A/N: I am so surprised that so many of you are enjoying this story! Thank you so much! If I haven't responded to your review, I am so sorry, but I have read all of them and greatly appreciate them. I am trying to get to everyone. I had one reader hope for an EPOV soon...well, here it is... :o)

Chapter 4:

EPOV

I hadn't been this excited about anything is a really long time. I left the office building as the owner of my very own bar. Finally, I was going to make at least one of my dreams come true.

This past year had been hell and I was ready to get on with my life. I had been extremely happy and then BOOM…everything changed.

Flashback –

Felicia and I had been married for about 2 years when we decided we were ready to have a baby. We tried for a long time before she decided she should get checked out. So, she went to her doctor and had all kinds of tests run. They couldn't find anything wrong with her. He told her that I should get tested as well. She brought it up to me one night over dinner and I agreed to do it. I really wanted to be a father.

She got me an appointment for the following week. Getting the sample for that test had been interesting! We were told we would be hearing from them soon with the results. A week later I got a phone call at work…Felicia was crying. They had called with the results from my test…turns out I'm sterile. My world, as I knew it, came grinding to a halt that day.

I didn't know how to feel at first. I tried to find out why this was happening to me and discovered that a bout with the mumps when I was a teenager was to blame for this. Wow. This was apparently a very rare complication from that disease. I realized I would never be a father and just broke down.

Felicia tried to be supportive, but she was devastated. Things started getting bad between us. She wouldn't talk to me and I didn't want to talk to her. Finally, one night I decided that we had to talk. I left work early and prepared a special supper for her. I wanted to fix things between us.

When she came home, she had reached her own decision.

"Eric, we need to talk."

"I know. Come join me for supper and we'll talk. I fixed your favorite."

"No, I would rather just say this. I want a divorce."

She might have well of punched me in the gut and slit my throat. "What?"

There were no tears in her eyes as she said it again. "I want a divorce Eric."

"Why?"

"I can't do this anymore. You know how badly I want children. You just can't give me that, so I want to be free to find someone who can."

I got angry because this didn't make any sense. She had said we would work through this. "So let me get this straight. You want a divorce because you found out I can't father a child?"

"Not just that Eric." She looked down now. "I've been seeing someone. It's been going on for a while. When we got the test results, I was so upset. I went to see him and we didn't use protection this time. I'm pregnant Eric."

I was wrong earlier…now she had punched me in the gut and kicked me in my groin instead of slit my throat. "Why were you even trying to have a baby with me in the first place then?"

"This is going to sound bad Eric…I knew a baby you fathered would be beautiful and perfect."

I couldn't help but chuckle "You wanted me to be a stud…" Now I was angry again. "Get your stuff and get out Felicia."

"I'm so sorry Eric. I packed my things this afternoon while you were at work. I've already moved them out." She placed a thick envelope on the table and left.

I walked over to the table and took the envelope. I found divorce papers inside. She was admitting to adultery, and wasn't asking for anything from me. If I signed the papers, the divorce would be final in 6 months.

I called Quinn. We had roomed together in college and he was my most trusted friend. He also happened to be an attorney. I told him what happened and he agreed to come help me deal with all of this mess. After we got everything straightened out with a judge, I decided that I needed a fresh start. I needed to go where no one (except Quinn) knew that I was a defective male. I needed to go home.

During the 6 months I was waiting for the divorce to be final, I made a plan. First, no more women. I couldn't father children, so I was done. I couldn't go through this again. I'm not the type to sleep around either, no matter what people may think of me. Second, it was time for me to make my dream of owning my own bar a reality. I remembered a place in town that had been great, so I visited to see if the owners would be willing to sell. I stayed with Quinn and Amelia. Quinn and I went to check it out and boy was it run down. All I could see was the potential though.

Quinn introduced me to his neighbor and good friend during that trip, Sam Merlotte. He was a pretty ok guy. We made plans for him to help me with construction on the bar if I decided to proceed. Amelia wanted me to meet his wife too, but she had gotten terribly sick and it didn't work out. She was Amelia's best friend, so I was sure I would meet her after I moved back. About a month later, Quinn told me that Sam had been killed in a car wreck. I felt really bad for his wife and their kids.

Finally, 6 months were up and my divorce was final. I'd already sold the house, split that money with Felicia per judge's orders, and I headed home. I was staying with my aunt and baby sister for a while until I could find a place. Thankfully, that didn't take too long. What did take a lot longer than I wanted was the purchase of the building for my bar. The city was thrilled that someone wanted the old place, but the owners had died and left it to their son, Bill Compton, who was hard to track down. Once we tracked him down, he proved to be a real thorn in my side. He kept wanting more money than I was willing to pay for the building, due to the amount of repairs it needed. Finally, after several months of dealings with him, we reached an agreement. It would be final in 3 weeks.

