Episode 23: The one He kept for me

Time: Same day of last Episode, Lunch Time

Location:  Eve’s Bistro

Chris sat at the table casually browsing the menu and waiting for Callie to arrive. He was so anxious that whenever a woman walked in, he would look up wondering if that was her. He had only been there 5 minutes but he had analyzed and dismissed several women on sight as not being her. One had been too formal. She had a suit and as far as he could tell, nannies didn’t wear suits. Maybe linen capris, but power suits. No. Then a couple others had been the wrong color. He knew by the sound of Callie’s voice that she was a black woman. And now, another woman entered. She stopped as she spoke to the hostess and Chris immediately dismissed her. She was the right color but too beautiful. Far too beautiful, Chris thought as he watched her take off her coat. She wore a black sweater dress that belted at the waist along with black stiletto boots. And she had a nice body, he said to himself as he watched her give her coat to the hostess to hang in coat check. She wasn’t voluptuous but slender. But she did have curves in all the right places. And those curves were covered in a pecan colored skin that he just knew was sweet and juicy as the nut can be when newly ripened.  For a split second, he wished that he wasn’t meeting someone so that he could approach her. But then thought better of it. He was meeting his sweet nanny whom he liked very much. But he could look so he continued watching her as she spoke to the hostess.  Then the hostess pointed in his direction and the woman looked his way and smiled. Their eyes locked across the room and he felt a tug on his soul.  She headed in his direction and with her every step his heart beat faster and louder.  By the time she made it to the table, he found himself standing up without ever having given his body the command to do so.  And then she spoke.

“Hi. I’m Callie. And I was told that you are my date. Christopher Winters,” she said on a light and throaty laugh.  One that he recognized from their phone conversations.

At the sound of that laugh, Chris felt another tug. This woman was like a Siren. With only a smile, a few words, and a laugh, she had put him in a trance. Had him ready to crash his ship into the rocks of love and commitment in pursuit of her. What was it about her that drew him so? He just stood there studying her trying to figure it out. She was not at all what he had expected. From head to toe she was gorgeous.  After staring for a few seconds he realized that he may be making her uncomfortable.

He shook himself and only then he was able to form coherent words.

“Yes, I am Chris. Nice to meet you.”

He held out his hand as she took it in hers. When their fingers touched, it was electric. He could feel it in every part of his body. Especially his loins. But it wasn’t just sexual. It was deeper than that.  He looked down at their hands to make sure that what he had felt was from her touch alone. When he saw her hand in his, he knew. She was the one. Her hand belonged in his. This was the woman that he had been looking for all his life. The one that God had kept just for him.

“Nice to meet you as well,” she said as she tried to pull her hand away.  Chris looked back into her eyes and tightened his hold briefly because he didn’t want to lose the feel of her soft smooth hand in his. But then thought better of it and let her go.  He didn’t want to come on too strong. At least not yet.

“So, shall we eat,” Chris said gesturing to the table with his hand.

“Yes. Thank you,” she said with a smile as he pulled her chair out for her. Then he sat in his own and just stared at her beauty. 

Location: WinterCorp

Devon sat across the table from two men that his family had a long history with. Well, mostly his sister. But he had put out job requisitions and both applied.  At first he thought there was no way in the world that he would hire them. Although they were friendly now, there was still a small part of him that would never forgive them for hurting his sister.  Then common sense took over. Daniel Romalotti was an artist.  And a darn good one at that. Any decent productions company needed a graphic artist. And Kevin Fisher was a guru of all things technical. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do pertaining to computers and websites.   And Devon needed people whose skills he trusted. They didn’t know this but their interview was just a formality.

“So,” he said. “I want to know why each one of you applied for the jobs I posted. Daniel, since you were once my brother in law, I think we should start with you.”

“You know I have a daughter now. I need a more steady work to take care of her. Art is kind of fickle. This way I can love what I do and get paid on a regular basis.”

Devon understood that. He thought it noble.

“Kevin?”

“And I am married. I don’t think I need to explain further.”

No he didn’t. Devon understood fully. It was one of the main reasons why he was working here himself. Providing for his soon to be beautiful wife.

“Well,” he said standing. “You’re both hired.”

“Thanks man,” Daniel said shaking Devon’s hand.

“No problem. Just don’t make me regret it,” Devon said.

“Does this mean that you won’t be producing my wife’s music anymore,” Kevin asked jokingly while he shook Devon’s hand.

“Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, I have a new song I want her to look at. “

“I will let her know.”

 “I need you guys to start Monday morning. We have a big account that we need to work on ASAP.”

“No problem.”

Location: Restless Style

Tammy went over to Phyllis desk with the notes that she had been preparing for her article. She wanted to do an in depth piece on SOPA and PIPA acts that were going before the Congress.  It was one of the hottest topics in the news right now.

“Phyllis,” she said. “I wanted to discuss my cover article with you.”

“Okay.  Shoot. What do you have?”

“I was thinking that we could do an informative piece about the SOPA and PIPA acts that are currently in congress,” She said laying out her notes in front of Phyllis.  “I have interviews with congressman set up and some notes here th-“

“No,” Phyllis said without looking at her notes.

“No,” Tammy asked. “Why not?” She remained calm but it was hard for her.  She knew that if she got rowdy, Phyllis would never agree.

“Because no one cares about politics.  At least not our reading audience.”

“That’s not true. Either way, this goes beyond politics. If you would just lo-“

“No,” Phyllis said standing then walking around her desk. “Tamara Davis.  This is my magazine. I know the readers well.  And none of them will care.  That just won’t sell.  Now, I know you have these ideas about being a real journalist,” Phyllis said putting emphasis on the term “real” letting Tammy know that she was mocking her. “Even got the masters degree to prove it.  But that is not the type of article we would run here.  Our audience wants something interesting and amusing. That is neither. Go back to the drawing board.”

Breathe Tammy said to herself.  This was still not the time to go off on Phyllis. But she was practically choking on the words that would curse Phyllis out.  With some effort she swallowed them down.

