Chapter 36

The party broke up around ten. Sherry and Steve left together. They didn't say anything but I think Steve spent the night with her the previous night and was probably going to do the same that night.

Michelle and Michael were cuddled up on the couch in the den with a bottle of wine and the fireplace going. Yes, it is the summer time but you know how romantics are.

Jerry actually left to go home and Trish decided she would also.

Tamara and I picked up the bottles and glasses and put them in the kitchen. "I'll call the maid service tomorrow to come in and clean. I'll also call the pool service. I think the water needs to be filtered," I said laughing.

"You're so bad," she responded.

Michael came into the kitchen. He asked us to join them for a little bit. We said okay and grabbed a bottle of wine and some glasses.

Michael toasted to friends. We were laying on some throw pillows on the floor. We were still naked and had pulled a faux fur over us.

"John, when I finish in New York, I'll be flying back to LA. Michelle is booked to go to Phoenix."

"It will be quiet around here. Doesn't seem like it's only been since Tuesday last week that we got together," I said. "I had a strange feeling in San Diego last year that we would meet again."

We chatted a bit more and then I noticed Tamara getting sleepy. I told them good night as I picked up my baby and carried her to the bedroom. We said good night and closed the door.

I carried her to the bed, laid her gently down and covered her up. I went to the bathroom and did my thing. I brushed my teeth and went to the bed. I crawled in next to her and cuddled. I was asleep in minutes.

Monday morning, a new beginning: I woke up thinking this. I looked over at the sweet lady lying next to me. I had asked her to move in with me less than two weeks after meeting her. My heart felt that I had known her all my life. I rolled over and kissed her cheek. She stirred, stretched, and looked at me. A sweet smile appeared on her face. It was the kind that cannot be faked.

"We need to get up and get ready for the day. Michael and Michelle will be leaving this morning," I said. "I'll go make breakfast. What would you like?"

"Coffee first, and then more coffee; actually danish and fruit would be nice," she said.

I put on my lounging pants and t-shirt. I went out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. The den needed to be straightened up along with the rest of the house. I started the coffee, took the danish out of the fridge; and turned on the oven. I made a pitcher of OJ. I cut up some cantaloupe, peeled a couple of oranges, and pulled a bunch of grapes. I put the danish in the oven and took Tamara her coffee.

She was sitting up in the bed and had the TV on to catch the morning news. "Do you realize this is the first time the TV has been on in our relationship?" I said.

"I never thought about it, but when have we had time?" she replied.

I kissed her and handed her the coffee. I told her the danish would be ready in about fifteen minutes. I went back into the kitchen, grabbed my coffee and opened the patio doors. It was a beautiful morning. I sat down and just enjoyed the birds and the trees. I was deep in thought when a hand on my neck brought me back to reality. I looked up and Tamara was standing there in a very sexy short silk robe. She was looking out across the golf course.

"I can see now why guys get up and play golf early in the morning. It is so pretty out here," she said.

Michael strolled out with a cup of coffee in his hand. "Good morning."

We both said the same. I heard the buzzer go off and went to the kitchen. Michelle entered the kitchen at the same time. "Good morning, John," she said. "Thanks so much for your hospitality."

"Glad to have you," I said. "You're welcome here anytime."

I put the danish on a tray, grabbed the fruit tray and carried both out to the patio. Michelle grabbed the OJ and followed me.

That was going to be our last breakfast together for a while. I looked across at Michael. I didn't see the actor; I saw the man. He came into my life and we bonded immediately. Michelle may have been a big part of that. Michelle works for Tamara and I wasn't sure how close they were before, but they are definitely closer now.

"What time do you need to leave for the airport?" I asked.

"The flight is at one so I figure we need to leave by ten," Michael said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the past week. It has been better than any vacation I've ever had."

"Ditto," I said. "What's up for you after New York?"

"My agent has two offers for me; both are movies that will be shot around the LA area. The better money is not the best script. I'll make a decision after New York."

Tamara interjected, "I'd love to see a movie being made."

"I might be able to arrange that," he said.

"That would be so great!" Tamara exclaimed as she hugged Michael.

We talked about going to LA and finished breakfast. Michelle and Michael went to get ready. Tamara and I took the dishes into the kitchen, and then she went to take a shower.

I grabbed my phone and went back out on the patio. The weekend was over and it was time to get back to work. First I called Tom.

"Good morning, Tom, John here."

"How was the rest of the weekend? I really enjoyed playing golf Sunday and visiting with the guys," he replied.

"It was fun, but now we have to get down to business. Have you called your friend in Phoenix?"

"Yeah, I did. I talked to him after the golf game. He said he would check into McKenzie this morning. He wasn't sure but he thought he recognized the name," he said.

