One more chapter to go...before...???
here is it
Thanks to my usual buddies
Chapter 9 – Two halves make a whole
Bella signalled and pulled into the roadside gas station. It was just after 4am and she really needed to pee. Bringing the car to a stop she turned the engine off, hoping not to wake Dan who was asleep in the front passenger's seat. So far, so good. She unclipped her seat belt and went to open the door to her Honda. The overhead light turned on as she pushed the door open and Bella cussed under her breath as it did.
"Wha..? Are we here?" Dan asked groggily looking around, after being startled awake.
"No, love, go back to sleep," Bella replied softly. "I just needed a bathroom break, that's all. I'll only be a couple of minutes."
"Oh, right," Dan replied, as he rubbed his eyes with his fingers and took in a deep breath before raking his hands through his hair.
"Sorry I woke you. I forgot about the light."
"S'all right, Mom. No worries. I might use the bathroom too while we're here."
Dan pulled himself out of his mother's small car and stretched slowly by the passenger's door.
"Dan, honey, can you hurry up and shut the door? I'm in kind of a rush," Bella told him as she danced a little on the spot, the chill of the night air making her desire to pee a little more urgent than it had been moments before.
"Oh, right. Sorry," Dan replied as he shut the door.
Bella quickly hit the lock button on her keys before dashing off inside the building.
Dan sauntered in behind his mother and over to the male restrooms.
Minutes later, Dan was waiting for Bella as she emerged from the Ladies' room.
"Better?" he asked.
"Much. Do you want to grab a coffee or something before we head off?"
"How much longer 'til we get there?" Dan asked.
"Couple of hours at least I think," Bella answered. "It will depend on the traffic when we get there though. It shouldn't be too bad being a Sunday morning."
"Still, it will probably be more than what you're used to, Mom. Maybe you should let me take over when we get close?"
"Why, don't you think I can handle it?"
"Just offering to help with the drive, that's all."
"I can manage it, love, besides, you'll need to navigate once we get into the city."
"Right."
"Coffee then?" Bella asked again. He never had answered her the first time she asked.
"Yeah. I probably won't be able to go back to sleep now anyway. Do you want something to eat?"
"No. Yes. Chocolate, maybe? Do they have any Reese Cups?" she asked, making her way over to the counter.
"I never thought I would see the day when you ordered chocolate at 4am."
"I never thought I would see the day where I was up with you at 4am. I'll do what it takes to stay awake at this hour."
They ordered their drinks and food before heading out towards the car with their purchases.
"I don't know how you can eat that at this time in the morning," Bella asked, looking over at Dan as he bit into his pie. It looked the polar opposite of appetizing to her.
"Look who's talking, Miss Reese Cups. They're a bit sweet aren't they?"
"It's obvious you still have a lot to learn about women, Dan. There is never a bad time for chocolate. And sometimes," Bella added, "it's not just a want, but a need. There are times when a woman just needs chocolate, so don't ever stand in the way of a woman and her chocolate source. Just words for the wise, that's all," she offered with a wink.
"Right. Women and chocolate. Don't question or obstruct. Got it," he said as he closed the door after getting inside.
"Trust me, you'll thank me for that piece of advice one day," Bella said, putting her coffee in the cup holder on the dash as she started the car.
Twenty minutes down the road, Bella looked across to Dan in his seat, sound asleep and mouth hanging open. "Won't go back to sleep… yeah... right," she smiled and mumbled under her breath before looking ahead again. She wasn't upset with him though – he had worked incredibly long and late hours in the last ten days or so, and he was obviously exhausted, the dark shadows under his eyes telling the story without words.
Two hours later, the lights of New York City were glowing on the horizon as they drew closer and closer.
"Dan? Dan? Wake up, love. We're nearly there," she spoke gently, shaking him slightly with one hand while keeping the other on the wheel.
"Mmm. Did I fall asleep again?"
Bella laughed, "Yes. You did. So much for the coffee and pie wake up meal."
"How far away are we do you think?"
"Twenty minutes - give or take - to the outskirts of the city, I think. Goodness knows how long 'til we reach their hotel. Your cell chimed a little while ago by the way. No prize for guessing who that might be."
"Oh. Really?" Dan reached for his cell and opened the latest message. He smiled as he read it.
"What does she say?"
"Ah…hhahello…aaaamongst other things," Dan said quietly.
Bella looked at her son. She could have sworn he was blushing.
"She's been up for a while. She's not been able to sleep apparently."
"A case of opposites attracting then, huh? You obviously haven't had that problem," Bella chided.
"Cassie didn't finish work at 2 am, Mom."
"I know love, I'm only joking. I know you're excited to see her too."
Dan was distracted and didn't respond to his mother's words; he was busy typing a message to Cassie. Bella couldn't see what it was, but she knew it must have been something interesting. Dan couldn't wipe the smirk off his face.
"Where are we going to meet them?"
"I just asked Cassie that."
"Oh is that what that was then?" Bella asked, failing to keep the amusement out of her voice.
"Amongst other things," Dan replied cryptically.
"Do I want to know?"
"Probably not."
"OK then. Need to know only basis," she said, nodding her head as she looked across at him once more.
"I think you'd be happier that way, Mom."
"Blissful ignorance, got it," Bella winked at her son.
"Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies."
Bella looked straight ahead as she continued the drive into the city. After their talk yesterday about Dan's father, she had spent a lot of time wondering just how much Dan's desire to search for his father would impact on their future. Her mind had spun out of control thinking of all the possible implications of this. Would Dan be happy just having a face to put with the name, if indeed he did find out his father's full name? How would his father react to finding out he had a fully-grown son after all this time? What if his father had no desire to meet with him? What if things did work out and his father didn't reject him? What if his father wanted to get to know him? Would that mean she would have to become involved too?
Bella didn't know how she felt about that. She had only been with this guy once and that one night from so many years ago along with the memories of it were clouded heavily by alcohol and time. Would she even recognise him now if she did ever see him again? She tried, yet again, to recall his face, but it just wasn't there – not clearly anyway - dark black hair, longish at the back, spiked on top. He was tall; she clearly remembered that, and black clothes. The band had four, maybe five guys in it. It was all so long ago for her. She gave herself a little shake as she brought herself back to reality, the sound of Dan's cell chiming rousing her from her faded memories.
She looked across to see Dan's smile as he read.
"Cassie's going to be waiting for us in the foyer of the hotel. She said just to pull up to the front doors. She'll be looking for us."
"How will she know when we'll be there? It could be an hour or so yet if we get stuck in traffic."
"I've told her I'll text her when we get close."
"OK." Bella took a moment to survey her son while trying to keep one eye on the road. "You're excited aren't you, love?
"I've really missed her, Mom. I can't explain it, other than to say that I've really missed her."
"I'm sure she will be just lovely, Dan. I can't wait to meet her. If you're this smitten, she must be something special."
"She is."
Bella continued to drive, making her way into the city. Under Dan's guidance, she negotiated the traffic and, slowly but surely, they made their way towards the southern end of Central Park. Their destination was on 5th Avenue.
"Cassie's out the front of the hotel, waiting for us."
