Chapter 7 – Dr. Jekyl

APOV

"Based on your qualifications, I have the perfect match for you in an administrative capacity Teri, it's a position that has not been advertised and came available after a former admin was promoted to Office Manager, it involves front desk duties, but the nature of the admin tasks are very detailed and require a highly complicated degree of detail. Is this something that interests you?"

"Absolutely, I'm up for a challenge."

"Well then welcome to the Elite team. Let me show you where you will be working."

"You mean instead of placing me, you're hiring me here?"

"Yes, congratulations, let me introduce you to your new co-workers, and my business partner Katherine Kavanaugh."

After I settled Teri into our conference room with her mountain of new hire paperwork and introduced her to Jose who had chosen her resume out of hundreds as the perfect candidate for the job; I went back to my office to catch up on email and voicemails and everything else that had been neglected over the last two days, I check my phone first and look at a text pic my mom sent of she and RJ making chocolate chip pancakes, I miss them so much.

My day is going well, missing Magic Chris – A

His response makes me laugh out loud.

Bow chicka bow wow – C

You're so naughty – A

You have no idea, I miss you too – C

Let's eat out tonight – A

Let's – C

XOXOXO – A

Ditto – C

As I suspected, I received several messages from Hyden and my dad. The messages from Hyden all came in before the restraining order, I forwarded them nonetheless to Jerome so that he could make an audio CD in case it is needed later. He went from being contrite to angry, the stalker's mantra. My dad's calls were other worldly – his calls were all angry and accusatory, I also forwarded them to Jerome for copy and deletion.

In spite of my angst I summoned the courage to listen to my home voice messages, and to my surprise there was only one from my father and it appears to have been left by him last night after he left Christian's. He's yelling and screaming and saying that I was responsible for ruining his life and tearing down our family and everything he's worked for. I know it's my father's voice, but this is not someone I know. If I'm honest there has been something weird but undetectable in my dad's behavior for the past few years, a pulling away if you would, he's been incredibly distant without I think justification at times, but I always chalked it up to business worries and not anything real in terms of our family, but I'm not so sure now. One thing I do know is something has changed in him and not for the good.

CPOV

"Sir?"

Andrea wrestles me from my thoughts after my text relay with Ana, I realize I'm smiling like a schoolboy. I pretend not to notice how happy she seems because of my demeanor these days. I hired Andrea because of her professionalism, out of all the candidates for the job and the three assistants I fired before her she impresses me the most because she is amazing at her job and is clearly not attracted to me, but I do have the sense that she likes me very much – and the feeling is mutual.

I know I'm a real dick to work for at times, and that I've probably been much more pleasant to be around this week, I find it hard to be upset about anything knowing there's Ana somewhere …being and likely thinking about me…just being. My heart is warm and I know Andrea can see a difference.

"I need you to book dinner for four at Palisade tonight at six." There she is with that smile again, maybe it's because she knows she'll be home early for a change.

"I'll take care of that right away Mr. Grey. Ms. Bailey would like to speak with you briefly after your conference call this morning, shall I pencil her in for eleven?"

"Yes that will be fine." She turns to walk away. "Andrea?"

"Sir?"

"Knock it off." I say playfully and she beams a bright smile.

"Yes sir."

As she's leaving, Elliot is walking into my office, unannounced and unprofessional as ever.

"When are you gonna run away with me beautiful? I can talk your boss into giving you the time off so we can elope." Andrea blushes at his comment.

"Two words El, sexual…harassment."

He greets me in his usual manner, half hug and a kiss on the top of my head. When we were in grade school I was very quiet and standoffish and kids used to pick on me. Elliot was always the big man on campus even when we were kids and when he showed up he grabbed me in front of the bullies, kissed me on the top of my head and asked "what's up little bro, everything here okay?" I felt protected and understood what having Elliot Grey as my brother truly meant, he's greeted me the same way ever since that day. I don't know why he feels to this day he needs to let any and everyone know that I'm his little brother and he loves me, but I think on some level he feels as protective and responsible for me now as he did then, maybe more so. When I first came to live with the Greys I had a nightmares almost every night – nighttime was a torment for me and I did not have the words as a child to express my fear and sadness. While my parents did everything I think a parent could do to reinforce their love and commitment to me, I was distrustful and emotionally shut off where they were concerned for years. After one particularly horrific nightmare I woke up crying until I realized where I was, my nightmare turned to dread and fear when I noticed I had wet the bed. Such an infraction in the past would have led to a severe beating. I was scared and went to El's room, I woke him up and when he figured out what happened, he took me back to my room into the bathroom and cleaned me up, changed my underpants, pajamas and sheets after wiping down the mattress as best he could and put me back to bed, staying in my bed with me the rest of the night. He told me I was old enough to go to the bathroom if I had to pee, that I was a big boy and if I was scared to go to the bathroom alone, I should come and get him. Lastly he begged me not to pee on him. He held my hand while I cried myself to sleep; after that night he stayed with me in my room until I was okay to sleep alone, often holding me until I went to sleep – I never wet the bed after that – and my nightmares happened less and less.

