Nicole immediately noticed Sam’s attitude. The girl was a walking storm cloud, scowl firmly in place. There was no denying that Sam was one angry young woman. And while Nicole was in no way intimidated by her, she didn’t want to set her off either. She actually wanted to help find a way to ease Sam’s anger and straighten out the whole mess.

"Whatever works," Sam said with a shrug as she absently picked at her dinner. The brunette was thinner too, Nicole noticed. Another sign that things were not going well for her.

(Damn you Mike McQueen) Nicole swore. (You’ve caused more than your fair share of hurt and heartache. I hope you get exactly what you deserve)

"Hey guys!" Brooke chirped as she and Terri walked through the door.

"Brookie!" Nicole hugged her best friend tightly. "God, it’s good to see you."

"I’m glad you’re finally home," Brooke said.

"Me too."

"Brooke, does your dad know where you are?" Lily asked a tad fearfully. Brooke shook her head.

"No. He thinks I’m out to dinner with Terri," she explained as she walked over to Sam. "Hello Beautiful," she purred, her voice dropping an octave.

Nicole watched amazed as Sam’s dark mood lifted the moment Brooke stepped into the room. And the kiss the two shared was fiery and passionate.

(Those two are perfectly matched) Nic decided. (And incomplete without the other. Who would have thought?)

Brooke helped herself to a seat on Sam’s lap and then proceeded to start eating Sam’s dinner. Sam wrapped her arms around the lanky blonde’s waist and sighed contentedly.

"Sammy, you’ve hardly touched your meal," Brooke scolded. Sam shrugged behind her.

"Not hungry," she said simply. Brooke looked at Nicole, her expression conveying her concern. Nicole nodded her agreement.

"Eat," Brooke ordered while bringing a piece of chicken up to Sam’s mouth. Sam reluctantly did as she was told.

"Well, we’ll leave you four to catch up. Terri and I rented ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ We’ll be in the den watching it if you need us," Jane said.

"Behave yourselves," Terri added with a lopsided grin and a wink as she left the room.