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."

 

 

 

Dating Again

Stevie rose just as Jon appeared, making his way through the crowd with Shawna and Collin hanging adoringly on each arm. Stevie welcomed him with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek. "You finally made it," she said, unable to conceal her joy. "How was your flight?"

"Bumpy," Jon replied. "But at least it's over." Stevie suddenly realized they were the center of attention. It was up to her to handle the introductions. "Everybody, this is Jon Van Horne, Shawna and Collin's father. He just arrived from L.A. to drive the truck down for us. We decided that the best thing for our family at this time is to be together in L.A., where Jon works as a school counselor." Stevie's mouth curled into an impish grin. "And for those who are too nice to ask, Jon and I are ... dating again."

Spontaneous applause erupted. Jon and Stevie blushed.