Oliver sat back in his chair and sighed. He pulled out his pocket watch. It was 4:00 PM on Friday of the longest week yet in the DLO. It was the end of June and the influx of letters had finally begun to stabilize.
He glanced around, feeling grateful. He couldn't have asked for a better team in these circumstances. Norman, Rita, and Shane were all still working hard. They had ordered take out in order to work through lunch, determined to finish the week's work so they could all enjoy their weekend.
Oliver turned his attention to the pile of papers to sign on his desk. There was finally an end in sight. All he wanted to do was go home and spend some time with Shane. Along with work, Dr. Noom had her doing extra therapy sessions with new treatments. They'd been around each other, but with very little down time. Oliver was craving a quiet conversation over a book or a game of Scrabble.
He looked over at his wife and a smile slowly spread across his face. Shane was busy, but as always she looked up and flashed him a smile in return.
Sunday would be their two month anniversary. Time seemed strange to Oliver. In some ways, he felt he had always been married to Shane, unable to imagine life without her by his side. At other times, everything felt fresh and new. He enjoyed both feelings. The contentment and excitement, side by side.
The DLO phone began to ring. Everyone paused and looked at Oliver. He picked up the receiver, "Hello, Denver DLO, Oliver O'Toole speaking."
Shane, Rita, and Norman watched Oliver's face drop. He said very little before hanging up the phone. "Our supervisor would like to see me. Please continue and I shall return shortly."
They all glanced at one another before continuing to sort. "Odd timing for a meeting." said Norman, saying out loud what they were all thinking.
Oliver slowly made his way through the floor to Andrea's office, saying hello and nodding at his fellow postal workers as he passed. They never met on Fridays. He was bracing himself for bad news of some kind.
"O'Toole, please sit." said Andrea as Oliver entered.
Oliver sat down slowly, waiting for her to reveal the purpose of this meeting.
She finished sealing an envelope she was holding and then sat back in her chair. "Good news, I've gotten approval to hire two new employees for you, starting right after Rita goes on maternity leave."
"Well, that is good news! It will be very helpful to have extra hands during her temporary absence from the DLO." said Oliver.
"Oh, no." said Andrea, shaking her head, "It will be a permanent change. When Rita returns, I'll have a supervisor position available for her on the sorting floor."
Oliver could not have been more shocked and took a few moments to recover. He cleared his throat, "Uh, Andrea, Rita is an integral part of our DLO team. Her skills are absolutely essential to our success and ability to handle the increase in mail we have been experiencing. Her memory is unmatched. Her…"
"Mr. O'Toole, I'm well aware of Rita's skill set. That's why I want her on the floor, and also why I will be replacing her with two employees. I have thought this through." said Andrea, with finality in her voice. "Besides, don't you think Rita would appreciate a position with higher pay, considering she has a baby coming soon?"
Oliver felt slightly ill, unable to find the words needed. He couldn't argue with that last statement. He tried once again. "Have you spoken with Rita about this yet?"
"No. This is to be kept strictly between me and you until we hire two new employees for the DLO. Not a word of this is to be shared with anyone on your team." She looked at him with raised eyebrows. "May I have your word on that?"
Oliver nodded, somewhat reluctantly.
"I will approach Rita as these changes get closer. I'll post the new positions on Monday." Andrea stopped talking and turned to begin filing a stack of papers on her desk, signaling that the conversation was over.
Oliver stood slowly, unsure of what to do, trying to think of something to say, but nothing came to him. He quietly turned, buttoned his suit jacket, and left the room.
"What's wrong?" Shane asked in a whisper.
Oliver had returned to the DLO with a forced smile and an avoidance of eye contact. Norman and Rita were so busy they barely looked up, but Shane had noticed his countenance.
He looked at her, wanting so much to explain, to share the weight of the news, to discuss it together. But he was duty bound not to say anything. He sighed, he would be as truthful as possible. "Andrea and I are not seeing eye to eye once again."
