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Someone Like You
Part 2
Chris rose from his slumber feeling the traces of sunlight creeping through the room as he rolled over in bed brining his arm around where Greta had been after they’d drifted off during the night. He reached out to her finding an emptiness where she’d been as his eyes opened. He sat up stretching a bit as he looked around the room, “Greta,” he spoke her name seeing her things missing from the room as he rose from the bed making his way towards the bathroom. He knocked on the door awaiting a response before he searched the room for his pants and he heard a tapping at the door. He rushed over to open the hotel room door, “Greta.” “No,” a man with a thin, curled moustache looked up at him, “but the lady did leave this for you on her way out.” “You mean she’s gone?” Chris frowned a feeling of disappointment wash over him. “She left about an hour ago, but she wanted you to have this,” the man explained impatiently, “also your insurance company wanted me to inform you that they will have your rental car out here by noon.” “Thank you,” Chris replied suddenly feeling his heart sink as he closed the door wondering what had prompted Greta to take off without waking him. He sat on the edge of the bed thinking about the magical night they’d shared with one another and as he opened the envelope she left for him, he realized that there was something more between them than he’d anticipated. When he’d seen her in the store, he hadn’t planned on spending the night with her, let alone making love to her, but when he thought back to the way she’d looked at him, the way her eyes touched him as they made love, her departure hadn’t made sense. He tore open the envelope pulling out the letter within. Dearest Chris, I’m sorry that I left without saying goodbye and in doing so I deeply regret not being able to see your smiling face one more time before I vanished from your life, but as I said last night this kind of thing is all new to me. Our time together was incredible, beyond anything I’d ever imagined and I found myself lost in your arms last night. Too lost for my own good it seemed as when I woke up in your arms, I found myself imagining what it would be like to have a future with you, to be a part of your life and what it would be like growing old with you. I know what you’re thinking...you picked up this girl out of nowhere, had sex with her and now she’s looking for something beyond what you intended, which is why I thought I’d make this easy for you and for me. I knew that if I woke up in your arms this morning, I would’ve confessed how I felt to you, told you about my dreams of us together and I realize that would be completely unfair to you. You had more than you bargained for with me last night when I coaxed you into making love with me. Chris, it was an incredible experience and I don’t regret making you my first. I just wish that I’d found you at a time when I believed that love still had a chance and that the world was full of magic, but I know had I stayed the magic I found in your arms would’ve been lost when you realized what was happening with me. I’m sorry for not saying goodbye, but for what it’s worth, I’ll never forget you or the night we had together. Forever yours, Greta Chris dropped the page as her words sunk deep within him. She’d felt it too. Here he was in the middle of no where ready to lose himself from the rest of the world and somehow she’d found him. She’d stepped into his life, made him realize that there was hope after all only to leave him. He silently cursed himself as he thought of the effect she’d had on him, but more so on her departure. He’d cared about her, given her a piece of his heart, a piece of him when he’d made love to her, something he hadn’t been able to bring himself to do with anyone since Julie left him and now here he was again, alone and brokenhearted. Then again, what did he have to be broken hearted about, he tried to rationalize. For all he knew, the entire night could’ve been a lie, a hoax she’d created in an attempt to get him to sleep with her. Yes, that had to be it. Certainly she wasn’t who he thought she was and while it was fun, it was what it was: another night of sex with another woman who decided that staying wasn’t in her future. As Chris reached for the note again, he crumpled it up silently cursing himself as he thought about how stupid he was for allowing himself to care, to find a place for her in his heart when he knew that love was something he was not meant for. As he tossed her note towards the trash can, he vowed to cut his losses and forget about the woman who’d reminded him of what love felt like if only for a brief moment. It was time he got past that foolish notion of happily ever after and back to where he was really meant to be: on his own. Greta sat in the corner booth at Ruby’s diner thinking about the man she’d left behind, the heart she’d found herself lost in if only for a brief moment. Why had she just left without saying as much as goodbye? What had possessed her to walk out on someone who’d managed to reach her in ways she’d only imagined? What was it about him that made her run and why was it she couldn’t stop thinking about him? A sigh fell from her lips as she closed her eyes remembering what it had been like to make love to Chris, to find herself lost in his arms as she experienced the first magical moment with him. Why had she left, she thought to herself as she noted someone standing beside her table. “Gee, you don’t look chipper like you usually do,” Skye Quartermaine noted taking a seat across from her at the booth, “somehow I didn’t think the drive to Port Charles would have that much of an effect on you.” “Well, you know I just had a few unexpected surprises,” Greta admitted with a sigh, “sorry I’m late.” “I told you that you should’ve let them have the jet pick you up,” Skye reminded her, “then again you do have your own if you were worried about the Quartermaine instability.” “No, it wasn’t that,” Greta shook her head, “the drive was good for my mind. It cleared my thoughts.” “Good because you’re going to need a clear head when I take you over to the hospital later,” Skye pointed out, “while Monica is more than thrilled by your hefty donation to the pediatric ward, she’s less than thrilled at the notion of you being my friend.” “I take it things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped in coming to Port Charles,” Greta tried to push her thoughts of Chris aside and focus on her friend. “To say that is an understatement,” Skye sighed, “my step-mother is a terror.” “I’m sure she’s not that bad,” Greta offered with a soft smile, “just give her time.” “Time wouldn’t be enough for that woman,” Skye shook her head, “honestly I don’t know what my father sees in her.” “There must be something,” Greta noted, “I mean let’s face it Skye, she can’t be all bad.” “You haven’t met her yet,” Skye answered, “but seriously Greta, enough about my family, what about you? What have you been up to since I saw you last?” “You don’t even want to know,” Greta groaned slightly. “Oh come on. It can’t be as bad as the coronation was,” Skye paused knowing it was a sore spot for Greta, “sorry.” “No it’s okay,” she shook her head, “when I think back to that time, well it was hard, but I’m just glad that we were able to help the children.” “Oh not to mention gaining the crown wasn’t always a plus,” Skye winked at her, “you have no idea how much I’d kill to be a princess. Then I’m certain that Monica couldn’t give me a hard time like she