For some reason, I hadn't let Quinn know I'd already moved back to town. I guess I was waiting till I got things rolling with the bar. I decided I would call him after I officially became the owner and fill him in. He knew I was looking at the place, but not that I had reached a definite decision about it or about moving home. I knew from our last conversation that both he and Amelia were really busy helping their neighbor since Sam's death. She definitely needed them more than me at the moment, so I'd made the decision to wait to fill them in on my life.

*end of flashback*

I took a deep breath as I broke free of my thoughts of the past. Today was a great day and I wanted to celebrate! I finally called Quinn. He was ecstatic that I was in town and that I was here to stay. I asked him if he and Ames had any plans for tonight and I explained that I wanted to celebrate. We agreed to meet at the bar so Ames could see it. Quinn wasn't going to tell her about it so we could laugh at her reaction. Then he got serious for a minute.

"Eric, would you mind if Sookie came with us?"

"Oh, Sookie was Sam's wife right? How is she doing?"

"She's managing. It's been a year now. I think it would do her good to get out again. I really hope she will be able to move on now. I think you would really like her."

"Don't go getting any ideas Quinn. You know my situation. I haven't changed my mind on that. But, she is more than welcome to come tonight if she feels like it."

Quinn just sighed and told me he'd call me back after talking to the women. A few minutes later, he called back and said we were a go for tonight and that Sookie would be coming too. So we finalized the plans.

A few hours later, I heard Amelia's voice carrying through the bar. She was reacting exactly how we thought she would and I couldn't wait to see it for myself. I entered the area just as I heard her saying it was no wonder the place was empty. She always makes me smile. She's always been a great friend, along with Quinn.

"Whoa there Ames, you got to give me a chance to fix it up before you go judging the place!" Amelia squealed and launched herself at me. I caught her in my arms, lifted her up, and twirled her around before putting her back down.

"It's so good to have you home Eric! It's been too long! Oh, come on, you have to finally meet Sookie!" She grabbed my hand and began pulling me over to where Quinn was standing with a woman I had just noticed.

'.GOD.' was all I could think. This woman was stunningly beautiful. I couldn't believe it. I felt a lump in my throat as we got closer to them. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to speak. Once I was standing right in front of her, I couldn't help myself.

"You must be the famous Sookie. I've heard a lot about you. I'm Eric." I held out my hand to her.

When she took my hand, I felt something almost…familiar…shoot through my body. It was like I somehow knew this woman. And why was I flirting with her. She seemed to be able to make me forget the most important part of my new plan. She seemed a little startled too. Then I heard her speak.

"Oh, yes, I am Sookie but I don't know about the famous part. I've heard a lot about you too Eric. It's nice to finally meet you." She was blushing for some reason, so I wondered if she felt the same thing I did when I touched her hand. 'You're being crazy Eric – stick to the plan!'

We just stared at each other for a moment before Amelia broke us out of our trance. "So Eric, why on earth are you thinking about buying this dump?"

I turned to Amelia, but noticed I hadn't let go of Sookie's hand. I was very surprised to realize that I didn't want to let go either. "Well, I'm more than 'thinking' about it Ames. As of 11:00 this morning, I'm the proud owner of this 'dump' as you put it."

"Why though Eric? There had to be other places that wouldn't require so much work to get up and running. It's going to take you forever to get this place in shape!"

I was shocked when I heard Sookie answer Amelia's question instead of me. "Ah, come on Amelia – this place has all kinds of potential." I looked down at her with what had to be a shocked look, even though I couldn't help grinning like an idiot at the same time and watched her blush when she looked up at me. I looked over at Quinn and he looked like a proud Papa…uh oh, what is he up to?

Amelia looked between me and Sookie before turning to her husband. "Can I talk to you a sec, honey?" Uh oh, I knew that tone and Amelia wasn't too happy about something. I could tell that Quinn knew it too, as they headed outside, leaving me alone with Sookie.

I realized I was still holding her hand and figured I better stop before she got freaked out. I'm pretty sure I heard her whimper a little when I let go, but didn't think she meant for me to hear it. "Uh…why don't I show you around Sookie? I'd love to hear about this 'potential' you think the place has."

We walked around and I found myself telling her some of my ideas for improvements. I thought she had some terrific ideas too. Then I REALLY shocked myself, and probably Sookie too considering she'd just met me.

"Sookie, you have some really great ideas! How would you feel about helping me get this place into shape?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm not sure what your work situation is, but I would like to hire you to help me with this place. If you're interested that is." I couldn't stop myself! I realized that I liked her company and her ideas really were great. I knew this was going to cause problems for me, but I just couldn't help it. There was some part of me screaming to keep her near me.

"Wow – are you sure Eric? I mean you just met me."

I was smiling now. "What do you do now Sookie?"

"I'm a teacher assistant at an elementary school."

"And summer is almost here. Will you be working during the summer?"

"I really need to…"

I felt my chest tighten when she dropped her head. At that point I remembered about her husband and I knew she was trying to provide for her children by herself. I decided then and there that I was going to do everything in my power to help her. I still didn't know where this overwhelming need for her was coming from, but I didn't care. I put a finger under her chin and lifted until she was looking at me again. I very softly said, "Then why don't you help me? We can talk about everything again at the end of the summer. If it's going well, I will make you another offer I'm sure."

