“Hey Rocco, what you got?”
“Hey boss,” he says in a tone that has me straightening in my office chair. “So, we checked your cameras, and surveillance from surrounding areas and we didn’t spot anyone.”
“Okay. Why am I sensing a but?”
“Because there is boss.” I stiffen. “One of the cameras pointed to the east of your backyard seems to have been put on a loop. It was hard to catch since it’s been snowing nonstop, but we noticed.”
“So, someone’s tampered with my security system?” I raise my voice.
“It looks like it, but remember, kids nowadays are more talented with cyber security, so it might have been a neighbor bored with his holiday plans. We already fixed it, but we’re still sending someone up there in a day or two once the roads open up so we can manually go over the system.”
“What good is a day or two when I’m here with my girlfriend now, Rocco?” I scold.
“Listen boss, you basically have a Fort Knox setup on your hands. As long as you don’t leave any windows or doors open, you’re safe from everything including a zombie apocalypse. So stay put, and I’ll personally be there to handle any loose ends.”
I huff out a deep breath. “Okay, so what else have you found?”
“Well, it seems like your girlfriend has a good eye, because we also spotted the reflective glare on the security cameras. It’s most likely someone with a camera, so we’re suspecting paparazzi. Didn’t think the vultures would be working during a snowstorm and the holiday, but I guess Hollywood has no soul.”
I take a deep breath and feel a sense of relief that the danger looming is more due to personal interest than personal injury.
“Ok Rocco. Thanks for the update. Just make sure someone fixes my camera and we review my security options. I can’t have my girl in the line of fire when it comes to these issues, got it?”
“For sure boss, will do. And if I may, it sounds nice to hear you worry about a lady friend. About damn time,” he jokes.
“Eat your stupid turkey and fix my system Rocco.” I laugh. “Wish your wife a Happy Thanksgiving for me even though I know she’s probably cursing me six ways till Sunday.”
* * *
We spent Thanksgiving dinner eating side by side and chatting into Amelia’s phone that was propped up against a flower vase. We were able to get everyone on video chat so we could all cheers and give an update on how we’re all doing. Once the doctors got added to the call, all hell broke loose.
Amelia was mortified at the sight of her father in a bright pink Speedo. Apparently, everyone in Punta Cana got drunk, and began daring each other to do embarrassing things. Possibly because I upgraded them all to the multiroom Presidential Suite that comes with an unlimited drink package, but Amelia doesn’t need to know that right now.
The wives all wore those hideous oversized t-shirts with sexy bikini bodies airbrushed over them, Dr. Ricardo Ortega danced during the poolside aerobics class and Dr. Manuel Astacio, the hairiest man on the planet, shaved his chest. All things none of us should have borne witness to.
After we cut them off the call to sober up, we chatted up the cousin crew who were all pleasantly surprised that Amelia and I had made up after our infamous pub fight and were able to coexist alone in the same house. Antonio’s facial expressions let me know he still wasn’t happy about the set up, but I asked him to join me for a few rounds of online gaming tomorrow, and that seemed to do the trick for now.
We say our goodbyes and as soon as I press that redend callbutton, Amelia is on my lap showering me with kisses, arms draped around my neck.
“God, that call took forever!” she complains.
Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself to be so lucky as to have Amelia jumping into my arms and being affectionate. It’s barely been twelve hours since we made our little arrangement, but it is painfully clear that I belong to her.
Always have, always will.
Guilt consumes me as I think about a future with Amelia, when she has no clue about the secrets I keep. I don’t deserve her, but for the time being I’ll lie to myself and say I’m just going along with her deal, because I’m a selfish bastard.
“Ohhh is this what you mean when you say you can see the wheels turning in my head? I totally get it now” she says, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Sorry about that.” I lean in and give her a soft peck on the lips.
“What were you thinking about? Is everything okay with the security system? I saw Rocco calling you earlier.”
“Slight glitch in the system, but all good. He’ll be up here as soon as he can to double check everything, no need to worry.” I kiss her cheek.
“Oh, so it wasn’t Michael Myers’s knife glistening in the distance?” She jokes.
“Afraid not, the only man you need to worry about chasing after you is me.” I grin.
