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Chemelyn shut the bathroom light off, and moved to her bed, pulling back the covers. She sat on the edge, a sigh escaping her. The previous days events came flooding back, the memory of Dwaine’s touch most vivid.
The phone on her bedside table gave a shrill ring, prompting Chemelyn to answer it.
“Hello?”
“Hey you. Miss me?” a teasing voice inquired.
“Of course I did.” she replied without hesitation. “You couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“Would you have wanted me to?” Dwaine returned.
“No.” she smiled into the phone
“You weren’t in bed yet, were you?”
“I was just climbing in. What’s up?”
“Nothing. I just wanted to hear your voice, that’s all.”
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re the sweetest man in the world?”
“Not that I can recall......”
“Oh, well. Just checking.”
Chemelyn and Howie chuckled together, both enjoying the light banter. Chemelyn cuddled back into the pillows at the head of her bed and pulled the covers up tightly.
“So how’s the hotel?” she asked.
“It’s great. In fact, I make a point of staying in the same hotel every time I’m in town.”
“Now, that’s dedication. What hotel was it again?”
“The Fremont. Oh! Did you remember to place the leftovers in the fridge?” Howie asked, remembering the pasta they had left to cool on the counter.
“Sure did. Thanks for the reminder though. You know, I could get used to having you cook in my kitchen.” Chemelyn said warmly.
Howie felt the strings around his heart constrict. “Your welcome. I could get used to cooking there. That is, as long as you’re sitting on the counter watching me.”
“I think that could be arranged. So, am I lucky enough to be able to spend the day with you tomorrow as well?”
“Only if you want me.” he replied, testing the waters.
“I want you.” she responded decisively. Howie broke into a grin on the other end of the line.
“Where shall we go?”
“Why don’t you pick me up around ten, and we can decide from there?”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Great.” Chemelyn said just as a yawn overtook her.
“You’re tired. I should let you go.”
“Alright.....” she sounded disappointed, and in truth, Howie was as well.
“Okay......”
“I guess this is goodnight........”
“Yeah......’Night.....”
“Bye......”
“Bye.” Howie hung up the phone, breaking their connection. Chemelyn felt her heart sink as the dial tone flooded the line.
*****
“Watch out!” Chemelyn cried. “He’ll bite your finger off!”
“No he won’t.” Howie laughed.
“You say that now, but you can’t tell me you don’t enjoy have all ten of your fingers.”
Howie and Chemelyn had spent the morning at the Seattle Art Museum, roaming the exhibits hand in hand, both thoroughly enjoying their discussions which took place in front of nearly every work of art in the museum. Most of the morning and early afternoon gone, they had decided to walk along the piers. Coming across the infamous Ivar’s seafood stand, they had realized that they were famished.
Now, they sat in the outdoor eating area right along the Ivar’s pier, eating away at their orders. Howie had taken it upon himself to feed several of the many seagulls which flew about, by raising a single French fry in the air with his hand while the birds swooped down and grabbed the tasty morsel from his fingers. With each close encounter, Chemelyn became more and more certain that Howie would not escape with all of his digits intact.
“You’re nuts, you know that?”
“So I’ve been told from time to time.” he grinned. Chemelyn shook her head in exasperation. “Are you sure you don’t want to try a clam strip?” he wheedled, making a peace offering.
“Well....okay. But just one.” she gave in. Howie dipped a strip in the world famous tarter sauce, and extended it to her mouth. She willingly ate from his hands just as the birds had, the realization of which elicited a chuckle from Howie. “What?”
“Nothing. Are you almost finished? I would really like to see more of the market. I was thinking that maybe we could walk up and really take time at each of the vendor’s booths.”
“Sure, that’s be great. I’ve been meaning to stop in at the cafe and see how Malone is getting on anyway. Could we do that afterwards?” she asked.
“No problem.”
“Thanks.” she smiled. “That’s what I love about you. You’re always so understanding.”
“Is that the only thing?” Howie teased, though his heart quickened at the word ‘love’ coming from her lips.
“Of course not, but it’d take me forever to list all of the reasons.” Chemelyn confided. He leaned closer.
“How about you show me instead?”
*****
Several days later, Howie sat soaking in the bathtub in his hotel room. His mind wandered over the past few days, each of which had been spent with Chemelyn. It was heaven, pure heaven. There had been times where they would be walking along the pier, or sitting on the couch in her apartment, when she would smile so sweetly at him that his heart felt as though it would burst. He began to live for her laughter, and long for her touch. They were doing more of that these days. Howie had been pleasantly surprised to find that Chemelyn was a very affectionate person. Even if it was just holding hands, she loved to be in physical contact with him. Not that he was complaining.
