Thursday, October 14, 2004

Angel Grove Park

10:06PM

The somber night was interrupted by the low roaring of the distant clouds. Not one shining star could break through the thick walls Angel Grove had built above. The moon moved into a deep slumber behind the curtain the clouds created. The wind howled loudly in the otherwise dead night.

When Kimberly left the hotel room she shared with Chris, she knew she could only go to one place. This place. Angel Grove park had always provided her with a sense of happiness and serenity. If there was one place in Angel Grove that she could turn to, she knew it was here. The night sky mirrored her current condition, dark and depressed. Peaks formed on Kimberly's previous silky arms as the autumn air turned frigid at twilight. The muggy air hinted that a storm was approaching, A powerful blinding band of lightening bolted through the sky confirming it.

Her surroundings appeared the same as always, even after not having returned for years. The table where she confessed everything to Katherine many years ago still sat in the same spot, it was almost as if greeting an old friend.

Sitting with her legs perched on top of the jagged picnic table, she let her scorching tears flow. Kimberly hoped that she could come here and receive an answer, maybe even a sign on what she should do.

She had never been extremely religious, knowing only what she learned from being forced to attend Sunday School as a child. Or when Trini had coerced her into joining her to Sunday Mass. There was one piece of advice that still lingered in Kimberly's mind from those visits, "talk to him and he will answer."

So here she was, sitting alone in the park that brought her great memories in her childhood. "Hi, God... it's me, Kimberly." She began in a shaky voice. "but I think you already knew that," she chuckled nervously.

"I don't really know how this works or even if you're listening, but I think... I think I need help," her face turned upward, not knowing exactly what to do or how this worked. If he really was all around, and all knowing, he must be listening. "I don't know why this is happening," she choked

A wave of tears began to swell deep inside, she resisted as they threaten to spill.

"God, Why are you doing this to me?" She sniffled to the heavens above. Her nose and cheeks were flushed scarlet. Her full lips began to quietly quiver. Hating herself for getting into this situation in the first place. She never meant to hurt anyone. Was it that hard to just want to be happy and loved?

Opening herself up to any being that would answer to her calls, "What did I do to deserve this?" She cried. She wasn't expecting a response in return, but if there really was a God, like everyone believed, she hoped he would take time out of making her miserable to just tell her why. That's all she wanted to know. Was she destined to have a life of loneliness? Is this what she deserved for dumping Tommy the way she did ten years ago? Was this her punishment? If that's so, she just wanted to know.

"Is it because I lied about not having any money when I passed that homeless man?" Probably not.

She received nothing in return aside from the rustling of the trees and bushes throughout the park. Wondering if that was the sign she was looking for or just something of unimportance.

"I-I need help," she confessed aloud through her shaky voice.

"Please," her brittle call begged, "I need your guidance!" She bellowed feverishly into the wind. Her sobs were becoming apparent now. Openly weeping as she sat in the abandoned park. Calling, screaming, for anything... Any sign.

"I'm so lost," taking the sleeve of her oversized sweater, she wiped a tear, "Show me the way."

When silence still clung to the air, she began to question everything. Where was this great almighty that would answer you if you spoke to him? Maybe he had better things to do than to answer her bewildered cries for help.

"Can you hear me?" She asked again. Feeling utterly ridiculous screaming out into the open. She knew no one was listening to her calls for help, but there was that maybe still embedded into her brain.

A rumbling began circulating as the clouds moved forward. With tears still falling down her cheeks, she began turning her head to get a better listen.

"God, let me forget him," she pleaded. The wounds Tommy inflicted couldn't be healed easily.

"Help me let him go!"

"I still love him," her voice fell as she whispered to herself. Moving her left hand over her mouth as she whimpered into it. She shook her head hoping it would help her release the hurt, the pain, "but I don't want to love him anymore."

"Help me open my heart to Chris." She begged as she took hold of her chest, Clutching her ever breaking heart. Hoping that it would somehow mend the cracks.

Drawing her attention up to the clouded heavens, once again, her forehead began to furrow when a sudden, single droplet of rain hit her cheek. She took her hand to her damp cheek, inspecting the drop on her fingers. She pondered if this was the sign she was looking for. Was the almighty God trying to signal something to her? Openly weeping from above that she was making the wrong decision?

Before she spoke out loud again, a rustling sound came from the bushes sitting behind her. This was louder and clearer than earlier. This wasn't the wind, this had to be someone. The presence of another human was there, their breathing coming evenly, lingering in the air. The former Power Ranger acted quickly, jumping from her sitting position and hitting the ground gracefully, fighting stance ready. Wild how even after years of no practice, she was able to recall all her moves.