Elena grossly over estimated her influence over me as well as my feelings for her, she could never turn me against Elliot, she mistook my compartmentalization of my life as total control – she could not have been more wrong. She always tried to buddy up to Elliot but he never liked her and didn't mind showing it, she felt threatened by him even more so than my parents. I had allowed her to put distance between my family and I because of our secret, but when I saw her for who she really was I put an end to it. Now and again she pops up at events I attend alone mostly, but I ignore her and she appears resigned to no longer being a part of my life. I am extremely close to my parents and sister, but even they know that El and I are like two sides of the same coin, our bond is unbreakable.

"She loves you man." What no segue?

"Why do you say that?" I ask desperate to hear his thoughts, but trying to play it cool so I don't appear too eager. But it's El so I don't know why I bother, he can read my fucking mind and it's annoying.

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." See! I smile and lower my head in deference to his clairvoyance. Asshole.

"She looks at you in awe, she can't take her eyes off of you and – literally put herself physically between you and her own father sending a clear message about where she stands, you told me that."

"Well that could simply mean she has a clear sense of right and wrong and that could have been more about showing him he was wrong than saying I'm in the one." I say wanting his reassurance.

"Bullshit! Why do you do that? Why do you discount your worth to other people? She's in love Chris and you deserve someone like her, the two of you are perfect for one another. It's okay to be hopeful, it's okay to want her." I nod in agreement.

"So tell me, what else did Kate have to say?" I say with a sly grin.

"Are you saying I'm not intuitive? Because I'm a mind reading, mind fucking motherfucker, motherfucker!" We're cracking up at his Samuel L. Jackson impression.

"She told me she that she would have wagered her first born that you were a complete asshole, and that Ana was going to be chewed up and spit out by Mr. Mogul but that she had never been more wrong or pleasantly surprised by anyone in her life. She said she knew you loved her friend when you allowed her into your home in spite of your misgivings about her for the sake of her friend's peace of mind. According to Kate she's never seen Ana this happy and she couldn't be happier for the two of you."

"You like her don't you?"

"Yeah, I do, she's fire."

"How much do you like her?"

"Well let's put it this way, I had a lunch meeting and a waitress told me to drop by after her shift ended because she could use a ride" only Elliot. "I didn't even consider it – last week I would have shown up fucked her in my truck and called her a cab. But all I could think about was getting to your place to eat dinner and talk with Kate."

"Wow, it's like that?" hell even when El dates he doesn't do so exclusively, and Kate hasn't even agreed to go out with him.

"Yep, just like that. I want to get to know her, she's smart. That whole business with the crazy guy didn't bug me at all, hell who am I to judge, it's likely if we do date she'll run into quite a few of my conquests and if anybody understands bad hook ups it's me. You knew I was digging on her – so don't act surprised."

"I'm not surprised that you like her physically, she's your type for sure. I'm surprised that you actually want to invest time in a woman, I'm glad and I know that will make mom and dad happy as well."

"I know. I've learned more about Kate since Monday than all the other women I've screwed combined over the years. She's very open and honest and I like that about her, she's not a pretender; she's very close to her brother and his wife, and loves Ana like the sister she never had, she's extremely protective of her."

"Andrea is making reservations for us at Palisades, I had her make it for four people at six – sound good?"

"Yep, it will give me a good amount of time for my undate with Kate. She still hasn't said yes to dinner, but she will definitely go out if it's the four of us. I think I'll send some flowers to her job. Think you can ask Ana what her favorite flower is?"

"Sure."

El wants to know what Kate's fav flower is – C

She loves sunflowers – A

Thanks, dinner is at six at Palisades, k? – C

Sounds yummie like my BF ;) – A

"Sunflowers."

