First New Year
31st December 1986
He's coming home today. It struck Elizabeth how soon Henry had become her home. He had left on Christmas day, late afternoon, to be with his family for the annual McCord Christmas party. He'd told Elizabeth she was welcome to join him, but she'd found it too soon to meet his parents. She was not ready. Besides, she'd made arrangements to see Will while Henry was out of town. She'd got back three days ago from the Adams's farmhouse and the dorms had been so quiet and deserted. Luckily, most students were making their way back for UVA's New Year's Eve. Some fraternities had made arrangements to throw a New Year's Party on campus, preceded by a lavishly catered dinner.
Elizabeth was never a big fan of parties, but Henry had called her all the way from Pittsburgh to be his date.
"Hello?"
"Hi baby! It's me."
"Hey you." She was relieved to hear his soft voice.
"How is my favourite girl?"
"I don't know, Becky's visiting her parents in Connecticut so you'd have to call her."
"I'm asking you, weirdo." Henry rolled his eyes but couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
"I'm alright, I just got back from the farm."
"How's your brother?"
"He's doing okay. We had dinner with the people who are keeping the farm liveable which was nice."
"That's great."
"What are you up to?"
"Not much. I went to the store to get some cornflakes and milk. There's no one here to make me pancakes in the morning."
"I'm glad you're eating well. When I get back I'm going to stuff you with waffles and pancakes."
"Can't wait! I was thinking of working ahead, so I will be able to focus solely on you when you get back."
Henry sighed: "I can't wait to get back to you."
"How is Pittsburgh by the way?"
"It's fine. Just a lot of food and a lot of arguments with my dad. But that's nothing new. I'm glad all of us are here though, so he's not only picking at me."
"I'm sorry, Henry."
"I just wish you were here. I miss you, babe."
"I miss you too," Elizabeth felt comfortable acknowledging her true feelings by now. She did indeed miss him. "When are you coming back?"
"The 31st, ready to start the New Year with you."
Elizabeth smiled at his sweet words. "Got any plans?"
"Well, I received the news there will be a New Year's Eve Dinner Party in the hall on campus."
"Yeah, I've seen the posters."
"Well, it is in fact why I called you."
"Oh?" She was sure he was going to tell her he had made arrangements with his friends and he was not going to spend New Year's Eve with her.
"Yeah. Elizabeth, I would love for you to be my date."
"Really?" Relief flooded her entire being.
"Yes, really!" Henry smiled in silence awaiting her answer.
Silence was what he got though.
"Still there, babe?"
"Oh, ah, yeah. I'd love to be your date, Henry."
"Great, I'm glad."
"What time does it start?"
"I've read that dinner starts at 8."
"Will I see you there or … ?"
"I'll pick you up at around 7, hopefully. I hope I'll make it back to Virginia in time and that traffic won't be too bad."
"Okay, I'll be ready. Be careful, please."
"I will. Bye baby."
"Bye Henry." She ended the conversation with a soft kiss into the lower part of the telephone horn.
Yesterday, she had gone shopping for a cocktail dress, which is something she hardly ever does, but she wanted to look special for her first public appearance with Henry as her official boyfriend. She'd found the perfect long black dress; it had a rather high split and it was closed around the neck but it didn't have any sleeves. She figured she could drape a scarf around her bare arms to keep her warm.
She woke up this morning feeling rather nervous. Henry had only seen her in jeans and sweats and she didn't know how he would react to her wearing such a fancy dress. She also wondered what he would be wearing. She decided to get some more work done to start the second trimester with somewhat of an advantage. She'd made the decision for herself that 1987 would be her year; hers and Henry's. She was ready to figure out if they were compatible in all the ways that count. Studying was not on the forefront of her agenda in the first few weeks of the new year.
At 5 pm, Becky entered their shared dorm.
"Hi Becks, how was Connecticut?"
"I'm so glad I'm back," Becky exhaled as she dropped her bags and herself on her bed.
"How was your week, Lizzy?"
"It was okay, I've been back for two days and I've done some prepping for the next trimester."
"You're such a nerd."
"That too, but I also bought a dress for the party tonight." Elizabeth said enthusiastically.
"You're going?" Beck sat up straight, looking at her roommate expectantly.
"Yeah, Henry called and asked me if I wanted to be his date. I said 'yes'." Elizabeth had a smile plastered across her face.
