Can you believe it's raining again? I planted lettuce, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, carrots, cucumbers and watermelon in my starter pots this week and all except the carrots need to go in the ground in six weeks. At this rate I'll need to transplant indoors after hauling in soil.
George remembered the day he met Jessica Fletcher as though it was yesterday and not ten years ago. She immediately peaked his interest but it wasn't until days later that he recognized it for the attraction that it was.
She was like quicksilver, always slipping through his fingers, in no hurry to be pinned down, at least by him. Through several meetings and visits he was able to carve out a little niche for himself in her life.
She began to allow kisses on the cheeks and once a small hug. They spent several vacations sort of together. If you count being in the same place at the same time a vacation of sorts. On those trips abroad he was able to earn several more intimate kisses.
No longer did she keep him at arm's length. They went dancing, dining, sightseeing, and she allowed him to admit to her that he was so very fond of her. It took years to reach that point.
His heart still raced when he thought of her. He was filled with anticipation every time he knew they would be seeing each other too.
But he was thinking his heart was breaking. For two months he has tried to reach her. She hasn't responded to his emails nor his phone calls. He wanted to plan a trip with her so badly. He had time off coming for his birthday and thought a few days in the countryside of Ireland would appeal to her. But his birthday was Monday and his last day at work beforehand was Friday. There would be the obligatory cake in the lunchroom and colleagues would pound his back in congratulations for getting a week off.
He missed her. He wanted her. He was in love with her. She was too nice to shoo him away. Her absence in his life was her kind way of telling him she didn't love him, want him, or needed him.
He sat through meetings and listened with half an ear. He loved his work but lately he had just been marking time. Maybe he should retire. Maybe he really did need a vacation.
He arrived at work Friday, his last day before holiday, with more pep in his step. He had cleared most of his cases and the ones that remained would still be there when he returned. He felt excitement in the vibrations at work but didn't understand them. Surely no one was thrilled about his birthday or holiday plans.
He often wondered why employees felt the need to keep every birthday celebration a secret from the recipient. Couldn't they tell that everyone could guess since it was their birthday? Didn't they know they could see them passing a card around to sign and collecting money for a gift that would sit in his flat collecting dust? He remembered complaining to Jessie about the very idea of surprising him for his birthday. It was impossible.
The whispering started around eleven in the morning. He pretended not to notice. It's the way the game was played. He didn't want to offend anyone by guessing correctly that there would be cake. He was called into his supervisor's office ten minutes before lunch at noon. He almost laughed at the feeble attempt to get him out of his office so everyone could go into the lunchroom along with the arrival of the cake.
"Sutherland, I need you to go to the Savoy Hotel. There's been a death, might be natural but you never know." His supervisor looked up to the ceiling. "And whatever you do, try to return by two o'clock."
George nodded and left. So the cake would be eaten at two o'clock provided he returned in time. For half a minute he indulged in deciding not to return but he wouldn't do that to the lads and lasses that looked forward to a few minutes break to eat cake.
He arrived at the hotel and immediately thought of Jessica. This was her favorite place to stay when she came to London and he had been inside so many times. He greeted the manager and assistant manager by name and they led him toward the Banquet hall where several rooms held various meetings and gatherings. They seemed to be expecting him so his supervisor must have called ahead. He didn't see any bobbies, detectives, or emergency personnel but obviously the hotel would keep them away from their guests in order not to upset or inconvenience them. He was impressed at how quiet and inconspicuous they were able to keep things.
He was led into a large room from the staff hallway and as he approached the stage from the wings a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" began. He stared out in amazement. How did half the office get here without his notice? They were standing at tables adorned with streamers and hall was decorated in every color imaginable and there were balloons everywhere. A large cake ablaze with candles was sitting in front of the stage.
Then the loveliest voice began speaking.
"For two months I had to avoid any contact with Chief Inspector Sutherland so I wouldn't give away the secret of his 'I can never be surprised' surprise party. Happy Birthday, George!"
George turned and there she was. His Jessie was dressed in the finest clothes, looking more beautiful than ever. There was a microphone clipped to her collar so she could be heard over the applause. He stood there in shock as she made her way to him. She kissed both cheeks and turned him to face his colleagues.
"He's speechless!" called out someone from the crowd.
"How?...I…When?" He couldn't form a sentence. His supervisor strode over and patted his back.
"This lovely lady planned it all, even convinced me that you deserved it somehow." There was laughter and more applause. "Now everyone be seated so they can serve lunch. You have to get back to work in forty minutes."
There was more laughter but everyone sat as the waitstaff began bringing out plates of food. It wasn't often they got free meals as good as the ones the Savoy was famous for providing.
Jessica led George over to the table of honor, placed so his supervisors didn't have to eat with the riff raff. He still hadn't formed a sentence. He looked at the plate set before him. Beef Wellington, Truffle infused mashed potatoes, green beans, Brussel sprouts, and a roll. There was a bowl of salad greens too. He was almost too overwhelmed to eat but his colleagues shoveled it in. It wasn't often the higher ups even allowed them an hour off work.
"Everyone left at Scotland Yard is enjoying the same meal, George. We didn't leave anyone out." Jessica smiled at him. She had been rubbing his left arm and urging him to eat.
