A/N: This chapter makes me nervous...

I don't own any of the adults, or Frannie....

Chapter 10:

I arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes late. Pam was already seated, had her drink ordered, and was drumming her fingernails on the table. She glared at me as I sat down and ordered my sweet tea.

"So nice of you to make time for me, big brother." Pam definitely had her panties in a bunch about something. Better just get it out of the way first.

"What's wrong, Pam?" Now was not the time to pick at her.

She very sarcastically filled me in on her being stood up the night before and really giving her friend a huge piece of her mind about it. Now I knew why she was so ticked about me running late. At least I had good news for her about the summer job, and I knew she'd get excited when I showed a little interest in Sookie in a few minutes.

We placed our orders and I filled her in on the change of jobs. As predicted, she was ecstatic about it. Then I moved onto my next topic of discussion…I just hoped she could help me.

"Pam, I need your help with something… or rather with someone."

She raised her eyebrows in question, so I continued, "Do you know anything about Sookie going on a date last night?"

Pam actually gasped and I was immediately nervous. "How did you know she had a date, Eric?" She was stalling, and knew I would know it.

"What do you know, Pam?"

She took a deep breath before answering me. She knew I wouldn't let it go.

"Eric, I saw Sookie and her date last night, but she doesn't know I saw them. God, I could kick myself for not calling Sookie before I met with you. Then I would have the full story behind what I saw!"

"What the hell did you see Pam?"

Our food arrived right at that moment. I was freaking out and could tell that Pam really didn't want to tell me what she saw. Once the waiter left us, I raised my eyebrow at her, letting her know to continue.

"Eric, it probably didn't mean anything…" I cut her off.

".."

"I saw her and her date kissing, ok. But like I said, it probably didn't mean anything!"

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. They actually kissed. 'Well, shit.' I looked at my plate and even though I'd lost my appetite, I didn't want Pam to see that this affected me, so I started eating. The food had no taste though. I had seriously fucked myself. Not only did I hire Sookie, the girl I knew in my gut I should avoid like the plague, I went and hired the man she was kissing too! 'Fuck my life.'

Pam wasn't buying my act though. She grabbed my hand to get my attention. "Eric, look at me." I looked up. "Think about it…how many girls have you kissed while on a date and have it be nothing?" Ok, she did have a point there. Before Felicia, I could've been considered a 'ladies man' I suppose. I'd kissed many women that meant nothing. I sighed.

"Ok, Pam. You're right, it could've meant nothing. Can you find out though?"

She got giddy, "Of course…does this mean you're ready to admit you're interested in Sookie?"

I couldn't stop a small grin, "Just see what you can find out, ok?"

We finished our lunch and went our separate ways, with Pam promising to call me as soon as she knew something. I prayed to every god and goddess I could think of for that kiss to have meant nothing as I headed to my apartment. I knew I was fucked when I was so concerned about a damn kiss. I finally had no choice but to admit, at least to myself, that I was indeed interested in Sookie.

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SPOV

Amelia and I were still trying to figure out the whole dream thing when we heard 'Eye of the Tiger' and both giggled. I answered my phone on speaker…it always saved time.

"Hey Quinn! What's shakin?"

He laughed. "Tell that wife of mine to get her phone off vibrate for one. Secondly, do you have plans tonight?"

"Well, you're on speaker, so you just gave your wife your own message!" Amelia laughed and checked her phone. "No, I don't have any plans why?"

"We're going out again girl - get your dancing shoes ready!" Amelia squealed. I was grinning like a fool, but was wondering something.

"Who's 'we' Quinn?" I held my breath.

"Well, you, me, Ames…and Eric." I released the breath I was holding with a sigh of relief.

Amelia wrapped her arms around my shoulders and gave me a big squeeze. "That sounds great, hun. What time should we be ready?"

"We'll meet you at the usual place at 9 ok, babe?"

I couldn't speak…I was too excited. Amelia confirmed that we would meet them. But, Quinn had one more thing to say to me.

"Oh, and Sooks…"

"Yeah?"

"This was his idea." He hung up. I squealed this time.

We had a lot to do, so we decided to put the dream stuff on the back burner. We grabbed the kids and headed to the grocery store. We both needed several things and I had to get stuff for my lunch with Eric the next day. Once we finished there, came home, unloaded and put things away at both houses, and had lunch, we were pooped.

I got Emily and Riley down for their naps, while Amelia set Bo and Frannie up with a movie. Then we settled down ourselves. We discussed plans for tonight and I realized I needed to call Pam about watching the kids tonight. I also needed to find out if she'd shown Bo a picture of Eric or not.

I grabbed my cell and dialed Pam's number. She answered on the 3rd ring.

"Hello."

"Hey Pam, it's Sookie. Have you got a sec?"

"Oh, hey Sookie. Sure, what's up?"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd be able to watch the kids tonight. Quinn just called and we're suppose to be going out again."

"Hmm, and just who is going out this time?" She was trying to keep it light, but there was an edge to her voice - like she was upset about something.

"Well, it'll be Amelia, Quinn, me, and Eric. Is that ok with you?" Now I had an edge to my voice.

"Yeah, I can watch the kids. What time do you need me?"

"We're supposed to meet them at 9, so around 7:30 ok? That way we can get ready without worrying about the kids."

"Ok, who's house?"

"Mine."

"Ok. Sounds good."

"Uh…Pam…I have something a little strange to ask you. Have you ever shown Bo a picture of Eric?"

"No, I haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason. Thanks Pam…see you tonight!" I hung up before anything else was said and turned to Amelia.

"Crap…she says she hasn't shown Bo a picture of him, Ames."

She looked as bewildered as I felt. "Well then, maybe there's something to these dreams then. I can't explain it."

"Yeah…me neither."

