Coffee and Passion

First thing I wrote. Neighbor borrows coffee, casual dating, overwhelming lust, tour of gulf on friends boat, find / buy house, marry

Just shed of a*****e boyfriend and his entitled, insulting, syncopate, free loading, ever growing group of 'bros'

Final was football watching party where they had consumed over $200 in food and beer. Someone hollered, hey babe, you need to get some food. She'd said get off your lazy a*s and go buy some. BF had gone off saying she couldn't talk to them like that in his house. She'd said, wrong. My house. Get out. All if you. Now. He'd laughed, she'd called cops. They looked at lease with only her name and told everybody else to vacate.

YouTube to change locks, No, she had bought programmed lock. Go to locksmith w/ old key. Like this, Yes Ma'am, Reaching for order pad, name? Jane doe, 101 main 800 555 1212 Pause long look, $20 Cash, 4 keys? $30 Done

Original instructions, programming tab, 19 min and she had a new lock. No fuss, no mess. Dropped a key off at office. You have to ....you should ....

I know tenant landlord law. My apt. My key. Here is your copy. 24 hour notice to enter still in force. NO ONE ELSE TO ENTER. Understand (reading badge) Ms Tompkins? Yes. Fine; obviously stopping recording. Smile.

All nighters to finish ad campaign for wellness center and neighborhood jeweler

Damn. Sunday late. No coffee. Sigh, gotta drive to some shop. As she walked down hall she heard hum-click of printer, typing, and Water Music. She loved Handel. Not that she'd had a chance to listen lately.

What the hell. She knocked.

She was 28, 5'8". He was a little older, maybe 31. 6 ft. Cute. Hi, I'm Diane your decaffeinated neighbor, can I borrow some coffee?

He smiled, nice. Sure. Walked to kitchen waving her in. Grabbed a zip lock and dumped some coffee, looked at her again and added more. As he handed it he said Strong. It’s OMA, start with one measure per cup.

Thanks with a grateful smile. Considering, he said I'm Jerry and my neighbor rescue insurance required ID and handed her a scrap of paper she wrote her name n number. He stuck it to an overcrowded cork board.

She returned to finish campaigns. Coffee was good. Strong but very good. Next afternoon, on impulse she stopped to thank him. Printer. Typing. Brandenburg Concerto No.5. Smile. Knock. He looked very pleased to see her, how can I help. As she was thanking him for saving her sanity, she noticed the cork board now had been arranged notes containing times, location, and information on one side. Her note in middle, with a heart added. Glancing down, all the other bits were in trash.

He said I figured after the last week or so, you didn't need any more stress. You knew? With an embarrassed wave he said, Thin walls. Everyone heard. Congratulations. Hope I'm as lucky. With? Re-divorce hearing. What's that? Where you discuss with head of state judicial conduct office your wife sleeping with your judge. Looking forward to it he grinned. Not a nice grin. She answered the same, can I buy tickets? To trial and press conferences it they don't settle, yes. But they won't let it go that far, election year.

I've seen some advertising artwork when I was passing, that your job? Calling actually. I used to work for major ad agencies but too many smaller companies couldn't haul their weight. As a free lancer, I do artwork, layout, copy, and sub contract production. Exact quality from big boys, lower customer cost, good income, and I sleep better. I'm approaching my max load and will have to start turning away customers or hire someone. You?

My three friends n I started, own, run, and are only staff of Rusted Iron LLC. Experienced mainframe, mostly COBOL and HLA architects and programmers, are retiring as rate measured in numbers PER HOUR. We take over and complete existing projects under existing contracts. DONE. New work is at modern rates, benefits, and guidelines. If they decline they move to end of queue.

Large market for that stuff? Sexagenarian programming language COBOL code base in production hits 800+ billion lines in 2025. High Level Assembler (HLA) approx 220+ billion lines With a trillion lines of code hanging around, we got a good market. Adam lives on a 133 ft boat in Caribbean. Barry looks like a GQ cover and has a 3 500 sq ft Penthouse on Park Avenue. Chuck looks homeless and lives a mile or so from Nowhere in Ozarks In the middle of his acreage. Satellite Internet's great.

And you live here? Like I said, divorce. Working on that. Pause. Long pause.

Uh Diane, could I take to dinner? I'm not really dating now. I gotta eat. You gotta eat. I'd much rather do it with you. Thoughtful pause. OK, just dinner.

