Out to See Daria
Monday Late Morning
Daria was in the bedroom putting away the last items from the trip she just took with Tom. After a week at the beach all the clothes needed a trip through the washing machine and the other items needed to be purged of any sand. It had been a great chance to unwind after three months of hectic activity. Looking back it was amazing what had been accomplished: interviewing, defending her doctoral thesis, graduating, and moving. A week on the beach had been really relaxing.
Of course not everything had been exhausting. She and Tom had celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Jane had visited from Boston and they had fixed her up with Tom's old roommate. Daria had even gone on two shopping trips with Quinn and a trip to the salon without killing her sister. Tom's Dad was really nice to send the company plane to take them from New York back to Lawndale after the movers picked up all of their stuff. Now they were home in Lawndale in the new townhouse they had rented. The new car was nice, too. Tom would start his new job at Paige, Sloane and Grace on Monday. Next week Daria would start at Lawndale State University. Once she had the keys to her office and a parking pass she could move in and start getting ready for the fall semester and get her research work going.
Daria glanced in the mirror above the dresser. Beyond her auburn hair, oval face, and brown eyes she could see Tom sneaking up behind her. In her characteristic deadpan voice Daria told Tom, "You know making your wife jump out of her skin can have unpleasant consequences."
"Aww. You spoiled all the fun of it!" Tom said as he came up behind her, put his arms around her waist and kissed her on the top of her head.
Daria continued to look in the mirror. At 5' 10" Tom was a head above her 5' 3" height. With his square jaw and chiseled features, sandy hair and gray eyes he was a good looking guy. Accountants may not be the most exciting people in the world, but he was far better than most. Besides, who was she to complain? She was an English professor.
Just as she was reveling in the moment her phone started playing Jane's ringtone. Daria reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out her phone. Tom walked off. Daria answered, "Hey Jane."
"Daria! How's the new place?" Jane asked.
"It's nice," Daria answered. "There is so much room compared to the apartment in New York. We got our boxes unpacked in just two days and then went to the beach for a week. It was relaxing having absolutely nothing to do."
"How did you get there?" Jane asked.
Daria responded, "We bought a car and drove. It is kind of weird having to drive places again. I was so used to using public transit in New York."
"I don't know what I would do without the 'T' here in Boston," Jane replied. "I can hardly imagine having to drive everywhere. It would be a nightmare here. Anyway, the reason I called is that Jim and I are going to be in Lawndale for a few days next weekend. I've decided that it is time to introduce him to 'Casa Lane.'"
"I thought you really liked Jim," Daria deadpanned.
Jane came back with, "Funny Daria. I do like him. It is also time that he meets some of my family members."
"You could take him to one of your family reunions in the Midwest," Daria said.
"I want to just concentrate on the remnants of my immediate family and not torture him. He can meet Trent and if Wind's wife has locked him out of the house again, then he can meet Wind. Sommer isn't in town and Penny is in some unknown corner of Central America. I just wish my parents hadn't been so insistent about photographing the lava and getting 'living rock' from that volcano in the Caribbean. They could meet Jim instead of being entombed in a lava flow. Two years later and it still really hurts, even if they were pretty neglectful parents." Jane lamented.
Daria tried to reassure her best friend, "Jane, you know I am here for you anytime you need me. So is Tom."
Jane went on, "I do want to spend some time with you while we are in Lawndale – alone. Maybe we can persuade the boys to take in a ballgame or something so that you and I can just talk. Also, I need you to do something for me."
"Anything Jane," Daria replied.
"I need you to find a cleaning service that can go into the house and give it a good scrubbing. My parents willed the house to Trent and me, but obviously he is the only one living there. Thus, I am certain the place needs to be scrubbed. The refrigerator and kitchen appliances will need to be cleaned and not to mention the bathrooms. You know that if cleanliness is next to godliness, then Trent is destined for hell. I have the funds to pay for this, since Trent is probably broke as usual." Jane had a note of frustration in her voice.
"I can get you some prices, but you are going to have to call Trent and make arrangements with him. Can't just show up on the doorstep and say 'Hi, I'm here to arrange to have your filthy house cleaned.' "
Jane responded, "Actually that doesn't sound like a bad idea. God only knows what has been going on in there. But, I will call Trent and let him know that I asked you to arrange something for me. He will probably need to give you a key or more likely you will have to go get one from him."
