Authors' note: We hope you will enjoy this chapter. It's Gabe/Alexa and some Saffy/Andrew. The next chapter introduces a new character that we hope you will all like and if you check the orkut group on Sunday, you'll get a sneak peek!
"Come on," Nico said to Gabriel. "Let's go and grab a pizza or something."
Gabriel didn't look up from his books. He had a very important paper due in the next few days and he was busy with his research. Nico was trying to keep him company, but they'd already been thrown out of the library because of Nico's loud mouth. Gabriel didn't mind being outside though. The weather was nice, but he wasn't really able to enjoy it. He had to concentrate on his research.
"A burger and fries might be good too," Nico said thoughtfully. "What do you want to do, Gabe?"
"If it doesn't have to do with the inner workings of the human digestive system, I really don't care, Nico."
"But it does," Nico argued. "It's food, and we digest it..."
Gabriel looked up at him. "You can go and get whatever you want. I'm not going anywhere."
"Can I take your car then?" Nico asked.
Gabriel laughed. "That's what this is all about, isn't it?"
"No," Nico denied. "I'm hungry, dammit."
"And you love my car," Gabriel pointed out.
"Fine," Nico stood up. "I'll just walk."
Gabriel reached into his backpack and pulled out his keys. "Hang on. Here you go."
"Seriously?" Nico asked.
"Yes, but I do expect to get it back," Gabriel joked, handing over the keys.
"Hell yeah," Nico grabbed them. "Thanks man."
"I'm doing it to give myself some peace and quiet," Gabriel said.
"I'll bring you back something from In-n-Out," Nico said before taking off.
Gabriel shook his head. Nico was something else. "Okay," he said to himself. "Back to the oesophagus..."
He was absorbed in his reading again when someone came up behind him and put their hands over his eyes. "Nico!" he snapped. "I TOLD you--"
"It's not Nico," a female voice with a British accent whispered in his ear.
Gabriel spun around. "Lexie?"
"Surprise!" Alexa said grinning at him.
"What are you doing here?" he gaped at her.
Alexa sat down beside him. "Well, my parents and I arrived this morning. We had a campus tour at UCLA. My parents are back at the hotel...and I came here to find you."
Gabriel grinned. "I can't believe you're here!"
Alexa hugged him. "I'm so glad to see you. I missed you!"
Gabriel held her tightly, burying his nose in her hair. "I missed you too."
"I have so much to tell you," Alexa said. "Something happened with Saffy..."
"What?" Gabriel asked, concerned.
"You remember that creep from New Year's?" Alexa asked him. "The one who was trying to take advantage of her?"
"Yeah," Gabriel nodded.
Alexa told him about what had happened at Scanlon's party. "I've been spending most of my time with her trying to help her get through it."
"Man," Gabriel shook his head. "If I was there..."
"I know," Alexa said squeezing his hand. "But they've put him away in Azkaban. He won't be able to hurt her again."
"That's your wizarding prison, right?" Gabriel asked. "Really high security?"
"Oh yes," Alexa said nodding. "He's not going anywhere for a long, long time. I've never seen Andrew, Harry, or Ethan that angry before. They wanted to kill him."
"I'd have been right with them," Gabriel said. "Hasn't she been through enough?"
"I know," Alexa said quietly. "She's so fragile right now."
"Perhaps I'll write to her later," Gabriel said.
"She'd love that," Alexa said smiling at him.
"But in the meantime..." Gabriel leaned in and gave her a kiss.
"I missed that," Alexa whispered when they pulled apart.
"Me too," he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"The campus is so big," Alexa said. "It took all morning for the tour, but I just kept taking everything in. I think I'm going to like it."
"I think so too," Gabriel said. "I almost went to UCLA."
"You're doing really well here," Alexa said proudly.
"I liked their medical program better," Gabriel stuffed his books into his bag.
"I mentioned to one of the girls in our group that my boyfriend went to USC and she said I was 'sleeping with the enemy'," Alexa giggled. "Apparently, our schools are huge rivals, Gabe. I had no idea."
"I never paid much attention to that," Gabriel chuckled.
Alexa laughed. "That's what I told her."
Gabriel took her hand. "Come on- I'll show you around here."
"I'd like that," Alexa said. "You---you sure you have enough time?"
"For you?" Gabriel asked. "Of course."
Alexa grinned. " Great."
Gabriel took her around the campus, showing her the hall where he had most of his classes as well as the student union.
"How about we get a drink?" Alexa asked.
"Sure," Gabriel agreed.
"I'm still trying to get used to this much sunlight," Alexa said grinning at him. "I'm not used to it."
He laughed. "Used to the rain, eh? You'll have a tan in a week."
"And surfing," Alexa said as they joined the queue in the student union. "Don't forget that."
"You want to surf?" Gabriel asked in surprise.
"Only joking," Alexa said. "I have enough trouble staying upright on land. I can't imagine what damage I'd do to myself on a surfboard."
"On weekends we're not busy, we'll hit the beach," Gabriel promised.
"I'm going to hold you to that," Alexa said. "Mr. Work-a-holic."
"You might be just what the doctor ordered," Gabriel teased her.
Alexa leaned against him. "You know if all this hadn't have happened, I'd be in school right now."
"I know," Gabriel said.
"You hung in there though," Alexa said turning to look at him. "I'm so glad you did."
"You mean everything to me," Gabriel told her.
"As you do to me," Alexa said softly.
Gabriel gave her another kiss. "Love you."
"I love you," Alexa said hugging him tightly.
Just as Gabriel leaned in to kiss her again, his phone rang.
Alexa laughed. "You'd better get that."
"Hello?" Gabriel asked. "Nico?"
"Gabe, I was wondering if I could keep your car a little longer?" Nico asked.
"Why?" Gabriel asked suspiciously.
"You remember Gina?" Nico asked. "I kind of ran into her and I might have implied that the car was mine..."
"Nico..." Gabriel shook his head.
"Just for one night, man," Nico pleaded. "I promise I'll drop it off at your grandparents' house..."
"You're not keeping it all night," Gabriel said.
"I'll have it back in a couple of hours," Nico promised.
"I do need to go home tonight," Gabriel pointed out. "If it's not back by six..."
"It will be," Nico said. "You're the best, Gabe. I take back everything bad I ever said about you."
"What?" Gabriel asked.
"Nothing," Nico said hastily. "See you later, Gabe!"
"Still same Nico I see," Alexa said as Gabriel put his phone away.
