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They quickly hug. Barbara take's the podium. Her speech is inspiring, resulting a standing ovation. Melissa is there to escort her from the stage.
"Thank you, Melissa, you did great."
"Hey at least I didn't say you know where the bodies are buried, literally. Barbara slaps Melissa's arm as they are engulfed by the crowd. Melissa fades back. As the crowd moves Barbara moves with it. Melissa does not allow Barbara out of her sight. Barbara gets to their able before Melissa does and takes her seat. She thanks her tablemates for their kind words. Melissa arrives and relief washes over Barbara.
"Thought I lost you." Barbara says, taking her hand.
"Never." Melissa responds. She puts their drinks down on the table. "Sprite with a cherry for the lady and a coke with a lime twist for me." Barbara laughs at Melissa's joke.
The dinner portion of the awards start. They trade items off of each other's plates and split a yeast roll. When it is time for dancing, they each danced with a gentleman who asked them to dance and danced with their tablemates. After Barbara's third polite yawn, Melissa suggests they retire for the evening. As Barbara is the award’s honoree, the committee gifted her a suite. Melissa and her share the room. It has two bedrooms. The first night, they talked and watched movies in Melissa’s room until Barbara left. Tonight, after changing into their pajamas, they find themselves in Barbara’s room.
Melissa has her taffy and Barbara has chips. Melissa laughs at Barbara, whose laying with a towel across her chest and a portion of the bed in front of her. “To catch the crumbs,” she says.
“How ya feel Barb?” Melissa unwraps a piece of taffy. She holds it out to Barb who shakes her head no.
“It’s surreal. Thanks for coming with me.”
“Wouldn’t miss it, plus you and me babe.”
Barb stops her and sings, “go a long way back.”
Melissa grabs her hand and squeezes.
“Yea, I know where the bodies are buried.” They both laugh.
“Yes, you do sweetheart.” Barbara leans over and kisses Melissa on the cheek. She notes the redness that fills her friend’s face as she blushes.
Later when they’re falling asleep, Melissa starts to leave. “Stay.” Melissa halts her movement.
“Stay but help me straighten up the bed.” They work in tandem to remove the candy wrappers, chips and crumb towel off of the bed. As they settle in, they face each other.
“Barb, I love you and I’ll always be here for you.”
Instead of responding verbally, Barbara leans over and kisses Melissa softly on the lips.