29 comments/ 75807 views/ 59 favorites He'll Wait For You By: Tony155 Chapter 1 A late autumn snow was falling lightly, but it seemed heavier as the large 737 whistled through the bleak November sky. Laura gazed out her window as tears blotted her vision. She dabbed her eyes with the small white handkerchief that had been clenched in her hand since the flight began. She hoped she would be in time, but she feared the worst. "You better get here fast," her brother implored her. "They don't know how long he'll last." That dreadful call from her brother, Jim, woke her at three o'clock and she was on a plane to Cincinnati by five-thirty. One thing she was grateful about O'Hare was that they had flights everywhere at any time. She called her brother right before she boarded and he said their father was still alive. But for how long? The doctors had warned them after his last heart attack that the next one would probably kill him. And they were right, up to a point. What they didn't know was that Paul Ballard wasn't going to let go of his earthly life until he saw his daughter one last time. Thankfully the flight from Chicago was short, but it seemed like an eternity to Laura. Thousands of thoughts tumbled through her mind, mostly memories of her dad and their life together. Ever since she lost her mother three years earlier, Laura tried to visit as often as possible, but each visit never seemed to be long enough. Now, she regretted not being as close to him as possible. Maybe it wouldn't have happened if she were there. Laura sighed and put her head down. She always knew how disappointed he had been when she decided not to join his company after she graduated from Northwestern University. Now, she was returning to see him for perhaps the last time. Was it worth it? Was it worth being a success without his help? This, she didn't know dabbing her eyes once again as she saw the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline below. Laura continued to stare out the window as the plane began its descent towards the Greater Cincinnati Airport. As soon as it was allowed, Laura hurried off the plane to the terminal where she found her luggage. As soon as she retrieved her two pieces, she was frantically dialing her brother. "How is he?" she asked before he could speak. "He's holding on. Where are you?" "I'm at the airport. I landed just a few minutes ago. I'll grab a cab and I'll be there as soon as I can." "Hang on, please," she said to herself, as a tear managed to escape rolling down her cheek. "He'll wait for you, Laura," Jim said gently. "You know he will." Laura's bottom lip trembled at the thought as she tried to remain composed. "I know," she said quietly. The cab moved freely in and out of traffic as Laura sank into its cushions. The icy banks of the majestic Ohio greeted her as she looked out the window. She shivered at the sight. She hated cold weather and at times couldn't believe she settled in Chicago after living in Ohio for twenty-two years. A friendlier, sunnier southern climate would have suited her much better. The snow had stopped by then and they would be at the hospital soon.... "Hey mom, where's dad? I need to ask him something." Laura dumped her school books into a chair and went to the kitchen where her mother was. "He's in the basement watching TV. Don't bother him. He's had a tough day and I think he's trying to take a nap." Laura ignored her mother's request as she always did when she wanted to talk to her dad, and quietly went down the carpeted basement stairs. He always seemed to have time for her no matter how tired he was. She saw him asleep in his chair, but he looked different. "Daddy?" His skin was an odd bluish-gray color. "Daddy?" She shook him and received no response. It was then she noticed he wasn't breathing. "Daddy!!!" she screamed. She ran to the stairs, screaming, "Mom call 911! Call 911....Call 911...." Horns honking jolted Laura from her thoughts. They always said she saved his life that day by finding him when she did and then starting CPR. Her training when she was on the swim team came in handy that day. She wouldn't be able to save him from this one, though, she thought sadly. She could save him no more than how they saved her mother from cancer. The cab stopped at the hospital entrance. Laura looked up at the grey brick walls and became even more depressed. What a terrible place to die, she thought. The driver helped her with her two bags. Laura paid him and tipped him for getting her there swiftly and safely. The two bags didn't weigh much and weren't bulky, so she had little difficulty walking with them in spite of her small build. Walking through the doors, she looked left and right before seeing the information desk. The lobby looked almost as dreary as the outside, having little color other than a few pastels sprinkled here and there. It could have passed for a prison reception area, she thought ruefully. She went directly to the reception desk where an older woman sat. "May I help you, young lady?" she asked pleasantly. "Paul Ballard, please," Laura answered. She didn't know if he would be in the emergency room, intensive care, or where. The woman checked her computer screen for a few seconds. "He's in room 4110 of the intensive care unit," the woman said. She wrote the number on a card for her. "Take the elevator to the fourth floor and turn left." She smiled at Laura who did not return it. "Thank you, ma'am." Laura took the card and went to the elevator. When the doors opened, Laura stepped in and pressed the button for the fourth floor. While riding, her thoughts went back to when her father had his second heart attack five years before. He wasn't expected to pull through that one, either. She could only hope the doctors were wrong this time, too, but in the back of her mind, she understood how remote that would be. The elevator doors opened and Laura turned left and made her way towards her father's room. When she entered the room, Jim and her other brother, Andy, were at the foot of the bed talking quietly. They saw their sister and moved to greet her. She dropped her bags and threw her arms around both of them and hugged them. It had been almost three months since she had been in town and she missed them terribly. She had tried to visit during Thanksgiving, but her job made it impossible. However, she had been planning to come to town for Christmas. She refused to miss that. They had always been a close family and that was another reason why her decision to stay in the Chicago area after graduation was painfully difficult. "How is he?" she whispered. "He's sleeping," Andy answered. "He drifts in and out, but he knows what's going on." "What do the doctors say?" Her eyes were brimming with tears. Both of her brothers looked down. Jim said, "He may last until tomorrow, but they don't think so." "Shit." "Yeah." Andy looked at her, but said nothing more. "Dad's been asking for you," Jim said. "He has?" Laura moved around them and went to the foot of her father's bed. He was sleeping, his breathing slow, labored, and shallow. She hardly recognized the man in the bed as her father, a veritable shell of the man she and her brothers loved. His eyes fluttered and soon his pale blue eyes could be seen under his heavy lids. Laura lovingly rushed to his side and took his hand. Her father moved his head to the left and looked at her. "Laura?" "Yes, dad, I'm