Son in the Sky

By Libby Layfield

As Johnny prepares to play another set at the House of Blue Lights, he plugs in his amp and tunes his guitarand then he sees her. Tall, blonde, and sexy, the mystery woman turns heads as she walks in and finds a seat at the bar. Right then and there, Johnny decides he will do whatever it takes to make her his.

He saunters over to the bar and strikes up a conversation with Allison Miller, quickly realizing she is one-of-a-kind. Smart, gorgeous, and quick-witted, Allison is everything he has ever wanted in a womanand more. Despite recently enduring a bad breakup and swearing off men forever, Allison agrees to go out for coffee with Johnny, igniting a passionate relationship that leaves them inseparable, madly in love, and immune to the rest of the world. Fate makes a surprise appearance several months later in the form of a pregnancy, and the couple decides to get married.

In this compelling tale, two unsuspecting young lovers have no idea that an unspeakable tragedy is about to strike, rending the delicate fabric of their family and causing an upheaval that may tear them apart forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475951066

Libby Layfield

Libby Layfield graduated from Penn State University and worked professionally as a scientist and teacher. Now retired, she currently resides in O’Fallon, Missouri, with her husband, Don; their three adult children; and their beagle, Adrienne. This is her debut novel.

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Copyright © 2012 by Libby Layfield.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-5105-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-5107-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-5106-6 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012917690

iUniverse rev. date: 11/02/2012

Contents

Acknowledgments

Music Connection

Prologue

Chapter 1: By Your Side

Chapter 2: One More Day

Chapter 3: I Can See Everything

Chapter 4: Remember Me

Chapter 5: Breakdown

Chapter 6: On Top Of The World

Chapter 7: Fear To Fall

Chapter 8: The Way We Were

Chapter 9: Son In The Sky

Chapter 10: Opened Up

Chapter 11: Heaven To Me

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Johnny Chase, first and foremost, for writing the extraordinary songs that inspired me to write this book. Without them I would not have undertaken this task. I also need to thank my husband and three kids for their encouragement, support, and, especially, their love. A huge thanks goes to Sarah Moran for editing the manuscript at a time in her life when she had little time to give. I thank Joe Beddall for designing the graphics of the book cover, and to Graham Curtis for the lettering. I appreciate their friendship. Lastly, I want to thanks all the scientists who work tirelessly to invent new cancer drugs, the doctors that choose them wisely, and the nurses who administer them with empathy and humor. Thanks for keeping me alive and feeling well enough to complete this year-long project.

Author’s General Disclaimer

Although two of this book’s main characters are based on real people, their lives and personalities have been fictionalized. A musician, named Jon, provided the inspiration for the main character; the eleven songs he wrote after a personal tragedy provided a road map for the story. Jon performs professionally under the name Johnny Chase. Other than the above and the tragic event in chapter two, the rest of the story and characters are completely fictionalized.

MUSIC CONNECTION

After a terrible tragedy occurred in Jon’s private life, he wrote eleven songs that he performed publicly under the professional name Johnny Chase. Deeply personal and often gut-wrenching, the songs show his strength of character in overcoming adversity. I used these songs as a road map for the story; each chapter is named for one.

The songs are all on a CD entitled 801 DAYS by JOHNNY CHASE. The music is excellent, in and of itself, and would complement the book tremendously. Mostly rock and roll, there are also some beautiful softer ballads.

You can find information about Johnny Chase at www. Johnnychasemusic.com.

You can find his CD 801 Days at the following:

Cdbaby.com/johnnychase

Itunes.com/johnnychase

Youtube.com/johnnychase801

Johnny’s music really touched me; I felt it was a story that needed to be told. I hope you order it and like it as much as I do. It has been featured on several television shows including Entourage on HBO. He and his band of accomplished musicians play in the St. Louis area.

