It was 6 a.m., Ashley's alarm clock was buzzing. Stretching in her bed she remembered what today was! Excited now, she hopped out of bed to begin her day. On her way to work she hadn't a care in the world, she was so happy. Arriving at work, she slid her card in the time clock, waving and smiling to all her co- workers. Grabbing a cup of coffee she headed for her desk. 'Ahhh, finally! My day starts,' she sighed to herself.
'Ashley, how are you?,' asked Serena.
Serena and Ashley had been high school buddies and now they worked together.
'Oh, Serena I haven't told you!! I can't believe it. Tonight I'm going to meet this guy I've been chatting with online.' Ashley explained.
With a heavy sigh, Serena raised an eye brow questioning weather or not her friend had lost her mind. 'Ashley?? Do you know this guy? There are all kinds of people on that computer of yours. I think you're getting yourself in trouble.'
Ashley started giggling, 'Serena, I'm a big girl. We're going to meet in a public restaurant, have dinner and get to know each other. I'll be fine.' Ashley bent down and started writing on a piece of paper. 'Here, this is where I'll be and the guys name I'll be with, if I don't call you by morning then you know something is wrong. But.....I seriously doubt you'll have to get the search squad out for me. He's harmless, now let me get to work!!!'
Serena stared at Ashley for a minute with a frustrated look, mumbled something then walked off.
Smiling, Ashley swirled her chair around and yelled out, 'I still love you, Serena!' and began her day.
It was almost lunch time and Ashley decided to grab a cup of coffee from the break room. Returning to her desk she sat for a moment sipping her warm brew.
Around 12:30 p.m. a man walked to her little cubical with a gold box. The box had a red ribbon tired around it and a rose tucked in the center of the bow.
'Could I help you, Sir?' she asked with a sweet smile.
'Are you Ashley?' he ask as he noticed her coffee cup had "Ashley's" on the side of it. Pointing to the cup he said, 'I guess you are,' The man handed her the box and wished her a happy day. She placed the box on her desk and stared at it for a moment. When Serena walked up behind her. 'Well, come on! Don't just stare at it, lets see what's in it.' Serena had startled her friend.
Ashley turned her head to her friend with wide eyes and a huge smile. 'Ok!! Lets see what it is,' she giggled as she started to slide the bow from the box, taking a moment to smell the rose then dropping it into her glass of water.
Both of the girls giggled. Jiggling the top from the box, she revealed a satin black dress, thin straps, and pretty short. Ashley held the dress up and both the girls looked at each other. 'Oh boy!! This is a little shorter than I'm usually wear.' Ashley stated as Serena reached into the box to retrieve an envelope that was under the dress. Ashley nodded for Serena to open it and read it.
Dear Sweet Ashley,
I hope the dress is to your liking
and I hope to find you in it tonight.
Along with the dress is a red ribbon.
Tie the ribbon around your wrist.
That is how I'll find you.
p.s. Wear only the dress!
With wide eyes, both girls just stared at each other. 'OH boy!!!!!' is all Ashley could say. After Serena returned to her desk Ashley couldn't concentrate on work any longer. All her work was done anyway, so she decided to take the day off and pamper herself before her date.
It was almost 6:00 p.m. and she was just about ready when her phone rang.
'Hello'
'No, Serena I didn't change my mind and if I don't go I'm going to be late. You have the number and his name. I'll call you before work. I love you and thanks for being so protective. I can handle this, I promise.' Ashley replaced the receiver.
Grabbed her handbag and headed for the door. As she grab the door knob she realized she had forgot to tie the ribbon around her wrist. 'Darn!' she whispered and turned for her room to get the ribbon. She tied it around her wrist and headed back for the door. Outside, to her surprise there was a limo in front of her apartments with a man standing by the door. 'Ms Ashley' the man nodded his head and opened the door, motioning for her to enter the car. Ashley just stood there for a moment. 'I wasn't expecting a limo to pick me up. Are you sure this is for me?' she ask the man with a confused look. 'Yes Ma'am and we're going to be late. Would you step into the car, ma'am?' Ashley shrugged her shoulders and hopped into the limo.
The ride was only about 20 minutes long. She was so excited. This man is going all out!! Oh boy, I wonder what the rest of the night is going to be like? she wondered to herself. Just then her thoughts were interrupted by the door being opened. Ashley stepped out of the limo, adjusted her dress and walked inside the restaurant. The host knew her even!! 'Ashley, yes?' he ask her with a wide grin. 'Yes, Sir,' she answered. ' Follow me, ma'am'
She was seated in the corner table the restaurant was rather dark. She scanned the room to see if she could figure out which man was him. The waiter approached the table and ask her if she'd like something to drink.
'Uhmmmm, yes thank you, white wine will be fine.'
The waiter returned with her glass of wine and ask her if she'd like to order an appetizer. 'No, not yet. I'm waiting on someone. He should be here soon.'
She was already on her third glass of wine, when the waiter handed her a note.
Sweet Ashley,
My apologies but I'm running a little late. Order something and I'll be there soon.