Abby was miserable the whole time Suzanna was in Italy.  Keeping Joey at a distance was not that easy. He wanted them to spend a night together because their previous plans got messed up.  She told him that she couldn't ditch Simon again so soon.  Reporters and the police were always at the house trying to get a comment about papa's sudden departure.  JC had to tighten security so that meant that Abby went no where, not even in to her office at the park.  And to make matters worse with Kevin also out of town, Brian was consulted about things concerning his family.  This meant that he was over for meetings a lot. 

Abby always found a way to be downstairs when she knew he was coming so she could see him and speak to him for a few minutes.  They were never left alone but just seeing his face for a few seconds made her feel better.  Simon noticed a change in her.  She was quite and obedient.  He thought maybe she was sick and even asked if she needed to go see a doctor.  JC noticed to and decided to talk to his little sister one afternoon after lunch.

JC - "Hey Abby."

Abby - "Hi."

JC - "Can we talk for a minute?"

Abby - "Yeah is everything okay. Did something happen with papa?"

JC - "No everythings fine. I just wanted to make sure youre okay."

Abby - "Well its a little weird around here.  Papa's not here, Dona is in her room a lot. You've got Tino off somewhere, Suzanna's on her honeymoon.  Its just kinda quiet.  No offense but sometimes youre not exactly the best company."  He laughs. "I'm just bored."

JC - "Well besides being bored. everything's okay."

Abby - "Yeah."

JC - "Well Joey said that you've been acting a little strange lately so I thought I'd ask."

Abby - "Everything's fine JC.  I've just... I don't know.  I just wanted some time by myself."

JC - "Well you need to talk to Fatone cause he's worried. Why don't you let him take you out tonight?"

Abby - "Okay. I'll go call him."

JC - "You don't have to he's inside." He's always here.

Abby - "Give me a couple of minutes to finish this chapter."  He kisses her forehead and goes back inside.  Abby looks up at the sky.  A plane goes by and she wishes more then anything that she was on it.  She finishes the page she was on and then goes inside.  Joey was in papa's office with JC going over some kind of report.

Abby - "Am I disturbing you?"

Joey - "No not at all." He comes around the desk and kisses her cheek.  He really has been extra nice. "How are you?"

Abby - "Good. Take a walk with me."

Joey - "Sure."  They walk outside and around the side to the garden.

Simon is not far behind.  Abby's not sure why he bothers.  There are guards posted all over the perimeter, no one is getting in.  They walk to a little bench by the fish pond and sit down.

Joey - "I've got to ask. Are you mad at me about something?"

Abby - "No. I just have been in a bit of a mood lately."

Joey - "What's wrong?"

Abby - "I don't know. I'm sorry I haven't been avoiding you on purpose I just didnt want to take my bad mood out on anyone."

Joey - "Well you're talking to me now. Does that mean your mood has improved?"  She smiles at him. He really isn't that bad.

Abby - "A little."

Joey - "Enough for me to take you to dinner tonight?"

Abby - "Yeah dinner sounds good."

Joey - "Pick you up at seven."

Abby - "Okay." He kisses her cheek again.

Joey - "See you then."  He leaves her there feeding the fish.  Simon comes up and sits next to her.

Simon - "So you want to tell me what's really going on?"

Abby - "I don't know what you're talking about."

Simon - "Abigail. I've been following you around for awhile now. I know when youre lying."  She glances at him out of the corner of her eye.  "Spill it."

Abby - "I do have to talk to someone and Suzanna's not around. But you can't tell anyone or judge me just listen."

Simon - "I'm just a pair of ears."

Abby - "I'm in love."

Simon - "and its not Joey."

Abby - "no its not Joey."

Simon - "Tell me about him."

Abby - "He's wonderful."  She breaks in to a big smile. "He is sweet and smart and handsome. I totally didn't see him coming. I never believed in someone getting swept off their feet but that's what he did. And I'm so in love with him."

Simon - "He doesn't feel the same."

Abby - "No he does. Thats what's so hard."

Simon - "why's it so hard. If the two of you care about each other where's the problem."

Abby - "Because papa wouldn't approve."

Simon - "You can't spend your life trying to keep your dad happy."

Abby - "I know but this would be a really big shocker."

Simon - "Who is he?"

Abby - "I can't tell you Simon."

Simon - "You can trust me. Maybe I can help."

Abby - "If you want to help just don't leave me alone with Joey."

Simon - "Hey that's my job to protect you. If you don't want to be left alone with him then you won't be."

Abby - "Thanks."

********************************************************************

Joey picked her up at seven sharp.  He was dressed in a dark blue suit and looked very much like the mobster he was.  Abby came down the steps wearing a yellow flowery dress, very summery looking.

Joey - "You look very nice."   JC sees them from the parlor and comes out.

JC - "Well you two look very handsome this evening, where are you off to?"

