Episode 17

Time: Next day of last episode, Early Morning

Location:  Tucker McCall’s House

Tucker woke up to the feel of the entire front of his body against the back of Harmony’s.  His palm rested flat against her stomach and his erection was nestled between her butt cheeks. He slid his hand up to cup one of her breasts and rubbed the nipple with his thumb.

“Mmm,” she moaned still asleep.

“Good morning Songbird,” he whispered in her ear as he began to grind his pelvis into her butt.

“No baby,” she said groggily. “I’m still sleeping.  Just give me 20 more minutes. And I promise I will let you have your way with me.”

“Okay,” he said burying his face in her hair.  He lay there smelling and rubbing his face in her soft curls for a few minutes. Then he got out of bed and picked up his cell phone from the night stand.  He walked into the bathroom dialing Devon’s number.

“Hello,” he heard his son say.

“Devon. You’re up.”

“Yes.  I have always been an early riser,” Devon said.

Tucker smiled at the knowledge.  He was also a morning person.  He must have gotten that from him because he surely didn’t get it from his mother.

“Do you have any plans for breakfast?”

“No.”

“How about you meet me and your mother at Katherine’s for breakfast?  We have something we want to talk to you about.”

Devon was silent for some time then finally said, “Sure.  What time?”

“Great.  See you there at about 8.”

“Okay. Later.”

“Bye,” he said and hung up the phone.

Tucker wanted to tell Devon about their engagement first. He didn’t know what Devon’s reaction would be but he surely didn’t want him hearing about it from someone else or somewhere else.  When Harmony was spotted wearing the ring he bought her, the tabloids would be all over it and her.  Devon would get even more attention than he was getting when it had first broken that he was his son.

Tucker then called Bell’s banker.  Well he was sure that he wouldn’t be the banker for Bell much longer.  Not after he had sold out the Winters cousins for him.

“Good morning Mr McCall.”

“Mornin.”

“What can I do for you today?”

“Well, I just want to make sure that the transfer of sell for Bell had been finalized.  It seems that I was hasty in buying into for myself.  I should have purchased it in some else’s name all along anyway.”

“The transfer of ownership was easily handled.  It’s done.  I will have the papers sent to you for signature.”

“Okay.  Remember, her name is Yolanda Hamilton but soon to be Yolanda McCall.  She’s my fiancée.”

Tucker didn’t know why he was telling this man these tidbits.  Well yes he did.  It was because he was happy and wanted to tell the entire world that he finally had his woman.

“Congratulations.  I’ll fax the papers over in a little while.”

“Thanks.”

“No sir.  Thank you.”

Location:  Tammy Davis’ Apartment

Nate was startled awake by the sound of his phone ringing.  It took him a split second to register the familiar weight and warmth of the naked body anchored to his side and the intoxicating smell of soft hair brushing against his chin.  “Tamara,” he whispered in his head. He smiled as he picked up his phone from the night stand and answered it.

“Hello,” he said.

“Baby doc.  What are you doing,” Eve said on the other end.

“Lying in bed.”

“I know that you are not still asleep.”

“I was a few seconds ago,” he said in a low tone as he combed his free hand through Tamara’s hair.

“If you’re still in bed then why in the world are you whis-,” she cut herself off. “Oh, are you with someone? A girl perhaps,” she asked teasingly.  Then her tone turned serious as she said, “I hope you are being responsible.  Please don’t trap yourself with some gi-“

“Can we talk about this later,” he said cutting her off.  He didn’t want to wake Tamara.  She needed her rest.  He had kept her up most of the night.

“I see,” she said laughing. “Well, I will be arriving today.  My flight comes in at noon.”

“I will see you then,” he said.

“Bye Nate.”

“Bye,” he said.   He extended his arms and lay his phone back down on the nightstand.  The movement jarred Tammy awake.

“Nathan,’ she said questioningly.

“Uhm hum,” he asked wrapping both arms around her.

“What time is it? I need to get up.  I am supposed to meet Rox for breakfast at the club,” she said groggily.

“It’s still early.  You have plenty of time.  Go back to sleep.”

“I have to get up,” she said pushing on his chest attempting to rise.

 “Just give me 10 more minutes.  Let me hold you 10 more minutes and I will let you go,” he said holding her tighter.

She lay back down and snuggled closer to him. Then she tilted her head up and kissed his cheek.

“You’re right Nathan.  I have plenty of time,” she said.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Location:  Jack Abbot’s House

Jack had made a decision last night.  It was time he brought his kids home.  Kyle wouldn’t want to leave boarding school and his hockey team but eventually he would get over it.  He was still a minor so Jack could force his hand.   But his son Keemo was a fully adult man.  One who had always had a mind of his own.  He had been working for Jabot’s International Division in Korea for years now.  And Jack wanted him to run the main office while he focused on his campaign.  He knew that it was a long shot to get him to come to Genoa City but it was worth a try.  He dialed his son’s number.

“Hello,” he heard the familiar deep voice say.

“Hi Son.”

“Dad, how are you?”

“I’m fine.  How are things over there?”

“Jabot is doing well.  I am still at the off-“

“Keemo, the last time we spoke I thought we agreed that you would not work so hard.  That you would find the time for a personal life.”

“That was just 3 days ago,” Keemo said chuckling.  “It takes longer than that to develop a personal life.”

“Somehow, I don’t think that you have tried.”

“I will.  I promise.”