"Who's there?" She shout as she moved closer to inspect the noise. She feared for whoever was on the other end, for the former ranger would not leave them looking pretty if they decided to attack her.

"Show yourself!" She commanded.

"I have pepper spray!" A pair of loud footsteps could be heard pounding the ground as they disappeared from the scene. She moved to the where the sound behind the bush came from, finding no physical clue as to who was watching her. But there was something that was left behind. An unforgettable scent that danced delicately through the air and intoxicated every single nerve in her body.

Twin pair of headlights conceived a blinding flashing light, tires creating a piercing screech as a car disappeared in the distance. She knew exactly who had been watching her.

Oliver Residence

Angel Grove, California

10:37 PM

Having just had the night sky open up and downpour on Kimberly, she continued her even run to the Oliver home. Trying to get to the bottom of who was following her. There was no doubt in her mind who it was. Cold, tired, and drenched head to toe, Kimberly pushed through the storm to get her answer. The water splashed under her feet as she continued her run, evenly soaking the bottom of her jeans. Lightening flashed and thunder roared powerfully behind her as she arrived to the steps leading up to the home. Tommy's old jeep sat in the driveway, the engine could still be heard sizzling as it began cooling down slowly.

Frustrated and determined as ever, she took the flight of steps to the front door. Creating a thunderous echo with each knock that she did.

Being slightly startled by the loud banging on the front door, Tommy neared the door a bit apprehensive. Wild thoughts rolling through his mind at who the uninvited guest could be.

He reached the peep hole in the door and took a glance. A knot was felt at his throat when he saw the petite silhouette of a woman at his door step. With the powerful storm raging on, Tommy couldn't come up with a logical reason as to why Kimberly would be at his door step. She couldn't have possibly heard him. Nevertheless, he couldn't just let her stand out there. He opened the white door in one quick swing, "Kim-"

"-Why were you following me?"

Shit. Well, there goes that theory. She did hear him and now he was caught, "I-I... Kim, it's pouring rain out. Come inside."

"No, I'm not staying..."She protested as the rain continued to pour on her. Water cascading furiously from her clothes, her bangs clinging onto her face from the rain, her hair a matted mess, "I just... I need to know why you were following me."

"Jesus, Kim, come inside. You're soaking wet, I'll answer anything you want to know." He tried to belt over the sound of the heavy water hitting the hard pavement.

"Please," he begged. Trying to convey all his emotions into his eyes. Pleading with her that he didn't want her standing outside during this abnormal California storm.

Her numb hands begged her to take his offer. When he watched her shivering in her place, he simply took her frozen hands and guided her inside. The home was mostly pitch black, with a few lamps turned on throughout the home, creating a soft ambiance.

"Just stay right here while I get you some fresh clothes."

"I don't need any fre-"

"-Kim, don't argue with me." He began as he watched a puddle of water collect in the foyer under Kimberly's feet, "I'm not letting you stay in wet clothes and risk you getting sick. Now just wait right here. I'll be right back."

Unable to project any other emotion other than physically trembling, she simply nodded. Standing with her legs together, she took in her familiar surroundings. Loving pictures of the Oliver family were hung on the wallpapered walls, she moved closer to better inspect them, Having not seen them in a while and noticed that few pictures were different than she remembered. The calming smell of coffee drifted aimlessly through the air, bringing with it a brick wall of memories of when Kimberly was a teenager. The familiar scent sent a small smile to her lips, images of her and Tommy gathering in this home when they were younger flooded her mind.

As she gravitated down the hall, she continued to survey the wall, the darkness limiting her vision. She barely noticed one picture in particular, Tommy's 17th birthday dinner. The last time all the Rangers had gathered together before Kimberly broke up with him. Jason, Trini, and Zack made a visit to Angel Grove in hope of surprising Tommy. The wild grin on Tommy's face in the picture alluded to it being a great success. Kimberly moved her hand over the lightly dusty picture, blowing on it as the particles jumped in the air. Her nippy hands began to melt as she hovered over the image of her sitting innocently on Tommy's lap, his wild grin present as he looked into the camera. They had never looked happier. Those were simpler times, before jobs, heartbreak, and life got in the way.

"Well, I couldn't find much, but I found some of my old high school clothes," he started as he walked over to her. Noticing that she looked deep in thought as she jumped when she heard his voice, "It'll be big, but it'll do while I throw your wet clothes in the wash." He extended the clothes out for Kimberly to take, keeping his distance from her.

