Carlos picked his phone off his desk and dialed Amanda's number. She answered on the fourth ring and said, "Hello." "Hey, Amanda. This is Carlos. I need to talk to you," he said. Amanda hesitated. "Uhm, when?" she finally asked.

"As soon as possible."

"Okay. What about in thirty minutes at Outback Steakhouse?"

"That sounds good to me," Carlos said.

He hung up and then went to his bathroom. He looked in the mirror and rubbed his hands down his face. He was sure that knowing how Amanda felt about him would change things, but he wasn't sure how yet. That's what he was hoping this dinner would settle.

Carlos watched as Amanda walked in. She was stunning. He literally felt like the all the air in the room had been drained and for a second, he didn't breathe. She was wearing:

Carlos smiled as she walked towards him. He knew he'd always love Amanda, whether she felt the same or not.

"Hello," she said smiling and sitting down.

"Hey. You look gorgeous."

"Thanks, you're looking pretty snazzy yourself."

Carlos laughed and shrugged. He'd simply left on what he'd had on before.

"Well, don't leave me in suspense any longer. Tell me what was so important that it just couldn't wait."

"Yeah, about that," Carlos said. "I'm sorry if I interrupted anything. I don't know. I just had to talk to you."

"Okay, about what?"

"Amanda, you know how I feel about you. I may be wrong, but I feel like you held something back the night I told you how I felt."

Amanda sighed and rested her head in her hands.

"You're right. I didn't tell you the whole truth and I'm sorry for that. This just isn't easy, Carlos. I mean, I'm struggling here to understand all of this. I do still have feelings for you. I don't think they've ever really gone away. Maybe they've been hidden for a while, but now, you just come into my life and they're back. But, you can't expect me to just let you back in. I'm with Miles now. Things aren't that easy."

"I know they're not, Amanda. I don't want you to lie to me though."

"Okay. No more lies, I swear."

"Good. So, where does this leave us?"

"This doesn't change anything, Carlos. I'm going to try and make things work out with Miles and I hope you'll respect that."

Carlos sighed and buried his head in his hands. "Dammit, Amanda! You come into my life again just to pull out of it and rip my heart up again."

"It's not like that, Carlos. This is hard for me too. It hurts me, just like it hurts you."

"I know. I didn't mean to sound like this doesn't affect you. It's just that I was finally getting over you and now, realizing that you still have feelings for me, I'm pushed back ten more steps. It seems like I'm never going to get over you."

"God, Carlos! There are so many girls out there that would love to be with you. You're incredible. You know how to treat a girl, you're considerate, and just terrific. There should be a line at your door."

"It wouldn't matter if there was, Amanda. Don't you get it? That's the whole fucking point. It doesn't matter how many girls are out there or how many are lining up at my door. None of them make me feel the way you make me feel."

Amanda sighed. "I can't help that. But, you know what?" He laughed, "What?"

"They may be a good distraction. Being with someone else could really help you, Carlos. Look at me."

Carlos laughed, "I'm not you, Amanda. Please don't even compare us. You've moved on with your life. I haven't. I'm still in the same goddamn place I was. I'm still single and I'm still in love with you. In the two years its been, I've gotten over you maybe two percent." "Then, seeing you again, it feels like I'm back to zero."

Amanda shook her head, "That isn't true. Carlos, I'm still in love with you too. I still think about you. I'm not over you. I just act like I am. The only difference between me and you is that I'm trying. You're not."

"You think I haven't tried? I've tried every waking minute to get over you and yet, every thought is still you. You know, it doesn't matter what I do. I'm never gonna get over you."

Amanda stood up. "Carlos, this was a nice talk, but I have to go. My dad will be home any minute and I'm supposed to be home when he is."

"Do you need a ride?" Carlos asked. Amanda shook her head, "No, I'm good." Carlos didn't move as she walked out. Possibly forever, he knew.