I do not own EUReKA. I shed a tear everyday.

The Law of Attraction

Chapter 2: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Allison had a splitting headache and in actuality had had it for almost three days now. The aspirin she'd been popping like candy was having no effect in alleviating her pain or discomfort. After handling yet another Eureka emergency, this one dealing with a missing scientist and his lab, her real problems began. The jumping off point occurred that evening when she realized that she was required to work with not one, but two grown men who were acting like big ass babies. Really, what did she expect though? It's not as if they had ever been friends and this only proved to push them further apart.

Once Allison and Jack received the call after Nathan stormed out, they hightailed it to GD and as predicted Nathan and Henry were already there. You would think that with a crisis at hand they could manage to conduct themselves with some semblance of professionalism and decorum, but of course, that wasn't the case.

Nathan was the first to get the ball rolling, taking jabs at the fact that Jack couldn't follow along with any of their scientific talk which required them to break it down into laymen's terms so that he could understand. Belittling him in front of not only Allison but other staff members wasn't unusual but this time it was much nastier, and contrary to Nathan's belief Jack wasn't stupid, he knew precisely what he was trying to do. For Allison's sake, Jack maintained his composure...well as long as he could that is. He finally broke when Nathan dared mention the usefulness of a town Sheriff who couldn't contribute to the conversation and proved to be more of a distraction. Almost coming to blows, Allison pulled them both into the corridor and gave them a stern talking to emphasizing that this was not the time nor the place for them to hash out their differences with each other. Her words connected and a temporary truce was met. They cooperated as best they could, eventually bringing the case of the disappearing scientist to a close.

Allison thought that after her intervention, cooler heads would prevail. She should have know better. The next day it started all over again. Allison knew what she had to do but the thought made her uneasy. There was just no simple way, so she went to the one who was easier to deal with and addressed Jack first. She explained that she would appreciate it if he could try and be civil with Nathan, that it did nothing to ease the tension and it would make life around Eureka much easier not only for the two of them, but everyone connected to them. Understandably Jack balked at the thought of playing nice, but for her, he would attempt to be the bigger man. She also made it clear that she planned to sit down and talk with Nathan. She wanted to make sure he understand that under no uncertain terms, they were over. He needed to realize that she was with Jack and if he couldn't handle it, then possibly he should begin looking for employment elsewhere because she sure as hell wasn't going anywhere.

That was yesterday.

Tonight she and Nathan were meeting for dinner. She figured it would be a lengthy conversation so she extended an olive branch and wisely suggested they spend the evening at her place. She didn't want to meet at Café Diem – too many busybodies and she sure as heck wasn't going to his place – it was the quintessential bachelor pad. Allison had been privy to the inside of Nathan's domain since he'd returned and as expected everything was orderly, neutral in tone and modern in styling which came off as somewhat cold. Besides, she wanted to have the home field advantage. She wanted to let him know that even though this was the end of their romantic relationship, she hoped their friendship could continue.

She ordered his favorites – sushi, sashimi and sake from Café Diem, set the table, then went upstairs to change out of her work clothes. She emerged twenty minutes later dressed in a white cotton peasant blouse, dark blue jeans, and espadrilles with her hair pulled high up into a ponytail. She had scrubbed her face clean of all makeup choosing to go for the natural look. She didn't need to put on airs around Nathan as he had seen her at her worst.

At precisely seven on the dot, the doorbell rang. Taking one last look around she hurriedly went to greet her guest. Allison really didn't want to have to have "the talk" with him right now but his unannounced visit to her home four nights ago had forced her hand. She opened the door and audibly gasped at the sight before her. Nathan, suave as ever, was dressed to the nines. Though he'd removed his business attire, he was still well put together. Clad in black from head to toe, his Armani oxford shirt and slacks were tailored to fit. Dammit, Allison thought, he always did look good in black. As he passed under the threshold, she caught a whiff of his cologne, Clive Christian No. 1 – her favorite. Allison didn't know what the hell he was trying to do, but she needed to make sure she stopped it quick before he got the wrong idea. Before she could lay down the ground rules, he produced from behind his back the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen.