Joey - "I've got a few surprises for Abby."

JC - "Well don't let me keep you too long then. Have fun."

Abby - "Tell papa I said hi when he calls tonight."

JC - "I will."  They go out to the limo Joey had acquired for the evening. Simon sits up front with the driver and Joey and Abby get in the back.

Abby - "A limo whats this all about?"

Joey - "I just wanted to chase the rest of your blues away."  He couldn't help that the only one who could was Brian.  She gives him the best smile she could and looks out the window as they head in town.  They pull up in front of the Rosewood, the place he took Abby for her 17th birthday.  He helps her out of the car and we walk in.  The place is empty, which is very strange.  The Rosewood is the best restaurant in town.

Abby - "where is everyone?"

Joey - "I reserved the whole restaurant for us."

Abby - "The whole restaurant.  Joey that must have cost you a fortune."

Joey - "You're worth it. I just wanted to be with you tonight. No distractions." He takes her hand and leads her to a table in the center of the room. A waiter comes out with a bottle of wine. He starts to fill her glass.

Abby - "Could I also have a glass of water?"

Wait - "yes mam."

Joey - "So what has my little polka dot been doing with herself?"

Abby - "Oh not much. JC won't let me go in to work so I've just been reading a lot."

Joey - "What are you reading?"

Abby - "A book about ancient Rome."

Joey - "Rome is beautiful have you ever been there?"

Abby - "No I've been to Italy but not Rome." The waiter comes back out with her water and a plate of hordorves.

Joey - "You've got to try these." She picks one up.

Abby - "Whats in them?"

Joey - "Crab and lobster." She puts it in her mouth. "Good huh."

Abby - "Very."

Joey - "We're going to need another plate of these with the main course."

Wait - "Yes sir." There is a little band that is playing music.

Joey - "Care to dance?"

Abby - "Sure." He takes her hand and leads her to the tiny floor in front of the stage. They are playing some Italian song.

Joey - "It's been so long since we've danced together."  He is being so sweet to her and she feels guilty because she keeps thinking about Brian.  Abby might not be in love with Joey but she still feels like she owes him the respect of not thinking about another man while shes with him.

Abby - "Yeah it has. Everything's just been so crazy. What with Suzanna's wedding and then papa getting framed."

Joey - "you shouldn't worry about that."

Abby - "I know. And I know I know more then I'm supposed to but its hard not to worry. He is my father."

Joey - "I know but its just not your place."  Abby doesn't say anything.  She forgot how angry Joey gets if she speaks out of turn.  "I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you."

Abby - "its okay, you're right."

Joey - "Well our foods ready."

They go back to the table.  Joey had them prepare a lobster for Abby. They have even already cracked it and pulled it out of the shell so she wouldn't get messy.  She starts to eat and Joey is chattering away about something as he eats his steak.  She's about half listening as she pops another on of the little crab puff things in her mouth.  Then she almost chokes and spits what is in her mouth in to the napkin.  It's a ring. "It took you long enough."

Abby - "What?"

Joey - "I've been sitting here making an ass out of myself waiting for you to take a bite of that."  Abby's still looking at the ring.  He reaches across the table and takes her hand. "I spoke with your father this afternoon. We have his blessing if I have yours. Will you marry me?"

All Abby can think of is, Oh Shit.  "I, I, You spoke to my father already?"

Joey - "I called him after we made plans this afternoon. I couldn't think of a better way to cheer you up then to do the thing we've wanted for so long. He gave us his blessing." He already spoke to her father, if Abby says no. Well she has no idea what would happen but it wouldn't be good. "You still havent said yes."

Abby - "Yes of course yes." He leans over and kisses her.

Joey - "you scared me for a minute."

Abby - "I'm sorry, I was just speechless."

Joey - "So you're happy no more moods."

Abby - "well no I am a woman I'm going to have moods but I'm happy now."

Joey - "Good. Now lets have a toast to celebrate." The waiters bring out some champagne. "To my future wife, Mrs. Abigail Fatone."  Abby was fighting back tears but Joey just figured it was because she was happy.  "So when do you want to do it?"

Abby - "I'm not sure but definitely not until papa gets back."

Joey - "That could be awhile."

Thats the point, she thinks.  "I'm not getting married without my father."

Joey - "I know thats not what I meant."

Abby - "Once we know for sure when he's coming home we'll set a date."

Joey - "Okay, JC's wants to have an engagement party as soon as possible."

Abby - "He would. Our family needs some good press."

Joey - "I'm so happy."

 Abby - "Me too."

They finish their dinners and then leave.  Joey asks her to come back to his place.  She decline, which surprisingly doesn't start an argument.  When they get home JC is waiting at the door.

JC - "There's the happy couple."  She smiles at him.  He hugs her. "You did say yes didn't you?"

Abby - "Of course I did. So whats this I hear about a party?"

JC - "Just a small one. Well have it here if you want."

