Jennifer leaned over and grabbed a legal pad that Jonathan had laid on the end table and dug a pen out of her purse.
"Start from the beginning".
"About 3 or 4 years ago, I bought a company from an estate. I didn't just get the company, I also got some land in the deal, along with a couple fleets of trucks. I merged the company with another one, and then sold everything but the land. I wanted to get the land in tip-top shape before I sold it. I did everything I possibly could, Jennifer. Everything! I had geological surveys done, I had test buildings built on the land and even simulated all the different weather conditions to make sure the buildings could handle them. I even paid top dollar to have the land dug up and all new, top of the line dirt hauled in and put in its place. I had water surveys done, I literally did everything I could think of in order to get the land in the best shape to make it prime real estate. And it sold, quickly. A developer, out of Texas, bought it. He bought all of it".
"How much land did you have?"
"About 500 acres in one spot, and about 800 acres in another."
"So?"
"So, they paid me cash for the first installment of the land and then immediately began building a hotel on the first site. Took about 14 months to build the hotel, and then just before they opened, the building just crumbled one night. Fell to pieces. So, now they are suing me saying I defrauded them, that I knew the land wasn't fit for building, that I knew the ground wasn't stable. They had 2 independent geological surveys done after the building fell that supposedly showed that the dirt isn't fit to build on. They want a major monetary settlement from me, that I can't cover. And they want to take it to trial, but that's too risky for me because the judge might hand down a fine even higher than they're asking for."
He got up and went and stared out the window.
"How much are they asking for?"
"500 billion. I don't even have one billion. I'm on track to make that much, but it's a ways off. In some ways, I kind of wish you had taken half the company from me in a divorce, so I would be able to claim "financial insufficiency". But, and here's the kicker-I literally made $5000 too much last year to be able to claim that".
"That's rough".
"Do you think you can write something positive to help me drum up new business?"
"I'm sure I can".
"Wonderful. What if you come out next week, shadow me for a day, and spend another day in the lab looking at our newest inventions and ventures, and then we can sit down and I'll answer any questions you have".
"That sounds great".
"I don't know how to thank you for helping me out like this".
"You do it by being honest. Don't sugarcoat something just because you want to make it sound better or make me happy. I would never print anything unfavorable but I will print the facts".
"I appreciate that".
Just then, this shrill noise filled the room.
Jonathan reached over and picked up an object that looked like a small tv.
He hit a button and suddenly, Max's face filled the screen.
"Hey Max".
"Hey Mr. H. You just got an important business call. They said it was urgent. You need to call Stanley".
"Ok. I'll call him right away. How are things in LA?"
"Hot. This heat wave ain't no joke".
"It'll be over soon, Max. Want to say hi to someone?"
"Sure".
He tilted the screen slightly so Max could see Jennifer.
"Hi Max".
"Miss Edwards, is that you? It sure has been a long time".
"It sure has, Max. You look great".
"You do too, Miss Edwards".
"Jennifer is going to be coming to LA next week to interview me, Max."
"Miss Edwards it would be my pleasure to make dinner for you twos at the house while you're here. I insist".
"I'd love that, Max".
"Ok, Max, we gotta go so I can call Stanley".
"Good luck with your business call Mr. H. and as far as Miss Edwards is concerned, don't screw it up a second time".
"Bye Max".
Jennifer chuckled.
"Bye Max. See you soon".
Jonathan hung up the video phone and then turned to Jennifer.
"This is one of my company's newest inventions. We call it the Sit and Chat 2000XL. We are looking at a fall launch, and a retail price of around $300 for the small one, and $600 for this one".
"It's very nice. Well, it's getting late, and I better go".
"Here, let me call you a cab".
"Thank you".
He called down to the lobby and had the doorman call them a cab.
After Jennifer gathered her things, they rode the elevator down to the lobby.
The doorman opened the door to the cab for Jennifer, and Jonathan went around and climbed in on the other side.
"You don't have to come with me".
"Nonsense. You were my guest and I want to make sure you get home ok. You used to love it when I was a gentleman, remember?"
She smiled at him.
"I remember".
She gave the cab driver her address.
It was a very short ride to her place, and just like a gentleman, Jonathan walked her inside.
She handed him her keys and he unlocked the door.
"Well, this is it. Not nearly as fancy as your place, but I get by".
Jennifer's apartment was a very charming 2-bedroom flat, with a step-up for her bed, and a gorgeous view of the city from the living room. Brick accents and round doorways added unique touches throughout.
"It's very nice. It's very…you".
"Thank you. It's nice and quiet up here, and my neighbors are nice."
"How long have you lived here?"
"I bought it when I moved out of your home and back to New York".
"You certainly made a great choice".
"Thank you".
"Well, I better go. My secretary will be in touch about the flight arrangements".
"Sounds good. Thank you for a lovely dinner".
"Thank you for staying and for agreeing to work with me".
Before she could say anything, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a hug.
