Chapter 17
(06 Apr 1997)
"Alexis!!!" Lucy cries into the phone."HELP ME!!"
"What's the problem Lucy?" Alexis askscalmly.
"Your cousin has invited me to the E.L.Qsoiree. I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!!"
"Lucy, I've seen your closets. I hardlythink that is the case," Alexis
points out.
"The point is Alexis, I want to getsomething remarkable. Something that
will knock everyone's socks off. Comewith me?"
"You know I want to," Alexis glances ather book of appointments, "oh what the hell?" She reaches for herpurse. "Meet you at Wyndam's in fifteen."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wyndam's department store.
"I love this dress. What do you thinkAmy?"
Laura asks twirling around the largedressing room.
"I think Luke will fall in love with youall over again," Amy smiles.
"This is the dress." Laura looks at herreflection once more. The dress
is the softest pink, with a long skirtand spaghetti straps.
"Do you really think this dress, Alexis?"Lucy asks from a couple of rooms over.
"Buy it!!" Alexis orders.
Lucy comes out in a dress that can onlybe described as sinful. Red, long sleeved,off the shoulder, fitted tight in the waist and everywhereelse. It is down to thefloor and cut to the ceiling. "Ido like it." Lucy hedges, "But I feel like I might pop out ofit!!" She tugs a little onthe low-cut neckline.
Alexis slaps her hands away. "Leave italone!! I know where you can get theperfect jewelry for it. Hurry up and change."
Lucy is about to turn back into thedressing room when she spies Laura. "Hello,Laura," she greets her with false enthusiasm.
"Lucy! It's so nice to see you," Laurareturns. "And so much of you at that,"She snipes cattily.
"What a lovely dress, Laura. You knowGlenda was always my favorite part ofthat movie." Lucy turns away, then stops. "Nice of you to rememberto pop in and see Luke andyour children. Must be an awful inconvenience tohave to fly halfway round the globe todo it."
"Bitch," Amy snarls.
"Better keep her on a leash, Laura. Thereare laws against flying monkeys inthis town." Lucy and Alexis leave.
~*~*~*~*`*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that evening Laura and Luke are atthe party. Luke is looking extremely dapper in his tuxedo andponytail. He and Laura had gotten many strange looks so far and manypeople were stunned that Luke would consider taking her back. It waskinda nice though being with her. Familiar and comfortable.Everything was going well till Lucy Coe walked in on the arm ofStefan Cassadine.
It wasn't the dress that everyone noticedright away, though it was stunning, or the hundreds of thousands ofdollars worth of diamonds around her throat, these were the merecatalysts for raw unadulterated sexuality. Every woman wanted toexude that kind of confidence, and every man wantedto peel that dress off and see whatlittle it concealed.
Stefan offered her his arm and the twotook to the dance floor. Moving slowly to the strains of a waltz."You are breathtaking this evening Lucy," Stefan murmurs in herear.
"Why thank you, Stefan," Lucy coos athim. "You turned quite a few heads tonight. Did you know Laura'sback?" she asks coyly.
"NO! I mean I wasn't aware of that,"Stefan tries to cover his outburst. Thedance ends and Stefan goes to speak with Edward andLila.
Lucy joins Sonny at the bar. "HeyCorinthos! What's new?"
"Nothin', I'm just here because Eddie Sr.demanded it."
"Since when do you take Edward's orders?"Lucy asks with a chuckle.
"Since my stock is worth triple what itwas two years ago," Sonny answers with a sly smile.
"Really? Maybe you and I can work out adeal." Lucy looks to where Luke and Laura stood and watches as Lauraheads toward the ladies' room. "So when did Laurareturn?"
"Today. She wants to reconcile," Sonnysnorts derisively. "She makes Luke sound like a bank statement."Sonny closes his mouth as Luke approaches.
"May I have this dance?" he asksformally.
"Sure. But I want to lead," Sonnyteases.
Luke ignores him and takes Lucy's arm.Leading her to the dance floor. At the wave of his hand the bandstrikes up a passionate tango. "Ready to roll, Darlin'?" Luke smilescockily at her.
