Author's Note: This is my first attempt at E/G or O&A fanfiction. If I'm completely off base with their characterizations, please let me know.


It was December 22nd before Grace Manning realized Christmas was a mere three days away. That thought brought a definite sense of uncertainty to her being. She wasn't concerned about presents – she'd long ago bought something for everyone on her list. Lily Sammler was a big fan of the after Thanksgiving Day sales and dragged all three of her daughters out with her annually at four in the morning.

No, this uncertainty came from something a bit more… personal. Eli would be flying in Christmas Eve, like always, and he'd be at the house again until after New Years. It was one of the few times of the year they managed to be in the house together – Grace had gotten very good at wriggling her way out of family functions she knew he'd attend. Not to mention Eli had put almost 800 miles between them when he moved to New York. Christmas was the only holiday Grace could never successfully avoid and she'd been trying for five years now.

The weird thing was that she was over him. Grace Manning had long ago walked away from the dream that Eli Sammler would ride up on a white horse and take her away from her life. He'd successfully shattered that fantasy New Years 2004. It started the night Grace lost her virginity.

Eli had been so patient with her, so gentle, and Grace had stupidly believed it meant something. She thought the way he kissed her, the way he loved her, changed something between them. And the worst part was that Eli let her believe it. When he'd boarded his plane back to New York two days later, she'd been so sure about his whispered promises. Sure, he'd whispered them in the bedroom, but that didn't matter. Right?

After three weeks of nothing, Grace had become desperate. She needed to know what was going on – why hadn't he called? – so she took a flight to New York. Jessie had volunteered Eli's address easily (of course, she thought Grace was sending him a birthday card) and Grace was off on her quest. Only, at the end of her journey she found some brunette named Shelley with big, brown eyes. Grace hadn't waited around for explanations, immediately returning to the airport and catching a red-eye back to Chicago. She hadn't seen him again until nearly a year later – Christmas.

For two days everything she'd wanted since she was fourteen years old was hers, but then real life started again. Her very real, very cruel life started again. After classes started again at school, Grace threw herself into the wholeheartedly. She'd changed her major from theatre to anthropology to remove the hold Eli had over her. Her acting was something in the past, just like Eli.

Grace knew she'd changed her whole life to get away from Eli – the life she'd wanted before had a place for him in it and she couldn't leave a place for him in her future. Then, a little bit at a time she started to forget him. Three months after the New York fiasco, she found herself wondering if his eyes were brown or green – she honestly couldn't remember. Then, she forgot the way he smelled. What cologne did he prefer? She forgot the way he made her laugh, the way only he could make her laugh. She forgot the way he loved Jessie. She forgot so much the only thing she remembered was the lock he wore around his neck. It was the one thing that defined him to her. That lock symbolized how he locked people who wanted to love him out of his life, but also how he locked himself up inside. Only Eli would find something so perfect.

Grace was pulled from her thoughts when Professor Novak walked in. "Are you still here?" the older woman asked.

She smiled at her mentor. "I was just getting my things together."

The older woman observed her for a moment. "Ah. It looked like you might be reminiscing."

"Doing a bit of that as well," she admitted. "Though I'm not sure why. The person I was thinking about has been out of my life for so long…knowing him is like a distant memory to me."

Grace blushed when her professor didn't reply. "Are you all packed for Peru?"

"Yes." She walked over to her desk, needing to check a few things before her flight. "No chance you've changed your mind, is there? I would really like an assistant on this trip."

"You have Phillip." Grace ignored the exasperated look the professor shot her. "It's his time to shine – his field test. Mine will come soon enough."

"I suppose your right. Still, I'm not sure why Phillip couldn't have his field test with his own supervisor."

The younger woman didn't say anything. She'd heard this complaint a few times over the last three months – since Professor Dunne had pulled out of the Peru excavation. "You'll only be there for three weeks. Besides, once you get to the site you'll hardly notice Phillip. You're not going to baby-sit, Professor, you're going on a dig. And though you haven't admitted it, I know you're excited."

Grace was, of course, correct. The university supervisor did not need to tell her that, however. "Any other plans for the holiday?"

