Invisible Heart

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. If I did, Goren and Eames would be checking on preschools.

Timeline: After Frame

Spoilers: None

Chapter 1

"Bobby? Do you mind finishing up the paperwork tonight?"

Looking up from his computer, Bobby's interest is piqued. "Of course I don't mind. Who's the lucky guy?"

"Why do you assume it's a guy? Maybe I am meeting a girlfriend for drinks."

"I'm sorry Eames. Are you meeting a girlfriend for drinks?"

"That's not the point. I don't want you assuming you know me so well you can guess what I am doing."

"So…Eames…what are you doing tonight, if I may ask."

"Ass! His name is Dan Foster. He is a stock broker I met."

Smiling Bobby urges her to leave. "Go…I'll finish up."

When they return from lunch the next day, a huge bouquet of pink orchids await Eames on her desk. The card reads, "To the most beautiful woman I've ever met for a perfect evening. Dan"

"Anything you want to share Eames?" Bobby asks with his little boy smile.

"Nothing" she says smiling shyly.

"I take it the date went well. At least I am getting the idea Dan thinks so. What about you?"

"Yes, I'd have to say the date went well. Dan is a real gentleman. He took me to Per Se for dinner and then for a carriage ride through Central Park."

"Are you planning on seeing him again?"

"We made plans to go ice skating this weekend. I haven't been ice skating in years. I think the last time was with Joe." Laughing Alex says, "Of course, I spent more time on my butt than on the skates."

Quietly Bobby says, "It's good to see you laughing again. It's been too long Alex."

"It has been too long, hasn't it? I've been on dates but half way through them one of us is usually looking for the exit. Last night felt different. I had forgotten how it feels to have a handsome man tell me he wants to see me again."

"I'm really happy for you."

"What about you Bobby? I want you to be happy too. Any prospects in the wings?"

Just then Alex's cell phone rings. "Eames. Oh hi." Getting up and walking towards the hallway for privacy, Eames lowers her voice but Bobby can still hear her. "Yeah, I got them. They are beautiful. You didn't have to…Me too…I'm looking forward to Saturday…yeah?"

Alex doesn't notice the sad look in Bobby's eyes as he walk towards the file room.