Finally Home, Time To Relax
Everything was packed up and shipped to Dallas the day before the flight. They kept only enough for five days with them in case of a shipping problem. Travis sadly watched as his car was put back in the box and taped tightly closed. He understood the concept and was looking forward to seeing his friend Morgan when he got to his new home. They could both drive around now he was telling his daddy as the shipping guy put it in the back of his truck.
*
"Back to the real world," Toby said as they turned the corner to his house. Louise had a welcome home party waiting for them. Even Marcus was going to be there. He had kissed Missy goodbye the night before they left. He was done with this world and beyond the opening he was out. No talk shows, no interviews, he is done he told them. He also told them he didn't appreciate how he was treated on the shoot. They didn't look like they cared.
*
He had never been happier to see Dallas even though the traffic didn't bother him. His heart was pounding. He was so excited to see everyone. He felt like he left this world for a while and now his spaceship was landing. People filed out the door as the shuttle pulled up to the house.
Every person on Toby's phone list was there and had been for the last hour enjoying his home eating his food and waiting to congratulate him home. Hugs and handshakes to everyone as he clung to Louise's shoulder. He was impressed as Sam took him around the house which looked nothing like the one he left. The pictures hadn't done it justice. Louise walked with him as they took it all in. She seemed as proud as Sam. Allen and Linda stood back talking to Liana as the other kids took Travis to explore the house.
Toby felt stretched thin with so many people to talk with who stood waiting for his attention. Bobbie was in the kitchen making treats. He had to go hug her excited to see her there.
"Well I'm here, what do you expect from me," she asked as she hugged him. "Feed us and keep the kitchen clean and be happy," Toby told her and asked, "Are you here for good?"
"Yeah, Louise called and told me you are on your way back and I quit and came for the party. That man has fourteen people living in that house and not one was friendly. They complained about everything. I understand the shoot is going badly with overruns and problems with the cast. They seem to take their frustrations out on me," she complained as she took some good-looking snacks out of the oven.
Toby took a deep breath taking in all the good smells and smiled. Oh, hell yes, he has landed in heaven. His fancy refrigerator was there just as Sam told him. Stocked with drinks it was so fancy making the kitchen look fancy too. He came from hell and landed in heaven and was happy.
"You know you have a maid's quarters?" she asked and walked him to a nice room towards the back of the kitchen across from the laundry. It was not large, but it had a nice bathroom and that was all she needed. He hadn't even noticed this room before he thought the door was to a closet behind the fireplace.
Liana looked around and it didn't even look like the same house. Her dad was showing her around as if it was his house and he was proud. He took her case up to her old room. She could tell her mother picked out the furnishings. The lady who decorated the house assured them she could exchange any pieces they didn't like. She relaxed knowing it could be replaced and her mother would never know.
*
There would be no reason for her to ever be in this house again. The place was amazing. She loved the way they redid her bathroom; Toby better be pleased. She may change her mind and stay with them longer if she can work out a deal with the school district to come back. Being by herself sounds scary and she could see herself comfortable here. Plus, she loves that little boy and wants to make sure he has everything he needs. She knew the drill and knew Toby was not going to come on to her. She figures he has figured her out. She needed to come out to the family someday.
He talked with Kate and the kids; Katlynn took him out to show him her car. She drove them here so he could see what he bought and told him how jealous her friends were. Chuck was right, it was nice, and he was happy she was enjoying it. He knew Kyle was counting the days until his 18th birthday. Maybe he could buy an older truck for his sixteenth after he finished driver's training.
He'll speak to Kate in a few days about the prospects as Kyle stood next to his sister's car bouncing on his toes. He knows that boy will wreck his first one. Something big to protect him was his best bet. He knew Katlynn would be OK if the car was full of airbags Chuck assured him when they purchased it. Insurance was paid for two years. Chuck delivered it for Toby placing a large red bow on top before he rang the bell, as his wife waited to take him home.
Everyone was invited for Thanksgiving, and most of them begged out, but the main people were going to be there. No surprise to Toby. His core people are always there for him. And it felt good to be able to depend on them.
