A/N: Thanks for your reviews. It's appreciated and I'm just glad someone reads the fics.

A/N 2: The song used in this fic is 'Blind' by Lifehouse. It belongs to them and I am merely using it for entertainment purposes. Lyrics in italics.

Chapter 3: The Meeting

One Week Later

Mike's Apartment

Jennifer smiled to herself as she walked out of the bedroom seeing her extremely handsome boyfriend sat at the table reading the newspaper and eating a bagel lost in thought. Quietly she walked towards him placing a kiss against his neck.

"Mmm morning," she yawned softly.

Mike smiled as her hair tickled his neck. "Morning. You sleep well?"

"Extremely," she giggled pushing herself onto his lap and circling her arms around his waist. "Why did you get up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep," responded Mike flipping through the sports section of the newspaper.

"Well you could have woken me up. We could have had some fun," she murmured kissing his jaw. Mike sighed loudly moving her off his lap he went to get some more coffee.

Jennifer stared after him in disbelief. "What the hell is your problem?"

Mike came back to the table sitting away from her and taking the paper once again. "I don't have a problem."

"Yeah right you have been in a permanent strop ever since Susan and Julie were here," she argued.

Mike looked up at her at the mention of their names. "I have not. What have Susan and Julie got to do with this?" He eyed her calmly. Did she know that he couldn't stop thinking about them? That the image of Susan Mayer was constantly playing in his mind. That he couldn't get through a day without thinking about her.

"Who was she?" asked Jennifer interrupting his thoughts.

"Who?" asked Mike confused.

"Come on Mike. Who is Susan or was Susan to you?" she demanded getting angry at his responses.

"Susan is…was…my ex-girlfriend," he whispered.

Jennifer's face fell at the news. She was his ex-girlfriend. Of course it would explain why Mike had been so weird lately.

"And the girl is she yours?" she asked needing to know.

"No..Julie's not mine," he explained looking at her. Although Julie wasn't his biologically he had grown fond of the young girl.

"So why didn't you tell me this before?" asked Jennifer a doubtful tone in her voice.

"Cos I didn't think it would matter," he began.

"Doesn't matter? Geez Mike she's your ex-girlfriend and then I see you having coffee with her in your apartment," she yelled furiously standing up.

"Look I didn't think I would see her again. It's in the past. Susan and I haven't been involved in almost a year," he explained.

She looked at him accusingly and he stood up placing a hand on her shoulder. "Susan has moved on and she's happy. And so am I. I have you now," he smiled giving her a quick kiss.

She responded eagerly running her hand up and down his back. "Why don't you come and join me for a shower?"

"I can't I have a job I need to get too," he spoke picking up his car keys. Jennifer nodded silently watching him quickly leave the apartment.

Susan's House

Susan was sat at the table with Ron and Julie as they ate breakfast together. She looked at Ron who was reading some sort of medical journal. Sometimes he would stay over at her house just to keep her company and it made her feel as if she wasn't alone.

"So I have a kidney transplant at 10 am," he exclaimed proudly. Susan put down the forkful of eggs she was holding and pushed her plate away.

"Ron I know you get a kick out of it but could we no talk about knives and blood and guts especially when I'm trying to eat breakfast," she grimaced.

Ron laughed lightly. "Okay, I'm sorry." He looked at Julie who frowned and rolled her eyes. "Hey Julie how about you come into the hospital one day and see how it works?"

"No thanks blood isn't really my thing," she replied finishing of her orange juice.

Ron sighed in disappointment. He tried to get Julie interested in his work but she just wasn't bothered. He thought Susan's daughter would love him. All the kids liked Dr Ron McCready.

"So my lunch is at 2 pm. Do you want to meet up?" he asked turning to Susan.

"Hmm sure," she replied lost in thought.

"Okay great I will see you then," he smiled kissing her forehead before leaving the house.

Julie placed her books in her bag watching silently as her mother stood up taking the plates to the sink. Following her Julie noticed the wayward expression on her face and the questions racing through her mind.

"Okay mom spill it," she demanded only to receive no response. "Mom? Mom?"

Susan turned around at the sound of her daughter's voice. "What is it honey?"

"I was just asking you the same question."

