More Nights With Kate (Jack Ryker)

by M T Stone

  “Kristen’s calling again,” he said as he finished his stretches.

  “It must be important. She called your phone two or three times yesterday, too.”

  “It’s always important when it comes to Kristen,” he scoffed.

  I hadn’t known Kristen for very long, but it didn’t take me long to figure out that she was the high strung type. If there was something to be done, it had to be done now. Jack liked how she efficiently handled details, but she occasionally drove him nuts. Overhearing one side of the conversation, it sounded like she wanted to visit Jack aboard the yacht.

  “I’m not sure I’m up for any visitors right now,” he replied, telling her what had happened the day before.

  She was obviously insistent, as his next words were, “Alright, Kristen, that’s fine. Yes, I know it’s futile to argue with you.” After which I could hear her laughter come through the phone.

  After Jack conceded, Kristen admitted that she had already booked a charter flight and it would be touching down at the Grand Bahama Airport at 3:00 that afternoon. Jack appeared to be a little shocked, but then again he hadn’t listened to any of her voicemail messages from the previous day. After hanging up with Kristen, he played back the message in which she explained that she needed to talk with both of us about something very important. Jayne had told her that we were going to be anchored off the Coast of Grand Bahama Island for the next couple of weeks.

  Jack rolled his eyes as he listened to the message. “I wonder what’s on her mind now. I hope she’s not flying here to try to convince us that we aren’t right for each other. She will be wasting her breath.”

  “Yeah she will,” I agreed wrapping my arms around him. “Don’t let Kristen aggravate you. It doesn’t matter whether or not she approves of our relationship. It’s not like we see her on a daily basis or anything.”

  “That’s true. We’ll just have to wait and see what she has to say.”

