It was 10 o’clock at night. Everyone at Luke’s were still going strong, celebrating. Today had been a much anticipated event—Brenda Barrett and Sonny Corinthos had finally gotten married. Brenda’s best friend, Lois Cerullo, had flown in from Bensonhurst with her daughter Brooke Lynn to be Brenda’s maid of honor. They had been in town for the past three days, and Lois was exhausted. Not so much from the wedding excitement, but from trying, pretty much unsuccessfully, to avoid her ex-husband, Ned Ashton. She looked across the room at him, and sighed. God, he was good-looking, especially in his black tuxedo, which he had worn to walk Brenda down the aisle once again.

She jumped when Brenda dropped into the seat next to her. “Holy Toledo, Bren, ya scared me!” She looked at her friend, who was playing with her new wedding ring. “Hey, why aren’t ya with your hubby? Why are you even still here? It’s your wedding night!”

Brenda ignored her best friend’s questions. “I saw you looking at him, Lo,” she said knowingly.

“At who?” Lois feigned ignorance.

“At Ned, silly! C’mon, Lo, this is me you’re talking to. Brenda, your best friend. Admit it. You still love him, don’t you?”

“You know I do, Brenda.”

“Then why aren’t you over there, talking with him?” Brenda asked, frustrated. She wanted her two best friends to be as happy as she and Sonny were this night. “He’s been looking at you all night, too. I wish one of you would stop being so damned stubborn and go to the other!”

“Bren, I can’t,” Lois said simply. “If I do, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to leave again, and I have to. For me and for Brooke. Ned and I are so different. We just can’t stay together. It’s not good for either of us.”

Brenda was about to say something when Sonny appeared at her side.

“It’s time for you to throw your bouquet, Bren, and then we’ll go, okay?” he said, kissing her.

She smiled happily up at him. “Okay.” She grabbed Lois’ hand and pulled her up. “C’mon, Lo, you have to try for the bouquet.” She ignored Lois’ protests and moved her to the front of the group of women. Brenda positioned herself carefully to aim it right at Lois and flung it, hoping for the best. She turned around quickly, shouting out “C’mon, Lois, catch it!” Everyone laughed and cheered when Lois did catch it, looking surprised as the flowers hit her in the head and bounced into her arms. Ned, watching her, couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked, standing there laughing at something Lucy Coe was telling her. She turned to walk back to her table, and he was mesmerized by her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. She sat down and glanced at her watch. She decided she had time for one more drink before calling Reginald to pick her up. She went to the bar and sat on a bar stool, ordering a Shirley Temple. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned.

“Hi, Lois,” Ned said, sitting next to her.

“Ned,” she said shortly before turning back to the bar to accept her drink from Mike.

Now that he was here, he wasn’t sure what to say. “So, um, how’s Brooke?”

“She’s fine, Ned. She’s at the Big House now, spending time with Lila and Mr. Q,” Lois told him, clutching her beverage like it was her lifeline.

“I’m sure Grandmother is enjoying that. Where are you staying? Maybe I can visit with Brooke tomorrow.”

“We’re leaving really early in the morning.”

“Oh. Next time, I guess.”

“Ned,” she burst out. “I can’t do this, okay? I’m sorry.” She jumped up and walked as quickly as she could to the pay phone to call Reginald. He told her he’d be there in about twenty minutes and that Brooke was sound asleep, so she walked back to her table. She looked over back to the bar to see if Ned was still there, but he wasn’t. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed. She reached her table, and saw that someone had placed her glass at her seat. She finished it and started making her good-byes. It didn’t take long, as many people had left just after Sonny and Brenda. Although she kept her eye out, she didn’t see Ned anywhere. She took one last look around the room before heading for the door.

“Lois.” It was Ned, standing right behind her.

She stopped and turned. “Ned, I—“

He cut her off. “I know, Lois. I do. I just wanted one last dance. That’s all. For old time’s sake.”

Lois hesitated. She knew this was a bad idea, but “Okay.”

A slow song began as Ned wrapped his arms around Lois and she reluctantly rested her head against his chest. A small sigh escaped her. This felt so right.

Standing in our silence
I hear my heart beating
And if only I could choose
I’d stay here with you
But hold me till the train is leaving

Somewhere down the line
After you’re gone from sight
Our love will be the same
And, whispering your name
I’ll cling to you with all my might

Let me dream of you
(But it’s true)
And wake me up when this is over
(Love will be there when this is over and)

Somewhere far beyond today
I will find a way to find you
And somehow through the lonely nights
I will leave a light in the dark
Let it lead you to my heart

There’s a love inside us
(Deep down inside)
That goes without saying
(Don’t say a word)
But I’ll tell you just the same
And that love will fan the flame
And that flame will warm the heart
That’s waiting

You are mine and I’ll wait forever for you my love
(You are mine, it may take some time)
Even if it takes a lifetime
(Tell me you’ll wait)

Somewhere far beyond today
I will find a way to find you
And somehow through the lonely nights
I will leave a light in the dark
Let it lead you to my heart

And somewhere alone
I will be praying, praying you home
I know that somehow our love
Our love will lead me to your arms

And Somewhere far beyond today
I will find a way to find you
And somehow through the lonely nights
I will leave a light in the dark
Let it lead you to my love
Let it lead you to my heart
Let it lead you to my heart

Lois gently untangled herself away from Ned’s arms. Both had tears in their eyes.

“Good-bye, Ned,” Lois said softly. She turned and walked towards the door.

“Lois?” Ned called out.

She turned.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears. What he wanted to say—“Please stay. Please come home—wouldn’t come out. He didn’t need to say them, though. She could read his thoughts in his eyes.

She smiled sadly. “I know, Ned. I love you, too.” Blinking back her tears, she turned once again and walked out the door.

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