Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please. Thanks to Eisencookie for help developing ideas for this story.

Paul continued his hospital stay, moved into the rehab center area after his sixth day. He had begun his physical therapy, and according to Trynia's conversations with the doctors, he was responding well. Terri was due to have her baby any time soon now, and Gene feared she might face inducement if it went on past the next week or so. Most of Gene's energy were bound up in worrying about her and the new artists while Paul remained in the hospital. That wasn't to say he didn't visit his friend often, but Trynia and Aaron spent most of the daily visits there at Paul's side.

Trynia hadn't entertained the possibility of other concerned friends and relatives suddenly showing up. As far as she knew, most were embroiled in their various problems. Linda and Frank were still trapped in the Bahamas while the airport was renovating, opting to take the cruise portion sooner. Gina fielded most of the calls, which were every few days in coming now.

Which was why the sound of someone splashing in Paul's pool totally surprised her when she happened to walk out to investigate the source of the loud rock music. It was a relatively mild day, the winter having been unseasonably warm. She came to the arrangement of wrought iron chairs painted white in their protective coats, to see someone unfamiliar splashing in the pool. As the dark head broke water, Trynia saw her shapely body following, clad in a blue and white bikini.

"Who the hell is that?" she wondered, jealous creeping over her at the sight of the dark haired woman swimming to the side.

"Hi... I didn't realize anyone was home," she said in a New York accent, thick like Paul's.

"Uh... excuse me..." Trynia said crisply. "How did you GET in here?"

"Gina let me in... I mean he doesn't know I'm here yet but..."

"I'm sure he doesn't," Trynia snapped. "But I'm sure he'll have some explaining to do..."

"But Grandma said he needed me here... and I came out to visit..."

"I'm calling Paul!" Trynia snapped, and rushed back into the house, anger filling her stomach.

"Wait..." came the voice of the girl, but Trynia didn't even want to exchange words with this interloper. Had her worst fears been confirmed... that Paul had some liaison that he'd invited here?

***

A brief glimpse behind her showed the girl was frantically following, water dripping off her slender frame as she wrapped it in a towel. Blood pounded in Trynia's veins, anger drowning out the words that frantically pursued her, "Wait... please... you don't understand..."

"I don't understand WHAT?" Trynia demanded, whirling on her.

Dark shocked eyes, wide with fear regarded Trynia, "Uhhhh....is my Uncle Paul still at the hospital?"

"Uncle... Paul?" Trynia gasped, mouth wide open.

"Yes... I'm Erica... I know Paul didn't know I was coming but..."

"Wait... Paul is your... UNCLE?" Trynia breathed, rubbing a hand through her hair in pure shock and embarrassment.

"Yes... I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, I thought you knew what I looked like..."

"oh my GOD I am SO sorry!" Trynia cried. "I didn't... oh jeez Erica I am... damn I feel so stupid..."

"I....yes.....I.....you must be Trynia....my grandma....she's told me a lot about you."

"Oh god I'm so sorry..."

"And I am so.....SO....sorry just to come in here. It's just that Gina told me Uncle Paul wasn't home yet, but that I could make myself at home, and well, it's just so nice and sunny here, and your pool looked so inviting...."

"I know... I've just been on edge lately..." Trynia stammered, breathing deeply to stem the sheer embarrassment that overtook her. "It's my fault... I didn't get a good look at you..."

"Hey, it's OK! You didn't expect this at all."

"Well obviously Gina wouldn't let anyone in who wasn't family or friend..." Trynia sighed.

"I sort of wanted to come out here and surprise Uncle Paul...and see Aaron," Erica said, gripping Trynia's shoulder. "And meet you, of course."

"Well Aaron's here, probably upstairs by now..." Trynia sighed. "And Paul... well I guess you know the story..."

She grinned, "Yes, we've already done the cousin bonding thing. He's getting his suit on and he's on his way down."

"Oh good!" Trynia smiled. "I'm sorry again... Erica. I just have been so jumpy lately."

"Well, grandma, she said that....Uncle Paul had to have surgery and that Aunt....oops....PAM left Aaron here, kind of in a lurch."

"Yes, I know," Trynia half laughed. "Right in the middle of EVERYTHING..."

"Ooh, boy, I just don't understand that. I mean, I know she's none too fond of any of us, but this is just bizarre," Erica shook her head. "She....umm.....she can't stand my mother."

"Man what a shame," Trynia muttered. "Well did you hear that she got married... and last minute the flight plans changed?"

"Yeah, grandma said that Uncle Paul called and told her everything, and that he was really worried about you here alone with Aaron. He can be a handful, you know. Not to mention the fact that I owe Uncle Paul a TON of favors." she smiled broadly. "And well......I hope you don't mind me saying.....there's kind of another reason I'm here."

"There is?" Trynia asked, leaning closer.

"Girl to girl, I mean," Erica said softly. "Well, uh, I brought my boyfriend with me on this trip. He's never been to Los Angeles, so he decided to come with me. Only it's OK.....he got a room at the Embassy downtown. He doesn't want to impose. And.....he's not exactly just my boyfriend...."

"Well... he's married to you?" Trynia asked. "Is that it?"

She giggles, "No, not yet, but you're close. We got engaged last week"

"Congratulations!"

"And since Uncle Paul is really more like my dad than my OWN father, I just wanted to come out here and....I guess....get his blessing."

"But I have to tell you....I'm scared to death."

"Well I'm SURE he'll be happy for you..."

"Look, I know that feeling..." Trynia laughed. "I was scared to tell my parents I was dating Paul Stanley."

"Oh, do you think so? God, I hope you're right."

"Well the best thing to do, is to have him meet Paul..." Trynia mused.

"He's going to tell me that I haven't been dating Kevin long enough, and he's going to grumble because I haven't finished my teaching certification yet. Not to MENTION that the timing kind of stinks...with his marriage gone bad," said Erica sullenly. "No hard feelings, I hope. I didn't mean anything rude by that."

"Well his marriage is OVER..." Trynia muttered. "And he needs to realize YOU have to get on with YOUR life."

"I understand. I know," she laughs nervously, "But you don't know Uncle Paul.....OK....well maybe you DO, but you see, we've had a really tight relationship, and I just don't want to let him down."

"I hear you there. He's your father pretty much..." Trynia nodded. "And I would think he'd be hard to please."

"Yes, he is, and once he gets over the shock of me getting married, I want to ask him if he'd walk me down the aisle. If that's alright with you, of course."

"well I don't see why that would be a problem," Trynia flushed. "I am just getting used to being a surrogate parent for Aaron..."

"I just didn't want to come out here and make a bad situation even worse. I guess I'll sort of see how things go. Who knows? He might not want me visiting now any way. Gina did say he was due to come home today, and I'm a really good go-fer, so I'll be happy to run any errands you want. I promise," said Erica, with a deep breath. "And... uh... Kevin really wants to meet Paul Stanley, rock star and uncle supreme."

