Tony arrived at her office building. He cuts the engine and just looks up at the building and then looks at the clock in his car. He is early, way too early for her to be done. He looks around and sees a small diner. It's too cold to stay out too long and he doesn't feel like walking around. ~Or you could just go up.~ He shakes his head at himself and gets out of the car. He closes the door and stretches.
"Tony?" A familiar voice catches his attention.
"Carol! What are you doing here?" He smiles.
"I was bringing our working.. friends some lunch." She holds up a bag with now empty containers.
"That's sweet, thanks for taking care of Angela.. and Jack of course." He fidgets.
"But what are you doing here?" Carol cocks her head at him, she knows and has seen first hand what their bond is like and she knows Tony is the jealous kind.
He shrugs. "I just you know.. all the kids are gone for New Year's Eve, cleaned the house and Angela and I planned to celebrate together. She just didn't.. you know.."
"Know what time she would finish up?" Carol smiles.
"Yeah.. and I feel I need to make sure she eats dinner and doesn't stay too long. Are they still in the meeting?" He nods up to the building.
"Yes. But Angela and Jack are working their magic, I know it will be a hit." She looks up at him.
"So do you feel like some hot cocoa or maybe tea?" Tony doesn't want to go to the diner alone. "Or do you have any specific plans?"
Carol looks at Tony and then smiles. "I've got a little time to burn."
Tony offers his arm which Carol takes. "Thank you." He whispers, his mood quickly changes and he giggles. "Can you eat or drink everything? Or do you have weird cravings?" He pushes the door open and let's Carol pass first.
"Welcome ma'am, sir." A kind young woman greets them. "What can I do for you today?"
"We'd like a table for two please." Tony quickly makes his way next Carol.
"Of course follow me." As she moves in front of them. "Right this way." The waitress points to a small round table. Tony pulls out Carol's seat. "Such a gentleman." The waitress smiles at them. Tony's eyes just grew and Carol gives a slight smile. "What would you like to drink?"
"I'd love a hot cocoa, with whipped cream. Thank you." Carol smiles.
"I'll have the same, please." Tony winks at the waitress, who blushes. ~Shit.. I'm doing it again.~ He nods towards her before turning to Carol.
"But to answer your question. No I don't have weird cravings. Like pickles with peanut butter or pizza with chocolate sauce." Tony crinkles his nose at her. "BUT!" She chuckles. "To be honest I do have a desire to eat savoury foods, like potato chips. You can bury me in them." She laughs.
"HA! Yes! I remember that Marie was truly addicted to life savers. Sometimes she send me out after I just got in to get more." They both laugh.
Tony grabs the menu and scrolls through it. "So I don't think you're desiring a piece of cake or pie?" Carol starts shaking her head. "But those chili cheese fries.." Carol points at the menu. "I think I could eat those." She blushes.
"Oh they do look very good. Mind sharing a portion together?" Tony grins.
"Of course not, I'm not even very hungry. I just saw them and.. well.." Carol looks at her hands.
"You craved them?" Tony chuckles at the shy woman in front of him, she slowly starts nodding. "Don't be ashamed Carol, it is natural. Just be happy you're not craving any weird combinations that will make Jack want to throw up." Tony laughs at his own joke.
"Jack and you are alike in some ways you know that?" Carol raises her right eyebrow.
"Jack? And me?" Tony points towards himself. "Really? I don't really see it."
"Well maybe not physically." Carol chuckles. "I mean Jack is handsome in a more Woody Allen kind of way." She smiles thinking about her husband.
"Yeah I've heard that one before." Tony rolls his eyes.
Carol can't help but giggle. "But to be honest your characters aren't that off from each other. Both laugh at your own jokes, both amazing cooks and both would do any- and everything for the women you love." This time she is directly looking him in his eyes.
"What?" Tony looks at her in shock.
"I think you heard me just fine. I don't think there is anything wrong with your hearing." She is still looking him directly in his eyes.
"Here you go!" The cheery waitress places the two hot cocoa's in front of them. "Would you also like anything to eat?"
"Yes, please! I'd like to order the chilli cheese fries and the chicken strips." Tony smiles at the waitress. "We will split it between the two of us."
The waitress sighs. "That sounds romantic."
"Oh no!" Carol and Tony say in unison.
"She's married!" Tony points at Carol.
