2003

Sam walked into a coffee shop. She gave her order to a seventeen year old kid behind the counter and then sat down at a two person table.

Joe was supposed to join her after he landed in Colorado. He'd gone on another meeting with the Aschen and the president. Every time he went to D.C., she wanted to ask him if he'd seen Jack. She didn't, though, because Joe had never really liked Jack. Jack never really liked Joe either.

She waited for about fifteen minutes before her, wait for it, boyfriend walked in. Sam hadn't had a boyfriend since... Jonas Hanson. And he wasn't really a boyfriend, he was always like a fiancé. Things hadn't worked out for them, but things were going just great with Joe. Sam felt as if he understood her. And since Teal'c had gone back to Chu'lak and Daniel was doing another archaeological survey in Egypt, Joe was the only friend she had.

She wished she could say Jack was there for her. She wished she could say they had spoken in the last six months, but she couldn't say that because it wasn't true.

She remembered the last time she'd seen him.

It was a bright and sunny June afternoon. Sam gave Joe a kiss goodbye before she walked into the Aschen research facility. Once she got inside, she saw Jack standing by the front desk.

"Yes, Dr. Samantha Carter. Does she work here?"

"Yes," the Aschen secretary replied, "but she isn't here yet. You may wait beside the door. She should arrive soon."

"Thank you," he said. As soon as he turned around he saw Sam standing there.

"Sam!" he called out. "Long time no see."

She gave him a hug. That was something that hadn't happened in a while and she still felt like they were breaking regulations. They weren't, of course, but it still felt to her.

"What brings to to Colorado?"

"A business trip for the President. Needed me to talk to Hammond. I don't fly back until tomorrow so I figured I'd come see you."

"Come into my lab and we can talk, okay?"

He nodded. They walked into Sam's lab and he shut the door.

"Last time I saw you... I'm sorry for not believing you. I trust you more than anyone," Sam said softly.

"I know. I was probably being a bit over-dramatic. I still don't trust the Aschen any more than I did back then, but I guess I'll just have to deal with it."

"I don't think they're going anywhere, that's for sure."

"So, what have you been up to?"

"Lots of scientific projects, but I'm sure you don't want to hear about those."

"Not exactly."

Sam smiled.

"So, you seeing anybody?" he asked. Sam's stuttered out her reply.

"Yeah. I am. For about a year and a half now."

She saw him tense up ever so slightly before returning to his previous disposition.

"Who? Do I know him?"

"Um, yeah, you do."

"Not Daniel," he said.

"No, not Daniel," she replied quickly. "Joe Faxon. The ambassador?" she said the words smoothly, trying not to provoke him.

"Faxon, you say? It's... serious?"

"Yeah, I guess it is."

"I see. Well, I warned you about that guy."

"Jack, he's really a great guy."

"Just... don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart."

With that, he was gone.

Sam had no idea how much Jack d Joe until that day. They hadn't spoken since. Sam guessed Jack was wrong. Joe didn't break her heart. Jack did.

Thoughts? Send me a review to let me know!

I'm leaving on vacation Monday... not sure if I'll get to a computer to post another chapter...

When I get home (Saturday or perhaps Sunday) I'll post two chapters to make up for it!

Thanks for reading! :D