by A. Gorman
“Thank you, Emily, for supporting me and not pushing me to go.”
“You’re welcome. I knew it had to be on your terms.”
“I love you, gorgeous.”
“I love you too.”
This week has been enlightening in so many ways. I’ve been spending time with my dad before picking up Emily from work. After Emily gets off in a few moments, we are going to VHI to deliver the donation and to volunteer. To say I’m a little nervous is an understatement. These men and woman sacrificed their lives for their country and I’ll never do anything that courageous. I’m in awe that their honor never waned.
I look up and see her walking out of the building with a little extra pep in her step, and I get out of the car, walking to the other side.
“Hey, gorgeous. You look happy.”
“Dad just called. He has all the paperwork for me to look at for the charity. It’s a go if I want to take control of it!”
“Congratulations,” I say as I hug her tightly.
“I’m so excited, but I want to talk it over with you first since I won’t be making money.”
“Emily. What have I said?”
“Not to worry about finances,” she says as she gets into the car. I shut the door and walk to the driver’s side, getting in.
“I make more than enough for us to live comfortably without you working.”
“I know. I guess I have the trust fund too.”
“You’re to only use that on yourself.”
“I can use it however I want.” She scowls at me.
“I’m serious, Emily. That is your money. Please do not spend any of it on me,” I say sternly.
“Ugh. Fine.” I knew she would see it my way.
“Are we eating before we go to VHI?”
“No. I thought we could eat with everyone there.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I put the car in drive and go to the building that houses VHI. The building reminds me of the rehabilitation center Dad is in, and I guess it is the same thing but for the military. I pull into a parking space a little ways from the door so the family members have closer access.
“Ready to meet some amazing people?” Emily asks from the passenger seat.
“Yes, I sure am.” I get out and walk around the car, getting the door for her.
We walk into the building and Emily leads me to the office that oversees the operations of the organization.
“Hey, Amy, how are you?” Emily asks as we walk in.
“Emily! Oh, sweetie. It’s good to see you. We’ve missed seeing you around here.”
“I know. I’ve been meaning to come in and volunteer, but everything has been crazy.”
“Your mom was in earlier this week with your dad. We had no idea.”
“You and everyone else. I’m sorry I’m being rude, Amy, this is my boyfriend Patrick Matheson. Patrick, this is Amy Patton. She’s COO of Veterans Homebound Inc.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Likewise. So are you guys here to volunteer?”
“Yes, and something else,” Patrick answers as he pulls out an envelope out of his pocket. “This is being made in the honor of Nathan Janes.”
Amy takes the envelope and opens it and her eyes widen as she reads the amount. “Oh, Patrick. Thank you.” She walks around the desk and hugs us both. “This will touch the lives of so many people.”
“You’re so welcome.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to run this to my office and I’ll show you where we need help tonight.” Tears well in her eyes as she smiles at us.
“Thanks,” Emily says before Amy turns around and heads to the back of the room, walking through a door into an office.
“Um, babe, you donated a hundred thousand right?”
“At least. Yes.”
“Patrick?”
“Five hundred thousand.” Emily’s eyes widen.
“Oh my. No wonder she’s acted like she did.”
“All for a good cause.”
“That is so true.”
“Okay, Emily and Patrick. I hope you don’t mind assisting our soldiers eating dinner.”
“Not at all, Amy. It would be an honor,” I say.
“You can bring him anytime,” Amy whispers to Emily.
“Follow me and I’ll get you set up with everything you need.” She leads us to the dining room where several people sit at the tables by themselves. “Sit and talk with whomever. Several people in here need assistance with holding utensils or getting their drink. I hope to have enough volunteers and staff to help everyone. Treat them like an adult even though they might not be able to eat like one,” she says, then shows us where the special utensils and extra napkins are located.
“I’ll be back before dinner starts. Enjoy yourself. Some of these guys have amazing, bone chilling stories to tell.”
“Thank you, Amy,” Emily says before she walks away. “You ready to try this?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“You’ll be fine.”
She squeezes my hand and walks off to sit with a woman at a table. I notice an older gentleman at the table off to the side where Emily went and I go to him.
“Hello, sir. May I join you?”
“Yes, young feller. What’s your name?”
“Patrick. Yours?”
“They call me One-eyed-Charlie, but you can call me Charles.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Likewise. Ever been in the military?”
“No, but my father was in Vietnam.”
“Ah, yes. I was there too,” he starts off. Then continues with a story that I don’t know if I’m going to be able to fully understand…
On the ride home, all I can think about is the story that Charles told me during dinner. I understand why so many men came back with PSTD from that war. The conditions were deplorable. Today’s wars are similar but it seems like we are desensitized to women and children being forced to wear bombs to kill our soldiers.
“Well, what did you think about volunteering?” Emily asks after a period of silence.
“It was eye opening and I feel like it’s not enough.”
“I know what you mean. The first time I volunteered, I didn’t want to leave. There was so much that needed to be done still.”
