Disclaimer: twinkle twinkle little star... did you know that that's the same tune as the alphabet song? go ahead, sing them...

Note: I read once a theory that everyone forms at least one unbreakable attachment in their lifetime. Each person has someone that they would do anything for. Including let them go.

---

"CJ's in your office."

I glanced through the window. "Bonnie? The lights are off."

"I know." Bonnie shrugged and went back to doing whatever it is she gets paid to do.

I walked into my office, shutting the door behind me. I dropped all my stuff and sat next to her on the couch.

And I waited. Waited for the curled up woman to speak. Waited for her to tell my why she was sitting in the dark waiting for me.

Finally, she spoke. "I can't do this anymore."

"Do what?" I asked, still not looking at her.

"Pretend," she sighed. "Pretend things don't bother me, pretend I don't care."

"About what?"

She sighed. "I don't know. I think I might be going crazy."

I nodded. "It's possible."

"Do you know how long it's been since I've been on a date?" She turned to me and I felt safe turning to look at her. "A real date, at a restaurant. With linen and crystal. This place is not conducive to relationships."

"Why don't I take you out?" I heard myself say. "Tonight okay?"

She appeared stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Okay."

"Why don't you go to work, I'll come by later to get you. Go home a little early, get all dressed up."

"It'll be almost like a date." She smiled at me and stood up. "Thanks Toby." And she left for work.

***

And that's how I came to be sitting in this restaurant. I fiddle with my wedding band before taking it off and dropping it in my pocket. I look up to see CJ coming back to the table. I didn't get a chance to admire her dress when I picked her up since she already had her coat on. Now that she's walking, I can see how high-cut the slit is, showing off her legs.

And she has amazing legs. Well, she has an amazing body.

I put on my mask of indifference as she gets closer.

"Ready for dessert?" she asks as she sits down.

I glance around. "Why don't we dance? You're all dressed for it."

She smiles, pleased. "Okay." She stands back up.

I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. She clasps her hands around my neck and I rest mind on her waist. We dance silently and I feel her relax.

She loves to dance. I know how to dance, the basics I mean. I don't love it but I'm more than willing to dance with her.

The band stops and I usher her back to the table. "Thanks, Toby. This has been a nice night."

"Why don't we get dessert and go back to your place?"

She looks slightly surprised. "We have work in just a few hours."

"You need to talk, and we didn't get a chance during dinner."

She nods, "That obvious?"

"That you need to talk? That you're not as free as you act?"

She winces but smiles wryly. "Both."

"Only to me." I tell her honestly. She nods slowly.

I call the waiter over and order dessert to go. After I pay the bill, we walk out to my car.

"I tried, Toby," she tells me quietly as I usher her into the car.

"I know." I use the walk to the driver's side to think. When I get in the car, I take her hand. "To make you feel better, you're fooling everyone but me."

She smiles and stares off into nothing. "And Danny."

It hits me then, suddenly and forcefully. I stare at her, then gently pull my hand from hers and start the car.

I know that expression, I've just never seen it quite so strong on her face. She's had shades of it before in the years I've known her, but never quite as serious.

CJ is in love. I wonder if she knows.

***

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