"What? Nothing's wrong with me I'm fine," defended Susan.

"Oh please mom. You've been in a daze ever since we saw Mike. This wouldn't have anything to do with him would it?" she asked leaning casually against the drawer.

"Mike. Please Julie that was strictly a coincidence. Nothing more," laughed Susan.

"If that's the truth then how come you've been out of it for the past week?" smiled Julie knowing that there was more to this than her mom was letting on.

"I have not been out of it. I…errr..have just been really busy with work," explained Susan. "Wow look at the time don't you have to go? You'll be late for school."

"Mom, you can talk to me if something's bothering you," offered Julie.

"I know honey but I'm fine," smiled Susan. "Now go before you're late."

Julie hugged her and left the house promising not to be too late after school.

Susan sighed loudly. How could her daughter realize something was wrong? Was it that obvious? Seeing Mike again had bought out a lot of conflicting emotions within her. But it was nothing to worry about. Everything was going to be fine. It had to be.

Ron looked at Susan who was playing absentmindedly with her food and not making conversation. Usually she had so much to say but the past few days she had become distant almost as if she wasn't there. Ron had tried to talk to her but she refused to tell him what was wrong.

"Susan are you okay?" he asked touching her arm lightly.

"What I'm fine, great," she smiled trying to show some enthusiasm.

"You've hardly touched your food," he commented looking at her plate.

Susan rolled her eyes and pushed the plate to one side. "I'm just not hungry."

Ron always in doctor mode began asking her questions. "Are you coming down with something? Do you feel tired?"

Susan nodded her head in disagreement. "No, nothing I'm just not hungry. Can we leave it?"

Ron agreed silently. He smiled to himself when he saw Susan looking at a baby in a nearby stroller a longing expression masking her face.

"You know it would be great if we could have a baby of our own," he spoke.

Susan turned around to look at him. "Ron…I…"

"Think about it Susan, a little brother or sister for Julie," he explained watching her for a reaction.

"Ron…I told you that I am not interested in having anymore children. I can't be a mother again," she whispered.

"Oh come on Susan why not?" he protested.

"Look Ron you knew all this so why are you bringing it up again?" she argued. "I don't want anymore children."

Ron noticed the determined look on her face and knew that there was no way she was going to change her mind. "Okay we won't talk about it again."

Susan thanked him silently picking at her food. They ate in a forced silence when a short while later Ron's pager beeped.

"It's one of my patients," he began.

"It's fine go," smiled Susan. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips before heading back towards the hospital. Susan sat there in silence before deciding to go home and have a long hot bubble bath.

'Maybe that will relax me' she sighed walking out of the restaurant.

Later that Evening

Mike walked into his apartment carelessly throwing his keys onto the counter. He sighed in relief at the darkness glad that Jennifer didn't decide to drop by. He needed some time alone. Yawning loudly he pulled his dark blue t-shirt over his head throwing it towards the laundry basket. He noticed Bongo watching his every move and smiled.

"Hey boy just be lucky that you don't have women problems."

He patted the dog gently and walked into the bathroom. Maybe a shower will help settle his mind from all these thoughts.

A short while later Mike was slumped on the couch a bottle of beer in one hand and his cell phone in the other. He turned on the television hoping it would clear his mind but it didn't work. Images constantly ran through his mind, almost as if they were tormenting him, he knew he couldn't go on like this. It was driving him crazy.

He dialled the familiar number waiting for a response. Several rings later he was about to hang-up when the breathless voice came on. "Hello."

He stayed quiet for a while contently basking in the gentle sounds of her breathing.

Susan who had the towel clutched around her wet body was beginning to get annoyed and was just about to hang-up when she heard his voice. "Hey Susan."

'Oh my god, what was he doing phoning her? For a year she heard nothing from him then all of a sudden he decided to call. What gave him the right to interrupt her life?'

Mike noticed she hadn't said anything in a while and was beginning to get worried. "Susan, it's me Mike. Are you there?"

She held the phone in her hand. Of course she knew it was him. The memorable voice was filtering through her senses. "Yeah I know it's just a surprise."

Mike laughed lightly. "A good one I hope."

She was in no mood to make small talk and act like they were friends. "What do you want Mike?" she asked coldly.

