~*~ The Calm Before the Storm~*~
Valentine’s Day…a day for lovers. For their first Valentine’s Day, she had been with him in Sweden and she’d gotten his name tattooed on her wrist. Their second Valentine’s Day, they’d been together on tour and he’d pulled her onstage to sing ‘Lay Down Beside Me’ to her. This time, she’d be able to give him what he’d begged her for a month.
With Howie’s help, Andi had arranged everything to join Alex in Chicago. One of their security was meeting her at the airport and would take her to the hotel where she could get the key to his room at the front desk. She knew they had a day off so they’d be able to spend the day together and she was anxious to feel his body next to hers.
As she made her way down the long corridor from the plane to the terminal, Andi spotted Howie waiting for her and smiled happily.
"Hey, ‘D’!" greeted Andi as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I sorta figured you’d still be asleep since this is your day off."
"Nah…figured this would be the best time to see my best girl friend and wish her a Happy Valentine’s Day," flirted Howie as he handed her a bouquet of wildflowers. "You look wonderful."
"Thanks," blushed Andi. She had always known that Howie was attracted to her. He’d never made it a secret. "Alex doesn’t know I’m coming, does he?"
"I don’t think so. He did try to call you last night after the show and was really pissed that he couldn’t get hold of you."
"I had to turn my cell off," explained Andi as she pulled out the phone to turn it on. She saw that she had two messages so she checked them. As she listened, the smile quickly turned to a frown.
Concerned, Howie asked, "What’s wrong?"
"The messages are from Alex. Howie, he sounds wasted."
"I’m sorry, Andi, but he probably was. He’s gotten drunk every night since we left Orlando." Seeing that people were starting to recognize him, Howie put his hand on the small of her back and led her towards the baggage claim area flanked by Raoul and Tommy. "How long are you gonna stay this time?"
Andi grinned, "’Till the end of the tour."
Surprised, Howie looked at her. "The rest of the tour?"
"I quit my job Howie."
"That means…" Howie’s eyes were wide with excitement realizing exactly what it meant.
Andi smirked, "Yeah, it does and I can’t wait to see Alex’s face when I tell him."
"He’s gonna be so excited, Andi."
Seeing her bags, Andi pointed to them and Raoul snagged them from the belt as they passed. Howie and Andi followed Tommy out with Raoul behind them to the hotel van that waited for them. They talked happily, catching up on what was happening in Orlando, as they rode together back to the hotel.
