"You know I've loved you since the first moment I saw you," Clay said pulling Theresa into his arms. "Oh Clay, I...." BRRRIIIINNNGGGG!!! "Darnit!" Eve gets up from the recliner where she was reading, stubbing her toe on the coffee table in her rush to answer the phone. "OUCH.... Hello!" She barked into the phone.

"Hello, Eve? It's Fletcher. Did I call at a bad time?"

"Oh Fletcher! Sorry hon, I was just reading and stubbed my toe so I'm a little cranky. You know how I get."

"Yeah Eve, I know," Fletcher said with a chuckle.

"Anyway, what's up Fletch?"

"Well.......I was wondering if I could come over for a spell. Something happened last night that I'd like to talk to you about."

"Sure thing, just give me half an hour, alright? I need to get cleaned up."

"Ok, see you in half an hour than. Bye!"

Fletcher hung up the phone before Eve had a chance to say goodbye. Eve slammed down the phone and hurried into the shower wondering what all this secrecy is about.

Exactly a half hour later the doorbell rings. "Just a minute!" Eve yelled throwing on a black tank top and running her fingers through her still damp hair. "He's always so prompt!" she muttered to herself as she opens the door.

Fletcher is standing on the front porch wearing a brown cowboy hat, green button down shirt and jeans.

"Hi Fletcher, come in and tell me what was so important that I had to put down a really steamy novel for!"

"Hi Eve, nice to see you too," Fletcher said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh, stop teasing me and take a seat," Eve said motioning towards the couch.

Fletcher ambled over to the couch and flopped down stretching his long legs in front of him. "I had the dream," he said.

"What dream? You don't mean...."

"Yeah, I finally saw my true love," Fletcher said excitedly. "She lives in Taiwan, China. I've already booked my flight!"

Eve began shaking her head. "Fletcher, how can you be sure of this..."

"Eve, I know I've told you the story about how my daddy had a dream about my mother and went out to find her. Well, I had a dream last night and I saw her!"

Eve gave Fletcher a skeptical look, "Alright I'll bite, so what does she look like?"

Fletcher's blue eyes lit up. "Well she's got brown hair and....Here! I made these last night. She looks somewhat like any of these." He handed Eve a stack of collages.

Eve is quiet for a few minutes as she looked through the pictures.

Fletcher looked a little fidgety as he waits for her opinion.

"Fletcher, she doesn't look Chinese," she said.

Fletcher gave her a sheepish grin. "I know, these are just approximations," he said.

"Well, it's not up to me to tell you what to do. If your heart tells you to go to China, than I guess you gotta go. I'll miss you though."

"Yeah, I have to find her. I'll miss you too, shorty," he said giving her a big hug.

Eve wiped at her eyes, which for some reason had gotten misty, and said "Alright, enough of this sappy stuff, ya big lug! How bout a lemonade?"

"Sure," Fletcher said with a mischievous grin. "Please tell me you didn't make it though! You make it so sour a person's face would cave in if they tried to drink it!"

Eve punched him in the arm. "No, it's store bought but if you say that again I'll make up a batch and make you drink the whole thing!" They both laugh.

____________________________

Fletcher finished his lemonade and left about 5 minutes later. Eve went out onto the front porch of her house, staring out into the front lawn forlornly. "Oh Fletcher, I hope you know what you're doing," she said to herself as she waved goodbye.

Part 2

The next evening, Eve hopped into her battered blue Ford F 150 pickup and drives over to Fletcher's house. She pulled into the driveway and saw a new cairn over in the side yard. Walking over to it, she gets a glimpse of one of the collages Fletcher had shown her the previous afternoon. She shook her head, and muttered, "He's got it bad for this dream girl." Eve turned away, walked up to the open front door, and knocks.

"Hey Fletcher, hon. It's me." No one answers. "Yoohoo, Fletcher! I know you're in there. Ya can't fool me!" Eve waited a couple more minutes and when there still wasn't any answer, she got concerned and let herself in.

Walking through the house, she saw several more collages...but no Fletcher. Suddenly, she heard a noise upstairs. Deciding to investigate, she heads up the stairs.

Once at the top, she finally heard Fletcher's muffled voice, coming from his bedroom. Eve quietly walked over to the doorway, knowing she should probably announce herself, but too curious to bother doing so. Peeping through the open doorway, she sees Fletcher standing in front of a mirror.

"Do you speak English?" "Will you come to America with me?" Fletcher was practicing in the mirror.

"Sure thang, stranger," Eve said causing Fletcher to let out a high-pitched squeak and jump 5 feet into the air.

"Eve! You scared the hell outta me! What are you doing here?"

"Well hon, I tried knockin' but apparently you were so wrapped up in your one-sided conversation that you didn't hear me," Eve said giving Fletcher a flirtatious wink. "I stopped by to see if you wanted to go out for dinner with me. Sort of a going away party."

"Sure, Eve. Sounds great. Just let me get this stuff put away and we can go."

Ten minutes later, they hopped into the battered truck and were on their way. "I can't believe you still have this old truck," Fletcher said.

"What? Ole Bessie here?" Eve said patting the dashboard affectionately. "How could I get rid of her? She might not look that pretty, but I can trust her. More than I can say for just about any person I've ever met."

Fletcher gave Eve a quizzical look out of the corner of his eye, "Something wrong, hon? You're not normally so gloomy."

"No, I'm fine. Guess I'm just a little jealous. You know, you having that dream and all. Kinda makes me wish I could find someone who would go to China looking for me, so to speak."

"Oh Eve, I'm sure there's some guy out there for you somewhere. He'll find you." Fletcher gave her a sweet little smile and a reassuring pat on the leg. "Hell, if it wasn't for the fact that you gave up on me years ago, I would have married ya!”

Eve gave Fletcher a wry grin. "You know that would never have worked, Fletch. But thanks for trying to cheer me up," Eve said pulling into El Pablo's Mexican Restaurant.

"How did I know you'd choose this place, Eve?"

"Umm...I don't know…maybe because it was our favorite back in high school? I have to give you a reason to come back from China and if Pablo's chicken enchiladas doesn't do it, I don't know what would," Eve said visibly trying to cheer herself up.

"Come on! Let's go, I'm starving!" Eve started running across the parking lot. "Race ya," she yelled over her shoulder.

Fletcher started running yelling, "Hey you cheated! NO fair!"

___________________________

Inside the restaurant, they look around, surprised that it hadn't changed at all. "Lord this place hasn't changed a bit!" Fletcher said looking at all the Navaho blankets and sombreros adorning the walls and the wood tables with the Mexican tiles in the center of them.

"May I help you, senor,” a short, balding, friendly-looking host asked them.

"Well.... I don't know. You still have those great chicken enchiladas?" Fletcher asked him.

"Si, senor. Of course."

"Alright, a table for 2 then," he replied with a huge grin.

A few minutes later, both Eve and Fletcher were chowing down on chicken enchiladas and margaritas. "So Fletcher, do you remember the last time we were here," Eve asked him, taking a sip of her margarita.

"Of course! Wasn't it with Cameron and Peggy Sue? Night we graduated, wasn't it?"

"Yeah it was. How's Cameron doing anyway," Eve asked. "It's been years since I've seen him."

"He's fine. Still telling the tragedy of how the tamale is not represented in American Cinema."

Eve burst out laughing. "You're kidding! He's still doing that?"

Fletcher gave her a huge grin. "Yep. Probably will until someone does an entire movie on the history of the tamale!" Both of them laugh uproariously.

By this time, they'd finished their meals and were having coffee. Blue eyes met striking green ones and the mood became serious. "What happened to us, Fletcher? Seems like yesterday we were here as a couple."

"I don't know, Eve. We just grew up I guess. You went off to Los Angeles for college, I stayed around here and things just fizzled. Can't say I know for sure what happened, but when you came back things just weren't the same." Their eyes met again and both looked quickly away, as if the subject had gotten too serious too fast.

"So," Eve said awkwardly, "You leave for China tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Fletcher replied. "Plane leaves at 10 am so I should get there around 9:30 or so."

"Need a lift? I can drop you off at the airport so you don't have to pay for parking."

"Sounds good." Fletcher glanced at his watch. "Oh geez! Look at the time! We better get going or I'll never wake up tomorrow."

Eve paid the bill and they drive home.

__________________________________

"So I guess I should thank you for dinner. It'll be a while before I can eat good Mexican food again."

Eve drove the beat up old truck into Fletcher's driveway. “You're welcome. Anytime, you know that." Eve said, staring straight out the windshield.

"Well...good night." Fletcher opened the truck door, stops, and looks back at Eve. "Thanks for being such a good friend Eve. I really needed some support on this." Fletcher leaned across the seat and gave Eve a quick peck on the cheek.

Eve flinched lightly at the contact, "No problem, Fletch. What're friends for? Now get outta here so I can get home. I gotta get up early tomorrow to haul your butt to the airport, remember?"

Fletcher grinned, "Right! Good night!" He got out of the truck and ran into the house.

Eve got lost in thought as she's driving back to her lonely house. Not really aware of how she got there, she pulled into her driveway, looking as though she's about to burst into tears. "Oh Fletcher, " she said out loud to herself, "Why did I ever let you go?"

Eve laid her head dejectedly on the steering wheel for a few minutes. "Alright girl! That's enough feeling sorry for yourself. We want Fletch to be happy and if he has to go to China to find his true love, than we're going to be happy for him." After giving herself this mental shake, Eve felt better and headed into the house to bed.

Part 3

Eve woke up earlier than expected the next morning. Now that the day of reckoning was here, she wasn't so sure she could go through with it. She got out of bed and stretched her arms over her head, looking out the window as she did so. "Great, the weather won't even cooperate," she muttered, noticing that it was a beautiful sunny day. Hopping into the shower, she drifted into thought.

“What did I do, what did I say? To turn your angel eyes my way,” Jeff Healey's voice was crooning out of the stereo. Fletcher and Eve were slow dancing to their song. Seeming not to be able to get close enough to each other, Fletcher pulled her even tighter into his embrace. Looking into Eve's green eyes, Fletcher was softly singing the words as if they were written especially for her. When the song was over, without saying a word they headed off the dance floor to take a stroll through the garden. They walked in silence for a few minutes, finally stopping next to a rose bush in full bloom.

Fletcher pulled Eve close to him looking deeply into her eyes, "Eve, you're so amazing. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found you," he caressed her cheek. "I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that I," he stopped and took a deep breath. "I love you!" He blurted out, giving a relieved little smile now that he'd said it.

"Oh Fletcher...." a sixteen year old Eve whispered. "I love you too."

Fletcher hesitantly lowered his head, Eve raised her face and their lips softly meet. Pulling back Fletcher murmured, "You're so nice...." before returning to her lips.

KABOOM!

Eve came back to reality with a bang, literally. The shampoo bottle fell off the ledge of the bathtub. Eve became aware that there was tears mixed in with the water from the showerhead. "Stupid, stupid! You had to go down memory lane and now you're a mess," she said obviously agitated. "Pull yourself together!" Eve hurriedly finished her shower.

Throwing on jeans and a royal blue pullover, she realized that she spent so much time lollygagging in the shower that she really had to rush to reach Fletcher's on time. Making sure to grab her sunglasses to cover her red, swollen eyes she rushed out the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Hello dear."

"Ida! I didn't know you'd be here!"

"Well, I talked to Fletcher on the phone last night and he told me you offered to drive him to the airport. Hope you don't mind if I tag along."

Actually, Eve did mind, but she didn't tell Ida that. "Not at all. I'm sure Fletcher would want you there." That much was at least true. “Speaking of Fletcher, where is he? We're going to be late if we don't get a move on soon."