does.” “Being a princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Greta sighed, “in fact if we could just try to skip over that little fact while I’m here, I’d appreciate it.” “Oh come on Greta. It’s no time for modesty. After all you’ve been through, you’ve earned the bragging rights.” “I just don’t feel comfortable with the title,” Greta shook her head. “Okay fine, so tell me something else. What about the romance front? How’s that guy you were with at the coronation? What was his name again?” “Austin,” Greta answered with a frown. “He was okay if you’re into the muscle bound thing,” Skye shrugged, “so how are things with him?” “Things weren’t,” Greta shook her head, “we were just friends.” “Yeah right.” “No I’m serious,” Greta insisted, “he and I were friends and nothing more. He was in love with someone else and well, I just haven’t found the right one.” “I find that hard to believe considering the men back in Salem not to mention those at your coronation.” “Skye, it’s really hard to meet someone and being a princess doesn’t automatically make it easier for you. Trust me,” Greta thought back to Chris, “although there was this one guy I met....” “I knew it,” Skye smiled, “and?” “And he was special, very special,” Greta sighed. “But?” “But, I let the moment pass me by,” Greta admitted, “he was incredible, an amazing man, but it wouldn’t have worked.” “It sounds like you were willing to give it a try.” “Maybe,” Greta sighed lost in her night of magic, “but I don’t want to think about it. I’m sure your father is expecting us at the hospital.” “Yeah, he is,” Skye nodded, “but you know I want details later.” “There isn’t much to tell,” Greta shrugged, “I met a man, he saved my life, and we had a wonderful time, but that’s where the story ends.” “Just like that?” Skye raised a curious brow, “it sounds like maybe just maybe he was someone special, someone you might want to look up again.” “I don’t know,” Greta thought it over, “though he did say he was from New York.” “See there you go. Already a step in the right direction.” “Perhaps,” Greta shrugged taking the final sip of her coffee, “then again miracles seldom happen for me, so I won’t hold my breath.” “Never say never princess,” Skye offered with an encouraging smile as they left Ruby’s diner together ready to meet with Alan at the hospital. “Well look what the cat dragged in,” Eve Lambert called out entering the on call room to find her best friend Chris Ramsey seated at the computer working on a few files, “I thought you were taking a vacation.” “I was bored,” Chris answered in a gruff tone, “besides I had work to do and if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t be done.” “Are you calling the rest of us incompetents?” Eve questioned eyeing her best friend, “you do realize we were doing just fine while you were gone.” “Somehow I doubt that,” Chris stood from the chair he was in to go pour himself a cup of coffee, “things seldom are around here without me keeping you all in line.” “Gee, someone woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning,” Eve gave him a look, “something tells me that your dream vacation didn’t turn out like you’d imagined.” “That’s an understatement,” Chris frowned. “What’s wrong? Couldn’t find a willing nymphomaniac co-ed to join you on your pleasure cruise to paradise?” “Gee Eve the thought had crossed my mind, but then I realized the biggest nympho I knew was already married to Ian Thornhart,” Chris shot her a glare, “so it seemed not worth the effort.” “I’ll pretend that you didn’t say that,” Eve crossed the room towards him, “in fact seeing as you’re in such a grumpy mood, I would guess things went horribly bad with the flavor of the week.” “Actually that was the one thing that went perfectly right while it lasted,” Chris couldn’t help but smile thinking back to Greta as Eve noted his expression. “Oh do I sense something here?” Eve watched him closely, “did Chris get some on his time away from Port Charles?” “That is none of your business,” he sipped his coffee making his way towards the couch. “So how much was she,” Eve teased taking a seat beside him. “Go to hell Eve,” he shot her a glare, “just because you don’t want to sleep with me, doesn’t mean I have to go out and pay someone for sex.” “No, you just find them too young to know the difference,” Eve teased further. “You know I’m not in the mood with this. After spending half the morning dealing with my insurance company, your abuse is the last thing I need.” “Insurance company? Chris, what happened?” “My car blew up,” he sipped his coffee. “Blew up? How did you manage that?” “You don’t want to know.” “Of course I do. Do tell.” “It’s not worth it,” he shook his head, “just know that you don’t know me as well as you think you do.” “Obviously not, but I’m very curious,” Eve watched him closely. “And you’re going to stay that way,” he replied rising from the sofa to put his mug away as the door to the on call room opened and Ian stepped inside. “Head’s up in here,” Ian spoke out to them. “Well hello handsome,” Eve embraced her husband, “I was just thinking about you.” “Were you now love?” he smiled taking her into his arms. “No, she wasn’t. She was telling me how much she wanted to leave you to be with me,” Chris piped in as Eve shot him a scathing look. “As if, Ian knows he’s the only man for me,” she replied kissing her husband. “As you are the only woman for me,” he answered with a smile. “Excuse me while I go puke now,” Chris groaned watching the two of them. “Not so fast Ramsey,” Ian began looking to him, “seeing as Alan caught wind of your returning, you’ve been nominated to be the official tour guide today.” “Tour for what?” Chris frowned, “that’s not in the job description.” “It is now buddy,” Eve teased, “but hey look on the bright side, you’ll be giving a guided tour to a princess who has more money than I’m sure even you know what to do with. At best you could find a way to weasel her out of a couple million.” “A princess,” Chris gave her a look, “you have to be kidding me. Is this some kind of joke?” “No,” Ian answered, “she just made a donation to the pediatric ward and she’s come down here to check in on her investment to see that things are being run properly around here.” “Wonderful,” Chris groaned, “and why was I the lucky nominee to tote around our princess?” “Well seeing as you weren’t on the schedule this week,” Eve smiled at him, “besides maybe she’s still young enough to find you attractive but I’m sure she won’t be pushing twenty maybe sixty from what I‘ve heard.” “Go to hell Eve,” Chris rolled his eyes at her. “Don’t talk to my wife that way,” Ian warned, “and I’ll have you both know that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this Princess Von Amburg not too long ago and she’s an incredible woman.” “In other words not only is she a pretentious, self centered, narcissistic woman who’s into donating in the name of improving her image, but she’s also ugly.” “I never said that,” Ian objected, “she’s a beautiful person.” “A beautiful person that I have the misfortune of babysitting for the day,” Chris frowned, “not that I’m not into spending my time with the elitists of the world, but right now the last thing I want is to spent my time with an old, washed up has been who’s flaunting old money in a place like this in an attempt to gain some kind of reputation.” “Gee, she sounds like she’s right up your alley Chris,” Eve teased. “I’m not playing watcher to some princess,” Chris argued, “I’ve already dealt with enough today.” “Chris, I’m sure it won’t be...” Eve began as he stormed