When It RainsIt Pours
After the weekend in Bloomington, Jack and Ellie fell into a comfortable routine. Jack spent a few hours in the mornings at the dock while Ellie caught up on her reading. Most afternoons, they could be found on the water, catching fish, and dreaming of what their life might be like once they were married.
“And I’d like two children,” said Ellie as she looked out over the water. “A girl and a boy. That way, we’d each have a best friend.”
“But I already have a best friend,” he said affectionately.
Ellie gave him that look. “You know what I mean.”
When the sun went down, they drifted near the bluff, taking in the sunset.
“The sky is beautiful this evening.” Ellie leaned back and stared into the heavens. “It’s evenings like this that make me never want to leave this place.”
“Then don’t,” said Jack. “We can stay here forever, just you and me. We’ve both made enough money already to last us the rest of our lives if we manage it properly. And between my house and Clara’s we’ve got enough space.”
“As tempting as that sounds, I’ve worked too hard and come too far to quit now. Besides, I’d be lost without my work, and so would you.”
“You’re probably right,” he said, turning wistful. And it was at that moment that Jack felt a sense of déjà vu, wondering if this go around with Ellie would end in the same way it had before, with her leaving, and him being heartbroken.
* * *
During supper, Dr. Clement called and asked to speak to Ellie. While she talked, Jack cleared the table and washed the dishes, then grabbed a beer and headed for the porch. It was a warm and muggy night, but the sky was clear and full of stars. He hadn’t much more than sat down when Ellie appeared, looking like the cat that ate the canary.
“Good news?”
“They want me in Houston on Friday for my final interview.”
Jack’s heart sank. “So soon? But we just got settled.”
“I know, but they’re eager to make a decision.” She moved to the edge of the porch and leaned against the rail.
Jack rocked back and forth, contemplating how this scenario might play out.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing, it’s just… everything is moving so fast.”
“I know, but it’s exciting, isn’t it?”
“Maybe for you.” Jack paused and considered his next words carefully. “Look, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Trey and Zora, but if I’m being honest, I’m not thrilled at the idea of you moving to Houston. I mean, we just got back together, and you’re already talking about moving a thousand miles away.”
Ellie took a step back. “Oh.” She looked as if his words were a revelation to her. “I guess I never really asked how you felt about it, did I?” She came over and sat in the empty rocker. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve been on my own for so long that I’ve gotten used to making decisions on my own.”
“I understand,” said Jack. “And I’m not trying to rain on your parade, but I’m worried what this will mean for us if you take this job. Not only that, but are you seriously considering giving up teaching? And what about Zora and Amelia? Can you really leave them behind?”
Ellie stared at the porch, playing absently with her necklace. “I don’t know,” she finally said. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d make it this far, so I guess I haven’t considered all the ramifications.” She was silent a moment before going on. “But if the stars do align, and I’m offered the job, what would you think about coming with me?”
Jack tried to process the idea, but the prospects of leaving his home, of moving halfway across the country, were daunting. “I don’t know,” he answered truthfully. “It’s a lot to think about.”
“But you will think about it, won’t you?”
He looked at her and forced a smile. “For you, I will.”
* * *
While Ellie was in Texas, Jack kept busy at the dock. Now at the peak of the fishing season, both he and Matthew had their hands full, which was a welcomed relief for Jack. From eight to four, he led excursions all over the lake, some as far away as Walters Bridge, and each time he passed Parrott Island, he’d smile and think of Ellie. In the evenings, when the workday was through, Jack did some fishing of his own. But most of the time, he just sat and stared at the water, searching for guidance, and counting down the hours until she was by his side once more.
On Tuesday, after work, Jack dropped by his mama’s place to check in on her and have supper. Stepping into the kitchen, Jack found a knife and cutting board and went about peeling and chopping potatoes and onions.”
