"Neela...?" Ray's voice broke into her thoughts.

"Err, umm sorry... I'm here" she responded.

"That night I visited, I apologize for leaving so hastily, but I didn't want to rush into anything either of us may have regretted in the morning" he stated

solemnly.

"Ray, if there is one word anyone would use to describe our situation, it would never be anything co notated with rushing or hurrying anything along"

Neela joked back. "But I understand..." she continued, "However, I doubt there would have been anything that transpired that night that I might have

regretted" she stated boldly deciding not to skirt around the issue anymore.

"Oh, I second that..." Ray's voice trailed off suggestively with a soft chuckle.

"So..." Neela began cautiously, "When you left that night, you mentioned that you would see me soon..."

"Yes, I think our paths will be crossing again very soon, roomie" Ray answered sweetly.

"Could you be any vaguer?" Neela waited for him to respond.

"No, not really... I like to keeping you guessing" Ray laughed again.

"Oh, very funny ... you're such a hoot" Neela laughed back as she yawned and stretched out on the couch.

"Mmmm, I'm so exhausted... a massage would be an absolute dream right now, but I think I'm just going to have to settle for a hot bath" Neela said

suddenly feeling a little sleepy. Ray's presence always had that effect on her, he calmed her. Even just the sound of his voice was enough to lull her into

a state of happiness, tranquility, and peacefulness, even if he was only on the phone.

"Aww, wish I could help you out there with that massage... remind me again why I'm not in Chicago?" Ray asked flirtatiously.

"I dunno, you tell me..." Neela responded with a giggle.

"Hmmm..." Ray pondered to himself, "You know I'd be there in a second if you needed me Neela, all you have to do is say the word" Ray suggested

bravely. How he longed to hear her say those words.

"I know..." Neela began to get lost in her thoughts again. Silence consumed them once more.

"Uh, okay you're obviously tired and should get some rest, I will let you go" Ray started,

"I am tired. Wait, Ray?"

"Yes?" he waited for her to continue.

"I need you." She said it so quickly she doubted the words had even left her mouth. She felt that blush rising to her cheeks again.

"And, I hope you need me too" she finished.

"Neela..." Ray began in that voice he always used when he said her name. God she loved the way he said her name. He always said it like he was asking

or pleading a question to her. "Neela..." he said it again, "Are you drunk or something? Cause you're acting a little off tonight..." he questioned half

jokingly but also half seriously.

"Excuse me? I'll have you know I've only had a sip of beer...and there is no tequila in sight at the moment" Neela quipped back laughing.

"Okay, I just had to check. I appreciate your honesty tonight. I don't know what brought this about but I like it." Ray said.

"Well, I've been feeling rather introspective lately...." she tapered off.

"Neela, of course I need you. Not only do I need you I want you with every bone in my body... I ache for you, I long for us... I think I've been very clear

with regards to my feelings for you" Ray said, putting it all on the line.

"The ball is in your court now Neela, what does Neela want?" Ray asked the question, not too sure he was ready or would want to hear the response

that would follow.

After another brief moment of silence fell between them Neela said it. It was only one word but it answered a question Ray had been waiting

so patiently to hear the answer to for some time now, "You." Neela smiled to herself after she said it as a single tear slid down her cheek.

Yes, she was crying... again. But this time it was a tear of joy.