Drew met Ezra's gaze as she walked through the door. She knew she was going to be in trouble. After work Buck had picked her up and taken her into Ajo. Luckily she had worn shorts and a tank top under her orange jumpsuit. She had still felt she looked terrible. But Buck had insisted she looked gorgeous.

After their dinner at McDonald's he took her to the Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Buck paid for everything even brought some of her favorite snack foods to keep at his place. She had questioned this but he said he wanted to know what she liked.

Once they got back to town it had been close to ten. Buck asked her if she wanted to go to his place for awhile. She knew she had to work the next day but had been having such a good time that she didn't want it to end.

By eleven she had had four Corona's. Drew was well aware that Ezra would not be pleased to find out that Buck had taken her to his place then got her liquored up. But Buck didn't take advantage of her, nothing happened that she hadn't wanted to happen.

It had been Buck who backed off after she was half dressed in bed with him. He had told her he could tell she was nervous and it wasn't right for him to take advantage of her in that state. She had been relieved. She was not ready to go all the way with him but was still worried that her nervousness would scare him off.

Now she faced her brother and all she could do was get angry by the look in his eyes.

Ezra shook his finger at her "young lady where the hell have you been!?"

Drew saw Trina jump then looked to Ezra "what business is it of yours?"

Ezra's face reddened he could tell by Drew's eyes that she had been drinking. "Buck got you drunk? Please tell me you were not seen drinking in public? That he didn't take you to the Standish Grille."

"He didn't Ezra I was drinking at his place."

"What?! From now on young lady you will come home at a reasonable hour. Is this understood?" Ezra was now shaking.

"I can do whatever I damn well please! Why can't you just be happy for me!?" Drew flew up the stairs into her room slamming the door behind her.

Ezra was about to follow her when he felt Trina's hand on his shoulder. "Ezra I think you should leave her alone. She's okay and you knew she was with Buck. He wouldn't let any harm come to her you know that."

"You just don't understand Trina."

"I do understand Ezra we went over all this already." Trina shook her head "Buck cares about her."

"That's not it."

"Then what?" Trina looked to Ezra as he led her back over to the couch and set her down taking the seat beside her.

"No there's more. If Mr. Larabee catches wind that Buck had Drew over at his place liquoring her up...." He shook his head then explained to Trina what had taken place at the station earlier that week. Neither one had realized that Drew had come out of her room intending to come back downstairs to apologize to Ezra.

Trina's face reddened "how can that man think that way about your sister? Drew's not a slut."

"I am well aware of that." Ezra grinned then told Trina about punching Chris for what he had said.

"Man deserves a beating. What is he perfect? Has he never made a mistake?" Trina was upset. She hadn't known Drew long but the girl Chris had talked about was not the same one she knew.

Meanwhile Drew had heard enough and went back into her room and was on her bed sobbing into her pillow. She couldn't go downstairs now she couldn't let Ezra and Trina see her cry. 'So Chris Larabee thinks I'm a juvenile delinquent slut who isn't good enough for his best friend?'

She lie awake thinking back to being with Buck. She was scared for the first time in her life she thought she was actually falling in love. But what if Buck didn't feel the same way? What if she actually did push him away tonight? She was confused. She knew she could not lose what was starting to build into one of the best things that had ever happened to her. But everyone always left. Her mother did....

A short time later Trina entered the room and walked over to the bed. "Drew you still awake?"

Drew turned to face her. Before she knew it she was hugging Trina. She hadn't told her she had overheard Ezra. She told her what took place at Buck's and how she was now worried Buck wouldn't be interested in her anymore.

Trina had reassured her that it was not the case and that she respected Buck even more now that he had the decency to wait until Drew was ready and that he didn't take advantage of her inebriated state.

The talk with Trina had made her feel a bit better. The next morning she woke up before Trina and Ezra showered and thrown on a t-shirt and shorts. She left a note of apology to Ezra and thanked Trina for having her lunch ready for her yet again. She left the house wand walked to the Standish Grille to have breakfast with Alley and Dwayne before work. Something that after the first day she had got in the habit of doing. She enjoyed the morning walk, it was still cool out and she was able to clear her head. She carried her lunch box and jumpsuit in a duffle bag at her side. It was Friday morning and she only had one more week left on her community service.

Later that afternoon she was working at the park picking up litter when she saw the county police car pull up. She smiled for a moment until she realized that it was Chris Larabee who stepped out of the car. He held up his hand and waved to her she just frowned and turned her back going about her business.

Chris ran his fingers through his hair. He wasn't quite sure why he stopped but he knew he wanted to talk to the girl that had somehow managed to capture Buck Wilmington's heart. Chris had never seen Buck this way and he was worried his friend would end up with a broken heart.

He approached Drew "Miss Standish can I talk to you for a minute?"

Drew looked up to him the stuck the poker down stabbing the piece of paper on the ground "why? I haven't done anything wrong? What are you going to criticize me on this time? Oh wait you probably think I'm screwing Smokey the Bear, seeing as though you think I'm a delinquent slut and all."

