Las Vegas pt 4
"So anyone fancy going to a club?" said Neela, "after all the night's still young" "Count me out on this one, I'll take a walk back to the hotel and have a nightcap; but don't let me stop you youngsters" said Sean. "Dad what time are we leaving tomorrow, as I'm going back to Frisco direct is my flight earlier or a similar time to yours?" "We have to be at the airport at 230pm; I had to book for the 4pm flight otherwise the next one would get us back indoors at nearly 1am by the time we'd cleared the airport, and with everyone working except me on Monday, I didn't think I it was a good idea, but don't worry Jake I got you a flight that leaves just fifteen minutes before ours so you've still got a good part of the day with Abby. Listen lets just meet in the lobby at 2pm, we can do our own thing in the morning, you lot will want a lie in I expect if your going dancing; besides it will give me time to go look for something nice for your Mum to go with those kitsch fridge magnets I've bought Have fun. See you all tomorrow".
"Jake I don't know how you could have kept a straight face when I asked you to bring Danny along for a date with Abby, you really were wicked, teasing me like that." "I know, I didn't mean to lie, but how could I let on, you know how news travels at the hospital, and especially as Abby was part of my assessment team, if anyone in management had found out we were dating we'd have been in big trouble. Forgive me?" "Just about" she laughs. "You know looking back she was so god dam tetchy last Summer, none of us could fathom out why until Susan had this so called explanation about the failed relationship with the journalist; but seeing you two together again I can see that sparkle back in her eyes; you bring out the fun in her, I've never seen her laugh so much as when your around; I can't recall seeing Abby so happy; you two are so right for one another". "You're not jealous then?" "Ohhhhh was it so obvious I had a crush on you". "It's ok, I'm kinda used to it." "Stop it, stop winding me up, I don't know how she puts up with you" she says giggling. We stay on the dance floor for another slow dance. "So I hear you and Ryan are still dating, Danny says he's a nice guy; and from what I hear he's smitten with you, so is there another wedding in the offing?". "It's still early days; but it's difficult, even though I'm here, my parents still have a say in whom I marry, is a fireman good enough in their eyes, and he's a non Seek…. , but there's something about him, I can't explain, it feels so right with him." "Neela at the end of the day it's your life to live, how often will they see you, you cannot live your life for them ; don't throw away your happiness to please them". " Your right of course, but it's not quite so simple…..but if I were to give him up I'd sure miss out on all the great meals, firemen certainly know how to cook" . We both laugh.
"I hope we will see you at Mum and Dad's, don't think 'cause Jake's not there your not welcome, it would great to see you again; we've had a laugh this weekend, it's been nice to get to know you". "That's nice of you to say Mike, but I've only been briefly introduced to your Mum by Chuny at the wedding, so I don't think I can just turn up alone, but Jake used to tell me about your Mum's get together Sundays; I hope I'll see you and your family at one soon." "I don't think there's any fear of him not bringing you along to one; I've not seen him so happy in ages; he can't take his eyes of you ". I just smile. "I must admit I was nervous going down to meet everyone the other night, especially your Dad; and I'm sure I'm not the person you expected your brother to have dated, what with the age difference and everything; but you all made me feel accepted right from the start; it never felt awkward being in your company, I'm so grateful for that". "Look there's nothing special about us, were just a normal family; Mum and Dad they've never been judgemental in that way, they've never interfered in any of our relationships, save for this one time, they just want their kids to be happy; I hope I'm that way with my children too."
"So shall we make a move, it's nearly 1am" says Danny. "Yes it's been a fabulous day, but I'm ready for bed" Neela replies. "Lets see if there's a mpv taxi so we can all go back to the hotel together" says Susan, adding,"any plans for tomorrow Mike?" "Do a bit of shopping for the kids and Julia, but definitely after a lie in, I'll be shattered at work on Monday otherwise". As we enter the hotel Jake excuses himself and goes up to the reception desk to ask something before joining me by the elevator. "What was all that about?" "Never you mind".
