Waves and Light: Opposites Attract Series

by Elizabeth J. Merrill

  Each person walked up and got a check including me. I wasn’t sure what to do with $400,000. It was a bit freaky. Mr. Raintree also explained sounding a bit disappointed that Copper Top, although producing, was no longer the asset it once had been. Apparently it only cleared $50,000 last year and depending on oil prices, he only expected $30-40K this year. He wanted to make an appointment with me later to work out the particulars. I wasn’t sure in what world $30K a year was disappointing, but apparently it was where Mr. Raintree lived—not me.

  When the Rodriguezes came up to the desk they explained how they wanted to convert the estate to a halfway house for people who had aged out of foster care. They wanted to run it. Mr. Raintree said that my father thought as much, so he had instructed the “giving” department of his company to help them setup the charity and fund renovations and operating expenses so that they could invest their money to fund their retirement. They smiled.

  They told me quietly to come by the estate to pick out a few things to remember my father by.

  Mom got a check for a cool million right now, but the rest of the inheritance had stayed in stocks etc. that Mom would have to attend meetings about later. Mom and I walked two blocks to the bank and deposited our checks. Mom declined all investment vehicles. She said she wanted to think about it. And she turned to me and pronounced, “I’m not quitting—at least not right away.”

  “Fine,” I agreed. I just realized that Dad had managed to give me enough money to make my dreams come true and maybe even a little extra. This money would be enough for me to go to Stanford and still live comfortably. I didn’t have to worry about racking up student debt to pay for tuition and hoping for a fellowship in my second year. I could pay my whole way. I could become the man that B.D. needed.

  Twenty Five

  B.D.

  Dr. Hrezecovic—Amanda, she told me to call her Amanda—had this conference travel thing wired. She had convinced the university to pay for seven days of travel—two there, two back, and three for the conference. That way, she only had to pay for two nights of hotel rooms, and she got a seven day per diem as well. I could stay with her, and she had managed to get air fare, train tickets, and conference fees for both of us. I just had to pay for food and incidentals during the trip. Amanda had to only spring for costs for two days. Sweet!

  We flew into Madrid early Saturday morning and immediately took a train to Salamanca. We arrived at about 2pm, dumped our bags at the hotel, and settled in for a long, Spanish lunch. Afterwards we checked into the hotel, took a nap, then checked out the Metropol Parasol, allegedly the largest wooden structure in the world. It’s a series of mushroom like structures that elevate a pathway. It’s undulating and spectacular and shockingly modern in the ancient city. On Sunday, we toured the Real Alcazar—a collection of structures and gardens that the powerful had been adding on to for a millennia. The grounds are an elegant amalgam of Moorish, Gothic, and medieval architecture and gardens. Fountains burble in cool courtyards circumscribed by colonnades and Gothic arches. Every vista delights with carved stone, extravagant fountains, or improbably pruned plants. Part of it served as the Dornish castle in Game of Thrones.

  Monday we attended the opening keynote address, two presentations, then we gave our talk. It went great! A few people tried to drag down our work, but Amanda and I had all the answers. Afterwards a few more scientists came up to talk to us about our work, and one guy, Adam Fram, is at Stanford. He actually knew Amanda. They went to MIT together. He seemed really interested when Amanda mentioned I was an undergraduate. He went to the lunch banquet with us and chatted up Stanford. Amanda nodded. I mentioned David, but Adam didn’t remember his application. Then we went to the Cathedral. Awesome! Huge! And we checked out Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Cool.

  Tuesday was more of the same. We attended a few sessions including a presentation from someone who is also working with light waves and Adam’s presentation. Then we ditched the conference altogether and toured the Parque De Maria Luisa. It was beautiful. Wonderfully landscaped squares and fountains punctuated with magnificent Spanish Architecture. We explored the Plaza De Espana. I was sorry David wasn’t with me to see it all, but Amanda is a wonderful companion. She was practically a tour guide.

  Wednesday we didn’t go to the conference at all. It was just a business meeting. We packed up and hopped the train back to Madrid. We got there in time for the menu del dia for lunch then we checked into the hotel, took a nap, and spent hours wandering around El Mercado.

