A/N: Hey, all! So thanks to those reading and/or reviewing this story thus far. I know I've been missing my Sugarstick every Thursday evening, just like many others as well. So, until he comes back or Harper's Island hits the T.V. screen, I'll be doing my best to help provide some love. This chappy, has slight spoilers for 3.07, nothing you can't get from the promo, but you have been warned. As always, enjoy and thanks for reading/reviewing.
The next day…
Henry was in a meeting in a conference room with all of the top executives of the company to go over costs and finalize everything before the new location would be opening up the next week.
"Henry, are all the numbers evened out? There aren't any last minute expenses we should worry about, are there?" Steve asked. Steve was the guy in charge of the new branch they were to be opening, and currently running the meeting.
Henry quickly scanned over the files he had attached to a clipboard, and shook his head. "No sir. Everything is in order." Steve thanked Henry and continued on with the meeting. Just a little over an hour had passed when the meeting was coming to an end. "Okay everyone. That was a great meeting. Let's all meet back once more on December 14th; the Sunday before we open." Henry walked out of the room tired, tired and hungry. Henry made his way down the street where he saw the nearby diner "Joe's" and entered.
A waitress came up to him holding a tray and menus in her arms. "Hi there. I'm Charlene. How many darling?" She asked.
Henry stood there looking around as if to see someone else there with him. "Just me."
"Okay Honey. Right this way."
Henry followed the waitress and made himself comfortable in the corner booth she had led him too. After she took his order, Henry rummaged through his pockets until he found what he was looking for. He yanked out his cell phone and decided to call Betty. When he had got back to his hotel room, he realized that in the hurriedness of asking her out last night, he forgot the specifics. As he waited for her to answer, Charlene came back with his ice water. With a smile, he murmured to her his thanks. Finally after the fourth ring she answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey Betty."
"Who is this?"
"Um, it's me…Henry."
"Oh, sorry Henry. I didn't recognize the number and I can barely hear you."
He had just remembered. He was using his new company cell phone. The one Steve insisted he had.
"Are you busy? Should I call back?
"No, I'm not busy at all. It's just my neighbor, Jesse. He was in a band, and it sort of fell apart. He's holding auditions in his apartment right across the hall. It sounds like it's kind of getting a little out of hand over there."
Henry's mind flashed back to the night the Internal Rhythm Service's lead singer was Amanda of all people, singing about her father and his Tweety Bird tattoo. He next remembered singing on stage with Betty. "It takes two to make a thing go right, It takes two to make it outta sight…" At that moment, he realized that he missed being the manager of a band. It wasn't something he would have sought out to do, it just happened, and he loved it from day one; listening to great music, getting gigs for the bands, figuring the numbers. All things he loved were cohesively a part of one, and not to mention his groupie, whom he adored.
"Henry? Are you still there?" Betty asked.
Her voice pulled him out of his reverie. "Oh, I'm so sorry Betty. I'm still here." He paused, forgetting what they had been talking about. Then it hit him. He had to let her know he was listening, and not just blowing her off like every other guy. "Well, it sounds like your neighbor could use a manager. I met a few people back when I managed the I.R.S. Maybe I could give you their numbers to give to him?"
"Yeah. I'm sure he'd love that. Thanks Henry."
They both paused; at a loss for what to say next.
Betty started. "So, did you have anything in particular you needed to talk about?"
Henry smiled. He realized in all the nervousness of calling her, they still didn't have official plans for the evening.
"Yes, actually. I forgot to ask you last night where you would like to go for dinner? And, when are you free?"
"Well, I just need to run a few errands today, so any time after 5, sound good?"
Henry nodded as if she were sitting across from him and replied. "Sounds great. So where would you like to eat then?"
"Surprise me." Betty responded.
Henry let out a soft chuckle. "Okay. I know just the place. I'll pick you up around 5:30 then."
Betty smiled into the phone. In no less than four hours now she would be back in the presence of the man she let go. "Okay, see you then." Betty hung up and plopped herself back onto her bed out of mere joy and frustration. She couldn't wait to see him. She then sat back up and looked into the extra long mirror, now letting her see her full silhouette. She couldn't let Henry see her like this. She then dialed the number of the first person that came to mind.
Henry was just as nervous as Betty. He finished what he could of his meal and headed back to the hotel.
--
"Amanda, you owe me." Betty stated.
"Ugh…but, but…"
"Amanda, be over here in 20 minutes, okay?"
