We are moving forward in time through the rest of the 6th season. Chapter 4 and 5 are the time-equivalent of S6 episodes 13 and 14 where Jill visits and again, R&R actually express some feelings for each other. Thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic reviews. … This is for you.

"Please Ross, kiss me. Kiss me!" She begged.

It was one of the most difficult things he had ever done. He leaned forward and let his lips brush hers. Before he could go any further he felt himself getting sick. "Gross!" he thought to himself. "This is awful. There is no way I can kiss you like that Monica!"

The self-therapy was working. Imagining himself kissing his own sister was having its desired effect. Now if only he could see Jill as his sister-in-law there would be no problem. The very thought of kissing her would turn his stomach.

"How do I look?" asked Jill as she entered the living room.

Ross, having been seated on the couch, rose to his feet and turned to face her. He was not prepared for this …

"Uh, whoa! You look nice." replied Ross, who by now was getting very uncomfortable. "Ready to go?"

From head-to-toe she was dressed in a revealing blouse, a very short skirt and boots with 4 inch heels.

"She's your sister-in-law, she's your sister-in-law." He repeated in his mind.

"Yes, I'm ready. Let me just get my purse."

"Let's go." She said, as she returned to the living room. Taking his arm they proceeded through the door, down the stairs and over to 495 Grove.

As they approached Central Perk Ross had hoped that they would arrive before Rachel there and his friends. As luck would have it just the opposite would happen. As they entered the café the pair became the center of attention for the five sets of eyes now staring at them. Protocol called for her to introduce her sibling, but by the looks of things she was in no mood …

"Uh, hey everyone, I'd like to meet someone. This is Rachel's sister Jill." He announced with a slightly squeaky voice.

At that moment each of his friends reacted in somewhat different ways.

Phoebe, seated at the chair to the right of the couch stood and greeted her with an outstretched hand and a "Nice to meet you. You look a lot like Rachel. I can see the resemblance."

Chandler, sitting on the far right of the couch was speechless. He sat there with a weird "muaaa …" sound emanating from his half open mouth. The sound immediately ceased as a petite female elbow struck a blow against his right ribcage. "Owww!" He blurted out.

Monica, whose elbow was now firmly implanted in her boyfriend's ribs, had known Jill from when they were younger. "Hi Jill. It's been a long time."

Rachel occupied the left position on the couch. She spent those few moments glaring at Ross and then her sister. She was not happy. "She is not spending another night at his place!" She thought.

Joey sat alone on the chair to the left, closest to the counter. His heart was aflutter with anticipation as he said "Hey, how you doin?" to her sister.

Rachel's glare sent him immediately to his chair.

"I'm going to get some coffee. Would anyone else like something?" Ross asked as he tried to put some distance between himself and Jill.

Jill was the only one to answer. "Sure, a cup of tea would be nice."

"I'll be right back. Hey Rach, could I talk to you for a sec?" He asked, moving toward Gunther and the counter. After ordering he looked around to the left towards his friends. He jumped as he found Rachel standing only a foot away, her eyes were angry … he had to think fast.

"OK, I think I've got a solution to our little problem." He said.

"I'm listening. Oh, by the way, should I go find a date so we can double up tonight?" She asked.

"Ouch! That hurt Rachel. Listen, your sister is obviously interested in me. I think I might have a way to distract her."

"How are you going to do that, belch or something?" She asked sarcastically.

"No, listen. Do you want her over at my place again tonight because I sure don't! I cannot relax in my own apartment. She keeps looking at me weird and she walks around in these revealing outfits. I feel very uncomfortable."

"Oh, poor baby." She replied. "No, of course I don't want her over there but how are you going to distract her?"

"I have to protect you and our little secret but I don't want to lie to her. Please trust me. Go sit down. I have a call to make." He replied.

While Rachel returned to the couch Ross made the urgent phone call. Before long he had returned to his friends with a cup of tea.

"Here's your tea Jill."

"Have we decided on a restaurant for tonight?" asked Rachel. "Jill, what do you feel like eating?"

"Oh … I don't know. I'm a little tired from all that shopping. We could always order some takeout and eat in. Ross, what do you think?" She asked.

Taken completely by surprise Ross inhaled the last of his coffee. He spent the next minute or so trying to cough it out of his lungs.

While Ross was preoccupied Rachel covered for him.

