This is the fourth part in a George/Rube untitled series. Please R&R
Disclaimer: Dead Like Me and its characters are the creation of Bryan Fuller et al. and are copy written under MGM/Showtime/etc. No infringement of their rights is intended. The stories written under the penname Gabigail, however, do belong to me. None are written for profit and are intended for entertainment purpses only.
To New Beginngs
Morning sunlight dances across my face through white gauzy curtains. I've thrown most of my bedding off, only a cotton sheet remains over me. I am in my own bed, in my own room, the house is quiet until the door is thrust open and my mother barges in. My eyes flutter open just as the dream seems to disappear and my reality creeps into the foreground. In the darkness I cannot help but feel disoriented as my eyes adjust.
But I'm not in my own bed, I'm not being yelled at by my mother hurrying me to get to work, I'm undead. The clues as to where I am not is deduced by the warm body that is pressed against me along my back and the strong arm that is draped over me, hugging me tightly. It is with a deep breath that I recall where I am and who I'm with. Oh what have I done? I wonder as I relive the tenderness of the previous night, my eyes rest upon the alarm clock that resides upon the bedside table, which reads six thirty.
My smile widens knowing that I'm safe with Rube. I take a deep breath and with it, inhale his smell that seems to surround me. I don't want to wake up, don't want to return to reality, I just want this moment to last as long as I can have it, but there is one problem. Daisy. She knows that I left last night, but is there a way to sneak in? I wonder. I have plenty of time to get home and pretend to be rising around seven-thirty, which will give me enough time to shower and change my clothes before meeting the gang for breakfast.
Allowing my mind to wander back to my comfort, I think Rube has sensed that I'm awake because I hear and feel him as he inhales the scent of my hair before nuzzling my neck. Go back to sleep Rube, I think as I try to untangle myself from his embrace in an attempt to get out of bed. He tightens his hold on me in response.
"Why in such a hurry?" his voice is hoarse from sleep. I move within his arms and lie on my back, his arm still draped over me.
"Daisy." I say quietly, knowing that's a good enough reason as any. "Go back to sleep, I'll see you later for breakfast." I try to release myself from his grasp, but he tightens his grip on me in a playful manner. "I don't want Daisy to know." I say with a small grin, a grin I don't think will ever leave my lips again. I hear him sigh heavily as he releases me, I sit up and the sheets and blanket fall around my waist.
"What's so wrong with the others knowing?" he asks, I can see his expression is soft and yet at the same time unreadable. "You're not?" he doesn't finish his thought.
"Never would I ever have any regrets, or second thoughts." I pause taking in his expression. "I like things the way they are. No one needs to know." I reply kissing his nose gently before unwrapping myself from the covers to find the rest of my clothes. I am sure that he knows how I feel. Had I a choice I would never want this moment to end, that had we eternity, I'd easily spend it with him in his arms. He nods instead in a silent understanding, as he seems to know what I'm thinking, as I get my locket from the bedside table. He sits up, lounges against the headboard and gestures for me to allow him to replace it around my neck. I smile as I sit on the edge of the bed and raise my hair out of the way for him to carefully place it along my collarbone and fastens it. He then kisses my neck, sending a shiver down my spine as I let my hair fall back in place.
"Thank you." I kiss him warmly before putting on my coat and heading out.
I walk home in the quite of predawn, it's a really beautiful time of morning or night, if one prefers. There's that strange quietness from the fresh blanket of snow on the ground and I don't really notice the crispness in the air as I round the corner of my street. It's funny, but I am extra quiet as I head up the steps to my front door and just as careful as I slip the cold key into the lock before turning the knob, still afraid to wake the sleeping princess. I successfully close the door behind me with the slightest click and decide to just take off my boots, leaving my jacket on till I get upstairs to my room. I cautiously take the first step.
"Out all night Georgia?" Daisy inquires from the kitchen. I turn around in shock to find her up at this hour.
