Ron

CHAPTER ONE

The house was quiet there was no other person up, but Madeline Greenshaw and she had gotten up early to have some alone time. She wanted to reminisce over her old family picture album. She had been keeping it hidden out of sight for the last twenty two years, but today called for taking it out of its longtime hiding place at the top of the closet behind her old hat box.

She had to pull her old heavy wooden stool into the closet in order to reach it. Now she was sipping her cup of hot tea and looking through the pages that marked away many years of her life.

The very first page brought a little smile to her aging lips. Oh, so young we were way back then.

She and her late husband Taylor Greenshaw had married as soon as he had graduated from college. She was only seventeen then and he was twenty two. They waited five years before they started their family. They and their parents all wanted Taylor to be well established in his real estate business before they started to add any little ones to their household.

There I am smiling and laughing so big while Taylor took my picture. I must have been seven or eight months along by then. How time does fly.

The next picture was of three tiny babies wrapped snugly in their little blue blankets with their little stocking hats pulled down over their tiny sweet ears.

I remember Daddy taking that picture as if it were yesterday. No one ever expected us to have three babies maybe two, but never three.

Then she turned to the next page. Oh we had just gotten home from the hospital there. Taylor was beside himself. He must have given out five boxes of cigars. They, don’t do that anymore, so I just wonder what it is they do give out when babies are born? Madeline shook her head and wondered.

The next few pages were of the babies’ first Christmas and their second Christmas. Robert was always the leader and of course the other two were more than willing to follow their older brother. They almost pulled the Christmas tree over before poor Taylor got this picture made, as I remember. They all three had their tiny little sweet hands on it ready to pull it right over.

Then she turned a little farther into the old book. They sure were always handsome boys. By this time she was smiling ear to ear as she looked at the old picture of her three sons’ graduation picture from high school. Then it was on to their college pictures. Each picture held so many wonderful memories for her.

They were not boys anymore. They were fifty seven years old now. Three men, three fathers and there was still not one wife between the three of them. However today they were going to be giving away their three daughters in marriage. Yes their three beautiful daughters.

Madeline stopped there and closed her book. It was getting late. Before long the house would be buzzing with so many people. Everyone, of them will be wanting, something and everyone of them wanting it right now and most likely wanting it all from her.

Madeline took the time to put away the old picture album in her nightstand drawer. She did not want anyone to see it before the right time. Then there was a knock on her bedroom door.

Who is it? She asked.

It’s me Grandma, Pearl. I came to get you. Gladys has our breakfast ready and she said if we don’t get to the table soon she was going to eat it all herself.

Well in that case I will come right now. I know she doesn’t need to be eating another whole meal by herself.

Madeline closed the drawer to her nightstand and opened her bedroom door. Her granddaughter Pearl was already gone. She laughed to herself and thought about all the years she and Gladys had spent together in this old house raising her three granddaughters.

I’m on my way Gladys. Don’t start eating my breakfast. She called out as she came down the stairs.

All three of her granddaughters were already at the table ready for their grandmother to say grace. She had said it at this same table and in this same dining room for over twenty two years.

Grandmother you look tired. Didn’t you sleep well last night? Ruby asked.

Yes sweetheart I slept, but I woke up very early this morning. Madeline didn’t want to say why she awoke so early. She would just let them decide that for themselves.

Now Grandmother we are the ones getting married today and we are the ones who had reasons to wake up early not you.

That’s right Grandmother. You have nothing to worry about today, where on the other hand we have everything to worry about. Emerald was the oldest of the three and she acted as if she were the other two’s mother sometimes.

Grandmother we are the brides and all you have to do today is smile and be sweet just like you are always. Pearl said. She was the youngest of the three. They all stopped talking and started eating the meal, but the three girls mostly picked at their food. They were too excited about today to care anything about eating breakfast.

Now that you all have decided what I should and should not do today I guess it’s time for me to tell you three what you should be doing at this very minute. Madeline looked over at each of her granddaughters and wondered how the day was going to end.

What’s that Grandmother? Pearl asked.

You all three should be in your bathrooms right now getting yourselves a nice long warm bubble bath. The hair dressers will be here in one hour and you don’t have a minute to waste. Now, scat you hear me! Madeline just hoped her three granddaughters were feeling as happy later as they were feeling now.

After the girls had left the table Gladys came into the dining room with her cup of hot coffee and sat down in the chair nearest to Madeline.

Well today is the big day. She said in her country voice.

