Disclaimer and thanks: All the usual ones... nothing has changed.

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After the outburst

Oliver

"Oh Lord, you are a friend to the broken hearted." Oliver said defeated as he arrived home that evening. All his bravado drained away. He sat down feeling hopeless and utterly exhausted. He stared down the hallway of his beautiful, large and silent home and sighed sadly. How many times he'd felt the loneliness of this place closing in on him! His life consisted of one sad event after another. He felt the urge to run away and hide in a place where nobody knew him, where nobody would find him. He thought about going to Paris. He should go. He should confront Holly, but he was terrified of what he'd find there. Was it possible Holly had taken a lover by now? He had no reason to believe she hadn't. She left her wedding ring behind. He had found it in a small jewellery box on her dresser shortly after she left him. Why would she do that? The answer was staring at him plainly in the face: "She doesn't care about you. She doesn't care about anybody other than herself. Why is it so hard for you to accept that?" He said to himself bitterly. He then changed his focus and thought about Shane. She was the complete opposite of Holly. She went out of her way to do good. She often risked people's reproach and ire in order to do what she thought was right. Often she had nothing to gain other than a sense of accomplishment. She burdened herself with a deep sense of responsibility to make people happy. All she asked in return was for them to live their lives to their full potential. He was in awe of Shane! As much as he wanted to remain angry with her and play the victim, he just couldn't! Everything she did, she did because she cared!

It took next to no time for him to regret his harsh words to her. Yes, he was hurt by her invasion of his privacy. Yes, he was angry with her. But most of all, he was angry with himself and bitter towards Holly. He had always tried to convince himself Holly would come back once the novelty of being in Paris wore off. Shane had now shattered that foolish belief. It had been almost two years since Holly left, how could he still believe in such nonsense? His marriage, their sham of a marriage had lasted only half of the time she had now spent in Europe. If anything it was the novelty of the marriage that was truly over, not Paris. For all intents and purposes, Paris was her permanent home now and Denver and their marriage were just distant memories.

He wanted to direct his anger at Shane and make excuses for him and Holly but Shane really was the least to blame for all of this. Her only fault was caring too much. Deep down he knew her curiosity would eventually lead her to find out something about Holly. He was in fact surprised it had taken her this long. He knew that sooner or later she would've done exactly what she did. He should have been more prepared for it. He had to admit the most important thing was she didn't do this out of malice or the desire to gossip. She was no gossip. He trusted her. His heart trusted her completely. He laughed bitterly at the irony of his situation. It seemed the woman who deserved his trust was the one whom he hurt more and more often. Yes, she had been hurt and angry with him for cancelling their showcase. She had more than good reason to be angry, but he was absolutely certain that what she had done was not retaliation. She did tell him that she looked up Holly's address because she cared and he totally believed her, without a doubt. Why did she care about him so much? Yes, he had already established that she was a very caring person, but towards him he sensed she more than just cared. What was it? Was it possible what he feared was already starting to happen? Was it possible she was developing feelings for him? As enticing as that idea was to his masculine pride and vanity, this could never be. Ms. McInerney needed to be protected… from him. He'd have to be more careful around her. He had to, because if he was completely honest with himself, Shane wasn't the only one developing feelings. He was teetering close to being over the line as far as she was concerned. As much as he wanted to deny it, she was becoming the only woman with whom he wanted to spend time. The idea of him falling completely in love with her was scary beyond measure but not farfetched. He was a mere mortal after all and she was a beautiful woman. He still had hot blood running through his veins and he was most definitely not an unfeeling machine. He'd have to pray harder or he would fall. He knew that! He knew himself very well. Others may see him as this pillar of strength but only God knew how much he struggled, how much his heart longed for a loving relationship with a woman who would honour him and love him as he would her. He concluded sadly this might never happen, it was a dream, a fantasy!

However, the problem he had to address urgently now was Holly, not his heart or Ms. McInerney's. The pressing question was, what was he going to do about Holly? He could no longer pretend their situation was temporary. Even if he did nothing, did he really believe Holly would come back once her 3 year lease expired? He laughed bitterly at how ridiculous that notion was. Why would she do that? If she hadn't returned yet, why would she in 3 more years? Even if by some miracle she decided to, would he want her back? Regardless, he surely couldn't go on this way much longer. As much as it vexed him, he had to admit Ms. McInerney was right. He had to seek resolution and re-start his life. This limbo had gone on for long enough.

