Chapter 8 Spring break to year 1 end
Kensi and Marty are talking on the phone. "Kens, I've promised myself that I would have an answer for the Bay area guys by the end of spring break. We aren't necessarily tied together in a package deal, although they talk about us in that manner. What are your thoughts at this point?"
"I think it is too early in my educational track to tie myself down, at least long term. My value to an employer, and yours, will only increase as I go through and complete college. Don't you agree?"
"I do agree. One thing that's gnawing at my mind is our geographical separation. I would like to close that gap sometime in the near future, so we can move our relationship forward. I'm not talking right away, but I'm not talking years either. What do you say about that?"
"I agree there too, I think we're pretty much on the same page, Marty!"
"So, how do we do that? I don't have a definitive answer yet."
"How's the tutoring going?"
"Really well, I like it."
"Would you like to add teaching into your career mix?"
"I definitely think so."
"Are there options to do that down there in the LA area?"
"I haven't heard of any; certainly, nobody down here is coming after me/us like the Stanford/San Jose guys are."
"What does that tell us?"
"I like the way you think, love!"
"So do I!" says Kensi as they both laugh.
Spring break and the foursome is in LA, spending a lot of time at the beach either as 2 or 4. Marty and Kensi are sitting on a blanket, watching what little surf there is. It's Tuesday of their break.
"Kens?"
"Yeah-"
"I am thinking of going up Thursday, if I can set-up a meeting for Friday to talk turkey with the Stanford/San Jose guys. I need to make whatever decision I can in regards to the next 3-5 years of my life. BUT I want to include you in this, if you're willing. Not that we're joined at the hip yet. I don't want you to feel ignored. I love you; you know that!"
"I know. Maybe you should talk to UCLA, drop the bomb that the guys up north are coming after you/us and see if anything shakes loose?"
"Yeah, in all fairness I should do that. So, Kens – are you ready to talk turkey with them up north?"
"With you, yeah. What I mean is . . . if I go with you and I see a real deal takings shape, then I think I'm ready to look at a short-term deal for myself too. I'd want our deals to coincide time-wise if at all possible. Wow, that sounds committal, doesn't it?"
"Scary?" Marty inquires.
"A little. But, one nice thing about us – I feel safe with you. I've never felt that way with anyone but my dad!"
"Wow, that makes me feel good. I will do everything in my power to live up to that, sweetheart!"
Kensi says "So, you call UCLA and I'll TXT the guys up north?"
"On it."
K: Mr. Chairman, Marty and I are ready to talk turkey – gobble, gobble. 😊 Friday?
MRC: Friday works. 😊 May I TXT time & place?
K: Yes, we will arrive Th eve.
MRC: Ok.
Marty calls UCLA-Law. No one there is ready to talk about the kinds of arrangements the Bay area folks are suggesting. It looks like they have only one option outside of just continuing on with school as they are presently. Thursday afternoon they make the drive north.
They arrive in time for supper and go to the Italian place where Kensi works. The owner and his wife are delighted to see them and serve a delicious meal. Kensi has received a TXT informing them of a meeting at 11:00 Friday at the DA's home in San Jose, with a light lunch to follow.
"Marty?"
"Yeah?"
"This is becoming a pattern, isn't it?" Kensi suggests.
"Yes, so?" Marty replies.
"Are you as uncomfortable as I am?" Kensi wonders.
"I don't know, probably not. This is what is called the 'soft sell'. There is no hard pressure, just a friendly setting and relaxed conversation. At least so far."
"I get it, it's just that we are not at the same level, in the same league as they are."
"That's true, but they are trying to show their respect for us, and their desire to add us to the team, in some capacity."
"Yeah, it just feels like I don't belong. At least not yet." Kensi worries.
"I have the same feeling. But I've decided to go with the flow, see what's offered, and make the best decision possible with the facts we have. I really want to do this, to move forward together. Are you with me, Kens?"
"Yes, I'm definitely with you! Maybe I'm overthinking this. Being in my 1st year of college it's rather natural to be somewhat overwhelmed in the presence of these older, experienced gentlemen. You are right, they are expressing how impressed they are with us. We should take that as the compliment it is and move forward, together." Kensi relaxes, somewhat.
