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Chapter 49 - Party

It's Saturday morning and Jo sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes. She stretches and thinks about her outfit to wake Shaun with for his birthday. She decides to wear the red plaid dress, paired with fishnet stockings and her favorite boots. She gets up to shower quickly. She doesn't braid her hair, she decides to wear it wild, like in the picture Shaun has. She matches her make-up to her outfit and winks at herself in the mirror. 

She walks into the bedroom and gets dressed. She is tying the laces of her boots, when Dart opens his eyes slowly. He opens them wide, the minute his eyes work well enough to see Jo and mumbles: "Damn! That boy is going to die young. You look way too hot, love." 

Jo does a spin and says: "You only turn 21 once. I just hope he is someone who wakes up fast. Because he might think he's still dreaming." 

Dart sits up and says: "He better not. I like the kid, but if he touches you, I'm beating him up." 

Jo shakes her head and says: "It will be fine handsome, you know I can take care of myself." 

Dart nods and says: "You better give me a goodbye kiss, before you walk out of here." 

He devours her with his eyes and Jo blushes slightly, saying: "I'm not sure that's a good idea. I might never make it to Shaun's house." 

Dart licks his lips, a crooked smile forming slowly and says: "I can't deny that, you look amazing." Jo stays as far away from the bed as she possibly can and runs out. Dart laughs and yells: "Bye gorgeous! Give that boy the birthday of his life!" 

Jo yells back: "Oh I will. Bye handsome! Have a good day at the beach!"

She grabs the key with the surfboard key chain attached to it and puts it around her finger with a smile. She walks out and meets Jake halfway, where he hands her a breakfast. Jo thanks him and walks over to Adam and Shaun's house. Adam is waiting for her and silently welcomes her in. He whispers: "Upstairs and first door on the left." 


Jo walks up the stairs and knocks on the door. She hears Shaun mumble: "Leave me alone, dad! I am not celebrating my birthday!" Jo hides a giggle and opens the door. 

She walks in and asks: "Are you sure you're not celebrating your birthday today?" Shaun sits up fast and stares at Jo with his mouth open. Jo smiles at him and says: "Happy birthday, pretty boy." She sits down on the end of his bed and holds out the tray with the breakfast on it. 

Shaun is still staring at her and mumbles: "Are you really here? Wearing that?" 

Jo chuckles and asks: "Want me to pinch you?" He shakes his head and takes the tray from her. Jo looks at him and sees he's still very confused. He sips the coffee and looks at the food. He grabs a croissant and breaks it in half, holding one half out to her. 

His voice is a bit hoarse when he says: "Eat it Jo. I'm sure you haven't had breakfast yet." Jo blushes slightly and takes half of the croissant from him. She eats it in silence, giving Shaun some time to gather his thoughts. He enjoys his breakfast, without saying anything and then puts the tray down on the other side of his bed. 

He looks at Jo and says: "Jo? I would love to have a proper hug from you for my birthday. But that means you will have to go downstairs and wait for me there." He blushes and looks away from her, taking a deep breath. "I am not wearing much and I just can't in here. It's already very weird that you're in here." Jo gets up and nods, making sure she doesn't make it worse for him. As she is about to close the door he speaks in a hoarse voice. "Thank you. So much."

Jo smiles and walks downstairs. Adam calls for her from the kitchen and pours her a cup of coffee. He hands her the cup and asks: "Was he surprised?" 

Jo sips the coffee first and then says: "Very. Maybe a bit too much." Adam raises his eyebrow and waits for Jo to explain. "It took him a while to realize I was really there. And then he kicked me out, because me being there was weird for him." 

Adam laughs and says: "Yeah. It seemed like a good idea. But I sometimes forget he is not a little boy any more. Seeing the woman of your dreams in your bedroom like that, must be... challenging." 

Jo laughs and says: "I respected his wishes, it's his birthday after all." 


Shaun comes down after a while, freshly showered and dressed. He walks over to Adam and hugs him. Adam wishes his son a happy birthday and then pretends he has something to do upstairs. Shaun shakes his head and says: "Dad is not very subtle." 

