Chapter 30
CHAPTER 30
Lizzie practically sprinted back to the paper, she couldn’t wait to tell her dad all about hiring Eric. She’s got a good feeling about this. like she’s hired her own Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein.
“Dad?” she says when she walks in not seeing Peter at his desk.
Peter comes walking out of the bathroom dabbing his shirt with some wet paper towels, “I had a run in with a breakfast burrito and I’m afraid the burrito won,” he says, laughing as he tries to get the salsa off his shirt.
She walks over to her side of their desk and opens the drawer. “Here, try this,” she says, tossing him a stain stick. “Clumsiness must run in the family, so I keep one of these handy at all times.”
He goes back into the bathroom and is talking to her while working on his shirt. “I dropped my burrito while I was reading a little bit about those sleazy developer guys,” he says. He emerges stain free, albeit a little wet. “They sure seem like real shady characters, there’s got to be some way to expose them.”
“Well, interesting that you should say that, because I met Eric Jackson, the freelancer I told you about. And he’s going to start working on the story later today. I hired him,” she says happily. “We’re going to nail these guys, Dad, I have a really good feeling about this.”
“You do know that these corporate criminals almost never get what they deserve, right? I don’t want you setting your hopes too high,” her dad says, like the very experienced journalist he is.
“I know. I’m sure I’m being very naive, it would be nice though, if for once people that go around hurting others had to pay for it, you know?” She sighs. “Anyway, I really liked Eric. Alexis knows him a bit and he even stayed at the Marshview for a while, so Ben and Sean also know him, so he’s thoroughly vetted by our friends who say he’s really good.”
Peter is on his computer, “I’m doing some internet sleuthing on him, and you’re right, he has written some very high profile stories. I wonder why he’s not on staff anywhere?”
“Oh, I asked him about that, he said he likes to be able to write about what he wants to write, not just the stories assigned to him. Like having the freedom to work with us, he likes that,” she says. “He’s really young, and I think he sees this as the time to be able to live his life how he wants, and besides, this isn’t too bad a place to work from.”
“Have you talked to Jack since you saw him earlier?” Peter asks. “I wonder if he’s been able to find out anything more, if he’s heard about a court date or anything.”
“No, I’m kind of giving him some space, I’ll reach out a little later, maybe see if he wants to come have dinner with us,” trying hard to keep up her act. She takes out her laptop. “Have you talked to Mom? Is she still upset about us postponing the wedding?”
“She texted a bit ago, she’s not upset about anything other than you being disappointed. That's all she cares about. As long as she knows you’re okay she’ll be fine. You know your mom, it’s always all about you kids,” he says.
“I know, but I’m not a kid and I’m okay,” Lizzie says mostly convincingly.
“If you choose to have kids you will see honey, that no matter how old they are they are still your babies, even if they are over 30, engaged, and successful in their career,” Peter says, looking over at her.
“But you treat me like an equal! You entrusted me with your other baby, this newspaper, you see me as an adult,” Lizzie says.
“I do see you as an adult, but the second I think anyone is messing with your happiness or hurting you, you’re my little girl, and all common sense and professionalism go out the window. But I can catch myself and keep my mouth shut,” he laughs. “Hence I’ve never stepped on your toes, I don’t think.”
“You have not,” she grows pensive for a moment, “I really do appreciate how much you and Mom love Matt and me, and Jack, Shannon and Sophie. I know how incredibly rare that is and how lucky I am to have that when so many don’t, so scratch my complaining about it, okay?” she says, choking up a little as she looks at her dad and trying hard to not let her emotions get away from her.
“We try very hard to not overstep and let you be the adults you are, and run your own lives, and most of the time I think we succeed pretty well, but boy, there are times it’s not easy!’ he says.
“I will try to remember that the next time I feel like you’re thinking I’m seven. I love you, Dad, and I’m so grateful I get to sit here and be your colleague every day,” she says, choking up again. “Okay, so let’s get to work here, enough sentimentality for one day, huh?”
“The older you get the more you will realize that there’s never too much sentimentality,” he says. “But you’re right, we’ve got a paper to put out!”
By the end of the day, deadlines met, they are both ready to get out of that office.
“Oh, I did hear from Jack, he’s going to come over for dinner,” Lizzie says, hoping she can keep her feelings under wraps.
“Great,” he says, looking at his phone, “Your mom just texted that Matt and family are coming over too. I think it’s a great idea to be together and change the channel for a little bit.”
