Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 14:32:15 -0500 (EST) From: Hot Musician Subject: Repost of Always and Forever Chapter 2 and 3 Disclaimer: This is no way implies that any of the celebrities mentioned below are gay. This is a work of FICTION and should be viewed in that manner. We all just wish that this could be true, but once again reality bites. Always and Forever - Chapter 2 Kevin and I stopped kissing abruptly and turned to see Rick standing in the open door smiling at us. I smiled back. Rick entered the room and said, "Kevin, welcome to the family." I looked at him bewildered, as did Kevin. "What do you mean by that?" "If Chris is standing here making out with a guy he just met and looks happier than ever before, I know this is the real deal. So, welcome to the family. Any person worthy of Chris' love is worthy of mine as well. And you know Becca will say the same thing." Rick informed us. All I could do was just walk over and hug Rick. He returned the hug and whispered, "Congrats, you deserve it." As I broke away from him, I just smiled. He extended his hand to Kevin and Kevin accepted it, but Rick just pulled him into a hug. I heard Rick whisper into Kevin's ear, "You hurt him, you die, Becca will see to that." I smiled at my overprotective friend and I knew that he was right. Rick and Becca would hunt down anyone who hurt me and slowly torture them to death. Kevin stepped back towards me and said, "I have no intentions of ever causing him pain." "Good," Rick stated. "I hate to ruin this time that we are sharing, but I really do need to get home before Becca hunts me down and kills me," Rick joked. "Yeah, we should get going. Kevin needs his rest. And it is really late . . . no early in the morning." "Why don't you stay?" Kevin pleads. Rick turns and leaves us as he hears this. "I can't. I need to go home. We maybe in love, but we still have to go slow. I'm too fragile to rush into anything." "We don't have to rush into anything. I'm scared I could wake up and all this just has been a dream. But really it would be my nightmare if I didn't have you." Kevin begs as he draws me into a hug. "Trust me, if this a dream I wouldn't leave. This is reality, and I have to go home. I will call you tomorrow if you want, then we can go out and do something." "If I want? Of course, I want you to call. I don't want you to leave, remember?" "Sorry, just had to do a reality check," I joked. He reached for a pen and paper and scribbled down some numbers. He then handed me the pad and pen. I jotted down every phone number I had: home, pager, cell phone, and work. He took it out of my hand and pulled me into another kiss. After a few minutes, there was a light knock on the door. We both knew it was Rick. I disengaged from Kevin and said, "I will call you just as soon as I get up. But, now I have to go." With that I gave him a quick peck on the lips and headed for the door. As I reached the exit, I turned around, "By the way, did I forget to tell you, I love you." He smiled and said, "I almost thought you did. I love you, too." I opened the door and said, "I didn't but one more time. I love you, Kevin, and I will see you tomorrow." "Don't forget to call me!" he yelled as I was closing the door. "I won't how could I," I said as I pulled the door closed. "I love you, too!" he yelled. I laughed at that and turned to see Rick smiling at me. "What?" "I'm just so glad to see you happy again. Becca won't be quite as furious once she finds out what has happened." Rick chuckled. I couldn't help but laugh as he said that. We walked to the Durango and got in this time with me driving. I knew Rick was too tired to drive. And with everything I had just went through I had sobered up. We took off and I told Rick what had transpired. He couldn't help but laugh at me as I gushed about the man I love. His laughter was contagious and I found myself giggling like a schoolgirl. Just then my cell phone rang, "Hello!" I said in between fits of laughter. "Where the hell are you? And what have you done with my husband?" Becca shouted through the phone. She was so loud, I had to hold it away from my ear. "I am on my way home, and I sold your husband to the gypsies." I laughed out. All I could hear was Becca screaming profanities at me as Rick took the phone from my hand. "Honey, don't listen to him. He's a man in love. Yes, I know that it's 5 in the morning. Well, he'll have to tell you. Since your up, we'll be home in about 5 minutes if you want to wait I'm sure Chris will explain it all. No, I'm not drunk or high. I'm serious. We're almost home. I'll see ya in a few. Love ya." He said as he hung up the phone. Immediately the phone rang again, "What's up with that we'll be there in 2 minutes." Rick said before answering, "Chinese whore house, will this be pick-up or delivery?" Rick answered the phone. I just busted up laughing. "Delivery. Bring