Fletcher started down the steps at that moment with a bag slung over his shoulder. "Oh hi, Eve! Didn't realize you were here. Ready to go?"

"Yep, let's get going." They all pile into the truck and off they went.

________________________________________

At the airport, Ida was being the typical overprotective grandmother. "Are you sure you have your passport?"

"Yes, grandma."

"How about money, do you have enough money?"

"Yes, I have everything," Fletcher said looking uncomfortable with all the attention.

"I just wanted to make sure," Ida said. "You're going so far away..."

"I know, you're just concerned about me. I'll be fine.." Fletcher told her, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Final call Flight 168 to Taiwan now boarding Gate 12," the loudspeaker blared.

"I gotta go, I'll call you when I get there, grandma."

"Alright Fletcher," Ida said giving him a huge hug.

Eve hadn't taken her sunglasses off since she'd put them on that morning. "Well Fletch, good luck finding your dream gal," Eve said forcing a light-hearted tone she didn't feel. "You bring her back all safe and sound to meet me, ok? I gotta warn her 'bout you," she teased.

"Don't worry, I will," Fletcher said with a boyish grin and a wink. "Look hon, I gotta go. I'll talk to you soon," Fletcher gave her a quick hug and was gone.

Eve let out a big sigh and turned back to see Ida staring at her. Trying to ignore the all-knowing look in Ida's eyes, Eve said, "So, you ready to go? Where do you want me to drop you off? I noticed your car wasn't at Fletchers." Eve knew she was rambling, but she couldn't seem to help herself.

Ida decided to go along with her, for a little while at least. "Would you be nice enough to drop me off at my house, dear? I took a cab to Fletcher's this morning."

"Sure, no problem. Let's go."

Once they got into the truck, Ida cornered her. "You're in love with him, aren't you," Ida asked.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about, Ida," Eve said, trying to play dumb.

However, Ida had seen the initial glance of shock Eve had thrown her. "Don't give me that, you know exactly what I'm talking about, Eve! You still have feelings for Fletcher."

"Look Ida, I'll always have feelings for him, he was my first love. They say you never completely get over your first love. Besides, we're still close friends, of course I still care about him," Eve said defensively.

"Hogwash! Eve, I've known you since you moved to San Antonio years ago. You're not fooling me, and you're certainly not fooling yourself. So why don't you just tell me?"

Eve burst into tears. Pulling into a nearby parking lot, she heard herself begin to tell Ida the whole story. "You're right Ida, I haven't ever gotten over Fletcher," she sobbed. "Going away to school was one of the dumbest things I ever did."

"Why do you say that, dear?"

"Did Fletcher ever tell you why we split up?"

Ida shook her head no.

"While I was at UCLA, I cheated on him. I met this gorgeous blonde haired, blue-eyed baseball player who treated me like I was the only woman alive. At first, I stayed away from him, but he was persistent and I was so lonely." Eve stopped to catch her breath.

Ida handed her a Kleenex out of her handbag.

"Thanks," Eve said blowing her nose before continuing, "Anyway, we got partnered up for a school project and things progressed from there. Eventually, I told Fletcher about it. He was devastated. I'd never heard him like that. Mr. Perfect eventually turned out to be anything but; he was more interested in the chase. He lost interest once he knew that he had me, but by then the damage was done. When I moved back here, I managed to get Fletcher to talk to me about it and we patched up our friendship, but he'd never trust me enough to ever start another romantic relationship."

Ida had been quiet the whole time Eve was telling her story. "Well dear, I wish I could tell you that Fletcher would eventually want something more, but I'd be lying. He isn't a man to trust easily and once you break that trust...well suffice it to say you're lucky you're even friends. On the other hand, did you ever really look into the reason you cheated in the first place?"

Eve shook her head, "Sort of...I guess because I was so lonely."

"Eve, if Fletcher had been your true love, no one would have been able to come between you, miles apart from each other or not. My advice to you is, while Fletcher is away, sit down and think about whether it's really Fletcher you love, or the past you had with him."

"You're right, Ida. Thanks for the advice," Eve said pulling back onto the highway.

Eve dropped Ida off and drove to an old abandoned church to think things out. While she was there, she remembered a tale Fletcher had told her shortly after she'd arrived in San Antonio. They'd come to this same old church and he showed her the window that Eve was now staring at. "This artist was commissioned to build a window," he'd told her, "while he was here, he fell in love with a choir girl named Rosa. They planned on getting married, but Rosa fell ill and died before they could. For years afterward this artist carved the Rose window...for her."

Eve stood staring at the window for a long while, tears silently streaming down her face while she thought. Some time later, she turned and walked away. Her decision had been made.



Part 4

Eve felt as if a huge weight had been taken off of her shoulders. She felt as if she should give Ida her thanks for pushing her into making a decision. Picking up the phone book, she looked up Ida's phone number and dialed it.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Ida? It's Eve."

"Oh Eve, how are you doing, dear?"

"Actually, a lot better than I was yesterday. I want to thank you for what you did."

"I didn't do anything, Eve, except listen."

"No, you did more than that. You made me confront my feelings, I'm grateful for that."

"Well, you're welcome. Although, I still don't think I did anything."

"I think you did. Anyway I guess that's all I have to say."

"So you've come to a decision than?"

"Yes Ida, I think I did."

"That's great news dear. I won't pry into what it was. I'm sure you'll do what is best for you. Well dear, I've got dinner on so I have to go."

"OK, thanks again Ida. Bye!"

Ida hung up the phone and realized she'd forgotten to tell Eve that Fletcher hadn't gone to China after all. "Oh well, I'm sure I'll see her soon."

____________________________

Ida's worries were unnecessary. Shortly after Eve finished her conversation with Ida the phone rang again. "Now who could that be," Eve said picking up the phone. "Hello?"

"Eve, it's Fletcher."

"Hey! How are you doing? Make it to China alright?"

"Actually, I'm in Los Angeles. I never made it to China."

"No? Why not?"

"Well, it was really odd, but I saw a classic Hollywood book while I was waiting for the connecting flight to Taiwan and there was this picture of a cafe called the Formosa. I went there and....well, I found her."

"You found her?"

Eve was in a state of shock, her voice must have reflected it, because Fletcher laughed, "That's exactly what Ida said!"

"So.....what's she look like, her name, etc," Eve said.

"Her name is Roz. Hmm...she's very beautiful, dark hair and eyes."

Exact opposite of me than, Eve thought. "Any other details, Fletch?"

"Well...there is something odd...."

"Which is?"

"She acted like she knew me."

"Hmm...you're right that is odd. Unless she's been dreaming about you too?"

"I hadn't thought of that, but I guess it could be possible. She acted downright freaked at one point."

"What happened?"

"Well...she got spooked by a dog and scraped her knee. I'm not sure why, but I used my shirt tail to clean up the blood and she acted like she'd seen a ghost."

"Did you have any dreams that would be similar to that," Eve asked.

"Not that I recall..." Fletcher said.

"Well, I'm not sure maybe someone did that in her past or something. Fletcher, I hate to cut this short, but it's pretty late here...."

"Oh right," Fletcher interrupted. "I forgot about the time difference. I'll let you go."

"Thanks, I'm glad to hear you're OK an that you found the dream girl. Good luck."

"Thanks. Sweet dreams, Eve."

"Night Fletcher."

Eve put down the telephone. So he found her, she thought, how strange. Up until now, she really thought that Fletcher was on a wild goose chase. Eve shook her head and put it from her mind. She curled up on the couch, turned on the TV and started watching an old James Dean movie. Thirty minutes later, she was finding it hard to stay awake. Eventually, her head fell onto her chest. She was sound asleep.

_______________________________

"Mom, I don't wanna go," the little girl was screaming. "I don't know anyone here, I wanna go back to Chicago!"

"Evelyn Marie Taylor," the mother said, "you stop this temper tantrum right this instant! You know your father got transferred to San Antonio. You ARE going to school and you'll make new friends."

"No I won't!" Eve stomped her foot, "Everyone always makes fun of the new kids."

Her mother looked exasperated. "I don't care if they did. You have to go to school and we are NOT going back to Chicago. You be a big girl and stop pouting." Her mother handed Eve her lunch and took Eve to the bus stop. The bus was lumbering up the road as the reached it.

Eve was very reluctant to get on but her mother gave her a push and she got on. Finding an empty seat she sat down looking very dejected. As she feared, no one sat with her.

One kid who was sitting behind her asked what her name was.

"Eve," she said.

"Where are you from, you talk funny," he said.

"Chicago"

"Oh," he said and than ignored her.

At the last stop this fairly tall boy got on the bus and sat with Eve. "Hi, I'm Fletcher," he said. "What's your name?"

"I'm Eve."

"Well, hello, Eve. Nice to meet cha," he said giving her a friendly grin. "You're new here, aren't you?"

Eve shook her head yes.

"Don't worry, San Antonio is a nice place when you get to know it," Fletcher said.

"I don't like it. I wanna go back to Chicago," Eve said belligerently.

"No you don't." Fletcher said.

"Oh really? Why?"

Fletcher made a big show of looking around. "Cuz there's ghosts here," he said a conspiratorial whisper.

"No way," Eve said clearly intrigued.

"Oh yes, I'll show them to you if you like," Fletcher said with a wink.

Eve finally gave him a huge smile and just like that their friendship was formed.

_______________________________________

Eve awoke with a start. Yawning, she thought, "That was a strange dream, I hadn't thought of that in years!" She got up and went into the bedroom to sleep.

Late the next morning, she was awakened by the telephone, "Hey Eve, Fletcher here. Did I wake you up?"

"Yeah, but I shouldn't have slept so late. What's up?"

"Well, I'm going to bring Roz home, although she doesn't know it yet. Could you pick us up at the airport? The flight leaves at 1:30 LA time so we should be there around 5:30 your time."

"Sure Fletcher, need me to do anything else?"

"No, I think that's it. I gotta go convince her. See you in a bit. Bye!" Fletcher hung up.

"I wish he wouldn't do that," Eve said to herself. Boy, he sounded excited. Sounds like I'll be the first to meet the wonderful dream girl, Eve thought. She scurried out of bed. She had a lot to do today before Fletcher's flight arrived.

Eve managed to get all her errands finished and make it to the airport with five minutes to spare. A minor miracle considering all she had planned for today. On the way in she bumped into Cameron. "Cameron, is that you," she said clearly surprised.

"Evie? Is it really little Evie? I haven't seen you in years! How are you?"

"I'm fine. What are you doing here?"

"I'm dropping my grannie off, she was here for a visit. How bout you?"

"I'm umm...well I ah...."

Cameron smiled and gave her a wink. "You don't have to tell me, but why the secrecy?"

"I'm not sure actually," Eve said with a nervous laugh. "I guess I should tell you, not like it won't be all over town in an hour anyway. I'm picking Fletcher and his dream girl up."

"Really? He found her? I hope she isn't as diverse as her picture looked," Cameron said.

Eve laughed, "Oh no! He showed you those too? I didn't have the heart to tell him that he shouldn't quit his day job. If any person actually looked like that..."

"Any person that looked like that would have to be on some serious drugs," Cameron said.

"Exactly!" Eve and Cameron burst out laughing. "Well Cameron, it's been great seeing you again, but I gotta go hunt down Fletch. Hopefully, I'll see you soon," Eve said shaking Cameron's hand.

"I think I heard Ida say something about planning a "get to know her" party so if that happens I'll see you there."

"Sounds great, bye," Eve said, distracted. As she walked away she thinks to herself that she doesn't remember Cameron being that cute and funny back in high school.

_____________________________________

"Yoohoo Eve! Over here!"

Eve's startled gaze met Fletchers across the room. He was wearing that old brown hat he loved so much and waving his arm over his head. There's a beautiful brunette in a green dress standing next to him.

