Authors' note: Tonight starts a new storyline for a couple of characters who haven't really gotten a turn in the spotlight. We hope you enjoy the chapter!
Later that evening, RJ picked up Audrey and they headed back to his place. "Andrew's still in Italy so we'll at least get the place to ourselves."
"Oh, okay," Audrey said. "I'm really sorry about not getting to stop by and see your family."
"Don't worry about it," RJ said. "There will be other times."
"How was it?" Audrey asked. "Full house?"
"Like you wouldn't believe," RJ shook his head.
"Did you see Alexa?" Audrey asked.
RJ hesitated. "Well..."
"It didn't go well?" Audrey asked.
"I told her I was backing off," RJ looked at her. "To spend more time with you."
"Oh," Audrey said. "And she didn't take it very well?"
"Not really," RJ answered.
"I know that wasn't easy for you to do," Audrey said softly. "I know how much she means to you."
"I still care about her," RJ put his arms around Audrey. "But I'm in love with you."
Audrey smiled at him. "I just didn't want to make you choose. I know that you're still friends with her and I'd never ask you to give that up."
"That's why you're the best," RJ replied. "Not many girls would have stuck by a bloke during a time like that."
"I can't imagine what that was like for her," Audrey said. "Losing two years of your life like that."
"I wouldn't ever want to imagine that," RJ said opening the door for her.
"Thanks," Audrey said stepping inside. "When's Andrew due back?"
"Tomorrow, I think." RJ answered.
"That's very romantic," Audrey said. "Spending Christmas in Italy with the girl you love..."
"Hinting?" RJ teased.
Audrey laughed. "No. I was just saying it was nice for them to get away like that. I know they've had some problems lately."
RJ nodded. "This stays between you and me... but I really don't think Andrew's in love with Natalia."
Audrey frowned. "Has he said something to you?"
"No," RJ said. "Just my opinion. I still think he's in love with Saffron."
"Oh," Audrey said shaking her head. "Poor Natalia."
"Just don't say anything," RJ said. "I'm not completely sure."
"I wouldn't," Audrey promised. She took off her coat and set it on the chair.
"You never have to worry about that," RJ grinned at her. "You're the only girl for me."
Audrey smiled. "I just feel bad for Natalia is all. She really loves him."
"I know," RJ said. "But maybe in time he'll feel the same for her."
"I hope so," Audrey said. She had spent a lot of time with Natalia and Andrew. She didn't know Saffron very well.
"Let's not think about them tonight," RJ said, drawing her close.
"Right," Audrey said softly.
He leaned in and kissed her.
"Mmmmm," Audrey murmured, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I got you something," RJ said, nudging her ear.
"You did?" Audrey asked with a grin.
"It's right in there," RJ replied.
Audrey stood up. "What did you do, RJ Weasley?"
"Close your eyes," RJ said impishly.
Audrey did as he asked. "Okay, they're closed."
Earlier that day RJ had placed some candles and rose petals around a blanket near the fireplace. He'd bought her a promise ring and wanted to make things as romantic as possible when he gave it to her.
"I'm going to hold on to you," Audrey said grabbing his arm. "So I don't trip and fall."
"I won't let you fall," RJ guided her to the sitting room.
"You'd better not," Audrey giggled.
"Okay," RJ said. "Open."
Audrey opened her eyes and gasped. "RJ..."
"Happy Christmas," he said softly.
Audrey looked at him. "I can't believe you did this! This is amazing!"
RJ grinned. "This isn't your present, you know."
"There's more?" Audrey asked.
"Sit," RJ said, bringing her to the blanket. "Champagne?"
"Yes, please," Audrey replied.
RJ poured them both glasses as he waved his wand at the fireplace, starting it up.
"Now who's showing off?" Audrey teased.
"Just a bit," RJ said leaning in to kiss her.
"This is, without a doubt, the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me," Audrey said before pressing her lips to his.
RJ ran his hand through her hair. "I love you, Aud."
"I love you too," Audrey whispered.
They kissed for several minutes before RJ pulled back. "Here's your real present," he said, handing her the small box.
