Beating the Odds[Chapter 11, Pt. 1.]

[Chapter Eleven, Part One]1

Chapter Eleven, Part One]2

It's been about six weeks since the encounter with Jack happened. The very next day, actually, Impure Intent had went into Mr. Simon Jet's office, so the generous CEO could hook up the band with a new Public Relations guy. 3

This new man, Max Lancaster, has proven to be not only smarter in his chosen career, but also more personable. Though a bit older than Jack Wright, (Mr. Lancaster is in his mid-fifties) Max has made Impure Intent local celebrities overnight...or so to speak.4

He's booked eight gigs in the last six weeks, six of which were at Skoonerz, where Impure is now the "house band", one at the local Mall, purely for advertising and PR purposes, and the most recent one, two nights ago, at a benefit in the park for the Children's Hospital. The weather, it being the first week of February, wasn't exactly ideal for an outdoor concert, but in the name of charity, the guys rose to the challenge and played a great show, earning some much needed proceeds for the kids.5

The band's first demo, consisting of four original songs, released back in January, has been stocked and sold out at many music stores around the city. Once the general, metal adoring population caught wind of their thundering performances, CD's began flying off the shelves at an alarming rate. The band's popularity has skyrocketed in the few short weeks since Jack Wright was fired, by Mr. Jet personally. To make the exchange even sweeter, Simon had insisted upon the band, and us girlfriends, to be present as Jack was let go, promising that he'd never find work in the PR business again.6

At the Mall show, while the band was performing, I stood in the huge crowd with Jessica and Brittany, cheering them on like a bunch of devoted groupies. While the guys were cooling down between songs, Shane had walked me over to the smoothie place, situated next to my favorite shoe store, where I saw Mother. She had been watching the band, apparently and was waiting for a chance to talk to me. I hadn't seen her since December, a few nights before Christmas, and she was looking rather rough. Clad in faded jeans and a hoody that appeared to be three times to big for her. Her face was pale and there were dark circles under her bloodshot eyes. Before she could speak to me, however, Shane ushered me towards the counter to order our drinks. 7

I didn't want to speak to her, and Shane had sensed that. For that, I was grateful.8

I never imagined, after Daddy died, that life could be whole again. That I could be happy, carefree, and completely and one hundred percent in love. But every morning when I woke to the sound of his voice, felt his cool breath on my cheek and his warm hand on my skin, I knew that it was true. 9

Life goes on.10

It's February tenth, a Saturday. Me, Jessica and Brittany have taken a girl's day out while the guys have decided to hit the gym in preparation of their first big photo shoot early Monday morning. The profits of the demo CD alone have payed for Shane's new truck and many shopping excursions for not only myself, but Shane as well. 11

During a rather serious conversation the other night, Shane had mentioned finding a house for the two of us, and in an angry tone, Caleb had replied with, "fuck that, man. I mean, if you really want to move out, then fine...but we love having you and Taryn here. It just wouldn't be the same without y'all."12

And so, the subject was dropped. 13

For the time being, we would live in Caleb's house, only after agreeing that sometime in the near future, we'd begin shopping for a larger home. One that would house the entire band, including Matt, David and Brittany.14

"Valentine's Day is in four days, I wonder if the guys have anything planned," Jessica says, shuffling through a rack of silk bras in Victoria's Secret.15

I'm currently in the dressing room, trying on a lacy red nightie, a special surprise for Shane. Brittany is standing in front of a long mirror, holding a black satin corset up to her chest and examining the effect.16

"I'm not sure, Shane hasn't said anything, but I'm definitely buying something special to wear, just in case. Hey Jess, Britt...could you come in here?.. I need your opinion on this," I ask, rather shyly. 17

Over the last couple of months, the three of us have become the best of friends. Jess is the only girlfriend I've ever really had, and Brittany has joined our duo, forming our own little group of what we secretly refer to ourselves as "the band wives".18

Jess and Britt enter the fitting room, squeezing through a minute crack in the door, as to not give the other customers a look inside.19

"What do you think? I want to surprise Shane, but I'm not exactly sure what to get. I'm sort of new at this lingerie thing," I state, blushing a little as Jess gives me a once over.20

