Out of The Box Awakening

by Theriot, Jennifer

  “Mom, everything is going to be fine—I promise. I love you so much. We all do, and we’ll visit often—you know that. We all will. You’re gonna get so tired of us.”

  “No chance of that, sweetie”

  I just have to believe that everything happens for a reason. At this point, though, I have no idea what that reason would be. I’ll just keep the faith.

  Our house was leased to a young couple with three kids. The husband works for an oil company, and the house was perfect for them. I hope they take care of it and have as many happy memories in it as I do. I stayed with Lainey and Kellan for three days until I left. They have a lovely inner-city home in a posh little Galleria-area neighborhood. Lainey has put her special touch on it, and I can honestly say it is the most beautiful house on her street.

  She booked a spa and beauty day for us and has even taken the day off, which for Lainey is unheard of. A mother-daughter day is definitely what I craved, and I was looking forward to letting her stylist work a miracle on my hair. He convinced me to totally change my hair—from shoulder-length and frosted to a shorter bob in a light golden brown with complimenting low lights. He swore the color and cut would complement my green eyes and the shape of my face. Knowing I don’t process change well, he and Lainey convinced me to relax and enjoy being pampered. I placed all confidence in him that he would give me a new look and he didn’t disappoint. I absolutely love the style. From the hair salon, we go downstairs to makeup. The makeup guru shows me how to put a simple spin on putting on makeup and shows me timesaving tips. I don’t think I have ever looked this good.

  “Wow! Mom. See? I told you! You look amazing,” Lainey said, when I turned around and saw myself in the mirror. If Lainey approves, then I must look good. As we leave the salon, everyone remarked on how good I looked. I have to admit; this gave me a huge boost of confidence—something I am lacking these days. After our spa/beauty stop, we headed to the Galleria for some shopping.

  “Let’s get you some leggings, boots and sweaters,” Lainey said, as she took control of the shopping expedition. We headed to my favorite store for age-appropriate trendy clothes, where I found the perfect pair of leggings. I purchased several other pieces that Lainey said I “need.” Then we headed to Nordstrom for boots.

  “Mom, you will need a couple pair of riding boots because it gets cold in Chicago. And I think you should splurge on a pair of Tory Burch flats.”

  “Splurge?” I say. “Dad will kill me when he gets the AMEX bill, Lainey!”

  “Oh, who cares, Mom? You so deserve it! I may even get myself a pair, too. Then we can be twins. Whatcha think?”

  She is so good at convincing me to do things…hehe!

  Packages in tow, we headed off for a coffee. Once we’d gotten our coffee and a table, Lainey once again outdid herself. She looked me in the eye and gently passed a small orange box across the table to me.

  “Here, Mom. This is something for you to wear and always know that I am thinking of you, and loving you for the wonderful woman you are.”

  I looked at that little box and immediately became emotional. Tears welled up in my eyes as I opened the little box. I gasped when I saw a white gold chain with a beautiful James Avery heart that said “The Heart Remembers.”

  “Lainey, oh my God! This is beautiful—absolutely beautiful! Sweet child, I love you with every single breath I have. You know that you’re my rock and my best friend, don’t you?”

  She got tears in her eyes and nodded.

  “Honey, I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I just don’t think I can do this,” I said, with tears in my eyes.

  “Awww, don’t cry—you’re making me cry, too. Don’t be silly, Mom—you can do this. You just freak out all the time for no reason. There’s absolutely no reason to say you can’t do this. You can, and you will! How many times have I told you? I just said it two times. See? Now let’s head over and say one last goodbye to the house. I got us a great bottle of wine and we can at least sit out in the gazebo, drink, smoke and say a proper goodbye.”

  We headed over to the house. While she was driving us over, I suddenly felt very melancholy and uncertain. I wondered if this visit was a good idea or not. As if she could tell exactly what I was thinking, Lainey said, “Mom, we have to do this. You can’t leave without giving the house a proper goodbye. I know what you’re thinking and you need—we need to do this. It’ll be all right, I promise. Anyway, I have this ridiculously expensive bottle of wine and a fresh pack of cigarettes.”

