As Garrett headed to the elevator, his cell phone vibrated. He pulled it out, saw Darrin’s name, and took the call. “Hi.”
“Hey, Garrett. I drove to Lawrence to spend some time with my in-laws. Sally met me there.”
“I’m glad you got to spend some time with your family.”
“Yeah. It was nice seeing my boys. Sally decided to spend the week in Lawrence, so I probably won’t be around much in the evenings. I’ll be eating dinner with them.”
“It beats eating alone at the hotel–that’s for sure.”
Darrin laughed. “Well, I wasn’t planning on eating alone. I was planning to eat with you, but I have to say I prefer the company of my wife.”
“I’d feel insulted, but I felt the same when Jill was alive.”
“Yeah, well,” Darrin sounded awkward, “umm...I just called to ask how your day went.”
“I attended the Lake Shawnee Ward.”
“Do you know anyone there?”
“No,” Garrett chuckled, “but I happened to know a visitor and her daughter.”
“No way. That curvy blond was there?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, and I’m spending most of the day tomorrow with them.”
“Don’t you have some classes to attend?”
“There were a couple I wanted to catch, but I’ve met my required hours, so I’m just going to play hooky this week.”
“All week?”
“As many days as Cathee will let me tag along with her.”
“You really like her, don’t you?”
“I admit your dare was a challenge, but yes, I like her–a lot. And her daughter is charming.”
Darrin laughed. “I’ll bet you wouldn’t tell me if she was otherwise, but I’m glad you’re going out. It’s been too many years. I hope this works out for you.”
“Me, too.”
“I guess I won’t be seeing you in the morning.”
“Unless we see each other at breakfast–probably not.”
“Keep me informed. I’d like to know how things go.”
Garrett laughed. “I’ll bet you would.” He paused a moment. “I’ll owe you big time if things work out the way I hope they do.”
“Just take Sally and me out to dinner some time.”
“I’ll do that. I’ll catch ya later.” Garrett shut the phone as Darrin was bidding farewell.