*AUTHORS NOTE*

First off let me apologize for the delay. Don't worry I haven't forgotten about this story. I've been super busy with work, and when I finally have time to sit in front of my computer I end up rewriting the whole thing a bunch of times. Not being able to move forward. Also I do that thing where when I get stuck I like to take time away from it, in order to get a clear but yet focused head later on. Which ends up dragging it even more. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I really appreciate all the reviews. Thank you for continue reading. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

*****Stella's Cafe*****

The next day, 78 Violet are all in Stella's Cafe for brunch. Combining two tables together so they can all fit in. Stella walks by with an assisting waitress holding their orders.

"Okay, hot plates coming through" Stella placing each plate at the table.

"Thank you" Aly says looking at her strawberry waffles.

"Yeah, thanks Stel." Aj taking a bite of scramble eggs.

Stella smiles at the group. "You are all very welcome. Enjoy." She walks away, back to the counter.

Each band member eating their breakfast Brad suddenly asks Aly "So...Alyson. Where were you last night? You just totally dipped."

Everyone begins to make eye contact with her. "I was out with Raviv." She responds back, with nothing to hide.

"Where did you guys go?" Aj adding on to the question.

"We went to his place, he just wanted to show me some writing he's been working on. Then he took me to another bar."

Everyone looking at her then glancing to each other. Wondering if there's more to the story then what she just said.

David facing toward the entrance sees Ricky walking into Stellas. "Speaking of whom." He blurbs out before taking a sip of his coffee.

The door opens and everyone at the table turns to see a semi spiky black headed boy wearing a dark blue hoodie with grey basketball shorts. With both his hands full, he had a dozen flowers in one hand and a brown book in the other.

Ricky walks straight to the counter. Aly keeping her eyes on him as he makes his way.

Stella looks up and smiles as she sees Ricky approaching the counter.

"You think I'd forget? Happy Anniversary" He hands Stella the bouquet.

"Awww Rav you shouldn't have." She takes the roses and gives them a sniff.

"Are you kidding? Your considered my second mom." He smiles while looking at her admiring his gift. "So, what are you and Joe doing tonight?"

"Same as every anniversary. He picks me up, go to dinner, take a stroll at the Washington Square, and listen to street jazz performers. Its perfect and I love it" She tells him. Ricky still smiling at her, he likes seeing Stella so happy. He always loved her and Joe's relationship. Always thought so highly of it.

She sets the flowers down "So, breakfast?"

"No. I just ate a pop tart on my way over here. Gonna play some basketball with Zack. In fact I should get going. I'll see you later." He begins to back up from the counter.

"Wait." Stella stops Ricky and hands him a bottle water. He smiles and takes the bottle.

Stella goes to the back trying to find a vase for the flowers.

Ricky turns around he sees Aly and her band. Starting to walk over to her, the group begins to look.

Aly's heart begins to beat faster as he gets closer and closer to her.

"Hey, I was hoping I'd run into you today. This are for you." He gives her the book he had walking in. And on top, there was a single yellow daisy.

Aly grabs the book and picks up the yellow flower and looks over to him. "Big spender. Haha Where did you get this from?"

"On the sidewalk, under a random tree." He says to her so casually.

She smiles and nods her head. Couldn't expect anything more from him.

Now looking at the book she opens to skip through. "It has some of my favorite poetries." He tells her. "I even went through it last night and wrote some notes on the side of the pages for you. Jot down my input."

Skimming through the pages, she looks up to him. "Thank you" Aly says with a smile. Appreciating the small thoughtful gesture.

"Well, I'm gonna go. See you around. Later guys" He walks away and the group waves bye to him.

Aj turns to her sister who's speechless carrying the same smile looking in the book. Recognizing that face she has no choice but to ask. "Do you like Rav?"

Putting her fork down and crossing her arms, waiting for her sisters answer.

Aly slowly closes the book. Sets it on the table, and looks at Aj. "I don't know...maybe."

All the guys smiling at each other giving the 'I knew it face'. Everyone was smiling but not Aj. Being not too happy with the news. "What?! What do you mean maybe? Aly this is Ricky Ullman. The ultimate playboy. Ring a bell?"

"I thought... you liked him?" Aly surprised with her sisters not too joyful reaction.

"I do. As a friend. Not in a potential boyfriend for my sister. You know him, 'Partyboy' never settles. Its always 'on to the next'. Except Rachel she was an exception. But then again Rachel was a partygirl herself." Aly leans back against her chair. "Aly..this is Ricky." Aj says again.

"He's changed." Aly flashes back at her.

Aj doesn't say any more but gives a blank stare at her, not wanting to get into a fight in public with her sister. Especially in front of the band. All the guys feeling very uncomfortable.

