Chapter FOUR
Arriving home, Angela pulls the car in the garage, making sure not to disturb Tony's backyard display. Sam jumps out so she can put her packages up and get ready to ask her dad about going out. As Angela is about to exit the car, Mona grabs her hand to signal her to wait for Sam to go in first.
"Angela, let her ask him about tonight first. Then you go in for the kill. It will be a good way to push him to let her go with Eric and he go with you. Tell him you won the tickets today at the spa if that makes it easier. Let him know you have a well thought out plan for the kids and you even picked him up something after you won the tickets. He's going to have a hard time refusing you then. Don't worry, it will all be fine. You will have a memorable holiday weekend. Trust me! It won't be the norm; it will be impulsive and you'll making new memories. That keeps a relationship fresh. And since we still aren't sure what the hell you two are, you need all the freshness you can get," Mona cynically said.
Angela rolled her eyes at Mona, then leaned over and kissed her cheek as she said, "Thank you Mother," smiling while she exited the car.
Mona was a bit taken back. She expected to get under Angela's skin with that last remark. Still, she was proud of her. Stepping out of her comfort zone to try something new with Tony. Mona was so hopeful that the atmosphere and being alone on the beach at night would help spark something between them, other than the fireworks display.
Angela went in the house and yelled, "We're home everyone," as she went straight upstairs with her packages. She began unpacking, Jonathan walks in and closes her bedroom door.
"Mom, can I talk to you," Jonathan asked?
"Sure Sweetheart," Angela said. Angela took a seat on her bed and patted the mattress on a spot next to her to invite Jonathan to have a seat and tell her what's on his mind.
"Mom, I'm sorry I didn't ask this with more advanced notice, but I was scared that you would be disappointed in me," Jonathan said.
Angela was confused because she had no idea what he was talking about, because he hadn't asked her anything yet. "Sweetheart, you haven't asked me anything. I don't know what you are talking about. If you have something to ask me, go ahead and ask. Don't ever be afraid to talk to me," said Angela.
"Mom, can I attend the Scout Program with Adventure Scouts USA? It's co-ed and at Bristol Campgrounds. Our chapter is hosting a wilderness weekend for the holiday. Steven is going and his dad can drop me off and bring me home. The holiday is on Monday, so we wouldn't be back before Tuesday around 4:00 pm. If you say yes, I would be so happy. I just kinda need to leave a bit early from Grandma's cookout. Can I go," asked Jonathan?
Angela couldn't believe that Jonathan was scared to ask her this. Maybe he thought she'd be disappointed because he wouldn't be there for his grandmother's barbeque. What Jonathan doesn't know is his request to leave early to go camping is actually perfect timing. Sam is self-sufficient and hopefully will be out of the house most of the night anyway. With Jonathan accounted for over the weekend, she wouldn't feel so guilty about being on an excursion with Tony all night. They need a better plan for Sam one her evening is over, but hopefully they can arrange something with Bonnie's family.
"Darling, you should never be scared to talk to me or ask me anything. I'm your mother and I love you. I want you to be able to talk about anything with me, okay," Angela said looking into Jonathan's eyes and rubbing his folded hands on his lap. "Now I don't see what the issue is. Yes, you can go to the wilderness weekend. I'll call Steven's parents, if they are dropping you guys off, then Tony or I will pick you both up. Did you mention this to Tony, will he be able to get you ready and packed for the weekend," asked Angela?
"Thanks so much for letting me go," Jonathan screamed throwing his arms around Angela. "Just so you know, I am fully packed and I did it alone. I don't need Tony to pack for me, I'm old enough to do that myself. And I did mention to him about the weekend while you were gone. I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind," Jonathan said.
"No. I don't mind that you mentioned it to Tony. I'm just glad you're prepared to make the trip with short notice for preparation. Okay, let me call Steven's parents now. You go ahead and make sure you have everything together and make sure Tony doesn't need any more help for the party," said Angela, hugging and kissing Jonathan on the forehead before he exited her bedroom.
Angela got out her address book and dialed Steven's house. She discussed with his parents, the travel with them for Jonathan and Steven for the weekend. She thanked them for taking Jonathan, and assured them that she and Tony would pick the boys up on Tuesday and drop Steven off at home.
