I'm sorry. I uploaded Chapter 55 instead of Chapter 56. I hope this is fixed now.
Chapter 56
Steven smiled at his girlfriend as they sat down at Olympic. He remembered Jack telling him about the restaurant. Steven and Connie hadn't eaten here together. She had come to the restaurant once with her parents. She was excited to be here with Steven.
"Hey, are you ok with this?"
"I am, Steven. This is nice."
"You look beautiful," he said with a tint of embarrassment. Although they had been dating for a while, he was still amazed that she agreed to date him. She was way out of his league. He had admired her for a couple of years and still thought his relationship with her was a dream—a dream he didn't want to wake up from.
"Thank you. You've said that already." She brushed back a few stray hairs and placed them behind her ear.
"I'm sorry to repeat myself, but I'm sure I'll tell you again before this date is over."
"Thank you. I'm ok with you telling me again." She smiled at him.
"Connie, thank you for the last few months. I have enjoyed our time together."
"Me too. How do you feel about college?"
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to attending the same school as you."
"You must be excited about playing basketball."
"I am, but that's not why I'm looking forward to school so much."
"And why is that?"
"Didn't you just hear me?" He smiled at her. "I'm excited about going to school with you."
"That's nice for you to say."
"Connie, I love you. I look forward to the next season in our life…together."
Connie gave him a huge smile. Steven is a calm, quiet guy. He wasn't a vocal type of guy at all. She loved it when he would open himself up to her. Their relationship was deepening, and both were grateful for it.
…
Steph opened the door and quickly stepped out. This wasn't normal for her. For some odd reason, she was hurrying to leave her house. Her quick actions caused Cory to step back a little in surprise.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah…are you ready to go?"
"Steph…what's going on?"
"Nothing."
"Steph…" Cory warned. "What is the problem? Something is off."
"May we just leave…please?" Her voice was breaking a little.
Cory looked at his girlfriend for a few moments. Something was definitely off. She just wasn't too willing to share. By now, she was already across the porch and was on the steps. He just stood there with the flowers for Steph still in his hands. He didn't know what was going on.
"Steph…please…come sit with me," he said as he nodded toward the porch swing.
"Cory. Please, let's go."
"Steph, it's Valentine's Day. I would like for tonight to be a great night for us, but something is most certainly off with you. You are upset. Let's talk this through so we can concentrate on just us."
Steph huffed until she saw the loving expression on his face. The first time, looking into his eyes for the evening calmed her just enough. She let out a deep breath. She slowly walked toward the swing. Cory was already standing beside it. He had already placed the bouquet of flowers on the floor. He sat down on the left side of the swing and then patted the wood slates beside him. He reached for her hand and gently pulled her down to sit beside him.
"We don't have time for this. We have a reservation." She flatly stated.
"Stephanie."
"You never call me that!"
"And you've never acted like this before. Now, we are going to sit here until we figure out what this is, and then we will work through it. Once we are set, we will go to dinner."
She sat stoically for only a few moments, folding into his side. She loved that he used the pronoun 'we'. He was speaking as a true couple striving forward to a future together. He was willing to work through this mess, whatever it was, to fix it.
"I just found out that we are moving."
"Moving?"
"Yeah… Dad's job is transferring him to Florida."
"When?"
"This summer. He stood his ground and refused to be moved until after school ended."
"Oh…" Cory said with great relief. He saw her confused expression. "I thought you were leaving soon, like before the end of school."
"Oh…that's the silver lining."
"Yeah…"
"Cory, I don't know what I'm going to do…" Her voice grew weaker with each word.
"It's a bad thing." He began. He paused because he didn't want to say the wrong thing. "At least it's after school ends. Plus, you'll be moving out for school anyways."
Her head shot up quickly. "But…but I have always lived here!"
"True. It's tough that your parents are moving, but you were already moving anyway."
She narrowed her eyes at him. He felt an immediate need to explain his thoughts.
"You're going to college. You were moving in the fall."
"I guess…it's just…it's just we're moving."
