Boyfriend, meet ex-boyfriend.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Maureen's eyes were wider than they normally were, glued to the television set. She had started out sitting comfortably beside Drew, but she was now practically on his lap. She had her legs bent up at the knees, slid over her boyfriends lap as his arm lay gently over her shoulder, keeping her close though it didn't need to be. The girl was all but clutching to the man at her side, her arms awkwardly pressed to his torso, her head straining to the side to watch the television. It was still early in the evening, but they had decided to have a relaxed night in. The pair ordered pizza and were drinking wine, both already in their comfy pajamas. Maureen had her hair tied back, her focus intent on the screen.

"We can make it if we run." "No, we can't." "Why not?" "Because we are being hunted." "Oh God." "Oh God.." Maureen repeated as the blong woman on the screen did, mesmerized by the film they were watching. "In the bushes straight ahead. It's all right." "Like hell it is!" "Is it the raptors?" She asked in a hushed whisper, leaning in close to Drew. She had been clawing at him in terror since the lights in the park went out. How had she never seen this movie? "Is she going to die?" Maureen had never been a good movie watcher. She was prone to asking questions, yelping in fear, and laughing out loud when the mood was lighter. The doctor told the woman to run and Maureen gripped Drew's shirt tightly, the cloth mashed between her fingers as she watched in terror as the woman run like hell to get in the little compound to turn the electricity in the park back on. She made it safely and Maureen let out a loud sigh of relief, her fingers loosening on Drew's shirt. "Goodness this movie's intense."

Her relationship with Drew was becoming more and more intense these days. She found herself increasingly more comfortable in his presence, and often was brought to tears at the end of their weekends together. She wished more than anything he could stay with her the whole week. He was polite, sweet, and doting and he respected her more than any man, other than maybe Simon, ever had. He took things as slow as she needed them to be, and he was genuinely content with it. She didn't need to worry about him sharing her bed, knowing the worst he'd do was hold her close all night. Sure, their make out sessions had led to heavy petting, but nothing that made her uncomfortable. He was the perfect gentleman, and not just in the bedroom. Drew had treated her like a princess. He took her out for meals, surprised her with flowers, and called her religiously when they weren't fortunate enough to be in the same zip code. She found herself thinking of him often, and when she saw a message from him on her phone her heart fluttered. Her parents adored him and even her brother got on well with him. It was truly a dream come true, and it was becoming clear to Maureen that Drew might actually be the one. Her memory came back in bits and pieces, but there were still many holes to fill in her swiss cheese mind.

The movie cut back to Grant with the two kids climbing a fence. Maureen sighed, resting her head on Drew's shoulder. "These poor kids.. All they wanted was a fun weekend and look what's happened to them." The movie slid back to Ellie trying to find where the circuit breakers were and it suddenly dawned on Maureen. "OH!" She yelped, sitting upright. "The electricity! The kids are on the electric fence!" A hand came up to her cheek as she watched with wide eyed terror again. They wouldn't hurt the kids, would they? They could die! The kids wouldn't die in this movie!

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Maureen yelped, her head snapping around to look over Drew at the door. "Was that in the movie?" She asked nervously. When Drew told her it wasn't she furrowed her brows and looked at the clock. It was just past seven, not late at all. But who would come knocking now? She reached for the remote and hit pause, sliding her legs off her boyfriends lap before pressing her lips to his gently. "I'll be right back." She cooed sweetly before getting up and making her way to the door. She was wearing an old t-shirt and an opened, thin zip up sweatshirt over top. Flannel pants covered her bottom and fuzzy green and pink socks warmed her toes. She peaked out the window noticing someone with a bouquet of flowers in his hands and she smiled widely. It was a little late for a flower delivery, but Drew had somehow managed to surprise her! She opened the door up and looked at the flowers before greeting the man holding them. "Can I help y..." The smile faded briefly as recognition took over. "Simon?" She asked, the smile coming back again. His hair was longer and his skin darker. He looked thinner than she remembered, but the second he smiled she knew without a shadow of a doubt it was her Simon. "Simon!!" She gushed, flinging herself at him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he hugged her, her legs coming around his waist as she lost herself in the excitement of seeing an old friend. "Wow, it's good to see you too." He chuckled. Maureen pulled away to look into his face, not believe it was really him! "You didn't tell me you were coming home!" "It was sort of sudden.. surprise!" He gave a nervous sort of laugh. "Are you busy?" "Busy?" She suddenly remember Drew was sitting right there and she quickly climbed off the man, looking at her boyfriend. "Err.. sort of? But come in!" She gushed, smiling brightly and grabbing his hand. "There's somebody I want you to meet..."

[DREW SOLOMON]

Drew had his arm around Maureen, holding her close but it wasn’t really necessary. She was practically clinging to him as it was. And sitting on him…neither of which he minded. His fingers ran up and down her arm, trying to calm her because she was so tense from the movie. Of course it wasn’t really working, but he found her interest in the movie more amusing than anything. How had she never seen this movie before? “We can make it if we run.”[/b] “No we can’t.” “Why not?”[/b] “Because we are being hunted.” “Oh God…”[/b] “Oh God…” The echo from his chest made Drew stifle a laugh, grinning down at the head of auburn hair instead. “In the bushes, straight ahead. It’s alright.” “Like hell it is!”[/b] “Is it the raptors?” She leaned in close, but her wide eyes were glued to the screen. Drew just watched her, though, grinning like a fool at her. “Maybe.” Her hands clawed at his shirt like a frightened kitten, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away. “Is she going to die?” He leaned in to her hair, pressing his nose into the strands. “You’ll just have to watch and see.” He pressed a gentle kiss to the side of her head and then went back to watching the film while his girlfriend clung to him. The blonde woman bolted through the trees for the little hut that controlled the electricity and Maureen’s fingers clutched tighter to his old t-shirt. He held her closer, knowing the woman would make it just fine. It made him smile to hear Maureen let out a heavy sigh and relax against him once more. “Goodness, this movie’s intense.” He chuckled lightly and knew it would only be a moment before she started getting tense again.

