Author's Note: Don't think that I've given up on my other stories! I just really wanted to write this one-shot piece. So, I give you The Breakup. Enjoy.

"I'm glad you could make it, Pookie." Maureen smiled at Mark. "Really, I am."

Mark nodded. "This is…um…a lot fancier than we usually do." He glanced around the Little Italy restaurant, Galliano's, nervously. "Why couldn't we just go to the Life like usual?"

"I wanted tonight to be different. Special. I mean, since I moved out of the Loft, I never see you guys!"

"Well, you're busy. I mean, the protest, and all…"

"Marky, you know what I mean! Anyway…"

"So, why are we here?" Mark glanced at the menu. "You act like I can afford this stuff."

"It's my treat. How's Roger?"

"Same as always. Does nothing but mope around the Loft all the time. He won't talk to anyone."

"He'll snap out of it. So, I met this lawyer, Joanne. You'd like her. She offered to help me with my protest."

"I thought I was doing that?"
"You are! You'll do all the technical stuff, and Joanne'll take care of the legal crap. I mean it, Pookie. Come on, let's eat."

After dinner, Maureen flagged the waiter. "Could we get the dessert menu? And some coffee?" She smiled at Mark "How do you want your coffee?"

Mark shrugged. "Black."

Maureen grinned. "Okay, black for him, two shots low-fat cream for me. Thank you." She looked back at Mark. "So, um…we need to talk."

"Okay, what about?"

Maureen sighed. "Joanne. I met her about a month ago. I've sort of been…well, dating her. Off and on."

"Behind my back?"

"Well…yes. And no."

"Maureen!"

"Pookie…look, I've been thinking, and, well, I think I might be a lesbian. AT the very least, I'm bisexual. And I'm really attracted to Joanne."

"So, what? You're breaking up with me?"

"Pookie, don't think of it as breaking up. Think of it as…an opportunity to peruse our other options. Marky…"

"No, don't. Whatever. Date Joanne. I don't care."

"Mark…you'll still help me with the protest, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. Look, I've gotta go home and check on Roger. I'll see you around."

"Pookie!" Mark didn't turn around. "Mark!" Maureen sighed, pulling out her phone. "Hey, Joanne? I told him. He didn't take it well. He and I are done. I'll be home soon."