As we are taking off our coats, he says "Let's not shower, lets take a nice relaxing bath before going to bed, would you mind going and run it? I'll join you in a minute, and remember, don't forget the bubble bath like you did that very first night " he grins. "Ok". I hear the room door open, "Where you off too?" "I'll be back in a minute" I hear him call out. When he re enters the room I see him carrying a partial filled ice bucket. "You thirsty, you should have had a drink downstairs you know how expensive the mini bar is" "Who said anything about drinking?" he says with a wink. "Ohhhhhh" I say before starting to laugh.
"I love the way ya look tonight
With your hair hangin' down on your shoulders ……….
………And how ya stare at me with those undress me eyes
Your breath on my body makes me warm inside
Let's make out - let's do something amazing
Let's do something that's all the way
Cuz I've never touched somebody like the way I touch your body
Now I never want to let your body go...
Let's make a night - to remember
From January - to December
Let's make love - to excite us
A memory - to ignite us
Let's make honey baby - soft and tender
Let's make sugar darlin' - sweet surrender
Let's make a night - to remember - all life long
I love the way ya move tonight
Beads of sweat drippin' down your skin
Me lying here - n' you lyin' there
Our shadows on the wall and our hands everywhere
Let's make out - let's do something amazing
Let's do something that's all the way
Cuz I've never touched somebody like the way I touch your body
Now I never want to let your body go..
I think about ya all the time
Can't you see you drive me outta my mind
Well I'm never holdin' back again
Ya I never want this night to end
Cuz I've never touched somebody like the way I touch your body
Now I never want to let your body go.……"
"Honey, come on get up we've only got twenty minutes till check out". I 'd only half got out of bed before he pulls me back down into his arms; trying to stifle my giggle I said, "Jake not now it's late, come on get up" "It's only early we don't have to leave yet". "Checkout's 11am, what you talking about?". "No checkouts by 2pm, that's what I was doing last night, I asked them to bill me for a late checkout…….so we're not going anywhere; besides I can think of a few things we can do to fill in the time". "Like what?" I cheekily reply, "This, …..…..or this…….….or this……..".
"Dad I don't know what to say to you, I can't believe all you did for Abby and I; I know I've never been happier than I am right now" "That's all I want to hear son, I just hoped this time together would get you two to see sense, you both knew what you really wanted but were to, ……shall I be honest and say it." "Stupid, idiotic, witless;….. the list could go on" "Don't be so harsh on yourselves; sometimes you just need someone to push you in the right direction; we all need that at times. Listen do what you two want, it's your lives to live, no ones going to judge you; there's no need to rush into anything," he says as he embraces me in his arms. "Listen Dad, you must tell me what I owe you for the vacation, my flights, I'll call and speak to you in the week and you can let me know, I'll send a cheque home" . "It's my treat to all you boys, …… besides, it's been great fun, even if the girls weren't here we'd still have done something to celebrate with Mike, it's been too darn long since we've done something like this, we really should try and do it again next year, don't you think so?" "Yes, yes I do……I never knew how much I really missed you guys until now." "I expect we won't be seeing you for awhile, you'll be wanting to spend your spare time with Abby which is only natural, but I hope you'll come visit us sometime, I'd like you to bring Abby home one weekend and meet Mum". "Of course I will, she's been hearing about our Sunday get togethers since forever, I know she's been briefly introduced to her like Mike was at the wedding. I won't leave it too long I promise; and she can get to know Grace and Mary too, if that's not too daunting a task, women can be more intimidating than men…… isn't that so." "I think your right" he says laughing. "Have a safe journey home". "You too, and thanks so much for everything Dad" I say as I hug him again.
