Friday
Larry opened his front door and stepped inside. The room was pitch black. He felt around and found the light switch. He walked to bedroom and turned on the light. He threw the bottle of pills on the bed and walked to the mirror. There it was in all it's glory. A white bandage covering eight stitches across his cheek. Great, just great. This was the last thing he needed. He glanced at the clock. 1:15am. She'd be asleep by now. But he wanted to talk to her, hear her voice and to tell her about tonight. He picked up the phone and dialed Boston.
"Lo?" answered an asleep Ally.
"Ally, it's me."
"Arry?"
"Yeah, who else?"
Ally pulled the covers down and yawned. "What's wrong?"
"Why would anything be wrong? I just can't sleep."
"When you can't sleep, you do one of two things. You either get a snack and watch TV or you do some work from the office. I should know this since I lived with you."
Larry groaned. "Do you know how irritating it is to have someone that knows your mind?"
"Yeah, it's a real killjoy. So tell me what has you up at this hour? Hang on a sec, I'm going to sneak downstairs. I don't want to wake Renee."
"Renee's there? When did that happen?"
"She showed up this morning. The tour ended and she came home."
Ally crept down the stairs and settled into a recliner in her home office. "So, tell me."
"I was at the emergency room."
Ally was alarmed. "Was it Sam? Is he hurt?"
"No, it was me. I needed a few stitches."
"What ever for?"
"Well, that's kind of complicated."
Ally stretched out in the recliner. "That's okay. I've got all night."
"Well, it started after I returned from seeing Sam and Jamie. Celina was here."
"And Celina would be…?"
"My girlfriend."
Ally brought the chair up. "I'm sorry? I think I must have fallen asleep because it sounded like you said your girlfriend was in your apartment tonight."
"Relax, Ally. It wasn't like that. Celina had been in London on business for the last month. Tonight was the first time I had seen her since she left and the first time I had talked to her since before you came to town."
"I see. What happened? You told her about me and she beat you up?"
"Not funny. As I said, she was waiting for me when I got home."
Aren't you pleased to see me, Larry?
Of course I am. I just wasn't expecting you.
Why not? You knew I would be returning tonight. In fact, you were going to pick me up at the airport. Did you forget?
Yeah, I did. I was with my son.
Well, you can make it up to me by giving me a great big hug and kiss followed by a back rub. Then you can tell me how much you missed me.
Umm, Celina, there's something I need to tell you.
Can it wait? My muscles are screaming for a hot shower.
They aren't the only thing that's going to be screaming.
What do you mean? What did you do?
It's what I'm going to do.
Larry, quit talking in riddles and tell me.
Ally and I are getting married on Saturday.
Is this another one of your clever jokes? It's not funny.
I'm sorry, Celina.
Sorry, you're sorry? I gave you four months of my life and you do this to me. How did this happen?
She came to Detroit to tell me face to face that she was moving on with her life and I just couldn't let her go again. I still loved her.
Did you ever love me?
I tried but it was always her.
"She didn't like it and slapped me. Unfortunately she was wearing her grandmother's diamond ring and it dug into my cheek."
Ally gasped. "Oh, honey, no. Are you okay?"
"I was bleeding everywhere so I went to the emergency room and they put in eight stitches. The place was packed and I just got home."
"I bet you are exhausted. Did the doctor give you anything?"
"Some pain pills."
"Good. Take them and get some sleep. What time will I see you tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. After Sam gets out of school, I guess."
"Sam? He's coming?"
"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. Jamie changed her mind. Her parents are coming along. They have friends they want to see and they'll take Sam back with them Sunday morning."
"Is Jamie coming?"
"Not on your life." He chuckled. "How was your day?"
"Busy. Went shopping with Renee for wedding clothes."
"During wedding clothes or after wedding clothes?"
"Both."
"Tell me about the after wedding clothes."
"No way. You will just have to wait until after the wedding to see the after wedding clothes."
"You are trying to torture me, aren't you?"
"Yes. I love you and I will see you tomorrow."
