Author's notes: The paleontologists mentioned in this chapter Dr. Paul Sereno, Dr. Thomas Richard Holtz, Dr. José Fernando Bonaparte, Dr. David B. Weishampel are all well-known and respected researchers in the field of paleontology. Including, Dr. Kevin Padian who is a Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and the curator of Paleontology for the University of California Museum of Paleontology and President of the National Center for Science Education.

Dr. Tommy Oliver

"Hey I'll catch up with you two tomorrow."

"Thanks Anton," Haley said.

"See you in the morning," Tommy called.

They both watched as Dr. Mercer disappeared around the corner of the hotel lobby.

"Wow, what a day," Haley said sighing.

Tommy nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree with you more."

She glanced down at her watch and peered up at Tommy.

"What is it Haley?"

"Well, I know a little late, but would you like to grab a coffee?"

After carefully thinking it over actually it wasn't a bad idea, he was up and wired, certainly not ready to retire to bed so he agreed. The pair made their way over to the hotel lobby. The lobby littered with a few other researchers, all of whom were a part of the Paleontology research conference that he and Haley were attending.

They took a seat at an empty table in the far corner of the elaborately decorated lobby.

"What would you like?" Haley asked.

"Medium decaf please."

"Alright, be right back," she said making her way over to the counter.

Tommy sat his attaché down in the empty seat next to him. He glanced around taking in everything in his surroundings, it was nice finally to sit and relax. The atmosphere was smoothing and calm with some smooth tunes playing in the background. Tommy was thinking that this would be the perfect opportunity to share some recent discoveries with Haley.

"Here you go," she said sitting the stemming hot cup in front of him.

"Thanks," Tommy called.

"No, problem," Haley said taking the seat across from him.

"Hey what's this?" he asked pointing to the plate in the middle of their table.

"It's a Danish, I needed a snack."

Tommy chuckled. "I see," he said taking a small sip of his coffee.

"Wow, Tommy I still can't believe that I'm here at the Paleontology Research Conference, it's like a dream come true."

"Why you so surprised, your expertise and research speaks for itself, so of course you belong here."

Haley smiled. "But, only the best of the Paleontologist in the world get invited to Dr. Padian conference here at the National Center for Science Education. I just still can't believe that they invited me here," she said.

"Haley please you are one of the best, so it was only natural that you got invited here," Tommy said reassuring her.

"Tommy, you can stop being so bashful…but thanks," she said smirking.

He shook his head chuckling forgetting how much Haley underestimated her own talents.

"I'm just glad that I got to attend this with you and Anton. I enjoy my fellow researchers but nothing beats getting to experiencing this with good friends."

"Yeah, I agree. Anton and I have been so busy with our research firm that we haven't had any time to catch up with you, it is nice that all three of us finally got to catch up with one another," she stated taking a sip of her drink.

"I'm really happy I got invited to come out here as well, what an honor it has been able to listen to Dr. Thomas Holtz and Dr. Paul Sereno lecture on some of their famous Paleontology works," Tommy said in admiration.

"I know right, getting to attend one of Dr. José Fernando Bonaparte famous lectures tomorrow is the icing on the cake so to speak," Haley said laughing.

Tommy nodded. "That's right Dr. Bonaparte and Dr. Weishampel are having a joint Paleontology lecture on "The Evolutionary Structures of Fossilized Vertebrae" tomorrow afternoon!" Tommy said without trying to hide his excitement.

"Yes, they are. They are like the Holy meccas of Paleontology research!" Haley added.

"Right, I'm totally psyched about listening to them. Maybe we'll have a chance to present them with some of our own research."

"Whoa Tommy slow down…let's get to their lecture first then take it from there," she said chuckling.

"Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm being a bit ambitious," he laughed.

He and Haley both shared a collectively moment of laughter at his ambitious thought.

"But in all seriousness if Anton and I can get that grant from Dr. Padian's National Science Institution. I would…be ever so grateful to the highest powers," she said looking up to the ceiling.

"Right, I really hope you guys can get it. That would open up some much door for some many young fellow researchers around the country," he said.

"Anton and I would be able to open other centers here in California, and possibility in other cities around the country."