And two days later drinks and a movie

And dinner.

And dinner and a show

And dinner.

Intermixed with accidental meetings in hall. Both noted but did not mention that each had a Ring covering the hall.

Each date was nice, very nice. They complemented each other, no 100% agreement, just complementary.

Progressed from holding hands to casual kiss in cheek. To light kisses. On last date, she had impulsively turned her head when he bent to kiss her and kissed him strongly. She had been wondering what that would be like. He looked stunned, wrapped arm around her as she grabbed his shirt with both hands and pulled herself up to grab his waist with both legs and intensify the kiss. They bumped her door, she opened it, they staggered in, Jerry kicked it close, she closed deadbolt.

Tracking their progress was simple, follow trail of purse, shoes, phones, shirts, slacks n skirts, underwear.

Two hours later, she said Damn. Like a cat in heat. He laughed and pulled her into his chest, did you hear any complaints? She grinned, coffee? Putting on his shirt and heading for kitchen. Steaming cups on nightstand, she bent over to kiss him.

She got up, put his shirt on again and took cold coffee to kitchen. Fresh coffee, back to bedroom, Jerry asleep, Back to bed, snuggle. Jerry woke her at dawn. Later she had to dump coffee.

Sigh, she swatted him and went to dump coffee. Refill. Very cautiously she set coffee down, dodged him, and laid back. He rolled over, cupped her cheek and kissed her

4th try. Fresh coffee. Sat in chair, not bed. Promise me you will NOT kiss me in public places!! He laughed and walked toward front room. He rustled her hair in passing, bent to kiss her forehead. Two hours later she asked WHAT THE FU.... I can't even touch you without loosing control. He sat, holding his head, bent forward. Yeah I've noticed. And much as I'm ecstatic with the result, I'd like a little control back.

They tried. Really. Late night a few days later, she stood, just a robe, key n phone in hand pressing his Ring, looking uncertain on camera. He opened door, stepped forward, swing her into his arms, and carried her to couch. They sat quietly her leaning lightly on his shoulder.

Nice she said. Are we under control? Smiling, I'm of two minds on that - she punched him lightly on arm. He hugged her and kissed her thoroughly. She felt heat but nothing she couldn't manage. SIGH. They had some of the excellent Bellingham Grand Cru talked for a few hours, he rose, held out his hand, and walked to bedroom. Slow, comfortable, loving. A loving release from uncontrolled passion they'd been fighting.

She needed to talk to her mom. Called next day, Hi, how are you doing. Pause from Mom. Who is he? Damn, how do you do that? I know your voice, and? Jerry, neighbor, mom, he's perfect. When do I met him? Soon. I'm setting that up. Be careful Diane, I love you. Love you mom.

Jerry showed up at the Office of the head of state judicial conduct office with, as he introduced them, his divorce attorney who had been humiliated, his personal lawyer and a representative of his general council. As who is the absent general council someone said. Beachcomber, Bobbitt, and Willis. Very quiet pause. That white shoe partnership were sharks. Vicious, very high paid, ruthless, sharks.

The head office said we are prepared to offer..,,

Jerry said this is not a negotiation. Divorce cleared. I get everything. Adultery negates prenup. All property, money, facilities, everything. This is Tuesday. By Friday close of business.

OR

We have a Saturday press conference everyone will remember on election day. And I'll get everything anyway. Don't give me excuses, you're had a week. You have considered all options.

His divorce lawyer and the judge disbarred

His other lawyers just smiled and said we are still reviewing this unique situation. But making Jerry whole is correct start.

The assembled judges, lacking only supreme court justice for state management, and their lawyers looked defiant.

As they left, Jerry said They're running. No said general counsel, they're stupid. I've been talking to Assistant Federal District Attorney. He'll have indictments this afternoon and their passports by dark. Go live your life Jerry, this is what you pay us for. As the entire group of lawyers smiled at each other, this will be the most fun we've had all year.

Diane was standing next to Jerry, as promised. She watched the three men, wearing around $3600 in suites. What does that group cost she said, too much. Want lunch?

She took a moment. This is when a lot of guys disappeared. How about with my mom, she wants to meet you. Great, instantly. Should we pick her up or are we meeting her? Smiling, let me call. Mom, Jerry wants to meet for lunch, need a pickup? No, I'm downtown. Pick a restaurant and I'll meet you. Jerry, shes downtown, where? Il vero italiano. She said, uh, reservations are needed weeks in advance. He dialed, Carlo, caio, i will need a table for three in an hour or so. Pause. Ottimo, grazie mille. Lets go.

