Notes: Disclaimer is with the first chapter. Umm…didn't realize that my account was set up so that only registered members could leave feedback. I changed it so that now anyone can leave feedback. And please do leave feedback. I like it so much especially the positive stuff. Thanks to the few people wo have left feedback, and if you tried to leave feedback and it said that I didn't accept feedback from anonymous users, then I'm sorry, but don't fret 'cause you can now. This seems to be developing into an extremely long, on-going fic. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I already have a lot of ideas, but I'm certainly not opposed to other people offering ideas too. Umm...onto the story.

P.S. The song 'On the Road Again' is by the country singer, Willie Nelson…you know the guy with really long straggly hair.

1:45PM Friday, Finch's car, Van Wyck Expressway

* Geez, it's been a whole hour and still nothing is moving. * Looking over at Finch who was playing with his bobble head cat, Maya sighed and said, "Dennis, it's getting too hot in here."

"Hmm…oh, well why don't we get some water and crackers out of the trunk and sit on the hood of the car. " Getting excited, Dennis giddily exclaimed, "It'll be like a picnic! Yeah, out in the middle of the expressway surrounded by miles and miles of cars. Who else do you know that can claim to have picnicked in the middle of the Van Wyck Expressway, huh? It'll be something to tell our grandkids some day." Finch's eyes got large as he realized that he had said 'our grandkids.' * Oh no, I hope she didn't catch that. Great going Dennis. Sure know how to put a your foot in your mouth. *

Snickering, Maya replied, "I'd sure like to see what Dennis Finch's grandkids look like. Actually no, I wouldn't. It would probably scar me for life."

Dennis looked at Maya in complete confusion as he processed what she just said. He finally figured out that she had assumed he meant that their grandkids were separate sets of children. She didn't realize that he had actually meant they were grandparents together with the same kids calling them grandma and grandpa. * Phew, that was a close one. * Finch suddenly paled as he acknowledged that he had just considered having grandchildren with Maya. *Oh god, this is more serious than I thought. I'm actually thinking about kids and grandkids and stuff. I've never really even seriously thought about that stuff before. Why now? * Quickly glancing over at Maya, he sighed and thought, *I already know why. I knew I really liked Maya, but when in the hell did I fall completely head over heels in love with her? * Shaking his head, Finch managed to momentarily dismiss these thoughts. Grabbing his keys and opening the car door, he said, "Come on and let's get this picnic started. I'll grab the stuff from the trunk."

Maya nodded before asking, "Are you sure you want us to sit on the hood? What if we accidentally scratch your car?"

"No problem. I'll just grab the blanket too, and we can spread it out on the hood before we sit down." Finch opened the trunk and dug through all the junk he had stowed back there. * Didn't realize I had this much crap back here. Oh boy…there's the porcelain cat that I thought I had lost. * Feeling particularly giddy about recovering his lost possession, Finch started digging for the necessary provisions with renewed vigor. Finally locating all the necessities, Finch carried everything around the car. Maya spread out the blanket, and they clambered onto the hood. Finch handed Maya a bottle of water and a pack of crackers. Shrugging his shoulders, Finch smirked and said, "It's not exactly a gourmet meal, but hey, it's better than nothing. *

Maya grinned and said, "Don't worry. I'm sure it'll taste better than a gourmet meal considering I haven't eaten anything all day. I didn't have time to eat breakfast this morning, and I simply refuse to eat that junk that the airlines try to pass off as food."

Maya's cell phone suddenly began ringing, but Maya's mouth was full of crackers. She quickly handed the phone to Dennis who answered it, "Hello, Dennis Finch speaking…Oh hey, Jack." Smirking at Maya, an evil gleam came into his eyes as he told Jack in a lewd tone, "Yeah, I answered her phone since her mouth is full of something…"

Maya started choking on her crackers when she realized exactly what Finch was implying. Quickly swallowing, she hit Dennis on top of the head and grabbed the phone from him. "Dad, don't listen to Finch. I was eating crackers…No, were still stuck in traffic. We haven't moved an inch in over an hour. I'll call as soon as we hear something new…Ok, bye."

Glowering at Finch, Maya said, "I can't believe you just did that."

Laughing, Finch replied, "Oh, come on. He knew I was kidding. Everyone knows you're not that kind of person."

"What do you mean? Are you saying I'm a prude or something?" Maya asked in an offended tone.