“I think I might just run this by Billy first,” Tammy said with her throat burning from the unsaid words.

“Do that. In the meant time, since you want to be this big time journalist, why don’t you cover the Newman Enterprises press conference this afternoon?”

“I can’t. Sorry.  I have plans that I cannot break,” Tammy said. Nate’s hearing was this afternoon and she needed to be there to support him.

“You do realize that this is your job.  You can’t just be gone all afternoon.”

“And neither do I punch a clock,” Tammy said then turned and walked away.

Location: Jabot Cosmetics

Ashley sat in her lab with Abby discussing strategy for their new products. 

“Abby, just stop stalling.  We need to find a spokes model soon so that we can get our advertising finished,” Ashley said calmly.  Her daughter had always been a practice in patience for her.

“Mom, since you don’t think my feelings of working with Roxy are relevant then you won’t mind the new candidate that I selected.”

“New candidate?”

“Yes. It is Harmony,” Abby said excitedly.

“I don’t know ab-,” Ashley said before she was cut off.

“She’s perfect for this job.  She has nice, naturally curly hair.  And she is very pretty and has a nice figure.  Meaning not too skinny.  The day of the skinny model is over.  Besides, we are trying to reach Black women here.  I was told once by this guy that a black woman should never be skinny.  That they like women with meat on their bones.”

“Abby, I really don’t think you should perpetuate stereotypes,” Ashley said. She hoped that Abby would listen to her.  The last thing Jabot needed right now was the press to pick up some thoughtless comment from Abby and have it misconstrued as racist.

“Okay. But anyway.  Harmony is perfect for what we need,” Abby said.

“I was thinking of someone more polished,” Ashley said.

“More polished?  Have you seen her lately,” Abby asked.

“No. Not for a while.”

“I think she must have had a makeover or something.  She was very well dressed.  She looked poised and well put together.”

“Still. Her background,” Ashley said shaking her head.

“Oh, come on Mom.  Don’t be such a snob. I think her story is compelling.  It’s almost like Cinderella.”

“Girl.  You must be mighty desperate if you are pushing Harmony’s life as some fairy tale. What about doing drugs and abandoning her kids is a story that anyone wants to have?”

“Well, she is now engaged to a billionaire.  I think there are many women who would want that ending,” Abby said.

“Engaged?”  Ashley was surprised to hear that Tucker was about to marry Harmony.  That he had made a commitment so soon.  This was the same man who had never been married and told her that she was the only woman that he wanted to try to settle down with.  This just wasn’t making any sense. “Are you sure?”

“Yes mother,” Abby said rolling her eyes. “I saw the huge ring on her finger. Personally, I think she can do better than him.”

“How so?”

“Maybe she could meet a man that would support her in bettering herself. I sat down with her to discuss the job.  And Tucker refused to leave the table.  I don’t know what he thought I would do.  Either way, it was very rude.  The entire time she and I spoke about it, he scowled.  She took one look at his unhappy puppy dog expression and turned me down.  It’s apparent that he doesn’t want her to work. He wants to keep her under him so that she won’t ever meet anyone else. The 1950’s tyrant that he is.”

“Really?”

“He probably thinks she will wise up like you did.”

This didn’t seem at all like Tucker. He never had a problem with her working. He actually liked that she had ambition.  He said that it was one of the things he admired about her.  Ashley thought back to seeing Tucker sitting beside Harmony at Delia’s party.  And seeing him through the window at Gloworm talking to her weeks ago. Then his quick acceptance of her leaving him for Paul.  His total lack of emotion about it. She wondered if Tucker had been cheating on her with Harmony. This thing with them seemed to happen so quickly.  She had moved on from Tucker to Paul but she didn’t like the idea that he had been making a fool of her again.  He had cheated on her once.  So it was not outside the realm of possibility that he would do so again. To top it off, she didn’t think Harmony would care whether he was married or not.  If she wanted him then she probably would be with him. She decided that to go pay him a visit this afternoon to get some answers.  Then she would go over Abby’s head and ask Roxy to be the spokes model herself.

Location:  Eve’s Bistro

Callie sat across from Chris enraptured by his beautiful smile. She had seen handsome men before but none whose smile made her stomach flutter nor whose voice had made her body hum. She hadn’t felt this way in almost 10 years. The last guy whom she had wanted like this was a mistake.  But she wouldn’t dwell on that anymore. She had spent 10 years doing so. It was time for her to move forward.  She finally felt secure enough to do it.  Her counselor had told her to trust her instincts. And her instincts told her that Christopher Winters was a man she could trust. And one who had been staring at her since she walked in the door.

“Chris,” she said smiling. “I get the impression that I am not what you expected.”

“Why do you say that,” he asked.

“Because you keep staring at me.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Uncomfortable was one word to describe it, she thought as she smiled at him. But she wouldn’t have thought of the word herself. She would have called it something else. Desired maybe.  It was a feeling she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time.

“I notice that you didn’t answer the question,” she said.  Christopher Winters was slick. She made a mental note of that.

“No I didn’t, did I,” he said leaning back in his chair with a devilish smile. “We had quite a few phone conversations. In those, I could see your inner beauty. It was a pleasant surprise to find that you have an outer beauty to match.”

“Ah, I see,” she said. Chris had thought she would be unattractive. She wouldn’t fault him for that. Any man would think that about a woman who needed her employer to set her up on a date. “And you were still willing to go out with me, huh,” she asked laughing.

He smiled in return and her stomach fluttered again. Then his expression turned somber as he looked her in the eyes. “When a man is looking for a life partner and a mother for his children, inner beauty is the only beauty that truly matters,” he said in a deep, low voice. One that caused his words to pass over her skin like an erotic caress.