Jo laughs softly and says: "Are you ready for that hug and your gift?" 

Shaun asks: "You being here is not the gift?" 

Jo shakes her head and says: "Come here for your birthday hug, but don't tell Dart. I'm pretty sure he will hurt you." Shaun takes a few steps and wraps his arms around her. Jo hugs him back warmly and kisses his cheek. "Happy birthday again, Shaun." 

Shaun inhales her scent, lowering his head to her neck and softly says: "Thank you. Best birthday ever!" He steps back, looking a bit bewildered. 

"Ready for your gift?" 

Shaun smiles at her a bit shy and says: "I'm not sure. I'm pretty happy already." Jo hands him the key with the surfboard key chain and he stares at it for a few seconds. He looks up at Jo and tears form in his eyes. "I-is this the key to the apartment above the boutique?" 

Jo nods and asks: "Are you coming with me to check it out?" Shaun nods and follows her out. 

On the way over there he starts to smile and asks: "This is for real, right? It probably needs some work, right?" Jo smiles and keeps her mouth shut. When they reach the door to the boutique, Maria opens it for them. 

Maria pulls Shaun close for a hug and says: "Happy birthday Shaun! Welcome!" 

He mumbles a thank you and Jo says: "Come on! Let's go upstairs!" Shaun gets excited, because Jo is and he runs up the stairs. Jo follows him and he looks around, staring at the door with a lock. He tries his key in the lock and it opens. He looks around in the tiny hallway and checks out the bathroom and the kitchen. He starts to smile wider and wider. Jo tells him that his dad made sure the kitchen is stocked with his favorites. 

Shaun walks over to the living room and freezes. He sinks down to the floor and covers his face with his hands. Jo kneels down next to him and wraps her arms around him. He cries in Jo's arms and Jo rubs his back. Unable to stop this flood of emotions, he cries until his tears dry out. He takes a shaky breath and whispers: "Wow!" 

Jo gets up and grabs a framed picture from the wall and hands it to him. She says: "This is a picture of everyone who made this all happen, besides your dad. He took the picture." 

Shaun stares at the pictures and asks: "They all helped with this?" Jo nods and Shaun gets up slowly. He asks: "Why?" 

Jo smiles and says: "I can't speak for the others, but for me it was easy. You're kind, hard working, you are raised well and you deserved a break." Jo points at the skateboard in the corner and Shaun walks over to it. 

He picks it up and his jaw drops. "Did you do this?" 

Jo shakes her head and says: "It's a gift from Dart to you. His friend Pierre drew the art, that guy is amazing. There's a story behind it, but I will not bore you with it now. Dart had it custom made for you." 

Shaun rubs his neck and says: "I can't believe he did this for me. After all I did..." 

They hear a voice coming closer that says: "All you did? You mean caring for my future wife and looking out for her? And okay you think she's hot, but you're not blind boy." Shaun laughs as Dart walks in. He shakes Shaun's hand, placing his free hand on Shaun's shoulder. "Happy birthday Shaun!" Shaun walks around the room, checking everything out and Dart wraps his arms around Jo from behind. Jo leans back in his arms, watching Shaun explore his apartment with a smile. Dart kisses her neck and says: "He seems really happy." 

Jo says: "He is. He was already happy with me wishing him a happy birthday though." 

Dart looks at her and asks: "What did you do exactly?" 

Jo chuckles and Shaun, who heard Dart, says: "I already imagined that Jo was a good kisser, but my god! She knows how to use her tongue. I had to kick her out of my bedroom, because I was ready to jump her bones." Anger flashes in Dart's eyes and Shaun jumps back when he sees it. Shaun puts his hands up and Jo shakes her head. 

Dart looks at Jo and says: "Ah, very funny. You're lucky Jo's here or I would have punched you." 

Jo says: "You thought, even for a second, that I would do something like that?" 

Dart shrugs and says: "No love, I didn't think that far. My brain just heard he kissed you and anger took over." 

Shaun says: "I'm sorry, that was not funny. And after that awesome skateboard and this wonderful place too." 