Eve walked over to them, pasting a smile onto her face. Damned if she'd be unfriendly when she met Roz, she thought. "Hi Fletch! Glad to see you got here in one piece!" Eve said giving him a hug. She can feel Roz's eyes drilling into her back as she did so.

Fletcher grinned back at her. "More or less anyway. This is Roz," he said excitedly.

"Roz, I'd like you to meet Eve, my best friend."

"Nice to meet you Eve," Roz said cooly.

"Hi Roz, welcome to San Antonio," Eve said trying to be extremely friendly, probably overly so. Eve felt like she was being one of those fake plastic people she hates. "Well, I'm double parked so we better get outta here, Fletch."

"OK, let's go."

_________________________________

When Roz saw old Bessie, she looked less than enthusiastic about climbing in. "Couldn't we take a cab or something Fletcher?" she asked.

"What for? We have a ride already." Fletcher said.

Eve heard what was going on. While she did feel slightly insulted about someone looking down her nose at her sweet old truck (after all, it has character!) She didn't let Roz see that. "Don't worry about it, Roz. She doesn't look like much, but I promise you the engine is sound. We'll get you to Fletcher's in one piece."

Seeing that she was outnumbered, Roz gave in and climbed into the truck after Fletcher.

Eve thought that Roz should have gotten in first considering Fletcher's long legs, which Eve would now have to contend with, but Fletcher didn't seem to mind having his knees up against his chest and she figured it wasn't her place to say anything so she kept quiet. If it doesn't bother Fletcher, shouldn't bother me, she thought. Out loud, she said, "Mind if I turn on the radio?"

"No, not at all,” Fletcher said.

Roz just shrugged her shoulders.

Eve turned on the radio. The cab was filled with the sound of ‘Shooting Star’ by Bad Company. "I hope you don't mind classic rock, Roz," Eve said trying to make conversation.

"No, it's fine," Roz said, than turned her head to look out the window.

Doesn't talk much, Eve thought. "So Fletch, how was the flight? Everything go alright?"

Fletcher said distractedly, staring at Roz, "Yeah, it was fine, Eve. Both ways I got lucky, no turbulence."

"That's good." Eve decided to give up on the small talk since she couldn't get Roz to say anything and Fletcher seemed preoccupied with something. The rest of the trip was done in silence, the radio softly playing in the background.

______________________________________

It seemed to take forever since the airport was a good 40-minute drive under the best conditions, but they finally reached Fletcher's house and Eve thankfully dropped them off. "Talk to you later Fletcher," Eve said trying to convey with a look that she wanted to talk to him alone.

Fletcher gave her a wink indicating that he understood. "Maybe I'll give you a call later. Thanks for the lift."

Roz murmured something that sounded like "Thanks, nice meeting you."

Eve smiled and nodded at her. "Same here."

As she drove away, Eve really had to wonder about the girl Fletcher had brought home. She seemed so cold and distant. Not what she would have imagined for Fletcher. Plus, there was something about Roz that she didn't quite trust. Eve considered herself a pretty good judge of character so she vowed to keep her eyes and ears open. She didn't want to see Fletcher get hurt and she was terrified that Roz had the power to do just that.

Part 5

Eve got home, grabbed a lemonade, and the book she'd been trying to finish for over a week now, and flopped into her favorite overstuffed recliner. Let's see where was she...oh right Clay pulling Theresa into his arms. "Oh Clay, I love you too." Clay's head slowly lowers and he gives Theresa a deep passionate kiss that took her breath away. Lifting his head, he looks deeply into her azure eyes. "Theresa, I have something I want to ask you."

"Yes, Clay?"

"Will you...." The phone rings.

How on earth do they know, Eve thought as she rushed to answer the phone. "I'm never going to finish this book."

"Hello?"

"Eve, it's Fletcher. I got the idea you wanted to talk to me about something."

"Where is Roz? I wouldn't think you'd be leaving her alone already," Eve said, surprised she'd gotten a call so early.

"She was tired from the flight. She's in the Ida room taking a nap. Anyway, what did you want to talk about?"

"I'd have thought you'd want my opinion about her," Eve said.

"Oh! I do! I thought there was something serious you needed to talk to me about."

"Fletch, this is kinda serious. I really didn't want to talk about it over the phone, but since you have a guest I guess you won't be able to meet me anywhere private."

"Eve, will you come out with it already? You're making me nervous."

"Fletcher, how do you feel about Roz?"

"What do you mean? She's gorgeous, smart, artistic...."

"Not exactly what I meant. Don't you feel that she's hiding something?"

"No, I don't. What's wrong Eve?"

"Roz was so reticent, wouldn't say hardly anything to me."

"Maybe she's just shy," Fletcher's voice was starting to get an edge to it.

"Maybe, but I don't think so. Why do you think she came to Texas with you on such short notice, Fletcher? She doesn't seem the type to do anything impulsively."

"Eve! Why are you acting so suspicious all of a sudden? We talked some and I really thing she's feeling the same way I am. There's a connection. Now you better tell me why you're acting like this because otherwise I'm going to think you're jealous." Fletcher was annoyed, his voice getting louder and louder each second.

"Fletch, I can't tell you why, I don't even know myself but I don't trust her. You know I get these feelings about people. Just watch out, ok," Eve pleaded with him.

"You meet her for a few minutes, don't hardly say anything to each other and yet you're an expert on her? Eve, I don't think you're giving her enough of a chance."

Eve sighed frustrated that Fletcher wouldn't listen. "Alright, how about we compromise?"

"And how would we do that," Fletcher asked.

"I ran into Cameron at the airport and he said he'd heard rumors about a party for Roz. Are they true?"

"Yeah, I guess they are."

"Ok, here's the compromise. I promise I'll give Roz a chance and get to know her better at the party and you promise to keep your eyes open and don't take everything about Roz at face value. Think you can do that?"

"Yeah, I guess I could. Don't see why it's necessary but I'll try. Eve, why are you making such a big deal about this?"

"I guess you wouldn't just chalk it up to women's intuition?"

"Uh-uh"

"Alright, I'm concerned about you. I don't want to see you hurt," Eve said.

"Again you mean, right," Fletcher said very softly.

"What," Eve said confused.

"You don't want to see me hurt again. Or did you forget our past?"

Eve gave a very audible sigh. "No Fletcher, I didn't forget. It's the one thing in my life I'd go back and change if it were possible. Hurting you is something I've never been proud of. Maybe that's why I'm being so protective now. I saw you hurt once. I never want to see it again. Doesn't matter who's the cause."

"Eve, you're not my protector, and I don't need one, but I am flattered that you'd put yourself in that position. All I really need is a good friend though, ok?"

"Ok Fletch, I'll try to lay off the protective sister act. Friends," Eve asked tentatively.

"Of course! I'd miss you too much if we weren't anymore. Oh damn! Cameron's at the door Eve, I gotta go."

"Alright hon, tell Cameron I said hi. When's the party?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Fletcher said hurriedly.

"I'll be there with bells on than and I promise to be on my best behavior. Bye til tomorrow!"

"Bye!"

_______________________________

Eve headed out onto the front porch to think things over. Sitting on a white wicker chair she had out there for just that purpose, she leaned it back on 2 legs, closes her eyes, and rested her head against the house. Even after the conversation with Fletcher, which she felt just narrowly averted disaster, she couldn't get rid of that feeling of dread. She wondered why she couldn’t stop thinking of Roz and why she didn't trust her. Was she really just jealous as Fletcher suggested? She'd like to hope that was it, but somehow Eve didn't think so.

Part 6

Eve awoke the next morning with a sense of foreboding she couldn't shake. She had a feeling that something big was going to happen today, only wished she could pinpoint what it was. Grabbing a cup of coffee, she went into the bathroom to start getting ready for the party.

Putting on her makeup, she started thinking back on the conversation she had with Fletcher the night before. How was she going to keep her side of the bargain when all she wanted to do was tell Roz to get the hell outta San Antonio and leave Fletcher alone? Looking into the mirror she said, "Eve, you're going to have to do the acting job of your life, hope you're up to it." She put the finishing touches on her makeup and went into her room to get dressed.

Now, what to wear? "I know she's going to look like a fashion plate. I'll need all the help I can get. Don't want to look dowdy next to here, makes me cranky and I promised Fletch I'd be good," she said aloud. Eve eventually decided on a knee length flowered sundress she bought on a whim one day when she was feeling especially feminine. She'd never worn it before and had regretted buying it ever since. "Guess it wasn't such a bad decision," she said, "otherwise I'd be up a creek without a paddle today." Putting on some strappy white sandals, she gave herself a final once over in the full length mirror on her closet door. "Not bad! You're dressed to kill, hopefully I won't though," she said with a wry grin. Grabbing her keys, she headed out the door ready to face the beast.

Hopping into the truck, she turned the radio on. ‘Pressure’ by Billy Joel was playing. She gave a little laugh. "Oh that figures," she said. Taking a deep breath, she turned off the emergency brake and starts towards Fletcher’s.

On the way, she saw Cameron on his bike heading the same way. She pulls over and yelled out the window, "Hey Cameron! Pretty hot day for a bike ride. Want a lift?"

Cameron rode over to the side of the truck. "Hey Evie! Boy, are you a sight for sore eyes. I'd love one."

"Just throw your bike into the back than," Eve said.

Cameron picked his bike up, puts it into the truck bed, and then hopped into the cab. "Wow Evie! You sure got dressed up for this lil shindig! You look real pretty," Cameron said, obviously impressed with Eve's transformation.

Eve blushed. "Yeah well, don't read too much into it. I feel like a little girl playing dress up," Eve said nervously pulling back into traffic.

"So," Cameron said, "did you get to meet Fletcher's girl? Did she look better than those collage?"

Eve laughed. "Oh yeah! Much better. She's extremely beautiful actually."

"That's good news."

Eve face adopted a worried expression and she bit her lip.

Cameron glanced at her with a puzzled look on his face. "Umm...Eve? Is there something wrong?"

Eve glanced at her watch and sees that they were going to be way early. "Cameron, do you mind if we stop somewhere and talk? I've got something really bothering me and since we used to be such good friends and all...We're too early anyway."

"Sure Eve, no problem."

Eve pulled into a nearby doughnut shop's parking lot. "Might as well get some coffee, do you want some? I'm buying."

"Yeah sounds great. I take it black."

Eve went into the shop and came out with 2 black coffees. Handing one to Cameron, she said, "It's about Roz, that's the girl's name, but you probably already know that."

Cameron just raised an eyebrow and gave her an "I'm all ears" expression.

"Well, simply put I don't trust her. I met her yesterday and she seemed so cold and calculating. Not Fletcher's type at all."

Cameron cleared his throat.

"What Cameron?"

"Well, I don't really want to upset ya, Eve...but how do you know what Fletcher's type is? You were gone for years and he changed a lot over that time. He's not the same kid you dated in high school."

Eve sighed, "I know that, Cameron, but we are still close friends. I think I know what type of person he is now."

"And what's that," Cameron asked carefully.

"Well....sweet, funny, slightly eccentric in a totally delightful way, loving, cares about everyone and everything, loyal..."

"Woah! Hold it right there, Tex." Cameron said laughing. "If I didn't know better I'd think you were describing a saint...or a puppy dog...one of the two!"

Eve giggled. "I guess I did get a little carried away. Obviously he has his faults, everyone does. Just for some reason I have a hard time seeing them."

Cameron gave her a searching look. "Evie, can I ask you a personal question?"

Eve glanced at him. "Yes of course. Not like we haven't known each other long enough for me to trust you. What is it?"

Cameron shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Well, it's two things really. When I saw you again the other day, I couldn't help noticing how beautiful you are and I was thinking about asking you out."

Eve's jaw dropped open.

