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Episode 10

Time: Same day as last episode, Evening

Location: Genoa City Airport

Harmony could only sigh when Justin got into the back seat of the car that she had arranged to chauffer him around for his first couple of weeks or at least until he becomes acclimated to the city. She wondered if all the men she would be working with would be this fine.  First Neil, then Chris, and now Justin.  This was a lot of temptation for one woman to handle.

“Hello, my name is Harmony.  I am Chris’ personal assistant and will be helping you until you hire your own,” she said shaking his hand.

“Ah, the famous Dimples.”

“Harmony,” she reminded him.

“That’s right.  Only Chris is allowed such liberties.”

“He does it against my wishes.  But he signs my paycheck so I refrain from too much complaint.  But you do not.”

“I see,” he said chuckling. “So where are we headed Harmony.”

“Well, you will be staying at the Genoa City Athletic Club for now.  Or at least until you find another residence.”

“Well, since you are my acting personal assistant, I would appreciate it if you could find a suitable apartment for me,” he said with a full smile.

“Does that smile generally get you what you want,” she asked.

“Generally, yes.”

“Well not in this instance. My duties do not include house hunting.”

“Pray tell. What do your duties include,” he asked widening his eyes.

“Not that either,” she said quickly while narrowing her eyes.  He had better not be alluding to what she thought he was.

He laughed out loud.

“I didn’t think so.  Something about you says all work and no play.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that you are strung as tight as bow. When was the last time you had release.”

“Justin, you are working on getting slapped,” she said through gritted teeth.

“The look on your face makes it well worth the pain,” he said with a smile.

Times like this made Harmony insecure about her past.  When people starting making crass comments to her, she didn’t know if it was because they were just generally crass people or whether they did it because they had no respect for her. She didn’t want to over react or get on a soap box unnecessarily.

“Why are you talking to me like this?  We just met.  And you are my boss. Or at least, somewhat boss.”

“Harmony, I didn’t mean to offend you. I guess I am just used to saying what’s on my mind.  Product of working and being best friends with Bill Spencer for 20 years. But I see that Bell has a different culture.   Not that I am surprised considering Neil is the CEO. It might take me a while to adjust. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.  I guess I can be a bit touchy with my background and all.  I am sure you are aware of it.”

“Yes, I know that you are Devon’s biological mother. I know about the entire story.  Drucilla was never one to keep anything to herself.  Especially when she felt disrespected,” he said with a laugh.

“Yes. I know”.  His laughter was catching so she found herself laughing along with him.

“Eh,” he said fanning his hand. “That’s ancient history. Anyway, something that I have learned is that you can’t change the past.  You have to focus on the now and look towards the future.  This is what we control.”

“Spoken like a man with his own past he needs forgotten.”  Harmony wondered about his story. He seemed to be speaking from experience.

“Not necessarily my mistake.  But mistakes that affected the here and now in my life.  I’ll tell you about it later.  Right now, I don’t think I have the energy.”

“Jet lagged? Don’t worry. We’ll be pulling up at the club in a little bit.  Go ahead and rest your eyes in.”

She watched him as he closed his eyes. He seemed so sad when he was talking about past mistakes.  She realized looking at him that his behavior earlier was just a cover up.  It was his wall he could hide his pain behind.

She heard her phone beep indicating that she had gotten a text message.   She checked the message and it was from Tucker.  It read: Room 202.  Ask for the key at the desk.  I will be waiting.

 

Location: Genoa City Athletic Club Dining Area

Roxy sat eating dinner with Devon.  He wanted to go out to a club tonight after dinner but she really didn’t want to go.  Instead of coming here she would have preferred if they had ordered in and spent a quiet night together just talking.  But of course, that was not Devon’s idea of fun.  She had yet to tell him about her new job and thought that this was as good a time as any.

“Well, I have good news,” she said.

“Oh yeah.  Well I can’t wait to hear it,” he said smiling holding her hand atop the table.

“I won’t be travelling anymore for work. Well not like I was before. I took a job with Fenmores. So I will be in town most of the time.”

Devon looked shocked and a little scared.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy,” she asked.

“Of course I am happy.  I love being with you and spending time with you.  I am just surprised. That’s all.  You didn’t say a thing to me about it.”

“Well, I just recently made the decision.”

“I didn’t even know you were thinking about it.  When we were in college, working at Forrester was your dream.  I am just confused on what changed.”

“Well, to be honest Devon.  I missed you. And I don’t want to be separated from you for weeks on end.”

At that he smiled and breathed out slowly. “Baby, if this is about that phone call from Abby when we were –“

“No,” she interrupted.  “It’s not that at all.”

“Okay. Because you know that I only want you. No one else.”

“I know that baby.”

“Well what is it?”

Although she had planned on having this conversation a few weeks from now, he was asking so she decided to lay it all on the line right now.

“I know we have never discussed this but I was wondering have you thought about us and the future.”

He released her hand and sat back in his chair.

“What do you mean the future?”

“Like us getting married and having a family.”

“Where is all this coming from? I thought that we were happy with the way things are,” he said. She could hear the panic in his voice.

“Calm down Devon.  I just want to know where you stand on the subject. I am not giving you an ultimatum.” She paused. “Yet,” she added with a smile. 

Obviously her attempt at humor didn’t register with him because he didn’t smile or laugh. He continued to sit up straight in his chair as if he was ready to bolt at any minute.

“Roxy, you know I am trying to build this music career. I don’t even have a steady income. In my opinion, a man needs that before he even thinks about having a family.”

He heart dropped. She felt like Devon was just making up an excuse instead of telling her that he didn’t want to get married. Or even worse, he didn’t want to marry her.

“I have a steady pay check.  This is 2012. The day of a man providing and the woman staying at home is all but extinct.”

“Not for me it isn’t,” he said stubbornly.

“If you needing a steady job is the only thing keeping us from getting married then how about you get one.  It’s not like you would have a hard time doing so.  You have practical experience from an internship.  Besides, your dad, Tucker, and Mrs Chancellor all would be more than happy to give you job.”

“But then I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on music.  You know it is all I have ever dreamed about.”

“Really,” she said sarcastically. So this was it.  Devon was not ready to get married and not willing to compromise. At least now she knew.

“Don’t be mad baby,” he said grabbing her hand that was on the table.