Dart chuckles and says: "It actually was funny. I'm just a possessive, jealous idiot." He squeezes Jo tight and nuzzles her neck. 

Jo squirms and says: "Aren't you supposed to be at the beach, mister Perfect?" 

Dart lets go of her immediately and says: "Yeah, I'm off before I get fired." He kisses Jo quickly and runs off. Jo shakes her head and looks at Shaun. 

"You don't have to come into work today. Just explore and try out your new home. Just promise me to come over to the cafe for dinner. I'll make sure the rest of the gang is there too. They want to hear what you think and I am guessing you want to thank them." 

Shaun smiles and says: "That's a deal!" 

Jo smiles back at him and says: "Enjoy Shaun! You deserve it." She waves and walks out towards the cafe.


Jo walks into the cafe and Jake whistles at her. Jo does a twirl and says: "Special outfit for a special birthday. It was a great success Jake. He didn't know what hit him." 

Jake says: "I'm glad, the boy deserves it. I came up with some things with Ronnell. We've decided on a breakfast buffet from now on. People get their own breakfast together for one clear price and it saves us cooking and running around like headless chickens. And we can help the few elderly guests of course. By the way, there's a new group of people here to see you. They are Dutch." Jake points at the corner and Jo sees a group of people who look like Dutch people alright. 

Jo nods and says: "Awesome idea to go for a breakfast buffet every day. I am all for it and now I'll go and greet the Dutch people." Jo walks over to the group and they get all excited when they see her walk up to them. Jo greets them in Dutch and they all talk at the same time, pulling out newspapers and magazines for her to sign. Jo signs them all and poses for selfies. The group thanks her happily and go for another round of coffee and tea. 

Jo's favorite elderly costumer comes in and Jo holds out her arm to him to help him to a seat. The man smiles wide at her and says: "Thank you pretty lady." Jo explains that there will be a breakfast buffet and the man looks defeated. 

Jo leans down to him and says softly: "But if you don't tell anyone, I will get you your breakfast." She smiles at him and the man thanks her by squeezing her hand. Jo gets his favorite breakfast items together and brings it over to him. "Have a good meal and if you need anything, let me know."

Jo walks over to Jake, who is talking to a few young men standing at the bar. The guys stare at her and Jo says: "Good morning boys." The mumble a good morning back, staring at her again. 

Jake says: "I'm not sure guys. We just settled on a price." Jo asks what is going on and Jake says: "They only want a croissant and an orange juice and don't want to pay full price." 

Jo smiles and says: "That's easy. Are you guys okay with taking it to go?" The boys all nod, saying they are off to skate and surf. "Okay hang on. There's seven of you, right? I'll be right back." Jo walks into the kitchen and takes seven bottles of orange juice out of the fridge and puts one down in front of every boy. She grabs seven small paper bags and puts a croissant in every single one of them. Jo says: "Here you go, your three dollar breakfast. Line up, pay and take your breakfast outside with you." The guys cheer and all pay her, before taking a croissant to go with their juice. Jo waves at them and turns to Jake. 

Jake stares at her and says: "That was a smart and excellent fix. I am so putting that on the menu." 

Jo salutes him and says: "At your service boss." She sees her favorite costumer waving at her and walks over to him. 

"Can I have another tea miss?" 

"Of course you can. I will be right back." Jo gets the thermos with tea and brings it over to him with a smile, filling his cup. 

 She sits down at the bar for a second and Jake asks: "How much breakfast have you eaten?" 

Jo blushes slightly and says: "Half a croissant from Shaun." 

Jake says: "Good boy. I bet he was flustered with you in his bedroom and he still fed you. But you sis, you should take better care of yourself. Pick something from the buffet and eat it." Jo nods and gets herself a plate of scrambled eggs and a bit of bacon.

The Dutch people get up to leave and Jo walks over to them to say goodbye and to wish them a great time exploring. They ask her where the boutique is and where Dart can be found. Jo smiles and explains them how to get to Maria's boutique and tells them that Dart is giving surf lessons on the beach today. They all get excited and walk outside, talking about Dart and Maria.