Suddenly a brunette wearing a light green spring dress walks in. Stella returning back to the counter, Samantha sees her and makes her way.

"Hey have you seen Ricky?" She questions Stella.

The group looks over curious to who this girl might be and why shes asking for Ricky.

"You just missed him. He's on his way to the park to play basketball." Stella tells Sam.

Sam sighs, "Ugh. That boy promised me." She starts to turn around and walk back to exit the cafe, when Aj stops her.

"Hey. How do you know Ricky?"

Samantha looks at the blond girl "We've done a couple plays together. Plus we have 'history'. In fact we were suppose to go on a date today. But typical Rick. He forgot." Responding to her question which then causes Aly feeling stupid and worthless. "Why you ask?"

"Oh..no reason. We're just old friends, in town that's all." Aj tells her.

Samantha looks at Aly who's having her head down. Not making eye contact with her. "Hey aren't you those 'Violet' girls?"

"Yeah. That's us." Aj answers.

"And aren't you that one girl Ricky did a show with, back in the day." She says directing to Aly.

Aly looks up to her. "Yeah that's me." Putting on a fake smile hiding her disappointment.

"Yeah. Ricky mentioned you a few times. He says your a really good friend." Those words begin to sting Aly like a giant bee. "I'm Samantha."

"I'm Aj, this is my sister Aly. This is Brad, David, Pete, and Steve. Our band." The rest of the crew says hi, while Aj introduces them.

"Well, nice meeting you guys. If you see Ricky tell him his favorite girl is disappointed and he can make it up to her by taking her shopping at times square"

"Will do." Aj nods. And the group waves bye as Samantha exits Stella's.

Everyone sits in silence with another huge awkward moment, not knowing what to say or wanting to look at Aly knowing shes hurt and Aj was right.

"Ouch." Pete blurbs out. David hits his arm with the 'wth' expression.

Aj looks at Aly feeling so sorry for her sister. "Aly...-"

"No. Look Aj, can we just drop it? I get it. " Aly tells her.

The group continues to eat their food and at least try to enjoy their breakfast.

"So...is it Ricky or Raviv..?" Steve randomly asks. Everyone looks at him, breaking the awkward ice but still making it even more uncomfortable. David too hits him, for his lack of thinking and consideration.

"His names, Raviv. Ricky is just a stage name or nickname." Aj explains to him. "You can call him either. I usually go back and forth"

"I usually call him Raviv." Aly adds. "Just cause thats his actual name... Its.. him. "

*****Area*****

Lying about where he was really going Ricky takes a different turn and instead ends up at Area. Walking inside he see's Joe and some of his staff members decorating the place with purple and pink balloons. All the tables have been removed. The only one thats left is a single round table covered in a white sheet, set up for two.

Ricky walks over to Joe who's tying down three balloons, close by the stage. "The place looks great."

Joe looks to Ricky "Yeah, sure does. "

"So what can I help you with?"

"Well...we still have some balloons we need to figure out where to put. Did you stop by the florist like I asked you?" He asks as they both begin walking to the counter.

"Yeah. She said they'll be ready in three hours. Plenty of time." Ricky assures him.

Coming from the back Zack walks in with a milk crate full of records. "Alright. I got everything from Kenny G., Glenn Miller, and Artie Shaw."

He sets the crate down. Joe looks over to him "You boys are truly something special. Thank you for your help"

They both smile back. "Well..you and Stel do enough for both of us. We're just glad we can help." Ricky says.

"Yeah, I think its awesome what you're doing for your girl." Zack agrees.

Ricky sighs. "So, you got the ring?"

"Yup, picked it up a few days ago." He reaches in from him pocket. Grabbing the black box he opens it and shows the guys a beautiful simple diamond ring.

"So great you want to renew your vows." Ricky tells him taking a look at the ring.

Joe closes the box and puts it back in his pocket. "After being married 25 years...I still get chills just thinking about her."

"How did you know? I mean, that she was a 'for sure' thing?" Rick asks.

"I didn't. I didn't know we would last. We were both young. And I had no thought of where we would end up. I just knew..that I wanted to be with her. I like the feeling when shes right there next to me. I never felt so at ease...It was..a gut feeling, I guess you could say. That with what sparks she brings into my life, its worth taking a shot and going with my feelings." As Joe tells this to the boys, he makes Ricky think about his feelings for Aly. How she makes him feel.

"Anyways boys I gotta go. I have a meeting with a few bands interested in playing next week. Just do me a favor and look over everything. I trust you guys into making the place look great. Call me if you fellas have any problems. See you in a few." Joe walks out and the boys wave bye.

