A/N- Special thanks to everyone who has reviewed! It really does keep us going. Here's the latest, please let us know what you think! As always none of this is possible with our fantastic beta off-the-deep-end

***

The sun set about an hour ago along with my work. My work here is done and I find it rather unsettling that I'm... sad? I don't know. But I've been organizing and reorganizing the same pile of papers for the past hour and staring at the empty He-man so that I won't look up at her. It doesn't matter if I can't see her though; I can still sense her all around me.

I sigh and close and the empty He-man and adjust my glasses before standing up.

The thought of going back to Stein and Meyer after spending a handful of days has less appeal than I'm willing to admit. The silence there is suffocating. And Bella will be replaced by Kara… not that she can be replaced and especially not by Kara, but I'll have to deal with Kara all day long again and, quite frankly, I'd rather be homeless living in Alphabet City in the middle of February than have to deal with Kara.

That's life though, isn't it? I think I figured out that I was grown up when I realized that I would have to put up with that kind of shit. It never helps to think about it—it being everything that I thought I'd never be.

I sigh and shrug my jacket on, adjusting my glasses once more and running my fingers through my hair before looking up at Bella. She's sitting in that bean bag again with her green iPod a few inches from her face, swaying her head back and forth slightly.

I walk over and stand in front of her until she looks up at me. I wonder what song is putting that soft, contented smile on her face.

"I'm all done," I tell her and slip my hand into my pocket.

She pulls her headphones out and smiles up at me through the warmest eyes I have ever seen. I press my thumb against the stone and force myself to stand still, because fidgeting looks stupid. "Sorry, love, did you say something?"

I've heard her call more than one person love—it seems to be her favorite word—but I can't help how nice it feels to have it directed at me. I clear my throat. "I'm finished."

"Really?" Her face twists into something that my eyes are probably tricking me into thinking is a scowl. "That was fast. I mean, not too fast—I'm sure you did a great job. It just went… quickly… yeah."

"Well, it wasn't as big of a mess as I'd initially thought," I say and chuckle at the disbelief in her eyes. "It was still a mess… just not a complete disaster."

"Now you're just being nice. We both know you earned your keep with that mess," she says and I chuckle again.

Why do I keep chuckling? I press the pad of my thumb further into the stone, trying to remember everything it symbolizes. "I don't lie, Bella." And there I go calling her Bella again. God, what is with me?

"Lying isn't all that bad, sometimes it can save your ass," she says with another bright smile and laughs.

I shake my head at her and shift onto the balls of my feet. "Alright, well, I guess I'd better get going. It was… interesting," I say finally, because even if the experience wasn't entirely pleasant it was definitely interesting.

"Yeah, interesting… you headed home?"

Home, yeah. Maybe I'll order Chinese food, drink some beer, and watch a couple of hours of Law and Order since Hannah won't be home. I nod. "Yeah. Are you…" I tilt my head to the side curiously. "Are you staying here tonight?"

She laughs again and the sound ties a few unwelcome and shocking knots in my stomach. I can't help it, honestly. This is what happens to people that haven't had sex in months—they get butterflies when pretty girls laugh at things they say. "I know I'm a workaholic, but even I have limits. Besides, tonight is Tequila Tuesday."

"Tequila Tuesday?" I ask.

"Long standing tradition and a fantastic excuse to get a little buzzed on a school night. Wanna come?"

Me? To Tequila Tuesday? I have sex more often than I drink tequila. I clear my throat and reach into my pocket again. "I don't know…" my voice trails off because I guess I do know.

"Don't let those shiny shoes hold you back, Edward," she says and her voice is laced with amusement. "You deserve a little time off. I mean, you conquered He-man, you should celebrate!"

I feel myself smiling even though I don't remember telling myself to do so. "Alright," I say, and nod before I can think it through. "I'm in."

***

I try and hide my shock. I was sure he would say no; that was most of my reasoning behind asking. Of course he would say no. He was a pencil neck whose shoes look like they've never seen a subway station much less a dive bar. But, I must have wanted him to come if I'd asked.

