Friends and Lovers

Chapter 1

Summary: A plan goes awry with unexpected results.

Disclaimers: None of the Sue Thomas, FBEye characters belong to me although I wish otherwise. New characters are a product of my imagination.

Author's Note: indicate change of scene and time, indicate change of scene but concurrent time

Warning: This is NOT a JackandSue story.

Bullpen

Bobby sauntered into the office to drop off some folders before heading home when he spotted Sue at her desk. Levi looked up and placed his paw on her lap.

"Burning the midnight oil, Sue?" asked Bobby stopping by her desk. The bullpen was virtually deserted.

She grimaced. "The manpower report for Randy is due tomorrow," she explained wryly. "You know how he's been lately about reports being turned in late so I thought I better finish it tonight. Why are you here? I thought you were gone for the day."

He held up two folders. "Didn't want to misplace these so I thought I'd just drop them off. It was on my way home." He checked out her desk. "All done?"

Sue nodded. "I was just clearing up."

"What say we go grab something to eat?" he suggested. "By the time you get home, it'll be late. It's on me," he added as an enticement.

She shook her head. "You don't have to do that. I'd love to have dinner with you. Lucy's out on a date so it would've been just Levi and me anyway."

"Great! Grab your things and we can go." He looked down at Levi. "What about Levi here? He needs to eat, too."

"He has," she assured him. "Since we never know when we'll be working late, I keep some dog food for him here with his water bowl."

"Okay then. It looks like we're the only two people that haven't eaten yet."

Sue looked down at Levi. "You hear that, Levi? Bobby thinks you're a person—just like you do." She glanced at Bobby with a smile.

"Of course he is," said Bobby with great certainty. "The only difference between Levi and Myles is that Levi has a better disposition."

Sue just rolled her eyes.

The pair headed towards the elevator talking about where to eat. "Let's go to that Thai place down the street," recommended Sue. "The food's really good."

Bobby looked leery. 'Too many vegetables," he protested.

"It's healthy," pointed out Sue. "And it won't kill you for one night to eat healthy. And I'll treat," she offered.

He stared at her. "Your treat?"

She nodded.

"Okay," he gave in. "For myself, I can't see paying all that money for vegetables. Now if it was a nice juicy steak…."

"If it's steak you want, you're buying the next time," stated Sue.

"Deal," he smiled.

Even though it was a cold December evening, the two decided to walk to the restaurant since it was only a block away. The walk passed quickly in friendly conversation about the day. Dinner was a nice relaxed meal, punctuated with laughter. In the midst of a story, Sue's blackberry went off.

"Your phone," Bobby gestured. It was one of the few signs he knew.

She reached down and took it out of her bag. "Lucy came home early from her date and she's wondering where I am," she shared looking up at him. "Lucy?" answered Sue. "I'm fine. I'm having dinner with Bobby."

"Bobby?" scrolled across the screen.

"Yeah, we left the office at the same time so we decided to grab something to eat."

"Finished the manpower report for that little tyrant?"

"Yes, I did."

"Well, I'll see you when I see you. Tell Bobby I said hi."

"Okay, bye." She looked up at Bobby. "Lucy said hi." She glanced around curiously, "What time is it? It must be pretty late if she's back from her date already."

Checking his watch, he said, "A quarter to ten. No wonder the waitress has been hovering with the check for the past ten minutes." He reached into his coat for his wallet when Sue stopped him.

"No," she said firmly. "My treat, remember?"

"But, Sue…" he protested

"No." She glared at him.

Reluctantly he let go of his wallet. He gave her a look. "You are a stubborn woman, Sue Thomas. But thank you for dinner."

"You're welcome. I had fun."

"Me, too."

Parking Garage

"See you tomorrow," he said as she got in her car. "Thanks again for dinner. Now remember," he said pointing a finger at her, "next time it's on me."

"Deal. Good-night."

He waved and stepped away to head for his car when funny noises emanating from Sue's car made him stop and turn around. He waved to get her attention.

"I don't know what's wrong," stated Sue as she opened her door.

"Sounds like your battery's dead," replied Bobby. "The engine's not turning over. Try it again." Obediently, she started the engine again but the same straining sound could be heard. She looked at him for confirmation.

"I'm pretty sure it's the battery."

She got out of the car. "I'll call Lucy to come get me."

"Don't be silly," he said. "I'll drive you home. Tell you what. I have a friend that does this kind of thing. He can change the battery for you. Give me your keys and I'll have him take care of it. You can come in with Lucy tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"It's not a problem," he assured. "C'mon, Levi. Let's go home."

"Thanks for the ride home and the company at dinner," said Sue as Bobby pulled up to her building.

"I had fun tonight." He got out opening her door and letting out Levi. "I think it was the company but it could be because I didn't have to pay," he grinned. "Thank you."

"See you tomorrow. Good night," smiled Sue.

Bobby watched until she and Levi entered the building. It had been fun, he thought to himself.