"I couldn't sleep." I say causally.
"So what? You walked around in the cold all night?" she lifts her brows slightly and sips whatever is in the mug, I assume its coffee. Coffee would be a delightful idea, I think as I slip out of my coat and hang it in the closet before going into the kitchen to make a cup.
"Something like that." I fill the pot with water and add the correct amount of crystals to a mug.
"Georgia, who the hell do you think you're fooling?" she stares at me over the rim of her mug. I take this as a really bad sign. I didn't notice that my top is fairly low cut and the locket is shimmering slightly. "What's that?" she asks.
"What's what?" I tell you that girl can be very confusing at times. I'm sure that my expression matches my question.
"That around your neck?" she looks at me suspiciously. "You're not, as you once said to me, and I quote; stealing from the dead? Are you?" her look quite frankly is priceless.
"No Daisy, I'm not stealing from the dead. It was a gift." I sigh as I roll my eyes.
"Who is if from?" she inquires tilting her head.
"No one." I reply simply, knowing that if I tell her, everyone will know and right now I'm not ready to share my private happiness. It isn't even that, per se, it's the fact that as quickly as it began it can end. Therefore, the fewer people who have knowledge of my personal life, the better.
"Well it's too nice to be from Mason. So you must have a real boyfriend then?"
"Daisy, not that it's any of your business and even if I had a boyfriend, I sure as hell wouldn't tell you. Remember that whole Ronnie thing?" I snap at her slightly and she nods. "I really don't want to talk about this." I add as I put cream in my coffee and take it up to my room.
I close my door and pull the blanket and sheet back, slip into bed to drink my coffee and read a magazine. I have enough time to get ready to meet everyone at the waffle house after my coffee and a quick shower. It suddenly hits me that I should check to see when I have to go back to work and I open my day planner. Perfect! The fourth is circled, which gives me a nice mini vacation. My part-time job at Happy Time has offered me a source of income; seeing that being a grim reaper is just a sucky public service type job that doesn't pay, so I have to do something in order to live, or rather exist.
I check the time and decide to shower, brush my teeth and whatnot before I dress and head out to meet the rest of the crew at the waffle house. I am so happy that I actually sing in the shower as I rinse the shampoo from my hair and the soap from my body. I cannot help the feeling that for the first time I feel so alive. Boy, I really missed out while I was alive though, I think as I dry my pinkish body and wrap myself in the large towel before brushing my teeth. I dress and tie my hair in a pony tail as I make my way downstairs thinking that I'll meet Daisy and we'll head out together, but she's nowhere in sight. That's very odd, I wonder what's got her, as I get my coat out of the closet and put it on before making my way out.
The air isn't as crisp as it was when I left Rube's earlier, but there is that before snow smell around me as I walk down the street. I stop before entering the restaurant and slip my locket under my blouse. I'm fairly certain Daisy has already said something to the others, but I'd rather not let anyone else in on my secret. I see the crew sitting at our regular table; only Rube isn't with them. That's odd, I think as I open the door and the bell above signals my arrival. Boxing day isn't usually a busy day because families are still visiting.
Kiffany must be off today, or has a later shift because Casey glances up, smiles seeing that it's only me, and gets a fresh pot of coffee to pour into a mug for me. I sit across from Daisy and Roxy, who both stare at me for a very long moment.
"There's something different about you today." Roxy says with an almost knowing wink. I wrinkle my nose in surprise.
"Different? How do you mean by different?" I ask honestly not understanding her comment.
"Oh I don't know. There's a spring in your step. Whatever you're on girl, I'd love some." She says with a smile. I hope she doesn't know what it is, because I'm not sharing. Daisy keeps looking out the window, I suppose hoping that Rube will magically appear; I'm not sure. Mason opens another packet of sugar or sweetener or whatever and is pouring it onto his tongue.
"Must you always do that?" Roxy snaps at him in a quasi-motherly tone. He looks at her and sticks his tongue out at her.