"Alright, Dan."
"Turn here, Mom."
"OK."
"Here!"
"O. K. Dan."
"It's along here somewhere. Up ahead, Mom. On the right!"
"Dan?"
"Yeah?"
"Calm down."
"What?" he said, looking quickly at her before refocusing on the building flying the flags just up ahead.
"I said, Calm. Down." Bella said slowly, annunciating each word carefully.
"O.K. Right. Yeah." Dan replied, not really paying any attention to his mother at all, but rather scanning the street they were on.
Bella smiled as she moved the car along 5th Avenue, getting closer and closer to the hotel as they went.
"Here, Mom. In here."
Obediently, Bella turned the car into the lane that fronted the famous hotel. Opulent wasn't the first word that sprang to Bella's mind, but it was close enough.
"There she is."
Without a moment more hesitation, Dan opened the car door and sprang from his seat, almost slamming the door behind him in his haste. Bella caught sight of him rushing past the front of the car and headlong into the arms of an attractive young lady - well from the brief glimpse Bella got before the young lady in question was lost in an embrace of mammoth proportions, she seemed attractive. Bella turned off the engine, and went to open her door, only to be met by a personable young valet who did the job for her.
"Welcome to The Plaza, Ma'am," he said, in a courteous, yet oddly formal, voice.
"Oh," said Bella, taken a little aback. "Thank you," she continued as the young man offered her his hand as she alighted from the vehicle.
"Let me help you with your baggage," the valet continued, his smile firmly in place. "The reception area is just inside the main doors to your left."
"Oh… I…" Bella started, not sure how to proceed. She knew that Cassie had booked them into the Holiday Inn not too far away, but was unsure how to admit that to the valet that was doing his best to assist her. "Thank you, but I'll just need a moment," she continued, motioning with her hand towards Dan and the young lady who was obviously Cassie.
"Of course, Ma'am, whatever you need," returned the valet, apparently named Jeff, according to his name tag. "I'll be right here when you are ready."
"Thank you," Bella replied courteously and then she made her way towards her son and his girlfriend.
Dan was still holding Cassie in a bear-like hug and he had given her several kisses, moving between her lips and her cheeks and back again.
"God, I've missed you," Bella heard him tell Cassie as she approached.
"And I've missed you," Bella heard Cassie reply, her voice filled with emotion.
Bella waited slightly to the side of the love struck pair, waiting for a break in their reunion to get a word in.
Cassie was the first to notice Bella waiting patiently. She let go of her tight hold around Dan's shoulders and neck and backed away a little. "Dan," she said as she watched Bella cautiously. "Your Mom."
Dan, released Cassie from his firm two-armed grasp, and, taking her left hand in his right one, turned to face his mother.
"Mom, this is Cassie. Cassie, this is my Mom, Bella." Dan didn't let go of Cassie's hand, but stood aside to let the two most important women in his life meet each other for the first time.
"Hello, Cassie," said Bella, stepping forward to reach for Cassie, giving her a brief squeeze and a kiss on the cheek, "it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Cassie shook off Dan's hand, albeit briefly, in order to return Bella's hug. "Bella," she began, calling Dan's mother by name for the first time, "I am really happy to be able to meet you too. It is wonderful that you have been able to come down to New York this weekend with Dan. I know it hasn't exactly been easy for either of you," Cassie continued sheepishly, making reference to her phone call with Dan earlier in the week, the one where she left less than a good impression by her behavior.
"Most good things in life take a little extra effort," Bella responded graciously.
"Thank you, Bella."
Dan reached for Cassie's hand again, not wanting to let her go for a minute more than he absolutely had to. It would be wrong of him to say that he hadn't had doubts over the last few weeks as to whether what he and Cassie had shared on their Australian holiday would carry over to their real lives once back in the States, but one look at her here, this Sunday morning, wiped any doubts from his mind completely. His euphoria at being close to her once again blotted out any concerns or second thoughts he may have had. His smile told Bella all she needed to know.
"Dan, Bella," Cassie said, looking to each of them in turn. "My family is inside. They are all dying to meet you, but I made them wait there so they wouldn't cause a scene. Come on and I'll take you in to meet them."
Dan went to move off automatically with Cassie, but Bella looked back towards the waiting Valet, patiently awaiting instructions.
"Cassie, I really need to do something with my car," Bella began, and the two lovebirds halted in their tracks.
"Oh! Of course. I'm sorry. We can have your bags taken upstairs to our rooms if you like and your car parked below. That way you can freshen up after your overnight drive."
"That would be lovely," Bella started, but then in an undertone continued quietly to Cassie, "but can we do that since we aren't actually staying here?"
"Of course, we haven't got a car, so we can have your car booked in under our room." Turning to the Valet, Cassie continued. "Please collect the bags from the car and have them taken to room 5103. You can also move the car into the underground carpark for the time being and charge it to the same room number."
"Of course, thank you, Miss," the Valet responded politely. "Ma'am," the Valet looked once more to Bella before opening the trunk of the car and removing their overnight bags. "Your car keys will be left for you at the front reception desk, Ma'am," he added, looking directly at Bella. "Just sign here and give them this tag when you are ready to collect them."
"Right. Thank you," Bella replied for what seemed like the umpteenth time that morning as she signed the keys over to the Valet.
"Enjoy your time at The Plaza," he finished as he moved off to the driver's door and hopped into her car.
Everything was happening so fast that Bella felt like her head was in a spin.
"They will have your bags taken up to our room shortly. Come inside and meet my Mom and Auntie and have some breakfast first. You haven't had the chance for breakfast have you?" Cassie asked as an afterthought.
"No, not really," Bella responded, still a little startled.
"Great. Perfect timing then," Cassie smiled warmly before continuing. "My Mom will just about be jumping out of her skin. It was all I could do get her to stay in the breakfast room. Thank goodness Auntie Rose was there to rein her in."
The three of them, Dan holding tightly onto Cassie's hand, moved through the large glass doors and into the expansive foyer of the hotel.
"Oh my," Bella exclaimed while taking in her surroundings, but not meaning to do so out loud, as she moved to Dan's other side.
"I know, amazing right?" Cassie added as she looked around Dan to catch Bella's eye. "I've never been here before either, but my Mom stayed here many years ago, apparently. It's a pretty amazing place."
"I'll say," replied Bella as her neck twisted and turned trying to take in everything at once. Dan, on the other hand, was oblivious to everything other than his girl and his mother chatting away so relatively at ease with each other. He was relieved there seemed to be no obvious tension between the two of them.
"The breakfast room is over this way," Cassie indicated with her free hand as she moved them easily through the foyer of the hotel. "So, how was the drive?"
"Fine," Dan responded, getting a word in for the first time in minutes.
"As if you would know," Bella chided him, and she leant forward to catch Cassie's eye before she continued, "he slept almost the whole way."
"Did you really?" Cassie asked. "I was so excited I could hardly sleep a wink last night."
"I think he has slept enough for the both of us, Cassie," Bella added, enjoying the opportunity to chat with Cassie at Dan's expense.
"Hang on a minute, I worked until two this morning, or have you two forgotten that?" Dan interjected, trying to defend himself.
