Chapter 2
A Time To Laugh
Rita headed for Shane's house and was greeted by a loud squeal that could be heard two doors down. The two sat on the couch eating appetizers and drinking wine. "Well, give me the details," Shane said.
"Well, we were at the Mailbox Grille listening to Gabe play Blues music. When he was finished and everyone left, it was just Norman and myself. He said he had come up with the perfect nickname for me. I said that it was alright, but maybe I was not meant to have a nickname. Then he said, how about Rita Moonriver Haywith Dorman? At first, it took me off guard, then I couldn't believe what was happening. He got down on one knee and then I did the same. I accepted. We both burst out laughing and screamed. Of course, you know Norman, he forgot the ring so when we left, I went to his apartment and picked it up. It was perfect!"
"That is so romantic! You guys are meant for each other. I'm so excited for you and Norman. When is the wedding?"
"We're thinking fall or our anniversary in December. Now, tell me what happened on your assignment."
"I can't disclose much, just that I was out of the country for a while with no contact with friends or family. I felt like I was in prison. You couldn't get too personal with the other workers and we worked very long hours. There were some explosions and guns firing, the memory still haunts me. When we moved back to D.C., I was relieved."
"What happened between you and Steve?"
"We did talk and spend time working together, but nothing romantic."
"What happened in D.C. when Oliver visited?"
"I was leaving for a break and ran into Oliver and Steve talking in the lobby. I was surprised to see him. We spoke of Hattie and Gabe. Oliver said, that I had made the choice to stay in D.C. and he wanted his pen back. It was the only part of Oliver I had, something he held in high regard that I could touch. I used it on our date at the Ehlat club. And forgot I had it and then we had an interruption. Little did I know, I would be heading to some far off location with Steve. Then, Oliver implied that Steve was lying about me needing to stay in D.C. Then he turned and left me standing there. Alone. I was heartbroken. So when I saw Steve, I asked him if the job had ended. He said that it was up to his discretion. So,I left to come home to Oliver and kept the promise I had made to him the night of our date."
"After the flight, I went straight to the DLO. When he came in and saw me in his chair, I knew that I had surprised him. He didn't think I was going to keep my promise. I had to drag responses out of him, he wouldn't say what he meant and I knew it. All that dancing around the subject of "us" finally came to an end. Getting him to admit that he had moved my desk because it hurt to look at it was like pulling a loose tooth from a child. I started showing him the letters I had written with his pen, and venting. He grabbed me suddenly and kissed me, and it was more than I had dreamed it would be." (sigh)
"I am so happy for you two that you finally got everything out in the open. What time is it?" (yawn while looking at watch) "It's getting late and I should leave. I'll see you tomorrow."
"We'll have lunch tomorrow and talk about wedding details."
"OK."
