A Well Lived Life Book 7 Kara IIChapter 15 Setting the Limits
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May 3, 1994, Chicago, Illinois
“And here we are again,” Kathy smiled when they walked into Italian Village on West Monroe.
“I arranged a private dining room for tonight,” I said. “It’s more intimate.”
Jessica squeezed my hand, smiling. Earlier, we’d had a moment when she whispered that she’d be the only one without a date tonight, but I’d do in a pinch. I’d just smiled and nodded, pleased that if she could joke like that, she - we - had come a long way in one year.
Tom and Bethany walked in then, and right behind them were Jamie and Jackie, and Al and Belinda.
“I’m glad you’re in town today, Belinda!” I said.
“It happens. Al can’t get rid of me ALL the time!”
Everyone laughed and the hostess showed us to the private dining room. After talking to Jessica, I’d arranged for their special ‘family style’ meal to simplify things. There were five choices for the main course, and I knew everyone’s tastes, so it was a safe thing to do.
“I understand from Al you have a new son, Kathy,” Belinda said.
“Keith Jacob,” Kathy said. “He’s a beast!”
The women all laughed.
“Are you done, Kurt?” Tom asked.
“Absolutely! We were planning on two, but after two girls I wanted one more shot at a boy!”
“And Jesse was mighty pleased,” I chuckled. “Though he certainly doesn’t mind the attention he gets from your girls!”
“He’s pining for Marta,” Kara said. “Though Steve is betting on a dark horse!”
“Your Russian friends’ daughter, right?” Al asked with a grin.
I nodded, “But Francesca hasn’t given up yet! And speaking of romance, how are the wedding plans coming?”
“Fawn and Georg settled on July 23rd, and I think it’s going to bankrupt me!”
I laughed, “I suppose I’ll find out times three in a few years. Where?”
“I tried to talk them into eloping to Vegas, but Belinda nixed that excellent and inexpensive idea! It’ll be at Tamarack Country Club in Naperville. A couple of my surgeons bought homes in that area last year and recommended it.”
“Will you be back from Japan for the wedding?” Belinda asked.
“Yes. I depart from Tokyo on the 20th. Because of the International Date Line, I get home late on the 20th. That’s going to be a very weird day!”
A small coterie of waitstaff came into the room, and began setting up the chafing dishes and other items for our meal, and once they’d completed their work, we began serving ourselves. Out of deference to Al and Jessica, we didn’t have wine or champagne, and I’d warned our friends about that in advance so there were no questions. As was always the case for Italian Village, the food was excellent. When we finished, I confirmed with the head waiter that they should bring in the cake, and as they did, we sang Happy Birthday to Jessica. After cake and ice cream, Jessica opened the several small gifts that had been brought by our friends.
“What’s your plan for the rest of the evening?” Bethany asked with a smirk.
“As if you don’t know!” Jessica laughed.
“Bethany, when are you due?” Belinda asked, trying to redirect the conversation from our usual hijinks.
“Late August. I think I’ll need to hire bodyguards if I have a girl! My son and his best friend will NOT be pleased!”
“They’ll get over it,” Belinda said. “They always do. Boys seem to get chips on their shoulders which need to be knocked off now and again.”
“Seem to?” Kara laughed.
“And the three female doctors and one soon-to-be female doctor don’t?” I teased. “Not to mention a certain daughter of mine.”
“But who is going to even THINK about trying to knock the chip off HER shoulder!” Kurt laughed.
“Jesse!” several of us said simultaneously.
We finished our coffee and headed home to complete Jessica’s birthday celebration.
“What can we do for you, Jess?” I asked when the three of us climbed into bed.
“We all have to be up for work tomorrow morning, so I think I’d like you to make love to me, then have Kara make love to me, then have you make love to me once more.”
“I think we can accommodate you, Babe,” I grinned. “Kara?”
“Absolutely! Make it really good for her, Snuggle Bear!”
“He always does,” Jessica sighed as I moved on top of her. “He always does.”