"Oh, you guys, you are so cute. You'll be the dashiest couple on the dance floor."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Becky and ignored her.
"Is he picking you up?"
"Yeah, around 7."
"Well, go get ready then."
"I can get ready in fifteen minutes, Becky."
"Elizabeth," she hardly ever used her full name. "Go shower, I'll do your hair. I guess I'm not allowed to do your makeup anymore after I screwed up last time."
"Well, if I had wanted to look like a whore, you'd certainly done a great job. Why don't you get ready first? I want to read just one more chapter."
"Fine. But I'm doing your hair later. I've got a great idea already."
"I'm sure you do."
Becky emerged from the bathroom at 6, clad in only her underwear.
"What are you gonna wear?" Elizabeth asked.
"That silver dress I bought with Chris two weeks ago."
"Oh yeah, you've mentioned going shopping with Christine."
"I'm glad you remember, you were too caught up dating Henry."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and pulled down her sweatpants and sweater before stepping into the misty bathroom. "I hope there's still some hot water left for me."
Elizabeth was done at 6.30. She'd removed the abundant hair on her legs, armpits and bikini line, she'd showered, combed her hair and she'd applied some light makeup. She didn't want it to get smeared from kissing Henry later. A blush crept to her cheeks just thinking about it. She stepped out of the bathroom in her black lace lingerie.
"I can see you've bought more than just a dress," Becky quipped. "That's fucking hot, Lizzy."
Elizabeth felt unsure about herself now.
"In a way that is totally classy," Becky corrected herself. "Henry's going to love it."
"You think?" Elizabeth asked her roommate.
"Lizzy, there's not a single guy who would not love to see you in that. Henry's a very lucky guy, believe me."
Elizabeth felt a bit of relief.
"Is tonight the night?" Becky asked with raised eyebrows.
"No, oh god, no," Elizabeth started. "Well, maybe. I don't know. We'll see."
Becky nodded approvingly.
"I just needed black underwear for underneath this dress. It would be weird if my red-flowered bra was showing, no?"
"You're absolutely right. Can I see your dress?"
Elizabeth took the hanger from the back of the bathroom door and zipped open the bag that held the dress.
"Okay, come here. I'll do your hair first. That way you can step into the dress without ruining your makeup or your hair."
Elizabeth put her dress onto her bed and sat down at her desk and Becky stood behind her. She lightly blow-dried Elizabeth's hair and combed it before working her magic. In less than fifteen minutes, Becky confirmed she was done and frankly she was happy with the result. She'd managed to get all of Elizabeth's hair together in a low side bun. She'd been able to use nothing but pins that – thank god – weren't showing. "Have a look and let me know what you think."
Elizabeth got up and went to the bathroom to look in the mirror. "I like the front, but I'm not able to see the backside. Do you have an extra mirror?"
"Oh yeah, sure." Becky retrieved a small mirror from her bag on the bed and went to stand in the bathroom with Elizabeth. "Turn around, hold the mirror like this. That way you can see how it looks from the back."
"Thanks," Elizabeth moved the mirror a bit to see all angles of her updo. "It looks great, Becky. Thank you!"
Becky was happy her roommate like it. "You're welcome."
"I'd offer to do yours but we both know that won't end well, don't we?"
"It's okay, Lizzy, I'm just gonna let my hair down tonight. I'll put some Elnette in yours so it will stay throughout the evening. Close yours eyes."
Elizabeth coughed and left the bathroom as soon as Becky was ready with the hairspray. "That can't be good," Elizabeth said waving her hand in front of her face.
"Come on, let's get dressed because if Henry shows up early again and sees you like this, you won't be going to the party, believe me."
Elizabeth went back to her bed to get the dress. She removed the bag and stepped into it. "Becky, could you help me with the zip? I can't reach it to get it all the way up."
Becky was behind her in no time. She'd already put on her shiny silver dress and was rummaging through her hair to give it some extra volume.
"My god, Lizzy, you look…," Becky couldn't find the words.
Elizabeth turned around and laughed.
"That is a gorgeous dress. But I'm guessing your figure has got something to do with the end result as well. Which shoes are you going to wear?"
Suddenly Elizabeth's face fell. "Shoot."
"What is it?"
"I don't have shoes!"
"What do you mean you don't have shoes?"