"thanks," that's all she could say. She was grateful for his hospitality. The nurturing gaze he gave her instantly warmed her whole body as she took the items from him hands.

"No problem. While you're changing I'll get you some coffee."

"Oh, I don't want an-" she stopped before she finished her thought. You know what, what the hell, coffee sounds amazing right now.

Tommy shot her a curious gaze, he knew her. Better than she thought, she could never resist the urge to accept a cup or five of coffee.

"Okay, um, I take it-"

"-Black with one Splenda," they said in unison, A faint blush spreading on both their faces. She averted her face to hide the smile building in the corner of her lips. If she was seeing him, she would see that he was trying to do the same.

"I know, Kim," he raised his hand to gesture down the hall, "bathrooms free, help yourself." He turned from her as he made his way to the kitchen.

"Um, Tommy," she called after him, he halted at the sound of her voice, "thanks... For the clothes," lifting the pile of clothes in her hands as she said so, "and the coffee."

He simply nodded, accepting that Kimberly was just being polite. His smile faded, petrified about what tonight's future might hold.

A few moments later she emerged from the hall, having just thrown her clothes in the washing machine. Her short, damp hair was now finger combed straight. She looked so small in his over sized clothes. The olive green sweatpants were carefully rolled at the bottom, making sure she wouldn't trip due to the length. She tied a knot at the hem of his white sweater, the sleeves bunched at the arms. He did a double take as he watched her hypnotically from his position on the vintage couch as she strutted towards him. His eyes never quavering from the beautiful woman donning his clothes. The hummingbird heartbeat replacing his own once again.

He extended the mug out to Kimberly to take.

"Thank you," she gladly accepted the mug with both hands before she took a seat across from him.

"So," he began before he took a sip of his mug, "with all of the excitement today, I haven't even had the chance to ask you how you've been. So, how are you?"

"Are we really gonna start there?" She asked quietly, staring straight into the mug sitting in her hands

He didn't speak, letting the silence say it all. Tommy was genuinely curious as to what Kimberly had been up to for the last several months. He was dying to know how Los Angeles was treating her.

She sighed lightly before answering, "I've been good."

"How do you like LA?" He questioned. His eyes pinned to her every move.

"It's been alright," she shrugged.

"The west coast is amazing, but," the west coast really was amazing, but it's not the same without him. In reality, home to Kimberly is anywhere Tommy is, but she couldn't let him know that, "it's been fine."

"Really?"

"Really." She answered bitterly. Her voice coming in loud and rough.

"What about you?" Her voice softened. Lifting her drink up to her lips, letting the hot liquid go down her throat. Her eyes meeting up to his from behind the mug.

"It's been hard being so far, but I've somehow managed. It's not the same without you."

Tommy noticed Kimberly become exceedingly uncomfortable by his choice of words. Her legs crossed unconsciously as she stirred in her seat.

Taking a small sip from his mug, he decided to get to the root of her unexpected arrival, "what brings you over here at this hour?"

"Well," she stated as she studied his face, "I wanted to know why you were following me. I know it was you at the park, and don't even try to deny it."

"I won't." His voice came even, catching her eyes at his admission.

"why were you following me?"

"I wasn't following you, Kim. After everything that happened at the hotel," he paused to sigh, "I really needed to clear my mind. I was going to drive to the mountain, but I figured I should be close by incase my mom came home. She's still out... She doesn't really have it in her heart to leave my dads side," he cleared his drying throat, "Anyway, I heard a voice as I was leaving the park. I didn't follow you there, we just so happened to be at the same location at the same time."

"How long were you watching me?"

"I-I don't know... some time."

His words lingered in her ear for a good minute. She flashed back to the scene in the park, not really recalling the exact words that she said. But she did specifically remember confessing her love for him, she just hoped he didn't catch that. She feared she might have said too much in the moment, "So what did you hear?"

"I-I... Not muc- all of it," He tried to backtrack

"All of it," she gulped. Upset with herself for even taking Trini stupid advice in the first place, she turned her bitter attention to Tommy, "So why did you listen in on my private conversation?"

"Private?" He spat out as he almost laughed out loud, "You were clearly speaking out loud."

"I thought I-I was alone."

"It's a public park, Kim. You speaking out loud to some unknown force out there was likely to be heard. You weren't exactly being quiet."

"If you knew it was me, why didn't you speak up and let me know you were there," she fired back. She rested the steaming cup of coffee on the glass table separating the two.