"I miss you, I'm glad you're doing well".
"I'll talk to you soon".
"Night Jennifer".
"Night Jonathan".
After the door was locked behind him, she put her hand on it for a just a second.
"I miss you too, more than you'll ever know", she whispered.
***Three Days Later***
Jennifer was at the Times, working on her column when the phone rang.
"Hello, this is Jennifer Edwards".
"Hello, this is Deanne, from Hart Industries. Mr. Hart asked me to call and give you your travel arrangements".
"Oh, alright".
"Mr. Hart is sending his own personal plane for you, and also a car. So, you will be picked up at your apartment tomorrow afternoon at 4, and taken to the airport. And he has reserved a room for you at the Four Seasons here in Los Angeles".
"Ok, thank you".
"Your driver's name for the car tomorrow is Dylan. The name of the company is New York Elite Car Service, if you want to check their identification".
"Oh, good idea. Thank you, so much".
"Mr. Hart wants to know if there's anything you will need us to provide you while you're here?"
"Not that I can think of, but I appreciate the sentiment".
"Ok, one last thing. Mr. Hart asked me to express to you that he is so happy you are coming out and he can't wait to see you".
"That's very kind of him, thank you very much".
They hung up, and she tried to get back to work, but couldn't concentrate. Images of Jonathan flashed through her mind over and over.
As much as she hated to admit it, she was looking forward to seeing him too.
***The Next Day***
Jennifer left work promptly at noon and headed home to get ready for her trip. After a long bubble bath, she put on some black capris, a bright blue off the shoulder top and some black flip flops.
Her suitcase was packed and by the door when the driver knocked to announce his arrival.
She opened it and found him already showing his identification.
"I'm here to pick up a Miss Jennifer Edwards".
"That's me".
"May I take your bags please?"
"By all means".
She locked up her apartment, and followed him down to the car.
After a short ride to the airport, he dropped her off next to the biggest plane she'd ever seen.
"Thank you".
She boarded the plane and got settled.
She had an easy flight and was able to get a lot of reading done, and even worked on her next column for a bit.
When the plane landed, she gathered her things, and exited the plane and was surprised to find Jonathan waiting for her on the tarmac.
"Hi. I didn't think I was seeing you tonight".
"I wasn't going to let you go to the hotel alone. You're here to help me out, after all".
He gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Have a good flight?"
"Yes, you have a very nice plane".
"Thanks. Now, how about a home cooked meal?"
"Yes, please".
He opened the door for her, and helped her in, and then put her bag in the back before sliding into the driver's seat next to her.
"Max has been cooking all afternoon for your visit. He and I practically fought over who was going to pick you up at the airport".
She gave him a shocked look.
"Jonathan...I'm not a celebrity".
"In our house, you most definitely are treasured goods".
As they drove towards the house, Jennifer enjoyed seeing what was new and what all she remembered.
"Jonathan, there was a friend of mine, Heather McCall, who worked for you, and she's the one who brought me to the event the night that we met. I think she worked in accounting for your company, maybe? She was Heather Wilmont, then. Ring any bells?"
"Yes. She still works for me, and she is now the head of the accounting department".
"How wonderful. I haven't talked to her in at least a year or so. I think about her a lot though".
They pulled up to Jonathan's house and parked.
"You mean you still live in the same place?"
"Yes. But the inside is totally different. About a year after you and I split up, a tree fell on the roof and did a lot of damage. Unfortunately, I wasn't home at the time, and neither was Max, and by the time we got back, the inside was flooded. So, I had the place gutted and completely rebuilt. And I worked with an architect and completely changed things all around".
He came around and opened the door for her and then they headed inside.
"Max, she's here".
A few seconds later, Max came through the door of the kitchen into the living room.
"Miss Edwards-great to see you!"
"Hi Max".
She gave him a warm hug and kissed his cheek.
"I made all your favorites. Grilled chicken, cheese ravioli, roasted veggies, crab cakes, chopped salad, parmesan risotto, and fruit salad. Plus, for dessert, a nice Devil's food cake".
"Max, I can't eat all that!"
"Nonsense. A little of this, a little of that. NO matter which way you go, it's something you like".
"Max, you're the greatest".
"Yeah, Max. Great idea".
"I'm Max. I'm always on my A-game".
Max figured Jonathan wanted to be alone with Jennifer, so he had set the patio table for them.
He lit them some candles and then after pouring the wine, he left them alone.
Jonathan noticed Jennifer wasn't drinking her wine at all.
"Something wrong with the wine?"
"No, nothing like that. It's just….I don't want to lose control of myself".
"I tell you what. Let's both agree to stick to just one glass, alright?"
"It's a deal".
They clinked glasses and then took a sip.
