Ok.here it is. Because of all your positive reviews I have been inspired to
write this next chapter. It might be a little long, but I'm sure you all
will like it.
An All American Love Story Ch. Five: I'll Be
After Elizabeth shut the door she felt a rush. Romano made her feel good about herself. She wondered why she hadn't noticed it before. She walked over to the couch where he had been and sat down. Bringing the shirt up closer to her face she could still smell his clean sent she had noticed before in the car. Elizabeth wondered what they would be doing tomorrow, and smiled.
When Romano reached his house he didn't even remember driving. All he had been thinking about was the previous hours. It was almost like a dream for him. He had liked Elizabeth for so long and now he had just gone out on a date with her! He wished he hadn't left, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Better not to rush into anything, especially with the complicated relationship he had with Elizabeth. After he got out of the shower he stood in front of his bathroom mirror to brush his teeth. He had tried to hide from the mirror for the longest time. He knew that his biggest obstacle when it came to dating was his own mind. The fact that he was now so self-conscience of his arm held him back for over a year when it came to asking her out. Now looking into the mirror at his arm made him cringe. "Long sleeve shirt tomorrow."
The next day came quicker then both imagined. Romano had spent the morning with a light jog and then went over paperwork for the rest of the day. Elizabeth had spent the day with Ella since she knew she would be busy during the evening. They had both been watching the clock. Four became five and five became five thirty. At five to six Elizabeth's doorbell had just rang. It was perfect timing because Chris had just left with Ella to the movie store and she had just gotten dressed herself. This time it was Elizabeth in jeans and a blue silk shirt. She answered the door and was shocked. Romano was standing before her in a dark blue suit and tie and shiny black loafers. When he saw how Elizabeth was dressed and the expression on her face he dropped his head. He couldn't control the beaming smile that had crept onto his face. "We have to plan this out better." He said as he brought his hand up to the side of his face. "Come on are you ready to go?" Now smiling too Elizabeth sighed, "Well now that I feel underdressed I think I should go change." "Hell no," Romano replied, "You look fine, your picking the place anyway."
After no further debate Elizabeth grabbed her purse and jacket and followed Romano to his car. "So where will it be?" he asked as he started the car.
"How about Italian?"
"Sounds great. What restaurant?"
With a snicker Elizabeth snarked out, "Romano's Macaroni Grill?"
"HAHA try again."
"No, that's where I want to go." Laughing hard no Elizabeth tried her best to look serious. "Come on, shouldn't it be ladies choice?" With a snap of his head Romano answered as he backed out of the driveway. "Absolutely not. but apparently so."
After going over it in the car the two of them finally agreed on a steak house properly called, "Chicago's" The night was not like it had been previously. Beautiful sunshine and a soft breeze had pushed out the storm clouds and the early evening was turning into a beautiful night. Since it was a little after six the sun was setting and the scenery was amazing. Romano and Elizabeth entered the restaurant and, although they were not the only ones there, it was not crowded. After quietly requesting a seat by a window, Romano took Elizabeth's coat, and they were both seated. Soon after looking at the menu they both ordered and were into conversation. Elizabeth had been dying just to talk to him again. It didn't matter about what; she just loved hearing his voice.
"You never finished my questions last night."
"Oh, ha! What else do you have?" Romano asked as he leaned in ever so slightly.
"Well you never told me what you were for Halloween and what you always asked for at Christmas." She said with a smile
"Let's see.I always wanted to be Mickey Mantle for Halloween, but I usually got stuck taking my sister around or passing out candy at the front door. Now Christmas. Christmas is a sad issue." He stated with a fake frown. "Ever since I can remember I asked for an autograph of Brenda Lee. But that sadly never happened so I usually got guitar stuff or new suits for church. My mom put me in a private school and that took up a lot of our money so holidays weren't really big things." He ended on a more serious note. Looking straight into his eyes Elizabeth knew he was being honest. "What about your father?" she asked. "I haven't heard you mention him." Now looking a bit more uncomfortable, Romano was glad to see the food was arriving. "That's because we didn't get along." He interjected just before the waiter came and interrupted them.
Romano had ordered soup. Mostly because of the fact that he didn't have to cut it and could eat it with one hand. Elizabeth had gotten the same, mostly because she felt bad about ordering steak when her date went for an appetizer. After waiting enough time to be polite Elizabeth inquired again about Romano's father. "Why didn't you get along?" Shifting in his seat, this was clearly not what he wanted to be talking about on a date. "We just didn't agree on much. I was never very close to him. He might have been my biological father, but he was never my dad." Hearing the tone in his voice it was clear to Elizabeth that Romano had ended that conversation.