"I didn't want you to think I was eavesdropping."

She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by his words, "But you were!"

"Yeah," he surrendered, "I guess I was. How did you know it was me in the first place?"

"I don't know... I just kind of knew."

"What were you doing there so late anyway?"

"Well, after everything that happened," clearly referring to the altercation at the Hotel, "I just needed time to myself."

"There's so much that was left for me to say before.. You know, Chris came out."

"Tommy, I really don't think right now is the time."

He placed his mug down in front of hers, rising to his feet as he went around the coffee table to be nearer to her. The cushion beside Kimberly sank down as he found a place by her, "There's a huge storm going on right now, so you're not going anywhere. I don't think there could be a better time than right now."

She only Nodded as she tried to inch herself away from his proximity.

"First off, I just want to say I'm sorry, again. Everything that I told you earlier at the hotel was true, but there was also something else you need to know," he reached for her hand and to his surprise, she didn't pull away, "Aside from all the fear, the morning of the wedding, I got a call from Mr. Matthews. He spoke to me about your transfer and since he knew we had a strong friendship, he asked for my help in convincing you to transfer."

The contact was broken that instant. She jumped out of her seat, arms crossed firmly in front of her. The scowl expression she made filled his heart with dysphoria. she scoffed, "Wow, well now I know I have to talk to Greg. He shouldn't have done that."

"I know I went about it the wrong way, but I never meant to hurt you, Kim." His eyes glued to her standing position, "honestly."

He wondered what move she would make next. Would she run away? Better yet, would he let her?

"Well, you did. A lot." She paced back and forth

"I was just doing what I thought you really wanted."

She halted," Did you ever stop to think that what I really wanted was YOU?" Her voice coming in loud and effective, not caring anymore how loud she was being. The storm was powerful enough to drown all her screams and cries. She ran a hand through her damp hair, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Was?" He questioned

"You never once stopped to think about what I wanted! Never bothered to LISTEN to what I wanted! I wanted YOU! Not some job in California!" The anger within her boiling as it made its way through her body, Her eyes were wide open, tears clearly building in her eyes. She blinked hard to try to stop them, but all it did was make a single tear spill down her flushed cheek.

He looked away, knowing that she never liked to look vulnerable in front of anyone. He gave her the space she needed to compose herself, "I honestly didn't know that you felt that strongly about me at the time. If I could go back and change what I said, I would, but I can't."

"You hurt me so much," she mumbled as she took her seat back on the couch. Her quivering legs had been threatening to collapse.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, "Want to know what I really wanted to say?"

She shook her head, "There's no reason to hear it."

"Yes, there is," here goes nothing, he turned to face her. Looking at the beautiful woman sitting on the edge of the couch, her forehead resting on her hand as he watched her tightly shut her eyes, "I wanted to say that... That I love you, and I mean, I really, TRULY love you."

Her eyes snapped open the moment she heard the words escape his lips. Her legs found a strength she didn't know she had within herself, and she jumped back up on her feet. Her mind riddled with thoughts and emotions.

He jumped up after her, moving towards her as he cupped her cheeks with both hands. Fearing that if he didn't take hold of her, she would run away. He brought her as physically close to his body as he possibly could. She tried to move out of his embrace, but she couldn't. Her hands moved to grip his wrist, his thumbs preciously caressing her soft cheek. He stared deeply into her brown doe eyes, his lips mere inches apart from hers.

"Tommy," she whispered hoarsely

He pulled her in tighter before he spoke again, "I love you... I love you for always putting me in my place, I love you for calling me out on my bullshit, and I love you for every little infuriated thing that you do," he smiled lightly, "You loved me in the good times and bad. You accept me for who I am, and never once tried to change me. You are everything I have been looking for, and everything that I want in a life partner. I knew it the moment our lips touched. I have never felt this strong about anyone in my life before."

He wiped the tears that flowed down her cheeks, unsure if he should be holding her the way he was. He acted on primal instinct alone. It felt so right, but it wasn't. She was involved with someone else. He knew if things were reversed, he wouldn't want another man holding her the way he was.

She bit her lip hard, trying to verify with the pain if this was a dream or not. He spoke the words she had been dreaming of hearing, except now things were far more complicated. She spoke softly, "I really wish I would have heard you say that four months ago."

"I'm sorry I didn't, but now you know the truth."

"I know it's been a few months, but there's just so much that time can't erase. You hurt me," she continued as she removed his hands from her face, "What you just said to me changes nothing."