Daria went on to get some specifics about the house so that she could look for cleaning services. Since their internet was not yet connected, she searched for local services on her phone. She found three that did background checks on their employees. Of the three services, two were franchises and one was a local operation. She walked over to her office in the second bedroom, sat down, and placed some calls. With the information she had about the house she was able to get general costs for a one-time cleaning, however each company stated that they needed to see the house in order to prepare a firm bid. That was what Daria expected. Now she needed to hear from Trent or Jane before proceeding.
Coming down the stairs she spotted Tom sitting on the sofa in the living room reading a book. "What are you reading?" Daria asked.
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," Tom responded. "I found it in the last box in your office. Wasn't this a book you used with your freshmen?"
"Yes," Daria replied, "I think it helps them start thinking about important concepts, such as quality. Is quality objective or subjective? I generally make them write a paper on that topic."
"You're not going to make me write a paper on it are you?" Tom asked.
"That depends on what you do for the teacher. Treat me right and I might let you out of the assignment!" Daria said.
Tom got up, walked over, put his arms around Daria and gave her a big kiss. Daria took his hand and led him upstairs.
Monday Afternoon
Daria and Tom were just finishing lunch when Daria's phone rang. She answered saying, "Hello,"
"Hey Daria. Its Trent."
"Hi Trent."
"Um. Janie told me to call you."
"Did she tell you what it was about?"
"Something about the house needing cleaning so she could come home," Trent said.
"Did she say why?"
"Yeah. She wants to bring her boyfriend here and doesn't want the place to look like a pigsty."
"Very good Trent. She asked me to arrange for a service to come in and clean the place. I will either need to have you home so that someone from each service can come in and put together an estimate or I will need a key to let them in." Daria was hoping she didn't sound too patronizing, but Trent sometimes needed very exact communication in order to understand what was going on.
"You can come get a key. I will be here all afternoon and evening. Mystic Spiral doesn't have a gig tonight." Mystic Spiral was the rock band Trent and three of his friends had formed while still teens. It took them ten years to finally get steady work in the region. Most of the band's gigs were on the weekend, so finding Trent at home was not much of a problem.
"I'll be over in about an hour," Daria said.
"OK. Whenever. Bye," Trent ended the call.
Daria turned to Tom, "I think I want you to go with me on this one."
"Don't trust yourself around Trent?" Tom teased.
"No. I just fear piles of trash becoming animated and eating me," Daria deadpanned.
"So, you think you can run faster than I can?" Tom quipped.
Daria continued in her deadpan voice, "No, I think you would sacrifice yourself for the love of your life. At least you gave me that impression earlier."
"You have to admit this family has a unique relationship with the Lanes. You have the artistic and interesting, though rather odd, Lane family versus us – the professor and the accountant." Tom said.
"True," Daria said. "Let's finish lunch. Then we can drive over and see this disaster."
…..
Tom and Daria pulled up to the Lane house and parked. The new car was nearly silent in electric mode. Maybe if they could sneak up on the rumored piles of trash they could surprise them. The two of them got out of the car, went to the front door, and rang the bell.
Trent opened the door and greeted the two of them, "Hey Daria. Hey Tom. So Janie sent you over to make sure the place is presentable for Jim?"
Daria looked over her first crush. He seemed pretty much the same, except older. He was still wearing scruffy jeans and a t-shirt, but at least there were no holes in them. His goatee needed trimming and his hair looked like he had just gotten out of bed, and there was less of it. Some of his tattoos had faded a bit and it looked like there were a couple new ones. Trent was about the same height as Tom. Daria thought that it was a good thing that early crush had never turned into a relationship. She said, "Something like that. Jane is afraid that he might be either frightened by the state of the place or eaten by a heap of something that came to life," Daria said with a bit of a smirk.
"Well come on in," Trent said. "Contrary to Jane's prejudice, I do keep the place picked up. I will admit to not being too good with a vacuum cleaner, assuming I have one that works. I also don't spend time washing counters and other stuff."
Walking around the familiar house where she and Jane had spent many hours together in their high school years Daria had to agree that generally Trent had kept the place picked up. Clean was another matter. She had no idea what caused the multitude of faint smells, probably everything from old laundry to whatever had died most recently in the refrigerator. Some of it might even be Trent himself.
Tom whispered in Daria's ear when Trent had gone to the basement, "I don't remember this house being in this state, especially the smell."
"Maybe you were just too focused on Jane to notice," Daria quipped. She kind of enjoyed jabbing her husband about dating her best friend before dating her. Thankfully, Daria and Jane's friendship had survived that and Jane had long ago forgiven Tom and Daria.