His face has taken on such a peace that I can't be angry that I asked. He really wants to come. I hold out my hand to him, prompting him to pull me to my feet. He overestimates my weight or underestimates his strength but either way I end up face pressed against his chest. I quickly pull myself away, but not before I take a deep breath and realize how fucking amazing he smells.

Not good. Block all thoughts like that from my mind. I smile up at him and brush off the collision.

"I was going to meet Jacob and Angela there; do you need to go home or anything before?"

God that sounded awkward. Why am I letting this be awkward? He's just the guy who just sorted out the black hole that was my finances and now I am going to treat him to a night of an alcohol induced haze. Nothing more.

"No, I'll just come with you if that's alright?" He asks me like I might tell him no. I roll my eyes at the thought and a crease forms down the center of his forehead. Before I can stop myself I reach up and smooth out the wrinkle with my thumb. His face relaxes under my touch and I recoil quickly.

What the hell was that?

"You don't want your face getting stuck like that," I tell him. He shakes his head and chuckles. I take the opportunity to make our escape. I pull on my coat and tilt my head towards the door to let him know we're leaving. He nods before shrugging his on his jacket.

As we pass my desk and his former workspace I smile sadly at the now empty Heman lunchbox. It looks so lonely and discarded not. Impulsively grab it from the desk and shove into Edward's arms.

"You should have this. As a memento from the job from hell," I smile. He looks at it almost fondly.

"Thanks. It wasn't hell though," he argues. I just laugh. I know it was.

I wait for him to walk through the door before I pull it shut and lock it.

I shove my hands deep in my pockets in preparation for the chill I just know is in the air. I watch Edward do the same and I am tempted to ask him what the hell he keeps in his pockets that he is always reaching for.

Then again I might not want to know. Once on the street I automatically head for the nearest subway. I can feel him just behind me, letting me take the lead. Just as we reach the entrance I stop and think of his shiny shoes.

"You ok with taking the subway?" I ask. He looks at me like I asked if he wanted to dance naked in the street. Bad question?

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Now would be the time that I tell him about all the horrible stereotypes I have pegged to his forehead in my mind. I roll the thought and possible words around in my mouth a little before a couple just slip out.

"Your shoes are just so shiny and I wouldn't want you to get them dirty."

Great. Fucking Fantastic. I just said that out loud and now he looks like someone slapped him hard and then insulted his mother. Except typically when someone insults your mother you don't laugh afterward. The tension eases as he laughs and laughs hard. Laughs so hard he has to grab the railing beside him to keep standing. Wow. Didn't know he had it in him.

I wait for it to pass and glare at all the idiots who have to nerve to stare at him as they walk by. Haven't they ever seen someone let loose? Even pencil necks need to have a little fun.

"Hold…hold…" He doesn't make it past that one word as he holds his hand up. I'm in no hurry so I just nod at his request and wait. He straightens and runs his hand through is hair before adjusting his glasses. And he takes a few deep breaths and smiles at me. REALLY smiles. He's been holding out on me.

"Feeling better?" I ask. He nods breathlessly.

"Yeah, sorry, that was just…"H e lets out a deep breath. "I ride the subway Bella."

I hold up my hands in my defense and begin down the stairs. This time he keeps pace with me, watching me out of the corner of his eye. I smile at him and quicken my pace. I want him to scuff his shoes. No such luck.

We rush through the turnstiles and onto the train just before the doors slide shut. The train is packed with people and our only option is to cling to a bar together. I smile up at him, just inches away from my face and he smiles back.

I already like him so much more out of the office. The train veers and I'm pressed up against his chest again, I push myself away slowly. I do not need him thinking I am taking any excuse to push myself into him.

"Sorry, never was good at the whole balance thing," I say. He shakes his head and smiles. Silence settles back in, well silence between us. The car is still rattling and people are practically yelling around us.

It starts with a low hum, I look around trying to see where it's coming from, and then the snapping cues in. Hell yes! I look up excitedly at Edward as confusion etches itself across his features.