He loved these nights with Maureen. The time they spent together wasn’t enough for him. At the end of every weekend he left for home or she left for hers, it was getting harder and harder to let her go. The thought of moving to Friday Harbor had crossed his mind, but there was no need for teachers in either the high school or the middle school. It was a small down with a small budget and no matter who he spoke to, the answer was, “Thank you for your interest, but unfortunately we don’t have any positions at this time.” The closest he could find was in a town an hour away. Even if he moved there, he’d still only be able to see Maureen on the weekends. It crossed his mind that maybe she would be willing to move back to Scriptor Bay…but he hadn’t been able to work up the nerve to suggest it yet. In the meantime they would just have to appreciate the time they did have together. He loved sleeping in the same bed with her, holding her close through the night to keep the nightmares at bay. They hadn’t gone any further than sleeping in the same bed, but Drew was fine with that. There were times when they were kissing that his hands would wander over her body, which did a good job of working him up, but he’d never pressure her into anything. For now heavy petting was more than enough for him. He was more focused on bringing her wholesome pleasures, like treating her to good food, buying her flowers for no reason, calling her every night when they were apart and even writing little notes for her to find after he’d left. Even hanging out with her family was becoming more and more comfortable and he genuinely enjoyed seeing her parents and brother. It was becoming clearer to Drew that this was the relationship he’d always wanted and he’d never find anything more perfect. He would do anything to keep it that way.

Maureen’s head fell back on his shoulder as the movie cut back to Grant and the kids climbing the electric fence to get out of the Tyrannosaurus rex pen and he leaned his head against hers gently. “These poor kids…All they wanted was a fun weekend and look what’s happened to them.” “Yeah, being chased by a T-rex and raptors isn’t my idea of a fun weekend.” The movie went back to Ellie in the breaker room and just like that, Maureen shot up again. “OH! The electricity! The kids are on the electric fence!” It was getting near impossible not to laugh at her genuine reactions to everything. When she was younger she had done much the same when watching movies. She’d been a terrible movie watcher back then too…but then so had Maxi. The two of them would constantly ask questions during movies to the point where they couldn’t even go to the theatre. Maybe he would share that with her later. She’d probably find it funny how they got kicked out of Back to the Future.

A knock on the door made them both jump, Maureen yelping as she looked back at the door. Drew instinctively did the same before he looked into Maureen’s eyes. “Was that in the movie?” He shook his head and glanced back to the door, wondering who it could be at this hour. It wasn’t late in the evening or anything, but it was a little late for a surprise visitor. Her legs slid off his lap and he felt a twinge of regret at having to let her go. The kiss she pressed to his lips eased his disappointment though; he just wished he could keep her there a little longer. “I’ll be right back.” He smiled at her and nodded, watching her as she got up and moved to the door. This was a bad part to pause the movie on…They could rewind it at least. He picked up the remote and began to do just that, taking it back to when the kids first started climbing the fence.

“Can I help y…Simon?” His ears perked up at the name, knowing that was the name of her ex-boyfriend…the one she’d almost married. He turned around on the couch, his heart suddenly hammering in his chest. With the door swung open, he could clearly see the way his girlfriend was suddenly beamed at a dark-skinned stranger. A dark-skinned, handsome stranger… “Simon!!” Maureen flung herself at the man and actually jumped on him like a spider monkey, wrapping her legs around his waist and everything. Immediately the jealousy smacked him in the face. This had to be that Simon. “Wow, it’s good to see you too.”[/b] He saw the flowers in Simon’s hand and his brow lowered over his green eyes. This guy was trying to woo his girlfriend! “You didn’t tell me you were coming home!” “It was sort of sudden…surprise! Are you busy?” “Busy?” Maureen’s eyes came to him and suddenly he existed again. Drew wasn’t the jealous type, but it was different here. These two had a lot of history. They had almost married. Drew couldn’t help the sinking feeling in his gut that maybe now that Simon was here, she would abandon Drew to go back to her previous dream of being Simon’s wife. Maybe it was silly and childish to think like that, but the thoughts were spinning around Drew’s head and making him feel nauseous. “Err…sort of? But come in! There’s somebody I want you to meet…” Drew swallowed hard and pushed himself to his feet, suddenly embarrassed to be in his flannel PJ pants and gray undershirt when Simon looked so carelessly fashionable. He walked around the couch so he could get closer to Maureen and this stranger, trying to force a smile on his face as he got closer. The worst thing to do would be to show how rattled he was by Simon’s sudden appearance. Still, he wasn’t smiling quite as genuinely as he normally did. He sidled up next to Maureen and waited for her to make the introductions.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Maureen suddenly felt giddy and nervous as she led Simon into her home. His hair was completely silver now, and his facial hair had grown long, but he still had a youthful face and was as handsome as ever. It stirred strange feelings in her belly, but she had been over him for quite some time, and her feelings for Drew were strong and new, and the last thing she wanted was to mess things up with him. He was the one she wanted to spend her life with. Her relationship with Drew was perfect, and not even a visit from Simon could make her believe her place wasn't with the man saddled on her couch now.

Maureen smiled wide as Drew got up from the couch, nipping at her bottom lip. He didn't look narly as pleased as she hoped he would. Then again she had told Drew about Simon. Would he feel threatened? No, Drew wouldn't b that insecure. Would he? "Simon, this is Drew. My boyfriend." Simon smiled warmly and held his hand out enthusiastically for the much taller man to take. "Ah, the infamous Drew. Maureen's told me a lot about you." His smile was genuine and he gave Drew a firm handshake. "She didn't mention how tall you were, though." he teased lightly and Maureen blushed a little, beaming at the man who stood at least two heads taller than her. "Simon's always had a height complex." "I have not. Five foot nine inches is an average height, and I'll have you know I was considered tall in some of the countries I visited." Maureen giggled, noting Drew didn't seem nearly as amused. She bit her lip again, suddenly feeling like maybe this wasn't going to go as well as she'd hoped. She'd told Drew she and Simon were still friends, but maybe having him there was another story.

"Would you guys like some tea?" She asked hoping to lighten the mood a little. "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose..." "You're not!" She insisted quickly, realizing she didn't want Simon to leave Just yet. She hadn't seen him in years and had no idea how long he would be in town for. Simon looked to Drew and then back Maureen. "I should have called." He said apologetically, offering the flowers to Maureen finally. [/i]"These are for you."[/I] His tone was cautious, clearly unsure how Drew might react to him bringing her flowers. That was Drew's job now. "Look, I'm in town for at least a month, maybe more. There's plenty of time for us to catch up.". She looked up at Drew, trying to gauge his comfort. She wanted Drew and Simon to meet, but she knew so suddenly might not be best, and as much as she really wanted to insist he stay, she knew tonight might not be the best night for that. "Alright." She said a little weakly, putting on another smile, less genuine now. Maybe it would be better to see him when Drew wasn't there. But how she wanted him to be!