"Hmmm... well I don't want to put you to work..." Trynia rubbed her chin in thought. "But if you COULD get some groceries... with me... Paul's favorites... we can cook him a GREAT dinner."

"No, REALLY, that's why I came. Besides, my grandma would kill me if she found out she flew me all the way out here and all I did was swim in your pool and upset Uncle Paul".

"Oh, get on his good side, you mean?"

"Yes..."

"I'm Irish Italian..." Trynia beamed. "Food does WONDERS."

"And I'll bet you are a great cook."

"Well... let's say mom and dad taught me a few things..." Trynia laughed modestly. "I made a great corned beef and cabbage... and a GREAT lasagna."

"Look, Trynia, I hope this doesn't sound too forward or too obnoxious, but I really don't have a lot of friends at school.. It's basically just Kevin and me hanging out. And I have NO female cousins. No sisters. It would really mean a lot to me if maybe you might consider being a bridesmaid. I know Uncle Paul would really like that."

"I would be... honored." Trynia flushed.

"That would be so incredible. Kev's family is really big and he's got a bunch of sisters, but I've got no one from my family....well, until now," she smiled at Trynia warmly as she said this.

"You really do know how to make someone feel like they want to reach out and hug someone," Trynia laughs.

"Besides", she kidded, "Grandma says that Uncle Paul needs to marry you."

"REALLY?" Trynia gasped, eyes widening behind her glasses. "Oh jeez, no way!"

"She bugs him about that ALL the time."

"Well... Gene did say something about Paul asking him about diamonds..." Trynia recounted. "Well... he sort of changed the subject QUICKLY."

"Oh, really? Wow, that's something!" said Erica brightly. "Grandma told my mom that Stanley needs to marry that girl and quick, and start working on some cute little dark haired grand babies."

"Well, how do we get your uncle to light a Roman candle under his butt?" Trynia laughed. "I mean GEEZ his niece is getting married before HE is?"

"Who knows? Maybe this will be the thing that does it."

"Have you set a date?" Trynia asked.

She winked, "He'll HAVE to dress up in a tux and all, so maybe that will give him ideas."

"I guess we're sort of up in the air. I'd like to do it as soon as possible....Kevin agreed. But the thing is, how long until Uncle Paul feels up to it?"

"Good point..." Trynia muttered. "Why don't we go get some fixings for dinner... and cook up a storm? I will show you how to make my grandmother's lasagna..."

"Ok, great! Let me just go up and towel off real quickly and I'll let Aaron know the pool is his."

***

"What's the lucky man's name?" Trynia asked as they walked out to the car together. Erica had her own rental, a ford Focus, and wore a comfortable pair of slacks and a modest attractive blouse.

"Oh, it's Kevin Silverberg, and you'll love him."

"From NYC?" Trynia asked. "Sounds Jewish to me."

"Yes, that's where we met. He's actually a teacher too, so we'll live together in poverty in the Big Apple", she chuckled. "Either that or......well.....he's loving it out here so far. It's just so expensive."

"I'm from NYC... originally." Trynia told her, climbing into the passenger seat as Erica turned the car on, and backed the car out of the driveway onto the main road. "My family anyway..."

"Wow, that's great! Uncle Paul never told me you were from New York."

"Well we owned our own restaurant... my uncle did... and then my dad was in medical school there... We moved when he got his first practice... Well I was only 10 when we moved... I was from Brooklyn."

"You know what Uncle Paul gave me once? His identification badge from when he worked as a cabby? Isn't that hysterical? I need to show it to you some day."

"Oh lord that would be FUNNY..." Trynia chuckled. She directed Erica to the market nearby, where many of the local celebrities did grocery shopping. "My father is a doctor... he paid his medical school bills by working with my uncle... in their restaurant."

"It is. Damn, it's funny. He looks so totally bohemian. The big hair. The funky clothes," Erica chuckled, pulling into a space. They unclipped their seatbelts and climbed out of the silver Ford Focus. Only a few people entered and exited the clean shiny market. Trynia grabbed a shopping cart at the entrance, both girls walking in past the sliding glass doors.

"My uncle AND my dad moved to Philly... where my grandpa Merino opened up a restaurant..." Trynia recounted. "The mother restaurant in NYC was owned by him and his brother, my great uncle, but since rent was so damn expensive... well I think my grandpa decided it might be better to move some of his family to Philly. By that time my dad and mom were married with a few kids and he was doing his first residency at Temple University medical hospital. It worked out well... And dad opens up his practice... and mom helps my uncle run the restaurant with my aunt..."

"So, we're from the same place, basically. That's wild," Erica observed, following Trynia to the cheese section.

"yes... small world!" Trynia laughed. She grabbed a container of Ricotta, and a brick of Parmesan, and handed them to Erica to put in their cart.

"Yeah, it is. My mom......she refuses to leave New York. She'll be there until she dies. I guess Kevin and I am having second thoughts on where we want to live. I'd just sort of like to get out and see the world a bit," Erica answered, watching Trynia take her over to the produce isle for lettuce and salad ingredients.

"well you should. You're young... and you need to do what You want to..." Trynia said, weighing a tomato. She turned it in her hands to check for bad spots or imperfections. "But I know about the family thing... I come from a very close knit family myself."

"Sometimes.....I sort of feel a sense of responsibility that I need to look after my mom. She's never remarried, and with grandma and grandpa getting older, I just worry about her sometimes," Erica said, selecting a head of lettuce without brown spots that would act as a perfect base for fresh green salad. "And Uncle Paul....he's got so much going on, he just doesn't have the time...."

"Erica, I hear you there.." Trynia sighs, taking her hand. She grabbed a head of Romaine lettuce, and some fresh spinach to put into the plastic bag Erica held out.

"God, that sounded really ungrateful, and I don't mean to come off that way. He's been such an incredible help to us, but mom....she goes through some tough times and she feels weird burdening Uncle Paul with it," Erica groaned. "So whenever he calls, she tells him things are going great."

"I know..." Trynia said, leading her over toward the pasta section.

"It's......umm.....not easy being Paul Stanley's sister, sometimes, I think. He gets exasperated with her a little," said Erica slowly. "Plus, I know you've met my grandma. Imagine having to go home to her, the only daughter, and telling her you're 17 and pregnant by some loser you met in high school.:

"I bet... it's not easy to have a legend in the family..." Trynia nodded, hunting for the right brand of lasagna noodles. "My father's a reputed doctor... and surgeon... In the field of oncology.... everything we do as kids reflects upon him..."

"Oh, so you know what I'm talking about." Erica brightened up, grabbing the linguini that Trynia pointed out. "I thought we were making lasagna..."

"That's for Aaron, in case he doesn't want my lasagna," Trynia winked.

"Yes... My father is WELL respected in his field. He's written several papers... and goes to many surgeons conventions..."