Yes it is Gladys. I hope it all goes well. Madeline took another sip of her tea.

Are your sons going to tell them the truth today? Gladys asked.

Madeline turned fast in her seat to look over at Gladys. What truth are you talking about Gladys? She asked.

Don’t give me that look. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I may be slow in some things, but not in all things. I figured it out years ago even before their mother died. Gladys had a sad look on her face from just remembering Georgia and knowing how much of her daughters’ lives she had missed.

You mean you have always known? Madeline asked. She could feel the pure life draining out of her.

Yes, but I never said anything to anyone because I knew there had to be a real good reason for all the secrecy. After all who would I tell, you? Gladys asked and then she took another sip of her coffee.

I guess you saw enough over the years to know. Madeline said while thinking how hard they had all worked at keeping this secret and then she wondered just how many other people had guessed their secret over the years. Well Gladys in about four hours all hell could be hitting the fan. All three of my sons are coming out early today so they can tell their daughters, the truth at last. Madeline had such a worried look on her face now. Gladys felt so sorry for them all.

Yes, but you don’t need to worry about all of that right now. Gladys started to leave the table. I have a lot of work to do this morning before everything starts happening around here and you need to get yourself ready for the hair dresser. Gladys knew Madeline had spent almost a good third of her life helping her three sons with their three daughters and not one time had she ever heard her complain.

Oh, Gladys I wish you would change your mind and sit with me at the wedding. She had taken hold of Gladys’ hand so she would not leave the table yet.

Now Mrs. Greenshaw… . Gladys started to say, but Madeline interrupted her before she could finish what she was going to say.

Oh, I know I’m not going to like this. Every time you start with now Mrs. Greenshaw I know it’s something I will not want to hear.

Well you are going to hear it anyway. I don’t feel right sitting up front with all of those rich people. They will all know I’m just the housekeeper and not an invited guest. Over the years while working at the Greenshaw’s home Gladys had met very few of their friends, but she had heard them all talking to each other about the people they knew and she could tell by their conversation that they were not the average folks.

There you are wrong. Gladys you are an invited guest. It’s my granddaughters’ weddings and I want you there with me. Well anyway I hope you change your mind.

Madeline got up from the table and went back upstairs to her bedroom. She could do a little more reminiscing while waiting for the hairdresser to arrive, but after she got to her room she decided to just rest. It was going to be a very long day and at her age she would need the extra rest. She would have all the time in the world to reminisce after the girls were married and had moved out into their own homes with their new husbands.

She was so thankful that her three granddaughters and their future husbands had decided to give up the idea of a small church wedding and go to the next town over and get a nice large three aisle church for the occasion. With three brides and three grooms plus their families and friends the small church the girls had gone to all their lives would be way too small for today’s affair.

CHAPTER TWO

Back in New York City Madeline’s three sons was each in their own apartment waiting for the right time to go down stairs to meet even though they were in the same building and on the very same top floor.

With their father being in the real estate business all his adult life, the boys had followed in his footsteps, but each in a different way. Robert was a well sought after broker, Owen was a developer with so many big money making ideas and Nathan was a highly skilled architect. Together they owned and operated one of the largest real estate corporations in the country.

While still very young the boys had learned that most people could not tell them apart. Most meaning that only their mother was able to see the smallest differences between the three boys. Their own father stayed in a fog as to who was who until his death just before the three boys had graduated from college.

While still in high school they would often go to each others’ classes and no one ever noticed. They did this especially if one of them was having a test and that brother was not sure if he would be able to ace that examine. Then the brother that was the brightest in that class would go and take the test. They never felt as if they were cheating because all three were geniuses. They did it for entertainment and excitement, hoping that someday someone would question at least one of them about not being the person that they were claiming to be.

By the time they were in college they had worked out a flawless system. If one of the three men met someone who did not know that they were one of a set of triples they would just introduce them self as Ron. Then if this unsuspecting person should ever run into one of the other two brothers they would think they had met up with the same man that they had met earlier and they would call him Ron. The three brothers had decided on the name Ron simply because it was spelled by using the first letter of each of their names Robert, Owen and Nathan. That way if either brother ever ran into this person they would know right off to play the Ron game. They were all Ron and that is how this whole story came about.

Today all three men were getting dressed for their daughters’ weddings. Right at ten a.m. the limousine pulled up in front of their building to pick them up to take them on the two hour ride to their mother’s house in the country. They were all three dressed in their wedding day attire. They looked exactly alike.

