Cassandra 07/08/2016

   

          Cassandra sits in the booth waiting for her mother and Jesse. As if she needed another mealtime lecture! When she left here she could look forward to another one from Rego's father. Who was suspicious of her every action and word! All this on top of the fact that Rego had rendered her plan utterly useless! Even if she got the DNA test done with the pacifier she'd stolen it was useless if they did the test now! There was no way she'd be able to switch the results now. What the hell was she going to do? What she really needed was sometime to think and work out a plan. She glances around the restaurant looking for her parents. What was keeping them? She glances over to the service counter giving the once over of the smattering of seated on the stools till she comes to a familiar face.
         Joe Dumas in what looked like hospital scrubs. She'd forgotten Maurice's son was a med student at PVU. That was something she could use and he owed her a big favor after the mess he and his sister had gotten into. Gigi, she hadn't thought about her in a long time. Fun loving, party girl Gigi! The only thing that exceeded her lust for life was her lust for blow. That's where she had to give little brother credited. He was smart enough not to get high on his own supply. She couldn't blame her though everyone needed an escape window when they were involved with Devereaux. She just wished she hadn't jumped out. She'd never forget finding her half dead sprawled across her bed. If she had been a few minutes later Gigi would have slept the peaceful sleep of the dead. Instead now she languished in a rest home trapped between life and death.
          She didn't want to think about that right now what she needed was to deal with the matter at hand. She stands walking over to the service counter just as Joe finishes paying and turns to leave bumping into Cassandra in the processes.
           " Oh excuse me." he says his eyes widening in delight when he sees Cassandra.
           " Mon Dieu! Comment allez-vous" He smiles leaning in and kissing both cheeks.
           "Tres bien et vous?" She replies both switching to French and receiving some curious looks from bystanders.
            " Good can't complain. You know, school work and my other job," He says with a roll of his eyes.  "keep me busy." Cassandra looks him up and down and smiles slyly.
           "I'm sure your other job pays a lot more than being an orderly." Joe laughs.
           "Nothing pays as well as that but being a lab tech doesn't pay too bad. I also opens up all kinds of new venues if you know what I mean?" He says with a laugh. Cassandra nods in agreement knowing exactly what he meant.    
           "Yeah, but I may not be able to bail you out from this one." She warns also reminding him of the debt he owed him. Joe looks at her the smile disappearing from his face.
           " I knew this was just a friendly chat what do you want?" Cassandra grins like the cat that swallowed the canary. Lab tech absolutely perfect! This was working out better than she had expected.
           "I may have a way for you to pay me back that will bring your account to free and clear and it won't cost you a cent." Joe eyes it suspiciously one brow raised.
           "What do you want me to do?" Cassandra laughs turning her head toward the door and seeing her parents coming into the parking lot.
            " I'm going to need you lab expertise not now I'll have to call you later give me your number." She says handing him her phone. He grabs it typing the numbers into the phone and handing it back to her.
          "Here he says handing her back the phone as Cassandra reaches in her purse and hands him the plastic bag.
           " What's this?" He says looking at it quickly then stuffing it in his scrub pocket. Cassandra looks around again then lowers her voice.
           "I need you to test it." She whispers. Joe looks at her confused before whispering back.
           "Test it for what?" He smirks. Cassandra rolls her eyes losing patients.
           " I'm going to bring you another sample and I want you to run a DNA test for me." Joe's face scrunches his face in distaste.
           "What the hell for?" Cassandra's lips purse in anger her voice coming out  an evil hiss.
           "Look I didn't play twenty questions with you and your sister when you needed my help." Joe's grins back at her his voice low and dangerous.
           "See how well that turned out." Cassandra leans in closer her tone just above a whisper.
           "I didn't see you complaining at the time. Look! I just need you to do this one thing and I won't ask you to do another thing for me again okay?" Joe eyes her suspiciously knowing there was more to it a lot more she wasn't telling him. She used to be Devereaux's woman and from what his father said she was nothing but trouble. Whatever she was up to it may help him to help her. Who know maybe it would go a long way in fixing his own problems with her ex.
          "Okay I'll do it you call me when you have the other sample." Cassandra's mood brightens and just in time. She thought spotting her parents coming through the door.
          "Thanks Joe I'll call you as soon as I have what we need." Joe nods in agreement.
          " Okay I'll see you" He says kissing her cheeks quickly and walking away from her just as Jesse and Angie come towards them. He also knew who her stepfather was and he prefered to stay off his radar.
          "Hi Mom, " She says turning towards her and kissing her cheek.
          "Jesse" she says dismissively.
          "Cassandra." He replies back in the same dry tone looking over his shoulder watching Joe push the door open and walk out into the afternoon sidewalk traffic.
          "Who's your friend?" Cassandra smiles sweetly.
          " That's Joe he's Devereaux driver's son. Do you guys want to sit down I'm starved." She says walking away from them and leading them to the booth she'd found earlier.
        Joe walks a few paces till he was well away from the building before reaching for his phone.
        "Bonjour Monsieur. Joe Dumas, Maurice's son. Good sir. I think I have some information you may find very interesting. It concerns Mademoiselle Cassandra. " He says a sly grin spreading across his face.
         "Sure I can be there in fifteen minutes."

