Even though they’ve only met in person months ago, he knows many of her favorites, locked away for moments like this one. Taking the glass to her, he clinks their beverages together and says, “Cheers.”
She takes a larger than ladylike swallow before he says, “I wasn’t sure if you were going to show.”
“I wasn’t so sure of myself.”
“I’m not forcing—”
“No, I’m here because I want to be,” she interrupts.
“And your father?”
“Has no idea where I am.”
Jack breathes a sigh of relief. He has also privately wondered if she is talking to him to get back at her father for some transgression or another.
“So, we’re here.”
“It seemed important to you that we meet in person.”
“It is.” Having faced lawmakers, voters, and other political opposition, Jack stalls for a moment, afraid of how to proceed. He asks, “Are you hungry?”
“No, I had some In and Out on the way over.” She sits on the leather chair and he takes a seat across from her on the couch, gripping on to his drink like a life raft. She continues, “Anyway, as nice as the food is at the Winchester, I’m fairly certain that’s not the reason you invited me over tonight.”
“That’s correct.”
“So, what do you want to talk about?”
“Us.”
“Really? I wasn’t aware there was an ‘us.’”
He knows she had been burned, repeatedly in the past. Everyone wants something from the Hartley family. He just wants her.
“There isn’t, but I was hoping there might be a chance for one.”
She remains motionless.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Rachel, but I think we have a deeper connection than just friendship.”
“I—”
“I know you feel it too.”
“I don’t know what sort of fantasy relationship you’ve developed in your head over the past few months, but I’m sorry if I led you on.”
“So, that’s it then? Over before we can even start anything?”
She looks at her perfectly manicured nails, and not glancing up, says, “I’m announcing my engagement to Karl at my father’s next event.”
“What?” Jack leaps out of his seat. “What the hell happened?”
“I’d rather not get into the details.”
Jack immediately begins pacing. Before he can think to say anything else, he blurts out, “He’s going to cheat on you, you know that right?”
“I don’t care what he does.”
“What happened to you? Why did you really come here tonight?”
“To tell you we have to stop communicating.”
“Why?”
“I don’t understand your question.”
“Allow me to clarify, why did you come here tonight. You could have told me this over the phone.”
“I…”
He asks bitterly, “Do you need saving poor little rich girl? Do you want me to help break things off between you and Karl? Do you want me to be your excuse?”
“I’m perfectly capable of handling my own affairs.”
“Then why are you engaged to him?”
Rachel laughs softly, and drains the rest of her drink. She finally answers, “Dear Jack, your optimism is borderline naïve. Can you not understand how the world works?”
“Maybe you know more than me, but from where I’m standing you’re giving up already. I had you pegged for someone who would stand up and fight.”
“You’ve got me wrong then.”
“You’re barely out of college and you’re already throwing in the towel?” Still standing, he puts his hands on his hips and asks, “What does the contract between the two of you state? One kid and then you’re free to do what you want? Two?”
“Don’t be crass.” She waves his challenge away. “Anyway, before you launched into dramatics, I wanted to see if we could work out an arrangement of our own.”
“What do you mean?”
“There is a certain chemistry between us, right?”
“Where are you going with this, Rachel?”
“After a few years, maybe we can start something up…”
“Leave.”
“What?”
“I said ‘leave,’ as in get out of my hotel room this instant.”
“Why?”
“I’ll only tell you this once. You deserve love. Everyone does. But you…”
“I what?”
“You need a man who will at least be your equal. Karl Simpson is not that man. He wouldn’t even know what to do with you.”
“And I suppose you are that man?”
“I thought I could be, but given what you’ve told me tonight, I no longer think you are the person I thought you were. Good luck with your life, Rachel.”
Her mouth open, she gathers her purse and walks out. He thinks he sees her stubborn chin tremble as her Louboutins take her out of the suite and onto the plush carpeting of the hall. As the door closes behind her, Jack asks, “What have I done?”
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
August 30, 3:14 P.M.
“I almost forgot what this room looked like,” comments Oscar as he takes his usual seat on the sofa.
“It has been awhile,” Nancy comments neutrally.
“I made progress, Doc, I promise.”
“Impress me.”
“I broke things off completely with that other chick.”
“That’s great. Do expect any fall out?”
“No, thank God. She recently got engaged to her boyfriend and both of us agreed we don’t want our…thing to be public.”
“You got lucky, Oscar.”
“I know.”
Scanning her notes, Nancy asks, “And how are things with Dani?”
“I want to do something special for her.”
“How about you tell her about our sessions?”
“Not ready yet, Doc.”
“You know I have to try.”
“I realize that.”
“Are you celebrating something in particular?” Nancy asks.
“Not really. Our anniversary was over the summer and we were able to get away, somewhere she’d always wanted to go.”
“What does she like?”
