When Dreams Come True
By JSRobertson
It had been a busy day at NIMR, more so than most with a lot of work that had to get done. Looking at the stack of documents still requiring his attention Admiral Harriman Nelson sighed discouraged. In addition to that load he still needed to meet with his command team to discuss upgrades to his research submarine Seaview. Knowing that this topic would require more time to discuss than was allotted in his schedule he called Chip and Lee to his office ahead of schedule.
"I know we were going to meet later this afternoon regarding some upgrades to Seaview," the admiral said looking at his watch, "It's already 1600 hours, I still have a few important phone calls to make and I think our discussion is going to take longer than we planned. Can we meet at 1900 hours for dinner at Rafaela's? I know its short notice but I really want to get your opinion on these upgrades," he asked them.
"Yes sir," they both replied.
"Will that be a problem with Janet?" the admiral wondered.
"No sir. I'll tell her to go home and make dinner for herself," Lee told the admiral.
"Thanks men. I really appreciate it."
Leaving the admiral's office, they headed down the hall to Janet's office so he could break the news to her. "Sweetie, the admiral wants to meet with Chip and me regarding some upgrades to Seaview tonight at dinner. We've been so busy today that we didn't have a chance to meet during the day. We're meeting at 1900 hours. You can take the car and I'll have Chip drive me home after the meeting."
Looking up from her computer, "Okay, no problem. I'll make something to eat when I get home," she said smiling at her husband. "I'll stop by before I leave. Don't work too late."
((()))
Rafaela's was a fairly new restaurant and pretty crowded for a weeknight but they were able to get a table in the back where it was a little quieter. Chip and Lee ordered a beer while the admiral had a Glenlivet whiskey. When the waitress returned with their drinks they ordered their meals then sat back to relax and enjoy each other's company while waiting for their dinner and getting down to business.
Between bites of his steak Lee asked, "Admiral what did you want to talk to us about?"
"I want your opinions on whether Seaview can handle new radar and sonar systems along with a new radio system. The Navy is launching a new destroyer that is practically run by computers. The SecNav asked me if we would like to test those same devices out on Seaview. I'm not sure she can be configured to take on all the computers and software needed to run them," the admiral said. Seeing the looks of concern on their faces he added quickly, "Now I'm not thinking of replacing any of our crew with these devices,"
Wiping his mouth with a napkin Lee responded, "I think we would have to see the schematics and data before we can make that decision."
"There's a little room for new hardware and software but it depends on how much space is needed," Chip replied eagerly cutting his steak and putting a piece in his mouth. He was the IT guru on Seaview and would like nothing better than to try out the Navy's new equipment. The admiral looked at the two men and could see they were excited about testing the equipment.
"Let me see how much information and data I can get from the Navy before we commit to doing the testing," the admiral commented finishing up his drink.
They continued to discuss the pros and cons to the new equipment as they finished their meal. As the waitress returned to remove their plates she put a dessert menu on the table.
"Gentlemen, can I interest you in some dessert? Rafaela's is known for their homemade cheesecakes," she boasted.
After looking over the menu they took the waitress's advice and all three ordered cherry cheesecake and coffee. When she returned with their coffee and cheesecake the admiral and Chip noticed Lee's piece was a lot larger than theirs.
"I've got more stars and bars and she didn't even care," the admiral said looking at his piece.
"Well it looks like she took a liking to you, Lee" Chip said with a frown as his piece was also smaller than Lee's.
Smiling broadly Lee took a bite of the cheesecake. He knew he wouldn't be able to eat the whole piece so he would take what he didn't eat home to Janet. It was at least some small consolation for having to eat at home alone tonight.
They finished up their desserts and the admiral paid the bill. Then walked out to their cars where Lee and Chip said goodnight to the admiral.
((()))
Chip stopped in front of Lee's garage door, letting him out with his piece of cheesecake. He was hoping he would forget it so he could eat it when he got home.
"Night Chip, thanks for driving. See you tomorrow."
"No problem Lee," Chip answered as he put the car in drive and headed down to his house.
Entering the house, Lee hung up his coat and put his cover in the closet. He could hear the television and it had a football game on but he also heard something else.
"Please help him. Don't let him die," Janet said talking in her sleep as she slept on the couch.
Lee put the bag with the cheesecake on the table, went over to her, knelt down along side the couch and gently shook her awake. She woke up surprised to see Lee at her side. "Sweetheart its okay, you were dreaming," Lee said as he kissed her on the forehead.
"When did you get home?" she asked not fully awake.
"Just now. Are you okay...you were talking in your sleep...who needs help?" Lee asked as he sat alongside her and put his arm around her.
"I don't know. I didn't see a face," Janet replied sitting up on the couch and rubbed his hand.
"Calm down sweetie." He could tell she was upset by the dream.
"Sorry Lee. I have no idea what or who I was dreaming about."
"Did you eat dinner?" he asked as sometimes she wouldn't eat if he wasn't home.
"Yes, I took the leftover chicken put it on the salad and ate that for dinner. What's in the bag?" she asked seeing it on the table.
"Leftover cheesecake. The admiral and Chip were mad because the waitress gave me a bigger piece than them but I don't understand why."
