Chapter Ten
Gary's eyes studied Jennifer's face. Her flawless skin was like fine porcelain. Her eyes sparkled like pools of light from which he could easily drown. Her lips were like fine rubies inviting his lips to join in the splendor of endless kissing.
No, he wasn't going to do this again. He wasn't going to allow his heart to dominate his common sense. He was feeling things for this woman that he shouldn't feel. But he had learned his lesson with Ginger. He wasn't going to surrender his heart ever again, not to Jennifer Metcalf or any woman.
"What are you doing here?" Gary asked. His tone was surprisingly unfriendly.
Jennifer was shocked by Gary's severe tone. He acted like he was unhappy to see her, like he didn't want her there. Maybe Marissa was wrong. Maybe she didn't have a chance with him.
"I stopped by to see if…you got my flowers. I met Marissa here and we've just been talking." Jennifer explained.
"Gary, let me see you in the office for a moment." Marissa said. Marissa didn't know what had gotten into Gary since this morning, but she didn't like the way he treated Jennifer. He needed a good talking to.
"Marissa, I was just about to go upstairs." Gary replied.
"Now, Gary!" Marissa demanded. "Jennifer, if you'll excuse us." Marissa walked towards the office. Gary followed behind her sheepishly.
Marissa closed the office door. "Do you want to tell me what that was about?"
"Marissa, I really don't feel like talking about this right now."
"I don't care what you feel like. The man out there wasn't the Gary I know. The Gary I know would have never been so insensitive. What's wrong with you?"
Gary sighed. He definitely wasn't in the mood for a scolding. This day had been horrible beginning with his early morning consultation with Marcia, a consultation that wouldn't have been necessary but for Jeff's desire to set up a trust for Virginia's children. And then it took him over two hours to free himself from Virginia's clutches after first promising that he would come over for dinner tomorrow night. Of course, the long lunch with Virginia caused him to run late in preventing the child from falling down the sewer. He had arrived seconds before the mishap. He grabbed the child before she could be hurt. He had been unable to save the doll.
Unfortunately, the child's mother hadn't taken too kindly to a strange man grabbing her child. She assumed that he was a kidnapper. His explanation fell on deaf ears. The police were called and he was arrested. He spent the next few hours pleading his case. Finally, the mother and the police believed his story. No charges were filed.
Tired and frustrated, he returned to McGinty's expecting a shower and bed, not Jennifer Metcalf.
"Look, Marissa. I'm sorry if I hurt Jennifer's feelings. I didn't mean to. It's just that it's been a rotten day. First, I had to deal with Marcia then Virginia. If it weren't for Jeff…"
"Enough already! Enough! I'm sick and tired of you whining about how terrible your life has been because of Jeff. Are you going to spend the rest of your life blaming Jeff?"
"Marissa."
"So Jeff got Ginger. So what. So Gary lost the girl. So what. Meanwhile, there's a girl out there who really cares about you. But you are too busy destroying yourself over a memory to notice."
"She said that she cared about me?"
"Yes, she did."
"I blew it, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did. But you can still make this right. Go out there and apologize to Jennifer. Ask her out on a date." Marissa advised.
"A date? I don't think I'm ready for that." Gary said. He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck.
"When will you be ready? It's time to let Ginger go. It's time to let the pain go. It's time to open up your heart."
A silence.
"I'm scared. What if…What if it doesn't work?" Gary asked fearfully.
"What if it does? Give yourself a chance, Gary. Give Jennifer a chance."
Determined, but still afraid, Gary left the office. He was going to apologize to Jennifer then ask her out on a date and pray that she'd go out with him.
Gary was devastated when he walked into the bar. Jennifer was gone.
Chapter Eleven
During the cab ride to the studio, Gary rehearsed his conversation with Jennifer. He had to do this right. He had to make her understand that he was sorry and to give him another chance. A date? Marissa seemed so sure that he was ready to take this step. But dating? And what about the paper? Would it even cooperate? Every time he tried dating, the paper sent negative signals. Gary remembered his short-lived relationship with Emma Shaw. When he tried dating Emma, the paper had him prevent a grief stricken elderly woman from committing suicide because she didn't want to live without her recently deceased husband. Emma was left waiting for him at the restaurant. First date down the tubes. The second date could have qualified for disaster relief. The paper had given him three saves to complete that evening. Chuck pinpointed the exact location of each rescue and told Gary that all he had to do was to take Emma to a restaurant within the "Hobson Triangle." Simple. Right? Wrong. Dino's wasn't exactly fine cuisine. And Emma didn't appreciate him constantly leaving her. The date would have been a total lost but for him taking Emma to that wall mural.
Alas, a Hobson-Shaw union was doomed from the start. Emma saw him as a substitute for Marco. When he discovered that the paper planned to reunite Emma with her presumed dead love at the opera, he considered keeping Emma away from Marco with a moonlight dinner cruise. But Emma's heart wasn't his to win. Her heart belonged to Marco. He realized this and returned Emma to the opera house where he assumed that she and Marco met and lived happily ever after.
Maybe romantic fairy tales aren't supposed to exist for a guy who gets tomorrow's newspaper today.
Sighing, Gary paid the cab fare and walked the short distance to the studio. The air was crisp. Suddenly, a realization struck Gary- what if Jennifer was no longer at the studio? He had no idea how long these television shootings lasted. What if everything had been wrapped up for today?
Gary didn't know where Jennifer lived nor how to reach her. After his insensitivity, he couldn't expect her to have returned to McGinty's.
Gary went inside the studio. The security guard remembered him from earlier. Because he had saved Jennifer's life, he was given entry into the studio. He learned that an unscheduled taping had been called and that Jennifer was still on the set. The doors to the set were closed to everyone but the actors.
Gary was lead to the waiting area away from the set.
He nervously waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Finally, an actress emerged from the set. "Are you waiting for someone?" Megan asked.
"Yes. Jennifer Metcalf." Gary replied.
"She's finishing with a scene. She should be out shortly. Hey, I remember you. You were the guy we saw today in the restaurant at the Chicago Hilton Hotel." Megan said.
"We?"
"Jennifer, Adam, and me. You were having lunch with some brunette. Well, I got to run." Megan said before leaving.
Great. Jennifer had seen him having lunch with Virginia right after he told her that he wasn't involved with anyone. Then he gave her that less than warm welcome at McGinty's. Nice job, Hobson. She's never going to go out with you now, the inner voice mocked.
His subconscious was right. He was crazy to think that this could work.
Gary turned to leave when he heard a voice call his name. He turned around and saw Jennifer standing next to a man with dark hair. The man's arm was wrapped protectively around her waist.
A pang of jealousy seized Gary.
"Gary, I didn't expect to see you again tonight." Jennifer said. Her tone masked the hurt she felt towards Gary's reaction to seeing her at McGinty's.
"I should be leaving. I'll see you tomorrow, Jennifer. Good work in there." Adam said. He kissed Jennifer on the cheek before leaving the studio.
Another pang of jealousy gripped Gary.
His palms were sweaty. His mouth felt dry.
"Give yourself a chance, Gary. Give Jennifer a chance" Marissa's words echoed in his mind.
