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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐀 sun streamed through the blinds, painting the room in soft golden stripes. Johnny stirred, eyes flickering open to the sight of Stella curled against him, her face serene in sleep. For a moment, he just looked at her—like he was trying to memorize everything about this exact second. Then, unable to resist, he brushed his lips along the curve of her neck, trailing kisses across her warm skin and over her shoulder.

Stella shifted, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips as her lashes fluttered open. Her gaze met his, and his trademark grin was waiting for her.

"Hey," she murmured, turning in his arms to face him fully. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Johnny replied, his voice low and rough with sleep. He slid his fingers through her silky brunette hair, holding her close like he didn't want the world creeping in just yet.

"Last night was... well, it was truly something," she said softly, resting her head on his shoulder. "But what happens now?"

Johnny let out a breath, smirking slightly. "I don't know. I mean... I don't have much in the fridge. I could fry up some bologna—"

Stella laughed, a melodic sound that made his chest tighten. She pushed up on her forearms, eyes glimmering. "No, I mean with us. You're my brother's sensei. I'm not sure how this works, especially when it comes to telling him."

"Me neither," Johnny admitted, his usual swagger dimmed by something raw and real. "I don't wanna screw things up with August by not telling him."

"Same," Stella said gently, as she traced gentle patterns along his chest

"Then again," he murmured, locking eyes with her, "I don't wanna lose you."

Her heart stuttered at the way he said it—no jokes, no armor, just truth. She kissed his cheek softly. "So what are we gonna do?"

"I don't know," he confessed with a crooked grin. "It's been a while since I've been in this situation."

Before Stella could reply, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. With a reluctant sigh, she reached for it, scanning the screen. "It's grandma," she said, swinging her legs out of bed.

Johnny propped himself up on his elbow, frowning. "Where are you going? Stay with me."

"I'd love to," she said, pulling on her clothes, "but I have to take Grandma to the doctor. Then afterward, I'm taking her to lunch."

"Is Janette okay?" There was no hiding the concern in his voice.

"Yeah, it's just a follow-up appointment," Stella reassured him. "They adjusted some of her blood pressure meds and want to check the dosage. Wanna come by my place tonight? I've got a Christmas party in Malibu for the hospital, but I should be done by ten."

Johnny's grin returned, slow and dangerous—the kind that made her stomach flip. "I'll be there, princess."

"Alright." She smiled, leaning down to kiss him one last time—soft, lingering, and full of promises.

Then she grabbed her purse from the living room, slipped out the door, and headed to her Impala. Sliding behind the wheel, she started the engine and drove back toward Sherman Oaks, her heart still pounding with everything they hadn't said yet.

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Later that day, Johnny sat in the corner booth of a trendy little restaurant, drumming his fingers on the table. It had been over thirty years since he'd seen Ali—hell, longer than he cared to count. When the door opened, he spotted her instantly: same blonde hair, same easy smile.

"Hi, Johnny," Ali greeted warmly.

"Ali." He smirked. "Hey."

"Hey." She laughed lightly as they exchanged a quick, slightly awkward hug. "Awkward hug out of the way."

"All right." Johnny slid back into the booth

"Wow... this is so weird," Ali said, still smiling.

"You look good." Johnny said

"Oh, thank you. So do you. God when was the last time we saw each other?" Ali asked

"Senior year." Johnny said

"Senior year..." Ali repeated, thinking. "That must've been after the, um—"

"Yeah that." Johnny awkwardly said

A waitress appeared, pad in hand. "Hi there. Are you two ready to order?"

"Uh... you go first," Ali said, gesturing to Johnny.

"Uh, sure. I'll have the, uh vegan mung dahl bowl, with spiced carrots, turmeric cauliflower, and coconut yogurt." Johnny said

"And for you ma'am?" The waitress asked Ali

"Um, I don't know what a mung dahl bowl is, so, um, I, uh... how's the cheeseburger?" Ali asked

"That's my favorite." The waitress said

"Great. I'll get that with fries." Ali smiled

"Wait. You know what? Make that two." Johnny said 

"All right. You got it." The waitress said before she took their menus and walked away.

"Well there he is." Ali smiled

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After Janette's doctor's appointment, the two women headed to El Coyote. Stella sat across from her grandmother, absently picking at her food while Janette took notice.

"Thank you for taking me to my doctor's appointment," Janette said. No response. She tilted her head. "Stella Blue."

Stella blinked, setting her fork down. "Oh, I'm sorry, Grandma—did you say something?"