"He never changes," Gabriel shook his head. "Apparently, he's told someone that my car is his and he promises he'll have the car back in a couple of hours."
Alexa laughed. "He's one of a kind."
"The world couldn't handle more than one of him," Gabriel said as they approached the counter. "So, Lex, what do you want?"
"A soda would be nice," Alexa said.
"Are you hungry?" Gabriel asked.
"Why don't we split a sandwich?" she suggested.
"That sounds like a plan," Gabriel said telling the girl at the counter what they wanted.
"Ooh, can we get a bag of crisps, too?" Alexa asked spotting them behind the girl.
"What?" the girl asked confused. "What are 'crisps'?"
"Chips," Gabriel replied.
"Oh," the girl said. "Sure---coming right up."
"Good thing I have you as a translator," Alexa joked.
Gabriel laughed. "You do the same for me when we're on your turf."
"Guess that's why we make a good pair," Alexa replied.
Gabriel paid for their food and drinks. "Do you want to sit outside?" he asked her.
"Absolutely," Alexa said. "I don't want to miss a moment of this weather."
"There are some tables right through here," Gabriel said. "Come on..."
Alexa followed him outside. "This is perfect."
Alexa followed him outside. "This is perfect."
"So what else is going on with you?" Gabriel asked.
"Aside from just helping out Saffy, I've been working at the bakery and saving money for university," Alexa said.
"How did your parents like UCLA?" Gabriel asked when they sat down.
"They really liked it a lot," Alexa replied. "We met the girl I'll be rooming with in the dormitory. She was really sweet."
"But she's not Saffy, right?" Gabriel asked.
"There is only one Saffron," Alexa said with a grin.
"Hopefully, she'll come and visit us over here," Gabriel said. "She and Andrew."
"That would be so much fun," Alexa said, taking her half of the sandwich.
"How long are you and your parents going to be here?" Gabriel asked.
"Just overnight," Alexa said. "We had to fly in the Muggle way and our flight leaves tomorrow afternoon."
"We'll need to make the most of it," Gabriel said reaching for her hand.
"Yes we will," she wove their fingers together.
"My grandparents would love to see you too," Gabriel said.
Alexa smiled. "How are they?"
"Good," Gabriel replied. "I haven't seen them much the last few days. I leave early and go home late. I feel like I've been living in the library, or the lab or in a classroom."
"All work and no play," Alexa shook her head.
"Now you sound like Nico," Gabriel teased.
"Perish the thought," Alexa laughed.
"And how's RJ?" Gabriel asked. Now that he knew where things stood, he was finding that he actually liked Alexa's ex-boyfriend.
"He's been busy," Alexa said. "He's actually been by a lot to see Saffy. He feels guilty he wasn't at the party where... all that happened."
"It wasn't his fault," Gabriel said.
"I've told him that," Alexa said.
"Probably doesn't help," Gabriel said thoughtfully.
"You know RJ," Alexa shrugged. "I think the best thing for Saffron though is that Andrew has stood by her throughout this whole thing. He's hardly left her side."
"He's a good guy," Gabriel said. "Is she still playing Quidditch?"
Alexa nodded. "They have to find a new reserve Seeker but it's good for her to get out and play."
"At least she doesn't have worry about that asshole bothering her anymore," Gabriel said.
"You can say that again," Alexa replied bitterly. "He didn't even seem sorry for what he did to her."
"She'll get through this," Gabriel said. "She's one of the strongest people I know."
"Thankfully," Alexa agreed.
"And she has a great best friend," Gabriel smiled at her.
Alexa blushed. "I try."
"Have you remembered anything else?" Gabriel asked.
"Just bits and pieces of things, mostly." Alexa replied.
"Do you remember anything about the last time you were here?" Gabriel asked.
Alexa nodded. "Your grandparents' party... and then you taking me around Hollywood."
Gabriel grinned. "You remember that?"
"It was loads of fun," Alexa nodded.
"Yes it was," Gabriel agreed. "Well, except for Nico trying to get my dad to buy him a beer."
Alexa laughed. "I don't remember that!"
"Nico's sneaky," Gabriel said. "Among other things. But Dad handled it well. I haven't seen him in a few weeks either, actually."
"He was in England about a week ago," Alexa said. "He was over at Saffy's house when I was there."
"Oh yeah?" Gabriel asked. "So does he know?"
Alexa nodded.
"I wish someone would have told me sooner," Gabriel said. "I would have liked to have helped somehow."
"I'm sorry," Alexa said. "I should have told you straightaway."
"It's okay," Gabriel said. "I just feel like I've been out of contact with everyone because of my course load. I feel guilty."
"Yes but you've got to do this," Alexa put her hand on his arm.
Gabriel nodded. "I promise to try and spend more time with you especially when you're finally here."
"I'll make sure you keep that promise," Alexa grinned at him.
Gabriel leaned in and kissed her. "And we have spring break coming up soon and it'll be summer before we know it."
"Are you coming back to England?" she asked.
"That depends," Gabriel said grinning at her.
"On?" she asked.
"On what you're doing for the summer," Gabriel replied.
"Spending as much time with you, I hope." she replied.
"Are we going to Brighton again?" Gabriel asked.
"I haven't asked yet," Alexa said. "I think so."
"I can't wait to see you in a bikini again," Gabriel said huskily.
"Uh oh," Alexa said. "Something tells me you'll not like my new one piece..."
"I'm sure I'll love you in it," Gabriel said loyally.
"Well I was kidding," Alexa said. "I got a new bikini just a few days ago."
"O'Leary," Gabriel said shaking his head. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Kiss me," she said softly.
Gabriel moved over to sit beside her. "I can do that."
Alexa closed her eyes as her boyfriend gave her a gentle kiss.
"I love you," Gabriel said softly.
"I love you too," Alexa replied. "So, so much. I feel like the luckiest girl alive."
"I'm the lucky one," Gabriel said. "I nearly lost you and here you are."
Alexa leaned against him. "But you stuck by me through all this- I can't imagine what it must have been like for you when I thought I was still with RJ."
"Hell," Gabriel said. "But, if it was what you needed to get better, I was willing to do it."
"That's why you're the sweetest guy in the world," Alexa smiled at him.
Gabriel grinned. "Come on. You and I can get the bus back to my grandparents'."
"Okay," she agreed, taking his hand.
"So, how's my favourite little five-year old, Emma?" Gabriel asked as they walked toward the bus stop.
