Casey Cartwright walked down W 57th street. Another long day at work was completed and she was going back to her apartment. She walked on looking around her at the city she called home now. New York, New York. After graduating from Cyprus Rhodes she moved here to work for Seventeen Magazine. She was twenty-two at the time; young and naïve. Now with her thirtieth sneaking up on her Casey had soared up the promotion ladder and was an assistant to the head of the department. Her time in New York started with a small apartment in the Queens and was changed to a two bedroom with a balcony overlooking Central Park. Not only was her home close to work, it was also beautiful.

On this particular night when she was returning home she saw a strange man talking to the door guard Hector at her building. Casey thought he looked familiar but wasn't sure where she may have seen him. Slowly walking over Casey heard Hector call to her. "Miss Cartwright! You have a visitor!"

"Really now?" Casey said coming closer. As she did she realized who it was.

"Casey! Casey Cartwright, living, breathing, in the flesh!"

"Is this really who I think it is?"

"If you're thinking Fred Astaire then yes." The man smiled at her, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Cappie! How did you know I live here?"

"It's a long story. Do you have time?"

"Of course! Do you want to come in for a drink or something?"

"That would be wonderful."

Hector held the door open for them and they went into the building. Cappie pressed the up button on the elevator and when the doors opened put his hand out saying, "Ladies first."

"Thank you." Casey did a small curtsey and entered first. When they were both in the spacious elevator Cappie looked at all the buttons.

"What floor are you on?"

"The twentieth."

"Dang Case, could you have chosen a higher floor?" he remarked pressing the 20.

"Well, there was an opening on the twenty-fifth."

Cappie chuckled. "So Casey, how have you been?"

"Great! Really good."

"What do you do nowadays?"

"I work at Seventeen Magazine; I'm the head's assistant and I also write short articles."

"That's awesome!"

"Yeah."

"So did you land this apartment when you first moved here?"

"Actually, no. I spent my first two years in a one bedroom apartment in Queens."

"Oh."

The doors opened and they exited into a long hall. Casey lead him to her apartment.

"Twenty-fifteen. I'll have to remember that." He noted.

"Of course! Come over whenever! I love company." Casey said as she unlocked the door letting Cappie in. They went into the kitchen where Casey pulled out two glasses and a bottle of Luna Di Luna Pink Merlot. "Is this okay?" she asked.

"Why yes." Cappie replied. "I mean, you know I'd drink anything."

"Another trait you haven't lost." Casey grinned pouring him a glass.

"Thank you." He sipped it.

"So, it's your turn. How have you been?"

"Fine. I mean, better than other times."

"Where did you go after graduation?"

"Oh everywhere. I made it to San Francisco where I worked at a surf shop and I lived with my ex. When we broke up I moved to Dallas with my parents. My dad died when I was down there, and my aunt took my mom in because she was going crazy in the house alone with just me. Said I reminded her too much of Dad. So then I moved out to Orlando where I met up with Ashleigh."

"Yeah, she's living there with her fiancé."

"I met him. Nice guy."

"Mhm." Casey said then she paused. "I'm really sorry to hear about your parents."

Cappie shrugged, "I guess I kind of knew it would happen. But I don't want to make our first meeting in over seven years a sad one."

"Okay. Topic switch."

"Miss thirty, flirty, and purdy…are you still single?"

Casey laughed at the way he pronounced 'pretty' . "Yes actually. I am."

"Work not giving you enough time for the men?"

"Actually, I've chosen not to put myself on the market. And I don't turn thirty until…"

"Until October fifteenth….two weeks. I know. Just because I'm thirty doesn't mean I'm old and forgetful!"

"Oh Cappie! I forgot your birthday!"

"Thanks Case!" he replied in fake sorrow.

"We should celebrate late."

" Two months late."

"Yeah. Well…it's really late but at least we'll be celebrating. How long are you here for?"

"I actually live here now."

"Really!? In Manhattan?"

"Well…the Bronx for now."

"Oh. Still, you're in New York."

"Indeed."

"So what about this week? I've earned enough brownie point to take a day off of work."

"It's okay Casey. I'd rather spend the day with you on your birthday!"

"Trust me, I'm not working on my birthday."

"Oh, and you know this how?"

"Because I'm a good listener and my friends at the office are throwing me a surprise party."

"Fun."

"You're invited."

"No I'm not. It's okay Casey."

"It's my party and you're invited. I'll bring you along."

"Well it's not for another two weeks so we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now it's getting late and you need sleep. You have work tomorrow."

"It's only nine Cap! Please stay a little longer. In fact, stay the night! I have a guest room."

"Casey, Casey, Casey. You know what would happen if I stayed her right?"

"No…"

"I'd try to get in your pants."

Casey slapped him playfully. "How vulgar. I haven't seen you in seven years and you're already talking about sex?"

"Exactly why I think I'll just go home tonight."

"Okay. Well at least let me give you a ride home."

"No thanks. Plus you don't have a car do you?"

"I still have my hybrid. I just keep it in the garage unless I really need it."

"Still, no. I'll just walk."

"Let me get you a cab. I don't want you getting hurt."

"I…I can't afford a cab right now."

"Cappie! You should have said that first!" She pulled a twenty out of the drawer. "Here. And don't even think about paying me back!"

"Casey I can't take your money."

"I insist. Consider it a late birthday present."

"Are you sure…"

"Positive."

"Okay. Thank you. So much. It was nice seeing you."

"You too Cap. Remember swing by anytime."

"I will. See ya." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left. After he was gone Casey leaned against the counter thinking about how strange Cappie had acted. Not finishing his wine, not accepting her money, not wanting to stay over (she would have gladly had sex with him). Finally she shrugged it off. Cappie was right. She needed sleep.

A/N: So yes, I'm back with a new story. I hope you all like it so far. I'm going to update as soon as I can, but I can't promise anything. and just letting you know this is probably going to be the longest chapter...just telling you so there's no dissapointment if I post a 200 word chapter.