"I said thank you for taking me to my doctor's appointment." Janette smiled, lifting her soda for a sip.

"You're welcome, Grandma." Stella returned the smile.

"So, are you and August happy that the tournament is back on?" Janette asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Yeah, I mean... I kind of have my doubts because anything could happen. They have to sign these waivers stating the city isn't responsible for their injuries." Stella shrugged, still nudging her plate.

"That old sensei of Johnny's—what's his name? Kreese? Well, I met him when I picked August up from practice one day, and there's something off about him," Janette said.

"Grandma, you talked to him? He could have hurt you." Stella's tone sharpened.

"Believe me, your grandma is a tough old gal. I can handle myself." Janette gave a small laugh. "So what's new with you?"

"Oh, you know. Same old, same old," Stella said with a sigh. "Work, then home. It never changes."

"I noticed your car was over at Johnny's this morning." Janette smirked just as the waiter refilled their sodas and walked away.

"Yeah... I was tired, and he didn't want me driving back to Sherman Oaks late." Stella lied, trying to sound casual.

"Stella, I might have been born at night, but it wasn't last night." Janette arched a brow.

Setting her glass down, Stella admitted, "All right, fine. After congratulating him, one thing led to another and... we slept together."

"Well, it's about time." Janette sipped her soda, unfazed.

"Grandma." Stella shot her a look.

"I'm sorry, honey, but you don't see the looks you two give one another. Even when you were mad at him." Janette leaned in. "So, where does this leave the two of you? Are y'all friends, or... what do they call it? Friends with benefits?"

"Honestly, I don't know what we are. I want more from him. I've always wanted more. To be honest, he's treated me better than any of the cowboys back home could have ever dreamed of treating me. The only problem is, he doesn't fit Daddy's perfect description: a rancher, and a cowboy."

"Who cares what your father thinks? I'll take care of him. It's between you and Johnny. You two need to talk it out. He's probably not good at expressing how he feels. Your grandfather was the same way. You know how mad that used to make me?" Janette chuckled.

"Yeah, I'll talk to him tonight after the party." Stella smiled faintly. "Right now, I just want to enjoy the day with you."

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"This place makes me feel like I'm seventeen again. Makes me forget we've got seventeen-year-olds of our own," Ali said as she and Johnny sat on a bench outside Golf N' Stuff, watching the lights and hearing the faint sounds of laughter from inside.

"Yeah," Johnny said, leaning back, his hands resting casually on his knees.

"I wanna know more about Robby," Ali said.

"Oh, I don't know," Johnny muttered, not sure where to start.

"Tell me. Come on, tell me." Ali nudged him with a smile.

Johnny glanced at her. "You wanna know?"

Ali nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Well... he's complicated. He's complicated. He's smart. Too smart for his own good. He's a heartbreaker," Johnny said honestly.

"Like his dad?" Ali teased.

"All right, you got two, right?" Johnny asked, turning toward her.

"I do. I do," Ali said.

"Tell me about 'em," Johnny said.

"Lucas is my oldest. He's a very talented soccer player slash writer. A very dry sense of humor. And Ava—she was on her way to becoming a ballet dancer, and then, out of nowhere, just stops, starts playing the drums, and then joins a punk band. So, I guess you could say she's my rebel," Ali said.

"Oh yeah, just like her mom," Johnny said with a smirk.

"Mmm. More like her mom now," Ali replied.

"Like her mom then too," Johnny countered, a half-grin on his face.

"Maybe. Yeah... I miss them," Ali said softly.

"Why? They're not here?" Johnny asked.

"Uh, no. Greg has them this week. It's actually my first Christmas alone," Ali said, then scoffed. "And my parents are so annoying. Would it surprise you to learn that Mr. and Mrs. Mills do not approve of my situation?"

"Not at all," Johnny said with a short laugh.

"Yeah, I think they're more upset about the divorce than I am," Ali said.

"Hey, silver lining—you get to ditch Schwarber," Johnny shot back.

Ali laughed. "That's true. That's true. I forgot how cold it can get in the Valley."

Johnny smirked. "Yeah. Nothing like it."

Ali's phone buzzed with a text, breaking the moment. She glanced down. "I should get it—might be the kids."

"Yeah," Johnny said, casual.

Ali looked back up with a quick smile. "Oh, shit! I completely forgot."

"What? What is it?" Johnny asked.

"Ah! I promised my mom I would go to this stupid party. I really have to go. I'd much rather stay here with you," Ali said.

"It's all right. Don't worry about it. I get it," Johnny said.