 

Jr and Ryan 07/07/2016

         

             Ryan stares down at the newspaper photo of JR and Rebeka reading the headline for the hundredth time. He'd known all along they were engaged but the announcement in the paper gave it a sense of reality. He wasn't even sure why he was here other than he wanted to see her. He glances down at his briefcase and laughs at his own pretense. The paperwork he was bringing to her wasn't even important. It was just an excuse to come. He'd checked the corporate schedule and JR was supposed to be on the flight that left this morning and with him in Bangkok this would be the perfect opportunity. He folds the paper tucking it in the waste can as he exits the elevator and walks to the assistant outside Rebeka's office.
        "Good morning is Ms. Sherrigan available? I'm Ryan Lavery from "Cambius Enterprise" I have some paperwork to drop off." She smiles up at him then looks down at her console.
        "Ms. Sherrigan is on a conference call at the moment but, if you'll have a seat I'll let her know you're here." She states politely pointing to the chairs in front of her.
         "Thank you." He says taking the proffered seat feeling more foolish by the moment.
          JR walks out of his office door reading a sheet of paper as he walks to the receptionist desk.
          "Regina this is fine could you make sure this goes out today please?"
          "Certainly Mr. Chandler. Oh! there's  a Mr. Lavery for Ms. Sherrigan but she's still on the conference call with Greece." Jr looks over to where Ryan sits wondering what exactly it was that he wanted. Any business they had that required a face to face meeting had concluded and any other business they had could be conducted by phone or messenger. The only reason instincts could fathom was Ryan was after his fiancee. Rebeka was right to be more than uncomfortable around him and he had a reason to be suspicious. He needed to handle this carefully he'd learned a lot from his experience with Colby and Lenka as well as his history with Ryan. He turns smiling and extending his hand.
          " Ryan good to see you what brings you here?" Ryan stands taking his hand in his and shakes it.
         "JR good to see you. I was driving past on my way to the conference center and I thought I'd drop off some paperwork I had." JR smiles politely his confirmation this was all a ruse was confirmed.
          "Thanks Ryan. Sorry, Rebeka is in a meeting. Why don't you step in my office and let me see what you have." He says leading the way to his office and closing the door behind him. Ryan walks to the desk placing his briefcase on the corner and opening it as he talks.
          " I thought you were flying out to Bangkok today." JR grins slyly he bet he did.
          " We were supposed to. Rebeka and I were going to make it kind of a pre honeymoon," Ryan reaches in to his briefcase pulling out the paperwork he had and handing them to JR. He takes a deep breath trying to temper his rising annoyance.
          "Here you go." Ryan says handing him the folder. JR takes them from him flipping through them quickly then looks up at him confused.
          "Thanks Ryan but you could have sent it by messenger you didn't need to drop it off personally." He looks up at him his expression curious leaving Ryan unsure if he was being duped or if JR was actually so incredibly naive.
                 " I was in the area figured I'd save a couple of dollars." JR nods tossing the folder down on the desk.
                  " Thanks again. Was there something you needed to discuss with Rebeka?" Ryan grins shaking his head a he snaps his briefcase closed.
                  " No, like I said I thought you were away and I was on my way by." He says picking up his briefcase walking slowly to the door JR by his side.
                   "I guess I'll see you both at the quarterly meeting?" JR smiles reaching for the doorknob but not turning it.
                    "See you then. Oh and Ryan," JR says his smile not reaching his eyes his voice deadpan.                     " I'm sure you saw the paper this morning." Ryan smiles back at him not knowing where the conversation was headed.
                     "Yes I did and congratulation." JR nods continuing in the same tone ignoring the mocking grin on Ryans face.
