SYNCHRONICITY (The Lone Wolf)

29

The band opened with The Point Of Know Return and Alison was content to lean against Sebastian, wrapped up tightly into his strong arms. He smiled when she sang to every song they performed and he was glad that he had secretly purchased the tickets as a pre-Christmas gift. Alison felt bad because the men didn't seem to be enjoying themselves as much.

When the show was over, the men agreed to split and follow them home, each delighted that each couple were actually living together and engaged to be married.

The Captain informed them that they'd keep guard at the house since Alison was at home most of the day alone. She fretted with the prospect of being watched while Sebastian wasn't at home. She understood that his training was paramount, but she didn't have to like it.

~~~~~

With Christmas less than two weeks away, their travel packet had arrived in the mail via courier. The young man had her sign for the materials and she didn't know if she was supposed to tip him or not. The young man blushed and shook his head. "No ma'am."

She thanked him and eyed the leather-clad guard biker-looking standing just outside her door. "Would you like some coffee or something," she asked.

He turned and looked at her and smiled. "No ma'am."

She sighed an nodded her head and stepped over the threshold of the apartment and closed the door and walked over to the phone and dialed her aunt's number.

"Hello Sweetie," Lynn said, picking up the phone before it rang.

"How did you know it was me?"

"Erm...caller ID, you know?"

"Oh."

"What's up?"

"The guards and the guy that just delivered the tickets and stuff for Bast and me...they're kinda creepy."

"Well honey, creepy or not, they're kind of necessary."

"Okay, but why?"

"Alison, I would have thought Sebastian would have explained all of this to you already!"

"He has! But...I don't have to like it!"

Lynn chuckled. "No, you don't. I don't think Sebastian likes it much either."

She shook her head. "No. He doesn't. Hey when are y'all coming over to do presents? Sonny wrote me a big fat check and I bought pressies for everybody..."

"Is that what it was for?"

"What, to buy presents? That's what he said..."

"Okay honey. Just askin'."

She heard Sebastian's voice as he inserted the key into the lock. He opened the door and looked across the room at the pretty girl on the telephone and set his ruck on the floor by the door. "Yeah, well. Let me know. I haven't opened up the envelope or anything, so I don't know when we're leaving?"

"Why don't you find out what your itinerary is and call me back?"

She nodded. "Okay. Talk to you later...love you..."

"Love you too honey...byebye..."

She hung up the receiver and looked up and pursed her lips. He smiled and nearly bent in half to kiss her hello.

"I'M ON LEAVE," he exclaimed excitedly. "FOR FOUR WHOLE WEEKS!" He grinned like the Cheshire cat. "What's up, Love," he asked finally.

She held up the envelope. "This came a little while ago."

His face lit up like the Christmas tree that was situated in the corner of the living room, beautifully decorated to the hilt. He was secretly proud of it as he'd only seen decorations like what she had done in hotels and high end departments stores. "The tickets and car rentals...yes!"