Maddie walked past the "Closed for a Special Event" sign and made her way into the restaurant. It was a cozy place with a gigantic bar, perfect for the laid back shenanigans of the Blue Moon crew. She welled up with pride at the sight of the Blue Moon logo balloons and celebration banners. Amazing…the agency that existed for years without solving a case, cracked a thousand.

She was eager to congratulate the team, but when she scanned the room she was surprised to find it full of mostly unfamiliar faces. The agency had expanded during her time away, new employees, new contacts…they were all deep in conversations that she would have felt like an outsider in.

Maddie pulled up a stool at the corner of the bar and ordered a white wine. Surely she could count on her former employees making a stop at the bar sooner than later. Things couldn't have changed that much. The longer she sat there, the more she began to wonder if coming was a mistake. Maybe Agnes was the only one who wanted her here anyway.

"I thought I saw a glimpse of moonbeams." She was greeted by twinkling green eyes. "Penny for your thoughts? Five dollars if-"

"-If they're dirty?" She finished the phrase expectantly.

"Hey, I'm a frugal business man now. I can't just go giving away $5 to every knock out at the corner bar. Just to be sure it's a good investment…how dirty are we talking, Ms. Hayes?" His eyebrows waggled playfully.

She shook her head and smiled. "I guess it's comforting to know some things never change."

"Is that a smidge of wistfulness for auld lang syne?" He pushed down the thought that it made him hopeful.

"It's strange, there are so many people here I don't know. Where is everybody? Agnes, Bert, Jamie, Jergenson, O'Neill? I'd even settle for Mr. MacGilicuddy."

"Not to worry. They're all on the way. Bert insisted on renting a party bus and apparently it stalled out on the highway."

"Think of all the feathers and sequins just waiting in the middle of the road."

"Yep, all courtesy of 'Squeals on Wheels'.

"Is somebody going to get them or should I clear out my back seat?"

"Nah, they've got a back-up Squealer on the way. They should be here soon."

"Good." She tried not to notice the way the first couple of buttons on his dress shirt were undone. "Well, don't let me keep you from mingling with your guests."

"They're doing alright unsupervised. Besides, last I checked I am mingling with a guest." She peered around him, relieved not to see Olivia anywhere in sight. Maybe they weren't all that serious after all. David perched himself on the neighboring barstool, so close his breath tickled her hair. His voice dipped to a near whisper and her stomach fluttered. "I'm happy you were able to make it."

"Thanks for inviting me."

"I mean, I could understand if you felt a little funny coming here, you did try to shut us down a few times." He teased.

"Yes, I also remember footing quite a number of bills before we got any traction."

He nodded, "True, no way we would be here without you. Who would have thought it…1000 cases?"

"You thought it, relentlessly I might add."

David chuckled lowly, "Ehh, I just saw the potential in what we could be together…I mean, in what we could make of the business."

She was finding it difficult to keep her eyes from wandering over him. Agnes and the rest of the team better get here soon.

Maddie gestured to the decorations. "You did a good job with this place. I wasn't sure what an Addison party would look like these days."

"Yeah, not too shabby, huh? I told them to hold off on opening the mud wrestling pit until later in the night. That's a special ticket option. Hope you brought some cash. Never mind, we can just knock the price off the buyout."

"Did you bring your own personal trough from home or did you rent one out for the evening?" She quipped sarcastically but was unable to keep the corners of her mouth from turning upwards in a smile.

He grinned, "They rent cheap." It was taking everything he had to keep the conversation surface level. He had told himself he was going to keep a safe distance from Maddie tonight, but one look at her sitting there, gorgeous as ever, kicked that idea right to the curb. It didn't hurt that she was wearing a strapless blue dress cut just high enough that her long smooth legs deliciously dangled down the barstool. But, she could have been wearing a house coat and sneakers or a potato sack and he would have been just as drawn to her. He was a sucker for wondering what was going on in that complicated honey blonde noggin.

"How has it been being back on this side of the pond? You getting settled in?" His voice was suddenly filled with a softness that made her knees weak. She found herself scooting even closer to him.

"Kind of. Coming back, things are a little different than I thought they would be."

"What things?"

"Well, I mean there's the agency of course. Not being involved is hard. It was such a big part of my life." She paused, wrestling with if she should continue. "And then there's you and me."

"You and me?"

"It's just, we used to spend so much time together. I know most of it was work, but.."

"We found time to mix in some pleasure." His tongue quickly darted out to wet his lips. "That is, when we weren't slamming the frames off the doors. Isn't that part of what you were trying to get away from?"

