Out of Nowhere

was not his idea of a good distraction even if it was his parents.  It just brought on all the thoughts that he wouldn’t be creating memories with Vicky.  His plan was to be a dutiful and devoted son, stay as long as was necessary, then, get the hell out.  Everyone he’d known from friends, to family, and business associates were at this party.   Jason heard someone call his name when he turned around it was Franklin.  “You are a little late buddy. I hope you brought a good gift because you know how your mother can be”. Jason smiled thinking about his mom “I’ll make it up to her. Your lovely fiancé April?” “April wasn’t able to make it. She had to fly home to be with her sister.  She’s ready to have that baby anytime now.”  “Well, I’m glad you were able to make it.  I don’t know if anyone would miss me anyway.  It looks like all of Georgia came out.” Jason put the timer on his watch. “I’m now on the clock. I better make my way over to my parents to let them know I’m here. Not staying any longer than I have to so I’ll catch you a little later. ”.   Jason grabbed a drink from the waiter as he walked into the main room where he eyed his parents.  They were standing with the Roth’s and the Reeds.  He walked over and gave his obligatory hellos.  Franklin’s parents were enthusiastic but Bridget parent’s were a cold.  He couldn’t blame them. Honestly, he was surprised to see them here.  Jason gave his mother a hug “You look beautiful mom”.  Miriam hugged him back “You look like you’re tired.” Jason put on his best smile for his mother and she whispered into his ear “Don’t pretend for me.  It doesn’t reach your eyes and a mother knows.  However, I’m hopeful things will change soon”.  Jason turned to his dad “So, you did it Dad.  You’ve managed to stay married to mom for 40 years.  That is amazing.  Congratulations”.  John hugged his son “If I’m lucky she’ll let me have another 40 years”.  John then reached over and kissed Miriam and their crowd of friends erupted into cheers.

There was a tap on Jason’s shoulder.  When he turned around he was staring into the eyes of Bridget Reed.  “Hello Jason, Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford”.  She then turned back to Jason.  I was hoping I’d see you tonight.  Is there a chance that I might be able to speak with you in private?” Jason finished his drink.  Why shouldn’t he meet with Bridget?  He was single after all.  Miriam had to think of something quick she didn’t want Vicky to see him with Bridget. She’d put too much work into this for it not to have her desired outcome. “Jason, could you be a dear and grab me a glass of champagne?” Jason hesitated for just a moment, “Of course” before he walked away to grab his mother a flute of champagne.  He swapped his empty glass for another.  After he’d returned Bridget was still standing there waiting for him.  To every other man in the room Bridget probably looked stunning.  And, as much as he wanted to drown his sorrows possibly with Bridget, she didn’t have the same desired effect on him.  Mr. Reed couldn’t help but comment “You two kids look really good standing together”.  No one said a word.  Jason downed his second drink in one gulp.  By the time Bridget asked him to dance he wasn’t drunk but he was good and tipsy.  Bridget took advantage of her opportunity and quickly grabbed Jason’s hand and led him to the dance floor before Miriam could think of another distraction. The dance required Jason to hold Bridget in his arms.  There wasn’t much space between them. “Jason let’s go outside and get some fresh air”.  There was a moment where Jason felt guilty.  He kept having to remind himself that he was single.  Then, he felt angry at himself, why shouldn’t he? What could it hurt?

Chapter 25

Vicky waited to get the text from Miriam to let her know when Jason had arrived.  She wondered what was taking so long.  Anyway, she was ready.  She was ready to face her fears with Jason and hopefully, if he hadn’t given up on her, fight for this relationship.  Miriam had made good sense.  She didn’t want to live in fear because she was afraid Jason would abandon her.  Finally, Vicky got the text.  Ok, the big moment had arrived.  Here goes.

When she walked into the main room she immediately saw the Rutherfords.  They were such a striking pair.  They looked happy.  One day she hoped that would be Jason and her.  She walked over to them.  “Hello Mr. & Mrs. Rutherford.  You both are positively glowing, congratulations”. Franklin managed to make his way back over to their table as well.  “Hi Franklin, it’s good to see you again”.  Franklin almost spit out his drink. My god Vicky was absolutely stunning.  He couldn’t believe that it was her.  “Wow. Vicky you look absolutely gorgeous. Not that you didn’t before…look gorgeous, I mean”.  Franklin was stuttering all over the place and it gave Vicky a little more confidence. Mr. Rutherford took over “Let me help Franklin out what he is trying to say my dear is you are a lovely vision”. Miriam hugged Vicky “Yes you are a vision.  Jason is one lucky man”. That brought a full on beautiful smile that lit up her entire face. That also brought on disapproving looks from the Reeds.  The music changed and that was Mr. Rutherford’s queue to take his wife onto the dance floor.  It was their favorite song, “Well, Mrs. Rutherford would you care to dance”.  Miriam beamed, “He can be so charming. Well, I’d love to Mr. Rutherford”. They left for the dance floor and the Roth’s followed.  Vicky leaned over and asked Franklin “Have you seen