Thank you for your reviews. I went through about five options for this chapter, so I hope you like this version.

Find the Pinterest for my story, if you're interested :-) - bunnyv31/never-fade

If I had eyes in the back of my head
I would have told you that you looked good as I walked away

And if you could've tried to trust the hand that fed
You would've never been hungry but you'd never really be

More of this or less of this or is there any difference?
Or are we just holding onto things that we don't have anymore?

Sometimes time doesn't heal, no not at all
Just stand still while we fall
In or out of love again, I doubt I'm gonna win you back
When you've got eyes like that
It won't let me in, always looking out - If I Had Eyes, Jack Johnson

The Central Oregon coast, from Lincoln City to Florence, could only be described by many as not very beachy, too rocky, too rough, but to Ada it was simply magnificent! Ada could never get tired of the salt breeze on her face, hearing the breakers crashing on the rocky shoreline or the amazing sunrise and sunsets the expansive views presented. And taking your shoes off to get your toes in the sand, that feeling was priceless! Except, this trip to the coast was not like any of her previous trips, which had been done in extreme agony or serene resignation. No, this trip, with the one person she thought she'd never see again, was made with extraordinary angst.

Angst: transcendent emotion in that it combines the unbearable anguish of life with the hopes of overcoming this seemingly impossible situation. The impossible situation being Lexie dating Tony. It was one thing to voice her decision to Anna about being polite and professional, yada yada yada, another thing was actually doing it. Choosing to ride in the third row of the Yukon, she thought to be at a safe distance from the new "lovebirds", as Alicia and Hattie had nicknamed Lexie and Tony. Yet, voices carry, and Lexie's exhuberance over visiting the coast with Tony was reaching new decibels.

After being on the road for about 30 minutes, Ada had chosen to sleep. She'd gotten very little of it for the past two weeks, and after Saturday night, her body was screaming for rest. So, she succumbed to the comforts of leather and a moving vehicle, dreaming of waking up in her bed, with the past two weeks having been a nightmare. Fat chance.

xxx

The coast. Tony had not visited Newport in three years. He had kept in touch with Ben and Ella, but the last visit had left a bad taste in his mouth, so he had stayed away. It had been one year since their break up and Tony had thought himself ready to face coming back to Portland. He'd been living in L.A. for six months, drowning his sorrows in work and endless blind dates. Yet, one day back in Portland to deal with Avant Design business, had set him back, with a vengence.

He had done subtle inquiring with mutual friends and found out Ada had quit her job three months prior and had bought a music store, a music store! He was astonished and secretly proud of her. He had debated back and forth whether to contact her, and Parker had questioned his sanity, telling him he would not like what he would find. That got him even more curious, but Parker refused to talk. So he found another source.

This mutual friend had no idea how serious his and Ada's relationship had been and so had no problems bringing him up to date. Ada was dating.

The infomation floored him, angered him, but most of all, devastated him completely. He knew he had no right to feel anything but indifference. He had his chance and hadn't measured up, but the pain he felt would not subside with reasonable explanations. So, on his fourth day in Portland he decided to escape to the coast and visit Ben and Ella Harvey.

Tony had met Benjamin Harvey his freshman year at PSU, when Ben was a senior. He had been one of the few upperclassmen to befriend Tony and Parker. The three became fast friends despite the age and class difference and when Ben graduated, the friendship continued.

Ben and Ella Summers met in college and after graduation, got engaged, and married within three months. Ben's parents loved Ella and Ella's parents loved Ben, a match made in In-Law heaven. Tony was happy for his friend's felicity, yet he couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy at Ben's uncommonly happy circumstances. But Ben's sorrows didn't warrant such feelings. His father had died after he'd been married for one year, marring that happiness. Ben's parents had been running their B&B in Newport, OR for ten years when his father died, and his mother decided to continue on by herself. But, as it sometimes happens, the spouse left behind is not able to bear the loneliness; Ben's mother passed away one year after his father.

After the grief and shock had passed, Ben and Ella made a life changing decision. They left their lucrative Portland careers as architects, and took over the B&B. Their family grew after one year of running the inn with the arrival of Adam and two years later with Carmel. Their life was adult-drama free except for the parade of interesting guests to color their world.

When Tony had related the happenings between Ada and himself, Ben and Ella had not been the understanding, conmesorating type of friends he had expected. They had listened to him, but then, had turned on the "Are you crazy, how could you listen to Parker!" exclamations. Ben had told him he was a "stubborn ass" and Ella had shaken her head at him and said the words that haunted him till now "You're going regret letting her go." He had told them both they were wrong; they didn't know Ada and therefore couldn't gage her feelings accurately, not to mention her motives. They had in turn replied that knowing him was enough, and the fact that, a year later he was still talking about this girl, meant that they were right and he was wrong. Tony knew bringing this group of people was going to invite trouble from his friends, especially since it included the green eyed beauty he had sworn to them he would never see again.