"But there's something I've noticed talking to you, so I want to get this out in the open first. Here goes...." Cameron took a deep breath, "Are you in love with Fletcher?"

Eve blushed and was quiet for a long while.

"Evie, if you don't want to answer me, that's fine. I don't want to invade your privacy."

"No, I will. I'm just trying to figure out how to answer that." she said.

"I would think it would be a simple question to answer…" Cameron said obviously confused.

"It's just that it's something I've been debating over myself lately, Cameron. Do you promise that anything I say doesn't go beyond us?"

"Cross my heart," Cameron said earnestly.

Eve bit her lip. "OK, simple question, complicated answer. You asked if I'm in love with Fletcher. The answer to that is...yes I am. Here's the complicated part. He's got his heart set on this dream girl and I refuse to try and come between that. The other thing is that I crushed him once, I doubt he'll ever trust me enough to ever start a romance again."

Cameron looked slightly defeated. "I see..." he said.

"No Cameron, I don't think you do. Despite my feelings, I'd rather just be his good friend than to jeopardize that by attempting to gain his love," Eve said passionately.

"So what you're telling me is that you're accepting of what you can get."

"Yep."

"Eve not to sound like an ass or something but I think you're being a coward!"

"Excuse me?" Eve looked like she'd been punched in the gut. "I thought you were asking me out a couple minutes ago, which I was going to accept and now you're calling me a coward?"

"Evie, this is probably the only selfless thing you'll ever hear me say, and I'll deny it later if someone asks me about it, but if you love him than you have to try to get him. How are you going to feel five years down the road when he's married to Ms. Dream Girl and you're still sitting at home knitting, or whatever it is you do, alone? Seeing him in the park with his kids? You get the idea."

Eve was shell-shocked. "What are you saying? That I should go to this party and make a fool of myself?"

Cameron shook his head. "No, I wouldn't do that. You told me you don't trust this girl, right?"

Eve nodded her head.

"One thing I remember about you is that you had an uncanny ability to sniff out people's personalities. If I were you, I wouldn't make waves but I'd get to know Roz a little better and see what she does on her own. If you don't trust her, there's probably a good reason why."

"Cameron, I don't know. It just sounds so..." Eve is searching for the right word, "devious."

"What's so devious about it? You were planning on getting to know Roz better, right?"

Eve nodded her head.

"So, that's all you're going to do. Meet her, sit and wait and see how she reacts. If she leaves, you'll be there to pick up the pieces and if she stays that Fletcher and Roz are probably soul-mates and things wouldn't have worked out anyway. Not much you could do than."

Eve's eyes lit up as Cameron was talking. "Cameron, I never knew you were so sneaky!" she said.

Cameron looks her in the eyes. "Evie?"

"Hmm?"

"If things end up not working with Fletcher, would you consider me," Cameron said giving her a mournful puppy dog eyes look.

Eve leaned over and gave him a soft kiss. "Yes Cameron, any woman would be lucky to have you," she said softly. Changing the subject, she looked again at her watch. "We better get going, I'm suddenly feeling a lot better about this party."

Cameron and Eve arrived late to the party they were originally going to be early for. They both notice several raised eyebrows and people whispering to themselves when they arrive together. Cameron winked at Eve. "Looks like the grapevine is going to be working overtime today," he said giving her a comedic leer. "Shall we," he said holding out his arm.

Eve took it and they enter the party.

Eve looked around and doesn't see Ida anywhere. "Looks like we aren't the last ones here," she said.

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't see Ida anywhere, you'd think she'd be here by now."

Cameron agreed. "Bingo," he said.

Eve gave him a confused look.

"Roz is over there with Mary and Edna. She looks like she needs a savior wouldn't you say?"

Eve suddenly looked nauseous, "I don't know if I can do this."

"Nonsense!' Cameron gives her arm a squeeze.

"Where's Fletcher? I would've thought he wouldn't leave her side all day."

Cameron looked around. "He's over there with Tree. I'll make sure you get a few minutes with Roz. Hey Fletcher," he called out waving to him as he crosses the yard to talk to him.

Eve took a deep breath. I guess it's now or never, she thought and headed over to rescue Roz from the biggest gossips San Antonio had to offer.

___________________________

"Hello Roz! How do you like San Antonio so far?"

Roz looked relieved to see someone she knew, even if only slightly. "Eve! Nice to see you again. It's um...nice."

Eve decided to play shining knight and took Roz away from Mary and Edna. "If you'll excuse us ladies, I have something I want to show Roz."

"Of course," they said simultaneously giving Eve very fake smiles.

Eve looked at Roz. "So would you want a break for a while? I know a spot we could go to allow you to recoup."

Roz gave her a grateful look. "Please? That sounds wonderful. Everyone is acting like they know me. It's making me nervous."

"Ok, follow me." Eve walked around to the front of the house and starts to follow a path in the side yard. Eventually, she stopped and sat down on a patch of grass. "Here Roz, have a seat and catch your breath."

Roz sat down, although she looks like she could bolt at any second. Eve realized this wasn't going to be easy.

"So Roz, you're from LA?"

"Yes I am."

"What do you do there?"

"I'm a fine art consultant."

"Oh really? That's interesting. I thought Fletcher mentioned something about you being an artist?"

Roz gave her a startled glance. "That too. I paint abstract art, but I'm in a down period right now. The consulting pays the bills."

Eve nodded her head. "I see...."

Roz looked at her suspiciously, before asking, "So how long have you known Fletcher?"

Eve laughed. "Eternity it feels like sometimes! Honestly, I moved here from Chicago when I was 7. I met Fletcher on the school bus shortly thereafter. So it's been 22 years now."

Roz raised her eyebrows. "You're from Chicago? I would have never guessed! You sound like a Texan."

"Roz, one thing you pick up real quick when you move here is the twang if ya evah want to fit in. The other is ya larn to appreciate country music and cowboy boots."

Roz didn't look too thrilled at this idea.

"Don't get me wrong, this is a great place to live. Everyone knows everyone else, just like one big happy family."

Roz looked like she was going to say something and than stopped.

Eve put her hand on top of Roz's. "Is there anything else ya wanna know, hon?" She gave her hand a friendly pat.

Roz pulled it away. "Actually, I did wonder something. Did you and Fletcher have a...past," Roz asked tentatively.

Eve decided it best to answer truthfully. "Yes we did. We were high school sweethearts but that was over 10 years ago. We're just good friends now a days." Eve was thinking that she wanted more than that with Fletcher but she hid her feelings from Roz. She switched subjects to safer territory. "Roz, have you met Ida?"

Roz nodded her head. "Fletcher introduced us a few minutes before you arrived."

"Really? I didn't see her."

"I think she went into the house for something," Roz said.

"So Fletcher introduced you two. Let me guess...he said that she looked hard-boiled but had a real soft center."

Roz looked surprised. "Why yes! That's exactly what he said. How did you know?"

"He always says that about Ida, he adores her. Goes both ways really. Anyway, there's something I want to tell you about Fletcher."

"And that is," Roz said.

"Fletcher is the same way as Ida. He can look like this big tough Texan but he get hurt really easily."

"Why are you telling me this?" Roz asked somewhat defensively.

"Because I don't want Fletcher to get hurt."

All of a sudden Roz got up and starts wiping herself off. "I don't know why everyone is assuming that I'm planning on a future with Fletcher!"

Eve quickly stood up as well, towering over Roz (she had 6 inches on her with the heels on). "Why did you come here Roz? You just up and hop on a plane to meet Fletch's family. What did you think everyone would assume? Of course we think you're planning a future with him. If you're not I'd suggest you get out of here before you hurt him!"

Roz gave her an icy look. "And here I thought you actually wanted to talk to ME. I should have known you were just looking out for Fletcher. I'll decide when and if I leave! Now, I'd appreciate it if you'd lead me back to the party. I'm not good at directions and I don't want to wander aimlessly around the forest," Roz said with a very haughty expression.

"Sure! Just follow me." Eve was so pissed at this point that she stormed off and left it to Roz to follow or not.

Roz had to run to keep up with Eve's long legs, but she did manage to stay close enough to her that she made it back to the party.

They walk through the gate to see Fletcher looking worriedly around. Seeing them, he flashed a relieved smile and walked over. "Eve! I didn't know you were here. You look great."

Eve gave him a strained smile. "Yeah well, Roz looked like she needed a break so we took a walk. Hope you didn't miss her too much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some punch and rescue Cameron from Mary and Edna."

Eve stomped over to the punch bowl, hoping that it was spiked. After getting herself and Cameron a glass, she went over to rescue Cameron.

"Hey bud, you looked thirsty," she said handing him a glass.

"Thanks Evie. I was."

Right at that moment the bandleader called Ida up to the stage. "This is a little something I arranged by Chopin. For my grandson, just for you Fletcher," she said at the microphone, then sat down to play her tuba.

Eve took a sip of her punch, which she happily realized was alcoholic. Eve felt as if she needed it. Standing next to Cameron listening to Ida play, she said, "I'm glad to hear that Ida's playing jazz again. Wonder why she stopped?"

"I don't think anyone knows, not even Fletcher. I'll agree that it's good to hear her play it again."

Ida finished the song and they join in the applause.

Eve wasn't looking at Ida, however. She was watching Fletcher’s reaction. He looked so proud and happy at that moment, Eve had to swallow a lump in the back of her throat.

Cameron noticed where her gaze had strayed. "Hey Evie, you might want to make it a little less obvious. The town gossips will have a field day if they catch you staring," he whispered.

At that point, the bandleader called the children up to the front of the stage and Fletcher went up front to perform his puppet act.

Now Eve could look without worry, for a few minutes anyway. While Fletcher was performing Eve looked around and noticed that Ida and Roz had disappeared. Oh well, she thought, Ida's probably trying to find out Roz's intentions.

A few minutes later Ida returns looking worried and Roz was no where to be found. Fletcher finished his act, took his bows, and went immediately over to Ida. She talked to him for a minute or two and he dashed into the house, looking very troubled.

Eve decided to waylay Ida. "What's wrong? I just saw Fletcher run into the house. Where's Roz?"

Ida looked like she's debating whether to tell her or not. "Roz got very upset and locked herself into her bedroom. I told Fletcher and he's trying to get her out," she eventually answered.

"Thanks Ida." Eve hurriedly excused herself and headed around to the front of the house. As she rounded the corner, she saw Fletcher standing on the front steps and Roz walking down the sidewalk carrying a suitcase.

"I know you," she heard Fletcher say.

Roz stopped, turned around, and walked back to the steps.

Eve couldn't hear everything being said, but she did see the cold look on Roz's face and heard "I thought you had MONEY!"

Then she saw Fletcher hand Roz his car keys and Roz left.

Eve decided it was time to make her presence known. Walking completely around the house, she acted as if she was heading to her truck, then does a double take as she saw Fletcher standing there. "Hi Fletch. What are you doing standing there?"

Fletcher turned anguished eyes on her. "Roz left," is all he said, then turned around and walked into the house leaving Eve standing there.









Part 7

Eve stood there dumbfounded for a couple minutes. Eventually, she started debating about whether she should follow Fletcher inside or not. "Oh to hell with it," She said and walked up the steps and into the house. She checked the living room, kitchen, and the entire downstairs in vain. Fletcher wasn't there. She proceeded up the stairs.

Once she got up there, she started wondering if this was the right thing to do. "Too late to be doubting yourself now, girl," she murmured, checking Fletcher's room.

He's not there either. Eve began to wonder if he'd gone back to the party. There was one last place to check, the Ida room. Hesitating at the closed door, Eve took a deep breath and slowly pushed the door open a couple inches.