"Oh, poor baby," Cassie drawled, making fun of him. "Are you going to need a Nanna nap this afternoon?"
"Very funny," Dan nudged her shoulder in fun, "I'll make do."
"Good, because Bella and I are going to have to, so you, sleeping beauty, will just have to make do too."
Bella smiled at Cassie's response. She was warming to this girl's quick wit already.
"They're just inside, over here," Cassie indicated as they made their way into the Breakfast room.
Cassie made her way in first, not letting go of Dan's hand in the process. Bella followed the two of them and Dan looked over his shoulder to her. He gave her an encouraging smile as Cassie led them to a table near the window.
Dan recognised Sammy straight away. She got up as she saw them approach and made her way over to meet them as they neared the table. Cassie's Mom and Aunt also rose from the table, but kept their places.
"Hi, Sam," Dan said as he let go of Cassie's hand to give Sammy a brief hug and kiss before reclaiming it shortly after.
"How are you doing, Dan?" Sammy replied, returning Dan's hug. "It's only been a few weeks, but already I can see differences."
"Huh?" queried Dan before he noticed the focus of Sammy's eyes and realized that she was talking about his haircut. "Oh, yeah. I got it cut last week," he said as he self-consciously ran his hand through his hair, noting that it felt weird without the extra length. "It's the shortest I've had it for a while."
"At least it doesn't look like a mop anymore," Sammy replied before turning to meet eyes with Bella. "Hello, I'm Sammy, as you've no doubt worked out. You must be Ms Swan. Dan talked about you all the time."
"Hello, Sammy. I recognised you at once from your photos. You're as attractive in real life as you are on the computer screen, and please, call me Bella. I only get called 'Ms Swan' at work."
"Thank you, Bella."
"Bella, Dan," Cassie started formally, "this is my mother Alice, and her sister, Sammy's Mom, Rosalie."
"Well at long last, I thought the wait was going to kill me," exclaimed Alice as she stepped forward to meet Bella. "Bella, it is lovely that you have come to New York to meet us all. It is wonderful to meet you," she enthused warmly as she gave Bella a welcoming hug. She then turned to Dan, who was waiting patiently, smiling happily but still not letting go of Cassie's hand. "So you are the young man who has stolen my daughter's heart and most of her ability to hold a proper conversation without the word "Dan" appearing at least once. I'm Alice and I'm so very glad to get to meet you," she said, giving Dan a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"It's good to meet you, Alice. Thank you for bringing Cassie and Sammy to New York for the weekend. I owe you."
"That you do my boy. That you do. But it's my Mother to whom you owe the greatest debt. This was all her idea. It's a pity that she wasn't well enough to fly. She really wanted to meet you, young man."
"Well, her loss," came a comment from the blonde haired woman to Alice's left. "Hello. I'm Rosalie. Sammy's Mom. Dan, I feel like I know already you. If it's not Cassie, it's Sammy telling stories… Dan this… Chris that… Seriously, I think you two made their vacation for them."
"Well, I definitely think I got the best deal of the trip," Dan said generously, giving Cassie a one-armed squeeze and a kiss on her forehead.
"Hello, Bella," Rosalie continued, leaning around the small group to catch eyes with Bella.
"Rosalie, hello," Bella smiled warmly back at Cassie's auntie. She was feeling very relaxed amidst these exchanges, which was unusual for her. She usually felt much more guarded around people she didn't know.
"Please, sit down and join us," Alice extended the invitation. "We've only had coffee so far, Cassie forbade us to order anything else until you got here."
"Mom!"
"What? That's the truth," Alice responded honestly. "No ceremony here, Cassie, despite the surroundings."
"Actually," Bella mentioned quietly, "I would love to have the chance to use the bathroom if it's nearby."
"Oh, my, of course," said Alice. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Cassie, did you drag them straight in here? Bella, come this way, I'll show you where they are."
"Oh, no, don't disturb yourself again, just point me in the right direction," Bella offered, not wishing to upset the breakfast gathering any more than they already had.
"Don't be silly," answered Alice. "I got lost in here twice myself yesterday. It wouldn't help to have you get lost before you've actually had the chance to eat anything. The food here is exquisite, especially since you don't have to prepare it yourself. Rose, honey, can you get me another coffee when the waiter comes past? Bella, can Rose get you anything while we're gone?"
Bella's head started to spin as she tried to keep up with the rate of Alice's speech. "Ah, coffee regular would be lovely, thank you Rosalie," Bella offered.
"Consider it done."
"Come on, Bella, this way," Alice said as she took Bella by the hand and led her towards the bathrooms at the far end of the Breakfast room.
"Ah, we'll be back in a minute then," and before she knew it, Cassie's mother had her scooting off away from the group who were settling themselves back down at the table.
When Alice and Bella returned to the table, their freshly poured coffees were waiting for them and the table was alive with chatter. Bella took a seat on Dan's left between Dan and Alice. The breakfast was delicious. Alice had been right. There was an extensive range of hot and cold breakfast dishes, fruit, yoghurts and pastries. There was also a menu from which specialty dishes could be ordered.
"Eat up, breakfast is our treat this morning," Alice chimed in as Bella surveyed the menu, "after everything you've gone through in the last day to get here, it is the least we can do."
"So, what's the plan for today then? Have you got anything specific in mind, anything you really wanted to do?" Alice asked, looking towards Bella and Dan.
"I hadn't planned anything further than just getting here," Dan admitted honestly.
"Ok, then. Well you're easily pleased. Mission accomplished," Rosalie returned, "but what about you, Bella? Did you have anything in mind?" Rosalie was munching away on a delicious combination of fresh fruits and yoghurt and was trying to keep up with the conversation between mouthfuls.
"I haven't ever actually been to New York City," Bella admitted. "I will say that I did Google it, and there seems a lot of things that you can do, but I didn't really think we would have that much time, and I expected that Dan would be off with Cassie for the day, so basically thought I would be just wandering and window shopping."
"Well, we spent most of yesterday wandering, but failed miserably on the window shopping aspect," Alice laughed before taking another sip of her coffee. "A little too many purchases to be classed as window shopping technically," she added, "but we can definitely show you some wonderful places to start, even here in the hotel, but really, if you want to see New York, and get a feel for it all, you have to go out and about. It's a fabulous place. The buzz is electric."
"Out and about sounds good to me," Bella commented, "but I don't expect you two to have babysit me for the day. I can just set off and explore by myself."
"That's true, but if you feel like company, I'm up for it. Besides, the boys will ask us what we did with our weekend, and I have to be able to show them photos of some sort rather than just shopping bags," Rosalie remarked.
"Not like last year then, huh, Mom?" Sammy suggested. Turning to Bella she continued. "Last year, Mom spent the whole time shopping up a storm, and then copied photos onto her computer from tourist sites to try and convince Dad otherwise."
Bella laughed. "Did it work?" she asked.
"Up until Emmett realised that there were no photos of any of us anywhere. He got pretty suspicious after that, and started to question us all on what we had seen and where we had been."