“Excuse me”.  The both looked up to see Tucker standing beside the table. “Can I talk to you Devon?  In private,” he asked.

“Tucker, not now. We are in the middle of something,” Devon said irritated.

In Roxy’s opinion, they had said all that needed to be said on the subject tonight.

“Go Devon. Just go. I need a minute alone anyway,” she said taking her hand from his.

“Okay Tucker.  Where too,” he asked rising from his seat.

 

 

Location: Sophia Winter’s Apartment

Sophia had just put Moses down for the night and taken a long bath for herself.  She was craving a glass of wine but didn’t want to take the chance since she was still nursing Moses.  Her doctor told her than a glass of wine every now and then wasn’t a big deal but still refused to partake no matter how frazzled her nerves.

She sat on her couch and began to open her mail. One particular envelope caught her attention.  It was from the hospital.  She could have sworn that she paid that bill months ago but maybe that one didn’t include all the charges.  She opened the envelope and began to read the letter:

Mrs Sophia Winters,

It has been brought to our attention that our genetics laboratory here at the hospital has had an issue with cleaning medical equipment.  This type of problem has been known to result in contaminated specimens, which could lead to inaccurate results.  In light of this, we are providing free retesting for all tests performed within the last year. If you are interested please contact us at the number provided to set up an appointment.

Sorry for you inconvenience,

 

Sophia dropped the letter to the floor in shock. She didn’t know what to think. It seemed that there was a possibility that Malcolm was Moses’ father after all.  This also meant that Neil was not. After all the pain that everyone in the family had gone through.  There was a possibility that it was all for nothing. She began to cry.  Just when she had made peace with the situation and resigned herself that Malcolm was lost to her, now this. She couldn’t help but feel that God was still punishing her for sleeping with Neil.  

She didn’t know whether she should take the lab up on the offer or not. She didn’t want to hurt Malcolm all over again by having him redo a test and finding out that it was right the first time.  And Neil would be devastated to find out that he was not the father. Moses deserved to know who his biological father was.  But he also deserved a father who was responsible and would not run away when things did not go his way.

She needed to talk this out with someone.  At times like this, a woman needed someone she could trust.  She dialed Calista, her lifelong friend, but there was no answer.  She wondered what Tucker was doing.    She decided against calling him. She and Callie had discovered early on after their parents’ death that there were certain things that one just did not tell Tucker unless absolutely necessary.

She decided that she would call her other best friend Victoria.  She noticed that she didn’t come to Delia’s party today and that while she was missing, Billy was very attentive to Chloe.  She figured that they both needed to talk.  She dialed her number.

“Hello”

“Hey girl.”

“Hey Sophia.”

“Can you come by?  I really need to talk to you about some stuff.”

“Me too.”

“I figured that.  See you soon.”

 

 

Location:  Abbot Mansion

Jack was on the phone with a political strategist tossing around the idea of running for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.  He had enjoyed his stint as state senator. He actually felt like he was making a difference.  He missed having a purpose.  Now that he had finally gotten Jabot back, his drive had all but disintegrated.  The pursuit of owning jabot was much more fulfilling than actually possessing it.

“So what do you think my chances are,” he asked the strategist.

“You had a pretty good approval rating at the end of your tenure. And your record is aligned well with the party base and the promises you made while campaigning. So that is always a good thing. Are you still planning on running on the Republican ticket?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Although your politics look good, your personal life might be an issue.”

“How so?”

“Do you remember the whole diary incident that was in the news?  Then you had a woman stalking you based on how you treated her in the past. Then let’s hope the entire story about the stalker doesn’t come out. Is this woman still in a facility where the media can’t get to her?”

“No, she is not there anymore.  No one knows where she is.” 

“Besides that, you have two ex-wives in 4 years I think. Conservative values will frown on the exes. And then you were a suspect in another ex’s murder.  Where is your son?”

“He is in boarding school.”

“That is something else that will be frowned upon. You need to bring him home.”

“Anything else?”

“Well, I think you need a wife.  Someone who can offset your own skeletons and present a united family for the media. Someone that people would look at and think if she is interested in you then you must be worthwhile.”

Jack thought about that for a second. Only one woman that he knew fit the bill.  Olivia would make the perfect politician’s wife. She was well educated, poised, and classy.  Not to mention she was beautiful. She would look absolutely stunning on his arm. She was Ashley’s friend so they were a few years older than him.  He had always had an interest in her but didn’t think she would ever date him so he never really pursued her.  However, he did flirt with her every chance he could. If he needed a wife, he might as well go for the ultimate prize.

“Okay, thanks for all your help,” he said as he hung up the phone.

 

Location:  Genoa City Memorial Hospital

Olivia was on the verge of tears standing outside of the conference room.  She was trying to pull herself together to face Paul and tell him that his son had died.  She couldn’t believe it herself.  If only they had known what had been wrong with him sooner.  She just didn’t understand how Nate had missed this when Rickey first came in. 

Her phone rang and she answered it.  

“Hey beautiful.”

It was Jack.  She really couldn’t deal with his flirting right now. “Jack, I am sorry.  But I can’t talk now.”

“What? You don’t have time for me? Now I can’t believe that is true. Make the time,” he said.

“Not right now.  I will call you back,” she said hanging up the phone.

She took a deep breath, braced herself, and entered the room.

“Olivia, so what’s going on with Rickey,” Paul asked.

“I…Paul…there is no easy way to say this.  Rickey didn’t make it. I am so sorry.”

“What do you mean he didn’t make it? I thought that you were treating him.”

“Yes. We were.  But he had complications.  If we could have found out sooner that he had pneumonia –“

“What? Are you telling me my young vibrant son died from complications from pneumonia? A treatable disease,” Paul said livid.  She knew firsthand how grief went.  Paul was angry but eventually he would move on to other stages.

“Paul.  It happens when not treated early enough. He developed sepsis. His blood was poisoned from the bacteria.  The survival rate of that is very low.”

“No,” Paul said crying. “No, I don’t believe you.  I want to see him.”

Ashley then walked over to Paul and hugged him from behind. She had forgotten that Ashley was even in the room. “Paulie.  I am so sorry.”

He turned around and buried his head in her hair as he cried uncontrollably.  “I can’t believe my son is dead,” he sobbed. “We didn’t even get a chance to really know each other.  I don’t even know if he knows how much I love him.”

