"Cakes by Claudia. For us, it's hardly ever a feat, making your wedding extra sweet!' sand Betty into the phone. "Mmm-hmm. Hold on please."

Betty grinned as she held the phone out to Claudia. Claudia quickly wiped her hands on a nearby towel as she picked up the phone.

"Hello? Claudia here. How can I help you?"

"Hey Claudia. This is Adam. Adam Pike." said the voice on the other end nervously.

"Is it just me or does she remind you of how Vanessa used to rhyme everything when she was a kid?"

Claudia laughed at the memory. "I almost forgot about that. So what's up Adam?"

"Well, my boss gave me two tickets to this taste of Hartford event tomorrow night. It's where some very renown restaurants get together and you walk around sampling their food. It's all for charity. I wanted to know if you wanted to go with me? It'd be kind of neat to go to one of these with someone who has a background in food." He paused nervously waiting for an answer.

"Sure Adam." Replied Claudia warmly. "That sounds like it would be fun."

They chatted for a few minutes more as they decided that Adam would pick her up at 6:00 pm the following night. As Claudia hung up the phone, she turned to see Betty scowling at her.

"It takes more muscles to frown than smile, Betty." teased Claudia.

"What will Sam think about you going out with another guy?" lectured Betty.

"Why would Sam care?" said Claudia incredulously. "We're just hanging out. It's not like we're exclusive or anything."

"Does Sam know that?" asked Betty quietly.

Claudia began wiping down counters as she mulled over Betty's comment. She scrubbed vigorously at a spot on the counter before she turned around.

"Look, Sam and I have fun together. But he is working a lot at his new job and settling up with the divorce and everything. Sam isn't looking for anything serious. Besides, Adam and I just have a lot in common."

"Funny, I seem to recall you saying the same thing about Sam a few months ago when all your friends were in town." Betty stared at Claudia. "Have a good night child. I'll see you on Monday."

Claudia sank weakly into a chair as she thought about what Betty had said. She was distracted by the sound of her cell phone ringing. She grinned as Sam's picture id popped up on her phone.

"Hey Sam. What's up?"

"Hey Claud. I just figured we haven't seen much of each other the past couple weeks. I thought maybe we could drive up and hang out with Jason & Stacey , stay over and kind of make a weekend out of it? I'll do anything to get out of unpacking boxes in my new apartment. Or we could just stay local, you haven't even been to my new apartment. HINT HINT! I figured you would have all sorts of decorating ideas."

Claudia flushed nervously. "That sounds fun Sam but I actually have plans tomorrow night."

"Plans? How could anything be more exciting than the thought of a weekend with me?" He joked.

"Actually Adam Pike invited me to this tasting event in Hartford and I. Well I said I'd like to go."

"Oh." said Sam quietly. "I guess I should have asked you sooner."

"I'm sorry Sam. Maybe next weekend?"

"Sure. But. It's just…" His voice trailed off. "It's just I kinda thought we were onto something cool here Claudia. Now you're dating different guys. I just really have liked being with you. I miss you when we're not together. "

"Sam, I like that to. It's just-"

"It is what it is Claudia. Call me next week or something. K?"

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"Ready to hit the desserts?" asked Adam as he guided Claudia through the crowd.

Claudia groaned as she held her stomach. "I don't think I could eat another bite. But why don't you go sample a few. I can just wait here for you."

As she watched him walk away she noticed several woman glancing at him as he confidently strode through the crowd. She wrinkled her nose as she thought of how cocky he had acted around the valet and the wait staff. Sam would never treat anyone that way. Sam would have stood around talking and making up stories about all the other people. The whole time as Adam had been talking to her, she found herself thinking of what Sam was doing and how sad he sounded when you told him she was going out with Adam. She tried to shake the thoughts of Sam out of her head as she noticed Adam walking towards her balancing a plate of food.

Adam led her to a small table set up and began to discuss the different dishes they had sampled that evening. He reached across the table and grabbed Claudia's hand. He leaned forward and gently bent to kiss her lips. Claudia pulled away quickly and then stood up rubbing her arms.

"Claudia?" asked Adam looking concerned. "Is it something I said?"

"Adam, its not you at all. It's just well. I think we have a lot in common and I really appreciate you bringing me here it's just that…well my mind has kind of been elsewhere."

Adam leaned way back in his chair as he chewed on a toothpick. Claudia squirmed in her chair as she waited for Adam to speak.

"You're thinking about Sam aren't you?" He narrowed his eyes slightly as Claudia nodded. "I figured as much. I knew there had to be something more between you two than just a booty call or you would have tried to jump my bones on the car ride up here. I mean I don't like to brag but I could probably have my pick of any girl in this place. It helps my ego to have a hot chick on my arm."

Claudia stood up quickly trying to control her emotions. "Well, I'm glad that my coming with you will help you get laid. If you don't mind, I think I'll take a cab and take the train back now."

Adam laughed. "Don't be that way, you can take my car. That blonde over there by the dessert table has been making eyes at me all night."

"I don't want anything from you Adam. Have a great life." Claudia turned on her heel and walked away from Adam as hot tear stung her eyes. Once again, I've made a complete mess of my love life.

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"Do you always answer your door wearing nothing but boxers?" asked Claudia.

"Only when someone is knocking on my door in the middle of the night." retorted Sam as he led Claudia into his apartment. "What's in the bag?"

"Well the gas station was the only thing open so for now, this is what I have brought to decorate your place." She began to pull the items out of the bag as Sam laughed. "So I have a lovely pine tree shaped air freshner, a pair of fuzzy dice, a a bag of pork rinds and 2 bottles of Gatorade."

Sam reached for a Gatorade and began playing with the cap as he glanced at Claudia. "So how was your date?"

"Look Sam, I made a mistake. I just figured you weren't looking to start anything serious. Adam had these tickets and I-"

"Claudia, just because I don't want to get married tomorrow doesn't mean I don't want to be serious with someone special. I admit that I was kind of an ass. I never pushed for us to be anything official and you have every right to date all three Pike triplets if you want. The thing is -"

"Look, can I just say something?" interrupted Claudia. "You and I have talked and you know I don't like to talk about my feelings. I want you to know some things though. I don't want to date Adam or any of the Pike triplets. I don't want to date anyone but you. When I'm not with you , I miss you. I was miserable that I haven't seen you in a few weeks. You have this amazing way of looking at things and I always have the best time with you."

"Ok, let's cut all of this bullshit and make it official. Claudia Kishi, will you be my girlfriend?"

Claudia grinned and got up to go and sit on Sam's lap. "I would love that more than anything."

"Good, cuz I kinda think I might love you." whispered Sam

"I think I might love you too." replied Claudia with a giggle. "What do you say we go christen your new bedroom set?"

Sam picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. "What I love is that you always have the best ideas!"

"I do have great ideas, speaking of which. Grab the pork rinds…We'll be hungry later!"

As Sam lowered Claudia onto his bed, he kissed her gently as he whispered. "This is where we belong. This is perfect. There is nothing that could ruin this for us…"