Stunned she walked with him. Until this min, she KNEW no one could just walk in and get a table.

They met Diane mother, Lucinda, in entry. Looking confused. They don't have our name on... Sorry Jerry cut in i didn't provide any names on reservation. She looked at him, when did you make it? About 10 min ago Jerry said causing several groups waiting for their table to twitch and examine him with interest. Nodding to Carlo, he said let's sit. Carlo took them to a secluded table with a nice view. And an attentive waiter.

As the ladies looked at menu, Jerry looked at them. Diane said what are you having? Braised chicken thighs with sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions. That sounds great, I'll have the same. Lucinda said she'd take Chicken Alfredo.

Jerry gestured to waiter, Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Scarpariello for two. He held up a finger, Antipasto he asked? Both ladies nodded. Add that and please add a bottle or two of appropriate wine, your judgment.

His? Diane asked. Well, he knows their cellar better than anyone and now his pride is involved. Lucinda looked at him, Play poker? Not really but I have been told i have a serious chess attitude. I'll bet. How did you meet? Neighbor's, middle off night coffee borrowing. Dating. The usual. She looked back and forth. Right. Sure. To Diane who blushed, we'll talk.

Lunch was great, food and wine matched, everyone enjoyed the meal. Lucinda happened to glimpse bill and tip he added. Well, she thought he certainly was NOT interested in Diane money. Or hers. Or anyone's.

As they we having coffee, Jerry's phone made an odd noise. He said, sorry but i have to take this, Hello Adam. Sorry priorities. I will have that to you this afternoon or tonight. Looking at the ladies, are you going to Vegas thing? How long? Boat available? I'll call you later. For sure. Love ya

Diane, didn't you say your brother, Thomas? Tom? Was really interested in oceanography? Oh yes, he's fixated said both women. It happens Adam, my business co-owner is going to Vegas for a few days. Want to tour part of Caribbean in his boat? Does it have room Lucinda asked? Not an issue. Last time i looked he had a Baglietto Don 133 ft. Sleeps 10, crew up to 8. They just looked at him. Of course the Owners Suite would be locked and the cabin he had constructed as an office and business limits passengers to 6. Still roomy.

Think about it, i really need to get some work done. Where can i drop you? Diane getting the look from her mom said we are going to do a little shopping. I'll call you later. He left, telling waiter to put anything else they wanted on his tab.

Alone, Lucinda said Serious? God yes said Diane. Pecking at her phone, Lucinda said Honey, that boat he mentioned is over $27 million. Who the hell are you involved with? With a helpless look, she said in love with.

They talked for an hour or so, she then realized she had blocked a very expensive table and attempted to apologize. Carlo waved her off, never never apologize for affairs of the heart amore mio. She called Tom, asked what he was doing that long weekend. Uh nothing in tone used on adults. Well the guy I'm seeing offered to take mom and us on a mini vacation among Caribbean islands, interested? The scream made her drop her phone. Instructions on travel. Walk to Jerry's door, no printer, very fast hard typing, Wagner's Ride of The Valkyries. She returned to,her apartment and left him a message, I've got a great bikini. In a few minutes he responded, and there goes my concentration.

He got the project done about 3, walked down and knocked, Clare opened the door, smiled, and pulled him in. In morning she said her brother had called twice and it was 8:15. He laughed, said get him over, we need to talk.

Tom showed up so happy he was vibrating. Jerry said sit down. One of the boat crew is a certified dive instructor. I thought if this is your goal, you should scuba dive. Shock. Now, rules. Scuba diving is very safe except for knuckleheads. So, instructor is in charge. Period. Not your mother. Not Clare. Not me. What he says goes. Agree?

Yes

To stay wet, taking lessons.
He will say you are doing great, if fine or OK, DRY
If you do not follow rules, DRY
If you mouth off, DRY
If you make same serious mistake twice, DRY
You will hustle every day in every task, or DRY

You agree and understand?

Yes

Great, you should have fun. Clare looked at him and said, quietly, god I love you. And was shocked it came out. Jerry was motionless, then leaned to her and said please marry me. I don't have a ring yet, overlook that, and we will find the one perfect for you.