….
"Soooo Dad, what are you doing? The yard looks fantastic. Is everything in place for tonight," Samantha asked?
"Oh, everything is happening right on schedule Sam. I'm so excited for tonight. We both know who will be surprised," exclaimed Tony. Where is the guest of honor? Your hair looks good, too Sweetheart. How was shopping, did you run up the credit card? Is Angela in the house," Tony asked?
"Thank you, Dad. Mona is in her apartment; Angela went to her room; and shopping was great! No, I did not run up the card. I only spent $75 on the card. But Dad, I do need to ask you something that can't wait," Sam said.
Tony took a seat on the patio furniture and signaled for Sam to take a seat next to him. "Sure Sweetheart, ask your dear ole dad anything," Tony said with warm eyes and a smile.
"I wanted to know if I could have permission to leave the barbeque early and go to the Fairfield County Fairgrounds for fireworks and a concert with local bands. Eric invited me. It's an outing with all of his cousins and their dates. And before you ask, there will be two adults there. His twin cousins, who are both married. So that really four adults," Sam said with assurance. "You should remember them; one is a doctor and the other is a lawyer. It will be a safe and chaperoned event. So, can I go," Sam asked with a whiny tone?
"I can't believe that you want to ditch Mona's party, of all people," said Tony.
"I thought since Angela invited Mr. Nordstrom; Mona will probably ditch her own party! She just told us today; she's leaving early after your fireworks. Besides, it's Mr. Nordstrom's family, their family, I'll be with," noted Sam.
"Sure Sam. I know how much you like Eric and he's a great responsible kid. I like his family too. I guess it's okay. Wow, you and Jonathan both leaving early," Tony said shaking his head.
"Jonathan is leaving early too? What does that goof-ball have on his agenda? Probably a night of watching wrestling at Steven's," teased Sam.
"Actually, Jonathan has a weekend of bliss planned. He and his fellow nature buffs will be on a co-ed wilderness weekend. Well, they will be as soon as I convince Angela to let him go. And Samantha, stop calling Jonathan names," scolded Tony.
"Good for him. Everyone needs to be doing something different. I hope you and Angela do something other than watch a movie from a long time ago. Ask her out on a date, Dad. Just don't pick a lame place like a comedy club like you did the first time. Do something sweet and romantic. Not just a movie at The Cineplex. Maybe you two can go watch the Fireworks somewhere. The rest of us will be doing something. If you don't ask Angela out, she'll probably just go close up in her study and work. Don't let that happen," Sam said.
"Saamm, why such the sudden interest in what Angela and I do together? Are you or someone else, up to something? Did something happen on today's girls outing I should be aware of," inquired Tony?
"No Dad. Nothing. I swear. I was just saying since Mona will be doing Mona, I will be out, and even Jonathan is going out; maybe you and Angela could do something that you don't normally do. Nobody put me up to it. It is my own thought. Listen, just forget I said anything, okay, Dad," said Sam.
"Yeah, sure Sam," Tony said with a bit of suspicion.
"Thank you again for understanding and allowing me to go with Eric. I'm going to go inside and call to let him know you gave permission," Sam said, running up to her dad and giving him a hug and kiss before heading inside to use the phone.
Tony watched Sam walk away, but more perplexed than ever. Not that she wanted to cut out early to go out with Eric and his family, but that she wanted him to take Angela out on a date since she and Jonathan won't be around. And Jonathan had already mentioned him taking Angela out on a date. They've got to be in cahoots, but still the idea of being on a date with Angela again, really excited Tony.
"What would we do, where would we go, and it's such short notice," Tony muttered talking to himself out loud. "Maybe we can go to Brooklyn and hang out, but who wants to make that drive in the evening after hosting. We could probably go into town and see what's happening in downtown Fairfield. They are sure to have some place we can park and watch Fireworks. Or maybe even, Inspiration Pointe. Ohhh, would Angela even want to go out with me, if I ask her," Tony said slapping his knee.
This conversation with Sam after his conversation with Jonathan, now made Tony even more anxious, as to how he could approach Angela about doing something, just the two of them, after the barbeque.
….
"Hey Tone", Mona exclaimed.
"What's happening Mone," Tony replied.
