Waves - Part 2

By Mark Paige

An ongoing humorous novel about 30 somethings in Australia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781291990959

Book preview

Waves - Part 2

‘Waves’

Part 2

By Mark Paige

Copyright © 2014, Mark Paige

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-291-99095-9

Dedications

To Nick.    

Acknowledgements

To everyone/anyone I’ve ever met as you all contributed. 

Foreword

Assuming you, the perspicacious reader have already read ‘Part 1’ (which thoughtfully precedes this, ‘Part 2’) the author won’t repeat himself though it must be mentioned that this document - ‘Part2’ is also followed by the final part - ‘Part 3.’

1.   Continuation

A Re-Visit

Two days later (Wednesday in case the reader has lost track - not that it really matters as time is relative), Katy noticed the same expensive foreign car again parked outside Peter’s house and worried that Peter might have had a relapse, called in on him once she had dropped the dog back home and soon after the well-dressed ‘specialist’ had departed.

‘Is everything alright?’  She asked.  ‘That’s twice I’ve seen the doctor’s car outside.’

‘Fine.’  Peter replied affably whilst not fully making the connection between a parked car and a doctor.  He warmly invited Katy in.  Placing the large file of A4 notes he was holding on the kitchen table he started to brew a fresh coffee.

‘You appear to be getting better.’  She stood looking at him move now with a relative ease.

‘At what?’  Peter asked with a mischievous grin.

‘Peter you can be impossible sometimes.’  Katy laughed and then continued.  ‘It’s lovely to see you’re getting on so well with Carol though.’ 

Peter handed her a fresh coffee and slowly nodded.  He indicated a seat at the table and after Katy had sat down he seated himself.

‘The best barbeque I’ve ever been to.’  Peter suddenly smiled.  ‘We’ve both toasted your and Simon’s health on more than one occasion though possibly, I’ve toasted you both even more frequently and with more feeling.’

‘I think you might be surprised just how frequently and deeply Carol might have toasted us.  I shouldn’t tell you this, but she even rang us just to say thanks.’

Staggered by this, Peter blushed – very deeply.

‘You see Peter - people really do rate you.  You never seem to have enough confidence in yourself - you’re highly respected by everyone that knows you and you are certainly deeply loved by Carol.’

At a total loss for words, Peter remained silent.

‘Do you think it will last?’  Katy quietly asked.

‘I hope so.’  Peter shrugged.

‘Then it will.’  Katy pronounced.  ‘As long as you both want it to work.  Look at myself and Simon - nearly thirty years together, through thick and thin, happiness and sadness…’

‘Sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth?’  Peter couldn’t resist adding.

‘Those as well.’  Katy laughed.  ‘No doubt when the time’s right you’ll know what to do.’

‘Do a runner?’ (leave the country or even volunteer for an exploratory mission to Mars.)  Peter asked with a deadpan expression.

‘You know that’s not what I meant!’  Katy replied and looked at him with a gentle smile.  As they finished their coffees the two talked about Lee and Maria, and John and Barbara then after she had drained her cup, Katy arose.  ‘Thank you for the coffee I’ve got a round of golf to play this afternoon so I won’t detain you any longer.’

‘Thanks for the concern and the company.’  Peter smiled.  ‘Katy, please feel free to pop round whenever you like.’

‘I might just do that as long as you don’t feel that I’m intruding.’

Peter mentally jerked involuntarily as, for a nanosecond, he thought he was talking not only to someone in the present but also to someone from his future - or maybe, even... his past?

Symmetry

On the Saturday, the six friends met at the surf club and despite Carol’s concern, Peter insisted on swimming.  Knowing that he had intended to go body-surfing, Carol had worn a one-piece costume and for the first time since they had met, joined him the water.  The sea was perfect, warm, clear and with one to one and a half metre waves breaking cleanly and directly into the beach.

‘What happens if you get dumped?’  She suddenly asked as they waded out with the others.

(For the overseas reader, being ‘dumped’ usually means being pile driven head first into the sand, the beach, rocks or a nearby parking lot by an innocuous looking wave that really isn’t. Or it can also mean ‘offloaded’ by you partner.)

‘I guess I’ll just have to find someone else.’  He shrugged and failed to notice Maria’s quiet smile and gentle shake of her head.

‘I mean if a wave dumps you?’  Carol gently explained.  ‘You’ll end up back in hospital.’

