Chapter 55

Wednesday, July 22, 1987 -Morning

Never one to wallow in self-pity, Julie had been in a sour mood lately. A week had passed since the last time she'd heard from or saw Donovan. At first, it disappointed her, now those feelings turned to anger. Was he that self-centered, or just a little too Sean focused? Had something happened with Sean? She'd wanted to pick up the phone and give Donovan a call, but opted to go for a walk on the beach instead.

Julie paced the shoreline dressed in a sundress she'd picked up in Tijuana with Steve last summer, reflecting on her 31 years of life.

I sacrifice myself for the sake of fighting aliens from another planet, then to the field of medical science. When do I get a break? She thought bitterly. I would've liked to have had the opportunity to marry and have children. Maybe I would've had that chance, had I not returned to the biggest jerk in the world.

She thought of how peaceful she'd felt during Steve's absence. I just need to get away to find myself again, she mused, heading back to her apartment. Maybe when the project is completed, I'll go on a cruise. Maybe I'll find a handsome man who doesn't come with baggage or children.

As Julie trotted up the steps to the apartment, she heard the last few rings of her telephone, and didn't make it inside to answer the call. Whoever it was didn't bother leaving a message.

It's probably Maggie calling to ask what I want for lunch on Saturday.

She picked up the phone and dialed Maggie's number. There wasn't an answer. She called Metzgar and asked for Steve.

"Maitland," he answered.

"Did you just call me?"

"No," he said. "But I was thinking about you."

I'll bet you were…

"I'm waiting for you to get your beautiful self in here and brighten my day."

"Thanks." She said, realizing if it wasn't Steve or Maggie calling then it might have been Donovan. Maybe he'll call back.

"Shelly and I were wondering if you'd meet us for lunch on Saturday," Steve said.

"Thanks, but I already have plans."

"You have a date?" he questioned.

"No, Maggie invited me over."

"Uh huh… Sure she did."

Her stomach knotted. "What does that mean?"

"Never mind," he said. "Are you leaving for work soon?"

#

Hanging up his phone for the second time this morning, Donovan pursed his lips.

She's probably working all day now. I'll see her on Saturday. I don't need to remind her of what can't be. Besides, maybe she's over it already…

Closing his eyes, Donovan thought about the last time he'd been with a woman and the difference between sleeping with someone who didn't really care for him, and someone who did. He'd had a few women in his life who'd really cared. Margie had been that way, until she became resentful about the college dreams married life held her back from. Donovan pondered the physical differences between Margie and Julie…

About five inches… And twenty pounds. He smiled.

"Dad, I have a question," asked Sean, entering the living room.

"Yeah?"

"I talked to Tommy last night. We were kind of hoping you'd let us practice in the garage on Saturday."

Band practice, Donovan guessed. Tommy's not a bad kid. He wasn't in the gang. He hated to say no. After all, what trouble could they get into in the garage with a couple of guitars?... Julie's party.

"I'll let you guys practice, but we're busy this Saturday. I'm sorry."

"Busy doing what?"

"Maggie Blodgett's having a party for Julie. A welcome home gig."

"Aw man. Do I have to?"

Donovan nodded. "I want you on your best behavior. You've been doing great lately. Maybe you can entertain us with some music. What's that Jimi Hendrix song you played the other day?"

"Purple Haze."

"That's it. Do you know anything else… old?"

"You mean like you?"

"Not quite that old. Something Julie might like."

"Do you want to dance with her?"

"No," he said. "What's that she had in her car? Heart? Lionel Richie."

Sean gave a look of disgust. "Gross."

"What about some music from when she was your age, like early seventies stuff?"

"If you'd take me to the music store, I can get something and learn it. There's some other stuff I've wanted to learn."

Donovan thought about delaying his telephone bill for another week. Sean deserved to be rewarded for his cooperation.

"How much are we talking?"

"I don't know. Maybe twenty bucks or so."

Glancing at his watch, Donovan noted, "We've got plenty of time. You ready?"

Sean nodded. "Hold on. Lemme get my guitar."

"What do you need the guitar for?" Donovan called after him.

"Strings," Sean yelled.

"Only twenty bucks, huh?" Donovan muttered to himself.