"No!!" Looking rather flustered, Finch tried to explain, "It's just that everyone knows you're not exactly casual about that stuff." Maya just raised her eyebrows and waited for him to continue. * God, how do I put this so not to offend her. I can't believe I'm actually worried about offending someone. I'm losing my edge. Damn you Maya and your pretty eyes. * Stuttering slightly, Finch continued, "Well, what I'm trying to say is you're not really the kind of person to be casual about…uhh sex and things. I mean you're not someone like Elliott where it doesn't mean anything."

Maya tried to hide her grin. *My god, I can't believe it. I actually embarrassed Finch. He's too cute sitting there all tongue-tied. Did I just really think that Finch was cute? I think I need to see a shrink. * Maya's gaze meet Finch's and she replied, "So basically you're saying that I'm not a slut?"

Finch muttered, "Uhh…I guess."

Maya suddenly smiled and said, "Well, that's good to know. Wouldn't want everyone saying there goes Maya, the company slut. Yeah, glad we got that straightened out. Let's eat."

Finch took a swallow of his water and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Maya, I have a question. It's kinda personal though so…"

Maya narrowed her eyes and said, "Well, let's hear the question, and then I'll decide if I want to answer it."

"Umm…well, like you said, you aren't exactly a slut." Dennis used air quotes to emphasize the word slut. "So how is it that you ever got involved with Elliott when he's so…casual about all that stuff. It just doesn't make much sense…at least to me."

Maya sighed and answered, "I ask myself that question alot. I really liked Elliott…I still do. I think he's basically a good guy, but I guess I thought I could change him or something. It's like it was my mission to save him from himself. I think I thought I could make him see that a woman was more than just someone to sleep with." Shrugging her shoulders, Maya continued, "I do think that he saw me as more than just another conquest, but in the end, you can't change someone unless they want to change. I learned that the hard way. Elliott liked his 'free as a bird' life too much."

Dennis bit his lip before asking, "So…if Elliott ever wanted to get back together with you, would you consider it?" Dennis held his breath, dreading the answer he expected to hear.

"Truthfully, no. I don't look at Elliott that way anymore. My feelings for him now are purely friendship. Plus, I don't know that I'd ever be able to trust him with my heart again. And without trust, a serious relationship isn't possible." Curiosity filled Maya's gaze as she asked, "Why exactly do you want to know."

Finch slowly let out the breath he had been holding as he tried to figure a way out of this situation. * Ah hell, just tell her the truth and add a good dose of Finchiness sarcasm and she'll think you're just kidding with her. * A devious smile came to his face, as he snarkily said, "Just trying to figure out who my competition is." Maya just rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her poor excuse for a meal. Dennis smiled to himself, as he thought, * I knew she'd never believe me. But now I, at least, know that Elliott is out of the picture. What an idiot. He had everything, and he threw it all away. * Dennis grinned as he considered, * But I'm the Finchmeister, and I'm no idiot…well sometimes maybe. But I'd never be dumb enough to let Maya go. If she was mine, I'd do anything to keep her. And she will be mine, mark my words. *

Pulling out a deck of cards, Finch started to deal cards to both himself and Maya. "Ok, so I take it we're going to play cards, Finch?" Nodding, he continued dealing the cards. "Could have asked me if I wanted to play, but that would be to easy." Finch let out an irritated sigh and started gathering up the cards. Maya grabbed his hand to still his motion. Finch looked at her in confusion until she said, "I never said that I didn't want to play either."

Dennis clucked his tongue at her and said, "Make up your mind girlie. Time's a wasting." Finch started dealing the cards again. "You know how to play poker?"

Finch's head suddenly turned as he heard the little boy from the next car over tell his mother, "Mommy, I'm really thwisty."

The mother answered, "I know honey. I'm sorry. Well, get something to drink as soon as we get moving."

Finch leaned over and said, "Miss…yoohoo." When the woman finally looked over, he said, "I have some bottled water and crackers if you want some. Kids tend to dehydrate faster than adults so feel free to take some. Wouldn't want your boy to get sick or anything."

The woman gazed at Dennis in indecision since a person can never be too sure of a another's intentions especially in New York City. The little boy said, "Please mommy, I'm really, really thwisty."

Maya smiled at the boy and then at Finch. * I can't believe he's being so thoughtful…but, then again, he's never really been mean, just mostly annoying. * Turning her attention to the mother, she said, "The water bottles are all sealed and so are the crackers if you're worried."

The mother finally acquiesced and taking her son's hand, she led him over to Finch's car. Dennis smiled at the boy and asked, "Would you like to picnic up here with us…if it's ok with your mom, that is."

The boy turned to his mother and looked at her with hope written all over his face. She nodded and lifted him onto the hood. Dennis handed her some water and crackers which she opened for her son. After she handed them to the boy, she looked at Finch and Maya and said, "Thank you so much. I'm sorry I was so distrustful…but you never know."

