A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you all had a Happy New Year! Sorry it's been so long, but here's the update:
PART A
"The No Name. I never thought I'd be here again. Especially with you." Brenda looked around the restaurant wistfully before looking back at Sonny.
"Surprised?"
"Definitely" she said giving him a smile.
"That's what I was going for" he grinned at her as he pulled out her chair.
As Sonny took his seat across from her he noticed that something was bothering her. "What is it?"
"Nothing, everything's great" Brenda forced a smile and prayed Sonny didn't notice. Luckily for her he didn't.
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"How about a dance?" Sonny asked after their food had been ordered.
"Yeah, just like old times"
Sonny smiled at her as he walked her to the floor. They were soon wrapped in each other's arms and lost in memories. Neither said much as they reveled in the bliss of their proximity once again.
"I remember the first time we came here" Sonny whispered.
"It was something" Brenda smiled at the thought.
"Yeah, remember what happened afterward?" he grinned at her seductively.
Brenda laughed softly, "You mean the part where the two guys broke in and kidnapped you or the part when you came back and I walked out on you?"
Sonny laughed, but Brenda was only half kidding. "No I was thinking about the time between us coming back from dinner and the two guys breaking in" he grinned at her.
"We were something" he said.
"Yeah, back then…" Brenda frowned slightly.
"What? What is it?"
Brenda shook her head and smiled at Sonny. "Nothing, don't worry"
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Jason sat on the sofa staring at the clock. It was one in the morning and there was still no sign of Brenda. Just what I need. To have her come back here in the morning and apologize to me for not coming back because she was spending the night in Sonny's bed. This was just a huge mistake. Jason lay down on the sofa, preparing to spend the night, when Brenda snuck in the door.
"Brenda?" Jason sat up on the sofa.
Brenda jumped a foot in the air before turning around to face Jason. "God you scared me! I thought you were asleep."
"I was just lying down. I wasn't sure when you were coming back." Jason made his way towards her.
"Yeah, sorry. I shouldn't have stayed out so late"
"Did you have a good time?" Jason asked, not really wanting an answer.
"Yeah, I did" Brenda shrugged.
"What does that mean?"
"What does what mean? I said I had a good time" Brenda's voice started to rise before she realized the hour. "It's really late. Did Isabella go to sleep alright?"
"Yeah, she did. But you're changing the subject."
Brenda cocked her head to the side and gave Jason a look. "What's with the inquisition?"
"What's with you tonight? I asked you a little question. Friends do that. And next thing I know you're jumping down my throat!"
Brenda took a deep breathe. "Sorry. It's late and I'm tired and I shouldn't have yelled at you"
"Yeah, you're right. But you still haven't told me why you're acting this way. Did Sonny do something?" his anger reaching a boiling point.
"No, Sonny didn't do anything. I can handle him Jason. It was just…Forget it, nothing's wrong"
Jason grabbed Brenda's hand before she could go upstairs. "Wait, you wanted to say something. Just say it."
Brenda sat on the sofa and sighed. "I don't know. I had fun. It was just kinda….weird I guess. All that time apart and he's sorta acting like we're starting over. I'm not sure yet if that's good or bad. We were out walking for like two hours. We ended up at the docks and just talked forever. I still don't know where this is going and I guess its sort of getting to me" Brenda looked up at Jason.
Jason nodded slightly. "You gonna see him again?"
"Next weekend. But you don't have to baby sit. Emily and I were thinking of getting our girls together for a play date, so it would be perfect."
Jason just nodded again. He wanted to tell her that he would always be there for anything she needed, but it wasn't true. When it came to Brenda and Sonny he wanted no part of it. "I'll get going since you don't need me" Jason sullenly picked up his jacket and headed towards the door.
"Wait! Jason it's late and you look so tired. Isabella must have really worn you out" Brenda smiled at him sweetly and all Jason wanted to do was kiss her. "Just stay the night and get some rest. You can go back after breakfast. The guestroom is all yours. Please? For me?" She smiled again and Jason couldn't say no. He nodded and let Brenda lead him upstairs.
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Jason had just finished in the bathroom the next morning and was heading back to his room when he saw Brenda's door open. He walked towards it and saw Brenda walking around in a towel, just out of the shower. His breathe caught in his throat as he watched her going through her closet. She pulled some clothes out and turned around and caught him standing in the door staring at her. Her cheeks reddened slightly when she saw the look on his face. "Jason. I didn't hear you there"
Jason tried his best to cover quickly. "Yeah, I was just checking if you wanted eggs for breakfast. I'll cook."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" she smiled wryly at him.
"I promise I won't burn the house down" Jason smiled at her for a moment before ducking his head out.
Brenda stood a moment staring at the door where he had been. Was it her imagination or was Jason checking her out? Brenda shook her head. This is Jason! He doesn't look at me like that….but things have been really strange lately. Brenda sighed, closed the door and got dressed.
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PART B
Brenda walked into her boutique earlier than usual. She was expecting a shipment to start the winter line. She had just turned on the lights when the door opened and a delivery man stood before her.
"Is the shipment here already?" Brenda asked in confusion.
"I have a package for a Ms. Barrett" the delivery man smiled at her.
"Oh. That's me" Brenda signed for the package and began opening it as soon as the delivery man left.
"Ma'am? This is for you too" the delivery man set down a large bouquet of red roses on a table then nodded at her and left.