"Why are you grinning like that, are you sexting!?" this guy.

"No El I don't need a raging hard on during my conference call – my girlfriend said something cute and I responded by smiling you asshat."

"Who do I call?" He says as I hand him the card for the florist I use.

"See you later at the crib." Is El's idea of goodbye.

"Don't you two look lovely?" I say in appreciation of my girlfriend and her friend, but to tell you the truth I don't even know what Kate is wearing. Ana is wearing some sort of strapless top with a knot in the front and matching brocade pants and strappy sandals showing off her sexy toes. Damn. She's wearing her hair up – I like that her neck is exposed except for the delicate diamond pendant she's wearing along with tasteful diamond studs. I want to buy her jewelry – I want her sparkling from head to toe.

"El had a last minute meeting with a client and will meet us at the restaurant, shall we?"

###

"Hi Elliot. It's good to see you again." Kate says embracing my brother who beats us to the restaurant – good work El.

"Look at this arrangement, these flowers are so beautiful, thank you again." Kate says as she shows El a picture she took of the arrangement he sent to her office.

"You're welcome, you look very pretty tonight."

"Thanks, you look hot Elliot." Kate has never seen El in anything other than jeans, he's wearing slacks and a blazer tonight, Boss I'm sure – he's a handsome guy who cleans up well. She turns and mouths an exaggerated OH MY GOD to Ana not caring that I see her. And we both laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"I think you're a hit." I muse.

"Whatever that means." His hand is on the small of Kate's back, he's proud to be seen with her, I know my big brother and he's not one for PDA, this is different, very different.

I'm holding Ana's hand our fingers entwined – it's probably juvenile as hell, but it makes me feel close to her, like it's the most intimate I can be with her in a public and non-sexual way. I can't stop looking at her flawless.

Following Ana rules we all order something different for our main entrees. We all got to taste prime rib, lobster, crab cakes and Applewood smoked ribeye steak – that along with our starters a warm crab and lobster dip, oysters and calamari – I chose a white and a red wine for our meal even though we mostly feasted on seafood. We ordered every dessert on the menu so that we could all have a taste of each. The evening, food and conversation was perfect in spite of a few looky loos and an annoying server who may or may not have humped El. She kept staring at him and he didn't seem to remember her, which pissed her off – so she traded tables with another server. Crisis averted.

I have never shut down a restaurant on a weekday, but before we know it – we're the only four people left. We finally call it a night around eleven, two hours after they closed. I couldn't get enough of seeing Ana laugh, she has been so stressed out the past four days, I hope she was able to forget about everything else other than being young, newly in love and happy, I know I was.

My brother has truly surprised me, everything from feeding Kate to being extremely attentive to her. Normally girls are desperate to keep him interested and try much too hard. Kate is just being herself and he's hanging on her every word. I think he's going to get that date.

APOV

In what has become customary, after dinner, Christian and I retire to his room while he and Kate either head for the media room or remain in the great room.

"Christian! Kate loved her flowers, they were absolutely beautiful. She is excited about going out with Elliot, she likes the idea that the four of us are together, because she's very attracted to him and wants to take things slow."

"I get that for sure, I like that my brother is taking his time getting to know her as well. I'm very happy for the both of them."

"She really likes you Christian. Initially she was pissed at both of us, she felt angry because she knew you never wanted to meet with her, but I guess seeing is believing because she thinks you're the best boyfriend ever!" I beam with pride.

"When we went to our place during lunch to pick outfits for tonight and some other stuff for the week – I could not believe the changes, it's a beautiful fortress Christian. I knew what it looked like because I can view it on my phone and work PC, but being there is something else. Thank you so much Christian, we would have never thought of most of those security measures. You're amazing." He smiles a shy smile but doesn't respond. "Christian?" he looks into my eyes "I mean that with my whole heart."

I step forward and kiss him with everything I have in me, and he returns my kiss, I can feel his arousal, and I don't want to tease him, so I start to pull my body away.

"No, don't pull back, I can handle being close to you without being sexual Ana, it's okay baby."

"I know that Christian but you have needs and I understand that."

"Understand this, a man who can't control himself for the sake of the woman he says he cares about isn't worthy of her to begin with. I'll wait for you as long as it takes."

"Thank you, I know it can't be easy."

"You're worth the wait Ana, I'm not going anywhere without you."