here." "It's about time!" he wheezed and managed a weak smile. "You always have to pick on me, don't you?" Laura tried to smile back. "I'm so tired." Her father fought to catch his breath. "You go ahead and rest." She patted his hand. "No. I have to tell you something." "It can wait, dad. You need your rest." "If I rest," he wheezed, "I may not wake up again. I have something to tell you." He sensed he didn't have much time. "Okay dad," she said, choking on her words. "I want you to take over the company." "Dad?" Laura was shocked by his request. She never expected him to say that. "I need you...I need you to run the company." "But dad..." "Please, don't argue with me." His voice was noticeably weaker as he shook his head from side to side. "Promise me you'll do this. Please, do this for me." Paul coughed frailly. Laura knew what he was asking of her. It meant she would have to quit her job, pull up stakes and move back to Cincinnati. Laura looked down and away in deep thought. Could she do that? Could she push away all the hard work and all of the accomplishments she had achieved on her own? Even in his semi-fog, he could sense her reluctance. He would have asked Jim or Andy to do it, but neither had the business mind of Laura. He wanted to keep the company within his family, though, and it was his last wish to see it happen. Paul had decided that he was going to retire within the next year or so and he already had the paperwork made out to transfer the presidency to his daughter. That is, if she would have accepted his offer at that time. He had been thinking about talking to her about it during the Christmas holidays, but that wasn't going to be necessary now. Laura looked back at her father. She had refused his help six years before and she knew she couldn't refuse him again. Not this time. She patted his hand once more. She looked into his eyes and smiled as best she could. She loved him so much. "Okay, dad," she said softly. "I'll do it." "All of the paperwork is in my desk and Canon has copies," he said after she hugged him. He sighed and closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them again, Laura was staring at him intently. "I'm tired," he said. "Dad?" she asked, fear showing in her eyes. "Don't worry," he said, smiling slightly. "I'm not ready to go yet. I just need a nap." He patted her hand, then settled into his pillow. Soon, he was dozing lightly and his hand went limp in hers. Laura walked slowly out to the hall where her brothers stood, both with their heads down and hands in their pockets. "He's sleeping," she said, reassuringly. They nodded and remained silent. "He wants me to take over the company," she blurted out. Jim and Andy looked at her. Andy moved forward and hugged her. "You'll do a great job," he said. Jim nodded in agreement. "It's something he's always wanted for you." "You are doing it, aren't you?" Andy asked. She hadn't said if she was going to do it or not. Laura nodded as tears started to fall. "I couldn't say no." Chapter 2 Greg Hannaford arrived at Ballard Corp. promptly at seven that morning, which was his custom. The rest of the sales department wasn't expected to be there until eight. He sat at his desk and went through the reports he would need in order to begin the morning meeting scheduled for eight-fifteen. His phone rang promptly at seven-thirty, the time his secretary usually arrived. "Mr. Hannaford." "Yes, Rebecca." "I received a call from Jim Ballard. Paul is at Mercy Medical Center. Jim says he is in very bad condition and he wants you to call him." "What's wrong?" he asked, although he thought he already knew. "It's his heart." Greg groaned inside. "Thank you, Rebecca. I'll call him." He remembered the last time Mr. Ballard had an attack. It made things very tense at the company for several weeks until he got better. Greg went to his Rolodex and found Jim's cell number. He dialed it and waited as it rang once, twice, before it was answered. A young female voice answered. "Hello?" Greg looked at his phone. He thought he dialed the number correctly, but now he wasn't sure. "I was calling Jim Ballard. This is Greg Hannaford from the Ballard Corp." "Hello, Greg," she replied softly. "This is Laura Ballard. Jim's with dad right now." Greg had talked to Laura numerous times at company functions. They had graduated from the same high school, but ran in different circles. He remembered her always being very nice to him, but he never got up the nerve to ask her out whenever she was in town. "How is he?" Greg asked tentatively. There was a hesitation on her end. "The doctors don't expect him to see tomorrow." She held her handkerchief to her nose and sniffled. Greg sighed and his head dropped. He didn't know what to say to convey what he was feeling. The news hit him hard. Greg's own father died when he was young and he looked to Paul as a mentor, a father-figure. "I'm really sorry to hear that," he managed to say. "Thank you," Laura replied softly. "Is it okay if I come down to see him?" he asked. One last time, he thought to himself. "That would be fine. I think he'd like that." Laura glanced towards the room, wanting to end the conversation and get back to her father. Greg knew that the day to day operation of the company would fall to him for the time being. He prayed that Paul's condition was only temporary, but things seemed very bleak. It wasn't something he looked forward to, especially not this way. "Is there anything I can do?" Laura sighed heavily. How could she tell him she was his boss now? It certainly wasn't the right time for that. "I think you should just go about the business in a normal fashion. Dad's told me many times how you've done an excellent job for him." Laura sighed again. There were many times when she called her father or visited where he wanted to discuss his company with her. He talked about it even more in the past year. Despite her reluctance to listen, she did so out of respect and love for him. From their discussions, she felt she knew a great deal about Ballard Corp., and its personnel. "I'll do that," he replied. "I'll let you go," he added quickly. "I don't want to tie up the line for you anymore. I'll be down in a little while to see him." "Okay," she said. "Thanks for calling." "You're welcome. Good-bye, Laura." "Good-bye, Greg." Greg put down the receiver and thought for a few minutes. He didn't want to believe that Paul was going to die. Greg bowed his head. He was truly saddened by the news and wasn't sure what to do next. He hadn't really thought about what might happen to the company should Paul die. Greg figured he would be put in charge until someone would be named to take Paul's place. It never occurred to him that he might be named president. Chapter 3 Laura went back into the room and visited her father again. He was still sleeping so the siblings talked quietly before coming out of the room. Laura and her brothers walked arm in arm to the lounge, where they sat and talked amongst themselves for almost an hour. They didn't notice the man from the elevator as he walked towards them. He was wearing a grey top coat that partially hid his blue suit and red tie. Greg recognized them at once although he hadn't seen them for a few years. His eyes, however, were fixed on Laura, whom he thought looked prettier than ever. She always had those large, stunning green eyes that were almost