By Robert's second week back on the set, the cast and crew appeared happier than they'd been in a long time, and everything just seemed to run smoother. His mere presence always made everyone aspire to a higher level. Pam Wisne was visiting the sound stage, watching the filming of a courtroom segment with Robert, Calista and Peter McNichol (one of the few episodes he was filming this season). David Kelley joined her, "How's it going?" he asked her quietly. "Robert doing okay?"

She knew what he was asking and said, "He's fine." Then she shrugged and whispered, "And, what can I say about him and Calista. It's like old times. When they're in a scene together, it's magical, regardless of whether their characters even exchange words." She and David both became engrossed in what was happening in front of the camera:

LARRY: Ms. Masters, can you tell us your relationship to the victim?

PLAINTIFF: He's my brother.

JOHN: Objection!

LARRY: (Turns): Oh, care to share?

JOHN: Never mind, your Honor, I apologize. I was acting prematurely - anticipating opposing counsel's normal shenanigans. Withdrawn.

OFF JOHN WE GO TO:

ALLY: (Looking very smug with her client at defendant's table, knowing John is purposely trying to take Larry out of his rhythm.)

OFF ALLY WE GO TO:

LARRY: (Stares into space with vacant look.)

JUDGE: Mr. Paul? Mr. Paul?

LARRY: Oh, is it my turn, your Honor?

JUDGE: Yes, Mr. Paul. It's your turn.

The scene continued while Pam and David watched in pleasure. After another 20 minutes, D'Elia yelled, "CUT!" "Splendid!" he said, "Ready scene #56. Everybody back in 10."

Bill came over to David, "Well?"

"Peter and Robert have always worked well together," David nodded.

"Care to stay and watch the fireworks?" Bill grinned.

"That's why I'm here," David answered.

The cast had taken their positions for the next scene.

"Rolling. Scene #56, Take #1. Marker. Action:"

LARRY: (Directs question to his witness): Had he changed his mind in this regard?

ALLY: Objection! The witness can't possibly testify as to what was in her brother's mind when he decided to leave the woman who loved him with just a NOTE!!

LARRY: (Turns toward Ally with squinted eyes): And, my learned colleague would know he left a note?

ALLY: (Hisses): Well, isn't that what you do ... leave notes because you're too big a coward to say goodbye face to face when you stop loving someone?

LARRY: Excuse me? I think I expl.....

OFF LARRY WE GO TO:

JURY: (Glancing back and forth from Ally to Larry like a tennis match, thoroughly enjoying the verbal volley.)

OFF JURY WE GO TO:

JUDGE: Counsel, approach the bench!

(Larry and Ally appear before him.)

JUDGE: (Places hand over microphone.) Do we have a personal matter that needs to be resolved before we continue?

ALLY/LARRY (in unison): No, your Honor.

JUDGE: I'm glad to hear it. Now, stop the theatrics and get on with this case. Any more outbursts like that and I'll declare a mistrial and instruct your respective clients to report each of you to the bar for disciplinary action. Is that clear?

ALLY/LARRY (again in unison): Yes, your Honor.

(They walk back to respective tables.)

LARRY: (Under his breath and through clenched teeth): What the hell was that? I thought you said you could keep personal matters out of the courtroom.

ALLY: Don't worry about me, you .. you .. ‘note' leaver. Just worry about yourself.

LARRY: May I resume, your Honor?

JUDGE: I'd be forever grateful, Mr. Paul, since I'd like to conclude this trial before I reach old age.

They finished the morning shoot without a hitch and Bill was immensely pleased. Most of the crew were moving to Set 3. And Calista and Robert were not due on Set 5 for another two hours.

Robert walked over to David.

"How's it goin' Rob," he said, "you feeling okay?"

"So far, so good. Uh .. I hope you know that I'm really doin' my part this time. I'm keeping the system happy which, hopefully, will make you sleep better." He was immediately contrite, "If that sounded glib, David, I'm sorry. It wasn't meant to be. I know I said it before, but thanks, I .. um .. really owe you a lot. I won't forget everything you've done for me ... and I won't let you down again, you've got my word on that."

"Just keep doin' what you do better than anyone, that'll be repayment enough. You and Calista write my scripts for me," David smiled. "You have an off day tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, actually several. The courtroom scenes will be done today and I'm not due back on the set again till Tuesday. But, I like being here ... and then there's the 12-step ... so if you don't mind, maybe I'll just come and hang around."

"You know I don't mind," David replied, "you've always got a home here."

Robert smiled, "Yeah. Maybe that's why it always feels so good here ... it's like family."

David patted his shoulder, "It is. Well, I'm off. See ya later."

