It all started just like the end of any other workday. My last stop before home was usually the post office. I drove up to the box drop and pushed my work mail through the slot. Just as I was about to pull away, I heard, "Hey Steve."
I turned to see an old high school friend headed my way. I was always lousy with names, but I did remember him. George was always teased for his feminine qualities and for not having a girlfriend. We'd been pretty good friends back then, and I always enjoyed talking to him during our lunch breaks. He was a brilliant guy that maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout school. It didn't bother me that others considered him gay or girly.
We mostly lost touch after he went away to college since I stayed local and started a small business. We'd get together for a coffee or drink once or twice a year when he did come home for summer break. The talk was always about his latest teachings in the tech industry. But after school, we lost touch completely. After college, I'd heard that he ended up marrying a girl from school and wished him well.
As he approached my truck, I rolled down the window further to shake hands. I reached out to him, and we shook as I asked, "How's married life treating you?"
"Good. How about yourself?"
"Things are good as a bachelor. Unfortunately, finding a girl that will put up with my work hours is tough. But, enough of that. Do you lovebirds have any kids on the way?"
"We do. Kelly is due with our first child in a few months."
"Wow, that's great news! I guess you two are quite excited!"
"Yes, very excited."
"Well, I better let you go so that you can get home to the little woman." I handed him my business card and suggested, "Call me when you have a baby shower. I'd like to help out."
"How much?" George blurted out, just before a car pulled up behind me and honked.
"Huh. Let me pull into a parking spot."
I pulled away as George headed back to his car. Once in a parking space, I looked around and saw him pull out of the lot. I sat there for several minutes, mulling over his last statement. I wondered if he was hard up for money and was embarrassed by his question. Either way, it didn't seem to matter since I never got his number.
I finally left and headed home, wondering if I'd ever hear from him again.
It was the following afternoon that I received a call at work just minutes before quitting time. It was George, and the first thing out of his mouth was, "I'm so very sorry, Steve. I feel like an idiot for leaving like that."
"You don't need to apologize, George. I was left wondering what would embarrass you so. Is it money?"
"Oh, no. It's far more embarrassing than that."
"What could be..."
Before I could finish the question, George cut me off and asked, "Are you stopping by the post office again tonight?"
"Yes, but..."
"Would it be okay for Kelly and me to meet you there? We'd like to talk to you about our problem."
"Sure. But you're kinda scaring me now, George. Are you okay, health-wise?"
Almost laughing at my question, George answered, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. We're both fine. But, we'd still like to talk to you about something private if that's okay with you?"
"Sure, sure. Yeah, I'd love to see you both anyway. I should be there around six-thirty if that's not too late."
"That's perfect. We'll be in Kelly's minivan. It's a burgundy Toyota Sienna. Just come on over after you've mailed your items. And thanks again for this!"
"You're welcome, buddy. I'll see you then."
After hanging up, my mind raced in a futile attempt to figure out what this was all about. Giving up after a few minutes, I decided that I'd know soon enough. I finished up some necessary paperwork for the next hour then packed up to head for the post office.
I arrived a few minutes early, and as I entered the lot, I spotted their car in the far corner. After dropping my mail in the box, I parked next to them and hopped out. As I closed my door, their sliding door opened, and George hopped out to shake my hand.
We said our hellos, and George motioned for me to get in the back next to Kelly. I momentarily thought it was a bit odd but then remembered that this whole thing was more than bizarre. I slid onto the bench seat and greeted Kelly. After all the pleasantries were exchanged, it was deathly silent for a moment.
It was Kelly that finally spoke up, saying, "I'm sure that you're wondering about all the cloak and dagger goings-on. So, I'm just going to give it to you straight and would appreciate your patience while I do. I know that you'll have some questions, but rest assured that we've thought long and hard about this whole thing for some time."