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Dirty Old Man,  Maybe Not

By: woodmanone



This story contains no graphic sex scenes.

Constructive comments, emails, and suggestions are welcome and appreciated. If you like or even dislike this story please send an email detailing your opinion and/or suggestions. Reading these critiques will help me become a better writer.

Thanks for taking the time to read my work and please enjoy.

***************

I don't know if at 45 I can really be considered a dirty old man; I'm sure some of you will think that I am. You see I'm dating and infatuated with a woman; well maybe a girl of 22 is a better description. The difference in our ages is more than the years she's been alive. I've met a lot of young women who wanted to jump on my band wagon and have resisted the temptation of getting into a relationship with any of them. 

If a woman of 30 or younger paid special attention to me or "hit" on me I would decline and say "I've got wrinkles older than you". Most of the time it had the desired effect; I turned them down but made them laugh. That line, more than once, allowed me to reject their advances without embarrassing them or myself. 

The reason that I was a "target" for some, hell a lot of young women and older women too, isn't because I'm one of the world's sexist men. I'm not even in the top 10,000 and I'm being generous with that rating; no the reason women find me so attractive that they just have to get to "know" me more intimately is my money.

I have no illusions about their reasons for getting close to me. As a realist I don't believe in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, or the Tooth Fairy but I do believe that money and power are aphrodisiacs. Some women and even men are drawn to someone with a 4A Dun and Bradstreet rating like a cat is drawn to cat nip; they just can't help themselves.

My name is Jason Borne, no not that one, and I'm a self made rich dude. My company "Positive Solutions Inc." is rated as being worth over 10 million dollars and since I own it that's considered my net worth also. However that rating doesn't take into account the money that I've invested quietly in other companies and industries. Let's just say that I'm more than comfortable, actually let's tell the truth and say I'm stinking rich.

In spite of being the owner, CEO, CFO, COO, President, and I would be Chairman of the Board if we had a board, I still put in 10 to 12 hours a day. I come into the office around 6 AM and leave around 6 PM; of course I usually take a two hour lunch to go to the gym or do my running. I only work 4 days a week, giving myself three day weekends unless we have a dead line to meet and my people need my help. It's good to be king.

I have to hit the gym and run on a regular basis or I'll turn into the Pillsbury Dough Boy. The men of my family tend to balloon up in weight when they reach 40 or so. I wasn't going to let that happen to me, ergo the gym and running. I'm around 6 feet and have managed to keep my weight at a respectable 185. 

Having said before that I'm not one of the sexist men alive, I will say you wouldn't be ashamed to be seen with me either; I clean up pretty good. I have dark hair, with only a few grey ones, and my blue eyes tell of my Black Irish heritage. The only detriment to my looks is a thin scar running from the corner of my right eye down to my jaw line. 

I would like to tell you that the scar was the result of something exciting or adventurous but it happened when a CRT exploded in my face. But all and all not a bad package; add in my substantial bank account and I'm irresistible to some women.

After high school I spent ten years in the service of my country. For once unexpectedly the Army got it right and based on my test results assigned me to an IT division. I found a hidden talent for computers and actually enjoyed my first three years so much, I reuped for four years. My last tour was for three years and I still enjoyed the work and friendships; but not enough to reup for another three or four years.

I came back home to St. Louis and lucked into a job with a fledgling systems analysis company and took some classes at night to increase my knowledge of computers. Five years later two friends and I founded Positive Solutions Inc. and we were off and running. About ten years later we were making a lot, I mean a lot, of money; my two partners wanted to sell the company and take the money and run. I put together a package and was able to buy them out. Now PSI was my empire to rule.

My wife to be, Julie Landers, and I met in one of those night classes and hit it off. She had auburn hair and corn flower blue eyes. At close to 5' 10 she was lithe and graceful like a dancer; I was hooked after our first date. After dating for two and a half months, we moved in together; we got married the same month that Positive Solutions was conceived. The marriage ended in divorce and was mostly my fault; hell, it was all my fault. My two partners and I became so engrossed in founding and making a go of our company that I didn't pay enough attention to my other job; the job of being a husband, lover, and companion for Julie.

She tried several times to make me understand that she wanted more out of a husband and marriage than seeing me for a total of two or three hours a day. I would leave for work after a morning cup of coffee with her, came home to diner, and then spend the rest of the evening working in my home office. Julie would come into the office to kiss me good night; sometimes I would join her but a lot of the times I just kept working. She was usually asleep by the time I came to bed. Most of the time I worked over the weekend also.

Every time Julie would suggest or bring to my attention or complain that I needed to devote more time to her and our marriage, I would agree and things would get better for a few days. Then I'd go right back to being a workaholic. She put up with this behavior for eight years, two months, and fourteen days; then she filed for divorce. 

I talked to her at her attorney's office before signing the divorce documents. Of course I tried to get her to change her mind but she said she was afraid that I was never going to change. She told me that she loved me but needed more than the six to ten hours a week that I spent with her. 

Julie's demands were very reasonable; she wanted her car free and clear, she wanted a lease on a new apartment paid for one year, and she wanted one hundred thousand dollars cash. Half of our personal checking and savings accounts was substantially more than that and I offered to split those accounts with her; in fact I offered to give her all of those accounts. She refused and also turned down my offer of fifty percent of my third of the company.

I agreed to her terms and if a divorce can be friendly, ours was. Julie hugged and kissed me one last time and walked out of my life; I would miss her. She was a special lady but we just met at different points of our lives. Every year on her birthday I send her a card; the first card after the divorce I included a check for 50 thousand dollars. She put up with me working and excluding her for eight years while I built my company; I felt she deserved some of the rewards.

Julie returned the check with a note thanking me for the card writing that the check wasn't necessary. After that I just sent a card.

Positive Solutions Inc., or PSI, is an Information Technology company. We do everything and anything connected to or with computers. We do system analysis, create and apply software, and build entire IT systems and networks for the business world. We are very good at what we do.

The first time I met Kathleen Gallagher my company was in negations to purchase Doan Ltd., the company that she worked for. They were a competitor and I wanted them out of my way. She was one of the "suits" sitting opposite my team and me; she was introduced as the personal assistant to the Mr. Doan, owner of the company.

Kathleen reminded me of an Irish spring time; young and fresh. She was very attractive with her deep auburn hair and striking green eyes that can bore a hole through you like a laser. I guess I have a fetish for women with classic Irish looks. At 5' 9 she is tall and carried herself erect not trying to down play her height; in fact at each of our meeting she wore 3 inch heels which showed off her long legs nicely.

She was all business at these meetings; not flirting or flipping her hair and only smiled to be polite. The questions Kathleen asked and the points she brought up made me think that that "personal assistant" title didn't tell the whole story. She was sharp and to the point with no kidding around and she wasn't very diplomatic or tactful. 

My team was getting a little frustrated but determinedly pushed on, trying to reach a settlement. We had already managed to get control of 40 percent of the voting stock and hoped to gain total control without spending more money on more stock. The hostile takeover that we were attempting with Doan Ltd. was the main reason I'd never taken PSI public.

I hadn't said much beyond good morning and had been listening to the back and forth between the two sides. Finally I'd had enough and stepped in. I asked my people to leave the table and to wait for me outside. Turning to Mr. Doan I said, "Let's get the bottom of all this. What do we need to do to make this work?"

"I'm sorry; I didn't get your name. Are you authorized to negotiate for PSI?" He asked; a little puzzled at my late entry into the process.

"Yes, I guess you could say I'm authorized. My name is Jason Borne; I own PSI."

For the first time I saw Kathleen react, she was surprised but hid it well. "Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't know," Doan said.

"From the discussions this morning it seems the main sticking point is that you are trying to protect your employees. I won't lie to you, there will be some people let go. However if they're good people I'll keep them on or find them jobs in other sections of PSI. I'll see that the ones we can't place will get a very good severance package. I'll put that in writing if necessary. So do we have a deal?"

At his nod, I called my team back in, told them what to do and left them to finish up. On the way back to my office I kept thinking about Kathleen and those eyes of hers. You know it wouldn't hurt if you got involved in the change of ownership and spent some time at the newest division of PSI, I thought. Being a realist I knew that the extra interest I had in Doan Inc. was because of Kathleen.

Now some of you will think poor guy, he's lonely, feeling old, and wants to relive his youth. In rebuttal let me say that I don't feel old, that's one of the reasons for my work out regiment. Obviously I'm not poor and as George Bernard Shaw said, "Youth is wasted on the young"; I've been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. To be blunt about it I wouldn't relive my youth on a bet. That leaves being lonely; there's a difference between being lonely and choosing to be alone.

I've had plenty of playmates before I got filthy stinking rich as well as afterwards. There haven't been any "serious" relationships because I haven't wanted any. At first I was too busy building my company and later I begin to worry about whether women wanted me or my money. No problem I let them use me until I got tired or bored with them; most of the time I let them down easy. I never once told anyone that I loved them or made promises that I didn't keep; that's a point of honor to me.

For the next two weeks I spent as much time at the new division as possible and since I was the owner and boss of PSI the amount of time I spent at Doan's offices was entirely up to me. After the first two days, I asked Kathleen if she would like to go to lunch; she declined saying she had a lot of work to do and was going to eat at her desk. Three days later, I invited her to lunch and again she declined citing the same excuse.

After ten days I invited her to dinner and was once again shot down. One of the problems of being comfortable or wealthy or stinking rich is that you expect people to do what you want them to; it's an occupational hazard. I wasn't used to people telling me no or even no thank you. One additional problem I had was that PSI was now the owner of Doan Inc and since I owed PSI, I was technically Kathleen's boss. If I wasn't careful I could get involved in a sexual harassment situation. 

My last scheduled day at Doan was a Thursday; I walked into Kathleen's office, closed the door, and sat down in front of her desk. "Look Miss Gallagher, Kathleen, I would like to invite you to dinner one last time. If you say no, I won't bother you again. I'm asking as Jason Borne an admirer, not as Jason Borne owner of Doan Inc and your boss."

"Why me Mr. Borne?" She used my first name at my raised eyebrow and continued. "I'm sure you've got women falling all over you Jason. Why put the hard sell on me?"