"Where did you go last year then?" Bella asked. She remembered Dan telling her that this was an annual trip for the girls in the family and that each year they visited someplace different.
"Hawaii."
"Hawaii?" Bella asked a little too loudly, not keeping the shock out of her voice? "You went to Hawaii?"
"Like I said before, our Mom plans the yearly trip. Usually we put our wish list down on paper and she draws a destination out of a hat – literally. This year it worked a little differently though," Rosalie said, taking a look over towards Cassie. "Everyone just couldn't handle little sad doe eyes here."
"Did you miss me that much, gorgeous?" Dan asked, putting his two arms around Cassie and giving her a tight squeeze and kissing her temple.
"I thought I was doing rather well, actually," Cassie admitted, "but apparently acting is not one of my better skills."
"No, definitely stick to your chosen profession, my dear. Leave the acting gigs to the professionals."
The light-hearted conversation continued over the remainder of breakfast and for the second time that morning, Bella realized that she was really enjoying herself and the company. Nothing about Cassie's family seemed forced or overly formal. Because of their surroundings, Bella had expected that Cassie's family might be a little more aloof, but they were the exact opposite; they were warm and welcoming.
With breakfast over, the group moved back into the lobby area of the hotel. It was about nine in the morning, still a relatively early hour for a Sunday. Alice suggested that Bella and Dan, who was yet again holding Cassie's hand like it was some kind of lifeline, head upstairs to the room to freshen up after their drive.
"That would be nice," responded Bella, "especially since I assume it will be a little while since before we can check into our hotel."
"Yes, well about that," Alice started, only to be cut off by Rosalie.
"Bella, we hope that we haven't been too presumptuous, but we have actually cancelled your reservations at the Holiday Inn."
"You have?" Bella asked, taken aback, the tone of her voice making it plain that this was not something she had expected.
"We really hope that you don't mind, but since our Mother had to cancel her plans at the last minute, we were unable to cancel the booking for her room, and since the two of you needed a place to stay, we just thought that you would be happy to stay here instead since the room was available."
Bella looked incredulously at both Alice and Rosalie before turning to look at Dan. She was at a loss for words and conveyed as much with her eyes. It was an uncomfortable moment.
"Rosalie," Bella started, looking back towards her and her sister Alice, "that was a very nice thought of yours, but we aren't in a position to be able to affor…"
"Oh, Bella, please don't misunderstand," Alice interjected quickly, "the room is fully paid for; in fact, we have already lost two nights accommodation on it with it remaining unused."
"Stupid cancelation policy," Rosalie muttered under her breath.
"Please," Alice continued, "don't consider for one moment that we would want you to have to pay for it. No. That's not what we meant at all. It would be nice if at least someone could sleep in it and make use of it since it is already paid for."
"Really, Bella," Rosalie added. "Honestly, we didn't mean to make this awkward. If you'd rather stay elsewhere, I'm sure we can organise something."
"Mum?" Dan asked, catching his mother's attention again. "If it's already paid for," he continued, but Bella interrupted him.
"Dan, that's not the point. It is a very expensive room," Bella insisted, stating the obvious.
"Bella. Honestly, this is my mother's yearly event. She plans and prepares all of it. She'd be only too happy to think that you were making use of the room in her absence. Besides, it has the king-sized bed. Ours are all twin shares. We need to organize an additional bed for you anyway in order to accommodate both you and Dan."
Bella paused for a moment, considering her options, which she truly believed were few, especially with Dan looking at her with puppy dog eyes. She looked at him again before turning back to Rosalie and Alice. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. This is a very generous offer and it would be lovely to stay here. Thank you, but I insist that Dan and I pay the costs for the additional bed."
Alice and Rosalie smiled warmly, glad that the awkward moment had passed. Dan put his arm around Cassie and squeezed her shoulders tight.
"Done. Thank you, Bella. Really, it made sense to us at the time and I didn't stop to think that maybe you would find it awkward," Alice apologized. "Once you get to know me better, you'll find that enthusiasm is one of my greatest gifts and foolish follies."
"It's alright, Alice. Truly. So, where do we find this room then?"
An hour later, with Dan and Bella settled into their room, the group re-gathered in the foyer of the hotel. Cassie had barely left Dan's side since their arrival. She showed them to their room and had helped to retrieve their bags from her room just up the hall. Cassie and Dan had gone for a walk around The Plaza while waiting for Bella to shower and freshen up. They chatted easily, like they hadn't just spent the last three weeks separated by thousands of miles.
It seemed like they couldn't get enough of each other's presence. They were either holding hands, or walking with an arm wrapped around the other. Every once in a while, when they thought no one was looking, they would steal a quick kiss – sometimes it would be just a peck, other times, something a little more, but because of their circumstances, nothing more was possible at the moment. One thing was obvious to everyone, both Dan and Cassie were very happy – the smiles on their faces that lit their eyes were there for all to see. Even complete strangers, like an elderly couple they had passed in the foyer, had smiled quietly while looking at the young couple and were motivated to share a brief kiss themselves, while reminiscing about young love brought on by Cassie and Dan's obvious happiness.
"So, where to first?" Alice asked, as the group reformed with Bella's arrival. "What did Google suggest, Bella?"
"I'd love to see Central Park. It almost sounds like I could spend the whole day in there and not see everything."
"Central Park we can do easily. Have you ever looked in the windows of a Tiffany store?"
"No, never," Bella laughed. "Never," she repeated for good measure.
"Well, then that can be our first stop this morning and then head on over to Central Park. Tiffany's just across the street a little way," Rosalie added helpfully, "and one can never get too tired by looking at a Tiffany's display."
"Ah, we might avoid Tiffany's," Cassie hedged, not wanting to make it seem like she was looking for jewelry with Dan present.
"I'm with you then, Cass," Sammy added. "I spent way too much time there yesterday trying to rein my mother in. Sorry, Dan, I intend to be your third wheel for the day. You can work out some other time to get some one-on-one happening with Cassie."
"Subtle as a brick, as always, Sam," Dan quipped, giving her a smile. "I kind-a guessed you would be part of the package today. Works for me," he added, winking at her.
"Just try to keep the smooching down to a minimum until later OK? We've just had breakfast," Sammy responded, noticing that Dan was bringing Cassie in for yet another hug and kiss combination.
"What about you, babe?" Cassie asked Dan, giving her cousin a dirty look after she had finished returning Dan's kiss. "Is there anything you would be interested in seeing?"
"Well," Dan said slowly, "I've always wanted to see the Statue of Liberty, but I gather it's a little way from here."
"Not too far, but we do have to pre-book tickets and we wouldn't have enough time to do a whole tour. But we could definitely go and have a look at what's available."
"Sounds good to me."
"Actually, me too, if that doesn't make myself an unwanted extra," Bella said, sounding apologetic. "I've only ever seen pictures."
"Well, if we all went, at least Mom won't have to Photoshop those pictures this time."
"Hardy, ha ha, Sam," Rosalie chided.
Bella and Dan looked at each other and laughed.
"I didn't think it was that funny," Rosalie remarked, looking at Dan and Bella.
"Sorry, Rosalie, that's just something Mom says from time to time. I haven't heard anyone else actually say it before."