Tom went on, "I would have noticed. Believe me. I think back and conclude that back then Jane was doing the cleaning, even if she would not admit it. The house could badly use a coat of paint inside and either repair or replacement of the wallpaper."
Daria and Tom made notes as they went along. When they were done on both floors Daria opened the door to the basement and yelled, "Trent! Come up here!" The smell of the basement was no bouquet of roses either.
Together they discussed the process for getting bids. Daria would be there the next morning to meet the company representatives providing the bids. Trent had one restriction however. He did not want the basement touched. That was Mystic Spiral's studio and he didn't want anything messed up down there.
The three finished and Daria and Tom left with Daria planning to return the next morning.
Daria was driving when Tom turned to her and said, "It is kind of sad to see that house just deteriorate. I realize neither Jane nor Trent is slopping over with cash, but it just looks run down. A coat of paint inside would do wonders. The outside still looks OK. At least I know it won't phase Jim. He will be looking at Jane and not the walls. The two of them make a very cute couple."
"Yeah," Daria replied as she turned into their apartment complex.
Tuesday Morning at "Casa Lane"
Daria let herself in with the key given to her by Trent. No need to worry about a security system here – nothing to steal except maybe Mystic Spiral's studio equipment, which was both heavy and old. Daria had stopped on the way for coffee, which she set down on a table in the living room. She did a quick walk around and found things to be at least sufficiently picked up that the place could be cleaned. The first bidder was supposed to show up in 5 minutes. Daria grabbed her coffee, opened the front door, and waited in the foyer. The next three hours should be a real delight. Too bad Trent couldn't bother to arise out of his bed to help.
Eleanor from 'Melody Maids' arrived right on time. She was wearing a bright pink coverall with the musical notes of Melody Maids sown on the left breast pocket. She greeted Daria, "It's a great morning to get things clean! I'm Eleanor from Melody Maids! You must be Mrs. Sloane. How are you this wonderful morning!"
Daria said in her absolute best deadpan voice, "Hi. I'm Dr. Sloane and other than the fact that I am spending my morning getting bids to clean a house I don't own I'm just peachy. Thank you for coming. Please follow me as we walk around the house."
Eleanor made notes as they walked around. When they went into the kitchen she stopped Daria and said, "Dr. Sloane. I'd like to give you this phone number. DisasterMaster is a company that specializes in clean ups after fires, floods, murders, and other disasters. Their services are what you need here. This place is just too far gone for my company. However, thank you for thinking of us and I hope you have a wonderful and clean day!" And with that she left the phone number on the counter and walked out of the house.
Well, Daria thought. That was special. The place was dirty, but a disaster clean up company? Really? Well, nothing to do but wait and see what the next company said. She walked into the living room, sat on the sofa, and sipped a bit on her coffee. She pulled out her phone and started playing a game to pass the next forty five minutes until the next bidder showed up.
Again, five minutes before the appointed time Daria opened the front door and waited for the next person to arrive, lest she cause Trent to stir. He was wearing bright green khakis and a matching polo shirt with the logo of 'Helpful House Husbands' emblazoned on the shirt pocket and he carried a briefcase. He said, "Mrs. Sloane? I'm Harry Houseman. Thank you for calling and letting Helpful House Husbands bid on your job."
The first thing that went through Daria's mind was 'Does everyone in this business have a cheesy name and uniform?' But what she said was, "Hi. I'm Dr. Sloane. Let's have a look around the house."
With that she started showing Harry around the downstairs. They made it through the downstairs and as they headed upstairs she asked that he be quiet, since there was a day sleeper. He would make other arrangements for cleaning day. When they finished the tour they returned to the kitchen where they sat down at the table. He opened his briefcase and pulled out an array of materials.
"Dr. Sloane, I will be blunt. Your house is a mess and it will take quite an effort to clean it."
Daria replied, "It isn't my house. It belongs to a friend of mine, who is the sister of the day sleeper upstairs. It is half his as well. I am just doing them a favor handling bids for the job."
"Well, let me tell you about our services and how Helpful House Husbands would approach a major job like this one," Harry said. He went on, "We have a number of patent pending processes we use to remove deep dirt from carpets, floors, and even walls."
Daria held up her hand, "Please Mr. Houseman, don't go into the details. I promised my friend to get bids on the cleaning. I really do not care to sit through a sales pitch. The next bidder will be here in less than 30 minutes. I would like to just get your written quote. I will be happy to pass on literature to my friend, but it is up to her to decide whether or not she wants to sit through your presentation."