Mike told him that Shattered Dreams, DVD, and Blue Ray, were going on sale next week to catch the Christmas sales. Also, on to Netflix and on to the premium channels so it just keeps on paying well over a year later.
The Marines showed up just as the party was winding down, it was a weeknight and people had places to be tomorrow. Except them and then beer began to flow freely, and the others left except Mike. All these men were his clients. They talked about the movies, what happened after they left, how it ended, and how much they hated the director. Toby agreed and told them he had complained but seemed dismissed.
They each made enough to buy homes in a subdivision in northern Plano. They are in a cheaper subdivision, but they were all pleased. They each bought one on the same street. But had to wait for them to be built. That will be an interesting neighborhood when they all move in.
Mike had the Marines lined up with another movie they had three weeks off before they had to be in North Dakota as oil field workers. It was made for a TV movie, but it is work.
"In the winter," Toby asked.
"Yeah, apparently they want the misery to show," Keith told him, dismissing the hardships. They lived in the winter in the mountains of Afghanistan in tents. They will survive no worries.
"So, are you all good with this movie business?" Toby asked.
"Well, we don't make the kind of money you do. This last one was pretty good," Bart told him, and the others agreed.
Travis came down the stairs for a good night kiss. He had been bathed and it was late. Liana was right behind him smiling at the company. A kiss and hug for Travis and an I'm thankful hand squeeze for Liana. Once she was back upstairs and they heard the door close, Jim asked. "Girlfriend?"
"No, not at all, I have the wrong body parts for her. She is great with my son, and I get in trouble with too many women around me."
They all laugh and can understand. Bobbie came out and she had cleaned the kitchen of her dreams and was ready to go. Looking over his shoulder to see who it was. "Oh Bobbie, are you ready to go?" Toby said shocked she was still there.
"I am, I'm so glad you are home and are looking so well."
"I'm glad to be home too. Do you want the room Bobbie?"
"I am thinking I do."
"What about your husband?"
"Oh, he passed away a month ago," Bobbie said sadly.
Toby stood to go to her and walked her away from the men to the far side of the kitchen and hugged her tightly, "Oh Bobbie why didn't you say anything? I know I have talked to you since then." He called everyone during his downtimes to help him feel like a real person with connections. This movie had been overwhelming, the challenge of each day coming off the shooting adding to his isolation.
"You couldn't have done anything. So, I was thinking I could stay here and be available for you and Travis anytime."
"I think that sounds perfect," he said looking her in her eyes he saw her pain. He kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly putting a little rock to the hug he whispered, "I'm sorry sweetie. You let me know when you want to move, and I will make it happen. Extra stuff can go in the garage for now if you want," he offered.
She cupped his cheek as she always has and said, "Thank you, my sweet boy. I'll be back to make breakfast."
"No, you relax in the morning Travis, and I will head over to Louise's and eat there. You need to make plans. You have a move to make and things to sort."
"So, for lunch?"
"Yes, and maybe bring a few things to stay the night. We would love to have you here," Toby told her and sent her on her way. After seeing her to her car, he came back in, and the guys were getting ready to go. Promising to stay connected the Marines left, and Mike was close behind them. Toby breathed a sigh of relief as he locked his door and set the alarm on the house. Louise had them set the code as Travis' birthday; he can change it to anything. That number they could all remember.
Liana stood on the staircase as he closed the door. "So, what do you think of the place?" she asked as the alarm beeps that it was set.
"I'm pleased it is better than I thought it would be. What do you think?" He asked, looking over the place.
"It is amazing. I can't believe it is the same place."
"Bobbie plans to move into the maid's quarters soon," he told her he wasn't sure if she felt uncomfortable being here alone with him."
"Oh, we used that as the craft and clothes folding room. That is good, she seems like a nice lady and her cooking is great," Liana offered.
"She is the best and yes she is nice. Her husband just died. I think she wants a change."
"Oh, that is so sad," Liana said looking sadly at Toby.
"It is. So, is your room Ok?" he asked to lift their spirits.
She started walking down the stairs, apparently wanting to talk and he hoped it was not about going back to work and leaving him.
