by Gina Austin
“Ok. I’ll catch the news later.”
Earlier, Mike had pulled the curtains a little when he heard the car pull up on the driveway. When he realized it was Susan dropping off Nick, he let the drapes go but kept looking from a little slit of the curtain fabric. Mike saw Susan reach over to hug Nick but then she seemed unhappy. I’ll give him a little room and then go check on him later, Mike thought.
***
Walking into the garage, Nick looked up to see Mike. His face revealing his anger towards Officer DeLuca after watching the video on the news, Mike said, “Oh I can’t believe the stones on that guy. Are you going to sue?”
“Thinking about it.” Nick said.
“What’s to think. The guy’s an overgrown punk and he deserves to lose his badge.” Concerned for his brother he asked, “How’s your head?”
“Other than having a big bump, I’m fine.”
Wondering if he’s still thinking about Susan, he wanted to offer his brother some kind of distraction. “Wanna go to the movies?” Mike asked.
“No. I’m good” Nick replied.
“Wanna get a beer?”
“Nope.”
“Was it Susan’s last day riding with us in the station?”
“Yeah. Heck of a story she landed on her last day.
“Wanna talk about it?”
“What’s to talk about Mikey? You just saw it on the news?”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Ok, but there’s still nothing to talk about. She’s getting married and there’s nothing I can do about that.”
“You sure about that? Why don’t you just tell her how you feel?”
“Because I don’t want to put my selfish feelings before hers. I have no right to interfere or cause her any confusion to have to decide between two men. She was a good friend and that friendship helped me get my head straight. Haven’t you seen the change in me?”
“Yeah I have. I just want you to hold on to that change and never let it go.”
“Hey I can’t promise I’m not going to have my off days, but between you, dad, Susan and even Amy, you all reminded me that true happiness is a choice. So if Susan believes in her heart that she’s found true happiness with the man she’s going to marry, then I’m happy for her.”
“I’m glad to hear that! Mike said but still not buying his brothers story completely. “Still don’t wanna get a beer?”
“Ok we’ll get a beer, but your buying.” Nick said.
Chapter 28
“I know it’s almost midnight but you haven’t called me and I didn’t know if you were back from your Cleveland trip?” Susan asked Tom.
“Yes I came back late this afternoon today but when I landed I had to head straight to the office to get a jump on a few things before Monday mornings meeting with my manager.
“Ok. Glad to hear you’re back home.”
“I’m so sorry I never called to let you know when I was coming back. Especially when I said I would. So much for my integrity.” Tom said.
“Forget about it. I want to see you tomorrow. Can you meet me here at 10am?”
“Sure. Looking forward to seeing you.”
“Did you catch the story I covered today?”
“No but I’ll pull it up on my iPhone. What happened?”
“No worries. It’s late and I’ve had a long day. See you tomorrow Ok?
“Sure, Ok, 10am. Goodnight.”
***
As Tom was heading up the hotel elevator he was wondering why Susan sounded so different on the phone when she called him last night. He knocked on her door and it seemed a long time until she answered. Hope she’s alright.
By the look on Susan’s face she wasn’t. She had been crying. “What’s wrong dear?” Tom asked as he entered the room.
Walking away from Tom to look out the living room window, she responded, “Oh, feeling overwhelmed and quite emotional to be completely frank.”
Tom followed Susan into the living room but stays silent waiting for more information. Susan says, “We’re so close to the wedding and I keep changing my mind on everything we’ve discussed the past few months. I’m ruining our plans for everything and it’s not fair to you Tom.”
Tom puts his hands on Susan’s shoulders while she continues to stare out the window. “Honey, you’re just having wedding jitters and that’s perfectly normal. We’ll work this out.”
“That’s not it.” Feeling the need for more personal space, Susan walks away from Tom to the center of the living room, turns around to face him and says, “I don’t believe there is anything to work out.”
Beginning to worry, Tom assures her, “We are going to work this out. Everything is going to be fine.”
“You’re right Tom. Everything is going to be fine, however I need you to listen to me.” Walking to the couch and sitting down she motioned for Tom to sit beside her.
Susan began to say, “When you and I first met, I was impressed by your confidence, intelligence and honesty. You inspired me to be a better person and because of that, I became more successful at work. We talked about how wonderful it would be to become the town’s next power couple. We worked so much on filling that image that I lost myself and began not caring for people and things that were important to me and defined who I was. At the time, I wanted the same things you wanted, fame, power, money, big house, big cars, a nanny. However the fire changed all that for me, as my hardened heart began to melt away and soften. My perspective for the things we wanted no longer had any value for me. I was given a second chance at life and I feel more love, peace and happiness within myself that I want to share it with everyone I come in contact with. That’s why I felt prompted to get back into volunteer work and now I’m helping out in the soup kitchen.”