"About what?" asked Shane, eyebrows raised.
Oliver looked away momentarily. "It's nothing that can be resolved today. How close are we to wrapping up for the weekend?"
Shane searched his face for a moment, sensing for the first time in a long time, that he was holding back. Something was off.
She chose to let it go for now and put on a smile, "We're almost done! How do you feel about Scrabble tonight?"
He smiled, sincerely, "Great. But I am not planning on allowing you to win this time."
Shane laughed, "Allowing me to win? Oh, is that what happened? I seem to remember things differently."
Oliver chuckled good naturedly.
Shane returned to her desk. She glanced up, still smiling, but Oliver's countenance had shifted and he seemed far away. She furrowed her brow. Something wasn't right...
"Any luck with the list of Miss Special Delivery winners, Shane?" asked Rita.
Shane jumped slightly. She hadn't heard Rita approach. She shook her head, "Not yet. I've been working on it, but the post office records system desperately needs to be updated. That, along with our workload and my computer acting up…" Shane sighed. She then had a thought. "Rita, what about old copies of Postal Living Quarterly? Would the winners have been announced there?"
"Yes, but unfortunately they didn't start publishing until 2002." said Rita.
"Oh." replied Shane. If she could just get her computer to work properly!
"Ya know what I was wondering as I sorted today?" asked Rita.
"Hmm?" said Shane.
"We never asked Hazel exactly where she found the package. It may lead nowhere, but perhaps that would give us a clue!" said Rita excitedly.
"That's a great idea, Rita! Let's go talk to her right now!" Shane said.
As they moved towards the doors, Shane looked back at Oliver for a brief moment, a look of concern on her face.
Shane's keyboard keys clicked quickly until she paused to take a sip of kombucha. The sun was shining through the window. She sat at Oliver's desk in their home office.
She looked at their wedding photographs he had placed there. He had chosen three, unable to decide which one he liked best. There was one of them standing together, looking at one another, Shane was laughing up at him and he was smiling back at her. Next was another of their first kiss as husband and wife, and the last was of him holding Shane as they had their first dance.
Shane smiled and let the memories wash over her. It was July first, their two month anniversary. She glanced down at the ring on her hand. She was married. To Oliver. Shane actually laughed out loud to herself, the happiness bursting out of her.
"Something amusing, Mrs. O'Toole?" Oliver stood in the doorway, smiling at her tenderly.
Shane jumped, heart beating fast. "Oliver! I didn't hear you come in! No, nothing funny. Just happy." She smiled at him.
He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." said Shane. She paused, looking expectantly at Oliver. When he didn't say anything, she added, "How was church?" Oliver hadn't mentioned their anniversary this morning. If Shane was being honest, she was at least expecting the flowers he brought home every week. But he wasn't holding anything.
"Oh, it was fine. What are you working on?" asked Oliver. With one more searching look at Oliver, Shane began to explain.
"I'm trying to compile the list of the Miss Special Delivery winners, ordered by branch and date, but the post office records system is definitely of another time. It desperately needs to be updated. I have been unable to access any records before 2005."
"Hmm, very good." said Oliver.
Shane looked up at him, his voice sounded distant. The mention of Miss Special Delivery had brought Rita to the forefront of his mind.
Shane slowly closed her laptop. "Oliver, is there something you would like to talk to me about?" He had been acting strange since Friday and this was the third time Shane had attempted to find out what was wrong.
For just a moment his eyes said yes, but just as quickly he shifted course. "No, everything is fine. Should we go out for dinner tonight?"
Shane tilted her head to the side questioningly, "You said this morning you wanted to cook tonight, remember?"
"Oh, that's right." said Oliver, somewhat awkwardly, mentally kicking himself for forgetting. "I'll go change and get started on that." He turned to leave.
"Would you like some help?" offered Shane.
"No, thank you. You can keep working on your search. I'll let you know when it's ready." said Oliver, flashing her his attempt at a reassuring smile.
