AN: Thanks you for staying with me throughout the telling of this story. I truly appreciate all who have reviewed and encouraged me to continue. The final chapters have been delayed due illness and a hospital stay. That said here is the last but two. Auld Lang Syne and an epilogue will follow shortly. Di

AFTER CHRISTMAS

By

DimariS

Chapter 13 – To Tell the Truth

Sitting alone staring into my coffee cup I couldn't think. My mind races around going nowhere like a mouse in a maze. The first impulse is to run desperately seeking an escape from the situation. As the fear gives way to somewhat rational thought, I remember the day after Christmas. All I wanted was a little surprise. Like they say, careful what you wish for. Now what do I do? No Mary Lou or Ranger to advise me how to get out of this dilemma. Then I remember the resolutions I made and know what to tell Alexander.

When I look up Alexander is sitting beside me. Once again I'm deep in my head with no thought of my surroundings. At least I'm consistent. He pats my hand, smiles and waits. Here goes!

"What can I say, Alexander? You invited me as your guest, gave me beautiful things and told me you want me to be your wife. I never expected anything like this would ever happen to someone like me – an unsophisticated girl from the Burg known as a screw-up and a disaster. You can't imagine how much it means to me to hear someone say such wonderful things about me. I wish I could accept but it would be wrong of me and unfair to you. You see, there is someone who is very special to me. Unfortunately, it probably won't ever come to anything; but you asked for the truth."

After taking a slow, deep breath I continued, "I'm not very honest with myself most of the time, um, make that all the time. Until recently I've muddled along reacting, not moving forward. The day I received your invitation I had already decided to make changes for me not for my family or friends. Those changes included finally admitting to myself what I really wanted. I've not shared this with anyone else nor did I plan to do so but you asked for the truth so I'm going to be equally honest with you."

I paused to organize my thoughts when he patted my hand again and said, "Stephanie, don't be afraid. All I really want is for you to be happy. You deserve that."

"When I first became a bounty hunter I was completely clueless about the job. My cousin's office manager made an appointment for me to meet the best of the best, Ranger Manoso. He took me under his wing and taught me the fine points of skip tracing despite my stubbornness and unwillingness to learn. He helped me get started and I helped him when he asked. Through the years we have developed a close friendship; he has always been there for me as a friend, a mentor and a guardian angel. Although for a very long time I have wanted to explore a more intimate relationship with him, he has made it crystal clear that his life doesn't lend itself to relationships."

"Alexander, I have finally admitted to myself that I'm in love with him. So you see marrying anyone else would be a disaster for everyone involved. This is why I must decline your offer. I'd appreciate you not sharing our conversation with anyone. Needless to say, this situation is embarrassing and hopeless but there it is."

Damn! I feel like I just laid my soul bare to a man I hardly know. Stephanie, you will NOT cry! Dammit! Too late. I excused myself and hurried to the lady's room praying for control. Maybe I can hide in here until the party's over. Who can I call to rescue me? Lula and Connie have dates. Joe isn't an option. Ranger's working and I can't and won't explain this to him. I can't call any of the merry men either. Could I ask Dad to drive all the way to Princeton just to pick up? No! Sally's got a gig. Face it, everyone's celebrating. Can I afford cab fare back to Trenton? Not a chance in hell!

Persistent knocking on the door and Alexander calling my name ended my panic ridden monologue. So much for escaping this nightmare. I wish I could crawl in a hole and go back to the day after Christmas when my secrets were mine alone.

Okay, this is it Plum. Time to suck it up and face the music, this too shall pass, yada, yada, yada. All the pep talks in the world couldn't overcome this feeling of doom. Squaring my shoulders, taking a deep breath and screwing up my pseudo courage, I opened the bathroom door. Alexander, Stavros and Thanos were standing there waiting for me and escort me back to the table. Crap! Now what?

Alexander took my hand and spoke very softly. "Stephanie, I know this has been difficult and painful for you. I have to leave to handle some urgent business but I want you to stay and enjoy the rest of the party. I've asked an old friend to join you and escort you home when you wish to leave. He owes me a favor and, unfortunately, is in much the same situation as you. Be assured I will tell no one about our discussion this evening and I'm sorry it caused you so much distress. Just know that I will do anything I can to help you, my dear, and I hope your New Year turns out better than you suspect." Then he kissed my hand and faded into the crowd.

Huh? What just happened? I'm sitting here alone at a table for ten in Princeton. Oh, wait, to make this evening even more special a man I don't know with a love life as dismal as mine is going to come baby sit me. Guess when I asked for 'something special' I neglected to mention it should be a happy something.

Wracking my brain for a way to leave and get home I was deep in my poor throbbing head when someone tapped me on the shoulder. Guess escape is not an option. Striving for control I turn to greet the man sitting down in the chair beside me. And there he is just as the countdown to midnight begins.