“He knows Paul.  You have to believe that.”

Olivia turned and walked out of the room.  Once outside, she closed the door and fell against the wall next to it.  She covered her face with both hands and cried.  

 

Location: Genoa City Athletic Club Roof

Devon walked out on the basketball court behind Tucker. He really didn’t want to have this conversation right now. He needed to figure out what words he could use to get Roxy to understand that he wasn’t ready to get married and it had nothing to do with his love for her or him wanting to be with her.  He hoped she was still at the table when he finished up with Tucker. Something in her eyes told him she would not be. He could strangle Nate right now.  He just knew all that discussion about Roxy being ready to get married talked it up.  When you put things out in the universe they have a way of being picked up.

“Tucker, what is it?  I really don’t have the time right now,” he said letting his agitation show.

“I wanted to talk to you about your mother.”

Devon was not surprised that she was the intended topic of conversation.  “What about her?”

“Why are you so against us seeing each other?  She told me that you tried to get her to promise not to get involved with me.  I just want to know why.”

“I told you already.  She is vulnerable now. I don’t want her to relapse.”

“What makes you think that will happen?  Harmony seems very strong to me.”

Tucker was obviously leading him. He really didn’t have time for it.

“Just say what you want to say. Please. Roxy is waiting on me.”

“Okay. I wanted to talk to you about our past.  Your mother and mine.”

With that Devon sat down on a bench.  This was the first time that either Tucker or Harmony had ever tried to tell him about their history.  He was intrigued.

“When we met, your mother was 19. So kind hearted.  So sweet. That’s how she got the name Candy,” Tucker smiled to himself. He seemed to be replaying some memories in his head which shocked Devon because Tucker originally said he didn’t remember her.

“Wait a minute. I thought that you didn’t remember her or know her name.”

“I told you.  They all had nicknames.  That’s why I didn’t recognize the name Yolanda. However, after we spent some time together and began talking about the past, I do remember her.”

“And,” Devon asked slowly. No matter how much he said it didn’t matter, he had this desire to know how he came to be.

“And I was stupid and young,” Tucker said slowly looking out in space.  Devon could tell he was caught up in his memories again. “When I met her, my career was just starting to catch on. We spent a lot of time together. Mostly in groups and then alone. She was so beautiful. And she was in love with me. I knew that. She didn’t tell me but I knew. And I wanted her so badly that I overlooked all the warning signs.  In retrospect they are as clear as day.  Even then I knew she wasn’t like the rest of the women that I had taken into my bed. Which is probably why it took me so long to finally give in to what we both wanted. She was a virgin. I was a little surprised. Only a little though. Like I said, she was nothing like the others. She made me want things that I knew would get in the way of my career.  I had vowed that I would not allow anyone to get in the way. So I walked away from her.”

“Did you know she was pregnant when you walked away?”

He noticed Tucker jump when he spoke.  He seemed to have forgotten that Devon was there.

“No, I had no clue.  I wish I had known. It would have forced me to do what I really wanted to do any way. Damn, I remember the way she looked at me afterwards. But I felt it was for the best.  I didn’t think I was ready. I didn’t think I could give her the kind of relationship she deserved. Getting married was not a part of my plan for my life at that time.”

As much as Devon hated to admit it.  He understood Tucker’s position. He was in a similar position with Roxy right now.  He loved her and wanted to be with her, but he didn’t want to be tied down to the responsibilities of having a wife and family of his own.

“Were you in love with my mom?”

“You sure like to ask the hard questions, don’t you,” Tucker said on a laugh.

“Not hard at all. Either you were or you weren’t.”

Tucker laughed lightly again. “Honestly, I don’t know. But I have never felt like this about anyone else. So maybe this is what being in love feels like.”

“Thanks Tucker. I really appreciate you telling me all this.  I understand a lot better about how things were with you two. But I am shocked that you didn’t think it was her who had your child.”

“I never thought that she had it in her to play that game with me.  To taunt me. But given that the person never asked for money, I should have known.  Most groupies would have taken me for all they could get.  But not Candy.  That would have never been her style.  Now that I know it is her, I am not surprised at all.”

“And you don’t seem at all angry.” Which was shocking to Devon.  If it had been him, he knew he would never be able to get over it.

“How can I be angry at her? It’s my own fault. I forced her to walk away from me thinking that she meant nothing. Even made her feel insecure to the point where she was afraid to come to me and tell me she was pregnant. It’s my fault.”

“So are you really trying to be with her now?  Are you serious about her?”

“Yes, I am.  But she is holding back. She cares more about your opinion than she does about being with me,” Tucker said. 

Devon laughed because Tucker sounded jealous. He must surely be in love with Harmony if he was jealous of her relationship with him.

“I won’t stand in your way anymore.  But there is still a part of me that does not trust you. Just do not walk away from her again.”

“I am not that man anymore Devon.”

“Time will tell Tucker. Time will tell,” Devon said and headed back to Roxy hoping she was not still mad.

 

Location:  Sophia’s Apartment

Victoria was standing over Moses crib trying not to feel bitter.  It was a minute by minute struggle.  It was not fair that her ex-husband had taken her child from her.  And it was even less unfair that he had moved him all the way across the country.  She could only see him on Skype.  Many times she had thought to just move to the same city as Reed so that she could see him every day.  But even then there was no guarantee that JT would let her see Reed or allow him to spend that much time with her.  And now this Chelsea chick was in town claiming to be pregnant by Billy.  It was just more than she wanted to deal with.

“So tell me. Why were you at your step daughter’s party,” Sophia asked politely.

“Okay.  Promise me this won’t go anywhere.”  Victoria really didn’t want anyone to know that Billy had screwed up again. It was very embarrassing to constantly have him do that and her to lower herself to take him back. After this got out she wouldn’t be able to show herself in public again.

“And I will need to hold you to that same promise,” Sophia said with her eyes wide.

“Really?”

“Yes.  But you go first.”

“Okay. Well. This girl showed up at our doorstep last night and said that she was pregnant by Billy.”

“What,” Sophia asked shocked.

“Yes.  And it was obvious that Billy knows her. And Well.”

“Okay,” she said slowly.  “Do you think it is true?”

“My gut says yes.”

