Chapter Thirty Five: Good Things in Little Packages

The Conference Room: Thursday 11:15AM

The best laid plans are the ones that seem to always end up destroyed in Tamera's world. She assumed that's how she ended up sitting across from her high school ex alone. Teddy previous appointment ran late and he was on his way back but Tamera couldn't prolong talking to Luke any longer.

"What are you doing Luke?" Tam asked bluntly. "What is it that you want to say to me so badly that you've taken to harassing my poor assistant?" Luke stared at Tam and repositioned himself in his seat. He was amazed by how easily she transported him back in time. Even though she was apparently pissed he could see the kindness within her.

"I just wanted the opportunity to apologize. I know it may simple and petty to you, but I've been through a lot in the past few years. I've been damned near reckless with my life and I'm on a path to forgive myself for some of the stupid things I've done. I wanted to have the opportunity to sit and look you in the eyes and tell you Tamera, that I'm sorry for the lies I told about you when we were younger. I get now spreading those lies about you tainted your image. It was purely selfish on my part, I just didn't want to look like … I don't know. I did like you I thought you were smart, quirky, and sexy … I still think all those things." Luke confessed as he reached for one of Tam's hands and she gave it over to him not because she was taken in but because she was confused and shocked. Once she snapped out of it she regained position of her hand.

"All of those things are nice Luke. To be honest I rarely think about you, so if you need my forgiveness I give it to you. That being said I still want nothing to do with you, not because I hate you but your presence in my life disrupts the happiness I have created," Tam uttered in her most professional voice.

"I understand Teddy will throw a fit if you were to have anything to do with me. He never liked me being close to you. Do you remember how badly he used to pout when we dated? You used to have calm him down and promise to call him after we would go out every time we went out. I thought it was a little odd, but now that you two are together it makes a lot more sense," Luke chuckled.

"I did not," Tam blurted out and then she gave it some thought. "Not every time anyway," she muttered.

"Oookay whatever you say." The two looked at each other and both giggled. Tam actually smiled and Luke felt his heart constrict.

"What's that look for?" Tam asked as she sobered her chuckles.

"Nothing … it's just … you know. Teddy is a lucky man," Luke swallowed hard and Tam lowered her eyes to the table.

"No I'm the lucky one but I appreciate you saying that," Tam said humbly and scooted back and rose to her feet. She had given Luke the platform he needed so she figured they were done.

"Tamera, you need to know that Teddy is the lucky one in your relationship. You are amazing! I just wish I had been smart enough to know what I had in you all those years ago," Luke reiterated as he followed Tam's lead and started toward the door. Tam nodded.

"We were young and to be perfectly honest. I liked your attention more than I liked you. I don't know if that makes any sense. Teddy was doing his thing and your attention made me feel like I was just as important as all the other girls he was messing with," Tam confessed and Luke snorted.

"So even back then you were in love with him, you were just using me until he realized he wanted you too," Luke analyzed and nodded.

"Well it seems everyone ended up where they needed to. My road was a little longer and harder but in the end I think I'm finally getting it."

"My dad ran into your father. He told him about your struggles with alcoholism. I am happy you're on the right track Luke," Tam confessed only because she felt that Luke wanted to share it with her. As soon as the words escaped her he told her about his struggles after his mom had died and now his grandmother.

"Lately, I've been tempted. All of my friends have kind of abandoned me. I don't know now that I'm dry my thoughts turned to you and you innocent hazel eyes. I don't know I guess I needed someone to talk to that was going to really listen to me. You were always really good at that back in the day." Tam looked at Luke and once again was bewildered. She knew Luke was right he needed a friend but she couldn't be that friend. The door to the conference room opened and Tam expected Teddy to enter. Instead it was Gina. She had a small envelop in her hand and she looked back and forth between Tam and the man across from the table. Luke looked at Gina and in that moment time froze. She was caught so off guard by the way this man looked at her that she looked down at her envelop and then back to Tam.

"Oh sorry my manners. Luke, this is my cousin Regina, Gina this is Luke."

"Hi," Gina whispered bashfully. Tam chuckled she had never heard her cousin sound that way before.

"Hi," Luke retorted he shook his head to clear his head from the fog that was Gina. "I have to go. Tam thank your time. Nice to meet you Miss Gina." Luke nodded to the two ladies before letting himself out. Tam took a moment to let out a sigh of relief. She was glad Luke hadn't confessed his undying love for her or anything. However, now she felt bad for him and wished there was something she could do to help him.

"So that was the infamous Luke? He didn't seem that bad Tam," Gina said as she watched the door. She stared at the man as he made his way to the elevator. He gave her a little smile before the elevator doors closed.

"Yeah, I'm guessing time has changed him. So what's up?" Tam asked as the traveled back to her office.

"Since I haven't spoken to Ben. I needed someone to share with," Gina explained as she opened the envelope and showed Tam her ultrasound pictures. Tam looked at the pictures and smiled with her cousin. "Look at how tiny it is?" Gina said as she caressed the picture. Tam looked over to her cousin. She could see the love she had for this baby.

"It's amazing Gina. Have you told Uncle Jerry yet?" Gina packed the pictures away.

"No, I just need a little more time to think. I have a lot of planning to do you know?" Tam nodded.

"Well, if there is anything you need. Let me know and I'll help out as best I can," Tam said before she hugged her cousin.

"Trust me I will," Gina murmured. "Well, I have to go. I have to break the news to Ava that she is going to have to get my bridesmaid dress refitted." Gina smiled back at her cousin. Tam smiled back but she didn't like the way Gina was being toward Ben. Yes, Ben was an asshole but in the long run she was going to need him to be cooperative regarding his baby. It would be best if she didn't piss him off but Gina never took advice from Tam will so she was hesitant to give it. After left alone Tam plopped back on the couch in her office and put her feet up for a minute. She had hardly gotten any work done today. Personal dramas seemed to be too much in the way. At least she felt accomplished in the fact that Luke wouldn't be an issue for her anymore. She was actually kind of excited to tell Ted that Luke seemed more fascinated with Gina than her.

"Tamera, this just came for you and Theodore," June said waking Tam from her thoughts. June was slightly hovered over her with the envelope in hand.

"Thanks June." Tamera sat upright and there it was. Her official marriage license. Everything was processed and it seemed to come a day early. Her name change was now official and she was official now his and he was hers. Tam allowed her fingers to caress the three words that now circled her mind, they wrapped around her, and hugged her tightly.

Tamera Black Grey.

"What's wrong Ms. Black? Is it bad news?" June asked worried because once again she was witness to Tam's tears.

"Oh it's nothing June, good things seem to be coming in envelops today," Tam explained as she wiped her tears and held the piece of paper close to her heart. She was so filled with joy she only wished Ted was there with her to share in her joy.

Author's Note: I hope you all liked this chapter. I bet you're all wondering where's Ted. Trust me he will be in the next chapter! See ya next time