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Episode 5
Time: Next day of Last episode, morning
Location: Chancellor Mansion
Chloe sat at the table in the dining room with Kay, Jill, Nina Webster, Delia, Murphy, and her mother Esther. Esther had started out as Kay’s maid but somehow became her best friend. She assumed that was why her mother had named Kay her godmother. At one time in Chloe’s life, she would have given anything to be something other than the help’s daughter. But she realized that wasn’t such a bad position. Her mother was a great mom and even greater grandmother. She had learned to be proud of her and in herself. She now regretted the choices she made with attempting to fool Cane Ashby. What a dud he had turned out to be anyways. She then heard a beep come through on her phone. It was an e-mail from Phyllis’ Restless Style blog. Curious, she read the e-mail and gasped.
“What is it honey. Is it Kevin?” her mother Ester asked.
“Kevin. No. It’s Phyllis Newman’s Restless Style blog. Apparently, Tucker and Ashley are divorcing. And Neil has bought some company right from under Tucker’s nose. This is not good. He will be on the war path. The man hates losing.”
“What? Divorcing? Why? Does it say?” Kay asked.
“He’s probably cheated on her. Tucker is a cad if I ever met one” Jill said.
“Oh shut up Jill. You’re just mad because he didn’t go for that little business proposition of yours” Kay said. Jill and Tucker had been lovers until he broke it off with Jill for no other reason than she asked him for a business favor.
“Ladies, ladies” Murphy said. “Let Chloe finish”.
“It doesn’t say why.”
“And it’s on Restless Style’s website? I can’t believe that Billy would put Ashley’s business out like that. But since he starting running that magazine, he has lost any sense of right or wrong that I tried to instill in him” said Jill.
“Sense of right or wrong? Spare me Jill” said Nina. Nina Webster had been married to Phillip Chancellor III, Jill’s other son, and had his son whom was nicknamed Chance. Everyone had thought Phillip died in a car crash almost 20 years ago until Cane came to town claiming to be him. But then he had later revealed to the family that he was alive and that Cane was an imposter. It was some stupid convoluted plot to give the family closure. Men. Do what they want when they want. Whatever!
“I think it’s very sad. Ashley is a really nice and genteel lady” said Esther.
“Hhhmm I wonder what happened there?” Kay asked. “It’ll come out soon enough I am sure. But I am very happy for Neil. I think I will invite him to lunch and tell him so. Jill I need to ask you something.”
“Ask me something? Since when have you ever asked anything of me. You normally just tell me what it is and blackmail me into it.”
“Well sometimes you need to be told what to do. I swear you sabotage your life on purpose for sympathy?”
“Just tell me what it is old lady.” Jill stated rolling her eyes.
“I want you to run Chancellor Industries. Neil is not going to come back obviously. And I need a new CEO. “
“Are you sure” Jill said instantly softening. Running Chancellor had been her dream.
“Yes, my dear. I am sure.”
“Of course I will Katherine. I’d be honored.”
Although Kay and Jill argued incessantly, they were quite fond of each other.
“I also have another idea” she said as she looked to Nina. “I know that Chance has a calling to serve his country but I think it is time he comes home and takes his rightful place. I plan to ask him to come back to serve as President. I think it is time.”
“I am not sure he will do it.” Nina said. “But I would love to have him home and out of harm’s way for good.”
“Oh. He’ll come. I will assure you of that” Kay said. “So about this birthday party this weekend” she said as she looked at Delia.
“Yea, birthday party…” Delia squealed in delight.
Location: The offices of Bell Communications
Christopher sat at the table in a conference room across from Neil. He was really enjoying being an owner of a company. Of course, he knew that he had always been a little full of himself but this new title had definitely increased his ego ten-fold. There were times recently he had to reign himself in. He looked to his right at his beautiful personal assistant. She seemed like such a genuine person. He was still dumbfounded as to how she got hooked onto drugs and how someone like her would want Tucker McCall. Either way, she was off limits to himself. But that didn’t mean all women were off limits. He needed to find himself a date. And soon.
“I think that we should call Justin and let him meet with John Jacobs out in LA” Neil said. “See if he can convince him to move here.”
“Word on the street is that he has a fiancee and a little kid that can’t move right now. So he wants to stay there with them” said Harmony. Chris could tell by her tone of voice that she respected their System Architect’s decision. Possibly thought it was sweet or romantic. Women sometimes have no clue about a man’s motives. This guy was probably possessive or insecure. He was probably staying there to keep an eye on her as opposed to him being such a devoted man.
“I can respect that” Neil said.
“I bet you can” Chris said sarcastically. “Here’s the thing. We need him here for certain reasons. The existence of a fiancé and a kid does not change that. The question is do we force him to move anyway.”
“Hhhmm. Not sure I want to do that. You know as well as I do that when you treat employees like that they rebel. Either they will get passive aggressive with their work or leave at the first opportunity. “
“Neil, we are owners now. You have to start thinking like the top guy and stop putting yourself in the position of the employee. Those are shoes you do not walk in anymore. Thank God” Chris said irritated.
“Chris” Neil began in the same tone, “This is a family company. That is our image. How would we look forcing a man to leave his family. Word of this type of strong arming gets out. You know that.”
“Okay. Let’s call Justin. Maybe he can convince him. But if he can’t we will have to discuss this again because there is no way we should allow this guy to work from LA.” Neil nodded his head slowly in agreement.
Harmony who had been watching them go back and forth like it was a tennis match then picked up her phone, located Justin’s number, and dialed it on the landline.
Location: Genoa City Memorial Hospital
Paul arrived at the hospital holding hands with the woman of his dreams. They had talked all through the night about their regrets and future. Her strength and positive thinking had given him hope for Ricky’s recovery. They had gotten a call from Nate Winters telling them to come to the hospital so that they could discuss Ricky. Paul had known Nate all his life and if there was anyone he trusted to take care of Ricky, it was Nate. They had been waiting for a few minutes when Nate came out.
“So Dr, how is he” Paul said to Nate with a teasing smile.
“Well, he is about the same. But the good news is that we are fairly certain that we know what is going on. “
Ashley squeezed Paul’s hand, smiled at him and said “That’s good news right”.
“Yes. But the test to confirm it is not in yet. I expect those this morning. I wanted you here when they do come in.”
“Okay Nate. We’ll be right here” Ashley said.