The brunette shrugged. "Working on my thesis. My mom has only announced plans for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve. I'm sure we'll do things during the other time – but I don't plan on just tossing my responsibilities aside for the whole holiday."

"Make sure you have some fun," the professor instructed. "It is supposed to be a vacation."

Grace smiled. "I will." She wanted to say more, but the telephone rang. Professor Novak picked it up and spoke to the person on the other line. When she hung up, she continued rummaging through the papers on her desk. "Did you lose something?"

The blonde nodded and blushed. "My passport."

"Problem solved." Grace dug into the second desk drawer and produced the small black book. "Do you need a ride to the airport?"

"The taxi is waiting for me as we speak. I just came in for this." She glanced down at her watch. "Is that the time? I should go," she apologized.

Grace waved the apology away. She took her leather bag and slung it over one shoulder. "I'll walk you out."

Once they were outside, Professor Novak wrapped one arm around Grace's shoulder and repeated her instructions from earlier. "Have some fun, kiddo. You deserve it."

The brunette nodded her head. "I will. If you need anything, call me and I'll get it to you. Enjoy the dig." Her supervisor hugged her once more before climbing into the back of the taxi. The yellow car lurched away from the curb quickly, but Grace didn't leave immediately. She stood there waiting until she could no longer see the car.

For some reason, she wished she was going to Peru this Christmas.


When she got back to her apartment, the first thing Grace did was toe off her tennis shoes. As comfortable as they were, nothing was better than sinking her feet into the plush carpeting of her living room. Sometimes she liked being spoiled.

She went to the kitchen in search of food, and saw the light on her answering machine blinking. It was odd – no one ever used that phone. She made sure her cell was with her at all times. One of the benefits of being a research assistant was having an easy-going boss and flexible hours. "Probably telemarketers," she mumbled. Still, she hit the button.

At first she heard nothing on the message, she silence. It didn't last for more than ten seconds before whoever it was hung up, but it was a bit odd. Grace immediately pick up her phone and started scanning through the Caller-ID. She frowned when she saw the last four telephone calls came from a blocked number. The second message was odd as well. There was more silence, but Grace could hear some noise in the background. It was… she bit her lip, concentrating. Was that someone breathing?

"Grace—" she heard, right before the machine beeped.

She stared at her machine oddly for a moment before pushing the 'erase' button. Whoever it wasn't hadn't called to leave another message. It probably wasn't important anyway. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling…

Sighing, Grace reached for the handset and immediately called home. Her mom picked up after the second ring and Grace asked, "Did you call my apartment today?"

Lily answered that she hadn't and Grace explained the two silent messages she'd received to her mother. After a moment or two, both of them agreed it was likely a telemarketer and wasn't anything to worry about. Before she'd gotten off the phone, Lily had asked her to come over for dinner no less than three times. Her daughter had refused, but finally relented and agreed to spend tomorrow and Christmas Eve at her childhood home.

When they hung up, Grace went back to her refrigerator in search of food. There wasn't anything edible – a two-week-old opened bag of salad and old chicken. She regretted for a moment turning down the home-cooked meal from her mother. Still, she could eat take-out one night if it meant having a bit of privacy and some alone time. Happy with her decision, Grace reached for the drawer where she kept the menus.


Eli Sammler's flight arrived on time – 5:34 p.m. – at O'Hare International Airport on Christmas Eve. Because her mother and Rick had a 'prior commitment' Grace was sent to the airport to retrieve him. It wasn't something she was happy about.

She waited patiently for him in front of baggage claim, like her mother instructed, wondering if she'd even recognize him. Karen and Jessie liked to gush and say he'd gotten even handsomer, but Grace didn't think that was possible. Eli Sammler reached his peek at age 17 – it was the last time she could think fondly of him. After that, his good looks started to fade in her opinion, right along with his taste.

Grace felt him before she saw him. From somewhere behind her, she heard a laugh that was so distinctly male she knew deep down it must be Eli's. Before turning to greet her stepbrother, Grace made a promise she'd be civil towards him at least. It was Christmas after all.

