Author's note in my world Payson never went all the way with Rigo. And her in Austin had a relationship that will slowly be flashback to, throughout the story.

Payson pulled into the parking spot that had once housed the shiny airstream Sasha had called home. The whole flight to Boulder she had tried to go over what she wanted to tell Austin. He was the only person who knew the full extent of her feelings for Sasha, he understood because he felt the same pull towards Kailey. That relationship began as friends needing comfort, only to evolve into a companionship.

While they never fell in love they did love each other madly and deeply. Both had felt a deep regret to realize they had everything a truly successful partnership needed except neither could let themselves fall. In all their honesty, Passion, and contentment neither lost sight of the fact they didn't love each other as they should. Ultimately, deciding to end things, remaining devoted friends and confidants.

How does she tell him she's off to more than likely get her heart broken again but she'll be back for Austin to help her tape it back together just as he did once before. Somehow, Payson couldn't see him being happy about the prospect.

She quietly opens the door to the rock relieved to find the old squeak gone. Payson close her eyes taking in the sounds and smells of her 2nd home. Not hearing Austin's voice she opened her eyes searching the floor But he was nowhere in sight so she headed up the stairs coming face-to-face with summer Van Horn.

"Payson!" the perky blonde exclaimed. "It's so wonderful to have you home!" she gushed presumptuously.

"I'm not home. Is Austin in the office?" she asked shortly moving around the frowning blonde.

"Yes" she said hesitantly. "I should check if he's available though." she stated only to be ignored as Payson mumbled to loudly "I've seen him naked. I'm sure he's available." She moved up the stairs and away from Summers shocked disapproval.

Payson relaxed her stance as she stood in the doorway watching Austin shift their papers mumbling under his breath. Having not seen him in months she was momentarily hit with That old desire before she snapped it down. "You know you get better with age that could be a problem if I work here." Payson said with amusement. She chuckled when she saw Austin jump at the sound of her voice.

Lifting his head slowly "I don't get better with age, you just like old men. The older I get the more I turn you on." Austin quips with a smile coming around the desk to give her a big hug. "I should be offended by that." she returned, "And I would if there wasn't the little bit of truth to it." Letting herself sink into the hugged like she done so many times before.

Austin noticed Summers disapproving glance thru the window and he pulled back. "So you've come to accept the job offer." He teased offering her a seat.

Payson grimaced, "Not exactly." She answered pulling the two letters out of her bag handing them to Austin. She waited quietly as Austin read both, seeing the disbelief on his face as he shook his head.

"Pay, don't do this to yourself. Romania? Its not even him. Who knows why his dad made this offer. They have a complicated history I'm surprised Sasha is even there coaching." Austin continued "This," he said throwing the letters on the desk in front of her. "Is a bad idea. You loved him, and he left. He's not going to be waiting with open arms, or whatever your imagining. You still love him! This has heartbreak written all over is. What are you thinking?"

"His father is dying." She said quietly, "I know Sasha won't be waiting for me, but I owe him. He sacrificed so much, he came back, all the whispers, the hit to his reputation. Even his leaving was to protect me, he knew what people would say about us and he made the right call. I won't say it didn't hurt we both know better, but I understand it now. Age and time have given me more perspective on the matter."

Austin searched her face before asking "What do you need from me then?" he asked taking her hand.

"If things go bad will I still have a job here. If you must fill the position right away I understand. I guess I'm just asking my options. Because when this goes tits up I'd like to have a place to land." She calculated bluntly. She didn't lie to Austin and now wasn't the time to start.

"Jake is retiring in two years, my thought was you would work together, learn from him then take over when he leaves. No time crunches. If this is what you need, closure or whatever you have time. You'll still be my first choice."

Payson nodded before smiling "You know I still don't like Summer. I've already unintentionally outed us. Should make my kidnapping you for some personal time tonight fodder for the water cooler." She flirted.

"Miss Keeler, are you suggesting revisiting our old arrangement?" he asked raising his eyebrows.

"And if I am?" she smiles back knowing it would help ground her before dealing with Sasha. Hadn't she done the same for Austin multiple times before he saw Kailey.

"I'd say since I have the tots today the assistants can handle it." He said pulling her through the office door. Her laugh filling the gym as he announced. "I'm taking a personal day Tara and Jake are in charge."

Neither noticing Summers disapproving look from the reception area.