{Tuesday}
Oliver pulled up right on time in front of Shane's house. Of course, he had learned to come 5 minutes before he actually intended to leave. Shane always needed those 5 extra minutes.
He knocked as he always did. He was about to knock again when he heard a "Coming!" from behind the door. She swung it open, her hair half curled, and without shoes. "I just need a minute!" She practically yelled as she quickly walked back down the hallway, "Feel free to have some coffee!"
Oliver smiled and entered the kitchen. She'd forgotten to push the button on the coffee maker. Shane McInerney had forgotten coffee.
She entered the kitchen a few minutes later with hair fully curled, while slipping on her heels. "All ready! Let's grab our coffee and go!" Her face fell as she realized her mistake. "Oops. I guess I was distracted this morning."
Oliver chuckled, "Distracted by...?"
"Oh, you know...weddings and things." She smiled at him sweetly. "Sorry about the coffee."
"It's alright, I'm actually quite relieved" he said with a sheepish grin.
"Relieved?" she replied, confused.
"Yes, I was almost certain you loved coffee more than me. Now I realize I may actually have a chance."
She punched him playfully on the arm, "More than a chance, but let's pick up coffee on the way, okay?" Oliver had been more relaxed since their engagement and Shane loved seeing him so content.
As he opened her car door, Oliver remembered, "Oh, would you like to have lunch together today?"
"But it's Tuesday." Oliver had lunch with his Dad every Tuesday. It was their father/son bonding time.
"My father is out of town on some winter seniors retreat in the mountains. Skiing and socializing, I believe. He will not return home until Sunday."
"Oh, well then a lunch date sounds wonderful!"
The morning at the DLO went as normal as can be expected.
Rita sat down in a chair and sighed, "Let's tackle some impossible letters!"
Oliver nodded and pulled out an envelope that used to be white, but was now mostly gray.
"Water damage," he and Norman said at the same time.
The recipient's address was completely washed away besides a faint "A" that appeared to be the beginning of a first name. The senders address offered a little more info. With the use of a magnifying glass Oliver made out "D.R. WILLIA"
"Probably D.R. Williams or Williamson?" offered Shane. "I'll start a search. It looks like a partial zip code is still visible as well."
"Yes," Oliver said turning to Rita, "Rita, zip codes ending in 14, please."
"Oh okay...um, I believe there are only two, and both are in Buffalo, New York!"
"Hmm...sender from New York to someone in Denver…" surmised Oliver.
Shane looked up at Norman just then and saw the look of deep concern on his face. He was looking at Rita, but she was focused on Oliver. He caught Shane's eye and looked at her, glanced at Rita, and back to Shane. Did she notice too?
Shane blinked once and then understood. Rita had given the wrong location. Shane did a quick search: Buffalo, NY...the zip codes started with 14, not ended. Rita had yet to realize her mistake. This had never happened before. She glanced at Norman once more, he pursed his lips and widened his eyes, and then returned his gaze to Oliver.
Oliver was oblivious to the increasing concern over Rita. He had already slit the letter open. "Shall we proceed?" They all nodded.
"Dear Pumpkin,
I hope it's okay to call you that still. I've never called you anything else. I'm not very good with words, but I have something I need you to know.
I walked out on you and your Mom when you were 8 years old. I don't know if you remember that night, I think you were sleeping. We'd been arguing again. You see, I was an alcoholic. You probably remember that. I never was an angry kind of drunk, but it had gotten bad enough that I couldn't hold down a job and I would disappear for days at a time, unable to remember where I'd been.
Your mom, she was worried about me. She was trying to convince me to admit myself to rehab. I didn't want to change then. I was afraid to change, to fail. I tried to stop drinking so many times before. We both got to yelling at one another. I grabbed my coat and stormed out, planning to head to the nearest bar. Only I forgot my keys.
I turned around and went back inside, grabbed my keys, and that's when I saw her through a crack in the bedroom door. She was sitting on the edge of the bed with her face in her hands, sobbing. I knew it was my fault. That I had hurt the best woman I had ever known. I was never worthy of your mom, but in that moment I felt it more than I ever had before.