"Nathan they're exquisite. What are they? Where did you get them?"

"They're from the hydroponics lab. It's a new hybrid created by Dr. Stein and believe me, they pale in comparison to your beauty."

She had to admit, they were beautiful. "Thank you Nathan."

Giving him the once over, she commented on his attire. "Uh, I hate to tell you this, but I think you're a little overdressed."

"No such thing. A man should always look his best. I mean, could you see me walking around in gingham shirts and jeans. I'm an adult, not a child playing Cowboy's and Indians."

Allison knew he was taking a not so subtle dig at Jack's chosen profession, but she chose to let it slide. She didn't want to begin the evening with an argument and not wanting to let him get too comfortable, Allison immediately steered them towards the kitchen where they sat down to eat.

She had been worried that he would delve right into the other night, but luckily she was able to keep the conversation steered toward work, their families and Kevin. Besides, she didn't want to spring it on him right away, but he had to know why she invited him over...didn't he? Anyway, Nathan wasn't very good at playing coy. He was upfront and straight to the point, never afraid to say exactly what he wanted, even if it included her.

It turned out they'd had a pleasant conversation and once their meal was complete, he offered to help her with the dishes, but she thankfully declined. She really didn't want the evening to go on any longer than absolutely necessary, but as usual when Nathan came over, he made himself at home. It wasn't as if he was uninvited, she'd always welcome him with open arms – not literally but figuratively. Besides, Kevin enjoyed his company as they related on a highly intellectual level all their own and she knew Nathan adored him.

Automatically he headed to the wine cabinet and chose a bottle. Uncorking an Austrian Riesling, he poured for them both and handing her a glass, held it up and offered a toast.

"To us." Nathan was never one to remain mum about his intentions and it looked as if this time, he would not go silently into the night.

Allison pulled her hand back before their glasses clinked. She had a feeling this might happen. It appeared he had taken her gesture of kindness as an opening to the likelihood of them rebuilding their relationship.

"Nathan, have a seat."

Allison motioned toward the living room, taking a seat beside him on the sofa. She had hoped to have an enjoyable dinner, a little small talk, smooth things over a bit before diving in. Apparently he was in no mood to play games. Making sure there was enough distance between them so that he felt at ease, but no so close that he got the wrong impression, she turned to face him and was instantly overwhelmed with memories.

Before he'd left her for the position in Washington, they'd had a good marriage. Was it perfect...no, but they were in love so they willingly put in the extra effort to make it work. Laboring side by side proved to be the simplest part of their relationship. Nathan was the most brilliant man she knew and to be able to work alongside him was an honor in itself.

Their marital problems began when Nathan felt that his talent was being wasted due to his continual theories and suggestions being shot down by the previous head of Global Dynamics. Nathan never was one to sit idly by, following orders he knew to be egregious, and that was his biggest problem. He always wanted to be the one who was right. When they were alone, as loving, sweet and caring as he was, he was equally as arrogant, egotistical, and snobbish to the rest of the world, a fact that didn't make him very many friends. Oh, he had a plethora of colleagues, but close friends, not so much. Allison had become his wife, lover, coworker and best friend. She didn't see the big deal and knew that he would get his chance to shine sooner or later. Nathan was too good for them not to notice. Besides, living in Eureka had been a blessing in disguise. Dealing with an Autistic child was never easy, but for some reason, Kevin flourished here. Allison didn't want to remove him from this environment, especially one that developed his abilities. When Nathan decided waiting wasn't good enough and put himself before their family, well, that was the straw that broke the camels back. It was a shock when he arrived back in Eureka as Allison assumed that was the end of their association and their paths would not soon cross again. When he'd made it clear he was back to stay, taking the job as new director of GD, she was taken aback to say the least.

Shaking those memories free, Allison had to remember the reason she'd invited him over in the first place and not allow sentiment to cloud her judgment. Smiling at him ruefully, she rested her hand a top his as it lay cross his lap. She wanted to offer him some semblance of commiseration for what she had to tell him would not be easy to say or hear.

"Nathan, I need to say something to you and I want you to listen."

He inched closer, his free hand cradling hers.

