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Jaime invited me to her home to celebrate her birthday early. Her birthday is on February 15th. She had Jake, other colleagues, and her friend for a BBQ. I enjoyed myself, and it seemed to be everyone else. She invited people who were single, not sick, and people who didn't celebrate Valentine's Day.  I had two of my guards, Lori Blain and Jethro Oliver, pick me up to take me home. I was finally home and taking a bath. My mind kept going to all the years I was with Julia as Carlo and later as Cindy.  We celebrated Valentine's Day  a lot. I finally got out and did my nightly routine before I went to bed watching a hallmark movie. I finished two before I decided to go to sleep.
Some of my friends and I cleaned everything up.  One of the guys asked me how I was doing since my divorce.  I told him it was my fault for cheating on her. I messed up my marriage a  long time before she found out about my affair.  I let both my mentor and Julia down. I knew my parents would be disappointed in me, too. I walked them out in the chilly night and went inside.  I locked my door and turned the alarm on. I poured myself a three fingers of bourbon and downed it.  I placed the glass in the dishwasher and went upstairs to do my nightly routine and took a quick but hot shower . I wasn't tired, so I watched a murder mystery movie. My landline rang.

" Happy birthday.  I hope you will enjoy it today. Your gift will arrive later this afternoon from me."
" Thank you for remembering and getting me a gift.  I was through a party yesterday.  I enjoyed myself, but it was different without you. I  truly fucked up. I better let you go. I love you."
" I  am glad you enjoyed yourself.  I love you too. Sleep well."
We  ended the call. I fell asleep.

Julia was shaking and screaming in her sleep. I tossed my cellphone on my nightstand and just held her whispering she was safe. She eventually stopped screaming. I got up to get a finger towel and returned with a cup  of milk and the towel.  She was awake and had gone to the restroom.

" I am sorry for waking you up." 
" Here is a warm cup of milk and a towel to dry yourself off, but it seems you took care of that already.
I had just gotten off from my cellphone speaking with Jaime to wish her a happy birthday. She threw a party and enjoyed herself. Her gift arrives later today.  I got her a signed jersey from the Seattle marlins from several team players she likes and others she doesn't."
" That is so sweet. Cindy and I got her a new building that we had made into a clinic for her birthday.  She can open it once she hires people. Jake is doing the interviews for her without her knowledge.  We know she hasn't been happy since losing 20 percent of her share in the business. Even though it was her own fault.  We have plans to show her tomorrow after we take her out to lunch. Please come with us."

I told her yes. I knew she wanted her own clinic.  Her dream was coming true. We kissed, and she finished her milk.  She placed it on her nightstand and cuddled with me, and we eventually fell asleep.

The following morning, we had breakfast in our own homes and left to go horseback riding. Jackie Windsor and Greg Williams met with me to get with my four horses we would ride. Julia,  Alexa, my nieces and nephews were here on some of my horses and the rest of Julia's that she brought over in her horse trailer. Jake was riding one of Julia's horses.  It was cold, but the ride felt good. We all had ski masks with lip balm to prevent chap lips.

" Alexa, thank you for my gift. I hung the framed jersey in my game room with my other sports memorabilia items. I loved it.  I can't wait for our lunch at the sushi place.  Julia, I know you can only eat the chicken.  I will order you two plates on me. Alexa, I hope you are coming."  " I am. Julia asked me after we spoke. I am looking forward to it."
We only rode for an hour. It was too cold to be out here any longer.  Jaime and Jake followed us to help Julia and I to get my horses settled, fed and comfortable before they left. Alexa made us all hot cocoa in Dixie cups that we all took and drank it as we went to our homes.