Finding Parker by Scott Hildreth
“Paaaaarkeeeeer?” her voice trailed along as she said my name.
I smiled, “I love you.”
“That’s better. I love you, too.”
“Goodbye, dear,” I said.
“Ta-ta.”
I hung up the phone and scrolled to Kenton’s name and pressed send. The phone only began to ring, and he answered. Odd, considering he doesn’t even carry a cell phone. I heard a faint breeze and seagulls in the background. He must have been sitting outside on the deck with it clutched in his hand.
“How does six o’clock sound?” I asked.
“Tonight?” he asked.
“Yes, if that’s alright.”
“Alright? It’s my idea,” he laughed.
“Well?”
“Sounds great. Now, we’re not going to tell her tonight, right?”
“No, we’re not.”
“Downes, get Karen busy cooking something special, but not that special,” his voice was muffled somewhat as he spoke.
His voice changed to a more serious tone, “Well, as much as I’d love to, I don’t have time to talk all night on this damned phone, Parker. I’ve been sitting here staring out at my ocean for the last four hours. I have to prepare for tonight, get cleaned up and such. Have you anything else?”
“No sir,” I chuckled, “I sure don’t.”
“Very well. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“See you then,” I agreed.
The phone went silent.
As much as he tried, Kenton’s attempts of late to maintain a professional posture were becoming unsuccessful. Hiding the fact that he was excited for Victoria and I proceeding with our life of love was far more than he was currently capable. I reserved hope he could make it through one night without blurting out some statement or comment which would let the cat out of the proverbial bag.
With my nerves shot and forty-five minutes to spare, I needed to find something to occupy my time besides staring at the ring. I looked around the room for something to entertain me. On the kitchen island sat the contract – in the same location it had been for a month. Not that it mattered so much now, but to kill what spare time I had and to provide a little entertainment, I stood and walked to the island. After picking up the stack of paperwork, I flipped through the pages and wondered where to begin. I certainly couldn’t read it all in the amount of time I had.
Maybe I should start at the end and read it from back to front.
I flipped to the last page and worked my way forward without actually reading any content until something caught my eye.
The word marriage.
14 (d) Marriage: If, during the course of employment, the undersigned employee becomes married to a third party introduced through the course of his employ, the employer reserves the right to either terminate employment immediately or extend the contract indefinitely, at the sole discretion of the employer.
Post marriage contract extension will eliminate all necessary obligations on the part of the employed. Employer post marriage obligations will continue. Rate of pay to the employed during post marriage extension will increase at 20% (twenty percent) per annum.
I re-read the marriage portion again. Considering Kenton’s promise of a healthy wedding gift, I was not necessarily worried about continuing employment or collecting wages, in fact, the entire thought of the contract not all but sickened me. Yet. This portion of the contract fascinated me. It appeared Kenton originally intended to either commit to pay me for life or terminate my employment based on who I was going to potentially become married to.
Interesting.
Two thoughts entered my mind.
What were the requirements to receive a lifetime of employment without obligation?
And.
Why?
VICTORIA. In Kenton’s home, I have always felt safe. I have no way of attempting to determine exactly why, and I’m not convinced it really matters. In guessing, I’m sure a portion of it is having Downes present. After what little time I have shared with him one on one, I have no doubt he would give his life to save any of our lives, he just that type of person. With Kenton, I feel safe, loved, protected, and cherished. He’s truly like the father I always wished for and never had.
And Parker.
In Parker’s presence, nothing else matters. Nothing. I feel loved, cherished, and as if everything is complete in my life. With Parker, I feel as if I have stepped into the final chapter of my life – my journey to the ending – and I am not making the trip alone. I’m taking it with the one person I know I have the capacity to love for as long as I’m living.
In hindsight, I suspect having all three of the men in my life that love me in one home is what causes me to feel the way I’m feeling. Regardless, I feel like a queen in the presence of these men. And, for all of their manners and typical proper behavior, for some reason, tonight it is as if I’m in a room full of fools.
“I didn’t even know you had a formal dining room,” I said as we sat at the table.
Kenton laughed an almost phony laugh, “I’m sure there are places in this home I’m not even aware which exist.”
Downes began to laugh, “I’d have to agree, Mr. Ward.”
And then Parker chimed in, “I know I’ve spent all but every moment here on the darned putting green. Or on the deck drinking tea.”
“Peach tea,” Kenton chuckled.
“Yes, peach tea,” Parker slapped his knee with his hand.
“With floating fibers,” Kenton slapped his knee and began to laugh deeply.
Maybe it’s an inside joke.
Kenton covered his mouth as he began to cough, “Boy, I tell you. Here lately I’ve laughed more than I have in years. I’m going to choke to death if I keep you two around, this is ridiculous.”
He picked up his glass of wine and took a sip. As he lowered the glass to the table, he stopped coughing and covered his mouth with the back of his hand, “But I must admit, I love the company. Second to none.”
“Second to none,” Downes agreed.
“What is the deal with you guys tonight? I feel like I’m eating with a bunch of Parrots,” I glanced at Kenton and turned toward Downes, waiting for some means of response.
