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- 02/01/2022
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
Timothy - 91. Chapter 91
Stephen held me as my thoughts turned to what Rich said. Do I tell Ann Marie and Tom or not say anything. “Stephen, I need to tell Tom. I’m not sure about Ann Marie, and if I tell her, she may have a relapse by remembering her rape all over again.”
“Tell Alex and let him make the judgment call of telling Ann Marie or not.”
At work, I called Alex and arranged a luncheon meeting with him. I wanted to discuss Ann Marie’s release and Bruce’s death. We agreed he would meet me at work tomorrow. I told Stephen he would be with me, and we would use the special dining room.
Arriving home, Rich left a message, ‘call me'.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to call him or not. Stephen told me to call him. “Rich, I’m returning your call.”
“Tim, I’m leaving Canada tomorrow, and I wondered if I could stop at your place.”
“Of course, you have our address?”
“Yes, I’ll take a taxi from the airport. I should arrive about 6.”
“Plan on having dinner with us.”
Saying goodbye, I went to tell Stephen that we would have an overnight guest.
In the morning, sitting on my favorite seat, “I wonder why Rich wants to see us tonight.”
“After witnessing a suicide, maybe he needs a friend.”
“I’m sure he has other friends.”
“I guess we will have to wait until tonight.”
Walking to work, my mind was on my meeting with Alex. Besides the information on Bruce, I wanted to discuss when she could be released. I don’t think the lodge is the answer, and I wonder if she would like one of Stephen’s dad’s apartments.
My morning seemed to fly. Stephen came to my office with Alex. “Are you ready for lunch?”
“Yes, hello Alex, how are you?”
“I’m fine, but I think your sister will have a bone to pick with you. We usually go to lunch together.”
“I’ll make it up to her. Maybe you can come over to the house on Friday for dinner.”
Sitting in the private dining room, “Alex, the reason I wanted to see you privately was to tell you the man who raped Ann Marie has committed suicide. I wasn’t sure if she should be told or not, and I’ll leave that up to you.”
“I will give it some thought, but right now, I believe she shouldn’t know.”
“I’ll leave it to you to tell her when you think the time is right.
“Alex, do you have designs on Tim’s sister? I noticed how you hover around her and always hold her hand.”
I started to laugh. Stephen cuts to the chase.
“Alex, how much longer do you think Ann Marie will need your services. I need to address where she will live when she leaves the hospital.”
“Let’s see if one answer will answer both of your questions. I’m sure you know that I’m very fond of Ann Marie and I think she is fond of me as well. I want to marry her when she is ready, but that isn’t now. She is like a teenager who has fallen in love for the first time, which is new to her. Tim, I would like to see her living close to the hospital, but she will need someone who can teach her how to cook, take care of her apartment and be a confidant.”
“I was thinking of an apartment in one of Stephen’s father’s buildings. That isn’t close to the hospital, but it will be close to Stephen and me. Is that too far for you to travel?”
“No, I wouldn’t mind traveling a little longer.” Laughing, “It would be close to your home, so we won’t have to travel far for dinners.”
“Alex, you and Ann Marie are welcome any time as long as you give us notice. Otherwise, you will have to eat salads and cooked vegetables.”
Stephen and I walked Alex to his car. Saying goodbye, “Any time you want to stop by, you’d be welcome.”
“I think that went well. What do you think?”
“Yes, I was hoping he would be the one to tell Ann Marie about Bruce. I’m glad he said he would when he thought she was ready. You pinned him against the wall with your direct arrow concerning his feeling for Ann Marie.”
That evening walking home, “What time is Rich due to arrive?”
“I expect him to be here within the next 30-45 minutes.”
“Good, we have time for a shower and change out of our suits.”
I looked at Stephen, then I laughed. I think Stephen was glad the drama that occupied our life for the last several months was heading to the end. I knew they were my problems, and I was more than grateful that Stephen supported me.
Rich arrived, and I offered him leftover pizza and a cup of coffee.
“Tim, I need to talk to you. I want your input on this piece I wrote for my paper.”
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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