"It's nice, and it looks great on you...but why not go for something wild...unexpected?" Brittany says, grinning at me.21

"I agree. Red looks great on you, by the way," Jess compliments.22

"Thanks, it's Shane's favorite color. Could you help me pick something...?" 23

"Of course, what're friends for? You stay here, we'll find you something," Jess replies, once again sliding out the door with Brittany right behind her.24

As I wait for the first batch of clothes to be chosen, a beeping sound rings from my purse, which is hanging on the hook of the dressing room door. Unzipping the designer bag (a gift from Jessica), I remove from it a small pink cell phone. Shane bought it for me a few days after the Jack incident happened, as a safety precaution. Flipping it open, I see I have a new text message, it reads:25

I miss you like crazy, have fun baby, I love you.26

From Shane, of course. He's always sending me cute little messages like this, which only makes me love him more. I send him a quick text and stow the phone back in my purse.27

A few minutes later, Jess tosses a large stack of silky, lacy and barely-there garments over the dressing room door, ordering me to try each of them on. After much fumbling of ties, straps, bows and ribbons, modeling each racy piece and getting a thumbs up or down verdict from my two judges, I decide on a few choice pieces. One in particular that I happened to adore, was the same black silk corset that Brittany had been eyeing, with hot pink ribbons decorating the front, a pair of matching panties, garters and stockings to finish the complete ensemble.28

A few stores, a latte, and a manicure later, we all pile into my wonderful pink car and head for home. Upon entering the warm comfort of the house, we find the guys huddled around the television. Caleb and Shane are busy killing Zombies and Matt is strumming his bass in the recliner as David reads lyrics from a sheet of paper in his hand.29

I lean over to Jess as she removes her coat, whispering to her, "could you stash these in your closet? I want to surprise Shane."30

She just nods and takes the lingerie bag, setting it down with hers as Brittany closes the front door. The guys take notice of our return and Shane shoots me that heart melting smile of his. Caleb pauses the game and him and Shane set the controllers of the Xbox down. The three of us hang our coats in the coat closet and Shane makes his way over to me, cupping my icy cheek in his warm hand and kissing me softly. 31

"I see you had fun today. What'd you get?" he asks me, noticing the multitude of shopping bags at my feet.32

Unzipping my boots and slipping out of them, I pick up the bags and reply to him, "a little bit of everything. Wanna see?"33

He follows me to the bedroom and I set the bags upon the bed, removing the contents of each bag and setting them out for him to see. He picks up an aqua colored cocktail dress from the bed and grins up at me. It's a short dress, strapless and decorated with a intricate, hand beaded design on the bodice.34

"I like this one, it's sexy. When are you planning on wearing it?" he questions, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss.35

"I'm a woman, I don't need a purpose to buy pretty things," I reply, smiling up at him and gently tugging his bottom lip with my teeth. 36

He just grins and sits himself on the edge of the bed as I begin hanging up today's finds. 37

"What the hell IS all this shit, babe?" he asks, examining a box containing a home waxing kit.38

"Just odds and ends that I use to keep myself prettied up for you. By the way, you're holding a wax kit," I say with a smirk.39

He tosses it onto the bed as if it's a ticking time bomb.40

"Why you women would want to wax anything, is beyond me. Doesn't that hurt like a bitch?" 41

"Of course it does, beauty is pain, love."42

After placing all of my purchases in their respective places, I take a seat next to him on the bed and he pulls my back to his chest, wrapping his arms around me and trailing soft kisses up the nape of my neck. 43

"Valentine's Day is coming up," he says, nibbling my ear softly. 44

Smiling to myself, I reply, " you remembered."45

"Of course I did. It's another day that I get to shower you with affection, how could I forget?" 46

"You spoil me, Shane." 47

"Well prepare to be even more spoiled, because I'm taking you out on Valentine's Day. A proper date. Things have been so chaotic lately that we haven't had much free time for just the two of us. So I'm planning a fun day out. Just me and you, sweetheart," he says, as I lean my head back on his shoulder, smiling up at him.48

