Page 15 of Degrees of Acceptance
“Chase we can’t just show up and tell my mom she needs round the clock security. She will absolutely flip,” I exclaim.
“Would you please stop worrying? Why don’t you call your mom and tell her we’re going to be in town tonight and would like to take her out to dinner. She typically leaves work around four thirty and goes to the gym. According to the security report she usually stops by the supermarket for meat and produce, and typically arrives home around six thirty. I’ve made reservations at Bay Shore at seven p.m. We can have dinner and get to know each other a little better. Why don’t you have her meet us there,” he suggests.
I’m stunned that he knows so much about my mom and already has everything planned. “Chase, I don’t know what to say. Thank you for thinking of my mom, but you’re sure it’s necessary for her to have security, too?”
“You’re welcome, and unfortunately, it is, Katarina,” he says, brushing my hair out of my face and kissing me on the mouth. “Why don’t you go to your office, call your mom and let her know we’re coming? Renee has moved into the vacant space adjacent to yours. You might want to leave her with things she can do in our absence. I’m not sure when we’ll be back into the office after today.”
“What time are we leaving?” I ask, trying to comprehend everything that’s happening.
“It’s about a two and a half hour flight. We’ll take the helicopter from here to the airport and avoid the city traffic, but we should still leave around three thirty this afternoon,” he says.
I walk out of his office and see Matt standing by the elevator as I head for the executive suites. As I round the corner, I’m surprised to see Dereck at one of the collaborative workstations, most often utilized by administrators who need space in between meetings with people in the building. He fits right in today wearing a dark suit, light shirt and conservative tie.
I smile as I pass him on the way to Renee’s office. She is seated behind the desk and stands when I walk in. “You must be Renee. I’ve heard so many good things about you and am happy you accepted the offer to work on the Prestian Medical Center project,” I say, shaking her hand.
“Thank you very much, Miss Meilers. I am excited about the opportunity,” she says.
“Please, call me Kate.”
“Okay, I will,” she says warmly.
Chase just informed me that we may not be here much of next week. I need to make a phone call, but after that, if you want to we can spend some time going over things for next week,” I offer.
“That sounds perfect. Just let me know when you are ready.”
I close my office door and settle in to call my mom. I have no idea how to start this conversation. She’s at work, hopefully not in a meeting. “Siri, call Mom,” I say, settling into my chair.
“Hi Sweetheart,” she says. I can hear the surprise in her voice. I never call during the day.
“Hi, Mom.”
“I haven’t heard from you in a little while. I thought you might be working long hours so was going to try you over the weekend,” she explains.
I know she must be wondering why it took me so long to call her, after all she told me at the hospital. “It looks like we can catch up a little sooner than that. Chase and I are going to be in Naples tonight,” I explain.
“You’re kidding? You’re coming here, tonight?” she asks. She sounds excited, and my heart catches a little… I feel horrible that I’ve only responded to her texts and not called to talk with her since our conversation at the hospital.
“He made reservations at a place called Bay Shore for seven o’clock. Can we meet you there?” I ask.
“Absolutely. It’s a charming restaurant. I can’t wait to see you,” she says.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you too, Mom. I love you,” I say, wishing that we didn’t have to bring her bad news.
“Love you too, Sweetie,” she says before hanging up.
Well, that wasn’t so bad.
Message:Talked to Mom and she’ll meet us at 7.
Reply:Go okay?
Message: Yes, she sounded excited to see us.
I find Renee and soon become immersed in workflows and diagrams. I have already sent Terry some of them, but explain each of them to her and why they are used. “I haven’t moved any of my books from my office at Torzial. If I had them here, you could read them while I’m gone.”
“Kate, we have delivery associates. I can arrange to have them picked up from Torzial if you have someone pick out the books you’re referring to,” she offers.
“Good idea, Renee. I’ll arrange for someone to leave them at the front desk.” I turn and see Chase lounging in the doorway.
