My Beautiful Surprise

Mark recommended a few items for her; once their breakfasts arrived they devoured them with relish. He mentioned that his home was in Birmingham and described his work in general terms. Then he made a well-mannered effort to get Madison to speak of herself. After her initial reluctance that was born more of lingering embarrassment about the night before than a determination to not talk, she explained details of her trip and remarked that she was from Atlanta, Georgia.

Madison proved to be a truly enjoyable guest and before long they were laughing at shared mishaps in recent months in their respective offices. Time fled until Mark noticed that it was almost ten-thirty.

"I am so sorry!" he exclaimed. "I've kept you too long."

"No, Mark, you haven't. This has been the most enjoyable time I've had in several years."

"But you've got a plane to catch, haven't you?"

She looked down with embarrassment, then spoke quietly.

"Mark, I was stood up. I was supposed to meet someone here, a person who was to have made reservations for us. No one did. When I called him back a message said that the number had been disconnected. I'm not really certain what to do right now except just fly back home."

Her grey-green eyes were moist. And for the first time Mark noticed the length of her dark lashes. She wore no mascara or liner. Most women, he thought, would kill for lashes such as these.

"Madison, please don't think I'm pushy. My work here is finished. Would you consider taking the day off with me and just doing a little of the tourist-thing? No obligation at all. And I promise to be a good host."

Seconds passed as she stared at him, evaluating him.

"Mark, you're gracious to me. And you've been the perfect host. I think I would like to join you for the day...but only if you'll let me take us to dinner when we return tonight."

"Done!" he exclaimed with a happiness that surprised him.