A month had now passed since Alicia's night in the hospital. To celebrate their official one-month anniversary, Merrill took Alicia to the most popular karaoke bar in Philadelphia. About two hours into their night, Alicia began to notice that Merrill seemed to be on the brink of inebriation.

"Merrill, you are drunk. No more Yaeger shots for you, baby."

"Alicia, Alicia, Alicia. My love, you could not be more wrong."

"Be more wrong? You're plastered, sweetheart."

"No, I'm not. Watch me."

The karaoke host came back onto the stage and said, "Alright, we need our next victim…who's it gonna be?"

Merrill raised his hand and said, "Me!"

"We have a victim! Come on up, cowboy!"

Alicia was mortified.

"Merrill, what are you doing?"

"I'm gonna sing you a song."

"Sit down. You're not sober enough to sing."

"Oh yes I am."

Merrill walked onto the stage and stood beside the host.

"What are you gonna be singing?" she asked.

"Uptown Girl..but instead, I'm calling it Newtown Girl and dedicating to the world's best girlfriend, my beautiful Alicia Spencer."

Everyone applauded as Alicia slumped down into her seat, mumbling, "Oh my God.."

The music started and Merrill sang along with the backup vocals and then began the song.

"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, Newtown Girl, she's been living in her Newtown world, I bet she never had a Philly guy, I bet her mama never told her why, I'm gonna try for my Newtown Girl, she's been living in her Newtown world, as long as anyone with hot blood can, and now she's looking for a baseball man, that's what I am.."

He jumped off the stage and sang directly to Alicia.

"And when she knows what she wants from her tyee-tyee-type, she's gonna wake up and make up her miee-miee-mind.."

Alicia could feel everyone in the room staring at her as her face turned bright red.

He's officially lost his mind, she thought to herself, but that's why I adore him so much.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"…and then he started singing 'Uptown Girl.'"

"You're kidding me. While he was plastered?"

"Oh yeah. And get this- he sang 'Newtown' instead of 'Uptown.' I wanted to die, but at the same time, a guy has never sung to me. It was so cute. And his voice isn't all that bad..I wonder what he sounds like when he's singing sober?"

"He won't be singing tomorrow- that's for sure. He already looks hung over, and he's just sleeping."

"And he looks so cute."

Alicia reached across the bed and stroked Merrill's hair. She and Colleen were sitting in the bedroom of the garage house. After she had driven home with a passed out Merrill in the backseat, she had called Colleen to help her get him upstairs and into bed.

Colleen asked, "So what's on your agenda for tomorrow?"

"I have a job interview at LaStalla."

"I love LaStalla! It's so beautiful…and the food is amazing. It seems like it would be a great place to work. What time is your interview at?"

"11:30."

"Afterwards, do you want to come costume shopping with me?"

"How could I forget? Halloween is on.."

"Tuesday. Six days left. I have to help Bo and Morgan find their costumes."

"I'd love to go. The karaoke king will probably still be sleeping anyway."

Colleen observed the way Alicia was gazing at Merrill.

"Ali, you're scaring me."

"Huh?"

"The way you're making googly eyes at Merrill. I've never, ever seen you swoon over a man like this- with the exception of Jordan Knight when you were little."

"Ha ha. That was teenage, puppy love lust. This..what I have with Merrill…it's unbelievable. I've never wanted to spend every waking hour with someone and literally ache when they're not in my sight. I can't see myself being interested in anyone else for a long, long time."

"I'm pretty sure he feels the same way. Well, I'm off to bed. Maybe I'll actually be able to go back to sleep. See you in the morning."

"OK. Bye, sis."

Colleen left the bedroom and Alicia stretched out next to Merrill. She laid her head beside his and traced the features of his face. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

"I do feel the same way, Alicia."

"Did you hear us when we were talking?"

"Yep."

"You mean you weren't asleep?"

"To a certain extent I was..but I did hear the entire conversation. You ache when I'm not in your sight?"

"Listen, if you're gonna make fun of me.."

"I thought maybe it was just me who felt the same way."

Alicia smiled and asked, "Really?"

"Of course. Now can you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Slip into something more comfortable, turn out this blinding light, and can you please bring me some Excedrin? I feel like my head is about to explode."

"Whose fault is that, Billy Joel?"

"Ha ha ha."

Alicia put on a pair of flannel pants and a tanktop, and then gave Merrill some Excedrin. Then she turned out all of the lights and climbed under the covers with him. Despite the way he was feeling, he wrapped his arms protectively around Alicia.

"Why did you let me drink so much?" he groaned.

"Oh no you don't. Don't even think of blaming me for the situation you got yourself into."

"Will you massage my temples? Please baby?"