"Bring it on, Spencer," Lucy whisperssuggestively, and the two begin the intricate steps. Luke looks intoLucy's eyes the whole time, never letting her break his gaze as theirbodies press together. She's so close to him she can feel his warmchampagne breath dancing across her cheek.
"Hot enough for you?" Lukeasks.
Lucy, too intrigued by the strong feel ofhis arms wrapped around her misses the question.
"Hot enough for you?" Luke repeats,thrilled by his small victory.
"Not yet," Lucy answers stepping up thepace and deliberately rubbing against him.
Luke is now the distracted one. The feelof her soft curves pressing into the hard hollows of his body makeshim miss a step. The dance comes to an end and Luke suddenly spinsher and tips her back over one arm, so far her hair almost touchesthe ground. The entire group breaks into applause except for a hurtLaura, and a thoroughly pissed Stefan.
Chapter 18
Date: 06 Apr 1997 9:49:19PST
Stefan's cell phone rings at the table."Hello? Yes. What is it? How bad is it? That's all? Oh, I'm SURE sheis. Tell her I'll be there as soon as I can pack and gas up the jet."Stefan turns the phone off and faces Lucy. "Katherine was in a minorcar accident in Munich. She's in the hospital and demands I joinher." He kisses her hand. "Would you like for me to take youhome?"
Lucy surveys the party in full swing andsmiles. No, I'll stay." She kisses his cheek. "Hurryback."
"Nothing can keep me fromyou."
After he leaves Mac Scorpio sits downnext to her. "What kind of game are you playing with StefanCassadine?"
"What game?"
"Are you, or are you not the same womanwho burst into my office two years ago and demanded that I haveStefan arrested for murdering Kevin?"
"I was distraught at the time Mac. Now Irealize Stefan could never hurt anyone." Lucy opens her eyes wide,affecting a vacant stare. "He is all that is goodness and light.Love, kindness, and generosity." She uses her Stepford wifevoice.
"Now that we've established you haven'ttotally lost your mind, the question is, what are you trying todo?"
"Mac honey, didn't your mama ever teachyou not to ask questions you don't want the answers to?" Lucy smilesserenely and leaves the table.
~*~*~**~~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~**~
Luke intercepts Lucy on her way outside."Hey! What's the big idea?" She asks as he drags her to a dark cornerof the terrace.
"I want to know what you're doing withCassadine." Luke demands angrily.
"You know this is getting old, first Macnow you." She tosses her head haughtily. "If I wanted you to know Iwould have told you by now." She jerks her arm away. "And what aboutyou and the incredible disappearing woman? All I've seen tonight isher following you around with that stupid whipped puppy look on herface and you buying it. I'll let you in on a little secret pal 'omine. And you might want to take notes." Lucy speaks slowly. "If sheleft you once, she'll do it again."
"Listen to me woman . . ." Luke growls,his voice silky and lethal.
"Don't call me woman." Lucy shoots back."Only a condescending jackass addresses someone by theirgender."
"You are the most infuriating,bull-headed, pain in the--- I have ever met." Luke bellowssoftly.
Lucy grabs him and pushes him into theivy covered wall. She kisses him with all her passion. Her lipscapturing his and forcing him to respond. Luke eventually gets overhis shock and winds one arm tightly around her waist and anothertwines in her luxurious hair as his lips search out her sweet mouth.Just as he is about to ease them even further back into the shadowsto see how far it can go, Lucy pulls away. "Take that with you to herbed tonight Luke. Hold her next to you. Caress her body. Just bedamned sure that you don't call out my name." With that Lucy fixesher hair and leaves.
Chapter 19
Date: 06 Apr 1997 11:07:09PST
*****Author's Note, Sorry guys thisisn't cheery or upbeat and gets kinda gruesome. If you'd rather youcan skip this and wait for the next chapter, you'll get the ideawithout the details.
---BARK
At the party, Luke is still in shock fromLucy's kiss. He slumps into a chair and covers his face with hishands. From a distance he hears, "Luke! She's in danger! Lucy needsyou! Luke, you've got to help her!"
Unsettled by the voice's urgency Lukegoes inside and looks for Lucy. "Hey Bubba! Where'd Lucy go?" He asksnervously.