"I know," he soothed. He pulled her back to himself and wrapped his arms around her.
She let the flood gates open when he tightened his hold on her. Tears immediately flooded over her eyelids. She settled in a little deeper into his shoulder and neck. She didn't stop crying until Cory's shirt was entirely wet, and her head was pressed against him.
"Cory, I'm so sorry," she said as she straightened up and began to wipe at his shirt.
"It's ok, sweetheart. Are you feeling better?"
"A little. I just found out about it. Dad was on a phone call, and I overheard him talking."
"When did he find out he was being transferred?"
"Two days ago, he had been discussing our moving with them. They want him to move in a couple of weeks. He refused. He said he wasn't pulling me out of school, that we weren't moving until the summer."
"Is his company ok with it?"
"They're not too happy, but he wasn't willing to budge. He turned in his notice, and they finally backed off. He withdrew his notice, but I heard him and Mom talking about it. He didn't want to say anything until after Valentine's Day. He didn't want to ruin today for me."
"That sounds just like your father," Cory chuckled. He really liked Steph's dad, and he almost felt like his dad at times.
"Yeah…he cares for everyone else except for himself. I heard him and Mom talk about potential other jobs."
"Really?"
"Yes. Mr. Thatcher has been trying to get him to come to work for him for years."
"So, your father has options?"
"I guess." She wiped another tear away.
"So, you may not be moving after all if he takes Mr. Thatcher up on his offer. Is it still available?"
"I guess."
"We really don't know anything then."
"Yeah." She sniffed.
"So, we just need to wait and see what your mom and dad decide to do."
"Yeah." She paused for a few moments to gather herself.
"Oh Cory…I'm so sorry I ruined tonight!"
"You didn't ruin tonight."
"Cory! Yes, I did! Look at me. I must be a mess, and I made us late for dinner."
"You were facing a very difficult situation. You needed this time. You needed me."
"I did. Thank you for being here for me."
"Anytime, Steph. There's no other place I would rather be." He began to smile when he saw the corner of her lips beginning to curl up. "Hey, why don't we get a pizza and find a nice place on the beach to sit."
"I'm so sorry."
"Are you kidding me? Pizza and a nice place to sit with my girl. What could be any better than that?"
Steph smiled and leaned in for a gentle kiss. She was grateful he was there for her. She was very upset about the potential move. She jumped to the worst-case scenario. She really didn't want to leave the only home she had ever known. She knew she was going away to college, but she would always come home for breaks and some weekends. Cory just had this way of calming her down and reigning her in. She loved that about him.
"Come on, beautiful. Let's get that pizza."
"I think I know a perfect place for a late-night picnic."
"Perfect."
"Let me go inside and grab a couple of throw blankets."
Cory nodded. He was really looking forward to dinner with her, but he quickly realized it wasn't dinner he was looking forward to. He just wanted to spend time with Steph.
…
Jack stood in front of Elizabeth, holding both of her hands. He had placed the flowers on the kitchen island. He was mesmerized by this beautiful young woman in front of him. He loved her hair in the bun. A few stains of hair fell down each side of her face, but it framed it perfectly. He reached up and gently touched the strains of hair on her left cheek.
"E-liz-a-beth…I love your hair."
"I thought you would." She sassed him. She didn't know why he liked it so much. She had never worn her hair like this in public. She wore it in a messy bun each night to sleep in so it wouldn't tickle her face. So, this was very different for her. She may not have liked it so much, but she could tell Jack loved it. She laughed because he couldn't take his eyes off it.
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah." He whispered.
"Jack, I love your shirt and suit. You look so handsome."
"Elizabeth, you are breathtakingly stunning."
"Thank you. Where are we going?"
"Have you ever been to Fredrickson's?"
"Fredrickson's? That's a fancy place."
"It is."
"We aren't going to Olympic?"
"Not tonight."