"No, it is my mother's taste. Could we call and have it replaced?" she asked.
Toby laughed, "Yes, let's take it all in and we may replace a few other things. I haven't even been upstairs yet. How is Travis' room?"
"Perfect he loves it, you can see it tomorrow, but he was happy with his room."
"Well make some noise in the morning so I know you're up, we are going to Louise's for breakfast. She doesn't know yet, but I gave Bobbie the morning off to make move plans.
"You're a good man you know," Liana squeezed his arm as he did hers.
"Thanks, I try to treat people like I want to be treated."
"So you're back now what happens?" Liana asked.
"Good question, I know I still need you here so don't quit on me," he said looking concerned.
"No, not my plan, but I do want to contact the district and see what they have come up with for Travis. Travis needs to be around other children to become socialized. He does well one-on-one, but he needs to learn about other children." She has noticed he reacts differently with lots of kids around. He withdraws and watches the other kids and seems very unsure of what to do.
"I know so that can be your task. I need to go and check out the store and visit a few people."
"Ok, sounds good. I'm going to go to bed, but it is nice to be home. Not to say I didn't like California. It was nice. I can see why people love living there."
"A little dry for me," Toby complained heading towards his room.
If she could get Travis into some kind of class maybe she could work in that class or go back to working with the little ones while he is in class. Tomorrow she will start working on it.
*
Liana turned off the lights. It felt strange, that was always her father's job. Looking around she was pleased with the redo of the place and thinks Toby will be happy here. She wondered how long she was going to stay here as she climbed the stairs, and they didn't creak, she noticed.
Toby was up at the crack of dawn; he was used to being up and out and sleeping in had been a thing of the past. He went over the downstairs with a critical eye turning on every light as he made his way through the place. He had to admit the man was good or Allen was a stickler, but the work was perfect.
He looked over the maid's quarters and the furniture was generic. He wanted better for Bobbie. Maybe Liana's rejects would fit her taste better. He will deal with that this afternoon. The built-in breezeway was good; he liked all the windows and knew that cost a pretty penny. But that was what he wanted. His truck and Liana's car were already in the garage. One less thing for him to worry about as he opened the door, his keys and the garage door opener sat on the seat.
He felt a proud surge engulf him. He was the man now, his own home, and his own garage door opener. He has made it. He has provided a good home for his son. He grinned as he slipped into the truck. It started right up that was his biggest concern. It had sat for months but it was good.
This Alien movie had better make some money because he busted his ass to help make it. No one complained about his acting, he mainly got 'great job,' from the camera crew after they yelled CUT. He wished he could see some clips just so he knew how it looked, but they all acted like it was a state secret. It was a rude bunch.
*
Leaving a note for Liana he drove around the area, he wanted to see if they tore down the old apartment complex. He forgot to ask Bob last night. He seemed to be a little put off by all Toby had achieved. He saw him looking around and talking to everyone but hadn't sought him out to speak to him beyond, 'Good to have you home.' He will have to seek him out today and talk with him. Maybe take him to lunch or something in a few days. He is still the same person and just has some more money now.
Everyone else was good, the girls and Monica all seemed happy. Her son seemed to be a nice young man and Kyle seemed to have some common interests. He realized he had much to make up for with the people in his life as he stopped in front of the empty space where his apartment once was. It had a For Sale sign on the space with a multi-unit apartment complex picture in the center. It didn't look like it was zoned to be a high rise at least. That was fine. The more people with money with higher priced apartments the more systems they sell.
*
The lights were on at Louise's he noticed as he drove home. He pulled his phone out as he drove up his drive and noticed the drive was patterned in a dark gray shell design. It looked good he hadn't noticed, when he left it was dark and he was backing up. Now that it was light, and he didn't have twenty people around he began to walk around the place. It was a cool morning, but it looked like it would be clear. Last year around this time they had snow. "Not today," he said as he walked into the breezeway that is now enclosed and wondered what it would be called now.
Heading out to the pool, it was nice, nothing fancy just nice. He will have to hire someone to take care of it or have them show him how. This was beyond him, the care of the pool, but the guy talked him into a saltwater pool during a call months ago. Less chemicals and work he claimed, scooping up a handful he tasted it and yes it was slightly salty but sparklingly clean.