He kisses my lips softly and returns the smile, before flipping me over onto the bed and tickling my sides playfully. Squirming around and trying to catch my breath, I giggle frantically as he smiles deviously down at me.49

Finally he stops, grinning wide and laying himself on top of me, his head on my chest.50

"I love you, Taryn," he says to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.51

"I love you too."52

We cuddle for awhile, not saying anything, but sharing smiling glances and soft kisses until dinner is announced by Jessica.53

As we sit around the dinner table, steaming plates of Jessica's special recipe fried chicken in front of us, the group as a whole discusses studio time for next week. Mr. Lancaster (or Max, as he has instructed us to call him) has been working hard on not only promoting the band's demo CD, but also booking studio time to record a new album. This one will be a full CD of the band's original music, and will be stocked on shelves all over the country. Simon is all for the release of the new CD, and has been encouraging throughout the entire process. 54

I think Shane looks up to Mr. Jet. A cross between a father figure, a boss, and a hero of sorts. That can't be a bad thing, right?55

Caleb makes a dirty joke and everyone at the table bursts into laughter, causing David to choke on a mouthful of chicken. Matt thumps him on the back and David drools on himself a little as the red slowly receeds from his face.56

That night I had a nightmare. A series of flashbacks. The day Dad died and images of his helpless, weak body, Mike's attack on me, the day that Jack forced himself upon me...and the final image, the one that woke me, Shane. His painful eyes staring up at me from our bench, his voice raised in accusation, the feeling of total loss as he rode away from me.57

"Baby," I can hear Shane's voice in a distant part of my mind, "Taryn...Taryn, wake up," he says, gently shaking my shoulders. 58

My eyes flutter open and I sit up suddenly, drenched in cold sweat and breathing heavy. His face swims into view as my vision adjusts to the bedside lamp that he has turned on. Worry is etched on his features as places his hands firmly on my shoulders.59

"Are you ok? Was it another nightmare?" he asks me, dabbing the sweat from my forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.60

"Yeah, the same ones as always," I reply as he pulls me against his chest, running his fingers gently through my hair.61

"It's ok baby, I'm here. I've got you."62

***************63

I wake up on Valentine's Day to find a single pink Stargazer on Shane's pillow. I smile to myself as I read the note attached to the flower:64

Taryn,65

Follow the rose petals to find your first surprise.66

Love, Shane.67

Sitting up, I notice a trail of pink rose petals leading from the bed to the bathroom door, so I slide my slippers onto my bare feet and make my way slowly towards the door. I turn the knob and peek my head around the corner to find Shane seated on the edge of the bathtub, which he has filled with scented bubble bath. Rose petals are floating on the surface of the water and lit candles surround the white porcelain. 68

He smiles brightly up at me as I enter the room and gets to his feet, crossing the room and kissing me gently.69

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby,"70

"Oh, Shane, thank you! Happy Valentine's Day," I reply, smiling up at him as he wraps his arms around me.71

"Now, get naked, relax, and when you're finished breakfast will be waiting for you in the kitchen," he says to me, grinning.72

With a smile, I begin undressing, Shane's eyes following my every move as I toss my clothes into the nearby laundry hamper.73

"Need help with that?" he asks slyly, stepping closer to me. Hooking his thumbs under the strap of my panties, he playfully jerks them down and slaps my butt gently, smiling deviously.74

"You're bad," I say to him.75

"No, I'm good...just in a bad way."76

After soaking in the rose scented water for a full half hour, I take my time drying my hair, applying my makeup and choosing an outfit for the day. I make my way to the kitchen after pulling Shane's gift from under our bed. I got him another new leather jacket. Custom made with the band's logo (which me and Shane drew up together) embroidered on the back. 77

Setting his gift down on the kitchen counter, he grabs my hand and leads me to the table. An extravagant breakfast is laid out, with pink roses in a vase in the middle and all of my favorite morning foods. Pancakes and scrambled eggs, bacon and Jess's homemade biscuits. He pours me a glass of juice and sits down beside me as I begin eating.78

