Security - 14. Chapter 14

I needed to set up hotel rooms for the guys. I drove to a local hotel and smiled as I walked into the lobby, Mexican decor. I register the guys, used my company credit card to pay for their rooms. Initially, I booked for three days and told them I might require a few days more.

Now, I had to check with Noah and Bobby. I called Noah, they were still at the University. I took a walk, leaving a message to call me when the tour was over. The area was nice, cottages along the surf line, some right on the surf but I was close enough. I knew that Bobby would enjoy living here. If I had told anyone what I have done for him, they would think I was his father. He’s probably the closest to a son I’ll ever have. Marriage doesn’t interest me, women or men. I am happy as I am. I guess I’m married to my technology and as far-fetched as that sounds, I’m happy.

I sat on the edge of the dock and watched the waves, the birds as they hovered over the waves, and a few kids playing in the sand. I was oblivious to everything around me, I was lost in the smells and sounds of the ocean.

“Hello” I was startled from my dreaming by an elderly man with a fishing rod. “Hello”

“Sorry if I startled you, I come here every day about this time to see if I can catch dinner. Otherwise, it’s a frozen dinner.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll watch for you. Maybe I can spot a big one. My name is Chaz and I live in the Amnoy’s old place.”

“Nice to meet you, Chaz, people call me Ole Abe.”

“I think I’ll just call you Abe. You don’t fit Ole Abe.” He laughed as he baited his hook and dropped it off the dock.

“I usually catch a lot of crabs, I’m not sure which are good and which aren’t.”

I knew that some crabs aren’t that good to eat even though they are eatable. Just then Abe pulled up his line and there was a blue crab on it. “What do you think Chaz, good or bad?”

I knew that those crabs were very good, “Those are good Abe, boiled or baked, can’t go wrong.”

“Here I was throwing them back in. I’ll go on home and get a bucket to put them in.”

I watched as he walked home with his crab. Noah called and so I had to leave and I wouldn’t know how many he would catch.

I drove to the university, I stopped and bought a bottle of wine and some flowers. Works every time, I always get an invitation to return. As I pulled up at the University entrance, Bobby and Noah were talking, well Bobby was talking and Noah was shaking his head. I smiled as they waved and headed to the car. “Chaz, I’ll meet you at home. Bobby, you can ride with me or Chaz, your choice.”

I could see that Bobby wanted to ride with Noah but didn’t want to offend me. “It’s okay Bobby, you ride with Noah and I’ll follow.” He smiled as he ran to Noah’s car. I knew tomorrow I’d need to talk to Noah and see how the day went. But tonight, I want to relax with friends and enjoy a good home-cooked dinner.

Arriving at Noah’s home, Bobby was by my side as we walked in, he was all smiles, one happy young man. Gwen gave me a hug and a cheek kiss, I paid her back. She hugged Bobby as well. I looked at Bobby and looking at the smile he had, he agreed that Gwen was a beautiful woman.

Dinner was a delight, Bobby was excited about the school and he laughed at the antidotes of our school days. Gwen had to tell all of the goofs I made and Noah helped. We toasted the gang, talked about a possible reunion. Enjoyed the wine, even Bobby, talked until I thought we should be going.

“I have the boys coming in tonight so I’ll be working tomorrow. I’ll take Bobby with me, he can look around and get familiar with the area. Being close to the ocean, he might find something to do. How about you and Gwen join Bobby and me for dinner, Bobby does a mean barbecue.” They thought that was a good idea, I gave them the address and we left for the cottage.

“So what do you think?”

“It’s great. The program has a lot of subjects that aren’t directly related to marine biology but Noah explained why. Some of the courses I think I’ll like. A few will be a drag but I’ll study, maybe I’ll come to like them.” “

That’s a good idea, you never know you might even change your major.” No way would he ever change his mind.

Arriving at the cottage, “Bobby, your luggage is in the living room, you can choose whichever bedroom you want. I have the last one.” He looked around, “Take your luggage to your room and then I’ll give you the tour.” I watched as he looked into the two bedrooms, he chose the first bedroom which abutted against the front porch. One of his bedroom windows looked out to the front of the cottage and the porch.

I opened a can of soda while I waited for him to come out of the bedroom. I waited for thirty minutes, opened his bedroom door, he was sound asleep. I guess all the activities and the wine had taken their toll. There will be time in the morning before I go to the hotel.