When Steve Rowland called, Susan was busy staring at her cramped desk thinking that she'd have to do something about it. Steve was one of the Psych attendings she'd worked with at Scottsdale Medical Center. He'd helped her with Chloe, back in the day, and she'd heard he was now running a trendy rehab facility, so when she was faced with Abby's drinking, he was the first person she called.

Steve liked Susan Lewis. He remembered how people used to make fun of her accent, how she always seemed rattled and a little on the depressed side, but always cracked the best jokes. Steve liked a woman with a sense of humor and even asked her out a few times which she'd awkwardly declined saying she wasn't in the right place for a relationship. He mused that the fact that he was now treating her female partner explained a lot but he wasn't one to judge.

"I'm always nervous when you call", Susan said before saying hello. Steve chuckled "I know I have that effect on women". They exchanged pleasantries before he started to update Susan on Abby's progress. "I don't know what happened in the last few days but her attitude changed dramatically. She's more engaged, actually participates in group therapy. She's really making an effort, Susan. I'm optimistic".

Susan was reassured but didn't dare to hope too much. She did feel that Abby was acting different, seemed less self-centered and they'd had hour long conversations over the phone in the past days.

Steve continued "So, when our patients reach the last month of their in-patient treatment, we like to ask the family to step in a little more. It helps with easing back into everyday routine when they go back home".

Susan nodded but didn't really understand how he wanted her to step-in "Sure… What can I do?".

"We encourage spouses and children to spend a weekend here with the patient. It's important so that they understand what kind of work we do here, the progresses that were made… Are you up for it?".

Susan was unsure "Have you talked to Abby about this?".

"Not yet".

Now that she'd let the anger dissolve, the thought of being with Abby excited her more than she cared to admit. But she was still apprehensive about how things would be from now on, she couldn't forget what had happened and she was afraid that seeing Abby and having to leave her again would be too much for the boys to handle.

"I don't know if I want to bring my kids…", she confided.

"We have great facilities for families. But I feel that's not what you mean…", he offered gently.

"It's just… Mark's actually counting down the days until she comes home. I don't want them to be all excited and then having to drag them back in tears…", she replied honestly.

"You want to avoid extra separation anxiety", he diagnosed.

"Exactly. But I could go. If you feel like it would be important…". Susan was already nervous at the prospect.

"So, see you next Saturday? Come on, it's going to be fun", he chuckled quietly.

"Count me in", she smiled.

As soon as she disconnected the call, Susan stood up to get herself a glass of water. She knew how important this weekend would be for them to reconnect. Sure, they had talked a lot in the past days but it was easy to hide behind a computer screen or a long distance phone call. What if they didn't know what to say to each other? What if they couldn't find the spark they used to have?

As a spouse, Susan had her doubts but would have to do her best and wing it. As a mother, she wouldn't expose them to more tension, so they would stay in Chicago.

It was only fair that she'd be the one to tell Abby so she grabbed her cell phone and waited for her to pick up.

"I was just texting you…", Abby's voice dropped an octave like it always did when she was shy about something.

Susan smiled inwardly but made herself go straight to the point "So, I just got a call from Steve".

Abby chuckled quietly "Should I be worried?".

"He says you're doing great. And he asked me how I feel about coming over and staying the weekend with you", Susan almost blurted out the words.

Abby wasn't expecting this. Yes, she had seen family members around, but didn't expect to get a visit until later on. "Oh, that would be… I would love to have you guys here". The thought of seeing them in the flesh was a little overwhelming, if she was honest.

Susan had to be forward about how she stood "Yeah, about that. I don't want the boys to come. Huh, I'm not trying to punish you or anything… I just don't think it would be good for them, right now". She winced at her own words and Abby couldn't hide the disappointment in her tone "Oh. I see".

"Look, if you don't want me to come, I understand. I just… it's been so hard for them. I don't want to upset them even more by having to say goodbye to you again". Susan felt like crap.

Abby knew it was physically impossible, but she felt her heart clenching at the thought of having to wait almost another month until she could hold them again.

But she knew Susan was right. Again. Her absence had affected them greatly and it was just selfish to demand their presence now. She acquiesced "You're right… Are you coming over?".