"Fine, fine, fine."

Alicia reached her hands up and delicately massaged Merrill's temples with her fingertips.

"You're the best," Merrill whispered, "I'm taking you on the road with me when the season starts."

"Are you gonna pay me?"

"Well..I could pay you in kisses."

"Kisses don't buy clothes, sweetheart."

"I know but…I..I'm so sleepy."

"Then go to sleep."

"But I like talking to you."

Alicia laughed to herself and said, "Have you ever seen the episode of The Simpsons where Bart was forced to go back to kindergarten? He knew all the answers to the questions the teacher asked, so he got the first pick of toys..he chose that Flintstone talking phone and it said, 'Yabba dabba doo! I like talking to you!' You sounded like that talking phone when you just said that. Do you remember that episode?"

"No."

"Well, thanks for making me feel like an idiot."

"I'm sorry..I really haven't seen it. But I do like the one where they get all the pro baseball players to play on the Springfield team..and Bart and Lisa are yelling at Daryl Strawberry.. .'Darrrylll! Darrrylll!' and they make him cry. I love that episode."

"Why wouldn't you?"

He blew a raspberry on Alicia's neck, which made her giggle and squirm.

"I take it your headache's gone," she said.

"No. I'm just trying not to think about it. You're being a very nice distraction."

Alicia yawned and said, "OK, now I'm sleepy. Let's call it a night, shall we?"

Merrill kissed her with a gentleness that made her heart beat at twice its speed.

"Goodnight, beautiful," he whispered.

"Goodnight, stud."

"Stud?"

"Beautiful?"

"Well, you are beautiful."

"And you're a stud."

"How cute. We have our first official pet names."

They kissed again and then finally fell asleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"Merrill, you don't have to wait for me."

"I've got nothing better to do. I'll just catch a nap or something. How long do you think you'll be?"

"A half hour..probably less."

"Yeah, I'm good. I've got my SI in the back."

"OK. Thank you for waiting."

"Anytime. Good luck, sweetie."

Merrill gave Alicia a peck on the lips and then she got out of the car. The October air was getting chillier it seemed by the minute. Alicia tightened her grip on her jacket and rushed into LaStalla. When she got inside, a woman was sitting at a table by the front of the restaurant.

She looked up and asked, "Can I help you?"

"I have a job interview here in 5 minutes."

"Are you Alicia Spencer?"

"Yes."

"I'm Miranda, one of the operations managers. How are you?"

"A little cold, but good."

"Do you want any coffee?"

"No thanks."

"Well, this interview is going to be fairly short because I already read the application you dropped off."

Alicia looked at Miranda with wary eyes.

"Is that good or bad?"

"It's very good, actually. I see that you had a lot of experience when you lived in Manhattan."

"Yeah. I worked at two restaurants at the same time to pay school bills."

"And it was high volume?"

"Beyond high volume."

"Good, good. Well, we're in desperate need of servers, especially for the lunch hour. When could you start?"

"As soon as possible."

"Is tomorrow OK?"

"Tomorrow's great!"
"Cool. All you need to bring tomorrow is yourself."

"Thank you so much. This made my day."

"No problem. Welcome to the family."

"Thanks again."

They stood up and shook hands and as Alicia turned her back to Miranda, she giggled to herself.

Alicia, you rock, she thought to herself.

She literally skipped out to the car and saw Merrill leaning against the hood, smoking a cigarette.

"Hey!" he said, "from that look on your face, I take it that things went well."

"I got the job!"

Merrill gave Alicia a big hug and kissed her.

"I knew you'd get it- you're a natural. When do you start?"

"Tomorrow morning at 10:30."

"Awesome, baby. Let's grab some lunch to celebrate. Where do you wanna go?"

"Um..I have a craving for pizza. Let's go downtown."

"Absolutely."

He took Alicia into his arms and kissed her.

"I'm so proud of you. Making a new start here and everything. You've come so far in the last month, sweetheart."

"Thank you. That means so much coming from you. You've become the most important guy in my life..besides my dad, of course."

"Most important guy? What about person?"

"Sorry, but Colleen will always reign supreme in my court of favorites."

"I perfectly understand that."

"What are we waiting for? I'm starving!"

It had been exactly six days since Alicia was hired at LaStalla- Halloween eve. She was cherishing a much-needed night off with Merrill, but trick-or-treaters had endlessly interrupted the night. For the umpteenth time, the doorbell rang and Alicia sighed.

"It's too cold outside..these kids are crazy. Hold on!"

She quickly picked up a walkie-talkie and said, "Bird's nest is full. Copy?"

"Copy," said a voice on the other end.

