I wrapped a robe around me and made my way to the kitchen, surprised to see Amy sitting at the table. "Amy? Everything okay?"

She smiled slightly as I grabbed a cup of coffee that she already had made. "Kevin and I had a fight. It's no big deal. We'll cool off and get past it just like we always do. So...is Robert still here?"

I was unable to contain the huge smile that spread across my face. "Yeah. So you wanna talk about what happened with you and Kevin?"

"Not really. You should just get back to Robert since he's leaving in the morning. Speaking of which, what are you going to do?"

I shook my head as my eyes clouded over. "I don't know. Miss him like crazy is the only plan I have right now."

I walked back in the bedroom and sat down on the bed beside Robert. My heart broke at the site of him to think that twenty-four hours from now he wouldn't be here. I ran my fingers over his arm and leaned over to softly kiss his forehead. He opened his eyes slightly and smiled at me before closing them again. "What are you doing up?"

"I had to have my coffee." I motioned to the cup on the nightstand. "Besides, it's after nine."

"Is it really? Hmm. Well, I guess you just wore me out."

"Oh, whatever!" I slid back under the covers and snuggled up next to him.

He hugged me and kissed the top of my head. "So, what do want to do today?"

I laughed. "It seems like you asked me that question yesterday morning... But actually, I was thinking that we should go over and check you out of your hotel. I'm not letting you out of my sight again until you have to leave."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I'm afraid if I spend the night here tonight I'll wind up missing my plane in the morning."

I began to softly kiss his neck and chin. "Would that be such a bad thing? I mean, really, how important is this meeting you have to be at so early?"

"Oh, the meeting. Yeah, actually it's really important. It's about this movie I'm going to do. If I don't make the meeting they may decide to go with someone else."

"Oh."

He tilted my head up to look at him and smiled. "Actually, I think going to the hotel is a great idea. I have a surprise for you anyway."

We arrived at the hotel to find some camera crews and reporters waiting outside. Robert groaned when he saw them. I took a deep breath and smiled slightly. "Looks like they found you. Maybe I should just stay in the car."

He smiled and squeezed my hand. "I'm really sorry. I did my best to keep this trip a secret. But, you know, you're going to have to get used to this sometime. Now's as good a time as any to start."

"You're right. Besides, after last night I feel like I can handle anything." I grinned mischievously at him.

"Let's go."

The cameramen had begun snapping pictures before we even got out of the car. There were only a few, but it seemed like hundreds to me. The reporters asked the expected questions about what Robert was doing in Atlanta, did he have any movies in progress, were we dating and for how long. I was doing really well until one question stopped me in my tracks.. "Mr. Downey, we have a reliable source, an old friend of Miss Davis, who told us that she's only after you for your money. Can you tell us how you feel about that?"

"Well, that's kind of funny because Miss Davis knows that I don't have any money and if you'd done your research, you'd know that too." He gave her a fake smile and started to move on, but I stopped and glared at the woman. "What reliable source? Does this 'old friend' have a name?" Robert whispered my name under his breath and tugged lightly on my hand but I wasn't moving.

"Yes, as a matter of fact he does." The reporter smiled smugly as she looked down at her notes. "Rick Thomas... He gave us a picture of the two of you together. Would you like to see it?"

My mouth opened but I couldn't seem to say anything. Robert saw the look on my face and put his arm around me, guiding me into the hotel. When we got to the elevator, he pulled me into his arms and sighed. "I'm sorry, Lizzie. Someone you know?"

"Yeah." I looked up at him, my eyes filled with something he couldn't quite read. "Remember the high school sweetheart I followed to Atlanta?"

He nodded slightly and began stroking my hair as we headed toward his room. "Don't worry. No one's going to believe that story. The best thing to do is to just try and forget about it."

As we entered the room, his cell phone rang. He smiled apologetically as he answered it. "Hello?..Yeah..No, tell them I promise to be there for the meeting and I definately want the job." He sighed. "Well, I'd really like to do both, but if Howard can't wait for me.. I understand..Tell him that I'm really sorry but he'll have to find someone else.. Yeah, I know, but this is really important to me..."

Someone knocked on the door. He looked up at me and I motioned that I would get it. I opened the door to find a handsome man with longish curly blond hair and deep blue eyes. My face registered an expression that was a mixture of shock and something else that couldn't quite be described. "Rick..." I choked out the name, my voice almost a whisper. "What...what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you, baby. I missed you."

He reached his hand toward my cheek and smiled when I jerked away. "You didn't miss me. You came to sell some crap story to the tabloids about me being a gold digger."

I felt a hand on my back and realized that Robert had gotten off the phone and was standing behind me. "Well, I really am sorry about that, Lizzie, but I had to pay for the plane ticket somehow."

"Fine. So why don't you tell me what you want so you can be on your way." My face was stony but Robert could feel me trembling.

"Okay, sure. I came because I want you to get your new boyfriend here to get me a role in his next movie." "First of all, I'm not in charge of what Robert does. Second, he's not a casting director. Third... why would I want to do that?"