out of the on call room. She looked to Ian, “do you get the distinct feeling that something is bothering him?” “Beyond him being his usual self,” Ian shrugged, “maybe but knowing Ramsey he’ll get over it.” “I hope so,” Eve noted worried about her friend. Chris made his way down the hall trying to come to terms with his anger as he thought of seeing Eve again with Ian. Just being in the same room with the two of them was nauseating enough these days as he thought of one of the many reasons leaving Port Charles had seemed like a good idea. Oh well, so much for starting over, he thought to himself as he headed towards the Chief of Staff’s office ready to talk Alan out of making him social director for the hospital before his day got progressively worse. “Dr. Ramsey,” Chris heard Alan’s voice call out to him as Chris turned around to see his boss standing before him. “Alan,” Chris answered tightly. “I’m glad I caught you....” “So am I because I wanted to talk to you about my taking that princess around...” “While I realized that you weren’t our first choice, I’m sure you could show her around, make her feel comfortable while she’s here...” “Well, you see I would, but well, I have this appointment today that..” “It can be rescheduled Chris. Besides you were saying that you were looking for ways to gain some advancement around here,” Alan pointed out, “this would be a positive step.” “Alan I just don’t think that I'm the person to....” Chris argued as Alan looked beyond him. “She’s here,” Alan whispered walking past Chris to greet his new guest, “welcome princess.” Chris rolled his eyes wondering why he hadn’t just decided to keep driving out of town and not stop going as he thought of what a nightmare his life was turning into. Normally the notion of entertaining a princess would hold some kind of weight and interest in him, but now after his night with Greta, he couldn’t think straight. Didn’t want to focus on anything, but the way in which he felt upon her leaving. Hearing Alan call out to him, Chris suppressed an inward groan as he turned around to greet the visitor. “Dr. Chris Ramsey, I’d like you to meet Salem’s very own Princess Von Amburg,” Alan introduced them as Chris stepped forward half way paying attention, “Princess, Dr. Ramsey will be your guide for the day around here and if you need anything, he’s your man.” “It’s my pleasure,” Chris extended his hand as he kept his eye on the floor. “I want to thank for you taking the time to....” she stopped as Chris noted her silence. He turned his eyes towards the Princess finally taking a look at her as he realized that her face was the one that had haunted him since he’d waken up alone in his hotel room. Now as they were standing face to face, he couldn’t believe his eyes as he blinked back at her, “Greta?” “Chris,” Greta replied meeting his dark, surprised eyes as a gasp fell from her lips, “what are you...what are you doing here?” “I could ask you the same thing,” Chris began shaking his head, “I mean I’d thought about you since the last time I saw you...” “I see you met the princess,” Alan interrupted as he looked between them, “so there won’t be a need for introductions?” “The princess,” Chris blinked back looking to Alan, “Greta?” “Princess Von Amburg,” Alan nodded again. “Dr. Ramsey and I have been introduced already,” Greta nodded seeing the confusion wash over Chris’ features. “Excellent then we can get the tour started,” Alan smiled reaching for Greta’s hand, “you’re in wonderful hands here,” he offered up before turning to look at Chris and lowering his voice, “that had better be true.” “Of course,” Chris nodded as Alan walked off to join his daughter and Chris returned his gaze to Greta, “what are you doing here?” “I told you I was coming to New York,” she answered uncertain of what to say as she was astounded to see him standing before her, “and you?” “I work here,” Chris replied quickly as he stepped in towards her. “I didn’t realize bartender slash shoe salesmen had such a lucrative position in a hospital,” she answered tightly realizing that what she’d thought to be true of Chris wasn’t even close to the image she’d kept of him as he now stood before her in his doctor’s uniform. “Greta, I wanted to tell you that,” he stopped himself, “and what are you getting on me about? What’s this stuff about them calling you Princess?” “It’s a technicality,” she answered, “it wasn’t something...” “That what? That maybe you should’ve brought up in our time together,” he raised his voice a bit, “something that you might’ve felt compelled to share with me after we’d made love, then again if you’d bothered to stick around the next morning....” “Chris, I didn’t want to complicate things,” she began feeling her face grow flushed as she looked around the corridor seeing the eyes fall upon them and her discomfort began to surface, “look I don’t know if this is the time and place for....” “It’s not,” Chris cut her off as he noted the eyes upon them. He extended his arm out to her a smile on his features as he regained his composure taking on a more professional tone, “now Princess, shall we get started on your tour?” “I’d like that,” she smiled accepting his arm accordingly as he guided her down the hallway. “As you can see here Port Charles General Hospital is one of the finest establishments of the Eastern Coast,” he began his speech as they passed by a nurse then he lowered his voice, “which still doesn’t explain why you’re here.” “As I said before Chris, my coming here was,” she forced a smile, “something I felt the need to do after I’d heard such wonderful things about this establishment.” “Yes, I’m certain you’ve experienced some wonderful things within these walls, but at the same time, I’m sure that you’ll see through this tour that there are a great many more things beneath the surface that you haven’t even taken the time to notice.” “I thought I’d seen all there was when I took my leave of absense,” she began keeping her eyes on the corridor before them. “And what might that be,” Chris questioned tightly, “I thought you were different.” “I am different, but I was leaving your options open seeing as I’m certain someone like yourself would have other interest rather than my investment,” Greta answered with a soft smile. “Perhaps if you’d taken the time to trust your heart,” he stopped as they stood before the on call room, “And here is our on call room where our doctors spend their down time. Within these walls there is a lot of life in Port Charles and further more I can take you to my office.” “Office,” Greta raised a brow, “and what was it you said your position here was again?” “Chief resident,” he answered tightly. “Are you sure about that,” she gave him a pointed look. “Positive,” he opened the door to the on call room leading her inside, “and as you can see,” he scanned the room finding it empty as he turned to face her, “it’s just you and me now, so talk.” “Talk? Don’t you think you have some explaining to do Chris?” “I think we both had our fair share of deceptions between us,” Chris paused hearing a noise outside the room as he reached for her arm, “come and see my office.” “I’d like that,” she smiled politely entering the small office as he stepped in behind her. She looked around the room accessing her surroundings before she face him, “somehow this wasn’t what I expected a shoe salesman's life to be like.” “Greta, I’m sorry I lied to you,” Chris began at a loss as she stood before him, “but why did you leave?” “Chris, I couldn’t stay,” she started uneasily as she avoided his eyes. “Why?” He asked stepping forward, “why