Here and Now

by Wasowski, Mary

  “Call in sick,” I almost beg as I continue to try to change her mind on leaving.

  “I can’t and you shouldn’t either. Go see your father and make amends with him.”

  “Don’t worry about it, okay? Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course, what is it?”

  “What’s your full name?”

  “It’s Alexane. It’s actually my mother’s maiden name and when I got to school it became too confusing for most kids, so my dad asked me if I wanted to shorten it. My mom was already gone and although I don’t remember her all that well, I didn’t want to disregard her memory by dissing her name.”

  “So, how did you reach a resolution?”

  “My dad understood how I felt but then he sat me down one night for a talk. He showed me a video of their wedding and one titled ‘the early days’ they were so cute with each other. Watching my mom with my dad and then to hear her voice was just amazing. On the last part of the video, my dad got down on bended knee and asked my mom to marry him. She said yes immediately and then it was a few minutes of watching them kiss. My mom then said she couldn’t wait to have babies and no matter what they had first, she would name him or her, Alexane. Here’s the best part, my mom said she would call the baby Alex for short.”

  “It’s perfect. What an amazing story for you to have. Thank you for sharing it with me.”

  “You’re welcome. I hadn’t thought of it for a very long time.”

  “I’m so sorry you had to grow up without a mom. May I ask another question?”

  “How did she die?”

  “Don’t worry, it was always the first question I got every time I made a new friend.”

  “I’d like to think we’re more than that.”

  “We are. Mom died from kidney failure. I was four. She suffered from diabetes at a young age and went against the advice of doctors and had me anyway. The strain from the pregnancy weakened her kidneys but with dialysis and medication, she managed until she couldn’t. She was moved up the transplant list but then she developed an infection and wasn’t strong enough to fight it. We lost her two days later.”

  “Oh, baby, I’m sorry.” I wanted to hold her and never let go.

  “I’m good. It was a long time ago. Rogan, by sharing that story with you should prove to you that I only did what I did because after losing my mom, the only person I had was my father. He was a good man and loved me beyond words. I know what I did was reckless maybe even a little stupid but I couldn’t have my father hurt anymore in death than when he was alive. When you talk to your father today, please let him know how sorry I am.”

  “Babe, don’t go.

  “I have to. I’m fine. Go to work and maybe we can meet for lunch but for actual food.”

  “I was wondering when I was going to hear from you,” my grandfather says as he takes a seat at the bar. A little early for a drink but what the hey? You only live once.”

  “Thanks for meeting me, grandpa. I needed to talk to someone who would actually listen to me.”

  “Huh? Speak up son, I didn’t hear you.”

  “Very funny. I wasn’t joking when I said I needed you.”

  “Okay, I’m here and I will listen. And before you say another word, I’ve seen my son and I have heard his side and now I will hear yours.”

  “Grandpa, I tried to talk to dad, remember? You were there. He was totally unreasonable and only wanted to hear himself talk. I tried again, we argued and then he kicked me off the project. After that, all I saw was a haze of red and had to get out of there.”

  “Yes, I know and right into the arms of Ms. Alex Depry. Yeah, I know all about the EPA mole. So, grandson, let me ask you one question. Do you believe her?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Okay, that’s good enough for me. Finish your beer and then go see your father. He’s waiting for you.”

  “I’m sure he is but I’m not ready to talk to him yet. Grandpa, I worked my ass off on those farms for months while he traveled the world with my mom. I lived and breathed for this project and when it was completed, I was so proud of what we accomplished. All I wanted was to prove to my father that I could do this job and do it well. I wanted him to be proud of me.”

  “I am,” I turned around to see my father standing directly behind me.

  “Took you long enough to show up.” My grandfather said. He walked over to my father and pulled him aside to say something to him and then slapped him on his back and left the bar.

  “Why does he do that?”

  “Do what?” he asked.

  “Slap you on the back.”

  “His version of a hug, I guess. Anyway, may I join you?”

  “Yes, please.” He unbuttoned his suit jacket and ordered a beer and a shot.

  “I’m sorry, Rogan. I shouldn’t have lost my temper the way I did, and certainly not direct any anger toward you. It was unfair and I apologize.”

  “Apology accepted. Thank you, dad.”

  “Wow, this place has not changed one bit. It brings back many memories for me and the moments I have shared with my father. He loves this place so much.”

  “He’s told me all about it and how it will grow on me in time.”

  “Yes, it will. This place is part of him and I’m sure he wants you to love it just as much as he does. I should have known to come here sooner when he didn’t show up this morning for work and neither did you.”

  “I needed time to think and sort everything out. I was hurt and confused by your actions and I felt staying away was my best option.”

  “And how is that working out for you?”

  “Not very good but it’s looking better since you showed up.”

  “I’m happy to hear that and so will your mom. I managed to stay off the couch last night but I was told this morning that if I didn’t make things right with you, then I would find myself out in the pool house.”

  “Don’t knock the pool house, it’s awesome.” I joked trying to lighten the mood.

