Chapter 39

AJ pulled out several casual shirts and let Tom choose one. He changed quickly and was soon ready to leave. AJ headed for Krista's, while Tom and Krystal went on the food run. Seeing a flower shop, on the way to Krista's, AJ stopped and went inside. He bought a dozen white roses for Krista then made his way to the shop where she worked. Tom and Krystal stopped at the Chinese restaurant and bought a little of everything on the menu.

Tom said, "I insist on paying for it all, darling. It's the least I can do."

Krystal felt bad, but she loved Tom all the more for his gesture.

AJ arrived at the little shop and everything was dark. Getting out of his Escalade with the roses in
hand, he walked to the door and read the sign. "Damn, closed at 1530 hours!" He had just missed her by five minutes. Wondering if her car was still parked around back, he hurried around the side of the building. "Krystal is going to kill me," AJ muttered. Seeing a light on the second floor he walked up the steps and saw Krista's name on the mailbox. Knocking, he waited anxiously for her to open the door.

Krista tired from a long day at the shop and drained from her encounter with AJ and her sister, she opened the door. Standing there in civilian clothes was AJ carrying a huge bunch of beautiful white roses.

"Krista, these are for you, kind of a peace offering if you will. May I come in for a little while,
please?" he asked sincerely.

"Albert, what is the use of going over the same thing a dozen more times? You sent my sister to see me hoping she would change my mind, didn't you?" asked Krista with a frown marring her face.

"No, I told your sister where to find you because she loves you and has been searching for you. I thought she had a right to know where you were if you had only a little while left to live," AJ explained sadly.

"Come in, but only for a while. I'm tired and still need to fix me a bite to eat," she replied tiredly.

"That's been taken care of too, if you'll accept our offering," he smiled laying the roses on the table.
"Tom and Krystal have gone to pick up some food and should be here any minute. Before you get all excited, we've only come to visit and not to pressure you to do anything. We just wanted to spend some time with you."

"Are you sure that's the only reason, Albert?" she asked suspiciously.

"I'm positive, Krista. No strings attached, just good food and lively conversation," he smiled. Just then there came a knock at the door.

"Are you going to turn them away, Krista? It will break Krystal's heart. She just wants to spend time with you," AJ said going to the door. He held the door knob waiting for an answer.

"No, I'll not turn anyone away if no one jumps my case about my illness. If you start though - you're all out of here," she warned.

Opening the door, AJ let Tom and Krystal inside, "Welcome to the home of Ms. Krista Kennex, hurry up Tom, the woman's hungry."

"Krista, do you still like Chinese food?" asked Krystal keeping her fingers crossed behind her back.

"I don't eat meat," Krista said, looking at the sacks of food.

"That's fine we got some vegetarian meals. That was AJ's idea, he works with a man who won't eat meat," grinned Krystal. "So will you share a meal with us and some small talk?"

"As long as no one talks about health issues," Krista told her. Going to the cupboard and getting out plates and silverware, she set the table and put on a pot of hot water for tea.

"Can I be of help in some way, Kris?" she asked looking over her sister's shoulder.

"Tell me what kind of tea everyone wants," she said.

"I'll take Earl Grey, if you have it," smiled AJ watching Krista working so well in the kitchen. No move that wasn't needed.

"That sounds good to me. I'll have what he is," grinned Tom.

"I'll have what you're having, Kris," replied Krystal leaning her head on Krista's shoulder.

"Albert, I told you earlier that I don't have Earl Grey, but I can make you something like it." She opened a drawer that was filled with tiny little bottles and began putting drops into cups, until the room was filled with pleasant aromas. "Krystal, you don't need to have what I am having, mine is a special blend just for pa...me."

To be continued…