Greta, Eric and Billie were at the Cheatin' Heart playing pool.''Yes!'' Billie screamed when Eric missed his shot.''Hey!'' Eric said.''Hey's for horses!'' Billie mocked.''You made me miss my shot!'' Eric walked up behind Billie and nuzzled her neck. Greta turned slightly red when she saw this. Eric and Billie were dating and Eric and Greta were best friends, but somehow Greta felt uncomfortable when she saw them so close. ''Hey how about I grab us some drinks?'' Eric asked the girls. ''Sounds good'' Greta said. Eric went to get the drinks and Billie and Greta sat at a table. ''You and Eric seem to be getting closer,'' Greta said trying to break the silence. ''Yeah, we're as close as two people can be,'' Billie said smugly. Greta always had the impression that Billie didn't like the fact that Eric and Greta had such a strong friendship that couldn't be broken by anyone,not even his girlfriend. Brandon walked into the bar and spotted Greta immediately. He walked over to their table and introduced himself. ''My name's Brandon. Can I buy you lovely ladies a drink?'' Before either could answer, Eric interrupted them. ''No, they already have some'' he sat the drinks down on the table and noticed Brandon. ''Why is it ever time I see you you're hitting on my friends?'' Eric asked, really referring to Greta. ''Why is it when I see you their hanging all over you, Brady? ''Brandon asked. ''Do we know each other?'' Eric pondered. ''I might as well tell you you'll figure it out soon enough. I'm Brandon Walker, Nicki's brother.'' For a second Eric was shocked but then realized it was one of Nicole's many secrets. ''I 'm not surprised.'' Anyway,to change the subject I couldn't help but notice this very, very, beautiful lady standing next to me. What's your name?'' Brandon asked. ''Greta,''she answered shyly. That was one thing Eric loved about his best friend. She was so innocent and sweet. He'd never let anyone take that away from her. Especially Brandon. ''Hey their doing the two-step'' Greta motioned to the dance floor. '' Can I dance with her?'' Brandon asked Eric. Eric didn't want that creep touching his best friend but looking into Greta's pleading eyes he said, ''Don't ask me, ask the lady.'' "Sure I'd love to, ''Greta answered. Eric didn't know why, but he felt a pang of jealousy run through his body when he saw how much fun Greta seemed to be having with this loser. 'God, Eric thought, 'look at the way he's touching her. If his hands move any father down her body,I'll-' ''Eric you look like you're going to kill somebody'' billie interrupted his thoughts. ''What? I'm sorry Billie, what'd you say?'' Eric asked. ''It's obvious your minds somewhere else,''Billie said angrily pointing at Greta and Brandon.' 'What do you mean, Greta's my best friend?" Eric asked wondering what she meant. "You obviously have feelings for Greta that your not willing to admit" Billie said. "Well yeah, I love Greta as a friend but nothing more. I think you're taking our frirndship a little bit too seriously." he explained. Billie just stared at Eric in disbelief. "You're in love with her Eric! Can't you see that? Oh no of course you can't. I've had it up to here with you and your damn friendship with Greta! Everytime I turn around, I see you guys hugging, kissing each other on the cheek, etc., etc. What's next? You gonna sleep with her then say that 'Greta needed me'?'' Billie was rambling on and on about it.G reta couldn't help but notice what was going on between Billie and Eric. They were arguing about something then Billie just left. Eric had this shocked expression on his face so she went over to talk to him. ''Eric what's wrong? You look upset.'' Greta said. His eyes were welling up with tears but he didn't want to let Greta know what happened, so he held them back. ''No..'' he said clearing his throat. ''Everything's fine. Listen, why don't I take you home it's getting kind of late,'' Eric said getting his keys out of his pocket. "Um....ok let's go'' Greta said a little unsure about whether or not Eric was okay.
When they were driving home, Eric was thinking about what Billie and he had talked about right before she walked out of the Cheatin' Heart. ''Billie come on how can you say these things? I love you'' Eric had said. ''Well i don't love you. Not anymore.'' And that had been the end of their conversation. Eric's eyes started welling up again and this time he couldn't fight the tears. Greta glanced over to find that Eric was crying. '' Eric ,why are you crying?" Eric didn't really wanna tell Greta something that would upset her. ''Can we talk about this later? At your place?'' Eric asked her. ''Yeah that'll be fine,'' Greta answered.
Once they got to her place, they sat down on the couch and started to talk. ''So, wanna tell me what's bothering you?'' Greta asked. "Well Billie and I were fighting about- uh- you. You see,I don't like Brandon at all and I was watching you guys dance. I told her that Brandon was no good for you and she thought I was getting jealous. She told me that I was in love with you and that I didn't love her. Then she told me that she didn't love me anymore and that was the end of our conversation.'' Greta just stared at Eric in awe. ''How could Billie say those things? They aren't even true,'' Greta said. Eric wasn't so sure about that. He was sure of one thing though: the feelings he felt for Greta ran deeper than friendship. ''So what's up with you hating Brandon? He's a great guy,'' Greta said. ''No. Anyone connected to Nicole is probably a liar.'' Eric said. ''Eric, you can't say that. Just because Nicole hurt you doesn't mean Brandon is going to hurt me.'' Greta said getting up to go to the kitchen.