"To see how you were," came the soft response. The soft voice that used to soothe her to sleep and whisper terms of endearment in her ear night after night.

"What's changed? Why now? It's been more than a year since I heard anything from you. Why are you calling me now?" she spoke her tone confused yet angry at the same time.

"Look I know I have no right to…"

"You think," interrupted Susan. "Mike we have completely different lives now."

He knew she was right so why did hurt so much to hear her say it? He was over her wasn't he?

"I know I just thought we could catch up. Meet for lunch Friday," he suggested hoping she would say yes.

"Catch up on what the past year? Mike we're not friends," she sighed her heart clenching at the thought.

Mike heard the soft whimper in her voice. He had hurt her so much and now she didn't want anything to do with him. He had to find a way to apologize to her for all the pain he caused.

"Please Susan just this once."

"I don't know Mike it's better if we never see each other again," she said.

"Look I'm gonna bring Jennifer and you can invite Ron it will be a double date," he offered. He hoped she would come if it meant inviting Ron then that's what he would do.

She could hear the pleading tone in his voice. It was just one lunch and besides Ron and Jennifer were going to be there. What harm could it do?

"Okay but after this we don't see each other. I can't keep moving back in my life," she whispered sadly.

"Deal," smiled Mike. "So Friday 2 pm at that Italian place we used to go to."

"Okay we will see you then," she responded hanging up the phone.

Mike smiled maybe after Friday she would be out of his mind and he could move on with his own life.

Thursday Night

Susan knocked on the door to Bree's house hoping that her friend was at home. She needed someone to talk to and Bree always knew how to help her.

"Oh hey Susan come in," smiled the redhead opening the door.

"I'm not interrupting am I? If you're busy I can leave," she suggested.

"No it's fine. What can I do for you?" smiled Bree walking into the kitchen.

"It's more of…I need to talk to you about something," sighed Susan unsure of how to begin with her complicated life. "It's…it's…Mike."

"Mike, I thought that whole situation was over with?" asked Bree confused.

"It was…I mean it is but he called last night," confided Susan. "And asked me to meet him for lunch tomorrow."

"What did you say?" asked Bree handing her a glass of wine.

"Yes," she whispered quickly talking a sip of the wine.

"Susan, this could turn out to be very bad. I mean Mike is working his way back into your life after all this time," explained Bree.

"Oh it's not like that. Ron is going to be there for moral support," informed Susan.

"Won't that be awkward for Mike?"

"No..I mean Mike is going to be bringing his girlfriend Jennifer," answered Susan.

"Mike has a girlfriend? But honey I'm worried that you will get hurt all over again," sympathized Bree.

"I won't," smiled Susan. "I told Mike that I would meet him. But after that we have nothing else to do with each other."

"I think that's for the best," agreed Bree hugging her friend.

Susan sighed loudly hoping that she could get through tomorrow without any problems. It was a quick lunch then that would be it. Mike Delfino would be history.

Friday Morning

Julie walked into her mother's bedroom seeing a huge heap of clothes on the bed and her mom frantically searching through drawers pulling out items.

"Wow mom it looks like an earthquake hit your room," she laughed.

Susan turned round to the sound of her daughter's voice and smiled. "Julie you have to help me. I have no idea what to wear."

"Mom it's just a lunch date with Mike and Ron is going to be there too," laughed the teen.

"I should never have agreed to this. I mean what was I thinking? Ron and Mike and oh Julie you have got to help me get out of it. Think of an excuse or something," she spoke hysterically looking at her daughter for help.

"It could be worse Edie and dad could also be there," smirked Julie.

Susan threw the top she was holding towards her daughter. "You're no help at all."

Julie picked up a soft white summer dress. "How about this one? It's sexy yet casual at the same time."

Susan eyed her daughter. She was going to see Mike. She didn't want to look sexy it was just a chance to talk and catch up on things. "I don't know Julie."

"Oh come on mom, it's bound to get you noticed and make Miii….Ron drool."

Susan took the dress and held it against her body eyeing herself in the mirror. "Okay done."

"Everything will be great," smiled Julie. "Now I have to go to school but I want every sordid detail later on."

Susan laughed and kissed her on the cheek. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need it. You'll be great," smiled Julie walking out of the room.