“I tell you what.  I think that I need to keep a closer eye on you.  I have a proposition for you.”

“Okay.”

“I am thinking of stepping away from Jabot.  I want you to run the entire corporation for me.”

“I’d be happy to do that.  I think that our staff here is more than-“

“No son.  You misunderstand me.  I want you here running the main office from the main office.”

“Dad,” he sighed.

“Son, I really just want my family around me.  Then there is Kyle to think about.  He is growing up so fast.  And with everything that has happened over the last year, he needs the family he has left around him.  Remember how you felt when your mother died.”

“Dad,” Keemo sighed again.

“Just give it a thought.  Just think about it. Don’t answer now.  Give yourself time to think.”

“Okay.  I will give it some serious thought.”

“Just remember, I love you son. Whether you come or not, I love you.”

“Thanks dad. I’ll think about it and let you know what I decide. “

“Bye son.”

After Jack hung up from Keemo, he called Kyle’s school to inform the head master that he was coming to get his son.

Location:  Sophia Winters Apartment

Sophia had lain awake all night trying to decide if she would open the envelope that she received from the lab.  She needed backup bad so she called the one person that knew what was happening.

“Vickie, are you asleep?”

“No.  I couldn’t sleep.”

“Billy and the baby?”

“Yes.”

“You should talk to him.  Trust me.  You won’t feel better about anything until you make a decision one way or the other.  All this limbo is not good.  I feel so much better now that I have decided to leave Neil.  You will feel better too.”

“You know what.  I think that you are right.  I will call Billy over and talk to him.  It is about time that I stopped avoiding him anyway.”

“I agree.”

“But that is not why you called me.  What’s going on?”

I received the lab results.”

“And?”

“And I didn’t open them.  Do I really want to know?”

“Whether you want to know or not, you need to know because Moses deserves to know the truth.  How can you tell him when you don’t know?”

“True.”

“Do you want me to come over and open it with you?”

“No.  I will be fine. Just have lunch with me later.  I might need support by then,” she said laughing.

“You’re on.”

Sophia hung up the phone and picked up her envelope.  She took a deep breath and opened it. Scanned the document for the probability of paternity.  It read 57%.   The summary said that the test were inconclusive.  She knew what this meant.  Neil was not the father of her child.  She felt herself getting light headed and her heart rate beat faster as she thought about the choice she was now being faced with.

Location:  Tucker McCall’s House

Harmony woke up to feeling a warm body cover her entire back.  She smiled to herself.  Mick was insatiable.  He had indeed worn her out last night the way he had promised.  And it seemed that he still wanted more.

“Wake up Songbird,” he said into her ear as he picked up where he left off by moving his pelvis against her butt. “We have to meet our son at my mother’s house for breakfast in a little over and hour.”

“An hour,” she said smiling. “It’ll take me at least 40 minutes to get dressed. Let me up baby so I can take a shower.”

“You must be joking,” he said as he stopped moving.

She looked over her shoulder at him raised above her on his arms. She arched her back and pushed her butt into his pelvis and rotated her hips in circle. “What do you think,” she asked in a soft voice.

“I think this is the happiest I have ever been in my life.  I love you,” he whispered as he rubbed himself against her opening. “And you’re already wet for me,” he said as he slipped into her from behind.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

“Tell me Songbird.  How is it that you are already wet and I have barely touched you this morning,” he whispered into her hair as he pulled out of her and pushed back in.  He stayed inside of her and kissed her back.

“Mmm,” she moaned again.

“You’re spoiling me,” he said. 

She shivered from the feeling of his breath on her spine.

“I know,” she said. “But I can’t help it.  I love you.”

He pulled out of her then she heard him say, “Roll over baby.”

She complied to see him kneeling on the bed.  He moved forward to stop between her legs. He picked up a pillow and said, “Rise up.”

She lifted her butt off the bed and he slid the pillow underneath.  Still kneeling, he placed himself at her opening and pushed inside again.

“Mmm.”

“I love the sounds you make when we are making love,” he said as he began to push in and out of her in a steady rhythm. 

 After about 5 minutes, he pressed his thumb to her clitoris and she felt her stomach muscles clinch in anticipation of her orgasm.

“Baby,” she said on a moan.

“Oh, I know what that moan means,” he said. “You’re about ready to come for me.”

He pushed into her then rotated his hips and held there. He pressed more firmly on her clitoris.

“Baby please,” she begged.

He pulled out of her and pushed back in again repeating the same motion he had earlier.  He held still then rubbed her clitoris in a slow circular motion.

“Give me all baby,” he said in a husky voice. 

And she did by coming for him for what she thought was the eighth time since she had agreed to marry him just 12 hours ago.

“Whew,” she said smiling up at him.

She reached out her arms towards him and he lay down atop her holding himself up by the elbows.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly on the lips.

“I think that you are spoiling me too,” she said.

“I can’t help it.  I love you,” he said repeating her words back to her as he began to move inside of her again.

Time:  Morning

Location:  Newman Ranch

Billy smiled at Victoria when she opened the door.  He had been surprised to hear from her this morning.  When she said that she wanted to talk, he had gotten right out of bed and rushed over.  He had barely taken the time to dress.

“Come in,” she said.

He walked into the living room looking around for Victor. 

“He’s out riding,” she said.