“Alright then” Nate said as he looked at Ashley curiously and walked off. Paul noticed the look and smiled to himself. Nate must be wondering what was going on with Ashley. He was sure they looked like a couple to everyone who cared to notice.
Location: Cold Winter Records Studio
Abby sat on the sofa watching Devon on a call. The boy was just gorgeous she thought. He hung up the phone and looked at her with a smile. She felt herself floating.
“So how did the call go?”
“Okay. Not sure if the guy is really serious about music. He is young and still wants to go to college. I think he should actually. Give him something else to fall back on”
“Now you sound like your dad” she said with a smile.
Devon laughed out loud. “You’re right. I do sound like him. But hey, it’s not a bad thing. Neil Winters is usually right.”
“He is isn’t he? I wish I could say the same about my mom. I still say that Tucker will break her heart one day.”
Devon smirked in response.
“So how is Roxy” Abby asked with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Roxy. She actually did. She just didn’t like that Roxy was with Devon.
A broader smiled broke out across Devon’s face. “She is great. I can’t wait for her to come home.”
“You miss her huh?”
“I do.”
“I wish I had someone to miss me like that?”
“Don’t worry Abby. You will meet someone. In the meantime you have me to hang out with.”
Before she could reply, Abby’s phone rang. She answered it to hear her mother’s voice on the other end.
“Abby”
“Hi mom.”
“Hi honey. I wanted to see if I could meet you for lunch. Say at your house.”
“Sure, but I am not cooking anything.”
“I’ll bring take out. And honey, don’t stand me up. I have some important news”. What is that suppose to be mean Abby thought. She hated when people implied that she was fickle or flighty.
“Whatever!” she said with attitude. “Bye”. And hung up her phone.
She noticed Devon frown in the direction of the door. She looked in that direction and saw her stepfather Tucker.
Location: Chancellor Mansion
Kay had finally decided enough was enough with Chance. She understood wanting to serve his country. She understood he felt it was his calling but it was time Chance also understood what it meant to be a Chancellor. She only had three grandchildren. Mac had just had a baby so she would not force her back to Genoa City. And her newfound grandson Devon didn’t want to have anything to do with her. She hadn’t given up on him but she knew he had just started his own record company and didn’t have any interest in anything else going on at Chancellor. So Chance was going to be the one. Whether he liked it or not. She knew he had not been redeployed and his enlistment date was only a week away. So it would be time for him to reenlist soon and she had every intention of stopping that. She had spoken to one of her old high school classmates, who was now a 4 Star General in the Army, earlier this morning. She let him know that under no terms was Chance to be allowed to sign his life away again.
Some people may feel guilt over this type of trickery. But not Kay. Sometimes people didn’t know what was best for them. And just like his grandmother Jill, Phillip Chancellor IV didn’t know what was best for him. Well, she did. Now all she had to do was sit and wait for Chance to arrive.
“Kay, is there any coffee left”
“Yes dear, the pot should be half full. I have only had one cup.”
“So have you spoken to Chance” Nina asked.
“I have not and don’t you talk to him either” Kay said pointing a finger at Nina.
“But I thought you said that you was going to ask him to come home” Nina said sounding confused.
“I said no such thing. I said I would get him home and I will.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
Kay sometimes wondered how any of these people functioned without her. They seemed so naïve sometimes. Even Nina who had never been a simple girl had turned clueless. When she was younger, she made a habit of getting exactly what she wanted. Now, not so much.
“I spoke to someone higher up and he agreed with me. It’s time for Chance to come home. And he plans to make that happen.”
“I am not sure that I agree with this. It should be Chance’s decision.”
Nina Webster had always been an exasperating girl Kay thought.
“Do you want him home or not Nina?”
“I do”
“Then does it matter how it happens. Just sit back and wait. Chance will be home soon. He might be heartbroken at first but I am sure he will get over it.” Kay couldn’t help but think that Chloe could help with that. They had been engaged a while ago. Before she was engaged to Kevin. But things didn’t work out for them then. She had high hopes that with Kevin out of the picture, Chloe and Chance might reconnect.
Location: Spencer Publications in LA
Justin sat at his desk attempting to get things in order for his successor at Spencer. He hadn’t spoken to Donna since she found out that he was leaving. His going away party was tonight at Bill and Katie’s. He assumed she would be there. He hoped she would be there just so he could see her one last time without having to seek her out. Hopefully he would not have to swallow anymore of his pride. To keep this from happening he would call Katie to see who was on the guest list. Doing so wasn’t that big of a blow to his ego. He reached for his phone just as it rang.
“Justin Barber”
“Justin. Are you ready for the move?” he heard Neil say.
“Yes, I am gonna leave out earlier than expected. I will arrive tomorrow.”
“That’s great news. I don’t know how you pulled that off but we’re glad that you did”. He knew that arrogant voice. It was Neil’s cousin Chris. Working with him was something Justin would find amusing. Neil needed Chris to counterbalance him. One cousin was too ethical and other too unethical. He just knew he would find himself stuck in the middle of many a disagreement.
“Well, I am the best negotiator in town. Surely I can work out a deal for my own release” he said with a light laugh.
“These skills are just why we are calling.” Neil said. “here’s the issue. Our System Architect cum head of R&D is out in LA and refuses to move. We feel we need him here for obvious reasons. “
“Right. Right” Justin said thoughtfully.
“We need you to meet with him and see if you can convince him to move.” Chris said.
“Okay. Do you plan on forcing his hand or greasing his palm to make it happen?” Justin asked.
“You know me man. I say force his hand if he doesn’t comply” Chris responded.
“Neil?”
“I don’t think that kind of strong arming is a part of the image we want to project.”
“Of course not” Justin said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Neil, sometimes in business you are going to make enemies. Sometimes there will be people that hate you.”
“So says the man who has worked with his best friend his entire career. You have no clue what it’s like to feel bottled in at a job. It’s not the way to get the best results. I know this first hand.” Neil said.
“Ah. Let’s not get into the Newman era of the Neil Winter’s saga” Chris said.
“Okay. My hands are out of it. I don’t want to know how he gets here. If it hits the airwaves, I can be totally honest in my ignorance.”
“Great. Make it happen Justin Barber style.” Chris responded.
“For sure,” Justin said.
“I’ll have Dimples here set up a meeting with him today for lunch.”
“Dimples?”
“My personal assistant.”
“Ah, Dimples. I see.” Justin said with a knowing smile. He wondered if Chris was sleeping with his personal assistant. There was a certain something in his voice as he said the name.