"I just wish sometimes she and Uncle Paul....were closer maybe," Erica sighed. "I just know he's so busy and she's so damn hard to get to open up. But anyway, look, I hate to burden you with all this family stuff. You were probably convinced we were half-way sane, until you met me."

"Well you are the most NORMAL person I've met," Trynia laughed. "In California."

"Aww, that's nice of you to say. It's a real treat to get to meet you. You're MUCH nicer than Linda ever was, for the record," Erica said, taking Trynia's hand affectionately.

"Why thanks," Trynia blushed. "I've heard that... a lot lately."

"When I first met her, the first thing she says to me is, "Oh, you're Paul's niece. Yes, you look like him" and she walks off," Erica rolled her eyes. "It was really strange. Kind of cold."

"Her loss. Paul's mentioned you a lot... and how proud he is of you,' Trynia told her, leading the way for the hunts tomato sauce, and the spice rack. "You would think you were his daughter."

"Yeah, the next time I met her, it was at their wedding and she gave me a dirty look because, well, I snuck a look at her belly in that wedding dress." She blushed, "I couldn't help it. Mom told me she was pregnant, and uh...I suppose I got curious."

"Well... who wouldn't be..." Trynia shrugged. "Anyway, I get the impression the cart was put before the horse..."

"Yeah. I was looking right at it, and she caught me and gave me a dirty look."

"Well if I'm your bridesmaid... you have to do me the honor of returning the favor..." Trynia said, laying a hand on the other girl's arm.

"Damn, that's really sweet. Uncle Paul really brags about me?"

"Oh, absolutely! I'd love that!"

"Yes he does sometimes..."

"Well, I can't wait until he gets home.....sort of...." she laughed.

"I know..." Trynia took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I just can't help but picture him as Steve Martin in Father of the Bride, with his eyes bugging out of his head."

"I can just hear it now....J"

"Well... I think I can hear my parents now..." Trynia chuckled. They pushed the card stocked with their purchases over toward checkout.

"How long have you known him, Erica?" Erica imitated Paul's voice.

"What does he do?"

"At least he's JEWISH!" Trynia chimed in. "Where will you live?"

"When will you finish school?"

"Ah, yes, at least I've got that covered. Kevin's family is really deep into the tradition, so I'm looking forward to that," Eric laughed, passing the items to Trynia who set them on the belt for the cashier. He was amused by the two women animatedly exchanging the celebrity voice impressions, but smiled and discreetly said nothing.

"He'll get a dose of what my dad gave HIM!" Trynia grinned. "There you go. One thing in HIS favor."

She laughed, "Oh, my God! Uncle Paul got put through the ringer? You HAVE to tell me!"

"Well, let's go and get these fixings for dinner home... and I'll tell you EVERYTHING..."

Whey then pulled up in their rented car, they noticed the Mercedes parked by the Porsche, and exchanged a nervous glance.

"Oh jeez, he's home," Trynia muttered. "Already? Let's go in the back door directly into the kitchen with this stuff..."

They bumped into Christine, who was dusting a few of the vases in the side hallway, and chuckled. She noticed the bags of groceries, and grabbed one from Trynia to help out.

"He's back all right, do I smell a conspiracy in the air ladies?" she asked, carrying the bags to the kitchen.

"Yes, it's absolutely IMPERATIVE that you keep Paul OUT of the kitchen... and be on standby to watch Aaron at a moment's notice," Trynia winked.

"Gotcha. I'll be interference or just background, just let me know ok?" Christine smiled. She noticed the sparkle of a diamond on Erica's finger and noticed the cautionary look Paul's niece gave her.

"He just asked me. Don't tell Paul, okay?" Erica asked.

"Sure... I'll keep my lips zipped don't worry," Christine nodded. "Congrats, girl!"

"Thanks... now Trynia... what first?"

"Okay, start the boiling water, and I'll tell you how we're going to put this all together..."

***

When Christine picked up the teakettle, Trynia stopped her. "Let me take this to him ok? I want to see how Paul's doing... I'll start buttering them up..."

"Oh, thank you! God, I'm so NERVOUS!"

"I'll just.....just stay here until you call."

"Okay... now you start making the salad like I suggested..."

"Ok...OK...I can do that."

"And put the noodles in boiling water..."

"I need them SOFT so I can put the ricotta cheese and stuff together for the vegetarian lasagna."

"Tryn, do a good job, OK? I think my heart's going to explode."

"I will..." Trynia promised, kissing Erica on the cheek, just like her mom does with her.

She chuckled self consciously a bit, "Maybe I should call you Aunt Trynia."

"Well... if you like," Trynia laughed. "Better then HEY YOU!"

"Yeah, it is. I guess I'll ask Uncle Paul what he thinks about it. Just let me know when you're ready."

"All right..." Trynia smiled, taking the tray with a fresh cup of tea. She selected a single long stemmed red rose and placed it into a crystal vase, along with the teacup. Never hurt to add a little beauty for a man who had an eye for such details.

Carrying the tray she took the hallway through the dining room, and entered the entertainment room. On the comfortable couch Paul sat, leg and back propped up with pillows. He wore loose comfortable jeans, and a sleeveless shirt. Flickering lights from the HDTV played across him and Aaron, who sat on the floor with comfortable large sofa pillows before him. A few toys were scattered here and there, and Trynia had to be careful to step over some of them on her way to Paul's side.

With one hand Paul slowly lifted a ten pound weight from his private gym.

Aaron noticed Trynia first and asked, "Where's....."

"Shh, we're playing a little game," she leaned over and whisepered to Aaron. Taking the cup of apple juice she handed it to him, with some chocolate chip cookies she had whipped up earlier.

"Sweetheart! Surprise!" Paul smiled from the sofa. "They let me out early, so I had Chris come and get me."

"Well, what do you know... here you are," Trynia laughed, carrying the tray over and setting it on the coffee table next to the sofa.

"And let me just state for the record, it's DAMN good to be home," he smiled warmly. Trynia leaned over, as he reached up to stroke her cheek, gladly accepting the soft kiss they shared.

"So we can get things back to normal," she whispered back.

"Mmm, love you" he winked.

"Love u too..." she answered.

"Here, come on down and sit with us. Shrek's just about to get married."

"I figured you'd be home, but didn't know when.." she laughed, sitting next to Paul's leg stretched out on the sofa. "And to CELEBRATE I took the liberty... of fixing a NICE dinner..."

"Ohhhh, now that's what I like to hear. You didn't have to, though, love."

He rubbed her leg a bit, and she leaned her head on his chest. Long fingers stroked through her soft hair, absently toying with it as he continued to watch TV. He set down the weight and picked up his teacup to sip some hot earl gray.

Aaron laughed at Trynia, "Miss Trynia's up to something."

"Trust me..." she winked back. "It's a surprise for Daddy..."

"Miss Trynia is ALWAYS up to something, little man." Paul said, still watching TV.

