So I decided to combine what I was going to make two separate chapters together, seemed to work better this way. Thanks everyone for the reviews, glad everyone is liking it. Getting these good reviews makes me want to write more.

(Joanne's POV)

I had gotten up early to leave for work. I wanted to make sure I got most of my work done early today in case I had to leave early because of Mark. I quickly got ready, gathered my things, and headed to work.

When I got to the office, about an hour early, there were only a few people in the building. It was kind of spooky it being so quiet in there. I was used to hundreds of people running around, screaming about needing something or other; this was a nice change. However, my office wasn't too quiet for long. I wasn't in there for three minutes and my phone began to ring. The first two were clients with yet some more questions about their cases. Then Maureen called; said she woke up and I was gone and she was worried. She told me she loved me then said she was going back to bed. About five minutes later Steve was walking into my office. Here was this man, so handsome and lovable yet was causing so many problems for me right now. Maybe I should just tell him everything, about Maureen, about my "feelings" for him and see what happens from there. But now wasn't the time, maybe later.

"Good morning Joanne. How's your friend?" he genuinely seemed to care.

"We haven't heard anything yet." I was trying to avoid eye contact. It always seems once you make eye contact with someone it is harder to contain your emotions. I was scared about Mark and my "feelings" for Steve, my emotions were on edge anyway, so I didn't need to chance it.

"Well, how about we go to lunch today, maybe get your mind off of it?" There he went flashing that absolutely adorable smile at me again.

We debated about it for awhile and eventually I agreed to go with him. He had made a very compelling argument. Shortly thereafter he excused himself, said he had a lot of work piled up and left.

About 9:30 I receive the phone call I had been dreading. It was Eden. I could tell she had been crying. I was glad that Roger was there for her. The two of them rarely left Mark's side. The doctors had come in that morning and told them that Mark had a serious, rare infection. They were fairly certain that all he would need however was a few rounds of antibiotics, but there was always that chance that he would need more aggressive treatment, but that they'd talk about that if need be. Eden reassured me she was ok, that Roger was there and that Collins was on his way. She told me she'd be mad if I left work to come over so I obliged to her wishes, sent Mark my love and called Maureen to let her know about Mark. Of course she wasn't up yet so I left it on the machine. I hung up the phone, half glad that Mark was going to be ok and half depressed I hadn't go to talk to Maureen. I happened to notice the clock and realized I had a lot of work left to get done before lunch, better get started.

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(Maureen's POV)

Wonder what time it is. I was so tired; I couldn't even open my eyes. I stretched my arms out and realized Joanne's side of the bed was empty, which didn't surprise me. Oh yeah I talked to her earlier, she's went to work early; I am so not a morning person. My eyes finally opened to reveal the clock on the wall reading 10:45; I'd better get up if I want to meet Mimi on time. I rolled over to realize that my Pookie had left a note on the nightstand.

Maureen-

I miss you already and I haven't even left for work yet. You are the best thing I could ever ask for Maureen Johnson. I love you.

Love, Joanne

She can absolutely be the sweetest. The letter made me feel better about everything. Once I got dressed, I grabbed the letter and folded it up and put it in my back pocket. I wanted to keep it with me, plus show Mimi how sweet my girlfriend was to me. I turned to head out the door, when I noticed that once again our machine was blinking, we are popular people I guess.

"Hey baby. Eden just called, quit rolling your eyes," wow did she know me or what, "Mark has an infection. They are giving him some medicine hoping that will work. Eden said Roger and Collins were there and for me not to leave work, but if you want to go, then go. But maybe we can go when I get home. Love you."

Ok so good, nothing too serious happening with Mark. That's somewhat of a relief. I then realized that I was going to be late for our girls' lunch and rushed out the door to meet Mimi.

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We had ate at the Life and decide to go walking around for awhile. We had such a great lunch; I hated to see it end. We talked about Joanne and me, Roger and her, Mark's condition, Eden, and Angel. Our conversations usually at some point went to discussing Angel.

"Hey isn't that Joanne?" Mimi had abruptly stopped in front of this new diner, staring at my girlfriend with a man eating lunch.

"Yeah that is," I was getting slightly irritated, realizing this was the same guy she was talking to at the hospital. I guess Mimi realized I recognized the man as well.

"Is that the guy?"

"Sure is." I was definitely getting fired up.

"Come on Maureen, let's just go. Don't start anything." I could hear the worry in her voice.

"Oh I'm not," I replied rather sarcastically, "I just want to say hi to my girlfriend. Come on." I grabbed Mimi's hand dragging her inside the diner.

We walked in, Mimi being a little hesitant of course. I walked right up to Joanne, not hesitant at all myself.

"Oh hi Maureen, what are you doing here?" She said flustered, yet slightly pleased, I hope.

I didn't respond though, I just sat down beside her and kissed her, I kissed her long and hard.

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