It was not supposed to hurt your eyes and after Travis spent his summer in the pool, he knew he would be swimming in this one ASAP. He was looking forward to it. He had missed a lot in those eight months. He will be two in less than a month he realized, and saw movement in the house.
Travis was up and Liana was right behind him. Too bad she is a lesbian. He wondered when she was going to tell her parents. Or maybe they know and that is why her mother made that statement about no grandkids. Could she believe all three of her girls are gay? Talk about a dominant gene. The oldest one he hasn't met, she lives in Austin and is going to college. She was working on a PhD in education. She wants to be the superintendent of a large school district her mother told him. And Leila is such a beauty what a waste if she is too.
He pulled out his phone and called his mama to see if she would be willing to feed them. Promising to let her eat at his house every meal every day from now on, she agreed with the deal. He didn't think she would, but she had made him buy the food after that SOB shot him. She reminded him they had a deal when he came home. At least she didn't make him go out and buy it the first few weeks.
They walked over to her house Travis was excited to see her and ran to her as she opened the door. Sitting in a chair Toby helped him up into her lap as Liana and he got busy making pancakes and eggs. Louise sat hugging and kissing Travis as if she hadn't seen him, but last night had been a madhouse. He had way too much attention and he may have not seen her. Leila and the two boys monopolized his time upstairs which was great for the party.
"Thanks for putting our vehicles in the garage."
"Allen," she said, "he was worrying about everything. He wanted to make sure it was right."
"Well he did a good job, it looks wonderful. So now that it has quieted down, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Frank is in counseling his attorney thinks if he shows he is getting help he may go lighter on his sentencing," Louise told him.
"What do you think, how is he doing?" Toby asked because she didn't look pleased.
"Besides being an idiot, he is hanging in there. They are divorced now, and he can't see his son period and I haven't seen him in a year. Stan's great and his family is good. I saw them about two weeks ago. So that was nice," she told him, scanning Liana's progress with breakfast.
"So, what is going on you seem antsy?" Toby noticed as Travis moved to another seat anticipating his pancakes,
"I'm bored out of my mind at least with Leila here. She entertained me, and I could talk with Allen about the house but that is all done now."
"Well it is almost black Friday, come back to work we can put Monica out on the floor and have you check the sales slips like you used to," Toby offered.
"That is not fair to Monica."
"Sure, she needs to see how it is for the others she won't mind. The money is the same, actually better she will make the commission. Good Christmas money," Toby encouraged wanting things to be like they used to be if only for a few days.
"Louise, you're not paying for everything with Frank, are you?"
"Well, he can't find a job. Everyone knows he shot you and he has a trial coming. He is in the cheapest apartment we could find and guess who his neighbor is," she asked with a you won't believe disgusted look.
"Regina," Toby answered with a chuckle.
"You got it and she is so helpful. She tells me you're a jerk," Louise told him, and she laughed.
"Great so they can feed off each other."
"You ask me, they are doing more than feeding off each other. So now you see my frustration. It is one of the rat holes you talked about. But hey your 'kind of stepmother' looked good. She is a nice lady so maybe yours wasn't that bad," she changed the subject real quick.
"Yeah, thanks a little money does help."
"Well Katlynn thinks you walk on water," she noted.
"I'm sure she does, and she loves her car."
"Don't make them rotten, they won't work for anything if you do," Louise told him. It Sounded like it was her son's problem.
Her always bailing him out of his problems created his problem. Now he is worried about Travis. He will never want for anything.
*
Thanksgiving was crazy and they were like ants collecting things from Louise's to make this meal happen at his place. Everyone helped and the food was wonderful. It was a very happy time for everyone. But no tacky table decorations could be found this year. Toby tried but Amy may have been right about those other ones being leftovers from the seventies. Amy must have thrown the old ones away the first chance she got. She wasn't even at the meal but was embarrassed for him. He hadn't been in town for his birthday, so it was forgotten again. Oh well, what they don't know won't embarrass him.