Now, as he drove south on the 101, headed straight to the inn, he felt angst. He didn't know how he would deal with this impossible situation. To be in her presence for two days and two nights, knowing she was so close...he didn't know if he could survive. And to top it off, Ella and Ben would get to meet her! Surely they would like her immediately and he would be doomed. They wouldn't see her as the heartless fein who ruined his life. They would see the lovey girl that stole his heart four years ago, and apparently still held it captive. He only hoped he could hide it from everyone else and that they didn't rub their triumph in his face publicly.

The group arrived at The Lion's Paw Inn at 3:47pm. As the group made their way out of the vehicle, Tony heard barking and kids laughing and looked up to see his friends walking towards the front steps with their offspring to give the group a true Harvey Welcome.

Tony walked up a few steps and met Ella, with two year old Carmel in her arms, and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Ella squeezed his arm and gave him a once over smiling the whole time "You're looking good Ruiz" she said with a wink. Tony threw his head back and laughed at her poor Grease interpretation but replied nonetheless with an arched brow "Eat your heart out". Just then Ben reached them and having listened to their banter chimed in "But sloppy seconds ain't her style". Tony turned to greet his friend with a bear hug and said "Really? yet she ended up with you!" Ben made a show of shadow boxing Tony and they laughed and "punched" each other until Ella called out to them to stop and let Tony introduce everyone. Tony cleared his throat and tried to reign in his laughter, he forgot how easy his friendship with Ben was.

He went down the line of people introducing them to Ben, Ella and the kids. When he reached Ada, who's cheeks were red from having been asleep for two hours in the car, his stomach took a slight dive, she looked so fetching. She was standing behind Michael and as he pointed towards her, Michael moved aside, forcing Ada to move forward and stand right next to Tony. As soon as her name was uttered, Ben and Ella shared a look and Ben, being the dear friend he was, said "Well, it's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name".

Tony shot Ben a murderous look, but his friend was grinning from ear to ear at Ada and ignored him. The couple introduced their kids to the group including Bear, their golden retriever. After they all stood outside talking about the drive and how lovely the weather had been, Ella told them all to get their bags and make it inside the house so they could get settled in.

Lexie, Hattie and Alicia quickly followed the couple into the Inn and Michael and Tony headed to the rear of the truck to get the bags, as they supposed it was expected of them. Michael grabbed as many bags as he could and headed into the house and when Tony had grabbed the rest and turned around he came face to face with Ada.

They both stood there, inches apart, until she took a step back and muttered an apology and offered to take her bag at least. Her bag was slung on his shoulder and she quickly grabbed the strap, curling her fingers around it, her warmth seeping through his shirt. He stood there, frozen, as if making a move could cause an explosion. She didn't meet his gaze as she did this but he could hear her labored breathing and felt her hand brush his arm as he untangled himself from her bag. Suddenly, she was gone, and he was left standing there, ladened with bags, with her warmth still on his skin.

The Lion's Paw Inn was a 1934 victorian style home. It had been converted to an inn in 1986 and had had several additions. The house had three floors and a full basement. The family rooms were in the bottom floor, with a well stocked kitchen, family room, two full baths, and three bedrooms. The second floor had two generous size rooms, connected by a jack-and-jill bath, and a master suite. The third floor was one suite, complete with a jacuzzi, full bath and two queen beds. The Inn was decorated with a minimalist, shabby chic style. Every room had a distinct color scheme, but all working within the blues, greens and cream pastels throughout the house.

Ella gave everyone a tour of the house, the gardens, pointed out the the path leading to the beach and walked each guest to his, hers, or their room, followed closely by her sidekick, Bear. Hattie and Lexie got to share the third floor suite; Michael and Alicia got the master suite on the second floor, leaving Tony and Ada with the connecting rooms. Tony gave Ella a pointed look, knowing this arrangement had been deliberate, but she looked at him with a 'Who, me?' expression.

Ella apologized to Ada for not having a room with its own bath for her, but Ada quickly set aside her apology and told her the room was beautiful and not to worry. After leaving everyone to freshen up, she invited them downstairs as her and Ben finished preparing dinner.

Ada stood around admiring her room. The blue and white theme echoed the sky and ocean views displayed through the full wall of windows. There was a sitting area in front of a fire place on one side of the queen four-poster pine bed. Ada walked over the windows and took in the view. The tree-top panorama was incredible! The room reminded her of a garden gazebo.

After quickly putting her things away, Ada fled the second floor in an attempt to escape any accidental run-ins with Tony. She went into the kitchen and found Ella and Ben making dinner. She offered to help but Ella told her they were almost done and why didn't she go into the family room and relax. She did as she was told and found little Adam playing with wooden building blocks.