After they had both finished their meal and had a few glasses of wine conversation was back up to a happy rate. They had gone over Elizabeth's disco faddish and the fact that at one point and time, Romano did have a red Afro. It was now dark outside and the restaurant was filling. Music was playing in the background was almost loud enough to dance to. Romano was noticing even more how beautiful Elizabeth was. The candlelight brought out the flecks of gold in her eyes and hair, and made the red of her lips turn darker. After minutes of looking at her he finally broke the gaze. He knew he had to talk, to be honest. "Lizzie I." his thought was interrupted by the song that came on. Quickly drumming his fingers on the table he figured honesty could come out later, right now he wanted to be romantic. "I want to dance." He said more boldly. Elizabeth's eyes widened as she looked around. There was no one else dancing and certainly no one thinking of it. "Look at all these people around us. Are you insane?" she asked back in a rhetorical whisper. Romano answered by standing up and walked over to her. He gave out his right hand to help her up. "I don't care about other people. We'll never see them after tonight. However, I will see you. And right now I want to dance, with you."
Flattered Elizabeth took his hand and stood up. Romano walked her over past the table and took her hand. At first Elizabeth held it out, like in a formal dance. Quickly changing the tone however, Romano put it around his neck. Being careful to leave his left hand at his side he set his right hand on her lower back and brought his head to rest next to hers. After a moment of moving together Elizabeth, very conscience of the fact that now the whole restaurant was looking at them, whispered into his ear. "Robert, I can't hear the music." Being quick to think on his feet, Romano started to sing the words to the song, just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear.
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Elizabeth closed her eyes and she moved with him. Romano's eyes were closed too. Gently they rocked together, dancing as one. While she was listening to his voice Elizabeth had forgotten about the other people who were now staring at them for sure. She didn't care, nothing could mess this moment up, it was perfect. Feeling more relaxed then she had in along time a tear fell from her eye as Romano started to sing again.
Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
The song was over but they held each other anyway. Finally, Elizabeth wiped her eyes before letting Romano see her face. "Let's go." She whispered. Quietly they both got their jackets and Romano laid some money on the table as they left the restaurant.
Romano drove in silence back to Elizabeth's house. He had made his big move and now it was her turn. They walked into her house and sat down on the couch. "Robert, that was wonderful. It was the best time I have had in.in a long time." Elizabeth said with a small grin. Moving closer over next to him she made it clear what she wanted to happen. Leaning in she put her arm over around his neck. "Your first date rule can't apply now since this is clearly our second date." Romano tightened up as he felt Elizabeth lean in next to him. This is what he had wanted, but in one wave of emotion all of his self-conscience feelings flooded him. "Ah, Elizabeth wait.I-I can't do this."
Feeling him lean backwards Elizabeth retracted her touch, but only slightly. "What's wrong?" she asked in a kind, but equally seductive tone. Bringing his right hand up to his face he rubbed at the back of his neck and looked at the left half of his body. "If only that damn accident hadn't happened." He thought, "this is perfect, this is what I have wanted for so long and I'm screwing it up. DAMN IT!" Elizabeth noticed what he was looking at. She brought her hand and rested it on the side of his face. Gently she pulled him to look at her. "Robert I don't care about that. I just want to be with you, tonight, don't think I'm judging you about your arm." Turning is head now willingly to look at her he softly cleared his throat and spoke. "Then let's just be together. But not like that. That's not why I like you Elizabeth. I-I just sit here and hold you."
Seeing his eyes tear up, she knew he wasn't ready to move on. It was ok though; going slow was fine with her. Gently she laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. The rhythm of his heart relaxed her with every beat. She closed her eyes and listened to it until she felt him relax. "It's almost Christmas." She finally said, shattering Romano's momentary Zen state. "Yeah" he whispered back.
"Are you going anywhere?"
"No"
"How about you spend it with Ella and me?"
