Green Stone Ring Read online

  Unfortunately, there were many health-related issues being discussed and others pushing to get their bill through the House. The competition was fierce, so it was taking long, hard hours to try to find the right people who agreed with their point of view—that person who would be specific about provisions for children in a health-care bill.

  After the two grueling days, they returned to Catherine’s place. Catherine tossed her briefcase down on the couch and flopped down next to it without taking her coat off.

  “Well, Gini, all we can do now is wait. Hopefully, Congressman Davis will come through for us.”

  Gini sat in the chair. “He helped us get the immunization issue on the table, let’s hope he will get this one on too. I hate the wait.”

  “Come on, girl, let’s have a drink.” Catherine got up and hung up her coat. She opened the liquor cabinet in the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of bourbon. “Do you want a shot?”

  “No, I don’t want a shot!”

  “Okay, I’ll splash a little bit of coke in it.”

  “If you have some wine open, I’ll have that.”

  Catherine poured a glass of pinot grigio for Gini. Then she filled a shot glass with bourbon and held it up. “Here’s to our children, all of our children in the United States of America. May they all be healthy and happy, the way every child should be.” She clicked her glass to Gini’s and drank the shot.

  “What about our veterans? What’s going to happen to Medicare in the years to come?” Gini was serious.

  “Whoa, we can only fight on one battlefront at a time.”

  Catherine filled the shot glass again and drank it down. Gini was amazed at her friend. When the takeout food arrived, Catherine took it and the bottle of bourbon to the living room.

  “Now let’s hear it; we haven’t had a minute to talk. Tell me all about your men. The dashing Ric, and now Michael. What’s up with that?” She drank another shot and then started eating.

  “Ooh, do you have your eye on Ric?” Gini asked mischievously.

  “No.” Catherine fluttered her eyelashes. “I think he’s taken.” She leaned toward Gini. “By you.”

  “We’re just good friends. Remember, I’m a married woman. Ric’s an attractive, eligible bachelor for the taking.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m way too old for him.”

  Gini laughed out loud. “You’re such an old lady. What, thirty? Maybe thirty-one?”

  “Just thirty-one.”

  “You’d better eat up before you pass out.”

  “I don’t know what possessed me to drink those so fast.” Catherine held her forehead. “I’ll be okay once I get some food in me.

  “How old are you, Gini, twenty-seven, twenty-eight?”

  There was no answer.

  “I know you aren’t older than twenty-eight.”

  Quietly, Gini said, “I’ll be twenty-five next week.”

  “Twenty-five!” Catherine shouted. “You mean you’re only twenty-four, and when I met you, you were only twenty-two, maybe twenty-one. Holy crap, you’re just a baby! I know I didn’t hire you right out of college—how can that be?”

  “Why is everyone so concerned about my age and calling me a baby?” Gini said, angry at first, and then concerned for her friend as she was definitely acting drunk. “Let’s just say I skipped a couple of grades along the way.”

  “I guess so!” Catherine picked up a glass of water.

  “And then Ric, Franco, and I all went to summer school so we could get our degrees faster. There’s nothing wrong with being twenty-five, or thirty-one, for that matter.”

  “And I suppose now you’re going to tell me Ric’s just turning twenty-five. Honey, he is way too young for me.”

  “I think Ric’s twenty-seven, maybe twenty-eight.”

  “Still too young. And what are you doing going to dinner with Michael? I know he’s married.”

  “He’s very married. He’s running for a council seat that was vacated, and I’m helping get his campaign started. See, it’s all innocent.”

  They continued eating and drinking as the night went on, then started laughing at everything they talked about. Catherine was chuckling so hard she was having trouble finishing her story. “…and when she gets up to give her big speech, the electricity goes off, and everything goes silent and dark. She never had a chance. Oooh—” she said trying to slow down the laughing. “She never had a chance. Honey, this has been fun, venting all the stress with booze and laughter.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think I have laughed so hard for years.”

  “You are a bit serious, Gini.”

  “I am?”

  “Very shy, very quiet, and very serious. Maybe Ric can break you out of your shell.” Catherine yawned.

  “Why do you keep talking about Ric?”

  “Because, honey, you don’t know it yet, but you’re in love with the guy.”

  “I’m not in love with Ric. He’s my friend, and that’s all.”

  “I see the way your eyes light up every time you talk about him. How about that fun weekend you two had together? I’ve heard the stories more than once. Yeah, you’re falling—” Catherine stood up and fell right back to the couch.

  Gini grabbed on to her arm when she succeeded on her second attempt to stand, and they both stepped sideways and started laughing. They finally got to Catherine’s bedroom, and she went into the bathroom. Gini decided to wait and make sure she got into bed okay. After a few minutes, Catherine came out of the bathroom ready for bed.

  “You didn’t have to wait for me, little miss twenty-four-year-old.”