“Good. I don’t necessarily feel like going around with him this morning.  Besides, I am here to see you,” he said walking up to her.  He cupped her cheek with one hand and titled her face up so that he could look into her eyes.  “I miss you,” he said.

“I miss you too.”

“Then come home.”

“I can’t Billy,” she said pulling away from him and taking a step back.  “I need you to settle this thing about the baby first.”

“So what are you saying?  That you won’t be with me until I fix this situation.”

“Yes. That is exactly what I am saying.”

“This is funny,” he said laughing harshly. “Because I could have sworn that we took vows that said for better or worse.”

“I did not forget my vows.  But it seemed you did when you lay down with another woman and got her pregnant.”

“Listen okay. Listen.  I don’t even remember what happened.  Victor set-“

“Oh no you don’t blame my father for this,” she yelled. “No one can make a man have sex with a woman.  Not even the great and powerful Victor Newman.  So if you slept with this woman that is all on you.”

“I don’t know whether I did or not.”

“Well I suggest you find out.  Because if you did, our marriage is over.”

“So I don’t get any support at all from my wife in dealing with this.”

“Ha,” she said bitterly.  “You don’t deserve support.”

At that moment his cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and saw Jack’s number.

“One second.  I need to take this.”

“We’re done here anyway.  You can see yourself out,” she said as she headed towards stairs.

“Jack. Hey,” Billy said answering the phone heading out the door.

“Hey Billy. You’re up early. I expected you to still be asleep.”

“I wish.”

“I’ll bet.  But since you are up, why don’t you come by for family breakfast.  I have an announcement to make. “

“Okay.”

“And bring Delia.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks.”

“See you then Jack,” he said getting into his car.  He texted Chloe to let her know that he would pick Delia up early for the breakfast and take her to school this morning.

Location: Chancellor Mansion

Tucker walked into his mother’s home holding Harmony’s hand.  He expected her to attempt to pull hers away once they walked in the door. But she hadn’t. They went into the living room and saw Katherine reading the paper. 

“Good morning,” he said.

She looked up and smiled at them.  “Good morning,” she said standing as they approached. “You two look happy.”

“That’s because we are happy,” Harmony said.

“And engaged,” Tucker said.

“Well, congratulations,” Katherine said clapping her hands looking at Harmony.

“Thank you,” Harmony said kissing her on the cheek and stepping back.

“I think you two will be happy together,” she said. Then she looked at Tucker and smiled, “if you both remember to love each other and think of each other above yourself.  And remember not to cross any lines that you can’t come back from.”

“That’s good advice,” Tucker said out loud then he whispered, “Thank you.”

“That’s what mothers are for dear.”

“Now, let’s start planning this wedding,” Kay said looking back at Harmony.

“Oh no, this will be a decent length engagement,” Harmony said. “We won’t be getting married soon.”

That wasn’t what Tucker had in mind and it must have showed on his face. 

Katherine looked at him then back at Harmony.

“Good luck getting my son to agree to a long engagement.”

“Engagement,” Jill said walking into the living room.

“That’s right Jill,” Tucker said. “Engagement.”

“Congratulations,” Jill said. “I am sure that I am supposed to say that I am surprised being that you just got divorced 5 minutes ago but I am really not.  I don’t think anyone will be.  You can thank my son for that.”

“Thank you Jill,” Harmony said smiling.

“So does this mean that you won’t be living here anymore,” Jill asked.

“Yes,” Tucker said at the same time that harmony said “No.”

“Well,” Jill said. “Trouble in paradise already.”

“It’s just that we haven’t had time discuss any of the particulars,” he said looking at Harmony with a smirk.  She blushed in return.

“Yes, I know exactly how time gets away from a woman when she is with Tucker,” Jill said with a knowing smile.

“Really,” Harmony said looking back and forth between them frowning.

“Oh Yes, I-,” Jill began but was cut off by Katherine.

“So, does Devon know yet?”

“No,” Harmony said still looking at him. She slowly looked away from him towards Kay. “But we did invite him over this morning.  We will tell him when he gets here. I’m a little nervous.”

Tucker stepped closer to Harmony and began to rub her lower back as he said, “Don’t worry Songbird. It’ll be fine.”

“I hope so,” Harmony said.

Location:  Lily Winters’ House

Trevor sat at the dining room table eating breakfast with Lily, Charlie, and Maddie.  He smiled to himself when he realized that he had hardly eaten any of his own food because he was too busy feeding Maddie.  She had decided that he had to be the one to feed her by keeping her mouth firmly closed whenever her mother attempted to feed her.

“So are you ready for your first day of class,” he asked Lily.

“Yes.  But I don’t know if I am ready to take my kids to daycare,” she said sadly.

Lily was a great mother.  It’s one of the things that he liked about her.  That, and her long legs, he thought to himself.

“That’s because you are accustomed to being with them all the time.”

“Yeah.  But what if they need me during the day?”

“Kids adjust. Probably better than we do.  Of course they will miss your beautiful face throughout the day.  But they also know that you will be back to pick them up. Trust me.  They will be fine.”

She sighed and looked at him sadly.  He wanted to kiss that look away.  But he remained seated and said again, “Trust me.  They will be fine.  I tell you what.  I will take you to drop them off then I will take you to school.  And I will pick you up after your last class and we can pick them up together.”

“Really,” she said shocked. “Don’t you have to work?”

“Yes.  But I am not glued to my desk.  And even if I were, you, Charlie, and Maddie are more important to me than my job.”

