"Hansen, Maxine Joy - The Letter" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hansen Maxine Joy)

"She doesn't mind, I mean about your friendship?"
"I introduced them."
Colt raised an eyebrow and Kathryn laughed.
"I know. I know. It's not exactly your typical situation, or standard romantic fare. I probably should be sobbing somewhere in the wings. But Charley and Mitch are perfect for each other."
"Mitch?"
"Michelle really, but she has this nickname she got when she was a little girl. I think her brother started it. Anyway, Mitch started working in my department about four months ago. I invited Charley to a screening of a show I thought he'd like. Mitch happened to be sitting next to him and that was that. I don't even think he saw what was on the big screen."
"Well, I'd say Charley was pretty lucky to have you. I don't know about Mitch, but if it were me I wouldn't have bothered testing the shallow end with you; I would have dove right in."
A fresh blush stained Kathryn's cheeks. She noticed Colt's face color slightly as well.
"What about you? Are you going to be involved with professional baseball out here in some capacity?" She hoped the question would cover their embarrassment.
"I've still got my fingers in the game with some investments and a little piece of ownership in one of the clubs, but I've signed on to do some coaching at one of the local schools. I love working with kids, teaching them what I know and learning some new pointers on the game with them. It also gives me the opportunity to stay in one place, which is good for Jesse and me. We both like to have a home we can come back to every night." Colt paused and looked at Kathryn. "Not very exciting to you I guess."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, living in LA and being part of the entertainment world is pretty fast paced. A combination of exciting, hair-raising, and few other adjectives. Being in the Majors I got a little taste of it on the sidelines."
"You're right. It's certainly every adjective I can think of and more. But I'm pretty much a homebody too. Oh, I enjoy an evening out with friends, but I also like curling up in my favorite chair with a good book or a movie. I'm not really into the party circuit or anything like that. I've certainly traveled and I enjoy that, but I don't like the idea of living out of hotels. That would get to me."
"It definitely got to me." Colt told her. "Oh, at first it was pretty exciting. I grew up in a relatively small town in Georgia, part of a tight knit family. I was very fortunate. I have a terrific family, very supportive. I mean it wasn't the Donna Reed Show or Father Knows Best, but it was a happy home. We weren't rich, but we always had enough of everything. At least we thought so. It was a big deal for my brothers and I to go up to Atlanta for a weekend. You know, the 'big city.' Then there I am in the major leagues rooming with someone whose autograph I'd always wanted, seeing my name in print. There were a few hell- raising parties. Okay, more than a few. But after a couple of seasons it felt good to come home during the winter months. I just wanted my own chair, my own shower, and my own bed. I sure can't complain though. I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
"Did your wife mind all the traveling? Kathryn regretted the words as soon as they were out. "I'm sorry...I..."
"No, please. Pam loved the life. She took to it like a fish to water. She was a real trouper. I think she was happier on the road than off. She was the perfect player's wife. Always there cheering me on, picking me up when the newspapers had a few unkind things to say, rooting the loudest when I was the man of the hour. She is great with people and public relations, and a terrific hostess. On the road it was perfect for her. Off the road we had a few problems."
The friendly waiter appeared at their table ending their conversation for the moment and leaving Kathryn with a hundred unanswered questions. It was just as well, she thought.
"Would you care to look at the dessert menu folks?"
"Oh, I don't think..." she began.
"We have a great can't miss selection including Key Lime pie, a Florida favorite. And we do it the best - guaranteed."
"Now you aren't going to pass up an offer like that are you Kathryn?" Colt teased.
"Only if you indulge yourself too. And I must admit, I do have a weakness for Key Lime pie."
"I knew it. Two pies please."
"The waiter smiled. "Coffee?"
"I'll have a cup of decaf. How about you Kathryn?"
"Do you have peppermint or chamomile tea?
"We sure do. I'll bring you our selection of herbal teas."
The mood was broken, the questions would have to wait if indeed they were answered at all. They continued their conversation with social trivialities as they were served their hot beverages and delicious desserts. The waiter brought the bill and Colt refused to let Kathryn pay, told her going Dutch wasn't an option, and finally promised she could treat him next time. Next time. Kathryn watched Colt's gaze scan the horizon of the Gulf water. In a few hours she would be making plans to return home and the man beside her would become a special memory to be tucked away. She wondered if he would remember her.
"Kathryn, look, a dolphin!"
Kathryn turned and saw the sleek gray arched back and strong dorsal fin glide through the water at an impressive speed, disappear, and then resurface once again. She beamed with pleasure and Colt, watching her, caught his breath. Their eyes met.
"This is our lucky day, Kathryn. A very lucky day indeed!"
However fleeting the moment she couldn't help but agree. ["#TOC"]
Chapter Four
"Can I help you?" A pleasant middle-aged woman dressed in a beige sleeveless summer suit removed her reading glasses and smiled up at Colt and Kathryn.
"We're looking for Dr. James Hazlett, Apt. #5. He's expecting us," Colt told her.
"Ah, yes. If you go out that door through the courtyard, it will be on your left. Main floor. The apartments are clearly numbered, so you shouldn't have any trouble. Dr. Hazlett usually has lunch in the dining room but that's been over awhile now, so I'm sure there will be no problem in finding him. If per chance he's not there, just come back and see me."
Colt thanked the receptionist and took Kathryn's arm as they made their way through the stylish reception and lounge area.
"Are you nervous?" Colt felt her slight tremble.
"I have a hundred emotions all vying for first place," she agreed. I can't believe I'm actually here, doing this."
Kathryn paused and turned to Colt touching his sleeve with her free hand.
"Whatever happens, whatever we find out, I want you to know how much I appreciate what you've done. It means a great deal to me. Far above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak. Thank you Colt."
"Thank you, Kathryn."
"For what?"
Colt trailed a gentle finger down her cheek. "For bringing some sunshine to Florida."
"Florida already has plenty of sunshine," she blushed.
"This is your own special brand." Colt grabbed her hand. "Now come on, we have a date with the mysterious Dr. Hazlett."
The courtyard of the retirement village was a study of brightly colored flowers and citrus trees set amongst lush green grass. A swimming pool and a whirlpool were strategically placed in the middle of the court with several stone walkways crisscrossing to the various apartments and facilities. Surrounding three sides of the court were the apartments themselves. There were four stories to the building and two easily accessible elevators. Dotted here and there by the pool and garden comfortable lounge chairs took their place by matching small round tables. A number of first floor residents sat on their patios reading or soaking up some sunshine. Other swam in the large pool. Some of the seniors relaxed in the garden and chatted amicably with friends or visiting family. It was a tasteful and spacious arrangement and the people Kathryn and Colt saw seemed to be enjoying themselves overall.
As the receptionist had pointed out, the apartments were clearly marked with big impressive gold numbers set on gold trimmed white doors.
"Number five, here it is," Colt squeezed Kathryn's hand. "Go ahead, you knock."
With a somewhat shaky hand Kathryn rapped on the white door and held her breath waiting expectantly. During her flight to Florida and in quiet moments at the hotel she tentatively built a picture of the young Anne and James, but she knew her portraits were simply a composite of old movies and personal family snapshots she had seen. What were the real Anne and James like, not only then, but fifty years after? The door opened and she had her answer.