She truly felt like he had touched her. Or at least her body was reacting as if he had. Part of her liked it and part of her was afraid of it. Fight or flight? Fight or flight? Her body warred with itself as she looked into his eyes. They were so kind and trusting but she had seen kind and trusting eyes before that had turned out to be anything but. She felt his warm hand touch hers atop the table and felt herself relax. Fight, her body settled on as she smiled at him. Most definitely fight.

Location: WinterCorp

Neil sat behind his desk across from Devon who was talking about the qualifications of the two new hires who would be working with him. Their credentials sounded solid.  He thought that his son had made a good choice. But for some reason he seemed to be laying it on just a little thick for these guys.

“So do Superman and Batman have real names,” he asked chuckling.

“Daniel Romalotti and Kevin Fisher,” Devon said looking him in the eyes.

Daniel and Kevin, he thought. No. Both those boys were of low character.

“Son,” he began but was cut off.

“Dad,” he said passionately. “I understand that you don’t like them. But they have changed. I have gotten to know them over the years and they are better men than they were then. They have really grown. Daniel is a father now. And he took the job because he wants to be able to provide for his daughter. Surely, you won’t deny him that opportunity. Besides, you were cool with him last year when he was helping us save the twins from Cane’s father. I think he has proven himself.”

“Hhmmm,” he said thinking about it. True. Daniel had been there for their family when Lily needed him. And he hadn’t taken advantage of her sadness to try to get close to her again. For that he deserved some respect.  “Okay. Daniel is fine. But that Kevin Fisher, I don’t think so.”

“But dad-,” Devon began visibly irritated but Neil cut him off.

“No son. I do not trust him and never will,” Neil said calmly.

“What about a trial period for Kevin. Remember that I am having my ear surgery next week and it will take some time before I can hear again. Although Kevin is not one of my favorite people, I do trust his skills. I need to be comfortable with who I am working with. Besides, I already made them both job offers.”

“Sill no,” Neil said. “You should have run it by me first.” Devon had only offered them jobs first so that he would have no choice but to agree to these two untrustworthy scoundrels working for his company.

“I mean no disrespect when I say this dad. But I don’t need you to micromanage me. You told me I would have autonomy but now it seems like that is not the case. Either I am in charge or not. Either you trust my judgment or not,” Devon said getting angry.

“I just-“

“And think of how it looks,” Devon continued. “I make a job offer but then have to rescind it because my daddy doesn’t like it. That would undermine my authority to everyone.”

Neil thought about telling him he should have thought of that before he hired people. But then thought better of it as he looked at his son. All grown up and engaged to be married. He was a man now. And as such deserved to be treated like one.

“Alright Mr. President. It is your call.”

Devon visibly relaxed and his face broke out in a brilliant smile.

“Thanks. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“Oh, I know I won’t regret,” Neil said laughing. “Because if they set a foot wrong, Mr. President will be dealing with it. Not me.”

Location: Restless Style

Billy walked into Restless Style and felt the tension in the air. His instincts told him that Phyllis and Tammy had another disagreement.  He made a beeline for his desk with a plan to look really busy so that he could think about his options about the baby when he heard his name.

“Billy,” Tammy said. “I need to speak to you about something.”

Tammy had that look her he eyes. It was the same one that Chloe got when she thought she was right and was looking for satisfaction.  This probably wouldn’t end well.

“Sure thing,” he said and kept walking.  But I only have a minute.  I need to make an important call in less than five minutes,” he said to ensure that Tammy was quick and to the point.

“Okay. I pitched my article to Phyllis and she said no.”

He had been right.  Phyllis and Tammy had an argument.

“Pitch it to me and we will see if she was justified.”

Tammy spoke passionately about the article she planned to right but Billy barely heard it because when he realized it was about politics, his mind wondered to his problems about the baby.

She finished with, “And that’s why I think that this is important.”

“No doubt it is important.  But our readers want drama and gossip.  This is not it.”

“So what are you saying Billy.”

“I’m sorry Tammy. But I agree with Phyllis.  Find something else.”

Tammy turned and Billy heard her whisper under her breath as she walked away, “I should have taken that job writing for Highlights Children’s Magazine…”

Location: Newman Ranch

Nikki sat down next to Lily going over the final details for the gala.

“Well, it seems that everything is in order. All we need now is to show up and act as hostesses.”

“Thank you for allowing me to assist you.  It really helped me to get out and start to get busy. It was the kick I needed to ensure that I started school.  I had forgotten that I could do more than just be a mother.”

“Lily, you are an incredibly intelligent person.  There is nothing wrong with being a homemaker. Oh, let me rephrase. I think your generation calls it a stay at home mom.”

“Yes,” Lily said laughing. “That is the PC term.”

“Well, there is nothing wrong with that.  But there is also nothing wrong with using your god given talents to the fullest either.”

“I agree. I think about my mom sometimes and what she gave up to pursue her career.”

Everyone knew how Dru had left Neil to pursue her dreams as a supermodel.  And how when her career was over, she came back to him and they picked up where they had left off. Nikki didn’t think that Neil had ever loved another woman.  Not even her daughter Victoria during their brief engagement.

“Yes.  But look how that turned out for her. She had her career and you,” Nikki said.

“Yeah. Oh, did I tell you I finished the jewelry. Let me show you the pieces,” Lily said reaching into her bag and taking out the box. She opened it and almost took Nikki’s breath away.

“Wow, Lily. These are beautiful sweety. You could really sell these.”

“You really think so.”

“Yes. You should be selling this.” And then a thought came into Nikki’s head. “You know what. I think that you and I should go into business together to sell this jewelry.”

“Oh my. Really. You would do that?”

“Yes. And I know that you are in school. So we can wait until you graduate to start.  But in the meantime, you could make as many pieces as time permits.”

“Thank you. I am so excited.  I have been dabbling in jewelry since I was a teen but with all that has happened over the last couple of years, I had almost forgotten about it.  Thank you for bringing my passion for it back.”

“Oh Honey,” Nikki said enveloping Lily into a hug. “I think we will both enjoy this venture. We both need this.  And I am sure that these will be the hit of the gala.”

