Jalapeno Blitz was not Spencer's favorite, but he made a point to buy whatever April was pushing. When she smiled up at him, he could momentarily forget how off balance he felt lately – all because of Sam. Sam could be moody, but he didn't believe for one second that bacon had anything to do with it. She wasn't talking, so he was still in the dark…and still having visions. So he took the Jalapeno Blitz with a smile, happy for the distraction.

"Hey Spencer, I'm about to go on my break. Do you mind if I come sit down with you?" April looked at him sweetly.

Hallelujah! Further distraction! "Not at all April," and he pulled the chair out for her.

"So I heard that you're an artist. Do you ever use live models?"

Spencer winced, remembering the time he'd tried to sculpt Sam. He'd thought better of it and ended up making a fish. "Usually no, but lately I've been thinking about doing some sketching…" his voice trailed off as he realized that literally all of the sketches in his head were visions of Sam.

"That's cool. " She looked up at him from under her lashes. "I was going to say that I'd be happy to sit for you, if you need someone. I always wanted to be put on canvas. "

Spencer shifted in his seat. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea – the whole point was to stop thinking about Sam. There was, however, the small matter of the ring on April's finger… His eyes were drawn to the offending item; she was quick to notice.

"I'm separated," she said quickly, "it just wasn't working out. He left me alone all the time and –"

Spencer shook his head. "That's ok; you don't have to explain."

'Score one for me,' April thought as she rose from her seat. "That's sweet of you Spencer. You're a really good guy, you know?" He was startled when she came around the table and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I have to get back to work, but we can chat again tomorrow, ok?"

"I guess I'll…see you then," he replied, not sure exactly what he had just agreed to. Rising to leave, he gave her a quick wave and headed out the door - just as Sam headed in with Carly and Freddie in tow. He glanced at her quickly to gauge her mood and was instantly afraid. She was looking daggers at him and he still had no idea what he'd done. For a panicked moment he wondered if she could somehow read his mind and was angry about the visions that lurked there. But that was absurd. She couldn't possibly know. In that instant he decided – he would definitely be talking to April again. He would definitely take her up on her offer. Because he had to get Sam out of his head.

"Hey kiddos," he said with false cheerfulness. "Gotta run; that fried chicken won't cook itself!" (He hoped the mention of chicken would placate her.) Just in case he added, "I remembered the bacon Sam, I swear!" And he took off as fast as he could without actually running from the restaurant.

The girls settled at their table while Freddie made his way to the counter. From her usual spot, Sam glared at April. The insufferable woman stood behind the counter with a most self-satisfied smile on her face. Sam was sorely tempted to punch it off, but reminded herself that another stint in juvie was not in her best interest at the moment. Glancing back at Sam, Freddie said "You'd better make hers a triple extra large. I think she needs it. (We're talking serious PMS,)" he confided in a low voice.

"No doubt," April agreed smugly, handing the smoothies to Freddie.

Sam was distracted from her venomous contemplation of the enemy by the entrance of a stylish man holding a bouncing baby. He was dressed in a business suit with a laptop slung over one shoulder and a diaper bag over the other. Sam watched with interest as he approached the counter.

"Hey babe, my flight leaves in two hours. I'm going to drop Ryan at my mom's but I wanted to see you before I left." He frowned. "I don't know why you insist on working in this place anyway – I bust my tail so you don't have to. You should have been home," he complained.

April pouted. "You know I don't like to rattle around the house all alone. At least there are PEOPLE around here."

This was obviously a long-standing argument; he waved her answer off and continued. "Anyway, I'll be in Minneapolis until Thursday night. Then I'll be home a couple of days but I have to leave for Dallas on Sunday. Make sure you don't forget Ryan's check up; he's due for shots this time."

She nodded, leaning over the counter to give the baby a quick kiss. "Hey sweetie, Mommy will see you soon! Have fun at Grandma's!" He held his arms out to her but she shook her head. "Sorry baby boy; Mommy's working right now. Daddy will take you to Grandma's – 'k 'k?"

Daddy frowned again. "I really don't like this April. Ryan misses you. I miss you. I'm gone enough for both of us. I wish you would quit."

"We can discuss this later Brad; I'm on the clock. Have a good flight. See you Thursday night. "

He sighed. "Ok, I'll call you when I get to the hotel. Ryan, say bye to Mommy."

"Bye Bye Mommy! Bye Bye!" The little boy rode on his daddy's shoulder, waving to April as they walked away.

Sam was stunned. "You have a BABY?" she whispered to herself. It changed nothing, and yet for Sam, it changed everything. The stakes had just gone up.