It was 5 AM and I was sitting at my computer, bringing up my hot mail account to see who had sent messages, and hoping that both Kevin and Rocky had been in the mood to write. I counted on hearing from those two, as well as my friends and family but Kevin always made me laugh, and once in a while blush, and Rocky, well Rocky made me think about things that only inflamed my desires.
There were e-mails that morning from both Kevin and Rocky and a few from family. I quickly read thru the family one, responding where necessary and the over a fresh cup of coffee I opened Kevin's note, wanting to save and be able to savor the note from Rocky. Kevin's e-mail made me laugh bring my spirits up enough to make today a good day, I would need to write back, but first I needed to open the one from Rocky.
Rocky was a man I'd met who has been very ill. In fact he may be terminal, and in talking to him, I was first impressed by his courage and later drawn to him as a man. I need to admit that I am married, perhaps not as happy as I could be, but my husband and I had three kids all under twelve and consequently happy or in love with my husband was not the critical factor, my children were. In fact they were the main reason I had not pursued Rocky, that and his seeming reluctance to commit to anything other then finding his health.
Rocky's e-mail that morning though spoke of good news on the health front. he had an appointment later that day with his team of physicians and it seems that the early word from them was good. He promised to e-mail me after his appointment and share whatever the news was. Even though it was not yet 6 am I felt that today would be a great day.
Busing myself with the kids, breakfast, preparations for school and all the other simple chores a mom did, it was almost 4 PM before I had a moment to check my e-mail for news from Rocky. I was about to sit at my computer when my phone rang. It was a woman, saying she was the regional representative from FUJI Film. I am almost a professional photographer. I say almost only because I can not devote myself full time to the art, so its more like a hobby that I do as often as I can, with the occasional paid shoot here and there. I do have a web site and a lot of my photos are posted, quite a few of my children, after all I am a good mom too.
At any rate Dianne, the representative said she had good news for me. It seems I had been selected from my area to attend Fugi's new products show in the Pocono's next month. I would be given a room and all my meals; attendance at the conferences and new product shows free all I would have to do is get to the Poconos on my own. I am not sure I even thought about the kids, the house or my husband before I accepted and promised to be there. If was a fabulous opportunity for the photographer in me as well as a welcome relief to life with my husband, granted it would only be part of Friday and back home again on Sunday. It was a weekend of photography and a weekend free of all the household chores.
I quickly lined up family to step in and watch the kids and house and let my husband know I would be gone that weekend. Today was already better then I had predicted, I was so involved with my upcoming trip she almost forgot the see if Rocky had any news.
I quickly logged on and waited for the screen to come up and as soon as I saw the e-mail from Rocky my enthusiasm soared again. I quickly read thru it and it was great news, his cancer was in remission, for how long they could not predict but for now at least he was out of the woods. He was also going to be able to get some of his normal life back. He could go where he wanted and not spend so much time in doctor's offices.
I sent him a note back expressing my joy at his news and shared my news with him. For the next few weeks up to my trip to the Poconos, we were exchanging happy thoughts and it was a wonderful few weeks. I also shared all the news with Kevin who was, as expected so supportive and happy for Danielle and for Rocky.
As I drove her Suburban thru Philadelphia on my way to the Fugi show, I allowed myself to relax and enjoy each moment, not only of the drive, but the time I would spend at the hotel. By doing so, I arrived at the hotel before I realized she was there. A bellhop came to retrieve my bags and park the car and I was escorted to the check in desk. I could not believe the treatment I received from everyone, it was a far cry from the Holiday Inns I and my family stayed when traveling. From the first moment there I felt like a queen, it was wonderful.
As soon as I got settled in my room I called home to check on the kids and give them the number of my room. I spoke with each of my children and my mom and left a message with for my husband who had yet to come home. I was too thrilled to be here to sit in my room so I decided that 5 PM was the right time for a glass of wine in the hotel bar.
As I walked into the bar I almost fell over. Rocky was waiting there holding a stool for me at the bar, a glass of wine waiting for me.
"What are you doing her?" I challenged.
"I thought I would surprise you, I hope you don't mind. I figured in and around the exhibitions and stuff you and I might share a meal or a drink!"
I realized I was a little angry with him. Heavens knows his being here was a good thing, but I needed to lose this feeling that I had lost this opportunity to be alone. I slowly counted to ten and reviewed the situation and then I smiled at Rocky, took the proffered seat at the bar and commenced to enjoy the time and the conversation.
At some time we decided to eat and continued out chat over dinner. As dinner ended, Rocky asked it I would like to take a walk outside. He mentioned that the hotel provided a secure walking path through the woods and into the mountains. He admitted he wasn't sure he could handle and steep trails but looked to me for my answer.