Brenda left the package and went over to the flowers, seeing the note that came with them. She read to herself:
My words can't do justice to the way I feel. Please accept these gifts and another's words as a token of my affection:
"As perfume doth remain In the folds where it hath lain, So the thought of you, remaining Deeply folded in my brain, Will not leave me: all things leave me: You remain". -Arthur Symons
Brenda stared at the note for a few moments. Who would just send her something like this? Jason? Brenda panicked. This was not what she had been planning. She walked over to the box which was still unopened. She found inside it candles, lotions and her favorite chocolates. Brenda smiled, whoever it was knew her very well. The candles were her favorite scent and the lotions were from her favorite cosmetics company. But if it was Jason she was going to have to let him down easy.
Brenda picked up the phone and dialed quickly. She knew it was early, but she was sure it wouldn't be a problem. "Hey Jason, it's me. I think we need to talk. Could you meet me for lunch at Kelly's around noon?" Brenda hung up and sighed. She really hoped this wouldn't ruin their friendship.
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Brenda had just sat down and ordered from Elizabeth when Jason walked in. He spotted Brenda immediately and sat down. "Hey"
"Hey" Brenda smiled. "I'm really sorry about before..."
"I'm sorry for what happened…" they spoke at the same time.
"Sorry, go ahead" Jason smiled at her.
"Looks like we wanted to say the same thing. I really don't know what happened. I mean one minute we're talking, the next…"
"Yeah, well it's my fault too. Our relationship has changed a lot since the last time we saw each other. It's thrown both of us."
"You're probably right." Brenda smiled at him. "So we'll just forget it and keep our friendship?"
"Definitely" Jason felt a huge sense of relief.
"So I guess you didn't send me a package and a dozen roses today?"
"What?" Jason looked confused.
"Yeah, I got this package out of the blue. It wasn't signed." Brenda pulled out the note. "It had all my favorite things in it. Whoever sent it knows me well"
"So how are you going to figure out who it is?" Jason asked as he handed the note back.
"I don't know if I should go there. If this guy is really interested then he should have the guts to talk to me, or at least write. Until then, it's up to him." Brenda shrugged as she put the card back in the purse.
Jason nodded and was about to speak when Elizabeth came up to the table.
"Hey Jason, can I get you anything?" she smiled warmly at him.
"Um, yeah, some coffee?"
"Sure" Elizabeth smiled at him again and went back to the counter. Jason watched her leave.
"Jason, Jason!"
Jason snapped his head back around to Brenda. "Huh?"
"I was asking you a question….but you seem too preoccupied for that" Brenda grinned at him.
"For what?" Jason asked a little dazed.
"So you and Elizabeth, huh?"
"Me and Elizabeth what?" Jason asked defensively.
"Don't get so upset. I think it's good, you moving on. You deserve to. And she seems nice too." Brenda smiled at him. "When you're ready to admit you like her, I'll be here to help" Brenda winked at him before grabbing her purse. "See ya later Jason. Bye Elizabeth" Brenda called out before heading out the door.
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Sonny walked into the boutique and looked around wondering where Brenda was.
"I'll be out in just a minute." He heard her voice call from the back room.
"Hi! How can I help you?" Brenda said as she walked out. "Oh, Sonny! Hi" Brenda smiled at him. "I haven't seen you in awhile."
"Yeah, I've been meaning to stop by and visit again after the opening. Seems like you've really settled in here." He looked around and admired what she had done.
"I love it here. And the business is really taking off. So how have you been?"
"Good. How are you and Isabella?"
"Pretty good. She's keeping me busy" Brenda smiled.
Sonny glanced over at a side table and noticed his roses sitting there. "Nice flowers"
"Thanks. They were a gift"
"Oh yeah? From who?" Sonny tried to hide his smile.
"I don't know actually. Secret admirer"
"Well, I shouldn't be surprised. A beautiful woman such as yourself has many, I'm sure" Sonny said grinning.
"You're cute" Brenda smirked.
"So, got any idea who the mystery man is?"
"Why do you assume it's a man? Maybe it's from a girlfriend."
"Girlfriends don't usually send a dozen red roses without signing the card."
"Okay, you win. But I don't have any idea who it could be"
"Mind if I see the card? Maybe I could help?"
Brenda looked at Sonny suspiciously for a moment before pulling it out for him.
"Interesting. Not someone who is good with words…What else did he send?"
"A box full of things I love. Soaps and candles and chocolates." Brenda said.
"Sounds like he knows what you like"
"Guess so. But that could be anyone"
Sonny nodded. "Well, I love a good mystery. If you want anymore help figuring out who it is, let me know"
"Why are you so interested? I would think you wouldn't care."
"You'll always be important to me Brenda, even if we're only friends."
Brenda nodded at him, still suspicious.
"I have to get going, but we should catch up soon. See ya later."
"Bye" Brenda said quietly as Sonny walked out. Now he was acting even more strangely than Jason had before. Brenda shook her head and continued her work.
Outside, Sonny stood in the cold but still felt very warm. Brenda was falling right into his little trap. He knew well that Brenda would hesitate to date him again, given their history. But he knew he could convince her to fall for the mystery man. After all, no other man could love her like he could. And now he had piqued her interest in him. Sonny would continue to spend time with Brenda and hopefully manage to make her curious enough to meet her secret admirer. At which time he would complete his plan to get her back. Sonny dimpled at the thought, then continued down the street.