"Listen , Jennifer, about earlier, I'm very sorry for the way I acted. I had a bad day and I took it out on you. I was a jerk. You have every right to be mad and to tell me to get lost, but I hope that you won't do that. I hope that…that you will give me another chance… and maybe…and maybe…you'll have dinner with me?" Gary stammered.
A silence.
Was she hearing right? Did Gary just ask her out on a date? Jennifer felt like bursting. This was one of those times that she was grateful that she was an actor. Otherwise, she would have embarrassed herself with a display of adolescent giddiness.
Gary interpreted Jennifer's silence as a refusal. He should have never come to the studio.
"I'm sorry to bother you. I'll be going." Gary said. He turned around and started to walk away.
"Hey, Gary," Jennifer called out, "You never told me when you wanted to go out."
Gary turned back around to face Jennifer. The most beautiful smile crossed his face.
"Are you free tomorrow night about 7:00?" Gary asked. "Do you like Italian food?"
"7:00 sounds great and I love Italian food." Jennifer reached into her purse for a piece of paper and a pen. She wrote down her number, walked over to Gary, and handed him the slip of paper. "In case you need to reach me."
Gary smiled again. "Thanks. See you tomorrow night."
"I'm looking forward to it." Jennifer replied, smiling.
Leaving the studio, Gary realized that night had descended over the streets of Chicago. He looked up at the sky. Even the stars seemed happy. They shone brightly.
The cab ride back to McGinty's seemed quicker than the ride to the studio. Walking into the bar, Gary saw that the evening customers were already there. Before he reached the office, Marissa stopped him.
"How did it go?" Marissa asked.
"I have a date tomorrow night." Gary replied before going up to his loft.
"Bravo, Gary." Marissa said to herself, smiling.
Gary opened the door to the loft and turned on the lights. He proceeded to his bed. Sitting on the bed, he reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the bracelet. His fingers traced the inspiration "With your lips to mine, a rhapsody divine. You make my heart sing." Gary opened the drawer to the night stand, placed the bracelet inside, and closed the drawer.
"Good bye, Ginger." He whispered.
Chapter Twelve
"Meow. Thump.
Gary turned over in his bed, hugging the pillow tightly. Last night was the first night he had slept peacefully in a long time. Tonight promised to be a new beginning for he and Jennifer.
Throwing back the bed covers, Gary walked over to his front door opening it for his feline deliverer.
"You and I are going to have a talk." Gary said to the cat as he bent over to pick up the paper. The cat ran into Gary's apartment and jumped onto the couch.
Gary closed the front door. "First, I told you to stay off of the furniture." Gary demanded. He lifted the cat off of the couch and placed it on the floor. Gary squatted down so that he and the cat were at eye level. "For nearly five years, you have given me this," Gary said waving the paper in the air, "and I have done whatever was asked of me. I didn't think that it was funny when you had the paper send me to stop that fashion show fire and I got stuck with the lunch date from hell. Tonight I have a date. Do you hear me? A date. So, I'm going to open this paper and I'm not going to see anything that I have to handle that will interfere with my plans. Right? Okay, I'm opening the paper. I'm turning the pages."
"Meow."
"Is that all you have to say? I'm telling you, there better not be anything in here to mess up my date." Gary warned.
Gary flipped through the pages- school budget discussions, zoning board approval, councilman indicted, shuttle launch postponed. Nothing life threatening. Nothing.
Gary Hobson actually had the whole day off to prepare for his date.
"I have a date." Gary repeated as if the realization was finally sinking in.
Gary rose from the floor and walked over to the kitchen. "How about some breakfast?" He asked the cat.
"Meow." The cat jumped onto the kitchen table.
Gary allowed the cat to remain on the table. The furniture didn't matter. He had a date. He had a chance at a new beginning.
Gary removed a pizza box from the refrigerator. He opened the box. Cold pepperoni pizza topped with peppers, mushrooms, and pineapple stared back at him. Gary removed the pineapple and handed a piece of pizza to the cat.
The cat looked at the food suspiciously.
"The breakfast of champions." Gary said. Gary took a bite of pizza.
"And what about that guy with his arm around Jennifer like he thought she was going to fall or something. And kissing her on the cheek. What was that about?" Gary mumbled.
"Meow."
"I'm not jealous if that's what you're thinking. I just don't like those phony types. Who did he think he was? Cary Grant?"
"Meow."
"Never mind."
After he showered and dressed, Gary went downstairs.
Gary entered the bar whistling. "Good morning, Marissa. Isn't it a wonderful day?" Gary said.
" Good morning, Gary. You are very cheerful this morning. It wouldn't have anything to do with your date tonight, would it?"
"That and today I am a free man. I have nothing to deal with in the paper. No slip and falls. No fights. No fires. Nothing."
"And you thought that the paper didn't want you dating. So tell me what happened with Jennifer last night. I want details." Marissa demanded."
" Well, I went to the studio. Jennifer had been called back for an unscheduled taping. I had to wait quite a while before she was finished. She came out with this guy. He must have been one of the actors. He had his arm wrapped around her waist. The jerk acted like she couldn't move without his assistance. Then he kissed her good bye." Gary said, jealousy evident in his voice.
Marissa laughed.
"What? I'm not jealous if that's what you are thinking." Gary protested.
"Right. You're not jealous. That's why you called a guy you don't even know a jerk just because he had his arm around Jennifer."
"I just don't like it when men think that women are helpless. Anyway, he didn't have to hold her there." Gary added.
Marissa laughed again.
"Would you stop that please? I'm not jealous." Gary reiterated.
"Sure. You're jealous. Now tell me what else happened." Marissa said slyly.
"Anyway, I apologized to Jennifer and then asked her to have dinner with me. At first, she didn't say anything. I thought that she was mad at me and didn't want to go out, but as I walked away, she called and said that would go out with me."
"Are you going to tell her what happened between you and her grandparents?" Marissa worried that if Gary kept this secret from Jennifer it would doom their relationship before it had a chance.
Gary rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know." He replied honestly.
"You have to tell her."
"I know. But not now. I mean, maybe after we get to know each other better." Gary reassured.
Marissa decided not to pressure Gary. But inside, she worried about the effect this potentially dangerous secret would have on Gary and Jennifer's burgeoning relationship.
"Where are you taking her?"
"I haven't decided. She said that she liked Italian food. But I don't just want to take her to some restaurant. I want tonight to be special. I want her to know that I think that she is special." Gary revealed. "Maybe I could use the paper so I could win enough money to fly her to Italy." Gary said jokingly.
"Gary."
"Just kidding."
"I'm sure you'll think of the perfect place."
"I hope so."
"Besides you have all day to prepare."
Gary had a far away expression on his face and was silent for a moment.
"Gary?"
"I know exactly what I'm going to do for Jennifer for our first date." Gary said, a cheshire cat grin on his face.
Chapter Thirteen
It was almost 6:00 p.m. Marissa listened as Gary nervously paced the kitchen floor barking out orders to the already frazzled staff. He was like an expectant father awaiting the birth of his first child and harassing the hospital employees for information. Except he wasn't an expectant father. He was a very tense man striving for the perfect first date. Despite his nervous demeanor, Marissa knew that he was happy. And that made her happy.
