“I know. But I promised him I would and so, I’m doing it,” Matt said as he and Linda Sue turned to join Dan in the kitchen.
Jett stood and extended his hand to Linda Sue.
“It was so nice to meet you. It appears my son has better taste than I gave him credit for,” Jett said.
“Thank you. It was nice to meet you and thank you for such a wonderful afternoon and evening,” she said.
“Now that you know where I live don’t be a stranger. You’re always welcome here,” Jett said.
Linda Sue exchanged pleasantries with Alicia and Maggie before leaving. Only Jett, Alicia, and Maggie remained at the table. She looked nervous.
“Maggie, I haven’t had a chance to discuss this with your mom so if you don’t mind, I’ll talk to both of you about this now,” Jett said.
Suddenly Maggie looked even more on edge and Alicia looked at Jett curiously.
“This morning you said that you were unable to find an internship this summer,” he said.
“No – at least nothing that would have amounted to anything,” Maggie said.
“I have an offer for you – a full-time internship this summer at the News-Democrat. You’d get the same starting salary as a regular employee and you would work as a general assignment reporter with your own desk in the newsroom. You’d help cover city and county government as well as district and circuit court. Not only would that give you real world experience, it would help me out a great deal. I’d also like to point out that Bud and I will both be available to answer any questions or give you help if you need it. And when you think about it, that’s like a combined 200 years of newspaper experience right there,” Jett said as Maggie and Alicia both laughed.
“That’s...wow...that’s a great offer,” Maggie said.
“It’s very generous,” Alicia said.
“I can’t take all of the credit. Dan suggested it to me and he made a lot of sense. But make no mistake; it will be a lot of work. A lot of the stories won’t be Pulitzer material. You’ll have more than your share of dull and dry subjects. Trust me, it’s hard to make the anniversary of a hardware store – or even worse, a funeral home – sound interesting,” Jett said.
“No, I understand. It actually sounds like a great opportunity,” Maggie said.
“So you’ll accept the position?” Jett asked as glanced at Alicia who was looking at her daughter.
“Yes, I’d love to. When do I start?” She asked.
“When the semester ends and you have a chance to get packed up. I’m not asking you to break your neck getting here but as soon as you can get here and get settled in you can go to work,” Jett said.
“You’ll need to get a place to live,” Alicia said.
“Mom, it’s a college town. How hard could it be to find an apartment in the summer?” Maggie asked.
Jett smiled. She reminded him so much of J.D.
“Does Bud still have that apartment over his garage?” Alicia asked.
“J.D.’s old place?” Jett asked.
“Dad had an apartment off campus?” Maggie asked.
“His senior year and the summer that followed,” Alicia said.
“I never knew that,” Maggie said.
“I actually think it’s open right now. I can check with Bud. That would help too because rent would be more than reasonable,” Jett said.
“He didn’t even charge J.D. rent, just utilities,” Alicia said.
“Can’t get much more reasonable than that,” Jett said as he noticed Dan pacing back and forth looking out the door. He had the look of a linebacker waiting for the snap of the ball to pounce on someone.
He waved his son out.
“Thank you for lobbying on Maggie’s behalf,” Alicia said.
“Yes Danny, thank you so much,” Maggie said.
“You’re welcome but I really didn’t do much,” Dan said looking to Jett.
“Don’t sell yourself short son. Have you called your Uncle Bud yet?” Jett asked.
“Yes, he said that it would be fine to come over anytime,” Dan said.
“When you go over, ask if you can see the apartment over the garage so Maggie can look it over,” Jett said.
Dan looked at Maggie who was struggling to suppress a smile.
“We shouldn’t be long but I thought if Maggie was up to it we might go down to the Laurel and check out the new Gunner McCoy movie,” Dan said.
“I love Gunner McCoy! I’d love to,” Maggie said.
“Don’t stay out too late,” Alicia said.
“And be careful. I know you’re just going to Bud’s and the Laurel but it’s still Saturday night and the good ol’ boys are making their Jellico runs tonight,” Jett said.
