Chapter 17

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The rest of the week flew by as Martin's days were filled with sessions with his physical therapist, talks with Dr. Salinger and visits from his family. Dr. Salinger was pleased that Martin was able to get so much information from his family but she was more interested in the reasons why Sam was the first person he originally thought to call. Martin would do his best to deflect the conversation but it always went back to Sam. Dr. Salinger encouraged Martin to try and call her again but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Meanwhile, Dr. McConnell said that he could go home on Sunday as long as he continued to see a physical therapist a few times a week for the next three weeks. Martin knew that his Mom would want him to go stay at the house with her and his Dad but he decided that if they thought that he wasn't quite ready to go home to New York then there was another option besides moving home with his parents. He just had to talk his Dad into the idea. He reached for the phone and called his Dad, who not only agreed to the plan but to also help run interference with his Mom.

A few hours later his Mom and Dad arrived for their usual visit.

"Hello Martin." Katherine swept into his hospital room carrying a small garment bag with Victor strolling in behind her.

"Hi, Mom. Dad." Katherine gave Martin a quick hug while Victor smiled and nodded at Martin as he took a seat.

"I've brought you some clothes to wear tomorrow. You left them the last time you visited so they should still fit." Katherine was a buzz of excited energy. "When you get to the house you can look through the closet to see if there's anything else you can use or figure out what you will have to buy."

Martin looked at his Dad who nodded for him to just say it. "Mom, I was thinking that I wouldn't stay at home after all."

Katherine, who was in the middle of hanging his clothes in the closet, stopped and looked at Martin in disbelief. "Oh. Where were you thinking you would stay?" She walked towards him.

"On the Muireann."

She quickly glanced at Victor who was watching her carefully but showed no sign of intervening. "Martin, I don't know. What if something were to happen? You're not 100 yet." Katherine's tone was full of concern. "At the house you would have me, your Dad, and Hilde."

"I just would really feel better staying by myself; to have my own space."

"What do you mean? You've been by yourself here all week."

"No, I haven't. I've had nurses, doctors, and visitors constantly hovering and checking in to see if I'm okay." Martin took a pause to check him self; he didn't want his Mom to think that he was looking for a reason to be by himself and be morose. "I just think I would feel more normal if I could be independent again."

"Martin, I just don't think this is a good idea."

Martin looked at her trying to come up with an argument that would not involve her hiring a nurse to stay with him.

Victor, sensing his son needed help finally spoke up. "I think it's a great idea. Besides, Katherine, Henry is only a few slips away so it isn't like Martin wouldn't have someone nearby. Besides, I always feel better if someone is with her. She's been sorely neglected this summer."

Martin gave his dad a smile of gratitude. If anyone could talk his Mom into anything it was him. Katherine saw the exchange between Martin and Victor, realized that the two men had discussed this in advance. While she really did want Martin at home she knew there was no other option than to acquiescence.

"Fine, it's not like I have a choice. You're a grown man." Martin smiled brightly at her. He had anticipated a much more drawn out argument. "But, you have to join us for dinner at least a few times a week."

"You got it." Martin replied.

XXXX

The next morning Parker picked him up from the hospital and drove him straight to Washington Sailing Marina. His parents had planned on picking him up but he convinced them to just go have their usual Sunday brunch and bridge game with old family friends. He would join them for dinner at the house later tonight.

The cool sea breeze and the smell of the salty air rejuvenated Martin. While he didn't like living in Washington – as much as he loved his family they got along a lot better when there was a bit of distance between them – he had to admit that he loved the city.

After debating who should carry the small garment bag – one round of rock, paper, scissors settled it – Parker walked alongside Martin with the bag slung over her shoulder. Martin was still fuming that whoever decided that paper beat rock was clearly cracked in the head. Eventually they found their way to slip #42 and Muireann.

Muireann was not only their Dad's sailboat but she was also his 'other love'. Katherine would joke that an affair with another woman she could understand but how does a woman compete with a boat?

She was a beautiful 50' Catalina Morgan sailboat. His Dad named her Muireann because it is an Irish girl's name meaning "sea white, sea fair." Martin shared his father's love of this sailing vessel. She was yar in the truest form of the word.

"I'll go down and put this away." Parker said, indicating his bag. Martin continued walking around the deck before following down below.

"Okay, I'm going to go pick up the girls and then we'll come back for you tonight around six for dinner. Do you need anything before I go?"

"Nope, I'm fine." Martin replied.

"Okay, bye." She gave a quick hug and exited the cabin.

Martin took a cursory look around when he noticed a note attached to the microwave. He picked it up and read:

Martin,

Per your mom, I stocked the galley with fresh fruits and vegetables and other organic stuff that women like.

Per your dad, I stocked the liquor cabinet.

Welcome back and call me if you need help drinking the beer.

Henry

Smiling, Martin crumpled up the note and tossed it in the trash. He looked into the bar fridge, pulled out a bottle of Sam Adams and went above deck. He sat down at the helm enjoying the sounds of sea gulls squawking, water lapping against the boat and the sun beating down on his body.

And while he was happy to be alone and out of the hospital, he couldn't help but wish that Sam was sitting there beside him. He'd always wanted to take her sailing but with their schedules it was difficult to find the free time. Plus, he loved sailing so much he didn't think he could handle it if she turned him down, claiming it would be 'too public.' He leaned back on the deck chair and exhaled heavily. He was going to have to figure out what to say to her when he saw her because she was going to be here in Washington tomorrow afternoon.