  “I agree but I would rather be in bed with your mother.”

  “TMI, dad!” I covered my ears. First my sister and now my father.

  “Can we stay on topic?”

  “Sure, go on.”

  “So, about Alex, she’s telling the truth. I spoke to Ed this morning and along with some of his contacts, I was able to dig a little deeper into her past along with her father’s. He was a good man with a solid reputation until Winston planted a lot of lies portraying him as a dirty inspector taking bribes.”

  “Dad, he didn’t do any of that.”

  “I know this, but it was all fabricated to make it look like he did. When he refused the money and reported it, all that did was look like he knew his superiors were on to him and he was trying to cover his own ass. This is why his pension is frozen because it’s under review.”

  “This is so messed up. We have to make this right for Alex, and her father.”

  “Yes, and we will. I have people working on it as we speak. It should be resolved relatively quickly because I also had Winston’s private computer hacked and all the files copied and sent over to Ed and his superiors.”

  “You know a computer hacker? Shit! I think I need another beer for that story.” I laughed and waved the bartender down but my father blocked my hand.

  “No, you’re done. We have to get back to the office. Your grandfather should be there by now. We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it in.”

  He threw some money down on the bar and put himself back in order. I didn’t move for a second because an overwhelming feeling of guilt flowed through me. I may have had my share of disagreements with my father over the years about school and my future but he was always fair. He always believed in me even when I gave him reasons not to. I shouldn’t have stormed off and ignored him for two days. He’s right, it’s not the way we work out our problems.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For what?”
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br />   “For leaving and feeling sorry for myself. I thought you lost your faith in my ability to do the work and take my place in our company.”

  “Listen to me, son. I would have never left for my trip if I didn’t trust you. You have more than proven yourself worthy to continue what three previous generations have created. Douglas ECO is your legacy and your future. It will be yours to continue to build.”

  “Thanks, dad. What you just said—” I struggled with my words trying to figure out the right thing to say to my father but he did it for me.

  “It’s everything. I know this to be true because it’s exactly what your grandfather told me when it was my turn to lead. I promise you, Rogan, you are everything I believe in.”

  “I will not doubt it again.”

  “Good. Let’s go. It’s time to take out the trash.”

  “Rogan, I’d like to introduce to you your new personal assistant, Cari Byers.”

  “Hi, Cari, a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Thank you, sir. I look forward to working with you.”

  “Look, it’s going to be a little crazy around here today and I don’t really have anything for you to do at the moment.”

  “No need to worry about me, sir, I have been compiling data all morning. I have everything here in these two files for you to peruse.”

  I took the files and walked around to my desk to sit down. “What am I looking at?”

  “Everything you need to know to take down Winston Lockhart.”

  I placed the files down and looked up at Cari, who was just about bouncing on her toes. “I don’t suppose you have special skills when it comes to computers, do you?”

  “You tell me, sir. Read the files. I’ll be at my desk if you should need anything else.”

  “Do you approve?” asked Alison.

  “Yeah, she’s good. Thank you.”

  “Hey dad, have you seen this?” I asked handing him the files.

  “Yes, I have. Cari made me copies before giving them to you.”

  “Ha! Why doesn’t that surprise me.” I shook my head but my father didn’t seem at all deterred by it.

  “It appears Winston has been very busy, especially the last few months covering his tracks. Large amounts of money were deposited in the accounts of three federal workers all in the same department as Ernest Depry. Stupid mother fuckers! This is what happens when you allow greed to get ahead of your ambition. They took the money and planted false documentation on a man they once considered their friend. All for what? To take back the land he should have never acquired in the first place.”

  “Dad, what’s the connection between Winston Lockhart and Ernest Depry? His main business is here in Georgia with interests all over the state.”

  “True but that doesn’t mean anything. Winston owns the biggest orchards in the state and was looking to acquire more land to do what? We don’t know yet. He wants the Harrington Farm back in a major way.”

  “You don’t believe that bullshit about the mineral rights?”

  “To early to tell but what we do have here is a valid reason to why he would need to go up to Washington. The process is extensive and most oil companies will not even look in your direction until they know for certain that the landowner owns the original mineral rights and then sometimes, secondary rights. This is Georgia, not Texas. I don’t have a clue to why Winston is desperate to get this land back but it’s not for oil.”

  “Are you sure Alex has told you everything about her father?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. I believe her.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “Dad—” I paused.

  “I had to ask. Alison, arrange a meeting with Winston Lockhart, and right away.”

  For the time being, I left my father to deal with Winston. I left him on his own while I caught up on some work in my office. I had a conversation with Cari and got a good feeling just talking to her. She’s pretty easy going but smart as a whip. Her “alleged” hacking skills sure came in handy today but she wouldn’t admit that she was the one. I wasn’t going to press her about it, I was just thankful for the help and it seems she’s a good fit.