But he didn’t, for despite, and maybe because of, his limited vision, Peter could somehow easily differentiate between those waves that were dumpers and those that weren’t.  And because of this, in the past, he had quite happily launched some of his mates on the biggest dumpers imaginable... to get his own back after they moved his towel and themselves a couple of metres from where he thought he had left them on the beach... and which, without his glasses, he couldn’t clearly (or at all) see.

Walking along the foreshore a local family, a middle-aged husband, a slightly less middle-aged wife, a lively daughter and an attentive tall teenage son, stopped to look at the view.  The husband noticed the group in the water and the balance and arrangement of the six figures and this suddenly made the middle-age man think of symmetry and even – super-symmetry.  For a moment he wistfully watched the group, then the family moved on to find some pies - followed by quantum cakes.

Later, after a walk (and ride) Peter, Carol, and Lee re-joined Maria back at the café where Peter especially enjoyed the fresh air, the space, the sun and their company.  Everyone seemed relaxed and content.

‘It’s time,’ Peter mentally gulped, ‘to announce my latest ‘brainwave.’’

Swallowing hard, he carefully started; ‘I was thinking, why don’t we all head down to the south coast next Sunday?  Kiama, Minnamurra, and Carrington Falls?  I’ve checked on the internet and all of them have at least partial wheel-chair access.  We could all fit in ‘The Beast.’’

John uncertainly looked across at Barbara who, unfortunately for John, appeared to be partially enthused by this new idea.

The silence from the group was strange.

‘We could start at seven…’  Peter continued less than forcefully.

‘Twelve.’  John corrected him.

‘Eight?’  Peter offered.

‘Eleven.’  John affirmed.

‘Nine at the latest.’  Peter insisted.  ‘It’ll take us a good two or three hours to get down there.  If we leave it too late it’ll be time to come back.’

‘So why bother going?’  John asked pragmatically.

‘I think Peter’s right.’  Maria announced gently as she stood patiently by with their orders.  ‘It’s a great idea but we really would need to leave around eight, especially if we’re taking ‘The Beast.’’

‘I agree.’  Barbara concurred, although the idea of getting up before one in the afternoon on a Sunday seemed slightly daunting. 

Carol said nothing but smiled as she knew Peter was right.  Though about what - she was absolutely sure she was quite uncertain. 

‘Eight o’clock at your place then.’  Peter confirmed, looking at the outvoted John.  ‘And just to make sure you’re awake, we’ll come round at seven-thirty.’

‘Ok, ok, ok.’  John surrendered.  ‘Though it all seems a bit masochistic to me.’

After leaving the café, Carol drove Peter round to her flat where she collected more clothes, some books, cds, one or two kitchen implements and a couple of vases.  Peter looked around the bright flat and quietly wondered how Carol was feeling to be leaving it.

‘Happy or sad?’  He asked.

‘Both.’  She unhelpfully replied and kissed him. 

‘I never did have that meal, nor did I ever get to that unattainable place.’

‘I’ll cook you something special tonight.  Oh!  And, by the way kid - regarding that unattainable place... I think you already did – and frequently!’ She smiled and held him.  At which they both burst out laughing!

Peter looked at her, shook his head, smiled and held her closely - then after carefully disentangling his metallic watchband from her hair... they managed to separate.

No Pain – Just Fear

The following day, Maria and Lee finally quit Maria’s bed and after helping Lee shower and dress, Maria made a light breakfast.

‘Don’t worry - it’ll be alright.  They’re only human.’  Maria tried to reassure her tense-looking partner.  ‘Besides, you’ll have me there to support you.’  She smiled.  ‘All you’ve got to do is be your natural self and you’ll win everyone over.’

Lee nodded uncertainly although he somehow thought he had been given exactly the same encouragement quite recently, somewhere, from someone?

‘Come on, buck up, if you’re like this now what will you be like on our wedd…’  Maria stopped dead.

Lee looked up at her and suddenly frowned.  ‘What!’  He asked incredulously.

Maria blushed deeply (so deeply that it actually showed through her tan this time) and she remained silent for a few seconds. 

Then she nodded ever so slightly and lightly touched his arm.  She cocked her head slightly and smiled a devastating smile. Maria wasn’t sure if she had deliberately engineered this or whether it was a truly unconscious slip.  ‘Probably both.’ she quickly decided.