They each took their seat in the back of the limousine. It wasn’t long before they were all three lost in their own thoughts. Robert was busy on his cell phone trying to close a last minute big deal that just could not wait even on this special day. While Owen just sat and read the morning newspaper. He had been doing this very same thing every morning for a number of years. Nathan had decided to just sit and enjoy the ride and all the sites as they passed by his window, but as he looked out over the freeway things didn’t look that great to him at all. The view was lacking something he thought, more of their developments maybe. It wasn’t long before the three men had stopped what they were doing and now each man was deep into his own thoughts about today and the event that would be taking place. No more cell phone calls, or newspaper and no more sightseeing. Just their thoughts of what laid ahead.

Today each man was going upstairs and into one of the three girls’ bedrooms and they were going to tell them such an unbelievable story that had started over twenty three years ago. None of the big deals that they had ever worked was as hard as the job that lay ahead of them today.

Each man had already chosen the daughter he would tell his own story too. It had not been done by the drawing of straws, but by love and compassion. The brothers would each tell his story to one daughter and hope that she would find away to love and forgive them as their mother had done so long ago.

Robert would tell his story to Pearl. She was the youngest and so much like her mother that he could almost see Georgia every time he was with her. Owen would tell his story to Emerald. He saw something in her that always reminded him, of himself and Georgia a sweet mixture that he just could never get over. Nathan would tell his story to Ruby. She had her mother’s fire in her and that was something Nathan had always loved about Georgia. They each had picked the daughter that had been handed to them by the nurses at the hospital the day that the girls were born.

What these three men were about to do could end the relationship they had spent the last twenty two years building. They had to tell the secret that could end it all.

Are you two ready to do this? Robert asked his two brothers.

Yes I think we have put it off as long as we can and it has to be done and today is as good of a time as any. Owen said wishing it didn’t have to be told at all.

Well I just hope they don’t kill us. Remember their mother wanted to kill all three of us. Nathan said with a tiny little smile on his lips as he pictured Georgia in his mind.

All three men were still very handsome. Even though it had been over twenty years since they had played the old Ron game.

Do you still remember that morning Robert when you went jogging in the park? Nathan asked. We were still living together at the time. It was just before we each moved into our own place.

Yes the week before we move into our separate places as best as I can remember. Owen answered as he began to smile.

Yes, I do remember Nathan. Robert answered sadly.

We were considerably younger at the time. Owen answered. Yes, thirty four as I remember.

Thirty four we were still young. It was so many years ago, but it still seems like yesterday. Robert said. It’s funny how some things seems so long ago while others seem as if they just took place yesterday as if time has just stood still. Like my jog that morning. I remember jogging on my regular route that morning. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the park was already full of people. Not only runners, but people sitting on the grass reading and some were writing and some just having their breakfast. I guess I got off course just enough to get me off my path. By the time I realized it I was too far to the left and I had run right over her. Her breakfast and the book she was reading all went flying. She didn’t do anything except crawl around on the ground and look for all the little pieces of paper she had used for marking pages in her book. Then she said. I’m so sorry I ran into you while you were running. I will be a lot more careful next time." Robert could still see Georgia’s beautiful face.

Then she gave me the most beautiful smile. I had never seen one like it before in my life. I just stood there like a big fool. Then I said to her. My name is Ron. I’m the one who ran over you."

She then said in such a sweet voice, I know I felt it. My name is Georgiana Parker, but my friends have always just called me Georgia.

Nice meeting you Georgia now let me help you get your notes.

You don’t need to. They aren’t that important. She said as she picked up the last of the papers. See I have them all already.

Georgia, do you come out here often? I remembered asking.

No I just did today to get a little sun before I go to my job. I didn’t know I was going to be involved in a hit and run. Then she laughed.

We both laughed. She was laughing and joking about being run over by me, and she had every right to be upset, but she wasn’t upset at all. The brothers had told each other this same story hundreds of times over the years, but they never got tired of hearing it. The story had become their whole life line.

I remember asking her if she was alright. She just smiled and said.

Sure I have always dreamed about being hit by runners.

Then I told her I was sorry and then I left, but I could not get her smile out of my head. That day started out the same as all the others up to that time. Robert was a little happy and a little sad at the same time as he told his story while his two brothers waited to add their part.

Yes I remember what happened next. Owen answered he wanted to tell what she meant to him as well.

I’m sure you do. Nathan answered.

CHAPTER THREE

Hello Ron. She said.