“I agree. I need to decompress after listening to Charles’s recollection of Vietnam.”
“Listening to their stories, it’s so hard to imagine living like that for even five minutes.”
“I know.”
“Do you think we can talk about the charity for a little bit after we get home and get out of these clothes?”
“Yes, of course, but I thought it was pretty much decided?”
“You know me. I need to analyze it all.”
“True, but I don’t want you to even put our finances or anything in the equation. This is all the charity.”
“I know. You made that clear the first time.”
“Good,” I say as I push the button to open the garage door.
“I can’t wait to get out of these clothes and into a T-shirt.”
“Mmm. I can wait to see you in nothing but my T-shirt on,” I say as I help her out of the car.
“Maybe I should put pants on so you’re not distracted.”
“I’ll be good.”
“Sure?” she says as she opens the door to the kitchen and hits the button to close the garage door.
“Yes, you need to talk. Sex is on the backburner.” I smirk.
“Funny. Help get everything figured out, then I’ll make sure you go to bed, pleased.”
“Deal.”
She sets her purse by the door, walks over to the fridge to get a bottle of water out, and carries it up the stairs. I follow behind her, watching her ass sway in the tight gray skirt she has on. She walks in our bedroom and places the water on her nightstand, then heads to the bathroom to change clothes. A few moments later, she walks out in one of my Johnny Cash T-shirts. While
she was changing, I stripped down to my boxers and got into bed.
“I’ll be right back. I left my phone in my purse.”
“Okay.”
She walks out of the room and I can hear her run down the stairs. A few minutes later, I can hear her running back up the stairs and she walks into the bedroom.
“Dad emailed me all the paperwork. Can you please look through it and make sure that it looks like it’s a sound plan?”
“Yes.”
She hands me the phone and I start reading through the documents. From everything I can see it looks like Kenneth has everything covered. Working with an appointed board is ideal so you can have people from different sectors helping with ideas. The governing of the charity is set up so no one can get money and run with it. If this is what Emily wants to do, it’s set up to be very reputable charity.
“Gorgeous, I don’t see anything wrong with anything here. If this is what you want to do, do it. Go with it. You’ll do great things.”
“Thank you, babe. I’m going to put my three weeks in tomorrow, if that’s okay with you.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Fantastic. I’m so excited. Three Friday’s and I’ll be my own boss.”
“That you will be, congrats, gorgeous.”
“Thank you for being so supportive of me.”
“Always.”
“Now to make you happy,” she says as she goes under the sheet.
“Oh…”
Her hands pull the fabric covering my cock and her lips replace it. This will definitely leave me pleased.
This day…a day I never imagined would come…my last day at Project Hope. The past three weeks have been a rush of emotions, good and bad. Although I’ll no longer be an employee after today, I’m positive it won’t be the last time I’ll be here. I vowed to make sure that the people of the Project Hope community are provided the services they need.
After training my replacement, Hannah Lancaster, I know she will carry on the same compassion and drive that I did when I was in the Community Outreach Director. For once, I’m grabbing the opportunity in front of me and I’m going to use it to help others.
“Emily, do you need help with anything?” Kelly calls out from inside her office.
“No, I have everything handled. Patrick should be here shortly.”
“Just let me know if I need to take you to the tavern.”
“Will do.”
I get my phone out of my purse and hit send. The phone rings three times and goes to voicemail. That’s odd. Before I can put my phone back in my purse, it rings.
“Hello?”
“Hey, gorgeous. I ran into a little problem I have two flats on my car. I have Triple A on the way to tow, and I’ll meet you at the tavern in less than two hours.”
“Alright. I’ll have Kelly take me there.”
“Sorry, Ems.”
“I know, babe. Be careful and I’ll see you soon.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” He hangs up.
My stomach rolls and feeling of unease comes over me, but I blame it on nerves. I walk to Kelly’s office and knock on the doorframe. She looks up.
“Do you mind if I ride with you? Patrick will be late.”
“Of course not. I’ll be ready to leave here within thirty minutes.”
“Sounds good,” I say and turn from her doorway, and walk to the gym to say good-bye to a few of the kids I got really close to. I notice Tasha is missing. She’s always here from open to close since her mom works at a restaurant.
“Have you seen Tasha,” I ask Victor as I walk farther into the gym.
He looks around then at me. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t.”
“Did her mom call to say she was sick or anything?”
“I’m sure she did since Tasha isn’t here. I bet the front office forgot to say something.”
“Perhaps. I think I might pull her record and call just in case.”
“I’ll do it,” he offers quickly. “I have the numbers back here. Can you keep an eye out on the gym while I call?”
“Sure.” He nods and jogs to his office. I glance and see him on the computer, and I focus back on the gym full of children. A few minutes later, I look back in his office and I see him on the phone talking to someone. I look away, watching the kids, and look back to see him walking toward me.
“I talked to her grandma. Tasha is home with a stomach bug. She should be back Monday.”