"No…yes…I don't know."

Where was this coming from? His mind was spinning with possibilities that were better left unexplored, but he couldn't resist the urge to poke…especially when the stakes were so high. "What were you hoping for when you came back, Maddie?"

"I guess I just thought we would see each other more often. You know, that we would feel like 'us' again."

"We've had a lot of versions of those two little letters. You're going to have to be more specific." His eyes locked onto hers, not allowing for an easy side step to the question. However she answered, he was damn sure going to know if she was telling the truth.

He was looking right through her. Maddie was struggling to get enough oxygen. Why was this so hard? Maybe it's because there is the slightest chance your whole world could change with just a few words. Maybe you could finally put the hurt from the past behind you and let yourself embrace what you want. She drew in a long breath, "David…—"

"Hey, you!" Maddie watched as perfectly manicured hands snaked around David's chest. Olivia placed a lipstick stained kiss on his cheek. "Sorry I'm late. My last meeting ran long."

David stood up. "Hey…uhh, no problem. That's okay." He pulled back from her. "I was just catching up with an old friend. Olivia Spencer, this is—"

"—Maddie Hayes," Olivia interrupted as she cooly peered at Maddie.

"You two know each other?"

"Yes, we recently met." Maddie carefully answered.

"When fashion giants collide?"

"Something like that." Olivia snarked.

David silently cursed her timing. He had heard the lilt in Maddie's voice, she was just about to open up to him.

"Would you mind grabbing us a table, 'Liv? These barstools wreak havoc on the lumbar. I'll order your drink. Martini on the rocks?"

Olivia caught the vibe in the air. Clearly, David wanted to finish the conversation she had interrupted with his former partner. Fine, let him get it out of his system. "Sure. I'll grab us a couple of seats and put in an order of those onion rings we got last time."

"Sounds great." David placed the drink order and immediately turned his attention back to Maddie. "So, you were just about to let me in on what you were hoping would happen when you came back? With you and me?"

He wasn't going to let her off the hook. Wasn't it bad enough she had to watch another woman stake her claim? He needed to hear her hypothesize what could have been. "You said it yourself. We're 'old friends'. I thought we could fall back into that. See each other every once in a while for lunch or something." She couldn't meet his eyes.

The spell he had her under before Olivia showed up was broken. He sighed, it never lasted long anyway. "Like pals, huh?"

To have that word flung back at her packed a sting. What was she thinking? After everything they put each other through, they had more than missed their chance…they had obliterated it, over and over again. And now here she was, trying to convince him they could be 'friends'. It was probably better that way anyhow. Another failed attempt at a relationship with David Addison would cut too deep. Even so, ten months of distance between them hadn't done anything to lessen the pull she felt towards him. She was a fool for ever thinking it would.

"Glad we cleared that up, Maddie. I can never have too many pals."

She intently twisted the cocktail napkin in her hand as she continued to feel his gaze fixed on her. She couldn't crack, not here.

Mercifully, the rest of the Blue Moon team arrived with a loud roar that cut through the tension. "Oh look, everybody is here. I'm going to go say hi."

David gave a resigned nod as she hopped off the barstool. She looked sad, although for the life of him he couldn't understand why. All he did was reiterate what she said she wanted. Unless of course, that wasn't really what she wanted. Nope, Dave, don't do this to yourself. You asked, she answered. No surprise there anyway, her answer has been the same for years.

"Hey, my man, can I get another kamikaze to go with that martini please?"

"Your glass already empty?"

David turned it over to gesture it was dry.

"You got it, man." The bartender gave Maddie the once over as she walked away. "That leggy blonde looks like she could put a guy through the ringer a couple times over."

"You have no idea."

The party was a success. Wobblies, old and new, seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely thanks to the open bar and endless spread of pub grub. Olivia stayed by David's side most of the night, which usually made for good company. She got along with pretty much everybody, even the more eccentric folks… a definite plus for this crowd. The conversation and laughs appeared to flow easily despite the fact that his attention was split. David was acutely aware of where Maddie was in the room at all times. The distant sound of her voice in the background seemed to follow him wherever he went.

Maddie glanced at her watch while Bert regaled her with stories of his success as Lead Detective. "… I've found both my calling in life and my one true love, from which will now spring the very fruit of my loins into existence."

"I'm happy for you, Mr. Viola. You've worked hard and you're a good guy to boot."

"Of course, it's all thanks to you and Mr. Addison. Ever since I was a young gumshoe learning to cut his supple teeth on the…".