“Beer runs to Jellico. I guess some things never change,” Alicia said.
“Welcome back to the dry world,” Jett said.
After Maggie and Dan left, Alicia and Jett sat silently for a minute enjoying some after coffee.
“Do you reckon we’re as dumb as they think we are?” He asked.
She laughed.
“I hope not,” her smile slowly faded. “Do you think they’ll be okay tonight?”
“They’re good kids. I don’t think we have to worry about them. It’s probably best to just give them some space,” Jett said.
Alicia nodded and sighed.
“I wonder what the Judge would think of his daughter going out with your son.”
“Heh. I don’t think he would mind too much - after all, both of the boys inherited their good traits from Rose,” Jett said.
“Not all of them,” Alicia said, allowing the comment to linger for a few seconds. “By the way, thank you again for giving Maggie the job. It was sweet of you to give Dan credit for the internship idea. When did you think of it?”
“As soon as you mentioned her problem in finding an internship. She has a wonderful pedigree. You only think I’m doing her a favor. I’d be a fool not to want her working for the paper,” Jett said.
“I’m glad she’ll be working for you and Bud. I know she’ll learn everything she needs to know,” Alicia said.
“We’ll take care of her. I’ll look after her like my own daughter – I promise,” Jett said.
Alicia considered telling him what Rose had told him in the dream earlier in the day. She decided not to it. Perhaps Rose would like to share with him herself.
“Linda Sue seemed like a sweet girl. Very down to earth, great sense of humor, she reminded me of someone I used to know,” Alicia said.
“Yeah, I thought so too,” he said distantly. Coming back to himself Jett spoke again. “She impressed me. I think Matt is happy. Actually, I think they both are.”
“I think so too. He just lights up when he sees her – the way you did around Rose. And her eyes, they have that...sparkle, for lack of a better word. That girl just melts around him,” Alicia said.
“Yeah, this is more than a passing crush or infatuation. I think this is the real deal,” Jett said.
Alicia sipped her coffee and smiled.
“Do you know when I knew you were really serious about Rose?” She asked.
He shook his head.
“I don’t think I’ve heard this before,” Jett said.
“You sent three dozen red roses to her – had them delivered to the dorm. Talk about being the envy of the third floor – she was,” Alicia laughed.
“I wanted to impress her. I was young and didn’t understand the meaning of overkill,” Jett said.
“You impressed me first. I had to go downstairs and sign for them. She was in the shower. Every girl on the floor had to come by to see them. Imagine her surprise when she walked back into the room and saw all of those roses. I’ll never forget her expression when she found out they were for her. She thought they were mine until I handed her the note you included. Do you remember what you wrote,” Alicia said.
Jett smiled softly and nodded.
Alicia recited from memory. “My dearest Rose: These the lovelies
t of your namesakes I could find. Yet for all of their beauty, they pale in comparison to the most beautiful Rose of all. You make my heart skip a beat each day. Consider this my very weak attempt to return the favor.”
“Yeah, well, that was in my corny period,” Jett said.
“Corny? That was beautiful. When she read that note she cried like a baby. Then she handed it to me and I read it and I cried like a baby. Gwen Garrett came in and Rose handed it to her and she broke down,” Alicia said.
“I just wanted her to know how I felt,” Jett said.
“I’ll bet she read that note ten times and tears fell each time. I was so jealous,” Alicia said.
“Jealous? Of what?” Jett asked.
“J.D. occasionally sent me flowers but never sent a love note. The most I ever got out of him was ‘All my love, J.D.’ I asked him about that once and his explanation was ‘Baby, I’m just not good with words.’ This coming from a man studying to become a lawyer,” Alicia said.
Jett laughed.
“That sounds like him. But you know that he loved you dearly. He was just...,” Alicia cut him off.
“A lazy ass,” she laughed.
