For a second they stared at each other irately then, suddenly, Lee's face took on a contrite look.  "Oh, Amanda, I'm sorry.  I came here to apologise for what I said and here I am starting another argument."

Amanda let out a sigh.  "Lee, you don't have to apologise.  In a lot of ways you were right.  I am going to have to learn to deal with certain aspects of the job if I want to stay on.  You just voiced my own concerns for me that's all.  It made me stop and think and that's what I needed.  My life seems to have been on a constant rollercoaster since we met and a week off to think over things as Mr. Melrose suggested is just what I need right now."

"I can understand that.  This job makes my life feel like a rollercoaster too sometimes and I'm used to it," he admitted with feeling. 

"It doesn't get any easier then?" she asked curiously.

"I wouldn't say it gets easier.  You just try to ignore the downs and make the most of the ups.  The only time it gets tricky is when it throws a curve in that you weren't expecting."

"Like I did today?"

Lee gingerly rubbed his head and gave a mock grimace.  "Well, I'd call that more of a dark tunnel with a curve thrown in."  He flashed her a smile and added warmly, "But I'm getting used to those now."

Amanda felt a light blush creep up her cheeks at his words.  "Well, I like to keep you on your toes," she commented with embarrassment.

"You do that all right," he agreed with a chuckle.  "It's good practice for being out in the field."

Amanda laughed with him, then sobered and let out a sigh.  "You know, in an odd sort of way, it's comforting to know that you go through the same thing as I do.  I feel very alone not being able to talk to anyone.  Not even my own mother.  Do you know how hard it is for me to lie to her all the time?  It's horrible."

"Yeah, I know," Lee replied solemnly.  Seeing how dejected she was, he moved closer to her and reached out.  Tenderly, he placed a finger under her chin and lifted her bowed head to look at him.  When he had her attention, he let his hand drop.  "Amanda, why don't we make a deal, huh?" he suggested with a gentle smile.  "To stop me worrying, you promise to stay put when I tell you and in return…"

"You worry about me?" she interrupted, her face visibly brightening.

"What?" he asked in confusion.

"Just now.  You said I should stay put to stop you worrying."  She gave him a tremulous smile.  "Oh Lee, that's really very sweet that you care."

Lee cleared his throat and shuffled his feet uneasily.  He was caught.  Inwardly, he cursed himself for letting the comment slip.  "I only worry about whether you'll interfere with the job," he told her defensively.

"Well, of course.  I knew that," she replied.  Her grin grew wider as she watched him squirm uncomfortably under her amused scrutiny.  "But I want to say thank you all the same."

Lee's cheeks grew warm.  Feeling decidedly out of his depth, he cleared his throat once more and started edging backwards.  "Look, uh…I'd better get going, I've got an early start in the morning.  You know how it is."  He turned on his heel and headed towards the back door.  Upon reaching his goal, he rested his hand on the doorknob then paused to turn back and look at her smiling face.  "Will you be in tomorrow?" he asked somewhat curtly.

After a slight hesitation, Amanda hedged, "Well, I do still have those transcripts Mr. Melrose asked me to type up, so I guess…" 

"I'll see you tomorrow," he cut in with a sudden grin.  At her nod, he left the kitchen and shut the door behind him.  As she watched, he stopped briefly to turn and give her a wave before disappearing into the darkness.

Amanda sat back down on the couch and hugged herself.  "He worries about me," she said aloud and grinned.  "That's just so sweet." 

THE END