She saw Fletcher sitting on the edge of the bed in a sleeveless t-shirt, holding his head in his hands. Eve's heart shattered at seeing Fletcher in such despair. She had a bad feeling that this was exactly what he would have looked like 7 years ago after she talked to him over the phone about the baseball player. It was poetic justice for her to see him this way now.

"Fletch," she said gently.

Fletcher's head jerked up suddenly. Turning his eyes toward her, she saw that he was fighting back tears. "Eve, what are you doing here? I would have thought you'd be off gloating somewhere because you were right about her."

Eve was hurt by the comment, but she realized that he was lashing out and she was the only available target. "Fletcher, I thought you might need a shoulder to cry on. I'm not happy about being right about this. How could I since I know it hurt you?"

Fletcher ran his hand through his hair. "I know you aren't, Eve," he said dejectedly.

"Hey, I'm here if you want to talk about it," Eve said, sitting next to him on the bed and putting her hand onto his shoulder.

Fletcher nodded and began to speak. "Why couldn't she see it? I saw her in the visions. She had to know it deep down. I know her!"

Eve thought it better to stay quiet at this point and just nodded to indicate that she was listening.

Fletcher looked at her. "Did I scare her off? I just can't believe that she would come here just because she thought I was loaded!" He looked at Eve like he expected an answer to this one.

"Fletch, I didn't know her as well as you did..."

Fletcher gave a snort of disbelief.

"But I don't think she was comfortable around here. You know when we went on that walk?"

Fletcher nodded.

"Well, she asked me why everyone thought you two had a future together."

"She asked me what I'd expected of her. Did I expect that when she came here she'd just fall in love with this house, and me, and my odd friends. I realized that's exactly what I'd thought would happen. I should have known better, I noticed that she fit in LA. No one that fits in LA would fit in San Antonio. It's just too different."

"Fletch, you fit here, but does anyone else really? Most everyone that lives here is trying to get out one way or another, they just never seem to make it."

"You do, Eve."

Eve took a sharply indrawn breath. "Fletch, I'm from Chicago, big city girl and all that," she said.

"You were a city girl 22 years ago, but you've grown into this place, or it's become a part of you. Would you ever want to leave? Be honest!"

Eve thought about it for a couple minutes. "No, I guess I wouldn't. I love it here...the houses, weather, even the mini malls and the ghosts, but most of all," Eve raised her gaze to meet Fletcher's intense blue eyes, "I love the people."

Eve was still not sure how it happened but in that split second the mood had completely changed.

"Me too." Fletcher said and began to slowly move his head downward.

Eve's rose to meet his, their lips meet, tentatively at first and than with more passion. A noise downstairs caused them to jump apart guiltily. "I'm sorry!" they said simultaneously, then both laugh nervously.

"Look Fletcher, I don't know what just happened here, but I don't think it's the right time to discuss it. It's been a very emotional day for both of us so I think I'm going to go home now, but I do need to have a discussion with you about my feelings soon, alright?"

Fletcher just nodded, looking more than a little shell-shocked himself.

"Are you going to be alright?" Eve asked concernedly.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I have to go and pick up my car." Fletcher said.

"I'll talk to Cameron and Ida about giving you a lift, OK?"

"Thanks Eve." Fletcher gave her a small smile and pulled her into an embrace. "I'll call you later about setting up a time to talk. I think we'd better work some things out. Bye."

Eve was a little reluctant to move out of his arms, but she forced herself to do so after a quick squeeze. "Ok, I'll be home later tonight. Call anytime. Bye." She turned and walked out the door.

____________________________________

Once she got outside, she looked around and saw Cameron. "Hey Cameron, can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Yeah sure. What's up? You look like you've been run over by a truck." Cameron said.

"I feel like it too. The truck's name is Fletcher. Anyway, Roz left."

"What?" Cameron looked completely surprised.

"She told him that she only came here because she thought Fletch had money. She found out he's a street performer and she split. She took Fletcher's car to the airport so could you round up Ida and have her take ya'll out there to retrieve it?"

"Of course I can, but why aren't you doing it?" Cameron asked still puzzled.

"Some things happened between us a couple minutes ago when I went to see if he was alright. I'd rather not go into details, Cameron."

"That's fine. You need space. I'll get Fletcher out to pick up his car. You go home and rest, ok? You look terrible." Cameron gave her a little smile.

"Thanks Cameron." Eve gave him a brief hug. "I appreciate it."

Cameron slapped her across the bottom. "Now get!"

Eve got into her truck and drove home where she immediately headed to the bedroom where she fell into a deep slumber.

Part 8

Eve was awakened by the doorbell ringing early the next morning. Feeling extremely disoriented, she put her robe on over her nightgown, and stumbled to the door, banging into things on the way. Eve never did wake well, so it took her a couple seconds to figure out the complexities of a door lock.

Finally, she managed to get the door open to see Fletcher standing on the front porch looking way too good for this time of the morning. "Fletcher! What are you doing here? And what time is it?" Eve asked sleepily, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

Fletcher gave her a huge childish grin. "It's 7:30. Good morning sleepyhead, aren't you going to let me in?"

"I probably should say no, since it's way too early to even think about being up, but come in." Eve left the doorway, letting Fletcher find his own way in.

She stumbled into the kitchen and started the coffeepot. "I have to get some coffee or I'll never be awake. Do you want some?"

"Sure hon, sounds great."

Eve just sneered at him. "How can you be so chirpy? You're making me sick," she grumbled digging in the fridge for the milk. She grabbed a box of Cheerios out of the cabinet and slammed them down onto the table. "Well Fletch, have you eaten yet? You can have Cheerios if you want. I'm not cooking anything this early."

"No, I had a couple donuts earlier. Just coffee for me."

The coffee had finished brewing so Eve poured 2 cups and fixed herself a bowl of cereal before sitting down. "You mean you've been up long enough to go to the donut shop and eat? You're nuts," Eve said taking her first sip of the java. "Ah! That's better," she said. "Ok Fletcher, what on earth possessed you to wake me up at the crack of dawn? This better be good."

Fletcher actually had the nerve to look sheepish. "Sorry Eve, guess I forgot you're not a morning person. I didn't get a chance to call last night, so I figured that I'd better show up before you left for the day."

Eve grunted through a mouthful of cereal, thinking that would have been several hours from now.

"You said that we had to talk."

Eve nodded.

"Well, I thought if you weren't too busy today we could go out to the old monastery and talk there."

"Ok Fletcher, we can do that. All I had planned for a lazy Sunday was some laundry anyway. But...since you decided to get out here so early you'll have to wait for me to take a shower."

Fletcher nodded. "Alright, I guess that's fair. I'll watch TV or something. There's cartoons on, isn't there? Maybe Dudley Do-Right or something?"

"I wouldn't know Fletch. I'm NEVER up this early on a Sunday. You'll have to look." Eve gave Fletcher one last glare for waking her up and headed for the bathroom, forgetting to grab any clothes on the way in.

Upon finishing her shower, Eve realized what a dolt she'd been. I'll have to wear the towel and hope Fletcher isn't paying attention, she thought.

No such luck. She opened the bathroom door and stepped out ready to make a break for it. She heard a loud wolf whistle from the living room. "Boy Eve, I thought you were cute all disheveled straight out of bed, but I like this look even better!"

Eve blushed to the roots of her hair, mumbled, "Shut up!" and ran into her bedroom.

____________________________________

As she was getting dressed, Eve wondered what had caused the flirtatious mood that Fletcher was in. Eve wasn't sure whether she liked it or not. If he meant it, then she loved it, but Eve was afraid that he was only playing around. She hurriedly pulled her hair back into a ponytail and ran into the living room.

"Ok, I'm as ready as I'm going to be. Who's driving?"

Oh dear, Fletcher still had that teasing twinkle in his eye. "I think I better. You'd probably fall asleep at the wheel."

"OH!" Eve hit him on the arm. "And whose fault is that," she complained.

Fletcher just grinned. "Beats me," he said heading out the front door.

Eve grabbed her sunglasses on the way out and locked the front door.

Getting into the convertible, which Fletcher had taken the top down on, Eve was glad she had put her hair back. "So Fletcher, are there cartoons on TV at 8 A.M. on Sunday," she asked him as they were pulling away.

"Yep," he said with a childish grin, “I watched Scooby!” They chitchatted for the rest of the 20-minute drive.

Getting out of the car when they reached their destination, they started hiking over to the old compound. The trail was a little uneven in places, so Fletcher would occasionally grab Eve's elbow to help steady her. They sat down on a brick ledge in front of the Rose window, staying quiet for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.

Eve finally decided to break the silence. "Fletcher, there's something I have to tell you," she began.

Fletcher looked at her and cocked an eyebrow. Then he got up and crooked a finger at her, "C'mon, let's walk for a while."

Allowing him to change the subject since the moment wasn't right anyway, Eve got up and followed him into the monastery.

"Did Cameron tell you that we went and saw little Maria the other day?"

"No, he didn't. How's she doing? Is she feeling better?"

Fletcher looked upset. "No, she's getting worse. I don't think her heart is going to hold out much longer. Her parents called Cameron the other day and asked if we'd do a show for her. You should have seen Maria's face, Eve. She was so happy, just because of what we were doing with the puppets. It was so nice to take her mind off of things for a little while." Fletcher sighed. " It's so unfair that someone that young and innocent has to die."

Eve has to wipe a tear away from her eye. "I'd give that little girl my own heart if I could," she said.

Fletcher gave her an impressed look. "You'd give up your own life to save hers?"

"Of course, she has her whole future in front of her, and fate dealt her a bad hand. No one should die that young," she said.

"You know Eve, watching Maria and her parents, I started thinking about who I'd like to say goodbye to if I was going."

Eve didn't say anything, although she did remove her sunglasses so Fletcher could see that she was listening.

"I started wondering whose eyes I'd want to be looking into at that final moment," he said.

"And what was your answer, Fletcher?"

"I really couldn't answer it. Ida is in there of course. I'd want to say goodbye to her if she was still alive then," he hesitated for a second and then asked, "What would your answer be, Eve?"

The moment of truth had come. Eve could either make some flippant remark or bare her soul for better or worse. Eve chose the latter. Stopping, she looked up at Fletcher who at that moment took his sunglasses off as well. Looking deeply into his eyes, she says one word, "You."

Part 9

Fletcher just stared at her wide-eyed for a couple minutes. They felt like an eternity to Eve. Finally he said, "I think you better explain, Eve." He leaned up against a nearby wall.

Eve was now officially on the spot. Taking a deep breath, she told him, "I love you Fletcher. I never stopped."

"Why didn't you say anything before now, Eve?"

"After I came back from college, it was all I could do to get you to talk to me. When we managed to establish a friendship, I didn't want to jeopardize that."

Fletcher nodded. "OK, I can understand that. What made you change your mind?"

"Not what, who actually. Cameron saw through it. We talked and he told me that I should let you know. Give you a chance to decide whether you wanted to try again or not. He said I wasn't being fair to myself or to you by keeping my feelings hidden. I agreed with him."

"So I have Cameron to thank for this new development then. Look Eve, I don't know what I should say. At one point I was completely in love with you. You know that, but you betrayed me and now I tried to start another relationship with Roz and some strong feelings came up there as well. Of course, she deserted me. I don't think this is the right time for me to make any life decisions. Technically, I'm on the rebound," Fletcher said earnestly.

"I know that Fletch, I'm not asking for any response right now. I just had to tell you. I couldn't keep it a secret anymore. My feelings were becoming more obvious to others and I wanted to be sure you heard it from me first."

Fletcher nodded his head. "I do appreciate that I guess. Look Eve, would it be too rude to ask to be alone for a while? I need to think."

Eve shook her head. "Not at all. I'll head back to the car. Take all the time you need." Eve put her hand on Fletcher's arm briefly and than started walking back to the car, putting her sunglasses back on as she walked.

