Previously...
Kimberly
tries her best to remain calm as she glances down at her hands which are trembling severely. This is the first time that 'Claudia' will have a rendezvous with another stranger. She had known for sometime that the 'takeover' would occur quite soon, but she never realized it would come in this manner. For she was now turning her back on the one man that always stood by her side- her father, Steve Summers.
In recent years, Kimberly has found herself battling the horrifying voices that tear through her mind. She can never predict when these voices will surface, and she certainly feels like there is no way out at this point. Telling anyone in her family would be horrifying; counseling was certainly not a viable option.
The only option she feels she has is to let the demons she's been battling take over her mind and body without a fight. Certainly it would be better than the ramifications that might follow if she fought the voices herself. She realizes that enduring more pain from this hidden battle can no longer be a way of living.
"Ms. Deauville?" A man with an English accent startles her from behind.
She whips around quickly and thinks to herself that the accent isn't the only thing appealing about the gentleman. "Yes, call me Claudia."
"The pleasure is all mine, Claudia." Braden
presses his lips gently against her hand.
"Nonsense. Surely I'll be getting quite a bit of pleasure out of this as well," she grins and shoots him a seductive smile.
"I certainly don't have a problem with that," he replies with a wink as they are shown to their table.
The two lower themselves to their seats and promptly open their menus. Kimberly begins to doubt whether she can still pull this off, but the voices quickly reassure her that Kimberly is gone and it's time for Claudia to shine.
"So you met Emily Landon this week?"
"I did, indeed," Braden replies. "She's quite the feisty woman."
"That she is." Claudia smirks and continues to peruse the menu. "And Steve Summers?"
"Yes, he seemed like a nice gentleman. A bit hard-pressed though." Braden replies.
"That would be Steve alright," Claudia responds. "Don't worry though; he'll be putty in your hands. You really just need to get Emily on your side and Steve will followHe does anything she says. It's quite pathetic to be honest."
"I noticed that their relationship seemed to be something more than just professionalHow long have they been together?"
"Off and on, before I was born." Claudia nearly kicks herself for saying it in that matter. She certainly doesn't want to convey that there's any connection between Steve and she. "Meaning, it's been decades. He recently divorced Diane and Emily was quick to jump into his lap- or, perhaps it was the other way around."
"I see. At any rate, I think I can handle Emily. I saw the way she was looking at meit's only a matter of time."
"Before?"
"Before she falls into my handstrust me that it will occur soon."
"You seem quite confident about that," Claudia smiles. "Do all women fall into your hands like that?"
"Only the ones who deserve to" Braden winks.
"I see."
"Of course, at this very moment, there's only one woman on my mind" Braden flashes a smile.
"Oh, is that so?" Claudia responds.
"It is.and she's looking quite lovely tonight."
Claudia returns his smile and finally decides on an entree. It seems she has lost any recognition of her old self at this point. For right now, only Claudia exists in this worldand she was about to get everything that Kimberly ever wanted.
______________________________________________________________
Scene: The Preston Residence.
Jason
turns off the ignition to his 2006 Intrigue and takes a deep breath as he shoots a quick glance at the house. He has no idea what information he might receive today behind those very doors. He notices Kayla's car in the driveway and feels relieved that she will be present to provide some information about Keith's activity last year. Although he does realize that Keith and Kayla were quite close and that she might be inclined to keep certain things to herself, he realizes this is his only shot.
His heart begins to race as he approaches the door and he takes one last glance at his car before knocking at the door. He instantly begins to have second thoughts and hopes that the conversation won't be too awkward. He raises his trembling hand to the door once again before Kayla
appears in the doorway.
"Jason? Hi" Kayla trails off with suspicion. "How's it going?"
"I've been better, to be honest." Jason forces himself to reveal the truth as he locks eyes with her.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Can I help in any way?"
"Yes, I think you can." Jason bites his lip and continues, "it's about Keith
."
Kayla nods her head and she stares blankly at him. "Come in."
"Thank you."
Kayla ushers him to sit down on the sofa and asks if he wants anything to drink. He declines the offer and she sits down across from him on the sofa. The two stare at each other as an awkward silence fills the room.