May 5, 1994, Chicago, Illinois
On Thursday evening when we arrived home from karate, I went to my study with the blessing of my wives, to spend a few hours by myself. I fired up the Mac and opened my journal. I began writing, but stopped and laughed as I recalled the offer that Becka and Claire had made, which also included Marie Annette. My mind began to wander, imagining what it would be like to be with the three of them, and an odd idea popped into my head. I opened a fresh document in MacWrite, and started typing.
Nearly forty-five minutes later, I was laughing hard, having read what I’d written. I’d decided that if I was going to engage in ‘What if?’, then imagining just how much a wildcat Marie would be when joined by the other two was the time to do it! If they ever made a movie about my life, THIS fantasy sure as heck would end up on the cutting room floor, or they’d risk an NC-17 rating. I chuckled to myself, saved the file to a newly formatted diskette, and then ejected it. I took a red Magic Marker from my desk and labeled the disk ‘CRF’.
I realized I hadn’t password-protected the file, so I reinserted the diskette, re-saved the file with a fitting password. Given that Marie Annette had been ‘taught’ by Jorge, I decided on a variation of his name. I laughed hard, locked the disk in a desk drawer, and then fired up Myst to play for an hour before bed.
May 7, 1994, Chicago, Illinois
I was leaning against the hood of my BMW, my light jacket zipped tight and my hat pulled down against the cold breeze. Just after 6:00am I caught my first glimpse of the Piper Archer coming in for a landing. Rumors were circulating that Mayor Daley was planning to close the airport and replace it with a park, but no official announcement had been made. If that happened, flying private planes into the city of Chicago would be exceedingly difficult and much more costly.
I watched as Aimee expertly flared the Piper and touched down softly. After the run out, she turned onto the taxiway and arrived at the tie downs which were just the other side of the fence separating the parking lot from the airfield. I walked over and reached the plane just as she killed the engines. A minute later she hopped out, we hugged, and I helped her tie down the plane. She went into the administration building to arrange for fuel while I put her bag in the trunk of the car. Five minutes later, we were on our way to Hyde Park.
“Happy to be Stateside, Ensign?”
“That’s Lieutenant to you, landlubber!” she laughed.
“Congratulations! JG?”
“Yeah. The pencil-dicks in the Pentagon didn’t have the balls to jump me two grades. If I was a man, I’d have been a JG two years ago. But because I was a ‘restricted duty line officer’ promotions were slower.”
“They found every way possible to screw you, didn’t they?”
“Well, it’s changing now! In about a week I’ll be on the Big-E and second-in-command in the CIC.”
“Any idea about deployment?”
“It could be as long as two years. She’s in refit right now. She’s due to go for extended sea trials at the end of the summer. It could be as much as eighteen months before there’s a deployment. But that’s OK. I need this assignment to get my next promotion, and then I’ll look for a shore billet. I’m thinking NRL would be a good choice. I’d be in Maryland, most likely if that happens.”
“What kind of research?”
“Radar, electronic warfare, and related systems. It’s a good choice for a surface warfare officer. I finished my Master’s degree in electrical engineering last week through a special Navy program with MIT.”
“Congratulations!”
“Yeah, and THAT should have been a grade bump, but officially, I was still a restricted line officer when it happened. But it’ll all come out in the wash. I’ll make Commander at about the same time as the guys I graduated with, so long as I don’t screw the pooch!”
“Any advice on Japan?” I asked.
“I can tell you where to go to get your ashes expertly hauled and avoid the clap!” she laughed.
“I didn’t know you started playing for the other team!” I chuckled.
“Asshole!” she laughed. “Sailors talk. And all kidding aside, except in close proximity to US Naval bases, the incidence of VD in Japan is very low.”
“I’ll file that under interesting but not very useful information. I’ll be in a rural area with my two karate instructors and the grandson of the Japanese one!”
Aimee laughed, “Poor baby! Still misbehaving?”
“Yes and no. I wrote you about Michelle, but otherwise, I’m sticking with my wives.”
“I was wondering if you’d have a ‘hall pass’ or not.”
“Are you asking?”
Aimee was quiet for a moment, “I’d love to, but I don’t think I can risk it. The last thing I need right now is someone to find out somehow and for me to get in trouble just as I’m achieving my goal!”
