by Phillip Johnson
Chapter Eighty Five
Brenda was first to stir, but Buck was about half awake anyway. She turned over and as she smiled she said, "Good morning."
"Morning to you, beautiful."
"It would seem that we need another shower."
"I'd say we do, but what if that shower leads to another therapy session, which of course might lead to more showers and more therapy."
"We could end up being here for a long time."
"Yes, we could."
"That would be very nice, but I have a feeling that hunger and fatigue would rear it's ugly head and we'd be forced to stop."
"Speaking of that, I hear Grace calling us to breakfast."
"She can be so insensitive sometimes."
"She hasn't learned about timing it seems." They crawled out of bed and went to the bathroom and he waited until she peed and then he did the same before they bathed each other one more time. The urge to mate again did visit them, but not enough so to override their desire to eat. They dressed, Brenda in the tiny shorts and top with out underwear, and they walked to town to Ma's Kitchen and Grace saw to their nutritional needs.
"Isn't what Max and Faith are doing incredible? I was just speechless when I saw the drawings."
"It's going to be incredibly expensive."
"I don't know how he can do it, or why he's willing to do it."
"Because he loves his Faith, and both of them love this town. It isn't a business decision that's for sure; it's a decision of the heart and nothing else."
"Buck, will you and your friends be back? We'd like to see them all and thank them as well as you and your wife."
"Thank you, and yes, we will be back. Not before late spring, but we'll be back again and again."
"Good. I just may have to come up with a new lunch dish named after you."
"You're too sweet, Grace."
Once back at the house one last time he told her that he was going to call Anita. "Want me to take a walk?"
"Not unless you don't want to hear me tell her I love her."
"You damn well better tell her you do and do it more than once."
"Okay, then make yourself comfy. This won't take long, because you'll have me home in a few hours, but I do need to call the others too."
"Okay then, get to it so we can get on the road and get you home." She sat in the middle of the bed in her tiny white shorts and watched him as he called home.
As soon as Anita answered he said, "Hi, it's me."
"Are you coming home soon honey?"
"We'll be on the road within the hour."
"Really?"
"Really. It's all done...over."
"Well, is that good or bad?"
"It's good honey, very good."
"So Mitch and Layla are safe?"
Mitch and Layla are now safe along with you and me, Gabe and Carly, and who knows how many others. I'll have a lot to tell you and the others."
"Then let's invite the others over, but you and I have to have some time alone first."
"Yes we do."
"Let me talk to Kali just for a second honey."
"Kali left last night."
"But how...I mean you just said we."
Buck looked at Brenda and smiled as he said, "Brenda is here. You don't know her and there's a story there too, but she's bringing me home."
"But you're car."
"Kali will drop it off and get hers so maybe you two can talk before we get there."
"Oh my God, Buck, is there any problem with...with us?"
"No problems honey, I love you and I'm coming home...to stay."
"I have a million questions you know."
"I'm sure you do have. Just know that I love you okay?"
"You can't believe how it feels to hear you tell me that. I said the last time that as long as you love me and you come home, nothing else matters."
"I remember that and I hope you mean that."
"I'm not saying I won't cry or something but we can deal with that."
"Okay I'm calling Mitch next and will tell them about six okay? Pizzas or whatever and some beer."
"Got it."
"Better yet, you call Carly and Gabe and I'll call Mitch. Love you hon, see you soon," and he hung up.
Brenda was studying him as he talked and smiled as she said, "I was right. You had to tell her at least two times that you love her."
"You're just too smart. Okay, one more call, and then we're out of here."
Buck called Mitch and Layla next and Brenda continued to listen. "Hello," Layla said.
"Hi sexy, you're supposed to be naked when I call."
"I am not...how do you know, maybe I am."
"Nope, I can see you."
"Yeah, right."
"Really, this is a video call."
"Buck, that might work if I was drunk, but I'm not."
"Damn. Okay, tell Mitch that we're gathering at the house at six. I'm coming home with great news and more stories."
"Oh good. Um...how did you and Kali do?"
"Too well, Layla...but that will come out too if you want to hear that part."
"Of course I do."
"Okay then, our house in tiny shorts or that skirt, sweetheart, new standard of dress because I've been up here so long."
"New standard for you maybe."
"Well Brenda is right here next to me, and that's what she has on as we lie here on the bed talking to you."
"Now wait a second. Who the hell is Brenda, where's Kali and on who's bed?"
"Brenda, my latest squeeze, Kali is home by now and on my bed. There all of your questions are answered. Kisses darlin' and see you at six," and he hung up.
"Your latest squeeze?"
"Sorry, I said that just to drive her crazy."
"So Layla is one of the loves in your life."
"Yes she is."
"Good thing you didn't say that to Anita." The calls were done and it was time to go home. Buck put the luggage in the back of Brenda's car and they drove to Ethel's and dropped the key off, shared a quick kiss and they headed toward Scranton with Buck behind the wheel.