Location:  Eve’s Bistro

Chris stood with Callie at the entrance of Eve’s waiting for the hostess to bring their coats.  Their lunch had been pleasant but they kept the topic of conversation light. Which, in his opinion, was a good thing. He was already way too drawn to her to take things slow the way he intended. He didn’t need to rush. They had all the time in the world. Besides, he had seen the fear in her eyes when he had mentioned looking for a mother to his children. Something was off. No, his beautiful Siren did not need to be rushed.

The hostess arrived with their coats and Chris took them both. He put his coat on then held hers up to assist her. She turned around and slipped both arms in the coat one by one. As she did so, Chris couldn’t help but lean down to lightly brush his face in her thick curly hair. The smell and feel of it on his face was intoxicating.  Claim her, his soul screamed. He laughed at himself and stepped back.

“So, can I drop you somewhere or did you drive,” he asked her.

“Thank you,” she said as she turned to walk out of the door. “But I drove.”

He followed her out and they stood on the side walk staring at each other until his car pulled up. His driver got out and opened the door for him. She looked over at him holding the door and smirked.

“What,” he asked her.

“A chauffer driven car,” she questioned.

“I utilized the service only because I was new to the city and didn’t know my way around,” he said by way of explanation.

“Hhhhmm,” she said smirking again. “I have been here less time than you and I am driving myself around. So somehow, I don’t buy that.”

“Are you implying that I am a snob or spoiled Callie,” Chris said laughing.

“Not a snob nor spoiled. Possibly just used to the finer things in life. My uncle is the same way. He refuses to drive himself anywhere if he can help it. And if he had his way, he would also force me to have a driver who doubled as a body guard.”

“I can respect that. In his position, I would probably do the same,” Chris said. Then he lifted his hand to cup her cheek. He rubbed his thumb back and forth across her high cheek bone as the tips of his fingers grazed her curly hair.  “Beautiful sirens need to be protected,” he said lowering his voice to a whisper.

She covered his hand on her check with her own, smiled, and looked deep into his eyes. Chris was spellbound. He looked from her eyes to her lips and felt an acute urge to taste them. He looked back into her eyes and began to lower his head to kiss her when he saw that same panic he had seen before come into them. The look was only a split second before she relaxed but it still stopped him cold.  She wasn’t ready for that, he told himself. So he straightened back up and smiled at her to put her at ease.

Then he saw a flicker of something else before she smiled back at him. Disappointment, perhaps. Before he could think on it, she pulled his hand from her face and went on tiptoe and kissed him softly on the cheek.

“Thank you for lunch,” she said still holding his hand. “And for being such a considerate gentleman.” She released his hand and walked away before he could respond.

Location: Fenmore’s Offices

Lauren sat across from Roxy talking about some of the new products that they were considering selling in Fenmore’s. She had repeated the same questions three times and still no response from Roxy.

“Roxy,” she said loudly and touched her arm to pull her out of her daydream.

Roxy jumped as if startled awake.

“I’m sorry Lauren. You were saying,” Roxy said with an embarrassed smile.

“What’s wrong? I thought you and Devon had made up,” Lauren asked

“How did you know,” Roxy asked surprised that she could be so easily read.

Lauren smiled. As if any woman would miss the pretty diamond that Roxy was wearing on the ring finger of her left hand.  Women just noticed these things.

“Because you are wearing an engagement ring. Who else would have given it to you if not Devon?”

Roxy held her hand up and looked at the ring.  A wistful smile briefly crossed her face.

Yes, Lauren thought. She was definitely engaged to Devon.

“Now tell me. What has you so unable to concentrate?”

“Okay. Devon and I are engaged. It happened last night. I was so happy this morning. That is until I ran into the only person in this world that I hate. Devon made a mistake with her a few years ago. And I thought to never see her again. But as soon as he and I make it official, she shows back up and steals my joy,” Roxy said bitterly.

“Why is she ruining your happiness? Do you think Devon will repeat this mistake?”

“Gosh no,” she said vehemently. “He’s not that stupid. I know he loves me and what happened with her was years ago. It’s just the fact that she is here in town. Why couldn’t she have stayed away?”

“Listen Roxy.  This woman has about as much power as you and Devon give her. So I suggest that you don’t give her any.  And double dog dare Devon to do anything different. Treat her like the non-entity she is. It seems like what happened is in the past. Let it stay in the past. You and Devon are beyond that and happy. Act like it.”

“You’re right,” Roxy said smiling. “Thank you for the pep talk.”

“Anytime Sweetie. Now back to work.”

Location: WinterCorp

Pam walked into the lobby of Bell Communications looking for the elevators when she heard the receptionist say, “May I help you?”

“Yes, I am here to see my fiancée. If you would be so kind as to direct me to his office. His name is John Jacobs.”

“Okay, let me just call him and confirm-“

“Confirm,” Pam interrupted. “Oh, so you can’t take my word for it.”

“It’s not that ma’am. Regardless, we have certain security protocols that must be followed. If this had been a week ago, I would have let you up go up. But the owners had an unwelcomed guest not that long ago and security has been increased. Sorry.”

“Um huh,” Pam said rolling her eyes. “Just get on with it then. Call him. Tell him that Pamela is here.”

“Is there a last name,” the receptionist asked.

“No last name. Just Pamela. It’s like Cher,” Pam said walking away from the desk and taking a seat in the lobby. She picked up a magazine to read while she waited.

Less than 10 minutes later, she looked up from reading to see John practically running towards her. She stood as he approached. He didn’t look too happy at his surprise.

“What are you doing here Pam,” he said grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the door.

She tugged her hand loose from his then stood her ground as he continued walking.

“Surprising my fiancée, whose new office I would like to see,” she said.

It took him a few steps to realize that she was not following him. He turned around and walked back towards her.

“And for some reason my fiancée doesn’t seem too happy about it. What is going on with you James Jacobs II? I get the feeling that you don’t want me to come here.”  And she didn’t like it. Was e ashamed of her? Did he have some tramp here he was seeing? All kinds of questions began flowing through her head.