The only thing that gave his amorous thoughts a moment’s pause, was the realization that he would have to tell her who he was. Soon. Howie knew without a doubt that he was falling in love with Chemelyn. It was beginning to become serious, and it was hard for him to imagine life without her. He had been enamored with her through their letters, but actually having her to hold.....
Howie stood and pulled the plug from the drain. The water ran off of his body as he reached for a towel, wrapping it around himself. Chemelyn would be off of work in about an hour, and Howie intended to meet her there.
*****
Chemelyn picked up her tray laden with table number four’s order. On her way to the table, she caught sight of Dwaine peering through the glass of the door. She felt her face light up as he stepped inside.
“Hey there.” she greeted him warmly.
“Hi.” he grinned, and planted a kiss firmly on her lips. “Oooh. For me?” he asked, eying the tray with obvious hunger. Chemelyn laughed and shook her head.
“Go see Malone, maybe he’ll take pity on you.” With that, she continued on her way to table four, and Howie made his way to the counter where Malone stood mixing a mocha for a customer.
“Hey Malone, how’s it goin’?”
“Oh! Hi Dwaine. It’s about time you got here. Chemelyn was starting to get annoying.” he replied. “Do I look okay? When do you think he’ll get here? Isn’t he wonderful?” Malone imitated a feminine voice. Howie couldn’t help the grin that grew over his lips. Malone sighed. “I imagine you’re the same way, though.”
“Do I look okay?” Howie teased.
“Arg!” Malone cried exasperated. “Save me, dear God, save me.” he muttered, and moved to serve the mocha.
Chemelyn came up behind Howie and wrapped her arms around his waist. He closed his eyes reveling in the feel of her body pressed against his, and exhaled a deep breath. “What’s on the schedule for today?” she asked, her voice next to his ear.
“I thought I’d whisk you away to Never Never Land. How does that sound?”
“Not bad.....but how about if we just go to my apartment instead?” she invited.
“Great. I even brought you something.” he smiled, and reached inside his coat, withdrawing a video.
“Oh!” she breathed. “How did you know?”
“I just did.” Howie replied smugly, remembering the letter in which she had confided her favorite movie with him. “You like it?”
“Like it? It’s my favorite movie.” Chemelyn ran her finger along the edge of the cassette. “I love ‘Benny and Joon’! The problem is, I don’t get off work until six. It’s only four.”
“I was hoping you could get off early, just like you have for the past few days.” he groaned in disappointment.
“I know, I know. Any other time I could, but Charity had a doctor’s appointment today. I have to stay later. I’m sorry.” she replied sadly.
“That’s okay. We’ll just have to stay up until two like we did the other night.” he said slyly.
“Yeah? Sounds good to me.” Chemelyn smiled.
“Okay. I’ll meet you back at the loft at six thirty?”
“Sure.”
“Alright then.” Howie got up from the bar stool he had been sitting on, and turned to face Chemelyn, unwrapping her arms from around his waist. He held her hands firmly in his, and leaned forward pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’ll see you in a while. Actually, this works out really well. I was at the market today and saw a hat that I just know my friend AJ will love. I’m gonna go back and pick it up for him.”
“Have fun.” Chemelyn bid, and gave Howie a little shove toward the door. “Six thirty!”
After Dwaine left, Chemelyn continued waiting tables as Malone mixed drinks and ran the register. She knew that she wasn’t doing the best job ever, but something kept tickling at the back of her mind. AJ....she knew that name from somewhere. Oh well, it didn’t matter, did it?
*****
The credits began to roll at the end of the film, and Howie sat drying Chemelyn’s tears.
“I just don’t know why I’m-” she gave a great hiccup, “-crying. I’ve seen this movie-” hiccup “-a thousand times!” she finished with a wail, the tears no closer to stopping. Howie couldn’t help it, a chuckle escaped him. “You must think I’m the biggest sap this side of the Rockies!”
Howie contemplated this for a second. “Yeah.” he agreed. “But that’s okay, because it gives me an excuse to hold you.” Chemelyn had to admit, she felt pretty wonderful laying back in his arms, his embrace tight around her.
“I like being held by you.” she replied softly. Howie gave her a little squeeze, and lifted her in his arms, turning her in his lap to face him. They gazed at one another for a moment, before he captured her lips with his own. Their kisses, beginning tenderly, soon grew more insistent. It was different from their previous experiences. This one was fueled by a passion and fire that neither had known existed. Hardly taking time to break from their first kiss, their lips met in a second. Slowly, Howie and Chemelyn’s mouths melded into one, their tongues gently dueling.
Suddenly, the shrill ring of the phone startled the two apart, and they sat looking at one another.