He smiled again. "Well, where there's a will there's a way. And I thought you'd do it on account of me being such a nice guy. I mean, there's a lot worse stories I could've sold to the tabloids. Complete with pictures."

My heart stopped as memories came flooding back. I turned my head to look at Robert. He looked somewhat confused but mostly just angry. I had never seen his jaw clenched like that.

I turned back to Rick and shook my head slowly. "Do you really hate me that much?"

"No, Lizzie, I don't hate you at all, I..." He glanced at Robert and then back at me. "Oh, I see. You didn't tell him. How interesting. Maybe you ought to consider how this information will affect his life and his career. I'll just go and give you two time to talk things over." He turned to go and Robert reached for the door to slam it behind him.

"Rick, wait..." He turned. "There's no sense in making you come back. Just do what you want. The tabloids are gonna dig. That's what they do. If you don't give them the story, they'll dig it up on their own eventually. Just go sell your story. And stay out of my life. I'm not interested in your blackmail."

I crossed silently to the bed and sat down with my head in my hands. Robert sat down beside me and pulled me into his arms. "Elisabeth? Are you okay?" When I didn't answer him, he gently pulled my hands away from my face. A look of concern crossed his face as he noticed the tears welling up in my eyes. "Hey..." He put his hand to my cheek. "What could possibly be so terrible? You want to talk about it?"

I shook my head somewhat angrily. "No. I really don't. But he didn't leave me much of a choice, did he? Because unless I want you to hear about it from someone else, I have to tell you now."

"Elisabeth, whatever it is, it doesn't change anything, I..."

"Don't say that until you hear it." I took a deep breath and began the story.

"I'm not sure how long Rick was sleeping with his boss before the day I walked in and caught them on his desk. Probably since the day he started his job. But since I knew about it now, he decided to leave our apartment to move in with her. That suited me fine since I couldn't stand the sight of him, but I was working as a waitress and couldn't make the rent on my own. I took a second job at a grocery store and tried to find a roommate but I didn't have much luck. I was working almost eighty hours and I was depressed and lonely. But I was too stubborn to go home. One night one of my regular customers at the restaurant offered me a job in a strip club. I told him no, but the more I thought about it the better it sounded. It was half the hours and twice the pay. I workd there for two years and went to school during the day. It was during that time that I met Amy at the coffee shop. I used to go there to study before I went into work."

I stopped and took a deep breath, looking up at him for the first time. He was watching me curiously. "Elisabeth...you know how I've lived my life and you thought I was going to condemn you for this? I can see that you're upset and I don't mean to trivialize that but I don't understand why this is such a big deal. Unless it's because he said he had pictures. Why would he have pictures?"

"I don't know. He did come in the club a few times after he found out I was working there, but Max never let anyone take pictures. I guess it's possible that he took some without anyone noticing if he didn't use a flash..."

"Do you think he was just bluffing?"

"I'm not sure but I guess I'll find out soon enough. I hope he was. My parents never knew. I can't imagine what they're going to say about it."

"Just tell them that it's all in the past. You've moved on and they should too."

"I don't think that's going to work. I'm their baby girl. It doesn't matter how long ago it was. I guarantee the statute of limitations isn't up yet."

I smiled slightly and he returned the smile, seeming relieved that I was cheering up some. "Lizzie, that story will probably never even come out. I mean, even if Rick tries to sell it, I don't know why anyone would buy it. There's no story there."

"You don't think someone will pay to have the headline 'Robert Downey Jr. Dates Former Stripper'?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Why is that news? I've been in prison. At least what you did was legal."

"Well... not exactly."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean, 'not exactly'?"

"I mean I was under-aged. I was only eighteen when I started working at the club."

"Don't they have people who check for things like that?"

"Yes, but Max made me a phony driver's license and birth certificate. He was really good to me."

Robert rolled his eyes. "Yeah. He sounds like a prince."

As he threw things into his bag, I suddenly remembered something. "Didn't you say you had a surprise for me?"

His eyes lit up. "Yes, I did." He pulled a script from his bag and sat down beside me, handing me the script. "I wanted you to look over the script for this next movie I'm doing."

I was confused. This was the surprise? I looked up at him questioningly but he just opened the script to the first page and motioned for me to read it. The movie was called "After The Promise" I skimmed the first page, reading things like, it's early spring, we see trees and flowers coming to life...we focus in on newleyweds in kitchen, they laugh together and the husband kisses his wife passionately as he leaves for work... we follow the husbands car along a Savannah highway until we pass JAY, unloading boxes from his car and putting them in his new apartment...

I backed up a few words and focused in on one in particular, looking anxiously up at Robert. "Savannah?"

He smiled and nodded slowly. "Savannah? Are they going to film it in Savannah?" His smile widened and I jumped up, wrapping my arms so tightly around his neck that I knocked him backward on the bed, landing on top of him.

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around me. "So...you're excited about Savannah?"

