I Will Always Come Home to You (Ally and Stevie)

18. The "G" word slipped (Ally said)

I decided to let Stevie dictate the pace of our relationship, whatever it was. Having 'known' her for almost four months now, timing is everything. After the week's events, it seems that we are on track. 

We came home to Stevie's apartment after work on Monday. Stevie called her granny to tell her that she was visiting on Saturday.

"Hello, Granny!" Stevie said in a surprising-but-in-a-good-way Southern accent. It was really cute. "How are you? I really miss you."

"I am coming over on Saturday. I am bringing someone special too. I am sure you will like her." Stevie stared at me and smiled. It was her way of inviting me. I smiled back, informing her that it would be my pleasure to come with her.

"Can't wait to see you. Please take care. I love you, Granny." Stevie hang up.

*****

On Tuesday, we were both at Pab's. Stevie invited me to have lunch with her and the rest of the Creatives department. There were no introductions needed as I have already worked with most of them, while the others saw me placing a daisy on Stevie's desk last week and kept mum about it until that day. 

"I could not believe you all lied to me when I asked who left the daisy and you said you didn't know," Stevie protested and we just laughed. 

"Guys, thank you for lying to Stevie," I said. "If there is a next time, will you help me again?" 

They all agreed much to the dismay of Stevie. They are the best.

*****

On Wednesday, I had a photo shoot for a magazine. Stevie drove me to the studio.

"So there are ladies there, Ally," Stevie mentioned.

"I know. I am so excited!" I said, teasing her. She gave me piercing look.

"I guess there would be no need for me to pick you up later then."

"Ha-ha. Someone is jealous in this car and she is definitely not me."

"Whatever, Ally. But seriously, text me if one of them is taking you home."

The article would feature up-and-coming women in different fields. There was Laura, a hotshot lawyer who can speak Portuguese and can cook; Ray, a writer who is known for her bestseller maiden novel 'I Will Always Come Home to You;' Natasha, a lovely actress who has the sexiest voice I ever heard; and Cara, a supermodel who has the wittiest sense of humor. They are amazingly hot and awesome, but no one compares to Stevie.

Laura and I talked during the break. We exchanged numbers because I may never know when I would be arrested and need a lawyer on speed dial. I caught Ray staring at us.

"I think Ray likes you," I told Laura. "Ray will definitely ask for your number and I will totally give it to her." Laura smiled, which I saw as a surrender. After the shoot, Ray cornered me and asked for Laura's number. I was a fortune teller but more importantly a ship builder.

*****

My conversations with Laura and Ray continued in the next days but I did not inform Stevie that I was only a bridge over their budding romance. On our way to Stevie's apartment on Friday night, my phone kept on beeping while I was driving. On red traffic lights, I made sure that I responded to all the texts. Stevie finally cracked.

"Stop texting other women," Stevie said. "You have a girlfriend, Ally."

I was shocked when she let the "G" word slip. As soon as I parked the car, she ran away and went straight to her apartment. I tried catching up but her giraffe-like limbs were just quick.

"Stevie you cannot just drop something as big as that—" I said and found myself speechless when I entered the apartment. She was there in the living room full of flowers and twinkling lights. I still wonder how she managed to arrange such a romantic setup.

"When you gave me a chance to wish under a million stars, I only wished for two things—to have another chance at love and to make the choices that will make me happy," Stevie paused. "In the past few days that I have been with you, my heart just floats on cloud nine. I know that if I do this, I am choosing to be happy. So I am taking that chance with you Allison Don Hills... will you be my girlfriend?" 

My heart jumped when I heard those words from her. It took me a while to recover but I managed to give an answer, I did not want to keep her waiting.

"I would love to, Stevie Leigh Boebi," I said. "But I cannot promise you that I will stop texting other women."

"Oh okay. I do not understand. Can you explain?"

"I have to text my mom and Kimberly though, and possibly Hera when she learns how to use a phone. Ha-ha."

Stevie did not answer. She ran to me and gave me a forceful embrace. We stayed at each other's arms for a long time as if we have all the time in the world.