"He's in love with someone else." Carol blurts. Both staring at each other with open mouths.
The waitress looks uncomfortable. "Oh okay.. uhm.."
"No! No! No! it's nothing like that!" Carols spits. Tony looks at her in confusion. "My husband works with the woman he loves. We ran in to each other because our partners are both in a meeting with a new client! They work right there.. at the Bower Agency." Slight panic reaches her voice.
"Oh Mrs. Bower! She is so kind. Is she your wife?" Realising what she just said. "I am so sorry, that was way out of line. Please forgive me."
"No it's okay and no she isn't my wife.." He smiles at her. "Yet." With that the waitress left.
"I was right, wasn't I? You are in love with Angela?" Carol was just straightforward.
"Look.. it's complicated." Tony starts, but Carol isn't having it.
"No It's not, it's not complicated at all. You either are in love with her or you aren't. And from the looks you've been giving her, I think I can safely say that you are very much in love. And have been for quite some time." She looks at him, but he doesn't say a word. "So I guess you silently agree with me? Look Tony I don't know why Angela aren't together. I know something has happened between Angela and you. I mean Jack told me.." Carol is becoming visibly uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, now I am overstepping my boundary. I shouldn't have said anything."
Tony looks at his hands around his mug. "No please.. go ahead." He sadly says but doesn't look at her. "I kinda want to hear what you have to say."
"Are you sure?" Carol insecurely asks as Tony starts nodding. "Okay.. well one day Jack came home and told me that Angela was different.."
"Different?" Tony looks up at her.
"That was my reaction too. He said she seemed very sad, very down even though she smiled all day long. He just said she was sad. This was a couple of months. Around October her mood seemed to change, she seemed happier. By the end of October she seemed like herself again. But still not quite herself. I came into the office one day to take Jack out to lunch and I saw what he meant. So I asked Jack about it, he said that he heard through the grapevine that you were dating a woman around the time her demeanour changed." Carol was now looking at him, he just nods. "I know that had something to do with it. Why did you date someone if you were in love with Angela?"
"Excuse me?" He looks at her. "Who says I was in love with her." Now Carol starts laughing uncontrollably.
"Are you kidding me? Who came to the hotel to bring Angela's notebook for a presentation? Who jealously knocked at Jack's door? And who was incredible relieved to see me?" She is still chuckling. "And who told us to eat all the aphrodisiacs known to man? Because it sure wasn't Angela!"
"Am I that obvious?" He takes a sip from his hot cocoa.
"Kinda." She just smiles at him.
"Here you go!" The waitress puts down the fries and chicken strips. After they both thank her, they start eating in silence.
"Thank you for this open and honest conversation Carol." Tony says after paying.
"I don't know what happened between Angela and you and it's none of my business. Just know that it's not too late. She cares as much about you as you care about her. Please don't break her heart again. I don't think she can handle it." She sighs. "I know you were hurt too, maybe it's time that you two stop hurting each other and finally be true to each other." She smiles.
Tony smiles back. "I know. I will try, it is just so scary."
"it is. It is scary to give your heart away. But if you never gamble, you can never win. And I think Angela and you are worth this gamble." She squeezes his hand.
"Thank you Carol." He says.
"You're welcome. Thanks for the nice chat and food."
Tony watches Carol walk off and sighs before looking at his watch. ~It's 4:00pm.~ That's when he sees unknown people leave the building. ~Are those the clients? Or other people from the companies in the building.~ His mind is racing as he heads back to his car to grab all the things he needs.
"He Tone, what are you doing here?" Tony turns around to see the familiar face that goes with the familiar voice.
"He Jack!" Tony sticks out his hand and Jack shakes his. "I'm here to surprise Angela." He smiles. "She works so hard, I think she deserves a surprise, don't you think? You both do!"
"Thanks Tony! Well Carol will be waiting for me, so I have to go." Jack is about to turn.
"Oh Jack, about Carol.." Jack quickly turns, Tony can see the worry on his face. "No, no Jack, she is well. I ran into her when I first arrived, so I took her to that diner over there and we had some hot cocoa and chilli cheese fries. Just wanted to be open and honest. Nothing else happened." Now Tony can't hide the worry in his voice.
"I trust my wife, Tony." Jack grins. "And honestly I trust you too. Have a great New Year's Eve." And with that he turned on his heels. "Bye Tony!"