PROLOGUE

Come on, Chase! We have to get you home so I can get to my new house before it rains. Mary hurried to put one last box in the car. She hoped she could get her grandson in his car seat, what with all her belongings loaded around it. Chase came running to the car. He was tall for his age and ran quite well for only being two. His curly brown hair bobbed, and his ever-present smile brightened his whole face. I’m so lucky you’re a good boy, she said as she picked him up. She hadn’t been sure watching her grandson full-time was a good idea, but Chase had been pure joy. She managed to buckle him in and shut the door.

I can’t see, MawMaw, Chase called from the back.

I know baby, it’s only for a little bit.

We go MawMaw’s new house? Chase asked.

No baby, you’re going home to daddy. MawMaw is moving into her new house today, she answered. She had waited so long for the house of her dreams. Mary thought back on the years in her duplex. She’d never complained, but she hated that house. Everything in it was outdated and ugly. She could hear her neighbors all the time. Finally she was moving into a single family home in a beautiful little neighborhood.

Mary was driving on Highway N toward Chase’s apartment. It was a beautiful, if chilly, December day. She thought she’d never been happier. Chase had fallen asleep in the back seat. Good music was on the radio. As she rounded a curve, the sun crossed her face and hit her right in the eyes. In that instant, Mary felt pain shoot through her head. She didn’t know what was happening. She couldn’t move! Suddenly, it was as if everything were happening in slow motion. She watched, horrified, as her car started to leave the road. And then, black.

Mary awoke to a feeling of cold on her legs. The car was in a lake and was filling with water. She panicked. I’ve got to get out of here, she thought. She pushed the window button, and it opened. It dawned on her that the car must be still running. She pushed the gas pedal, but nothing happened. She fumbled for the keys but dropped them in the murky water. I’ve got to get out of here, she thought again. Water was slowly filling the car. Mary unhooked her seatbelt and started to climb out the window. And froze. Where did she think she was going? I can’t swim, she thought. She looked to the shore and saw two cars pulled over.

Help! I can’t swim, she called.

Help is on the way, yelled a man from shore. She was so disoriented. How had she gotten here? She couldn’t remember anything. She heard sirens and felt a little better. The water was so cold; she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

The arrival of rescuers did little to calm Mary. When she saw them coming toward her in a small boat, her fears intensified.

I’ll never be able to get in there. I’ll tip it over. Oh God, oh God. Help me. The water rescue squad got to her and immediately assessed the situation. Their first question brought her to a sobering reality.

Are you alone in the car?

CHAPTER ONE

BY YOUR SIDE

Three years ago

Johnny finished plugging in the last of the wires and looked around satisfied. He was playing in a local bar and there was a good crowd already. He had a pretty good reputation; he even had a few groupies. He loved singing, performing, and feeling the energy of the audience. He just wished it paid more. Some day, he thought for the millionth time. Right now he was playing cover songs of famous bands, but he was starting to write his own songs. He still dreamed of fame and stardom. Johnny looked up and saw his sister, Julie, coming through the door. He smiled and waved to her. He loved it when she joined him. Their voices blended as easily as coffee and cream. Soon, Johnny was doing the one thing he liked more than any other: performing.

As he looked around the room, Johnny smiled. The crowd was into the music; most conversations had quieted down, and a couple was dancing. He estimated the ticket sales had to be close to eighty, not bad for a Thursday night. This bar attracted the local suburbanites as well as the occasional cowboy or trucker passing through. He liked playing at the House of Blue Lights. If he could describe it in one word, he’d say it was comfortable. Warm colors, rich woods, and well-padded chairs filled the room. A big stone fireplace occupied one wall and TVs were scattered around the room and at the bar that jutted out from the back wall. Best of all, the lighting was perfect, never too bright or too dark. The place got its name because every window had one of those plastic candles with a blue bulb in it. Yeah, singing here was easy. He ended the song and the crowd applauded. Johnny thanked them and introduced the next song.

Just as he was starting the song, he noticed a woman coming in. He hadn’t seen her before. She was striking: long blonde hair and the brightest blue eyes he’d ever seen. He almost forgot the words to the song. He had to stop looking at her, but found that he couldn’t. His eyes followed her as she wound her way to the bar. She didn’t look like she was meeting someone. Johnny thought I definitely have to check her out on break. They played four more songs and then, finally, Johnny was able to head to the bar to see what he could find out about this mystery woman.

