dr-andrew-maelor:
Andrew was watching Netflix when he got the call. At first he didn’t recognise the number but then it came up with the Network and Mina’s face. “Hi Mina, everything ok? yeah sure, no problem.” He hung up and got changed before heading out to meet her. He got in his car and drove down to the nook and parked up. The nook was cool and quiet and he waved at Rosalie and sat down waiting for Mina to arrive. It wasn’t long before she turned up. Andrew smiled. “ Hello.” He said with a light wave. “Not bad thanks you?” He asked as she sat opposite him. He looked at the book and then back up at her. “ Ok, I’ll have a diet coke.” He said and began to scan the pages. The book was in depth and planned out. Before he knew it, she was back.
“Thanks .” He said reaching for the drink and then watched as she seemed to get lost in thought after staring at his hands. From the blush that followed Andrew knew it was something that was best left unsaid. “It looks great, I mean, there are one or two things I might change only so it can accommodate more ages but apart from that it seems good.” He flicked through the pages and then looked up at her with raised eyebrows. “ You ok?” He asked and then gave a small chuckle at her comment. “ You sure you don’t want to talk about it?” He blinked at her as she spoke. Surely she didn’t know. Then when she said she had seen them at lunch, he sighed inwardly. “ You mean Alma. She is just my friend. We are close.”He laughed. “ No wedding for me. not yet anyway. She’s out there, I just have to wait for her.” Andrew admitted looking away. “Sorry I’m a hopeless romantic.”
“Oh I guess we would have to change the moonlight walk for a sunset one to accommodate the kids.” Mina hadn’t thought of that. “Thanks for this Andrew, I really appreciate this. I wish more people on the Network were as nice as you.” She closed the book and rubbed her temple. “I joined the site to be friends and gain more of a social life, but I have come up against rude and obtuse individuals who think their shit doesn't stink and are quick to pick at other’s flaws, yet refuse to take responsibility for their own.” She took a long breath. “It seems the more money you have and the more of an asshole you are.” Realising that Andrew was wealthy, she backtracked. “I didn't mean you.” Mina picked at her nails and sighed. “I just cant handle people who have to prove they are better then the rest of us. It shows at best a heightened insecurity which was probably because their mommy didn't love them enough and at worst a need to over throw people they are scared of.” her frustration showed and then she gave him a smile. “ I need another juice. Want one?”
Mina got her drink and sat down. “ How do you do it Andrew? How do you not let them get to you? You seem to handle things really well. I have seen things slyly aimed at you, trying to goad you into an argument and you take it so well.” She rested her chin on her hand and smiled. “So you and Alma are a no? Hmm I never thought that. She seems nice, but if you are waiting for the one then don’t let others dissuade you. I would talk to Alma, but I’m worried she might be a bit off with me like others have been. I know I shouldn't give a shit, but I shouldn't have to change my opinion as its my life and my page, don’t like it then unfriend me right? Can I ask you something? Do you think my job is not very important in the grand scheme of things?” Her face filled with sadness. There was moment before she spoke again. She gave a quick smile and cleared her throat of the turmoil. “ Would you like to see a picture of Bella?” She asked, a topic which always made her feel better, no matter what. She showed him the photo of her and Bella on the beach and told him where it was taken. “ Over at Malibu.”Mina sipped her juice and then took a breath. “ There is this beach she loved so much when I took her, that we go back almost every week.”
Looking at the book, she smiled up at Andrew. “I have had an idea. Why don’t I start off small then work my way up from there. Sandcastle competition and BBQ on the beach to raise funds. Its a simple yet effective idea. It gives the children a chance to get involved and the parents get to have a BBQ.” Her body slumped and she sighed. “ Do they allow BBQ’s on the beach? Would I need a permit or something?” Mina pulled a pen from her bag and started jotting things down. She looked up at Andrew and then back at the page. “Permit, BBQ, sandcastles... Is there anything I am missing? Do you think CC West would like to be involved? Maybe Alma could sketch people on the beach. Obviously she would get paid. Could you ask her for me?” Mina sat back up with a smile and put her hand on Andrew’s “ Thank you for this, I really appreciate your help. I think we should meet up this time next week if you are free and Ill tell you what I have come up with.” Mina sipped her juice and carried on writing ideas and then smiled up at Andrew. “ So you got anything lined up for the next few weeks?”
