Green Stone Ring Page 9

  They ate and continued talking about their work. She was having a good time and wasn’t ready for him to leave when he announced he had a meeting in twenty minutes across the street.

  “Lunch has been great. Thanks for inviting me. It was good to see you again.”

  Ric leaned down as he started to leave and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so glad we reconnected.” He smiled his handsome smile. “I have a brunch tomorrow, but I think I’ll be done in time for the football party at Tim’s. Do you want to go?”

  With no hesitation, Gini answered yes.

  “I’ll call you as soon as I finish brunch.” He laid the money on the table to pay the bill and pulled on his suit jacket.

  After putting on his coat, he ran his long fingers through his wavy brown hair, which immediately shifted back in place once the fingers had passed through. The light in the sun-filled room gave his tanned skin a silky glow.

  She could see why everyone was drawn to him. She saw it at the gala, people wanting his attention and time. They wanted to be close to him, just as she did. With the passing of the years, his charm—which had been hidden for the first eight years she knew him—was easily flowing from his body. The softness of his chocolate-brown eyes and the gentleness in his smile were inviting her to be more involved with him, to be closer to her old friend. This was Ric, but also a new man she wanted to learn more about. She had missed him and was now enjoying his company once again—if truth be told, enjoying it even more than before.

  She went home and continued with her Saturday chores. She kept thinking about Ric. As she put her freshly laundered clothes away, the green stone ring almost jumped off the dressing table at her. She went over and picked it up. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about her love for Franco—his strong hands swallowing up her face, the kind encouraging words he said to her when she had doubt, the intense lovemaking that never seemed to end. He was always a very private man, but his strength and power turned the heads of both men and women when he entered a room. The flirty female looks never took him away. He was committed to Gini, and she knew it; even with the many months that had slipped by without seeing him, she still felt his love. And she loved him. He had always been her hero and protector. She had learned from him what it meant to be committed to one’s work—that was hard to admit sometimes, when she was so upset about his absences, but it was true. They would talk when he returned and get their lives back on track together. She would talk to him. He would listen. She could not and would not let herself become too attached to Ric. He was just a good friend, and they could enjoy each other’s company on occasion. That and no more. She would never break her marriage vows. When Gini Anderson committed to something, she committed all the way.

  It calmed her to reaffirm that to herself. If you knew where you stood, you could handle things like attractive old friends. It was just a question of reconnecting with herself, remembering her values. She spent all Saturday night working on reports and sending emails to Catherine. At midnight, she fell into bed once again exhausted.

  Sunday morning, she woke up and was excited about going to the football party. She’d had such a good time the last time. Playing with the green stone ring on her finger, she sat in the chair and pulled her legs up close to her. Then she realized she must tell him she couldn’t go today. It wasn’t a good idea to spend so much time with him. Suddenly, she didn’t feel strong; she felt defenseless.

  Ric called at one-thirty. She looked at her phone and didn’t touch it. It rang again and again. How rude I’m being, she thought. She answered.

  “I’m heading home to change my clothes, and then I’ll come and pick you up.”

  “Listen, Ric, I don’t think I’m going to go.”

  “Why not?” He was clearly disappointed. “Come on, Gini, you love football, and it’s fun being with the group, right? Everyone wanted to know when you were coming again. You’re not sick, are you?”

  “No. I just, well, I… I don’t know.” She couldn’t admit the real reason. It would be dangerous… And she’d just feel silly. What grown woman couldn’t control her emotions and keep a friend a friend?

  “Don’t know what? You sound tired. I think you’ve been working too hard, staring at a computer screen. You need a break. If you don’t want to go to the football party, we can watch the game at your house or mine. Gini, you need to unwind a bit. Say yes.”

  There was silence while she fought back the tears, her emotions bubbling up inside of her. She was lonely. She wanted to be with him, and it wasn’t fair… Why should she have to be alone all the time?

  “Gini, are you still there?”

  “You’re right. What’s better than watching the Patriots win with a bunch of friends?”

  “That’s the ticket. I’ll be at your place about three.”

  “Okay.”

  She quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks and started to take the ring off, but decided to keep it on to remind her she must be careful. She could do this. She could handle herself and keep his friendship and enjoy whatever else she felt—but not let it go any further. It wasn’t like he had made a move. He was Franco’s friend too.

  There were a lot more people at the party. Gini completely relaxed after they got to Tim’s. She was introduced to the neighbors she hadn’t met and was glad to see the ones she had been with before.

  David immediately came up to her. “If it isn’t Ms. Anderson back from Washington.” He had a big grin on his face. “And I see you have your football ponytail all ready for the game.”

  “Yes,” she said shyly. “I’ve got the ponytail working.”

  He put his hand on her shoulder. “You’re a good sport. And we need to put a fire under this team!” he yelled out to the whole group.

  “Yeah,” several people yelled back.

  The game was exciting as usual, and Gini was glad she had decided to go. The Patriots won, and everyone laughed and talked until nine o’clock.

  Ric stayed close to her all night. He could tell she was emotional about something but didn’t want to pry. If she wanted to talk about it with him, he would gladly listen. He once again was amused at how involved she got in the game; she was a serious Patriots fan. At the end of the evening, they walked back to his place.