"Well... such as it's interesting how Shrek had the perfect woman before him all that time.." Trynia said. "And didn't realize it..."

"You've got to love a dirty, smelly bachelor that gets his princess in the end."

"Yes..." she laughed.

"Kind of like me and you" he teased.

"But you're HARDLY dirty and smelly..." she poked his chest playfully.

"Yeah, but I'm hairy" he growls at her like a monster. "So, lock up your daughters."

"Well speaking of daughters..." Trynia laughed, glad he was in a good mood. "If you had a daughter... and she was about to show you the love of your life... what would you say?"

"Umm, yeah?" he says, still watching TV and throwing bits of a napkin at Aaron.

"Hypothetically speaking..." she purred in her ear. "Considering how my FATHER put YOU through the ringer."

"You mean, so I'm like the princesses' father?" he asked, amused by the conversation's turn.

"Yes..." she kissed his ear.

"Well, now that would depend...." he muttered.

"If the position was REVERSED.... how would you react?"

"If I were your dad, say?" Paul asked.

"Well... Someone else's..." Trynia muttered. "Your girl, about my age is about to get married..."

He looked at her intently for a moment, dark eyes puzzling over the line of conversation. What did Trynia intend with this? Was there something else he was not privy to? Burying his suspicion, Paul played along.

"Bus she's scared out of her mind you won't approve..."

"This isn't about Claudia, is it?" he whispered so Aaron can't hear.

"No..." she reassured him, kissing his lips softly. "I was just.. wondering... how you'd act when we have kids of our own someday..."

"Well, then since it's truly hypothetical and the guy was good for her, I suppose it would be her decision." he says, sipping his tea.

"Well that's very open minded of you sweetheart.." she purred, rubbing his hair and kissing him yet again. "But what if you had NEVER met the fiancée before? And she decided on her OWN to get married?"

"Wait a minute....she just brings some guy home and says, "I'm getting married?"

"Well... you've HEARD of him..." Trynia corrected herself. "And know SOMETHING about him... And say he's well... the right religion and all..."

"Ah, alright. Let's play along and assume that she's of marrying age, right? I mean, she's not 14," he said, meeting her challenge. "And he's not Charles Manson."

"Say she's MY age." Trynia added. "Say he's a teacher... Jewish, and VERY handsome..."

"The right religion, being...Jewish" he looks at her intently, wondering about the line of questioning.

"And he treats your daughter with utmost respect..." Trynia continued, seeing the glint of suspicion in his dark eyes she knew all too well.

"Just hypothetically. And he can financially care for her."

"Yes..." Paul nodded.

"EXACTLY." Trynia smiled. "He can give her the VERY best... even if he doesn't' have a high powered job, he can make sure that her needs are provided for, and she's treated like a woman should be."

"Hmmm," he mused, taking another long sip. "I guess there's no way I can object, then."

"Thank you sweetie," she laughed and kissed him again, longer and more passionately this time.

"Care to tell me what brought this mental exercise on?" he asked, tweaking her nose.

"I just wanted to know... you know my insatiable curiosity..."

"What a curious line of conversation."

"I know honey... it's just well Gene and all... and the movie.." she said. "But I have to check on dinner... be right back sweetie..."

"Love, do me a favor and get me some more tea while you're up."

"Definitely..."

"That would be great, Hon, thanks" he turns his attention to the ending of Shrek again. Standing up, she took his cup. Softly she kissed his ear, and pulled her hand out of his grasp that was reluctant to let her go.

***

She trotted out to the kitchen where Erica was fixing the salads. Pulling out the glass casserole pan, she set it down and added parsley to the ricotta cheese. Then she grated the Parmesan to a fine powder, added it, and worked on shaving mozzarella to fine slices.

Erica handed her the sliced tomatoes, and she added them with several cans of sauce to a pan. Then came chopped broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower stirred into simmering sauce.

"So, I see you got the noodles ready... great... I'll just add the spices..."

"How much?" Erica asked, looking over her shoulder.

"The basil... a pinch... oregano... two pinches..." Trynia said, showing her the pinch and dash method her grandmother Merino was famous for. "And a dash of thyme... and three pinches of parsley..."

"Well, I didn't hear any yelling, so I can only assume he's in a good mood?" Erica asked anxiously.

"Yes..."

"God, you've GOT to tell me it's going to be OK," she whispered.

"Now... the trick with this lasagna is putting the noodles on the bottom of the pan..." Trynia said, taking the pan of wet noodles and layering the bottom with them.

Erica spun around and hid her head in her hands, like Trynia often did. Seeing this, Trynia moved over, and rested her hands on Erica's shoulders, "Aww, I'm sorry... Look, I think he's open to the Possibility..."

"No, it's just.......I don't know what I'm going to say when I go out there. Will you please, PLEASE help me?" she begged Trynia.

"I promise I'm with you..." Trynia answered Erica's desperate dark look.

"Relax... easy now... breathe in and out..."

"I know I'm acting like a baby, but Tryn, if he doesn't like this, he'll tell my mom and get her all up in arms, and that would be a nightmare," Erica cried.

"I know..." Trynia says. "Just relax... I think I've got him thinking about it at least... Hypothetically..."

"I mean, I FINALLY got my mom to where she's neutral about this," Erica wiped her eyes, trying not to smudge her makeup.

"Now can you do the layers like this... while I take him some tea?"

"Oh, yes, sure! Anything you want," Erica nodded eagerly. Trynia showed her how to layer the noodles with alternate layers of cheese, sauce and veggie filling.

"Good. I'll take Uncle Paul his tea, and come RIGHT back in..."

"Oh, thank you!" she hugged Trynia tightly.

"Be GENEROUS with the cheese!" Trynia called back, carrying Paul's refill of steaming earl gray. Erica nodded, picking up a measuring cup to judge the amount of mozzarella cheese.

It slipped from her grasp, clattering noisily on the floor. Paul yelled from the living room, "Tryn, honey, you OK?"

"Easy..." Trynia says, picking up the cup. "It's going to be OKAY..."

"Yes... the help's a bit new!" she yells back.

"Oh, jeez, that's just great" he laughed.

Trynia rushed out of the kitchen, carrying the tea. She handed it to Paul quickly, "Here you go love... your earl gray... hot.."

He accepted it with a grateful kiss and a swig of the dark liquid, "Now there was NOTHING like this in that damn hospital. By the time they got tea to me, it was like weak, cold dishwater."

"Well this is a secret family means of preparation," she teased. "No bags here... Nothing but LOOSE tea... and a silver tea ball..."

He nodded toward the kitchen and whispered, "You didn't skimp on the help, did you, honey?"

"No I didn't," she smiled. "It's Henry's night off. It's a New York catered dinner... by a very big fan of yours..."

"She's not going to get so nervous about serving Paul Stanley that she puts cayenne pepper in my dessert or something, is she?"