When Gary told her his intentions for the date, Marissa was pleased with the idea. He decided to close the bar to all customers and to turn McGinty's into his and Jennifer's own private Italian restaurant. "I don't want to share her with anyone else tonight" Gary explained.
Gary had gone all out to create a romantic paradise. A huge gold banner with the words "Welcome To McGinty's, Jennifer Metcalf" in black lettering hung conspicuously over the bar. Gary knew that he had hurt Jennifer by his attitude yesterday when he found her talking with Marissa. He hoped that his gesture with the banner would show her that she was welcomed at McGinty's and in his life. Numerous pairs of black and gold balloons decorated the room. A gold tablecloth adorned the tables. Candles painted gold sat comfortably in candle stick holders.
Gary hired a violinist to serenade them while they ate. The violinist was instructed to play an assortment of romantic melodies as well as to honor any song requests that Jennifer provided.
The best students from a Chicago culinary institute were hired to assist the regular kitchen staff with the preparation of Italian dishes.
Earlier, Gary called Jennifer and asked for her address. He told her that he would be sending a ride to pick her up. Jennifer was curious as to where Gary planned to take her. He would only tell her that it was a surprise. Gary arranged for a black stretch limo to greet Jennifer at her apartment.
"Don't you think that you should be getting ready?" Marissa reminded Gary. The kitchen staff mouthed "Thank God." Gary's presence in the kitchen was driving everyone crazy.
"Right." Gary agreed as he disappeared to the loft.
Twenty minutes later, he emerged from his bathroom wearing a black tuxedo with a gold cummerbund. The bow tie dangled freely next to his shirt. God, he hated ties! But tonight, he would ignore comfort and wear a tie and the tuxedo to look his best for Jennifer.
As he attempted to fix the bow tie, his mirrored reflection taunted him.
"What are you doing, Hobson? Do you think that I don't know what you are trying to pull?" The mirrored image of Gary asked.
"I'm not trying to pull anything." Gary replied.
"Sure you are. Turning McGinty's into a romantic fantasyland just like you turned the Purl Roadhouse into a romantic fantasyland. This woman is not Ginger. You can't make her into Ginger." The mirrored image of Gary accused.
"I'm not trying to make her into Ginger. Tonight isn't about Ginger. Tonight is about Jennifer and me." Gary defended.
"Are you sure?" The mirrored image of Gary inquired.
"Yes, I am. Now leave me alone, will ya!" Gary yelled.
"Gary?" Marissa stood outside the ajar door. She heard Gary talking to himself.
"Come in."
"Who were you talking to?"
"No one. Could you help me with this bow tie, please?"
Marissa entered the loft and approached Gary. Less than five minutes later, the bow tie was tied.
Marissa never ceased to amaze Gary. His blind friend could fix the perfect bow tie while he struggled with the thing.
"How do I look?"
"Gary, you're asking a blind person how you look. Don't be so nervous. Everything will be okay."
A silence.
"Marissa, am I making a mistake? I mean, about tonight, this date?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"It's just that…well, how do I know that I'm not just using Jennifer, that I'm not trying to recreate Ginger. They look alike, they have almost the same mannerisms. Maybe subconsciously, I'm seeing Jennifer as my second chance with Ginger." Gary said worried.
Marissa put a gentle hand on Gary's shoulder. "I told you that your heart will know. I know how happy you sound when you talk about Jennifer and how jealous you were when you talked about another man touching her."
"I wasn't jealous. I was just…just jealous." Gary finally conceded.
"You wouldn't be feeling that way if you didn't care about Jennifer because of who she is. Don't worry so much, Gary. Don't even think so much. Just enjoy tonight. You have put alot of yourself into making this a special evening."
"Thanks Marissa." Marissa always knew what to say to make him feel better.
"You're welcome. I'm going to go home before your date arrives. Have a wonderful night and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Talk to you tomorrow."
Marissa disappeared from the loft.
Gary sat down on the couch. He looked at his watch- 6:35. Jennifer would be here soon. Butterflies had taken residence in his stomach. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.
"Jennifer is your destiny. It's time to let me go. It's time to open up your heart to love and new beginnings." Ginger had appeared to him recently in a dream and had uttered those words. "Your heart will know." Marissa had predicted.
Gary had vowed that he would never surrender his heart to another woman after Ginger. But now he realized that he was wrong. He realized that he wanted love. He wanted a future with Jennifer.
Gary walked towards the door. Turning off the lights and closing the door, he proceeded down stairs. Whether he was ready or not his future was about to begin.
The clock struck 7:00. All the tables looked beautiful with their shimmering gold tablecloths. The black and gold theme had definitely transformed McGinty's into a place of quiet elegance.
Gary stood facing the door. Soon, he heard a car pull up to the curb. The front door opened and there she was-like an apparition only she was real. And she was beautiful.
Gary swallowed hard when he saw her.
Jennifer removed the black beaded evening jacket to reveal a black evening gown with tiny black sequins. The evening gown was low cut, but extremely tasteful.
Her hair hung unbridled down her back. The reflection from the glowing candles gave Jennifer's hair a goldish hue.
As she walked into the bar, she smiled. Her eyes twinkled with hope. Jennifer looked around the room. The balloons mischievously moved around as if some invisible hand were urging them to greet her. The tables looked inviting.
Jennifer's eyes caught the banner. One small tear escaped and trickled down her cheek.
"I never expected this." Jennifer said, choking back emotion. "First the limo and now all this."
"Welcome to McGinty's, Jennifer Metcalf. Welcome to a magical night." Gary replied, his hand outstretched to receive Jennifer's hand. She took Gary's hand.
"Where do I sit?" Jennifer asked.
"Anywhere you want. This entire place is yours."
Jennifer chose a center table. Gary pulled out a chair for her then sat down himself.
One of the kitchen staff entered the room. The man wore a tuxedo. He was the waiter tonight. He brought champagne and poured two glasses for Gary and Jennifer.
"What should we toast to?" Gary asked.
"How about to falling overhead studio lights?" Jennifer said jokingly.
Gary laughed. "Okay. We can do that.," Gary paused for a moment, "and let's add 'To Destiny.'"
Jennifer liked the sound of that. Could it mean that Gary saw her as his destiny? She sure hoped so.
They picked up their glasses toasting "To Falling Overhead Studio Lights and To Destiny."
"You know, I always wondered how you happened to appear just in time to save me from those crashing lights."
Oh Boy, Gary thought to himself. He definitely wasn't ready to tell Jennifer about the paper. He wasn't about to risk ending their relationship before it even started.
A worried expression crossed Gary's face. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked.
"No. How did I happen to appear in time to save you from the falling lights? Well, I have this friend who worked on the construction of the set and he was concerned about the lights. He couldn't come down to check for himself, so as a friend, I offered to check things out. I guess I just happened to be in the right place at the right time." Gary explained. God, he hated lying to her. Why couldn't he have thought of one of those famous Metcalf mental reservations?
"Well, we should be toasting your friend's busy schedule." Jennifer added.
Gary smiled. But the smile hid a secret "Tell her the truth about the paper" he could hear Marissa saying in his head. "I'm not ready" his subconscious answered.
The waiter entered with the appetizers. An assortment of culinary delights appeared- calamari, shrimp, eggplant stuffed with crab, portobello mushrooms.
