An Appendix To New Beginnings
Set between the fourth and fifth seasons. AU series
Larry and Balki sat across from each other at the dining table. Larry fingered a glass of water, occasionally wincing slightly and rubbing his stomach. Balki paused in eating to watch Larry.
"Cousin, you're still having stomach pains," Balki said, matter of factly. "You haven't eaten all day. What the matter with you is?"
"What the matter with me is you keep asking what the matter with me is," Larry answered, turning Balki's question back on him.
Balki stared at him for a moment, then decided to return to eating. "Cousin, I think you'd feel better if you ate something. I put extra saffron on the pig snout!"
Larry almost literally turned green at the mention of pig snout, then his eyes widened, and he took off like a shot for the bathroom, slamming the door after him.
Balki continued and finished his dinner. However, Larry had yet to come out of the bathroom. Balki put his dishes in the water in the sink, then went to the bathroom door. He was about to knock, when he thought he heard a noise. He leaned his ear again the door and listened. There. A soft moan. He knocked gently. "Cousin, are you okay?" When he didn't receive a response, he tried the knob and opened the door. "Cousin?" He peeked around the door.
Larry sat on the floor, his back against the bathtub, with his knees pulled up to his chest, arms wrapped around his shins. He had his forehead resting on his knees. He moaned softly again.
Balki sat beside him and gently touched the side of his face. A curious look crossed his face. "Cousin, you feel warm. Want me to get the thermometer?"
Larry turned his head toward Balki. "Actually... would you help me get to my bed. I think I'd just rather lay down."
Balki nodded. "Okay." He stood, then reached down to help Larry up. Balki frowned, wondering why Larry didn't help more in standing up. Balki felt nearly the full burden of Larry's weight and almost couldn't get him up. Finally, he did get Larry on his feet, but he remained slightly hunched. Balki helped him shuffle to his room. This felt similar to the handful of times when Larry's back went out.
Once Larry was seated on the bed, Balki helped him change into pajamas. Larry watched relatively glassy-eyed and moaned occasionally. After he was in his pajamas, he laid down on his side, curled up in a ball.
"Cousin, you want Balki to stay?"
Larry shook his head slightly. "No... thank you." He closed his eyes.
Balki nodded, then left the room quietly, closing the door after him. He sighed, then went to prepare himself for bed.
Larry had about three hours of fitful sleep. He opened his eyes to see his digital alarm clock glaring at him. He felt horrible. He was sweating worse now than earlier and the stomach cramps hurt something fierce. He had a horrible feeling about what was going on. He just needed to hold out through the morning and get through the meeting at the Chronicle. Another cramp shot through his abdomen. This one felt like a white-hot poker being jammed into him. Larry focused his breathing so he wouldn't make noise and draw Balki to him. He breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth... in through his nose and out through his mouth.
Larry tried to get more sleep, but he seemed to see every half hour pass. He'd just about doze off, then get awakened by that poker being jabbed into him again. His gaze landed on the door. A part of him really wanted to call out to Balki, but another part told him no, so he didn't. He would continue slightly dozing off for the rest of the night.
Balki was up early the next morning. Already dressed, he stopped at Larry's door and listened, but that's right when it open. Larry stood, slightly hunched, holding the door. "Good morning, Cousin. How do you feel today?"
"I'm on my feet, does that count?" Larry replied. His face was etched in pain.
Balki frowned at him. "Cousin..."
"Balki, don't say it, please. I need to get through the meeting this morning," Larry said, then winced and almost doubled over. He sucked in a breath, then straightened the best he could. "I need a shower, then I'll get dressed—"
Balki reached a hand to Larry's forehead and his eyes widened like saucers. "Cousin, you're burning up!"
"It'll be a cold shower," Larry restated.
Balki watched Larry shuffle into the bathroom and shook his head. "Oh, po po..." He headed for the kitchen to get breakfast.
Meanwhile, Larry turned on the shower with straight cold water. He felt horrible. He had all he could do in just getting out of bed and now the shower. He stripped off his sweaty pajamas, then eased himself into the shower. He gave a slight gasp at the icy water but then it felt incredibly good on his hot skin. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against the tiles. He just needed a few hours and then, well, whatever happens... happens.
Larry sat at his desk at the Chronicle. He tried to concentrate on some research he had been working on recently, but the pain was really starting to get unbearable. He just couldn't focus on the print and, besides that, it was all starting to blur together.
