Well, it was the next day when I called RoseLee to find out how lunch went with Ron — I had a feeling that it went really well!
“Oh YES!” RoseLee breathed when I asked her if she enjoyed her luncheon with Ron. “Although I do feel terrible that you felt you had to duck out on us!”
I assured her quickly that she should not feel badly at all — I wanted her to have a good time with Ron and it appeared they picked up where they left off, so I felt like it was my duty to let them have privacy to get reacquainted.”Thank you for that! I wouldn’t have wanted you to feel like a third wheel either!”
I asked her if she had found out what Ron had been up to all these years.
“Well, we haven’t had time to get ALL of it.” She laughed. “But we’ve gotten caught up in the main.”
“So, Ok, give me the high spots..where did he go when he left town and what did he do?” I asked impatiently.
“He left to go to the Thomas England VA Hospital in New Jersey to be fitted with an artificial leg and for more physical therapy. He spent nearly about three months there before they closed the hospital, then he enrolled in Columbia University in New York to get his degree in Contemporary Civilization, then went to Haiti to work with the natives there for two years. He never married which I think is sad.” She paused for a moment to reflect on that fact.
“I guess the missing leg just made him too self conscious around women. Anyway, he’s been working at various jobs since he came back to the States. He’s here in town trying to help sell motorhome for his cousin Jim.” She told me.
“He’s been retired for about 8 years now — said he just couldn’t seem to stop working, but it was time. He lives in New Jersey but still comes back to Illinois from time to time to visit his cousin. They both like to fish, so go off on fishing trips together.”
“So are you going to see him again while he’s here?” I asked breathlessly.
She laughed and said “Of course! We have a date tonight as a matter of fact.” I could hear the delight in her voice at the thought of seeing him again.
“Have you made any future plans? Inquiring minds want to know.” I hinted.
“Nothing firm yet” was her response. “I have high hopes though.”
“Well be sure to call me and fill me in!” Came my snappy rejoinder. “I’m betting you guys do more than just spoon on the porch before too long.” I suggested.
“Maybe. But a lady never tells.” came her quick reply.
“I suppose I should let you get off the phone so you can go get all gussied up.”
“Yes” she replied “It takes me awhile to get it just right you know.” I laughed at that and said “Goodbye have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do which should leave you plenty of wiggle room!”
“Bye — talk to you tomorrow, but don’t call too early” She said saucily.
