I know it’s not a good novel. I know I am not a writer. I cannot see the world in the way that  other good writers do. I haven’t decided what to do with my novel. Should I edit it further? Should I just put it in a file and forget it? Should I just rewrite it and try to do better next time? I don’t know the answer to these questions. I think the story idea is sound. It’s the writing of the story that is difficult for me. I need to use all five senses when I write. I need to learn how to show the story more than just tell it.

I learned a lot about writing this month. I have a lot more to learn if I ever want to be a writer. I am about to lose my present job. I have a broken foot that will be in a cast for at least 4 more weeks. That will make it difficult to find new work. Do I take the 4 weeks and try to develop my story into something good? I don’t know. It’s a lot to think about. I’ll just have to see what I can come up with.

I also got this one too:

Chapter 35- The Second Big Trip

On Wednesday, Saul called Jed and they made the arrangements for the trip that weekend. They talked about where they wanted to stay and who would pay for what. It was decided that Jed would get the hotel rooms and Saul would get the rental car. Jed reminded him that he would have to rent something the size of a Tahoe or larger so that their luggage and stuff would fit. They agreed to meet at Jed’s house at eight in the morning on Saturday and go to the airport from there.

Miranda and Steve came over for dinner Thursday night. They talked about how their week had went and of their plans for the weekend. Jed told Miranda and Steve about Saul and how they met and then became reacquainted. Steve was amazed at how Jed, Charlotte, and Saul had meet by accident and how now, they were all friends. They played cards for a while and then Miranda and Steve went home.

Friday night, they went over to Jed’s mom’s house for dinner. Jed told his mom that Charlotte had moved in with him. Mom asked if he had finally fixed up the house. Charlotte volunteered that she had helped Jed get it straightened out, and that she would love the place now. Charlotte and Jed then went back home and went to bed. They had an early day Saturday.

Saturday morning, Jed and Charlotte got up early and started packing for the trip. A little while later, Saul and Gail showed up. They loaded up the Tahoe and headed to the airport. Jed pulled in to the hanger and the men unloaded the Tahoe. Saul helped Jed load the plane. They all climbed in and Jed again taxied to the runway.

The plane took off and they were in the air. Gail shrieked with excitement. Jed let Charlotte fly the plane once again. He turned around and talked to Gail and Saul for a little while. Then he turned to face the controls and check the progress they were making. He told Charlotte that she was doing very well and that she should just keep flying straight. When they got almost there, Jed took over the controls and landed the plane in Traverse City.

While Jed unloaded the plane, Saul went and picked up the rental car. He chose a Tahoe also. Together, they loaded up the Tahoe and headed to the hotel. Jed chose a different hotel this time. It was over on the opposite side of Traverse City, closer to the wineries. It was a beautiful hotel, but not quite as nice as the one they stayed in before. They pulled up to the lobby and unloaded the Tahoe. Saul went to park it and then joined them in the lobby. Charlotte could tell immediately that this hotel was older than the other one. The carpet was worn a little. The paint on the walls was not quite so bright. It was not bad, it just was not as new. They checked in and got their keys and then headed to the elevator. They got to their floor, stepped out, and headed for their rooms after agreeing on a time to go to lunch.

They had about an hour, so Jed and Charlotte unpacked. Then, they sat and talked for a little while until it was time to go. They met Saul and Gail in the hall and together went down to the hotel’s restaurant for lunch. They talked at lunch about driving up to the wineries to do some wine tasting and there were a few condos that Jed and Charlotte wanted to check on. Lunch was good. They went back to their rooms to get ready to go on their excursion to the wineries.

They meet in the hall, and then headed down to the lobby. They all piled into the rented Tahoe and Saul drove off to the wineries, with Jed providing navigation. Gail and Charlotte talked in the back seat, while Jed and Saul chatted up front. There was fresh snowfall during the week and everything glistened in the bright sunlight. They drove to several wineries before they started looking for the condos that Jed and Charlotte wanted to check out.

The first one they stopped at was not what Jed had expected. It was no where near as nice as the Tamarack Lodge. The second one was not too bad either. They continued looking. At the next one, which was very comparable to the Tamarack Lodge, Charlotte was impressed. They asked to see one of the condos and was shown inside. The place was immaculate. There was not a drop of dust anywhere. Everything was clean and neatly put away. It was very inviting. Jed liked the place too, and asked for more information on it. The sales person told Jed what he needed to know and handed them a map of the area. He told them about the amenities they offered and the costs involved. Jed told him that they would have to think about it and would get back with them. They headed back to the hotel.

They decided to go back to their rooms for an hour or so before dinner. Jed and Charlotte discussed the different options they were offered for condos. Jed was leaning toward the Tamarack Lodge. Charlotte finally agreed with him, that that was the best option. It was newer and closer to the local attractions. They decide to go over to the Tamarack Lodge and do some further checking with them on Sunday. They meet Saul and Gail out in the hall. They decided to go out to Capone’s Cafe to eat and then do a little dancing. Charlotte told Saul and Gail how much fun they had there the last time they were up. They got their coats and headed to the restaurant.

They were seated at the restaurant and ordered their food. The four of them sat there talking about how nice it was up here. Jed told Saul that him and Gail needed to go look at the Tamarack Lodge tomorrow with them. Charlotte and Jed explained to Gail and Saul how great the place was. They described at length, what the place looked like and how it felt to be there. They agreed to all go together. Dinner went real well.