Susan questioned gently "Do you want me to?". She wasn't playing difficult, she just wanted them to be on the same page about this. If Abby wasn't ready, she wouldn't push it either.

"Of course I do", Abby blurted out and both turned quiet.

"I'm nervous about this, Abby. I want to do the right thing, but I have no idea of what I'm doing…". She had kept a strong front at home and at work but she just couldn't do it anymore. She knew rehab was just the start to Abby's recovery, there would be other hurdles in the way and she was scared as shit.

Abby felt Susan was extending an olive branch and took it "We'll figure it out. Together".

Days went by painfully slow, so when the weekend arrived, Abby thought she might have a panic attack. Jenny smirked at her flightiness "Get a grip, woman! She'll be here in a minute".

Abby nodded and fidgeted in her seat. She was starting to feel self-conscious about everything. She'd dyed her hair the day before because her roots were showing, but she wasn't loving the new color. Jenny had cajoled her into some caramel brown and Abby didn't recognize herself in the mirror, after so many years with her natural color.

She hadn't a lot of choice in clothes either, so she chose a white top and her best pair of jeans… who was she fooling? She chose the jeans that fitted better around her ass. She reprimanded herself as she could've at least bought some new underwear.

Abby knew she was being ridiculous. Even if they had been on more friendly terms lately, Susan was still hurt and wouldn't probably want them to go that way so soon. Abby thought it was a shame but reminded herself that she should enjoy every minute they'd have together.

She chose a seat that overlooked the parking lot and forced herself to look at the TV. It was on the news and she tried to pay attention on what was happening outside her little world but her focus would dissolve at each new car arriving.

Abby jerked when she recognized the familiar silhouette. Stepping out of a rental car, Susan looked around oblivious of Abby's eyes. She wore a flowing red dress she didn't recognize, sandals and aviators sunglasses and, to Abby, she never looked more beautiful.

Nerves took over and she decided she couldn't wait there anymore. Abby ran towards the check-in area, bumping into people in the process but not really stopping until Susan was only inches away from her. They stared at each other for a moment before meeting in a silent embrace that lingered on until Abby pulled back to make sure Susan was really there. Her green eyes twinkled and she smiled that smile that could light up all of Arizona "I love your hair…".

Abby enmeshed her fingers through Susan's hair, let them curl behind her neck and pulled Susan against her lips. She should've waited until they were in a more reserved place but, what the hell, Abby had missed her so much she just didn't care to wait any longer.

The moment Susan's lips responded, Abby felt truly alive for the first time in weeks. She forced herself to stop, as she didn't want to put on a show for everyone at the facility, but it was so hard to pull away from Susan's smooth lips.

They parted and looked at each other with complicity in their eyes, until Abby took Susan's hand and led her inside. People nodded and smiled at Abby and Susan lowered her voice "You're not going to introduce me to your friends?".

Abby smirked "I don't like them that much. Just let me show you off a little…". Susan shook her head and smiled back at people as Abby led her to a terrace and they sat outside in the shade on some colorful plush chairs.

Susan was fixated on Abby, she didn't know if it was the new hair color or the relaxed atmosphere around them, but she just couldn't keep her eyes off of her "You look so pretty, all tan like that…".

Abby snuggled closer to Susan, burying her nose against her neck "The boys?".

Susan sighed "Oh, you don't wanna know… They threw a fit as I was leaving, I was in tears all the way to O'Hare... Corazon really deserves a raise".

Abby took a strand of hair out of Susan's eye "I'm so sorry for loading you like that…". She leaned to kiss her but Susan sat back against her chair, all the closeness was making her dizzy. She had spent so many nights alone in their bed and now she almost felt clumsy. It seemed unreal that they were finally together.

Susan nodded wistfully "It's been a challenging time… for all of us. But I'm glad that you came here and that you're taking this seriously… I know I kind of made it hard for you not to come but I didn't know what else to do…". She tried not to think too much about that day at the hospital, it still angered her.

Abby nodded and before she could answer, Jenny approached them with a sly smile "You must be Susan? Jenny Sanders. It's great to finally put a face to the name ".