"I picked you and Jonathan up these festive holiday t-shirts. I also saw this nice button down on the display. It looked like you and I know you like earth tones," Mona said.
"Gee Thanks Mona. I appreciate it. Gifts, for me. Why? Is something up," asked Tony?
"No. Not that I know of. Nothing is up with me. Can't I just treat my favorite guys to some corny 4th of July t-shirts? The button down was on the doorbuster deal table. It looked like something you wouldn't pass up. And since I was there in the men's department and you weren't, I picked you up one," Mona said.
"What were you doing in the men's department at Bloomingdales," Tony asked?
Mona looked at Tony with a roguish expression, before saying, "Need you ask"! Then Mona winked at Tony and walked off as she said, "Enjoy the new digs".
Tony thought, I should have known, I wasn't going to get a sensible answer out of Mona. Now the only thing to do, is go pick Angela's brain, make sure Jonathan goes on his weekend excursion, and possibly ask her out on a date. How did my life get so complicated from just hosting a barbeque for the holiday and Mona's birthday? How did I end up courting Angela, thought Tony?
….
Tony entered the kitchen. To find Jonathan sitting at the table eating a snack.
"Tony, I asked Mom and she was completely okay with me going off for the weekend. She was so cool about it and didn't even complain about me leaving the gathering early or missing your fireworks display. She even called Steven's family and said since they are dropping me and Steven off, that you or she would pick us up and bring us back. Isn't that cool," exclaimed Jonathan?
"Yeah, that is Buddy. You said Angela was cool, no questions asked. Just like that, you can go," Tony asked?
"Yeah. Just like that. I myself was shocked, but I'll take it," Jonathan said.
Tony smiled and high-fived Jonathan on his way out of the kitchen to find Angela. He felt it was time he faced the music to really get a handle on what was going on in this household. He needed answers as to why everyone's social calendar all of a sudden is so busy, and if she wants to go out with him, except he doesn't know why it became necessary for them to have a date tonight.
….
Tony walked through the swinging kitchen door. "Angela," Tony yelled.
"I'm in my office," Angela yelled back.
Tony turned and walked towards Angela's office. The door was open. He tapped it a bit and asked, "Hey. Do you have a minute to talk"?
"Sure. Come in Tony. Close the door. What's on your mind? By the way, the yard looks amazing. I can't believe you and Jonathan got everything done while we were out," Angela said.
Tony stepped in her office and closed the door behind him. "Yeah, we got everything all set. I just need to shower and start cooking, the foods all prepped. Your hair looks gorgeous, by the way," said Tony complimenting Angela with a smile. She really did look ravishing to him.
"Thank you, Tony, that's sweet of you to notice," Angela said blushing.
"Ahh Ange, I guess we need to catch up on the kids and possibly Mona. Jonathan just told me he talked to you about his wilderness weekend. Which he just hit me with, while you guys were gone. And Sam, she wants to leave early too, and spend the evening with Eric and his cousins at the Fairfield Fairgrounds for fireworks and a concert. Then she seemed to suggest Mona might have other plans. Honestly the kids knew the agenda for today, so I don't know why they waited to the last minute, and we should have known not to plan for Mona, but do you have any idea what she's doing," Tony asked?
Angela put the papers down that she was shuffling to give Tony her full attention. She took her glasses off and headed over to her couch and took a seat. She invited Tony to join her so they can figure out their next move together.
Tony followed suit, and joined Angela on the love seat. All he was thinking, was how sexy she looked.
"Tony, the kids and Mother caught us both off guard. It seems everything happened today as well. While we were out, Mother mentioned that she was leaving early after you set off fireworks to head to a hotel at the airport to escape traffic since she has an early morning departure. Then Samantha told me what she wanted to go with Eric and his family at the Fairgrounds for the concert and fireworks. By the way, are you okay with her going? I know she's getting older so fast, but she's been doing really well lately, and Eric is a nice boy. They did well alone with the Janet Jackson outing. I think it would be okay, and there will be married adults present. How does that all fair with you," she asked?
"Leave it to Mona to disturb your plans to surprise her," laughed Tony. "No, I'm not excited about Sam's plans, but I approve her going. I told her it was okay with me," Tony confirmed.