At first I didn’t realize she was speaking to me. I had almost forgotten about our old game, but the second I realized that this beautiful petite girl was talking to me I quickly answered. Hello nice to see you again.

That always works. You knew that one of us must have met this person before for them to be recognizing you again. At least they thought it was you they recognized. That night at home I remember asking which one of you two was playing the old Ron game again. Neither one of you answered at first when I asked.

It wasn’t long before they were reliving the whole thing once again. They all three leaned back on the seat and had closed their eyes and soon they were each continuing to remember their wonderful and beautiful days with Georgia.

Why? Nathan then asked.

Today when I was in the elevator over on park a young lady spoke to me. They all remembered Owen saying all of that in their kitchen over twenty three years ago.

Hello Ron. She said in a sweet southern voice.

Now tell me which one of you has started the old game up again? Owen was surprised that one of his two brothers had started playing the old game after such a long time.

Me I guess. Robert answered. Then he told his brothers about the girl he had met in the park. But that has been weeks ago. I had all, but forgotten about her. He lied.

How could you have forgotten about a face like hers? Owen asked.

I don’t know because when she smiled I could feel my heart melting. Robert answered. He already had a love sick look on his face.

Who are you two talking about? Nathan asked again.

A young lady Robert has been playing the Ron game with. Owen answered as he took his place at the table.

Yes Robert big brother, tell me more about this young lady.

Yes Robert, do tell us all about it. After all we are going to be playing too aren’t we? Nathan asked.

That’s all there is to tell. I haven’t seen her since and as large as this city is I may never see her again. Robert wished at the time there was more he could tell his two brothers.

That was all there was to say about the girl name Georgia. That was until weeks later when Nathan got the same, Hello Ron. But unlike Owen he knew her name and they were alone.

Hello Georgia have you been back to the park lately? Nathan asked hoping that would break the ice and they could start some kind of relationship.

No not since you ran over me there. Then Georgia gave Nathan that smile and just like Robert had said it melted his heart too.

Georgia what are you doing here in this building do you work here in one of the offices? He wanted to learn as much as he could about this beautiful girl.

No I’m just here delivering some papers for my boss to one of the law offices on the thirty fourth, floor. She had a big envelope stuck under her arm. She was standing right next to him and he could see their refection in the mirrored doors of the elevator. Georgia was a good foot or more, shorter than Nathan.

Georgia would you like to get a bite to eat after you deliver those papers? He so badly wanted to get some time alone with her so he could get to know her.

She didn’t answer right off. Nathan guessed she was thinking it over first before answering.

Ron I don’t think I will have time to eat. My boss will be expecting me back with these same papers, but signed. I would love to have lunch with you, but I need my job really bad. So I will pass on it, but thank you for asking me anyway. Then she gave him that big smile again.

Before Nathan had time to say anything else the doors to the elevator opened and Georgia stepped out and then the doors closed. She was gone. He had missed his chance. That night back at his apartment Nathan, decided not to tell his two brothers about seeing Georgia that day in the elevator. He didn’t want to share his meeting with her with them. All he wanted was to find a way he could meet up with her again. He decided to go back to that building and to the thirty fourth, floor where Georgia had to deliver the papers. It was already Friday and if he didn’t go today he would have to wait until Monday.

He remembered she had said to a Law office. He would just go into every law office on that floor and ask them if they had any papers delivered yesterday for their boss to sign by a beautiful young lady by the name of Georgia. He would even describe her to them if necessary and he would also tell them she had to wait for their boss to sign the papers before she could leave.

Nathan hurried over to the same building and up to the thirty fourth; floor to find Georgia, but it was not going to be easy. The whole floor was nothing but law offices. He had stopped at, at least half of them before he got lucky.

Yes Georgia comes in here several times a week. Her boss is too cheap to use a courier service. He just let’s her walk all that way rain or shine with all of those papers. The girl behind the counter at the law office answered. Then she quickly asked, What do you need Georgia for?

I was going to ask her out to lunch. Nathan answered. He hoped the girl at the law office didn’t think he was intending to kidnap Georgia or anything of that nature.

Well you are lucky, because Georgia will be back here today before lunch. Do you want to wait here or down stairs? You may not want her to know how you found her. The girl said.

Thank you, you are right I don’t want her to know. Nathan hurried back to the elevator and down to the lobby to wait. He had decided to wait and talk with Georgia after she had delivered the papers to the law office and was on her way back to her job before he stopped her.

Right on time Georgia was there with another envelope full of papers to be signed. Nathan just let her walk by. He would be waiting when she stepped out of the elevator on her way out of the building. He had to wait twenty minutes, but he thought it to be well worth the wait.