When they were done with dinner Jed led them over to Lil’ Jo’s. The four of them had a good time dancing and talking the night away. A couple of times, Jed reminded Saul that he was supposed to take it easy because of his surgery. Saul would just laugh and then sit down for a little bit. Around midnight, they headed back to the hotel they were staying in.

The next day they all went to breakfast and then over to the Tamarack Lodge. The salesperson there showed them several of the condos that were open. Saul and Gail were truly impressed with what they saw. Jed and Charlotte chose one of the larger condos. Jed put down a deposit and signed the purchase agreement. He commented to Charlotte that this will be a good place to go during the summer on the weekends. It is right near the airport, and the center of town. She agreed. The four of them went to lunch and then back to the hotel to check out. They headed for the airport and Jed flew them home.

***to view the rest of this chapter post a comment and I will email it to you***

Chapter 34 – Jed Meets the Parents

After work the next day, Jed and Charlotte headed over to her parents house. Jed was a little nervous, as was Charlotte. When they got there, Jed parked the Tahoe in front of the garage, helped Charlotte out of the truck, and together they walked up to the door. This time, Charlotte knocked and dad answered the door and greeted them. He led them into the kitchen where mom was making dinner and introduced Jed to her. Mom greeted Jed with a smile. Charlotte gave mom a big hug. The funny thing was, mom was making spaghetti just like Jed’s mom had made. They sat at the table and mom served dinner. Dad started the conversation.

“So, you’re a heart surgeon Jed”, dad stated.

“Yes, I am, what do you do Mr. McLean?”, Jed asked.

“I’m an electrician at the Chevy Truck Plant here in Flint”, Dad replied.

“Wow, that’s an interesting field. What does that entail”, Jed commented and then asked.

“I mostly am responsible for keeping the line moving at all times. I repair the electrical parts of the assembly line and different machine throughout the plant”, dad responded proudly.

“Dad’s a great electrician”, Charlotte chimed in.

“Aren’t you afraid of getting electrocuted?”, Jed asked.

“No, we have several lock out procedures in place to prevent that from happening”, dad replied.

“That’s good”, Jed replied back.

“How are your parent doing?”, mom asked trying to join the conversation.

“My mom is doing real well. My dad died when I was young”, Jed replied.

“Does she live around here?”, mom asked.

“Yea, she doesn’t live too far away”, Jed replied as he finished his spaghetti.

“That’s good, at least she’s close”, mom stated.

“Jed is also a pilot dad”, Charlotte said proudly, “he even let me fly the plane”.

“Do you own your own plane?”, dad asked politely as he finished his spaghetti too.

“Yes, it’s a Cessna 172SP. It’s a small four seater. It fits my needs for now”, Jed stated proudly.

“What else do you do for fun?’, mom asked.

“We’re looking at getting a condo up in Traverse City. We went a couple of weekends ago and just fell in love with the area up there”, Jed replied.

“That is a very nice area to visit”, dad chimed in to the conversation.

“It’s so beautiful up there, and the people up there are real friendly”, Charlotte added as mom got up and took dad’s plate.

“Let me help you with that mom”, Charlotte volunteered as she stood up and took Jed’s plate. Charlotte went in to the kitchen and started doing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. Mom washed the dishes, and Charlotte dried. Jed and her dad went out and sat in the living room and talked about the weather and little about politics. When the women were done with the kitchen, they joined the men in the living room. Charlotte told mom that they had better get going because they had to work the next day. Jed nodded in agreement. They got their coats on and headed for the door. Jed thanked them for dinner. Charlotte hugged her mom and dad bye and then led Jed out the door. On the way home, Jed told Charlotte that he thought her parents were nice. She said she was glad that mom had come around. Jed agreed and thanked her for letting him meet them. When they got home they quickly went to bed and again fell asleep in each others arms.

]]> http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-34/feed/ 0 racecarfan44 http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-33/ http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-33/#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:17:52 +0000 Ray http://racecarfan44.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-33/ ]]>

Chapter 33 – The Call to Mom and Dad

Monday after work, Charlotte called her mom. She wanted to make amends with mom and introduce Jed to them. She slowly dialed the number.

“Brrring, brrring”, the phone rang at mom’s house.

“Hello”, dad answered in his gruff voice.

“Hi dad, is mom around?”, Charlotte asked.

“Oh, hi Charlotte. No, she just ran up to the store. She’ll probably be back in a half hour or so. Do you want me to have her call?”, dad stated as he perked up.

“No, I’ll call her back. But I’d like to talk to you too, are you busy?”, Charlotte asked in her sweet voice.

“Why, what’s up?”, dad answered.

“Well, eh . . . er . . . I wanted to tell you and mom that I . . .”, Charlotte stumbled as she spoke.

“What is it sweetie, just spit it out”, dad replied as he was getting frustrated.

“I moved in with Jed. I just thought you guys should know”, Charlotte stated as tears started falling down her checks.

“Your mom is going to flip”, dad stated.

“Mom is just going to have to live with it, I love her, but she can be so stubborn sometimes”, Charlotte stated as she pulled herself together.

“Jed is a wonderful guy and he did nothing wrong to Tony, or anyone else for that matter”, Charlotte added defensively.

“Why can’t mom understand that daddy”, she continued.

“Charlotte, you know how stubborn your mom is sometimes, she needs some time to realize that you have to run your own life, I think she forgets that sometimes”, dad explained.

