Mary watched the rich cabernet fill the tall wine glass in front of her. She let her mind wander as the liquid swirled out from the bottle Larry was holding. When he had finished pouring her drink, she thanked him graciously.

Danny stood, and reached for his drink holding it out to Mary. Larry followed suit. Mary watched both men amusedly. She loved the McCoys, she owed them everything. They were her saving grace. "A toast to Mary, it's been a long while since you've been to one of these things, and we're glad you decided to grace us with your company this evening," Danny said, making a show of bowing regally.

"Thank you," she replied, a pink blush tinting the apple of her cheeks. Danny and Larry settled into their seats at the small round table that overflowed with delicious Italian food. "This is nice," she observed, taking the salad bowl from Larry, scooping some onto her plate and then Danny's.

"Yeah, it is." Danny agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He caught her hand on the table, covered it with his own, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. Mary looked up startled, and found herself staring into his deep eyes. She allowed herself to get lost for a few moments, and then she tore her eyes away and returned her attention to Larry, who was oblivious to their exchange.

Mary slipped her hand out from under Danny's as discretely as she could, bringing it back down to her lap. Her skin still tingled from his touch and she tried to pretend that he didn't have that effect on her anymore. She had decided that it would be best if they just stayed friends, because it was all they were destined for. Sure, she loved him, that was a given. She loved him with all of her being that sometimes, she thought her chest might explode. And she was sure that he loved her too, but the timing was never right. It was why in all their history, with all of the opportunity, he had only come to her in times of uncertainty leaving for the Marines, and it was why she had to return his ring.

Mary tried her best to follow the dinner conversation, but she kept losing herself in her thoughts. This was going to be harder than she thought. How could she tell them this news? It was huge. Major. Colossal even.

Danny had noticed that Mary was being distant. All through dinner, she was quiet and hesitant, not her usual charming self. Something was on her mind. However, he knew better than to pry because Mary always came to him on her own time, when she was ready. Still, there was an unusual feeling that he couldn't shake.

When Larry got up to clear their plates and get dessert, Danny couldn't help but lean over. He placed a warm hand on her shoulder, his fingers massaging the smooth skin absentmindedly. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked concerned, "You've seemed..." he paused to search for the right word, "preoccupied tonight; like you're here but your mind is somewhere else altogether."

"Um, uh…yes, I'm fine," Mary stammered, and before Danny could press further his father had returned with three slices of strawberry cheesecake. "Mary, honey, you've been particularly quiet tonight. How are you these days? Any new developments in work…or outside of work?" he looked at his son's reaction as he asked the latter.

"I've been great…really great actually," Mary emphasized, smiling genuinely. She set down her fork and fidgeted slightly in her chair. She brushed an errant strand of hair from her face, and coughed nervously, "I actually have some news," Larry sipped his coffee, and watched Mary, waiting for her to elaborate. Danny stiffened in his chair anticipating news of a new guy.

"I got a job as a PR executive," she said. "It's a big step up from booking talent, but the pay is great and it'll give me a chance to try something new."

Danny relaxed visibly, his easy smile gracing his features again. "That's wonderful, Mary!" he exclaimed excited. "I didn't know that a job opened up in that department. Did Ed give you a heads up?" He asked curiously. He watched Mary's eyes falter slightly.

"Danny…" she sighed, and the manner in which she said his name worried him all over again. His brow furrowed and his eyes studied her intensely. "Danny, the job isn't at the Montecito."

"Well, uh, where is it exactly?" he asked, running a hand through his hair. "Is it on the strip?" Larry could see how Mary was being affected by Danny's questions; he could tell that what she had to say was very hard for her. He reached for Mary's hand on the table, giving it a light, reassuring squeeze.

"I'm letting you both know first because I knew you would be the hardest. I just didn't think it would be this hard." Mary's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Mary brought her hand to Danny's cheek; he leaned into her touch, and then covered her hand with his own. His eyes encouraged her to continue.

"The job is at an exclusive new hotel and spa…in Colorado. They plan to open in 6 months and I start in a few weeks," Mary said slowly, both her hands cupping Danny's face. Larry remained silent and felt for his son. Mary was the only other woman that Danny had let into his heart besides his mother. Losing her, would be like losing his mom all over again.

"So, what does this mean? What are you trying to tell us? You're leaving?" he asked, his voice rising and filled with a sort of choked panic. Now, Danny's dark brown eyes were glassy with tears of their own.

"Yeah," she said, wiping tears that had fallen from her eyes. "Yes, that is what I'm saying. I'm leaving Las Vegas."