Just as soon as the door of the elevator opened she stepped out. This was his chance and he was not going to let it just pass.

Georgia, I’m so surprised to see you here again. Do you come here very often? He was watching her every move.

Yes, I do five or ten times a week and sometime even more. Georgia answered.

You must work nearby to be making so many trips to this building each week.

No I work in a little place about two miles from here. It’s just my boss is cheap and he keeps saying he pays my salary and I need to earn it and he is right. Then she laughed.

He must be a real charmer. Nathan was looking very close at this beautiful girl. He could not see one flaw on her face. She looked as perfect as anyone could possibly look.

Yes he must be. Georgia said with a smile. What brings you here Ron? She asked him.

Business of course, Nathan quickly answered.

Oh, was her only comment. Then he asked, Georgia would you like to get that lunch today? He was just looking for any reason to be with her a while longer.

If it’s a hot dog from the street, she answered. That’s all I have time for I’m sorry. Georgia had always wanted one of those hot dogs. They always smelled so good when she passed the carts each day where they were being sold.

Alright a hot dog from the street is what we will have. Nathan had gotten this far and he still wanted more. Georgia was so wholesome and sweet, something you didn’t find every day in New York City. That appealed to Nathan a lot. Now he wished he was not playing the Ron game at all, but it was too late now.

Georgia may I call you sometimes? Nathan was as nervous as a school boy.

Yes, but you will have to do it at my job. I don’t have a telephone at my place. Georgia gave Nathan her number at work, but she told him not to call too early her boss always has her doing business the first thing every morning.

Alright then I will wait until the afternoon to call. He had written her number in his little address book and stuck it back into his pocket.

They ate their hot dogs and then Georgia was gone. He stood and watched as she walked away. Nathan was keeping a secret from his brothers for the first time in his life.

CHAPTER FOUR

Robert still had Georgia very much on his mind. He would lie in bed at night and think about her and wonder where she was and if she was alright. He knew so little about her yet he was already in love with her.

He had not seen her again since the morning in the park, even though he jogged there every morning without fail. She was never there again.

He was about to give up hope of ever seeing her again when he spotted her on the street carrying an envelope under her arm.

Georgia. He called out.

She stopped and turned around immediately. Ron I’m surprised to see you here today. She was dressed in a little white cotton blouse and a cute short dark blue skirt and she was wearing sandals. Nothing at all like anything the women would wear that either of the brothers had dated. It would all have been too cheap for any of them, but Georgia looked beautiful in it all.

It’s good to see you Georgia. Where are you off to so fast? Robert was gazing at her. She had such a perfect tan and it made her teeth look so white.

"I’m just delivering some more papers for my boss. That’s all I seem to ever do. I guess that’s why I don’t need to jog. I get all the exercise I need from walking here and then back to my job."

Well Georgia it must be working because you are a very fine looking woman. Robert was still looking her over. He just could not help himself.

Now you sound just like my boss.

Robert did not like the sound of that at all. He and his brothers would never say such a thing to any of their employees because they would never want them to ever think there could be anything other than business between them.

Ron I hate to run, but I’ve got to go. I don’t want to lose my job. Call me. She said as she started to leave.

What’s your number? He asked.

555-6464, Remember. Georgia answered and then she walked away.

Robert just stood there watching her go. He would call her as soon as he got back to his office. He had found Georgia and for the first time in awhile he was truly happy. He decided right then not to say anything about seeing her to his two brothers. Now he had a secret too.

That afternoon, Robert called Georgia’s office. She answered the phone. Clayton Real Estate can I help you?

Georgia is that you? Robert asked.

Yes it’s me. She answered. Is this Ron? She asked.

Robert almost said no it’s Robert, but he caught himself just in time. Georgia would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?

Tonight? She asked. She had never been asked out on a real date before in her life. This would be her first that is if she wanted to consider it as a date.

Yes tonight. He waited it seem like forever for her answer.

Ron I don’t know. I’m not dressed for going out. She was worried about her old clothes and she had seen Ron enough to know that all of his clothes cost a lot of money.

You looked just great to me this afternoon. Robert had heard the doubt in her voice. Maybe she was not dressed in designer clothes, but she looked better in her old clothes than any of the other women did in their designer clothes that Robert had dated in the past and besides Robert was looking way beyond Georgia’s clothes. Georgia was more than just beautiful on the outside Robert could already see that she was beautiful on the inside too.