[DREW SOLOMON]

“Simon, this is Drew. My boyfriend.” Simon’s face lit up at Maureen’s introduction, extending a hand to Drew like they were old friends, and it left Drew a little confused. There was no disappointment there that Maureen had a boyfriend, but instead warm recognition. Drew placed his hand in Simon’s with a hesitant smile. “Ah, the infamous Drew. Maureen’s told me a lot about you. She didn’t mention how tall you were, though.” The whole statement cheered Drew up, glad Maureen had talked to Simon about him. And the guy didn’t even seem upset! Drew smiled wider, amused at the mention of his height and once he’d firmly shaken the man’s hand, he let his hand fall back to his side and smiled down at the little woman beside him. “Simon’s always had a height complex.” “I have not. Five foot nine inches is an average height, and I’ll have you know I was considered tall in some of the countries I visited.” Drew smiled at their banter, but he was still trying to adjust to his girlfriend’s old lover being in the room. It seemed he was the only one holding any animosity toward anyone else in the room and he wondered if maybe his being so territorial was unwarranted. Not really sure what to do with himself until the negative feelings passed, he stood a little awkwardly, looking between the two.

“Would you guys like some tea?” Drew looked down at his girlfriend and was about to say yes if only to relieve some of the tension, but Simon’s voice cause his attention. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose…” “You’re not!” Just the way Maureen quickly insisted on this let Drew know how much she wanted Simon to stay. They were friends and she had told him so, and he thought of when Jamie came back how happy he’d been. He wouldn’t want to shoo Jamie away just because Maureen was there and they’d been watching a movie…Simon’s eyes met his before looking back at Maureen. “I should have called. These are for you.” He handed Maureen the flowers and while Drew was a little uncomfortable with Maureen getting flowers from another man, he didn’t react outwardly. “Look, I’m in town for at least a month, maybe more. There’s plenty of time for us to catch up…” Maureen looked at him and Drew felt bad for reacting the way he did and being so cold and quiet. “Alright.” Drew was going to put a stop to this. He didn’t want to be the party pooper.

With a warm smile, he shook his head and gestured toward the couch. “No, it’s perfectly fine, man. The movie can wait, but I don’t think Maureen can wait to catch up with you.” He gave a wider smile, more genuine and amused as he looked down at his girlfriend. The way she smiled back made him wonder if there was anything he wouldn’t do for her. He’d suffer any discomfort to make her that happy. In return he gave her another big smile. “I’d like some tea, though. Simon, would you like some?” He waited for the man to answer and then looked back at Maureen. “Do you want some help with that?” She assured him she could handle it, so he nodded and then turned back to Simon with a warm smile. “Maureen’s told me a lot about you too. You’ve been in Asia, right? How’s it feel to be home?” His grin was big and inviting, feeling himself getting back to normal and not some bristling, territorial mutt. If Maureen wanted to go back to Simon, Drew wouldn’t stop her, but he didn’t want to give her any excuse to want to do that. Besides, his mother had taught him better than to be rude to guests, especially ones you don’t know.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

"No, it's perfectly fine, man. The movie can wait, but I don't think Maureen can wait to catch up with you." The words surprised her and she looked up warmly at Drew, her eyes showing how sincerely grateful she was, her smile relieved and happy. He was a good man to see that and embrace it. "I'd like some tea, though. Simon, would you like some?" Maureen was suddenly giddy. "Tea sounds great." came Simon's soft voice, grinning as he moved to h couch as Drew had offered. The man looked around, silently noing the differences since he'd last been there. Do you want some help with that?" Drew asked and Maureen shook her head slowly. "No, I got it. Thank you." Her voice was meek and her hand came out to touch his arm gently, giving it a little squeeze.

Maureen made her way into the kitchen digging her tea bags out from the cabinet before getting the kettle and filling it with water. She brought it to the stove and lit the fire beneath it before sneaking to the doorway of the kitchen, leaning on it and watching two of the most important guys in her life talking.

"Maureen's told me a lot about you too. You've been in Asia, right? How's it feel to be home?" It warmed her heart to see Drew trying so hard to make conversation with simon. She knew it couldn't be easy for him, but he cared for her enough to try. Simon grinned sheepishly and rolled his shoulders. "Truth be told a little strange." He admitted, relaxing on the couch. "It's almost a culture shock to have all sorts of luxuries at my disposal, luxuries I didn't even consider luxuries before I left. It was nice using a toilet here again. Bathrooms are a little different in the places Ive been. and the food.. My family took me out for Italian last night. I don't think anything has ever tasted so good. And made me so ill." he laughed lightly and Maureen found herself smiling as she watched. Watching him now she remembered why she had fallen for him. He was a good man and selfless, qualities she admired in him. But his inability to put himself first made it impossible for others to get too close and stay close. As long as she'd know him, he had put his work first.

The kettle began to sing and she heard the boys speaking in the other room as she turned to grab the kettle. She filled the cups with hot water and put them on the wooden tray with the teas and sugar before carrying them out to the living room. "So what brought you home?" She asked, taking a seat between the guys on the couch, her body facing Simon while her back gently touched Drew, sitting closer to him. Simon reached for a mug and a packet of tea, sliding the bag in with no sugar. "Do you remember Audrey's son Micah?" she nodded. "Audrey is my sister." Simon sai to Drew, not wanting him to feel lost in conversation. He had an accident while playing baseball. Got hit hard in the head with a foul ball, and now he's having some severe neurological problems. Audrey asked if I could oversee his recovery, make sure he's getting the best care and so forth, so.. here I am." He smiled weakley sipping his tea. Maureen frowned, disturbed by the news. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." Simon shrugged. "It's alright. I saw him yesterday afternoon. It's hard to say the length of damage, but we're going to do everything in our power to get him where he needs to be. The swelling in his brain has gone down, but he seems to have forgotten a lot of basic stuff. We're all hoping or the best, so if you remember, add him in your prayers.". She nodded and turned to Drew momentarily, taking his hand. "We both will." She assured. Simon smiled softly and nodded. "enough sad stuff. I didn't come here to tell a sob story. How're things?" He asked, brightening up a little. "I take it things are going well." He offered a knowing smile, sipping his tea again.