Lunch is very busy and Jo runs around like a madwoman. Thankfully Nikki walks in to help out and everyone is served soon. The girls sit down at the bar a drink. Nikki compliments Jo on her look and Jo explains it's for Shaun. Nikki seems surprised and asks: "It's his birthday today?" Jo nods and tells her about the apartment for Shaun. Nikki looks stunned and asks: "He's not leaving?" 

Jo says: "No sweetie, he's staying. And we're celebrating his birthday in the cafe tonight, but he doesn't know that yet." 

Nikki says: "Wow. I always find it hard to talk to him, so I was afraid to ask." Jo looks Nikki over and asks: "Hard to talk to Shaun? Why?" 

Nikki looks down and says: "Maybe it has more to do with me, than with him. He is obviously very into you and I'm nothing like you. But I'm very into him." 

Jo nods and says: "I hear you. But be more like Shaun. He is openly into me, knowing it will never turn into something. And we are becoming friends. There's no shame in being into someone, who might not be into you. You can still use your eyes. Besides I wouldn't just assume he is only into girls that look like me. You are beautiful Nikki and you should start believing that."

 Nikki stares at her and says: "Maybe." 

Jo says: "Talk to him. He likes you as a friend at the very least. Friends talk, right? And colleagues do too." Jo jumps of the stool and grabs an empty tray to gather dirty dishes on. She turns to Nikki and says: "You are coming tonight, right? Put on the outfit that matches mine, the one you were wearing in the pictures, when I was wearing this dress. I really want to dance with you." Jo doesn't wait for an answer and walks off to clear tables.


The afternoon goes by fast and before they know it, it's time for Shaun's party. Jake has put a sign on the door, saying they're hosting a private party. Adam walks in and helps them set up a big table for everyone to sit around. Ronnell pokes his head out of the kitchen and calls Jo over to him. Nikki helps Jake to clear out part of the cafe, to create an area for dancing. Nikki waves and says: "I'm going home to change. I'll be back." Jo waves at her, before walking into the kitchen and Ronnell shows her an amazing birthday cake with skaters and surfers on it. 

"Wow Ronnell, that's amazing!" Ronnell smiles wide at her, happy that she likes it. Jo kisses him on the cheek and walks back into the cafe, to see Kane, Dylan and Dart walk in. Dart locks eyes with her and walks over to her in a straight line. But Kane and Dylan start sprinting towards her, passing Dart and saying hi to Jo first, laughing loud. Dart pushes them aside and pulls Jo close for a hug. He nuzzles her neck and says: "Hello love. I missed you." 

Jo kisses him and says: "I missed you too handsome." Dylan and Kane make kiss sounds and hug each other. Jo laughs and says: "You guys are more annoying than usual. Did something happen?" 

Kane grins and says: "Yeah. Dart was surrounded by gorgeous girls in bikini's all day and all he did was pine for you. So sad. He is not even married yet." 

Dylan nods his head and says: "Seriously Jo. He is not the guy we used to know." Jo looks into Dart's eyes and sees he's a bit embarrassed. Jo takes his head in her hands and kisses him softly. 

He puts his forehead against hers and sighs. "I can't even deny it Jo. It was bad today." 

Jo snuggles up to him and closes her eyes. "We're together now handsome." Nikki walks in, with her rock style outfit on. The guys whistle and Nikki does a spin. Jo hugs her and says: "You look amazing sweetie!" She kisses Dart again and then sees Maria and Shaun come in together. 

They all yell: "Happy Birthday Shaun!"

Ronnell comes out with the cake and they all sing happy birthday to Shaun. Who just stares at it all for a few moments. Ronnell puts the cake on the table and says: "Come on Shaun! Blow out the candles!" Shaun walks up to the table and looks at the cake with a big smile and blows the candles out. Ronnell cuts into it and hands everyone a plate with a piece of cake on it. Jake tells everyone to sit down and turns to Shaun. 