The candles were extinguished without him having the indignity of trying to blow them all out and the cake was sliced. A large piece was set in front of him.
"Jessie…"
"Later dear," responded Jessica before he could say more. She kissed his cheek.
He tucked into his cake and listened while his supervisor and his supervisor's supervisor spoke about the donation Jessica's publisher made to the office. He knew there was a reason they allowed this party. Jessica winked at him when he turned to look at her.
An hour after his arrival, most of the employees had headed out but not before patting his shoulder or joking about surprising him. He laughed with his four trainees that had kept the secret all week.
He was informed there was no need for him to return to the office and to go home and start his vacation. George thanked his superiors and left with Jessica. She led him to the elevator and up to her suite. She pointed to a small box on the table in her foyer.
"One of your trainees boxed up your personal items you would have taken home." Inside were a couple of knickknacks he usually didn't leave while he was away along with his sunglasses and some over the counter medications.
Once he closed the door he turned and hugged her. He had never been so surprised in his life. He was also so very grateful she hadn't abandoned him. He pulled out of the hug with tears in his eyes. "I've missed you, Jessie."
"Oh George, I hoped you wouldn't feel bereft. I just knew you would pick up on your surprise somehow if I communicated with you. You're too observant and intuitive. I would have never been able to fool you. Forgive me?"
"Always," he said before kissing her hard. He had to break contact before he got carried away. "I was hoping to plan a vacation with you but I'm just happy you're here."
"I planned one for us, George. Your boss told me you would be on vacation and I needed to make it up to you for ignoring you." She smiled at him. "You promised to take me to Venice once. Now let's get you home and packed. We leave tomorrow morning."
George just stared at her speechless again.
"I know you have your passport and all the arrangements are already made." She opened the desk drawer and pulled out an itinerary. She handed it to him.
George read the pages and then looked at her. "One room?"
"That's what you retained after reading all those pages?" Her smile was bright and he was tempted to kiss her again.
"I've learned to focus on the important bits." George smiled at her. "Are you sure?"
Jessica wrapped her arms around him. "I'm very sure." Ushering him over to the sofa, they sat. "I thought once you packed, you could stay the night with me, here."
George was almost too afraid to hope.
Jessica laughed and placed her fingers beneath his chin to close his mouth. "Darling, you're catching flies."
"I'll need to do a couple of things before I go. Why don't I meet you back here at six?"
Jessica agreed. She had arrived in London last night and hit the ground running as they say. She wouldn't mind a long soak in the tub and possibly a nap.
George returned at six and knocked out a tune on her door. The door opened and he closed it before looking at her. She was dressed in a blue peignoir set and he saw that she had ordered room service. He produced a bottle of champagne and smiled when her eyes lit up.
He stored his suitcase next to the closet and took her in his arms.
While Jessica could admit to being a little nervous, George had her at ease within minutes and they enjoyed a quiet dinner with champagne. George turned on some music and held out his arms. They danced slowly around the room. He knew it was important that she was relaxed. After a few dances they moved to the sofa.
"George, I…"
"I know, love, me either." He leaned over and kissed her. As the kisses grew, she relaxed and enjoyed them. George was very thorough and he was determined to taste every inch of her. He wasn't going to miss the opportunity to tell her how much he loved her. He was certainly willing to show her. He stood to lead her over to the bed. She was quivering with need. He helped her out of her clothing before practically ripping his off.
Once in bed he took his time lavishing her with his tongue, his lips, his hands. She was moaning loudly now and begging him. He looked at the woman he loved. She was ready for him. Her entire body was flushed and warm. He eased into her, allowing her body to adjust. When she began moving her hips, he danced with her. As she came apart he went faster, following a few minutes later.
He kissed a few tears that leaked from her eyes and allowed her a moment to regain her emotions. He tucked her into his side and held her. He was drifting off to sleep when he felt her move to get out of bed. He loosened his hold and watched her walk nude into the bathroom. She returned a few minutes later wearing a robe. With the nap she had earlier, she wasn't sleepy and it was only nine o'clock.
"Go to sleep, dear." She moved over to the sofa.
George got out of bed though and went to the bathroom. He returned not wearing a robe and watched her blush upon seeing him. "I don't normally go to bed this early but you were pleasantly exhausting."
"George!"
"What? You don't want to hear me telling you how much you pleased me." He looked down at himself. "Even now I'm wanting you again."
Jessica's mouth dropped open. "I thought…I mean isn't once a day…can you do it again?"
"With enough motivation, it's possible. Loving you and doing without for ten years…I say it's more than probable." He walked over to where she sat.
She looked him over and lingered below his waist. "May I touch it?"
"I'll cry if you don't, love."
Jessica took a few minutes to explore and examine him. She smiled at him. "Well there are certainly no secrets between us now."
"We have a week to reveal any hidden ones," he said. "Come to bed, Jessie. You can watch the telly."
"And what will you be doing?" she asked.
"I'll be watching you."
The week in Venice went by much too fast for their liking but the new development in their relationship was extremely satisfying to both of them. George promised to come to wherever she spent the Christmas holidays and she promised to return for her birthday in another few weeks. It took a long time, a decade, before they moved forward but it was well worth the security of following their hearts.