20- Starting over… chapter twenty
Pulling into the garage then closing up and setting security, Walter wondered why he said he was going to attend the New Year's gala. Did not take much self-reflection to figure that one out he thought as he trudged up the stairs to get undressed and take a shower. You are attracted to her….. you were attracted to Paige and how did that work out? What was it Sarah said… how many experiments did it take to get a functional light bulb. Drying off and slipping on clean boxers he went to bed.
In the morning he got up, went to the kitchen to get the coffee going then went to the den. Sitting at the desk he opened the laptop and pulled it close to check mail- nothing worth opening, he thought for a moment to compose a message to Richard.
Richard- The New Year bash- what is the proper attire? New monkey suit, business suit, jeans and t-shirt, swim trunks, shorts? Walter
Getting up he went to the kitchen to pour some coffee, took the cup into the bedroom to get dressed in jeans and t-shirt thinking about the coming party. Certainly jumping in with both feet. Sink or swim…. sink more than likely…. maybe getting to be a bit too American after all these years. Hearing the laptop alert for new mail he went into the den- from Richard
Walter- So you will be there? New monkey suit- see which of us impresses the ladies most. Should be a fun evening, even not drinking. See you there, park the leprechaun next to yellow like last time- eight sharp. Richard
Walter sat for a few moments then composed a message to Gina.
Gina- are you planning to attend Richard's New Year bash? Walter
Sitting back he drank some coffee, swiveled his chair to look at Megan's picture on the shelf. "Think I am making a fool of myself?" He grabbed his cup and went into the kitchen, refilled it and opened the fridge to see what was on hand to eat. Last of the leftovers Cabe and Allie brought including apple pie. Putting everything on a plate and into the microwave, leaning against the counter he sipped his coffee until it dinged and took everything into the den to eat at the desk. Before sitting down the laptop alerted new mail- from Gina, so he sat and opened it.
Walter- Plan on being there with bells on. You change your mind and going to be there, too? Will be there around eight so would like to see you again all decked out in your finest. Gina
Walter hit reply.
Gina- thinking of attending, if so will need the tie done- at the door at eight? Walter
Gina replied in minutes.
Walter- see you at the door at eight. Will be a happy new year. Gina
Well, looks like a done deal, now. So he sat and ate thinking about the coming gala tomorrow night. Well, if things take a bad turn, just a matter of getting in the car and going home. Finishing the pie, he gathered plates and took them into the kitchen to put in the dishwasher and refill his coffee. Marta really is quite lovey he thought, the German yellow blonde hair, long and wavy, clear blue eyes, tall and leggy….. and headed back to Europe in less than two weeks. He brought up the LA weather forecast. Once again, clear and warm, light Santa Ana winds so perfect weather for the convertible if a bit brisk at night. Getting up he headed down to the back-bay to clean up, vacuum and tend to the maintenance on the Ferrari as it had been getting a lot of use lately. He had already more than tripled the miles on the clock from when he first acquired it from Richard. He chuckled wondering if anyone else uses a Ferrari as a daily driver- turns out the little green leprechaun was a good acquisition. Putting tools away then wiping his hands on a shop rag he drained his coffee and went into the office kitchen to put the cup in the dishwasher and get a bottle of water from the fridge. Sitting in the seating area he checked out the whiteboard of the problems he had worked out, then erased it all. He grabbed the bottle of water and headed up to the loft then on up to the roof. He sat, and looking at the two rose plants- saw what looked like new growth- guess dumping that water on them was a good thing. Have to remember to water them again with the Santa Ana drying everything out. Stretching his legs, extending his arms on the top of the bench seat he relaxed to watch the sun slowly dip toward the waves, the last afternoon unison swooping of the pigeon flock residing in the small park a couple blocks away. When the sun set he went back to the den, pulled the metallurgy tome down, turned on the light by the easy chair, went to the desktop unit and brought up the music file, scrolled to Bach's Brandenburg, hit play then sat back to read. A bit over an hour and the music ended. Putting the book down, he got up to stretch, went into the kitchen to set up the coffee for the morning, wiped down the counters, went into the bedroom to strip down and go to bed. He lay there for some time thinking about the coming day, then drifted off to sleep.
Late in the morning, Walter woke refreshed from a good night sleep, stretched and headed into the bathroom then into the kitchen to get the coffee started, into the den to open the laptop and check for mail- one from unknown so checked it over and opened it up, as expected from Ralph.
Walter- Everything has calmed down, think whatever you talked with Cabe and Allie after Christmas got everything back to normal. Glad to hear. Will be back working the robotics with Happy- been fun working with her. Happy New Year! Ralph
Walter hit reply.