Jason finally begins to speak, "firstly, I'm sorry for not contacting you sooner after Keith's death. I know it had to be really hard on you as well and I should've called or met up with you sooner. I know we both could've leaned on each other for support."
"I agree. I'm glad you topped by, to be honest. I know for a time you made Keith very happy and I know he really cared about you."
Jason smiles and nods before responding, "yes, and for a time things weren't the greatest. That's actually what I wanted to speak to you about"
"Why would you want to bring up anything negative at this point?" Kayla raises a brow.
"Because I need answers- and I really hope you can help me out. It would mean a great deal to me and would help put some closure on things."
Kayla nods, "sure. I'm not sure how much information you're looking for, but I understand how important closure is."
"Thanks." Jason takes her hand and grips it tightly. "I really appreciate it."
"So what questions do you have? I mean, Keith didn't tell me everything, but I knew a lot about what was going on last spring."
"I
understand, and that's actually the time frame that I have certain questions about. There's one friend of his in particular that I need some information on."
"Oh?" Kayla's curiosity piques.
"His name is Lucas Nolan. Does that name sound familiar?"
Kayla lowers her head and thinks for a moment about how much she should reveal. Jason can already tell by her reaction that her response might hurt badly.
Liz
stares out the window in a daze as she thinks back to a certain kiss she shared with a friend last spring- a kiss that meant so much to both she and Rick
, yet was one they could never seem to speak of again. She reminisces about the feeling of his lips pressed against hers ever so gently...
"I know Liz...I just haven't been as vocal about things. I really appreciate you listening though; it seems you're all I've had recently"
Suddenly Rick gently pulls her hair back behind her ear and pulls her lips towards his for a kiss... A momentous Kiss that would change things in many ways...
Suddenly there's a knock at the door which breaks her daze. She raises a brow as she looks at the door and realizes she has no appointments this late in the afternoon. She slowly rises to her feet and walks towards the door.
"Who may I ask is there?" Liz calls out.
"Your favorite man in the world," Rick smiles on the other side of the door.
Liz quickly opens the door with a beaming smile. "Hey there, I was just thinking about you."
"May I come in?" I am bearing gifts...If I know you well, I'm sure you haven't eaten much today."
Liz notices the box of assorted bagels and croissants Rick is holding. "You are just too good to me, you know that?"
"Just a good friend," Rick replies as he flashes a quick smile.
Liz nods and accepts the box, setting it onto her desk. She bites her lip, not necessarily wanting to respond to Rick's statement.
"So what do you have planned for your evening?" Rick inquires.
"Not too much; trying to get the hell out of here. It's been another long day"
"I hear you there. Not necessarily at the office, but it will be a long nightI'm going to approach Kayla about counseling when I get home."
Liz's eyes grow wide with surprise. "Counseling, eh?"
"Yeah, I was speaking to Val and she suggested we try marriage counseling. I don't know what else to do at this point. I mean, after her latest stunt, what am I supposed to do? I still can't believe that she befriended that guy and invited him into our home just to make you feel uncomfortable."
"Well, I certainly believe it...Do you think counseling is really going to help though?"
"I don't know, it seemed to help when she saw that doctor last year for her anxiety. She saw that Doctor Michaels who seemed pretty helpful. I think that's who we'll be going to, so she feels comfortable."
"I actually read Dr. Michaels' book and she's a pretty insightful woman. I just don't know if she'll be able to get through to Kayla."
"Let's hope she's a miracle worker then." Rick laughs.
"Damn right."
______________________________________________________________
Scene: Chez Rendezvous. Northern Heights District.
Valerie Preston shivers as she stares out into the ocean through the lobby window. She is awaiting the arrival of Terrence Bordeaux , the man she recently met at a dinner party and had an instant attraction to. She is glad she took the opportunity to get his number so they could arrange to meet for dinner. With high expectations, a smile begins to completely cover Valerie's face. It has been months since she has gone on a real date and the butterflies have been fluttering away in her stomach all week.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Terrence startles her from behind. "I knew it was you from across the room- that's a beautiful dress you're wearing."
