A/N: Thanks everyone who reviewed or just decided to check out my story. It's been awhile since I've written so its nice to get such great feedback :)

Thanks to SallyJetson for the beta'ing.

Chapter 2: Bon appétit:

The long ride up to Boston is awkward and silent, the small talk having run out by the time they reach New Haven. All that is left is the roar of the engine and the music drifting up from the radio but neither is able to break the spell. Upon arrival, barely a word is spoken as they gather their separate keys and enter their rooms; both relieved from the burden of each other's company.

Lindsay spends her isolation busily preparing for the next day, memorizing, planning and perfecting every fact, every slide and every utterance. She wants to make a good impression, needs to have something good come out of the weekend ahead.

Knocks intrude upon her work and with a sigh she goes to answer it. Looking through the peephole she sees Danny, hands in his pockets as he bounces on the balls of his feet.

She opens the door and his eyes linger on her. She feels their familiar stare as they pierce straight into her, but only for a moment before it's gone, and they're as good as strangers once more.

"You hungry?"

"I'm okay. I'll just order room service and keep working on the presentation. Thanks anyway," she responds politely, only politely, nothing more.

"Oh come on. You have to eat sometime. I'm sure your presentation is fine. If you keep looking at it you'll just keep changing things all night." He knows she's debating, that she's weighing all the pros and cons of a simple meal with him. "Come on, the hotel restaurant looks good, we don't even have to go anywhere."

She's about to answer when her rumbling stomach does it for her.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Arriving at the crowded restaurant they grab the only available seats at the bar. The silence overpowers them once again as the uncomfortable feeling returns. She repeatedly wrings her napkin while he taps his fingers restlessly against the bar.

"This is nice." His words, contrasting his thoughts.

"Yeah. You're probably right that it was good to take a break from the presentation. Do you have all of your slides ready?" she asks, desperate for conversation to keep the stifling stillness at bay.

"Yeah, I'm good to go. But let's not talk about work. So how have you been?" he asks, chancing an uncertain glance in her direction.

"I'm fine, been busy, you know how it is." She keeps her politeness and her distance, protecting herself with every brick she builds between them. "So what looks good here?" She draws their attention back to the menu, another layer of brick complete.

Slowly he turns to the menu. "You don't have to keep doing that you know."

"Doing what?"

"Not actually talking to me. I care about you. I just … I just want to know how you're doing. We used to be close," he responds softly, still feigning interest in the menu, not daring to risk looking at her.

"We used to be a lot of things," she replies just as softly.

Danny breathes out a sigh, the silence his only refuge as the noise of the busy restaurant dances around them, every beat moving them farther and farther from one another. Bodies, only inches apart, hearts out of reach.

Danny is drawn from his thoughts by another's presence. He looks over to see a man talking to Lindsay. He takes the guy in, tall, blond hair, business suit. Nothing that screams anything other than an ordinary guy, nothing except the eyes that are eye fucking his girl! His anger threatens to boil over as he imagines pummeling him against the wall before throwing him out the window, but then he remembers, she isn't his girl, not anymore

"I couldn't help noticing you from across the bar. Name's Mike. Mind if I buy you a drink?"

Danny's anger almost explodes as he sees Mike lean in a little closer, gently brushing himself against her. Lindsay smiles up at her would be suitor and Danny knows he needs to stop it.

"Sure thing pal. I sure as hell would love a drink. I'd bet my partner here, would love one too, right Linds?" A smile plastered to his face as he turns towards Mike, moving a little closer to Lindsay.

She stares daggers at Danny. She hasn't missed his creative use of language. Before she can answer, Mike is already backing off. "Sorry man, didn't know you two were together."

"We're not," Lindsay rushes in, flashing Mike a million dollar smile. "We just work together."

"Okay, um well, why don't I just leave you my card…my room number is on the back, and if you want that drink later, just let me know." He hands her the card, fingers lingering at her touch. "It was nice meeting you, Lindsay."

Lindsay watches him walk away before turning her attention back to Danny, shooting him a pointed look. He withers under her glare. "What? He only wants to get in your pants."

"Yeah well it's been a long time since someone was in my pants," Lindsay replies through her anger, before visibly sagging, loneliness replacing anger once more. "It's been a long time since anyone wanted in my pants."

She looks away from him before giving up to leave. "I'm not really hungry anymore."

Why couldn't life just let her be happy? Why couldn't he let her be happy?