A NEW ROMANCE IN THE WORKS

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February 8, 2003

Simone called Alyx and asked her to come with her on her errands that day. She swung by Alyx's apartment to pick her up. Simone knocked on the door and Alyx called out, "Come in, it's open." Simone let herself in and sat down on the couch. She felt something lumpy behind her back. Scooting forward she pulled out a dark sweatshirt. It was obviously too big for Alyx and said "US Navy" on the front. Alyx walked out of the bedroom humming only to find Simone holding up the sweatshirt and cocking her eyebrow.

Simone teased, "Alyx, did you join the Navy and not tell me?"

Alyx blushed and whispered, "No, it's Jason's."

Simone said, "I wondered if he had built up the courage to call you. Apparently he did. Ok…spill it. I want details."

Alyx sighed and giggled, "There isn't a lot to tell. About a week after the bridal shower he called me and asked me out for coffee. Then I didn't hear from him for a couple days because he had a big test to study for. We've been meeting sporadically for dinner and coffee. Last night he called and asked if I wanted to go ice-skating. I forgot my jacket and my shirt wasn't warm enough. He lent me his sweatshirt from his car. He told me that I could give it back to him the next time I saw him."

Simone was grinning, "I haven't seen this look on your face since our senior year in high school when Sam asked you to the prom."

Alyx grabbed Simone's hand and said, "I really like him."

Simone told her, "I can see that and I think it's wonderful."

Just then Simone's cell phone rang. It was Gunny. "Alyx, Victor wants to know if we want to meet him and Jason for dinner at Il Radicchio at around 6:30."

Alyx's face lit up and she nodded. Simone told Gunny, "We'll be there. Have a good game this afternoon." She hung up and told Alyx, "They're going to play basketball this afternoon while we do our running around."

Simone handed Alyx the list and Alyx laughed. "Jeez Simone, the wedding is in two weeks. Good thing you haven't waited till the last minute. This stuff could take a year to complete." Simone stuck out her tongue and they headed out the door.

While Simone and Alyx were out shopping, Gunny and Tiner were playing basketball at a high school gym. Gunny was beating Tiner badly when he stopped and asked what was wrong.

"Gunny, don't laugh when I tell you this, but I think I'm in love." Tiner said.

Gunny looked at him and asked, "With whom? I didn't know you'd been seeing anyone."

Tiner replied, "It's Alyx."

Gunny smiled, "Why would I laugh. I think it's great. I was hoping you two would hit it off."

Tiner grinned back at him, "Thanks Gunny."

Gunny threw the ball at him and they began to play again with Tiner more involved in the game.

Several Hours Later

The girls collapsed in Simone's Sportage and headed off to dinner with Gunny and Tiner. Alyx looked at Simone and said, "I can't believe we got everything on that list done in only five hours. I was sure we'd still be finishing it up the night before the wedding."

Simone laughed and said, "Yes but all this was the easy part." She sighed, "I hope everything goes as planned on the day of the wedding."

Alyx reassured her, "Well, if it doesn't, we'll improvise."

Simone eased into a spot at Il Radicchio and they walked inside to find Gunny and Tiner already seated. Gunny got up and kissed Simone hello. Tiner and Alyx looked at each other and at their friends.

Simone said, "Oh for heaven's sake Jason, we know you two are together now."

Alyx and Jason both blushed slightly and he kissed her gently. Gunny and Simone sat watching them smugly. Like Bobbie, they wanted everyone to be as happy as they were. They ate dinner and made plans for picking family members up from the airport. After dinner, while they were lingering over coffee, Tiner absentmindedly grabbed Alyx's hand while telling a story. Alyx shot Simone a look that said, "Thank you for introducing me to him." Simone smiled and raised her glass quietly. With dinner over, they headed for the parking lot.

"Tiner, would you mind taking Alyx home?" Gunny asked innocently. Simone, noticing the mischief in his eyes said, "Oh yeah, Victor and I have to make a stop on the way home."

Tiner nervously said, "Of course. I'd be happy to take you home Alyx." He opened her door and closed it behind her. He slid in next to her thinking, "What's wrong with me? Why am I so nervous?" Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. "I'm in love with her." He looked at Alyx who was watching him out of the corner of her eye. He put his finger under her chin and turned her to face him. He kissed her gently. At that moment, words were unnecessary. He squeezed her hand and drove off toward her apartment.

Gunny and Simone watched them drive away. Simultaneously they said, "They're in love." Laughing Gunny pulled Simone into his arms and kissed her deeply. They drove home to enjoy what would be one of their last few nights alone before the wedding.