“Lucy, can you get that?” Gerard called out from the bedroom. He was getting dressed and assumed it was his brother and Alicia at the door.

“Sure” Lucy yelled back. Making her way out of the kitchen she headed for the front door with her coffee cup still in hand. Pulling open the door she smiled, “Good morning.”

Mikey answered first, “Good morning, Lucy. Let me guess my brother isn’t ready yet.”

Alicia laughed, “Of course he’s not. He’s never ready on time.” She moved past her husband to walk inside. “Got another cup of coffee?”

Lucy closed the door behind them. “Sure do. Mikey would you like one too?”

He nodded, “Yeah, thanks.” He smiled remembering what Alicia had said on the way over… he need to try to warm up towards Lucy. “You look very nice this morning.”

Lucy was surprised by his comment. “Oh, thank you. But I’m really thinking I should change. The clothes I bought really aren’t California friendly.”

Alicia nodded, “Yeah, you’d probably be hot in that sweater.”

By this time they’d reached the kitchen. “So a tee will be okay?” Lucy asked Alicia as she poured their coffee.

Alicia laughed looking down at her tee. “I would say so, much cooler and def more comfortable. I wish you’d said something yesterday. I would have brought you some of my stuff.”

“I have a tee.” Lucy said leaning against the counter then taking a sip of her coffee. “I’ll be right back.” She passed Gerard in the hallway. “They’re in the kitchen.”

“Where are you headed?”

“Gonna change into a tee shirt.” She explained. “Go drink your coffee.”

He kissed her quickly then headed for the kitchen where he found his brother and Alicia sitting at the island.

“Hey, bro.” Mikey said as he entered the room.

“Morning.” Gerard muttered making a beeline for the coffee maker.

“Frank and Ray are already at the studio.”

Gerard sighed, “Yeah, I get it. I’m late.” He took a seat next to Alicia the lowered his voice. “She’s a bit nervous about today.”

Alicia gave him a surprised look, “Why?”

Gerard sighed, “I think it has to do with she didn’t bring a lot of money with her so...”

“Oh” Alicia nodded, “I understand. Don’t worry I’ll handle it.”

He wasn’t sure what she meant. “Handle it?”

“We’ll mostly just window shop.” She too lowered her voice. “Guess she wouldn’t take any money from you?”

“She balked at the idea of taking a cell phone from me.” He sighed.

“But she did?”

He nodded.

“Good, make sure you call her today.”

He laughed, “Yes, mom. I will.” Alicia was great at giving him instructions on what he should and shouldn’t do.

She knew he was teasing. “Hey, just trying to help.”

“I know you are.” Gerard said softly, “And thank you. I just wish I understood why she’s so uncomfortable here.”

Alicia had her own ideas on the subject but wanted to spend more time alone with Lucy to be sure. “We’re gonna have a good day so don’t you worry.”

He wished he could believe there was nothing to worry about but in his heart he was worried.
Lucy walked back into the kitchen wearing a simple yellow tee.

“Much better.” Alicia nodded to her. “Now if we can just get these guys to head out we’ll be ready to go.”

Mikey, who was anxious to get to the studio slipped off his chair. “She’s right. We need to leave.”

Gerard put some coffee in a travel mug then made his way towards Lucy who was standing a short distance away. “I’ll see you tonight.” He said putting his arm around her shoulder as they all headed towards the door.

“Have a good day.” Lucy said forcing a smile.

Gerard kissed her before saying. “You too.”

Mikey was already standing outside waiting. Once Gerard joined him Lucy turned to Alicia. “Do you want to finish your coffee first?”

“Sure do.” Alicia smiled, “Then we’ll head out.”
_______________________________________________

“So” Mikey glanced over at his brother. “Did Lucy say she had a good Thanksgiving?”

Gerard answered without taking his eyes off the traffic. “Yeah, she did.”

“Dad really liked her.” Mikey said thinking back to the conversation he and his father had after Gerard and Lucy had left last night.

This time Gerard did steal a quick glance at his brother. “What exactly did he say?”

“Just that he could understand why you seem so in love with her…”

Gerard cut him off, “I am in love with her.”

Mikey sighed, “I didn’t mean it to sound like that. I know you love her. Dad said he could tell she really loves you too.”

“Then why the fuck and I so worried about things working out for us?” Gerard said allowing himself to admit his fear.

Mikey hated to say it but it was the truth. “Maybe because you’re relationship started off with lies?”

Gerard sighed, “She said she understands why I lied. But I know you’re right I’m sure that still has something to do with it. I just wish she’d talk to me more about how she’s feeling.”

The last thing Mikey wanted was for his brother to be in a bad mood today. They had too much to get done. “Hey, she’s gonna spend the day with Alicia. If anyone can get her to open up about her feelings it’s my wife.”

