Michael and Marcie walked into the diner and slid into the seats of their favorite corner booth.
"Michael, you don't have to buy me lunch." Marcie said.

Michael took Marcie's hands in his. "I want to, Sweetie. Listen, I'm so sorry about before. I'm an idiot; I wasn't thinking. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"It's okay." Marcie said. "It was my fault. I didn't mean to freak out about Al. I just-."

"You miss him. I understand." Michael said. "Marcie I should have thought before I told you what happened to my patient. Yes, I was upset, but I've lost patients before. I didn't even realize how similar it was until I was telling John the story. You know I would never do anything to hurt you, Baby."
Marcie smiled. "I know. And Michael? I'm sorry too."

"What are you sorry for, Sweetie?"
"The other night, when we were in your room. I really wanted to-."
Michael smiled. "You're blushing, Marcie."
"Do you forgive me?" She asked timidly.

Michael wrapped his arms around her and began kissing her playfully. They were both still laughing when Carlotta approached the table.

"Well! Michael McBain! Marcie Walsh! What a nice surprise!"
Embarrassed, Michael and Marcie pulled away from each other. Michael's face was crimson. "Hey Carlotta. How's it going?"
"Fine, just fine. What can I get you two?"
"I'd love an iced tea." Michael said. "What do you want, Sweetie?"
"Oh, just a diet soda. Thanks." Marcie said.

"Diet?" Carlotta asked. "Well, okay. I'll be right back with those drinks and to take your order."

When they were alone, Michael laughed. "Since when do you drink diet soda?"
Marcie was crestfallen. "Well, Michael, I have one every now and then!"

Michael immediately regretted the comment and rubbed her shoulder "I'm sorry, Sweetie. I was just kidding."

"Here you go." Carlotta said, setting their drinks on the table.
"Thanks, Carlotta." Michael picked up his glass of iced tea and drank almost every drop in one gulp. "I was parched."
Marcie stared at her diet soda, taking a sip when she saw Michael watching her. She found it almost impossible to hide her disgust with the awful taste.

"Well now." Carlotta said. "What can I get you?" She pulled out a pen and notepad, prepared to take their order.

Michael looked at Marcie and smiled. "Marcie and I will have two cheeseburgers with fries. Oh and two sundaes for dessert."

Carlotta smiled as she wrote down the information. "I should have known. You order the same thing every time you come in here. I'll be right back."

"Carlotta, wait!" Marcie said before Carlotta had a chance to leave.

"Anything else, Marcie?" Carlotta asked.

"Order anything you want, Sweetie." Michael said. "My treat, remember?"

Marcie stated at the menu, imagining how good a cheeseburger and fries would taste right now. She wanted so badly to just forget about Nick Messina, but it was impossible. His hurtful words cut through her thoughts, and suddenly she wasn't hungry anymore.

"Marcie? You okay, Honey?" Carlotta was asking.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Marcie said. "I'll just have a small salad, oh and a side of cottage cheese. Forget the burger and the sundae."
"You're sure?" Carlotta asked.

"Hmmm Mmm.." Marcie said.

"Honey, what about our burgers? We always order the same thing, just like we read the same books when we can't be together. Hey, let me get you a burger to go with your salad."

"Michael, I said that's all I wanted!" Marcie yelled, not caring that people were staring at her.

"I-I'm sorry, Michael. I can't stay here."

Michael looked at her, dumbfounded, as she grabbed her purse and stood to leave. She could feel her whole body trembling.

"Marcie, wait!" Michael called to her. He slid out of his seat and ran to the front door, flinging it open. "I'm sorry Sweetie!"

But it was too late.

"Is everything okay?" Carlotta asked, putting her hand on Michael's shoulder. "Where's Marcie?"
"H-Have you put in those orders yet?" Michael asked.

"The kitchen's a little backed up, so it'll be a little longer than usual for your burgers, okay? I'm sorry about that." Carlotta said.

Michael nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "Um, actually I need to leave. I'm sorry Carlotta." He handed her five dollars and ran out of the diner, the familiar chimes tinkling as the door closed behind him.