And Love
Chapter 5 Working on things
MANHATTAN DA'S OFFICES
Eddie had called ahead to be sure that Erin wasn't in court. She stops at the receptionist (Jill) and introduces herself. She has a carrying tray with 2 large cups of coffee, and a small white sack with donuts inside.
"Follow me," Jill says. She leads the way to Erin's office and introduces Eddie.
"I was hoping we could talk," Eddie starts.
"Sure, but can you give me 5 minutes?" Erin responds.
"Absolutely, I'll wait out here." Eddie leaves Erin's coffee and takes a seat in the outer office.
After 8 minutes Erin motions for Eddie to come in. She does, and sets the bag on the desk and takes a seat.
"Erin, I'd like to see if we can't clear the air between us? We both know that I cannot do anything o change the past. I made mistakes, not intending to hurt anyone. My admission and apology don't seem to be enough, for some. What more can I do?"
(Part of Erin wants to say; Grant Jamie full custody of Malina and disappear!) Fortunately, she has better self-control than that. But this goes to show how vindictive some people can be if they don't keep their dark side under control.
"Eddie, I have done some serious thinking. I have not been very fair to you, or Jamie. I was taken totally off guard, and I allowed my personal hurt feelings to rule the day. As an attorney, I know better."
Erin pauses to take some sips of coffee and bites of a donut. Eddie does likewise.
(Erin had an extended confessional with Fr. Mark at St. Angelus; she obviously will say nothing about that.)
Erin restarts, "I would like to invite you, Mal and Jamie over for dinner with Nicky and myself."
"Thank you; but may I suggest that we do dinner at our apartment? Mal will be much more comfortable, I am sure." Eddie responds.
"That makes sense, let's pick a day and do it."
"Ok, and one more thing. Can we not make this common knowledge? Avoid party crashers, you know."
"Sure. Why don't you and Jamie call me this evening? W''ll pick a date."
"We will do that. Thanks Erin."
They finish their coffee & donuts, talk lightly, embrace and Eddie takes her leave.
Both ladies feel like they have made progress.
888888888888888888
12-DAVID
"This is nice, partner." Eddie voices.
"Nice? Meaning?"
"You let me drive."
"2 days, don't make it a habit. I'm checking out your driving and navigational skills; part of a TO's job."
"Hm . . . Reagan didn't do that part of his job then."
"He never let you drive?" Joe raises an eyebrow.
"Rarely."
"Maybe that was all he needed?"
"No, he thought I was a terrible driver."
"Um, I haven't seen that yet. You hiding something from me, Janko?"
"Nope. What you see is what you get. Say, you wanna come over for dinner sometime? Meet Reagan and our daughter, Malina?"
Joe whips his head around to look at her. "A kid? You and Reagan?"
"Yes. Malina, 2 y/o."
"Wow, and he was your TO?"
"Yeah. But when we got things sorted, we knew we had to change. We finally told sarge, then he had you coming in 3 weeks, and here we are."
Silence.
"Don't rock the boat, please. I get seasick – it isn't pretty!" Eddie smirks.
"I'm sure. Carry on, Janko. About dinner? Sure, let's find a day."
They decide on a date for an introductory dinner; now that's 2 dinners – very different agendas. Interesting!
888888888888888888888888
DINNER WITH ERIN & NICKY
The door chime sounds, Eddie and Mal answer the door. "Come in auntie Erin and Nicky," Malina politely says, Eddie has her hands on the young girl's shoulders.
"Thank you, cousin Malina," Nicky responds. She and her mom walk in.
"Are we cousins," Mal whispers to her mom.
"Yes, you are," Eddie informs her.
"I didn't know that," Mal whispers back.
Erin has noticed that the apartment has an electronic no/tamper no/pick lock – like many cars. She raises an eyebrow but says nothing.
Jamie notices her surprise, but says nothing.
Eddie has Mal help her finish setting the table, then announces that they are ready. Jamie and Mal recite the blessing together then they pass the food and start to eat.
"Do you mind if I ask some questions?" Erin starts.