Ralph- glad to hear everything has been settled. Now everyone can go on their own path. This is looking to be a good year. Scorpion Security Systems is going well- first outside customer on the third to start the year off well. With Richard Elias, been meeting with some European Space Agency visitors who are touring the US- one actually tried to recruit me. Funny, but I am staying right here. Do well with your robotics- may be an excellent field to delve into for future space exploration. Know I love you and happy new year. Walter
He rechecked the area weather but all looks well- going to be a late rainy season this year. He got up to get some coffee and root around in the kitchen to get something to eat. Settling on nuking a can of clam chowder and crackers with his coffee to take into the den to eat at the desk. He checked over some science journal sites and read a bunch of articles on into the afternoon. Gathering the dishes he took everything into the kitchen dishwasher. Wiped down the desk and kitchen counters then headed into the bedroom to pull the suit out of the closet, then into bathroom to shave and take a shower. Drying off, he slipped on clean boxers, ran a comb through his hair and went up to the roof to sit a while- remembering to take a jug of water for the rose plants.
Sitting back in the light, dry, east breeze after watering the roses, he basked in the late afternoon sun. Funny, he thought. Not anxious about this party- the previous gala, but for the confrontation with Paige, was not so bad- pleasant talking with Gina and Jake, watching them dance as well as others, and the talk with Richard afterward. Maybe he is getting the hang of the socializing after all- just have to practice at it. Was surprising to discover Richard does not drink at these functions- he really is much more conservative than expected. Maybe I should observe his social skills- certainly is good at it, so a good example to watch.
Getting up, it was getting time to dress and head out so he went inside to get ready. Once again donning the new suit and letting the tie hang, he pulled on some dark socks and the dress shoes after taking a buff to them. Putting his wallet in his back pocket, phone and small comb in the inside jacket pocket, he was ready to go. Turning everything off but the color lights he took an extra heavy jacket, went down to the back-bay to open up and pull the Ferrari out then close up and set security. Pulling up to the gate at Elias Enterprises headquarters, he gave his name to the security guard and was told to park in the small back lot so he drove through and there again was an open space next to Richard's yellow so he pulled in. Getting out he walked to the front door to await Gina. Three passes along the front of the building, he spotted Gina and Jake coming in from the large employee parking lot and waved.
"Gina, Jake, nice to see you. Happy new year," Walter said with a smile.
"So nice to see you, glad you decided to come, Walter. Turn around and I will get that tie done," Gina said. "I have to do Jakes, too. Don't know why men can't get the hang of ties like this."
"I think we can, we just like you gals putting your arms around us," Jake said smiling.
"You have a dedicated driver, right? Too many accidents on new year, hate to see anyone injured." Walter said while Gina fixed his tie.
"Yes," Gina said with a smile. "I volunteered even though Jake never drinks much. Getting drunk in public isn't his idea of fun…. nor mine, really. Too expensive these days to get busted driving under the influence even not getting into an accident. More into the party time than getting loaded. There you are Walter, all handsome."
"Well, Walter, you and I are going to wow the ladies tonight," Jake said. "What you think Gina?"
Gina laughed, "I will be the envy of all the ladies walking in with one of you on each arm. Just like last time, Walter, take a deep breath and get ready to make your entrance. Shall we go, gentlemen?"
The three walked in together to join the crowd already present, the band playing dance music, one wall lined with tables of tasty treats, champagne, bartender mixing drinks and keeping an eye on those drinking, a large coffee urn with Elias Enterprises cups and bottles of water lined up. Tables set up around the dance floor, and a small band against one wall, above them a huge digital clock presently displaying 8:34:54.
"You two have a pleasant time, I am going to stake out a table after getting some coffee," Walter said heading for the table filled with Elias Enterprises cups and the coffee urn. Filling his cup, he took a sip and turned to look over the crowd. Saw Richard as usual moving from clusters of people talking and laughing to move on. Walter sauntered over to a small table at the edge of the main grouping and sat down to observe the crowd. He spotted Zoe who came to sit with him.
"Dad was surprised you messaged him about coming tonight. I am glad to see you as well. Dad told me you don't drink, either so if you see the bartender, name is Joe, tell him and he will have ginger ale or soda water in a champagne flute for you. So many people are surprised when they find out Dad does not drink at these functions," Zoe said quietly. "Think he looks on his employees like a doting father- likes to keep a sober eye on these things."
Walter smiled, "does he ever really cut loose as they say? Running his enterprise is quite a job, what does he do to relax?"
"Once in a while he takes one of the Ferrari out on the road course at the raceway, a lot of time in the pool, and to be honest, I think he really does enjoy running things," Zoe said with a smile. "Been a real eye opener tagging along learning the business- the few times he gets away for a while, he seems kinda' lost. He just thrives when keeping things together. So what are you doing these days?"