Egad, she forgot how much Bert Viola could talk. As he launched into another soliloquy, Maddie's eyes drifted across the room. David had his whole table fully engrossed in whatever story he was telling. Everyone was laughing and adding in their comments. It was really kind of amazing, how he so effortlessly brought out this sense of fun in people. Olivia seemed to embrace the same spirit. She was cracking jokes right along side him. Maddie could see how almost anyone would think they were perfect for each other…the charismatic couple everyone wanted to hang out with. Maybe he really was happier than ever. Her heart sunk when Olivia rested her head on his shoulder, as if she had done it a hundred times before.

"Excuse me...if everyone could be quiet for just a moment…excuse me. HEY! Pregnant lady talking here, show some respect!"

Bert let out a loud whistle to back up Agnes's message.

"That's better. I wanted to take a moment, on behalf of all of us, to say thank you to the two greatest bosses in the world. Mr. Addison, you kept this ship moving forward even when we didn't know where we were headed. And, Ms. Hayes, you made sure we never ran aground even when it seemed like we were doomed. The two of you made Blue Moon what it is today. It's really great we can all celebrate together tonight…and, we got a little something for the office to commemorate the occasion."

Agnes tilted her head towards Jergenson and O'Neill who brought out a framed collage of Blue Moon highlights. It contained newspaper clippings from their more pertinent cases and photos of the staff. In the center was a picture of David and Maddie from their very first case at the clock tower. Below it, was an empty space. "We thought we'd grab a picture of all of us tonight to add to it. You know…case one to one thousand!"

Jamie's date quickly offered to take the photo. Before Maddie knew it, she was pushed front and center with David beside her. "I really don't have to be in the picture, I mean, I shouldn't, it's for the current team now." She tried to wiggle away.

David's warm hands grabbed ahold of her upper arms and gently turned her back towards the group. "Maddie, get in the picture. You belong here. It wouldn't be the same without you." She swallowed the lump in her throat and stood back next to him. Getting everyone in the frame proved challenging for their poor self-declared photographer. Through all the shuffling, Maddie stumbled into David who expertly caught her without missing a beat.

"Sorry," she shyly looked up at him through her lashes.

"It's okay." His fingers were still wrapped firmly around her waist. David felt her relax into him and he stifled a sigh. She smelled amazing…that damned shampoo and its moonbeams. He looked down at her bare shoulders resting against his chest. He wasn't sure if that dress was a blessing or a curse. Either way, his eyes drank in all the delectable skin it left exposed.

He imagined running hot kisses over her shoulders into the crook of her neck. Does that one spot still drive her crazy? His mind was overtaken with the memory of moving in circles over the back of her neck with his tongue. The taste of her skin, the way she used to grab onto him as shudders of pure pleasure ran through her body.

"Everybody smile now!" Right, we're just two old pals taking a picture with loads of other people at a crowded party. She'll leave to go back home tonight and I'll end up on the monthly rotation of lunches. Maybe one day she'll tell me about how she finally met the man she's supposed to be with and expect me to throw her another wedding.

Jamie's boyfriend raised his hands up in victory. "I think we got it. It's going to be a great picture, guys!"

Maddie smiled up at David in a way that cooled his building cynicism. He was happy she was there…in any capacity. It beat the hell out of having her half way across the world anyway. David reluctantly released his hold on her and grabbed a glass of champagne off the serving table.

"Alright, attention ladies and gents. Since I get to be the head cuckoo of this nest, I feel it is only right to say a few words." David looked over the room at the people who came in day in and day out. He would never have told anyone, but there were times along the way he stayed up at night, worried that the business wouldn't make it. In those moments, he wasn't worried about his pride or even his pocket book. He was thinking of the mortgages the staff wouldn't be able to pay, the dance lessons their kids wouldn't be able to go to, the medical payments they wouldn't be able to help their elderly parents with if this all fell apart. At the end of the day, Blue Moon had supported all these people and their families in living their life. A huge amount of pride swelled in him. "Thank you, each and every one of you. Through all the court cases, stakeouts, limbo contests, and everything in between…thank you for being there for the clients, thank you for being there for me. Cheers!"

The crew raised their glasses in celebration. "Now you, Ms. Hayes!" MacGilicuddy yelled, caught up in the moment.

"Me?"

"Yeah, don't you want to make a toast?" he prodded.

Maddie looked at David who was clearly amused at her being put on the spot. He shrugged, "Sure she does. Don't you, Maddie? After all, your name is still on the deed." For a few more weeks, he thought sadly.