"I've got sunshine…." The voice is low and perfectly scratchy and I just know this is going to be fantastic. I start to sway as the amazing black man across the car really gets into the chorus of 'My Girl' and Edward continues to stare at me like I've lost my mind.

He obviously doesn't understand the real treat this kind of thing is. Obviously, or else his shoes would have scuffs to show for it. I want to take his hand and make him twirl around the car, but I don't think we're at that point yet. Our stop comes before the song is over and I almost stay on just to hear the end, but Edward looks almost panicked and tequila is the obvious remedy.

I grab the sleeve of his jacket and pull him off the train, but not before tossing a couple of dollars into the singer's hat. He deserves it. As soon as the train rattles past us I miss the music. Oh well, tequila awaits.

***

The bar is loud and warm and buzzing with voices and laughter. It's the type of place that I haven't been in in years. It's perfect. I shrug my jacket off and look down at Bella who's dragging me forward through the crowd to the bar where Angela and Jake are sitting.

Angela's face registers something like pleasant surprise when she sees me. Jake only scowls and turns his attention to Bella. "You brought Edward! Hi," Angela says and grins.

"Hi," I say and smile back slightly.

"He slunk his way out of the black hole of financial hell. So we're celebrating," Bella says and winks at me.

"Well, it took you long enough to get here," Angela says to Bella. "You guys have to catch up with us." Then she leans over the bar and calls out to the bartender to bring four shots of Patron.

"So this is the Tequila Team. You know Angela and Jake… you've met Jake, right?" Bella asks me.

I shake my head slightly. "I don't think we've been formally introduced."

"Well," she says and takes a shot glass from Angela, "Jake is our trusty intern… our sidekick so to speak." I nod in thanks as I take a shot from Angela and watch as Bella lifts hers in the air. "To He-man," she says and shoots me a grin before taking the shot back.

I follow suit and wince as it burns down my throat and straight to my stomach. I haven't even gotten over the initial shock from the first one when a second is shoved at me. "I said you have to catch up," Angela says when she sees the obvious weariness on my face.

I take it reluctantly and put it to my lips, but Bella stops me. "You have to toast, Edward."

Toast? What the hell am I supposed to toast to? I take a deep breath and the words are out before I can think to take them back, "To sunshine on cloudy days." She laughs and we both tilt our heads back, letting the liquid slide down our throats.

"I'm going to the jukebox," Bella announces and is through the crowd before I can offer to go with her.

"Want another drink, Edward?" Angela asks.

"Yeah, sure thanks." What the hell, right? I loosen the top button of my shirt and look at Jake. "So, Jake, what do you do?"

He doesn't look like he wants to answer me and he doesn't until Angela kicks him. "I'm in school. Business major."

I nod. "That's cool. Where do you go?"

"NYU."

I raise my eyebrows because that's the general reaction people are supposed to have when somebody says they go to NYU. "That's great."

He doesn't answer me and Angela huffs. "Don't mind our little ray of sunshine," she says sarcastically. I scan the crowd for Bella and spot her standing at the jukebox, swaying her hips and laughing with some newly made friends. "He's just a little protective of Izzy."

Jake shoots her a nasty look before mumbling, "I just had a bad day."

"How 'bout some more shots?" Angela asks and doesn't wait for an answer before ordering them.

Bella comes bustling back and puts an arm around Angela's shoulders. "You're all a sad looking crew. What's it gonna take to get a couple of smiles over here? Good lord. It's Tequila Tuesday not Moping Monday." Then she reaches over and pushes Jake's mouth into a smile before she nudges me. "How 'bout a game?"

"First these then you guys can play," Angela says and passes out another round of shots. "Because I can't stay out late tonight and I need my buzz before I go home."

Bella frowns at her after we all take our shots. Shit. Is it possible that I'm feeling this already? "You can't stay out?"

"I've got an OBY/GYN appointment at fucking 7. Dr. Anybody-Who-Engages-In-Premarital-Sex-and-Unholy-Activities-Will-Go-to-Hell will lock me up in the stirrups and poke my brains out with the fucking metal speculum from hell if I show up hung over."

