Chapter thirty-six

Monday Richie couldn’t be any happier, just a week and Sarah would come over; finally he’d see his beautiful girl again. Just seven days, it’d be over in a flash.

He had seen her on Saturday when they video chatted but it definitely wasn’t the same. In real life she didn’t freeze every five minutes.

Tomorrow they’d chat again; today Sarah was busy visiting schools while Richie didn’t have a thing to do.

He could almost not believe it, she was going to a bunch of school to ask more information about the course and job opportunities, alone. He was very proud of her.



When he stepped out of his hotel room, Richie once again walked into Jon.

“What’s got you so happy?” Jon asked, noticing Richie’s bright smile.
“Sarah’s coming on next Monday, seven days.” He explained excited.
“Monday?” Jon asked confused, like he didn’t understand why Monday and not another day.
“Why? What’s Monday?” Richie asked confused now too, he was more confused about Jon. What did it matter to Jon when Sarah was coming over?
“Nothing.” Jon answered quickly, maybe too quickly.

It only made them both more confused.

“I should go.” Richie decided to make it less strange for the both of them.

He went on his way and walked out of the hotel, onto the street he was going for a walk to clear his mind a little, do some thinking.



Tuesday afternoon Richie sat at his hotel room’s desk with his laptop in front of him, calling Sarah.

It took a few minutes but finally she answered. Sarah’s face appeared in front of him, making him even happier than he already was. He couldn’t recall the last time he had been so excited to see someone. Maybe at rehab, waiting for her to show up on the day he was leaving. Only six days he had to wait now, and she’s arrive in the early morning so they’d have the whole day.

Sarah told him excitedly about the school she had visiting during the last two days. What she had learned about the course and how sure she was about doing it.

Richie was glad to see Sarah so confident, that alone was very important. Confidence was important towards succeeding, if she was, she could do this. He’d support her all the way through it. He was sure she could do it and very well too. By achieving this Sarah would have her wish of helping people, maybe not as a doctor or a nurse but she would this way too.

“The course starts the second week of September so there’s loads of time to get ready.” Sarah explained to him.
“That’s great, you still have a whole month and Hawaii too.” Richie answered, glad she wouldn’t have to give up their vacation time.
“Yeah, about that.” Sarah said a little reluctant.
“What?” He asked carefully.
“Does it have to be Hawaii?”
Richie shrugged. “Not really, it’s more of something Ava and I do for Christmas.” He explained.
“Can we go during Christmas and somewhere else now?” She asked a little unsure of him agreeing or not.
“Where do you want to go?” He asked curious about what she had in mind now before agreeing with her.
“Lake Tahoe.” She went on to explain before he could even answer. “I saw an advertisement for it on one of the website and when I clicked it and read about it… It looks really nice and so many things to do for everyone.” She explained.
“Yeah.” He agreed. “Sounds good. I’ll look around, okay?” He asked.
Sarah smiled. “Thanks. You really want to go?” She asked unsure again.
“Yeah, it’s a nice place and you’re right there are lots of things to do. Places we can go together and we have to celebrate your birthday.” He said a little more excited now.



They talked more about it until Sarah said she had to go pack, a little confuse Richie let her go. It was still six days, wasn’t that a little early to start packing already?

He didn’t turn off his laptop but went to look for Lake Tahoe online.

Sarah had been absolutely right about the lake. It had great activities and accommodations.

Usually he let Ava take a friend on vacation with them but he was sure she’d understand if he told her not too just this time. It was going to be just the five of them, to get to know each other better.

If he had his way, Sarah might move in with her sons soon and then it was important for them to get along. Ava would understand that too.

Perhaps he should tell his daughter about how much he felt for Sarah. After talking with Sarah about marriage, he hadn’t been able to shake the idea.

As if asked for, a message popped up, announcing Ava was online. In an instant he had clicked it and called her to tell her about the change of plans.



When he left his room that evening to go to the restaurant for dinner, he walked into Jon again.

“Man, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were stalking me.” Richie joked but invited Jon down to dinner with him; he needed to talk to him too.



“You want to ask her to marry you?” Jon asked blown away after they had started their dinner.
“Come on, you can’t be that surprised.” Said Richie.
“Are you sure?” Jon asked.
“More sure about it than anything in my life.” Richie said, undeniable.