Balki was sorting mail on the table but kept glancing over at Larry, who seemed to be becoming less and less coherent. He shook his head and went over to Larry's desk. He knelt beside Larry and spoke softly, "Cousin... please, let me take you to a doctor. You look like you've been wrecked."
"Balki, it's thirty minutes to the meeting. I can do this," Larry said, then paused. "Listen, I have to go get another book for my research. I'll be right back." He stood with great difficulty and groaned, hand going to his stomach.
Balki stood also and watched as Larry painfully and slowly walked towards the back where the archives were. At least he didn't have to go upstairs... yet. The meeting was two floors up. He'd have to tell Larry to use the elevator for that. He returned to sorting the mail.
Larry shuffled through the archives, hand still on his stomach, pressing ever so gently on it, trying to alleviate the pain. He stopped at a shelf and found the book he wanted... but realized it was just over his head. He reached up with the other hand... but he never got his hand on the book as a stabbing pain cut through his abdomen and he gasped loudly, then staggered back into the shelving behind him. He gave another gasp when his lower back smacked into the metal shelf, sending a jolt along his spine. The room began to spin, then Larry's vision dimmed. He felt himself falling, but he was unconscious before he hit the floor.
Balki returned to the basement after passing along some mail to the upper floors. He looked at Larry's empty desk chair, then turned toward the archives. He shrugged and headed back that way. He looked along the rows of shelving, then stopped cold. "Cousin!" he gasped, finding Larry lying on the floor. He moved to him and knelt. He gently slapped at Larry's face trying to rouse him to no avail. "Oh no..." Balki knew what he had to do but he also knew that Larry would end up mad at him. He decided resolutely that the meeting Larry desperately wanted to get to was not that important. He gently scooped up Larry in his arms. The shorter man didn't even wince. Balki frowned, worry creeping in. He dashed out of the archives and passed by Gorpley, who merely rolled his eyes and ignored them.
The elevator doors opened; and Harriet stepped out right in front of Balki. "Whoa, baby, where's the fire? And what's wrong with him?" She motioned to Larry who felt like dead weight in Balki's arms.
"Harriet, call the hospital, tell them I bring Cousin Larry in for his appen... appe... oh, stomach pain!" Balki said hurriedly and tripping over his English.
Harriet's eyes widened. "Appendicitis?" At Balki's nod, she started for Larry's desk. "I'm on it, baby. Get him out of here!" She started dialing as Balki wasted no time running out of the basement with Larry cradled in his arms.
Balki rushed out to the parking garage, bee lining for Larry's Mustang. He found the apple-red car, then realized he didn't have the keys. He hoped Larry still had them on him. He shifted his hold on Larry, which barely caused a reaction, and checked Larry's jacket pockets. He groaned coming up empty handed but then realized they might be in his pants pockets. Balki shifted Larry again, earning a soft groan this time, and checked the pockets. He finally came up with the car key and somehow finagled the passenger side door open. He realized he was holding Larry in the opposite direction and groaned himself. He put himself half in the car in order to set Larry in the seat. Balki stepped over and out of the car, then put Larry's legs in. The shorter man slumped in the seat. He was sweating profusely now, matting his hair to his forehead. His chin rested against his chest. Balki put the seatbelt around him and clicked it in. He closed the door and dashed around to the driver's side. He got in behind the wheel and started the Mustang. For once he was thankful that Larry always insisted on backing into his parking spots, making it much easier for Balki to simply pull out of the spot in his hurried state.
The Mustang exited the parking garage. It cut off a car that was just nearing the exit and earned Balki an angry honk. Balki put the window down part way. "Sorry!" he called out, then once again focused on the road. At a red light, he glanced at Larry. Larry's head had lulled closer to his left shoulder, and he had slumped down a bit more in the seat. While Balki wasn't positive, he thought Larry's breathing sounded different now. It sounded uneven and labored.
Balki frowned at the light, willing it to change already. Finally, it turned green and Balki stomped on the accelerator. He didn't want to break any road rules, but he seriously needed to get Larry some help. Unfortunately, that's when he heard the siren and saw flashing lights in the rear-view mirror. Balki groaned out loud and pulled over.
A female officer walked up to the driver's side. "License and registration." She looked in the car. "What's wrong with him?" She nodded to Larry.
"That my cousin Larry. He pass out because his stomach hurts him so much. I'm taking him to the hospital, so I hurry too much and you pull me over," Balki explained all in one breath. "Please hurry, I have to get him there."