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Shane

Shane was both ashamed of herself and downright heartbroken all over again. Why did she have to give in into her accursed curiosity and meddle into Oliver's personal life? He had by no means given her permission to interfere. She told him in the first week after they met she could look his wife up and find her location for him within seconds. He didn't accept her offer then, why would he now? He was right to be angry. However, she hadn't quite expected that he would go all in and throw her friendship back in her face with such disdain. He said that choosing her to be his dance partner had been a mistake. That had cut her deeply. As she thought about his callous words towards her, her tears ran down her face freely and she couldn't stop them even if she'd wanted to. Would they be able to bounce back from this? Would they be able to work together from now on and ever be friends again? Would he ever trust her again? She had meant to give him information that would liberate him, not make him hate her. She thought about Holly in Paris and her anger stopped her tears immediately. She couldn't say she ever hated anybody… until now! It wasn't jealousy! It was the need to protect Oliver, or so she thought. Yes, he had thrown her friendship back in her face but she didn't reciprocate. She was still his friend whether he liked it or not. However, she would never stand in the way of his happiness. She would do whatever she had to do to see him happy. If Holly came back and restarted her life with Oliver, Shane would get over it sooner or later. She would definitely step aside. It may not even be that hard actually, she reasoned. After all, there had never been anything between Oliver and her. To his credit, he had never given her any signal to the contrary. Yes, they enjoyed the dance lessons, but until that last rehearsal, no one could say there was anything happening between them. As much as she wanted to remain angry with him for cancelling the showcase, he had been right… again! As the gentleman that he was, he was never going to allow something inappropriate to develop between them. It was against his beliefs and his commitment to his wife. Wasn't this the first thing that seriously attracted her to him? His integrity? What he didn't know was the fact it was almost too late for her. She didn't love him… not yet. Or did she? But she was pretty sure that should things remain as they were, there would be no other outcome. She had to acknowledge though, it wasn't his fault. He had never once led her on or sent her mixed signals. She felt like a teenager falling in love with her high school gym teacher. Should she resign from the DLO and go to Direct Line Operations as she was supposed to from the very beginning? She could not stand the idea of leaving. They would have to drag her out of Denver kicking and screaming, she'd never volunteer! Unless, of course, something horrible happened, like Holly returning.

Every time she thought about how angry he had been she winced. She had never seen him lose it completely like that. The worst of all was, it was all aimed at her. Yes, she had wanted to hurt him a little, but once she saw Holly's name and the 3 year lease extension, she forgot all about her anger towards him and redirected it immediately towards Holly. But then, after his outburst, all she wanted was to forget about him and move on. She had done it before with Steve after a 3 long year relationship. But... why did the idea of moving away from Oliver struck terror into her heart?

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The next day, Shane hoped Oliver wouldn't stay angry with her for long. She needed him to forgive her. She knew he would… of course he would, she pleaded with the heavens. This was Oliver she was talking about, not a vindictive small man. "Of course he will", she repeated, trying to impart confidence into her wishful thinking. As she entered the DLO, she made a mental note not to antagonise him and if at all possible, keep a very low profile by staying under his radar.

He arrived a little later than usual and immediately shot down her plan by drawing attention to her. He informed the other co-workers that she had used her own "impressive" initiative and tracked his wife down. She immediately wished the floor would open up and swallow her. He tried putting a bright smile on his face, but it was obvious he was still struggling with events of the last few days. They started working on the latest assignment, which Oliver directed Shane to choose, much to her surprise. It soon became obvious it was yet another divine delivery as it would transpire later. It seemed the assignment had been handpicked for Shane and Oliver to work through their differences. Norman was sent away on his own to start the investigation and Rita had another errand to run. Shane and Oliver decided rather than be alone in the DLO, they'd wait for their colleagues at the Mailbox Grille. Oliver was reading, or rather attempting to read a boring book on English spelling. He was failing miserably however. Why did he choose such an obnoxious book to start with? He thought to himself. He was trying really hard to focus on it but not only was the book not helping, Shane was sitting right next to him and looking extremely beautiful. She was also being angelically sweet. Why was she doing this to him? He was so annoyed. He'd rather deal with her anger than with her sweet charm. She said something like "is everything ok with us?" He froze and had to play for time… what on earth did she mean by "us?" And then she reached out and tried to brush a spec of dust from his shoulder.

Before he could stop himself, he shrunk from her touch as if she'd been a leper. She withdrew her hand and the hurt was stamped all over her sweet face. He winced. He wished he could grab her dear hand right there, press it to his lips and kiss it to make the hurt go away. He could kick himself. Fortunately he was saved by Rita who walked in at that exact moment and Shane got up immediately to go talk to her. As she walked away, his eyes followed her like a moth to a flame. She had this magnetism about her and any resolution on his part to keep her at arm's length often failed miserably.