It was Monday and Nathan had to go out of town and he had not had time to call Georgia before leaving there three days ago, but he had decided he would call her the minute he returned home.

Robert looked up Clayton Real Estate in the phone book and got the address. Right at six o’clock he was waiting outside of the little office. Georgia came out just ahead of her boss who locked the door as soon as he had closed it.

Georgia, are you ready? Robert asked.

Yes, I’m as ready as I can be. Where are we going? She was so happy about going out with this handsome man.

I thought we would go to a little Italian place about five blocks from here. Robert could not wait to get her alone.

Which way do we go from here Ron? She asked him.

We go to the left, why? Robert asked.

I was just wondering if it was going farther away from my place of closer. Georgia had her pocketbook hanging on her arm and it hit her in the side with each step she took.

Does it really matter? Robert asked.

I guess not. I was just thinking if it would be a longer walk home for me or a shorter walk that’s all.

What do you mean a longer walk home? Robert asked. He wondered if he had missed something she may have said.

I mean if we go one way it’s five blocks closer to the place where I live, but if we go the other way it’s five blocks farther away from my place.

Georgia I have my car so we won’t be walking either way. He just gave her a smile.

That surprised her. She had not been in a car in some time. Not since she had gotten to the city and she had ridden the bus there then. Now she walked every where she went. Not because she just loved to walk so much, but because that was her only way of getting anywhere. The rent on her little apartment took most of her money so she didn’t go anywhere or do anything that cost money, except to wash and dry her clothes.

Robert led Georgia to his car. It was nicer than any car she had ever been in before in her young life. Her family had not had much. She had been raised by her mother’s sister who didn’t want her in the first place and she was glad to see her go. Georgia did not know where her daddy or mama where. Her aunt told her often enough that her mama was wild and no good and that her mama had no idea who had fathered her.

As soon as Georgia had graduated from high school she left town with only a few pieces of clothes in an old worn out suitcase she had gotten from a thrift store. She wore her only pair of shoes. Her uncle gave her fifty dollars and told her not to say anything to her aunt about it. He was a quiet man. He had not been real good to her either but he had been a lot better to her than her own aunt.

Georgia had worked ironing clothes at several peoples’ houses every since she was old enough to do the job and she had saved every cent she made. She had enough saved by the time she graduated to leave her old home and go to New York City. She never wanted to see that little town again. Nor did she ever want to see her aunt or her uncle again.

Georgia, do you like Italian food? I’m sorry but I had forgotten to ask you if you did earlier. Robert had already turned his car in the direction of the restaurant.

I don’t know Ron I haven’t ever had any before. Georgia answered.

Robert thought she was just kidding, but she was dead serious. He could tell that by the look on her face.

Tell me how anyone your age has gone this long without having tried Italian food? He asked.

I guess Ron you can do that if you live in a small town that did not have any restaurants of any kind in it and if you didn’t have money to go to any restaurants even if there were any.

Robert didn’t know what to say. Then do you want to give it a try tonight with me? He asked.

Sure, I may just love it and I may want it every day from now on. Georgia said with a smile.

They had a wonderful time together. Georgia was not like any of the women Robert had ever dated. She was real. When she said she liked something she really did like it. They didn’t stay out late. Georgia was tired Robert could tell and she still had several more hard days ahead of her before she had her day off.

Robert drove Georgia home. Home was a tiny studio apartment on the third floor of her building, but Robert didn’t go in he just saw her to her door. He didn’t even kiss her good night even though he had wanted to. He felt it would not have been the right thing to do even though she had not said anything. He still knew she would not have liked him to try that on their first date. That was something he could just tell. Again he kept all of that to himself. He just didn’t want to share Georgia with anyone not even his two brothers. No matter how much they loved each other no man wants to share his woman; not even with his own two brothers.

Nathan ended up staying out of town much longer than he had expected. It would be Monday before he would get back home. By Nathan’s being away it was only giving his two brothers more time with Georgia, but he nor did either one of his two brothers know this at the time.

A couple of days later Owen was in the same elevator Nathan had been in when he saw Georgia. That’s when he heard a soft voice say, Ron I like Italian now. He just turned around and looked down and there she was standing right behind him. She was even prettier than either brother had said. She had light brown long hair with hazel eyes, but she was tiny. Maybe short described her better because she had a very sexy body he could tell.

Hello Georgia. Was all he had needed to say. He didn’t understand her remark about liking Italian food. He just didn’t understand unless he thought maybe she was giving him a little hint. At the end that was what he decided it was.