"This is great baby, thank you."79

"You're welcome, and this is only a small part of your gift, I've got more planned," Shane replies, kissing my cheek and beginning to clear the dishes. I offer to help clean up, but he gives me that 'don't-even-think-about-it' look, and so I sit back down after grabbing his gift box from the counter.80

He joins me back at the table and gives the box a quick glance before saying, "what's that?"81

"It's your gift, silly. You didn't think that you'd be giftless on Valentine's Day, did you?"82

"I just didn't think men got gifts for it, I always thought that today was all about the woman," he replies.83

"It's about love. And I love you, so why shouldn't you get a gift today too?" I ask, smiling up at him as he lays a soft kiss on me.84

"Ugh, more lip gloss?" he asks, wiping his mouth on his napkin, "I'm going to look like Tinkerbell if you keep wearing that shit."85

"Well, get used to it, and open your present already!" I exclaim.86

He just grins and grabs the box, unwrapping it and lifting off the lid. He pulls the jacket out of the tissue paper and holds it up, standing and taking in every inch of the pristine leather. 87

"Wow, baby. This is nice, thank you!" he exclaims.88

"Look at the back of it, I had it made just for you," I reply, smiling.89

He flips it around and examines the intricate detailed embroidery emblazoned on the back.90

"Oh babe..." he begins, "this is badass! You know all the guys are going to want one of these, right?"91

"I know, but you have the very first one."92

He sets the jacket down on the table and pulls me up to him, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me passionately. 93

"I love it baby, it's great," he says, grinning wide and tugging at my bottom lip with his teeth.94

Caleb and Jessica come through the front door a few minutes later, and she's wearing a bright smile on her face.95

"Look what Caleb bought me, Tar!" she exclaims, rushing into the kitchen and showing me a diamond tennis bracelet on her petite wrist.96

"Oh, Jess it's beautiful!" I say to her, admiring the gorgeous piece of jewelry.97

"Dude! This jacket is ace, man!" Caleb says excitedly, picking it up and examining it.98

"Taryn got it for me, ain't that badass dude?"99

"I want one," Caleb pouts, grabbing himself a soda from the fridge.100

"Hey man, I'm taking Taryn out today, do you guys want to meet us for dinner though?" Shane asks Caleb as he pulls his new jacket around himself.101

"Yeah, sounds good man. Just give us a call on the cell and we'll meet you somewhere."102

"Hey, invite Dave and Brittany too, and Matt," I reply.103

"Sure thing, I'll give em' a call."104

"You ready to go? I've got some...things planned for us," Shane says to me, grinning.105

"What kind of things?" I ask curiously.106

"You'll see, babe, let's get going," he replies, slapping my ass as I make my way down the hall to finish getting ready.107

About a half an hour later, Shane pulls the Harley into the large parking lot of an enourmous white building. It's the Stedman Rutgers Gallery. The best art museum in all of New Jersey. Once in awhile, our art class would take a field trip here to see a new exhibit, or to see a rare painting, shipped overseas for a one week showing. Shane knows it's one of my favorite attractions to visit, and his love for art makes it one of his own favorites as well.108

Excitement fills me as he helps me off the back of the bike, smiling at me as my eyes meet his. 109

"I have a special surprise for you," Shane says to me, kissing my forehead sweetly.110

I lace my fingers with his and we make our way up the white marble steps and through the enourmous glass entryway. The building is warm and inviting as we stride towards the information desk. 111

We're greeted by a middle aged woman, her gray streaked hair pinned back in an elaborate knot at the back of her neck and wearing a dark gray blazer and skirt. 112

"Welcome to the Stedman Rutgers Fine Arts Gallery, how can I help you today?" she asks, in a polite and well rehearsed voice.113

"Hello, my name is Shane Marks, I called the other day and left my information with the curator." he says to her, as she ruffles through a small stack of papers.114

The curator? Why would he speak with the curator of the museum? My curiousity is running wild by now and he just smiles in his cocky badboy way at me. He knows surprises drive me crazy, even though I love them.115

"Ah, yes. Here we are, Mr. Marks," she says, examining a sheet of paper, "if you'll proceed to the second floor, I'll ring the hostess and let her know you're on your way. She'll take it from there. Enjoy your visit."116

