harmonyrs1013's blog: "Short Story"

As I write more this blog will be updated: To all the girls That gave their hearts to someone Who never knew. Annie was a dark haired hazel eyed beautiful girl. She lived in a very small town that really had nothing for her to do in terms of the things she liked. Annie was and always had been a lover of music in general. She never discriminated against a genre. As far as she was concerned all music deserved an audience. Music to her was a form of ones self expression. The more people heard the songs the more they could relate them into their own lives. Everyone has their form of expressing themselves. For Annie it was poetry. She had days where all she did was write poetry to express the hurt she had felt from her past and to move on from it. Annie had always been a shy girl that never seen herself as everyone else did. Being the shy girl that she was, Annie was a keep to herself kind of girl till one day she embarked on a whole new journey in her life. She decided to actually leave the confines of her happy home and try something completely out of the ordinary, especially for a girl like her. She would take long drives on the weekend to see live music. That became her favorite thing to do from the moment she stepped foot in that place and seen her first local band. That is where she met him. The guy she gave her heart to and he never knew. Jake was the lead singer in a band that she fell in love with for their music before she noticed him. Jake was a fair haired, blue eyed guy, full of tattoos and piercings. He was the complete opposite of Annie but always the guy she fell for. For almost a year she did nothing but think about him. How much she wanted to be with him, how much she just wanted him to love her like she did him. He flirted and so did she. Neither one of them made that first move. Then one day during a music festival she had been drinking and had decided she would tell him her feelings. That is the day he walked in with her, Stella, the girl he had chosen to date. Stella was the complete opposite of Annie. She was beautiful and seemed to be really nice. Annie never looked at herself as beautiful in anyway shape or form. She was the “sweet” girl that everyone seemed to like once they got to know her. Annie was the girl that always had her guard up from things stemming from her past tryst. But when she let you in, she gave you her all. For better or worse it was who she was. The same night that Jake showed up with Stella was the same night Annie met Markus. Markus was the bass player in another local band that Annie had seen before. Markus was like Annie in a lot of ways, more ways then the two of them could have ever imagined. They both had the same shy qualities and both seemed to be guarded. They both seemed to have a small group of people who they could trust and those are the people who they kept close to their hearts. They quickly learned a lot about one another and became friends. Annie enjoyed going to see Markus’s band play as well as still seeing Jake’s band. Markus had dark hair and dark eyes and just a hint of tattoos and piercings. Their first conversation lasted a good two hours. They talked about everything from the different types of music they liked to movies they both enjoyed. They both missed their home states. Annie was from Pennsylvania and Markus was from Wisconsin. They both now resided in Florida where the local music scene was prominent with musicians that wrote their own material and just wanted to be heard. There were very few outlets that would allow these musicians to be in the spotlight and showcase their heart felt songs. The ones that did is where Annie would run into Markus the most. They both shared a love and appreciation for the local music scene. Annie might not have been a musician but she knew talent when she heard and seen it. Markus being a hard working musician would go out as often as he could to show his support and understanding to his fellow musician. When Markus wasn’t on stage and just hanging out is when they did most of their talking. Both would have smiles that could light up the room. Their group of friends soon noticed a connection between the two of them that they hadn’t seen either of them have with anyone else. One night Annie had gone to see Markus’s band play and Jake was there. He had heard Annie talk about the band a lot and wanted to see what she was raving about. That is when he noticed the chemistry between Annie and Markus. Even though Jake still had his girlfriend he didn’t like what he was seeing between Annie and Markus. Jake pulls Annie aside. “Annie can I talk to you a minute?” said Jake. “Sure Jake, no problem.” “What are you doing?” “What are you talking about?” “Don’t you know it is a bad ideal to ever date a musician?” “Who says we are ever going to date?” “It is leading that way. Everyone notices how much you two like each other.” “It is harmless flirting. Just like it was between the two of us.” “It was never just harmless flirting between the two of us. I always wanted to be with you.” “Then why didn’t you ever make a move?” “Because I didn’t want to do with you, what I do with every other girl in my life.” “How do you know that would have happened if you never gave it a chance?” “Because I know how I am. You are different than the rest of the