ALL THIS TIME

Chapter 1

October 2005

The sunset was beautiful as Chris stared at the view from his deck overlooking the ocean.  Even though the view was fabulous his thoughts were a million miles away as he thought of her again.  He signed thinking that even after all of this time he still couldn't forget her.  The ringing of the telephone brought him back to reality.  Grabbing the phone he answered, "Hello."

"Hello Chris.  How are you big brother?'  The familiar voice on the line was his younger sister Anne.

Just hearing his sister's voice brought a smile to his face.  "It's nice to hear from you sis.  What have you been doing lately?  I haven't heard from you in about a month."

"Carlton and I have been extremely busy with the girls since school started again.  It is so hectic trying to keep up with three girls schedules.  The reason I am calling you is that I have a huge favor to ask of you."

Chris asked, "What could my favorite sister want from me?" 

Anne paused for a few seconds before she told him, " I just got a call from Jack and he really wants to get in touch with you.  Is it ok for me to let him have your telephone number?"

His voice changed from friendly to irritated, "Is this the favor you want from me?  Anne, how many times have we been over this before?  I haven't talked to Jack or anyone else that lives in Port Charles since I left town.  I have no desire to let him know where I am at all.  You just don't understand how bad things were between us before I left.  If I wanted to contact him I would do it myself." 

"Chris in case you have forgotten Jack is still your brother no matter what has happened between the two of you.  Can you just quit being so stubborn for once and let me tell him how to reach you?  If it wasn't important I wouldn't ask you in the first place."

"What could be so important?  All we ever did was fight with one another after he came to live in Port Charles."

"Trust me on this.  Jack was practically begging me."

Chris rolled his eyes, "Why don't I believe that?''

Anne pleaded, "I don't want to break my promise to you about not saying where you are but please let us try to be a family again.  I love both of my brothers.  I believe this can be our chance to start over again."

Chris sensed the sincerity in her heartfelt plea and reluctantly agreed to let Anne contact Jack with his whereabouts.  "Anne, I want to know is Jack in any kind of trouble?"

Anne replied, "No, this is good news that your brother wants to share with you."

"What good news could my brother possibly have that would concern me?"  Chris questioned wondering what was up with his younger sibling.

"You will be suprized.  I promise that you won't regret doing this for me."

"I have a feeling that I already do"  he mumbled hanging up the phone.

Chris walked back out onto the deck trying to figure out what his sister's phone call had meant.  Anne was the only person he had kept in contact with after he left Port Charles to start a new life four years earlier.  His life had changed dramatically since that fateful day he decided he could no longer stay in Port Charles.  He couldn't face Eve being in love with someone else day in and day out when he was in love with her too.  He had decided that the best thing for everyone concerned was to leave and never come back.  There was nothing left for him anymore in Port Charles.

Later on during the evening the telephone rang again in the Ramsey household.  Chris answered, "Hello."

"Chris, is that you?  It's me Jack."

Chris sarcastically replied, "No, it's my evil twin.  Of course it's me Jack.  What in the world is so important that you had to get my number from Anne?"

"Well since you have dropped of the face of the earth I haven't been able to get in touch with you.  I needed to tell you something."

Chris asked, "Don't tell me you actually missed having your big brother not being around to make your life hell?

Jack replied, "Believe it or not I have missed you.  Four years is a long time not to speak to each other.  I didn't call to fight with you.  I wanted to tell you about an incredible think that has happened in my life."

"What could that be Jack?"

The excitement in Jack's voice was clearly audible, "This is something you would never expect to happen to me."

"Well I guess that rules out jail time, huh?"

Jack said, "You are not even close on that assumption.  I have met the most amazing woman and I am getting married next week."

Chris seemed stunned for a minute then replied, "I'm glad for you Jack.  You have my best wishes."

Jack voice toned down a notch then he said, "I appreciate your well wishes for me but the main reason I called was that I needed to ask you something."

"It seems like everyone who has called tonignt is in the asking mood for something.  What do you need?"

Jack asked humbly, "Will you be my best man at the wedding?  I know it is short notice but I 've realized since the wedding date is drawing closer how important it is to me to have my family there.  I want you to be a part of my special day.  Anne said she would come and it could kind of be like a Ramsey family reunion of sorts minus Henry."