"I admire your work, your business sense, and you no nonsense approach to your job," I answered. Then in response to her disbelieving look I said, "In truth I do admire and respect your skills and work ethic and actually I find you intelligent, knowledgeable, and very attractive; I would rather have dinner with you than some bimbo that will agree with anything I say." 

While staring at the floor Kathleen made me wait a few seconds and then agreed to have dinner with me the next evening. I think I surprised her when I picked her up in my vintage 69 Mustang Mach I, instead of a limo. She was also surprised at my choice of restaurants; I took her to Angelo's, a little mom & pop Italian place. Angelo's is on The Hill, a conclave of Italian families, restaurants, and businesses on the west side of St. Louis.

During dinner we got to know each other better; that's what a date is for isn't it. She's earned a degree in business administration and was going to school at night to get an MBA. I found that Kathleen was a dichotomy; a woman with several sides to her personality. She was ambitious yet wasn't ruled by that ambition, she enjoyed her work but didn't live for her job; she was an astute business woman on one hand and a free spirited girl enjoying life on the other hand. In a word I found her delightful.

Kathleen expressed an interest in my story too so I gave her song and verse of my life; from going into the Army after high school and discovering that I liked working with computers and having a hidden talent for them. I described how PSI was born, my divorce and why, the buyout of the two other founding partners, and where I'd taken the company since then. It was sort of a Horatio Alger story in real life. 

Drinking a glass of wine after dinner she giggled and said, "This is not at all what I expected from the great Mr. Borne."

"How so Kathleen and aren't we pass the Mr. Borne bit?"

Kathleen nodded with a smile and said, "I thought you would try and impress me with a fine five star restaurant and a limo and special treatment. Instead you took me to a place that serves really good food and has a nice home like atmosphere. You didn't try to show off; you just took me to a nice place. Not what I thought I would get when I agreed to go out with you."

"The owners are friends and I feel comfortable here, plus the food is great. Are you disappointed Kathleen; we can go someplace more fashionable next time."

"No, I'm not disappointed. This place is perfect. By the way my friends call me Kathy."

"Not me, I won't call you that," I replied.

"Don't you want to be my friend?" She teased.

"Yes I would like to be your friend. As I said before, you're intelligent, dedicated, and beautiful and that's too much of a handful for a Kathy. Kathleen is an appropriate name for a fine Irish lass like yourself, so that's what you'll always be to me, Kathleen."

I took her back to her place; she lived in basement apartment in an older two story brick home. I walked her to her door, and kissed her cheek as I said good night. "You can pick the place next time Kathleen. I'll call you."

Waiting until Monday I called her at her office and asked her if she wanted to do something during the day Friday. She reminded me that she was working but suggested Saturday instead and I agreed. I told her to dress casually, suggesting jeans as we would be in the country.

I surprised Kathleen again; I took her horseback riding. As far as I'm concerned if you're going off road you should use a Hummer or an ATV; as you can tell I'm not a big fan of horses. But Kathleen had told me she loved horses and rode every chance she got; so there we were at a stable. The horse guy, I think he's called a wrangler, asked about our level of riding skill. Kathleen was considered an accomplished rider; I'm more of a sit on the horse and try not to fall off type.

The horse they put me on had three speeds; slow, slower, and slowest. No matter what I did he walked at the same speed. Kathleen was on a spirited animal that like to run and prance but she controlled him very well. There were three wranglers for the twelve or so people in the group; one rode at the rear to keep the horses going, one rode in the middle to help the less than experienced riders like me. And one rode at the front with the accomplished riders; Kathleen was up front on her hyper active horse along with one of the wranglers.

In my mind I thought the "cowboy" was paying way too much attention to her but there wasn't much I could do about it except watch. They would disappear over a hill or down a different trail for a few minutes but weren't gone very long. Every time they went out of sight I tried to make my horse go faster but he paid no attention to my antics, nor would he turn off the trail.

I had surprised Kathleen that day by taking her horseback riding but I got a surprise myself. I was surprised to find out that I was jealous of the time that Kathleen and the cowboy spent together. On the way back I found myself thinking about buying the stable and firing that jerk water cowboy that had been messing with my Kathleen. Did I really say my Kathleen? 

After our ride, I took Kathleen to a little diner on the outskirts of the city. It was a half hour drive and I probably didn't say more than a two dozen words during the trip. I liked listening to Kathleen talk about how much she enjoyed riding a good horse, the scenery, and how much fun she'd had. I also began rethink my reasons for wanting to be around Kathleen.

Our next evening out I picked her up in the limo and took her to a five star restaurant on top of one of the tallest buildings in the city; the view from our table was stunning. When Kathleen answered her door and saw the limo she started to giggle and said, "Too late, you can't impress me now. I know what you really like to do; you want little out of the way places and love to horseback ride." She teased me about the horses because after the ride she asked me how I liked my horse; I told her 'medium rare' was about right but I thought he would make a better candidate for the glue factory.

We had a couple more weekend adventures; I took her fishing at a trout farm because she mentioned her mother used to take her fishing when she was much younger. Another time we went to a NASCAR race, you know those guys that drive fast and turn left. We had pit passes but actually watched the race on TV an owner's box and only paid close attention when the cars come into the pits during the race. 

I called her one Monday asking her to dinner the next night, but she declined my invitation. "Jason I have classes tomorrow night, but could we meet for lunch today? We need to talk."

Oh hell; the dreaded "we need to talk" bit. That phrase strikes fear into the hearts of every man, husband, boyfriend, or significant other in the world. Those worlds seldom bring good news.

We agreed to meet at a nearby café at 11:30. It was already 10 so I didn't have long to sit and stew about the "we have to talk" line. I walked into the café and Kathleen was sitting in a booth near the back. She was lovely as always but I could tell that she was nervous.


Dirty Old Man,  Maybe Not



As I sat down across from her I said with a smile, "Alright Miss Gallagher, you called this meeting. What's on your mind?"

She smiled a little and then got serious again. "I've enjoyed out time together very much, Jason. You've taken me to wonderful, glamorous places and treated me like a princess. We've gone to other places that I enjoy and you only went to please me. I want to thank you for all the wonderful times that we've had together." 

"I hear a silent but in there Kathleen. But what?" I knew what was coming, I was about to get dumped. 

"But, I don't have a romantic interest in you Jason. The age difference is part of it but mainly I don't want to get involved in a relationship just now. I have goals I want to accomplish, I want to be more than a personal assistant to some CEO; I want to be a CEO someday." She stopped to take a drink of water and continued.

"You've been very good to me and I appreciate it but I don't want to mislead you. I never knew my father and you're a, well if not a father figure, at least a favorite uncle figure. You're just what I dreamed my father would be like. I'm sorry I should have told you how I felt sooner but I was having a good time and I guess I got a little selfish." Kathleen stopped talking, glanced at me to see my reaction, and then looked down at the table.

Yep, I was being dumped. On the other hand I'd just received the nicest compliment ever. The lack of romantic feelings on her part strangely didn't bother me too much. I had once thought to myself that if I was some young girl's father I wouldn't think much of an older man squiring my daughter around and trying to get her into bed. 

Maybe that's why I'd never pushed Kathleen for anything more than a kiss on the cheek saying good night. Hell, maybe that's the real reason I turned down all the come-ons from those young women. Maybe I wasn't a dirty old man after all. The more I thought about it the more flattered I was; imagine being a father figure or even a favorite uncle to an amazing young woman like Kathleen.

"Kathleen, look at me," I ordered. She raised her head and I continued, "Thank you, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I would like to continue our adventures as friends or even as your adopted uncle. I've very fond of you and don't want to lose your friendship....... "What do you think young one?"

"I'd like that Uncle Jason," she replied with a laugh. Then the smile left her face and a look of...well fear replaced it. "Oh my God, my mother just walked in. I told her what I was going to tell you; she said she was worried about your reaction. I'm sorry Jason I didn't expect her to join us."

I stood and turned to meet Kathleen's mother. Mother? I don't think so. Maybe an older sister; this couldn't be the mother.

"Mom, this is Jason; the man I told you about. Jason this is my mother Gillian Gallagher," Kathleen introduced us.

"Hello Mrs. Gallagher, I'm Jason Borne. It's nice to meet you." I stood to greet her and put my hand out.

Gillian looked at me intently for a few seconds. Ignoring my offered hand, she sat down next to her daughter and continued to inspect me.

Feeling her stare I smiled and said, "Kathleen has just informed me that I'm not suitable as a boyfriend, but the job of adopted uncle is open. I've made an application for that position." I was trying to be funny to ease the tension that had descended on the table.

"That's nice Mr. Borne, but don't think it's a backdoor way to get my daughter into bed," she said, looking at me suspiciously.

"Mom!" Kathleen said. Her face turned red with embarrassment.

"I know all about you Mr. Borne. You're rich and used to getting what you want and right now you want Kathleen in your bed. Shame on you, your old enough to be her father! Men like you impress young woman by taking them to fancy places and driving around in fancy cars or buying them expensive gifts. Maybe in your case you'll offer her a great promotion at work; after all you do own the company."

"Mrs. Gallagher with all due respect," I said returning her angry look, "You don't know a damn thing. If I was what you described I probably would have used all those things to seduce Kathleen. But if you had gotten to know me before you chopped my head off you'll find that I'm not a liar or a schemer. 

I'm flattered and touched that Kathleen thinks of me as a friend. I've no intentions of harming that friendship by being a dirty old man." I was totally pissed off at her accusation.

"I'm sorry you don't like me but Kathleen does and that's good enough for me. If she decides to continue going on our adventures that's great and that's what we'll do. But make no mistake; it will be Kathleen's decision, not yours. And if you don't like it, you can go to hell."

I turned to Kathleen and said, "I think I'd better go. Call me if you need me. Good bye Mrs. Gallagher." I walked away with dignity; actually I stomped away in a rage.

