Chapter 5
Luke’s

Lucky- I want this to be special… Everything has to be perfect.
Luke- Cowboy, it will be.
Lucky- [laughing] Cowboy…I can’t believe you still call me that.
Luke- You never outgrow some things.
Lucky- [smiling] I know…
Luke- So who all is coming to this little shig-dig you’re throwing for Lizzie?
Lucky- The usual gang, Emily, Juan, Nikolas, Mom, Mrs. Hardy and a lot of Elizabeth’s friends from school and whatnot.
Luke- Well sounds like fun, I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight and if you need anything tell Claude and if don’t deliver I’ll fire him in the morning.
Lucky- [laughing] Like that would help, you’re stuck with Claude like he’s stuck with you.
Luke- Oh perish the thought…
Lucky- [smiling] You know you can stay if you’d like…
Luke- [shaking head no] I wouldn’t want to be on the way.
Lucky- You won’t be, as a matter of fact I think Liz would really like if you were here.
Luke- Well if that’s the case, I’d be honored to be here, thanks.
Lucky- No thank you, we couldn’t have this party without you.
Luke- Well that’s what I’m here for… when does it start and it’s not a surprise party is it?
Lucky- No it’s no surprise, she had that last year when everyone thought I was dead and I don’t want to bring up those feelings by throwing her another surprise party.
Luke- I see…
Lucky- The party should be starting in about an hour or two, just came early to make sure everything is fine. And I wanted to spend a little time with you.
Luke- Well I’m glad you did…

As Luke busied himself with club business the quiet gave Lucky time to think. Everything had to go off without a hitch tonight, he wanted to show Liz how much he still cared. Lately things felt strange and he was hoping this party would be just the thing that would jump start their relationship into going the right way. Hopefully the gift he bought her would show her how much he wanted them to work and how much he remembered and held on to from before. His hand softly rubbed the velvet covered box in his pocket. This had to go right…He loved Liz, not quite as before because in the last year they both had changed, but he loved her still. He still wanted to be the one who put the smile on her face and the sparkle in her eyes. He wanted to be the one who she held her in his arms and made sweet love to. He held his breath just thinking about Liz in his arms, while loving her slow and right. Soon things would be back the way they should be. Time passed quickly as the guest arrived with gifts in hand ready to party. Only person left to arrive was Liz herself…he wondered what was keeping her. As he headed to the nearby phone to call her he was greeted with a surprise.

Girl- Is this a private party, or can anyone join the fun?
Lucky- Excuse me?
Girl- I asked if it was ok if I stayed.
Lucky- Oh by all means, giving having a little birthday for my girlfriend, but the club is still open for others.
Girl- [smiling] Others…you leave town a few years and everyone forgets you.
Lucky-Lucky- Do I know you?

He stared at the beautiful girl in front of him. She was breathtaking. Long blond hair that hung near the middle of her back, dancing grey eyes with flecks of gold, a face that would put any model to shame, and a body that no man could ever forget. No if he had ever met her he would remember her. Something about the way she smiled up at him intrigued him and he had to find out who she was.

Girl- [continuing to smile] Yes Lucky you do. We had several classes together. We went to a dance or two together, although I doubt you even remember me being there.
Lucky- I’m sorry, I don’t remember…
Girl- Ok I know I’ve changed a little, but I can’t believe you don’t know who I am.
Lucky- What is your name?
Girl- [smiling] I don’t know if I should give it to you, my feelings are a little hurt. You don’t even remember me.
Lucky- [smiling] Are you going to tell me your name?
Girl- [cocking head to side while still smiling at Lucky] I’ll think about it. Maybe you get ‘lucky’ before the end of the night and I’ll whisper it to you.
Lucky- [laughing] Are you serious? You’re not telling me your name.
Girl- [slyly smiling] Nope…not yet at least.
Lucky- Not even a hint…
Girl- No. I’ll let you try and figure it out on your first…

She smiled at Lucky once more and walked away from him. Lucky stared after her unable to take his eyes off of her. She smiled and pointed at her head motioning for Lucky to think about who she might be. Her smile faded a little when Elizabeth came in and hugged Lucky, but when he looked in her direction again her smile had returned. The rest of the evening as he helped Liz celebrate her birthday he would throw several glances toward the mysterious girl’s way and she would always return his glance with a breathtaking smile. He had to find out who she was because she surely did not look this way when he knew he or else…or else what? Liz was his life…where would this other girl fit. The party slowly came to an end everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. This is how he remembered him and Liz and how they used to be. This is how he wanted it to go back to. No more stress or concern, just good times filled with laughter and love. Liz fought desperately the entire night not to think about Jason and the celebration they shared the night before. Lucky went out his way to do this for her but still thoughts of Jason came to her and she would touch lightly the motorcycle charm he added on her charm bracelet. Eventually she would have to explain to Lucky how she came to get the charm but for now the knowledge of this gift remained hers and hers alone. When the last of the party guests left and cleanup was nearly finished he turned to see if his mystery girl still remained. He was a little disappointed to see that she had left and he still did not know her name. Who was she? And why did just thinking about her make him smile.