"Jill, how often do you come to visit? Ross offered to treat us. You don't want to hurt his feelings do you?"

"No, I don't want to do that." She said, smiling at Ross. "Well, I don't know the area. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

"Do you like Italian food?" asked Monica.

"Sure, who doesn't?" replied Jill.

"Well why don't you go to my restaurant, Alessandros. I'll be cooking there tonight." She offered.

"Is that OK with you Ross?" Jill asked.

He quickly glanced over to Rachel who was in the process of providing him with a discreet "OK" in the form of a wink.

"Sure. That's fine. Monica's food is always top-notch. She's always takes care of us. Would you please excuse me, I have to get this coffee stain out of my shirt. I'll be right back" He replied, discreetly winking back at his wife.

Ross moved to the back of the café near the restroom, away from the prying eyes of his friends. He then redialed the same number from his last call. He hoped his idea would work.

The three arrived at Allesandros in good spirits. Rachel had helped Ross free himself from the clutches of her sister by walking in between them. Ross was hopeful yet somewhat nervous at to how the evening would proceed. He was thankful that he was at least temporarily free of her.

"Geller, party of 3." Ross announced.

"Yes sir. This way please." Replied the maitre de.

The three were seated and made themselves comfortable. After drinks and appetizers were ordered the conversation began.

"So what do you recommend for dinner Ross? Asked Jill.

"Uh, I'm not sure. Let's ask the waiter to talk to Monica. She'll know what's good tonight."

Shortly thereafter a slightly disheveled, marinara-stained Monica approached their table.

"Hey guys. I'm glad you could make it tonight. Are you ready to try Monica's specials?" She asked. "Ross, I know what you and Rachel like but what about you Jill? She asked.

"How's the Chicken Marsala? Jill enquired.

"It's one of my best dishes. I use only the freshest Portobello mushrooms and finest Marsala wine you know." She replied proudly.

"That sounds scrumptious! I'd like that please."

"Very good then. I'm off." Monica replied, rushing back to the kitchen.

Rachel was getting anxious. She was told to trust him. He would take care of everything, but nothing was happening. She was no closer to removing Jill from her husband's apartment. She made her concerns known to him …

"Owww."

"What's wrong Ross?" Asked Jill.

"Oh nothing. I think I have a cramp." Ross replied, glaring at Rachel and rubbing his leg where she had just kicked him.

At that moment Ross glanced around the dining room until he noticed him …

"Bob!" Ross yelled out. "Over here! Come on over."

"Who is that?" Asked Rachel.

"He's a friend from work. I just wanted to say hello." He replied.

As Bob approached the table Jill gave him the once-over. She considered his appearance, his age and balance of his bank account. He was younger then Ross, about her age. He was handsome, well dressed, and had a wonderful smile.

"Jill, Rachel, this is my friend Bob from work. He's an intern at the museum. So Bob, what are you doing here tonight, and all alone?" asked Ross.

"Dr. Gellar, it's kind of embarrassing. I had a blind date but I think she stood me up." Replied Bob, somewhat disappointed.

"Bob, you can call me Ross. We're not at the museum at the moment." Rachel, Jill. Would you mind if Bob joined us for dinner?" asked Ross.

"No." they both replied.

"I'm so sorry. Bob, this is my friend Rachel and her sister Jill. Jill is visiting from Long Island."

"Nice to meet you both." He replied, staring at Jill.

After ordering a meal for Bob, Ross continued …

"So Bob, you were stood up huh?"

"It looks like it. A friend set us up." He replied.

"That's too bad." Jill said sympathetically.

"Yeah, but the jokes on her. She doesn't know what she's going to miss tonight." Replied Bob.

"What do you mean?" asked Rachel. "What is she going to miss?"

"Well, after eating dinner at this great restaurant I was going to take her to a concert at Shea." He replied.

"Wait a minute! You're not going to see Green Day tonight are you? Asked Jill, anticipating his answer.

"Yup. You like the group?" he asked.

"Oh I love their music. I own all of their CDs!" Replied Jill.

"Well then, do you have anything planned for this evening? I do have an extra ticket."

"Oh no, nothing, nothing at all!" She replied gleefully.

"Then will you please accompany me to the concert?" He asked.

"Are you kidding, I'd love to go!" She replied, giving Bob a big hug around his neck.

