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"Hi hot stuff,'' Amanda greets as she makes her way over to our outdoor table. "Sorry, I'm late. For some reason, I've overslept the past days.''

"Don't worry about it,'' I tell her, giving her a friendly kiss.

"Mimosa and the frittata with fruit,'' she tells the waiter before he even has a second to ask.

"Mimosa and omelet, yogurt instead of fruit,'' I order.

"I'll be back with your drinks,'' he says, giving us the customary smile.

"You look different,'' I tell her as I begin to study her. Something was off for some reason, but I couldn't place it.

"I've been sick the last days. I think I had some bad sushi or something, but it's nothing,'' she replies, waving me off.

"You sure?'' I ask.

"Don't annoy me Theodore, not now. I'm fine. Anyway, what about you? What have you been up to?''

"Working, but I sent some time with the family on Friday and then hung out with Nick on Saturday,'' I reply.

"How's the family? I miss Phoebe,'' she smiles at the thought of my sissy. Her and Phoebe had a special bond and talked art nonstop.

"They're all good. I needed family time, you have no idea. And I'm sure Phoebe misses you too,'' I tell her.

"I would have loved to have had siblings,'' she sighed, "but alas, my parents could barely stand each other to have me.''

"Amanda.'' I reach out to take her hand in mine, wanting to soothe her.

"Forget it. I don't even know why I feel so emotional,'' she huffs. "Sometimes…I feel jealous of you. I wish I had a family.''

I stay quiet, not really knowing what to say. Her parents were only married to say they were married, but everyone knew they couldn't stand one another.

"Have dinner with me tonight. My parents want me over and I know Phebes will love seeing you,'' I tell her, knowing well she never had any dinner plans.

"I wouldn't want to impose,'' she says.

"My family loves you. They won't mind.''

"You're too good to me,'' she says, taking her hand in mine. "Why didn't we fall in love?''

"Because you are a total be-otch,'' I tease.

"And you're an ass, but I still wuv you.''

"Come over for dinner?'' I ask again.

"Who am I to say know to your invitation, Mr. Grey,'' she smiles.

"Your mimosas,'' the waiter announces as he hands us our drinks, before walking away in search of our food.

"So what did you and Nick do? Kill anybody?'' She asks, sipping on mimosa.

"Well…''

"Oh my God! What did you do?''

I take a long sip out of my drink and give her every detail of last night's events. She stays quiet throughout the whole thing, but I can tell she is beyond shocked by my actions. I really wasn't a brawler and to beat up some guy I didn't even know, well that was unheard of.

"Wow,'' she simply says after I'm done talking. "You've got it bad, Grey.''

"What?'' I ask dumbly.

"You like her. You really like her.''

"I did what anybody what of done for a damsel in distress,'' I shrug.

She shakes her head in disagreement. "She threw up in your car-"

"So?'

"If I had thrown up in your car, I'd be dead. You wouldn't give a damn if I had just been jumped or had a hell of a day.''

"That's not true,'' I try saying.

"Sure it isn't. Keep telling yourself that, but I know you. I know that you wouldn't beat someone to a bloody pulp and let alone get pissed because a girl you barely know got called a slut. I've been called worse and you never killed anybody for me.''

"It's different,'' I mumble.

"How so? I'm your friend and she's just your coffee girl. She's a total nobody. Did it really matter if that guy wanted to bend her over and fuck her until she couldn't walk?'' She asks, looking like she didn't give a damn about what she just said.

"Shut up Amanda! You don't know about Olivia. Last time I checked she didn't fuck her working partners-"

Her giggle interrupts me and I'm no longer seeing red. I no longer want to wring her swan-like neck.

"Oh my sweet Jesus! You're falling in love with her!'' She says in delight.

I stare at her as if she had just grown a second head. What the fuck! Me in love? With my assistant? Hell to the no. Am I? I can't be. Oh shit…

"Theo, you're falling for her and hard.''

"No- I…''

"Admit it, you see her more than a simple assistant. She isn't just some good romp in the sack.''

"No, no she isn't,'' I whisper, honestly.

"I want to meet her. She must be a hell of a woman if she can bring you to your knees.''

"I'm not on my knees,'' I roll my eyes.

"So you think,'' she teases.

"Can we move on-"

"You want to move on because you know I'm right. And it's okay if you're falling in love, Theo. You need someone to keep you on your toes. This Olivia might be the one to do it. Don't shut her out.''

Before I can reply, the waiter makes his appearance with our food in hand. As he sets it down, I feel Amanda's knowing stare. If there was one thing Amanda had that most people in the business world didn't, it was intuition. She had a knack for knowing stuff and it gave her a daring edge.

"Is Nick still in love with Phebes?'' She asks, changing the subject from my love life to our friends.