They both get up and put their coats on. Lizzie hesitates before she packs up her laptop thinking it might be good to leave it there and forget about work for the night, but with everything going on she decides she should have it, just in case. She slips the strap over her shoulder as they walk out, Peter hitting the lights as they open the door.
He puts his arm around her, “Another good day, partner,” he says.
“Yes, it feels good to feel good about what we’re doing at the end of a workday, unlike my past job.” They each go to their respective cars.”See you at home!” she calls out, getting in, ready to go home and relax.
Sophie is waiting by the door when they arrive within seconds of each other. “Auntie Wiz!” she yells, throwing her little arms around Lizzie’s legs.
“Hey, Sophie-cat,” Lizzie says, scooping her up after putting her things on the floor. “I am so excited to see you!” Lizzie says, twirling around with her favorite–well, only niece. This is the absolute best medicine in the world. “Where is everyone?”
Sophie points to the kitchen. “Hi Grandpa!” she says, acknowledging Peter whose entrance was ignored during the twirling.
“Hi, my girl,” he says, giving Sophie a kiss.
They all head into the kitchen, where Gabby has put together an amazing spread. There is a huge casserole with homemade mac and cheese, which Lizzie immediately knows is vegan, salad, fruit, whole grain bread, it looks delicious and much needed on this cold night.
“Mom, thank you so much,” Lizzie says, walking casually over to Jack, who’s also just arrived. She gives him a quick kiss. “You doing alright?”
He nods,and Lizzie notes how tired he looks. “I’m okay, talked with the lawyers a few times.” Everyone except Sophie has stopped talking. Her brother and sister-in-law have paused in the middle of filling their plates.
“How’s it looking, bro?” Matt asks, looking worried.
Jack shrugs. “It’s hard to say, these guys come lawyered up, and since they don’t always play by the rules, it’s hard to know what they might try to do, but I feel good about the team we have. They’re all really good, really experienced, as one might expect from the caliber of investors we have. So for the moment I’m going to try to forget about it, and enjoy this wonderful meal and being with all of you. We have three weeks until the first court date, so we shall see.”
Lizzie knows him well enough to know he can’t forget about it, but she’s going to do her best to make sure they both relax and have some fun tonight, despite how she feels.
“Okay, everybody take a bit of everything and enjoy!” Gabby commands.
“Thank you, Gabby, this is incredible as usual, every working mom should have someone like you in their life,” Shannon says, giving her a squeeze.
“I’m very happy to be retired and have the time to do it, it makes me so happy to have all of you here,” Gabby says.
There’s a fire crackling in the living room and they decide to be very casual, skip the table and all sit on the floor, pillows and couch in the living room by the fire.
Sophie, done eating in quick order, is entertaining them all with a dance she created that afternoon when Shannon had let her play with her phone while she was wrapping up her work day. She settled on the song Shining Star by Earth, Wind and Fire, and has created quite the dance number full of kicks and twirls. It is just the distraction and fun they all need right about now.
When she’s done, she’s celebrated with applause from everyone, and dessert–ice cream sundaes. Made of course with frozen almond milk.
While they’re finishing up their dessert, Lizzie’s phone rings. She kicks herself for not having turned it off, but when she sees it’s Eric she immediately answers it.
“Hey, Eric, what’s up?” she asks, curious.
“I’m sorry to bother you at night, but I wanted to tell you I’m getting a flight to Florida in the morning. I have a source there who’s willing to talk to me, but only in person,” he says.
“Wow, you sure work fast,” Lizzie says, motioning to her dad to follow her to the kitchen. “We will reimburse you all your costs, I can Venmo you some cash now for any expenses, we’re happy to do that.” Peter looks confused. “It’s Eric, Dad, he’s going to Florida to meet with a source. Sorry, Eric, I was getting my dad and co-editor up to speed.”
“Got it, I’m fine, I already got the ticket, and will text you if I end up needing anything, thanks. I’ve got a good feeling about this, I think it’s worth the trouble of going down there. This could really be something,” he says.
Lizzie nods, “Okay, well, we trust you, keep us in the loop, and safe travels,” Lizzie says.
“Will do. I’ll be in touch,” he says.
Lizzie puts her phone back in her pocket. “He seems to think this source is worth going to Florida for, and that this could be big.”
“Let’s hope he’s right,” says Peter. “For Jack’s sake, and for Cranberry Harbor.”