"Dear Shaun, welcome to your birthday party. Last year was the last time you didn't celebrate it, if we can help it. Let's eat that cake!" 

Jo takes the first bite and closes her eyes. "Hmm Ronnel! This tastes like a slice of heaven." They all take a bite and compliment Ronnell. They talk about the apartment and explain who did what in there. 

Shaun stares at all of them and says: "You guys...I don't even know what to say. I love all of it. Thank you!"

Dylan says: "Alright what are we eating?" 

Ronnell turns to Shaun and says: "It's your birthday Shaun, the choice is yours." 

Shaun smiles and says: "You already know my favorites here. Dutch Delights, Jo's Favorite and Wings of Love." 

Ronnell nods and asks: "Jo, would you be so kind to fry the wings?" Jo gets up and winks at Shaun, before walking into the kitchen. Dart follows her and carries the tray of wings over to her, while she heats up the fryer. Dart hugs her from behind and Jo leans back against him, waiting for the fryer to be hot enough. 

Ronnell whistles as he prepares the pizza's and bitterballen. Jo fries the first batch and Dart helps her fill the bowls. Jake walks in to serve the first pizza's and wings. Jo fries the last few wings and puts them in the last bowls. Dart is plating the Dutch cheese cubes and Ronnell moves to the fryer to fry the bitterballen. They carry out the last foods with a smile and Jake hands out Grolsch beer to everyone. 

Once they are all seated, Shaun gets up. He raises his beer and says: "Cheers everyone! To many more birthdays and parties together. Thanks for being there for me." They all cheer and raise their bottles. Jo takes a sip and closes her eyes with a smile. Shaun stares at her, until Dart notices. He blushes slightly and looks at Nikki, who seems to be staring at him. He smiles at her and she blushes, but she doesn't look away this time.

Maria sits down next to Jo and whispers in her ear: "Do you have a picture of the barefoot sandals?" Jo nods and picks her phone up from the table. She shows the picture to Maria and she smiles. "That looks awesome Jo. I knew he would be able to pull it off." 

Jo looks at Maria and asks: "Did you ask him for it?" 

Maria nods and says: "I've seen it once, when a friend of mine got married on the beach. So I asked Marcello if he would be able to create something like that." 

Jo hugs Maria and says: "Thank you! I love them!" 

Dart leans over to them and asks: "Who is Marcello?" 

Jo says: "The guy who made the barefoot sandals I showed you a picture of." Dart nods, but stares into her eyes, knowing she is hiding something. Dylan, Kane and Shaun sit down next to Dart, talking about the gym, surfing and eventually Jo. Jo talks to Nikki and Maria, about clothes and boys. And Jake and Ronnell are coming up with ideas for the wedding reception.

Shaun taps Jo on her shoulder and she turns to him, to see Kane and Dylan looking at her too. "What's wrong boys?" 

Dart shakes his head and says: "They don't believe me. I told them you arm-wrestled Laurent and saved a maid form a scary guy at the hotel. And that you were the inspiration for the Fight Like a Girl plan." 

Jo chuckles and says: "All true! That poor girl. That bastard was strong though. I couldn't hold him down for long. But long enough for Dart to take over." 

Kane stares at her and says: "But why did you arm-wrestle Laurent?" 

"Because Dart's wonderful friends were arm-wrestling Dart and Laurent said one of the guys had the strength of a girl." 

Dylan stops her and says: "I know enough. You got offended and challenged him." 

Dart grins and says: "Exactly. And then Laurent tried to rush it, to surprise her. But she stayed calm and slammed his arm into the table. All the other guys backed off. It was awesome. I loved it." 

Jo thinks back to that moment and says: "I felt a bit bad about it though. It was not the impression I wanted to make on them. Not very ladylike." Dart gets up and leans down to kiss her softly. 

"They asked for it Jo. They either ignored you or flirted with you. They created the atmosphere. And I only love you more, because of it." 

Kane shakes his head and says: "I misjudged you. I thought you were strong mentally, but this..."


Shaun stares at Jo and asks: "What about the breaking a guys nose story?" Jo is a bit taken back by it and Shaun mumbles: "Forget I asked." 