did you go?” “We both know that what happened with us was out of this world, something that just doesn’t happen every day,” Greta answered painfully. “All the more reason to keep fighting for it,” he reached out to her unable to resist the urge as he turned her eyes towards him, “you said in your letter that you thought our night together was magical and that it meant the world to you.” “It did,” she nodded fighting the tears building within her eyes. “Then why leave? Was it a lie?” “Obviously we were something based upon deceptions,” Greta answered tightly. “Only on the surface,” he informed her, “we may have lied about what we were, but who we were, the heart of what we were was something real, something that I haven’t shared with another person in a long time. Was what we shared something of a disappointment?” he questioned softening his tone as a tear slipped down her cheek. He wiped at her face hating to see the pain in her eyes as he held her, “Greta, I didn’t want to hurt you.” “You didn’t,” she answered, “if anything you brought me to life in that night we shared together and I meant every word I said in that letter.” “Then why leave? Why not give me a chance to know you, to really learn all there was to know about the woman I see before me,” Chris questioned keeping her close to him as he felt a slight relief in having her in his arms, “why not stay?” “It didn’t seem appropriate,” she admitted, “this is all new to me and I swear I’ve never done anything like this before. Chris, when I told you that you were the first, that you were the only man....” she trailed off. “I know which is all the more reason I wished you’d stayed,” he confessed, “when I woke up and you were gone, it was like a piece of you was taken with me. Greta, I don’t know how or why, but somehow in that night we shared everything changed for me. My life as I knew it came to a screeching halt and suddenly it was as if I was born again in your arms.” “Chris, I know you’re saying that because of what I told you,” she began thinking back to the tears she’d shed in leaving him alone at the hotel, “but...” “But nothing,” he silenced her with a kiss no longer leaving her room to reject him as he swept her into his arms. Her resistance slipped away as he kept her close to him savoring the kiss between them until her knees grew weak and she stumbled forward in his arms. He couldn’t help but smile as he looked to her touching her cheek gently, “see I told you I was your destiny.” “Chris, but you and I, we hardly know one another,” she reminded him as he’d managed to take her breath away in the warmth of his arms. “All the more reason for us to keep seeing one another, learning about each other,” Chris insisted, “Greta, when I woke up without you it was like there with this void inside of me. All night long as I kept you close to me, all I could think about was what I could’ve possibly done to deserve this incredible woman before me. I kept deeming myself unworthy of all you’d given me and then when you were gone, it just proved that I was right, that you too didn’t believe I was worthy of something with you.” “Are you kidding me?” she frowned in response, “Chris, that was never the case. You were more than I ever dreamed out,” she touched his cheek, “you still are.” “Then why let things go,” he questioned placing his hand over hers as he kissed her palm tenderly, “Greta, last night wasn’t just about sex like you implied in your letter. Our making love wasn’t only about the union of our bodies, but about our souls, about something more than I’m certain either of us planned upon having.” “I never had you pegged for a romantic,” she tried to make light of his words as the tears clouded her eyes. “Well, see I told you I wasn’t as simple as I seemed,” he confessed with a soft smile, “now to tell you the truth, I don’t believe in love and I most certainly didn’t believe in fate until our night together, but after I met you...Greta, I’ve never met someone like you before, never had an opportunity to encounter someone so real, so honest and it was refreshing. When we were together it was like who I was didn’t matter, what I’d done in the past wasn’t important, but what was relevant was the way it felt in being with you.” “I felt the same way Chris,” she confessed still holding onto him, “as though in your arms you could see me, the real me and that you wanted me, needed me as much as I felt I needed you. We came together for a reason that night...” “...and we’re together for a reason right now,” Chris reminded her, “So we lied about what we did, but we both know who we are and what we mean to one another.” “Do we?” “How can you question it,” he asked bringing his fingers through her dark hair, “look at me and tell me that you don’t feel it.” “I can’t do that,” she answered her damp lashes pressing against her fair skin. “Then tell me that you’ll try, that we can try, that somehow we can get past the deceptions we’d laid out the other night and we can get back to what really matters,” he pressed her hand over his chest, “what’s in here.” “Chris, you really are the man of my dreams, aren’t you?” she questioned feeling his heart beating strong and determined beneath her touch, “never before have I ever met anyone like you, though I’ve always imagined finding someone just like you.” “You’d be surprised at what I am,” he offered with a slight smile as he caressed her skin. “I think I’d like to learn,” Greta admitted with a smile, “after all a girl does have a tendency to wonder what her destiny is all about.” “Love and happiness I should hope,” Chris answered softly as he leaned down to kiss her tenderly. “It sounds like a fairy tale,” Greta couldn’t help but smile as his lips brushed over hers in a soft, tender sweep. Feeling the warmth of his touch, Greta kept her arms around him keeping him close to her as their kiss evolved into something more, something entirely new and wonderful as they held onto one another unaware of the knocking on the office door. After a moment Ian popped in taking a glance at them before turning away. “Are they in there?” Eve questioned seeing her husband by Chris’ office. “They are,” he nodded as Eve pressed forward, “but I don’t think you want to....” “Chris, Alan was just wondering if you’d taken the princess to,” Eve stopped upon seeing her best friend wrapped up in the woman’s arms. A frown crossed over her lips as her hands clenched upon her hips, “Ramsey, what the hell do you think you’re doing? Alan, wants you out there entertaining that princess of his and here you are making out with the first young thing that crosses your path when you know well enough that....” “Eve,” Ian began tapping his wife on the shoulder as he watched Chris and his companion separate and the lovely young woman with Chris smiled over at them as her face grew flushed with embarrassment. “Not now Ian,” Eve snapped glaring at Chris, “what in the world do you have to say for yourself?” “Well actually Eve,” Chris wiped his lips as a sly smile pressed over his features and he reached out to Greta slipping his arm around her slender waist, “I’d like you to meet Princess von Amburg.” “Yeah right and I’m the patron saint of virtue,” Eve rolled her eyes, “seriously Ramsey you need to find that princess and get back to what Alan wanted you to do before she changes her mind and decides to withdraw her hefty donation to the pediatric ward because you can’t keep your hormones under control for five minutes when you see the latest flavor of the month...” “Eve,” Ian began again watching as his wife dug a deeper hole for