"Are you kidding? That's only a few hours away from here! I know you'll be busy, but I can come visit you, right?"

He smiled. "You'd better. Now, let's get out of this hotel. Are you ready to face the reporters again?"

"I guess so."

When we got off the elevator, we saw Rick sitting in the lobby, talking with the reporter I had spoken to earlier. As we watched, he got up, handed her an envelope and walked out the door. I looked anxiously at Robert. "I'll bet those were pictures he just handed her. Great. I guess he wasn't bluffing."

He looked at me for a minute and then smiled. "Lizzie, stay here for a few minutes, okay?"

"Why?"

"Trust me?" He squeezed my hand and walked off before I could object. I watched him walk over to the desk clerk. They spoke for a minute and she handed him something. Then he walked over and sat down with the reporter. They talked for several minutes. The woman handed Robert the envelope and, sure enough, he pulled pictures out of it. I watched him flip carefully through the pictures as he talked. There seemed to be a lot of pictures. He finished with the pictures and they talked some more. I was trying to figure out what was going on, but Robert had turned so his back was toward me. It must have been a friendly conversation because the reporter was smiling. Soon she called her cameraman over to take a couple of pictures of Robert. By the time he came back I was extremely curious.

"What's going on?"

"I need you to come over here and let these people take some pictures of us."

"What? Why?...No. I'm not...that woman is.."

"Lizzie, I don't have time to explain. I really need you to trust me and follow my lead. And BE NICE!"

I followed him grudgingly. They took a few pictures then the woman nodded to Robert and he got down on one knee in front of me. "Elisabeth...will you marry me?"

I didn't have to fake my surprise as he pulled a ring out of his pocket and held it up to me. The cameraman was snapping pictures as fast as he could. It was all I could do to get out the word "yes". He smiled, put the ring on my finger, then hugged and kissed me. The cameraman was still snapping away. He shook the woman's hand, (I still have no idea what her name was) and turned back to me. "Lizzie, would you go get my receipt from the desk clerk?" Then he leaned in and whispered in my ear. "And while you're up there, give that nice woman her ring back."

That's when it finally dawned on me. I gave the clerk her ring back and thanked her for letting us use it. When I got back to where Robert was, the reporter and her crew were gone. We walked silently to the car. When we got in, Robert handed me the envelope with my pictures in it.

I removed the pictures and began looking through them. They were dark but anyone who knew me would have recognized me. I breathed a sigh of relief as I put them back in the envelope. "So do you think it's too warm out to have a fire?" I held up the pictures.

"What? No!" Robert grabbed them away from me. "I got the pictures away from the mudslinger and I'm keeping them."

I gave him a look but decided not to pursue it. After all, he had saved the day. "So exactly what did you just pull back there, anyway?"

He grinned widely. "Oh, that. Well, first I told her that the pictures were fake. I said it obviously wasn't you."

"But it is me. It looks just like me. How did you convince her?"

"Well, um...I told her you have a very unusual birthmark on your uh...well, in a place where most people don't see it. I told her that the guy who created these pictures obviously didn't know about the birthmark. But, she said it still made for a good story even if it wasn't true. So I offered her a better one in exchange for it. I told her I was planning to propose to you but hadn't told you yet. I gave her an exclusive scoop. So. Why don't we put all this behind us and get some lunch?"

I smiled. He seemed more amazing every day. I didn't even think that was possible. "Sure."

We went straight back to the apartment after we had lunch. The fact that he was coming back soon to film his movie made me feel better about him leaving tomorrow but it was still hard. I wanted to have him all to myself for the time he was here.

"So who's playing the female lead in this movie?"

"Don't know yet. They've talked about Elisabeth Shue, Ashley Judd. There's a few others in consideration." "Elisabeth Shue. Wow. So what kind of love scenes are in this thing, anyway?" I picked up the script and started flipping through it.

He took the script away from me. "Lizzie, you promised not to be jealous."

"I did not. I promised not to hassle you about it. And I'll do my best not to. So how do you want to spend the rest of our last day?"

"You say that like I'm never coming back..Actually, though, I should probably work on that script for a little while. I've been supposed to be studying it this weekend and I think the only time I picked it up was when I handed it to you! I'm sure I can study it some on the plane but I really should look over it for awhile."

"But...they've already decided they want you for this role, right? So they won't be expecting you to read for it tomorrow, right?"

"No, but if they've decided on a costar they may want me to read with her to see what kind of chemistry we have. I just like to make sure I'm prepared. If I show up acting like an idiot they may decide they don't want me after all, and then I wouldn't be coming to Savannah..."

"Okay, okay. You should definately work on your script. I'll just sit here and... watch the genius at work." He raised an eyebrow. "No, I don't like that. I won't be able to concentrate on anything with you sitting there staring at me." He paused for a minute, looking at me, and then smiled. "You could help me though." "Help you?" I looked doubtful.

"Sure. It always helps if I have someone to read with. That way I don't feel like I'm talking to myself."

