Holt's Holding (Part One) - By A Dagmara Page 0,49

diamonds. My mind almost went back there had it not been for the phone call.

“Hi Nana, I’m leaving shortly I’ll be there on time.”

“Oh good…I made your favorite today, I think after mass you should come spend brunch with your Nana, I missed you this week.”

“Of course I’ll be over for brunch Nana, when have I not come over after mass?”

“I know Lilly…for some reason I have had an awful feeling that’s been festering…I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too Nana…I’ll see you soon”

“I love you Lilly.”

“Love you to Nana!” I hung up the phone and reached for my clutch having to change purse.

I paused, hearing Charlie on the phone. I couldn’t help ease drop on his conversation.

“This is done….I withdraw this wager.” His tone was firm and even a bit shrewd. The anger and determination was so evident in his tone. Who the hell was he talking too? Damn he sounded pissed.

“Yes I do!” He barked.

“What don’t you understand…the whole thing has changed…this is wrong and you bloody know it. When have we ever allowed to be misled like this?” Charlie again in a stern voice added.

It was clear he was having an argument with someone.

I stepped from the room, and his eyes landed on me watching every move. I opened the fridge and grabbed water. Turning back to him, I smiled. He tried to smile back, but it was clear he was too annoyed with the conversation.

“Give me a minute.” he spoke to whoever was on the other end.

“Where are you going Lillian?” though he tried to ask politely, it came off a bit controlling.

“Church…It’s Sunday and I’m Catholic.”

He looked at me somewhat stunned, and then his eyes dropped to the cross around my neck.

“You look lovely Lillian.” He smiled at me with a warmth that hit me hard.

“Thank you I think?”

“Will you be gone long?” again in the same tone.

“Yes, I meet my nana for a brunch every Sunday…so I’ll be back after she stuffs me full of her cooking.”

I smiled and grabbed my keys off the counter. Turning, I walked from the kitchen to the front hall.

He was quick and put his cell down. Pulling me into his arms, he forced a kiss on my lips, and I gave in; the tremble ever present for this was new to me.

Pulling from my lips, he looked down at me.

“I’m sorry Lillian, I shouldn’t have kissed you like that.”

“It’s ok Charlie…” I was still trembling “It’s ok…this is just new for me.”

“Can we do dinner tonight?” his eyes spoke volumes…something had changed, but what?

“I’m not sure I’ll have any room, but can I think about it?” I smiled innocently hoping to keep him from assuming I was rejecting him.

“So that’s a maybe?” he grinned.

“Maybe” I smiled and watched him pick up the phone.

Turning, I shook my head and walked from the apartment.

Down to the garage and into my car. I pulled out and into the streets of down town. Making my way to President’s St. then I83 North. Yes, out to the county.

After about 15 minutes, I was finally in Baltimore county and the interstate now only two lanes. This was part of the drive I loved.

Northern Baltimore county was breath taking the trees still green and lush the drive us very windy up and down hills…It was just a peace of heaven to drive thru. I pulled off one exit early realizing I needed gas. Off the beltway, the Exxon station was just off the ramp. Hereford…this is where I had grown up…my high school just down the way. I pulled in and pumped the gas.

Returning to my car, I decided I was going to take York road the rest of the way up. Sitting at the light just at the center of Hereford, I let my windows all down…It wasn’t hot and the temp at 70 was ideal as this drive. My music, setting the tone for my mind; I felt free and happy.

The light changed, and I made my left onto York road. The church would only be about 4 miles, if that from here. I chose to drive this way, so that I could pass by my old High School…

They had made so many improvements, as I passed by it slow. I liked allowing for trips down memory lane, when life was so easy and carefree. I missed that life.

Shaking my head, how did I change so much?

Sensing I didn’t have much time, I increased my speed. Up and down the windy road, I