"I mean exactly what I mean when I say I don't have shoes. Shit. I've thought of everything. The dress, the bra, the panties,…"
"Elizabeth, calm down." Becky needed to get her to calm down now as Elizabeth was on the brink of crying.
"I have black pumps. If you want, you can wear those."
"You do? What are you gonna wear?"
Becky lifted her dress a bit and she was wearing silvery shoes.
"I'm a 7.5. You?"
"I'm an 8." Elizabeth felt genuinely frightened she would be going to the party in sneakers or boots.
"Let's just try them on, okay."
Elizabeth stepped into the black pumps that Becky had offered her to wear.
"How do they feel?"
"They fit, but they're a bit tight."
"Just wear them to get to the party hall. During dinner, you can take them off. No one will notice underneath the table."
"What about the party?"
"After an hour or so all the girls' feet will be hurting and they will all probably be dancing barefoot. Trust me."
"Thanks, Becky. You're a lifesaver."
"No need to thank me, that's what roommates are for."
"I forgot to ask. Do you have a date?"
"No, I'm just gonna be eyeing you and Henry all evening and be jealous."
"I'll let you have one dance with him," Elizabeth offered.
"Lizzy, I'm pretty sure he'll only want to dance with you."
Elizabeth blushed.
"I'm gonna head out already and start early on the drinks. I'll see you guys there."
"See you, Becky."
It was 6.50 pm, so she decided to figure out which scarf went with her dress. She just realized Becky had gone out without a coat on. She went to Becky's closet and chose a black scarf she would be able to give to Becky later on. For herself, Elizabeth chose a dark green scarf which was a bit see-through. It really brought out her eyes.
She jumped lightly as she heard a knock on the door. She cast one last look at herself in the full-length mirror before opening the door. She smiled tenderly as she saw him standing there on the other side of the door. Henry was clad in a black tux. He wasn't wearing a tie or a bow tie. The top buttons of his white shirt were open and, god, he looked so sexy. He was holding a small bouquet of wild flowers in front of him. For her. Elizabeth immediately felt warm inside when she saw him holding them.
The flowers immediately went to the back of Henry's mind when she had opened the door. His mouth was wide open and he couldn't seem to breathe regularly.
"Henry," Elizabeth asked worriedly.
"Babe, you look…," Henry shook his head. "You look…," he searched for the right words, "exquisite."
Elizabeth smiled shyly. "You don't look too bad yourself, handsome," she said as she stepped closer to him. She was just as tall as Henry now that she was wearing heels. Their eyes were at the same level and he felt paralysed.
"Henry," Elizabeth whispered. He snapped back into the moment and their eyes connected. The flowers still in his hand, he put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to himself crashing their lips together.
"Hi," she said as the kiss ended and she looked at him sweetly.
"Hey," his voice was husky.
She brought her hands to his which were still on her waist.
"Oh," Henry started. "I've picked these for you. Fresh flowers from Pittsburgh."
"Thank you," she placed a soft kiss to Henry's lips to thank him.
She turned around and he could get a good look of her dress and her hair and her bottom. He swallowed thickly.
"I don't have a vase in here," she said as she emptied the pen pot on her desk. She put the flowers in it and went into the bathroom to add a tiny bit of water.
She looked behind her, Henry was still standing in the doorway following and watching her every move.
"Henry, are you alright?"
He was taken out of his reverie again. "Yeah, euh," he stepped inside and closed the door, "baby," he started as he approached her, "I can't tell you how beautiful you are. I mean, you always look beautiful, but this. This is…," he let his hands go up her arms. When he reached her shoulders, he made did the same thing but this time his hands made their way back to her hands where he entwined them.
"You are everything," he managed to say before he put his mouth on hers. He played with her lips for a while. She opened her mouth slowly. He let his tongue slide into her mouth tasting her. Relishing her. As he backed her against her desk even more, Elizabeth's tongue entered the game and soon they both got overheated.
"Henry," she whispered out of breath, "we should stop."
He nodded resting his forehead against hers, also trying to regain control of his breathing.
She manoeuvred her face towards his neck. "Let's not start what we can't finish," she teased, kissing his earlobe.
Henry took her by the shoulders and looked at her intently.
"Later," she whispered so silently it was barely audible. "Come on, let's go." She took his hand, grabbed her scarf and the one for Becky and together, hand in hand, they made their way outside of the dorm and towards the hall.