  “I just came to remind you my train is at eleven o’clock tomorrow morning, so I’ll need to leave about nine-thirty. That’s all.” Gini pulled the covers up over Catherine, and Catherine immediately fell asleep.

  The next morning Gini was surprised to see her in the kitchen, dressed and fixing breakfast. “I thought you would be sleeping in with a hangover.”

  “Me? A hangover? Never. How about you, honey, how is your head?”

  “Fine. I didn’t drink nearly as much as you.”

  “I hope I didn’t say anything to offend you last night. Sometimes I just need to blow it all out. Gini, you are a beautiful and an intelligent woman. I don’t know how I would do what I’m doing without you. You’re the best.”

  She went over and gave Catherine a hug. “You didn’t say anything to offend me. You’re my best friend, and I enjoy working and socializing with you. It was fun to just be a little crazy, in private, of course.”

  “Of course,” Catherine said smiling. “I want you to go back to Boston and get some rest. I plan to take some time off and get ready for the next fight when our bill goes to committee.”

  “A few days off would be great. What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

  “I’m going to North Carolina to my mom and dad’s place. There’s always a lot of food, drinking, and good times. How about you, honey?”

  “I’ll be going home to Sacramento.”

  Gini got back to her place about four o’clock. She checked all her mail, emails, and messages, nothing from Ric. Strange, why am I looking for something from him? she thought. After unpacking and going through all her notes from Michael, she sat down with a cup of tea and relaxed. Then she headed for the cafe.

  When she entered, Michael was talking on the phone and turned toward the wall, leaning on his arm on the back of the chair. As she sat down, he reached over without turning and put his hand on her arm. She could hear him saying, “Okay, Brenda, Gini has just arrived. Give the girls a kiss for me. I hope they’re feeling better. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home… Nothing, she hasn’t seen it yet. I love you.”

  Michael turned to face Gini. She was getting all the papers out of her business bag, and she looked up at him.

  “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh, Michael, you look fantastic!”

  He had a haircut that perfectly framed his face. The style had taken the focus off his hair and put it on his deep-
set, light brown eyes, and chiseled cheekbones. He looked sexy and somewhat mysterious. He was wearing a dark gray suit with a pinstriped vest. Underneath was a pale gray shirt with a stiffly starched collar and a gray tie with thin, dark red diagonal stripes.

  “Stand up,” she said. “I want to see it all.”

  Michael rose from his chair and turned from side to side.

  “New shoes, too! Michael Fredrick, I think you just won the election.”

  He sat down. “Do you like it?”

  “Like it! Yes… How about you?”

  He leaned forward and put her face into both of his hands, pulled her to him, and laid a big kiss on her lips.

  She pulled back abruptly. “Michael!”

  “Come on, Gini, that was a thank-you kiss. You were right, now I feel like a winner. I feel like a million bucks.”

  “What does Brenda think?”

  “Oh… I think she went out today and bought a fancy stick to beat off all the women. And look.” He opened his briefcase. Inside was a fan file, and all the papers were neatly categorized and stacked in the different folds. “She got this all organized for me. What would I do without all of my women?” He smiled broadly.

  As they ate, they got down to business. Michael had submitted the enrollment certificate to verify he was a registered voter, and nomination papers to the Secretary of the Commonwealth to get on the ballot. They went through his agenda step by step. Pensions for city employees were the hot topic, especially how they were affecting the city budget. He had started a comprehensive reform plan to discuss with union leaders how to keep unfunded benefits low—a tall order. Public safety was less of a concern, but there were still neighborhoods that had crime and corruption, and those citizens were yelling loudest for help from the city to clear it off their streets. Education was always an issue. Michael jotted down his ideas, and they pondered and worked each angle. The time was passing fast, but Gini wanted to keep going. They didn’t have much time before the election.

  He looked at his watch. “Gini, can we take a little break so I can call my girls and say good night?”

  “Of course.”

  He got up and went to the other side of the room to make his call.

  She leaned back in her chair. How nice it would be to go home to someone waiting with open arms. How she longed to curl up next to a warm, comforting body and fall into a deep, wonderful sleep, knowing someone would be there when she woke up. Although Franco was a wonderful lover and they had amazing sex, he wasn’t a cuddly person. Oh, but his kisses could send her reeling. How she missed him!

  “I’m done.” Her silence and daydreaming were broken by Michael’s voice. “We can continue.”

  They discussed and re-discussed topic after topic. It was nine o’clock and then ten. She sat up and stretched and sighed a little.

  “You look tired, Gini.”

  “I am. It’s been a tough week.”

  “Come on, I’ll take you home.”

  “No, no, I can walk.”

  “My car is just around the block in the firm’s parking lot. You’re not walking home.”

  She didn’t want to rely on anyone, especially a man; she could take care of herself. But she was too tired to argue, so she let him drive her home.

  When they pulled up to her building, Michael walked her to the door and hugged her tight. She had no fight left in her and fell into his warm body.