"Thank you," he replies, once again taking my hand and leading me down the expansive marble hallway towards the elevators. 117

Once inside the lift, I turn to him and say, "Shane, what's going on?"118

"You'll see baby, but I promise you'll love it."119

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, we step out and once again make our way to an identical desk, where this time, a young woman in her early thirties is filing her manicured nails. Upon seeing us exiting the elevator, she immediately drops her emery board and sits up in a more professional stature.120

"You must be Mr. Marks?" she says to Shane, getting to her feet.121

"Yes, and this is my girlfriend Taryn," he replies, kissing my temple. 122

She extends her hand to us both and says, "it's nice to meet you both. If you'll follow me, we'll begin the showing."123

"Showing?" I ask curiously.124

"Be patient, baby."125

The hostess leads us down a long hallway to a set of heavy oak doors and pushes them open, holding them for me and Shane to pass through. My heart skips a beat as I glance around.126

"Shane..." I say, trying to catch my breath.127

"Welcome to our Van Gogh exhibit. Today is the last day of showing before the three pieces are crated back to the Louvre in Paris," the hostess says to us.128

"I booked us a private viewing, for Valentine's Day. I know Van Gogh is your favorite, and Irises is your favorite painting by him, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity for you to see it while it's in town," Shane says to me, smiling brightly.129

"Oh, Shane. This is amazing! I can't believe you did this for me," I say to him, holding his forearm for fear of fainting.130

"Feel free to look around, your private viewing is for a half hour. Van Gogh's three most famous paintings are here. Irises, Sunflowers and Starry Night," she says, pointing to each one in turn as my mouth drops a little more each time, "I'm not allowed to leave the area during you're showing, but I'll be right over here if you need anything."131

I look up at Shane as tears well up in my eyes and wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly to me and he returns the hug, kissing my forehead and grinning.132

"Happy Valentine's Day, Taryn."133

"Baby, thank you. You don't know how much this means to me," I reply, leading him towards the first painting in the group, my favorite painting, Irises.134

We examine each precious painting one by one, taking our time and giving our own artistic opinion on each piece, admiring every amazing brush stroke and line, until the hostess tells us our time is up.135

"Thank you so much, you have the greatest job in the world," I say to her, shaking her hand after she leads us back into the expansive gallery corridor.136

"I really do, and it's great to see people, especially as young as you two, so informed and interested in fine art."137

"Art is one of our passions, it always has been. I couldn't miss the chance at bringing her here to see Van Gogh's work. It's her favorite," Shane says, smiling at me proudly.138

"What a Valentine's Day treat! I wish my boyfriend did things like that for me. You hold on to him, honey," she replies with a wide grin, patting my shoulder.139

"I plan on it."140

We say another quick thank you and goodbye to the nice woman, and head towards the elevators, making our way back to the Harley. He helps me onto the back and hands me my helmet.141

"Where are we off to now, Man of Mystery?" I say with a grin, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning forward to kiss his cheek.142

"You'll see, just hang on for the ride," he replies with a smirk.143

About fifteen minutes later, he pulls the bike to a slow stop in front of the recreation center on the North side of town. The building is painted a garish shade of lime green with a bright neon light affixed over the front door. 144

"What are we doing here?" I ask, pulling off my helmet and taking Shane's hand as he helps me off the bike.145

"We're going to paintball," he replies, grinning at me as my mouth drops.146

"P-paintball? I've never done that before," I reply, as he leads me up the sidewalk and into the spacious building.147

"Well, I wanted to do something unique for Valentine's Day. Not the same ol' dinner-and-a-movie type thing. Something new. What do you think?"148

"There's a first time for everything, so...let's do it!" I exclaim as we approach the front desk.149

There are people rock climbing on a faux mountain in the middle of the room, indoor tennis courts with couples playing back and forth and down a long hallway I can distantly see an enclosed ice skating rink and an indoor swimming pool.150

"Wow, I didn't even know this place existed. There's so much to do here," I say to him, looking around as he hands the guy behind the counter some money while I scope out all the activities.151