Maddie cleared her throat. "Uhhh, well, sure, I suppose I could do that. Umm, well, let me first say congratulations to all of you…really, you've all done such a good job. Putting in a solid eight-uh, eightish-hours a day. Doing all the extr-uh, all the regular work that needed to be done. It is quite an accomplishment." She looked around to find that the staff was unimpressed by her speech. She shook it off and decided just to speak from the heart.

"Look, I know I'm not always the best at expressing gratitude about things…or people…when they're right in front of me. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't appreciate them, I really do. It's just hard for me to admit how much I may need them or want them in my life…even if they're really wonderful." Her eyes trailed back to David. "And I…apologize if I ever made any of you feel anything less. At times, it may seem I am a little aloof about this place…or all of you, but that actually couldn't be farther from the truth. You are always on my mind and you are especially in my heart. I am so grateful that you are…were…a part of my life. Congratulations for everything that Blue Moon has accomplished. You will always be very special to me and, even though I'm not a part of this anymore, I'll be cheering you on for whatever is next, wishing you only the best things in life and lots of happiness." She choked out the last few words through tears she barely held at the surface. The team raised their glasses once more.

David navigated through the group to speed to her side. "Nice speech, boss," he tenderly placed his hand on her lower back. "You ok?"

It was too much, all of this was too much, especially the feel of his hand gently resting on her. "Uh-huh. I think I'm going to get going though."

"Night's still young, you can stay out past 9:30 just this once. I'll save you a seat. Promise I won't let Viola corner you."

The thought of playing 'pal' to David while his girlfriend laid her hand on his thigh was more than Maddie could handle. She would probably reach across the table and punch them both. "No, thanks. I am going to say bye to Agnes and then head out."

He grabbed her wrists. "You don't want to say bye to me?"

His voice sent a shiver through her. Didn't he know that tone drove her crazy? He was probably getting a kick out of torturing her.

She covered it with a look of forced annoyance. "Bye, David."

He dropped his hands into his pockets. "See ya later, Maddie." He shook his head and made his way back to the table.

"We left that place wrecked."

"Hey, it could have been worse. I mean, you didn't even get thrown through any bar backs tonight." Olivia tossed a grin at David who was in her passenger seat. Despite the fact that the party went off without a hitch, David had barely cracked a smile the whole drive home…quite unusual for him. "David, your team had a blast and I wouldn't worry about the restaurant staff. They looked more than thrilled with the ginormous tip envelope you left them. You did good." She pulled into his apartment complex lot and put the car in park.

"Thanks," David shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Listen, I know you were planning on staying over tonight, 'Liv, but I'm kind of bushed—"

"—Ok, alright, wow. Am I getting a David Addison kiss off?"

"No, that's not what this is. I'm just tired."

"David," Olivia began tentatively, "I have fought with myself this entire car ride to not have this conversation with you now, but I think when the bandaid needs to be ripped off sometimes the best thing is to just rip it, even if it's going to hurt."

"Why do I get the feeling this isn't about you not liking my new haircut?"

Olivia continued, "What is the deal with you and Maddie?"

David winced, he knew this was coming. "We were partners, you know that. It felt like the right thing to invite her tonight."

"Oh sure, I completely understand that and I agree. What I'm looking for some clarification on is the 'beyond partners' thing that was happening. David, you have been a million miles away lately and it just so happens to coincide with her coming back. Then, I see you two together tonight and you can't keep your eyes off of her. I mean, don't get me wrong, you put up a valiant effort to hide it but I was watching the way you two interacted and it looks like you're nuts about her."

"Nuts? Believe me, I would have to be certifiable to go there. That lady is out of her mind."

"Mmhhmm, you can tell yourself that…and I'm sure you have a history that fits very conveniently into that narrative. But I'm asking you as someone who is in a relationship with you, someone who you promised to be honest with…how do you feel about Maddie Hayes?"

'It doesn't matter. That ship never got off the ground. She is perfectly content to be old pals."

"I don't buy that for a second, but even if it was true, do you think I care what she wants? What I care about is how you, the guy I'm with, feels about another woman."

He should have known sooner or later this was all going to catch up with him. Who did he think he was kidding? Like he could just carry on like Maddie Hayes had never steamrolled through his life in the first place. David blew out a hard breath and stared out the window.

"You know what? You should be lucky I really like you as a person, David Addison. I'm not going to make this harder on you. It seems like you've already got enough complications in your life. Don't bother answering the question. It's obvious how you feel about her. And, I don't appreciate being someone's second choice."