“Thank you,” she said smiling. She had the worshiping look in her eyes again.  The one that was great for his ego and made him fall for her a little more every time he saw it.  He smiled in return.

Location: Genoa City Athletic Club

Tammy sat across from Roxy eating her breakfast.

“So, have you spoken to Devon?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Not yet. What are you waiting for?  Abby to slither into his bed like some albino python?”

“What? Devon would never do that. He doesn’t like her like that.”

Tammy rolled her eyes.  Her sister obviously had learned nothing from her past with Devon.

“Roxy. I wonder about you sometimes.”

“What does that mean?”

“This is the same man who slept with his fake aunt.  He wouldn’t sleep with Abby? Are you serious? Of course he would sleep with Abby. Wake up girl.”

“Okay. It is a possibility.  But I can’t worry about that. Besides, I am following Olivia’s advice. She said give him some time.”

“You gave him one night.  That is enough. Call him and invite him over tonight.  If you wait too long, he’ll screw up.  Trust me.”

“You say that like you speak from experience. Oh that’s right. You do.  But you don’t want to talk about that now do you.”

“Roxanne Davis. You know that subject is off limits. Besides, I have another man. Dr Nathan Winters. And he’s perfect.”

“Nathan is a sweetheart,” Roxy said.

“Yes, he is. I have never felt like this before. I mean, I feel safe with him. Like I can trust him with my heart. It’s very freeing.”

“Tammy, are you in love with Nate.”

“Yes. I am in love with Nathan.”

“Did you tell him?”

“Yes.”

“Aaawww,” Roxy cooed. “I am happy for you sis.  I really am.  I bet he is just in heaven right about now. He has been in love with you for a long time.”

“Amazing isn’t it.”

“And it is about time that you moved on. “

“Once again you are veering into a subject area that you know that I do not discuss.  And you shouldn’t discuss it either.  Especially with Devon. You haven’t, have you?”

“No.  I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Thanks.  Besides, why are your bringing it up now anyway? You haven’t in a long time.  But whatever. Anyways, you know what you should do.  Call Devon now and invite him over. Do not let him go all day wondering where he stands with you.”

“You’re right.  Let me call him now,” Roxy said.  She took out her phone and dialed Devon’s number.

Location: Chancellor Mansion

Devon was a little reluctant to come to Katherine’s.  He still wanted to pummel Chance into the ground.  But he had heard Justin last night. He didn’t want to risk Roxy taking Chance’s side. 

He had just gotten out of his car when his phone rang. 

“Hello,” he answered without looking at the caller ID.

“Hi baby,” he heard Roxy say.  His chest tightened at the sound of her soft voice.

“Hey,” he said lowering his tone to match hers.

“I’m sorry about last night,” she said.

“No. You have nothing to be sorry about. I was out of line.  I’m sorry,” he said.  He had realized that he had overreacted. Lily, Justin, and Chris were right.  One night with Chancellor didn’t matter.

“I disagree. But I just want to make sure that we are still on for dinner tonight.”

He was surprised that she was still talking to him much less wanting to go out to dinner.

“Of course we are.”

“Good.  How about you come by my apartment tonight at 7.”

“That sounds like a plan. Should I bring dinner or will we go out.”

“Neither. I will cook,” she said in a sexy whisper.

Devon couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

“Mmm, that sounds tasty.”

“How can it sounds tasty, you don’t even know what I am cooking.”

“I wasn’t talking about the food.”

She laughed softly.

He loved her laugh.  He hadn’t heard it in a while so it was just what he needed for this breakfast with his mom and Tucker. Especially being that he figured he would see Chancellor too.

“You know something.  Thanks for calling me.  Hearing your laugh has made my day.”

“Awe baby. “

“Okay. I will see you at 7. Well, I have to go. I am about to have breakfast at Katherine’s. ”

“Katherine’s,” she questioned.

He could hear the trepidation in her voice.  She was worried about him having an altercation with Chancellor.  And she was right to be concerned.  He planned to be civil out of respect for his grandmother’s house.  But that could change if Chance pushed him.

“Yes,” he said.

“Okay,” she said slowly.  “Well, I will see you later tonight. I love you.”

Before he could tell her that he loved her back, she hung up the phone. He opened the door and walked into his grandmother’s home.

Location: Tyra Hamilton’s Apartment in LA

Tyra picked up her phone and dialed Anna’s number.  She wanted to let her know that she would be moving.

“Hello,” Anna said.

“Good morning baby girl.”

“Morning mom.”

“So how is school?”

“It’s okay.”

Anna always said that school was okay.  But Tyra could tell that she was not as happy there as she thought that she would be. 

“Are you sure?”

“Yes mom.”

Since Anna had been in school, Tyra had gotten so much accomplished in her life.  She had been able to go to school full time and fulfill her dream.  She was also about to embark on a career that she loved.  She just didn’t want Anna to think that she would be in the way if she wanted to live with her again.

“Okay.  Just know that if you want to come back to live with me full time, you can do that.  I am proud of you for being accepted to such a prestigious place.  But I want you to be happy too.  And if you are not then-“

“It’s fine mom.”

“Okay.  Well, I have news. I am going to move back to Genoa City.”

“Really,” Anna said excitedly.

“Yes.  I have a new job as head chemist at Newman Cosmetics.”

“Wow mom.  I am so proud of you.”

“Not as proud as I am of you I bet.”

