Here's chapter two! Hopefully you got chapter one. If not scroll down or go to the archives to start from the beginning.

Chapter 2

Miles scanned the dining hall on the final day of training. He wondered why the full-time staff, four out of six being in the same age range as the ten newcomers, were such a different group then. He didn’t=t notice it at first, but that was because that the newcomers themselves hadn=t come in with ties to define them. They seemed to be social enough but betrayed themselves to be on a different plane that the seasonals. It wasn=t one of arrogance; it seemed to be more like a role of knowledgeable caretaker.

Miles saw that Jabari, Christopher, and Paul were looking a little less fresh than usual. Everyone else showed signs of edginess at the prospect of their trip still eight hours in coming. Sophie was sitting beside him absently playing with the strings closing the neck of her powder blue wool sweater. He knew she must have been trying to keep her mind on something to prevent it from drifting. She=d knocked on his door last night a half hour after he had turned the lights out because she couldn’t=t sleep. They had sat Indian style facing one another on his bed discussing whatever came up. Miles had made a tea meant for relaxation to help her along. The darkness had made it easier for them to talk about things neither was sure they wanted answers to but by the time she had left at around two in the morning they had covered a lot of ground.

Sophie glanced at him furtively then, and her eyes lighted when she saw him looking back. AWhat are you looking at?= She mouthed playfully. He simply raised his eyebrows and obviously turned his head back towards the center of their semi-circle. It was going to be a long day.

They were given the plan for the weekend following their time off to begin the day. A cub scout pack numbering almost eighty boys were coming for a three day, two night retreat and roles were handed out. Jabari, of course was made the Sports Specialist. Emma and Sophie were given the low ropes course and Scott and Christopher were leading the wood shop activities. Miles was given the outdoor living skills lessons with Sergio to lend a hand, and the remaining trio of Gerry, Kyra, and Paul were put under a broad category of ecology based forums. After an hour or so of lecture they were given until lunch to work on their presentations. Not much was expected of the first round of leadership; it seemed more to be for a base to establish pluses and minuses in performance. Besides, they were all well educated adults.

Everyone bee-lined to the lounge at the end of cabin row when they were given the release. They all actually seemed to enjoy the situation as they hammered out battle plans and bounced ideas off of one another, regardless of who was leading what. At the end of the time everyone knew what everyone else was going to try for their first attempt at running a program.

It would prove to be the quickest part of the day. Once fed and back in the semi-circle ideas were disseminated and analyzed. The full time staff made suggestions coming from years of dealing with programs like the ones discussed and youth populations as a whole. Dry stuff. The large, simple, white and black clock on the rear wall of the building was watched by all with a scrutiny never before seen. By three o=clock they had ironed out the programming creases satisfactorily. Afterwards opening day procedures were discussed and a few other things no one paid any attention to until five o=clock.

The light came on in Jabari and Paul=s eyes finally at the realization of freedom. They had agreed earlier during the morning of lesson planning to meet an hour after work to load up. They would be in Boston by eight at the very latest, plenty of time for a full night of debauchery. Miles hadn=t completely unpacked yet so re-packing for the weekend posed no problem. Excepting clothes all he carried was a water bottle and some cd=s for the drive.

Miles walked to Sophie=s cabin where the girls were being a little pickier about their provisions. He smiled at Emma packing much more than was necessary into a little black wheeled suitcase in one corner of the room. Her hair was covering her face as she bent to the task making her look almost maniacal. Sophie was no better, frowning at the bulging leather carry-on at her feet.

ASo, are you coming with me?@ He asked.

AI don=t know,@ She answered, stuffing her hands in her pockets with a smile. AWhat do you think?@

AI think that I would just... die if you didn’t.@

AWell, I wouldn’t=t want that on my conscious.@ She stepped intimately close then past him in a heartbeat to the dresser to get her perfume. AThere. All ready. Emma?@

AOh, bloody hell. Yes.@ She angrily discarded a few items so her zipper would obey and stood straight with a flick of her hair.

The trio walked down to the lounge where everyone awaited. Jabari nodded from his roost on the top of the couch. Everyone had a copy of the directions to the hotel, which wasn=t all that difficult to find, especially for someone used to negotiating Chicago. They wished each other luck and headed back in the direction they had come. Miles took Sophie and Emma in his jeep giving Emma the entire back seat to lounge and Sophie up front to keep him company. He saw Scott, Kyra and Christopher in Scott=s car ahead of him and Paul, Jabari, Sergio, and Greta in Paul=s Explorer.