The ship, the "S0C7", floated like an $30mil IBM blue palace. Because it was. Not many cruising yachts had a 4341 embedded in their electronics package. As the crew welcomed them onboard, Jerry called Giovanni forward and said Tom, this is your scuba god. To you, his name is CAPO or boss. He shoved Tom forward and said Ti diamo un maschio, restituiscici l'uomo. The entire crew smiled, nodded, slapped Tom on the back, and gestured for Tom to help with luggage. As they walked to salon for some well chilled mimosa's as ship started to depart Miami, Lucinda asked what did you say and where is Tom. Smiling he said well translation is We give you a boy, return us the man. And he's working for his scuba instructor. She thought a long moment, smiled, and settled on lounge to watch departure.

Interesting Claret thought. It's like high school boys measuring themselves. This were LOT of 30, 40, even 80 ft boats in each harbor but as they pulled in at 133 feet she could see them deflate. Boys. Then the visits, she had them characterized now. They wanted a tour, to be seen on the yacht, to be invited for dinner, for a party. Glad handing politicians, pseudo celebrities, influencers, 4th string Hollywood trash. She was polite. Jerry treated them like he needed to call exterminators. Lucinda watched with bemusement.

The real fun was watching the self appointed local high society find that the couple with the best yacht preferred street jerk chicken and bottled beer to their parties

She watched Jerry and Clare merge, marriage appeared to be an afterthought to them. Most noticeable when various ’pretty people’ took a run at either. Like a bug on a windshield

Tom was too busy to notice. He was diving on his own now, managing his tanks, suites, masks, fins, regulators and careful of ALL safety protocols. He was exhausted and the happiest kid on earth. Giovanni was pleased, kid was hard working, smart, and listened. On their last day Before they flew home, ship would return to,pick up Adam on its own, the crew had a presentation for Tom.

His Open Water Diver Certification (OWD) and Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) With Night Diving, Drift Diving, Fish Identification. A PADI card with his id number and instructions to download the PADI app. Tom just stood there. Giovanni said use anywhere in world. Tom just stood there. Remember, my name is on your certificates. Make me proud. Tom hugged the entire crew until Jerry had to separate them

On return, Larry was met by his pack of attack sharks. The lawyers said divorce Judge was disbarred, most of the other clowns were suspended without pay pending investigations. And his forensic accountants were crawling all over everyone especially his ex wife.

Time.

Jerry took Clare to a very nice, extremely private restaurant. Isolated table. He took both her hands and said I love you I owe you a ring. And I’d like to be sure you are happy where you put it. Where do you want to live. Penthouse in big city, Chalet in Switzerland, ranch, boat in gulf, in Med, commute between both? Where?

All I require is reliable high speed internet. That’s it

Where?

She just looked at him, knowing he meant ANYWHERE. No limits. Here she said quietly, not our apartments, here. My mom, brother, friends, my life. OK, Jerry said, let me look.

He walked in to largest Realtor in area and said I’d like to look at some estates. In what price range asked the gut sitting closest to him? Two million? No 30 to 50 or so Jerry said. Very still. Let me show you the Smithy place. Could I have your contact information? To check on me, fine. Handing him a card, call him, private number on back. Card was for Private Banking SVP Chase.

Half way to estate Kid gets a phone call. Smiling, Checked out uh? Smithy place was nice. 30 odd million, standard. Above him on hill be could see a much nicer older house. He waved to gentleman in porch and gestured to come up. OK

Told kid to take him up. Not listed complains kid. Drive John said. The Owner met him Stunning 1930s three story tucked into native trees. Wide stone patio, porches, sharp peaked roof. Brown roof and siding. Pool, tennis, hidden behind horse, stables. View of entire valley and mountains beyond. Gorgeous.

Larry turned to elderly owner. let me ask you, what is your dream, or your wife. The man looked at him in confusion, she wants to live in Paris. Oh! Let’s look at that. Calling on phone, Jean Claude, yes it’s wonderful to talk. Listen, a favor, three bedroom, 2nd or 3rd floor, modern facilities. elevator, view of Eiffel Tower and De l'Arc de Triomphe à la place de la Concorde. Long term. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Can you hold that for, say, 15 days? Thanks so much. This gentleman will give you his contact. Hands phone to owner, no commitment.