I got in my truck. My heart was pounding so fast. I couldn't hurt her anymore. Not for one more day. I drove to the bar and parked out front. But I just sat there for some time. Then a decision was made. I got on the road and just started driving towards the city, towards Denver. I stopped for gas and a bite to eat. The public library was right across the street. A lady at the front desk asked, "Can I help you?" All I could say was, "I hope so." She helped me look up the nearest rehabilitation center. They offered to help me find the right resources and I was admitted the following day.
It wasn't easy, but I haven't had a drink since that night I left. I wanted you to know that. It took time and a lot of praying and many good people in my path.
You may be wondering why I never came back. I did. About 2 years later. You and Mom weren't at home. I drove around town and saw you at our favorite park. But you weren't alone and it was evident to me that your mom had found someone new to love her. You all looked so happy. I couldn't intrude and complicate your lives even further.
I wish I had communicated sooner or had let your mom know where I was, but what's done is done. Oh Annie girl, I want you to know I never stopped loving you or wondering about your life.
I went back to school to become a veterinarian. They call me Dr. Williams now. Can you believe it? Always loved animals. I don't know what else to say. It's been 10 years. I'm so sorry I missed those years with you.
The reason I'm writing now is because I saw your name and picture in the newspaper. I always knew you were competitive. I could hardly keep up with you at age 6! There it was, right on the first page of the sports section, ANNIE WILLIAMS BEATS STATE RECORD IN 100 METER DASH. I took it as a sign from God that it was time for me to break the silence. I looked up your mom and was surprised to see you still lived in the same house, yellow with a white picket fence. Your mom always loved that house.
I promise I won't just drop by to see you. Any contact is completely up to you now. I just wanted you to know that if you want to talk, or have questions, or anything, I'm here. We actually don't live too far from one another. I hope your mother is well and happy.
With love,
Your Dad
Shane had tears in her eyes. Oliver had instinctively moved toward her and placed his hand on her back for support once he saw the direction the letter was going. He handed her his handkerchief.
Before anyone could say anything Rita burst into loud sobs. "THAT...THAT IS SO...SO SAD!" She couldn't stop and Norman looked stunned. He started patting her on the back, not sure what else to do.
Shane glanced at Oliver and then stared at her friend, trying to make sense of the situation. The letter was sad, very sad, but Shane had never seen Rita cry like that.
Oliver spoke first. "Rita, if you need a moment, perhaps in the ladies convenience, that would be alright."
Norman had never looked so relieved. "Yes, or maybe some fresh air. I'll come with you."
"Okay." said Rita as Norman helped her to her feet and they left through the double doors.
Oliver turned to Shane, "What was that all about? I've never seen Rita that emotional."
"Did you notice her mistake with the zip code too? Dr. Williams mailed from Denver, not New York."
Oliver looked surprised. "Well, hopefully a small break and some fresh air will do the trick."
"Yes...I hope so." Shane glanced at the door. She wasn't so sure.
"Oliver, I believe this letter needs to be hand delivered." Shane said as the waiter placed their food on the table.
"What? Why? We can always contact Dr. Williams and procure Annie's address…"
"I already did…" Shane began.
"Um, for what purpose?" Oliver was confused and slightly irritated that she had failed to discuss it with him first. "There are a number of ways in which we could have obtained an address..."
Shane chose to ignore the irritation in Oliver's voice. "I...I couldn't stop thinking about how he didn't know the letter hadn't been delivered! Oliver, he mailed it two months ago! I just called to let him know and ask for the address at the same time. You know, two birds-one stone. He was very amicable on the phone and somehow my dad came up."
Shane started getting teary at this point. All of Oliver's initial frustration melted away as he took her hand across the table. Shane continued, "He asked me if I was ever able to forgive my dad. I said I was, but I wish I had done it sooner. Then he asked me if I'd deliver the letter in person, to make sure it got to Annie. He was crying on the phone. I couldn't say no…"
Oliver sighed, "Well, as long as the letter gets to the intended recipient in a timely manner, I suppose it's okay. But Ms. McInerney, please inform me in the future before you go about things in an unprecedented fashion."