Four year old Adam took a quick liking to Ada. He was very talkative and quickly engaged Ada in a tower building competition. They would build towers as high as possible before the blocks would come tumbling down. Every time it happened Adam would throw his little body backward onto the couch behind them and howl and laugh and clap. Ada couldn't help but join in the laughing and would also throw herself backwards and clap.

During one of those laughing fits, Adam looked up and running towards the doorway yelled out "Uncle Tony, uncle Tony, come a play wit Ada and me!" Ada straightened up and looked towards the doorway. Tony was now bending down with his arm around Adam's waist looking at her. He smiled, but his gaze was so intense she quickly looked away and stood up.

"Uhm, why don't you and Adam play, I think I'm going to explore the gardens." With that she walked out the french doors leading to the backyard gardens.

xxx

Ada's emotions had been in high gear since she had gone to get her bag. Having been so close to Tony had been a trial to her senses. She felt his warmth, smelled his cologne, felt the intensity of his eyes on her. It took every ounce of willpower not to lean into him, if only for a second. To have felt his arms around her once more.

She had managed to avoid him by sleeping almost the entire drive to the coast, but now, how was she to avoid him if they were going to share a bathroom! Ella and Ben seemed to know of their history because she had caught the looks the three of them had shared more than once. Who knows what Tony had said about her to them, yet they seemed genuinely nice and welcoming.

As she walked the stone paths in the garden, the tension in her shoulders began to dissipate and the closer she came to the path leading down to the beach, the more peaceful she felt. She continued on the path and made her way to the beach. There were several families enjoying a late afternoon stroll. A few young couples walking hand in hand, and a few young guys playing freebee nearby.

Ada walked north. She had taken her sandals off and began walking closer to the waves in order to dip her feet in the water. She rolled up her pants but when the first wave came up and touched her, she yelped and ran away laughing. The water was definitely too cold! The Oregon coast was known for its cold water. She continued walking, smiling at the families and fellow beach goers, and picking up the occasional interesting rock.

As she came up a few rocks, she climbed on and sat there, enjoying the breeze and sounds of the waves hitting the rocks below. She became lost in thought. It had not been more than a month that she'd been here, thinking she would never see him again. Having resigned to the fact that her life would forever have his imprint but never his love, and now here she was. Being thrown in his presence once again, among his friends, which would have been her friends as well, if only things would have been different.

She knew better than to go down this path, the if only path. It would only lead to heartache and desolation, but she could't help it. Being near him did things to her that no one had ever done. Made her want things she thought forgotten. His touch, his voice, his gaze, when directed at her, made her want to run to him and fling her arms around his neck. She had missed him so much all these years, and yet, being so close, she still was so far away. The only touch they had shared was accidental brushing of hands or arms, except for that almost kiss at the diner.

She had stored that memory away, not wanting to dwell on it, especially after seeing Tony's behavior with Lexie. He obviously had not meant anything otherwise he wouldn't keep pursuing Lexie. So Ada had tried to make it easy for him and act as if nothing had happened, when all she wanted to do was confront him and ask him if he truly had meant to kiss her that day.

But the more time passed, the more she realized, it had been a fluke. Some residual feeling that had by now, evaporated. Then, Saturday night happened, his request to dance with her, their heated words. She didn't know what it all meant. Why was he pleasing one minute and intent on hurting her the next. She wanted to talk to him, but didn't want to argue.

So she needed to put aside her angst, her agony, and continue on her path of friendliness and professionalism. She had made her sentiment known at the Gala and she needed to follow through, even if it killed her, and it might kill her, if this afternoon was any evidence.

xxx

Tony had stayed playing blocks with Adam until Hattie and Lexie came down with Michael and Alicia. They had asked after Ada, and he said, with what he hoped was an uninterested tone, that she'd gone exploring in the gardens. The group headed into the kitchen where the Ben and Ella answered questions about the area and inquired about their plans during their stay.

Since the weather was warm enough, Ella suggested they dine in the garden. The women quickly grabbed the table settings, serving dishes and headed outside, while the men made sure there were enough chairs around the table, helped Ben light the insect repellant candles around the garden and take Carmel's high chair outside.

Ella sidled up to Tony and asked him in a low voice if he would please go fetch Ada from the beach, as she had seen her walking down the path earlier. Tony was about to object, but seeing her determination, resigned to his fate.

As he walked down the path, his body tingled with the idea of meeting Ada alone on the beach. He had dreamt of such a meeting many a times while walking the beaches in California and while he had visited the Harveys years ago. As much as he wanted to hate her, his desires always won out and his longing for her overtook his imagination. He would picture her walking on the beach, with her hair loose and her feet bare, playing tag with the waves, laughing, singing, smiling at him.

