"What's wrong, Poohbear?"

A laugh exploded from Marie's pursed lips. Richard turned his head and glared at her, but it was no use. Marie was in hysterics.

"Don't you Poohbear me. Where have you been?"

"But…" Sheri's bottom lip quivered, "I told you."

"You lied. I called your mother. She not only never saw you, she wasn't expecting to either."

Sheri's shoulders shook with the silent sobs. "I couldn't. You'd just laugh at me."

"I'm not laughing."

"I went to Napa."

The health spa? She went to a freakin' health spa? Richard shuddered, and tried to clear his mind from the anger. "A resort?" He rolled his eyes.

"See, you're doing it."

"What?"

"That eye thing. You don't understand."

Richard chuckled. All the tension of the past week faded as he drew her close to him. "You just don't need that, Baby. You're gorgeous."

"Oh, gag."

Richard had forgotten Marie was even there. He looked back at her and smiled peacefully at her as she faked attempting to vomit.

Richard turned back to Sheri, and gave her a squeeze. "Hey, Sugarbaby, let me just walk Marie to her car, and I'll come right back and give you the biggest apology hug you could ever imagine.

Sheri smiled up at him, and swatted his rear as he turned. "I want more than a hug."