"Not a problem. Let me just pull out my quote sheet and I will put this together." Harry spent about 10 minutes putting together the quote. When he was done he gave it to Daria along with a flyer about their services. He finished by saying, "Please have your friend contact me for a full presentation about our processes. I think I can show her we are superior to other companies. And don't let someone convince you that you need a disaster mitigation company. The place isn't that bad. It just needs a thorough and deep cleaning. Here is the quote. Have a great day!" And with that he headed out the door.
Daria looked over the quote that Harry had given her. Her conclusion was that he would be cleaning out more than the house. He would be cleaning out Jane's bank account as well. If Jane was going to spend this kind of money on a house cleaning, then maybe Daria would draft Tom and do the job. For a good bit less they could have another nice week at the beach! Hopefully the next quote would come in at a more reasonable level.
Daria heard a car pull in the driveway. The representative from 'Cleaning Crew' must be arriving. She jumped up and headed for the door, so that the person wouldn't ring the doorbell and wake Trent. She whipped the door open and there before her stood a nice looking black woman in a skirt and sport coat.
"Daria Morgendorffer?" The woman exclaimed.
"Jodi Landon?" Daria responded. After a moment getting over the shock Daria invited her in and said, "You're the Cleaning Crew representative? I never dreamed you would be working with a cleaning company."
"I never thought I would either, but actually I own the company. I saw the request for quote come across my desk and recognized the address. I decided to come out myself and see if it was Jane or Trent requesting the services. I was also intrigued because the name on the request was Sloane."
"Sloane is me. Tom Sloane and I have been married for five years now. We just moved back here from New York." Daria invited Jodi in and they sat down in the living room. Daria went on, "I just got my doctorate from Columbia and I will be starting next week as an Assistant Professor of English at Lawndale State and Tom will be Associate VP of Finance at Paige, Sloane and Grace. Jane is now a successful artist in Boston. So how did you wind up in this business?"
"Wow. I hope you two will be happy here. I majored in business in college and got the entrepreneurship bug. I actually started and sold a business before I graduated. My original plans had been to go to law school, but I decided to get an MBA and focus on entrepreneurship and franchising. I came back to Lawndale, because I could start a business here with lower personal overhead, since I could live at home. The market for housecleaning services is big here. I used the money from the sale of my first business to start 'Cleaning Crew' six years ago. I still run the Lawndale operation myself, but I also now have ten franchisees in other cities as well. I employ thirty people locally and if I include the franchises we are approaching 250 employees. I hope by the end of this year to have at least four more franchises sold and my goal is to sell another dozen next year. I view this as a social service, too. There is nothing more empowering than having a job. I can employ people with minimal skills and train them to be more valuable."
Daria responded, "That is amazing Jodi! You've been really successful."
"I've been successful in business. The problem I have is that being so successful in business has taken all of my time. Remember Mack?"
"Sure. He was your boyfriend when we were in high school. I remember when he confronted your Dad about your choice of colleges," Daria said.
Jodi continued, "Mack went to college and followed me for years. He asked me to marry him twice, but I just kept putting him off. There was too much happening with my business. Three years ago we had our last dinner together. He told me that even though he loved me he had to move on before it was too late. The next week he took a new job and moved out of state. I got a Christmas card from him last year. He is now a senior auditor with his company and has been married for a year. They have the cutest little baby. I'm happy for him, but a little sad for me. Quality men like him are hard to find, especially as I get older. I blew it with Mack."
Daria didn't really know what to say. So she said, "Any man would be lucky to have a relationship with you, Jodi. You are intelligent, accomplished, and a very engaging person."
"Thanks Daria. You've always been very kind to me. That means a great deal to me. I'm sorry to just kind of dump on you like that. It's the first time we've seen each other in years! Besides, you asked me here to do a job. Let's see what it will take."
Daria took Jodi through the house. Once again they were careful not to wake Trent. Jodi took notes and once again Daria found herself at the kitchen table discussing the quote.
"We can do this for Jane no problem," Jodi said. "It is going to be a two day job. The first day we will apply stain removers and clean carpets and upholstery. With our process everything will dry overnight. The second day we will dust, vacuum, and clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Here is what I estimate it will cost." Jodi handed Daria the quote.
"Wow. That is really a good price compared to what I have gotten elsewhere," Daria said.