Gerard still had some lingering anger towards Mikey about his initial meeting with Lucy. “Yeah, she’s been very nice to her.”

Mikey heard that anger in his voice. “Gee, I’ve told you, I’m sorry about what went on back in Kansas. I took my anger out on Lucy when it was you I was really pissed at.”

“But you still aren’t exactly very friendly towards her.”

The accusation hung in the air for several minutes before Mikey responded. “I just worry about you. I can’t help it. I know you love her and I honestly want things to work out for you.”

“But you’re worried that if they don’t I won’t take it well.”

“Yeah, of course. Can you blame me?”

“I suppose not.” Gerard said softly. “But they will work out. Somehow I’ll make sure that happens.”

His answer only worried Mikey more.
_________________________________________________________

Alicia shifted her shopping bag from one hand to the other. So far she and Lucy had hit several of her favorite stores but she could tell Lucy was growing quieter by the minute. “Ready to stop for lunch?”

Lucy nodded, “Sure, that sounds good.”

The reached the car and Alicia stashed her bag in the trunk before getting behind the wheel. “So what should we have for lunch?”

Lucy latched her seat belt then glanced over at her new friend. “Whatever, I’m not picky.”

Alicia slid her sunglasses into place. “Do you like Mexican? There’s a great place near here.” She was shocked when Lucy started laughing. It only took her a moment to realize why. “Oh”

Lucy tried to stop. “Sorry, but that was funny. Yeah, for some reason I do like Mexican food. Matter of fact I ate a lot of it growing up.”

Alicia looked sheepish. “That was sorta a stupid question.”

“Hey” Lucy was afraid she’d hurt her feelings. “It wasn’t stupid just funny. When I was growing up my parents actually owned a Mexican restaurant.”

“Really?”

Lucy nodded, “Yeah in East Compton.My sister and I loved working there helping out when we could.”

Alicia tried to tread lightly, Gerard had told her Lucy had no family. “Uh, what happened to the restaurant?”

“A few years before my parents died they lost it. Business dropped off and they had to declare bankruptcy.”

“What happened to your parents?” Alicia asked softly hoping this discussion wouldn’t upset Lucy but wanting to know more about her life.

“Car crash.” Lucy sighed, “They were heat head on by an 18 wheeler, both died instantly.”

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

“It was a long time ago.” Lucy said sadly, “But I still miss them.”

Alicia smiled sadly, “I’m sure you do.” She paused a moment then asked, “And your sister?”

Lucy realized that Gerard must have told her that she had no living family. “She died eight years ago.”

When she offered no more information Alicia believed she should drop the conversation but suddenly Lucy spoke.

“My sister got involved with a bad crowd. Her boyfriend was a drug dealer. Connie was with him when I drug deal went bad. She was caught in the crossfire.”

Alicia sighed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay.” Lucy shrugged. “I’m guessing you just knew I didn’t have any living family, right?”

“That’s what Gee told me.” Alicia admitted.

Lucy nodded, “So I understand you being curious. But to get back to our original conversation…yeah, I love Mexican food but I’d rather not have it for lunch. I was thinking I’d surprise Gerard tonight by making him dinner.”

Alicia smiled, “You’re gonna make Mexican food?”

“Yes, that’s my plan. I was thinking if we could I’d like to stop at a store on the way home so I can get what I need to make tamales.”

Alicia’s eyes lit up. “Yum, homemade tamales, he’ll love that. When they work all day doing a video they are tried and hungry when they get home. That will be a treat for him.”

Lucy was suddenly struck by an idea. “Would you and Mikey like to have dinner with us? I’d be happy to make enough for everyone.”

Alicia was pleased by the offer, “Are you sure?”

“Of course.” Lucy smiled, “Uh, Mikey does like Mexican, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah, my boy loves authentic Mexican food.” Alicia nodded, “But I just thought you and Gee might want some alone time.”

The truth was while Lucy loved alone time with Gerard she also needed time to think and that didn’t seem to happen when they were alone. “I’m sure, it will be nice to cook for people.” Lucy admitted.

“Well great.” Alicia started the car. “So that just leaves us with the problem of what to have for lunch.”

“A cheeseburger sounds pretty tempting.” Lucy admitted.

“And a chocolate shake.” Alicia added. “I know just the place.”
_________________________________________________________

“So Gee” Frank took a seat next to him while they were waiting for shooting to begin again. “Mikey told me you brought a guest to Thanksgiving dinner.”

Gerard smiled, “Yeah, Lucy came back from Kansas with me.”

“I didn’t even know you were going to see her.”

Understanding his friend was curious Gerard nodded, “Yeah, it was time. I needed to see her, I needed to tell her how sorry I was for my fuck up.”