Abby - "That sounds good. But we'll talk about it tomorrow I'm tired so I think I'm going to bed."

JC - "Of course its been so exciting for you. I'll make time for you right after breakfast."

Abby - "Alright good night then. Call me tomorrow."  She kisses Joey and goes upstairs.

As soon as the door shuts the tears start.  She runs and throws herself on the bed.  All the stuffed animals make me mad.  Abby starts throwing them in the fireplace.  They are signs of the person that everyone thinks she is.  Some stupid kid who knows nothing about anything.  Shes tired of everyone planning out her life for her.  Simon knocks on the door.

Simon - "Abby its me". She opens the door without checking her tears.  "I thought you could use this." He had brought a glass of milk and some cookies.

Abby - "Do I look like I want cookies and milk?"  She turns and he walks in and closes the door.

Simon - "I couldn't think of any thing else to bring you to get me up here with out anyone noticing." He sits the plate on the table and notices the mess shes made. "Need some matches?"

Abby - "No I'm just mad." She starts crying again. "I don't want to marry him."

Simon - "Then why did you say yes?"

Abby - "He already called papa and got permission. What was I suppose to do?"

Simon - "What about this other man?"

Abby - "I don't know. I guess I have to forget him. But I don't want him to find out this way I have to see him to tell him. Maybe it'll help me let go. Can you help me?"

Simon - "Of course." She takes out a piece of paper and writes Brian a quick note.

Abby - "Take this to the Bainchetti house and make sure Brian gets it."

Simon - "Okay."

Abby - "You're not surprised."

Simon - "Honey I know you. You have been hiding out from everyone since the wedding except when Bainchetti comes over and then you show up in the entry to greet him."

Abby - "Was it that obvious?"

Simon - "Just to me. I'll get this to him."

Abby - "Thank you Simon."

The next night

Simon had taken her so Abby could supposedly go see a movie.  Actually they were sitting at Hoover Dam waiting on Brian.  He pulled up and got out of his car. Simon opens the door and he got in the back seat with Abby.  She could tell Brian knew when he got in the car, he wouldn't look at her.  Simon then walked to the railing to give them as much privacy as he could.

Brian - "I got the strangest phone call this morning."

Abby - "Brian please."

Brian - "No let me finish.  JC called me to personally invite me to his sister's engagement party. Now I think JC only has two sisters. Suzanna married Kevin so that would leave you."

Abby - "I didn't want you to find out that way I wanted to tell you myself."

Brian - "So that night meant nothing to you."

Abby - "That night meant everything to me."

Brian - "You're marrying Fatone, you can see why I have trouble believing you."

Abby - "It did. I have thought about you everyday." He finally looks at her.

Brian - "I've missed you."

Abby - "I've missed you too. I'm so sorry, I didn't know what to do."

Brian - "We'll figure it out."

Abby - "No we won't. I'm marrying Joey."  It was like she hit him.

Brian - "you're what?"

Abby - "Papa has already given his blessing. Breaking the engagement would not only be insulting but disastrous. He would never let me out of it."

Brian - "I can't believe what I'm hearing. You want to marry that pig."

Abby - "No I don't want to marry him but I have to.  I've thought about nothing else today but how to get myself out of this situation and there isn't a way out for me."

Brian - "So you're going to let them bully you into marrying a man that will talk down to you. What are you thinking, this is your life. You can't marry him. I won't have it."

Abby - "There's nothing you can do to stop it."

Brian - "I could call your father myself and tell him what happened."

Abby - "Oh yeah that would be good. Now you've gone nuts. Not only would I still marry Joey but you would be dead. We just have to except the fact we'll never have more then that one night."

Brian - "I can't accept that. I'll find away to get you out of this mess."

Abby - "If you want to help me, forget me and stay away. Nothing can be done."

Brian - "Abby," he touches her face.  His love is so evident in everything he does.

Abby can't bring herself to look in his eyes.  "Please Brian just stay away."  He leans down to kiss her.  She let him, it will be one more memory to cherish.  "I should go."

Brian - "Okay, I'll do as you asked. But if you ever need me."

Abby - "I'll be fine."

Brian - "I'll always be here for you."

Abby - "I know. Good bye Brian."

He gets out of the car and walks to Simon.

Brian - "If she ever gets hurt or needs me let me know. No matter what she says. You could have gotten in a lot of trouble for bringing her here and I appreciate it."

Simon - "I've never had any brothers or sisters. She's like family to me, I look after her."

Brian - "Then I'm glad she has you. Keep an eye on her with him, I don't trust him."

Simon - "You have reason not to. I can't exactly place it but something's not right there. You know what I mean."

Brian - "Yeah."

Simon - "Check it out. I'd do it myself but it would raise suspicion too fast."

Brian - "I'll check it out." Simon gets in the car and they drive back in to the city leaving Brian to sit there and sort his thoughts.