It was late in the afternoon and Lindsey was out taking the 'big kids', as Stevie called them, on a long hike. Baby Iris was with her parents on a zoo outing and she was home alone. She tried to paint but felt uninspired, she didn't feel like working on any of her other projects and she definitely didn't want to watch tv. Music made her think too much but she couldn't stand the silence. She poured herself a glass of wine, contemplating her next move when her cell phone rang. She sighed heavily, reading the name on the screen. More than a week had passed and Stevie's mind replayed the conversation with Brock. Though brief, it impacted her. She needed closure.

"Surprise, surprise" she said, answering the phone.

"Hey, you finally picked up!" Brock said, his tone a lot more friendly than Stevie's had been.

"Well, you only called me about a million times. I had to ask Dylan how to clear my voice mail" Her voice showed her irritation, she wasn't even trying to hide it.

"I could have shown you" he offered.

"I wouldn't need anyone to show me if you would have taken a hint." It was quiet for a few excruciating moments and Stevie used it to take several large gulps of wine. She needed something to stop herself from having another panic attack. "I'm sorry"

"No, I should have left you alone but all I want to do is see you. I'm in town and uh, if you're not busy, will you meet me for a cup of coffee? There's this place I know you'll like. It's kinda mystical and they have palm readers and all that witch stuff there." The way he said it showed that it obviously wasn't his scene. "If you're willing, that is. I don't want to force you into anything."

"Is the coffee good?"

"I just get it black and they don't play country so I'm in and out. I don't really know."

She chuckles. "Okay."

"Okay? Really?"

"You've worn me down"

"It's not too far from your place, if you wanna walk. Don't wear those big ass heels, okay?"

"Fine."

"Can I park at your house and go from there?"

"Sure, but don't you dare park in my yard."

"Wouldn't dream of it. So I'll see you in like an hour?"

"Yeah. See you soon."

"See you"

She hangs up and pours herself another glass of wine, taking it up to her room with her. She sips it as she gets ready, darkening her make up in the mirror of her vanity. She quickly changed her outfit from leggings and a top to a skirt and blouse, remembering he said not to wear heels. She decided instead to wear a pair of wore in leather riding boots and grabbed a cardigan, it could get chilly. Before she knew it, the door bell rang. After brushing her hair, she went down to greet him.

"I just have to grab my bag"

"Take your time" he said. He did look handsome. He was dressed casually in a flannel shirt, his white tee shirt peeking out ever so slightly, blue jeans and boots. Somehow his features looked softer, kinder. Life had knocked him down a peg or two and it showed. He was humble, gracious, courteous, even stepping onto the street side as they walked down the side walk. She caught herself smiling at him and his eyes flirted in response. She had to look away, he was a new man. Music flowed out when they turned a corner, headed to the coffee shop. They both stopped dead in their tracks and looked up to the kitschy neon sign hanging above. "Betty's"

"Milkshake and Burger Bar"

"I'm gonna have to check this place out sometime" Brock says. "They have a dance floor"

The people inside were happy and dancing to 50s music. The tempo changed form being upbeat to a little slower and no one left the dance floor. The decor was adorable. Pale pink and white checkered floor, pink vinyl booths and lots of chrome accents. "Why don't we go inside now? You want to check it out, so do I. The coffee shop you mentioned  sounds wonderful but it's really not you. I want you to be comfortable."

"You're sure?"

"Doesn't it look fun?"

"Well, yeah"

"Then what are you waiting for?" she asks, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.

She could be so impulsive and he loved that, smiling more than he ever had. A woman with a bleach blonde beehive hairstyle brought them to a little booth where they ordered milkshakes and fries to share. The music continued to be soft and romantic. Stevie watched the couples dancing close, wishing Lindsey were there. She missed him terribly. She sighed, turning her attention back to Brock as he began to speak.

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?" Brock asks. "You never looked at me that way. You really love him."