He could see the disappointment in her facial features. They have only been to Olympic on two occasions. They were important occasions. The first time was their first date. That led to a walk on the beach, where they had their first kiss. The second time was when he gave her the Claddagh ring. Jack had opened his heart to her and shared with her his clear intentions regarding their relationship at the same place on the beach. She just thought Valentine's Day was an important holiday. Evidently, it didn't reach the level of a visit to the Olympic.
"Is that ok?" He asked.
"Sure. I just thought we would go there."
"No, not tonight. Are you ready?" he asked as he pulled her closer to him. "Are you okay not going to the Olympic?"
"Yes. That's just our special place."
"It is."
"So, today's not special?"
"It is very special, but it doesn't reach Olympic special. Our first date. Our first kiss? You accepting my ring."
"Yeah." She smiled at the memories and the joy of Jack reliving those same memories. "Jack." She whispered as she leaned in for a kiss. He looked too handsome not to kiss.
"Elizabeth Thatcher…" He stated shaking his head.
"Yeah…" She flirted.
"You look lovely."
"You said that already."
"I'm sure I'll say it again."
She smiled at him. His loving expression was just too much. She leaned in for another quick kiss.
"You are the perfect girl for me."
"Lucky me."
…
Ted finally reached his break. It was fifteen minutes since Viola arrived. Ted swore it was the longest fifteen minutes of his life. His girlfriend was so beautiful sitting at his little table waiting for him. He would steal glances at her. He couldn't believe this angel was willing to date him. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up from it.
After pressing the last keys to the song, he immediately jumped up. He had to be beside his girlfriend, so he made up the few feet between them rather quickly.
"Angel, you look…you look…" He tried to speak as he reached for her hand. He kissed her on the cheek. He was in public and the pianist, so he felt like he couldn't show too much affection, especially since he was being paid to play. "I'm sorry…I don't have the words."
Viola gently kissed him on the lips. She didn't have any qualms about public displays of affection.
"Angel?" She asked as she pulled away from the kiss. She raised her right eyebrow and slightly tilted her head to the right.
Ted shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know…it just happened."
"Well…I'm no angel."
"You most certainly look like one." He raised his eyebrows in a flirty manner. That made her giggle at his playfulness.
"Hey Angel…I have something to ask you," he said as he settled in the chair opposite her. He never let go of her hand.
Ted and Viola looked up when the waitress cleared her throat. They were so lost in each other; they didn't know anyone was there.
"Ted, would you like something to drink?"
"Half and half tea would be great."
"Would you rather have wine?"
"No, I don't drink alcohol," Ted said. The tea would be perfect."
When the waitress walked away, he turned his attention back to his girlfriend.
"You don't drink alcohol?"
"No. I never have. My father was completely against it. I guess it rubbed off."
Viola nodded her head.
"Do you drink?"
"I have had the occasional drink in the past, but I never really cared for it. I just did when I was at a nice place or something."
"So, you said you had something you wanted to ask me?"
"I do." Ted took a deep breath and then swallowed. "Angel…"
"So, Angel is my new nickname?"
"Angel, I'm trying to ask you something here." He sassed her.
"Sorry." She giggled.
"When we finish classes this Friday, would you like to come to my home with me and meet my mother and two younger sisters?"
"You want me to meet your family?"
"Of course I do. You know…" He stated as he reached for her other hand. "…I was serious when we talked about our futures being intertwined."
"Me too."
"So, why are you so surprised about me wanting you to meet my mother and sisters?"
"No guy has ever wanted me to meet his parents before."
"Well, I think this is different than what we have ever had before." He waved between them.
"True."
"So…?"
"Ted, I would love to go with you to meet your family."
"We leave at noon on Friday. We should be at my home by four."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Ted looked at her for a moment.
"Angel, why are you so nervous?"
"Who says I'm nervous?" She folded under his knowing smile. He knew her so well. "Fine. I am nervous about meeting your family. What if your mother doesn't like me? Or worse, you sisters hate me?"
"Angel, don't worry. My mother will love you. I think she already does."
"You've told her about me?"
"Of course. I can't hide anything from her. She can read me like her favorite book. I don't even try to hold anything back from her."
"Have you told your sisters about me?"
