Chapter 82
Everyone had gathered for a late breakfast in a private dining room set up for the guys, the band, and crew in the theater where they were performing that night. It was a buffet line and as Chelsea moved through the line, she found herself next to Kevin as they fixed their plates.
“Everything okay?” Chelsea asked.
“It’s getting there,” replied Kevin, neither one looking at each other. “Have you called to find out how you did on your exam?”
“Not yet. My phone died because I forgot to charge it last night and we spent the morning talking.”
“The music I heard was not music to talk by,” teased Kevin as he nudged her.
Chelsea blushed, “Okay, we didn’t just talk but you knew that.”
“Yeah, I did,” laughed Kevin. “After you eat, you might want to give your dad a call too.”
“Why?”
“He called this morning and wanted to know how you and Alex were doing.”
“Why didn’t you just knock on the door?”
“I did,” smirked Kevin.
“Oh!” and Chelsea blushed deeper.
Alex had seen Kevin talking to Chelsea and joined them now wrapping his arms around Chelsea’s waist. “What’s up, Kev? You’ve got my lady blushing over here.”
“Major Whitlock called this morning and she asked me why I didn’t just knock on the door. She blushed when I said I did.”
“I had my beautiful woman occupied,” leered AJ.
“That’s why she was blushing,” laughed Kevin as Chelsea turned an even deeper shade of red.
“Okay, you two can stop now. Alex, can I please use your phone so I can call my dad?”
“You know you can, ‘beautiful’, but you need to eat first. You used up a lot of energy last night and this morning.”
Chelsea playfully slapped him as she said, “You are so bad.”
“But I’m so good when I’m being bad. Do you want some coffee?’
Shaking her head, “No, but some hot tea would be good. I’m starting to have cramps.”
As AJ caressed her stomach, Kevin asked, “Did you take the pills the doctor gave you?”
“I started taking them that night.”
“I’m going to get you the hot tea, ‘Beautiful’. There’s an empty seat for you with Leigh and Howie.”
“Where are Brian and Leighanne? I’d really like to see my child.’
Kevin answered, “Brian’s coming down but Leighanne took Annie and Baylee to breakfast earlier and is going to take them to the beach.”
“Thanks, Kevin.” Chelsea followed AJ to their table leaving Kevin standing and staring after her. Putting her plate down, Chelsea took the seat that AJ held for her and greeted the other couple. “Hey!”
“Hey, Chels! Glad to see you back safe,” smiled Howie. “How did your exams go?”
“One and fine. My professors combined everything into one exam. I’m going to call and get my grade in a little while.”
“How are the wedding plans going?” asked Leigh.
“Just great! I need to find a dress for Annie and me.”
“You need to tell them the good news,” prompted AJ as he took her hand in his.
Leigh and Howie looked at Chelsea as Howie asked, “What good news?”
“My dad is going to be at the wedding to give me away.’
“That’s wonderful, Chelsea,” exclaimed Leigh.
“So Kevin was able to get through to him. I’m really happy for you, Chelsea,” added Howie.
“I’m going to give him a call later too to give him the details. I do have a favor to ask you though, Howie.”
“What’s up?”
“Can I ride with you and Leigh to Virginia?”
“Whoa! Why?” asked AJ.
“Alex, the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other before the wedding. It’s bad luck,” pointed out Leigh.
“But….”
“It’s only one night, ‘J’,” consoled Howie.
“Are you really going to ride with someone else?” asked AJ looking at Chelsea.
“Yes, and I thought Howie and Leigh would be the best choices. Of course, there’s always Nick or Kevin that I could ride with.”
“NO!! Those two are NOT an option,” said AJ emphatically.
“Chelsea, it’ll be fine if you ride with us,” said Howie.
“Thank you.”
As the two couples enjoyed breakfast, they talked more about the wedding plans. The issue of AJ’s best man came up and he said he was still considering it. In fact, he and Chelsea had already discussed it and AJ was really considering asking Howie but he was worried about offending the other guys.
After breakfast, the guys were instructed to move to the ‘Green Room’ for the interview but before they left, AJ handed Chelsea his phone. “Here you go, ‘Beautiful’.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
AJ put his finger under her chin, “I love you, Chelsea….don’t EVER forget that.”
“I love you, too, Alex…very much,” she replied as she looked into his eyes.
AJ closed the distance covering her lips with his own and caressing them until she parted her lips to grant him access. His tongue swept in as his arms circled her waist. His tongue danced over all the sensitive spots that he had learned and her body melted into his embrace as he held her.
“Don’t take too long. I kinda want you with me for the interview,” said AJ holding her hands behind her back.
“You aren’t going to embarrass me, are you?”
“No, I just thought it would be cool to tell them about us….if they ask.”
“I promise. I’ll make it quick.”
“Let’s go, ‘J’,” called Kevin impatiently from the door.
Seeing the look in his eyes, Chelsea said, “He’s got his mind on the group, that’s IT, Alex. Please don’t make it into anything more.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” she promised as she gave him a quick kiss.
AJ let go of her as Howie walked by and joined him as they headed to do the interview together.