"Both of you just knock it off." Daisy suddenly exclaims in her I have a headache tone. I send Mason a get in line glance and he quickly swallows his tongue full of whatever.
"May I take your order?" Casey asks as she takes her pen from behind her ear.
"We're waiting for someone."
"Some more coffee while you wait?"
"Yes thank you." Daisy says and Casey turns on her heel making her way to the open kitchen to get a fresh pot. I make a move to get up. I need to know what's going on with Rube.
"Where are you going?" Mason looks up from his menu. I don't answer him instead I get enough from my wallet to cover my coffee and head out.
Despite the fact that I have an intended purpose, I feel as though I'm wandering. What could be the hold up? I wonder as I round the corner and nearly bump right into Rube.
"Where are you off to in such a rush Peanut?" he asks.
"I thought something was wrong." I reply, hoping that I don't sound like a total quad. He looks around quickly, smiles brightly, and kisses my forehead before we walk to Der Waffle Haus.
"Look who I found." He announces to the group as we sit at the table and wait for Casey to take our orders. "Banana Bonanzas all around." He says happily with a smile before adding, "Post-its too." His smile is almost contagious, I cannot help but notice how even Daisy seems to lighten up.
"By the way, what are we doing for New Year's?" I speak up wanting to be able to make some sort of plans either with the group, or an evening alone with Rube.
"I almost forgot about that." Daisy says and smiles. "I figure that we could do the same thing as we did for Christmas. Have a really great party, and Roxy, you, Mason and Rube could stay over." She seems so happy that I don't really know what to say. At this point all I do is look at Rube and he nods slightly.
"Okay, I'm in." I say happily, glad to have my new family under the same roof again for another holiday.
"Totally!" Mason exclaims with a smile. Roxy nods and our plans start to take shape. Casey returns with our orders and we have a very chatty breakfast. I'm not totally bummed today with having an appointment, just so long as it isn't a little one, I really don't think that I could stand it ruining my internal happiness, things have been going so well. I double check my Post-it and collect my coat before heading out to my appointment. At least its first thing in the morning, I can get it out of the way and do a few things, I think.
"Catch you guys later." I say over my shoulder as I make my way out, Roxy follows. We make our way down the street without a word. It almost seems that she wants to be a fair distance from the waffle house before speaking to me.
"So tell me what's going on." She asks as we walk.
"Going on?" I look at her.
"Yeah girl, between you and Rube. Look, I didn't want to say anything before because I wasn't a hundred percent sure." She stops me mid stride and turns to face me; I have no way of avoiding eye contact.
"I don't know what to say." I reply wanting to get a move on it so that I don't mess up my appointment.
"It's a beautiful locket." She says and that gets my attention when I know she hasn't seen it.
"Huh?"
"I helped Rube pick it out. He wanted something very special. After your inquiry over lunch and Rube's constant questions about you, I figured that it was for you, so when we were out and saw it, I thought it was perfect." She winks and I cannot stop the smile and the blush that works it way from my toes to my cheeks. Of course Roxy would know, she's not stupid, and she's Rube's most trusted confident. "I haven't nor will I say anything to anyone. I know that's not my place. Besides, I like seeing the two of you happy." She adds smiling. "It took him long enough."
"Thanks Roxy." I say and we continue our walk. We part at the police station where Roxy now works and I continue my trek to my appointment. It's somewhere in the park, so I'm thinking a cross-country skier, a dog walker, a hiker or just someone cutting through. Wish I had a dog to walk, at least I would look normal and not like I'm waiting for someone. In the dead of winter, you don't sit around on a bench and wait for someone.
But as it seems as usual my wait isn't that long as I think I see M. Murray. He's not old exactly, but at least he's not a little boy. He walks along with a fairly pretty lady and a dog, but then I see a little girl straggling behind.
