WEDNESDAY (Sometime In The a.m. ......)
Sean got up at 8:15am and spent the majority of the day with the fellas as Mike, Reno and Shawn had to be leaving town around 3:00pm since they had another engagement in Salt Lake City, UT.
Chuck and Mark were leaving on Thursday, as they had to be in Hartford, CT.
Sean was leaving on Friday because he was going back to OVW in Louisville, KY.
In the meantime, they were going to drive Mike, Reno and Shawn back to Amtrak to see them off on a safe trip.
"Wow Toni. I had a wonderful evening" Munchie said when she came into my office carrying a cup of coffee.
Pepper was right behind her a minute later.
"Hey ladies, what's going on?" she asked then sat down in my other chair.
"Well, it's good to know that we all got home safely last night or we wouldn't be here today, right?" I asked with a smile.
"For sure" Pepper said.
"Wow, that Reno is something else. He talked me a mile a minute. Chuck, Mike and Shawn aren't too bad either. They also told us about how Sean was acting up until the time that he got to see you again" Munchie explained.
"She's right. Mark is so cute - I could have just ate him up last night" Pepper said then laughed.
"So Sean was sick for me, huh?" I asked.
"Yeah, I understand that he was pretty laid back and the guys had teased him all night on the first night they were here" Pepper added.
"Whatever. I like Sean and all but I had a bad time in Chicago with my last relationship. I don't even know if I'm ready for something new yet" I explained.
"You're a sick woman Toni. Sean is famous and all. You better get that man before he gets away" Munchie said.
"Look, if Sean wants to be friends, then that's fine with me. But if he wants to get serious, although he knows what I just went through as I've explained it to him this past weekend, then I can't get with that anytime soon, ok?" I said.
"Anyway, what did you and Sean do last night when you guys left?" Pepper asked with shifty eyebrows.
"Nothing much. I followed him to my home because of course I knew nothing of where I was going, then he waited while I went into the garage. Finally, he walked me to my door and said goodnight. That's all" I explained.
"You'll see him again, that's for sure" Munchie said.
"What about you two. What's going on with you and Reno and you and Mark?" I asked the both of them at the same time.
"Well, Mark and I didn't leave it off anywhere special but I did give him my number. You know since he's famous and all, I'm sure that he has a lot of women on his tip trying to get to him all the time" Pepper said.
"In reference to Reno, Mr. Growlie and I threw back a few shots and messed around a bit but nothing special. I gave him my number also but we didn't leave it off with any plans either. After a while, Pepper and I left" Munchie said.
"I'm not going to say that I'm sorry to hear that for the both of you because there isn't anything to be sorry about, right?" I asked them.
"Right you are for sure" Pepper said.
"Hell, I'm just glad that you were there with us in the first place because if not for you, we wouldn't have been given the chance to hang out with them the way that we had, right Pepper?" Munchie asked.
"Definitely. But anyway, what do you think about those big grunts now?" Pepper asked.
I laughed at that one because I remembered my comment without realizing that I actually personally knew a grunt.
"One other thing Toni. I could tell that you probably felt put on the spot in reference to answering Chuck's question but you can understand our initial shock and all, right?" Munchie asked.
"Of course I can. It did feel pretty weird though" I said.
"We're sorry for that and I'm quite sure that Chuck knew all along because it was obvious that Sean had told them all about you" Pepper added.
"Like I said, it's all good but I'll just have to wait and see about Sean. In the meantime, let's get busy" I said.
"Take care guys" Chuck said then gave dapp.
"We'll see you guys soon" Mark said and gave dapp too.
"Have a safe trip and I'll see you guys in a few weeks" Sean said as he helped the guys carry their bags to the check in.
"Take care of Toni man. I can see that you two are going to get together" Shawn said.
"Yeah, man. I wish I had more time to spend with Munchie but life's a bitch and then you move on, right?" Reno said with a handshake.
"Same here. I really like Pepper but we'll see what happens and I'll let you guys know. I'll definitely keep in touch with her though" Mark said and gave them dapp again.
They faced each other in their 6-man circle....
"NBT Forever" Mike said then they each held their left hand out in front of them and joined them in a circle then repeated the same words.
The three of them boarded the train and said their good-byes. Soon afterward it pulled off.
Mark, Sean and Chuck remained there until it was out of sight then went back to Sean's truck.
"I'm going to ask her out to dinner tonight" Sean said as they were driving back to the hotel.
"It's about time man. She sure is pretty. Good luck in whatever happens with you guys" Mark said.
"Hey man, I'm sorry for being an ass but I wish you well and I wish you guys happiness down the line. I also have to admit too that she is pretty" Chuck said.
"You're lucky Sean" Mark added.
"It's all good and thanks guys. I don't think its luck - I was just in the right place at the right time" he responded as he pulled back into the hotel parking lot 30 minutes later.
I got in at 6:30pm and the phone rang just as I put my purse down......
"Hello?" I said into the phone.
"Hi sweetheart, it's Sean. I'm sorry to be calling you so late like this and I know that I should have invited you out to dinner last night but I would like to take you out tonight if you're available" he asked.
"Hi Sean. No, it's not late at all but can you give me an hour?" I asked.
"Sure, I can do that" he responded.
"Do you remember where I live?" I further inquired.
"Yes, I do. I'll be there around 7:45pm - how does that sound?" he asked.
"That's wonderful. I better get busy then if I'm going to look pretty for you" I said.
"You're pretty enough already, Toni. No need to further impress me" he said.
"Thank you for the compliment Sean. See you soon" I said.
"Will be there. Bye" Sean said then hung up the phone.
"Bye" I said then hung up as well.
Sean stopped by the florist and picked up a dozen red roses.
Afterwards, he drove over to Toni's apartment.
I received a call that my furniture would be here tomorrow around 6:00pm so I made a mental note to get off from work as soon as I possibly could to be here when the truck came.
It didn't really take me long to get ready so after I dressed, I took a good long look around my apartment.
"God, why didn't this date come after my place was in better furnished condition?", I asked the ceiling.
Anyway, I went into the front room and waited for Sean who arrived 20 minutes later.......
The intercom buzzed...........
"Hello?" I said into the intercom.
"Hi there, it's Sean" he responded.
"Come on up. It's apartment #505" I said then hit the door button........
After she buzzed him in, he took the elevator to the 5th floor and found her apartment.
The door was standing open when he got there so he pushed it open......
"Toni, I'm here" he called out..........
"I'll be right out" she responded.
"Hi Sean, welcome to my empty home" I said when I came out of the bathroom.
He was looking around.
"Hi, these are for you" he said as he handed me a dozen roses that were hiding behind his back.
"Thank you Sean. These are lovely" I said then hugged him and went into the kitchen to put them to water in a vase that I found in the bottom cabinet which I thought pretty strange.
"Quite a big place you have here" he said out from the livingroom.
"Oh, I'm sorry about the lack of furniture and chairs. I finally received the call that my things will be here tomorrow night" I updated in reference to the question I knew that he wanted to ask.
"That's ok. I could come by and help you setup things tomorrow if you'd like" he said.
"That would be nice. I'd like that" I responded.
"So how are you feeling - how was your work day? Is everything going fine for you?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm doing so much better than I was before when we parted ways" I said.
"Well, I'm glad that I was there to at least try to cheer you up" he said.
"I know. Anyway, I finally spoke to my mother and told her that I would be calling off and on and she updated me on a few things but I really didn't want to hear about them" I said.
Sean just looked at me but didn't say anything.
