Part 47
Visiting hours had started over two hours ago and there had been no sign of Stormy or Nick. AJ had tried calling the house several times but got the answering machine each time. He tried his cell phone too but only got his voice mail and after the last try, he slammed the phone down in frustration.
“Relax, ‘Bone’,” tried Brian. “I’m sure there’s a reason.”
“Uh huh, Nick’s screwed up and let something happen to her,” growled AJ.
“Have you tried Nick’s cell?” asked Howie.
Embarrassed that he hadn’t thought of that, AJ mumbled, “No,” but before he could dial the number, a nurse came in with a wheelchair.
“Okay, Mr. McLean, time for your final checkup.”
Looking helplessly at his friends, AJ pleaded, “One of you find her?”
“Go on and don’t worry. We’ll have her here when you get back,” said Kevin.
“Thanks, bro,” answered AJ as he quickly swiped at the tears.
The three men watching politely ignored the gesture and watched as he took his seat in the wheelchair.
As the door closed behind the nurse and AJ, Kevin pulled out his cell phone to call Nick but Howie stopped him. “Don’t worry. Nick and Stormy are together getting the ‘Welcome Home’ party planned.”
“Why didn’t you tell him you’d talked to her?” asked Brian. “He’s torn up thinking something’s happened to her.”
“She didn’t want me to tell him anything so he doesn’t get suspicious. She should be here by the time….”
Howie stopped as Stormy and Nick came into the room and the three men waiting had to pick their chins up off the floor.
Nick snickered, “Kevin, speechless!! That’s a first!”
Kevin would have shot Nick a dirty look but he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Stormy. “WOW!” was all he could manage.
“Ditto,” mumbled Brian.
A slow grin crept onto Howie’s face as he moved to give Stormy a hug. “You look fantastic.”
“Thank you,” she beamed as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Where’s Alex?”
“Headed for his final check up before they release him.”
“That must have been who was getting on the other elevator,” said Nick.
“Is everything set for the party?” asked Howie.
“Yeah. Nick and I called all the dancers, everyone in the band, and his mom called his family and friends. They’re gonna be at the house waiting and I have a limo lined up to take us home. You three need to go get him a gift.”
Brain smirked, “I don’t know. I think all he’s going to want is to get us the hell out of the house so he can be with you.”
“I’m inclined to agree with you, cuz,” said Kevin finally regaining his senses.
Taking her hand, Kevin made her turn around so that he could get the full effect. She was wearing extremely low, very tight hip huggers and an extremely short cropped top that hugged every curve and showed her midriff. Her hair had been highlighted blond and permed and was hanging loose. What caught all their attention was the tattoo as she turned her back to them.
“When did you get that?” asked Howie.
“After I left here last night. Nick called the guy that usually does Alex’s and he waited for us. This is one he designed and NO ONE else will have it.”
“Why the change? I mean, you look HOT but…?” asked Kevin.
“We’d already talked about the tattoo and he was going to take me himself. The rest…well, I wanted to do it for Alex. ”
“Stormy, Alex loved you the way you were. You don’t have to change to hold on to him,” said Howie.
“I know…I wanted to try something new too,” she replied confidently. “It just makes it easier that what I wanted to try is something I think Alex is gonna like. Now why don’t you three shoo? You need to get him a ‘welcome home’ gift.”
“You sure you don’t want us to wait with you?” asked Kevin.
“I’m positive. ‘Sides, I’m going to go find him. I’m sure the nurses at the desk will know where he is.”
“Give us a call before you leave,” said Howie.
“Sure will….and guys.” All four guys looked at her as she said, “I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me and for Alex.”
“Our pleasure, baby,” said Kevin giving her a kiss. “We’ll see you at his house later.”
Each one gave Stormy a kiss before leaving and then she went to find Alex.
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