Parker turned my direction, “Parrots? We’re not repeating each other. And we’re not acting weird, we’re just having fun, reminiscing about old times.”
I looked across the table at Downes, “Before we ate, you three sat and repeated each and every word, phrase, and sentence the one before you made. When Downes began talking about Kenton’s round of golf at Torrey Pines, it was ridiculous. I heard the word outstanding no less than a dozen times.”
I shifted my gaze toward Parker, “Whatever. Fine. You three dorks keep playing your little game and doing whatever it is you’re doing, but I’m on to you. And if a clown jumps through a doorway or some shit, I’m going to punch it. It’s like waiting for a surprise birthday party you know is coming.”
Kenton jumped from his chair, “Nothing’s coming, nothing at all. Is it Downes? Parker? No surprises here.”
“No sir, Mr. Ward. Nothing at all. No clowns, that’s for sure,” Downes responded.
Parker stood from his chair as soon as Kenton stood from his, “Nothing going on here. And certainly no plans for anything, not at all. Just a simple dinner.”
I looked around the room and shook my head in disbelief and wonder. These three idiots were up to something, and it was apparent. I picked up my wine glass and drank the little remaining wine from the glass.
“Fine, let’s go out on the deck,” I said as I stood from my chair.
“Out on the deck it is,” Kenton snapped.
“To the deck,” Parker smiled and began walking around the corner of the table.
Downes stood without speaking as I rolled my eyes. I imagined stepping out onto the deck and balloons being tied up to each of the chairs, a clown sitting against the handrail making animal shaped balloons at our request as we ate cake and ice cream, drinking root b
“All I know is this – the next time I’m here, I want things to be back to normal,” I said as I walked past Downes and into the door leading to the main hallway.
Kenton stopped walking and turned to look over his shoulder, “The next time? When shall we gather next? Parker?”
Standing between Kenton and I, Parker looked up, “Pardon?”
“Victoria wants to get together again. When shall we do it?” I’m free tomorrow,” Kenton raised his eyebrows and glared at Parker.
I shook my head and attempted to walk past, “You’re free every day.”
“Point well taken, I am. Parker?” Kenton said as he reached out and wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into him.
“Let’s do it again tomorrow. Same time, same dining room?” Parker asked as he placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Whatever, just be sure you three goons have all of this bullshit out of your system,” I laughed.
Kenton hugged me and half whispered, “I’m sorry, dear. I think we’re all just excited about the sub-par round I shot on the south course at Torey Pines, a lifetime achievement which has been on my bucket list for some time now.”
“That’s fine. And I’m proud of you. Let’s just make sure tomorrow’s an entirely different story,” I sighed.
Kenton took a short shallow breath and smiled, “Oh I’ll make sure of that. Tomorrow will be an entirely different story, mark my words.”
And for some reason, I truly believed him.
VICTORIA. Change is the difference from what it is, or what it would be if it were left alone. In life, oddly enough, the definition of change is not accurate at all. If we leave our lives alone, as they were, we continue to subject ourselves to all types of change. At any moment, life has the capacity to change, good or bad. To believe we have control over where and when these things happen is to believe we control the destiny of our lives.
My life has been a constant reminder that I am not in control, and I must live with the changes, like them or not, as they unfold. So far, I really don’t have any complaints, but at times I sure have hoped I had a little warning to allow me to properly prepare.
“Wow, when I said I didn’t want the same shit all over again, I didn’t think I’d get this. Why all of the somber faces?” I asked as we sat at the table and waited for Karen to finish preparing the meal.
“Just hungry I suppose,” Kenton responded.
Downes nodded.
And Parker attempted to find a comfortable spot in his chair, which for the first thirty minutes of the evening he didn’t succeed doing. Something has been wrong lately, and I was not sure what it was. I realize I have no control over when and why things change, but accepting change isn’t easy for me. Not always.
“I want the old crew back,” I complained.
“Maybe after we eat,” Kenton sighed.
Downes nodded.
And Parker continued to fidget in his chair.
I turned toward Parker, who was seated on my right side, “What the fuck is wrong with you? You’ve been squirrelly all night. Sit still.”
Parker turned toward Kenton and complained, “I can’t take it anymore.”
Kenton stood from his chair and started to pace the length of the dining room.
“Can’t take what? The wait? Surely it won’t be much longer. Take off your jacket, you look flush. Are you okay?” I asked.
“No. I’m fine. I just…”
“What?” I asked.
“I am just. Yes, I’m hot. And I’m nervous. And I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten since yesterday evening. I’m just,” Parker stood from his chair.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized.
He half knelt beside my chair and looked as if he were going to vomit.
“No need to apologize, dear. Stand up, you’re making a fool of yourself, and if you barf on me, I’ll going to be mad,” I shook my head and reached for my glass of wine.
Parker cleared his throat, “Victoria.”
Kenton stopped pacing the room and covered his mouth with his hands. I looked up at Parker, who was visibly shaking. His face was now covered in beads of sweat. I looked up at Kenton, who was audibly crying. He knew something I didn’t.