"This looks great." Jennifer said, placing a piece of calamari on her plate.
"I never used to imagine eating calamari," Gary confessed, scooping the squid onto his plate, "I mean, it is not exactly the kind of food a guy from Hickory, Indiana is used to eating. But Marissa suggested that I give it a try. Marissa said that I should open up myself to new experiences and I might find that I would be pleasantly surprised."
"Marissa is right. I really like her. She is so warm and caring. You are lucky to have a friend like her."
"I know. I don't know what I would have done over the years without Marissa. She has been there for me and supported and encouraged me." Gary said. "She has also knocked some sense into my head when I needed it. I think that I probably listen to her more than I've listened to my parents." Gary added laughing.
"That's the way it is with my aunt Marissa, too. Tell me about your parents."
"They still live in Indiana, but they visit a lot. Dad can sometimes be," Gary searched for the right words to describe Bernie, "unconventional and playful. But mom keeps him in line. You might say that mom is like the captain of the ship." Gary ate a bite of calamari. "Sometimes, my parents can be a bit smothering, especially mom. I guess that happens when you are an only child. I love my parents, but I was glad when I moved to Chicago. I needed the space. I think that the distance has helped our relationship."
"I'm an only child too. And my parents weren't happy when I left the safety of the family nest to chase my acting dream. What dreams are you chasing, Gary?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm still looking. Although I feel more hopeful now that I'll find what I've been searching for." Gary responded, his eyes fixed on Jennifer as he spoke.
Jennifer smiled.
Gary never felt this comfortable talking to any date. He felt like letting down his defenses. He felt safe with Jennifer.
Your heart will know.
The violinist approached the table. "Any requests, Madam?"
"How about George Gershwin? I always loved Rhapsody in Blue." Jennifer said.
Jennifer saw Gary flinch at the mention of Rhapsody in Blue. She wondered what painful memories the tune held for Gary. Maybe the song reminded him of his ex-wife.
Jennifer quickly changed her request. "Or, better yet, "The Man I Love?"
Both Gary and Jennifer blushed slightly at the implication of a song that spoke of true love coming along and marriage.
"Would you like to dance?" Gary offered.
"Yes, I would."
Soon Jennifer and Gary were on the dance floor lost in the music and their feelings for each other. Neither could deny that the initial attraction they felt for the other had ripened into something deeper.
It's time to open up your heart to love and new beginnings.
The waiter's polite cough alerted Gary and Jennifer that their dinner was on the table. The music had ended even though they were still dancing. It seemed like their hearts had continued the song, which only they could hear.
Gary escorted Jennifer back to the table. A feast awaited them- chicken and veal marsala, spaghetti, lasagna, linguini, and ravioli. Gary wasn't sure what dishes Jennifer liked so he had asked the kitchen staff to prepare an assortment.
"You like it?"
"Of course. Every thing looks and smells so great. I'm going to have to move into the gym after eating all this. If I get fired for gaining too much weight, it will be your fault, Gary Hobson. Then you'll have to take care of me."
"Gladly. I mean, I'm sure that you won't get fired." Calm down Hobson. You don't want to scare her off, do you? The inner voice cautioned.
Calm down, Metcalf. You don't want to scare him off, do you? Jennifer's inner voice warned.
Both Gary and Jennifer smiled. They spent the next few hours eating, talking, laughing. and dancing.
Jennifer had never felt this happy in her entire life. At this moment, she knew that Gary was the man with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life.
For Gary Hobson, this night had exceeded his wildest dreams. His heart knew that Jennifer was the woman for him. He had found closure for all his pain. He had opened up his heart to love and new beginnings.
Chapter Fourteen
Each day is a new beginning, a time to bury past regrets and to accentuate the positive of moving closer to one's dreams. Gary Hobson never viewed the day in such hopeful terms. To him, a new day meant a continuation of his life saving mission required by the caretakers of tomorrow's newspaper today. Every morning, he awoke to the grating chorus of a meow and a thump. He rushed out to prevent whatever calamity the paper announced, an under appreciated hero who often experienced the ingratitude of humanity. Only the daily dose of Marissa's optimism fueled his weary spirit. But when he went to bed, he dreaded the next day because it was merely a repeat of the previous one with more lives to save. A new day was not something he looked forward to, but something he had to do. All that changed last night with Jennifer. For the first time in a very long time, Gary looked forward to a new day.
A boyish smile appeared on Gary's face. His mind traveled to last night. He recalled how wonderful it felt to hold Jennifer as they danced. And they talked, sharing little details about their lives. Gary learned that Jennifer's birthday was September 19th, two days after his birthday. Since his divorce and receiving the paper, birthdays held little charm for him. They were just another day. He hated whenever his parents decided to celebrate his birthday with a surprise party. Now just thinking about Jennifer's birthday made him happy. September was many months away, yet Gary was already making plans.
A tender kiss had ended a perfect evening. Gary had wanted to kiss Jennifer very badly, but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by assuming that she wanted to be kissed. Jennifer, it seemed, had sensed his anxiety. "Aren't you going to kiss me good night?" She asked as he walked her towards the door. A loving, parting gaze soon transformed into a tender kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow." Jennifer promised as she got into the limo. "Tomorrow." Gary agreed as he watched the limo drive away, his heart skipping a beat.
"Meow." Thump.
Tomorrow was here.
Already awake, Gary walked towards the front door, happiness characterizing his steps. Such contentment was a far cry from the usual crankiness in which he approached the door.
"Hey, Buddy. How are you doing this morning?" Gary asked, picking up the cat. He scratched the cat's fur.
The cat eyed Gary. The expression on the cat's face seemed to say, "What's gotten into you?" The cat was used to Gary's usual grumpy demeanor complaining about the paper's early arrival.
Gary put the cat down. The cat immediately ran into Gary's apartment and jumped onto the couch as if it were awaiting Gary's reaction. No reaction. Gary smiled at the cat, bent over to pick up the paper, and closed the door.
"You hungry? How about some tuna?" Gary proceeded to the kitchen. He removed a can of tuna from the cabinet, opened the can, and placed it on the table. The cat left the couch and bounced onto the table to eat the tuna.
"My date was great last night, better than I ever hoped." Gary volunteered.
"Meow." The cat looked up at Gary, licked its lips, and continued devouring the tuna.
"Let's see what we have today," Gary said opening the paper, "Mechanic Crushed. Mechanic….garage on Lake Shore….3:00 p.m. Okay, plenty of time." Gary mumbled as he skimmed the story. "Collision on Wabash. Faulty traffic light. Good, no injuries just damage to the cars. 11:00 a.m. Fight On El Injures Two. Fight over….the choice of music? What a stupid thing to fight over. 5:00 p.m."
The mechanic and subway stories were priorities because of the injuries. The collision on Wabash, because of the property damage didn't worry him as much. Three stories- 11:00, 3:00, and 5:00. There was nothing else in the paper requiring his attention.
Gary decided to stop by the studio between his saves and surprise Jennifer with a picnic lunch. Hopefully, her work schedule would permit this surprise. Funny how the thought of something as simple as a picnic lunch filled him with great pleasure.