AOk, Miss Navigator... Here=s the directions.@ Miles ceremoniously handed Sophie the pieces of a computer generated map. AIt=s all up to you now.@ She sighed.

AWhy do I have to sit in the front?@ She asked. She could not, however, keep the amusement out of her voice. She patted his arm cajolingly. AI suppose someone=s got to help you along, hmm?@ He shook his head with a smile.

AIt=s pretty simple stuff anyway. You can be in charge of music, too. He opened the hatch between them to reveal a small cd booklet. She took it and started leafing. She put in a Coldplay cd and that responsibility was taken care of. Everyone stared out the windows for most of the drive, excepting a few sneak glances between the two in the front. It seemed as though they were trying to conserve whatever energy was left from the full day of training and save it for the evening.

The hotel was extremely easy to find; obviously placed in its location for the benefit of tourists. It was easy to see who was rural by the way Jenny, Scott, and Kyra were staring wide-eyed at their surroundings. Everyone shut themselves back in their cars when they realized Scott and Kyra would have to get the keys as the sole occupants of the suite. Once that was accomplished everyone drove to a side entrance that was closer to their room.

It was on the tenth floor of fifteen and through several not-quite-discreet trips up the elevator everyone got their bags to the room. As Scott promised it was a large suite with mellow peach walls and maroon carpets. The main entrance room held a bathroom, small bar and refrigerator, TV and several couches, chairs, and tables. The rear room held two queen beds and a hot tub with room for four. Jabari immediately revved it up. As the girls took turns in the bathroom, Scott, Miles, and Jabari figured out a game plan.

AAll right. It=s six-thirty now. I say we get a little something to put in the fridge over there while we get settled, maybe get the hot tub going with some drinks. Dinner maybe eight or nine?@ Scott and Miles shrugged at Jabari=s suggestion. AIf we start out now, either no one=s going to make it all night or everyone=s going to have a tab they=ll have to take a loan out for.@ At that Miles and Scott nodded more affirmatively. Once everyone was done in the bathroom Jabari relayed his ideas. Everyone seemed to think they were as good a way to go as any and soon Jabari and Scott were on their way with a list of everyone=s house beverages.

Kyra turned on a music video channel for background fuzz and dug a deck of cards out of her purse. AAnyone have any ideas for a game of cards?@ She asked.

AHearts?@ Paul asked. She nodded.@ Do you play cards, Christopher?@ He shrugged.

AI play some. I don=t know that I know your games, but...@ He shrugged again.

AWell, this one=s pretty easy to learn. Come on. Anyone else?@ Jenny volunteered though she wasn=t sure she knew how to play either. Sergio used the break in the action to go into the other room and call his girlfriend. Emma posted up in one of the beds to zone out for a moment. Sophie took the other one and patted the space beside her with a smirk when she=d gotten Mile=s attention.

AHow are you doing?@ She asked, quietly enough to blend in with everyone else=s conversations.

AGood. A little tired, but I had Jabari get me a can of Red Bull. That usually does the trick.@

AOh. That=s quite a popular drink in London. Red Bull and Vodka.@ He nodded. They were lying on their stomachs facing the television but not watching it.

AHow are you?@

AOh, about the same as you I guess. Thanks for driving, by the way. I don=t have a car anyway, but then in London there=s really no need of one. It=s odd not having Rails, though.@

AChicago=s about the same, I suppose.@ They talked on about nothing important until Scott and Jabari came back after a fifteen minute absence.

AAll right, There=s a liquor store a ways down the street, but they had everything you could want. There was some extra cash so we stopped at a deli and got a big ass tray of stuff, too.@ The guys put everything on the table. Jabari walked into the back room with a hotel furnished plastic cup full of ice and a mixed drink and swished the water in the hot tub. AOoh hoo hoo, I think it=s there, guys. Let=s fire these jets up.@ He did and ducked into the bathroom once he=d found a pair of trunks in his duffel bag.

