Page 7 of Miracles and Marriage
“What does this Mark look like?” she asked.
“He’s about my height. Has sandy color hair. He’s really interested in football, follows major league teams all season long. Goes to the same gym I go to.”
Zoe wondered if she’d like that. She knew something about football, with five brothers, how could she not? But she wasn’t a passionate fan.
“What else?”
“He’s in advertising, doing very well.”
She wrinkled her nose.
“Not something you like?”
“Too much cajoling people to buy stuff they don’t need.”
“Part of the economy.”
“I guess. Is he from Washington?” she asked.
“Not originally. From the Midwest somewhere, but has lived in DC for a dozen years or more. I think he went to Georgetown University and just stayed. You two would have great kids together.”
“I’ll reserve judgment until I meet the man,” she murmured. “Did you get the Schribner file?”
The conversation changed to business and Zoe and Cal fell into their familiar pattern of discussing clients and the variousneeds, who would be good to handle certain aspects and the shortfalls of one of the newer recruits.
By the time their meal was finished, Zoe felt better, physically and mentally. Talking with Cal pulled her back into the work arena and had her temporarily forget the ticking clock. She’d give anything to be normal, but since she wasn’t, maybe she should take a page from Cal’s book and find a way around the problem.
Once breakfast was finished, she expected him to take off. Instead he said he’d hang out for a while and let her sleep.
Whenever she awoke, he was nearby, offering tea or food. Somewhere during the day, he’d gone out and bought groceries. Lunch was more substantial than breakfast and dinner was almost a feast.
Cal left after dinner but promised to return the next day, despite Zoe’s protests. It was over an hour’s drive from DC to Seagrass Point. He didn’t need to be wasting his time. She’d be back home before long.
The next day, Zoe felt better. She’d made it through another month. She wasn’t surprised when he showed up again. He usually only said what he meant, and he had said he’d return.
“You don’t have to wait on me, I’ll be fine now,” she said at breakfast, eaten downstairs this morning after a quick shower and clean clothes. She still felt awkward at Cal’s newfound concern for her.
“There are things waiting at the office,” he said, slowly.
“Then you should be there, not here. I’ll be in tomorrow for sure.”
“I can wait,” he said. “Give you a ride back.”
“No need. I have my car. I have to drive it back anyway.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am.”
She walked him out to his car a short time later, wondering if any neighbors were around to see the sleek black sports car, which was a testimony to his success. Zoe rarely saw the car without wishing she could drive it, just once.
She’d love to ride up to her parents’ home when the entire family was gathered. Her brother Sean especially would turn green with envy.
“I’ll be in tomorrow,” she said.
Cal nodded and said, “Just don’t leave me to Ginny for long.”
“She’s not that bad. You frighten her,” Zoe said. “Be nice to her, she’ll do fine.”