girls on the scene. You are not just out to sleep with a musician. You want something more and we as musicians don’t want that.” “You don’t speak for all musicians. How do you know Markus is like you? Do you know him?” “Well no. But he is a musician and we are all alike.” “Not true, Jake. Markus is different. He is sweet and has a depth to him that I don’t find in many people.” “Ok then have it your way. But if you get hurt don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Whatever , Jake.” Annie realized at that moment that Jake might have felt something for her all this time. She had never seen the jealous side of him. She just stood there after he walked away not knowing what to say or do. “Are you ok?” Markus asked “Yes, I am fine. Thank you.” “What was that all about?” “Nothing, don’t worry about it. He was just being him.” “You seem upset. Is there anything I can do?” “No really I am fine. Where did we leave off?” “I just want to be sure that you are ok.” “I am I promise.” Annie said as she wrapped her arms around him for a hug. Annie loved to hug Markus because for some reason it was always comforting to her and he always smelled nice. That was one of her favorite things about a guy. As she pulled away from Markus she looked up and noticed Jake watching from across the room shaking his head at her. All she could think is what did I ever see in that guy? He is a complete jerk and what about Stella does she know he will drop her like a bad habit? She wanted to go take her aside and tell what he just said to her. But for some reason she stopped herself because what if he didn’t treat her that way and they ended up being together for a long time. She would have felt like a horrible person. That wasn’t how Annie operated. She was the one to wait for things to fall apart and then she was there as the comfort and the advice to get past it. She decided to ignore Jake and his actions for the rest of the night. Instead she focused on the music that was playing because music was her only solace and always cleared her mind when she needed it the most. It was her one constant the lover, the one that was always there and never faltered. For the rest of the night she talked and laughed with her friends and by the end of the night her mood had improved. When she was getting ready to leave she was making her rounds and saying goodbye to everyone she noticed that Jake and Stella had disappeared. “Hey Micah, where did Jake and Stella disappear too?” asked Annie. “The left a band ago and he didn’t seemed to happy.” responded Micah. Micah was tall with long dark hair and had eyes the color of emeralds. “Oh well okay then. Can you tell them I said it was nice to see them?” “Sure thing, Annie. Is everything okay between you and Jake?” “As far as I know, why do you ask?” “I don’t know. He didn’t seem to happy to see you hanging around Markus.” “He has a girlfriend, Micah. What I do shouldn’t matter to him.” “I realize that, but he has always had a certain something for you. He just doesn’t want to see you hurt, Annie, you do know that right.” “I know and I appreciate his concern but I can handle myself.” “Okay, well you be safe going home and I will see you next weekend for our show, right?” “You know it, Micah.” They embraced. She said the rest of her goodbyes and was walking to her car when she spotted Markus leaning up against it. “Hey what are you up too?” she asked. “Nothing really I just wanted to know if you were interested in getting a bite to eat.” “Sure why not.” “Okay great just let me help the guys unload the truck and I will give you a call and we can meet somewhere.” “Okay that sounds good.” An hour later her phone rings. “Hey sweetie, are you still up for that bite to eat?” “Yeah, where do you want to meet?” “You know that twenty-four hour diner on A1A?” “Yes.” “Are you up to meeting there?” “Sure. I can be there in 15 minutes.” “Okay great! Let’s meet there then.” “Okay see you in a few minutes.” When Annie arrived at the diner Markus was waiting for her. She got out of the car and he came to meet her. They embraced. He held her hand as they walked into the diner. All the while they both were smiling from ear to ear. They sat in a booth across from each other and they both went a little shy on each other. They just sat there smiling at each other and not really saying a word. The waitress appeared. “Good Morning, What may I get the two of you?” she asked. Her name was Casey. She was a woman of about 45 with long red hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. “Good Morning, can I get the omelet with mushrooms and rye toast?” asked Annie. “Would you like hash browns, grits or potatoes with that and what would you like to drink, sweetie?” “Hash browns would be great and a glass of orange juice, please.” “Sure thing, sugar and what would you like, honey?” “Can I get the western omelet with white toast and a glass of orange juice?” asked Markus. “Sure thing, sweetie that will be all coming right up.” And with that Casey disappeared leaving the two of them to sit there in silence again. After about twenty minutes Casey was back with a tray of food in her hand. “You two seem awfully quiet. Is this your first date?” They both laughed. “No not really we are just friends catching a bite to eat after a show.” said Markus. “Well, not that it is any of my business, but