the color of a cat's. Her auburn hair complimented her eyes nicely and her soft curls dangled near her shoulders. Even though she was dressed down in jeans and a yellow blouse, Greg thought she still looked wonderful after all these years and his heart skipped a beat or two. But, he kept his thoughts in check as he neared. All three looked up when they noticed his presence. "I'm sorry to interrupt," he said to them, although his focus was on Laura. "I'm Greg Hannaford." Jim and Andy stood up quickly and extended their hand to him, which he took. "It's good to see you again," Jim said "You're the sales manager, right?" Andy asked "Yes," Greg replied. Andy turned to his sister, who was just now rising from the sofa. "You remember our sister, Laura." Laura hadn't taken her eyes off the tall, dark haired man as she stood in front of him. Although he looked older, he was still the handsome man she remembered. "Of course," Greg said. He extended his hand to her and she took it. It felt very soft and warm to him. "I spoke to you earlier." "Yes, you did," Laura said, managing to let go of Greg's hand. "Dad's sleeping right now." "Oh. How is he?" Greg asked. "There's no change," she said. "Would you like to see him?" "I don't want to bother him if he's sleeping." "Come on," Laura said, her hand at his elbow. "I'll take you to his room." She looked up at him and smiled, trying in vain to veil her sadness. "He'll want to see you." They walked slowly to Paul's room. Laura's hands were now clasped in front of her. "It's very nice of you to come," she said as they neared the room. "It's really good to see you again." "It's good to see you again, too. I just wish it was under different circumstances." He looked down. "I had to come," he explained. "I've known him almost longer than I knew my own father. I owe him a great deal." He fell silent and said nothing more. "Here it is," Laura announced. Greg glanced at her bags as they lay on the floor where she had left them upon her arrival. They moved to Paul's bed and Greg looked at him. He too, noticed how devastating an effect the attack had upon him. Paul looked nothing like the man Greg said good night to the previous afternoon. Laura pulled him gently to her side as she moved around the bed. "Dad," she said softly, "there's someone here to see you." Paul opened his eyes slowly and stared unseeing in their direction. "Who is it?" he asked. "It's Greg Hannaford, dad." Paul brightened a bit as Greg and Laura came into focus a little better. "Greg, what a surprise," he said weakly. Paul coughed hoarsely, its sound unnatural. Greg winced. Laura looked at both. "You didn't need to come." His words were coming slowly. "I wanted to see you." "One last time, eh?" Paul chuckled cruelly. "I hope not," Greg said quietly, sincerely. He looked away for a minute and wiped his eye. "I want to tell you something," Paul said hoarsely, barely audible. Laura moved out of the way as Greg leaned closer. "Laura will be taking over the company for me. Help her." Greg looked at Laura, then to Paul and nodded. "She's a fast learner," Paul continued. "I'm counting on you to teach her well." "I'll do anything you want, you know that," Greg said. "Wait for her. Be patient." Greg looked at him, then to Laura. He didn't understand. "Okay, I will." Paul looked to his daughter and said, "He'll wait for you." He then looked at Greg. Laura was mystified at what he was trying to say, but said nothing. Paul sank into the pillow and sighed happily. Things were now set. He turned to Laura and motioned for her to come closer. Greg moved to his left to allow her room. "I dreamt I saw your mother. She looked so beautiful." Laura looked at him in alarm and knew the time was close. "You did?" she asked, barely able to speak. "She wants me to come with her." Tears began to stream down Laura's face as she looked at Greg helplessly. "I'll get Jim and Andy," Greg whispered. He knew it, too. Laura nodded and Greg moved away from the bed and rushed to the lounge. When the brothers saw him, they saw the alarm in his face. "You better go," was all Greg said. Without hesitation, they hurried past him and went to their father's room. Greg watched until he saw them disappear into the room. He sat down and sighed, staring off into space and seeing nothing. "Wait for her." Those words kept tumbling over and over in his mind but he still didn't understand their meaning. Laura would now be president and he was expected to guide her. For the first time, he thought about what would have happened if he were chosen. He was not disappointed in Paul's decision and he was more than happy to help Laura in any way. He truly didn't know if he wanted to be the president at this time. There was no doubt in his mind he could run the company. Perhaps if it had happened a year or two down the road, his thoughts would be different. He'll Wait For You He felt very sorry for Laura and her brothers at this time for losing their father at such a young age. He felt sorry for himself, as well. Not only had Paul been his boss and mentor, he had been his friend, too, and he would miss him. Because of this, Greg was very thankful to have been able to see him one last time. Minutes passed, but Greg made no attempt to go back to the room. He knew this had to be a private time for them and he had no desire to intrude. If they perhaps wanted him to come in, he would be more than happy to do that, but until then, he would stay put. He thought about what kind of president Laura would be, what kind of leader she would become. Greg didn't know what kind of experience she had with the copier industry, but she was going to get a crash course from him whenever she was ready to start. The first hour went by as Greg continued to wait. He had seen doctors and nurses go in and out of the room numerous times, but there was no sign of Laura or her brothers. He wondered what was happening, but he still had no intention of leaving until he heard from the family. Greg tried to watch TV, but nothing made any sense to him. He looked away and continued to wait. It was another half hour before Laura came out of the room. Her arms were folded in front of her and her head was bowed as she walked slowly towards him. Greg got up from the couch and met her at the elevator and he could see she had been crying. She said nothing, but looked at him through tear-stained eyes. "Is he...?" Greg asked. Laura nodded and sniffled. "A half hour ago." "I'm really sorry, Laura." Greg pulled her to him and hugged her. Laura felt safe in his arms. She needed his arms around her and welcomed his comfort. "I know you are. Thanks." "Is there anything I can do?" Greg let go of her and looked at her. Her soft auburn curls partially hid her tear stained face. "I guess you can let everyone know at the company. I...I don't know when the funeral will be. Jim and Andy are taking care of that." Laura glanced to the right looking lost, confused, and afraid. "I need to take a walk," she said suddenly. She reached for the down button on the wall. "Do you want some company?" he asked. Laura looked at him and managed a small smile. "That's sweet of you to offer, but I think I need to be alone for a bit." "Okay," he replied. He waited with her until the doors opened. She stepped into the elevator and turned back to him. "Could you wait for me before you go back to the office?" Greg thought for a