back that one boy that was here," Kevin laughed in the phone. "Hang on. Let me forward you to the customer service department, sir," Rick said as he handed me the phone. "Customer Service, what was wrong with the bitch this time?" I say into the phone trying to keep up the charade. Rick just rolled in laughter. "Well, he ran out on me. I told him I loved him and he said it back then he ran away. I want my money back," Kevin said trying to act pissed. "I'm sorry, sir. We don't offer refunds on love. I'm sure if you just give it time he will come back or call you tomorrow." I said keeping up my role. "But, I need him now, my life is empty without him. Even though it's just been 20 minutes since he left." Kevin said sounding hurt. "Kevin, you'll be ok until morning. What are you doing calling me anyway? Checking up on me?" "I just wanted to make sure you were ok and tell you that I love you. It seems I can't say that enough." "Well, you better not get tired of it, because we have a long way to go. I am just pulling up to Rick's house, and I have to go in and explain myself to Becca. Rick had just hung up the phone when you called," I informed him. "Oh I see. What are you going to tell Becca?" "Well, Rick said I would explain everything to her once we got here. So, I guess everything," I laughed. "Seriously, what are you going to say?" "Well, I'm going to tell her that I met the person of my dreams. The person who fills the void in my life and makes me complete. The person who has made me happy once more, the person who loves me and that I love unconditionally." I responded as I watch Rick walk into the house. Rick was so good about letting me have these private moments with Kevin, even if it is over the phone. "Oh, I see," Kevin said sadly. "Can I tell her that it's you? I want to, and she'll find out from Rick anyway," I ask sheepishly. "Well, yes you can tell her. I didn't know if you were just going to leave me as a mystery man. I want to be a part of your life. That includes your friends as well. Besides, Rick already welcomed me into the family," Kevin snickered. "Well, Rick is just the committee Becca will be the House vote to say if you're in or not. But, I know when she sees us together she will not hesitate to jump all over you." "So, when do I get to meet her then?" "I don't know I'll see if I can arrange something. She's a very busy woman." "Oh, whenever." "I'm just joking. She will want to drive over right after I tell her, but I won't let her." "Come on over. I'm still awake and that would also mean I would get to see you again," he says impishly. "Kevin, you are too much." I laugh. "Oh shit, I've got to go in she's standing at the door looking mad." I say as I see Becca standing looking at me with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. I only see this when she's really pissed. "Ok fine go, leave me." Kevin teased. "I love you and will call you later. Get some sleep. I'm going to probably crash here for a few hours after I talk with Becca and then I'll call you, ok?" "Sure, I'm getting tired now. I love you." "Love you too. Bye." "Bye" I hurry and get off the phone and climb out of the truck. Becca yells, "It's about fucking time you got of the fucking phone!" "Becca, will you keep it down. You're going to wake the neighbors." I say quietly as I walk onto the porch. "Fuck the neighbors!" She yells. Then she turns on me. "Would you like to explain why you kept my husband out until five in the morning, and also what is this about you being in love?" she hissed. "I'm sorry about Rick, but if we can just go in and sit down I'll tell you about everything." I plead trying to calm her down. "You had better fucking explain yourself! You've got a lot of esplain' to do" Becca cracks a smile as she does her best Ricky Ricardo impersonation. Then I knew that I had been set up. Rick stuck his head out the door laughing. I linked my arm through Becca's and walked into the house. "There's coffee in the kitchen. Get us some, Rick. And Chris you best start talkin' before I kill you with my bare hands." Becca says. So, I began. I told Becca everything from me in the bar to me sitting there talking with her. During all of this time we had drained the pot of coffee. Rick started another pot, before he headed off to bed. Becca and I just sat there and talking, sorting through emotions and anything else we could think of. I told her how much Kevin really means to me. She was so happy for me. As we started the second pot of coffee, I realized it was 7:30 and the caffeine was not doing its job. I yawned loudly and asked Becca if I could crash on the couch for a couple of hours. She hugged me and said, "Of course, silly boy. Anytime you need our couch it is yours." She got up and walked to the bedroom. Before she even closed the door I was asleep. I woke up to feel hair in my face. Not just any hair, cat hair. Then whack! Hit in