"I'll give you an escort. Just follow me and I'll get you to the hospital," the officer said. She went back to her patrol car and pulled ahead of the Mustang. Balki pulled out right behind her and found she was definitely exceeding the posted speed limit. He sighed, thankful.
The rest of the drive was a blur to Balki. He pulled the Mustang to a stop behind the patrol car and jumped out. He very nearly did the Dukes of Hazard slide across the hood to get to the passenger side. He whipped the door open and Larry practically fell out as he had been slumped against the door. Balki scooped him up and kicked the door closed behind him.
The officer stood at the emergency room door and led him inside and up to the registration desk. Balki was extremely grateful for the officer helping him. He was already a complete wreck and couldn't imagine doing this all on his own.
The next several minutes were a blur to Balki. Eventually he laid Larry on a gurney and the orderlies wheeled him away. Balki watched until he was out of sight, then slumped down in one of the waiting room chairs.
The officer sat beside him. "I have to go back on patrol. Balki, I'm sure your cousin Larry will be okay."
Balki gave the officer a weak smile. "Thank you for the acorn."
She grinned, blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think you meant escort." She patted his arm. "You know what, I'll stop by after I get off work and see how both of you are doing."
"Really?" Balki said, smiling a bit more. "Please do that, uh… officer… oh!"
She smiled as he read her name tag. "Officer Laurence, but you can call me Beth." She patted his arm again. "Funny how my last name is your cousin's first name. Well, not funny ha ha but a coincidence."
"Oh, I get it!" Balki said. "Thank you, Beth, and I'm sorry for speeding."
"Don't worry about it. Just don't let it happen again," Beth said and winked then headed out.
Balki sighed. He realized now was the worst part: the waiting.
Balki was happy. He had to be because he was surrounded by his flock of sheep. He walked along counting and naming them off as he went along but when he finished there was one missing. But that couldn't be right. He scratched his head and then it came to him. "Larry!" he called out but got no response. He started walking and calling out, "Larry!" He was moving farther away from the flock and his voice got fainter until it was a whisper.
Larry was comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. The pain was gone! His eyes opened slowly and surveyed the room. A hospital room. Damn.
He saw Balki asleep in a chair off to the side. He was hugging Dimitri. Larry made a face. How long had he been out? He lifted his arm to look at his watch but it wasn't there. He tried to shift but an extreme soreness ran from his abdomen to his lower back. What the hell happened?
He wracked his brain, trying to remember something. Wait… the archives! He'd gone after a book but when he reached for it… Larry made a pained expression as the memory came back. The pain caused him to stagger and hit his back against the shelving and then… nothing. Larry frowned, thinking he must have passed out.
"Dammit," Larry cursed softly.
Balki lifted his head. "Cousin?"
Larry sighed. "Yeah."
Balki went over to him. "I'm glad you're awake! Dimitri missed you!" He set the stuffed sheep on Larry's chest, then added, "And I was out of my mind with worry!" He started telling him how he found him in the archives and right through to now.
Larry was still trying to process everything but was feeling much too tired to try very hard. He yawned.
"Oh, po po, I'm supposed to let you rest not talk your nose off." Balki picked up Dimitri.
"Wait… would you leave Dimitri… please?" Larry asked. He smiled when Balki put the stuffed sheep under his arm "Thank you. Why don't you get something to eat…?"
Balki nodded. "I'll call the girls, let them know you're okay." He left the room.
Larry sighed and tried to shift again. He winced and decided to just lay back again.
A short while later a knock came at the door. Larry had dozed off and didn't hear it.
The door opened and Beth leaned in. "Hello? Balki?" She stopped when she didn't see him and didn't want to wake Larry, whom she had yet to see conscious. She shrugged and came in, taking up the chair Balki had used earlier. She grinned seeing the stuffed sheep under Larry's arm. She figured he must be okay then.
Larry's head turned, his face pinched. Beth thought he might be having a nightmare. She went over and shook his shoulder gently. "Hey. Wake up."
Larry's eye popped open and widened as big as saucers, but they narrowed when he focused on her. "Who are you? Where's Balki?"
"My name is Beth. I'm a friend of Balki's," she said. "I thought I'd stay until he got back. How are you feeling?"
"I'm very sore, if you must know," Larry replied curtly.
Beth nodded. She was starting to like him better unconscious.
The door opened and Balki came in. "Cousin, the girls will be here—Beth!" He went over and gave her a hug, then backed up. "Oh, po po, maybe I shouldn't do that..."
"Balki, you can hug police officers... or at least me," she said and put an arm around him.
