"I think we should just be friends" the words echoed in my brain over and over again.

Had it only been a few months ago that Nick had kissed me on the balcony at the Christmas party? Had it only been a few weeks since that New Years Eve party we had spent the whole night watching movies and .. ok, so we didn't exactly watch the movies but hey, it was New Years.

"Tessa, I'm sorry, really. I know that this wasn't something that you wanted to hear on Valentine's Day."

Or any day. I thought to myself. But I knew I couldn't say that. So I said the only thing that I could think of, that he would want to hear. "Maybe you're right." I replied softly, all the while my heart twisting painfully. I stood up. "I should get going. Meghan's probably waiting for me. Thanks for dinner."

"Tessa." When he spoke my name, I thought my heart would break.

"Nick. Don't. look, you're right. Being friends is ok." I smiled.

"See you at work" I said, then I turned and hurried out of the restaurant.

But I didn't see him that night as we were both kept busy working separate cases.

By the time shift was over, I was tired beyond belief. As I was heading out, I passed the break room and I could see Nick sitting at the table with Sara, both drinking coffee.

Sara must have spotted me because a few minutes later, I heard her calling my name.

I didn't stop walking, and she caught up to me. "For the love of God Tessa slow down a minute will you?"

I kept walking but did slow down a little. "What, Sar?" I asked.

"Are you ok? I mean really?" Sara asked me.

"I'm fine Sar. Really."

And though I don't realy think I was then, I knew that in time I would be. I cared about Nick and I always would, but I knew that the best thing for me to do was move on. I had survived a divorce. I could survive this.

ninemonths later...

" Tessa, what in the world is going on?" Catherine asked me as she came into the break room, folllowed by Sara, Warrick,Greg and Nick.

"Yeah, whats the big news? Are you like getting married or something?" Greg asked a little snidely.

I only grinned and held up my hand "Actually, yes I am Greg."

There was a brief silence then Catherine and Sara both started shrieking.

Suddenly I found myself in the middle of a group hug. We were rudely interrupted when Grissom stuck his head in the door. "Cath, Sara,Warrick. Dective Conroy's waiting outside for you.

"Greg, there is evidence in the labI need you to process."

"Oh and Tessa, Congratulations" he said before disapearing.

Alone in the break room with Nick, I wasn't quite sure what to say. But as usual, I didn't have to

say anything. "Congratulations Tessa. I'm very happy for you." he said as he hugged me.

and although he sounded sincere, there was something in is eyes that told me otherwise.

"I have some paper work I need to do. I'll be in my office." I told him. When I walked out the door this time, I didn't llok back.