At breakfast the next morning, his mom reminded him that he wasn't allowed out for the rest of the day. He tried to argue, but she was having none of it, reminding him that he could have called on his cell phone. And that he should have answered when she called him.
Ugh. I must have left it on vibrate, which works great in my pocket, but not so well in a purse, he reminded himself. Well, I can't see Rebecca today, then, but at least I can't get in more trouble with that spell, either.
A short while later, Rick called him to remind him about heading over there later in the day.
"Sorry, man, no can do. I'm stuck here all day since I missed dinner last night."
"Geeze, dude, you knew all day that you were going to be out, and you didn't call? I thought you were more responsible than that."
Jim rejoindered, "Gimme a break. You've been known to skip out for an entire weekend without calling. And then blamed it on me!"
"Touche. I guess I'll be over in a bit. And you better be ready to give me all the details with you and Beth, when I get there."
"Ok. Hey, can you put Rebecca on for a moment? I gotta thank her for her help yesterday."
"I guess that means you've got a lot to tell me," Jim answered. "Alright, here she is."
"Hello," came Rebecca's voice, querulously.
"Hi, Becca," Jim answered.
"Hi!"
"I just wanted to say thanks. I had a great time," Jim stated.
"My pleasure," she responded. "Let me know if I can do anything else to help."
"I'll let you know," he assured her. "Do you have my number?" Hearing her denial, he gave it to her, saying, "Give me a call when Rick's not right there."
"Ok," she agreed. "Bye."
She called him back a few minutes later, and thanked him for the great time. "I had a lot of fun helping you shop, and that was the nicest dinner I've had."
Pulling out his best southern drawl, he came back with, "Aw, shucks, Missy. 'Tweren't nuthin'." Resuming his normal speaking voice, he said, "I was hoping to meet up with you somewhere later today, but I'm in trouble for missing dinner, and can't go anywhere. But don't worry, it was totally worth it."
Responding with her own southern drawl, she said, "Ah declayah, suh, but that's right sweet of you to say."
Laughing frequently, they kept talking until Rebecca heard Rick leaving, but didn't make any further plans for dates.