I agreed to read with him. Aside from not being able to say no to him when he was looking at me like that, it would also give me the opportunity to see what kind of love scenes he would have with whatever costar they ended up with.

"So what's this movie about?"

"Well, the basic premise is that my character, Jay, has just moved to Savannah and he meets this girl, Amanda. Amanda realizes that Jay is the man she's been dreaming about all her life. Problem is, she didn't think she'd ever find this dream guy so she married someone else just six months earlier. And she loves her husband, so..."

"That's terrible! You're playing a homewrecker!"

"I didn't say I end up getting the girl. She'll decide to keep the promise she made to him when she married him. Look, all you need to know, Amanda, is that you are in love with me but you also love your husband. There's your motivation, now just read the lines."

"I guess. So where do you want me to start?"

"Let's see..." He flipped through the script and pointed to a particular scene. "We'll start with this scene."

We went through that scene and a few others. It was easier than I thought it would be. I was actually really starting to get into this character.

"Don't you want to be with me?"

"Things aren't that simple, Jay. If I had met you a year ago, there wouldn't have been any question, but now.."

"A year? you're going to let one little year get in the way of us being together?"

My eyes began to tear up a little. "I made a vow...and it meant something to me! I know a lot of people throw their marriages away every day but I just can't..."

"Do you have any idea how in love with you I am?"

I squinted my eyes at the page and flipped over the next couple of pages. "Robert, where are you? I can't find that... Are you improvising?"

He smiled slightly and shook his head. "No, Lizzie, I'm... I'm in love with you." He walked over and sat down beside me, looking into my eyes.

I think my heart stopped. No, now it's pounding. I was trying to say something but I couldn't seem to make any sound come out. Were my lips even moving? I had to say something! "Y-you...you're... you're in love with me?" I finally managed to get out a whisper.

"Yeah...you seem surprised. That's okay, it kinda caught me off guard too. It was just...standing there watching you get all emotional over this sappy script..."

My eyes were wide and still moist but I finally found my voice. "I love you too, Robert. I've been in love with you since that day you embarrassed me on the Ally set." He kissed me softly and ran his fingers through my hair. I layed my head down on his shoulder and we just stayed like that for a few minutes, holding each other. All I could keep thinking over and over was that he loved me. Then, suddenly, I remembered what else he had said. "Robert, if you think this script is sappy, why are you doing the movie?"

He ran his hand along the side of my face. "I thought that was pretty obvious..."

I tilted my head. "Are telling me that the only reason you're doing this movie is to be close to me?"

"I don't see any other good reason to do it... And while we're on that subject, there's something else I wanted to ask you." He almost looked a little shy. Almost. "I did agree to this movie just to be close to you but even if I'm in Savannah you'll be a few hours away. I was kinda thinking that.. You know, since you do all your work from that laptop.. I was thinking you might come to Savannah and stay with me while we're filming."

"Are you serious?"

He smiled and shook his head slightly. "What do I have to do to convince you that I love you and I want to be with you?"

Now there was a question I knew the answer to. I gave him a look that he was beginning to recognize, then slowly kissed him, running my hand down over his chest and then back up again.

"Mmm...Lizzie..." He put one hand in my hair and began running the other slowly up my thigh. "I thought you were supposed to be helping me with my script..."

"I am. I know there has to be a scene like this in there somewhere..." I caught his ear lightly between my lips and began working my way down his neck. That was all it took to stop his protests. He wrapped both arms around me and layed back on the couch, pulling me on top of him. I giggled softly as I continued to kiss him. "What's the matter, did I find your weak spot?"

His eyes were twinkling as he slid his hands under my shirt and pulled it up over my head. "More like you are my weak spot..."

"So tell me more about this stripper thing."

I rolled my eyes but I knew he couldn't see me. He was sitting stretched out on the couch and I was leaned back against him, his arms around me. We hadn't bothered to get dressed yet and I was wondering what time Amy was getting off work. I sighed, but I didn't really mind the question. Right now the only thing that mattered to me was that he loved me. I still couldn't quite believe it. "What do you want to know?"

"I'm not sure. It just intrigues me that someone who used to take her clothes off in front of a room full of strangers could be as shy as you seemed when I met you. And the way you jumped every time I touched you...after having people stuff bills into your underwear?"

"Well, first of all, it was a long time ago. Also, I never let anyone touch me. I stayed on the stage and out of reach. I guess for a stripper, I was kind of a prude."

He laughed. "A prudish stripper...wouldn't that be an oxymoron?" He paused, running his fingers up my arm and putting his lips right next to my ear before he continued in a whisper. "So when do I get a private show?"

I shivered, his lips tickling my ear. I turned my head and planted a soft kiss on his shoulder, the only spot I could reach. "Any time you want."

"Really."

I smiled. "Yeah, well, we both know I can't say no to you so there's no point in pretending."

We had both begun to get hungry and since there was no food in the apartment, I decided to go pick up something. I thought it would be easier if he waited at the apartment, away from the reporters and fans. I had been gone for about fifteen minutes when Robert heard the doorbell. He answered the door in his boxers and tee shirt, thinking that I had forgotten my key, so he was surprised to find Rick standing there. "Can I help you?"