His little smirk told her he already had. "They think you're drop-dead gorgeous. They don't understand why you are dating me."
Voila laughed at his expression. "Theodore, I love you."
"Angel, I hate that name."
"I know." She smirked.
…
Elizabeth sat down in the seat that Jack pulled out for her. He scooted it in as she sat. She looked around, surprised they were sitting at a small table. It was beautifully decorated.
"Where is everyone?"
"What do you mean?" Jack asked as he followed her gaze around the room.
"Connie and Steven, Cory and Steph, and Lee and Rosemary. Where are they?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you are stuck with just me for this dinner."
"That's not what I mean. I thought we were eating with them after the little concert the other morning."
"Oh…we decided to ask you all out together since you are all friends. However, I don't want to share you with them tonight."
She smiled. With him in his suit, she didn't want to share him with anyone either.
"You know that little concert and dance thing was so stinking adorable even if you guys didn't practice very much."
"Who said we didn't practice it?"
"Well, you guys weren't very smooth in your little twirling thing at first. It did get better though." She giggled at the memory of seeing it live. She also watched the video she had countless times.
"Well, we did practice it a little. We wanted you all to feel very special."
"Mr. Thornton, you did a tremendous job in doing that. I feel very special."
"Good."
"Thank you, Jack."
"Princess Beth, I love you."
"Jack…I thought we were past this little name thing."
"Well, you do look like a princess, especially here."
"You picked this restaurant. It's gorgeous and very nice, but you know I don't want this." She looked around.
"I know. I can't do this often, but this is a special night. I also think the fact that you don't expect it makes is a little more special. And yes, it's a special night."
"So, I've heard." She squeezed his hand three times.
"Would you dance with me?" He asked when he noticed a couple of other couples dancing.
"Jack, people will see us." She bashfully stated.
"To be honest, I don't remember if we have ever dance with other people around."
"We have."
"I guess I just get so lost in those beautiful seas of blue. All the gentlemen will be jealous that I am dancing with the most beautiful woman." He stood. "Elizabeth Thatcher, would you please dance with me?" He stated as he extended his hand.
There was no way she could tell this man no. He was so adorable and in love that it was just pulling her in.
"I would love to dance with you."
As Jack escorted her to the small dance floor, he held her hand and rubbed her Claddagh ring with his thumb. She perfectly understood what he was telling her without having to say the words. She loved their nonverbal communication.
Jack gently held her hand to his chest and closed the distance between them. He placed his right hand on the small of her back and pulled her even closer. Their faces were mere inches away. Immediately, the other patrons in the restaurant disappeared. It was just her and Jack on that dance floor. She was lost in his arms. In her opinion, the most perfect place for her to be lost.
"Elizabeth…" He whispered. He wanted to tell her everything he felt for her. He wanted to open his heart and share with her what she truly meant to him. To tell her how much he loved her. How much he needed her in his life. How much he was looking forward to their future together with the upcoming summer, the new season of life in college together, and following college. How the future was so unknown but so exciting at the same time.
Elizabeth could easily see the struggle she knew too well in his facial features. His tongue and mind were waging war with his heart. All three were waging war with each other and no one was winning. Elizabeth purposefully made eye contact with the man who was tenderly holding her. Their eyes made contact. In those few seconds, the conversation was fully had and completely understood.
"I know Jack." Her voice was soft and loving.
"I…"
"Jack…I love you with all of my heart." She didn't give him time to respond. She knew his struggle. She leaned in and kissed his lips softly. The kiss was short and appropriate for the setting. However, she desired much more than a soft, loving kiss. The love he had for her spoke volumes through his eyes, and it moved her to her core.
Jack pulled her closer. He tightened his hold on the small of her back and rubbed her back with his thumb, a small gesture that was very moving to her. With his left hand, he softened his hold on her hand and placed his thumb over her ring.
"Elizabeth, I can't wait to change your last name."
…
"What's this?" Rosemary asked as she pulled into the parking lot where Lee told her to.
