Chapter 36
A sigh of relief filled the house as the two of them made their way to the dinner table, arm in arm laughing hysterically about something.
"I see the dynamic duo are at it again," Nick said rolling his eyes. "Just leave me out of the crossfire tonight. I’m not in the mood."
Kristina laughed as she gave Nick a nudge. "Don’t worry Nicky, Alex and I will behave tonight."
"Yeah, bro. But after tonight, all’s fair in love and war" AJ said without realizing the irony in what he had just said.
Nick looked at Fiona, as did Kevin, causing her to choke on the glass of wine she was drinking. Kris burst into laughter, as did everyone else.
AJ handed Fiona a napkin and sat down beside her. "Hello gorgeous. You must be Fiona."
She smiled shyly. "Yes. But my friends call me Fi."
"Well, nice to meet you, Fi" AJ said as he took a sip of wine and piled food onto his plate. " I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you."
The remainder of dinner and for a better part of an hour later, the six of them sat around the table sipping wine and laughing hysterically at Nick’s ‘fire’ escapade and other various things, when suddenly Kristina heard something on the television that caught her attention. Following behind her, everyone settled into the living room to watch Anne Rice’s ‘Queen of the Damned’ on the movie channel.
"This is one of my favorite movies" she squealed. "The guy in this movie is so sexy, and of course you know how I love vampires" she said winking at Fiona.
Clearing his throat, Howie sat down beside her and pouted. "Sexier than me?"
"Uh oh, she stuck her foot in her mouth this time" Fiona laughed as she sat down in the floor, resting between Kevin’s legs.
Kristina smiled wickedly, laying her head in Howie’s lap. "No one is sexier than you, babe."
With that said, they all turned their attention to the movie and the room became silent. Halfway through the movie, Kristina was asleep in Howie’s lap and the rest of them were giggling as she mumbled incoherently in her sleep.
"We’re gonna take off, ‘D’. Call us tomorrow" Kevin said as he helped Fiona stand and put his arm around her waist.
"Nite guys" she said sweetly, avoiding Nick’s gaze.
Nick watched them leave, his heart in his throat praying that Fiona would break it off with Kevin.
"I’m gonna go too. It’s been a long day!"
"Night Nick!" Howie and AJ chorused as Nick took his keys out of his pocket and headed for the front door. He paused and then turned around to face them, watching as Howie stroked Kristina’s hair absent-mindedly.
"I’m really glad she’s back, ‘D’. You two are good together," he said with a smile.
Howie smiled, glancing down at Kris. "Thanks, bro. Be careful driving home."
"I will. Night, Bone."
"Night, dude. I’ll call you tomorrow!"
Howie shook Kristina gently to wake her as he slid to the edge of the couch. "C’Mon baby, time for you to go to bed."
She sat up groggily, wiping the sleep from her tired eyes. She looked around the room and realized that the only person left was AJ. He smiled at her with those big dark brown eyes that she so loved and re-positioned himself in the chair. Slowly she stood and made her way over to where he was sitting. As she reached him, he stood up and hugged her tightly.
"It’s good to have you back, Kris" he whispered into her ear.
"It’s good to be back, Alex. I love you and never meant to hurt you."
"I know. Go to bed now and get some sleep. We’ll cause trouble tomorrow!"
She giggled before turning to Howie. "Don’t stay up too late, k?"
"Want me to tuck you in?" he asked.
"No. Visit with Bone. I’ll be fine," she said as she leaned in, kissing him wistfully. "I love you."
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers brushing her lips. "I love you too."
Both men stood silently as they watched Kristina make her way to the bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind her.