She smiled, understanding his frustration. "I will, Mr. O'Toole. I'm glad you agreed, because I already arranged to meet them Friday afternoon." Shane casually picked up a fry and dipped it in ketchup.
Oliver didn't know what to say to that. He just shook his head while trying not to smile.
"Let's get ice cream!" said Shane.
"It's January." said Oliver. Shane seemed unaffected by this tidbit of information. "It's very cold."
"Right, but the ice cream here is amazing! It's been a long morning and chocolate seems like just the thing, don't ya think?" she smiled and batted her eyelashes.
Oliver signaled the waiter over. We'd like to order dessert, please. I'd like the Traditional Vanilla and…" Oliver looked toward Shane.
"I'd like the Chocolate Vanilla Swirl with fudge sauce and chocolate sprinkles…oh, and chocolate covered almonds!" Oliver was staring at her with eyebrows raised. "Please?" she added with a shrug.
"Interesting…" said Oliver, as the waiter walked away to fulfill their order.
"What?" said Shane in an exaggerated shocked tone, "Do you disagree with my ice cream choice, Mr. O'Toole?"
"I thought you would want chocolate ice cream under all of that other...chocolate. Why add the vanilla at all?" Oliver questioned.
Shane laughed, "The vanilla serves as a foundation to enhance the other flavors. I wouldn't want that much chocolate." she said, with a wink.
Oliver cleared his throat, "The subtle flavor of vanilla is meant to be enjoyed on its own. Why would you add unnecessary elements to something already delicious?"
Shane sighed, "I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Good thing it's not a deal breaker."
"Deal breaker?" said Oliver.
"Yes, you know, something that comes up in a relationship that a couple can't get past, or one or both refuse to compromise on. A deal breaker."
Oliver cleared his throat, suddenly looking uncomfortable, "Are you worried about any deal breakers coming up for us...in uh, the future?"
Shane hadn't intended the conversation to go this direction. She paused eating her ice cream and grabbed his hand. Looking him straight in the eyes with a reassuring smile she said, "No, I'm not worried at all."
Oliver looked relieved. He stared at her for a moment and simply said, "Good."
"Although," said Shane, trying to lighten the mood, "I bet the kids will like chocolate with their vanilla, just as much as I do."
Oliver suddenly seemed to struggle with the act of swallowing, "Kids? As in plural?" They had never discussed this before.
Shane seemed to have realized the same thing. "Oh, do you want to have children? I just assumed…"
"Yes!" Oliver blurted out. "Yes, I do of course. But um...how many were you thinking?" He tried not to look nervous, but knew he was failing miserably.
Shane smiled and said, "Oh, I don't know. Not more than a dozen."
Oliver had just taken a bite of ice cream and nearly choked. He had a moment of sheer panic until he saw her eyes. Her eyes always gave her true feelings away and right now those beautiful eyes were teasing him, and enjoying it thoroughly.
"Shane…" he said, in a serious tone.
"Honestly? I'm just grateful we are on the same page wanting a family. We'll figure it out." She reached over and placed her hand on his.
Just then, Hazel and Lester walked by, hand in hand. Shane's eyes got big and Oliver gave her a surprised glance. "Lester, Hazel, how good to see you. Late lunch for you two as well?"
"Well O'Toole, you may see me and my girlfriend together a lot more, now that we're official!" Hazel giggled and Shane looked at her and smiled. "We may even make it to the altar before you do, hear you haven't even chosen a date yet!"
Hazel looked embarrassed and Oliver looked annoyed. Shane decided to answer, "Actually we have. June 1st is the big day!"
"Oh, well congrats." said Lester. Hazel was giddy and congratulating Shane. "Well we best be going. Don't want to be away from my post too long. You never know when there will be a sudden threat to postal security!" Hazel looked at him admiringly and they all said their goodbyes.
"Well," said Oliver, "that was unexpected."
Shane nodded, "Yes, and very sweet. Hazel's had her eye on him for quite some time."
"Huh, I had no idea!" said Oliver.
"Well, true love cannot be held at bay forever."
Oliver stood, smiled, and held out his hand, "No, it cannot. Shall we head back to work, Ms. McInerney?"
She took his hand and stood, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Yes, we shall."
