Page 30 of Gary

“This is crazy.”

“And wonderful. I cannot wait to see you again and this time, I will ensure there are no interruptions. You taste so damn sweet, I am addicted.”

“Gary…” She said his name on a sigh and had desire pouring through his body.

“When you call my name like that, oh sweet Sadie, how can I endure the wait to see you? I wish I was going home to you in my bed.”

“It’s just sex.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You don’t believe that. Look, I am going to visit with my dad for a few minutes and then go home to grab some shut eye. But I promise I will stop by the coffee shop.”

“And then what?”

“We make plans for our next date.”

“Okay.”

He closed his eyes briefly and wondered how the hell he was going to survive tonight without her. “Goodnight sweet Sadie. See you soon.”

He hung up with her voice in his ear and sat there for a few minutes before he pushed himself up out of the chair.

*****

“Your uncle told me of your plan to build a community center.”

“Actually, it was his idea, and I am pretty enthusiastic about it.” Gary was alarmed at the pallor of his skin. The doctors had assured them that the infection would clear up in a matter of days, but the treatment was aggressive.

“Does that mean you are staying?”

“For the time being, yes.”

“I thought this was it for me.” Grant shifted restlessly, displacing the tubes running from his arm. “I wanted to see you to ask if I have your forgiveness.” A weary look settled over his face. “I am still asking.”

“And the best I can do is tell you that I am thinking about it.” He started to lift his hand as if to reach out but decided against it.

It was too soon. He was not angry and bitter as he had been before, but he was still not there yet. Memories of the past were still in his mind. Frustration over what could not change was still uppermost in his mind.

“I guess it’s more than I deserve.” His father muttered. “You came, you are here, and I am grateful.” He closed his eyes briefly and struggled to keep them open. “The blasted drugs are doing a number on me.”

“I should go home and try and get some sleep too. I am bushed.”

“Your project – how soon will you start?”

“As soon as I clear it with the board.”

His father nodded. “It’s a commendable undertaking and is going to be a lot of work. But I have no doubt you will manage to do it justice.”

“I am going to drive out and take a look at the property. If I recall, there is quite a lot of acreage.”

“Yes. It was supposed to be apartments for the working-class people in that area.”

Gary opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. His father looked gray and haggard; it would not do to add to his condition.

“I should let you get some rest.”

“Will you be back tomorrow?” The hopeful note in his voice was not lost on Gary.

“I will do my best.” Rising, he stood there and stared down at the man who had caused so much damage in his life and felt a stirring of pity. “Well, take care.”