At the Chase house, Patty and Graham were sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.
Patty-"So, how did the meeting go?"Graham was looking through a newspaper, he looked up as he heard his wifes voice-"Huh? oh that, yea it went well. We've thought of a name for the restaurant"
Patty-"Really? oh that's great Graham, what have you called it"
Graham-"Pattys place"
A big smile spread across Pattys face. -"oh, honey, that's so sweet. I don't know what to say"
Graham laughed at her. His wife stuck for words..Wonders will never cease!
Graham-"I'm glad you approve"
He planted a kiss on her forehead. He put his jacket on and grabbed his car keys.
Patty-"You going out again? you've only just got back"
Graham-"I won't be long, Hallie Lowenthall wants to show me her final ideas for the menus. I don't know, that woman always seems to need me she cant seem to function on her own. I won't be to long, maybe an hour or so"
Patty- a little disappointed" If you have to go you have to go right? Look at you Mr business man, I'm proud of you Graham"
Graham-" I can stick to things you know, I like to try and see all things I get into through"
Patty-"I didn't mean to sound like tha-" Graham cut her off mid sentence- "I really have to go Patty, Hallie is waiting for me. See you later on"
He rolled his eyes and left the house, not giving Patty a kiss goodbye.
Patty felt dejected and hurt. She sighed and whispered under her breath- "I'm waiting for you to Graham"
Patty looked around the kitchen, she saw the pile of plates that needed washing and made a start on them. Her hands were soapy and a plate slipped out of her grasp and crashed to the floor.
As the plate lay in pieces on the floor, Patty started crying hysterically. She felt her relationship with Graham was in the same state as the plate, shattered.
Through her sobs the phone rang. It's peircing shrill breaking her thoughts. She composed herself and put on her best phone voice as she answered.- "Hello?"
Camilles voice boomed from the phone reciever-"Pattycakes, I'm at a loose end. Is it ok if I come round?"
Patty-" Camille, of course you can. Her voice sounded strained.Camillie, concerned - "You're crying, what's he done"
Patty-"Oh Camille, I need a voice of reason, I'm losing my mind. Please hurry round"
Camille- "Sit tight, I'll be round in five"
Patty hung up the phone, she knew Camille would set her straight. What would she do without her best friend.
At the restaurant "Pattys Place".
Graham and Hallie were sitting side by side, looking through menu designs.
Hallie-"What about this one"
She showed Graham a bright green and blue menu. Graham turned his nose up in disgust.
Graham-" Our restaurant is going to be classy, not a multi-coloured fun house"
Hallie chuckled- "forever the dramatist, it's NOT that bad Graham"
Graham- "Hallie, LOOK at it. It's disgusting. There is NO way we are having that as a menu"
Hallie gently slapped Grahams hand. Before she had time to pull her hand away, Graham held it fast in his own.
He was just staring at their hands.
Hallie softly-"Graham, are you ok"
Graham ran his thumb over Hallies hand gently. -"No, no..I don't think I am"
They looked into each others eyes, Hallie took a deep breath and whispered- "What's up"
Graham-" You know what's up Hallie, the problem is us"
Hallie-" Graham I haven't done anything"
Graham-" Neither have I, but you can't deny this attraction we have..I can't fight it any more. God help me I love Patty I do, but I want you"
Hallie-"Graham you are married. You have two beautiful daughters and a great wife. I won't deny it, yes I have feelings for you. This is wrong though,nothing can happen between us"
Graham was staring longingly at Hallie, his heart and head in turmoil. He moved closer towards her. Hallie didn't back away.
Hallie-"This is wron-" Graham put his lips on hers stifling her words"
Graham V/O- I'm kissing someone other than my wife. I swore i'd never cheat on Patty again. Mmmm she has cherry lip gloss on,she tastes delicious. If I can keep a lid on this, no-one needs to get hurt.
Hallie pushed Graham gently away. She stood up and straightened herself out.
Hallie-" Don't do this to me Graham. Don't make me the other woman. If you're not happy with Patty then leave her. I refuse to play second fiddle. Brad hurt me, I can't go through it again. These feelings we have either stop now or we continue. You need to make a choice Graham, I suggest you think long and hard about what you really want. Until then, NEVER kiss me again."
Graham looked to the floor, ashamed that he let his needs blur his rational thinking.-"I'm sorry Hallie"
Hallie-" I think right now, that you have far more to worry about than some silly menu design"
Graham-"Yes, yes I do. I have to go, I can't be here right now I need to sort my head out"
Hallie-"I wont argue with that Graham"
They stood up, both feeling awkward and guilt was written across both their faces. They kissed, whether they wanted to admit it or not they both knew they would again.
Hallie made a quick escape for the door. Graham let her go. Not a word was spoken between them and Hallie didn't look back as she left.
Graham- confused and guilty" What the fuck have I done?"