Oscar considers his wife. Although she does partially play into the stereotype of the rest of the wives and girlfriends of the rest of the team, she doesn’t necessarily prefer couture clothing, handbags, or shoes that could feed most families for a month. Furthermore, Dani is never going to be a sample size, so splashing out on a designer collection wouldn’t impress her. Her two carat Nathan Lane engagement ring and matching wedding band have more or less sorted her out for jewelry. Dani loved traveling to new places, but with his pre-season workouts in full effect, it would be difficult to get away somewhere exotic together. Through a series of home improvement projects, their house had recently been updated and they constantly spoiled their pets (a French bulldog, Japanese bobtail, and African Gray parrot) senseless.
“I could get her a day at a spa.”
Nancy makes a face of displeasure.
“Why not?”
“Given all that’s happened this year, I think you need to think bigger. What’s the most important thing to her?”
“That’s easy – raising money for cancer research.”
“Really?”
“I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but Dani is an active member on numerous charity boards of directors. She’s also heavily involved with SPCAla, sings in the choir at our church and volunteers at various other food projects during the holidays. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to find someone with as big a heart as my wife.”
“Sounds like she’s a pretty amazing woman.”
“Her generosity and spirit are some of the things I love most about her.”
“So…” Nancy deliberately lets her voice
trail away.
“So what?”
“Have you ever helped her?”
“We donate plenty.” He raises his hands to clarify, “Look, I might be part of the 1%, but I try and give back as much as possible.”
“And?”
“I show up to all the galas.”
“And?”
“What do you mean?”
“If raising money is the most important thing to your wife, what more can you personally do to help her?”
Oscar thinks over this question for a moment and answers, “I could get some of the guys to sign stuff for her.”
“That’s better. I’m sure some signed Lakers paraphernalia would help whatever her current cause is. And even better if you can make your contribution a surprise. Now, if you don’t mind me asking, why do you think the cause is so important to her? Why does she work tirelessly at these events?”
“I guess I haven’t mentioned her grandfather.”
“You haven’t.”
“He was very important to her. He passed away just after we were married.”
“I think her work may be more than just honoring her grandfather’s passing.”
“Really?”
“From what you’ve explained about your wife, I’m not sure how much you regularly empower her and, by extension, her work.”
“She doesn’t need to work.”
“I know that and she knows that, but many people take pride in their job, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“So, perhaps she might get the same enjoyment from helping raising funds for research that you get from playing basketball. Have you ever asked her?”
Oscar squirms slightly and answers, “Not specifically.”
“Well, as we’ve been focused towards improving communication between the two of you, you might want to check in with her. I think in many relationships, not only those we have with friends or spouses, we make too many assumptions. I’m sure your wife finds joy in her job, but is that work enough to fulfill her?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Maybe that’s another reason for where her decision to try for a child is coming from.”
“Maybe.”
“No further updates on the topic?”
“We’ve agreed to wait until the Christmas break to start trying.”
“How do you feel about that decision?”
“Okay – really. We made the choice together.”
Hearing the genuine tone of voice, Nancy says, “I’m very glad to hear that. Also, I wanted to follow up and ask how your new agent is continuing to work out?”
“I’m certain he sees me as more than a paycheck.”
“I’m very glad to hear that.”
“You and me both.”
“I know there have been some additional changes off season, how are you feeling about your new teammates?”
“They’re okay.”
“Pre-season reports mention you are playing well together. The coaching staff seems to be excited.”
“That’s just PR.”
“You don’t believe it?”
“I’m cautiously optimistic – let’s leave it at that.”
“Is there someone specifically you don’t get along with?”
“It’s our new forward.”
“What about him?”
“He’s…distracting.”
“How so?”
“Look, I know everyone’s in this for a paycheck, same as me, but he…”
“He what?”
“We’re allowed not to like people, right?”
“Yes, but it’s better for there to be a concrete reason behind your dislike.”
“I just get the feeling he thinks he’s better than everyone else.”
“Have you asked him about his attitude?”
“Of course not.”
“You realize that sometimes people project a bigger image of themselves to hide their own insecurities.”
“If you think I’m going to tell him about you, you’re crazy.”
“I’m not, I’m just suggesting you maybe to put yourself in his shoes. He’s new to town, and this is a different team, maybe it’s all an act.”
“Maybe,” Oscar says doubtfully.
“Maybe that’s what I think you should do before we meet next time.”
“Do what exactly?”
“Reach out to him. Take control of the relationship.”
“Really?”
“Really. Invite him over to meet Dani. Take him to one of your favorite local spots. You never know, maybe you’ll make a new friend. What do you have to lose?”
“Nothing, I guess.”
Nancy looks at her watch and says, “I hate to cut this short, but I have an errand to run.”
“Can I ask what it is?”