So you like Italian food now. Would you like some Italian food tonight? Owen liked this girl a lot. She said what she wanted and she didn’t beat around the bush about it. Why hadn’t he met her before now? It sure would have saved him from having to lie to his brothers and this girl. He would have never thought to have told her his name was Ron if he had met her first. It had been too long ago that he and his brothers had played that game. No not since their college days, but since he had not met her first at least he was getting to play the game with her. However was it a game anymore that they were all playing now?

The elevator was getting fuller pushing the people who got into the elevator first to the back, but Georgia managed to squeeze around all the people until she was at his side once again.

I can’t tonight, but maybe tomorrow night. Georgia was holding the envelope close to her body. There was no room to spare in the elevator.

Where are you going? Owen asked.

To get these papers signed where else? She quickly answered as she held up the envelope for him to see.

Most of the people had gotten off the elevator before it had reached the thirty fourth floor. Georgia, do you want me to call you later and set up a time? Owen whispered to her not wanting any of the remaining people to hear what they were saying to each other.

Yes, that will be fine remember, 555-6464. Just then the door opened and she was gone.

So 555-6464 is your number. Owen decided he would call that number as soon as he got back to his office to see if it was her home number or her work number.

After getting back to his office he closed his door and made his call. Georgia’s boss answered. Clayton Real Estate, my girl is out if you are calling for her, but if you need me—

Owen didn’t say anything at first, but he found the way Georgia’s boss answered the phone quite amusing. I’m sorry I must have dialed a wrong number. Then he hung up. So it’s your work number. He would call again to make plains for their date.

Nathan was still out of town. It didn’t seem as if he would ever get back home anytime soon. He was very much involved in the big deal he was working.

Robert was in his office on the next floor up from Owen. He was having a very hard time focusing on his business. His mind kept wondering to Georgia. He wanted to get to know her a lot better, but how? He decided to send her flowers to her apartment, but not roses. They didn’t seem to be the flower Georgia would like. Georgia would like daisies. That was what he would send her. Not just a few but a lot of daisies.

Down on the next floor Owen had just finished getting the address to Georgia’s place of employment. He needed it so he could pick her up after work tomorrow night for their date. Then he remembered he did not have his car it was in the shop and it would be there three or four days. It had been cutting off on him so in the shop it went.

I’ll just call Robert and get his car for tomorrow night, but I won’t tell him why I need it. He will just suspect I have a date with one of the women I go out with occasionally.

Owen reached over and picked up his phone and called Robert’s office. Robert, Owen here. I need to borrow your car tomorrow night if you aren’t planning to use it. My car is in the shop and it will be there three or four more days.

Robert had just hung the phone from ordering Georgia’s flowers. He wanted them to be delivered Friday so she would have them at home with her over the weekend.

Sure I’m not going out tonight or tomorrow night. Robert was glad to help his brother to go on a date that would keep him from seeking out Georgia he thought.

Owen called Georgia’s office again after lunch. This time she answered the phone. Georgia, it’s Ron what time and where do you want me to pick you up tomorrow night for our date. He was getting right to the point he did not want to keep her on the phone very long talking while her boss was right there and could very well be listening to every word of their conversation.

Ron, why don’t you pick me up here after work again? Georgia answered.

Owen wasn’t sure if she had said again to him or to her boss who kept interrupting her call by saying something about her going to deliver some more papers. Has not this man ever heard of the mail system Owen, wondered?

Georgia I will pick you up at your job, what time? Owen asked.

Around six o’clock. Georgia answered. I may be running a little late, but not much. Mr. Clayton likes to get everything finished every day before we leave to go home at night.

Alright Georgia I will be waiting. Owen said just before he hung up his phone.

CHAPTER FIVE

It was Wednesday and the three men always had dinner with their mother in her apartment on Wednesday night without fail. If not all three at least one would always be there, but most of the time all three would be there to eat. They loved their mother. She had moved from the home she had shared with her late husband Taylor the boys’ father after they had graduated from college and had their business going well enough that they had purchased the entire building they all lived in now.

Their mother lived only a couple of floors down from them. Right at eight o’clock Robert, Owen and their mother sat down at their family dining room table to have their Wednesday night meal.

So Nathan is still out of town? When do you two expect him back? Madeline asked.

Mother we are not sure, but if he is there drawing up blue prints and they are what those investors want he could be back home by the weekend or early Monday. Robert took another sip of water.