“Well don’t make any sudden decisions without the facts. Get a DNA test. But then those can be faulty too,” her friend said thoughtfully.

“Uh oh, what does that mean?”

“It means that I got a letter from the lab at the hospital saying I need to redo the DNA test on Moses.  It could be faulty.”

Now it was her turn to look shocked.

“My sentiments exactly,” Sophia said and laughed.

“Oh I am sorry but this is a shock.  I thought that we had this settled.”

“So did I.  And I really don’t know whether I want to open it back up again.  Do I want to tell Malcolm that he might still be the father only to find out he isn’t again.  And if he is, Neil will be devastated.  I just feel like whichever way it goes, I will break someone’s heart. Again.  I just don’t want to do that anymore.”

“Oh sweetheart. I am so sorry. But you do know that they deserve to know. Moses deserves to know more so than anyone.  Look at all the drama surrounding Tucker and Devon.  Don’t put that kind of pain on your son.”

“If you are making comparisons between me and that tramp then surely I must be a hot mess right now.”

They both laughed. But Victoria had an idea that would get them results without anyone knowing.

“Okay.  Here’s what we will do.  Get a DNA sample from Neil.  Then we will send it to a private lab.  No one will have to know the results but you.  If Neil is the father, there is no need to say anything.  But then if he is not, you have to determine what is best.”

“Why is it that it sounds like you have done this before,” Sophia laughed.

“Not relevant.”

“But you know Neil and I are getting an annulment and I don’t live there anymore.  The sample isn’t so easy.”

“Sophia.  Come on. You are the right hand of Tucker McCall.  You will think of something.” They both laughed again.

“Side note.  Billy was very attentive to Chloe today. If I didn’t know better I would think something is going on between them.”

“Oh, that’s how he always is with her.  And even worse when I am not around.  For some reason, he likes to play games with her.  I don’t even care anymore. He won’t go there.”

“I am not so sure.”

“And I almost don’t care.  Almost.”  And that was the truth.  Too much had happened between her and Billy.  She was living back at the Ranch with her father, Victor Newman.  He knew something was going on but didn’t know what.  It was only a matter of time before he found out.

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Bar

Chris sat at the bar at the club having drinks. He waved at Devon as he came inside and joined his pretty girlfriend.  She had seemed upset when he first sat down now she seemed fine.  Tucker came in from the same way Devon had and sat a few seats down from him at the bar.

“McCall”

“Winters”

“So, have you found a replacement for Bell yet?” He just couldn’t resist taunting Tucker about their win.

“No need.  Still got my eye on Bell.”

“I don’t know why.  I know the owners and they will never sell.”

“This wouldn’t be the first time I have taken something that was not for sell.”

“Bell is privately owned.  Not publically traded.  I am sure that even you have not pulled that off.”

“You’d be surprised at the tricks I know.”

“You are lucky that I love and respect my family. Or I would show you what it really feels like to lose. Show you a few tricks.” And he meant that.  There were parts of McCall Unlimited that they could easily take.  But Neil was stuck on this family image.  So if he couldn’t hit him in his business, he decided to hit Tucker where he knew it would really hurt.  He finished with, “But I forget.  You don’t know anything about that do you. No wife, no family, no love.” 

“Well I am working on that,” Tucker said calmly.

He expected Tucker to show some small sign of irritation but he didn’t.  So he pushed it further.

“So am I.”

“What the hell does that mean,” Tucker asked with his voice rising.

That was the reaction Chris wanted. Tucker had mistreated Dimples and by product Devon.  He deserved some misery for it. He didn’t deserve to walk back into her life and be loved like nothing had happened.  Both Dimples and Precious were worth more than that.  Chris knew that she was softening towards Tucker.  He could see it. He could tell from how she acted that things were different.  If being with Tucker would make her happy then so be it.  It couldn’t come up with a legitimate objection being that McCall was now single.  Chris couldn’t be with her anyway.  But he wanted Tucker to have doubt. Maybe that would keep him on his toes.  So he pushed it even further.

“Oh I think you know exactly what it means.”

Tucker just stared at him.

“So you want to hear it. Okay, I think you and I have a similar want.  Or Shall I say, a similar need. And I get to assuage mine on a daily basis.”

“In your dreams,” he said with his voice rising.

“And surely only in yours.”

“I have a son to prove that I have done more than just fantasize.”

“That was over two decades ago.  A lifetime almost. Dimples wouldn’t be naïve enough to trust you again. ”

“You think so huh,” Tucker said pursing his lips. 

“Oh I know so.”

“I think I will leave you with your fantasies. I have somewhere to be.”

Tucker stood and left.  Chris didn’t look in his direction.

 

Location: Genoa City Memorial Hospital

Nate felt like throwing up.   He couldn’t believe that Rickey had died from pneumonia under his care.  He felt like a failure as a doctor.  This type of diagnosis was routine.  He just couldn’t understand how he had missed the signs. Then of course, the medical review board would meet. This was the type of thing that people lost their license over.  But at this point, he didn’t care about that.  All he cared about was that Paul had lost his son. 

“Nate, I am going to have to put you on leave until after the review board looks at this case,” his mother said teary eyed.

“But mom.  I promise you. I saw no indication that he had pneumonia.  The x-rays were clear.”

“Not the ones that I had done. And his folder did not include any old ones.”

“Come on.  That is routine. I am not so incompetent that I wouldn’t order x-rays.  It was one of the first orders I gave.”

“Are you sure?  The ER is sometimes hectic and it is easy to forget things.”

“Like I said.  I ordered them and they were clear,” he said.  He knew he sounded more like he was trying to convince himself than her.

“Well, it should all come out in the review board process.”

“And how long will that take,” he snapped.  He was getting angry now.  For some reason his mother did not believe him.  Of all the people in this world, he thought she had the most faith him.  He guessed he was wrong.

“I am going to let that tone slide because I am speaking as your boss and not your mother.  Although you keep calling me mom so you are fairly aware of our relationship at this moment.”

“Sorry.”

“I am sure you are.  Just go ahead and leave. The review board will contact you when the findings are in.”

“Fine,” he said walking off. 

He immediately pulled out his phone and called Devon. 

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Dining Area

Devon was sitting with Roxy trying to talk her into staying.  She seemed so determined to leave and he didn’t want their first night back together to end this way. He had missed her. 