"Now I just got to make sure she's got it all right..." Trynia said, moving away. "Well no... not THAT bad... I've given her my PERSONAL direction... But she IS nervous..."

He raised an eyebrow. "A New York catered dinner. You don't have my mom stashed in there, do you?" he chuckles.

"More like MY mom... by my direction. A bit of Italian/Irish flair..." Trynia joked.

"Hmmm. Tell her extra tartar sauce" he teased.

"Okay... be right back..." she smiled, kissing him again. Trynia rushed back into the kitchen where Erica finished putting the lasagna together. Hefting the heavy pan Trynia shoved it into the oven. Trynia picked it up and puts it into the oven.

Erica straightened her hair with her hands nervously. It was dark and curly like Paul's, full of its own soft shape. Trynia suggested, "You might want to pin that up..."

"Oh......sure," Erica nodded nervously, as Trynia grabbed a hairholder out of her pocket and fussed with pulling the dark mass into a ponytail. Taking a large barrette she found in a kitchen drawer she twisted the tip of the tail under and up in a French twist.

"And....this?" she shows Trynia her engagement ring.

Trynia grinned, "One thing at a time. I'll get him into the dining room..."

Erica returned the grin and nervously rolled her eyes. She wrung her hands and Trynia laughed, "You just get the salad ready... and when I tell you to, bring it out first..."

"Absolutely. Damn, it's going to be so good to see him."

Trynia smiled, and set the timer for the lasagna. "Now... we have to put the desert together... It's going to be something NICE..."

"And if I blurt out something stupidly, don't forget, you have my back, right?"

"I got your back girlfriend..." she winked.

"This is fun....like having a sister," Erica beamed.

"I agree," Trynia nodded. "I mean I have a sister already, but one more is always welcome..."

Trynia helped Christine set the table, setting four places with the floral pattern Mikasa china. Christine paused and asked her, "Do you have something for Aaron... just in case..."

"Sure, I got a backup dinner simmering in there... and hey, make sure YOU get some of my lasagna..."

"I couldn't..."

"Hey, you could eat with us..." Trynia said.

"Nah, I don't want to interrupt a family reunion..." she laughed, and exited the room.

"Dinner's ready," Trynia said, walking into the living room. Paul smiled, and struggled to boost himself off the sofa with the support crutches the hospital gave him. Trynia moved to his side, and he tossed one down, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Together they helped him hobble over to the dining room table and sit down on a chair Christine pulled out. She took his crutch while Trynia helped Paul to sit down, and rest one let over the chair she pulled out.

"Now honey what do you want for a beverage?" Trynia asked.

"What do I want, or what can I have? I'd love a nice glass of red wine." He said, and kissed his ear softly.

"Chianti or Cabernet?" she asked. Aaron hurried into the room and climbed into his chair. Christine stood back, waiting to see if she was needed for any more help.

"A bit won't hurt..." she smiled.

"Surprise me. I'm just glad you're letting me, with the medication I'm on."

"Well just ONE glass..." she relented.

"Either that, or you're trying to get me drunk, and I should be VERY wary."

Aaron laughed at both of them. He noticed the fourth place setting and said, "Aunt Trynia has a surprise, Daddy!"

"She does?" he looked at Trynia, confused.

"Oh yes... Aaron, I got you sparking Grape juice to drink!" Trynia said. Christine returned with a glass bottle that resembled one of wine. He grinned at the sparkling white grape juice she poured into his own little wineglass.

"We having a dinner guest? What's up with the place settings?" Paul asked. "ARE you eating with us, Christine?"

"who me?" she joked. "Nope, I'm just a pretty face... who's helping the evening unfold."

"You'll see," Trynia winked at Paul, wine bottle in hand from the kitchen. The white towel wrapped around it concealed the label, and Paul watched her pour him a goblet, then one for herself and the mystery guest.

"Aww, love," he groaned, "I appreciate the effort but I'm REALLY not up to guests right now."

"Well it's someone you know..." she smiled, and sat down. "Are you ready for first course?"

He sighed. "Yes, I suppose so."

"Christine, let our chef know it's okay to come out," Trynia smiled. Their maid grinned and disappeared into the dining room.

"new help?" he asks. "What's THIS all about?"

Erica burst in from the kitchen, holding the salad bowl nervously. Seeing Paul she broke into a big grin and cried, "Uncle Paul!"

"Well what in the..." Paul asked, as she set the bowl down. "What are you doing here sweetie?"

She screamed and threw her arms around him. Tears dripped down her cheeks when she started to cry in joy. Paul tried to get up, but Trynia cautions him to sit down. He hugged his niece tightly and stroked her back.

"Aww damn it's GOOD to see you, sweetie!" he laughed. Erica sobbed and held tightly to him. Almost as if she were afraid to let go.

Over her shoulder Paul threw Trynia a "I'm gonna get you for this later" look.

"Hey, ssh easy there..." he hushed. "How have you been... when did you GET here?"

Erica pulled back, her face full of tears, "I am soooo glad to see you. God, it's been forever."

"I'll say... I'm so glad you're here!"

"I got here just today. Mom and grandma....." she choked. Christine began to serve each of them salad, under Trynia's direction.

"You look terrific!" Paul cried. "How is Grampa Eisen?"

"They sent me out here for a visit. I think they're a little worried, and I guess I was the nominee for traveling candy striper."

"well it's so sweet of you to worry... but we've been getting along okay... actually..." Paul said with a look at Trynia.

"He's.....yeah.....he's OK" she struggled to talk, still choking from crying. "He's been a little bit tired, but he's getting better every day."

"Good," Paul smiled, and indicated she should sit down.

"And everyone says hi. I mean EVERYONE," Erica continued, settling into her chair. Still she kept her hand tightly in his, so Paul had to eat his salad with his left hand.

"Oh good!" he laughed.

He squeezed her hand in his, her right hand, failing to notice the engagement ring on her left, which she kept on her lap.

"And I've really enjoyed getting to meet Trynia. She's a really wonderful person, and I'm really glad she's staying here."

"So... tell me ALL about how mom and ad are doing..." Paul smiled.

"And about your grandmother and grandfather... did they know how Aaron got here?"

She laughed, "Grandma's just about the same as always. She fusses about you, you know. All the time."

"Obviously," he nodded. "I'm very glad you and Trynia are getting along..."

Her dark eyes grew serious, "Yes, I actually took the call from Linda. She started going on about how I had to take Aaron while she went away on her.....trip. I told her there was no way. I've got....well......lots of things going on now."

"Well there's lot going on here too... you sound like a busy young lady..." Paul interrupted.

"Then she starts saying that grandma had to take him, and I told her that I'd put her on the phone, but that Grandpa was sick."

"Did she... say anything about knowing about my surgery?" Paul asked.

"Let me think.....I'm sorry. It's just that I'm....nervous and...." Erica broke off, looking down at her plate quickly, then back up.

