Eye of the Storm (Hudson 3)

He nodded and stared. Suddenly, he looked very uncomfortable and shifted in his chair.

"What's this meeting you're having here in a little while?" he asked, still a little skeptical.

"Oh, just a meeting to get my instructions." I said, sounding as nonchalant about it as I could, Then I smiled. "So, you want to take me to dinner? About what time?" I asked.

"Huh? Oh, er... first I gotta see if I can get us reservations. It's a small place and it's gotten so popular lately."

"You want to use the phone? You can as long as it isn't a long- distance call. I promised them I wouldn't make any long- distance calls," I added.

"Really? Well. I think it would be long distance from here. Yes, yes it would. Why

don't I just call from home and let you know," he said.

"Fine."

He was squirming now, glancing at the doorway.

"You know you were so right when you said I should let you apologize. It isn't right to hold a grudge and everyone should be given a second chance, don't you think?" I asked him.

"Yes, sure." he said.

"Boys will be boys, but you're older now and wiser. Something like that wouldn't happen again. I'm sure. I just know you're a more considerate person. Corbette. How's your brother, by the way?" I asked.

He was so ashamed about having a brother with Down's Syndrome that he had initially told me his brother was dead. I had found out he wasn't dead: when I had confronted him, he had blamed it all on his mother who couldn't face the facts. The truth was it was easier for him to simply say his brother was dead because to him he was dead.

"He's okay. No different," he quickly replied. He glanced at his watch, "Well. I'd better get a move on if I'm going to make any arrangement for tonight."

"So soon? We didn't really get a chance to catch up," I said.

"Well... well, we'll have plenty of time later," he offered.

"That's right, we will, won't we? Fine," I said standing. He practically jumped to his feet. "Thanks for the roses and for coming by."

"Sure."

"Please don't gossip about what I told you," I said, scowling at him.

He shook his head.

"I wouldn't,"

"Good." I smiled at him and walked him to the front door,

"I'll call you in a few hours. Unless it's absolutely impossible," he said. 'Then I'll call tomorrow or the next day. okay?"

"Sure," I said. "Don't forget. I'm so looking forward to getting to know you the right way, as you said before." I told him.

He nodded and walked out. I felt sure I wouldn't be seeing him again.

"I see you still have that sports car,"

"Oh, yeah. I'm taking it to college with me this year," he said. "Freshmen weren't permitted to have cars on campus."

"See." I said. "There are truly some benefits to getting older. Everyone thinks you're wiser,"

"Right."

"I know I am," I said as he hurried down to the automobile. I watched him get in and start the engine. Then I waved. "I know I am," I repeated, my eyes small.