"Sean, it's so strange. I can't get over the fact that you're famous" I said while looking at him.
"Sometimes I don't even feel that way. But when I get asked for autographs and all, it makes me feel wonderful. Mainly, I never forget where I come from because I can be right back there again" he answered.
"How long have you been doing this professionally?" I asked while we stood there.
"For about 2 years now. On Friday, I'm heading back to Louisville, KY which is where I'm currently working fulltime so I'll be there for a while unless they need me to travel to god knows what city for matches or appearances" he updated.
I took him by the hand and gave him the quick once around tour........
It felt kind of strange doing so because my place was still empty.
"Oh, that's right, you're leaving on Friday - I almost forgot" I said as we stopped off in my second bedroom.
"This place sure is roomy" he said as he was looking inside the closet.
"You're right. I love big closets because I can get lost in them" I said with a smile.
"The car you were driving last night, is that the one that they gave you?" he asked.
"Yes, she's a beauty and I love her already. It drives so smooth" I said.
"They really did hook you up. You must be special" he said then smiled at me.
"Yeah, I must be pretty special to Chevy for them to want me so badly that they gave me a company car as well" I informed.
"If you ever decide to leave, will you be able to keep her?" Sean asked.
"Believe it or not the answer is "yes". They offered me the car in very low, almost giveaway, 6 monthly installments if I decide to leave but if my performance remains high standard, it's mine free of charge" I updated.
"Wow, it almost makes me wish that I were a Chevy Dealer or something. The fringe benefits are outstanding" he updated.
"You'd make a fine salesman Sean. You'd have the customers eating out of your hand" I said.
He just looked at me and smiled again.
"Come on, show me the rest of your place" he said then took me by the hand and pulled me along with him into the kitchen.
This went on for another 15 minutes until we finally had to leave but Sean had just one more question for me before we walked out.......
"Toni, before we go, I have something that I want to ask you which is definitely a personal man and woman question" he said as we stood just outside of the kitchen doorway.
"Go ahead Sean, you can ask me whatever you like" I said as he had my full attention.
"Look Toni, I know that we met just a few short days ago and I know that I didn't tell you everything about myself personally, but being around you only makes me know that I need a strong willed woman by my side. I would like to offer and propose something more long term for us but in the present I can't because I know what you've just gone through not too long ago.
My question is that I would love it if you would spend the evening with me tonight at my hotel? Hard as it may be, I also promise to keep my hands to myself" he asked boldly.
I had prepared myself for him wanting to ask me to be in a relationship with him because I also had my answer ready as I was going to turn him down.
Though what I wasn't prepared for was when he asked me that last question because I hadn't thought about sex since before my breakup.
"Sean...... I.....I'm...." I started as I looked at him while we stood there. I was stumbling over my words and couldn't find the right thing to say.
I turned away and walked into the front room...... but he was no more than a few steps behind me.
I couldn't face him - not just yet.
He came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders.
"Toni, I'm sorry to be so forward and I didn't mean to put you on the spot like this but I've been thinking about you ever since that day and I haven't been myself lately which I believe is because of you sweetheart. I know what you must think of how my lifestyle is like with all that comes to a man who gains fame - like women, drugs, etc...... but I assure you that it really isn't like that no matter what may run through you pretty little head" he informed then slowly turned me around to face him............
"Look Sean, I can see that you understand what I may be thinking in reference to there being a troop of women who worship you as well as follow you around only because they want to get their claws into you. As well, I know you understand that I know what happens in long distance relationships.
But I like you very much Sean, I really do and I don't want to get either of our hopes up in reference to being settled and committed mainly because of what I've just gone through.
Saying that, only makes me say this. Your being famous will only add to additional concerns and worries that are sure to arise in our relationship as well as the other way around though I'm not famous. Honestly, I love the fact that I know you personally but your being famous is not important to me in a way that I'd be hungry after your money or status. As I see it, fame to me is a state of mind and money, though it makes the world go around, it is also the root of all evil" I informed.
"Sweetheart, if remaining friends is what you want, then that's acceptable for me. But I also want you to know that I want you in the future no matter how far off that may be because I know that I can make you happy as I understand the type of woman that you are" he explained then kissed my forehead.
"Thank you Sean. Thank you for understanding" I said as I welcomed his kiss.
We stood there for a minute then I realized that I had something else to say.........
"In reference to my answering the REAL question that you've asked, my answer is "YES" I answered openly and just as bold as he asked.
"Wow, after everything else that you've just said, I could only imagine that your answer would have been "no" instead but I'm very glad that it wasn't" he said.
"I'm sure you are" I said slyly then slipped out to his arms.
Afterwards, I went into my bedroom and packed an overnight bag consisting of my sleepwear as well as a change of clothes for work while he waited in the livingroom.
I regrouped with him then we left after I locked up.
Sean was so happy that Toni agreed to stay the night with him but he never let on how happy her answer really made him during their conversation in her apartment.
He wasn't sure where things were headed between the two of them but one thing he knew for sure was that he wanted her to be happy. Not just because of her heartbreak but moreso because she deserved happiness in her life.
I saw how he couldn't stop looking at me off and on.
Obviously, someone was contemplating something very serious.......
"Here we are - the Bristol Goldwing Restaurant" Sean said as the valet came around to his side of the car.
While they took care of that, another valet opened my door and helped me out.
Sean came around just then as I was looking around.
"This seems nice enough" I said when he came by my side.
We went inside and Sean checked in at the reservations desk. Afterward, we were seated right away.
The waiter placed the menus in front of us and told Sean about all of the specials.
Some of the people there kept giving us the eye and smiling a lot which had to be because they knew him though they kept their distance.
"Please give us a few minutes to decide" Sean said then the waiter walked away.
"So Ms. Barnhart, what is your pleasure?" Sean asked when he turned to me.
"How about something simple like a hamburger and fries?" I asked then smiled.
"Great choice if we were at McDonald's" Sean said then started laughing.
"But to be more serious, let me order for the both of us when he returns, ok?" I asked.
Sean sat there for a moment then agreed.
"I can do that" Sean said.
"Is there anything that you don't like?" I asked.
"I cannot see how in this world anyone can eat liver, okra or even green peas. Other than that, I can eat pretty much anything" he updated.
"I hear you on that. It looks like we have a few things in common in reference to food" I said.
Just then Sean summoned our waiter..........
"May I take your drink orders?" he asked.
Just then Sean looked at me and nodded as if giving me the go ahead to order for us........
"I think a magnum of Piper Heidsiek would be lovely - any year before 1991 will do" I said.
"Very good madam - a fine choice indeed. I will be right back" our waiter said.
"That was interesting. It seems that I have a woman who knows what she likes" Sean said.
"Indeed I do. I also enjoy a lovely glass Veuve Chequet but Piper has that nutty flavor that I love so much and it goes well with hors d'oeuvres" I answered.
"Fine choice. How about caviar?" he asked.
"I've had it once but it was too fishy though I think I had a bad batch" I said.
"Well, I'm going to order a 1/2 kilo of Buluga and if you're interested in trying it, feel free to join in at any time" he said.
"We'll see about that" I laughed.
Sean watched her while they talked. He knew that he was pretty fascinated by her choice of champagne and he couldn't wait until she ordered their dinner.
Afterwards he would take her to his hotel room and comfort her in his arms while they slept.
Tomorrow was something else that he was looking forward to because he would be picking her up from work then helping her to setup her apartment after her furniture arrived.
