Chapter 9: Returning West

I didn't see Bernie that weekend. We had been pretty much getting together on a casual basis. One of us would phone the other and we would decide to do something. Bernie didn't call on Saturday or Sunday and that was okay with me. I wasn't in a dating mood. I did go to the local wheelchair basketball tournament games, but sat up in the bleachers, well out of sight of her. The attendance was sparse and I thought I knew why.

Many of us were still reeling from the shock of the attacks on the United States on September 11^th. It seemed inconceivable that someone could hijack commercial passenger aircraft and fly them into huge skyscrapers. There were so many rumours flying around about who or what was next. Dozens of flights had been redirected to Canadian airports to make sure they were safe. As I watched the news that night, I knew the world was never going to be the same again.

On Monday, before I had a chance to call Dave Jacobs, I received a call from Bob Maxwell. He was coming to Guelph for the project wrap-up later that week. He wanted to go over the job and make sure we were ready to turn the entire system on. I knew we were ready. Dave and I had made certain of that two weeks earlier, so I suspected that Bob really wanted to talk to me.

I met Bob at Pearson Airport late Thursday morning. It was finally getting back to something resembling normal after September 11^th. He had been in Moncton for a day, making sure Elizabeth Cormier was ready to take over there. Bob looked good; fit and tanned. He'd obviously been able to get out and enjoy the summer weather. We shook hands in the baggage area and I helped him with his bag to my car.

"Well, how has your stay in Guelph been, Ian?" he asked as I headed onto the 401 westbound.

"Good, Bob. I've learned a lot, thanks to Clary and Dave. I think the new manager is going to be good. He's not pretending he knows everything and he's gone out of his way to meet and talk to the staff and customers."

"Good, I'm happy to hear that. But I was really interested in how you felt about your assignment."

"Well, I know how much I still have to learn about running a business. I got a chance to see what caused all the problems in Guelph and what might have been done to prevent them. Mostly, it was people problems," I said.

"That's almost always the reason, Ian. One of the things I noticed about you right from the beginning was how you got along with the other staff. You took their advice when it was given and you didn't hesitate to ask if you weren't sure of something. You've come a long way in the last four years."

"Thanks, Bob. I had lots of help. But I'm sure that's not why you're here today. I'm guessing you already know from Dave that we are ready to join the others with our systems. I know Liz is all set too, so it looks like the project is coming to an end, barring any unforeseen screw-ups."

"That's right. I wanted to talk to you about your next assignment. I'd like you to take over the assistant manager's job in Vancouver. I think it's the best place for you to learn what it takes to run an operation. We do more business there than either of the other two branches. We'll be adding to Guelph and Moncton, of course, but home base will continue to have the main facilities."

"I'd be happy to do that, Bob, and thank you for your trust in me. I feel like I'm getting special treatment, but I want you to know I'm prepared to earn it. I'm sure I can be happy making my career with Maxwell Marine."

"Good to hear that, Ian. It's what I was hoping for. I think your dad and mom can be very proud of you. I know I am. Now let's talk about getting you back to the west coast."

I had booked Bob into a nice room at the Delta, so I knew he would be well taken care of. It was near the university district as well as our plant. He insisted on taking me out to dinner, which didn't really require any arm-twisting.

"Dave said you found a really nice place to live while you were here," Bob said when we were waiting for our meal.

"Yeah, I was really lucky. It was supposed to be the stable manager's cottage at a horse boarding operation, but he was commuting from home, so the owners decided to rent it out. I was lucky enough to convince them that I wouldn't trash the place, so I had a great place to live. Better than any hotel room, for sure. Better still, it was only twenty minutes from the office. I won't get that lucky in Vancouver."

Bob laughed. "No, you probably won't. But with your parents still in West Van, you'll have plenty of time to find something suitable."

"Yeah, there is that. When do you want me to move? I have to give notice to the Flemings."

"End of October," Bob said with a satisfied smile. "Can you have everything wrapped up by then?"

"Yeah, sure. Looks like I won't have to face another eastern winter after all," I grinned.

My last weekend in Guelph was the Southern Ontario Tournament for Wheelchair Basketball. I had almost forgotten about it until I saw a photo and an article in the local paper about the kids from the Guelph area participating. I decided I would go, spending the weekend in Toronto before leaving for Vancouver.

The tickets were very inexpensive. In fact, the parking was more expensive than the admission. However, I really wanted to see the tournament and see how some of the kids I got to know made out. It was a good decision and I will long remember the fun I had cheering on the Guelph squad. They played really well against some stiff opposition and made the finals on Sunday morning. It was a close game, the final score being 48-45 for the team from London. The kids had won a silver medal and you could see the joy they got from that achievement.

I saw Bernie at each of her team's games and she was enthusiastically cheering her kids on. She also got a medal as one of the coaches. I felt good about that. She was really into this sport and loved what she was doing. I thought I should call her before I left, just to let her know I attended and saw how well her team had done. It turned out that wasn't necessary.

She had spotted me at some point, and was looking for me at each of the four games they played. When the medal ceremony was done, she found a way to intercept me before I left.

"Hi, Ian. I'm so glad you came to the tournament. Thank you," she beamed as she hugged me.

"I loved every minute of it. I was really proud of your kids winning the silver. They must be really happy too."

"They are," she smiled before falling silent.

We stood awkwardly, neither of us knowing just what to say until Bernie spoke.

"I'm sorry things didn't work out for us ... for you ... Ian. You are my friend and I don't want you to be unhappy. Maybe someday things will change for me."

"I'm heading back to Vancouver in a couple of days. I was going to phone you, but I guess this is better. I'm sorry if I put you on the spot with my intentions. I didn't mean to do that. But I'd rather have you as a friend than not have you at all."

She smiled, pulled me to her, and kissed me warmly. No tongue, no hidden promises, just a nice, warm kiss.

"Good luck, Ian. I'll miss you. If you're back this way again, come and see me. Promise?"

I nodded. "Promise."

I thought long and hard about leaving Bernie and Guelph. Maybe if I'd stayed, I might have changed her mind. Maybe I gave up too easily. Maybe, someday, she'll change her mind about me. That could happen ... in my dreams. No, I didn't believe in miracles. It was not meant to be, so best to put it behind me and move on. Easier said than done.

Two days later I boarded an Air Canada flight to Vancouver and the next phase of my young career.

I was met at the airport by my parents. It was good to see them again. The last five months had been the first time I had been away from home and I think it was something my mother had a hard time with. Dad didn't say much, but he did let me know that Bob had been keeping him abreast of my project. I could see how proud Dad was that I had done well. I told them about my promotion and my new salary. Mom was glad I was still going to be somewhere near home.