"Have a wonderful New Year's Eve Jack! Bye!" Tony smiles and heads inside the building.
Tony walks into the office, all is quiet. He makes his way to Angela's office, when he hears her voice.
"Hi Tony, I guess you're not home.. yet." He hears the disappointment in her voice. "Well the presentation went very well. The clients are positive." She sighs and closes her eyes. Tony walks towards the open door and leans into the frame. "I wish I could just tell you personally. But they will get back to us before Friday but they said this was the first presentation they really liked. I will clean up here and then I'll head home. I hope you'll be home when I arrive." She looks up at her door. ~Am I hallucinating?~ "Tony?" She says still holding receiver to her ear, he walks towards her. "You're here." She smiles.
"I think you can hang up now." He nods towards the phone, she puts down the receiver.
"What.. What are you doing here?" She asks in surprise.
"It's New Year's Eve and I was afraid you'd work through the entire night if I didn't come and sweep you away from the office." He honestly replies. Angela laughs.
"You might be right." She gets up. "But I do still have to clean up here. I don't want people to come into the office on Wednesday to find it messy."
"You'd like some help with that?" He grins.
Angela feels weak in the knees every time he smiles at her that way. "I'd love some help." She walks out in front of him to the boardroom. She feels him following her.
Without saying anything Tony starts collecting the cups and glasses, Angela gathers all the paperwork, making different stacks. Tony cleans the mugs and glasses in the small office kitchen. Angela comes into the kitchen.
"Excuse me." She leans to grab the dishcloth. He chest touching his upper arm. "I've got to clean the table." Tony swallows and just nods while humming approvingly. ~Woman stop driving me crazy!~ Angela turns away and walks back into the boardroom. When Tony comes back into the boardroom, Angela is bend over the table cleaning it, giving him full view of her behind. He smiles. ~Damn!~ He feels his body react to her. ~Nope, settle down Micelli, take your time. Don't rush anything.~
Angela feels him watching her. ~Shall I wiggle?~ She smiles to herself. ~He is taking his damn time to feast his eyes, why isn't he making any moves? Stop it Angela! Just friends.. we are just friends, the best of friends, but nothing more and nothing less.~ "All done!" Is what she eventually says before standing up straight.
"Hey.. I'm done in the kitchen too. What else needs to be done?" Tony asks.
Angela looks around the room and then turns around. "I think we're done here. I just have to check my office before we leave."
"What is this?" Angela asks looking at the clothes bags and other bags on her mother's desk.
"I wanted surprise you." Tony puts both his hands in his pockets. "Because I was afraid you would either come home really late or not at all."
Angela turns. "Okay.. but what is this?" She points to the laid out bags.
"Those are clothes and accessories." He wobbles from his heels to his toes.
"I can see that, but what are they for?" She cocks her head.
Tony walks towards Mona's desk and leans into it. "Tonight."
"Tonight? I do need some more information than that Tony." She leans into the doorframe. "So?"
"You see it is already.." Tony looks at his watch. "5:30. We are in the city on New Year's Eve.."
"And?" Angela slowly shakes her head. "I thought we'd celebrate New Year's Eve quietly at home."
"Yeah.. I thought about that too. But I figured if we are in the city, we might as well watch the ball drop. It's been years since I last saw it live."
Angela smiles. "But what about my hair and make-up?"
"Open the duffle bag, Angela." Tony nods towards the bag and Angela does as he says.
"You always think of everything." Her eyes smile before her mouth does. ~That's what Carol meant. How could I have been that blind. Her eyes stopped smiling the moment she found out about Kathleen.~ it feels like someone is sitting on his chest.
"I try to. I hope you like the dress I chose." He now points towards the clothes bag.
Angela grabs the hanger and hangs the dress on the rack in her office, she unzips the bag and smiles. "Great choice Tony." He made his way into her office.
"I don't think I've ever seen you wear that one." He gives a shy smile.
"I bought this dress on whim. When.. well you know. I bought it late September. I saw it in the window and just fell in love with it, I guess." She moves her hand along the fabric of the dress. She did really fall in love with the dress. "Did you see the back, that is the part I fell in love with."