I choke on my beer while everyone else laughs. Did she really just say that? Out loud? In public? Bella shoots me a concerned look when I don't stop coughing. "You okay?" Bella asks me.

"Yeah," I say and pat my chest. "Went down the wrong pipe."

She nods, appeased, and then looks over at Jake. "What about you, Jake? Are you leaving us early too?"

He shoots me a look and then looks back over at Bella. "Nah, Iz, I'm all yours tonight."

He jumps when Angela kicks him hard in the shin again. "Didn't you say you have an exam tomorrow?" She asks him.

"Um…" Jake starts to shake his head until he sees Angela's boot coming towards his leg again. "Shit, yeah, true. Yeah, I guess I have to leave with Ange tonight, Iz, sorry."

Bella pouts but I can't help the grin that twitches at my lips. God, I'm feeling really good right now. "One more shot, then?" Angela asks and winks at me. I think I love her.

"I'm in," I say and look at Bella who's looking up at me with a combination of amusement and question on her face. I lift an eyebrow. "What? I have to catch up. Why are you looking at me like that?"

Bella laughs and I officially make it my mission for the rest of the night to make her laugh as much as possible. I love the way she looks at me when she laughs because of something I said—big smile and sparkling eyes. "You sure you want another?" she asks me. "I can't promise your shiny shoes will survive if you pass this point."

I shake my head and smirk at her before I throw the shot back. "You have no idea what my shiny shoes can handle."

***

I should have stopped him when his cheeks began to grow red from the alcohol. Or maybe when he started yelling," I love this fucking song!" about every song that the jukebox played. But I couldn't help myself. There was something about the way he moved now. His tie was long discarded on the table and his sleeves were unbuttoned and rolled half way up his arms. So much better than the pencil neck look he was sporting.

Angela and Jake left awhile ago begging off using lame excuses, but it was fine with me. Edward is entertaining enough, even if I should really cut him off at this point. I motion to the bar tender to not give him any more.

The only upside is that I stopped once I was warm with the buzz and now it's resting happily in the pit of my stomach while I watch Edward come alive.

"It's just amazing how much fun people have while I am fucking stuck at home. When was the last time I even drank tequila? When was the last time I was even in such an awesome fucking bar?" he asks himself. "God, you know when the last time I had tequila was? Two years ago on New Years Eve. The last time I drank anything stronger than wine was two years ago on New Years Eve. I love tequila. Bella, I think we're long lost best friends. I'm so happy that you invited me out tonight. I'm so happy to be here. And to be alive. And I'm so happy that I still have most of my hair."

I laugh and his full attention turns to me. He slumps back down in the chair next to me and takes the last of my shot before I can stop him. Sneaky little thing. He smiles obnoxiously before sighing heavily.

There are so many things wrong with this moment. I should not be looking at him and wondering what his lips taste like. I should not be trying to figure out a logical way to get him to come home with me. And I should not be thinking about how nice his fingers would feel against my skin. Good lord someone turn off my mind and turn down my hormones.

I order a bottle of water from the bar and suddenly I can't loose my buzz quickly enough. I watch as his phone on the counter jumps and vibrates as it rings. He seems to be entranced by the lights and movement of it.

"Aren't you going to get that?" I ask. He flicks it away with his hand.

"That would be rude, wouldn't it? For me to answer my phone when I'm with you?"

Would it be wrong to feel like he was giving me dreamy eyes? I laugh off the comment and push against his shoulder lightly. Apparently the alcohol affects his balance because he falls right off the stool. That was not good. I peer down at him and he's laughing hysterically and wiping the dust off his dress pants. And shit, I think there is dirt on his shoes.

"I'm so sorry love; I didn't mean to push you that hard. Must have been my super powers kicking in again," I tease. He pushes himself up off the floor slowly and grins sloppily at me.

"I like that," he says slurring only slightly. I raise an eyebrow.

"You like what?" I ask.

"That. When you call me love. And your super He-man powers," he answers. I feel my cheeks heat up from his words. I should pay more attention to the things that come out of my mouth because apparently even drunk Edward notices what I say. I smile lazily at him and flex my really not impressive muscles.

