Jamie's Encore
Chapter 24 Family Business
It is 9 PM, but Jamie knows that Nicky will want to say hello to her grandpa. She is waiting at Jamie and Caitlin's condo, so their first stop is there. Then she will go 'home' to Jill's, and he will take dad to his and Pops' condo.
They walk in the door and immediately are ambushed. Nicky, Jack and Caitlin take turns embracing and welcoming home the big man. Now there is a tear or two in his eye. Big men do cry, once in a while.
They spend a few minutes in greetings, then all promise to be back for a family dinner the next evening. Frank will have a busy day unpacking and rearranging. He's certain that Pops doesn't have things put in proper order. He will have to straighten things out. Jamie doesn't want any part of that!
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NYC LADIES' BUSINESS
Erin and Linda are having lunch together. They are determined to keep the NYC Reagan family going strong and on an even keel. Danny is their chief concern, though Linda also worries about Sean.
Danny has expressed some deep dark thoughts, and Linda is worried that Sean will pick up on that.
"What are your initial thoughts, Erin?" Linda starts.
"Well, I think what makes the most sense, and probably is easiest is to continue the Sunday family dinners. That will continue a sense of normalcy for everyone. It should go part ways toward reassuring us that all the family, and all the family traditions haven't fallen off the map to the west."
"Amen to that. I agree, and I realize that it's up to you and me to see that through."
"Yes, it is." Erin agrees.
"And I've thought about family phone calls at the same time. Maybe not while we are at the table; but before, or after."
"Do you think we can coordinate that?" Erin wonders.
"You never know until you ask, Erin."
"Right. I wonder who would do the coordinating out there?"
"I would say Jamie and Caitlin. They are the ones working after all." Linda suggests.
"Let's call Caitlin, and see if she can take a call."
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"Dr. McKenna's office, Olivia speaking. What can I do for you?"
The ladies know who Olivia is, they are grateful that she answered.
"Hello Olivia, this is Erin Reagan. Jamie's sister. Is Caitlin available for a call?"
"Oh, hi Erin. She is in a lesson right now. She will be done in 10 minutes. May I give her your number? The least she will do is call back and set up a time to talk if she can't right now."
"That is perfectly acceptable. Thank you so much, bye."
"Bye Erin, it's good to hear your voice."
Erin explains to Linda. "Olivia is Caitlin's long-time admin assistant. She went with Caitlin from Julliard to San Diego."
"I bet Caitlin really appreciated that!"
"I know she did. Someone like that helps a lot when you make a major move."
RING RING
"Erin Reagan here."
"Erin, this is Caitlin! Nice to hear from you. What's up?"
"I have Linda with me, also. Danny's wife. We are wondering about an idea for keeping in touch, family wise you know."
"Ok, what are you thinking?" Caitlin is cautious.
"Well, are you and Jamie having regular family dinners?"
"Yes, we are, twice a month. But I think that with Pops and Frank here now that those dinners will increase in frequency."
"Oh, to what?"
"Probably weekly, but I'm not sure. Jamie and I are going to get the family together soon and discuss the situation."
"Well, Linda and I were wondering if there was a possibility of having coordinated phone calls on those days. Like before or after dinner? You know, to keep in touch?"
"That's a good idea. Listen, I have only 3 more minutes. Can Jamie and I get back to you? Do you have my cell number?"
"No."
"Well, here it is. Text me more about this. Sorry, I gotta run. Talk later."
Call disconnected.
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CORONADO CONDO
Jamie is up early, he planned on an early morning run to start his day. His 05:00 rising left Caitlin a sleeping beauty; he watches her sleep for a few moments, still amazed that she is his wife. 'I must have done something awfully good!' he thinks. He leans over and places a gentle kiss on her head, then slips out of the bedroom and slips ln his runners. He closes and locks the door and sets off.
His usual route around the island is 3 or 5 miles, depending on his ambition. Today he heads toward the Pacific, intending to see if his dad and grandpa are up and at 'em. He wants to make certain that the gents remember the family dinner scheduled for this evening. He knows Caitlin has planned a special meal to welcome his dad, and he doesn't want her efforts to be in vain.
As he approaches the condo, he sees lights on. He knows someone is up, it is after 08:00 east coast time. Both men will take some time adjusting to the change. Pops has a head start on that, however, so it's probably his father who is up. He rides the outside elevator to the 3rd floor, and knocks on the door. He notices that both men's names are posted beside the door. Frank opens and greets his son.
"Good morning, Jamie. You are up early."
"Yup, I'm starting my day with a run. I just wanted to stop by and remind you and Pops about dinner this evening at our condo."
"Yes, I remember. Pops mentioned it last evening, before we retired for the night. He wanted me to ask you if there is anything we can bring?"
"No, I'm sure Caitlin has everything covered."
"Maybe some wine, perhaps." Frank wonders.
"No, dad. We are an alcohol-free home. I thought you knew that?"
Frank grimaces visibly. "Ah . . . Pops is going to be disappointed with that. Have you mentioned that to him?"
"We have eaten together many times since he arrived. It hasn't seemed to be an issue. Has he spoken about it to you?"
"Yes, he did mention it last evening. I think he plans on bringing a few bottles with us tonight; so that he has a supply at your place."
Jamie rubs his hands down his face. "Dad, can you discourage that..., please?"
"I will try. I'm not sure how effective I will be."
"Well, give it your best shot."
"I will. We will see you this evening."
Frank closes the door.
Jamie turns and leaves. A sinking feeling in his gut. He MUST make sure to be home when they arrive!
Should he give Caitlin a heads up? What a dilemma!
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TBC