Chris was quiet for a few minutes on the line until Jack inquired, "Are you still there Chris?"

Chris was contemplating the answer he was going to give Jack.  "Yes, I'm still here.  I'm just kind of suprized that you would ask me to do this for you.  I just never planned on coming back to Port Charles again.  There are too many bad memories for me of that place."

Jack's voice was earnest, "I know you feel that way but this is a time when our family could make some good memories.  It's just one weekend.  Chris will you please do this for me?  I need my big brother to be here for me."

Chris thought about the question Jack had asked him and he realized that if he told him no he probably wouldn't ever get another chance with Jack to be a family again.  He still couldn't believe Jack would even want him to be a part of his special day let alone be his best man at the wedding.  "Jack, I would be honored to be your best man.  Thanks for asking me."

Jack let out a sigh of relief, "I was scared there for a minute you would tell me no.  I know we didn't part on the best of terms but I have regreted that we were so distant with one another.  I wished things could have been different between us."

Chris' voice took on a new tone of hope, "I guess maybe now will be a new start for the Ramsey family.  Give me the details on where this wedding will be and I'll be there."

After Jack had told him the details Chris hung up the phone still not totally believing that he actually was going back to Port Charles again.  When he left he swore never again would he set foot in the town that had been so full of heartache and misery for him.  He thought of the saying never say never but rationalized that Jack's wedding would just be for one weekend and then he could come back to the new life he had found since leaving Port Charles.

Jack's beautiful fiancee came out of the kitchen and asked. "Jack, what did he say?"

Jack smiled, "My big brother told me he would be my best man at the wedding."

She came and put her arms around his shoulders, "I'm so glad honey.  I know how much this means to you to be able to have both your sister and your brother to be here for you."

"Well considering they are going to be your family too I figured you might need some time to start getting to know them."

"We are really going to have a great life Jack.  I love you so much."  His dark eyed beauty kissed him gently on the lips.

Jack looked at her sweetly, "I love you too.  How did I get to be so lucky to have you in my life?"

She looked at Jack deviously and grinned, "You must have done something right considering I couldn't stand to be in the same room with you when I met you.  Just think Jack our wedding is going to be perfect.  Everything is falling into place so nicely.  My sister is going to be my maid of honor, your brother is going to be the best man and we have the most darling flower girl there could ever be in my precious little niece.  I'm so thankful everything is working out."

Jack touched her face and said, "I'm so happy Shelly."

Shelly kissed Jack again before replying, "Me too."

The door flings open to their apartment during their kiss and Eve comes in.  "OK break it up you two we have got a wedding to work on.  You will both have plenty of time for kisses after the wedding."

Shelly laughed at her sister realizing how grateful she was to have Eve helping her out with all of the last minute details of the wedding.  Eve eyed her sister, "What are you thinking about Shelly?"

"How happy I am to be marrying to man of my dreams."  Shelly took her sister's hand before grabbing her beautiful niece Madison and twirling her around the room.

"Sometimes our dreams do come true and I'm glad for you Shelly that yours are becoming a reality."

"I know your dreams will come true too one day Eve."

"I've got all I need in this perfect little angel right here."  Eve smiled at her beautiful daughter, "Oh by the way Jack did you get yours and Jamal's measurements for your suits for the wedding?"

Jack winked at Shelly, "Everything is taken care of on my end."

Eve looked at him for a moment skeptically, "OK, if you are sure."

"Don't worry Eve I have everything under control.  I won't be looking shabby on my wedding day.  Shelly I've got to go to work."

"I'll walk you to the door sweetie."  They held hands and Shelly whispered to Jack, "Isn't Eve going to be suprized to see Chris up there with us instead of Jamal?"

"Remember don't tell her Shelly.  I can't wait to see their faces when they see one another again."  Jack grinned before going in for one last kiss.

"I wouldn't miss that moment for all the world."

Eve inquired, "What are you two whispering about?"

"Oh nothing, " Shelly smiled at her sister thinking that her wedding to Jack was going to be full of suprizes for everyone involved.