[DREW SOLOMON]

“Truth be told a little strange.” Drew could only imagine. Asia was totally different from America in so many ways. It must have been overwhelming. “It’s almost a culture shock to have all sorts of luxuries at my disposal, luxuries I didn’t even consider luxuries before I left. It was nice using a toilet here again.” Drew chuckled softly, considering that statement. Western toilets had never been luxuries in his mind, but then he’d never been without them. “Bathrooms are a little different in the places I’ve been. And the food…My family took me out for Italian last night. I don’t think anything has ever tasted so good. And made me so ill.” As Simon laughed lightly, so did Drew. “Yeah, I remember coming back from Britain and feeling that way about food with actual flavor to it. I thought they were kidding when they said Brits have terrible food, but they weren’t. When Maureen’s sister went to Ireland, she and our friend Jamie ended up having black pudding at a pub and she almost threw up when she found out what was in it.” He chuckled gently again, remembering the way Maxi’s face had looked when she told the story and the way Jamie had laughed.

Maureen came out with the tea and Drew watched her come, ready to help her if she needed it. She didn’t, of course, and when she set the tray down he reached for the sugar and stirred a spoonful into the hot water before adding the teabag. “So what brought you home?” Drew held his mug rested on the arm of the couch, noting the way Maureen’s back rested against him. He wanted to wrap his arm around her shoulders, but felt that might be perceived as territorial and he didn’t want to give the wrong impression, even if he really did want to show the world that Maureen was his. Simon talked about his nephew Micah, his sister Audrey’s son, and how a baseball to the head had left him severely impaired neurologically. Drew’s brow furrowed, feeling for the guy. He’d watched his own mother deteriorate due to illness, but it was different in this little boy’s case—he was young and full of possibility and one tragic accident left him dramatically altered in the blink of an eye. How sad was that? He took a sip of his tea as Maureen offered her condolences. “We’re all hoping for the best, so if you remember, add him in your prayers.” Drew nodded, certain he would say a prayer for the boy’s sake; it couldn’t hurt to bring a little religion into it. As he was resolving to do this, Maureen’s hand found its way into his and he looked over at her with mild surprise. “We both will.” Drew smiled warmly at her before looking back to Simon with his kind, green eyes.

“Enough sad stuff. I didn’t come here to tell a sob story. How’re things? I take it things are going well.” Drew smiled wide before looking down at Maureen. “Very well, I’d say. We see each other as often as we can and during the week we work. I’m a history teacher at the high school her sister teaches at. Maxi takes up half her time whenever she comes down to Scriptor Bay, but I think the only one who minds is Maxi’s boyfriend.” The three of them had lots of fun together, so he never minded sharing Maureen with Maxi time wise, as long as she was happy in the end. “I bet Maxi would love to meet you. She’s a lot like Reeny but about five times more excitable.” He grinned, squeezing Maureen’s hand playfully in his.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Before Maureen could say anything, Drew's voice rumbled at her back and she turned her head slightly to catch his smiling face. “Very well, I’d say. We see each other as often as we can and during the week we work." She beamed gently and looked back at Simon who was doing the same. Though he seemed happy, there was something almost sad about his eyes and Maureen wondered if he was at all disappointed. Her smile faltered ever so slightly as she reached for her tea, wanting to distract herself. "I’m a history teacher at the high school her sister teaches at. Maxi takes up half her time whenever she comes down to Scriptor Bay, but I think the only one who minds is Maxi’s boyfriend.” Simon chuckled softly. Maureen had told him lots about her long lost sister and had sent a few pictures. When Maureen was with Maxine, she was much different than the Maureen Simon had known. She had always been a little carefree with him, but she was also very reserved. Simon wasn't a wild man. He was laid back and when Maureen was with him she tended to be the same. Sure, she got excited, she was still Maureen, but her level of excitement had grown ten fold since Maxine had entered her life, and memories of the life she'd left behind came flooding back.

“I bet Maxi would love to meet you. She’s a lot like Reeny but about five times more excitable.” Maureen blushed at the nickname, catching Simon raising a brow. He'd rarely called her anything but Maureen. "I would love very much to meet Maxine." Simon chimed in, the soft smile still at his lips. "She's voiced wanting to meet you, too." Maureen admitted kindly. "Maxi likes knowing about my life before I found my way back to her." "And your memory?" Simon inquired. "You've mentioned it's coming back?" Maureen moved her head from side to side, not really shaking it or nodding. "In bits and pieces. I guess I always thought it would just sort of pop back all at once, but it's not like that. Just little things here and there, yah know? Trips to the beach, games we played, certain people or places we went to.. I still look at the photo album and feel like I'm staring at someone else most of the time but every so often something jumps out at me. It's strange, but nice." She looked at Drew who had been so completely supportive through it all. He'd been the reason she'd remembered some of the things she had, and she was even remembering certain things they'd done together as kids. It opened new doors to their relationship, gave them things to talk about and nothing ever got old with them. He had hundreds of stories, and now and then, in the middle, something would click and she would remember. It made her cherish him that much more.

Maureen bit her lip bashfully, looking back at Simon. "It's just very exciting." She offered softly. The man nodded, "I would imagine so. I know how torn you'd been about wanting to find out about your life." She nodded slowly, nervous that Drew might not like that. "But it seems it's been for the best. I can't tell you enough how happy I am that you've found what you were looking for. I've always wanted the best for you." She nodded and noticed the way Simon looked at Drew. "You're a lucky man, Drew. Though I doubt I need to tell you that." The smile was kind and maybe a little sad and Maureen felt her cheeks flush deeply. Why did it feel like Simon was passing some invisible torch on to Drew? Drew answered and she suddenly felt so strangely awkward in this conversation, as though she belonged to these men, and in a way she did. "Anyway, I'd love to hear more about Asia!" She interjected, wanting to change the topic, and not afraid to let either of them know.