  “Do you want to come in for a while?”

  “No, I need to get home. I have some more work I need to do in preparation for a video call with Catherine on Tuesday, but thanks for asking.”

  “What does your week look like? Are you going back to DC?”

  “I’m not sure when I’ll go back. I guess that will be determined on Tuesday when we talk.”

  “You know what Tuesday is? Election Day.”

  “Oh, yes, I think Victor’s a shoo-in. He’s looking very strong. And Michael called me Saturday to say Donald Griggs is stepping down from the city council.”

  “Really?”

  “He had a second heart attack in August, a serious one, I guess, and he wants to uncomplicate his life. Michael wants me to help him get a campaign together so he can run for the office. I think he said there will be a special election in February.”

  “Are you going to do it?”

  “I think so. Michael will be a good councilman. He’ll be good for the city. He has so much energy and charisma. He can charm anyone, similar to you.”

  “You flatter me.”

  They got in the car.

  Ric laughed. “I remember when Michael walked into Mitt Romney’s campaign center. He was two years behind us in school, so we had to knock him down a peg or two. He never did like being called the newbie.”

  She half smiled in her prim and proper manner. “You guys were so mean to him, making him carry all those boxes. I always felt sorry for him. Remember when the bottom fell out of the box and the buttons went everywhere? We found buttons until the day we closed up shop.”

  “You’ll get him headed in the right direction. He’s always had a crush on you.”

  “I know. He’s a n
ice guy.”

  Ric got a gleam in his eyes. “Gini, you and Michael?”

  She fidgeted. “No, absolutely not. Ric… he’s… well… he’s not my type at all. He’s disorganized and… well… not my type.” She was flustered.

  “Have you met his wife?” she asked, wanting to move on with the conversation.

  “No.” Ric was amused at her trying to get out of a tight spot. Amused, but a bit ashamed he had challenged her.

  “Me neither. But he has shown me pictures of his beautiful family. He has the cutest little girls. And the way he looks when he talks about Brenda, I know he has a loving relationship.

  “His firm’s office is right down the hill from the State House. We run into each other all the time and do lunch a lot. He’s always asking me questions about politics, so I’m not surprised he wants to run for office. We sometimes have discussions and other times heated debates. I’ll have to admit, he has changed my opinion on some topics. But we are just interested in the same political issues.” She glared at him.

  “You should join us for lunch sometime and see how he’s matured.”

  Ric gave her an unbelieving look.

  “Really, he’s mature and serious about winning in court, and now running for office.”

  “I think he’s actually older than you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Yes, because you are such a genius, but you’re really just a baby.” Ric wrinkled his nose and tickled her under her chin.

  “Oh great, first I’m cute, and now I’m a baby. Thanks, Ric, thanks a lot.”

  “Anytime! Anytime I can make you feel good about yourself.”

  “I like being with you. You make me feel good.” She quickly looked down to her lap when she realized what she had said. It was too easy to flirt—just by being honest.

  After Ric had walked her to the condo, he thought about their lives. He had seen her recently in a local TV interview. She was poised and intelligent. Her message was eloquent and committed. She had also been shown at a rally to help disabled children. The foundation had been set up by a family whose daughter died from her disabilities because they couldn’t get proper medical treatment. He had seen Gini’s willingness to help others and the passion in her heart for the movement to help those children. He was proud of her and her success. She had made quite a name for herself, not only in Boston but in the politics of the nation.

  He had done a search for Franco online and read the many articles about his accomplishments in engineering. His best friend was internationally known in his field. Ric had always been impressed with Franco’s knowledge, and his way of making things work even if the situation wasn’t ideal. He missed him; they’d had such a close bond.

  Ric smiled at the thought of his and Gini’s renewed friendship. He had never been so happy. This time of year was his favorite, with all the parties. And the new adventure with Val was exciting and challenging. It was nice to have someone to talk to about his work. Gini hung on his every word, genuinely interested in what he was saying. It was flattering, he admitted. And she was so attractive…

  But married, he said to himself. To a very successful man. And more importantly, to his friend.

  Well, there was nothing wrong with being friends. He knew people of his parents’ generation who didn’t think a man and woman could be friends—especially not if they were the same age and attractive and alone—but his generation was different. Everyone had friends of both sexes. It was normal, and if he was attracted to her—which he was—so what?

  What mattered was the friendship. With both Gini and Franco.

  He looked forward to seeing Franco and talking about their lives—the ups and downs of being business owners.

  We should be proud of ourselves, he thought. The three of them had come a long way from being children of lower-middle-class families in their small neighborhood. Now, all could boast their talents. Their hard work and persistence had paid off.

  Chapter 6 – End of the Year Push

  Michael called Gini Monday morning and proposed they get together that evening. He said a working dinner would work best for him, and he knew a small cafe near the State House that had a good lunch crowd, but not much of a crowd for dinner. Five-thirty to seven-thirty would be good; that way he could get home in time to put his girls to bed.