Christian is hard as calculus right now and I feel bad because I can't seem to keep my damn hands to myself, but I'm still not ready, and secretly I want to be sure that what I'm feeling is real and not born out of the mess that is my life right now. I'm extremely attracted to Christian and drawn to him – that was true before everything went to shit – things have calmed considerably but I have to know we're not some tragic born in drama love story, that he's not on some damsel in distress chasing…

"Stop it Ana, stop talking yourself out of…" he goes silent and shakes his head. How does he keep doing that shit, it's unnerving.

"Stop talking myself out of what?" I say in a whisper, sounding totally unconvincing.

"Out of us Ana!" He's pissed.

"Out of your feelings, stop trying to rationalize your feelings Ana. I get that you're not ready for sex, I can live with that, this is a new relationship and true intimacy takes time, like I said I can live with that...but if you're not ready because you doubt how we feel about each another, then you'll always tear it apart and second guess your feelings for me and that I can't live with. I'm going to go for a workout." And with that he leaves the bedroom and closes the door. I've hurt him, and I have no idea how he can tell what I was thinking, did my expression betray me?

I change out of my outfit and dress in my pajama bottoms and tee shirt, and decide to go and grab water from the kitchen, not finding Kate and Elliot in the great room I wander up to the gym to check in on Christian. He's there running on the treadmill at about an six incline and on the max speed, so he's technically running uphill – he has shed his clothing for a mouth-watering pair of running shorts and stay-dri tee shirt that clings to his muscles. Christian is a specimen, I just sit there and stare unable to take my eyes off of him.

He sees me in the mirror, he's wearing earbuds so he didn't hear me come in, he keeps running and doesn't acknowledge me—I notice he adjusts the volume on his IPod and continues to run…hard, not making eye contact with me. After a few moments of this, I turn and leave as he clearly wants to be left alone.

I walk down the hall to Kate's room and tap lightly on the door.

"Come in."

"Hey."

"What's wrong Steele?"

"I think he has a sixth sense or something Kate. – he knew I was doubting my feelings for him."

"Wait, what? Tell me what happened."

I recount what happened between Christian and I and Kate chooses not to be extremely biased in her approach.

"I think you're both wrong. Seriously. Grey is being emotional and so are you. Love is where, when and with whom you find it Steele, the hell difference does it make how long it took? You can't worry that he'll get bored with you or that he's got some sort of savior complex…that he'll tire of you. He wants you and he's not willing to cop to his feelings either because he doesn't want to scare you away – you're both afraid and acting pretty stupid. You're both afraid of losing something neither of you is willing to admit to the other exists."

"But Kate, if he…"

"But if he what? Would you feel better if you knew him a year and fell in love and then it didn't work out? You can't out run being hurt Ana, that's the risk you take! You're worried about what? Loving too soon, that's the dumbest shit I've ever heard!" I get that this is new for the both of you – Elliot eluded to the fact that Christian closed himself off and focused on his business for years and his personal life suffered as a result. The two of you cannot second guess being happy to the point you talk each other out of the best person for you, you were supposed to be and I got the fucking chickenpox just so it could happen for you. Please don't let that shit be in vain."

I settle down into bed with Kate, I am crying now – but I'm not really sad, I'm just afraid I've blown it with Christian, he looked so incredibly hurt and that's the last thing I wanted.

CPOV

Where did she go now? I understand Ana's trepidation, and I have my own set of issues, but unlike her I'm not constantly second guessing why I feel the way I do; and I'm more than willing to risk having my heart decimated because I know she's the one, but I can't handle her not being sure that I'm the one. I'm pissed at her…for the second time in just a few days. Is this what relationships are like? Now she's left the room because I didn't stop running and have a discussion I didn't want to have, it wasn't getting us anywhere.

Fuck it! Now I need to go and find her, she's likely somewhere in here crying and I can't deal with that shit either – UGH what has she done to me? She's evicted me from my cold hearted life! I didn't have to deal with this shit before, I was content, I was focused, I was laser sharp, I was…I was lonely. I was lonely.

I'm walking down the hallway when I hear Kate's voice. I don't think I like that she's telling Ana we're both stupid, then she says it – we're afraid of losing something we haven't even admitted to having, she hit the nail on the head, my hard fucking head. I'm such an idiot. I head down to my room to shower and change. I really need to stop eavesdropping on these two, but how can I when it's so damn informative? – that's two times in a week, what can I say I'm suspicious and insecure. I know now that Kate's motives are pure, she loves her friend unconditionally and is supportive of our relationship, no more eavesdropping for me…for now.