Where are you going in such a hurry? Julie asked.

Never you mind, little sis. I’m on a mission, Johnny replied over his shoulder as he walked away.

As he approached the bar, Johnny purposely avoided the woman and went to the bar tender.

Hey, Jake, come here. What can you tell me about the blonde over there?

Jake glanced down the bar and back at Johnny.

Out of your league, dude, out of your league.

Come on, man; I’m not bad. She’s alone right? Johnny asked. Jake looked at his friend. Johnny was a good looking guy, but he wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous like this chick. The fact that he was a personal trainer helped keep him in great condition.

You’re serious. Good luck with that, pal, Jake said. I gotta get back to work. Johnny looked in the mirror behind the bar and at the woman down the bar. There was something about her. He figured You only live once. He walked down the bar toward his future.

He approached her nervously and introduced himself.

Hi, I’m Johnny. How do you like the music?

It’s okay, she said almost impudently. She was even prettier up close. Hers was a natural beauty; he didn’t even think she had on make-up. I bet she is just as lovely to look at first thing in the morning as she is right here. He wondered where that thought came from.

So, the music’s just okay, huh? Johnny asked her.

I could maybe go to ‘pretty good’ if the price is right, she said as she raised one eye brow. Johnny was intrigued by her wit.

What’s your name?

She hesitated a moment, wondering the wisdom of pursuing this. He is definitely attractive, though. He had thick wavy black hair and well-chiseled features. She could tell he worked out; he had nice ‘guns’. He was a few inches taller than her and nicely dressed.

Allison Miller. She offered him her hand. Electricity shot through him as he took it. She felt it as well. Neither knew what to say. Julie broke the awkward moment, reminding him it was time for the next set.

He turned back to Allison.

Duty calls. Will you be here a while? Johnny asked sheepishly. She grinned at him. Depends on the music, she said. He smiled and told her he’d see her at the next break.

The next two sets went well. Johnny continued his banter with Allison during his breaks. He’d never met a woman like her. She was smart, funny, and quick-witted. She gave as good as she got. All that wrapped in one of the nicest packages he’d seen in a long time. He guessed it was now or never.

Would you like to get some coffee somewhere?

She hesitated, again questioning her decision. She hadn’t been this attracted to someone, this quickly, in a long time. She heard herself saying, Sure, and thought What the hell? She had recently gone through a bad break-up and had sworn off men. And here she was agreeing to go out with a virtual stranger. At midnight. When she had to work in the morning. I must be crazy, she thought, but knew she was going anyway.

I need a few minutes to get my stuff together, he was saying. Just wait here.

Okay, but you’d better hurry. She smiled at him as he left.

They ended up going to the IHOP because it was open all-night. They each ordered coffee—hers with cream and sugar, his black. They were nervous at first, unsure of themselves and each other. But within minutes, conversation flowed easily. She found out that he was a personal trainer during the day. He was twenty-two and hoped to make a living playing music. He shared an apartment with a friend, no pets. He drove a Dodge Caliber; sensible, with room in the back for his equipment. She drove a flashy black Spyder convertible. It was an older model, but it looked and ran great. Johnny learned that Allison had just turned twenty-one, worked as a receptionist at a local dentist office, and still lived at home with her parents. Neither had liked school much, so they didn’t consider going to college. They had similar views on religion and politics. Before they knew it, the sun was coming up.

Oh my god! What time is it? I’ve got to get home, Allison whined.

Relax, Johnny said patting her hand. We’ll get you out of here.

He signaled to the waitress. After paying for food he’d forgotten he’d eaten, they walked reluctantly to the parking lot. He took her to her car, wrapped his hands around her face, and bent to kiss her. She tasted better than he had imagined, which he’d done a lot of tonight. They fit together perfectly; she was just a couple of inches shorter than him. They kissed for what seemed an eternity before Johnny finally lifted his face from hers. Still holding her face close, he whispered, I feel like I’ve known you forever, that everything in my life was preparation for tonight, for meeting you. I’ve never felt this way. She looked up at him with big blue eyes. God, he could get lost in those eyes.

