I Remember (Remembrance Series) (23 page)

“Before you go…I found some movers who are available, either this weekend or next, at a really low rate. Plus, I called a storage facility that is located just down the street from my place and they offer competitive pricing.”

He caught me off guard. I was not expecting to be able to move for several weeks. “Are you in a rush to get me out of the apartment?”

“Let’s just say that after what happened yesterday, I’ll feel more at ease once you are out of there. By the way, how is your arm?”

“It is definitely sore. I think I’ll be wearing long sleeves to work for a while, to avoid anyone asking about it.”

“Would this weekend work, then? I’ll be there to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

“I’m not sure I can be ready by this weekend. There’s still a lot left to pack.”

“I already thought of that and they can bring boxes to finish packing up any loose items that you want to put into storage.”

“Does it really mean that much to you that I get out of there this weekend?”

He wrapped both arms around me, drawing me to his chest. “Your safety means everything to me…you mean the world to me.”

I looked up to see his eyes full of care and concern. “If it worries you that much, then I’ll move out on Saturday.”

An endearing smile spread across his face. “I’ll go ahead and set everything up, then. We can get you out of your apartment Saturday afternoon, with plenty of time left over for me to take you out on a nice date before you have to get back to Deland.”

Before I could object, his lips pressed urgently against mine, making me lose my train of thought. Every one of his kisses made me feel as though the Earth stood still and only the two of us existed.

It took a car alarm going off in the parking lot to break the spell and bring me back to reality. “I should probably go before my mother gets worried.”

He looked deep into my eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to go. But at least I can see you in my dreams.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I know I will.”

Gregory leaned into the car to fasten my seatbelt, giving me a gentle kiss on the lips. “Call me when you get home, so I know you are safe?”

“I will.”

“Talk with you soon, Beautiful.”

“Ok, Handsome.”

It was a little after 9:00 PM when I arrived home; but, because of my lack of sleep, it felt like midnight. I gave Mom a quick hug and a brief rundown of my day. Then I headed to bed.

“Good night, Jordan.”

I was in bed and about to turn out the lights when the phone rang. “Hello?” I answered, groggily.

“You forgot to call, I’ve been worried.” Gregory’s voice sounded relieved.

“I’m sorry. I got home a little while ago.” I meant to call you…forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive. Sorry if I am over protective, Jordan, but Sunday’s events triggered that.”

“No worries. I’m fine. Thanks for watching out for me, I am not used to all the attention.”

“I hope you know I would do anything for you. I love you.”

“I feel the same way, Gregory.”

“I am keeping you from your sleep. I’ll go for now, but call me tomorrow when you get a chance?”

“Okay. Have a wonderful night.”

“Goodnight, Jordan. I love you.”

“Goodnight. Love you, too.”

Exhaustion pulled me into a deep sleep. My visions were only of Gregory and the feel of his arms as I slumbered blissfully through the night.

The alarm clock sounded too early and with it came an overpowering sense of dread.

“Good morning, Jordan.” Mother was quick to greet me as I walked into the kitchen. “So, how was your date with Gregory, last night?”

“Good morning.” I gave her a quick hug before grabbing a cup of coffee and spreading some peanut butter on a slice of toast.

“Last night was nice. I was thankful to have somewhere to stop off. The Interstate could have passed for a giant parking lot. I’m either going to need to leave early or stay late to avoid that mess.”

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about this last night, but I was too tired. Gregory found some movers that can get me out of the apartment this Saturday. He even found a storage facility that is close to his place. I was wondering what your thoughts were?”

“Is there a rush?”

“I wondered the same thing. But, he doesn’t really want me going back there, alone, given what happened the other day.”

“I can see the logic in that. I don’t like the idea of you being around that apartment, either. Did you need my help with anything?”

“No, I think we can handle it. He will be there to help. Plus, he wants to take me on a date that night, if you are okay with it.”

“Wow. He doesn’t waste any time, does he?”

I had to laugh. “No, I guess not. I don’t have all the details, but it would be nice to have the apartment behind me so I can focus on my life here, for now.”

“I am fine with your plans. I will be busy, anyway; Melinda and Tom want to come back up for a visit.”

“That will be fun. I gotta run or I’ll be late.”

The whole demeanor of the office was depressing. Everyone seemed upbeat and happy, yesterday. A rarity for a Monday. But today, everyone’s disposition was downright unpleasant. Then it hit me. . Pamela had been at a convention yesterday, and was back in the office this afternoon. She just seems to have that kind of effect on people.

Caroline came in my office. “Have you had a chance to have lunch, yet?”

“No, I haven’t. Why?”

Pamela needs assistance getting some packets together. Everyone else is either busy or gone. Do you think you could help?

If it were Pamela asking for the help, I would have declined. But since Caroline asked, I agreed.

“Pamela, just show me where to start and how you want it put together and I will get it done for you.” I offered with faked enthusiasm.

“Here’s a sample of the only marketing packet I have left. Start over here, with the information, on this side, follow all the way around the table and end with that last chair. Just stack the completed packets in this empty box so I can distribute them to my associates.”