Maybe the reason I was so angry was that Mrs. Gallagher had me pegged; she understood what I wanted when I first started seeing Kathleen. But something had changed, now I really liked the girl; not as a possible bed partner but because she was a fascinating young woman. I really enjoyed listening to her express her ideas and ideals, her goals and dreams and somewhere along the way I began to want to be her mentor, her teacher, her friend, and hell yes even her adopted uncle.

I didn't expect to hear from Kathleen that afternoon but the next morning she was sitting in the outer office when I got to work at 6 AM. 

"I'm so sorry Jason. Mom had no right to jump all over you like that."

I smiled at her got us both a cup of coffee and led her to the sitting area in my office. "Remember during one of our talks I told you that I believed everyone is responsible for their actions?" She nodded and I said, "The key word in that statement is their actions, not the actions of others. You don't owe me an apology."

"But Mom didn't........"

"That's on your mother, not you. Lighten up little one, everything's fine. Now go to work before I dock your pay," I said as I patted her on the shoulder and walked her to the door. Kathleen nodded, smiled, and went back to her office.

Sometime around 7, I heard a knock on my office door. Must be the morning for early visitors, I thought. "Ya, come in." Gillian Gallagher came into my office. I felt the anger from yesterday start to boil up again.

"May I talk to you, Mr. Borne?" I didn't say anything but nodded at her.

"I came to apologize, Mr. Borne. I shouldn't have gone off on you like I did."

"No you shouldn't have, at least not until you got to know me a little better."

She blushed and started to say something more but I held up my hand to stop her.

"Have a seat Mrs. Gallagher. Would you like some coffee? I make it myself; as good as my secretary is she can't make coffee worth a damn." I got the coffee and sat down across from her in front of my desk.

As I poured the coffee, I took a closer look at Mrs. Gallagher. She was a more mature version of Kathleen; I could see where Kathleen had gotten her auburn hair, green eyes, and good looks. Mrs. Gallagher was about the same height as her daughter with a more mature figure.

Mrs. Gallagher continued, "I just didn't want my stupidity yesterday to affect Kathy's job. It's not her fault that her mother is a crazy person. But Kathy is all I have and I'm sometimes over protective where she's concerned."

"So you're here because you're worried about her job, not because of what you said. If I was the type of man that you think I am, her job would be in jeopardy; lucky for all three of us that I'm not that type of guy. She would be very hard to replace. Relax; the only way Kathleen will leave the company is if she resigns."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean....."

"Look Mrs. Gallagher, true confession time. When I first met Kathleen, my intentions were exactly what you thought." She started to respond but I held up my hand to stop her and continued. "But after a couple of dates and getting to know her, I realized that I didn't want to be the dirty old man that you accused me of being. I wanted to be her friend, her mentor, and help her if I can."

She leaned back in her chair and looked at me. I could tell that she was puzzled by my confession.

"Kathleen is a remarkable young woman. She's formidable in her business dealings and yet she's one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Her co-workers jump when she suggests things but they all think very highly of her and would do almost anything for her. I want to spend more time with her and since I refuse to be a lecher I guess my role will be that of an adopted uncle."

"You're not at all what I thought you were or what I expected Mr. Borne."

"After ripping each other a new one yesterday don't you think you could call me Jason? Every time someone calls me "Mr. Borne" I think of that guy in that movie."

My comment eased the tension and got the smile I wanted. "Maybe you're right Jason; I'm Gillian."

"I remember," I replied. "It's a little early for lunch but could I interest you in breakfast? That little café where we met makes a mean omelet. I'd like to discuss some ideas I have concerning your daughter and my 'niece'."

Gillian tensed up for a second and then smiled and accepted my invitation to breakfast. The waitress brought coffee and then our food order; we talked as we ate.

"You said you had plans for Kathy Jason?"

"Yep I do. She is talented, has a head for business, and I want to make sure that she continues to work for my company." I explained my ideas and plans for Kathleen and asked her what she thought of them.

"That's wonderful Jason. But I have to ask, why Kathy?" 

There was a hint of suspicion in her voice. I paused and looked hard at her before I answered. "I have several people working for me; they are really good at the technical aspects. But none of them have the talent or the foresight or the motivation to help me run the company; none of them are administrative types. You understand what I mean?"

Gillian nodded saying "I think so."

"I think Kathleen has the talent, the moxie, and the motivation to be my right hand; my girl Friday if you will. Not like a personal assistant but as my second in command or vice president or whatever title we choose. Believe me, I've put a lot of years and made a lot of sacrifices to build PSI into what it is. I'd rather have a good administrator than a bed partner; good administrators are harder to find. Does that answer your question and put your mind at ease?"

"Yes it does, and thanks you for putting up with me Jason." She gave me a little smile and said, "You mentioned sacrifices. What sacrifices, if you don't mind telling me?"

"I'll answer that if you'll answer some personal questions for me. Deal?" 

That's only fair, I guess," she replied.

So I told Gillian about my intense concentration on building PSI and how it caused my marriage to break up. 

"You sound sad about it instead of resentful or angry," Gillian remarked.

"Julie was and is a good woman. It was my fault that we broke up; I didn't have my priorities straight back them. By the time my partners and I had the company on a solid basis it was too late. She had lived in the apartment I paid for in Santa Clara for one year and then sent me an email that she was moving. Two years after the divorce I went looking for Julie. PSI was up and running and I thought possibly we could reconnect. Julie hadn't said where she was moving so I used some connections and found she'd moved into an apartment in the same building; with her new husband."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories," Gillian said.

"Its okay; that was two years ago so the ache is pretty much gone, but the regret still jumps up sometimes." I paused for a few seconds and added, "That's one reason I want to train someone to take some of the load off my shoulders. If I ever find a special someone I want to be able to concentrate on them instead of PSI. I would like Kathleen to be that go to person."

She smiled and reached across the table and patted my hand. Time to smooth things out a little, I thought. "It's not a line, but you don't look old enough to have a daughter Kathleen's age." I saw the look on her face and added, "I'm not trying to flatter you; it's an honest opinion." You can never go wrong complimenting a woman; or anyone for that matter.

Gillian gave me the first genuine smile I'd seen and replied, "I was 16 and in love; but when he found out I was pregnant he left town. His parents said he'd run away and they didn't know where he was. I didn't believe them but there wasn't much I could do. So I raised Kathy by myself, although my family did help us a little. Gallagher is my family name."

As we talked I learned that Gillian owned and ran a medical billing and transcribing business. She had three people working for her and she ran the business out of her home. We finished breakfast and went back to my office. 

My secretary was at her desk by this time, "Stacy, call Doan and talk to Kathleen Gallagher. Tell her I would like to see her within the next hour please."

"Miss Gallagher is on her way Jason. She'll be here in about 30 minutes," Stacy informed me five minutes later.

When Kathleen entered my office she saw her mother sitting in one of the chairs in front of my desk with a stern look on her face. I was behind the desk with a scowl on my face, looking angry.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" She asked and before we could answer she said, "Jason, what's going on? You both look upset." Kathleen was worried; the last time she had seen us together we'd been almost yelling at each other.

I had this elaborate plan to kid her along and make her think we were fighting again, but I couldn't keep a straight face. One look at Kathleen's face and I started laughing. Gillian laughed too and it was a couple of minutes before we could control ourselves. 

Kathleen looked surprised at us and then she started to get mad. Before she could say anything, I told her to sit next to her mother.

"Your mother came to see me about an hour after you did this morning. It's all good Kathleen," I told her. "We've had a long talk and she decided I'm not the ogre she thought. Look, I have a farm or ranch or whatever with a four bedroom house a little over two hours outside the city. There's something special there I'd like to show both of you, I also want to talk about some plans I have. We can leave early Saturday morning and come back Sunday evening."

Gillian already knew what the talk would be about and nodded at her daughter. "That sounds like fun," Kathleen replied. "It should be beautiful in the country. What time should we expect you?"

"I'll pick up Kathleen at 6 AM if that's okay and then we can come for you."

"You won't have far to go, Kathy lives with me. We'll have a thermos of coffee ready when you get there."

Saturday morning at 6 AM my Lincoln Towne car stopped in front of Gillian's. My friend, George started to get out and open my door but I waved him off. "I've got this George, stay put," I said.

Before I got more than three or four steps toward the house Gillian and Kathleen came down the walk way to join me. George had the trunk open and stowed their two small suitcases. He came around to the passenger doors and opened both of them. I watched him and shook my head; he was showing off.

Directing Kathleen into the front seat, Gillian and I climbed into the back; George closed both doors and went the driver's side and got behind the wheel. Once we settled into our seats, Gillian said, "I didn't expect to be picked up by a chauffeured limo." Kathleen had turned in her seat and was looking back at us.

"Ladies, this is George Kelly. George this is Gillian Gallagher and her daughter Kathleen. And this isn't a limo, it's a Towne Car. George isn't my chauffeur; although sometimes he does drive me around."

"Nice to meet you George and I'm sorry about the chauffeur remark," Gillian said.

"I've been called worse; don't sweat it Miss," he replied smiling into the rearview mirror.

"George is your driver but he's not your chauffeur?" Gillian questioned.

"No, George is my.....What are we calling you this month George? Security consultant isn't it?"

"Just don't call me late for supper. Other than that you can call me whatever you want," George answered with a chuckle.

"Let me clear things up for you a little," I said and began the story of George. "George had been assigned to my security detail when I was in the Army. He and I were both from Missouri and about the same age so we became friends. By the way that almost got us in trouble. I was an officer; had to be to get the security clearances I needed, and he was an enlisted man." 

I stopped to explain that the Army frowns on fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel. "My boss was a tight ass Major; he read me the riot act and told me to stop socializing with George. "That's an order Lieutenant," the Major said.

"Maybe it'd be best if I resigned my commission," I told him. Boy did he get flustered.

"Two days later I went to see Brigadier General Jackson; he was the big boss of the operation. I told him I needed George's help with our project. He gives me an insight into the soldier's part in all this, Sir. I would find it difficult to get the results we want without his assistance."

The General wasn't stupid. He'd gotten a report from the Major and what I'd said. Jackson knew I didn't need George but he also knew that I was just stubborn enough to resign; leaving him and the project in trouble. He gave me a hard stare for about ten seconds. "I'll have Sergeant Kelly assigned to your crew. Don't ever go outside the chain of command again Lieutenant." 