It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, the weekend had been a blast; but I knew they would look out for Abby now that everything was out in the open. "Please don't tease her too much at work Neela"; she just grinned. "Give my love to Julia and the kids and thanks for making Abby so welcome". "I've told Abby she's welcome to call me anytime she wants to chat or come visit us; just don't leave it too long before your back home, I'm sure Mum's gonna want to see her again; it's been a while since the wedding." "I 'll phone her when I get back tonight, explain what's happened, do you think she will be mad with Dad for keeping it a secret?" "What's the betting she knows there was something more to this than just a birthday celebration, you know Mum" he laughs. "That's true, Dad could never lie convincingly to her; mind you, she always knew when us kids were fibbing too " I say grinning. "I think it's a hereditary gene all women have……but you know what, I think this time he might just have pulled it off".
Abby walks up with me to my departure gate to say farewell in private. "These three days have been just wonderful, I really don't want to say goodbye." "Then come with me Abby what's to stop you?" "Oh the impetuous of youth …….If only it were that simple". "You've not given me a reason, come on?". "Work, the lease on my flat" "There excuses not reasons" "Stop splitting hairs,…….you know I want to be with you, but I can't just drop everything; ……, I 'm gonna see you in just over three weeks after my nights, I promised you last night I will come over; didn't you see me pick up an application for a frequent flyer programme……...how much more of a commitment can you get than that", she laughs. "Your be eligible for your free set of tumblers before you know it then" I grin.
"I should give you these before I forget…….by the way, I promise none of the others have seen them." He hands me over a sealed envelope. "Oh the pictures, they will be nice to have as I don't have any of Jake. I'd made an album up of our camping trip and gave it to him, I assume he's got it in Fricso, so thanks it will be nice to have these." "I can let you have a couple from his graduation if you'd like, and when you come over I'll get some old family ones out for you to have a laugh at too. I'd like you to come and meet Cath and the girls, I know they were at the wedding but you didn't really have a chance to talk, even we only spoke a few words." "Yes I'd like that. Jake always spoke about his family when were working together he was always so proud of you, you sounded so loving, so much fun; now having spent time with you I know that to be true; he's very lucky; his childhood and family life were so different from mine; I'm only really getting to know my Mum we didn't always have the best of relationships." "I know I count myself lucky; not all families get along so well, but I think that has a lot to do with my wife, oh we have our ups and downs just like everyone but family has always been important to her; she gave up a lot to raise them. Cath's a music and English teacher, music being her first love, once Mike came along she gave up teaching in school but gave private lessons to help with finances, then when the others came it was impossible for her to do that, so we made a pact that I'd look after them once a week so that she could go and play at the remedial school, she loved it; plus it gave me a chance to do things with the kids; to be honest working shifts I probably saw more of the kids than if I worked office hours as I'd have four days off on the go, so maybe that's why we get along so well." "That's really strange, Jake told me about you and the boys, even that his sisters worked in the Fire service, but he never mentioned his Mum taught music." "Yes she taught them all piano and got them to sing too, Jake plays but he preferred sports to music practice so his probably a bit rusty, Mike and the girls play really well, Danny's like me, switched to guitar'. "Yes I know, last year they had a jamming session in the ER I wasn't there but I heard he's good". "You know what annoyed Cath, not only did Jake give up the piano, but he stopped singing too which was a shame as he's got a good voice". "Yeah he has when he can keep in tune, I've never yet heard a single song where he doesn't go off key" I say laughing. "Oh he's not still doing that, he used to drive his Mum crazy winding her up like that, he used to do it on purpose all the time; things never change I see," he chuckles "Jake said you still work in the Service, what as, you surely don't go out on calls." "No getting too old for that, I could have taken early retirement at 55 but I knew it would drive Cath crazy having me at home all day, so I work three days teaching rookies, it keeps me on my toes, and I really enjoy it". "That's a good idea, and it keeps you in contact with your friends too. Oh listen before I forget you must tell me what I owe you for the Canyon excursion I should have said earlier I could have drawn some money out at the airport". "Nothing, my treat" "Oh no I can't let you do that, it wasn't cheap, I must pay you". "Abby I will be more than annoyed if you do, besides having you two come your senses is more than enough payment for me. Jake's crazy about you; and I can see you care about him too, just look out for one another that's all I ask".
A/N Song : Let's Make A Night To Remember - Bryan Adams