________________________________

Fletcher stood there for a couple minutes more, then put his sunglasses on and walked over to the Rose window. He stood in front of it for a long time, thinking.

He thought about the story behind it and both women's reactions to it. Granted, he told Eve the story years before when they were still in high school. He remembered how Eve had wiped away tears when he'd told her the story, Roz had softened somewhat, but clearly wasn't moved to tears over it. Almost as if Roz couldn't believe a story like that could be true. More recently though, he'd talked to both of them about the same thing, Eve telling him that's she'd give up her own heart just so Maria could live a long happy life had touched him deeply. Roz hadn’t said much, although she was upset the child wasn’t expected to live long. Fletcher began to wonder what had made Roz so cynical. He really didn't know much about her, she was so withdrawn.

Finally, there was the question about who they would want to look at in their final moments. Fletcher hadn't wanted to admit it to himself, but he'd been having conflicting emotions over the 2 women ever since he had dreamed of Roz that Friday night. Roz's answer once again had a mistrustful, cynical quality. She wanted to look into that little girl's eyes and "tell her a few things about the world and then get on with it". Eve hadn't hesitated, she knew what she wanted. Now it was Fletcher’s turn had to figure out the answer to that same question. He decided that he'd better forget about the past he'd had with Eve and just look at the present.

Fletcher sat down and began thinking over the past couple weeks. As he debated, he began to realize that ever since Eve returned from college, he'd been asking for her opinion on everything, began to rely heavily on her over the years. He'd kept in constant communication with her. He even had to ask her opinion about Roz.

Roz.....could he handle her cynicism, make her able to trust again? If she asked it of him, assuming that she came back, could he move to LA? He saw how she'd fit in there, could he give up San Antonio? Fletcher didn't think so, even if she did come back, which he wasn't so sure would happen. Of course, Eve had cheated on him once, he couldn't be sure that she wouldn't again. Granted, she is older and wiser now. Fletcher still wasn't sure that Eve was the right woman for him, but he had decided she was worth a second chance. He stood up, looked at the window a couple minutes more, than turned and walked away.

_______________________________

He met Eve back at the car. She was sitting in the passenger seat looking very nervous.

Eve was wondering what he had decided, trying in vain to get some sort of answer from his facial expression. Fletcher's face was normally an open book to her, but right now he was covering his emotions very well. "Fletcher?" she asked in a hesitant voice.

Fletcher got into the drivers seat and turned to look at her. "Look Eve, I can't give you any answers about my feelings right now, they're in shambles, but what I have decided is that I'm willing to give us a second chance. Is that alright with you?"

Eve gave him a radiant smile. "Really? I thought you wouldn't want to speak to me after this!"

"How could I do that? You're my best friend," he said with a small smile. "I want to take things slowly, Eve. I’ll only commit to a couple dates to start with."

"That's fine. I understand completely. Oh, and Fletcher?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

___________________________________

Fletcher dropped Eve off at her house at about 3 in the afternoon. After the monastery, he'd taken her to a little luncheonette where they had hot dogs and fries and then to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. They both had huge hot fudge sundaes with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

In the driveway, they talked a little. "Eve, I had a good time this afternoon, which is surprising considering the start we had," he said.

"I did too, Fletch. Those sundaes were just luscious! Of course, I'll have to do 20 extra sit ups to work it off tonight," she said with a grimace.

"Eve, I saw that stomach earlier today, remember? You have nothing to worry about."

"Thanks, I guess. Trust me Fletcher, it's only this flat because of a lot of hard work and even more denial of good stuff. It was fun though, definitely worth the extra sit-ups. Well I better go get to them. Talk to you later?"

Fletcher nodded, "Yeah, I'll call you. Oh Eve?"

"Yes?"

"If I can't call you before then, want to go to dinner on Wednesday night?"

"Sounds great. I'll see you than." She leaned across the seat and gives Fletcher a quick, chaste kiss, thinking it better not to press her luck. Eve got out of the car and stood on the front porch waving. She stood there watching until his car completely disappeared from view and then headed inside, smiling, to a pile of laundry she'd put off for long enough.

Part 10

Fletcher showed up at Eve's at 6:30 on Wednesday night. Eve had decided to dress up somewhat, she was wearing a short black satin skirt and a red satin camisole top with black high-heeled sandals. She had her honey colored hair pulled back in a French twist and some onyx earrings her mother had given her for her 18^th birthday.

When she opened the door, she saw that Fletcher had on black jeans and sports coat and a green shirt. "Wow Eve! You look stunning. Now, I'm starting to think my plans for tonight weren't such a good idea."

"You look pretty good yourself Fletch. What's the problem? What were your plans?"

Fletcher bit his lip and scuffed the toe of his boot on the ground in front of him. "I was going to suggest going back to my place and cooking some steaks on the grill, but you look dressed to go out somewhere nice."

"No Fletcher! That sounds wonderful!"

"Are you sure you'd rather not go out?"

Eve smiled at him. "I'm positive. I remember that you cook one mean steak!"

Fletcher grinned. "Alright let's go. You remember that you turned down going out if I burn that steak though!"

Fletcher insisted on driving Eve to his house in the convertible instead of taking separate cars. "I invited you out on a date, so one car, alright?"

"Fine, now I can drink with dinner if I don't have to worry about driving myself home." Eve said with an impish laugh.

"Oh no! I forgot how much of an alchie you were!" Fletcher teased as they entered the driveway "I better run inside and lock the liquor cabinet!"

"Ha ha!" Eve said dryly.

Fletcher ran ahead into the house. He started the old record player and as Eve was walking up the front steps she hears the strains of Jailhouse Rock begin to play. "Still haven't gotten over that Elvis obsession, huh Fletch?" she asked entering the house.

"Hey! Don't you badmouth the King or I'll intentionally overcook your steak. If I remember correctly, you like it almost raw!"

"Yeah you're right, but I seem to remember you ate yours the same way so hush!" Eve teased.

"Well.....I better get those steaks started cooking instead of just talking about them. You want a glass of wine while you're waiting? I've got a Cabernet here."

"Sure, sounds heavenly."

Fletcher poured each of them a glass of wine, hands one to Eve, and then headed out the back door saying "Stay here. I got a surprise for you that I don't want to ruin."

Eve decided to listen for once, even though she was bursting with curiosity. She walked aimlessly around the first floor, looking at the books on the bookshelves, the cutouts of girls on the wall, pictures on the wall, whatever she could find to keep herself busy.

Fletcher found her standing next to the piano idly striking the keys. "Dinner's ready. Come with me." Fletcher said beckoning to her.

Eve was relieved to hear that she didn't have to wait any longer, she never was patient about surprises.

Fletcher took her through the porch into the back yard. Eve gasped. Fletcher had moved a table out there, put a white tablecloth on it, several candles and a single pink rose in the center of it. It was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for Eve.

"You like?" Fletcher asked somewhat bashfully.

"Fletcher, it's beautiful," Eve said completely awestruck.

"Well, c'mon your steak is getting cold."

They walked over to the table, Eve set her wineglass down and Fletcher pulled her chair out for her. "Milady..." he said somewhat pompously, just like a maitre d' at an expensive restaurant.

Eve giggled and sat down. "Thank you," she nodded like a society matron then ruins the effect by bursting into laughter. Having a hard time calming down she told Fletcher among the giggles, "I can't believe you did all this! It's just...superb!"

Fletcher looked a little self-conscious. "I may have gotten a little carried away. I just wanted to thank you for all you've done these past few years. This seemed the best way to do it." He said cutting into his steak.

Eve was touched. "Fletcher, that's so sweet but you didn't have to do this. You've meant a lot to me as well. When my mother died a couple years ago...We've helped each other. That's what good friends are for." Eve finished her wine; which Fletcher promptly refilled and then takes a bite of her salad.

They ate in silence for a while each lost in thought. "Fletcher, that was delicious," Eve said some time later. "You still cook the best steaks I've ever tasted."

Fletcher looked almost as if he was going to blush. "Aw shucks, ma'am I aim to please." Fletcher cleared the plates quickly and than came back, moving his chair next to Eve's as they watch the first stars of the evening appear.

"Star light, star bright first star I see tonight...." Eve said.

Fletcher glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "You still wish on stars, Eve? I would have thought you'd have outgrown that by now."

Eve looked a little embarrassed. "Once a romantic, always a romantic I guess," she said flippantly.

Fletcher was quiet for a while as they continue to look at the sky, sipping their wine. "What did you wish for," he asked suddenly.

‘Love me Tender’ started playing from the old record player at that moment. Eve turned serious eyes onto Fletcher. "Are you sure you want to know, Fletch?"

This was Eve's way of warning him, Fletcher could back away gracefully now. Fletcher had the feeling that if he said yes to this question it would change their relationship forever. He decides to take the plunge. He looked Eve in the eyes and says, "Yes, I want to know."

Eve bit her lip as if she's unsure she wants to tell him. "I wished that.....well...." Eve turned away. She was not able to look Fletcher in the eye, still unsure if she should tell him. "I wished that...you'd make love to me tonight."

Fletcher stayed absolutely silent.

Eve began to worry that she'd made a terrible mistake telling him. Suddenly she felt the softest of little butterfly kisses on the nape of her neck. Holding her breath, not quite able to trust that she felt that correctly, she waited.

This time there wasn't any doubt. Fletcher put his hands on her shoulders and softly kisses the back of her neck again. Eve drew a hissed in breath. Fletcher slowly turned her around. Bending his head ever so slowly, Eve closed her eyes and their lips met. Eve didn't realize it but she'd taken her arms off of the chair and had looped them around Fletcher's neck, her fingers ending up in his hair. She moaned softly and the kiss changes in intensity. Fletcher ran his tongue along the seam of Eve's lips, seeking entry. Eve parted her lips and Fletcher deepens the kiss. Neither heard the thunder, which had gotten ominously louder over the past few minutes.

Suddenly, the skies opened up in an all out deluge. They pull apart. "Oh shit," Eve said in a husky voice, already running towards the relative safety of the house as the candles sputter out in the rain. Fletcher wasn't far behind. They burst into the house laughing uproariously.

"Where on earth did that come from," Eve asked after she caught her breath.

Fletcher was still chuckling. "How am I supposed to know? I was as occupied as you were!" At that moment Fletcher glanced down and his laughter abruptly stopped.

"Fletcher," Eve asked looking down to see what had captured Fletcher's attention. The rain had soaked her camisole top through. She wasn't able to wear a bra with it, and the rain had caused her nipples to pebble.

Fletcher had noticed. He reached out and pulled Eve toward him.

Eve pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and standing on tiptoe to meet his kiss. They kissed passionately for minutes as the storm raged outside, but soon that wasn't enough for either of them.

Fletcher pulled back slightly to pull Eve's camisole over her head, as he was doing that Eve started working on the buttons of his shirt, stopping only long enough to lift her arms so Fletcher could get her top off. Fletcher took an indrawn breath when his eyes rest on Eve's breasts. "God, you're beautiful," he said in a deep husky voice.

Eve had gotten his shirt unbuttoned and slid it off of his shoulders. Not content with looking any longer, Fletcher put his hand on Eve's breast as she drew his head down for another kiss. Fletcher's hands move around to her back and Eve pressed herself against Fletcher's naked chest. "Oh," she sighed, then pulled away slightly. "Fletcher, as much as I love this, could we go somewhere more comfortable? I don't think my legs can take much more."

Fletcher scooped her up in his arms and took her to his bedroom. "I aim to please. Better?"

Eve answered him with a kiss, her hands exploring his muscular chest. Fletcher moaned when a fingernail finds his nipple. Eve gave him a flirtatious look and replaced the fingertip with her mouth.