Lee felt her gentle touch.  ‘One minute so delicate, so absolutely feminine, the next, so resolute so forceful.’ He thought.

‘Strange, but I always thought the man was supposed to propose.’  Lee replied in a slightly choked voice.

‘Times have changed or hadn’t you noticed?’  Maria had stopped blushing.

‘If that’s really was what you meant then….then, then I guess I would be the happiest man in the world!’ Lee’s now beaming smile more than adequately confirmed this. 

‘I meant it.’  She confirmed with her gleaming smile.

Lee looked at her carefully and asked.  ‘But an equally important question is, will you marry me?’

Maria looked at him then knelt down next to him and put her head on his chest.  ‘Of course I will.’  She whispered.

‘Oh shit!’  Lee said and hugged her as hard as he could.  ‘You really did mean it?’

‘Naturally.’  She looked up at him.

And again, tears briefly came to his eyes, but this time tears of true happiness.

‘Come on my big baby.’  Maria hugged him to hide her own tears of elation.

Elsewhere

Meanwhile, in Kirrawee, John and Barbara were fast asleep in each other’s arms whilst in Lilli Pilli, Peter and Carol were enjoying breakfast on the veranda.  Playing gently in the background was something akin to music - one of Peter’s ‘gentler’ pieces that he had (just) appropriately named; Halfway Through Sunday Morning whilst sitting on the Veranda in Lilly Pilli whilst having Breakfast with Carol, (no large black spiders in the kitchen thank heavens) and a pleasant  breeze from the south. The title of which though extremely informative, wasn’t necessarily all that elegant.  Nor short.

At eleven, Maria manoeuvred Lee in his wheelchair out to ‘The Beast’ and expertly loaded him into the cabin.  Fifteen minutes later, they parked outside her parent’s house and reversed the procedure. 

En route, at Maria’s instigation, they briefly discussed their plans for the meeting and for the future.  Instead of showing his earlier anxiety, Lee was now elated and resolute and Maria was radiant.

At the door, Mrs Franscatti met them, was introduced to Lee whom she warmly welcomed after which she gave her daughter a customary embrace although she instantaneously knew there was something very special about her daughter’s demeanour.  Mrs Franscatti then gave her a quick positive nod then helped Maria push Lee up the newly erected ramp.

Etiquette 1

‘Come on Sleeping Beauty!’  John called out as he delivered breakfast in bed to his still sleeping partner.  ‘As you supported Peter’s bloody stupid idea you’d better get in training.’

John was by the bedside, holding a tray containing toast, jams, a glass of (treble strength) passion fruit juice, a cup of coffee and a a beer glass containing four red roses taken from several doors down as his immediate neighbour’s gardens seemed strangely bereft of any border flora – especially roses.

‘Haven’t you forgotten something?’  Barbara asked as she roused herself and sat up in bed.

‘Suppose so.’  John agreed and gave her a long passionate kiss.

‘That’s better.’  She smiled and nodded.

Etiquette 2

‘Good to meet you.’  Mr Franscatti cordially welcomed his future son-in-law.  ‘Maria has already told us a great deal about you.’  Lee firmly shook hands with the silver haired man. 

Once Lee had been wheeled into the formal living area, everyone found seats with Maria placing herself close to her partner.  For a few moments there was an awkward silence until Maria’s father broke the ice.

‘Maria told us you have a thriving business.’  Mr Franscatti mentioned affably.

‘I’ve been doing some accounting work from home but recently things have gone crazy.’  Admitted Lee.  ‘I’ve just become an associate with one of the large city firms and the amount of work they’re sending me is unbelievable.’

‘Sounds highly positive.  So why not expand?’  Mr Franscatti asked.  The air conditioning unit hearing this silently shuddered.

Lee considered this for a few moments then shook his head.  ‘Everything seems to have happened so quickly.’

‘You could always subcontract - or even employ a couple of graduates.  Open your own office…?’

‘Whoa there!’  Maria interjected and smiled at her father.  ‘Don’t you ever think about anything but business?’

Her father looked at her, tacitly nodded his understanding and shrugged.  ‘Just trying to help.’

‘Actually that’s not a bad idea.’  Lee agreed after a few seconds thought.  ‘Not the office yet, but the graduates - I could train them in the real world.’

Mr Franscatti nodded.  In general, he tended to like people who listened to (and agreed with) him.

The air conditioning unit vibrated back to life in uncertain agreement.

