This is a short update but I hope you all like it anyway!

F – Friend

"Hey, look who's back in town," Rafe said, catching sight of her the moment that she walked into The Brady Pub.

"So I am," Gwen said.

Rafe stood and pulled out the chair opposite of him, gesturing for her to take a seat. She slipped into it and offered him a little smile. "How have you been?" He asked. "I mean, given the circumstances with-"

"My father dying?" Gwen said.

"Yeah…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "You have my condolences… I lost my baby sister not too long ago and there are some days that she's all I can think about."

"Thanks," Gwen murmured. She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment as she watched him return to his seat beside her. "But honestly, I am no stranger to being left behind." Sarah weighed heavily on her mind and heart today. So did Jonathan for that matter. She would probably never see him again. She missed them both. Her arms felt as empty as her heart.

Rafe studied the wary expression on her face. "I'm sorry."

So many people said that they were sorry the losses she had endure, but looking at Rafe, she actually believed him. "Thank you."

"Of course… So will you be sticking around Salem for awhile?"

"I think so. But I really need to find a job and fast."

"What kind of job are you looking for?"

"I don't know. I have a background in PR but it would be hard to get hired again, given my –"

"Given your what?"

She sighed. She decided to just get it all out there. If Rafe ran away screaming, then she would know exactly what kind of man he was. "I have a police record, Rafe."

Rafe looked at her earnestly. "Oh… Well, look, you don't have to explain anything to me."

"You don't look disgusted."

"That's because I'm not disgusted. Everyone has a past, Gwen; everyone makes mistakes. If I've learned anything as a police officer-"

Gwen blinked. "You're an officer?"

"Uh huh."

"Well, this is ironic, to say the least. Here you are being so understanding... Don't you want to run to your cop database and look me up?"

"No because something tells me you aren't the same person who did … whatever you did."

"I don't actually know who I am anymore," Gwen admitted. "I used to think I knew but no, no, I don't."

"Well you have time to find out - lots of time," Rafe said gently. "Look, I know the owner of this little pub we're sitting in pretty well… If you wouldn't mind slinging clam chowder and hash… I'll vouch for you."

Gwen sighed. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"Maybe I see a fellow lost soul and I want to help."

"So what - I'm a charity case now?"

"No, that's not what I meant. I just know what it's like to be down on your luck… I think you need a second chance. I also think you need a friend and I'd like to try to be one if you'll let me."

"I guess I could use a second chance … and a friend."

Rafe smiled at her. "So should I put a bug in the owner's ear about getting you a job?"

"I'd appreciate that," Gwen said. "Thank you, Rafe."

"Anytime… Anytime…"