ACan I get you something?@ Miles asked Sophie. She ferally stretched and sighed. ASure!@ She squeaked. AI got some Harp=s.@ He nodded and rolled off the bed. True to their word, a big plastic silver tray with an assortment of crackers, cheese, and meats was centered on one of the tabled in the front. The lid that had come with it was filled with ice underneath. With a nod to Sergio, sitting on one of the couches with the phone, he made a couple of quick turkey and Swiss sandwiches as well as grabbing the Harp=s and a Bass for himself.

He sunk back on the bed and handed Sophie her beer and one of the sandwiches.

AAww, thank you.@ He shrugged with a grin and got comfortable again.

AI=ve got these going,@ he told her, tipping the bottle of Bass for her to see. ASo if you want a change of pace, have at it.@ She nodded and finished the hors-devoirs. Jabari came out of the bathroom in his trunks and grabbed his cup before sliding into the tub.

AOh, you have got to try this, everybody!@ He let himself slide to the shoulders. It was actually quite a large tub for the room. Emma decided it would be a fine way to relax and joined him after donning a black two piece. When Sergio came back from his phone call he made it a trio. Scott joined the card players after he made himself and Kyra a pair of gin and tonics.

AWe saw a few nice looking restaurants on this street.@ Jabari told the room with his eyes closed. AThere was a Chinese place, a steakhouse, Italian. One or two others.@

AWell, we should show these guys American Cuisine,@ Scott said, not looking up from his hand. AI say we go to the steakhouse.@

AI=ll eat a T-Bone any day of the week.@ Jabari answered.

AI=m not going to eat much,@ Sophie mumbled from the mattress. AIt=ll just make me tired.@ Emma and Kyra agreed with her. Sergio and Christopher didn’t=t care.

AThat=s settled then. Does everyone know the street of the hotel and all that in case we end up at different places later? Ten people is a lot to try to coordinate. The Radisson on Washington Street. You should be fine with that. There=s taxis all over this place, from what we saw.@

AYou=re such a good dad.@ Jenny kidded.

AWell, I just don=t want you country people getting lost in the big city. The lights and stuff might be kind of confusing for you.@ She stuck out her tongue at him but his eyes were still closed.

Everyone relaxed until about seven thirty when there was a flurry of activity over changing clothes for the night life. Sophie exited the bathroom wearing maroon rayon pants and a black top of the same material. She stood in front of Miles and put her hair up with two maroon chopsticks. She smiled. He was wearing a red short-sleeved collared shirt and black Dockers. Everyone else, excepting Jabari, was looking about the same. Jabari came out of the bathroom last after a quick shower to rinse the chlorine away wearing carpenter=s jeans, a Polo shirt, and a Diesel jacket. He looked at everyone in the living room and shook his head.

AY=all look like you=re about to go to church, man. Need to loosen up! Come one, let=s get some steaks.@ He was still shaking his head as they filed out the door.

A fine meal at the steakhouse put them downtown at just past ten o=clock. The lights of Boston and the crisp night air with its twinkling frost beckoned them to play, and play they did. The starting line was a techno club a taxi-able distance away.

AShall we get something to drink?@ Miles asked. Sophie nodded. Everyone was still in the same club but spread out enough that they only saw glimpses of one another here and there. Sophie and Emma had started out dancing together, two of the four who actually knew what they were doing. Christopher and Sergio were the others. If Sergio hadn=t had a girlfriend already, he could have surely found one that night. The place was packed, which was understandable being it was the night before New Year=s Eve.

Sophie was still drinking beer and giving the weaker American standards a shot. Miles got a pair of Coors Lights and they sat for a while at one of the tall, thin tables scattered throughout the club. The constant red light cast its hue over both of them neutralizing her outfit.

ASo, are you having a good time?@ She nodded.

AYou=re not dancing, though.@ She shot her arm out and smacked his wrist from across the table.

AI=m out there!@ He defended. AI just usually don=t go to techno clubs.@

AYou=re not dancing, though. You just stand there. Come on,@ She pleaded, tugging his sleeve. AFinish your beer and you=re going to come out and dance with me.@

AI just got it!@ Miles cried. His heartbeat hadn=t slowed yet from when he thought he was dancing moments before.

AI don=t want to hear any bloody excuses with you, Miles Drake!@ Her fingers dug into his forearm urgently. He drank. After a moment he was ready to go. She slid his arm through his and lead him out onto the floor. ANow then. This is Paul Oakenfield. Very famous D.J. Come on.@ She started dancing and he followed her lead. As the song progressed more people thronged to the floor, pressing the two closer together.

