Kerry nodded again and Abby continued.

“I don’t know what happened between you two, but if she’s half as good a psychiatrist as she seems to be then she’s noticed the change in you too.”

Kerry was still staring, memories of five years ago were flashing past her eyes.

“When Kim and I met I wasn’t even out to myself. Even after we became involved, I thought maybe it was just her. I’d been married and the idea that I might be a ***** had never occurred to me. By the time I accepted it … and even then I hadn’t really … by then Kim was gone. I’ve tried to explain to her that the woman I am now is so much because of Sandy.”

“I know. Anyone who knew you before knows that.”

Kerry finally turned to look at her.

“How do I know if I’m ready to start dating again?”

“I can’t answer that, Kerry. It has to be right for you.”

Kerry chewed on her own lower lip for a second.

“Be careful, Abby,” she repeated.

“You too.”

Kim was just coming back from her first meeting of the hospital department heads. She could hear her phone ringing as she unlocked her office door and reached for it, dropping her paperwork on her desk.

“Dr. Legaspi.”

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

Kim settled into her chair and smiled.

“No, I just got in from a meeting.”

“If you’re busy I can let you go.”

“Kerry, I’m not too busy to talk to you,” Kim said putting her feet up on her desk. “How’s your morning going?”

“Fine. Yours?”

“As thrilling as a staff meeting can be.”

“Kim?”

“Yeah Kerry?”

“Do you have any plans for Friday night?”

Kim could here a touch of shyness enter Kerry’s voice.

“Noooo.”

“Would you like to come over for dinner?

“I’d love to. Can I bring anything?” Kim asked trying not to read too much into the invitation. It’s just dinner with a friend. She said to herself.

“Maybe some wine.”

“Sure. What time?”