Joanie was staring at the bare wall watching a spider crawl through one of the cracks as a hot tear slid down her cheek. He was too young. I should've. It was my respo--. I cou--. Stupid. Get it together. 

Coming back to reality Sal cleared his throat and asked, "So, what did you need?"

Shaking her head as she came out of her daze Joanie smacked the tear away and replied, "Oh yeah, I need you to deliver a package to Megan."

"Are you sure this will work? I mean Megan has been out of the game a while." asked Sal curiously with a look of surprise on his face.

I hope. We need it to. 

"Well yes and no. She hasn't been active, but she is our best candidate for an inside job. Everyone else either went underground or fled the country when they passed the age limit. Most have been out too long to be in shape for an inside job. Megan is the best option we've had in several years." Joanie explained.

Nodding Sal replied "Ok, I haven't been on the action side of things in a long time. I've only heard the rumors around the office that HQ was working on a possible undercover job."

"Yeah, this has been in the works for a long time now. So what I need you to do is deliver a letter to Megan at her house. Can you do that?" Joanie replied.

Ha. Can I make a simple drop. Ha. Really? 

Laughing at Joanie's doubt Sal said "Why do you ever doubt me, Jo? Don't you know me well enough to know I can deliver a simple package?"

I know you can do it. Stupid. I just. I don't want you to get caught. Idiot. 

Shrugging Joanie replied, "I don't know, I just get nervous thinking of putting someone in danger."

The truth. Finally. 

Smirking Sal said, "Oh I'm flattered Jo, but I'm a big boy I can handle myself."

So was Julian. But. I can't lose someone else.

"Yeah, yeah whatever Sal. Why were you here anyway?" Joanie responded with a questioning look on her face.

"Marj called me and said that you'd need help delivering a package. I thought she'd told you I'd be here." Sal shrugged.

Shaking her head Joanie replied, "Of course she did." Lowering her voice "always trying to fix everyone's problems."

"That's what she does Jo. She picks up the broken pieces and puts them back together the best she can. She's been doing it since we were kids." Replied Sal quietly.

Fixing. I don't need her to meddle. Ugh. 

"I know Sal. She means well I just don't need fixing is all." Joanie softly responded turning to face the wall.

Giving Joanie a condescending look of disbelief Sal responded: "Right, and I'm Bozo the clown."

Turning her head abruptly Joanie replied sternly "I'm sick of everyone trying to fix me, Sal. I'm not a broken vase that you can just glue back together. I'm a grown woman who deals with her problems on her own time." Her face was blood red with anger.

I can handle my. I'm a big girl. I'm sick of everyone trying to fix me like. Like it will make a difference. Nothing will fix it. I can't be fixed. I'm a. Focus. Get it together. 

Calmly reaching his hand out across the table Sal continued "Jo, she's just worried about you and I'm worried."

Ha. You have a great way of showing it. Worried. You ran away when it goes too hard. I was left to pick up the pieces. Worried. Stupid. You've never cared. 

Sal paused, "Have you started drinking again?"

 He knows. How?

Jerking her hand away from Sal, Joanie fumed standing up so fast causing her chair to hit the wall. 

She pointed her finger in Sal's face as she spat back "And what if I have? What are you going to do about it? Hmm? Leave again? Worked out great last time for you didn't it Sal? You got to live your life while I was stuck here picking up the pieces!"

I never should've left. I had to. I couldn't risk her li---. I should've stayed. 

Sal calmly sat in his seat and took the verbal blows before responding. "Jo, I didn't want to leave. I was always there. I tried to help you, but you pushed me out. You told me to leave Jo. What was I supposed to do? I thought that you wanted me to leave. I thought it was what you needed."

I should've told her. I can't now, she'd kill me. 

Joanie growing more agitated lifted the table from the edge and threw it into the wall. "What I needed wa—was someon—was---." Joanie couldn't say the words aloud that she so desperately wanted to. Hyperventilating Jo tried to catch her breath and slumped to the floor against her bed. Lowering her head into her knees she fought to catch her breath. Warm specks hit her cheeks as Sal crossed the room. Kneeling in front of her Sal lifted her chin and gently parted her now damp hair away from her tear-stained cheeks. Cupping her face Sal leaned in and place his forehead against Jo's

"Just breathe. I'm not going anywhere. I won't make the same mistake twice. I love you. Just breathe."

