Chapter 79
In the other room, Kryss and Fiona were helping Lex get cleaned up. Kevin had taken his jacket off and wrapped it around her. He was kneeling in front of her too talking to her softly to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Tyler had gone to find Howie to see if he needed anything and the rest were standing around watching.
When the door opened and Ali emerged, all eyes looked to see what would happen next. Ali spoke softly but sincerely, "I apologize for ruining your evening. I’m leaving now."
With that, Ali walked away and everyone focused back on Lex who was now staring at AJ standing in the door. He traded places with Kevin and took her hands in his kissing them tenderly.
"Are you okay, baby?" asked AJ as he touched one particularly bad cut gently.
Kevin motioned to the others to leave the two alone and they all went back to the dining room. They all sat around talking about what had just occurred while AJ and Lex were outside talking.
AJ spoke softly, "Baby, I owe you a HUGE apology and I’ll understand if you don’t accept it. I was wrong to push you away when Nana died. Of all the people, you should have been the one I turned to."
"Why didn’t you turn Tyler away?"
"I guess because I knew she was there for Kevin. Then Ali showed up and the alcohol was clouding my judgment. It’s not a good excuse but it’s all I have. I took your love for granted, Lex, and I’m sorry. Ali is so much like me; she’s a part of who I am; she could handle the anger and the pain. I’d have ended up hurting you far worse than I already have. I’m so sorry for hurting you at all, Lex. Please forgive me," begged AJ as tears silently streamed down his cheeks.
Lex wiped them tenderly, "What about me, Alex? What am I to you if Ali is a part of who you are?"
"You’re my other half, baby. You balance me, make me complete. You keep me grounded and focused on what I want in life."
"What do you want in life?"
"I want you in it first of all," said AJ. "If you’ll still have me."
Lex looked into his dark eyes to see the sincerity. She loved AJ with all she was and there was never any doubt as to whether she’d take him back. She just wanted him to finally admit his feelings. She said, "Of course I still want you, AJ. I love you. All I wanted was to hear you say it, to hear you FINALLY say what we had was good."
"It’s not good, baby....it’s AWESOME. I promise you to keep it like this too!"
AJ leaned to Lex to kiss her but the slightest touch caused her to flinch in pain. AJ couldn’t help but laugh and Lex playfully slapped him. "It’s not funny, AJ," pouted Lex.
"You’re right....it isn’t....slugger."
AJ took her in his arms and held her close as the rest of the crowd came out of the dinning room.
Tyler smiled, "It’s about time you came to your senses. I was afraid Kevin was going to have to kick your butt."
Everyone laughed and Nick said, "The gang is together again. I think it’s time to PAR-TAY!"
Kevin frowned, "Not tonight, Nick."
All of a sudden, Lex felt sick and bolted for the restroom leaving everyone a little stunned. Tyler said, "I’ll go check on her. I have to use the bathroom AGAIN anyway."
Kevin smirked, "Shall I just get you a portable potty?"
Tyler made a face at him. "I’ll get you for that."
The others waited around for almost ten minutes until AJ became impatient. "I’m going to get them."
About that time, Tyler and Lex emerged from the restroom. Lex was extremely pale and leaning on Tyler. AJ rushed to her side and took her in his arms.
Lex mumbled, "AJ, take me home."
"Are you going to be okay?" asked Kryss.
Lex shook her head ‘no’ and seemed to be fighting an urge to hurl again.
Tyler said, "I think dinner is catching up with her. We should all head back."
***************
As usual, Howie was up early and Tyler joined him in the living room. He was sitting on the couch with his feet on the coffee table reading the newspaper when Tyler lay down putting her head in his lap.
"Good morning, ‘Sunshine’. How’s my lil’ cuz doin’?"
Tyler took his hand and placed it on her stomach. She smiled as his eyes got huge.
"WOW! Active little thing!"
"Yep...especially in the mornings. He’s got a part of you."
Howie looked down at Tyler, "Ty, we need to talk."
"About what, ‘D’?"
"I don’t think it’s a smart idea for you to come to South America with
us."
Kevin stumbled into the room rubbing his eyes. Tyler was grateful for the distraction because she REALLY didn’t want to hear what Howie had to say. She had known when she got up that Kevin wouldn’t be able to sleep without her and would come looking for her. She got up and met Kevin putting her hands on his waist. Kevin put his arms around her pulling her into his chest.
"Baby, why do you do this to me?" he grumbled.
Tyler laughed, "I don’t mean to, ‘Boo’. Want some coffee?"
"No! Just you. Come back to bed, baby," he said as he tried to pull her back into the bedroom.
"No. Come on and sit with me. ‘D’ and I were just talking."
They moved to the couch opposite Howie and Tyler sat in the corner. Kevin lay down on the couch putting his head in her lap with his ear close to her stomach. Tyler ran her hand through his hair as he closed his eyes.
"I’m glad you're out here, Kev," said Howie. "I was just telling Tyler I don’t think it’s a smart idea for her to go with us to South America."
Without opening his eyes, Kevin asked, "Why not?"
"You remember what it was like the last time we were there. We had a hard time getting in and out. I just think that since she’s pregnant, it would be better if she didn’t go with us."
Kevin opened his eyes and looked at Howie. "I realize that you’re just concerned but she’s my wife now and if I feel like she’s in danger, I WILL be the one who makes the decision whether she goes with us or not. We’re not going to be separated voluntarily."
Tyler smiled and whispered, "Thank you."
"I’m not trying to tell you what to do with your wife but she IS my cousin and yes, I’m concerned for her. She can’t move as quickly being pregnant."
"She’ll be fine, Howie. I’ll talk to Billy and make sure she’s well protected."
Howie shook his head. "It’s stupid, Kevin. It was crazy last time and it’s going to be the same way this time. Why take any chances?"
"Are you going to leave Kryss behind?"
"Kryss isn't pregnant. And she HAS agreed not to travel with us between the venue and the hotel."
Tyler spoke up, "That’s because she has to be at the venue BEFORE you guys to make sure the costumes are ready and the others have to be there for rehearsals before you too! Howie, it’s not fair to even throw that up. You know I follow Billy’s instructions when it comes down to it."
Kevin sat up and said, "’D’, I know you’re concerned but Tyler will be okay. The fans here have been really cool about Tyler and I think it’s going to be the same anywhere we go."
"Fine. Do what you want but when something happens, I’m going to say ‘I told you so’."
"As if we didn’t already know that," teased Tyler. "What is it about the men in my life always wanting to say ‘I told you so’?"
Kryss had heard Tyler as she sleepily joined the threesome. She yawned and said, "It’s a male thing, Ty, especially with these two."
Howie gave Kryss a kiss as she nestled next to him on the couch. "Good morning, sleepy head."
The two couples sat together talking as the others slowly made their way out of their rooms in various states of being ready for the day. Eventually, everyone was together and breakfast was ordered.