"Controlling costs and not overcharging is why we are so profitable," Jodi said. "Here are a couple copies of my card along with my direct phone number and mobile. Have Jane call me to arrange the days for cleaning, assuming she accepts my bid. You can call me anytime, too. I'd like to get together and have lunch sometime, if you don't mind."
"That would be great. I'll give you a call. Sorry, but I don't have any cards yet from the university." Daria said as the got up and walked over to the door. Daria opened the door and watched as Jodi walked to her car and drove off.
Daria pulled her phone out of her pocket and took pictures of the two estimates, Jodi's business card, and then sent the pictures to Jane. She also texted along with the pictures: 'Here are the two estimates. The third company decided to pass on the job. The lower priced bid is from Jodi Landon's company.' Then she went out to her car and drove home. As she walked in the door she heard Jane's ringtone. She looked at her phone and saw the message: 'Thanks.'
Tuesday Late Afternoon
Daria was just finishing the process of deciding what to take to her new office when her phone started emitting Jane's ringtone. Daria answered the call, "Hey Jane."
"Hi Daria. Thanks for getting those quotes for me. I texted Jodi and accepted her bid. It still seems expensive, but it is a whole lot cheaper than the other one! She says that they can do the job Thursday and Friday of this week."
Daria replied, "Yeah, and the third company wouldn't even take the job. She suggested a disaster clean up company. Anyway, I'm available to let the people in and then lock up this week if it is too much for Trent. However, the noise of cleaning will certainly wake Trent up, especially when they are cleaning his room!"
"He told me that he would go spend the rest of the week at Jesse's place. I appreciate you helping me amiga. I am very disappointed that Trent won't get off his duff and do this himself," Jane said with the distinct sound of annoyance in her voice. "Anyway, if they finish during the day on Friday, then we can arrive Friday evening and Mystic Spiral won't have a chance to mess it up. Jim is taking Monday off so that we can stay longer."
"It's Trent. I get it. I'm happy I can help you Jane. So, what are you two planning for Saturday evening?" Daria asked.
"Mystic Spiral has a gig that starts at eight. How about the four of us have dinner chez Lane and then go catch their first set? Then maybe sometime Sunday afternoon we could send the boys off and you and I can have some girl time together."
"Sounds good to me Jane. At least I won't have to worry about anything out of your refrigerator," Daria said. "I'll tell Tom and we will call it a plan. I'm looking forward to seeing you."
"Me too amiga. I miss you," Jane said as she ended the call.
Daria went downstairs to inform Tom of their weekend plans.
Late Saturday Afternoon
Daria pulled the car into the Lane driveway and she and Tom got out. They walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. Jane opened the door and asked them to come in. Jane gave both of them big hugs. As uncomfortable as Daria usually was in being hugged, except by Tom, she accepted her best friend's hug and even hugged back. Tom hugged Jane and Jim both, but Jim knew to extend his hand to Daria. Daria shook hands with him and said, "It is really good to see you again Jim." She handed Jim the bottle of wine they brought with them. Jim put the wine in the refrigerator, then they all went into the living room and sat down.
"The house really looks great, Daria," Jane said. "Jodi's company really did a nice job of cleaning the place. It even smells good! I've been avoiding the basement, though. Spiral's studio is down there and I don't want to mess anything up or be messed up by anything down there. It looks like they even gave the walls some scrubbing. The paint doesn't look anywhere near as dingy as the last time I was here."
"Where is Spiral playing tonight?" Tom asked.
Jane replied, "Believe it or not they are playing the Zon."
"Aren't we a little old to be hanging out at the Zon?" Daria asked.
"We are all younger than the members of Spiral. If they can play it we can hang out in it!" Jane responded.
"What is the Zon?" Jim asked.
Tom responded, "It is basically what we used to call a grunge club. Mystic Spiral more or less started out as a grunge band. Their music has evolved over time and is now more mainstream hard rock."
"If by evolved you mean become fit for human ears, then I would agree with you," Daria said.
"The Zon is where I first met Jane and Daria," Tom said.
"Yeah. We had gone together to hang out and hear Spiral and then Jane ditched me for some guy she just met," Daria teased.
Jane responded with, "See Jim. This is what you are getting yourself into. We are probably the weirdest trio you have ever seen."
"No," said Jim. "You forget. I went to Michigan. I have seen far weirder. We had a whole dormitory that seemed to cater to 'the strange, the bizarre, and the unexpected.' At least my dorm was just boring and had lousy food. I just hope you three will accept me and not make me feel like the odd man out."
At this Jane popped up with, "All in favor of accepting Jim raise your hand!"
