Page 16 of Unexpected Adventures
It’s more of an enclosed patio with a wall of glass that looks out onto the night. There’s dim lighting, which creates a calming atmosphere. A few comfortable chairs and a loveseat fill one area, while a semi-circular, cushioned bench lines the wall beneath the glass. Sherri and Jeff take the loveseat, while Denise and I sit at the windows. That leaves Shaun and Jim to take the chairs.
As we get comfortable, and the dogs begin to settle, easy conversation flows.
“So where are you off to tomorrow?” Shaun asks of his sister.
“Seattle, for a banquet with Jeff’s bosses.”
“It’s a business merger that’s been in the works for a while, and they finally made the deal,” Jeff added.
“More likeJeffmade the deal,” Sherri praised. “He’s going to become third partner in Newsome Aviation.”
“That’s wonderful!” Denise beams.
“Congratulations, Jeff,” Shaun adds.
Jeff humbly waves it off. “Yes, well, thank you. It’s an exciting venture.”
“One that will benefit us as well,” Jim adds. “They’re going to be exclusive carriers for Google Corporate.”
I sit back and watch the dynamics of the group, feeling completely out of my element amongst these corporate smarties. Not saying I’m jealous, because their success is great for them, but it makes me feel a bit inadequate to say the least. So, I just continue to play with the dogs. At least I can relate to them.
“Well, enough shop talk,” Sherri says. “Oh, one last thing in case I didn’t say it earlier.Congratulations to Denise on her promotion.” Everyone joins in on the congrats. “Now, not to down-play that, but let’s talk about Abby.”
My surprised expression is evident. “Uh, let’s not.” I chuckle.
“Oh, come on, Abbs, let everyone get to know you,” Denise whines.
“Well, there’s not much to know, really. I don’t have a degree of any kind. I’m certainly not a pilot. I’m twenty-eight and I’ve never even been on an airplane.”
That one always gets ‘em. Their shocked expressions are priceless.
“You’ve never been on a plane?” Shaun asks.
“No,” I sheepishly reply. “I’ve never had a need to fly. I’ve never been anywhere I couldn’t drive to.”
“It’s true,” Denise adds. “My big sis is so sheltered,” she teases.
“Tell us about your profession?” Sherri asks.
I nearly snort, thinking my profession is non-existent. “Well, I guess you could consider me a sitter of sorts.”
“Oh, she’s more than that,” Denise says, as if defending me. “She’s a terrific caregiver.”
“Denise says you’re with an organization called Visiting Angels.”
“That’s right. It’s a national organization that provides living assisted duties to individuals.”
“Tell them about Sylvia,” Denise blurts out. “She’s a character, from what Abby says.”
A warm smile crosses my face just thinking about Sylvia. “She’s a character, all right, and my main client. She’s a widow, and still a sparkplug at seventy-six.”
“She’s been trying to convince Abby to break out of her comfort zone. Wants her to skydive! I think she should go up with Shaun.”
“But he doesn’t skydive,” I weakly protest.
“Well, paragliding is close enough, and probably safer, seeing as you’ll be strapped to an experienced person.”
I notice Shaun smiling, trying not to laugh, I’m sure. His smile is infectious and I find myself smiling right back at him.