"Fine."
--
Henry had opened the door to his room, when his cell phone rang.
"Henry, my boy, do you have a minute?"
"Sure Sir. How are you?"
"I'm great Henry, thank you for asking. And please Henry, call me Steve."
"Yes sir. I mean…uh… Steve. How can I help you?"
"Well Henry. I have a business proposition for you. Would you like to set up a meeting for Monday say around noon?"
Henry was confused. He couldn't understand what kind of proposition they would be offering him; maybe they were making plans to already open another branch. The company had been expanding quite a bit recently.
"Sounds great Steve. Thank you."
"Don't mention it Henry. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Well, there is one thing."
Henry placed his cell phone on the charger, and toed off his shoes as he made his way towards a shower.
--
"Hold still Betty!"
Betty sat their flinching in response to Amanda placing some obscure contraption on her eyelashes.
"So Betty…" Amanda started in her monotone voice, pretending to be interested in why she was making her over. "Why exactly, the change of heart? I do love making you look, normal, but what for? It's not like you have a hot date or anything, right?"
Betty looked up eyeing Amanda in the mirror. Amanda looked down to see Betty's reaction.
Amanda walked around the chair and got to eye level with Betty. "Shut up! Who is it? It's not Jesse, is it? I thought you were so over him…" Amanda began, jealousy starting to creep up in her voice.
"Amanda, no. It's not Jesse." Betty hesitated. "It's.." She started, now fidgeting with the loose thread from her sweater.
"Spit it out woman!"
Betty looked away from Amanda so she wouldn't see her reaction when she revealed who it was. Short of breath, she squeaked "Henry."
"Nerdlover? You can't be serious! I thought he was back in Tucson with his Baby Mama?"
"Me too."
Amanda got serious for a moment. "Betty, I know we might not always get along, and I might mock you're hideous clothes, but you look absolutely amazing." Amanda thought about what she was going to say next. "And about Jesse, we're cool right?"
When Betty had taken Amanda in under her wing, Betty had had somewhat of a crush on Jesse. However, Amanda also had noticed the cute guitarist. Jesse and Betty were becoming friends, and then Amanda had intervened much to Betty's dismay.
"Amanda. We're beyond cool. Besides, you and Jesse are really great together."
Amanda smiled and she was back to her normal self. "We are, aren't we?"
Amanda put the finishing touches on Betty's makeup and pleaded to stay so she could see Accountant Man and she could let Marc know all the dirt.
Betty finally shooed her out the door before realizing that Henry was going to pick her up any minute.
--
Henry stopped by a nearby flower shop outside her building to pick her up a bouquet of her favorites – pink gerbera daisies. And then his cell phone rang.
"Henry, you're reservations are all set."
"Thank you so much, Steve. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Henry shoved his phone back in his pocket as he paid for the flowers.
--
Betty paced nervously back and forth in her apartment, just waiting. There was a soft knock on her apartment door, and on the other side a man stood there equally as nervous as she.
She opened the door, and he was a ray of sunshine. He immediately showered her with compliments of how beautiful she was as he handed over her flowers. She couldn't help but realize how handsome he was. He was wearing his red sweater-vest, complete with tie and a pair of nice slacks.
"So, I don't mean to be rude, but we have reservations at 6:00 o'clock. Are you ready to go?"
"Sure. Let me just grab my purse."
Betty was locking up her door when she heard two voices from behind. She looked over to see Jesse's door slightly cracked and two pairs of eyes staring back at her.
"Alright, come on Amanda. Get it over with."
Henry turned around to see Amanda with Betty's neighbor, Jesse. "Oh my God! Betty, you were serious! I never thought I would see his "Body – Karate" as Marc would put it again." Amanda stated, including air quotes where appropriate. Henry's face reddened and he gave a small wave to Amanda as they made their way to the outside world.
"So, I forgot to ask. Where are we going for dinner Henry?"
"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you would it?" Henry smiled, placing his hand on the small of her back.
Betty let out a small chuckle, and nervously entered the cab. Henry soon followed.
--
When they arrived at their destination, Betty realized in fact where they had headed.
"Henry? Here?" She asked out of curiosity.
"We can totally go somewhere else if you want to." He supplied.
"No. We're here, and I'm freezing."
"Okay." Henry stepped out of the taxi, and very gentlemanly like, offered her his hand.
She gently placed her hand in his, and they made their way inside.