Audrey was smiling as she took the present from him and slowly unwrapped it.
RJ looked expectantly at her as she opened the box.
"Oh, RJ,'" Audrey whispered. "It's absolutely beautiful."
"It's a promise ring," he said softly.
"Will you put it on for me?" Audrey asked.
"Sure," RJ took her hand in his and slid the ring on. To his relief, it fit perfectly.
"You're the best," Audrey said giving him a kiss.
"The best for you," RJ told her.
"I just hope you like what I got for you," Audrey said. "Stay right here. I need to go and get it."
"Okay," RJ said as she hurried to the hallway.
She returned with a big box. "You have no idea how hard it is to stop for someone who has everything."
"I hardly have everything," RJ said, taking the box and unwrapping it.
"I know it's not a designer coat," Audrey said when he pulled the leather coat out of the box. "But---"
"This is great!" RJ said. "I've never owned a coat before!"
"Well, since you're dating a Muggle, I figured you might need one to blend in," Audrey said grinning at him.
"It's great," RJ said, pulling it on. "How do I look?"
"Smashing," Audrey said grinning at him. "Just like a Muggle!"
RJ grabbed her up and spun her around.
Audrey laughed. "You like it?"
"Love it," RJ gave her a kiss. "Love you, too."
Audrey fixed the collar of his coat. "You do look quite handsome, Mr. Weasley."
"Thank you," RJ grinned at her. "Have to look good for my girl."
"And those groupies," Audrey said putting her hand on her forehead and pretending to swoon.
"They don't hold a candle to you," RJ poked her.
"They just like looking at your bum on your broom," Audrey said with a grin.
"What about you?" RJ asked.
"It's definitely a perk," Audrey said looping her arms around his neck.
RJ kissed her thoroughly.
"I'm crazy about you," Audrey said softly.
"That's good," RJ said. "Because I'm completely mad about you as well."
"I know it hasn't been an easy last few months for us," Audrey said.
"No it hasn't," RJ shook his head. "But we can change that."
"And maybe I can become friends with Saffron and Alexa," Audrey said thoughtfully. "I know how important they are to you and I want them to like me."
RJ smiled. "Thanks, Audrey. I'm sure they'll love you."
"How is she?" Audrey asked. "Saffron. She must be so happy to be home."
"She is," RJ nodded. "It's going to take time to get past what happened."
"I can't imagine what that must have been like," Audrey said. "For her or for her family."
"It was rough," RJ said as they sat down together. "For all the trouble Saf and I have had in the past year or so, we were still always really close growing up."
"Tell me about that," Audrey said eagerly.
"About us growing up?" RJ asked. "Well our families have always been close and we just were always around each other."
Audrey smiled. "I think your mum said that she used to follow you around."
"But if you ask her, she'll tell you I followed her," RJ laughed.
Audrey laughed, too. "I'll have to ask her. Maybe she can tell me some funny stories about you."
"I'll have to talk to her first," RJ teased. "Bribe her not to reveal anything too embarrassing."
"There's no fun in that," Audrey protested. "I have to know these things."
RJ groaned. "Maddie already told you about the faery thing."
Audrey stifled a laugh. "I know. Look, if it makes you feel any better, I can tell you about something stupid I did when I was a kid."
"Spill," RJ put his arm around her.
"Okay," Audrey said. "But you better not tell another soul."
"My lips are sealed," RJ promised.
"Okay," Audrey said blushing as she recalled the memory. "I was about three years old. My parents were having a garden party. I wanted to go swimming in my little baby pool, but they said I couldn't because of the party."
"So you went in anyway?" RJ guessed.
"Well, it's not that easy," Audrey said. "I was dressed up in this frilly little sundress that itched. When my mum wasn't looking, I kicked off my sandals and took off my dress and proceeded to run around the yard completely starkers."
RJ laughed. "I'd have liked to see that."
"You can if you talk to my Aunt Louise," Audrey blushed. "She caught the whole thing on tape!"
"Fantastic," RJ replied.
