Chapter 6

"Tom, the reason that nothing was decided was because I was afraid that if we did start having sex- even if it was no strings attached- that we could end up ruining our friendship and that wouldn't be good for the children!"

Starting the car and getting on the way to the restaurant that he had made reservations at for that evening, Tom replied to her, "Randi the children are grown and married with a child of their own, do you really think that we would have that much effect on their lives?"

"Well I don't know about you and Josh, since he's only your nephew, but I know that if you and I were suddenly not on speaking terms that Nora would be very upset. She loves me and likes and respects you a lot. Plus it would make family holidays very awkward!"

"I can understand all that, but I thought that you were leaning towards a sexual relationship with me. Could it be that now you've met AJ and he is not family, even in the remotest terms, that you would rather hook up with him?"

"Tom I don't 'hook up' with anyone! And I resent the way you put that! I just met Admiral Chegwidden and don't know if I'll even like him. He has nothing to do with my making a decision to have sex with you or not!"

"I'm sorry Randi, I didn't mean that the way it sounded. It's just hard to come up with terms for a sexual relationship that is not emotionally based. You have to know that I respect you," he said shooting her a sideways glance that was all he could do and still watch the traffic around them.

"Is this all it comes down to Tom, whether I'll have a sexual romp with you?" Randi asked hurt at the way the conversation was going.

"Not at all! As I said, I like and respect you, Randi. And I only want to take this into a new arena if you are completely ready for it. With the health scares the way they are today, I just thought that the two of us could offer each other a release valve as it were. Nothing more or less than that. And if it comes to a choice I would rather we remain friends than lovers any day!" he told her reaching across the seat and squeezing her hand as it lay on her lap.

"I don't want to lose your friendship either Tom, can we just leave things as they are for right now?" she asked squeezing his hand back as they arrived at the restaurant.

"You bet we can," Tom replied and got out of the car to come around to her side and help her out.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

1800 EST

AJ's home

McLean, Virginia

AJ was preparing for his date with Miranda Love when his phone rang. Stepping into his shoes as he answered it, he almost came to attention in his own living room when he heard who was on the line. By the time the call was over he had already taken off his 'date' clothes and moving back into his bedroom he quickly donned his uniform. He was in the Escalade on his way to the White House when he flipped open his cell phone and called Miranda.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Miranda its AJ and I'm afraid that I'm going to have to cancel our date. I hope that you'll allow me to reschedule, but tonight I've been called to the White House for a meeting."

"I understand AJ. The terrorist thereat is much more important than our dinner, and I would be happy to go out with you if you call again. Now drive safely and I'll talk to you soon," Randi said and hung up with a smile that he wanted to reschedule.

AJ clicked his cell phone closed wondering how she knew about the high-level top-secret meeting. That was until he arrived and saw Tom Boone there. AJ figured that he must have told her. He now wondered just how close of friends they were if Tom was telling her top-secret things!

To Be Continued….