                      " Rebeka and I are very much in love. We're getting married in three months. We aren't just building a business we're building a life together." Ryan's jaw tightens his fist clench around the handle of his briefcase his knuckles turned white from the pressure. JR had seen right through him and knew exactly what he wanted and why he'd come.
                     "Look JR I just...." Ryan starts and is then cut off with a wave of his hand.
                      " I know exactly what you're up to and what you want Ryan and I'm telling you right now you're not going to get it. Unless it's business stay away from us. Stay away from me and especially stay away from Rebeka." Ryan smirks it was obvious that JR insecurities were starting to bubble to the surface,
                     " Or you're going to do what?" Jr are laughs.
                     "Despite what's going through your mind right now I'm completely secure in how Rebeka feels about me and our future together. Look," He says with a sigh pulling his emotion back in. He needed to keep his anger in check and his wits sharp. Ryan wanted him to become emotional and have an outburst giving him the ammunition he wanted and the edge he craved.
                     " I understand how you must be feeling right now. Kendall told me what happened with Greenlee and I'm sorry it didn't work out the way you had hoped. So you thinking that Rebeka having some kind of unspoken love for you doesn't worry me. What does is a narcissistic man having a bout of necrophilia stalking my fiancee." He finishes his eye unflinching challenging Ryan to deny what he'd said.
                   The later staring back at him not knowing how to respond this wasn't what he'd expected when he'd decided to stop in and this wasn't the reaction he'd expected from JR. Leaving him unsure how to respond. He'd expected him to rant to rage or threaten like his father but this, this was the side of him he'd never seen. This was more like the shrewd cold Adam the Adam that could destroy a man without blinking. JR waits a moment for his words to sink in.
             " She's not Gillian and you need to stop convincing yourself there's something mystical going on between the two of you. " He finishes his words hitting Ryan like a slap in the face. JR smile knowing what he'd said had gotten to him. Ryan stares at him the muscle in his jaw tensing knowing what he was saying was partly true but also knowing there was something else underlying the tension between he and Rebeka. JR watches the emotions flashing across his face and recognizing the one he settled one by the twist of his tight smile.
                  "You may think that energy that you feel between you whenever you meet is some unspoken desire Ryan but what it it real is, is revolution and fear. You make her afraid and very uncomfortable and not in a good way. I don't know what it you're looking for Ryan but you're not going to find it here and you won't find it with Rebeka. So please Ryan stop making up excuses and fools errands to be near her. Am I making myself clear?" He says opening the office door and smiling politely.
                 "Perfectly." Ryan says between clenched teeth as he struggles to maintain his composure. His hand itched to punch the arrogant grin from his smug face has he walks toward the reception desk.
                "Have a great day and thanks again Ryan." Jr calls after him. He watches Ryan walk toward the elevator at the same moment Rebeka come from her office wrapping her arms around his waist.
                  "Thank you darling." She says enjoying the comfort of JR's embrace.
                   " I was more than happy to do it." He says pulling her close as he feels the shiver go through her.
                   "Do you think he finally got the message." She asks looking up at him her eyes hopeful.
                   "Well I don't know how I could have made it any clearer. Now let's forget about him and you and I take a very long lunch?" Rebeka smiles feeling the lustful longing she felt when ever he was near.
                 "Why don't we do the long part and then do the lunch after?" She says kissing him hungrily. JR kisses her back matching her need with one of his own.
                 " I like the way you think Ms. Sherrigan let's go." He says smiling down at her.
                 Ryan looks back at the two as the elevator door closes his eyes locking on hers. Jr was wrong there was something there and JR wasn't going to stop him from finding out what it was.
        