"Oh yeah," Audrey said sarcastically. "They used to play it at every family gathering until I begged and pleaded for them to stop."
"I guess we were made for each other. You starkers and me a faery."
Audrey giggled. "The perfect couple."
"That's right," RJ snuggled her closer.
"So what did you want to do for New Year?" Audrey asked him.
"I'm not sure," RJ said thoughtfully. "Andrew and I were thinking of having a party here."
"That could be cool," Audrey said.
"You're not working?" RJ asked.
"I pulled the afternoon shift so I have the evening off," Audrey said with a grin.
"Great," RJ replied.
Audrey leaned against him and closed her eyes.
"Tired?" he asked her softly.
"A little," Audrey admitted. "This nice fire, champagne, and my wonderful boyfriend..."
RJ buried his nose in her hair. "I'm happy I'm here with the best girlfriend."
"Happy Christmas, RJ," Audrey whispered.
"You too, love." RJ replied.
Audrey turned and gave him a kiss. "Thank you for tonight."
"I'd do anything to make you happy," RJ told her.
"I feel the same way," Audrey said smiling at him.
"What do you want to do tomorrow?" he asked.
"I was planning on hitting the shops," Audrey said. "Big sales, you know."
"Of course," RJ replied. "Have fun with that."
"You just said you'd do anything to make me happy," Audrey reminded him.
RJ had a pained expression. "Shopping?"
"Why not?" Audrey asked. "It's fun and there's going to be some great sales."
"I guess," RJ muttered.
"Come on," Audrey said. "You can hold my bags while I try things on...."
"Come on Aud," RJ whined.
Audrey laughed. "Don't worry. I wouldn't put you through that. My cousin Becca and I are going tomorrow. I'll let you off the hook."
RJ sighed in relief. "I'll make you dinner then."
Audrey hit him playfully on the arm. "You should have seen the look on your face!"
"Very funny," RJ squeezed her side.
"I would never put you through the torture of shopping!" Audrey exclaimed with an evil laugh.
"Tell that to all the girls who do drag their boyfriends around, would you?" RJ asked.
Audrey laughed. "I will warn them all tomorrow. I promise."
"Well maybe we should get you rested up so you're ready," RJ said.
"You don't mind?" Audrey asked.
"Nah," RJ said. "I was up early with the kids."
"I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow night," Audrey said with a grin.
"I'm counting on that," RJ kissed her neck.
"You are perfect, you realise that?" Audrey said softly.
"I'm perfect for you, and that's all that matters," RJ said.
"Even if you aren't into shopping," Audrey said with a grin.
*** *** ***
Drew and Darla didn't have any big weddings scheduled until after the new year, but they were both putting in some hours at the office to meet with a few potential clients and to tie up some loose ends.
"I am so glad that Valencia Talbot cancelled on us today," Darla commented to her sister. "If you looked up the term 'bridezilla' in the dictionary, her picture would be right beside it."
"I know," Drew agreed. "And I'm so not in the mood for that."
"I feel sorry for that poor fiancé of hers," Darla said. "That poor bloke has no idea what he's in for."
"I give it a year," Drew turned her calendar.
"I give it six months," Darla commented. "You heard that she asked her bridesmaids to sign a contract that they wouldn't gain any weight, didn't you?"
"And they can't cut their hair," Drew added.
Darla shook her head. "And those demands of hers! The other day, she rang and asked if I thought it was possible to schedule her wedding at Buckingham Palace. I thought she was joking. But, she was serious, Drew. Completely serious."
Drew shook her head. "I can't wait until her wedding is over."
"You and me both," Darla said leaning back in her chair. "Hey, Drew?"
"Yeah?" Drew looked up.
"How about we cut out of here and go downstairs to the coffee shop and get something fattening. My treat," Darla asked her.
Drew pulled her eyebrows together. "Sure..."
Darla grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."
She and her sister were just putting on their cloaks when the door to their office swung open and Hans entered. Darla was surprised to see him because he'd been in New York the past couple of days meeting with his American booking agent.
"Hans?" Darla asked. "What on earth---?"
