CHAPTER 13 - DON’T STOP THE MUSIC

Bobby’s eyes followed Alex’s every move. To see her in a dress was rare but a treat. Tonight it was more than a treat; it was an experience, a very pleasant experience. Pleasant experience did not adequately describe it. It was stimulating.
Alex picked up her clutch and asked Bobby if he was ready. He nodded and rather enjoyed watching her sway toward him. He lightly placed his hand on her back as they descended the front steps. He opened the door for her and helped her in the car. As they drove in to the city Alex asked where they were going. Bobby just smiled and assured her she would soon find out. It fell silent between them and Bobby glanced over at her. “Want to talk about it?” he asked. “About what?” she responded. He frowned, “Whatever it is that’s bothering you.” Silence. Finally, Alex spoke up. “Bobby, I’m so sorry things happened the way they did with Major Case.” He saw her eyes filling, “I’m just so very sorry.” Bobby reached over and covered her hand with his, “Alexandra that is in the past. I’m only interested in the present.” He let his hand linger on hers. She reached over and patted the top of his hand, “Got it,” she nodded.
“Speaking of the present, what have you been doing to keep busy?” he asked. “I will be starting NYC Law in about a month,” she told him and found herself watching for his reaction. Bobby looked over and smiled broadly, “That’s perfect for you. You can be a real hard-ass.” Alex looked at him straight faced, “Why Bobby, that’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me.” They both enjoyed a good laugh and chatted about NYC’s impeccable reputation.
As Bobby turned and entered parking for The Rainbow Room, Alex’s jaw dropped, “What are you doing Bobby Goren? This is way too extravagant!”
He shook his head, “Let’s have a good time, okay?” She smiled and then said, “Okay. But under no circumstance I am going to dance the tango with you!” He chuckled, “I know, I know. I look like…” “A dork,” they said together. They were still laughing as they entered the posh club. They were led to their table and Bobby pulled out her chair to seat her then seated himself. “Moonlight Serenade” was playing softly as Bobby ordered the wine. “This is wonderful Bobby. Thank you,” Alex said. The wine arrived and Bobby poured. They ordered and then Bobby raised his glass and toasted, “Happy Birthday, Alexandra Eames.”
While sipping their wine they reminisced about some of the finer moments as partners. When the Captain’s name came up, they both fell silent. Bobby swallowed hard, “He was a good man and it was an honor to serve under his command even if we didn’t always see eye to eye.” Alex nodded and fought off the tears. Their sadness was tangible.
Suddenly Bobby stood, offered his hand and raised his eyebrow. Alex took his hand and they stepped on to the dance floor. When Bobby put his arm around her, she felt weak in the knees. They glided around the dance floor and after several songs, they returned to their table. Bobby had just sat down when he looked up and saw a pained expression on Alex’s face as she stared over his left shoulder. “Alex, are you alright?” he inquired. His voice expressed concern. She answered, “I’m fine but I’m not so sure you are going to be.” He furrowed his brow and cocked his head. She looked at him and continued, “Your boss just walked through the door.” “You are kidding, right?” he asked. What was that she heard in his voice? Panic? Disbelief? Anger? Alex took a deep breath, “I’m not kidding and she’s walking this way.” She looked at him and saw his jaw muscles twitching. “Uh oh,” she thought, “This is not going to be pretty.”
Bobby glanced around just as a perfectly manicured hand reached for his shoulder. He looked up and there she was. Louise Gardener dressed to the nines in a clingy red dress. “I told you I would see you later,” she purred, “And please, introduce me to your date. Alex put on the perfect face, “I have the advantage here. You may not know who I am but I know who you are.” Bobby sensed that both women (ladies would be a misnomer) had bared their claws. Louise smirked, “Well, please enlighten me.” Alex opened her mouth to answer but Bobby cut her off, “Louise, this is Alexandra Eames.” Louise looked at Alex and sarcastically retorted, “Pleasure.” Alex came in low and hard, “I’m sure. I wish I could say the same.” Bobby snickered and Louise gave him a withering look. By this time a very handsome, older man walked up to the side of Louise. He put his hand to her back and whispered something in her ear as he allowed his hand to slide south coming to rest on her butt. She smiled at him then introduced him simply as James. Louise tried vainly to engage Bobby in conversation but he never took the bait. James gently tugged on her arm as he whispered in her ear once again. This time he smiled lecherously. Louise nodded, “Bobby, I will see you in my office Monday morning. Don’t be late.” She started to walk away but turned and fired the parting shot. In a perfect stage whisper she said, “Oh, I have been meaning to tell you, your agenda is so user friendly. You might want to consider closing it when you are away from your desk.” She turned toward the door then sashayed out. Bobby felt the heat in his face. Alex watched Louise and James leave and then said, “The way that old goat is feeling her up, she better be careful. He just may pop a vessel.”
Despite Bobby’s growing anger he couldn’t help but laugh at the comment. He started to apologize for the interruption but Alex cut him short, “The apology is not yours to make, Bobby, it is hers and you or I will never hear it.” “Probably not,” he acknowledged. By now their meal was being served. After several minutes, they began to relax and to find humor in the little drama that just played out. They finished their meal and as the music demanded their attention and they took to the dance floor once again. This time Alex could feel the heat of his hand as it lay on her bare back, the feel of his breath on her cheek. It was hard to tell who was holding who the closest but neither one of them considered making a change in the situation. The evening wore on pleasantly. Finally they called it a night and headed out.
Upon arriving back at Alex’s, she invited him in for one more glass of wine. She kicked off her shoes as they entered the house. “Make yourself comfortable,” she told him as she headed toward the kitchen. Bobby took off his coat and tie, unbuttoned his collar and followed her. She had set the perfectly chilled wine on the counter and handed him a corkscrew. He popped the cork expertly and looked around. She had open the cabinet and asked him to hand down the wine glasses from the top shelf. He sat the bottle of wine on the counter behind her and reached up for the glasses. Alex found herself sandwiched between him and the counter. He was standing so close; so very close. She took the glasses from him and as she started to pour the wine, she realized he had yet to move. She sat the bottle on the counter as he reached around her for his glass. He took a step back giving her just enough room to turn and face him. A moment or two passed then they toasted each other and sipped the wine. Alex walked toward the couch as Bobby followed. He stepped over to the stereo; made a selection and popped in a disc then walked back to the couch and sat as Etta James soulfully belted out one of her many hits. They sat silently listening to the music. Bobby finished his wine, turned to Alex and demanded, “One more dance.” She smiled as she sat her glass down; they stood and moved to the center of the room. He pulled her close as they danced. As the music reached a crescendo, Bobby ever so softly kissed her on the forehead. The room went silent and as they pulled apart he cleared his throat and told her, “I need to go.” Alex nodded and once again told him how much she enjoyed the evening. He picked up his coat and tie and she walked him to the door. Bobby leaned down and kissed her cheek, “Let’s do this again. Soon.” Alex agreed, “Soon.” They said goodnight and Bobby walked down the steps. When he reached his car, he looked back to the door. Alex was standing there watching him. She smiled and waved and he returned the gesture. As Bobby drove toward home, he smiled to himself and softly hummed “Trust In Me” by Etta James.