the side of the head by a cat's tail. "Good morning to you too, Minnie!" I say groggily. As I speak, Minnie runs off to the bedroom. I got up and looked at my watch - 11am. '3 1/2 hours sleep ain't too bad for me,' I think. I stretched and stand up. I reach in my pocket and pull out the slip of paper Kevin gave me earlier. I walked over to the phone and dialed his room number. One ring . . . two . . . three, finally someone answers the phone, "Hello." "Yes, this is room service. We just had an order for 3 dozen stacks of pancakes, 4 dozen eggs and 12 pots of coffee. We were just calling to confirm and see if you needed anything else. "Sleep, all I need is sleep," Kevin says in a daze. "Well, there is an order for a man, but we seem to be out of stock. Would you care for something else?" I question trying to see if he is awake yet or not. "Yes, but he said I couldn't have what I wanted, just yet." Kevin joked back finally awake. "So, you finally woke up. How did you sleep?" " Well, once I got over you not being here. Ok, I guess." "I'm sorry I woke you from your slumber, but I did say I would call as soon as I got up. I AM a man of my word." "I know that's one of the things I love about you. What time is it anyway?" Kevin questions as he sits up in bed. "Half past a monkey's ass . . ." I laugh. "No, it's about 11:15" "No funny business, I'm not quite awake yet." "Sorry, I couldn't resist. Do you want me to hang up so you can go back to sleep?" "No, I want you to get your ass over here and crawl into bed with me." "Kevin . . ." I say giving him my parental tone. "I know. You can't blame a guy for trying though. I just want you with me," he whimpers. "No pouting. I'll be there in a little bit. I need to go home and shower and change - Don't even go there!" I say anticipating his comment. "What? I wasn't going to say anything." He says coyly. "Sure, whatever, I'll go get cleaned up and I have to stop by the office then I will be by there say about 12:30 and we can go get some lunch." "Yes, sir." "Ooh, I like the submissive type," I say naughtily. "Spank me, sir. I deserve it." He said huskily. "Stop it. Or I'll never get over there," I say laughing. "Well, get a move on - DOUBLE TIME. I've missed you." "Ok. I'm heading out now. I'll see you in a few." "Ok, love ya." "Love you, too." As I was hanging up, Becca came into the living room. "You leaving?" "Yeah, I have a few things to do, then I am going to go meet Kevin for lunch." I say as I pull on my shoes. "Ok, have fun!" She says as she winks at me. "What are you guys doing tonight?" "Nothing, why?" she asks cautiously. "Well, I was thinking maybe you could come over for dinner and meet Kevin and the guys. I'll have to check with them first, but what do you think?" "Sounds good to me," Rick says as he walks into the room. "I guess that is a yes then." Becca says glaring at her husband. "Ok, I'll call you later to let you know what time to come over." I said my good-byes and headed for home. Within no time, I was at the office and checked with my secretary. I told her I would be out today and would only come in for an emergency. I did what had to be done and left. Soon, I pulled up to the hotel. I walked to the lobby and checked in with the receptionist. She told me that I was expected and should go on up. I got in to the elevator and before I knew it I was knocking on Kevin's door. He opened the door and quickly pulled me in. I lost my breath as he kissed me forcefully. After a few minutes, he broke the kiss and looked at me. "Well, hello to you too," I laughed. He punched me lightly in the shoulder and pulled me into a hug. "I missed you so much." "I missed you too," I said as I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "So, what's on the agenda for you guys today?" He grins. "For the guys nothing, for me - you." "Oh, well we need to find something be for you to do." "You are all that I need. Plus some." "You're too kind." "Chris, I'm hungry. The guys already left and I waited cause you would be here." "Well, let's go eat." We headed downstairs and found the guys. We joined them and started talking about nothing in particular. "By the way, what do you have planned for supper?" AJ quickly responds, "Room service." We all laugh and I start, "Well how would you guys like a home cooked meal and hangout with Rick, Becca and I?" Kevin smiles at me. Brian answers for the rest, "That is the best offer, we've had all day." Chapter 3 We finish lunch and head out to go our separate ways. I give directions to my house to Brian and tell them to show up around 6:30 or so. I decide that if I am cooking dinner I need to go to the grocery store. Kevin tags along with me. It is nice just being able to drive down the road and hold his hand. We made it back to my house and unloaded the groceries. I walked through the garage and into the house, Kevin was right behind me. As we sat the