"The moment I saw the back, I knew I needed to see you in that dress." Tony's voice deeper than it was before. ~I can't wait to peel it off of your body someday.~ Angela turns and looks at him, she licks her lower lip but doesn't say anything. She turns to the dress again. The black dress is long, with 3/4 sleeves and a deep back. The back has netting and is decorated by Jewelled Rhinestones. The Jewelled Rhinestones start in the front of the dress, just below her neck and end hanging on her back. She turns to Tony again. "I know this doesn't ring a bell to you, but this is a Randolph Duke. It was more expensive than I actually should have spent on a dress, but isn't it gorgeous?" She smiles looking at her overpriced dress.
Tony just looks at her. "Yes you.. I mean it is." His mistake didn't go unnoticed by her, but she chose to ignore his comment. ~I can't wait to see you in it.~
"So what will you been wearing?" She turns around and looks at him.
"A tux. I hope you'll like it." He feels nervous. ~I've always loved you in a tux Tony.. you look so handsome in a suit but incredibly sexy wearing a tuxedo.~
"You know I've always thought you look handsome in a tuxedo." She says in all earnest. "So did you make any reservations?"
"Nope."
"No?"
"Nope, never have and never will. Angela it will be fantastic, you just have to believe in me, trust me." Tony pleads.
"I have and will always trust you Tony." Her eyes serious. "So.. let's get ready.. I guess?"
"Let's do this." Tony smiles at her. "You can get ready in here and I'll get ready on the other side of this door." Angela just nods and watches him close the door.
She opens the duffle bag, her face lights up. ~Tony.. Tony.. Tony.. always thinking about everything. Sometimes I wonder what I did right to deserve you.~ She sighs. ~But then at other times I wonder what I did for you to have hurt me like you did.~ She takes a deep breath. ~No Angela, don't go there, just enjoy this evening with him.~ She starts getting ready for their evening.
Tony looks at the door he just closed. ~This is really happening.~ He excitingly thinks. ~You'll be so surprised Angela, I know you'll love it and I will prove myself to you tonight. Not only myself, but also my love and loyalty to you.~
About 20 minutes later, Tony looks at himself in the small mirror Mona keeps in her drawer. He moves his hand through his hair. "Not bad Micelli, not bad at all." He softly says to himself. He quickly puts on his shoes and waits another 10 minutes before knocking on Angela's office door. "Hey Angela, are you almost ready?"
"Just a couple of more minutes Tony. Almost done."
Inside her office Angela has pinned up her hair and is just finishing up her make-up. Lastly she slips into the heels Tony brought her. She misses her full-sized mirror, the only place that has a large mirror is the bathroom, but that meant she had to walk past Tony before she had a chance to checkout herself. ~Okay Angela, this will be a hard pill to swallow, but you can do it.~ She sighs loudly before moving towards the door. She cracks the door open. "I'm ready Tony."
Tony jumps to his feet and turns at just the right time, Angela opens the door. "What do you think?" Her insecurity is always seeping through, no matter how hard she tries.
Tony stares at her with an open mouth. "Oh my God.. Angela.. you look.. absolutely.. wow.. I mean.. you are absolutely stunning." Angela starts blushing and looks at her feet. "Don't be self-conscience, you are beyond gorgeous." She bites her lip. "Would you mind?" Angela looks up and sees Tony spin his finger, she immediately understands what he is asking and starts spinning. ~Holy I wish I could ravish her right here and now..~ Tony just admires every inch of her in that dress. "Gorgeous." He says under his breath.
"You've already said gorgeous." She chuckles. "And to be honest you really look handsome." ~Don't let your mind wander down there Angela, don't.. You are just friends!~
"Honestly Angela, you look absolutely stunning, again beyond gorgeous. That dress fits you like a glove." He smiles at her.
"What's next Tony?" Angela felt excited for the rest of the night.
"We will go into the city, find a nice restaurant and have some dinner." He smiles. "Trust me, you'll love it. Let's grab all the other stuff and throw that in my car."
After packing up the car, Tony hails a cab and they make their way to where he needs them to go.
"Sorry sir, I can't drive further into the city." The cab driver stops the car. "It's New Year's Eve."
"I know man, thanks!" Tony hands him the fare money. "Come on beautiful." He extends his hand to her and helps her out of the car. The cab driver can't help but admire the beauty in front of him as he mouths 'well done man' to Tony. Usually Tony would feel offended if someone ogles Angela, but he knows she looks absolutely amazing tonight and he doesn't want to ruin the atmosphere they have already build up so far.