  “Thank you, really, Gini. You’re the best, and I feel comfortable about this election.” He pulled her face up toward him. “Now, you need to go up and go to bed. You’re dead on your feet.”

  “I am. We have a good plan. Let’s keep the ball rolling.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  She put her key in the slot and walked in the door.

  She filled her tub with water, poured a glass of wine, put on some soothing music, and lit a candle. She sunk deep down in the warm water and sipped her drink. When she was done, she put on her favorite heavy cotton pajamas and crawled into her comfy bed. She picked up her electronic tablet and texted to Ric:

  I’m home.

  Two seconds later her PET lit up.

  “Gini.”

  “Yes,” she said very drowsily and slowly.

  “Are you just getting home?”

  “I’ve been here for a while. I have been with Michael all night. I’m lying here all cozy and warm in my wonderful nice bed.”

  “I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to talk to you. Work, you know?”

  “I know all about no time for Gini because of work,” she said again in a sleepy voice.

  Ric felt a pang in his heart knowing that statement was all about Franco, and he didn’t want her to think the same of him.

  “I’m going to hang up now before I fall asleep talking.”

  “I’ll call you in the morning. Sweet dreams.”

  “Are you up?” Ric asked the next morning on his cell.

  “I am. However, I was surprised I slept until nine o’clock.”

  “Wow, all the way to nine. I hope you have cleared your day because we are going to do something.”

  “We are?”

  “You choose. I’ll be at your place in about thirty minutes. Will that give you enough time?”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  Howard sent Ric up to her place when he arrived. Her door was open, so he knocked gently and then went in.

  “Gini,” he called out.

  She was just walking out of her bedroom, putting on a heavy sweater. “We’re going to Kennebunkport. They have great shops there, so I can pick up some small gifts to take to the family when I go home for Thanksgiving.”

  “You’re going to California for Thanksgiving?”

  She nodded.

  “That’s great!”

  “Yes, well, yes.” Suddenly her eyes filled with tears.

  “Gins, what is it?” With his hands on her shoulders, he started to pull her close. She immediately pulled back and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “Listen, I… well… I’m ready to go. I haven’t been to Kennebunkport for a long time.” She forced a half smile.

  He turned to stand next to her. “Let’s go.”

  Gini sat quietly as they made their way out of Boston.

  “The sun is nice,” she said finally. “A rare November day in New England.”

  “Sunny, but not all that warm. Gini, is there something going on in Sacramento?”

  “No.” She sighed. “Yes… it’s just that Mama has had failing health for the last few months. And… it’s hard to know what to do.”

  She turned and looked out the window. He could tell she was fighting back her emotions.

  “Sweet Gins, I’m sorry to hear that. Nothing serious, I hope.” He reached over and took her hand. He immediately saw she was wearing the green stone ring.

  Gini slowly took her hand out of his. “Remember how Mama’s garden was so beautiful, her house always immaculate and it smelled of good food?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, Cindy had been a little concerned about Mama last spring. Then one day she went over there, and she could tell Mama hadn’t been eating. She seemed confused and disoriented. Cindy took her to the doctor, and from the tests, they found a small leakage in one of her heart valves, but the doctor said it wasn’t a life-threatening condition. He thought she might be in the beginnings of Alzheimer’s. Cindy tries to keep an eye on her, but both she and Neil work and it’s getting too hard for her to always be there. I went home in August, and I couldn’t believe the house. It was so run down, and she hadn’t done one thing in the yard.

  “Cindy and I decided Mama should move into one of those senior communities, the assisted living one rather than an independent because Mama just forgets to take care of herself. After I had left, they found one in the area they both liked. I told Mama not to worry about the money. If she needed help, I would pay for it. They have all but moved her into her new apartment.” Tears started rolling down G
ini’s cheeks.

  Ric pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. “Gini, you’re doing the right thing. If your mom needs help, you need to get her some.” He took the back of his finger and wiped the water droplets from her cheeks.

  “I know. And I do feel good about it. Mama wanted to stay in the house until after Thanksgiving so we could have one more big family holiday dinner together.” Her lips quivered, and she looked at him with her big blue eyes as the tears continued to flow.

  “Oh, Gini.” He pulled her close to him.

  She tried to control her emotions and finally stopped crying.

  “Listen, sweet Gins, if you need me to help you do anything, you tell me. I love your mama. I’d do anything for her.”

  Gini made a small cry as the lump in her throat got bigger with his obviously heartfelt statement. “Thank you.” She put her head down. He rubbed the back of her neck for a moment and then pulled back out onto the highway.

  There was silence for some time.

  “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” she asked.

  “Well, the more I think about it, I think I should go with you to Sacramento and take care of you.”

  “Oh, Ric! That would raise so many eyebrows and make it so… so, well no, you aren’t going with me to Sacramento. You aren’t going to be alone, are you?”

  “No, my sweets. Victor and Maria always ask me to their house in Rockport for Thanksgiving dinner.”