AThere=s a lot of people out here right now.@ Sophie said. Miles nodded, still moving with her. AThere=s so many people around, I don=t think anyone would even notice if I kissed you.@ She had his attention then.

AI don=t think they would.@ Sophie did. She took his hands and put them on her waist, syncing him back up with her after the surprise. The entire time she was looking into his eyes with her smile.

AKeep up, you.@ She pulled herself into him to helped him along. ANow you=ve got it. Just keep it up for four or five more hours now...!@ He groaned into her collarbone and noticed her perfume. AI=m only kidding.@ She broke away from him as the music slowed. He noticed in her what he=d seen in the other three Europeans. They had a succinctness of seamless rhythm with the music, almost a foresight of it. The music recluded to a thumping bass in his consciousness as Miles watched Sophie become a part of the song; a physical manifestation of the music. AYou can slow down now. Come on.@ She took his hands and floated with him for a moment. AYou=re not that bad. You just needed to relax.@

>Well, that last thing helped.@

AWhat last-? Oh. That was ok.@ He snorted and rolled his eyes with a huff. AI meant... I meant... Oh, shut up.@ She kissed him again. AThat was...wonderful!,@ She cried dramatically. ACome on. Let=s have a drink.@

They were sitting at a table only moments before Jabari found them.

AWhat=s happening?@ He sat down across from them and plunked his cocktail down on the table. AListen, I tried this techno stuff, but it=s not my beat, guys. I gotta go find some Jay-Z or Jurassic Five or something. I think Paul=s gonna go, too, if you want to. I don=t think we=ll pull Serg and Christopher away. Did you see them out there? They=re tearing it up!@

Miles looked to Sophie. AWhat do you think? Feel like seeing something different?@

AI suppose. You gave it a good effort too.@

AOk, but y=all gotta let me buy you a shot before we get up outta here. Paul! We=re out!@ He hopped over to the bar to get Paul and the round.

AI was thinking...@ She was speaking quietly, leaning over to his ear even though there was really no reason to, AThat after this next stop we could duck out of the crowd.@ She let the tips of her fingers graze the top of his hand under the table.

AThat sounds good to me. After all, we=ve got to be ready for New Year=s.@

ARight. Let=s just make it not too obvious, hey?@ He nodded but before they could say anything else, Jabari came back with tequila shots.

ANow, in America, we put salt on our wrist, lick it, suck the lemon, and throw down the shot.@ Sophie nodded. AAll right, Here=s to it.@ He raised his glass before shaking salt on his left wrist.

AThat=s good, but in England we do it like this.@ She shook salt on Miles= neck and licked it. In the same motion she sucked her lemon and threw the shot down. Paul, Jabari and Miles all gaped. She smiled and squinted. AWell, what are you waiting for? We=ve got places to go.@ Jabari shook his head and finished his. Paul and Miles did the same.

AAll right. We=re out. I got Gerri, Scott, and Kyra=s cell numbers. I=m going to leave them a message on the way.@ They grabbed their coats from check and broke out into the winter streets again.

AI hope you don=t mind the liberty in there. I figured people=ll figure it out anyways.@ Her arms were sandwiching his right as they walked down the block behind Paul and Jabari.

AI can=t say I minded.@ He kissed her cheek.

AGeez, your lips are freezing. Your hands are too. And if I think mine are cold and I can feel yours, you must be near death.@

AThanks. I suppose you=re a doctor now?@

AAlmost. Anything I can do to help, I=m willing. I mean, you=re on death=s door. I give you a half hour to live.@ She laughed. AWhat do you want to do with your last half hour?@ He smiled.

AShit, I=d have time for a cigarette afterwards with a half an hour.@

>You=d better not.@ She squeezed his arm asserting what she=d said. Miles could only laugh as they ducked into the club.

The second establishment wasn=t much different from the first excepting the music and a less vibrant lighting system. It was definitely a hip-hop club, but being it was downtown Boston, the clientele wasn=t homogenous. The four went out onto the floor after an opening round of tequila and danced. Miles was a bit more comfortable with the slower pace and Jabari as definitely in his element. Miles saw then where they would leave him that night. Sophie, on the other hand, had no idea. She was having fun dancing with Miles, but the flowing blonde dream he=d seen in the techno club had been left there. He smiled to himself and helped her out.