Lee's mom bent the rules on him going out on a date. Her rule was steadfast at sixteen years old before her two boys could date. However, she folded after a discussion with her oldest son. Cory went to bat for his little brother. He had no desire for his little brother to know what he did for him. She may have relented, but only this one time and one night. The steadfast rule will be in place again tomorrow.
"This is the Hamilton Play Theater."
"A theater?"
"Kind of, yes. It's not a professional group or anything like that. This is just a group of people who love plays. They come together three times a year and put on a play. They also serve a small meal. Mom knows many of the people who perform here."
"This is cool."
"It's not Broadway, but they're better than you think. I hope you'll enjoy this."
"I'm with you…I think I'll enjoy it."
Rosemary smiled at her boyfriend. She thought this was incredibly thoughtful. Lee has most certainly helped her put everything that happened in Buxton a year ago or so behind her. She doesn't even think about that horrible incident any longer. It took him a long time to get her past it, but he was consistent and encouraging in the way he treated her. He was loving without being too pushy. He just had a way of handling all of her craziness. Or that's how Jack always described it. She was grateful that he thought so much of her to do something like this. She knew he wasn't a big theater fan. He watched it because of his mother and her. He never seemed bored, even though he must have been at times.
"Lee, thank you." She patted his bicep and tip toed to kiss him.
"You're welcome."
"Lee, I love you."
Lee leaned back for a moment. "Rosey, did you just say…"
She stopped him with another kiss. She smiled, knowing she shocked him.
"I love you, Rosey."
"Oh…you have a meeting with the school's theater leader tomorrow after school."
"For what?"
"For a very short meeting before you are accepted into the theater group."
"Why in the world would you do that?"
"I showed her the video."
"You didn't!" He gasped. "I thought you deleted that video."
"Are you kidding me!? I would never delete the six videos I have of your performance."
"Six?"
"Yes. Now, you can't be late tomorrow."
"Rosey, that's not happening. I have weightlifting tomorrow immediately following school."
"We'll see."
"Rosey!" He warned. "Don't push with this!"
"Come on, we don't want to miss the opening act."
…
"Cory, I'm sorry to ruin our Valentine's Day."
"Steph, I wish you would quit apologizing. You did not ruin our Valentine's Day."
"I changed it."
"Maybe, but I'm with you on the beach eating pizza. In my books, this has turned into a special day."
"You're just being sweet."
Cory reached for her hands. "Steph, please listen to me." He paused until he had her full attention. "Steph, I love you with my whole heart. We are in this together. I may be unable to fix it, but you will not walk through this alone. We are thinking about a future together. I think this is how it's supposed to work. Us working together."
"Yes. I agree."
"I believe my parents divorced because they started to do things on their own instead of with the other person, too. That led to them walking through their issues separately. I don't want that."
"Me either. Thank you for talking me down earlier."
"Thank you for making me study when I don't want to."
"So, we walk this life together?"
"Yes. We help each other through our struggles."
Steph settled into her boyfriend's side. Today began with such hope in her date. That came crashing down at the news that her family could be moving. She felt bad for ruining their date. Yet Cory was there for her. He helped her calm down and to catch her breath. He adapted his plans to the circumstance and made the best out of it. She loved him all the more because of it.
"We make this work no matter what happens."
His resolute voice comforted her. "Yes. Even if I must move away for the summer, we will be at college together."
"Yes."
"Maybe we can visit before college."
"Well, you aren't certain that you are moving. Let's not jump off the cliff yet. Let's make sure what we are facing before we decide on a course of action."
"Is that something you learned from your parent's divorce?"
"Yes. They spent so much time and effort on things that they didn't fully know or understand. By the time they did, they were exhausted. I learned a lot from them, good and bad."
Steph leaned into her boyfriend. Tonight's date may have been altered, but it was the best time for her. She learned more about Cory's heart and was grateful for it. As Cory was about to continue, Steph interrupted him with a gentle kiss. That kiss went from gentle to a little more than gentle.
