Opposites Attract? (Addie)

[Stefan Spencer]

Stefan had originally met Addie during his days at Hammel. But their friendship hadn't really developed until after she had made the move back to Pilot Ridge. Stefan was always on the look for new friends (preferably ones who would go out drinking with him) so he had Addie started meeting up for drinks every now and then. Over the years their friendship had developed into something that closely resembled brother and sister. Well, except for whenever Stefan had a few drinks too many started flirting with Addie. He knew about her sexual preferences, but didn't see that as any reason not to point out how beautiful she was. Or that he would like to be the first to know should she every become interested in men.

Addie wasn't as much of an...enthusiastic drinker as Stefan, so they usual met at a more quiet bar, usually one with a small band. He had called the Addie up a few days ago suggesting they get together to chat. He had arrived at the bar a little before her and helped himself to a few drink and ordered a plate of finger foods.

"Well there's the lovely lady," he said, grinning when he saw her approaching his table. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lucky and decided to blow me off."

[Patricia Reed]

Addie had been running a little late that day. Well, actually, she’d been running a little late to just about everything lately. With Jo at her home, staying with her for an undetermined amount of time, the older woman wanted to make sure (almost to an annoying degree) that her… that Jo was comfortable and had everything she needed while she was out. This was actually the first time Addie was going out since Jo had come to town. And it was only through the young woman’s insistence that Addie go out with a friend and enjoy herself. So that’s what she did. Though she still worried. Even after assuring Jo that if she needed anything, she shouldn’t hesitate to call.

Smiling at Stefan, Addie shook her head as she sat across from him. “Now, Stefan, you know I wouldn’t do that. Not without calling you to brag first.” Stefan tended to make Addie more comfortable, and sometimes more… crass, than she generally was. She called it The Stefan Effect. Not that she minded being more around one of her closest and oldest friends. So close that he was one of the few people she freely discussed Jo with. Even when she’d put Jo up for adoption all those years ago.

Addie popped a french fry into mouth after ordering herself a brandy and a glass of water. “So, Stefan, how’s the love life been?”

[Stefan Spencer]

Stefan laughed at her comment “Well you know I wouldn’t mind as long as you called me after to let me know all the juicy details,” he added. “After all, how am I supposed to live vicariously through you?”

“It’s good to see you out and about,” he added. “How’s things going with Jo?” Although Stefan tried not to but into Addie’s business, he had found he missed the woman since her daughter had moved in with her. Not that he minded Jo at all, he though that Addie should worry less about her mothering role. Of course Stefan had no children, at least none that he knew of, so he wasn’t exactly an expert when it came to parenting.

“Same old same old,” he said laughing, “Still working on improving my batting average as always.” He tried not to keep a tally, but when he was home alone with only his bottle and his cat for company, he couldn’t help but feel that he struck out more than he’d like.