Authors Note: This story begins shortly after Eric and Greta have returned from France. I have given Greta slightly more of a “attitude” then she currently posses on Days. My stories will be loosely based on past and present story lines, and are how I would like or would have liked things to turn out between Eric and Greta. Also I would love to hear feedback about my story thanks!

It was a beautiful sunny day in Salem and Greta was just wondering around Salem place window shopping when her cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
Hi Greta this is Eric.”
“Eric, Hi what’s up?” Greta replied cheerfully, the sound his voice causing her heart to beat a little faster.
“I was just wondering if you had plans this evening?” Eric asked.
“No, nothing imoportant. What did you have in mind?”
“I was just wondering, Miss Von Amberg, if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight? Our first official date.” Eric replied with a smile in his voice.
“Why Mr. Brady, I would be delighted!” Greta replied enthusiastically. What time will you be picking me up?
“How does six thirty sound? I’ll make reservations for seven at Tuscany if that all right with you?”
“That’s fine. I’ll be ready and looking forward to it. Greta replied.
“Great! I’ll see you then Eric responded. I’m looking forward to it too, bye”
“Bye Eric.”
Greta was so excited after she got off the phone with Eric she could hardly stand it, she was finally going to go out on a real date with him! They had really enjoyed there time together in Paris, although there had been sad and happy moments during that time. She thought he liked her, but she wasn’t sure until now. Tonight would be just perfect, a whole new beginning for them. There was so much to do before six thirty, she had better get moving if she was going to be ready on time! Her first stop was the dress boutique she had to find an absolutely stunning dress for this special occasion.
“May I help you miss? A elegantly dressed sales lady asked as she entered the boutique.
“Yes, I would like to see your selection of evening wear please? Greta replied pleasantly.
“Right this way please.” the sales lady responded as soon Greta was emerged in a variety of evening wear. Were you looking for anything specific? “
“Something simple but elegant and sophisticated in red” Greta replied spotting a simple red cocktail dress she liked. She grabbed it from the rack and headed for the dressing room. The dress fit perfectly and it was exactly what she was looking for. It was red velvet with spaghetti straps and a sheath style dress. it showed off her shape to its best advantage to. She hope Eric liked it. Quickly changing back into her street clothes, purchased the dress and left the store. Next stop the camera shop. Greta wanted to buy Eric that digital camera he had mentioned while they were in Paris to show him her thank and appreciation for all that he had done for her. She quickly made the camera purchases and then headed to Mrs. Horton’s to finish getting ready.
“Mrs. Horton, I’m back!” Greta called as she entered the house.
“I’m in the kitchen dear” Mrs. Horton replied. How was your walk ?”Mrs. Horton asked as Greta entered the kitchen.
“It was good, and I ended up doing some shopping at Salem Place while I was out. “It looks like you made some special purchases from the looks of the bags your carrying.” Alice Horton said with a smile.
“I did, while I was out Eric called my cell, and we are going on our first official date tonight!” Greta said excitedly.
“That’s wonderful Greta, I knew that Eric really liked you the first time I saw the two of you together after you came back from France.” Alice said.
“Really?” Greta asked looking a little surprised at Alice’s comment.
“Yes dear, at first he was very careful about hiding his feelings, but then as the two of you were together more people began to notice the way you two interacted with each other, and how much the two of you obviously liked each other but were trying to hide it at first. Greta, the feelings that you and Eric have for one another can’t be hidden, so stop trying, and just enjoy one another!” Alice said coming to over to hug Greta.
“OK, we will, starting tonight!” Greta said laughing and returning Alice’s warm hug. “Now I better go finish getting ready before Eric gets here!” Greta said giving Alice a quick smile and hurrying upstairs to her room.

An hour later....

“You look absolutely beautiful” Eric said smiling as Greta entered the room.
“This are for you.” Eric said handing Greta beautiful bouquet of red roses.
“Eric! there gorgeous!” Greta exclaimed excepting the roses and enjoying there wonderful sweet sent. I’ll just go put these in some water and be right back.” Greta said as she turned toward the kitchen. There, I’ll leave these here so Alice can enjoy them as well. By the way Eric, your looking rather handsome yourself tonight.” Greta said giving him one of her best and brightest smiles.
“Shall we go?” Eric asked offering Greta his arm.
“Certainly, you lead the way.” Greta said taking his arm.
After a short drive, the couple reached Tuscany.
“Right this way Mr. Brady, you table is waiting.” the host greeted them as they entered the restaurant. “Your waiter will be here shortly, enjoy.”
“This restaurant is wonderful Eric, thank you for bringing me here” Great said looking at Eric after they were seated.
“Its my pleasure Greta, I want this to be the beginning of a long, wonderful loving, relationship for the two for us. I want us to help each other put our pasts behind us, and to focus on our future together.” Eric said taking Greta’s hand across the table and looking into her eyes.
“I want that to Eric.” Greta replied smiling softly.
“Good, then its all settled. Are you hungry?” Eric asked picking up the menu. “I’m starving.” Greta responded opening her menu as well.
“Are you ready to order?” the water asked approaching the table.
“Yes, please, I’ll have your large crab salad and an ice tea please” Greta said handing her menu to the waiter.
“Very well miss, and you Mr. Brady?” the waiter asked turning to Eric.
“I’ll have your Shrimp linguini and a chief salad with ice tea. Also, I’d like to order a bottle of your specialty sparkling apple cider please. Eric replied.
“Very good sir, your order will be here shortly.” the waiter responded moving away to fill their order.
“So, now that we’re back in Salem, what are your plans? Eric asked Greta after the waiter left.
“Well, I’d really like to find an apartment of my own. I love Mrs. Horton, but I really want to have my own place now that I’ve finally decided to stay here. Greta said with a smile. What about you?”
“Well, I really should begin looking for a job.” Eric replied.
“Are you thinking about going back to work for Titan?” Greta asked.
“I really don’t want to work for Titan again, if I can find other work. I don’t want to be around Nic.....”
“Eric what is it? Greta asked looking at him quizzically, then she followed his gaze. Nicole and Lucas had just entered the restaurant. “Eric if you’d rather leave then eat here, I understand.” Greta said looking at Eric with compassion in her eyes and starting to stand.
“No, we’ve ordered and I refuse to let Nicole’s presents to ruin our evening. Beside, Salem isn’t that big, and we’re bound to run into each other so I guess we’d better get used to seeing each other again. Nicole needs to get used to seeing us together anyway because from now on that’s how its going to be, you and me together Greta.” Eric said giving Greta a warm smile and squeezing her hand gently.
“If your sure?” Greta said looking at him questioningly.
“I am now sit down and let’s continue to enjoy our evening.” Eric replied.
“Actually, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room for a minute OK?
Of course, our dinner should be here when you return.” Eric responded.