“Excuse me Justin, but my name is Harmony. I prefer that.” Justin smiled at the repressed attitude he heard in in Harmony’s voice.
“Okay. I’ll be sure to remember that” he said softly. His voice dropped lower of its’ own volition.
“Remember that she is also family. She’s Devon’s biological mother and a real asset to us.” Neil said sharply. Now Justin was really confused. Neil was warning him off Harmony. Olivia had told him that Yolanda was back in town and had really gotten herself together. Listening to Chris and Neil over the phone, he couldn’t help but get the feeling that they both had a thing for her.
“Dually noted. Now, I’ll get this guy to Antarctica one way or the other. If I have to live in the cold, so does he. Later.”
Location: Genoa City Memorial Hospital
“I wonder if Olivia is on call this morning?” Ashley asked Paul
“I am sure the nurse station will know. Why don’t you ask while I go get us some coffee.”
“Okay” she said as she rose on tip toe and kissed Paul lightly on the lips. Just as she did so Olivia turned the corner and walked into the waiting area.
“Ashley, Paul” she said with an astonished look.
Olivia was shocked to see Paul and Ashley kissing like they were lovers. Although it was a peck it was still very intimate. She had Ashley had went to college together and were sorors. She knew that Ashley was not totally happy with her marriage with Tucker but it wasn’t like her to have an affair. Ashley had learned her lesson from that affair she had with Victor years ago.
“Olivia” Paul said as he kissed her cheek. “I was just about to go get coffee. Be right back.” Paul walked off in the direction of the cafeteria.
“Ashley, did I just see you kissing Paul. What is going on?”
“Okay Liv. I know this will seem sudden but I left Tucker and I am with Paul.”
“It’s not that sudden. I knew that you were not as happy as expected with Tucker but I didn’t think it was something that you would leave him for. “
“I just didn’t feel valued Liv. Tucker is so caught up in business. It’s the only thing he is passionate about. But Paul makes me feel like I am the only important person in the world.”
“Okay Ashley. I understand the feeling. But you have made a commitment to Tucker. You love him. I don’t think that his something that you should throw away over night.”
“”It’s not overnight, I assure you.”
‘Well, it sure seems that way to me. Just last week you were telling me how you had waited your whole life for someone like Tucker. But now he is not the one. I guess I just want to know what happened between now and then.”
“I can’t explain it. It’s in here you know” she said as she pointed a finger at her chest. “Does that make sense?”
“I guess so but –“
“I just want to be happy. Just support me please. “
“You do look very happy. There is a certain light in your eyes that I haven’t seen since we were very young.”
“Please, don’t bring up Victor.”
“Okay, okay. I won’t. Just promise me that if you start to feel depressed or really unhappy, you call me okay”. Olivia reached out and hugged Ashley.
“Okay. I will”.
Although Ashley was better now, she did have a history of having these episodes. Olivia just wanted to make sure that this wasn’t one and that Ashley remained emotionally healthy.
Location: Cold Winter Records Studio
Tucker walked into Devon’s studio on cloud nine. He had spoken with his lawyers this morning and they had assured him that his divorce from Ashley would be final today. He also had a date tonight with Harmony. If it had been hard to concentrate before, he found that it was even more so now. After weeks of denying himself the opportunity to spend time with her, to touch her, to kiss her, to possibly make love to her, he was finally done with that. But before he became too wrapped up in his fascination with Harmony, he thought he should clear the air with Devon first. For some reason, the boy insisted on hating him. And from his response the other night when he had seen him touching her, he didn’t think Devon would take this well at all. The question was whether he was willing to continue to deny himself the pleasures of Harmony if Devon didn’t approve.
“Good morning all”
“Tucker” Devon said.
“Hello” Abby said as she rolled her eyes.
“So how is the music going? Still can’t find Angelina?”
“Nope, but I am over it. She’ll turn up when she turns up. Thanks again for the help with flipping her MIA act. Now she is even hotter than before.”
“Well that’s good. Glad to help.” Tucker wanted to bring up his date with Harmony but he didn’t want to discuss it in front of Abby. She may not know about her mother refusing to uphold her end of their bargain.
Behind him he heard Abby say, “So how’s my mom. She said she had something to tell me. Do you know what that could be about?”
“You should talk to her. It’s not my place to tell you.”
“Oh my god. You did something didn’t you? You cheated on her again. I knew you would. Poor mom. Now she’s just another cliché” Abby said in a hurry as her voice increased with every word she spoke.
“Is this true Tucker? I hope it’s not with my mom. I remember what I saw the other night.”
“What? No Devon. Your mother and I are just becoming friends. I swear to you. That’s all.”
“Yeah right. Kinda like you and Diane Jenkins were just friends?” Abby said under her breath but loud enough for him and Devon to here.
“Abby. Don’t insult Harmony that way. We haven’t…”
“You better not have done anything. My mom has finally gotten her life on track. She has worked so hard to get this healthy. I just don’t want anything or anyone to get in the way of that. Please. I’m begging you. Don’t get in the way of that. Please Tucker. Please.”
Well damn. What was he to say to his son after that plea? He was not going to promise to stay away from her or not get involved with her. “I promise not to get in the way of her happiness,” Tucker said. He felt like that was a promise he could keep. He didn’t think he would ever hurt her.
“Well, it’s obvious that I need to talk to my mom.” Abby said knowingly. She grabbed her purse and stormed out.
“Okay. Now that Abby is gone. Tell me.”
“Ashley has decided that she would rather be with Paul Williams than me.”
“What? Ashley left you. Why?”
“I’m still not sure. But it doesn’t matter. As long as she’s happy.”
“You’re taking this well.” Devon said. After a slight pause he continued in a shocked tone. “Oh my god. You are seeing my mom. Aren’t you?”
“No I am not. But I won’t lie to you. I want to. See her, that is. I just want to get to know her. ”
“I would think that you already know her. Afterall, you do have a kid together. Oh that’s right you don’t don’t know her. Do you? You didn’t even know her name.” Tucker wondered how many times Devon would throw that in his face. It’s one of the biggest regrets of his life.
“I admit to having been less than attentive to women in the past but I am not that person anymore. People do change and grow you know.”
“I know that. But my mom. I just don’t want her to be hurt.”
“Devon. I just want to be a friend to her. I know that you don’t really know me. But if you did you would know that I would never hurt your mother.”