“Have you spoken to Devon and Neil?”

Tyra had not spoken to either one of them since she left.  Anna always asked if she had spoken with them but she always side stepped.  She knew that Anna would suspect something if she told her that she never spoke to them.

“Not this week,” Tyra said. “But I did talk to Yolanda.”

“You did,” she asked surprised.

“Yes.  I am so proud of her and how she has turned her life around.  I think she really means it this time.”

“I think so too mom.”

“So have you spoken with her?”

“Yes.”

“Good baby.  I want you to give her chance.”

“I already have a mom. I don’t need another.”

“True.  But I think that it is in your best interest and hers if you can get to know each other.  I think a relationship with you would help her stay on the right path.”

“I see what you mean.  And I do talk to her.  But you are the only mother that I want.”

Tyra felt tears forming in her eyes at Anna’s declaration.

“Thanks baby girl.  That means a lot. But I promise you. I am not threatened by you to forming a close relationship. Did I ever tell you how close we were growing up?”

“No.”

“Ah well.  She was like 12 years older than me and I thought the world rose and set on her.  She was the best big sister ever.  She never treated me like some of my friend’s sisters treated them.  I was never a nuisance to her. She was always so sweet to me,” Tyra said smiling to herself.

“Wow.  You sound like you really loved her.”

“I still love her.  She is the only sister that I have. No matter what she has done, that will never change.”

“I know how you feel.  It’s how I feel about Devon. I will give her chance.”

“Good baby.  I am proud of you. But I will let you go.  Shouldn’t you be on your way to class?”

“Yes. You’re right.  I will call you later.  I love you. Bye.”

“I love you too.”

Location: Chancellor Mansion

Harmony sat on the couch next to Tucker listening to Kay talk about plans for the wedding.  Every now and then Nina would throw in an idea and Jill a negative comment.  But Harmony remained silent as Tucker stared at her wonderingly. She figured he wanted to know why she wasn’t talking about the wedding plans. That was because she was not ready to marry Tucker yet.  They still had so much they needed to work out.  She would be glad when Esther served breakfast so that this conversation could end.  Just when she thought that she could take no more, Devon walked into the room.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Morning,” she said rising and walking towards him.

She stopped in front of him and he kissed her cheek.

“So what’s this news?  I am anxious to hear it,” he said smiling.

Harmony rubbed her left hand through her hair in a nervous gesture.  Before she could lower it to her side, Devon caught it and held it palm down.

He looked past her to Tucker who stood behind her then back at her face.

“This is a nice ring.”

“Thank you.”

“Does this mean what I think it means,” he asked.

“Yes,” Tucker said.

“And is it what you want,” he said never looking away from her face.

“Yes.”

“Then I am happy for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes mom.  You deserve to be happy. I want you to be happy.”

“I am.  I really am.”

“Good,” he said.

At that moment, Esther walked in and informed them all that breakfast was ready to be served.

Location: Jack Abbot’s House

Jack opened the door to his home and smiled at Olivia.  She looked beautiful, as usual.

“You’re here,” he said.

“Yes, I am,” she said rolling her eyes at him as she walked past him heading for the living room. “Have you finished cooking breakfast yet?”

“No.  I was just about to get started.  I would love if you would help me,” he said following her as his eyes went to her butt instinctively.

“Sure,” she said dryly.

If Jack didn’t know better, he would think that Olivia was upset with him.  But to his knowledge, he hadn’t done a thing to piss her off.

“I mean you don’t have to if you don’t want to.  You could just watch me.”

“No, I don’t mind.  Come on.  Let’s get started.  We want it ready when everyone gets here,” she said turning heading to the kitchen.

He grabbed her hand before she could take a step.

“Hey. No morning kiss for your boyfriend?”

She pursed her lips and took a deep breath. Then let it out slowly. He knew then that she was indeed pissed. 

“I would but I don’t want to tease myself.   So no thanks,” she said pulling her hand out of his and turning towards the kitchen.

Jack smiled to himself as he watched her turn the corner.  Olivia was mad because he didn’t make love to her last night.  He had held out because he didn’t want to ruin this opportunity.  Having sex too soon had a tendency to cloud the relationship. He didn’t think she would care all that much.  But she obviously cared.  She wanted him last night.  And was mad because she didn’t get him.  It was true that knowledge was power.  Because he planned on using this knowledge to his advantage.  If he had his way, the first time he and Olivia made love would be on their wedding night. He just hoped she didn’t decide to really tempt him with a little seduction. There was no way he would be able to say no he thought as he headed towards the kitchen.

Location: Chancellor Mansion

Billy walked inside just as Chance was coming down the stairs.

“Hey nephew,” he said.

“Billy.  You’re up awfully early.”

“Yes, I am here to pick up Delia for breakfast at Jack’s,” he said as they both walked into the dining room.

“Morning,” Billy said.  He noticed Harmony, Tucker, and Devon being there.  When he walked in, Tucker had his arm behind Harmony’s chair as he whispered in her ear.

“Well, lookie here.  It’s my wayward son. Peddler of filth,” Jill said smiling.

“And my perfect son, the soldier turned executive,” Nina said smiling. “Good morning.”

Billy noticed the hostile stare from Devon.  He figured that it was because of Phyllis continuing to post about Harmony.  He thought he would set their minds at ease.