"She's fine," Alexa replied. "Told me to tell you to come visit her soon."
"She's the coolest little kid," Gabriel said grinning as he thought about her. "I was thinking I'd teach her how to play soccer."
"Soccer..." Alexa thought for a moment. "Oh- football."
Gabriel shook his head. "In September when you're here, I'll take you to a real FOOTBALL game, Lexie."
"I have so much to learn," Alexa laughed. "Perhaps I'll buy myself a book of American slang terms."
"That and say 'dude' after everything and you should be fine," Gabriel said.
"Okay, dude." Alexa tried.
Gabriel laughed. "With your accent it sounds too distinguished and proper."
Alexa bumped his shoulder. "Kick a girl while she's down..."
"I'm sorry," Gabriel said putting his arm around her. "You'll get it."
"Eventually," Alexa said as they arrived at the bus stop.
About fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Gabriel's house. Margaret was sitting on the porch and she nearly ran down the steps when she saw that her grandson was not alone. "Alexa!" Margaret exclaimed. "This is a nice surprise!"
"Hello Mrs. Boyd," Alexa gave the older woman a hug. "It's so lovely to see you again."
"And who is this handsome stranger you have with you?" Margaret asked. "He looks familiar..."
"Perhaps you know my boyfriend, Gabriel," Alexa joked.
"Nice to meet you, Gabriel," Margaret said extending her hand.
"Very funny," Gabriel replied dryly.
Margaret gave him a hug. "I've missed you, Gabe."
"I'm sorry I haven't been around much," Gabriel said. "There's just been so much going on lately."
"I know," Margaret said. "And I'm so proud of you. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, I always say."
"What's Grandpa up to?" Gabriel asked.
"He's inside," Margaret said. "What brings you by Alexa?"
"My parents and I were touring UCLA," Alexa told her. "We're leaving tomorrow."
"That's a shame you aren't staying longer," Margaret said. "Do you have plans for dinner?"
"No," Alexa replied. "I think we were going to get something at the hotel."
"Nonsense," Margaret said. "If your parents are willing, we'd love to have all three of you here for dinner."
"Really?" Alexa asked. "I know it's last minute---"
"Gram lives to cook," Gabriel teased. "And I'm dying for some real food."
"I'll ring them right now," Alexa said. "Thanks, Mrs. Boyd."
"Here," Gabriel said. "You can use my phone."
"Thanks," Alexa said smiling at him.
"How are you?" Margaret asked her grandson. "I worry about you."
"Just busy," Gabriel set his bag down. "I've got a huge paper I have to finish by next week."
"Your father called earlier," Margaret told him. "He wanted to see how you were. He said to tell you he was in London."
"Alexa told me he was there last week too," Gabriel replied.
"He said he'd be back in California next week," Margaret said. "We had a nice long chat."
"About what?" Gabriel asked.
"About you and how much like your mother you are," Margaret said smiling at him. "Samantha worked just as hard as you did when she wanted something."
Gabriel smiled crookedly. "I miss her."
"I do too," Margaret said softly. "Every single day."
"I just really want her to be proud of me," Gabriel said. "I think she would be."
"I know she would be," Margaret said. "She always was."
"So what's for dinner?" Gabriel changed the subject.
"I was thinking I'd make a roast since we're having guests," Margaret said.
"My mouth is watering already," Gabriel joked as Alexa rejoined them.
"My parents will be here in about an hour," Alexa told them.
"I'd better get started then," Margaret said.
"Do you want any help, Mrs. Boyd?" Alexa asked.
"I'd love some help in making a salad," Margaret replied.
"You've got it," Alexa said smiling at her.
"I'll just go and see how grandpa is," Gabriel said.
He lugged his book bag into his room and set it down. Studying would have to wait.
He found his grandfather in the sitting room looking over his paper.
"Hey, Grandpa," Gabriel said.
"Gabriel!" Lewis beamed.
"I know, I know," Gabriel said with a grin. "You nearly forgot what I looked like..."
"I did," Lewis teased. He got up to give his grandson a hug.
"How've you been?" Gabriel asked.
"Fine," Lewis said. "Just fine... a touch of arthritis is all."
"Lexie's here," Gabriel told him. "She and her parents are going to join us for dinner."
"And you too, I hope," Lewis replied.
Gabriel laughed. "Of course. I know I've not been around much. School's been a bear lately."
"Once summer vacation comes, you'll be all ours again," Lewis replied.
"Partly," Gabriel said. "I'm thinking of spending most of it in London."
"Understandable," Lewis nodded.
"But I'll still be around to go with you to the Dodgers games," Gabriel promised. "We can't mess with tradition, right?"
"Never," Lewis agreed.
"Have you talked to my Dad?" Gabriel asked. "Gram said he called earlier."
"I was outside in the garden," Lewis replied.
"You're being nice to him when you do talk to him, right?" Gabriel asked.
"I promise," Lewis held up his hands. "I'm being perfectly cordial."
Gabriel smiled. "That's all I ask."
"What's your grandmother making for dinner?" Lewis asked.
"Roast," Gabriel replied. "Your favourite."
"Wonderful," Lewis's eyes gleamed. "I wonder if she's got any ready to taste..."
"Probably not," Gabriel said thoughtfully. "She just started. Lex is helping her."
"Well, I'll just go in and say hello," Lewis got up again.
Gabriel followed him into the kitchen.
"Hiya, Mr. Boyd," Alexa said when she saw Lewis.
"Hello Alexa," Lewis said. "It's great to see you again."
"It's great to see you too," Alexa said giving him a hug. "I must confess the real reason I'm here is to eat dinner. Nothing else matters."
"When Maggie is cooking, that's all that matters to me too," Lewis kissed her cheek.
"He can be quite a charmer when he wants to be," Margaret said.
"Now we know where Gabe gets it from," Alexa grinned at her boyfriend.
Gabriel grinned back at her. He still couldn't get over the fact that she was actually here.
"Where's your car, Gabe?" Margaret asked.
"That crazy Nico probably has it," Lewis said shaking his head.
"He does," Gabriel said sheepishly. "Trying to impress a girl, as usual."
"Good thing he doesn't know we're eating dinner," Lewis chuckled.
"He probably will," Gabriel said. "He's bringing the car back just about the time we'll be sitting down to eat."
"I should probably set another place then," Margaret said. "Alexa dear, you may want to warn your parents in advance."
"I'm sure he's not that bad," Alexa said.