"Mother," Angela said shaking her head! "Okay, we agree on Sam. Now, Jonathan. He just bombarded me with his plans when I got back from the City. But he said he's ready and has discussed it all with you. So, I trust you have more control of this situation than I do. It's okay with me and I spoke with Steven's family. They'll take the boys, and we'll pick them up, if that sounds okay," Angela said.
"Jonathan surprised me too today. He caught me totally off guard while we were outside setting up. He started out fussing because you asked Sam about a plus one and didn't ask him about a plus one. He buttered me right up then went in for the kill," Tony laughed. "But it sounds like a weekend in the wild, right up his alley," Tony said.
Angela laughed, "yeah, he doesn't get that from me. That's when his genes from Mother kicks in. He seemed really serious about this "co-ed" wilderness weekend too. I wonder who he's trying to go off in the woods with," she said.
"Don't worry, I'll find out when he gets back," Tony confirmed. "Well, I guess we won't have to worry about the kid's friends hanging around since they are leaving early. Plus, Mona's cutting out. I hope it won't make things weird for Walter. I guess that will leave Jack and Carol, Wendy and Herb, Paul and Isabel, and us of course," Tony said.
"Well not exactly, Tony. Wendy and Herb are leaving early because they will be getting on the road in the morning to travel to Herb's family for the holiday. Jack and Carol won't be here all night either, they're headed to Atlantic City for the holiday. And Paul and Isabel are driving to their family cabin on Isabel's side, for the holiday up in Maine, so they won't be here all night either. I don't know what Mrs. Rossini and Al have planned, so, it probably, more than likely, could be, just us here, alone," said Angela.
"Oh wow, alone on the holiday, without family. Well, that is if Mrs. R and Al cut out too. That seems so weird. Doesn't it," Tony squeamishly suggested with a light chuckle.
Angela bellowed a laugh out too, trying to cover her nerves, "Yes it does, Tony. Tony, if the possibility arises for us to be all alone, how about we do something together? Unless you have other plans," Angela said. Her cheeks were flush from nerves and this uncomfortable conversation she's attempting to spark.
"Really," Tony exclaimed. "I was going to suggest the same thing. I don't have any other plans. I thought we'd be here together as a family, but everyone but you and I have different ideas. I guess we have to get use to the fact that the kids are getting older and they want to be more social. I guess we should to, right Ange," said Tony trying to build his own confidence and hers.
"Yeah Tony, we should," Angela agreed.
"I know we didn't plan on this and its last minute, but how about we don't set off fireworks here at the house, since it doesn't sound like nobody will be here. Let's just eat, dance, play games, sing a little, and send everyone off. Then you can I can head in to town and be spontaneous. Let's just see what we can get into," suggested Tony.
"That sounds like a great plan. It sounds like fun too, being spontaneous. You and I. Spontaneous. I'm glad you brought that up. Hum, Tony, let's build on that idea of spontaneity. I'm not going to beat around the bush, because I don't really know how to, well communicate this. So, I'll just put it all out there for you to decide. I've most recently come upon tickets and passes for late tonight, to the 4th of July After Dark Bonfire on the Beach. It's an all-inclusive package at the Penfield Beach location. They advertise a packed picnic basket for each couple upon admission. They supply fresh fruit, cheese, veggies, crackers, deli meats, chocolate and a few bottles of chilled wine of course. We also get a complementary beach umbrella and (2) beach blanket towels. They have chairs for rent, if we can't find any available. You can bring a light beach bag if you need a few "other" supplies. There is also supposed to be great live music, dancing, the pleasure of the beach, and they host a fireworks display. This package allows you access to the beach until 5:00 am tomorrow, all we'd have to do is show up. It all sounds intriguing and we definitely wouldn't have to stay all night, of course. So, what do you say, you interested," Angela anxious and sheepishly asked?
