She successfully achieved this diversion until her parents left for the office.
The minute her parents crossed the threshold of the door, she was on the phone, calling Leah. Leah answered the phone on the first ring. “Leah! Can you believe it?“ Annie asked excitedly. “Did last night really happen?“
“Annie, calm down,“ Leah directed. “Tell me everything that happened.“
“Where should I start?“
“Start at the club,“ Leah suggested. “What happened when he came back?“
“Before I start,“ Annie began, “why not come over? My parents have already gone to work. We’ll have the house to ourselves. Besides, I want to talk to you in person. I also have a plan and I need your help.“ Leah agreed, as Annie knew she would.
Within ten minutes, Leah was at Annie’s door. Awful quick for Leah, but Annie knew she would be quick, for her curiosity would be killing her. As Annie greeted her at the door, Leah’s questions came hard and fast. “What is going on? What do you know about him? Why did he come back? What time did he leave? Are you going to tell me or not? What is your plan?“
“Wait!“ Annie cried. “You aren’t giving me a chance to answer.“
“Okay, I will wait, but before I forget to tell you, my father wants me to thank you for the show the two of you performed outside my house last night,“ Leah said, giggling. Embarrassment flooded Annie. She never thought about being seen. Leah sensed her embarrassment. “Don’t worry about it. I want details. I want to know everything,“ she implored.
“Only if you promise to tell your dad I am sorry for the scene we caused last night. I really had no control over what happened,“ Annie confessed. Leah promised to pass on Annie’s apology to her dad.
Feeling some relief, Annie suggested they get comfortable. “Have a seat. I’ll take your suggestion and start when he came back to the club. Besides, you know what happened prior to that point,“ she began. Annie paced the floor in front of Leah as she related the activities of the night. While Annie talked, Leah only interrupted her a few times, wanting clarity or additional information. Annie ended her tale at the point where she had entered the house.
“Annie, why did you leave him that way?“ Leah inquired. “It sounds as if you were getting along great.“ Annie was about to answer her when Leah stopped her. “Never mind, I believe I know the answer. You really didn’t have any other options. Did you?“ Leah asked.
“No,“ Annie agreed. “You know me, Leah. I am really not that experienced in this sort of thing. I might be chronologically twenty-three, but I am an infant at this love stuff. I didn’t want to make a spur of the moment decision in that state of mind -- one which I’d regret for the rest of my life,“ Annie stated firmly.
“I see your point of view,“ Leah responded, after thinking a moment. “So, what is this plan you have where you need my help?“ Annie explained her plan about going to the car dealership. “Annie, do you really want to press this issue?“ Leah asked, frowning at her suggestion.
Annie had to laugh; Leah was always her devil’s advocate. “I really feel strongly on this matter. I have this need to know if what I experienced last night was real or exaggerated due to the excitement. I figure if we see each other at a neutral place and don’t feel the same way, we have an out. We wouldn’t be committed to a quote/unquote date to survive. Yet, if we still have the same feelings, then we could set an official date,“ Annie explained.
“That