"Thank you," Valerie begins to blush. "You look quite handsome yourself."
"Well, I have to keep up if I'm going to be seen with you here," Terrence replies with a smile.
The two stare at each other for a moment, butterflies aplenty swirling within. Terrence soon tells the maitre that they are ready for their table and they are promptly directed into the main dining area.
"So
I heard you just moved back from Boston. How was life there?" Terrence inquires as he picks up the menu.
"Fun...interesting..." Valerie trails off.
"Oh? How so?" Terrence seems intrigued.
"Let's just say that things didn't exactly work out how I originally had planned them to. I moved there about three years ago with such high hopes...things fell flat a bit, I suppose. I ended up losing my job and had a pretty rough time finding another." Valerie lowers her head. "I'm not exactly sure why I'm sharing all of this."
"Well, you obviously feel comfortable with me," Terrence replies. "That's a good thing, right?"
"Yeah, I think it is." Valerie returns his smile.
"So you are here for good now? I'm not going to learn you're moving away soon?" Terrence raises a brow with sarcasm.
"I can't say I will. I've had my time to explore what it is that I want and I've realized that this is where I belong. I've established some good solid friendships out here- and, of course, this is where all of my family is." Valerie reveals.
"That is very important."
"So what family do you have in the bay area, Terrence?"
"Just my mother and a sister who lives in San Francisco. What about yourself? Any other siblings besides your brother, Rick?"
"Other than my twin, just a younger sister who's away at a private school right now. Is your sister older or younger than you?"
"Just a year older," Terrence reveals. "My parents actually adopted her right before they had me. They were told they couldn't conceive a child at all. Then I somehow popped up."
"Well, that is quite a miracle then." Valerie smiles and raises her glass.
Terrence laughs, "my mother could argue that sometimes. She's a pretty hard-headed woman sometimes and people can be put off by her demeanor."
"Thanks for the heads up...just in case we ever meet?" Valerie teases.
"Just in case." Terrence winks.
"So, if it's not too personal, where is your father?" Valerie inquires.
Terrence pauses for a moment before responding. Valerie can instantly tell that she has hit upon a sore subject.
"He actually passed away when I was young; the whole family was in shock. It was pretty hard on us."
Valerie regrets asking and replies, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any old wounds."
"Don't worry at all. I'm glad you're wanting to know more about meI definitely want to get to know as much about you as I can."
"Well, then we're exactly on the same page." Valerie
smiles, realizing her anxiety has finally subsided.
______________________________________________________________
Scene: Landon Points Publishing.
Emily's
voice grows harsh as she rolls her eyes and replies to Vanessa's
bantering on the phone. "Must you go on incessantly like some mad woman? You need a damn muzzle, Vanessa!"
"I could just as easily storm into Steve's office like a mad woman and I'm sure he'd be highly interested in what I have to say." Vanessa shoots back.
"Your idle threats don't scare me. You're all talk...you always have been. This is just like your declaration to be a better mother to Kayla. You can rave about it all you want, but we both know it's never going to happen."
"Are we really back to my parenting skills again? Get over yourself, Emily. Just because you're barren and old and never had any children of your own..."
An enraged Emily begins fuming on the other line. This is certainly not a topic that Emily wants to discuss. "Look, why don't you try to do something productive today. I'm sure I'll see you in the bar later at the estate and we can chat then...for heaven's sake, you should just put a bed in that damn bar. You're there every second of the day- but that's another topic entirely. I have to go now."
Emily slams the phone down as she sees Steve
walking towards her office through the window. He knocks quietly and Emily quickly invites him in.
"How's everything going?" Steve greets her.
"I am well," Emily nods, as if she's trying to convince herself. "How are you, Steve?"
"I've been better to be quite honest." Steve lowers his head. "I'm worried about my boy. Both Diane and I have had no contact with him for weeks."
Emily tries her best to reply with something reassuring, although she realizes that she can't truly understand what he is going through. She shoots back a look of sympathy and replies, "I'm sure he's just busy with the new teaching position. I mean, can you imagine the work load and the pressure that a new teacher has to face?"
