This is the set up for a story that has been teasing me for a few weeks. I will need your help on it.

DISCLAIMER: I found my muse for this ship, but that's all I own of it.

UNFORTUNATE

Jade Palace had some of the best dim sum around. If it was the best, Craig O'Laughlin wanted it. He was pretty sure he deserved it. He worked hard. Craig watched the petite Asian girl head to the ladies room. He jumped a bit when he heard his name. He needn't have worried. It was Brad Curry, a fellow agent who had recently been transferred to the Los Angeles office of the FBI.

The men exchanged warm greetings and chatted for a few moments about the differences between their offices. Finally, Curry slanted a smile at him and asked "What's with the girl? I thought you were dating that smoking redhead from CBI"?

"Yeah, I still am."

"So?"

"Well, grace is great and all, but her hours suck worse than ours. I can't be expected to be alone that much. It isn't normal"

"Wait, you're dating the redhead and this one? Talk about variety. Please tell me you have a blond model stashed somewhere too?"

"No, not really"

"So, the red head, what was her name again?"

"Grace Van Pelt"

"Yeah, you've been dating her for a bit now. I heard it was serious. What's the deal?"

"Look, Grace is great arm candy. Actually, she is kind of the ultimate arm candy. She's gorgeous, smart, an agent, but not FBI. Makes the higher ups think you must have something going to score that. She gets my hours and job. It works out."

"And does she know about that little flower back there?"

"Hey, no ring on my finger. What she doesn't know, ya know? I like her, I really do, but I never told her we were exclusive."

"And what if she's dating?"

"That's the beauty here. She's not the type. That's why I am down here in Frisco. Didn't want to rub her face in it."

"Wait. Wasn't she dating another CBI agent? Yeah, I heard this story. They were forced to break up. And they still work together."

"Yeah, what a wuss. She told me she broke it off. And the jerk still works with her. Get this; he even gave me the 'treat her right' speech. Oh, here comes my date. Good luck in L.A."

"Yeah, good luck with your operation."

The two men shook hands and laughed. Craig O'Laughlin was sure he dodged a bullet there. Curry was a good guy and wouldn't spread the story. Craig O'Laughlin had been worried in the wrong direction.

After the next chapter, I will ask for help. Are you all with me? I know I have been gone a while…..