"What about this one?" asked Rita as she turned slowly in a circle.
Shane and Norman sat watching, considering Rita's attire.
It was Thursday evening. Hazel's bachelorette party was in two hours and they had yet to find a dress for Rita for the wedding on Saturday.
"Hmm…" said Shane, "I still like the second one you tried on best. Very flattering."
"Really?" said Rita, "What do you think of this one, Norman?"
Norman sat there holding Rita's purse, an uncomfortable expression on his face. "Well, you look beautiful. But according to this chart on the wall here, that particular dress doesn't come in pastel purple."
"Oh!" exclaimed Rita, "That's okay! I guess I should have checked that before trying it on. Thank you, Norman."
"So, what do you think?" asked Shane.
"Well, the second one was very pretty." said Rita.
"Great!" said Shane. "We'll just have to check with the assistant to see if they have a purple one in your size."
Norman stood quickly. "I can do that! Be right back!"
Shane and Rita chuckled. Shopping was not Norman's favorite activity, but he was here supporting Rita like always.
"I hope everything works out for Hazel this weekend! She has been a little frazzled at work." said Rita.
Shane smiled. Hazel had been more than a little frazzled. "It will. She is marrying the right person and when that happens, everything else becomes less important."
"That is so true." said Rita wistfully. "I think it's so sweet that you planned a surprise date for you and Oliver tomorrow!"
"I just hope he agrees with you." said Shane, a flash of worry washing over her face. She then looked around and glanced at the time on her phone, "I wonder when Norman will get back? We don't want to be late for the party."
"Yes," said Rita, "I better change!" Rita turned toward the dressing room and then paused and turned back around, "Shane, is everything okay with you...with you and Oliver?"
Shane paused a moment. "Yes, I think so. It's not anything big, I don't think, but have you noticed how quiet he has been lately?"
Rita nodded, "Mmmhmm, Norman and I both noticed. We just thought maybe he was tired or worried about something outside of work."
Shane looked concerned. "Rita, I know this might sound crazy, but I can't shake the feeling that he is keeping something from me, maybe from all of us? I don't know. Sometimes he seems present, and other times so…well, it kind of reminds me of how he was acting just before he proposed, remember?"
Rita smiled and nodded, remembering. She then looked thoughtful, "Well, knowing Oliver, if he is keeping a secret, he probably has a really good reason for doing so."
Shane sighed, "That's what I keep telling myself."
"I have an idea! Why don't we give him a little surprise tomorrow, from you and I and Norman! You know, just so he knows we appreciate him being our section leader. He has been under a lot of pressure lately. Maybe he just needs a little pick-me-up!" exclaimed Rita.
"That's a great idea! There is this little antique store around the corner, maybe after we get your dress we can pop in and see if they have anything!" said Shane excitedly.
Rita smiled, "Okay!"
Rita opened the door to the Mailbox Grille and she and Shane entered. It was almost unrecognizable with the sheer amount of décor. There was music blaring and twinkle lights flashing.
"Wow!" exclaimed Rita.
"Hazel really went all out!" said Shane.
The music volume dropped and someone with a microphone announced it was time for games and to gather into a large circle.
Hazel spotted Shane and Rita. She was donning a purple cowgirl hat and a yellow feather boa. She squealed when she saw them. "You're here! Yay! I'll save you seats next to me! Oh, but you'll first need to select some accessories. It's for the first game!" Hazel said with a wink and a giggle, twirling her boa in the air.
"Hazel, this all looks so great!" said Rita cheerfully as she put on some costume jewelry. Shane ended up with a detective hat and oversized sunglasses.
They all sat in a circle and Hazel introduced everyone. When she introduced Shane and Rita she said with glee, "And these are my bridesmaids…" The two women sitting across from them glared their direction. Shane and Rita glanced at one another. "Must be Lester's sisters." whispered Shane. Rita nodded and did her best to smile at them cheerfully.
The next shock came when Hazel introduced Andrea. Shane hadn't recognized her at first as she was wearing a mask over her eyes and a wig with red curls. Hazel was always obviously terrified of Andrea at work. Why would she invite her tonight?
They finished the first game and as everyone was talking and laughing, Shane, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned over and whispered to Hazel, "Hazel, did you invite Andrea?"