"Toni, I was thinking. I'm planning to take you to work in the morning as well as pick you up afterward. Can I take you out to lunch or bring it to you if you end up being really busy?" he asked.
"Oh Sean, that's so wonderful of you but you're planning to do so much already and I don't want to take you out of your way" I answered.
"It is no problem whatsoever. I'm willing to do this so let me do it, ok?" he asked.
"Ok, I won't argue with you on that. Do what you want to do man" I said then we both laughed.
Our waiter finally returned with the champagne and poured two glasses for us.
"May I take your dinner order please?" he said afterward.
I noticed that Sean looked at me again. He was smiling.
"For Mr. O'Haire, I would like the largest de-boned Peppered Sirloin Beef Steak with grilled potatoes, fresh baby carrots and corn plus asparagus au graten. For myself, I would like a medium sized Oscar Lobster Tail with Bread Dressing Stuffed Mushrooms on a bed of endive lettuce and slightly burnt Australian potatoes" I said in finishing then looked over at Sean.
He was smiling broadly when I was done......
"Madam seems to have a flair for fine dining" the waiter said.
"In a way, but I know good eating more" I answered then looked at Sean who was still smiling.
"Your dinner will be ready in 25-30 minutes. Please let me know if there is anything else I can get for you in the meantime" he said.
"There is one other thing. While we are waiting, can we please have a 1/2 kilo of Buluga with toasted Morcel Crackers?" I asked.
"Yes madam, right away" he answered then bowed and walked away.
"Definitely something else, you are" Sean said then reached out and took my hand.
Just then, Sean knew that she was definitely the right woman to grace his side.
90 minutes later..........
"Fantastic dinner, fantastic" Sean said as he just wiped his mouth for the last time.
"I am definitely pleased as usual. I enjoy eating" I said.
"I see you do. You didn't leave anything on your plate" he said as he eyed my empty plate.
"Waste not, want not, right?" I asked then smiled.
"Definitely, pretty lady" he said then smiled.
"What about you? You sure were pretty hungry yourself there Mr. O'Haire" I said as I motioned toward his empty plate as well.
"Yeah, but I'm a pretty big guy and I stay hungry all the time. Hungry for more than just food" he said slyly.
"I'm sure you do Mr. O'Haire, I'm sure you do" I said.
We left the restaurant then Sean drove us to his hotel - the same one where the rest of the guys who were still in town were staying as well.
Sean carried my bag for me then we took the elevator to his floor.
"Room #425 - here we are" I said when we got to his door.
"Yeah, this is the place" he responded then proceeded to open the door.
Just then, I saw Chuck walking down the hall with a female friend.
"Hey man, you two just getting in?" Chuck asked as they walked over to us.
He eyed my bag and smiled. I played if off.
"Hey guy. We're just getting back from dinner. We went to Bristol Goldwing and had a great time" Sean said.
"That's wonderful. It's nice to see you again Toni" he said.
"It's good to see you too Chuck" I said then shook his hand.
"This is my friend Brandy and we're going to have a nightcap. Care to join us?" he asked.
"No. I think we'd better pass. It's nice to meet you Brandy" Sean said.
"Oh my god. Sean O'Haire - it's good to meet you too. My sisters and I are big fans of yours. Can I have your autograph?" she asked.
Just then, I noticed that Chuck made those "whatever" eyes and smiled.
Sean noticed and smiled too.
"Sure, no problem. By the way, this is my friend Toni" he said.
"Hi Toni, it's nice to meet you" she said.
"Same here" I said then pulled out a pen and short pad from my purse and handed them to Sean.
He signed his signature then handed her the sheet of notepaper.
Afterward, he handed me back the pen and pad and I put them away.
"Well, I guess we better be going then" Chuck said.
"Ok then I'll see you tomorrow" Sean said.
"Bye Chuck" I said then turned into the doorway in front of Sean.
Although it wasn't Sean's home, it was still pretty much like home away from home to him because he felt pretty comfortable enough.
Sean knew that he told her that he would keep his hands to himself and that's what he was going to do but he still thought about them being together tonight regardless.
Overall, he knew that this wasn't right - the mood was incorrect, the timing was off and most definitely, this was the wrong place. A hotel room - how unromantic....
Deep down he knew that he preferred his place instead or maybe even hers but he knew that he couldn't do this to her.... not now.
This suddenly gave him the most peculiar feeling in the pit of his stomach.....
Though I had high hopes on us making love, I was deeply more pleased to just be by his side instead.
One thing for sure, there would definitely be no holding back tomorrow night at my place.
Regardless, right now I had to find a way to let him know that I didn't feel that the time was right.....
"Toni, I have something to tell you" Sean said after I sat down in the chair at his table.
"Sean, I know what is on your mind and I simply can't do this here" I suddenly cried out.
"What!?? What do you mean?" he asked while hoping she was going to tell him what he wanted to hear.
"Look Sean, I know that this wasn't just planned to be a sleepover between the both of us but I can't let you make love to me here - not in a hotel room. It's just so unromantic" I cried.
"Oh sweetheart, that's just what I was going to tell you. This place is very unromantic and I can't do that to you" he replied then came over and kneeled down beside me as he hugged me to him.
"I'm sorry Sean but I'm not used to a "hit and run" sex filled evening" I said as tears ran down my cheeks.
"I understand and as much as I want to make love to you, I agree that everything is all wrong pretty lady as I feel like I'm cheating you out of the romance that you so deserve" he said.
"I know. Are you mad?" I asked.
"Hell no. Quite the contrary. I was starting to feel like a visitor from out of town just passing through for a quickie" he said.
"So you agree that we shouldn't do this?" I asked as he let me go.
"As much as I want to say "no", I have to say "yes" instead" he agreed.
"Thank you Sean" I said then smiled while thinking of how I was possibly in trouble tomorrow.
"Sweetheart, please believe me when I say that when I make love to you, you'll definitely know that its coming from my heart, mind and soul as well as my body" he said then stood up.
I also stood but went into the bathroom and took a shower after I grabbed my feminine products.
Before I closed the door, I noticed the look on Sean's face. He seemed happy enough but overall looked sick.
I could only imagine what was going through his head.
20 minutes later......
"I must be a damn fool?" Sean said as he stood there in the shower looking down at his groin.
He had scrubbed himself to death while trying to forget that he'd agreed to hold out from making love to her.
Her lingering scent in the bathroom did nothing to ease the ache where he longed for release the most.
Though in his heart he knew that it was the right decision, his manhood told him that he really wanted to say "no" only because he wanted her so badly.
Tomorrow was another story. She'd best be ready for him because he'd definitely be ready for her.
"Damn" Sean said once again and finally turned off the water to the shower.
"I don't know if I can get comfortable tonight", I thought as I lay there watching television.
I willed myself to loosen up because I was kind of tense.
Regardless, I said goodnight and turned over on my right side then closed my eyes.
Sean knew that Toni was probably wondering whether or not he'd try to make a move on her tonight but he was going to be true to his word no matter how hard he struggled with the thought.
"Goodnight Toni" he said as he watched her turn on her right side.
"Goodnight Sean" she responded as she briefly turned back long enough to answer him then turned over once again.
Sean just lay there and listened as her breathing turned shallow and soon realized that she was sleeping.
Against his better judgement, he rolled over behind her and pulled the covers up around them.
THURSDAY
Sean was a man true to his word. He came by the office around 12:30pm and of course all the women were screaming bloody murder when they saw him.
