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Three Years. It's been three years since she left and here they are; face to face once more. .

Overcome with shock, both Olivia and Odafin stared at each other silently. Enthusiastically, Don introduced them, "Odafin Tutuola, meet Olivia Benson. One of my best detectives. Liv, this is...the man who is going to give the money needed to upgrade all of the police precincts. He is also a Consulting Detective for numerous precincts and has been a great asset to our much needed recruiting program"

Numbly Odafin held out his hand, his heart pounding at the shock of seeing her after all these years.

Olivia extended her hand and placed it in his. Large, firm, and warm, just like she remembered it.

Odafin closed his hand over hers. He felt it tremble and his heart leaped. He had dreamed so often of this moment and now he was at total loss for words. She looked as beautiful as ever. Her beautiful, brown hair longer than he remembered made him want to reach out and run his fingers through it.

Don stood, quiet now, noticing an unusual tension between them. "Do you two know each other?"

"No!" Olivia blurted out before Fin could speak.

Pain flashed in Odafin's eyes. He held her hand tightly and said in a hushed tone, "I would never forget such an angelic face."

Her lips parted as if to speak as she gazed into his eyes. Breathing suddenly became impossible as she felt herself drown in them. Liquid pools of deep brown. There was a sadness in them that she had never seen before. It broke her heart as she realized she was the cause of it. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, kiss him, hold him, love him, be with him...forever.

Odafin watched her intently, but at the same time tried not to be too obvious about how much affect she had on him. He almost groaned out loud when her lips parted slightly. He was beginning to get the feel he once got when he was with her. Realizing he was not helping himself, he quickly released her hand.

"Well I guess this is a good a time as any to cash in on that dance Fin." Don chirped and slapped him on the shoulder.

"Dance?" Olivia asked confused.

"Remember I told you. I promised Odafin a dance with you if you agreed?" Don reminded her. "The police departments are depending on this… on you. Please" He pleaded with his eyes.

"I'm game if you are." Odafin challenged.

"I...I guess it would be OK." Olivia smiled at Don weakly. The thought of dancing with Odafin almost caused her knees to buckle.

"Great! I have some business to take care of, so you guys..." He slapped Odafin on the shoulder, "have fun!"

Olivia watched helplessly as her dad walked away. 'Dear God' Her heart hammered as she looked at Odafin.

His eyes were gentle, as he stepped closer and drew her body close to his. They danced quietly. Neither had the nerve to speak, just leaning against each other, eyes closed, letting that old familiar feeling come rushing back and filled their hearts once more.

Odafin pressed her closer, his eyes shut tight to keep the tears from falling. He never wanted to let her go. The love he felt for her. The love he had tried so hard to forget, filled his heart, body, mind, and soul. As angry and hurt as he had been, it all fled the moment he laid eyes on her. He raised his hand brushed it through her hair. So soft and silky, it almost drove him mad.

"I've missed you so much Olivia" he whispered in her ear.

Grateful that Odafin was taller and broader, so she could hide her tears. The music continued, slowly and haunting, as Olivia slid one arm inside his open jacket. She held on for dear life. She felt so safe in his arms, so loved, oh if he only knew how often she had longed to be in his arms. No other man could make her feel the way that he did. Her love for him was forever. She loved him, and only him.

As the song came to an end, she tried to collect her wits. Reprimanded herself silently for letting her emotions get the best of her. Pulling from his arms, she stepped back a bit, her cheeks glistened with tears. Looking into his face, she noticed a tear had managed to escape and rolled down his cheek.

"Why did you leave me?" he asked, eyes begging her for an answer.

They stared at each other, Olivia still saying nothing. Then Odafin reached up and placed his palm on her cheek, then gently wiped the tears with his thumb. As she pressed her cheek into his palm, he turned her head slightly and angled it for a kiss.

Shocked by his unexpected kiss, she suddenly turned and bolted for the door, leaving a startled Odafin staring after her.

Don finished his business, and when he noticed Odafin heading out onto the balcony, he followed him, bringing along two glasses of brandy. When he reached Fin, he handed him the brandy.

"Thanks," Odafin smiled gratefully and tasted it. "Great stuff!"

"The best!" Don boasted with a smile.

"Where did Olivia go?" Don asked.

"Probably to the ladies room, isn't that where all women hang out when they are missing?" Fin tried to joke.

"Yea. I saw you dance with her, looked mighty cozy." Don commented.

Fin smiled, "It was, she's pretty terrific."

"You sound like your speaking from experience."

Odafin swallowed the rest of his drink and exhaled as he stared across the city. "I lied. I do know her Don, she used to live in New Jersey. We...were ...in love." Odafin pressed his lips together tightly.

"Ahhh...that explains the tension and that kiss between you two. But why would she lie about knowing you." Don wondered.

"I'm not sure. I still can't figure out some of the things she does" Odafin offered.

Odafin shuffled from one foot to the other, "So is there is someone else in her life?"

"Not that I know of...except for Nevaeh"

"Nevaeh?. Who is Nevaeh?" Odafin asked.

"Her Daughter"

The news hit Odafin like a ton of bricks. "She has a daughter?"