"The second issue is the incorporation papers. How long will it take to get them drawn up? I would like to have everything signed and filed by the end of the week."

"It shouldn't be a problem. I should have them for you to review by this afternoon. It's pretty cut and dried."

"What about doing business in Arizona? Please check into any problems we may run into. Call me when you get the papers done," I told him and we said good-bye and hung up.

My phone rang and I answered it, "This is John."

"Hi boss, this is Trish. I have the business plan to show Tamara. Is she there?"

"Yeah, let me get her." I walked to the bedroom and handed Tamara the phone.

I went back to the patio and used my cell phone to call Bob. He answered on the second ring. I told him I wanted to get together to discuss the offices. He said he could meet after lunch around two. I told him we would see him at the building.

I called Sheila next. I asked her to make the arrangements for my daughter's visit for a week from Friday. I told her to leave the return ticket open. Sheila thanked me for throwing the party. She teased me a bit but told me she liked Tamara and we made a very good couple. I told her to have Frank call me when he had a chance.

Tamara walked out with the phone. "Trish wants to meet with me about the business plan. What time would be good?"

"I just made plans to meet with Bob at the office building at two. I want Trish there also. You two could get together after that. I have to bowl tonight."

She told Trish that I wanted to talk to her. I took the phone and told Trish where I wanted her to be at two. I suggested she and Tamara could meet afterwards. I told her since I had to bowl and they could go off and discuss all they wanted. We said goodbye and hung up.

Sheila called and gave me the flight information for Marie. I thanked her and then called my daughter. We spent a few minutes catching up. I told her the flight information and asked her to write it down. I told her I was dating someone and Marie wanted to know all the details. I told her that she would see a lot of her when she came to visit. "I love you sweetheart," I said. We said goodbye and I hung up.

I called my son. I got his voice mail and left a message for him to call me.

Michael and Michelle came downstairs with their luggage. I went over and helped Michael carry it to Michelle's rental car. I was sad they were leaving but I knew we'd get together again soon. Tamara walked out to the car with Michelle. They hugged, after which, Michael and Michelle left.

Tamara and I waved good-bye and walked back into the house after they drove away. Tamara looked up at me and said, "We're all alone."

"Weird, isn't it?" I said.

I filled her in on my phone calls, especially the one with my daughter. I suggested she ask Audrey to come for a visit that weekend. She said she would call her.

"I guess we should look at the layout here and redo some of the bedrooms. Lena needs her own room, Marie has her room, and Mike has his. There is a fourth bedroom upstairs that I have been using for storage. I'll get it cleaned out and Lena can choose that room or the guestroom. The guestroom furniture can be moved if she wants that one."

"That is very sweet of you. I'm very lucky to have found you, John."

"I think we are both pretty lucky," I said.

"No, John," she teased. "I'm pretty, you're just lucky."

The phone interrupted us; it was Tom. "John, you wouldn't believe our luck. The grand jury in Phoenix has just returned three complaints against James McKenzie. My friend said he would make sure McKenzie finds out about the pending subpoenas. I'm guessing he will decide to take a trip until that grand jury's term expires."

"That would be lucky for us. I want you to contact McKenzie and ask to talk to his attorney that drew up the contract. Make some legal mumbo jumbo to delay McKenzie," I told him. He said he would do that and let me know of any further developments.

I told Tamara I was going to take a shower. I asked her if she would call the maid and pool services. She said okay and I gave her the numbers.

Tamara was on the phone when I came back ready for the rest of the day. I loaded my bowling balls into the Expedition. Tamara was ready to leave the house and we headed to the mall. I called Trish and told her we would be at the mall and would eat lunch there. I asked her to join us for lunch. She said she would be at the mall within the hour.

Lena called Tamara while we were in route. Tamara told her we were going to the mall for lunch if she wanted to join us. Lena also wanted to talk to us about the move so she agreed.

Tamara and I walked around and bought a couple of things. Trish called us on my cell and met up with us. We headed to Fuddrucker's World Famous Hamburgers. Lena called and we told her to meet us there.

After ordering, we sat down and Lena wanted to get some details on the move. We told her what we had come up with for her bedroom. I told her she would have free run of the house. The main rule I had was that she could not have parties without our consent. Tamara told her that she could not have male guests spend the night.

Lena said that was fine and she would look at the layouts of the two bedrooms and let us know which one she wanted. We ate lunch and chatted about other things.

We left the mall with Trish following us. We pulled into the parking lot of the building right at two. Bob pulled in right behind us.

We went inside where Bob led us on a brief tour. I noticed many little things that needed repair. This was the first time I had been in here since I bought the building and I was seeing it with new eyes.