the two of you would make a cute couple.” she said, smiling. Annie and Markus’s faces went beat red. “Thank you.” they said in unison. After Casey walked away they both looked at each other and giggled. That statement seemed to have broken the ice. After that the conversation was free flowing and laughter was plenty. “So, Annie, why is it you like music as much as you do? I noticed that it is just not one particular genre with you either. Most people pick a favorite style and maybe stray from that once in a while, but you are different then most people. Were your parent’s musicians or something?” Annie smiles, “No my parents were not musicians by any means but they taught me how to appreciate it for what it is, an expression of ones self. All music says something about that persons feelings and how they deal with what life has dealt with them.” “Nice, so does it help you deal with life?” “Yes, as far as I am concerned all songs can be related to any aspect of everyone’s life. Music has always been my first love. It has never left me heart broken. Music has been a constant in my life since I was a child. I would rather be listening to a Cd or the stereo on then watch TV. I even sleep with my IPOD on.” “Wow, I never knew that about you. So are you saying you only come out for the love of the music?” Annie blushes, “Well that was how it started out then I met some really nice people.” Markus blushes, “Oh well that is good I guess.” “Yes it is very good.” They finished their meals and Markus refused to let Annie chip in. After paying the bill he walked her out to her car, again holding her hand the entire time. Once they got to her car she went to embrace him and that is when he went for a kiss. She let it happen. She had wanted to kiss Markus for some time now. The kiss was the most passionate kiss anyone had ever given her. Her knees bucked with that kiss. She did everything in her power to catch her self and not let him know he had done that to her. When he pulled away she could see that she had the same effect on him. “Wow. I didn’t know it was going to be like that.” was all Markus could say. Annie just smiled. “Can I, um, call you tomorrow?” he asked. “Yes, please do.” “Ok good. You be careful going home, okay?” “I will, you too.” Annie got in her car a drove off. Markus watched her then got in his own car. Fifth teen minutes later Annie’s phone rang scaring her. No one ever called her this time of night. She looked at the screen to see Jake’s name. “Hey, is everything ok?” she asked. “Hey, I just wanted to apologize for my actions tonight.” “It is ok, but why are you calling me at four in the morning to apologize?” “Well, Stella is asleep and I couldn’t sleep so I figured I would call you. Are you driving?” “Yes I am on my way home.” “Oh Annie please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did.” “What!? I thought you said I was different, Jake.” “I did and I’m sorry it is late and my mind is not working right. But what are you doing just going home now? Who were you with this whole time?” “Well Jake if you must know I was with Markus. We went to get something to eat. Is there a problem with that?” “No not at all. I made you upset with me again. Annie I just don’t want to see you get hurt by this guy.” “I know that Jake and I appreciate your concern but I can take care of myself. So why can’t you sleep?” “I don’t know. I have a lot of things going on that I just can’t sort out.” “Jake you know I am always here to listen to you.” “I know you are and that is why I love you.” “So talk to me. What is going on?” “I just have been under a lot of stress with the band and work. Now Stella wants to move in together. I don’t think that I can do that. I really don’t want to break her heart by telling her that. I really do love this one.” “Then why don’t you tell her hold off on it because you are not ready for that kind of jump in your relationship. What kind of stress with the band?” “Yeah I guess I could try that out. Some guys don’t want to come to practice and we have to practice in order to be tight on the stage. You know I don’t ever want to disappoint the crowd. They take their hard earned money and spend it on the cover charge and on our merchandise. It is just bullshit that they don’t want to practice.” “I know exactly how you are. I have been there from the beginning and seen the line up change before. Even without practicing as hard as you do I am sure you would not disappoint the crowd.” “Thanks, Annie; you have always given great pep talks.” Jake said chuckling. “Your welcome, I am always glad to help.” Annie said giggling. “Okay do you feel better because I just turned into my driveway and I think I am going to go crash?” “Yeah, I do. Will I still get to see you at next weeks gig even though I upset you twice tonight?” “Of course you will. I can be mad at you and still enjoy the music.” She said with a smirk. “Oh Annie please still don’t be mad at me. I know I can be a jerk sometimes but I just want the best for you.” “I was kidding Jake! I am not mad at you. Have a good night what is left of it and I will see you next week if we don’t talk before then.” “Oh okay! I really need to lighten up!! You have a good night and get some sleep. I love you, Annie.” “I love you too, Jake.” Annie put her car in park and undid her seatbelt all the while