I reached the lobby and called Billy to let him know I was ready. I looked to see if Mark was still working the information center, but unfortunately the only person there was an elderly lady who looked like she might expire any minute. It made me sad someone of such an advanced age should have to work at this point in her life. But then again, maybe she just wanted a reason to get out of the house.
I was at the curb when Billy pulled up. He hopped out and opened my door with a flourish. “Where to, Mr. Schaeffer?” he asked with a grin.
I was laughing. “Oh Billy, I’m so gonna miss you. I guess back to Clyde’s office.”
“Sure thing, Cute Stuff.”
We parked in the garage like always and made our way to the office with me looking at Billy’s ass and him smiling all the way.
Sharon stood up as we reached her desk. Billy gave her a big hug and then I got mine. It felt so good. “How’d it go at Larry’s?” she asked.
“Fine. I still don’t understand it all, but I’ll get there. He said I could go slow. I met somebody named Todd who I can call if I get anxious or have questions or whatever. It’s just so surreal, you know? I suddenly have all this money at my disposal and I have no idea what to do with it.”
“Well, it’s like I told you this morning. You don’t have to do anything, but if you want, spend a little on yourself. Amanda won’t mind. Do something you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t.”
“You mean like quit my job or go on a world tour or something?”
She laughed. “Well, maybe not so much right away. But if you want to take a vacation, why not? Go somewhere you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Do something that would make you happy. You deserve to be happy, baby.” She gave me a big Adams smile and I couldn’t help but feel better.
“I just may do that. I’ll think about it. But hey, I did have something I needed to ask you about the money. Do I need to pay you guys for the plane tickets and the hotel and all the rest? I’m sure it was very expensive. I’m not sure how this works.”
“Oh, Jack. Please don’t worry about it.” She leaned in and grabbed my arm. “And whatever you do, don’t say anything about the expense to Clyde. He personally paid for everything. He told me it was the least he could do for Amanda. I think he would be really hurt if you tried to pay for it now. Just let it be. Everything is just fine. Clyde was very happy to do it, I promise. I’m pretty sure he likes you.”
“Well, if you’re sure, I’ll trust you. Thank you for everything, Sharon. These last two days have been a whirlwind for me but you’ve been my anchor in the storm. I’m forever grateful to you.” She looked like she was going to cry. I hoped she didn’t because then I would. She hugged me again really tight.
“I love you, baby. You’re gonna do big things. Really big things.” I started to cry anyway. Then she started. We were quite the pair.
I was blowing my nose when Clyde popped out of his office. He came right around and shook my hand. “Jack, it has been a pleasure to meet you. A real pleasure. Thank you for coming out here under such crazy circumstances. I hope we will see a lot more of you in the future. Denver could be a great place for you.” I think he was totally serious about me moving to Denver.
“We’ll have to see, Clyde. It’ll take me some time to get all this figured out in my head but I do want to thank you for everything. You’ve been so generous and taken such amazingly good care of me. I don’t know what else I could say.”
“Well, we’re gonna miss you for sure, Jack. Don’t be a stranger, give us a call once in a while.” I nodded.
“Alright, Billy. Time to get our Jack to the airport. You’ve got precious cargo there. Take care of him.” Clyde was getting seriously emotional. Damn, he really did like me.
“Let’s roll, Mr. Schaeffer. You’ve got a plane to catch,” said Billy.
I turned back one last time to see Clyde duck back into his office, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. Sharon wasn’t even hiding it. She was smiling and crying at the same time. I smiled back and then turned to follow Billy’s amazing ass to the car.
We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Billy got out to open my door and handed me my duffel bag. I took one look at his face and just fell into him and wrapped him up in a hug. Or at least I tried to. My arms didn’t quite make it all the way around. I felt his massive arms engulf me and we held it for a couple of seconds.
“I’m really gonna miss you, Billy. You’ve become like my best friend and my superhero all in two days. Jerome is a very, very blessed man.” I was trying desperately not to cry again.
“You need to come back out here and meet him, Jack. I think you’d like him.”
“Maybe I will, Billy. Maybe I will.”
“Take care of yourself, Jack. And remember, don’t get too anxious about all the sex stuff. Take your time. Your guy is out there. You’ll find each other when the time is just right.”
“I hope you’re right, Billy. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Me too. Cuz whoever he is, if he’s meant to be with you, he’s gotta be a pretty wonderful guy to match up with you.”
Crap! Now he’s got me crying again.
“Damn it, Billy. Get back in the car. I can’t keep cryin’ all the time. It’s embarrassing.” I was smiling through the tears.
He gave me his best Billy smile and turned to the car. I started walking toward the entrance to the terminal.
“Hey, Jack!” I turned to look back at him. “You’ve got a great ass, Cute Stuff!”
I blushed. I had a new forever-friend.