Especially, Munchie and Pepper because in a way, I believe that his visit gave them the enthusiasm they craved that Reno and Mark would be calling. I smiled at that revelation.
We woke up this morning to my rushing to get out of there because I had to get to work.
He thought that was funny but definitely made sure that I got to work in record time regardless.
"Hey there lady" Sean said when he popped into my office.
"Hi Sean. Thanks for coming to my rescue" I said as I stood and gave him a hug.
He handed me a takeout container with a corned beef sandwich on rye with plenty of mayo and potato salad on the side.
"Before you say anything, I took a guess. Is it ok?" he asked.
"Perfect" I responded then hugged him again.
This time when I hugged him, I realized that some of the other ladies in the office were just outside the door giggling and all. They were so silly but I guess that even if he weren't famous they would be envious because he was so cute.
Just then Mr. Dithers walked up.......
"Oh excuse me" he said as he knocked at my open door.
"Mr. Dithers, I would like to introduce you to......." I started.
"Sean O'Haire. I'm a big fan son. I didn't know that our lovely Ms. Barnhart knew someone as famous as you" he said as he held out his hand.
"Neither did she. It's good to meet you sir" Sean said as he returned his handshake and smiled at me.
"I don't mean to be interrupting but Toni I wanted to come by and let you know that you're doing an extraordinary job here and that your work has been exemplary of what we were hoping for and then some. Your work on the new production program, well....... let's just say that you've gone beyond the call of duty" he said with a smile.
"Thank you sir" I responded then shook his hand.
"Sean, it was an honor to meet you. Please don't be a stranger" Mr. Dithers said then bid us farewell.
Sean looked at me and smiled.
"This calls for a celebration tonight Ms. Barnhart. I'll be back around 5:30pm" Sean said then bowed before he turned to leave.
I couldn't help but smile when Sean left after being mobbed for autographs.
Sean caught up with Chuck and Mark one last time before they left.
"So, did you get lucky last night, man?" Chuck asked on the way to the elevator.
Sean just looked at him while Mark stood there looking dumbfounded.
"What are you talking about?" Mark asked Chuck.
Just then, Chuck looked at Sean as if waiting for an answer.....
"You really don't think that I'm going to answer that, do you?" Sean asked.
"Aw, I was just kidding anyway" Chuck said.
"I don't get it" Mark said.
"Don't worry yourself about it" Sean said as he walked them to the valet checkout and watched as Mark handed over the ticket for his vehicle.
"I'm going to miss you man" Mark said to Sean.
"Same here, but you I don't know about" Sean said to Chuck.
"What did I do?" Chuck asked with a questioningly look on his face.
"Whatever" Sean said as the car was brought around.
"This is it man" Chuck said as he held his hand out to Sean while their luggage was being loaded in the trunk.
"Yeah I know. I had a great time guys. I guess I'll see you two up in Louisville in a month" Sean said.
"That's a for sure deal man. Don't get into any trouble while you're still here" Mark chimed in.
"Get real. I'll definitely be kept busy so don't worry" he said in referring to tonight then smiled.
Chuck just stood there smiling.......
He walked them to their car and gave dapp.
"See ya man" Mark said then slipped into the drivers seat.
"Bye Guy" Chuck said then slipped into the passenger seat.
"Drive safe you two" Sean said then watched as they drove off.
After some time passed, Sean realized that he had to get back downtown to pickup Toni as it was getting close to 5:15pm.......
I wrapped up my day at 5:15pm but took my time because I knew that Sean was coming around 5:30pm then we would have to rush to get back to my place as the delivery was expected there around 6:00pm.
Just then, Sean walked into my office.......
"Hi sweetie" I said then hugged him.
He just kissed me and gave me a big hug.
"Ready to go?" he asked.
"Sure, just let me grab my purse and we're off" I said as he watched me.
Sean watched her off and on as he drove her home and knew that making love to her would be most wonderful.
First was the tedious job of getting the furniture arrangement out of the way in which he prayed wouldn't leave him all tired and worn out because he was looking forward to some loving......
He prayed that she would be able to let herself go completely and show him her true natural feminine beauty from within while making love as he knew that true expression has its own power in healing and he definitely wanted to be there to share that with her.
I knew how Sean was watching me off and on as well as I knew that he must have really wanted me very bad.
I haven't made love since what's his name and I had a feeling that I would freeze up and wouldn't be able to show my true natural femininity because of what had happened.
Though I didn't want to displease Sean with a lackluster performance, I didn't want to be a wild woman in bed either.
Lovemaking, to me, is a true expression of ones self to another in reference to the word "love" in general and though I knew that I didn't love Sean, not yet anyway, I never once wanted him to feel that having sex with me would be unsatisfying and weak.
I just hope that he was ready for the inner expressions that my body was sure to show him when all of my right buttons were pushed.
We arrived at the complex in record time which was at 5:45pm and were just going into the building when a Medley Movers truck pulled up to the curb.
I took a chance then went to speak with the driver since I was expecting a delivery.......
"Excuse me. Are you delivering from Chicago to a Ms. Toni Barnhart?" I asked the driver when he stepped out of the cab.
"Why yes ma'am we are. Are you her?" he asked when he looked at me. He gave me the eye.
"Yes indeed. You have great timing because I just got home" I responded.
Just then Sean walked up and I noticed the driver eye him.........
"Hey, excuse me, aren't you Sean O'Haire?" the driver asked Sean.
"Yes I am" Sean responded.
"Damn, I knew it. It's good to meet you man. I'm Earl Randolph and this here is my co-driver John Hampton - we're big fans" he said as the other man came around to our side.
"Oh damn, Sean O'Haire! It's good to meet you man" John said then held out his hand.
Sean shook both of their hands then spoke again.......
"Ms. Barnhart and I were wondering if you guys wouldn't mind getting the ball rolling as we have plans tonight" Sean said.
"Oh, Ms. Barnhart, I'm sorry about the delay but you can understand our excitement. This is my co-driver John Hampton" Earl said then they both shook my hand.
"Thank you but it's ok. Can you take the truck around to the service way in the back of the building where you can unload everything and bring it up to apartment #505?" I asked.
"If you guys speed it up, I'll make it worth your while" Sean added then smiled at me.
"Will do Mr. O'Haire" Earl said then jumped back into the cab after handing me the papers for the delivery.
John got in on the other side.
With that, Sean and I went around the back to the service way so I could unlock the door and prop it open so they could easily access the elevator then Sean went upstairs to unlock my door and waited until we brought up the first of my things.
"You sure you'll be ok back here?" Sean asked with concern.
"Sean come on now, let's show that we still have trust in our hearts, ok?" I asked.
"Ok, but I'll beat them to death if anything happens to you" he said then kissed my cheek before he took to the stairs.
The guys loaded the freight elevator with me squeezed in the corner and went up to my floor.
"Ms. Barnhart, it's an honor to know someone who knows Sean O'Haire" Earl said.
"I know but you can't imagine how I felt when I found out that he was famous" I said.
Earl and John eyed each other curiously then.......
"Put it like this, I knew nothing about him being famous until yesterday" I informed.
"You're lucky to know him regardless" John said.
"No, he's the lucky one" Earl said then smiled.
As we rode up I thought that I better watch myself around these two because I didn't like the way that Earl was looking at me.
The look of relief on Sean's face when he saw me said it all as he started smiling.
"Look, you stay here and take care of things in the apartment and I'll do the running up and down with the guys so we can get this over with much faster with the quickness" he told me.
"Will do, chief?" I responded then saluted.
