They met at a quaint corner cafe in Dallas Texas.

She was pleasent enough, he polite. Their business plan had begun to formulate rapidly, much to his relief and delight.

He knew that beneath her brilliant smile she was formidable. This demure, softer version was a direct result of iron will.

He respected the level of restraint, though entirely unexpected.

What he had expected was an arguement over each detail. Silently he thanked the mutual friend who had placed them together, arranged for this to reach fruition.

At one point he quietly excused himself to utilize the facilities, where David became the unfortunate unnoticed witness to detremental banter regarding his guest.

Overheard was this: "Did you see her?"

"Yeah..not bad, cute"

"She's alright. Totally in love with me though. You could do me a solid by coming on to her and steer her clear of me."

"Thought that the two of you were good friends?"

"Ah well, we are, but I can't stand when women give me that doe eyed look, makes me feel like shit"

"She's with somebody Blake"

"As soon as I walk up that dude will fade away...trust me. Listen, she's a great back up plan but honestly? I haven't the time right now, now you on the other hand..."

"I'm divorced, rub it in one more time will you?"

"Uh, I believe that I just did my friend"

"Fine...whats her name?"

"Melody"

Davids stomach tightened, he turned around and made way to his waiting guest, finding her patiently sitting innocently at the tiny table anticipating his return.

David, at 6'3" leaned down moving his face extremely close to hers... "Do you trust me Melody?"

"We just met...I...well you're spoken of highly, so some"

"Listen to me Melody, I realize that we don't know one another and that our relationship is tenuous at this point, but I need you to follow my lead. Believe me when I tell you that I have only your best interests at heart...can you do that?"

"Yes...done"

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the men meandering their way towards the unlikely pair. Her sense was that whatever David was alluding to was in direct result of these two, one friend, one more than likely his wing man.

David placed his hand tenderly upon the side of her face, leaning even further in to kiss her gently. "Ready baby?"

"Yes"

The kiss had moved her a bit, he was incredibly attractive afterall. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon she thought.

"I've loved you a long time, I'm sure you've felt it, yeah?"

"Yes David...It's been wonderful...what we have..."

"It's special, so you agree completely then?"

"Of course"

David stole yet another kiss "Come into me baby"

Melody stood up, their size difference immense, she was petite to his comparitive height.

She ran her hands over his chest, rather enjoying the mock emotion.

"Marry me...don't walk away from today, tomorrow or what our future can hold for us...stay"

She was caught up, if not just a little, by the announcement, though it wasn't true

"Really?"

"Yes...just say yes"

Blake coughed to gain the 'lovers' attention "Excuse me, Melody, why haven't I heard about this before now?"

She smiled. "Oh hi. This is David"

The men shook hands, eyed each other... "Melody is one of my best friends, yet somehow I don't know you?"

"I'm flying her to Vegas, taking her as my wife. I'm truly apologetic that you and I haven't met until now, but life goes that way at times. I have heard alot about you however"

"All good I hope?"

"Nothing but"

"Well Blake as much as I'd love to invite you to spend time with us, we really must be going"

"To Vegas. Right now?"
"Obviously"

Melody hugged Blake and allowed David to spirit her away from the pair of men by hand...

Jeff: "Well played Blake"

"I can't believe this...this is bull shit!"

"You have a choice..."

"No"

"Suit yourself"

Melody giggled. "He's going to realize that we're full of it in about two seconds"

David grinned "I meant it, lets do it"

"They can't hear you David"

"No, I'm being serious...you're beautiful...why not?"
"Because we don't love one another"

"I could grow to love you"

Blake rushed over to the pair...

"Melody! Wait..."

Have a fantastic three day weekend

the brightest of blessings to you all,

From my hand to yours,

Sawyer

Saint Andrews