“I totally understand.”
“Changing subjects, do you remember a Jared King?”
“Sure. He was ROTC and I tutored him and a bunch of other Middies to get them through their computer classes. How do you know him?”
“I met him at Yokosuka. He’s transferring to the Enterprise and reporting the same day. We got to talking, and he mentioned Chicago and one thing led to another and we realized we both knew you.”
“And the pieces fall into place,” I said.
“Yeah, you know a bunch of Navy guys and all it takes is one to say the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time. It could even be an innocent comment that spills the beans.”
“Got it. How’s Jared doing?”
“Good. He’s a Lieutenant, and unfortunately is totally in love with a sweet Japanese girl.”
“I remember him being pretty good looking,” I said. “Is she coming Stateside with him?”
“They aren’t married, so it’s difficult. He’s been talking to an immigration lawyer to figure out the best way to handle it. We could see him tomorrow if you have time.”
“He’s in Chicago?” I asked.
“He lives somewhere in the northwest suburbs. I have his number.”
“Call him and invite him to dinner tomorrow at 6:00pm. It’ll be good to see him again.”
“What’s the plan for the weekend?”
“Guys’ and Girls’ Nights tonight, one of my Rap Sessions tomorrow, though with a twist. We’re doing it in the sauna.”
“Naked of course,” Aimee laughed. “I’m game.”
“I figured! I also have my karate practice at 10:00am today, and then again tomorrow at 8:00am.”
“That’s cool. I’ll hang out with your kids! I heard from my dad that your nanny got married?”
“She did. She’s living in North Carolina now. Her husband works for a NASCAR team in their shop. We have a new nanny, but she’s only at the house weekdays during the day. We’re putting you in Abbie’s old room.”
“After sleeping on a ship for the best part of two years, even one of those guest rooms in the basement would be like a luxury hotel!”
“Do you need something to eat when we get to the house?”
“No. Dad made me breakfast at 3:30am. In fact, maybe I’ll catch a nap while you go to karate so I don’t run out of energy tonight with the girls.”
“When did you become a lightweight?” I teased.
“Wait until you fly to and from Japan. You’ll find out. It’s three days later and my body still doesn’t know what time it is!”
When we arrived at the house, Aimee said hello to everyone, and then we got her settled into her room. She poured herself a cup of coffee, then sat down to talk with my wives while I spent some time with the kids before my wives, Michelle and I headed to the dojo. Aimee napped while we were away, and when we returned, we had a family lunch.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing until our friends began arriving for Guys’ and Girls’ Nights. I got the kids settled with Shanita and Kayla, then headed back to the house for an evening of poker, bourbon, and conversation.
May 8, 1994, Chicago, Illinois
“How is this going to work?” Jessica asked at lunch.
“We’ll wait until about 1:15pm, then have everyone come downstairs. There are enough towels and robes for those who don’t want to walk naked across the basement, but once they’re in the sauna, they have to be completely naked.”
Aimee laughed, “Of COURSE they do!”
“You might like Elizabeth’s boyfriend, ‘Big Ben’,” I chuckled.
“Hmm...” Aimee grinned.
“What did you decide to do, Michelle?” Kara asked.
“I’m thinking it’s a bad idea for me to do that again. Once was fine, but not the second time.”
“Anyone want to wager on who shows up?” I asked.
“If Laurie shows up, I’ll walk naked up and down Woodlawn Avenue,” Elyse laughed.
“Stranger things have happened,” I said, smiling at Michelle. “I’m guessing all the Juniors and Seniors show up, except maybe Ken, Joan, and Carissa. But, believe it or not, I think Carissa will be here.”
“Really?” Cindi asked, walking into the dining room.
“Just her expression. Ken and Joan won’t. Of the younger crowd, maybe one or two will show up. I’m thinking possibly Stacy and Bev, and maybe Ted. Brian and Samantha won’t be here. She talked to me about it, and Brian isn’t ready for that just yet. The more interesting one was Tom. Bethany said they’d be here.”
“Ooh! The hunky fireman!” Cindi cooed. “Too bad he’s taken!”