Susan looked at the clock. It was only 11:30 am. She had cleaned to pass the time and had a shower. Deciding it was time to get ready she walked upstairs to her room. Hearing the phone she quickly ran to answer it hoping it was Mike to say everything was off.

"Hello…oh hey Ron…really…okay…I'll see you in a while…Bye."

Dammit Ron was going to meet her at the restaurant. Great now she had to turn up alone watching as Jennifer cooed over Mike. Turning on the radio she sighed to herself as she walked towards her drawer looking for her shoes. She felt something at the top and curiously pulled it out.

I was young but I wasn't naive

I watched helpless

As you turn around to leave

And still I have the pain I have to carry

A past so deep

That even you could not bury if you tried

After all this time

I never thought we'd be here

Never thought we'd be here

When my love for you was blind

But I couldn't make you see it

Couldn't make you see it

That I loved you more

Then you will ever know

And part of me died

When I let you go

She looked at the cardboard box immediately knowing what it contained. Running a wistful hand across it she felt herself flashing back to a time when everything was all right and she was happy.

I would fall asleep

Only in hopes of dreaming

That everything

Would be like it was before

But nights like this

It seems are slowly fleeting

They disappear as reality is crashing to the floor

Pulling back the cardboard flaps she peered inside. The box held memories of a love lost. Photographs of happier times. Photographs of her and Mike at various stages in their relationship. Kissing, hugging, looking at each other with so much promise and love. Where did it all go?

After all this time

I never thought we'd be here

Never thought we'd be here

When my love for you was blind

But I couldn't make you see it

Couldn't make you see it

That I loved you more

Then you will ever know

And part of me died

When I let you go

Susan could feel the onset of tears forming within her delicate hazel eyes. She reached into the box pulling out a movie stub from their first date, some poems Mike had written for her, cards. The bracelet he has given her one night as they lay wrapped up in each other's embrace. He had promised to stay with her forever. So why did he lie? Why did he leave her?

After all this time

I never thought we'd be here

Never thought we'd be here

When my love for you was blind

But I couldn't make you see it

Couldn't make you see it

That I loved you more

Then you will ever know

And part of me died

When I let you go

After all this why

Would you ever want to leave?

Maybe you could not believe it

That my love for you was blind

But I couldn't make you see it

Couldn't make you see it

That I loved you more

Then you will ever know

And part of me died

When I let you go

She pulled out the soft grey t-shirt. Her eyes tearing with pain. She remembered the night she waited for him to come back one night from a late job. She missed him so much that she took off her own clothes and pulled on his t-shirt to feel him close to her. That night Mike had woken her up saying that she looked sexy in his clothes and told her to keep it. Ever since that night she used to wear it when he wasn't with her falling asleep with his scent surrounding her. Even when they had broken up she felt a part of him was still with her.

When she found out he left that was it all her hopes and dreams had been shattered and she closed herself off from the world. Holding the t-shirt to her face she could still faintly smell his scent parts of it still lingering in the soft fabric.

She felt the droplets off tears fall past her eyes and furiously wiped them away. He had literally killed her when he left. She hated him for what he did. How could he tell her he loved her then leave one day without any goodbye or without taking her. She would have done anything to keep him in Wisteria Lane. She had loved him so much but Mike had take that love and broken it.

Closing the box she placed it back in the drawer. It was time to close Mike out of her life once and for all.

Italian Restaurant

Susan walked into the cozy small restaurant. She was nervous it took all of her willpower for her to come. They had been here so many times. The atmosphere was romantic and an Italian band was playing soft music in the corner.

"I'm here to meet Mike Delfino," she spoke to the middle aged man who greeted her.

"You must be Susan Mayer. Right this way," he responded in broken English. Susan smiled following him to a secluded part of the restaurant. She saw Mike sat at an empty table and their eyes met. For a moment they stood staring at each other, regretfully Susan broke the tender gaze.

"Hey you look amazing," he smiled politely standing up.

"Thanks so do you," she replied taking a seat. She looked at him; he was so handsome dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants. She shook her head of the thoughts. He may be handsome but he was also the man who broke her heart.

"So is Jennifer in the bathroom?" she asked nervously picking up the menu.

