“John is a good friend.  His tough act is just that, an act.” Emma smiled.  “He would be scared shitless if someone found out he was a real softie.” Paul laughed at that.  Then they fell silent, both lost in their own thoughts. “What was Winnipeg like?”  Paul asked, breaking the silence. “Like any city, I suppose.”  Emma responded.  “Very cold winters and very hot summers.  Manitoba is a prairie province so it is flat.  No mountains or oceans.  Some lakes.  I liked living there.” “What about your family?” “Well, it’s just me and my mum and dad.  I have no brothers or sisters.  Both my parents are painters.  That’s how they met.  At art school in London.  My dad was from Canada, my mum was from London.  They fell in love and got married and then they had me.  I lived in London until I was five.  Then my dad’s dad died and we had to move to Winnipeg so my dad could take over the family business. she fell silent for a moment before continuing.  "my parents started fighting when I was 16.  Not just little arguments, but full blown fights with screaming and throwing things. My mum blamed my dad for ruining her career as a painter."  She looked over at Paul.  "They got a divorce and now I'm here.  In reality it was me who ruined her career."  Tears were brimming in her eyes.        Paul moved over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  "you didn't ruin her career.  She had a choice."        "Sometimes I think she blames me.  I can see the look in her eyes when she sees one of my paintings.  Like she knew she could have done something if I hadn't of come along."         He gave her a tight squeeze.  "she's very proud of you, I'm sure.  don’t let this bother you because it was not your fault."         Emma turned her head and looked at Paul.  They were so close.  All she could think of was how close his lips were to hers.  She wanted him to kiss her.  And as if he could read her mind he leaned forward and his lips gently brushed hers in the sweetest kiss Emma had ever experienced.         When it ended and Paul had pulled away Emma stared into his eyes a goofy grin plastered on her face.        "I can be here for you too, Emmie."  he whispered.  "I won't let anything hurt you."  and he kissed her again. Later that night Emma lay wide awake on her bed, a silly smile on her face. Paul had kissed her.  She just couldn’t believe that had happened.  She hadn’t known him that long, but when she first met him, she had felt some sort of connection between them. But what is Paul hadn’t felt the same connection?  What if that kiss had been am in the moment kiss?  No, stop!  her mind cried.  She didn’t need to think of this.  It had happened and now she just needed to wait and see. Closing her eyes she forced herself into a dream filled sleep of kisses and stars. Emma woke up the next morning and for a moment the event of last night were clear from her mind but quickly it came flooding back and a smile spread across her face. The phone rang downstairs as she pulled herself out of her warm bed. “Emma!”  She heard her mother call up to her.  “Phone if for you.” Emma raced downstairs and into the kitchen where her mother was standing holing the phone.  “Must have had a nice evening?”  Her mother smiled as she handed Emma the phone. “Hello?”  Emma asked into the receiver. “Hi.”  Paul answered.  “Hi.”  Emma smiled. “About last night,” Paul went right into. Emma’s heart sank.  He’s going to tell me it was a mistake, she thought.  He’s going to tell me to forget it ever happened and then we will be all weird around each other.  “I understand,” she uttered. “Understand what?”  Paul asked. “That last night was a mistake.” “That’s not what I thought it was.  I was calling to tell you that I thought kissing you was the best thing I’ve done in years!” Emma breathed a sigh of relief and she heard Paul laugh on the other end. “Don’t laugh at me!”  She protested.  “I was afraid you would think what happened last night was a mistake and you would never want to see me again!” “That is the complete opposite!”  Paul cried.   “I want to see you more and more!  But I can’t see you until tonight.” Emma could just see those sad puppy dog eyes. “Can I see you tonight?” “Of course!”  She cried.  “If I can wait that long.” “How about you come by for our gig tonight?  We have rehearsals all day so I can’t see you until after the gig.” “That’s okay.  I have some work I have to do.”  She paused.  “Paul, have you told anyone yet?” “No.” “Maybe we should wait until after the gig.” Paul laughed.  “Yeah, I don’t want your two older brothers beating me up!” Emma laughed with him, knowing just how protective John and Stuart were over her.  A few months ago I was seeing this guy, Greg McCourt and he cheated on me with another girl.  How I found this out was John and Stuart were the ones that caught him.  There was a fight and lets just say John and Stuart left the pub with faces the same colour they came in with and Greg, well . . .! “Okay, so then it is settled.  I will see you after the gig?” “I’ll see you after the gig,” Emma responded.  They said their goodbyes and then hung up the phone. Immediately Emma picked the phone back up and made another call. An hour and a half later Emma entered Café Lee and quickly scanned the room. Spotting who she was looking for she made her way to a booth at the back of the café. Sitting down she faced and impatient Cyn. “Been waiting long?”  Emma laughed. “Not too long,” Cyn exclaimed.  “Now get right to it.  What is so important that you have to tell me?” ‘Okay,” Emma began.  “You can’t say anything yet, but I just had to tell someone and I knew I could trust you.” “Emma!” “Okay!  Paul and I kissed last night!”  She scrunched her eyes, waiting for Cyn’s reaction. “I knew something was going to happen between you!” Emma opened her eyes.  “What?” “It was obvious the first time you too met that something was going to happen.”  “I can’t believe this!”  Emma laughed.  “Did anyone else notice this?” Cyn laughed with Emma.  “God no!  Guy’s don’t notice things like that.  It’s just us women who have that six sense.” “It was weird, Cyn.  I just felt like we belonged together.  Like we were supposed to be together.” Cyn smiled.  “I know the feeling.  I remember when I first met John.  I thought it was fate that we were meant to be together.  Nothing could be more wonderful.  And yet you have all these doubts and questions running through your head.” “Yes!”  Emma cried.  Cyn laughed and then glanced at her watch.  “We have lots of time before we have to meet up with the guys, do you want to go shopping.  Maybe we can find some new outfits.” “I’m up for that,” Emma agreed. They payed their bill and then headed towards Penny Lane. “I’m nervous.”  Emma whispered to Cyn as they walked into the club. “He’s going to flip when he sees you in that dress.”  Cyn instructed her.  Emma smoothed down the dress she was wearing.  She’d found this beautiful 1940's tiered gown in violet. It had thin straps and a fitted waist with 3 tiered peplum leading to a full skirt.  Cynthia has found this gorgeous little black dress.  “John is going to flip when he see’s you in that dress.  Now let’s get inside before I lose my nerve!”