The next day Arianna spent most of the morning cleaning her apartment. She didn't sleep much last night and even now she wasn't tired. She had just finished putting dished away when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"You know, it's a good thing I catch on quick." Emma said. "Mr. Wayne came into the office this morning and he asked how I was feeling and wanted to know what the doctor said."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you I used you as an excuse to get out of dinner with Bruce."

"Yeah, a little warning would have been nice. You're lucky. He did tell me that if I felt ill then I could take the day off. I just might have to take that offer. Want to get coffee and you can explain this to me?"

"Sure. I'll meet you at our usual café."

It didn't take long for Arianna to get to the café. By the time she got there, though, Emma was already there with coffee for her friend. Arianna thanked her as she sat down. The first thing Emma asked was what happened yesterday.

"We already talked about this." Arianna reminded.

"I know, but what made you go through with it? I've seen how your face lights up when you're around Bruce."

"I thought about Michael. And I know Bruce's rep. I don't want to be betrayed again."

Emma nodded. "Understandable. What are you going to tell him?"

"I haven't figured that out yet."

Silence fell between them as Arianna was caught up in thought and Emma began reading the newspaper she had brought with her. Arianna wasn't sure what she was going to tell Bruce, but she knew she couldn't put it off. He had to know.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when Emma said, "There's been another robbery. A diamond was stolen."

"The police never did find the guy who stole the Egyptian artifact, did they?"

"Nope. No sign of the artifact either. I'm sure that same guy stole the diamond."

"Makes me wonder what this guy is doing. Is he going to return them for a reward? No one saw his face so he could get away with it."

Emma put down the paper and looked at her friend. "How do you feel about Batman?"

Arianna was confused, not sure how the subject got on Batman. "Well, I'm grateful that he saved my life. Other than that, I have no opinion on him. It's not like I know the guy."

"People still think he's a criminal and should be brought to justice."

"He does break some laws, but he's helping. I don't see a crime in that."

"But he thinks he's above everyone." A new voice said.

Arianna and Emma turned towards the person who spoke. "It's not nice to listen in on others conversation." Emma said.

"Forgive me, but I couldn't help myself. When someone mentions Batman I have to hear what they say."

"You're a reporter." Arianna assumed.

"Very good. My name's Jason and I would be interested in having more of your opinions on Batman."

"No comment." Emma said as she turned back around.

"What about you?" He looked at Arianna. "He saved your life."

"Yes, he did and in my book that doesn't make him a bad guy. Now leave us alone."

The two friends started talking about other things, but it wasn't long before Jason spoke again.

"Aren't you that girl who's with Bruce Wayne?"

Arianna was silent as she thought about what to say. She had been hanging around him for awhile, though they never made their relationship official. She wasn't sure if he even wanted to date. She didn't want to say yes and she definitely didn't want to be hounded by reporters. "I'm sure you have me confused with someone else." She answered without looking at him.

"Maybe you're right."

Jason said no more, but Arianna had a feeling he wasn't going to let the subject go so easily.

Soon the two friends left the café and for the rest of the day they hung out and for awhile Arianna forgot about her problems and what she was going to tell Bruce. She only remembered when she was left alone back at her apartment.

To get her mind off things for awhile, Arianna put in some rock music. She began to dance as she cleaned her apartment. It was just little dancing so she wouldn't hurt her knee.

After a few minutes there was a knock at the door. When she opened the door there was a man she had seen a few times, but never spoke to. he was in the apartment next to hers.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can turn that music down. Don't see why you people need your music so dang loud."

"Sorry."

Arianna closed the door then turned down the music. It wasn't that loud so she didn't understand why he was complaining.

"I wish I could live in a house. Then I wouldn't have to worry about grumpy old neighbors."

The next day, Arianna did her best to get Bruce out of her mind. She did still need to tell him she didn't want to see him anymore, but she wasn't sure exactly what to say.

She did feel guilty because she had ignored his call last night and again this morning. Arianna decided that she would definitely tell him tonight. He deserves an explanation.

At Wayne enterprises, Bruce was having a hard time concentrating on his work. He tried calling Arianna a few time, but she didn't answer. If his secretary wasn't friends with her then he would think that something happened, but Emma assured him that Arianna was fine.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wayne." Emma said as she peered in. "Your meeting in in five minutes."

"Thank you, Emma." He stood from his desk then headed out, but stopped next to Emma. "She doesn't want to see me anymore, does she?"

"You should ask her that."

"Kind of hard to ask when she won't talk to me." Then he walked away.

Bruce pushed all thoughts of Arianna out of his mind. This was an important meeting and he didn't need any distractions today.

Later that night Arianna sat by the phone. She kept picking up the phone then putting it back down, still not sure what to say to Bruce. After a few more minutes of thinking she took a deep breath and picked up the phone, but before she could dial, there was a knock at the door. Arianna put down the phone and opened the door.

"Can we talk?"

Arianna nodded as she let Bruce in. "Bruce, I'm sorry I haven't called you back."

"Why haven't you?"

"I…well, I…"Arianna sighed. "I don't think this relationship should go any further. I mean I don't know where you want this to go, but I don't want to lead you on."

"You seemed to be having a good time before. What changed?"

"I just don't think I'm suited for your life style."

"We can make this work if you just give it a chance."

"No, it won't. And I don't want rumors to start saying I'm another one of Bruce Wayne's whores."

Pain flashed through Bruce's eyes, but just as quickly as it appeared it was gone. "Fine, if that's what you want." Without another word he left.

Arianna collapsed on the couch. She didn't mean to hurt Bruce that way.

Why did I even say that? Arianna thought.

Bruce sat in his room, staring out the window. He couldn't understand why Arianna said what she did. She always seemed to be happy when he was around. What had changed? He couldn't blame her for saying it though. After all he was known as the playboy billionaire.