Who: Jeremiah Radley, Miranda Jones What: Awkward dinner invitation - a phone call When: Monday night - January 18
-ringring-
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this the Jones residence? I need to talk to a Miss Miranda Jones."
-a pause and perhaps a small giggle- "This is she. May I help you?"
"Oh. Hello, Miranda, this is Jeremiah Radley. From work. I was calling to see how...you...are."
-a definite giggle this time- "Radley! I know you're from work. I'm okay. How are you? Are you okay?"
-there's an awkward pause and if smiles can go through a phoneline...- "Yes, I'm sorry, Miranda, I'm not really used to....well. I'm fine, doing well, same as ever. Have you been busy lately? I haven't seen you much."
"I've been many places. I've been doing my job?" -smiles could definitely be heard on a phone, she was smiling- "How are you? Been busy?"
"Well, you know as well as I do what's been going on. So yes, work has been extremely busy. We do need to fix that couch situation, and soon."
"Yes. I don't have any couch at all. So, you little directors have it easy? I'm kidding. I know you work very hard."
"Yes, and little is what I would hardly describe myself as. I'll have to make due with my old army cot for awhile, if you ever want my couch." -coughs as it starts to get off subject but he doesn't know quite what to do-
"You'd let me sleep on your couch?!? I could really use a nice place to sleep, but I wouldn't make you sleep on your cot. That'd just be mean."
"Yes, of course I would let you use the couch.... besides, I'm used to sleeping on a cot. Did it a lot before.... so yes, you can always use my couch. If you need it."
-giggles-"We could just share, couldn't we?"
"Yes, I'm sure the couch wouldn't mind being shared."
"Then you wouldn't have to use your cot at all. So, what are you doing?"
"Well, I just sat down to eat dinner....and I was....well, I thought that. Maybe I should call you."
"You are calling me while you eat? Is that a good idea? And now I'm hungry."
"No, no, the eating is what made me think of....this, and its a good idea to eat when you're hungry."
"Of course, it is. Thank you for reminding me. So, eating made you think of me? Or calling me? I must say it's a very nice surprise."
"No, I was....I was wondering, if, perhaps, if you're not busy, you might like to...have dinner with me, some night?"
"Of course. I would love to have dinner with you. Could be very fun."
"That's...good. I'm really glad to hear that. Would this Thursday be fine, or do you insist on a weekend?"
"I don't see why Thursday would be bad. I think that would be quite nice, yes."
"Great! Dinner on Thursday, then. You don't have any food allergies, do you? I guess I should also ask you what you like, as well. Probably should have asked that first."
"No, no food allergies. We can eat wherever, Mr. Radley."
"....Perfect. Then....come to my apartment around six, would that be fine?"
"Oh, you're...oh. I thought you meant..oh, okay."
"Oh....Oh! No, No, I'm sorry, I didn't...I don't.... I don't want people...talking. Like they do with Ms. Harper and Mr. Macintosh. We could meet somewhere....else, its just that, I do know we live in different cities, states, countries, even."
"I don't care if people talk. It's not like it's hurting anything. I'm sure many people would like to know you have a social life; it'd make you more human. It certain makes Elizabeth and Ryan seem more human. Unless you dont' want people to know you've had dinner with me..."
"I just...wouldn't want them to make....assumptions that could reflect badly."
"Badly how? Radley, I'm an oddball, aren't I? I kiss many people, don't I? I'm snuggly, cuddly, and happy with it. So, are you afraid for your reputation?"
".....I don't want anyone to think I'm....robbing the cradle, or some other disturbing image."
-a soft laugh- "Radley, you're old. Unless there's someone out there just as old as you, the oldest lady in the world would still be a kid to you. So, yeah, there are going to be cradle comments."
-realizes this and laughs- "I know. I just don't want them to happen as soon as....tomorrow, or so. Please, perhaps we can keep this a little quiet, first."
"Okay. I won't keep it from Thomas or Colin or David. They're my friends."
"....As long as you tell them that if they breathe even a tiny little word, I will eat them, then that is fine."
"Radley, it's just dinner. I've done much more with them, and no one really cares. It'll be okay."
"Yes, but I haven't. I mean....this is not something I usually do. I just. Okay. Dinner, Thursday night."
"No worries. Yes, dinner. In Chicago? I haven't done that in a while."
"Yes, dinner in Chicago. It will be an experience you won't forget, hopefully."
"Great. Then I'll see you on Thursday, Jeremiah Radley from work."
"I'll see you then, Miss Jones."
"I'll see you, Director Radley. Sleep sweetly on your couch."