"Felicia!" her mother calls and my heart breaks into a million pieces. "Mike you know I'd rather her run ahead of us than behind." He nods his understanding and they drop in speed to allow the bundled up child to run ahead. How do the others do this? If I hadn't seen the happy family, it would have made it that much easier. Damn it! I have a job to do, so I take a deep breath and pass the lone graveling before brushing against him, popping his soul. I don't look back, I keep walking, knowing that he will either be engulfed in the lights, or find me for direction. Either way I hear the commotion, as I'm sure people are gathering around him trying to do whatever they can, but finding that it's too late.
It's funny how they always find you, or seem to know that you're the one who will help them.
"Hey wait!" he calls, it's that or I'm the only one who pays him any attention. I slowly turn around.
"Yeah?" I say casually, trying to hide my feelings. He catches up to me and we walk for a bit before the lights appear.
"Is that for me?" he asks and I nod. "Thank you." He states as if everything makes sense and he disappears into the lights.
The rest of the week, pretty much follows Boxing Day for me. Meet everyone for breakfast and do the appointment thing. Daisy and I have also decorated for our New Year's bash, finalized our menu, and have the shopping done. Even though I've been keeping busy, the only thing that seems to make things bearable is the time I spend with Rube.
"So do you think our Post-its will interfere with the plans Daisy has cooked up?" I ask as I'm sitting comfortably in his lap. I turn my head to look at him and he gives that I'm thinking look before answering.
"I don't know for sure. I know death won't be taking a day off; it did that a couple of months ago. Hopefully, it will be daytime appointments for us so that we can enjoy our evening." He says with a bright smile, before kissing my cheek. I'm still not convinced though, we've been very fortunate as it stands, but with my luck, I'm going to end up with a midnight Post-it. I almost cringe at the thought, instead I pickup the remote and change the channel.
"Hey I was watching that." He says as he tries to grab it from me and we crash to the floor in hysterics, Rube tickling me for possession on the remote.
"Okay, okay! You win!" I cannot help but shriek out while I hand it over, but for some reason that doesn't stop him, and I'm still being tickled to death. "Stop, stop, please." I laugh pleading for the near torture to end. Finally he stops and I collapse in his arms, part of the plan, I conclude as I smile my thanks and kiss his chin as we lounge entwined on the floor.
"May I ask you something?"
"Anything George." He replies as he tightens his grip around me.
"How does Roxy know about us?" I say in a tone that won't upset him. I can feel and hear him take a deep breath before answering.
"Because around you I was nervous, almost shy."
"What?"
"As you know matters of the heart, are always complicated. I asked Roxy for advice on how to approach you because I didn't want to look foolish. The things I felt, I haven't felt in a very long time and thinking of the possibility that you may not return those feelings scared me. Why I spoke with Roxy? Because I know that I can trust her." I turn to face him and cannot stop the smile that creeps across my lips. With Rube's story consistent with Roxy's, I think back to the lunch I had with her, and had I been more attentive to the look she gave me when I inquired about Rube, it had been a dead giveaway.
I smile before looking at my watch. I know I should get going, I don't want the third degree from Daisy again, even if she has a valid point, I can't sit through another lecture. I swear there are times when she can best my mother. I stand and hold out my hands for him to take, which he does and I pull him to his feet. I put my arms around him and hold him tightly.
"I had better get going, or Daisy will have a bird." I kiss him before breaking the embrace and getting my coat. "See you tomorrow night." I grab one last kiss before he opens the door and I make my way to the elevator and home.
It isn't too late when I arrive home, so I'm not too concerned with how careful I am as I make my way up the steps, or put the key in the lock, or opening and closing the door. Daisy is sitting in the living room, the television is on and she is reading through a fashion magazine.
"Hey Georgia." She says lifting her head to greet me.
"Hey." I reply as I take off my coat and hang it in the closet, remove my boots, and place them on the mat. "A quiet evening?"
"Something like that." She replies as she turns the page. "I'm excited about tomorrow night though."
