|
| Three months later... "Beth! Phone!"her roommate called over the blaring noise of the stereo. "Got it,"She said turning down the stereo."Hello?" "Do you know what day it is?" She looked at her calendar."August twenty second. What's the...big...deal,"she trailed off realizing it was Howie's Birthday. She really tried pushing him out of her thoughts every chance she got but he somehow managed to sneak in there every day since she left him standing in his doorway as she saw the tears spill from his eyes before she pulled away. It broke her heart to even think she had that much power over a man. She and AJ had come to terms with what their relationship really was; friends whom knew each other a little more intimately than they did before but still friends nonetheless. He did love her but not the way Howie still did."You know." "I left the house, not his memory. Do you think it's about time I told him?" "I think it's long overdue for you both but yes." "You've known all along haven't you?" "Yea I have. I just didn't have the luck of geography." "Geography had nothing to do with it. So what time are you picking me up for this little birthday wing ding?" "Sevenish." "Where are we doing this anyway?" "At Nick's." "And I'm the birthday present." "Hopefully one he'll be thanking me for the rest of his life. I jsut couldn't stand to see the two of you continue to go through all this anymore." "I'll see you around seven then." "Okay,"she hung up the phone and turned to find her roommate and friend Cindy there. |
| "You're going aren't you?" "You got a problem with it?" "The only problem I've got with you is why you waited so long to do it." "Are you in on his little birthday surprise too?" "Guilty. You're not mad are you?" "Why should I be mad? Hopefully you're just giving love a little jump start in the right direction. About nine thirty Howie approached AJ and Nick."I think I'm gonna head out of here guys. Thanks for the bash and all but I'd just rather be alone tonight." "Howie. We still have the cake to do." "Save it. We can eat some tomorrow." Nick snickered almost giving them away. "What's so funny?" "Just sit down in the living room and we'll be out with the cake in a second okay?"AJ said. "Okay. But after I blow the candles out or whatever you're gonna do, I'm going." "Fine by me. Now sit. Keep an eye on him Nick." "Are you ready?"he found Beth waiting patiently. "I've been ready for a long time." "Let's go then,"as they lit the candles on his cake. She carried the half sheet cake toward the living room where they had directed all their guests. |
| Nick dimmed the lights as he saw the blazing candles coming around the way. When Howie's eyes met hers as she rounded the corner, he made a beeline for the deck."What the ?"Nick scrunched his brow in confusion. "I don't get it,"Beth looked to AJ for an answer. "I do. Let me talk to him,"He made his way to the deck."Howie." He turned from his leaning position on the railing."What do you want?" "When are you gonna stop being an asshole and tell that woman that you love her?" "When everybody stops hassling me to." "Including me?"she interrupted. "I'll just leave you two alone,"AJ ducked back into the house. He just stared, mostly in disbelief that she even came back. He was beginning to think she was gone for good."Help me out here Beth because I can't understand why you left me." "You wanna know why Howie? Because, for the first time I fell in love with a man that couldn't tell me he loved me when he knew he did." "Is that all?" "No. Let me guess why you never said it. Afraid of commitment at your age? I should be the one more worried about that kind of thing because when I commit, it's going to be forever. I loved you the minute you walked into my life, even though you were still dating that Cathy girl. So you'll excuse me if I'm just a little melodramatic about my feelings for you. I never really doubted them, I just thought the separation would be good for both of us." "Good how?" "When I walked out that door three months ago, I prayed the next time I'd be coming through it as your wife. Only you hold the key to that one. So, if you change your mind, your best friend knows where to find me." He jerked her back around to him."I'm sorry I never said it. I wish I had known before." "You know you could say it now." "Now?" "Oh I forgot. There's a crowded room full of people watching us. G*d forbid they should see another couple of people fall into the arms of love. What would they think?" He clamped his hand over her mouth."I love you Elizabeth Mackenzie Adams!"he announced into the night air."Better?"he withdrew his hand from her covered mouth. "If you mean it, Yes." "Great! Now you all can go home and get freaky and leave us alone,"AJ responded. "Not very tactful is he?" "Never has been. Remind me to thank him after our honeymoon." |
|
|