FROZEN IN BETWEEN

CANDLES FLOWERS TEARS

JUSTINE'S P.O.V

"Oh my freaking goodness, I seriously drove my ass off to get here once I got the message."  Danny rushed to come inside my house.  "What happened?"

"No...  I'm sorry I ruined your day."  I sit on living room couch.

"Tell me honey.  There has to be something."  Danny put his Coach handbag and sit with me.

"Do you have a planned party on Valentine?"

"Valentine?  In two days, huh?  No I was about to spend my whole day reading books.  Why?  What party?"

"Toby."  I bit my nails nervously.  "His and soon-to-be girlfriend's party."

"Wait..."  Danny understood my tone.  "No...darling, no..."

"I'm the best friend, remember?"  Suddenly my whole body couldn't hold the tears any longer.

"What did he want?"  He rubbed my back.

"Something special for Valentine.  I don't know.  He's asking her out.  He even bought that giant Teddy Bear for it."  I pointed upstairs.

"Gah, so rude."  Danny stared at me.  "You really want to do this?"

"Please keep me busy Danno.  I can't even do this by myself.  I need you."  I cried again.

"Alright alright.  I got a plan.  There's this venue that one of my clients was about to hire, but they cancelled it.  Perfect for garden theme wedding, but we can use the little restaurant in its area for this."  He explained.

"Anything, anywhere."  I nodded.

"Be strong baby girl.  I'm always be by your side.  You're my legit Valentine, just because Tom's out of town."  He giggled.

"Why are you gay, I want to date you."  I chuckled in tears, inside his hug.

"Shall we do this now?  It's near the due date."  He whispered slowly.  "Wanna check him out for the idea?"

"Okay."

We climbed up to Danny's car as he started driving me to the venue.  I think I still recognized this place since it's still in our neighborhood.  Still in Orlando, so easy to catch up.  And on our way, I called Toby.

"Tobes,"  I sniffed.  "Got you something."

"Hey!  Uhm wait."  He held me up probably to find some quiet place.  "I'm listening."

"We find this place near the beach.  Just prepare yourself for the day after tomorrow."  I was ready to hang up the phone.

"Thank you so much Justine.  Hahaha.  Have I told you I love you?"

That one question made me hold my breath.  And Danny was listening too, since I put him on speaker.  Danny held my hand just to say I have to be strong.  But before I know it, I'm already crying.

"Yeah you have."  I murmured, not interested.

"And I mean it."  Toby answered again.

"I know.  Alright I need to go."  I hung up real quick.

"That's bad though..."  Danny raised his eyebrows.

"Never ending discussion."  I replied.  "Oh I know this place.  Isn't this also near the golf club office?  My Dad used to be a member."

"Exactly.  Let's go check the restaurant."  He opened the door for me.

I learned this place very carefully.  Probably this was the situation where you should say we have to be professionals.  I checked every details.  Actually, there's also this outdoor kind of dinner set that they can prepare, near the small cliff which directly brings you to the beautiful city lights down there. 

"Can we choose this one?"  I walked to the cliff.

"Be careful sweetheart!"  Danny ran after me.

"Heart broken doesn't really make me want to do suicide though."  I chuckled.  "Not yet."

"Uhm."  He cleared his throat.  "So this is the exact place?"

"I think so."  I nodded.  "Just want to make it clear enough for them not to step into the danger area."

"Understood."  The sales representative of this venue took my notes.

"I want it all white and blue.  One round table, two chairs, candles and flowers along the way like making a path from it.  And private access.  I want you to close this whole from public."  Danny started giving details.

"Private...?"  The girl asked.

"He's Toby McDonough."  I talked slowly.  "Fans might be around."

"Secure the parameter, darling."  Danny made it clear to the girl and winked at me, saying he got it.  "The only people you take commands from are both of us."

"Okay."  She smiled.  "Going to check again in two days?"

"14 morning."  I smiled back.  "Thank you Pamela."

"Oh thank you."  She was a bit surprised I knew her name but yeah she wore a nametag.

Done.  Few things to do, but venue's done.  It's one important thing.  I started to enjoy working with Danny.  He's fun, caring, and very good with his work.  Those details he told Pamela were exactly how I wanted it.  He got my meaning when I said Toby likes blue, and white will be a great additional. 

"Piece of cake."  Danny smirked as we drove off.

"No, I'm saying it 'a cup of Starbucks'."  I breathed out.

"My pleasure!  That would be the best idea.  Pre-Valentines date."  He whistled.

"Whatever Danno, I'm with you."  I ended the conversation.

We arrived at Starbucks and I treated him some coffee.  I'm the client.  Danny's been giving his whole day for me, so a treat will be worth it.  We awkwardly laughed about stuff.  Not so funny, but I absolutely ignored Toby's endless questions.  He didn't know it's already hard for me even without being asked about his date prep, for God's sake.