"Really?"
"Of course I'm excited. Did you know that the person you spend New Year's Eve with, is the person you'll spend the year with?"
"What?
"Yeah, it's right here. See?" she shows me the page and I nearly choke. This has to be a joke. She's trying to get me to fess up. Daisy, I'm not that stupid, I think to myself as I sigh and head upstairs to take a shower and get ready for bed.
I lie in bed staring at the ceiling for a long time thinking before the alarm goes off. I shut off the high-pitched buzzing and slowly sit up, my feet find my fuzzy slippers beside the bed and I head to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my hair, and teeth. It seems to take me longer to wake up this morning, I suppose not really sleeping too well is contributing to it, but I hear that's part of the job. A side effect perhaps of being around so much death, at least that's what Mason says.
I know that it's going to be cold out, but my hand rests on a casual skirt and blouse. I am quick in dressing and even quicker to bound downstairs to find Daisy getting her coat from the closet.
"Morning sleepyhead." She says, handing me my coat.
"Morning." I reply in as neutral tone as possible. I don't want to get into anything with her right now.
I'm very surprised to find the waffle house busting at the seams, it seems everyone and their uncle is having breakfast this morning. I guess it's a good thing that Rube and Roxy are up early, or we wouldn't have a table. I slip in beside Rube and Daisy sits beside me, pressing me into him as usual, and I open the menu.
"So what's our Post-it situation?" Roxy asks hoping that we won't be needed on a midnight appointment. I'm not sure if Rube's taking his time because there's a midnight Post-it, or merely creating drama.
"Let's order first, shall we." He announces.
"Come on Rube, if there's bad news, I'd rather have it now." Daisy whines with a ruby red pout. Rube just shakes his head as the waitress returns to take our orders. As we wait, we talk about the little things, and the topic of New Year's resolutions comes up.
"Well I'm not really into making them." I say.
"Is that so? And why not?" Mason asks.
"Because I'll only end up breaking it right? So I stopped making them years ago. Besides, if there is anything that I need to change or improve upon, I simply start when it hits me." I explain.
"She's right you know." Rube interjects, "most of us make resolutions, but what's the average of one keeping their resolution?"
"People keep their resolutions as well as they keep their promises." Mason adds. I nod my ascent and Daisy also agrees.
"Yes, but it's a tradition, and most people cling to that for some reason." Roxy adds. And we all nod.
The waitress returns with our orders and we continue our conversation. I am first finished, only because I ordered a coffee and a toasted bagel with cream cheese. So I sit patiently for the others to finish. Normally, I would ask for my Post-it, but I'm still a little nervous. Even when the others finish their breakfasts, they don't ask. Somehow, I think we dread bad news and everything has been going so well lately, perhaps a little too well. If any of these are midnight appointments, it's going to be such a downer. I frown and rest my head in my hands.
Rube takes his time in finishing and sets his plate aside before opening the warn leather planner that he keeps closed with elastic bands that he puts around his wrist. He thumbs through the pages. Strange, usually he has everything set and it's just a matter of handing us our Post-it, or quickly writing the needed information; first initial, last name, location, and estimated time of death. He finally stops at the page and plucks the Post-its from their places.
"Two for you." He hands Mason his. Mason looks at them and smiles.
"Cool! Done before dinner." He says happily.
"These are yours." He hands five Post-its to Daisy.
"At least they are in the same location. Different times? What's up with that?" She sighs dramatically. "Thanks." She gets up to make her way out. "Georgia, I'll be back before three." She calls over her shoulder before the door closes. That's lucky for her.
"Roxy." He hands her seven. She doesn't even flinch.
"Thanks. See you guys around six?" she confirms the time of our gathering.
"Yeah." I smile at her luck.
"I better get going." She picks up her hat and heads out. I'm afraid the horribly late Post-it is mine. It'll be okay if Rube has one too. I look up as if that's going to do any good.