“Oh look honey, there’s Eric and Greta over there.” Nicole said sweetly to Lucas as the couple was seated at the other side of the popular restaurant. Why don’t you go over and say hello to Eric while I visit the ladies room? Nicole suggested.
“OK, but don’t take to long, I’m starving.” Lucas replied.
I’ll be back before you know it don’t worry. Nicole said sweetly as she stood, grabbed her purse and heading toward the ladies room.
Nicole couldn’t believe that Eric was out with Greta, yea she knew that they were friends, but she didn’t think they were dating! Eric couldn’t possibly be over her yet! Nicole said to her self as she entered Tuscany’s ladies room. Greta was reapplying her lipstick when Nicole saw her. Perfect, she would just ask “poor innocent little” Greta few pointed questions to find out was really going on between her and Eric.
“Hi, Greta isn’t it?” Nicole asked coming to stand next to Greta watching as she reapplied her lipstick
. “Yes, and your Nicole right?” Greta responded turning to face the pretty blond.
“Yes, that’s right, so what brings you to Tuscany tonight Greta?” Nicole asked smiling a little bit too sweetly at Greta.
“Not that its any of your business Nicole, but Eric and I are on a date if you must know.” Greta responded. her brown eyes shooting angry sparks into Nicole’s baby blue ones.
“Really, how nice” Nicole responded trying not to react to the angry sparks Greta was sending her way. Is this your first date Nicole asked innocently?”
“Yes, our first of many.” Greta replied pointedly.
“Then its serious between the two of you? Nicole asked.
“Nicole, I refuse to talk to you about the relationship between Eric and I. Why should I anyway, your the one that broke his heart!” Greta responded.
“Yes, I know that I’ve cause Eric a lot of pain, and I regret that deeply, but I still care about him and always will .” Nicole responded innocently.
“Well, you certainly have a funny way of showing it. I care a lot about Eric to, and I am going to be there for him whenever he needs me so that people like you have less of a chance to hurt him like you did Nicole, so get used to it, good-bye Nicole!” Greta said grabbing her purse and leaving the ladies room.
Well, maybe Greta wasn’t as naive as Nicole first thought, Nicole reasoned as she rejoined Lucas. Well, it really didn’t matter Nicole reasoned with herself. She knew that Eric wasn’t completely over her, and she intended to keep it that way! After all, she was unforgettable! Nicole said smugly to herself. She would find a way to win Eric back no matter what!

“I was beginning to worry about you.” Eric said as he stood and held Greta’s chair for her when she finally rejoined him.
“I’m sorry I was so long, but I ran into Nicole in the ladies room and we exchanged words.” Greta replied.
“Oh really, Eric responded with surprise. Nicole didn’t say anything to upset you did she? Eric asked with concern in his voice.
“Oh she upset me all right, but not the way your thinking.” Greta replied.
“What happened?
“Oh she was just digging for information about us and I wouldn’t give her the answers she wanted. Instead, I gave her a piece of my mind and I think that shocked her!” Greta said laughing. I’m so glad our food arrived, arguing with Nicole gave me more of an appetite, and now I’m starving! Shall we eat? Greta asked, changing the subject.
“First, I would like to make a toast” Eric replied pouring Greta and himself some of the sparkling cider. “I would like to toast to our future, may it be long, and filled with many happy memories, but also with the strength and love that we need to make it through the hard times to.” Eric said lifting his glass and touching it to Greta’s.
“I most certainly agree with your proposed toast Mr. Brady” Eric responded smiling and taking a sip from her glass.
“Do you feel like taking a walk in the park before heading back to Mrs. Horton’s or are you to tired?” Eric asked as he paid their bill and they left the restaurant.
“No, I’m not tired and don’t feel like going back to Alice’s just yet, so a walk in the park sounds perfect, let’s go.” Greta said taking Eric’s arm.
“The stars are sure out tonight.” Greta said as they were strolling through the park. “Yes they are/” Eric replied squeezing her hand.
“Eric, what’s wrong, you’ve been really quiet ever since we ate dinner? Greta asked stopping them as they walked and turning to Eric for an explanation.
“Its not anything you said, it what Nicole did to you that’s bothering me.” Eric confessed looking into Greta’s eyes.
“Eric, please don’t worry about Nicole. I can handle her and the past relationship you had with her. You told me that your completely over her, and I trust and believe you.” Greta said giving Eric a warm hug.
“I love you Greta” Eric said taking her into his arms.
“I love you too Eric Brady’ Greta responded before the two came together in a soft gentle kiss.

Go to the Sequel: Together