"You know?'' I ask.

"Please, that man can hide his love like an elephant can hide itself behind a stick,'' she jokes, taking a bite from her food.

I laugh, nodding my head in agreement. "I'm going to be his wingman this Tuesday. Phoebe is coming by the office and I told him to meet her there, officially.''

"Are you sure he won't have a heart attack when she says hello?''

"I'm hoping he doesn't pee on himself,'' I laugh.

"He'd be a good match for her, a yin to her yang. Though, Phoebe isn't really known for having long-term relationships…''

"They would make one hell of a couple. A corporate lawyer and a girl that loves no other color but pink,'' I smile at the thought of those two together.

"They say opposites attract,'' she shrugs.

"Let's hope it works out. I love them both; I wouldn't want to see either one hurt.''

"Let the pieces fall into place, Theo. Just give them a small push, but after, let it happen and if it doesn't…well it didn't happen.''

"For a girl that doesn't date, you know a lot about love,'' I tease her.

"I have my moments,'' she replies, flinging her hair off her shoulder.

"Have you heard from your man?'' I ask.

"My man? Who?''

"Sex on legs. Aiden Vandervick.''

"Oh. He isn't my man and no, he hasn't called or anything. I'm fine, though. It's for the best,'' she says, giving me a sad smile.

"Why don't you call him or better yet, go to Chicago,'' I offer.

"Don't be silly, Theo. I would never go chasing after a man. Let's change the subject please.''

And we do. We talk about work and the upcoming gala and other projects she has coming up. As we talk, i realize what a beautiful friendship we have and it was for the best that we never have sex again. We would hurt ourselves more by doing so.

"That was filling,'' she smiles as she finishes her last bite.

"You were very hungry,'' I tell her. Usually, Amada took small bites but today she had eaten like she hadn't in days.

"I didn't really eat last night,'' she shrugs.

"Well if you're up for it, are you ready to go sailing?''

"Am I?'' She practically jumps out of her chair and drags me out of the restaurant once the bill is paid.

….

….

….

"Hey, Mac!'' I greet as we make our way onto dad's boat.

"Theodore, how are you?''

"Good, good. How are you? You remember Amanda?''

"Of course I do. How are you Amanda?'' He smiles at her, shaking her hand in his.

"I'm good thank you. It's nice to see again, Mac,'' she smiles politely.

"We wanted to do some sailing,'' I tell him.

"Of course,'' he claps. "You're in luck with the weather. Perfect day.''

"It sure is,'' I agree, leading Amanda further into the boat, allowing her to get comfortable.

I help Mac set up the boat and in a matter of moments we're out sailing. I let him handle the boat and walk back towards Amanda. She looks towards the water, looking more like a lonely girl rather than the workaholic woman I know she is.

"Beautiful isn't it?'' I ask as I sit by her side.

"Breathtaking,'' she agrees. "Makes you want someone to share this with…''

"Hey! You have me,'' I pout.

"And when you get the girl? Who will I have then?'' She asks sadly.

I feel at ease as the boat sails under the beautiful summer day. I can't help but think about Olivia and what Amanda had said. Am I really starting to fall in love? I barely knew her, but then again my parents only knew each other for a few weeks before they had gotten engaged. Mila had said that Olivia liked me too, so could it be possible? Could we be together?

The sound of heaving takes me from my thoughts and I quickly look out to where Amanda is bent over the rail, throwing up her food into the waters.

"Mac! Take the wheel!'' I shout at him and rush towards her.

"Oh, God,'' she groans, laying her head on the rail as if in pain.

"Amanda, what is it? Are you alright?'' I ask, taking her into my arms.

"Yeah, it's probably that sushi I told you about,'' she groans.

"We should get you to a doctor, it could be food poisoning.''

"No, it's going away. I think the boat rocking just didn't help my case.''

"Let me get you some mineral water or ginger ale,'' I say.

"How about a martini,'' she jokes, leaning on the rail once more.

I give her a look and immediately she stops laughing, her health was not a joking matter. What can I say? I inherited my father's overprotective nature.

"I'll be back, try not to fall off the boat.'' I rush away from her and below deck- into the small kitchen. Scanning the fridge, I find a bottle of Perrier and quickly move back up to Amanda.

"Here, drink this,'' I order.

She takes a large gulp and sighs in relief.

"I think it's best for us to go back,'' I say, looking down at her tired complexion.

"Yeah, I think that would be best,'' she mumbles, closing her eyes as she tries to rest.

"Why don't you go below deck and lie down in the cabin?''

"No, I'm feeling better. I might throw up again if I get in bed…''

"Okay. Stay sitting down, I'm going to turn the boat around.''

"You do that,'' she whispers, looking greener than her usual creamy complexion.