This is new to me, too. I don’t know how to act either.

He kissed her again, so gently she thought she might cry. When he broke the kiss this time, he was all business. He reached for his phone to put in her number. Allison got hers and did the same. Johnny told her he was working that night at the French Creek Inn. She quickly agreed to meet him there. She reached up, gave him a quick peck on his cheek, broke their embrace, and started to get in her car.

Wait! Not so fast, Johnny called. He grabbed her arms, drew her near. He kissed her hard, nothing like the last time. She drew away, breathless.

Now that’s how to kiss goodbye. See you tonight.

He released her and turned to go to his car. She stood there for a few seconds, as if in a trance. She shook her head to clear it and slowly sank into her car.

Allison managed to get to work on time, though she was lucky not to get a speeding ticket. She’d raced home, took the world’s fastest shower, tied her hair up in a bun, and threw on pants and a sweater. No time for make-up, not that she wore much. She grabbed her bag and ran quietly down the stairs. She was glad her mom was still sleeping. She didn’t want to talk to her yet. She didn’t want to answer the inevitable fifty questions about where she was last night.

I’ve got to move out of here, she mumbled as she left the door.

Allison got in her car and sped out of the driveway. Traffic wasn’t too bad, thank God. She looked at the clock in her car and figured she had about ten minutes to get there and another five to park and get in the office. She’d be cutting it real close. She drove as fast as she dared down Burlington Ave., hoping no cops were around. She couldn’t afford another speeding ticket. She pulled in the lot and found a space. Running in the door, she almost tripped over a toddler crawling away from his mother. She apologized profusely and entered the office area. She went straight to the time clock and punched in with literally seconds to spare. She hung her coat on a hook, sat in her chair, and put on head phones and a smile. The phone rang, as if on cue, and she answered it cheerfully. Fortunately, it was a busy day at the office. Allison didn’t have a lot of time to think about how tired she was. She did manage to find time to think about Johnny. She couldn’t wait to see him again. She was going to have to squeeze in a nap, though.

Johnny had managed to get five hours of sleep before his first appointment at the O’Fallon Gym, so he started his day a little more relaxed than Allison. He thought about her while he showered and dressed. He thought of her while he ate a quick breakfast and in his car driving to the gym. He was thinking of her while he greeted his first client and all through their training session. He wished he didn’t have to work tonight, or ever for that matter. He just wanted to be with her. Forever. Holy shit! I sound like a man in love. What is wrong with me?

New woman? Johnny’s client, Carlin, asked.

What? Johnny said as he shook off his thoughts.

You have a shit-eating grin on your face, and you’re totally distracted, Carlin replied.

Am I that transparent? Sorry, man. Just met her last night and I can’t get her out of my head, Johnny replied.

It’s okay, man. Been there. Just don’t forget me while you think about her, Carlin laughed.

Johnny knew Carlin was just jerking his chain. They’d been working together for several months and had gotten to know and like each other. Carlin had gone to see Johnny sing a couple of times. At the same time, Carlin was right. He was paying for Johnny’s undivided attention. Johnny vowed to put Allison out of his mind for now; something that was easier said than done. T.G.I.F. he thought. When Carlin finished, Johnny had an hour before his next client. He went through his workout mindlessly, hoping to expend some restless energy and focus his mind for his two remaining clients. But thoughts of Allison kept creeping in. Just a few more hours and he could be with her. He couldn’t wait to kiss her again. Johnny was torn from his imagination by the arrival of his next client. He had to focus for this one. Betty had metastatic breast cancer in her spine and ribs. They were working on building muscle to support her weakened bones. Johnny greeted her warmly and put all thoughts of Allison out of his mind. He worked with Betty for an hour, stretching her muscles, helping her on and off the machines, always gentle. At the end, as always, she thanked him. She never complained. He knew her prognosis was not good, yet she was always upbeat. He admired her greatly. He gave her a hug and told her to take care of herself. Watching her walk away, he hoped he’d have as much courage facing death as she did. His last client, Ethan, walked in a minute after Betty left. No time for dreaming.

