CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - The Family Meeting and Introductions

Myra , Kathryn, Izzie, and Annie arrived at the hospital an hour before Mill’s sons were due. Patricia usually came during lunch. When they got to Mill’s room, Annie and Myra were happy to see him sitting in a recliner near the window.

“You’re looking rather chipper today.” Myra smiled as she bent over to kiss him on the cheek.

“I’m feeling rather chipper, too,” Milton replied, as he turned his other cheek to get a peck from Annie.

“Kat and Isabelle are outside waiting for their interview,” Annie said.

“How do you want to play this?” he asked.

“Oliver already knows about Kat coming on. Tell your sons you want to add more support staff; you contacted an agency last evening, and they sent someone over. Enter, Izzie.”

“I’ll bring them in one at a time.”

“No need. I convinced the doc that unless I could have four people in my room, I was going to check myself out of this place. The food is ghastly.”

“You’re on a special diet, Milton,” Myra chided him.

“Yes, but you’d think with all the modernization of things, they could come up with better-tasting food.”

“So the doctor agreed you could have more than two visitors at a time?”

“I promised it would just be this once. Said I had important business to conduct, and that if he didn’t let me do it today, it would greatly increase my stress levels.”

“Now you’re catching on.” Annie chuckled.

“So, let’s meet the new members of my staff.” Milton nodded toward the door.

Annie went into the hallway and brought Izzie and Kathryn into the room. “This is Isabelle Fleming and Kat Lamont.”

Each took turns shaking Milton’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Spangler.”

“Well, it’s very nice to have some extra help while I am recuperating.”

“We are very happy to oblige,” Kathryn replied.

Milton looked at Myra. “Tell me how this is going to work.”

Myra handed Milton two separate résumés containing the women’s fictitious last names. “As we discussed, you’ll explain your intention to hire additional staff. It’s a temporary situation, until you’re back on your feet.”

Milton read the women’s qualifications. “Very impressive.”

“We don’t want you to get any pushback from Oliver or Benjamin, or whoever might be doing things behind your back,” Annie said.

“Excellent. Clearly, no one can dispute your areas of experience and expertise.” Milton perused their résumés.

Izzie grinned. She knew how to build something from bottom to top. Managing five trucker inns could be challenging.

She also knew she had backup if necessary.

“Ah, Kathryn. Long-hauler for a long time, I see.”

“Yes, sir. I studied engineering but found the open road is what I prefer.”

Milton nodded. “My sons should be arriving shortly. I’ll introduce you and then let them show you to the main office. I appreciate you stepping in on such short notice.”

“Anything for a friend,” Myra said.

Annie put her arm around Myra. “We are always at the ready.”

“Wonderful.” Milton gestured for the women to sit. “Please. Would you like coffee? Although I wouldn’t recommend it. They have me on decaf, which is horrible. I can’t imagine their regular coffee is any better.”

Izzie smiled. “No, but thank you.”

“Ditto, here,” Kathryn answered.

Myra looked at Annie. “We better scoot. We don’t want anyone to get the idea we’re colluding.”

Annie howled and then put her hand over her mouth. “When aren’t we colluding?”

“Come on, you.” Myra linked her arm through Annie’s and dragged her toward the door.

“Good luck!” Annie said as they exited Milton’s room.

Milton’s suite consisted of two rooms and a private bath. There was a sitting area with a sofa that opened to a bed, two upholstered chairs, another recliner, and a coffee table. “Why don’t you two wait in there until the boys arrive?” He nodded toward the sitting room.

Kathryn and Izzie took his cue and moved to the next room.

Just as Annie and Myra began to walk down the hall, Annie spotted Oliver getting out of the elevator. “Dang. Quick. Jump on.” She pushed a gurney toward Myra. “Hurry!”

Myra climbed on and pulled the sheet over her head. Annie turned and pushed the stretcher down the opposite corridor.

Myra mumbled under the sheet. “I’m beginning to think you like doing this.” She pulled the material from her face. “We could have sneaked into the stairwell.”

“What fun would that be?” Annie picked up the pace. When she was sure they were no longer in Oliver’s sightline, she pushed the gurney against the wall and helped Myra off. An orderly jogged toward them.

“Excuse me, ladies. This is not a toy. Nor is this a playground. Kindly behave like adults, or I will have to call security.”

Annie cringed. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

Myra shook her head. “Yes, apologies. My sister can’t help herself at times. You can only imagine what kind of trouble she caused when we were children.”

“Well, you didn’t have to jump on, now, did you?” Annie pretended to argue.

“No. No, I didn’t. I figured if I let you get your kicks early enough in the day, you’d stay out of trouble for the rest of it.”

“Why do you have to be such a party pooper?” Annie placed her hands on her hips.

