Disclaimer: I still don't own these characters. I own any and all mistakes. I hope there aren't too many.
A/N: I really really appreciate the response I got from the last chapter! All the reviews just made me smile. And since everyone told me to continue…here comes chapter 2. I haven't killed anyone! As of right now, Paul Drake is still alive, along with Lt. Tragg and Burger. You didn't need to know all of that for this chapter, but I thought I'd bring it up for future reference. Paul is in this chapter though! Enjoy!
"Perry!" Paul greeted him. "What's been going on with you?"
"Not too much," Perry admitted. Being a judge was fun for a little while and he still loved helping innocent people, but he liked to take a more active role.
"The routine already boring you?" Paul asked, knowing his friend.
"Absolutely not," Perry lied. Paul might know he was lying, but Perry didn't care. He had a different purpose for this conversation. "What are you all doing for the fourth?"
Paul sighed. "We're not really sure yet. We were thinking about going to dinner with Della, but overall we don't having anything exciting going."
"Well, then, I have a proposition for you," Perry said.
Paul raised his eyebrows with interest. "Go on."
"I've decided to have kind of a housewarming/Fourth of July party," Perry explained. "I was going to invite a few people I've met from up here and I was wondering if you all and Della would like to come."
"That sounds like it would work," Paul mused. "I know Paul would love to see you. He doesn't talk about it, since he's too old and it's not cool, but I know he misses you. Is Della definitely coming?"
"Well…" Perry stalled. "I haven't exactly called her yet. I was wondering if you would ask her."
"Oh no," Paul refused. "Not a chance, pal! If you want Della to come, you're going to have to call her yourself. I'm not about to get in the middle of this."
"In the middle of what?" Perry asked.
"I don't know," Paul admitted. "But whenever it comes to the two of you, there's always something that a person could get in the middle of."
Perry chuckled softly. He supposed that was true. "Okay, fine. I'll ask her. Are you guys coming regardless though?"
Paul was so tempted to say no. He was so tempted to tell him they would only come if Della did, but Paul knew that wouldn't be fair. "I suppose we will."
"Alright," Perry said. "I'll reserve your room for Friday the 3rd through Sunday the 5th. The party will be on the 4th. I'll also call the airport and have some tickets waiting for you."
"With your credit card?" Paul teasingly asked.
Perry couldn't help it, he had to smile. That question was so very Paul. "Of course."
Paul smiled. "We'll see you on the fourth!"
"Good-bye Paul," Perry said.
By way of parting, Paul said, "You'd better call Della."
Perry rolled his eyes, but before he could say anything else, he was met with a dial tone. Paul had hung up.
-%
Around seven that night, Perry glared at the phone. He hadn't called Della yet, because he wasn't sure where she worked now. At least, that was a great excuse. Of course, she would be home now, he hardly thought her boss kept the hours he did, and now he had no excuse not to call her.
He continued to glare at the phone. He had tried to call her a few times tonight, but never got further than the sixth number. He was being a chicken. Perry hadn't spoken to her since he moved out here. During the first month there was just so much to do with his judgeship being so new (of course, if Della had been helping him it wouldn't have seemed half as bad). After the first month, he figured he'd been silent for too long and he was afraid she'd probably be mad, since he hadn't talked to her in so long. Now though, he had to call.
Perry had exhausted all his options. He had thought about just not inviting her to the party, but that would have disastrous consequences all around. Paul would be disappointed in him and wouldn't ever let him live that down. Paul might also mention the party to Della and Della would be hurt that she wasn't invited. Perry didn't want to hurt Della anymore than he already had after moving out here, which he affectionately classified big mistake.
The big thought that kept him from picking up the phone was her possible refusal. Of course, there was also starting the conversation. What was he supposed to say to her? "Why, hello Della. How have you been?" He didn't think that would be acceptable after three months of not speaking to her.
He picked up the phone again. Perry was going to do it this time. He had to do it this time. He began to dial.
Am I evil? I think I probably am. I'm sorry! I debated with myself for a long time about ending it here, but in the end I just had to do it. Sorry this chapter is so short too. If you want another one quick…review! The quicker I get reviews, the quicker I post…theoretically. Please review and thanks for reading!