AYou=re awfully smiley tonight.@ She commented, sitting at a table with him a half-hour into it all.

AWhat=s wrong with that?@

She shrugged innocently. AI=m just saying. Hey. It=s nearly midnight. Let=s say we...@ She looked at him from the tops of her eyes over the table. He nodded.

AI=ll let Jabari know we=re going. Be right back.@ He left the table and found Jabari on the floor. He bent to Mile=s face without breaking rhythm to listen. Sophie watched above the floor as Miles talked. She saw Jabari put a fist to his mouth to stifle a cry and a grin. He revealed the grin and pumped the fist into Miles= shoulder twice and pushed him away. Miles walked back up to Sophie.

>What=d you tell him?@

ANothing,@ he grinned.

AI don=t believe that for a second. Come on. I=m not done with you yet tonight.@ She took his arm and they walked out to get a cab.

AIt=s almost twelve thirty now.@ Miles said, as he slid the key card they=d decided to hide in one of the fake potted plants a few steps down from their door since there was only two keys to go around. Sophie held the door for him while he returned it.

ADo you feel like taking a risk?@ She asked, once the door was closed. Her arms were around him in an instant; she was talking to his Adam=s Apple.

AWhat do you have in mind?@

AI was thinking we could have a nightcap in the hot tub, for starters.@

AThat doesn’t=t sound too risky.@ He goaded.

AWell, you obviously don=t do it right.@ She unbuttoned the top third of his shirt slowly and kissed his chest.

ALet me get those drinks.@ He whisked over to the refrigerator under the bar and uncapped two Harp=s.

ALet me get you.@ She poked his back to prod him into the back room. AAt the risk of ruining this I=ll have you know I don=t want this to be a one night stand.@

>Don=t worry, baby, we got two nights here.@ Sophie laughed out loud unabashedly. It was a beautiful sound. Miles held her as well as he could with a beer in each hand.

AYou know what I mean. You were there for me, last night especially. That was really sweet. It=s only been a couple of days, but isn=t that how these things always happen?@ He had to agree with her. AGood. Now that that=s settled, let=s get in there.@ Miles set their beers down. ANow. You do me...@ She pulled his hands over her breasts to the ties at her collarbone... AAnd I=ll do you.@ Her hands went deftly over his shirt and she had it off in seconds. AThat=s better. You=re losing.@ She smiled before kissing his earlobe. AI=ll help.@ She lifted her shirt off and slid his hands over her breasts. ACan you take it from there?@ He did. AGood.@ Her hands went to his pants where she could feel the pressure under them. ADidn’t=t have too much to drink tonight, I see.@

They stood naked in front of one another for a moment before slipping into the tub.

AIf only we could have gotten away with staying here all night.@ She sighed. AI was really dreading that kiss, you know.@ He looked at her inquisitively. AWell, I wasn=t sure how you=d take it. I had a pretty good idea, though.@

AI should=ve kissed you.@

AHmm. You=re cute when you=re drunk.@ She turned and was on him.

AWait a minute, Sophie.@

AWhat?@ She sounded worried.

AIf we claim one of those beds now, I doubt anyone would challenge it.@

AHmm.@ She stared at him, their foreheads pressed together. Her arms were around his back and he could feel her nipples even in the heat of the water. AYou=re a smart one. Shall we rinse the chlorine off first?@ He nodded and they left the tub after a hearty drink.

AI like that you can drink with an appetite but not lose composer.@ He absently commented on their way into the bathroom.

AThat=s part of being English, Love. And very romantic of you to say, by the way.@ He smiled at the sarcasm but for once didn’t=t feel foolish as they stepped into the shower. After a short and flirtatious stint under the water they dried off and made one of the beds theirs.

They made love still clinging to a feeling of risk, as though they were highschoolers waiting for their parents to burst through the door at any moment.

AThat was quick.@ Sophie said, lying on Miles= chest.

AYou don=t actually have to say that out loud, you know.@

AOoh, you always tangle my words, you twit! I meant more that I was surprised how quickly I came off as well. Something of a sneakiness to it all, isn=t there?@

AI know. Well. Does this mean we can see one another more often now?@

AIt bloody well better!@ She laughed. ASleep now, love. We=ll have a lot of ribbing to take tomorrow.@ He sighed, thinking whatever punishment worth it. Miles pulled Sophie closer to him and closed his eyes.