Shane smiled back. "Okay."
He turned to leave.
"Oliver?" Shane said, determined to try again.
"Hmm?" said Oliver, turning around to face her.
Shane changed her mind, pushing down the many questions she wanted to ask, "I really love you, ya know."
Oliver slowly grinned, love filling his eyes, "I know. I love you too, sweetheart."
Oliver walked out and Shane opened her laptop. She sighed and closed it once again, leaning back in her chair. She could not ignore the feeling of worry that was quickly becoming her constant companion.
Shane slowly lowered herself onto the seat next to her mother.
"You don't seem very happy for someone who just got their third strike in a row, putting us in the lead!" exclaimed Heather.
Monday nights were still bowling nights. Everyone came each week, although this would most likely be Rita's last for a short time. Norman stood next to her every time it was her turn, worried she might fall.
Shane glanced around to make sure no one else was in earshot. "It's Oliver," she whispered. "Have you noticed he seems a bit off lately?"
Heather turned to watch Oliver bowl, managing to land the ball in the gutter once again. "Well, he is bowling worse than normal. And he seems a bit quieter than usual."
"Exactly," said Shane, "and he has been acting strange all weekend. On Saturday he kept bouncing from task to task around the house, unable to focus very long on one thing. Then on Sunday, he didn't bring home flowers after church."
Heather stared at her blankly.
Shane whispered loudly, "He has been bringing me flowers every Sunday since our wedding to celebrate another week of being married! And this was our two month anniversary."
Heather smiled warmly, "Well, that is very sweet."
"I know," agreed Shane, "but…" Oliver finished his turn and sat down next to Shane, cutting off their conversation. He took her hand in his and squeezed it giving her a small smile, not saying anything, clearly lost in thought. When Ramon got a strike, Oliver was the only one from his team that didn't cheer. He didn't seem to notice.
Shane waited until it was his turn again, then leaned toward Heather speaking in a whisper, "See what I mean, Mom?! I am certain something is terribly wrong."
Heather nodded then spoke reassuringly, "I have found that it is always helpful not to jump to conclusions. He does seem a bit solemn. Have you asked him directly?"
"Three times! He always gives an answer that isn't really an answer and changes the subject." whispered Shane, clearly frustrated.
Shane looked more concerned than Heather had seen her in a long time. It reminded her a bit of Shane before she had met Oliver, when she was dating that Steve fellow.
"Mom, you don't think he's unhappy, with, well…"
"You?" asked Heather. "That is highly unlikely, Shane. He keeps coming to hold your hand or put his arm around you. No, it is probably something else, if anything. It has been a stressful month at work, right? Maybe he is just tired."
"Maybe so." Shane sighed again. Although she did not really believe that. She had seen Oliver tired. This was different.
Rita plopped down next to them, breathing hard and patting her belly. "This baby needs to drop soon. My lungs don't have room. Well, we're winning!" She then leaned over and dropped her voice, "Hey, Shane, is Oliver okay? He's been awfully quiet all day."
Shane glanced at Heather and then back to Rita. "I don't know, Rita. He seems so...distracted."
Rita adjusted her glasses, "Maybe he is just tired. I'm sure everything is fine!" said Rita, trying to be optimistic.
Shane stopped talking and watched Oliver talk to Norman and Joe. She knew guessing was fruitless, but her curious brain was on overdrive. Maybe this had something to do with having a baby. Had he changed his mind, but was too much of a gentleman to go back on their decision? But his countenance had changed after talking to Andrea. Maybe he wanted to quit his job? No, Oliver loved his job, even with the extra stress.
"It will be okay, honey." said Heather suddenly, interrupting Shane's thoughts. She gave Shane's shoulders a squeeze.
Shane nodded, knowing she was probably right.
"It was nice of you to make time for lunch. I know you've all been busy at the DLO." said Joe, analyzing Oliver carefully.
Oliver nodded, "Yes, the increase in mail has been challenging, but we've made adjustments and are managing to keep up."