“Yeah. A friend. Right?” Devon said slowly. “I am a fully grown man you know. I saw the way you were looking at her the other night. I was not the look of a man who wants to be just friends.”
“So what. I noticed the charms of a beautiful woman but that doesn’t mean I have to act on it. As you say, you’re a man. You should be able to relate to that.” And Harmony is beautiful and voluptuous. He was sure that every man that came into contact with those breasts took notice. Why would Devon expect him to be any different? Surely he was used to people being attracted to his mother.
“Listen Tucker. It doesn’t matter what I think or what I say, you will do what you want.”
“I care about your opinion Devon. It’s why I am here”.
“So if I say no. You’ll still attempt to be my mom’s friend” Devon said using air quotes to emphasize the word friend.
One thing he had learned about his son is he was direct. He asked direct questions and gave direct answers. Tucker wanted to be evasive but he knew his plans for Harmony and if they came to fruition the way Tucker thought that they would, he didn’t want the kid to think he was anymore of a liar than he already did.
“And honest question deserves and honest answer. So I will give you one but you won’t like it. I like your mother. I want to get to know her. And I won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of that. And that does include you. But it doesn’t mean that I don’t respect your opinion.”
“I can respect that. But now if you don’t mind, I have a few calls to make.” Devon said. Tucker could tell that Devon was impressed with his forthrightness.
“Alright, I’m out.”
Time: Same Day, Lunch
Location: GCAC
Neil sat at a table at the GCAC waiting for Kay. He wasn’t surprised that she wanted to have lunch. He figured that she had heard by now about his acquisition and wanted to congratulate him. What she had done was wrong but she had been a good friend to him and his family over the last couple of years. It was time to let it go. Not just for him but for Devon’s sake. He knew his son took a lot of his cues from him. So it was time for him to let go so that Devon could do the same. Besides, Kay was helping Harmony. And for that he was grateful. But Tucker was another matter all together. He didn’t hate him or anything. Neil just had no respect for him. How could someone treat a woman the way he treated Harmony? He just hoped that Tucker had the decency to steer clear of her now. To not hurt her again. He just didn’t see what women saw in Tucker. Beyond Harmony, there was Sophia. She was still mad at him about giving her that ultimatum. It was for her own good. Tucker was bound to put her in an awkward position sooner or later when it came to Bell. He and Chris were prepared for some sort of retaliation of McCall Unlimited. It hadn’t occurred yet, but he knew that it would one day. The thought that Tucker would let this go for Devon’s sake was never an option.
“Neil” he looked up to see Kay standing before him.
He stood and pulled out her chair as he said “Katherine, how are you?”
“I have been good”
“And your health” She looked good but she was over 80 years old so he needed to be sure.
“I am not some frail old lady” she said sharply.
He couldn’t help but smile at her fire, “of course not”
“So I heard about your acquisition. I just wanted to say congratulations.” Kay had always been a class act. There was a small part of him that thought she might be a little hurt because he didn’t tell her his plans.
“Thank you.”
“I am not going to say that I was not disappointed that you won’t be back at Chancellor. But you have more than earned this chance. It’s time.”
“Thank you”
“I just want us to be friends again.”
“I would like that Katherine. I really would.”
“I am sorry you know. I just felt that I needed to protect Devon from Tucker” Kay said.
“I know how you feel. It is taking everything in me not to demand Tucker stay away from him and Harmony. I just want to protect them”. Both Devon and Harmony had come so far. He didn’t want their growth stunted by the likes of Tucker.
“Harmony? She told me that you gave her a job. She loves it by the way. But why would you need to protect her from Tucker. Has he threatened her or something?”
Neil remembered how Tucker had looked at her in the meeting the other day. He had a thing for her. Which was odd. Since he didn’t even remember conceiving his own child. He didn’t remember Harmony at all. “I think that something might be going on between them. And Harmony doesn’t need the heartache. I just don’t want her to relapse.”
“Really?” Kay said with a smile.
“You approve of this? Tucker is married. ” Neil couldn’t believe that Kay was alright with Tucker and Harmony. Considering his track record.
“Oh, you obviously haven’t heard. It’s all over the Restless Style website. Tucker and Ashley are divorcing. Besides, I think Harmony could be good for him. She doesn’t take his crap that’s for sure. That is one lady that might be able to teach my wayward son some humility and respect.”
Tucker and Ashley divorcing. This was interesting news. But if Tucker was lacking in respect then it shouldn’t be Harmony’s place to teach him. “Katherine, as an addict, you know how hard it is. She is very fragile right now. I just don’t think that Tucker is a good match for her.”
He noticed Kay cock her head to the side and study him. “And who would be a good match for her. Hhmm. You? Perhaps”
“What? Me? No. I am married to Sophia. I have a family”
“And how is that going by the way?”
“Some days it’s perfect. And other days…”
“You miss Dru” she finished for him. He gave a small smile at the mention of her name.
“How’d you know? Is it so obvious?” He wondered if everyone knew. Even worse, if Sophia knew? He hoped not because he didn’t want to hurt her.
“Only to those who know you. Knew her. And have seen you two together.”
Enough of this talk about Dru. His heart couldn’t take it. Besides, they had even ordered yet.
“Hey, I thought we came here to eat.”
“Change the subject huh…alright. I will let it slide for now. Let’s order.”
Location: Dayzee’s Café in LA
It was happening again Justin thought to himself as he passed the front of Dayzee’s café headed to the parking lot out back. If he didn’t know better he could have sworn that was Dru walking out the door of the café. But it couldn’t be her. She had been presumed dead for almost 5 years now. He wondered if Olivia or Dru’s kids also saw Dru from time to time like he did. It had been going on for about 3 years now for him.
He parked his car, got out, and headed for the entrance of the restaurant. When he arrived he looked around to see if he could see the person he thought was his cousin. Of course, per usual, she was nowhere to be found. Which he guessed was a good thing considering. He walked into the restaurant and spotted Dayzee taking orders. He waved to her. Dayzee was his son’s girlfriend and the namesake for the restaurant. When she saw him she excused herself from the member of the staff with whom she was speaking and walked over to him.
“Mr. Barber. How are you?”
“Justin. Please.” She always so respectful and polite. His son had chosen well. And he was glad. Because the alternative had been Amber.
“Okay. Justin. How are you?”
“I am great. How are you? I hope my son is keeping you happy.”
With that she blushed. Obviously Marcus was on the job. It was good to know.
“Yes. He’s the best.”