    

Adam and Lola 07/06/2016

           

            Adam looks across the table from his luncheon partner wishing he had , had more time to finish reading the report from his investigator and not just the summary page. What he had read had been intriguing and some of it scary but he hadn't gotten to the meat of it. He was still more than curious when he saw the mention of Devereaux St. Jacque and had been ever since "Chandler" had lost it's bid. Something Colby had more than hinted at during the function last evening. Something that hadn't slipped past him and it definitely hadn't slipped past his daughter. Even with everything that had happened between them she still looked out for the old man he thought with pride. Still there was something intriguing about this woman.
           "What are you thinking about?" Lola asks beginning to feel mildly uncomfortable under his lingering stare and leering grin. Adam chuckles leaning in closer his elbow on the table his palm resting against his cheek smiling devilishly.
            "You." He replies enjoying the blush covering her cheeks.
            "What about me?" She asks waiting patiently for his response hoping to gather the composure she'd had earlier his continued leering stare making it almost impossible. Once again she found herself alone with Adam Chandler. What was it about him that caused her to have a plethora of wanton thoughts when ever he was near? He made her feel like a fourteen year old on their first date. What was it about him that made her feel vulnerable and defenseless? Why did she have to grasp her hand to keep from touching him and fight the overwhelming urge to kiss him. Adam mentally checks off another strategy on his list he had her exactly where he wanted her.
             "I was thinking how beautiful you would look lying on a beach in Saint Troupe. With one of those big floppy hats." Remembering the photo the detective had slipped in his folder. Lola chuckles.
            "Funny you should say that. When I lived in France I had one of those. A big red one." She laughs dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her napkin as the waiter pulls the plate away. Adam's eyes brighten in mock shock.
            "Lucky guess. When did you live in Frances? Was it a part of your medical training?" Lola shift uncomfortably in her chair how had they gotten here? The last thing she wanted to talk about was her time in France and she had initiated it!
             " I took some time off from medicine a few years back." She shrugged and half lied blotting out some of the memories of her time spent in France hoping she sounded casual and nonchalant. Adam nods his head feigning interest he was more interested in what she wasn't saying.
             " How long did you live there?" He asks turning toward the dessert cart offering it first to Lola who shakes her head "no" then points to his selection to the waiter. He needed a little more time.
             " About three years actually." She says fingering her cup nervously.
             " That quite a long leave." He says leaning back in his seat as the waiter places the plate in front of him then fills his coffee cup. He had her where he wanted her she was squirming. She was either at the point where she would tell him the truth or weave a lie and he'd know which one it was. She could try to avoid the topic but it would be difficult now either way he'd have an answer if nothing else he could gage her reaction. Lola looks up at him debating whether to tell him the truth or lie. The lie would be complicated and involved and with his money easy to disprove. She could give him the general idea without going into too much detail.
              " Adam I..." She starts then looks up surprised as Devereaux's smooth voice cuts in.
              " Good afternoon Adam, Dr. Colgate." Adam looks up at him ignoring his facetious grin as he dabs at the corners of his mouth before speaking.
              " Nice seeing you again Devereaux. Oh and I hear congratulations are in order for "Cambius". Adam says as he stands offering Devereaux his proffered hand. Devereaux grin broadens as he takes Adam's hand and shakes it firmly as he speaks. His tone slightly triumphant.
              "I'm just glad to see there are no hard feelings" Adam flashes a gracious smile shaking his head.
              "Not in the least. I admire a shrewd piece of business." Lola watches the banter between the two if there was room, she was sure they would have been strutting! If she stood up and left she wasn't sure if either would notice. Then, looking at Adam he would notice his eyes had barely left her. He seemed to be waiting for her to have some kind of reaction. Well not today.
              " If you'll both excuse me a moment." She says starting to stand as Adam rushes to her chair. Devereaux cock one eyebrow. his curiosity peaked but now wasn't the time he had other business to attend to.
            "I'm terribly sorry Lola, I didn't mean to interrupt your lunch I only wanted to say "Hello"." Adams ears perk up at Devereaux's casual use of Lola's name.
            " Oh, you two know each other?" What ever game she was up to with Adam Chandler was hers to play besides he may be able to use that relationship in the future. But, alas he'd given his word he wouldn't ask anymore of her and if nothing else he was a man of his word. Plus he liked Lola she had always been useful and loyal a rare thing these days. Devereaux takes a quick glance at Lola who eyes plead with him momentarily before focusing back on Adam. Perhaps there was something he could do for her.
            "Yes, Dr, Colgate and I are acquaintances. Lola worked for with a children's cancer charity in France. We met at the event held at Ivan Dupont's Estate was it?" Lola eyes brighten flashing him a thank you with her smile.
            " Yes it was." She replies some of the tension gone from her tight smile. Adam looks from one to the other only half believing their story but it would do for now and would give him something to work with in the future.
             "Lola was just telling me about her time in France." Adam slips in smoothly. Now more than ever he wanted to read the full report.
              " It was time very well spent. As I said I just stopped to say "hello" I do have another engagement. Both of you please have a good day."
               "Good seeing you again." Lola nods smiling pleasantly looking a good deal more relaxed than when he had arrived.
               "Dr. Colgate always a pleasure. Adam."
               "I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon." Adam says with a nod.
               "Good afternoon." Devereaux says bowing slightly at the waist then walking toward the exist. Adam watches him a moment then turns back to Lola.
               " Please, stay a while longer. I would love to hear more about your work." Lola smiles deciding now would be the best time to make her retreat. She needed time to think. Adam wouldn't be satisfied with that little ruse they had just played he'd want more. She needed time to put all the pieces of her past together in away that didn't make her look like a drunken psycho or industrial spy.
               "I really should be getting back to the hospital." Adam smiles taking her hand in his.
               " It was a lovely afternoon perhaps you and I can get together later for a late supper?" Lola smiles and shakes her head.
               " Not this evening I have an early shift tomorrow but why don't you come to my house tomorrow night for dinner."  She smiles up at him looking hopeful. Twenty four hours should be enough time to make her life presentable and oddly thanks to Devereaux she had a place to start.
               " That sounds lovely. I'll see you then." He says leaning down and kissing her cheek.
               "I'll see you then.' She pulls away smiling as she walks toward the exist. Adam watches her leave smiling to himself. Tomorrow would be perfect it would give him time to thoroughly go through her file and the best way to use the information he found. But it was more than that he thought. She had an aloof vulnerable sexy quality about her that he found hypnotically alluring.  Making him feel drawn to her and leaving him with an almost insatiable desire to have her            
           