The server brought their food.
"Hmm, are you getting enough sleep? You seem tired." said Joe.
Oliver looked surprised, "Thank you for your concern, Dad, but yes, I'm getting plenty of sleep."
"Is there something else bothering you, son?" asked Joe.
Oliver shook his head, "No."
Joe let out a slight chuckle. "You made that exact same face when you were four and I asked you who had eaten all the cookies out of the cookie jar. You blamed your mother." Joe chuckled, remembering.
Oliver began to get uncomfortable.
"Is everything okay with Shane?" asked Joe.
Oliver's head snapped up in surprise, "Of course, Dad. Shane is wonderful. Things are great."
"Well, then, what is it?" asked Joe.
Oliver sighed and rubbed his temples. "Well, I guess you are not on my team, leaving me at liberty to share information with you. Would you commit to not disclosing this information until the party involved is notified?"
Joe's eyes widened slightly, noticing the seriousness in Oliver's voice, "Of course."
Oliver told him about Rita and the potential changes at work.
"Wow." said Joe, "How does Rita feel about all of this?"
"She doesn't know yet. That's why I can't say anything. Andrea refuses to talk to her until she has hired the new employees. We had a few interviews this morning. It did not go well. Rita is irreplaceable. Not to mention our established team dynamic." Oliver paused and took a bite of food.
"What if Rita wants to take the higher paying position?" asked Joe, rubbing his chin slightly.
Oliver sighed, "She may. I've been requesting raises for my team for the past year. They are all underpaid, but with budget cuts…" Oliver shook his head slightly.
"Hmm, and you haven't shared any of this with Shane?" asked Joe.
Oliver shook his head, "That has been the hardest part."
"And you don't think she suspects anything?" asked Joe.
"Well, I've done my best to act normal. So, no, I don't think so." said Oliver.
Joe just looked at him, wondering if he should tell him how abnormal his behavior had been during bowling the night before.
"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Joe.
"Pray it all works out for the best." said Oliver.
"Can you do me a favor son?" asked Joe.
"Hmm?" said Oliver.
"When you head home tonight, let Shane know you love her." said Joe.
Oliver looked slightly confused and then smiled, "I do that every night, Dad."
"Good." said Joe with a smile. "Good."
Oliver was paying special attention to Shane as they left work that afternoon, his conversation with his father fresh on his mind.
He opened the door for her to get into the car and Shane paused, looking the other direction.
"Shane?" questioned Oliver.
"I know her from somewhere." said Shane.
Oliver followed her gaze. A few parking spots away was a woman standing next to the open door of a minivan, staring at the post office entrance. She seemed to be trying to decide whether or not to go inside. Oliver also noticed, and could hear, several children in the backseats.
Shane's face registered recognition as she moved toward the woman. "Stephanie?" she asked.
Stephanie jumped slightly and stared at her for a moment, then recognition filled her face as well. "Shane? Fancy meeting you again! And at the post office!"
"Oh, well I actually work here." said Shane.
"Really?" said Stephanie.
Oliver closed the car door and walked up behind Shane.
"This is my husband, Oliver." said Shane. "Oliver, this is Stephanie. I met her at Rita's doctor appointment."
"So nice to meet you." said Stephanie as she shook Oliver's hand.
"You as well." said Oliver, politely. "Were you looking or waiting for someone?" he asked.
Stephanie hesitated, "Well, I was debating whether or not I should brave taking my whole crew in," she glanced over her shoulder at her children, one of which had his face completely smashed against the glass and seemed to be making monkey sounds, "or not."
Shane smiled. "We could mail something for you, if that would be easier."
"Of course," said Oliver.
Stephanie looked as if she were debating something in her head and then blurted out, "Perhaps you could answer a question for me? Does a woman named Andrea work here, about mid 40s with brown hair?"
"Yes…" Shane said, surprised. "She is our branch supervisor."