Mac thinks for a minute, "She blew backin here and said she was going home. That was about fifteen minutesago."
"She's parked around back." Alexisinterjects helpfully. "If it's important you might be able to catchher."
"I just might. Tell Laura I had to go,but I'll be right back." Luke practically sprints for thedoor.
~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lucy is walking to her car, taking theshortcut between the hotel and the building next to it. Rounding thecorner she's confronted by two men. "Hey there, baby! Oooh! Aren'tyou the fancy one tonight? What's the occasion? Important john at thehotel?" One sneers.
"Must be one of those fancy call girls."The other one adds. The two men move closer, forcing her up againstthe wall.
"Leave me alone." Lucy orders in aslightly shaky voice.
"Uh,uh. You look like a lotta fun." Thefirst man takes a handful of her dress and rips it from neckline tohem.
Lucy starts to scream, only to find theother man's hand covering her mouth. She sinks her teeth into hishand until she can taste blood.
"The little b**** bit me!" He strikes herhard in the face. The other man continues to paw her and rip off herclothes. Lucy is feeling dizzy from the fear and the continued blowsto her head and face. She loses consciousness.
The two men are arguing over what to doto her when one of them falls over shot in the back. The second onewho is still hitting her looks up, and a split second before thebullet lodges in his heart he sees a look of pure, unadulteratedhatred.
Luke pulls out his cell phone and callsfor the police and an ambulance. Then he kneels next to Lucywhispering. "Luce? Darlin'?" He smoothes the blood soaked hair awayfrom her black and blue face. "Answer me. Come on Lucy, hang on. Theambulance is on it way." He cradles her close to his chest. "Rememberwhat you about leaving? Don't you leave me too."
"Luke?" Lucy asks in a thin frightenedvoice.
"Hush Darlin'. You're safe now. I willnever let anyone hurt you again."
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**
At the hospital
Alan comes out of the examination room."Well Alan? How is she?" Luke asks anxiously.
"Stable. She's got a couple of brokenribs, a sprained wrist, a lot of bruises."
"Was she . . .? " Luke can't even bringhimself to ask.
"No. But Luke, that doesn't mean she'snot hurting inside and out right now. She's regained consciousness,and we're going to keep her here a couple of days just to makesure."
"Can I see her?" Luke askssoftly.
"Just as soon as we move her to a privateroom." Alan turns to go.
"Alan?"
"Yes Luke?"
Luke puts out his hand. "Thankyou."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~****~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~****~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"KEVIN!!! STOP!!!" Steve Hardy puts out ahand to try and reach Kevin. But Kevin isn't listening. He is soenraged storms begin to brew, fires spark. "Listen to me son. You didthe only thing you could do. You warned Luke and Luke saved herlife." Sensing a lull in Kevin's rage, Steve puts an arm around him."She's going to be fine. She's all right now."
Kevin buries his face in his hands. "Butshe almost wasn't, Steve. Do you know what would have happened ifLuke hadn't been there? I failed her. I told her that I would alwayslook out for her. But there was nothing I could do!" Kevin cries infrustration.
"No there wasn't. Kevin you must realizewe can't actually interfere. Not the way you wanted to." Steve triesto console him.
"I know." Kevin sighs wearily. "I have tolearn to trust Luke to take care of her.
~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Inside Lucy's hospital room. Lucy lays onher side curled in a ball. "Lucy?" Luke pokes his headthrough.
"LUKE!" Lucy cries, and in the samesecond he his at her side. He takes her hands in his and kisses them."Oh baby! I am so sorry."
"They came out of nowhere." Lucy whimpersand tears run down her face. "They wanted to rape me. They wouldhave. . . Oh God Luke! What if you hadn't come?" She starts toshiver.
Luke crawls into the bed and pulls hertight against his chest. "You're safe now Luce. I swear it. Those mencan NEVER hurt you again." He kisses the one inch on her face thatisn't bruised. "I'll stay if you want." He offers.
"Yes." She burrows into his tender armsand is able to breathe a little better.
"Sleep now Lucy." Luke brushes her hair."Just sleep."
"Luke?"
"Yes Lucy?"
"Thank you for saving my life." She yawnsand drifts off to sleep.
