“You do the same. Goodnight, Gregory.”
“Goodnight, beautiful.”
Sleep came quickly. However, my dreams did not focus around Gregory; instead they were of our counterparts, Angeline and Daniel. I went further in my reverie, watching from a distance as they walked along the banks of a beautiful lake, picnicked in the tranquility of a park and joined their families for various adventures.
It was easy to feel the love they had for one another. I was consumed by the sense of peace and tranquility, until a disheveled stranger attempted to rob them on a stroll through town.
Daniel was quick to protect Angeline, fighting off the stranger and telling her to run. I caught a glimpse of the criminal’s face and he looked just like Tony. I started to hyperventilate in my slumber, as the vision morphed into this morning’s events and I cried out, “No, you’re hurting me!” in sheer terror at the top of my lungs.
Mom rushed through the door and wrapped me tightly in her arms, reassuring me it was only a dream. “Shh…you are safe, Jordan. Everything is going to be just fine.”
I cried on her shoulder for a few minutes, before regaining my composure. “Sorry about that.”
“After the morning you had, I am not surprised this happened. You suppress things until you dream.” She kept rubbing my back, reassuring me things would be okay. “Were you reliving the attack this morning?”
“Yes. I could see the monster’s face in my visions, taunting me. I could feel him clutching my arm tightly and all I could do was scream.”
Mom leaned back, giving me a once over. “Is your arm hurting?”
“It is throbbing a bit, why?”
“The blue coloring is now almost black. When your body is hurt, sometimes it can intrude on your dreams and awaken you. How about a couple of anti-inflammatory pills and an ice pack to help with the swelling and to dull the pain?”
“Okay. Thanks, Mom.”
I glanced over at the clock. It was two in the morning. I only had a chance at a few more hours of sleep.
The ice and medication seemed to work wonders and I drifted back to happier times with Daniel and Angeline. It wasn’t long before I felt the warm embrace of Gregory’s arms holding me tight in my sub-conscious and I melted into them, allowing no further thoughts to enter my mind.
Morning came quickly and I was grateful my mother made me breakfast and a lunch to take, so I could focus on getting ready for work.
I made it to the managerial meeting with time to spare. Caroline discussed some concerns about a couple of the departments then wished me well on my first day in my new position.
I took out my cell phone at lunch and noticed a text message from Gregory. “I can’t stop thinking about you and I miss you terribly.” Followed by a voicemail “Hi, Sweetheart, I know you usually call after work, but I needed to hear your voice. I hope you are having a fabulous day. I love you and will talk with you later. Bye.”
I quickly typed out. “I love you and miss you, too! I will call later. Busy and short-handed here, today.”
The rest of the day was demanding, but not overly stressful. I was able to leave the office as planned, but ended up in major gridlock on the Interstate.
I was growing frustrated with my progress when the phone rang.
“Are you still at work?” Gregory asked.
“No. I’m on the Highway, going nowhere,”
“Where are you?”
“I am almost to Altamonte Springs. Why?”
“Would you like to wait out the traffic and maybe meet somewhere?
My heart sped up at the thought of seeing him. “I guess I could do that. I normally don’t get back until after eight o’clock, anyway. What exit should I take and where do I need to go?”
I listened intently as he gave detailed directions on where to turn and how to take the back roads all the way to Sanford’s Mall.
I got off and called Mom to let her know that I would be stopping off in Sanford to let the traffic thin out before continuing home. She was not surprised to hear I would be spending the time with Gregory.
The back roads worked liked a charm and had me at the Mall in no time. As luck would have it, I parked in the only vacant spot, which was right next to Gregory’s Lexus.
Before I could turn off the engine, he was at my door. “How did you get over here so fast?”
He ignored my question
He pulled me into a warm embrace and whispered, “I missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too, but we haven’t been apart for very long.”
He stepped back gazing into my eyes. “I know, but every second we are apart feels like an eternity to me. Now that I have found you, I don’t want to let you go.”
I was speechless.
My fingers began intertwining themselves through his hair as I pulled him closer until my lips were firmly against his.
I quickly took a step back, breathless and startled by my reaction. “Maybe we should go inside and grab a bite to eat.”
My heart was still racing from the level of passion felt in our kiss. “I think that’s a good idea,” he replied
Gregory spoke up. “I can’t remember the last time I had an old fashioned hamburger and fries.”
“That sounds yummy.”
I didn’t pay much attention to Gregory ordering his burger. My only focus was reaching my bank card quickly enough to pay the cashier.
“Hey…I asked you out tonight; so I should pay.”
“It is my treat this time and I won’t take no for an answer.”
He shook his head smiling at me, knowing he couldn’t change my mind. “Thank you for dinner, but the next one is on me. Aren’t you going to get anything?”
“I am going to get a protein shake from Smoothie Paradise. Find us a seat?”
I could tell his eyes were on me as I walked across to the other side of the Food Court.