  “Okay, I’ve read over all your current projects and got familiar with the team. Here are the current standings where you are on your projects and your schedule for the rest of the month that is synced with my calendar. If you decide to add anything or delete, I will get an automatic update and an alert.”

  “Wow, my head is spinning. Thank you, Cari, for a great day. I usually work to at least seven during the week and may need you to work later if the situation calls for it. I sometimes get in by six am but I do not expect you to work those hours. I would say nine am is good but if you’re needed earlier, I will give you plenty of notice. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds perfect. See you tomorrow at nine.” I waved her off and flopped back into my chair. I should work but I’m spent and feel like I could sleep for the next two days but not with Blondie around. Damn, how is it possible to miss her so much when I just left her this morning? I was just about to call her when my phone buzzed. It wasn’t Alex calling but my mom who I could no longer avoid.

  “Hi mom, yeah, I’m still alive. Sure, I’ll see you soon.”

  “Oh, I have missed you,” says my mom currently choking the shit out of me.

  “Mom, can’t breathe,” I joke as I make a gagging sound. She gently shoves at my chest and laughs.

  “I’m sorry, I just missed you and your sister so much. In all the years I’ve been a mom, I have never left you two for this long amount of time.”

  “Yes, this is true but we are also adults and you don’t have to worry about me, and certainly not Emily. She’s in married bliss along with yoga love and all that spiritual crap she does.”

  “Don’t let your sister hear you speak that way and,” she smacks me upside my head. Ouch! “I also do some of that work and if it makes your sister happy then it’s a great life.”

  “Mom, you are a doctor, she’s a life coach, two very different jobs.”

  “Enough! I didn’t ask you over here to mock your sister’s career which is amazing and that’s the last I will say about that. Anyway, I want to talk about you. Grandpa Roman tells me you are in love. Is this true? I nearly fell over when I heard the news, and I want to meet her.”

  “Isn’t there anything sacred and private anymore?”

  “In this family? Yeah, think again. Rogan, this is amazing news. I am so happy you are happy. But love? I’m asking as a mom and not a professional, I swear.” She crosses her heart for effect.

  “Yeah, it’s love. I know it’s fast and you’re probably thinking I’m totally crazy but it’s the last thing I’m feeling right now.”

  “Come and sit with me,” I join my mom on the couch and get comfortable knowing she’s not going to allow me to leave until I tell her everything. Okay, maybe not everything. I smile.

  “You and dad have been telling me for years that when I least expect it, I will meet someone that makes me feel something I have never felt before. When that day happens, I will know exactly what to do because my heart will tell me so. It did on the day Grandpa dragged me to Raggy’s Bar. I was so caught up with work that I was oblivious to the fact that I was on her radar.”

  “I bet that hasn’t happened before.”

  “You can say that.”

  “What happened next?”

  “Grandpa made me send her over a drink and then she comes over and shamelessly flirts with him.”

  “Ha! I wish I could have seen your face.” My mom says as she continues to stifle her laughter.

  “It wasn’t pretty and not one of my finer moments but then the old man takes off and leaves me alone with her. She was intriguing and I wanted to know her better. A few drinks later and I was back at her place. Need I say more?”

  “No, we can skip that part. What happened after you met up with her again?”

  “She ghosted me for a couple of days and then all hell broke loose at w
ork and when I was down at the EPA with Ed, we met again. Only this time, I was the one taken by surprise. We both stood there in front of one another with this intense magnetic pull between us. A few moments earlier, I believed Alex was a he and all I wanted to do was rip his head off. When I found out the true identity of my nemesis, all I wanted to do was the opposite.”

  “Yeah, okay, I can piece the rest together. So, you sure do look happy and it’s wonderful to see. After all the wedding hoopla surrounding your sister and then your father and I renewing our vows, it’s all we wanted for you.”

  “But? Come on, just say it.”

  “Your father told me everything she’s involved in and from where I’m sitting, it’s pretty deep. You have never had to deal with Winston Lockhart as your father and grandfather have. He’s not a good man and will sell out his own mother if he knew he would get something out of it. Whatever he has on your girl must be pretty big for her to do what she did.”

  “No, you’re wrong, mom, and dad was too. We talked today and he now believes her story.”

  “The story she told you.”

  “No, not you too. Please, mom, I thought you would be different and more understanding.”

  “And I can see that you have, but that doesn’t mean I am just going to accept this woman into your life without at least having a conversation of my own with her. I am your mother and that role and responsibility do not end just because you become of age and move out of the nest. I love you and I just want to make sure you are okay.”

  “Done. I’m okay. You are off the hook.” I got up and began walking to the front door.

  “So, you’re just going to walk out like a petulant child?”

  “No, I’m leaving as an adult. Thanks for the chat, mom.”

  “Rogan, if you are 100% convinced that she is telling you the complete truth then I will believe her and welcome the woman you love into our family.”

  “Just like that? And if she doesn’t measure up to your standards? What then?”

  “Rogan—”

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. I guess blind trust is only reserved for Emily.”

  “Rogan, that’s not true and you know it.”