As I got to the door, the General called my name and gave me a hard look, "Borne. The thing about running a good bluff is not to do it too many times; someone might just call it the next time. You understand Lieutenant?"

I nodded and he said, "Now get out of here."

"Anyway he assigned George as a security detail while we were stationed in England; I was working on some highly classified computers and the General used that as a justification. When we came back to the U.S., I finished my tour and got out. George was a lifer and stayed in. We lost track of each other."

"Lifer?" Kathleen asked.

"Yeah, I made a career in the Army, put in my twenty, and then pull the pin," George explained.

"Pulled the pin?" Kathleen asked.

"Retired; after twenty three years of service I pulled the pin. Anyway, I ran into Jason again at a seminar on the west coast about ten years later. I was one the security people for the auditorium," George replied.

"That means he was a rent a cop," I interjected. "And if y'all don't quit interrupting I'll never get the story done," I said with a pretend frown. George grinned, Kathleen giggled and Gillian smiled at my outburst.

"George and I had supper that evening and brought each other up to date. He said he had worked as a body guard for a while but didn't like putting up with some of the jerks he worked for. He quit the body guard business after telling off one of his clients. His Army pension was enough to live fairly well and he took a job as a security guard to supplement his income but mostly just to have something to do."

"It was either quit being a body guard or beat the hell out of my client. I thought quitting was the better choice," George added.

"There you go again, interrupting. The next day I called George and offered him a position with PSI. He's been with me for almost eight years now." I met George's eyes in the rearview mirror and added. "Hiring him was maybe the worst mistake I've ever made."

That got a smile from George and another chuckle from Kathleen. I'd been leaning forward so Kathleen and Gillian could hear the story. I sat back in the seat and relaxed; enjoying the ride and the company.




Dirty Old Man,  Maybe Not



"You two sound like great friends," Gillian remarked.

"Yes we are. George is one of the closest friends I've ever had."

During the ride I told Gillian about the dates and adventures that Kathleen and I shared. "It was after the horseback riding fiasco and our talk at the café that I realized that I wanted her friendship more than a romantic relationship with her. Also that started me thinking that with some experience and mentoring she'd be a great addition to my management team."

The drive took a little over two hours before we pulled into the driveway in front of my farm house. It actually an old farm house that I'd had renovated and modernized. It had two master suites on the second floor along with two more bedrooms. The house sat on the crest of a hill overlooking a big valley and I'd had a balcony added to each of the master suites on the second floor; the view from there was spectacular. I'd added a screened in porch running around three sides of the building.

My caretaker and his wife, Ralph and Millie Stone, came out to greet us. Ralph shook my hand and patted me on the shoulder. Millie hugged me and scolded me for staying away so long. Then they helped get the ladies squared away in their rooms. "Put on your jeans and boots and come down to the barn when you get settled please," I requested. "George you can stay or go back to the city; your choice."

"I'm your 'security consultant' so shouldn't I be close enough to consult?" George asked with a big grin. "I can stay in the guest house."

There are two guest houses, just behind the big house. Ralph and Millie lived in one and the other was for overflow if I ever needed the room; like now.

"You're not fooling me Sergeant. It's the fishing you want to consult on, not my security," I replied laughing. 

Ralph and I had been at the barn for less than ten minutes when the ladies joined me. They found me talking and stroking the neck of a big buckskin gelding. There were two other horses saddled and tied to a hitching post. 

"I thought you didn't like horses," Kathleen said.

"Don't usually, but Buck here is an exception. We've come to an understanding. He's the boss and I'm just along for the ride; no pun intended. He lets me pretend to tell him where were going and how fast and I pretend to know what I'm doing."

Kathleen had walked over to the tied horses and talked and stroked the forehead of the big grey filly. "It's good that you like that one; she's the one I picked out for you," I told her. 

She looked at me, puzzled and I said, "C'mon let mount up and take a turn around the farm or ranch or whatever it is. Guess I'm going to have to make up my mind about what to call it."

I got the laugh I wanted and the three of us took a tour of my spread. About 45 minutes later we stopped under some trees next to a large creek. I'm not much of a country boy but this was my favorite place on the whole property. I had turned it into a picnic spot with a couple of tables and a brick bbq pit. Getting off Buck I pulled a bottle of wine and three plastic glasses out of my saddle bags and we sat at one of the tables.

"If you don't like horses why do you won three of them?" Kathleen asked. "When did you get them?"

"Actually I only own Buck and the filly. The mare that Gillian is riding belongs to a neighbor that lets me borrow her sometimes; like today with three riders. The filly's new but Buck's been around for about a year."

I poured the ladies some wine, but put three fingers of bourbon from a hip flask into my glass. "Never understood the whole wine thing so I drink bourbon when I drink," I said in explanation.

"Ralph and Millie seemed very glad to see you," Kathleen said. "Do all your employees feel that way?"

"They're special people. I guess technically they do work for me but I never think of them that way," I replied.

I could see the questions in Kathleen and Gillian's eyes so I continued. "Ralph was my dad's best friend, before Dad passed away. Ralph and Millie owned it back then; it was a farm then instead of a ranch. After my mother left us, Dad and I would come out here to unwind; mental health days Dad called them. Ralph always treated me like his own son and Millie mothered me constantly. Both my folks are buried in the cemetery up on that hill there." I stopped to take a few sips of bourbon. 

"About two years ago I heard from a friend in Black, that's that little town we passed through to get here. My friend told me that Ralph and Millie were going to have to sell the ranch. A tornado came through and tore up the fields and the crops. It also did a lot of damage to the house. They were hurting financially but they could have gotten by the damage and loss of the crops. What they couldn't deal with was the lien that the IRS put on the property." I paused to overcome my anger. 

"Take it easy Jason," Gillian suggested.

I nodded, took a deep breath, and continued. "Apparently there were some tax problems with a business that Ralph had owned several years ago. The IRS gave him six months to pay the back taxes and the penalties; if he didn't they would take the farm." By this time I was pacing back and forth.

"When I heard about the problem I told my attorney to buy the property and settle the debt to the IRS. The written offer and all the paper work listed PSI as the buyer. Ralph and Millie didn't know until closing day that it was me."

I smiled remembering the day we closed the deal. "My legal beagle signed all the paper work; I came in and handed Ralph and Millie a check for the property. They were really surprised that I was the new owner."

"Well at least the place is going to someone that will appreciate it," Ralph said. "We should have enough to buy a small place in town after we pay off the government."

"That's already been taken care of Ralph. Part of the deal," I told him.

Ralph and Millie started to say something about they couldn't let me do that but I interrupted them.

"I want something in return. I want you two to be my live in caretakers for the place. Return it to the way it was when Dad and I used to come out here. We'll discuss salaries and such later." 

Sitting back down I added, "That's how this place became my ranch."

Gillian looked around, admiring the view and said, "You have a beautiful place here Jason."

"Legally it's not mine; it belongs to PSI. The land is listed as a retreat and seminar venue; something to do with taxes and such. It's all over my head but my attorney understands it all. Three or four times a year I invite everyone out here for a BBQ weekend. I, or rather my accountant, can write most of it off as a business expense."

Kathleen looked at me with a smile, "You have a devious mind, Jason."

"Not me, it's all the bean counters and the lawyers. They said it's just good business." I paused for a minute looking at the stream flowing by. Besides I like sticking it to the asses at the IRS. Speaking of business, it's time to call this meeting to order."

"What meeting?" Kathleen asked. She looked at her mother but Gillian just shrugged with a smile playing around her lips.

"This first meeting of the 'Jason getting what he wants and helping Kathleen at the same time' group will now come to order," I answered. "Is there any old business? Wait there can't be any old business, this is our first meeting. Okay, new business then." The puzzled look on Kathleen's face made Gillian and I chuckle. When we stopped laughing I continued.

"I've decided that I don't want to be a dirty old man," I leered at Kathleen. "But I hope to have a relationship with someone someday. If I find someone I don't want the business to come between us. I don't want what happened between me and Julie to happen again." I hung my head for a few seconds, remembering and regretting. 

Shaking myself I said, "I need a successor, well not a successor, a second in command to run the show if I decide to take off to Hawaii or something for a week or a month or six months. That's where you come in Kathleen."

She was still puzzled, not understand yet what I was saying. "I have no idea what you're talking about Jason."

I smiled, nodded and said, "I want to offer you a special position."

"What kind of position?" Kathleen couldn't keep herself from asking.

"Okay, here's the deal. I'll arrange for you to finish your MBA at St. Louis University. You'll go to school three days a week. That way you'll be able to finish your studies in about a year instead of the three years it's going to take you going to school at night."

"St. Louis U doesn't have a program like that. You have to go to scheduled classes. I know I checked into it," Kathleen objected.

"They will have; I know someone that knows someone and I'll get it done. Back to the proposal, the other two days you'll train with me at PSI. I'm going to show you a world of business you've never seen at Doan."

"Who do you know and why would they change a class schedule for me?"

"The head of the Board of Regents owes me a favor. I donated the equipment and software for the schools new computer science lab, to the tune of 750 thousand dollars. He'll get things set up for us."

I can't afford the tuition at St. Louis, especially only working two days a week," Kathleen responded.

"We haven't got to the best part yet, little one. I'll foot the bill for tuition and you'll continue to draw your full salary while you're going to school. After you get your degree, you'll sign a five year exclusive contract with PSI. and we'll renegotiate your pay scale. We'll revisit the contract after five years but I hope by that time wild horses couldn't drag you away; pun intended. How's it sound so far?"

Kathleen looked at her mother who just smiled. Gillian and I had already discussed this. "It sounds too good to be true. Why would you do this and what do you get out of it Jason?" 

"I get someone I can trust to do exactly what I would do if I was there. I get someone I can turn the company over to for a few days or weeks or whatever and know that it's being run right. I get someone to take the pressure off if I ever met someone special and not have business screw up the relationship. But in addition I get to help someone that I admire and respect."