I knew the real reason why Sean wanted me to stay inside, as I'm sure that he noticed how Earl was looking at me too.
On our trip up, my bed, dresser and loveseat were unloaded. I went to setting up the bed as soon as they put it in my room and was done before they came up on their second trip much to Sean's amazement.
"I have a few skills as well you know" I said then winked.
With that, they went back to work while I continued on with what I was doing in the rest of the house.
I have to admit that within one hour, the truck had been unloaded and everything that I owned was put in its respective room.
"Ok guys, I guess that will do it" Sean said then walked them to the door.
I knew that they were paid handsomely by Chevy in reference to delivery and tip charges but I saw that Sean made it necessary to encourage them further.
I had the signed copy of the delivery papers ready and had handed them back to Earl prior to their departing.
"Goodbye you two and thanks for everything" I hollered out from the kitchen.
"Thank you Ms. Barnhart" John said.
"Your welcome and again it was nice to meet you Sean" Earl said then they shook hands.
"Sean, you didn't have to do that. Chevy took care of them already" I said after he locked the door.
"Toni, it's perfectly ok" he said.
"Ok then Mr. O'Haire, let's get busy though I want you to rest when necessary" I said.
"No time for rest woman, let's get busy" he said.
We went for it and by 8:30pm, my apartment was turned into a much warmer, more livable and welcome place to be even though there were still some things which needed to be put away here and there.
"Wow!, we did it" Sean said.
"Yeah, we did" I said as we walked from room to room.
My second bedroom was going to be my office.
I put the cot in that room as well - just in case I get one of my late nights going.
"Tired?" I asked Sean as I walked up behind him and rubbed his back while he was looking out the front room window.
"Far from it but I am pretty hungry" he responded.
"Would you like to stay tonight?" I asked with a smile.
"I was waiting for an invitation. I'd love to stay with you tonight. I'll sleep on the cot, ok?" he asked.
"No way, my bed will do just fine. Anyway, it's more comfortable" I answered.
When he smiled, I knew that I was in trouble.
I was very glad that we went out for Chinese takeout next because I didn't want to sit up in another restaurant again - not tonight.
We returned and ate in the kitchen while sitting across from each other.
Another thing I found interesting was that he was a Heineken man. I just loved the stuff myself.
"My kind of woman" he said as he watched me throw back a bottle of the brew.
I hadn't noticed earlier but Mr. O'Haire had obviously slipped an overnight bag of his own into the apartment though I hadn't seen it until he went to take a shower.
While he was showering, I made sure that Hiroshima, Teddy Pendergrass, Pat Metheny, Enya and Jean Luc Ponte were in my 5-disk cd player then set the replay on continuous mode.
Sean heard the music softly playing and knew that Toni was setting the mood. He smiled.
This time as he looked down at his groin, he knew that the ache for release was definitely there but at least it wasn't throbbing as before.
Condoms? Sure, he had plenty, as he knew that he would stash some at her place as well.
He couldn't wait to get next to her because he knew that feeling their bodies touching was sure to almost put him over the edge.
After he dried his hair, he looked at himself......
"Well, this is it man. Time to show this woman that you need her in your life" he said to his reflection in the mirror.
With that, he hung his towel on the back of the door and left the bathroom, which was adjacent to her bedroom and walked through the darkened doorway.
While Sean was getting clean I prepared for my shower then turned the bedcovers down to make the appearance more comfortable then dimmed the bedroom light.
I couldn't wait to get into the bathroom because I was looking forward to scrubbing my hair clean from all the sweat and dirt that had accumulated while we were moving and unpacking.
Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Sean appeared in the doorway of the bedroom.
I turned on the light so he wouldn't stumble or fall.
"Hi there, all squeaky clean?" I asked when he looked at me.
"As clean as I'll ever be. It's all yours now" he said then made room for me to pass him.
"I'll be back shortly" I said then walked past him on into the bathroom.
Sean looked through her cd collection and noticed that she had a pretty nice selection.
It seemed that the one that was now playing was Enya's "Celtic Rain". He liked that one because it was Irish and had a certain flair that he liked very much.
He noticed that four other cases were empty as well.
"Must be a 5-cd player", he thought.
He also realized that she had a collection of vinyl as well especially a lot of Patsy Cline and remembered once seeing a movie that Jessica Lang played in portraying Patsy in the leading role called "Sweet Dreams". His favorite song in the movie was "Walking After Midnight".
There was quite a lot of vintage music that he hadn't seen in a while himself.
Realizing that she had quite a selection of jazz, he smiled to himself, as he really liked jazz also.
"We're going to get along just fine", he said out loud then walked over to the bed which looked very inviting with its thick and fluffy covers.
My shower was wonderful and I didn't want to leave but knew that I had to as I had a wonderfully loving, handsome, talented, buff, rich and let's not forget famous man waiting for me right in the next room.
I wasn't sure if I should be honored, jealous, shy or proud as all of these revelations hit me all at once.
Regardless, I still couldn't get over the fact that he was famous, as he was just Sean O'Haire to me obviously because of how we met.
Toni was smiling when she came back into the room.
Sean wondered what she was thinking of.
"So what's putting such a pretty smile on your lovely face?" he asked.
"Oh nothing much, I was just thinking of how we met that's all" she said.
Just then, Sean started laughing as he'd remembered quite clearly himself.
"I was plastered, wasn't I?" she asked.
"Quite. I decided that instead of chase after you and try to explain myself that it would be best just to let it go because I had so much on my mind that night" he explained.
"Stop explaining sweetie. I'm just glad that I got to meet the REAL you and that everything has turned out fine" she said.
Next, I put my arms around his waist and pulled him to me as he looked down at me.......
Sean looked down at Toni as she hugged him. He next proceeded to pick her up and carried her to the bed placing her in the center.......
He couldn't imagine whether she'd protest or go along with the mood but her next words put his mind at ease......
"Sean, I haven't been with anyone else but I want you to be the first" she said as she caressed his face.
"Let me love you baby" he responded then proceeded to free her of her bindings.
They made passionate love.
The damn fool who let her go only had to know but one thing - that no matter what, he couldn't keep this good woman down because she was too good for him in the first place.
If he knew this, then he was definitely right.
But most of all he knew that at this very moment, she was the right woman who was loving him the way that he knew was good for his soul and he wasn't about to let her get away.
Afterwards, we were spent as we lay in each other's arms and emoted as we whispered sweet nothings dearly to each other.
We made no promises of the future and put no pressure on each other.
"Sean, that was beautiful. I love the way you make me feel" I said while rubbing his arm.
"Tell me about it. You're such a little spitfire. I have to watch out for you Ms. Barnhart" he said as he stroked my arm.
"What are you smiling at?" he asked next.
"I'm smiling at the happiness I have in my life now." I returned.
"I love making love with you already" I said with a smile as he wiped my brow with the back of his hand.
"And here I was thinking that I was the only one feeling it. That sure was one burning fire deep inside that you've finally put out. But I also have to tell you that it's not over" he said.
"You mean that we're not done tonight?" I asked curiously then raised an eyebrow.
"No, not about tonight. I mean that it's not over between us. As you've said before this is not a "hit and run" pleasure filled evening. I want more from you Toni and I know that this will take time baby but I'm ready for that" he explained.
"What are you saying Sean?" I asked as I turned my face to look directly at him.
"I mean thank God that you live in Georgia also. Thank God you're not that far away from me and thank God that I love you" he said as a big smile spread across his face.
I really looked at him then.
