Dinner conversation flowed smoothly thanks to Max and a suddenly vivacious Brad. Sasha asked him one question about his soccer team and he started chattering non-stop about his coach and the team. "You need to get together with Tyler!" Sasha informed him.

"That would be cool Aunt Sasha!"

"I'll talk to Brian tomorrow and see what Tyler's schedule for the weekend is like."

"Thanks!"

Max pushed back his plate. "Anyone else up for dessert?"

"It is up to Sasha." Eric answered. He stared straight at her. "Do you want to stay for dessert or shall we leave now? I'm a little tired myself so maybe we should just go your house and skip dessert."

"My house?" Sasha asked bewildered. "I didn't know we were all planning on going to my house." She stated looking around the table.

"I meant you and I Sasha." Eric locked his eyes on her. "I thought since I spent the night with Kelli last night, I would stay with you tonight."

Sasha felt all of the color drain from her face. She took a large drink of water. She lowered her hand back to her lap and pressed her nails to her palms again. She felt dizzy. The trick with her nails had no effect on her this time. She unclenched her fist and began clawing at her leg through her dress. The pain as her nails scraped across the scars presented no relief. She regained her composure. "I don't really have any place for you to sleep Eric. I only have my bed. The other bedrooms house my collections so there isn't really room for beds."

"I can sleep on the couch." He volunteered.

Sasha knew he had no intention of sleeping on the couch. She scrambled for another excuse. "You have to fly out tomorrow. The airport is in the opposite direction of my office. I wouldn't have time to take you to the airport."

"She is right Eric." Max interjected. "It will be much easier for everyone if you just stay with us again tonight."

"Sasha can skip work or be late. I'm sure Brian can function without her for a couple of hours."

"You're too tall to sleep on my couch Eric."

Max attempted to rescue her yet again. "I've seen Sasha's couch. She would barely be able to sleep on it!"

"I'm sure we will be able to work something out." Eric stated eyeing Sasha. "I am rather tired. Why don't we just leave now?"

"Isn't this the place with that amazing flourless chocolate cake?" Sasha asked.

"Is it?" Kelli inquired as well. "I love that cake!"

"I would love a piece if this is the place!" Sasha bent forward and picked up her purse. She turned to Kelli. "I need to use the restroom. I'll flag down a waiter and have him bring a dessert menu over." She arose from her chair.

"Hurry back Alexandra. I want to leave soon." Eric said as he watched her stop a waiter and then head toward another part of the restaurant. "Excuse me." He asked the waiter who brought the menus. "Which way are the restrooms?"