“Yeah, but you owe me for that.”
“I do. How can I help?”
“The girl…”
“You finally hit it?”
Keith refuses to dignify this classification of what happened as an answer.
“You did! You dog!” Nathan exclaims on the other end of the phone. “Now, what did you do wrong?”
“I said something dumb.”
“What, did you tell her to leave already? The ladies don’t like that, Keith.”
“No, in fact, that’s the opposite of what I want.”
“Have you told her you want her to stay?”
“No.”
“Maybe start with that, Romeo.”
“Really?”
“Whether you’d admit to it or not, you’ve been mooning over this girl since she started. Why would you just let her go?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then do something about it. And let me know how it goes.”
“Thanks for taking my call.”
Ending her call in the bathroom, Michelle walks out, and announces, “We’re not done here.”
There is a knock on the door and robe firmly in place, Michelle signs for the food. Keith looks on in wonder and as Michelle tears into the piping hot pizza. With a polite burp and shrug, she says, “Sex makes me hungry.”
“Apparently.”
“Don’t you want your fries?”
“I don’t want to get in between you and your food, I might lose a finger.”
Michelle smiles, this is the behavior she’s used to – the teasing, the seemingly innocent smile. However, while Keith’s full lips try to be sarcastic, his eyes flash an entirely different story.
Daintily wiping her mouth, Michelle says, “We need to talk about a few things.”
“We do?”
“Yes.”
Tossing the hair off her shoulder, Michelle announces, “Besides your bedside manners, call it the optimism of youth, but I think I know you better than you think I do.”
“Please explain.”
“Work is an extension of yourself, which is why you take it personally if the client doesn’t like our work. You push yourself harder than the management does. You are creative, but you keep it in check. Workaholic doesn’t even begin to describe you.”
“And?” Keith asks, wondering where this side of the young woman has been hiding.
“There’s nothing wrong with your work ethic…until, recently, and I’m going to guess the reason, you seem to feel outside the rest of the office. You see others starting to go through milestones in life, and you feel left behind. You wonder if work will be enough to sustain you.”
“Will it?”
“You’re not interested in sticking with Johnson. You have your eyes on something much bigger. You want accounts – big corporate accounts. You want to create ad campaigns that people will be talking about for years.”
“What’s your advice?”
“I think you’re too afraid to start your own company. You have the leverage to take some of the best clients away, but you’re too much of a gentleman to do it.”
“How do you know that?”
“We just finished having sex, and need I remind you what you asked me?”
“So what is my future as a gentleman?”
“You’ll make it far in this company. The promotion in another company might even come, but it’s never going to provide you with the results that match your efforts. The only way to be truly recognized is to go your own way.”
Michelle is alternatively torn and undeniably proud of herself. With her diatribe, will he ask her to leave? Will they have sex again? As of now, the room is a contained place – the moment one of them makes contact with the outside world, the spell will be broken. She looks over at the object of her infatuation. He sits on the bed, dressed in his boxer shorts. After he takes a sip of the water, he asks, “Is that what you think of me?”
“You must think I’m a crazy stalker.”
“I don’t.”
“Just a little?”
“Maybe, but that’s not going to stop me from wanting to sleep with you again.”
“It won’t?”
“No. In fact, if you’re lucky, maybe once we’re finished with round two I’ll tell you a little bit about my plans for Drake Advertising.”
“Really?” Her cheeks warm at the idea of round two.
Patting a place on the bed next to him, he says, “Also, I’m placing you under direct orders to take tomorrow off.”
“Under? Mind if I get those orders on top?” she asks, walking back towards him and sitting down.
“Michelle?” he asks in a husky tone.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for what I said.”
“I know you are. Now, should we start back at the door, or does round two begin on the bed?”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE
December 17th, 1:15 P.M.
“Let me be clear that I appreciate you both meeting with me today.”
The two people in the room — one on the couch and one in the chair — remain silent.
“Now, while my specialty is personal counseling and psychiatric help, I’ve agreed to meet with you both today because I understand partially why we are here. As a patient, Oscar has given me consent to discuss what we’ve spoken about in our previous sessions. Oscar, do you still agree to this arrangement?”
He nods and says, “I have nothing to hide.”
“Thank you for your permission. Now, today, if you are both comfortable with my involvement, I’d like to act as an impartial witness. As much as possible, I want this discourse between the two of you and I will only be involved in a limited capacity.. Can we all agree?”
Both parties acknowledge their agreement. Nancy asks, “Oscar, as you called us both here this afternoon, is there some place you want to start?”
Oscar, even though he is in peak physical condition, looks broken and as if he hasn’t slept in weeks. He begs, “Dani, please come back.”
“I can’t. I won’t.” She refuses to look in his direction, to even acknowledge his existence in the room.
“Why?” Nancy intercedes.