“Devon. Why the hard look.  Relax. I headed your warning.  No more posts about Harmony here. Actually, you should be thanking me instead of giving me killer looks.  Yes, that’s right.  I recently prevented Phyllis from telling the entire world about Harmony being pregnant. Congratulations doll face.”

“What,” Jill exclaimed with a laugh. “You’re pregnant?”

“This is good news,” Nina said smiling.

Kay sat silently with an amused look on her face.

“My mother is not pregnant Billy,” Devon said. “You need to fire your fact checker.”

“Which means that you better be glad that you did not print that story. I want the world to know that I am marrying Harmony because I love her. Not because she is carrying my child,” Tucker said raising her hand to his lips.  It dawned on Billy that he was not just kissing her hand but he had kissed the ring on her finger.  He must have been right all along about them and the affair, he thought.  But it no longer mattered since Ashley had moved on anyway and seemed happy as far as he could tell.

“Yes. Be very glad.  I told you to keep my family out of that magazine anyway or we would have a problem,” Devon said.

“I think you had better listen to my son,” Tucker said menacingly.

“Enough,” Harmony said raising both hands chest high with the palms facing outward. “Threats are not necessary.  Billy, thank you for not printing that gossip.  I know how hard it was for you,” she said smiling broadly at him.

“Thank you doll face.  Someone appreciates the sacrifice I made,” he said laughing.

“Billy, you don’t have to explain yourself.  I think that look from Devon was meant for me,” Chance said finally coming fully into the room and sat down across from Devon.

“Oh really.  What could a boy scout like you do to a fellow three finger soluter to get that look,” Billy said.

“Go on a date with his girl,” Chance said winking at Devon.

Before Billy could respond, Devon leaped over the table knocking over platters of food and tumbled Chance along with his chair to the floor.

“Good heavens,” Kay said. “You boys stop that right now.”

“Devon. Baby. Stop,” Harmony said. “Mick, stop them.”

 “Stop Chance,” Nina said.

Tucker stood and walked around the table to where they tussled at Billy’s feet.

He grabbed Devon’s arms but he couldn’t pry them apart.

“Billy, don’t just stand there.  Help him,” Jill said excitedly.

It took some effort but Billy and Tucker managed to pull Chance and Devon apart.

“Stay away from Roxy,” Devon said breathing heavily.

“And if I don’t,” Chance asked.

Devon lunged for him again but Tucker held him firmly.

“Let’s just go,” Harmony said. “Devon, walk.”

Devon looked at her then walked out with Tucker and Harmony behind him.

“I knew this would happen,” Nina said. “Chance, I told you seeing Roxanne was not a good idea.”

“You’ve been seeing Roxanne,” Kay asked.

“We’re friends,” Chance answered picking up a napkin and wiping blood from his mouth.

“Chance. Now we all tolerated you going after Chloe right on the heels of her break up with Billy here.  But you don’t want to make a habit of dating the lady of your relatives,” Kay said,

“Devon and I are not related,” Chance said.

“He is my grandson and I consider you to be my grandson.  In that respect, you are related.  Now I suggest whatever you have going on with Roxy you put an end to it. For my sake if for nothing else,” Kay said.

“She doesn’t want me anyway,” Chance said sadly.

At that moment Chloe and Delia walked in.  Billy thought they both looked especially beautiful.

“Who doesn’t want Chance,” Chloe asked

“Roxanne Davis,” Billy supplied admiring Chloe’s legs.  She was wearing a very short skirt accompanied with a long sleeve top.

“Oh.  Of course she doesn’t.  Every knows that she is totally in love with Devon,” Chloe said nonchalantly. “Delia is ready to go.”

“I see that. Hey, why don’t you come with us?  It’s a family breakfast.  And you are still an Abbot,” he said smiling down at her.

“Good grief Billy,” Jill said rolling her eyes.

She looked at Jill then at the table like she had just noticed that damage done by Devon leaping over it. She widened her eyes and said, “Why not.  There doesn’t seem to be anything left on the table here to eat.  And you can tell me why that is as we head over.”

Location: Tucker’s Limousine outside of the Chancellor Mansion

Devon sat in Tucker’s limousine fuming. Harmony sat beside Tucker across from him.   She had her hand on his thigh with his hand placed on top of hers while they watched him.

“Boo, what just happened? Why did you start a fight,” Harmony asked.

“I didn’t start anything.  I finished it,” Devon said harshly.

 “Calm down Devon.  What is going on with you and Roxy? Last time we talked, you were planning on proposing to her.  But did I hear Chance say that he was dating her,” Tucker asked.

“What? Devon is going to ask Roxy to marry him,” Harmony said shockingly.  Devon could see that she was happy. Then her eyes turned sad. “It seems I am the last to know.”

 “Mom.  I am sorry I didn’t tell you.  It’s just that you have been sick and then she broke up with me.  So the time wasn’t right.  Besides, I was kinda embarrassed to tell you about her breaking up with me anyways.”

“Why?”

“Because of the reasons.  And I knew that you would take her side.”

“Devon.  Don’t you know I am always on your side.”

“Even when I am being dumb and selfish,” he smiled slightly.

“Especially when you are being dumb and selfish,” she said laughing.  “But being on your side doesn’t mean I agree with your choices.  It means that I want the best for you.”

“Thanks,” he said smiling at her.  Then he looked at Tucker and said, “Chance has been trying to get with her since they met.  Last night she went on a date with him.  Abby saw them and told me about it.”