"Are you acquainted with Andrea?" asked Oliver.
Stephanie smiled and both Shane and Oliver noticed a hint of excitement. "Yes! Well, I mean, we've met."
Oliver nodded and checked his watch, "Well, she should be departing soon."
"Yes!" added Shane, "If you wait here, you can't miss her."
"Oh!" said Stephanie, suddenly looking flustered. "Well, we actually have to get to soccer practice. My husband is the coach! Perhaps another time." Stephanie gave them a genuine smile. "Thank you for your help."
She quickly hopped into her van and drove away.
Shane looked at Oliver. "Was that a bit odd to you?"
Oliver nodded, "It's as if she wanted to see Andrea, but not speak with her?"
"Huh…" said Shane. "A mystery." She looked thoughtful as she turned back toward their car. "Well, Mr. O'toole, shall we depart?"
Oliver smiled and moved to open Shane's door.
"Are you watching?" asked Shane with a grin.
"I am." said Oliver with a small smile.
Shane showed how she could quickly get out of the car on her own and stand with her walker.
"Ta da!" said Shane, "My mom offered to take me to the DMV at 4:00 o'clock on Friday. Fingers crossed, I may be able to drive once again!"
Oliver smiled as he stepped towards her and scooped Shane up in a hug. She was getting stronger as the days passed, and he felt so relieved and grateful.
Shane hugged him back tightly. This was the first time he had seemed like himself all day. She could see the tension in his demeanor during work. Shane was trying not to be overly worried, but she wanted more than anything for him to tell her what was on his mind.
"It seems that therapy went well today?" he asked, still hugging Shane. He hadn't realized how much he simply needed her embrace.
She leaned back slightly to look up at him, "So well! The new treatments and exercises are not easy, but I can actually feel myself getting stronger. I was on my feet for 8 minutes today, without resting!"
"Shane, that's wonderful!" said Oliver as he reached a hand up to touch her face. The sun was making her eyes shine and Oliver was undone once again.
Shane looked up into his eyes. Oliver leaned down and kissed her thoroughly. A neighbor was getting out of his car and gave a low whistle.
Shane and Oliver both laughed. "Well, at least they know I'm completely in love with my wife." said Oliver, quietly.
"And that she's completely in love with you." said Shane with a smile. "Oh, Oliver, don't forget I have our date all planned out for Friday! I'll meet you here at 5:15, after my driving appointment."
"I couldn't forget a date with you, my love." said Oliver with a grin. "Any hints at what our plans will be for the evening?"
Shane simply shook her head and grinned.
Oliver smiled and kissed Shane tenderly. He then scooped her up, closed the car door, and carried her into their home.
"Ya know, I was thinking the other day that the front yard needs a bit more color. Perhaps some pink flamingos? Or a gnome family?" said Shane, doing her best to sound serious.
Oliver paused walking and looked down at her, eyebrows raised with a questioning expression. Shane laughed as his face registered that she was not being serious.
Oliver chuckled and cleared his throat, "Only if the gnomes were properly attired to be on display in front of the O'Toole house. Wouldn't want the neighbors to talk."
Shane laughed, not expecting that response. She had an image of gnomes in three piece suits flash through her mind. Oliver looked triumphant as he always did when he made her laugh.
Shane sighed happily as they walked through the front door, "It's nice to be home, isn't it?"
"Yes. Always." said Oliver as he lowered Shane onto a chair. "Home is my favorite place to be with you."
Shane grinned, "Mine too." She chuckled, "Although Stockholm was also very nice."
Oliver grinned and his eyes twinkled, "That it was."
Shane sighed contentedly, looking thoughtful and grinning up at Oliver, "Turns out any place I'm with you is my favorite."
Oliver grinned widely before turning to return to the car to retrieve Shane's things, "Well, that is very convenient, Mrs. O'Toole, as I feel the same way about you."
Oliver stepped out and Shane laughed out loud to herself, once again unable to hold in the happiness she felt.
