too long.” Leslie stared into Ava’s eyes. “How long is too long?”
“Randy’s been dead for four years. Too long would have been about two years ago,” Ava said. She pulled Leslie into her arms and hugged her tight. “You really need to get on with your life. And you can’t let a little thing like Tag being your husband’s best friend slow you down. Randy would have approved of Tag being more than just a friend to you. He loved Tag almost as much as he loved you.”
Leslie gave Ava a weak smile. “This dating thing isn’t easy.”
Ava nodded. “You’re telling me?” She shook her head. “I got lucky. BODS found Sean for me right out of the chute. I can’t believe you have to sort through four men in order to come up with the right one. BODS should have narrowed it down a lot more than that.”
Leslie shook her head. “I’m okay with the four-person selection that BODS came up with. I kind of like having a menu to choose from.”
“I’m glad I only had the one to choose from,” Ava said, wrinkling her nose.
Leslie smiled at her assistant. “I love that you’re so happy with Sean. And I love that he’s so good with Mica.”
“Speaking of Sean and Mica…” Ava stared down at her watch. “Oh, wow. I only have a few minutes to get ready and get back home before Sean picks me up. And I have to get Mica to the babysitter.” Ava’s hands tightened on Leslie’s arms. “We’re all going to be together tonight at the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Give yourself a chance with Tag. If nothing comes of it…no regrets.”
Leslie smiled at her friend and assistant. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Ava released Leslie’s arms and spun. “I better get.”
As Ava ran out of the office, Leslie called after her, “Are you bringing your dress tonight?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ava said, turning and flashing her a smile.
“They have a place for us to leave our dresses in the church overnight. I’d rather leave them there tonight than accidentally forget to bring it tomorrow. It’s a long drive between Austin and Hellfire, if I have to go back to retrieve my dress.”
“Good point,” Ava said.
“Want me to call Fiona and remind her to bring her dress?” Leslie asked.
“That would be a good idea.” Ava looped her purse over her shoulder and walked backwards toward the exit. “I’ll see you tonight then. Don’t forget to call Fiona.”
“I won’t forget. See ya there,” Leslie called out.
Then Ava was out the door, leaving the office in silence.
Leslie had thirty minutes before she had to leave to reach her house, gather her things and get dressed. That gave her thirty minutes to figure out what to say in response to Joe Fox’s message.
She sat at her desk then clicked her mouse to awaken the BODS system. Moments later, she had the system up and was logged into her account. She read through the message Joe had sent the night before. Then she sat with her hands on the keys.
Dear Joe
No, no, no. Was it too soon to call him dear?
Leslie erased the greeting and started over.
Hi Joe,
I have to admit I smile when I see your name, Joe Fox. I knew that I recognized that name from somewhere. I just couldn’t put my finger on where. It took some friends of mine to figure out that it was the name of a character from the movie, You’ve Got Mail. I love that you chose the name of a character from that movie starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors. And I love the original movie Shop Around the Corner, starring Jimmy Stewart. Some women would have been angry over the fake name being used as a cover for who you really are. I, however, understand the need for anonymity at times. Anonymity gives us a quiet place to get to know each other. You’ve Got Mail and Shop Around the Corner ended in a happily-ever-after for the characters. I have to believe that means you’re coming into the situation with hope for a happy ending. As you can tell, I prefer to be positive. I prefer to find the joy in everything. As a good friend of mine said just recently, “Life is short, you have to grab for the joy and leave behind no regrets.”
Until we meet, may your days be filled with beauty and sunshine.
Leslie
* * *
She stared at the