"Well I have," said Sammy, "and it's not just from my Mom either. You let it slip every once in a while Dan. First time I heard you say it in Australia, I thought you were channeling my mother. I suspected she'd put some voodoo-hoodoo curse on you to follow us and report back to the mother ship."
"Really? You never said anything," Dan laughed looking over towards Rosalie.
"Yeah, well, I didn't want to sound completely paranoid now, did I, but I did mention it to Cassie over here," she said as he jerked her head in Cassie's direction, "and she still fell for you anyway."
"True," Cassie said, smiling and nodding her head in response.
"So," Alice started, getting the conversation back on track. "How do you want to work this? Central Park first - via Tiffany's of course," she added, nodding her head towards her sister and appeasing Rosalie in the process, "and then on to the grand old lady? Or the other way around?"
"Why don't you three go and check out Tiffany's then," Cassie said, "and we'll get on line and see what's available and what time we can book tickets for and go from there. We'll meet you at the storefront."
"Sounds like a plan to me, sweetheart," Alice said lovingly to her daughter. "You must have a very well-organized and talented mother to be able to come up with a solution like that."
"Oh for gawd's sake, Mom. Go already. Please?"
"Ready then, Bella? I believe we have just been dismissed."
"Ready when you are," Bella replied smiling.
"Bella? You might want to put your sunglasses on," suggested Rosalie as they made to move off, "the bling can get a little glary."
After checking online, and looking at all the available options, Cassie, Dan and Sammy decided on a river tour that took in many of the sights on and around the Hudson via ferry. It wouldn't actually let them off to tour the Statue of Liberty by foot, but they would get to see many things they would otherwise miss out on with such a short stay in the city. They booked tickets for a one o'clock tour and then left to meet their mothers, as arranged, outside Tiffany's. Dan, however, quickly deserted the girls en-route. With a brief kiss to Cassie, telling her he would only be 5 mins behind them, he took off into the Apple store just down the road. The girls just shook their heads remembering Dan's interest in all things technology while travelling in Australia and went on ahead to meet their mothers and Bella at Tiffany's. Twenty minutes later, Cassie and Sammy doubled back and went into the Apple store. They located Dan looking at new Mac books and hauled his ass none too gently out of there much to the laughter of their mothers who were now themselves waiting patiently out the front of the Apple store.
"Decision time people," began Alice. "We have a one o'clock river tour booked, so where to from here? The Park? You kids can go on ahead if you like, we won't cramp your style, but at what time and where do you want to meet up again?"
"Twelve-thirty at the Midtown ferry terminal, how does that sound?" asked Sammy, taking control. She really didn't want to spend too much time with her mother today. All day yesterday had been enough for her.
"OK. Don't worry about your Mom, Dan, we will look after her. She's in safe hands."
"Right then. Well, have fun, Mom," Dan said, letting go of Cassie and leaning in to give Bella a brief kiss. "Don't get lost," he added with a wink.
Bella swatted him and laughed.
Brief goodbyes were made all round before the three 'kids' took off across the square, passing the large fountain as they went, Dan managing to splash each of the girls as they passed.
"What is it about kids giving their parents a quick bit of lip these days? Our mother would have given us a clip over the ears in our day."
"She was never fast enough to catch us, Rose," Alice reminded her, "we always tried to stay just far enough out of reach. Remember the time when…" and the sound of their conversation was drowned out by the traffic as they crossed 5th Avenue and headed over towards Central Park. Bella was off on her own with two relative strangers in a big city like New York and, she realized, was thoroughly enjoying herself. This weekend was turning into one surprise after another.
Dan, Cassie and Sammy headed off into the city. Dan didn't mind where they went, as long as he was with Cassie. He was content to just enjoy her company, the warmth of her hand in his, the sound of her voice near his ear as she leaned in to tell him something over the noise of the traffic. They strolled through the city streets, chatting easily amongst themselves. Their conversation was never stilted nor forced. It was almost as if they were still on their Australian adventure, except that one member of their little quartet was missing.
Dan was relieved to find that there was no awkwardness between himself and Cassie. He knew rationally that they had their almost daily phone conversations but he had been concerned that maybe the spark they had experienced on their holiday wouldn't survive being transposed to another place and time. What he had said to his mother that morning in the car was definitely true – he was at a loss for words to explain his feelings for Cassie. He missed her like crazy, that much he knew; and he realized that his mind often drifted towards thoughts of her at unusual times – like when someone came into the music store with a similar haircut or when he was clearing away drinks at the club and he heard a woman's laughter from across the room which would remind him of Cassie's effortless smile.
"Penny for your thoughts," Sammy mentioned to him as they walked along. "You were miles away. You looked positively goofy."
Dan looked down at Sammy and smiled at her. He really liked Sammy. She was different from Cassie in so many ways, and yet it was apparent how close the two cousins were. They were close in age and shared a relationship that was more like sisters than cousins. It was obvious their family was a close one.
"Sorry, Sam. Just enjoying the moment with my two favourite girls."
"As flattering as that is, Dan, I don't believe that I am in that category."
"What makes you think so?" Dan asked her raising an eyebrow.
"Well, you don't kiss me like you kiss Cassie, and you're not stuck to me like glue."
"This is true," Dan replied, "and without wanting to upset you, I kinda have those things reserved especially for my number one girl over here," he added, giving Cassie's hand a squeeze.
"No. No problems here from me. Anyway, I don't really do tall and lanky. I prefer reasonably solid guys - if you get my drift," she replied, giving Dan a nudge and a wink.
"Oh, too much information, Sam," Cassie said, putting her free hand up to cover her eyes.
"Sammy, you crack me up," Dan laughed, "and besides, you know nothing about my package," Dan said, nudging her right back.
"What's your shoe size?" Sammy dared to ask him.
"Not telling."
Sammy looked down at Dan's feet as they walked along.
"Long and lanky, just like the rest of you," she confirmed to herself.
Dan laughed some more and retorted, "Length is a good thing."
"More than a handful or two's a waste," she surmised.
"I don't think your hands are what you were really thinking about, Sam," Cassie fired back.
"Cassandra Ann. You shock me!" Dan exclaimed in mock horror, turning to face his girl and putting his hand over his heart for added emphasis.
"You have no idea how much I intend to shock you, sir," she replied, feeling bold, but blushing as she said it.
"Oh don't tease, m'lady. I can't imagine that there'll be much of an opportunity on this visit for you to follow through on that promise," he leveled a gaze at her with his chocolate brown eyes.
"Let your mind wander, babe. Creativity is one of my strongest gifts," she answered provocatively, batting her eyelids.
"Dammit, woman. You are going to drive me crazy."
"Or blind," Sammy interjected.
"Sammy!" Dan and Cassie chorused.
"Just saying… that's all."
*******
When the two groups met up at the ferry in Midtown Manhattan at twelve thirty as arranged, it was obvious that everyone had enjoyed the previous couple of hours. Bella, Rosalie and Alice had strolled through Central Park, grabbing coffees as the walked, taking in all the sights this unique piece of city paradise had to offer. Bella was amazed by how quiet the Park actually was. Once you were inside, the city seemed to disappear, almost as if you had entered another world altogether. It amazed her that in a city this big, a Park like this could function so effectively and she now understood just why New Yorkers have such a special place for this haven in their hearts and why it was so famous around the world.