Alicia adjusted the wings on her fairy costume and opened the door. A group of about 10 kids stood at the door.

"Trick or treat!"

She grabbed the candy bowl and tossed candy into their respective bags.

"Be careful," she said as they left.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared behind them as they turned around. It was someone dressed in a bloody baseball uniform, hoisting a bat.

"Going anywhere?!" he snarled.

The kids screamed bloody murder and scattered in all different directions. As they fled the property, Alicia fell out laughing.

"I..I don't think I've ever laughed so much in one night."

"I knew it would scare those kids half to death."

Merrill abruptly kissed Alicia, staining her mouth and lips with fake blood.

"Merrill!"

"Alicia!"

"Hey, your scar is coming loose from your neck. Let me fix it."

"That's OK. I think I'm done for the night."

"It's almost 10:00. Those kids should be the last ones we get."

"Yeah, I'm retiring. I've done enough scaring to put these kids in therapy for years. I'm gonna go take a shower."

"Why are you going upstairs?"

"I'm too cold to walk over to the garage house. Graham, Colleen and the kids won't be back for another hour. They're still at the church costume party."

"Whatever you say. I'm gonna dig into this leftover candy."

"Hey, come here for a second."

"What is it?"

"I wanna kiss you."

"Not with that makeup on."

"Then at least come in the shower with me. I might need help washing off the makeup and fake blood."

"I could go for a hot shower…I was freezing just from opening the door for the kids. I'll be right up."

"I'll be waiting."

Alicia watched as he went up the stairs, and then she put the candy in the kitchen. Then she headed up the stairs and towards the bathroom. She could hear the shower running and opened the door. She closed it behind her and then slipped out of the fairy costume.

"Got room for one more in there, Mr. Hess?"

He peeked his head out from behind the shower curtain.

"You know it."

"You don't think Colleen and Graham will mind us using the kids' bathroom?" asked Alicia.

"Nah. I'm sure they wouldn't care."

Alicia stepped into the shower and Merrill immediately gravitated to her body. He backed her against the wall and started kissing her, almost biting her lips in the process.

She asked, "What's gotten into you, tiger? Did wearing Halloween makeup increase your libido?"

"I think it did, because right now all I can concentrate on is satisfying you."

"Oh really? Why don't you give me a little demonstration?"

Meanwhile, a car pulled into the driveway downstairs. It was the station wagon. Bo and Morgan hopped out of the car first, followed by Graham and Colleen. Morgan was dressed as Harry Potter and Bo was a Powerpuff Girl. Graham and Colleen put their arms around each other as they entered the house, dressed like Frankenstein and his Bride. As they went inside the house, they heard strange noises coming from the second level of the house.

"What's that noise?" Morgan asked.

"I don't know," Colleen said, "maybe Aunt Alicia and Uncle Merrill were playing a tape of scary sounds and they left it on."

"But Merrill's car is in the driveway," Graham murmured.

"I think it's a ghost," Bo added quietly.

"You guys stay down here. I'll go see what it is," Graham said.

Colleen replied, "You two go watch the Charlie Brown Halloween tape and eat some of your candy. I'm gonna go with your dad."

Dismissing their fears, they ran into the living room and happily obeyed Colleen's orders. Then she and Graham slowly ascended the staircase. As they got further and further, the noises became louder. Then as they reached the top, they became more audible.

"Alicia..oh God, Alicia. Mmmm…ohhh…"

"That's it, Merrill…right..there…no, don't slow dow- oh God, yes…"

Colleen covered her mouth and said, "Oh my Lord…that's my little sister!"

"That's my little brother!"

"I…I.."

"What should we do?"

"I'll show you what we'll do."

She banged on the door and said, "We're home!"

Alicia and Merrill froze completely.

"Oh my God," Alicia said, "they're home early. Kill me now."

Merrill yelled, "You're..you're home early, huh?"

"Yeah, and um, take your time. We'll be getting the kids ready for bed if you need us."

"Will do."

As Colleen left, Alicia leaned her head against the shower wall and sighed.

"How embarrassing was that? And how are we gonna leave? All we have to change into are our costumes..or towels..and it's gotta be 40 degrees outside."

"I have an idea."

Merrill stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his lower body.

Then he opened the door and whispered, "Graham! Graham, come here! Can you hear me?"

Graham walked out of the bedroom, still halfway in his costume.

"What would possess you to use my childrens' bathroom for..for pleasure on behalf of yourself and Alicia?"

"We were…we didn't feel like..anyway, can we borrow bathrobes from you and Colleen? We wore our costumes in here."

"You don't need to go into detail."

"You know what I mean."

"I'll be right back."

Graham left and then came back with two bathrobes.