Marissa was seated at one of the tables when Gary entered the bar. He was singing "You Made Me Love You," a Judy Garland tune which he sang terribly off key and "adjusted" the lyrics in certain places so they would fit Jennifer. His lack of singing talent didn't matter. He was a man in love.
"Good morning, Marissa."
"Good morning, Gary. Yesterday you were whistling and today you are singing. I think that I'm going to like the new Gary Hobson."
"And what was wrong with the old Gary Hobson?"
"Nothing. It is just so wonderful seeing you so happy. I take it that your date went well last night?" Marissa probed.
Gary smiled. "Better than I could have imagined. We talked. She is so easy to talk to, Marissa. I felt like I could share anything with her. And we danced. It was magical. Marissa," Gary paused before continuing, "I think that I am in love with her." Gary allowed the words to slip cautiously off of his tongue as if he were testing to see how they sounded.
"I knew that." Marissa replied.
"You did?"
"Of course I did. I could see it the first time you started talking about her."
"Howzat?"
"Gary, sometimes blind people are able to see things more clearly because we look with our hearts. I was hoping that you would learn to see this way."
Gary smiled. Marissa was right. His vision had been clouded by his feelings for Ginger. Once he permitted himself to let go of a ghost, his heart saw its destiny- Jennifer. Perhaps she had always been there for him, but the paper was waiting until he was ready to receive her emotionally.
"By the way, Jennifer called this morning." Marissa announced.
"She did?" Gary's face lit up brighter than a kid on Christmas morning.
"She wanted to find out if you were free for lunch. I didn't want to tell her anything because I wasn't sure what the paper had planned for you today." Marissa said.
"Actually, it isn't too bad. I have a collision on Wabash at 11:00, but it's just damage to the cars, no injuries. Then I have to prevent a mechanic from being crushed at a garage on Lake Shore at 3:00. At 5:00, I have to stop a fight on the El because one kid didn't like the music the other kid was playing." Gary summarized. "I was thinking about stopping by the studio and surprising Jennifer with a picnic lunch between these saves."
"That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure she'll like that." Marissa replied. Suddenly, Marissa's tone turned serious. "Gary, when are you going to tell her about the paper and what happened between you and her grandparents?"
"I don't know. It's too soon. I want to spend more time with her and then I can gently break the news." Gary replied, rubbing his hand across the back of his neck.
"You can't keep something like this secret from her, Gary. If you want to have a strong relationship with her, it has to be built on trust and honesty."
"I know." Gary agreed. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to call Jennifer." Gary said before disappearing to the office.
Marissa nodded. But she was worried. She knew that Gary was a procrastinator. The numerous unpaid parking tickets on the McGinty's van were proof of that.
Unfortunately, Gary would discover that keeping secrets would have far reaching consequences.
Chapter Fifteen
Picnic basket in hand, Gary walked towards the studio. He had easily prevented the collision on Wabash so now he had time before his next save. It was nearly noon. Jennifer told him that she didn't have to be back on the set until 2:30.
The Chicago streets seemed different as he soaked in the sights and sounds. Somehow he felt as if he were seeing things for the first time. Or, maybe he was taking the time to absorb the little things. A guy who gets tomorrow's newspaper today and has to take it one disaster at a time usually doesn't walk leisurely down the street. Today he did.
Gary smiled. Jennifer seemed excited when he told her that he had a lunch surprise. A picnic lunch in the park would be perfect. Against the backdrop of the Chicago sky, they could revel in the pleasure of each other's company.
Yet, Marissa's words nagged at his peace of mind. "When are you going to tell her about the paper and what happened between you and her grandparents? You can't keep something like this a secret from her, Gary. If you want to have a strong relationship with her, it has to be built on trust and honesty."
Trust and honesty. Gary wanted his and Jennifer's relationship to have a solid foundation. But he was scared. What if knowing the truth pushed Jennifer away? No, he couldn't risk that. Not now. He needed more time. Once he and Jennifer spent more time together, he would tell her everything.
Gary walked inside the studio. After telling the security guard that he was there to see Jennifer Metcalf, he was directed to the waiting area. Instead, he stood against a wall not too far from the closed doors on the set.
Fifteen minutes later, Jennifer and Adam emerged from the set. They were laughing. Once again, Adam's arm was wrapped around Jennifer's waist.
Gary's blood boiled at this sight. He knew that he was being irrational, but his emotions couldn't be quelled. His first instinct was to walk over and forcibly remove Adam's arm from around Jennifer. Fortunately, common sense prevailed over the Hobson temper. Besides, Gary knew that Jennifer would not have appreciated such a display of male ego.
"I thought that scene was never going to work. But with a great acting partner like you, I should have known that you would have pulled it together." Adam complimented Jennifer. He planted a kiss on her cheek.
Can't that guy keep his lips to himself? Gary seethed.
Jennifer saw Gary standing against the wall. "Hi Gary. Adam, this is Gary. Gary, this is Adam."
"Gary, nice to meet you. Jennifer has told me a lot about you." Adam said, shaking Gary's hand.
"Funny, she hasn't told me anything about you." Gary replied, his eyes fixed on Jennifer.
Jennifer tried to suppress a laugh. The green-eyed monster had taken hold of Gary. Jennifer found his jealousy amusing. With a wicked gleam and inherited Metcalf humor, Jennifer decided that some playful teasing was in order.
"Gary, didn't I tell you that Adam is my lover?"
"He's your what!"
"He's my love interest on the show." Jennifer corrected.
Gary noticed that Jennifer looked as if she was about to laugh. Clearly, she sensed his jealousy and thought that he deserved to be put in his place. Still, Gary didn't like the idea of Adam and Jennifer "involved" even if it were just acting.
A silence.
"Are you married Adam?" Gary asked.
"No, I'm single. It is hard maintaining a relationship when you're in this business." Adam said.
Gary hadn't thought about that. How would Jennifer's career affect their relationship?
You're worrying about an acting career when you get tomorrow's newspaper today? How do you think Jennifer will feel with you always running out to save the day? The inner voice challenged.
Just then Megan came from the set. "Hi again, cutie." Megan said, flirting with Gary.
Now it was Jennifer's turn to be jealous.
Gary saw Jennifer's reaction to Megan's greeting. Turnabout was fair play.
"Hi." Gary said, smiling. "It's good to see you again, too." Gary enunciated each word as if Megan were a long lost friend with whom he was happy to be reunited. "I didn't catch your name."
"Megan Connor." Megan moved closer to Gary. She offered him her hand to kiss. "And you are?"
"His name is Gary Hobson." Jennifer said, leaving Adam's side and walking over to where Gary and Megan were standing. She removed Megan's hand from Gary's grasp.
"Megan, you ready?" Adam asked.
"Yes." Megan replied.
"Do you guys want to join us for lunch?" Adam invited.
"No, thanks. We already have plans." Gary quickly answered.
"Okay. Well, it was nice meeting you Gary. I'll see you later, Jennifer." Adam said.
"Yes, it was very nice meeting you, Gary." Megan added, winking at Gary.
"You, too." Gary said smiling.
Megan and Adam left the studio.
"Is that my lunch surprise?" Jennifer asked, gesturing at the picnic basket.