"Easy... take a deep breath... maybe if we ate some salad... sweetie..." Paul suggested. She prodded it with her fork, taking a few polite chews.

"I know I'm DYING to eat this..." Paul muttered, mouth full of salad. It was dressed with vinegar and oil, layered with Parmesan cheese.

"Yes, I think she did. I think she said something about how she was in a real bind because you couldn't take him," she said.

"OH damn..." Paul starts to curse, but shuts up in front of Aaron.

"I just hope it's OK. I guess I need to practice for when...uh...."

"I'm sorry... I just... I can't talk about it now..." he whispered.

"With all due respect, Uncle Paul, Linda's a wacko," Erica interrupted.

"Shh, not in front of the kid," he whispered to her, indicating Aaron's watchful eye.

"Why don't you eat some of this wonderful salad?" Trynia suggested. "And calm down and let's just relax a bit."

Erica glanced at Aaron in shock, face crumpling. She buried it in her hands, shaking. "Oh god I'm sorry... I just..."

"Hey... easy..." Paul said, grabbing her hand. She leaned over and he hugged her tightly.

"I'm....just a little jumpy. That's all."

Noticing the tension Trynia called for the maid. Quickly Christine entered, and Trynia whispered in her ear, intimating Aaron sitting there in confusion.

"Christine could you take Aaron and see if he might want to eat his dinner over a movie?" Trynia asked aloud.

"But Miss Trynia..." Aaron says.

"WE gotta do some adult talk," Paul said to his son. "Please Aaron, go pick something to watch on television... Can you please be a good patient boy and help Miss Christine pick a movie you like..."

"Aww Daddy..."

"Please son," Paul asks him. "For me?"

"You can have some spaghetti," Trynia offered, taking Aaron's hand and leading him into the kitchen. "I made it especially for you..."

"Okay!" he nodded. Christine followed them both, glancing concerned at her boss.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Paul. I guess I should have kept my mouth tightly shut," she sighed.

"It's okay... we forget sometimes..." Paul assured her. "But its Trynia... she made me promise not to say bad things about Linda before Aaron."

"No, that's a good idea. She's still his mom and all," said Erica. She glanced anxiously at the door for Trynia to come back.

"Yes... Trynia told me VERY clearly it wasn't beneficial for Aaron, if his parents can't' get along," Paul explained. "She wants to keep the peace..."

"Yes, I'm sure she does. She's got some good ideas about child rearing," Erica agreed. She smiled with relief when Trynia returned.

"Is he ok?" Paul asked.

"Christine's with him... stuffing her mouth with my spaghetti," Trynia laughed. "What did I miss?"

"Uhhhh, nothing." Paul said awkwardly.

"You want some of my famous lasagna?" asked Trynia, setting the casserole dish down. Taking a knife and spatula she cut it into eight pieces. Paul held up his plate for a piece, and handed it to Erica. Trynia served all three of them.

"Oh, YES! Hmmm, New York recipe." Paul rubbed his hand together.

"It's vegetarian..." Trynia told him as he sliced carefully into it, and nibbled. His eyes opened wide with pleasant surprise.

Erica only had taken a small portion and moved it around nervously on her plate. Paul helped himself to more salad and continued to work on the piece Trynia gave him. He seemed ravenous, biting off large pieces and wolfing them down. Erica noted that it was unusual for him. Trynia ate a fair portion herself, and washed it down with wine. Erica looked at Trynia again for a sign that it was all right to begin.

"Hey... I'm gonna think you're on a diet..." Paul nudged Erica. She chuckled self consciously.

"Well, some of us have been a little jumpy lately," Trynia said.

"Why?" Paul asked. "look is something wrong... are you ok?"

"Well, you see....."

"You've been so gun shy since you walked in here..." Paul said concerned. She reached over and took his hand again.

"I'm sorry... I was telling Trynia before that luckily I didn't have to come alone out here to L.A."

"Oh?" Paul smiled, eating another bite of lasagna. "Did you bring a friend out?"

"Yeah, it's nice not to have to be alone." Trynia added, nibbling more lasagna.

"Oh, yes.....a friend....."

"I know," Paul said, looking at Trynia. "Where are they staying?"

Erica looked helplessly at Trynia. Sighing Trynia interrupted, "Well she wasn't wanting to impose. So they're staying at a hotel..."

"He's.....uh.....staying downtown," Erica nodded. She looked down at her food and moved it around again with her fork.

"He?" Paul teased. "Well have you got a new boyfriend or something..."

"Paul, be nice," Trynia cautioned him.

"Not so new, actually, Uncle Paul..."

"Is it that Roger guy? Or wait... let me guess..."

"No, Uncle Paul, I am SOOO over Roger" she teased.

"I HOPE it's not Roger..." Paul muttered. "Cause now I won't have to kill him..."

"His name is Kevin and believe it or not, he loves Kiss. And well... he loves me too."

"He does?" Paul asked slowly, silent for a moment. "I guess he knows you're related to me then?"

She continued looking down at her food. "I know it's sudden to me... but well he did say it..."

"Well, that's definitely interesting," Paul said, looking more carefully at her. "Kevin... I remember him. He's a huge fan as I recall... from your letters and emails..."

It became apparent that Paul didn't hear the last part of what she said. Frustrated, she looked to Trynia for help, "Yes, he is. He's been to four or five shows..."

"What she's trying to say Paul, is that Kevin is become VERY special in her life..." Trynia said.

"Oh?" Paul laughed. "Is that right? Well, you are just a heartbreaker aren't you?"

"Yes, that's.....right." Erica muttered, frowning. She started to pout.

"What's wrong?" Paul asked, nudging her.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Paul, but sometimes I think you forget that I'm not 16 any more, and not every guy I date is just a school girl crush."

"Now wait a minute," he said, smiling diplomatically. "I was just teasing..."

She pulled her hand away from him, and rested it on her lap. Paul raised an eyebrow at her change in mood, wondering why the distance. Glaring at him she said, "Uncle Paul, I'm not a baby anymore.."

"I know that. You're a lovely young woman..." Paul nodded. "But I still can't help but think of you like my own little girl..."

"I'm not even.....well....that innocent any more," she continued. At Paul's puzzled expression of shock Trynia snickered and hid her smile behind her hand.

"Well... I'm sure you've had... experiences..." he said slowly. "But that's your choice to make... I'm only hoping you were responsible..."

"Paul, just LISTEN to her," Trynia interrupts.

"Yes Uncle, you have to hear me out first....." Erica continued. "I'm actually staying with Kevin. In his room. In his bed." she studied his face to see his reaction.

AT these words Paul looked long and hard at her for a moment, and put down his fork. A gleam of annoyance sparkled in his eyes and he waved his hand, "Uh.. back up a moment... Staying with him as in sharing a HOTEL room... Or as in LIVING With him?"