groceries on the cabinet, Kevin started inspecting the rest of the house. "Nice place you have," he commented. "Thanks, it's nothing too special, just the place I call home." "It's really nice, I love this deck," he says while looking out the French doors into my backyard. "It's nice to sit out there on cool nights and just relax." I comment as I walked up behind him and put my arms around his waist. He held onto me. "It feels so right to be here with you," he says turning towards me. "It feels right having you here." I smile as I lean in for a kiss. After a few minutes, I untangle myself from him. He pouts while I do this. I just smile and say, "You're just too cute when you pout." "Oh, are you saying that is the only time that I am cute?" "No, now you're putting words in my mouth. You're cute all of the time, but you're especially cute when you pout." I clarify as I lean in for a kiss. He grabs onto me and pulls me down on top of him. "We'll never eat if you keep this up." "Alright, I'll stop for now, but later you are mine." He replies with another quick kiss. I remove myself from him and walk back to the kitchen and start preparing dinner. As I get everything started, I start flying around the kitchen checking the chicken and cutting onion when I notice Kevin watching me from the doorway. "What?" I yell. "Nothing, I was just see how long it would take you to realize I was here." "Sorry, when I start cooking I really get wrapped up in it." I state. "Do you want me to do anything?" he asks looking over my shoulder. I turn and steal a quick kiss and say, "How are you at wielding a knife?" Looking bewildered he replies, "Ok I guess, why?" I hand him the bag of apples and a paring knife and say, "Peel." "Ok," he turns around to the sink and starts peeling and coring the apples. After I finish mixing the filling, I turn and watch him. He looks so determined to do a good job. I just gaze at him. he finally notices me staring and asks, "Whatcha thinkin'?" "Well, I was thinking how intent you look doing that," I laugh. "I was also thinking how good it is to have you here. Even though you are just doing a menial task, you will be rewarded." "Really, how?" "Oh, I'm not one to tell all my secrets," I kid. "It better be good. This is hard work." I lean over and kiss him. "That's just a preview." "Hey, no funny business, that's your rule." "Oh for that you are going to have to pee the potatoes, too." "I thought you were going to reward me, not punish me." "Good things come to those who wait," I say as I slap his cute butt. "I'll get you for that." "I'm already planning on it." I say as I walk into the living room and turn on the stereo. I put in one of my favorite CD's of Mendelsohn Symphonies. "I didn't know you liked classical music." "Well, I guess you forgot that one of my degrees is in music. I love all sorts of music, bot one of my favorite genres is classical." "One more thing . . . is that all you listen to?" "No, I listen to everything, but I don't really care for a few things like Southern Gospel, and I don't get into rap." "So, by the way, what do you do for a living exactly?" "Oh how they soon forget," I joke. "Hey, I've slept since then." "Well, actually I own a business as a financial planner and I work as a substitute musician at a local church." "You are so diverse." "I know, but that's why you love me." "Yes, it is." He quickly kisses me. Suddenly, there's a knock on the front door. I go to answer it and see Becca standing there. I invite her in. "I just stopped by to see if you need any help." "You could've just called." Knowing why she was there, Becca can be a mystery sometimes, but other times she is blatantly obvious about her objective. "He's in the kitchen," I state. As she heads that way, Kevin steps into the living room. "Kevin, I would like for you to meet Becca, my best friend and Rick's wife." "Nice to meet you." Kevin offers her his hand. She just looks at him, "So, you are the man who stole my little one's heart?" "Becca, he didn't steal my heart. He won it. Besides, I hate how you call me 'little one' I maybe younger than you, but I'm still bigger than you." "Don't mess with me little boy. You know I'm a trained killing machine," she smiles. "Yea, yeah, Marines taught you well." Kevin just stares at us as we bicker back and forth. Becca finally goes over and pulls an unexpecting Kevin into a hug. I laugh as I watch the confusion fly across his face. As Becca releases him from the hug, she steps back and says, "Now take this as your first and final warning. If you hurt him, I will hunt you down and kill you." Kevin just nods his agreement. I laugh, "Where have I heard that before?" Becca turns to me. "Rick said the exact same thing last night when he caught us kissing," I explain. "So, what is left to be done?" Becca breaks the silence, trying to lighten the mood. "Nothing, Kevin and I have everything under