Thank-you all for the reviews and feedback. Please enjoy this short update, and the promise of more to come.
"My word it is smooth," Betty admired, caressing the leather seats.
"And roomy," Don noted as they pulled out of the parking lot. "Very roomy," he reiterated, looking at his partner.
"Keep your eyes on the road Mr. Draper," Betty teased.
"I could concentrate better if you were a little closer to me," Don suggested.
Betty touched the passenger side door, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
"I don't bite," Don encouraged. "The view is beautiful from over here."
"Is it," Betty challenged, shifting over to the driver's side. She could smell Don's aftershave and felt a spark as Don looped one arm around her waist.
"Such a smooth ride," Don drawled, pressing harder on the gas petal. "It's a rush."
"It can be," Betty said slowly, leaning against his shoulder. "Where are we going?"
"We have the car for the afternoon. Anything goes."
"You are returning the car, aren't you? $6,000 is a lot to spend in one afternoon."
"You're worth every penny."
"Am I?" Her gaze turned to the snow covered trees, glistening in the afternoon sun.
"It's been too long, Birdie."
Betty pushed herself away, jarred at the sound of his pet name for her. "Let's not pretend that we don't know why."
Don shook his head. "I didn't bring you out here to pretend."
"Isn't that what we were doing in the dealership?"
Don stopped at a red light, turning his attention to his partner. "We are making up for lost time."
Betty bit her lower lip. "Lost time?"
"You've been avoiding me."
Betty felt a nervous tingle in her fingers. "You know full well why."
Don rested his hand on Betty's, feeling her vibration. "I don't like it."
"Well you don't always get want you want," Betty said pointedly, pulling away. "You shouldn't have kissed me back in the test kitchen."
"Betts…"
"I was fine before then," she continued. "We could be in a room together without arguing, or bringing up the past for the umpteenth time."
"Well I'm not apologizing."
"Figures," Betty crossed her arms.
"I don't need to. You know you felt something. That's why you're so upset."
"I'm upset because you won't leave me alone." Betty could hear city noises approaching as Don turned into the heart of the city. "Where are we going?"
"I have you for the rest of the afternoon, and I'm going to make the most of it," Don smirked. "And I have no intention of leaving you alone, so you might as well get used to it now." Don parked the car on the street, and walked across to the passenger side, offering Betty his hand.
"What are your intentions?" she asked softly.
"Like I said, we're making up for lost time."
Betty accepted Don's gesture and stepped out of the car. "It's a beautiful day for a walk."
"Among other things," Betty said quietly, acquiescing to partner's demands and hooking her arm through his. It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk, and at the moment there was nothing left for her at home but the thoughts and memories of her past. The faint sound of music from indoor shops spilled into the city and intermingled with the natural outdoor noises of cars, buses, taxis, and pedestrians, all making their way through the day.
"How is she?" Betty asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Who?" Don asked, not meeting her glance.
"You know who. Her name was going to come up sooner or later."
"You want to waste a perfectly good afternoon talking about Megan?"
"When does she return?" Betty pressed further.
"Are you afraid I'll lose interest?"
Betty pulled away. "If you haven't already." She walked several paces ahead, bypassing several bystanders.
"Betts!" Don quickened his pace. "Hey!" He reached out to touch her. "I was teasing, I shouldn't have said that."
"Especially given our history," Betty retorted, spinning on her heels to face him.
"She calls every other night with silly updates on how the play is going. I can't remember one single detail because I truly don't care." Don touched her shoulder. "And there is no one else."
"No one?" Betty ventured. "Are you a monk now?"
"I may as well be," Don laughed lightly.
"You must be lonely."
"I have been for some time."
I feel the same way, Betty wanted to say. She touched his hand. "Where to?"