She reached over with one hand and took her mother's hand and wiped a couple of tears off her cheeks with the other one. Gillian was smiling and had tears of her own at seeing how surprised and happy Kathleen was.

"Now we come to the horse," I added.

Kathleen sniffed and asked, "Horse? What horse?"

"The filly you've been riding all day. She's yours. You can keep her here on the ranch if you like."

"Mine?"

"Call it an incentive; well call it a bribe to get you to agree to the program. By the way, I think you know me by now but just in case, this is strictly business; no extras are required or expected." I took Kathleen's hand and looked into her eyes. "I need your help here kid. Care to give your adopted uncle a little assist?"

Gillian was surprised too, she knew about the offer but she hadn't heard about the horse. Kathleen put her arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. "You bet; I'll help you Uncle Jason. I'll call my horse Gilly, after my mother."

That evening the four of us, Kathleen, Gillian, George and myself, went into Black for dinner and a celebration. I took them to Ruby's, a family owned steak house. If Ruby's had been in the city you would have had to wait for over an hour to get a table. The food was that good.

When we walked in Ruby greeted me at the door with a hug and led us to a table. "Your friend in town, I gather," Gillian said with a smile. I just nodded. There was no need to go into how close that friendship had been at one time.

We took another ride the next morning after breakfast. George had gone to my neighbors and borrowed another horse and joined us. The ride took us to another part of the ranch but we ended up back at my special picnic spot. 

"Now I know why you bought Gilly but I don't understand why you bought Buck; I mean considering your dislike of horses" Kathleen said.

George was the one that answered. "Our boss is a big softy. He was in town and heard that the man that owned Buck couldn't find a buyer for the animal and couldn't afford to keep him. The owner was going to sell the animal to a dog food company." George had Kathleen and Gillian's attention.

"Jason came back to the house and told Ralph to come with him. They bought Buck and brought him back to the ranch. Jason's explanation was that Buck had been gelded and had already suffered enough. At least we can give him a good home is what he said." George finished and gave me a big grin.

"Bull shit George. Buck is just another tax write off," I replied.

This time it was Gillian that put her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. "Thank goodness for tax write offs Jason. But I don't believe you."

The ride back to the city that afternoon seemed to go quickly. Kathleen and I talked the entire trip about her new position, when she could start classes, and about her training.

******************

Four months into the new arrangement things were going good. I was right about Kathleen; she was smart and picked up the training I gave her very easily. She was learning things about the IT business that she'd never seen at Doan. I even thought I'd found a special someone to share my life with.

I don't know if I subconsciously thought that if I couldn't have the daughter I'd take the mother or what. All I know is that I enjoyed Gillian's company very much. I could see where Kathleen got her intelligence as well as her looks. 

Gillian and I had several adventures and dates over the first four months of the new program. We went out at least once a week; some weeks it was more. She got me to try horseback riding again; same result as with Kathleen. I could ride Buck and enjoy myself but the horses at the stables just didn't measure up to the big guy. We tried sky diving.... just once. I never understood why anyone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. 

We had a couple of make out sessions but had never slept together. Well, yes we did but only twice. One night at a dinner dance we both enjoyed the Champaign a little too much. We ended up wrapped around each other, still clothed on top of, not in, my bed. The other time was at her house. It was raining and nasty so we stayed in and watched a couple of movies. We fell asleep cuddling and snuggling on this oversized sofa.

One evening Gillian met me at my office and just as we started to leave, and emergency call came in. One of our clients pushed the wrong button and shut his network down. I don't know that's what he said anyway. He was a very big account so I had to try and help him.

Gillian smiled and said she understood. She said she'd just go home and we could go another night. I suggested that George could keep her company at dinner and I'd join them for desert. Finally I was able to get to the restaurant. George and Gillian were laughing when I walked up to the table but they quickly stopped. 

George smiled at me and said, "Well the cavalry has arrived. Time for me to head back to the barn." I told him he should stay as did Gillian but he shook his head and left. 

Gillian and I had desert and I took her back to her car at my office. As I parked next to her car and started to get out, I heard those four words I'd learned to hate. "We need to talk," she said with a sad little smile. "Do you know you talk in you sleep?"

"What?"

"How long has it been since you and Julie divorced?"

"What?" 

"How long?"

I didn't understand what my divorce had to do with anything but I answered her question. "Four years and eight months. Why?"

Gillian gave me that sad little smile again. "You see, that's part of our problem."

"What, my divorce? Why is that a problem?"

"Not the divorce but the fact that you remember and know exactly how long ago it was," she replied. 

"Of course I know how long ago it was. It was a very bad period in my life."

"Yes but you didn't say four years or about four years. You know exactly how long it's been; you don't even have to stop and think about it. I bet you can tell me how many days too."

"Sixteen," I answered without thinking. Damn.

Again with the smile. Gillian continued, "Jason, you're a good man. In spite of being filthy rich you're a good person. I respect and admire you and of course I'm grateful for what you've done for Kathy. But we can't be more than friends because I won't settle for being a consolation prize."

"What? A consolation prize, what the hell are you talking about?"

"I could fall in love with you very easy but I'd always be second best.....You're still in love with Julie." Gillian chuckled sadly, "Do you know you talk in your sleep? You ask her not to leave. I guess I don't play well with others and don't share."

"But Julie and I are history, Gillian."

"Maybe legally but not in your heart. It may be guilt because you feel your actions made her leave but I think you still love her. If we got close, I would always wonder what you would do if Julie came back. You're an honorable man and I know you wouldn't leave me but you might want to. It would just make both of us miserable. I won't live that way...I can't live that way."

I looked at Gillian for what seemed like an hour but was less than a minute. "I didn't realize I talked in my sleep. Guess when I'm awake I force myself not to think about her........ "I'm sorry Gillian; I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You didn't but you could have if we let it go on."

"So where do we go from here? I don't want to lose you. Can we be friends?"

"Of course we can," Gillian answered. She took my hand, gave me a little smile and said, "Friends have things in common; we have Kathleen."

*************

Eight months have gone by and Kathleen just got her MBA. Now the real world business training goes into high gear. She'll work the same schedule I do and I'll teach her everything about business that I know. I figure it'll be about a year before I feel confident enough to take some time off.

Two weeks after Kathleen began her training she asked me to take her to lunch. "I want to talk to you about something," she told me.

Damn, that's the same as "we have to talk". What now, did she want to renege on our contract? We went to the same little café where she let me know I was a father figure to her.

I thought I would be funny and use the same line I had back then. "All right Miss Gallagher, you called this meeting. What's on your mind?" I waited, dreading her answer.

Kathleen smiled and then laughed; she remembered our last lunch here. "I want to talk to you about my mother."

"Gillian?"

"She's the only mother I've got," Kathleen laughed. "She told me all about your 'we need to talk' moment and just for the record, I think she's right; you are still in love with Julie. But that's not what I wanted to discuss with you."

"I repeat little one. What's on your mind?"

"Mom has met someone that she likes very much, but she needs your help."

I was puzzled. "Gillian wants romantic advice from me? With my record I'm not the best one to ask about things like that."

"No silly, not advice," Kathleen chuckled. "She needs you to talk to the man and get him off his butt."

Now I was really confused. "Maybe you should start at the beginning again. I'm totally lost here."

"Mom met this guy and she really likes him. She pretty sure that he feels the same way about her but he won't ask her for a date. I want you to talk to him and explain that it's okay for him to ask her out."

"Why would he care what I thought? Besides, if Gillian gets together with him it means I won't be able to spend as much time with her as I do. I don't want to lose our friendship and I would if she starts dating this guy. No man wants a former suitor or even a close male friend hanging around," I told her.




Dirty Old Man,  Maybe Not



"I don't think that would be a problem with this man," Kathleen replied.

"Okay who is this idiot that doesn't want to ask Gillian out and needs me to push him into it?" 

"It's George."

"George who? My George?" I was more than surprised, I was almost shocked. "He's never said anything to me about being interested in Gillian. And why wouldn't he want to be with her if he feels the same way as she does?"

"Loyalty to a friend.....You in this case. Three times Mom has told a little white lie to get him to go places with her. Each time she told him that you were busy and asked him to be her stand in escort. Mom's not naïve or a fool, she knows when a man wants her. And George cares for Mom. He wants her but won't go after her because you're his friend." Kathleen waited for my reaction.

"Gillian and I are just friends, good friends, but just friends. We laid the romantic part of our relationship aside," I replied.

"But George doesn't see it that way. When you and Mom stopped "dating" I teased him that now was his chance. His response said it all; "You don't date your best friends ex". George thinks you guys "broke up", so he won't go after Mom. It's driving her nuts."

Kathleen gave me her little girl smile and said, "Please Uncle Jason, can't you help me?"

"For my favorite niece, anything. I'll take care of it," I promised.

Something happened the next day that gave me the excuse I needed to talk to George. As I said earlier, every year on her birthday I sent Julie a card. This year the card was returned with "Not at this address" written on the envelope. Not at this address. What the hell?

I called George into my office. Explaining the circumstances, I told him to find Julie.

"I'll see what I can find out Jason but I'm not a private investigator."

"Damn it George, I don't want excuses. I want results. Get it done," I ordered.

"Yes sir, Lieutenant, sir," he responded with a grim smile.

I looked at him for a few seconds and gave him a sheepish grin. "Sorry.....Please George find her for me. I just want to make sure she's okay. By the way you've only got three weeks to do it." 

"Why just three weeks?"

"Because you're going on vacation in three weeks. You haven't taken any time off since you came to work for me," I said handing him tickets for a week long cruise to the Mexican Rivera. The boat sails in three weeks so find Julie quickly."

George looked at the tickets. "There are two tickets here."

"So take some lovely lady with you. Enjoy yourself; I don't want you burning out on me, Sergeant." 

"I don't know anyone to ask," George admitted.

"Not trying to interfere but you could invite Gillian," I suggested and laughed at the look on his face. 

While George and I were stationed in Brittan our English cohorts used a term, gob smacked, to describe someone that was so surprised or shocked that they didn't know how to react. 