“Oscar,” Dani says, “When we were married, I made myself very clear the terms of our relationship. Nothing’s changed. Furthermore, how can I believe this is the only instance? How can I believe anything you ever tell me again? If I let this slide, what’s going to stop us from having this conversation in six months or six years?”
“I love you.”
“That may be, but where was your love for me when you were talking to that girl?”
“I…”
“And do you think it’s going to get easier?” Oscar opens his mouth, but his wife continues, “We were talking about starting a family, Oscar. What were you going to do when I was pregnant? What would stop you from ‘talking’ to another girl?”
“I didn’t know what I was doing, Dani.”
“And now you do?”
“No. All I know is that I would do anything to take back what I did.”
Dani focuses her attention on Nancy and says, “And you! How good a ‘doctor’ are you if months after starting to see you my husband decides to start fooling around?”
Nancy does not rise to the challenge, it is instead Oscar who says, “Dani, you’re being unfair. The Doc had no part of my choice. In fact, from the beginning she told me to be honest — about telling you about her, about everything. In the end it was my choice and no one else’s to start texting someone else.”
“And why do you think meeting is going to change the consequences?” Dami asks, and finally turns to face Oscar. “Did you not think I would follow through? Did you think I would accept anything less from you?”
“No. Clearly, I wasn’t thinking.”
“Did I ask for too much, Oscar? Was that it? Was the thought of starting a family with me that terrifying?”
“No.”
“Then what? What about her was so fantastic that you had to break your vows to me?”
In response, Oscar’s face crumples and he says, “Dani, please don’t leave me.”
Dani has clearly never seen this side of her husband and looks to Nancy in alarm. Nancy says gently, “Oscar, can you let Dani know why you feel this way?”
He regains some composure and says, “I’m scared.”
“Of what?” Dani’s defenses drop slightly.
“I can’t be alone.”
“Baby…”
Oscar pulls himself together and says, “I know everyone will say bullshit, but it’s true. While I’m getting better — most of the time I do feel alone. If you left me… You’re the only person who doesn’t make me feel that I’m completely on my own. These past few weeks have been pure torture for me. I can’t sleep. I can’t play.”
“So, you want to guilt me into staying with you?”
Oscar looks to Nancy for help. The therapist thinks a moment before answering, “Dani, I don’t think that’s Oscar’s intent. I know you have no reason to believe what I’m saying, but he’s being very honest about his fear of being alone. While I know what Oscar did seems unforgivable, I think, if you were able to give him a second chance this one time, he’s intent on working through his mistake. How can he prove to you that this was a one time occurrence?”
“I don’t know.”
“Baby, just name it. I’ll do anything. I’ll come home after every game. You can come on the road with me.”
Now it is Dani’s turn to break down. Her face, so composed, now changes shape. She grabs a tissue from the table and, sniffling, says, “It’s just that…”
“What?” Oscar asks.
“Your timing is terrible.”
“Why?”
In a wavery voice, Dani motions to her abdomen and says, “We’re expecting.”
Oscar blinks rapidly and even Nancy looks shocked by this revelation. Unable to keep the smile off his face, he reaches out to make contact with his wife, then puts his hands down and asks, “How do you feel?”
“I don’t know.”
“When did you learn?”
“After I moved out. After you told me what happened. It’s early days.”
“But…you only just went off birth control.”
“Guess I was ready,” Dami answers in a guarded tone.
Oscar takes a deep breath and tries to compose himself. He finally says, “Baby, I want you to really hear what I’m about to say. Unlike the incident earlier in the year, please believe me when I say that I am completely over the moon we’re pregnant. Whether or not you decide to stay with me, I will support you and this baby in whatever way I can.”
“You’re really excited?”
“How could I not be?” Oscar jumps out of his seat and says, “Of course, I’m excited and scared and nervous and freaked out, but more than anything, I love you and can’t wait to meet this little person. I want to be a part of the process, but I hope you’ll be able to forgive me first.”
“Oscar… Hearing you even mention another woman hurt me so deeply. I don’t think I could go through it again.”
“And you won’t.”
Dani looks to Nancy, who shrugs and says, “Dani, your husband is an honest man. Yes, he’s struggled in the past year, but I think you won’t be disappointed if you let him back into your heart once more.”
Dani turns to Oscar and says, “I don’t know what to believe.”
Oscar takes one of his wife’s hands gently and puts his other over her stomach. He says, “Then believe in this. Let’s give this baby a chance.”
More tears come from Dani, who finally relents and says, “Okay, but on a few conditions.”
“What? Anything!”
“You will continue to see Nancy.”
“Done.”
“And Nancy, while I know you’ve done a lot with Oscar, I wonder if there is someone you can recommend for us to see for couples counseling? I’d like a blank slate with someone new. I hope you understand.”
Nancy nods and says, “Of course. I have a number of discreet colleagues I would be happy to put you in touch with.”
“Anything else?” Oscar asks.