"You've met Nico," Lewis stated. "He'll never change."
"Mom used to call him a stray dog that followed me home one day and refused to leave afterwards," Gabriel remembered fondly.
Margaret laughed. "But she always did like him. Said he got you to loosen up."
"That's one way of putting it," Gabriel said.
"I like to think I had a hand in that as well," Alexa said as she sliced up a tomato.
"You certainly did," Margaret said smiling at her. "You've been really good for Gabriel. He was so worried about you, Alexa."
"It hasn't been an easy year for any of us," Alexa said. "But thanks to my family and friends things have really turned around."
"How's that Saffron?" Lewis asked. "I like her. She's got spunk."
"She's doing better," Alexa decided not to get into her best friend's current situation. She knew Gabriel had told Lewis and Margaret that she and Saffron had been in a terrible auto accident to explain her amnesia and Saffron's 'disappearance'.
"Lexie and I are going to have her come and visit in the fall," Gabriel told his grandparents.
"You three will have fun," Margaret nodded.
"I'll probably run up my phone bill the first few weeks of school," Alexa said. "Calling her everyday."
"That's how Sam was when Seamus went overseas," Margaret remembered.
"The last time I saw Mr. Finnegan, he showed me some photographs of her," Alexa said. "She was so beautiful and they looked so happy."
"She was beautiful," Margaret nodded.
"I wish I could have met her," Alexa said softly.
"She would have liked you," Lewis nodded. "Very much."
Alexa smiled. "Was she a big baseball fan like you?"
"The Dodgers or bust," Gabriel and Lewis said together, laughing.
"That sounds a little like my dad," Alexa said. "To him, there is no other football team but Manchester United."
"That's what they call soccer over there," Gabriel explained.
"Doesn't hold a candle to baseball," Lewis said. "That's the American past time."
"I'll take you to a Dodgers game once you come here," Gabriel promised. "Dad has fantastic seats."
"I'd like that," Alexa said happily. "You'll have to explain it all to me."
"Not a problem," Gabriel said quickly.
The four of them continued to talk while Alexa and Margaret made dinner. Gabriel had just finished setting the table when Alexa's parents arrived.
"This was really nice of you, Margaret," Karen said to her. "I know it was short notice and all."
"It was my pleasure," Margaret welcomed them in.
"You have a lovely home," Karen said.
"Thank you," Margaret said. "I'm sure Lewis would love to show Patrick the garden."
"Of course," Patrick said. "I'd love to see it."
Lewis took Patrick out back and Gabriel and Alexa busied themselves with bringing food to the table.
"Patrick and I haven't been to the States in ages," Karen said. "I can't get over the sunshine."
Margaret laughed. "I could never live where the sun doesn't shine almost all year."
"So we can rule out you moving to the U.K?" Karen joked.
"Afraid so," Margaret brought out a pitcher of lemonade. "Lewis and I are too set in our ways here."
"Well, since our girl is going to be living here, we're going to visit when we can," Karen said putting her arm around Alexa.
"By then I'll hopefully know more about the area," Alexa replied.
"You'll catch on," Margaret said confidently. "And you're welcome here anytime."
"Thank you," Alexa said with a smile.
"And I'll look out for her," Gabriel promised.
"We like hearing that," Karen replied warmly.
"What did you think of UCLA, Mrs. O'Leary?" Gabriel asked her.
"It's a lovely campus," Karen replied. "And we got to see Alexa's dormitory and meet her room mate."
"Her name's Stephanie and she's from Oklahoma," Alexa told Margaret.
"She was a very nice girl," Karen nodded.
"I'm sure the two of you will get along famously," Margaret said.
Alexa nodded as Gabriel set down a stack of napkins.
"HELLO!" a familiar voice called out from the front of the house. "Do I smell dinner?"
"Nico," Gabriel groaned.
"Who?" Karen asked confused.
"Mrs. B," Nico said breezing into the kitchen. "How's it going?"
"Nico," Gabriel hissed. "Manners?"
"Sorry," Nico said sheepishly. "How are you, Mrs. B?"
"Nico," Margaret shook her head but smiled. "You remember Alexa, right?"
Nico turned and saw the red-haired girl standing at the counter.
"Hello, Nico," Alexa said laughing.
"Hey!" he said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"We came over to tour UCLA," Alexa told him. "And I surprised Gabe."
"You got him to stop studying," Nico shook his head. "Amazing."
"Temporarily," Alexa said. "This is my mum, Karen O'Leary."
"Wow," Nico said. "I mean... hi."
"It's nice to meet you," Karen said extending her hand.
"You too," Nico could hardly take his eyes off Alexa's pretty mother.
Gabriel hit his friend hard on the shoulder. "Could you not be you for like five minutes?" Gabriel whispered.
"That's kind of hard," Nico whispered back with a grin. "She married?"
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Yes and her husband's right outside with my grandfather. Besides, I thought you were in love with Gina."
"She's old news," Nico waved his hand. "But hey, I did bring your car back on time. A little early too, I might add."
Gabriel took the keys from him. "I'm amazed."
"And she's in perfect condition," Nico continued.
"It still doesn't make up for the last time you took my car," Gabriel said. "And how you promised you'd pick me up at the library. I missed the bus and had to walk home..."
"I washed it for you," Nico replied.
"You hung up an air freshener," Gabriel countered.
"No I mean this time," Nico said. "Waxed it too."
"Nico, will you be joining us for dinner?" Margaret asked.
"Hell yeah," Nico replied.
Gabriel turned red. "Nico..."
"Sorry," Nico said. "Um... that'd be nice Mrs. B. Thanks."
"What do you do, Nico?" Karen asked conversationally.
"I go to the community college nearby," Nico replied. "And I stock the shelves at Ralph's in the evenings."
"What are you studying?" Karen asked.
"Mechanics," Nico answered.
"That sounds lovely," Karen said. "I know absolutely nothing about cars."
"I love them," Nico said. "Any car."
"Don't get my husband started," Karen said. "He loves cars. It's his dream to one day own an Aston Martin."
"I'd love to even SEE one of those in person," Nico said covetously.
"Gabe, doesn't your father have one?" Alexa asked.
"He hasn't taken it out of the garage the entire time I've known him," Gabriel said dryly.
"You've been holding out on me, mate," Nico said. "Gabe..."
"I didn't know till just a few months ago," Gabriel held his hands up.
The back door opened and Patrick and Lewis came inside.
