Next day – Leo calls Annabeth while she's at work

Annabeth: "Leo – you're back!"

Leo: "Yeah, late last night. Dinner tonight?"

Annabeth: (smiles) "I thought you'd never ask. What time should I come over?"

Leo: "I made reservations for 7."

Annabeth: "Reservations? Chez Leo's getting popular."

Leo: "I'll pick you up at 6:30."

Annabeth: "I'm going to be here until then. Easier for me to meet you."

Leo: "That works. Maydan. 7 o'clock"

Later - Maydan

Leo arrives at Maydan at 7. He's approached by the maître d' who indicates Annabeth already seated at the table. Leo smiles just looking at Annabeth, but before he can start to head towards her he sees a guy walk over to the table. Annabeth stands up and hugs him. He's Annabeth's age, good looking guy. They talk for a second, and Annabeth laughs. The guy lights up, like making Annabeth laugh just made his year. They exchange a few more words and the guy indicates the group he is with. Annabeth shakes her head, obviously turning down his invitation to join him and and his friends. She sits back down as he returns to his table.

Leo walks to their table.

Annabeth: (huge smile) "Leo!"

Leo leans over and kisses her on the cheek. "Hey you"

Annabeth: "I couldn't wait to be done with everything today. God, I missed you." She reaches for his hand across the table.

Leo: "Me too." He squeezes her hand, but lets go quickly.

Annabeth: (excitedly conspiratorial) "I told Donna where we were going tonight and she was amazed. I didn't know this place was like the place to be right now."

Leo: "I've heard good things."

Annabeth: "How was the last day of the conference? Was Jed's speech well received?"

Leo: "Yeah. I think so. A lot of good meetings during the whole thing. We'll need to be in London next month for some follow-up. Good momentum; great group of people. I think we've really pulled together a good team."

Annabeth: "That's great. Jed feels good?"

Leo: "Yeah. He does."

Annabeth: "Will you be gone over your birthday?"

Leo: "In London?"

Annabeth: "Yeah."

Leo: "No. We'll leave a few days after."

Annabeth: (smiles) "That's good. I was thinking we'd have a party and I'd do a whole Marilyn Monroe thing. You know, the dress and the breathy "Happy birthday" song…"

Leo: "Didn't she die shortly after that?"

Annabeth: (a little surprised, clearly aware that something isn't totally right with Leo) "Yeah. I wasn't thinking I'd carry the performance that far."

Leo: "Right."

The waiter comes over to check in. He starts to tell them about the menu and Leo interrupts him. "I'm sorry. I just need…could you give us a minute?"

The waiter walks away and Leo turns back to Annabeth. "The jet lag is catching up with me. I was feeling okay, but now that I'm sitting here. I'm just…do you mind if we?"

Annabeth: "Of course. Are you okay?"

Leo: "Yeah, yeah. Just the trip and all the meetings and then the flight. It's just hitting me now. I'm really sorry."

Annabeth: "Leo. It's fine. Let's get outta here."

They gather up their stuff and head out to the sidewalk. Leo's car is waiting for them down the block. They start to walk towards it.

Leo: "I can drop you at yours…"

Annabeth: "Oh. You don't want to...?"

Leo: "No, I do. It's just. I'm not sure I'd be great company and maybe I should just get some sleep."

Annabeth: "Of course. Yeah."

They keep walking. Annabeth stops. "It's beautiful out. I'm gonna walk to mine."

Leo: "No, let me..."

She kisses him on the cheek. "I like walking."

Leo watches her walk away. He gets in the car and bangs his head repeatedly against the head rest. "Dammit!"