Chapter 45
May 11, 2007
"Rachel-it's Daddy," Jemma said handing her the cell phone.
"Thank you sweetheart," Rachel said as she took the phone from her. After a moment of hesitation to compose herself, she cleared her throat and put the phone to her ear. "Kevin?"
"Hi." Her voice unnerved him. She sounded so distant. "Um-are you having problems with the house phone?" he asked quietly. "I tried to get through a couple of times this morning and there was no answer."
"No-no problems that I know of," Rachel said. And the caller ID works just fine too, she thought. "I'll check on it if you like."
"That might be a good idea," Kevin answered. Good thing I sent that cell phone to the kids. No way you can avoid talking to me if they hand it off to you.
"So-what did you want to talk to me about?" she asked evenly.
"Oh-well-it's just that I've been trying to work out a travel schedule to get the kids out here to me, and I've kind of run up against a wall." He paused. "I really hate the idea of them traveling alone and I can't get the company jet for the end of the month. So I was wondering if you would consider bringing them to me in Denver-before you leave." There was a long silence. "I'd cover your return ticket for whenever you wanted-if you decided that you wanted a vacation after you drop them off."
"When will you be in Denver?" Rachel asked hesitantly.
"We're arriving there on the 18th, late. If I can book a flight for you on the 19th, that would work out great." He closed his eyes. Please let Jerry be right, he prayed. "I know it's asking a lot, but I'd just feel better knowing they're traveling with someone I trust."
"I guess I could do that. Just let me know when you have the flight information," she said quietly.
Kevin took a deep breath. "Rachel? Have you told the kids anything yet?"
Tears started and she angrily brushed them away. "No-not yet. I-I'm sorry. I know I should have-but-."
"No-no, that's okay," he said quickly. "What I was going to suggest, was that you not say anything. I've been thinking about it, and I think I should tell them. But I don't want to do it over the phone. That's the other reason I'd like you to bring them out to Denver. That way we can both be there when I tell them." There was silence. "Okay? Rachel?"
"Yes. Sure." Rachel took a deep breath. "I've really got to go now, Kevin. Just call me with the flight information."
And she was gone. Kevin shut off the phone and set it down on his dressing table. He stared into the mirror. G-d, I hope it's not too late.
Rachel sat staring at the phone in her hand, while her heart and her mind waged war.
'He wants to see you again.'
'He wants to make sure Jemma and Aaron are safe-he's being responsible.'
'He could have gotten someone else to take them to Denver.'
'He's trying to make the transition easier for them-both of you there-that's what he said.'
'All right, all right. But maybe if we're together…'
'Maybe if you're together you can get really hurt.'
'I won't let that happen…I can handle seeing him without falling apart.'
'Oh sure you can! Why did you agree to this?'
'Because I still work for him. So I have to. And-and I want to see him again.'
* * *
In any event, she didn't have long to argue with herself. Kevin called back that afternoon with the flight information. In seven days they would all be in Denver. She told Jemma and Aaron at dinner that night.
"How would you like to see your Daddy next week?" she asked casually.
"He's coming home again!?" Aaron grinned.
"For how long, Rachel?" Jemma asked excitedly. "Isn't Daddy doing the tour?"
Rachel smiled and waved her hands for quiet. "No, your Daddy's not coming home. You're right Jemma-he's on tour and there wouldn't be time for him to come all the way home and be able to spend time with you right now." She paused and looked at their faces as they thought about what she had just said. Jemma was the first to understand.
"We're going to go see Daddy while he's away?!?!" she cried. Rachel nodded. Aaron's grin just got bigger.
"Oh, Rachel! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" Jemma jumped up from her chair and threw her arms around Rachel's neck.
"When do we go?" Aaron asked. "When can we leave?"
"Okay, Jemma. Now sit down. Dinner, remember?" Rachel smiled as she pulled Jemma's arms away from her neck and pointed to her chair. Jemma grinned at her.
"Yes, ma'am," she said as she sat down.
Rachel turned to Aaron. "We're going a week from today, and we'll meet your Daddy in Denver."
"Where's Denver?" Aaron asked.
"Out in Colorado, Aaron. In the Rocky Mountains," Rachel smiled. "It's a long plane trip. We'll get to have lunch on the plane."
"How long will we be with Daddy?" Jemma wanted to know.
"Probably for a few weeks, honey," Rachel said carefully. "And Denver is just one of the places you'll get to see. There'll be lots of other wonderful places, too."
"But what about school?" Jemma frowned. "Mrs. Jenkins will be worried if I don't go to school."
Rachel smiled. She was Kevin all over again. So serious. So concerned with the details, with doing things the right way. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll talk to Mrs. Jenkins before we leave and she'll give us everything we need so that you can do your schoolwork, even while you're with your Daddy. You can send her your work over the computer." Rachel leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Did you know that that's how Cousin Brian and Uncle Nick and Uncle AJ all did their school work when they were first starting out with the band?"
Jemma's smile of relief was obvious. Rachel grinned. Just like Kevin.
"So you see, it'll be just like a vacation but you'll still be able to do the things you need to do and you'll get to be with your Daddy too."
"Can't we go tomorrow?" Aaron pleaded.
"No, honey," Rachel grinned. "Your Daddy isn't in Denver yet. When we go next week, he'll be there and we'll see him then."
Aaron thought about that. "Okay. But Rachel…" he said. "Where is Denver?"
Rachel looked at him and chuckled. "I'll show you on a map after dinner. Okay?"
"Okay," he smiled and then tipped his head to the side. "Will you get a vacation too, Rachel?" he asked.
The question caught Rachel off-guard. She felt her eyes filling and quickly swallowed down the burning sensation in her chest. "Yes, I guess so honey."
Chapter 46
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