"Georgia. Your Post-its." I look through them for the ETD None past five, oh joy! I almost exclaim, but I don't want to draw too much attention to myself. I then notice the little js in brackets again. Ah well, if its Rube who's joining me that's even better, more time with him. I cannot suppress my grin. Mason looks at me with a puzzled expression before putting his share on the table and making his way out. I look at Rube and grin.
"How did you manage this?"
"Manage what?" he looks at me innocently.
"None of us have late appointments, which gives us time to all be together. And you managed two Post-its for us? Isn't that a little evil?" He doesn't answer, just gets some money from his wallet, puts it on the table with mine, and we make our way out.
Our Post-its aren't until after lunch, so we head out. It's quite a piece away, which also leads me to wonder. Two Post-its, in the same location, what will we be walking in on. I try to put those thoughts out of my head as Rube drives. The roads aren't very pleasant and I just hope that someone doesn't do anything stupid and we get caught in an accident on our way there or back. I close my eyes and think of how wonderful and magical this evening is going to be, but that article Daisy showed me remains in the back of my mind.
I open my eyes and we're now driving on a country road, the snow is heavy, but at the same time creates a picturesque scene and I smile.
"What's that smile for?" Rube suddenly asks, I guess he had a moment to look over at me.
"Oh nothing." My smile widens with my reply.
"George nothing doesn't usually cause one to smile like the cat who just ate the canary." He says as he turns down another road. He pulls into a driveway and opens his door. I follow his lead and we walk up a long driveway. It's this solitary mansion with stonewalls that looks like somewhere one would film a movie or something.
"Nice place." I say under my breath. Rube looks at me and we stop at the door, he presses the doorbell and a butler answers.
"Your cousin has been expecting you." He says and moves to let us in. Cousin? I think as Rube removes his shoe guards and I put on a pair of shoes, removing my slushy boots.
Although I do my best to hide it, I'm in total awe. The butler shows us to a library or study and we wait. I can't sit in the comfortable overstuffed leather sofa, nor can I sit in the chair that sits in front of this amazing fireplace. Instead, I walk around and look at the volumes of books that fill the never-ending built-in shelves. Rube sits, opens a newspaper, and reads through the headlines.
It isn't long until a woman dressed in a casual gauzy skirt and fitted jacket enters the room. I am suddenly glad for my casual skirt and blouse. Rube almost always wears dress pants, so he added his tie and jacket in the truck.
"Welcome Rube. You're early, the party won't be starting until one." She smiles, her blonde hair picks up the light and creates a quasi-halo effect. She seems nice as she sits in the vacant chair across from Rube.
"Walter won't be down for a few minutes. He can never find the right tie." She shakes her head and smiles sweetly. I continue investigating the many volumes before Walter enters. I'm pretty sure that he's on one of our Post-its, but I'm not sure of the second because the last name isn't the same.
"Claudia, thought I'd find you here. Which tie?" he asks, holding up a lovely blue stripe tie and a loud red one, almost as though he doesn't see us.
"Walter I don't know. I like the blue stripped one." She replies. "I should introduce you." She pauses. "This is Rube, and Georgia." I am a bit flustered that she knows my name, unless of course she's a reaper too. But why is she with Walter reapers are supposed to exist on the periphery, I wonder as he takes my hand and shakes it quickly before turning to Rube to shake hands.
"It's nice to meet both of you." He says quickly tying his tie, and Claudia goes to him to straighten it. I observe how happy they seem and wonder why is it that bad things seem to happen to good people. I look over at Rube and he nods to confirm our mark. So who is the second mark, I wonder as I sit beside him and one of the caterers enters the room.
"Ma'am everything is in order for this afternoon. May I bring you and your guests something to drink?"
"Yes, thank you Melinda." Claudia smiles as the young woman asks us what we will have and leaves us. "Walter and I thought an early party would be in order this year. This will allow us to celebrate with friends this evening in the city." She says as Melinda returns. I cannot help but want to tell her that this year she will be alone and probably grieving. But as usual, I hold my tongue.