…
As Jack and Elizabeth ate their food, they rarely took their eyes off each other. She was so beautiful in her dress and hair in a bun, and he was so handsome in his suit and shirt. The restaurant was full and a little loud due to the crowd. However, for the young couple, it was only the two of them.
"Jack, what are you thinking about our future?"
"What do you mean?"
"The time frame."
"Oh, well…high school will be ending in a couple of months. Then we have the summer together. I'm not sure when college begins. I guess sometime in August. I'm not too sure what the basketball schedule will be."
"That's not what I'm talking about." She continued when she noticed his confused expression. "Our future." She emphasized the word 'our'.
Jack smiled. He knew what she was saying. "Well, when I spoke to your father about your ring, I promised him we wouldn't be married in high school." He smiled at the thought of them being together.
"I figured that." She playfully huffed.
He couldn't help but laugh at her frustration. She was just too adorable. "I'm not sure of the timing of everything. I also promised your father that we would wait to be married."
"You mean after college?"
"No. I don't think I could make that promise," he said as his face began to turn red. She smiled because her face matched his. She was also certain they were thinking the same things. "I did promise him we wouldn't be married during our freshman year."
"Why would you make that promise?"
"Are you saying you want to be married before college?"
She shifted in her seat. "I don't know. I don't want to wait forever…, and I also don't think we should be married now."
"I agree." He sighed. He leaned forward and took both of her hands. "Elizabeth, I'm going to marry you. I am changing your last name. I would dare say sooner rather than later. I want our life together. I want all of you as I share all of me with you. Yes, that implies intimacy, but it's not limited to just the physical aspect of married life. I want the joy and excitement of coming home to you. I want the feeling of waking up with you in my arms every morning. I want the time making dinner together."
"I want the joy of falling asleep with me in your arms. Knowing that we are waiting for each other to get home. To sit down and write out the checks together. To go grocery shopping with you and get aggravated with you because you stick those fruit snacks in the shopping cart."
"Hey, those fruit snacks are the best."
"Uhum." She smirked.
"All of it." He stated with a dimpled smile.
"Yes, all of it."
"Us…together."
"Us…together."
…
"Lee, they're really good." Rosemary stated.
"Yes. They love what they do. I think that's why you're so good at what you do. You love acting, and that shows in your performance."
"You haven't seen a play that I've been in."
"I have watched you practice."
"You have?"
"Rosey, of course, I have." He stated as he opened the car door for her.
"Now, let's go to the duck park for a few minutes before you drop me off at home."
"I've heard that people go there to…" Her voice trialed off.
"Yes." He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Get in. Let's go young man!"
…
Connie smiled as Steven extended his arm for her to accept. She weaved her arm through his and rested her hand on his forearm. She stepped a little closer to him as they walked out of the restaurant. Their night had been great. The food at the Olympic was really good and the atmosphere was nice too. The best part was being with each other. Like their friends, their relationship was deepening and building a lasting foundation. The decision to attend the same school was a contributing factor as well.
"I don't want the night to end." She dreamily stated in a soft tone.
"I don't either." He looked at his phone for the time. "I have a plan. Do you trust me?"
Connie laid her head on his shoulder. "Of course."
…
Cory carried the almost empty pizza box with his left hand and held Steph's hand with his right. The night didn't go as he originally planned, but it was perfect. They began to work through an issue. He was there for his girlfriend in a difficult time. She leaned on him, and they worked their way through the problem the best they could. While nothing was fixed, she knew he was there for her. That meant a lot.
Steph was a mixture of emotions. She really didn't want to move. She completely understood that she would be moving to college in a few months, but she could still come home on some weekends and holidays. Now, she didn't feel like she had a home to come home to. Sure, her mom and dad would purchase another home. Her mother would work her magic and make it as beautiful as possible. However, it wasn't the same home she grew up in. In all that sadness, she loved being with Cory. He stepped up in a huge way for her tonight. She knew she ruined his plans, but he didn't make her feel that way. She sighed as they approached Cory's car.
"It's ok, sweetheart."
"I know it will be."
"Then why the sigh?"