Maya nodded and agreed, "Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Alot of weirdos out there." Extending her hand, she said, "By the way, I'm Maya and this is Finch."

Shaking both Maya and Finch's hand she introduced herself and her son as Linda and Mikey. Mikey gazed at Finch and said, "Finch is a funny name. Isn't that a biwd?"

Linda looked extremely embarrassed as she reprimanded her son, "Mikey, that's a very rude thing to say."

Finch just laughed and explained, "Actually, Finch is my last name. My first name is Dennis if you'd rather call me that."

The little boy shook his head and exclaimed, "I like Finch. I never called anyone by the last name without fwist saying Mr. or Mrs. I think it's cool." Looking down at the cards, Mikey said, "Ya playing a game?"

Finch nodded and said, "Well, we actually never started. You want to play with us?" The boy emphatically nodded his head. "So what do you want to play then? You're the guest so you can choose the game."

The boy smiled and yelled, "Go Fish!!"

Dennis snickered and said, "Go Fish it is. Hey, Maya wanna play too?"

"Nah, you two have fun, and I'll talk to Linda." Turning to Linda, she said, "Let's leave the boys to themselves and do some girl talk."

Linda smiled and said, "I'd like that. It's kind of crowded over here. Let's go sit on the hood of my car." Turning to address Mikey who was engrossed in the game, it took Linda several attempts to get Mikey's attention. "Honey, Maya and I are going to sit on the hood of our car. If you need me, that's where I'll be, and Dennis, if you have any problems with Mikey misbehaving just come get me. Now be good Mikey and mind Dennis." Both Mikey and Finch nodded before turning their attention back to the on-going game. When Maya and Linda reached Linda's car, she said, " You'd better let me sit on this side…that way I can still keep an eye on Mikey. He can get in trouble in the blink of an eye. He's a walking disaster."

Giggling, Maya said, "Reminds me of Finch." * Yep, Finch is certainly a walking disaster. Always getting into one bind or another. *

Settling themselves hood, Linda leaned forward and inquired in a quiet voice, "So give me the low down. How long have you and Dennis been together. You all make a darling couple."

Maya giggled and glanced at Finch as she whispered, "Oh…we're not together. We're just co-workers. Finch was picking me up from the airport." * What is it with people thinking me and Finch are a couple today? First Jordan and now Linda. *

"Oh sorry, you all seem to have such a good camaraderie that I just assumed you were together." Clearing her throat, Linda asked, "So that means that Dennis is available?" Maya narrowed her eyes before shrugging her shoulders. Linda smiled behind her hand as she realized that Maya had no idea she looked like a jealous girlfriend. * Aha, Maya does like Dennis but she's too stubborn to admit it. And I saw the way Dennis was looking at her. He's totally enamored of her. * Rubbing her hands together, she smiled as she thought, * They would be so cute together. Looks like some match-making is in order. I'm so devious. Go me. *

Maya, totally unaware of Linda's intentions, nonchalantly tried to redirect Linda's focus off of Dennis with some light conversation. * She doesn't want to get involved with Dennis. She doesn't know the real Dennis Finch, and she's too sweet to be taken in by him. * Maya was desperately trying to convince herself that it was the only reason she was trying to keep Linda from going after Finch. * I just don't want to see her hurt. This has absolutely nothing to do with my feelings for Finch…considering there are none other than seeing him as a mostly annoying, sometimes (but not often) half-way decent guy. Nope, nothing to do at all with me wanting Dennis for myself…'cause I don't. God, I really need to see that shrink. *

"Maya…Earth to Maya." Snapping her fingers in front of Maya's face, Linda finally managed to pull her back to reality. Smiling, she said, "You sorta spaced there for a minute." Maya sheepishly smiled before indicating for Linda to repeat the question that she had just asked. "I asked where you and Dennis work. You said that you all were co-workers, right?"

At that exact moment, Finch approached with Mikey and answered, "We work for Blush magazine. Maya is a writer for the magazine, and I'm the assistant to Jack Gallo, the owner."

Maya adopted Finch's trademark smirk and she said, "Basically he means that he's a glorified secretary."

"Hey, at least, I don't have the job because I'm a daddy's girl."

Maya huffed indignantly, "Dennis, I'm a good journalist regardless of whether my father owns the magazine or not."

Finch had the grace to look ashamed, but he couldn't resist retorting by pointing out, "You started it by calling me a 'glorified secretary.' I was just getting you back."