  
                

Francessca and Preston 07/05/2016

           

             Francessca walks in the the front door carrying her son who is gurgling and smiling after his nap in the car. She smiles down at him as she lifts him from the carrier.

             "I see someone took some bad advice didn't they?" She coos and receives a giggle from her son. 

              "You were supposed to scream on the way home like you normally do. I don't know if I want you hanging out with Rego." She says with a laugh and a gurgle and squeal from her son as she walks to the refrigerator and takes out the casserole pan and places it on the stove top.

             "I better get the baked ziti in the oven and make a salad. Ooo, I'll text Daddy and ask him to pick up a bottle of wine on his way home. " She says walking to the oven and turning it on. She walks  slowly back into the living room texting Jamie as she walks then sticking her phone back in her pocket. She turns the computer on as she passes the desk and then reaches for her purse pulling out her camera and and placing it on the desktop.

             "Want to help Mommy work on some photo's? Yeah sure you do you love this stuff." She says pulling out the chair and sitting down. She pulls the card from the camera and places in into the drive then clicks through the setting till they come up on the screen.

             " Oooo, look Logan these came out nice. Look at you!" She smiles looking at the photo remembering the sweetness of the moment.

             "What do you say we make a print of this one for Rego? What do you think?" she says holding him up to face the screen then clicking through the photos.

             "What do you say this one or this one? She says clicking between the two stopping on the one when he giggled.

             "Yeah I like that one too." She says kissing the top of his head then standing and placing him back in his baby-carrier and latching him in then carrying him to the kitchen and latching him into the high chair.

             " Okay you sit there while mommy sticks this in the oven, thank you." She says walking to the the oven and sliding the pan inside and closing the oven door.

             "Where's Nonnie's heart?" Sophia coos as she comes through the door walking straight to the kitchen and Logan's high chair picking him up and kissing him. Francessca smiles turning to her grandmother.

             "Wow, I don't even get a hello any more." Sophia laughs leaning in and kissing her cheek.

             "Hi beautiful how was your day? Did you get your work done?"

             " It was great and yes I did. How was yours?" She says walking to the fridge taking out the lettuce and breaking pieces off into a bowl.

             "Opal's salon is beautiful! What do you think of my hair?" She asks turning her head from side to side. Francessca looks up from her work and smiles.

             "Looks really pretty and I love the color on your nails." Sophia looks down at them and shrugs.

             " Ehh I was a little iffy about them." She says holding her hand out and admiring them.                        " But, now I know why you like it here. It's a lovely little town and the people have a way of making you feel as if they've known you forever! I was sitting next to this woman getting a pedicure and she gave me a recipe for a strawberry rhubarb pie."

              " Wow, so when are you going to make us one?" Francessca teases. Sophia laughs adjusting her great grandson in her arms.

              " One of these days. Hey maybe I'll make it for the fourth of July picnic with the Martin clan. Marrone, and I thought italians had huge families." She says laying her hand against her cheek and shaking her head.

               "God bless!" She says with a laugh as she stands placing Logan in his baby carrier.

               "Okay Mr. Man you and I better get going!" Francessca stops cutting the cucumber mid motion and looking up at her grandmother a devilish grin playing on her lips.

                " Where are you kidnapping my son off to this time" Sophia chuckles as she picks up the carrier 

                 "He and I have a date with a bathtub a bottle and a story. Then we're going to have a sleepover!" Francessca smiles and continues her work placing the pieces of cucumber in the bowl.

                "Oh when did this happen I thought you were just sitting for the evening?" She asks wrapping plastic over the bowl and placing it in the refrigerator.

                " I thought I'd give you two the night off besides your parents and I have an entire evening planned. You enjoy an evening with your friends it's been awhile." Francessca shuffles towards her arms outstretched and hugs her tight and kisses her cheek with a resounding "smack".

                 "Thanks Nonnie! You're the best!" Sophia hugs her back giving her a little squeeze before letting her go.

                  "Are you kidding? I didn't do this for you I did it for me! You should hear the excuse I have to take him the next time" Francessca laughs as she leans down at peers at her son.