Larry cleared his throat. "Balki, you were saying about the girls...?"
"Oh! Jennifer and Mary Anne are on their way here now," Balki said.
"Maybe I should go..." Beth said, standing.
"No, you don't have to. Tell her, Cousin!" Balki said.
"If she wants to go, Balki, then let her go," Larry said, rolling his eyes.
Beth stopped at the foot of the bed. "Balki, would you do me a favor? Would you mind just going out of the room for a moment so I can talk to Larry?"
"Oh, sure!" He left and closed the door after him.
"What do you want?" Larry asked.
Beth folded her arms over her chest. "I don't know why Balki practically broke the law to help you. I pulled him over for speeding and let him off because he was hauling your sorry butt here. Ever since you woke up, all I've heard are snide comments and an obvious dislike for me and for no reason. Maybe instead of removing your appendix, they should have pulled the stick out of your butt." She turned and headed for the door.
"Wait..."
Beth stopped and turned. She was slightly taken aback that Larry actually looked stricken by her comments.
"I'm sorry, Beth. Honestly, I'm just mad at myself. Balki probably saved my life. For that matter, you did, too, by escorting him." Larry paused, running a shaky hand through his messy curls.
Beth moved alongside the bed. "I think you're understanding better now based on the shake in that hand."
"Yeah..." Larry dropped his hand and tried to shift, but again, it just made him wince like before.
"Something still bothering you?" she asked, concerned.
"My lower back. Just before I passed out, I hit my lower back off a metal shelf. I don't think they know I have a bad back. The position I'm in isn't helping it very much," Larry said.
"So why don't you tell someone?"
"I just did." His gaze met her eyes steadily.
Suddenly, she couldn't help but think he had nice eyes... "Okay, what can I do? I don't want to make you scream and have them kick me out? How would that look?"
"I won't scream. Just help me sit up a little better, please."
Beth moved closer and helped him sit up, then stuck a pillow behind his back. "How's that?"
Larry settled back, a thin smile appearing. "Much better, thank you."
"You're welcome. Hm..."
"What, hm?"
"Your hair's a mess."
Larry actually chuckled at this. "No kidding. That is a repeated issue with curly hair."
Beth dug in her purse and pulled out a folded hairbrush. She opened the brush, then started brushing out his curls. "A comb would probably be better, but with my long hair, I only carry a brush."
Larry's eyebrows arched. He certainly hadn't expected this. He had to admit... she wasn't as bad as he had made her out to be.
She pulled back when she finished and found him staring at her. "What?"
"That was really appreciated. Thank you," he said, sincerely.
"You're welcome. Anyway, I'll let Balki back in. Besides, I have to get going. I'm on the early shift tomorrow and need some sleep. You take care, Larry, okay?"
Larry nodded. "I will."
Beth paused, then leaned over and hugged him gently, then pulled back to arm's length where she paused.
Suddenly, Larry could feel his heart pounding, wondering what was going on. Slowly, Beth leaned in and kissed him gently, letting it linger softly. He was breathless when she pulled away. "Oh, my Lord..."
"Yeah..." Beth agreed, also breathless. "Um, I'll get going now..." She headed out.
Balki came in, looking behind him. "Cousin, why Beth all red...?" He trailed off, seeing Larry with the same red face. "Cousin... what did I miss?"
Larry waved a hand. "Nothing... It was nothing..."
Jennifer and Mary Anne arrived a short while later, then Mary Anne went with Balki to get something to eat, leaving Jennifer with Larry.
"Larry, are you okay? You seem distracted," Jennifer asked.
Larry shrugged. "I'm about as good as to be expected, laying in a hospital bed. I'm just thinking about... things, that's all."
"Okay." Jennifer sat in the chair at the side of the room.
Larry sighed to himself. She always did this to him. He could use some comfort and she sat across the room from him! "I should find out tomorrow when I can go home."
"Oh, that's... good, Larry," Jennifer said.
Larry could swear she almost sounded like she didn't care. "Jennifer, you don't have to stick around. I'll be fine here."
Jennifer immediately stood. "Okay, Larry." She gave him a little wave then left.
Larry was flabbergasted. He could believe she just up and left the way she just did. He leaned his head back, thinking. She had seemed rather distant lately, maybe about the last two weeks or so. And now today, she wasn't there even fifteen minutes.
He immediately thought she must have found someone else. She was likely off to meet him. Larry's eyes narrowed. All that time he spent trying to impress her and all for naught apparently. He was pissed.