"I love you too."
"Good morning sleepy head." Renee called out as Ally entered the kitchen. "I made you some coffee."
"Thanks." She poured herself a cup. "You are awfully chipper this morning."
"That's because I was not on the phone in the middle of the night."
"You heard?" She yawned.
"Just the ring. Was it loverboy?"
Ally nodded. "Yeah. His chippy returned to town from business and found out about me. She didn't take it so well. He ended up in the ER." He retold the tale Larry had told her last night.
Renee snorted. Ally chuckled. Before long they were both in the gales of laughter.
Ally tried to catch her breath. "Oh, oh…As a woman, I applaud her. As the victim's fiancée, I want to scratch her eyes out." She wiped her eyes. "Oh, that felt good."
"I bet Larry doesn't feel so good right now."
That sent them in another barrel of giggles.
The doorbell brought them back down. "I'll get it," Ally said as she headed out of the kitchen.
"Mom! What are you doing here?" Ally's mother, Jeannie, stood in the doorway with her arms full.
"Is that any way to talk to your own mother? Here help me with these." She shoved a few bags at Ally.
After the bags had been placed on the floor, Ally turned to her mother.
"I asked you why you're here."
"For my daughter's wedding, of course."
"Of course? Mom, two days ago you told me you were too busy to come to my wedding. Something about a golf vacation with Dad?"
"Well, yes but my daughter is getting married. There is no where else I'd rather be."
"I see. Where's Dad?"
"He'll be here tomorrow. He's case is winding up."
"Good."
"So," she looked around. "It looks really nice. What can I do?"
"There really isn't anything to do. It's going to be a simple ceremony."
"What about food? Music? Your bouquet?"
Ally shook her head.
"I'll call a friend of mine in the catering business and see if she can help. I'll hired a pianist for the music and as for a florist…"
"Mom, it's not necessary."
"Of course it is. You need a real bouquet. Order one this morning and hopefully it will be ready by tomorrow. Now, do you have a dress?"
"Yes, Renee and I went shopping yesterday."
"Excellent. I'm assuming since my granddaughter has been on a cruise, she knows nothing about this?"
"Mom, that's not fair. I plan on talking to her tomorrow when she gets here."
"But do you have a dress for her?"
"No, I'm sure she has one in her closet that will be fine."
"Not to worry, I bought a pretty one for her."
"Mom, you shouldn't have. Maddie isn't into all that fussy stuff. She's a tom-boy."
"She will love it. Now come upstairs. I want to see your wedding dress."
Ally groaned as she followed her mother.
Ally threw herself on the couch. "I can't do this. I just cant. Mother will have to solve the problem of the carnation shortage herself. I quit."
"Is it worse that a diamond ring in the face?"
Ally sat up and saw Larry standing the door. "Larry. When did you get here?"
"Earlier. Renee let me in."
She jumped up and into his arms. "I'm so glad you're here." She kissed him.
"With that kind of greeting, I should have arrived hours ago."
"Where is Sam?"
"At the hotel with his grandparents. They have an indoor pool. Sam's in heaven. So where is your mom?"
"Running errands. And Renee had errands also."
Larry grinned. "So, we have the place to ourselves?"
"Looks that way."
They ran up the stairs.
Larry stroked her hair. "So tell me about this thing Renee is taking you to tonight."
She stretched out on the bed. "Not much to tell. Georgia, Nelle, Ling, Corretta, and Elaine are meeting us at some undisclosed location for dinner and drinks. It's perfectly harmless."
Larry looked at her. "There is nothing harmless where Renee and Elaine are concerned. Will there be a male stripper?"
Ally shrugged. "Beats me. Would it bother you?"
"Damn straight it would. No man wants his woman to have an Adonis parade in front of her the night before the wedding."
She leaned in and kissed him. "Your jealous. I think it's sweet."
"It's not sweet. So no stripper?"
"Talk to Renee. It won't matter any way. A dozen Adonis's could parade in front of me and I wouldn't see them because my thoughts will be of you and only you."