Dinner had been wonderful. There were about ten round tables for about 8 people each. The tables were beautifully decorated with white tablecloth, pink roses and candles. Elizabeth was glad Becky was at their table too. That way, Becky didn't feel all too left out. When the girl to Elizabeth's left had gone to the bathroom, Becky took her chance and sat down next to her roommate.
"How are the shoes?" Elizabeth could hear Becky had already been drinking.
"It's fine. I've taken them off now," she whispered as she put her right hand on Henry's thigh, making sure he still knew she was with him even though she was involved in a little secret with Becky.
"What did he say about your dress?" Becky slurred her s's.
"Well, let's just say he was somewhat speechless."
Becky snorted, which Henry thought was something only Elizabeth did.
"What are you two whispering about?" He put his right hand on Elizabeth's hand that was still resting on his leg and pinched it. His left hand found the small of her back and he let his arm rest there.
"Elizabeth was just saying how hot you look tonight, Henry," Becky winked at him as she said it. Elizabeth shot her a look.
"Don't mind my roommate, Henry. She's already had a few too many."
"How do I look then?" he whispered while softly touching her ear with his lips.
She turned around and faced him; she stared into his hazel eyes. Her hand on his leg slid up slightly, "You look incredibly sexy tonight," she whispered never breaking their eye contact.
He placed a kiss to her cheek and his head lingered near her chest. He was drawn to her like a magnet. Elizabeth's hand left his leg and she let it slip to the side of his face where she played with the hairs of his sideburn.
Henry closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled her scent.
"You two should get a room," Becky joked as she made room for the girl who had returned from the bathroom.
After dessert, someone's voice could be heard through the speakers announcing the party was officially starting. With an hour and a half left till midnight, there were plenty of songs for everyone to enjoy. "Let's party," the speaker said.
Soon, everyone had left their table and Henry and Elizabeth were left alone. Henry saw his opportunity and soon he was softly blowing kisses to Elizabeth's neck.
"Henry," she nudged him away.
"I'm sorry babe, just missed you so much."
"I missed you too but it's not fair that you get to touch me and kiss me while I have to sit here and restrain myself. Believe me."
Henry smirked. "Come on, let's dance," he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet.
"Henry, wait," Elizabeth shrieked and immediately sat back down. Her hands disappeared underneath the table.
"What is it?" he asked with a worried look on his face.
"I took off my shoes; they're really uncomfortable. I just have to put them back on and then we can dance, okay?"
Henry smiled at her. Glad that even though she looked like a princess, heck a queen even, she was still this normal person whose feet were sore. She was still his girl who he loved even though she was wearing sweatpants. She was still his favourite girl.
When she'd put her shoes on, they made their way to the dance floor, not letting go of each other.
The first song they danced to was Higher Love by Steve Winwood and Henry sang into her ear as he moved them across the dance floor.
Think about it, there must be higher loveDown in the heart or hidden in the stars aboveWithout it, life is a wasted timeLook inside your heart, I'll look inside mine
I could light the night up with my soul on fireI could make the sun shine from pure desireLet me feel that love come over meLet me feel how strong it could be
Bring me a higher love
Various songs from that year were played: We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, which was actually the way Henry and Elizabeth felt about each other.
Night is young, so are weLet's get to know each other better, slow and easilyTake my hand, let's hit the floorShake your body to the music, maybe then you'll score
Other hits were Living on a Prayer, Get Outta My Dreams and many more. The crowd went wild as Dancing on the Ceiling blasted through the speakers and Henry and Elizabeth separated and danced the night away. However, they were always keeping track of each other's whereabouts, exchanging glances as they moved to the rhythm of the music among their friends. Becky was leaning on Elizabeth while dancing, not being able to stay standing on her feet otherwise.
With half an hour left til midnight, there was an announcement that everyone should find someone to kiss at midnight. Everyone was ordered to find someone who took their breath away. Then, the intro of the Berlin song started playing. "Becky," Elizabeth said, "I'm going to dance with Henry, okay?" She steadied Becky before she left to find Henry.
When she turned around to go look for him, he was already waiting behind her, holding his hand for her to take.
As they swayed to the soundtrack of Top Gun, the first movie they saw together, Henry whispered in her ear: "You take my breath away every single day, Elizabeth." She shivered in his arms at his words. They pulled each other closer if that was even possible and stayed that way until the song finished. Henry placed a kiss to her temple when the song had ended. "Would you like something to drink, babe? In a couple of minutes the bar will be crowded to get something before midnight."