After collecting their prepaid tickets and boarding the ferry for their River Tour, the group settled on some seats to take in the cruise. Bella wondered absentmindedly whether she would need a sweater or not once they were underway. It was only one o'clock, but it was also September and the weather was starting to cool off just that little bit.
Bella surreptitiously watched Dan and Cassie interact with each other. She had to admit they displayed an ease and confidence with each other and exuded genuine warmth. She noticed too that Alice kept a watchful eye over the young couple who appeared to be unaware of the casual glances and from their mothers. Bella did however catch Alice's eye on one occasion, and the two women shared a conspiratorial smile before looking back out towards the Manhattan skyline.
The River Tour took them past many famous landmarks and as they listened to the audio commentary they learnt many things about New York and its colorful history. They did cruise past the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, Ellis Island and the historic Immigration Centre. Manhattan's skyline, one of the most well photographed and well known skylines in the world, was just as impressive up close and personal. The large skyscrapers towered over the city and its inhabitants.
"It's an amazing place, isn't it?" Cassie asked Dan, backing into his chest and snuggling into him as he wrapped his arms around her and placed his head on her shoulder.
"Absolutely, but honestly, this is the best part of the tour for me," he whispered back to her, nibbling on her ear when he had finished.
Cassie made a little purring sound from the back of her throat and closed her eyes against his caress. "You keep that up and I won't see too much more of the sights, babe," she replied.
"Would that be considered a problem?" Dan asked her again, moving his attentions from her ear and onto her neck.
"Well, not a problem as such, but have you noticed we have an audience?"
"Really?" Dan replied in a devilish tone. "Do you think we should give them a free show, or was it included in the price of the ticket?"
Cassie turned just slightly in his arms to look at him from over her shoulder. "You are feeling cheeky today, aren't you?" she asked.
"Cheeky wouldn't be the word I would use at this point," Dan whispered back, rubbing himself against her lower back as he did. Cassie felt, rather than understood his words.
"Got you knickers in a knot have we?"
"Number one, I'm a guy," he said pulling back from her slightly to look her in the eyes, "and guys don't wear knickers. And secondly, what I have is definitely not in a knot," he added, raising his eyebrows to convey the full extent of his message.
"Understood," she smiled back at him, reaching up to give him a quick peck on the cheek, "but if you don't take a couple of deep breaths right now, and calm down, you are likely to cause me to spontaneously combust, and the fire extinguisher is just too damned far away to be of any use to us at the moment. The damage and the fall out," she said, nodding over towards their mothers, "would be just too much to handle."
"Point taken...away," Dan replied, releasing his hold on Cassie just a little.
"Later, babe. I promise. We'll get some alone time later."
"I'm counting on it. Trust me."
"I do. Believe me, I do," she added before turning again slightly and leaning her head back into his neck to watch the view.
Their River tour lasted for just under the hour and a half. By the time they returned to Midtown, they had seen, albeit from the water, the Empire State Building, Battery Park, Castle Clinton and Brooklyn Bridge among other things. They had shared a drink on board and everyone was relaxed and happy. Rosalie had taken quite a few photos, making sure that she was in several of them to appease Emmett on her return home and prove that their annual girl's weekend away was more than just a shopping expedition.
It was nearing three o'clock as the group made their way back towards 5th Avenue and their hotel.
"Well, people, not wanting to put a damper on things, but I am feeling rather tired and a brief cat nap might just help me see things through this evening," Bella said. "What time did you suggest dinner again, Alice?"
"Around seven I thought wouldn't be too bad. It's early enough that the young ones can go out and party afterwards if they want to. Personally, I might take a night-time stroll up the Avenue after dinner."
"Have you got some place particular in mind to eat then? I am not quite sure I have anything classy enough for The Plaza restaurants," Bella continued.
"Not especially. I just thought we could head to Soho and have a look there. It's supposed to be the place to go to that has something for everyone, but I have heard of a place called Barolo on West Broadway. It's supposed to have a great combination of Italian and American style food, all reasonably priced too."
"Sounds fine to me. Should we make a booking?" Bella asked, not knowing the protocol for dinner reservations in the city.
"I'll handle that if you'd like, while you're resting," Alice offered.
Bella nodded her consent.
"How are you feeling, babe?" Cassie asked Dan as they walked behind their mothers. "You must be starting to feel pretty tired. Do you want to rest up for a while?"
"Sleep's overrated."
"But necessary."
"Sometimes," he conceded. "But I don't want to spend my time here sleeping - unless it's with you of course," he added quietly in her ear, trying to keep their conversation private despite its public setting.
"How about we go for a stroll through Central Park for a while then? There are a few quiet spots in there where you could catch some zzzs if you really need them, and I'll stay right by your side."
"You've sold me."
As they neared their hotel, Dan and Cassie told the others of their plan to go spend time in the Park. Sammy announced she was going to spend some time wandering around some more, but with a warning look from Cassie, also added that she thought the Central Park Zoo could be an interesting way to kill a couple of hours.
"Great," announced Rosalie. "I haven't taken you to a zoo in like forever. They will make some great photos for your father."
Sammy shot Cassie and Dan a death stare before turning to look at her mother. "Do you really want to do the zoo, Mom? I mean, really?"
"Oh, heavens yes. It will be fun. Let's go. Alice, are you coming?"
"I'm in. I just love the jaguars. They're so feline in nature."
"I'm into monkeys myself, but then again, brown bears are always just so cute."
"Have fun, you two," Sammy said sarcastically at Cassie and Dan. "Don't do something I wouldn't do," she added, smiling broadly.
"Bye, Sam. Enjoy the family time. If you're a good girl, maybe they'll buy you an ice-cream," Cassie teased.
Dan smiled sheepishly at Sammy as she, yet again, glared at her cousin. "We'll see you soon, Sam. Promise. We'll kick our heels up tonight after dinner."
"Whatever..." Sammy drawled. "Come on then, you two," she directed towards her mother and her aunt. "Shake a leg."
"Enjoy your rest, Bella," Alice said. "You should have a couple of quiet hours all to yourself."
"Have fun, all of you," Bella replied, looking towards everyone before settling her eyes on Dan and Cassie.
"See you in a bit then," Dan said as he and Cassie made a move to leave the group.
Once they made their way over to the south entrance to Central Park, Sammy, Alice and Rosalie headed off in the direction of the zoo, leaving Dan and Cassie alone for the first time all day. They walked for a few minutes before Dan pulled Cassie off the path and behind a set of trees, affording them a small amount of privacy.
"I have been waiting all day for the chance to do this," he said before pulling her into a tight embrace and kissing her deeply on the lips. Cassie relaxed into his hold, putting her hands around the back of his neck, and opened her mouth to welcome his kiss. For several minutes, the two of them continued to kiss each other, making up for lost time. Finally, Cassie pulled away, gently placing her hands on Dan's firm shoulders and looked up to smile at him.