Ali turned, still smiling warmly. "You wanna come? Save me from the boredom"

"You sure?," Johnny asked, staying seated as she walked off into the crowd.

Ali nodded. "Do you have a suit?"

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After finishing her makeup, Stella smoothed the deep red velvet dress that once belonged to her mother, the rich fabric hugging her curves perfectly. She slipped on her black Manolo heels—Lori's fabulous gift—and grabbed her sleek black clutch, sliding her phone inside.

At the dresser, she fastened her mother's sapphire earrings, followed by the matching necklace. A light mist of Kayali's Fleur Majesty Royale perfume kissed her pulse points before she shut off the lights and headed out. Her heels clicked softly as she stepped into the elevator, heart fluttering with anticipation. Her friends were waiting in the lobby.

"Well, look at you! Ready on time! That's a world record." Lori laughed, tossing her glossy blonde hair over one shoulder, her diamond studs winking under the light.

"Oh, shut up." Stella smiled, embracing her best friends. "You know I'm always on time. Y'all look beautiful."

"Thank you. So do you." Kara hugged her next, effortlessly chic in her tailored cream mini dress, her understated elegance screaming old-money sophistication.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Stella." Amy smiled warmly as she joined the embrace, her effortless bohemian vibe softened by a silk slip dress and a vintage clutch.

"Thanks, girls." Stella grinned as they glided toward the exit. "So, are we ready?"

"If you are." Lori smirked, adjusting her diamond-studded phone case before waving toward the curb. "Carter! I told you to pull up closer!"

"What?" Carter called from the driver's side as he stepped out of the sleek black SUV. With his easy smile and casual confidence, he opened the back door like a pro.

"Thanks, Carter!" Stella said as she slid into the backseat with practiced grace.

"Thanks, Carter!" Kara and Amy chimed in, following her lead.

"No problemo." Carter grinned, closing the door for them before circling to open the passenger side. He gave a mock bow. "M'lady."

"Thank you, babe." Lori beamed, planting a quick kiss on his cheek as she slid into the passenger seat. The SUV purred to life as Carter climbed behind the wheel.

"So," Lori said, twisting around to face the backseat, her blue eyes glinting with mischief. "You never told us what happened last night."

"There's nothing to tell." Stella said lightly, but her tone betrayed her.

"Bullshit." Kara snapped open her compact mirror and checked her lipstick, her voice smooth and knowing. "You're totally different today. You have a glow about you. Either you had a sex dream about McDreamy from Grey's, or you and Johnny slept together."

Stella kept silent, digging in her clutch for her lipstick like it held all the answers.

"No fucking way." Lori gasped, her glossed lips curling into a grin.

"It was a spur of the moment thing." Stella finally admitted.

"What was a spur of the moment thing?" Carter asked casually as he steered the car toward Malibu, his tone easy but curious.

"Stella, honey, burps are spur of the moment. Not sleeping with someone." Amy said, arching an eyebrow as she crossed her legs.

"Okay, okay." Stella exhaled. "I mean, one thing led to another and it just felt right. It just felt so right."

"Hey, we're glad you finally got it out of your system," Kara said, snapping her compact shut with a click. "But where does it leave the two of you?"

"After the party, we're talking about it." Stella said, her voice soft but certain.

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"Well, we've been here five minutes and I already see ten people I hate," Amanda said.

"Yeah," Daniel replied.

"It's Christmas time all right," Amanda added.

"Tradition is tradition," Daniel said with a small shrug. "Let's just hope Anthony doesn't get kicked out of another sleepover."

"Santa has a big ol' bag of coal for him if he does," Amanda muttered. "Okay, I'll go grab a table. You grab me a drink."

"Yeah, I'm on it," Daniel said as he walked to the bar. "Merry Christmas, Brett. The usual for me and Amanda. Thanks," he added, leaning on the counter.

"Coming right up," Brett said.

"Daniel with an L."

Daniel turned at the familiar voice and broke into a grin when he saw the blonde. "Oh my God. Ali, is it really you?"

"I think so," Ali chuckled. "Wow, I was hoping that I would run into you one day. It's funny that it's here though, huh?"

"Yeah. Right. Right," Daniel said, still stunned. "The kid from Reseda—a member of the club."

"Yeah. Well, there's no more sneaking around the kitchen," Ali teased with a laugh.

"I'm sorry, I just... you just look great," Daniel said, completely floored.

"Aw, thank you. So do you," Ali replied warmly. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Yeah," Daniel agreed as they shared a quick embrace before pulling apart. "I just have so many questions."