George looked at me with his eyes wide open and his jaw was hanging down. He was gob smacked and didn't know what to say.

"Look buddy, Gillian and I didn't break up; not really. We realized that we'd be better as friends than lovers. So you're not being disloyal if you want to be with her............Of course my information could be wrong and you don't want her."

"No, I do. I just never thought........"

"When I used to complain about the Army you told me, "Soldier, shut up and soldier." Time for you to follow your own advice George; go ask Gillian to go with you. I guarantee she'll say yes. Okay?"

He nodded and started to leave my office. "Before you go, make sure and find Julie for me."

"Yes sir, Lieutenant, sir." This time he said it with a real smile. "Thanks Jason." He stomped out of the office like a man on a mission. Don't get in George's way right now, I thought.

I was happy for my two friends. Glad someone's love life is going good, I thought. Mine sure sucks.

Two weeks later George swept into my office, closing the door behind him. "You owe me, big time," he said.

"Always have. What do I owe you for this time?"

"I found Julie."

"Where is she? How is she? Is she alright?" I stuttered and stumbled.

"Take it easy. Settle. Julie's fine. In fact she just started a new job and from what I understand at a better salary than she made in Santa Clara."

"Quit teasing me George. Where is she?"

"She works for, of all places an IT company just like PSI, in the Human Resources department. Right here in the city and you'll never guess the name of the company."

"Where is she working?"

"Guess," he said with a grin.

"George, I'm gonna beat you with my Stan Musial baseball bat if you don't tell me where she is."

Giving me another grin he replied, "Julie works for a company called Doan, Inc." He laughed at the shocked look on my face. "Nobody knows who she is; she's using her maiden name of Landers."

"I'll be damned. Wait, you said her maiden name, why would she do that?"

"Because she got a divorce about six months ago; it's part of the public record in Santa Clara." George laughed as I reacted to the news. "I don't think, hell I know, that she isn't aware that you own Doan." George paused for a few seconds and asked, "Where do you want me to go from here?"

"I don't know," I answered. I was at a loss; I'd, or rather George, had found Julie. Now what do I do? I was just now coming to grips with the fact that I still loved her; her marriage sort of enabled me to put it out of my mind. But now that she's divorced that safety net was gone.

"Two weeks ago you gave me some advice," George said. "I'm giving it back to you. Soldier shut up and soldier. You need to go see her Jason. Who knows? Maybe she still loves you too, but at least you can move on, one way or the other. Go see her."

As he got to the door he stopped and turned back toward me. "By the way, you were right. Gillian's going on the cruise with me. Thanks again buddy." Then he walked out of my office, leaving me to wonder if I should follow his advice.

I was interrupted by my phone ringing. Normally my secretary, Stacy, screens calls to me but I'd sent her on an errand so I answered it myself.

"Yeah, who's this?" I know, not the proper phone etiquette but I'm the boss I can answer any way I like.

"Heck of a way to answer your phone, Jason," Gillian said. 

"I know, but Stacy's gone for a few minutes. Didn't know who was calling and this way I could hang up if I didn't want to talk to them."

"I called to say thank you for talking to George and for the cruise. That was very sweet of you," she said.

"That's what good friends do; they're sweet to each other." I repeated what I'd said in my mind and said, "Oh my God, did I really just say that?"

Gillian laughed and replied, "Yes you did." Still chuckling she asked, "What made you talk to George about he and I, anyway?" 

"I keep an eye on everything and everyone around me. I'm also very astute and intelligent," I answered. "So I know what's going on at all times."

"Jason.....What really happened?"

"Well I ........."

"Jason!"

"Okay, maybe I got a heads up from a certain young lady who has your best interest at heart," I said.

"Kathy told you what was going on? That little stinker," Gillian responded. I could hear the smile in her voice.

"I've said all I'm going to say on the subject. But I will add that I'd better not be pushed aside by either of my good friends, just because they're in love."

"You won't be, I promise. When are you going to see Julie? George told me he found her."

"George can't keep his mouth shut any better than Kathleen, can he?" I waited for a few seconds trying to come up with an answer. "I don't know Gillian; guess I'm scared to go see her. What if she doesn't want to talk to me? What if she hates me? What if she........."

"Jason, get a grip. Slow down, you're over thinking it. Go see her and find out how she feels. The worse thing that can happen is that she doesn't want to see or talk to you. You've got that much right now. But maybe, just maybe, she'd like to reconnect with you. Possibly just as friends but that's more than you've got now. Isn't it?"

I stared at the wall for a bit and asked, "How did you Gallagher women get so smart?"

"It's the Irish in us," she said. "Go see Julie and do it soon. Got to go; George is taking me shopping for the cruise. He said he wants to pick out a bikini for me to wear. Bye Jason." 

Remembering how Gillian looked in a bikini I thought, George you're a lucky man. I have very few close friends; very few people that I trust completely on a personal level. Three of my friends had suggested, hell, ordered me to call or go see Julie. It's time to talk to my closest friends and take advantage of their experience, I thought. I called Ralph and Millie.

"Bout time you called Jason," Ralph said. "We've seen more of Kathleen than we have of you. She's been out here several times to ride that filly you gave her. I haven't heard from you since you brought her and Gillian out to the ranch. Millie's a little upset with you."

"I know I should have called, I've been pretty busy. I'm sorry, that's no excuse. You'd think I would've learned by now."

"You're talkin about Julie I reckon," Millie said. "I picked up the extension when I heard who it was."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you guys about; Julie I mean."

"How can we help?" The both asked at the same time.

I told them about Julie's divorce and her moving back to the city. Explaining that she now works for one of my subsidiary companies I told them that George, Gillian, and Kathleen all told me told me I was still in love with her and that I should call or see Julie.

"They're right; I do still have feelings for her. But I don't know if I should following their advice. That's why I called you guys. What do you think?"

"Go see her boy," Ralph said without hesitation. "You got nothing right now, as far as Julie is concerned. Maybe you're the reason she moved back to the city; maybe not but you won't know until you go see her. Don't call Jason, go see her."

"For once my old man is right Jason," Millie added. "You owe it to both of you to talk to her."

"Thanks guys. I promise I'll call or come to see you soon."

After the call I sat at my desk and stared at the wall as I thought. I may not be smarter than the average when it comes to relationships, but my friends are. They're right, I do need to see and talk to Julie. The question is how to make that happen. Should I find out where she takes her lunch break and walk up to her? Should I wait for her after work? Should I go to her office? 

No, all of those scenarios are a little too much like stalking. If she doesn't want to see me or even if she does it might scare her. I'll have to come up with a plan, I thought.

******************

It was a Friday evening, eight days later and I'd just walked into my place at 7 PM thinking about what to do for dinner when my cell phone rang. "This better be important," I said answering the phone.

"You still haven't learned the proper way to answer a phone, have you Jason?"

"Gillian, is that you. When did you guys get back?"

"We took a red eye flight in last night and spent today getting our internal clocks back in sync. Anyway we're celebrating and we want you to join us. Kathy's here and we need you to complete our little group."

"I'm not really up to it tonight. I spent the day cleaning up a mess that the marketing department made."

I heard Gillian tell the others that I didn't want to come and then a different voice was on the phone.

"Come on Jason. It's a party and it won't be the same without you," Kathleen pleaded. "George and Mom got engaged on the cruise and it's all your fault. So you have to come celebrate with us."

"Congratulate the happy couple for me little one. But I'm not much in a party mood."

"Please Uncle Jason, for me?" Kathleen said in her little girl voice.

She only used that voice when she teased me but she knew I'd have a hard time resisting her request. "Okay, Kathleen. Where are you guys?"

"At Tooley's, that pub near my house. It's on the corner of 7th and Clayton."

"Well, at least I can get a good burger for dinner, I haven't eaten yet. See you in about 40 minutes." I heard her tell Gillian that I was on my way before she hung up.

I spotted the terrible threesome almost as soon as I walked into Tooley's. They were sitting at a table in front of a cold, empty fireplace. As I headed toward their table I stopped to order a bottle of champagne from the bartender; I also told him what I planned to do as I slipped him a fifty dollar bill. When I got to the table Gillian and then Kathleen hugged me. George stood shook my hand and hugged me too.

"You damn Irish always were too touchy feely for my tastes," I complained. "Behave yourselves and sit down." The waitress brought the bottle of bubbly and four glasses. The wine was already opened and I filled the glasses. I stood and raised my glass and my three friends stood also.

"Congratulations to Gillian Gallagher and George Kelly. I'll give you an Irish toast." I paused for about ten seconds and continued.

"May the most you wish for be the least you get.    May your troubles be less and your blessings be more.  And nothing but happiness come through your door."

I drained my glass and then threw it into the fireplace; shattering it into a hundred pieces. Gillian and Kathleen were shocked at my gesture but George smiled and did the same thing. The ladies looked at each other, shrugged, finished their wine and threw their glasses too. Right on cue, the waitress brought four more glasses. We sat down and I poured more wine.

"Whatever possessed you to do that?" Gillian asked grinning.

"It's something we learned when we were stationed in England. The Irish troops always broke their glasses after an important toast. Something to do with not weakening the toast by continuing to use the same glass," I explained.

Kathleen was laughing and said, "Well it certainly was dramatic. I think everyone in the place knows the Irish are here now."

George looked over my shoulder and then nodded at Gillian and Kathleen. "And here comes the other reason we picked Tooley's tonight," he said.

I turned and looked behind me to see where the others were looking. An attractive woman was walking toward our table. Well that solves my problem on how to approach Julie, I thought.

"Hello Jason. It's nice to see you," Julie said when she stopped at our table.

Now it was my turn to be gob smacked. I didn't say anything, I just stared at Julie. My brain kicked in after a few seconds and I stood. I need some witty, suave line to greet her, I said to myself. "Hello, Julie. It's nice to see you too," was all I could manage.

Gillian saved me; she walked around the table and said, "Hi Julie. Jason's told us so much about you. I'm Gillian Gallagher and this is my daughter Kathy." She stepped next to George and continued, "And this is my fiancé George Kelly."

Julie smiled and nodded. It's nice to meet you and George and I are old friends. How are you George?"