His face fell, he knew it was a long shot, but he hoped by some miracle she would feel something, "I know."

"I'm dating Chris and-"

He rolled his eyes at the mention of his name. God, why did he have to be brought up so often? "-do you love him?"

"I-I... Why are you questioning my relationship?" She sneered.

"It's a simple 'Yes' or 'No' answer."

"I'm not answering that," she threw her hands up in the air, stomping as she moved back to her seat.

He chuckled, giving her an inquisitive smile, "You know, your refusal to answer that says more than you think."

"I don't answer to you," she barked back

"Kim," he said softly, sitting back to his original spot on the couch. They needed distance from each other, now more than ever.

She hesitated answer him for a moment, knowing well that once she confessed what she felt about him, Tommy could use it to his advantage. She sighed deeply, "I-I don't know what I feel for him. I do have strong feelings for him, but I don't know what they are... yet."

The devilish smile she hated to love appeared on his face as the last word fled her lips, "You've been together about three months?"

Staring emotionless into her hands, she nodded.

"You've been with him for three months and you still don't love him. You were with me for three days and you knew it right away. Doesn't that tell you something?"

"That's not fair," she retorted, "I've known you for ten years-"

"-and you've known him for ten years too."

"Not like that."

"You could have had any guy, Kim, and you chose him," he shook his head, trying to shake the mental image of Kimberly and Chris together, "Why? I thought you said you felt nothing for him."

"My feelings changed. I don't know, It just sort of happened. Neither one of us planned it."

"He's a jerk, Kim."

"Maybe to you," she snapped, "but to me... he has been nothing, but kind and patient."

"I don't know what you see in him."

"What I see? I see someone who isn't afraid to show their feelings and tell me how they really feel," she sighed, "He doesn't run away from something he wants, he fights for it."

"I'm willing to fight for you."

"There's nothing left to fight for anymore."

For a moment he thought about not asking the next question, utterly petrified of what she might say, but he had to, "You don't love me?"

She averted her eyes, unable to meet them, unable to answer the question he wanted to know. Instead, she moved down memory lane, to what he said to her when she wanted his love in return, "Once upon a time, I was in your shoes. I came to you asking for another chance when you were already involved with someone else, and you told me that I was too late. You said that Katherine deserved all of you, your devotion, a chance. Well, Chris deserves all of that too."

"He isn't right for you, I know it. I can feel it in my bones."

"How would you know," she scoffed, "Tommy I'm not taking relationship advice from the king of failed relationships. When was the last time you had a serious girlfriend, huh? Katherine? He may not be right for me, but at least when I'm with him, I won't feel like another notch on his belt."

"That was never the case with us, and you know it."

"Maybe not," she shrugged, "but it sure felt like it."

His heart shattered once again, angry with himself that he made her feel so horrible. But still, he couldn't let her go. He would spend the rest of his life making it up to her if she let him.

"I'm not giving up."

"Maybe you should."

"No, no, I'm not letting you go until I know I've done everything," he moved swiftly back to her side of the couch, "I've made mistakes, I've done things I've regretted, but none of them have come close to when I let you get away. I will not give up on you, Kim. Not unless you tell me that you want absolutely nothing to do with me. Tell me that right now and I'll let you go. I promise you won't hear from me ever again."

He looked at her deep brown eyes. Loving the woman that looked so small and innocent in front of him.

"Tell me," he prayed that she didn't.

When he received silence, he pushed more.

"Tell me," he commanded, again.

Tears struck her cheeks, her brittle voice cracked, "I can't."

"Then I'm not giving up on us."

Coming back full circle, he asked the unanswered question, "Do you still love me?"

Her silence chilled him to the bone. He needed something from her, "Kim."

"I-I don't know," she said as she adjusted herself in her seat, "My mind and heart are clouded by anger and betrayal. I don't know what I feel for you, Tommy. You hurt me so much. I've never felt worse about myself than that moment."

That's a complete lie, and he knew it, "That's not what you said back at the park." The horrified expression on her face told him everything, "Now, I'm going to ask you again. Do you still love me?"

She dug into her lip, about to admit her hearts truth to the man before her, "I..."

"-Woo it's raining cats and dogs out there!" Janice yelled as she entered the living room, shaking the extra water from her umbrella, "turn on a damn light in here, it's so depressing- Kimberly!" Janice said in surprise, "what are you doing here at this hour, Hun?"

"Hi, Janice," Kimberly greeted as she wiped the tears with her sleeve, "um, I needed to talk to Tommy about something, and the storm caught me."