"How about we find some place where we can just sit down and relax," she suggested.
"If relaxing involves me lying down, with you curled up next to me, I'm all for it," Dan responded, his forehead leaning against hers, his eyes boring into her own.
"I think that can be arranged," she whispered in reply before lightly touching her lips again to his.
"Lead the way young lady, or stay here at your own peril," warned Dan, his eyes letting her know everything he was feeing without saying anything further.
Cassie took Dan by the hand and led him along the paths that meandered their way through the Park towards a small area known as "The Meadow." This area was a designated quiet zone; no games, no radios or loud music - a space for designed specifically for quiet activities and reflection. It was just the area that they needed.
"How did you know this was here?" Dan asked her.
"We passed it yesterday. It seemed like the perfect place to bring you this afternoon for some quiet time."
They entered the meadow, which was littered with people, singles and couples, sprawled out on the grass, reading or listening to music quietly on their personal players.
Dan and Cassie found a spot on the grass near some shrubs, dappled with the afternoon sunlight and slightly more private than the open space in the centre of the meadow. Dan sat down on the grass, pulling Cassie down with him and sitting her in between his legs, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and nuzzling her hair with his nose, breathing in her scent. They were silent for a moment, taking in the surroundings and the proximity of each to the other, reveling in their closeness after three weeks apart.
"I have missed this so much," Dan said into her hair.
Cassie nodded her head in response, leaning back into Dan even further. "I was going mad at home. I was just so used to having you around all the time, the fact that you weren't was really getting on my nerves. There were times I was just so cranky. It just doesn't seem fair to have you for so long and then not at all. It just sucks."
"I know, gorgeous," Dan said, closing his eyes as he focused on her warmth and her smell. He leaned around to the side of her head and planted a kiss on her cheek. "It was only three weeks, but it felt like a lot longer."
"And we've only got today, and you're off again tomorrow, this time for months," she said, emotion creeping into her voice, despite her efforts to rein it in. "Have you talked to your mother about coming out for Thanksgiving yet?" she asked hopefully.
"No. Not yet. But it won't be a problem," Dan finished. "I told you she's seeing someone didn't I?"
"No," Cassie said, turning in Dan's arms to look at him. "Really? When did that happen?"
"When we were away, apparently. She met him a dance classes."
"What's his name?"
"Steve."
"What's he like?"
"I don't know. I haven't met him yet. I was going to meet him last Friday, but work called me in early so I missed him."
"Does your Mom seem keen?"
"I don't know, honestly. She sees him a couple of times a week at dance classes - she goes Tuesdays and Thursday evenings and they went out on a movie date night the other night. She seems happy enough. At least she says she is."
"That's a good thing for her, right?" Cassie asked, questioning Dan's tone.
"Yeah. It is. She has been alone for a long time. She's tried dating before, but it's never really gone anywhere. It will be good to see her happy with someone."
"How do you feel about it all? Really."
"It's weird.. you know? My mother in a relationship. It's new ground for both of us."
"Both of you dating at the same time, huh? That's going to prove interesting."
"What's going to be interesting is watching her have a relationship with her guy while you and I are separated by a couple of thousand miles. That's going to just suck, big time."
Cassie turned to face Dan completely. She put her two hands on either side of his face and leaned in to kiss him softly on the lips. That wasn't enough for Dan and he quickly pulled her into him hard, and kissed her back passionately. When they finally came up for air, Cassie leaned her forehead against Dan's and looked him in the eyes.
"This is not going to be easy for either of us. Are you sure you want to pursue this? "
"I am sure that I don't want to let you go. This, what we have here, Cass, is very different for me. Different from what I experienced when I dated Susan. I want this. I want you. I'm prepared to make a go of this if you are. I don't know how to do that though."
"Together. In spirit if not in body," Cassie responded. "This feels too right to let it go, Dan. I'm not going to promise that I'm going to be easy to manage though. I can tell you right now, being separated from you is going to give me the shits more times than it's not, but I'm in if you are."
"I'm in. No question. I'm in."
Cassie smiled at Dan, before gently pushing him to lie down on the grass. "For now, right now, I'm here, and you're beat. Rest up," she said, snuggling into his side as he settled on the grass, putting his arm around her shoulders and providing her with a make shift pillow of sorts. "Let's enjoy the peace and quiet now. I'll be right here when you wake up. Promise."
"I promise you to be right here too, Cass," he said, taking her hand and putting it over his heart. "Right here."
"Sounds good to me," she said. "Now sleep."
"M'k," he said. He was already drifting off in the sun. Within moments, he was sound asleep.
*******
Breakfast the next morning was a somber affair compared to the morning before. Everyone was more than just a little tired. After meeting back at the hotel at around six o'clock evening before, they had all showered and changed before catching New York's famous yellow taxis for the trip into Soho where they found the little Italian place for dinner.
After dinner, the Moms had gone back towards the hotel while Dan, Cassie and Sammy had gone out chasing the night life. For the second night in a row, Dan stumbled back in around two in the morning and promptly crashed, none too quietly, onto the spare bed the hotel had supplied in his and Bella's room.
After waking later that morning and then showering, trying to wake himself up in the process, he packed up his small overnight bag and made his Mom and himself an instant coffee from the facilities in the room. Leaving Bella's on the counter for her, he made his way down to Cassie's room and knocked quietly on the door. Alice answered it, looking much brighter than he felt.
"Morning, Dan. She's in the shower. Give her ten minutes and she'll be with you," Alice offered. "On second thoughts, make it fifteen - she's looking a little tired. Party hard last night did you?"
"Something like that," Dan answered, giving Alice a wicked smile.
"Word to the wise - don't go knocking on Sammy or Rosalie's door just yet. Sammy got her quick temper from her mother. You might just survive if Sammy is the one to answer the door, but if it's Rosalie, you've go no chance."
"OK. I'll be in my room when Cassie's ready. Will you let her know?"
"Sure thing. See you at breakfast," said Alice as she shut the door.
Dan moved off back down the hallway towards his own room. Realising he had left without his room key, he knocked quietly, hoping Bella was out of the shower by now. When she didn't respond, he wandered around aimlessly down the hallway, sipping his coffee and stopping to look at the artwork interspaced along the corridors. He continued to do this until he finished his coffee and then he headed back to try once more at his own room. Bella answered this time relatively promptly.
"I wondered where you had gotten to, although I didn't really have to wonder too hard. How's Cassie this morning?" Bella asked as she stepped aside and let her son into the room.
"She's tired and in the shower according to Alice."
"I should be surprised you're up and around, but then again, not really," she added, standing with her hands on her hips. "Cassie is really a lovely young lady, Dan, and I can see why you are so taken with her. Her family is really nice too."
"I'm glad you seem to have gotten on with them so well, Mom. Thanks for giving us time alone yesterday too."
"My pleasure, love," and Bella paused, as if she was trying to make up her mind whether to say anything more or not. She was looking at Dan, and he returned her scrutiny.
"What is it, Mom?" he asked her. "What's on your mind?"
Bella smiled at her son. "That transparent, am I?"