“I should get that.” Chemelyn murmured.
“You don’t have to.” he replied, pressing his lips against hers once again. She broke away regretfully.
“I should....” Chemelyn stood from his lap.
“Okay. Don’t take to long.” Howie smiled tenderly. Chemelyn giggled, and raced to catch the phone in the kitchen.
“Hello?” Howie heard her answer. Silence ensued, followed by a loud cry from Chemelyn. Howie bolted from his seat, and rushed to her side.
“Chem! What’s wrong?!” he exclaimed, kneeling beside her on the floor, where she had dropped from shock. She was incoherent with her tears, so Howie reached for the phone with one hand, while placing the other around Chemelyn.
“Hello?”
“Sir? Please, could you get Ms. Clavaro down here immediately?” a professional voice requested.
“Where is ‘here’? What happened?”
“This is the Seattle Police Department. There’s been an fire at the cafe that Ms. Clavaro owns.” Howie felt his heart go numb and cold. Next to him, Chemelyn quivered as sobs racked her body. We’d like her to check out the damage as well as present some paperwork on the building. How soon can you be here?”
“Ten minutes.” he responded, and hung up the phone. “Chem?” he called softly. “We need to go down to the cafe.” he informed her quietly.
“I know.” she confirmed, her voice muffled by his shirt. “Oh God....Please, Howie, call Malone.”
“Okay, baby. I will.” he murmured, and eased her back against the counter. She curled her knees up under her chin, and rested, waiting for Howie to complete the call. He moved to the note pad hanging on the wall beside the phone, where Malone’s number was scribbled.
*****
Chemelyn stood surveying the damage, her stance rigid and her eyes sad. The investigators had found that a fire had been started in the alley behind the cafe. It had grown, finally busting the glass of one of the back windows, it’s flames leaping through the portal. The storage room along with all of the supplies, has been completely lost. Walls close to the flames had been charred black.
Chemelyn’s office had mercifully escaped the fire. The front of the restaurant had not been touched by the blaze, but was severely smoke damaged.
Howie and the investigators present let Chemelyn have her space, as she walked about the cafe. Finally, she returned to the main room, where two men had just walked in. One opened his arms to her, and she ran into them.
“Malone.”
“It’s gonna be okay.” he halfheartedly tried to reassure her, his voice strained.
“We worked so hard.” she whispered.
“I know....”
Howie stood uncomfortably, wanting to console Chemelyn, but unsure how. He watched as Malone did what he couldn’t. Jealousy reared it’s ugly head, and Howie inwardly chastised himself for feeling the way he did. He just wanted to hold her and make everything in her world right. Chemelyn raised her head from Malone’s shoulder, and looked up at the man who had entered with him. He to, enfolded her in a hug.
“Thanks for coming, Derik.”
“No thanks needed. I couldn’t forsake the two people I love.” he said with a sad smile, making eye contact with Malone. Chemelyn pulled back. She turned and surveyed her ruined dreams. Walking toward one of the walls, she stood staring down at something, then bent down and picked the object up. It was a black and white photograph, one of the few hanging in the restaurant that she had not taken. It depicted herself and Malone, standing in front of the restaurant on it’s grand opening: both wore grins typical of the Cheshire cat.
“Chem.....do you want to go?” Howie asked softly, coming up from behind.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” she replied, and turned to face him. Solemnly, he opened his arms to her. Chemelyn stepped willingly into his embrace, and he held her tightly. She clutched the picture, and they walked away.
Back at the apartment, Howie helped Chemelyn inside. She was weary and worn from the night’s events. A glance at the clock told Howie that it was well into the wee hours of the morning. Chemelyn shrugged out of her coat, and let it drop to the floor. Sympathetically, Howie led her toward the stairs to her room.
“I don’t think I can-” she began. Howie cut her off by sweeping her up in his arms, ascending the steps. She relaxed back into his chest, a sigh escaping her. Howie brought her to the bed, pulled back the covers, and layed her gently on the mattress. He began to pull away when Chemelyn clutched frantically at his shirt.
“Please....don’t leave me here alone.” she pled in a whisper.
“Shh! It’s alright, I’ll stay....I’ll stay.” he assured her. Carefully yet awkwardly, Howie climbed into the bed beside her. He had no sooner settled himself, than Chemelyn snuggled closely at his side, pillowing her head on his shoulder. Howie slipped an arm around her, effectively shifting her nearer. She felt so good, so right, cuddled against his body. Soothingly, Howie began to rub her back, and pressed a kiss to her hair. They lay like that for several minutes, until Chemelyn’s sob broke the silence. Howie began to murmur comforts, and continued to hold her tightly. Finally, Chemelyn cried herself to sleep.
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