"Lew, what's up my man?" Nico asked
"Hello Nico," Lewis shook his head. "Why am I not surprised to see you here?"
Nico laughed. "I'm always here, Mr. B."
"More than Gabriel is," Lewis pointed out.
"Grandpa," Gabe said shaking his head.
Lewis smiled. "Patrick I'm sorry- this is Gabriel's best friend and our adopted son, Nico."
"A fellow car enthusiast," Nico said shaking Patrick's hand.
"Very much so," Patrick replied.
Gabriel came up behind Alexa. "He's something else, isn't he?"
"You can say that again," Alexa leaned against him as he put his arms around her waist.
"Have I told you how happy I am that you're here?" Gabriel whispered.
"Uh huh," she said. "But you can tell me again."
"I'm happy that you're here," Gabriel said nuzzling her neck.
"I wish we could stay together tonight," Alexa said. "But I'm sharing a suite with my parents."
"It's okay," Gabriel reassured her. "Spring Break's coming up soon. We'll have time then."
"I hope so," Alexa replied softly.
"I love you," Gabriel said turning her around so he could look properly at her.
"I love you too," she smiled up at him.
"Mental best friend and all?" Gabriel asked with a crooked grin.
"You know it," Alexa pecked him on the lips.
"I hope everyone's hungry," Margaret announced. "Because dinner is ready."
"I'm starved," Nico said eagerly.
"When are you not?" Gabriel asked.
"That In-N-Out burger I had didn't even faze me," Nico sat down.
"Just an appetizer?" Alexa teased him.
Nico nodded.
"What happened to the burger you were supposed to bring me?" Gabriel asked.
"I knew you'd be coming here," Nico said smoothly.
"Sure you did," Gabriel pulled Alexa's chair out for her.
"Thanks," Alexa smiled at him before she sat down.
Gabriel smiled back. He still couldn't believe she was here. He also couldn't believe that in a few short months, he'd be able to see her nearly every day.
"Gabe, where's that cousin of yours?" Nico asked. "Saffron? She still with that same guy?"
Alexa giggled. "Yes, Nico. She is. She's still recuperating. But, I'll make sure to tell her that you said hello."
"She was hot, man." Nico shook his head.
Gabriel kicked his friend under the table.
"Ow!" Nico yelped.
"Cool it, would you?" Gabriel asked.
Nico glared at him.
"Just for an hour," he hissed.
"Okay, okay," Nico said. "I'll behave."
"Thank you," Gabriel said in relief.
Alexa, Karen and Patrick all laughed.
"For now," Nico winked at Karen.
Gabriel put his head in his hands.
"It's okay Gabe," Alexa touched his arm.
"We find him perfectly charming," Karen said.
Nico nodded in agreement. "Me too."
"It kind of wears off after awhile," Lewis muttered.
"Lew!" Nico said, affronted.
"Lewis," Margaret chastised him. "We love Nico."
"Thanks Mrs. B.," Nico reached for the roast.
"How are your father and Lavender?" Patrick asked.
"Good," Gabriel nodded. "Been keeping busy."
"He hasn't spoken to them," Margaret chided.
"Not in a few weeks," Gabriel confessed. "I was going to give Dad a call tomorrow."
"Give them our best when you do talk to him," Karen said.
"I will," Gabriel promised.
"Speaking of home, I want to call Saffy when we get back to the hotel," Alexa said. "Just to see how she's doing and let her know about UCLA."
"Sure, sweetheart," Karen replied.
"Tell her I said hello," Nico said.
"I will," Alexa said. "Just hello though..."
Nico grinned. "Keep her options open you know."
Alexa laughed. "Don't ever change, Nico."
"Don't tell him that," Gabriel said.
"I like hearing it," Nico returned.
"Do you know who'd be perfect for you?" Alexa asked Nico. "My friend, Beth. But, unfortunately, she's already taken."
"Married?" he asked.
Alexa shook her head. "No! They're just dating. But it's serious."
"Damn," Nico shook his head.
"Elizabeth's a very sweet girl," Karen agreed. "A little shallow, but very sweet."
"Same with Meems," Alexa said fondly.
Nico dropped his fork. "Meems?"
"Also taken," Gabriel said dryly.
"Ugh," Nico grumbled.
"You'll find your girl, Nico," Margaret told him.
"I sure hope so," Nico said. "Gabe had to go across the ocean to find his."
"And I struck gold," Gabriel grinned.
"Good answer," Alexa said squeezing his hand under the table.
Patrick nodded. "I agree."
Gabriel managed to get through the rest of the meal without kicking his best friend or shooting him death glares.
"That was just delicious," Karen said. "Margaret, I must get your recipe."
"Thank you, Karen," Margaret replied. "I'll write it down for you right now."
"How about Gabriel and I make some coffee?" Alexa asked.
"That'd be nice," Patrick said.
"Nico, can you help us clear the table?" Alexa asked.
"Sure," Nico said standing up. "I'd be happy to."
Gabriel cast him a disbelieving look but didn't say anything.
"I can be useful," Nico said when the three of them were alone.
"Sure you can," Gabriel said.
Nico started to stack the plates. "Alexa, how do you put up with him? Do you see how he treats his oldest and dearest friend?"
"He's just so cute," Alexa said, laughing.
"Did you hear that?" Gabriel asked.
"Unfortunately," Nico turned the water on.
"You wash and I'll dry," Alexa said smiling at him.
"Sure," Nico agreed readily.
Gabriel leaned against the counter. "So I guess this is where the two of you bond?"
"You bet," Nico slung an arm around Alexa's shoulders.
"He can tell me all the silly stories about you that no one else knows," Alexa said.
"I have plenty of those," Nico replied.
"Oooh," Alexa said eagerly. "Do tell."
Gabriel shook his head as he reached into the cabinet for the jar of coffee.
"There was fourth grade in Mrs. Stewart's class," Nico began.
Gabriel groaned. "Not the fish story, Nico."
"The fish story?" Alexa asked. "Oooh. I'm intrigued."
"We had these goldfish, they were our class pet," Nico said. "Gabe here felt sorry for them, so he decided to liberate them one day."
"Aww!" Alexa gushed.
"He flushed them down the toilet," Nico continued.
Alexa covered her mouth. "Gabe!"
Gabriel shrugged sheepishly. "I thought they'd swim out and be in the ocean."
"That's the cutest thing ever," Alexa said looking adoringly at him.
Gabriel laughed. "Glad someone thinks so. Everyone was pretty ticked at me."