Tony thought his offer was spontaneous and romantic. But Angela's offer sounds much more intriguing than his. She's obviously really nervous he can tell, but he's excited that she wants to spend this type of evening with him. He definitely wants to be with her alone through the night, well a good chunk of it. But how, when, did she come up with this type of encounter for them to share, and with such short notice? This isn't like Angela, so Tony knows there are other factors involved. The kids both with last minute plans and both suggested he take Angela on a date. Followed by Mona buying him new digs. But no, they couldn't have set them up, or set him up. Was Angela in on this? She knew mostly everyone else being invited to the barbeque wouldn't be staying long and she conveniently didn't tell him before now. But she didn't know about Jonathan until she came home and Sam and Mona hit her up this morning at their outing. Has the entire family teamed up against me, for me to spend more romantic time with Angela, thought Tony? But Tony has to respond just right, no matter how suspicious he is about how the course of events have come to be.
"Ange, I'd love to spend this evening with you at the Beach Bonfire. I can't think of a more beautiful lady, I'd rather share the experience with. I need to go find my trunks and pack a light bag for us, you know I don't trust what everyone is serving. What about you? Should I pack you a bag too? Are you prepared to just head out to the beach on such short notice," Tony inquired, hoping to learn more about how this evening's plans have come about?
"Actually Tony, I wasn't. Well, I am now. See Mother won the tickets today at the spa. (Oh my gosh, I can't believe I just used Mother's lie, but I'm glad I improvised, thought Angela). Since she already has plans, she suggested we take the tickets so they don't go to waste. (Well, at least that part is true – I really don't know where Mother got these tickets from, thought Angela). There was really no way to plan or give notice, so I kinda picked up a few things while we were out. Including a couple pair of swim trunks for you, I hope you don't mind," Angela bashfully said.
Tony began to start putting two and two together. At least for how the excursion came about. Mona won tickets and passed them off to Angela as she's getting ready to travel. Okay, that's sensible and explains why Mona bought me a holiday t-shirt. WAIT… Ange brought me swim trunks! I wonder what they look like! I'm flattered that she's picked out something she wants to see my body exploited in. This is getting me all hot and bothered, Tony thought. As exciting as this sounds, Tony still doesn't have an explanation for Jonathan and Samantha's last-minute plans or both of them pushing for him to ask Angela on a date. But with time moving along quickly and the guest arriving soon, Tony doesn't have time to dig into the kids. Right now, he needs to grab a shower, change, pack, and be ready to go for a late-night excursion after they host the barbeque.
"No Ange, I don't mind. I'm glad you thought of me. I wouldn't have been as prepared. Now I don't feel so overwhelmed with everything else on our scheduled for today. Mona just bought me some tops, so I'm pretty much set to go. I'll get us some extra towels in a bag, some lotion, and pack us some snacks in case what they have isn't that good," Tony said winking. Can you think of anything else you might need or want to take with us," Tony asked?
"No. You seemed to cover it all. I'll pull out my coverall, beach shoes, and another sundress incase my clothes get too wet to return home in. Other than that, we should be all set, with everything they are offering in this package. Well, I'd feel better if we had a stronger plan for Sam. I am not confident I want her home alone through the night. Maybe she can stay with at Bonnie's tonight. Will she be going with Eric's family as well," she asked?
"That is a good question. I don't know. I'm going to look into this. I don't want Sam here alone either. And yeah, we should be good on everything else," Tony agreed with a smile. "Thanks for inviting me, Angela. I'll have to thank Mona too," he said.
"You're welcome, Tony. I'd only want to spend an impromptu moment like this with you," said Angela as she leaned over to kiss Tony on the cheek. But before she knew it, her lips met his.
Tony didn't realize it, but he motioned forward towards Angela as she leaned towards him and met her lips with his. Once their lips met, they magnetically pulled towards each other and embraced. At their embrace, Tony opened his mouth and Angela opened hers and they playfully welcomed each other's tongues to explore the inside of the other's mouth. Angela's arms ran up and down his strong and muscular arms and back and his arms wrapped around her small frame, caressing her back, shoulders, and arms. They carried on like this on the love seat in Angela's office for at least several minutes.
Finally, they slowly pulled away from one another licking their lips. Angela wiped her lip stick from Tony's mouth as she gently smiled at him. Tony smiled back. Angela fixed Tony's hair back in place that she playfully fingered through during their make out session. Tony took the back of his hand and caressed Angela's cheek very softly, looking deep into her eyes. They spoke no words to one another.