"So, what did you do last night?" Zack asks Ricky who's walking behind the counter.

"I was here. Met up with Aly and her band." He tells him.

Zack sorting through the record cases in the crate. "Oh I heard Jeff Bernat was playing. He's awesome. You do anything else?"

Ricky restocking a few bottles in the counter "Uh, well me and Aly left early and hung out for the rest of the night"

"Oh yeah? And how was that?" Zack curiously asks with a smirk on his face.

Ricky stops what hes doing. "Let me ask you something?.. Have you ever...known someone for so long...then all of a sudden you start to look at them in a different way? Its like your total view shifts. And now this person...I don't know. You, think of them in a way you never did before?"

"Like an alien?" Zack looking at him confused.

"What? No. I mean...you begin to care about them. More then you ever did before. Or ever expected." Ricky still trying to explain himself.

"Oh, I see. You like Aly. Gosh dude I knew you had a thing for her." Zack moves the crate to the side. And takes a seat.

"I don't even know how this suddenly happened. Its like one minute I'm looking at her. Then the next I'm...'looking at her'.." Ricky not knowing if he made any sense looks down and takes a big sigh.

Zack nodding his head up and down still trying to process what he said. "So...you like her..?"

Ricky shrugs his shoulders not saying a word.

"Come on there's no maybe. Its either you do or don't."

He looks back up to Zack. "I couldn't stop thinking about her last night. And even when I see her in my mind I can't help but smile."

"A little gay, but hey that's what love does I guess. So..what happens next?"

Ricky grabs individual cranberry juice bottles and hands one over to Zack "I'm not sure. Like I like her and care about her. But what if she doesn't feel the same way, you know? I don't wanna mess things up or make things weird between us."

"Does she feels the same?" Zack taking the bottle.

"That's the thing, I don't know." Ricky responding back debating in his mind what he should do.

"Well why don't you find out? You never know what can happen. Better to try then wonder. I really think you should go for it. You guys got chemistry and history. Two subjects that can equal to a nice romance." Zack takes a sip.

Ricky smiles and nods his head. "I don't know man. I always seem to mess these things up. I really care about Aly. She's not some random girl. She's different.."

"And she 'Wows' you doesn't see?"

"With every breath in me." Ricky answers back.

"Didn't she go out with that one NFL player?" He asks before drinking his juice.

"Yeah. He broke up with her though. Idiot."

"She over him?" Zack asks.

"Not too sure. Why?"

"Well come on dude. Think about it. Even though they're broken up. Its still gonna be like your going against him. Make sure she isn't thinking about him when shes with you. " Making a solid point Ricky takes a second to rethink about the whole situation.

Should he take the risk and pursue these feelings he has? Or stand back and do nothing? Whether competing against Matt or not, hes not sure if breaking down his wall will be a right idea.

******Aly and Aj's hotel suite******

Aly sitting on the couch staring at the book Ricky gave her earlier. Feeling a slight disappointment in herself for even thinking there would be a chance of them two.

Aj walks in, sees her sister. "Hey..me and the guys are going to watch a movie. You wanna come?"

Not looking at her, Aly continues to remain seated crossing her arms. "No. I think I just wanna stay in today. Not feeling very good."

Aj sighs "Look Aly...I know your really upset about Ricky. I'm sorry. But this is just him. You know its better this way, right?"

"Yeah.. I know. I'll be fine. It was pretty dumb of me really. I just...need a day. You go ahead. I'll be okay." Aly says putting on a fake smile.

"Okay. ..Well you got my number.. See ya." Aj grabs her purse then slowly exits the room.

*******Area******

Hours pass. The crew are about finished. The place looks amazing. Decorated in all pink and purple, white Christmas lights across the ceiling. Red roses everywhere. Joe looks around admiring the work they put in.

"So, what do you think?" Ricky asks walking up beside him, with Zack following. "Yeah. pretty sweet right?"

Ricky and Zack standing on both sides of Joe "It's perfect. Thanks boys.". He places his hand on each of their shoulders. "I can't wait to show Stella."

Looking at Joe, seeing how happy and excited he was reminded Ricky of Aly and how she makes him feel. How he couldn't wait to see her with every chance he got. And each surprise, the cd, his writing, the blue room, he loved showing her something unexpected. Seeing her reaction, making her move forward from the bad. Helping her cope in every way. He liked being there for her. He liked surprising her, showing her different sides of him. Better sides. He enjoyed just seeing her, spending time that he lost. Most importantly he liked seeing her happy, and being that cause of that happiness.

He wants to see her again. He wants to relive last night.

"Well, if that's all you need. I better go check on the shop. Make sure its still standing." Zack says bye to Joe and Ricky, then starts heading out of Area.