Chris sat in his office trying to write down last minute instructions for Kathleen, his office manager, before leaving town.  He buzzed her, "Kathleen , can you come in here for a minute?"

"Sure thing, I'm just finishing up on some paperwork right now."  In a minute Kathleen arrived in his office standing just inside the doorway.  She looked at the list Chris was scribbling on.  "Chris, don't tell me you are making me a list of things to do while you are out of town?"

Chris started smiling at her, "Alright, I won't tell you about it.  I'll just leave it on your desk on my way out the door."

Kathleen crossed her arms in front of her, "If you can remember I have been working in this office a lot longer than you buddy.  I can handle it if any of your patients have an emergency.  I'll just contact Dr. Gilbert and he can help until you come back from the big city."

"You know you will miss me not being here to order you around."  Chris teased her.

Kathleen rolled her eyes at him. "Please I need a vacation from you even if it is just for a weekend.  Take some time off so I can get a break.  Are you taking Cheri with you on your trip?  I've noticed she seems to be around here all the time lately."

Chris smirked, "Jealous Kathleen?"

She laughed, "Yeah right. You need to go on and get out of here.  I've got more than enough man to take care of in Kyle."

"To answer your very nosy question, Cheri has to do some work for her family this weekend.  We are not that serious anyway for me to take her to meet my family."

Kathleen walked over to the window, "You better not tell her that.   She has that possessive look around you.  I'm telling you that you need to watch out for that girl.  I don't trust her at all."

Chris smiled, "You say something bad about all the girls I take out when I double date with you and Kyle.  Since when did you become my mother?  Cheri is just someone to go out with around here."

"Chris, I don't have a good feeling about her at all."

Chris got up and came around to the edge of his desk, "Don't worry about me.  You know in a month or two I'll probably be dating someone else."

Kathleen went and sat in the chair facing Chris.  "You always seem to find another girl when they start to get that look in their eyes for you.  That's why I don't know why you haven't run this one off sooner.  I've known Cheri ever since we were kids and she is nothing but trouble.  Her family is rich but they are involved into some shady dealings."

Chris looked to his friend, "Kathleen, I can't believe this has been bothering you about my seeing Cheri.  You know I'm not in love with her nor will I ever be in love with her for that matter."

A look of relief came over Kathleen's features, "That makes me feel better hearing you say that.  Kyle and I want you to be happy but please don't keep this girl in your life."

Chris said, "I guess I will cool things off with Cheri after I get back from my trip.  I don't want to hurt her but I know I'll never be in a serious relationship with her either."

Kathleen gave him a knowing look, "I know there is only one woman you love anyway.  Why don't you admit it?"

"Don't go there Kathleen.  You wouldn't even know about her if Kyle and I hadn't of got so drunk that night at your house."

"I knew before you ever said anything that night. I saw you looking at her picture one day in the office with that sad look you get on your face sometimes."

Chris raised his eyebrow at her, "You were spying on me?"

Kathleen shook her head, "No, I came into talk to you one day about a patient who called and the door was open.  You were standing by the window looking at a picture.  You seemed lost in your thoughts so I just walked back out the door.  Later when you had left for the day my curiosity got the better of me and I went into your office to see what you were looking at."

Chris gave her a mean look.  "Well I guess that means you would have had to went through my desk to find the picture."

She shrugged her shoulders, "I only had to go to the second drawer on the left side.  You know how I can't stand not knowing something.  By the way, she is a beautiful woman Chris.  You both looked so happy in the picture.''

Chris replied, "It was taken a long time ago.  I don't think I'll ever find anyone like her if I looked the world over."

"Then why are you not with her?  If you love someone that much you need to be together not apart from one another."

"She didn't want me.  She married someone else.  Now you know the reason I came to this lovely little town."  Chris looked at his watch.  "I've got to get out of here before I miss my flight to New York.  Here, let me give you my brother's telephone number in case you need to get in contact with me."

She hit him with a folder, "Go on, I think I'm capable of holding down the fort until you return."

Chris gave her that cute Ramsey grin and walked out the door.  Kathleen thought back to what he had just told her and it made her feel sad that her friend was so lost without the woman he loved.