"I'm luckier than the gods want any man to be," George replied. "Good to see you again Julie."

Turning her attention back to the rest of us Julie said, "I just wanted to say hello to Jason. We haven't seen each other in a long time, have we?"

Old silver tongued devil that I am I replied, "No we haven't." I was beginning to get over the shock of seeing her. "Have a seat and join us," I suggested.

"Thank you, but I'm with some friends from work. I heard the glass breaking and then saw you and thought I'd say hello. It was nice to meet you all and it was good to see you Jason," she said and turned to go back to her friends.

As she started to walk away George nudged me with his elbow, none too gently either. I quickly caught up to Julie. "I know it's a little strange but could we have lunch or get a drink sometime. I'd like to talk to you Julie."

She gave me the thousand watt smile that used to brighten my day. "I'd like that Jason. You can reach me in the HR department at Doan, Inc. Give me a call." Julie patted my arm and rejoined her friends; all female.

I returned to my table and stared at my friends. "You know it's not nice to play tricks on your friends; you can never tell when they might resent it," I said with a solemn face and voice.

The smiles melted off of Gillian's and Kathleen's faces. It was apparent that they thought I was upset with them; only George continued to smile. I watched him closely and his smile got bigger. "You can't fool me Jason. Right now you're so happy you'd get up on the table and dance if there was any music," George said. 

I returned his smile, then chuckled, and then laughed out loud at the looks on the ladies faces. "Sorry, I couldn't resist it," I told Gillian and Kathleen. "You all thought you were so smart luring the poor unsuspecting Jason here."

The girls laughed with me and then the questions started. "Are you going to call her? When are you going to call her? Are you going to ask her out? Are you....."

"Stop already," I ordered laughing. "I'll call her. After all of you tricked me into this meeting I have to; if for no other reason than to get you guys to leave me alone."

********************
It was Wednesday when I finally got up the nerve to call Julie. Kathleen and Gillian pestered me on Monday and Tuesday about calling Julie. I received four calls from them on Monday and six on Tuesday wanting to know if I'd called her yet; those aggravating calls helped me make my decision. 

Julie answered the phone when I called, "Julie Landers, may I help you?"

I almost hung up; almost losing my nerve. When Julie said hello for the second time, I said, "Hi Julie, its Jason. I wondered if you'd like to get a drink tonight after work."

"That would be nice. Where and when?"

"How about Tooley's at 7?"

"See you there Jason. It'll be nice to talk to you after all this time."

Now that I'd made the "date" I began to question myself. "What would I say? What would we talk about after all this time? Does she still care about me? STOP. I'm a grown man, a business 'tycoon' successful dealing with the business world and I'm acting like a love sick teenager I told myself. It's not like it's a first date; just drinks with my ex. Then why am I so freaked out?

I was a Tooley's at 6, I was a little anxious I guess. Julie came into the bar about 15 minutes later; Guess I'm not the only one that's nervous, I thought. I was sitting at the table in front of the fireplace; she saw me, smiled and walked to join me. I stood up to greet her and wondered if I should just say hello, should I shake hands, or maybe I should give her a little hug. Some 'tycoon'.

Julie made the decision for me; she gave me one of those A-frame hugs that women use and kissed my cheek. The A-frame hug is where the woman leans in and only touches you with her shoulders while holding the rest of her body away from you. Not especially loving but still beats a handshake.

"I'm glad you called Jason. I hoped you would," Julie said. Then noticing my look on my face she said, "You looked surprised. Why?" 

"I didn't think......I mean I didn't expect......." I stopped my stuttering and calmed myself. "I'm surprised you hugged me."

Julie chuckled and replied, "It's not like we were at each other's throats when we split up." I smiled back at her and nodded. "It wasn't you I hated, it was the situation," she added in a small voice.

I didn't know how to respond so I switch directions. "What brings you back to the city? I thought you were happy in Santa Clara."

We paused while our drinks were delivered. She looked at me with a sad little smile. "I thought I was too, but I guess it wasn't home."

Looking at Julie I could see sadness and regret in her eyes. I wanted to ask her what had happened to her marriage, why did she get a divorce. Even a dummy like me knew that it was too much too soon considering that this was the first time we had talked since our breakup.




Dirty Old Man,  Maybe Not



"Why did you leave your job with Collins? I thought you were going places with them," I asked.

Julie tilted her head, appraising me with a questioning look. She seemed surprised that I knew about her old job. "Checking up on me, were you Jason?" Julie didn't seem upset; more like thoughtful.

Busted, I thought. I just shrugged and asked again, "What happened?" When she smiled I said, I'm sorry, but I worry about you. Ya even after all this time, I worry about you. Never mind........So how do you like your new job? Is it a good place to work?"

We talked about her job for the next several minutes. "Everyone there tells me that the company has become much more productive and profitable since the new owner took over about a year ago," Julie said with a smile. "They say now their profit sharing will be worth something." Her last comment about Doan Inc. made me feel pretty good. 

"So how's PSI doing? Still growing?" She asked switching gears.

"We're doing well; increasing our market share almost every year." I paused and added, "We added two or three companies since we spli.....I mean since we last saw each other. I'm training a second in command so I don't have to put in so many hours." 

Julie's expression showed disbelief. I added, "I made the mistake of too many hours once and it cost me big time; won't make the same mistake again."

"Jason, I.......That bit with breaking the glasses, a holdover from your Army days?"

"Yeah, we were celebrating George and Gillian's engagement," I answered. I had to smile remembering the shocked look on Gillian and Kathleen's face.

"It's hard to believe that George is getting married; he was always too busy looking out for you and PSI to take the time to find someone," she said.

"I guess he got tired of being alone," I replied. Then I chuckled and said, "But I really think that someone found him. It's possible that Gillian put an Irish spell on him.

"Your Kathleen is a fine Irish lass," Julie said putting on an Irish brogue.

"Yes she is. But she's not my Kathleen, at least not in the way you mean." 

"I thought you were together that night. You seemed very comfortable with her."

"Your right we are comfortable with each other, but not because of a romantic connection."

Was that a look of interest or relief I saw in her eyes? I must be imagining things, I thought. "Kathleen's is a very intelligent young woman with a good head for business. She's the one I'm training to be my second in command."

"It doesn't hurt that she's drop dead gorgeous either," Julie teased. "Now does it Jason?"

I shook my head no and replied, "People will under estimate her because of the way she looks; that will be a mistake on their part. She's like a mother lion when it comes to protecting PSI and she's like a shark in a feeding frenzy when it comes to making a deal." I stopped for a second, gave Julie a big smile, and said, "And you're right, it's easier spending time with her than some."

"Where did you meet this beautiful shark?" Julie was smiling but the tone of her voice made me look at her a little harder. It was the tone of one beautiful woman being catty about another beautiful woman.

I looked down at the table for a few seconds, smiling as I remembered. Looking up I told Julie the story of how Kathleen and I met. I didn't tell her the name of the company that Kathleen had been working for but I did admit my attraction to her. But I also explained how my feelings changed as I got to know her better.

"Don't know what caused the change, but I'm glad it did," I said shaking my head and giving a small smile.

Julie also smiled at my story and my confession. "It changed because you're not a dirty old man Jason. At least not yet," she finished with a chuckle. 

Looking down at her watch she said, "Wow, it's almost 11. I'm sorry but I need to go, some of us have to go to work in the morning," Julie said. "I've enjoyed this evening Jason, thank you for the invitation."

We stood and she gave me another hug but this one wasn't an A-frame hug. "Maybe we could do this again," I suggested.

Julie hesitated a little. "What would it mean if we did?"

I looked into her eyes and replied with conviction, "It would mean as much or as little as we wanted it to. At the very least, it would mean two old friends reconnecting after a long time." I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

As she left she glanced over her shoulder at me and I could see a little smile playing around her mouth. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought.

My cell phone started ringing as I walked into my apartment. "Who the hell is calling me at this time of the night?" I said when I answered.

"Still haven't learned how to answer your phone." It was Gillian. "So how did it go with Julie? When are you going to see her again? 

"How did you know I saw Julie tonight? And how did you know I just left her?"

"A friend told me you called Julie. George and I just happened to go to Tooley's tonight too." She laughed and added, "You two were so wrapped up in each other you didn't see us come in. Answer the question, how did it go?"

I was trying to think who could have told her about my call to Julie. Stacy, my secretary had to be the culprit I decided. "We had a good time and I think we'll do it again."

Hesitating, I didn't say anything for almost a minute. Gillian asked, "You still there Jason? I lost you for a bit."

"Yeah, I'm still here. Look Gillian, no BS. No kidding around. Okay? I'm already in over my head and I don't need you or Kathleen teasing me about this." I stopped for a second and said, "You were right by the way, I am still in love with her. I'm going to do my best to get us back together. Don't know if I can, but I'm gonna try."

"That's wonderful Jason. I promise, no teasing. I'm here if you need to talk or want help."

Over the next three or four weeks, Julie and met for drinks or coffee several times. I finally worked up the nerve, called her and asked her if she would go to dinner with me.

"You mean like a real date?" She asked with a funny sounding voice.

"Well......Yes, like a real date," I replied.

I took Julie to Angelo's, the same mom and pop Italian place that I'd taken Kathleen. The only reason I took her there was because it's one of my favorite places to eat. I made it a point not to get too "heavy" on the "first date" and we had a good time. 

We went to the movies a couple of times; sometimes we just met for coffee. On one diner date, I took her to a five star restaurant; not because it was expensive and fancy but because they have the best steak in the city. I was taking my time with Julie; I didn't want to scare her away. There weren't any more A-frame hugs and I would kiss her cheek when I took her home. Once she turned her head and the kiss was on her lips. She didn't pull away and I had sense enough not to push it too far. 

I even took Julie her on a day trip out to the ranch to met Buck and Gilly; of course I wanted her to meet Ralph and Millie too. We had a really good day, riding the horses, swimming in the creek, and at the BBQ Ralph did for us. 