“Oh no Pam.  It’s not that at all.  I am just so busy that I won’t have time for lunch. I have to get this schedule out and it is a short turn around.  We spoke about it last night remember.”

“Oh,” she said calming down. “I understand that. I am so-“

She was in the middle of her apology when she heard her both her sons right behind them.

“Daddy. Mommy,” Walt screamed as he came running over.

“Hey,” Trevor said. “So I guess we all will get a tour of your office today. Dad, you didn’t tell me mom would be here to when you called and invited us over.”

It took Pam a split second to digest the information. John had invited over the kids but not her. He wanted to show them around but not her. He was lying to her. How novel, she thought. Or at least she thought it was. Bu maybe this was something he did all the time. She really had no way of knowing being that she had been stuck mostly at the house due to her issues from her accident. The thought was pissing her off. But times were changing. It was time that she got back out in the world full force. And nothing was going to stop her. She would let John know that later. No reason to have a scene in front of the kids.

“I wanted to surprise him,” she told Trevor. “But seems like the surprise is on me.”

“No surprises Pam,” John said.  “How about we all go have lunch together.”

“Great idea,” Pam said calmly and sweetly to her fiancée.  But on the inside she was fired up. She would just bide her time. Tonight, she and John would have a reckoning of sorts.  She would lay it all out and explain how things were going to be from here on out.

Time: Afternoon

Location: Genoa City Memorial Hospital

Nate sat in the hearing waiting for the panel to read their findings.  He had Eve on his right and Justin on his left. They were both ready to defend him to the death. He knew that with all his heart, but it still did nothing to calm his nerves. Tamara along with Devon, Lily, and Roxy were in his office waiting to hear the news. While Chris and Neil were waiting in his mother’s office. His mom, along with Paul, was sitting in the back of the room. Paul, he thought. He could barely look him in the eyes now.

“I will now read to you the results of the investigation,” said the Chairman of the panel. “It is this panel’s conclusion that Dr. Nathan Hastings Winters is not culpable in the death of Rickey Williams.   All indicators point to Dr. Winters doing his due diligence and following standard medical procedure. He shall be re-instated forthwith. This concludes our hearing.”

Nate immediately let go of the breath it seemed he had been holding since Rickey’s death as he watched the people before him rise to depart.

Eve squeezed his hand and smiled at him.

Justin patted his back and said, “see, you didn’t need us here after all.’

“I guess not,” Nate said.

He turned around to smile at his mother and saw Paul stand up and scream,” Is that all? I want to know what happened to my son.”

“Sir,” the chairman said. “I am sorry for your loss. But this matter is closed.” They continued walking out the door.

“Not until I find out why my son died. I will never let this matter go,” Paul said to their retreating backs.

“Paul,” Olivia said. “Calm down. I will get a copy of the report and see if there is anything in it.”

“Alright,” Paul said. “I hope I can trust you to do the right thing.”

Location: McCall Unlimited

Tucker sat in his office going over reports. He was having a hard time concentrating. Normally it would be memories of or fantasizing about his Songbird.  But today was different. He spent a lot of time wondering what was going on with Devon, Roxy, and Tyra. Something wasn’t right there. And his gut was telling him that something was about to hit the fan. And it wasn’t going to be very ugly.  But he just couldn’t fathom what it might be. Roxy had slapped Tyra like she was a feminine rival. Which made no sense being that she had been dating Devon for years now? Maybe they knew each other from before then.

“Tucker,” he heard Chloe say in is doorway. “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor,” Tucker thought. It must be his Songbird.  He wanted to discuss that slap with her anyway. This morning he didn’t have time as he was too busy making love to her. And at the time, that was all that had mattered.

“Afternoon Tucker,” Ashley said as she walked into his office. For half a second Tucker had been disappointed, but then he recovered. He was happy to see Ashley.

“Beauty. Come in. It’s always nice to see you. To what do I owe the honor,” he said walking around his desk to kiss her cheek.

“I wanted to speak with you about something,” she said.

“Shoot,” he said wondering what she could want.

“I have heard a few rumors,” she said.

“Rumors,” he repeated her wondering what they could be.

“Yes. About you. And Harmony,” she said. “Are you two engaged?”

“Yes,” he said walking back around his desk and sitting down in his chair

She stood looking at him. Probably waiting for an explanation. He could almost imagine what she must be thinking.  But he would never defend his love for Yolanda to anyone. If Ashley was expecting that she was not going to get it.

He raised his hands palm upwards in the universal sign for “what’.

“I am just wondering why,” Ashley said.

“Because I am in love with her.”

“You. In love with her. Yolanda. The woman whose name you didn’t even remember three months ago. So I guess it is true then. You were having an affair with her when we were married.”

“No. Yolanda is not the kind of woman who would disrespect marriage vows. None that she had taken herself and not even those taken by someone else. It’s just not her. She is a better woman than that.” When Tucker said the words, he knew that they were a slap in Ashley’s face. She had forsaken vows on both sides.

“Oh please Tucker. You have no clue who this woman is. She tried her best to ensnare Neil when he was married to Dru. Disrobed in front of him and everything. The entire town knows about it. Drucilla made sure of that.”

“Those were probably the effects of the drugs,” Tucker said in defense of Harmony. He knew that she had been on drugs around that time.

“She was sober and clean,” Ashley said looking him in the eyes.

“Are trying to tell me that Neil had an affair with her,” Tucker asked frantically. He didn’t think that it was true. He always saw Chris as the threat.  Not Neil. But it would explain why he was so protective of her.

“I doubt it. Neil is really not that kind of man. When he is committed, he is committed all the way. So are you telling me that you didn’t have an affair with her?”

“No I did not. She and I reconnected after our divorce.”

“Reconnected,” Ashley asked. “I was under the impression that there was no connection in the beginning.”

