WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MADE
Picture This……
Bo rescued Nora from the burning train. He saw her through months of physical therapy, some plastic surgery and a bout of amnesia. There was no Colin, no Melanie, and no mind erasing drugs. The second DNA test done on Matthew did indeed confirm that Bo Buchanan was his dad. Sam faced reality and finally gave up his obsession with Nora. Bo and Nora have been inseparable since those days.
Fast Forward to 2001……
Bo and Nora were remarried on Christmas Eve in a small ceremony at the Palace. They have been stranded there since that night because of a major snowstorm that decided to pummel Llanview on Christmas day therefore canceling their trip a few days later to Tuscany in Italy.
They didn’t mind though. Matthew was kept entertained by both sets of grandparents and big sister, Rachel. And well, Bo and Nora kept each other entertained.
It was now New Years Eve and they were ready to party with their friends and family at the Palace’s annual New Years Eve festivities.
Renee was concerned that the snow would keep the revelers away, but the staff of the hotel was instructed to keep on schedule.
Penthouse Suite 2222……
With the room service trays piled outside their door, Bo and Nora lay snuggled in each other’s arms in the large warm bed.
N: Bo, are you awake?
B: Yes.
N: Is it really New Years Eve already?
B: I think so. I’ve kind of lost track of time, thanks to you.
N: Me? What did I do?
B: You only kept me distracted for eight days.
N: Oh, but it was worth it, don’t ya think?
B: No question about that.
He kissed her deeply.
N: I can’t believe we celebrated our honeymoon in Llanview!
B: I know. But, we’ll get to Italy soon. Don’t worry.
N: All that matters is that we’re together. And our family and friends are downstairs anxiously waiting for us to emerge from our suite.
B: Let ‘em wait. I’m not through with you yet.
N: Ooooh.
The shared a hot steam shower together. As they were drying each other off, Nora had a far away look in her eyes.
N: As silly as this is to say, since we’ve been in Llanview the whole time, but I miss Matty. I hope he didn’t drive momma and daddy crazy.
B: Not to worry, honey. We’ll be seeing him soon and I’m sure Rachel helped them out a lot.
N: I can’t wait to pinch his little cheeks.
B (laughing): I know, I miss him too.
Nora took Bo in her arms.
N: Thank you for my honeymoon.
B: No need for thanks. It was my pleasure, besides I should be thanking you.
N: I love you, Bo. I’m so thankful you’re in my life.
B: I love you, Red. I’ll never take that for granted ever again.
N: I guess we should get dressed.
B: I guess so. Our public awaits!
Later that evening………
The Palace’s finest and largest ballroom was decorated with silver and gold and lots of red, white and blue. Tiny American flags were the centerpieces for the tables. The room looked beautiful.
With Bo in a black tuxedo and Nora in a glamorous cream colored dress, they made quite an exquisite pair. They clung to each other. They couldn’t be near each other enough. As they made their way to the ballroom hand in hand, they almost looked like royalty as they entered. The partygoers seemed to part like the Red Sea as they walked into the room. Asa was the first to greet them.
A: Well, you two. If it weren’t for the food trays outside your room, we’d have never known you two were alive in there.
N: Asa that’s the way honeymoons are supposed to be.
A: I guess you’re right darlin’. It’s good to see you both. Looks like its turning out to be one smashing party.
B: Hey Pa, where’s Matt?
A: Nora’s parents are bringing him.
N: How was he while we were gone?
A: Perfect. He’s a Buchanan.
N: Asa, you’ve hit the champagne way too early.
A (pretending to be shocked): What? What’d I say?
B: Bye Pa. Catch you later.
They left to find a table.
B: Have I told you how incredibly beautiful and sexy you look tonight?
N: Yes, but tell me again.
They began to kiss.
B: Let’s go back upstairs.
N (laughing): Bo! We just got here.
B: So.
N: I want to celebrate! I want to dance with you! I want to spend time with my parents and my kids. I want to show you off.
B (laughing): You want to show me off? It’s the other way around. You’re so beautiful, Nora.
N: Thank you! You’re not so shabby either. (She kissed him) Oh look! Renee hired a singer and a band this year.
They walked over to the sign. Bo started to laugh.
B: Who the heck is Penelope Cotton?
Nora started to laugh as well.
N: Penelope Cotton and her Cottonballs.
They both cracked up. Renee walked over.
R: Don’t laugh you two. I’ve heard her sing and she’s fabulous!
B: Whatever you say, Renee.
R: I expect you two to start the folks dancing.
N: We’ll see.
As the party progressed and the champagne and food flowed, Bo and Nora got separated from each other. Bo was snatched away by the Mayor or someone from the City Council. A former client or a friend grabbed Nora. But, their eyes would eventually meet across the crowded room. Bo would make funny faces and Nora would mouth “help me” and they would try to meet up again.
They both got a great excuse to ditch the talking heads when Matthew came bouncing into the room to look for them. Nora’s parents and Rachel and her date weren’t far behind.
Matthew ran into Nora’s arms.
N: There’s my boy!!
She kissed him relentlessly.
B: Nora, don’t hog him. I have to kiss him too.