When Miles opened his eyes he realized how early they must have copped out the previous evening. Scott and Kyra were in the bed next to them. There was a pair of bodies on the floor in their room and more in the front to be found after he woke Sophie. They snuck into the bathroom and showered before descending to the first floor for breakfast.

ADo you think anyone noticed?@ She smiled, looking over at him from the top of her menu.

AOh, I imagine so. Does it matter?@ She shook her head. He nodded. There were cups of Earl Grey in front of them steaming invitingness upwards. The restaurant was adjacent to the lobby and done up in a theme of historic Boston. They were sitting in front of a picture window looking across a snowy street at an old brick gift shop with its wares in the windows where people were going about their business in overcoats and earmuffs oblivious to the activities of the restaurant.

AHave you thought of anything to do today?@ Sophie asked. Miles pulled himself away from the scene outside to answer.

AWhat do you think about poking around in some of those shops after breakfast? I doubt anyone will be up any time soon anyways.@

AWe could do that. Too late for Christmas shopping, but we could pretend.@

AHow did I find you, Sophie?@

ATea.@ She answered, lifting a cup. Miles matched hers and drank. Neither of them ever wanted to break away from the other=s smile.

There were thoughts flying through both of their heads that neither wanted to think over. Some had been discussed the night Sophie had visited Miles in his cabin but even ones that hadn=t come up were allowed a backseat to the moment they were in. Miles simply took Sophie=s hands in his over the table and allowed them to slip away. She seemed to understand in a smile that was more empathetic than giddy. She squeezed her fingers in his reassuringly.

ANo regrets?@ She asked. He smiled and nodded, gazing into her genuine eyes.

ANone.@

After a breakfast of Greek omelettes Miles and Sophie walked the street of their hotel. The road went along with every kind of shop one would expect until it ended in a giant curve at the base of a hill. The air seemed colder than it had been in the last few days but the brightness of the sun over-compensated for the chill. Sophie clung to Miles for companionship as much as warmth. There was a genuine and honest flow of conversation between the two born of a >nothing to lose= mentality that in their subconscious was as frightening for its unknowns as it was liberating. A six month relationship faded of its own reasons was so much different at any stage from a six month relationship that might have such a defined end.

For the moment they contented themselves with poking in fleece and toy shops or stopping for a cup of tea to warm themselves. It was well after noon when they finally opened the door to the suite; rosy-cheeked and in love.

A solitary clap was heard from the back room soon revealing itself as Jabari. He was back in the hot tub with Gerri. He was wearing a black cowboy hat they assumed was Gerri=s. AHow was breakfast?@ Miles could do nothing but smile and stare at his feet. All eyes were on them. Everyone had been watching a morning news show but immediately lost interest. AI=ll have you know, I was good.@ Jabari continued, ASomebody wanted to wake you up.@ He stared hard at Emma, lounging on the bed Miles and Sophie had slept in the night before. Emma blushed and pretended to watch the television.

AWell, have you thought of anything to do today, or have you just been talking about us all morning?@ Miles retorted, going along with the ribbing in good grace. Sophie was still standing beside him, loosely holding his arm.

AWell, mostly we talked about you, but yeah, we thought we could go see some famous Boston stuff. Scott and Kyra went down for some breakfast themselves and they were gonna see if they could find any touristy pamphlets or anything. Other than that we=ve just been sitting here. We took bets, but I decided to risk the hot tub,@ He grinned.

AOh, I kept you in mind, buddy.@

AI=m going to take that the way I hope you=re intending it...@ He was beside himself with glee, ASeriously, though. Good for you two. If only we all, hey?@ Miles heard the complete sincerity of his statement and nodded a thank you. He knew there would be glasses clicking in the air if anyone had been in the mood for imbibement. Sophie shook her head with a sigh.

ABloody Men. Tea?@ She was asking Miles, but Emma affirmed. Miles nodded as well and rubbed her back faintly before she went to the table in the front.

AWhere did you end up last night, Emma?@Miles asked while claiming a pillow and a spot on his bed.

AI stayed at the first damn club all night. Me. Sergio, and Christopher. Great fun, though. You=ve some pretty decent techno. But my bloody head is throbbing right now.@

AWell, you=d better be ready for tonight. It=s New Year=s Eve.@

AThat won=t be a problem, love. I just need m=tea.@

AComing.@ Sophie walked back into the room balancing three mugs. Miles took two and gave one to Emma. Sophie curled up against Miles since there was no extra space.

