Chapter two
Flowers began arriving every Monday for the next month. The cards say things like "No reason other than I adore you!" and "My world is better with you in it." This week's card reads "Thank you for last night. Love, Dan."
Bobby notices he's used the "L" word and he'd like to know what happen last night that makes Dan so grateful today? Actually maybe it is better that he doesn't know. Of course Bobby makes sure that Alex has no idea he has seen the cards.
"So when do I get to meet Dan?"
"I'm not sure. He's a stock broker, you know. With everything that is going on right now with the market, he is working a lot of hours and under a lot of stress."
"Well, if he is working late, maybe you and I can grab dinner at McGill's. What do you say?"
"That sounds great. I'll call Dan and let him know that I'll be home late."
"I'll turn in our report to the Captain and we can go."
When Bobby walks back to their desk, Alex has her coat on and is grabbing her purse. "I've never seen you in such a hurry to get to McGill's. You must be really hungry."
Alex stops and turns towards him. "Oh Bobby! I'm sorry. Can I take a rain check? Dan is surprising me with dinner from our favorite restaurant tonight."
"Doesn't sound like it is much of a surprise to me."
"Well he had to tell me about it when I said I might be home late. It'd be a shame for him to have spent all that money for food and then I don't show up."
Heading for the elevator, she yells over her shoulder, "Maybe we can do lunch tomorrow? Okay Bobby? Tomorrow!"
Softly Bobby says, "Yeah tomorrow. Great."
Sighing heavily, Bobby looks at her empty chair. He knows things are changing and he feels guilty for wanting to keep them the same. Shouldn't her happiness make him happy? What kind of a friend is he that he can't just be happy for her?
Bobby is beginning to realize just how much he took her for granted. He never really appreciated the flexibility she gave him, her willingness to follow his instincts wherever they led and staying late with him when he needed her. Bobby resolves he will be a better friend. He will be happy for her and Dan. He will make a point of appreciating her.
Of course, lunch is forgotten the next day when a big case lands on their desk. In fact, lunch was drive thru burgers and cold fries.
About six o'clock that night on their way back to the squad room, Alex takes Bobby on a short detour. She wanted to change her clothes, grab them something a little more nutritious to eat and check in with Dan. He's left six voicemails for her and she hasn't had time to call him yet.
She sees his car parked in front of her house when she turns the corner. "Oh good! Dan is here. You two finally get to meet."
Jumping out of the car, Alex walks towards Dan who is sitting on her front steps. "Hi honey. What a nice surprise. Did we have plans?"
"I didn't realize I needed an appointment to see my girlfriend. Stupidly I thought you would be as anxious to see me and I am to see you. Obviously I was wrong."
Bobby doesn't like his tone of voice. His instinct is to step into his space but he catches himself. This is Alex's boyfriend. He settles for sending a warning glare.
A little embarrassed, Alex says, "Of course I was going to call you. Bobby and I were assigned a big case this morning. We've been tied up most of the day at the crime scene and we are heading back now with our evidence."
"You must be the famous Detective Robert Goren that Alexandra talks about incessantly."
Bobby experiences two opposite emotions at the same time. His heart does a little tap dance hearing the Alex talks about him…incessantly. At the same time, everything in him screams that this man is a control freak who will break Alex's heart. Bobby would love to ignore his extended hand but he doesn't want to be rude in front of Alex. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you too."
Opening the door, Alex says, "We are stopping just long enough for me to change my clothes and for us to grab something to eat."
"Then I guess it was lucky that I stopped by or I wouldn't have been able to see you at all tonight."
"I'm the lucky one to have such a smart boyfriend."
Bobby remains silent. He is watching their interaction, deciding if he doesn't like Dan because he is jealous of their relationship or because Dan is simply a slime ball. So far….slime ball is winning.
"I'm going to the kitchen Eames to look for food. Anything in particular you want me to grab?"
"I trust you Bobby. I'm going to go change." Nudging Dan in the direction of the kitchen, Alex whispers, "Go talk with Bobby. I want my two favorite men to get to know each other."
Dan walks to the kitchen doorway and watches Bobby gather ingredients for sandwiches. He doesn't like the ease with which he moves around Alex's kitchen, like he has a right to be there.
Bobby can feel Dan's jealousy coming off of him in waves and…secretly…he enjoys it. He's been battling that green-eyed monster himself so he feels a little smug that it goes both ways.
Deciding again that for Alex's sake he will give this guy a chance, Bobby says, "So Dan…you're a stock broker. That can't be too much fun right now. I understand that the Feds are looking to cut the interest rate again. Don't you think that penalizes people who are trying to save?"
When Dan doesn't respond, Bobby turns to see him walking down the hall towards Alex's bedroom…the one room Bobby has never been in and he feels pretty sure Dan knows that. That's one point for Dan.
Eames is just grabbing a t-shirt from the drawer when she hears the door open. Giving a little gasp, she covers herself until she sees it is Dan.
"How is it going with Bobby? He's a great guy isn't he?"
"I don't want to talk about Bobby." Taking the shirt from Alex and tossing it on the bed, Dan puts his arms around her and starts nibbling on her neck.
"Dan! What are you doing? We can't. Bobby is waiting."
"Let him wait. He gets to be with you all day. I only have these few minutes." Lifting his head and looking at Alex, he says, "Unless you don't want me. Is that it Alex? You've already grown tired of me?"
"No. Of course not. It's just…embarrassing. Bobby is here."
"He's in the kitchen making sandwiches. He isn't paying any attention but I'm standing right in front of you. Who is more important?"
"You are." Alex leans in to kisses him but Dan remains aloof. She leans in more, puts more pressure into her kiss but Dan holds himself back a little longer. He wants Alex to prove her words before he begins responding.
Dan lifts Alex's breasts out of her bra and starts rubbing them the way he knows she likes. Alex feels the pressure start to build inside of her and her eyes close. She misses the arrogant look in Dan's eyes as he intentionally bangs her up against the wall loudly.
"Shhhh. He'll hear us."
"Then I guess we'd better be quiet."
Alex doesn't see Bobby's face either as he hears the bang against the wall or a few minutes later when he hears Dan groan. That's two more points for Dan.
Later in the car Bobby says, "Eames, Dan doesn't seem to like me much."
"No, he just doesn't know you yet. We've known each other for eight years so it's hard for him being the outsider."
Taking in the slight flush to her cheeks and the tangle of her hair, Bobby wonders out loud, "You are happy, aren't you?"
Looking his way, Bobby sees her answer before she says it. "Yeah, I am."