“I thought so too until we actually sat down and talked. I know exactly who she is now. I was stupid to ever let her get away. And she has forgiven me for being stupid. She loves me warts and all. And I thank God for that,” Tucker said passionately. At that moment, a meeting noticed popped up on his computer monitor reminding him of the press conference at Newman.

“Excuse me,” he said to Ashley. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV.

Location: Newman Enterprises

Nikki stood next to Harmony to the side of the room as the press conference got underway. Victor went to the podium and began to speak.

“Newman Enterprises started Newman Cosmetics almost 20 years ago. We had a long term strategy to compete in several markets. Over the years that strategy has changed and grown with the times. But there was always a piece of the puzzle that was missing. Newman Cosmetics has never had a head chemist until now. So, I would like to introduce the world and industry to one of its’ brightest and emerging stars.   As she comes forth, she will discuss some of the new products she has created and will soon put Newman Cosmetics at the top of that new market. Ladies and gentleman, Dr. Tyra Hamilton.”

Tyra stepped to the stage with mild applause. Nikki remembered Tyra from when she was in town a few years ago. She worked at Indigo for Neil and had a sweet young daughter. Of course, they all knew now that Anna was really her niece and was actually Harmony’s biological child.

“Thank you Mr. Newman. I thank you for the faith you have put in me and this opportunity to create new products for women and men alike. I want to speak about our first endeavor. Mirroring the love that Black women have for their natural hair. We plan to put out an entire product line dedicated to just that. It will include Shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, moisturizers, and a protective straightening serum. Each developed and produced with the attention to ingredients that are best for healthy hair. I know that they work because I designed them to be used on myself. I am on a hair journey myself and am my biggest customer. So I ask that all you consumers join me in my journey.  Thank you,” Tyra said.

Tyra stepped away from the podium to a loud applause.

Nick stepped up to the microphone and said, “We will now take questions. Essence magazine, you’re first.”

“Can you tell us a little bit more about Ms. Hamilton’s educational and career background?”

As questions were taken and answered, Nikki turned to Harmony.

“It must be nice to have your sister in town.” Nikki wished her own sister would move back to Genoa City.

“Yes it is. You already know my story so I won’t go into that. But I think that this is a perfect time for us to be close again. And I know going through the history that it would take to achieve that closeness is a threat to my sobriety,” Harmony said.

“I understand. There is nothing like having to face your past mistakes to make one yearn. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I am available.”

“Would I seem too eager if I took you up on that and said tonight? I could really use it. And not just about my sister either,” Harmony said.

Ah, it must be about a man, Nikki thought.  Katherine had told her that Harmony and Tucker were engaged. And it had been rocky before the engagement. She knew what it was like to be married to an all-powerful and controlling man. As a matter of fact, she could use a friend who knew what that was like. Katherine was great support. But they were in different eras in their lives.  There were times when she needed some understanding. Something she rarely found with Katherine when it came to Victor.

“No. I think we both could use a good meal,” Nikki said.

Location:  McCall Private Jet

Roxy and Devon had left the hospital right after hearing the good news about Nate. Now they had just taken off and she still had no clue where he was taking her. It was a lot of travel for one night but she wasn’t complaining. She guessed it was just something she would have to get used to as the fiancée of the Crown Prince of Genoa City.  She laughed at the nickname that Devon had been given by the paparazzi and socialites. He would never like nor embrace it.

When they got to their cruise altitude, Devon unfastened his seatbelt then hers. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly on the lips.

She had missed him today. It was the day after their first night together in over a month. Having his arms around her and kissing her was enough to throw her hormones into overdrive. She long ago had discovered that the more she made love to Devon, the more she wanted to make love to him. And right now, her body was abuzz. She sighed and pressed more firmly to deepen the kiss.

Devon, as if trained, took that as a sign.  He slipped his tongue past her lips into her mouth and she rubbed hers against it.  He broke the kiss to trail his lips lightly across her cheek to whisper in her ear.  “I missed you so much today,” he said in a husky voice.

“I missed you too,” she said breathing hard.

He lifted his head to look into her eyes.

“I am sorry about Tyra. I had no idea she was coming back to town,” he said looking pained.

“She is a non-entity,” Roxy said cupping his face in both her hands and kissing him softly on the lips again. “I know you are worried that her presence will derail us. But it won’t. I have forgiven you and forgotten her.”

“I was hoping that we could get past what happened and be family again,” he said softly.

Roxy loved Devon with all she had in her and would do anything for him. But he must be high if he ever thought that she would ever consider Tyra family. It would never happen. She opted not to tell him that. Instead she trailed her hands from his face to down to his waist and under his shirt to touch his skin beneath.

Why in the world were they talking about Tyra when they were together alone on a plane. And he was looking more handsome than ever and smelling absolutely delicious, she thought angling her face to kiss his neck.

She rubbed her hands from his stomach to his chest repeatedly. Feeling the hard muscles underneath his smooth skin.

“Foxy,” he moaned. “I was hoping we could talk about this.”

She pulled out of his arms and stood in front of him between his legs.

“We can talk. But we don’t need words to do it,” she said and proceeded to take off her clothes. He watched her silently until she had on nothing but her underwear. A burnt orange lace bra and boy cut panty set. She knew that her nipples were hard and visible through her bra. “So what’s it going to be Mr. Winters,” she asked challengingly.

Location:  Office of Leslie Abramson

Leslie sat behind her desk listening to Paul Williams’ story about the death of his son. He left out important names but those were not relevant. The story and the facts are what mattered. And from where she was sitting it sounds like he was right in his pursuit of the truth. Something had to have been missing.

“Mr. Williams,” she began but was interrupted.

“Call me Paul,” he said politely.

“Paul,” she said. “Something doesn’t seem to be adding up. So here are your options. Take it to the authorities. And if that doesn’t get you anywhere, there is always a civil suit.”

“I don’t want money,” he said.