shaking her head. Not know what to make of both situations she got herself into tonight she went inside and started to undress when her phone rang again. She looked at the screen to see Markus’s name. “Hi, is everything okay?” she asked him. “Yeah, everything is fine I just wanted to make sure you got home ok.” “Aw yeah I did. I just walked in the door actually and am getting ready for bed.” “Good I am glad you made it home safely. You sleep well; I will talk to you later today.” “Thank you, you too, good night.” Annie said. The next afternoon when Annie finally woke up she had two messages waiting for her. One was from Jake telling her thank you for last night’s pep talk again. She laughed at it and listened to the next one. It was from Markus telling her how much he enjoyed spending one on one time with her last night and he hoped that they could do it again real soon. She smiled and dialed the phone. “Hey you, did you get my message?” Markus asked. “I did I just woke up.” “I figured as much so I don’t have to work tonight do you want to have dinner with me?” “Yeah sure.” Annie said flabbergasted. “Good, I will come and pick you up say about 7:30, if that is okay with you? ”Perfect I will see you then.” Annie said looking at the clock and seeing it was already 4 o’clock. Knowing that it didn’t take her long to get ready Annie jumped on the computer to check her email. She had a message there waiting from Stella. Hi Annie, I am sorry we left so early last night but Jake and I were arguing. I don’t know what is wrong with him lately he has been so angry. I love him so much I hope that things get better soon. I know that he confides in you. Has he told you if I have upset him about anything? Please tell me. If you could, please don’t tell Jake I wrote to you? Thanks, Annie. Stella Annie sat back thinking okay now what. Do I betray my friend of over a year for someone I just met a few months ago or do I just make something up. Hi Stella, It is ok that you guys left. I can completely understand. Arguments are never fun especially in public. All I know is that he is stressed out over a few things. He really doesn’t tell me much about what he is stressed out over. No worries I won’t tell Jake we ever had this conversation. Annie She looked up at the clock to see it was now 5 o’clock and shut down her computer to go take a shower. She stepped out of the shower and wrapped her self in a towel. Then she went to her room and dried off and got ready. She chose her little black dress that was good for anywhere they might be heading too. As she was brushing her hair the doorbell rang. She looked at the clock to see it was 6:30, not expecting Markus till 7 she was unsure of who was at her door. When she opened it Markus was standing there in a suit with a bouquet of white lilies and purple lilacs in is hand. She was very glad she chose to wear the dress instead of her usual jeans and nice top standard she normally wore. “Hi, I am sorry I am early it is a nasty habit I guess.” He said smiling at her. “Hi, no you are just fine I was just brushing my hair and thank you for the flowers.” She said smiling back at him. “You’re very welcomed. I remembered that you said you liked lilies and lilacs and didn’t know what other type you might like so I just got those for you.” “They are beautiful and I can’t believe you remembered that conversation. Let me get a vase for them.” “Okay here are the packets they give you to put in the water.” “Thank you. So where are we headed?” she asked curiously. “That little Italian bistro in Ormond, I love their eggplant parmesan. It is just like my mom’s.” “That sounds great to me. I love eggplant parmesan.” Annie locked up the house and they left on the forty-five minute drive it was going to take them to get there. For the first few minutes they drove in silence. Markus looked over at Annie as she stared out the window and covered her hand with his. She looked at him and smiled and grabbed his hand. He smiled and blushed. “Why are you blushing?” she asked him also starting to blush. “I don’t know.” he said turning even redder. That sat in silence for a few miles more. “Annie, can I ask you something?” “Sure, Markus.” “Did you and Jake ever date?” “No, why would you ask that?” “Because of the way he was acting last night. I guess I was just wondering.” “Oh that, no we have never dated. He is just a friend and he was I guess concerned in his own way.” “Okay I can understand that. How long have you two known each other?” “Almost two years.” “Yeah, I can see why he would be worried about you then.” Just then her phone rang. Markus looked at her. “Speak of the devil.” she said and they both laughed. “Hi Jake, what’s up?” “Nothing really can I come over?” “Not right now maybe tomorrow, okay?” “Oh, are you busy or something?” “I am not home at the moment.” “Oh okay, then I’ll come over tomorrow.” “Okay, but call first to make sure I am home.” “Yeah of course, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” “Okay I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Jake. Bye.” “Bye, Annie.” They pulled up to the restaurant and he went around to open her door for her. She stepped out of the car and looked around. This was the first time she had been to this part of town she normally just drove through it to get home. This part of town was more like a city