"He had to stay after class for two weeks," Nico laughed.
"You had detention?" Alexa asked.
"Oh yes," Gabriel said. "I had to write on the board about 100 times."
"But that's only the tip of the iceberg, Lexie," Nico said handing her a plate. "I have a name that will set fear in the heart of one Gabriel Boyd-Finnegan. And that name is Mary Catherine Wright."
"Nico!" Gabriel shook his head.
"Seventh grade," Nico said ignore Gabriel. "Our first school dance. He wants to ask Mary Catherine Wright. He had this massive crush on her the entire year."
"She turned you down?" Alexa asked.
Nico cackled. "Well, she might have done if he'd have asked her."
"Awww," Alexa said.
"He was trying to work up the courage to ask her and he finally gets his big chance during lunch," Nico told her. "So, he goes and stands in front of her lunch table and completely freezes."
Gabriel turned red and rolled his eyes.
"And she asks him what's wrong," Nico continued. "And he tells her that she has ketchup on her chin before he practically runs out of the cafeteria."
"Not my finest hour," Gabriel said dryly.
"His skills with the ladies have improved since then," Alexa said grinning at him.
"I hope so," Gabriel answered.
"He's okay," Nico said with a smirk.
"He's better than okay," Alexa said.
"So you really had amnesia like they have in the movies?" Nico asked. "I mean, Gabe said your car crash was pretty bad."
Alexa nodded. "I'm still remembering things."
"Things are over between you and that DJ guy?" Nico asked.
"Nico!" Gabriel protested.
"RJ," Alexa corrected. "And yes, things are over between him and I. We're just really good friends now."
"I could never be friends with an ex," Nico said.
"He's a good guy," Alexa reassured him. "He was there for me when I really needed him."
Gabriel nodded. "When I couldn't be."
"As long as he knows what's what," Nico said. "I've got to look out for my boy."
Alexa hugged Gabriel around the waist. "He knows he's the only bloke for me."
"I like this girl," Nico said beaming at her.
"I love this girl," Gabriel gave her a kiss.
Alexa forgot that Nico was there. She'd missed being in Gabriel's arms like this. "I love this boy," Alexa whispered.
Gabriel had also forgotten Nico was there. He leaned in and gave her a longer, sweet kiss.
"How about I see how the grown-ups are doing?" Nico asked chuckling to himself as he left the room.
"Finally a moment alone," Gabriel whispered.
"Alone at last," Alexa said softly.
Gabriel kissed her much more thoroughly.
Alexa's arms snaked around his waist. She forgot that at any moment her parents or Gabe's grandparents could come into the kitchen and catch them. Right now, she didn't care.
"I've missed being with you," Gabriel admitted.
"I know," Alexa said. "I mean, I don't remember what it was like before, but I know that I'd like to be with you like that...again."
"Soon," he stroked her cheek.
Alexa gave him one last kiss. "We'd better get that coffee before your grandparents wonder what happened to us."
"Right," Gabriel agreed.
"Actually," Alexa said. "I was wondering if I could use your mobile again? I wanted to call Saffy and check on her. I was going to wait until we were at the hotel, but..."
"Sure," Gabriel nodded.
Alexa took it from him. "Thank you. I'll join you in a few minutes. I promise."
"Sure," Gabriel smiled at her before taking the tray into the dining room.
Alexa quickly dialled Saffron's number and waited for her friend to answer.
"Hallo?" Saffron's voice came over the line. "Gabe?"
"No," Alexa said. "It's me...calling from his phone."
"Lexie," Saffron's voice warmed.
"How are you?" Alexa asked.
"I'm okay," Saffron said.
"I bought you some things from UCLA," Alexa told her. "It's such a big campus, Saffy. You wouldn't believe..."
"I'll miss you when you're gone."
"Saffy," Alexa said softly. "I'm going to miss you, too. But, it's not for a few months..."
"I know," Saffron said.
"We'll call each other every day," Alexa promised. "And you're going to come and visit..."
"I can't wait," Saffron said softly.
"Are you nervous about your appointment Friday?" Alexa asked. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."
"Terrified," Saffron admitted.
"I'll be home," Alexa said. "And I can go with you and your mum if you want."
"Would you?" Saffron asked. "I'd feel better if you were there."
"Of course," Alexa replied. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. You know that."
"Thanks Lexie," Saffron said gratefully.
"What are you up to there?" Alexa asked. "No, let me guess. You're reading a book and Puddles is on your lap..."
"You know me too well," Saffron replied.
"Like a sister," Alexa said fondly.
"You're just as close to me as Jules," Saffron said.
"You've always been there for me," Alexa said. "No matter what."
"Same for you," Saffron said. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself over there."
"I am," Alexa said. "You should have seen the look on Gabe's face when I surprised him."
Saffron had to smile. "I can just see it."
"I'm at his house right now," Alexa told her. "We had dinner with his grandparents and Nico."
"That's lovely," Saffron replied. "Who's Nico again?"
"Gabe's crazy best friend," Alexa told her. "He's a little mental, but he's harmless. He wanted to know if you and Andrew were still together. Apparently, he thinks you're quite the catch."
"I've never even met him!" Saffron said.
"He's seen pictures from Gabe," Alexa giggled.
"Speaking of Andrew, he's coming over in a bit." Saffron said.
"He's hardly left your side since all this happened," Alexa commented.
"He's really been amazing," Saffron said. "But I just wonder... if I'm pregnant... what he'll think."
"It would be difficult for him, but he'd stand behind you, you know that," Alexa said thoughtfully. "He loves you."
"I'm lucky," Saffron replied.
"So is he," Alexa said.
"Thanks Lexie," Saffron said.
"I'd better go," Alexa said. "I'll be home tomorrow evening. I'll ring you when we get in."
"Sounds good," Saffron said. "Have a nice time tonight and tell Gabe I said hello."
"Thanks, Saffy," Alexa said. "And don't worry. Everything's going to be fine."
"I hope so," Saffron said. "Bye Lexie."
Saffron hung up the phone and picked up her book again. She'd been staring at the same page for the last half hour.
"Sweetheart?" Hermione knocked on the door. "Andrew's here..."
"He's early," Saffron said softly.
"I'll tell him you're not ready yet," Hermione turned to go.
"No," Saffron said setting her book aside. "I'm ready."
"You sure, baby?" Hermione brushed her hair back.
Saffron nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. I'll be right down, Mum."
