Out of The Box Regifted (5 page)

The next night, Tommy comes for dinner and I’ve made his favorite meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, and a salad; complete with a tall glass of milk. We all sit down to eat and Tommy’s beside himself, with an indescribable sense of peace about him. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say, and I wonder if the guys even know yet. He tells us that he’s arranged to take Emily to dinner Saturday night in the city, and after that will take her to Navy Pier to walk around. They’ll get on the Ferris wheel, where he’ll propose. He’s arranged for the song Marry Me by Train, to be playing when they get to the top where he’ll pop the question. Talk about an over the top proposal. We talk about when he would like to marry her, and he tells us he’s thinking of the first week in May, since they’ll be leaving at the end of May. I ask what the weather is normally like here around that time, and they tell me it’s pretty much touch and go, but Ash says with tents out on the lot, we should be safe. This is so exciting and I ask Tommy about Emily’s family.

His body language changes and he looks sad, “She hasn’t talked to her folks in a long time. It sucks bad that her dad won’t be here to give her away. I feel so bad for her.” His face lights up, as he puts his elbows on the table, face in hands and smiles, “First though, we need to just hope she says yes.”

He pinches and squeezes Ash’s shoulders affectionately. “So Dad, Olivia—when are you guys planning on getting married?”

Ash looks up at him and smiles. “Well son, we really haven’t given it much thought, but since you asked here’s what I’m thinking and Olivia, feel free to chime in.” He moves his lips side to side, as I anxiously await his thoughts, since we really haven’t discussed it.

He chuckles, as he counts on his hands, “We’ve got a full plate these next few months with yours and Emily’s wedding, Melissa’s wedding, and the birth of Lainey’s baby in July.” He shakes his head with closed eyes. “Lots going on. I was actually thinking we could do a fall, maybe October, wedding.” He smiles and looks at me, looking for reassurance. “That’s just my thinking though. What you do you think, honey? It’s your wedding after all.”

Tommy cracks up, “It is your wedding too Dad.”

I nod my head towards Tommy. “I’m really not picky at all. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. By the way, have you told the guys yet?”

He’s tilted back in his chair, grinning. “Yeah, we had a group discussion at rehearsal the other night. Wasn’t too sure how they would feel, but everyone loves her. After all, what’s not to love about Emily?”

I ask Tommy if he’s nervous, and we talk about how this is all going to come down.

“The night of, I’ll probably be scared shitless. Hell, I’ve never done anything like this before. I just hope I can surprise her and that she says yes.”

I laugh and say, “Well, you’ll have to talk to your dad and pick his brain.”

Ash chimes in, as he puts his hand up. “I have no words of wisdom, believe me. I was scared shitless myself. I mean, with everyone there, what if Olivia wouldn’t have said yes? I’d just paid the national debt for a ring, flown in her kids, gotten up on stage, bared my soul and sang to her. Boy wouldn’t that have been a bummer, if she’d said ‘hell no’?”

I laugh, “No chance of that Mr. Harper, you had me from the get go. Just try getting rid of me.” I work my way into the kitchen to clean up.

“Olivia we’re going up to play for a bit. Come up and join us when you’re through.”

I busy myself in the kitchen and my phone rings. My favorite ringtone, Todd’s, starts to play. “Hey there pervert.” I say with a smile in my voice.

“Pervert? Me? Oh yeah that IS me, isn’t it? So did Tommy come for dinner tonight?”

“Yeah he did. He and Ash are up in the music room playing together. What’s up?”

“Well, I guess he told you guys everything. So what do ya think?” He asks anxiously.

“Well, we’re extremely happy. What about you and the guys? Tommy said that y’all had a group meeting.”

“We sure did. Everyone is pretty stoked. We can’t believe he’s finally found someone. Em’s the best, and I can’t wait till she’s Emily Harper. This is gonna be the fuckin wedding of the century Olivia, so you better get ready. Kyra and I are headed out to dinner, and I just wanted to check in. Maybe we can meet for lunch one day next week.”

“Sure thing. I’d love that, or better yet come for dinner the night after the proposal. I’m sure he’ll fill you in, before he does us. Oh and Todd?”

“Yes?”

“Keep your fingers crossed that she says yes.”

“Olivia, you know what else I’m keeping crossed.”

In my mind I can just picture what we call in Texas a ‘shit eatin grin’, plastered on his face. “Todd, you’re too funny, but okay keep that crossed too.”

I go up to the music room and watch my beautiful man, playing guitar with his son. Tommy is at the piano and I stand at the doorway mesmerized. Tommy is playing a Jackson Browne song called
The Load Out
on the piano, and Ash is playing guitar with Tommy singing. They are kindred spirits indeed, and they totally enjoy each other’s company. I swear I could listen to them play forever. Seeing me standing at the door, Tommy motions me to go sit by him, and I listen to this incredibly talented duo of men.

***

The next day at work, I’m dying to pick Emily’s brain, but certainly don’t want to give any inclination that I know what’s about to happen.

“So, Emily do you have any plans for this weekend, or would you and Tommy like to come for dinner?”

“Aww how sweet Olivia, but we’re going to dinner Saturday night. Can we take a rain check?”

“Absolutely Emily! Maybe next weekend then.”

***

Saturday finally gets here, and Ash thinks I should go to Northbrook and shop for things to take on our trip to Houston. He has some work to do, so he sends me on my way by myself, with his credit cards in hand. “Spend as much as you want, Olivia! Just get what you WANT, not what you need. I’m serious and I expect to see a lot of dollars spent, or I’ll just load you up, take you back, and make you spend some money. I’m serious honey. Spend. My. Money!”