Her words were cut off when Hans swung her around, giving her a kiss.
Drew giggled. "That's quite a welcome, Dar."
"I'll say," Darla said breathlessly. "What are you doing home?"
"I had to see you," Hans said.
"How about I go and get those coffees for us?" Drew asked. "You can meet me downstairs." She could tell that Hans wanted to be alone with his wife.
"Thanks Drew," Darla said.
"Thanks, Drew," Hans said grinning at her.
Darla waited until she was alone with her husband. "What's going on?"
"The most amazing thing has happened," Hans said excitedly. "Sit down...no stand up. No...you aren't going to believe this..."
Darla laughed. "Tell me!"
"Okay," Hans said. "You remember those print ads I did for that jeans company, right?"
Darla nodded. "Calvin Klein?"
"I had no idea how well they were received especially in the States," Hans said. "Until----until I saw the billboard they have of me in ...Times Square, Dar."
Darla's eyes widened. "You have a billboard in TIMES SQUARE?"
Hans reached into his pocket and pulled out the pictures he'd taken. "Can you believe it?"
"That's amazing!" Darla said. "Hans, I'm so proud of you!"
"It gets better," Hans said grinning at her. "On New Year's Eve, they're going to announce that I'm their official male model. We're talking print ads, commercials, promotional spots. My agent even thinks I might be able to break into film and TV roles."
Darla threw her arms around her husband. "Hans that's wonderful!"
Hans hugged her tightly. "I can't believe this is all happening, Dar. I've worked so hard all these years and now it's all falling into place."
"It's paid off," Darla gave him a kiss. "Your face is going to be everywhere."
"I signed the contract last night," Hans told her. "And I was hoping you'd be there with me on New Year's when they make the announcement."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Darla promised.
"The only thing is they don't want you to be on stage," Hans said. "It's just...they want to market me as a single male..."
Her face fell. "Single?"
Hans hugged her again. "It's just marketing, baby. The agents feel that it would be best if they don't come out and announce that I'm married."
"So essentially, you're hiding me," Darla pulled away.
Hans shook his head. "No, not really. Once they make the announcement and the first few ads are released, then we can introduce you. They have no problem with you being there for the announcement."
"Hm," Darla turned away and sat back down at her desk.
"Dar, don't be like that," Hans said kneeling down in front of her. "It's just for a little while."
"But I'm your wife," Hans," Darla shot back. "What if you were married to Billie? Would they care then?"
"Darla, they'd feel the same way regardless," Hans told her. "It's just marketing. Come on. The important thing is that we know who we are to each other."
"I do," Darla said sharply. "Do you?"
"Of course I do," Hans said, reaching for her hand. "I love you, Dar. You know that."
Darla wouldn't look at him.
"Don't be like this," Hans said. "Come on. This is great news and you and I have to pick out a new flat."
"A new flat?" Darla asked. "What's wrong with the one we have now?"
"Don't you think we should look into something bigger?" Hans asked.
"It's just the two of us," Darla said.
"We can keep the one we have here, but I was thinking about something in New York," Hans said. "Since we'll be there most of the time. There are some great places in Chelsea, Soho..."
"Hans, I can't move to New York," Darla shook her head. "My work is here."
"You can plan weddings in New York," Hans countered. "You can go global! Drew can head up things here and you can---"
"No," Darla shook her head. "I love London. I'm not moving overseas, especially not moving away from my family."
"Are you still hung up on the whole 'single' thing?" Hans asked with a sigh. "Is that why you're acting like this? Come on, think of it, Dar. We'll have a new, luxurious flat in New York. You can decorate it any way you want. All those shops..."
"It has nothing to do with your 'single' thing," Darla retorted. "I'm NOT moving to New York."
Hans glared at her. "It's not like you wouldn't be able to see your family, Darla. And in case you've forgotten, I'm your family too!"
Darla glared back. "I should have figured you'd just want to up and go without thinking of me."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hans asked angrily.
"You already have this planned out!" Darla exclaimed.
"I couldn't turn this down!" Hans retorted. "This is a chance of a lifetime!"
"Then go," Darla said coldly.