"Yeah," Robert said, "later." He walked off in the direction of Calista's trailer. But, she wasn't there and he was disappointed. He stuck his head in the nursery. No Calista and no Liam.

He'd been trying to quit smoking, but he was smart enough to take it one vice at a time. Walking out to a lovely green courtyard off the soundstage, Robert lit a cigarette and paced. He was hoping that Cal might've brought Liam outside but he was the only one there. Anxiety was creeping up on him, and he didn't know why. The muscles in his neck were tightening and it felt like all his nerve endings were scraping against sandpaper. His mouth was watering and he was sweaty and clammy. His insides were tossing around like he was at sea engulfed in 40 foot swells. "Oh shit!" he whimpered. "Not now! This can't be happening now. I've gotta keep it together," Robert told himself nervously, "gotta keep it together." Reaching for his cell phone, he dialed Warren's number and, over the course of the next 20 minutes, Warren was able to talk him through it. Robert wiped sweat from his forehead and looked upward to say a silent thanks - and then he looked back up and added, "at least until next time."

The door opened and Jane poked her head out. "Hey, Rob, thought I might find you out here."

Robert jumped in surprise. "Oh, hey. What's up?"

"Calista left for the day because Liam was running a temp. And, a lot of the cast seem to have caught a bug, so shooting's down for tomorrow. They're just gonna finish up the conference room scene now and wrap for the day. ... Looks like we'll be working overtime next week," she said, looking at him sympathetically.

"Is he all right?" Robert was concerned about Liam.

"Oh, you know kids, Rob, I'm sure it's nothing serious."

He nodded.

"Well," Jane said, "just wanted to let you know. I'm due back on the set, so I'll see you later, huh?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Jane."

Robert went back inside and confirmed that the set was indeed going dark for the rest of that day and the next, and then he headed over to Calista's, making one stop along the way.

Calista opened the door, surprised and a little peeved, "Robert, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, I just came to see if Liam could come out and play. But, all the tabloids say he's sick."

"Funny. And, speaking of the media, Robert. It's broad daylight! Reporters have probably been hiding in the bushes for months just waiting for something like this."

Robert purposely began twitching his entire body in an exaggerated manner, "Ooh, now I'm nervous," he joked. Sensing her annoyance, he said, "Come on, Cal. Screw ‘em. I came to see how my buddy is. ... Uh, can I come in?"

"Well, now that you're here ....," she said, stepping back to let him in.

"Cal, I'm sorry. Don't be mad. I was just concerned."

"You could've called," she said.

He grinned. "Yeah. But, this is more fun."

She looked at him in exasperation.

"So, how is he? I brought him this," he said, bringing from behind his back a teddy bear. Then from his pocket he pulled out a small, authentic New York Yankees baseball cap, their favorite team, and placed it on the bear's head. "We need to start him on the right track early, you know."

Calista laughed, "You're impossible. But, thanks, it was sweet. He's just running a little temp. The doctor says it's a bug that's going around. He'll be fine in a few days."

"Good. Well, since I'm here, I might as well stay for dinner, huh?" Robert said innocently.

She put her hand on her hip, "Robert, you did this on purpose. What am I gonna do with you?" she asked, shaking her head.

"Feed me?"

She didn't answer.

"I promise I'll leave early and let you get some rest."

"Okay, but you're doin' the dishes," she declared.

True to his word, Robert left promptly at 9:00 p.m., but not before he'd done the dishes.

Although he was supposed to Monday off, Robert was back on the set to finish shooting the scenes they'd been unable to finish on Thursday. And, he and Vonda had spent long hours in the recording studio redubbing a song they'd done for one of the episodes. Thursday was Thanksgiving and scenes were being filmed in record speed because they were shutting down for a week after the holiday.

On Tuesday morning, Robert poked his head into Calista's trailer, "Hey, you ready?"

They were due on the set in five minutes for their first kissing scene since ‘Larry's' return to the show. "Yep. Just give me a minute. Oh, damn, can you help me with this zipper?"

"Sure," he said entering the room. "Where's Liam?"

"Oh, he's still got a stuffy nose so he's home with the Nanny."

Robert smiled and thought a moment before slowly lowering her zipper all the way down to her butt. Then he kissed her gently on her left shoulder blade.

"Robert! Our agreement?"

He held up his hands like he was under arrest. "Just friends, I know, I know. But, if I can't kiss the shoulder of a friend, whose shoulder can I kiss?"

"Stop kidding around and zip me up!"

"You're no fun," he pouted as he zipped her dress. "Hey, I get to kiss you today, you know. Hope you're prepared."

"You better not pull any funny stuff, like you did before," she replied.

"Like?"

"Like? Like?" she mimicked. "Like the snowman kiss last season - remember! You may have caught me off guard on that one buddy, but I'm ready for you today."

