Melissa suggested that they went to “Java Jimmy’s”, maintaining that it was one of the few places in the city that it played good music. Of course, Julia did not like that idea, as she believed that visiting the bar that she had met Bruce would probably make her pain worse. Despite her cousin’s persistence though, Melissa did not back down. She would either go to “Java Jimmy’s” or go back home.

Still, the two women were in for an unpleasant surprise, as soon as they arrived at the bar. The neon sign was off. There were no motorcycles parked on the side of the road whatsoever. It was completely dark inside.

“What the hell?” Melissa hummed, looking through the glass façade. “I spoke to Jenny on the phone this morning. She said she was working tonight.”

“Too bad.” She detected a hint of irony in Julia’s voice. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

Melissa dropped her gaze. Just before she did though, she caught a glimpse of a small, elderly, male figure. It was Jimmy, crossing the street.

“Evening, ladies.” He said. “Melissa, I hope you’re feeling better. You looked in pretty bad shape at the funeral.” He went on, pulling they key to his bar out of his pocket. “I’m sorry about tonight. I had a family emergency.”

“Hey, Jimmy.” Melissa chirped. “So, the bar stays closed for tonight?”

“I forgot my cell phone in the kitchen.” Jimmy said. “You can stay if you like. Take the key. Just give it to Jenny tomorrow. And, unless you want to start pouring drinks to strangers, don’t play the music too loud and don’t turn on too many lights, ok?”

“Lovely.” Melissa smiled broadly at him, as he pushed the glass door open. “I can’t believe we’ll have the place all to ourselves.” She headed towards the bar, as Jimmy made his way to the kitchen, to the right. He pressed a switch on the wall. Four, red and green overhead spotlights were lit.

“What are you having?” She asked, turning on the stereo in the far corner of the counter.

“Some vodka would be nice.” Julia replied.

“Coming right up.” Melissa said, picking up a glass from the wall cabinet.

“Goodnight, ladies.” He waved, leaving the key to his bar on the counter. As Melissa grabbed the bottle of vodka, a very familiar song introduction filled the air. Def Leppard’s “Love Bites.” She abruptly turned her head to the right. Bruce was standing in the corner across from her, with his arms folded across his chest. Her grip on the bottle and the glass loosened. They slipped through her fingers and fell to the floor.

“Screw the vodka.” Julia winked at her, walking up to Bruce.

“Thanks a lot for this.” He spoke.

“Take good care of my girl.” She said in a firm tone, handing him over the key to her car. Bruce nodded, the sound of quick footsteps on the hardwood floor audible over the music. Melissa jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. He squeezed his eyes shut, grabbing her in the air.

“I love you.” A soft whisper left her lips, as tears spilled from her eyes.

“I love you too, baby.” He whispered, sensing her hair on his cheek and her tight grip around his neck. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for everything.”

“I’m sorry, too.” She sniffled. “I lied to you. I didn’t trust you.”

“Look at me.” Bruce urged with a whisper, gently pushing her back. Melissa’s lips were shaking, as her happy tears continued to flow down her cheeks. He couldn’t stop the tremor in his hands. A faint smile spread across his face, as he looked deep into her reddened, puffy eyes. “I want to take the love of my life with me, back to Boston.”

“The love of your life?” She inquired, her voice a breathless whisper.

“Yeah.” He spoke, his voice thick with emotion. “Will she do me the honor of following me?”

“Yes. Yes. By all means, yes.” Melissa said, as a big, blissful smile spread across her face. Her words widened his smile. Bruce’s heart leapt with joy. She slowly bent her head towards him, angling her lips. Their mouths joined in a long, sweet kiss, filled with all the love and the infinite tenderness that they had for each other.

“You said you wanted to dance to this song again.” He whispered in her mouth.

“I did.” Her voice had turned into a soft, almost inaudible whisper.

“Then may I have this dance?” Bruce requested, easing her down. Melissa did not speak. She closed her eyes and put her head on his chest. He tilted his head towards her and buried his face in her hair, getting lost in the moment. With her warm body in his arms, Bruce sensed his heart pounding in his chest. She had revived his broken dreams. The same feeling that he had in Malibu, after their romantic talk at the boardwalk overwhelmed him. This time however, it was much, much stronger. At last, he would be the woman he loved; and there was no one in the world who would try to keep them apart.

As the famous ballad was fading out, Melissa opened her eyes and slightly leaned back.

“My baby is back.” She whispered, looking up at him. “I can’t believe my baby is back.”

“I shouldn’t have left.” He muttered. “I made the same mistake twice.”

“We both made mistakes.” Melissa admitted. “Let’s not talk about them. Hold me.” She whispered, putting her head back on his chest.

“Yeah, we did. I’ll try not to repeat those mistakes, Melissa. I promise. God, you feel so good in my arms…”