The other guests begin to arrive and we move into the other room where music plays and the food and drinks are being served.
"I popped Walter's soul. It's your turn to find your mark." Rube whispers in my ear, I nod looking around for a Graveling; at this moment that's the only way I think I'll be able to locate my mark. But this time, no such luck. Great! It's going to be like the time we went to that picnic and we totally missed our mark. Let me tell you that no one, not even Rube could foresee the canoe that flew off a car and hit the guy on Betty's Post-it square in the head. I don't want something like that to happen to whoever's on my Post-it. I have to find them, it isn't as though I can call out or ask too many people where Y. Westwood is, right? I look at Rube with a worried expression and he nods his understanding. It is then that I see the wisp of a lone Graveling and follow it, Rube stays close to me.
I'm beginning to put the puzzle together, only the intended victim still isn't apparent. Then all hell breaks loose, so to speak as I can see one of the porters struggling with a bottle of champagne. No way! The cork is going to fly about the room. How am I supposed to get my soul? I look towards Rube and he just shrugs. The cork finally lets go and it heads towards the ceiling, bounces off and hits a vase filled with colourful flowers, then ricochets off a wall and lodges itself in the base of some guys skull. I quickly make my way to him and take his soul with a quiet I'm sorry.
Almost as though it is the catalyst, Walter suddenly clutches his chest and falls to the floor. Despite the commotion, both men find us and we take them to another room where they can move on. Walter cannot help but look back at his Claudia, it seems their love had been of the purest kind and it touches me deeply. Blowing her a kiss that I'm fairly certain she either sees or feels, he steps into his lights and lets them take him wherever that may be. The other guy isn't as happy to be moving on, but with a little coaxing from Rube, he finally smiles and goes. Rube and I get our coats, I change my shoes and we head back to the truck.
"You couldn't have known." Rube says as we drive back to the city. "I doubt that he felt anything. It was pretty fast."
"But so was my death, and had that guy been late I'm pretty sure it would have hurt."
"Georgia, you forget about the shock factor. The human body is a bit more resilient than you seem to think."
"I guess you're right." I reply. "But I feel bad for Walter. It looked like he really loved her." I somewhat pout as I remove my seatbelt and slide over to sit beside Rube, and lean against him. The drive back will be our final moments to be alone together; for once we arrive home, our party will begin. I almost wish he'd take his time in getting back because I want to savour my alone time with him.
The space of the country road seems to disappear as built up areas emerge and finally merge into the cityscape. We drive to his place first, a pit stop, so he can change into something more casual and pickup his over night bag.
"Daisy seems very excited about tonight." He says as we get off the lift and he opens his door.
"I noticed, I'm not sure why. It isn't as if she's never experienced New Year's Eve before. However, this may be the first time she doesn't miss it entirely though." I say, he grins knowing the reference. "I thought you were already packed." I add as I sit in a chair. He opens the amour and picks out a pair of slacks and a shirt.
"This okay for tonight?" he asks wanting my opinion. "I know we're all staying in, but I don't think a pair of jeans will do. Especially if you're going to keep that outfit on." I make a silly face at him.
"Whatever you want dear." I reply getting comfortable, I'm pretty sure we're going to be a few minutes. As if he hadn't heard me he opens the bath door and pops his head out.
"What was that?" he asks with a wide grin. I shrug my reply and he closes the door. When he emerges I get up and we make our way out.
"Should we be arriving at the same time?" I ask casually.
"Why not? Unless there are reasons that I'm unaware of that we shouldn't." he adds. I know he's right, but I'm still having trouble with being seen together.
We arrive at the party, which seems to be in full swing. Daisy actually has everything under control. Plates of heated appetizers have been artfully set out on the coffee table and music is playing in the background.
