They think that Bob is too old for me…
The sound of voices could be heard, when I reached the top of the stairs. “Who could be in the office so early?” I wondered. To my surprise, Bob was sitting in Mr. Boyle’s office — the two of them enjoying donuts and coffee.
“Lucky for you, there are still a few donuts left,” Bob laughed. “I’ve been here since a quarter to seven. I wanted to get off the street before your dad took a notion to drive by.”
“Looks like that officers’ training school has really paid off, lieutenant. I pity the enemy soldiers in your territory.” I rubbed his shoulder and helped myself to a donut. “Did the two of you eat nearly a dozen donuts?”
“No. I bribed the fellows downstairs to forget they saw me come in,” he grinned.
Mr. Boyle looked at me and smiled, revealing a large gold tooth in the front of his mouth. I could see that he was enjoying the situation. “Bob can stay for a while. As long as we aren’t busy, I don’t have a problem with him being here with you, Laurel.”
In violation of all professional etiquette, I gave the boss a hug and a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Boyle. You are so considerate….and romantic. It may be a long time before Bob gets back from the war. Every fleeting bit of time that we spend together is very precious. We’re beginning to feel like Romeo and Juliet. My parents have been very difficult. They think that Bob is too old for me, and it has certainly created some snags in our relationship. Besides, there really isn’t that much of an age difference.
“Laurel, it isn’t age that determines the success of a relationship or marriage — it’s the maturity of the individuals. You appear to be very mature for your age, but don’t go quoting me to your parents. My wife is several years younger than I am. The age difference has never been a problem. We just fell in love, got married and had a family. She kept me happy by being a good wife and mother, and I made sure she never wanted for anything.”
“That’s so beautiful, Mr. Boyle. I had no idea you were so sentimental….and such a philosopher!”
“People have a tendency to overlook the fact that beneath my wrinkles and bent body is a heart that has loved, known joy and, at one time, broke from sorrow when my son died.”
Bob stood up and patted Mr. Boyle’s shoulder. “Well spoken, my friend. You have my respect and deep admiration.”
Mr. Boyle had never recovered from the loss of his son in a tragic accident. I noticed tears welling up in his eyes as he quickly arose from his chair and left the room saying, “Ill see you later.”
“Bob, never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to see you here….and at eight o’clock in the morning!”
“I just had to see you again and find out if you got home okay, or if there had been a confrontation when you got home.”
“It wasn’t too bad. They were a bit reserved at first and they made it quite plain the next time I leave town, I should let them know where I would be going. Nothing to be concerned about.”
More Soon… I desperately wanted to be with him before he left.
what the f