[DREW SOLOMON]

“I would love very much to meet Maxine.” Drew would be sure to pass the message along—Maxi would definitely find time to make the trip to meet Simon over the next month he would be there. She’d also probably insist on him calling her Maxi, but Drew would leave that to her. “She’s voiced wanting to meet you, too. Maxi likes knowing about my life before I found my way back to her.” It was true. Maxi had even asked Drew about some details, hoping Maureen would have told him more than she told her, but there was very little Maureen told him that she didn’t tell Maxi. “And your memory? You’re mentioned it’s coming back?” “In bits and pieces. I guess I always thought it would just sort of pop back all at once, but it’s not like that. Just little things here and there, yah know? Trips to the beach, games we played, certain people or places we went to…I still look at the photo album and feel like I’m staring at someone else most of the time, but every so often something jumps out at me. It’s strange, but nice.” Usually when those things jumped out at her, she would ask Drew if it was real or not and most of the time it was. Whenever he couldn’t remember it himself, he’d tell her to ask Maxi, wondering if maybe she knew about it and he didn’t. He liked filling in the holes in Maureen’s memories and she was so curious to know everything that she gave him plenty of opportunity to do so. There were nights when they would talk for hours just about the past. Usually it ended in laughter, but sometimes it ended in tears, and that was okay too.

“It’s just very exciting.” Drew smiled at the shy way Maureen said it and he squeezed her hand gently. “I would imagine so. I know how torn you’d been about wanting to find out about your life.” The statement made Drew a little sad to consider if she hadn’t, but so relieved that she had come back to Scriptor Bay. “But it seems it’s been for the best. I can’t tell you enough how happy I am that you’ve found what you were looking for. I’ve always wanted the best for you.” Simon earned a lot of respect from Drew in that moment. He knew the guy was probably still head over heels for Maureen—what guy wouldn’t still be head over heels for her after they’d dated her? But he was happy that she and Drew found each other, and that made him a good and kind man in Drew’s eyes. “You’re a lucky man, Drew. Though I doubt I need to tell you that.” Something about the statement made Drew feel like Simon was relinquishing his feelings for Maureen and letting her go. He was trying to tell Drew in just those words to be good to Maureen and take care of her. Drew felt silly for having been so territorial now. A smile crossed his lips before he looked at Maureen. “I know I am, but it’s nice to be reminded.” Simon wasn’t going to take Maureen away from him, but Drew would cherish the fact that she chose to stay with him for as long as they were together.

“Anyway, I’d love to hear about Asia!” Drew’s smile grew more at her obvious tactic to change the topic of conversation. As Simon told them about his travels, the illnesses he’d encountered, the differences in handling them, educating the locals about how to avoid them, the miracles and the tragedies, Drew relaxed more into the couch and watched the man talk. Even though Drew was older, Simon had seen much more of the world than he had. Then again, Drew was born to serve Scriptor Bay in the event it needed serving. He wouldn’t change his life, but he was envious of Simon’s worldliness. Maybe he and Maureen could travel someday in the summer when they both were less needed for work. It was easy to see why Maureen cared for the man so much since he was such an interesting and genuinely kind person. Drew could find no reason to dislike him, so he allowed himself to see this as a possibility for a friendship. It would make Maureen happy to feel like she could have Simon and Drew together in the same room and have her relationships with both of them, and Drew just wanted her to be happy. He also was starting to like the guy. The tea ran out long before conversation did, but nobody seemed to miss it. They upgraded to wine instead and Drew’s arm draped across the back of the couch behind Maureen. Each glass was almost gone when he looked at the time and saw they’d been talking for well over an hour, almost two. “You’re fascinating, Simon—so much so that I didn’t even notice how much time has gone by. Would you like another drink?” he asked, genuinely offering for him to stay longer if he wanted. His territorial side kicked him for offering to let the guy stay longer, but he knew it was better to be the bigger man.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Both men seemed to catch on to her desire to change the subject and accepted it. Simon easily began telling of his travels, some things she'd heard before in his letters, but many new. She knew it was all new to Drew and he listened not only patiently, but with interest. She found it endearing, really. Then again, it was difficult not to be enchanted by Simon's stories of the children in countries so far away. Not just children, but entire families and villages. He'd saved thousands of lives and he was so humble about it all, which was one of the things she admired and loved about Simon. She wondered how different things would have been if she insisted he stayed with her. Would she have met Drew? Maxi? Would she have gone back home at all? It wasn't until Simon left that she truly found inspiration to look for her family, since he had been her hope of creating a new one for quite some time. As he spoke she watched the gentle, aged lines in his face creasing at his eyes and lips. He was so handsome, and she was still very attracted to him, but she was glad she'd stayed behind. Because of Simon she'd found Drew, who was also desperately handsome, and though Drew wasn't saving lives the way Simon was, he was teaching young minds and aiding them to be successful adults in their country. How many lives had he changed? Inspired? How had she been so lucky to find not one, but two incredible men who cared so deeply for her? Maureen felt more content there in Drew's arms, listening to Simon speak, than she had in a very long time. It was the loving comforts of her past and present coming together in a single, warm embrace.

The tea ran out but the conversation did not. Soon wine began to flow and they had all lost track of time. “You’re fascinating, Simon—so much so that I didn’t even notice how much time has gone by. Would you like another drink?” Instinctively both Maureen and Simon looked at the clock, surprised at how late it had grown. "I'd love one, but I really shouldn't." Simon said with an apologetic look and Maureen pouted at him, making a smile grow on Simon's face. "You know, I actually missed that pout." He teased gently and Maureen bit back a smile. "Good, maybe it'll keep you around a little longer so you can see it more." She joked back and Simon gave a chuckle. "Maybe it will." He offered softly, looking into his glass with a sigh. "I should actually get going. I'm meeting Audrey for breakfast in the morning and I'm already a little jet lagged. I need to try and get some sleep if I'm going to be at all useful tomorrow." The man got up and Maureen and Drew followed. "I'm glad you came by." She said sincerely, moving to give him a hug, not so enthusiastically as when she'd seen him at the door earlier. "I've missed you." His chuckle was sweet and smooth, like milk chocolate. "I've missed you, too." Maureen pulled back. "Give Audrey my regards." "I will." He looked up at Drew and offered his hand. "Thank you for allowing me to intrude on your evening. And for the drinks. It's truly a pleasure to finally meet you, Drew, and I hope to see you again." He spoke genuinely, his brown eyes twinkling as he shook hands with his ex fiances new boyfriend. Maureen waited for the boys to finish their farewells before walking Simon to the door. He promised to be in touch to make plans later in the week, then pecked her cheek before leaving.