Frank had known about Lucy from Mikey but was still confused on some of the details. “So, the trip obviously went well?”

Gerard smiled, “Yeah, it did.” There was so much Frank didn’t know he wasn’t sure where to begin so for now that was the only answer he felt comfortable with on the subject. “Matter of fact I was just gonna call her to see how she’d doing.”

“Oh, want some privacy?”

Gerard shook his head, “No, not necessary.” He pulled out his cell. “This will just be a quick call.” She answered on the fourth ring. “Hey” He felt so happy just hearing her voice. “How’s it going?”

Lucy glanced across the table. “Just fine. Alicia and I are waiting for our lunch. What are you doing?”

“Waiting for the crew to set up another take.” Gerard sighed. “And wishing I was there with you.”

Frank leaned over “Hey, Lucy.” He called out.

“Who’s that?”

Gerard laughed, “Uh, that’s Frank.”

“Well tell him I said hello.”

Gerard repeated her words to his friend then spoke to Lucy, “Yeah, I can’t shake the little troll.” He teased. “Follows me everywhere…ouch.”

Lucy laughed, “Ouch?”

“He hit me.” Gerard explained. “He’s like that. Comes into town and causes trouble.”

“Comes into town?”

Again Gerard realized there was a lot she didn’t know. “Yeah, he actually lives in Jersey with his wife and kids. He’s just out here for the video shoot.”

“Oh” Lucy thought a minute. “So did his family come with him?”

“No, they’re back home.” He was slightly confused by the question.

Lucy was truly trying to fit into Gerard’s world. “Let me talk to him, please.”

That really confused Gerard but he handed over the phone.

“Hello, Lucy.” Frank said with a smile.

“Hello, Frank.” She saw that Alicia was smiling. “I wanted to invite you to dinner tonight. I’m making homemade tamales.”

Frank was touched by her invitation but had to explain. “I’d love to but I can’t eat meat. Not that I don’t want to but my stomach can’t take the stuff.”

Gerard was now looking very confused.

“Oh” Lucy thought a moment, “That’s okay. How about cheese enchiladas?”

“Love those.” Frank admitted, “But I would want to go to any trouble.”

“No trouble at all.” Lucy laughed, “Matter of fact those are easy to make. So I guess I’ll see you tonight.”

“Sounds great. Thanks Lucy. Here’s Gerard.” He handed the phone back, “Scored myself an invite to dinner.”

“You invited the troll to dinner?” He asked.

Lucy laughed, “Yeah, hope that’s okay. I invited Mikey and Alicia too.”

He was very pleased, “Of course. Sounds great. So what are we having?”

“Tamales and cheese enchiladas.”

“Just thinking about that will get me through the day.” He heard the band being called back. “Hey, I gotta go.”

“Okay.”

“See you later.” He lowered his voice. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Lucy said looking down but hearing Alicia giggle. When she replaced her phone in her bag Alicia spoke.

“You’ll like Frank. He’s a good guy.”

“He sounds nice.”

Alicia smiled, “He’s one of Gee’s closest friends. All of the guys in the band are close like that.”

They were interrupted by the waitress who had brought their lunch orders.

For several minutes they enjoyed their cheeseburgers but Lucy could sense Alicia had questions. “So what would you like to know?”

Alicia popped a fry in her mouth then laughed, “Can tell I’m curious?”

Lucy nodded.

“I guess I’m still trying to figure things out, I mean…” She paused not sure how to begin. “I know how you and Gee met.”

Lucy laughed, “Yeah, a tornado is pretty memorable.”

“So this guy shows up at your house and….”

Lucy understood, “He shows up just as the tornado is about to hit. I got him into the storm shelter.”

Alicia nodded, “Just in time.”

“Yeah, just in time. The tornado came right up by driveway. Took out a lot of trees but thank God the house was pretty much untouched.”

“But not his car.”

“Right, not his car. It ended up crushed in the field.”

Alicia was still trying to piece things together. “So then you had a guy with no car.”

“And no way for him to call for help. I didn’t have a phone.”

“Wow.”

Lucy smiled, “Weird, right? No phone, no computer, no TV. I offered to drive him into town the next morning once I got the tree branch off my truck.”

“But he stayed.”

“At first he stayed because he offered to help me clean up the storm debris.”

Alicia laughed, “And did he?”

“Oh yes. That first day we both worked very hard.”

Taking a bite of her hamburger Alicia tried to think of a way to continue the conversation without seeming too nosey.

Lucy smiled, “It’s okay. I know you’re curious.”

“Hell yeah, I am.”

“After we’d worked all day I offered to drive him into town the next morning but he told me he didn’t want that. He told me he wanted to stay and offered to pay we rent.”

