AND LOVE CHAP 153
A/N: skyross19, you are correct. When I went back and reviewed my description of the sleeping quarters above the barn, I said to myself – wait a minute. That's not what I envisioned! Now, I wonder if I can find someone who could use a 'starter' apartment. Hm?
And patrickpopp; I think I just caught a glimpse of Archbishop Kearns lurking in the shadows. Around the cathedral somewhere – oh, there he went. Slippery guy, that prelate.
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Switch
Davenport, Erickson & Jackson
Annie Davenport's hard ass strategy has been shredded. In her business she is often up against an enemy. At the very least an opponent who is working at cross purposes to her client.
The tables have been turned. She needs to drop the steel, and put on the silk. Can she do that? You bet!
"I am Annie Davenport. I am representing an ownership group that is interested in the café. That group is interested in taking the long view; and securing a property that can secure the future for a young girl. The parents of that young girl are Jamie and Eddie Reagan."
She pauses.
The bulb above Mabel Henderson's head gradually lights up. "Eddie Reagan? Really?"
"Yes."
"Cassandra's parents?"
"Yes."
"I . . . don't know what to say. I was so impressed with Eddie and Cassandra when I heard the story of that young ladies' life. Now, is this for Cassandra?"
"No. Their 2nd oldest daughter Malina, is 13 years old, and in 8th grade. She has shown an amazing interest and skill for the culinary arts. Jamie and Eddie and the group are interested in securing a restaurant property that Mal can grow into; possibly into an ownership position. Thus, the phrase 'long view'."
All 4 people are impressed with the forward thinking of the group surrounding Malina. But they need to keep their own interests in mind. Everyone in the room understands that.
Annie leads them to a solution that meets all expectations. She schedules a meeting in 1 week, when the documents will be ready. Jamie and Eddie will be at that meeting, they and Annie will represent LIOG – LONG ISLAND OWNERSHIP GROUP.
(Weird name? Shoot me a better idea!)
ON THE ISLAND
RING
"Eddie here, Annie?"
"Yes, we have a deal for Bayside Café!"
"Great! What's next? "
"We have a meeting in 1 week. To sign the documents. I need you and Jamie here; can you make it?"
"I'll check with him; but I am sure he'll carve out the time."
"Good, Gertrude is flying back to Liverpool 3 days later."
"We will be there. Thanks Annie. Bye."
"You're welcome, bye Ed."
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This next scene was contributed by patrickpopp. I add it with thanks; and with edits and expansion, as always.
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Jimmy, Nicky & the archbishop:
Nicky and Jimmy Walk into Archbishop Kearns office. He offers them a beverage, they accept and sit to begin talking.
"Thank you for agreeing to see us your Excellency," Nicky respectfully starts. She has known him all her life, but to be here sitting across the desk from him? Intimidating, to say the least.
"No need for formalities Nicky; your family and I go back many years. What can I do for you? And you can call me Kevin, please." He is trying to put the young couple at ease.
"Thank you, Kevin, this is my boyfriend, Jimmy."
"Nice to meet you, Jimmy." The Archbishop and Jimmy shake hands. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, we've been dating for some time now and we are contemplating marriage. Jimmy has told me that he wants to convert to Catholicism, to prove that he's committed to our relationship."
"Is that true, Jimmy?" The archbishop looks hopeful.
"Yes, sir, it is true. I love Nicky with all my heart and I want her to know that she can count on me in every way. And this is one way I can start to prove that to her."
"I am pleased to hear that. It's always a great thing to bring others into the faith." Kevin has a big smile on his face.
Kevin describes the process: "Now, the conversion classes will take about six months; with 12, 2-hour sessions meeting twice a month. We are thinking of exploring an alternative: the students can study 24 online sessions. Then come in for a 1-hour question & answer session for every 2 lessons they have completed online. That limits class time. Would you be interested in that, Jimmy?"
"Yes, very much!" He nods vigorously.
"Also have you two started thinking about a wedding date? The marriage prep classes should also be completed before the ceremony, of course."
"How long does that take? Would it be possible to do both classes concurrently?" Nicky inquires.