                   "I'll come see you in a little while sweetpea your Aunt Natalia is going to want see you."

                   'Hey! I'm here!" Natalia shouts as she comes into the kitchen bags in hand and places them on the table.

                    "Okay o'lady where are you taking my Godson?" She says with a laugh turning towards Sophia and hugging her then reaching for Logan.

                    "Hi handsome! You get bigger every time I see you! Yeah you do!" She says tickling the bottom of his foot making him giggle.

                     "Okay sweethearts we're going to go say our goodbyes you and I have a date with Pat and Vanna. say goodbye to Mommy and Aunt Natalia." She says turning the baby carrier towards them and waving with her free hand to the both of them.

                      " See you in a little while lamb chop." Francessca says blowing him a kiss and waving Natalia following suit then turning toward the table and unpacking the bags and placing items in the refrigerator.

                       "So I picked up two loaves of bread, I got a black forest cake from The little bakery on seventh Jaime likes and I got two bottles of wine one white one red because I knew you'd forget!" Natalia says placing the bottles into the refrigerator. What time are Chase and Erin getting here?" She says turning back toward Francessca who pulls the knife from the the pan and checks it before closing the oven door.                        

                     "They should be here in about a half hour and you know Preston is coming too right?" Francessca says eyeing Natalia through the hood of her lashes as she closes the oven door.

                     " Why would Preston be a problem?" Francessca lays the knife on the stove top giving her a moment to form her words.

                     "I just thought since the two of haven't spoken since you broke up it might be a little uncomfortable for you." Natalia mouth twist to the side in thought. She would never admit it to Cess or anyone but a part of her was excited to see him especially after their breakup. She wanted him to see she'd moved on and created a new life for herself. she was proud of what she'd accomplished and where she was heading and mostly prove to him he hadn't broken her. 

                      "I'm sorry I have to do this." She remembered him saying as the tears streamed down her cheeks.

                     "Let me make sure I understand this. Last night you had a stroke of genius and that's it? We're just done?" She looks up at him his heart giving a lurch at the amount of pain in her expression despite the coldness in her voice.

                    "Please, Talia this is my dream! You know it it is! I've been working on this almost every waking minute for years! It all just came together for me last night. Look!" He tosses down his backpack pulling his notebook from it and flipping it open.

                     "This, is going to revolutionize the industry! I talked to Chase and we three -wayed with his cousin Well last night. They both known people who are big in the computer industry. I'm talking really big! He's showing it to them as soon as I can finish the model." She looked from the notebook to him the pain on her face replaced by one of pure disgust and loathing. This? she was being thrown away the future they'd planned together gone for a piece of computer whatever! 

                      " I get it I'm not a part of the "Revolution"." Her voice cold with resolve.

                       "No, it's not like that this is going to take up every minute of my time and it's not fair to..."

                     " Ask me to wait?"  She says cutting him off before he can finish the sentence. 

                      "See that's the problem right there. You never bothered to ask me. Go, change the world." She said then turned and left refusing to look back. She wouldn't have seen him if she had she'd been too blinded by her own tears. She'd forced herself to walk at even pace and not run as she'd wanted too. That would have let him know how badly he'd hurt her she couldn't, wouldn't give him that. Besides she could hardly manage that much her heart had been too broken by his not asking her to be a part of  his "revolution" she could barely breath.  

                     "So is Brot meeting you here?" Francessca says pulling down the dishes from the cabinet as Natalia pulls silverware from the drawer following Francessca to the dining room.

                     "It's going to be great to see them I haven't seen either one of them since the wedding and Chase I haven't spoken to in months." Francessca grins laying the plate on the the table as Natalia follows placing the sliver along the settings as they chat.

                      "From what Erin says their going to be here for awhile." Francessa says stopping to walk back to the kitchen and pulling down glasses from the cabinet then napkins from the drawer before Walking back to the dining room. She places them down at the tables edge then looks at her watch.

              " Do you think you could keep an eye on this while I jump in the shower please?" Talia picks up the glasses and places them at the settings. 

               "Yeah, go ahead I got this." 

                "Thanks Hon! I'll be right down." Francessca says scooting up the steps.

                "Take your time it's not like I don't know them." She laughs going back into the kitchen for the wine glasses and finishing placing them when the doorbell rings. She walks to the door checking herself quickly in the mirror. She should have known Chase and Erin were always early for everything.
                " I am so glad I got here early!" She says with a laugh as she swings the door open her eyes widening with shock.
                "So am I." Preston says smoothly cutting off any reply she had. 