"Hey, watch it! I'm wearing white here—you think I want that all over me?" Johnny snapped at a waiter carrying spaghetti.

"Johnny, come here," Ali called, motioning him over. "You remember Johnny Lawrence, right?"

"How can I forget?" Daniel said as Johnny approached

"Wow, guys. This is a little West Valley reunion, huh? Crazy," Ali said.

"Crazy. That is definitely the word for it," Daniel agreed.

"Yeah. That's a nice suit. Is that made of velvet? You sleep in that?" Johnny jabbed.

"You should talk there, Scarface," Daniel shot back.

"Okay, so I guess this is not the first time you've seen each other since high school," Ali said, sensing the tension.

"We've had a few run-ins," Johnny said.

"Well, just one or two," Daniel added.

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"Hey! I'm so glad you girls made it!" April smiled, her excitement genuine as she embraced Stella, Lori, and Kara.

"Of course. We wouldn't have missed it," Stella said with a warm smile. "Oh, before I forget—April, you remember Amy, right? She was up at the hospital with us after August's accident."

"Of course," April said, leaning in to hug Amy. "I'm so glad you could come as well. Maybe the party won't be so boring this year since you guys are here," she added with a laugh as the girls made their way to the bar to order drinks.

"The parties are usually boring?" Lori asked, her tone light and curious as she absentmindedly tucked a strand of perfectly styled hair behind her ear.

"Mrs. Goodwin usually monitors the parties, and we also have reps from different companies coming to these parties as well," April explained. "Last year, my brother was able to sneak us all into a Christmas party in Santa Monica."

"Noah's your brother, right?" Amy asked, her voice calm as she sipped her rum and coke. "I remember speaking with him a few times."

"Yeah. Sometimes he can be a bit much, but he's great with the patients. Sometimes he lets his heart get in the way," April said as they all settled into a table, drinks in hand.

"You don't find very many doctors like that nowadays," Amy replied, her tone thoughtful.

Just then, Carter appeared, carrying a tray with an assortment of desserts. "Hey ladies, I brought some food from the dessert table," he said as he set it down. "I wasn't sure what everyone wanted, so I just brought a variety."

Stella smiled, picking up her fork before teasing gently. "Thank you, Carter, but we haven't even had the main course yet."

"Ah, what the hell, it's the holidays," Carter said with an easy grin as he began eating his cake.

"I like the way Carter thinks," April laughed, joining in and taking a bite of her dessert.

"Hey, guys," Maggie said as she slid into an empty chair.

"Hey, Maggie," the group greeted in unison.

"Have some dessert," Stella offered warmly. "There's plenty."

"Well, don't mind if I do. This is the only time of year when I'm not counting those calories," Maggie said with a grin, grabbing a piece of pie.

"So, what did the reps say?" April asked as she savored a forkful of pie.

"Well, they'll give us a certain amount for the hybrid operating room, which will be beneficial for the doctors who need to operate in the emergency room and can't get up to the operating room," Maggie explained before taking another bite.

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"So, your daughter hit his car, you drew a dick on his face, your cousin set his car on fire and tried to beat him up with a baseball bat?" Ali asked.

"He's playing a little loose on those details," Daniel said.

"No, that's basically what happened," Johnny added.

Ali sighed. "Why didn't you tell me about this at lunch?"

"Lunch?" Daniel said.

"Yeah, we made plans together. Spent all day together," Johnny said.

"And how did that happen?" Daniel asked.

"He messaged me out of the blue," Ali said.

"And then she friend requested me. Kinda went from there. You know how it goes, or maybe not," Johnny said.

"So you finally figured out Facebook? Did you take night classes in computer literacy?" Daniel teased.

"Self-taught. Many hours," Johnny replied.

"Okay, am I gonna have to put you two into time-out?" Ali asked.

"Did you get lost on the way to the table?" Amanda asked, walking up to Daniel.

"I'm sorry," Daniel said, grabbing his drinks and handing one to Amanda. "Honey, you are not going to believe this."

"I just stepped in something, didn't I?" Amanda said.

"Ali, this is my wife Amanda. Amanda, this is Ali Mills-Schwarber," Daniel introduced them.

"We went out in high school," Ali said.

"Oh," Amanda said, then chuckled. "I cannot wait to talk to you."

"I was just thinking the same thing," Ali said with a smile. "And it's actually just Mills now, no Schwarber."

"So, have the man-boys filled you in on the whole mortal enemy karate dojo battle for the soul of the Valley thing?" Amanda asked as she plucked an olive from her martini.