“Someone has to be the grown-up in this family.”

“Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re the boss of me.”

The orderly couldn’t take the quarreling anymore. “Please, ladies.” He turned and walked away.

Myra and Annie both bit their lips. “Works every time,” Annie said under her breath.

Myra concurred. “Men can’t stand to be around bickering women.” They linked arms again and decided to take the stairs.

* * *

Oliver was the first to arrive. “Morning, Dad. You’re looking much better today.” He leaned over and gave his father a kiss on the cheek. Milton knew it was rare for Oliver to show any affection, but after all, he was in the hospital, and he could have died. Milton wondered to himself, Is that what it takes for my son to exhibit any kind of love? A near-death experience. Who raised this kid, anyway? Right. Patricia.

“Benjamin is on his way. Had to pick up Eva’s soccer equipment. Should be here in less than ten minutes.” Oliver cleared his throat. “So what’s this all about, Pop?”

“Let’s wait until your brother arrives. That way, I’ll only have to explain it once.” He smiled. “Gotta keep up my strength. They may send me home tomorrow.”

Oliver looked surprised. “Really? Do you think it’s a good idea?”

“The doctors seemed to think so. They said there was no blockage, no damage. Kind of an anomaly. But good thing you boys were around.”

Oliver looked nervous. “Do they have any idea what caused it?”

Milton shook his head and pursed his lips. “Perhaps something I ate caused an arrythmia? I have no idea. The good news is that after a few weeks’ rest, I’ll be back as good as new.”

“That’s great news, Dad.” Oliver seemed genuinely pleased.

Benjamin walked in. “News? What news?” He walked over and gave his father a kiss on the top of his head. That was not unusual for Benjamin. Benjamin had a warmth that Milton surmised came from his own mother, Josephine’s, side of the family.

“Yes. The doctors are letting me go home tomorrow,” Milton repeated.

“That is great news. What’s the prognosis and recovery protocol?”

“Listen to you sounding like a doctor,” Milton joked.

“I watched a lot of House ,” Benjamin joked back.

“Very fine actor,” Milton said.

“I had no idea he was British until he was being interviewed on a talk show,” Benjamin added.

“And he’s also a comedian and a fine musician,” Milton added.

“Lots of talent there.” Oliver looked annoyed that the purpose of this so-called meeting was being sidetracked by a British actor that none of them had any connection to. “So, Dad, shall we get on with it?”

“Easy there, son. I’m trying to take things at a slower pace.” He handed each son one of the résumés. “I’ve decided to take on some temporary help until I can get back in full swing.”

“You said you hired a woman to work the on-call shift.” Oliver was looking at Izzie’s résumé for the facilities job.

“I did. Both candidates are in the salon.” Milton cleared his throat. “Kathryn? Izzie? Come on over and meet my sons.”

The color drained from Oliver’s face. Things were moving much too quickly. Two new hires? Overnight? With everyone now in the room, Oliver could not protest or try to slow down his father’s new initiative. He snapped to it quickly. “You must be Kathryn.” Oliver was taking a small risk, but her strong handshake and towering height made it a good guess.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Spangler.”

“That’s my father. You can call me Oliver.” A weak attempt at humor.

“Alright, Oliver.”

“Benjamin.” He introduced himself. “Nice to meet you, Kathryn.” He turned to Izzie. “And you must be Izzie.”

Izzie smiled. “Yes. Pleased to meet you both.” She shook their hands.

“Let’s go into the sitting area. It’ll be more comfortable.” Milton pushed the button on his recliner and stood. Benjamin jumped to his father’s side and took him by the arm. “Thanks, son. They’ve been making me walk several times a day, so I’m pretty steady on my feet now.”

“Let’s not take any chances.” Benjamin held his father’s elbow.

“If you insist.” Milton let his son walk him to the recliner, where Milton sat up straight. “I’m really quite a terrible patient,” he said to Izzie and Kathryn. “But I really do feel quite well now.” He was wearing a pair of blue silk dot pajamas with a silk navy-blue robe. He actually looked quite well, too. Once Milton was settled, everyone took a seat.

“As I explained to Benjamin and Oliver, while I am recuperating, I wanted to be sure my sons have adequate support. Kat, I believe you will be staying in the apartment at the main office.”

Oliver turned pale again. The place was rarely used, and he had commandeered it for his own enterprise headquarters. “Dad, I have a few things in there.”

“Will they be in Kathryn’s way?” Milton asked.

Kat interrupted. “I really don’t need a lot of room. I’m used to sleeping in my rig.”

“No. No. I’ll clear everything out. I don’t want to disturb you if I need to get to any of it,” Oliver was quick to respond. “I’ll ask Dickie to move everything into the storage space down the hall from my office.” He stood and walked into the other room and blasted off a text to Dickie:

Clear out upstairs apartment. Pronto.

