By the time the party was coming to a close it was close to 3 a.m. Brianna was still on a high from the entertaining evening. “Thank you so much for this. Really, this was too much, but thank you just the same.”

“Why was it too much? Certainly not any more than you deserve.”

“I just wanted you to know that I appreciated it, that’s all.” He was shutting her door for her and walking around to get in the driver’s side.

“Would you like to go for a drive?” He asked as he backed out of the parking lot.

“Really, I’d love to, but I should be getting home now. I still have a long flight ahead of me.”

“Flight? Are you going somewhere?” He seemed confused and a bit hurt that she didn’t want to continue the evening.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It was so crazy today and I’ve been having so much fun tonight I completely forgot to say something. I haven’t seen my friend in quite some time now, so I’m going out to spend a few days with him. He just got through a very trying time and needs a little bit of support, you know.” She didn’t know why she was trying to justify her visit to Nick.

“Friend? As in Nick right? Why didn’t you say something before? We could have done this another night. I don’t like having to cut things short like this.”

“Again, I’m sorry. I never imagined we’d be out this late to begin with. I’m not going to get any sleep as it is now before my flight. The last thing I want is to be rushing to the airport.”

Mitchell’s mood had gone from happiness to almost angry. He put the car in gear and headed in the direction of Brianna’s apartment. “No, if you have to go.” Was all he said. Then, “I just wish I’d have known ahead of time.”

Brianna stared out the window. She had spent all day Tuesday with him and all evening and night with him today, what more did he want? They were almost to her apartment complex when he finally spoke again.

“So, how long are you going to be gone?”

“Three or four days. I usually never know the exact time. His schedule is always so busy. It depends on how much time I get to spend with him and what exactly he has going on.”

“Can’t he just take off to visit with you? That would be the fair thing to do since you are flying god knows where to see him.”

She laughed a little having forgotten that Mitchell didn’t know who Nick was. “It doesn’t work that way for him. He only gets a day off when his, um, company tells him when he can. I feel sorry for him sometimes because his life really isn’t his own most of the time.”

“Oh, I see.” She wondered if he really did. “Then will you call me when you get back?”

“Yeah, I can do that. I’d like that. So, you’re not mad?”

“No. Maybe a bit disappointed that the evening is over already, but not mad.”

She held his hand. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”

He got out and walked around to open her door. After she got out he leaned into the car for a second before closing the passenger door and walking her to her front door. “Have a good time with your friend and be safe.”

“I will.”

“I know I’ve told you so many times tonight, but you really do look amazing like this. Will you wear you makeup for me like this more often?”

She didn’t like the idea of having to dress a certain way for someone, but he wasn’t actually demanding it, he was asking her to do it sometimes, not all the time. “Sure, I can do that. It’s nice being different once in a while.”

“Well, different looks good on you. Trust me, everyone thought the same thing I did tonight.” She wasn’t so sure about that, but wasn’t going to argue with him. “Here.” He held out his hand and placed a small plastic bag in her hand. “I figured if things are gonna be as crazy as you said you might need this while you’re away.”

Looking at the bag she noticed quite a few small pills inside. Smiling, she was glad that she didn’t even have to ask, that he just offered. “Thank you. I’m gonna have to start paying for these, ya know.”

“Ah, we’ll worry about that another time. Now, you just don’t miss your plane and call me when you get back. Okay?”

“I promise. As soon as I get back.”

“Thanks. And thanks for such a lovely night.” Once again the night ended with only a short soft kiss on the lips before she stood to his full height and left. She watched until he rounded the corner, laughing as he waved on the way. Then she was inside to finish any last minute packing, change into comfortable traveling clothes, and head to the airport.

During her final gathering she noticed a zippered bag in her living room. Inside there was all the types of makeup and facial products, plus a cleaner, that Tyisha had used on her face. Also, there was a hand written note.

If I know Mitchell, he loved how I did your makeup. I hope you remember what I taught you? Use it well.

-Tyisha.

She must have left it here earlier. I guess I was too busy worrying over Mitchell and how I looked to notice that she left something behind.

Brianna put the makeup bag in her suitcase thinking that maybe if Mitchell liked it so much she’d practice while she was out of town. Then she was out the door and on her way to see Nick.

<~ Chapter 60 or Chapter 62 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003