       

Molly and Dani 07/04/2016

     

       Molly walks back into the house hoping to escape back up stairs without getting caught by whomever was rustling around and chatting in the kitchen but no such luck. She thought closing the door behind her and running straight into an older yet attractive blonde woman walking into the foyer. Molly braces herself putting on her best smile hoping to hide the tears stinging the back of her eyes.
           "Good morning." She says smiling politely trying to sniff back her tears.
            "Hi! I'm Molly Montgomery Dani's friend." She says towards the woman since she looked to be in charge as the man tips his cap and walks past her toward the door.
            "Good Morning" They say in unison.
           "I'll be back this afternoon with the part Ms. Lord and have you fixed right up." Vicky smiles and waves.
            "Thanks Dave," She says then turns to Molly extending her hand. "and I apologize good morning. I'm Victoria Lord Dani's Aunt." Molly smiles confused looking about the room at the sundry of children's toys piled to one corner then back to Vicky.
             "I thought Dani said her sister Star lived here?" Vicky smiles and nods.
             "She does I was just letting the plumber in to look at the kitchen sink for her." Molly nods remembering the larger house they'd passed on the way in last night. Vicky looks at Molly's wane face and startled expression. She seemed nervous to Vicky the way her eyes danced around the room she chalked that off to stranger in strange surroundings. But there was something else her demeanor reminded her of her sister Meredith at that age. The lost and sullen expression hidden behind her confident smile called to her like a siren's song.
              " Molly Montgomery you're not Jackson Montgomery's niece are you?" Molly's eyes brighten happy to be recognized for something other than her mother's assignations.
               "You know my Uncle?" Vicky smiles and shakes her head.
               "No, not really I interviewed him for an article I was writing last spring after that big trial he had and he mentioned you. He's an absolutely charming man. Tell him I said hello."
               "I will Molly smiles back her stomach giving a loud rumbling noise the wrap her arms around her midsection in embarrassment making Vicky chuckle.
              " If you like cook made scones this morning. I bought some over for you and Dani and a urn of coffee. I wasn't sure if Mr. Anderson would have to shut off the water." Molly smiles back at her the coffee sounding like the medicine she needed after last night and this morning.
              "That sounds wonderful! Thank you Mrs. Umm..." Her voice trailing off her mind still clouded by her conversation with her mother she had immediately forgotten her name as soon as she said it. Vickie looks on at her watching the emotions crossing her face intrigued by the rush of them and the picture they painted.
              " Victoria Lord but you can call me Vicky, here" She says patting the sofa cushion. "Why don't you have a seat and I'll bring you a cup" She smiles walking toward the kitchen.
              "Oh you don't have to do that ma'am I can get it myself " She says walking quickly to stand next to her. Vicky smiles pointing back towards the couch.
              "It's fine If you don't mind I was going to grab a cup for myself. It's rather exhausting walking all the way down here. That is if you don't mind me joining you?" Molly smiles shakes her head no,  she didn't mind and she didn't know why but for some reason Vicky made her feel comfortable and somehow safe. Something she hadn't realised she needed until this moment. But, then Barbara always had that effect on her she was like a tornado with no warning all of a sudden out of nowhere "Boom!" Everything was destroyed. Molly sits back down on the couch wiping the tops of her feet with her sleeve then drawing her leg up under her feeling suddenly cold. Besides what future journalist would turn down coffee with the editor of the "Banner".
            "Here you are!' Vicky says coming from behind her and handing her a mug and a napkin folded over a scone then sitting in the chair across from her.
             "Thank you" Molly says reaching for the mug and sipping it then wrapping her hands around the mug to warm them.
              "I didn't realize it was so chilly out. It looks so nice from the window." She says giving Vicky a nervous tentative smile. Vicky grins looking slightly confused.
               "What were you doing outside with just pajamas and flip-flops on this time of the morning?" Molly looks down at her dew speckled flip-flops and wipes them off with her sleeve.
                 "I had a call my mother and I didn't want to wake Dani." She says her brow drawing together once again as she looks down at her buzzing phone then squeezes her eyes shut and tries to shut out the memories. Vicky watches her aware that something was deeply concerning her.
                 "She's not ill I hope?" Molly shakes her head and sighs.
                 "No she fine we... umm we don't get along so sometimes it can get loud." Vicky remarks "oh" then sips her cup watching over the brim.
                  " Don't get me wrong she's my mom I lover her but after everything that..." Her voice trails off as she catches herself. " she doesn't understand that I just really need some space." Vicky nods as she sips her cup thinking about what Molly had just said before answering,
                 " Sometimes that very thing is the hardest for parents to do. I recall with both my girls doing just that was torture for me." Molly nods in agreement.
                " The difference is you gave it to them. For my Mom it's always about what she wants" Vicky thinks about her words a moment placing her cup down on the table.