They seemed to be sizing each other up. "I came to see Lizzie. I need to talk to her."

"Well, thankfully, she's not here. Don't you think you've talked enough for one day?"

Rick looked somewhat amused, which really annoyed Robert. "I'm guessing she told you all about how I cheated on her." He paused, waiting for a response, but when Robert didn't say anything, he continued. "What she probably didn't tell you was how many times I begged her to forgive me. She never could. After five years of being faithful to her, I made one mistake and she said she'd never be able to trust me again. I know you don't believe me, but I love her. I loved her the first time I ever saw her and I still love her." Robert raised an eyebrow. "You have a strange way of showing it."

Rick nodded. "The pictures. I guess I owe you an apology as much as I do her. I went to that magazine to give them their check back and retract the story. They told me you traded it for a better one... Are you really going to marry her?"

"I don't think that's any of your business."

"You're right." He sighed. "Just tell Lizzie I'm sorry. I didn't do it to hurt her."

"Then why did you do it?"

He looked embarrassed. "To try to take her away from you. She's always been a really private person. I thought that when she realized that her whole life could become public knowledge, she'd walk away from you."

"And you thought she'd run to you after you threatened her with those pictures?"

"It was the best chance I had. I knew that if I couldn't get her away from you right away, I never would." He looked bitter. "She's loved you longer than she has me, anyway."

"How's that?"

"What, she didn't tell you? Well, I guess she was embarrassed. Back when we first started dating I took her to see "Air America". She raved about how incredible you were. She stopped when she realized it was making me uncomfortable but I'd still catch her talking with her friends about you from time to time. I'd be embarrassed to tell you some of the things I heard her say about you. Once we moved in together I'd come home early sometimes and catch her watching your movies, but she always tried to hide it. Anytime she rented movies without me I knew it was something you were in. I'm not going to say it ruined our relationship because I just always figured she didn't have any chance with you and just pushed it aside as one of those weird things women do. Then, when I saw that picture of the two of you, I figured I'd never get her back. And that's why I really showed up in Atlanta. To see if I had any chance at all, if there was any part of her that still loves me. I guess I have my answer."

Robert was unsure of what to say, so he stayed silent. It was about that time that I walked in on the confrontation. I almost dropped the food when I saw Rick stading there. "What's going on? Why are you here?" I looked from one to the other. Robert had a strange look on his face. Rick had a look that I recognized as having been caught in the middle of something. When no one answered my question, I raised my eyebrows and asked again. "What's going on?"

Rick spoke first. "Lizzie, I... I came to apologize. Can I talk to you for a minute?" He looked back at Robert. "Alone?"

I was doubtful. I looked at Robert but I couldn't tell anything from his expression. I shrugged. "I guess." I handed Robert the food. "Would you give us a minute?"

He snapped out of his trance and seemed to see me for the first time. "You sure?" I nodded and he went into the kitchen without another word.

I ushered Rick into the apartment and closed the front door, leaning against it with my arms crossed.

"Well?"

"Lizzie, I wanted to give you this." He handed me a business sized envelope.

"What's this?"

"It's the negatives from those pictures. And the check they gave me for the story."

I pulled out the check and looked at it, my eyes widening at the amount. I handed it back to him. "I don't want this."

He nodded. "Lizzie, I'm sorry. That's what I really came here for, to tell you I'm sorry. For everything. I was hoping that one of these days you'd be able to forgive me for what I did to you."

I looked toward the kitchen but Robert was nowhere to be seen. I smiled. "You know what, Rick? None of it matters anymore. So, yeah. I accept your apology and I forgive you. But, I'd really rather if you'd just stay away from now on. I do forgive you, but I just don't think we can be friends."

He put his hand on my cheek. I stiffened, but didn't pull away. "Lizzie, how can you just throw away everything we've been to each other?" He smiled softly. "I was your first love, your first kiss, your first..."

His smile widened. "Well, there were a lot of firsts for us. I know I'm the one who threw it away but I love you and I could never make that mistake again."

I pulled his hand away from my cheek. "I'm sorry, Rick, but I don't love you anymore."

"Why? Because of him? He's not perfect either you know!"

"I never said he was..."

"He'll make a mistake too, whether it's making out with some co-star or going back to that cocaine he loves so much..."

"That's enough, Rick."

"No, it's not. One of these days he's going to fall off that pedestal you've put him on and you'll dump him just as fast as you dumped me. That's why this stripper thing bothers you so much. It's not because your parents didn't know. It's because you can't stand to be reminded of the fact that you're not perfect either!"

His voice softened. "Just remember, whenever he finally loses that halo, I still love you. I'll always take you back."

I moved away from the door and he walked out without another word.

I walked into the kitchen to find Robert at the sink, staring out the window. I walked up behind him and leaned my head against his back. He spoke softly. "You okay?"

I nodded my head against his back. "Yeah. How much did you hear?"