  Thursday we spent the day at the Prado. I love El Greco! We also went to the Cathedral and shopped. I bought Veronica some earrings and a purse for Mom.

  Friday we toured the Parque del Retiro and saw the Palacio De Cristal. It was stunning. We shopped some more. This time I bought David a portfolio and Dad a blank book for notes. We did the tapas thing—so many scrumptious little bites—especially the ham and chorizo.

  Saturday we flew back. Even though we flew during the day, I was exhausted, so I slept the whole way. During our layover in Miami, I called David to make sure he could pick me up. Then I called Mom to tell her I was back in the States, and she gave me the best news I’ve ever had. They were moving Dad to a halfway house in Houston in the summer. We could see him every week. I kind of wish I hadn’t accepted Amanda’s summer research stipend, because I’ll be staying in Austin, but I guess I can go back to Houston on the weekends. The best part is that Dad gets out before Christmas. He got the maximum credit for good behavior—not really a surprise—and was getting out a few months early.

  David was there to pick me up. I fell into his arms—happy but exhausted despite sleeping for hours on the way back. He knew just what to do. He took me to Kerbey Lane and fed me pancakes and queso. I told him about Dad. We discussed our future plans. He looked a little smug the whole time.

  “We’re staying here—together—this summer, right?” he asked.

  “If you want. I’ve got that stipend, but what will you do?”

  “Hurricane will keep me busy and flush. I started looking for a place to stay this summer.”

  “We can get a place together?” I asked a bit flabbergasted at this level of commitment.

  “Sure,” he answered as if it were no big deal. “It makes the most sense.”

  “Mom won’t be thrilled,” I observed.

  “She’ll get over it. It’s the twenty first century, besides she’ll be so excited about your dad, she won’t notice. And we can go back to Houston every weekend to visit your dad.”

  I nodded.

  “Do you want to look at some places together?” he asked.

  “I don’t really care David. Just remember, my stipend is $4500 for all three months. I really can’t fork over more than $700 a month for rent.”

  “I’m sure I can work with that,” David answered looking very pleased with himself.

  He was making me suspicious. “What’s up?”

  He gave me his best innocent little boy look. “Up? Nothing. Just planning for the future.”

  I gave him the side eye, “Okay, if you say so.”

  That evening we got back to his room and made slow, sweet love. It was glorious. I took a shower and got in bed. Even though it was a little early, David joined me in bed. We squeezed together on the narrow bed. He wrapped his arms around me, sighed, and fell asleep before I did.

  *

  Monday morning found me back in the pool trying to stay away from David who was slicing through the water like a shark. Then at breakfast, he still had the same Cheshire cat smirk that he had had all day Sunday as we opened the lab. I couldn’t stand it. I asked, “What’s up? Did you hear from M.I.T.? Did you get in?”

  David frowned. “No, actually, I got turned down by M.I.T. but Stanford accepted me.”

  “That’s great!” I shrieked. “I met a guy at the conference from Stanford. He’s doing amazing stuff. I think it’s my first choice now.”

  “Really! That’s great! I love the bay area, but I didn’t get
funding,” David explained.

  I could feel my face fall, but I quickly put on a positive face. “That’s not a big deal. You don’t have any loans from undergrad. You’re probably eligible for aid. Just take a few loans and once they get to know you, I’m sure you’ll get aid. I’m sure it will work out.”

  He nodded and got a smug smirk on his face, “I’m sure you’re right.”

  *

  A few days later, David wanted to know if we could look at an apartment Friday afternoon.

  “Sure, I’m free after my one o’clock class gets out,” I answered.

  “And then let’s plan on a hot date—to celebrate,” he added.

  “Sure, but what are we celebrating?”

  “You know,” he answered vaguely, “getting a summer apartment, Stanford, whatever.”

  “I’m always up for a hot date, but let’s not go someplace too expensive. You’ve got to save for Stanford,” I warned.

