Epilogue

Connecting the Dots

10 October

Today was one of those fabulously lazy days, one that was sorely needed. Life had been hectic since coming back from Toronto; with new projects for Eastbourne's consideration coming almost every day and finalizing our venture with Don Vallera. I had spent many late nights, and a few weekends, working on it all. Jack's plate had become quite full as well as he juggled a heavy course load with several classes requiring extensive projects.  We hadn't had any quality time to speak of in ages and it was reminiscent of the old days, but more pathetic since we both were living 24/7 in the same house. Jack's class was cancelled today, since his professor had some personal business to attend, so I decided to take the day off as well. We both vowed to each other that today would be all about us. No laptops, no checking email and most important of all... no cell phones. We joked that the world would have to struggle along without us for one day. Finally, about two in the afternoon, we emerged from our bedroom; perfectly revived in body and spirit. Jack suggested we cap off the day with a nice meal and made a trip to the local supermarket to pick up the fixings for his famous grilled Teriyaki marinated sirloin steaks. I don't know what primal urge he needs to appease but give Jack raw meat and a blazing fire and he turns into Emeril Lagasse. Ask him to use the stove and well... the caveman analogy is more apt. I, however, was not complaining. If Jack wanted to take over dinner tonight I was not going to deter him. I would keep myself occupied in the pool. Even the weather seemed to be in our favor. It was pleasant and balmy, so we decided to eat on the patio. We were relaxing over the remnants of Jack's culinary masterpiece, me with my post-dinner cigarette and him with his brandy.

"I am stuffed! That was great, honey."

"Glad you enjoyed it, Babe."

Jack was toying with his Brandy, swirling the amber liquid around in the glass like he was reading tea leaves.  Finally, he set it down, crossed his arms on the table and leaned in closer.

"I have a surprise for you, Hilly."

"You bought Rosewood!"

"Uh, no."

"I'd like it to be back in the family."

"Yea, well... that may take some time."

The purchase of Rosewood had become a bit of a running joke between us. It was actually Jack who started it.  I think it was his way of letting me know that he was coming around. Without fully committing to the idea he did admit that there were elements that defied a logical explanation. Maybe there'd always be a part of Jack that found all of this too implausible but, whatever he could manage to embrace would be fine with me. 

"So what's the surprise then, Jack?"

"My Certificate of Incorporation came in."

"Whoopdy - fuckin - do!"

"Now, Hilly."

Jack tried to reach for my hand, which I quickly set on my lap. He sighed but had a smirk on his face. I wanted to slap it. Jack had to know that I was still smarting over the fact that he had Todd do this for him. 

"I swung by your office on the way home from the store. Let me get it for you."

"Whatever!"

He came back with the regulation manila envelope used by the State, some champagne and two glasses.

"Here, Babe, open it, while I open the champagne."

"Why didn't you open it?"

"I wanted us to do this together."

Jack, it seemed, was trying to include me. He had said that I'd be happy about this. I tore open the envelope, pulled out the official document and as soon as I read the company name the tears started to flow. Jack was smiling broadly now and handing me a glass of champagne.

"See why I went to Todd?"

I could only nod my head. Jack came over and knelt next to my chair.

"I had decided to do this after you first told me. I'd been struggling to find a name and well... it just seemed right in a weird way I can't explain. And now... it even fits better. Maybe all of it is not supposed to be ours this time around, Babe, I don't know. But, we can hold on to a little piece of it."  

Jack straightened up and helped me out of my chair. He held out his glass so that we could toast his new company... Rosewood Visuals, LLC.