He turned to face me but he didn't reach for me like he normally would. "All of it. I was eavesdropping."

"Oh." I dropped my eyes. I wasn't sure which part of the conversation to be embarrassed about. "Robert, I..." He looked at me expectantly but I realized that I didn't know exactly what to say. I shook my head. "Forget it. Let's just eat."

We sat down at the table in silence and I began to pick at the chicken parmesan I had picked up at Carrabbas. I noticed he wasn't eating much more than I was. I wanted to say something but I was at a loss. He was acting strangly but I wasn't sure which part of the conversation had upset him. Was it the remark about the cocaine? Was it what Rick had said about me putting Robert on a pedestal or wanting everyone to be perfect? Before I could gather my thoughts enough to say something his cell phone rang in the living room and he jumped up to get it.

"Hello?..Hey, Calista...No you're not interrupting, what's going on?...no, I'm fine, why?"

That's the last sentence I heard before I heard the front door close. I walked to the front window and saw him sitting at the bottom of the steps still talking to her. Something was definately wrong. Worried thoughts began to flood my mind. I sat down on the couch with my head in my hands and tried to think. I had to find a way to fix whatever damage Rick had done. Then something dawned on me. I didn't know how long he'd been here or what he said before I showed up.

Outside, Robert was still talking to Calista. He had told her about the entire encounter with Rick, beginning with him showing up at the hotel earlier and finishing with what had happened just a few minutes earlier.

"Calista, she told me yesterday that she'd only seen fifteen of my movies and that half of those were in the last two months. He talked like she rented one every week. Besides that, she said she never really noticed me until the Diane Sawyer interview a few years ago and he told me she's been 'in love' with me since 1990. I don't know if I can deal with this Cal. Why would she lie to me?"

"Robert, calm down. First off, why do you assume she's the one who's lying? Did you consider for a second that he might still be trying to break the two of you up?"

"I guess it's possible, but it seems like an elaborate story to make up. I'm really starting to care about her. I told her I'm in love with her!"

"You did what? You told me you were going to take things slow this weekend. You just wanted to spend some time with her, find out how you feel... You specifically said that you weren't going to say anything serious or do anything serious... Robert... tell me you didn't. You promised me you wouldn't."

He sounded frustrated. "No, what I promised you is that I wouldn't lead her on."

Calista sighed. "So you did sleep with her. Robert, you barely kissed her before she left LA and you've been in Atl. less than 48 hours. How did this happen?"

"Look, I tried really hard, but she didn't make it easy on me."

"Right. We're talking about Lizzie here. Shy girl? Jumped every time you touched her?"

A tiny smile formed on his lips as he remembered those first few moments in his hotel room yesterday and the shower fiasco last night. "She's not so shy...."

"So..."

"So... yeah. We made love. And I asked her to come to Savannah with me. And now it turns out it may not even be me she's in love with but some guy in a movie!"

"Okay, okay. From the sound of it, you need to get your butt back inside and sort this out. You owe it to her to at least hear her side of the story. And what if it is true? Just because she had a crush on you when she was young doesn't mean she doesn't love you for who you are now. And if she lied to you, it was probably out of embarrassment. AND, I'm sure she doesn't expect you to be perfect. But I think you should go talk to her about it. It's pretty obvious you're crazy about her. And if you walk away without giving her a chance to explain you're going to regret it."

When Robert came back inside I was still sitting on the couch. I looked up at him with worried tears and he came and sat down beside me. "Hey."

"Hey." I looked into his eyes trying to read what he was thinking. "I think maybe we need to talk." He nodded. "What were you and Rick talking about when I came home?"

Robert sighed. He seemed to be watching my face carefully as he recited the key parts of the conversation. I was chewing my lip by the time he finished. "Wow. That's a nice story. I must have been a horrible girlfriend to lavish so much attention on another guy."

"So is it true?"

"Well, I guess you could say it's based on a true story..." I looked up with a smile but he did not look amused.

"What does that mean?"

"Well, it means that he did take me to a movie on one of our first dates and I did make a comment about how adorable the leading man was. And, I do recall him being jealous about it. But, Robert...the movie wasn't "Air America", it was "Say Anything". And the actor who I found so adorable..." I looked up at him. I was trying not to smile but I suddenly found the conversation so amusing. "Robert, it wasn't you it was John Cusack." He still wasn't smiling so I continued. "The rest of the story is absolute fabrication. But I guess that one little incident is what he created the story from. As for the rest of what he said, I don't have you on a pedestal and I don't expect you to be perfect. I am far from perfect, and while that used to bother me, I have come to terms with it. And, yes, he was my first...everything, pretty much." I smiled at him and took his hand. "But you were my best..." He smiled faintly and I could feel him beginning to squeeze my hand. And as for him being my first love, I don't think that's really true. I thought he was at the time but the truth is, I didn't even know what love was until I met you."

He finally laughed softly. "Lizzie...did you get that line out of a movie?"

I blushed, knowing I was caught. "I think it was a tv show...but it doesn't matter, it's still true!"