"You're telling me that you love me Sean?" I asked as I fully sat up.
"Yes, that's what I'm saying alright" he answered.
"Sean, I don't know what to say. I'm truly honored that's for damn sure but....... I....." I started but I didn't know how to tell him how I truly felt right now.
"I know that you're trying to say that you don't love me - I know that already sweetheart. I'm willing to give you all the time and the space you need to find out if you could possibly learn to love me and say those words to me without worry or hesitation but with a full heart" he explained then smiled that beautiful smile of his again.
"But Sean that's not the way it's supposed to be" I said sadly.
"I know baby but god works in mysterious ways, right?" he asked.
"Yes our God does" I said.
"Just look at us. When we first met, did you ever for once think that we would end up this far along in such a short period of time?" he asked.
"As a matter of fact, no. When we first met, I didn't know that we would end up together any kind of way at all. Something like this was never on my mind in the first place" I said then looked at him.
He looked a little hurt but I knew that was coming anyway.
"I don't feel bad about what you've just said because I agree. But look at us now. We've come a long way for two people - one who just ended a relationship and the other who didn't even have romance on the brain" he said.
"Sean, I can say that I love you in my own special way but I'm not in love with you and I know that you understand where I'm coming from but this takes time and I know that you truly respect that" I said.
"I know that and as I've said before, I'm willing to go the distance to see where this leads but only if you'll be by my side" he said.
"Are you saying that I should make this decision right now at this very moment?" I asked.
"No, not at all. I know that I'm leaving tomorrow and I want you to be happy in the meantime with no lingering pressures from me but I do want you to know that I'll be on the edge waiting to find out what your answer is going to be. That's as honest as I can be" he said then tweaked my nose.
I smiled when he did that.
"No matter what, I need time Sean" I said.
"I understand baby - believe me, I do" he said then lay his head back and pulled me closer to him.
After a while, I had a feeling that he would soon be yet I just had to feel him one more time.
With that, I reached down to his robe pocket and pulled out one more of those little packs that I ripped open some time ago.
When I did that, I noticed that his eyes were open and that he was smiling down at me when I sat back up.
"You're a sneaky one Ms. Barnhart. Regardless of your answer, I'm going to always treasure this time that we have together on this very night" he said then we made love again.
"Yeah, I'm never going to forget this night", he thought.
FRIDAY
"Today's the day" I said to myself after I slide the door open.
Next I heard him knocking on the bathroom door.........
"Come in" I said after I wrapped myself with a towel.
He came in smiling broadly.
"Hi baby" I said as he came to me with wide-open arms.
"Good Morning love" he said as he hugged me - close.
"It's all yours" I said.
"Yeah, I'd be best to hurry if I want to get you to work on time. As well, I have to check out of the hotel at 1:00pm" he said sadly.
"Sean, don't be sad. Everything will be fine - we just have to wait and see" I said.
"I know sweetheart but I'm not so sure if you'll always be here waiting for me after you decide what to do about us" he said.
"This is not just my final decision you know so don't leave it all up to me - this is a two way street" I added.
"I know sweetie and I don't mean to sound whiney but I can't help it if you've whipped me already" he said then pulled me to him again.
"Sean O'Haire whipped? Who would have ever guessed it?" I said then laughed.
He laughed right along with me.
"What would your friends and fans think if they knew that?" I asked slyly.
"Does it really matter?" he asked while appearing more serious.
"No it doesn't" I responded then watched him.
I wondered if something was on his mind besides the obvious.
"Sweetheart, I can't wait to learn everything about you - I need to know what makes you happy, what makes your heart leap, what makes you sad, what irritates you so that I won't do it again and especially what moves you. If it takes me a lifetime, I'll travel the distance until I know" he said.
With all that being said, we held each other more closely in our circle of comfort until I finally had to be going then he jumped in the shower while I got dressed.
"Sean, after you check out of your hotel, you can stay here until I'm ready to leave work then we'll spend the last few hours together before you have to go" I said while he was rushing after his shower.
"You mean that you trust me here all by myself?" he asked.
"Sweetie, get real. I trusted you with my physical life and nude body while I was sleeping last night, didn't I?" I asked.
"Yes, you did" he responded then smiled.
With that, we left the apartment and he drove me to work.
"I can't wait until I get back home again. I might just luck up within the next few weeks. Next time, I'll be coming for you - that's a definite. I'd love to take you with me to Atlanta to show you my place" he said as he drove.
"I was wondering when you'd get around to that" I said.
"That isn't even a subject worth discussing other than the details because it's you and me from here on out kid, that is, when you make your final decision" Sean said.
We pulled up in front of my building and he came around to open my door for me.......
"You're such a gentleman Sean" I said which was true.
With that, he stepped as close as he possibly could to me then we hugged.
"Here are the keys to my apartment and alarm system. I put the alarm on key remote so you won't have to worry about remembering to punch in any numbers" I explained.
"That's fine with me. You have a good day, ok sweetheart?" he said.
"For sure" I said.
He finally kissed my forehead and watched as I moved over to the front doors of Chevy's main entrance then I waved and disappeared inside.
2:30pm
"We're finally done" Pepper said as we'd just wrapped up our project in the Layout Room.
"You sure are creative Pepper" I said while watching her as she just finished fitting the Chevy logo onto posterboard.
"Me? What about you? This was all your idea in the first place" she said.
"And a damn good one. I can see why they hired you girl" Munchie chimed in.
"Look Ms. Studio, you were the one who came up with the presentation for the actors" I said.
"Let's put it like this, we are a team made in heaven" Munchie said.
We all laughed then as we agreed that we all worked so well together.
"I'm really going to miss Sean" I informed Munchie and Pepper as we were walking down the hall back to our offices.
"I can see that you will" Pepper said.
"Yeah, me too. I saw when you came in this morning after he dropped you off" Munchie said.
"We're going to spend the last few hours together before he leaves tonight" I said.
"I feel for you but you'll still keep in touch with him, right?" Munchie asked.
"Yes. He also wants me to think about us being together as a couple but I'm kind of skeptical because of the distance" I said.
"Come on now Toni. He does live in Atlanta right?" Pepper asked.
"Yeah, he does but......"I started.
"But nothing. That only means that he'll be returning no matter what and I'm almost positively sure that he'll be coming to get you next time he's here. That's for sure" Pepper said.
"T, you have to get with the program. You will have time to think this all through for the both of you and it's not all up to you to make all the decisions between the two of you but you have to cut him some slack too because of what he does for a living. I'm sure that he'd prefer to be here with you instead of out on the road now that he's found the woman of his dreams" Munchie chimed in.
I looked at her but didn't say anything.......
"I knew I was right. You should see your face" Munchie added as she looked at me closely.
"If it'll make you any happier, I heard from Mark and he said that he's looking forward to seeing me again sometime after he and Chuck have their run out in OVW which is where Sean is stationed. So I won't see him for about a month and believe me when I say that I'm looking forward to seeing him again" Pepper added.
"And, Reno called me out of nowhere. Shocked I was when I heard his voice on the phone last night. He was saying something about that "life's a bitch and then you move on" but that was in reference to when we parted ways that night. He also said that because of his travels that he probably would never get a chance at a decent relationship but he's not going to let this chance with me keep him from at least finding out if he's able to make someone happy while doing what he does. We agreed that we should at least give it a try to see how it works out" Munchie updated.
"Damn, you two. I'm glad to see that things are going so well for the both of you - especially you Munchie because I had a feeling that you weren't too happy with where things left off anyway" I said.