“Well you weren’t tired earlier,” he said with a smile.

“I was always tired Devon.  But you wanted to go out so I agreed to go.”

Before he could respond, his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and it was Nate.  He probably wanted to know which club they were going to later.

“One second Roxy,” he said then answered the phone. “Hey man.”

“What are you doing right now?”

“Just finished eating with Roxy at the club. Why? What’s up? You sound on edge.”  He sounded like he had just run a marathon actually.

“That’s because I am on edge. I just got put on administrative leave because Rickey Williams died of Pneumonia.”

“What? He died.”  He needed to call Abby and check on her.

“Yeah. And it seems like they want to lay the blame on me.”

“Did you do anything wrong.  Anything at all.”

“No.”

“Well then.  Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay.  Easy for you to say. But thanks anyway. Well, you guys don’t go anywhere.  I am headed that way.”

“We’ll be here,” Devon said smiling at Roxy who shook her head in return as he hung up his phone.

“Hey babe.  Rickey Williams died today.”

“Oh no. He was so young. Do they know why?” she said sadly.

“Pneumonia.”

“That’s surprising.  Most people don’t die from that.”

“Yeah I know. Abby will be devastated.  I need to call her and possibly go by and check on her depending on how she feels.”

He could tell that Roxy was concerned about that but she didn’t say anything.  She would never let any jealousies take over her sense of duty.  Her sense of right and wrong.

“Okay. I think that is a good idea.  You can do it now. Like I said, I am way too tired for clubbing tonight. I am just going to head home.” She said standing.

He stood too and leaned in to kiss her on the lips but she turned her head.  His lips connected with her jaw.  Then she turned and walked away with no parting words.  She was still mad but she would get over.  This was Roxy.  She always got over it. 

 

He then took out his cell phone to call Abby.  He just knew she would be distraught. 

“Abby”

“ Hi Devon.”  She sounded normal.  “She probably doesn’t know,” he thought.

“Have you heard the news about Rickey,” he asked.

“Yes. It’s so sad.  I just know his grandparents will be devastated.  And poor Paul.  But my mom is there for him.”

“Well I am glad that you are taking this so well.  I figured you would be upset considering.”

“Well, I am trying to -,” she said as her voice wavered and she began to cry. 

“I’m sorry.  I am so sorry.”  He didn’t know what else to say. “Do you need me to come over?” 

“Yes.   That would be great,” Abby said.

 Devon figured she would be alone crying her eyes out.  Her mother would be with Paul and Abby had no one with her.

“Are you at home,” Devon asked. He would just head over there now.

“Oh no.  Right now I am at Fenmore’s. “

“Okay. Well I am at the Athletic Club.  You can just stop by here then.”

“Okay.  I will. And we can take my limo out to Level 3 tonight,” she said sniffling.

“Are you sure you are still up for that,” he asked.

“Oh yes, it will help cheer me up.” Most people wouldn’t want to go out after something so traumatic.  But not Abby.  She was a party girl. Always up for some fun.  He liked that about her.

“Okay.  Nate will probably be joining us.”

“Not a problem,” she said cheerily. 

“Great.”   That was another thing about her he liked.  She was always accommodating to him.

“Okay.  See you then.”

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Front Desk

Harmony stood at the front desk of the club with Justin to ensure that everything was in order.  They gave him his keys and he turned and spotted Chris at the bar talking to Devon.

“There’s Chris and Devon at the bar.  Let’s say hi before I get the bags out,” he said.

Harmony really didn’t want to talk to both Chris and Devon. She was afraid that they would be able to look at her and tell what she was about to do with Tucker.

“No, you go ahead and catch up with them.  I will get your bags out and make sure they make it to the room.”  And it would also allow her to get her own bag undetected.  She didn’t know why she felt the need to hide what she was doing. Well, except to Devon. But she found herself also wanting to hide it from Neil and Chris too.

“Okay. Thanks,” Justin said as he walked in the direction of the bar.

She turned to the attendant.  “My name is Harmony Hamilton.  Has a key been left for me?”

“Yes ma’am.  Room 202,” the attendant said giving her the key.

“Thank you.”

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Bar

 

Justin walked to the bar and stood behind Chris and Devon.

“Gentlemen”

They both turned around and smiled.  Devon hugged him and said, “J. It’s nice to see you. I am so happy that you are here.”

Chris shook his hand. “Me too.  Now maybe we can get some real business done at Bell,” he said with a smile.

“Chafing under the family image already,” Justin said. He figured there would be some conflicts between Neil and Chris.  They were alike yet different in so many ways.

“Was that my mom I saw walk out the door.  Where is she going? Why didn’t she say hello?” Devon asked worried.

“Yes that was her.  She volunteered to oversee the bell boy getting my bags to my room.  She’s very nice and helpful.  Even though she told me off on the way here,” Justin said with a chuckle because he knew that he deserved it.

“You probably deserved it.  And yeah, she is a big help.  And very smart. Just a good woman all the way around,” Chris said.  Justin noticed Devon beaming at the praise for his mother. Now he knew why Neil had insisted that she was off limits.  Devon would not take it at all well if it didn’t work out.  It just wasn’t good for family discord.

“Hey, let’s call Neil and Nate up here and have a boy’s night,” Chris said.

“Nate’s already on the way.  And he is having a bad day. So none of those doctor jokes please. Let me just call my dad and tell him to meet us,” Devon said.

“Alright.  That’s what I am talking about,” Justin said.

He had been tired earlier.  But now that he was here, he seemed to be getting his second wind.

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Room 202

After dropping Justin’s bags off, Harmony picked up her own bag and headed for room 202.   She was so nervous that her hand was shaking as she slid the key into the door. Once she got the door to open, she walked into the room and sat her bag down.  The lights were dimmed, there was soft jazz playing, and there were dozens of white candles lit all around the room. But she didn’t see Tucker. She walked over to the small table that was set for two with a half dozen long stemmed red roses in a vase as a centerpiece. She uncovered the food and it was stuffed bell peppers.  He had remembered her favorite.  She turned to get her bag from the door and noticed that the bed was turned back and had red rose petals on it.  She felt herself about to cry. No man had ever done anything like this for her.