I shower, dry and change in record time, secretly hoping that Ana is in my bed when I'm done. There is no way whatsoever we're sleeping separately tonight or any night that she's under this roof, that's non-negotiable. She's not in my bed when I'm done, probably thinking I'm mad, I take the stairs two at a time and tap on Kate's door which is still ajar.

"Come in." She calls out.

I walk in to find Ana curled up next to Kate but awake, I walk over and pick Ana up bridal style and tell Kate goodnight.

"Way ta go Paula, Way ta go!" Kate yells re-enacting a scene from An Officer and a Gentleman, I learned later. They both burst into a fit of laughter with Ana flipping her the bird.

I don't say a word, I walk carefully down the stairs and into my room, put her down on the floor next to the bed, pull back the covers and stand in front of her. She's looking down not meeting my gaze – she feels silly and so do I.

"Look at me Ana." She does and I see regret and uncertainty in her eyes.

"I'm falling in love with you Ana and I'm not afraid to tell you that. I AM afraid of what I'm feeling because it's all new to me, but I'm willing to take the chance on us, Kate was right – we're idiots." Her blush is bright red with the notion of my overhearing the conversation.

"I know she was right, I'm falling in love with you too Christian and I'm scared because we seem to be moving so fast, but I know it's stupid to think that if I don't say the words I'm somehow protecting myself from being hurt."

"Let's go to bed."

I pull her towards me and kiss her with all of my might pouring all of the emotion I've been holding back into that kiss. I caress her body with caution abandoned and stop only when we're both breathless. Her body feels amazing, she runs her hands over my back and chest, lightly pinching my hardened nipples between her fingers – I'm so glad she's not afraid to touch me, her touch means so much to me. I embrace her pulling her close entwining our legs.

"Goodnight baby."

"Goodnight."

APOV

After a long four day work week a little retail therapy is in order. I managed to get Kate up and out early to shop. We both need gowns for the Oasis gala next month – I cannot wait to accompany Christian, my boyfriend.

Tonight we're going out on a date and so are Kate and Elliot, just not together this time.

"Kate, that woman is watching us."

"What woman?"

"Don't look now, but over your right shoulder – I've seen her in two stores now, she's been staring at me. She's a platinum blonde…heavily botoxed, and she's been staring daggers at us."

I move as if to show her something on the other side of the MAC counter – and Kate steals a glance at the woman I mentioned.

"Yep, I saw her too, she was inside of Saks, shit!...she knows we spotted her and she's walking this way."

"Hello dear." She says ignoring Kate and directing her gaze at me purposefully.

"Do I know you?"

"No dear girl, but we do have a mutual friend." I know instantly who she is and why she has approached me.

"Well, honestly I haven't lived here very long - you must be mistaken."

"I meant Christian, you're his little friend aren't you?" This crazy bitch is really trying me right now – okay I'll play along.

"I'm Christian's girlfriend if that's what you mean, and you are?"

"I'm a very good friend of Christian's, I know him quite well." Thankfully Kate has walked away at this point.

"That's an interesting name, did you have it legally changed?" I retort.

"My name is Elena Lincoln, and as I said I am a dear friend of Christian's and his…"

"Is that what they call pedophilia these days, friendship?"

"Who the hell do you think you are, you have…"

"Who I am is Christian's girlfriend, what I am is informed about your trolling sandboxes for boy toys not to mention your other sick ass proclivities. I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only—stay the fuck away from me!"

"Little girl you have no idea who Christian is, or what he needs – he's a very complicated man—you have no idea…" I start to laugh hysterically.

"Something funny dear, or are you having a breakdown."

"No, this just kind of reminds me of that last Rocky movie, you know the one…where he was so old, but still fighting for the title – father time can be so cruel, even when we prolong the inevitable, it was so sad to watch." Her face gives away nothing, mainly because it's frozen in place. Poor Christian – she radiates pure evil.

"You think you're pretty clever don't you?" I don't respond, my gaze impassive.

"Well, I must be going, the Oasis ball is in a couple of weeks, I cannot wait to see my boyfriend in a tux, I have to make sure I have the just the right gown for him to show me off in." I walk over to Kate who is looking at some Judith Lieber clutches.

"Who the hell was Cruella DeVille?"

