Greg accepts the invitation

As soon as Greg returns from the restroom, Tom is true to his word. "Well, the night is still young" he says, addressing Greg. "I'd like it if you and your lovely wife could accompany me home for a few drinks. Perhaps a nightcap?"

Greg looks over at you. "What do you think, honey? I'm sure the babysitter won't mind to stay a little longer."

"I think I would like that" you smile. You know full well what lies ahead for Greg, and yourself once you get there. But this is for Greg, and his future. "I've had a wonderful time this evening with both of you."

"Then it's settled" says Tom, with a twinge of excitement in his voice. "We'll take my car. I'll be glad to bring both of you back to the restaurant to pick up your car later."

"I guess you have a deal" says Greg with a smile.

The three of you stand up to leave. You look over to where Nicole is seated, and notice she's watching you intently. "I'll be right back. I'd like to say goodnight to my friend Nicole."

"Sure" says Tom. "We'll wait for you."

You walk over to where Nicole and Arthur are seated. She smiles up at you from her glass of wine. "Nicole, I just wanted to say thank you for not giving me away. I know I owe you big time. We'll talk more about that tomorrow. I think we can come to a reasonable agreement." You smile sweetly at her. It's not like you and Nicole were never close. You used to share a lot of things together in your college days, until James entered the picture. "I'll explain everything to you" you add. "By the way, you did good with Arthur. He's very handsome."

Nicole smiles at you as she raises a surprised eyebrow. It's almost like she expected something else from you. "You're welcome, dear. What are friends for? I know we grew apart, but I'd really like the chance for us to be close again."

"I promise you, we'll have that chance."

Nicole stands up, and hugs you. "You don't know how happy you just made me! You stay out of trouble" she adds. "But if you can't, promise you won't name it after me." For some strange reason, right at that exact moment, you both feel compelled to kiss each other, and you do. It's more than just an ordinary kiss you share between friends. It's like something else you've never felt before. You let your lips linger with hers for a bit, and then pull away from her, feeling lighter than air. You never knew a kiss from anyone could make you feel like that. "I love you, Katherine. See you tomorrow."

"Yes" you say, still caught off guard with your head still in a daze. You turn to go back to where Tom and Greg are waiting patiently. You have the most ridiculous smile on your face, but you don't care. You're too busy floating on cloud nine, wondering what surprises tomorrow will bring.

"Ready to go, darling?" asks Greg.

Your head suddenly snaps back into reality. "Oh, yes, of course, dear. We don't want to keep Tom waiting all night."

"Don't mind me" says Tom. "I was enjoying the show. But it is time we were pushing off. Follow me."

With that, the three of you leave the restaurant, and pile into Tom's car to make the trip across town.