Ally had about 3 dishes of food that she struggled with as she tried to ring the doorbell.  She almost lost her balance as Paula answered the door. “Goodness child!  Why didn’t you just walk in?” “Well,” she handed a dish to Paula.  “How can I?”  Paula laughed as Ally walked in.  “I’m not late right?” “No, Hoke is on his way home picking him up.  He just called me on his cell phone.” “He doesn’t suspect anything?”  Ally followed Paula to the kitchen where she sat the dishes on the counter. “Only if his friends blabbed, which I wouldn’t put past AJ.”  Paula took the aluminum foil off of the trays.  “These dishes look incredible!” “I made Kira work extra hard on them today, after she promised me that I would try to get the dirt from the party.”  She looked out the window and saw Howie’s brother talking with about 4 familiar faces and 2 girls she didn’t recognize. “Why don’t you go out there and relax?  I can handle things in here.” “Uh,” Ally glanced at the window again.  “That’s OK.” “They’re not gonna bite you know.  Besides you know John.” “Yeah, but you know I can sometimes be a wallflower.” “Alright,” Paula said.  She brought out some trays to the backyard as Ally kept herself busy in the kitchen.  The phone rang once about 20 minutes later and Paula ran to the back.  “That’s the signal!”  Ally then decided to walk in the back, standing next to Paula.  They heard the car door slam then the front door open and close.  Hoke went into the back, followed by Howie. “Surprise!” “Oh man,” Howie grinned.  Paula grabbed him into a hug.  “Welcome home!” she said.  “It was only for 2 weeks Mom.”  Howie broke away from her. “Then it’s a combination welcome home from the trip and the tour.” Howie saw his fellow group members and went to hug them, since he hadn’t seen them in about a month or so.  He kissed the girls cheeks and got a hug from his brother.  He turned his head to see Ally standing in the background, ran up to her and gave her a hug.  “Boy did I miss you,” he said into her shoulder. “Me too,” she responded. “Did you meet everyone?” “Uh, no.  I was helping your mother in the kitchen.” “Then let me not be the rude guest of honor.”  He grabbed Ally’s hand and led her to the others.  “Guys, this is my oldest friend Ally.  Ally, that’s Kevin, Brian, Nick, and AJ.  And that’s Leighanne and Kristin, Brian and Kevin’s fiancées.”  They exchanged hellos. Hoke then clapped his hands.  “Let’s all get some food shall we.” They all went into the kitchen and grabbed their food and sat at the table.  After Howie regaled about the trip, they all sat at the patio chairs, where they all had drinks. “So Ally,” Brian started.  “How long have you really long our Howie?”  He wanted to get the most information out of her, considering he had heard about her the most from Howie’s phone conversations. “As far as I can remember.  I moved into the neighborhood when I was about 3 and didn’t have anyone to play with.  My mother got a knock on the door, and there stood little Howard, asking my mom if she had any kids to play with.  She called me to the door, and I played with him ever since.” “That’s so beautiful,” Nick brushed a mock tear from his eyes. “Thank you for the performance bro,” said AJ. Nick took a grand bow as the others laughed.  ~*~ The night wore on with Howie happy to be home, with his friends that he hasn’t seen in a long time.  He sat over in the corner holding a glass of wine, watching the scene before him.  Brian and Nick were talking about the newest video game Nick had bought.  Kevin and John were having a conversation about investments, and Ally was talking to Kristin and Leighanne, probably that mysterious “girl talk.” AJ had come over to him with his glass of beer.  “Sup man?” “Sup?” “Ready to hit the studio?” “2 days.  I’m itching to go.” “Were you surprised tonight?” “Yeah.  Mom told me she thought you were going to spill.” AJ had put his hand to his chest.  “Why lil’ ol’ me?  I’m shocked!” Howie laughed.  “You can’t keep a secret if it bit you in the ass.” “True, among other things,” he stared at the girls talking.  “That Ally is one fine lady.” Howie took a sip from his wine.  “I guess she is.” “Oh, come on, like you never thought.” “J, I’ve known that girl since potty training.” “Wait, one thing, did you take a bath with her when you were kids?” Howie shot him a look.  “Do you have a point to this?” “Because I sure wouldn’t mind taking a bath with her.” Howie felt a sudden pang of anger, which surprised him.  AJ didn’t notice Howie’s reaction.  “Is she single?” “As far as I know.  We never talk about that stuff.” “Because, I was thinking of asking her out for a night on the town.”  AJ looked at him. Howie felt that pang of anger hit him again.  AJ then noticed it.  “Hey listen, if you don’t want me to…” “No, no.  I’m just not sure she’s… your type.” “Hey any woman is my type, you know that.” “She is older than you.” “I’m friends with you and you’re the same age as her.” “Hey man, if you want to ask her out, be my guest.  But don’t say I didn’t warn you when she turns your ass down.” “Not when I put on the old McLean charm.”  AJ finished his beer.  “Watch and learn man.” ~*~ Ally, Kristin, and Leighanne were talking about some of their favorite stores when AJ came up from behind her.  “So what are you ladies gossiping about?” “Shopping,” said Leighanne. “Ooh, one of my favorite subjects.” “You like to shop?” asked Ally. “Why is that a crime?” “No, I just didn’t think guys like that sort of thing.” Kristin smiled.  “Not when it comes to AJ.  He’s the bargain king.” “Yeah, maybe I can show you sometime.”  AJ flashed a smirk. “Maybe.” “How about tomorrow night?” Leighanne snorted as AJ glared at her.  “We can hit the mall, and then maybe we can go out to dinner.” “Well…” Ally started.  “OK, you got a deal.” “Say I pick you up about 7?” “You can pick me up at my store Essence, on Naughton.” “Good.”  AJ walked away. Kristin and Leighanne exchanged a look and laughed when they were out of AJ’s earshot. “What?” Ally said. “Boy he doesn’t know when to quit.” Kristin regained her composure. “He seemed like a nice guy,” Ally said. “I’m telling you, that boy can flirt his ass off.  He even started with me when I first saw him until Brian walked in the room and introduced me as his girlfriend,” Leighanne took a sip from her glass. “You think Howie wouldn’t mind?” asked Kristin. “Why should Howie mind?  He’s not my keeper or anything.” ~*~ After all of his guests had left, Ally had stayed behind with Howie and helped him clean up. “Thanks for bringing the food.  Mom really appreciated it.” “You’re welcome.  And your friends were real cool.  I can see why you guys have been together for so long.”  Ally put some of the plates in the sink and began to wash them. “Yeah…” Howie started.  He took a piece of chicken from one of the trays and put it in his mouth. “I hope AJ didn’t bother you too much.” “Why would he bother me?  He’s a sweet guy.  In fact, were going shopping tomorrow night.” Howie choked on the chicken and coughed.  “You are?” He grabbed a glass of water and drank it down. “Yeah, and dinner.  Why, does that surprise you?” “A little.  I thought that you wouldn’t go for a guy like him is all.” Ally stopped washing the dishes and turned around.  “How do you know what type of guy I’m into?” “I just thought…” “You thought wrong.  It’s just dinner.  It’s not like I’m going to screw him or anything.” Howie eyes grew wide.  This was not a usual topic that he discussed with her, even back then.  “I’m sorry, I have no right to but into your personal life.” “Thank you.”  She finished the last dish.  “Well, I better get going.”  She gave Howie a hug.  “Welcome home.” “Thanks.” He walked her to the door.  “Have fun tomorrow night.” “I will.  Bye.”  She walked down the steps and down the street. Howie watched her walk away.  He closed the door, and couldn’t shake that same feeling as he walked up the stairs to his room. Chapter 12 Contents Chapter 10