Susan nodded politely "Nice to meet you... I hope she wasn't too much trouble", her eyes averting to Abby. She had never heard of this person that seemed so at ease with her.

Jenny chuckled out loud "She's been a real dream! I'm gonna leave you two alone, just wanted to say hi", she winked at Abby.

Susan's eyes followed the younger woman "She's friendly".

Abby nodded "Yeah, she's fun to hang out with".

Susan looked at Abby with a raised eyebrow "And she's pretty".

Abby gave her a patronizing look and quipped "You're not jealous, are you?".

"A little, yeah. You never mentioned her".

Susan was technically right. Were they fighting? Abby shook her head "You're here with me, I don't want to fight". Then, she added with a smirk "Plus, she's not my type".

Susan's brows went into her hairline "You have a type, now?".

"You bet. Blonde hair, green eyes, dashing smile...", she whispered and planted a kiss on her shoulder.

Susan liked when Abby was sappy and silly. It made her heart flutter a little and she let herself savor the moment.

Abby rolled her eyes at the flowing conversation in front of her. Rowland seemed a little too excited and Susan laughed at his jokes. She cleared her throat and he regained his composure "So, let's get back to work. Abby, what are you afraid of?".

She avoided the urge to deadpan and spoke softly "Almost everything. That I'll relapse, that my kids will hate me, that you'll leave me...", she said looking directly into Susan's eyes.

Susan was surprised with how easily she spoke, verbal communication was never her strongest suit. Steve gave her a nod "And you, Susan?".

"The same... I'm afraid I won't be able to look past what happened... I want to, I'm working on it", Susan took Abby's hand and held it.

Steve looked at Abby again "We've worked a lot on your grieving process. You felt it was what propelled you to drink again?".

"Yeah, I was in shock. I was just angry that he would do something like that without consulting me first. Like I had a say", Abby bowed her head and Susan squeezed her hand. "I'm still pissed off at him for ending his life like that, but there wasn't probably much I could do... Stubbornness runs in the family".

Abby wiped a lone tear rolling down her cheek.

It was a warm evening and they had decided to take a stroll outside after dinner. Hand in hand, they walked in comfortable silence until they reached Abby's room. They went inside and Susan said she was going to take a shower "You have no idea how much I hate this humidity". She turned her back to Abby, pulling her hair aside so she could unzip her dress. They had done this routine hundreds of times, but Abby froze when the scent of Susan's shampoo invaded her brain. She couldn't believe her hands were actually shaking.

She watched as Susan's dress pooled on the floor and she stepped out of it. Susan didn't turn back and Abby watched her as she swayed away, disappearing into the bathroom. She was staring dumbly at herself in the mirror. In the past, she would've rushed inside and took her in the shower but Abby didn't know if Susan wanted that.

So she waited, perched on her bed, smiling at all the drawings the boys had made, the recent pictures Susan brought for her.

When Susan came back all rosy and smelling delicious, Abby couldn't take her eyes off of her, but couldn't move either. She watched as Susan discarded her towel and took her time applying lotion over her entire body, before sliding into a satin purple nightgown.

"Is it new?", Abby stammered, her eyes eyeing the garment a little too much but, damn, it clung to her in all the right places.

Susan sounded almost shy "Yes. Do you approve?".

Abby took a few steps until she noticed her hands on Susan's sides, feeling the fabric under her fingers "Beautiful...", she whispered in awe and more turned on than she cared to admit.

Abby was nervous but had to be sensible: Susan came all the way from Chicago and stood in sexy lingerie in front of her. She expected her to make a move, so she had to do something. Afraid that she'd lose the courage, Abby traced an outline of Susan's chin with her fingers "C'mere...", she whispered before kissing her.

Susan's skin felt like fire and Abby backed her slowly against the wall. Their height difference meant that she was busy leaving kisses on Susan's throat and neck while her hands hunched up the nightgown around Susan's hips, feeling the smooth curve of her ass.

Susan moaned gently at the contact "Abby... slow down...". She withdrew and smiled at Susan's rosy cheeks "Okay...". The blonde whispered against her ear "It's been so long... I don't want it to be over in two seconds".