“Songbird,” he said as he walked out the bathroom in a pair of silk pajama pants and nothing else. At that moment she knew. She was still in love with him.  She wanted to be with him no matter who objected.  “I am glad you showed up.”

“Well we made a bargain today. I can’t go back on it,” she said playfully as he walked up to her and stopped.

He reached out a hand and trailed it slowly down the right side of her face, over her neck, down her shoulder and arm to grab her hand. He pulled her to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. “That’s my girl,” he said possessively. The sound of him calling her his made her stomach flutter.  

“So do you want to take a shower or a bath?  Get comfortable before we eat?” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.  That small gesture sent tingles up her arm. She thought that a shower would be good to calm her down.  Maybe while she was in the bathroom she could get her bearings before she embarrassed herself.  She nodded in agreement.

“Okay. Let me just get your bag,” he said as he spotted it by the door.  He picked it up and took it into the bathroom. She walked in behind him. She noticed the muscles in his back and arms move as he walked.  Although Tucker had to be at least 50, he still had the same lanky sinewy body he had when they were younger. 

“I will be waiting beautiful,” he said as he sat the bag down and walked out closing the door.

She turned on the shower and took out the things she would need.

Once her shower was over she began getting dressed. She had gone out today and purchased herself some new lingerie although she wasn’t sure she would even wear it.  She liked to be prepared though.  Tucker had always marveled at her butt.  So she wanted something that would fit and show off her figure. She had found just the thing.  It was a teal colored laced gown. The top was half bra cups so that the tops of her breast were shown.  But the rest was a thick stretchy lace.  So thick that it wasn’t see through or sheer.  It had a short matching silk robe that was a little longer than the nighty which stopped in the middle of her thigh. She applied light make up and combed her hair.

 

 

 

Tucker was trying to play this cool.  Trying not to act like an eager teen that had not been with a woman before. Trying not to rush what they had.  Even though Devon had agreed not to get in the way, he and Harmony as a couple would still take some getting used to for him.  Besides, the lady still had not agreed. But this primal part of him pushed him to stake his claim completely with her. To make them permanent.  Official.  Especially for people like Winters who he knew wanted her.  After a minute of deliberating, he decided that there was no harm in setting things in motion and being prepared.  So he called his friend Neil Lane, a jewelry designer in California. 

“Lane.”

“Tucker. What can I do for you?”

“I need an engagement ring.”

“Engagement? Already. Let me guess. The grapevine is correct.  You and the baby momma.”

“Harmony.  And yes, for her.”

“Alright.  I will put together a few options for you. Do you know the size?”

“I am pretty sure it is a 7.5.”

“And how do you know this?”

“Because I am Tucker McCall.”

“Oh yeah. That’s true.  Mr leaves them with something to remember you by.”

“Hey. I have found that women are more than happy to have a consolation prize rather than me. Go figure.”

“And does Harmony feel the same?”

“No.  She wants me.  The man. Not the money or the power.”

“And you’re sure?”

“More sure than I am about anything.”

“Well I am happy for you.  It’s rare that a man like you finds a woman who looks beneath all that.  Do you want me to fly out in the morning?”

“Yeah. I will send my jet for you. Later,” he said as Harmony opened the door and walked out of the bathroom.

She looked exquisite. The robe showed off her legs and the color was beautiful against her skin.  He wondered what she had on underneath.

“Songbird. You’re beautiful.  I wonder what is under that robe.”

“Would you like me to take it off?”

“Yes,” he said astonished that she was volunteering.  He had been prepared for a battle of wills tonight.

She untied the robe and let it slide down her shoulders to the floor.  She looked at him and smirked.

“Damn,” he said.  She was all woman. And all curves. “Turn around please.” She turned slowly on her tip toes. Her ass was still as perfect as he remembered. “How am I supposed to get through this meal without throwing you in that bed and ravishing you.”

“You are so silly.”

“I am serious.  But let me tell you something. I spoke with Devon today.  And he gave us his blessing.”

“Really,” she said eagerly. “What made him do that?”

“I told him about our past and how much I regretted it. And how you meant just as much to me then as you do now. He asked me if I was in love with you then.”

“And,” she asked.  He could hear the hope in her voice.

“I told him that I didn’t know.”

“Oh,” she said obviously disappointed.

He decided that he might as well lay it all out there on the line and go for what he wanted. “But I do know.  I was Songbird. I am. I’m in love with you.  I have loved no one but you.  Ever.”

She smiled brightly. “I love you too.  I always have. But I think you already knew that.”

He pulled her roughly to him with both hands on her butt and fused his lips to hers.  There was nothing soft about his kiss.  Not right now.  He just couldn’t do sweet with her no matter how much he wanted too.  She still loved him.  And he wanted to brand her as his so that everyone would know.   She broke the kiss and leaned back. She looked in his eyes and whispered, “Make love to me.  Make me yours again.”

She turned from his embrace and walked towards the bed.  He could only stare at her perfect butt in the tight lace. She climbed in the bed upright on her knees. She grabbed the hem of her nighty and pulled it over her head.  He watched in awe as she threw it at him. It flew through the air and hit his chest. He looked down as it landed at his feet and back up at her. She was even more beautiful than he imagined. Her skin was flawless and smooth.  It had an inner glow that he found erotic.  Her breast were large and high. Her stomach was flat and her hips flared out to beautiful thighs. Thighs that he knew could grip him tightly.  His heart was pounding in his chest so that he felt like it would break through.

He didn’t expect this. Her offering herself up to him.  He guessed it was true what they said.  Those three little words were powerful.  He wished he had said them earlier.  Back in the day before she had lost her innocence to him.  Before he had broken her heart.  Before their son was born and lost to foster care.  He had loved her.

When she reached out her hand and said “please” he was jolted into action. He untied his pants and stepped out of them. And lay down in bed beside her. 

“You are so beautiful,” he said as he kissed her deeply settling between her thighs and holding himself up on elbows. She opened her legs wide to receive him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He laid himself right atop her clitoris and began to move back and forth. He broke the kiss to trail his lips down her neck to stop over her breast. He licked  her nipple then took it into his mouth. 

“mmmm”, she moaned.  His stomach muscles clenched at the sound.

“Do you know what you do to me,” he asked blowing against her nipple. “Hhmm, do you?”

“Yeeeeeeees,” she said.