Angela immediately grabs Tony's arm. "It's quite busy." She apologises. "I don't want to lose you in this crowd."
~You don't need any excuses to hold on to me.~ He gives her a small smile. "It's okay, I don't want to lose again either." The 'hidden' message doesn't go unnoticed, she knows he means it but she doesn't realise that he is basing his message on more than friendship. ~Don't read to much into it Angela.~ She tells herself and yet she can't help but cling on tighter to him. He loosens her grip on him to puts his arm around her, pulling her as closely as he can.
"This is better." He breaths into her hair. "Don't you think?" Her body is tense at first, but she quickly relaxes under his touch.
"I guess so. Look at all these people Tony." She puts her arm on his waist. "I feel a bit overdressed." She says in his ear. He softly pinches her side.
"Again, you look absolutely stunning and not overdressed, you look absolutely perfect. Just hold on, I know a place that not many people do." As he guides over the streets of the city centre towards Times Square. Before nearly reaching Times Square Tony pulls her W 45th street.
"Tony, that's the opposite way of getting to Times Square. The ball will drop at Times Square." Angela tries to explain and pulls Tony to a stop. Tony pulls her closer.
"You trust me, don't you Angela?" Angela slowly starts to nod. "Good. Then trust me on this, okay?"
"Okay." She smiles at him as he guides her through the crowds.
"Just a little further down here." He pulls her near alley. Angela directly stops.
"An alley Tony? Really?" He hears the panic in her voice.
"You said you trust me.." Tony pleads.
"I do, Tony, I really do. I trust you, but this is a dark alley." Her eyes dart around.
"Trust me." His voice deep as he leans into her ear. "Please." With that she lets him guide her to where he needs her to go. He stops in front of a door and knocks in a familiar rhythm. Angela squeezes in closer to Tony as she sees a rat running through the alley. "Tony.." Angela whimpers.
That's when the door swings open. "Tony!"
"Luca!" Tony extends his free hand.
"Come in quickly." Luca lets them inside, ever the gentleman Tony let's Angela enter first and then Luca locks the door behind them. "We don't want any unwanted guests." Luca winks at Tony. "Who is this ravishing beauty?" He asks, Angela blushes.
Tony has known Luca since his birth, as their parents were neighbours. They became instant friends. Luca was the nerdy kid and Tony felt he always had to protect his friend. Luca wasn't nerdy anymore. He had grown, he was about 6'5, thick dark brown curls and green brown eyes. Tony knew Luca was a handsome man but this was the first time he made him feel nervous. "Uhm.. Luca Marino, meet Angela Bower. Angela this is Luca." Luca looks Angela up and down as she opens her jacket.
She gives him a smile and extends her hand. "Hi. Nice to meet you." Luca takes her hand, turns it and kisses the top of her hand. "Oh." She says in delighted shock. Tony stiffens next to her but doesn't say anything. Angela notices his shift and grabs his hand with her free hand and squeezes. Luca sees the interaction, releases her hand and gives Tony a smile and nod of understanding.
"Nice to meet you too Angela. Come on Tony this way." Luca walks out in front of them.
Angela looks around and feels an air of familiarity. "Tony where are we? This seems very familiar." She whispers. Tony just smiles at her over his shoulder. Angela throws him a look. "Who is Luca? He seems familiar as well." Tony stops at those words.
"You know Luca?" He asks in surprise.
"No I don't know him, he seems familiar. Like I have seen him before." She looks passed Tony at the handsome man. Tony feels jealousy rising and releases her hand, Angela looks at him in confusion. "What is it?" Tony sighs and moves his hand along his pants before taking hers again.
"Sweaty palms." He smiles, knowing he overreacted to her just looking at him.
"Just along that way." Luca points towards a long hallway. "Then up the stairs." He smiles at the both of them and then leans into Tony. "Everything is ready and to be honest man.." He looks at Angela and whispers. "Lucky bastard."
"Thanks Marino! I owe you.. big time." Tony slapped his shoulder.
"Nawh Micelli, I'm happy to finally be able toe do something for you. The amount of beatings you gave and received for me. I kinda owe you." He looks at his friend. "I don't think I've ever thanked you for sticking up for me."
"That's what friends do man!"
"OH. MY. GOD." Angela gasps in surprise, both men turn to her to look at her.