                " Speaking from my own experience as a parent, we want so much for our children we forget they are their own person. We think we can still just rush in and pick you up and kiss away what's hurt you" Molly smiles then chuckles.
                "That must be nice but that is definitely not my Mom. She's more the kind to stand over you and growl whisper "Get Up!" with a big smile on her face." Vicky can't help but chuckles she'd seen those types over the years and now her question was answered she thought as Molly continues.
                "Me, my sister and brother we're all just props in my mother's life. Maybe props was a bad analogy more like a pet. She only remembers we're there when she's feeling bad and needs attention.  We all learned a long time ago it's Barbara's world we all just live in it." She says with a grimace holding up her ringing phone. Vicky see's the name "Barbara" flashing across the screen and sighs as she reaches for her cup.
                 "We've been sitting here what, five minutes and that's the second time she's called." Vicky shakes her head.
                  "Perhaps it's important." Vicky comments watching her reaction over the brim of her cup. Molly looks at her ringing phone letting the call go to voicemail.
                   " Trust me it's not as important as she thinks it is." She laughs biting into the scone then sipping from her cup. "Dani says you're the editor of the "Banner" what's that like?
                    "It can be very interesting and I've truly enjoyed it." Molly smiles biting into her scone then licking the crumb for the corner of her mouth.
                     "I bet you were one of those super sleuths going undercover to get the truth." Vicky laughs enjoying the imagery.
                     "Not quite but sometimes it could be very exciting. What about you? What do you plan on doing when you graduate?" Molly rolls her eyes and grins.
                      " I don't know I was a marine biology major before coming to Pine Valley but now I leaning towards Television Journalism." Vicky's eyes open wide with surprise.
                      " I haven't even told Dani yet but I'm so excited I can't keep this to myself any longer!" She says looking as if she would burst as she looks around the room as she leans in closer to Vicky.
                       "Between you and I went down to WRCW and applied for an intern job. I've had my fingers crossed ever since." Vicky's nods and smiles in approval. Her face looking hope ful for the first time since they'd sat down. She places her cup back down on the table.
                      "That's wonderful! I have a friend who just started working as a producer at WRCW. I could give him a call if you like." Molly eyes glisten with enthusiasm then her brow creases in thought before she shakes her head no.
                       "Thank you I really appreciate that but I want to do this one on my own." Vicky smiles in admiration.
                       " I understand completely I'll be cheering for you. In the meantime if you don't mind a little advice?" Molly looks back her smiling politely, her shoulders pulled back and ridged waiting for whatever useless maternal a pearl of wisdom yet another adult had for.
                      " I want you to focus on you and your goals. If you really want to be a journalist and I really think you do. Then don't let your mother or anyone else distract you from what you truly want or from your goal. I don't know your mother only from what you've said but try not to let her problems become your problems. You concentrate on your internship and learning everything you can." Molly smiles brightly nodding in agreement and appreciation. For the first time in a long time an adult had given her some actual useful advice instead of the placating "pat on the back" type she was used to getting.                      
                     "Thank so much  Ms. Lord. You don't know how much that really means to me." Vicky smiles as she stands smoothing down the wrinkles in her skirt.
                       "Well I guess I'd better walk back up. You girls should have water for another couple of hours but if you don't mind another bit of advice I'd take a shower now Mr. Anderson has a tendency to be over zealous." She says with a wink as she walks to the door Molly trailing behind her.
                     "I'll go up and let Dani know." Vicky turns back towards her she liked this young woman something about her reminded her so much of Meredith at that age.
                     "It was wonderful meeting you." Vicky says turning back and shaking Molly's hand. Molly takes her hand in hers and shakes it. She'd taken an instant liking to Dani's aunt and had enjoyed their chat.
                     " It was really wonderful meeting you Ms. Lord. I really enjoyed talking to you." Vicky smiles back
                     "Vicky, and I enjoyed it as well." She says as Molly reaches for the door handle and holds it open.                    
                     "I will, and thanks again Vicky you've helped me more than you know she says reaching out and giving Vicky a quick shy hug." Vicky smile recognizing the loneliness and confusion hiding behind her confident smile and feeling and odd comradery between them.
                     " You can come back anytime and it doesn't have to be with Dani. I hope I'll see you soon." She says turning and walking up the path back to her home.
                     " Thanks Vicky" She says closing the door behind her and locking it. She looks down ignoring her mother's ring and head up the steps chanting to herself"
                     "Focus on the goal don't let Barbara's issues distract you."