“Do you know what I want to do to you?”

“No,” she said shaking her head.

“Yes you do,” he said in deep voiced whisper. ”But I will tell you anyway. I want to make you come over and over again so that you won’t ever want anyone but me. Until your body only responds to mine. Until your body only recognizes mine.” He said as he took her other breast into his mouth.  Using his tongue to lick the nipple slowly then sucking on it as he continued to rock between her legs.

“Mick,” she said on a sigh. “I love you so much.”

He released her nipple as his mouth hovered over her breast then said, “I love you too.”

He rose up higher on is arms to stare down at her body.  “You’re breast are so suckable. But I find that I want to break our bargain.  The first time you come for me, and I do remember that you didn’t when we created our son, I want to taste it.  Can I taste you?”

“mmmm,” she moaned as he lowered is head back down to her other breast and slowly licked her nipple.

“Songbird.  Can I?”

“Yes. Please,” she said politely.  And even that turned him on.

He licked down her stomach then dipped his tongue into her navel.  Her skin tasted just as good and it looked. He kissed her lower abdomen slowly.  When he settled between her thighs, he pushed them back and opened them even wider.  When he saw her he thought, “Is their no part of this woman that is not beautiful.” 

He slowly licked from her opening to her clitoris curling his tongue at the end.

“mmmm,” she moaned louder.

“That’s right. Tell me you like it.  Before the night is over I want to hear you singing my name,” he said as he continued his slow licking.

He reached up to rub her right nipple between thumb and forefinger. He knew she was getting close to orgasm because her breathing was labored as she gripped the headboard tightly. He had never wanted anything so much in his life as he wanted to feel her come on his tongue at this moment. He slowly inserted his middle finger in her as he administered another slow lick curling his tongue once again over her clitoris.

“mmmmmm” she said again.

With his finger imbedded in her as far as it would go, on his last slow lick he said, “Come for me. I need to feel it.” Then he took her clitoris in his mouth and sucked on it lightly. 

“Aaaaaahhhhhh,” she screamed delicately in the back of her throat as she came.  He stopped sucking and lightly pressed his tongue flat against her clitoris.  He could feel it pulsate as her orgasm washed over her.  He wanted her to savor it.  He wanted to savor it. When he thought it was over he pressed more firmly with his tongue and it started all over again.

After the last waved passed through her, he climbed back up her body and kissed her deeply.   She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pressed his forehead to hers. “Damn, you’re delicious,” he said on growl.

She gave him a sweet feminine smile and said in breathless whisper, “thank you.  That was wonderful.”

When he looked into her eyes, they were still glassy and dilated. She was still in the afterglow. And the knowledge that he had given her that look gave him a different kind of pride.  One that he couldn’t remember the last time he felt. For the first time in a very long time he knew that a woman’s reaction to his sexual prowess was real.  That a woman’s reactions to him were real.  It wasn’t about his money or his name. It was about him as a man and how he made her feel as a woman.

He was ready to be inside of her. So he rubbed himself against her wet, hot opening. He wanted to just push his way inside but he needed to hear her confirmation.

“Will you allow me to make love to you fully,” he asked while staring into her eyes as he pushed himself an inch inside of her. 

“Yes,” she said. He didn’t think it was possible but his heart beat faster. The thought that he was finally going to be inside of his Songbird again had him beyond excited.  It seemed like he had been waiting a lifetime.  And he had.  He just hadn’t known it.

“Do I need a condom Songbird?”  He didn’t want to use one.  He didn’t want any barriers between them.

“Yes Mick. I am not on birth control.”

He reached over and opened the drawer next to the bed and took out one of the condoms he had placed there earlier. He opened the package and kneeled between her bent legs. She rubbed the front of his thighs with her hands as he rolled the condom on.

He wanted to watch himself enter her this time. So he reached down and wrapped an arm around each thigh and pulled her towards him.  “Come here” he said. She squealed in shock and he laughed softly at the sound.

Still on his knees, he had one of his arms wrapped around her thigh holding it open while she lifted her bottom off the bed.  He used his free hand to guide himself to her opening.  He looked up from their bodies to her face. She had her eyes closed. “Look at me,” he demanded softly. She opened her eyes and he smiled.  “I love you Yolanda. I just wanted you to see me when I say it so that you will know that it is true. And I promise you, it will never change.”

“I love you too,” she said rubbing her hands softly from his abdomen to chest.

He began to slowly slide into her.  It was magical to watch himself be lost within her. She was so tight around him. And so wet.  He found himself fighting for control.

“Perfect,” he whispered when he was fully inside her.

Then he lay down atop of her holding himself up on his forearms as she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She tangled her hand in the hair at the nape of his neck and sent a shiver down his spine.  He stared in her eyes as he watched them get a faraway look. Her passion for him was just as breathtaking as her need had been earlier in the day.

He began to move in and out of her in slow controlled thrusts as she lifted herself off the bed to meet them. It took every ounce of will power not to pound into her. But he wanted to relish this. The moment of being aware of making love to a woman for the first time.  His woman for the first time.  

“mmmm” she moaned softly on his every stroke.  He could tell she was holding back and he didn’t like it.  He wanted all of her.  All of her love.  Her attention. Warmth. Loyalty.  Trust. Innocence.  All of it. But most of all, right now he wanted all of her passion.

“Let me hear it baby. Sing for me. It’s just us here. No one else.  Just us. Let go.”

When she continued in the same way for next 5 minutes, he decided to stop holding back himself in hopes maybe she would too.

He leaned on his left arm and reached his right hand down to grip her leg.  He brought it up to rest the bend of her knee in the crook of his arm.  He did the same to her other leg.

“I want all of you. Don’t ever hold back on me Songbird,” he said looking into her eyes.

“I’m not. I promise baby.”

“Hhhmmm. We’ll see,” he said before kissing her deeply, sliding his tongue against hers.

He moved his body up just a little bit as he leaned over. He kissed one of her legs which were on each side of his head and grind his hips against hers a couple of times in an attempt to find the perfect angle.

“Aaaaaaaahhhh”, she screamed loudly. And he knew he had found it.

“Yes, darlin.  That’s the scream I want to hear.” He said as he began to thrust into her. 

She screamed on every hard stroke and it was like music to his ears.  After about 15 minutes she screamed,  “aaaaaahhhh, baby. I’m coming.”