“Dad, I really love Jed, he treats me very good. He has a very nice house in a nice neighborhood”, Charlotte stated.

“But your mom says that Jed saved that man’s life that put your brother in jail”, dad replied.

“Dad, I think with both know that Tony put himself in jail. Jed did not have anything to do with that. Mom needs to realize that Jed was just doing his job, just like any other doctor would have done”, Charlotte stated.

“I know you are right and I agree with you, but mom is more stubborn”, dad replied.

“Dad, will talk to her for me please. I love her and I miss her too”, Charlotte pleaded.

“Give me a couple of hours and I’ll talk to her when she gets back from the store, okay sweetie?”, dad replied.

“Thanks dad, I love you”, Charlotte said.

“I love you too”, dad replied and then hung up the phone.

By this time, Jed walked in the door, and with tears still in here eyes, she greeted him. Jed gave her a hug and asked her what was wrong. She told him that she had just gotten off the phone with her father. She went on to tell him about the conversation and that dad was going to talk to her mom and try to get things straightened out. Charlotte told Jed that her mom can be pretty stubborn sometimes. Jed told her that sometimes you just have to give people like that time and that in the end it will work out. She gave him a hug and thanked him for listening.

They went in to the kitchen to make something for dinner. They cooked something and sat down to eat. Charlotte was quiet. Jed again told her that things would work out with her mother. She perked up a little and then told Jed that if anyone can change mom’s mind, it was dad. Then cleaned up after dinner and then went in to the living room and sat on the sofa. They listened to music on the stereo for a while and then it was time for Charlotte to call her mom.

Charlotte dialed the number to her parents house and mom answered the phone.

“Hello”, mom said.

“Hello. Mom I want to talk to you about Jed. Did dad tell you I moved in with him”, Charlotte stated.

“Yes, your father told me”, mom replied.

“Aren’t you going to yell at me?”, Charlotte asked somewhat confused.

“No, you and your father are right. It was wrong of me to judge Jed for what he did. He didn’t do anything wrong. It was Tony that made the mistake and it’s Tony that should have to pay for it. We love you dear, and we would like to meet Jed. Dad tells me that you think he’s a great guy”, mom rambled.

“He is mom, wait till you meet him”, Charlotte replied now cheering up.

“Well, why don’t you bring him over for dinner tomorrow night?”, mom asked.

“Just a sec”, Charlotte stated as she turned to Jed and asked him if he wanted to go to her parents house tomorrow for dinner.

“We’ll be there. Jed doesn’t get home from work until around six, so is six thirty okay?”, Charlotte stated happily.

“That’ll be fine”, mom replied.

“Okay, love you mom, talk to you tomorrow”, Charlotte stated.

“Love you too, and see you tomorrow”, mom replied.

“Bye mom”, Charlotte said.

“Bye baby”, mom said as she hung up the phone.

Charlotte hung up the phone and turned to Jed. She thanked him again for being so supportive and understanding. Then, she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug and kiss.

Chapter 32 – The Dinner Party

The next morning, Jed and Charlotte got up, ate breakfast and then started getting ready for Saul and Gail to come over. They decided on what they were going to make, and then made sure that they had everything they needed to make it. There were a couple of things that they had to get from the store, so they quickly ran to Walmart and back. With everything in hand, they started preparing the meal. They had a menu planned of French Onion Soup, Roasted Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Carrots and peas, Stuffing, and buttermilk rolls. They picked up a Boston Cream Pie at Walmart. They decided to have just a tossed salad to go with it. Jed would work on the salad while Charlotte prepared the chicken and stuffing to go in to the oven. Charlotte got the chicken in to the oven and started on the french onion soup. She dug out her cookbook and got to work. By this time, Jed had finished making the salad and was sitting at the table drinking coffee.

After the soup was prepared and on the stove heating, Charlotte joined Jed at the table to drink coffee. Jed made a remark about how sexy Charlotte looked when she was cooking. Charlotte responded with a smile, and then her sly, come and get me grin. She turned down the stove, checked the oven once more, and then grabbed Jed’s hand and headed to the bedroom.

After they got cleaned back up, Charlotte made her way to the kitchen to check on the chicken and the french onion soup. Everything was going good. The smell in the kitchen was very good and it made them even hungrier. All that was left to make were the buttermilk rolls and carrots and peas. The chicken still had about forty five minutes to roast, so they went and sat on the sofa for a while.

When it was time to make the buttermilk rolls, Charlotte went in to the kitchen and started making them. Jed joined here and started opening the cans of carrots and peas. He put them in a pan on the stove and turned the burner on low. Charlotte pulled the chicken out of the oven. As she was putting the buttermilk rolls in to the oven, the door bell rang. Jed let Saul and Gail in and directed them to the sofa. Jed sat in the recliner. Charlotte set the timer for the rolls, then set the table. She got out the salad and placed it on the table along with three different kinds of dressings. Then, she went out and greeted their guests. There was still a few more minutes left on the timer, so she stayed and talked until the timer went off.

She came out and got Jed and their guests and then sat them at the table. The table was beautifully set. Gail remarked how well the table was prepared and how good everything smelled. Charlotte gave each of them a bowl of soup and sat the crackers on the table. Saul stated how good the soup was. They all agreed. When the soup was done Charlotte took all the empty bowls and gave them salad plates. Jed helped her put the roast chicken, baked potatoes, stuffing, carrots and peas, and the buttermilk rolls on the table. Jed got out the carving knife and carved the chicken and gave each of them the part that they wanted. Charlotte gave each of them a potato. They sat down and then passed around the other serving dishes with the stuffing, and then the carrots and peas and buttermilk rolls. Then they started eating. Everything was delicious.