herself. “Not now Ian.” “Eve, I think you should...” he tugged on her arm as she turned to glare at him. “What?” “Eve, it’s just,” Ian began as Greta waved at him. “Dr. Thornhart, as always it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Greta smiled at him, “I haven’t seen you since I was much younger.” “And your mother was princess,” Ian nodded, “how is your mother?” “In a better place I hope,” Greta admitted as she remained beside Chris finding the strength to move past her embarrassment in the confines of his arms. “You mean she’s really.....you’re....” Eve stammered. “The princess,” Chris smiled in amusement seeing the tables turn on Eve for once, “I wouldn’t lie to you Lambert.” “Well, I just...” “You just,” Chris nodded, “as you can see things are well taken care of now.” “I certainly hope so,” Ian added looking to Eve, “now seeing as we’ve found them and we see the Princess is just fine, what do you say you and I make an exit before we are no longer able to dislodge that foot from your mouth?” “I say that sounds like a great idea,” Eve agreed turning to Greta, “about before..” “It’s okay,” Greta smiled at her, “really you couldn't have known.” “I'm so sorry,” Eve began ducking out of the room closing the door behind her as Greta and Chris were alone once again. A hearty laugh erupted from within Chris as Greta turned to face him, “Care to explain that one?” “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Chris confessed. “Lay it on me,” Greta urged. “Well I would love to and I suppose I could do just that,” he stepped in towards her slipping his arms around her waist, “say over dinner after our tour of the hospital.” “Now why would you think I’d agree to dinner with you?” Greta questioned raising a brow. “Because we have quite a bit to talk about and I'm certain after this tour, you’ll have plenty of questions.” “I seriously doubt that, then again if I did, how do I know you‘re the man to give me the answers?” “I swear nothing but the truth tonight.” “I don’t know. I mean before when we talked I wasn’t sure if you were trustworthy and now...”she began as he kissed her. “Even so,” Chris replied as they parted, “I think a new beginning would do us good, wouldn't you agree?” She looked up into his dark eyes wondering how they’d found their way back to one another after the strange circumstances that had brought them together. Granted things weren't like she’d heard romance to be, but as she saw the look of urgency and hope behind his eyes, she realized that refusing him was something she was certain her heart would burn her for later. Besides, who knew what could happen with Chris Ramsey? As she looked into his dark eyes, it seemed the possibilities were endless for them. <hr> “And this princess,” Chris began a smile forming at the corners of his mouth as he noted Greta’s rosy cheeks upon his words. “Chris, you don’t have to call me that,” she explained in a shy tone. “No I don’t,” he stepped in closer to her as he spoke in a low whisper, “but if I didn’t, well, then I’d miss that look I have grown so fond of.” “What look?” she turned her eyes towards him. “That one,” he couldn’t help but smile as he thought of their day at the hospital touring it together. Never had he imagined when he’d made his way back to Port Charles, that he’d see Greta, let alone be with her again, but here she was on his arm and eagerly awaiting his time and his words. It had been so long sine he’d felt important to anyone, but as they’d gone through the hospital, she seemed to add something to the spring in his step, held some part of the smile on his face and the warmth in his heart. They’d passed by Amy Vinning and a few other nurse’s who were certain to gossip about this new discovery, but alas none of that mattered as he realized for the first time it didn’t matter what everyone else thought of Chris Ramsey and his reputation. The only person who seemed to mean anything in this moment was Greta and as he remained proudly at her side, he vowed not to let her down. “Just you wait until I find something that makes you blush,” she interrupted his thoughts as she replied to his playful teasing. “Nothing makes me blush,” he answered with a sly grin. “I’m sure there’s something,” she stood taller resisting the urge to wrap her arms around him as they were surrounded by other hospital workers, “and if anyone is going to find it, it will be me.” “You’d be the only one I’d even consider revealing that much to,” Chris paused then flashed her a bright smile, “then again I don’t know if there really is anything that makes me blush.” “I’ll find it,” Greta insisted, “and when I do, watch out Chris because the odds won’t be stacked so high in your favor.” “Don’t you know by now, they are always in my favor,” he boasted proudly as she nudged him. “Okay Mr. Ego,” she couldn’t help but smile, “you say that now, but I tend to recall an explosion and a mud bath followed by being held at gun point and....” her words were cut off as he snuck in a quick kiss. As they parted she couldn’t help but smile as she looked up at him, “what was that?” “That was means of getting you back on track,” he reached for her hand momentarily before letting go of it reluctantly. “I think that was more of a distraction than anything else,” she confessed softly as Alan Quartermaine approached the two of them and she took a step back. “I can see that you two have made quite the rounds here today,” Alan smiled in approval turning to Greta, “so what is your take on things?” “It’s been very,” she stole a glimpse at Chris as she felt the heat rise in her features once again, “enlightening.” “Excellent,” Alan nodded, “then I take it Dr. Ramsey has been an adequate guide.” “More than adequate,” Greta confessed with a smile, “You have a very talented, amazing man on your staff Dr. Quartermaine.” “Call me Alan.” “Alan,” Greta smiled, “I couldn’t have asked for a better guide today.” “I’m glad to see it’s working out so smoothly and I hope you’ll be dropping by again in the near future.” “Actually, I was just about to take her into the heart and soul of it all,” Chris began breaking his silence, “she traveled all this way to see the pediatric floor and I thought that maybe just maybe now would be the perfect time for that.” “I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Alan agreed, “and should you find anything that arouses interest in you, then by all means alert Chris of it and we’ll get working on it right away.” “I’ll do that,” She answered with a soft smile as Alan said a few more words before leaving them to explore the pediatric floor, “looks like I’m in good hands.” “The best,” he couldn’t help but place his arm around her for a moment as she gave him a look. “Doctor, would this be considered professionalism?” “It is a part of my bedside manner,” Chris teased, “although I think you’ve already caught a glimpse of that.” Greta’s face grew flushed at the memory of being lost in his arms, of having made love to him and in that instant she felt the heat rise within her, “Chris, maybe we should concentrate on the real reason I came to Port Charles.” “To find me,” Chris piped in with a smile. “Beyond that,” she reached for his hand, “I want to see the children.” “Children mean a lot to you, don’t they?” “They do,” she nodded, “I know what it was like to grow up without a true sense of family and when I think about all those young ones out there going through such turmoil, in need of so much, well it breaks my heart.” “It can be pretty heartbreaking here at times,” Chris confessed watching her sad eyes, “but we have an incredible