The door opened and Balki came back in. "Cousin, visiting hours are almost over. I take Mary Anne home now. Where Jennifer is?"
Larry shrugged. "I don't know. She left and apparently had something other than me on her mind."
Balki blinked. "Oh. Well…" He seemed confused.
"Balki it's okay. Don't worry about it. Go take Mary Anne home and I'll see you tomorrow." Larry nodded.
"Oh, before I forget. Beth give me this earlier and ask me to give it to you," Balki said and handed Larry a small envelope. "Goodnight, Cousin!" He headed out.
"Night…" Larry called after him, distracted suddenly. He opened the envelope and pulled out a greeting card. It was a standard get well card that Beth signed… but also included her phone number. His eyebrows lifted high, surprised.
Larry reached for the phone and dialed the number. He waited through two rings before she picked up. "Beth…? It's Larry…"
"Hi, Larry. I didn't think I'd hear from you tonight."
"Balki just gave me your card and visiting hours are over." He twisted the cord around his finger. "I'm bored… and lonely."
"That isn't a very good combination. I know that from experience. Well, not my own experience, but… oh, never mind."
"That's okay. I've got all the time in the world right now." Larry's eyes widened with remembrance. "Oh, you said you work early tomorrow! I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No but I was about to get into bed."
"Oh…" Larry tried to keep his mind from envisioning that but it didn't work and he did.
"Larry?"
"Hm?" He still blushed even though he was alone.
"I do need to get some sleep. How about I stop by in the morning before my shift? I don't have to wait for visiting hours if I'm in uniform." Beth couldn't help but grin even though he couldn't see it.
"I'd like that. Just a warning, I can be a little grumpy in the morning without coffee."
"Point taken. Goodnight, Larry."
"Goodnight, Beth." Larry hung up the phone. He smiled and settled back, closing his eyes.
Beth knocked on the door but got no answer. She pushed the door open and stepped quietly into the room. She was indeed in uniform and had a styrofoam cup in her hand. She set the cup on the table and stopped beside the bed.
Larry was still asleep, head turned in her direction. His lips were pressed into a thin line, making the upper one disappear almost completely.
She just watched him sleep. He certainly looked a lot better than when she had led Balki in with him. His color looked good, and he seemed comfortable. Beth hated to wake him, but she didn't have much time before her shift began. She gently shook his shoulder.
Larry's eyes opened part way, then he gave a crooked grin. "Hi. Am I under arrest?"
She chuckled. "Good morning. Gee, I thought you might be ready to attack me, so I brought this for you." She handed him the styrofoam cup. "Black coffee, because you seem like the type."
Larry nodded and took a long drink. "Morning, Beth." He fingered the cup, pausing.
They fell into a bit of silence, which she broke. "I don't have much time—"
Larry looked up at her. "Could I take you to dinner in a couple days, after I get out of here?"
"A date?" Beth asked, surprised. "I thought that you're seeing someone…"
Larry frowned slightly. "I thought I was, too, but I guess it wasn't working out. I think she's seeing someone else."
"That stinks... but I'd loved to go to dinner. We can decide when later," she said.
"Heading out now?" Larry asked.
"I should. I don't want to be late," Beth confirmed.
He nodded. "Go on. Balki will be around soon, I'm sure."
"Okay." She paused, then leaned down and smiled at him, nose to nose. "Do you mind...?"
"Uh uh..." he replied.
Beth leaned in and kissed him softly, then pulled back a little. "You're good." She straightened. "If you get sprung, call and leave me a message just so I know."
Larry nodded. "I'll do that. Have a good day."
"You, too," she said, then headed out.
Larry sighed happily.
Walking through the door, Larry sighed happily. It was good to be home. Balki offered to park the Mustang so Larry said he'd make his way up to the apartment. Actually, he had something else on his mind. He went to the phone and dialed. At the beep, he spoke briefly. "You told me to call when sprung. Stop by the apartment after your shift. Balki should be here, too. Bye."
He hung up just before Balki came in. He smiled at him.
"Oh, Cousin, it's nice to have you here again. It was so quiet last night without you telling me out," Balki exclaimed.
Larry winced but chuckled. "I think you mean off and I don't do that," he corrected. "Balki, you wouldn't happen to know if the girls are home…?"
Balki thought a moment. "I think they are. You want to let them know you're home?"
Larry nodded without expression. "Yes." He headed for the door. "I'll be right back." He closed the door after him, then traversed the stairs. He stopped at their door and knocked. It was a long moment before it opened.