Joanie blinked back tears as her breathing returned to normal. Sal shifted to sit down next to Jo on the floor. Sal stroked her hair as he whispered his reassurances. "It's going to be ok."

Between her broken sobs, Joanie spoke, "I---needed—I needed someone to bring him back." Sal continuing to soothe Joanie responded "I know Jo, I know."

After several minutes Joanie's sobs subsided as she sniffled a few times before she pulled away from Sal. 

Looking into Sal's eyes Joanie said "Why do you keep coming back?"

Laughing slightly Sal responded, "It's certainly not for your cooking."

Scooting back Joanie hit Sal's arm and replied "Hey! That was mean."

"It's the truth though." Said Sal smirking

Joanie replied sarcastically "Haha, I know I can't cook, ok. You don't have to keep pointing it out."

Wiping his brow dramatically Sal replied sarcastically "Shew, finally, you admit it. Thank god that's past us."

"Yeah, yeah." Replied Joanie rolling her eyes

Changing his tone Sal asked "But, Jo.  Have you been drinking recently?"

Joanie darted her eyes around the room as she rose from her seat on the floor. Fidgeting in her place Jo began to tap the side of her leg. 

Keeping her head down as she responded quietly "No."

Well, that was convincing. 

Raising his eyebrow not convinced by her answer, Sal pressed farther "Jo? Be honest."

Swaying back and forth with her head low Joanie looked like a defeated child. She slowly lifted her head and bit her lip giving Sal a pleading look.

Please don't make me say it. 

"Where is it Jo?" asked Sal calmly.

Joanie moved her eyes to the cabinet next to the bookshelf. Walking over to the cabinet Sal opened the door to find a half-full whiskey bottle. Picking up the bottle Sal continued "Is this all of it?"

Joanie shook her head and walked to the freezer and pulled out a bottle of vodka. She held it out and handed to Sal before slumping back over to the bed she sat on the edge. Sal searched the rest of the room for any possible stashes of alcohol before he was satisfied Joanie had told the truth. Sal put the bottles on the counter and fixed the table and chairs before walking over to Joanie.

He sat down next to Joanie and asked: "How long Jo?"

She shrugged and replied, "I don't know."

Sal calmly said "Marj told me you were doing well. What happened?"

Hunched over with her head in her hands Joanie responded "You happened. I pushed away my pain and when I knew I was going to see you, everything came flooding back. I couldn't handle it."

Before Sal could reply there was a knock at the door. Clearing her throat and wiping her face Joanie called out "Who is it?"

"It's me, Marj. I have the package ready for delivery."

"Oh ok. I'll be right out. Give me a sec." Joanie replied rising from her seat.

Sal reached out gently grabbing Joanie's arm giving her a serious look Sal said "Jo, this conversation is not over. We'll finish this later."

Joanie nodded her head and they walked out of the room. Marjorie was waiting outside holding a small manila envelope. 

Handing the envelope to Sal, Marjorie gave him instructions "Now you need to be careful with this. Don't drop it. Please, Sal. Do. Not. Drop it. We need it in one piece before it gets to Megan."

Joking Sal pretended to be dropping the envelope "Oopps."

Panicking Marjorie reached out to save the envelope until she realized Sal was only joking. She gave him a scolding look and said: "Not funny Sal."

Snorting and trying to keep her mouth shut Joanie said "It was a little funny Marj. You've got to admit."

Like two kids messing with their mother Sal and Joanie exchanged glances of mischief. "You two will never grow up will you?"

Using a fake pleading tone Sal responded "Buttttt Mommmmm."

Pouting like an upset child Joanie stomped her feet and replied: "I don't wanna grow up."

"Wowwww." Said a June from behind.

Turning around quickly Joanie saw June and Norma standing behind her giggling like children. Embarrassed, Joanie's demeanor changed to serious as she cleared her throat and continued "Marjorie is right Sal you need to be careful with the package."