To my amazement, he managed to find an empty booth that offered a little bit of privacy, so we could talk. He was already seated on one side and I slid in on the other.
“You are going to have more to eat than just the smoothie, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t sleep well last night and now I’m more tired than hungry. I’m afraid if I eat a big dinner, I might get groggy driving home.”
“I didn’t sleep that great myself I kept having nightmares about T…” He trailed off mid sentence and then quickly changed the subject. ”I wouldn’t want you falling asleep at the wheel.”
A chill went down my spine as he started to describe his dream. I’m sure that he was going to say, “Tony”. Did we have the same dream? It wouldn’t be the first time we discussed similar visions.
“How did your meeting, today? I still feel bad about you leaving so late last night.”
“Everything went as planned. We discussed how to use the new drive test equipment. I had a PowerPoint presentation on how to set it up and what kind of figures everyone should be getting when they are driving the area for signal strength,” He explained.
Gregory was about to take another bite of his burger when I asked, “So, essentially the equipment is to see how strong or weak the signal strength is and whether or not you need to make any antenna adjustments?”
“Yes, but how did you…?”
I smiled as I explained. “Remember, my father was an engineer. He worked as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Army, assisting them in the design of electronic systems. Plus, my favorite classes in college were all Physics and Math related.”
We finished eating and knew it was time for me to get back on the road. As we started out the door, Gregory wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close to his side. I had never been around someone who felt the need to touch all the time; it was very welcoming and made my heart race with excitement.
“Before you go…I found some movers who are available, either this weekend or next, at a really low rate. Plus, I called a storage facility that is located just down the street from my place and they offe
r competitive pricing.”
He caught me off guard. I was not expecting to be able to move for several weeks. “Are you in a rush to get me out of the apartment?”
“Let’s just say that after what happened yesterday, I’ll feel more at ease once you are out of there. By the way, how is your arm?”
“It is definitely sore. I think I’ll be wearing long sleeves to work for a while, to avoid anyone asking about it.”
“Would this weekend work, then? I’ll be there to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
“I’m not sure I can be ready by this weekend. There’s still a lot left to pack.”
“I already thought of that and they can bring boxes to finish packing up any loose items that you want to put into storage.”
“Does it really mean that much to you that I get out of there this weekend?”
He wrapped both arms around me, drawing me to his chest. “Your safety means everything to me…you mean the world to me.”
I looked up to see his eyes full of care and concern. “If it worries you that much, then I’ll move out on Saturday.”
An endearing smile spread across his face. “I’ll go ahead and set everything up, then. We can get you out of your apartment Saturday afternoon, with plenty of time left over for me to take you out on a nice date before you have to get back to Deland.”
Before I could object, his lips pressed urgently against mine, making me lose my train of thought. Every one of his kisses made me feel as though the Earth stood still and only the two of us existed.
It took a car alarm going off in the parking lot to break the spell and bring me back to reality. “I should probably go before my mother gets worried.”
He looked deep into my eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to go. But at least I can see you in my dreams.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “I know I will.”
Gregory leaned into the car to fasten my seatbelt, giving me a gentle kiss on the lips. “Call me when you get home, so I know you are safe?”
“I will.”
“Talk with you soon, Beautiful.”
“Ok, Handsome.”
It was a little after 9:00 PM when I arrived home; but, because of my lack of sleep, it felt like midnight. I gave Mom a quick hug and a brief rundown of my day. Then I headed to bed.
“Good night, Jordan.”
I was in bed and about to turn out the lights when the phone rang. “Hello?” I answered, groggily.
“You forgot to call, I’ve been worried.” Gregory’s voice sounded relieved.
“I’m sorry. I got home a little while ago.” I meant to call you…forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. Sorry if I am over protective, Jordan, but Sunday’s events triggered that.”
“No worries. I’m fine. Thanks for watching out for me, I am not used to all the attention.”
“I hope you know I would do anything for you. I love you.”
“I feel the same way, Gregory.”
“I am keeping you from your sleep. I’ll go for now, but call me tomorrow when you get a chance?”
“Okay. Have a wonderful night.”
“Goodnight, Jordan. I love you.”
“Goodnight. Love you, too.”
Exhaustion pulled me into a deep sleep. My visions were only of Gregory and the feel of his arms as I slumbered blissfully through the night.
The alarm clock sounded too early and with it came an overpowering sense of dread.
“Good morning, Jordan.” Mother was quick to greet me as I walked into the kitchen. “So, how was your date with Gregory, last night?”
“Good morning.” I gave her a quick hug before grabbing a cup of coffee and spreading some peanut butter on a slice of toast.
“Last night was nice. I was thankful to have somewhere to stop off. The Interstate could have passed for a giant parking lot. I’m either going to need to leave early or stay late to avoid that mess.”
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about this last night, but I was too tired. Gregory found some movers that can get me out of the apartment this Saturday. He even found a storage facility that is close to his place. I was wondering what your thoughts were?”