After getting Mac to turn the boat around, it only takes a few minutes to dock once again. Thank god we hadn't been out to far from port, otherwise Amanda might be spilling her guts all over the poor boat.

What's with these girls puking? First in my car and now the poor boat! Well, technically Amanda had made it to the water…

"I'm sorry,'' Amanda says as I help her off the boat. "I ruined our day out.'' She pouts.

"Don't worry about it. Are you sure you feel better?''

"Yeah, it comes and goes. This is what I get for making fun of your girlfriend…''

"She's not my girlfriend,'' I say.

"YET,'' she giggles.

"Amanda.''

"Theodore,'' she retaliates, not sounding at all intimidated.

I huff in annoyance and choose to ignore her as I wave my goodbye to Mac, and lead the vomiting blonde to my car.

"Do you mind if we head to my parents?'' I ask her as I check the time. Two o'clock.

"Of course not,'' she smiles, resting her head on the seat and closing her eyes.

"You should take a nap,'' I offer.

"I wouldn't want to be rude and let you do all the driving without a co-pilot.''

"Please, you're always rude. Take a nap, Amanda.''

"Yes, sir.''

….

….

….

The Grey home is just as beautiful as ever, with perfectly trimmed rose bushes and its emerald green grass, my childhood home is still a vision. As I pull up into the driveway, I spot Phoebe dancing around our uncle's former truck as she paints flowers on its now pink exterior. I shake my head at her in amusement and park my car next to hers.

Amanda stretches besides me as she wakes from her nap. She looks much better now, but I still feel like something is off with her.

"I love your home, it's so beautiful,'' she sighs.

"We used to play tag here,'' I smile, remembering all those happy days.

"I would be so happy whenever you invited me over. This was a real home, not like the museum I had for a house.''

"Come on, no more unhappy thoughts while we're here. Let's greet Phebes,'' I laugh as I see Phoebe waving enthusiastically, jumping up and down.

"Amanda!'' She shouts, dancing over to give Amanda a bone-crushing hug.

"Hi, doll. How have you been? You have to give me all the juicy details about Europe,'' Amanda smiles, returning Phoebe's hug.

"I have so many stories,'' Phoebe agrees.

"Hi, Phebes. Where's my hug?'' I pout.

She dances over to me and I pick her up, twirling her around as she laughs.

"Put me down, Teddy!'' She giggles.

I laugh alongside her and Amanda, and set her down.

"Ted told me you had new wheels,'' Amanda says, as she looks at my poor uncle's truck.

"You like?'' Phoebe asks, showing off the truck like one of those showgirls from a gameshow.

"It's very pink,'' Amanda laughs. "I love the flowers.''

"Yeah, it was too boyish for me so I decided to go Phoebe on it,'' she replies, wiping her paint-stained hands on her ripped jeans.

"Well, it's definitely you,'' I agree.

"I thought so too. Come on, mom and dad are out in the meadow,'' she says, pulling Amanda and I into the house.

The inside of my childhood home is just as beautiful as the outside. My mother was fastidious about keeping the house spotless but not so much where people would mistake it for a museum. The latest furnishings and a multitude of family photographs were up for display; dad adored having our pictures taken and one only has to go into his office to spot a rather large picture of mom when she was just his girlfriend.

"Amanda! What a surprise,'' I hear my mother say as she walks back into the house, closely followed by dad.

"Mrs. Grey, it's a pleasure to see you and Mr. Grey. I hope you don't mind, Theo invited me for dinner,'' Amanda greets, giving my mother a hug and shaking my father's hand.

"Nonsense, you're always welcomed,'' mom replies.

"You're practically part of the family,'' dad agrees.

"And besides I think I see you more than my own son,'' mom teases, looking over at me.

"Very funny,'' I pout, pulling her into a hug.

"Hello darling,'' she smiles, pecking my cheek.

"Looking beautiful, ma,'' I smile, before turning to dad and giving him his own hug.

"What up old man?'' I tease him.

"Old man, my ass. I can still outrun you and your mom keeps me young,'' he winks.

"Seriously?'' I groan, pretending to gag as always.

"Daddy! Don't ever say that again!'' Phoebe shrieks, covering her ears.

Amanda giggles at our antics and mom just throws a glare his way, earning a shrug from dad.

"What? He called me old, I'm just defending myself.''

"Dad, because of you I can't look at mom the same when she's eating a banana,'' I huff.

Mom blushes at my words, but pretends she didn't just hear what I had to say.

"Why can't you look at your mom the same way?'' Amanda asks and I just arch my brow in reply. "Oh! Oh,'' she giggles and actually blushes, knowing well what I implied by the banana.

"Can we stop talking about this?'' Phoebe cries out.

"Please,'' mom huffs, giving dad the death stare.