When they were finished eating, they all went out in to the living room and started talking.

“Everything was delicious Charlotte”, Gail started.

“I can’t take all the credit, Jed helped a lot”, Charlotte responded.

“It was very good”, Saul added to the others.

“We had a lot of fun doing this”, Jed said as he sat down.

“Next time, we’ll have you over to our house”, Gail stated.

“How’s next Sunday?”, Saul asked no one in particular.

“We’re going away next weekend, aren’t we Jed”, Charlotte stated.

“We’re going to fly up to Traverse City next weekend to look at condos”, Jed stated and then added, “would you two like to go?”

“We’ll have to let you know after we check our schedules, but we’d love to go if we can”, Gail responded without even looking at Saul.

“That sounds like it would be fun”, Saul added.

“We’ll call around Wednesday some time and make the arrangements then”, Charlotte replied.

“Okay”, Saul and Gail said at the same time.

“I am going to go clean up the kitchen and then we can play cards or something if you guys want to”, Charlotte said as she got up and walked to the kitchen.

“Let me help you with that”, Gail said as she joined her in the kitchen.

When the girls went in to the kitchen, Jed and Saul sat in the living room and talked some more. They laughed at the noises coming from the kitchen. Jed remarked about how well Charlotte and Gail got along and Saul agreed. Saul told Jed that that was all Gail talked about after the last dinner that ate together. The girls talked about the guys as they did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. They talked about card games and what they each liked to play.

When they were done cleaning up in the kitchen they rejoined the men in the living room. They discussed what to do next, and decided to play a game of canasta. The four of them headed to the kitchen table. Jed got out the cards and they started playing. They decided to play partners, guys against the girls so that the couples could sit next to each other. They had a lot of fun playing. They would tease each other as the score bounced back and forth. The girls finally got to five thousand first and won the game. The men demanded a rematch. They agreed on a best two out of three. What choice did the guys have? They were already beaten once. The girls teased the guys as they started the second game. The guys said that they would get the girls this time. After the first two hands, the girls had a pretty good led. The guys were not giving up though and quickly rebounded to make the game close by the last hand. The cards were dealt and the hand played. The guys ended up on top for this game. The third game started. The score went back and forth again for this game. Teasing and joking went back and forth as quick as the score. On the last hand, the girls prevailed. Dejected and defeated, the guys kissed their girls and told them it was a good game.

By this time, it was after eleven, so Saul and Gail got their coats, thanked their hosts, and then headed out the door for home. Jed and Charlotte sat on the sofa and listened to music for a little while before they headed off to bed.

Chapter 31 – The Next Week

Jed and Charlotte spend the next week just sort of relaxing. They both went to work and ate at home every day. They went out now and then to pick up groceries together. The week went by pretty quickly. Jed thought about flying up to Traverse City again for the weekend, but they decided not to and arranged to have Saul and Gail over for dinner Sunday. Saturday, they decided to drive down to Detroit and go to the Red Wings’ game. Charlotte suggested making a day out of it and go to the casino after the game and dinner. Jed thought that was a good idea and agreed to do it. At eleven in the morning, they headed to Detroit. The game started at three in the afternoon and Jed wanted to allow plenty of time to get there and eat lunch before the game.

When they arrived in Detroit, they found a nice restaurant to go to and ate lunch. It was a nice little cozy cafe located near the hockey arena. The place was decorated with hockey memorabilia. The wait staff was friendly and courteous. The food was good and the atmosphere was cozy. They both enjoyed their lunch. Then they headed to the arena.

When they got there, they were amazed at the size of the arena. The only arena either of them had seen was Perani’s Arena back in Flint. There were easily at least five times the seats. Everything appeared like it was well kept and neat. The ushers were very polite and escorted them to their seats. Flint usually drew two or three thousand to a game. There were well over ten thousand people in the stands. Sometimes the noise was deafening. It almost looked like a sea of red and white inside. The ice surface was glistening from the lights above. Everyone stood up for the National Anthems. The Red Wings were hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs so the Canadian National Anthem was played first. Apparently, there were a lot of Canadians there because when it was over there was a loud cheer. This cheer paled in comparison though to what they heard when The United States National Anthem was finished.

The players were introduced and the game began. The electricity in the air was unbelievable. The crowd went wild every time the Red Wings had the puck. A loud, deafening cheer would go out whenever the Red Wings scored or when they made a great defensive play. Jed told Charlotte that this is way better than watching on tv. She agreed, then hugged and kissed him before she realized that the Red Wings did not score. They blew it off and continued watching. By the end of the first period, the Red Wings were up two goals to one. Jed and Charlotte watched as the Zamboni as it resurfaced the ice.

The second period started. The Maple Leafs scored quickly. It was now tied again. A few minutes later the Red Wings scored to take the lead. Jed got his expected kiss. Toward the end of the period, the Red Wings scored again. Charlotte leaned over and kissed him again. Jed just smiled. The Red Wings were now up by two goals. The score was four goals to two at the end of the second period. Again, Jed and Charlotte watched the Zamboni resurface the ice. They talked about the game and how much fun they were having together.