"I've enjoyed tonight. I don't want it to end."
Cory noticed the time as he cranked his car. They still had a little bit of time before curfew. "Want to do something?"
"Sure."
"Trust me?"
"Of course."
"Come on."
…
As soon as Rosemary parked the car, Lee opened his door and walked around the front of the car. Rosey just stared at him. She wasn't sure what he was doing.
"I didn't want to park and stay in the car. I want to kiss you."
"Me too. So…where are you going?" She slowly asked.
"I also don't want to make out with you in a car."
"Why?"
"I don't want to be Stan."
Rosemary thought for a second. She understood his meaning and loved him even more for it. "Lee, when I see you, I don't see him. He is my history. You are such a huge reason why. I never thought I could kiss a guy and not see his angry face. Now, I don't know if I can kiss another guy and not see your face."
"I love you, Rosey."
"I love you, Leland."
The young couple walked around for a few minutes, just enjoying watching the ducks settle in for the night. There were a few who were still swimming and walking around, but most were settled down for the day. They walked to a picnic table. Rosey sat on the edge of it. Lee stood in front of her with his hands on her knees.
"Kiss me, Lee." She said as she slightly opened her legs so he could get close enough to lean in for a kiss. The kiss began gentle and loving. After a few seconds, Lee deepened the kiss. Rosemary wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him in. She wanted the kiss to go further than just a gentle kiss. As their tongues continued their beautiful dance, a car's headlights showed on them. The young couple was too lost in the kiss to notice.
"Leland Coulter!" A booming voice rang out. "Lee!" The voice rose in intensity.
"Lee." Rosemary quietly stated as she broke the intense kiss. "Who's that?"
Lee turned around and stood in front of Rosemary as if he was placing himself between her and whoever was yelling.
"Lee!"
"What in the world?!"
"Leland…get your butt home now!"
"Cory! Calm down," Steph said as she got out of the car. She was certain Cory had jumped out before it even stopped.
Lee shook his head. Of all the people and all the places in Hamilton, his older brother had to show up at the Duck Park at this time of night.
"What are you doing here?"
Lee squared his shoulders. "I was kissing my girlfriend. I'm assuming you're probably doing the same thing you wanted to do." He sassed.
"Lee…!" Cory warned as he pointed his finger at his little brother. "You can't do that!"
"And why?"
"Because…" Cory stopped speaking. He didn't really know what to say. Plus, Steph had grabbed his arm. She kept squeezing his arm until he looked in her direction.
"You need to calm down. Quit being such a big brother."
"But I am the big brother."
"We all know that. You do not need to keep reminding him of that fact. Plus, it looked like Rosey wasn't complaining."
"Steph…you're supposed to be on my side!"
"I am, but you need to back off a little."
"Hey guys…what are you all doing here?"
"Good grief!" Cory said, his frustration dripping from his tone. He threw his hands up in disgust.
…
Ted spent more time staring at his girlfriend than he did looking at the baby grand. He was just grateful he knew the music by heart. While he wasn't with her, she was close, and he loved that she wanted to sit and listen to him play. He was just grateful that she was present, even if he was working. He loved that she was there.
Ted had finished playing an hour ago. He received his money from the owner , who had already booked him for next year's Valentine's Day. The owner was so happy with Ted that he put in a little extra money to say thank you.
The young couple was slowly walking around the campus. It wasn't too late, but they did have classes the next morning. They just didn't want to go back to their dorm room. They wanted to be with each other.
"What do I need to know about this weekend?"
Ted smiled at her nervousness. "Not much, really. My little sisters already love you. They think you're a little weird."
"And why is that?"
"Because you are willingly dating me."
"Oh…it's a little sister thing."
"Yeah…mom already loves you."
"She hasn't met me yet."
"I know. She says I sound different. I'm not sure what that means." He shrugged his shoulders.
"My mother says the same thing. I believe it just means that you are good for me."
"Well, you are good for me." He stated as he stopped walking and turned to face her. "Are we still going out tomorrow?"
"We are…I don't want to go to a fancy restaurant."