control." I say as I walk towards him and loop my arm around his waist. "Ok, well, in that case, I will go home and get ready. Do you want me to bring anything?" she asks as she walks toward the door. "Well, you could bring a couple of bottle of wine that would be great. We're having chicken enchiladas." "Oh, Kevin you must be special if he is fixing his enchiladas. I'll bring something. Oh Kevin, I'm serious about what I said, but I do like you. I just can't stand seeing this dork getting hurt. Welcome to the family," she reaches up and hugs him again. "See ya later." "Bye" Kevin and I say in unison. "Well that went well" I say as I close the door. "That went well? I thought she was going to kill me," Kevin spewed out. "You just have to understand Rick and Becca. Becca is a lot more aggressive than Rick, but they are very protective of me. They were here for me when I needed them the most. They stood by me and supported me. They are my family." I explain. He reaches out and pulls me into a hug, "I want to be there for you." "Well you're here now and that's all I need." We stood there and kissed for a while then we walked back to the kitchen. Kevin stood there and watched as I started fixing the crust for the pie. "How do you know how to do all of this? I mean I can cook, but I need a recipe to follow," he asked intrigued by my actions. "My mother and grandmother taught me everything I know about cooking. They are both excellent cooks, and every chance I had while growing up I was helping them in the kitchen. The only think I hate about cooking is cleaning up afterwards," I joke. "You really are amazing." "I almost became a chef, but the cleaning part is what stopped me." "That's what you have assistants for," he beamed as he started picking up dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher. "You don't have to do that, I may not like to clean, but I do it anyway." "I know I don't have to, but I want to." He smiles. "Thanks, there's another reason I love you." "What's that?" "You give of yourself so freely. You really are a catch." "Well, now that you've caught me what do you want to do with me?" he says hugging me from behind with his head on my shoulder. "Stuff and mount you. My living room wall needs some decoration," I laugh as I touch his nose with my flour-covered finger. "You're just asking for it, aren't you?" he says as he tickles me. I just start squirming so hard that it hurts. "Ok stop. No funny business, right? At least not for now." He eyes me suspiciously and I just lean in and kiss him. After we finish, I look at the clock. "You should go to the hotel and get the guys. Dinner will be ready a little after 6:30." "Oh you're right, I should probably shower and change clothes." "You look fine but there's still flour on your nose," I laugh. He wiped it off with his hand. "Do you need me for anything else, or may I be dismissed?" "The only thing I need for you to do is hurry and get back in here." He smiles, kisses me, and says, "I'll be back before you know it. You don't mind me driving your Durango, do you?" "Anyone else and I would probably say yes, but as I told you: everything that I have is yours, that means my car too." I say as I hug him. "I'll be back in a few. Love ya." "I love you too. Be careful." I say as I hand him my keys. "I will. Bye." "Bye." As soon as he left, I turned and started finishing dinner. I knew it would be an hour before he got back with the guys. So, I put the pie in the oven and made sure the enchiladas were ready to go in too. I though 'Ok, I have 30 minutes before the enchiladas need to be baked, the corn is simmering, the Spanish rice will take 30 minutes and the pie is in the oven. I have time to get myself cleaned up as well. I head to my bedroom and caught a glimpse of my reflection. 'Oh yeah, I need a shower.' I head to the bathroom and undress. I turned on the shower adjusted the temperature and stepped in. The water felt good flowing over my body. All of a sudden, the bathroom door opened and Kevin stuck his head in and said, "Chris?" scaring the shit out of me. I stuck my head out around the shower curtain trying to compose some modesty and said, "Kevin, what in hell's name are you doing here?" Kevin looked at me and said, "Well, I forgot to kiss you goodbye and it didn't feel right. I'm glad I came back for it." He smiles wickedly. "Oh, you are evil." I grabbed him with one hand the other still holding the shower curtain and kissed him. Before I knew it both of my hands were around his back and his hands were around mine. So there I am naked, dripping wet, kissing the man I love when I felt his hands caressing my ass. I broke the kiss and said, "You know you could just shower with me." He quickly pulls me into another kiss. Thinking that meant yes, I started unbuttoning his shirt, but he backed away. "No funny business. Your rule not mine. Besides we need to go slow, right? And I still have to go pick up the guys." I nodded knowing that he was right. "Maybe tonight we can finish where we left off. But for right now, I'm going to leave. I love ya and I'll be back shortly," he said giving me a quick kiss. "Ok, I love you too. Hurry back." "Alright." And with that he left. I stepped back under the spray and washed my hair. As I was rinsing off, I noticed that was a little, if not a lot excited. The kiss really got my juices flowing. I reached down and gave a squeeze and few strokes to my dick. 