Chapter 23
Tap, Tap, Tap…..
His knuckles gently rapped at the door. A few moments later, Gen came to the door wearing an attractive red print summer dress that accentuated her curves and the airy sandals she wore showed off her purple painted toes. By the compact and brush in her hand, John guessed she wasn’t finished with her makeup.
“Have a seat,” she smiled. “I’ll only be a minute.”
He sat on the end of her bed and watched the TV that was blaring the movie ‘Vacation’. “Great movie!” he hollered to her as she finished getting ready.
“Oh, I know! HBO is running a John Hughes film festival. I love him! All my favorites are on tonight! In my opinion, Ferris Bueller is about the best film ever made!” she giggled.
“Yep, that’s a good one.”
“And Weird Science, and Sixteen Candles.” She rolled her eyes as she ambled over to where he sat watching. “I loved the 80’s. I had so much fun!”
He chuckled. “Me too. Let’s go. We can come back later and watch more.” He switched off the TV. Putting his hand on her back he led her out the door. “You look gorgeous once again. That dress, damn,” he shook his head and grinned.
She smiled bashfully and started for the elevator.
“No, wait, let’s take the stairs. Do you mind?”
She looked at him like he was nuts. “You’re kidding, right? We’re on the tenth floor!”
He changed direction and headed for the elevator. “Ok, but we’ve gotta get off on, like, three or something.”
“Why?” She raised her eyebrows in question.
“Dave’s lookin’ for me and I don’t want to be found. I’m sure by now he’s seen the car and knows we’re back so he’s probably waiting for me in the lobby. He just wants to give me some grief that I’m not in the mood for.”
“Because of me, right?” She had a defiant quality in her voice.
“Yeah,” he answered as they stepped on the elevator. “He’s just wantin’ to give me some shit about it. It’s not like he can do anything. He’s just afraid of lawyers, y’know.”
She looked at him seriously, “Lawyers? You mean because of that contract thing? What can they do about it? We’re adults. We can make up our own minds. I’m not stalking you. Surely he can see that.”
“I signed that contract too, though. I think he’s afraid of your lawyers.” He teasingly nudged her with his elbow.
Gen rolled her eyes and shook her head, “Whatever.” She leaned forward and planted a kiss firmly on his lips. “Better do it now, while no one can see us!” She subtlety raised her brows.
They went to a magnificent Italian restaurant on The Hill. It wasn’t the fanciest place, but the food was to die for! They ate till it hurt then plodded back to the car.
“I’ve got an idea,” John said. “Let’s stop somewhere and pick up a bottle of wine before we return to our film festival. Know of any place around here?”
“There should be a Schnucks up ahead. You can go there.”
“What the hell is a Shnooks?” he laughed.
“It’s a grocery store.”
“Oh.” They pulled out of the parking lot and on to the main road. “Gen, I want to talk to you about somethin’.”
“Yeah? We’ve been talking all day. Make a left up here.”
He followed her directions to the store. “I was gonna ask you if you wanted to come to our last show of the tour. It oughta be a blast. It always is. We’d all love to have you there. I’d love to have you there.”
“I’d love to be there,” she said with a sweet smile. This was actually the first time they’d really talked about the tour all day. “That’s when? The 25th?”
“I think so. We’ll be home again, y’know in Buffalo, so it’ll be a real party. I think you’ll like it. The last show’s always the best one. The crowds at home, man, nothing compares.”
“Sounds like fun. You know I’d love it. I don’t see a problem with work or anything, so sure!”
“Cool. We’ll get you set up.”
Back at the hotel they returned to Gennie’s room to watch the film festival. Johnny uncorked the wine and served it up in the drinking glasses the hotel provided with the mini bar. The heavy glass tumblers weren’t as romantic as wine glasses, but they seemed oddly appropriate for watching Ferris Bueller.
Turning on the TV Gen hooted, “Ooh, good, Sixteen Candles is just starting. We didn’t miss much. Next is Weird Science, then Bueller.” She plopped down on the bed next to John and he handed her glass of wine over to her. “I bet this isn’t your favorite. The name Jake Ryan probably means nothing to you. It’s more of a girls movie, isn’t it?” she inquired apologetically.
“I’ve seen it. It’s not bad. I’m holdin’ out for Weird Science.” He laughed, “Who’s Jake Ryan? Is he the geek?”
She rolled her eyes teasingly, “I thought you said you’d seen this! No, doofus, Jake is the guy she has the crush on.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry. Must be a girl thing,” he chuckled.
“Yeah, must be.” She was dying on the inside at the thought of sitting here on her bed with John Rzeznik discussing Jake Ryan; the parallel was uncanny right down to having the same initials. She felt just like Samantha- they both ended up with their guy.
When it was over, she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss before she got up to change into her pj’s. “And it isn’t even my birthday for another six months…”