Maybe

            He saw her as soon as she got off the hotel elevator. She didn’t see him at first. When she did, she smiled and walked over to him.

            “Hi, Mary,” he said.

            “Hello, Frank. I’m sorry you had to wait so long. I was just getting ready to come down when our office in Japan called. I thought I’d never get off the phone.”

            “I got a table for us over by the columns, where my briefcase is.” They walked over and sat down.

            “When was the last time we saw each other, Mary — at The Plaza, when you and your parents were going to Europe?”

            “Really?”

            “The last time we talked anyway. I saw you once on Fifth Avenue, but you were too far ahead for me to catch up. Besides, you were with someone.”

            “Probably Allison.”

            “No, it was a man.”

            “Oh,” she said and took a sip of water.

            “How are your parents?”

            “Daddy died last year, but Mother’s doing okay.”

            “I’m sorry about your father. Is your mother here with you?”

            “No,” she said. “I came with a friend.”

            “Oh,” he said. “Here are our drinks….Cheers, Mary.”

            “Cheers.”

            “So how are things going?” he asked.

            “Good. Things are going very well.”

            “That’s good.” He sipped his drink. “What made you call?”

            “It was really weird,” she said. “Just as I was leaving, I dropped my address book. When I picked it up, it was opened to your name. I realized we hadn’t talked in a long time –“

            “Six years,” he said.

            “– and I was wondering how you were doing. So I thought. why not call him and see if he’s free for a drink tonight?” She looked up and smiled. “So I did.”

            “I’m glad you did. Sorry you got my voicemail.”

            “I didn’t have your work number. I didn’t know whether you’d be here or not until you called up to the suite.”

            “I didn’t either,” he laughed.

            “So how did you get my message? Did your wife or someone tell you some strange woman had left you a message?”

            “No, I always check my voicemail in the afternoon. Some of my old clients still have that number from when I worked out of my apartment. I don’t have a wife or someone.”

            “No one could measure up to me?”

            “No,” he said.

            “I was just teasing,” she laughed.

            “I wasn’t,” he said. Then quickly, “How about you? Is there someone in your life?”

            “Not anymore. I was married for a couple of years, but things didn’t work out.”

            “I’m sorry.”

            “Well, that happens sometimes, doesn’t it, Frank?”

            “Yes. Do you have any plans for tonight?”

            “I’m having dinner with one of my customers.”

            “Where are you going?”

            “Lafayette.”

            “Lafayette? You still go there?”

            “Oh, yes. It’s great for entertaining clients. The food’s wonderful, and it’s quiet.”

            “Yes,” he said. “I haven’t been there since that night with you. Too many memories–well anyway, I’m not usually in that part of town.”

            “That was a long time ago,” she said. She looked at her watch. “I’m sorry, Frank. I’ll have to leave in a couple of minutes. I guess I shouldn’t have called. I mean, it was just a spur of the moment thing. I was hoping we’d have more time, but then that call came from Japan….”

            “How about tomorrow night?”

            She shook her head. “I can’t. Lisa and I are going to see a show.

            “Lisa?”

            “Lisa Bartholomew. Matt’s wife. You remember her, right?”

            “Of course.”

            “She came down to the city with me today. We have tickets to Hamilton tomorrow night. Have you seen it?”

            “Hamilton? You were able to get tickets?”

            “Yes, I got them last week from my ticket agent. They cost a fortune, but Lisa really wanted to see it.” She looked at her watch. “I have to go upstairs before I leave.”

            “Want me to wait for you?”

            “No, I don’t know how long I’ll be.”

            “When are you going back?”

            “Day after tomorrow. This is just a quick trip.”

            “So I see,” he said. He motioned, and the waiter brought him the check.

            “Let me get that,” she said. “I invited you.”

            “No, I’ve got it. You coming in next month?”

            “No, not until January. It’s too crazy here in December. Too much traffic and confusion. It takes forever to get anywhere!”

            They stood up and hugged. She kissed his cheek. “It’s been great, Frank. Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

            “Will I see you next trip?” he asked.

            “I don’t know. Maybe. Depends on my schedule, which I won’t know until the last minute.”

            “Shall I call you?”

            “No,” she said. “I’ll give you a call, Frank. Don’t worry, I’ll give you more than four hours’ notice next time, I promise!” They laughed. He reached over and pulled her to him.

            “Thanks again for calling, Mary. It was great seeing you.”

            He kissed the side of her face and watched her as she walked towards the elevators. He was still watching her when she got in the elevator and turned around and smiled.