"Let me take your bag upstairs." I say after he takes my coat and hangs it in the closet with his.
"Thank you." He smiles and heads into the living room where the fun seems to have started.
"Hey Rube." I hear Mason say as I bound up the stairs two at a time. I set his bag on the bed in the spare bedroom, close the door and head back downstairs.
"Anyone in need of a beverage?" I ask from the doorway on my way to the kitchen to get something for Rube and myself.
I return and sit on the sofa between Roxy and Rube.
"I couldn't believe how easy he took it. I mean I've had appointments that go on and on. I thought he'd want to stay around until midnight." Daisy shares her afternoon experience while Mason shoves food into his mouth. You'd think the guy never ate.
"Sometimes they don't want to go wherever they are supposed to." Roxy says and takes a sip of her drink. I cannot help but wonder what things would be like had I the choice of whether or not I wanted to be a reaper. "I once had this guy who couldn't, or wouldn't believe he was dead. How hard is it to get?" she shakes her head.
"I'm going to put the order in for dinner." Daisy announces. "Choices are Chinese or pizza."
"Pizza!" we exclaim. I grab a pen and paper and start writing what we want on it.
"Double cheese, bacon, mushrooms, peppers, pineapple, and pepperoni." Mason announces. I write the ingredients on the paper.
"Can we also get a veggie pizza?" Daisy asks. "I'm not a big fan of pepperoni."
"Sure. Whatever you want." Rube says with a smile.
It isn't long before we're all sitting around the table eating and chatting away. I think I'm happier now than I've ever been.
"Wine with pizza? Are you nuts?" Mason says before shoving a slice into his mouth. "Beer and pizza makes sense to me."
"Figures." I say giving him a look. Rube laughs and I press my foot against his in a playful manner. After dinner and the paper plates put into a green garbage bag, we head back to the living room for a night of games. Card games, board games, whatever. A fun way to kill time before the ball drops.
When quarter to twelve arrives, Daisy and Rube go into the kitchen to pour the champagne. After this afternoon, I'm pretty sure that Rube is extra careful uncorking it. They return with filled flutes and the bottle. Roxy turns on the television and the last act is on the stage finishing up their set before midnight. Our toasting actually starts early, Daisy taking the liberty to start us off.
"I just want to start by thanking all of you for being here. Thank you for being like a family to me when I've never had the chance to be so close with my New York unit. This year has been one I will never forget, and I know no matter where I am, the memories and lessons learned will always be with me." She lowers her flute and Mason steps up.
"I'm not as eloquent when it comes to the whole speech thing. I'll give it a go though. I want to thank Rube for being an amazing mentor, boss, and friend. Without your guidance, I'd never be the person I've become. George, I don't think I'd understand girls if it wasn't for you. Daisy, well you already know. Last but not least, Roxy. You've always been there for me, even when I didn't deserve it. Cheers." He adds lowering his flute.
"I too am very happy to have you guys in my unlife. It isn't everyday that you get to be this close with your family, forget people who were once strangers." I smile, "Thank you so much for everything. Being there and helping me through this very awkward transition." I add looking at Rube with a stupid grin I'm sure.
"You guys know how bad I am with words, but I will say that this past year has been on hell of a year. I bid everyone luck, happiness, and love in the coming year." Roxy bows her head slightly before Rube steps up.
"I agree with each and every one of you. This year has been quite the year, and I'm sure the next will be even better." He winks at me.
"Cheers!" we say and clink our flutes before the countdown begins. I hear the people on the television screaming out. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.
"Happy New Year!" we seem to shout with them. I'm not quite sure what comes over me, but all my doubts and fears disappear and I turn to Rube. It's as if he knows what I'm thinking and we kiss right there in front of everyone.
"Oh my!" I hear Daisy under her breath. But Mason cheers and I know Roxy is smiling. Maybe Daisy is right about that article, I think to myself as I hold him in my arms, never wanting to let go.