"What is it?"

Allison slowly slid her hand from within his grasp.

Swallowing hard she took a deep breath and forged on. "First off, I want you to know how much I care for you."

"I care for you too Allie. I think you know how much I've missed you. Missed us."

"Nathan please, let me get this out."

Allison stared straight into his eyes only to be met with another recollection. It was during their first date and she remembered how the emerald green hue had entranced her. He didn't have the full beard then and looked quite young for his age without it. That was one of the reason he chose to keep it when it finally grew in. He felt it gave him an air of respectability beyond his years.

Shit, she thought. I need to stay focused and the best way to handle the situation she realized was to rip it off like a Band-Aid – fast.

"Nathan, I didn't want you to find out the way you did but...Carter and I are dating. The only reason I didn't inform you sooner wasn't because we made the decision together not to tell anyone. I wasn't trying to hide it from you. Jack and I wanted to see if this could work and now that you know, I hope you'll stand by my decision."

What she expected was for him to rant and rave. What she got was calm, cool and collected.

"Allie, I know."

"You know? What do you mean you know?"

"When I stormed out of here the other night, I admit I was furious. A few days have passed and I've had time to process the situation and I think I understand what's going on here."

"You do?"

"When I came back to Eureka I made a promise to myself. You know I've always had aspirations of running GD, and working under our previous predecessor, it never would have happened. I had to venture out and prove my worth and I made that change not only for me, but for us. I know you didn't see it that way but you were always in my thoughts and in my heart. When the opportunity to return to Eureka presented itself, it was an easy choice for me make. I wanted to be near you and Kevin again and I think you know why. Allie, I want you back."

Allison was dumbfounded. Had she been talking to herself all this time?

"Nathan, did you hear anything I've said?"

He closed the gap between them, his arm laid on the back of the couch, he threaded his fingers through her hair.

"Of course I did. You're dating Sheriff Carter."

She shook his hand loose. "And?"

"And I'm fine with it."

"You're fine with it?"

"Yes."

"Then what is it you think you're doing?"

"Allie, you're still upset with me and I can understand why. I left you and Kevin for what you thought was to further my own goals. Instead of trying to fix what had broken, I turned a deaf ear. Now, I'm back and my feelings haven't changed. I just think you're confused."

"I'm confused?"

"Yes, you're using Carter as a diversion to avoid unresolved feelings toward me."

Allison stared in disbelief. "You arrogant son-of-a..." She leapt from the couch hands flailing wildly. "How dare you."

"Calm down, Allie."

He was using that tone she hated. The one he used as if he were talking to a child.

"Nathan, do not tell me to calm down."

"Allie, I'm only saying I know why you would chose to date Carter. He's unlike anyone you've been in a relationship before. He represents something adventurous, intriguing, he's...average."

Allison knew she must have looked foolish standing there with her mouth agape.

"Nathan, for you to suggest that I am dating Carter because of some unfulfilled desire to take a trip on the wild side is not only disrespectful to me but indicative of the antipathy you have for him, of which is totally unfounded. Jack Carter is a decent, humble, caring human being and I am lucky that he would want to date me."

As he rose to face her, she couldn't help but notice that his expression bore one of overconfidence.

"Allie, let me ask you something."

She crossed her arms, already on the defensive. "What?"

"Are you in love with Carter?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"A simple one."

"Carter and I haven't reached that point in our relationship to determine if it's love or not."

"Okay then. Do you still love me?"

"I care about you Nathan, you know that."

"That's not what I asked you. Do...you...still...love...me?"

Allison could feel her mouth go dry. How was she supposed to answer that? Did she love Nathan...yes, but only in the sense that he had been a huge part of her life. Well, thats what she'd been telling herself anyway. He was an important part of her and Kevin's life and always would be. When he came back to Eureka, of course she'd thought about the possibility of the two of them rekindling what they'd had, but that was in the past. She'd let the prospect of reuniting go.

Allison hadn't realized she was standing there, silent and unmoving until he spoke again.

"Allison?"

"What?"

"I think you heard me."

Nathan took hold of her forearms and leaned in close.