"That would be amazing to give some local kids a change to explore and discover the wonders of paleontology and scientific research," Tommy said.

"Yes, how wonderful would that be," Haley said with a sigh. "If we get the grant, we could definitely try opening up one in Angel Grove. You can run it," she said peering at her colleague.

This hit Tommy hard in his gut. "Man that would the greatest thing ever."

Haley nodded. "I know. It would be great for you so that way you can do your research and be able to spend more time with Katherine."

Tommy chuckled. "Yeah, I know that's something she has wanted me to do for a long time."

"Well, all the more reason for us to push for the grant," Haley said with a reassuring smile placing a hand on his.

"Thanks Haley, I really appreciate it."

"I may not know Katherine very well, but from the times that I meant her she definitely loves you. And you guys belong together, and you're one of my dearest friends so I really want the best for you."

He noticed of the sincerity her tone and knew she meant every word she said. There were no words that he could express the only thing he could do was to smile.

"You really miss her don't you?"

"More than words could say," Tommy said lowering his head. "That's why I cannot wait till this weekend. Don't get me wrong this is a lifetime opportunity to come here but …" he said trailing off.

"Being with the one you love is more important," she said finishing his statement.

He nodded.

"Tommy, that is perfectly understandable, I too cannot wait to get back to my husband and kids. I miss them so much."

"I can only imagine how it must feel being away from your family."

"It's very difficult but they understand that is my life's passion so we managed to work everything out."

"That's good, to hear," he said feeling Haley's sympathy.

Tommy glanced over at his attaché sitting alone in the seat next to him. There was something of the utmost importance that he wanted to share with her. He juggled the thought back and forth in his mind whether this would be the right time to share this extraordinary finding with her. Just as he decided to present his findings to her she stood to her feet.

"Hey what's up?"

"Tommy, I need to make a phone call. But, I'll catch up with you in the morning?"

"Okay, have a good night," he said throwing up his hand.

"Good night Dr. O," she called walking away towards the hotel lobby.

Tommy sighed as he leaned back against in his chair. He had missed his chance. There was always the reminder of the week to tell her. But this seemed like the perfect opportunity but nonetheless he had to shake it off and figure out another time when he could show her his findings. Tommy picked up his coffee finishing it off and taking a piece of the Danish…

He slid out of his loafers making his way over to large unmade queen size bed. He sat down taking in the relax calmness of his room. Tommy pulled off his clothing setting them besides his bed.

A beeping sound echoed in the silence room.

He sat trying to figure out the source of the sound. As he stepped over to the wooden desk in the corner, he found the source of the sound. It was his phone; the beeping was coming from some missed messages he had yet to read. He sat down on the bed scrolling through his missed messages. There were no messages, but he saw that he had a couple of unread emails. One of which was from Kat. He was surprised that he hadn't notice her reply and then Tommy remembered in the middle of their last conference meeting that he had discovered was missing his phone.

Tommy anxiously opened up Kat's reply.

From: "Kat"Katherine-Hillard

Sent: September 15th 20:45

To: "Tommy" Tommy_Oliver

CC:

Subject:

Tommy,

I'm really happy to hear that things are going well for you out there. Wow, that's great that you got to meet up with Haley and Dr. Mercer. I can't wait to see you again I look forward to hearing more about the conference.

I miss you very much.

Take care of yourself and be on time!

Love you,

Kat

Tommy closed his email, setting his phone on the charger taking in her message. He made him feel really good know that they both anxiously awaiting to see one another. Tommy lay back against the pillow sinking his head into its softness. For as much as he enjoyed his profession, he truly enjoyed spending as much time as he could with Katherine. She meant the world to him, even when they were separated from each other they still made every possible attempt to stay together.

It hurt him so much whenever he moved to Reefside and she had to stay behind in London. That hurt so bad but they understood that they both needed to pursue their own respective careers. He just wished that his career didn't often pull them apart from one another. Well, all was not lost with Haley and Anton possibility getting the funding for their research grant, and opening up a research center in Angel Grove, he and Kat could finally settle down with one another spend time together.

Tommy settled on this thought, as he reached over shutting off the lamp next to bed blanketing his suite in cool, quiet darkness.