After Chris got situated on the airplane his thoughts turned to this wedding for his brother.  Jack had just given him sketchy details about where to be at for the wedding.  Chris wondered who Jack was marrying and what she would be like.  He wanted his brother to be happy.  He was glad his brother and sister had seemed to find happiness.  He thought of how it would be nice to have someone you love that you could spend the rest of your life with.  Chris shook his head and ordered a drink thinking happy endings were for other people but definately not for him.  The only woman he loved he couldn't have so what was the use in trying.  He bet she hadn't even given him a second thought since the day he had left town. 

Jack was waiting in the airport corridor for Chris when he walked off of his flight.  Chris seemed amazed to see his brother standing there waiting for him.  Jack walked up to him, "It is good to see you again."  Jack held out his hand for Chris to shake, "I didn't know if I would ever see you again after you left town.  I have missed you."

Chris laughed, "Whoever this woman is she has changed your attitude on life little brother."

Jack told Chris, "You can say that again.  I have never had such hope for my life before.  I believe with her at my side that anything is possible."

"I'm ready to meet her.  Sorry about the flight delay but there was some bad weather before the plane took off.  I didn't realize that you were meeting me here."

Jack replied, "I just wanted to make sure that you were really coming.  I think we will get to the church in time for the rehearsal to be starting so we are doing ok."

Shelly was pacing nervously in the foyer of the church while Eve and Madison were inside the sanctuary helping the florist with the placements of the flowers and candelabrums.  Jack and Chris came in the front doors of the church.  Chris looked at the woman.  She looked so familiar to him.  Shelly turned and smiled at Jack.

"Hey honey," Jack said as he put his arms around his fiancee.

Chris looked at Shelly a little closer and asked, "Do I know you from somewhere?"

Shelly looked at Chris with her big brown eyes, "No, I don't think we have had the pleasure of meeting one another before."

Jack spoke up, "Forgive me for my bad manners.  Let me introduce my fiancee to you.  Chris, this is Shelly."

Chris studied her features for a minute, "I'm sorry for staring but you remind me of someone I used to know."  He held out his hand to shake Shelly's hand, "It is nice to meet you."

Shelly replied, "Thank you.  I have waited a long time to meet the infamous Chris Ramsey.  I've heard alot about you."

Chris turned on the charm, "Don't believe any of it.  I can imagine what Jack has told you about me."

"Oh you would be suprized who has told me about you."  Shelly grabbed Jack by the arm.  "Are we ready to get this rehearsal started?"

The threesome walked into the sanctuary when Chris spotted Eve and a little girl up front looking at the various array of flowers.  He felt like his heart stopped for a minute.  Here she was the woman who unknowingly had broken his heart so many years ago.

As if she sensed something, Eve turned around and meet the eyes of none other than Chris Ramsey.  It seemed like time stood still as they just stared at one another trying to absorb the fact that they were actually in the same room together.  Then Madison came running up to the group.  She was so excited, "Guess what Jack?  I've got the prettiest basket for my special flower petals."  Her eyes were sparkling and she was dancing around them all.

Jack leaned down to her, "I see that basket Madison.  I think you are going to be the best flower girl ever at the wedding tomorrow."

She smiled such an innocent smile to him, "I know I will be a good flower girl.  My Mommy said the same thing to me earlier."  She looked at Chris and said, "Hi, I'm Madison, what is your name?"

Chris squatted down to her level and replied, "My name is Chris.  I'm Jack's big brother.  It is so nice to meet you."  He held out his hand to shake her tiny hand.

"You have good manners.  My Mommy says that it is very important to have good manners."

Chris gave her a big smile then asked, "Who is your mommy?"

Eve came up behind Madison who turned and gave her mom a big hug, "Here she is.  I have the best Mommy in the whole world."

Chris looked to Eve holding her little girl in her arms and said, "I bet you do too."

Madison told Eve, "Mommy, this is my new friend Chris.  He has really good manners."

Eve chuckled slightly,  "I guess some things do change over time.  It's good to see you again Ramsey."

"You too Lambert"  Before Chris could say anything else to Eve the reverend called everyone up front to start.