Mrs Franscatti looked at the young man and adjudged that her daughter’s description had been correct - certainly he was handsome and by all accounts, extremely bright.  Had he not been restricted to a wheelchair he would have no doubt turned many a woman’s eye.

‘Anyone care for a coffee?’  Maria asked, and after orders had been taken, she indicated quite forcefully, for her mother to follow her into the kitchen.

‘Mr Franscatti?’  Lee started almost immediately after they had departed.

The older silver-haired man looked across at him. 

‘I know we’ve only just met but I’d like to take this opportunity to ask your permission for Maria’s hand in marriage?’

For a moment there was silence - the air conditioning unit having switched itself off temporarily to better hear the answer, then Mr Franscatti suddenly burst out laughing. ‘I think you need to get to know Maria better.  She normally doesn’t ask anybody’s permission for anything.’

Although slightly taken aback by Mr Franscatti’s behaviour, Lee bravely continued,  ‘We discussed it before coming over to see you and we both would really like to have you and your wife’s blessing.’

The older man remained silent, considered this then nodded.

‘I’m impressed.  First time she’s ever asked me for anything.  And I’m even more impressed that you took the trouble to ask - and so directly.’  He thought for a few seconds whilst considering that knowing his daughter, she would marry with or without his blessing and more probable, in a registry office in the back of beyond.  He then asked. ‘You’re sure you’ve both thought it all through?’

‘We have.’  Lee nodded seriously.

‘And Maria’s able to cope with your… handicap, your, your... disability?’

‘Between the two of us we seem to be able to cope.’  Lee replied.

The air conditioning unit hearing this, kicked back into life.

‘How about when you have a family - a pram and a wheelchair’s going to be awkward.’

‘First things first.’  Lee countered.  ‘If necessary we’ll get in help - and anyway, we’ve got some really good mates…’  He trailed off.

Overhead, the air conditioning unit switched itself onto hyper power and hummed knowingly.

‘So I believe.’  Mr Franscatti smiled kindly (well, to be honest, not too kindly but as near as he could get to what he thought might be ‘sympathetically.’)  ‘Any idea about the ceremony itself?’  He asked with a feigned indifference.

‘We haven’t really thought about that yet – the main thing was to first get your approval.  I guess something simple, maybe a garden wedding.’  Lee shrugged.

Mr Franscatti continued to think for a while and again nodded. Whilst not exactly St. Mary’s, (a wonderful sandstone edifice – the Catholic Cathedral in Sydney), at least it was better than merely receiving a text message, postcard or a phone call from Wagga Wagga, Wodonga, Wallabadah or even, Wongaratta, notifying him after the event.  

‘Well if you both think you’ll be happy then I don’t have any (that is, too many) objections.  You have my… our blessing.’  The one or two provisos were, for the moment, left unspoken.

Just as Lee wheeled himself across the room to shake his hand, mother and daughter returned carrying the drinks, Italian biscuits and Italian cake.  Instinctively Lee looked across at the still alert and attractive mother and somehow knew his decision was a wise one.

‘Lee has just asked us for Maria’s hand (and hopefully, the rest) in marriage.’  Mr Franscatti told his wife.

Maria’s mother immediately (well, after first putting down the loaded tray of coffees), turned and hugged Maria whilst bursting into tears, laughed, shook her head and then nodded her approval.

(This is merely recorded without any attempt to support it with any explanation as the author (being a male) believes there probably isn’t one.  However, it should be noted that around about this time, the air conditioning unit, having become hyper-emotional, suddenly burnt its motor out... again.)

‘But no ring yet?’  Her mother asked breathlessly, whilst noting her daughter’s unadorned hand (the one that normally wears an engagement ring...)

‘Not yet.’  Maria smiled.  ‘We wanted your approval first (only a little (massive) white lie.)  We’re going to look for one tomorrow.  Lee wanted me to choose something special.’

‘I did?’  Thought Lee as he respectfully watched his partner in action.

‘Wonderful.’  Mr Franscatti, smiled warmly.  ‘Somehow I had a… hunch that I you might be telling us something out of the ordinary.  Finish your coffees and then we’ll open the Champagne.  Mike! Malc!’  He called his sons.

Maria’s brothers quickly entered the now rapidly warming room and were introduced to Lee by their father. 