"Err…no she couldn't make it," he responded sheepishly. Susan looked up at him an accusatory glare within her eyes.

"Where's Ron?" he asked.

"Work he's meeting us here. You could have cancelled," she spoke flatly.

"I needed to see you," he replied firmly.

Susan laughed painfully. "After more than a year you needed to see me. What's changed?"

Mike immediately noticed the forced laughter within her voice. "Look Susan I know you must have hated me when…"

"I did hate you but now when I think of you or even look at you I feel nothing. Nothing is there anymore," she whispered. "I have Ron who would never hurt me. I don't know what you want from me Mike."

Before he had a chance to respond Susan signalled to the waiter ordering the biggest bottle of wine they had. The waiter retuned a few moments late with the wine and two glasses. Susan drank back her first glass in one fluid motion and began filling it up again.

"Don't you think you should take it slow," spoke Mike worriedly.

Susan shrugged off his concerns. "I can take care of myself. So what happened with you? I mean you don't write. You don't call. For all I knew you were dead," she spoke harshly looking at him with a steely gaze.

"Susan I never meant to hurt you," he began.

"Oh well that's okay. You never meant to hurt me. That makes it all better," she mocked.

Her cell phone started to ring loudly. Fumbling around in her purse she pulled it out. "Hey Ron."

Mike cringed at the mention of the other man's name. This wasn't going as he had planned. He wanted to talk to her explain why he left and how sorry he was for hurting her. He looked at Susan who was biting her lower lip lost in the conversation with Ron.

"Okay…fine," she replied angrily snapping the phone shut. She grabbed her purse and stood up.

Mike stood up quickly. "Where are you going?"

"Home, Ron is in surgery and can't make it so there's really no point in me being here."

He gently touched her arm and she felt shivers go up her entire body. His touch was so warm and so gentle.

"Stay please."

"Why Mike? What for? I can't do this. I can't talk to you and pretend like everything is okay it's just…I can't," she stammered looking at him sadly.

"One lunch that's all Susan after that you can do what you want. Please," he whispered his blue eyes meeting hers in a silent plea.

"Why is it going to make you feel better for what you did?" she asked her tone wavering.

"Please Susan," he whispered once again his voice full of longing and regret.

"Okay," she spoke caving in. "But I'm gonna need some more wine."

Mike breathed a sigh of relief as she sat back down tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked up when she felt him watching her.

"Mike I don't want to talk about that day or anything before that," she pleaded. He instantly knew what day she was talking about and looked at the sad gaze that marred her features. So much pain resided within her words pain that existed because of him.

"I…. err.."

"Please Mike can you just do me that one thing?" she asked.

"Okay we'll talk about something else," he agreed. He would do anything as long as she stayed here.

Susan smiled a little. "Well I'm starving so how about we order first?"

Mike picked up his menu and within a few minutes they had placed their order with the waiter.

"So how is work?" asked Mike kneeling back in his seat.

"It's going well. I have a few published books and the work is coming in smoothly," she replied. Mike smiled he knew how passionate she was about her work. He was glad things were working out for her.

"What about you? Is everything okay?" she asked noticing he had gone quiet all of a sudden.

"Everything is fine," he whispered. "Julie is growing up beautifully she looks more like you every day."

"Well she has the sexiest mom in the world," she joked.

"I know," he whispered faintly. Susan almost spat her wine back out at his husky tone. He didn't just give her a compliment did he? She must have misheard. Yeah that was it.

"So how long have you been seeing Jennifer?" she squeaked out her voice sounding strange to her own ears.

"Err almost 4 months."

"Good that's good."

"How long have you been with Ron now?" he asked watching her intently.

"Good….. I mean..it's..fine..sure..we..have our ups…and downs but it's good," she stammered nervously.

"That's nice," he spoke. She sounded happy with Ron. Susan deserved the best in life and he seemed to be the one to provide that happiness.

The waiter arrived with their food and after thanking him they ate in companiable silence occasionally stealing glances at the other when they thought they weren't looking. Mike smiled to himself as he watched her eat. The way her soft pink lips wrapped delicately around the fork.

Susan noticed him watching and smiled. "What?"

"Nothing it's just you're so pretty," smiled Mike.