Chris shook his head and took off his sunglasses "that wasn't what I meant. Damn it I can't believe Buck told you that."

Drew glared to him as he took the poker from her hand and set it to the side "you mind I have some work to do here? And no one told me I overheard Ezra telling Trina."

"I do mind and I think you need to hear me out." He took her arm and led her over to a picnic table "please sit down."

Drew glared then took a seat folding her arms "I don't have anything to say to you Larabee."

Chris sat down across from her "I need to explain to you what I really meant to say to Buck and Ezra the other day. Plus I came here to talk. I don't want to see Buck hurt."

Drew turned to face him "what makes you think I would hurt him? I'm not a slut. I don't screw around."

Chris shook his head "Drew. Can I call you Drew?" He smiled as Drew nodded "I've never seen Buck this way before and it scares the hell out of me. Man has been with a lot of women but I have never seen his eyes like this when he talks about you. He's fallen Drew and fallen hard."

"And what's wrong with that? Oh wait I know I'm not good enough for him. I mean I'm a trouble maker right?"

Chris sighed "would you please just listen. I've heard you talk about this town Drew. You don't have any intentions of staying here after your six months are up right?"

"Hell no." Drew answered rolling her eyes "why would I?"

"And where does that leave Buck? Can you answer that? You're going to break his heart Drew. You've admitted you have no intentions of staying. If you care anything at all about him you'll end it now."

"That should be his decision." She watched as Chris looked to her realizing he was right. How could she do that to Buck? Would it be any different then what her mother had done to her over the years? Oh God she was turning into her mother.

"Drew." Chris shook his head again "I'll admit I wasn't being all that fair the other day about the things I said about you and for that I'm sorry. But I won't apologize for worrying about where this relationship is going to leave Buck. You know how I feel. I don't hate you. But I just want you to think about what I said."

Drew just nodded to him as he got up and walked back over to his squad car. Her eyes filled with tears as he drove away. She knew in her heart Chris was right. But she also knew that in the short time she had been in Four Corners, even with her community service, she had been happy. She enjoyed working with Alley and being with her brother. But most of all she knew that she had fallen in love with Buck. Drew knew too that Trina had started to fall for Ezra she could see it in her friends eyes. But Trina had told her she was only going to stay as long as Drew did then she would go on back to LA with her. She knew she had to be upfront with her and everyone let them know that as much as she was starting to like it she could never stay here permanently. Right? She shook her head knowing that also meant telling Buck that maybe a relationship with him was not what either of them needed.

Alley had noticed after lunch that something had gotten Drew down. "Why don't we knock off work early today?"

Drew looked to her as she threw her trash away "I have to do my community service remember?"

Alley grinned "shoot yeah I remember but I also know that you have put in more hours this week then you should have. You stayed late helping me two days and I really appreciate that. I didn't even have to ask you just volunteered."

Drew nodded "okay. Can you leave early?"

"Of course I can. I already told the station I was," she winked. "Why don't we go to my house and get ready then head to town and play a few games of pool with Dwayne? Friday afternoon's are usually slow things don't start getting crazy till around five or so."

"I can't pass that up sounds like fun."

"Well all right then let's get this party started!"

A few hours later Drew, Trina, and Alley walked into the Standish Grille. Drew had showered and got cleaned up at Alley's place and put back on her t-shirt and shorts and called Trina letting her know they would stop by and pick her up once they got to town.

Alley got them all drinks and soon the three were playing pool with Dwayne. Drew had decided to behave and sipped her diet coke sneaking a drink of Trina's offered strawberry daiquiri here and there.

Train looked to Drew "you all right?"

Drew shrugged and took her shot and missed. She wasn't a spectacular pool player but she played better then this. Trina knew it too she had already seen her play once.

"You should have made that shot."

"I know Trina." Drew looked down.

"Everything okay Drew?" Alley questioned. "I've seen you play better than this." Alley watched as Drew shrugged again. "Well I need another drink anyone else?"

"Another daiquiri please" Trina smiled.

"Coming right up" Dwayne went to the bar to get the drinks.

Trina winked to Drew after Dwayne handed her the daiquiri and set it down on the bar. Drew smiled in return just now realizing Trina still had a half full one left and moseyed over to the bar. When Dwayne had his back turned she took a drink of the daiquiri. She had thought Alley had noticed but if she had she kept quiet.

By four JD then Karol had joined the group and Dwayne had gone back behind the bar. Drew let the others play pool and she made her way over to the dartboard. Drew noticed that JD seemed to smile at Alley a lot. She knew that was his nature but she also was well aware it was something more. She made a mental note to tease Alley about it on Monday. She also had managed by that time to suck down two daiquiris. She didn't even notice when Rafe entered the bar and was about to grab the glass when he came her direction. She was thankful she saw him in time.

"Hey Drew," he smiled. "How are things going?"

"Pretty good," she returned the smile then threw her dart making the bull's eye.

"You're pretty good." Rafe grabbed some darts "how about some competition?"