Jo takes a deep breath and then says: "It's okay. If someone gets me another beer, I will tell you about it." Dart gets up and grabs a couple of beers, handing them out. Jo takes a few sips and says: "It's a long story that led to the nose breaking to be honest. I'll try and tell it quick and factual. You guys have to fill in the blanks yourself." 

Dart moves his chair closer to her and says: "Are you sure Jo?" 

Jo nods and says: "Yeah, it's part of who I am now. I need to tell them. But we're dancing after I told them." 

Dart smiles and says: "That's a deal, love."

Jo takes another sip of beer and follows it with taking a deep breath, before speaking. "I ended up in this cafe, because I ran away from my ex in The Netherlands." She touches her scar and says: "He gave me this scar that night. It was the final straw and I packed a few things and ran out. I flew to LAX and ended up here in the cafe, where Jake saw me stumble in. I was broken and lost." She takes another sip and notices the entire group looking at her. 

She continues quickly: "I thought I loved him, but he ended up treating me badly. Very badly... Anyway Jake gave me a bed to sleep in and I started working here. Jake was the first person I talked to about my ex." 

Jake sighs and says: "That was a bad night. It took all my strength to push down my anger for that bastard, so I could keep supporting her and listen to her." Jo stares in the distance and Dart strokes her cheek lovingly. 

Jo looks at him and then continues: "Jake healed me so much. I will never be able to put that into words. I ended up falling in love with Dart, which was scary and seemed impossible at the time. But he is the most patient, loving man I've ever met. Just to give you the setting, I was happy working here, getting more confident by the day and in love with Dart. And then I walked up to the cafe and saw my ex standing there, with his back turned to me. I froze on the spot and got so scared, that it was getting hard to stand." 

She takes another sip of her beer and closes her eyes for a second. "He turned around and said something mean about my relationship with Dart. That's what made me snap. I yelled at him and pushed him into the cafe through the door with all the strength I could find. I sat down on top of him and punched him in the nose. Dart and Jake rushed over and Dart managed to calm me down a bit. I got up, placed a foot on my ex' crotch, spat him in the face and asked him if he missed me. I rushed into the kitchen and collapsed... We only found out later that my ex' nose was broken."

Jo gets up and walks over to the stereo. She turns the volume up and beckons Dart to come over to her. Dart rushes to her and wraps his arms around her tightly. Jo places her head against his chest, calming down in his arms as they slow dance. The rest of the group stare at each other and take a moment to let Jo's story sink in. Jo lifts her head and stares into Dart's eyes. Dart sees the pain is gone and graces her with his signature smile. 

Jo smiles back at him and says: "I think we need some Foo Fighters in here." Dart winks at her and she walks over to the stereo and plays 'All My Life'. She sings along, while walking over to Dart and dancing wildly when the song speeds up. Shaun gets up and joins her, singing along happily. Soon everybody else joins in and Shaun plugs his phone into the speaker, to play his grunge favorites. Jo sings along and dances over to Nikki. Nikki smiles at her and they dance wild and free. Shaun joins them with a wide smile. They all dance until they are out of breath, collapsing in the chairs around the table. 

Dart pulls Jo onto his lap and nuzzles her neck. Jake and Maria walk off to get everyone another beer and after a while they come back, both looking flustered. Jo chuckles and Dart says: "What's so funny love?" 

Jo whispers in his ear: "Jake and Maria were being naughty in the kitchen." 

Dart looks over to them and sees a blush on Maria's cheeks. He chuckles softly and says: "As always, you notice everything around you." Jo looks at Shaun and sees he's talking to Nikki and she is actually holding up her end of the conversation. Jo smiles and turns her head to Dylan and Kane. Kane winks at her and Dylan notices him doing that and turns around to her. 

He smiles at Jo and says: "Can I ask you something?" Jo nods and waits for the question. Dart has his arms around her and openly stares at her. Dylan asks: "Do you think the 'Fight Like a Girl Plan' could work outside of hotels? And if so, would Laurent allow it?" 