Maureen watched Simon's back for a moment before shutting the door and sliding the lock into place. She bit her lower lip and turned to Drew. "Was that completely weird?" She asked, her voice both amused and cautious as she made her way to the handsome man in her living room. She wrapped her arms around his torso and looked up into his gentle green eyes, somehow adoring him more after that visit even though she missed her ex. She was relieved when he assured it wasn't and smiled genuinely up at him, standing on her tip toes and reaching an arm around his neck to pull his face down close enough to hers that she could deliver a kiss on his lips. "How did I get so lucky?" She asked against his mouth, smiling as her eyes opened to look into his.

[DREW SOLOMON]

“I’d love one, but I really shouldn’t.” Drew was enjoying the man’s company, but a small part of him was glad Simon wouldn’t be staying. He had been enjoying his night alone with Maureen and wanted to get back to it. Apparently Maureen didn’t feel quite the same way as she pouted at Simon. “You know, I actually missed that pout.” “Good, maybe it’ll get you around a little longer so you can see it more.” “Maybe it will.” Again Drew felt foolish, but his territorial side was coming back. It sounded to him like the two of them were flirting, though his rational brain assured him they were only joking. How many times had he teased Maxi about her pout? Then again, he’d never been engaged to Maxi… “I should actually get going. I’m meeting Audrey for breakfast in the morning and I’m already a little jetlagged. I need to try and get some sleep if I’m going to be at all useful tomorrow.” Drew gave an amused smile and rose as Simon and Maureen did. They said their farewells and Drew didn’t interrupt, feeling there wasn’t much he could contribute. Finally Simon turned to him and extended his hand which Drew took with a warm smile. “Thank you for allowing me to intrude on your evening. And for the drinks. It’s truly a pleasure to finally meet you, Drew, and I hope to see you again.” Drew’s smile was genuine as it widened, feeling again like he could respect this guy for being so sincerely happy for them even though he’d lost Maureen. “Likewise. And don’t worry about intruding. You’re welcome any time.” It was a genuine sentiment but one his tiny jealous side was pouting at. The other two said their final farewells, Drew looking away as Simon leaned in and kissed his girlfriend on the cheek, before the door finally closed.

When Maureen turned back to him, she was biting her lower lip like she was nervous and he gave her an amused and curious look. “Was that completely weird?” He shrugged as she made her way to him, looking up at the ceiling as if he was thinking about it. “No, not completely, but it wasn’t exactly comfortable.” His smile was warm and adoring as her arms came about his torso and he looked down at her, his hands coming to her arms. “I actually did enjoy his company.” Her smile was big and sweet as she got up on her tip toes and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He eagerly leaned down into her lips, smiling against her mouth as she kissed him. It was certain he’d never get tired of kissing her. “How did I get so lucky?” He opened his eyes to her deep blue ones and smiled against her mouth, combing his fingers through her hair affectionately. “You heard Simon. I’m the lucky one.” His smile grew before he pulled her into another kiss, the hand still resting on her arm finding its way around her. What wouldn’t he do to keep her with him forever? When he pulled his lips away just barely, his forehead rested against hers gently. His eyes opened to her closed ones and he was suddenly scared of losing her again.

“Maureen…” he said softly, not sure how to explain the way he felt. He knew she would think he was being silly, but he couldn’t help the fear gnawing at his stomach. With a little sigh, he pulled his forehead back enough to look down at her chin, a little embarrassed to look in her eyes. “This is going to sound stupid, but…” He cleared his throat before looking back up at her, both arms around her now. “Simon…Simon’s a great guy. Hell, he’s so great I might even fall in love with him if I was a girl.” A half smile crossed his mouth, hoping she would find his statement amusing. It faded as he looked down at her collarbone, though. “I just…I have to wonder…” He looked back up at her with pleading puppy-dog eyes, his brow furrowed in worry. “Would you ever go back to him?” His eyes couldn’t stay on hers for long and they were soon downcast again. “I mean, the way you greeted him…how happy you were to see him…I know he’s your friend and a really close one that you haven’t seen in a long time…and this is really dumb and paranoid…but I just…” He sighed again, knowing he sounded stupid and paranoid. When he looked at her again it was with a deflated face. “I’m terrified of losing you.” It was the God’s honest truth and he had to hear her reassure him that she’d never leave him to go back to Simon. Maybe that was pathetic, but it was something he needed.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

There was no place Maureen felt safer than tucked into Drew's arms. His finger combed through her hair makin her want to purr like a cat. "You heard Simon. I'm the lucky one.". Shesmiled against his lips and graciously accepted his kiss, humming her appreciation softly into his lips. It didn't matter what Simon said, Maureen knew she was the lucky one. Drew pulled away and Maureen sighed contently, her forhead resting against his and her eyes shut peacefully,savoring the moment, but it didn't last long.

Maureen..." he said softly, pulling her attention as her eyes lifted open. Why did he sound so hesitant? "This is going to sound stupid, but..". She wached patiently, feeling her heart start to race gently. Drew cleared his throat before continuing, his eyes looking anxiously into hers. [Bu"Simon...Simon's a great guy. Hell, he's so great I might even fall in love with him if I was a girl."[/b] Drew smiled and Maureen couldn't help but do the same, giggling slightly. His smile faded quickly though, and his eyes shifted from hers. "I just...I have to wonder...Would you ever go back to him?" Maureen's already large eyes widened as her brows arched. Was he really so nervous of that? "I mean, the way you greeted him...how happy you were to see him...I know he's your friend and a really close one that you haven't seen in a long time...and this is really dumb and paranoid...but I just...". He sighed and Maureen had to fight the urge to smile at how completely adorable he was. He looked so sad, like a child afraid of his puppy running away. "I'm terrified of losing you."

Maureen slid her hand to Drew's cheek, cupping it gently as she gazed into his deep green eyes. "Oh Drew.." she sighed, a tiny smile on her lips. She slid her hand down to his. "Come, let's sit." She tugged him to the couch, sitting close to him as her body turned to face his directly. She reached and took his hands, holding them in her own and pulling them into her lap. "I love Simon." She started, her vice soft but confident as she gazed into her boyfriends eyes. "And I will always love Simon. But.. Drew I'm not in love with him. Not anymore." She wasn't sure if Drew would understand so she licked her lips and continued, holding his hands tighter. "Simon has never made me feel the way you do. You make me laugh. You make me remember.. Drew you understand me more than I think i understand myself sometimes. You're my past, my present.. and God willing my future." She looked deep in his eyes. "Nothing will change that, not even Simon moving back permanently. Do you understand?" Her voice was gentle, not condescending as she explained her feelings. "I'm in love with you, Drew. You're the only one."