"Why?"
"You worked hard for your money. I don't want you to waste it on me. I would love to go to a fast-food restaurant or somewhere like Cheddars. That would be good enough."
Ted leaned back a little from her. "Are you serious?"
"Ted, I know you want to impress me, but a fancy restaurant isn't impressive to me. It's you. You are impressive. I wasn't kidding that I would be ecstatic if we had fast food eating on the floor of our dorm room as long as you are there."
"I would still like to take you to a nice place."
She smiled at his insistence. He really wanted to do something nice, but he was too concerned about planning something special. He didn't know that he was impressive all on his own. "I would love to spend time with you wherever we go."
Ted sighed. "Angel, I know you aren't that person anymore. I want to give you the world."
"Do I have your heart?" she asked as she stepped a little closer.
"You do." He matched her action.
"Then you have already given me the world." She finished the statement as her lips gently touched his. He felt extremely loved.
…
Steven stepped out of his car. "What…? How…?" he asked himself. Standing in front of him were Cory and Steph and Lee and Rosey. The evening wasn't ending the way he had hoped.
Cory rubbed his forehead in disbelief.
Connie got out of the car and smiled at the scene in front of her. She could see the tension in the air.
"Hey Rosey…Steph."
Steph and Rosey matched Connie's smirk. They could easily see their expressions. The guys were just staring at each other in disbelief. They were frustrated, knowing their times with their girlfriends had just ended.
When the guys saw headlights, they didn't even have to look to see who it was.
"Now it's a party," Cory muttered.
"Hey…what is everyone doing?" Jack asked as he closed his door. He eyed the guys as he went to open Elizabeth's door.
"Well, Lee was making out with Rosey." Cory began until Steph slapped his bicep. He cleared his throat. "We interrupted them, and Steven and Connie decided to help us put a stop to it, too."
"Oh…" Jack caught on to what happened.
By this time, the girls had gathered close by. They all giggled at their boyfriends' frustrated expressions. Truth be told, they were a little frustrated, too. The boys were just being too funny.
"I can't believe we were caught." Rosemary shook her head.
"Caught at what?" Sassed Elizabeth.
"Doing the same thing you and Jack were about to do."
"Yeah…" Elizabeth's voice trailed off, knowing her night was interrupted. She was really looking forward to a little kissy face with Jack. She looked at the other girls and saw the same type of torment in their eyes. She giggled, knowing they were all lost in their boyfriends.
"What are we going to do now?" Jack asked with very little hope in his voice.
The guys were huddled about fifteen yards from the girls.
"Well…if you guys will go over there…" Lee began until the other guys stopped him.
"Just don't, man…that's not going to go over very well with the girls." Steven shook his head.
"Yeah." Cory and Jack stated at the same time.
Jack blew out a long breath. "I guess I'll just take Elizabeth home since you ruined my evening."
"We…you ruined our evening."
"Fellas, I think you all ruined mine. I was here first."
"Lee…just don't." Cory shook his head.
"What now?" Steven asked.
The girls were all watching the boys' debate. While they hadn't voiced their disappointment like the guys, they were just as saddened by how the evening went from really good to not ending the way they had hoped.
"You know…" Steph stated as she stared at the guys. Her voice was slow.
"You're right," Elizabeth stated, looking at her friends.
"You think?" Connie asked.
"I'm on it," Rosey stated as she pulled out her phone.
"You know, fellas…" Elizabeth said as the girls turned their attention to the boys standing together. "Another performance would be a good way to end our Valentine's Day."
"A performance?" Jack asked until he saw her little expression. "I don't think so, Princess Beth," Jack smirked.
"That's not my name, Jack. We should be past this." She huffed. Then she turned her facial expression to a loving one. She batted her eyes at him. "Jack…for me." She flirted.
"Elizabeth." He warned her as he drew out her name.
"Jack, I would really enjoy it if you would do an encore…for me." She clasped her hands in front of her and swayed from side to side. Her smile grew even more when Rosey began to play the same song they danced to and sang the other morning.