"Parent is the word, within that word, Mom, and yes, I guess you are"
"Right. So, then. You and Cassie. This is still real for the both of you?"
"Yeah, Mom. More now than ever. We're both agreed on that."
Bella nodded her head in response. "That's good for you then, Dan. I am happy for you. I can't imagine it's going to be easy though. When do you plan on seeing each other again, after today, I mean?"
"Well, Mom. Honestly, I was hoping I could afford to fly out for Thanksgiving."
"You'll go to California, then?" asked Bella, already knowing the answer.
"That's the plan," Dan hedged. "How would you feel about that? Me going to California for Thanksgiving?"
"Dan, you're a big boy now. You need to make your own plans. I'm fine with you going away for Thanksgiving and it's not like I am some old spinster without options. I think it will be good for you to go and see your girl." As an afterthought, Bella added, "That's quite a while away still, how are you going to hold out until then?"
"Don't know, Mom. Work in progress I guess."
"You'll work it out if you want it bad enough, love. Oh! Sounds like your girl is out of her shower," Bella said as she heard a light knock on their room door. "Don't mind me, I'll be off in the bathroom, putting my face on," she added as she disappeared with her coffee into the bathroom and closed the door.
Dan answered the door. A beaming Cassie was on the other side. "Good morning, gorgeous," he welcomed her, pulling her into the room swiftly and shutting the door behind him, eliciting an excited giggle from Cassie which he silenced with a passionate kiss. Cassie returned his kiss with just as much passion, lost in the moment, until she realized where she was and pulled back abruptly.
"Dan," she whispered, "where's your Mom?"
"In the bathroom," Dan replied, pulling her in for yet another kiss, cutting her off from saying anything further.
After a moment or two, Cassie pulled back again, putting her two hands on his chest as she did so to make it just that little bit harder for him to interrupt her again - not that she minded really, but still, they were in his mother's room.
"The others are ready for breakfast. We should head off downstairs," Cassie tried again.
Dan was difficult to persuade. Despite Cassie's attempts, Dan managed to seal her lips again with his own.
"I'm nearly ready, Cassie," came the call from the bathroom.
This caused Cassie and Dan to break apart, and Cassie giggled in response.
"Morning, Bella," she called through the door a little too loudly, not that it was warranted; the doors obviously weren't sound proof.
"Morning, sweetie. I'll be out in a minute. You and Dan can head off if you like. I'll join you in a few."
"Alright then," Cassie called back, "see you downstairs," she finished. She held her hands over her eyes and shook her head in embarrassment as she moved past Dan and made her way to the door.
"What?" Dan asked her. "She didn't hear anything."
Opening the door, Cassie stepped out into the corridor as Dan shut the door behind them. "I don't think she needed to hear anything, that's my point," Cassie replied, still embarrassed.
"She knows we kiss, Cass. That's no surprise to her."
"Oh, Dan. Just stop. OK? Oh, gawd. Am I ever going to stop embarrassing myself in front of your mother?"
"I hope not," Dan said, smiling, "I love to see you blush."
********
After their leisurely breakfast, Bella and Dan went to their rooms and collected their overnight bags. They had to leave by half past nine in order to make the drive back to Lebanon in time for Dan to start work. It was a quiet group that gathered in the foyer to see them off.
Cassie stood next to Dan, holding him tightly around the waist, willing herself not to cry, but failing miserably.
Likewise, Dan had his arm around Cassie's shoulder, rubbing his hand up and down her arm as a means of comfort and support. They both were finding this moment overwhelming.
"Bella," Alice started, "I am so really glad that we got the chance to meet. I have really enjoyed getting to know you, and now I can put a face with the name when Cassie speaks of you."
"I've enjoyed my time with you all," Bella said genuinely as she went to hug each one in turn. "It's been a pleasure to get to meet you."
"Thank you, and drive home carefully. There will be a lot of traffic on the road today I expect," warned Rosalie as she hugged Bella back.
Bella turned to Dan and Cassie. "Dan, love, I'll go over to the desk and get the car brought up and hand in the room key. I'll meet you out the front."
Dan simply nodded his head in response.
"Cassie, sweetie, you take care of yourself. Dan will keep me informed of what's going on in your life no doubt, but feel free to call me anytime you want to." Bella leaned in and gave Cassie a tight squeeze and whispered briefly into her ear, "You are very important to my son, so you're important to me too." Bella stepped back and moved over towards the reception desk.
"Bella, we'll come with you," Alice offered, giving Dan and Cassie a sympathetic look and then moved off with Bella and Rosalie. Sammy, however, stayed put.
"Sam?" Rosalie questioned.
"I've been through this before, Mom. I know where I'm needed," she said, turning her back on her mother.
"Right -o then, big boy," she said, looking towards Dan, "say goodbye to my cousin and I'll be waiting to catch the pieces once you've gone. Don't worry about her. I'll look after her sorry ass." With that, Sammy leant up and gave Dan a kiss on the cheek before heading off over to the lounge chairs to wait for her role in this melodrama to start.
Dan picked up his overnight bag and, holding onto Cassie tightly, moved towards the front door of the hotel. As they neared the entrance, he once again put the bag at his feet, and pulled Cassie into a tight embrace, trying to convey all he was feeling in that simple movement. He still didn't trust himself to speak, the lump in his throat making the process all but impossible. Cassie sniffled against his chest. His arms tightened around her instinctively and he rubbed his face in her hair.
"Thanksgiving, gorgeous. I'll be out for Thanksgiving."
Cassie just nodded her head again against his chest.
"I'll call you again when we get home, and I'll email, every day, even if it's only a word or two. You'll always be on my mind, promise."
"I know. Me, too." Cassie looked up into Dan's face, her eyes swimming with tears. "I promise too."
"O.K, gorgeous," and he learned in to kiss her, not caring who saw or what they thought.
After a moment, they broke apart, and Dan gave Cassie one last tight squeeze before bending to pick up his bag and, holding her hand, they walked out to Bella and the car which was now waiting out the front.
"I'll miss you, Cass," he said, bending to briefly kiss her lips one last time.
"I miss you already, babe," Cassie replied. "Call me tonight. OK?"
"You'll be on the plane tonight," Dan reminded her. "But I'll try my best, and I'll text you if I can't get through."
"OK."
"Bye, love," he said to her softly, kissing her once again for good measure.
"Bye," Cassie said simply as she let go of Dan's hand and he moved around to the passenger's side of Bella's little car.
Dan had his eyes lowered, trying to stop Cassie from seeing his own tears form as he got into the car. He chanced a brief glance at her as Bella prepared to pull out into the traffic. Cassie was standing there, on the black and white marbled square tiles out the front of the hotel, tears streaming down her face as she waved goodbye, Sammy and her family on the steps behind her.
"Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, love," Bella offered words of comfort to her son as she drove down 5th Avenue.
"Thanksgiving," was all Dan said in reply. His voice was almost inaudible.
Reading review puts a smile on my face. Wanna see?
Thanks for sticking with this story... guess who makes his long awaited appearance in the very next chapter?
There's no prize...just don't bring out the pitchforks.
Leisa
