Chapter 1
I stared at my phone as it vibrated across my desk. Why was Andy calling again? I had just spoken to him on my lunch break- less than an hour ago!
Andy had been my neighbor growing up and has since become my roommate.
My parents moved out of state a year ago, leaving me the house to myself. Naturally, being my best friend and spending the majority of his time at my house anyway, we agreed it just made sense for Andy to move in.
“Hey, everything okay?” I asked answering my phone.
“I actually just got off the phone with Carter. He called to give me a heads up that one of his old frat buddies will be coming to town to stay with him for the entire week of the gala.”
“As interesting as that sounds, can this wait until I get home? I only have about an hour left here and then my vacation officially begins. You will then literally have me for the next nine days!” I reminded him.
“Yeah sure... It’s just... Never mind, you’re right. It’s better if I wait to tell you when you get home! See you when you get here! Bye!” He said, hanging up before I could ask what he had meant.
The last hour at work went painfully slow as I was dying of curiosity. What had Andy felt was urgent enough to interrupt me at work?
I could only hope it wasn’t an issue with the gala as Andy and I, as well as his older brother Carter, were on the planning committee.
Nine of us had spent the last few months planning, organizing and ensuring everything would be both elegant and flawless.
The gala was a large-scale formal event held once every few years for the university alumni, sponsors and inspirational members of the community.
For the alumni, this event served as a reunion of sorts. For the sponsors, their businesses got promoted as they got thanked for their contributions. The inspirational members of the community received recognition which in turn brought recognition to the University for simply being associated with them. The gala was known best for its silent art auction, live music, dancing, catered food and socializing opportunities.
Just thinking about all the hours of work we have invested in it makes me tired!
Andy’s POV
Shelly is going to freak out when she gets home, and I tell her what I was attempting to on the phone earlier. I have to do some damage control and quick!
Damn! Looks like damage control is going to have to wait a few minutes. Fishing my ringing phone out of my pocket I saw my buddy Theo’s name on the screen.
“Hey, what’s up man?”
“Hey, you have a minute to talk? I’m just not in a good place right now.”
Theo had moved back home to help care for his dad, whose declining health had become too much for his mom to deal with on her own. Theo was able to do so as he owned his own business and had been in the process of closing down the physical office to transition to a solely online presence.
Something must have happened on this last trip out of town. It was supposed to be a quick and easy in and out. He had a staff meeting scheduled for all the employees that were transitioning to the online platform- to work out any last-minute issues or questions- and then he was turning in the keys to the office. It was literally a 2-day trip.
“Sure, what’s going on?”
“My mom flew my brother in when I was out of town, and they moved my dad into assisted living! Every time my mom suggested it, I had told her no. That’s why I rearranged my life and moved back- so this wouldn’t happen! I told her what those places are like... They are dirty and the staff are cold and neglectful! He’s going to go downhill quicker there!”
“Man, I’m so sorry! Anything I can do to help?”
“Yeah- help keep me distracted! My brother and I have been at each other’s throats since I got back. I was already irate, but learning this whole thing was pre-planned has pushed me over the top and it’s taking everything in me not to hurt him right now! Apparently, they bought his plane ticket weeks ago- when they first learned I’d have to go out of town one last time. To make matters worse, I can’t even go see my dad right now!”
“You’ve got to be kidding?! Why not?”
“Because the facility requires a 7-day adjustment period for new patients where outside visitors are not allowed. I’ve never heard of a facility doing that before. I don’t even think it’s legal! It’s total crap.”
“Damn, sorry man. That is messed up! You know, if you need to get out of the house for a few days, I’m pretty sure Shelly would be fine with you staying with us. I’ve been meaning for you two to meet anyway.”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure how good of company I’d be right now...”
Then it hit me... Theo could help with the damage control!
“Actually, it would be doing us a favor as well.”
After going around in circles trying to get him to agree for close to 30 mins, I finally succeeded just as Shelly walked in.
“Hey Theo, Shelly just got home. Let me call you back in a little bit.”