  I smiled and thought of how much I was going to miss my best friend!

  We sat in the dimly lit gazebo and looked into the empty house. It was just that, now: an empty house soon to be filled with another family. Lainey opened our wine and we toasted to new beginnings and happiness on the horizon.

  “Mom, this is such a pretty house, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it really is, Lainey. I’ve always loved it. Can’t believe we’ve lived her for so many years. So, are you ready to call your brothers?”

  “Let’s do it!”

  We decided to call Bradley first. Lainey put him on speakerphone. He gave me his pep talk.

  “Mom, I know you’re freaking out about now, but you and Dad will be just fine. Look, this is a great career move for Dad, and you’ll complement him, as always. You always do. I love you, Mom. Wish I could be there, but I’ll come visit for sure. Knock ‘em dead, lil’mama. I sure do love you! Hey, don’t forget to text me when you board and let me know when you get there. Oh and guess what my ringtone for you is?”

  “Son, I’m afraid to ask!”

  “Well, it’s Stoney Larue’s Forever Young.”

  “Ah, it’s my favorite song Bradley. I’ve got it on my iTunes you know. I listen to it almost every day.”

  “Yeah, I figured as much mom. You’re the proverbial forever young.”

  “Lains? You still there?”

  “Yeah, little brother, I’m here. So, I guess we’ll see you for Thanksgiving then?”

  He was quick to reply, “Oh, hells, yeah! We’re gonna have so much fun! Love you Lains. Tell Kellan I said hi.”

  The next call was to Dalton, in Malaysia.

  “Hey Mom—you drinkin’ a glass of wine yet?”

  I smiled when I heard his voice. “Yes, you know I am!”

  “Well, I hope you and Lainey are not smoking.”

  Lainey and I laughed. “Yes,” I say. “As a matter of fact, we are sitting out in the gazebo drinking and smoking!”

  “Mom, seriously, you need to quit smoking, and Lainey, you do too! Ya’ll are bad influences on each other!”

  We both waved our hands like he could actually see us. “Whatever! We love you, Dalton,” we both said in unison.

  We talked for a few minutes longer, mostly about his job.

  “Look, Mom, text me and let me know when you board, and definitely let me know when you get there. Tell Dad I love him too. I’ll see you soon. I love you, Mom. Love you, Lainey. Tell Kel I said hey.”

  We sat out in the gazebo for hours. Poor Kellan was left on his own. He didn’t even call to check on us until it started getting late.

  “Well, I guess we should head back to my house, Mom,” Lainey said, as she hung up her cell. “Kellan wants us to head home soon. You ready to roll?”

  “I’m ready sweetie!”

  I stared out the window as we made the drive to her house.

  “Whatcha thinkin mom?” she asked.

  “Well, if you must know, I was thinking of what wonderful kids I have and how blessed I am. Blessed beyond words, sweetie.”

  “Well, we’re pretty damn blessed too!”

  The three days before I left just flew by. Before I knew it, Lainey and Kellan are taking me to the airport. I’d dressed in my denim leggings, my brown riding boots and a nice top and blazer Lainey picked out for me. I looked pretty damn good, if I say so myself. I hoped Alan liked the new me. I was so excited to see him. It seemed like it had been ages. We wer
e always together, and this time apart had been really hard on me. I hoped he’d like my new hairstyle. I didn’t know why it mattered so much to me, but it did.

  Lainey and Kellan gave me hugs and kisses. My heart ached leaving them.

  “It will be fine Mom; you’re doing the right thing. Remember, I love you more than you love me.”

  Kellan chimes in “Mom, you’ll knock ‘em dead. I love you, and you know I will take care of Lainey. One day soon I promise I will give you little Laineys.”

  I have to smile at that remark. I’d love nothing more than to have a little grandbaby to love and spoil! It’s so refreshing and nice that Kellan calls me “Mom, ” the way we did in my day. These days, the kids call the in-laws by their first names. Times sure have changed, but I’m so glad Kellan has the old-fashioned values. It’s probably one of the things I love about him most.