Liz- [softly kissing Lucky on the cheek] You ready to go?
Lucky- [nodding] Yes, did you enjoy yourself?
Liz- [smiling] Yes I did. Thank you. [kissing him again]
Lucky- [smiling] You deserved it. I’m happy I made you smile.
Liz- You always make me smile.
Lucky- You make me smile too. [They hug and prepare to leave as Claude comes up to Lucky with a note in his hand]
Claude- Someone left this for you at the counter. I would’ve given it to you earlier but it was in the middle of your dad firing me again.
Lucky- [laughing] Thanks man.
Claude- No problem. See you guys tomorrow.
Liz/Lucky- [in unison] Ok…
Liz- Let me go and get the last of my presents together and we can leave.
Lucky- Ok, you need some help?
Liz- No that’s ok read your note. It might be something really important; this’ll only take me a second.
Lucky- Ok...
Liz- [smiling] By the way did I thank you for my presents and my party?
Lucky- [smiling] Yes you did, but you can always thank me later too.
Liz- [laughing] By all means…

As Liz walked away Lucky felt for the velvet covered box that was still in his pocket. He was supposed to give her that gift as a statement of his love for her. What made him not give it to her, he did not know, but he promised himself that he would give it to her soon. As he slowly opened his note and began to read a smile crept over his face. Maybe he’d find out her name after all…

Lucky:
I guess you didn’t remember my name. I sat over here all evening hoping you would come over smiling saying you knew me after all. But you didn’t, but that’s ok. I’m sure I’ll see you again and if you don’t remember it by then I’ll give you a hint or two. Maybe…

~Me~

p.s.
Don’t bother looking through the yearbook, I don’t exactly look the same as I did in high school. Now that I think about it, neither do you. Thank goodness you weren’t that cute in school or I may have never gotten any work done. Until next time…

He could not keep from smiling. Something about that girl made him want to find out everything about her. He had to find out who she was…

Liz- Who was it from?
Lucky- Huh?
Liz- Your note…was it from your dad?
Lucky- Yeah, he…he just wanted to tell me that he sorry he had to leave early but he…he’ll talk to me tomorrow.
Liz- [smiling and holding out her hand to him] Oh ok…let’s go.
Lucky- [smiling but feeling guilty about lying to Liz] Ok…

They walked out arm in arm their thoughts on things other than them. Lucky’s on his mystery girl and Liz’s on Jason. They smiled at each other covering their wandering thoughts.

Chapter 6 ~ The Ride
The Docks

Several days have passed since the surprise picnic Jason gave her for her birthday. Standing on the docks, Liz and Jason are discussing how different things are between her and Lucky, all the while hinting about taking a ride on Jason’s bike. Jason realizes what she is doing but he acts as though he is not catching on. After several minutes of nonstop hinting about riding the bike Liz finally comes out and asks.

Liz- Are we going for a ride or not?
Jason- [faking surprise] What… you want to go for a…a ride?
Liz- Oh come on…you know that’s what I have been hinting at all night.
Jason- [laughing] Really…
Liz- [laughing as she playfully hits at Jason] Stop playing with me.
Jason- Ok, ok [laughs] I don’t know…with all this abuse I don’t think I will be able to drive the bike.
Liz- Good, that means I can steer the bike this time. Gimme the keys…

Jason reaches into his pocket to retrieve his keys. As she reached to claim the keys he quickly snatches them back and roars out in laughter.
Jason- [as he doubles over in laughter] You really thought I was gonna let you steer… Now that is funny...
Liz- You think that’s funny huh? I’m gonna steer that bike if it’s the last thing I do.

She playfully wrestles with Jason for the keys. He grabs her around the waist and turns her away from him so that he is standing behind her holding her arms keeping her from moving.

Jason- You give up?
Liz- [laughing] Never!
Jason- Ok; now you’re asking for it. [Jason begins to tickle Liz until she is squealing and laughing, all the while he continues to say] Say you don’t wanna steer…say you don’t wanna steer…say you don’t wanna st…
Liz- Ok ok I quit…I quit.
Jason- Say it…
Liz- [between laughs] I don’t want to steer…
Jason- Thought so. [As he slowly releases her she turns to look at him trying her best to keep from laughing]
Liz- Happy now?
Jason- [trying his best to hide his laughter as well] Yep…you ready to go?
Liz- [smiling] Sure but do you really think I’m giving up that easy? [she quickly lunges for the keys. Laughing again Jason grabs Liz and again ends up standing behind her with her arms pinned]
Jason- I see you didn’t learn your lesson the first time.
Liz- [laughing] But you’re gonna teach it to me this time huh?
Jason- That’s what I’m here for. [laughing Jason begins to tickle Liz again. Amid their laughter they do not realize they are being watched.]

Gia- [slowly approaching] Hmm…I wonder if Lucky knows about this?
[Liz and Jason quickly separate and turn to look at Gia] Liz- What do you want?
Gia- Just wondering what Lucky…or better yet Nikolas would say about this cozy little scene.
Liz- Why are you here? Looking for someone else to blackmail?
Gia- Maybe…
Liz- What do you want Gia?
[Gia cocks her head to the side and looks at Liz and then to Jason, smirks and says…] Gia- A name. Who are you and just how well do you know our little Lizzie here?
Liz- Don’t answer her…it’s just a waste of time. Let’s go…
Gia- In a rush huh…I don’t think Lucky would like this if…
Liz- Leave lucky out of this…
Gia- What, should I have said Nikolas?
Jason- [trying to divert Liz’s attention] You ready to go?
Gia- You’re leaving without giving me a name.
Jason- Is that all you want…my name?
Gia- To begin with…
Liz- Jason just ignore her.
Gia- Oh so “you’re” Jason. I see why Lucky and Nikolas get that look on their faces whenever your name is mentioned. [pauses] Don’t worry, what is just saw here…our little secret. [Gia looks at Jason and Liz on last time smiles and turns to leave muttering…] Our little secret indeed.
Liz- Ugh…
Jason- Not your favorite person huh?
Liz- How can you tell?
Jason- Wild guess… [smiling he looks at Liz] Come on, I guess you really need that ride now.
Liz- Do I get to steer?
Jason- [laughing] Here we go again…Ok, you better not tell anyone that I gave in to you cause I may never hear the end of it.
Liz- [smiles widely] My lips are sealed.