Chapter 20
Date: 07 Apr 1997 4:11:27PST
Mac gets off the elevator with Alexis."Amy, where's Lucy?"
"Room 208." Amy responds. "But don't staylong. She needs to
rest."
The couple knocks softly and finds Lucyasleep in Luke's arms. "Luke?" Mac begins.
"Quiet Bubba!" Luke hisses softly so asnot to wake Lucy. He eases himself out of the bed and pulls thecovers over Lucy. Then he ushers Mac and Alexisoutside.
"Is she alright?" Alexisasks.
"I don't know. She wasn't raped if that'swhat you're asking. But those bastards would have." Luke runs hishand through his hair. "I bet you're here to question me aboutkilling them." He looks at Mac.
"Only one of them is dead Luke." Macanswers. "He was brought in after Lucy." Mac holds up one handanticipating Luke's protest. "He's got two armed officers. One insidehis room and the other outside. The windows are barred and the ventsare sealed. Problem is he's in a coma."
"Aw, shucks. Guess I'd better go to theshooting range and bone up."
"Luke," Alexis interjects, "There'ssomething else. Something that nearly got overlooked at the crimescene."
"What?"
"A piece of paper with an internationalphone number on it. I called it on my cell phone, and someone pickedup."
Luke is instantly on alert. "What didthey say?"
"The person wanted to know if I hadfinished her. When I didn't answer they hung up."
Luke slams his fist into the nearestwall. Then he turns back to Mac. "Then she's notsafe?"
"No. I want her placed under policeprotection. Her and the boys."
"She'll never go for it." Luke pointsout. "What if I take them somewhere for a few days? Laura's here andcan watch Lucky and Lu. Lucy and I will pack up the boys and head fora safe place."
"I don't know, Luke . . .."
"Isn't some protection better thannone?"
Mac wants to know, "What do we tellLucy?"
"The truth."
"Wouldn't it be better if we . . .?"
"The truth Mac. We can't lie to her andpretend she's not in danger. She's a grown up and a mother and ifshe's going to make a decision that will effect her children sheneeds to know."
"He's right, Mac." Lucy's voice comesfrom the doorway. She is pale underneath her bruises and she walksgingerly holding her side. "I can't go by myself because I can't takecare of my boys alone like this. And I won't accept policeprotection. I trust Luke." She looks up at him. "Can I ask you to domore than you already have?"
"No. You don't even have to ask. Now youget back into bed. We're leaving tomorrow, you'll need yourrest."
"Where are my boys now?" Lucyasks.
"With Robin. The babysitter had to gohome and I thought they should be with family." Macreplies.
Lucy kisses his cheek. "Thankyou."
"Time for bed Darlin'." Luke ordersgently. Seeing the look of fear in her eyes Luke offers, "Would youlike me to stay?"
"Very much." Lucy tells himhonestly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning, Luke is checking Lucyout of the hospital. She is sitting in a wheelchair."Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
"Here's the plan, Sonny's lending us agreat big ol' limo. We're gonna pick up the boys and cruise outtatown in style. When we get where we're going we ditch the limo andpick up a normal car." Luke waves away the orderly. "When we getthere, our names are Sabrina and Maxwell Jerome."
"I always thought you as more of aSamantha." Lucy jokes.
"Good to have you back, Darlin'. Let'sblow this pop stand!"
Chapter 21
Date: 07 Apr 1997 10:06:46PST
In the limousine Daniel and Jacob areasleep in their car seats, and Lucy is napping next to them. Luke ison the phone. "Yes Laura. I know that I promised you another chance.But what can I do? Her life is in danger and we both know she's doneno less for me." He sighs. "I don't know when I'll be back. Listen,just be happy you have more time with your children." He slams downthe phone in frustration startling Jacob out of hissleep.
"Hey there, handsome." Luke greets him,pulling the car seat a little closer. "Your brother and your mammaare still sleepin'. We don't want to wake them until we get to ColdWater." He holds out a stuffed animal to the boy and Jacob takes itin his tiny hand. Luke reaches into the small fridge and pulls out abottle of apple juice and a couple of animal crackers. "Here ya go!This should do you until Polly gets a hold of you. Your mom had arough night last night." He kisses the boy's forehead. "But she'sgonna be just fine. I promise."