"Darla," Hans said reaching for her.
"Just go," Darla said, tears stinging her eyes.
"I'll go," Hans said after a moment. "But we need to talk about this."
Darla snorted. "Sure we do."
Hans grabbed the pictures and headed out of the office, shutting the door behind him.
Darla wiped away her tears as she sat back down at her desk.
She'd been so happy for him and in the span of one minute, she'd felt as if the whole world had been swept out from under her feet. How could he have made such a big decision without even consulting her?
Drew opened the door. "Coffee and chocolate croissants--" Dar?"
Darla looked at her sister. "Hans is an ass!"
Drew looked startled. "What did I miss?"
Darla took a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. She told her sister about Hans' trip to New York, the contract and his plan to move them across the ocean.
"You're moving?" Drew asked in dismay.
"No way," Darla said firmly. "This is my home."
"I don't know what I'd do without you here," Drew said.
"You're never going to have to find out," Darla said. "We've never been apart."
Drew shook her head. "You're my rock, Dar."
Darla stood up and hugged her sister. "You're mine."
Drew hugged her back. "Part of me."
"Always," Darla said softly.
"You and Hans just need to talk," Drew said.
"But it's like he's already decided we're going to move," Darla said.
"Without talking it over with you first?" Drew asked taken aback.
"Pretty much," Darla crossed her arms.
"That's not right," Drew said shaking her head. "This is your life, too."
"Exactly," Darla fumed.
"I don't like that whole idea about him hiding the fact that he's married either," Drew said thoughtfully.
Darla shook her head. "Maybe it's his way of saying he doesn't want to be married."
"I'm sure that's not true," Drew said. "He loves you. He just---he didn't think all of this out. He's always wanted to make it big and now he's right on the cusp of doing just that. It's clouded his judgment."
Darla sighed. "This is so complicated."
"You and Hans will figure it all out," Drew said encouragingly. "
Darla shrugged.
"Come on," Drew said. "We have fattening food right here and caffeine."
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully.
Drew sat back down at her desk and opened the box of pastries. "We haven't done something like this in ages."
"Not since we got married," Darla nodded.
"We should do this more often," Drew said. "You, me, and Maddie."
"With Chloe and Kiera as well," Darla agreed.
Drew laughed. "You know that Chloe will wear most of the chocolate. She loves making a mess."
"She's your girl," Darla smiled.
Drew smiled. "She is and she's very excited about Emma's birthday party."
"Emma's very excited about it too," Darla said.
"It's not every day that you turn five," Drew said with a grin.
"I can't believe she's already five," Darla shook her head. "Where has the time gone?"
"It goes by way too fast," Drew said. "Way too fast."
Darla sighed and sat back. "I just feel like my life has been thrown into chaos."
"It's going to sort itself out," Drew tried to reassure her. "Maybe you can work out some sort of compromise."
"I think what bothers me most is them trying to hide me." Darla said. "He even told me I could come onstage with him after they announced it. Not during... but after."
"How big of him," Drew said sarcastically. "How would he explain that?"
Darla rubbed her eyes. "I don't even know."
"Hello?" a familiar voice said from the doorway, followed by a high pitched squeal.
"Mummy!" Chloe exclaimed. "Oooh, choc-late!"
"Uh oh," Drew laughed. "Here comes the chocolate monster!"
Brian grinned. "We were in the neighbourhood and the little munchkin wanted to see her mum."
Drew hugged her daughter. "Mummy's glad to see her baby."
Drew hugged her daughter. "Mummy's glad to see her baby."
"Me and Daddy got Em a present!" Chloe announced.
"You did?" Drew kissed her cheek. "What did you buy?"
"A toy kitchen," Brian said when Chloe seemed more interested in the chocolate than answering the question. "We found it in that Muggle toy store down the street. Chloe picked it out."
"I want one too," Chloe said.
"Maybe you'll get one for your birthday," Drew said with a grin.
"And this?" Chloe asked, pointing to the pastry.
"You can have that now," Drew said breaking off a piece and handing it to her daughter.
