Past Mistakes
Chapter 4
Mike immediately decided he had to be upfront with President Reiss. He didn't have a problem working with Christine on the housing project, but it could be seen as preferential treatment or something. He also wanted a new assistant. Someone that wouldn't argue with everything he asked. He explained to Christine why he needed to step away and walked out in front of Christine's office. Thankfully, he had Reiss' cellphone number and he picked up on the second ring.
"Admiral, how are things?" President Reiss asked.
"Well, I guess good, but we have ourselves a wrinkle." Mike said.
"I figured there would be a few." President Reiss remarked.
"I found my wife. She's the realtor you've been working with. I am afraid it might look…odd." Mike said.
"Wow…I never realized. I should have. Do you have an issue working with her?" President Reiss asked.
"None whatsoever." Mike answered.
"My suggestion is this; enjoy the time reconnecting. I hope your daughters are both alright?" President Reiss asked.
"Yes. I've not seen them yet, but Christine said they are. Christine has been through hell. She was tricked by the regional leaders and Shaw. She was raped and ended up pregnant. Had a little girl. Not real sure what I am going to do on that." Mike admitted.
"Do you want back with your wife? I assume she has the little girl?" Reiss questioned.
"Yes, sir; to both questions." Mike said.
"Well, there are far worse things than raising a child and how would you explain being a father to your daughters, and not to Christine's?" Reiss brought up.
"It would be incredibly hard." Mike admitted.
"Well, there you go. You concentrate on reconnecting with your family and getting to know that little girl. And also, the project at hand. I will take care of the other stuff. The optics." Reiss ordered.
"Thank you, Sir." Mike answered.
"And, I know you are probably struggling with Lt. Adams, but just bear with it. I am working on getting you a…I don't know what the Navy calls it, but the Army calls them Garrison Commanders, to help you. Someone you like. Just bare with me. You maybe able to pawn Lt. Adams off." Reiss said.
"Thanks, Sir. Yes, she is kind of uptight." Mike remarked with a laugh.
"She is young. She'll learn there are optics to everything. You just work and enjoy that family, and as hard as it is; become a father to that little girl." Reiss said before hanging up.
Mike walked into the office and was let into the back conference by Christine's assistant. Lt. Adams was sitting back at the table surveying the drawings of the houses. Christine was unrolling a floorplan and putting it on a drafting board.
"I spoke with the President. He doesn't have a problem with us working together. He'll handle the optics." Mike explained to Christine quietly as he looked at the floor plan. It was a simple one-story house; probably for enlisted people.
"Good, I am glad." Christine said with a smile. Mike wanted to leave over and kiss her, but he wasn't sure how she would receive it.
"Me too. So, who is this for?" Mike asked; pointing at the floor plan.
"There are a large number of these houses in the western area of Kendall. I was thinking more for junior officers with families. They are three bedroom. Very nice. To the west, there are the Spanish Trace Condominums that the Navy has also bought. Those will work for your enlisted, as well as some nice townhouses. Really; Mike, the best thing I can do is actually take you on a tour so you have a better visual of who gets what housing and how many and so forth." Christine explained.
"That would be better than looking at a floorplan, not that I mind doing that." Mike said.
"Good." Christine said with an awkward smile.
"Why would the enlisted get condos?" Lt. Adams asked.
"Well, they have to live somewhere." Mike remarked. He was frustrated because she broke his moment with Christine.
"Far too nice." Lt. Adams answered.
"Having been a family member of an enlisted military member deployed thousands of miles away, I think the families are allowed a few luxuries." Christine argued. Mike winked at her, glad she wasn't afraid to speak up for herself.
"Lt. Adams, why don't you go back to the office and continue sitting it up? Mrs. Slattery and I are going to go tour these homes. I want to make certain they will be suitable for all ranks." Mike suggested.
"Sir…" Lt. Adams started but Mike shook his head.
"I gave you an order. Now, go. I will call you by the end of the day with orders on how to proceed tomorrow." Mike said.
"Sir, where will you stay?" Lt. Adams asked.
"With me." Christine answered.
"I am sure she won't have a problem taking me by the hotel so I can get my bag and check out. I would very much like to see my daughters. I am a grown man and can get by fine without my assistant for a day. Now, please go." Mike ordered and thankfully, Lt. Adams complied.
"She's interesting." Christine said with a laugh.
"I've only known her for not even twenty-four hours. Now, I know this sounds odd, but I really would like to kiss you." Mike said and Christine gave him a smile.
"I think I'd like that." Christine said before wrapping her arms around him.
"Good." Mike answered. He lowered his face to hers and gave her a very soft and gentle kiss. It was sweet and he prolonged it as long as possible.
"That felt good. Mike; do you want to meet Emma? If not, I will do my best to keep her away from you, but it will be hard because she adores the girls." Christine asked.
"I haven't figured out what I want to do about her yet, but yes; I will meet her. I don't want her shut off in a room while I spend time with the girls." Mike said.
"I think you will grow to love her." Christine told him.
"I honestly hope so." Mike answered. He snuck another kiss and then grabbed his cover so they could go on their tour of the houses. It had been years since Mike had kissed anyone, let alone held hands, but it felt natural. It all felt very natural.