Daria, Tom, and Jane raised their hands. Jane immediately went on and stated, "Motion carries. Jim you are accepted! Congratulations. We are now a really weird foursome. You may kiss Daria"
"What!" Daria said.
"Just kidding amiga," Jane said. "I'd slap him if he tried to kiss you." Jane leaned over and gave Jim a great big kiss on the cheek. Tom applauded. Jim looked at Daria. Jane looked at Jim and Jim gave Jane a disappointed look.
"How about we go and get the charcoal started Tom?" Jim said while wiping Jane's bright red lipstick off of his face. The two men got up and went outside.
"Jim has dinner planned. The guys are going to cook and we are going to just sit back and relax," Jane said.
Daria said, "That does not sound like a bad plan. It has been a hectic week for me. My question is: What is up with Trent? He has been kind of cold to me. I realize that I may have been invading his space a bit, but only because you asked for my help. The place looks great now. Well, if not great at least fair to good. Does the smell of clean really bother him?"
Jane responded, "I think the members of Spiral are fighting more than usual. It may be starting to occur to them that they have fooled around for over fifteen years and not accomplished anything. My God they are still playing at the Zon! They have not moved out of Lawndale to get somewhere they could be discovered. They set up their studio and put music on the internet, but they have not gotten any traction or notice by recording companies. They sell a few album downloads in the area here, but no major sales. None of them have any education beyond high school and they are all well over 30 now. Middle age is looming and they have nothing to show."
"Wow. Even I find that depressing," Daria said.
Jane went on, "I think what really hurts is that both his kid sister and his kid sister's friend, who he always liked like another sister, have been successful in their work. What is even worse is that I am an artist and you are in the humanities. Yet he can't get recognition for a single song. He is happy for us, but disappointed in himself. I think he is just being withdrawn."
"Poor Trent," Daria said.
Jane went on, "Yes, but ultimately he must take responsibility for himself. He has to become a responsible adult. In some ways it is like he stopped maturing in his late teens. I can't do it for him and neither can you."
Jane went and got each of them a cold hard lemonade. The two women talked about Daria and Tom's move, the encounters with Tom's sister, buying a car from Upchuck, and the fact that he and Andrea were not only married but had five children. The men grilled and brought the meat, vegetables, and potatoes in to share with the women. When they were done it was off to The Zon.
The Zon was much the same as it was when they were teens. The biggest differences were that there were more tables and chairs and they could go up to the bar and order a drink. Tom ordered a pitcher of margaritas for the group and then they found a place to sit. In about fifteen minutes Mystic Spiral came on stage and Trent made their signature announcement, "Hi. We're Mystic Spiral." Then they started their first set. The music of the band had transformed from the grunge movement of the late 1990's into more of a contemporary hard rock sound. The biggest surprise was that they actually played covers of a couple of recent tracks from famous bands. At one time Trent had been adamant that Mystic Spiral didn't play covers.
When the first set was over Trent came out to see Tom, Daria, Jim, and Jane. Tom poured him the last margarita in the pitcher. He took the drink.
"Hey guys," Trent said. "How did you like the set?"
"I liked the whole set," Jim said. "I liked the fact that you included both covers and original work."
"Yeah. We kind of sold out to make the band more commercial. I hate doing covers. It degrades our artistry," Trent lamented.
Jim said reassuringly, "Actually, I disagree. You played covers, but you put your own interpretation into the music. Symphony orchestras mostly play music that has been played thousands of times by other symphonies. Yet, the director and the musicians interpret the music in their own way. It is not like there is only one way to play a piece of music. Just because you play a current hit song doesn't mean you lose your own artistry. In fact, you show your artistry by making the music your own! What you are doing is no different. Nobody calls a symphony director a sellout. Look at yourself as directing a small orchestra which plays rock instead of orchestral music."
"Wow Jim. I never really looked at it like that," Trent said as he scratched his head. "What you say makes playing covers sound almost palatable. I'll sleep on that thought tonight."
Jane grabbed Jim's arm and kissed him on the cheek. "You are a dear," She said. She continued to hold on to him. The four of them talked to Trent through most of the break until he had to go back and make sure the band was ready to take the stage. At that point the foursome got up and walked back to the Lane house. Daria drove herself and Tom home.
Sunday Afternoon
Jim pulled up in the rental car. Jane got out and Tom got in. Then the men headed off to see the Lawndale Lifters, Lawndale's minor league baseball team, play. Tom had gotten them seats in one of the air conditioned corporate boxes. Since today was a game against one of their major rivals, there would be food and drinks in the corporate boxes. The ballpark wasn't quite big enough to call them 'skyboxes.'