When the rather stunned man returned his phone. Larry said numbers, apartment will run around 700,000 a year. Another hundred grand to live comfortably. You live another 10 years, 8 million. Or 10 years in this back yard. Your choice, treat your wife.

I will pay you 40 million for your house, TODAY. Cash. No loan, no mortgage, no payments, 100% cash, today I will eat minor repairs less than half a million

This kid will eat your half the commission That 1.2 million will pay for a really nice storage unit. temp controlled.

Call your lawyer, your Realtor, whoever. Let’s discuss. Remember 40 million today. Oh, I don’t know your family but sometimes they resist older parents spending ‘theIr’ money.

They wandered to table behind house for sandwiches while Bob and Nancy stood talking quietly with growing excitement. Bob’s long time friend and lawyer and his sometimes golf partner Realtor showed up. Two of their kids, Susan and a visibly upset Billy.

When everyone was seated, Jerry said, to sum up, $40 million, cash, today. To expedite, I’ll eat any minor repairs under half a million, as you can see, inspectors are looking at major items now gesturing to tool wearing crew crawling over the house. the kid, sorry, Chris, will eat half the commission and that 1:2 mill saving should pay for moving possessions to a very nice climate controlled storage.

Bob’s Realtor jumped up with Commission is required… Jerry cut in, not in this state. Looking at Susan and Nancy, my apologies for language. Looking back at Realtor if you screw up this deal over a commission your not owed, I will make your life and career into dog s**t. Understand? I’ll sue! OK,my general counsel is Beachcomber, Bobbitt, and Willis. Here is my partner handing him a card. Have fun. Silence

Not related, but important, Bob and Nancy have been talking to to Jean Claude a well respected Realtor in Paris. Bob has all the contact information. Short version, three bedroom, 2nd or 3rd floor, modern facilities. elevator, view of Eiffel Tower and De l'Arc de Triomphe à la place de la Concorde. Long term. base line, apartment and extra expenses, around 800,000 a year. 10 years of what they want, Paris as a base, week in Greek islands, touring Med. UK tours, Cairo, whatever. 8 million gone. They’d have only 32 million left. Oh, commonly available medical transport insurance will, if needed, whisk (Learjet flying ambulances, trauma set up, nurse on board) them from wherever directly to Johns Hopkins or whatever trauma center they want, just piece of mind.

Susan, her face alight, turned to Nancy, Oh mom, your dream! I think you should do it. Thank you honey, and y'all are the reason for the spare rooms. Billy, face dark, said but the waste… Jerry said, kid, it’s his money. He and your mother earned it, saved it, invested it. Not you. he gets to spend a little, or even a lot, on what they want. sorry to say, I’ve seen you before, greedy impatient inheritor. Before you make an irrevocable error, like hiring a lawyer and suing your parents for their money, you should know you will loose and it will just make you the same person, but estranged. He glared at his parents and sister, seeing no help, he stormed off..

Jerry and Bob stood facing each other, Bob said deal. Jerry stuck out his hand, deal..they shook. Jerry turned to Bobs lawyer and Chris’s, let’s get the paperwork done gentlemen. Now please.

A week later, it was done. Documents on house signed. Jerry had put the 40 million in a Capital Group account. Bob and Nancy had made a flying trip to Paris, looked at options, signed a lease and paid a year in advance to delighted management company. CG paid them directly and set up a monthly payment to Bob and Nancy of €20,000. Adjustable at any time. They had movers wrapping, identifying, and stacking their possessions in a ,large climate controlled facility Susan was going to accompany her mom to help her settle, and they could sight see and eat at sidewalk bistro. Both were looking forward to move. Billy was sulking. Carl, and the third child was on duty, submerged. When he had contact, he asked a hundred or so questions and said god bless, it’s about time you two did what you want.

Minor changes, new water heater, chimney repaired and cleaned. Water sewer checked. Stables cleared. Pool serviced.

Time

OK, where are we going up in these hills? Patience Diane. Have we met? As they made final turn on to loop before house, she said Wow, it’s gorgeous! as the stepped up to door, he handed her keys and said, welcome home. She just stopped. Spun and said what? What did you say? Over his shoulder she could see the one of a kind panoramic view of valley and mountains.