Abby took her hand and led her to the bed. As Susan settled herself against the pillows, Abby started to strip out of her clothes. She tried her best to look confident and reminded herself how good she used to be at this: making Susan squirm in anticipation. In her underwear, she sat next to Susan and resumed kissing her nice and slow, her arms curling around her waist, pulling her close until their bodies felt like they were glued to one another.

When Susan tongue traced her collarbone, Abby let out a gasp that surprised her. She was trying very hard to be cool and gentle but between languid kisses, Susan had swiftly removed her bra and was now torturing her by taking turns at her nipples, sucking and licking and blowing air on them. Abby was already so wet it was embarrassing.

Before Susan, Abby didn't care much for this kind of play because guys didn't get it right, twiddling her nipples around and squeezing her breasts too roughly. Susan excelled at foreplay and Abby was mortified the first time she came just from the sensation of her mouth on her breasts.

In a haze of lust, Abby didn't know what else to say other than a inarticulate "Yeah...", when Susan's hand began wandering down her panties and she whispered huskily "You're so ready for me...".

Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as Susan's fingers probed within her. She had spent lonely nights touching herself, trying to remember how it felt but nothing compared to the real thing. She was clutching at Susan's nightgown and helped her out of it. Susan smiled half turned-on and half relieved that she still knew how to drive her crazy. She slowly covered Abby's body with her own, their breasts pressing together and her leg pressing against Abby's wetness, making her lover shudder under her.

When Susan's head disappeared between her legs and she flicked her tongue on her, Abby realized she was holding her breath. She let out a suffocated gasp and Susan came up for air "Keep doing that...".

Abby looked down and shook her head, dizzy "Huh, what?...". Susan nipped at her thigh "You're too quiet... Or maybe I forgot how you like it...". She was teasing her and Abby knew it. Susan's tongue drummed on her clit and Abby closed her hand around Susan's hair keeping her where she needed her the most "Oh, baby... I'm so close...". She could feel the pleasure erupting in her loins and was almost disappointed that it would be over.

Susan felt she was close and slowed the rhythm of her tongue. She rested her chin on Abby's hip and curled two fingers inside her, searching blindly for the right spot. When Abby threw her head back letting the pleasure course through her, Susan felt even a little emotional. She left a kiss on Abby's midsection and rested her head there, happy that she hadn't lost her touch.

Abby smiled as she looked at the ceiling, replenished and feeling suddenly very, very frisky. She stroked Susan's shoulder and smiled "Let me sit straight". Then she sat with her back against the headboard and patted at her own thighs "Come here…". Susan kneeled next to her but she motioned for her to straddle her instead.

Susan grinned "Cowgirl style, like this?". She nodded and grabbed Susan by the hips, held her close "It only seems appropriate… being in the middle of the desert and all…". They kissed sexily, Abby tasting herself on Susan's lips and stroking her breasts tenderly. Susan was glowing in her arms and Abby took her time with her hands touching her in lazy circles: her breasts, her sides, her thighs, her ass. Her mouth wandered around her neck, licking and nipping at her earlobe and when she entered her with her fingers without warning, Susan jerked and moaned low in her throat "Oh, Abby…".

She curled her arm tighter around her hips, while her other hand kept stroking Susan in a painfully slow rhythm. She smiled to herself before whispering out loud "Weren't you engaged to a cowboy, once?".

Susan opened her eyes and realizing that Abby was smiling a little too proud of herself, she rolled her hips deliberately against her fingers and smirked "Shut up and just fuck me".

Abby chastised herself for having spent most of the past year drinking her sorrows away, especially when she had so many blessings in her life.

It wasn't that the pain from Eric's death had disappeared. She knew it would never really go away, but she was sure her brother wouldn't want her to ruin her life on his account.

She watched Susan asleep like she had done so many times before. It relaxed her to count the pale freckles on her shoulders and back. Abby couldn't sleep, giddy from her presence, but also sad that in a few hours she would be back in Chicago.

They had made love lazily but avoided the temptation of making promises to each other. They would take each day at a time, like they did in the beginning of everything, back when Abby was dating Carter but spent most nights thinking about Susan's lips instead.

Susan shifted and mumbled sleepily into her pillow "Come back to bed...".

Abby smiled, climbed into bed and waited for Susan to wrap herself around her.