“I bet you anything you care to wager he has a friend who’d be interested in the most voluptuous woman I know!”
“Well an architect didn’t work out very well, so maybe a firefighter is just what I need!”
“They put OUT fires,” I chuckled. “They don’t light them!”
“Mine does!” Bethany giggled, walking into the room with Tom.
“I did not need to know that!” I grinned.
“Just wait until Birgit gives you a play-by-play of her first time,” Bethany laughed. “Or should I say ‘blow by blow’!”
“You know, it’s bad enough with Gina and Samantha!” I groaned. “I remember Katt talking like that to her dad and him saying there were things a dad doesn’t need to know. I agree wholeheartedly!”
“Who’s watching the kids?” Tom asked.
“Josie. She invited her friend April and her triplets to visit, plus another friend from work.”
“Triplets? Oh God, no!” Tom groaned worriedly.
“Don’t worry, Tommy, they don’t run in my family,” Bethany said with a smile. “We’ll have an ultrasound next week and you can put those fears to bed.”
“Are you SURE, Sweetheart?” I asked, twisting the knife a bit.
“That’s enough lip from you, Mr. Adams!”
I smirked, “Something you never, ever said to me when we were dating!”
“And on THAT note...” Tom laughed. “I’ll take Nicholas to the coach house!”
“I’m going to go help Josie,” Michelle said, getting up from the table.
“Let’s get the things cleared away,” I said. “Everyone should be here soon.”
We cleared away the dishes and while Kara and Elyse cleaned up the kitchen, I went to the basement to turn on the sauna and set out the towels and robes. By the time I arrived upstairs, people had started to arrive. It was almost exactly as I predicted, including two of the three Freshmen, Stacy and Bev. Just as we were about to go downstairs, someone else walked in.
“Laurie?” Becka gasped.
“Expect the unexpected,” she said with a laugh.
I looked over at Elyse, smirked, and winked.
“Oh, shit!” she laughed.
“What?” Laurie asked.
I smirked again, “Elyse is going to have to figure out a way to walk naked up and down Woodlawn Avenue, something she promised to do if you showed up!”
“What?! Why?”
“Because,” Claire said, “after your reaction three weeks ago, nobody, and I mean NOBODY, thought you’d be here!”
“I need to prove something,” Laurie said. “To myself.”
“What’s that?” Bethany asked, clearly concerned.
“That I’m not closed-minded.”
“You’re sure about this?”
“What Steve and Trish and Henry and Elyse said was right.”
“Where’s your friend Suzi?” Claire asked.
“I don’t think she’s coming back at all. Ever. She spent the entire walk back to the dorms ranting. The funny part is, listening to her rant convinced me I was totally missing the point.”
“It’s SHOWTIME!” Kara giggled.
“Kara Anne Adams!” I tried to say sternly, but I was laughing.
“Ignore her, Laurie,” Jessica said. “Miss Universe there is an exhibitionist!”
“If my body looked like hers, I would be too!” Becka said with a laugh.
Ten minutes later, with a bit of blushing, and a bit of nervousness, the sauna was full of naked people, with six of us sitting on the floor to ensure nobody was ‘too close’ on the benches.
“Are you OK, Laurie?” Bethany asked.
“I’m here, aren’t I?” she asked with a nervous smile.
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June 29, 1995, Chicago, Illinois On Thursday, I finally had lunch with Melissa again, something I hadn’t been looking forward to. Much like with Cèlia, Melissa and I had passed an inflection point and I was left with sub-optimal paths forward. I’d been struggling with the possible solutions, and all of them had pitfalls. When I walked into Takumi, I had something of a plan. Whether it was good or not would only be known once everything played out. “I spoke to my wives,” I said after we’d...
December 5, 2000, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota “I had a good time last night,” I said. “I was surprised you invited a friend!” Mary laughed as we walked into the exam room, “Naomi had a good time as well. You know what a Resident’s life is like.” I nodded, “No social life.” “Exactly. You guys seemed to hit it off pretty well.” “Yes, but I’m not here for that!” “You’re everywhere for that, and you know it!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s just say that you hit the sweet spot -...
