After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

Ridge is still the same!

Taylor was still asleep when the doorbell rang. At first she tried to ignore it, then scowled and got up. It was Susan asking if Taylor had any more pain killers, she was out of hers. Taylor took pity, Susan's pain was plain to see, so she let her in and handed her a tube of painkillers.
"I hope you plan to go to the dentist tomorrow, though. The pills are not a permanent solution."
"Of course, I'll go first thing in the morning. But now tell me. Were you at the bar yesterday?"
"Yes, I was and believe me, I'm sure I won't forget that night for a long time!"
"Oh, that sounds interesting!"

Taylor didn't want to talk about it at first, but Susan didn't give up. In short words, she described what had happened and how Ridge had shown up at just the right moment.
"Wow, so Ridge was the shining knight?"
"Indeed, I was so glad he was there. Without him, I wouldn't have known what to do."
"And this creep just took off when Ridge showed up?"
"No, he was chasing us and watched us the whole time. It was really sick the way he kept staring at us. At some point I got
really scared."
"So how did you get rid of him!"
"At the end, I could only see one possible way."
"And that was?"

Taylor stared sheepishly at the floor and fussed, but Susan looked at her impatiently. Finally, she murmured with a soft voice.
"We kissed."
"You what?" Susan's eyes got as big as plates. "Who came up with that glorious idea?"
"That was me, what else could we have done? He wouldn't have left, on the contrary. It looked more like he was coming to our table. Who knows what might have happened then. Besides, I was really at my limit. I just wanted him to leave."
"And you snogged your ex-husband for that?
"I didn't smooch him off, it was a little kiss, that's all. It didn't mean anything." Susan looked at Taylor forcefully. "Really, it was totally innocent!"
"Well, if you say so. Does Ridge see it the same way?"
"Of course, we talked about it and everything is fine. All right, first it was a little awkward. But then we just dealt with each other like before."

"If things are settled between you, then it's okay. And that kiss scared the guy off?"
"Pah, you would think so." Taylor recounted the odyssey all over the town until she finally made it home safely.
"Wow, that was really an eventful night. A real adventure."
"Yeah but I definitely don't need an experience like that again anytime soon."
"Even if it results in a kiss with your ex-husband?"
"Susan, if you don't shut up right now, I'm going to take those painkillers away from you." Even though she said it as a joke, Susan looked at her in shock.
"I'm already quiet."
"The question is, for how long?"

Just then, her phone rang.
"Hey Ridge...That's sweet of you, I'm fine. Susan is with me right now...Yeah everything is ok, that means is it still on for us to go to the bar tomorrow morning and pick up my car?....Okay, thanks. Oh by the way do you have any plans for tonight?...I was thinking, what would you say about a self made dinner at my place as a reward...No I insist, it's the least I can do to return the favor....Okay so let's say around half past seven?...Yeah I'm looking forward too, see you then Ciao."

Susan gave her a critical stare.
"Now don't give me that look! It's just a little dinner between friends."
"I'm not saying anything, I guess you'll know what you're doing. I'll be on my way. Thanks again for the pills. I assume you certainly have a lot to prepare for your ' Reward dinner' " With a final grin, she disappeared out the door. Taylor was glad to be rid of her at last. As much as she loved Susan, sometimes she could get on her nerves. She was looking forward to the dinner. She already knew exactly what she would cook.

Everything was prepared and Taylor had just finished getting ready. She was dressed casually, wearing a simple beige dress and had her hair tied back in a ponytail. After all, this wasn't a date. Right on time, the doorbell rang.
"Hey,I am glad you're here! Come on in."
"Hi, thanks for the invitation. Here for you." He handed Taylor a bouquet of flowers.
"Thanks, they're beautiful." While Taylor tended to the flowers, Ridge took a closer look around her apartment.
"Nice place, I like it!"
"Yes, I feel very comfortable. Would you like a glass of iced tea?"
"I'd love some." She prepared two glasses and handed one to him.
"So one more time, thank you for saving me last night!"
"It was my pleasure!"