Pop: Chapter 17a

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    "How was last night?"

    "Ugh, morning Addie.  Last night was horrible.  I never want to drag a two hundred plus pound nan through a house again.  Especially when I have to strip him afterwards."

    "What?!"

    "Only down to his boxers.  I swear.  He's even hairier than his brother.  I set the alarm to wake me every ninety minutes, with the phone or the computer recording him after the first check in.  Nothing happened.  He slept fairly well.  I, however, didn't.  Also, my phone needs to charge soon.  I'm only down to 60%, but I think I'll need it fully loaded for later.  Why are you calling so early?  It's not even six yet.  Five your time."

    "We changed to an earlier flight.  Those storms that were trying to form last night?  They've developed into supercells.  Looks like they'll become a derecho soon.  It'll just miss here, but I thought it would be better to change flights anyway.  We'll have a brief layover in Nashville now, but we should be in Lexington by five."

    "That's a little close, but that'll still be an hour or so to rest up."

    "Maybe.  Maybe not."

    "What gives?"

    "Those storms look like they'll be hitting Lexington sometime between seven and eight.  You should see if you can get the center and caterers to move up the time, to say six or so?"  

    "No problem.  I'll call as soon as they open.  No, I'll leave a message.  That way they can start changing plans as soon as they can."

    "Good.  I don't think these storms will be too bad, but it's better to be prepared."

    "You're the meteorologist.  See you this evening.  I'll call if there are any problems."

    "Please do.  And I'll remember the next time you complain about carrying my bags."

    "Hey, your shopping is nothing compared to Jim.  He was trying to slip from my grasp.  I bench and deadlift way more weight than him."

    "Nothing my big, strong, future husband can't handle.  I better go now.  They are getting ready to call my flight, and I need to get my family lined up.  Bye."

    "Bye.  Love you."

    "Love you, too."

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    "No.  NO!  That's not what I saw!"  Sam stammered.

    "It's what happened," I say as I stand up.  

    "You only saw the first part, before I called Addie," I turn to look at her.  "She was there on the phone with me.  I can show you the video I shot to make sure Jim didn't have any problems.  I guess you told your family about some of what went down last night?"

    "Well, I didn't include the kissing, but I did mention that you had a guest stay over and that he got a little drunk.  They aren't completely surprised about what we just discussed."

    I turn to look over at the Fairbanks.  Although they were surprised, none of them had gotten up yet of spoke.

    "Get off me!"

    I turn back around and see that Jim has pushed his brother away and finally gotten back on his feet.

    "You!" Jim shouts and points at Sam.  "How could you do this to me and your own brother?  How!  I have never cheated on my wife ever, and in one brief moment, you ruin both of our lives! I've got to find her and straighten things out.  I'll be back for you."

    Jim runs from the room, yelling his wife's name.