“Tell me you didn’t go and see for yourself,” Harmony said.

“I did,” Devon said.

Harmony sighed loudly then said, “That Abby. It wasn’t her business anyway.”

“Well, now I see why you felt the need to clear the table just now,” Tucker said.

“I still don’t,” Harmony said.  “There is no reason for fighting.  Especially at your grandmother’s house.”

“I will apologize to her. But I won’t apologize to Chance,” Devon said.

“And no one would ask you too.  Regardless of what you mother here says, he deserved it. However, let me just say.  That is not the way to win your woman back.”

“I know that,” Devon said.

“You want some advice,” Tucker asked.

“Couldn’t hurt,” Devon said.

“Buy her some nice jewelry,” Tucker said.

“What Mick?  That’s your advice,” Harmony said looking at him.

“Listen Devon, I have yet to meet a woman that doesn’t like nice jewelry,” Tucker said still looking at him.  Then he raised Harmony’s hand to his lips.  He kissed her engagement ring. Then he placed her hand back on his thigh and covered it again with his own.

“Oh really,” she said.

 “Trust me. It works every time,” Tucker said still looking at Devon. He didn’t respond to Harmony verbally.  He simply repeated the motion he had a few seconds earlier by bringing her hand to his lips, kissing her engagement ring again, and placing her hand back in his thigh.

“I’m sure it does when you are a wealthy old man trying to buy a trophy wife. That isn’t the type of relationship that Devon has with Roxy though,” Harmony said rolling her eyes.

Finally Tucker looked at her and said, “So now I am an old man trying to buy you.”

“If the shoe fits,” she said.

“It doesn’t,” he said.

Devon laughed at their banter.  This was his first time spending time with them together. It was obvious to him that they were very comfortable with each other.  He wasn’t really sure how he would feel about them getting married.  But he found that he liked the idea even if he wasn’t completely sold on Tucker yet. 

“Listening to you now, I am not so sure,” Harmony said. “I hope you know that I would never be swayed by your money.  And that is not the reason that I agreed to marry you.”

“Songbird,” Tucker said lowering his voice. “I know that you don’t care about money.  But when we were together before, I didn’t have anything.  I couldn’t provide for you the way I wanted.  Now, I can.  I would drape every part of your body in diamonds, if you allowed me.” 

Devon knew sexual undertones when he heard them, so he wasn’t surprised when Harmony gave Tucker her “whatever” look.  Women generally didn’t want to hear anything about sex when they were upset.  And Harmony was definitely annoyed with Tucker. 

 “Which I see you won’t,” Tucker said softly smiling at her. Then he lifted her hand to kiss her ring again and placed her hand back on his thigh.

“You guys are so funny,” Devon said.

Harmony blushed and looked out the window.

“Hey Devon.  Listen. You know that Roxy loves you for you.  There is nothing wrong with buying your woman nice things.  And I know that you can afford it now.  There is no way that Neil isn’t paying you well.  And if you need more money, I would be more than willing to set up an allowance for you.”

“No.  Thanks anyway.  But my salary is more than sufficient to take care of Roxy.”

“Okay then.  I have a private jet and an island that is also at your disposal.”

Devon looked at his mother who continued to look out the window. 

“Thanks.  I think I will use that.  What about tomorrow night? Is it free?”

“Of course it’s free. And it’s yours. For however long you need it.”

“Thanks.   I only need it for one night. I want to be back for the gala.”

“I’m sure she will enjoy it,” Harmony said finally looking back at him.

“I hope so,” Devon said.

Location: Charlie and Maddie’s School

Lily stood in the classroom at the twins’ new school watching them play.  She knew that she was hovering but she couldn’t make herself leave no matter how hard she tried.

“They are okay Lily,” Trevor said as he walked up behind her.  He placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them.

“I know.”

“Okay.  And you also know that the longer that you stay, the harder it will be to leave.  Besides, you don’t want to be late on your first day do you?”

“No I don’t,” she said turning to face him.  She looked him in the eyes and it gave her the strength to do what she had to do.   She grabbed one of his hands and led him out the door.

Once outside she peeped in through the window.  Neither Charlie nor Maddie had noticed her leaving.  She didn’t know if that hurt more than if they had screamed and whaled for her to stay.

“Hey,” Trevor said as she faced him. “I am proud of you.”

“It’s harder than I thought it would be.  I am so used to spending most of my time with them as a stay at home mom, it’s like I feel like I am missing something when they are not with me.”

“I totally get that,” he said hugging her and rubbing one of his hands up and down her spine.

She pulled back to look into his eyes.

“I tell you what I will do,” he said. “I will come and check on them throughout the morning.  The precinct is only a block away.”

“You would do that,” she asked.  Trevor was just so perfect.  And he did remind her of Nate in that he was very dependable.  There was a time when she thought that she would be bored with that.  But now, she found it comforting.  And there was nothing boring about Trevor. Especially the way he was looking at her now.

“To make you feel comfortable so that you can concentrate on finishing your education. Yes. Also, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried about how they will adjust,” he said cupping her face and rubbing his thumb across her lips.

“Stop looking at me like that,” he said in a low tone.

“Like what,” she asked breathlessly.

“Like I hang the moon,” he said laughing softly.

“I’m embarrassing myself,” she said looking down.

“No,” he said tilting her face back up. “It’s just that when you look at me like that, I feel myself turning into a cave man. “

“A cave man,” she said laughing.

