* I am not affiliated with NBC or James E. Reilly. I am simply borrowing the characters.

C H A P T E R    T H I R T E E N

Contradicted feelings

That's just great. Fox thought to himself as his car refused to revive. Just when I need to get away, my car doesn't start. Fox hit the steering wheel in frustration. Fox got out of the car and slammed the door. He looked at his watch. It's a little late for a walk. He thought to himself. May as well go back to the apartment, He thought grudgingly. Fox walked slowly. He looked up at the L.A. sky that was slowly transforming into night. It'll get pretty dark soon. He thought silently. Fox sighed. Theresa must really hate me right now. I shouldn't have been so cold to her. He thought regretfully. I don't want to lose her as a friend, but I want Whitney. I love Whitney.

As Fox reentered the courtyard, he caught a glimpse of a man talking to Theresa. Why does he look familiar? He asked himself. As he walked closer, Fox recognized the profile of his old friend Dylan. What's he doing in L.A.? Fox wondered silently. "Hey, Dylan." Fox called.

Dylan turned around as Theresa looked away. She was trying to avoid Fox's gaze. "Fox! Long time no see, eh?" Dylan called back.  The two friends exchanged a friendly handshake.

"Yeah, it's been awhile since we've seen each other. What are you doing here?" Fox asked.

"I thought I'd drop in. The thought of L.A. sounded enticing. And, I want to meet this special girl that you're trying to woo."

"Why? So you can steal her away from me?" Fox joked.

"Well, don't blame me if the girl realizes how much better she can do. I wouldn't be surprised if she left you in a heartbeat." Although Dylan was jesting, Theresa couldn't help but think that it was true. She remained quiet while the two men bantered.

"You got jokes huh?" Fox said.

"Oh yeah- plenty. I learned a thing or two while you were gone."

"Really? Well, everything else you've already learned was from me. You don't have to thank me now." Fox replied. Did you teach Dylan how to go after a taken woman? Theresa thought silently. She frowned. Maybe I was a bad influence on him. I went after Ethan so zealously. It's no wonder Fox won't give up. I didn't until I got Ethan to admit he still had an attraction towards me. I didn't want Ethan then, and I don't want him now. Why can't Fox see that?

"Thank you? Oh please, Fox. I think you've got it the other way around." Dylan said, interrupting Theresa's thoughts. "Hey, you're a little quiet Theresa." Dylan said as he playfully nudged her. Theresa tried to look cheerful while masking her true feelings. "Well, Dylan." She said nudging him back. "I just didn't want to interrupt your playful repartee. I was having too much fun watching you two go back and forth." Theresa still refused to let her gaze travel to Fox's eyes. Fox sensed that she was avoiding his eyes.. Truthfully, he was doing the same. He was of what her eyes would tell him.

"I see." Dylan answered. "Well, it's been fun, but I've got to go."

"Aww, that's too bad." Fox said mockingly.

"I'll miss you too." Dylan said sarcastically. "But you know, all good things must eventually come to an end."

"Parting is such sweet sorrow." Fox replied sarcastically

"Aye, that it is my friend." Dylan said. "Theresa," he began as he turned to face her. "I really had fun talking to you. Maybe we should get together another time?" He suggested.

Theresa tried to look at Fox's reaction through the corner of her eyes. She saw him shift from one foot to the other as he crossed his arms. "I'd like that." She said softly.

"Great." Dylan smiled. He looked at Fox. He doesn't look too happy. Dylan noted. "I know where to find  you, but could I have your number?" he asked Theresa.

"Yeah, sure. I don't have a pen on me~"

"Here." Dylan interrupted. "I always keep one handy."

"I don't suppose you have paper too?" Theresa asked smiling.

"Well, use the back of this card. It'll do. Just don't write too big."

Theresa laughed. "Okay, I'll try not too." Theresa quickly wrote her number and handed Dylan back the card.

"Perfect." Dylan replied. "I'll call you later then?"

"Okay. Good night Dylan."

"Good night." Dylan hugged Theresa and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Fox tensed watching Dylan with Theresa. He cleared his throat.  Theresa was the first to let go of the embrace. "I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah." Dylan smiled. "Later, Fox." He said to his friend.

"Bye." Fox said softly. He looked at Theresa. She was looking the other way. "Theresa." He said quietly.

Theresa cocked her head to acknowledge that she heard him. She still refused to turn around.

"Theresa- look at me." Fox pleaded. "Please." He walked over to her and turned her around. "Theresa." He said again as he tilted her chin upwards.

"Fox." Theresa said. Her heart raced as thoughts swirled in her head. Fox was so close to her. One move forward and their lips would touch. Kiss him something inside told Theresa. Kiss him before you lose the moment. Before Theresa could react, Fox stepped back a little. Fox noted something between the two of them just awhile ago. What was that? He thought. Before he found out, Fox thought it was best to pull away. He cleared his throat. "We should probably go back upstairs."

"Yeah." Theresa said bemused. She felt foolish and quickly walked away.

What's going on between me and Theresa? Fox wondered. 

~*~

*Please review. Thanks to all those who have commented on my fic! I really appreciate your opinions!