Once in a Lifetime

After the Interview

I was awakened from my nap by a hand on my shoulder, shaking me. I opened my eyes, adjusting to the lights overhead being on. I looked up to see Jimmy smiling. "I think you were out for the count, love," he said.

I sat up carefully, readjusting my sling. "Yeah, that medicine really knocks me out. I took it before I went on."

Jimmy sat down next to me, putting his arm around my shoulder. I laid my head down on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, which comforted me in ways he would never know. "You did really good out there. I was so proud of you."

"Thanks. It was really hard for me to do that. I'm not used to being in front of so many people." I looked up, seeing him looking down at me. "Do you think people really will be okay with me? With us?"

Jimmy smiled, leaning down to give me a kiss. "I don't care what anyone thinks or says. You are my girl and that will never change."

I smiled, my eyes becoming misty. I glanced back up to him. "You're my Prince Charming in a suit and tie. You keep saving me from myself. I can never thank you enough for that."

Jimmy's eyes filled with tears as he leaned down and laid his head on mine. "You're my Cinderella, my princess. My love will never change for you." He kissed the top of my head before he continued, "After we finished the show, a few FalPals waited around to talk to me. They want to meet you too."

I looked up at him. "Really? Why do they want to meet me?"

"Because they admire you. That's why I came in here was to see if you'd like to meet them."

I lowered my head for a moment before sitting up, smiling. "Sure. I can meet them. Where are they?"

Jimmy stood, holding a hand out. I took it, allowing him to help me stand. "They are right outside the studio doors. You sure you're okay with this?"

I smiled again, pulling my dress down and straightening my hair. "Yeah, I'm sure."

He smiled, taking my hand. "Great! After that, Ben and Jim want to meet you." I knew my face betrayed the excitement I was feeling.

We walked a little ways down the hallways, nearing the studio doors that the audience enters. Standing there with Mike and Steve was about five women. As soon as they saw Jimmy and I walking down the hallway, hand in hand, one alerted the others.

"Hey ladies! Here she is. I'd like you to meet Karen." I walked over to the women, a little scared. I had never had anyone want to meet me specifically.

"Hi! My name is Zoey. I'm so glad you're doing better," the only redhead in the group said, coming up to me.

"Me too! It's nice to meet you Zoey. Are these your friends?"

She looked back to the other four. "Yes they are! These are my friends Mindy, Kat, Ella and Janelle."

I shook hands with all the girls, "It's really nice to meet you guys."

"We all came together today for the taping. We were thrilled that you were on! After what happened a few weeks ago, we've been watching the tweets from the show's bloggers. They have been keeping all of us up to date with your recovery," Kat added, also stepping forward.

"We're so glad your doing better! You're such an inspiration for all of us and especially me," Janelle said, smiling shyly. She was the heaviest in the group. I knew how she felt. To be an inspiration to someone was truly humbling to me.

After taking pictures with the young ladies, Jimmy lead me back toward the dressing rooms. When we passed them, I glanced at him in confusion.

"Ben and Jim are in my office." We walked a little further until he opened the door. There, Jim and Ben were playing a heated game of beer pong. I laughed out loud realizing that I was watching Sherlock and Sheldon playing a college game. Ben turned when he heard some laugh and Jim took advantage by sinking a ball into the cup closest to Ben.

"Ha ha! I win!" Jim yelled, jumping up and down as he watched Ben the dm back and chug a solo cup of beer. I was laughing at how much like my Jimmy Jim Parsons was.

"Karen, I'd like you to meet Benedict Cumberbatch and Jim Parsons." I shook hands with both men, severely holding back my fangirling. I loved Sherlock and The Big Bang Theory and couldn't believe I was standing next to the two stars.

"It's so nice to meet you," Ben said, his voice so much smoother in person than it is on TV, as Jim set another round of beer pong.

"Nice to meet you," Jim added, turning to us as Ben sat down. "Okay, whose up?"

Jimmy turn d toward me. "How bout it babe, wanna play against Jim?"

I smiled, making my way to the table. "Oh yeah! Lets do this!"

Ten minutes later and Jimmy and I had beat Jim and Ben. I was laughing so hard my sides were splitting. They left a few minutes later, leaving Jimmy and I alone in his office.

"Where would you like to eat tonight?" Jimmy asked, taking my hand and leading me out of the office.

"I'd really like Italian food. How about that restaurant we first met at?" I asked as we rode the elevator down to the first floor.

"Sounds good to me," he replied, hailing a cab. One stopped by the curb, jimmy opening the door for me. I slid in and he followed, shutting the door. Jimmy gave the driver the address and we merged into New York night traffic.

I laid my head on his shoulder, realizing how lucky I truly was. I had a man who loved me unconditionally, who made sure I was well taken care of and didn't care what others thought, our love came first.

The cab pulled up to the restaurant, Jimmy handing the cabbie some cash before helping me out of the cab. We walked in and were seated within no time. We ordered, handing our menus to the waiter.

"I'm so proud of you Karen from Michigan. You did so well out there today," Jimmy said, taking my hand from across the table.

I glanced down, blushing from the sincere complement from the man I truly admired and loved.

"I love you too James Thomas Fallon. You are my world and I can't imagine my life without you."