“Thanks for calling. I was hoping to see her. I guess I will use her as my excuse to visit.”
“She is pretty special young woman.”
“Are you coming to the tavern tonight?”
“Yes, I’ll be there as soon as everyone is picked up.” He looks down at his watch. “I need to get them rounded up. Parents will start coming in shortly.”
“Okay. See you later.”
“Talk to you later,” he says before he blows his whistle at the kids.
My eyes prickle with tears as I walk down the hallway, running my fingers along the wall as I walk. I’ll never forget this center and the children and staff who make it what it is. I know I made the right choice to leave, but Project Hope will always hold a special place in my heart.
I go to the staff restroom and freshen up. I’m positive I’ll be teary eyed at the tavern, but it will be too dark to see my messy face. As I exit the restroom, Kelly passes me.
“I’ll be ready in a few.”
“Okay. I’ll be waiting.”
I mentally and physically say good-bye to Project Hope.
Kelly pulls her blue Toyota in front of Working Man’s Tavern, and we get out of her car and walk into the bar to my former co-workers yelling, “We’ll miss you!” as the smell of fried foods and beer hit my nose.
“Oh my goodness! I’ll miss you too.” I hug as many people I can.
“Here you go, first drink is on me,” Victor comes up beside me with Margarita—one of my favorite drinks.
“Thank you, Victor.” I smile at his kindness, then take a sip of the salty sweet mixture.
I walk around the bar, stopping to talk to people as I make my way to sit down at one of the booths that we designated as ours. As I sit down, Victor comes beside the table and brings me another drink.
“I noticed you were getting low.”
“Oh, thank you,” I say, giggling.
“You’re welcome,” he says as he walks away, talking to a guy who works at another center.
“Emily! Are you having a good time?” Kelly asks as she occupies the place Victor just was.
“Yes, thank you so much for this.”
“You’re welcome. Enjoy!” She shuffles off with a drink in hand to talk to other staff members, and Victor comes back to sit down.
“So, are you all set to start your charity?”
“Yes, I believe so. My dad’s lawyer helped me get all the legal parts all squared away. We are finishing up writing the procedures and hopefully I can hire a few staff members next week.”
“Sounds like you’re on it.” He smiles, but it looks almost like it’s fake.
“I’m trying to be and I hope to be big enough one day to be partners with Project Hope,” I say before taking a sip of the fresh Margarita.
“That is very ambitious.”
“No.” Yawn. “Oh goodness that was rude. As I was saying before I yawned, I want to help everyone. The centers need help too.” I take another sip of my drink, hoping the saltiness will awaken my senses.
“You’re correct about that.” He takes a sip of his beer, keeping his eyes on me as he does.
“Wow, I’m feeling kind of out it. The bartender must have made this a double.” I feel a little dizzy from that last sip.
“Very possible.” He smirks as if he knows something. A shiver runs down my spine from the look.
“I hope Patrick arrives soon. I might have to leave my own party early,” I say, slightly pouting.
“Want me to take you home
?” His eyes light up with the statement.
“Naw, thanks though. I’ll be right back, I’m going to freshen up.” I stand up and stumble away from the table.
Damn, I’m drunk off two drinks. I look around, not remembering where the restroom is until I see the big neon sign. I clumsily walk in and relieve myself, and wash my hands. Looking in the mirror, I laugh at myself because I’m so toasted.
Pushing on the restroom door, I fall out the door and almost hit the floor, but strong hands catch me. Patrick? I close my eyes because I can’t hold them open anymore. He’ll make sure I get home. He’s trying to talk to me, but I don’t understand what he is saying so I just nod my head. I’m lifted off the ground and put into a vehicle that doesn’t smell familiar, but I can’t open my eyes. I’m so sleepy I must sleep. I can’t wait to be home in our bed.
Fuck. I hate being late. My nerves are raw and every little thing is setting me off—I need Emily—something doesn’t feel right. I need to hold her, kiss her, and smell her citrus scent. I look out the glass window in the garage bay and watch as the mechanic tightens the last lug nut on my car. The shop manger calls out my name, letting me know my car was almost ready. I walk to the desk quickly and I pay with a swipe of my card to get me out of this dirty place.
When the mechanic pulls my car around the front of the building, I hop in, and push the gas pedal down to the floor. I need to get to the tavern as fast as I can, screw the police. Weaving in and out of traffic, I make it there in fifteen minutes.
I pull into a parking spot half a block down from the bar, and I walk in the front to see the party is well under way. I look for Emily, but I don’t see her, and set my eyes out for Kelly. I find Kelly by the bar, chatting it up with a big man that I’m sure is a regular at the bar.
“Hey, Kelly.”
“Patrick! Have you come to steal our girl away already?” she asks with a look of disappointment.
“No, I’m just looking for her. Have you seen her?” I say as I look around the bar again.
“She’s over there at the table chatting with Victor.” She points over to an empty booth. “Oh, I guess they aren’t there now.”