Toward the start of the third period the Red Wings got in to penalty trouble and the Maple Leafs scored two goals to tie the score before the period was half over. The Red Wings took a time out. If they wanted to win, they were going to have to regroup and stay out of the penalty box. The teams scrambled back and forth down the ice. First to one end and then the other. Back and forth. Back and Forth. With less than a minute to play, one of the Maple Leaf players elbowed on of the Red Wing players in th mouth and received a two minute penalty. Everyone’s hopes were high. The score was tied with under a minute to go and the Red Wings were on the power play. The action was furious around the Maple Leafs net, but the Red Wings just could not get it in to the net. The buzzer went off and the third period was over. This game was going to overtime.

The Red Wings started the period with about forty nine seconds left on the power play. Again the action was furious at the Maple Leafs net. This time, however, the wings scored with two seconds left in their power play to win the game. Jed and Charlotte were ecstatic. In between hugging and kissing, they were jumping up and down screaming with the rest of the crowd. Everyone slowly filed out of the arena.

Jed and Charlotte finally made it back to the Tahoe and climbed inside. Jed started it up and headed to the casino. They decided to get something to eat there, because the traffic was awful around Detroit when the hockey game got over. They walked into the casino and searched for the restaurant inside. Finally, a casino employee noticed them looking for something and directed them to the casino’s restaurant. They sat down and ordered dinner and talked while they waited. Charlotte thanked him for taking her to the game, and the casino. She also told him that she was having a great time. Jed told her that he was glad they went and that he was having a great time too. When they were finished eating, they headed out to the casino floor.

Charlotte went straight for the slot machines and Jed followed. They found a couple of machines next to each other and started playing. They played for a couple of hours. They both would win a little and then lose it, and then win a little and then lose it. This cycle repeated all night. Around ten pm, they decided to head for home. This time, Jed was up about ten dollars and Charlotte was out about twenty dollars. She told Jed that she still had fun and that is what counts. Jed agreed. They climbed in to the Tahoe and Jed drove home.

Chapter 30 – The Big Move

On Thursday, the washer and dryer were delivered and placed in the basement. Jed had them hook everything up so they would be ready to go. He also brought down the shelves that he had bought and put them up. Charlotte thanked him again for getting the shelves to put her stuff on. They went out to dinner and came back home and watched the game on tv before going to bed.

Friday came and Charlotte met Jed at his house after work. She showed Jed her list and he noticed that everything was checked off. He told her that he was proud of her for getting so much done in so little time. They then set about the task of moving furniture. They took Jed’s dining room table to the basement. Then they pushed and pulled the living room furniture in to the nearest spare bedroom. They decided that Charlotte’s bedroom furniture would go in the room across the hall for Jed’s bedroom.

On Saturday morning, Jed went and picked up a large moving truck and then headed to Charlotte’s apartment. About a half an hour later, Miranda and Steve showed up to help. They formulated a plan for the move and then set out on their assigned tasks.

Jed and Steve started taking out the big stuff. Charlotte and Miranda started packing up the kitchen. They carefully washed everything before putting it into a box. Charlotte marked it box as it was filled so that Jed and Steve would know where it went in Jed’s house. They quickly ran out of moving boxes and sent the boys for more boxes. Charlotte did not realize how much stuff she had accumulated over the last year. While they packed, of course, they talked about the men in their lives. When they got done in the kitchen, there were twelve boxes marked kitchen – basement. They pushed them to the edge of the dining room out of the way so Jed and Steve could move the dining room furniture out.

Charlotte and Miranda decided to do the bathroom next. They ended up with three boxes. Two of them they marked bathroom stuff – basement, the other marked bathroom – upstairs. Next they went into her bedroom and started packing that room up. They carefully placed all her clothes in to boxes. First folding them, and them putting them in to a box. They ended up with six boxes of clothes, marked bedroom. They they set about packing up Charlotte’s desktop computer. They got out a large box and carefully put everything inside it.

By this time, the guys had gotten the dining room table and chairs, the living room furniture, and the kitchen boxes loaded in the truck. They decided this would be a good time for lunch, so they all piled into Steve’s car and went to lunch.

When they got back, the guys grabbed the rest of the boxes from the bathroom and bedroom and put them in the truck, while the girls packed up the living room stuff. Then the guys started moving the bedroom furniture. The girls finished there packing and started carry out the smaller boxes. When they were done with the small boxes, Miranda went down to the landlord’s place and dropped off the keys, while the guys finished with putting the large boxes in the truck. Jed shut and locked the big door on the truck. The girls joined them and the four of them headed to Jed’s house.

When they got there, the guys started unloading. They placed all of the stuff that the girls could move in to the living room and all the big stuff in to the room that it went in to. The girls went inside and starting moving the boxes as they came in, or putting them in the basement if that is where they went. They all worked effortlessly together. It was almost as smooth as running an assembly line. By the time the truck was empty, everyone was exhausted. The house was a mess, with boxes scattered here and there and everywhere. Jed suggested they go out for dinner. Everyone else sprung up and said let’s go. They got their coats on and headed out to eat.

When they got back, Jed and Charlotte thanked Steve and Miranda. With hugs all around first, Steve and Miranda headed home. Jed and Charlotte went back in to the living room and started unpacking and arranging the furniture in that room. When they were done, they sat on the sofa and just relaxed and drank coffee. They talked about continuing to unpack. They were both exhausted. It had been a long day. They then went to bed and quickly fell asleep in each others arms.