“Yeah. He’s a good man.” And he was. If only he would recognize that he was a Barber and not a Forrester. He could see how his son would be impressed with their power and wealth. But being a Barber was nothing to scoff at either. There was a lot of pride in their family. And he wanted his son to understand that.
“So what can I get you” Dayzee asked.
“Oh. I am here to meet someone. His name is John and I think he may be a little eccentric. Have you seen anyone hanging about-“
Before he could finish to pointing in the direction of a table in the corner.
“Yep. That’s him thanks.” He said as he walked in the man’s direction taking him in. The guy was dressed in an old t-shirt and jeans. He seemed engrossed in his own thoughts as he looked out the window.
“John” he said as he approached the table.
John stood and held out his hand. “Justin Barber, I presume”
“That’s me.”
“Great. Let me tell you the same thing I told the HR people. I am not interested in moving to Genoa City” the man said as they shook hands. Justin could tell that this was going to be an interesting talk. The man was already on the defensive.
“Relax John. That’s why I am here. I want to know why it is you are set against moving in hopes that I can come up with the reasons that everyone will accept to justify you staying.” John’s eyes snapped to attention then. He knew it was always a shock when he gave people that line. They all expected him to play hardball. But what he found is that when people had their mind already made up, it was easier when you made them think that you had their best interest as heart.
“Okay. First of all, I have a fiancée and a son. I don’t want to uproot them. My fiancée has been through a lot and she has finally gotten to the point where she is comfortable in LA. I don’t want to take her to a new city where she will have to start all over. She had a horrible accident a few years ago and it left her traumatized. She is only able to relax when she is in familiar surroundings. It’s a sort of posttraumatic stress disorder.”
“I see. So what did you do to get her comfortable in LA.? It seems to me that she would be more comfortable in a small city as opposed to a super crowded LA.” In Justin’s mind, if it worked in LA, it could work in Antarctica.
“I hired a counselor to stay with her and go out with her at all times. Of course she didn’t realize the lady was a counselor. She thought that she was a baby sitter for our son. John said with a smile. “Pamela is just as proud as she is smart and beautiful. She would have never gone for s sister for herself you see.”
“And where is this sitter now?” Justin wondered.
“She is no longer needed. Pam can go out herself alone now.”
“So what makes you think that she won’t be able to do this if you move?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t want to risk it. She has come so far and I don’t want her to regress.”
“Have you asked her about the move?” Justin had found that women were usually stronger than their men gave them credit for and did not like being considered weak.
“No.”
He was ready to take a gamble. This woman sounded like a fighter. And if John’s love for her was any indication of her love for him then there was no way she would want his career stunted because of her presumed failings. Besides, a little research had shown that John had a father and a son in Genoa City. The son considered this woman his mother. She would want to be close to him.
“I tell you what. Put it to her. Give her all the facts about this. And see if she is willing to move. If so, then we will get her a full time nanny there. I will even promise it to be the same one that has helped raise your son. If not, then we will allow you to stay here for the time being.”
“And if I choose not to ask her?”
Why is it that people always wanted to know the consequences of not doing something? Typical. He found that taking the bait and making threats was never the way to go. “I have found it pointless to get into what ifs. I am trusting you to be a man of your word. So trust me. I have your best interest at heart.” And he did because it would be in no one’s best interest for Bell to have to drag this man into court to force his move or keep him from working for the next 25 years. Bell didn’t need the bad press and this man had a family to support.
“Okay. I will ask her. I will let you know her decision.”
“Thanks”
Location: Eve’s Bistro
Harmony was so happy that Devon had called to ask to meet her for lunch. They were in a good place now. He seemed to have forgiven her for letting him down growing up. This was all the encouragement that Harmony needed to ensure that she stayed clean. Not that she would relapse if Devon had not come around. But it was always nice when things worked out the way one wanted. She looked up and saw him walk through the doors. His face lit up with a smile when he spotted her. She lifted her hand to wave at him as he made his way to the table. She couldn’t help but notice what a change it was to have her son smile when he sees her. To be happy to spend time with her.
“Hi mom”, he said as he bent down to kiss her on her cheek. That had just made her entire week worthwhile.
“Hi baby” she said. “I ordered your favorite. The waitress says that the food should be out in a moment.”
Just as she said that the waitress brought out their meal.
“Wow. Thanks mom,” he said surpised.
“You seem surprised. What? That I would remember your favorite food.”
“Well yeah.”
“Come on. Everyone who knows you knows that you love grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. When you were a little boy, it’s all I could get you to eat. And I remember when I stayed a Neil’s awhile back, you ate one at least once a day.”
His smile reached his eyes then. How sad was it that her son was surprised that she remembered his favorite food. She knew that he didn’t mean to do so but his obvious happiness reminded her of how she failed him. She sat and watched him eat his sandwich for a while before starting to eat her salad.
“Mom”, she heard her son say.
“hhmm” she looked up into his eyes.
“Tucker came by to see me this morning”.
When she heard Tucker’s name she felt her stomach flutter. It was a sensation that she had become accustomed too since it happened every time she heard Tucker’s name, which had become quite frequent over the last couple of weeks. “Oh” was all she could say in response.
“Yeah, did you know that he and Ashley are splitting up?”
He was watching her intently. Probably trying to gauge her reaction to the news.
“Yes. He told me about it last night. It’s kind of sad I think.” She said calmly.
“Sad. He doesn’t seem sad at all. He seems excited to me.”
She hunched her shoulders in response because she surely had no words.
“He also said something about getting to know you and being your friend.
Once again she had no words in response. She just stared at her son waiting for his question or next comment because she was sure he was building up to something. And she was fairly sure she knew what it was.
“Mom, I am so proud of you. And how you have turned things around. I just don’t want anything to get in the way of that. And I think that Tucker can’t be trusted not to get in the way. I think he will hurt you.”
She smiled at Devon and shook her head slowly. It dawned on her that her son was afraid that she would relapse. She wished that she had the words to reassure him that it was not going to happen. But experience had taught them both that talk was cheap and action is what mattered. “For what it’s worth Devon, I am not in jeopardy of relapsing. I feel great emotionally and physically. I am done with drugs and alcohol. But I have said it before and didn’t follow through. So this time I am going to show you. Don’t worry. Besides, you’re the only man whose opinion really matters to me. Tucker doesn’t have that kind of power over me. “At least not anymore she thought.
