“Yes. Don’t tell your mother and it’s a surprise for River. Thanks, Rodney, I appreciate it.” I squeezed his shoulder. “You’re a good man.”
“This is good, Uncle Aaron. I must agree with Mom. Seeing you smiling again is nice. It's been far too long.” I just nodded as he walked back into the trailer.
I had about twenty minutes before heading across the street. I figured I would kill two birds, and Matt wouldn’t judge me. I picked up my phone and called my best friend. He was also my assistant, but that was secondary. He knew me better than anybody since we had been friends for twenty-five years.
Matt answered the phone cheerfully. “What’s up, boss?”
“You go first. You want to talk to me.”
“Yes. I am planning for five hundred people at this quarter's BBQ. Is that enough?”
“We might want to bump that up to eight hundred and fifty. We can send any leftovers home with people.”
“You have a meeting with Rodney on Tuesday. The mayor moved your meeting to the following week.” I acknowledged everything he said.
“I’ll be taking River with me to dinner with the mayor. Also, can you investigate online university courses specifically for business degrees?” An idea has been rattling around in my head that I wanted to get more information on.
“River?” I realized I just blew it.
“Yeah.”
“Isn’tthat the name of the guy you are mentoring for the club?” Damn him and his excellent memory.
“Yes?” He chuckled.
“Be careful with your heart. However, you seem happier this week, so if River is the reason, I am on board completely. I’ll have all that information ready for you Monday morning.” Matt kept my life running smoothly. He helped me get all my ducks in a row so I could manage everything that came up throughout the day. Without his help, I would be a mess.
“When I take that vacation time, I want you to plan a trip simultaneously. Go somewhere fun with your husband.” It’ll be my treat.
“I will consider it.” He was being a little cagey. “There is one more thing. I didn’t know if I should tell you today with your date and everything, but I wouldn’t feel right keeping it from you.”
“Tell me, Matt, you’re freaking me out.”
“Aaron, he called.”
“He called? You’re sure it’s him?”
“I’m sure it's him. I talked to him directly. He remembered me. He was scared to call you directly but remembered the company name and that we were best friends.”
I could barely breathe. “Tanner is sixteen now. Did his father know he called? So where did you leave things?” I realized I was holding my breath.
“He lives with his grandparents now.” I thought of them fondly because they were always so kind to me. “They told him that if you were willing to see him, his grandfather would bring him to town.”
“Of course, I want to see him.”
“Aaron, I know. I took the liberty to already confirm with them. Unless it’s a problem, they will meet you for dinner on Monday night.I made a reservation for four people.” I realized he had allowed me to include River if I wanted.
“Thank you so much. You are the best, and you managed it perfectly. How did you know I would want to include River?” I could feel myself choking up.
“I’ve been your best friend for twenty-five years. I know you.” I took a deep breath. This was what I had been hoping for over the last eight years.
“Since we have moved into personal things. I’m doing a private wine tasting Thursday night with River.” I realized his name seemed to be coming up a lot. “I’ll leave early Thursday and take off next Friday. I’ll be spending it at the vineyard.”
“Two weekends in a row. Damn Aaron, should I have you checked for a brain injury?”
“I bet you think you are funny,” I said, even though I wanted to laugh. “Also, I need you to do another thing for me today since I need to get going. Can you call La Fleur downtown and book their best room for tonight and tomorrow? Have champagne, chocolate, and roses in the room, too, please. That’s what you do to be romantic, right? Hell, if I know, to be honest.” I said mostly to myself.
“I get where you are going. Fancy room with tons of romance. I have you covered.”