We talked until we heard the kids stirring. By this point it was going on 5. We decided to get supper together and then we'd head next door to get ready after Pam arrived.

A couple of hours later, we were finishing the clean-up from supper when Pam arrived. She found us after Bo let her in.

"Hey ladies! How are you tonight?"

"We're great!" Amelia answered.

"I hope you don't mind that I'm a little early…I need to talk to you Sookie." I turned to face her as I dried my hands off.

"No problem, Pam. What's up?"

"There's really no easy way to do this…I saw you last night." Oh boy. I was wondering when she saw me. I looked over at Amelia and she had an 'oh shit' look on her face.

"I see. I take it there's more." I wanted to know everything before I responded.

"Well, I saw you by the fountain… fuck it, I saw you kissing him, Sookie. What's the deal? And before you say it's none of my business, let me remind you that you are going out with my brother tonight!"

I sighed. This was very unexpected. At least my responses should make her happy. "I wasn't going to say it's none of your business, Pam. I went out with Alcide Herveaux last night. I've known him for years and he was Sam's best friend. Yes, we did kiss, but we both realized that we are just friends. I actually realized that I am interested in your brother. So, while we did kiss, there is nothing going on beyond close friendship."

Pam looked very relieved. "Oh…ok. I was hoping it was nothing. And I'm very glad you're interested in Eric!" She was getting giddy. Amelia saved me as we heard Emily start crying.

"Well, we need to head over to get ready and I think there is a little girl in need of some assistance, Pam." We all laughed as we made our way over to Amelia's house and Pam went to take care of Emily.

I was borrowing a dress from Amelia for tonight. We didn't really talk much about Pam's question, since we had already had the conversation about Alcide and I anyway. I was a little concerned that she might have told Eric about seeing us though. But, I figured if she had, then she could fill him in on what she found out from me too.

I borrowed a little black dress that looked pretty great on me and was easy to dance in. Before I knew it, we were on our way to meet our guys. 'Our guys? Where did that come from?'

When we walked in, I saw Quinn and Eric waiting for us at the bar. Eric looked amazing and I briefly told myself not to drool. We walked over to where they were and Quinn grabbed Amelia, pulling her into a huge hug. Eric smiled at me as he bent and kissed my cheek.

"Hey, Sookie. You look beautiful." I sighed.

"Thanks, Eric. You look rather dashing." Wow… I was flirting back.

We all got drinks and made our way to an empty table. Amelia and Quinn decided to hit the dance floor, leaving me alone with Eric. We talked for a while. I was having a great time. I also realized I was starting to fall for him, even though I'd only known him such a short time. There was something I just couldn't explain between us.

He asked me if I'd dance with him once I finished my drink and I accepted immediately. After several fast songs, they finally played a slow one. I chewed on my bottom lip as I looked up at Eric, praying to anyone who would listen that he would want to keep dancing with me. Quinn already had Amelia in his arms and they were in their own little world.

Eric pulled me into his arms and we began to move together. Being in his arms felt just as wonderful as I remembered. I couldn't look away from the heated gaze I was getting from him. He was definitely turning me on. As he bent and placed a very light kiss on my lips, the song ended. He pulled back and gave me a smile that just turned me into a pile of mush. I giggled a little…couldn't help it…and mumbled something about the restroom. I needed a minute to get a hold of myself. He said he'd meet me at the table.

I went to the restroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I had the goofiest grin on my face and I couldn't get rid of it for anything. Yep, I was definitely interested in Eric. If I was reading things right, he was interested in me too, and that made my grin even bigger. I couldn't wait for us to get some time alone. I didn't think tomorrow would count since the kids would be there. Maybe he would ask me out soon… just the two of us. I sighed again as I decided losing the grin was a lost cause and left the restroom.

I was beginning to make my way over to the tables when I heard someone calling my name. I turned and saw Alcide coming towards me.

"Hey Sook! What are you doing here?"

"I'm here with Amelia, Quinn, and Eric. How did the interview go today?"

"You knew about that, huh?"

I laughed, "Well, he called me before he met with you to see if I knew you. I gave you a glowing recommendation."

"It must've worked then, cause he hired me! I start Monday morning."

I squealed and gave him a big hug, "Congratulations, Alcide! That's so great."

He laughed a deep belly laugh, "Thanks, Sook."

I broke the hug, "Well, I better find my crew. That's really great news, Alcide. See ya soon!"

"Good night, Sook. Have fun!" We parted ways and I went looking for Eric again. I couldn't find him anywhere.

I heard Amelia calling me. She looked upset as she ran to me. "What the hell happened, Sookie?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Eric just told us he was leaving and he looked pissed!"

"Huh! That makes no sense…everything was fine…where is he?"

"He was heading to the door, but Quinn stopped him, I think." I ran towards the door with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I saw Quinn talking to Eric and the look on his face was… cold.

He saw me coming and turned to leave. I ran past Quinn as Eric went out the door. I called his name as he was getting into his car. He looked back at me with no expression on his face at all. He just got in his car and left. I watched him pull out of the parking lot and go up the street, until I couldn't see his car anymore.

I felt tears falling down my face as two arms came around me and stopped me from falling to the ground. I knew who it was without turning around.

"What happened, Quinn? Why did he leave?" I sobbed.

"He saw you hugging Alcide, babe. Apparently he talked to Pam earlier today and she told him something that was made worse by seeing the hug."

I lost it completely. Quinn held me as I cried. Amelia had approached and filled him in on what Pam had to have told him. I couldn't get the look he gave me before he left out of my head and wondered if I'd ever see him again.

A/N: *peeks in* This is my first attempt at angst...please let me know what you think. Thanks to LindsayK for her help! I hope you feel better soon, APearle! ;) *running to hide now*