staff here and the children for the most part have some very supportive families with them.” “That’s excellent, but sometimes it’s not enough. I know back when I was receiving the crown, all I could think about was those poor unfortunate souls out there who were without someone to care for them, without a family or a home and finding them a place in this world was all that mattered to me,” she paused seeing the way his eyes cast over her, “I’m talking too much, aren’t I?” “No, not at all,” he shook his head. “Then why are you giving me that look?” “Because I’m trying to determine if you’re real or just a figment of my imagination.” “I think I’m very real,” she answered with a soft smile as they stepped onto the pediatric floor and they were greeted by the sounds of laughter across the way. Greta glanced down the corridor seeing the children lined up outside their rooms awaiting her arrival as she greeted each one of them. As Chris introduced her to some of the children, she found herself swept away by the looks on their faces as she took a few moments to speak with each one of them while Chris watched her from a slight distance, a warmth surrounding him as each child seemed to open up with Greta lighting up as she spoke to each one of them. “Ramsey,” Eve’s voice interrupted Chris’ thoughts as he turned to find his friend standing beside him, “hey I’ve been looking for you.” “I’ve been the official tour guide, remember?” he pointed out casting a look over at Greta. “I can see that,” Eve remarked dryly, “so tell me something, was the physical back in your office part of the grand tour as well?” “Eve, that’s none of your business,” Chris frowned slightly as a small girl came over to Greta with a teddy bear in hand asking Greta to read her a book. With a smile Greta accepted as she and a few nurses gathered the children to sit in a circle as she read the fairy tale to them. “She’s out of your league Ramsey,” Eve pointed out with a disapproving look, “I talked to Ian after the run in we had in your office and from what he’s told me about the only thing she’d have that would be of interest to you is her bankbook, but I refuse to let you hurt that poor girl.” “Poor girl,” Chris turned to her, “Eve, you make me sound like a monster.” “I saw the way you worked your moves on her in your office,” Eve noted, “obviously she’s very naive and someone like you could easily...” “Easily what?” Chris frowned, “well?” “I’m just saying that she’s a humanitarian, Chris. You know someone who puts everyone else before herself, someone who donated ten million dollars to starting a national foster care for abandoned children.” “You’re kidding,” Chris turned to look at Greta as she held a small boy in her lap, not really surprised to hear the news on her as she flashed him a soft smile. “That’s not all either,” Eve continued, “the list goes on and on and from what Ian’s said about her, she seems almost saintly.” “Well, if she associated with Ian in the past, it must mean she has something for charity cases,” Chris muttered under his breath as Eve placed her hand on his shoulder. “Chris, I’m serious.” “So am I, Eve. What seems to be the big issue?” “The issue is that this princess is very important to the hospital and the last thing she needs is you trying to dig into her wallet for your own personal gain,” Eve insisted pointedly. “Eve, is that really what you see here? Do you really think that I would feign interest in Greta to gain access to her fortune?” “It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve done it,” she pointed out. “If you haven’t noticed, I am very well off myself,” Chris reminded her. “Not like Greta is,” Eve folded her arms in front of her chest, “besides wasn’t it you who said you could never have enough money in your life?” “Eve, I don’t care how much she’s worth,” Chris insisted wondering why he’d even bothered to carry on this conversation with her, “Alan asked me to show her a good time and that’s what I’m doing.” “Sure you are,” Eve looked to Greta, “of course you wouldn’t be paying her nearly as much as attention as I’ve heard you’ve been doing all day if she wasn’t a billionaire.” “Please Lambert,” Chris rolled his eyes slightly, “why don’t you just go back to Ian and come up with some other course of gossip? Greta’s safe with me.” “No one is safe with you, Ramsey,” Eve piped in, “speaking of which, what devious little tricks do you have up your sleeve for her?” “Eve, this is getting very tiresome,” he sighed. “Oh like you aren’t planning on spending time with her after your day here.” “As a matter of fact, she and I are having dinner,” Chris turned to face her, “have a problem with that?” “No, not at all, but if I were you, I’d watch my back. Using your charms to get into someone’s,” Eve paused dramatically, “wallet will only lead you to heartbreak.” “Thank you Ann Landers,” he rolled his eyes, “now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get the end of this story.” “Whatever,” Eve shook her head giving him one last look as she wondered what devious little plan he was up to now and more so she feared that the beautiful, young princess wouldn’t see it coming as Chris laid out his plans for her. <hr> “And they all returned to their beds safe and sound left with their dreams of candy canes and teddy bears,” Greta finished with a soft smile, “the end.” “You mean there’s no more?” Sydney James questioned with wide eyes as she looked up at Greta. “Not now, but you know I’m sure if you’re really good, I could come back tomorrow and there could be another story,” Greta suggested, “how does that sound?” “Really?” Sydney’s eyes widened. “Yeah really,” another child asked. “Of course. I mean I would love to,” Greta looked up at Chris, “seeing as I had such a wonderful day today.” “Cool,” Sydney and the others grinned as the nurse’s returned taking the children back to their rooms. “So now where were we?” Chris questioned with a soft smile. “I was actually on my way back to say goodbye to Skye, then back to the hotel to change for my,” Greta paused, “dinner.” “I see,” Chris gave her a quick once over, “what’s wrong with how you look?” “Well, nothing is wrong with it, however,” she paused, “I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in this seeing as it’s been a long day in heels,” she noted to her attire, “unless of course it’s an evening for heels.” “Well, I was going to take you out to this little Italian place that I often go to, however,” A smile pressed over his lips, “if you’re interested, we could just go back to my place, have dinner over there, maybe watch a movie, have a nice conversation...” “It sounds perfect,” Greta replied with a smile, “so what time should I come over?” “Oh no,” Chris shook his head, “I’ll pick you up.” “Chris, you really don’t have to,” she began. “I insist,” he reached for her hand, “I won’t take no for an answer. Besides, I was curious to see where you are staying at the Port Charles hotel so that perhaps I could coax you into a more suitable atmosphere like maybe,” he smiled after a moment, “my place.” “Actually,” she half laughed lightly, “if I didn’t know better I’d think you were trying to tempt me into something that could become a potential danger for us.” “Would I ever put you in danger?” “Not willingly,” she laughed lightly, “but seeing as I turned down Alan Quartermaine’s invitation to stay at their place, wouldn’t it seem rude to just accept your offer...” “Not necessarily,” he shook his head, “the way I see it, you are well on your way to seeing the sights and sounds of Port Charles and what better place to