"I agree, Kens. Looking back to last summer I am amazed that we found each other! I cannot imagine going through this process with anyone else. I love you!"
"And I love you! Ditto on the process."
"Let's head to the meeting and lunch," after a prolonged kiss they head for the car.
After 45 minutes of presentation of options, questions and discussion, 15 minutes to consult privately, they settle on the following:
Kensi will continue at Stanford and finish the psychoanalysis degree. During her school years she will sit on a San Jose County advisory committee which has been tasked with finding the best use of that degree in County services. Post college – she will be committed to working for San Jose County for 3 years in one of the roles the advisory committee has designated as 'best use' of that degree. During college, she will have a ½ scholarship to defer expenses. She is happy with the deal. While she had, and has, no desire to settle in the Bay area for life - doing so for 3 years post college is ok. Then there is Marty.
Marty will transfer to Stanford-Law for his 3rd year of law school come September. He will continue his tutoring during his final time at UCLA to gain more teaching experience. When he starts next year, he will be the instructor in one or two of the 'Introductory to' law classes for 1st year students – the class of his choice. He may continue tutoring if he chooses. If he does continue tutoring, the fees collected will be 75% his. He will have a) a full ride scholarship, b) use of an off-campus 2-bedroom apartment, and c) 1-week vacation at one of the previously mentioned condos. Post law school he has a 3-year commitment to Stanford and/or San Jose County where he may mix and match time as a Public Defender or law school faculty. If he chooses to continue teaching in some capacity he will advance in seniority and increasing eligibility for vacation time. Needless to say, he is happy with the deal. To think that he and Kensi would be so highly thought of, and so eagerly sought after, is just incredible. He agrees with her that permanently settling in the Bay area wasn't on his radar, but the length of commitment in this deal will be time well spent. And their resumes will be significantly enhanced, and their experience level will shoot up. Also, they will be close to each other, which gives them every advantage to grow together in their relationship.
They are both pleased!
OMG! Do they have things to talk about, decisions to make, plans to put in place. 1st for Kensi is calling mom and dad. But first, she and Marty need to talk.
"Marty. We need to talk before I call my folks."
"Ok, what about?"
"Living arrangements."
"Oh. What specifically?"
"Well, you are going to have a 2-bed apartment . . . this is hard. If . . . ah . . . I was to move into your spare bedroom, and I'm not asking to . . . um . . . what would you expect?"
"You mean sex?"
"Well, put it right out there why don't you!"
"I just want to be crystal clear what we're talking about . . . OK, I knew we needed to talk about this sooner or later. Don't take this the wrong way, please let me explain."
"Ok," says Kensi. "Go!"
"I have no expectations in this area, none. I don't think we are ready to cross that line yet, please tell me if you disagree Kens. I'm not a virgin, neither am I the player some think I am. That being said, I respect you so highly that I hope we can make moves like this in concert with each other. I feel that intimacy should be a mutual act of love not a physical conquest. Is that, OK?"
"Marty, I am so glad you said all that! I love you! And I respect you highly too. I hope my dad will get it if he asks! So, to recap – my moving in would NOT equate to us becoming sexually active, right?"
"Right, only if and when we mutually decide to do so. I am clear, are you?"
"Yup!" Kensi dials her folks.
"Julia here, hi sweetheart!"
"Hi mom, is dad there? Put him on speaker, please."
"Ok, we are both here. Do you have news?"
"Yes, I'm so excited! Marty and I each agreed to a deal with Stanford and San Jose County."
"That's great! Can you give us the highlights?"
"Sure. For myself: I continue with school on a ½ scholarship, during school I will sit on an SJC advisory committee that is working to find what are the best roles for graduates with my degree; after graduation I am committed to work for either Stanford or SJC for 3 years in one of the roles that the committee has determined are 'best use' for those graduates. Obviously, I hadn't planned on living in the Bay area, but I think it will be a good start to my career.
"For Marty: he will transfer to Stanford for his 3rd year, next year he will teach an introductory law class for 1st year students, he may continue tutoring if he chooses reaping 75% of the fees, and be eligible for 1-week vacation in a condo of his choice in Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. After school he is committed to work for 3-years for Stanford or SJC. Among other things, this brings us closer together enhancing our relationship. That's a lot to take in, any questions?"