After waiting a few minutes (which was spent making out for the entire population to see), our paintball instructor appears. He's a young kid, looks to be about fifteen, with huge ears and braces. He leads us through the expansive building to a room filled with paintballing equipment. Suits of all sizes, guns, cabinets full of multicolored paintballs and helmets adorn every inch of the small room. Nervousness steals over me as Shane helps me into my blue jumpsuit, zipping me up and handing me a helmet and gun.152

After a few quick instructions, the jug-eared kid leads us out the back door of the building, across the sloping lawn and down a small hill to a large thicket of trees. The trees are seperated by colored flags and dotted with dried paint in different colors. There are other people in the grove of trees, each brandishing a lethal looking paintball gun and shooting each other without mercy.153

"You ready baby?" Shane asks, flipping the face mask down on his helmet with a grin.154

"You know it."155

"Ohh, looks like someone's getting cocky."156

Grinning, I take my position as Shane crosses the little clearing to his own.157

*********158

"I so beat you, Shane!"159

"No way babe, I got you way more than you got me," he replies, wrapping one arm around my waist as we make our way back into the recreation center's back door.160

Shouldering both of our paintball guns, he opens the door of the supply room where our instructor is waiting to help us out of our newly spotted equipment. He hands him the guns and helmets and we both unzip our suits, stepping out of them and laying them on the long table situated in the middle of the room.161

I have to admit, when Shane said we'd be going paintballing for our Valentine's Day date...I was a little nervous. But it turned out to be a great way to spend our afternoon together. Chasing each other around the wooded area, playfully tackling Shane after he shot me in the butt and shooting each other until we both fell into bouts of laughter. 162

After quickly checking my reflection in the mirror of the Ladie's restroom, he takes my hand and leads me to the enormous parking lot, helping me up onto the back of his beautiful motorcycle. He's so proud of this machine, and he takes me out on it every chance he gets. Which is quite often, given that I love Harley's myself. 163

"Where are we going?" I shout, from the back of the bike.164

"To our bench, of course!" he replies, smiling over his shoulder at me and speeding up.165

Clinging to him snugly, I lean my body with his as he turns around the corner leading to the park. Slowing down, we creep our way through the winding path lined with ancient elms and he parks beneath my favorite willow. He helps me off the bike and takes me by the hand, walking me to our bench. He sits himself down and pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist.166

"So, how am I doing so far? I've never done the Valentine's Day thing before," he says sheepishly.167

"I've never had anyone do anything for me on Valentine's Day, so I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to expect. I've had an amazing day so far though. I never knew paintballing could be so fun, and the museum was wonderful, Shane. I'll never forget that," I reply as he pulls my back to his chest, kissing gently up my neck.168

"There's more to come, baby. I thought a nice walk around the park, then maybe a soda at Lou's before we meet everyone for lunch?" he asks, trailing his fingertips across my cold hand.169

We don't get up immediately, but sit on the bench saying nothing at all. Taking in our surroundings and cuddling for warmth in each other's arms. After awhile we begin talking about our dream home, the one we'll soon be shopping for.170

"Well, Matt said he wants a swimming pool, and I definitely want a recording studio in the house," Shane explains.171

"I want a bedroom with a huge window that faces the west, so I can see the sunset everynight, and huge kitchen so I can cook big meals for everyone and a garden full of stargazers," I reply, smiling to myself as the midday sun reflects on the half frozen lake. 172

Eventually our talk turns to world tours and places we'd like to visit and after sharing each other's top five locations, he takes my hand and leads me away from the bench, walking me down the long path and past a row of frosty rose bushes. He wraps his arm around my waist as we make our way under a long row of leafless oaks, lacy black against the ice blue sky.173

We take our time walking around the park, hand in hand, stopping occasionally to share a loving kiss. We talk about our lives and the drastic changes that have come in the last few months for us. 174

As we round a grove of maple trees, the park's cemetary comes into view. I haven't seen it for six months. It's the place where Daddy had been laid to rest almost two and a half years ago, and the reason I was so close to Shane's bench that day we met.175

Stopping abruptly, I spot the headstone. Shane looks over at me with loving concern, squeezing my hand gently to let me know it's ok.176