"Yeah, I'm sure he's just busy...but still, I'm his father. It's my job to worry."
"Very true- and you're a great father, Steve."
Suddenly Emily's eyes grow wide with disbelief when she sees Diane Davison entering her office.
"What in God's name..." Emily trails off, prompting Steve to turn around.
"Diane." Steve pauses for a moment after calling out her name. "What are you doing here?"
"You know why I'm here, Steve. We need to talk about a few things."
"I think he's busy right now, Diane." Emily rolls her eyes. "Do you not know how to pick up a phone and call?"
Diane glares back at Emily as she clenches her fist. "Emily, please excuse us."
"Excuse me?" This is my damn office!" Emily scoffs.
Diane nears Emily and surprisingly takes her by the arm and grips tightly. Steve and Emily both look at her in shock.
"Emily, either you will leave, or I will personally escort you out of this office."
______________________________________________________________
Scene: The Preston Residence.
Jason locks eyes with Kayla and calmly awaits her response. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Kayla begins to form a response.
"Yes, I know Lucas..." She finally reveals. "He was a friend of ours. Well, I mean, he still would be if I would have kept in contact with him after Keith's death. I haven't spoken to him since last summer to be honest."
"A friend? So nothing more to Keith than just a friend?" Jason decides to get straight to the point.
Kayla bites her lip and replies, "no, just a friend."
"That doesn't sound too convincing."
"Well, it was complicatedlook, why are you wanting to know all of this? Why not let things stay in the past?" Kayla inquires.
"Because, Kayla, it's complicated. There are things going on that you are unaware about...I'm sorry if I'm being too vague, but I really need to know the truth about this Lucas guy."
"He's a great guy. He's honest; a great sense of humorI can't say a bad word about him, Jason."
"Did Keith share your views? Or did he see something more in Lucas?"
"Jason, that's not fair. I can't speak for Keith. I do know that it was a turbulent time in your relationship with him. I mean, you guys were fighting on a regular basis it seemed."
"If there was nothing going on," Jason continues, "then why didn't Keith ever mention him?"
Kayla's surprised that he's even asking such a question. "Well, don't you think that would have stirred things up? I mean, Lucas is a pretty attractive guy. Can you honestly say that you wouldn't have had a problem with them being friends?"
Jason takes a moment and ponders the question. As much as he hates it, he realizes he would have been quite insecure about their 'friendship'. While he hasn't physically seen Lucas yet, his mind wanders and jealousy begins to arise. He can't fathom the idea that his ex-boyfriend was running around with some attractive guy he didn't even know existed.
"I guess I would have been," Jason hates to admit. "So, to your knowledge, nothing ever happened between them?"
Kayla shakes her head slowly, while still avoiding eye contact. "No. Nothing to my knowledge."
"Alright then," A suspicious Jason responds as he tries to lock eyes with her. "I guess that's it then. I really appreciate your honesty, Kayla."
"No problem, Jason. Anytime."
They both quickly rise to their feet as Kayla walks him to the door. They are soon met by a confused Rick who is entering the home.
"Who was that, Kay?" Rick asks a moment later.
"Jason Summers. He was Keith's ex. He just wanted to visit and talk about things for a bit."
"I see. How is he holding up after everything?"
"I don't think very well," Kayla responds. "He acted strangely"
"So, do you have a minute?" Rick asks, quickly changing the subject.
"Sure."
"Do you have anything planned tomorrow afternoon?" Rick inquires.
"Not that I can think of."
"Good. Well, Val is going to watch Haylie so we can have some time to ourselves. I also was wondering if you would pay a visit to someone with me."
"Who are we seeing?" Kayla raises a brow.
"Dr. Michaels. I think it would be in our best interest, Kay."
"A psychiatrist? Really, Rick?" Kayla lets out a deep sigh and paces around the room.
"I think it would be best. After recent events, I think it would really help things between us."
"So we can air our dirty laundry to a complete stranger? God knows you're probably going to make me out to be some madwoman!"
"That's not going to happen, Kay."
"Well, I don't know that...I just don't feel comfortable with it all. I'm sorry."