Hazel nodded, "Oh, yes! I did!"
When she did not offer further information, Shane looked at her with raised eyebrows.
Hazel's face registered what Shane was asking. She leaned toward Shane and whispered too. "I was crying in the ladies room at work because, well, more wedding problems. Andrea came in and after an awkward moment she asked me if I was okay and then handed me a tissue while I explained. She gave me some really good advice. She's much different than I thought she was!"
Hazel got pulled away for the next activity. Shane sat there reeling slightly. She took advantage of her sunglasses and shifted her gaze toward Andrea. She was quietly talking to the person sitting next to her. What had caused such a change?
Rita brought Shane some cookies, interrupting her thoughts. "Shane, you have to try these! They are delicious!"
Shane laughed and took a cookie from Rita, shifting her attention back to the party.
"Next up, truth or dare!" announced Hazel excitedly.
Oliver walked back to the DLO. Andrea had selected two new employees and Oliver had just met them. They seemed competent, but his team was more than just a group of competent people. They all were individually talented, but remove even one of them and their effectiveness as a unit would drop significantly. Oliver had discussed this with Andrea several times. She had finally relented and assured him that if Rita wanted to stay in the DLO, she could, and she would place the new employees elsewhere.
Andrea had said she would meet with Rita by end of day. Oliver was relieved. Just a few more hours and he could stop feeling so guilty for not sharing all of this with Shane. He glanced at his watch. Time for lunch.
Norman was peeking through the DLO doors and whispered loudly, "He's coming!" He quickly went over to stand next to Shane and Rita by Oliver's desk.
They all smiled at one another and then looked toward the door.
Oliver walked in with his head down and started toward his desk. He looked up and froze, seeing three smiling faces. "Uh, what is this...?"
"Well, we wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you!" exclaimed Rita.
"You've been working really hard to keep the team going and in good spirits." said Norman.
"So, we got you a little something!" announced Shane, clearly excited.
Rita held out a carefully wrapped package with blue, red, and white striped paper. Oliver took it from her, genuinely surprised.
"Well, thank you." said Oliver sincerely. "But, you have all been working hard. And that has little to do with me."
Norman grinned, "A great leader inspires others to reach their full potential. You do that for all of us, Oliver."
Shane looked as if she was going to cry, "Open it! Before my make up gets ruined!"
They all chuckled as Oliver opened the package in his hands. He lifted the lid and pulled out an old stamp with a wooden handle.
"It's a Denver County paid postage stamp that hasn't been used since 1942!" exclaimed Norman, unable to contain his excitement.
"Rita found it!" announced Shane.
Rita blushed slightly, "Well, we all know how you appreciate old things with history."
Oliver was smiling. He loved it. He looked at the three people standing in front of him, feeling grateful and hoping they would remain a team. "It's the perfect gift. Thank you very much."
They all smiled at one another, satisfied.
"Well, we have to get going. We're meeting my dad for lunch today." said Rita.
"See you later." said Norman as they walked away.
"You two have fun! Tell Bill hello from us." said Shane.
"We will!" said Rita.
Shane shifted her attention back to Oliver. He was examining the stamp in his hand.
"What a rare find." he said, as he carefully displayed it on his desk.
"I'm so glad you like it." said Shane with a smile.
"It was very thoughtful." said Oliver as he sat down in his chair.
He looked a bit sad to Shane. "You okay, Oliver?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes. A little hungry though. Should we order in some lunch?" asked Oliver, forcing some pep into his voice.
Shane smiled, "I already have. You have ham and cheese on rye on its way from the corner deli."
Oliver smiled warmly, "Thank you, sweetheart."
If Oliver had been paying closer attention, he would have noticed Shane's concerned expression as he began clearing off his desk.
Oliver made every effort to focus on his work, but it was no use. He stood and loosened his tie and began pacing in front of his desk. He was alone in the DLO. Shane had gone with Heather for her driving test. Norman had accompanied Rita to go see Andrea. She hadn't called for Rita until nearly five o'clock.
Oliver was feeling conflicted. He was hopeful that Rita would choose to stay in the DLO, but he also knew what a pay raise would mean for their family. He was determined to be happy for Rita, and Norman, if she took the new position.