"All right," Hermione smiled at her.
Saffron looked down at her dog. "You ready to go see Andrew?"
Puddles barked.
Saffron laughed. "Come on, then."
Andrew grinned when he saw his girlfriend. "Hey you."
"Hey," Saffron said smiling at him. "I thought you were going to come over after your practise. It's just past one now..."
"We got out early," Andrew replied, reaching for her.
Saffron went willingly into his arms. She felt so warm and safe there. "I'm glad you're here."
Andrew kissed the top of her head. "Wouldn't be anywhere else if you needed me."
"Are you hungry?" Saffron asked looking up at him. "Greta sent over some of her vegetable soup."
"Sure," Andrew replied. "I was going to see if you wanted to go grab a bite."
"It might be good for you to get out of the house," Hermione commented. "It's a lovely day."
"We can eat out back," Saffron replied.
Andrew nodded. "Whatever you want."
"Why don't I heat it up for you," Hermione suggested. "You two go out and enjoy the weather."
"You sure you don't mind, Mum?" Saffron asked. "I can do it..."
"I don't mind at all, Saffy," Hermione replied. "I'm capable of heating up soup."
Despite herself, Saffron laughed. "I wasn't implying that you couldn't. I just don't want you to feel as if you have to wait on me."
Andrew grinned. "I think we'll just head on out back."
"Come on, Puddles," Saffron called to her dog.
Puddles barked and jumped up at Andrew.
Saffron laughed. "He was as happy to see you as I was."
Andrew laughed. "Of course he is."
Andrew opened the door to the back patio and Saffron stepped outside. "Is that the sun, I see?"
"Believe it or not," he joked.
"Mum wasn't lying," Saffron said closing her eyes as she felt the wind on her skin. "It's really nice out here."
Andrew slid his arm around her. "Sure is..."
Saffron leaned against him. "It must have been great to practise in weather like this."
"How come you didn't have practise today?" Andrew asked.
"I did," Saffron said looking down at the ground. "I just---I didn't feel like going."
"You didn't?" Andrew asked. "But--"
"I just couldn't do it," Saffron interjected. "I'm not ready."
"That's okay," Andrew said. "I'm sure they understand."
"I hope so," Saffron said quietly. "It's just---they were all there at that party, Andrew. They know what happened."
"They aren't judging you, Saffy," Andrew told her.
Saffron folded her arms. "It just seems like that's what they see when they look at me, Andrew."
"That's not true, Saf," Andrew objected.
"How can you look at me after this?" Saffron asked him. "Or touch me?"
"Saffron," Andrew replied. "I love you. What happened wasn't your fault."
Saffron started to cry. "I went to that party, Andrew. I shouldn't have and he---"
"Saffron come here," Andrew pulled her to him. "You were drugged. He messed with your head. What happened was NOT your fault and I won't let you blame yourself!"
"I was just getting over what Devereaux did to me!" Saffron told him. "And then this happens and I just as if it's all falling apart again."
"Look at me," Andrew cupped her face in his hands. "You are not going to let this tear you apart."
She wondered if he'd feel the same way if she turned up pregnant with O'Neal's baby.
"Nothing could ever make me stop loving you," Andrew told her intently.
"Oh, Andrew," Saffron said softly.
"I mean it," Andrew said.
"I love you so much," Saffron said hugging him tightly.
"I love you too, Saf," Andrew kissed the side of her head.
The back door opened and Hermione came out carrying a tray of soup and drinks. "I also made you some sandwiches."
Saffron pulled away and wiped at her eyes. "Thanks Mum."
"You okay?" Hermione asked setting the tray down on the table.
Saffron nodded. "I'm okay."
Hermione wasn't so sure, but she wasn't going to press her daughter on it now. "I'll be upstairs in my office if you need me."
"Thanks," Andrew said as Saffron wiped her eyes again.
Saffron sat down at the table. "Come on, Andrew."
"Hungry?" he asked her.
Saffron nodded. "Comfort food, right?"
"You don't need comfort food," Andrew said firmly.
Saffron looked across the table at him. "I was trying to be funny."
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"It's okay," Saffron said reaching across the table and squeezing his hand.
Andrew smiled at her. "That's my girl."
"Let's talk about something else," Saffron said.
"Sure," Andrew nodded. "Like your next match?"
"No," Saffron said. "Like...how's RJ?"
"He's fine," Andrew said. "Completely obsessed with spending time with Audrey."
Saffron smiled. "That's good." She knew he was still beating himself up over not being at the party, but she didn't want him to do that. It wasn't his fault.
"He asked if you were up for a double date anytime soon," Andrew added.
"Maybe," Saffron said noncommittally. "Maybe I could make dinner for all of us at your place."
"That would be nice too," Andrew nodded.
"Lexie called just before you arrived," Saffron told him.
"Oh yeah?" he asked.
"She liked the campus," Saffron told him. "And she's having dinner with Gabe and his grandparents right now."
"Good for her," Andrew nodded.
"She'll be back tomorrow," Saffron said before taking a bite of her sandwich.
"I can't wait to hear more about her trip," Andrew said. "I was always curious about university over there."
"You never told me that," Saffron said thoughtfully.
"Just a random curiosity," Andrew shrugged.
"What would you have studied?" Saffron asked him.
"I don't know," Andrew replied. "Maybe sports medicine or something?"
"Doctor Andrew Kirke," Saffron said with a grin.
"Has a nice ring, aye?" Andrew asked.
"It does," Saffron said. "You could be bandaging up the knee of some pro athlete..."
"But I'd like being that pro athlete much more," Andrew said.
"You'd be great at anything you decided to do," Saffron said smiling at him.
"Thanks," Andrew replied.
"I think I'd want to do something with kids, if I wasn't playing Quidditch," Saffron said. "Maybe a teacher...like Jules..."
"You'd be good at that," Andrew nodded.
Saffron smiled. "I always have fun with the little ones at family gatherings and when I baby-sit."
"And all those kids love you," Andrew pointed out.
"They don't know what happened to me, but this morning, they sent over cards telling me they wanted me to get better," Saffron said. "Emma even sent me some biscuits."
"That's so sweet," Andrew laughed.
"Everyone's been so great," Saffron said softly.
"Because we all love you," Andrew told her.
Saffron smiled. "I know that."
"Especially me," Andrew leaned towards her.
Saffron leaned in and kissed him.
"You're my girl," Andrew said softly when they pulled apart.
