by Gina Austin
Rubbing her stomach, Susan said, “You know what? I’m hungry. Let’s celebrate life! How about some room service?”
“That might be a bit expensive sweetheart. How about I grab a few things from the supermarket?”
Susan nodded her head quickly at Tom and said “I don’t think a little room service is going to break the bank any more than me staying in this furnished apartment, besides I’m buying.”
“If you insist. How about you lie down and get some rest and I’ll take care of ordering room service for you.” Tom said.
“I like that idea! I’m so glad to be out of that hospital bed.”
30 minutes later, Tom brought in the room service cart and surprised Susan with a Cobb salad.
“Salad?” Susan had a disappointed expression. In her mind she could’ve gone for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich or a cheeseburger.
Tom said, “You need to build up your strength.” Susan reluctantly started eating the salad.
“You know Susan, I’ve been thinking. Let’s pick a wedding date?
Shocked and excited at the same time Susan asked, “What happened to our two-year plan?”
“Plans change.”
“When did you decide this?” Susan asked.
“On the flight over from Arizona, hoping with all my heart that you would get better. I realized I almost lost you once. I’m never going to let that happen again.”
Susan’s face was glowing with excitement and the biggest smile Tom had ever seen.
“When, when?”
“We’ll let me take a look here.” Tom pulls out his iPhone to check his schedule. “Well you know I’m working on this Maxwell deal.”
“Is there a Saturday in August?” Susan asked.
“No, August won’t work anyway because weddings are always so expensive over the summer.”
Susan thought Tom generally based his decisions on money too much.
“Then we’ve got Labor Day coming up in September and on the 15th I’ve got the Jackson presentation.
What about September 8?” Tom asked.
Susan answered all wide-eyed and excited, “September 8 sounds fine to me!”
“I’ll call the church and set it up.” Tom said.
Overwhelmed with Tom’s spontaneity, Susan found him more attractive than ever before. Enamored, she grabbed his face with both of her hands and gently pulled Tom toward her lips and kissed him. Her special day finally had a date. She was getting married!
***
Tom had left Susan’s hotel room early that evening and realizing she never opened the box that contained items that survived the fire. She walked over to the dining room table, opened the box and removed an old professional Nikon camera and an old framed photo of her father and her when she was a little girl. Susan starred at the photo of her father, “Wonderful things are happening, daddy. I wish you were here to walk me down the aisle.”
Tears began to run down her face at that thought but then changed and reminded herself of her wedding date. Her tears turned to joy of starting a life with Tom. Susan thought, “It’s time to get Liz up to speed.”
She picked up the phone and called Liz. Susan said, “Hey sweetie! I’m out of the hospital!
“Well I’m sure glad. That was a shortest stay ever. I went over to see you after work but you were sleeping and I didn’t want to wake you. Where are you calling me from?”
“The Marriot over at N. Michigan Ave. Sorry I wasn’t awake when you came by but the treatments must’ve knocked me out.”
“I want to see you.” Liz said.
“That’s why I was calling. Would you like to get massages tomorrow?
“Ohhh…I like that.”
“I thought you might.” Susan said. “Afterwards, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Chapter 10
Susan was absolutely glowing when Liz saw her sitting in the patio area of a local Starbuck’s they agreed to meet at. Susan got up from her chair and gave Liz the biggest hug she ever got from her.
“I’m so happy to see you out of the hospital.” You look great!” Liz said.
“Thanks. I feel great and it’s great to see you too. Come on let’s take a walk,” as Susan slipped her arm under Liz’ and they left Starbuck’s together.
“I was wondering Liz if you can do me the courtesy of being my maid of honor?” Now it was Liz’s turn to put on a phony face as she didn’t want to damper Susan’s happy moment. She may not believe Tom was the right person for Susan but that was her opinion.
Liz grabbed Susan’s hands and just smiled at her with lost words. Susan saw that Liz was happy for her but could sense Liz was holding something back.
“We set a wedding date for September 8.” Susan said.
“I’m happy for you. What a silly question. Of course I’ll be your maid of honor. You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this day to happen for you.” Liz said.
“Yes and from surviving a fire to now having a wedding date has given me a bit too much excitement. So I’m definitely looking forward to this massage.”
“Well, let’s go across the street and get it done. I can’t remember the last time I had one either. What are you doing afterwards?” Liz asked.
“Afterwards I’m heading to the fire station to thank the fireman that saved my life.”