The limousine eases into a stop, andJason opens the door. "We're here." he says grimly. "Let's move'em."
Luke unbuckles Jacob's car seat andtransfers him to the waiting town car. Jason does the same with astill sleeping Danny. Finally Luke reaches into the backseat andpicks Lucy up. She murmurs uneasily in her sleep. "Shhh . . . it'sok, Darlin'." Luke croons. "You're safe now." He kisses her cheek.After securing everyone in the car, Luke turns to Jason and shakeshis hand. "I appreciate this, Jason. I know I can trustyou."
"Be careful." Jason warns. He nods toindicate the car and its precious cargo. "Take care."
As Luke drives he reaches the Cold WaterCity limits and keeps going until the car stops at a renovatedfarmhouse with a sign in front reading "Cold Water Inn." "Come onLuce. Time to wake up!" Luke cuts the engine and opens hisdoor.
Lucy stretches her arms and winces at theaches and pains. "This is where we're staying?" She gets out of thecar and is instantly charmed by the stone porch wrapping all the wayaround the building, porch swing, and gliders mixed with anassortment of bikes, and sport equipment. Out of the corner of hereye she can see a long path cutting through a garden. "It'slovely!"
"I'm glad you like it." Comes a voice afew feet behind them. "Mr. and Mrs. Jerome, I believe?" Lucy turns toface a man in his mid-forties. He is tall and lethally lean. Herfirst impression is that of a wolf.
Luke embraces the man and proceeds tointroduce Lucy. "Rafael Santirini, meet Lucy Coe." Seeing Lucy'sconfused look at the use of her real name Luke explains. "Our falsenames aren't necessary around Rafe. He's our host andprotector."
Rafe extends his hand and smiles. "I'llexplain it all later. For now let's just get you all settledin."
At that moment a young woman in her earlythirties bounds out of the front of the Inn. "Rafe! Are you going tolet these people in or are you going to keep them standing out hereall night?" The woman is short with a pixie frame and face to match,her green eyes alight with mischief and affection for the tall man ather side. "LUKE!!" She throws herself into his arms.
"Polly! Lord woman! You get betterlookin' each time I see you!" Luke sweeps her up. "Polly Santirini,meet Lucy Coe."
Lucy holds out her hand. "Nice to meetyou."
"You too." Noticing her banged upappearance Polly exclaims, "Luke, you never told us she was hurt!"Polly takes Lucy's arm. "Come on honey, you need torest."
"But my sons ..."
"Rafe and I have five children, let himand Luke take care of them. You and I can have a glass of lemonadewhile they get things squared away."
Finally meeting her match for energy, andchattiness, Lucy capitulates and follows Polly into thekitchen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*
Later after a long soak in an oldfashioned claw foot bathtub and an enormous meal, Polly, Rafe, Lukeand Lucy sit alone in the Santirini's private livingroom.
"What is this place?" Lucy asks into alull.
"Well, Cold Water isn't your average townLucy." Rafe explains. "Most of the people who live and work here wereat some point involved in the military, or security work. I boughtthis empty town twenty years ago and invited people I trust to comehere and live. To have families, and live like normal people do. Weall have our jobs, and look out for one another." He looks at Luke."When Luke called me he said that you were in danger and needed asafe place. This town is totally self-sufficient. Our own doctor,grocery, farms, shops and anything anyone might need. Strangers arenoticed immediately. No one gets into town without being scanned in."He smiles. "You are safe within this town. You and the boys can goanywhere you choose. All we ask is that you tell the front desk whenyou go out."
"Why?" Lucy asks softly.
"Why what, Darlin'?" Lukereplies.
"Why would all the people that live herewant to help me? I've never met you before."
"Lucy, you are among friends now. Luke isa part of our family, and by extension so are you." Polly stands. "Myboys have a nanny. Her name is Ilsa. She is good with children andshe used to work for the WSB. Whenever you need someone to watch theboys just dial her room." She holds out her hand to Lucy. "I'll showyou your suite." The two women exit the living room.
"So Luke? What's the story?" Rafe asksknowingly.