"Eve!" Fletcher groaned pulling Eve onto the bed with him. Eve is sprawled over his body, her legs between Fletcher's open thighs. She can feel Fletcher throbbing against her stomach as she kissed his chest. Fletcher had about all he could take, so he rolled Eve over and started kissing her neck, chest, eventually taking her breast fully into his mouth, his fingers toying with the other nipple.

"Oh my! Fletcher, please!" Eve wasn't sure if she was begging Fletcher to stop or to continue this madness. Fletcher took it as Eve wanting more because he lifted her up to unzip her skirt, which fastened in the back. Sliding it down her hips, Eve is left in nothing but a pair of black lace panties. Fletcher put his palm over her panties, rubbing it back and forth. Eve had enough of that torture, biting her lip to keep from crying out, she unbuckled Fletcher's belt, unzipped his pants and eased her hand inside, grasping his manhood in her hand.

Fletcher gasped loudly, his breathing coming out very harshly now. "Oh Eve, that feels so good baby," He said. He pulled her hand out, kissing her palm as he does so, than her lips.

Fletcher slipped out of his pants then pulled Eve's panties off. Stopping a second to look at what he had uncovered, "Eve, you're move beautiful now than ever," he said then plunged into Eve's waiting body.

Eve sucked in a wild breath as Fletcher began to move, slowly at first and than faster. Eve began to feel the rapture build up, her head tossing from side to side. "Oh....my.....god...Fletcher. FLETCHER!" she screamed. Fletcher followed her over the edge.

_______________________________

Several minutes later, they pull apart slightly. Fletcher kissed Eve on the forehead. "Wow," He said with a grin.

Eve just moaned, her whole body feeling like jello. Pulling herself together somewhat, she mumbled "I love you."

Fletcher doesn't reply, only gave Eve an achingly tender look. "Now you've done it," he said.

"Done what," Eve asked him.

Fletcher gave her a lecherous grin. "If you think you're going home tonight, you have another thing coming," he said.

Eve had no problem with that at all.

Part 11

Eve awoke late the next morning, alone. Slightly disoriented at first, it took her a few seconds to realize where she was. As she figured out that she was in Fletcher's bedroom, the previous evening's events came flooding back. What have I done, Eve asked herself, sitting up and putting her head in her hands.

A couple minutes later, she decided to stop delaying the inevitable and crawled out of bed. "So much for taking it slowly," She mumbled to herself. Eve grabbed a brown and white checked shirt of Fletcher's to put on, realizing that her top was still on the back porch and who knew where the rest of her clothes were. She'd have to go on a scavenger hunt later she thought, took a deep breath and headed downstairs.

When Eve reached the bottom, she could hear Fletcher whistling and pots clanging together in the kitchen. She followed the noises, standing in the doorway observing Fletcher for a couple minutes.

Fletcher was completely unaware of her presence as he was cooking what looked to be an omelette of some sort. Her need for coffee finally caused Eve to announce herself. "Morning Fletch. You have any coffee for this sleepy gal," she asked.

Fletcher turned around quickly, clearly startled. "Eve! Yes, I have some....but on one condition."

Eve looked as if she'd die if she didn't get some java, and soon. "Ugh! You would make this difficult. What's the condition?"

Fletcher walked over to the coffeepot, poured a mug full and walked over to Eve, holding it out of her reach. "I get a good morning kiss first," he said, closing his eyes and puckering his lips just like a young schoolgirl would.

"Oh, is that all? I think I can manage that." Eve leaned over and planted a very quick kiss on his lips and lunged for the coffee mug. "Now give me my coffee before I have to hurt you," she threatened.

Fletcher handed it to her, stealing another kiss as he was doing so. Pulling back with a grin, he asked Eve if she was hungry.

"Famished is more like it," she said.

"Good, cuz I made my specialty....eggs a la Fletcher," he said with a boyish grin. He took the eggs off of the stove and served a huge portion to both of them.

_____________________________________

Over breakfast, the discussion quickly turned more serious. "Fletcher, I want to apologize to you for coming on so strongly last night," Eve said. "It wasn't fair of me to put you on the spot like that. You wanted to take things slowly, being in such a vulnerable state right now, and I virtually begged you to sleep with me. It was wrong."

Fletcher seemed amazed at what he was hearing. "Eve, not to sound mean or anything, but if I hadn't wanted the same thing last night, it wouldn't have happened. There's no apologies necessary."

Eve doesn't look convinced, but she acquiesced anyway. She took a sip of her coffee. "So now what happens from here," she asked feeling as if she was on very shaky ground and not liking the feeling.

"I don't know, Eve," Fletcher said, "but I enjoyed last night and your company too much to allow you to run scared after an apology. I think we might have something lasting here, please give us a chance."

Although Eve was scared at how fast things were moving, she agreed with Fletcher. Eve had been hiding her feelings for years and now it seemed as if things were happening at a dizzying pace. Gotta go on faith here, kiddo, she thought to herself.

Eve made an effort to lighten the mood. "So what are we going to do today," she asked Fletcher. Asking him such an open-ended question may not have been the smartest idea, because Fletcher immediately got an evil look in his eye and flashed Eve a lascivious grin. "Gee Eve, I don't know..." he said, looking completely the opposite of innocence that his words would suggest.

Although Eve was intrigued by the idea, she thought it the better part of valor to cool things off for a little while. "Fletcher, I'm serious. How about the zoo? You wanna go look at the monkeys for a while?"

Sensing that he wasn't going to get his way right now, Fletcher shrugged. "Sure, why not? I haven't been to the zoo in years," he said getting up from the table. "Hey Eve?"

She looked at him, lifting an eyebrow.

"If I'm really, really good can I feed the elephant," he asked bouncing up and down on his toes like a little boy.

Eve balled up her napkin and threw it at him.

Fletcher started laughing and ran out of the kitchen. Eve gathered her clothing from various places throughout the house and followed him upstairs.

After a quick stop at Eve's house so she could change, satin and high-heels not being ideal clothing for a zoo excursion, they took off for the San Antonio zoo. Both of them were acting like 10-year-old children.

When they arrived, Fletcher paid for their tickets and they walked in. "So what should we see first," Eve asked.

"The elephants....no, the monkeys...no, the camels....no, I don't know," Fletcher whined.

Eve burst out laughing. "OK, Fletchey...how about we see the lions first," she teased.

Fletcher nodded his head really fast. "OK!" he said and started running over to the lion exhibit.

"Hey wait for me," Eve yelled starting to run after him.

"Ha ha! You can't catch me," Fletcher said over his shoulder.

Eventually, he slowed down and allowed a worn out Eve to catch up. "I...am.....going....to get....you...for this," she said in between gasps, trying unsuccessfully to hide a smile at the same time.

Fletcher ruffled her hair and said, "C'mon, the lion king awaits." He began to drag Eve along behind him.

"Fletch? Remind me never to suggest the zoo again," Eve said already starting to see that this was going to be one exhausting day.

Several hours later, a bedraggled Eve and a content Fletcher left the zoo. "That was great," Fletcher was saying, a huge grin on his face. "I can't remember the last time I had so much fun at the zoo."

Eve just rolled her eyes, "Fletch, going to the zoo with you is equivalent to going with the Energizer bunny! You don't quit, do you?" Eve did have a good time, but Fletcher wore her out.

As they're getting in the car, Eve asked, "Fletcher, would you mind too much if we call it a day? I’m tuckered out."

"No, not at all. I've got some things I should do anyway. One question though."

"And that is?"

"Are you going to stay over tonight?" Fletcher gave her a sweet look and put his hand on her knee.

"Oh Fletcher, it's so tempting but I've got a delivery coming early tomorrow. I have to be home for it," Eve said regretfully.

"Ok, no problem. I guess you wouldn't like an overnight guest at your place would you," Fletcher asked hopefully.

Eve shook her head. "I really can't tonight, hon. I'm sorry. I'm free tomorrow night if you want to do something...."

Fletcher nodded, looking somewhat disappointed. "Ok, tomorrow than. I should work on that new puppet I'm making anyhow."

He pulled into Eve's driveway. "Good night," he said.

Eve looks at him and pouts.

"What," Fletcher asked, confused.

"I took you to the zoo and I don't even get a good night kiss," she asked sulkily.

Fletcher hit himself on the forehead. "What was I thinking? Come here you." He pulled her into his arms and gave her a deep satisfying kiss.

"Is that better," he asked pulling away.

Eve smiled at him. "Much better. Good night, pleasant dreams." Eve got out of the car and stood on the porch until she could no longer see Fletcher's taillights. Smiling, she walked into her house, completely exhausted but deliriously happy.

Part 12

Fletcher went home and fell asleep on the piano. He slept later than usual, and upon awakening he saw a drawing of him on the back of one of his collages. Roz had returned.

_____________________________________

Eve was sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of orange juice and the morning paper reading the comics and laughing as if they were the funniest thing she'd ever heard when the phone rang. She rushed to answer it assuming correctly that it was Fletcher. What she didn't expect was the first thing he told her after she answered.

"Roz is back."

Eve felt as if she'd been sucker punched in the gut. "Oh she is? What did she say?"

"I haven't talked to her yet."

"How can that be," Eve said trying desperately not to panic.

"I just woke up and there was a drawing of me sitting next to my head. I don't know where she is exactly. I got up and first thing I did was call you."

"And you did that because..."

"Can you come over right away? I need to talk to both of you about my decision and I'd rather I talked to you both at the same time."

"Sure Fletch, I'll be there. Bye." Eve hung up the phone with a feeling of dread. Throwing on the first things she can get her hands on, she rushed out the door, not even bothering to brush her teeth.

_________________________________

Eve drove like a maniac to Fletcher's house, making it in half the normal time. Tearing into his driveway, she gave a slight word of thanks for no cops being around that morning. She jumped out of the truck and started rushing up the sidewalk, stopping abruptly when she spotted Roz asleep in the ivy. She debated about waking her up, than decided she'd tell Fletcher where she was and have him decide what to do.

She continued up to the house, knocking on the front door. "Come in," she heard from somewhere in the house.

She entered calling out, "Fletch, it's Eve!"

Fletcher emerged from the back of the house. He was looking at his watch. "That was fast! How did you manage that?"

Eve grimaced, "Better you not know," she said.

"Roz hasn't made an appearance yet."

"Look Fletcher, I don't have the strength to sit in front of that woman while you let me down gently. So if that's your plan please tell me now and I'll leave," Eve said with tears swimming in her eyes.

Fletcher walked over and hugged her. "Eve, that wasn't my intention. How could you think that after what we've shared the past few days?"

Eve was sobbing by this point. "I don't know, I guess I don't have much confidence when it comes to you," She said in a husky, tearful voice.

Fletcher reached behind him and handed her a tissue. "Eve calm down. I didn't mean to get you this upset," he said with a small reassuring smile.

Eve tried desperately to pull herself together. "Roz is asleep in the ivy out front if you want to get her. I'm going to the bathroom and try to clean myself up. I must look a fright."

Fletcher gave her a teasing wink. "Well, I've seen you look better, but I've also seen you worse." He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and went to wake Roz up.

Eve headed the other direction to splash cold water on her face and attempt to make herself presentable.

_________________________________

Five minutes later they all gathered in the kitchen. Eve was the last to arrive, feeling she'd done the best with her appearance she could considering she was wearing a neon green pair of shorts and a purple tank top and had just been crying like a baby.

"What is SHE doing here," Roz asked in a barely civil tone.

"I asked her to come over," Fletcher replied.

Roz gave Eve a contemptuous once over and dismissed her.

Eve was mad enough to spit nails, but she bit her tongue for Fletcher's sake.

"Roz.....we have to talk," Fletcher began.