"Ok Eric, you got a deal."

Amelia and Quinn had returned by this point and I noticed Sookie drifting towards Amelia as Quinn made his way over to me. "Everything ok Quinn?"

"Oh yeah, everything's fine." He knows I know him better than that.

"Bullshit."

He opened his eyes wide before he started laughing, remembering that we can't trick one another know matter how hard we may try. "Ok, you caught me. Amelia figured out what I was hoping to do."

Here we go. "And just what are you hoping to do Quinn?"

He took a deep breath before he confessed, "I think you and Sookie are great for each other and more importantly, NEED each other. I was hoping the two of you would hit it off tonight to be honest."

I started to lash out at him, but something stopped me. I looked over at Sookie talking with Amelia and discovered that I wanted to hear his reasoning behind his claims.

"Why do you think that Quinn?" I surprised the hell out of him with this question.

"Uh…well, I know you have been through hell this last year and a half. She's been through the ringer too man. I think you could help each other heal in ways no one else can. She has been a single mom to three small children and it has been really tough."

"Quinn, you know how I feel about relationships now. I just don't think I can do it. She is really great, but I don't want to hurt her."

"Eric, you really are a jack ass sometimes. She doesn't want any more children. She already has three of them. Maybe you could become the father you always wanted to be… biology isn't everything you know."

I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of that in all my planning. I refused to get my hopes up though. She was in a tough situation and I didn't want to scare her off. She lost her husband in a much more permanent way than I lost my wife. If anything were to start between us, it would definitely take time for me and more than likely her too. I still wasn't convinced I'd ever want a relationship with Sookie, or anyone else either. But… there was definitely something about Sookie. I did want to get to know her.

"I offered her a job Quinn."

"You WHAT?"

"I offered her a job helping me get this place running. She has some great ideas and I think she would be good at it. She told me a little about her work life and I could tell that she's having a hard time because she said she really needed to work this summer. She accepted by the way. If things go well, I might offer her a permanent postion."

Quinn sighed. "She does need the work, but it will be hard for her to do it. Her grandmother has been keeping her kids while she works, but I know Sookie won't ask her to do it over the summer. She feels she's asking too much of her as it is. I don't know how she will work that out to be honest with you man. But…"

I looked at Quinn and he had a smirk on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that man?"

"You like her!"

Uh oh… "Yeah, she's nice."

"No…you LIKE her. That's why you are offering her the job. You want her to be around!"

Crap. "I just think she's got some great ideas and would be a huge help here."

"Bullshit." He had a HUGE grin on his face at this point and he knew I couldn't argue the point. I didn't respond and we made our way over to the ladies. I couldn't help but hear what Sookie was saying as we approached.

"Amelia, I just can't ask Gran to continue keeping them. She has been having trouble keeping up with them, even though she refuses to tell me that. It's just too much on her. She does so much for me already, I can't ask this of her…"

"Sookie…" She jumped a little as she heard me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

She grinned up at me. "No problem – it's ok."

I didn't want her to take this the wrong way, and I knew what Quinn would do with what I was about to suggest, but I really wanted to help her and this would help me with another matter too. "I couldn't help but overhear you just now and Quinn mentioned your kids too. I may have a solution."

She raised her eyebrows at me. "Pam keeps your kids right?"

"Yeah, they adore her…why?"

"Well, I was going to be paying her to help me here this summer too. She needs the money for college and won't just take it from me. But I can tell that she REALLY doesn't want to work here. She would probably end up in my way to be honest. Why don't I pay her to keep your kids instead so you can help me here?" I love my baby sister, but this type of work was really not her cup of tea.

"Oh Eric, that's too much! I can't accept something like that."

"Sookie, she's my sister – going to be giving her this money one way or another. I will put up with her here if I have to, but she would like this much, MUCH better, trust me. I also got the feeling that you liked the idea of helping with this project, and I think you will really help make this place great – which is my ultimate goal here. I'm not offering a hand out – this will be a LOT of hard work."

I could tell she was thinking about it. I was still trying to figure out how this woman was making me question my whole plan when it came to a relationship. I really thought I was done with all of that, but now, there was a very small part of me wondering. She looked at Amelia and Quinn. "I think it's the perfect solution sweetie." Amelia told her as Quinn nodded that he agreed with Amelia.

She took a deep breath and turned back to me, "Ok, thank you so much Eric. I promise I will work my butt off to make this place great!"

I chuckled as I couldn't stop the thoughts of what I would like to do to her butt from crossing my mind. 'Shit! Stick to the plan...STICK TO THE PLAN!' I couldn't help myself, "I'm sure you will Sookie."

Quinn decided that it was time to get the evening moving along. "Alright guys, I don't know about y'all, but I'm starving here. Let's go eat! You're coming too right Eric?"

I looked down at Sookie as I answered, "Absolutely." I was fucked.