"Yeah, I know. It was pretty weird because we had such a good time that night" she said.
"Isn't it funny how things worked out for us here? And I have to thank you my dear buddy for being in the right place at the right time" Pepper said to me.
"Here Here" Munchie chimed in then we laughed.
I have my weekends off of course and Monday was our big presentation to the company for the new promotion of Chevy's 2003 SUV 8:00am sharp and I was way beyond ready.
We wrapped up at exactly 4:00pm, which left me with a lot of time on my hands though there was no need for me to stay around any longer.
I decided to call Sean just then.....
"Barnhart residence" Sean said when he picked up.
"Hi there - that was nice" I said with a smile.
"Hey babe, how are tricks?" he asked.
"Everything's fine here and I'm all wrapped up for the day. What have you been up to?" I asked.
"Well, I checked out of the hotel as planned then came back here and slept a while. Your place is so comfortable and welcoming. I was just sitting here thinking about you baby because I know that I'm going to miss you to death" he said.
"I'll miss you very much and will be counting the days until you return" I said.
Strange but I couldn't believe that I was actually saying those words to another man so soon after my last breakup but who cares. That's how I felt so that's why I said it.
"Are you ready for me to come and get you?" he asked.
"Yes. I'll be at the front door when you come through but take your time" I said.
"Believe me, I'll be there in 20 minutes" he said then hung up.
I had wished everyone well to have a nice weekend as others started leaving early as well.
When Munchie and Pepper came out ready to leave, they made sure to stop by and see me.
"Good luck kiddo and tell Mr. O'Haire that he's in his right mind to keep you on your toes in reference to moving on with your life" Pepper said.
Munchie just smiled at what she said as she agreed with Pepper wholeheartedly.
"Look you two, have a wonderful weekend. Who knows, maybe we'll get the chance to do something. I'll try to call at least one of you if I'm free" I said.
"Sounds good to me though I'll be busy as all heck myself" Munchie said.
"Same here" Pepper said.
"We'll see. If not I'll see you two on Monday" I said.
"Goodnight Toni" Pepper said.
"Goodnight Toni" Munchie said also.
With that, they both checked out and left.
While I waited for Sean, I thought of what Pepper and Munchie said earlier.
I know that with Sean's constant travels, I would be opening myself up to thoughts of their being other women in his life but that exists anyway regardless and the only thing I could do is continue my strong trust in prayer as my trust in anything else is pretty low.
I pray that Sean is a faithful man and that the rumors remain nothing more than just that - rumors.
I am looking forward to believing that Sean's faithfulness is true to his word because I refuse to follow-up on every rumor that's sure to arise as you'll have to put it in my face to make me believe anyway.
My actions afterward will be of my own accord as my sanity depends upon how I plan to live the rest of my life.
Better yet, I should be more pleased that we're not always around each other that way it would give us some breathing room as well as a chance to miss each other.
Regardless, this will be a true test of time in devotion though that's just what I did in the last relationship and look where it's gotten me.
"Look on the bright side, at least my heart will be set on a new course to see if I was put on this earth to even be able to make a man happy as I've always believed I could", I thought out loud.
If we were meant to be, I will have enough time on my hands to find out for sure.
My faith and belief in the lord up above will guide me - this, I know.
4:45pm
Sean picked me up in exactly 20 minutes as he said he would.
"He's so punctual and on time as usual. At least I know I can depend on that", I thought to myself as I walked out the front door over to his truck.
"Are you hungry?" Sean asked as he directed us back to my place then he looked over at me.
I was hungry all right, but definitely not for food.
I didn't voice this though because I knew how he probably was feeling right now and if we made love again, it would just break my heart afterwards because he'd be leaving.
"I'm ok but we can stop and get something if you're hungry" I updated.
He looked at me again then immediate pulled over to the side of the highway.......
"What's the matter baby?" Sean asked as he turned in my direction.
"I'm ok. Why do you ask?" I said as I tried to hide how I was truly feeling.
"Because I probably feel the same way" he said.
I looked at him then - he seemed lost.
"Come on now Sean. It's bad enough that I'm moping because you're leaving but one of us has to be strong here and I figured that since you had the larger muscles, that it would be you" I said then smiled.
He started laughing.
"See, I knew that I could bring a smile to your face" I added.
"I'm going to miss you so much" he said then leaned over and kissed me.
We continued the drive to my house.
"I think that instead of eating that I would like to spend these last few hours just gazing at you before I go" Sean said.
"That sounds like a plan because I was thinking that instead of us eating which of course would make your stomach queasy on the road and instead of us making love which of course would make you sleepy, that we just wrap ourselves together and reminisce while you're gazing deeply into my eyes" I said with a smile.
"No food and no loving? You sure know how to torture a guy but we could do that" Sean said.
"Look on the bright side, you'll attack me when you get back which is what I'm surely looking forward to" I said.
He gave me the shifty eyebrow as we pulled into my apartment complex.......
When he came around to open my door and as I got out, the next thing I knew, I was being hoisted up over his shoulder and carried over to the elevator.
"Sean! You don't have to carry me - especially like this" I said from atop his shoulder.
"Me Caveman - You Cavewoman - Me Want You!" he said.
All I could do was giggle.
Not another word escaped my lips as he carried me up to my apartment door and of course we had to pass one of my neighbors who just smiled at our actions. I didn't care because I didn't know her anyway.
Finally, after opening the door and carrying me inside he put me down on the sofa but only after he'd closed and locked the door.
"Wow! That was fun" I said then started laughing.
"Yeah, it was wasn't it" he said then laughed along with me.
"So what now?" I asked.
"Well, whether I'm tired or not after I leave really doesn't matter because it would be well worth it but there is no way in hell that I'm going to leave here without making love to you at least one more time" he said.
"Sean, you'll be all tired" I whined.
"Come here baby" he said.
With that, he pulled me off the sofa to him and guided me to my bedroom where he undressed me, then himself, then made love to me like tomorrow would never come which is what I prayed as well then we passed out.
I woke to my alarm kicking off something terrible - it was now 7:30pm.
In my groggy state as I was leaning over to turn it off, I fell out of the bed and was miraculously caught while flailing my arms before I connected with the floor.
That's when I realized that Sean had caught me and was lifting me back into the bed.
He was up and had already dressed as he had set the alarm but was in the bathroom when it went off that's why he was able to come to my rescue before my accident.
"Always there when you call" he said.
"Always on time" I said as I hugged him close to me.
"It's almost time for me to be going baby" he said after he kissed my forehead.
"I know and to not make this any harder than I know its going to be, I better get up and see you off the way a real woman should" I said as I jumped out of the bed and high-tailed it into the shower.
15 minutes later as I dressed...
"I'm really going to miss making love with you Sean" I said after I just put my shoes on.
"Yeah, what are you going to do with yourself now that I'll be gone?" he asked.
"I'll work myself to death and keep my legs closed until you return" I laughed.
"Uh, yeah, right" he said then laughed also.
I walked over to him and we hugged.
"Let me walk you to your truck" I said as we walked into the front room.
"There's something that I owe you the next time we make love again baby" Sean said.
"What's that?" I asked.
"I think we both know what that is" he said then smiled.
I thought about it for a moment then smiled........
"Yeah, I agree as I also owe you something as well during our next intimate interlude" I said.
"Yeah and I'm really looking forward to it" he said.
"Oh, there's something else that I almost forgot. I have something for you" I said as I raced to the front closet and pulled out a gift that I bought for the both of us.