***
After the massage, Susan took a drive over to the Logan Square Fire Station. She saw that the garage doors to the fire station were opened but no one seemed to be in there. Hesitantly, she entered and started walking towards the rear of the building.
“Hello? Is anyone here?”
She came across the stairwell, where she heard some music coming from the 2nd floor. Heading upstairs and making a left she entered into the fire stations kitchen area which connects to their dining room area. Alex, one of the stations firemen, is slicing some vegetables when he sees Susan entering and asks. “Can I help you miss?”
“Yes. I’m looking for Nicholas Gates.”
Mike, who was playing cards with other fellow firemen, turned around when he heard his brother’s name. Alex looking at Mike and seeing that he was walking over said, “Nick’s not in right now but this is…” and he pointed to Mike.
“I’m Nick’s brother, Mike. What can I do for you?”
“Well a few days ago I was in a fire and thank God for your brother he saved my life. According to the hospital information that was given to me he works at this station so I just wanted to thank him personally.”
“What street was the fire on?” Alex asked.
“Albany Street.” Susan answered.
“Yeah, that was a bad one.” Alex said.
“Definitely, said Mike “But we’re glad to see you’re ok.”
“Thanks to your brother, said Susan. So is he around?”
“Not right now” Mike said.
“Ok. How about I just leave him a note and if you could be so kind as to pass it on to him I would really appreciate it.”
“Not a problem.”
Alex admiring Susan’s camera said, “Hey are you a photographer? That sure is a nice camera you have there?”
“Thanks, fortunately one of the few things that survived the fire.”
“Yeah. Sorry to hear about that.” Alex wondering how to change the subject because he remembered her fire and everything was lost, “Hey, want to take a picture of the best Reuben sandwich in the entire city? Who knows maybe I’ll be famous one day?”
“Well if I’m ever covering one of your fires. I’ll promise to interview you on camera. I’m a reporter for Chicago News 7” Susan said.
“Excellent! Then you were meant to try this um Miss?”
“Miss Taylor, Susan Taylor. Oh, but I don’t want to trouble you”.
Mike grabs the Reuben sandwich and says, “Not a problem, allow me to take you to your table.” Mike says jokingly.
Sitting down at the table Susan asks Mike, “So according to the hospital your brother was off-duty the nigh
t he saved me?”
“He’s actually going through some things right now. Nine months ago, he lost his wife so he’s actually on leave right now.” Mike didn’t want to admit his brother was actually suspended.
“Oh, that’s terrible, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“I’ve got an idea.” Mike grabs a notepad and pen. “I’ll give you his number so you can give him a call and thank him yourself.” The only thing Mike was thinking about was trying to help his brother get his life back on track with the hopes that meeting a new woman just might do that.
“Sure why not,” says Susan.
“Maybe it’ll help him realize how much he’s needed around here, maybe even start feeling better for himself. I know I would appreciate it.”
“I’ll be happy to call him.” Taking a bite from her Reuben sandwich, “Oh, Wow! This is really good. “
Chapter 11
Back at Nick’s house Mike enters with dinner from the firehouse. Judging from Nick’s face he’s having an off day. “How’s my favorite brother doing?”
“Watching the news.” Nick said.
“Come on bro let’s have dinner at the table instead of watching the news that only talks about stuff to make you more depressed!”
Agreeing with Mike’s reasoning, Nick turns off the TV and gets up to sit at the kitchen table.
After getting plates and utensils for dinner Mike says, “Do yourself a favor and start answering your phone from now on. That lady you saved from the Albany Street fire came by the station to thank you personally so I gave her your number. Did you know she’s a news reporter with Chicago News 7?”
Disappointed with his brother, Nick says, “I can’t believe you did that. She’s engaged. Or did you fail to see that bright shiny rock on her finger called a diamond?”
“Relax bro! She wants to thank you for saving her life. Is that so terrible?”
“We save lives Mike. That’s what we’re trained to do.”
“Fine, fine but she may have a friend you could meet.”
“Mike, how many times do I have to tell you I’m not interested in dating right now!”
“It still doesn’t hurt to expand your circle of friends other than the guys in the firehouse. Besides it’s not all about you, she might have a friend for me.” Mike winks at his brother and Nick returns a slight smirk.
Shaking his head Nick says, “Why did I ever agree to let you move back in?”
“Because without me you would’ve been bored out of your mind.” Mike said making Nick grin.
And because Amy wouldn’t want you to be alone. Mike thought to himself.
