Hello and Good-bye

Jon spoke up, "This is my friend and roommate from Los Angeles, Ben Hernandez.  Several people around Ben welcomed him with a handshake. Jon formally introduced Ben to Stevie, Shawna, and Collin. Then Stevie pulled Ben close to the sofa. "Ben, I would like you to meet a dear friend of ours, Wes Bellardi." She smiled. "You two have more in common than you might think."

"Hey, man," Ben said, sticking out his hand, seemingly unfazed by Wes's appearance. As the two young men talked, Jon pulled Stevie aside. "When would you like to leave?" "I hate to leave Wes, but I know we need to get on the road. So let's start saying our good-byes and moving toward the door."

Jon took both her hands in his. Their eyes met and held. For a moment they were alone in the room. "Steve, I've been waiting to say these three words for a very long time." Then he pulled her closer and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Let's go home."