"Whoa, wait. You both have karate dojos?" Ali asked. "How's that going?"

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"Wait, wait—how the hell was he dressed like a shower? What does that even look like?" Amanda laughed as she listened to Ali's story about the Halloween dance.

"I know! It was so funny, and then this one comes running out dressed like a toddler in skeleton pajamas, chasing after him," Ali said, pointing to Johnny.

"Okay, maybe we could fast-forward through all this," Daniel said.

"Yeah, yeah. Fast-forward," Johnny agreed.

"Oh, no, no. Then it got worse and worse until the tournament and then they pretty much left each other alone—and I thought that was that," Ali said.

"Okay, so their rivalry wasn't the reason you and Daniel broke up?" Amanda asked curiously.

"No, that was... that was a whole other story," Ali said nervously, taking a sip of her wine.

"Oh," Amanda said.

"We don't need to go into all that," Daniel said quickly.

"No, I'd like to hear this," Johnny said.

"I think I need to hear this," Amanda added.

"Okay, I'll tell it. I'll tell it," Ali said with a sigh. "So, I got into UCLA, and I ran into this guy that I knew who went there. Daniel sees me talking to my friend—"

"Your friend," Daniel said sarcastically, making air quotes.

"Yes, he was my friend, actually. He jumps to conclusions—well, I was a little bit upset, so I probably, maybe, egged you on," Ali said.

"Yeah, right. You sure you egged me on? Listen, I thought you were in love with the guy," Daniel said defensively.

"I told you. Just like I told you that the brakes on Mr. Miyagi's car were gonna go. I hope that you didn't tell him that it was my fault it crashed?" Ali said.

"No, of course not," Daniel replied, taking a sip of his drink.

"This is the best story I have ever heard—please keep going," Johnny said to Ali.

"Oh, should we talk about what a bad boyfriend you were?" Ali teased Johnny.

"Yes, definitely. Some trample to that side of the table, please," Daniel laughed.

"I guess our heads were pretty far up our asses back then," Johnny said.

"Whose wasn't back in high school?" Daniel said.

"Mine was so far up there I could see out my mouth," Amanda laughed. "Wait—did that make sense, or was that wine talking?"

"Let's just hope that our kids are more evolved than we were," Ali said.

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"This party wasn't so bad," Stella said as she, April, Lori, Kara, Amy, and Carter stepped out of the glowing country club entrance, heels clicking against the pavement.

"Yeah, it was definitely better than last year's," April smiled as the valet brought her car around. "I'm so glad you guys got to come."

"Us too," Amy said with an easy smile, slipping her phone back into her minimalist clutch. Her tone was casual but warm, the kind that made you feel like she actually meant it.

"Wanna head back to my place for some drinks?" Stella asked, her voice carrying a spark of excitement into the crisp night air.

"I'm in!" Kara said immediately, her tone polished but playful as Carter stepped forward, opening the car door for her with that quiet, confident grace he always carried. "April, you coming?"

"Yeah, of course," April replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Alright, I'll text you the address," Stella said, sliding into the backseat with an easy, stylish glide that Lori mirrored effortlessly—her designer heels catching the valet lights like diamonds.

"Okay! See you soon," April said with a grin as the door closed and the night's soft hum of engines and laughter followed them.

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"I'm so glad I got to meet you," Ali said warmly to Amanda as they embraced.

"You too," Amanda replied with genuine kindness. "Johnny."

Johnny and Amanda exchanged a quick, friendly hug before Amanda slipped away to pay for dinner and grab her jacket.

"Ah, your wife paying the bills, huh?" Johnny teased, smirking as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets.

"Says the guy who grew up eating free lunches here," Daniel shot back without missing a beat.

"Okay, you guys really like fighting each other," Ali said, shaking her head in amused disbelief.

"He's instigating. I'm just defending myself, as usual," Daniel replied.

"She knows firsthand that's bullshit," Johnny added, tilting his head toward Ali with that familiar glint of trouble in his eyes.

Ali scoffed and crossed her arms. "This is exactly the problem. You say one thing, and then you say the opposite. You both think there's only one side to the story."

"I know," Johnny said with a shrug. "There's two."

"No, there's three. There's your side, and your side, and then there is the truth. And the truth is, you guys are more alike than you want to admit and maybe, you recognize parts of yourselves in each other, and maybe you don't always like what you see."

Johnny smirked faintly, but there was a hint of thoughtfulness behind it. "I guess it's possible some small part of all of this is my fault."