***
The next afternoon at Susan’s hotel room, she received a knock at the door just as she was getting ready to leave. Tom walks into the room but Susan notices he’s not himself. “Well, you don’t look happy?”
“That’s because I have to fly to Houston tonight.”
“You usually bring me flowers when you have to go on a trip.” Tom didn’t appreciate her humor at the moment.
“OK, OK, just kidding.”
“Can’t your firm send someone else?” Susan asked.
“Why would they send someone else when it’s one of my accounts Susan?” Tom replied in an annoyed tone.
Feeling somewhat uncomfortable to Tom’s reaction to a simple question Susan said, “I was just asking since it looks like you truly don’t want to go.” Tom didn’t respond and just stared out the window. “What time is your flight?”
“9:15.”
“Ok well that gives us some time. Would you care to join me for a walk?” Susan asked.
“A walk? Where would you like to go?” Tom gave Susan a surprised look.
“How about the Navy Pier?”
The Navy Pier, thought you said that was just for tourists? Tom had a puzzled look.
“But this way I can take some pictures.” said Susan.
“Pictures? Pictures of what?”
“Anything, I don’t know the, ferris wheel, people, boats, scenery whatever comes to mind.”
“Don’t you think you should focus on preparing to go back to work instead? Besides, when did you take up photography Susan?
“I’m not going back to the office until Monday next week and I took photography when I was 13 so I can get a position with the school newspaper. Don’t you remember when I told you?”
Tom shook his head “No actually, I don’t remember that but what I really need to do is pack for tonight’s trip.”
“But it’s still early?”
“I also have to prepare a quick presentation for this Houston trip.”
“Ok, I understand but before you leave let’s pick a day so we can get together with Liz and Joe?”
“Hmm, that going to be difficult said Tom.”
Surprised at his answer, Susan says, “It’s not difficult. You just pick a day and don’t plan anything else for that day.”
“Problem is I don’t know when I’ll be back from Houston and you know how tight my schedule is. I don’t want to commit to something and have to disappoint you later.” Susan just gave him an understanding look.
“I have to go, I’m sorry.” Tom gave her a kiss goodbye and left.
***
Liz opened the door to O’Malleys and headed towards the back of the restaurant where Susan was already sitting at a booth. The waitress brings over Susan’s meal as Liz sits down, “I went ahead and ordered. I had them hold yours but now that you’re here.” Susan glanced at the waitress and the waitress mentioned, “I’ll be right back with the other order.”
“A cheeseburger. I’m going to tell Tom you’re no longer on the vegetarian track plan. Liz gives Susan a devilish grin.”
“Very funny. How’s work?”
“Fine. I had 2 new hires today so that made the afternoon go by pretty quickly. When are you coming back to the office?”
“Monday”
“So how’s it feel to have your own house?” Susan asked.
“Great! We love it. Can’t wait for you and Tom to come over and see it. I also painted it exactly as you suggested and it came out fabulous.”
“I want to see it.” Susan said.
“Well check with Tom’s schedule and let me know.”
“My schedule is wide open and I would really love to see the place.”
“Really,” asked Liz with a surprised look.
“Sure why wouldn’t I.”
“Last time you didn’t seem so interested.”
“Well I’m interested now.” Susan’s iPhone rings and rather than answering it she turns it off. “Look at you.” Liz said.
“What?”
“You remind me of the girl I grew up with.”
“You know I keep thinking about the night of the fire; how close I came to dying. If it wasn’t for that firefighter, I wouldn’t be here with you right now.”
“And I’m so glad that your still here because I know a lot of wonderful things are in store for you.”
Susan pondered at Liz’s choice of words and remembered that was the same thing her father told her in her dream. How bizarre, she thought.
Liz asked, “Did you ever get to thank your hero?”
“No not yet. Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but I did meet his brother. He gave me his number and I should call him but…,” Susan sounding apprehensive.
“Do it!” Liz said. Come on, the guy saved your life.”
“Yeah, but maybe he doesn’t want to hear from a complete stranger.”
“Please, every man wants to be told that he’s a hero.”
“They do need to hear that every once and a while, don’t they?” Susan asked.
“Hey the same way us ladies need to regularly hear and feel that we’re loved.” Liz said.
Something Susan wasn’t feeling lately from Tom and wishing he would be more affectionate towards her regularly.
Distracting Susan from her thoughts, Liz picks up her beer mug and tells Susan, “It’s good to be h
ere with you.”
