That's the Way ~ The Story Remains the Same Sequel

Chapter Forty-Four

 I thought last week was crazy, but I was wrong. This week has been nonstop. We had family come over from Scotland and Italy since they couldn't make it. Some family members I had no idea existed. It was pretty crazy. I've also been dealing with the family lawyer with Christopher and that's been joyish. He's mad at me because Dad wrote in the will that I get to take his spot on the board at his job as well as taking over everything he does. I don't even want to be part of it. I have no idea what I have to do. Yeah, I have been in his office multiple times but Christopher actually worked there. I just wanted the house but Christopher got it. Lisa however, didn't get much. She only got ten thousand dollars that she can't touch till she's twenty-five. I have full control of the bank account even. We tried to call her but we couldn't get in contact with her.

I wish I had a break you know, just a little me time. But I can't right now because I have to go to the city today. I usually take the train but I called a car service to drive me in. Plus Sophia asked if she can take the kids to the city. I agreed. They were just going to walk around Central Park and visit the National History Museum. I told Sophia to come to the building around three so we could go back home. I would've loved to take my own kids sightseeing and show them all the places I have been but there's always next time.

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All day in the office I went back and forth with a bunch of middle age men. They wanted me to move back to America so I can come to meetings, agree to ads, and have dinner with clients; all the things my Dad did. I wouldn't mind flying in when I'm needed but my family is in England and I have my band. I just can't relocate my family. Though the thought was nice, Jimmy wouldn't have to leave cause of Tax-exile and we would spend more time, I just can't do that to my family.

I did mention that maybe we can branch out and set out a small, six-person, office in London. A quick look at the books and we seem to have the money to do so. I would oversee the London office, occasionally checking in and seeing how everything is going. I'd transfer two employees from the New York office over there to get the company started and see if they want to stay working there after six months. If I wasn't able to make a meeting or call one of them could do it and they would let me know what went on.

I think I did my best convincing the rest of the board to go ahead with my deal. One thought I was being ridiculous and wanted me to give up my seat right then and there. Another was worried about how I can balance everything and not crack under pressure. To that, I simply stated, I am my father's daughter and he would back the idea one-hundred and ten percent. Three of them thought it was a good investment and maybe it was indeed time to branch out. Regarding the last one, I don't think he cared as long as it didn't affect his department. It's going to be a tough decision. I let them know I'll be fine with whatever decision they make, that I will be in the states till Friday and if they don't have an answer call me when I am back in England. I gave them both the house number as well as the studio's number just in case I wasn't at home. I really hope they vote on my idea.

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"So still no word on Lisa huh?" I asked Jimmy on the phone twirling the wire.

"No. I asked around but I have gotten six different answers that lead to nowhere."

"Hmmm. I don't like when she goes MIA."

"I know you don't. Maybe she rehab?"

"Why would she? She can't go, she needs consent."

"Not if she lies about her age. She usually does from what I've heard."

I sighed into the phone. I am so drained from everything that is going on. I want everything just to go back to what it was. Or at least I want Lisa to be eighteen already so I don't have to deal with all her shit. It's like having a third child. It's not like I have any help. Well, Jimmy actually helps and I should give him more credit than I do But, it doesn't sit right with me that he has all these girls' numbers.

"Hey, Jimmy?" I broke the silence.

"Yeah, Hazel?"

"Thank you." I said quietly, "I know I haven't been my normal self and I know you've been trying to help."

"You're welcome. Yes, I do know. I have an idea, why don't you fly out to Malibu? Be with me for a week or so. Have Sophia drop the kids off and just take a breather. I know you've been dying to come out here again since what a year ago?"

"I don't know Jimmy. I just want to go home and be in my own home. Plus I'm going back to the house and Grant has Zeppelins' plane waiting for us."

"Just send Sophia and the kids home on it. I'll even rent out that car you wanted to test drive. What was it again?"

"A Corve-"

"Corvette! That's right! Don't think they have those at home" he excitedly said.

"Jimmy I don't-"

"I promise absolutely no fighting. Just the two of us. Like it was before. Please, Hazel."

I sighed, "It has been a while since it was just the two of us has it? I guess your parents can watch them for a week. Let them spend a night in their own bed and then they can go over or whatever they decide to do. I'll call them tomorrow."
"Oh Hazel it's going to be grand."

"Love you, Jimmy."

"Love you too my love."

We didn't even say goodbye, we just kinda hung up on each other. I gently tossed the phone on the floor close to the receiver. I can keep the phone off the line for a few minutes. He really has no clue that I was just in Malibu a few weeks ago with Keith. It's sweet that Jimmy wants me to be with him. I don't even remember when the last time it was just the two of us. I took a deep breath so I could submerge my whole body under the water. I stayed under as long as I could. Should I even mention I want a break from Jimmy or just push the thought aside?

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"You know I don't like surprises" I laughed as Jimmy walked me through the sand.

"You say that but you love them." Jimmy chuckled.

I smiled. For the first time in a few weeks, I generally smiled. I miss it when it was just the two of us. Like it was when we first started dating and we lived together for months on end. I know this isn't going to be a forever thing, we will probably start fighting again but I am going to enjoy the week.

After a few minutes of walking in the sand, Jimmy stopped. He told me to keep my eyes shut till he was ready. I knew we were close to the waves. I can smell the ocean and it seemed like it was just the two of us. I didn't hear anyone. Just the sound of the waves and Jimmy rustling god knows what.

"Alright, my love" Jimmy spoke with love in his voice, "You can open your eyes now!"

I didn't hesitate opening my eyes. My smile grew ten times bigger. I was right we were right by the water. Close enough to see the waves come ashore and go right back. There was a nice big blanket laying out on the sand, big enough for five people. There was bright red rose petals around the blanket and candles that were waiting to lit once the night falls. There was also a basket, but I couldn't tell what was in there. Jimmy stood in front of me with a grin as big as mine. This was a wonderful surprise, he's never done anything like this before.

"Jimmy this, this is just incredible," I said excitedly, with happy tears on my face.

"Love, I'm sorry I've been dreadful to be around. I should have been more supportive. I love you with all my heart and never want to lose you."

I couldn't speak. I was just so thrilled. It seemed like all my worries in the world went away. No kids, family issues, work, bands, everything. I'm just going to enjoy it while I can.

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We managed to sit on the beach for god knows how long. I truly enjoyed this moment between the two of us. I'm not sure if Jimmy enjoyed it as much as I did but I have a slight feeling he did. He packed a lovely picnic for the two of us and we even had a couple cans of Budweiser. We talked and talked but the best part was being in his arms watching the sunset. Whatever I have going on with Keith will not be on the same level that Jimmy and I have when we are together. I know what I'm doing is wrong but Jimmy probably sleeps around when I'm not with him. But we aren't going to think negatively tonight. It's just me and my husband spending some alone time with each other with no care in the world.