have your way around than with the sexiest, most charming tour guide around,” Chris winked at her. “Sexy huh? Well, you know that could pose a bit of a problem here seeing as when I’m alone with you, something happens.” “Oh,” Chris raised a brow, “and that might be?” “Well, you see I get this feeling inside of me and something takes over my logic, sweeping me of all my common sense and leaving me with...” she stopped herself as he moved in to kiss her. A laugh bubbled within her. “With what?” he grinned “With this,” she answered a smile tugging at her lips as she kept her eyes fixed upon his. “Chris, I just don’t know if this is a good idea for me to stay with you...” “At least have dinner with me and see if you like it,” he squeezed her hand gently. “I’ll consider it,” she offered, “but still if I don’t get on my way over to see Skye..” “I know, I know,” Chris nodded, “we don’t want to upset the higher ups.” “Something like that,” Greta smiled, “but I’ll be waiting for you.” “I’ll be thinking about you until I see you again,” he waved as she stepped back, “until tonight.” “Until tonight,” Greta waved in response before turning to face him once again before taking off down the hallway leaving Chris with the anticipation of things to come. <hr> Greta searched her hotel room for her earrings as a nervous rumble overtook her stomach. She had been late in getting back to the hotel after she’d had the pleasure to encounter a Ms. Lucy Coe. While the woman seemed rather unique, she could take on and on for quite some time and Greta feared that Chris would make it to her hotel room before she had, however much to her relief, she’d made it there before he had. After quickly changing into a comfortable pantsuit, she realized her tiny, heart shaped earrings had come up missing. “Not now,” she groaned searching the room as she looked to the bed seeing her purse at the bottom. She moved over to her knees lifting the comforter as she looked beneath the mattress seeing the shiny, gold speck before her, “no, no, no....” she reached out to the earring as she heard a tapping on the door, “just a second.” The tapping continued as she let out a groan shuffling out from underneath her bed to answer the door, “I said just a....” she stopped seeing Chris standing before her holding a bouquet of flowers, “Chris, thank you....” “I’m sorry I was a bit later than I’d imagined, but as I was on my way out of work, there was an emergency that came in,” he apologized. “That’s okay,” Greta answered inviting him into her hotel room, “really, I just got back here myself.” “You look lovely,” he noted as she moved back over to her bed. “Well thank you, but it seems my earring,” she began as she dropped to her knees searching under the bed once more, “well it kind of got lost in the shuffle.” “I can see you’ve been a bit busy here,” he noted a few of her things tossed around the room, “I didn’t realize you had this much when it was in the car.” “Oh well I tried to travel light, but given everything that was ahead for the week,” she mumbled from underneath the bed frame as she reached for the earring, “well I wasn’t sure what to bring.” “I’m sure you have just about everything you need,” Chris teased, “then again I’m not really sure what a Princess needs.” “Nothing more than anyone else would,” she crawled further underneath the bed, “got it.” “Got what,” he circled around the bed taking an appreciative glimpse of her from the angle he was at. “My earring. It was,” she tried to slide out from under the bed as she realized she was motionless, “oh no.” “What is it? Did you not find it?” he questioned noting the panic in her tone. “No, I found it, but...” she hesitated. “But what?” he questioned as he heard her let out a slight groan, “was that a growl?” “Not really,” she sighed twitching a bit beneath the bed as he watched her bottom wiggle. “Greta, what is down there?” he asked curiously as he knelt down beside her reaching out to take a look, “if you can’t get it, then let me try to reach for it...” “Chris, it’s not the earring,” she began with a frustrated sigh, “it’s just that I’m, well, I’m stuck...” “You’re what?” “Stuck,” she answered again, “Chris, I can’t move.” “You mean you’re stuck under there?” his eyes widened. “That’s what I said,” she replied trying once again to dislodge herself from the bed frame. “How did you manage that?” he answered bending down to look at her once more. “Well, I thought to myself why not liven things up by pinning myself down under the mattress so you could pull me out,” she answered sarcastically. “Cute, I could have fun rescuing you again,” he teased back. “Chris, this isn’t funny,” Greta replied, “I think my hair is stuck in the frame.” “Your hair?” “There are some springs down here,” she explained with a groan, “Chris, I think my pants are also...” “Hooked,” he reached forward, “I can see that. It looks like a spring just attached to the material and,” he paused as he reached out beneath the mattress, “I’ll get it.” “Okay Chris, but my hair,” she started as his hand skimmed her side causing her to squeal. “What was that?” he questioned nearly jumping out of his skin as his arm remained beside her. “That was nothing,” she answered quickly. “No, that was something,” he reached out to her again as a laugh erupted from underneath the mattress, “I knew it.” “Chris, come on. It’s very uncomfortable down here,” she explained still laughing as he continued to tickle her, “Stop.” “Give me one good reason,” he taunted tickling her again. “Because if you get me out of here, I’ll make it worth your while,” she explained as his fingers eased up on her. “Well since you put it that way,” he reached out again feeling something catch on his arm, “oh no.” “What do you mean oh no?” she asked a nervousness in her voice, “Chris, what’s wrong?” “I think I’m stuck too,” Chris tugged his arm again feeling the pull of the bed frame. “What?” “I’m stuck, but don’t worry,” he tried to dislodge his arm again, “I’m sure that I can,” he tugged again and again with no success, “just give me a second here...” <hr> “Do you really think this is a good idea,” Eve began looking to her husband with a frown, “considering the way I put my foot in my mouth earlier...” “I’m sure Greta has forgotten, but besides if you said Chris was as interested as he appeared to be, I think we should give her fair warning,” Ian replied, “I’d hate to see a woman like her get hurt due to Chris and his quest for power.” “Ian, I didn’t say he’d hurt her, just that I think she’s too naive for him.” “Either way, I owe her mother that much to make sure she and Ramsey don’t end up being more than associates,” Ian answered flatly, “she is meant for more than that.” “Chris isn’t that bad,” Eve stopped outside Greta’s hotel room a frown crossing over her features, “in fact, he’s a good guy when you get to the heart of it.” “Yeah, I saw that when he was trying to convince you to marry him and run away with our son,” Ian pointed out. “Ian, that was a very tense time in my life. He was just trying to do what he felt was right.” “In keeping me from our son?” Ian gave her a look, “what good would that have done?” “He was just trying to help,” she frowned, “I thought we swore not to get into this again.” “I know what we said, but...” he paused hearing a banging sound from within the hotel room before them, “what was that?” “I don’t know,” Eve answered turning her eyes towards the door noting it was open a crack as she heard a woman let out a squeal from within. “Oh God,” Greta’s voice cried out as Eve looked to her husband. “What’s going on in