March 1980, Hovås/Göteborg, Sweden I woke early as usual, but just enjoyed being in bed with Katt. When she woke, she hopped out of bed and pulled a robe out of her closet and handed it to me. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. Go have your shower, then we’ll have breakfast after I have my shower.” I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, and went back to Katt’s room. She went to shower and came back a few minutes later. She dressed, and I got a very good look at her sexy body...
April 5, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “You missed cuddles this morning!” Birgit said accusingly when I walked into the house about 9:30am. “I know, Pumpkin, but I had a work emergency and had to go see Aunt Joyce and Grandpa A.” “And now we have to get ready for karate!” “I know. We’ll have some family time this afternoon. I don’t have any plans.” “Good!” I hugged her and the rest of the kids, then went to find Kara. We hugged and kissed, and went straight upstairs to get ready for...
September 3, 1989, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” I said, bowing to Sensei Jim. “Good morning!” he said waving me to a chair in his office. “How was your trip?” I asked. “Enlightening. I spent most of my time acting as a manservant to Sensei Robert and Sensei Hiro.” “He who will lead, must first serve,” I said. “Someday, I’m going to send you to Sensei Hiro, should he live long enough. You understand.” “Does that mean you are now 6th Dan?” I...
October 29, 2000, Chicago, Illinois Birgit followed me as far as the stairs, then scooted upstairs when I went to the front door and opened it. “Hi!” Sophie said. “Hi!” I replied and held the door open so she could come into the house. I closed the door behind her then led her to my study where I waited until she went in, and then walked in, closing the door behind me. I nodded to one of the wingback chairs, she sat down in one, and I sat down in the other. “Is something wrong?” she...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I walked in the near 90°F heat to Carla’s place. I was grateful that the humidity of the morning had dropped significantly; otherwise the heat would have been unbearable. By the time I walked up the steps to the apartment over the photography studio and knocked on her door, I had broken into a light sweat. Carla answered almost immediately and invited me inside her studio apartment. The air was moderately cool, and the window air conditioner was running full...
July 1982, Milford, Ohio On Tuesday morning, I kissed Kara goodbye and headed to my parents’ house for my usual morning routine with my little sister. She was happy that I could spend the morning with her and asked to take a walk, so we weren’t in the house with my mom. “Let me guess — this walk will end in the clearing,” I said with a smile. “Yes,” she said, taking my hand as we walked down Overlook towards Klondyke. As usual, we turned around and walked back, taking the path to the...
March 13, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Ailea said when she opened the door. “Hi,” I replied, accepting the offered hug. There was no touching of lips, just of cheeks, and I wondered if I’d misread her intentions at her birthday lunch, or if, perhaps, she detected my reluctance to return the offered affection. “Lunch is ready, so go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it in from the kitchen.” I went to the low table, sat down, and a minute later, Ailea brought miso soup and sushi, our usual...
April 3, 1997, Dallas, Texas “Remember what I said about drinking too much,” I said, as I poured bourbon into three cups. We’d stopped at a liquor store, bought a bottle of Blanton’s, and then returned to the small suite I’d reserved at the Westin. Deborah’s room was down the hall, and Krissy’s was two floors below. Krissy’s comment had caught me a bit off guard, but I hadn’t reacted visibly. I didn’t know her quite well enough to know if she’d been teasing with Deborah, so I was being...
March 28, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “This day belongs to you, Kara!” I said when the three of us woke on Thursday morning. “Happy birthday!” Jessica said. “Thanks,” Kara replied happily. “I think I’d like an amazing birthday fuck from our husband, and then a nice loving shower with my wife!” Kara said. “Do we have enough time?” I asked. Jessica giggled, “I set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier!” “Then let’s not waste any of it!” I said pulling Kara to me. Kara’s squeals as I plunged...
September 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Monday morning I went to my study to make a surreptitious call to ensure that the surprise I’d planned for Kara was still going to happen, and after confirming that it was, Jesse, Matthew, Michael, and I began preparing for the Labor Day party by getting beer and soda into coolers, getting the grill ready, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard, and ensuring the liquor cabinets were stocked while my wives and daughters worked on food prep in the...