Erica glanced at him with dark, scared eyes. She fumbled with her napkin as she explained, "We....have a hotel room here. To share. He's pretty old fashioned, he won't live with me until...... Until...."

"Go on..." he said, knowing he wasn't liking where THIS was going.

"Until....we get married." Erica finished, and swigged a sip of water. Paul's dark eyes widened, staring at her for a full moment of tense silence.

"Well... this is... interesting..." he said, trying to keep the volume in his voice down. "When did THIS happen, young miss?"

"Trynia" she says, on the verge of tears, "This isn't going well."

"Paul, stop giving her that death ray stare," said Trynia slowly to Paul. Erica continued to look at him, fighting back tears.

"I would have liked to have known..." Paul says quietly. "That you had SOME INTENTION of going in this direction first..."

"Paul..." Trynia said.

"Please... it happened really fast... and I was excited... Uncle Paul I haven't finished explaining..."

"Jeez, I go into the hospital and things have a habit of changing REALLY QUICK," Paul began sarcastically, his voice rising in volume. He threw his fork down with a clatter.

"Paul..." Trynia shook her head.

"The truth is....Uncle Paul....Kevin and I have been dating for a bit and he's asked me to marry him."

"Well... when did he ask you to marry him exactly?" Paul asked her, chest heaving up and down as he tried to control his temper. "And what is he doing for a living now?"

Erica held up her left hand, flashing her ring. Taking a deep breath she held her hand before Paul. Paul seized her hand and carefully examined the diamond. "Man, that's a nice sized rock... for a teacher," he muttered.

"At the end of Hanukkah this year, he asked me if we could be married. He's a teacher...like I'm going to be, and he has a wonderful little apartment not far from mom. And grandpa LOVES him!"

"In NYC?" Paul asked.

"Well, yes....unless we decide to go somewhere else," Erica added.

Another moment of silence came as Paul tried to digest all of what she had said. Biting his lip he asked, "Well, what about your school?"

She sighs a bit. "I PROMISE you....I'll finish as soon as I can....but this wedding....it takes priority...right now, I mean."

"Paul... I'm sure she's thought about that,' Trynia interrupted.

"What is the rush?" Paul asks suddenly. "I mean... why not next year or when you're done with your schooling, Erica?"

"Kevin thinks we should get married right away."

"If he loves you... can't he wait till you're more settled in your lives?" Paul asked.

"He....tells me that he loves me and he wants me as his wife this instant," said Erica with slight frustration showing in her eyes.

"Well sweets, I know you say you love him and all... but shouldn't you... uh... well..." Paul fumbled, rubbing his hair violently with his hand, noticing the slight pout on Erica's face. "I mean yeah it's cool you love each other, but getting married... it's well.. it's a BIG step... Are you SURE he's the right one for you?"

"You sound like mom," she muttered.

"Paul," Trynia sighs, and gets up and moved over to stand behind him. "You're NOT helping this..."

"And I suppose she told you first?" Paul asked, a bit hurt.

"Yes, she did, because you weren't here," Trynia shot back.

Erica's eyes flashed as the pout grew larger, "Yes, I did, damn it, and she was much more supportive, for the record."

"Erica... I just don't want you to do something you'll regret..."

She started to wipe hot tears from her eyes again, and then snapped, "Like what? Like Linda?"

"Now wait just a DAMN moment!" Paul snapped back. "That's NOT fair! Don't EVEN bring that into this discussion young lady! That's NOT the issue here, and you KNOW IT! I won't stand by and see you screw up your life like..."

Trynia suddenly banged her fist on the table in frustration. Paul glanced sidelong at her in suprise at the sudden outburst.

"Dammit Paul!" she said, furious. "this is NOT your decision to make!"

Erica sobbed, burying her head in her napkin. The cloth muffled her cries, while Paul gaped at Trynia in sheer shock. "Tryn... baby... what... brought this on?" he asked bewildered. "Can't you see... that I DO have a say in this? I'm RESPONSIBLE For you!!!"

"She's right, Uncle! It's NOT your decision! I came all the way out here in hopes that he would. I've heard all this crap from mom. I was just hoping to get your blessing. That's all..." she sobbed. Sighing, Trynia rose from her chair and stood behind Erica, rubbing her shoulders.

Erica broke away from her, sobbing as she wandered into the corner of the living room. Paul fixed Trynia in an angry stare, his eyes black with fury. Trynia knew the black eyed stare well, and also guessed she had intruded on something she shouldn't have. Yet Trynia did not back down, for Erica had involved her in this, and there was no going back. Meeting his gaze with hers she asked, "You happy now?"

"Am I happy? What the heck do you think? Do you think I WANTED this to happen? Good GOD, Trynia!" Paul shouted at her. "Does this look like the face of a man who's freaking HAPPY?"

Trynia sighed, "I'm just surprised at your reaction, that's all..."

"I'll talk to you later about this," Paul said firmly, turning to Erica.

"Look.....Erica, you're a wonderful, responsible woman, and I'm probably partially to blame for treating you like a child."

"But what?" Erica asked, returning sullenly toward him.

"But you have to see it from where I'm standing. You're still in school. Just last year, you were madly in love with some guy named Roger. Now it's Kevin and it's LOVE yet again. Forgive me for being cynical here."

"But you're thinking I'm like my mom.....I'm going to get married, screw it up and live a life of unhappiness, right?" Erica asked sarcastically.

"Yes....that thought has crossed my mind." He answered truthfully.

"Why are you jumping ahead so soon, you don't even KNOW Kevin?" Trynia asked.

"Look, ladies, PLEASE! Let's just take a minute here and calm down." Paul said, holding up both hands.

"I find it HARD to be calm right now," Trynia said angrily. "But I'll try... for your sakes..."

"Trynia please. Uncle Paul... look, why is this so hard for you to accept?"

"Erica, honey, you know what your mom went through. What she put us all through. Have you thought this out? Because, believe me, I've learned the hard way. A failed marriage will haunt you forever."

"You said that before, and this is NOT the same situation!" Erica shouted.

"Hello, she's not been recently divorced! She doesn't have the same emotional baggage like some people!" Trynia broke in. Furious, Paul glared at her again, dark eyes flashing.

"Trynia! You are NOT making this any better," he gritted.

"No perhaps I'm not," she said angrily back. "But neither are YOU. And making your unhappiness hers is NOT fair..."

Paul sighed deeply, and looked again to Erica, "Erica, tell me some more about this guy."

She turned to him and wiped her eyes, "Oh.....well.......he's my age....uh.....he's a teacher. You know that. He's just really, really kind. He....uh......has a couple of dogs.....He loves Kiss.....he even plays the drums...."

Trynia folded her arms across her chest and nodded, "Tell him what you told me, Erica..."

She looks confused at Trynia, and asked, "The part about my wedding?"

"Yes..."

"About what you wanted..." Trynia nodded.