At least this is the last one, Johnny said under his breath. Then I’m outta here.

Three hours later, he was cleaned up and ready for the night. He had his equipment in the French Creek Inn and was just setting up his microphone when he saw her come in.

She was even prettier than he remembered. He dropped the microphone and walked to her waving. They embraced and kissed a little longer than was proper.

I’m so glad to see you. I was afraid you might not show. Johnny said as they separated.

How could you think that? It took all the restraint I had not to show up an hour ago. Allison laughed in return. They kissed again quickly and walked back to Johnny’s equipment. His set started in a half an hour. As he began setting up the microphone again, he motioned Allison to a nearby chair.

So, how was your day? Johnny asked, interested. Allison told him bits and pieces of her day at work.

Then, when I get home, my mom starts giving me the third degree about where I was last night. I told her as little as I could and went to bed. I got a couple of hours sleep before I came here.

My poor baby, Johnny said as he walked over and rubbed her shoulders. Allison moaned under his touch. You’re pretty good at this.

I made it part of my education when I was studying to be a personal trainer. I can give you a full body massage just like a professional.

I’ll bet you can, Allison laughed.

While Johnny played, Allison watched from a nearby table. She loved looking at him. His jeans and shirt fit perfectly. She wondered where he shopped. There were so many things they didn’t know about each other. Johnny finished his first set and came to sit with her. He would be hers for about a half hour before he had to sing again. Her eyes lit up when he came over. They kissed quickly. Johnny sat next to her, held her hand, and rubbed it gently.

How are you doing? he asked.

Great, now that you’re here.

They talked non-stop during the break and parted reluctantly. The scene repeated itself at the next break, and then he was wrapping up his last set. It had been a good night; he’d drawn a big crowd, and they’d been receptive. He couldn’t wait for it to end so he could be alone with Allison. He wondered what might happen tonight. He hadn’t thought past seeing her. He’d assumed they’d be together after the show, but he hadn’t asked her. He had a moment’s panic thinking she might want or need to go home. As soon as the song was over, and the applause died down, he went to her.

Can you stay out? Do you have to go home or anything? he asked urgently.

No, I’m all yours, she said with a smile that just about knocked his socks off.

I’ll hurry with my equipment, he smiled back.

They decided to go to his apartment; neither wanted to be around other people. Allison was surprised by how tidy he kept the place. This was no college flop house with mismatched furniture and crap everywhere. The couch and love seat made an L; the couch faced a big screen on the wall, and the love seat faced a fireplace. Stools stood in front of a high counter that separated the kitchen from the living area. Several prints hung on the walls. While she had been looking around, Johnny had been setting the mood. Candles were lit on the mantle and on several other surfaces. One lamp was on low, soft music was coming from his stereo, and the fire place was burning.

You’ve done this before, Allison said with a laugh.

Maybe once or twice, Johnny grinned sheepishly.

She loved that smile. Johnny looked around the apartment, feigning hurt feelings. What? You don’t like it? he asked.

No, no. It’s really nice, very, ummm, welcoming and comfortable, Allison said.

Just what I was going for! Johnny crowed proudly. He’d decorated the apartment himself and was glad she liked it. Johnny got a bottle of wine and a couple glasses. They settled on the love seat in front of the fire. They drank and kissed and laughed and snuggled. They felt as if they’d been together forever, so it was natural that they ended up in his bed. There were no awkward first time feelings, just two people expressing their desire for one another. They finally fell asleep around four, exhausted. They were spooning closely with the hint of smiles on their faces.

