“Did you have the trees cut down?” Rhea asked.
“I did not.”
“So she’s started spending her own money, then. Or has a loan in place?”
“Yes, unfortunately she has a lot of money, and all of it was mine.
“What if she really wants to help, Marco?” asked Shannon.
“She’s uncontrollable. She wants to be in charge and she has no experience with building things.”
Shannon spoke up again, objecting. “She told me in the interview she had a new project manager helping her run things.”
“Yeah, I feel sorry for the guy,” I added with a chuckle.
“What if her plan is a better one, Marco?” Rhea’s partner asked.
“It’s expensive getting a subdivision re-drawn. I can’t imagine anything we missed. That’s about thirty thousand dollars right down the drain. But, you’re right, we need to see what she’s got up her sleeve.”
“I’ll go see what’s been turned in, and then I’ll look her up from the City file. I can send the redraw to Boston, if there is one?” Rhea asked.
“If you can get a set of plans, that would be awesome,” I answered. As an afterthought, I added, “You guys get in there and dig around. I think you’ll make the best spies. If it works out, I might be able to use you somewhere else.”
“Where?” They both said in unison.
“Either of you ever been to Africa?”
We drove back to Shannon’s place, where I dropped her off. Before she went inside, she stopped and asked, “While you’re gone, can I have a set of your old plans to look over, just for giggles.”
“Sure, I can get a set sent to you.”
“Would you mind if I hang around the office in my spare time? I’m good with the phones, and a lot of people know who I am.”
“I can’t see that it would hurt. Let’s talk about it tonight at dinner. What time, and do you need anything?”
“Just you. I even have more wine than I know what to do with. See you about five thirty or six?”
“Or before.”
“I’d like that too. You can pick up something sinful and cholatty for dessert, if you like.”
I had some great fantasies about chocolate syrup and whipped cream, but decided I’d leave that for another time. This was going to be our good-bye dinner for now. I was grateful I’d have a few hours to myself to make some calls and check out of the hotel. I might even need a nap!
I needed to think about where we were going as a couple. She was being very good about not bringing it up, but I could tell it was on her mind.
The sex was great. We had fun. I loved surprising her. But all that would not hold up forever, if there was no future.
It was kinda dangerous to be jumping head-first into a relationship again. I hadn’t exactly been the poster boy of success in that arena. But I knew deep down that if I walked away from this one, maybe there wouldn’t be another.
Emily had taught me that.
“You gotta grab what happiness you can and hold onto it with all your heart. No regrets, Marco. We jump in without hesitation. If you need to do your deployment, go do it this one time, and I’ll be here for you. But after that, I get the white dress, the flowers, the party and the honeymoon and you’re gonna wear your dress blues. Because when you come back, your ass is mine.”
Those were the last words she’d told me. I wore my dress uniform at her funeral for the first time. I’d wear it a lot during the years as I lost people. Funerals, always funerals. So many men and women who didn’t come home.
I’m still here. I guess so I can get it right this time.
Chapter 18
Judie popped in unexpectedly. Looking over the mess in the kitchen, she knew something big was happening.
“Fresh pasta? Boy, I must have missed a whole lifetime. What in the world have you been up to?”
“It’s too much to explain.”
“Try me.”
I pulled my hair off my forehead with the back of my hand. I could feel the flour trickling into my scalp, which meant now I had to make time for a shower and shampoo. I nearly burst into tears, which really surprised me. But the change between where I’d been when Judie and I last talked and where I was floating around now was so dramatic, it was just a bridge too far.
“Uh oh, Shannon. Now you’ve got me worried,” she gasped. “Your lower lip is protruding. What have you done?”
I didn’t try holding back the tears. I placed my hands on the floured countertop and looked directly into her eyes. “I’ve gone and fallen in love with Marco Gambini.”
“No! Say it isn’t so!”
“I’m afraid it’s true.”
Judie gave me a puzzled look. “But, most people, when they fall in love, they’re like dancing around the room, hugging babies and old men. They’re whistling in the grocery store. Life is suddenly beautiful.” She carefully delivered her kill shot. “You don’t look that way.”
“It’s complicated.”
“How could it be complicated? He’s gorgeous. He’s got a ton of money.” She frowned and tilted her head slightly. “Unless…he’s not in love with you. Tell me that isn’t so.”
“We haven’t talked about it. But I think so.”
“Ouch! Boy, he’d be off my list.”
“He’s worth it.”
“Ew. I don’t like the sounds of that. Shannon, it’s not that complicated. Of course, I’m the one who never takes her own advice and has sex before there’s a commitment. Like the Love Vixen lady says, get a ring and date first.”
“I don’t think she’s ever fallen in love with her older sister’s fiancé, who was a billionaire, and is now struggling to survive. He’s got a lot on his plate.”
“So you won’t be the focus of his world, then. I’ll bet