"Would you mind...if we stopped for a few minutes?" I ask him, trying to hold back my tears.177

"Of course, baby. Take as long as you need. I might as well say hi to my Dad too while we're here," he replies. 178

Reluctantly I release his hand and take a few short strides over the frosty grass. His headstone is situated in the very first row, under the shade of an aging willow tree. I brush the snow from the face of the smooth stone and kneel to gaze at the letters etched upon it's glossy surface.179

Raymond Lee Miller180

Beloved Father and Husband181

July 28, 1961 - December 14, 2006182

I trace my finger along the pattern of the motorcycle that's carved into the granite stone as I speak aloud to Daddy.183

"Hey Dad," I say, wrapping my arms around my knees, "I miss you. Things just haven't been the same since you've been gone."184

I take my time talking to him, explaining about Mom and Mike, and lastly, telling him about the last few months. 185

"Shane is here with me, it's Valentine's Day, Daddy. I wish you could meet him. He reminds me a lot of you. He's a musician and an artist," I say, hoping in my heart that wherever Dad is, he can hear me. 186

Shane approaches a few minutes later, his hands in the pockets of his new leather jacket and his chin tilted down towards the snow covered ground slightly. I stand back up and he wraps an arm around my waist. 187

"Are you alright, baby?" he asks me, kissing my temple and pulling me closer to him.188

"Yeah, I'm fine. How about you, Shane?" 189

"Don't worry about me, I'm okay."190

He takes my hand in his and before we start on the long path back to the bench, I whisper, "goodbye, Daddy." We walk hand in hand around the park, changing the subject back to the day's activities to lighten our depressive moods. He doesn't speak of his visit to his own father's grave, but that's alright with me, I know how hard it must be for him. 191

When we come full circle, once again reaching our bench, we decide to head to Lou's. He takes me by the hand and we make our way out of the park, leaving the Harley to rest after he turns the alarm on for it. Upon entering the little restaurant, the familiar smells of herbs and spices fill our noses and we take our seat in our special booth. 192

The gray haired waitress bustles her way to our table, no menus in hand, and takes out her pad and pencil.193

"The usual, I presume?" she says with a bright smile.194

"Not today, just a Pepsi for me," Shane replies.195

"I think I'll have a chocolate shake," I say to her. She takes down our order and nods to us, stopping at the counter to refill a cup of coffee for an elderly man. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and I lean myself against him as he kisses the top of my head. 196

We sit for awhile, me sipping my milkshake while we talk more about the day's events. When, eventually, it's time for us to head back to the Harley, which is parked near our bench, Shane pulls out his cell phone and dials Caleb's number.197

"Hey, man. Yeah, we're finished up here. Where do you guys wanna meet for dinner?" he asks, then looks down at his watch, "it's about four thirty now, so we'll meet you there at five," he finishes, and after a quick goodbye Shane snaps his phone shut and leads me by the hand through the park gate.198

After mounting the Harley, strapping on my helmet (which Shane forces me to wear), and kicking it to life, we pull onto the road with a roar from the engine. We make our way from the Eastside of town to the downtown portion on the Southside. This part of town is packed with skyscrapers, hospitals, parking decks by the dozen and many nightclubs and restaurants.199

Slowing to a stop at a red light, he turns his head slightly and says, "have you ever heard of Prime Quarter? It's a steakhouse a few blocks from here."200

"Yeah, that's where we went for Daddy's last birthday," I reply as the light changes from red to green.201

A few blocks later, Shane pulls the bike into the large parking lot of the restaurant. Caleb's Mustang, David's new peacock blue Camaro, and Matt's old beat up truck are all parked next to each other in the front row. Shane pulls the bike in an open space a few spaces down and helps me off the back, stowing my helmet away and taking me by the hand. 202

He leads me through the expansive glass fronted doors to the maitre d's podium. Beyond this I can see our group of five, plus a girl I've never seen before (sitting with her hand on Matt's knee) occupying an enourmous booth a few yards away from the massive mahogony bar.203

"Welcome to Prime Quarter, would you like a table or booth?" the suit-clad host asks us.204