Rachel had her suspicions. "The whole thing seemed just too planned out." She thought. She looked over at Ross and failed to find anything in his expression that would lead her to believe that he had planned any of this. It just seemed too perfect …

The dinner had been consumed and the bill had been paid. It was starting to get late …

"So Bob, what time does the concert start?" asked Ross.

Looking at his watch Bob started to panic. "Oh my God! The concert starts in a little more than an hour. We'll never make it! I was going to take the train but that'll take too long now. I'm going to have to hail a cab. Come on Jill, we don't want to be late!"

Before leaving Rachel interjected. "Jill, I'm going with Ross back to his place for a minute. I'll pick up your stuff and take it over to Phoebe's and mine. We'll probably be up late tonight so don't worry about waking us. Here is the address and apartment number, OK?"

"OK, yeah. I think it would be better if I stayed with Rachel for the rest of my visit Ross. I hope you understand." Jill asked.

"Of course Jill. Just get to Rachel's safe, OK? Bob, here is Rachel's address. Make sure she gets home safely and at a reasonable time, alright?" Ross asked.

"Sure Ross. I won't let anything happen to her."

"See that you don't." replied Rachel.

The young couple said their goodbyes and quickly exited the restaurant.

"Thank you Ross for a lovely evening. I had a great time. Both the meal and company were very nice." said Rachel.

"If you are happy then I am happy." He replied.

"You know, what happened here tonight with Jill and Bob seemed just a little too perfect to me. You didn't have anything to do with this did you?" She asked.

"Why and how would I have anything to do with this?" He protested. "You sure are a suspicious person you know. You've got to learn to trust people more."

At that moment Bob re-entered the restaurant and walked back to where Ross and Rachel were seated. Their conversation ceased as they both looked at Bob in unison.

"Ross, you forgot to give me the concert tickets. I also need money for the cab fare to and from Shea." He stated.

Embarrassed, Ross handed him the tickets and enough money for the pair to get safely to the concert and back to Rachel's.

"Thanks Ross. I'll take care of her." Bob replied.

"Please see that you do. Thanks Bob, have a good time. You deserve it." Ross replied as Bob headed out the door.

She was enjoying it, seeing his squirm and sweat. There he waited for what seemed like an eternity until Rachel decided to respond to his last statement.

"I knew you had something to do with this!" She said. "I knew things ran just too perfectly!"

"Now Rachel, calm down." Ross replied, trying unsuccessfully to free himself from her gaze.

"… and I need to learn to trust people more, huh?"

"I was only joking." replied Ross. "But you've got to admit it went well. She never expected a thing AND she's out of my apartment!"

"Yes, I guess I couldn't have done better myself. Tell me about this guy "Bob". Is he a nice guy?" She asked.

"One of the best." He replied.

"Like you used to be?" She countered.

"No, like I am now trying to be." He replied.

Having left Allesandros, Ross and Rachel returned to his apartment. Helping Rachel collect Jill's belongings they packed her bag.

"I better be going, it's getting late."

"Please let me walk you home." He asked.

"That's not necessary. I'm a big girl." She replied.

"I know. You're a successful, independent woman who doesn't need anyone." He said, exasperated.

"That's not true." She replied. "I need you."

"What, what did you say?" He asked.

"Ross, with all of the things that have happened between us in the past and for all of our history you are still my friend, my best friend. I could not picture my life without you in it. At this very moment you are being my friend by giving me the time to think things over ... and I appreciate it."

"Are you sure you won't let me walk you home?" He asked.

"I appreciate you wanting to watch over me. It makes me feel safe and cared for. I can make it to my place alright. I've done it many times." She replied.

"Listen Rach, I just want you to understand that there is no pressure on you. Whatever you decide will be OK with me. I will wait for you for however long it takes."

"I know you will." She replied, pausing for a moment to choose her words. "Ross, are you doing anything next Saturday night?"

"No, I don't think so, why?" He replied.

"I just wanted to see if you wanted to go out … if that's OK with you."

"Do you mean like as in a date?" he asked.

"Yes, as in a date." She replies.

That would be nice." He replied "Our first date."

"That's just what I was thinking." She said as she kissed him on the cheek. "Good night."

The next chapter should be VERY interesting. It will be long. I will hopefully post it within the week. I hope you are enjoying this.

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