In the side room where Jack and Chris would walk out of to get to the front of the church, Jack gave Chris Shelly's ring box for him to keep.  Chris shook his head in disbelief saying, "Well little brother, at least one of us is going to get a Lambert woman for his bride.  Why didn't you tell me that this incredible woman you were going to marry was Eve's little sister Shelly?"

Jack pondered a second as if trying to find the correct words to say to his brother.  " I knew how much you cared for Eve and even though you never said it I think she is a big reason why you left here.  I wanted you to come and stand beside me for my wedding.  I have regretted all the bad things that have happened between us Chris.  I just wanted us to be a family again.  I was afraid if I told you who I was marrying that you wouldn't come back since you had cut off all ties with everyone here.  I didn't even realize Anne knew where you were until she slipped up talking to me one night when I told her I was worried about you.  She let me know you were ok, but she also said that you didn't want anyone to know where you were living.  She told me you had started a new life for yourself.  It hurt knowing that I had alienated you so much that you didn't want to have anything to do with me."

Chris looked down at the floor, then faced Jack, "I just thought that I was doing the best thing for everyone concerned.  I had messed up my life here because my priorities were really screwed up.  I guess the final straw was when Eve told me that she wouldn't marry me.  I just gave up all hope of ever being happy in this town so I left to start over somewhere else.  I want you to know that I'm glad that I came back for your wedding.  I want to be the kind of brother that you can be proud of having, not someone you are ashamed to be related to.  This is our second chance to really be brothers.  I just hope that I won't let you down."

The pianist started the music for Jack and Chris to take their places at the front of the church.  Madison's nanny Jessica sat in the front pew beckoning Madison to come forward.  Madison looked like a little angel daintily walking and dropping her flower petals.  Then it was time for Eve to walk up the aisle.  Chris couldn't help but stare at her.  Even after all this time he had been away from her he still felt so strongly for her.  She still occupied his dreams and thoughts so much of the time.  It was bittersweet to see her again knowing that he couldn't have her to love him as he loved her.

Eve wondered why she was feeling nervous.  This wasn't her wedding but seeing Chris again had shook her up emotionally.  She couldn't believe Shelly and Jack hadn't told her Chris would be in the wedding.  She had missed her best friend Chris ever since he had left town so long ago.  It had broken her heart when she realized that he had moved on with his life and not even bothered to tell her of his plans to go.  She hadn't ever thought that Chris wouldn't be around for her as he always had been since the time they first met as interns at General Hospital.  She had taken for granted the unique friendship they had shared until it was gone out of her life completely.  It had caused such a void in her life after he had gone away.  She would be thinking of something to tell him and then the knowledge that he wasn't there would hit her like a ton of bricks. 

Her thoughts were swirling around in her head that she hadn't paid attention to the practice ceremony for Jack and Shelly until the reverend said, "Now you may kiss the bride." and saw Jack kiss Shelly.  The couple smiled at one another and began to walk down the aisle.  Jessica had to signal Eve that she needed to walk over the Chris and take his arm.  Eve nodded and walked over the Chris hesitantly.  Eve placed her hand on his arm and they began to walk down the aisle together.

It seemed unreal to Chris to be near Eve again.  For once he was at a loss for words and evidently she was too since she didn't say a word as they walked arm in arm.  Chris knew he could not let Eve know that her mere presence affected him so profoundly. When they reached the foyer Jack and Shelly were kissing again.  They just seemed blissful and secure in their love.

Chris let go of Eve and they turned to watch Madison following them.  Chris watched the pride on Eve's face as she saw her little girl walk towards them.  Chris said, "She is a beautiful little girl Eve."

Eve replied, "Thank you.  I know I am biased because I'm her mom but I think she is a terrific kid.  I love her so much."

"Mommy, did I do a good job putting the petals on the floor?  I tried to do it like we had practiced at home."

"You did a fantastic job Madison.  I am so proud of you."

Madison beamed at her mother's praise of her.  Chris noted how much she looked like Eve when she smiled.  Their closeness tugged at his heart.  He would give anything to have a sweet little girl like that for his daughter.

Jack gathered the wedding party around and requested their attention to thank them all for helping them and the times everyone needed to be at the church tomorrow.