"Just some water, please." Henry nodded and reluctantly let go of Elizabeth's hand saying he'd be right back.
"I guess you already have someone to kiss at midnight?" she heard someone say behind her. She turned around and saw Tom, the guy she'd met at the library when she was waiting for Henry on one of their first dates. "Tom, hi, how are you?"
"I'm good. Thanks! I've euh, I've finished that Aquinas book, so you can read it again if you want to."
"Oh, I was just keeping myself busy while waiting for Henry."
"Henry is the euh, …," he pointed towards the direction he had seen the guy she'd been dancing with go to.
"My boyfriend," she finished Tom's sentence.
Tom nodded and smiled at her. "Lucky guy," he said honestly.
Elizabeth looked away shyly. "How long have you guys been together?"
"Oh, euhm, we've been seeing each other for about a month now," Elizabeth said a bit reluctant. It was crazy they'd only been going out for a month.
"Oh, well, that's fairly new," Tom stated.
Elizabeth just nodded. New, yes. However, they'd already become so used to each other it seemed like they'd known each other for longer than only one month. "So, are you here with anyone?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nope, just me."
Elizabeth felt for him. He seemed like a nice guy and he deserved someone.
"May I just say you look really great tonight, Elizabeth."
"You may and thank you," she replied to his kind words. Just then, Henry reappeared. "Here you go, babe," he gave her her water.
"Thank you."
Tom nodded at the two. "I'll leave you two to it."
"Oh, wait, Henry this is Tom, Tom Henry." She turned to Henry: "We met in the library when you were running late, remember?"
Henry nodded and extended his hand to shake Tom's.
"It's nice to meet you, Tom."
"Same."
"Well, happy new year you two."
"Yeah, you too," Elizabeth and Henry said simultaneously.
"What are you having?" Elizabeth eyed the drink in Henry's hand.
"Just some punch, want some?" He offered his glass to Elizabeth who took the straw in her mouth and sipped his drink.
She nodded approvingly and smiled up at him. She put her left hand on his waist and drew him in for a sweet kiss.
"What was that for?" Henry asked gazing in her eyes.
"For being you," she said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to start the countdown soon. The clock will start ticking on the big screen one minute before midnight. Make sure you have your loved one near you so you can, you know," the crowd laughed. "But first Europe!"
The Final Countdown started playing and everyone made sure they had a drink or a date or just a good spot on the dance floor to welcome the new year.
Henry's arm was lazily draped across Elizabeth's shoulder. Her fingers were playing with his fingers.
"This is our first New Year together," Henry whispered in her ear.
The clock had appeared on the screen and the final minute of 1986 had started.
She glanced at him and kissed him fully on the lips while she squeezed his fingers with hers.
10
9
Henry put his drink on the table closest to them.
8
7
He took Elizabeth's drink from her hands and did the same with hers.
6
5
He turned his full attention towards her again.
4
He grabbed both her hands with his.
3
He squeezed them.
2
The entire crowd was cheering and shouting but he couldn't hear a single thing.
1
"Happy New Year, babe."
"Happy New Year."
They closed the distance between them and while fireworks could be heard outside, they were creating their own kind. Sparks flew as they simultaneously deepened their kiss and clung to each other for support.
They found themselves in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone around them had started dancing again. Elizabeth and Henry, on the other hand, remained where they were, oblivious to the sound and movement around them. The room around them was spinning even though they hadn't drunk that much.
Henry gazed deep into her ocean blue eyes and saw the world in there. His staring became too much for Elizabeth and she blushed while looking away. He reached for her chin and lifted it with both his thumbs as his other fingers snaked around her neck. "You're all I ever wanted, Elizabeth. You are all I need." He brought their mouths together again, playing with each other again. His hands left Elizabeth's neck and went south to her waist. He pulled Elizabeth's pelvis closer to his own and let his hands room her lower back first until he found her butt and squeezed it lightly, unnoticeable to the people around them. She smiled first and then laughed loudly at his bold move.
"What?" he asked catching the glimpse in her eyes.
She shook her head. "I don't know. It's just funny."
"What is?"
"You grabbing my ass," she snorted.
Henry laughed too now. "I like your ass," he said. Seriousness taking over again. "I really do. Especially in this dress." He let his hand roam to her buttcheek again but let it rest somewhere near her thigh.
