Title: Expect The Unexpected

Disclaimer: I do not own Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Dick Wolf and NBC-USA networks do.

Author's Note: AU for the most part. What if Bobby met Alex (at age 21) while she was still in college at a bar that he frequents after receiving an honorable discharge? For this story, Alex and Joe are friends only. For this story Alex's birthday is November 2.

Special Note: This chapter is for cifan! This story became possible after reading the bar scene in Chapter 7 in her story "Hiding Out".

Chapter 1: The Momentous Meeting

-Story begins in early November, 1989-

Twenty-one year old Alex Eames had just arrived at work at (Brick) Bar in a bit of a resentful mood. She had just dumped her good-for-nothing boyfriend, Justin after catching him in bed with some else. However, as she was getting ready for the Bar to receive it is first patrons she had no idea that her life was going to change.

While she was busy serving drinks she suddenly caught the eye of a good-looking patron from far in a corner booth and she whispered to Trina Chang, her co-worker, best friend and roommate.

"Hey Trina, you know that cute guy who is sitting far right booth is?"

Trina strained her neck a bit and then saw who Alex was pointing to.

"That's Robert Goren and he was in the Army Sergeant up until his recent honorable discharge. He goes by Bobby, he is a sweet guy and generous tipper too I may add. You're right he is cute."

Then Trina realized why Alex asked her and she spoke up.

"Maybe you should go over and take his order. I think that he likes you, I mean I saw the way to two of you caught each other's eyes just now. Go on."

Alex was about to resist when Trina managed to push Alex towards the patron faster than she could say anything else.

When she reached the handsome patron she cleared her voice and asked, "Good evening sir, my name is Alexandra what could I get for you tonight?"

Bobby who was reading the newspaper in front of him lifted his head to meet the gaze of the beautiful bartender with whom he had caught eyes with earlier.

"Um uh," Bobby began nervously, "I will have a Glenlivet."

"Okay coming right up."

Within minutes Alex brought Bobby his drink and he thanked her.

The night went and Alex methodically refilled his drink when it was near empty.

Throughout the night the two had caught each other's glances but then quickly dropped it again.

After the bar had closed for night Trina who was in charge of the money duties, walked over to Alex to give her two things.

"Hey Alex, pretty busy wouldn't you say?"

"Yeah it was," said Alex distractedly and Trina knew what was going on.

"I have something for you, actually two things."

Alex looked for from the container of used glasses that she had been filling up to get cleaned.

"First you know that patron, Bobby? You know that I told you that he's a generous tipper right? Well guess what girl, he left you a whopping tip."

Alex's jaw dropped when Trina pushed a five dollar bill in her hand.

Trina knew the look on Alex's face as pure shock for she had gotten the same amount at one time from the same patron as well.

"The other thing that he asked me to give you is this," added Trina as she gave Alex a folded piece of paper.

"What is it?" asked Alex.

"I don't know, why don't you look and see."

Alex set down the container she was holding, took the paper and unfolded the paper and saw that it what was written on it Bobby Goren 555-8157.

When Trina got a peek of what was on the paper she gasped.

"Alex he does like you enough to leave his number. You should call him."

Alex had look of hesitation in her eyes when Trina tried to sway her.

"Now I know you just dumped Justin, I mean hey that jerk doesn't deserve a classy gal like you and never say never right?"

"I guess so," said Alex still with a bit of uncertainty in her voice.

When the duo got back to their apartment Alex went to her room to do some serious thinking.

Should I give him a call? I mean he is cute and Trina's right he is a generous tipper, but doesn't he seems at least a six years older than me? What would my family think? But then again age is just a state of mind, so what the heck I am going to go for it.

A/N 2: Your reviews are appreciated!