat loudly in anticipation. She had no idea but Adam softly replied ”You're right, I was late. I'll introduce her to you properly next time.”