He kissed her. "That's good but to be on the safe side, I'll talk to Renee."
"How is your face feeling? You can't really tell you had stitches."
"It feels okay and that's the idea."
"So, Mr. Paul, it's the eve of your wedding, what are your plans for tonight?"
"The Sam-Man and I are going to order pizza and watch a Three Stooges marathon."
"Yuck. Why do men enjoy the Three Stooges?"
"For the same reason woman like to cry at movies."
Ally looked at the clock. "We need to pull ourselves together because my mother will return soon. I don't want her first meeting with you to be coming out of my bedroom."
"Enough said."
Half an hour later, they were downstairs in the den watching TV when Jeannie returned.
"Hello, Jeannie. You're looking well."
"So are you, Larry. How is everything?"
"Wonderful. Looking forward to tomorrow."
"Then you plan to be here?"
"Mom!" Ally exclaimed as she jumped off the couch. "I can't believe you said that."
"It's all right, Ally. Your mother has the right to feel that way. I'm sure she's not the only person wondering if I'll be a no-show tomorrow. But let me put your mind to rest, Jeannie. I am going to marry your daughter tomorrow. I am going to be here, in my tux, with my son vowing to spend the rest of my life loving Ally."
Jeannie had the decency to look ashamed. "I'm sorry, Larry. After what happened…"
"I understand. I was given a second chance. I'm not going to blow it."
Jeannie nodded and left.
"Wow, that was some speech you made." Ally pointed out.
Larry looked at her. "I meant every word." He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back and when Renee came in a few minutes later they were quite occupied.
"Hey, hey, hey, cut that out. There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. We need to go Ally. Say good bye to Larry. I'll meet you in the car."
"No male stripper, Renee."
"No promises, Larry."
After she left Larry turned to Ally. "Do I really have to stay in a hotel tonight?"
"Yes, you do. We have broken just about every wedding tradition there is. We have to have at least one."
"But why this one?"
"Because I said so. Now, you have fun with Sam and the Three Stooges." She grinned. "I like knowing that you will be alone with your son in a hotel room. It's very reassuring."
"I'd like it even better if you ditched Renee and came with me."
"Sorry pal. Girls night out. Now kiss me and get going."
He pulled her close and kissed her until her knees were weak. "Sure you don't want to stay with me?"
Ally tried to pull her thoughts close. "Umm, yeah. I'm sure. But I'm going to want a repeat performance of that tomorrow."
Ally watched Elaine and some man sing a duet on stage. Of all the places, Renee had to pick a karoke bar.
"Why am I here, Nelle?"
Nelle sighed. "Because it's for Ally. Try to be pleasant for once."
Ling smiled. "There, can I go now?"
Ally left them arguing. She took her drink to another table and sat down.
"Mind if I join?"
Ally smiled when she saw it was Georgia. "Please do. Some times those two…."
Georgia smiled as she sat down. "I agree. Look, I want to ask you something."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Well, you know Billy and I were over when he died. I had already filed for divorce."
Ally gave her a funny face. "Where are you going with this?"
"If Billy hadn't died, would it be Billy you were marrying tomorrow instead of Larry?"
Ally thought for a minute. "No. Billy and I were right for each other as kids. I thought Billy was everything I wanted, but after meeting Larry, I could see how wrong we were. Billy was my first love. Does that answer your question?"
"Yeah, it does." She picked up her drink. "To Billy."
Ally raised hers to. "To first loves. And to lasting loves."
They clinked glasses and smiled at each other.
A tap on the shoulder caught Ally's attention. She turned around and saw it was a doctor.
"Are you Ally McBeal?"
Ally looked around. "Yes."
"Then this is for you."
The doctor opened his medical bag and pulled out a CD player. He turned it on and removed his lab coat.
Ally looked around. "Renee?"
The doctor removed his shirt.
"Renee!"
"Right here. Surprise Ally."
She joined Elaine, Ling, Nelle and Georgia in the spirit.
"I will get you for this, Renee," warned Ally as the Doctor's pants came off.
