.
"And next thing I know, you're banging at the door," finished Chip.
"So where do we stand on the whole Jenna thing?"
"Honestly," Chip gave Lee a sincere look, "I think Ryan's night out worked. I don't want to dwell on someone who clearly didn't share the same feelings that I felt for her. Am I completely over the situation, no, but I am completely over her."
It made Crane glad to hear that his best friend was getting past recent events. A happy Chip was a much better Chip. The Captain left Morton's place to let him get some rest. Hanging out with Ryan had really done him in last night, but still it seemed to have done Chip some good. Lee made a mental note to do something nice for the girl who had helped his best friend when he could not.
Chip listened to the door close and laid down on the couch. He opened the note again and stared at the simple white paper.
Chips Ahoy,
Hope the hangover isn't too killer. I figured you wouldn't be too together
to continue with the hangover remedy so I took the liberty of preparing you a
care package. Hope the sun is out for you today but if it's not remember
wicked witches melt in water. Thanks for the adventure last night. I'd
love to do it again with you.,
Your partner in crime, Rye
Chip smiled to himself as he remembered the moment he shared with Ryan. Maybe when he figured it out he'd share the rest of the story with Lee.
"How did you know this night would cheer me up?" the blond asked thoughtfully.
"It's easier to get over heartbreak if you weren't really in love."
"You never once asked if I loved her," stated Chip as he gazed out at the horizon.
"I think you were more in love with the idea than the person. Besides you seemed more upset that she said you were boring than with the whole she cheated on you and then dumped you thing. And you never referred to her as the women you loved or asked how someone you loved could do that."
Chip took a moment to take in the latest revelation.
"And you're not."
"Not what?"
"Boring. You're safe."
"Safe? That doesn't sound any better. I thought all the girls were running to the bad boys not the safe ones."
"It is a good thing. You make people feel safe around you, like they can be themselves and don't have to worry about what others will think about them. And I know you have a wild side. I saw it tonight especially during your performance of Born the Be Wild."
"Let's never mention that to ANYONE! EVER!"
"Scouts honor." Ryan raised her hand in promise and turned to look back at the sunrise.
Ryan whispered in awe, "Amazing isn't it?"
"Amazing," was Chips response but it wasn't the sunrise he was looking at. He had looked at Ryan many times but at this moment he felt like they were the only two people in the world and some long kept secret had just been revealed. After a few moments and a few yawns the duo decided it was time to call it a night. Chip was the first to make a tipsy attempt at standing. After he achieved his goal he offered assistance to Ryan. The hand he offered didn't so much help as hinder and she ended up falling into this arms. It was a brief moment but their eyes met and in that moment Chip believed he saw something there. Did she feel the same way? He was going to find out. Morton wasn't sure how but one day not overshadowed by heart break and drowning sorrows in booze he was going to find another perfect moment with Ryan.
The end.
Thank-you to everyone who read this story.
Thank-you very much to AllTrekkedUp and everyone who reviewed this story.
A special thanks to Red Aurora for the awesome beta work!