Susan felt a blush creeping throughout her body. "So guess what it's been a year and no one's moved into your old place yet." She sat back in her seat patting her stomach softly. "I don't think I can eat for another week."

"You still haven't had the best part dessert," he winked playfully.

"No I don't think I can manage," she giggled holding her hands up in surrender. Mike held his lower lips in a pout.

"Oh come on Susan. I was looking forward to this all day. It's chocolate soufflé."

"Well I'm sorry to ruin your dream," she laughed. "Okay how bout we share one between us."

Mike smiled broadly. "Great you'll love it." He signalled for the waiter for arrived with their desserts.

"We'll just have the one," he smiled looking at Susan. She looked at the dessert it looked nice enough picking up her spoon she took the first bite moaning appreciatively as the rich chocolate melted over her taste buds.

"Wow this is amazing," she sighed reaching forwards.

"Save some for me," laughed Mike taking his own spoonful.

Susan giggled and went for the soufflé the same time as Mike. Their fingers brushed against each other ever so softly. Mike looked at her and their eyes met as time stood still. Susan quickly pulled her hand away. What the hell was wrong with her? She wasn't supposed to have these feelings for him. It was just a lunch that's all and it didn't matter how gorgeous Mike Delfino was he had hurt her more than she ever thought he would. She should never have stayed. She should have gone home as soon as Ron called to say he couldn't make it.

"I should go…now..I…have things to do," she said in a voice so soft she wasn't sure if he heard her.

"Oh," responded Mike slightly disappointed.

"I guess we should say goodbye and go back to our own lives."

"I guess so," he whispered. Susan stood up quickly grabbing her purse. She had to get out of here. Suddenly the restaurant felt too small.

Mike stood up as well. "Let me walk you to your car."

"It's okay I can manage," she replied.

"Please it's the least I can do." Susan nodded her head in agreement and let him lead her through the restaurant.

They exited the restaurant heading towards the car park walking towards Susan's car; her mind was plagued with thoughts wondering exactly what she was doing with Mike. He had a girlfriend and she had Ron.

"Thanks again for lunch," she whispered.

"No problem it was fun," smirked Mike. She suddenly felt nervous as he moved towards her. She looked up to see Mike stood close to her, his body merely an inch from hers.

"So take care of yourself. I hope you have a good life," she murmured.

She let her eyes roam over his body all she could fell was the pounding of her heart and all she could smell was his intoxicating scent.

"You too," he whispered.

"Mike?" Then it was all too quick.

Cupping her chin in his hand he pressed his soft lips against her, causing a feeling of intense pleasure to overtake her. He increased the pressure of their lips as he began to gently nibble on her lower lip silently asking for entry. Susan parted her lips as they joined together tongues duelling, as they fully tasted each other. It had been so long yet he was still as addictive. His kisses made her feel as if her whole body was on fire.

Gently he guided her backwards so that she was kneeling against the side of her car as he continued to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around him holding him tightly to her body. Their chests pressed against each other. Mike started to move his hands over he body cupping her through her dress.

"Mike," came the breathy whisper.

He started placing gentle kisses along the side of her face moving towards her neck and collarbone.

Susan's legs were growing weak, she knew that they had to stop but she couldn't bring herself to tell him. His kisses and the feeling he was creating inside her was exhilarating. Mike continued moving his hand across her back gliding across the smooth skin.

The shrill ringing of his cell phone broke the intense atmosphere. Susan was pulled out of her stupor and looked at Mike as he pulled out his phone and walked way slightly.

"No…no Jen..I'm on my way," he spoke into the phone.

The reality of the situation was coming into place for Susan. She was shocked by what she let happen between her and Mike. He had a girlfriend and she had a boyfriend. She fumbled in her purse for her car keys and quickly got into the car.

"Susan hey…wait," pleaded Mike snapping his phone shut.

"No Mike, this was just wrong. You've moved on and I can't…."

She got into the car driving away as fast as she could. Looking into her rearview mirror she saw Mike stood there watching her drive away. She said a silent goodbye to Mike for the last time as the tears slipped past her eyes.

That I loved you more

Then you will ever know

And part of me died

When I let you go

TBC

A/N: Hope you enjoyed and let me know what you thought. Next chapter up soon.