"You know you wish you had these guns."

The tension melts away and I watch his neck as he tilts his head back to really laugh again. My eyes wander up and down his throat and I swallow hard. No more tequila. Scratch that. No more tequila and Edward. Not a good combo for me.

Just as he gains control again, the jukebox cues up a new song and his eyes go wide with excitement.

"Oh my god! I love this song! Bella, Come dance with me!"

It's not a request and even with my super human strength he is able to pull me from my stool and onto a somewhat empty part of the bar that he has obviously decided is a dance floor.

I would have never pegged 'Swagga Like Us' to be Edward's jam, but stranger things have happened. Like the numerous amused stares we are getting from the other patrons. No one told Edward that you don't exactly dance at a place like this.

Before I can even try to find my beat Edward pulls me back into him and is doing a very sloppy version of a grind against my ass. I want to laugh, but I am too busy trying to keep my wits about me. Every once in a while he tries to sing along with the beat, but can only really keep up with the chorus.

The laughter is keeping me from feeling anything else. Then he throws his hands in the air and I hit the floor. I am laughing so hard I can't register the pain I am sure came with my fall, but Edward is still putting on a show on the bar and several women in the bar have begun whistling and cat calling and even, damn, a man or two. Go pencil neck.

I stay on the floor and enjoy the show. The grin on his face is unmatchable and I'm genuinely glad I brought him. Maybe we are long lost best friends. That would explain away some of the warmness that thoughts of him are bringing on.

"Edward get down from there right now!"

The voice breaks through just as the last chords of the sing fade through the room and everyone turns to see the owner. The woman at the door is painstakingly perfect. There isn't one thing about her that is out of place or sloppy. She stands out like a clean penny in this place. I glance up at Edward who looks like a little kid just kicked his puppy. My face furrows in confusion as he climbs slowly down from the bar and hangs his head.

Who the hell is this woman? His keeper? His mother? I push myself off the ground and put my hand on his shoulder.

"What happened? Didn't get enough tips so no encore?" I ask trying to lighten his mood. The corners of his lips twitch, but then his eyes flicker over to where the incredible plastic woman is now burning a path across the bar towards us. I get it. Fun Over.

"I'm not entirely sure who you are, but I would really appreciate it if you would remove your hand from my boyfriend's arm," she states. Her hands sit perfectly on her hips and I pull my hand back like his shoulder was on fire. Boyfriend?

"Uh, sorry. I was just, uh, well making sure he was ok," I ramble. Her eyes do not soften and I wonder for a moment if they ever soften. I swallow thickly several times and wish Edward would say something, anything.

"That's really not any of your concern now is it?" I blink several times in shock. Wow.

"I didn't think so. We'll be leaving now and I would appreciate if you didn't try to follow or make more of this than what it really was," she says like she knows something sordid happened or that I was trying to rape the pencil neck. I simply nod and watch as she pulls Edward from his seat. He looks, awful, sad even.

She drags him across the room, not caring as he bounces off stray chairs. They are almost to the door when he wrenches from her grasp and turns back towards me.

"Wait, Hannah, Jesus. I can't leave He-man here," he demands. He rushes back towards me running into all the same chairs on the way. I look back at the bar and pull the deserted lunch box towards me. By the time he gets to me I am holding it out hoping to spare him any more trouble with the awful waiting by the door.

He pulls it into an embrace and manages a smile.

"Sorry bout…yeah," he motions with his head towards the door. That seems like all he has to say and I almost pull him back to force him to make me feel less shitty about this. Less like the other woman. Hell we didn't even get a decent grind on and I feel guilty.

"Oh and Bella? Thank you," he adds before turning away again.

"It's Izzy," I reply too quietly for him to hear. I wait until he leaves and the bar forgets I exist before I pay the tab and drag my sorry ass to the door. I pull my cell phone from my pocket and dial Emmett. I don't really want to make the trip home alone.

