Neela hung up the phone, and turned and saw a look of anger and pain in Ray's eyes.

"Ray what is the matter?"
"When is he ever going to stop being in your life Neela?" Ray said in a harsh tone.

"Ray didn't you hear me just now I told him never to call me again."

"Yeah, but you have to work with him and see him everyday."

"Ray, it is my job I have to see him but it does not mean I have to be with him. I am with you and that's all that matters."

"Neela, unfortunately it does matter."

"What are you talking about?"

"Neela I don't think I am coming back to Chicago again."

"But, you said you wanted to be with me how are we suppose to do that if you don't live here."

"I was hoping you could move down to Baton Rouge with me. I am not expecting you to do it right away, I know you have to see the place to say if you like it or not but that is another reason I want you to go now."

"Ray Barnett how can you even think I would leave my residency to go to Louisiana?"

"Neela it was only a taught, I not pressuring you but at least we don't have to worry about Gates anymore."

"And what about Katey?"

"What about Katey?"

"From what I heard she goes down there frequently to visit you, are we going to still have her hovering over our heads for the rest of our lives?"

"Neela, Katey knows I love you."

"Oh does she really?'

"Yes."

"so why did I hear her tell one of the nurses one day that she cares so much for you and can see herself with you."

"Neela I don't know what she is thinking but I do not want Katey, grant it she has been there for me but I love you and only you."

"So does she know you were coming here?"

There was a moment of silence before Neela asked array the question again.

"Does she know you are here?"

"No, she does not and why should she know?"

"Well since you two seem to be friends I figured she could have helped you pull off this scheme."

"Scheme, you think me coming here was a scheme."

"Well, you are trying to trick me into going to Louisiana with you now, so I can leave my life here."

Now Ray was really angry.

"The last time I checked you did not have a life."

Neela just looked at Ray; she was hurt by his last comment.

"Neela I am sorry, I did not mean that."

"You know what Ray maybe this was a mistake."

"Excuse me?"

"Maybe we are not meant to do this right now."

"Neela you must be kidding me. Right"

"No I am not maybe you should just go."

"Neela I am not leaving here without you."

"Well I need time to think. Alone."

"Fuck Neela it has been 7 months, 7 months since this has happened to us I think we both have had enough time to think."

"Ray, I think it is for the best that you go now."

"You know what Neela I will I am tired of this I keep falling for the same bullshit with you; I can't do this any more. If that is what you want fine, go think, pray, meditate whatever you do to make you feel better. But I can not do this with you anymore. 3 years is long enough. Goodbye"

Ray got up and walked out of the apartment and slammed the door behind him.