  “Sure, sure. We’ll hit a happy hour or something, but have your fabulous, silver cocktail dress ready to go.”

  And he was true to his word, just after I stashed my stuff in my room Friday afternoon, he picked me up in his Honda then drove a grand total of four blocks east to an old sixties complex that had clearly been rehabbed. It was old limestone, but clean and perfect and accented with orange trim and orange pool furniture.

  David seemed oddly nervous—his whole body was quivering. I gave him the side eye.

  “What?” he asked. “Don’t you like it?”

  “I love it. But can we afford this? I told you I didn’t want to spend more than $700/month. This place seems like more than $1400/month. In fact, maybe I shouldn’t take the summer internship. We can stay in Houston and save money. I can see my dad.”

  David stopped and looked me in the eye. “You will not give up the internship. It’s the ideal opportunity to develop your skills. And we’ll go back every weekend if you want to see your dad.”

  “Okay, but don’t you need to save money?”

  “Sure, but Hurricane will keep me busy.”

  “Good, good.”

  We walked through the entrance into the courtyard that boasted a beautiful, large, sparkling, rectangular pool, perfect for laps and lounging.

  David gestured toward the pool, “you like?”

  “Of course, it’s gorgeous,” I replied, “but…”

  David fairly sprinted up the stairs to the left. By the time I got up there, he had already jammed a key in the lock of the first unit on the left.

  “Shouldn’t we wait for the super or something?” I asked.

  David opened the door and held up the key. He explained a bit redundantly. “I’ve got a key.” He waved me in.

  Inside light flooded in bouncing off of the gleaming oak floors and the white stone counter tops. On the right, a coat closet created a window seat in the breakfast nook that opened onto a small, but perfect kitchen with stainless steel appliances and solid-surface counters.

  “Do you think it’s too small?” asked David.

  “It is a bit small, but we’re not huge cooks, and it’s perfect.”

  David visibly relaxed. He gestured towards the living area. “What do you think?”

  “Gorgeous.” And it was. Sunlight flowed through the windows and warmed up the hardwood floor.

  David walked over to the first door on the right. “Here’s the first bathroom.” He revealed a small, but clean bathroom done in sixties turquoise tile.

  I giggled. “I love the sixties.”

  “It’s small,” he offered.

  “Sure, but it makes up for it with attitude,” I answered.

  He grinned and moved on to the next door. “I thought we could use this room as an office and maybe put in a twin bed and dress it like a couch for lounging, but guests would have a place to sleep.”

  “Sure, sure. We absolutely need room for guests.” I shook my head. Who did he think we were?

  He moved onto to the next door down the hallway. He opened the door with Vanna White flair and simply said, “The Master.”

  I walked in to a surprisingly large and inviting room. Once again sunlight came in from windows on two walls.

  David gave the Vanna White treatment to another door, “the closet,” a large, walk-in closet, and then to the next door, “the bathroom.”

  The bathroom was tiny, but stunning. It held a small, glassed in shower, black and white marble floor, a small vanity with a marble counter top, and a cute toilet.

  “It’s a bit small,” David said a bit dejectedly.

  “It’s charming and perfect and the second bathroom.”

  “Do you like the place?” David asked as if his life depended on it.

  “Of course I like it. What’s not to like? It’s perfect. I couldn’t have imagined a better place. But how can we afford it? Is someone at Hurricane sub-leasing it or something?” I asked right as David went down on one knee and fumbled with his pocket. I gasped and took a step back, then he opened the box to reveal a key.

  He stared into my eyes and asked, “B.D. Chase, will you live with me in this condo for at least the next two years?”

  “What?…I don’t understand. What about Stanford?”

  “I…let me explain,” answered David as he led me to the window seat in the breakfast nook. He looked into my eyes and explained, “My dad left me some money.”

  “Great!” I interjected. “ You can use that money to go to Stanford.”

  “And that was my first thought too. Now I don’t have to wrack up debt going to graduate school. But then I thought about it, really thought about it, and I thought maybe there’s a reason I didn’t get funding.”