'Wait. I've got to stop. I need to get out of here and get ready.' I quickly flipped the water to cold to cool off. It helped, but I was still half-hard. Oh well, I grabbed my towel and quickly dried off and went to my bedroom and grabbed some clothes to wear. I chose a pair of khaki shorts and a blue knit v-neck pullover. I got dressed and fixed my hair. 'Better.' I went back to the kitchen to check on thing. As I was walking out of the kitchen the phone rang. I looked at the caller id and saw it was Rick and Becca. "Hey, what's up?" I blurted out quickly. "Just checking to see if you need anything else." Becca replied. "Nope. Just get your sorry ass over here. The guys should be here in about 30-45 minutes," I say as I look at the clock. "Ok we'll be there in 20." "Cool, see ya then." "Alright." Just as I hung up the phone, it rang again. Thinking it was Becca, I just picked up before it even rang once. "What now?" "Christian." Only four people call me that mom, grandma, telemarketers, or Jana. "Yes?" I ask sheepishly. "Hi, Christian. It's Jana." 'Oh shit, why now? I don't need this." "Christian, are you there?" "Yeah, I'm here," I started choking up. "Are you ok?" "Yeah, just surprised you called," I say trying to regain my composure. "Well, I'm in town and I was hoping we could have dinner and talk. It's been so long since I've seen you. I've missed you." "Jana, I would've said the same thing yesterday, but I'm trying to get on with my life. I don't think it would be a good idea for us to see each other right now. Besides, I'm expecting company in bout 10 minutes." "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't think you would have plans." "Why? Don't you think that I can live without you? That really arrogant," I say angrily. "No, it's not that. I mean, it's Tuesday. Not really a night you would throw a party." "Well, I've changed." "I didn't call to argue. I just wanted to see you and talk to you. Will you be in the office tomorrow?" "I don't know. If I don't have any appointments, then no." "Well, I just made an appointment for 10:30, so I will see you then." "Fine, I will meet you at 10:30 at the office." I said giving in to her. "Ok, til tomorrow." "Yeah." "Shit!" I screamed as I slammed the phone down on its base. The door suddenly busted open and Becca and Rick stood there staring at me. "What in the hell happened?" Becca screamed at me. With that, I just broke down. "What did he do to you? I'll kill him!" Becca's rage seething out her teeth. Rick turned to walk out the door. "Wait!" I yelled at him through the sobs. "It wasn't Kevin." I choked out. "What is it then," Becca screamed as she shook me. "It was . . . her." I sobbed even harder. Becca just gathered me into her arms and held me. Just then I heard the garage door open. "Shit, the guys are here." I tried to collect myself. "Rick, will you send Kevin back. I will be in my bedroom. Dinner's almost ready. Just take everything out of the oven. The corn and rice are on the stove." I said before I ran to the back of the house. As I closed my bedroom door, I heard the guys talking to Rick. About two minutes later, my door opened. I looked up and saw Kevin looking at me. I just broke down. He ran over to me and held me. "What's wrong?" I didn't answer. I just cried. He just held me and stroked my hair trying to comfort me. I cried more and more and held onto him for dear life. Finally, as the tears ran out, I looked up at him. He kissed away the remainder of my tears and asked, "What happened?" "Jana called," I said almost crying again. "Why?" "I don't know. She wants to talk, but I don't want to see her." "Then don't" "She made an appointment at the office for tomorrow." "So, just call in sick." "I don't want her to think that I'm sick because of her." "I know, but you don't need to see her." "I know that too, but I have my pride. I don't want her to think I'm not over her." "But you're not." "I know, but I don't want her to know that." "Fine, I will support you however you choose, but just know that I won't be happy if you see her. I don't want to see you get hurt again." "Thanks, but I really should do it. Maybe, it will bring closure to that part of my life," I tried to justify. "Maybe" was all Kevin could say. "Let me wash my face and let's go eat." "Are you sure you're up to it. I can just send everyone home and we can talk