Dickie quickly responded: Furniture too?

Oliver thought he was going to have a stroke.

No! Just our stuff. Put in hallway storage.

From Dickie: Boxes. Right?

Yes! Now!

Got it, boss. On it.

Oliver wiped the perspiration off the top of his lip, then returned to the others.

“Everything alright?” Benjamin asked. His brother had been acting rather oddly since their father’s health scare.

“Yeah. Fine.” Oliver placed his phone back into his jacket pocket. “Sorry. Where were we?”

“Kat will be staying in the apartment. Isabelle, do you have a place to stay, or would you prefer one of our rooms at an inn?”

“Since I’ll be traveling back and forth, having a room would be convenient. I packed enough for a week, and I assume I’ll be wearing a company uniform?”

“We don’t require management to wear uniforms, but we have company blazers we would like you to wear when you are at work. I suppose it’s a uniform of sorts,” Milton said.

“That’s perfect.”

Milton continued. “The facilities on the premises are at your disposal. Laundry, kitchen. Whatever you need.”

Kathryn noticed a slight flinch from Oliver. She made a mental note.

Oliver spoke up. “Chain of command, Dad?”

“Ah, yes. Benjamin, do you have any suggestions?” Milton asked. Technically, both jobs fell under the supervision of Oliver.

“Since Dickie is transportation manager, perhaps Kat should report to him,” Benjamin offered.

“Maybe she should just report directly to me,” Oliver replied. He wanted to keep a sharp eye on this new hire, and Dickie wasn’t up to the job. He had screwed up too much lately.

Both he and Bart. What a nightmare.

“Now, Isabelle. I’d like you to report to Benjamin, if you’re okay with that?” Milton looked at him.

“Of course,” Benjamin agreed.

“But the Inns are under me.” Oliver was almost whining.

“I know, son, but there is already enough for you to do. Izzie can send her dailies to both of you.”

“Alright,” Oliver acquiesced.

“Then it’s agreed. Benjamin, Oliver, have Isabelle and Kat follow you to the main office, and you can get them settled in.”

“Perfect,” Izzie said. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

“I should be the one thanking you for agreeing to come onboard with such short notice.”

“I always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest. This is the perfect opportunity,” Izzie said warmly.

“Right now, you are smack-dab in the middle of Willamette Valley. The real beauty is on either side. The Cascades fill the eastern horizon, and the Oregon Coast Range is to the west. Beautiful on the coast. We have a summer house in Bandon. Don’t spend enough time out there, but maybe after this episode, I’ll make it a point to stay there more often. If either of you want to use the house over the weekend, it would be my pleasure.”

“That’s very generous of you, Mr. Spangler,” Isabelle replied.

Milton replied, “Somebody might as well use it. Benjamin and his family went out every weekend before the kids became teenagers.”

“You’re right, Dad. We all should spend more time out there together.”

“It’s almost a four-hour drive from here.” Oliver was half apologizing, half explaining why he rarely went there, even during holiday celebrations.

“You’re the one with the fast car,” Milton teased. “It would take you three.” He chuckled. “Well, enough of this family talk. Let’s get all of you down to business.”

“The coast is quite beautiful,” Kathryn added. “I know these roads like the back of my hand. It will be a very short learning curve.”

“Wonderful.” Milton was smiling. “They’re letting me out of this jail tomorrow. I’d like for all of us to meet at my house at the end of the week. A quick briefing.”

“Dad, are you sure you’re supposed to be working?” Oliver asked.

“I told the doctor that sitting idly would add to my stress levels. As long as I know things are being handled, then I’ll be able to relax.”

“You know you can count on us, Pop,” Oliver offered.

“And us,” Kathryn said, looking at Izzie. Then she remembered they weren’t supposed to know each other. “Sorry. I just figured . . .”

“No worries. We’re all here to assist the Spangler family.” Izzie was quick to cover Kathryn’s gaffe.

“Splendid. I’ll let you all be on your way. Figure on meeting Friday afternoon. I’ll ask Ruby to fix tea. One of the boys will give you the time and address.”

Everyone shook hands and said their adieus. Benjamin gave his dad another peck on the top of his head. “I will be so glad when you’re done fussing over me.” Milton waved him off with a chuckle.

“That’ll never happen,” Benjamin replied.

The four made small talk on their way to the lobby. Benjamin and Oliver went to the valet and gave him their tickets.

“We’ll pull our cars around,” Izzie said, and gave Kathryn a wink. The Sisters were always careful around their marks, but it had been a while, and everyone was trying to get up to speed in a hurry. No pun intended.

* * *