Larry opened his front door and stepped inside. The room was pitch black. He felt around and found the light switch. He walked to bedroom and turned on the light. He threw the bottle of pills on the bed and walked to the mirror. There it was in all it's glory. A white bandage covering eight stitches across his cheek. Great, just great. This was the last thing he needed. He glanced at the clock. 1:15am. She'd be asleep by now. But he wanted to talk to her, hear her voice and to tell her about tonight. He picked up the phone and dialed Boston.
"Lo?" answered an asleep Ally.
"Ally, it's me."
"Arry?"
"Yeah, who else?"
Ally pulled the covers down and yawned. "What's wrong?"
"Why would anything be wrong? I just can't sleep."
"When you can't sleep, you do one of two things. You either get a snack and watch TV or you do some work from the office. I should know this since I lived with you."
Larry groaned. "Do you know how irritating it is to have someone that knows your mind?"
"Yeah, it's a real killjoy. So tell me what has you up at this hour? Hang on a sec, I'm going to sneak downstairs. I don't want to wake Renee."
"Renee's there? When did that happen?"
"She showed up this morning. The tour ended and she came home."
Ally crept down the stairs and settled into a recliner in her home office. "So, tell me."
"I was at the emergency room."
Ally was alarmed. "Was it Sam? Is he hurt?"
"No, it was me. I needed a few stitches."
"What ever for?"
"Well, that's kind of complicated."
Ally stretched out in the recliner. "That's okay. I've got all night."
"Well, it started after I returned from seeing Sam and Jamie. Celina was here."
"And Celina would be…?"
"My girlfriend."
Ally brought the chair up. "I'm sorry? I think I must have fallen asleep because it sounded like you said your girlfriend was in your apartment tonight."
"Relax, Ally. It wasn't like that. Celina had been in London on business for the last month. Tonight was the first time I had seen her since she left and the first time I had talked to her since before you came to town."
"I see. What happened? You told her about me and she beat you up?"
"Not funny. As I said, she was waiting for me when I got home."
Aren't you pleased to see me, Larry?
Of course I am. I just wasn't expecting you.
Why not? You knew I would be returning tonight. In fact, you were going to pick me up at the airport. Did you forget?
Yeah, I did. I was with my son.
Well, you can make it up to me by giving me a great big hug and kiss followed by a back rub. Then you can tell me how much you missed me.
Umm, Celina, there's something I need to tell you.
Can it wait? My muscles are screaming for a hot shower.
They aren't the only thing that's going to be screaming.
What do you mean? What did you do?
It's what I'm going to do.
Larry, quit talking in riddles and tell me.
Ally and I are getting married on Saturday.
Is this another one of your clever jokes? It's not funny.
I'm sorry, Celina.
Sorry, you're sorry? I gave you four months of my life and you do this to me. How did this happen?
She came to Detroit to tell me face to face that she was moving on with her life and I just couldn't let her go again. I still loved her.
Did you ever love me?
I tried but it was always her.
"She didn't like it and slapped me. Unfortunately she was wearing her grandmother's diamond ring and it dug into my cheek."
Ally gasped. "Oh, honey, no. Are you okay?"
"I was bleeding everywhere so I went to the emergency room and they put in eight stitches. The place was packed and I just got home."
"I bet you are exhausted. Did the doctor give you anything?"
"Some pain pills."
"Good. Take them and get some sleep. What time will I see you tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. After Sam gets out of school, I guess."
"Sam? He's coming?"
"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. Jamie changed her mind. Her parents are coming along. They have friends they want to see and they'll take Sam back with them Sunday morning."
"Is Jamie coming?"
"Not on your life." He chuckled. "How was your day?"
"Busy. Went shopping with Renee for wedding clothes."
"During wedding clothes or after wedding clothes?"
"Both."
"Tell me about the after wedding clothes."
"No way. You will just have to wait until after the wedding to see the after wedding clothes."
"You are trying to torture me, aren't you?"
"Yes. I love you and I will see you tomorrow."
"I love you too."