about this." "No. I don't want to talk about it right now. I think just being around my friends and you will be best. Plus, I didn't cook all day to let it go to waste." I said trying to smile. "If you think it's best, but if you start to withdraw, I'm sending everyone home. OK?" "I'll try my best to be good." "Alright clean up and let's go out there," he said helping me from the bed. He lead me into the bathroom, got a washcloth wet it, and washed my face. "I really do hate seeing those blue eyes of yours crying." Kevin said as he kissed each one. I just hugged him and whispered, "Thank you, this just another reason that I love you." "You are more than welcome. I love you too." After cleaning up and running a brush through my hair, we emerged from the bedroom. I saw that Becca had set the table and everything was ready. "Let's eat." I announced, startling everyone. Brian looked at me, "Are you ok?" "I'll be fine. I'm here with friends and loved one what more could I want?" Becca just walked up to me and hugged me and said, "I love you and I'm here if you need me." "I know, I love you too." She turned to Kevin, "I need to apologize. I walked in right after the call, and I thought you had done something. I'm sorry for not trusting you. Can you forgive me?" "Of course, you don't know me and you were just looking out for your 'little one.'" I hit him in the stomach, "Don't you start that too!" They both laughed and hugged. "Ok, now the mushy stuff is over, let's eat." We all sat down at the table and every dug in. As I watched my love, new friends, and old ones start eating, I just silently thanked God for everything he has given me. I also prayed for strength to what was waiting tomorrow. Kevin looked at me, and I smiled. He smiled back. Becca saw us and winked at me. I just giggled. We ate till our hearts and stomachs were content. Everything turned out well. The food was good. The wine was great. And the companionship was superb. We were all talking and laughing at each other's stories. As we finished eating, I started clearing plates, Kevin and Becca both stood to help me. I said, "Sit back down. Or better yet, why don't you all go into the living room and relax while I put these in the sink and start some coffee." They all reluctantly got up from the table and walked into the living room. I went into the kitchen and set the plates in the sink and turned to get the coffeepot and cups ready. As I was grabbing the last cup from the shelf,! it slipped out of my hand and crashed to the floor. "Shit!" I said not really loud. Kevin appeared in the door. "You ok?" "Yeah, just call me butter fingers," I laughed. I reached in the pantry and got the broom and dustpan. "Here let me get that," Kevin said as he took the broom and started sweeping up the shards of glass. "Thanks" "You know I'll do anything for you," he said as he stood up. I took the dustpan and emptied it in the trash and put it back in the pantry. "Let's go see what they're doin' in there." "Wait a minute." Kevin said as he pulled me into a kiss. "What was that for?" "Does there have to be a reason?" "No, I guess not." Content with my answer, he grabbed my hand in his, and we walked into the living room. Everyone was sitting around chatting. They all looked up when we came in. "What happened?" Becca asked. "Oh clumsy me dropped a coffee cup," I laughed. "Oh." Everyone returned to the conversation and we had a good time talking. The aroma of coffee filled the room, so I took Kevin's hand and dragged him with me. I put everything on a try and asked him, "Will you carry that in please?" "What do I get for my wages?" "Apple pie," I laughed. "OK!" "Man, you're cheap." "Watch it. You might hurt my feelings." "Ok, I'll be nice." I said as I kissed his cheek. As he carried out the tray of cups, plates, forks, and coffee, I picked up the apple pie and followed. I set everything down on the coffee table, "Who wants pie?" Everyone shouted, "ME!" I just laughed. "Oh, I forgot the ice cream. Will someone please go get it from the freezer?" Becca jumped up, "I'll get it." "Thanks, Beck." I started serving the pie as Becca returned with the ice cream. "Whoever wants it gets it themselves." Becca laughed as she placed it on the vacated tray. As I was dishing up the last portion, the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting someone else?" Nick asked. Becca, Rick and I just looked at each other horrified who it might be. Kevin saw this and got worried too. The guys didn't say anything, they knew better. Becca followed me to the door. I opened it and there she was. "What in the hell are you doing here? Becca exclaimed. TBC OK, so there is chapter 2 and 3. Hope everyone has enjoyed this so far. This can go on for a while or it can stop here. Feedback is the only way I know if people are actually reading this series or not. So please email - good or bad: drew_christian@email.com