AWell, what about everyone else?@ Miles asked.

AWe all eventually ended up at the place you four started off for after the first spot.@ Jenny said. AJabari left us a message, so we figured what the hell? But these places close at two and they=re serious about it. So we didn’t=t have time to go anywhere else. We were pretty packed in there anyways.@ Miles nodded.

Jabari proclaimed, AI just want to say, y=all are a bunch of random-ass people, but I=m glad I=m in the mix with ya. Here=s to us, hey?@ Everyone mustered what ambition they had for a whoop. At that moment Scott and Kyra were heard entering the front room. They poked their head into the gathering. Scott and Miles nodded to one another with knowing smirks when Scott saw Sophie curled up on him.

AWell, what did you find out?@ Jabari asked. He was the only one who seemed fully functional.

AThere=s a museum we thought might be worth seeing on the other end of town. There=s a bunch of shops and restaurants down there, too. We figured maybe we could start out at that place and bum around town up there.@ He handed Jabari the brochure he=d found. Once he looked it over he nodded with his lips pursed. It struck Miles then how funny a scene it was. Sergio, Christopher, and Paul were hugging blankets lackadaisically on the floor in front of the television. Jabari and Jenny were in the hot tub, but Jenny wasn=t really paying attention to much. Scott and Kyra were sitting on a dresser against the front wall of the room feeling much the same way towards one another as Miles and Sophie, he realized. Poor Emma was looking like it was all she could do to hang on to any semblance of alertness.

ADo you realize how sweet you are right now?@ Miles whispered in Sophie=s ear. She rubbed her cheek across his chest.

AI=m so tired right now.@ She confided. It was then Miles decided it was time to roust everyone or they=d be sleeping there until dark. Scott, Kyra, and Jabari were in agreement and the others came around soon enough.

AIs it wrong for me to want to be with you as much as possible right now?@ Sophie asked as they stared at a Van Gogh canvas in an empty wing of the museum. Miles knew it was more for affirmation than a question.

ANo. I feel the same way most of the time. But you don=t want to miss out on all these awesome people because of me. We=ll have our time, Sophie. I promise you that.@

AI found my lover halfway around the world,@ She lamented. AAh well. So it is.@ He kissed the part of her hair and they walked on. Miles had noticed Scott and Kyra doing the same thing, so he didn’t=t feel it was out of place. Works of art simply complimented love as they were meant to do; not the fault of the artist nor the lovers. They walked on past sculptures and portraits and landscapes celebrating one another as well as what they were seeing.

AMaybe we feel rushed.@ Miles stated as they were standing in front of a self portrait of an artist neither had ever heard of. She silently nodded beside him.

AAnd the newness makes the urgency seem that much more.@ She turned and asked his attention with a squeeze of her hand. AIt means that even though we have to think about the future, we have to live for the moment. Will you do that with me?@ It was the closest thing to open denial of one of their fates she had uttered.

Her eyes seemed alive of themselves with silver flickering across brown islands in a pale green sea. He promised her he would be with her for every moment. Her sigh was almost a shudder.

The day went along with a profound swiftness they would look back in amazement on later. Fenway Park, shopping plazas, and botanical gardens went by in a blur of activity. A relieved consensus was made to order pizzas and relax for a few hours before starting it all over again for New Year=s Eve, which everyone could see the town was already busy gearing up for in the afternoon.

Miles, Sophie, Jabari, Jenny, and Sergio made for a tight but tolerable fit in the hot tub while the rest waited sprawling on beds for the sole shower to open up. Margaritas were mixed up all around courtesy of a blender Paul had bought earlier that day, deciding it would be a good thing to have around the camp. They had even found a box of little colored umbrellas at the liquor store for flair. Fake plastic glasses were clinked in the hot tub as they listened to Dave Matthews Band, Scott and Kyra=s favorite, courtesy of Scott=s little neon green boom box on the night stand dividing the two beds.

The group had cemented themselves in a way no work shopping or team building initiatives ever could. It was done at their own pace by their own devices, which was the only way such a solid bond could have been formed. It remained to be seen, however, how that bond would hold under the stresses of a work environment.