Seeing that Joanie's attitude had changed Sal stood up straight and jokingly gave Joanie a salute "Sir. Yes, Sir."

Norma and June were enjoying the interaction too much to walk away. They stared at the pair as Joanie fidgeted in her place trying to stay cool and not let on that she was embarrassed that she had been seen acting silly. 

Joanie gave Sal a disapproving look as she remained serious "Sal you have to be careful."

"Oh, don't get your panties in a wad because they saw you acting like a human being, Jo." Replied Sal gesturing to Norma and June.

"Yeah, Joanie." Piped up June craning her neck forward.

Joanie gave June a stern look as Norma grabbed June by the arm and whispered: "Shut up you idiot."

"What?" continued June confused as Norma gave her a look of disapproval like a teacher reprimanding a student.

"You idiot, would you keep quiet." Whispered Norma pulling June's arm to move as she continued, "We should be going. We were heading to dinner."

"No we wer—OW!" June said as Norma hit her in the side.

Norma pulled June away as she continued to complain about being hit so hard. The two bickering women's voices faded as they walked away. Joanie turned back to speak to Marjorie, but she was gone. Sal was still standing next to her with a huge grin on his face.

"You're pleased with yourself aren't you?" asked Joanie giving Sal a stern look.

Sal nodded enthusiastically and replied, "I do enjoy embarrassing you."

"I've noticed," Joanie said bluntly.

The two turned and walked back into Joanie's room. Sal took the bottles from the table and poured them into the sink before throwing the bottles away as Joanie sat at the table. She watched solemnly knowing there would be a lecture coming.

Sal, walked over to the table sitting across from Joanie he put his hands on top of hers and said "Jo, I know I haven't been around for a while, but I'm not going to sit back and watch you unravel again. I think that you should come stay at my house for a while until you've dried out."

Trying to lighten the mood Joanie joked "Is this your way of flirting with me Sal?"

With a disapproving look Sal continued "Jo, you have a serious problem. I think that you need someone to make sure you stay sober."

Lowering her head Joanie quietly replied "I know. I just. I don't."

"I know that and that's why Marj called me. She knew you wouldn't listen to her." Sal replied

Joanie stayed quiet, but she knew she needed help. She knew that she couldn't control her addiction and Sal was the only person brave enough to stand up to her. Sal packed a bag for Joanie and they made their way out. 

During the car ride to Sal's, Joanie thought to herself and decided to ask "Sal, how did Marj know I was drinking?"

Clearing his throat Sal responded "You can't get mad, but your partners noticed your cursing which you don't normally do. I also thought it was odd, but I assumed you were mad at me. They told Marj about it and she put two and two together. That's when she called me."

"Oh ok." Replied Joanie softly

They stayed quiet for the remainder of the ride. Pulling into the garage Sal carried in Joanie's bag as she walked into the house and removed her shoes at the door. Sal walked to the stairs and went up with Joanie following close behind. He went into a room across from his own and put the bag on the bed. 

Joanie walked into the room and sat on the bed as Sal said "There are fresh towels in the linen closet if you want to take a shower. The sheets are clean. I thought I would order in some pizza since it's late."

Joanie nodded and replied "Pizza sounds nice. I think I'll take a shower before dinner."

"Ok, well I'll call in the order. You still like pepperoni with onions?" Sal asked.

Smiling at Sal's memory of her favorite pizza she replied "Yeah."

"Ok, well I'll leave you be so you can shower." Replied Sal as he closed the door.

Joanie found a towel and went into the bathroom to take a shower. She took her time in the shower letting the hot water wash away the painful thoughts. She let her mind wander back to Vegas.

Still laughing Joanie and Marjorie came around a corner and saw the guys at the bar. Sal was leaning on his hand that was propped up on the bar talking quietly to a woman at the bar. He was laughing at whatever she had said when Joanie noticed the. The woman had long beautiful red curls that cascaded over her bare shoulders contrasting her sleek black dress. The woman started to laugh at whatever Sal was saying and he waved for the bartender to get the woman a drink. Frozen Joanie stood staring at the pair. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she blinked back tears. Stopping Marjorie stopped to see what was taking Joanie so long. Glancing back at Jo she noticed the tears and then followed her eyes to see the woman sitting with Sal. Marjorie could see the look on Joanie's face shift from confusion to pain. Then Joanie's face went red hot with anger.