“Yes.  It makes me want to claim you as mine by throwing you over my shoulder, taking you home, and locking you in the house so that no other man can have you look at him in that way.”

Lily was speechless. And aroused.  She knew she shouldn’t like him acting possessive but she did.  She wanted to tell him that but all she good do was stand there with her mouth ajar.

“Too much information,” he asked after half a minute.

“No. It’s not that. I just didn’t know.”

“Now you do.  So be careful with those looks or you might find yourself in a place you may not be ready for.”

“Trevor,” she said wrapping her arms around his neck.  “I am very ready,” she finished.

Then she went on tip toe and kissed him softly on the lips.  When she pulled away his eyes were blazing with passion.

“No Trevor,” he said is a whisper. “You are in the hallway of the twins’ school.  Lily has to go to class and it is the first day.  You should go to work. You don’t want to screw this up. It’s too soon. You-“

“Trev, what are you doing,” she said.

“I am listing all the reasons for why I shouldn’t take you back to my loft and make love to you all morning,” he said seriously.

“I’m more than willing,” she said kissing him again.

“No, Lily.  Let’s wait okay. At least until after your classes this morning,” he said stepping back with a smile. “Let me take you to school. He held out his hand to her. 

She clasped his firmly and said, “okay, if you insist.”

Location: Jack Abbot’s House

Chloe sat at the dining room table next to Billy.  Every time she saw him he became more and more attentive and affectionate.  She would be lying to herself if she said that she didn’t enjoy the attention from him.  She enjoyed it.  Way more than what was good for her.  He was bound to get back with Victoria any day now. And if she allowed herself to fall for his charms, her heart would be broken again.

Jack came out from the kitchen with Olivia behind him. Chloe was a little surprised to see her here for a family dinner.  She knew that she had been a family friend for almost 30 years.  But generally, these family dinners were reserved for family only.  The Abbots were exclusive that way. 

“So, Jack what is this news,” Billy asked.

Jack sat down and Olivia sat to his immediate right.

“Abby is not here yet.  I want to wait on her.”

“Is it that important?  Or are you just being melodramatic,” Billy asked smiling.

“Billy.  It’s that important to me,” Jack said.

“Which means that you are being melodramatic,” Billy said laughing.

“Now Billy.  Cut your brother some slack.  Wait until you here his news first before you accuse him of being an attention hog,” Olivia said patting Jack’s hand atop the table.

“Heeeeey,” Bill said. “Why do I get the feeling that you two are-“

“That’s because we are,” Jack said.

Olivia smiled.

“Congratulations bro.  It took you long enough,” Billy said looking back and forth between Olivia and Jack.

“Billy,” Jack said in a warning tone.

“Long enough,” Chloe said.

“Yeah.  What does that mean,” Olivia said.

Billy looked at Jack who looked at him pleadingly.  But he couldn’t resist.

“Jackie boy here has had a crush on Olivia since I was a kid.”

“Really,” Olivia said. “Is that true Jack?”

Before he could answer, Abby walked in.

“Good morning,” she said taking a seat next to Olivia. “I see I am right on time.”

“Perfect timing Abby,” Jack said. “Now to my news. I have decided that it is time for me to focus on something different.  I love Jabot, but I want to make a difference on the world.”

Chloe could only smile to herself.  It seems that Olivia was already influencing Jack and making him a better person.  That make a difference in the world thought surely was a Barber-Winters trait if there ever was one.

“What does that mean Uncle Jack,” Abby said.

“It means that I am thinking of going back into politics.”

“Are you sure Jack,” Billy said.

“Very sure,” Jack said.  “I have even asked Keemo to move here and run Jabot. He hasn’t agreed yet but-“

At the mention of Keemo moving here Chloe’s mind began to race. This was the worst time for him to move back.  She picked up her phone and sent a text message:

Don’t over react. But Keemo may be moving back to Genoa City. Soon.

Location: Genoa City Athletic Club

Roxy had just paid the bill for her breakfast when Tammy looked at her phone.

“Oh my god,” Tammy said. “Oh. My. God.”

“What’s wrong Tam,” Roxy asked starting to panic.

“I will not cry,” Tammy said.

Cry Roxy thought.  Tammy rarely cried.  And when she did it was for good reason.

“Talk to me girl. What’s wrong? I am starting to panic here just in case you haven’t noticed.”

She held her phone out and Roxy took it and read the text.

“Huh,” Roxy said. She couldn’t believe that Keemo could possibly move here. Him not wanting to live full time in the states again was one of the main reasons that he and Tammy didn’t work out. It took her a long time to get over the disappointment.  And now that she had finally moved on with Nathan and was happy, he might be showing up.  This was just tragic.

 “Sissy, don’t panic,” Roxy said. “He may not even come.  This text said he might.”

“Oh, he will Rox. He will. I just know it,” Tammy said with tears in her eyes.

“Even so.  It doesn’t matter.  You are in love with Nathan.”

“I am.  Nathan is everything I ever dreamed of in a man.  But it still hurts.  And I can’t help wondering what if.  You know.”

“I get it. I do. I just wish I could make this better for you.”

“Me too,” Tammy said sadly. “But don’t worry.  I will be fine. Let’s go to work,” she said standing.

“Okay.  Want to do lunch and talk some more,” Roxy asked.

“Yes.  Thanks,” Tammy said hugging her.  Then they walked out the door and headed their separate ways.