"I do"

"He was ready to lay me out. He can be pretty ferocious when he's pushed. He's good to you, protective." She nodded, not quite sure what to say. "I, I wanted to apologize to you. For everything. With everything that has happened to me, to us...I have had a really eye-opening transformation. My business was taken from me, and with that, all of those perks I used to have. I would walk around here thinking I owned the world, that I owned you. I didn't treat you half as good as Lindsey treats you. I missed my chance because I was such an asshole."

"That's in the past" Stevie said, listening to him, looking into his eyes. They were so genuine and sorrowful. She could see the regret there. She reached out to touch his hand and he smiled softly, looking down at their joined hands momentarily.

"You know, I didn't want kids at all until I saw you that day. I know it's a bad memory for you, and there are definitely parts that are negative for me but I have to tell you. I never wanted to be a dad, I never wanted to feel responsible for another life. That was so not me and I made that clear."

"Oh yeah"

"But when I saw you...you're always beautiful, Stevie but you were stunning when you were pregnant. You looked like an angel. Motherhood really suits you and I was in awe. I won't dwell on it anymore because I'm sure you just want to forget..." He began to get emotional. "I'm so sorry, Stevie."

"It's okay"

"You're a better person than I am. You're strong and loving, nurturing...I wasn't a good person. I'm still not as good as you. I didn't deserve you and if time showed us anything, it's that true love wins. I want that one day. I want what you and Lindsey have."

"You will."

"Thank you for seeing me. You gave me more than my five minutes."

"You're welcome."

"I don't want to keep you. I'm sure the kids will be coming back soon since it's dark out"

"Yeah"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure" she says with a shrug.

"What did you have? A boy or a girl?"

"A little girl. Iris."

"I bet she's beautiful."

"She is. She's precious. Dylan and Callie adore her."

"You have great kids and you're a great mom."

"Thank you." She says softly and she feels like he really meant what he said.

"I think maybe I should get going." Brock says. "I won't bother you anymore"

"At least stay for one dance then we can head back. I really like this song." He looks resistant, nervous. She stands up, looking down at him and he finally gives in.

"You've won me over"

"Good. Do you know this song?" He shakes his head, standing to meet her. They find a bare spot on the dance floor and Stevie begins to dance, trying to loosen Brock back up. Was it the wine from earlier or the music that made her feel so carefree? He smiled, watching her, eventually joining in. She sang the words to him as they twirled around or just hopped to the beat.

When you left me all alone at the record hop
Told me you were going out for a soda pop
You were gone for quite a while, half an hour or more
You came back and man oh man this is what I saw

Lipstick on you collar told a tale on you
Lipstick on you collar said you were untrue
Bet your bottom dollar you and I are through
'Cause lipstick on you collar told a tale on you, yeah

You said it belonged to me, made me stop and think
Then I noticed yours was red, mine was baby pink
Who walked in but Mary Jane, lipstick all a mess
Were you smoochin' my best friend, if the answer's yes

"This song isn't as happy as it sounds" Brock says and Stevie giggles.

"Nope but that's the fifties, you know? Her boyfriend was cheating and she was her own lady-detective. The lipstick, the color, putting it all together. He's such a dog!" Brock laughed, listening to her. He was enthralled with her as they locked eyes. Something happened in that stare, something that was forbidden and wrong. They both knew they still had feelings for each other. She loved another man, it couldn't be. It shouldn't be. Without warning, they found themselves with bodies pressed together and their lips crashed together. It was strange. All at once new and familiar. It made no logical sense. His hand tangled in her hair and neither of them pulled away.

Lipstick on you collar told a tale on you
Lipstick on you collar said you were untrue
Bet your bottom dollar you and I are through
'Cause lipstick on you collar told a tale on you, boy

Told a tale on you, man
Told a tale on you, yeah
Told a tale on you

People clapped around them, taking in the sight of the two of them caught in a passionate lip lock. Three curly haired brunettes turned around in a striped booth, observing the supposed lovers.

"Mom??!!"

"Stevie?!"