Rendezvous Part 5

A few weeks later, Natalie was going through her purse, she came across Derrick’s business card and decided to send an email. The content was pretty generic asking how he’d been, what he was working on, and what she’d been up to since the conference. Soon thereafter, Natalie received a reply and their communication grew. They began to confer a few times a week discussing work and on occasion their home lives. When the opportunity presented itself, they spoke on the phone and it was during one of those conversations Natalie became a sounding board for some of Derrick’s home issues. Derrick helped Natalie with some work problems and helped her prepare for her promotion interview. Just when the two were enjoying their communication, it was cut short when Derrick was assigned to help with a gruesome case, which took up almost all of his time and it was almost a month before Natalie heard from Derrick again. It wasn’t until Derrick was up late one night and received an email that he realized how much he’d missed talking to her. He replied, but it was days before he was able to hear from her again due to his schedule. Luck couldn’t have been any more on Derrick’s side when he received a call from his boss informing him that he had to take a trip to Natalie’s home state to meet with a noted Professor of Entomology at the College of Scientific Medicine.

“Natalie, it’s Derrick. I just found out that I’ll be in Dallas in two days and was wondering if you’d be free for dinner when my work is done? Well, that’s if you and Lloyd don’t have plans already, I realize it’s short notice,” Derrick paused. "Well, call me back when you get this message," clicked end and put it on his desk as he gathered his papers for the trip.

Derrick raced home to pack and catch the evening flight. He’d already spoken with his children to let them know he’d be traveling again. Naturally they were disappointed, but knew it was a part of his job. His wife took the information with her usual nonchalance and had a bag prepared for him when he arrived at home. Derrick had enough time to spend an hour with the twins and promised them a trip to Water World upon his return in addition to souvenirs from Texas.

As Derrick entered the awaiting chauffeured car, his cell rang. It was Natalie. He smiled and lifted the privacy guard between he and the driver.

“Hey there,” Derrick chirped. “Get my message?”

Natalie felt Derrick’s energy and smiled. “Yes, I did. That’s great news. What time do you get in?”

“9:50”

“Where are they putting you up? Somewhere good I’d hope?” Natalie teased.

“At the Doubletree. I love those cookies,” Derrick laughed.

“Yeah, they are some good cookies,” Natalie agreed. “Listen, I won’t keep you, but I wanted to say I can take you up on your offer for dinner.”

Derrick mouthed “yes” and smiled brightly. He was hoping her schedule would allow for a little time to see each other. “Lloyd’s okay with you being out with me right? I’m not trying to cause problems,” Derrick cautioned.

“Yes, of course. He knows all about you. He would have joined us, but has to work late on a special detailing job. He gets his hands dirty sometimes,” Natalie joked.

As much as Derrick didn’t mind the idea of Lloyd joining them, he was glad he wasn’t. Natalie was the closest Derrick had gotten to letting his guard down and being intimate with a woman; and he’d rather have her time and attention all to himself even if it were only platonic between them.