"Wait till you see me out of it," she teased.
Henry groaned.
She pecked his lips. "I'm gonna go look for Becky and see how she's doing, alright."
Henry kissed her on the lips. He refused to let her go and kept kissing her. "I'll be right back," she managed to say while he was kissing her.
Henry didn't flinch. She grabbed his hands that were still on her butt and withdrew them. She kept kissing him and then she let go. "Hold that thought, though." One more peck and she'd disappeared into the crowd.
Henry sighed. This girl was going to be the death of him.
He made his way back to their table. Dancing was no fun when she wasn't around. He just watched everyone else have fun, although the majority seemed quite drunk.
Elizabeth had found Becky who was in the crowd, dancing. With a guy. She approached Becky and tapped her shoulder. When she turned around she saw that the guy she was dancing with was Tom.
"Oh, hi Tom."
"Hi, Elizabeth."
"Found someone to dance with I can see."
He nodded happily and smiled.
"Listen Becky, I think Henry and I are going to head back soon. I've brought a scarf for you so you wouldn't get cold. It's on my chair, okay. Don't forget to take it with you when you leave tonight."
"Are you gonna stay with Handsome Henry tonight?" Becky asked, obviously still intoxicated.
"Probably. Do I need to take you home, Becks?" Elizabeth asked, worry written across her face.
"I'll be fine. Besides I'm not going home yet, look this is Tom."
"I know," Elizabeth said and she smiled at Becky.
She went closer to Tom and told him to get Becky some water. She told him she was her best friend around here. And that if she found out something happened to her roommate, she would find him and hold him responsible.
Tom nodded, obviously intimidated.
"See ya, have fun," and with that Elizabeth went to look for Henry.
She found him sitting at their table all alone. She went up to him and snuck her arms across his chest leaning over him and planting a kiss to his cheek.
"Here you are," Elizabeth said as she sat down next to him.
"How's Becky?" Henry asked.
"Still drunk. She's dancing with Tom and I told her he had to take care of her and give her water."
"Do you want to head back to the dance floor?" Henry asked.
Elizabeth shook her head. "My feet are killing me, Henry," she admitted. "Besides, I told Becky we'd be heading home soon," she looked at Henry expectingly.
"Shall I walk you back to your dorm?" he asked.
"Silly, I'm staying with you tonight."
"Oh," Henry let out.
"Oh," she mimicked him. "Is that alright with you?"
"Of course, of course it is, I just assumed because you said 'home' you wanted to go to your dorm."
"Henry, I sleep best when I'm with you. You're home," the honesty of her words caused Henry to take in a deep breath. He was her home. That's all he wants to be.
"That is, if we get to the sleeping part," she teased him.
"Let's go," Henry grabbed her purse and put his arm around her waist as he hoisted her up.
"Not so fast. My feet, remember."
"Take off your shoes."
"What?"
"Take them off, babe."
Elizabeth did as she was told. Henry in the meantime turned around so his back was facing her.
"What are you doing?" she asked him.
"Hop on!"
"What?"
"Hop on."
"You're going to give me a piggyback ride?"
He looked at her. "It's either that or walking in the freezing cold barefoot."
She hopped on and Elizabeth laughed as he hoisted her up even higher on his back. She shrieked as Henry made way for the exit at a fast pace.
"Hey Lizzy, leaving already?" she heard Christine ask.
"Henry, stop!"
"Yeah, euhm, listen, could you keep an eye on Becky? I'm gonna stay with Henry tonight."
"Yeah, I've been telling her she needs to drink some water but she just won't listen. I'll make sure she gets home safe with me. Have fun you two," Christine winked.
"Bye," Henry said and with that he left the hall and headed home with Elizabeth on his back.
"You didn't come by car?" Elizabeth asked searching the parking lot.
"No, because then I couldn't have a drink."
"Henry, put me down. I'll walk."
"Nonsense."
"Let me put on my scarf then. I'm cold."
Henry walked over to a bench and put her on it. He took off his jacket and draped it across her shoulders. "Here this will keep you warm."
"Thank you."
He took the shoes out of her hands. "Come on, back up, my lady."
"Henry, you don't have to. I can walk."
"Babe, hop on."
"Okay, just make sure you're not all worn out by the time we get to your place," she joked.
"Believe me, I won't, babe."
Elizabeth squeeled as he picked up the pace hurrying home.
