She sighed deeply as the credits rolled and the lights slowly began to blanket the darkened theater. Cinema Paridiso always made her cry. Happy tears usually, but tonight-tonight was different. Tonight the tears had little to do with the movie and much more to do with the memories it brought up.

Bringing her hands up to her face, she shook her head quickly, smoothing her hair and tucking it behind her ears. She wouldn't do this again. She couldn't. It was pointless. This was her life now. Her mind flashed back to her earlier conversation with Blair-the one where her cousin had demanded that she get herself out there and mingle. Kelly stepped into the lobby, scanning the open area for the restroom. She wasn't sure who had been more foolish. Blair, for trying to give advice about dating, or her for actually listening.

It was at that moment that she felt, rather than saw, the man in front of her. As she slammed into him, ice cold soda soaked the front of her jacket and she heard him gasp.

"I'm so sorry," he muttered, immediately handing her napkins and reaching down to pick up her purse which had fallen by her side. "Are you okay?" His words stopped short as he straightened up, his eyes meeting hers for the first time.

"Kelly," he breathed.

"Joey," she managed, her own voice hoarse with a mix of embarrassment and emotion. "What are you doing here?"

"I uh...I was here to see the anniversary showing of Cinema Paridiso," he smiled, laughing a bit. "I'm guessing maybe the same goes for you?"

God she'd missed hearing his laugh...and that smile. She'd forgotten how his got to her...how one look from him made everything better.

"Yeah," she finally stammered, aware of her momentary silence. "I uh...I couldn't miss the chance of seeing it in a theater. I guess 100 times on DVD isn't quite enough." Her own nervous laughter rang out through the room as she shifted her weight nervously.

"Right," he smiled. Glancing down at her soaked shirt again, he fumbled through the napkins. "Let me help you with that." He gently reached out, his fingertips lightly touching her skin as he slipped the soaked jacket off her shoulders. "You can send me the bill for this," he smiled.

"It's fine...really. I'm sure it'll be fine." He was so close to her-close enough to reach out and touch and it took everything in her not to. It was so strange...to be in this place with him-so awkward and stilted-so unsure.

"So," she breathed, hoping the words would end the unbearable silence, "How are you?"

"I'm good...busy...but good. I've been doing some freelance photography. It's what I've always wanted to do...you know that."

Kelly nodded. She did know. She knew him better than anyone...the same way he knew her.

"What about you? Are you still in Llanview?"

"Kind of," she answered honestly. "I kind of go back and forth between there and London. I can't really settle down I guess."

Joey nodded. "I'm sure Zane likes being able to see you more."

"Yeah and I love being able to spend time with him. He and Kevin are hoping to be able to come to Llanview for the holidays this year though so everyone can spend it together. You should come," she suggested.

Joey took a breath. "I..."

"Hey, you ready?" She walked up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Joey turned, forcing a smile as he looked at her. "Yeah...Yeah...I just..I just ran into.." He stopped, looking at Kelly, not missing the look in her eyes, "I just literally ran into an old friend of mine."

It was as if someone had placed a vice around her heart. 'An old friend' Was that really all she was to him now?

"Oh," she smiled, extending her hand out to Kelly. "I'm sorry...Joey's a bit of a klutz, but you probably already know that. I'm Leslie Jacobs."

Kelly took another deep breath, forcing her hand to move. "Kelly," she replied softly, feeling a wave of pain come over her, "Kelly Cramer."

She stood, watching he face-hoping for a hint of recognition, hoping that Joey had talked about her, told stories about her, at least mentioned her, but if he had, Leslie's face showed none of it. Maybe she was nothing more to him than an old friend...a fond memory better off forgotten.

Leslie smiled, looking up at Joey. "We're going to get a drink, " she smiled. "Why don't you join us? I'd love to hear some good Joey stories."

"No," Kelly said quickly. "I mean, I can't...I need to get home...get out of these clothes and change, but thank you...thanks for the offer."

Joey's eyes fell on hers again. "We can wait for you to go change," he offered, looking back at Leslie for the okay.

"Sure," she replied. "We're in no hurry."

"No, really," Kelly replied, "I need to go. The two of you have a great time...really. It was great seeing you." She turned heading towards the door.

"Kelly wait." He reached out, grabbing her arm, his touch gentle but firm.

She turned, her eyes meeting his again. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a slip of paper and scribbling his address. "The bill...Send me the bill for the cleaning," he replied with a smile, handing the paper to her.

Kelly took the paper, staring up at him. If she didn't know better, she'd swear there was something in his eyes...something she recognized. A beckoning...a pull.

"Okay," she whispered, stepping aside as he walked past her with Leslie holding his hand.

As he reached the door, he glanced back over his shoulder, smiling at her, his eyes soft and kind as they always were.

Unfolding the paper, she stared down at it, blinking back the tears as the words slowly came into focus. She saw his phone number and blinked again to clear her eyes, afraid the words were mere hallucinations.

'I'm still in love with you. That's what I really meant to say.'