Ch. 9
"What surprise?" Howie asked with a sly grin as he held the phone to his ear. "Well, I haven't seen you in three months-don't you think you deserve a surprise?" Sally chuckled.
He paused, taking time to grasp the thought. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Of course I am. I'll see you in a few hours."
"I can't wait! See 'ya, sweetie!"
I looked from my tv screen. "So, your girl's bringing 'ya a surprise, D?"
"She is indeed!"
"Well, I can't wait!" I said flipping the button watching the screen turn black.
Howie raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, YOU can't wait?"
I presented a charming smile. "Come on, D, play nice! Amanda's away at work and I'm lonely. At least, lemme visit your chick!"
"AJ, you are beyond beyond pitiful. You can visit. Just DON'T touch!"
*******
I glanced the airport as I lowered my baseball cap. "When's your bodyguard bringin' her to your car?"
"Right about-----now!"
I watched as a redhead leaped into his arms. "Howie, I missed you so much!"
I took a second glance. Sally was now surprisingly slimmer. She wore a white tank top and black jeans that enhanced her new figure. "Damn," I muttered beneath my breath.
Howie took a step away giving her the look-over. "Man! You look wonderful!"
"You like my surprise?" she asked with a bright smile.
"I think you look beautiful, and if you like it-I love it!"
"I do love it! Heck, everyone I've seen loves it!"
I found myself staring at her once again-I could see why.
Howie wrapped his arms around her waist guiding her towards the convertable; as he left me to tend to the luggage. Sally laid her head against his shoulder. "This feels so wonderful."
He smiled. "I agree."
I rolled my eyes. They had reached the cuddling point in the relationship. She slipped into the passenger side. I crawled in back arranging the luggage.
"Howie got us all a copy of your book."
"Oh, sorry about that."
"Don't be, I loved it! Could we talk about it later? After you and Howie have some time together?"
"Certainly."
Howie turned to her as he slide the key into ingnition. "Is there something else making you so radiant today?"
She flipped her long hair over her shoulder as she continued to beam. "I went online this morning. The webtress took down my hate page."