Ralph and Millie made Julie feel right at home and as we were getting into my car to return to the city Ralph said, "It's about time we got to meet you girl. Jason's moped around about you for the last four years or so. Don't be a stranger."

I was on edge all the way home waiting for some response from Julie over what Ralph had said. She talked about the beauty of the ranch, the horses, and what a good day it had been. Nothing was said about Ralph's parting shot. As the days and weeks went by, we were becoming more comfortable and open with each other; then disaster struck.

The HR department at Doan had always been a gossip mill, nothing illegal like talking about personal information but a bee hive of conjecture about people's love life and place within the company. Julie was given a promotion and one of the gossip "bees", a man by the way, said something about it was unusual for someone to get a promotion that quickly. 

Julie had told a friend in the department about our dates and our history; just two friends talking in confidence. The 'bee' heard that it was me Julie was seeing and said, "That explains the quick promotion." 

When Julie asked what he meant, the answer was, "If I dated the owner of the company I'd get a promotion too." That's when it hit the fan.

I'd never told Julie that I, actually PSI, owned Doan and she began to think bad thoughts. The next time I called her, she turned down my invitation. And the next time, and the next time. Finally she told me not to call her anymore; that she didn't want to talk to me. What the hell? Why the change in her attitude?

Finally I learned what had happened at Doan and how upset Julie was. A fellow employee in the H R department called and filled me in. Not telling Julie that she worked technically worked for me was the problem. I'd suppressed my feeling for Julie for too long to let our budding relationship end like this. 

Instead of the poor dunce that didn't know how to deal with still loving Julie, I became the shark that built PSI. Instead of sitting back and hoping I took steps to try and correct the problem. On Friday I went to Doan at the end of the work day, waiting outside the building to see Julie. I could've called George and had him look into what was going on but this was something I needed to do for myself.

Julie came out of the Doan building and turned toward the parking structure where most of the employees park. She was walking with her head down lost in concentration when I stepped in front of her and called her name. Julie looked up to see who had it was and stopped dead when she saw me. To say she was surprised would be an understatement. Her face began to turn red with anger and her eyes blazed at me.

"I told you I don't want to talk to you, Jason," Julie said with a trembling voice. "Please leave me alone."

"Can't do that, at least not until I find out why you've changed your attitude toward me. We can talk here in front of God and everybody, we can go to Tooley's and get a drink while we talk or we can go someplace for coffee and talk; But we are going to talk, make no mistake about that." I told her my voice returning her anger. "Where do you want to do this?"

Julie hesitated for a half a minute or so; then she sighed and pointed to the Starbuck's at the corner. We walked to the coffee shop, not speaking. Nothing was said until we got coffee and sat down at a back table.

I waited for less than a minute and then started. "Why didn't you take my calls, why did you tell me not to call you anymore?"

Julie eyes were still blazing. "Why didn't you tell me that you owned Doan?" 

"What difference does it make? I, or rather PSI, own other companies too."

"Everybody thinks I got my promotion because I'm dating the boss." I think she was actually embarrassed.

"What do you care what those idiots think? And even if I did have something to do with your promotion, what difference does it make? I'm always shifting people around to make the different companies more efficient." I took a drink of coffee, my eyes never leaving Julie's face and added.

"But just for the record, I don't have anything to do with the day to day operations of any of the companies that PSI owns; that's why I have administrators and technical experts at each of them. I didn't, I repeat, I didn't have anything to do with your promotion or with hiring you in the first place." 

I waited for a response from Julie, but she just looked at me. Her eyes and face didn't look angry anymore; I don't know what the look was but it wasn't anger.

"If you don't want to see me anymore because you don't care for me or are still angry over the way I treated you when we were married, that's okay. I can accept that; but that's not the message you've been giving me these last couple of months. But if you're going to shine me on because of some office gossip or some misplaced sense of pride, then you're not the woman I thought you were."

Julie's actions made me sad and a little angry and the more I talked the madder I got. "Give me a call if you change your mind or grow up," I told her. I guess I wasn't very fair because I didn't give her a chance to respond; I stood and walked away, leaving her sitting at the table. 

I went out to the ranch on Saturday morning to spend the weekend. Maybe Buck or Ralph or Millie could help me. I stewed over the problem for most of Saturday explaining to Ralph and Millie what had happened. Buck didn't have much to say about my situation but Sunday as I was getting ready to leave both of my friends had advice for me.

"You can't just give up Jason. I know you love this girl so don't give up on her," Millie suggested with a smile and a hug.

Ralph's advice was a little more direct. "I want to see her back out here; I like that girl. Millie's right, don't give up until she runs you off with a shotgun. Hear me boy?"

I drove back to the city with a plan forming in my mind. Monday was going to be a very interesting day for some people; hopefully with a happy ending but an ending never the less. I spent part of Monday morning going over some employee files in my office which I'd sent George to get for me. After lunch I headed for Doan.

When I walked into the HR department it got as quiet as church. The four women and two men working in the department were speechless; they all knew who I was. I found out later that Julie had ripped the gossip bee a new one for suggesting that our dating was the reason for her promotion. It was easy to see which guy had mouthed off; he sat a desk in the corner trying to be invisible. He didn't look up at me and was very pale.

I asked to see Mrs. Johnson the head of the department; she was the person that told me about the trouble in the office that led to Julie refusing to talk to me. She was nearing retirement and was happy that her profit sharing was worth a lot more now that I owned the company. She was also an ace at her job and wanted her department to run efficiently. 

Mrs. Johnson and Julie walked out of her office; both were surprised to see me. Julie turned a little pale and then blushed. Mrs. Johnson came to the counter to greet me. I asked her if I could talk to her crew. She nodded and I asked for everyone's attention.

"There's a rumor and gossip going around that Miss Landers, Julie, got her recent promotion because she and I are friends. I'm here to put a stop to the gossip and rumors. I don't have anything to do with running Doan; that's why I have people like Mrs. Johnson." I looked around the gathered troops for a few seconds and continued.

"Mrs. Johnson, who recommended Julie for that promotion and why? Then who approved it?"

"I recommended her and I had the final say, since it's my department. Julie has done her job very well and even picked up the slack in other areas. The department needed an assistant director since Mrs. Taylor retired and I thought Julie would be the best fit," Mrs. Johnson replied.

"Did I have anything to do with your decision? Did I suggest you hire Julie for the job and did I put any pressure on you to promote her?"

"With respect Mr. Borne, you couldn't have made me hire or promote someone who wasn't qualified; Julie or anyone else. I'm going to retire in about a year and the worst you could have done was force me to retire early," she said with a smile.

"To put a point on it, I had nothing to do with hiring Julie or getting her promoted. Is that correct?"

"Yes sir it is. I hired Julie because she was the best applicant. I promoted her because she was the most qualified. The only thing you've ever said was to do what was best for Doan regardless of seniority or length of service. You told us that first week you took over the company."

"Okay, everybody clear on this now?" I looked around at the group, receiving nods from everyone but the guy that started the whole thing. "Which of you is Mr. Thompson?"

As expected the man sitting at his desk raise his hand. I motioned for him to join me at the counter. "Mr. Thompson I've spent the morning goin over your file and your efficiency reviews for the last year and a half. The best thing they say is that you're always at work and on time."

I stared at him until he lowered his head. "The reviews say that you're complacent, lazy, and that you try to take credit for other's work. The only reason Julie didn't fire you right away was it would seem that she was firing you for what you said." Thompson still hadn't looked up and he seemed to deflate right in front of me.

"As I said, I don't have anything to do with the day to day running of Doan, but I will tell you this. Look at me when I'm talking to you," I ordered. Thompson raised his head but had a hard time meeting my eyes.

"You better get right with Jesus because if you don't improve your work ethics he's the only one that will support you. You've got one month to improve or you'll be out on your ass. I'm giving you a chance because Julie asked me too. If it was up to me, I'd kick your ass to the curb right now." The part about Julie was a total fabrication but Thompson didn't know it. "Are we clear; is there any question in your mind about your situation?"

He dropped his head again and answered, "Yes sir, I mean no sir, I understand."

"Okay I'm done with you, get back to work." Turning back I said, "Thanks for your time Mrs. Johnson. I'll leave now so y'all can get back to work." I looked at Julie with a sort of 'I told you so' look and left the office.

The repercussions and results of my little visit to Julie's office were immediate according to Mrs. Johnson. She called me on Thursday and said that Thompson was a changed man. He apologized to Julie and changed his work habits. That was good, I thought. But I still hadn't heard from Julie.

Normally I didn't go to work on Fridays but this week I had to finalize contract negotiations with a new client. As I left my office for the day, Julie stepped in front of me. I stopped in surprise; I hoped she might call me. I didn't expect to see her face to face.

Julie smiled and said, "We can talk here in front of God and everyone, we can go to Tooley's for a drink and talk or go for coffee and talk; but make no mistake, we are going to talk. Where are we going to do this?"

I returned her smile and pointed at my Mustang; she took my hand and we walked to the car. We didn't bother with Tooley's or Starbuck's; I took off for the ranch. I told her I knew of a place to get a drink or coffee where we wouldn't be bothered. During the drive we didn't say much; we just enjoyed being together on the open road. The time for talking would come later. 

Shortly Julie realized where we were headed. "We're going to be very late getting back to the city."

"Don't plan on going back tonight," I replied. Seeing her look I added, "There are three other bedrooms and a guest house for you to pick from. You don't have to stay in my room."

"But I don't have any clothes and I can't run around the ranch in this business suit."

"We'll stop at the Wal-Mart in Black and pick up whatever you need. Then we'll go get the best BBQ ribs this side of heaven," I told her.

We drove down the main street of Black and turned into Wal-Mart. Our shopping didn't take long; some undies, a few cosmetics, two western type shirts, two pair of jeans, a pair of sneakers, and an oversize T-shirt with a picture of Winnie the Pooh and friends on it. "It's to sleep in," she told me. 

I wiggled my eyebrows up and down, grinned, and said, "Sexy."

"That does it, I've got everything I need," Julie said.

"Not quite," I replied. I led her next door to a store that specialized in boots. "We'll probably be riding the horses some," I explained. "You can't ride in sneakers."