Tony then perched his lips and blew on Angela's ear and neck before he softly kissed her ear lobe. Angela then moaned softly, letting him know, her pleasure in his touch. Then they continued kissing and began necking. Angela still softly moaning as Tony continuously gives her soft and tender kisses and caresses.
"Tony," Angela weakly says, fighting for the ability to speak coherently.
"Hum, yes Angela," whispered Tony while kissing all over Angela's neck.
"As good as you taste and feel, we're going to have to get ready for the barbeque and pick this up tonight, okay," she weakly stated.
"I thought I was cooking real good right now, Ange," Tony teased as he reluctantly relinquished himself from her, licking his lips, and smiling.
"Oh, you were, Tony. Cooking really good too. I'm ready to go on the grille," Angela joked. "You're so bad. The kids aren't even asleep and anyone could walk in on us," she said. "But tonight, I promise you won't be sorry. You won't just see fireworks, you'll feel them too," said Angela as she stood up and bent forward and crashed her lips on his, deeply kissing Tony. She released herself from him as she sucked his bottom lip. She pulled back smiling and wiping her lip stick off his mouth again. "We better get ready, or we'll never leave my office, and soon they'll be a house full of guest," she teased.
"You're right Angela. I definitely need a cold shower now. Tonight, I'll be ready for you," said Tony as he blew her a kiss while getting off the couch and heading to exit her office.
Angela caught the kiss Tony blew at her and smiled.
Tony left out of her office and closed the door. He leaned up against the closed door and whispered," What the hell are we getting ourselves into!"
….
"Mona, Darling," a gentleman said on the other end of the receiver.
"Hey, Hot Stuff," Mona said!
"Everything is all set. I can't wait to go off with you for the week," he said.
"This trip is a long time coming, huh," suggested Mona.
"It certainly is. How did it go with the Bonfire tickets," he inquired?
"I was able to persuade her to ask him. I need to head over and find out what happened. I'm sure he said yes. I'm just glad you told me, what they were cooking up around here," Mona said.
"I had to; they were going to ruin our plans. Just remember you have to act surprised when I show up, or at least until we blow our cover before heading out. I'm glad I could sway my nephews to invite Eric to bring Sam along for the Fairgrounds event. He just wanted to come be at the cookout with Sam. It's sweet, but really boring," he said.
"Yeah. That is sweet, but really boring," laughed Mona. "They'll have way more fun this way. That was a genius move you made. Sam will have a really good time too. I love her and Eric together," Mona said.
"Yeah, so do I. They kinda remind me of how we use to be," he said.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves there, Bub. I don't want to think about Sam and Eric being anything like we were at their age. I want them to enjoy each other, but not as much as we did" teased Mona. "Oh, and I am glad I ran into the scout leader at the country club. I encouraged him to reach out to Steven and Jonathan about the wilderness weekend when he asked for donations. I was happy to pay for my grandson and Steven. It was perfect. The kids or their parents don't suspect a thing," Mona added.
"That was spectacular. That opportunity just landed in your lap," he said laughing.
"It really did. I feel like we're scheming on our parents like we did when we were teenagers," Mona joked.
"Me too, it feels good to be back in cahoots with you again Monie," he said.
Smiling at the phone, Mona says, "I haven't been called that in quite some time, Walter. And thanks for helping me with the big kids too. The two of them make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! I mean when it comes to how much they love each other, but they avoid one another because of their circumstances, they drive themselves and the rest of us crazy. Those tickets you got, should be perfect for them," she said. "And Walter, I'm glad we've reconnected. I don't regret my life and I'm sure you don't regret yours. But I'm happy that you've accepted me for who I am, and I've done the same when it comes to you. It's just nice that we can enjoy each other's company again," she admitted.
"I'm glad too. I've missed your vibrance, it's good to have you back in my life Mona," Walter said. "I just can't believe Tony and Angela haven't gotten together already. And it's the least I can do. They've been so sweet to Eric and me. Now I've got to go, so I can get ready. I need to make sure I'm packed and my house is locked up for travel, before I head over. Since we'll be leaving from Angela's for JFK, I need to secure the premises. Until I see you, my Lil Fire Cracker," Walter sweetly teased!
"Pop, Pop, Boom," joked Mona as he made a kissing noise through the receiver before hanging up the phone.
Snap Crackle Pop! Chapter FOUR