"I.....I can't...." she shook her head. "He's going to get mad."

"I'm going to get mad about what?" Paul half laughed. "I don't know, Erica. Frankly this whole thing has made me somewhat mad. I'm not too sure how it could get worse. Unless you are planning on telling me you are pregnant, in which case, just march on out of here."

The words shocked both Trynia and Erica cold. Erica snapped her head up, horrified. Trynia folded arms across her chest and stalked around the table, saying, "I can't believe you said that!"

Paul drained the rest of his wine in anger, and glared at them both. Erica whispered, "I'm not pregnant..."

"Thank GOD," he muttered.

"You see, that's ONE thing in his favor!" Trynia pointed out. "Good god how long should she wait. The guy's a teacher, he's Jewish, he's close to her age..."

Paul poured another glass of wine, and folded his hands to say, "Erica, you know you are in my will. Have you discussed that with him?"

She stared him directly in the eye now, not backing down, "No......he's never asked me. I won't deny it if he does, but he's not one to want to live off someone else. He's a hard worker. And if it's that big of a deal to you, take me off "

"Not everyone thinks it's about money," Trynia says to Paul. "It's not so bad now is it?"

Paul smiled slightly at Erica, and said, "No, I'm not going to do that. You mean the world to me, Erica, even if you don't believe it right at this very minute. I want to make sure you are well cared for. That's all I've ever wanted."

"Paul... she can take care of herself," Trynia said. "As you have seen today..."

Erica sighed, "I know, Uncle Paul, and you've literally saved mom and I from a whole bunch of crap....JUNK.....sorry."

At these words Paul smiled slightly, and listened to her continue, "And we appreciate that. We really do. And....well....that's sort of why I even came out here today. Because I wanted to tell you...and I wanted you to be happy for me..."

"Erica... it's because I've done so much for you... can't you see I've given you every opportunity to succeed in life. I don't want to think I've failed you..."

"She's been given everything by you... can't you give her this chance to be happy?" Trynia asked him. "And trust you've been a good parent?"

In hurt and confusion Paul stared at Trynia. Quietly he said, "I thought you would be on my side...."

"Then I guess it's not my place to say ANYTHING then," Trynia shot back. Sullen and angry, she stalked out of the room, tears in her eyes.

Erica pleaded, "Please, Trynia, don't go. I need you here!"

Trynia turns and looks at both of them, anger and hurt on her face. Erica grabbed Trynia's arm and pulls her over.

"I don't want to cause trouble..." Trynia said slowly.

Erica tried to smile brightly, "You see, we're not yelling any more. We're making progress."

"I think I've said enough... I have my mom's Irish temper... I can't shut up. And my dad's Italian nosiness..."

Both looked back at Paul, who stared out the window. He closed his eyes tightly for a moment, hurt crumpling his face. Trynia pulled her arm away from Erica, and shook her head. Erica glanced back, nudging her over to Paul.

"You can stand on your own two feet, Erica..." Trynia said.

"He needs you," she whispered. "I need you..."

"You don't need ME to tell Paul what he already knows... And you don't need me butting into your life in some way that would cause any more pain..." she trailed off, putting a shaking hand over her face.

"What I already KNOW is that somehow I was tricked into the two of you sharing this plan with me and the ONE TIME I need you on my side, Trynia, I can't count on you," Paul interrupted, voice raised. She didn't care for the disappointment present on his face. Tearing off her glasses she threw them onto the table.

"If that's what you think, then I'm sorry," Trynia retorted. "Truly sorry... and I won't trouble either of you anymore..."

"Please, Uncle Paul. It was NEVER my intention to cause any problems between you too. I've messed this up beyond my wildest imagination!" Erica protested, hand on Trynia's shoulder to stop her. Paul said nothing at the two women, still stewing in his own hurt.

"Obviously what I think doesn't matter... because I'm butting in and disappointing some people who were counting on me," Trynia hissed at Erica. "And I've made things far worse..."

"Well, I need you on my side, Tryn, because he won't listen to me" she gave Paul a harsh stare.

"Well Erica, you're a grown woman... as I am. And you can't stop... someone from loving you... no matter what mistakes you make. Even if they do make you hurt or angry..."

Paul sighed again and there's an awkward silence when he said, "Erica, what is it that you want?"

"I want to be able to bring him to dinner tomorrow and let you met him so that you can see that he's not some idiot off the street."

"I'll go for that, Erica. You bring him over tomorrow night and we'll have a chance to talk."

Trynia said nothing, but continued to stare out the door, arms folded.

Paul paused a moment, "I'm going to need to talk to your mom about this."

"She....umm......she likes Kevin, Uncle Paul. She just wants me to finish school. But...I don't want to" she says softly.

Trynia looked at both of them and gave a sad smile. She wasn't sure she can say anything else, but said it all the same, "I didn't finish school... And I met the love of MY life."

Paul smiled at Erica a bit, and took her hand, "Well, considering the fact that you're not a kid any more and you can marry anyone you damn well please, I guess I should be honored that you came out here and basically asked for my blessing."

"My father wanted to KILL me... Remember Paul..." Trynia said, back turned to both of them still.

"Yes, I remember," he said quietly. Tension filled every word of their awkward conversation.

"Meeting my mom and dad? He raked you over the coals... it's just what you're saying to Erica now... was what he said to me..." "Trynia.....she said that you would be happy to walk me down the aisle....didn't you, Trynia?" Erica said helplessly.

"Yes..."

Paul smiled a bit more saying, "After making a jackass of myself, you want me walking you down the aisle?"

"She wants you to be a part of this, Paul... she thinks of you like a father..." Trynia sniffed, wiping a tear from her reddened eyes.

"Yes, I do... Uncle Paul..." Erica insisted. "You're the closest thing I have to a father..."

"And the way you've acted now... I am CONVINCED you are a father... a good one..." Trynia laughed awkwardly.

Paul listened to both, straightening up in his chair. Softly he said, "Erica.....I need to meet this guy first. I reserve judgment on this whole mess. But regardless, I would be thrilled to walk you down the aisle when the time is right...whenever that would be."

A grin broke out over Erica's face and she rushed to his side. Wrapping arms around him she hugged him tightly.

"She asked me... to be a bridesmaid..." Trynia recounted softly, standing to one side. Sighing with relief, she made to exit the room to leave them alone.

"You're not off the hook yet. I never said I was done, you know," Paul cautioned.

"I know" she smiled, "But we're getting close."

"Thank GOD," Trynia muttered, on the way into the kitchen again.

"Erica, I need you to do me a favor now. I hate to kick you out on such short notice, but I really need a minute with Trynia, if you don't mind."

"Oh, God, sure! I was just going to recommend that. Hey, if you don't mind, I'll take some lasagna to Kevin. He's probably starved."

"My kitchen is your kitchen" he grinned. "You can ask Christine to wrap it for you..."