Tina shot to her feet and stared in disbelief at her unexpected visitor. What the ***** is he doing here? Tina thought, hoping the look of confusion didnt show on her face. She quickly looked at the time and it was now 4:29 and Alice was probably already outside. Damn! She thought again, wondering how she could get out of a conversation.

Hello Tina, Eric said, as if it had only been a week since theyd last seen each other. How you doing? You look great, he continued not paying attention to Tina eyeballing the time.

Uhm, I, Im fine, Tina stuttered. Uhm, what are you doing her, Tina asked, still watching the clock.

Tina knew Alice was outside and waiting impatiently for her to come out. Five minutes tops and shell be calling. Thatll save me, the voice in Tinas head spoke.

Eric stood in front of Tinas desk, tall, handsome, and wearing a killer Armani suit. Hed aged some since Tina last saw him, his boyish face was now a little rugged, but he was still very handsome, and those eyes that stared her into submission many years before, sparkled each time he smiled. He stared Tina up and down and nodded approvingly at the sight before him. She looked the same, just a little thinner. He preferred her with a little more meat on her bones, but she still was as beautiful as he remembered. Her hair had grown some, but it still completed her face. Hed never really gotten over her over the years, and was deeply shaken when Tina ended their relationship. Shed been honest with him about why and for the first few months after their breakup, they remained in touch. Hed hoped that her attraction to Bette was a passing thing, but when he realized it wasnt, he gracefully bowed out of the picture. Hed kept up on how Tina was doing through friends, but life in Texas kept him very busy and it had gotten progressively harder for him to maintain his own life, much less to inquire about Tinas. Well, until this trip.

Well, Im in town on some business and thought Id ask you to dinner if your wife doesnt mind, Eric politely replied, flashing a charming smile.

Wife! the word drove a knife even deeper into the protected part of Tinas fragile heart. How many times in a two-hour period can I take these blows? She thought. For ***** sake! Tinas mind tormented her.

Why now? Tina accidentally said out loud.

Im sorry! What did you say? Eric hadnt completely heard what Tina had said thank goodness.

Oh, Im sorry. I was thinking out loud, Tina managed to cover up. Eric, its really nice to see you, but my ride is waiting for me and shes not the patient type, Tina hoped Eric would just leave.

Eric coughed in minor embarrassment, realizing he didnt inquire if the timing was good or bad.

Oh, Im sorry Tina, that was really rude of me, Eric stepped back as Tina walked around her desk. I guess I caught you ducking out early huh? Eric giggled, seemingly recalling that Tina typically worked later hours.

No, Tina defended. Im done here for the day. Set hours, she spoke within a shy smile. She couldnt believe he was making her feel like a schoolgirl.

Well, before I let you go, would it be possible to take you to dinner? Eric stared down at Tina, his six-foot frame towering over her. Im only here for a couple more days and thought it might be nice to catch up, he said sincerely.

Tina was over come with the butterflies. She hadnt done anything social since her split from Bette and didnt know how to react. Almost everything shed done socially had been with Bette or the girls. And she certainly hadnt entertained a man other than for business.

Uhm, before I give you an answer, how did you find me? Curiosity finally hit Tina.

Erics eyes sparkled, as a devilish smile graced his face making Tina blush. Ill tell you over dinner if you say yes, but lets just say it wasnt easy, he grinned.

An unknown calm came over Tina as she stared up into Erics eyes. She wasnt sure what she was feeling but it seemed to satisfy her and she felt validated.

Okay, youve got a deal. Where and what time?

Ill let you decide. You can pick anywhere youd like, Eric said softly and handed Tina his business card. My cell numbers on it and Im staying at the Wilshire Grand, in case you cant get me on my cell. Dead spots! Eric said bluntly.

All right then, Ill call you in a little while. It was nice seeing you, Tina smiled as they exited the building and walked out to the curb. Alice was sitting on the hood chatting on her cell phone and looked up long enough to wave before returning her attention to her call. Tina looked at Eric and then Alice. Shes one of my best friends, Tina quickly informed as she saw the confusion on Erics face.

Are you sure Bette wont mind?

Its fine, Tina said confidently. Ill call you in about an hour or so, Tina turned to walk away and Eric caught her arm, gently causing her to stop.

Can I have a hug? You barely reacted inside when you saw me. Is that any way to treat an old friend, Eric frowned.

Yeah. Sure, Tina blushed. Im sorry. You caught me off guard, Tina replied and leaned in to embrace Eric.

Now, thats a greeting, Eric let out a huge sigh and then let Tina go. I look forward to hearing from you, Eric smiled and walked away, his hand gently trailed across her cheek.

Tina felt the warmth in his touch and it startled her. Shed hardened herself against affection, but yet his touch managed to tingle under her flushed cheek. Tina watched Eric walk away studying his movements as if he wasnt real. She shook her head as she watched him get in a cab and drive away. She walked over to Alices car and got in waiting for Alice to get in too. For a moment, her mind back tracked eight years and wondered what hed been up to all this time. She hadnt noticed a wedding ring, so she surmised he wasnt married. He still wore his class ring and the pinky shed bought him. The image made her smile a little. Other memories flashed within her mind until she came back to his presence and again thought about why hed sought her out, but more importantly why hed shown up now? Alice got in and jolted her back to the present.

Now I know that wasnt a client! Alice snidely remarked.

Tina chuckled at Alices tone. No, he wasnt a client. Hes an old friend, Tina purposely left her sentence open.

Alice started the car, gave Tina the spill it look and took off. Tina smirked and shook her head knowing it was going to be a long ride.