Daria was waiting inside for Jane. Jane gave Daria a hug and the two grabbed hard lemonades out of the refrigerator. They went over to the sofa in the living room and sat down. Jane took a long drink of her lemonade, slipped off her flip flops and pulled one leg under her on the sofa. She looked at her friend with a look best described as pleading. Clearly something was on Jane's mind.
"Amiga, I need your help. I'm confused, stressed, scared, and I don't know where to turn," Jane said. "That is why I wanted time alone with you today."
"Jane, we are best friends. We've been friends for over fifteen years. I will help you any way I can. You know that. Afterall remember when you came for me when I spun out in my Mom's SUV driving to The Cove? You were there for me. I am here for you. Tell me all about it," Daria said.
"I am in love with Jim and I think he is in love with me. In just a few short months we are to the point of spending absolutely as much time together as we can find. When he is away I have a difficult time concentrating on anything but when I will see him next. I think he is going to propose to me. He may even do that tonight. You and Tom are the only truly decent role models I have for marriage. My parents are gone and though I think they loved each other they spent so much time apart. They certainly weren't home to be an example to me. Trent is almost more my father than my brother – and if that doesn't scare you I don't know what will. Your parents are nice people and have stayed together all these years, but they are a little odd – sorry. I love you and I love Tom. I would like to have with Jim what you have with Tom. How do you do it? Help me, because I know I will tell Jim 'yes' if he proposes. Help me Daria Sloane. You're my only hope," Jane pleaded.
Daria paused and thought for a couple of minutes. The silence was hard for Jane, but she could tell that Daria was putting her amazing mind to work to help her friend. Then Daria said, "OK Jane. Listen carefully. This is complex and it is art not science. Every couple has to find their own way and the things that work for them. There are three key components to success: love, commitment, and adaptation. Tom and I experience and practice all three. But don't get me wrong. We don't do them perfectly and we both make mistakes. Sometimes we even fight – vigorously – but we also make up.
She went on, "Love is something I like to look at in terms of the four ancient Greek words used for it. Aristotle and Plato both wrote extensively on the Greek terms and definitions of love. Philia is love like you would have for a close friend or sibling. You and I have philia together. Just as with you and I this can be a very strong and powerful love. It can even be a self-sacrificing love. It also includes enjoying doing things together. You have told me and shown me that you and Jim have this kind of love for one another."
"Storge is the second type of love. It is affection like a parent would have for a child. In a broader sense there should be affection shown between partners in a marriage. I actually let Tom touch me pretty much whenever he wants to. I touch him. You know how I feel about people touching me. It is pretty much Tom, you, my parents, and Quinn. I like Jim, but I don't want to be touched by him. Not yet, anyway. And of course the touching and affection I show and receive from Tom is very different from the affection you and I have. You know I observe things and I have observed how you and Jim are affectionate with one another," Daria paused for a moment to catch her breath.
Jane was now really pulled in to this. She thought to herself that this is why Daria has 'Doctor of Philosophy' after her name. She said to Daria, "Continue on Professor Sloane. You have me in your grasp."
Daria continued, "The third type of love is agape. This is unconditional love and acceptance of who you are. This is the type of love you should have for your spouse. Tom accepts the fact that I am different. I accept the fact that he is an accountant." Daria gave Jane a smirk with that one. Jane giggled and Daria thought that it was therapeutic for her friend. She went on, "Jim accepts the fact you are an artist. You think like an artist. You behave like an artist. Likewise, he is an engineer. You have to accept his analytical nature and grasp of mathematics. It also means accepting your personal quirks."
Jane chimed in, "Jim points out that great engineers are also artists. He says the greatest engineer was Leonardo DaVinci. He is best known for his art, but actually made his money working as an engineer. Even though we have areas the other doesn't quite understand, like Jim's amazing abilities with mathematics, we have a huge area of overlap. He and I both have our quirks. I think we have seen each other's and have accepted them."
Daria said, "Good. The fourth type of love is eros, which is the erotic type of love. I'm not going to pry, but you need to have a healthy physical relationship. Tom and I do. It is important to us, but it is not the basis of our marriage. Mutual support and comfort are more important as is the second pillar – commitment."
