Chapter 4
"Wonderful, how does 1830 hours sound?" AJ asked.
"Well, if I knew what that meant I'm sure I could be ready then," Vicky said with a laugh.
"Ummm sorry, I forget that not everyone in the world functions on military time. 1830 is 6:30pm."
"I'll be ready then AJ. I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
"And I you. I'll need your address so I can pick you up," he told her and once he had it they said their good-byes and he ate his lunch while making mental plans for their evening. By the time he finished, he'd decided on the Willard for dinner and if her ankle was up to it they could also do some dancing. AJ also called the florist and ordered her a bouquet of Holly and Ivy because of the season and the meanings of the two. He had the clerk write, 'Looking forward to tomorrow' on the card. AJ was assured that she would receive them that afternoon.
Friday, December 9, 2005
1830 EST
Vicky's apartment
Georgetown, Virginia
After changing clothes, AJ stopped at the florists and a short time later he arrived at her door carrying a single yellow lily.
"How lovely AJ thank you. A lily is an unusual choice…" Vicky trailed off.
"There is a language to flowers, each one means a different thing. A yellow lily means walking on air, and with what happened the other night I thought that might be appropriate.'
She chuckled and asked, "So the bouquet you sent me yesterday meant something too? It was lovely by the way, and I wanted to thank you for it."
"Yes, holly means happiness and foresight, and ivy means friendship and affection. I hope those thoughts meet with your approval?"
"Very much so, thank you again. Would you like to come in for a drink, or do we need to be somewhere?"
"I made reservations at the Willard…"
Vicky interrupted to tease, "Why AJ! How forward of you! A hotel this early in our relationship?"
"I made them at the restaurant Ma'am not for a room," AJ was quick to assure her.
"How formal of you!"
"I'm sorry Vicky that's just an address of respect we use in the military," he explained as they walked towards his Escalade.
"That's the second time you've mentioned the military, were you in the service?"
"Oh I guess I'm just so used to everyone identifying me by my job that I forget not everyone knows I'm an Admiral in the Navy and the Judge Advocate General. That's why I think in military time and Ma'am and Sir people," he said as he helped her into the vehicle and made sure her seat belt was fastened.
"I didn't realize! An Admiral, how impressive and just what is a Judge Advocate General?" she asked when he got into the Escalade.
"It means that I'm in charge of a team of lawyers that prosecute and defend any court cases involving Naval or Marine Personnel."
"That is very impressive!"
"Enough about me, why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
"Well I was born in Texas, but mom and I moved around a lot after my father's death. Most recently we were in California and had actually been there for quite a while for us. But then a few months ago she died and I just needed to get away from the area that reminded me so much of her. I'd never been to the east coast and since that was as far away as I could get from CA and still be in the States, I moved here. I received a small settlement on mom's life insurance so was able to get an apartment here and now I'm looking for work. I've registered with a few temp agencies until I find something permanent."
"You sound like you were very close to your mother. I'm sorry for your loss." When Vicky didn't say anything, he spared a glance from his driving to check on her. AJ was puzzled to note that she looked grim, almost angry, and that her hands were clenched in her lap. Then it occurred to him that if she were that close to her mother she might be trying not to cry. He took one hand from the wheel and patted her hands saying, "If you ever want to talk Vicky I'd be glad to listen."
To be continued…..