“Is there a rush?”
“I wondered the same thing. But, he doesn’t really want me going back there, alone, given what happened the other day.”
“I can see the logic in that. I don’t like the idea of you being around that apartment, either. Did you need my help with anything?”
“No, I think we can handle it. He will be there to help. Plus, he wants to take me on a date that night, if you are okay with it.”
“Wow. He doesn’t waste any time, does he?”
I had to laugh. “No, I guess not. I don’t have all the details, but it would be nice to have the apartment behind me so I can focus on my life here, for now.”
“I am fine with your plans. I will be busy, anyway; Melinda and Tom want to come back up for a visit.”
“That will be fun. I gotta run or I’ll be late.”
The whole demeanor of the office was depressing. Everyone seemed upbeat and happy, yesterday. A rarity for a Monday. But today, everyone’s disposition was downright unpleasant. Then it hit me. . Pamela had been at a convention yesterday, and was back in the office this afternoon. She just seems to have that kind of effect on people.
Caroline came in my office. “Have you had a chance to have lunch, yet?”
“No, I haven’t. Why?”
Pamela needs assistance getting some packets together. Everyone else is either busy or gone. Do you think you could help?
If it were Pamela asking for the help, I would have declined. But since Caroline asked, I agreed.
“Pamela, just show me where to start and how you want it put together and I will get it done for you.” I offered with faked enthusiasm.
“Here’s a sample of the only marketing packet I have left. Start over here, with the information, on this side, follow all the way around the table and end with that last chair. Just stack the completed packets in this empty box so I can distribute them to my associates.”
To my surprise, her demeanor was strangely pleasant. I guess her need for assistance outweighed any potential for cynicism, today.
We worked together, one following behind the other. After collating about ten packets, her cell rang and she needed to go back to her office.
I was relieved to be left alone, but overwhelmed by how many packets were left to complete. Time crept by slowly until all the packets were done.
I poked my head in her office to see if she was still on the phone. “Yes, Jordan?”
“The packets are complete, in the box and waiting on the conference table. Did you need anything else before I take lunch?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks for your help.” The sentiment was not overly cheerful, but I was happy to get it.
I closed my door and ate my lunch in peace. Afterward, I took out my cell phone to check for any messages. I was sad to see that no one had called, so I decided to check in with Mom.
My next call was to Gregory. The phone went straight to voicemail. I decided to hang up and try again. On the second try, he picked up.
“Hey, Beautiful.” His voice made my heart race.
“How is your day?”
“Hectic, but I have a few minutes to talk. We have a small crisis with one of the cell sites and I need to get the issue resolved before it starts affecting the other sites; so, it looks like I will be working late.”
“I’m sorry. Sounds like I’ve have called at a bad time.”
“Jordan, please, don’t go. Hearing your voice is exactly what I need right now. How’s your day going?”
“I wish I could say wonderful, but my day hasn’t been any better than yours. I just finished lunch and haven’t had a chance to do any of my own work, today. Just been putting out fires.”
‘I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.”
“Let me know when you are on
your way back home. Sorry I need to cut this short, but I have one of the field engineers calling on me. I love and miss you.”
“I love and miss you too.” While my mind may have been occupied by work, my heart was elsewhere.
The rest of the afternoon was spent rushing back and forth between all the departments.
I detected a small cheer coming from the front office when the phones were switched over to the answering service that night. And, while I found the celebration a bit inappropriate, I couldn’t help but feel my own sigh of relief that I could finally get a little work done.
The next couple of hours were filled with tranquility. I took full advantage of the peace and quiet to get a several reports knocked out.
I glanced at the clock when I heard the cleaning crew start to stir in the hallway, not realizing it was already after 7:00 PM. I decided to close down the computer and call it a night.
Once in the parking garage, a sense of uneasiness consumed me. As I started toward my car, I heard a set of footsteps following behind me, making my heart race with sheer panic. Suddenly an unwelcome voice called out, “Jordan?” Chills swept through me, it was Pamela.
I stopped cold in my tracks and turned to face her. “Yes, Pamela?”
“I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you’ for helping with the marketing packets, today.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
I turned in the direction of my car when she caught my arm. “Can I talk with you a second?” I looked into her eyes and sensed something cold beneath the surface.
I yanked my arm from her grasp. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot your arm is injured.” I was stunned at her remark.
She quickly attempted to explain. “Suzy, in secretarial, noticed your arm was bruised when you were dropping off some paperwork for her doctors this morning. I hope you are okay,” her voice oozed with false concern.
“I slipped while packing up my apartment this past weekend. It will heal,” I said rather nonchalantly, not wanting to divulge any details. I knew full well that it was impossible for my sleeve to shift enough to make anything visible. I had made certain of that. Something is really weird. How could she know?
I Remember (Remembrance Series) Page 16