Chapter 2

Unfortunately, I wasn't ready for the huge mountain of paperwork waiting for me on our desks. However, if I didn't do it, I know that Bobby would let it sit there forever. I have learned over the years that Bobby will do just about anything to get out of paperwork.

Of course, I take advantage of this and agree to do most of the paperwork if Bobby agrees to be my personal coffee delivery boy. And I don't mean the squad room sludge either, but really good coffee from Dean & Deluca down the street. Bobby can make a coffee run last a good hour, so to make it up to me, he brings me back delicious pastries or exotic fruits.

"Eames, you wanna grab some lunch downstairs?"

I look up from my paperwork to find Bobby standing by my desk. As if answering him verbally isn't enough, my stomach decides to grumble in response.

Bobby laughs, "I guess that's a yes. I need fresh air to wake me up, this paperwork crap is making me fall asleep."

"Paperwork? You mean the whole I'm-pretending-to-do-paperwork-routine that you have going on? It must be terribly exhausting," I say with a teasing smirk.

After we grab our hot dogs and fries, we find a nice shady spot for us to sit and eat.

Bobby has already devoured one hot dog and is working on the second when he tries to cover up a quiet burp.

I shake my head and reach into my coat pocket to retrieve some antacid I learned to carry around for him years ago. "Here, take these before you even think about finishing that other hot dog. Save me and you the torture of your indigestion."

He turns his head shyly with a grin and takes the pills from me. "Thanks, Eames. You're too good to me."

"No, Goren, it's just that I don't want to hear you bitching all afternoon about heartburn. "

He nods silently as he chews on his ketchup drenched French fries.

"How's your mom doing?" I asked gently.

He stops mid-chew as if startled by my question. "She's having a hard time on the chemotherapy. She gets very agitated, and the treatment is interfering with her regular meds. She's a fighter, but I'm starting to think that it's just a matter of time before she slips away from me forever."

My eyes start to tear up as my heart breaks for this man and his ailing mother. When will their pain be over?

I gently put my hand on his thigh. "Bobby, I know you are not used to having someone be strong for you, but if you need to let go sometimes, I'm always here for you."

Even though he is staring at the ground, I can see the moisture at the corner of his eyes. I can then feel his hand cover mine on his thigh, "Just don't ever leave, okay, Eames?" he says as he grips my hand stronger.

"Never, Bobby. I'm afraid you are stuck with me," I say.

He looks up and smiles and my heart can begin beating again.