They found their letter recipient and Shane, as usual, could identify with the plight of the young couple immediately. Ellie and Bobby loved each other but Ellie's dad was hesitant to let Ellie get married. Dad was super protective of his sweet girl. Oliver was particularly touched by the young couple. It was not lost on him when Ellie reached out to brush a little spec of dust from Bobby's shoulder and Bobby leaned into Ellie's loving touch. He winced again as he remembered how different it had gone for Shane and him… admittedly his fault.

As a first for the DLO the letter from Ellie to her future self turned out to be 3 years earlier than the intended date. Oliver could not get the young couple out of his head... Ellie was so determined and Bobby was incredibly sweet and patient. Together they made the perfect couple. They were perfectly matched. Bobby never got flustered by Ellie's demands and he never lost sight of what mattered most - Ellie! And Ellie never deviated from what she wanted - Bobby! Despite their disabilities, they certainly could teach Oliver a lesson or two on how to live life.

Oliver was still struggling having a hard time trying to recapture the old camaraderie with Shane. She seemed to get under his skin very easily. Her interference with people's lives irritated him despite her very good intentions. Oliver knew this trait of her character was always going to be something he'd struggle with but it seemed it could not be helped; it was always going to be a losing battle for him. However, it was also one of her most endearing traits; her ability to empathise with complete strangers. She was so easy to love and that was what he feared the most.

The next day they were called upon by Ellie's dad to help find the young couple as it seemed they had decided to elope. Shane and Oliver set off trying to find them. Travelling in Oliver's car, they were thrown together all day long... alone with each other, in very close proximity. Oliver's heart had no defence... slowly it started to soften towards Shane all over again.

Finally they found the young couple and it was all sorted peacefully and lovingly between them and Ellie's parents... they were allowed to marry with their blessing.

As they stood on the dance floor later at Ellie and Bobby's wedding,

Oliver couldn't take his eyes off Shane, it didn't matter how hard he tried to "protect her from him"; he could not protect him from himself. His noble decision to keep his distance from her was backfiring spectacularly! He couldn't help it, the desire to hold her again in his arms was too strong and it easily overpowered him. After all the kerfuffle of pulling out of the showcase to avoid the appearance of evil, there he was asking her to dance with him. Shane graciously accepted his invitation and went into his arms as if that was the place specifically designed for her. She showed no hesitation when it came to Oliver. They danced the same steps they had practiced religiously for two weeks. There was no awkwardness, which surprised them both! Each one admitted silently to themselves that they missed the other most keenly. When he took her hand into his and looked into her eyes, the sparks were flying. Thank goodness, Oliver thought, that nobody here knew them. When they started dancing it felt as if heaven itself had descended upon them. She felt warm all over, her heart accelerated and her knees were shaking under her. She tried to tell herself that it was just the excitement of being forgiven, silencing any potential romantic notion that popped into her head. The song finished far too soon but some guests were already leaving. Shane was disappointed but it was indeed time for them to also depart. After saying goodbye to the young married couple and their parents, they made their way to Oliver's car. Oliver had driven Shane direct from the main branch of the USPS to the wedding location so at least they would have a half hour or so to talk as he drove her back to collect her car. As usual, he opened the door for her and held his hand to assist her in. She absolutely loved his gallantry. They made small talk about the wedding and the reception. The usual subjects, such as how beautiful the bride looked and how proud the groom was and so on. Then there was silence. It stretched. Shane cleared her throat and decided to clear the air once and for all. "Oliver, I'm so sorry for hurting you. It was not what I intended but I went about it the wrong way. Please forgive me." Oliver was surprised with the heartfelt apology. "Ms. McInerney, you are forgiven. I know you meant well. Please forgive me also for saying such hurtful things to you. I certainly did not mean them."

Before they knew it they had arrived at the parking lot of the post office and he parked right beside her car. She extended her hand and said, "Truce?" He grabbed it, shook it and held it for a little longer than necessary. Then to his horror he lifted it to his lips and kissed it.

When he let her hand go and looked at her, she blushed most beautifully, even in the darkened car he could tell. He cleared his throat and said, "Well, good night Ms. McInerney. I'll see you tomorrow." She looked at him one last time and smiled. "Good night, Oliver."

She just stepped out of his car and into hers. She didn't think she touched the ground. She thought she was floating.

God was still in his throne and all was right with the universe.