Allison awoke first the next morning. She looked around for a second and remembered where she was. She turned slowly to look at Johnny. He was even more handsome with his overnight beard growth. She wanted to wake him up with kisses, but it was still early. She slipped out of bed to go to the bathroom. She used his toothbrush hoping to avoid morning breath, then scurried back to the warm bed. Johnny had woken up when she flushed the toilet and was feigning sleep. As she tried to slink silently under the covers, Johnny rose up and grabbed her with a growl. She screamed and fought to get away at first. Then she was mad.

That was mean. I hate getting scared like that, she cried.

Johnny was laughing, which just made her madder.

I’m sorry, baby. I won’t do it again, he soothed as his held her close.

Soon, Allison forgot why she was mad at him. His hands on her body occupied her thoughts. They made love again, this time in the morning sunlight. When they finished and laid there catching their breath, Johnny asked her what she wanted to do with their day.

I just did it, she giggled.

No, seriously, we can’t stay in bed all day. Looks pretty nice out. It’s supposed to be warmer today. How about a picnic?

Allison considered it. She hadn’t gone on a picnic in ages.

Sounds great, she said.

She silently thanked God she had packed a clean outfit.

They got up, cleaned up, and got some supplies together. They went to Panera Bread Company for sandwiches and drinks and loaded them in the cooler. Allison drove her Spyder. It was too chilly to put the top down, but it was still fun to drive. She figured she’d let Johnny drive back. They headed up Highway 79 north from O’Fallon toward Hannibal following the Mississippi River. You couldn’t see the river for the most part because of the large flood plain, but the bluffs on the Illinois side were plainly visible. Johnny had been right; it was a beautiful day with clear blue skies. Most of the trees had lost their leaves, they presented a gray horizon looming above the still green grass. They drove for more than an hour; talking some, listening to music, or thinking about the events of the last two days.

Turn there, by that sign, Johnny said, bringing Allison out of her thoughts.

She turned left and went a short distance up a steep hill. At the top were picnic tables and some of the most amazing views of the mighty Mississippi. Allison quickly parked the car and jumped out.

What a perfect spot! she said happily as she checked out the small park. She walked back to the car and popped the trunk. Hungry? she asked Johnny.

Starved, he said, grabbing her and pretending to nibble her neck.

Stop! she squealed.

He let her go and got the cooler out of the trunk. Allison grabbed the blanket and shut the trunk. They picked the table with the best view and spread out their food. They were both famished. They ate hungrily at first, not speaking. Allison realized she was eating too fast when she started to choke on a piece of her sandwich.

Wow, I was really hungry. I gotta slow down, she said, laughing at herself.

They did slow down and enjoyed the view while they ate. The couple was glad they had the little park to themselves. It was warm in the sun without any wind, so they didn’t need the blanket. After they finished eating, they walked along the small path in the park to make sure they didn’t miss any of the great views. Then they sat side by side at their table, stared off at the river, and thought about whatever came to mind. Allison worried briefly about her mother; she was going to have to face her sooner or later. She quickly put that out of her mind and concentrated on Johnny. He’s worth any grief mom will give me, she thought. Meanwhile, he was thinking about his gig tonight at Weller’s. He’d only worked there once and was hoping he could draw a good crowd. He would have his whole band tonight, including his sister. He enjoyed singing solo, but the energy was much better with the band. He turned to look at Allison, so young and pretty. He gave her a hug and suggested they start heading back.

You wanna drive? she asked.

Sure, Johnny said and took the keys from her outstretched hand. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven anything this fun.

They stowed the cooler and blanket back in the trunk, got in the car, and took off. Johnny enjoyed driving the car; he hadn’t driven a stick in a long time. They took the same path home. Driving through one small town, high school students were standing in the one main intersection collecting money for a band trip. Johnny dropped a couple coins in their bucket and drove on. The ride seemed longer on the way home. Allison almost fell asleep. She struggled to snap out of it and finally asked Johnny to stop at the next convenience store for caffeine. It took several miles to find one. Johnny pulled in and Allison jumped out.

I’m going to pee. Need anything? she asked.

I’m okay. I’ll go in, too. Johnny locked the car and went in.