  “Kel, I’m holding you to that promise. I want lots of grandbabies, so you guys better get to work! I love you both so much. I know you’re 100 percent behind me and have my back. Just promise you’ll come and visit. And make the boys come, too. I just can’t bear holidays without us all together.”

  “We promise, Mom. We’ll all be there.”

  And then I was on my way.

  Chapter 4

  The plane PA gave a crackle and crack, pulling me out of my memories.

  “Attention, passengers. Flight 1126 from Houston to Chicago will be landing in fifteen minutes. The weather is a cool 60 degrees and the skies are clear. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for our final approach into Chicago. We realize you have a choice and thank you for flying United Airlines.”

  Okay—adrenaline kicks in and I am in high anxiety. Will Alan be there to meet me?

  As I grab my things and depart the plane, I suddenly feel the need for a glass of wine and a cigarette. Yes, my only vice in times of stress. As I make my way off the plane into the lobby, I look for Alan. I quickly switch on my phone and realize I have four text messages and seven missed calls. Damn! They are all from Alan. I stop to read his texts.

  “Hey babe stuck in L.A.—was supposed to be back at three, but the contract negotiations are keeping me an extra day. Ash will be at the airport to pick you up. He will be holding up a sign with your name on it. So sorry babe. Don’t be pissed. Will make it up to you, I promise. Love you, and can’t wait to see your beautiful face”

  Well, great, just great! Okay—I look around the lobby. I’m supposed to be looking for a guy holding up a sign with my name on it. I probably look like a blooming idiot looking around the room for this mystery man. God I just hate situations like this. Of all days, why-oh-why today?

  Just then, I see him: a tall, gray-haired, well-built and extremely handsome man in a pair of jeans and an untucked black button-down shirt, holding up a sign. I wave, and he scurries over to help me with my carryon things. He smiles, looks into my eyes and I feel my face flush. Oh.My.God! I just died and went to heaven!

  “Hey there Olivia! Welcome to Chi town. I guess you know by now that Alan got delayed, but I promised him I would get you home safe and sound. Oh, and here—I got you a coffee. I know you must be hungry, but this will tide you over until we can figure things out. By the way, I’m Ash, Ash Harper”

  I know I am blushing to the max, but I have to compose myself. Deep breath, Olivia! “Hello Ash—thanks so much for picking me up—I really could have grabbed a cab. I just turned on my phone and saw all of the texts and missed calls from Alan. I wasn’t expecting he wouldn’t be here.”

  “Let’s go get your bags and we’ll get going,” Ash puts his hand in the small of my back to lead me to the baggage area, which raises goose bumps. We head down the escalator to baggage claim and finally get my bags. I’m at a total loss for words. I really don’t feel like talking. I am tired, pissed, and need a glass of wine badly. A cigarette would be nice too. I must give him credit though; he’s trying really hard to make this easy on me.

  “So, are you hungry? Want to stop on the way home, or would you just prefer to head to the house? We can make you something to eat and you could probably use a glass of wine, huh?”

  “Actually, I would kill for a glass of wine right now, thanks”.

  We walk out of the terminal to his SUV, a really nice white Range Rover.

  “I brought the bigger vehicle—wasn’t sure how much luggage you would have. This belonged to my wife and I kept it after she passed away.”

  “Wow! It’s beautiful!” I am at a loss for words. What do you talk about with someone you don’t know, when you are hungry, dog tired—oh, and did I mention pissed?

  “We should be at the house within forty minutes,” Ash tells me. As we head into the city, I realize just how beautiful Chicago is at night. The lights are stunning. The city looks magical. I begin to relax and my anger subsides. Why stress over this? I’m here, now, and that’s all that matters.

  “Do you mind if I put on some music?” Ash asks.

  “Oh absolutely not that would be great! I love music. What kinds of music do you listen to?”

  “I like all kinds of music: jazz, classical, classic rock, alternative—you name it. I don’t listen to much country music though. Since you’re from Texas you will have to introduce and enlighten me.”