Alicia’s eyes grew wide. She hadn’t heard any of this before.

“Gerard told me he was a writer and wanted a place to work where it was quiet. And think about it, couldn’t get much quieter than my place.”

“And you believed him”

Lucy sighed, “I wanted to believe him. In truth I was so tired of being alone but couldn’t make myself change the way I was living…” She looked down, “Or not living.”

Alicia didn’t want to upset her. “So, he stayed and you two fell in love.”

“I really didn’t want that to happen.” Lucy said softly. “I told myself it couldn’t happen.”

“Can’t stop love.”

Lucy smiled slightly, “Suppose in a way that’s true. I was so attracted to him but it scared me. I kept telling myself that it was nothing more than a fling. Nothing more than a physical attraction.”

“When did you realize it was more?” Alicia asked softly.

Lucy bit into a French fry giving herself time to think. “You know...” She said slowly, “I’ve asked myself the same question. I guess I started to really realize it when I got sick.”

“You had pneumonia, right?”

“Yeah, God I’ve never felt that bad before in my whole life. I honestly thought I was going to die and for the first time since I’d lost my husband and daughter I didn’t want that.” Here eyes grew misty, “I wanted to live, I wanted to be with Gerard.”

“It’s good he was there to take care of you.”

Lucy nodded, “I really don’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t been there. I probably would have died.”

Alicia couldn’t hide her shock, “You really believe that?”

It was hard to admit the truth but Lucy found herself wanting to tell Alicia. “Yes, I do. Like I said before Gerard came into my life I wasn’t really living. I got up each morning, spent each day simply going through the motions. I had nothing to live for when I lost my family I had nothing left.”

“Oh Lucy.” Alicia reached across the table to gently touch Lucy’s hand.

“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have gone to the doctor when I got sick. I honestly don’t think I could have driven myself. I could have probably made it as far as Clyde’s bar and he would have taken me but…” She sighed, “I honestly don’t think I would have.”

“Thank God Gee was there.” Alicia said, “It was fate you two met.”

In Lucy’s mind she was thinking how true those words were but knew that was only something she and Gerard would ever know. She nodded, “Yes, thank God.”
____________________________________________

Gerard was trying very hard to hide his impatience but it wasn’t easy, nothing was going right with the shoot. As the day wore on he was realizing the video wasn’t going to be completed.

“Hey” Mikey said pulling up a chair next to his brother. “Think anything else can possibly go wrong?”

Gerard sighed, “I don’t think so. You know this was supposed to be an easy shoot.”

Mikey nodded, “Yeah, that’s what was supposed to happen but…” He didn’t want Gerard to fall into a bad mood. “Talked to Alicia, understand we’re invited to dinner tonight.”

That thought did make Gerard smile. “Yeah, Lucy invited Frank too.”

Mikey laughed, “Yeah, he told me.”

“This ain’t gonna get done today, is it?”

“Don’t look that way.” Mikey admitted.“I’m sorry. I know you want to spend time with Lucy.”

“Yeah, I do. Shit, I need to spend time with her.”

“Alicia said they are having a good time.” Mikey said trying to ease Gerard’s mind a bit. “She really likes Lucy.”

“I’m glad.” Gerard sighed, “I just wish….”

Mikey waited for him to go on.

Shifting in his chair Gerard tried to put his feelings into words. “I just wish I honestly knew how this visit would end. I know she’s going back to Kansas, she’s got a party on the 15th.”

“We’ll be gone before then.” Mikey reminded him.

“Yeah, I know.” Gerard sighed, “But what happens then? What about Christmas? I want to be with Lucy for Christmas.”

“You don’t think she’ll come back?”

“I don’t know if she’ll want to come back. Look, I don’t want this to sound bad because I don’t mean for it to sound that way but Lucy’s life changed when we were apart. She’s got friends now, she’s working part time for the historical society.”

Mikey understood, “A big change from the way her life was before.”

Gerard nodded, “Yeah, and that’s good. It really is. I just worry she won’t want to leave it.”

“Gee, she does love you. That’s pretty damn obvious.”

Gerard looked over at his brother. “You really think it’s obvious?”

Mikey smiled, “Yeah, it is. She wouldn’t have come back with you if she didn’t. And I get you love her. I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner, I didn’t want to see it I guess. But Alicia and I talked last night and she made me realize I needed to lighten up and stop worrying. You and Lucy will work things out.”

Gerard tried to take comfort in his brother’s words. “Yeah, we will. But damn I just want to get home.” He stared over at the video crew who were working on setting up another shoot.

“I want to get to those tamales.” Mikey laughed. “Damn, I’m hungry.”

As hungry as he was too Gerard just wanted to get home to Lucy.