second and couldn't think of anything that needed his immediate attention. "Sure, Laura, I can stay," he replied. "I won't be too long." "I'll be here." Laura let the doors close and then she sighed loudly. She thought Greg looked as sad as her brothers, but then she remembered how close Greg and her father had been. The bitter November cold slapped her face when she left the building. It stung her eyes and she couldn't tell if the tears were from sadness or the biting wind. She didn't know where she was going, but she just had to get outside and away from the hospital, if only for a little while. Laura tried to keep her mind blank as she walked in her usual quick gait, but memories and thoughts kept creeping into her mind, barely scratching the surface before edging their way in. Try as she might, she couldn't push them away. "He'll wait for you." She found it quite eerie that both her brother and father used the same term within hours of each other, yet with totally different meaning, although she still couldn't understand why her father used the sentence. Why would Greg be waiting and for what reason? That, she didn't know and she thought she might never know. Greg seemed as perplexed as she at the reference. Greg. She remembered him from company Christmas parties that her parents always asked her and her brothers to attend. Usually, these parties bored her, but she found she liked talking to him, one of the few people she knew. Although they weren't friends in high school and didn't hang out in the same crowds, Laura knew of him. She remembered watching him play varsity basketball and cheering for a team that tried hard, but didn't win much. Even though he wasn't the best player, he was the point guard and team captain his senior year. He had leadership qualities even then, she thought. At similar parties, she sought him out and enjoyed talking to him. Then one Christmas during her senior year at Northwestern, he brought his wife with him and Laura was disappointed at the discovery. They still talked that evening, but it wasn't the same for her. She did know they had a daughter and divorced a few years later. "He'll wait for you." What did it mean? She wished she knew. Laura thought back a few months before when she last visited. As always, their discussions led to the company. Her father lamented that his work load was getting out of hand and that he wished to have a vice-president to help him. He told her he had someone in mind, but didn't tell her who that was. She now guessed Greg was that individual, but her father never got around to making it official. It was then she decided to promote Greg as her first official decision. There were many things for her to do now and she wasn't looking forward to it. Calling her supervisor had to be done soon and she hated to think about it. Pfeiffer & Lording hired her right out of Northwestern after an on-campus interview and she had worked there for six years. She would be forever grateful to them for hiring her and giving her a start. It would be a very difficult parting. She had to move back to Cincinnati and find a home, although she would probably stay in her father's house until she and her brothers decided what to do with it. More than likely, they would sell it and divide the equity amongst them. Laura checked her watch and it was almost a half hour since she left Greg at the elevator. She was chilled, so she headed back to the entrance where she welcomed the warmth within its stark, bland walls. When she reached the fourth floor, Laura found Greg in the lounge talking with her brothers. Are you okay?" Andy asked as he stood up. Jim and Greg remained seated. "I'm fine," she replied. "I just needed to get some fresh air." "We have an appointment at the funeral home tomorrow," Andy added. "Could you guys take care of it?" she asked tiredly. "I have to get back home and take care of some things." "Are you sure?" Jim asked. "I'm sure we could put it off for a day or two if you want." Laura shook her head. "No. Whatever you guys decide will be fine with me. I'm going to leave tonight and I'll be back tomorrow evening." "We'd really like for you to be a part of this," Andy said. "No," Laura replied, her voice tenser. "I have to get back to Chicago!" "Okay, okay," Andy said quietly. He moved to her and gave her a quick hug. "I know you have a lot of things to do. We'll talk about the arrangements when you get back. We'll take care of everything." "Thanks," she said as she hugged him back. "I'm sorry. You guys are the best." She pulled away and looked at Greg, who seemed a bit uncomfortable as if he didn't belong there. "Greg," she said, "I know I'm going to have to lean on you an awful lot over the next few weeks. I'm going to leave the everyday decisions to you for the time being. If there's something you think we need to discuss, by all means, get in touch with me. I think I'll begin to get settled next Monday, but I'd like to meet with you a few times before that so I can get my feet wet. Maybe we could meet Saturday and Sunday if that's not too much of an inconvenience for you." Since it was Tuesday, she figured the funeral would be Friday. Greg grimaced slightly and he hoped they didn't notice. It was his weekend to have his daughter and he really hated to cancel that. He loved his little girl to death. "I'll have to make some arrangements, but I think I'll be able to do it," he said. "I don't want you to rearrange anything," Laura said. "What is it?" "Well," he hesitated, "it's my weekend to have my daughter and..." "No, no, no," Laura interrupted, "you will not cancel that. We'll find some other time." "Are you sure?" Greg looked worried. "I'm sure," she said. "We'll get together next week and work it out." "Okay," he replied, not altogether convinced. Greg glanced at his watch and was dismayed at the hour. "I should be getting back to the office." He got up slowly and shook hands with Andy and Jim. When he turned to Laura, she pushed his hand aside and hugged him lightly. "Thank you for being here. I really appreciate it." She looked to her brothers and they nodded in agreement. She moved away and looked at him through tearing eyes. "I'll be in touch for the funeral arrangements." Greg looked at all three. "If there's anything you need help with or need me to do, just ask." He looked at Laura. "If you get time, stop by the office and I'll introduce you to everyone." "I'll see," Laura replied. "That's fine. I guess I'll be going then." Greg turned and went to the elevator, still feeling the effects of Laura hugging him. He knew it wasn't right to enjoy such an innocent gesture at a time like this, but he couldn't help it. He wished he could have held her and comforted her for a long time. When the elevator doors opened, he walked in and made sure the doors were closed before he looked up again. Chapter 4 She had dropped her bags off at her father's house and would return to Chicago empty handed. Laura called her office after she arrived at the airport, talking to her immediate supervisor, Joe Endermic, and told him she needed to meet with him first thing in the morning. Laura told him of her father's passing and that she was turning in her resignation in order to take the reins of Ballard Corp. Joe knew her well enough not to try and convince her to stay; not when something like this happened. He knew how fiercely loyal she was to her family, but