.

This from both Abby and Carters points of view.

I'm mad. There is no way this is going to work. I haven't been close to Carter for months, not as close as we used to be anyway. We haven't had a proper conversation in I don't know how long just light banter around work and that's it. That's all. How are we going to survive a whole night? Pretending to be his girlfriend. The most important person in his life.

At least he gave me time to pick a dress that hadn't made its last appearance down an aisle. Richard just loved that. Oh God, what if Richards here? And Alexis? I have to laugh remembering the fun Carter had at Alexis' name the last time. Carter, oh crap he'll be here soon. I nee to finish getting ready.

More importantly, I need a cigarette.

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I step out of the shower, grabbing a towel of the rack. I look into the mirror trying to tame my hair into something presentable. I sigh. There is always that small bit of hair at the back that always sticks up. I could shave it all of. I smile at this thought. Discarding the towel I head to my bedroom looking at my tux lying neatly on the bed, ironed to within an inch of its life. I hear Gamma in my head telling me to come well presented and then going on to tell me about many prospective girlfriends that will be there. Thank God for Abby.

Ok one last check in the mirror. I'll have to do. I'm ready to go. Yet I feel something in the depths of my stomach. It can't be nerves. I mean its Abby, Abby , my best friend.

I think back to the past few months. I don't deserve her as my best friend I haven't been there for her. I wasn't there when she needed me.

Maybe it is nerves. Maybe I'm nervous she resents me for not being there for her, or that I abandoned her.

Tonight could be my opportunity to change things. To set things straight once and for all. Yes, I decide, tonight is my second chance and I'm not going to waste it.

I breathe in deeply, grab my keys and head out the door.

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Oh shit. Carter will be here in fifteen minutes and I'm standing in my bra and kickers. He phoned to say that he had just left his apartment and would be round soon. I had only just finished my make-up and hair. Keeping it simple I decided to curl my hair and clip it up, I then fastened a few small red rose clips into my hair that match my dress. Then I remember. My dress!

I had bought it the previous day and forgotten to take it out of the bag. I run into my bedroom and open the bottom of the wardrobe. I retrieve the dress from the bag and look at its red material littered with creases and folds.

Five minutes until Carter arrives and I'm standing in my kitchen ironing my dress. I finish only realizing I've left the curling tongs on in my bedroom. Running between rooms turning curling tongs and the iron off I hear the doorbell ring. Totally forgetting about my current state of appearance I open the door.

"Hey Carter."

Carter's eyes widen and his cheeks redden.

"Ugh, Abby."

My jaw drops and I look down.

"Two seconds." I say slamming the door in his face.

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Boy was I NOT expecting a half naked Abby to answer the door. I don't know who was more embarrassed her or me. I wait for a minute or two before I knock the door again

"Umm Abby, we need to get going soon."

I shout through the closed door. She quickly opens it again. Even though she is blushing I am stunned by her appearance, her red cheeks matching the floor length crimson dress she is wearing and the red roses she has in her hair. She's beautiful.

"Umm sorry, I lost track of things."

She says this as she brushes a strand of curled hair behind her ear and looks up at me sheepishly. I laugh.

"Don't worry, but I think that's the first time I've ever seen my date in her underwear at the START of the evening."

"So I'm your date now am I?"

She doesn't miss anything. I look down at her a half grin on her face.

"Well yes Miss Lockhart, if that's ok with you."

"That's fine by me Dr. Carter."

We both smile at each other. I extend my arm to her, she takes it and we walk down the stairs together.

I look down at her, lost in her own thoughts.

Yes, I think this night could be all right in the end.

Outside the building she stops on the steps.

"The limo?"

She looks at me quizzically, a slight smirk on her face.

"What's wrong with the limo?"

I ask defensively.

"Oh nothing," she says shrugging her shoulders, "I just thought that after all the begging you did, maybe you would have hired a rocket or something."

I smile at her, "Rockets were fully booked tonight, sorry,"

"Ah well, limo it is then."

Yes this night may be all right in the end.

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Chapter 4 for you to read and hopefully enjoy. Please keep reviewing.

Luv Ashling :)