"And, I still can't believe you jumped my ass about that. My god, considering what we were doing in private, that kiss was pretty damned mild. Fans had been screaming for HOT, and you have to admit, we gave ‘em hot. Not like those other so-called kisses you'd been giving me."

Calista couldn't deny that after their romance had begun, she'd been afraid to really kiss him on screen because she just knew everyone would be able to tell what was going on between them. "And you know why."

"Um, yeah! And, we really had everyone fooled, huh," he said mockingly. "C'mon, tell the truth. That kiss was more than a little exhilarating - and liberating!"

She lowered her eyes and didn't answer.

"Okay. How about instead of me kissing you today, I just stick my tongue in your ear?"

"Oh, that's funny," she said, "let's go."

The scene was set in the kitchen, where Ally and Larry were scripted to fight and make up. They'd done eight takes of the beginning of the scene before the director had been satisfied, but after another four takes there was still a problem with the final sequence leading up to the love making. It called for Larry to pull Ally to him roughly for a kiss she's not expecting. But, each time, Calista's mouth kept ending up next to Robert's ear or nose instead of on his mouth and they were having trouble getting the blocking right.

"Keep rolling. Take it again from the top of page 56."

ALLY: Why should I believe anything you say?

LARRY: Because I love you. I never stopped loving you! (Robert's voice rose as he professed Larry's feelings for Ally.)

ALLY: (Calista was totally into character as her head shook violently back and forth and she nervously played with her mouth): No, no, Larry, um ... um ... no, I'm not gonna do this again. I can't. I'm not strong enough to take your leaving again. Just go. You're gonna leave anyway, so just go. Or, go to the DEVIL for all I care!

LARRY: (Reaches in, turns her and pulls her to him roughly.) This time Robert connected and his mouth completely covered Calista's and he was kissing her for real. Despite herself, Calista couldn't help but respond. A shock went through her as their tongues connected.

"Cut!! Great. Now, we'll splice in the sex scene we choreographed last week - it'll work beautifully."

Although the scene was over, Robert refused to relinquish her mouth immediately and Calista was still not resisting. Finally, they broke and Robert, glancing around, acted as though he hadn't even heard the director. He asked innocently, "Was that okay?"

The director gave him a knowing look and then observed Calista, who was obviously flustered. 'Something's going on here,' he thought, 'but I'm not even gonna go there.'

"Hey, I'm sorry, okay?" Robert exclaimed as he followed her out to her trailer, trying to apologize.

"You just had to do it, didn't you. Damn you, Robert, everyone on the set's gonna be talking now!" Calista said hotly.

"Cal, everyone on the set was talking about us months before I ever left."

She glared at him, "I'm so mad right now, Robert, I don't even want to talk to you."

"Well, then, would you have dinner with me? You don't have to talk, just eat."

In spite of herself, Calista couldn't help but laugh, "Why the hell can't you ever just be straight."

"Because I love you. It's not easy. But, you have to admit, I've been good for two whole weeks."

"Wow." Calista said.

"Come on. Have dinner with me. I'll even let you pay."

"Is that your subtle way of telling me that you don't have any money again?" she asked.

Robert lowered his head bashfully. "No. It's just that I'm lonely. I don't want to go back to rehab." The toe of his shoe played tag with a small pebble. He looked just like a little boy afraid of the dark, "Can I sleep on your couch again tonight?"

"NO!" "I promise I'll be good."

"Oh, Robert. Why do I have to keep repeating myself. What the hell am I gonna do with you?" she asked, exasperated.

"Take me home with you?" he pleaded, looking at her with puppy dog eyes.

Calista knew she shouldn't do it - knew that she'd regret it. But, she also knew she couldn't refuse. "You promise you'll be good?"

Again, he gave her a wicked grin.

"Don't ... go there again!" she warned. "Are you gonna promise?"

"Scout's honor," he answered.

"Robert, you were never a boy scout!"

"Yeah, but Tonto's hor..."

She clamped her hand over his mouth, "Don't .... even ... say ... it!"

Later, they were sitting on the couch eating Chinese take-out, again.

"So," Robert probed, "where are ... we ... exactly."

Calista studied him, "We're making some progress. But, each time you pull a stunt like today, we slide two steps back."

He made a face, "Then, what'ya think, another 10-12 years before you're sure?"

She laughed. "You're incorrigible."

"But do you love me?" he asked.

"I said, you're incorrigible."

"Yes, and I asked do you love me?"

"It's never been about that, and you know it," she said looking at him intently.

"Then, if you love me why can't we be together? It's been over two weeks."

"And here I thought you had no patience. Silly me."

"Okay, okay. Gimme a clue. How long is long?" he wanted to know.