he also realized it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. He told her he would see her at eight o'clock and they would talk. When she got back to her apartment, it was then, alone with her thoughts, when the enormity of her loss struck her. The tears came slowly at first, but soon, they flowed like a spring rain and her crying became harsh. She cried long and loud and she didn't care if anyone heard her. Once her tears subsided, she took off her blouse and dried her face with it. She took off her jeans and slid under the cool sheets of her bed. It had been a long time since she felt alone and lonely, but it was now overwhelming her and she wished to have someone there with her, someone to hold her and comfort her. Crying softly once again, Laura hugged and rocked herself until she fell into an uneasy sleep. Her meeting the next morning went as well as could be expected considering the circumstances. All her supervisors could do was convey their condolences and wish her the best. She hated to leave on such short notice, but what could she do? After the meeting, she packed three large suitcases with most of the clothes she owned. Thinking more clearly now, she canceled her flight back to Cincinnati by deciding to drive the six hours instead. She liked to drive and she wanted her own car available to her instead of relying on her brothers or using one of her father's cars. The drive back was uneventful and it gave her plenty of time to think. Most of the decisions she had to make over the past twenty-four hours had to be quick and with no thought given. Her mind wandered to her new position and all of the responsibilities she would soon assume. She didn't figure on making any significant changes until she invested the time and energy needed to effectively study the company's financial position. Perhaps no changes would be needed. She would have to see. Laura now thought that her original plan to promote Greg was premature. Perhaps her father was feeling the strain and was overwhelmed by his duties because of his declining health. Maybe she could handle it without Greg's help. That was something else about which she would have to wait and see. She arrived at her father's house between five-thirty and six o'clock, just as she anticipated. After bringing in all of her belongings, she noticed how quiet and solemn the house seemed to be. It had always been a lively, love-filled home when she and her brothers were still living there. Now, it seemed as if the house had died right along with her father. Laura wandered into her father's study and looked around. It was a neat, tidy office with a large desk and book shelves filled to overflowing. This was where they had many of their talks about his business and other things. It comforted her and she could feel his presence there in everything she could see and touch. She sat down on a leather couch and sighed heavily. "Oh dad," she said with her head in her hands, "I wish you were here." Chapter 5 The next few days went by quickly for Greg. Canon had been notified and they told him basically the same thing that Laura had; that he should just make the routine decisions of the day to day operations, but that he needed approval from them or Laura for any copier purchases and other major financial decisions. Late Thursday afternoon, Laura called him. "I need an extra special favor from you," she said. "What do you need?" "Would you be a pall bearer at the funeral?" "Of course, I will," he replied. "I'd be honored." "Thank you so much," she said gratefully. "Dad would be so pleased." She was quiet for a second or two. "There is something else, too." "Yes?" "Would you stand with us at the viewing? I'm sure there will be many business associates of dad's whom we don't know. It would make it so much easier for us if you would introduce them." "Of course," he answered. "I hope I'll know everyone, though." "I'm sure you will. I wouldn't have asked you otherwise." Both were silent for a moment, each in their own thoughts. "I guess I'll see you at the funeral home," Greg said. "Yeah," she replied. "Thanks again for everything." "You're welcome, Laura." After more paperwork was completed and other phone calls were made, it was time for Greg to leave for the funeral home. He wanted to get there a few minutes early. He arrived at three forty-five and saw Laura, Jim, and Andy inside the viewing parlor. A few other people, early arrivals, were milling around and talking to the family. Greg walked over to Jim, who was the only sibling not engaged in conversation. "Hey Greg," Jim said, extending his hand to Greg, which he took. "You'll be standing with Laura over there." He pointed to the left of the casket. "Andy and I will be here. Laura really didn't need to rope you into doing this," he added. "We could have managed the introductions." Silently, Jim knew Laura just wanted Greg by her side. He knew Laura liked Greg just by the way she looked at him. "Oh, it's no problem," Greg said. "Maybe she just doesn't feel comfortable around people she doesn't know. I know I don't." "Could be," Jim said. But, I doubt it, he added to himself. "Anyway, some people have already begun to show up." He looked towards the entrance where about a dozen people were standing near the podium to sign their name to the guest book. Greg nodded and went to the casket to visit his friend. As he gazed at Paul, he silently thanked him for everything he ever did for him; from hiring him to teaching him everything he needed to know about sales. He bowed his head and sighed, trying to keep his composure. After a few seconds, he raised his head to see Laura smiling at him as she talked to an elderly woman. The woman was also looking at him as she supported herself with a sturdy brown cane. When he approached them, Laura smiled broader and reached for his hand, taking it lightly and pulling him gently to her. "Greg," she said, "this is my great Aunt Martha, dad's aunt. Aunt Martha, this is Greg Hannaford. He is the sales manager at Ballard Corp." "My dear," Martha said to Laura as she peered at Greg, "he's even handsomer than you described!" Laura laughed nervously as Greg looked down in embarrassment. "I'm very pleased to meet you," Greg said to the tiny, white-haired woman. "And such good manners," Martha continued. She leaned over to her niece. "Don't let this one get away." She tried to say it softly, but Greg heard every word. Laura blushed slightly. "I won't, Aunt Martha." Laura smiled sheepishly at Greg and steered her aunt to Andy and Jim. Visitors came and went as the minutes and hours ticked away. Laura made most of the introductions as her family and friends looked upon Greg with curiosity. More than a few times, representatives from Canon or employees from Ballard arrived in line and Greg would make the introductions. Laura greeted each individual warmly and took extra time with the employees, who were meeting their new boss for perhaps the first time. Sooner than he anticipated, it was eight o'clock and the crowd was starting to thin to about a half dozen or so. By eight fifteen, only the four of them were left, along with Jim and Andy's wives, and they were ready to exit the premises. Greg was starving by then, not having eaten anything since his eleven o'clock lunch. As they walked to the closet in the main hallway to get their coats, Andy said to Greg, "We're going to "Luigi's" for supper. You're more than welcome to join us." "Well, I...." Greg stammered. He didn't want to intrude and feel out of place. "You're coming," Laura said sternly, pointing her finger at him, "so don't argue." "Yes, ma'am," Greg relented. Everyone laughed at that. The dinner was excellent and the conversation was light hearted. The siblings shared stories about growing up with their father and even Greg shared some amusing anecdotes of his own while working with Paul. Laura found herself listening intently to every word he spoke, studying his face and expressions as he talked. His brown eyes were light and lively and his smile was genuine. She really liked his looks and thought she would definitely like to get to know him better. She noticed he listened eagerly to all of the stories they told and seemed especially attentive when she spoke. Laura also noticed, from time to time, his glances her way when he thought she wasn't looking. She was beginning to feel the same way she did all those years ago when they talked at all those boring parties. Now, she wished she had paid more attention to him away from the parties. Before they knew it, it was after eleven o'clock and time for them to go home. After he helped her into her coat, Greg walked Laura to her car. She unlocked her door, but didn't open it. Instead, she turned to him and said, "Thank you for everything." Greg shrugged. "You did most of the introductions." "No," she disagreed, "it was more than that. I don't know. It was being with us at the hospital, being by my side at the funeral home, telling funny stories about dad. It's been a lot of things these past few days." Greg looked at her under the streetlight and didn't know what to say. He didn't think he had done anything special, but Laura did, and that pleased him. "Anyway," she continued as she touched his hand, "thank you." She moved forward and kissed him on the cheek. Stunned, Greg replied softly, "You're welcome." He touched his face and smiled. That brief instant of her lips touching his skin sent chills through him, and it wasn't because of the cold. He took her hand and squeezed it and their eyes met and for a scant second, Greg found himself propelled back in time to the last Ballard Christmas party he attended before he got married. The entire evening, he tried to get up the nerve to position Laura under the mistletoe for an innocent kiss, but it never happened. He always wondered what it would feel like, but her friendly peck on the cheek gave him an inkling. It felt wonderful. Once again, he had the desire to kiss her, but he held back, feeling it was an inappropriate time. He'll Wait For You "I better go," Laura said gently, breaking him from his thoughts. She felt there was something amiss, but couldn't put her finger on it. "Okay," he said, kicking himself for having thoughts like that. Her father just died, you idiot! Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and she got into her car. As she pulled away, Greg sighed and chalked up another missed opportunity. A mixture of emotions churned within Laura as she drove slowly home. She tried to get a glimpse of Greg as she drove away, but her rear window was fogged. Things hadn't changed much in over five years, she thought. They had been able to talk as easily to each other as before and she still wanted to be kissed by him. She got to thinking about her father once again, and sadness began to creep into her mind. Living in her childhood home again was comforting, yet painful at the same time. She missed her father terribly and the guilt she felt for being away from him only made it worse. Over and over again, she thought that if she had taken his offer and worked for him, perhaps she could have saved him. It was a foolish thought, but in her tiredness and her grief, it preyed upon her mind. When she got to the house, she went straight to her room and began to undress. Not bothering to find a nightgown, Laura slipped under the covers naked and enjoyed the coolness of sheets against her warm, soft skin. She felt her nipples hardening from them brushing against the sheets. It had been a long time since she felt another man's touch, sexual or otherwise, and she missed it more than she cared to admit. Her thoughts drifted to Greg. She thought about when he held her just after her father's death and how safe and secure she felt. Laura sighed, wishing he was there to hold her. Settling into her pillow, she pulled her covers over her shoulders until only her face was exposed. As sleep began to overtake her, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing one last time that day. Chapter 6 Greg's alarm woke him with a start Friday morning. He felt as if he had just gotten to sleep as he groggily walked across the room to shut off the annoying sound. He did nothing but dream the entire night, but he couldn't remember any of them. Greg glanced to his left and saw it was gloomy and raining. "Just perfect," he grumbled to himself. He hoped it would have been a nice day for Paul. He figured it would eventually turn to snow and in fact, upon closer inspection, he could see snow beginning to mix in with the rain. "Just wonderful," he mumbled. Shaking his head, he headed to the bathroom for his shower. As he sat down to his breakfast after his shower, his phone rang. Greg picked it up on the second ring. "Hi daddy," his young daughter's sweet voice came over the line. She was six. "Hey princess," Greg said. "What's up?" "Mommy wants to know if you can pick me up earlier today." "What time?" he asked. "What time, mommy?" she asked on the other end. "Two?" Her voice came back. "Mommy says two." Greg frowned on his end. "Can I speak to your mom?" he asked. "Sure, daddy." She handed the phone to her mother. Their divorce five years prior had been amicable and they still got along well. He even liked her husband, whom she married three years after the divorce. "Hi Greg," she said cheerily. "Hey Sandy, about picking up Nicole early. I really can't." "Why not?" she asked. She wasn't angry, just disappointed. "Well, Paul's funeral is today..." "Oh, that's right, I forgot," she interrupted. "I'm sorry. Darn, Steve and I had hoped to make early dinner plans tonight." "What time?" "Five." "Heck, Sandy, I can pick her up around four if that will work for you. I don't mind." "Four would be fine, Greg. I really am sorry about Paul. I always liked him." She hesitated for a second. "How are you doing with it?" The question caught him off guard. "Me? Oh, I'm doing okay, I guess." "Could I ask another favor of you?" she asked. "Sure, what is it?" "On the twenty-second, Nicole has a Christmas play. I can't be there and I was wondering if you could take her?" "Sure, I can, but what about Steve?" Steve was Sandy's husband. "Can't he take her?" "He'll be with me," Sandy explained. "Oh, okay. Yeah, I can do that. You said the twenty-second?" "Yes." "Okay, I'll write it down." "Great. Thanks Greg." "No problem." "Well, I'll let you go. Thanks for coming early for Nicole." "You're welcome." "I'll see you at four, then." "See you then." After he hung up, he slumped in his chair. It had been right for them to divorce when they did. They only married because she was pregnant and Greg felt it was the right thing to do. They realized it wasn't going to work soon after Nicole's birth. Parting as friends, they vowed to be the best parents