He puts up his hands in surrender, but his annoying smirk is still on his face.

"Gail is fixing up dinner, why don't we head out back and enjoy the meadow. It's simply beautiful today,'' mom offers, quickly changing the subject from her…intimate relationship with my father.

"That would be perfect,'' Amanda agrees following mom out towards the back of the mansion.

"Phoebe, darling, why don't you ask Mrs. Taylor for some refreshments?'' Mom orders Phebes as she takes dad's hand and pulls him towards the French double doors.

"I'll go,'' I tell Phebes, "you and Amanda catch up. I want to say hi to Gail.''

"K-kay,'' she replies and quickly pulls Amanda out to the meadow.

Making my way towards the kitchen, I spot Gail with her back turned to me as she stood by the stove. Smiling to myself, I tiptoe my way over to her and cover her eyes in jest.

"Guess who?''

"Let me think,'' She laughs. "Is it my favorite little Teddy bear?''

"Depends. Whatcha making?'' I tease.

"Beef brasato with pappardelle and mint,'' she replies.

"Then, I sure am!'' I laugh, pulling my hands away from her face and pulling her in for a hug.

"How have you been? I haven't seen you in ages?'' She pouts as we pull away.

"Oh, not you too. I've been busy but I promise I'll come by more often,'' I reply.

"This house just isn't the same without you, but now that little Phe is here, I feel young again.''

"You are young, Gail,'' I smile.

"Dinner will be ready soon. You don't have to try bribing me,'' she laughs once more, going back to one of the pots.

"Fine, but serve me first.''

"Pinky promise,'' she teases.

"Thanks, doll face,'' I wink, before grabbing some lemonade from the fridge and poring it into some glasses. "So, how's life treating you m'dear?''

"Sophie is coming into town in two weeks,'' she announces, smiling at the thought of her stepdaughter.

"Now that's news! I haven't seen Sophie in such a long time.''

"She'll definitely want to see you. You're parents wanted to throw a small dinner for her, I hope you can make it.''

"Please, no one can keep me away from my true love,'' I laugh, recalling my crush on Sophie as a child.

"Oh, Teddy, you'll always be that little boy who chased after her,'' she smiles, patting me on the cheek, handing me a tray for the drinks.

"I still think we'll end up together, just you wait and see,'' I reply, before making my way out towards the meadow.

"Ask Taylor what he thinks about that?'' She calls after me.

"Who said I'm going to be asking?'' I call back with a laugh.

Walking down the steps, I spot my family enjoying the lake view as they converse with each other.

"I'm thinking of wearing a cream toned gown with jewels on the front or maybe a backless number,'' I hear Phoebe chatting with Amanda.

"You are not wearing a backless dress,'' dad practically growls.

"Daddy!'' Phoebe whines, making everyone laugh. "I'm an adult, daddy! I can wear what I want.''

"Please, Phoebe, if dad had his way you'd wear a parka,'' I tease, handing everyone their drink.

"Christian, let her wear what she wants,'' mom shakes her head in exasperation.

"I just think you'll look better in something more covered up,'' he huffed, knowing he wouldn't win.

"If it makes you feel better, daddy, I'm leaning more towards the jeweled one. I just bought it in Monaco,'' Phoebe smiles at him, sipping on her lemonade.

"I think you'll look great in whatever you wear,'' Amanda added, enjoying a bit of sun from where she sat on one of the patio chairs.

"Are you guys going together?'' Phoebe asks, looking at both Amanda and me.

"Your brother hasn't asked me,'' Amanda replies, arching a brow my way.

"It's not prom, Amanda,'' I tease.

"A girl still likes to be asked,'' she huffs in mock annoyance.

"Theodore, I've raised you better than that,'' mom giggles.

"How do you know I'm not thinking of going with someone else?'' I ask with my own arched brow.

"Please,'' Amanda scoffs.

"Hey! I could be,'' I pout, making everyone laugh.

"Like you wouldn't be taking me to such an event,'' she laughs, knowing well we always went together to the galas.

"Or you could always go with one of my friends,'' Phoebe pipes in with an evil glint in her eye. "I know Chloe is just dying to go with you.''

I look at Phoebe in horror. I wouldn't go anywhere with that women if my life depended on it. Chloe Bancroft was an over the top kind of girl. She would have our kid's name picked out before we even said our hellos. Long story short, she thought I would one day be her baby daddy and unfortunately, she was one of Phoebe's many friends.

"On second thought, Amanda, will you go with me to the gala?''

"Oh my! This is so unexpected – ''

"Amanda, shut up,'' I laugh alongside my family.

Sorry for the long wait! I've been super busy with school…

Next chapter will have more Olivia and some Nick with Phoebe is coming up. People have asked me if there can be some standalone chapters of Nick and Phoebe and there will be!