Susan paused for a moment and Tom said, “Susan, I know how much you’ve been through since the fire, but I love you and whatever you want, I’m going to make happen for you. If you want a house right here in Logan Square near Liz, having kids sooner, trip to the Bahamas, even you leaving your career to stay home and raise our children, all these things you love, I want to share them with you.”
“I believe you when you say these things Tom. I really do but I know your heart and those things aren’t what you want. Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that money and success aren’t a top priority for you?
“Of course they are, but I would be willing to give that all up for you.”
“I believe you when you say that. You would for a while, but over time you’ll come to resent me and you’ll feel trapped in a marriage that you never really thought through. Tom, wouldn’t you be truly happier with someone who desires that same lifestyle that you want? Wouldn’t you feel more connected, more as one with that other person?”
“Yes, I have that with you.”
“You did but not any longer. I’m not the same Susan you fell in love with. Your Susan died in that fire that night. You know this is a truth you can’t deny.”
Tom was completely shocked with everything he just heard but knowing that much of what Susan mentioned was truly in his heart, however his pride and ego still didn’t want to give her up and accept defeat. “We can postpone the wedding so you can have some time to think about everything.”
“Tom, I have thought about everything and I know this is very difficult for you to hear but if I were to continue with this wedding, I would be living a lie. I wouldn’t be truly in love and neither would you. I’m so sorry. I hope you can forgive me one day.
Susan took off her engagement ring and handed it over to Tom. He asked one final time, “Are you absolutely sure about this? Once I walk out that door, I won’t be coming back.”
Understanding that was his pride talking, Susan compassionately answered, “Yes.”
He took the ring and put it in his pocket.
“I’ll go ahead and take care of contacting the guests that were coming. All I ask is that you explain it to your parents.” Susan said.
“That’ll be fine.” Tom stood and walked toward the door, Susan followed him. He turned around and hugged her and said, “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“I know you’ll find the right one for you and have your true happiness.” Susan said.
Chapter 29
Picking up her iPhone, she rushed to break the news to Liz.
“Hi. I hope I’m not interrupting your dinner?”
Sensing something was wrong by the tone in Susan’s voice. “We just finished eating. Are you Ok?”
“It’s over Liz. I stopped the wedding.”
“Oh my God! What happened?.” Susan shared her thoughts and feelings to Liz and told her everything she was going through with Tom, the dream she had with her father, the changes in her heart which led to her feelings toward Nick.
“And your 100 percent positive with your decision?” Liz asked.
“100 percent.”
“So can I send you the bill for my maid of honor dress, just kidding.” The both laughed.
“We’re best friends right?” Liz asked.
“Of course we are silly.”
“Then I need to tell you this. I believe you found yourself after the fire. You’ve been spontaneous, creative, giving, and compassionate. You became you again, Susan. But that’s just your best friend’s opinion.”
“Thanks sweetie.”
“I do think it was smart of you not to mention your feelings to Tom regarding Mr. Hottie Fireman. But I am curious what are you going to do about Nick now that you’re single again.
“Nothing actually. In my dream, daddy told me to trust him and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“Wow! And you can actually hear your father’s voice.”
“Absolutely! No different from hearing yours now.”
“But Susan, how do you know for sure it’s his voice.”
“Because I’m overwhelmed by love and peace.”
“Wow. I’m really excited for you. So what’s your next move?”
“Well, I only stayed in this hotel apartment because I was getting married in September. Now that things have changed. Want to go apartment hunting with me tomorrow?”
“Excellent, Joe’s going golfing tomorrow with his friends. I’ll pick you up and we’ll have breakfast together in the café. How’s 9:30?”
“9:30 it is. I love you.”
“Oh, I love you too sweetie. Bye.” Liz said.
Chapter 30
It’s Wednesday noon, and Nick switched shifts with Alex so he and Mike could start a new family tradition and have lunch out together twice every month. It had been a month since Mike moved into his own place and even though he worked with Mike at the fire station, it was nice to have quality time with his brother outside of the station. Today they had decided to have lunch at their favorite place, O’Malley’s. Nick had ordered a cheeseburger and Mike ordered a grilled chicken breast sandwich. Nick just remembered the last time he had a cheeseburger was with Susan when she bought him dinner for saving her life. That was roughly 2 months ago.
Putting his focus back on his brother he said, “Got a flyer in the mail about some new place where you can go rock climbing indoors, want to go try it out later?”