So reluctantly, being the spendthrift that I am, I head to Neiman’s first and walk aimlessly around the store, looking for something to buy. There really isn’t anything I
need
and since I’m not a big shopper, especially with someone else’s money, I still find it hard to let Ash spend money on me. Not that it makes me feel like a kept woman or anything, I just am not one to go out shopping ‘just because’. However, I do manage to find several things I like and purchase them. I’m hoping Ash likes them, and I suspect no matter what I buy, he’ll say it’s not enough. I have no idea what his financial position is, but I’m pretty sure he’s a very wealthy man, just by the things he has and his taste for the finer things. After Neiman’s I decide to take a break. So I head to Starbucks and have a coffee before venturing into more stores. I get my coffee and make my way to the only available table and my heart stops. Sitting at the table next to me is Alan and Kelly. Well shit. Why do I always run into them? And this time, Ash isn’t with me to protect me. My heart starts beating fast and I decide to act like I don’t see them, as I pull out my phone. I pretend to be talking to someone, when I look up to see him standing at my table.

“Olivia?”

I try to act surprised and unaffected, “Oh hey Alan. What a surprise. How are you?”

He puts his hands on the table, “Well, I should probably ask you the same question. VERY nice ring, Olivia. That sucker will put your eye out. From Ash, I’m guessing?”

“Oh yes, yes it is.” I’m hoping he’ll go back to his table, but once Kelly sees him talking to me, she comes to say hello.

She giggles ridiculously and claps her hands “Wow now, just how cool is this? Do you mind if we all sit together?”

‘
Deep breaths Olivia, just breathe deep and take the high road
’, my inner goddess is urging me. I nod to the empty seats across from me. “Well, I guess not. Please, sit.”

“Damn, what a friggin rock you’ve got there. It’s beautiful. So, when are you getting married?” Kelly asks.

“Well, I only just got engaged on my birthday, so no, not getting married just yet. Plus you forget I just got divorced.” I coolly remind her.

Looking hurt, Alan remarks, “I wonder why no one told me, Olivia. I would have thought one of the kids would have at least called me.”

My inner goddess manages to plant a smirk on my face. “Pfft! There’s really no reason why they would have told you, Alan. My life really doesn’t concern you anymore hon.” I point at Kelly, noticing her baby bump. “So how are things with the two of you? I guess you’ll be getting married soon?”

“We do plan on it, but haven’t really decided on a date yet.” Alan responds, quite matter of factly.

I shake my head and realize this answer is so typical of him. “Well, Alan you’ve got a baby in the oven, don’t you think you should get married before the blessed arrival?”

Alan laughs, and I’m disgusted by his nonchalant tone, “Yeah Olivia, I guess that would be a good idea. I should probably make an honest woman out of her.” He gives Kelly a wink, which is nauseating. I try my best not to show any reaction, and find I’m really getting tired of this bullshit small talk. Tapping my nails on the table, I find I’m quickly running out of patience.

He then has the audacity to ask, “How’s Lainey doing?”

Now I’m fuming mad. Obviously he’s not in regular communication with his kids, which royally pisses me off. It seems like after the separation and divorce, Kelly has become his main focus. It’s sad because he and Lainey used to be so close. She was always Daddy’s little girl and could do no wrong in his eyes. He was much closer to her than he was with the boys, and it breaks my heart. My face is flush with anger, as I incredulously respond. “How’s Lainey? Seriously Alan? She’s
your
daughter. Why don’t you tell me how she is? No, I take that back you probably haven’t talked to her, or you wouldn’t be asking me, would you?”

Embarrassed by my castigating him in front of Kelly, he answers defensively, “Not in a while. I’ve been traveling a lot, but I fully intend on calling her.” He leans back in his chair and takes a deep breath, trying to change the conversation. “It’s great that Dalton is back in the states, huh?” Kelly senses the tension between Alan and I, and excuses herself to go to the restroom. Taking advantage of her absence, in an attempt of an explanation, he takes a deep breath and looks contrite, “Look, Liv I never meant to hurt you. You do know that right?”

Resentful at his attempt to placate me I respond, “Uhh, no I don’t Alan.” It’s all I can do to contain my feelings, and I guess he can sense it by the look on my face.

“You’re still pretty bitter, I take it.”

I take a sip of my coffee and look at him with contempt, “I’m not bitter Alan, I’ve just moved on from that time in my life. You sort of forced me to do that, in case you forgot. Too bad with our split, you don’t seem to give a shit about your own kids anymore. Pitiful Alan, just pitiful.” I’m peeved and I’m sure it’s evident on my face.

“Ouch! I guess I deserved that, didn’t I?”

“Yeah you did. You’re an asshole, but things have worked out for the best. I’m a totally different woman now, and I guess I can thank you for that. I’m actually happier now than I’ve ever been in my life.”

Alan looks defeated, “Liv, I’m sorry that I couldn’t be that man for you.”

“Don’t you dare tell me you’re sorry, Alan. Don’t insult me with your lame ass excuses. You’ve got a new life and are soon to be a daddy again, and that’s great.” I take advantage of the fact to rub it in. “Tell me about that Alan. Was it planned?” I coyly ask. I think I know the answer, but wait for him to respond.

“No, totally not planned. Jesus, I’m gonna be a grandpa, and now I’m gonna be a dad again. Wasn’t prepared for it, you can believe that.” He quickly replies

“So do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” I ask.

“Gonna be a girl. We just found out.”

“Well that’s great. So you’ll be going to school functions, ballet recitals, being the protective dad on first dates and on and on. While I, on the other hand, will be traveling and enjoying my golden years. Ha-ha.” I just have to brag on that.

“Yeah, I guess you will. Geez, I’ll be friggin 78 when she goes off to college. Hard to believe.”