Paul was like most people who didn’t understand the real purpose of a civil suit. Many people thought it was about money. But no. It wasn’t. It was a way for the law to get the next best thing to a guilty verdict and jail time. Sometimes, they even prompt the authorities to pursue a criminal trial.

“I understand how you must feel. But sometimes a civil suit serves a high purpose than just money. It is about accountability. And it seems to me that in the case of your late son, someone is liable.

“Okay. Will you be my attorney,” he asked.

“I would like nothing better,” she said.  After all, getting justice for the voiceless is the only reason that she went into the law.

Location: McCall Unlimited

Ashley watched Tucker turn off the TV and turn back towards her. She felt that sad sinking feeling that she hadn’t felt in a long time. The kind that would eventually be accompanied by depression and hallucinations. She was heartbroken that all her hard work on her line would soon be overshadowed by the line being developed at Newman Cosmetics.  One that their head chemist designed and uses herself. A perfect marketing strategy she had to admit. Which added to her ill feelings.

She looked back at Tucker who stared at her nervously.

“Tucker, I have to ask. You knew what I was working on in my lab. I know you are on the board of directors at Newman. Did you tip them off?”

“Beauty. Come on. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

She had to admit that he seemed genuine. But then he always seemed genuine and more times than not he wasn’t.

“Really,” she asked.

“Yes really. If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t realize that this press conference had stepped on your toes until you said so just now. I had forgotten all about your new project until now.”

No, that didn’t make Ashley feel better. She didn’t know what was worse. Having Tucker betray her or have him find her so uninteresting that he couldn’t remember one of the most important things going on in her life.

“I am not surprised at all that you don’t remember,” she said bitterly.

He rose from his chair and came around to stand in front of her.  He raised his hand to touch her cheek but she stepped away. How dare he try to comfort her?

“Listen Ash. Now I may not have been as attentive as I should have been. Me not remembering is a big indicator of that. I am sorry. I really am. But I would never give away your hard earn work. I still care about you.”

“Oh please. Save it. And I don’t think for one second that you ever loved me. Nor if you did would you ever let it get in the way of business. You have always been a cold hearted liar who was incapable of making a real commitment. I hope Candy Cane, Harmony, Yolanda or whatever she calls herself nowadays knows that. But I am sure that if she doesn’t, she will soon find out. Goodbye Tucker,” Ashley said on a sneer and walked out.

Location:  McCall Private Jet

Devon sat looking up at Roxy. When they first started the physical aspects of their relationship, she was very shy.  Over the years, she had become more emboldened. But this saucy little wench standing before him issuing challenges was new aspect of her personality. And be darned if it wasn’t just as sexy as her sweetness.  He looked down her body to her painted toe nails and slowly up her legs to her thighs over his panty covered goodies to her flat stomach to her full breast and back to her eyes. She was gorgeous. And testing him. But she had no idea what she was trying to unleash. When she had broken up with him, and especially that night when he had seen her with Chance, it had taken everything in him not to take her home and tie her to his bed.  To beg and plead, to make love to her, to buy her whatever she wanted, to promise her whatever she wanted, to change his life, or just change himself. To do anything it would take to get her to agree to be his wife. Any possibility of her leaving him brought out those primitive feelings in him. He had them all day. He was beginning to feel like a freak. Roxy often called him one but he didn’t think she realized how close to the truth she was.

He reached up and took off his tie and wrapped it around his hand. He placed both his hands on her waist and moved her back a little so that he had room to stand up.

He gestured with his right hand towards the bedroom in the back of the plane.

She gave him a self-satisfied feminine smile and turned towards the bedroom. He licked his lips as he watched her hips sway as she walked ahead of him.

When they made it into the room she lay down in the bed and he threw his tie on the bed beside her.

He unhurriedly took off his clothes as he watched her lay back on the pillows then slide under the covers. Her beautiful black hair stark against the white pillows. After he finished undressing he slipped in beside her and pulled her into his arms as he settled between her legs. Her arms went around his neck and she held on tightly. He kissed her softly on the lips at first. But she didn’t want soft. She deepened the kiss by opening her mouth and he went along with her demands. He repeatedly plundered her mouth with his tongue and she matched the passion in his kiss with a passion of her own. He raised his head to look into her eyes.

I love you, her eyes said. 

“I love you too Roxy,” he said in a husky voice.

“How did you know that is what I was thinking,” she said amazed.

“You’re right. We can communicate without talking,” he said laughing. “But I think our marriage will work best if we communicate.”

“You’re right,” she said smiling up at him. “Some subjects are off limits though. And you know what they are.”

“Whatever makes you happy,” he said. Devon was for anything that kept her engaged to him. And if ignoring the elephant in the room that was Tyra would do that then so be it. Tyra who?

“You know what,” he asked her.

“What,” she said rubbing her one of her hands down to squeeze his butt.  The feel sent a shiver down his spine. He flexed his hips involuntarily which cause him to rub himself against her. He could feel her heat and moisture through her panties.

“I have been fantasizing all day about tying you to my bed,” he said laughing softly to take some of the weight off the urge. If she knew how serious he was about it, she would probably say no.

“You are such a freak,” she said laughing.

“I admit that. But you seem to like it,” he said to ensure to himself that she did like it. He held his breath waiting for her answer.

“I do like it. Every way that we make love is beautiful. I enjoy every demand you make of me. Even when you start in with your commands. It’s arousing. Sexy. You’re sexy,” she said softly looking into his eyes.

“Not nearly as sexy as you,” he said unfastening her strapless bra throwing it on the flow.

He licked her nipple slowly. Then licked across her chest to perform the act on the other one. They both beaded up into tight, hard little buds. He raised his head and lifted up on his arms to look down at them then back up into her eyes.

“So, what’s it going to be Foxy? Can I tie you up,” he asked.

Roxy lay looking up at Devon. He wants to tie me up, she said to herself. She ran the thought around in her head to see how she felt about it. If the rush of moisture that she felt dripping from her folds and the clenching if her inner walls was any indication, she liked it very much.

“Yes,” she said.