  “Count on it.” I’m feeling more relaxed and am enjoying the music. Coldplay’s “Green Eyes” is playing. It’s a mellow song and this car has an incredible sound system. Riding through the city, music on, sitting in a Range Rover with a really out-of-this-world handsome man. Do I miss my husband?

  Alan said Ash’s house is beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing my new home, even if it is only temporary. As we turn onto his street, I am amazed by the beautiful large homes. I see a beautiful two-story home of dark brick. It has gables and large architectural windows flanking the front and is sited at the end of the cul-de-sac. There are no houses on either side of Ash’s house. I wonder why.

  Ash points at the lots and says, “Anne and I bought the lots on either side of ours so no one would build close to us.

  “What a brilliant idea.”

  “We built the house in 1998. We built big, not remembering that the boys would leave and find their own lives. So now I have just me in a too-big house”

  It’s a lake-front home. I can only imagine what the back looks like.

  Ash is the perfect gentleman. He comes around to my door, opens it for me, and tells me to go inside. “I’ll bring everything in, Olivia. You just go in and make yourself at home. You must be exhausted!”

  Oh, you have no idea, I think to myself.

  As I enter, I am taken aback by the beautiful entryway. It is truly amazing, with warm, dark wood floors, high ceilings, and a very impressive winding staircase with intricate ironwork on the spindles. There is a large floral arrangement on an ornately carved wood table in the center of the entry. Under the staircase there are two parlor-style chairs with a small, round table—what a darling little vignette! On the table is a small brass bowl filled with cherries. Immediately, I am reminded of the old song, “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” The words of the song say how you can’t lose what you’ve never owned. I haven’t thought about that song in ages! My mother used to sing it to me when I was a child. What a profound statement that little bowl makes. I find myself wondering if there is a hidden message somewhere here? Karma? Hmmmmm.

  I walk back into the living room—the walls are a calming, creamy taupe color. There is a large floor-to-ceiling mirror that is to die for. Boy, Lainey would love this!

  The furniture is all off-white. Large, overstuffed sofas in a lovely seating area in front of a stone fireplace look out to the back, and to the lake. The dimensional wood moldings are incredible. The recessed lighting makes sure the room just takes you in. There is exceptional exterior lighting. There are twinkle lights in the trees around the patio and out by the lake, and around another larger patio area with several tables and chairs and chaise lounge chairs. I see a small dock out on the
water, and I am so tempted to walk out there.

  After Ash has unloaded my luggage, he joins me in the living room.

  “Wow! What a beautiful home you have Ash—incredible!”

  “Why, thanks! It took a while to build and I really love it here. So… how about a glass of wine?”

  “Oh my God! That would be lovely!”

  “White or red?”

  “White—Chardonnay if you have it,” I say.

  “Chardonnay it is!”

  He returns from the wine cellar with what looks to be a very expensive bottle of chardonnay. He pours us each a glass and we go out onto the patio area.

  “This is breathtaking,” I exclaim.

  “Yes. This is my sanctuary. After building the house and Anne’s passing, I just couldn’t sell. I love it here. Most of my business is in the city, and I have a condo on Lake Shore Drive. I usually stay there during the week.”

  “What do you do now? I mean, Alan said you had retired as a pilot.”

  “I do security consulting. I have a small plane and still fly, but just as a hobby now. Tommy, my youngest son, is a musician.”

  “A musician? How interesting,” I say.

  “Yep. He and I are the musically inclined in the family. We both play guitar, piano, and drums. We get together when we can to play. It is my stress outlet; it’s his career. He has a band called Avenue, and they play all over. Small clubs mostly. They are pretty darn good. We—or Anne, mostly—didn’t really want him to be a musician, but it was in his heart. Music is his passion, and what parent can say no to that?”

  Just then, my phone rings. It is Alan. I’d totally forgotten about him.

  “Hey babe! Are you settled in at the house?”

  “Well, hello, you! Yes, Ash picked me up. We’re at the house having a glass of wine, and yes, I am settled. Where are you and when are you coming home?”

  “Well, it looks like my flight won’t leave until in the morning.”