The next morning they got up and ate breakfast and drank coffee, lots of coffee. Then Charlotte sent Jed into the spare room and had him set up the bed in there. They decided to put her dresser in their bedroom, so Jed moved that over there. While Jed did that, Charlotte unpacked the bathroom box and then started on the bedroom boxes. When Jed finished moving the dresser and putting up the bed, he went to the den and started arranging things in there the way he wanted them. He decided where he wanted to put his desk and set his computer back up. Charlotte continued to hang up clothes, and to put clothes in to her dresser. After they were done with that, Jed and Charlotte set her desk and computer up in the other spare room. Neither one of them used their computers a lot, but Jed suggested that it would offer both of them privacy that way. Finally, after getting everything arranged the way they wanted it, they sat on the sofa and relaxed the rest of the day before going to bed.

]]> http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-30/feed/ 0 racecarfan44 http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-29/ http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-29/#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:07:40 +0000 Ray http://racecarfan44.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-29/ ]]>

Chapter 29

Jed talked to Saul Tuesday morning on the phone about the dinner plans for Wednesday. Gail was able to trade shifts with someone so they were able to go. Charlotte had already agreed to meet Jed for lunch today. They chose a restaurant that was about half way between the hospital and the museum. They met at the restaurant and found a seat. Jed told Charlotte that Saul and Gail would be meeting them Luca’s Chophouse for dinner. Charlotte thought that that was great. The two of them sat there eating lunch and drinking coffee.

They talked about work and how their mornings had went. Then Charlotte asked Jed if he realized that she had not slept in her own bed in over a week. Jed told her yes, and that he has really enjoyed her company. They decided to discuss the pros and cons of her moving in with him. The pros were first.

On the pros list they thought of several things to list. They would be able to spend more time together and less time driving back and forth. Charlotte could park her car in the garage and not have to scrape windows every morning. They would save money by eating at home more often. Charlotte would not have to keep her apartment and could save money for a better car.

When it came to the cons list, they had a little more trouble coming up with things to list. Finally, Charlotte stated that they would have to share a bathroom. Jed came up with the fact that he usually watches tv and Charlotte prefers to listen to music. Also, what would their parents think of them moving in together without being married, they were old fashioned.

This really got Charlotte to thinking. Jed was all for her moving in still. He felt that the pros way out weighted the cons. Charlotte was not so sure. Her parents reaction was probably her biggest concern. She knew that they did not even want her dating Jed, she could only imagine what they would think if she moved in with him. Of course, she was not ready to tell Jed that part of it. She was ashamed that her parents felt that way.

By that time, the lunch break was over and the two of them headed back to work after a quick hug and kiss. It would be a lot easier, she thought to herself, and what does it matter what my parents think, as she drove back to the museum. She got there about ten minutes early and found Miranda in the locker room. She quickly told Miranda what was going on. Miranda told her that she thought Jed was a great guy, and that she should go for it. Her parents would get over it eventually. Charlotte still had her doubts. They both went back to work.

After work, Charlotte went home and got ready for dinner, packed up some clothes for the night, and drove over to Jed’s to met him there. Jed had given her a garage door opener, so she parked the car in the garage. She went inside and there, Jed greeted her with a hug and kiss. He also told her that he loved her and she told him that she loved him too. Jed took her suitcase and carried it back to the bedroom. They headed out the door to meet Saul and Gail at Luca’s Chophouse.

On the way there, they talked more about Charlotte moving in with Jed. Charlotte finally asked Jed to give her just a few more days to think about it. Jed said that would be okay, there was no rush, and that he loved her. He also reached down and gently put his hand on hers. When they got to the restaurant, Jed found a parking spot and they walked inside hand in hand.

They met Saul and Gail in the foyer, where they were already waiting. Jed introduced Charlotte to Saul and Gail. Saul made a comment to Gail that Charlotte was the woman that hit his car. Jed quickly pointed out that it was his fault. Charlotte just chuckled. The hostess seated them.

The four of them sat and talked the whole time they were there. They talked about the accident and how the three of them had met that night about a month and a half ago. They agreed that on that night, they never imagined that later, they would meet again for dinner at Luca’s. Saul began talking about the case he was working on when he was shot. Charlotte gasped when she realized that the jerk that Saul was talking about was her brother. For some reason, she never had put the two together before that moment. Jed asked her what was wrong. Tears started to flow out of Charlotte’s eyes. She excused herself and went to the restroom. Gail followed her. Saul asked Jed if he had said something wrong. Jed replied that he did not think so.

In the bathroom, Gail tried to comfort Charlotte. Charlotte broke down and starting explaining to Gail why she was so upset. She explained that it was her brother that was in the car when Saul was shot. Gail told her that they had already suspected that, and that they did not hold her responsible for her brothers actions. Charlotte asked if Jed knew. Gail told her that they had not discussed it to her knowledge. Charlotte went on to explain that her family was furious with her because she was dating Jed. She told Gail that she had not talked to her mom in weeks because of it. Gail reassured her that it would not matter to Jed. She further explained that Jed had told them nothing but about how wonderful his new girlfriend was. Charlotte calmed down and asked Gail what should she do. Gail told her that she needs to talk to Jed and let him know what is going on. Charlotte agreed and asked if she would mind if she told him tonight at dinner. Gail agreed and the two of them returned to the table.

