"The truth is, not one of us is innocent. We all have sins to confess."
― C.W. Gortner, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
"Hey Mac its me. I know your busy but I had a few things to go over with you. Business and personal...If you could give me a call that would be great", he ended the call and continued working away. His cell lit up as he hung up the land line. Looking down at the notification it was a text.
"It's nice seeing you". Logan let a partial smile assuming it was Veronica. Little to his knowledge it wasn't her. He scratched his head trying to think of a witty comeback, but found none. He set the cell back down and continued about his day unaware he was being watched.
And sent. How ironic the text was. Seeing you-or seeing you. Maybe it should have said watching you. Ofcorse he would have assumed it Veronica, but it would change when things were cleared up. It had always been hard making out his facial expressions. Especially when on the phone. Not that hes ever been one to show anything but his poker face. There must be a way to smoke one of the two out. Veronica obviously got the message loud and clear, but decided not to crack what about him. After a thirty minute window of disappointment the voyeur pulled out and left Two Rich Dudes Prodcutions.
Only a few meetings, and some blocked out interviews along the beach developmental project. Not to mention back to the hospital. He had spent a lot of time there the last few days. Logan tried to focus, but the encounter, and text kept flooding the back of his mind. Lunch. She needed to eat. He should too. Was this to quick? There were so many things to be answered. Maybe he should pick it up and take it to the hospital.
"Ana will you clear my schedule", Logan called out to his receptionist.
"Yes sir, but what about your thing with Mr. Casablancas? You know lunch should be ready in about an hour if you wanted to pick it up for you and Mr. Casablancas if it will save time", she asked intrigued.
"Ah yes um just tell him to send out the crew, and Ill help edit through this weekend. Lunch good I'll pick it up Dick can find something else. Thanks...Hey Ana did the dry cleaners drop off my blue top, and pin stripes", Logan smiled and peaked through the door.
"Yes sir, along with the red top too", she smiled back. Pointing at the closet.
"Ana," he tilted his head and swung over the door frame.
"You already know my thoughts sir", flashing a smile, and a little more than intrigued.
"Ok thank you then", he said as she went over and picked out the cranberry quarter sleeved top and passed it back to him.
"Ana one last thing, do you think you could do me a favor",he looked her in the eyes.
"Yes I will make sure to call you if the hospital or Alicia calls, and sir if I were you I would take a shower first", she said.
"I do belive you just insulted me, but I will overlook it this time", he grinned and rushed out of the office.
Around 11am the doctor had brought in a social worker, and called a meeting between Veronica and Alicia. The same technical terms. And mentioning the end of life measures again. They went over all the details of Keith Mars POLST forms, and directives. Both women went over the information again and again asking about the odds and other options. Both unable to agree. The doctor and the social worker agreed to come back when a desicion had been made. The social worker leaving several pamphlets on the table.
"I have to disagree with this form. This was before we were married. I know my husband would WANT to live", Alicia said with a very confident authority.
Veronica listened and tried to hold her tongue. " I just don't see how you could say that. In this line of work especially. I know my dad loves you, but this is a huge thing", she let out.
"Veronica how could you say that. How can you even fathom what your dad is thinking. There are miracles everyday. Everyday someone wakes up from a coma", Alicia said trying to convince blond stranger.
" Miracles? And if he's in a wheelchair, eating ground up food for the rest of his life. What kind of miracle is that. What about having random people dress him? Don't you think he deserves respect? No my dad is a good man. I can't see that for him", Veronica escalated the conversation with disgust.
"You can't predict the future Veronica, he cold come out of it. What if he woke up tomorrow", she said trying to persuade her.
"And what if he doesn't, what right do you have," Veronica said trying not to cry or step over anymore boundaries.
"You are his daughter. I value your opinion you know your dad is a good man. I don't want to lose him," she said.
"He's already gone. Did you not see the piping thing coming out of his nose and mouth. The machines that are forcing him to fricken function. The people that come in and clean him up because he can't do anything for himself. Where is he, please", she finally burst out. Veronica running her eyes and nose across her arm. Alicia also crying now. Apologized and once again hugged her daughter.
"I don't know Veronica just give it some time please. Dont forsake him now", she whispered in her ear clutching the younger one.
Veronica pulled away trying to straighten herself out. " I just need a breather. I'll meet you back in dads room", Veronica mumbled. She put her hands in her pocket and left the conference room. Unsure where to go since hospitals didn't have liquor. She walked by her dads room and straight for the elevator. She couldn't breath. She hit the button. And hit it again. It didn't seem quick enough to open. As the doors finally pulled open she was greeted by what looked like to be a Chaplin. Veronica held her breath and stepped on. Was this a sign? Meh.
"Hi. Do you want a tissue," the tall man asked holding out a hankee.
"They still use those", she questioned back.
"Some do", he smiled. She noted his dark brown eyes, a whiter then white smile. She didn't know to take him as comforting, or awkward. "Here please take it, I hate seeing ladies cry", he handed it to her. The doors closed, he didn't get off.
"Thank you", Veronica accepted and confusingly checked it over to make sure it was clean.
"Brand new promise", he chuckled. He held up a scouts honor pledge.
"I'm Veronica", she said, and started to wipe her eyes.
"Ahhh yes Miss Mars. I have met your mom, I was on my way to see her, but you seem like you need a ear", he questioned and held out his hand, "My name is Casper, like the ghost but a little livelier, can I get you lunch" he offered.
"I'm ok really", she politely declined.
" You don't seem to be. Please let me. I won't press anything I know this pub down the road", he grinned, and held out the scouts honor again.
He was definitely charming he had to give him that. Hell the last few days had been hell. Why not. She looked over the man in the suit. He seemed much more colorful than any Chaplin she had seen before. Tan, chiseled, confident very joking demeanor. She had always thought the prereqs would have been dull, humble, maybe ten or so years older.
"Sure, it be a sin to say no right"? She joked, and seconded guessed her poor humor. Might as well be herself why change now. He laughed. The two got off at the ground level and he motioned her to his car.
"I could follow", she said still unsure.
"You could if you would like. Do you mind if I ride with you then", he looked down to her.
"Urm yes. Its kind of a mess at the moment", she said.
"Who am I to judge", he stopped to let her lead.
"Ok then", and they headed out. Leaving behind the mess at the hospital. Veronica still unsure why she agreed to lunch with a stranger.