Although their embarrassment seemed to transcend that situation normally experienced when a brother or bothers first meets a sister’s suitor, on hearing the news, for their sister’s sake they immediately warmed to him (which was quite easy to achieve given that the a/c unit had recently expired...) despite the fact that the waves off Wanda beach were apparently running at a good metre and a three quarters and were perfectly formed - as possibly were numerous eligible and nubile girls on the beach.

With his younger son, Mr Franscatti moved out to the kitchen, where they retrieved two bottles of France’s best (yup, you really read this correctly!  French.) and brought out a tray with glasses.  Moving out onto the balcony he skilfully opened the bottles, but thankfully, not with a sword, then poured glasses for all.  Raising his glass he toasted the happy couple.

‘Have you set a date yet?’  Her father asked whilst he silently calculated how to arrange to get his daughter to accept what he wanted to give to them both.

‘Not yet.’  Maria smiled and looked across at Lee.  ‘There’s no urgency - I’m not pregnant - yet.’

Week 2

On the following day, Katy again noticed the expensive foreign gleaming car parked outside Peter’s place.

‘I’ve been through the contract and listed the following issues.’  Peter was telling the silver-haired man sitting opposite him.

‘First, the contracting party has exclusivity.  That’s extremely limiting – as you know it means you’re contractually obliged to use that party as your supplier and no one else.  That eliminates any competitive edge.  Secondly, the contract term is five years.  That’s a long time to be tied in to one supplier – especially as there doesn’t appear to be any break points – no fixed times for review and re-negotiation.  But what’s worse, there aren’t any clauses covering termination for convenience - only for breach which might be difficult and expensive to try and prove.’ Peter looked at Mr Franscatti to check that he was following.

Mr Franscatti nodded.

‘Thirdly, there aren’t any provisions covering the levels of services being delivered – there aren’t any penalties for late delivery, poor quality…  In short, there are no service levels.  Finally, the whole thing appears to be far too one sided - from what I can see, most of the obligations are in the supplier’s favour - you’re tied in but without any recourse.’  Peter shrugged.

‘Excellent.’   Maria’s father nodded and went to reached into his jacket.  ‘So you think I shouldn’t sign it?’ 

‘Not as it stands.  You need to negotiate a more balanced contract.’  Peter nodded.

‘That’s worth a couple of grand at least.’  Mr Franscatti went to write a cheque.

‘Not really.’  Peter stopped him.

‘Why’s that?’  Maria’s father paused and looked across at Peter.

‘There was a paper I came across in the file.’ Peter indicated the folder, ‘it showed that the intended contract was drafted over four years ago.  You probably never signed it in the first place.’

Mr Franscatti continued looking at the young man.  ‘Shit!’  He thought but then he suddenly laughed.

‘Good - I wondered if you would pick that up.’

‘So?’  Asked Peter.  ‘Why are you really doing this?’

‘Ok. Three reasons.’  The older man immediately acknowledged.  ‘My initial idea was to buy an insurance policy - to make sure you kept your side of the bargain.’

‘We’ve already been through that.’  Peter replied somewhat irritably. ‘I have and I will.’

‘Agreed.’  Maria’s father nodded.  ‘I don’t think that’s necessary as I now trust you.’ (Though perhaps not absolutely, or totally, or fully... but to a degree – or almost nearly partially...)

‘Secondly, I really do think you have a different outlook on life that could be beneficial for some of my deals.’

Peter shrugged.

‘Thirdly, and you probably won’t accept this, but as a result of our original ‘deal’, things have vastly improved within my family - you helped me see something fundamental that I’d missed.  Having met Lee yesterday and having seen Maria and Lee together only proved the point.’ I really wanted to give you something. 

‘And you accepted their relationship?’  Peter was suddenly very alert as he was oblivious to the outcome of their meeting. 

The pair had enjoyed a long day/evening and night, with Maria’s family at the end of which, they had elected to stay over.  In fact, they were only just rising as the meeting between Maria’s father and Peter was taking place.

‘More than accepted their friendship.  I gave them my blessing.  Lee asked for my permission to marry Maria.’  Mr Franscatti smiled.

Stunned, Peter remained silent, then slowly smiled as the full import of this message sank in.

‘So!’  Mr Franscatti said, aware that his news had deeply moved Peter.  ‘You’ve proven my point - you saw right through the contract and you went beyond it and realised it wasn’t current.  That’s what I’m looking for, someone who can be objective, be thorough and consider all aspects.  Sometimes I think I miss things as all I can see is the ultimate profit.  I wanted to give you something.   It seemed… what was the phrase again?  Oh yes – it seemed sensible to me.’