"I hear you, it's crazy out there. God is definitely not happy tonight," she joked

"Tell me about it, I had to change clothes," Kimberly said as she raised her arms, showing her Tommy's old oversized sweater.

Janice noticed the tension in the room. Kimberly's water eyes were still evident even in the dark room. Something was definitely going on before she came in, "Aww, that's too bad. Well, you're welcome to sleep here if you'd like. The storm is getting worse. I don't think you should go out there until it settles."

"Great," Kimberly whispered sarcastically. All she wanted to do right now was get as far away from Tommy as possible. Now it didn't look like that was going to happen any time soon.

"How's Dad?" Tommy asked

"Same as you left," she sighed, "but Jason and Zack had him cracking up when they spoke to him. I think that lightened his mood up."

"That's good to hear."

"Definitely," she said as she hung her keys on the wall, "I'll let you kids get back to whatever you were talking about. I'm just gonna head into bed. Sorry for interrupting. Night, loves."

Kimberly waved goodnight to the older woman before she turned her attention to Tommy.

"Um, there's another reason why I'm here, Tommy. I-I've been doing a lot of thinking and I don't think it's right that you have to be away from your father so much. It's not fair to you and your family," she paused to gather her thoughts, "So, I-I'm offering you a position at the L.A. Office."

Wow, he was not expect her to say that. Of course he wanted to be near his family and Kimberly too, but he didn't see how he could do that when he was tied up in New York. "Kim, you know I can't do that. I have a contract with New Y-"

"-it doesn't include emergency transfer," she informed him.

"What do you mean?"

"Your parents are your dependents. Your father is gravely ill and your mother has become his caretaker, in doing so she's had to leave her job. You stepped up and you began paying for everything. They depend on you," she picked up the cup of coffee from the table and took a sip, "According to our policy, you're allowed to transfer so your dependent can receive medical treatment. You need to be near your dependents."

"My dad isn't receiving treatment anymore. You know that."

"I know... But they don't," she gave him a sly smile, "You have to move over here. If not for your dad, do it for your mom. She's going to need you."

"I-I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll take it."

"I-I don't know...I'll think about it.."

"No, you need to decide now," she gently placed the mug back on the table. She scooted closer to Tommy, and for the first time, she initiated contact, placing her hands on his, "Your father doesn't have time."

His heart began racing at the speed of light, "I don't think the New York office is going to be happy about that."

"Screw them. It doesn't matter. They can't do a single thing about it."

"Can't they?" He questioned as he gazed down to look at their intertwined hands.

"No, they can't and even if they could, we'd go to the media. Imagine the horrid headline that reads 'CEO from hell: boss won't allow employee near dying father'"

They chuckled together, and for a moment, they forgot about the last few months. Their friendly laughter continued before reality came crashing back to them. She removed her hands from his in one quick yank.

"So, are my parents the only reason I should move back?" He asked. Deep down he hoped that it wasn't the only reason. That maybe she truly wanted him nearby as well.

"Yeah, I mean, the gang is all here. I'm sure they'd all love for you to be around. I know they all miss you."

"What about you?"

"I offered you the job, remember?"

"That's not what I asked."

"I think you posses great skills that will help us succeed in California," she said completely ignoring the question he was dying to know.

He chuckled, "again, that's not what I asked... That's not even close."

"I know, but that's the only answer you'll be getting from me."

A loud powerful roar shook the house. The storm was as strong as ever.

He cleared his throat, "Is there room for me in LA?"

"There is," she said as she tucked a hair behind her ear, "And I happen to know the boss. I think you'll find that she is amazing, understanding, forgiving, patient..," She chuckled

"-And beautiful."

There it was. The flutter she NEVER had with Chris. How Is it possible that this man could make her feels things her own boyfriend couldn't? Silence grew between them as she tried to ignore the butterfly wings flying in her belly.

"I think we can find a spot for you."

"Wow, Kim... I'm just.. Thank you, I-I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Just refill my coffee and we'll call it even," she chuckled.

Author note: What do you guys think of this chapter? This was a really fun one to write. I know it's dialogue heavy, but we finally got the conversation they had been needing to have. Tommy finally confessed his true feelings for Kimberly. There is so much more to come. Especially now that Tommy will be near Kimberly again. As always, please leave your feedback in the review section. Love seeing what you guys think. Also, quick question. What do you guys think about how I italicize the dialogue? Do you like it, do you hate it? i keep going back and forth because I'm not sure. Let me know.