"You are great-"

"-I know. That is exactly why I'm going to keep holding out for a guy who looks at me the way you look at her. We gave it a shot, no hard feelings."

"I'm sorry. You deserve better than a schmuck like me anyway."

"I actually thought this schmuck might be pretty perfect for me, until I found out he was hung up on someone else. It's always something." She shook her head in exasperation. "What are you going to do about Maddie?"

"I don't think there's anything to do at this point. It's just one of those things."

"Seems kind of unfortunate to me. I hope you guys figure it out, for your sake." She reached out and traced the scar near his eye. "Whatever you do try to keep yourself out of the ER this time."

His mouth turned upward in a sad smile. "I'll do my best."

"Oh, and David…don't bother calling me for a while. I'm going to be a little pissed it ended up this way for a bit."

He nodded, "I'm sorry."

Olivia rolled her eyes upwards as David climbed out of her car. She thought back to Maddie's visit to her office. Those two really did seem clueless. It figures that the real deal would be wasted on a couple of dunces who couldn't get it right.

Mercifully the following day was chock full of case work David could do on autopilot. He had woken up numb from the realization that he was more or less in the same place he was a few months ago. He didn't miss Maddie any less or know how to move on any more. He leaned back in his chair and watched the sun disappear from view.

Agnes tapped on his door. "Boy, it sure was a busy day for you. Can I help you with anything before I go."

"Nope, I got it covered, Agnes. You get those feet up after all that rug cutting you did last night."

"It was a great party."

"I'm happy you had fun."

"How about Olivia, did she have fun?"

"Sure."

"You know, I was thinking maybe I should invite her to the baby shower. We aren't close but she's been around for a while now. If she's important to you, then she's important to me. I know I haven't given her much of a chance, but I'd like to get to know her better. I may be the only one who doesn't really see it, but if you two are happy together—"

"No need to add to the guest list on my account. Olivia and I decided to call it quits last night."

"Oh, that's too bad." Agnes speculated as to the reason. Olivia didn't seem like a dummy and anyone would have noticed the energy between them. "Ms. Hayes?"

David knew exactly what she meant by the question. There was no use trying to hide it, not from her. His eyes darkened as they fixated deeper into the distance and he shrugged. "I just love her." It was the most simple truth in his life, but it carried with it a world of complexity.

Agnes wished she had the magic words to make it right. She hated knowing that they were both miserable apart, but too stubborn…or scared…to do anything about it. She sat with him in the dark for a while, hoping it would help him feel less alone.

David kicked his shoes off and flung them across the room. The week after Blue Moon's celebration was hectic. The staff seemed uncharacteristically motivated to get them to 2000 cases in record time. Besides his momentary slip with Agnes, David once again proved to be a pro at making everything seem A-Ok. He could do this, God knows he had enough practice. Even so, he needed some time to recharge before he put back on the happy-go-lucky front. It felt like a baseball and beer at home kind of night.

As soon as his butt hit the couch he heard a knock at the door. Damn solicitors, this complex's security is really slipping. "I already told you, Uncle Guido, I don't need help hiding the body. It's all under control!"

"David?"

"Maddie?" He muttered under his breath. If he was looking forward to some peace tonight a visit from her was sure to blow a whole right through that.

"David, are you in there?" She knocked more aggressively.

What could she possibly want from him that would warrant a house call? He thought about pretending he wasn't home, but knowing she was on the other side of the door proved too much of a temptation. Sucker.

He opened the door to find her crystal blue eyes looking up at him pensively. He swallowed hard. Maddie was dressed casually in an oversized cream sweater and black leggings. Her gorgeous face scrubbed clean of any makeup. She obviously had come straight from her house, probably in a hurry too.

"Hey," he said with a question in his voice.

"Hi, I hope it's okay that I'm here. I, umm…Are you alone?" She nervously looked past him into the living room.

"Yeah, yeah, come in." He ushered her inside and closed the door.

"Thanks. Sorry to come by like this, without calling or anything first. I just took a chance that you'd be here." She paced and exhaled a long breath. "And, I guess that was good because here you are."

"Here I am," he squinted in confusion. "Maddie, what are you doing here?" Fear gripped him at the thought that she may be here to tell him she was going back to Milan, for good this time.

"I..umm…" she shook her head as if willing herself to continue. "I came here to be honest with you about some things that are on my mind…be honest with myself too. I just hope it's not too late."

Thank you so much for reading! Double thank you if you left feedback :-) To be concluded in Chapter 4.