Peter looked across at Maria’s father and nodded.  ‘But no more bullshit?’

Mr Franscatti smiled.  ‘No more bullshit.’

‘Then we have a deal.’  Peter rose and they shook hands firmly.

‘I guess you’ll be best man?’  Mr Franscatti asked as he was leaving.

‘No one’s told me anything yet.’  Peter shrugged.

A few minutes later Maria was amazed to receive a text simply stating.  ‘connng r    atulati   ionSd)  peteR.’ 

‘How does that bastard know everything and why can’t he type?’  Maria showed the ‘message’ to a more than slightly hung-over Lee who, whilst capable of drinking beer and Australian wine in reasonably vast quantities, was unused to a totally alien mix of best French Champagne, superb Italian Chianti, and strong malt whiskies. From his current point of view Peter’s message looked totally rational and intelligible.

‘I’ve really have no idea.’  Lee shook his sore head then felt for his partner.

‘We’ll call in on him on the way back.’  Maria agreed - for both of them.

A Quick Visit

‘How did you know?’  Were Maria’s opening words when Peter opened the door. 

‘Your father told me.’  Peter simply replied.  ‘You’ve just missed him.’

Lee looked at Peter and worriedly frowned as he had understood (somewhere and at some time or other) that Maria’s father had possibly done something hurtful to Peter. But as he wasn’t quite sure who Peter was, he could quite possibly be wrong.

‘Don’t worry.  He’s using my consultancy skills.’  Peter smiled at Lee and warmly slapped him on his shoulders, then lightly kissed Maria lightly on her cheek and inadvertently firmly held her.

‘Congratulation.  I’m elated, I... I’m, I’m...’  He trailed off and both visitors could see that he was obviously deeply moved. He then shook his mate’s hand firmly and smiled.

‘But why so fast?’  He asked, after they had moved into the house and as he prepared a fresh pot of (super extra strong) coffee.

‘Why not?’  Lee replied.  ‘We’ve lived together and Maria can obviously handle both working and looking after me.’ (‘All, apart for my hangovers’ wasn’t stated.)

‘Obviously.’ Peter nodded knowingly across to Maria who simply nodded and smiled.

Peter moved a chair out of the way to allow Lee access to the kitchen table, then turned to look at the happy couple and silently thought.  ‘Who would ever have believed it?’

‘So when is the big day?’  Peter asked after recalling his thoughts.

‘We haven’t really thought about a date yet.’ Maria replied.  ‘There’s no real hurry.’

‘And you’ll move into Maria’s flat?’

‘Yes.  Maria suggested I use the second bedroom as an office.  It’s also quiet and convenient as it’s both near the beach and close to the centre so if necessary, I think I could get myself out if Maria’s at work.’  Lee explained although his voice somehow betrayed a slight uncertainty.

Location, Location, Location

Meanwhile, in his office in Cronulla, Mr Franscatti was busily scanning the internet and making innumerable phone calls.

Recuperation

During the remainder of his second week at home, Peter received a request to write a proposal from home, two pleasant visits from Katy, a surprise one from Betty who insisted on ‘tidying’ an already spotless house and on the Friday evening, a visit from Harry, during which, Carol thoughtfully found some ironing to do downstairs. 

‘Good to see you’re recovering.’  Harry smiled over his upended bottle.

‘Not in top form yet though.’  Peter replied.  ‘No emergency services yet.’

‘You really don’t want any more of those do you?’  Harry shook his head and with his acute eyes looked at Peter.

‘I guess not.’  Peter agreed then sensing Harry’s true motive for the visit, in a hushed voice he briefly told him about (almost all of) his original arrangement with Maria’s father.

After he had finished, the older man looked carefully at the younger man and shook his head.  ‘You’re really a strange one.  Then again, it appears to have all worked out for the best?’

‘That was the general idea.’  Peter smiled. ‘Anyway, when are the ‘boys’ coming over? We need to get a bit of move on.  If we’re not careful it will soon be the end of summer.’

‘Let me talk to them all - say three or four weeks from now?’

‘Fine.’  Peter nodded and finished his beer.

The First Ring

On the Saturday, the six met as usual and everyone congratulated the couple and admired the simple but beautiful platinum ring that Lee had insisted