Hi everyone. I'm very happy you all liked the lion cub element to the story. I had been subtly building the story up to this part right from the first instalment, so it's so nice to see that it has really paid off! Thanks once again for all your very kind emails and reviews – FirstCenturyBC.

Chapter 9

Charlie and Joey stood in the reception. They thanked Susan for her hospitality and she left them to go back to tending to the cubs.

Joey watched as Susan exited through the wooden door that said 'STAFF ONLY.' She could feel Charlie's eyes on her. She smiled mischievously and slowly turned to look at her.

"You are ...," Charlie said, trying to think of the best possible word to describe how she felt.

"Amazing? I know! See? The Amazing Joey has many tricks up her sleeve," said Joey with a wink.

"How on Earth did you manage to do all that back there?" Charlie exclaimed.

Joey took her by the hand, not caring who saw. She began to lead Charlie towards the exit. "I'll explain it all to you later. Let's go. The day has just begun."

--------x--------

They were back in the car. Charlie fixed her hair in the mirror and glanced across at Joey, who was looking straight at her, emotionless. It made Charlie a little uneasy.

Suddenly Joey smiled warmly and said, "Open the glove compartment."

Charlie's eyes narrowed. What else had Joey got in store for her? Hadn't she done enough already? She did as she was told and looked inside. There was a silvery envelope sitting on top of a road map. She lifted it out and flipped it over. On the front was simply written ...

'Charlie'

----x---

Charlie looked at Joey again and smiled. "More?" she asked.

"Of course more," replied Joey. "It's your birthday!"

Charlie opened the envelope and peered inside. Enclosed were a pair of tickets. She slid her fingers inside and took them out. She studied them for a few moments ...

'KINGS OF LEON'

Charlie gasped. "Oh Joey ... this is incredible. I love them. When are they playing?"

"Tonight." Joey grinned. "The concert is at 7:30. I'm going to take you back home now so you can spend some time with Ruby. She wants to have lunch with her big sister on her birthday. Then later this afternoon I'll pick you up. We can go to the concert, and even grab something to eat at a restaurant somewhere close before it starts. How does that sound?"

"It sounds wonderful ... THANK YOU!" She hugged Joey tight, kissing her on the cheek before finding her lips. They shared a short but passionate kiss before heading back to Summer Bay.

--------x--------

Joey pulled up beside Leah's house. Ruby opened the door and waved at them. She stood there grinning. Joey had told her about the lion cub and she had waited eagerly all morning to hear about it.

"I'll be back here at five to pick you up," she said.

Charlie smiled at her. "Thank you ... for everything," she said tenderly

"The day's not over yet ... not until the fat lady sings ... or Caleb Followhatsisname from Kings of Leon sings. Whatever!"

Charlie giggled. She immediately felt a rush of emotions, feeling so lucky to have someone who wanted to give her such a very special birthday. She leaned across to kiss her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ruby watching them. She hesitated briefly, before continuing to allow her lips to meet those of the woman she loved.

"See you soon," said Joey. "And enjoy your lunch."

"I will ... thanks." She gazed at Joey for what seemed like a very long time, but was merely seconds. "I love you," she added, smiling warmly.

Her words made Joey's heart feel lighter than air. "And I love you."

Charlie got out of the car. Ruby waved to Joey and she reciprocated. She left them to enjoy their lunch together.

--------x--------

"So ... how was it? I want to know EVERYTHING!" Ruby said excitedly as they sat in The Diner awaiting their order.

Charlie's eyes hazed over and wandered off as she thought about the morning she had just experienced. "It was ... INCREDIBLE, Rubes! Aww ... I have to take you to see him. He's so beautiful."

"I'll bet he is. What's his name?"

"He hasn't got one yet. I have to think of one for him."

"You can call him Ruby if you like," she chirped. Ruby's hints were never subtle.

Charlie laughed. "I don't think the people at Taronga Zoo would be too happy with me calling one of their male lions Ruby!"

"Well then ... call him Ruuuuuu-ben ... yeah ... Ruben."

Charlie was amused at Ruby's persistence, but maybe Ruben would be a good name for him. She'd think about it!

Charlie's phone bleeped. It was a message from Joey. She opened it to read it, but was surprised to find that Joey had sent her the photo she had taken earlier that day of her with her brand new family member. Charlie knew Joey had sent it to her so she could show it to her little sister. She was always being so thoughtful.

Charlie showed the image to Ruby. "Here he is!"

Ruby looked at it – and she melted in her chair. "Aww ... Charlie ... he's gorgeous! I can't wait to meet him. Y'know ... you are so lucky to have someone like Joey. She really loves you."

Charlie smiled. "I know."

"And it's good to see you so happy with someone ... finally. I was beginning to think you'd become one of those old women who ends up living alone with ... like ... fifty cats running around the house."

Charlie stared at her, not amused. "Thanks, Rubes ... you really know how make a girl feel good on her birthday."

Diplomacy had never been one of Ruby's strong points.

"So where are you guys going later?" asked Ruby, ignoring her sister's annoyance at her.

"She's taking me to see Kings of Leon."

"You're kidding! God, Charlie ... what have you done to deserve a girl like that? You must really rock her world ... if you know what I mean!" Ruby winked at her.

Charlie gave her a disapproving look, blushing at the same time. Ruby was right. In Charlie's eyes, she was far too wise for her young years.

To be continued ...