You said you wanted to live here, now we do. Simple as that. house is empty, fireplace updated and safe. Stables cleared. Water heater replaced. HVAC expert due this afternoon to discuss replacement of existing system. power company is pulling in now. Your mother right behind him. Of top of my head, trash kitchen and all baths. New everything. Repaint. Rip up this very old carpet and pray for hardwood beneath. I’ll be back.

Good morning the power rep said.. Hi, I need additional lines. Yes sir. Like?
200-240 3 phase delta, at least 75 amps
200-240 3 phase WYE, 40 amp. Transformer to 380-415V
Bring all lines underground from road behind house. Loose existing.

Uh, uh, uh. Write it down, take it to commercial group, price it, and call me with installation time. Have a good day. Call me with questions. Uh, OK. He left.

As he was walking to house, HVAC guy walked out. Afternoon. This place needs an upgrade. Figured, two systems? Currently but let me look, what are you planing? Gut it all, total replacement, smart system. Smiled. Give me an hour or so.

As he walked into house, very happy Lucinda and Diane announced they had been pulling up carper corners all over house an it looked like
hardwood everywhere. Thick new hardwood, covered by carpet for decades.

Looking at clock, he said enough for today. Tomorrow y’all can look at options. As they were gathering up their stuff and taking pictures, he called he appliance decorator he knew. He told her to,offer all options, all models, all materials, just skip prices. He could hear her smile

While the girls bused themselves, he called the HVAC guy. By chance are you thinking thermal? I am. As part of my work, I will be building a small data center and I would, like to avoid the roaring exhaust fans. Include an additional say, 25,000 BTU. and I’m not averse to piping heat to neighbors. Dead silence. I’ve wanted to set a neighborhood net all my career. WORKING!

Stuff arrived. Wolf, Asko, Miele, others. Hardwood floor came back.

Time

Interior was gorgeous. Hardwood gleams, decorated with colorful tugs. Kitchen with waterfall stone counter tops. Furniture that pleased Diane and himself. He was sitting on patio talking to stray scruffy dog. It had cocked its head to listen. He stood, said come on and walked into kitchen. Broke up left over hamburger steak in bowl, added a bunch of Green beans, slop of congealed gravy and nuked it for 45 seconds. Fed dog, very very happy. Got another bowl, put water on deck. dog ran out drank a long time, ran around, relieved it self in back of yard and ran to door, sat looking at him. Opened door and dog found blanket fallen on floor, scuffled it, and fell asleep. Diane walked in, what are you doing? Collecting strays.

Isn’t your brother here? Yeah, he’s trying to convince mom he can have three part time gigs and still pass school. It’s not going well,. Get him please. Liked way you worked in Gulf. At back stairs there is a suite, bed room / sitting room, bath, micro kitchen, separate entrance. we think it was some kind of staff room. Free room and board. Quit all but one job, concentrate on school. Same rules, crap to your mom, Diane, or me, gone. Visitors within reason, filtered by your mom or Diane. Deal? God yes!!!

Diane, strays huh, smile,

Diane was nauseous. She shrugged, skipped breakfast, got a big drink of water and headed up to her studio to complete some projects. Larry went to check his new server room. There’s were three guys walking up his drive. Waited. As they got to him the guy in from said There’s no damn way we are letting you build a fu****g sever here. Jerry smiled and said usually when twits come on my property uninvited an start by cursing at me, I shoot them. Want to try again? 2nd guy said we are concerned about noise if you build. Built Jerry said. Running full blast. Noisy isn’t it. Silence. Come with me, they walked to half underground building behind stables. Silence. Jerry took several minutes getting door disarmed and open, pass phrase, 3 fingerprints, retinal, discussion with some security company. as they entered, gestured to wall of framed permits, building permits, occupancy, the usual. Room was cold, around 65, 50% humidity. lots of expensive looking boxes, most labeled IBM. Flashing lights. he said I’m modeling critical process step at, uh, major bank at 10 speed. Frankly waiting for it to break so I can find and fix problem. All excess heat, looking at set of gauges and screens, approx 22500 BTU is being dumped into the ground water. But but the environment. Let me know when North America heats up.

They left, abashed. Clare felt ill, lunch time. Time to address. She called her gynecologist. Dr Green said, little early for xray or pap. What’s wrong? Sick to stomach, abdomen tender. Scared frankly. Well, let’s run some tests, finger prick first, she left. Nurse came in, full blood draw. Green returned with another woman. Diane, this is my partner Dr Harris. She will be better suited to help you. Confused, worry, why? Because she is a obstetrician. confusion, shock growing joy, hugging both doctors. Harris and Green looked at each other and said makes it worth it.

