― Herman Hesse
A Change of Seasons
As soon as I finished my last lecture I went back to my office to wait for Autumn.
I was glad she attended her morning courses and wasn't intimidated by the latest stalking incident.
Mind you, it helped that Gillian had assigned a protective detail to shadow her while they were running down leads trying to establish the identity of the perp.
It was only a matter of time until they identified him Gillian assured me and that also gave us hope that we'd soon be able to go about our daily business without looking over our shoulder.
While I was musing about the matter, my cell buzzed and I quickly picked up assuming it was Gillian with good news, but was surprised to hear Breton's voice.
"Good morning, Jake―just wanted to see if you could find time in the next day or two to drop by my office. I'd like to discuss a matter with you but it's best done in person."
"Sure Father, I'm free tomorrow after 3 pm. Is that time good for you?"
"Perfect, Jake, see you then."
It was an unusual call.
To begin with, Breton rarely phoned and if he did, he'd at least give me a heads up if he had something to discuss with me.
The fact that he wanted to discuss a matter in private was concerning but I didn't want to worry Autumn so I decided to not tell her until I found out what was on his mind.
I resolved that we'd spend a relaxing day together and try to put all worries about the stalker out of our mind, if that were possible. But, we'd at least try.
Autumn was relaxed and cheerful. She obviously had a good morning and was bubbling with enthusiasm about her Tennessee Williams Class.
I smiled. "I told you Lois McPherson is a good lecturer―she has excellent student reviews on the Rate My Professor app."
"I guess I'm excited because she called me aside and told me if I wanted to apply to graduate school, she'd support my application."
"That's great news, Autumn," I enthused, "I'd support you as well, but it's better coming from Lois who has no personal connection to you. Your father should be pleased."
"I know, I can't wait to tell him."
Our afternoon went as planned.
The drive out to my townhouse was beautiful. The leaves were already beginning to turn and these warm fall days were followed by cool autumn nights―prefect for sitting by the fire.
Another thing that encouraged me was that the protective detail shadowing us was virtually invisible. Now and then I'd notice a stealth police vehicle in my rear view mirror, but only because I was looking.
Gillian stuck the perfect balance of watching over us without hovering and put to rest my fears that being guarded would be stifling―it wasn't.
We had lunch at Turtle Jack's and then finally went apple picking.
It was perfect weather with a slight breeze that kept the bees at bay that inevitably buzzed around the wind drift apples that littered the ground.
Autumn convinced me she would bake me a delicious apple pie. I found it hard to picture her in an apron, a smudge of flour on her cheek, looking like a young Betty Crocker, but we all have that urge for domesticity.
But it was sad too―imagining her cooking for me filled me with longing for a home I never knew, but I sensed she'd fill that role and be an excellent mother to boot...
I was letting my imagination run away with me―but I liked the vision of what could be.