  Jack

  It was very out of character for her to book a last minute flight. She hated wasting money, even if she could easily afford it now. Whatever is on her mind must be awfully important. My mind kept replaying the conversation we had at the restaurant the previous week. She had confessed her love for me and now after spending several days at the spa, she wanted to talk to both of us. I hadn’t mentioned anything to Kate about the prior conversation because I didn’t want any tension between the two of them. I should probably talk to Kate about it now. Then again, I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I guess I’ll wait to see what she has to say. If things go badly, I’ll just have to completely cut ties with her.

  ~~~

  3:45 pm Tuesday Afternoon

  I drew a deep breath as the helicopter blades came to a stop. Hopefully this goes well. The door popped open as two crewmembers went to help her out and retrieve her bags. Wow, she looks different. It took a few seconds to confirm that it actually was Kristen. She was all legs in a short blue and white floral dress. I had never seen her in anything so short or so colorful. She was obviously trying to make a statement. She looks fantastic. What the hell did they do to her at that spa?

  “Kristen looks fantastic,” Kate said as Kristen walked toward us.

  “Yeah, I don’t think I would’ve recognized her on the street.”

  “Hey, you two,” Kristen said as she opened her arms to embrace us.

  “You look incredible,” Kate said immediately, to which I agreed.

  “Oh, thank you! Now that I don’t have to go to an office every day, I decided to buy some fun clothes,” she said adjusting her dress.

  “You look terrific, Kristen. I’m glad to see you ditched those dark suits,” I told her.

  “How are you?” she asked changing the focus back to me. “Jayne told me that you had quite a scare yesterday.”

  “I did see the white light, but I was in good hands. They implanted a pacemaker that will help me out until my heart grows stronger.”

  “That’s so scary, Jack. Did you see anyone from the other side?” Kristen asked half-jokingly.

  “Hundreds… or even thousands of people,” I confessed.

  “You’re kidding! Who were they?” she asked with a look of amazement crossing her face.

  “It was very obvious that they were factory workers. None of them were very happy either,” I explained.

  “Jack thinks he’s been responsible for a bunch of sweatshops,” Kate added.

  “That’s quite noble, Jack, but they would’ve popped up with or without you,” Kristen replied.

  “We have always said that, but it was very clear that the people I saw were directly affected by things that I have done. There was nothing vague about it.”

  “How long were you gone?” Kristen asked.

  “Probably only a couple of minutes, but things happened very quickly. I instantly understood everything.”

  “I’ve been trying to understand it, too,” Kate added, as Kristen stood there trying to comprehend everything.

  “It’s kind of hard to explain, but time is different there,” I replied. “It wasn’t linear. In a flash I understood everything about my life, as well as all the consequences of my actions.”

  “That’s crazy. I’m not sure I could handle it,” Kristen said, her eyes widening.

  “Have you been that bad?” Kate teased.

  “It depends on how you define ‘bad’ I suppose,” she laughed.

  “We all have our flaws,” I said. “Let’s go in and I’ll show you around.”

  Kate

  It’s so surreal to hear Jack talking about his beyond and back experience. He seems a little hesitant to go into too much detail, though. I’m sure he doesn’t want to sound crazy, but I really want to know everything about it. He obviously was enlightened by the experience and I want understand this crazy world as well.

  After giving Kristen the grand tour, we went up to the Lido deck to enjoy a beautiful sunset before dinner. Watching the sun set across the water will never get old. The mixture of colors cast by the sun, combined with the turquoise and blue shades of the water, are absolutely breathtaking.

  “You guys have found paradise,” Kristen exclaimed, as she stood at the railing looking out over the horizon. “I’m jealous.”

  “I’m sure you will see plenty of beautiful sunsets in the coming years,” Jack said giving her a pat on the back.

  “I hope so. That’s actually why I came here to talk to you guys,” she said as her expression turned serious.

  I looked over at Jack and his expression was just as serious. Like me, I’m sure he was wondering whether she was going to challenge the viability of our relationship. After a moment of hesitation, she finally came out with it.

  “I’m assuming that you two have come to the conclusion that your relationship is going to work out despite the huge age difference?”

  “Yes. We’re going to make it work because the only thing that matters is how much we love each other,” Jack responded immediately. “I don’t care what anyone else thinks. If they don’t agree with our decision, then they don’t have to be part of our lives.”

  Kristen seemed stunned by Jack’s intensity but remained calm as she turned her attention toward me. “You don’t think you’re going to eventually regret the fact that he’s so much older than you?”

  “I’ve thought about it a lot because my mom is single at age 49. But, I love Jack with all my heart and I can’t imagine walking away. Regardless of what happens down the road, I will always have fantastic memories of the time we spent together. I can’t imagine throwing away those memories out of fear.”

  Jack put his arm around me and pulled me close, his smile confirmed that I had made the right choice.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Kristen said after watching us for a moment.

  “You are?” Jack asked with a surprised tone in his voice.

  “Yes. I met someone this past weekend at Jason’s wedding. Unfortunately, he was born the same year I graduated from
high school,” Kristen confided.

  “Really, that’s fantastic,” Jack said with obvious relief in his voice. “Was he the best man?”

  “He was, actually. He was Jason’s roommate in college. He was also the captain of the soccer team, so that’s how they met and became friends.”

  “What does he do now?” I enquired curiously.

  “That’s the most amazing part,” Kristen replied. “He’s a Brazilian soccer star!”

  “You’ve got to be kidding,” Jack said in disbelief. “Is he on the national team?”

  “Yes, have you heard of Nico Costa? According to Jason, he’s quite a player,” she explained.

  “Nico Costa? You met Nico? He’s one of the best players in the entire league, Kristen. He was Jason’s roommate? That’s incredible. He almost singlehandedly won the championship for the Bulldogs his senior year of college,” Jack said with admiration.

  “You actually know who he is?” Kristen asked, apparently quite shocked.

  “Of course. Anyone who follows soccer knows Nico,” Jack replied with a laugh.

  “That would explain why I had no idea who he was,” she confided with a giggle. “He’s been thinking about retiring at the end of the season and is deciding whether to move back to the New York area.”

  “You and Nico… I never would’ve guessed it,” Jack said shaking his head.

  “Congratulations, Kristen,” I said to draw her attention away from Jack’s reaction.

  “Well, we haven’t actually gone out yet,” she admitted. “He would like to go out next time he’s in town, but I initially thought I was too old for him. After I got home, I started thinking about the two of you, and decided maybe I was using the age difference as an excuse.”

  “You and Nico. I would say go for it, Kristen,” Jack said confidently. “From what I’ve heard, he’s a great guy. His teammates and coaches absolutely love him.”

  “That’s what Jason said, too,” Kristen confirmed with a flush in her cheeks.

  “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” I asked, agreeing with Jack.

  “I end up back where I’m at right now,” she said with a laugh. “I just don’t understand why he would want to go out with me. He could have anyone he wants. Why would he choose someone who is 18 years older than him?”

  “It happens, Kristen,” I said reassuring her. “Sometimes there’s more to falling in love than just age.”

  “You’re pretty smart for a kid,” she said with a smile. “Do you still want me to book something for Greece?” she asked turning back to Jack.

  “Enough personal talk, huh? Quite a bit has changed since you and I talked about that,” Jack replied. “I think we are going to postpone Greece for a while.”

  “That’s true. Speaking of change, I’m actually excited about it for the first time in my life,” she said smiling again.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Jack said. “You’ve spent enough time pouring all of your energy into work. Get out and have some fun. Going out with Nico would be a good place to start.”

  Jack’s phone buzzed and it was Chef Jameson letting him know that dinner was ready to be served. It was another beautiful evening, so we ate dinner on the deck where we could enjoy the moonlight sparkling off the turquoise water. Kristen was so relaxed that she seemed like a different person. Once again, Jack behaved himself having just one small glass of wine with dinner and turning down crème brulee for desert. I started to wonder if his enlightenment had included some dietary and exercise tips in addition to learning the consequences of his actions.

  As the night wore on, Jack and Kristen began talking about the early days of the business. It was easy to look at how successful Jack had become and think that it came quite easily. It was fascinating to hear Kristen’s version of the story. It is never an easy road when you set out to transform an industry, and Jack had taken his share of lumps in those first few years. Through sheer persistence and being willing to adapt to a changing manufacturing climate, Jack had eventually been a transformational figure in the fashion industry. Now, however, he was suddenly having second thoughts about his accomplishments. I have a feeling he’s thinking about transforming the industry once again.