“Yes, I’m just popping over to Laura’s Sweet Shop to pick up two dozen cupcakes for my daughter’s birthday party.” Oscar laughs and Nancy lifts an eyebrow. She asks, “What’s so amusing?
“Sorry, Doc, I just have a difficult time picturing you as a mother.”
They stand up and walk towards the door together and Nancy says, “And yet, I have no trouble picturing you as a father.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you good on your medication?”
“Yup.”
“See you next month then.”
“You got it, Doc.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
September 3, 10:14 P.M.
A couple enters the room with a travel bassinet. They are excited, exhilarated and running entirely on fumes. Mandy and Sam Preger have been waiting for this day for years. In their late thirties, they tried for years to conceive naturally, but after numerous miscarriages and rounds of unsuccessful IVF, had made the decision to pursue adoption. After additional heartbreak with domestic adoption plans, they had turned their intentions abroad.
Ending in China, there had been ups and downs, but finally – incredibly – they have a baby. Naturally, it is a baby girl. Los Angeles is on their way home to Wisconsin, but both would admit it felt good to be back on American soil. The front desk had fussed over baby Hope and her bleary-eyed parents. The entire past week has been a blur of red tape, forms, customs, waiting and endless patience. In fact, until they had actually taken off for the States, the experience had seemed a dream.
Hope sleeps soundly between them on the large bed, unaware of the new adventure she’s just embarking on. The four month old slumbers soundly, that her adoptive parents seem reluctant to move her. Instead, they lift her carrier and place her on the big bed and watch as she breathes. Occasionally squinting her tiny face, Hope seems reluctant to wake up and content to keep dreaming her tiny baby dreams.
“She’s perfect.”
“She really is.”
“Should we call your parents?” Sam asks. While Sam has numerous nieces and nephews, this is the first grandchild for Mandy’s family.
“Can we just have a few more minutes, just the three of us?” Mandy asks.
“Of course.”
They lay together silently for a few minutes and Mandy asks, “Does this feel like you thought it would?”
After all they’ve been through, she knows other couples might have been divorced or moved on with their lives sans children. In Sam, she has a true partner and someone she’s relied on time and time again. When he doesn’t answer, she continues, “Now that we’ve finally met her, I feel like my life is back on the path it was always intended to be.”
Sam looks at their daughter and his radiant wife and decides not to voice his true opinion…how much easier their life would have been if they had stopped trying for children years ago, how much more money they would have, how much time – everything. For so long, trying to find a child has been what their entire life has revolved around – it’s what they are known for, it’s how people identify them – ‘the couple trying to adopt.’ Their respective work colleagues, friends from t
he church, neighbors, extended family members – everyone associates them with this moniker. Adoption and getting pregnant are the only conversations he’s known. He hasn’t particularly enjoyed the reputation and knows they are more than just the parents they have been trying to be. And now, things will only be worse. He doesn’t think his wife is attracted to the attention they generate, he does believe she just wants to be a mother. However, now with this little creature in their lives, he isn’t entirely sure the payoff is what he thought it would be.
Sam can’t remember the fun loving woman he married. The worst part of all is he’s no one to talk to about his feelings. He’s afraid of the fallout if he mentions anything less than what society expects of him. The overwhelming majority of his friends are fathers already. He doesn’t feel comfortable saying, ‘was it worth it?’ He hopes – prays – his feelings will change, that this is a temporary shock and nothing else. He’s read countless books on the subject and even talked to a therapist along the way. As of now, he doesn’t necessarily feel like a father, nor does Hope feel like his daughter. The whole thing just feels incredibly surreal.
“She smiled!” Mandy exclaims.
Sam pastes a similar expression of his own on his face, and says, “Let me get the camera.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
September 15, 6:08 P.M.
Jane Martinez drops her well-used Coach handbag in the room, tipping the bellboy as he leaves her in peace. The Home and Garden Convention is exactly what she had been hoping for – a break from everything, a chance to take a moment for herself – away from the school lunches and PTA meetings and soccer practices.
Through some minor miracle, she was able to convince senior management to put her up at the Winchester. The property was not on one of the approved convention or partner hotels, but she didn’t care. Quite honestly, neither did they. Her past three fiscal quarters have been better than anyone else in the department, and after covering Johnson’s ass more times than she can count, he didn’t even blink an eye when she sent through the request.
Doing everything she tells her children not to do at home, Jane kicks off her shoes, shimmies out of her pantsuit, digs out a pair of comfy yoga pants, and pulls on the robe from the bathroom, luxuriating in its softness. Not particularly caring about the cost, she looks into the mini bar and pulls out a small bottle of white wine, unscrews the cap, and pours the liquid into one of the glass tumblers, before walking over and pulling grapes out of the artfully arranged fruit tray and stuffing them into her mouth. Having walked the floor of the convention hall all day, she is famished.
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