  Gini smiled as he talked about his family. “Okay, I’ll meet you there at five-thirty. Bring all your ideas, and we’ll start putting your campaign together. I have to tell you, though, after tonight I’m in Washington until Thursday. I don’t know about after that because Catherine and I are pushing hard to get the child health protection in motion, and hopefully voted on before winter break.”

  “I understand. I appreciate you helping me, Gini. I know you’re busy, but you are the best on the political scene, and I need your expertise. I think if we have this initial meeting, you can get me started, and then we can work using emails and phone calls.”

  “Sounds good to me. See you tonight.”

  Gini got to the cafe early and continued to text with Catherine.

  Good work, Gini. Now stop working. We have it covered for tomorrow. Go out and have a nice dinner with Ric before you leave town.

  Thanks. I feel like I’m starting a marathon race. I’m going out to dinner tonight, but not with Ric, with Michael Fredrick.

  Michael! Gini, it’s raining men in your world. Why with Michael?

  Lol, I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.

  “Gini,” Michael said as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

  “I didn’t see you come in.” She gave him a light hug.

  “You were flying those fingers all over that tablet.”

  “Just wrapping up with Catherine.”

  He sat down across the table from her. “Good, now you’re all mine.”

  Michael was an attractive man in his own way, tall and scrappy, a little like an unmade bed. He was in a suit, but in Gini’s opinion, the look wasn’t the right one for a polished politician.

  “Okay, first we have to do something with your appearance.”

  He laughed as he pulled piles of paper out of his briefcase bag and laid them on the table in an untidy stack.

  “I’m serious, Michael, you need a haircut, and we need to spiff up your wardrobe.”

  “You don’t like my hair? I wash it every day. And my suit, what’s wrong with it? A suit is a suit, right?”

  “Wrong! A suit has to be worn well to look good. A little tailoring, some crisp ironed white shirts, and a more fashionable tie will help the look tremendously.”

  “Okay, I’ll iron my shirt. Here we are. Here’s what I’m looking for. I have jotted down some notes.” He stuffed the rest of the papers back in his briefcase.

  “Stop! Do you want my help or not?”

  “You’re serious about this fashion stuff?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. You need a new look, a clean ambitious look to go with your personality. I’m sure you can promote your platform with your words, but this isn’t a courtroom. People are going to be voting for you. I’m not saying a makeover, just some subtle changes. I’ll take you to my gal, and she can style your hair.”

  “Oh no! You are not taking me to a beauty shop,” he said sternly. “And you’re not making me get a buzz cut.”

  “Who said anything about a buzz cut? You have a good barber?”

  “Yes! My mirror, my comb, and my scissors.”

  “Oh, my gosh, you cut your own hair?” She slipped her hand up to her mouth to hide her giggle.

  “Somehow I didn’t think this was how this meeting was going to go,” Michael said, disappointed.

  “Okay, okay.” She patted his hand. “We’ll find you a good barber, and we’ll get a budget going to get your suits tailored and shirts professionally laundered and ironed. I promise you, you’ll like the new you.”

  The rest of the evening, they got into the issues and business of starting his campaign and getting his name on the ballot.


  At seven-fifteen, Gini’s PET alerted her she had a text from Ric:

  Where r u, can you talk?

  “Excuse me, Michael.” She looked down.

  I’m in a meeting. We’ll be done in the next half hour.

  Call me when u r done.

  She lifted her head and continued the conversation.

  “So how does that all sound to you, Michael?”

  “Great, I’ll start the process of getting on the ballot. And you made some good points about my ideas and campaign promises. Gini, I trust you. If you want me to get my hair cut, I will.”

  “Just tell the barber you want a trim; he’ll know what to do. You have a nice head of hair. You could look real distinguished and even more handsome.”

  “If it’s more handsome you want.” He winked. “When can we meet again?”

  They decided to meet again Thursday night at the same place, same time.

  As Gini walked home, she called Ric.

  “Gini, are you done with your meeting?”

  “Yes, I’m heading to my place. I still have to make sure I have everything ready for tomorrow. How about you, what are you up to?”

  “I’m at a break from the meeting with the hotel on a few of our parties. It looks like all of this is going to run late. I wanted to see you tonight.”

  “I’ll be back at the end of the week.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to commit to a late-night meet up.

  “Okay, Thursday!”

  “I have another dinner meeting with Michael Thursday night—”

  Ric interrupted, “Oh, Gini, I have to go back into the conference room. I’ll text you.”

  “Good night.”

  “Have a good trip.”

  Tuesday and Wednesday, Catherine and Gini talked to anyone who would listen. They were trying to get a bill introduced for state and federal governments to adopt programs that simplified the enrollment process of their government-provided insurance for low-income families, the disabled, and children in the foster system. Many of these people weren’t aware of the programs, or the health aid plans were too complicated to understand. And now with national insurance coverage for all citizens being proposed, it was even harder to define what the care was under the programs that seemed to be always changing, as each state had its own interpretation of the laws. Uninsured kids were slipping through the cracks, even for families that could afford insurance, especially the ones with pre-existing conditions. The two of them were lobbying to get something on the floor to provide all children with the opportunity to have good medical care and health insurance.