Romano shifted his body to look at Elizabeth in the face. With great care he whisked away a curl of hair that had fallen. "I'd love to." Slowly he bent down his head and kissed her forehead. Smiling and looking into his rigid face she gave a plea. "Robert, will you stay here? Just until I fall asleep?" She could feel him agree just by relaxing back down again. As she moved her head from his chest to his lap she bought up her feet onto the couch. Romano grabbed the blanket that was draped over the back of the sofa and laid it over her legs. Elizabeth reached up for his hand and brought it onto her chest. Romano, now with his good arm trapped looked for something to do with the other one. Suddenly he notice that Elizabeth had set Christmas books out on her coffee table, just for decoration, but he reached out and grabbed one. He opened it up and started reading. "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." As he started to read Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his voice. It was so soft; she had never really realized it before. After tonight in the restaurant she had realized that he was a beautiful singer also.
After he finished the book Romano looked down at Elizabeth. It was apparent that she was asleep. Slowly her chest rose and fell and although she had no real grip on his right hand, he felt unable to move it from hers. He didn't want to leave. Softly he rested his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes.
They were both awoken by the ringing of the telephone. Romano rubbed his eyes as Elizabeth sat up and picked up the receiver. "Oh I'm sorry Chris I fell asleep. Yes, I'll be over to pick her up in a second. I'm so sorry." Romano looked at his watch. It was after two. "Oh man. I can't believe we both fell asleep." He said as he stood up. "I'll let you go get your daughter." They both dawned their coats and were soon ready to leave. Elizabeth, needing to leave through the garage, walked Romano to the door. "I did have a wonderful time Robert." Romano smiled shyly, "Well I'm glad." He reached for her hand and she let him take it. Caressing her fingers he bravely spoke again. "I know tomorrow is Sunday and that you haven't spent a night with Ella in two days but, I would really like to see you again." Nodding Elizabeth agreed. "I want to see you again too. But I don't want to go out. How about a dinner in? I would like to see where you live." She said boldly. Romano just shook his head agreeing. He opened the door and stepped out. After he did he felt in his gut that he had made a mistake. Turning around quickly he bent his head and gave her a soft kiss on her right cheek. "Goodnight."
Elizabeth reached up and touched the spot on her face that had just been kissed. "Goodnight." She said back with a small grin. They didn't have to tell each other what they were feeling. It was known by the mutual looks on their faces. Romano waved goodbye with two fingers and returned to his car. Tonight had been a great night, but he could feel that tomorrow would hold something different.
An All American Love Story Ch. Five: I'll Be
After Elizabeth shut the door she felt a rush. Romano made her feel good about herself. She wondered why she hadn't noticed it before. She walked over to the couch where he had been and sat down. Bringing the shirt up closer to her face she could still smell his clean sent she had noticed before in the car. Elizabeth wondered what they would be doing tomorrow, and smiled.
When Romano reached his house he didn't even remember driving. All he had been thinking about was the previous hours. It was almost like a dream for him. He had liked Elizabeth for so long and now he had just gone out on a date with her! He wished he hadn't left, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Better not to rush into anything, especially with the complicated relationship he had with Elizabeth. After he got out of the shower he stood in front of his bathroom mirror to brush his teeth. He had tried to hide from the mirror for the longest time. He knew that his biggest obstacle when it came to dating was his own mind. The fact that he was now so self-conscience of his arm held him back for over a year when it came to asking her out. Now looking into the mirror at his arm made him cringe. "Long sleeve shirt tomorrow."
The next day came quicker then both imagined. Romano had spent the morning with a light jog and then went over paperwork for the rest of the day. Elizabeth had spent the day with Ella since she knew she would be busy during the evening. They had both been watching the clock. Four became five and five became five thirty. At five to six Elizabeth's doorbell had just rang. It was perfect timing because Chris had just left with Ella to the movie store and she had just gotten dressed herself. This time it was Elizabeth in jeans and a blue silk shirt. She answered the door and was shocked. Romano was standing before her in a dark blue suit and tie and shiny black loafers. When he saw how Elizabeth was dressed and the expression on her face he dropped his head. He couldn't control the beaming smile that had crept onto his face. "We have to plan this out better." He said as he brought his hand up to the side of his face. "Come on are you ready to go?" Now smiling too Elizabeth sighed, "Well now that I feel underdressed I think I should go change." "Hell no," Romano replied, "You look fine, your picking the place anyway."
After no further debate Elizabeth grabbed her purse and jacket and followed Romano to his car. "So where will it be?" he asked as he started the car.
"How about Italian?"
"Sounds great. What restaurant?"