When he got to the beach, he looked south and tried to spot he among the beach goers. He remembered what she wore, white cotton pants, sandals and a strapy green top. He remembered the way her shoulders glowed from her recent tan and how the green top made her eyes glow like emeralds.

Not spotting any green and white attire among the south crowd, he turned to look north and was rewarded with a vision. There was Ada walking towards him, about 100 yards away. She wasn't looking straight ahead, but instead was looking out into the ocean. She had rolled up her pants, up past her calves, and was holding her sandals in one hand, while the other hand held some rocks.

She hadn't seen him, and he didn't dare call out to her. He just stood there, watching the wind play with her hair, and the waves caress her feet. He saw how she would let the water touch her but would quickly dart away laughing, the water must be too cold he thought. Unknowingly, his face had broken into a smile. His vision had come to life.

Finally, she looked his way, and after startling at seeing him there, she smiled, as if they belonged there, together. She continued walking until she reached him. She came to stand in front of him. He couldn't talk, his voice was caught in his throat and all he could do was smile. She finally spoke, breaking the silence.

"Sorry, have I been gone too long?" Her eyes were shining and her cheeks were pink from the wind and the walk. She took his breath away. "Is dinner ready?" She tried again to get his attention.

Finally, his mind came back on, and nodding his head he replied "Ah, yes, dinner is read. I was sent by Ella to get you." His voice was low and raspy, that's all he could manage for now.

"Oh, I'm afraid I got caught up here. It's so beautiful at this time of the day" She said, turning back to the beach and motioning with the hand holding her sandals.

Tony looked down and noticed the rocks she was holding with her other hand were about to fall down. He reached for them and said "Here, let me help you with these".

Ada allowed him to take a few and whispered a 'thank you'. He only smiled and with his other hand gestured for her to go ahead of him on the path towards the house. They walked in silence, both too engrossed in their thoughts to utter a word.

But before they reached the gardens, he found his voice again, "Ada, wait." She stopped and slowly turned around to face him. They were standing very close, but he looked down at the rocks on his hand to keep from drowning in the emerald pool of her eyes.

"Listen, I wanted to apologize for what I said at the Gala. I don't have any rights to question your dating choices and I'm sorry I said...what I said". He was looking down but when he finished, he looked up, drawn in by her warmth.

She was looking straight up at him. Her eyes were wide and glossy, her face pensive. He worried he had upset her by bringing it up, but he felt she deserved an apology. He looked down again, unable to bear her disappointment.

He startled when he felt her hand on his arm, his head shot up and met her gaze, it had warmed. "Don't worry about it. I also apologize for meddling between you and Lexie. It's just...they're like family to me and I tend to get defensive, but I know you and I know you wouldn't do anything dishonest. I'm sorry if I implied it." All he could do was nod.

She removed her hand and turned around to keep walking. He followed in silence.

When they made it to the garden, everyone was already seated, fortunately leaving two seats on opposite sides of the table for them. Ada sat between Adam and Ella, and Tony sat between Hattie and Lexie.

Serving plates with grilled salmon, grilled corn, cucumber & tomato salad, and watermelon and basil salad were passed around. Wine and sangria were served and the conversation flowed easily among the group. Ada found Ella to be an intelligent, spunky woman with a sharp wit and quick sense of humor. They talked about their families, her kids, and Ada's shop. Ella reminded her of Ellie, and by the end of dinner, they had made plans to get together in Portland, all three of them.

Ada made a valiant effort to avoid Tony throughout dinner, but her eyes would eventually meet his across the table. Sometimes, she would look up and find him staring at her with an odd expression on his face. She wondered if he resented her becoming fast friends with Ella, but she decided not to let it affect her.

When dinner was over, and the kids had been put to bed, the group decided to take a stroll down the beach. Ella stayed behind to clean up, adamantly refusing any help, saying it was minimal clean up. Armed with a flashlight, Ben led the group down the path, followed by Tony, Lexie, Hattie, Alicia, Michael and Ada.

When they made it to the beach, the group broke into three, Lexie quickly attached herself to Tony, Alicia, Michael and Hattie following behind, and Ada was surprised to find Ben walking next to her.

Ben was an easy conversationalist, just like his son, and quickly had Ada engaged. He said they were happy they group had decided to join Tony on his visit and were eager to get to know everyone. Ben looked at her sideways, and with a smile replied "After all, when one's best friend brings the love of his life for a visit, one tends to be interested in getting to know such a person, wouldn't you say?"

Ada stopped walking, mouth gaped, and turned to Ben "Did you say love of his life?"

Love of his life? Does he mean Ada or Lexie? Wouldn't Ada love to know!

Tell me what you think. Sorry for the delay, but please review, it really makes my day :-)