He handed them to Merrill and said, "Only because you're my only brother."

"Thanks."

Still mortified, they put on the robes and indiscreetly left the bathroom.

"Alicia, can I talk to you for a sec?"

Colleen was standing at the end of the hallway, trying not to laugh.

Alicia said to Merrill, "I'll catch up with you later."

Merrill snuck out of the house so that the kids wouldn't see him and Alicia stayed behind.

"What's up?" Alicia asked.

"Do you realize that I'm now scarred for life? Can you even comprehend, as a big sister, what it's like to hear my baby sister having sex in the shower?"

"Colleen, will you please stop calling me your baby sister. Little, maybe. Younger, yes. Baby? Uh uh."

"Anyway, can I ask you something personal?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"Are you on birth control?"

"Yeah..why?"

"I found this on the ground last night."

Colleen held up an empty birth control dispenser.

"It must've fallen out of my purse," Alicia said, avoiding Colleen's inquiring gaze.

"Have you re-filled it yet?"

"I was going to, first thing tomorrow…before I went to work."

"So did you and Merrill use protection during your little romp in the shower?"

"Colleen, I am not having this discussion with you."

"It's a simple question, Al. Did you or didn't you?"

Alicia looked at the ground and mumbled, "No."

"Alicia! Do you really wanna end up pregnant now?"

"I'm not going to end up pregnant from having unprotected sex one time."

"That's what a lot of women say, and then they end up having babies when they least expect it. I'm not trying to tell you how to live your life, Ali. I just want you to be careful, not careless."

"I will."

"Promise?"

"Colleen."

"Fine. I'll see you in the morning. Try not to freeze to death."

"Goodnight, Coll."

"Ditto."

Alicia snuck out the same way that Merrill did and ran as fast as she could, barefoot, to the garage house. When she got inside, she squealed.

"God, it's freezing out there!"

Merrill was on the bed, watching TV and drinking a Heineken.

"What took you so long, babe?"

"Colleen and I were having a chat about..things."

"What things?"

"You know, sister stuff."

She sat next to Merrill and held his hand.

"Merrill, I have an idea."

"What?"

"Let's make a bet."

"OK."

"Let's see if we can stay abstinent for a week."

A spray of beer came from Merrill's mouth.

"What?!"

"It'd be interesting. We can get to know each other better..mentally."

"I already know you so well…well enough to know that I can't go a day without sex with you."

"How are you gonna survive when the season starts?"

"I don't want to think about it. Don't make me think about it, thank you very much."

"I'm serious, Merrill! And these are the stipulations: if you cave in and seduce me, you have to wake up every morning at 6 and get me a white chocolate mocha and a blueberry muffin from Starbuck's- without changing out of your pajamas or fixing your hair. And if the Starbuck's you go to doesn't have blueberry muffins, you have to find one at another Starbuck's. And you'll have to feed me the muffin crumb by crumb. And if I seduce you.."

"Ohhh no you don't. I get to choose."

He thought for a second and then spoke up.

"If you seduce me, you have to wake up with me every morning at 5 am and pitch balls to me so I can practice hitting. And when I hit them, you have to go find them, no matter where they go."

"Merrill, what if they go way in the cornfields? That's not fair!"

"So is making me go to Starbuck's, where half of the people who see me play baseball go in the morning, in my pajamas!"
"Fine. Let's shake on it."

They shook hands and Merrill noted the time.

"It's 12:28 am. So a week from today at 12:28 am, we won't be getting any sleep."

"Deal."

"Deal."

As soon as they said "deal," Alicia dropped her robe and was standing in front of Merrill completely nude.

"Scoot over," she said, "I'm tired."

"Y..y.you're going to sleep naked?"

"It's my bed, not yours."

"That's it. I'm going back to my apartment for the night."

"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

Merrill carefully watched as Alicia climbed under the covers.

"Does oral sex count?" Merrill asked.

"Mmm hmm. Sex is sex is sex."

"Can't we use the Clinton rule?"

"Nope."

"Alicia!"

"Merrill!"

She took one of his fingers and put it in her mouth. Then she slowly slid it out and ran it down her chest.

"Goodnight, stud," she whispered.

"Don't 'goodniiiight, stuuud' me. You're evil. But two can play that game. I'll get you back tomorrow."

"Have a safe trip back to Philly."

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm sleeping on the couch over there."

"We made an agreement not to have sex…cuddling doesn't count."

"No, but cuddling can lead to things like sex."

"Oh, whatever."

Merrill stripped down to his boxers and stretched out on the couch with a blanket.

"Goodnight," he said, "you don't know what you got yourself into."

"Au contraire, my friend. We'll see who wins."