"Yes. I thought that a picnic lunch in the park would be nice." Gary responded.
"That sounds great. Thank you." Jennifer responded.
As Gary and Jennifer walked down the street, Jennifer noticed that Gary was unusually quiet. Glancing over at him, she saw that he looked pensive.
"What's wrong?" Jennifer asked.
"Nothing." Gary replied. "I guess that you and Adam enjoy working together."
"Yes. Our scenes seem to work which is a good thing since we are supposed to be in love on the show."
A silence.
"Sometimes when actors work that closely together and both of them are single, feelings can develop. I mean, you hear about it all the time." Gary said.
So that was it. Gary was worried that she might have feelings for Adam. And what had she done? She made a joke about Adam being her lover. True, she had done so just to tease Gary about his obvious jealousy. But she was insensitive. Marissa had told her how often Gary's heart had been broken. How could she have made it appear that she was interested in Adam? Nice going, Metcalf!
Jennifer really had inherited the Szabo-Metcalf genes. Her physical appearance and spunkiness was pure Ginger. And like Jeff, she had the tendency to open her mouth and say things without first examining the effect her words would have on other people. Her heart was in the right place. It was her foot that was in her mouth. She never meant to hurt Gary.
Jennifer placed her hand into Gary's. Gary turned around and faced her. "Gary, Adam and I are just friends. I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise. I was just teasing you. You looked so adorable when you were jealous."
"That's okay." Gary whispered.
"This business can be so lonely." Jennifer continued. "Adam and I became friends because we have similar backgrounds with parents who don't approve of our chosen profession. Adam's family owns a horse breeding farm in Billings, Montana. They expected him to take over the business not become an actor. Adam worries about disappointing his family. But he also can't give up acting. It's in his blood, just like it's in my blood. We've spent hours talking about everything from our love of acting to our love of horses."
"You love horses?" Gary asked.
"Yes. I adore them. There's something about them. I mean, an animal that can weigh as much as 1600 pounds and be so majestic yet gentle. When I ride, I can forget everything. It's like I become a part of the horse." Jennifer beamed.
Gary smiled. He would have to take Jennifer horse back riding. Not that he was an expert rider, but he had learned to ride a few years ago. Actually, his riding came in handy during one of his saves. Gary remembered accident-prone librarian Abigail who would have been speared from a juggling act gone awry had he not been able to "borrow" a horse and ride to her rescue just in time. Unfortunately, Abigail then saw him as her Romeo and assumed that she loved him and they were meant to be together. Thank God that he was finally able to convince her to get her head out of her romance books and was able to end her fantasy about him.
Gary and Jennifer finally reached the park. Because the park was conveniently located across the street from the courthouse, law students and lawyers sometimes viewed it as a haven to unwind from the stresses of the law. College students also studied in the park. Families brought their children there to play. Couples spent romantic moments in the park.
Gary selected a quiet place away from the already assembled crowd. He spread the yellow blanket onto the grass.
Why yellow? Interesting how you selected yellow. That's Ginger's favorite color, isn't it? The inner voice insinuated.
It's just a blanket. The color means nothing. Gary defended.
Gary opened the picnic basket and removed the food- ham sandwiches, cheese, fruit, bread, and a chocolate cake. He also removed a bottle of wine. He hesitated before uncorking the bottle.
"Do you think that it will be okay for you to drink? I mean, you do have to go back to the studio?" Gary asked.
"I won't tell if you won't. Besides, one glass shouldn't hurt." Jennifer said.
Gary smiled. He uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses.
"Let me make the toast, Gary."
Gary nodded.
"To fate." Jennifer said.
"Do you believe in fate? I mean, if your friend hadn't been busy that day and you hadn't come to the studio in time to save me from those falling lights, we would have never met. It was fate." Jennifer said.
Nope, it was tomorrow's newspaper today, Gary's inner voice interjected.
"Fate, yeah, sure." Gary replied.
Suddenly, Jennifer's tone became serious. "Gary, I haven't been totally honest with you. You are a wonderful man. Last night, well, I'll never forget it."
Gary swallowed hard. Oh boy, here it comes. He was about to be dumped. He had heard that speech so many times he had it memorized. He knew that things were too good to be true. Why had he expected things to be any different with Jennifer than they had been with other women in his life? Gary braced himself for the worst.
"Remember when I told you about my grandfather? Granddad….well…Granddad is the best. He has always been there for me. He always told me that he would be my number one fan." Jennifer said softly. "You and he are so much alike. You are both kind and caring men. But there's something more. Gary, you have to know how much I care for you. I connected with you. I hope that after what I show you, you will still believe me when I tell you that what we have, what I hope we can have, is about us and no one else."
Jennifer opened up her purse, removed a locket, and handed it to Gary. "Gary, this is my Granddad."
Gary turned the locket over. Staring back at him was the face of a young Jeff Metcalf, his mirror image.
Chapter Sixteen
No words came. Gary stared at the locket hypnotized by the picture of Jeff. His silence scared Jennifer. Finally she spoke.
"I know that this is a shock, Gary. I know what you must be thinking. I admit that when I first saw you after you saved me, I was intrigued by your resemblance to my Granddad. But immediately, I saw something else. I saw Gary Hobson. Last night was about Gary Hobson and how he made me feel. I wanted to tell you this because you deserved to know the truth. I care a lot about you and hope that you care about me, too. You have to believe me, Gary. Please."
All Gary could do was stare at the picture of Jeff.
Tell her the truth about the paper and your experiences with her grandparents. She has just opened up the door for you to be honest. Walk through that door, the inner voice encouraged.
I can't, Gary insisted.
Coward, the inner voice berated.
"So this is your grandfather." Gary finally managed to say.
"Yes. Granddad gave me the locket when I was very young. I always loved that picture of him. It's funny, but I don't think that Grandmom even knew about the locket. For some reason, Granddad made me promise not to tell her."
What Jennifer didn't know was that Jeff had given the locket to Sarah after he had fallen in love with her while Hank was away at the war. When Sarah died, Jeff had retrieved the locket from her things before Hank could see it. Jeff would have had a difficult time explaining why his brother's wife had such an intimate keepsake of him. Further, Jeff never told Ginger about his love affair with Sarah.
"Gary, I didn't want you to think that I was with you because you look like my Granddad. I am with you because of who you are." Jennifer reiterated.
Tell her the truth.
I can't
"I know that." Gary said.
"Good. I was so worried, so scared to show you this picture," Jennifer paused before continuing, "You know, my grandparents would really like you."
A panicked expression crossed Gary's face. "You haven't told them about me, have you?" Gary asked, concern evident in his voice.
"No. Not yet. Why?" Jennifer asked.
"Don't tell them."
"Why?"
Gary rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. "It's just that...I mean, they would probably find it weird. You know, the fact that I look like your grandfather when he was a young man. Maybe you should wait awhile."
"Sure." Jennifer said. But she didn't know why Gary was making such a big deal about this or why he seemed so nervous.
Jennifer handed Gary a sandwich. "I love it here. It is so beautiful, so peaceful."
Gary looked around the park at all the people who appeared to be enjoying themselves. The park seemed a million miles away from the pressures of the city.
"Yes, it is peaceful. The view is nice, too." Gary said, his gaze fixed on Jennifer.