Marjorie concerned looked at Joanie and back at Sal before she said "Jo, I really need to go to the bathroom. Would you come with me?"

Joanie was too focused on Sal and the red head to hear anything. She bluntly responded, "No. I think I'd like to stay here and go get a drink."

Julian scanned the room when he spotted Joanie and Marjorie staring at the two of them. He saw the look on Joanie's face and knew what it meant. Nudging Sal in the side as he saw Joanie approaching full stride with smoke coming from her ears.

"What?" asked Sal confused.

"Uh, Sal I think you might want to stop talking. Like right now would be great." Replied Julian still watching Joanie making her way towards them growing more terrified as she came closer.

"Julian, I'm getting some great advice right now." Replied Sal as he brushed off Julian's warning.

Joanie was almost to the bar when Julian urgently whispered "Sal stop."

Shaking his head Sal ignored Julian's remark and continued talking to the redhead. Joanie came up to the bar with Marjorie close behind. Crossing her arms Joanie tapped her foot as she cleared her throat. 

Turning around Sal responded "Julian I said I wa---" 

Sal's face went white when he saw the look on Joanie's face. He slipped slightly as he fumbled to regain his balance. He knew what the conversation looked like and even if it was innocent he couldn't think of anything to say at the moment. 

He stuttered over his words "I—I—I was---"

Joanie through gritted teeth interrupted, "You were what Sal? Flirting with another woman? Hmm is that it Sal?"

Standing from his seat Sal walked over to Joanie and quietly asked, "Can we have this conversation somewhere else?"

Joanie fumed and started to get louder, "What? You want to have this conversation SOMEWHERE else? WHY so you won't be embarrassed in public SAL?"

People began to stare at the scene in front of them and Sal could feel all of the eyes looking him over. 

Trying to stay calm Sal responded "Jo, I swear it was nothing. I wasn't flirting with her. I was—I was---I"

Joanie heatedly asked, "You were what? I can't believe you Sal you can't even come up with a good enough lie."

Joanie turned away from Sal as tears began to stream down her face. Sal reached out to grab her arm, but Joanie pushed him away and began to walk away trying to hide the pain on her face. 

In a panic Sal yelled for Joanie "Jo, Wait! Jo."

Joanie stopped walking, but she didn't turn around. Standing still Joanie buried her face in her hands attempting to control the endless waves of emotions that continued to pummel her. Each wave was like a tsunami trying to knock her down. She fought each emotion internally as Sal walked up and stood in front of her. 

He moved the hair from her face and wiped the tears away and quietly said "Jo, I've loved you since met you in that diner seven years ago. I will never love anyone like I love you, Jo. I was only asking the woman for advice." Sal bent down onto one knee as he continued "See I'm a bit of a klutz when it comes to you. I can't seem to breathe without falling over when I'm with you. I was trying to figure out how to ask you this and I needed help. So, I asked a woman who, granted is attractive, but not nearly as beautiful as you. So Jo could you ever forgive me? And marry me?"

In shock, Joanie covered her mouth as she processed Sal's words. She had thought that the only man she had ever loved had betrayed her. When in fact he was trying not to screw it all up. Joanie couldn't speak all she could do was nod her response. Smiling Sal stood to give Joanie a kiss.

Joanie finished up her shower and got dressed in her PJs before heading downstairs. Joanie came down the stairs to find Sal sitting in the living room watching a movie. He had the pizza out on the coffee table in front of him with a plate for Joanie sitting next to the box. She plopped down next to Sal and reached for the plate and opened the pizza box. The smell of the pizza hit her in the face as she lifted the lid to grab a slice. Smiling she took a huge bite of pizza and leaned back on the couch she looked at Sal who was laughing at the movie. Smiling she turned to watch the movie. Finishing the pizza Joanie wiped her hands with a paper towel and pulled her feet up onto the couch. She scooted closer to Sal who moved his arm to rest on the back of the couch. 

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