I'm sitting in the park when I see Joey walking up to me. I missed that cute face.

He smiles as he approaches the bench I'm sitting on.

"Hi," he greets me.

"Hi."

I stand up to hug him. He holds me tighter than I expected, but I like it. I breathe in his scent and I already can't believe I was going to attempt to make it work with that lying, cheater Barry and give up Joey.

He lets me go and we sit down together on the bench.

"Woah, hold on," he suddenly says.

"What?"

"Am I looking at a... working woman?" he grins.

I smile.

"Yes, I got a job," I nod with pride.

I wasn't expecting to feel proud of myself, but somehow I am. It's been tough being out on my own, but deciding to work to one day support myself - it's inspiring me now. I like the idea of being independent for once. I think it has to do with Monica, living with her and being in her life again has really shaped me for the better.

"I just wanted a reason to say congrats again," Joey says sweetly.

"Thank you," I beam.

"We should celebrate," he suggests.

"Well, I would, but I probably shouldn't be spending money since... I have none," I wear an embarrassed face now.

"Hey, me either," he chuckles.

I tilt my head in confusion at him.

"Most of the time anyway," he clarifies. "I'm actually looking for a new place, my landlord keeps jacking up the rent."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, but really let's grab a drink," he persists.

"It's the middle of the day," I argue with a grin.

"Okay, a coffee."

"No, we shouldn't. I don't want you spending any of your money either," I shake my head.

"I want to spend it on you," he insists.

I'm thrown by his generosity, but I shake my head again.

"No, Joey-"

"Rachel, come on, I want us to have a good time," he presses.

"We can't have a good time without spending money?" I ask a question I never thought I would hear myself say.

"No-" he starts, but I get angry suddenly.

"I have nothing Joey and I don't want you spoiling me with extravagant gifts and jewelry, I'm not just some trophy!" I spit.

Joey stays quiet and I realize I freaked out on him a bit. I think some of my anger at Barry and my failed marriage might have spilled into that.

"I'm...sorry," I breathe after another moment.

Joey shakes his head.

"Hey, don't apologize. I get it, everything is really different for you now," he comments.

I nod my head, surprised he understood so quickly.

"And I know we don't know each other that well yet, so I can tell you - I will definitely not be buying you extravagant gifts... 'cause I can't afford any," he smirks guiltily.

I smile lightheartedly.

"You probably think I'm crazy," I blurt out, still flustered.

"Never," he breathes.

I stare at him and he seems really genuine.

Since when am I able to find such a nice guy?

He gets up from the bench and I watch him walk around a few bushes behind us.

He comes back into my line of sight holding a pretty flower he must have pulled from the shrubs.

"But you still deserve nice things," he expresses, handing me the flower.

I accept the flower, feeling my cheeks blush.

"These are free by the way," he whispers, snickering.

I laugh as I smell the beautiful gift.

"So, what should we do that's free? Stare into each other's eyes?" Joey jests.

"I guess we could," I say locking eyes with his.

He keeps steadily moving closer with our eyes locked and I know he's going to kiss me. I let it happen.

He presses his soft lips gently to mine and then kisses each lip carefully before adding more force. I'm getting swept away again when I realize the reason I didn't kiss him in the first place. I pull back.

Joey looks confused again, but waits.

"I'm still married. I really like you, but I think I'm supposed to wait until the divorce is final, aren't I?" I share my guilty conscience.

"You really like me?" he asks, ignoring my entire point.

"Yes, isn't it obvious?"

"I figured, but it was confusing. You kept reminding me you were married, but then you left me your number. Then, we made out and then you ran away," he explains.

I guess that would be confusing.

I brush a strand of hair out of my face and look down.

"I guess I was struggling with the idea," I admit.

"Liking me is very easy - I'm not very complex," he assures me.

"I know that now," I giggle.

Joey looks foward as if he's thinking about something. He turns back to me.

"I don't know, is there some rule book that says we can't make out before the divorce is final?" he questions.

"I think that's still cheating."

"Yeah, but it's cheating with me - you know I once started in Reruns' production of Pinocchio, at the theater in the park. I'm basically a celebrity," he jokes with a wide grin.

I laugh.

"Boy, that's tempting," I snicker.

He smiles and scoots closer to me. He puts his arm around me.

"Is this okay?" he asks jokingly.

I nod my head.

"Yes," I snuggle into him.

"I know you're married," he kiddingly points out again. I playfully hit his chest.

"Alright I guess we can wait for your divorce - I kinda, really like you too," he shares.

My heart warms at that.