When they sat down, Charlotte turned to Jed and started explaining that her brother Tony was involved in the robbery in which Saul was shot. Gail told Jed that Saul and her had already known this. Jed was a little stunned and stated that now he realizes why he has not met her parents yet. Charlotte went on to say that she does not understand why her parents are against her dating Jed, when he had nothing to do with any of it other then saving a man’s life. Gail explained that sometimes, people just do not get it, and get upset about stupid things. They all agreed that her parents had no reason to have bad feelings toward Jed, or even Saul for that matter. Both of them were just doing their jobs. If anyone was to blame, it was Tony for being involved in the robbery to begin with. Jed asked Charlotte if this is what the falling out with her parents was about. She told him it was. Jed comforted Charlotte and told her that maybe it would help if the two of them talked to her parents together. Saul and Gail nodded in agreement.

Dinner came, and the four of them started eating. Charlotte was still visibly upset. Jed took her hand. This comforted her. They continued eating. Gail and Saul reassured Charlotte that they had no ill will toward her and that she had done nothing wrong. Jed reassured her too. Charlotte starting feeling better. Jed had felt all along that something was holding Charlotte back and now he knew what it was so he felt better too.

Jed changed the subject of the conversation. He asked Saul how he was feeling. He also asked if they had heard anything about the tests results yet. Gail explained to Charlotte that her and Saul were trying to get pregnant and that they went for testing to see if anything was wrong because they had been trying for over a year. Then Saul and Gail talked about what the gynecologist had said, and some of the suggestions that were made. They discussed getting together again sometime soon. Then they agreed to meet over at Jed’s house for dinner and then maybe watch a movie or something next week. Dinner was over and the four of them left the restaurant.

On the way back to his house, Jed asked Charlotte why she had not told her about her parents. Charlotte explained, as best she could, that she was scared, and that her parents do not run her life, she does. She apologized to Jed for not telling him. He told her that he understood and that she could tell him anything. Charlotte thanked him for understanding. They pulled in to the garage and went inside.

Once inside, they put on a pot of coffee and then sat on the sofa. Charlotte asked Jed if the offer for her to move in with him was still good. He smiled at her and told her of course it was. They decided that she would move her stuff in this weekend. They talked about what furniture Charlotte would bring over and what to do with it. Her bedroom furniture would go in to one of the spare bedrooms. She also had a better dining room set then Jed did so they would put his in storage. The biggest discussion surrounded around the living room furniture. Jed finally agreed to put his in the other spare bedroom and make himself a den in there, and use Charlotte’s living room furniture in the living room.

He reminded Charlotte that he was on call this weekend so she might have to do some of the stuff herself. They agreed to, on Friday night, move the stuff from Jed’s house to where it was going to be. That way, in case Jed did have to leave, Charlotte would not have to worry about moving the furniture there by herself. She then suggested calling Steve and Miranda to help Saturday. Jed thought that was a good idea. Steve and Jed could move the heavy stuff while Miranda and Charlotte packed up the other stuff. Charlotte told Jed that she liked the dishes and other stuff that they had gotten and that her kitchen stuff could be packed up and put in the basement. Jed agreed to go and get shelves later this week to put everything on down there in the basement.

Charlotte started making a checklist of things to do. She made a box next to each one to be checked off as they were done. She started with giving the landlord notice to quit. She added that she needed to cancel the utilities, and the mail had to be forwarded to Jed’s house. Her driver’s license needed to be changed to the new address and she also had to notify the insurance company to cancel her renter’s insurance and change her address for car insurance. She asked Jed if he could think of anything else. He suggested changing her address at the bank and any credit cards she had. Charlotte put them on the list. That was all they could thing of so Charlotte put the list down and snuggled with Jed on the sofa.

After a few minutes, Jed suggested that she call Miranda. Charlotte agreed and called her to ask if they could help this weekend. Miranda squealed with excitement for Charlotte. Jed heard her and smiled. Miranda talked to Steve, still on the phone with Charlotte, and he agreed to help too. They arranged a time to meet at Charlotte’s apartment on Saturday morning. Charlotte hung up the phone, turned to Jed, and gave him a big hug and kiss. He asked what that was for. She then told him it was to thank him for being so understanding about her parents. It was getting late, so the two of them went to bed.

]]> http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-29/feed/ 0 racecarfan44 http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-28/ http://rayswritings.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-28/#comments Sat, 24 Nov 2007 06:31:19 +0000 Ray http://racecarfan44.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/januarys-warmness-chapter-28/ ]]>

Chapter 28

Jed and Charlotte met up after work on Monday and went looking for a washer and dryer for Jed’s house. They went to several stores and compared models, prices, and features. They discussed Jed’s present needs and also his future needs for a washer and dryer. They decided on a brand and model and Jed purchased it. Charlotte enjoyed shopping with Jed. When it came to the big stuff, he was very involved in the decision making process. The little stuff, she noticed form last weeks shopping, he was not quite so picky about. The store stated that the earliest delivery date would be Thursday this week. Jed thought about renting a truck and moving it himself, but Charlotte convinced him to let the professional do it. That way, she explained, if it got damaged, the store would be responsible.

They went back to Jed’s house. Jed took Charlotte’s coat and then told to sit in the living room and relax. He even brought her a cup of coffee and handed her the remote for the tv. He then went in to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. He decided to make dinner for Charlotte as a way to repay her for all the help that she had given him, and because he was falling in love with her. He made dinner and then invited Charlotte in to the dining area. They sat down and ate. Charlotte was impressed with how good everything was.