"Yes Fletcher? I guess you want to know why I came back," she said.

"Well....there is that," Fletcher said crooking his neck to one side as was a habit of his.

"I came to my senses. I was sitting there in this rich guy's car and I just started thinking about you and those dreams. Fletcher, I've been lying to you. I had a dream about hurting my knee and this little boy cleaned up the blood with the bottom of his shirt. I was too scared to admit it to you. I don't know why I was compelled to come back except that I began to miss you."

"Roz, what are your plans? Are you saying you want to move to San Antonio?"

Eve didn't like where this line of questioning was leading, but she kept silent, not knowing exactly what Fletcher was trying to do. She was beginning to wonder why he wanted her there at all, she felt like a fifth wheel.

"Not exactly..." It sounded like Roz was trying to dodge the question. "Fletcher I have an answer for your question you asked me at the monastery..."

"You gave me an answer."

"True I did, but it wasn't a truthful one. I want to look into your eyes with my last dying breath, Fletcher."

Eve was starting to sense that Roz was trying to sell Fletcher on something. She seemed to be acting slightly like a used car salesman trying to close a deal.

"Roz, why should I believe you now? You've done nothing but lie to me since I met you. Why did you think I had money?"

Roz's facade started to crumble. "Fletcher, I'm a con artist, I tease men into buying pictures at the gallery Phil owns or to pay for my work. That day I met you, I was supposed to meet a rich Texan in the Formosa cafe. The only Texan I met there was you."

"There was another Texan, Roz, he went to make a phone call. So you're telling me the only reason you gave me the time of day was because of a case of mistaken identity," he said, continuing to put the pressure on Roz.

"At first yes, but I started to fall for you. I got scared and ran."

Eve finally spoke up, "Conveniently after finding out he's a street performer you mean."

Roz glared at her. "How would you know that?"

"I overheard Edna and Mary tell you."

Fletcher gave her a surprised look. "You never told me that, Eve."

"What was the point, Fletch? To rub salt in a raw wound? You were hurt enough and she'd left. I didn't feel there was a need to give you all the sordid details at the time. She'd already told you that she'd thought you were rich and that's the only reason she came here."

"True enough," Fletcher said, "Roz, enough beating around the bush. What did you come back for?"

Roz was looking desperate. "To ask you to move to LA with me. I don't want to be alone anymore."

Fletcher shook his head. "Roz you know I could never do that. I belong here."

"Alright, I did know but I had to ask. If I decided to move here...would there be a chance for us?"

"I'm afraid not Roz, not romantically anyway."

"Why not," Roz asked.

"I've rekindled things with Eve. We had a lot of misunderstanding between us, but we've started overcoming them. I'm staying with her."

Eve let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Although Fletcher had tried to reassure her before waking Roz, she couldn't trust herself to believe it until she heard the words.

"I see..." Roz said looking somewhat devastated.

"Look Roz, I'm sorry but I couldn't have planned this. I had no idea that you'd ever be back...."

"Yeah and good ole Eve was there to pick up the pieces," Roz said bitterly, "I understand. Now if you'll excuse me. I think I need some time alone." Roz stormed out the front door.

Eve turned to look at Fletcher who was now standing in the middle of the room, his face an unreadable mask. "Fletch? Are you ok hon,” Eve asked worriedly.

He didn't reply.

"Fletcher, hon?"

Fletcher shook his head. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if you were alright. That was pretty intense."

"Yeah, I think I am," Fletcher said with a small grin. "I needed to confront her to bring some closure to this."

"No regrets," Eve asked, that fear still niggling at her slightly.

"Hmmmm...maybe one," he said.

Eve gulps. "And that is?"

"I didn't get to kiss you good morning. Get over here."

Eve did so gladly, snuggling contentedly in his arms.

_________________________________

A few satisfying hours later, Eve and Fletcher are sitting on the couch discussing Roz, who still had not returned. "What do you think she'll do now?"

Fletcher shrugged, "Beats me, not really my problem Eve."

"She seemed so tense. Would you think she'd like a bit of a vacation before heading back to LA?"

"What are you suggesting, Eve?" Fletcher was completely confused over where this was going.

"Well, I was toying with the idea of seeing if she wanted to stay at my place for a couple of days."

"Eve, I'm pretty sure you're the last person she wants to be with right now...."

Eve laughed, "Oh I'm positive of that! I wouldn't be there silly."

"Where are you going to be?"

"Well...if it's ok with you, if she says yes to it I'll stay here."

Fletcher gave her a naughty grin. "I sure hope she goes for it then. I'd love to have you at my mercy for a few days," he said rubbing his hands together and giving an evil cackle. "Bwahahaha!"

Turning serious for a minute, he asked, "Why would you want to do this Eve? You're hardly friends with her...."

"I don't know, I guess because I'm so happy right now I want everyone else to be as well. You didn't happen to see the way Cameron looked at her, did you?"

Fletcher shook his head no.

"Well, I did. He's definitely interested in her. I thought that I'd have Cameron check up on her a couple times to make sure everything is alright," Eve said thoughtfully.

"Uh oh! Watch out Evie is playing cupid! This can only spell disaster," Fletcher chortled.

"Hey, I did pretty good with you, you big lug!"

"That you did." Fletcher kissed her passionately, picked her up, and carried her upstairs.

Part 13

Surprisingly enough when Roz came back that evening, she did agree to Eve's plan after asking several questions first. They agreed to a full week, much to Fletcher's secret delight.

Once Roz grabbed her bags and left for Eve's house, Eve turned to Fletcher. "Look Fletch, there's one thing you have to be sure of."

"Alright, what is it?"

"I told Roz that I was going to visit my grandmother in Dallas for a few days and I needed a house sitter. No one can know I'm staying here this week or the whole plan goes up in flames."

"My lips are sealed, but how are you going to ask Cameron to check in on her?"

"Well....does Cameron have a phone?"

"Yes..."

"We'll call him then." Eve got the number from Fletcher, called Cameron, and told him the same story she told Roz, including the fact that Roz and Fletcher had a falling out to avoid questions on why Fletcher wasn't checking in on her. Finishing her successful conversation with Cameron, Eve hung up the phone and turned to Fletcher. "Alright, I'm all yours for a full week. What do you plan on doing with me?"

Fletcher started advancing towards her like a predatory animal. "I think I can figure something out," he said with a very sexy smile.

__________________________________

The week flew by very quickly, before Eve knew it her little tryst with Fletcher was over. Fletcher had decided that he would drive Eve over just like he would have had Eve really been returning from the airport, but really he just did it to provide moral support.

When they arrived at her house, they see Cameron's bike parked in the front. "That's interesting," Eve said quietly. Since it was her house, she let herself in, calling out when she entered the living room. "Roz....I'm back."

They heard a commotion from the guest bedroom. A couple minutes later a rumpled Roz comes out followed by a very sheepish looking Cameron. Eve was very embarrassed, not quite expecting to catch them like this, but also relieved that her little plan seemed to work.

"Oh Eve! I didn't expect you back until this afternoon," Roz said pulling her mussed hair behind her ear.

"Yeah well, I really didn't give you the time of my return flight. I had Fletcher pick me up. Thanks for taking care of the house for me. Looks like you did a wonderful job."

"Thank you, umm.....will you excuse me? I'd like to take a shower before I leave, if that's alright with you, Eve?"

"That's fine. Go right ahead."

Roz disappeared up the hallway.

"So Cameron.....what's going on with you two," Eve asked teasingly.

"Umm..well....I...." Cameron blushed. "We just hit it off I guess. Actually, there is something I want to talk to you two about," Cameron said seriously, moving towards the kitchen and motioning for them to sit at the table. "First off, Fletcher?"

Fletcher raised his eyebrows and looked at Cameron.

"You don't ah.....still have feelings for Roz do you? Cuz if you do, I'll back off right away..."

Fletcher shook his head no. "Cameron don't worry about that. I found what I was looking for right here," he said looking lovingly at Eve.

"Whew! That's a relief! I guess I can tell you guys the other thing then."

"And that is," Eve asked.

"I'm moving to LA."

"What," Fletcher exclaimed. "Cameron, are you sure?"

Cameron nodded, "I never really wanted to stay in San Antonio and Roz and I talked about it. I'm going to move into her apartment out there."

"Well Cameron..." Eve was slightly stunned, she'd hoped that things would work between Roz and Cameron, but she didn't expect this. "Are you happy?"

Cameron gave her the biggest grin she'd ever seen from him.

"Then I wish you the best."

"Me too. Umm…Cameron, can I see you outside for a minute," Fletcher asked him, acting very secretive all of a sudden.

Cameron nodded and followed him out the door.

When Eve looked out the window a few minutes later, the men are deep in conversation.

Roz finished her shower and joined Eve at the window. "I wonder what that could be about," she asked.

Eve forced herself away. "Well, better stop playing peeping Tom. Doesn't do any good anyway." She began making coffee and Roz and her spend the next half hour in small talk waiting for the men.

_____________________________

Finally both men walked into the house, both looking as though they had a huge secret they couldn't wait to share. Eve and Roz tried to pry something out of them, but their lips stayed sealed. Around noon they suggested one last puppet show at the Plaza, asking the women to go with them. Roz and Eve agreed, although they think something was really suspicious when Fletcher insisted on Eve driving Roz there in her truck and Fletcher driving Cameron in the convertible.

Upon arriving, Eve parked the truck and they walked over to where the men had already started setting up. Somehow Tree had miraculously appeared with his saxophone to provide some extra music to go with the old record player.

Fifteen minutes later they started to perform. The show seemed to go like normal, and if Fletcher seemed a little more animated than normal Eve chalked it up to him not performing for a while. As the show went on though, Roz started to think that Fletcher seemed nervous.

When she asked Eve about it though, Eve didn't seem to agree. "What could he possibly be nervous about," she scoffed. "He does this sort of thing all the time."

"I guess you're right, " Roz said skeptically.

Suddenly Fletcher turned around with his back to the audience, and switched puppets. Eve could just make out some clown feet; which had swung in the breeze as he took him out of the bag. "Hmm..." she told Roz, "I haven't seen him do this before."

Roz raised an eyebrow. "Maybe that's what the guys were so engrossed in this morning. Working on a new act," Roz said.

"A farewell act you mean," Eve said.

"So Cameron told you?"

"Yes he did. I'm happy for you two… I think you guys really fit together."

Roz actually blushed, "Thank you."

At this point Fletcher turned back around. Eve was right, he had gotten the clown puppet out, what she didn't realize at the time was that the clown was holding a note.

Tree put down his saxophone and changed records. ‘Love me Tender’ started playing and Fletcher had the clown dance around, looking exactly like a lovesick mime. Eve had watched Fletcher perform his marionette act many times, but this time was different. It seemed as if somehow Fletcher had breathed life into the wood and the puppet no longer needed the strings.

As the song was coming to its climax, Fletcher started walking the puppet over to Eve and Roz. With a grand flourish, the clown bowed and presented the folded note to Eve. The song ends.

Eve was so confused by the previous events and by suddenly being the center of attention that she just stared at the little piece of paper.

"Well Eve, aren't you going to open it," Roz asked, "What does it say?"

Eve took a very deep breath and very slowly unfolded the note.

The whole crowd of people seemed to be holding their breath collectively.

Written on the paper was eight words.

Eve, I love you. Will you marry me?

Eve was completely stunned, standing there reading it over and over as if she couldn't believe it.

"Well," Fletcher said not able to handle the suspense any longer.

Eve looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh Fletcher. I love you too. Of course I'll marry you." Eve ran into Fletcher's arms, he gave Cameron a wink, then proceeded to kiss Eve with all his heart and soul.

The audience, including Roz and Cameron, burst into applause, not a dry eye among the group.

THE END