"Good morning sleepy head." Renee called out as Ally entered the kitchen. "I made you some coffee."
"Thanks." She poured herself a cup. "You are awfully chipper this morning."
"That's because I was not on the phone in the middle of the night."
"You heard?" She yawned.
"Just the ring. Was it loverboy?"
Ally nodded. "Yeah. His chippy returned to town from business and found out about me. She didn't take it so well. He ended up in the ER." He retold the tale Larry had told her last night.
Renee snorted. Ally chuckled. Before long they were both in the gales of laughter.
Ally tried to catch her breath. "Oh, oh…As a woman, I applaud her. As the victim's fiancée, I want to scratch her eyes out." She wiped her eyes. "Oh, that felt good."
"I bet Larry doesn't feel so good right now."
That sent them in another barrel of giggles.
The doorbell brought them back down. "I'll get it," Ally said as she headed out of the kitchen.
"Mom! What are you doing here?" Ally's mother, Jeannie, stood in the doorway with her arms full.
"Is that any way to talk to your own mother? Here help me with these." She shoved a few bags at Ally.
After the bags had been placed on the floor, Ally turned to her mother.
"I asked you why you're here."
"For my daughter's wedding, of course."
"Of course? Mom, two days ago you told me you were too busy to come to my wedding. Something about a golf vacation with Dad?"
"Well, yes but my daughter is getting married. There is no where else I'd rather be."
"I see. Where's Dad?"
"He'll be here tomorrow. He's case is winding up."
"Good."
"So," she looked around. "It looks really nice. What can I do?"
"There really isn't anything to do. It's going to be a simple ceremony."
"What about food? Music? Your bouquet?"
Ally shook her head.
"I'll call a friend of mine in the catering business and see if she can help. I'll hired a pianist for the music and as for a florist…"
"Mom, it's not necessary."
"Of course it is. You need a real bouquet. Order one this morning and hopefully it will be ready by tomorrow. Now, do you have a dress?"
"Yes, Renee and I went shopping yesterday."
"Excellent. I'm assuming since my granddaughter has been on a cruise, she knows nothing about this?"
"Mom, that's not fair. I plan on talking to her tomorrow when she gets here."
"But do you have a dress for her?"
"No, I'm sure she has one in her closet that will be fine."
"Not to worry, I bought a pretty one for her."
"Mom, you shouldn't have. Maddie isn't into all that fussy stuff. She's a tom-boy."
"She will love it. Now come upstairs. I want to see your wedding dress."
Ally groaned as she followed her mother.
Ally threw herself on the couch. "I can't do this. I just cant. Mother will have to solve the problem of the carnation shortage herself. I quit."
"Is it worse that a diamond ring in the face?"
Ally sat up and saw Larry standing the door. "Larry. When did you get here?"
"Earlier. Renee let me in."
She jumped up and into his arms. "I'm so glad you're here." She kissed him.
"With that kind of greeting, I should have arrived hours ago."
"Where is Sam?"
"At the hotel with his grandparents. They have an indoor pool. Sam's in heaven. So where is your mom?"
"Running errands. And Renee had errands also."
Larry grinned. "So, we have the place to ourselves?"
"Looks that way."
They ran up the stairs.
Larry stroked her hair. "So tell me about this thing Renee is taking you to tonight."
She stretched out on the bed. "Not much to tell. Georgia, Nelle, Ling, Corretta, and Elaine are meeting us at some undisclosed location for dinner and drinks. It's perfectly harmless."
Larry looked at her. "There is nothing harmless where Renee and Elaine are concerned. Will there be a male stripper?"
Ally shrugged. "Beats me. Would it bother you?"
"Damn straight it would. No man wants his woman to have an Adonis parade in front of her the night before the wedding."
She leaned in and kissed him. "Your jealous. I think it's sweet."
"It's not sweet. So no stripper?"
"Talk to Renee. It won't matter any way. A dozen Adonis's could parade in front of me and I wouldn't see them because my thoughts will be of you and only you."