within a town. It was definitely the ritzier part of the area. She knew what Markus did for a living and where he lived. She knew he wouldn’t be able to afford this unless he saved up for a long time. They held hands as they entered the restaurant. The décor was like you would see in the mob movies. It was old world Italian style at its best. The little red candles in the middle of the tables to create an ambiance with red table cloths. Pictures of famous Italians on the wall, anyone from Sly Stallone to Marlon Brando all signed to the staff of the restaurant. They approached the hostess. “Hello, can I help you?”She asked. Her name was Gina. She had long dark flowing hair and brown eyes, slim and maybe about the age of twenty. She was looking Markus up and down, like she wanted him for dinner. Not that Annie could blame her in the least bit. He was looking sharp in his best dress. “Yes, I have a reservation for two, please.” “What name is it under?” “Markus De Luca.” “Right this way Mr. De Luca.” She said still eyeing him. Annie had no ideal what Markus’s last name was. She always knew he had an Italian heritage like she did but her last name was far from Italian. Her mom was the Italian in the family and her dad was more like the Heinz 57 variety of lineages. They sat down at a two person table across from each other. Their knees were touching under the table. He smiled at her. She smiled back at him. “I think she likes you.” Annie teased with a smile and a wink. “Yeah, she is a bit to young for my taste.” he said laughing. “Markus you are only twenty-nine years old, she isn’t that much younger than you.” “I know that but I have standards, besides I like my women a year or two older.” he teased with his own smile and wink. They both chuckled as the waitress came over to take their drink orders. Her name was Natale and she had shoulder length red hair and piercing green eyes. “Hello my name is Natale and I will be your server today. May I start the two of you off with a drink?” “Yes, I would like a glass of your house wine, please.” Markus said. “Red or white?” “Red, please.” “And what can I get for you ma’am?” “I would like the same please.” “Sure thing, I will be right back to take your orders.” “Thank you.” They both said in unison. They looked at each other and smiled. “I wanted to tell you that you look stunningly beautiful, tonight.” “Thank you.” Annie said as she blushed. Natale returned with their glasses of red wine. “Would you like to hear about our specials or have you decided on what you wanted already?” “Please if you know what you want go ahead and order.” Markus said to Annie. “I would like to have the eggplant parmesan; I heard it is one of the best.” Annie said smiling at Markus. It was his turn to blush this time. “That is a great choice of dinners. And what may I get you, sir?” said Natale. “I will have the same please.” “Sure thing, I think you two are going to be the easiest table I have tonight.” she said with a smiled and walked away. Markus reached over and covered Annie’s hand with his and smiled at her. “Annie, I have something to tell you.” “Okay.” “I like you; I have from the first moment we met.” “I like you too.” “No, I don’t think you understand me. I fell in love with you. I want to be more than friends with you, Annie.” “I would love that, Markus.” “Really, are you saying you like me too?” “Yes.” He let out a sigh of relief and squeezed her hand. Just then their food arrived. They ate in silence, smiling the whole time. All she could think about was the kiss from the night before and how much she wanted to do that again and then some. She felt herself get warm and knew she was blushing. “Why are you blushing?” asked Markus smiling. “Oh, um, nothing, nothing at all.” She said getting even redder. “Uh huh sure it is.” he said teasingly. Just then the Natale came back to check on them. “May I get you something from our desert menu?” “No thanks.” answered Annie. Markus looked at her and smiled. “No thanks.” He answered. “Okay, I will just bring the check then.” “Thank you.” They said in unison. Natale came back with the check and they paid the bill. Markus reached for Annie’s hand and they went to the car. He opened her door for her but stood in the way of her getting in. He leaned in for a kiss and she went for it. Again it was a kiss that knocked her off her feet. He pulled away. “I have been waiting to do that all night.” He said and let her in the car. He got in and smiled at her. “I have been waiting for you to do that all night.” She finally said. “Is that what you were blushing about?” “Yes.” “Oh, really? Why didn’t you say anything?” “You know I am a shy person.” Markus just smiled and reached for her hand. They held hands the rest of the way home. Forty-five minutes later they arrived at Annie’s house. He opened her door for her and she stepped out. He walked her to her door and waited for her to unlock it. She turned back to him and he pulled her close. He kissed her to the point she let out a slight moan. She couldn’t stop it. He smiled and so did she. “Do you want to come inside?” she asked. “I am not sure that is a good ideal right now.” She leaned in and kissed him hard. He was the one who let out a moan this time. “Okay, yeah I’ll come inside.” She turned and opened the door and they went inside. As soon as the door was closed