I had a sneaking suspicion that morning that something was definitely amiss. Clayton was in too good of a mood to have just had one too many cups of coffee. Flowers, gifts for my children, a clean desk from the nite before. Something was definitely different. I took it all in stride to see exactly how the day would play out.

At approximately lunch time, Clayton approached my desk and mentioned that he would be out for most of the afternoon. However, he had asked me if I would meet him for dinner at Ruth's Chris. I had no problem with veraciously eating a slab of cold beef that evening...it had been a while, so I humbly accepted. I could still tell that there was more on his mind, and i wondered if something was not creeping into mine as well.

We each ordered the Rib-eye. The best cut of meat no doubt, and I additionally had whipped red-skin potatoes and asparagus as sides. He ordered an expensive bottle of wine from the Napa Valley and began talking in a much sweeter tone. At first it was wholesome. He was expressing his appreciation for my extraordinary hard work around the office; and then all at once, turned to flattery.

I had worn a "little black dress" for the occasion and perhaps that was not the right move. Not that i wore it for Clayton specifically, but more for myself. I had always enjoyed dressing "to the nines" for Brady, and I suppose I never lost that hallmark trait. The flattery turned to a "come on" and sadly I was melting.

After a second bottle of wine, my head was now filled with as much flattery and compliments that I was prepared to do the worst. I would go home with Clayton that nite, and make what I would call a colossal mistake. Nonetheless, I had longed to be in the arms of a strong man for several years now. It mattered not that nite that he was twenty years my junior. I wanted someone to want me. The love that he portrayed so sweetly was like a bit of honey overflowing from a glass of tea that had been poured too full.

I wondered what Monday morning would feel like as I drove home at 4:30 AM. Not knowing, I was glad I had the weekend to process the "garbage-in, garbage-out"!

My mid-fifties were approaching at a rapid pace, but for some reason I could see sixty coming on the horizon at a much more rapid pace. "How was this happening", I wondered. Prom was also right around the corner as was Liam's ability to be drive and be independent. I felt sure I was going to need anti-depressants again, so that morning I phoned my doctor.

He recommended Abilify. It was a new drug on the market that at a low dosage would simply give you a "boost", supposedly. And Lord knows I needed that.

In March, I could see that the plans I had put in place for Clayton were starting to gain traction. He brought in approximately $2M a month for the first three months of the year, which was almost as much as he had done in the preceding eighteen. Things were looking up around the office, and Clayton was quick to reward me for my efforts.

Just before Easter, on that Friday; Good Friday in fact, Clayton walked in the door whistling with a large covered package in his hand. It contained small gifts of kindness for Liam and Isabella and flowers for me. From time to time, I had brought in a few Orchids; and being the green-thumb that I am, they had not lasted near as long as they should have. That morning, he brought the most beautiful Orchid. It had hues of purple, yellow and pink; and simply took your breath away with it's beauty.