CHAPTER 26

~It's Official ~

At dinner the other night, Mike got Nicole to say she appreciated the stroller that he bought for her. There never came an apology but that was enough for him. On the other hand, Mike made the announcement that he is officially going to make Paula his girlfriend after four years. He said he wanted to do so over a special dinner at Rivoli's and the housemates said they would be there for support but mainly to speculate.

Earlier in the day was awkward because Deena and Pauly had to work together. It was the first time they had been in close quarters since their argument. Neither one talked to each other. Mike was working with them so he served as a mediator so that it was not completely awkward. They mainly talked about his date later on and the shirt he decided to make to announce the news. After some fooling around and messing up the shirt he made with a prank, the workday was done and everyone headed home to get ready for the night.

Everyone is dressed and ready to head to dinner for Mike's big night. Nicole just dropped in to leave with the housemates. Sammi comes into the girls' room just as Deena comes in after getting off the phone. She notes the look on Deena's face.

Sam, "So, you're doing it tonight?"

Deena, "Yep. I think it's appropriate considering."

Sam nods, "Okay."

It is all Sammi says. She hopes this doesn't backfire for Deena and ruin the night.

Soon enough, Paula has made it to the house and everyone is off to Rivoli's in the SUV's.

-At Dinner-

Mike and Paula have their own table but not really because their table is not that far from the others at theirs. No one has been served yet before Mike starts things off.

He starts off with small talk and then he says that he has made a decision. Paula waits and so does everyone else turned around. Mike then unbuttons his shirt and reveals the new t-shirt he made at the Shore Store. The shirt reads, Let's Make it Official.

It takes Paula a minute to register what Mike is trying to say through the shirt because you couldn't really see it at first until he straightened it out. Then she sees it and reads it aloud. Excited, she gets up and hugs and kisses him. Everyone celebrates and it is not long after that, they get their orders taken and like perfect timing, another guest arrives to be seated.

This is funny because Pauly is about to get up to sit next to Deena to talk to her. He starts to nudge Vinny to tell him to switch places when Deena stands up herself.

Deena says over the chatter, "Excuse me everyone!"

They all look at her. She continues.

"I'm sorry, this will only take a second and then our waitress can continue to take our orders…"

Deena looks at the new face that just joined the table.

Deena, "I thought since this is a night of making announcements, that I would share a little something with you all."

She avoids certain faces and looks in the faces of her closest friends in the house. Right now she is looking at Nicole but talking to everyone still.

"I know I have been a little loopy and depressed and emotional on and off. Well…it is because I have missed this guy so much. I am glad he decided to come to dinner tonight so you can meet each other."

She takes a deep breath.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my boyfriend Chris."

…You could hear a rat piss on cotton. In fact Mike was straining to hear from the other table but when he heard that, he is the first to come over. He stands there but can't get any words out. Sammi rolls her eyes and responds.

"Hi Chris, I'm sure everyone is pleased to meet you…"

She nudges Ronnie who lets out a small laugh before saying hello to Chris. Then like a ripple effect everyone says hello and shakes his hand when he introduces himself first and last name as, Chris Buckner.

Nicole smiles coyly at Deena and Jenni as well. There is only one person at the table who has not extended any kind of greeting and no one dares to say anything. Of course, Mike does.

"Well congratulations are in order again for tonight, Paula and I makin things official and Deena making an official announcement to her making things official outside of here. (Laughing a little) Early toast from me, have a seat my man."

Chris sits down next to Deena and everyone raises his or her glasses taking this as the blessing before dinner. When Mike says Salud, everyone echoes that and tries to go back to normal and gives out their orders.

-After Dinner-

Everyone's bellies are full but not the answers to their curiosity. Small talk is made amongst the girls but Deena is not stupid, she keeps Chris close by so no one can mess with him. It is not long before everyone pays and leaves their tip and is now out the door and on their way back to the house.

Outside, Deena and Chris stand next to each other talking when Ronnie speaks out.

"Yo Chris, you comin back to the house or you headed home?"

Chris to Deena, "Well it's up to her. I don't have to work tomorrow."

Deena thinks about it and responds, "It's okay. You can come."

Chris nods and then squeezes in the SUV with Deena.

Back at the house, it turns into couple's night. Sammi and Ron play a game with Deena and Chris in the front room while Paula and Mike go upstairs for the night.

Jenni is in the girls' room.

Vinny is watching the whole thing from the sidelines. He is on the couch with Pauly in the front room. Neither is saying anything, just watching. Eventually Pauly gets up and goes out to the deck.

No one notices him leave until they hear the sliding door slam shut. There is a brief pause but not of concern. The four go back to their game but Vinny is conscious of everything. He sighs and stands up to go check on Pauly.

Outside, Pauly is up on the top deck fake shooting basketball hoops with the actual basketball. Vinny finds him and responds.

"Mind if I get in a quick game sweetheart?"

Pauly stops and looks at him, "Don't eva do that again."

Vinny smiling, "What? It's couple's game night apparently."

Pauly doesn't respond, he just shakes his head and goes back to his silent game. Vinny takes a seat in one of the chairs and waits. When nothing happens he brings up the Elephant in the house at the moment.

Vinny, "Big surprises tonight huh?"

Pauly, "Yeah. I bet Mike and Paula's relationship lasts all of one month if that."

Vinny laughs, "I want in on that bet. (Shaking his head) I don't know how that last relationship went but from the way Mike talks, not well. Poor Paula, the girl has no clue."

Pauly, "Whatever. She should know what she's getting herself into, hanging around him this long. It's not like we're new in town."

Vinny, "I don't think her IQ is up enough to even pay it any attention."

Pauly, "Like I said, the girl knows. I just don't think she cares, so you know what? I don't either."

Pauly goes quiet again and then Vinny dares bring up the next subject. It was what he was initially trying to get out anyway but Pauly averted the conversation to Mike and Paula. Truth be known he could care less himself.

Vinny pauses, "…So I'm mad it took this long for Deena to come out and say she has a boyfriend."

Nothing is said on Pauly's end. Vinny carefully continues.

"What's the deal with this guy you think?"

Pauly responds right away.

"I really don't fuckin care. All this couple-relationship talk is makin me wanna puke, I cannot see why anyone would want one. I love bein single."

Vinny can read Pauly better than anyone else and he definitely sees some hurt there. Hopefully Pauly remains calm on this one but he suspects some sort of blow out coming, just in the way he and Deena have been going at it lately.

A/N: It's a Working Wednesday everyone! Wow...game changer this Chap is. Once again, nothing much to say; it's blunt and straight to the point. What are your thoughts?