Steve was unaware of his friend's attempts to get Natasha back into his life. He did find it odd that Bucky was gone all day. They had decided they were going to stay in and watch the Yankees play the Dodgers. Being from Brooklyn they knew the history of the team, and rooted for them, even if they were on the West coast. When Bucky finally returned, he looked haggard.

"Hey buddy, where have you been? You missed the entire game."

"I was out helping Sharon with something. I guess I just lost track of time."

"Okay, I get it. You'd rather spend time with your new girlfriend. I'm sorry that my moping and regression is bringing you down."

"It's not that. Sharon really did need my help. Never think that I don't want to spend time with you now that you're back. It's always been you and me Stevie. I'm with you to the end of the line, remember?"

"I remember. Hey I need to get some sleep. I got a job."

"That's great, buddy. What are you going to be doing?"

"Well, it's a one-time deal to start with. But you remember the artwork I did that got displayed in the Smithsonian?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, the curator of New York's Museum of Natural History saw my work. There's this mural that has been fading over the past several years. All the artists they've hired to do restoration haven't been able to get it right. He wants me to repaint it."

"Good for you. When do you start?"

"Starting tomorrow. I have to get a look at it. See what I'm going to need."

"Well, good luck. Sam told me to remind you about Friday night."

"Yeah, my birthday. I still plan to be there. What have you guys got planned?"

"Can't tell you. It's a secret. But it is what kept me out with Sharon all day."

That night Steve slept better than he had in years. He didn't dream, and his life was moving forward. The next day while he was at the Museum, Sharon was implementing Plan B. As she enters the building, the secretary greets her.

"Hi, is this Danvers-Romanoff Art Consultation?"

"Yes it is. How can we help you?"

"I was hoping to speak to either Ms. Danvers or Ms. Romanoff. My boss runs a hotel chain. Now he's looking to open a bed and breakfast in upstate New York. He read the reviews on this company, and he wants to hire them."

"I apologize, but Ms. Danvers and Ms. Romanoff have just stepped out to lunch. They should be back in an hour. You can wait if you'd like, or you can leave your name and number and I will be sure to have them call you at their earliest convenience."

"Thank you, this is my information. I've got to go speak to my boss. We should still be in the office for the rest of the day."

"I'll be sure to have them call you."

As she departs, Sharon calls Mack to tell him the news.

"Hey Mack."

"If it isn't my old friend from college, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

"You remember when you told me how successful your hotel chain had become? That once that happened you were going to open a bed and breakfast?"

"Yeah, so?

"Well, I was thinking about the décor you had used in all of your hotels. So I found a local company that does art consultations. I was thinking you could hire them for the next project."

"Sharon, I've already got a company chosen for that."

"Have they already seen the plans? You haven't paid them yet have you?"

"No, but they're really good. I'm meeting with them this weekend."

"Then I'm just asking you to take a chance on this one. I just need you to meet with them. If you don't like what they suggest, go with the other company. Oh and you need to pretend I work for you."

"There's the catch. What's in it for you?"

"It's not for me. It's for a friend. The less you know the better."

"I'll do it. But I expect that you'll be buying me lunch for the next month. And you're going to set me up with one of your single friends. We have a deal?"

"Deal. Thanks, Mack."

With Plan B now fully in motion, Sharon heads for The Falcon for her shift. She can't wait to tell Sam and Bucky the news. An hour later, Natasha and Carol are returning to their office.

"Nat, I still can't believe how much that guy at the restaurant was hitting on you. How could you stand it?"

"I get hit on all the time Carol. He's hardly the first who wouldn't take no for an answer."

"I can imagine. But I love you the way you tripped him, when he tried to help you out of your seat. Fell flat on his ass in front of everyone there."

"That guy Rumlow is the typical jerk, thinks he's God's gift to women. It was fun to take him down a peg. Hey listen, why don't we go out Friday night? Bobbi, Clint and I went to this bar last night. Really nice place, not far from my brownstone."

As they make plans for that night, their secretary interrupts them.

"Excuse me, Miss Romanoff, but a prospective client came in while you were out to lunch. She said her boss wants to hire you for a project."

"Why didn't you call us, Wanda?"

"Because Miss Danvers said that she didn't want any interruptions."

Smirking at her partner, Natasha asks for the info.

"Did you get her name and number?"

"Right here, Ma'am. I told her you would call at your earliest convenience."

"All right, I'll give her a call. Carol, you want to sit in on this?"

"Nah, go ahead. I've got a call to make too."

Entering her own office, Natasha sits down at her desk and dials the number. After a few rings, the line is picked up.

"Hi is this, Sharon Carter?"

"Yes it is, how can I help you?"

"My name is Natasha Romanoff. My secretary Wanda, said you came by. Your boss wants to hire Carol and I for a consultation?"

"Yes, Ms. Romanoff. Thanks for calling me back. The project is a small bed and breakfast in upstate New York. He found an old cabin up there. He's got contractors doing the restoration, and he wants an opinion on how it should be decorated, would you be interested in the job?"

"I'd like to meet with your boss first. We don't usually do small consultations. I would however be interested to know what the job would entail. When can you set up the meeting?"

"Is tomorrow okay? Say around noon?"

"My calendar is clear. I'll have to check in with my partner. But go ahead and set it up."

"Fantastic, my boss will be pleased. I'll call you back as soon as I have the details ironed out."

An hour later the details are in place. Carol also has a clear calendar for the day. They were both surprised at the location they would be meeting the client. It's not often they get a meeting at a restaurant in the Waldorf. Cleary their host is packing some serious money. Later that same day, Steve returned from the museum, knowing what he was getting into.

"So how did your meeting go, buddy?"

"It's a big job. I'm officially starting it next Monday, Buck. The curator gave me a grand to start purchasing the supplies I'll need. Everything else the museum is providing, including a team to help me. If all goes well, I'll make ten grand from this deal."

"There's another reason for us to celebrate your birthday. So how are you feeling about coming home now?"

"Couldn't be happier to be back. Life is finally moving on. Thanks for giving me a place to stay."

"You're my best friend. And if all goes well, I just might have another surprise for you at your birthday party."