"Just some nosey society witch who thought she knew me, but ultimately wanted to ask me questions about Christian because she saw us in that rag – I played really dumb until I bored of her and then I dismissed her." I of course will never share anything about Christian's past with Kate, I trust her sure, but this is between Christian and I. Kate is both emotional and unpredictable I would never give her ammo against Christian when he trusted me so completely and laid himself bare with me.

"Well the creeps will be coming out of the woodwork now Lady Grey…you're a local celebrity now. Come help me pick out an outfit for tonight."

KPOV

Tonight is my date with Elliot, it's weird to feel this nervous. I want to take things slow with him, which is new for me – I've always looked for validation and affection from men, falling hard and quickly for losers left and right. My dad took care of his family and provided for us handsomely but was not present in my life, or my mother's for that matter, he was absent both physically and emotionally. My decisions of course are my own – but I'm a firm believer that our social influences are rooted in childhood, I have always been hungry for love and attention.

Earlier in the day I had packed up all of my things and moved back to the townhouse I share with Ana, but I'm not sure how long that's going to be the case, I don't get the impression that being here with me is what she wants – I am happy for her of course, but I will miss my roommate.

Elliot showed up right on time, he looks and smells amazing, we're going to Christian's club for dinner, a place I've always wanted to visit. Ana and everyone I know lucky enough to get in have raved about the food.

I'm wearing a strapless dress in mauve with matching heels and a cute little clutch we found in a vintage shop. My hair is up for a change and I'm wearing diamond hoop earrings.

"You look beautiful Kate, these are for you." He hands me a bundle of sunflowers they are my favorite and they're very pretty. I have the perfect vase for them it's a stone looking blue vase and it's tall – perfect for the long stems. I have to keep my emotions in check, it's been a long time since I've had this kind of date where a man actually brings me flowers – it's unsettling when you realized you haven't been treated well…and you allowed it. I turned away before Elliot could see me misty at what he probably views as a simple gesture, but for me means a great deal.

"Thank you Elliot, you look very handsome, thank you for my flowers – you remembered. Would you like something to drink?"

"Thanks babe – no I'm good, we'll start with a couple of cocktails at the club if that's okay."

In the car Elliot seems uncharacteristically nervous, he's not his usual chatty and confident self. It is our first official date so maybe he's just trying to play it cool. I don't try and force conversation, besides I don't want awkward silences during dinner.

When we arrive at the club he takes my hand and leads me into the semi-private dining area reserved for us tonight – there's no one sharing the area where we are, but we are visible to the surrounding dining area. We however have our own bar, staff and music.

"Kate, this is new for me, kinda." Finally he speaks!

"I am a love em and leave em kinda guy – I don't do dates or flowers, I've had a couple of relationships and they ended because I wasn't ready to settle down and I was unfaithful, I have quite the reputation. I like you a lot Kate and I want to get to know you and I'm willing to take it slow because I understand where you are right now, and it's important to me. You are important to me."

Wow. I wasn't expecting that, I really appreciate that he's being so honest with me. I'm not emotionally ready to be intimate with Elliot, though almost since the moment we met I knew he was special – I immediately started to think could he be my last person I'm ever intimate with? I want this to last – I want to give us a chance to get to know one another. I think I understand who he is and vice versa; it's all come down to this and I want this, I want him.

"I appreciate your saying that Elliot, I'm glad you're being patient with me – I'm attracted to you and I want to take the time to get to know you because I want a real relationship, you're the first guy I've ever felt that way about. You said you messed up before because you weren't ready to settle down, are you ready to settle down now? I mean is that why you're telling me this?"

"Yes, and I want that with you. So you think I'm hot huh? I've seen you checking me out, I don't blame you." He says with a sly sexy smirk.

I laugh so loud the bartender seemed startled. I haven't laughed like that since the whole mess with Hyden began, realizing how angry and sad I've been my laughter turns to tears and I start to cry and in an instant Elliot is at my side.

"Hey, babe – I don't know what I said to make you …"

"No, no you didn't do anything." I say through sobs. "It's just been a rough couple of weeks and I'm just happy that you are who you are is all."

"C'mere." He says holding me tight, and using the dinner napkin to blot my tears.

"So it's official? We're dating?"

"Yes Elliot, we're dating."

"Good, let's get some food in you – you'll need your strength to resist ravishing my sexy body tonight."

This time I laugh without crying.