September 1, 1987, Chicago, Illinois “I heard that you have some kind of plan to help Ed,” I said to Connie. “There’s no plan,” she replied. “A witness who saw the shopkeeper alive after Ed left came forward.” That sounded convenient, and I wondered if the witness was real or someone that Anthony had put forward to solve the problem. Certainly, the videotape was real, because I couldn’t imagine how Anthony could have faked that, but the witness? Who knew? “So is he being released? Or is...
August 17, 1997, Chicago, Illinois We finished lunch and Marissa and the younger kids went to play, but Natalie sat with the adults to talk, with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. The Sarcus were very comfortable, but the Heaths were still struggling. But, vitally, they hadn’t left and hadn’t insisted Natalie leave the group. “Can you explain how you developed this attitude and approach?” Chris asked. I nodded, “It started when I was just a bit younger than Natalie. My mom was a total control...
July 1979 — Falkenberg, Sweden On Friday, when I got back from my run, Pam was in her bra and panties again. I whistled at her, she giggled, then finished dressing. I showered, and we went to breakfast and finished up our last day. Once class was done, we were pretty much free. On Saturday, we’d have several optional activities and then on Sunday we’d head back to our host families. After dinner on Friday, I took Pam’s hand and we walked towards the river. It was quiet and peaceful, and...
July 1980, Over the North Atlantic We reached cruising altitude, and I settled back to read my book. Pam raised the armrest between us, snuggled close to me and read as well. The cabin crew offered drinks, and I had my first Coke in a year! Meal service began about an hour and a half into the flight. After the cabin crew picked up the trays and offered drinks again, they passed once more, offering headsets for the movie. Trevor and Maria took them, but Pam and I didn’t, instead we turned on...
July 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Is it really that surprising?” Leah asked. “I suppose not,” I replied. “I just didn’t read too much into the kiss on the cheek.” “I didn’t think it was a good idea to kiss you on the lips with all those people around, because I had no idea who they were or what they would think. You were VERY careful with our dance, so I kind of followed your lead.” Which showed very mature thinking on her part. Both of these girls were exactly the kind of students I...
November 8, 1993, Chicago, Illinois A dark fog swirled before my eyes as I tried to take stock. My head hurt, badly. I felt something on my face and realized, dimly, it was an oxygen mask. My right hand was uncomfortable and I recognized the feeling of an IV and pulse-oximeter. My left arm ached fiercely. On my chest I felt the pads and wires of an EKG. I didn’t feel anything else wrong as I continued taking inventory. I tried to open my eyes, but the fog didn’t clear. I tried to speak, but...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois In the morning Anala and I ran as we had the previous time, then showered together, carefully washing each other’s bodies in an intimate but non-sexual way. After our shower we went to the kitchen and I made breakfast and we sat down to eat. “Steve, may I make a suggestion?” she asked. “Sure.” “Broaden your circle of friends. Other than me, all of you are white, nominally Christian, 20-year-old Americans. And you don’t invite me to your Sunday...
June 23, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Steve,” Kimmy said over the intercom, “I have a Suzanne Aavik for you.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Put her through, please.” A few seconds later, Suzanne was on the line. “Hi!” she exclaimed when I greeted her. “I’m in Chicago for three weeks. Can I still run away and join the circus?” I chuckled, “You might want to find out what the circus is actually like before you join! If you’re free, you’re welcome to come to the house tomorrow or Sunday and meet the...
March 1979 Monday was back to the normal routine of school. Debbie Courtney, who lived across the street and had turned fourteen the last week in February, started flirting more with me on the bus each day. Debbie Vaughn, who lived just down the street, would turn fourteen on March 16th and invited me to her birthday party. And Donna Woody, who lived just down the street in the other direction, would turn fourteen on March 20th. She had made it clear what she wanted for her birthday, and in...
June 2, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “My office, please,” Sensei Jim said after class on Saturday. I followed him to his office and waited for him to bid me to sit. He did, and I sat in the usual chair across from him. “She has a real problem, you know that, right?” he asked. “I do. That’s why I insisted she start seeing a counselor.” “I run a huge risk having her here with that kind of temper and her violent acts.” I nodded, “I understand. May I ask what you intend to do?” “I really don’t...
