Author's Note: I got the idea for this after seeing a rerun of "Last Show." I wanted to get it up now in honor of the anniversary of Mary's passing. Please R&R, and just so you know, I have ideas for at least another chapter or two. :)

"I'm glad you finally decided to come back with me to New York," Rhoda said

Mary smiled at her best friend. "Well, it was better than going to San Francisco with Phyllis."

Rhoda laughed softly. "I know you said this was just for a visit, but there are a lot of jobs in the Big Apple. All the morning shows tape there. We could be back in the same city again."

"That's tempting," Mary admitted. "But I'm not ready to think about finding another job. I need to take some time to get over the shock first."

"I know how that feels," Rhoda said. She could recall all too well how heartbreaking it was when an ending came out of the blue.

"How are you doing?" Mary asked. "About Joe, I mean."

Rhoda shrugged. "Well, it's no picnic, but I'm OK. I've got Brenda, and…sort of, Ma. I'll get through it. I have people. But you've just lost your people."

"Don't remind me," Mary said. "I think I've done more crying in the past three days than I have in years."

"It'll get easier, kid. I promise. But don't think about that now. You're not all alone. You've got me. And Brenda's looking forward to seeing you again too. She says you're the classiest person she knows, which gives you some idea of the kind of people my sister hangs out with."

"It'll be nice to see your mother again," Mary said.

"Yeah, that's because you can get on a plane and go back where you came from. I'm stuck in the same city!"

"Don't be so hard on your mother. She means well," Mary said. After what she'd just been through, she knew she could never take people for granted.

Rhoda sighed. "I guess. Doesn't make it any easier, though."

The flight was over almost before they knew it. When they got off the plane, they were met by Brenda. She hugged Rhoda tightly. "How was Minneapolis?"

Rhoda shrugged. "It was nice to see everyone again."

"Even Phyllis?" Brenda asked, barely containing a laugh. She would never forget the disaster Phyllis had caused at Rhoda's wedding.

"Well, Phyllis is still Phyllis," Rhoda said, giving a knowing glance at Mary.

"Let's get your bags so we can go back to my place," Brenda said.

"What's the rush?" Rhoda asked. "You have a date tonight?"

"I wish," Brenda replied, rolling her eyes. "I guess I might as well tell you. Ma and Pop are waiting in my apartment."

"What?!"

Brenda nodded. "I know. I had to talk Ma out of coming down here with me. At least this way you two have the car ride to prepare yourselves."

"Well, kid, you said you wanted to see my mother again. You're getting your wish!"

Mary just shook her head as they headed off to the baggage claim. She couldn't help wondering if coming here was as good an idea as she'd thought it would be.