"It would be unusual; however, it is possible. But wedding prep is only 8 hours; usually 4 2-hour sessions. So, they really don't match up. May I ask why you ask?"
Jimmy responds. "I think it would be extra special to be baptized and married to the love of my life on the same day," Jimmy smiles broadly. Nicky nods and squeezes his hand.
"I see, that would be special. We'll see if we can schedule things so they finish at the same time. Would that work for you?"
"Yes, it would." They both nod and grin.
"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" He's looking at the clock, but he wants to give them time. This has been a very pleasant surprise.
"Yes, Jimmy is not the only one who is considering conversion; my father is Jack Boyle. He and mom recently remarried in a civil ceremony at city hall. They would like an official church ceremony. My father said he wants to correct his previous mistakes properly. In addition, my niece Cassandra's boyfriend Josh is also interested. He said he sees a long-term future with Cassie and he wants to do it right, from the start. We have discussed our plans with them and they want to follow suit. Can we meet the desires of all these family members?"
"Well, that is delightful! I am sure we can. I will think about this, and assign this to a capable member of my staff. Thank you so much for coming in today."
They rise, exchange pleasantries and part.
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FINALLY!
Mary Rose is ready for her 1st night sleeping above her precious animals. She has waited so long for this. She has finished her homework and participated in prayer circle. She is ready to be the pioneer!
She packs a small bag; she is dressed for chores – she needs to carry her night clothes to change into. AJ will be coming with her to help with chores; then he will return to the house.
As they start work, he asks, "Are you excited Mary Rose?"
"Yes, what about you and Pat? You are sleeping out here tomorrow night, right?"
"Yes we are. I'm not so sure. I was excited at first, but now I don't know."
"Don't worry. You'll be together. I'll tell you how it goes for me."
"Good. Good-night sissy. Love you."
"Good-night AJ. Love you too!"
He disappears out the barn door and she completes the chores. She says g-night to all her animals and goes upstairs.
She rattles around in the rooms, trying to decide where to sleep. It's really strange, and rather lonely. She hears strange noises and tenses a few times. She misses Mal and Cassie. Their presence is comforting, and she misses them, a lot. She decides on a bottom bunk in the sleeping room. She looked at the queen bed, but that is designated for couples only.
She takes a drink of water, changes into her jammies, kneels by her bed to pray and climbs into bed. She tries to go to sleep.
Shecannot.
She keeps hearing strange noises. She knows it's probably 'her' animals; then a THUD! What was that? She leaps out of bed, pulls on her robe, slips on her slippers and rushes down the stairs. She turns on a dim night-light and looks around. She sees Joseph lying on his side, maybe asleep? She enters his stall and looks closely. He opens one eye, and peers at her; as if to say 'what are you doing here?' She pets him softly, "sorry to bother you. Good night." She carefully closes and locks his stall, then returns to bed. As she passes through the common area, she looks at the microwave clock.
1:30
Ugh!
She slides back under the covers. She tries counting sleep. She is going to be a wreck tomorrow.
THUD!
She covers her head with her pillow.
WHINNY!
'Shut up Hero!'
THUD!
"My god, I can't take this!" She shouts. She jumps out of bed, again. Throws on her robe and slips into her slippers, again. She looks around for her phone – she can't find it. I FORGOT MY PHONE!
She dashes downstairs; lets herself out, carefully closing the door behind her. She runs to the back door of the house and pounds on it.
"MOMMY, DADDY, LET ME IN!"
In a couple of minutes, Eddie comes and opens the door. She is just tying her robe; Mary Rose sees too much skin and blushes. "Baby, what's the matter?"
"Mommy, I couldn't take it. Thank you for letting me in," She brushes past mom and runs upstairs.
MBR
"What was that?" Jamie croaks out.
"Mary Rose. She bailed on the barn."
"What?"
"Morning, babe."
"Ok."
UPSTAIRS
Mary Rose crashes onto her bottom bunk; she burrows her face in her pillow, crying.
Mal wakes and comes to kneel by her sister's side. "What's the matter, sissy?"
"I'm a failure, sissy!"
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TBC