[DREW SOLOMON]

Maureen’s hand slid to his face and Drew forced his eyes to look into hers. “Oh Drew…” The way she sighed his name actually comforted him, knowing that she thought he was silly too. That meant she was sure she wouldn’t leave him, but he would appreciate any reassurance he could get. Her hand slid into his gently, taking hold. “Come, let’s sit.” She tugged him along to the couch and Drew obediently followed, taking his seat close to her and twisting so he could look at her better. His hands were pulled into her lap and he swallowed hard in anticipation of her gentle scolding which he was certain would be the next step. “I love Simon.” That wasn’t what he expected to hear and all the blood drained from his face, his stomach falling six feet into the ground. “And I will always love Simon. But…Drew I’m not in love with him. Not anymore.” He was breathing again, but cautiously, unsure what she meant by her words. Her small hands tightened around his as he waited anxiously. “Simon has never made me feel the way you do. You make me laugh. You make me remember…Drew you understand me more than I think I understand myself sometimes. You’re my past, my present…and God willing my future.” Adrenaline rushed through him, relieved by her words and ready for the rest of it. She wouldn’t leave him because she wanted him in her future—that was the most important thing. Their eyes locked and he hung on her every word. “Nothing will change that, not even Simon moving back permanently. Do you understand?” He stayed silent, sensing she wasn’t done. “I’m in love with you, Drew. You’re the only one.”

It took him a few seconds to recover from the shock of that statement, his eyes blinking and his lungs taking in air again. She loved him. He’d never heard more beautiful words in his life. His wide eyes looked to her lips and suddenly he had to have them. One hand came to her jaw, pulling her close swiftly and guiding her to his waiting lips. His brow furrowed, kissing her hard and pouring his heart onto her lips. For so long he’d been alone. Yes, he had Maxi and coworkers he was friendly with, but he had searched for a woman to love him to no avail. Then Maureen came back into his life and he wondered if maybe the world would be a little less lonely. And now…now he wouldn’t have to be lonely again. He truly felt that way. It was overwhelming to know that his search might be done—Maureen might be the one for him. At this moment, it certainly felt like she was.

During his passionate kiss, Drew’s hands had both found their way to cupping her face but one hand now slipped back into her hair. Reluctantly he pulled back, knowing he needed to speak before her sentiment went stale. His eyes peered into hers intently, drowning in the deep blue depths. “I’m in love with you, too. I love you more than anything in the world.” The words were spoken with such sincerity and such awe that no one could deny their truth. One of the hands in her hair pulled her face closer until their foreheads were touching, the other hand combing through the auburn strands. “You make me feel whole again.” For a moment he simply enjoyed the feel of having her close, their skin touching and her breath washing over his mouth and chin. Then he leaned in again and pressed his lips to hers once more, slower this time but just as passionate. His tongue found its way into her mouth, exploring her tongue gently and sensually. All he wanted was to show her how overjoyed he was to have her. “I love you…” he almost whispered against her lips before kissing her again. Nothing could ever take this moment of bliss from him.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Maureen felt her heart pounding as she watched Drew absorb her confession. For a moment she thought maybe she had overstepped her bounds a little. He might not be ready to hear something like that, he might not eel the same. Maureen would be okay if he didn't. She didn't expect him to return the sentiment, but she felt her heart stop suddenly when his hand came to her jaw, pulling her close. His lips were both gentle and desperate, and it made chills creep down her spine. Sh sighed into his mouth, feeling her heart swell with the way h showed her how he felt. She could feel it in his touch and she suddenly felt weak. His fingers both found their way to her jaw, one hand creeping back into her hair and she was overcome with emotion. Drew truly cared fo her and she didn't need to hear him say it to know it was true.

When he pulled away her eyes opened to peer into his, and she found her own had become damp. "I'm in love with you, too. I love you more than anything in the world."[/b]. Her throat felt tight and she gulped, looked from one eye to the other. Was he serious? He spoke with such deep sincerity that she knew she needn't question him. A smile fluttered nervously at her lips as she gazed at him, the dampness in her eyes growing. He pulled her closer until their foreheads touched, his ingers combing gentl through hr hair. She felt so complete, so at peace.. "You make me feel whole again." a choked sound escaped her thoat at his confession, and she knew exactly what he meant. It was how she felt. "Drew.." she whimpered softly, a tear trickling down her creamy white cheek. When he kissed her again it was with more raw emotion than she could ever remember having in a simple act. Maureen felt so close to him, so in tune with him.. almost as though they were one. "I love you..." he almost whispered against her lips before kissing her again.

Maureen kissed her boyfriend deeply, her hands finding their way around his shoulders to keep him close. It was beautiful and overwhelming. How had a simple act like seeing Simon push her completely into Drew's arms? "I love you.." she breathed back after a moment, their kiss continuing to grow deeer and more passionate by the second. All Maureen could think about was feeling him completely, but it seemed so soon for sex and the though made hr cheeks warm and pink. She knew if se didn't stop him, though, it would happen. Likely right there on the couch, and there was nothing romantic about that. With a nervous breath she pulled away, looking up ino his eyes, her own slightly pink and damp still. "It's late." She said, flushing deeply as she bit her bottom lip. "We should.. maybe we should go to bed. Finish the movie in the morning..?" she suggested, not sure if she wanted to really take the next step yet, or knowing if he would.

Drew agreed to come to bed and she smiled anxiously at him, kissing him sweetly before they got up. She shut the lights and then led the way upstairs, holding Drew's hand in her own. "I'm.. gonna brush my teeth." She told him softly at the top of the stairs, following her usual bedtime routine as though nothing had changed.