Eric joined her. ''Greta, I just don't want to see you get hurt,okay?'' he said softly. Greta wondered why he'd be so concerned but shook off the thought that it could be out of something other than friendship.'' Eric I'm not going to get hurt, but thanks for worrying.'' Greta said. ''Yeah but you don't know that for sure,'' Eric said. Greta put her index finger over his lips. ''Not another word.'' Eric knew that when she did this she was extremely serious. ''Okay,okay I won't say another word about Nicole's brother whom I really despise now,''Eric said. ''It's obvious who's in charge here,'' greta sighed as she sat down on the couch. ''I'll show you who's in charge!'' Eric yelled jumping on Greta and pinning her down. They both started laughing very hard as Greta tried to struggle free. Eric stopped when he realized how close their faces were and how beautiful Greta looked just laying there. On impulse, Eric leaned down and kissed Greta passionately on the lips. Greta knew she shouldn't be doing this but she didn't want him to stop. They finally stopped and took a breather. ''Why'd you stop?'' Greta asked in barely above a whisper. ''I don't know'' Eric said. ''Did you want me to?'' Greta thought about the question for a minute. She wanted Eric just as bad as he wanted her. ''No'' she said simply and kissed him. Eric started to unbutton her shirt as she kissed his neck. He caressed her bare stomach and kissed her even deeper. They were so into what they were doing that they didn't hear the telephone ringing. Greta pulled away from the kiss. ''Did you hear something?''Greta asked him. Eric listened intently. ''Oh wait... I think it might be the phone. Hold on.'' Eric said getting up. Greta buttoned her shirt back up. Eric picked the phone up. ''Hello?'' Eric asked. ''Eric, it's Sami. Something's happened.'' He became concerned immediately. ''What do you mean something's happened? What's wrong,is it Will?'' Eric asked worriedly. ''No it's Mom. She was in a car accident. I'm at the hospital. ''Sami said trying not to cry. ''Oh my god! I'll be right there, okay?'' Eric said frightened. ''What's wrong?'' Greta asked. ''My mom's been in a car accident. I- I have to go,'' Eric said looking for his keys.'' Can you come with me? Please Greta?'' Eric pleaded. ''Of course, let's go,'' Greta locked the door behind her as they made their way to University Hospital.
When they arrived, the whole Brady family was watching Marlena through a glass window. ''Eric!'' Sami said as she was the first person to notice Eric was standing there. ''How is she?'' were the first words that came out of Eric's mouth. ''Um...well.. she's in serious condition. She had a major blow to the head. Mike said he doesn't know if she'll make it,'' Sami said sadly. ''No, this can't be happening,'' Eric said with tears in his eyes. He walked out onto the balcony. Greta looked his way. Sami motioned his way. ''You should be with him. He needs you.'' Greta went over to the balcony doors and closed them behind her. Eric was crying freely now. Greta rubbed his shoulders tenderly. ''It's gonna be okay,'' Greta whispered. Eric turned around and hugged Greta tightly sobbing on her shoulder. ''Why'd this ever have to happen?'' he managed to say through sobs. ''I don't know, but your family will make it through this. I promise.'' Greta said holding his face in her hands. Eric was so amazed at how good of a friend she was being.'' Thanks Greta. I don't know what I'd do without you.'' Eric said calming down. ''I don't know what I'd do without you either,Eric.''
After some serious praying and hoping that Marlena would make it, she eventually pulled through. The Brady family was overjoyed. Eric was estatic. For two reasons: 1)his mother had made a wonderful recovery and 2) he knew he had finally found the woman of his dreams. The Brady and Horton families decided they'd have a special picnic celebrating Marlena's recovery. Eric knew that then would be the perfect time to do what he had planned for so long.
Later that week at the picnic, everyone was laughing and having a great time like they always do. Eric spotted her and asked, ''Can I borrow my lady for a second?'' "Sure,'' she said. Eric took her over to a corner of Alice's backyard. ''Excuse me everyone, can I have your full attention?'' Eric asked in his deepest voice. He bent down and took out the engagement ring he had been waiting to show her for weeks.'' We've known each other for a long time. You've helped me through so many things. You're my friend, my love, my soulmate. Will you be even more to me? Greta Von Amberg, will you marry me?'' Eric asked Greta. There were tears in both of their eyes now. Greta started sobbing. ''You had me at 'hello'. Of course I'll marry you. I love you!'' Greta said jumping into Eric's arms. Everyone cheered loudly. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. Eric wrapped Greta up in the most passionate kiss either had ever experienced. ''I love you so much!'' Eric exclaimed twirling Greta around in the air. It was as if they were the only two in the world. But they weren't because a whole bunch of family members came over to talk to them about the engagement. They were married a month later in front of all of Salem and they lived happily ever after.