"Yummy in my tummy!" Chloe said happily.
Darla laughed. "That's a good girl."
"Aunt Dar..." Chloe held out a piece. "Want?"
Darla shook her head. "That's for you, baby girl."
Chloe leaned back against her mother. "Daddy want?"
Brian smiled at her daughter. "No, sweetheart. But, that's very sweet of you to share."
Chloe grinned back. "Kay."
"Are you done for the day?" Brian asked his wife.
"Kind of..." Drew looked at her sister.
"Where's Uncle Hands?" Chloe asked.
"He's um... working," Darla said.
"He'll be back from the States right?" Brian asked. "Before Em's party?"
"One can only hope," Darla muttered.
"He actually came back already," Drew told her husband. "He---he's been signed as the new male model for Calvin Klein."
"Wow," Brian said. "That's fantastic... right?"
"You'd think so, wouldn't you?" Darla asked sarcastically.
"Sad?" Chloe asked.
"Just a little," Darla said. "But I feel much better now that you're here."
Chloe climbed down and ran to her aunt.
"Come here," Darla said scooping her niece up and hugging her tightly.
"I love you," Chloe kissed her cheek.
"I love you too," Darla said smiling at her. Holding her niece, she realized that there was no possible way she'd ever be able to leave England and move to New York.
Drew smiled reassuringly at her sister.
"What's really going on?" Brian asked his wife. "Darla and Hans...they're okay, right?"
Drew shrugged. "I'm not sure."
Brian listened as his wife told him about what Hans' agents wanted him to do. "Oh...that's not good."
"It ticks me off that they want Darla to hide," Drew said angrily.
"What difference does it make if he's married or not?" Brian asked.
Drew shook her head. "It's completely ridiculous."
"I know you love your sister, but you have to let them work this out for themselves," Brian said in a hushed tone.
"I never said I was going to interfere," Drew said defensively.
"Drew, I know you," Brian said folding his arms.
"Stay out of it," Drew warned.
"That old Weasley motto, eh?" Brian asked. "You mess with one; you mess with the whole lot, right?"
"That's how it's always been," Drew replied.
"They'll sort this out themselves," Brian tried to tell her.
Drew shook her head and turned away.
Chloe giggled as Darla spun her around.
"Do it again!"
"Round and round and round we go," Darla said spinning her niece. "And where we stop...."
"No stop!" Chloe squealed.
Darla laughed. "You are going to wear me out, Chloe."
"Sorry," Chloe beamed at her.
"She loves her Aunt Darla, don't you, munchkin?" Drew asked.
Chloe nodded. "This much!" she held her little arms out.
"I love you that much too," Darla said smiling at her.
"More chocolate?" Chloe asked.
"Absolutely," Darla said sitting down with her niece.
"So are you two done for today?" Brian asked, looking at his wife.
Darla nodded. "We just had some loose ends to tie up."
"I thought I'd make us dinner tonight," Brian told his wife.
"Darla, why don't you come home with us?" Drew asked.
"Yes!" Chloe agreed excitedly.
"Can you turn that face down?" Drew asked.
"Never," Brian said with a grin.
"I'd like that," Darla said. "But, I should stop by home first."
Drew nodded. "Come over whenever you feel like it."
"Thanks," Darla said. "For everything, Drew."
"Anytime," Drew hugged her.
"Come on, munchkin," Brian said to his daughter. "Let's get you back in your cloak."
"Kay Daddy," Chloe held her arms up.
Brian grinned as he helped her into her cloak. "All set?"
Chloe nodded. "Come on Mummy!"
"Okay," Drew said grabbing her cloak. "Let's go home."
"I'll see you lot in just a bit," Darla said.
"Bye, Aunt Dar!" Chloe waved at her.
"Bye Chloe," Darla smiled.
Darla cleaned up their coffee cups and threw them in the rubbish bin along with the empty pastry box.
She hated fighting with Hans, but she couldn't believe he would just go and make such a decision without talking to her first.
She didn't begrudge him his success. She more than anyone knew how hard he'd worked to make it here, but was it worth the cost?