Chapter 9 AJ sat in his living room, flicking his Zippo between his fingers and extinguishing the flames.  He kept looking at the clock, waiting for Angela to come back.  He was feeling two extremes: the happiest he has ever felt, but the worst because of what was happening with Angela and Joey.  He knew he had to give her time to get over whatever she was feeling, but to know that she loved him was the greatest feeling in the world.  He wasn’t going to pressure her into anything, not giving into any temptations he had been think of since the first time he ever saw her.  He just wanted her with him. He heard the doorbell ring and he ran to the door and opened it.  There stood Angela, trying to stand with her crutches. “Hey,” he smiled. “Hey yourself,” she smiled back. AJ took her bag as she hobbled inside.  “How did…” “It’s over.” “It is.” “Yup,” she went to the couch and took a seat.  AJ sat down next to her.  “I told him everything, and he was OK.  Hurt but OK.” “I’m so sorry you had…” AJ started to say but Angela silenced him by putting her fingers on her lips.  “Shh, don’t say another word.  I don’t want you feeling guilty about anything.  I want to live in the now, not in the past.  I just want to love you.” “I just want to love you too,” AJ smiled.  “God that feels so good to say it out loud!” Angela laughed.  “I bet it does.”  Vegas came up to her and started barking.  Angela grabbed him and settled him in her lap. “He likes having you here too.” AJ gave Vegas a pet on the head.  “Look, I put your things in one of the guest rooms.” “Why?” “Because I don’t want to rush you into anything.  I want you to take your time.” Angela put her arms around AJ’s neck and quickly pulled him close.  “I’ve taken a year and a half of time.  Live in the now AJ.” “Live in the now.”  AJ leaned towards her and kissed her.  He pulled away from her and smirked.  “I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you.” “Even after I threw a drink in your face?” “That was the best letdown of my life.” “As they always say, if at first you don’t succeed…” AJ interrupted her with another kiss, this time pushing her onto the couch.  Vegas jumped quickly off of Angela’s lap and sat on the floor, cocking his head to what he was witnessing.  Angela opened her eyes to Vegas’ looking on.  “Looks like we have an audience.  Want to go somewhere private?” AJ got off the couch and scooped her up in his arms.  He looked down at Vegas.  “Sorry buddy, this is not for your eyes.” He carried her upstairs, leaving Vegas wondering was what was going on as the bedroom door shut. Epilogue Contents Chapter 8