"No matter what?" Saffron asked in a small voice.
"No matter what," Andrew repeated.
Saffron didn't know what she'd done to deserve such devotion. She couldn't help thinking that she was damaged goods now given what had happened with O'Neal. But, Andrew still looked at her the same way he always had.
"Eat," he told her.
"Aye, aye, captain," Saffron said. She took a bite of the soup. "This is really good.
"Greta's one of the best cooks I know," Andrew admitted.
"She is," Saffron said fondly. "Your mum's not so bad, either."
"Nah," Andrew said with an easy smile. "Second best cook..."
Saffron laughed. "I'm sure she'd be glad to hear that."
"She misses you," Andrew told her. "Wants you to come over soon."
"Did you tell her?" Saffron asked.
"About what happened?" Andrew asked. "No."
Saffron nodded. "I just---I don't want her or your dad to know."
"I won't tell anyone unless you want me to," Andrew promised.
"I just keep waiting to wake up to find my picture on the front page of the papers and have the whole world know," Saffron said.
"Saffy--" he began.
"Someone's bound to find out soon," Saffron said. "I mean, Frankie's kept it secret because the team doesn't want it getting out. Aunt Luna's managed to keep the arrest under wraps. I just---I know it's going to come out eventually and I'll be poor, little Saffron Potter again."
"No you won't," Andrew said firmly. "You're going to stand tall in all this."
Saffron looked at him. "How can you know that?"
"Because I know you," Andrew said. "You're strong, Saffy."
"I'm trying," Saffron said. "I really am."
"And that's why we're all here for you," Andrew told her.
Saffron squeezed his hand. "I love you."
"Love you too," Andrew said reassuringly. "Always."
Saffron hoped that would still be the case after her appointment. She tried to tell herself that she was worrying for nothing. There was no possible way she could be pregnant.
"What did you want to do after lunch?" Andrew asked her.
Saffron shrugged. "I don't know."
"A movie?" Andrew suggested. "A theatre in Chelsea is showing a double feature. Hitchcock. Your favourite."
"Rear Window and The Birds?" Saffron brightened.
"The very same," Andrew said with a grin. "And I promise that I will not squeal like a girl during The Birds."
Saffron had to laugh. "I'll believe that when I see it."
"You know I only did that for comic effect," Andrew said.
"Sure you did," Saffron replied.
"I did," Andrew said leaning back in his chair. "It didn't scare me in the slightest..."
"Right," Saffron said. "Which is why you freaked when we saw those pigeons in Piccadilly..."
"Okay, you have to admit that was a little freaky the way they swarmed toward us," Andrew said defensively.
"Not really," Saffron replied.
"There were hundreds of them," Andrew pointed out.
Saffron laughed. "More like ten, Andrew."
Andrew loved hearing her laugh. He hadn't heard it enough these past few days.
"Hundreds," Andrew corrected her. "And they all looked like they wanted to take my head off."
"Whatever," Saffron said.
"So, are you up for it?" Andrew asked.
"I am," Saffron said. "You?"
"It's a big step for me, but I'm willing to do it since it is one of your favourite movies," Andrew said.
"Thanks," Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "We'll have a good time."
"I always do, with you," Saffron reached for his hand.
Andrew gave her hand a squeeze. "I missed that smile of yours."
"It's there, sometimes," Saffron replied.
Andrew smiled at her. "Let's clean this up, eh?"
Saffron nodded, gathering their empty bowls.
"I think someone's begging for table scraps," Andrew said looking down at Puddles who was whimpering at their feet.
"What else is new?" Saffron asked dryly.
"Come here, Pud," Andrew said. "Let's go get you a dog treat."
Puddles eagerly scampered after Andrew as Saffron gathered the rest of their dishes.
She carried them into the kitchen and set them in the sink. "We could probably walk to the theatre."
"Sure," Andrew nodded.
"I'm just going to go upstairs and let Mum know," Saffron said.
"I'll wait here with Puddles," Andrew replied.
"I'm just going to go upstairs and let Mum know," Saffron said.
"I'll wait here with Puddles," Andrew replied.
Saffron gave him a peck on the cheek before heading upstairs to her mother's office.
"Mum?" Saffron knocked on the door. "Andrew and I are going to the movies."
Hermione looked up from her paperwork. "Oh?"
"They're having a Hitchcock festival nearby," Saffron replied.
Hermione laughed. "You never could resist those."
Saffron shook her head. "Especially Rear Window and The Birds."
"It's too bad your father's on assignment," Hermione said. "I know he'd love to see that."
"I'll check and see when the next one is," Saffron promised.
"It'll be good for you to get out," Hermione said smiling at her.
Saffron nodded. "I don't think we'll be late."
"Have a good time," Hermione said.
"Thanks," Saffron came forward and hugged her mother.
"Oh, sweetheart," Hermione said hugging her tightly. "Everything's going to be okay."
"I hope so," Saffron replied.
"I know so," Hermione said. "You and Andrew are going to have a nice afternoon."
"See you later," Saffron said.
"Bye, sweetheart," Hermione called after her.
"All set?" Andrew asked when she came back down.
"Yeah," Saffron replied. "The question is, are you?"
"Very funny," he said.
"I promise I'll never tell anyone," Saffron teased.
"I owe you," Andrew said in mock gratitude.
"Yes you do and I'm thinking of a good way for you to repay me," Saffron said tugging on his arm.
"Like?" he asked.
"I have a few ideas," Saffron said coyly.
"Tell me more," he said, taking her hand.
"Well, there's endless kisses," Saffron said thoughtfully. "Whenever and however I want them..."
"You've got that," Andrew said.
"I do, don't I?" Saffron asked with a grin. "Well, scratch that..."
"Uh oh," he said dramatically.
Saffron thought for a few moments. "Well, there's...no, I couldn't ask you to do that...."
"Do what?" he asked.
Saffron shook her head. "That might be cruel and unusual punishment..."
"Tell me!" Andrew looked at her.
Saffron laughed. "I was thinking of making you wear a Puddlemere Princess shirt..."
Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"See?" Saffron grinned. "Cruel and unusual punishment and I'd never do that to you."
"Thank you," he said gratefully.
"So, maybe a nice warm bath," Saffron said. "Just you and me..."
"I could do that," he said, pulling her close.
Saffron smiled up at him. "So, I guess we agree then."
"Quite so," he nuzzled her ear.
She smiled as she heard his words from earlier echo in her ear. He would love her no matter what.