“That’s right. Come for me again,” he growled as he took her breast into his mouth and flicking the hardened nipple with his tongue.  It felt just as good against his tongue as he thought it would when he had daydreamed about this moment. He felt the vibrations of her orgasm around him and tried to hold on.  He wasn’t ready for it to be over yet.  But he couldn’t. Her pulsating grip on him forced him to come before he was ready.

“Mmm” he grunted arching his back as he came. He fell down allowing her to take his weight as he waited for his heart rate to slow down. She rubbed her hands lightly down his spine prolonging the sensation causing his body to twitch.

He knew that he was crushing her so fell to the bed beside her and wrapped her in his arms.  Her head was resting on his shoulder and her body was partially covering his. There were no words to describe how good they were together.  He couldn’t believe he had lived this long without this woman. Without realizing that she was even missing from his life.

“You were amazing baby. I love you so much,” she said groggily as she titled her head up and kissed his cheek. She promptly fell asleep. 

“Not as much as I love you Songbird”, he said. He would let her sleep for a while.  Then he would wake her up and make love to her again. And again. And again.

 

Location:  Genoa City Athletic Club Room 203

Neil was the happiest he had been in a long time as he sat in Chris’ room at the club watching a basketball game with Devon, Nate, Justin, and Chris.  This is what he had wanted for his family.  A sense of purpose.  A shared camaraderie.  And most of all, them in the same city and supporting each other the way a family should.  Now, all that was missing was Malcolm and Eve.  And of course, Drucilla.  But he wouldn’t dwell on that grief anymore although he had not moved on.  Part of him realized that he never would.

“So gentleman.  I figured I would tell you all so you wouldn’t be blindsided.  Sophia and I are getting an annulment.”

“Annulment? Doesn’t that signify that the relationship was not consummated,” asked Chris astonished.

 “There are other grounds for an annulment besides impotency,” said Justin laughing. “Although I don’t think that Neil would fit either one of those. So.”

“Uhm. No thanks on that convo.  I would rather not discuss my dad’s sex life,” Devon said grimacing and looking down at his phone.

 “Justin. Can you handle this for me so that we can all spare my son here the embarrassment?” Neil said smiling.

“No problem,” Justin said.

“Thanks.  Speaking of intimate relations. I am also wondering why my son is here with us instead of with his beautiful girlfriend,” Neil said to Devon.

“Oh, she’s mad with him,” Chris said laughing.

“Just how do you know that?” Devon asked.

“I saw you two when you were eating.  A man of my, ahem, background knows a pissed off woman when he sees one. Besides, the way you keep looking at your phone smacks of a man being ignored by his woman,” Chris said smiling.

Devon immediately put his phone in his pocket.

“Oh, I have never seen a pissed off Foxy before. I bet that was sexy,” Nate said smiling at Devon.

“Hey. Watch it.  And stop calling her Foxy. And I blame you anyway.”

“Me. How is it my fault that your woman is mad at you,” Nate asked lifting both hands palm up.

“It was all that talk about getting married. You put it out in the universe and the winds blew it her way, “ Devon said rising and pointing his finger close to Nate’s face.

“I told you she was thinking about it. And I told you to bring it up before she did.  But you don’t listen,” Nate said calmly pushing Devon’s hand out of the way.

“Hold on son,” Neil said. “Are you saying that Roxanne wants to get married?”

“Yes, and I am nowhere near ready for that,” Devon said looking at Neil.  He turned to Nate again.

 “You wished your ill will on me and now I have to figure out how to get her to see that I am just not ready and it has nothing to do with her.”

Neil looked at Chris who smirked.  Then he looked a Justin who raised his eyebrows. It seemed no one had anything to say. They would leave this up to him.

“Son. Do you want to hear some advice?”

“No offense dad.  But no. I don’t.” Devon said taking out his phone again.

“None taken.” And he meant that.  Sometimes a man just needed to handle things on his own.  But he didn’t see how Devon would. But he was willing to let him try before he interfered.

“I could just strangle you Nate.”

“Listen man.  Don’t blame me for your drama.  I have my own to contend with.”

“What’s going on with you baby doc?” Chris asked.

“A patient died. And I think they are going to try to lay the blame on me.”

“Olivia would never let that happen,” Justin said.

“I don’t think she will be able to stop it.  It’s the review board’s decision.”

“Do you need representation,” Justin asked.  “I would be more than willing to be there.”

“Thanks. I think I might call Eve too.  See if she would be willing to come,” Nate said.

“Yes, by all means.  Please bring Eve to town,” said Justin in a sexy tone.

“No. Absolutely not Justin. If Dimples is off limits to me then my sister is surely off limits to you.”

Devon looked up from sending a text on his phone and said “I hope you are not talking about my mother Chris.”

“Oh, calm down Precious. Your mother is not interested in me anyway.  For some reason, she wants Tucker.”

“What makes you say that,” Neil asked concerned.

“You have seen them in the same room.  You know exactly why I say that,” Chris said.

“I had a good talk with Tucker today. He knows to keep his distance from her.   I don’t trust him to take care of her,” Neil said.

“Me either,” Devon said. “But he told me a little about their history tonight.  I get it. He seemed genuinely sorry. So I told him that I wouldn’t stand in the way.”

“Ah, that explains the things he said to me earlier today,” Chris said.

“Devon.  Son.  I really wish you hadn’t done that.”

“If you want my opinion. Harmony has been through a lot. She deserves some happiness. And I think that her finding it with Tucker after all these years and their mistakes makes it even sweeter,” Justin said pensively.

Neil knew that Justin was projecting his own situation onto Harmony. He wouldn’t remind him that everyone was not him and Donna.

“Oh please. You’re acting like a sap. And please stop projecting your own life onto Dimples.  Look how that reunion turned out for you,” Chris said.   Neil should have known that Chris wouldn’t let the opportunity slide by.

Then Chris looked towards Devon, “I know this guy is your biological father but if he hurts her, he will regret it.”

He then looked towards Neil. “In more ways than one.”   Neil nodded in return.  He knew what Chris was saying.  And he agreed.  If Tucker hurt Harmony, they would go after him personally and professionally.

“Well, I see this could get very interesting,” Justin said chuckling.

 

 

 

 












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