there?” Eve frowned. “I don’t know,” Ian stepped towards the door taking a peek at what was within as he gently eased the door open. “Well?” Eve questioned reaching out to touch his shoulder. Ian’s eyes widened as he noted the two sets of legs on the floor before them, “Um Eve, maybe I was wrong. Maybe this isn’t such a good time.” “What,” Eve asked pushing forward as she looked into room trying to steal a glimpse of what Ian had seen. As she noted the movement of the bed, her eyes widened as she looked to Ian, “what are they.....” she asked as she heard Greta let out another groan. “Chris, this was a really bad idea. It’s getting awfully hot under here,” she said trying to relax as her face pressed down into the plush carpeting. “Greta, just give me a second to get a handle on it,” he insisted trying to pull free as he felt her leg beside him, “maybe if I move a little,” he shifted himself over her legs, “now just don’t come up too fast,” he pleaded as he straddled her. “What?” she questioned her legs swinging up a bit as he hovered just above her. “Greta, don’t move,” he felt her body beneath his as he knelt over her bottom finding himself a bit distracted as his eyes fell over her. “What did you say? Chris, I can’t hear you,” she replied shifting her body a bit as she rubbed up against him. “Greta, I don’t think you should,” He began feeling her contact with him, “oh god.” “What?” she asked in a panic, “what’s wrong Chris?” “I think something just came up,” he answered in a tight voice as he struggled against the feeling she’d awakened in him. “Oh god, please don’t tell me you have something else stuck under here,” she sucked in a breath as her mouth filled with a loose carpet strand. She tried to blow it out as she moved beneath him once more. “Greta,” he used his free hand to cease movement in her hips, “that’s not a good idea.” “What...” she asked again suddenly aware of the heat over her form as she turned her head enough to see Chris straddling her from behind, “Chris what are you....” “I’m stuck..” he explained laying his head on top of the bed, “just give me a second to dislodge myself and I swear that I’ll get you released as well.” “You’d better hurry,” Greta insisted with a soft whimper, “it’s getting hard to breath down here. Being pinned down like this isn‘t exactly a good jump start to things..” “Just try to relax,” Chris urged, “just stay still and let me do all the work. I promise you if you do just that, then it’s not going to hurt a bit.” “It already stings,” Greta cried out, “Chris, I think I’m getting a rug burn.” “I’m sorry. I’m going as fast as I can, but I’m telling you now if I pull out too fast, then I don’t know if it’s going to make a different.” “I don’t care how fast you have to do it, just get it done,” Greta cried out, “set me free Chris.” “I’m working on it,” he informed her, “now just hold still. Just,” he wiggled a bit as he tried to dislodge his arm and he heard a sound from behind him. Turning his head, he noted Ian and Eve standing in the doorway jaws dropped, “Ian, Eve, oh I never thought I’d be so happy to see you....” “I’ll bet,” Eve shook her head as she gave him a glare, “What do you think you’re doing?” “We’re stuck,” Chris explained. “Oh that is sick, really sick,” Eve glared at him, “you bring Greta here just to get her wrapped up in another sick and twisted....” “No Eve,” Chris explained as Greta let out a soft gasp, “we’re stuck. Greta has her hair locked in one of the springs and my arm is caught on....” “I don’t want to know,” she shook her head, “I just can’t believe you.” “Eve, it’s not what it,” Chris felt Greta kick from beneath him as her discomfort grew, “Greta, don’t...” he winced as she kicked him. “Eve, I don’t think that Chris and Greta are,” Ian assessed the situation, “I think they’re really stuck.” “Finally someone here’s me,” Chris groaned, “and here I thought you were as oblivious as they come Thornhart.” “I don’t want to know how this happened,” Ian moved in beside Chris, “but I will help you out of this.” “Thank you,” Chris looked to Eve, “at least someone gets it.” “You mean you’re,” Eve watched as Ian worked to free Chris’ arm, “you mean you and Greta were....” “Stuck just like I told you,” Chris replied glaring at her before he turned to see Ian helping ease Greta out from beneath the bed frame. “There you are,” Ian offered as Greta rose to her feet. “Thank you so much,” she explained her features flushed with embarrassment, “you see I lost my earring under there and then my hair got stuck....” “...and I was trying to help her out of there when I ended up catching my sleeve on the spring...” Chris continued. “And then you two showed up when you did,” Greta let out a breath as she fumbled with her dark tresses, “and boy are we glad you did.” “Speaking of which, what are you doing here?” Chris eyed his best friend. “Well, I felt bad about what happened before and Ian suggested that I come over here and have a word with Greta about what happened before she ended up thinking the worst about things...” Eve started. “It’s fine, really,” Greta smiled at her, “Eve, Chris explained how there could’ve been some kind of confusion between us and really I didn’t even think about it after it happened, well, except for the slight embarrassment I felt in having you find me in less than a professional setting there...” “No it was my fault,” Eve argued, “I should’ve knocked first or listened to my husband when he said it wasn’t a good time, but now that I see you and Chris are all set, maybe it’s not such a good time for...” “Actually,” Ian cut her off, “Eve and I were on our way out for a late dinner before we went and picked up Daniel from the babysitter’s house. Perhaps you two would care to join us...” “Well, Greta and I were actually planning a private evening at my apartment,” Chris began. “Oh you can’t keep her locked up inside when there is so much in Port Charles to show her,” Eve insisted, “you must join us at the Grille.” “Actually we already kind of...” Chris interrupted. “Chris, it’s the least we can do,” Ian added. “Well Chris and I were...” Greta began turning her eyes towards Chris. “He won’t mind. Trust me on this when I tell you Chris wouldn’t care if we go out to the Grille at all. He’s really quite into making public appearances and with his tastes I’m surprised that he didn’t suggest it sooner,” Eve reached out to her, “besides Ian was telling me all about your foster care program and I thought it sounded like a very fascinating tale.” “I don’t know if I would call it fascinating, but....” Greta looked back towards Chris as Eve lead Greta towards the door. “You can tell us all over dinner,” Ian replied bringing his other out to reach for Greta, “I’m sure it’s a tale well worth hearing. All of us could benefit from it.” “Well...” Greta began, “Chris and I were...” “He doesn’t mind,” Eve interrupted again shooting him a glare, “do you Chris?” “Do I have a choice?” Chris frowned at Eve’s obvious attempt to keep him from being alone with Greta. “Not this time you don’t,” Eve shook her head as Chris reluctantly followed Greta and the Thornharts out of Greta’s hotel room. Somehow his evening with Greta was getting progressively worse and as he looked to Eve, he realized that he only had one person to blame for this downward spiral and he’d be sure to pay Eve back for it at a later time. That much he was sure of as he pasted on a smile, struggling to find the strength to make it through a dinner with two people he’d really rather just leave behind as his hopes for a quiet evening with Greta went down the tubes. |