Chapter Two
Sitting at her computer, Jennifer read the words that Cole had written to her. As if the day wasn’t stressful enough, she finally reached a breaking point and allowed the tears to flow down her face.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” she heard her Aunt Marcie say.
“Sorry, Aunt Marcie. I am just stressed about today and sad. I got an email from an old friend and it just pushed me over the edge. I thought he was going to be my dad when he and mom returned from Afghanistan, but it never happened and I haven’t seen him in two years, but every year on this day, my birthday, Christmas, and mom’s birthday, he always writes to me. I wrote back to him a few times. I even invited him to visit, but he always seemed to have an excuse. The last time I asked was at Christmas, but since then I’ve given up any hope that I will see him again. I don’t understand why he won’t visit me unless I didn’t mean as much to him as I thought.”
Seeing the anguish in Jennifer’s eyes, Marcie walked over and hugged her tightly. “I know this is hard for you. I’m sure that he understands. This has been a very difficult time for all of us, and I’m sure it’s been as difficult on him. He probably blames himself for your mother not coming home, and is concerned that you blame him as well.” Marcie continued to hold Jennifer as she cried herself out. Finally, Marcie released Jennifer and looked at her, “Well I don’t know about you, but let’s get out of here and go away for a few days. I think we could both use a distraction. How about you go pack a bag for the beach and I’ll make some arrangements for us to go away. I have plenty of vacation time and Lincoln can fend for himself for a few days.”
Jennifer nodded her agreement and left the dining room table to go pack her things as Marcie sat there reflecting upon what her life has become. In no way would she trade caring for her niece but she would give everything she had to have April back and Jennifer with her mom. Marcie reached over for her phone calling the only person she trusted to help her out.
“Dr. Montgomery… oh sorry Marcie, didn’t realize it was you. What can I do for you this evening?”
“Hey Lincoln. Sorry to call like this, but I need to cash in a favor.”
“Marcie, you can call anytime and as long as it doesn’t involve me changing a diaper I’m your man. What can I do for you?”
“I need to get away for a few days and take Jennifer out of town. With the anniversary of her mother’s death, she is just having a hard time, and to tell you the truth I am too. I need a few days off so I can take her to the beach and maybe play a little golf.”
Lincoln smiled at his assistant through the phone knowing that she was the most unassuming and independent person that he knew. “Well, I think I can help with that. I’m going to Vegas for a few days to deal with the new acquisitions so I won’t need you and the condo at Sawgrass is empty so you would be doing me a favor and checking on it for me if you wanted to go there. Also, I’ll call the club and make sure all your golf is charged to my account. What do you say?”
Marcie wanted to jump up and down. “I say thank you. Are you sure you won’t need me for a few days? I mean the new residents are starting soon.”
“I’ll get Calla to cover. They’ll be so busy they’ll have no reason to come looking for you. Why don’t you stay for a couple of weeks and start back the Monday after July 4th?”
“Thanks, I really appreciate it. I’ll see you in a few weeks then.” Marcie hung up and went about packing her bags. Making sure that the car was packed including the golf clubs Marcie and Jennifer headed down I-75 on the way to Jacksonville and a much-needed vacation.
***
Cole sat at his computer staring at the response from Jennifer. He was surprised to hear from her but it made him feel better to know that she was adjusting to her new life. Knowing that she was in Atlanta made his decision to talk to Lincoln much easier. At least if he was in the same city, he could put his past aside and see her, maybe even help out. Cole had decided long ago that Jennifer would never want for anything and would ensure that she had her college paid for and a good life. However, to this point he had been unable to deliver on that promise but it was one he fully intended to keep.
Hearing his phone ring brought Cole back to the present. “CDR. Ryan.”
“Cole it’s dad. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
“No, I was just finishing up charts and thinking about April and Jennifer.”
“Well I have good news. I spoke to the CNO this afternoon when we were having lunch. He assured me that he would fast track your resignation and ensure that you were out by the end of December. I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through all of this, but just know I’ll do whatever I can to support you. Also, your mother asked if you were bringing anyone to the 4th of July cookout. I already know the answer, but I have to ask anyway.”
“First, thank you so much for dealing with my resignation, and second, you know I haven’t dated since April died. I don’t know if I will be ready to anytime soon if ever.”
Cole listened to silence for a few seconds as his father gathered his thoughts. Before he could speak his father spoke again, “Cole you know your mother and I love you, but you cannot live your life in the past. April would not have wanted you to do that. We just want you to find the same love and happiness that your brother Evan has found with Kim.”
“I know dad, and maybe I will, but right now I have no place in my heart for anyone else. Thanks for everything, but I really need to go so that I can get out of here before anything else happens today. Give mom my love.” With that, Cole hung up and looked out of his office window across the river into downtown Norfolk. April always loved this view Cole thought, shaking his head as he got up and headed home to drink away the pain and drown out the memories.