Shaking her head as he could be so naive, "Honey, she gave you a bigger piece because she was trying to pick you up," she told him looking at him. He was one handsome man and he was all hers.
Blushing slightly he laughed, "Do you want to eat it now?"
"No I don't feel like it now. I'll keep it until tomorrow. I'm still tired let's go to bed."
He took her hand and helped her up off the couch. He turned off the television, lights and went upstairs to their bedroom. Janet took her make up off, washed her face and slipped into bed next to Lee who was already there waiting for her so he could wrap his arm around her. He fell asleep but she laid there for awhile trying to figure out who was in her dream.
((()))
Janet woke up at 0430 the next morning. Lee was still sleeping so she carefully un-wrapped his arm from her and got up. She put on her robe and went downstairs. She made some coffee and while she waited for it to finishing brewing she looked outside and could see it was just starting to get light. When the coffee was finished, she grabbed a cup along with the leftover cheesecake and went outside on the patio. She sat on the lounge chair drinking the coffee and eating the cheesecake still trying to figure out who and what she was dreaming about. Maybe a character in the book I'm reading, she thought.
When Lee woke up at 0500, he reached for his wife and found she wasn't there. He got up, put on a pair of shorts and went to the bathroom to see if she was in there. He didn't hear the shower running but took a peek in to see if she was in there drying off, but it was empty. He went downstairs and looked in the kitchen. He could see she made a pot of coffee but he hadn't noticed her outside. He went to his office but she wasn't there. He went back upstairs and looked in her office; she wasn't there either. He was getting worried, Where is she,he thought. He went downstairs again and back to the kitchen, then looked outside and saw her sitting on the lounge chair. He grabbed a cup of coffee and went out to join her.
"Sweetie, what are you doing out here it's barely light out. Are you okay?" he said worriedly as she drew her knees up so he could sit down with her.
"Yes, I'm fine. I woke up early and couldn't fall back to sleep so I decided to come out here. It's quiet and I love to listen to the ocean."
He noticed the empty cheesecake container on the patio. "Cheesecake for breakfast is not exactly the breakfast of champions," he laughed.
"I know I shouldn't eat it for breakfast, but it looked good," she laughed back.
Putting his hand on her knee and giving it a squeeze he asked, "Is that dream stilling bothering you?"
"Yes I can't figure out who I'm talking too and what's it about."
"Please don't worry it was just a dream."
They sat there looking at the ocean as it got lighter. Lee got up, helped her to her feet and gave her a kiss as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"How about we skip work today? I'll call and tell the admiral we would like the day off. We can sail down to San Diego and spend the weekend down there, just the two of us."
"As much as I would have love to be alone with you for the weekend," she answered, "We can't, we have the Jenkins' wedding tomorrow and you and Chip have a golf date on Sunday."
"I forgot about the wedding but I know Chip wouldn't mind if I cancelled our golf date. How about we go next weekend?"
"If you're here," she replied sullenly.
Lee had been on a six month leave of absence from ONI Admiral Johnson was forced to give him and the time was up this Sunday. They both knew that Admiral Johnson would waste no time calling Lee for an assignment and that he would probably pay for that leave by getting all the difficult missions.
Lee gently eased her away from him replying, "Sweetie, I know the leave is up this weekend. Maybe Johnson doesn't have any missions for me."
"Lee, be serious, I'm sure he's chomping at the bit to call you for a mission. Do you still want to work for ONI after being off?" she asked with her fingers crossed behind her back hoping he would say no.
Looking her straight in the eye he said softly, "I'm not ready to give it up just yet. Is that okay with you?"
Wrapping her arms around his neck, "I promised you I would accept your need to work for ONI and I will keep my word. I may not like it but I will live with it," she replied unhappily.
"Thank you, sweetie. Do we have time for some...?" Lee asked as he kissed her again.
"Sure, we have time but I think we better go in the house. I don't think Chip would appreciate looking out his window and see what we're doing."
"I guess you're right," he replied as she took her arms away from his neck. He opened the patio door for her as they went in the house.
They walked upstairs to the bedroom and climbed back into bed. They got up a little while later and knew that if they didn't hurry they would be late for work. Lee turned the water on in the shower while Janet got her clothes out. They quickly showered together and then finished getting ready for the day.
"I'm going to get another cup of coffee and a bagel," Lee told her before he went downstairs, "Do you want a bagel too?"
"No, I'm fine the cheesecake filled me up. I'll be down shortly," she said from the bathroom.
"Take your time we still have a few minutes before we have to leave," he told her as he ran down the stairs.
Janet came downstairs about twenty minutes later ready to go to work. Lee looked at her and smiled. She was wearing a short black dress with a pink jacket.
"Sweetie, you look lovely today as usual."
"Thanks honey. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied looking him over from head to toe before grabbing his tie and pulling his mouth down to hers so she could give him a kiss.
After finishing breakfast and cleaning up, they went out to the garage and got in Janet's SUV, no cobra today as it looked like rain.
((()))
They arrived at the institute just as Chip was getting out of his car. He waited for them before going in.
"Good morning, Lee, Janet," Chip greeted them.