To my surprise, her demeanor was strangely pleasant. I guess her need for assistance outweighed any potential for cynicism, today.

We worked together, one following behind the other. After collating about ten packets, her cell rang and she needed to go back to her office.

I was relieved to be left alone, but overwhelmed by how many packets were left to complete. Time crept by slowly until all the packets were done.

I poked my head in her office to see if she was still on the phone. “Yes, Jordan?”

“The packets are complete, in the box and waiting on the conference table. Did you need anything else before I take lunch?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks for your help.” The sentiment was not overly cheerful, but I was happy to get it.

I closed my door and ate my lunch in peace. Afterward, I took out my cell phone to check for any messages. I was sad to see that no one had called, so I decided to check in with Mom.

My next call was to Gregory. The phone went straight to voicemail. I decided to hang up and try again. On the second try, he picked up.

“Hey, Beautiful.” His voice made my heart race.

“How is your day?”

“Hectic, but I have a few minutes to talk. We have a small crisis with one of the cell sites and I need to get the issue resolved before it starts affecting the other sites; so, it looks like I will be working late.”

“I’m sorry. Sounds like I’ve have called at a bad time.”

“Jordan, please, don’t go. Hearing your voice is exactly what I need right now. How’s your day going?”

“I wish I could say wonderful, but my day hasn’t been any better than yours. I just finished lunch and haven’t had a chance to do any of my own work, today. Just been putting out fires.”

‘I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.”

“Let me know when you are on your way back home. Sorry I need to cut this short, but I have one of the field engineers calling on me. I love and miss you.”

“I love and miss you too.” While my mind may have been occupied by work, my heart was elsewhere.

The rest of the afternoon was spent rushing back and forth between all the departments.

I detected a small cheer coming from the front office when the phones were switched over to the answering service that night. And, while I found the celebration a bit inappropriate, I couldn’t help but feel my own sigh of relief that I could finally get a little work done.

The next couple of hours were filled with tranquility. I took full advantage of the peace and quiet to get a several reports knocked out.

I glanced at the clock when I heard the cleaning crew start to stir in the hallway, not realizing it was already after 7:00 PM. I decided to close down the computer and call it a night.

Once in the parking garage, a sense of uneasiness consumed me. As I started toward my car, I heard a set of footsteps following behind me, making my heart race with sheer panic. Suddenly an unwelcome voice called out, “Jordan?” Chills swept through me, it was Pamela.

I stopped cold in my tracks and turned to face her. “Yes, Pamela?”

“I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you’ for helping with the marketing packets, today.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

I turned in the direction of my car when she caught my arm. “Can I talk with you a second?” I looked into her eyes and sensed something cold beneath the surface.

I yanked my arm from her grasp. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot your arm is injured.” I was stunned at her remark.

She quickly attempted to explain. “Suzy, in secretarial, noticed your arm was bruised when you were dropping off some paperwork for her doctors this morning. I hope you are okay,” her voice oozed with false concern.

“I slipped while packing up my apartment this past weekend. It will heal,” I said rather nonchalantly, not wanting to divulge any details. I knew full well that it was impossible for my sleeve to shift enough to make anything visible. I had made certain of that.
Something is really weird. How could she know?

I turned and walked hastily toward my car, yelling back to her, “Sorry, but I am expected home, soon. Talk with you, tomorrow.”

When I was halfway home, I called Mom to let her know I was in route and then called Gregory to let him know what happened.

“Try to stay clear of her if you can, Jordan.”

Mom had a fabulous chicken Caesar salad waiting for me as soon as I walked through the door. We sat and talked about the day’s events.

“I agree with Gregory. Something sounds strange about that Pamela. Try to keep your distance and see if someone else in your department can help her, next time.”

I promised I would, then wished her goodnight and readied myself for bed. Once settled, I gave Gregory a call, hoping I was not calling too late.

“Hey. I was just about to call you.”

“You fret too much.” I teased. “I’m fine. I had to take time to eat dinner; plus, I had a wonderful conversation with Mom and lost track of time.”

“I worry about you because I care a great deal for you. You have to admit, you haven’t had the best luck, lately.”

Bad luck and I kind of go hand-in-hand. I’ve actually gotten used to it throughout my life; that’s just always how it’s been.” A yawn escaped my lips.

“Well hopefully I can do something about changing that luck.” He teased and then started to yawn, too.

“Maybe we should call it a night and talk tomorrow? Sounds like we both have had a frenzied day.”

“Keep me close in your dreams, tonight?” He requested.

“Only as close as you keep me in yours.”

“That will not be a problem. Miss you.”

“Miss you more.”

My mind easily drifted to visions of Gregory, holding me in his arms.

Over the next couple of days, my work load increased exponentially and I realized Linda had left out a wealth of information regarding my duties. I was basically left to sink or swim, but somehow managed to tread water and keep afloat, trying to learn the other things that were required of me.

Gregory’s job wasn’t much better. He had an engineer quit without reason, which left his department short staffed. He had to fill-in, in addition to his own workload, until a replacement could be found.