"Just what I told you last night. I thinksomeone paid those thugs to jump her."
Rafe dissmisses that with the wave of hishand. "Not that, I mean what's going on with you and thelady?"
Luke slumps in his chairs and glares athis old friend. "Pour me three or four drinks and I'll give you theblow by blow."
Chapter 22
Date: 07 Apr 1997 11:54:49PST
Morning in Cold Water
Lucy wakes up slowly and stretches eachmuscle carefully. Getting out of bed she heads to the boys' room.Pausing to take in the green fields and gray fog of early morning shesighs. Opening the door Lucy finds the boys out of bed and dressed."What are you two up to?" She asks leaning over carefully so as notto cause her ribs any discomfort.
"Puppy!" Danny grins and points to theenormous, fierce looking shepherd.
"Pretty puppy." Jacob agrees, pulling onthe dog's tail.
"Jakey, don't pull the dog's tail." Lucypries his finger off the dog's tail.
"Hey Luce! Isn't Snookums the best?" Lukeasks coming from his side of the suite.
"Snookums?" Lucy asksincredulously.
"What can I say? Rafe has a warped senseof humor. He's the family dog and babysitter." Luke picks up each boyand puts their shoes on like an old pro. "You've got twenty minutes,so you better get a move on."
"Twenty minutes for what?" Lucy asks asshe wonders at *what* point Luke Spencer became such an integral partof her life.
"To get ready for our tour of town," heanswers. "Unless you don't want to go . . . .," he lowers his voiceseductively, "shopping."
"I'll be ready in ten!" Lucy heads forthe shower. In exactly 8 minutes Lucy is standing before him intennis shoes, soft faded jeans and black body suit. Her hair ispulled back into a ponytail and she looks abouttwenty.
"Wow Luce! I never knew you owned a pairof jeans!!"
Lucy laughs with him feeling younger thanshe had since Kevin's death. "Well Luke, there are a lot of thingsyou don't know about me Where are my boys?"
"Ilsa took them for a little playtime inthe park," Luke hands Lucy her purse. "Use the credit cards that saySabrina Jerome."
"What's my max?"
"Don't push it!" Luke takes her hand andleads her down the stairs.
Somehow holding hands with Luke feltright. Lucy pushed her insecurities aside and decided to enjoy theday and make the most of whatever surprises lay ahead.
~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Careful brother. Your halo's slipping,"Ryan warns.
"Stuff it," Kevin says with not muchanger. He is deep in thought watching
Luke and Lucy stroll throughtown.
"Come on Kev. Zap up a little blizzard orsomething," Ryan coaxes.
Kevin laughs in spite of himself. "Sure,that wouldn't be noticeable in MAY!"
He looks at his brother, a mirror ofhimself in so many ways. "Shouldn't you be rattling chains insomeone's attic?"
"I am doing my duty and watching thoseboys of yours." Ryan holds up three fingers, "Scout'sHonor."
"You were never a scout, and I'll betyou're watching the nanny!"
Ryan grins wolfishly, "I do have aweakness for blondes."
"Not even remotely funny,Ryan."
"How come you're smiling?" Ryanchallenges.
"Luke Spencer," Kevin muses aloud. "Luke?I don't understand it."
Ryan rolls his eyes. "What? Did you thinkshe'd fall in love with another you?"
Kevin considers it seriously,"Maybe."
Ryan smiles sympathetically. "I know thishurts, and I am sorry." He points and wiggles a finger. "Why don'tyou?"
"You think?" Kevin asks.
"If it helps, why not?"
Kevin mulls over the unspoken suggestion."Hmmm. . . .I might at that."
~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sitting on a bench in the park Lucy andLuke share a moment of silence.
"Luke, about the other night. What I did,on the terrace was out of line and what I said was worse. I shouldn'tsay anything about you and Laura. I apologize."
"Don't Lucy. It's not your fault, it'smine." Luke looks into the horizon. "I mean we both know thatsomething between us is out of the question.
Impossible."
"Ridiculous," Lucy agreeshalf-heartedly.
"Won't ever happen again," Luke concludesglumly.
"Never again," Lucyechoes.
For some reason their agreement makesneither party very happy.