He found drinks and chose a bottle of water. Allison came out of the restroom and grabbed a Coke. He paid for them and escorted her back to the car. As they continued toward home, they talked about plans for the next day. Sunday was the only day they were both off. Allison had already said she would come to Weller’s tonight, so they just needed plans for Sunday. The forecast called for the weather tomorrow to be just the same.

Want to go to the zoo? Allison asked. I haven’t been in forever.

Okay, the zoo it is, Johnny said, glad they had decided so quickly.

He hated when the woman refused to pick a place. They arrived back at his apartment. Johnny handed her the keys.

That was fun.

They walked to his apartment hand in hand. Allison gathered her stuff, reluctant to go home. Johnny hugged her.

It’ll be okay. Want me to go with you? We’ll face her together.

You’re sweet to offer, but I’d better go it alone this first time. They kissed for several minutes. Keep that up, and I may never leave.

Fine with me.

You know you need time to prepare for tonight, and I can’t wear this out on a Saturday night.

You look fine, he said, kissing her again.

Seriously, Johnny, I have to go home for a little bit. You’ll survive a couple hours without me. He kissed her again and let her go.

Hurry back to Weller’s, Johnny said.

She promised she would and left to go home.

She thought of the confrontation ahead. Her mom was not going to be happy that she’d not been home the last two nights and all day today. Well, that’s too bad. I’m an adult, and mom is just going to have to deal with it. Still, she drove slower than usual. As she pulled in the driveway, she mustered all the strength she could. She went in the house with a smile on her face. Allison’s mother, Mary, was standing in the small, dated kitchen, preparing her meal, her back to Allison. She watched for a minute, realizing her mother was starting to show her age. Her drab wardrobe didn’t help. She looks so mousy. I should try and help her with that, she thought, and entered the kitchen.

Hi, mom. How’s it going?

Well, look what the cat dragged in. Where have you been? Thought you were dead or something, Mary said.

Oh come on, mom, I’ve been coming back for clothes. You know I wasn’t dead.

How would I know, for all you’ve called me. Mary looked like she might cry.

Aw, mom. I’m sorry. I just got caught up in it all. Allison went and hugged her mom. I met someone. He’s really nice. You’ll like him. I think he might be the one.

Mary pulled back.

Allison, what are you doing? You’re barely over your last great love. You know how hard that was on you.

Mary remembered only too well how devastated Allison was when Ben broke up with her. They had dated three years and Allison was sure he was going to propose. Instead, he joined the army and didn’t tell her until the night before he had to leave. Allison had cried, begging him to rethink his decision. She promised to wait for him. But he’d said no; he wanted a clean break. No ties while he was away. Allison didn’t handle things well when they didn’t go her way. Mary knew that better than anyone.

This guy is different. I already feel more deeply about him than I ever did about Ben. I can’t explain it; I’ve never felt this way. His name is Johnny Walsh. He’s a personal trainer and a musician. How about I bring him to dinner next Sunday? You and dad can meet him and judge for yourselves. Allison hoped that would appease her.

I suppose you’re already sleeping with him. Mary said.

Look, mom, Allison began her prepared speech. I’m twenty-one. I’m an adult. My sex life is my business, not yours.

Mary interrupted her. As long as you live in this house, there are rules to follow.

Can’t the rules change now that I’m an adult? Allison pleaded. I’m not a bad person. I just want the freedom to see where this relationship is going. If you can’t handle it, maybe it’s time I moved out.

She knew her mom wanted her to live at home forever, so threatening to move out should help those rules to get changed.

I’ll speak to your dad about this, but I make no promises. Mary sounded defeated. Allison was her only child. Mary didn’t want her to be this grown up. She didn’t want her to be falling in love. She didn’t want an empty nest.

Thanks, mom. I knew I could count on you. I love you. I’m going to get a shower. Allison kissed her on the cheek and bounded up the stairs.

Mary’s husband, Sam, came in soon after Allison left. Balding on top, Sam was tall and thin and always well dressed. He was devoutly religious and he always treated people fairly.