By Lynn.

CHAPTER 12 - PRAYERS

As Bobby drove to work, he was thinking about Alex. Suddenly it hit him and he smiled broadly as he began to piece together a plan. Friday just happened to be Alex’s birthday and a perfect time to go to dinner. And dancing. By the time his plan had taken form, he was at the center. When he got to his office, he reached for the phone and punched in her number. She answered on the second ring with “Hi, Bobby.” They made small talk for a few minutes then Bobby made his pitch. “I remembered Friday is your birthday.” Alex replied with laughter, “Oh please, don’t remind me.” Bobby responded, “I think it would be a great time for us to go to dinner. What do you think?” Alex could hardly contain her excitement, “I think it would be a wonderful time for us to go to dinner.”Bobby waited a beat and finished his pitch with, “And dancing.” Alex was struck mute for a minute then asked, “Dancing? Bobby, did you say dancing?” He chuckled as he assured her she heard right. They talked a few more minutes then said their goodbyes and hung up. Bobby immediately grabbed the phone book, located his number and dialed. He got lucky-reservations for The Rainbow Room at eight Friday night. He smiled with delight as his plan fell in place.
The week moved at a snail’s pace for Bobby. He kept busy during the day but evenings seemed to drag on and on. Finally Friday arrived and he was almost giddy. He found himself whistling as he walked from the parking lot to his office. When he reached his office, he found a note on the desk informing him of a meeting scheduled for four. “Great. Just great,” he muttered. He shrugged his broad shoulders, sat down and began his paperwork. He had to review applications for the next training session. Meanwhile, Louise was planning the ceremony. Silently Bobby prayed there would be no motorcycles, no leather outfits, and no drinking challenges. But knowing Louise it would definitely be noteworthy.
Around four, Bobby put his paperwork away and headed to Louise’s office. He knocked on the door and heard, “Come on in Bobby.” As he entered, she pointed to a chair and instructed, “Have a seat.” He sat, looked at Louise and raised his eyebrow. She recognized this as her signal to begin. “I’m glad you’re here. We have a lot of work to do tonight.” Bobby took a deep breath and stated, “Louise, I’m on a tight schedule here. I have plans tonight.” She responded with, “Really?” He nodded, “Maybe we can reschedule for Monday. “ Louise smiled and said, “Well, I guess I don’t have any other choice. Hope you have a good time. I will see you later.” Bobby nodded and replied, “Um, thanks. Well, good night. Have a good weekend.” She nodded as he stood, turned to the door and walked out. Louise’s face fell as she whispered, “Later.” Then a smile played across her lips.
As he headed toward home, Bobby debated between flowers or wine for Alex. He opted for wine-not her drink of choice but more romantic at the very least. Maybe, just maybe, they could have a glass to top off the evening. When he arrived home, he turned on the stereo and grabbed a soda. As smooth jazz floated through the air, he looked at his mail then pitched it on the desk. He finished his soda, walked to the bathroom, stripped off and stepped in the shower. A few minutes later as he was toweling off, he decided not to shave although he had his usual five o’clock shadow. When he finished in the bathroom, he walked in to the bedroom, opened the closet door and stood there. He shook his head and laughed out loud when he admitted to himself he was trying to decide what to wear. Since when did he care if someone else cared what he wore? He made his decision and dressed in his light gray suit with a French blue shirt and dark gray tie with matching blue diamond design on it. As he made a final inspection in the mirror, he noticed his hair was close to the color of his suit. He recalled that just before his mother’s death, she asked him when did his hair turned gray. Time-where does it go? He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. Bobby looked at the clock again, buttoned his jacket and walked to his car.



He arrived at Alex’s at seven on the dot. He grabbed the wine, jogged up the front steps and rang the doorbell. He heard Alex call out, “Be right there.” In just seconds, the door opened and his breath caught as he looked at her. She was dressed in the proverbial little black dress low enough for just a glimpse of cleavage. He handed her the bottle of wine and stammered “I thought it could chill while we’re out and…” His voice trailed off as he noticed the deep v-cut of the dress’s back as she turned toward the kitchen. He ran his eyes up and down her. With her hair in a French twist, the dress, the four inch heels, the WOW factor was off the charts. Bobby closed his eyes and prayed,
“God, give me strength.”

By Lynn.