A Bargain at Twice the Cost

It was 4 months since Nora had returned to the land of the living. Her memory about the recent past was still hidden deep in the recesses of her brain. She and Bo had both tried to come to terms with what had happened between them as they moved on with their lives. Bo, buried himself in his work at the station, regretting the day he had started the affair with Melanie, but unable to break it off. How many failed relationships could one poor guy have in one year? Nora, buried herself in her work and her children totally uninterested in the advances from Colin, unable to be in the same room as Sam. She had Sam pack up his office and move it out of her house - he set up in a storefront and spent most of his day sitting by the phone, waiting for business which never seemed to come. He submitted appeal after appeal, trying to get Lindsay a "get out of jail" card, but the game just wasn't going their way.

Bo kept trying to come up with reasons to see Nora. He was so transparent and she knew exactly what he was doing. It seemed like where ever she went, Bo was sure to follow. But, Melanie had the same idea. She followed Bo everywhere too, so where ever Nora went, Bo showed up with Melanie in tow. If this situation wasn't so pathetic, it would be laughable.

It was New Year's Eve and there was a bash at the Palace. Nora made a special effort and was quite please with how she looked - the dress was a knock out, but of course Bo knew all about it as he had been stalking her the day she bought it. She arrived at the party alone, and was sipping a drink while talking to Hank and Lisa at the bar. Colin approached her several times but each time he came near to her, she turned her back to him and continued her conversation. He gave up and sat at a table off to the side unable to take his eyes off of her. Sam didn't even try, although he wanted to very much. Lately, whenever he came to see Matthew, Nora was out or with a client in her office. He didn't understand why she wasn't the least bit interested when he told her, oh so many times, about how he knew she was alive when all had given up. If he didn't know better, he thought he could see her eyes glaze over when he brought up the subject.

Everyone was asked to sit down as dinner was being served. Nora joined Rachel, Hank and Lisa at their table. The restaurant was crowded but not crowded enough for Nora not to notice Bo walk in, alone. He seemed so uncomfortable, not knowing where to sit. Hank waved at Bo and told him to join them. He told them he would love to sit with them but Melanie was expected and he thought that maybe he should just wait for her. Nora smirked as Bo went over to the bar which was set up near the terrace and he waited and waited as the party became louder and louder. Everyone laughed at the toasts - especially Asa's, as the bubbly flowed and the din of the room was at a roar as dinner was devoured. He wanted to be with Nora so much. He had just literally and figuratively backed himself into a corner - again. And he was starving!

And then the dancing started. Bo was totally tired of waiting for Melanie - a little dance wouldn't hurt! Just as he was walking up to their table Nora looked at Bo and stood up and then Hank stood up and Nora and Hank walked together to the dance floor. Bo, covering his frustration, politely asked Rachel to dance and it was fun - he missed those Hanen Gannon women! It was getting close to midnight and Melanie still hadn't shown up - he hadn't called her either since he was really having a good time dancing with Rachel.

The countdown to midnight began - 4, 3, 2, 1 Happy New Year. Bo gave Rachel a peck on the cheek and wished her a happy year. Hank and Nora buzzed each other then Rachel and Hank, leaving Bo and Nora looking at each other. "Happy New Year Bo" "Happy New Year Nora" they moved closer as Bo went to kiss her cheek but it was like deja vu all over again as the crowd heaved and threw them together - lips locking. Yep, he missed those Hanen Gannon women alright! Nora pulled away and excused herself as she made her way back to the table. Bo followed her back and took a seat beside her. He was just about to say something when he felt a presence over his shoulder.
Melanie: I'm so sorry Bo. I got a call to go to the hospital and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why when I got there. No one seemed to need me.
Nora smirked again. It was just too easy!
Melanie sat down and joined the party - not quite catching the drift of the conversation. She asked Bo to dance with her and he reluctantly did so, painful as it was. He should have known better than to wear new shoes. As they sat down Melanie's cell phone rang. She couldn't hear very well but got that it was the hospital and since she was on call she couldn't ignore it. She leaned over and kissed Bo good bye, telling him she would make it up to him. Bo tried his hardest to smile as he let out a breath of relief.
Nora had no trouble smiling - two calls at $50 a call - a bargain at twice the cost!

The End