Jennifer blushed slightly. "You are a real romantic, Gary Hobson."
"Is that bad?" Gary asked jokingly.
"No, so long as your romance includes me." Jennifer leaned over and kissed Gary tenderly on the lips.
Gary found himself lost in the sensual ecstasy of the kiss. Their lips fit together perfectly like the missing pieces of a puzzle.
Gary and Jennifer spent the next hour eating, talking, laughing, and kissing.
Across the street from the park, Marcia was leaving the courthouse. The deposition had gone well. Marcia expected a substantial recovery for her client. Visions of dollar signs danced in her head. Just as she crossed the street to where her car was parked, she saw Gary with an attractive strawberry blonde. They were sitting on a blanket in the park, kissing. No, it couldn't be Gary, Marcia thought to herself. She looked again challenging her eyes to focus. Yes, it was Gary. And who was that woman with her lips glued to him? Must be the tramp who sent him flowers, Marcia surmised. Gary could be so gullible just because a woman showed him some attention. He must still be devastated over the divorce to take up with a woman like that. Marcia vowed to make a trip to McGinty's sometime today to uncover what was going on. She needed to protect Gary from himself and vultures like that. "There can only be one Mrs. Hobson and that woman was me and will be again." Marcia said as she drove off. She was determined to reclaim what she believed was hers- Gary.
Chapter Seventeen
A hero can not forsake his life saving obligations just because of an impending crisis in his personal life. When Jennifer had shown him the locket with Jeff's picture and told him that she was with him because of who he was and not because of his resemblance to her grandfather, Gary knew that he should have told her the truth. She had been brutally honest despite her fear that he wouldn't believe her. Gary knew that he owed her the same honesty. But his fear had consumed him and he said nothing. Subsequently, Jennifer had to returned to the studio after their lunch. He wanted to rush straight to McGinty's to update Marissa on the situation and to ask her advice. But he still had lives to save.
It had been easy preventing the accident on Lake Shore. The mechanic wasn't even aware that he had entered the garage. The mechanic was underneath a car when the jack was about to slip. Gary quickly replaced jack and left the garage undetected.
However, stopping the subway fight was another matter. Gary's response to the situation almost caused him to be beaten. He had easily found the teenagers already embroiled in an argument over which music was better. Both teenagers blasted their radios on the subway right underneath the sign that required no loud music. The one teenager was playing rap music with offensive lyrics. The other teenager was playing music that was a pathetic mixture of jazz, blues and country music. Gary approached the feuding youngsters and told them that their difference in musical tastes was no reason to start a fight. Further, he added that since both musical choices were equally bad, it shouldn't matter. Gary advised them to turn off their radios because the loud music violated subway rules. The teenagers didn't take too kindly to his interference. They approached him in a menacing manner intending to teach him a lesson about minding his own business. Gary never considered himself a small man, but next to the beefy adolescents, he felt like a Lilliputian facing Gulliver. Fortunately, the subway doors opened and he was able to get off the train before he could be hurt. Gary checked the paper. A new headline appeared in place of the subway story.
Entering McGinty's, Gary found Marissa seated at one of the tables reviewing invoices.
"Marissa."
Gary's tone worried Marissa. She had heard that same tone in his voice before when Sun-Times columnist Frank Scanlon was hell bent on uncovering skeletons in Gary's closet. Scanlon's investigation left him feeling exposed. Marissa wondered what happened today to change his mood. This morning, he was singing love songs. Tonight, he sounded lost.
"Gary, what's wrong? Did something happen with the paper?"
"No. I saved everyone. All Chicagoans are accounted for."
"Is it Jennifer? Gary?"
"Let's talk in the office." Gary suggested. Marissa nodded. She and Gary proceeded to the office. Gary closed the door. Marissa sat at the desk. Gary nervously paced the floor.
"What happened with Jennifer?" Marissa asked.
Gary stopped pacing. He took a few deep breaths before speaking. "Every thing was going so well. Jennifer and I, we were really enjoying the park, enjoying each other's company. But then, then she became really serious. I thought that she was planning to dump me. Instead, she pulled out a locket with a picture of Jeff. She handed me the locket. She said that she cared about me for me and not because I look like her grandfather as a young man. She said that she felt that I deserved to know the truth."
"And did you tell her the truth?"
A silence.
"Gary?"
"I couldn't Marissa. I couldn't risk losing her." Gary said, staring at the floor.
Marissa rose from her seat and walked over to where Gary was standing. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Gary looked up at her, his eyes frightened and child like.
"You owe Jennifer the truth. She trusted you enough to be completely honest with you regardless of the consequences."
"And what do I say Marissa? Jennifer, every morning for nearly five years, tomorrow's newspaper today comes with a cat. I read the headlines and then rush out saving lives. The headlines disappear once I am able to save a life. Only one morning, I rushed to the Sun-Times building to prevent an archivist from being injured in a fire. The archivist pulled out a box with newspaper clippings about her grandfather's career. I saw a book about the Cleveland Indians on a top shelf and because I was curious what her grandfather looked like, I stood on a table trying to get the book. Only I slipped, fell, hit my head and woke up in 1946. I met her grandfather. He got sent to the future while I got stuck in the past. And to top things off, while I was pretending to be her grandfather, I ended up falling in love with her grandmother whom she looks exactly like. What do you think Marissa? If you were Jennifer, would you still want to be with a guy like me after hearing that story?" Gary said sarcastically.
"It's the truth, Gary. Except that you fell for Jennifer because of who she is not because of her resemblance to Ginger." Marissa reminded.
"The truth. Either I look like a lunatic and she doesn't believe the story. Or, she does believe it, but not the part about me caring about her because of who she is. What if she thinks that I am with her because of some sick desire to recreate Ginger?"
"It doesn't have to be like that, Gary. You're not trusting Jennifer nor her feelings for you."
"I need more time." Gary insisted.
"Do you really want a relationship like that? Worrying every time you're together if the other shoe will drop?" A thought occurred to Marissa. "And what if she tells Jeff and Ginger about you?"
"I asked her not to. I told her that her grandparents might think that it was weird given my resemblance to her grandfather. I told her that she should wait awhile before telling them." Gary explained.
"It's wrong lying to her. You're playing with fire, Gary."
"I need more time." Gary reiterated.
A knock on the door ended Gary and Marissa's conversation.
"Am I interrupting?" Marcia asked, standing in the doorway.
"Gary, we'll finish our discussion later." Marissa said before leaving.
"What are you doing here, Marcia?" Gary demanded.
Marcia entered the office leaving the door ajar.
Gary eyed her suspiciously.
"Well? What are you doing here?" Gary repeated.
"I stopped by to bring your copy of the trust papers."
"You couldn't just mail them?" Gary inquired.
"I guess that I could, but I also wanted to bring these." Marcia opened her purse, removed some pictures, and handed them to Gary. "Remember?"
Gary took the photos. They were pictures from their honeymoon in Antigua. The smiling faces seemed like strangers to Gary, not he and Marcia. There was a picture of he and Marcia standing in front of the hotel, Marcia sitting in the lobby in front of a palm tree, he and Marcia on the beach, Gary in snorkeling gear, Marcia on water skis, Gary and Marcia sailing.
