Til The End Of The Line

17.

1950

It was like any other day at work. But it was also my 23rd birthday. Howard has made it tradition here to celebrate my birthday since I didn't have any family members. He made me feel special.
"Happy birthday to you." Everyone sings. I let out a huge smile.
While they signed the rest of the song I can't help but think about all the years bucky woke me up at midnight to sing me happy birthday. Then I would wake up to breakfast provided by Steve. I miss them.
"Blow on the candles Rebecca." Howard says from behind me.
I lean down and I feel myself press against Howard's front. I instantly shot up and smiled trying not to make it noticeable.
Howard came and grabbed my lower back and stood next to me and slid his hand upgrabbing my hair. He smiled at me.
"Blow." He said. I ca- holy fucking shit. I can't even breath let alone blow.
"The candles I mean." He added on. I totally forgot about my birthday.
I snapped back into reality and blew on the candles. Howard let my hair go and grabbed the candles from my cake and put them in a seperate plate.
"Thank you." I placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me straight in the eyes. He gave me a confused expression. "For holding my hair up so I won't burn it off or hit the cake. Thank you." I said. He smiles at me again. He moved a strand of hair in my face behind my ear.
"It's a honor Rebecca." He says. He grabs the knife and starts cutting the cake.
"Also I'm sorry for the.. um..the moment before I ble-" he steps closer to me and grabs me by my waist with the hand he doesnt have the knife in.
"You don't have to apologize for something so small, it was unintentional.." I looked away trying to avoid eye contact. I was very embarrased. He leaned down to my ear.
"The action was so small but caused quite a big reaction." He said making my cheeks heat up. I looked down seeing the bulge in his pant causing me goosebumps all over my body. I quickly moved away and he went back to cutting the cake. I went up to peggy and smiled at her.
"I've never heard a silence quite so loud. Rebecca you and Howard are so attracted to each other. I dont see the problem."

"He's our boss Peggy." I looked at her."have you ever?"
"God no Rebecca. Howard and I are friends. Platonic friends. But in all of my years working along him. I've never seen him this way with any woman."
"What do you mean?"
"He's kind to you. He gives you flowers. He's always been romantic with you. When he looks at you, it's like your the only girl in the room for him. So when you walk into a crowded room you are all he sees. He looks at you and he's admiring everything about you. When you speak to anyone he's smiling at every word. Actually listening to you. When you speak to anyone far away from him it's like you are the only voice apart from his in that room. He values your opinions on everything. He chooses you over anyone and everything. It's always been you Rebecca." She says. Turns her gaze to Howard. I look at him as well.
"I've seen him mess around with a very large number of girls. But I can see it in his eyes when he looks at them. None of them even compares to the way he looks at you." She says.

"But I'm going to be honest. Howards isn't ready for a relationship and you as well. Take your time when it comes to him. He has seen you the same way since the day I met you he will continue to wait for you and wait for the right time to make things official. If you guys get together now it would be a case of right person wrong time. Take your time." She says before walking away.
I go up to Howard who has the cake all cut up into slices and in their plates. I smile at him and grab a plate of cake. He slides his finger on the icing and runs it over my face with a huge grin.
"Howard. " I gasped. He stares into my eyes. I smile and start leaning towards him. He looked from my eyes to my lips then back to my eyes. Just when I was a few inches away my hand grabbed a piece of cake and slammed it onto his face. He looked at me with a shocked expression. I laugh uncontrollably. I hear other people laughing as well.
The night continued with laughter and

I leaned my head on Howard's shoulder.
"Are you tired?" He asks and I shake my head."You look really tired." I sighed and nodded my head
"Let me take you home." He says reaching out to grab his jacket.
I say good bye to everyone that's left and thank them for coming. Howard leads me to his car.
We get to my house and he opens my door. He goes to the back of his car and pulls put a wine bottle.
"I bought this for you." He said giving it to me.
"How did you know I love wine." I smile.
"I guess after years of knowing you i picked up a few things." He jokes.
"Come in." I say walking towards my door. In close the door behind him and lock up.
I go to the kitchen and grab a two glasses and go sit in the living room. I sit down next to him and hand him a glass he opens the bottle and pours some in the glass and hands it to me grabbing the other one and doing the same thing.
"You look beautiful. That color really brings out your eyes. "he says looking at my dress.
(The dress)