***

I roll over with a groan and find myself slamming hard into the floor of my living room. What the fuck am I doing in the living room? Why was I sleeping on the cou… oh, fuck? Fuck, fuck, fuck me. I rub my forehead and pray that Hannah already left for the day. I'm not in the mood to deal with her right now.

Shit. She actually activated the GPS on my phone last night because I didn't answer her. I guess it was sweet of her to worry? But for God's sake, what shitty timing.

And Bella… Bella looked pissed.

I'm a stupid fuck. A stupid fuck that really needs an Advil and to apologize. To everyone. But mostly to Bella. Hannah will get over herself. God did she have to act like such a fucking possessive bitch on top of it all? It's not like she walked in on me and Bella fucking on the bar.

Ugh. And I dropped Bella off of the fucking bar. Fuck me.

I groan and move to stand up which takes a lot more effort than usual. I wash my face and brush my teeth and throw on a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt before I run out the door. I call the office on my way down the stairs and tell them that I need a personal day. I haven't had one in over a year so fuck it; there are more important matters at hand.

I have a text on my phone from Hannah saying something along the lines of, If I don't have an apology as soon as you wake up, you'll be sleeping in the hallway tonight.

She can fucking wait. I jump into a cab and rattle off the address to Bella's office. It feels like it takes forever with all of this god damn morning traffic. When the car stops on the corner, I throw him a twenty and jump out, walking quickly to the building.

I take the stairs two at a time despite the small pain in my head until I'm finally outside the door. I take a deep breath, then another, before I open it.

Angela is sitting at her desk, music on, but she's by herself. Not even Jake is here. Is Jake with Bella? What? What the fuck am I thinking right now? And why don't I have her cell phone number?

"Angela," I say when she looks up at me. "Where's Bell… Izzy?" She shrugs and looks back at her computer. I growl. I actually growl. And who the fuck do I think I am? "Angela," I try again. "I really need to find Izzy."

"She took the day off," she says and makes her music louder.

I walk over and put both hands on her desk, leaning forward until I'm right in her face. "I need to apologize. I know you know where she is. Please tell me."

She sighs and looks up at me. "You're an idiot," she informs me as if I didn't already know this. "You're a huge fucking idiot, Edward," she repeats for emphasis and I nod. "But I like you. I'm not supposed to tell anyone where she is. So you're gonna have to show up there by accident."

I nod impatiently. "Come on, Angela."

"She's at the Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens," she tells me. I nod my thanks and spin around. I'm at the door before she calls out again. "In the Bronx."

I wave and run down the stairs again. A cab to the Bronx is going to be stupid expensive right now, but the train will take too long and I don't want to miss her so I jump in one anyway.

I don't know why this feels so urgent to me. I don't know why it matters. But I don't really know anything when it comes to this woman. All I know really is that she makes me feel good, that I like being around her, and her smile does funny things to me. So maybe it's just urgent because I don't want to lose that. She's the first… friend? Friend. It's been the longest time since I could actually comfortably call somebody a friend.

I throw a couple of bills first at the cab driver and then for my entrance. And, fuck, I've never been here before. How am I supposed to find her? Why didn't I get her number from Angela?

I start walking through all of the people, staring at them, looking for any sign of Bella. And when I finally do find her, I almost miss her because I don't recognize the back of her head. Should I recognize the back of her head?

Whatever. I guess what matters is that I didn't miss her entirely.

I walk up to her and shove my hands into my pocket and look at the orchid she's staring at. It's lime green.

I take a deep breath and finger the ring that I miraculously didn't lose last night. "I don't have your cell phone number."

"That's because I didn't give it to you." She doesn't look at me but maybe I can find some hope in the fact that she answered?

"Because you don't want to?"

"Maybe. Maybe not," she says, still not looking, still apparently enthralled with the fucking Vanilla Orchid. Maybe she's seeing something I'm not.

"Look," I say with a heavy sigh and rub the back of my neck. "Bella, I'm really sorry. I um… I didn't mean for that to happen last night."

"Didn't mean for what to happen?" she asks in a calm, steady voice, still staring at the flower. I start to answer but she continues. "You getting drunk? Dancing on the bar? Or the part where your girlfriend dragged you out and accused me of being a whore? Which part where you talking about?"