This son-of-a-bitch is going to break up with me.
I fucking knew it.
I pressed my hands into the edge of the table and pushed my chair away enough to stand. As I stood, Parker stood along with me.
“If you’ve got something to say, say it Parker. Say it,” I demanded in a stern tone.
Parker tilted his head toward Kenton and then faced me again, “I…uhhm,” he stammered
“For the love of God, Parker. Just do what you have to do. Get it over with,” I shouted as I fought back tears.
Kenton’s crying was becoming louder. I considered storming from the room, and quickly realized Parker was my ride home. Great, this is going to be awkward as hell. As my lip began to quiver, I bit into it, attempting to make it stop. Parker nervously reached into his jacket pocket, but didn’t pull his hand out.
What the fuck is going on?
“Victoria, I’m sorry. I wanted to do this differently. It isn’t working. So I’m just going to say it,” he paused.
I fucking knew it.
“Victoria Lillian Fisker, I want to spend the rest of my life living,” he pulled his hand from his blazer and held it curled up at his side.
Living what? Single?
You little prick.
He raised his hand in front of my chest and turned his fingers upward, “As your husband. Will you marry me?”
Holy. Shit.
“Oh my fucking God, Parker. Yes. Yes. Yes!” I screamed and dove into him, knocking him to the floor.
As we embraced into a long passionate kiss on the floor, Parker held his arm out to his side, still holding what I was assuming was the engagement ring. I had yet to actually see it, but I didn’t care. I heard the words, and that’s all that mattered. He could produce an aluminum foil ring, and I’d happily be his wife forever.
“Karen, hold the meal,” Kenton sobbed loudly.
The tone of his voice raised into what became a broken shout, “Bring…champagne.”
As our lips parted, I arched my back to look into the face of the one man I truly ever loved. As I did, he moved his hand between us and held the ring in front of me. Immediately, a lump developed in my throat, and I felt as if I were going to be sick. I attempted to swallow twice. My throat felt as if it were filled with sand.
“Place it on her finger, son.” Kenton coughed.
I spread the fingers of my shaking hand and watched as Parker slid a ring onto my finger that every woman on this earth would soon envy almost as much as they envied my fiancé.
I looked down at the ring, “Its…”
“It’s…perfect.”
“Well…get up…off the…floor,” Kenton said between sobs.
We both stood from the floor at the same time, covered with smiles from ear to ear. There is probably not much on this earth that can be said to truly drive a girl to a point of immediately going numb. The type of numb she’ll feel once in a lifetime, and never feel again. I now know, having been through what I just went through, what has the ability to make every nerve in your body go useless.
Four simple words.
Will. You. Marry. Me.
“Let me see it,” Kenton said as he stretched his arm over the table.
I held my hand over the table proudly and raised it to meet Kenton’s. Downes stepped into the light of the chandelier and shaded his eyes as if he were being blinded. As Kenton’s hand met mine and raised it slightly, I felt as if he were my father, approving my engagement to my lover.
“I’m so happy for both of you. For us all, actually,” he said as he wiped tears from his face with is free hand.
“I’d also have to say, Victoria, that has to be a first,” he chuckled.
“What’s that?” I asked,
“Oh my fucking God, Parker. Yes. Yes. Yes,” Kenton whispered.
“I did not,” I gasped.
Kenton nodded.
I looked up at Downes.
He nodded.
And at Parker.
He nodded.
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry,” I pushed my lower lip out for sympathy.
“I wouldn’t have expected anything less,” Parker laughed as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Nor would I,” Kenton sighed.
“Nor I,” Downes agreed.
As we all sat down, Karen carried in a tray with champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne, “Here you are, Mr. Ward.”
Kenton quietly nodded his head toward the table.
“Thank you, Karen,” Kenton said as she placed the tray onto the edge of the table.
Kenton began to pour champagne into one of the glasses, “So have you given any thought to when?”
I turned to face Parker, who shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t see much value in waiting or having a long engagement, do you?”
I shook my head excitedly.
“Well, if I may,” Kenton said as he handed a glass of champagne to Parker and me.
As soon as we accepted the glasses, he continued, “I’m of the opinion most have a lengthy engagement because they’re partially not certain, and or to assemble the family for the wedding. This, for the most part is the family,” he motioned around the room.
And he was right. This was our family, our only family.
“As soon as possible, if I have much of a say. I’m quite ready to begin living together,” Parker sighed.
I thought of my sleepless nights at home alone, and the difficulty I have had being away from Parker since my mother’s death. I didn’t want Parker to feel rushed, or as if I was incapable of waiting.
But considering what he said…
“I’d wait just short of forever, Parker. You know that. I’m comfortable with what we have, or I’d be happy to marry you tomorrow. I really would. But you’re right, there’s no value in waiting. I’m ready,” I smiled.
Parker looked up toward Kenton and smiled as he lifted his glass of champagne, “Soon,” he grinned a she nodded his head.