"Allison, if you can look me in the eyes and tell me that you no longer have any romantic feelings for me, then I will step aside and never pursue you again and I think it only fair that you tell me the truth. So, what's your answer?"

Allison needed to make sure her words were exact.

"Nathan, we've been though a lot together, some good, some bad. I want you to know I will always cherish those moments we had together, and the memories, but things are...different now. When you left, I was devastated. There I was alone, again. I thought you'd always be by my side. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is...we're over."

Moving forward, he took her face in his hands and stared deep into her eyes.

"Then tell me this. Why haven't you filed for divorce?"

"I...I meant to. I just never got around to it."

"Allie, I know you. You don't forget anything that's important to you. I had no choice but to take it as a sign that there is still the possibility of us. I have to know, is there a chance that you could still love me?"

She uttered noiselessly, the words she wanted to say stuck in her throat.

"Allie, all I want is for you to give me the opportunity to prove to you that I was the man you married all those years ago. I can be the man you want me to be. Without you, my life has no meaning. You don't have to answer me now, but I do want you to put some serious thought into it. Allison, I love you."

Then he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. Allison couldn't move, she couldn't react as her feet had become rooted to the floor. All she could do was close her eyes and accept his tender gesture.

He tentatively stepped back and peered into her eyes, looking for some...any response. When none was forthcoming he released her and headed for the door.

"Goodnight Allie."

As the door slammed shut, Allison slid down to the floor. Her head in her hands, she couldn't fathom how the evening had turned against her favor. She had set out to be direct and upfront with Nathan, tell him that without question it was over between the two of them. She knew Nathan wouldn't agree with her decision. Assuming he'd arrive as the old Nathan who was vain and selfish, it would have been so much easier to cut romantic ties with him.

She sat there for some time reenacting the events over and over again in her head. What should she have done differently? Was it a mistake to meet with him in person? What was she supposed to do now?

Ultimately, the biggest question of all, did she still have feelings for him?

Slowly she peeled herself up off of the rustic wood floor, bypassing the plates and leftovers that lay on the table and headed upstairs. All she wanted to do was lie down. Closing her eyes, she dozed off only to be awakened by the harsh tones of a ringing phone. Unsure if it was real or not as it had incorporated into her dream. Her face planted in the opposite direction, she groped for her PDA on the nightstand.

Groggily she answered, "Hello?"

"Hey beautiful. Did I wake you?"

Allison sprung from her position, eyes wide with fear. "Jack! Um...I uh, no. I'm up."

"I waited for you to call. How did it go? Are you okay?"

Oh God she thought, what was she going to say? She couldn't tell him what Nathan said and she couldn't tell him her response, or rather non-response, but she also didn't want to lie to him. He deserved better then that. God, she felt like a heel.

Raising herself up so that she was seated, her legs dangled off the bed. Her feet barely touching the floor, she gripped the carpet fibers between her toes, the anxiety of the situation all to much to bare.

"Hello...?"

Until he called out to her again she hadn't realized that she'd been sitting there searching for something to say.

"I'm sorry Carter, I'm just really tired. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"Uh...yeah sure."

"Thanks."

"Night Allie."

"Night."

Once she hung up, she realized her faux pas. She had called him Carter again. The last few nights when they'd talked, she always ended the conversation by saying his name in that giggly, girly way females did when they had a crush. Had Nathan affected her that much that subconsciously she was having second thoughts? No! Undeniably and emphatically, the answer to that was no. So, why then did she have this nauseated feeling in the pit of her stomach. She thought she had let Nathan go, not only in her head, but in her heart. The romance she was embarking on with Jack had opened her up to the possibility of finding someone to love again. You may be lucky once, maybe twice, but three times? What if Nathan was right. What if she was forcing a connection with Jack because he was different. Really, did they have anything in common? Would it work out in the long term? She knew what she had with Nathan so there was something to build on, with Jack, it was unknown.

She tossed and turned most of the night, unable to wind down, her thoughts bouncing back and forth between the pros and cons for them both. It was a difficult situation and she knew a decision would have to be made and no matter what, she would likely lose a friend in the process.

Next - Chapter 3: What's love got to do with it?