With a quick phone message on Mario’s answering machine explaining her tardiness, something she’d have never even thought of doing before her grand success at the Gala, Miranda went back to sleep. She reset her alarm clock for 7:30, planning to make it to the studio by nine.
However, when Miranda’s phone jangled loudly at eight fifteen, she realized that she’d forgotten to pull the stem out on the clock.
“Where are you?” She heard Mario’s angered voice.
“Oh my, I’ve over slept!”
“On purpose, too,” he said.
“I left you a message,” she reminded him.
“I know. Be here in ten minutes.”
“I could never . . .” she started.
“You will.” The statement had an uncompromising ring to it. And because Mario hung up right after, Miranda had little choice but to comply.
Dashing from the bed, she