Jo thinks for a second and says: "I think it works everywhere. Girls and women need to feel more in control, become stronger. The second you feel like you can defend yourself, is when you are less afraid. And I think Laurent wouldn't be against it. I am guessing you want to know this for the women you work with?" 

Dylan nods and says: "I just thought it might be a good idea for them. And I love the 'Fight Like a Girl Plan'. Looked it up and the entire thing is awesome." 

Jo smiles and says: "I'll be right back." She gets up and walks into the kitchen. 


She dials Laurent's number and he picks up saying: "Please tell me the wedding is off and I stand a chance." 

Jo laughs and says: "Sorry to disappoint you, but the wedding is still on. I have something to ask you though." She explains that Dylan works with battered women and that he wants to use something like the 'Fight Like a Girl Plan'. Laurent immediately asks if she's talking about Dylan the movie star. And Jo laughs, admitting she tends to forget he is famous. 

Laurent says: "It's as much your plan as it is mine. But I am happy to adapt the plan to make it suitable for battered women. I didn't even think that far. 11 other hotels have started the plan though, that proves that it's an awesome plan Jo." 

Jo says: "You should bring the plan with you, when you come over for the wedding. And you should make shirts with the art Pierre made on it. I would love to wear it. I think it could become a global movement." 

Laurent stays silent for a while and says: "Mon Dieu, Jo. That brain of yours... Shirts are going to be ordered and I will make sure you get them. We should start social media pages too." 

Jo laughs and says: "I'm at a birthday party now, so I can't talk for long. Just wanted to know what you thought of the idea right away." 

"Alright Jo. Thanks for calling and sharing your ideas. Tell Dylan it's a go. Au revoir chérie!" 

Jo says: "Bye Pepe Le Pew!" She hears Laurent laugh as she hangs up and walks back into the cafe. Dylan looks up at her as she walks towards him and she says: "Laurent asked me to tell you it's a go. He will adapt the plan and will bring the plan with him when he comes over here for the wedding." 

Dylan smiles wide and gets up to hug her. "Thank you Jo!" Dart clears his throat and Dylan steps away from Jo with his hands up. Jo laughs and sits back down on Dart's lap and he immediately pulls her close. 

"You enjoy that way too much. I need a lot of hugs to survive and you're making them all scared to hug me." 

She pouts and Dart whispers: "Don't pout love. Please don't pout. I can give you all the hugs you need." 

Jo pouts more and says: "But you're not always with me. And I really wanted to hug Dylan. There's nothing wrong with that." 

Dart grumbles: "Yes there is. They are all members of the club, because they wish you were theirs." 

Jo's rolls her eyes and she says: "Yeah, right." 

Dart turns her head gently and stares into her eyes. "Yeah Jo. I'm not lying to you. I'm sure they wouldn't make a move while I'm still breathing, besides Shaun that is." 

Jo laughs softly and asks: "But what about Jake?" 

Dart says: "Go over to him and ask him for his member card. Read it." Jo gets up and walks over to Jake, who is laughing about something with Ronnell. Jo asks him for his Dribbling Fools Club Card and he takes it out of his wallet. Jo looks at it and sees he's the second member. And under his name it says: Brotherly hugs allowed. Jo laughs and hands it back to Jake. 

He raises his eyebrow and asks: "Why did you want to see it?" 

Jo says: "Dart was telling me that I shouldn't hug the members and vice versa. And I wanted to know about you. He told me to look at your card, so that's why." 

Jake grins and says: "Was he being jealous?" Jo nods and Jake grabs her and pulls her onto his lap, hugging her tight, staring at Dart from across the table. Ronnel kisses her cheek and Maria kisses the other. Nikki piles in and soon the guys follow. 

Kane says: "He can't possibly kill us all at the same time. But I'm running if he gets up." They all laugh and let go of Jo one by one. Jake lifts Jo up and carries her over to Dart and lowers her onto Dart's lap. 

Jake says: "She is yours, but we all need a little bit of her love to go on. You can't stop her from hugging others, because you get jealous. It's who she is. She is not telling you to stop touching the people you train and teach, is she?" 