[DREW SOLOMON]

Drew held tightly to his girlfriend as Maureen’s lips moved smoothly over his. The kisses only deepened as her arms found their way around his shoulders, a chill running down his spine. He felt the electricity surging through both of them as she kissed him and it made his heart race. She loved him and he loved her and he’d never felt so incredibly close to anyone. Yet he still wanted to be closer… “I love you…” The way she breathed the words against his lips made his stomach clench and his lips press harder into hers. If only they could just melt together. The fingers in her hair found their way to her warm cheek and he guessed that she was flushed from the heat coming off her face. With every second their tongues danced against each other, Drew could feel his heart racing faster and his blood pumping hotter. He hadn’t felt like this in such a long time…

Too soon Maureen was pulling away with a nervous breath and his eyes opened reluctantly to make sure she was alright. Her eyes looked into his and he could see the hesitation she was feeling. “It’s late. We should…maybe we should go to bed. Finish the movie in the morning…?” Drew was disappointed, his stomach falling some as his blood was forced to cool, but he wasn’t a dog. He nodded his head and gave a small, understanding smile, knowing Maureen was a good, modest woman. It was one of the many things he loved about her even though right now it made him a little unhappy. At least her deeply flushed cheeks indicated she was as into it as he was. She kissed him again chastely and he had to hold himself back from holding her there. He followed her off the couch, though and waited at bottom of the stairs while she clicked the lights off. She took the lead up the stairs, taking hold of his hand, but he wondered if maybe he should have taken the lead. He had a pretty good view of her backside from his vantage point and it didn’t help him calm down.

“I’m…gonna brush my teeth.” It was like nothing happened. Drew respected her boundaries and he understood them, but he just wasn’t ready to let her go yet. Just before her hand could slip out of his, his fingers clenched tighter around hers to make her pause. “Wait…” He gently tugged her arm so she came back toward him, stepping forward to meet her. His free hand came to her face, cradling her cheek as he pulled her face up to his. Their lips collided and Drew didn’t waste a moment to kiss her deeply and passionately. Before long his hand released hers and his arm coiled around her tiny frame, pulling her closer. He felt her own arms wrapped around his shoulders again and he sighed into her lips. The rest of the world outside of them faded away. He forgot her hesitation and his for a brief moment and just let his desires come to the surface. Drew wanted to be with Maureen, right now more than anything. He didn’t even feel them moving, but suddenly Maureen was against a wall as their kisses consumed him. The cold feel of the dry wall on his skin woke him from his haze, however, and he suddenly remembered Maureen’s hesitation. He pulled back suddenly, his eyes opened wide in fear that he’d upset her. His hand rested against the wall by her head, pushing himself back a few inches from her face, removing his body from hers. He was all but panting as fresh air in his lungs brought on a surge of guilt. “I’m sorry, I…I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t mean to…” His dark cheeks flushed and he swallowed hard to push down the desire twisting his stomach. “I hope I didn’t upset you. I shouldn’t have overstepped my bounds.” He searched her face anxiously to see if he’d made her angry or frightened her.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

A moment in the bathroom away from Drew might help her clear her head a little, and if nothing else it would give her cleaner breath for when they inevitably kissed. Maureen still wanted to kiss him. In bed.. the thought made her stomach clench anxiously, and when Drew refused to let her hand go, she turned and looked up at him. “Wait…” He coaxed softly and she did, biting her bottom lip as she gazed up at him. His movements were needy and delicate, pulling her into him as his hand came up to cradle her face. She instinctively leaned her cheek into his large palm, unable to turn her gaze from his as he pulled her lips back to his. She sighed into his mouth as he quickly deepened their kiss, her knees feeling weak at the way he made her feel. She was grateful when he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer and helping to support some of her weight. There was so much passion behind his kiss, so much adoration in the way he touched her.. His fingers were kind and soft, his tongue relentless as it stroked lovingly against hers, as though he needed her to survive. She melted for him, kissing him back as her fingers curled against his chest, somehow needing him just as desperately. They slid up, wrapping around his neck so she could bring herself even closer, needing to feel his body pressed to hers.

Maureen never even felt him pushing her back, but she gasped gently as the cool wall hit her, startling her from the all consuming kiss she was deep in the middle of with Drew. Drew must have felt it too, because in that moment he pulled away, pulling Maureen's lips with his as she hesitated to let him go. She gazed up at him, mildly dazed, her eyes hooded as she panted softly. Why did he look so upset? “I’m sorry, I…I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t mean to…” She watched the deep color rise into his cheeks and all she could do was stare in confusion. Why would he apologize for that? If she didn't want it she wouldn't have kissed back, and she liked to think she would have stopped him. “I hope I didn’t upset you. I shouldn’t have overstepped my bounds.” His terror was adorable and somehow his apology made her love him more. He truly respected her. He cared what she thought, and his gentle soul was shining through more than it might ever had before.

Maureen tilted her head gently to the side, sliding a hand to his cheek, cradling the slightly stubbled flesh. "Do I look upset?" She asked gently, her eyes locked on his, wanting to see the worry fade away. Her hands both moved to cradle his face, her palms pressing high on his cheekbone as her thumbs nestled at his sideburns. She brought his face back down to hers, kissing him again as he'd been doing to her just a moment before. Her body arched into his, wanting to feel him surrounding her once more. Slowly her arms wrapped around his neck, keeping him close as their kiss deepened once more. All she wanted was to feel his large hands on her, adoring her, keeping her close and reminding her how much he cared, how much he needed her..

After a moment she was the one to pull back, but only her face, and only just barely. "Take me to bed.." She pleaded in a hushed voice, staring him straight in the eye. Her cheeks flushed crimson red at the request, knowing she might have just agreed to sleep with her childhood friend who was now her boyfriend. Before he could say anything, she moved her mouth against his once more, afraid to hear his answer, or see the questioning in his eyes. She held him tighter, wrapping her legs around his waist when he pulled back and hoisted her up off the ground. In a moment they were crossing the threshold into her room and she soon felt her back hit the plush bed as he gently laid her across it, his body climbing over hers. She felt the muscles of his back flexing as he moved over her, her legs untwisting from his pelvis as they moved to the bed, one laying flat while the other bent at the knee. His mouth slowly worked over hers and after a moment she pushed him back gently to look up into his eyes once more. "I, umm.." She flushed again, shifting a little uneasily. "I was thinking that.. if you were ready, and.. well, if you wanted.." She started, as if her intentions weren't written out in her last request. "I love you, Drew.." She sighed, biting her bottom lip, her teeth grazing over it until the plump, pink flesh bounced back to its normal place in front of her teeth. "If you were ready to make love, then.. I think I'm ready.." She gave a nervous sort of smile and half laugh, feeling silly for bringing it up like that, and was now terrified that she had ruined the mood.