Dr Harris said staff will set up follow on appointments. Admin at front desk said, first insurance. Oh I really don’t have non catastrophic insurance, well, in that case we would need a deposit, Diane handed her a card and said run $15,000 for now, that OK? We usually ask for 500 but if you…. looking at black metal card with Diane’s name and no other marks. The other admin watched curious as she set up a 15000 charge And touched the card. The green light lit instantly. Admins silently watched Diane wander out.

Jerry had been watching Diane, he was always watching her, she was his life. Especially the rings she paused at in the Sothebys catalog she appeared to like two, a platinum and radiant cut yellow ring and, his favorite, platinum Burma ruby and diamond star ring. So engagement and Christmas. He bought both to be delivered

She asked her mom to join them for supper. When everybody was eating she said I haven’t been feeling well so I went to my doctor. She took a full blood panel and referred me to a specialist. Lucinda couldn’t breath. Jerry felt the bottom of his entire world drop. Diane smiled and said I’ll have to have a number of follow up appointments. Jerry, can you take me? Of course! In a very shaky voice, Jerry asked, What kind of specialist? Grinning, she said obstetrician. Pause. Her mom screamed, Jerry grabbed her to hug and swing her. Tom looked puzzled, Scruffy hid

He looked her and said, now that as just mean. She grinned, couldn’t resist. He said smiling, I forgive you, reaching out and turning her, you get to explain to her yourself. Her mother was stalking toward her ,expression thunderous.

Later she joined him in their room. That was unfair. You started it. As far as I’m concerned, we are soulmates, now and forever. However there is a layer of twits, especially around children who dote on paper. and, honestly your mom keeps giving me the fish eye. Marry me now.

I’ve been watching you… You always are….. and I couldn’t determine which ring you really like. So, one is engagement, one is Christmas. Pick one. She stared, you brought both? You are crazy. Yes, pick one. She looked, she really had not been able to pick, now in front of her the ruby with the diamond star around it called to her, it was the less expensive but felt right.

We can go to city hall this afternoon and… she looked at him with amused disbelief.. You think your in trouble now, try to deprive my mom of her only daughters wedding, that she has been quietly planning for 30 years…..

The wedding

Jerry stood, immaculate in bespoke gray with fine blue pinstripe suit, tuxedo shirt, his dad's studs and cufflinks, no tie, and to those who knew him nervous beyond belief. Three of those stood in a small group, Adam dressed in the inimitable and effortless style of a certain class of Italian aristocrats, Barry in the slightly more forced formal elegance of a GQ cover, and Chuck, combed, bead trimmed, new flannel shirt and jeans. They were trying very very hard not to let their hilarity escape and embarrass their friend. Bill, in a suit Jerry had insisted he wear, standing at that awkward distance when someone is not really part of a group but wants to be.

Diane with Lucinda hovering in standard mother of the bride mode stood resplendent in a floor length gauzy spring wildflower covered dress. Hair pulled to one side cascading over one shoulder. To her rather stunned surprise there were a growing number of well dressed, successful,looking ladies also hovering. Volunteer bridesmaids all dressed similarly. Jerry had quietly let it be known in her grateful client base she was getting married and her mothers number. Let nature take its course.

They stood before officiant. Vows?

Diane said from the best borrowed coffee god ever provided to this moment, you have been my only love. I look forward to a live of love, joy, and happiness with you and our child. I take you as my husband and loving father to our children.

Jerry said you are my life. Our child is a gift I could not have anticipated. I look forward to life with you and ours I take it you as my wife and mother to our children.

The officiant, I pronounce you husband and wife.

Everyone applauded, laughed, and congratulated them. Jerry n Diane said this was a party, not a dinner. waters circulated with endless high end hors oeuvres Champaign, whiskey on request and a Bride magazines cover worthy cake.

Jerry had hired a string quartet, Chuck brought an authentic Ozark Grand Old Opry band. Everyone had a blast.

When everyone had finally left, Scruffy came and sat with the dog look, yeah, big deal, supper? they fed the dog. Went up stars. A hand reached out of their room, placed a very fluffy towel on table. Then two phones on towel, then a second towel. Door closed.

Author's Note

Thick skinned, honesty please, thanks