(Book 2) This Could B Us

Part 5

With Prince on guitar on the back yard, I head into the house to make my first call, Human Resources for my job.

Explaining that I was just on a FMLA leave for an injury and supposed to be returning to work today, but a personal matter has arisen where I need to leave the state for an undetermined amount of time.

I am informed that I would be eligible for a Personal Leave, and since I have 4 weeks paid vacation, that would pay out first, that would cover my medical insurance deductions and my 401k contributions.

Anything after the 4 weeks, I would be expected to cover on my own because of no payroll paying out, 401k would cease deductions until I return. I have 90 days that they can hold my job for me.

I go ahead and file my case, I should know what I'm doing in a month's time, I think.

One down. I call Angel next, I get her voicemail, she must be at work, I had come to find out she waitresses at a local bar and grill. I leave a message for her to call me, then set my phone down, before I can decide my next call, the phone rings.

"Hey, girl, what's so important?" I hear Angel's pleasant voice.

"Are you still looking for a place?" I ask, crossing my fingers.

"Yes," she groans, "I'm so ready to get out of this apartment, Derik needs a place to play," you can hear the frustration.

"Angel, do you like flowers?"

"Love them, one day, I promise myself, I will have a flower garden," but she sounds less than hopeful.

"What time do you work? I think you need to grab Derik and come to my place for a bit, we need to talk," I suggest.

"Ooooo kaaay, well, I'm off today, so, depending where you live, I can be there in a little bit," her voice is questioning.

I give her directions, I'm told 15 minutes, 25 tops, if Derik gives her grief.

I'm getting excited, please, oh please, let Angel love my place.

I rush out to Prince, who stops playing when he sees the expression on my face, "You look happy," he looks happy to see me happy.

"Keep your fingers crossed, Angel is on her way over, I need her to fall in love with this place. Oh, and I'm off work for a while."

His expression changes, "I'm not superstitious and I don't believe in luck, I know Angel will love it." Then he addresses my other comment, "Off work for awhile?"

"Yeah, I put in for a leave," I explain.

"A temporary leave?" he frowns.

"It's, well, yeah," I stammer.

Do I tell him I'm scared? Do I tell him I worry he'll replace me the next big thing he does? No, I don't tell him, but I have to have a safety net.

Prince stands, he looks tense. He surveys my garden, letting out a sigh.

"Either you're not hearing me, or I'm not making myself clear," he doesn't look at me, just stares off.

Turning, he walks to me, taking my hands in his, "I'm not looking for temporary. Most everything in my life, except my music, has been temporary. My relationships, my marriages, my..." he swallows, his eyes threaten to tear up, but he blinks them back, shaking his head. "I want.."

"Me to give you a garden," I finish for him.

"Yes, you said you would," he looks deceived.

"I said I would do my best," I specify.