He eyes got large for a second before he gave her a twinkling eyed smile. She had surprised him. It was nice to know that she could.

Devon reached for the tie he had lay on the bed earlier. He kissed one of her wrist and tied it. He looped the tie through the iron slits in the bed then kissed her other wrist and tied it. Neither was tied very tightly so she felt she could pull loose if she wanted to. Both her arms were above her head.

He then leaned up onto his knees between her legs. He lifted one of her legs then the other at the knee to push them forward. He reached under her to remove her panties then also threw them on the floor.

“I would do anything for you Roxanne. Anything. Just love me. Stay with me. Be my wife. Please,” he said as he rubbed his hand against her abdomen and the other on her leg.

“Devon,” she sighed then lifted her hand in an effort to touch his face and remembered that she was tied to the bed when her hands wouldn’t go further than the sides of her face.  She pulled a little to see if she could get free but realized it was futile and stopped.

Devon eyes caught her slight struggle and gleamed.

“Would you like me to untie you,” he asked.

“Do you want to untie me,” Roxy asked.

“No. I want to make love to you like this. This way, you can only just feel how much I love you. How much I worship you. How much I need you. How much I desire you.”

With his words, she felt another gush of moisture between her legs.

He lifted her leg to kiss the instep of her foot and trailed light kisses down her leg to the inside of her upper thigh. He sucked on that sensitive spot and felt her stomach muscles clench.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

He then kissed the inside of the other thigh and slowly kissed up her leg over her knee to the instep of her foot.

He leaned down and kissed her lower abdomen and trailed kisses and light bites up her stomach to the underside of her breast. He licked one then the other.  He then sucked one nipple into his mouth while rubbing the other with his thumb. Then he switched sides and sucked on the other while he rubbed the other with his thumb.

By the time he lifted his head and kissed her softly on the lips, she was panting so hard that she could barely catch her breath. And she was so aroused that she could feel her inner walls pulling and tightening preparing for her orgasm.

He kissed and licked back down her body the same way he had come up it. When he got to her abdomen, he opened her legs wide. He stared at her folds and used one finger to trace up one side then down the other.

“You’re so wet,” he said against her.

A low moan was the only reply she could give him.

He dipped his head and she felt the tip of his tongue swirl around her clitoris. Before she could stop herself, she was coming hard.

“Aaaaaah,” she screamed.

Devon slowly rubbed his thumb against her clitoris to prolong her orgasm. When she finished shuddering she looked up at him as stroked himself then lowered his body down atop hers.

“Did you enjoy that,” he asked her huskily.

She nodded her head yes because she knew that her voice would be nowhere to be found.

“Me too,” he said as he rubbed himself at her opening coating himself in her essence. Then he pushed slowly into her. 

“Aaah,” she screamed lightly.

Devon lay atop Roxy looking down into her beautiful face.  She was so wet and tight. The feel of her around him was mind numbing.

He began moving in and out of her to a slow yet steady rhythm. But at the moment that wasn’t enough. He needed to see her. He needed to see where their bodies were connected. He got up on his knees and maneuvered two pillows underneath her bottom so that he could enter her more smoothly in that position.

He pushed back in and watched himself enter her. The sight was just as magical as it always was. He began to move again in a steady rhythm and she moaned on his every stroke.

He looked up from where they were connected to allow his eyes to travel over her body. He passed over her quivering belly to her full bouncing breast to her gorgeous face. She had her eyes closed. And with her hands bound above her head, he didn’t think that she had ever looked more beautiful.

Devon had always scoffed at skeptics. Those people that didn’t believe in God or some higher power. Because watching Roxy now and feeling the perfect way they fit together, he knew that she belonged with him. That God had made her just for him.

He used one hand to hold her steady and the other to trail up her stomach to capture her breast and rolled her nipple between thumb and finger.

“Devon,” she screamed as she came again. The pulsing of her walls pushed him over into his own orgasm.

“I love you,” he said to her as he came.

Location: Newman Enterprises

After the press conference, Victor stood there watching his sons fall all over themselves trying to get Tyra’s attention. She was a beauty. No doubt about that. But he was done watching his sons fight over women. Besides, Tyra didn’t seem to be enjoying their display at all.

“Tyra, allow me to show you to your office,” Adam said.

“I was just about to do that after I showed her around and introduced her to some of the people she would be working with,” Nick said.

“That can wait for later. I am sure she wants to unpack her bags, so to speak, before she jumps into working.”

“I am sure that she would rather meet people then get settled in. It makes more sense to me anyways.”

“Nick. Adam. I think that I would rather go to HR first and make sure things are settled before I go to the office or meet anyone.”

“Naaaah,” Nick said waving his hand. “There is no fun in that. Office gossip is where the good time is,” he said laughing.

Tyra couldn’t help herself from laughing in return. Nick’s dimpled smile was infections.

“If only we all came to work to have a good time like you brother. Some of us have to work for our wages,” Adam said.

“But I ne-,” Tyra began but was cut off by Nick speaking to Adam.

“Adam, you are just jealous that I have eons of experience at Newman over you,” Nick said.

“Sure, because everyone knows that most of your time you coasted off the Newman name,” Adam said.

Victor had heard enough. Tyra didn’t need to know too much about the Newman rivalry in her first 10 minutes. He walked over to his sons arguing back and forth and said to Tyra, “May I have a word with you in private.”

“Yes sir,” she said as they walked off together to leave Nick and Adam both looking at their backs.

Location:  McCall Private Island

A man who looked like Lily’s  dead husband stood on the beach of Tucker’s private island. He had been there for months after stowing away on the plane when Tucker and Ashley had gone on their honeymoon. But now, he was sure things had died down and was ready to return back to civilization. He had spent months avoiding the small amount of staff on the tiny island whose job was to upkeep the area and keep it habitable. He wondered how long it would take for Tucker and Ashley to come back for a visit. He needed to get off the island to see Lily. He was getting desperate. Then he saw a plane in the distance ready to land.