I see her car’s here.

Yes, Mary acknowledged. She’s in the shower. Mary recounted her conversation with Allison. So the bottom line is we give her permission to sleep at his place, or she moves out.

Well, we had to expect this sooner or later, Sam said realistically.

That doesn’t mean I have to like it, Mary sighed.

Sam hugged her. No baby, he chuckled, you don’t have to like it.

And he doesn’t stay here. I won’t have that nonsense in my house! Mary declared.

Hey now, what about us? You can’t cut out ALL nonsense! Sam joked and rubbed up against her, kissing her neck.

Mary laughed, You are incorrigible, and she swatted his behind. She could always count on Sam to be reasonable, not emotional. And, she could sympathize with Allison. She had met Sam when she was only nineteen, and it had been love at first sight. They were inseparable then and still were twenty-nine years later. She loved Sam more than ever and wondered how that was possible. Funny, at nineteen she’d thought she knew all about love. But she hadn’t understood how love grows with time. She wouldn’t trade her life with Sam for anything. She was so blessed.

Hey where’d you go? Sam asked, bringing her back to the present.

Oh, just remembering when I first met you, she sighed.

You’re just as beautiful now as you were back then, Sam told her.

You’re a liar, but I love you for it, Mary replied and hugged him again.

Later that evening, Allison had dinner with her parents, and it went better than expected. Allison had been afraid that her dad would be disappointed in her. But her parents had been reasonable, understanding even. They said they remembered what it felt like when they fell in love. They hoped she would be smart and careful. They hoped she would act as maturely as she wanted them to. And while Johnny was welcome anytime, he was not to sleep over. All in all, a victory, Allison thought. She didn’t want to sleep with Johnny in her parents’ house anyway. Gross. She didn’t want Johnny to even see her girlish bedroom. I guess this wouldn’t be the best time to ask for a room makeover, she thought. Her dad was saying something about respecting each other’s privacy. Blah, blah, blah. She hoped he didn’t go on too long. She was anxious to get to Weller’s and Johnny. She brought her attention back to her parents.

We just want you to know we love you and that you can always come to us for help, Mary told her.

I know that; and thank you, both of you, Allison said, getting up from her seat to hug them both. I love you guys. She started to clear the table. I’ll clean up, you rest, Allison told them. Twenty minutes later, the kitchen was spotless and she was heading upstairs to get dressed to go to Weller’s on a Saturday night.

Weller’s was an old brewery. The first floor housed the bar and restaurant; the second floor was the catering room. They did weddings, birthdays, you name it. Business was good; they were packed on Fridays when they featured country music and again on Saturdays when they had rock. The rest of the week had enough regulars to keep things going. The catering was a new venture the owners hoped would take off. They were on top of things, so everything tended to run pretty smoothly.

Allison was glad to be going to Weller’s tonight. She was anxious to see Johnny with a whole band and the bigger crowd would provide better people watching. Plus, it wasn’t a dance club, like she usually went to, so she could dress much more comfortably. She chose her favorite pair of jeans and a new top that fit her very well and showed off her cleavage. She hadn’t been brave enough to wear it before, but she was feeling more adult now. She hoped her mother didn’t have any negative comments. But when she went downstairs to leave, her parents complimented her and told her to have fun.

Thank you both for being so understanding. I’m lucky to have you as parents, Allison said as she headed out of door and straight to Weller’s.

The placed was packed as usual, so Allison had a hard time finding a parking spot. She had to walk a pretty long way to the bar. Damn winter, she thought as the wind tugged at her. The warmer weather of the last two days was gone; it was only forty degrees now. She wished she’d worn a warmer coat. When she was finally inside, she spotted Johnny right away and went to him. They kissed warmly.

I’m glad you’re here, Johnny told her. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at him. Me too, she agreed.

I saved a seat for you right over here, Johnny led her to a small table just to the side of the stage.

Thanks, she said as she took a seat. He sat with her for a few minutes but then he had to join the band.

Will you be okay?