In the time I have been in DC, I have realized that the phone can be used for evil or for good.
I call Golden Horizons to speak with Beau, but first I speak with Lysa, Sonya, and even residents Rose and Chet, who seem to be happily dating. This is all good and does my heart wonders to remain in touch. The real disconnect begins once the call is transferred into Beau’s office.
“Hello? So glad you called,” he says a bit like a real estate agent rather than a boyfriend.
“I’m glad you’re glad. How are you doing? I’ve missed you.”
There is silence and some paper shuffling it seems. “Hey, I’m great.”
A long pause follows and the sounds of the activities in the hallway seem to fill the receiver in place of sweet words I had hoped for.
“Lots going on there? Your doorless office sure adds some clutter to phone conversations,” I say, still hoping we will turn a corner from chitchat to heart-to-heart any moment now.
He laughs strangely. “Actually, can you believe it? I put the door back on. Seems there are some perfectly good reasons to have a door.”
“But it was such a nice statement. The staff loved it. Do they understand the change?” I fondly recall the door removal ceremony. It was the start of a new leadership philosophy for Golden Horizons. I am disappointed and Beau knows it.
He decides to answer a former question, a more manageable one. “Just taking care of some last state reports for this month. Oh, and that cruise-themed night of entertainment you suggested was exceptional. We sailed right through it without one complaint.”
I appreciate the praise, but this is all so much more formal than I expected for one of our rare conversations. “Wasn’t this the time you suggested I call?” His obvious busyness and attention to distractions makes me want to hang up.
“The residents are acting up a bit in your absence. They miss you.”
They miss me.
Who took over the heart and soul of my fabulous boyfriend? That’s what I would like to know.
“Should I leave?” A woman’s voice asks a question within range of Beau’s phone.
“Beau?” I ask once again, being more polite than I want to be. “Is this a bad time?”
“No.” He says clearly, causing my lungs to take in air again. Until I realize he is talking to the other voice. “Stay. We need to go over these projections.”
I’m getting the picture. This wasn’t a good time to call. Beau is going right along with his business.
Now he speaks to me. “Can I give you a call this evening? So we can be…”
“Alone?” I say coldly.
“Yes, exactly. I do appreciate your call. Bye, you.”
“Bayou? Or Bye, you?” says the woman whose call is so very appreciated.
“Funny girl. Talk to you soon.”
Click.
Disconnect.