Chapter 35

Lee and Amanda checked out of the Almondy Inn just after ten on Saturday morning after having breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs. They promised to come back with Dotty and the boys as soon as they could. Annalisa packaged a few poppy seed muffins for them for the ride, and Amanda couldn't help but smile as Lee winked and whispered, "Yours taste much better." They loaded the rental car and headed north.

Surprisingly, traffic was light and soon they crossed into Massachusetts on I-95. Lee found a local radio station playing light rock as they wound their way toward Boston. They got off the highway once to get gas and as Lee found his way back, he pointed out the one landmark he knew, Foxboro Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. He commented on the rough season they were having, starting at 1-2 with Buffalo Bills on the schedule for the next day. Amanda thoughtfully replied, "Well, they can't win them all, Sweetheart."

They decreased speed as I-95 merged into I-93 and Lee had to cut across the four lanes of traffic to get in the far-left lane. Amanda kept watching for any cars or trucks and breathed a sigh of relief when they made it across safely. Traffic crawled along at this point and when they finally arrived in Boston, Lee cursed the surrounding drivers, declaring them the worst he's ever driven around. He drove through the city, dodging pedestrians and bike riders as he found his way to the hotel, dwarfed by the tall buildings around it. Lee climbed out, retrieved their overnight bags from the trunk and helped Amanda to her feet before handing his keys over to the valet. "We won't be long. Can you park it close?" The valet nodded and climbed in, parking the car in the nearby short-term spot.

Amanda couldn't help but stare skyward at the glass edifices surrounding her. "That is the Prudential Building," Lee explained. He turned and pointed down the street to another building, "And that is the John Hancock Building. As a matter of fact, I think they just named that an official Boston Landmark not too long ago."

"Lee!" a voice called out from across the street. Amanda watched as a small man darted across the street, weaving between cars yelling, "Hey, I know you can see me!" When he got closer, he said, "So this is your new bride." He extended his hand to Amanda and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Seth Greene. Lee and I go way back, don't we Lee."

Amanda reached down to shake his hand and looked at Lee, confused. "Seth, this is my wife, Amanda. Amanda, Seth and I have been friends since college. He couldn't reach the books on the top shelf in the library and I needed a study partner in psychology," Lee said with a chuckle.

"It's very nice to meet you, Seth," she replied. She looked at Lee and raised one eyebrow, surprised she had never heard him mention Seth before.

"You made good time getting up here. Traffic's been nothing but a nightmare since they started working on this so-called Big Dig. The official name is the Central Artery Tunnel Project but if you ask me, it's nothing but a big waste of taxpayer's dollars," Seth rolled his eyes. "Enough listening to me complain. So, Lee, did you bring them?"

"Yeah, Seth, I have your tickets. Do you have mine?" Lee slowly pulled two tickets out of his inside jacket pocket as Seth grinned and slowly pulled two tickets out of his back pocket.

Laughing, the old friends exchanged tickets, Seth quickly pocketing his as he said, "I'm going to enjoy watching the Skins shred the Lions! Thanks, buddy!"

"No, thank you. I told Amanda these were the hottest tickets in town," Lee grinned.

"Yeah, I don't want to tell you what I had to do to get those," Seth lifted his hand to high five Lee as he laughed.

"Seth, I hope it wasn't too much trouble. I mean I'm sure Lee got those football tickets easily and if you had to -" Amanda began but Seth laughed loudly, cutting her off.

"Nah, I was just trying to bust his chops for this one. I have a friend that works backstage over there, and he gets tickets to every performance. Of course, I had to promise to take him to the Skins game for those seats but hey, it could be worse," Seth explained, waving his hands as he spoke.

"Thanks, buddy, I really appreciate it. When you're down in DC for the game, you'll have to stop by the house," Lee thanked him once more.

"And hang out with the family? Only if you're cooking!" Seth nodded in agreement before adding, "sorry I can't stay any longer but I gotta run. Supposed to be at work in an hour but it's not looking good."

Amanda looked at him sympathetically, "Can we give you a ride?"

Seth shook his head once more and laughed, "Nah, it's not far from here and I can walk. I'm just thinking I'd rather blow off work and hang out with the guys. Maybe catch the Bruins game at the bar. I'm looking for something new anyway."

Lee laughed, shook Seth's hand once more and replied, "Same old Seth. Take it easy. I'll give you a call when we get back to DC." Seth rolled his hand in a grand gesture as he turned and headed across the street, once again darting between cars. Lee placed his hand on Amanda's lower back and guided her to the large doors of the hotel. "Seth is a little bit of a character but he's a good guy. He moved up here after he graduated and got a job working as a social worker. He had a hard time getting the kids to take him seriously because of his size so he switches careers every few years trying to decide what he likes best," Lee explained as they approached the check-in counter.

"Welcome to the Fairmont, can I help you?" the receptionist asked.

"We have a reservation for Mr. and Mrs. Stetson," Lee smiled at the receptionist.

The receptionist nodded, checked her computer and retrieved keys from a small slotted cubby organizer behind the desk. "Here you go, Mr. and Mrs. Stetson, you are in room 722. That's located on the top floor, just follow the signs when you step off the elevator. I see your registration card was sent in so you're all set." She handed Lee the keys and added, "If you need any help with your luggage, I can arrange for a porter."

"No, thank you," Amanda replied with a smile. They rode the elevator to the seventh floor and easily found their room. Amanda opened the curtains and exclaimed, "Lee, this view!"

Lee laughed, "Wait until you see it tonight when the city is all lit up. But for now, let's go get something to eat. Chinatown is only a short ride from here and then there are a few places I'd like to see this afternoon if you're up to it."

Amanda shook her head and laughed, "Well, if today is going to be anything like the rest of this week, I have a feeling you have it all planned out. Lead the way!"

Lee drove them to a small area of the city known as Chinatown, the shops and restaurants authentic to those found in Hong Kong. He easily ordered lunch, laughing with the waiter as he spoke in Mandarin. Amanda simply smiled and nodded in agreement, unsure what she was actually agreeing to. Lunch was served, and Amanda groaned happily with each bite. Lee fed her bites here and there and at the conclusion of their meal, they both thanked the restaurant owner before departing. In the car, Lee carefully steered them toward an area of the city called Charlestown and parked at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

"This is where we're spending the afternoon," Lee declared with a sweep of his arm.

Amanda surveyed the surrounding area and said, "Why do I get the feeling you saved the stuff you liked for last?"