Jennifer seemed slightly startled. "Larry, you're home."
"It would seem that way. Can we talk… in private?"
"Mary Anne went out to the store," she said, then motioned him in and closed the door. "Actually, I'm glad you're here."
"Oh?" Larry responded and turned to face her. He had thought maybe he might just say his piece, then go but he was curious about what she wanted to say.
"About yesterday, I wanted to apologize but I also need to tell you something," Jennifer said. At his nod, she continued, "I met someone and I want to go out with him but I thought I should tell you first." She waited for him to whine or worse but all he did was shrug. "Are you okay with this?"
Larry nodded. "Yes, I am okay with this because… I met someone else, too." He paused, cheeks flushing slightly. "The officer that led Balki to the hospital with me. She came in after you left. We chatted for a while…" He trailed off watching Jennifer's expression. "I had an idea you and I were about to break up with how you left and other little things over the last few weeks."
Jennifer sighed. He had seen right through her. "I guess that's it then."
Larry stuck a hand out for a shake. "I guess so."
She accepted his hand and shook it. "Friends?"
Larry gave his usual thin smile. "Friends." They let go and he headed for the door, then paused. "Would you let Mary Anne know I'm home?"
Jennifer nodded. "I'll tell her, Larry."
He nodded then left, closing the door softly after him. He sighed and made his way back to his and Balki's apartment
Larry spent the afternoon dozing on the couch. Part of his recuperating was to simply get some rest, which wasn't too difficult as he was worn out easily from just coming home.
Balki was in the kitchen, making dinner and whistling. He had wanted to talk to Larry about something but decided it could wait when Larry had immediately gone to the couch after returning from the girls' apartment.
A knock came at the door. It was loud enough to wake Larry but Balki was already passing the couch to answer it. "I got it, Cousin." He opened the door. "Beth! It so good to see you again! Cousin, look who it is!"
Larry had already stood from the couch. "Hi, Beth." He gave her a thin smile.
"Hi, fellas. Nice place you have here." She paused and sniffed. "Dinner? Did I come at a bad time?"
"No!" Balki and Larry chorused, then gave each other a look. She grinned at them.
"There's more than enough for everyone. I always make too much or so Cousin Larry says," Balki said.
Larry shrugged. "He makes a lot of food. Have a seat." He motioned to the couch.
"You two talk while I finish preparing the Bingi Bingi," Balki said, going back to the kitchen.
Larry sat beside Beth and spoke quietly. "Looks like we're on for a date."
"So the other girl—?"
Larry nodded. "Amicably ended."
"Well then…" she glanced around over Larry's shoulder. "Does Balki know that… or about us."
Larry frowned, cheeks turning pink. "I was too tired. I got home and talked to Jennifer. By the time I came back here, I was worn out. I dozed for most of the afternoon."
Beth nodded. "Okay, I'll play along until you tell him."
Balki couldn't help but keep side glancing the pair on the couch. He knew they didn't want him to hear them by their hushed tones. He wondered when he'd get a chance to tell Larry that he had called the girls to see if they were interested in dinner but Jennifer had politely declined and when Balki asked why, she told him she and Larry had broken up, amicably of course.
Balki set three places at the table and paused when he heard Larry laugh at something Beth said. Balki had to smile. While he was sad things hadn't worked out for Larry with Jennifer, he did seem to ne getting along well with Beth.
Balki took one last taste test after he finished setting the table. The seasoning was just right and so was the temperature. He stopped behind the island counter. "Come and get it!" he called out, trying to add a western twinge to his voice. He turned to start bringing items to the table.
Beth and Larry got up from the couch, but Larry motioned for her to go first and even used a very light touch to the small of her back. It hadn't been a conscious motion. His eyes widened briefly but Beth just kept moving ahead to the table. They both sat as Balki brought over the main dish.
Balki was also grinning like the Cheshire Cat. He had tossed a hand towel over his arm. "Welcome to Balki's Buffet. Two for dinner tonight?" He winked at Larry, who immediately turned about three shades of red.
Beth smiled. "Yes, although we will probably be joined by Larry's cousin, who happens to be an absolute sweetheart."
Larry shrugged. "I didn't even tell you anything, Balki."
"Well, Balki has his ways of knowing things. One of those things came from a little birdie. The other I figured out myself. I hope you don't mind, Cousin. I just wanted to do something for you after the week you've had."
"I don't mind. And, Balki… thanks," Larry said.
We fade out as the trio dug into Balki's dinner.
-End-