He glanced at his watch once again, 5:37. He sat down at his desk, signed a few forms, and then stood up again, finished with the essential work for the day. He paused and looked around the DLO, looking for something to keep his hands busy.
Norman and Rita walked in fifteen minutes later, holding hands and smiling. They found Oliver, crouching next to his desk, tightening a screw.
"Oliver? You're still here? Is there work left that we missed?" asked Norman, glancing around the DLO.
Oliver quickly stood, "Oh, no. Everything is finished. I was just waiting to inquire, well, to ask how Rita's meeting with Andrea went?" said Oliver apprehensively, as he placed his hands behind his back.
Rita tilted her head to the side, beginning to realize why Oliver had been so quiet all week. "Well, she tried very hard to persuade me, but no worries! You're stuck with me in the DLO for the foreseeable future!"
Norman smiled big and nodded.
Oliver let out a sigh of relief and grinned. "Wonderful!" He then looked serious. "However, a supervisor position would be wonderful for your career, not to mention the financial compensation…"
"It was very flattering, of course," said Rita, slightly embarrassed, "but there are more important things than money."
"Much more important." agreed Norman, smiling at Rita with admiration.
"I'm a Postable." said Rita proudly, as if that explained everything. Rita placed a hand in her belly and looked at Norman, "Norman and I have everything we need."
"We do." said Norman, affirmatively.
Oliver could not describe the sense of relief that he felt. He just kept smiling. He couldn't wait to tell Shane! Oh no! Shane! He quickly pulled out his watch: 6:07. He was nearly an hour late!
"Oliver, don't you have a date with Sh…?" Rita started asking as Oliver grabbed his jacket and bolted out the door.
Norman looked at Rita with a nervous expression, "I hope he makes it in time."
Shane was in the driver's seat as she pulled up in front of her home, driving Heather's car.
"Well, how does it feel?" asked Heather happily.
"Incredible!" said Shane as she turned off the car. She could legally drive again. She had regained her independence one step at a time and it felt so good. Shane said a silent prayer of thanks, something that she felt inclined to do more often lately.
"I'm so happy for you, honey! Looks like Oliver isn't here yet. Did you say you had plans for tonight?" asked Heather.
Shane glanced at her phone: 5:07 Yikes, the DMV lines had been longer than she expected. "We do! He should be here any minute. I better go get ready." Shane said as she opened the door.
"I'll grab your chair." said Heather.
"Thanks, Mom." said Shane.
Heather wheeled Shane's chair inside and Shane followed with her walker.
"Wow, you are moving faster each time I see you!" said Heather. "Is the pain improving?"
"It's almost completely gone!" exclaimed Shane. "It feels like a miracle! The new treatments and exercises Dr. Noom prescribed are incredibly effective. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to chuck this walker one day!"
Heather smiled, feeling so relieved that Shane was still progressing. She said goodbye, giving Shane a hug. "Enjoy your date! Love you, honey!"
"Thanks for your help today, Mom. Love you too!" said Shane.
Shane quickly slipped on a new fancy dress and freshened up her makeup and hair. She was taking Oliver to Montaldo's tonight. They hadn't been as a married couple and tonight was a special dinner theater event featuring Shakespeare. She smiled, he was going to love it!
Shane suddenly paused and grabbed onto the edge of the counter. She had been standing to get ready, without holding on to anything. She hadn't noticed until her leg started shaking from fatigue. Her walker was off to the side. She used the counter to inch over and grab it.
Shane smiled and tears sprung to her eyes. She looked down at her body. She was scarred and broken, but she was healing. She quickly dried her eyes, not wanting to smudge her makeup. Oliver would be here any minute.
She finished getting ready and glanced at the clock: 5:20. They would need to leave by 5:30 to make it on time. Shane tidied up the house while she waited. She checked for Oliver's car out the window, several times. Nothing.
She pulled out her phone and dialed the number for the DLO. Instead of connecting she heard a loud beeping noise. The button had been sticking and if you didn't hang it up just right, it failed to work. Shane felt a flash of irritation.
Perhaps she should have reminded Oliver before she left? But Oliver didn't need reminders, at least not under normal circumstances. This was odd for him. She checked the time again: 5:45.