Jack went to Chris and said, "Since we are having a small wedding we decided not to have a rehearsal dinner, but if you want to go eat with Shelly and I we would be happy for you to join us."

Chris told him, "I think I'll just catch a cab and go on to the hotel.  I worked up until I caught my flight this afternoon and I am kind of tired.  Thanks for the invitation but I'll pass on it for tonight.  Let me go get my bags out of your jeep."

Eve heard Chris tell Jack of his plans and saw him walk out to the jeep.  She came up behind him and said, "I'll give you a ride to your hotel Ramsey.  You don't have to call a cab."

"Eve, I appreciate the offer but I think I can still find my way around this town."

Eve gave him a condescending look, "Are you sure about that statement?  I mean you have been gone for so long I didn't think you could remember much of anything especially since you seemed to have forgetten all about your best friend."

Chris shot her a look, "I'm not going to get into an argument with you Eve.  If you want to drive me to the hotel then let's go."

"I've got to tell Jessica where I am going since she is taking Madison home for me."

Chris questioned her, "Not planning on going home tonight?  Eve I'm flattered but...."

Eve glared at him, "Save it Chris.  Jessica is Madison's nanny.  She lives with us."

Chris chuckled as Eve stomped off to Jessica's car.  He watched her give Madison a kiss and a hug before turning back to him.  He wondered what it would be like to be a parent.  There was so many things that had changed about Eve.  He thought about all he didn't know about her life anymore.  He had missed her terribly but not once had he checked up on her after he left.  It just hurt too much knowing she was with Ian.  He couldn't afford to let her know that he still cared for her.

She flipped open her doors to her SUV with her keyless entry and asked him, "Are you coming or not?"

"Might as well.  Here goes nothing."  He muttered to himself as he climbed in the passenger side of her vehicle. "I'm staying at the Port Charles Hotel."

"Ok, we are off then."  Eve stated as she pulled out into the street ahead of them.

Jamal goes to the bedroom finding Alison putting on some earrings to match her outfit.  "Are you about ready to go Ali?  We have to meet Jack and Shelly at the Port Charles Grille for dinner?"

Alison looks in the mirror once more checking her reflection.  "Yes, I'm ready to go."

They are fixing to walk out of the apartment when they hear a knock on the door.  Alison goes to answer the door and finds Livvie standing in the hallway in tears.  "Livvie, what is wrong?  Come on in."  Alison ushers Livvie in their apartment to sit down on the couch.

Livvie notices that they are dressed up .  "Are you guys going out?  I'm sorry I'll come back later.'

Alison places a hand on her shoulder "Don't worry about us.  What is going on with you?  Why are you so upset?"

Livvie wrings her hands, "I thought I would be able to handle this but I can't."

They both look at Livvie.  "Handle what Livvie?"

The tears start to flow from Livvie. "I just can't believe Jack is actually going to marry Shelly tomorrow.  He is supposed to be with me, not her."

Jamal sits down on the other side of Livvie.  His calm voice tells her, "Livvie, you and Jack have been over for a long time.  You need to respect his decision to move on with his life.  You need to move on too."

Livvie shakes her head, "No, I can't let Jack ruin his life with her!  We are meant for one another."

Jamal looks over to Alison who shrugs her shoulders at him.  Jamal tells Alison, "I'm going to leave and let you two finish talking this out.  I'll see you later on."

Alison nods her head.  "I think that is a good idea."

Livvie raises her head up trying to dry her tears.  "You two go on out.  I don't want to ruin your night together."

Alison says, "It's ok, Livvie.  You need me right now and we will stay here and talk about this situation."

Jamal walks to the door and Alison follows him.  He whispers, "I'll tell Jack you weren't feeling well.  Just try and talk some sense into her.  She has got to get over this thing with Jack.  He is getting married tomorrow."

"I will try to help her Jamal.  I think she really needs a friend tonight.  You understand I need to stay with her."

Jamal leans in to kiss her goodbye.  "I understand, baby.  I'll see you later tonight."

Alison turns back to her distraught friend wondering how she is going to convince her to give up on Jack.