"Morning, Chip," they answered back as they walked into the institute and took the elevator up to their floor.
When they arrived upstairs they were the first ones there so Janet made the coffee and went to her office. She would be very busy today as she had a lot of reports and letters to type up. As soon as the coffee was finished brewing, Lee and Chip grabbed a cup and went to Lee's office to talk about the new upgrades the admiral was proposing.
"Do you think there is enough room for all the equipment?" Lee asked taking a sip of his coffee.
Sitting on the edge of Lee's desk Chip replied, "Maybe but I'm going to have to see how much room it's going to take, we don't have a lot of room in there."
"Well we'll know when the admiral gets the information."
Chip left Lee's office, grabbed another cup of coffee and went to his office to tackle all the paperwork on his desk. Lee's desk wasn't much better. His in box was filled and falling onto the desk. He needed to finish all his work by the end of the day. He would get it off his desk and onto Janet's desk so she wasn't going to be very happy with him.
Angie had gotten in a few minutes after Chip, Lee and Janet. She was waiting for the admiral as he had quite a bit of work to do and she wanted to make sure he got it to her before they left for the day. When he arrived he stopped at Lee's office before going to his.
"I'm going to San Diego on Sunday to meet with Jiggs and hopefully can get some information on the upgrades."
"That's good, Chip and I are anxious to see what space is needed."
((()))
Lee woke up at 0500 on Saturday morning and laid there looking at his wife who was still sleeping. She woke up and found him staring at her.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked sitting up on one arm.
"No just looking at you," he told her kissing her gently.
They decided to go out for some exercise, a run for Lee and a walk for Janet. When they got out on the patio, it was a beautiful sunny day but they could tell it was going to be little warmer than it had been during the week. As they were walking down to the beach, they ran into Chip who was going for a run too so Lee and Chip ran while Janet walked. They would run about five miles to her two mile walk. They met up a few blocks from their houses. As they walked back Janet heard Chip's stomach growl.
Giggling Janet said, "Come on up, I'll make pancakes for breakfast."
"Thanks I'm really hungry," he replied gratefully.
Lee made the coffee while Janet got the batter ready for the pancakes and Chip set the table. They sat down and ate the pancakes.
"These are really good today. Almost a good as Cookie's," Chip exclaimed while he took two more.
"He gave me his recipe," Janet told him smiling. "We made a deal, he gives me the recipe and I stay out of the galley while he cooks."
Lee almost choked on his pancakes. "He's bribing you to stay out of the galley?"
"Yes after I got back from the admiral's house I wanted to help him. He didn't want me in there so I get the recipes I want to stay out."
Both Chip and Lee chuckled. Cookie didn't like anybody in his galley. He barely let the mess specialists in there to help him.
"Well I better get going. Have to make sure I'm ready on time for the wedding," Chip said after he put his dishes in the dishwasher. "See you later and thanks for breakfast."
"Okay bro, see you later."
Lee helped Janet clean up the rest of the dishes. She went upstairs to make sure her dress or Lee's shirt didn't need pressing while Lee left to go get a haircut and would pick up his and Chip's cleaning. He came back an hour later after dropping Chip's cleaning at his house. Janet was out on the patio watering the plants in the planters.
"Sweetie, who's going to take care of these plants while we're away?" Lee asked while he picked up one of the flowers.
"I asked Sergio, the institute gardener, to look after them while we're gone."
"I'm actually surprised they're still alive," he said as he nuzzled her neck. "How much time do we have?"
Giving him a dirty looked after his comment about the flowers she checked her watch and replied, "Not enough time to do what you're thinking. I have to start getting ready; you know it takes me a lot longer than you."
"Okay, I'll take a rain check."
They went into the house and upstairs. Janet turned on the shower and jumped in while Lee got the rest of his service dress blue uniform out of the closet. Janet had bought a new dress for the wedding and hadn't shown it to Lee. It was a dress with navy, pale yellow and white stripes. After she did her hair and make up, she stepped into the dress, and sat on the bed to put on her shoes. Lee came out of the bathroom as his wife stood up. He couldn't believe how gorgeous she looked and would cash in his rain check when they got home.
((()))
Chip picked them up for the wedding and made his way to the admiral's house. He was waiting outside for them when Chip pulled up. He climbed in the front seat while Lee hopped in the back with Janet. They found where the country club was with no problem, sat down and waited for the wedding to start. Lee and Chip smiled at each other when they saw Jenkins' come down the aisle. They could see he was very nervous more nervous than when he took over the conn Seaview for the first time. It was a beautiful ceremony but they only served finger sandwiches so Chip was hungry when they left. They stopped at the diner on the way home for some real food.
Chip dropped the admiral off at his house and before he left the car, Lee said, "Have a safe trip to San Diego tomorrow."
"Thanks, Lee. I'll see what information Jiggs has for me. Enjoy the rest of your weekend," the admiral answered as he got out of Chip's car.
When Chip got to Lee and Janet's house she asked, "Chip, why don't you stay for dinner after your golf game tomorrow. We'll barbecue some steaks."
"Sounds good, see you tomorrow morning," Chip said as he drove away.