Shane's feelings shifted to worry for a moment, but then she remembered how odd Oliver had been acting in general the past week. She had concluded he was definitely keeping something from her. He had been so quiet, so distracted. Did he actually forget? Shane felt the hurt rising to the surface. It was nearly 6:00. They would never make it in time and the program only ran from 6:00-7:30.
It wasn't missing their reservations that stung so much. What was this she was feeling? She paused to analyze her emotions. Jealousy, perhaps? Something else was holding his attention and by not sharing what that was with her, she felt...what? And then it hit her. Before Oliver there was always guessing, never clarity in her relationships. But with Oliver things were different, wonderfully different. But this felt like a step backwards and she didn't like how that made her feel.
Shane squared her jaw and grabbed her purse and her walker. She knew Oliver had not intentionally hurt her, but she would go crazy sitting here wondering and worrying. She opened up the front door and was on her way out when a thought crossed her mind and she froze.
Holly.
A name she rarely, if ever, thought of anymore. But with perfect clarity she recalled how she had left Oliver, alone, without any explanation. Shane sighed and turned around. She pictured Oliver arriving home, discovering her absence, also with no explanation. She was upset, but under no circumstances could she do something to intentionally cause pain. Her face softened slightly. She couldn't not be here without at least leaving him a note.
She quickly pulled a notebook out of her purse and scribbled quickly, tore off the top sheet, and left it sitting on the front table. She grabbed her purse and walker and walked out the door. She glanced around, hoping he would pull in the driveway, but he still wasn't there. She sighed, got in her car for the first time in months, and drove away, trying not to cry.
Oliver pulled into his driveway and quickly got out of the car. He glanced at his watch. Traffic had been bad and it was already 6:47. He ran up the front steps, unlocked the front door, and called out Shane's name. There was no answer. He was about to pick up the phone to call her when he saw the note sitting on the front table. He picked it up and read:
Oliver,
I'm not sure why you are running late. I went ahead and cancelled our reservations for tonight. I tried to call the DLO, but there was no answer. I'm heading over to my mom's place. I hope you are okay.
-Shane
Oliver read it three times, trying to read the emotions between the lines. He felt terrible. He quickly walked out the door and back to his car.
When he pulled up in front of Heather's place, he could see Shane on the porch swing. They had yet to move the swing to their home because of how busy things had been at the DLO. Oliver made a mental note to do so as soon as possible.
He got out and paused a moment, straightening his tie. She hadn't seen him yet. She looked stunning, as usual. He noticed she was wearing a blue dress that he hadn't seen before and her hair was up with curls falling down. She had a colorful shawl draped around her shoulders and was staring off the other direction, swinging gently. She was clearly ready for a special evening.
Oliver felt a pang of guilt as he noticed her countenance. She looked sad. And it was his fault. He walked up the sidewalk, anxious to apologize.
Shane turned as she heard him coming, a look of relief momentarily on her face as she realized he was okay. He stopped several feet in front of her and lifted his arms slightly and let them drop before placing them behind his back. Shane could tell he was struggling to find words. She waited. Finally, he softly said, "Hello."
"Hi." said Shane quietly.
"I'm so sorry I'm late." said Oliver, as sincerely as he could muster.
Shane acknowledged he'd spoken with a nod, but didn't say anything. She kept swinging and returned her gaze to the opposite direction. Oliver could feel the walls around her as if they were visible. He felt desperate to remove them.
"May I sit?" asked Oliver.
"Of course." said Shane, slowing the swing.
They sat there for a moment, Oliver trying to collect his thoughts, and Shane unable to wait any longer. "Oliver," she said, clearly sad, "what on earth has been going on with you this week? You've been quiet and evasive, not to mention forgetful."
Oliver nodded, "I have been a bit preoccupied this week.'
Shane raised her eyebrows, "A bit?"
Oliver took a breath and continued, "Shane, I am late this evening because I was waiting to talk to Rita after her meeting with Andrea. Andrea was offering her a supervisor position on the floor, with a pay raise. It was up to Rita to decide if she would stay in the DLO or make a change."
Shane stopped swinging, eyes wide. "What did Rita decide?"
Oliver smiled, "She chose to continue with the DLO."
Shane looked visibly relieved. "Even with the salary difference?"
"Mmmhmm. She said she was a Postable and that she and Norman had everything they needed." explained Oliver.