I handed him a box and when he opened it he smiled when he pulled out the item.
It was a thick cotton tee shirt with "Psycho Sexy" on the back and "Always there when you call, Always on time" on the front.
"It's just a little something I had made on my lunch hour today. Here look at mine" I said as I handed him my tee.
It had the words "I've Been Thrilled By A Natural Born Thriller" on the front and "Psycho Sexy's Girl" on the back.
Sean just looked at me in shock then smiled.
"How did you know?" he asked in reference to the NBT reference.
"I guess I've finally done my homework" I responded then reached over to kiss him.
With that, I guided him to the front door as he carried his shirt and we went down to the parking lot.
We stopped just short of his truck's door and he turned to me.
"Toni, I feel bad leaving you like this. It's so wrong with me leaving you behind" he said.
"Sean, we knew that this time was coming. You're supposed to have more confidence in us. If you start again, then I'm going to start crying myself" I said.
"Don't cry baby. I guess I'm just more emotional than the average man no matter how much of a hard ass I am" he said.
"I won't cry but that doesn't mean that I don't want to or that I'm not hurting internally. If I start crying, it'll only mean that I'm going to whine all the while that you're gone and I don't want to do that as I'm supposed to be a strong willed woman, remember?" I asked.
"I know but you will miss me, right?" he asked sadly.
"Miss you? If I wasn't busy working my ass off, I'd go with you but you couldn't have that because I'll be jealous all the while women are around you. As much as I shudder at the thought, I know that it's a great boost to your ego to have fans and so many women around but I'm not going to sweat it" I said.
"You'll be jealous, huh?" he said then smiled.
"Don't get me started Sean" I said then smiled.
The Clock Finally Hit 8:00pm.......
"Keep in touch, Mr. Traveling man" I said to him after he closed the door to his truck.
"I'm going to miss you baby" he said.
"Not as much as I'll miss you" I returned.
He leaned out the window to kiss me and we held each other for a few minutes.
"Get back upstairs" he said after we parted.
"Will do, sir" I said then saluted.
With that, he kicked the truck into drive and took off while looking back in his rearview mirror.
As Sean drove off into the night, he thought of how he couldn't wait to get back to Atlanta.
If not for the comfort of his home then most definitely for the woman of his dreams because he was in love.
"Psycho Sexy, indeed" he said out loud as he looked over at the tee shirt that Toni had given him and smiled.
Sean roared down the ramp onto the highway.
"I've got to speak with Kenny asap", he thought as he hit the bypass to get him onto the interstate connection into Louisville.
"Bye Sean" I said out to the darkness as I stood there watching well after his truck disappeared into the night.
Soon I realized that tears were running down my cheeks.
"Well, at least I didn't cry in front of him" I said out loud as I headed back to my apartment.
When I got inside, I called home after I wiped my eyes.......
"Hi Mom!" I said after my mother answered.
"Toni, sweetheart how are you?" she asked.
"I'm good and I want to let you know that I've met someone" I said.
"Oh my, already? That's good baby. Is he being good to you?" she asked.
I looked over at my tee shirt then smiled.
"Yeah, he's good to me all right" I said.
"So how are things there?" I asked.
"Everything is fine and two strangers from the past have been fighting like cats and dogs" she said.
I couldn't help but smile.
"That's funny. Anyway, I've completed my first big project and will be presenting it on Monday" I said.
"I'll keep my fingers crossed but I don't think it's necessary" she said.
"Mother, there's a strong possibility that I'll be returning home for a visit in about a month but I have to wait and see how things turn out here first. I'm sure that I'll need at least two weeks to a month to determine when I'll be back because of the time that I've been here so far as well as when my friend will be available. Though for now it looks like it'll be closer to a month before I'll be back" I said.
"That would be wonderful but do you think that bringing him is a good idea?" she asked.
"Yes I do. That's just the medicine I needed to cure what's been bothering me lately. I've come to realize that I can't stop living my life because of what's happened to me there. I'm not doing this to flaunt in what's his names face that I've moved past him but because of him and what he's done to me, this will only put the icing on the cake" I explained.
"I guess you're right but do you think that your friend will be happy with that?" she asked.
"As a matter of fact, "yes". He'll be happy with it and he'll stand behind my decision. Though I know that if he's not available to come with me that I'll be coming back by myself though there are two people that I'd prefer not to see if you know what I mean" I said.
"Believe me, I know exactly what you mean" she said.
"Anyway, Sean and I met on the train on my way in" I said then stopped myself as I didn't want to give too much information away - not just yet.
"What type of work does he do?" she asked.
"Well, he travels in what he does for a living and now he's up in Louisville but will probably be returning in the two week to a month's time span that's why I wanted to wait until he returned" I said.
"So he's not there with you in Hales Corners?" she asked.
"No, by the way he lives in Atlanta and was up here for business reasons. On the train, he got off in Atlanta and then came up here to HC the next day then he just left tonight for where he's stationed now in Louisville" I explained.
"So you have yourself a traveling man? That's great because you don't have to look at each other constantly and will have the chance to miss each other" she said.
"Tell me about it. I was thinking the exact same thing. With me and what's his name that was probably one of the main problems and I didn't even realize it until just now. With Sean traveling, it'll give me a chance to miss him and find out for sure if this is exactly what I want and need in my life" I said.
"I'm so proud of you baby. I know that you have completely recovered from what's his name but it's so great to see that you're well past him and have moved on to what I hear sounds like what may become a great relationship" she said.
"Yeah, but I just only have to get used to him traveling. Other than that, it's all good" I said.
"What about other women?" she asked.
"That's always going to be there lingering in the back of my mind here or there but that's just one of the things that humans can never stop thinking about unfortunately. I just hate that but life isn't supposed to be easy, right?" I asked.
"You're right there. Baby, I have to go but you take care of yourself and of course keep in touch as I'll be looking forward to your next call" she said.
"I love you mom" I said.
"I love you too baby" she said then we hung up.
As he drove, Sean suddenly stopped his truck on the median off the interstate and got out because his favorite song had just come on the radio.
He slowly put his arms up in a couple's stance thinking of how it would be nice to hold Toni in his arms while dancing with her to this tune when he returned to Georgia.
He slowly made his way around his truck as he moved while the song blared.........
Walkin' After Midnight
(Patsy Cline)
I go out walkin' after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do
I'm always walkin' after midnight searchin' for you
I walk for miles along the highway
Well, that's just my way
Of sayin' I love you
I'm always walkin' after midnight, searchin' for you
CHORUS:
I stop to see a weepin' willow
Cryin' on his pillow
Maybe he's cryin' for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I'm lonesome as I can be
I go out walkin' after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hopin' you may be
Somewhere a-walkin' after midnight, searchin' for me
He moved so gracefully as the song played on and on.......
I went over to my cd player, turned it on then checked the selection.
After I changed the cd's that were still in the player, I hit the "play" button and one of my favorite Patsy songs started.
Suddenly, I smiled as I put my arms up in a couple's stance thinking of how I couldn't wait for Sean to return and dance me to this tune.
I go out walkin' after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do
I'm always walkin' after midnight searchin' for you
I walk for miles along the highway
Well, that's just my way
Of sayin' I love you
I'm always walkin' after midnight, searchin' for you
CHORUS:
I stop to see a weepin' willow
Cryin' on his pillow
Maybe he's cryin' for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I'm lonesome as I can be....
I slowly made my way around the bedroom and on into the hallway singing to myself as I moved while the song continued to play.....
The End