That would be good. Mrs. Greenshaw did not like it when one of her sons was gone for very long.

Owen what have you been up to this week? Owen had been sitting at the table without saying anything so far. He was trying to play it safe.

Well Mother just doing my job. He answered.

So neither one of you three, have got yourselves a woman yet? She had said it at last. Now the two brothers knew they needed to give their Mother some answers that would satisfy her for this Wednesday.

No I guess neither one of us has yet. Robert answered.

I just don’t know what to say. Your father and I had you three boys before I was twenty two years old and here you three are thirty four years old and not even one of you has a steady girl. What’s the matter with you all? Madeline was still sitting at the table just eyeing her sons.

Nothing we just haven’t found the right woman that we felt you would want us to bring home to you and for us to spend the rest of our life with. Owen said making it sound as if he and his two brothers were just thinking of her and what she would want in a daughter-in-law.

Oh now we are trying to kiss up are we? It won’t work. Try something else like getting yourselves a woman. I want some grandchildren and that still takes a woman as I remember. Mrs. Greenshaw was getting feed up with all of their petty little excuses. She was ready to start playing hard ball.

Yes Mother we all three will run right out and get the first woman we see and tell her our Mother wants grandchildren so lay down and fulfill our Mother’s needs.

Owen you are crazy just like your father. I should get my stick to all three of you boys. Maybe then you would get serious and find me some daughters-in-law. Then you would give me those grandchildren. Madeline was very serious.

Mother maybe you should find something else to occupy your time instead of just thinking about having grandchildren all the time. Robert said as he pulled his mother’s chair out from the table.

What else does a woman my age think about? She asked.

I wouldn’t know Mother, but I would think you are still young enough that you could have a man on your mind sometimes.

Owen Greenshaw what other crazy things are going to be coming out of your mouth tonight?

Mother, that’s not as crazy as it may sound. After all you are only fifty six years old and still quite a looker. Owen smiled over at his brother.

I’m sure there must be some old geezer out there who would want to try it with you. Robert said while laughing.

Now I have two crazy sons. Robert you wash your mouth out with soap before you go to bed tonight do you hear me?

Mother maybe Nathan can find you a daughter-in-law and then he can get busy getting you all the grandchildren you could ever want. Owen said as the two men left their mother’s apartment.

It looks like we need to start reproducing. Owen said.

You go first. Robert answered.

The next night could not come fast enough for Owen. He had a date with Georgia. Owen dressed particularly well that morning. He wanted to look his very best for his first date with Georgia.

Georgia dressed in her best outfit that morning before going off to work. She wanted her second date with Ron to go better than the first and she thought it was fabulous. She didn’t know how any date could be any better, but she was going to find out.

She put on the dress she wore the day she graduated from high school last June. It was a little light blue dress with a very full skirt. Georgia had made it herself with the help of one of her teachers from school.

Oh you must have another date with that young man that came here the other night. Thomas said as soon as she got into the office.

Yes Mr. Clayton I sure do and I hope I don’t get my dress all messed up today. I really want to look nice for my second date with him.

Georgia was already sorting through a stack of papers for Mr. Clayton. She knew she would have at least one trip to make that day and it was already getting very hot.

You need to get yourself some more clothes if you’re planning to hook yourself a man. You need grown up clothes. Now I’m not saying what you have on isn’t nice for a young girl, but you need grown up clothes. You know clothes that would show off your shape more. Not all those full skirt things you wear all the time unless of course you plan to be an old maid. Mr. Clayton was looking everywhere for his glasses. They were on the top of his head as always.

Yes Mr. Clayton I would buy myself some grown up clothes as you call them, if you paid me enough money to buy them.

He didn’t say anything. Georgia just kept sorting through all of the papers. She made two trips to the law office that day.

Mr. Clayton, have you ever thought about just making one trip a day to the law office?

Nope I like it this way and it gets you out of the office some. The fresh air is good for you. Didn’t they teach you that in school? Mr. Clayton said just before he had to cough.

Maybe you need some fresh air too. Georgia said as she closed the envelope.

You go there and come back. I may need you to go back later. He said without even looking up from the work he was doing.

Yes sir, I’ll see you in about two and a half hours. She didn’t even think he heard her or he would have said. That long? He said that every day to her just as she would leave their office for town.

Georgia hurried out of the little run down office. She wanted to get back so she could go again before it got to be late. She wanted time to rest some before her date with Ron.

Georgia did you meet someone? You are looking so nice lately. The girl at the law