“I pray that is true. But I just don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Relax baby. I won’t be. People can only hurt you if you let them.”
“Abby also said something about Tucker cheating on her mom before.”
“You’re telling me this because…”
“Because I just want you to know the kind of person he is.” Her son was something funny. He was so like Neil. Which meant he wouldn’t just come right out and say it. Possibly scared he would give her ideas.
“Devon, come on. Be real. You’re telling me because you think that he and I are intimately involved and you don’t want that. Just say it”
“Fine. I don’t want you to see him.”
“I have no plans right now to see anyone romantically. I just want to focus on my babies and my job.” That was obviously what he wanted to hear because his eyes twinkled when he smiled. This was one thing about her son that had never changed. He loved getting his way. Whenever he was able to talk her into things as a little boy, his eyes would twinkle.
“Will you promise me that when you are ready that it won’t be him” he pushed further.
“Baby. You know I love you. And you and Anna are the most important things in my life. But even you won’t dictate to me who I am friends with. Okay.” She smiled to take the sting out of her rebuke.
“Okay. I guess the fact that you don’t plan to see him is enough.”
“So how is your music going?”
“It’s slow.”
“You mean because you can’t find Angelina.”
“No, my hearing. I am having a hard time distinguishing pitches but it will be okay. I am getting by.”
She wondered what else could be done for him. She was just about to ask him about the last time he saw his doctor but before she could he replied, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
She knew him well enough not to force the issue.
Location: Park
Lily sat in the park on a blanket as Charlie and Maddie toddled about her playing with a miniature rugby ball. It’s just one of the ways she tried to keep Cane’s memory alive for them. When they got older she would allow them to see the DVD he left for them. But until then they looked at pictures and she told them stories.
“No Maddie. No. Come back here little girl” she said as she saw Maddie dash off towards the woods Times like these are when she missed having a partner. Someone to share her burden with. Another pair of eyes and hands. Maddy stopped. Looked at her. Then continued the way she was going. Darnit. She would have to get up and chase that little scamp.
She rose from the blanket. Ran over to Maddie and scooped her up. “Maddie” she said in her sternest voice. “You need to listen to mommy. Don’t go into the woods. Okay”. Maddy looked at her and gave a mischievous smile. Lily tickled her stomach and kissed her cheek. This little girl knew what she was doing. Just then she looked and noticed Charlie headed to the street and her heart dropped.
“Oh my god. Charlie no. Come back” she screamed. Of course, like his sister, he continued on his way as if she hadn’t just screamed his name. At least Maddie had the decency to stop and look at her. Charlie didn’t even give her that much respect.
Lily took off running full speed to Charlie praying that she could reach him before he made it to the street. “Charlie. Charlie. Charlie” she yelled. But he kept running. Her legs were burning from running and her arms were burning from carrying Maddie. She knew that she was running as fast as she could but everything seemed to go in slow motion. She couldn’t breathe. Lord please let her catch him in time.
The park was downhill from the street and because of it, the drivers of the cars would not be able to see Charlie coming. Just when he reached the apex of the incline she saw him being lifted up in the air by two arms. For a minute she thought it was an angel swooping down to save his life. Maybe it was Cane. But when she looked up into the face connected to the arms, it was a honey brown instead of white.
“Trevor” she said out of breath as he began to walk towards her. “Thank God”.
“Hey Lily. Look who I found trying to run away.”
She put Maddie down to stand beside her and reached for Charlie, hugging him close and kissing his head. “Thank you so much. Thank you.” She said to Trevor. She looked at Charlie and said “Charlie, you naughty boy. You can’t run from mommy like that.”
“It’s no problem. I’m glad that I was here.” Looking from Lily to Charlie he said “You little rascal. You have to mind your mother” while touching Charlie’s head. Charlie laughed. She looked down for Maddie who had toddled over to Trevor and was reaching her hands up to be picked up. “May I” he asked.
“Of course.” Trevor bent downed and picked Maddie up. Her daughter threw her arms around his neck. She knew how Maddie felt. She wanted to throw herself into his arms too. Not just for saving Charlie. But because Trevor was just as handsome in the sunlight as he was in the dark of night. He was wearing snug fitting peach polo shirt under a khaki colored suit and dark brown overcoat. It was casual yet dressy. She felt her heart rate pick up again but this time for a different reason. She was glad that she had taken the time to put on nice clothes and do her makeup and hair. There had been times since Cane’s death that she just didn’t feel up to it. What was the point without someone to dress up for? She knew her mother would probably think she was crazy. Drucilla dressed up every day and it didn’t matter if no one saw it but herself.
“I think she likes you” Lily teased him.
“Well, she’s got good taste” he said with a smile.
“Thanks again for helping me with Charlie. It’s kind of hard having two kids with one set of eyes” she said. And it was hard. She wasn’t exaggerating. Even though she was known to do that.
“I can understand that. When I take my little brother out, I can hardly keep up. And there is only one of him. I don’t know how you do it with two.” He said looking impressed.
“Well, just call me wonder woman.” She realized that was corny right after it came out. She just wasn’t good at this at all now. Maybe she was out of practice.
“hhhmmm. I can just look at you and tell that you excel at everything. Don’t you?” He said in a very low tone.
It dawned on her then. He was flirting with her. And if she didn’t know better, he had just made a reference to sex. She looked up into his eyes and noticed that they were almost closed. Was he intentionally looking at her like that? She wondered. It didn’t matter because whether intentional or not, her stomach began to flutter.
“Assuredly” she replied. She noticed that her own voiced had taken on the same tone as his.
“I bet.” He said with a smile. And that was all it took. She felt herself getting aroused and it was totally inappropriate. She was standing in the middle of a park holding her son while he held her daughter. Regardless of how right it felt, she knew it was wrong to be having these thoughts right now.
“Ah…I think it is time we head back home.” She said looking down and around for her stuff.
“Is it anywhere around here? I could help you with the kids. You know, anytime you need to come to the park or go shopping or anything where you need extra hands. Give me a call. I’d be more than happy to help.”
“Okay. Thanks. We are a few block down the street.”
“I’ll put my number in your phone when we get there. Maybe you will give me yours too”. He said with a smile.
Location: Abby’s house
Ashley and Abby sat at the dining room table eating lunch.
“Mom. Ugh. This is disgusting. It tastes like you got it from the hospital or something. Ugh!”
There was no way that Ashley would tell her that she did get it from the hospital cafeteria. She only smiled.