Dart growls and then says: "Yeah, yeah, you're right. Doesn't mean I like it though." 

Jo smiles and says: "It's just our arms or hands, right? I am pretty sure you don't kiss anyone else but me." Dart looks deep into her eyes and nods his head, before pulling her close for a deep, slow kiss. Jo plays with his hair and asks: "Do you want to go home?" 

Dart says: "Yes please. I want to have you all to myself." 

Jo gets up and says: "Okay! I'll hug everyone goodbye then." Dart shoots her an angry look and Jo walks away from him fast. She walks over to Shaun, who is talking to Nikki again. Shaun looks up at her with a smile and Jo asks: "So, did we do okay with this birthday?" 

Shaun nods and says: "It was the best birthday I ever had. Thank you so much." 

Jo says: "Good! I'm going home, I'm tired and my future husband is done sharing me." Shaun laughs, gets up and holds his arms out for a hug. Jo steps closer and hugs him back warmly. 

Shaun whispers: "I had no idea about your ex. I'm sorry that happened to you." Jo steps back and looks into his eyes: "I'm glad you know now. Have a good night!" Jo hugs Nikki and moves onto Adam, who hugs her and thanks her for being there for his son. Ronnell, Jake and Maria pull her into a group hug and wish her a good night. She finally walks over to Dylan and Kane, who are already saying goodbye to Dart. 

Dylan watches her walk up and asks: "Can I please give you a hug and thank you for telling us?" Jo smiles slightly and nods. Dylan hugs her warmly and says: "I finally get what Dart meant, when he said you were stronger than the three of us together. You truly are. Being through all of that and then seeing you standing here: a gorgeous, confident, loving, funny and strong woman. I'm proud of you and will be for the rest of my life." 

Jo looks down and mumbles: "Don't make me cry now. I managed to keep them down all night." Dylan steps back and touches her cheek with a soft look in his eyes. 

Kane hugs her and says: "I don't like to admit it, but that jealous idiot is perfect for you. I'm not a big talker, but you will always have a friend in me." 

Jo smiles up at them and says: "Thank you. Both of you. For being my friend the second I met you guys. And for being people I can rely on these days." Dart nods at the guys and holds out his hand for Jo. Jo puts her hand in his and they walk out together.


Jo keeps her head high, but her legs shake after a few steps. Dart picks her up and she wraps her arms and legs around him. He holds her close and walks onto the beach, sitting down on the sand with her on his lap. He feels her warm tears on his neck and rubs her back. He whispers he loves her, holds her close and she calms down slowly in his arms. She has stopped crying and tries to take a deep breath. But it's a shaky one and Dart says: "Take your time love, I'm here for you." 

Jo lifts her head up and looks at him with red eyes. She mumbles: "I'm having a déjà vu moment here. Your arms were just as comforting and safe back then." 

Dart kisses her tear stained cheeks and says: "These arms will always be here for you, love. For sad and happy times." Jo smiles slightly and brushes her lips with his. 

"Telling the story I am somewhat okay with, but the way others respond to it, that's what makes it hard. That's when their emotions wake up mine." Dart brushes a curl from her forehead and looks into her eyes lovingly. 

"I'm so proud of you for telling it though. They needed to hear it, to really know who you are. And doing it this way, means they all heard it in one go." 

Jo nods and says: "You're right. I'm glad they know now." 

Dart kisses her softly and asks: "Want to go home beautiful?" Jo nods and Dart asks: "Need me to carry you?" 

Jo gets up slowly and says: "No, I think I need to walk for a bit, to get the last bits of tension out." Dart gets up and Jo puts her arm around his waist, leaning against him. Dart puts his arm around her shoulders and they walk home together slowly. 

Once they are inside the house, they take their clothes off and go to bed. Jo lays her head on his chest and he plays with her hair. Jo falls asleep quickly, exhausted from her day. Dart watches the beautiful, sleeping woman in his arms with a smile on his face, until he falls asleep himself. 



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