"Actually, we're here with the Metz party. They're right over there," Shane answers, as polite man grabs a couple menus from his podium.205

"Right this way, sir."206

We follow the man to the booth and take our seats as he hands us our menus, taking our drink orders and with a quick nod, turning on his heel towards the nearest waitress. 207

"I'd like you guys to meet April, my new girlfriend," Matt says to us, grinning.208

She's a pretty girl with shoulder length black hair and clad in a jean mini skirt and a floaty purple halter top. We exchange greetings and chat for a bit, getting to know each other and she seems to fit right in with our now-complete band and girlfriend group. Matt couldn't look happier as he wraps an arm around her slender waist and sips his Corona.209

Soon after, we're all devouring our delicious steak dinners and chatting to each other about each of our Valentine's Days. Apparently Matt had taken April to a concert in the park, accompanied by the rest of the group. There's a little silence as the waitress brings our desserts and Shane immediately digs in.210

"The day isn't finished quite yet," Shane says, after taking his last bite of cheesecake and pushing it to the middle of the table.211

"Shane, you've already done so much! What more could there be?" I ask him, smiling.212

"Well, I took you out, but I never officially gave you a gift, so..." he says, pulling an envelope from his pocket, "here it is."213

It's a plain white envelope and on the front is my name, written in Shane's own handwriting. Using a butter knife from the table, I slit it open carefully and pull from within it, two tickets. A concert, maybe?214

No.215

Airline tickets.216

To Hawaii. 217

"Oh, Shane..." I say with a small gasp, "we're going to Hawaii?"218

"We sure are. Waikiki Beach, in Oahu. I know you've always wanted to go, and I thought it'd be nice to get away for a week. It's been so chaotic lately and we could all use a vacation. What do you think?"219

"This is great! I'm so excited! Thank you, baby!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him passionately.220

He laughs softly and pulls me close to him.221

"You're welcome baby, but that's not all. They're coming with us," he says, gazing over at Caleb with a cocky smile.222

"Wait...what? We're going too?!" Jessica asks excitedly, looking up at Caleb.223

"We sure are. And so is Britt and David, and Matt and April," he replies.224

"That is...if you'd like to go with me," Matt asks her shyly.225

"Of course I'd like to! I told you, I'm tired of playing hard to get. I was just doing it to tease you, I've liked you for over six months now," April says, kissing his cheek. Matt lights up like a Christmas tree and grins to himself.226

Watching even this small exchange fills me with happiness, because if just one more person can fall in love, the way me and Shane are...the better off we all will be. Matt's affections for April are apparent as his smile radiates to every corner of his face, before kissing her.227

"Okay, okay, stop with the lovey dovey shit, we have a vacation to plan," Caleb says, earning a slap on the arm from Jess.228

"We leave in two days, our flight leaves at nine a.m. It's a twelve hour flight from here to Oahu, so bring something to do on the plane to pass the time," Shane says, "the travel agent booked us four suites at the Mala...Malak...Taryn, pronounce that for me, please?" he asks, handing me the packet of papers containing our travel information.229

"Mah-lah-lah-key Resort," I say, handing it back to him.230

"Thanks, babe. Anyways, she said it's one of the nicest hotels on the island and she gave me a book full of tourist shit to do and places to visit while we're there," he finishes.231

"Oh my God, this means we have to go shopping tomorrow! We have so much to buy before we go, and so little time to do it!" Jessica exclaims.232

"April, would you like to come with? We'd all like to get to know you better, and what better way for us to bond than while spending our men's money?" I say, grinning.233

All four of the guys roll their eyes and shake their heads and Shane says to me, "do we have to come with?"234

"Do you trust us to get all of your things?" I ask him, smirking.235

"If it means that I don't have to walk around the Mall for six hours tomorrow, then yes."236

"Ok then, but don't expect us back anytime soon tomorrow," Brittany says.237

The guys quickly agree, making plans to spend their day killing zombies, rocking out, smoking joints and just fucking around in general.238

"I must admit, dude, we have some pretty amazing women," Matt says, kissing April's temple.239

I lay my head on Shane's shoulder and he looks down at me, smiling.240

"Yeah. But mine's the best."