"Yeah. Me too," Daniel admitted quietly.

"Point Mills," Ali said with a playful grin. "Winner."

"Well since the match is over and we have a new champ, I guess that means it's time for me to go," Daniel said, pulling Ali into one last hug.

"This was...I don't even know what it was, but all I know is I had a really great time," Daniel said with sincerity.

"I did too," Ali smiled. "I'm so happy I got to see you. And Amanda—don't screw that up."

"I won't. Ali, I—I just wanted to say...the way things ended with us..." Daniel started, his voice softening.

"We were so young, and the good times far outweighed the bad. That is how I will always remember it," Ali said gently.

"Me too. Me too," Daniel agreed.

Johnny and Ali walked out together, the cool night air settling around them. Johnny's steps felt lighter than they had in years—but it wasn't because of nostalgia. It was because of her. Stella. Even now, in the quiet between sentences, her name pulsed in his chest like a second heartbeat.

Johnny didn't even realize Amanda had told Ali about Stella, but Ali's eyes carried a little sparkle like someone who knew something.

"So what are you driving these days?" Ali asked casually as they waited for the valet.

"A '93 Dodge Caravan," Johnny answered honestly, almost proudly, like a man who knew his car wasn't much—but his life was about to be.

"All right, fine. Don't tell me," Ali teased with a grin. "So, Amanda told me you've been seeing a young lady by the name of Stella Walker."

Johnny blinked, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "So that's what you and Amanda snuck off to talk about."

"Well, that and other things," Ali replied smoothly. "I knew her name sounded familiar. Back in the early '90s, her mom was a patient of mine—the reason I went into pediatric surgery, actually—and I even named my daughter after her. I wish I would have kept in contact."

Johnny's brows lifted slightly. "Oh, I didn't know that."

"Well, I only saw her mother once. I remember how gentle and kind she was—and her husband Nathan too. If Stella is anything like her mother, you've got a good one," Ali said sincerely.

Johnny's expression softened as a rare tenderness came over him. He could see Stella in his mind—her laugh, her fire, her heart. "She's amazing." His voice dropped, reverent. "Everything about her... I don't even know how I got this lucky."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was steady—filled with something permanent. His eyes weren't just looking forward; they were seeing Stella in every thought, every breath.

Ali noticed. And she smiled. The kind of smile people wear when they've seen real love before—and they're seeing it again, blooming right in front of them.

"You really like her," Ali said, but her tone wasn't teasing—it was knowing.

Johnny let out a slow breath, his lips curving in that unguarded way that gave him away completely. "Just...I don't know. Still trying to figure it out."

"Well, if she's cool enough to make Johnny Lawrence speechless, you better figure it out quick," Ali said with a soft laugh.

"I know," Johnny said. His voice dropped to a whisper almost, as if confessing to himself. "Like I told you, I always screw these things up."

"Well, you didn't screw it up today," Ali said with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah?" Johnny asked, hope flickering across his face like light catching water.

"Thanks for making me feel like a kid again," Ali smiled.

"We had our own little time machine," Johnny said with a quiet chuckle.

"Sometimes it's good to visit the past, to know where you are now. But you can't live in the past," Ali said softly.

"No. We have to live for today," Johnny replied, his voice firm now, like a man who finally understood what that meant.

"And the future. Whatever that might bring," Ali added, her eyes searching his face—and finding her answer in the way his eyes weren't on her anymore. They were somewhere else entirely. With Stella.

"Well, I know you're gonna be happy," Johnny told Ali, meaning it.

"I know you'll be happy too," Ali said. "I have faith in you."

They embraced tightly—two old souls finally setting each other free.

"I needed this," Johnny said quietly against her shoulder.

"I did too," Ali replied with a soft smile.

When they pulled apart, the valet rolled up with Johnny's '93 Dodge Caravan, and Ali chuckled. "Oh my God! You weren't kidding!"

"Can I give you a lift?" Johnny asked.

"I gotta go find my parents. But I will always be there for you. You know that, right?" Ali said.

"Yeah. Me too," Johnny said.

"Okay, so get out of here. You have a future to find," Ali said warmly.

"Yeah. I do." Johnny said as he climbed into the van. As he drove off, his mind wasn't on the car, or the night—it was on Stella. On how she made him feel alive again, like nothing else ever had.

Tonight, he knew exactly what he needed to do. He was going to look Stella Walker in the eyes, take her in his arms, and finally tell her the truth—that he was madly in love with her, and he wasn't letting go.