“It goes without saying that if this happens again, I will leave. This is your second chance.”
Oscar squeezes his wife’s hand and says, “I understand. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove myself. Is there anything else that will help you believe in us?”
“I’m sure I’ll come up with something else,” Dani winks and smiles at her husband, her dark eyes glittering.
Nancy, feeling this session has worked out with the best outcome she could’ve imagined, says, “I know I might have left too early last time, but I feel the rest of this conversation should be private and between the two of you. Dami, I want thank you for agreeing to meet with us here today and for listening to your husband. I know it was not an easy decision to come here.”
“It wasn’t.”
“And I also want to let you know I appreciate your approach to this situation with an open mind. Oscar is lucky to have you in his life.”
“Thank you.”
Nancy collects her bag and says, “Good bye for a little while then. I hope to hear from you from time to time.”
Oscar stands up and surprising her with a big hug says, “Thank you, Doc.”
Nancy returns the embrace, then steps back, smiles and says, “Let me know if you need anything else. Oscar, I’ll see you again soon.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
December 24, 3:30 P.M.
If it were up to James and Penny, they would be anywhere else than Suite 702 of the Winchester. In fact, at this very moment, they are supposed to be meeting a large group of college friends in Canada for a well earned and much looked forward to week of skiing. Instead, because of a delay and major snowstorm in Banff, James and Penny find themselves stuck in Los Angeles where their connection was supposed to take place. After the sixth hour and no updates, Penny took charge of the situation and checking TripAdvisor, found the Winchester, got a car to come pick them up and had somehow talked their way into a suite, while paying for a regular room. Apparently, the couple meant to be in the room had cancelled last minute. And, to be fair, the front desk was in a generous mood as it was Christmas Eve. The Winchester had generous compensation for those who volunteered to work holiday shifts.
“What if our luggage doesn’t make it here?”
“It will.”
With his girlfriend worried about their baggage, James is also a bit nervous, but glad he shifted a very important object at the last minute. Unknown to Penny, James has planned on proposing to her at some point during the trip. The friends are all aware of his gesture and could not be more excited. Fortunately, the ring – a beautiful sapphire precisely the color of his intended bride’s eyes, is tucked away in his backpack.
“We’re supposed to be by a fire right now – hanging out with everyone, drinking heavily nogged egg nog, playing Celebrity, and watching Elf.”
Walking up and rubbing her shoulders, he says soothingly, “The airline said they would call us as soon as the next flight opened up.”
Secretly, James is glad things have happened the way they have. There is much less pressure and it will be a private moment between the two of them.
“So, how shall we pass the time?”
“I can think of a few things…”
Penny smiles and says, “After all we wouldn’t want this fabulous room to go to waste.”
After a memorable lovemaking session, the pleasantly exhausted couple lounges in the late afternoon sun. Kissing her boyfriend on the cheek, Penny says, “I’ll be right back.”
She makes her way to the bathroom, and James decides this is the right moment. He rummages through his bag and finds the jeweler’s box. He’s only had the ring a week, and for a cou
ple that tells each other everything, the small object has been weighing heavily in his pocket. Realizing he doesn’t have any clothes on, James does a covert ninja move to retrieve his boxer shorts and is caught mid-roll as Penny emerges from the bathroom.
“James?”
“Yes?”
“Can I ask what you are doing on the floor?”
Tucking the box behind his back, James tries unsuccessfully to stand and pull his boxer shorts on at the same time. When the frustrating garment comes only up to his knees, he tries to take a step forward and falls immediately back down. The ring box tumbles and lands at Penny’s feet. Also wearing nothing, she bends down to pick it up. James smiles sheepishly and says, “I wasn’t planning on it going this way, but…” He finally is able to put his boxers on correctly and walks over to her, then bends down on one knee.
He asks politely, “Can I have the box please?”
Holding back a smile, Penny says, “Of course.”
“Since we met in the break room at Barnes and Noble three years ago, I instantly felt a connection between us. After you finally agreed to go on a date with me I was over the moon. I can’t imagine sharing my life with anyone else. You’re my best friend and I always want to be there for you. Penny, will you marry me?”
He opens the box and thrusts the ring forward. With tears in her eyes, she nods and says, “Yes!”
Sealing their decision with a kiss, James asks, “When we retell this story, can you leave out the part of me rolling around and falling down naked?”
“Absolutely not! That’s what makes it ours!”
James asks, “And you had no idea?”
“None. I mean, maybe I thought New Year’s, but I was thinking you would wait until Valentine’s Day or something.”
She looks at the ring in the light of the lamp, genuinely impressed with James’s ability to pick out something perfect. The sapphire gleams with two diamonds tucked on either side. She smiles at the ring again and asks, “Who helped you?”
“Stephanie.”
“Really? I would’ve thought it would be Caroline.”
“Caroline had to work a bunch, so I called Stephanie.”
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