“Well, I was going to be more kind in my description but he worshipped the ground you walked on. I don’t know how many nights we’d stay awake all night, lying in those bunk beds, talking about you and Rose. Without fail, I’d hear that booming voice from the top bunk. He’d always say, ‘I love her dammit and the funny thing is she loves me too.’ He knew I could relate,” Jett said.
Alicia wiped away a tear.
“I miss him so much Jett. And so does Maggie,” Alicia said.
“I know you do. And I miss him – I suppose in the same way you miss Rose. There have been a lot of days in the past couple of years I’ve picked up the phone to call him before I catch myself and remember,” Jett said.
“I do the same thing,” she sniffed. “It’s still hard to believe he’s not here – that neither of them are. This is not the way it was supposed to be.”
“No, not by a long shot. But here we are – still in love with the people we married, even though they’re no longer here,” Jett said.
Alicia dabbed the tears with a napkin.
“I think maybe the jury’s still out on that one, as evidenced by our recent shared experiences,” she said.
“Speaking of that, I think maybe we finally have an opportunity to go over that information you had this morning,” Jett said.
“Looks like it. Let’s go in. I need my tablet,” Alicia said.
***
Dan and Maggie walked up the steps to the front porch at Bud’s. Dan – carrying an aluminum foil covered Styrofoam plate – rang the doorbell.
“Do you think he’ll remember me?” Maggie asked.
“Remember? Yes. Recognize? No,” Dan answered.
They were both surprised when a stunning blond woman answered the door.
She sported a smile that featured teeth so white they were dazzling.
“You must be Jett’s son. I’m Mallorie Afton. I work at the paper too. I’ve seen your picture,” she said.
“I, uh, I’m Dan Bradley,” he said and added as he gathered his thoughts, “This is Maggie.”
“Blake. Maggie Blake,” she said as she cast an annoyed look at Dan.
“So nice to meet you. Please, come in,” Mallorie said as she ushered them into the living room. “Bud’s in the study,” she said.
They followed Mallorie through the living room and into the study. Dan fought the urge to watch her swaying hips and nicely shaped bottom. Instead he looked at the pictures and framed front pages that lined the walls. Dan could feel Maggie’s eyes burning holes into the side of his head.
When they arrived in the study they found Bud sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on a worn mismatched ottoman watching an old John Wayne movie.
“Danny boy, bring that food in here and get a seat,” Bud said, peering at the lovely young lady next to him. “And who’s this?” He asked, looking at Maggie.
Dan gave Maggie an ‘I told you so’ smile.
“I’m Maggie Blake Mr. Rivers,” she said.
“Little Maggie? It can’t be. You’re all grown up and beautiful. And the Maggie I knew called me Uncle Bud,” he said as got to his feet and walked over and took her hand.
“It’s me Uncle Bud,” Maggie said, blushing somewhat as he hugged her.
“It’s so good to see you. How’s your mom?” Bud asked.
“She’s doing fine. How are you? I understand you had an adventure earlier today,” Maggie said.
Bud nodded.
“That’s what happens when an old man forgets to eat. I just glad Mallorie dropped those ad reports off when she did and found me,” Bud said.
“It was pure luck. But I promised your dad I’d keep an eye on him. We don’t want that to happen again,” Mallorie said as she took the foil-covered plate from Dan.
“I’m sure dad thanked you already, but just in case he didn’t, thank you. I don’t know what we’d do without Uncle Bud,” Dan said to Mallorie.
“Oh, that is so sweet,” Mallorie said.
Dan could feel Maggie’s eyes upon him again. The heat felt even stronger.
“Just to put your mind at ease, I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while. Now, get a seat,” Bud said to the two young people. “Uh Mallorie? Would you mind?” He said gesturing to the plate of food.
She peeled the foil back.
“Ooh. Burgers and hot dogs. I love hot dogs,” she said as Dan glanced at Maggie, who watched him for the slightest reaction.
“So Uncle Bud, have you spoken with dad....about the paper?” Dan asked.