“So you have made me wait long enough. What is this news?”
“Tucker and I are divorced.” She saw Abby’s mouth open in surprise.
“I see I have surprised you. I thought that you would be happy. Isn’t it what you wanted? What you have been lobbying for since we got married.”
“Well mom. I am glad but I just want to know why. What happened? He cheated on you again didn’t he.”
“What? Why would you say that?”
“I saw him this morning at Devon’s studio. He looked so happy. That’s not how you would think someone who was getting divorced would look. You know what I’m saying.”
Ashley had found herself wondering why Tucker was letting this go so easily. Granted it wasn’t like him to chase behind a woman but it also wasn’t like him to lose anything without some fight. “hhhmm, happy you say.”
“Devon said something about him and Harmony looking like they were having a thing.”
Ashley found that hard to believe. He had made it clear to her that he didn’t even remember being with Yolanda. Had no clue who she was. “I don’t think that’s true.”
“Why not? It’s not like Tucker has ever been discriminating in who he slept with.”
“True. But he wants a relationship with Devon more than anything. I don’t see him jeopardizing getting to know Devon over a few rolls in the hay with Yolanda.”
“We’ll see mom. I have no faith in this guy. Are you sure this is going happen. He might just sweet talk his way back into your life. And let me say that I hope you stay firm because-“
“Abby” she interrupted. “I am not going back to Tucker. Our divorce is already final.”
“Final? Already. I thought that there was a waiting period?”
“Well Tucker was able to circumvent that. He got a judge to sign off on it. He wanted it over and done with quickly”
“Oh my god” Abby said as she covered her mouth. “Don’t you see mom. He is seeing someone. He was probably cheating on you. And it is probably with Harmony.” She reached to pick up her phone. “I need to call Devon and tell him.”
Ashley took the phone from her hand. “Abby, that’s not it at all. I am the one who is seeing someone else.”
“What? Who?”
“Paul” Ashley said slowly. She hoped that Abby approved of him. The last thing she and Paul needed right now was Abby interfering in their relationship.
“Williams?”
“Yes.” At Abby’s confused look she continued. “You know we dated some years ago and it turned out badly. It was my fault. And we never stopped caring about each other. So when Ricky’s health issues came up it kind of threw us back together. I realized that I would be happier with him than with Tucker.”
“Good for you mom. Good for you. Paul is a much better man than Tucker will ever be.”
“I think so too”
Time: Same Day, Afternoon
Location: Office of Bell Communications
Neil hadn’t heard from Sophia all day. He assumed she was still upset about his ultimatum. But in his opinion the time was nigh for her to make a choice. Because as sure as the sun rose and set daily, Tucker would retaliate. And they needed to be ready. He didn’t want to have to watch what he said in his own home in fear that his wife would have divided loyalties.
“Hello” he said as he answered his phone hoping it was Sophia.
“Neil. Good news. John Jacobs will be moving within the week”.
“Well that’s good news Justin. I am not going to ask how you pulled it off. I will only ask if we have any obligations.”
“Yes. We have to provide a full time nanny for the kid. Long story but it has to be this specific person. I will contact HR with her details. John will be out Sunday I think and his fiancée and kid a week later.”
“That’s great. So are you still on schedule to be out tomorrow?”
“Yep. Tomorrow night.”
“Great. What does Donna think?”
“Why are you asking me about Donna? She and I are no longer together.”
“I see you are still not ready to talk about it.” Or do anything about it Neil thought. He just never understood men who had the woman of their dreams but let them slip away. He and Dru had wasted years being apart. If he could get those back, he surely would. He wanted to tell Justin this but changed his mind. Obvious pining for another woman would be a slap in Sophia’s face. Even if the woman was presumed dead. She didn’t deserve that.
“Alright fine. Can’t wait to see you man. The family will have brunch Sunday morning at the club at 9 then go to church. I’ll see you then. Oh yeah, Harmony will meet you at the airport.”
“Okay. Thanks man. Later.”
Neil hang up the phone. He needed to call the jewelers and make sure his order was back. He wanted to give out the gifts to the family before church Sunday. The women would love it. He just hoped that Sophia did too.
Location: Genoa City Memorial Hospital
Olivia Barber Winters sat in her office going over the file for Ricky Williams. As chief of staff, it was her job but she had an affinity to Ricky because of Paul. Besides, his condition was not improving even though they had been treating him for a rare disease. She had ordered another chest x-ray just to be sure and was expecting it sometime soon. She heard a knock on her door.
“Come in”
“Here is the new chest x-ray for Ricky Williams.”
“Thanks” she said standing and taking the x-ray from the nurse. She put it on the wall so that she could view it. When she saw it she held her breath.
“Oh my Dr. Winters. That looks horrible.”
“Yes. I need to go down right now and get him a round of antibiotics. He has pneumonia. I can’t believe he has been here days and he hasn’t been diagnosed.”
What had Nate been doing? Didn’t he order x-rays before now. Why had this been allowed to go on so long? She had so many questions. Olivia hoped that she wasn’t too late. People died from this. Just as she was about to run out the door her phone rang.
“Dr. Winters?” she said.
“Dr, we have news on Ricky Williams blood pressure is very low. He has flat lined once but we got him back. The treatment has not been working.”
“I know why. Give him a round of antibiotics for pneumonia. I am on my way down.”
She needed to check with Nate before she went off. There was a high possibility that the hospital will want to investigate this. She just hoped Ricky didn’t die.
Location: Office of Restless Style
Billy Abbot sat at his desk listening to his wife on the phone ream him out over the Restless Style website. She was pissed because it had announced that Ashley and Tucker were divorcing. He had told Phyllis to publish reports about the Winters’ family purchasing Bell Communications but he had explicitly told her to leave out any mention of the personal. But obviously she hadn’t done that.
“Vikki, I didn’t approve this. I didn’t even know she had done it.”
“But you knew she was working there and you didn’t even tell me. How could you Billy? How could you hire her back? After all she did to us with Lucy.”
“Listen. sweetie. I didn’t hire her back. I told her that I would see if she could get a story.”
“Whatever Billy. Even that is too much.”
Lord, he was tired of explaining himself and stifling himself to make his relationship with Victoria work. He never had to do this with Chloe.
“Honey. Can we talk about this more when I get home? I got to go. Bye.” He said as he hung up the phone as Phyllis walked through the door.
“I could just…” he said as he held his hang up in a strangling gesture.
