Chapter 76

Kevin walked into his hotel and took a shower. Then he got dressed and ordered himself lunch.

Once he was through eating he turned on is radio and then laid there on the couch for a while.

He had to find some way to get Janel back. He was so close last night, but in the morning something had changed. When he saw her writing he knew that she was trying to figure everything out. He prayed to God that she would see that he still loved her and wanted to be with her. But he was surprised that she had told him to leave. He wanted to give her time like she had asked, but he was tired of waiting. He had been waiting for about the last two months.

Kevin got up grabbed his wallet and cell phone and walked out of his hotel room. He got into a cab and gave him the directions to Janel's place.

I loaded my bags into my car and then drove home. I had bought myself plenty of clothes and snacks. While walking down the aisles in the store I kept going back for the food. I wasn't even hungry but at the sight of the food, I had to have it. So by the time I ended up walking out of the store I had every snack imaginable.

I pulled into my driveway and unlocked my door. Then I went to my car and began unloading my bags.

"Here, let me help you," Kevin said as he stood next to me.

"Kevin!" I said surprised. "Uh. . .I thought that. . .well . . .what are you doing here?"

"I had to see you," Kevin said as he picked up most of my bags and walked towards my house.

I grabbed the last three bags and closed my trunk. Then I walked inside my house. I closed the door and went into the kitchen to find Kevin putting everything away for me.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Putting your groceries away," Kevin said as he closed my pantry.

"Yes, I can see that. But what are you doing here? I thought I told you that I needed some time," I said.

"I know you did. But I've been waiting for the last two months. I can't wait any longer," Kevin said as he stood in front of me.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Kevin placed his finger on my lips.

"Wait, before you say anything let me finish," he said.

"All right," I said as I sighed.

"I know we have a lot to talk about because I have a lot to say. But before we sit down and talk, can I take you out to dinner?" Kevin asked.

"I don't know," I said hesitantly.

"Okay then, let me rephrase that. I'm taking you out to dinner," Kevin said. "Grab your purse or whatever else you need so we can leave."

"Fine, but let me change first," I said.

"Okay, go ahead," Kevin said.

I picked up my bags with my clothes in them and went into my room.

Kevin went into the living room and sat down on the couch. As he sat there he realized that the house was very homely. It didn't have that warm comforting feeling. It barely looked like it was lived in. And there were no personal mementos to show that Janel was even living there.

He remembered that's how his house used to feel, like no one ever lived there. But when Janel had lived there with him, it felt like home. It was comforting just to sit on the couch and snuggle close to Janel. That was probably the reason their house felt like it was home, because of their love. Their love had made it a home, but when Janel had left him that feeling disappeared. He wanted that feeling back. He wanted her back.

"Kevin," I said as I stood there.

"Oh sorry, I got lost in my thoughts," he said as he stood up.

"I'm ready," I said.

He walked up to me and stared down into my eyes.

"You look so beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," I said. "But I'm not even dressed up."

"I know," Kevin said. "But you look so cute wearing those jeans and that little T-shirt. And your little belly is starting to show," he said as he placed his hand on my stomach.

He smiled at me brightly as he rubbed my stomach.

It took my every being at that moment not to kiss him.

"You ready?" I asked.

"If you are," he said.

"Okay, let's go," I said as I headed for the door.

On the way out I grabbed my purse and keys. I locked up my house and Kevin took my keys. He went to the passengers side and opened the door for me.

"Thank you," I said as I got in.

Kevin closed my door, got into the driver's seat, and drove off.

"So you're sure you want to take me out to dinner?" I asked.

"Yeah, why not?" he asked.

"Cause I bet I could eat twice as much as you," I said.

Kevin laughed at me.

"What's so funny Mr. Richardson? You don't think I can?" I questioned.

"No, I don't. I mean look at my petite little girlfriend," he said, smiling.

I turned and looked at him as he said girlfriend.

"Oh wow. Sorry, I guess it slipped," he said sadly.

"It's okay," I said quietly.

The rest of the car ride to Sam's was quiet.

Once we arrived he got out and then helped me out, being the gentleman as usual.

We walked into the restaurant and were seated by the waitress.

Kevin and I both ordered a hamburger, fries, and a milk shake. Then we sat there waiting for our food.

"Look, I want to apologize for the other night at Rick's place. I acted like a complete jerk and I'm really sorry. Especially since it was your birthday. I guess I ruined whatever you and Rick had planned," he said.

"We were just going out to eat, that's all," I said.

"Forgive me for being an ass?" he asked.

I smiled. "Don't let it happen again."

Soon our food came and we began to eat.

Kevin watched me as I shoveled food into my mouth.

"Not much of a talker while you're eating, are you?" he questioned.

I laughed. "I'm sorry. I'm pigging out, aren't I?"

"I've just never seen you eat like this before in my life," Kevin said smiling.

"Well now that I'm feeding for two, I have to eat a little more," I said.

"I guess so," he said as he watched me take fries from his plate.

"You don't mind, do you?" I asked as I dipped a couple of fries into the Ketchup.

"No, not at all," Kevin said after he took a drink.

"Thank you," I said.

"Anything for my babies," Kevin said quietly as he took a bite of his hamburger.

We continued to eat as we talked about other things.

Once we were finished we walked back out to my car. We got into my car and Kevin looked at me.

"Want to go for a ride? Enjoy the night," Kevin suggested.

"Yeah, that's fine," I said.

Kevin smiled. 'Good,' he thought.

He wasn't ready to go back just yet. He wanted to apologize and make everything right. But he was afraid to hear what she had to say. He didn't know what he would do with himself if she said that all they were were just good friends. Or maybe she didn't want to be near him at all.

No, he had to keep those kind of thoughts out of his head. He had to believe that she would come back to him.

I stared out the window as I felt the wind blow through my hair.

Things had been awkward at dinner. For a second we would slip back into our old lives and I would let my guard down. But then I would remind myself that we weren't together.

I knew that once we got back to my place everything would change. I didn't know how it would change or what would happen. But I hoped that everything would work out okay.

Then I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding.

Kevin looked over at Janel, knowing exactly what she was thinking about.

"Take me home, Kev," I said.

I knew I had to get this over with. Then I would be able to move on.

Kevin sighed. He didn't know if he was ready to hear what she had to say or not. He prayed to God that everything would work out like it was supposed to.

"Okay," Kevin replied as he turned at the light, taking us home.