“Why yes Dan, it has come up in conversation. Are you wanting to know about anything in particular?” Bud asked with a trace of playful sarcasm.
Maggie giggled softly and Dan felt his ears burn.
Dan started to speak but Bud spoke again.
“He did mention some hair-brained idea about an internship. But don’t worry, I shot that down real quick,” he said as both Maggie and Dan squirmed uncomfortably.
Bud suddenly laughed out loud.
“Sorry, had to do it. Of course he talked to me. And it’s a damn fine idea. I hope you’ll enjoy the experience and forgive an old man for his twisted sense of humor,” Bud said to Maggie.
Maggie breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’m waiting for my heart to start beating again,” she said as Bud laughed. “I’m sorry Maggie. I’m old, bored, and have a low threshold of entertainment,” Bud said.
“So what does Mallorie do at the paper?” Maggie asked as cast a glance at Dan.
“She’s our receptionist and also helps out in bookkeeping. You’ll see a great deal of her around the office. I think you’ll really like working with her,” Bud said.
“I’m sure I will,” Maggie said with a smile that Dan was convinced could have bitten nails in two.
“Do you still have the apartment available?” Dan asked trying to change the subject.
“Yes I do. Are you interested in it?” Bud asked Maggie.
“Very much,” she said.
“Let me go get the key. You two go up and have a look. It’s yours if you want it – rent free,” he said.
“The same deal you gave dad?” She asked.
“A better one. You won’t even have to pay the utilities. And as much as I loved him, your dad didn’t work for me,” Bud added, “And I don’t have the alimony payments now that I had then. Besides if it were to have been discovered the starting quarterback at SKU lived here for free the NCAA would have frowned upon it.”
She nodded satisfied with the explanation.
He left the room and came back a minute later with a key.
“Go up and look it over. It’s not big but I think it will serve the purpose,” Bud said.
Dan stood.
“Are you ready?” He asked Maggie.
She nodded.
“We’ll bri
ng the key back in a bit,” Dan said as Bud grinned.
“No hurry,” he said.
After they left, Mallorie returned with two plates of food and noticed Bud staring at the door with a curious look on his face.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” She asked.
“I wondered for a long time why it was that Dan wasn’t girl-happy like his brother. And now I know. He’s too much like his old man. He only has eyes for one girl,” Bud said.
Chapter Five
Matt and Linda Sue sat on the swing on the front porch of her house. Looking at the starry spring dusk and the half-moon in the sky, other than the noise of the occasional passing car, the only sounds were the creaking of the chains that supported the swing and the chirping of the crickets in the early evening air.
See leaned into him and Matt placed his left arm across her shoulders and squeezed. He kissed the top of her head and she nuzzled against him.
“I like your dad. He’s funny and sweet – reminds me of you,” she said.
“He liked you. I could tell,” Matt said.
“Really? How?” Linda Sue asked.
“He told you were welcome to come back anytime. Dad is polite but he can be blunt when he has to – I guess that goes with his job. Trust me, if he didn’t like you, he would have let you known about it. And if he thought you didn’t get it, he would just tell you straight out so you wouldn’t wonder,” Matt said.
“I wish I could have met your mom,” she said.
“Yeah, me too. She would’ve loved you and you would’ve loved her. You think dad’s funny now, you should’ve seen him around her. It was like growing up watching a sitcom,” Matt said.
“I’m sorry I missed that part of your life,” Linda Sue said.
“So am I. You know, it’s odd. For a long time I would have dreams about my mom. Then after a while, they became less frequent. But in the past couple of months, I’ve been dreaming about her a lot. I mean vivid, life-like dreams,” he said.
“Have you talked to your dad about them?” She asked.
“Just once. And it was weird. Dan and I had the exactly the same dream – that was a couple of nights ago,” Matt said.
“Having the same dream is a bit odd but you guys are twins after all. You’ve shared the same experiences throughout your lives. As for the frequency of dreams, that’s natural,” Linda Sue reassured him.
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