February 21, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Sweetheart!” I said, greeting Bethany at the door. “Uncle Steve!” Nicholas exclaimed. I took him from his mom and he hugged me tightly. “Is Jesse with his moms?” Bethany asked. “Yes. They won’t bring him back over tonight so you and Nicholas can surprise him in the morning.” “Perfect!” “How was the drive up?” “The same as usual. Just a bit of traffic in Northern Indiana. Otherwise, smooth sailing. It was driving the other direction that was a...
November 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” Miyu said when Kara, the girls, and I walked into the dojo on Saturday morning. “Good morning, Miyu.” “Do you have a moment, please?” I nodded and we went to the small practice room for privacy, as Sensei Jim had a family in his office. “What can I do for you?” “I need you to meet a young man,” she said. “I think you might be taking this ‘not do anything without permission’ a bit too far!” Miyu shook her head, “No, I’m not....
May 1979 The limo dropped me at home about 9:00pm. I took my stuff to my room, stripped, and hung up the tux. The rest of the things went into the hamper. I took a shower, put on shorts and a t-shirt, and walked down the hall into my dad’s office. I saw no reason to put this off any longer. “Stephen, you need to explain yourself!” my mom demanded. “I was in Mrs. McGrath’s, well, Mrs. Sanders’ now, wedding, as I said.” “You walked her down the aisle! You’re sixteen and not even related to...
November 3, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “I still don’t understand why you told everyone to leave Katy alone last night,” Elyse said on Saturday morning. “Because we weren’t going to talk her out of it. I could tell by the way she told us. I hoped letting her sleep on it would allow her to hear what we had to say. Obviously I was wrong.” “I was surprised that she wouldn’t talk to Jennifer at all,” Kara said. “I thought Jennifer would be the one to get her to listen to reason this morning.” I...
February, 1983, Chicago, Illinois Our first joining since the previous summer was slow and sweet, trying to express our deep love for each other through the motions of our bodies. When we finished, Karin held me tight and refused to let me move off of her. “Sleep there, please,” she whispered. I kissed her once more then adjusted my pillow so that I could rest my head next to hers. It wasn’t the most comfortable position, but it was what Karin wanted. The feel of her firm body under mine,...
July 3, 1996, Chicago, Illinois I blinked several times and took a breath before responding. It didn’t help. The best I could do was contain my visceral reaction at her completely out-of-line request and her wrong-headed assumptions when she had NO idea what had happened in my life the previous eight months. “What makes you think you can make that request after refusing to talk to me for nearly eight months? And equally importantly, without explaining Alexi? And without giving me the first...
August 12, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Fuck ‘em all,” I sighed. “Especially Donald Fehr. Running to Federal Court, the NLRB, and Congress? I’m really tired of the government putting its thumb so heavily on the scale.” “Well, we’re not going to resolve that problem today,” Elyse said. “Jackie and Jeremiah want to come over.” I chuckled, “Why am I not surprised? I bet you anything he had a rough sketch done ten minutes after they hung up the phone.” “They want to discuss options. Kimmy felt...
July 1983, Milford, Ohio My drive to Ohio was filled with wild swings of emotion. After quickly driving Anala home I had set out for Milford, driving as fast as I thought I could get away with, slowing only when warned to do so by my radar detector. I’d told Nancy that I’d come straight to her house and asked her to call my dad and let him know so that Stephanie wasn’t worried. I pulled into the Blanchards’ driveway at 3:30pm, having managed to avoid any run-ins with the Indiana State Police...
June 1980, On the Train, and in Abisko, Sweden As the train sped across the Swedish countryside towards Stockholm, I reflected on the fact that there were less than three weeks to go until I had to be in Copenhagen to board a flight home. I was torn between wanting to go home and wanting to stay, but in the end, I didn’t have a choice. I really liked my life here, the freedom I was given, the friends I had and, the respect I had from adults. I hadn’t run into a single adult who had treated...