“Come on Billy. Have you seen the hits? We can’t just sit on this stuff.” He hadn’t seen the hits. He wasn’t totally against airing family dirty laundry but he liked to give them a heads up first.
“No I haven’t seen the hits. I don’t even know what it says. I got the information from Vikki. Along with a good dressing down. Now I am in the dog house.”
“All it said was that there was bad blood brewing between the Winters and McCall. And that the divorce may have something to do with Tucker’s attraction to Harmony.”
“What? Why would you do that? I told you she worked here. We need her.” At that point his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and noticed it was Harmony. “Ssshh, its Harmony” he said to Phyllis.
“Harmony. Doll face. What can I do for you?” He prayed she wasn’t going to also tell him off too.
“Hey Billy. I just wanted to let you know I will be interviewing tonight. Hopefully I will have a name for you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Thanks.” He wondered if he should tell her what Phyllis has written or if he should let her find out on her own. He looked at Phyllis who was holding up a picture. He reached for it and saw a picture of the woman who was on the phone seemingly in an embrace with his soon to be ex brother in law. “Just let me know.”
“Okay. I will. Bye”
As he hung up the phone he studied it more in detail. “When was this taken?” They appeared to be in the Chancellor Mansion living room.
“Last night. Still think I am making this up? We have to post this. Come on.” He couldn’t believe that Tucker had the nerve to cheat on his sister. And Harmony, working for him while sleeping with his sister’s husband. He felt betrayed. He really needed to talk to Ashley to see if she was alright.
“Yeah. We should post it but let’s wait until we get a replacement for Harmony first.”
“Yes. Does this mean I am hired?”
Billy quickly weighed his options. Phyllis obviously had the inside scoop and the sources needed to keep this magazine in the loop. But Victoria would hate it. Eh, he could talk her into it.
“Okay. But you are on probation.”
Location: Cold Winter Records Studio
Nate sat at the sound board with his cousin Devon listening to music. With his rotations at the hospital, he didn’t get much time to hang out. But he had a night off and Ricky Williams was being treated so for the first time in a week he could breathe easy.
“So what do you think” Devon asked.
“I like it. It would be hot at a club. I can see everyone rushing to the floor when the DJ plays it.”
“You think. That’s what I was going for. A club banger.”
“Well you’ve got it cous”. The family, especially his uncle Neil, was a little skeptical when Devon decided to major in music and minor in business. To top it off, he had turned down a job offer from a big New York firm after graduation. But it seems that everyone had come around to supporting him.
“So have you spoken to Uncle Malcolm?”
“Yeah. He was somewhere working on an expose. I don’t even remember.”
“Every time he calls me, he is in a new location” Devon said.
“I wish he would come home but I know he won’t. I get why but I still miss him.”
“Yeah me too.”
Enough about his dad. He decided to change the subject. “So how’s your mom? Did you see what was written on the Restless Style blog about her and Tucker?”
“No I didn’t. What did it say?” Devon said tensing up. Nate knew that posture. Devon was getting ready to do battle. Its better that he tell him so that he could diffuse the situation.
“Something about them having sex and it being the reason for his divorce from Ashley”
“I’m going to kill Billy. My mom doesn’t need that crap. Besides, she promised me it was not true.”
Nate knew that Devon had a hot temper. He reminded him so much of his dad, Malcolm. It was funny because people always told him that he was so much like his uncle Neil. Maybe each brother adopted the wrong kid he thought with a laugh.
“What’s funny? Just imagine if it were Aunt Olivia they were slandering” Devon said.
“No. No. It’s not that. I am with you on Restless Style. We should sue Billy’s ass.”
“Sue? No. Let’s go up there and beat him to a bloody pulp” Devon said with a sneer.
“Have anyone told you that you and my dad are two of a kind?” Nate said laughing. He just couldn’t help it.
“Yeah. My dad says it all the time. I consider it a compliment.” Devon said rising ready to head up to confront Billy.
“It also said that there was some feud going on between your two dads.” Nate said in hopes of distracting Devon. Not that he wasn’t willing to deliver a punch to the face of Billy Abbot. He just didn’t feel like having to call someone to bail them out of jail if it came to that.
“Nate. I only have one dad. Let’s make that clear.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I totally understand.” He understood how his cousin felt. Malcolm was the only father he had ever known being that his biological father had died when he was really young. He continued, “Let’s wait. Be smart about this. Besides, my dad’s not in town. Do you want to call your dad to come to the station and bail us out cause I sure don’t.”
“We’ll call Lily. She would do it.”
“And Lily will tell it at Sunday brunch. You know she has always had a mouth that leaks like a basket.”
“True” Devon said sitting back down. “Billy better be glad that we don’t have proper back up. Damn I miss my uncle.”
“Me too man. Me too.”
“Enough about me. How’s work?”
The one thing that Nate didn’t want to talk about. “It’s okay. Still don’t know what is wrong with Ricky Williams. I thought it was this rare disease but the tests came back negative. He was stable when I left the hospital so…”
“Well, that’s why being a doctor is considered a practice. It’s not an exact science.”
This is why he loved his cousin. He knew exactly what to say to him to make him feel better. “Hey, let’s go out tonight” Nate said.
“Yeah. Why not? I have nothing better to do since Roxy is still gone.”
“Foxy Roxy. Is she enjoying her trip?” He couldn’t help himself. Roxy was a fox. But then so was her sister Tamara. He didn’t know what his cousin was waiting on to marry her. If he continued to snooze, he would lose.
“Hey hey. Watch it. She’s my fox.”
“What are you waiting on to make it official?” He just had to ask.
“I think we are in a good place. I don’t want to rock that boat. Besides, I am not ready. I am still trying to build my career.”
“I feel you. But you need to just make sure she feels you.”
“Heck no. I am not going to bring it up. It might give her ideas” Devon said wide eyed.
Once again Nate laughed. Devon was clueless.
“What?” Devon asked.
“Cous. I am 100% positive that she already has the idea. Now, I am a few years older than you. I know these things. Trust me. It’s best for you if you bring it up so that she will know you have thought about it. If not, she’ll think you aren’t really serious about her.”
“I know Roxy. If she had the idea I would have known by now. Trust me. She is happy with the way things are.”
“Okay bro. We shall see.”
“Why are you wishing this upon me?”
“I’m not. I’m really-“
Before, he could get it out the door opened.
“Angelina. Kevin. Where the hell have you been” his cousin screamed.