"Well, it's sure gonna take a lot longer than two weeks for us to know where we're going."

"You mean, my three month crash and burn program?"

"Maybe."

"Ah ha! Gotcha! It's been over six months," he said triumphantly. "And, I'm not gonna fail again, Calista. Tell ya what, let's make a deal."

"What've you got in mind?"

"Christmas is a little over a month away, right?" He stopped suddenly and thought for a moment. "By the way, can we spend Christmas and New Year's together?"

"Robert, it's only Thanksgiving, so let's play it by ear, okay. If things look promising, I'm sure I can work around my schedule. Mmm, check with my secretary, okay?" Calista smiled.

"Oooh, thank you," he said in an strongly affected English accent, "you're too, too kind."

She curtsied and he gave her a sweet sneer.

"Ah," he began slowly, "now for my proposal. And, please don't answer in haste. Please. All right? Think about it before you say anything, okay? Uh .. okay .. I'm just gonna say it. If I'm still squeaky clean by the time the series wraps in April, we move in together, let the world know we love each other, and we get on with gettin' on with our lives. That's five months from now. Almost a year from my arrest. Almost a year of rehab and counseling ... wrestling Polar bears ... and all that ... during which I will have managed to hold it together. So .. what'ya say .. deal?"

"And, if you're not?"

"Well, then somebody oughta just shoot me in the head ‘cause I'll be too fuckin' stupid to live! But, I will be, I know it. If I'm not, then I'm not worth a shit and the whole thing will be moot anyway, won't it? I'll have lost you and myself and us, and what the hell!"

Calista needed a lot of time to think before responding to what he'd asked and carefully broached a different matter, "Robert, the London play is still open for us next summer if you're interested."

He grinned, "Are you playing with my heartstrings Ms. Flockhart or just trying to change the subject?"

"Really, the London producers contacted me a month ago to let me know it's still on, and they're very interested in signing you. And, no, I'm not changing the subject - I'm just mulling it over before I answer."

"The play would be great. That's what I was hoping for last year. You and me, together, in Europe. Life couldn't get much sweeter. Unless, of course, it was you and me ... forever." He searched her face for a reaction.

She found it hard to argue, but refused to look at him.

"Uh, I have a surprise for you, too," he said.

"Yeah?"

"My agent called today. I've been offered the lead in what looks like a fun movie. I read the script last week. It's a Cary Grant/Carole Lombard romantic comedy type thing. But, here's the real kicker - guess who they think should play my leading lady?" He gave her a sexy grin.

Calista looked at him, her eyes widening in astonishment as he was slowly shaking his head yes. "Me? Oh, Robert, are you kidding me?"

"Yeah, I am. Actually, they want Whoopie Goldberg," he said smirking. "Of course, I'm not kidding. It'll be fun. Cross my heart," he said, "you're their first choice. Think you'd consider doing a film with that brilliant, but troubled actor, Downey?" he teased.

"I repeat, you're incorrigible."

He suddenly got nervous. "You wouldn't consider rewarding someone who'd just given you such good news with a kiss, would you?"

She leaned over and kissed him lightly. He kissed her back, and before she knew it, she'd fallen into his arms and they were kissing each other passionately and urgently. She unwillingly pulled away. "No, Robert," she was very flushed, "I'm not going to do this. We promised to take it slow."

Robert groaned. "You're right," he sighed, "only I don't know how much longer I can do this - you're driving me CRAZY." He looked upward in frustration. "SHIT! Okay, okay ... I'm gonna prove I can keep my end of the bargain if it kills me." He chewed on his bottom lip and then said poutingly, "And, it just might, you know ... then you'll be sorry."

Smiling sweetly, she replied, "Sorry, the guilt game got such low ratings, it was canceled.."

He wrinkled his nose and shrugged his shoulders in resignation.

"Now, we really need to get some sleep," Calista said, "it's an early call tomorrow."

"Okay," he said reluctantly.

She got up slowly and started down the hallway.

"Cal?"

"Hmm?"

"Forgot to tell you. The movie's filming on location in the Caribbean and Italy. Great honeymoon itinerary, don't you think?"

She turned and saw a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Robert, you're not even divorced yet. So, don't do this, okay?" she said softly. "You're getting us way ahead of ourselves. No matter how badly I want that ‘dream come true,' I'm not gonna build myself up again for another big fall. Let's stick to our deal - take it one step at a time. Please?"

"Sorry, it's hard not to ... think about .... I told you ... I love you. But," he growled, "okay. I'll be good. I won't ruin it."

"Thanks. Well then, goodnight."

"Night. Ah, Cal?"

"Yeah?"

"Do I really have to sleep on the couch?"

"Go to sleep Robert!"

He rolled over and pulled the blanket over his head.