**Sorry for the delay, I got caught up in the drama unfolding in another story of mine. Sorry!**

Amanda looked over at Randy, "No."

"No? What? C'mon Amanda. We could have a good thing." Randy objected.

"Without going into uber-bitch mode. Let me remind you what you are conveniently forgetting." Amanda said sternly. "You put me through hell when we were married. Now I'm willing to forgive, but I can't forget. I am here as a friend and as the mother of your child. You want to repair your relationship with him, that's fine. I'll do everything I can to support that. But, no matter what I feel or don't feel, I HAVE to keep a safe distance. This is crucial to your recovery Randy."

He shook his head, "I don't see why we can't just go back to the way things were BEFORE the drugs. It was good then."

Amanda fought the urge to scream, "Because you're forgetting that our relationship has ALWAYS been about you and what you want. Or what you need. The drugs just exacerbated that. Even the cheating was of your own selfishness. We have to work on having a 50/50 friendship and a 50/50 parenting relationship before you can consider having anything more than that with me. And if that means you start dating someone else, so be it."

Randy looked over at her annoyed, "So you're trying to tell me that I need to prove to you that I've changed and matured for us to ever have a chance."

Amanda nodded, "Pretty much. I'm just saying, focus on you and your recover and getting back to a normal, but now sober life. That's a HUGE step. I think you'll find that you're rushing into something with me because sub-consciously you want a fall-back person. You want stability and boundaries to try and keep you in the right because with your career and lifestyle there isn't any stability and there are NO boundaries. You've trying to become dependent on someone instead of drugs and honestly, I just don't have time for that right now. Brandon comes first, and he's definitely dependent on me."

"Whatever shrink." Randy grumbled.

They drove for a little bit, then Amanda reached over and squeezed his hand, "Hey, cheer up. It's your first time being outside of the facility without the staff in two months. Enjoy it!"

"Fine, let's hit up the mall and do a little shopping. There are a few things I want to get you and Brandon so we can have better communication when I'm on the road." Randy replied sounding a little bit happier.

As they walked around and did a little clothes shopping and Randy picked up both Amanda and Brandon an iPad so they could use that to communicate also. Plus, the sales person said that kids with Autism respond really well to the apps that iPads have to offer.

After they got done there, Randy looked over at Amanda, "Let me take you out on a date tonight."

She shook her head, "You just don't give up, do you?"

"I'm serious. Just a friendly date. We'll go out for dinner, then , who knows. But, let's go get something nice to wear. I'll wine you and dine you tonight." Randy replied with a smile.

Amanda sighed, "Alright, fine. But no wine, you're on restrictions, remember?"

"Yeah..yeah..I know." Randy replied as he put his arm around her. "Let's go."

So they went and found nice clothes and then called and made reservation at a local restaurant.

They headed back to Amanda's hotel room so they could get ready. Amanda opened the door and they walked in. Randy smirked and put his arm around her waist, "You know, we could always turn this into a conjugal visit…just for old times' sake…just as friends."

Amanda turned around and socked him in the stomach playfully, "Next time, it'll be lower. Don't take advantage of this."

Randy grabbed his stomach, "Oooh…got it. Scratch that thought."

"I get the bathroom, you get the room. Give me thirty minutes and we'll head out." Amanda said as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Once she did, she shook her head, was dinner a good idea? She wasn't leading him on, was she?

**Please read and review! Have a great weekend!**