"Jonathan, I've been doing some thinking. And I want you to know, that when things ended between us and I moved out and then moved to New York City, I was bitter, and angry, and resentful, towards you. But most of all, I was hurt. You told me you loved me and yet, you didn't. And I was determined to never get hurt like that again. It took me about a year or two, but one day, I just sort of woke up and realized that I didn't want to harbor any ill will towards you the rest of my life, or the rest of yours. And I realized that you weren't being affected by my being angry and hurt at all. So, I forgave you. But I need you to forgive me too. I wasn't the wife you needed then, nor was I capable of being the wife you needed. So, as mad as I was and as hurt as I was, I realize now that you did the right thing by forcing the end of our marriage because if you had handled it any other way, I would have fought like hell for you. So, I hope you can forgive me also".
"Jennifer, you don't need my forgiveness. You never did. You only need your own".
"What makes you say that?"
"You were the perfect wife then. You didn't do anything wrong-you were so eager to make me happy. But honestly, we weren't married long enough to figure out if we were what each other needed or not. Our marriage ending wasn't because of you, it was for you, so you could go and be happy and have the job of your dreams".
"Thank you".
There was an awkward silence.
After they were finished, they cleared the table and headed inside.
"Mr. H., your office just called. They need you to call them back right away. I told them you was having dinner, but they insisted that it was important and said to call back as soon as you can".
"Jennifer do you mind?"
"Not at all. Take your time".
Jonathan headed to the study, while Jennifer insisted on helping Max with the dishes.
"How do you like living in New York, Miss Edwards?"
"It's not bad, Max. I'm pretty happy there".
"No you're not! You're supposed to say you hate it and can't wait to move back here to sunny California".
She smiled at him.
"I can miss you and like living in New York all at the same time, Max".
"So you can". How's your Pop?"
"He's well. He's very well".
"Does he ever tell you to move back here?"
She laughed.
"No, he likes having me on the East Coast, actually".
"Well, then I'll be the loner. You're the only woman he's ever brought home that I liked having around. Some of them I hated, and most of them I tolerated. But you are the only one I liked".
"Thank you, Max".
She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"How's he been these last 5 years?"
"He was miserable without you for a long time. I think he expected you to reach out to him, and I told him he should reach out to you, but he said no, you already hated him, no point in adding fuel to the fire. Ever since he was just a shaver, I noticed that when he gets excited about things, he gets this spark in his eyes. He's always thinking, creating, on the go. But after you two split up…. He dated some, but honestly, Miss Edwards, he wasn't the same. I know he told you to go. But when you left, you took the sparkle in his eye with you. And I ain't seen it since you left, till tonight when you came back".
"I lost a little sparkle after all that myself, Max. And yes, he told me to go. I didn't want to. I realize now it was the right decision, but at the time, I was so hurt. I was so blindsided. If he hadn't insisted I go, who knows where we would have ended up? At least this way we are able to be friendly now".
"Are you happy, Miss Edwards?"
"Not completely".
"Weil, neither is he".
Jonathan came back into the kitchen before Jennifer could say anything.
"Sorry, that took longer than I expected".
"Oh, that's alright. I understand. Max and I did the dishes, so now that's all done".
"Thanks for your help, Miss Edwards".
"My pleasure, Max. Thanks for the chat".
She kissed his cheek and then took Jonathan's outstretched hand.
"Ok, feel special, because you are getting the Grand tour that we only reserve for extremely special and lucky people who deserve the tour".
"What did I do to deserve the tour?"
"Well, you're the only one besides me and Max who remembers how it used to be".
"Ahh".
"In the kitchen, according to the house plans, the square footage is extended by about 100 ft, and the appliances are all moved around. Plus, we added a bigger window and a door to the patio. Max's room is still the same, albeit decorated a little differently. But same size, same shape. This is the living room, it was also given a bigger window, and extended about 100 ft. The biggest change is I had them do the hallway on this side of the room instead of on that side, and we moved a few walls around."
"You really renovated. I hardly recognize it".
"I also brightened up all the walls a bit and got new furniture, including this bar. How about a nightcap?"
"No thanks. I should probably get to the hotel".
"Oh, yeah. Here, I'll give you a ride".
He turned towards the kitchen.
"Max-she's going now!"
Max came through the door.
"Miss Edwards, I hope you'll come back soon. But it was great to see you. And I packed you a couple pieces of the Devil's food cake to take with you".
"It was wonderful to see you too, Max. Thank you for cooking dinner for us and thank you for taking care of him, and thanks for the cake".
She gave him a hug and kissed his cheek, and then she and Jonathan headed out.
They had a nice ride to her hotel, and he got out and grabbed her bag.
They headed inside and he got her checked in.
"Ok, you're all set. My driver will pick you up in the morning at 8:45, and bring you to the office so we can get started."
"Thank you. And thank you for picking me up and for dinner, and everything".
"My pleasure. Call me if you need anything. Goodnight".
"Goodnight".
They shared a nice hug for a few moments and then Jennifer headed to the elevator and he headed home.
As she settled into bed that night, she kept thinking about how wonderful it was to hug him again.
She suddenly felt lonelier than she'd ever felt and wished he was there with her.