"I never imagined that you would get me on those water skis." Marcia said upon noticing Gary staring at the picture.
"Yeah, I remember how afraid you were, but I told you that it would be fun." Gary remembered.
"And what about that boat? I thought that we would never catch a wind." Marcia said.
"I told you that I knew what I was doing." Gary added.
"Oh, is that why we almost got stranded in the middle of nowhere?" Marcia asked.
"Hey, I got us back to land, didn't I?" Gary defended.
"Sure, four hours later." Marcia reminded, smiling.
"As I recall, I wasn't the one who accidentally tossed our supplies overboard." Gary said, laughing.
Marcia could see that Gary was getting caught up in the memories.
"That was a wonderful time in our lives. We were so young, so in love. What happened to us, Gary?"
"You tell me. You were the one who dumped me because you decided that I wasn't good enough for you." Gary said bitterly.
A silence.
"Do you remember Kathleen and John Thomson?" Marcia asked.
"No." Gary responded.
"Sure you do. I went to law school with them. Every one was surprised when they got married because they acted like they hated each other. Well, I heard that they are going to have a baby." Marcia said.
"A baby. That's great." Marcia saw Gary's features soften at the mention of a baby.
" I guess that goes to show you that regardless of how things look, people who are meant to be together always end up together." Marcia said looking into Gary's eyes.
"Oh, Gary, I forgot to… I'm sorry, I didn't know that you had company. am I interrupting?" Jennifer asked as she came into the office.
Oh Boy.
What is that tramp doing here? Marcia thought to herself.
So this is Gary's ex-wife, Jennifer thought to herself. Not too impressive. Marissa had told Jennifer that Gary was in the office talking to Marcia and suggested that Jennifer interrupt because Gary probably needed rescuing.
Marcia and Jennifer glared at each other. Both women were like hungry lions competing for a recently killed deer.
Gary was the deer.
"I'm Marcia Roberts-Hobson, Gary's wife."
"Ex-wife." Gary quickly corrected.
"I'm Jennifer Szabo Metcalf, Gary's current girlfriend."
Marcia seethed.
Gary tried to suppress a laugh. He never expected Jennifer to say that, but her words had definitely put Marcia in her place.
"Gary, honey, I wanted to thank you again for last night. You were wonderful." Jennifer said seductively before kissing Gary on the lips. Jennifer and Gary knew that they just had a romantic dinner. But Jennifer hoped that Marcia would draw the wrong conclusion by this statement and believe that something more happened.
"You're welcome." Gary said blushing.
"Well, I should be going. I'll talk to you soon, Gary." Marcia said walking towards the door.
"Nice meeting you, Molly." Jennifer added, ramming the knife further into Marcia's angry body.
Marcia gave Jennifer one last icy stare before leaving. She slammed the door behind her.
Gary laughed. "You're amazing. I've never seen Marcia so speechless."
"Marissa thought that you might need help." Jennifer said. "You know one thing that I always felt about lawyers is that they are just a breed of highly educated actors."
"Howzat?"
"They like to play mind games. Say one thing, but be thinking something else. Intimidate people. I just decided to beat her at her own game." Jennifer explained.
Gary smiled at the beautiful woman in front of him. What had he done to deserve her?
Tell her the truth, the inner voice pleaded.
Gary swallowed hard. "Jennifer, I have something I need to tell you." Gary said.
Chapter Eighteen
Tell her the truth.
I can't.
You have to.
What if I lose her?
She deserves to know the truth.
I love her.
Tell her the truth. It's your only chance at a future with her.
Gary was waging a fierce internal struggle with his conscious and he was losing. Like Marissa, the inner voice urged him be honest with Jennifer.
Gary rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. God, this was so hard. Maybe the truth is overrated, he wryly thought.
Jennifer watched Gary intently. In the short time she had known him, she learned to read his body language. He always seemed to rub his hand across the back of his neck whenever he was nervous. But why was he so nervous now? What did he have to tell her that was making him suffer so much?
Jennifer cupped her hands over Gary's and smiled at him reassuringly. "You know that you can tell me anything, Gary." Jennifer said softly.
Tell her the truth.
Gary took a deep breath. "Jennifer, this is so hard to say. I hope that you will understand. Jennifer, I….."
No, I can't do this. I can't. Not now. It's too soon.
"Gary, you are scaring me. What is it?"
"Jennifer, I hope that you know how much a care about you. I never expected to find someone like you. I guess, I never expected to care about anyone this much ever again after….," Gary paused before continuing. He wasn't going to let Jennifer know about Ginger, "….Marcia. I mean, I don't exactly have the best track record with woman. Anyway, I don't want to lose you."
Jennifer smiled. "You won't lose me."
"Did you really mean what you said, you know about being my girlfriend? Or, did you just say that to make Marcia angry?" Gary asked.
"Yes, I meant it. That is, if you want me to be." Jennifer replied.
"More than anything." Gary added.
Gary knew that Jennifer was waiting for him to continue what he was saying.
"Anyway, there's this woman, Virginia. She's really pushy. I had lunch with her recently. Not that I wanted to or anything. We sort of bumped into each other. I know her children. Great kids. They like me and I like them. Well, she invited me over to her house for dinner. She says that the kids keep asking about me. I really don't want to go over there alone. I wouldn't feel comfortable around her. But I also don't want to disappoint the kids. And I didn't want you to think that I was seeing another woman. I know that this is asking a lot, but would you go over there with me?" Gary asked.
Okay, so he hadn't told Jennifer the truth about the paper, his experiences with Jeff and Ginger, or even about knowing Virginia's children. But he was honest with her about not wanting to spend time with Virginia. Gary remembered that Megan had told him Jennifer had seen him having lunch with Virginia. He wanted Jennifer to know that he had no interest in the woman.
He really is such an honest man, Jennifer thought to herself.
"Gary, I have a confession to make. By accident, Adam, Megan, and I were having lunch at the Hilton and I saw you with that woman. I saw how uncomfortable she made you. You are a wonderful man to want to spend time with her children even if it means dealing with her. So, of course, I'll go over to her house with you."
"Thank you."
"I also want you to know that you never have to be afraid to tell me anything. I'm not Marcia. I'm not like any other woman you have known who has hurt you. I want our relationship to be built on trust and honesty." Jennifer said.
Trust and honesty. For God sake Hobson, tell her the truth!
I can't. It's too soon.
"The reason I came over here tonight is because I wanted to invite you over to my place for a home cooked meal. I know it is short notice, but I hope that you don't have any other plans."
"No, I don't have any other plans." Gary confirmed.
"Good." Jennifer looked at her watch. "It's almost 6:00. Could you come by about 8:00?"
"8:00."
"I'll see you in a little while." Jennifer kissed Gary on the lips before leaving.
Gary sat back down on the chair, tormented by his thoughts. Would Jennifer ever be able to forgive him for keeping secrets?
Tell her the truth. Tonight at dinner. You have to.
With a heavy heart, Gary rose from the chair and left the office. He climbed the steps to his loft. Gary wished that he had a newspaper that would tell him how Jennifer would react to knowing the truth.
For a guy who gets tomorrow's newspaper today, the one time he wanted to know the future, the gods were silent.