Shane smiled, "Of course she did." Shane couldn't imagine the DLO without Rita. "Wait, were they planning on replacing her?"
"Yes, with two new DLO employees. I participated in several interviews this week as well." said Oliver. "That's why I was so distracted. I gave Andrea my word that I would not mention any potential changes to anyone on my team, which includes you. She insisted on not discussing everything with Rita until she hired the new employees."
Shane's mind was quickly connecting the dots. "Oliver, why didn't you just tell me there was something work related that you had to keep confidential? I mean, of course I would have been curious, but I would have understood."
Oliver stared at Shane and blinked a few times. "That would have been a wiser course of action."
Shane slugged him in the arm. "Oliver O'Toole! Do you know how worried I've been about you this week?! I knew you were keeping something from me, but I couldn't get you to open up." Shane's voice shifted to a whisper, "I thought maybe you were upset with me over something or you'd changed your mind about the...the baby and just didn't want to say anything." Shane turned away as she began to blink rapidly. Oliver noticed her swallow and take a deep breath.
Oliver looked surprised, he truly had no idea she had been that concerned. He quickly put his arm around her.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I did not intend to make you worry." Oliver was feeling like an idiot. He had fallen into an old pattern of turning inward when distressed and had unconsciously hurt Shane.
"I know." said Shane as she took Oliver's free hand in hers. He held her hand and began playing with her ring. She looked at him seriously, "I know working together may...complicate things again in the future, but please don't shut me out. I can support you without knowing everything."
Oliver nodded and squeezed her hand. "I promise. Will you forgive me for my lack of communication?"
Shane sighed and simply looked at him, happy everything made sense. She reached up and touched his face. "You are really easy to forgive, Mr. O'Toole."
"For that, I am grateful." replied Oliver with an appreciative smile. Shane tipped her face up to kiss him and he kissed her back.
Oliver then sat back and looked at her, "You look beautiful. If I may inquire, what were our plans for this evening?"
Shane looked disappointed, "It was Shakespeare night at Montaldo's. We had a front row table."
Oliver made a painful face, "I'm sorry. That would have surely been a superb evening."
Shane smiled, "Good thing I was able to switch our reservation to next month, Shakespeare included."
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Oliver with excitement in his voice.
Oliver squeezed her hand again and began swinging gently. They watched the sun begin to set.
"Shane?" said Oliver quietly.
"Hmm?" replied Shane, turning to look at him.
"I haven't changed my mind about anything." said Oliver, looking at her intently.
Shane slowly smiled until it reached her eyes, feeling Oliver's sincerity and love. "Me neither."
"Good." said Oliver, holding Shane a bit tighter.
Shane had a thoughtful look on her face as the swing moved slowly back and forth. She absentmindedly moved a stray hair out of her face. "Are you sure we shouldn't encourage Rita to take the supervisor position? That would be a wonderful opportunity."
Oliver sighed, "I know. That's what was troubling me this week, along with not being at liberty to speak with you. I felt my motives were selfish in wanting to keep Rita in the DLO. But she and Norman seemed quite adamant and content with their decision."
Shane smiled, "I'm so glad. Sometimes I wonder how long we can keep this postables gig going. Time has a way of changing things."
Oliver nodded. "I wonder too. However, family remains family, regardless of the passage of time."
Shane smiled at that thought and then changed the subject. "Tomorrow should be fun. Lester and Hazel, tying the knot. I'm happy for them."
"Lester walked up to me today and said because you and Rita are bridesmaids, he moved some of his family out of the way so Norman and I could have a front row seat." Oliver shook his head slightly, "I did not know the appropriate way to respond."
Shane chuckled.
"Is your mom home?" asked Oliver.
"Yes, she could tell I was upset. She didn't ask any questions. She just brought me some pie and said she'd be inside if I needed anything." explained Shane.
Oliver's stomach growled loud enough that Shane heard it. "Would you like some pie?"
"Yes, please." Oliver said quickly, realizing how hungry he was.
Shane reached for her walker to stand. Oliver stopped her. "I'll get a slice and bring it outside. Perhaps Mom would like to join us."
Shane smiled as Oliver stood and went inside. She took a deep breath and looked at the sky. It was nice to feel peace again.