"Wow!" Don and Julia exclaim simultaneously.
Julia asks, "So, Marty will be moving up north?"
"Yes, obviously."
"This may be premature, but have you thought of living arrangements?" Julia asks.
"JULIA!" Donald explodes.
"Donald," Julia speaks coyly. "I would be thinking about that!" She smirks.
"I'm sure you would." He whispers.
Kensi interrupts, "Can we get back on track here?"
Kensi continues, "One other thing for Marty, he will have the use of an off campus 2-bedroom condo. We have discussed this briefly but haven't decided if I will move into his 2nd bedroom. I'm sure we will talk about this further."
"Baby girl, can you believe where you and Marty are compared to the beginning of last summer?"
"No, it's incredible!"
"Can you explain how this happened?" Julia asks.
"It started the weekend you moved me into my dorm room. After you left Marty and I went to talk to someone in the law school; he just wanted to introduce himself. Fortunately, the chairman was available. We had a very nice chat; he apparently was favorably impressed with us. He pulled the San Jose County DA into his discussions and they kept in touch pursuing us and here we are. Incredible I know!"
"Well Kensi, your mother and I have also been impressed how you and Marty are approaching your relationship in such a mature manner. We are so glad to see both of you happy. What are your next steps?"
"Well, I am just going to continue with this school year. The one big discussion point with Marty is whether or not I move out of the dorm. I have no preference at this time. That may seem weird, but that's where I am right now. Marty will continue with the year at UCLA including tutoring. As we get into summer things will pick up I'm sure. It will be an incredible summer!"
"Let us know what we can do to help you kids. We want you both to succeed and prosper, as the Vulcan in me would say!" Donald retorts. Julia rolls her eyes, Kensi laughs!
Marty wants to take at least a small step forward with Kensi. He's been looking at Promise Rings online. That would be a step up from their friendship bracelets, but he's not sure if she would be ready for that. He thinks of someone to ask.
Ring, ring, "Julia, who's calling?"
"Julia, it's Marty."
"Marty! What can I do for you?"
" I'm wondering if I could meet you and Donald for coffee on Sunday?"
"Oh, I can do better than that. Why don't you come over for brunch at 10:00?"
"Oh, I don't want to impose on you."
"Not an imposition, believe me. We'd love to have you and get better acquainted."
"Ok if you insist. I'll be there."
BLYE HOME SUNDAY 10:00
"Thanks so much for having me, Julia and Donald."
"It's our pleasure, son. What's on your mind?"
"Well, I have been thinking of a way to take a next step forward with Kensi. I have been looking at Promise Rings but I'm not sure if she is ready for something like that. Do either of you have any thoughts?"
Julia says, "I know of Promise Rings, do you Donald?"
"Not really, what kind of promise is meant?"
"By wearing Kensi's Promise Ring, I am promising that when we are ready, I will propose to her and we will become engaged to be married. And vice versa if she wears my ring. Is that clear?"
"Yes," Julia replies. "You understand we have to be careful. She does share some things with us in confidence. I think it's a little early for that, what do you think Donald?"
"I agree, honey. Maybe for her birthday in the summer, or better yet Christmas. BTW she is using, and loving the journal you gave her for her last birthday."
"Thanks for the input, I think it's sound advice."
Julia adds, "One thing I think I can say is this. She has remarked about her bracelet; she wishes that it were a bit fancier. Have you heard that, Don?"
"Yes, I have, not a lot though. She's not obsessed about it."
"Does she ever talk about surfing? Do you think she would like to learn how to really enjoy it? I've thought of offering to teach her."
"She has commented about how good a surfer you are, and how much fun it would be to do it together," Donald comments.
"Yes, I've heard that," Julia adds. "Maybe you can advise us and we could team up and get her equipped for surfing at her birthday party."
"Good idea! I'm sure I can get her a nice slightly used board, if you can get her suited up. I can advise you on wet-suit etc. We'll talk more soon, many thanks."
"Thanks for asking to see us, Donald and I want to spend more time getting better acquainted."
As Marty heads home, a plan is taking shape.