With a snicker Elizabeth snarked out, "Romano's Macaroni Grill?"
"HAHA try again."
"No, that's where I want to go." Laughing hard no Elizabeth tried her best to look serious. "Come on, shouldn't it be ladies choice?" With a snap of his head Romano answered as he backed out of the driveway. "Absolutely not. but apparently so."
After going over it in the car the two of them finally agreed on a steak house properly called, "Chicago's" The night was not like it had been previously. Beautiful sunshine and a soft breeze had pushed out the storm clouds and the early evening was turning into a beautiful night. Since it was a little after six the sun was setting and the scenery was amazing. Romano and Elizabeth entered the restaurant and, although they were not the only ones there, it was not crowded. After quietly requesting a seat by a window, Romano took Elizabeth's coat, and they were both seated. Soon after looking at the menu they both ordered and were into conversation. Elizabeth had been dying just to talk to him again. It didn't matter about what; she just loved hearing his voice.
"You never finished my questions last night."
"Oh, ha! What else do you have?" Romano asked as he leaned in ever so slightly.
"Well you never told me what you were for Halloween and what you always asked for at Christmas." She said with a smile
"Let's see.I always wanted to be Mickey Mantle for Halloween, but I usually got stuck taking my sister around or passing out candy at the front door. Now Christmas. Christmas is a sad issue." He stated with a fake frown. "Ever since I can remember I asked for an autograph of Brenda Lee. But that sadly never happened so I usually got guitar stuff or new suits for church. My mom put me in a private school and that took up a lot of our money so holidays weren't really big things." He ended on a more serious note. Looking straight into his eyes Elizabeth knew he was being honest. "What about your father?" she asked. "I haven't heard you mention him." Now looking a bit more uncomfortable, Romano was glad to see the food was arriving. "That's because we didn't get along." He interjected just before the waiter came and interrupted them.
Romano had ordered soup. Mostly because of the fact that he didn't have to cut it and could eat it with one hand. Elizabeth had gotten the same, mostly because she felt bad about ordering steak when her date went for an appetizer. After waiting enough time to be polite Elizabeth inquired again about Romano's father. "Why didn't you get along?" Shifting in his seat, this was clearly not what he wanted to be talking about on a date. "We just didn't agree on much. I was never very close to him. He might have been my biological father, but he was never my dad." Hearing the tone in his voice it was clear to Elizabeth that Romano had ended that conversation.
After they had both finished their meal and had a few glasses of wine conversation was back up to a happy rate. They had gone over Elizabeth's disco faddish and the fact that at one point and time, Romano did have a red Afro. It was now dark outside and the restaurant was filling. Music was playing in the background was almost loud enough to dance to. Romano was noticing even more how beautiful Elizabeth was. The candlelight brought out the flecks of gold in her eyes and hair, and made the red of her lips turn darker. After minutes of looking at her he finally broke the gaze. He knew he had to talk, to be honest. "Lizzie I." his thought was interrupted by the song that came on. Quickly drumming his fingers on the table he figured honesty could come out later, right now he wanted to be romantic. "I want to dance." He said more boldly. Elizabeth's eyes widened as she looked around. There was no one else dancing and certainly no one thinking of it. "Look at all these people around us. Are you insane?" she asked back in a rhetorical whisper. Romano answered by standing up and walked over to her. He gave out his right hand to help her up. "I don't care about other people. We'll never see them after tonight. However, I will see you. And right now I want to dance, with you."
Flattered Elizabeth took his hand and stood up. Romano walked her over past the table and took her hand. At first Elizabeth held it out, like in a formal dance. Quickly changing the tone however, Romano put it around his neck. Being careful to leave his left hand at his side he set his right hand on her lower back and brought his head to rest next to hers. After a moment of moving together Elizabeth, very conscience of the fact that now the whole restaurant was looking at them, whispered into his ear. "Robert, I can't hear the music." Being quick to think on his feet, Romano started to sing the words to the song, just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear.
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Elizabeth closed her eyes and she moved with him. Romano's eyes were closed too. Gently they rocked together, dancing as one. While she was listening to his voice Elizabeth had forgotten about the other people who were now staring at them for sure. She didn't care, nothing could mess this moment up, it was perfect. Feeling more relaxed then she had in along time a tear fell from her eye as Romano started to sing again.
Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
The song was over but they held each other anyway. Finally, Elizabeth wiped her eyes before letting Romano see her face. "Let's go." She whispered. Quietly they both got their jackets and Romano laid some money on the table as they left the restaurant.
Romano drove in silence back to Elizabeth's house. He had made his big move and now it was her turn. They walked into her house and sat down on the couch. "Robert, that was wonderful. It was the best time I have had in.in a long time." Elizabeth said with a small grin. Moving closer over next to him she made it clear what she wanted to happen. Leaning in she put her arm over around his neck. "Your first date rule can't apply now since this is clearly our second date." Romano tightened up as he felt Elizabeth lean in next to him. This is what he had wanted, but in one wave of emotion all of his self-conscience feelings flooded him. "Ah, Elizabeth wait.I-I can't do this."
Feeling him lean backwards Elizabeth retracted her touch, but only slightly. "What's wrong?" she asked in a kind, but equally seductive tone. Bringing his right hand up to his face he rubbed at the back of his neck and looked at the left half of his body. "If only that damn accident hadn't happened." He thought, "this is perfect, this is what I have wanted for so long and I'm screwing it up. DAMN IT!" Elizabeth noticed what he was looking at. She brought her hand and rested it on the side of his face. Gently she pulled him to look at her. "Robert I don't care about that. I just want to be with you, tonight, don't think I'm judging you about your arm." Turning is head now willingly to look at her he softly cleared his throat and spoke. "Then let's just be together. But not like that. That's not why I like you Elizabeth. I-I just sit here and hold you."
Seeing his eyes tear up, she knew he wasn't ready to move on. It was ok though; going slow was fine with her. Gently she laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. The rhythm of his heart relaxed her with every beat. She closed her eyes and listened to it until she felt him relax. "It's almost Christmas." She finally said, shattering Romano's momentary Zen state. "Yeah" he whispered back.
"Are you going anywhere?"
"No"
"How about you spend it with Ella and me?"
Romano shifted his body to look at Elizabeth in the face. With great care he whisked away a curl of hair that had fallen. "I'd love to." Slowly he bent down his head and kissed her forehead. Smiling and looking into his rigid face she gave a plea. "Robert, will you stay here? Just until I fall asleep?" She could feel him agree just by relaxing back down again. As she moved her head from his chest to his lap she bought up her feet onto the couch. Romano grabbed the blanket that was draped over the back of the sofa and laid it over her legs. Elizabeth reached up for his hand and brought it onto her chest. Romano, now with his good arm trapped looked for something to do with the other one. Suddenly he notice that Elizabeth had set Christmas books out on her coffee table, just for decoration, but he reached out and grabbed one. He opened it up and started reading. "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." As he started to read Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his voice. It was so soft; she had never really realized it before. After tonight in the restaurant she had realized that he was a beautiful singer also.
After he finished the book Romano looked down at Elizabeth. It was apparent that she was asleep. Slowly her chest rose and fell and although she had no real grip on his right hand, he felt unable to move it from hers. He didn't want to leave. Softly he rested his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes.
They were both awoken by the ringing of the telephone. Romano rubbed his eyes as Elizabeth sat up and picked up the receiver. "Oh I'm sorry Chris I fell asleep. Yes, I'll be over to pick her up in a second. I'm so sorry." Romano looked at his watch. It was after two. "Oh man. I can't believe we both fell asleep." He said as he stood up. "I'll let you go get your daughter." They both dawned their coats and were soon ready to leave. Elizabeth, needing to leave through the garage, walked Romano to the door. "I did have a wonderful time Robert." Romano smiled shyly, "Well I'm glad." He reached for her hand and she let him take it. Caressing her fingers he bravely spoke again. "I know tomorrow is Sunday and that you haven't spent a night with Ella in two days but, I would really like to see you again." Nodding Elizabeth agreed. "I want to see you again too. But I don't want to go out. How about a dinner in? I would like to see where you live." She said boldly. Romano just shook his head agreeing. He opened the door and stepped out. After he did he felt in his gut that he had made a mistake. Turning around quickly he bent his head and gave her a soft kiss on her right cheek. "Goodnight."
Elizabeth reached up and touched the spot on her face that had just been kissed. "Goodnight." She said back with a small grin. They didn't have to tell each other what they were feeling. It was known by the mutual looks on their faces. Romano waved goodbye with two fingers and returned to his car. Tonight had been a great night, but he could feel that tomorrow would hold something different.