Daria went on, "Tom and I committed ourselves to each other for the rest of our lives. We take it seriously. That means that we do not let anything come between us – no person, no issue, no task. We work through our differences. We support each other in what we do. We also talk about things in the future and reflect on our past. We want to be better as a couple, whether it is in love, finances, or activities. Even if things get tough in the future, we know that we committed ourselves to each other because we loved each other. We will love each other because we committed ourselves to each other."
"This brings me to my final point – adaptation. You cannot be married to someone without adapting. Remember you are a couple who love each other and are committed to each other, not just two individuals. I have adapted in my marriage and so has Tom. An example is that he really wanted me to wear designer clothes and get rid of them when they were worn. I have done that for him, even though I don't care much about clothes, as long as they are clean and don't have holes in them. Tom has learned how and when to fight with me. He knows that he better have facts and figures if he is going to take me on. Emotional arguments don't get very far with me. At least Mr. Accountant knows what facts and figures are," Daria said again giving a smirk to Jane.
"Daria, you amaze me," Jane said. "There is no way I could have boiled marriage down to those seemingly simple parts. I think I am actually less scared now."
In a rare gesture Daria reached over and held Jane's hand. Looking Jane right in her bright blue eyes Daria almost whispered, "Don't be scared Jane. Think of it as going on a great adventure together. If you are committed you will see the adventure unfold to the very end." Daria released her friend's hand.
"You actually sound optimistic Daria! Is this one of the adaptations you were telling me about?" Jane said with a note of surprise in her voice.
"If you are going to get nasty, then I won't help you anymore," Daria said in her total deadpan voice.
Both women laughed.
Sunday Evening
Tom and Jim arrived back just after six o'clock. They had a great time together at the ball game. Daria and Jane had put together salads for dinner. The women had decided that iced tea would probably be best to serve with dinner, since the men had probably had their share of beer at the game.
After dinner they took their drinks and sat in the living room. Jim and Jane sat on the sofa next to each other and were holding hands. Daria and Tom sat across from them in separate chairs and held hands as well. Tom said, "So Jim, how has your introduction to Casa Lane been?"
"It has been really nice. I always love spending time with Jane, even if we are just sitting in the same room together. Seeing where she grew up has been interesting and informative. I am not entirely certain how Trent feels about me. He has been pleasant to me this weekend, but not overly enthusiastic," Jim said.
"I really wouldn't worry about Tent, love," Jane said. "He is that way with everyone he meets for the first time. He just needs to get used to you."
"So you don't think he resents the possibility of my stealing his baby sister?" Jim asked.
"No. He has always been clear that he wants what is best for me. He didn't do anything to drive you off. That means you have his tacit approval," Jane said.
"Well if that is the case, then I am satisfied," Jim said. With that he reached into his left pocket, slid off the sofa onto the floor on one knee. It was one fluid motion and asked, "Jane Lane. Will you marry me? I would like to spend the rest of my life loving you."
Tears started running down Jane's cheeks. There was a moment of silence. Then she could barely get out the words, "Yes Jim. I will."
Jim took a beautiful ring out of the little velvet bag he had pulled out of his pocket. The bag was marked 'Tiffany and Co.' The ring had a large brilliant cut diamond with multiple small diamonds on either side. He gently took Jane's left hand and slipped it onto her ring finger. Then Jim slid back onto the sofa and held Jane as she tried to compose herself.
Tom and Daria applauded their friends. Then they got out of their chairs, went over to the sofa and Tom hugged Jim and Daria hugged Jane. Tom turned and hugged Jane. Daria looked at Jim and said, "If you are going to marry my best friend, then come here and let me give you a hug." Jim hugged Daria.
Finally Jane got her eyes dried and said, "Well, our trio is going to become a foursome. I guess we won't be so strange anymore. Oh, and look at my ring!" Daria and Tom both took a close look at the ring on Jane's finger.
"We will still find ways to be a strange bunch – engineer, accountant, artist, and professor. If we all walk into a bar there has to be a joke in there somewhere," Daria said.
"Oh and one other thing," Jim said. "I start working out of the Boston office on Tuesday. Before I left New York I made sure all my stuff was packed up and ready to go. I will go back to New York on Friday for the movers to pick up my things and take them to Boston."
The four friends talked for another hour and then it was time for Jim and Jane to go back to her house. They wanted to get a good night's sleep before heading back to Boston in the morning. Tom and Daria saw their friends off and then hugged each other.
Tom said to Daria, "So what did you two talk about while Jim and I were at the ballgame?"
"Believe it or not, marriage," Daria answered.
The two of them went into their townhouse and closed the door.