“Sounds like fun.” Mike said.
As they were waiting for their bill, Nick saw a familiar face walking thru the door heading for the bar. Oh man what was her name. Remembering it was Karen, the young lady Susan convinced to go out on a date with him.
She’s grabbing a menu so she’s definitely ordering lunch thought Nick. He figured, Yeah, why not.
“Be right back.” Mike turns around to see his brother walk up to a beautiful young brunette. Based on her reaction, she knows Nick already or she’s overly friendly.
Why can’t I meet girls like that? Mike wonders. Looks like he’s inviting her back to our table. Way to look out for your little brother. Maybe she’ll have a friend just as beautiful for me.
Approaching the table first, Nick purposely moves his plate and drink over and pulls out the chair where he was sitting so Karen can sit down facing Mike. Karen, I’d like you to meet my brother Mike. “Hi Mike,” Karen says as she sits down.
“Nice to meet you,” says Mike.
Nick asks, “So Karen, how are things at the news station?”
“The news station?” Mike asks suspiciously.
Karen responds, “Oh, I’m a reporter for Chicago News 7.”
“Ok! So you work with Susan Taylor.” Mike asked.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Well tell her Mike and Nick say hello and congratulations on her marriage.” Mike says.
“What marriage? There was never a wedding.” Mike looked at Nick for a reaction and his older brother didn’t disappoint. Nick’s eyes lit up with determination.
Nick quickly asked, “Did they postpone the wedding to a later date?”
“No. They broke up about a week before the wedding.” Karen said.
“Is she with anyone now?” Nick’s heart beating rapidly with this wonderful news. Mike is just sitting back, smiling throughout Nick’s questions.
“Do you know where she normally goes to lunch?”
“Well, its Wednesday so she volunteers down at the homeless shelter down on S. Kirby Street .
“Karen, thank you so much! I’m so glad we bumped into each other again!” Nick stood up and grabbed his jacket to leave. “Mike maybe you and Karen can talk about that rock band you mentioned the other day.” Nick grabbed his helmet and made a quick exit out of O’Malleys to head for the Kirby Street homeless shelter.
Now it was Karen’s turn for her eyes to light up as she asked Mike, “Really, you like rock?”
“I love it.” Mike answered.
“I know this great place that plays live punk at 7. Would you like to meet me there later?”
Pulling out his cellphone, Mike responds, “Sure, let me just get your number and yeah…wow definitely sounds like a plan?”
“So are you a firefighter also?”
“Yeah.”
“Cool.”
“Oh, it’s very cool. Even when you’re in 1200 degree heat, it’s still cool.”
“Wow! Be right back.” Karen informed the bartender that she changed her mind and preferred to have her lunch to stay so she could continue talking with Mike. Mike was enjoying his time with Karen and even though she had to go back to work, definitely looked forward to seeing her later that evening.
For so long Mike had looked out for Nick, that Nick thought to return the favor by introducing him to Karen. They were about the same age and he had a feeling they would click. Nick knew how smart Mike was and how well he knew his older brother. Nick never would’ve asked Karen openly about Susan. So by Mike offering his congratulations on Susan’s marriage, it brought the truth to light. The only thing that bothered Nick is if he read Susan’s body language correctly the night they said goodbye in his driveway, how come she never came back to the fire house to let him know that she broke off her relationship with Tom. Regardless, she was now available and he was going after her. Nick wanted Susan in his life and he was going to make sure she understood that very clearly.
***
Nick arrived at the Kirby Street homeless shelter and scanned the sidewalks to see if he could pick out Susan’s car. Not being too familiar with the area, he decided to park his bike in front of the facility and take a look inside. Noticing there was still a long line of folks waiting to be served, he followed it until it led to the kitchen. He walked to the back of the facility where the kitchen was located and as he glanced through the kitchen door window, he saw Susan.
Nick wanted to make his intentions known but he didn’t want to interrupt Susan while she was volunteering. He figured if she continued to serve the homeless after 2 months of seeing her last, it was fulfilling for her. Now he understood why he never saw her in the 5th Street soup kitchen, she decided to serve someplace closer to the news station, if it’s around he
re. But that was just a guess; maybe she just didn’t want to see him at all and to avoid him altogether, she chose this new location. Whatever her reasons for not mentioning to him that her relationship with Tom had ended, didn’t matter at this point. All he wanted was to see her and let her know everything he’s been holding inside. If she was interested, fantastic but if she wasn’t at least he put all his cards on the table and didn’t hold back. All he cared about is that at least he tried. Nick decided to go back outside in front of the facility, wait patiently and surprise her when she walked outside.