The sparkle was back in his eyes as he pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. "I'm sorry, Elisabeth. I was jumping to conclusions without giving you a chance to explain. There's just one thing still bothering me, though."

I looked up and kissed him softly on the lips. "What is it?"

He had a sly smile on his face. "Am I going to lose you to John Cusack? Cause it's obvious you like him more than me..."

I smacked him playfully on the shoulder. "Robert, I was fifteen when we saw that movie! Besides, you're at least as cute as he is."

He raised any eyebrow. "At least as cute? Oh, that makes me feel much better!"

I was beginning to enjoy this. "Well, Robert, you asked! You don't have anything to worry about, I think I read somewhere that he's seeing someone now... and he doesn't even know I exist, so it doesn't matter how incredibly adorable he is..."

"Okay, that's it." With one swift movement he stood up, lifting me up in his arms.

"Hey! What's going on?" I giggled and pretended to fight him as he carried me in the direction of my bedroom.

"I'm going to show you why I'm much better for you than that skinny wimp, John Cusack. Now stop wiggling or you'll bang your head on the doorway."

I was giggling hysterically as he threw me down on the bed. He kneeled over me and began planting extremely soft kisses all around my ears. I had stopped giggling and shivered as he hit on a very sensitive spot. He put his lips against my ear and whispered, "Do you still think Cusack is cute?"

"Mmmm....umm...I can't seem to put a face with that name..."

He grinned. "That's the idea."

I put my fingers under his chin and guided his lips to mine. "I love you, Robert."

He smiled as he sofly ran his fingers across my cheek. "I love you too, baby."

It was 8pm and we were still wrapped in each others arms. I tried to press in closer to him, but that was impossible. I couldn't keep my eyes from watering as I thought about him leaving tomorrow. "Hey... what is it?"

"Nothing. I just don't want you to leave."

"Lizzie, that's a whole...ten hours away yet. You shouldn't even be thinking about it."

"Oh? And I don't suppose you need to spend a few of those ten hours sleeping do you?"

"Well, sleep is overrated." He smiled and kissed my forehead. "I'm a little thirsty. Do you want anything?"

"No. But if you're getting up you should probably put some clothes on. I think I heard Amy come in a little while ago."

Robert put on his boxers and tee shirt and left the bedroom. Amy was sitting on the couch watching a movie. When she saw him she gasped and jumped slightly. He held up his hands. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

She laughed. "Robert...sorry. No, um.." She pointed to the television. "'U.S. Marshalls'...on tv...you just shot someone and then I looked up and there you were.."

"Okay..." He shook his head and walked into the kitchen to get something to drink. "Hey, Amy..?" "Yeah.." He stood in the doorway and she looked up at him.

"Um, do you think your parents would care if Lizzie and I spend the night at the lakehouse tonight?" She shook her head. "No. Lizzie has her own key, they think she's their other daughter. And you... well, after the way Mom raved about what a 'wonderful young man' you are after you guys left last night, I'm surprised you don't have your own key!"

He laughed and rolled his eyes. "Okay, that's probably more than I needed to know.., but thanks."

He came back in the bedroom and told me to get dressed and twenty minutes later we were at the lake. It was a little chilly out so we built a small fire close to the lake and sat looking out over the water, his arms wrapped around me from behind.

"Robert?" The night was so quiet that I barely spoke above a whisper.

"Hmm?"

"Was that your agent that called on the way here?"

"Yeah."

"Did he happen to say that your meeting has been postponed until later in the week?"

He laughed. "No. Actually, he called to tell me that they've chosen a co-star and she'll be at the meeting tomorrow."

I almost whipped around to face him, wondering why he hadn't offered this information as soon as he got off the phone, but I decided to at least try to act like it was no big deal. "Oh... Well, that's a good thing... right?" I didn't have to turn to see him smiling. I could hear it in his voice. "Mmhmm, that's a good thing. It means I'll have the opportunity to work with her tomorrow so the directors can find out if we have any chemistry together."

I was trying so hard but I could feel myself stiffen. Robert must have noticed too because he hugged me softly while he was waiting for me to respond. "Great. That's great. So...who did they decide on?"

"Marisa Tomei."

"Marisa Tomei?"

"Yeah, she was in..."

I cut him off. "Only You."

"Yes... I'll take it that's one of the ones you've seen."

"Actually, I own that one. Which I guess is why I'm wondering why they would need to 'find out' if you have any chemistry together. "

"Well, that movie was several years ago. Things change. What worked then may not work now. It's a very different role in a completely different setting."

We were silent for a few minutes. "Lizzie..."

"Hmm?" I fought to keep my tone even as I tried to push away the mental images of him kissing Marisa.

"Everything okay?"

"Yup. Everything's just fine."

"You don't think Marisa Tomei is a good choice?"

I sighed. "No, I'm sure she's a great choice. And the best part is there won't be any awkwardness during that sex scene because you've made out on camera before. "

I turned sideways just in time to catch him rolling his eyes. I smiled and layed my head against his chest while he stroked my hair.