for their daughter as possible, and that meant unlimited visitation rights for Greg. Even after she married Steve, Greg was always welcome. One good thing about Steve, Greg thought, was that he knew when to be a stepfather and he knew when to back off and let Greg be the father. How could he not like him? Still, he became melancholy whenever they spoke and somehow wished that things had worked out for them. Sometimes, he dwelled on that too much and that was one of his weaknesses. Pushing himself away from the table, his breakfast barely touched, he began to get ready for the funeral. Chapter 7 The snow was falling all around as they stood at the grave site. Greg wasn't cold as he stood rigidly with his hands stuffed inside his coat pockets. He stood off to the side, a few feet away from Laura, Jim, and Andy. He barely heard the words of the preacher, who was asking God to watch over the soul of Paul. Greg could see Laura . Thoughts of gathering her in his arms to comfort her swept through his mind, but he pushed them aside. Standing beside him during the church service, she had reached for his hand and he took it, holding it until she slowly pulled away at the end of the service. But here, she was surrounded by family and friends. After the service concluded, Greg stared at the casket. Memories came flooding into his mind and he was transported back in time to his own father's funeral. Tears started to come and he absently wiped them away with his hand. Oblivious to everything around him, he crouched down and touched the bitter cold steel with the tips of his fingers. He barely noticed the hand that had rested upon his shoulder. Only when Laura gave him a gentle squeeze did he come out of his stupor and look up. "I'm really going to miss him," he said as he stood up slowly. The snow was coming down harder and his brown hair was beginning to turn whiter from the thick flakes. "I know." She didn't know what else to say. Greg exhaled and looked up into the grey, grim sky to keep more tears from coming. More fluffy flakes hit his face and he blinked to keep them out of his eyes. He looked at Laura once more, who hadn't stopped looking at him. "Sometimes, I feel like I've lost another father instead of just a really good friend." He stuffed his hands into his coat pockets and shrugged. "I'm glad he was that for you," Laura said. "He was special to a lot of people." She glanced to her left as Jim, Andy, and their wives walked up. Greg sniffed and looked away, disappointed that their time alone had ended. "Greg?" Laura touched his sleeve. He turned back and brushed a tear aside before she could see his face. "Um, what?" "We're having a small gathering at dad's house, you know, family and friends. Will you come join us?" "Well, I don't know," he stammered. "I don't want to intrude on your family." "We wouldn't have asked if we thought you were intruding." She glanced at her family who were waiting patiently for her. She moved forward slightly and said in a lower voice, "I want you to come, if that'll make a difference." Her eyebrows lifted slightly and a small smile managed to peek from the corners of her mouth. Greg smiled a bit. Laura stirred something within him. "Alright, I'll come. Thanks." "You're welcome," she said softly. "Walk me to the car?" "Sure." Greg held out his arm to her and she slipped her arm through his. They walked slowly, following her brothers and their wives towards the waiting limousine. "It was a lovely service," Laura remarked, breaking Greg from his thoughts. "Yes, it was," he agreed. The gathering at the house was small and Greg was grateful for that. He stuck close to Andy, Jim, and Laura for the most part, but was introduced to everyone again. He checked his watch periodically knowing he had to pick up his daughter in the afternoon. He helped Laura and her sisters with the food and drinks despite her protests. He was feeling more and more comfortable around her, although they didn't get too much time to talk. He did notice her gaze from time to time. It was a studious, inquisitive look; a look of interest. At times, he found his eyes searching for her whenever she left the room. Greg liked her a lot and wanted to be near her. Later in the afternoon, he drifted from the group and found himself alone in a hallway covered by family pictures. Of course, he was drawn towards the pictures with Laura in them, from kindergarten and grade school to high school, college and beyond. "I can't believe you're looking at those pictures," Laura exclaimed behind him. Greg jumped slightly and turned to her. "I didn't know you were there." He looked back at the pictures. "You were really cute as a kid." "Oh my God," she rolled her eyes. "My teeth were too big, my hair was goofy, and those glasses were hideous!" "Well, besides that, you were cute." He smiled at her and pointed to her high school graduation photo. "You took a great picture there." "Yeah, I guess so," she said. "I don't remember what your high school picture looked like. I wonder how you looked." "Very forgettable and not worth thinking about." "Really? I think I have a yearbook around here someplace." "Oh, no you don't," he laughed. "I'm sure it's lost or it's in Chicago. I'm sure it's nowhere around, so I wouldn't even look for it if I were you." "Well, maybe you're right." Laura laughed lightly before moving away and sitting down on a nearby sofa. "Sit with me for a bit?" Greg followed and sat down next to her. Laura leaned back into the cushion. "Can I ask you something?" "Sure." "Do you remember when you brought Sandy to the Christmas party that one year?" Laura asked. "Yes." " I was pretty upset when I found out she was your wife." She laughed at the thought. "Oh, come on!" "I was," she insisted. "Why?" Laura looked away, a bit embarrassed. When she turned back, Greg was smiling at her. "I guess I realized I wanted you for myself." "I wish I had known that." "Why?" "Because I never would have gotten involved with Sandy if I knew you were interested." Laura looked down sadly. It had been nothing but wasted years for them. "It's too bad." "What's too bad?" He was puzzled. "That it took my father's death to bring me back to the place I really belonged after all these years." "You don't know that. You may have come back eventually." "I doubt it." "I'm glad you're back, though. I just wish it was under different circumstances." "Are you glad?" she asked, looking into his eyes. "I never wanted you to leave." He reached forward and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. "There was one Christmas when I tried to get up the courage to steer you over to the mistletoe. I really wanted to see what it would be like to kiss you. I just couldn't get up the nerve." "What's stopping you now?" she asked, her eyes shining. "There's no mistletoe." "We don't need it," she whispered. Slowly and nervously, Greg moved forward. Laura tilted her head slightly just before she parted her already moist lips in anticipation. Their first kiss was short and tentative. Laura loved the feel of his lips against hers and when they parted, she wanted more. She pulled his face to hers and began to kiss him with earnest. Laura enjoyed the sensations that filled her body, sensations that had long been dormant and aching to come alive again. They stopped kissing as Laura slowly pulled back. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," she sighed. Greg moved forward this time and kissed her without the nervousness and the awkward feeling he had before. Her lips felt wonderful and tasted like sun sweetened honey. They kissed for a few more minutes before Greg reluctantly pulled back. "Why did I wait so long?" he asked her. He laughed, shaking his head. "Boy, I was stupid." A few minutes later, Jim interrupted them to tell her some of the guests were leaving. Greg checked his watch and was surprised and disappointed to find it was almost three-thirty. It seemed as if he just arrived a few minutes before. "I've got to be going, too," he announced. "Do you have to?" she asked, very disappointed. She wanted to kiss him again. "I have to pick up my daughter at four," he explained. "I was hoping you could stay for dinner," she pouted. "I'm sorry." "Oh, there's no need to apologize." She bit her bottom lip lightly and looked up at him. "Could you wait here for just a few minutes?" Greg checked his watch again. Sandy's house was about fifteen minutes away, so he had a little bit of time to spare. Besides, he could be a few minutes late. "Sure, I can wait." "Good." Laura left the couch and went with her brother to say good-bye to the departing guests. Greg stood by and waited for her return. A minute or two later, she came back alone. She handed his overcoat to him and he pulled it on. Laura looked at him with sad eyes as she straightened his collar for him. "I'm probably going to mess this up, so please bear with me," she began, almost in a whisper. "I can't thank you enough for being with me throughout this whole thing. You've helped me so much just by being nearby. We've only known each other for a short time, but I already feel like you're one of my closest friends. I just wanted you to know that." She looked down and hesitated. "I really loved kissing you. We waited much too long for that." "Yeah, well, that was my fault. I should have done that a long time ago when I had the chance." Laura exhaled.. She stretched her arms outward and moved forward to hug him. They embraced and Laura held onto him very tight. "Thank you," she whispered. They shared another kiss before she let him go. She stepped back and brushed aside tears. Greg stood awkwardly and didn't know what to say. He managed to blurt out, "I guess I'll see you Monday." "Yeah," she sniffed, dabbing her eyes once again. "What time do you normally get to the office?" "Around seven," he answered. "I usually open up the place." "Good. I want to get an early start." She reached for his hand and he took it. Laura guided him to the front door where he said his good-bye's to her brothers and their wives. It felt strange to Greg. He was torn between staying and talking some more with Laura and going to pick up his daughter. Standing silently at the front door, her hand still held his as he looked at her. "Take care," he said, staring into her cat-green eyes. He always thought they were very alluring, even as a teenager. "If you need anything before Monday, let me know." "I will," she nodded. "Have a good weekend with Nicole." Greg smiled at the thought. "Thanks. I'm sure we'll have a good time." Laura let go of his hand at that point and he turned and stepped off the porch and headed to his car. Laura waited at the doorway until he was in his car and pulling out of the driveway. She closed the door softly behind her and sighed. Chapter 8 For the next few days and weeks, Laura and Greg worked side by side as he gave her lesson after lesson of the modern day copier business and of the inner workings of Ballard Corp. On her own time and in her office, Laura poured over financial reports, balance sheets, sales quotas, and contracts. She never felt as excited and eager to learn as she did at this time. Her mind absorbed everything Greg threw at her and he rarely had to explain anything to her twice. She rarely missed anything while looking over reports and would question Greg extensively over a drop in sales or a missed quota. Every night, she took a stack of files home with her and studied them the entire evening, and she continued doing that throughout each weekend. One snowy evening, a few days before Christmas, it was a few minutes past closing and Laura and Greg were still at the office. Greg had been trying to find the right time to invite Laura along to his daughter's Christmas play. Several times, he had tried to bring up the subject, but either nerves or interruptions canceled his thoughts. He gathered his paperwork into his briefcase and headed to her office for one last try. When he got to her office, he knocked lightly on the open door. Laura looked up from her stack of papers. "Hey Greg, going home already?" "Yeah," he replied. "Are you leaving soon?" "Oh, in a little bit. I've got some things I want to look at first." Greg hesitated for a few seconds, lingering at the door. "Is there something wrong?" she asked. "No. There's nothing wrong. I was thinking about something." "What is it?" Well, it's now or never, he thought to himself. "Well, Nicole's got this Christmas play tonight and Sandy and Steve can't go and I was wondering if perchance you'd like to come along." Greg exhaled after his long sentence. Laura looked at him, but didn't say anything. She was surprised by the request. Since they had been working together, they had not met away from the office and it had been strictly business between them inside the walls of Ballard Corp. It was only when he walked her to her car that he would kiss her. "I'll even throw in dinner," he added. He tried to keep a straight face, but a smile emerged anyway. "I think you could use a break from this place, don't you?" He raised an eyebrow. Laura started to giggle. "Sweetening the pot, are we?" She pushed her paperwork aside in a neat pile. "I'd love to go. What time?" Greg checked his watch. "If we leave now, we can pick up Nicole and have a nice dinner without being rushed." "That sounds great. Let me get my coat." Greg took his time driving to Sandy's house, navigating the slippery streets carefully. Once, Laura brought up a subject pertaining to the office and was met with a frown from Greg. "We've done nothing but talk about work and copiers for the past three weeks," he said. "Why don't we forget about work for a few hours and just enjoy the evening." Laura grinned at him. "That's a wonderful idea." Nicole came running out of the house with her coat open, her snowflake outfit showing. Sandy waved to them from the porch after giving her daughter a hug and a kiss. She saw Laura sitting in the front seat, and although she didn't recognize her, she was genuinely happy for Greg. She hoped she was his date for the evening and was not merely giving her a lift home. Nicole climbed into the back seat. Greg fastened her seatbelt for her before locking and closing her door. "Hi," she said to Laura.. "Hi Nicole," Laura answered. "Who are you?" Nicole asked, curious about a female being with her daddy. Greg spoke, making the introduction. "Her name is Laura Ballard. She works with me and she's going to eat with us and watch your play with me tonight." "Is she your girlfriend?" Nicole asked inquisitively. Laura had to look away to keep from laughing. "Well, yes, I guess so. Laura is my friend and she is a girl." "Are you going to marry her?" Laura looked at Greg with a grin from ear to ear. Greg was stone silent, stunned at the question.