Eve didn't even act like Chris had said anything to her at all.  She just looked down at the steering wheel of her car.  Chris questioned her, "Eve, are you ok?"

The only response she gave him was that she shook her head no.  Chris reached out to touch her and when she turned to face him tears were in her eyes.  She wiped at her eyes before saying, "What has happened to us?  You act like we are strangers.  I can't stand this distance between us. We used to be best friends once.  Don't you remember?"

Chris looked at her with regret in his eyes.  "Eve, I don't mean to act that ways toward you.  I just wasn't expecting to see you tonight.  Why don't you come up to my room and we will talk a little while?"

She nodded yes and they went up to the penthouse suite of the hotel after Chris checked in at the front desk.  As they entered the spacious rooms Eve asked, "Why am I not suprized you would rent the most expensive room in this place?"

Chris closed the door behind them replying, "You know I only have the best."

She gently teased,  "What Ramsey rule is that one?" 

Chris scratched his head, "Let me see, I think that one is Ramsey's rule number six or seven."

Eve walked into the living room and flopped down on the couch propping her feet up on the coffee table.  Chris followed behind her taking off his tie and unbuttoning the collar of his dress shirt.  He called for room service before going to the bar and pouring them some drinks.  Eve watched him walk around the room.  She thought about how good it was to be near her best friend again.  She had missed him terribly.  Life had not been the same without him in it.  She had even missed their fights as hard as that was to believe.  He looked better than before he left town.  He was tan and his eyes just seemed to be more mesmerizing to her. 

Chris caught her staring at him as he sat down on the couch beside her interupting her wayward thoughts of him. "What were you thinking about just now?"

Knowing she couldn't let him now what paths her thoughts were taking her to she slightly frowned and stated, "I was thinking how could you walk out on me without one single word about it.  You didn't even tell me goodbye."

Chris countered back, "Eve, you make it sound like we had a relationship going on and that I left you high and dry.  We both know that wasn't the case."

The anger danced in Eve's eyes. "I'm sorry I thought that being best friends did constitute having a relationship with one another.  Evidently I thought wrong.  I must not have meant anything to you for you to have left town like that, never once looking back."

The doorbell rang stopping Eve'e tirade.  Chris got up to answer the door.  It was the bellboy bringing the room service that he had ordered.  He tipped the guy and shut the door behind him.  He walked back over to face Eve and bent down to look at her.  "Eve, I never meant for my actions to hurt you.  You are the last person I ever want to hurt in this world."

Eve looked sadly into his eyes and spoke, "Whether you realize it or not, you did hurt me by leaving?  Why did you go?  Didn't you know how much I would miss you?"

He replied, "I just thought it would be the best thing to do Eve.  How was I supposed to act every time I saw you and Ian pledging your eternal love for one another all the time?  It was just better that I left.  You knew how I felt about you that day you turned my proposal down at the cabin. I told you what my feelings were for you."

Eve looked confused momentarily, "Chris, that day you told me you loved me I thought we were talking about loving each other as friends.  That we were always going to be the best of friends no matter what happened to each other in our lives.  Wasn't that what you meant?"

Chris took a deep breath and went over to the french doors and walked out onto the balcony.  He looked up to the night sky filled with stars and wondered if he would ever have the courage to tell Eve how he really felt about her.  Eve came up along side him and placed her hand on his arm.  "Chris, you didn't answer my question."

Never turning to look at her, Chris quietly said, "Some things are just better left unsaid."  He continued to look out onto the night sky denying himself telling her the truth of his feelings once more.

Eve dropped her hand from his arm.  Her voice quivering, "Chris, I will never understand why you push the people that care about you away."  She waited a few moments for him to respond to her.  When he didn't say anything back to her she said, "I guess I better go home now."

The contempt in his voice came out, "Yeah, you better go on home.  I bet your husband is wondering where you are right now. I'm sure he wouldn't like you being here with me in my hotel room."

Eve gave him a humorless little laugh.  "I guess if you had stayed in town long enough, you would have known that I don't have a husband.  I never married Ian or anyone else for that matter.  I've made it on my own without having to have a man hold my hand."  She turned and ran out the door leaving Chris standing alone with the darkness surrounding him.