She heard someone gasp and then blushed when she realized it was her. Though she still didn't like him, Karen and Jessie weren't exactly wrong. Eli looked very… prosperous. He was wearing a collared white shirt under a black suit jacket. Grace noticed immediately he wasn't wearing a tie. Sitting low on his hips were tailored dress slacks, a shiny black belt rested against his stomach. The clean black shoes he wore and a leather bag thrown over his right shoulder completed the look. Grace searched her memory for his job – it was something in the music business, wasn't it? – as he approached. She released the breath she'd been holding when he was just a few feet in front of her. Grace Manning felt like she was seeing Eli Sammler for the first time in years. Her brown eyes closed as she took a deep breath before giving him a shaky smile.

There was nothing shaky about the smile she received in return, she noticed. Eli gave her the silly little grin she always felt he reserved especially for her. "Hey, you." He wrapped his left arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his body. Grace felt her eyes flutter close again when he kissed her temple. "I thought Lily was picking me up."

She counted to five in her mind before she turned to face him. "Rick's firm is having their Christmas party tonight. Everyone else seemed to have plans as well, so Mom sent me."

Eli felt himself deflate when he realized Grace wasn't given a choice. He dropped his hand back to his side and turned towards the baggage carousel. "My case should be here soon."

"Guitar?" she inquired. "Can't leave home without it, can you?"

He grinned at her. "You know it. But I did actually bring some clothes to change into this year."

Grace found herself wondering if they were all like the clothes he was wearing now. It they were, she was in serious, serious trouble. Eli looked good enough to eat in the dress suit.

They stood facing the moving carousel together, silence falling between them. After what felt like an eternity, Eli stepped forward to claim his guitar case and another, larger suitcase. Grace saw immediately he was struggling with balancing all three bags and took pity on him. "Need some help?"

He gently sat the guitar on the floor and offered her the bag slung over his right shoulder. "Thanks."

She nodded before turning around. "Follow me, my car is in temporary parking."

Eli intentionally fell behind as she took off. He dropped his head to the side and watched as she moved around in her denim jeans. He'd always thought she was… pretty, but not in traditional ways. What she was lacking in the beauty department, she more than made up for with the air of confidence she carried with her. He realized he was falling further behind than he liked, and Eli walked briskly towards her. When he fell in-step next to her, he suddenly realized it was going to be a very long week and a half.

He let out a low whistle when he saw the black Honda Accord she was driving. "Little sister is moving up in the world, huh?"

Grace blushed. "Mom and Rick gave me the down payment for my graduation in May. I love this car."

"It suits you," he told her. Grace used the hand remote to open the trunk. Eli sat his guitar on the ground again and put his suitcase into the trunk. His guitar followed. When Grace started to put the bag she was holding beside the guitar, Eli stopped her. "My laptop's in there. I prefer to keep it with me."

"Okay."

He took it from her. "It's just… if I get inspired, I like to have it handy."

"Yes, because a trip down I-90 always inspires me as well," she joked. He let the comment slide, and Grace sobered. "No more writing lyrics on diner napkins?"

"After the second time I threw out a damn good song, I bought myself one of these. Now I never leave home without it."

Once they were both inside and their seat belts were fastened, Grace started the car. She looked over at Eli and asked, "Any stops before we get home?"

Home, Eli wondered. Did he even have a home? "I could eat. You had dinner?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Want to go by my dad's place?"

"Sounds good." As the car started to move, Eli laid his head back against the headrest and exhaled. He closed his eyes and listened to Grace as she softly sang along to the CD. "Howie Day, huh?"

"I love this CD. I have a few copies, so I'm never without it."

He cracked an eye open. "You're serious?"

Grace nodded. "Yep."

"You're cracked," he told her affectionately.

"You're my brother, Eli. That doesn't speak very highly of you either."

"No, this is all Manning, I have no doubt."

She laughed at him. "As if you've never had a CD – or a song – that you loved. C'mon, E, I know you way better than that."

She was right, he knew. Granted he didn't want to admit it to her. "Never something I listen to continuously."