he spun her around and kissed her again walking her backwards till she couldn’t go any further. She ran her hands up and down his chest taking off his suit jacket. She started to unbutton his shirt and he stopped her. “Wait are you sure you want to go this far?” he asked her. “More than you can ever imagine.” She said kissing him again. She took off his shirt and he found the zipper to her dress and unzipped it. She stepped out of the dress and took his hand leading him to the bedroom. She turned around and pulled him to her. She kissed him all the while searching for his belt buckle. She found it and undid it. He stepped out of his slacks and she sat down on the bed. He leaned over and kissed her while she laid back. She ran her hands from the back of his neck down his chest feeling every muscle in his upper body. She sat up and he undid her bra. She slipped out of her panties. They made love three times that night each time reaching the point of ecstasy together. They fell asleep in each others arms. Annie’s phone rang at 8am. She sat up and looked at the screen and seen it was Jake. She hit the ignore button and laid back down. Markus had woken up when the phone went off. He looked at her and smiled, then kissed her. “Didn’t want to talk to anyone yet?” he asked. “Not this early we just went to sleep.” She said chuckling. “Very true.” He said kissing her again. They went back to sleep for a few more hours. When suddenly there was knocking at Annie’s door that startled them both awake. “Hang on.” Annie called from the hallway while putting on her robe. She glanced at the clock as she walked past it. It read 12pm. She opened the door to see Jake standing there. “Hey Jake, c’mon in.” she said. “Hey Annie, I am sorry for just coming over but I called you twice and you didn’t answer. I was worried that something might have happened to you.” “No I was just sleeping is all.” “Sure you were.” Jake said teasingly, having seen Markus’s car in the driveway. “Shut up Jake.” Annie said blushing. Markus came out of the bedroom fully dressed. “Are you leaving?” she asked him. “Yeah, I got to get home I have to work tonight. Hey Jake, how are you doing?” “Good, man thanks for asking.” They shook hands. “Okay, well let me walk you out.” Annie said. “Okay.” She walked him to his car and kissed him good bye. “I will call you later.” He said as he got in his car. “Okay.” She said and watched him pull out of the driveway. She went back inside to see Jake standing by the kitchen window watching the two of them. “Did you enjoy the show?” she asked him. “What do you see in that guy?” “What do you see in Stella?” “Okay let’s not do this. I am not here to piss you off by any means. I need someone to talk too.” “Sit down; do you want something to drink?” “Yeah you have any liquor in this place?” “It is really that bad, huh?” “Yeah it is.” “Okay, so what’s up?” “I told Stella that I wasn’t ready to move in together last night.” “How did she take it?” “Horribly, she told me she knew that I never really loved her.” “Wow, really? That is such a bad reaction. I never expected that kind of reaction from her.” “I know neither did I; it completely caught me off guard.” “What are you going to do?” “I don’t know. I guess move in with her.” “Why are you going to do that to yourself?” “Because it will make her happy and that is all I really want.” “What about your own happiness? Does that count for anything?” “Right now no, she is the most important thing.” “So you are willing to be miserable to make her happy?” “Yes.” “Now that is true love.” She said and laughed. “You are so wrong. You know you have the most warped sense of humor I ever did see.” He said laughing. “And that is precisely why you love me, Jake.” “Yeah, that is definitely why I love you. I need to get back home before she shows up. We are supposed to be going to dinner tonight.” “Where are you going?” “That little Italian bistro in Ormond, do you know of it?” “Yes. I was just there last night. I recommend the eggplant parmesan.” She said smiling. “Oh, is that where you were headed when I called and you rushed me off the phone?” “It sure was.” “So I take it the food and atmosphere are good then?” “Yes they are and so is the house wine.” “So that explains why whatever happened here last night did.” He said grinning. He knew how wine made her feel about herself. “Shut up, Jake. That is not why it happened. I like Markus a lot. I have for a while now.” “I figured you did by the way you are always talking about him. I am going to guess that he likes you too.” “Man I sure hope so.” She said jokingly. “You know you can be such a wise ass sometimes.” He said laughing and shaking his head. He stood up to leave and she hugged him good bye. “Good luck with whatever you decide to do today.”She said to him. “Thanks I think I am going to need it. I am happy for you, Annie. I truly am.” “I know you are, Jake.” He embraced her again and walked out the door. She watched him leave through the kitchen window shaking her head. She hoped that he would put his own happiness and peace of mind first. But in a way she knew he wouldn’t because he was always about making sure the other person was happier then he was which explained why his relationships never worked. He never understood that both parties needed to be happy for it to work. To be continued........