"Elisabeth?"

"Yeah."

"If you keep this up I'm going to have to lock you in my trailer while we're filming..."

I giggled. "That's probably not a bad idea. Otherwise the director might get really mad at me when I yell cut at the start of every love scene."

"Yeah, I think that would be a little distracting for me too."

I tilted my head and smiled up at him. "I promise to be good Mr. Downey."

He kissed me softly. "I don't really mind you being jealous, you're really cute when you pout... Just as long as you're not insecure. I meant it when I told you I love you and I don't want you to doubt it just because I'm doing a love scene with someone else."

"Well... If you'll promise to do more love scenes with me, off camera of course, than you do with anyone else, I'll promise not to be insecure."

I started to get a little hungry, remembering that I never did finish my dinner, so we went into the lakehouse to see what we could find. As I rummaged throught the cabinets, he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. "Find anything?"

"Well, there are some marshmallows left over from last night and I found this!" I pulled out a box of graham crackers and some chocolate bars.

He looked skeptical. "S'mores? For dinner?"

I frowned as I shook my head at him. "Not dinner, Robert, a sugar high to keep me awake all night. And I know there's some coffee in here."

He chuckled as he turned me around to face him. "Are you really planning on staying up all night?"

"How could I not? I don't want to waste a second of my last night with you by sleeping."

He slid his hands under my shirt and ran them up my back, pulling me closer at the same time. "You keep talking like I'm not coming back..." He kissed me softly and, before I even knew what was happening, he had unclasped my bra.

"Hey!"

He smiled an incredibly sexy smile and began gently kissing my ear. "Hey..."

"Robert..." He was too busy sliding my shirt to one side and kissing my shoulder to answer me. "Our campfire is going to go out."

"So?" His voice was soft as he lifted me onto the countertop. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, knowing that I couldn't resist him if I wanted to.

The fire was almost out when we went back outside but Robert managed to get it going again. We roasted the marshmallows and turned them into very messy s'mores which we managed to get all over us while trying to feed them to each other.

After I had all the sugar and caffeine I could handle I sat wrapped in Robert's arms watching the fire. "So when are you coming back?"

"I don't know. A couple of weeks maybe."

"A couple of weeks? How in the world am I going to stand being away from you for two weeks?"

"It was two months last time..."

I smiled slightly. "Well it was hard then too, but things are a little different now."

"Hmm... Can't say I didn't warn you about that. "

"Yeah well, I may have gotten out of the shower with the intention of seducing you but you didn't exactly push me away."

He raised an eyebrow. "How strong do you think I am? You knew how much I wanted you, so you come out in a wet tee shirt, push me up against the counter and start kissing me..."

I grinned. "Well, like I said, I came out with the intention of seducing you."

"And you're very good at it." He layed back on the quilt and pulled me down beside him.

We layed there and talked for a few minutes but in spite of all my best intentions, I soon fell asleep.

At around 4am, the alarm on his watch woke me up and I felt a strange feeling settling into my stomach. I handed him the keys as we walked toward my car. Could you drive? I don't feel very well. He smiled and kissed me softly. "I figured all those s'mores would catch up with you."

I was quiet as we drove back to the apartment and packed his bag. "Lizzie, why don't you get some sleep now? I can take a taxi to the airport."

I smiled and shook my head. "You think I'm going to pass up the opportunity to spend one last hour with you?"

He sat down beside me on the bed gently pushing my hair back behind my ear. "I love you and I will be back as soon as possible. And I'll call you as soon as I know when we're going to begin filming."

I layed my head on his shoulder. "I love you too. And I'll be waiting."

The airport was more crowded than I expected. I didn't know that so many people took 6am flights. We didn't talk much while we waited. We just sat, hand in hand, staring out the window. I didn't ask what he was thinking. I tried not to worry about his meeting with Marisa. I had heard rumors that they used to date but I didn't want to ask. I had a feeling that he wouldn't tell me unless I did ask.

They gave the boarding call at about 5:30. As we walked toward the gate I smiled faintly. "This seems oddly familiar."

He turned to face me and set his bag down. "Yeah, but maybe this time you'll call me when you miss me instead of chatting with strangers about my underwear."

"Oh, I'll call you. But it'll be much more fun chatting about your underwear now that I have something interesting to add to the conversation. Who knows what else I might end up talking about?"

He grinned. "Just remember, I still have your pictures."

I frowned. "I can't believe you kept those pictures. What are you going to do with them anyway?"

His smile widened as I saw an ornery look in his eyes. "I'm going to have them blown up and framed so I can put them all around my apartment." The boarding call sounded again. "Oops, gotta go."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, you're off the hook for now." I paused as I felt that queasy feeling return to my stomach. "Be careful."

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me in a way that caught the attention of some passers by. "Don't worry."

I didn't stick around to watch the plane take off. I hated to see him leave but I also found myself anxious to get back to the apartment and tell Amy about my incredible weekend.

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