Breakfast was one of his favorite meals. That and lunch and dinner, Sue observed. She watched in amazement as the Aussie packed away a short stack, two helpings of bacon and ham, coffee and orange juice and two plates of eggs, one scrambled and the other over-easy.
"Are you going to eat that?" He pointed to her barely touched crepes. With a smile, she slid the plate toward him. He nodded his thanks and dug in.
It was a rare moment for her. So often, the gang would go out but so much time was spent trying to follow conversation she missed just being able to watch people. This was one of the few times it was just her and Bobby. So, she just watched.
Eventually, the tall agent figured out he was under close surveillance and glanced up to see a pair of hazel eyes sparkling at him. "What? Do I have egg on my face?" He waggled his eyebrows at her.
"Um, no, but you missed a bite."
He stabbed the offending crepe with his fork and practically inhaled it. "Viola, sheila, magic like you rarely see."
"Well, I've seen them make elephants disappear but I've never seen anyone do it by eating."
"Oh, you wound me!" He made to slap his chest but she caught his hand.
Gesturing to the nice shirt he was wearing, she said "Syrup."
"Oh. Too right." He flashed a dimpled smile and cleaned off his hands. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?".
Immediately, Sue sobered up. She hadn't wanted to think that far ahead. Sensing a change in her mood, Bobby grabbed the check and suggested they leave. Once in the car, he faced her.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Blue eyes looked at her with concern.
"No, you didn't do anything." She smiled to reassure him. "I have a lot to think about. This stuff, it's a bit overwhelming right now. James, Hector, you, me, Jack, the team… How does it all fit? Where do I fit? What am I supposed to do?"
He took her hand. "I want you to promise me something. If you ever need me, you will call." Holding up the cast up so she could take a good look, he saw the pain in her eyes as she remembered how he received it. "Sue, I'm serious. If I'm not there and you needed me, this would mean nothing."
"I don't want to…" She searched for the right word. "I don't want to be a burden."
Her own words echoed in her head when he said, "It's not like that. Somehow, I know when to come or when to call. It's not like I sit around waiting. If you need me, promise me, promise me…" She nodded but he would have none of it. "Say it."
"I…promise." Tears glimmered as she realized how much this would mean to their relationship. Suddenly, the scenery became very interesting.
The Aussie noticed her withdrawal and allowed it for the moment. He had just committed to something larger than himself and his job. "Oh, boy." He turned to check on Levi who was snoozing in the back seat. With a deep sigh, he started the car.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the gas station where he'd left his car earlier that morning. He tapped her hand to get her attention.
"Go home, sheila. Call Sparky and let him take your mind off of things. Go, be you for a while."
"But what do I tell him?"
"The truth, darlin'. That your heart needs him." He winked at her. "You'll know what you can say and can't. He'll understand." Turning away, he mumbled "If he doesn't, I'll beat him silly 'til he does."