She glanced at her cellphone, resting on the table, as if somehow that would make it ring. It was 8 p.m.

Expecting his call at anytime, she diverted her thoughts with a constant flip of the TV remote, not settling on any one channel. But it was a short-lived diversion as her thoughts fell once again into the possibilities of Saturday night and what she would wear.

That blue blouse might be a little much, depending on their destination. The plaid dress would definitely be overboard, though she did receive compliments on her last outing.

She stepped into the kitchen for a snack and settled back into her thoughts and her chair.

Now it’s 8:30. He must be having trouble with his phone. Or perhaps it was hers. She glanced once again at her phone, but everything looked normal.

Strong signal.

Time.

Date.

No record of any call.

Stepping once again into the kitchen, she heard that familiar ring-tone and dashed back, glancing at the face. Her countenance dropped as she registered the caller. It was her mom.

She set upon a plan so as not to tie up the phone. Quick responses. Short answers.

“Hello, Mom.”

“Fine.”

“Nothing.

“Sure. Um, can I call you back?”

“Thanks. See ya.”

It’s now 9. Maybe she would call him. Just to tell him about that funny incident that happened to her. Just to talk. It really wouldn’t be that big of a deal.

He’d probably get a kick out of it! Why not? But it’s a little late. And he might read it the wrong way.

No, she’d just wait.

Did she not understand him? Did she misread his comments? Maybe he didn’t mean it that way. Maybe he was kidding!

It’s now 9:30. Hmmph. She wouldn’t answer the phone now if she had to. Besides, why would he call this late? And, now that she had time to think about it, she really didn’t care for him that much anyway.

This is it. This thing is over. That’ll show him. Let him sweat awhile! Let him come crawling back to her.

She could wait longer than him. Why, she’d wait years if she had to. To think he would treat her this way. Who did he think he was? This is it. This thing is over!

The phone rings and she jumps. Glancing at the caller ID, she sees it’s him. Her heart pounds as she waits for the third ring so as not to appear anxious. Nervously, she answers.

“Hello?”

“Oh, hi!”

“Fine.”

“Saturday night? Um, I think so.”

“That’ll be fine. See you then.”

As she hangs up, she glances about the room, pondering. Maybe she will wear that blue blouse.

REX ALPHIN of Walters is a farmer, businessman, author, county supervisor and contributing columnist for The Tidewater News. His email address is rexalphin@aol.com.