Walter laughed, "I have my business, too. One whole employee, but it appears to be taking off well. Don't think I will be giving Richard any competition in the near future."
"You have no idea how pleased he is that you have worked all the data center security- he is very dedicated to his space endeavor and keeping all that data safe is foremost on his mind and he can relax over it now, so thanks on that, he isn't getting any younger so one worry off his mind is a good thing."
Walking up to the table Richard said, "You two enjoying yourselves? Zoe tell you to have a talk with Joe at the bar to set you up?"
"Yes, but I feel naked without a cup of coffee in my hand," Walter said with a chuckle.
Richard keeping an eye on the door, "ah, fashionably late, the Europeans have arrived at last. Amazing to see some of the women gravitate to the Russian. Wonder why. But then he is buff, blonde, has an accent, and isn't exactly stupid. You should talk math with him, Walter, he speaks your language. Zoe, they are playing our song, shall we trip the light fantastic?" Taking his daughters hand he led her to the dance floor to disappear in the throng.
Leaving the coffee cup on the table, Walter went to the bar as the bartender seemed to have a break, and asked for a flute of ginger ale. Sipping it he went back to the table to see Marta seated.
"I hope you do not mind if I joined you," Marta said with a smile looking up at him as he came close.
"I was looking forward to seeing you, so it is a pleasure to have you here," Walter said with a smile. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Even though I am German, I do not drink, even the beer on October fest festivities. My friends all call on me to do the driving," Marta laughed. "Never acquired the taste, especially for the hard liquor. You have a safe, sober driver for getting home?"
"I do not drink alcohol, either- even beer," Walter chuckled. "Do not like my head messed up- not thinking straight is not enjoyable. Ask the bartender and he will put soda water or like this, ginger ale in a champagne flute and no one is the wiser that you are not getting drunk. Shall I get you something, now?"
"How about we go together," Marta said rising with Walter to go to the bar. "I wonder how many here are really drinking water or soda- they all seem to be having a good time, anyway. Now I can't tell who is drinking or not."
Walter laughed, "wait until the end and see who trips on the stairs or needs a friend to help them along to a cab." Returning to their table with champagne flutes of ginger ale, they sat and watched the crowd.
Walter glanced at Marta, "I really don't dance, but would you like to give it a try with me?"
"I would love to, Walter, though I am more into just kind of swaying- not a dancer, either, so let's not dance on the dance floor together," she said laughing. "Really never been what is called a party animal, too dedicated to school and job."
They went to the dance floor, Walter put his hands in the right place as did Marta and they made a very nice looking couple if not Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. Returning to their table, Richard and Sophia joined them laughing and bringing Ilya Romanov to their attention.
"Now I see why the ladies flock to the Russian," Richard said laughing, "look at him go. Any woman he dances with better be able to keep up."
Sophia laughed, "Yes, Ilya certainly does like to impress the women everywhere he goes. It is a big disappointment when they discover he is gay. But he sure has a good time, as do the women as long as it is on the dance floor. The dancing is one way he stays so fit."
"Shall we show some more temperate steps, Sophia?" Richard asked rising and holding out his hand.
"Would love to, Richard," Sophia said with a smile, taking his hand and rising.
"Marta, up for another try?" Walter asked.
"Absolutely, Walter, feels good with you so warm," Marta said with a smile. "I picked this dress up in Florida where it is very hot and humid. Strapless seemed like the way to go there, but a bit chilly here and I left the shawl in the bus that brought us."
"How about we get some fresh air, the bus is in the parking lot, we can go get it so you have it later tonight," Walter suggested. "You can wear my jacket outside."
"Sounds good, let's go so we be back before the midnight bell rings."
Walking toward the door, Walter took his jacket off and she slipped it on. "Wow, so very warm, I may not give it back." Once outside Walter put his arm across her shoulder as they walked across the parking lot to the bus. Knocking on the bus door, the driver, lounging on a seat peering at his phone looked up and opened the door.
"Marta left her shawl and would like to get it," Walter told him giving Marta a hand to board.
"Yes, I remember her, come on in and get it. Visitors don't think it gets cold in California." The driver said with a chuckle.
"Especially when they came here from Florida," Walter said while Marta got her shawl.
Getting out of the bus Marta asked Walter if he wanted his jacket back and started to take it off.
"No, keep it on until we get back inside to stay warm," Walter replied. They reached the door just as Hans was rounding the building from another parking lot. "Mein Got, bist ein aesel," Hans yelled, obviously drunk.
Walter opened the door so Marta could enter then turned to Hans. "This is not the time or place to have a confrontation, and Marta is not your target, so leave her out of it."