  I shook my head, “I’m sure it was just a competitive year.”

  “And then Hurricane called; they offered me a job. A good job. A job that pays well enough that I could buy this place without my dad’s money, but I can close faster if I pay all cash, so why not spend his money?” he shrugged.

  “But what about Stanford?” I asked.

  “I’m sure it will get along fine without me. I thought about it—really thought about it, and I realized I like programming and blowing things up and I’m good at it. I’m a lot better at blowing things up than experimenting. I would be a mediocre academic at best, but I’m a great programmer. And you deserve better than being attached to a mediocre academic. You deserve the opportunity to go to the best school for you—not to follow me where ever I go. You should have the best chance to research and present and publish and change life as we know it. You shouldn’t have to spend time teaching basic math and physics to losers who don’t want to learn in the tutoring center. You don’t need the practice. You’re already a great teacher. You need to spend your time learning how to be a great scientist. And I want to help you do that. In fact, I think more than anything I want to support you, so you can do great things.”

  “Really?” I asked as tears started to roll down my face.

  “Really.” He nodded emphatically. “Give me your keys.” I handed them over, and he rolled the condo key onto my ring and handed them back. Then he took my face between his two hands and kissed me tenderly, but the kiss deepened, became more passionate and then we were unbuttoning clothing and groping, but David stepped back and fairly yelled, “Stop! Let’s wait for the bed.”

  “The bed?” I asked.

  “Yes, the bed. A queen. It gets here Monday. And I ordered some ridiculously high thread count sheets to go on it. I ordered them literally just minutes after signing the papers to get this place. Once the bed gets set up, we can break it in. We can even stay here for the rest of the semester if you want.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep in a bed without someone’s body parts hanging off.”

  David smirked. “I’m sure you can get used to it. I thought this weekend we could go to Ikea and get a few things like a table and chairs, a couch, maybe a few kitchen things. I don’t want to fill the condo up immediately. I just want to get a few thin
gs so that it will function and then acquire a few quirky things to fill in as we come across them.”

  I kissed David tenderly again. “I love that you understand about thread counts and function and quirky things with character.” I gave him another kiss. “That sounds like a plan.”

  Epilogue

  Two years and two months later

  David

  B.D. put one last strip of tape on the last box and wrote kitchen on it and then carried it to the Pack Rat. I kissed her. “Do you know how incredible you are?” I asked, again, I couldn’t help it.

  B.D. shrugged. “I think I’m just regular incredible.”

  “No, you’re not. Not many people could go through graduation, a wedding, and moving half way across the country in one month. Just the thank you notes alone would fell a lesser human.”

  B.D. giggled. “You did help with the thank you notes.”

  “They were my presents too,” I explained. “Honestly the truly impressive part of the wedding was letting the minister use your full name.”

  “For a second there, I thought the gasp would blow the roof off the church, but I guess a one hundred and fifty year old building can withstand a little shock.”

  “And it made your mother so happy,” I added.

  “It sure did.” B.D. agreed. “Are you sure they want the Ikea table and chairs?”

  “Yes, your mother was quite clear. She said her table and chairs wouldn’t fit, and she’d always thought this table and chairs fit so perfectly in the space. We’re going to have to buy a few things for the Palo Alto place anyway, and I think it will cost almost as much to ship the table and chairs as they cost to buy new. They have Ikea in California.”

  B.D. rolled her eyes in the cutest way, “I know; I’m just surprised she’s letting go of her mother’s furniture.”

  “She’s not letting go. She’s just putting it in storage until they sell the Houston house and decide what they want to buy here.”

  “I’m sure they’ll stay here at least a few years, until they can turn a profit on this place. Dad wants to really focus on just publishing and teaching—no distractions. Even though they hired him with tenure, he doesn’t want the school to feel cheated. One famous proof counts for a lot, but he wants to do more. And Dad really likes the idea of being one of those cool, eco-friendly profs that bikes to class. I’m not sure he’ll want to give that up.” B.D. prognosticated, “I wish they hadn’t insisted on paying us top-dollar for this place even though it is great.”