Maya sighed and acknowledged his accusation, "Ok, maybe you have a small point so why don't we both just shut up."

Linda was trying not to laugh as she observed how they cute they were together. * They definitely belong together…even if they can't see it. * Turning her attention to her son, she asked, "Something wrong honey? Did you get tired of playing cards?"

"I gotta go to the bafroom," he replied while jumping up and down holding his crotch, "Real baaad."

Finch grinned at the child before addressing his mother, "Yeah, that was why we came over. If you want, I can take him into the trees on the side of the road so he can use the bathroom. But I can understand if you don't trust me and would rather take him yourself."

Smiling at Finch, she said, "Don't worry. You and Maya have made a good impression so he's all yours to take to the bathroom." Casting her eyes to her son, she said, "Be good for Dennis or no zoo next Saturday." Mikey nodded and grabbed Finch's hands pulling him towards the trees. Linda's eyes followed them as she laughed, "He sure has taken a liking to Dennis. He's had trouble trusting men ever since his father abandoned us."

Maya looked at her in compassion. "Oh, I'm sorry. I had no idea."

Linda just waved her apology off. "It's not your fault. Michael, Mikey's father, and I had been having problems for several years so I'm not surprised that he left me…actually it was probably for the best because we weren't good for each other. But what really bothers me is that he abandoned not only me but his son too. We haven't seen or heard from him in over a year." She saw Finch and Mikey making their way back from the trees. Mikey looked extremely relieved. He was laughing and chattering Finch's ear off, and Dennis wore a huge grin the entire time. Nodding her head towards them, Linda said, "Look, he loves Dennis. I wonder what it is about Dennis that got him to let his guard down."

Maya giggled and replied, "Probably the fact that Finch is just a tall version of a kid…not that Finch is tall, but you know what I mean."

Linda shook her head and smiled. "Well, whatever it is, he is very good with kids. He probably would have made a good teacher."

Maya started laughing and said, "Finch, a teacher. You have got to be kidding me. He'd probably corrupt all the children."

"No, I'm serious. Just look at how well he's handling Mikey. Alot about being a good teacher has to do with if you can think on the level of the kids that your teaching."

"Well, Finch can sure do that part, but I still can't see him being a teacher. You don't know him like I do." Maya turned to gazed at Finch and Mikey. * But he does look cute with Mikey. Maybe he would have made a good teacher in another life. * She then saw Finch grab Mikey by the legs and dangle him upside down as he proceeded to tickle him. Mikey's happy laughter could be heard echoing between the cars. * Ah, that's so sweet. He'd probably be a good father. * Maya's eyes suddenly widened and she thought, * Did I actually just think that Finch, the Dennis Finch, would make a good father? * Hearing another peal of laughter, she saw Finch chasing Mikey towards the car. * I did think that, didn't I. If he's this good with all kids, he'd make a wonderful father…and probably a good teacher too. *

Maya attention was diverted as she heard a voice in one of the cars behind her yell, "Everyone, the radio just said that they have that spill cleaned up so we should be moving in a bit. We probably all need to get back in our cars pretty soon."

Linda said, "Well, it was a pleasure to meet both of you. Maybe we can exchange numbers and get together sometime." Mikey pulled on her sleeve and whispered something into her ear. "Well, why don't you ask them. It's ok with me if it's ok with them."

Mikey looked shyly at Finch and quietly asked, "Can you and Maya go wif us to the zoo next Satday?"

The boy had such a look of hope on his face that Finch caved instantly, "Sure, I'd love to go to the zoo with you." The boy's face lit up with a huge smile. Looking hesitantly at Maya, Dennis continued, "I'm not sure about Maya though. You want to go to the zoo on Saturday, Maya?" Maya just grinned and nodded her head.

Mikey squealed and jumped up and down in excitement. He gave Finch a hug and then ran and gave Maya one too. Jumping into his car, he yelled, "See ya next Satday Finch. Bye." Dennis waved at him and said goodbye to Linda before making his way back to his car where he started putting the remnants of their so-called picnic back into the trunk. Maya and Linda exchanged phone numbers before bidding each other fair well.

Settling herself into Finch's car, Maya inquired, "So…it looked like you and Mikey had fun."

Finch smiled and replied, "Yeah, he's a good kid. Kinda reminded me of myself at that age."

Maya muttered under her breath, "You still act like a little kid."

Finch rolled his eyes and said, "I heard that. Ohhh look, traffic is finally moving." Finch started singing, "On the road again, can't wait to get back on the road again…"

Maya hit him in the shoulder and ordered, "Finch, shut up and drive."