"You are an obnoxious bastard, and should keep your filthy hands off her."
"Mr. O'Brien, is there a problem here?" the roving plant security guard asked coming round from the back parking lot.
"No, no problem other than this young man obviously has been in his cups too deeply to return inside," Walter said. "Just too much new year celebration too early. Going inside would not be a wise move for him. Maybe some coffee in the guard shack and a safe ride home would be best."
"BASTARD!" Hans yelled at Walter. "You don't run this place," Hans spat then turning to the security guard, "get away from me, I will go where I want." Three more math majors rounded the building to partially surround and try to placate Hans and explain to the security guard that they would get him home safely. At that point, when Hans raised his voice and was obviously combative, the security guard, with a second arriving, made it apparent to Hans and his friends he was not going back inside and had best leave or get parked in the guard shack to await police.
"Next time, BASTARD, next time," Hans yelled surrounded by the others and herded back to the parking lot to get him off Elias property.
Walter and the guards stood watching them stuff Hans in a car and take off. "Every year there are a few who drink too much and make an ass of themselves. That kid sure has an attitude- sorry, Mr. O'Brien you were the focus of his attention. Should be OK once he sleeps it off."
"Thank you for showing up," Walter said. "But this does not have to be publicized. He is a young man, one drunken episode should not have long repercussions. Happy new year."
Walter turning to return to the party saw Marta at the glass door watching the entire altercation. He smiled going up the steps to open the door and join her. "Sorry you had to see that- too much new year champagne. Shall we rejoin everyone inside?"
Marta removed Walter's jacket and handed it to him while putting her shawl over her shoulders. "That young man seems to have a particular dislike beyond just having had too much to drink."
Walter laughed. "Hans is a math major and decided to take on the old guard only to discover the old guard isn't that old- and he did it publicly. Typical proud youngster- we with math proficiency are a difficult bunch, a lot of the social etiquette never seems to sink in our heads which will cause problems. One of the reasons why I tend to apologize to people I may socialize with before the social event."
"You have had no need to apologize this evening, Walter," Marta said with a smile. "Shall we go have some ginger ale, clink our glasses as it is nearing midnight."
"Have a seat and I will get our drinks," Walter said escorting her to the table and pulling her chair out. Turning he saw Gina and Jake coming to join them.
"We wondered where you got to," Gina said. "Getting close to twelve and wanted to wish you both a happy new year.
"Went out to the bus to get Marta's shawl as she was getting chilly. I am about to go get us drinks."
"Pull up a chair, Jake, I will go along and get us a drink, too." Gina said. "Come on Walter, have to have some bubbly to celebrate the stroke of midnight."
Walking together toward the bar, Gina asked, "Enjoying yourself, Walter? Marta certainly seems to be enjoying your company. She has been with you all evening. Even saw you on the dancefloor. You surprised me."
Glancing at Gina with a smile, "I am practicing being out in social settings. And I managed to not step on her toes, so a good night, indeed."
"The bartender's name is Joe," Gina said. "Joe, I need one champagne, two ginger ales. What is Marta drinking?"
"Make it one champagne, three ginger ales," Walter said with a smile. "Marta also prefers to remain sober."
"Believe it or not, this will be just the third for Jake, so he isn't even tipsy…. he just likes the bubbly."
Walking back each carrying two flutes, they joined Marta and Jake at the table. "Jake, here you go. Would you two mind keeping an eye on our drinks, on your feet, Jake, to the dance floor." Gina said as an aside to Marta and Walter, "just gotta' take command at times with these guys." She took Jake's lapel and led him to the dance floor whispering in his ear and both laughing to whirl away into the crowd.
"Walter, were you not so warm, I would not crowd you, but it is still a bit chilly," Marta said scooting her seat closer to Walter, so he moved his seat closer and put his arm across her shoulders, in short order she put her head on his shoulder. "Yes, nice and warm."
Walter looked at her, "three minutes to midnight, shall we join everyone on the dance floor?" Marta nodded and they rose to walk to the dance floor. Walter put his hands in just the right place, but Marta smiled, and unbuttoned his jacket to put her arms around him under his jacket. "Much warmer this way," she said laying her head against his chest. "Yes, much nicer."
The large digital clock on the wall above the band showed 11:59:34 when everyone stopped dancing to watch the count getting closer. At 11:59:50, everyone started counting 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…. HAPPY NEW YEAR! With many couples kissing in the New Year, including Walter and Marta, with Marta running her hand up his chest to the back of his neck and fingers in his hair. When they parted, she looked into his eyes and pulled him down to kiss again…. a bit deeper and longer than should be displayed in public.