* * *
"Hi Pop!" Maddy called out brightly as she entered the house from
the garage. He was watching his beloved Phillies on television, with as
much enthusiasm and excitement as if they were actually fighting for a
shot at the World Series. Unfortunately, in spite of all of the hopeful
springtime predictions, they'd let him down again this season. Such was
the fate of a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan.
"Hiya, Maddy, baby how are ya?" Her dad got up to give her a hug
and a kiss as she approached him, duffle bag still slung over her shoulder.
"I'm great Dad, how are you? How was work today?"
"Not bad, not bad at all! You know, saved a few lives; nothing
special!" They both laughed. "How's Ken doing?" Joseph asked.
"He's fine; really taking his injury in stride. He's determined to be
back at work in a day or so. I made him promise to wait and see what the
doctor says; no reason to push it." Maddy put her bag on the floor and sat
next to her Dad on the couch, just as a Tastykake commercial came on.
"What's the score?" She asked.
"Bah! They had a 5-0 lead at one point and they blew it. The Mets are
up 8-5." He sounded completely disgusted.
"Oh I'm sorry, Pop," she consoled him, patting him on the shoulder.
"Ah, what are you gonna do? It's only the 7th inning, so they still have
some time to come back." Then switching gears, Joseph remarked, "You
know, Maddy that Ken is really a special guy. I enjoyed flying with him
last night. He's such a decent, respectful young man. I was really
impressed with him." Relief washed over her.
"You really think so, Dad?" she pursued.
"Absolutely! And I can tell how much he likes you, but of course,
why wouldn't he feel that way about my beautiful daughter?" Joseph
squeezed her shoulder and gave her a peck on the temple, prompting her
to crack up.
"You have to say that because you're my dad!" she teased him.
"No, I'd have to love you as your father, but I wouldn't have to tell
you you're beautiful if that weren't true. But in your case, it definitely is!"
"Well thanks for being president of my fan club," Maddy responded,
kissing his cheek. As she stood up again, she asked, "Where's Louie?"
"Oh, he's out in the pool, getting in his last kicks before we close it
for the winter. They're coming tomorrow to cover it."
Maddy's heart sank; she hated this time of year, knowing a long, cold
season lay just ahead. And as much as she loved the ocean, the pool was
her favorite place to swim-no seaweed or jellyfish, and you could
actually see your feet in the clear, blue water.
"Isn't it a little chilly?" She'd noticed when she'd gotten out of the car
that the air felt a lot cooler than it had in New Jersey.
"Yeah, I turned the heater on for him earlier," Joseph explained.
"Actually, it's about time he came out anyway. It's getting late and he has
to work tomorrow."
"I'll go tell him," Maddy offered, walking into the adjoining family
room, and then slipping through the sliding glass door and onto the
enclosed porch. She smiled as she caught sight of Louis through the
window, steadily backstroking towards the deep end of the illuminated,
Roman-style pool. He was truly amazing. She remembered when they
were kids of about 12 and 19, respectively. They would challenge each
other to see who could swim the fastest under water up and back, without
coming up for air.
And though she was an excellent swimmer, Maddy could never quite
beat her older, "special" brother, who seemed to have invincible lungs.
Ever the champion, he was always good-natured about his victory,
assuring her she'd do better the next time.
Maddy opened the screen door and called out to him, once he'd
stopped. He was now holding onto the diving board, just kind of
surveying the scene. His face lit up when he saw his sister.
"Hi Mads!" He waved as he called her name.
"Dad wants you to come in now. It's getting cold and you have to
work tomorrow."
"Ok, I be in in a minute," he promised. As she turned to go back
inside, she heard his voice again. "How's Ken?"
"He's doing much better, thanks," Maddy assured him.
"He's a nice guy, Mads. I really like him," Louie offered.
"Good to hear!" She always trusted in Louis' ability to read people.
"He likes you a lot, too, Louie. He told me he wants a rematch at the
arcade." Louis laughed out loud. Then he asked, "Maybe this weekend?"
"That's a possibility. We'll see," Maddy promised. Although she
intended to head back to the Jersey Shore, she wasn't certain how it would
all pan out with her family. If Louis didn't have to work this weekend, it
might actually help her. She had no problem bringing him along and was
positive Ken wouldn't mind, either. It might actually be fun.
Maddy heard the phone ringing as she entered the kitchen. She
answered it to hear a familiar and welcome voice.
"Hey!" Ken greeted her playfully. "You were supposed to call me
when you got in young lady!"
"Sorry Kenny, I just walked in the door and got distracted by my
father and brother. I was just about to pick up the phone."
"How was the ride home?"
"Pretty good; not too much traffic."
"I miss you already, baby. Actually, I missed you as soon as you
walked out the door."
"Aw, well I miss you, too. Wish I didn't have to come back. How's
your leg?"
"It's fine," he replied dismissively, though if truth be told, he was
definitely in some pain. "Hey! The sauce was great sweetheart, thank
you!"
"Really? Don't just say that to make me feel good!"
The sound of her laughter prompted longings within him.
"No, I'm telling ya the truth; it was delicious. You can ask Kathy, I ate
almost a pound of pasta myself. She loved it, too."
"She's really nice, Ken. I like her a lot."
"Yeah? What did you two talk about while I was crashed out on the
couch?" Maddy hesitated for a second, before deciding this was not the
moment to broach the subject of Roseanne. Besides, Mom and Lori
would be walking through the front door any minute.
"Nothing much-growing up in South Philly, food, recipes, Catholic
schooling-the usual stuff." He cracked up. "Oh, and I think she did
mention a thing or two about your greatness." Her tone was teasing.
"Oh, come on!"
"No, really, she truly loves you like a son, Ken. It's a wonderful thing
to see."
"Yeah, she is a nice lady," he agreed. "And she takes good care of my
place." Then, with another thought, he asked, "So do think you can you
come back down this weekend, sweetheart?"
"Absolutely!" She spoke with confidence, though she wondered if her
plans would prompt another disagreement with her mom. It was so rare
that they argued over anything; Maddy hated it. But this was one instance
where she was prepared to do respectful battle, if need be. After two
hurtful years with Jake, she deserved some happiness.
"I may have to bring Louis with me, though, if no one else can make
it," she explained. "I know it's silly, but-"
"I'd love to see Louis!" Ken exclaimed. Not only did he feel genuine
affection for Maddy's brother; he was willing to abide by any rules
necessary to see her beautiful face.
"Well, great! I know he feels the same way about you," she told him.
Just then she heard a key turn in the lock, followed by the chattering
voices of her mother and sister. As they made their way into the kitchen,
she smiled and waved at them. Cupping her hand over the mouthpiece,
she whispered, "It's Ken," in response to her mother's quizzical look.
"Hey, uh, Kenny, can I call you back in a little bit from my own line?
Mom and Lori just walked in."
"Look forward to it, sweetheart," he replied softly. "Give them my
best."
"I will," she murmured.
"Maddy?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"Ok, I'll talk to you soon, baby," she cooed, feeling suddenly nervous.