"Not at all, we are here to clear the air as I said when we decided on dinner together," Eddie voices.
"Well, when I ask things, it's not accusatory; we are not being an ADA here. Really!" Erin emphasizes.
"Well sis, young ears are present," Jamie cautions.
"Like me?" Mal pipes up.
"Yes, like you!" Jamie glares at his sister.
"Mom!" Nicky is put out.
"Erin," Eddie is disappointed. She thought that Jamie's sister would be more sensitive to the environment than that. "We've answered all the questions that I can think of, in as much detail as we are going to; so, what's left?"
Erin's plate becomes very interesting.
"Mal," Nicky speaks up. "After dinner, I brought you a present."
"You did?" Mal is excited.
"Yup, I hope you will like it."
"What is it?"
"A surprise!"
888888888888888888888
After dinner they clear the table, load the dishwasher then sit in the living room.
Nicky pulls a wrapped present from her back pack. She hands it to Malina.
The young girl is excited; she unwraps it and finds a stuffed, little white lamb. She hugs it close to herself.
"That was my favorite when I was a little girl," Nicky voices tearfully. "I want you to have it."
"Thank you, cousin Nicky." Mal gets up, walks over to Nicky and gives her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Both girls shed a tear.
"Can you show me your room?" Nicky asks Mal, who looks to her mom for the ok.
Eddie nods her approval; the girls scamper off. When the door clicks shut, the adults look at each other.
Jamie lowers his voice, "What in hell do you want to know, Erin?"
Silence for a moment.
"That first night, after the bar-
"We've answered that! The happenings after the bar have been scrubbed, deliberately, and shortened to protect the innocent!" Jamie uses a dark, firm tone.
"Innocent?" Erin frowns.
"Innocent, consenting adults." He declares.
Eddie hangs her head, but speaks. "Whatever specifically happened, and it's none of your business Erin, Jamie and I now have Malina. We love her and each other. We hope the family can accept us as a family."
Erin looks questioningly at her brother.
"110% sis!" He leaves no doubt.
Silence again until Erin stands. She walks down the short hall to Mal's room; "We need to get going, Nicky."
"Ok mom, I'll be right out."
2 minutes later Nicky and Mal come up front, Mal is clutching her lamb. She hugs auntie Erin and cousin Nicky; the adults do the same and then they are gone.
8888888888888888
COLLAPSED ON THE COUCH
Mal has had her night-time routine and is in bed.
QUIETLY
"Son. Of. A. Bitch!" Jamie can't believe it.
"Amen!" Eddie is at her wits end. "I do not know what else to do, Jamie!"
"I do!"
"You do?"
"Yup, I'm going to go to Sunday dinner and lay everything on the table."
"Jamie, we haven't-
"No, not more facts. Tell them that it's their serve. Totally."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"Probably not. But you can if you'd like."
"I think I will stay with Mal, if that's ok."
"Sure. Why don't we plan on a picnic if the weather is good. I plan on only talking, not staying to eat. I will pick you two up."
"Ok, sounds good."
8888888888888888888888
REAGAN SUNDAY DINNER
Jamie has warned Pops that he alone is coming to dinner. He comes in just as everyone is sitting down. After they are seated, he enters the dining room and stands behind his chair.
"You sitting, Jameson?" Pops inquires.
"No, I just have something to say . . . Eddie, Mal and I are having continuing problems with intra-family relations. One or more of you at this table today. We cannot think-
"Jamie," Frank interrupts.
"Dad, please . . . we cannot think of what else we can do to solve this. Eddie and I are placing the ball in your court. When this family has things solved, and we can be assured of an environment in which all 3 of us will be accepted and loved – then we will return to this table. Not before."
Jamie slides his chair snug up to the table, turns his plate over and walks out.
All eyes search the others.
Erin studies her plate closely.
Nicky sniffles, then asks to be excused.
Frank allows her to leave the table.
Jack asks to say the blessing; he purposefully includes Jamie, Eddie and Malina.
A chorus of amens are heard.
Dinner is somber.
88888888888888888888888888
TBC