Dear Diary,
The next few weeks were a
trying time for me, but I think I managed well. As I had almost expected, Harm left when Renee was offered a job
in California. What was a bit
unexpected though was that the Admiral left also. He went on an extended vacation to Italy to visit with his
daughter Francesca...
Four weeks later on the Admiral’s
last day, we all once again got together to celebrate. This time we were at the Robert’s apartment
and once again there were surprises.
When we were finished with dinner, Renee made an announcement with
Harm’s encouragement. She had been
offered a job in California. It was far
to tempting of an offer for her to pass it up.
I was the only one who wasn't surprised when Harm stated that he was
going with her and that they were leaving in six days.
Everyone was stunned but I noticed
an odd look on the Admiral's face.
Finally, Harriet noticed it also and asked what was wrong. The Admiral then admitted that he was going
on an extended vacation to Italy to see Francesca. He had not had a chance to
see her for a while. Besides, he said
that she was in charge of a fashion show and she asked him to be there. He was leaving in six days.
I think that I was able to hide my
feelings rather well but I knew that both men realized that I was sad to see
them go. Of course, I know that Harm
only thought that I was going to miss him.
That made me smile a bit, no matter what happened to Harm, he did have a
very healthy ego. So healthy that
before the night was over, he turned to me and asked if the offer to water his
plants still stood.
I was shocked, but not for the
fact that he asked. I was shocked that
he remembered my offer from years ago.
I actually thought that he was kidding until Renee caught me in the
kitchen and handed me a key.
"I know that you thought that
he was kidding but I really would appreciate it. I am not sure how this job will turn out so I want to keep the
apartment."
"Of course, Renee. I don't mind at all. I'm just not that great with plants," I
said.
"I know that we will be back
to visit sometime but I am not sure when.
For all I know, the job might be a bomb and we will be back in a
week."
"Well, when ever you come
back, your plants might still be alive," I smile.
"That's okay. I really don't like them all that much
anyway," Renee joked as Harm walked up to us.
"Thanks, Mac. We really do
appreciate it."
"Like I said, I'll be happy
to do it," I commented. Harm
looked at me fondly then leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the
cheek.
Harm and Renee left shortly after
that and I was going to follow but I was stopped by Young AJ asking me to tuck
him in. I couldn't resist that adorable
little face looking up at me with anticipation. I smiled at him and reached for him just before he jumped into my
arms. I carried the sturdy
three-year-old toward his bedroom when he called out.
"Uncle AJ!" I turned in time to see the shocked look on
the Admiral's face. He smiled at the
two of us and I returned his smile as he walked to us. Young AJ quickly got ready for bed and
climbed in before asking for a hug. I
leaned down and hugged my godson. As I
pulled back, the Admiral gruffly said good night. He didn't realize that I noticed as he reached down and ruffled
his namesake's hair. We both stood at
the door and looked at the already sleeping child.
"So, did Harm give you his
key in the kitchen?" the Admiral asked.
"No," I said as his
eyebrows shot up. "Renee
did." He smiled then surprisingly
looked a bit uncomfortable. Without
really thinking about it, I said, "Would you like me to keep an eye on
your place too?"
"Well, I don't want to impose
but I was going to ask you."
"I don't mind at all, but I
will warn you that I am not the best with plants."
"That's alright. I just like making sure that someone is
around in case there is a problem with my alarm system. Could you stop by sometime so I can show it
to you?" he asked.
"Sure. How about I stop over on Thursday and then
I'll give you a ride to the airport."
"Mac, you don't have to drive
me," he said.
"Do you really want to leave
your truck at the airport for however long?"
"No, I don't. Thank you, Mac."
"You're welcome, sir," I
said. I glanced back at the sleeping
child just inside the door and smiled.
I whispered, "He is so adorable.
I can't remember ever falling asleep that quickly." I turned to leave and the Admiral followed
me with a hand lightly on the small of my back.