Drew shrugged "sure why not?" She was kind of disappointed because she knew that she would not be able to drink any more daiquiris with him hovering around. But still he was a nice man and she enjoyed his company. Soon the daiquiris were forgotten and she was having a good time. But as much fun as she was having she was still depressed. She knew she had to talk with Buck when she saw him and the thought of not being with the handsome mustached man was really killing her inside.

Rafe sensed Drew got quiet "hey you okay? Or just missing Buck?" He winked to her.

Drew knew he had no idea how right he was but smiled "he should be in sometime tonight." Plus they had left a note for Ezra informing them they would be at the Grille so she knew he would be arriving soon as well.

Alley walked over by Rafe and Drew "how's the dart game coming?"

"She's kicking my ass" Rafe laughed.

Drew looked over as Ezra entered the Grille followed by some other patrons.

"Suppertime and Friday night place is going to fill up fast" Alley observed. "We thought about ordering up some pizzas. Maybe we can stick Ezra with the bill." Alley laughed.

"Maybe" Drew smiled then watched as Buck entered the Grille.

"Sunshine!" He called then waved and frowned when he noticed her standing with Rafe. 'Get a grip' he though to himself 'she is standing with Alley too.' He walked over and scooped Drew up into his arms. He noticed she clung to him a bit tighter then usual and smiled "well I really missed you too baby" he kissed her then sat her down and winked.

A bit later Rafe left and went over to join some others and Buck, Alley, and Drew were seated at a table with JD, Ezra, and Trina.

Buck noticed Drew hardly touched her pizza a few others commented too. She excused herself once to go to the ladies room and Trina had followed her almost demanding to know what was bothering her. She confided in her what had happened earlier with Chris. She assured Trina she wasn't mad at Chris anymore. But Trina was still very upset and told Drew not to listen to him that her and Buck were meant to be together.

Buck whispered in Drew's ear "Sunshine what's wrong? Please talk to me."

Drew nodded "Yes we do need to talk. Can we go for a walk?"

Buck stood up "all right let's go for a walk." The two excused themselves and went outside.

Ezra looked to the door and saw Trina look down "is there something I need to know?"

Alley looked to Ezra "she's been acting funny all afternoon, like something upset her but I don't know what."

Trina kept quiet and picked at her pizza. Ezra noticed and made a mental note to speak with her later.

Outside Buck pulled Drew to him then started to kiss her. He was alarmed when she pushed him away "Sunshine what is it? Is this about last night? Damn I knew I shouldn't have taken things that fast but I lost all control."

"No that's not it Buck." Drew's eyes filled with tears "I wanted to be with you."

"Then what's the problem?" He put his hand on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"I don't think we should see each other anymore Buck."

Buck looked as though the wind had been knocked out of him. "Why? I didn't think the age difference bothered you. Heck I thought you just said you wanted to be with me?"

"I do Buck. I want to be with you but it's not right. And no I'm well aware you a few years older then me that doesn't bother me at all."

Buck ran his hands though his hair "this doesn't make any sense. You're going to have to give me a better explanation."

Drew looked to him "I'm leaving Buck. I won't be staying after my six months are up. That is not fair to you or me. I'm falling in love with you and I can't deal. I just can't because I won't stay." She started to walk away from him.

He caught up to her and grabbed her arm "that's it? Just like that? Not even going to give this thing a chance?"

"I can't Buck it hurts too much. It's best to just stop this now." Before he could reach out to her she ran past him and back into the Grille. He followed but she ran into the ladies room.

Trina saw then excused herself going to the ladies room after Drew.

Buck walked over to the bar and put his head in his hands. Ezra shook his head as JD asked if he should go talk to him "I will handle it Mr. Dunne" he got up and took a seat next to Buck at the bar.

"What do you want Ezra? To tell me again that I ain't good enough for Drew? Well too late she broke things off. Told me it would be too hard when she left in six months."

Ezra put his hand on Buck's shoulder "I'm sorry. And I do mean that. But perhaps this is for the best. For you both?"

Buck looked to Ezra "I love her Ezra. I mean that I really do. I know I haven't known her long but that gal has captured my soul."

Ezra looked down "I don't know what to say. I do know Drew cares a great deal for you too. I can see it in her eyes."

Buck looked over as Trina walked out of the ladies room with Drew she nudged her towards Buck.

Ezra stood as Drew walked over then left with Trina to go over by the pool table.

Drew looked into Buck's eyes not sure knowing what to say. "I'm sorry I don't want to hurt you I'm just scared is all. What if I?..."

Buck took Drew's hand "what if you what?"

"What if I get in so deep that I can't leave? I don't know if I could be happy here Buck not permanently."

"You don't know that." He reached up and ran his fingers through her hair "can we please just see where this goes? Give it a chance? I'm well aware that you don't intend on staying. But I still want to be with you."

Drew's head told her to pull away but her heart won over and she went into his arms.

Buck invited her to the dance with him the next night but she told him that she would have to meet him there. Ezra was leaving in the morning to go onto LA to get her things and she had already told Alley and Trina that she would come to the dance with them.

The rest of the night she spent close to Buck even dancing with him a few times. Something deep down inside her told her she would never be able to leave Four Corners. Not now....

.