Joe turns to Ricky. " Listen Ricky, there's something I wanna ask you."

Ricky looks over to him.

"I would like you to be my best man."

Ricky shocked with the offer, eyes wide open and completely speechless.

"You've been like a son to us. There's no one else who I'd want."

"Joe, I'm..honored." Buzzing with joy Ricky leans in and gives Joe a huge hug.

********Aly and Aj's Hotel suite********

Aly sitting in front of her keyboard, fondling with the keys. Combining different notes, testing around to find the right tone. A soft slow melody. She begins to hum to the sound. Harmonizing it all in one.

Her music has always been there for her. Through the good and the bad, she always knows this is what she can rely on. Just letting go and allowing her soul to play her emotions right in front of her. She can't describe it, nor does she know how it even works. But somehow, its like the only way she can really express herself sometimes.

Not knowing what shes playing, Aly continues. Attached to her keyboard was a stand that had a notebook in case of a new song pops up. Aside from the notebook she had Ricky's book and his flower. She begins to stare at the two, thinking about Ricky and Matt. How worthless and vulnerable she feels. But yet still craving their presences. Also not understanding how this is.

Then out of nowhere she starts to sing, mumbling words "who I am to blame, ..when I fall deep..."

She pauses for a second. Moves her hand a little to the right, to pitch up the sound. "The way you move, it terrifies me.." Having the words and the rhythm still hot in her head. Aly picks up her pencil and writes them down before forgetting.

Now focused, she continues to play.

*****************Area************************

It's time, after the whole day of preparing everything Joe takes Stella to Area, blind folded of course.

"Joseph Raymond Price where are you taking me" Stella asks, as Joe leads her into Area.

"haha Alright you ready?" He stops and goes behind her. Undoing the blindfold, then releasing it.

"Surprise my sweetie." He says. Stella gasp looking at the place. She turns to Joe smiling and kisses him. "Happy 25th Anniversary daring." Joe says feeling satisfied with her reaction.

"Thank you." Stella tells him.

He takes her to the table in the center of the bar. They both sit down and find dinner already served. The two enjoy their meal as soft jazz play in the background. "This is truly amazing." Stella says.

"Anything for you." Looking right at her, knowing this is going to be a good night.

After they finished their dinner, Joe takes Stella to Washington Square park for a nice stroll and to listen to live music from very talented street performers. A typical thing they do every anniversary.

"Well Dear I think this was a lovely anniversary." Stella appreciating the night. Both walking side by side, Joe having his arm around her.

"Its not over yet." Joe tells her. They stop walking.

She looks back to him. And noticing a familiar nervous but yet excited face. Questioning in her head, but before she asks if everything was okay, Joe begins to speak.

"Stel we've been married for 25 years now. Known each other for at least 30. And everyday you still make me wonder how is it that shes so perfect. Til this day you make me feel weak whenever I look into your eyes. Its been a wonderful 25 years..and I want to recommit myself all over again, and renew our vows. So Stella.." He takes a knee, and pulls open the black box carrying the ring. "Will you be my bride all over again?"

"Yes." Stella answers back with no hesitation, smiling at him. With no other words needed Joe gets up and the two share a kiss. He places the ring through her finger, connecting it with her other wedding ring.

During this time, without them noticing Ricky is at a distant area across from them. Smiling and feeling happy. Admiring they're love. Wondering if..he'll have his Stella someday.

**********Aly and Aj's Hotel********

Aly's been writing all afternoon. But still with a few blank slots into the song, trying to figure it out.

Aj walks in. "Hey Aly."

Aly turns to greet her back. "Hey Aj. How was the movie?''

''Interesting. Remind me to read more fantasy. Its nice to escape to a different world.'' She puts her coat and purse on her bed and walks towards her sister.

"Whatcha working on?"

"Its a song, I've been working on today. Not quit finished though. I cant seem to figure some verses out. And this sentence here doesn't make sense to me. I don't know, I had the ball rolling..but now I'm stuck."

"Mind if I help?" Aj asks.

Aly smiles at her. "Well we are a team, aren't we?"

Aj smiles back and pulls up a chair next to Aly. "Listen..Aly, I'm really sorry about..the whole Ricky thing. It's just..I witnessed you hurt. With Matt. I don't wanna see that again. And with Ricky...I don't really trust him like that towards you..you know?"

"Yeah. And I get it. You're just looking out for me. I don't know what I'd do without you Aj."

"Well..for starters you'd have incomplete songs." She jokes around and the two giggle. "Now come on, lets tackle this. " Aj says.

They begin to work on the song together. Aly glances at her sister. Even though shes still bummed out about Ricky, shes always blessed to have Aj.