Chapter Twelve: The Ex

They're stepping out into the lobby of the theater when it happens. One second, they're laughing at the bad movie, holding hands and enjoying the moment like teenagers, and the next, she's bumping into the man – the couple – walking into the theater.

Which would have been no big deal if Elizabeth hadn't looked up to apologize, and then stood frozen like a deer caught in headlights.

Carlton immediately notes her sudden change in mood. She stiffens slightly, and he looks back at the man she had bumped into. It's then that he realizes that the man has a similar oh-crap expression on his face.

"Elizabeth? What a coincidence..." says the man. "How...nice to see you." To Carlton, it's obvious that the man doesn't mean it at all. What he really means is that he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Hi, Richard." answers Elizabeth.

And now it's Carlton's turn to tense up. The name is familiar and wholly unwelcome to him.

Richard, her ex-husband.

And there's an anger spiraling uncomfortably in the pit of Carlton's stomach. It wasn't like the time with Alan, where it was anger based off of insecurities and jealousy. No, this is different.

Although Elizabeth hadn't mentioned him often, Carlton has heard enough about this man to hate him.

For hurting her the way he did.

But the guy doesn't even have the good grace or common sense to walk on with a simple hello; no, he feels the need to drag it out awkwardly. "How are you?" asks Richard.

Carlton feels the stare of the blonde at Richard's side; she's scrutinizing him, he knows.

He ignores it, and instead focuses on reassuring Elizabeth. He squeezes her hand slightly, and she squeezes back, then finally manages a smile.

"I'm great, Richard." she says. And she sounds sincere. "And you?"

"Good."

Elizabeth nods. "Okay, well, hope you enjoy your movie..."

"Thanks." he says, looking grateful for an easy out. "See you around..."

"Uh-huh."

Carlton and Elizabeth let them pass, and then they walk out of the lobby and into the parking lot together.

"How are you doing?" asks Carlton softly, keeping hold of her hand.

She looks over at him. His expression is concerned and caring, hers is contemplative. "I can't pretend that I wish that we wouldn't have seen him..." Elizabeth says.

"You and me both...not really a looker, is he? Glad your taste got better." Carlton tries to joke.

She smirks slightly, then turns serious. "Carlton..."

"Hmm?"

"I've ran into him a few times in the past two years, since the divorce..."

Carlton tenses, not sure where she's headed with this conversation. "And every time, it has hurt to see him. Especially when he's with...her."

Carlton feels the dread in the pit of his stomach; his mind is racing with a thousand possibilities of what she is trying to say. Is she still in love with him? Was she jealous of the blonde at Richard's side?

"But I want you to know something," she continues. "Tonight, for the first time, it didn't hurt to see him."

"Really?" Carlton questions, more with curiosity than with disbelief. "Because you looked a little – "

"Well, I was shocked to run into him, and uncomfortable...but it didn't hurt. I didn't care about...the past."

She pauses for a long moment. "Because of you."

Carlton lets the words sink in. He doesn't know what to say, exactly. He only knows that he feels grateful to be the one at her side now.

After walking in silence for a few long moments, they finally reach the car. He opens her door for her, then walks around the car and gets into the driver's seat. Once he starts the car, he finally knows what he wants to say, and how he wants to say it.

"You know, there's only one reason I didn't punch him in the stomach tonight..."

Elizabeth smirks. "Because I would have killed you for acting like an idiot?"

Carlton smiles. "No, surprisingly enough. Even though I would have liked to...I couldn't because I owe him one."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I owe him big time."

Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "Are you really not gonna explain this one, Captain Cryptic?"

Carlton makes sure to look into her eyes, so that she can see his sincerity. "I owe him for being stupid enough to push you away and let you go. If he hadn't been such a jerk, you wouldn't be with me now."

Elizabeth smiles warmly at him. "Have I mentioned lately that I love you?"

He smirks. "Nope. I don't even think you've ever said that to me before..." he jokes. "I definitely don't remember it."

Elizabeth hits her head with her hand dramatically. "Silly me!" she says, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, Carlton Lassiter, let me say it now. I. Love. You."

Carlton's smile widens. "I love you, too."

As he pulls out of the parking lot and onto the street, Carlton can't help but think that he should send that jackass Richard a thank you card.

A/N: When he's happy, Lassie really lightens up. Or so I like to think. ;)