"Hey babe, I couldn't get you; so I just wanted to let you know that I will be home late tonight. My boss just invited me out to dinner. Just wanted to give you a heads up and to let you know that you didn't have to cook tonight... I love you and I'll see you when I get in tonight."
I don't know how many messages like this Janet had received over the last five or so years from me. I became the lead QA field operations guy for the south east region for Five Star Communications. I was constantly on the road if not for overseeing sites but also for trainings around the country. It was clearly taking a toll on my marriage. I hadn't seen my wife smile in what seemed like ages. I mean I'd bring her flowers just about every time I touched down but aside from that, there was no romance. I typically spent the weekends, doing yard work, do it yourself projects, or catching up on sleep.
Janet had been so supportive of my career, from day one. But over the last month the look in her eyes seemed different. Her tone was completely different. I can't front, it plagued me. I mean her smile used to light the darkest of rooms and brighten my most troublesome days. But somewhere in time it faded. I blamed myself for letting things get this far. No amount of money was worth the love of my life. No matter how dim our flame was I have to fight for her, for us.
(Ok bae) was her response to my voicemail that I had left about thirty minutes prior. This shit wasn't sitting well with me. I boarded my flight to ATL from Dallas. I didn't even sleep on the plane I was busy using the inflight Wi-Fi to do what should have been done eons ago.
"Hey Babe." I said before she could even say hello as she picked up.
"Hey Man-Man." That was my nickname since I was two. The way she said it though, always made me blush.
"I just touched down babe wanted to let you know. How's your day coming?"
"Oh it's ok same ole same ole, ya know."
"I hear you, you had lunch yet?"
"Nope, not yet wanted to wrap up this paperwork first."
"Hmph, well forget that paperwork babe how bout you come meet me in the parking lot."
"Excuse me?"
"Meet me outside right now."
It had been nearly a year since I'd been up to her job, but today I had plans for her. I saw her come through the doors looking good as ever. I had almost forgotten how good it felt to surprise my woman. Thinking to myself, "man I've be slacking". Funny how the monotony of life can so easily take hold and we live life on cruise control. Her dress was hugging her just right. I could see she was looking for me, I hesitated as I was just admiring the queen I said I do to. Pulling up I barely put the car in park before I was hoping out.
I greeted my lady with the tightest of hugs. I was genuinely happy to see her. It was as if I had been away for 4 years rather 4 days. I picked her up and spun her around and she yelped a tad. Placing her feet back on the pavement, I planted my lips upon hers, pulling her close.
"What's up with you?" She said pushing away and clearly taken aback.
"Nothing babe... I just really miss you. Come on lets go."
She had this real precarious look on her face as she followed me to the passenger side of the car. I was like a kid in the candy store I can't lie. I opened her door to usher her in, but before she could get in all the way I gave her ass a nice pat to let her know that, that there thing was all mine. I could see her pretty cheek go up her face as I knew she was smiling.
"Babe where are we going?" she asked as she saw I was getting on 75/85.
"You're on your lunch break right? I got you babe just enjoy your break."