I press my finger into the stone. I'm using to dealing with pissed of females that get pissed the way Hannah does. They yell until they can't anymore and then I walk away. I figure if I let Hannah yell at me then we're pretty much even for whatever I did.

This… this is a million times worse. Why is she so calm? "Well, um… I guess I want to apologize for dropping you off the bar. And for not um defending you when… she called you a whore? She didn't call you a whore," I say, the disbelief registering on my face and in my voice.

"Sometimes you don't have to SAY something to mean it. Believe me, she was thinking it," she says tightly.

"Well… fuck, Bella, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that she made you feel that way and that I didn't say anything to stop her," I say with as much conviction in my voice as I can muster. I'm disgusted with myself. "But I'm not apologizing for getting drunk. Up until she showed up that was the most fun I've had in years."

"Good. I was hoping you wouldn't regret that," she says and finally turns to me for just a second, just a peek, but it's all that I need. I let the ring go and feel the tension inside of me release. "You're not wearing your shiny shoes."

What is it with her and my shiny shoes? I laugh and shake my head. "I only wear those when I'm working."

***

I shouldn't be talking to him. I mean, what's the point really? He was just the pencil neck sent to fix the massive problems of my non-profit and now his work was done. We had a night out to celebrate and now he should just go back to him life. Which apparently includes a cut-out version of a girlfriend and surprisingly a pair of chuck taylors.

My eyes wander back down to his feet and I can't help the smile that tugs at the corners of my mouth. Who knew shiny shoes were replaced by these on off days?

"If I forgive you does that mean you can go back to saving the world one receipt at a time?" I ask. He glances at me from under his lashes and I turn back towards the flower. I've been looking at this one for at least fifteen minutes.

I turn my back and move towards the next display. He pauses behind me and I wonder for moment if he's been released from whatever guilt he felt. That has to be why here's here. Someone like him would need to make sure his karma slate is wiped clean.

"Actually I took the day off," he smiles proudly. I guess this is a big deal to him.

"My first day in over a year. I was thinking, if you forgive me, we could maybe hang out or something?"

My eyes are glues to his face. There is nothing but sincerity looking back at me. Hang out? With him? I don't even know what pencil necks do in their spare time? Math puzzles? Chess?

"I'm not sure that's the best idea, I mean what if you girlfriend walks in on us having ice cream and accuses me of ruining you perfect body and therefore threatening your future children?" I ask. He winces and I wonder if I should have censored that comment. But it had to be said. I will not hang out with him and the giant gorilla in the room that is his girlfriend.

"I guess I deserve that," he answers. His hand goes back into his pocket and I am tempted to rip it back out and demand that he show me what's in there. In the most non-dirty way possible.

"But it won't be an issue if I disable the GPS on my phone," he offers. I watch as he pulls his phone from his pocket and pushes a few buttons. GPS? That's how she found him. I shiver uncontrollably. That's just more than a little scary. Wait…does my phone have GPS?

He slides the phone back into his back pocket and looks at my expectantly. I guess this is the turning point. I could say no want walk away and leave him and his crazy ass girlfriend in my past. But then I would wonder. I would wonder about the pencil neck who has musician hands and wears chucks on his days off. I would wonder what I may have missed by leaving him standing in front of a Cambria orchid.

Besides, he did say I was his long lost best friend…

"What exactly would hanging out entail?" I ask. His lips curve into a smile and I can't help but mimic the action. I'm waiting for him to say something like Sudoku or crunch some numbers. I try to picture myself with a calculator and a matching pair of glasses. 'Cause I really fucking love his glasses.

"Are you against going to an arcade?" He asks timidly. My eyes bug out. Literally bug out. An arcade? With adolescent boys and possibly a ski ball?

"How opposed are you to losing to a girl?" I ask. He shakes his head as he laughs. He thinks I'm kidding. He is in for a sad, sad surprise.

"I'm not opposed to losing if I let said girl win," He answers. My mouth drops. Did the pencil neck really just bait me? He has no idea what he has just begun.