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Everything Your Heart Desires Chapter 21 Howie adjusted his hat as he started up the stairs to the condo. Giving himself the once over in the glass panel beside the door, he rang the doorbell. He realized how well he fit the part of this date with his gray zoot suit with matching hat. He probably didn’t need the glass or a mirror to see his reflection. Instead all he had to do was look down at his feet and gauge his appearance in the polished patent leather wing-tipped shoes he wore. Cheryl opened the door and he felt his breath nearly catch in his throat. No matter when he saw her or what she wore, she always had the same effect on him. This time his appraisal started with her patent leather saddlebacks before traveling the length on her green 40’s style dress. “Something told me this was appropriate for tonight,” she stated surveying his outfit. “Guess I was right.” “Mhmm, you just want to take the fun out of the surprise.” Howie offered her his arm. “Senorita, might I have the pleasure of escorting you to your destination?” “Gracias, Senor.”A short time later, Howie pulled his corvette into a space at Pleasure Island. Cheryl could hear the loud music of the clubs pulsating through her system. “Close your eyes for a moment,” he requested after helping her out of the car. Howie reached for the backstage passes in his glove box putting one in his breastpocket, the other around her neck. “What’s this, Howie?” She examined the laminated card then gazed at her date. “You will be meeting your favorite swing group tonight.” “Oh my God. I was content with just tickets and the opportunity to see you swing. But meet the band…wow!” She kissed him softly. “I can’t thank you enough. This is so sweet.” “Hey, your reaction is thanks enough for me.” He held out his hand. “The dancefloor and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy await.” During the concert, Howie led her in some intricate steps to the sounds of “Go Daddy O!” and “Big Time Operator” and she questioned his expertise. He shamefully admitted that Kevin had given him a few pointers and private lessons after tour rehearsals that week. Cheryl couldn’t hid her pleasure in discovering he would go to such lengths to make the night so perfect. The saxophone and brass sounds of “Please Baby” began as Howie wrapped his arms around her from behind. They listened to Scotty Morris’ smooth baritone voice as they swayed to the music.Please Baby... Let’s get it right I don’t think I can take it...one more night. I know I love you, I love you, I love you as though the stars are mine So please Baby, show me that you are mine. Please Baby...Let’s not fight I don’t think I can take it...one more night. I know I love you, I love you, I love you as though the stars are mine So please Baby, show me that you are mine. Please Baby...Let’s keep it right I wanna make love to you baby All through the night I know I love you, I love you, I love you as though the stars are mine So please Baby, show me that you are mine. “Got any cheesecake,” Howie whispered in her ear. Cheryl turned slightly to give him a sensual kiss. “Mmm, even better than cheesecake.” After the show when they met the band backstage, Howie was the first to admit to Scotty, Andy Rowley and Josh Levy that he’d only become a fan of their brand of music more recently. “You can thank my girlfriend here,” Howie mentioned not really noticing her expression change at his words. “So you’re a huge fan?” Scotty asked. Cheryl recovered quickly from being flustered by Howie’s acknowledgement. “HUGE…It was such a great show.” Later on the drive home, after they had gone dancing at 8Trax for a few hours, Cheryl asked Howie about his revelation. “Does it bother you that I called you my girlfriend?” he inquired gently placing his hand on hers. “No, in fact, I kinda like it.” Howie gazed at her profile and brought her hand to his lips. “Good because I do too. For future reference, you have my permission to label me your boyfriend.” He squeezed her hand lovingly. “Does this mean you LIKE me, like me or just like me?” she teased. He smiled at the juvenile reference. “Oh, I’d say I pretty much LIKE you, like you.” “Yeah? Me, too.” It was around 1 a.m. when Howie pulled his corvette into the condo parking lot. “Thank you, D, for such an unforgettable night.” Knowing she meant more than just the concert, he nodded. “My pleasure. I’ll call you tomorrow – oops, later today – and we’ll get together after rehearsal.” “Okay. Night, D.” She kissed him slowly. “Night, C,” he called quietly.Upon entering the livingroom, Cheryl found Kevin and Kristy together in the “snuggle chair”. She was asleep in his arms; he was awake, stroking her hair and watching Sleepless in Seattle. “Hey,” he greeted softly. “How was your evening?” Cheryl sat in her pappizan chair. “Couldn’t have been better. Completely unforgettable.” Kevin smiled. “That good, eh?” “The concert was good. Thanks for teaching him to swing. Oh, and the guys in the band were cool…” Cheryl paused as if contemplating whether to complete her thought. “He called me his girlfriend, Kev.” ‘Way to go, D,’ he cheered silently before continuing. “Sounds like you had fun.” “Mhmm,” she answered dreamily. “So what did you guys do?” Kevin thought back to his conversation with Kristy in the bookstore parking lot and beamed. “That good, huh? Do you two need a chaperone in order to be alone now?” “Naw, nothing like that.” The red crept into Kevin’s cheeks. “We went to a bookstore, brought home Chinese take-out and had a chick flick marathon. Just a nice relaxing evening at home.” “Maybe next time Howie and I should follow your example.” She punctuated her sentence with a yawn. “I’m exhausted. Night, Kev.” Cheryl started toward the stairs. “Night, Cher.” As she climbed the steps toward her bedroom, Cheryl heard Kristy awaken. “Was that Cher?” “Yeah,” Kevin answered. “She had a great time. I’m sure she’ll tell you about it in the morning.” “Oh, okay,” came the groggy reply. “Maybe we should go up to bed?” “I’m comfortable right where I am.” “I love you, Kevin.” “I love you, too, Angel.” Cheryl understood and couldn’t hide her smile as she thought of the day she’d hear those same words from Howie.Next: Chapter 22 |