M: Awww, daddy.
Bo kissed his son.
N: Matthew, we’ve missed you so much.
M: I missed you too, but my grandparents are fun! So is Rachel.
N: Well, I’m glad you had a fun time, honey. But, after tonight, it’s back to just the three of us.
M: I like that too.
B: Good. You’re stuck with us.
Nora’s parents greeted them with hugs and kisses, as did Rachel.
R: Mom, you look fantastic.
N: Thanks, Rachel. I feel fantastic!
The five of them got caught up on the latest news and settled in at their table.
Selma: Well, remarriage certainly fits you two to a T. I’m glad.
B: Aside from the first time I married her, I couldn’t be any happier.
Len: Good to know, because I don’t want to go through this again!
They all laughed.
Ms. Cotton and her band began to play. Nora rose.
N: Would you excuse me? I need to go to the ladies room.
B: Then we’ll dance?
N: You betcha! Don’t start without me.
They kissed each other. Bo watched her, as she seemed to glide out of the room. His eyes never left her body. Neither did the eyes of most of the men in the room, which pleased Bo and annoyed him at the same time. He smiled. Matthew was dancing with Renee and Asa and Bo went to get another drink. He felt a tap on his shoulder.
B: Back so soon, gorgeous? Ready to dance?
It was Lindsay.
L: Bo, I didn’t know you cared.
The smiled quickly disappeared from his face.
B: I don’t.
L: How about a dance for old time’s sake?
B: Lindsay, old time’s sake implies you shared good times with someone. There is no old time’s sake for us. Excuse me.
He started to go back to the table. Lindsay grabbed his arm.
L: You don’t mean that. We loved each other.
B: Please. (Bo held up his hand) I don’t want to hear it. I was having a good time.
Nora came into the room and saw Lindsay pestering Bo. She walked up to them and immediately slipped her arm into Bo’s. She kissed him too.
N: Is there a problem, honey?
B (smiling): Not a one. Let’s dance.
N: Lindsay, why don’t you get a life for the New Year. Bye.
They left her. She shouted after them.
L: I do have a life…with Sam. He’s parking the car!!
Sam walked in covered in a combination of snow, car oil, and rock salt.
L: Sam! What the hell happened?
S: I had a little fender bender with a pole.
L: How could you get in an accident parking the car??
S: Lindsay! There’s a ton of snow out there and it’s slippery.
L: Look at you! You’re a mess! You’re tuxedo’s filthy.
S: Sorry, sweetie. We can still have a good time. (He leaned in to kiss her)
L: Get away from me! You ruined everything! (She pushed him away)
R: I suggest you two leave. You’re causing a scene. But, be sure to have a happy New Year.
With a sarcastic laugh, Renee went into the kitchen. Lindsay turned away in a huff with Sam trailing after her trying to apologize.
Bo and Nora were on the dance floor. They had to admit Penelope Cotton and her Cottonballs were fabulous, just as Renee had promised. Ms. Cotton was about to knock their socks off with her next song.
Click for the song:
What a difference a day made
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine
What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
It's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you
They were enjoying dancing together. They held each other close. They shared little kisses during their dance. The crowd seemed to disappear when they were on the floor together. Of course, the hypnotic swaying of the couple mesmerized their fellow dancers. They were a crowd favorite when they danced. They were famous for it in Llanview and the city missed them!
After the song ended, the partygoers cheered as midnight was quickly approaching.
R: Bo, would you mind giving the New Years toast?
Bo was a little taken aback at Renee’s request, but he agreed. With Nora and Matthew by his side, he spoke.
B: Well, I guess I’ll try to make this short and sweet. (He gripped Nora tighter around her waist) As I look around this room at my family and friends, I wish us all health and happiness. I hope you all can be half as happy as I’m feeling right now….as I’ve felt this whole year….heck, the whole time I’ve had this woman in my life – through good times and bad. (He smiled at her) I have to thank her and my son, Matthew for being there for me. Let’s hope 2002 brings us peace in our own lives as well as throughout our country and the world. (Nora wiped away a tear) I also have to say to my wife, Nora…I’m in love for the last time in my life. That you can count on. I love you. Matt, I love you. Happy New Year, everyone.
Most of the women were bawling as they elbowed their husbands and boyfriends wishing they could be as romantic as Bo Buchanan. The men just thought he was a show off.
Nora kissed Bo madly.
N: Bo that was so beautiful. I love you too. Happy New Year.
B: Happy New Year, Red.
As a countdown to the New Year began, the patrons raised and clinked their glasses. The clock struck 12:00 and Matthew wildly twisted his noisemakers and threw streamers into the air. Bo and Nora each kissed him before he ran away into the crowd.
N: He’s wound up!
B: Too much champagne.
Nora laughed.
N: I hope he behaves. I don’t want us to have to bail him out of jail.
B: That’s okay. We can tell him all about how we spent our first New Year’s Eve together.
N: Oh yeah….Now that was the start of something good.
They started the New Year just as they had those many years ago, with a kiss. Only not a little peck on the cheek. This year this kiss was a Bo and Nora kiss…you know the kind mean. ;-)
THE END!