Cold Feet novel Chapter 36

RICK

When I get home I have a few more drinks as I sit in the dark of my living room pondering my discussion with Lewis.

I decide that he’s right. Much of what he said is true. I’ve never been in a long term relationship before. That’s my own doing, I know but people change and I don’t feel bad about wanting to change. Why should I. On the other hand, it makes sense that I want to stick with what I know which is the one night stand lifestyle. That would explain my longing for Viola. Maybe I’m only interested in her because she’s the one that got away. If we have sex, I might lose interest. Am I going to do that at the expense of a sure thing with Christine?

When I think of it in that context I make peace with my thoughts and I’m actually grateful that nothing more happened between Viola and I.

Feeling a sense of peace I head off to bed and drift off to bed with a small thought knocking on the door of mind. It’s small but it wants to be heard on the arena of thinking where my biggest decisions are made, like marrying Christine. I don’t want to open the door because I can hear it already and I don’t want to. It says, but you’ve never thought of Viola as a one-night stand…

VIOLA

Sometimes the universe just doesn’t stop knocking. When it’s got your number there’s no stopping it. It’s not as easy as shutting the door in Rick’s face. It will always find a way no matter the cost it seems.

It’s almost midnight when I’m woken by a call. It’s Lara. She is crying and I eventually manage to understand her. She’s at the hospital. Her husband has had a stroke and is in a coma.

I dress quickly and am with her in thirty minutes. I console her and she manages to calm down a bit. James, her husband is in the ICU and Lara is waiting for news from the doctors.

They’ve been together for a long time and I can understand how much he means to her. In the short time that I have worked with her I have come to know her much better along with her husband and their kids. They are a very happy family and I am envious, in a nice way. I hope to have what they have one day but now I feel for her and we pray together.

“Don’t worry about work, I’ll take care of everything,” I tell her.

“Will you?” she asks. “It would be such a help. I don’t think I could deal with it right now. Most importantly, you have to make sure that Rick and Christine’s wedding plans are finalized.”

I’m silent for a moment. I want to stare at the heavens at scream, Why me? There it is right there. I feel like I’ve been manipulated by the universe. I know it.

Lara gives me Rick’s number and I pretend I don’t have it. I promise her I’ll give Rick a call in the morning and explain everything to him. When I feel that Lara is calm enough I leave and ask her to call me for anything. I find it strange that Christine isn’t there considering what good friends they’re supposed to be.

Nevertheless, I’m careful as I leave the hospital. I don’t fancy running into Christine. Luckily for me I don’t.

I wake up the usual time even though I haven’t had nearly enough sleep. I have a headache and take an aspirin before getting ready for work.

I know I have to call Rick sooner rather than later but I stare at his number on my cellphone screen for a long time before I call him. I even have to unlock the screen a few times.

Even as I call his number I pray he won’t answer even though it will simply delay the inevitable. But he answers and it’s probably for the best.

“Good morning,” he says. His voice is reserved. He clearly hasn’t been expecting me to call.

“Good morning,” I say as business like as possible.

“You’re the last person I was expecting to call,” he remarks.

“I’m the last person I expected to call you, Rick,” I reply, then continue before he can say anything else. “I’m calling on behalf of Lara. Her husband’s in hospital and it’s not good. I promised her I’ll take care of business as long as she needs me to and she’s asked me to make sure that your wedding plans with Christine get finalized.” I surprise myself at how business like I am. “Perhaps we can meet for coffee or at the office so I can get up to speed on where you’re at. I’m sorry but I didn’t want to bother Lara with details. I’m sure you can understand.”

Rick seems to understand and responds well. “Sure, we can meet for coffee. I think it’s just about done. I’ve got a whole file on it. I’ll bring it with me.”

I’m surprised that Rick responds so professionally. We agree on the coffee shop and the time.

When I arrive at the coffee shop, Rick’s already there. He has a file on the table in front of him and he’s looking out the window. He stands when he sees me and when he offers to help me sit, I wave him off. We order coffee.

“So much for not talking,” Rick smiles.

I sigh. “Rick. Please let it go. I didn’t come here to talk about what happened last time. I feel bad enough. I’m here to do one thing and one thing only and that’s get you to the altar with Christine. Okay?”

Rick studies me a moment as if wondering where this strength is coming from. Then finally he nods. “You’re right. My friend told me to focus as well. He agrees with you.”

“Wait, you discussed me with your friend?” I ask surprised.

“Not in so many words. I needed to talk to someone about what happened. He’s happily married and has been for a long time. I’m inclined to take his advice. So, let’s get on with it.”