I woke to find Bob's face dreamily watching me sleep. I sat up, a little uncomfortable, and started to get our trash together. Eric folded the blanket and we headed back to the car.

Driving home, he chattered away about his walk to the river and the sights he'd seen. He was like a child describing his first trip to Disneyland and it broke my heart for all the sunny days Eric had missed in the past millennium.

I got an idea and when we got home, I told Eric to enjoy the yard while I took care of a few things inside. This must be what it feels like to park a kid in front of a video when you're too tired to babysit anymore. I changed into my dress, checking out the window from time to time. I approached him from behind while he sat in his folding chair. When he turned to me, I melted seeing the expression on his face. "My god, you look beautiful."

"Thank you. I've ironed a shirt for you. Why don't you put your black pants back on and the shirt. I've made dinner reservations for us."

"Dinner? Isn't it too early? Are you hungry?"

"Don't worry about that. I think you'll like where we're going."

"Wait. I don't have any money."

"My treat." He started to object, but finally agreed to go when I told him he could pay me back sometime. We both got quiet, realizing that we had no idea when or if he would ever get his life back.

We approached the handsome maitre d'. "Stackhouse. We have a reservation."

"Of course. Oh, I see we are celebrating a birthday this evening. Congratulations. We have a very special table for you. Right this way."

Handsome reached for my chair to pull it back for me, but I took the opposite one instead and sat down. He looked at me in surprise. It's customary to give the lady the better view. I smiled. "He's the birthday boy. The view should be his tonight." He nodded politely and excused himself.

I had never been here before, but had heard about this place. It was on the top floor of the tallest building in downtown Shreveport and boasted a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city. I timed it so we'd watch the sunset. So Eric would watch the sunset. He reached across the table and took my hand in his and thought to me: I wish you could feel my feelings right now, lover. I smiled as I felt my throat tighten.

"Happy birthday, Eric."

I ordered a bottle of the most expensive champagne on the wine list. I knew nothing about champagne, but I wanted the best for this special night. We toasted to beautiful sunsets, laughed and talked between sips, and finally, became silent and held hands as the sky lit up in purple and orange and red streaks before fading to a deep blue. Eric wiped his eyes and kept his face turned away from the room to compose himself. I gestured to the waiter that it was now fine to take our order. He'd been discreetly asked to give us privacy until after sunset.

Eric kept telling me how wonderful he felt. I assured him that it was the champagne, but wasn't really fully convinced myself. The food was expensive and I thought overpriced for the quality until I watched Eric eat it. The expression on his face and the sounds of satisfaction were worth the price and more.

After dinner, we drove to Fangtasia. I told Pam that "Bob" and I needed a word with her in private, and so she led us into Eric's office. Eric and I sat together on the sofa and Pam pulled a chair over when she saw how serious we looked. I was silent as Eric spoke in an unrecognizable language. Pam's expression never changed. She didn't move or blink, but just listened as Eric spoke for what seemed like quite a long time. I assumed that he used their shared language to prove his identity, but then also wondered if maybe I wasn't suppose to know what he was saying. That's okay, I thought. It's his deal, not mine. When he stopped speaking, Pam merely whispered, "Yes, master." I guess he convinced her.

Pam made some phone calls and there was quite a bit more conversation with Eric—some in English and some not. As it got late, I was starting to fade and I knew Eric was as well. We drove home, discussing our plans for the next few days. There was a lot to accomplish and I hoped that we were up to it all. After a long silence, Eric changed the subject. "I'm sorry about last night. I mean about masturbating with you in the bed. It was outrageously rude and disrespectful. My only excuse is that I was overwhelmed with new sensations and not thinking clearly. I promise it won't happen again. In fact, I'd be happy to sleep in another bedroom. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"It's okay, Eric. I mean, it was upsetting. It's just all so strange. I know it's you and yet you look like someone else. You don't have to sleep in another room. And just for your general information, I think that most human men…you know…masturbate in the bathroom. The shower probably. You know, for privacy. Just fyi."

"Of course. I do apologize."

"Apology accepted, sweetie."

Eric hadn't had a nap in the meadow like I had and he went to bed while I called Amelia again. This time she was in and I explained what was going on.

By the time I got into bed, Eric was fast asleep. I watched his face in the moonlight and the oddest thing happened. He started to look like Eric to me. I mean, not really. He was still in Bob's body, but I felt like he was Eric as well. I touched his lips and wondered what it would feel like to kiss them. Would it feel like kissing Bob? I was too tired to think any more and so I turned over and went to sleep.

I woke to the sound of running water. It was still dark in the room and I peeked at the clock: 1:45. I sat up and looked around me. Eric was missing, but the shower was on. Poor baby. I went back to sleep. We had a big day ahead of us.