"So you don't have your absolute favorite songs loaded on your iPod?"

"Of course, what's the point if I didn't—"

"And you don't take that iPod with you everywhere?"

"I do."

"So, in a sense, you have your favorite songs at your fingertips. Me too, just in a less conventional way."

Eli was about to reply when Grace's cell phone rang. She picked it up a talked for a few moments before hanging up. She immediately started changing lanes. "Mom. She needs me to pick something up for her at the mall. You mind?"

He shrugged. "Nope. I need to get something there myself."

"Why didn't you say something before?"

"Didn't want to you to go out of your way. I would have just come back later." He put his head back again as Grace took the familiar route to the mall. His hazel eyes were closed and Eli contented himself with listening to the soft lull in Grace's voice. At least she wasn't out of tune.

The mall was full of last minute shoppers. Eli said he knew where he was going, though he wouldn't tell Grace. He'd only said it was a surprise for Lily, and he didn't want it to be spoiled. They agreed to meet at the car in twenty minutes and they both went their separate ways.

Her first few steps away from him were shaky. She was beginning to question her thoughts from the day before. Being around Eli… well, it certainly wasn't good for her sanity. He was family, though. After today and tomorrow, she'd return to her apartment and he'd be staying at her mom's. She probably wouldn't see him again until New Years Eve. She could do this. She had to do this.

Eli was waiting for her when she got to the car. He was standing very still as the wind cut through the thin jacket he wore. Grace rushed forward and quickly unlocked the car. "I'm sorry! I forgot how cold the wind could be."

"My fault. Left my coat in New York. I'll be fine."

Grace slid her eyes over him, noticing he wasn't carrying any bags. "Whatever you bought, must have been small. Jewelry, maybe?"

"I'm not telling you. Let's go eat, I'm starving."

When they arrived at her father's restaurant, the parking lot was overflowing. There was a line, but luckily Tiffany saw them. She waved them forward, looking overwhelmed. "Tonight's not a good night, Gracie. There'll be a wait."

Grace nodded and moved back towards the end of the line. It took her a moment to realize Eli wasn't following. "Are you sure there isn't one tiny table with two chairs," he asked. "It can even be in the corner next to the kitchen."

Tiffany looked at the young man in front of her. Over the years, she'd developed a bit of a soft spot for him. There was something about Eli that cried out to the mother in her. "Eli—"

"I haven't eaten since breakfast this morning. Could you just check again?"

She smiled, giving in. "Give me a second." When she returned, Tiffany was holding two menus in her hand. "Follow me."

Grace laughed softly at her stepmother and Eli, but followed after them anyway. Their table was exactly where Eli requested it be – in the back, by the kitchen. It was very intimate and Grace exhaled slowly. She was going to sit there, with Eli? Suddenly this seemed like a very bad idea.

He helped her with her coat and waited until she was seated before taking his own seat. Grace eyed him carefully. "Did someone send you to finishing school in New York?"

"More like obedience school," he teased. Eli was pleased with himself when Grace laughed. He liked seeing her laugh. "I got tired of being an ass."

"When?"

"Three years ago. I realized it was getting me nowhere. A friend was trying to help me get a job and I didn't want to accept it. Finally, she left me no choice. I'm grateful for that."

The brunette nodded. Though it hurt her it was a woman who helped him understand he didn't need to go through life with a chip on his shoulder, she was glad he finally learned that lesson.

As the evening passed, they got lost in conversation. It'd been a year since they'd spoken at all and talking always seemed natural to both of them. In a lot of ways, Grace and Eli were the only two in the Manning/Sammler family who completely understood each other. That wasn't always a good thing, but for the most part it worked.

Halfway through the meal, Jake came to their table. Grace stood and hugged her father and Eli shook his hand. Jake was surprised at Eli. A young man who obviously knew where his life was going had suddenly replaced the scrawny kid his daughter had the crush on in high school. He'd never cared much either way for Rick's son, but it made him proud in some way. Of course, Jake found that he wasn't completely surprised. Grace had seen something in him a long time ago. It might have taken a few years for Eli to figure it out himself, but it was always there.