Page 66 of Ripple Effect

“Hello, Cal.” But I don’t apologize. I’m exhausted and it’s only 8:45 in the morning.

“Why didn’t you pick up? Is everything okay? I tried a few times.” His voice is concerned.

“I was on the other line.” I decide not to tell Cal about Iris’s call. If my husband was going to be home tonight, I’d likely end up sharing that news as it will make its way through the family by then. But since they’re headed out for parts unknown, who knows when she’ll begin to share it with the people she works with? A kernel of warmth flickers inside of me that she called me to share before she left. As for Cal, well, he can find out Iris and Sam’s news once she decides to share.

“Something wrong?” he asks.

“No.” I don’t elaborate. I just wait for him to continue.

Which he does. “We just got a call about a job, Libby. I’m leaving in a few hours. I should be home in a few weeks, tops.”

By now, my computer’s booted up. As I scroll through the calendar, one item jumps out at me—the Akin black-tie family benefit we put on annually. I put a note to let my mother know she doesn’t need to account for Sam, Iris, or my husband. “Please let me know when you land,” I ask him quietly. I’m too used to the last-minute trips now, and despite the fact each one is slowly draining a little bit of my happiness from me, I knew what I was getting into when I married Cal.

Didn’t I?

Shaking my head, I tune back in to what he’s saying. “…really don’t think it will take two weeks. I hope to be back before the ball.”

Sighing, I say boldly, “Cal, if past trips are anything to go by, you’re going to miss it. I’ll let Mom know.”

“Libby, it’s not like I want to,” he says carefully.

“You never want to.”

Silence arcs between us. I break it. “Listen, I have a call soon.”

“New client?”

“Yes. Have a safe trip. I assume Rebecca will call me with any information I should have.”

“Of course. I love you, Libby. Always.”

“I love you too. Safe flight.” As the phone disconnects in my ear, I think about my words.

I do love Cal with my heart and soul. His long absences are just becoming more and more draining on our marriage.

No, it’s never the love that’s in question. On days like this, it’s just harder. That’s what make the days when it’s effortless even more precious.

Pushing the crappy start of this day out of my mind, I pull up the estimate file for the client in Charlotte. It was Amy’s idea to do some advertising in the vast metropolitan region just a few short hours away. And besides, with Cal gone as much as he is, I need something to fill my time. My business is taking off in that region.

I just haven’t had a chance to tell my husband that yet.

The call comes in. My assistant puts it through. After we get through discussing the mockups I sent up, I’m asked to fly up for the initial consultation. After a second of hesitation, I say, “Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Stiles. I’d love to come up. We can finalize the drawings and spend a few days confirming our choices.”

“When can we look forward to seeing you?” Larry Stiles booms through the phone.

Since all of my nights just opened up, I say, “Is next week too soon?”

“Not at all, Mrs. Sullivan. I’m so excited to get started,” Tia Stiles gushes excitedly.

“As am I. I’ll confirm my travel arrangements, and we can determine the best time to meet at the design center,” I tell them warmly. After ending the call, I lean back in my chair. I catch a copy of Cal’s and my wedding photo on the corner of my desk.

If I can’t have Cal at home, maybe a little travel of my own will do the trick. Maybe it will fill the void that’s missing inside of me that’s being left empty every time my husband goes away.

43

Calhoun

Year Three - Eight Years Ago from Present Day