He kissed her. "That's good but to be on the safe side, I'll talk to Renee."
"How is your face feeling? You can't really tell you had stitches."
"It feels okay and that's the idea."
"So, Mr. Paul, it's the eve of your wedding, what are your plans for tonight?"
"The Sam-Man and I are going to order pizza and watch a Three Stooges marathon."
"Yuck. Why do men enjoy the Three Stooges?"
"For the same reason woman like to cry at movies."
Ally looked at the clock. "We need to pull ourselves together because my mother will return soon. I don't want her first meeting with you to be coming out of my bedroom."
"Enough said."
Half an hour later, they were downstairs in the den watching TV when Jeannie returned.
"Hello, Jeannie. You're looking well."
"So are you, Larry. How is everything?"
"Wonderful. Looking forward to tomorrow."
"Then you plan to be here?"
"Mom!" Ally exclaimed as she jumped off the couch. "I can't believe you said that."
"It's all right, Ally. Your mother has the right to feel that way. I'm sure she's not the only person wondering if I'll be a no-show tomorrow. But let me put your mind to rest, Jeannie. I am going to marry your daughter tomorrow. I am going to be here, in my tux, with my son vowing to spend the rest of my life loving Ally."
Jeannie had the decency to look ashamed. "I'm sorry, Larry. After what happened…"
"I understand. I was given a second chance. I'm not going to blow it."
Jeannie nodded and left.
"Wow, that was some speech you made." Ally pointed out.
Larry looked at her. "I meant every word." He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back and when Renee came in a few minutes later they were quite occupied.
"Hey, hey, hey, cut that out. There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. We need to go Ally. Say good bye to Larry. I'll meet you in the car."
"No male stripper, Renee."
"No promises, Larry."
After she left Larry turned to Ally. "Do I really have to stay in a hotel tonight?"
"Yes, you do. We have broken just about every wedding tradition there is. We have to have at least one."
"But why this one?"
"Because I said so. Now, you have fun with Sam and the Three Stooges." She grinned. "I like knowing that you will be alone with your son in a hotel room. It's very reassuring."
"I'd like it even better if you ditched Renee and came with me."
"Sorry pal. Girls night out. Now kiss me and get going."
He pulled her close and kissed her until her knees were weak. "Sure you don't want to stay with me?"
Ally tried to pull her thoughts close. "Umm, yeah. I'm sure. But I'm going to want a repeat performance of that tomorrow."
Ally watched Elaine and some man sing a duet on stage. Of all the places, Renee had to pick a karoke bar.
"Why am I here, Nelle?"
Nelle sighed. "Because it's for Ally. Try to be pleasant for once."
Ling smiled. "There, can I go now?"
Ally left them arguing. She took her drink to another table and sat down.
"Mind if I join?"
Ally smiled when she saw it was Georgia. "Please do. Some times those two…."
Georgia smiled as she sat down. "I agree. Look, I want to ask you something."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Well, you know Billy and I were over when he died. I had already filed for divorce."
Ally gave her a funny face. "Where are you going with this?"
"If Billy hadn't died, would it be Billy you were marrying tomorrow instead of Larry?"
Ally thought for a minute. "No. Billy and I were right for each other as kids. I thought Billy was everything I wanted, but after meeting Larry, I could see how wrong we were. Billy was my first love. Does that answer your question?"
"Yeah, it does." She picked up her drink. "To Billy."
Ally raised hers to. "To first loves. And to lasting loves."
They clinked glasses and smiled at each other.
A tap on the shoulder caught Ally's attention. She turned around and saw it was a doctor.
"Are you Ally McBeal?"
Ally looked around. "Yes."
"Then this is for you."
The doctor opened his medical bag and pulled out a CD player. He turned it on and removed his lab coat.
Ally looked around. "Renee?"
The doctor removed his shirt.
"Renee!"
"Right here. Surprise Ally."
She joined Elaine, Ling, Nelle and Georgia in the spirit.
"I will get you for this, Renee," warned Ally as the Doctor's pants came off.