“This is real good Jed”, Charlotte stated smiling.

“That’s because it was made with love”, Jed replied with a slight giggle and a sly grin.

“No, really, this is real good. I did not know you could cook so well”, Charlotte stated.

“When I was still in high school, I used to go over to Grandma’s a lot. She made me help her in the kitchen. I didn’t really like it, and Grandpa thought it was just crazy. But, Grandma told me that one day I would thank her”, Jed stated.

“You must have been paying attention”, Charlotte stated with a smile.

“I really enjoyed spending the time with my Grandparents”, Jed responded and then added, “I was there a lot when I was growing up and mom was working”.

“Did you get to see both sets of Grandparents Jed”, Charlotte asked politely.

“Yes, but I spent the most time with my mom’s parents. They lived closer. Dad’s parents moved up north before I was out of middle school. How did you get along with your Grandparents?”, Jed asked, just as politely.

“My Grandparents all lived pretty close. I did spend so of the summers with them on and off. I had a lot of fun with them. All four of them were gone though, before I was out of high school. I miss them a lot even now”, Charlotte replied sadly.

“I’m so sorry”, Jed replied apologetically.

“That’s okay, it was a long time ago and you didn’t know”, Charlotte responded.

“How are your parents, are they okay?”, Jed asked inquisitively.

“They’re doing good, dad works in the shop and mom stays at home and takes care of the house, and of course, dad”, Charlotte replied.

“Do you see them much?”, Jed asked.

“I used to, we had a little falling out recently though”, Charlotte replied.

“Do you want to talk about it?”, Jed asked supportively.

“No, not yet, when the time is right we can talk about it”, Charlotte stated, not wanting Jed to find out yet that the falling out was about him.

“Okay, whenever you’re ready I’ll be here”, Jed responded, again supportively.

“I think eventually everything will work out and that’s what’s important”, Charlotte stated.

“That true, these things do have a way of doing that”, Jed said reassuredly.

“You said earlier on the phone that you had something to talk to me about next time I saw you?, Charlotte stated questioningly.

“Oh yea, do you remember Saul, the guy you hit with your car?”, Jed started.

“You mean Saul, the guy you knocked me in to?”, Charlotte said with a grin.

“Right, the guy I knocked you into. Well, he was shot in the chest during a robbery and required emergency surgery. That’s the emergency surgery I had to do when I left you in the lobby of the hospital. Over the last few weeks, I have become friends with him and his wife.”, Jed stated.

“I would like for us to get together with him and his wife, Gail this Wednesday for dinner at Luca’s Chophouse. What would you think of doing that?”, Jed continued.

“I would love to meet your friends Jed”, Charlotte replied sitting straight up in her chair.

“Good, he’s supposed to let me know tomorrow if Gail has to work Wednesday or not and then I will let you know”, Jed replied.

“Sounds good to me”, Charlotte said smiling once again and then taking the last bite of dinner.

“They are real good people”, Jed continued, “I think you’ll like them too”.

“Let me take your plate, you cooked, so I’ll do the dishes”, Charlotte stated authoritatively.

“I’ll help”, Jed responded as he carried his plate to the sink.

“Okay, if you insist”, Charlotte stated as she put her plate in the sink.

“Do you want to watch the rest of the Red Wing’s game after we get down cleaning up”, Jed asked as he started rinsing off dishes and then handed them to Charlotte to put in the dishwasher.

“Okay”, she said as she put a plate in the dishwasher.

They finished doing the dishes and then cleaned off the table and stove. They they went into the living room and sat on the sofa. Jed turned on the tv and covered Charlotte with the quilt. They went through their game time ritual of kissing when the Red Wings scored. They enjoyed the game and each others company. They also drank a little too much coffee.

After the game was over, Jed asked Charlotte if she wanted to stay the night. She decided to stay. Charlotte went in to the bathroom and brushed her teeth and hair. Jed went in and brushed his teeth too. They went back out to the living room and talked a little more as they snuggled on the sofa.

“Charlotte, I love you”, Jed stated in his most serious voice.

“I love you too”, Charlotte replied as she leaned over to him and gave him a kiss.

“What would you think of moving in with me?”, Jed asked hoping she would say yes and not pull away.

“I think we should wait until we know each other a little better. I will think about it though. I have been staying most of the time here anyway”, Charlotte replied as she turned to face him.

“Perhaps you’re right, we should get to know each other better”, Jed responded as he stood up.

“I think it just might be a little too soon, we’ve only known each other for four or five weeks and I don’t think we should rush in to that much of a commitment just yet”, Charlotte explained and then continued, “I am falling in love with you and want to spend more time together”

“I do want to spent more time with you too. I do agree though, now that you’ve said it, that we should wait a little while”, Jed agreed.

“Are you ready for bed?”, Charlotte asked as she stood up and took Jed’s hand in to hers.

“Yes”, Jed said as he stood up and started leading Charlotte down the hall toward the bedroom.

“Easy there, I have to go to the bathroom first”, Charlotte stated as she stopped at the bathroom door.

“Okay, I’ll be in bed when you are finished”, Jed said as he continued down the hall. A few minutes later, Charlotte walked in to the bedroom and shut the door and climbed in to bed.

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