  ~~~

  Jack

  After Kristen left, we spent a few lazy days aboard the yacht. I’m glad Kristen has found someone to occupy her time. I have been worried about her. As for me, I was starting to feel pretty good. Each day I woke up feeling stronger than the day before, but I didn’t have much stamina yet. The cardiologist confirmed that it was normal for this stage of the game. My heart went through a pretty traumatic experience and will take some time to fully recover. I’m confident that the stem cell treatments will speed my recovery, though.

  Friday morning I had a follow up appointment with Dr. Salvatore to check on my progress. He confirmed that everything looked good and that my heart density was already showing signs of change. I quizzed him about how long I had to wait to get back to my normal activities. He told me I could start doing more physical exercise as early as Monday. If that went well, I could consider other physical activities as well. There’s one physical activity I’m really missing in particular.

  Kate gave me a wide smile as I came out to the waiting room. She had remained focused on me having a healthy heart, so she was anticipating a good report.

  “They say I’m going to pull through,” I told her.

  “I already knew that, but is your heart getting stronger?”

  “The density is already showing signs of improvement, so he said it’s a good sign. Maybe I won’t have to get you a Sybian after all.”

  “A what?” she asked with an almost comical look on her face.

  “A Sybian. You’ll have to Google it.”

  Chapter 14 – A New Man & New Mission

  Monday February 13, 2012

  Kate

  On Monday morning, he decided to check in with Brandon and Jayne while working out on the treadmill, instead of planting himself on the couch. There is a new level of intensity in everything he does. I’m excited to see what happens when he’s fully recovered.

  “How was your workout?” I asked, as he came back into the master suite where I was getting ready.

  “It felt great. My chest is still a little sore, but not bad.”

  “That’s good. The doctor said that Monday would be the earliest you could work out, so you have to expect a little soreness.”

  Before hitting the shower, Jack ducked into his office to make a quick call, and I overheard him talking about the Ricci bothers once again. I had seen Anthony’s name on his phone when it rang late the night before. It sounded like Anthony was giving Jack an update on what was going on back in the city.

  “Thank you for doing that, Anthony, but I have a new mission for all three of you,” he told him.

  “Yes, all three of you. I know that it might sound crazy, but I’ve realized that I owe them something. Also, I want to utilize their skill set as well as their father’s reputation,” he said followed by a long pause.

  “No, we’re not going to the dark side,” he laughed. “Just ask them to meet you this Thursday morning at the office. I’ll set up a video conference and explain everything to all three of you,” he added followed by another pause.

  “Trust me, Anthony. Set up the meeting and I guarantee that you will all like the proposal I’m bringing to the table. You will be doing what you love and will have a chance to become a rich man in the process.”

  Jack smiled as he walked back into the bedroom and hung up the phone. “I’m going to blow their minds.”

  “It sounds like it. Are you going to let me in on the plan?”

  “Of course. I’m going to take a quick shower and then I’ll tell you about it over breakfast,” he said grabbing a robe and towel.

  “Do you need an extra hand in there?” I yelled to him as he got into the shower.

  “No, I’m not quite ready to put the pacemaker through that test yet
,” he replied with a laugh.

  “We’ll save that for tomorrow night,” I teased. “It’s our first Valentine’s Day together, you know.”

  “I know,” he said with a little wariness in his voice.

  “Don’t worry, Jack… I’ll go easy on you.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that line before, hun.”

  I had to laugh at his apprehension, but I also knew that I was going to have to be careful for the next few weeks. He had come incredibly close to checking out on me, and there was no way that I was going to be responsible for causing some type of problem. Even though sex is great, it doesn’t have to be the focal point of our relationship. Our love will continue to mature beyond this phase.

  ~~~

  Jack

  I’m going to downplay the sex thing until tomorrow night because I want her to be pleasantly surprised. I’ve always believed in setting reduced expectations, so they can easily be beaten. I want our first Valentine’s Day to be one that she’ll never forget. I just wish I would’ve had another week to recover fully, but I’ll just have to make the best of it. My pulse was perfect on the treadmill this morning, so as long as I don’t go crazy, everything should be fine.

  As we sat down to eat breakfast that morning, I grabbed my laptop and opened a browser. My intention was to show Kate what a 3D Printer was, and how we were going to use these state of the art machines to manufacture her clothing line. Suddenly I remembered something and I typed the following into my Google search bar:

  Koj noj qab haus huv yog nyob rau hauv koj lub hlwb

  “What is that?” Kate asked, as she came to the table and sat down next to me.

  “I have no idea. It’s another message that came to me during my time in the light. I just had the urge to type it in,” I replied and pressed the search button.

  The results that came back were a mishmash of various sites that seemed to have two things in common. They were all related to the medical field, and they had something to do with the Hmong people. Opening several of the documents, it quickly became obvious that all of them were written in the Hmong language. What the heck?