Rick lowers his head and responds, "well, why don't you think about it? I just don't think things can continue the way they are now. If we don't go to counseling, I honestly don't see our marriage lasting too much longer."
"Is that some kind of threat?" Kayla shoots back.
"Not, not at all...it's just the reality of it all."
______________________________________________________________
Scene: The Westin, San Francisco
A cold chill runs down Valerie's spine as she sits alone in bed. Her usual client is in the bathroom fixing himself up after their heated passionate affair. The last time they spoke, he had promised to take her on a proper date. Obviously things didn't go as planned this evening as they both found themselves back at the hotel.
"Jesus Val, you look striking just laying there." Braden calls out as he exits the bathroom and nears the bed.
"Oh, you're too nice to me." Val replies.
"You know that I'm going to be doing business more in Pac Heights. I'll be coming to San Francisco a lot more - that means I can hopefully see you on a regular basis. That is, if that's what you want."
"I would like that." Val responds nonchalantly.
"Don't sound too thrilled now." Braden smirks.
"I'm sorry," Val replies as she puts on her blouse. "I guess I was just expecting more this time."
Valerie whips around and shoots him a sarcastic smile.
"To be honest, I had full intentions of taking you out to a nice dinner. I just had something come up with a business partner that was quite important."
"Don't worry, I had dinner plans anyway." Val shoots back.
"I hope you understand. I really do want more out of this."
"Then why are you still paying me?"
"Don't think of it like that, Valerie. I'm just a generous man."
"Think of it like what? Like I'm some cheap whore to you?"
"That was uncalled for." Braden shakes his head and continues, "You know I don't think of you like that."
"How am I supposed to know that? Your actions show otherwise." Val quickly rises to her feet and grabs for her jacket.
"Don't leave like this, Valerie."
"I can't, remember? You need to give me something first." Val holds out her hand as she lets out a deep sigh.
"Of course…" Braden trails off, feeling quite low about the entire situation.
He pulls out a stack of hundreds from his wallet and lays it in Valerie's hand. It's quite more than what he usually gives her, but he feels it to be a nice gesture at this point. Valerie clenches her fist and then puts the money into her pocket.
"No need for a thank you," Braden sighs.
"I didn't think there was. I already thanked you with other things." Val replies.
Braden nods his head and puts his jacket on. "I'll call you soon, okay? Like I said, I'll be around more and I would love to see more of you."
Val shakes her head and lowers it to the ground. "I won't hold my breath. Take care, handsome."
______________________________________________________________
Scene: Landon Points Publishing
Both Emily and Steve stare at Diane in shock. This dangerous level of anger has not been one they have seen from Diane in quite some time. Unable to respond, Emily tries her best to pull away, but Diane's grip only becomes tighter.
"Did you hear what I said?" Diane glares at her once more. "I've had enough of you butting into situations that have nothing to do with you."
"Excuse me? In all due respect, my present relationship with Steve warrants my interest in Jason and other matters in the family."
"Your present relationship?" Diane turns her head and locks eyes with Steve. "Well, you didn't wait long after the divorce, did you?"
"Diane, there's no need for that." Emily cuts in.
"Excuse me, but you didn't even wait for the ink to dry on our divorce papers before you sunk your claws into his back." Diane shoots back.
"I really do resent that, Diane."
"You don't resent anything- and quite honestly, I don't believe a damn word that comes out of your mouth. I can't believe Steve is falling for this charade too...wheel bound, Emily? We both know you're completely fine and you're playing this for all it's worth."
"Diane, that will be enough." Steve cuts in boldly.
"I can't believe you're defending a snake like that." Diane shakes her head at Emily.
A furious Emily takes off her wheel lock and glares back. Moments later she pushes the forward button firmly and hurls herself into Diane's direction. A scream is soon heard from Diane as Emily's wheel crushes her foot.
Diane shoots a look of disgust at Emily and then turns her attention to Emily's desk as she tries her best to find something that she can retaliate with. The closest thing to her on the edge of the desk is a potted plant. Without hesitation, Diane firmly grabs the plant and raises it above Emily's head. A look of horror is written all over the faces of both Emily and Steve. Seconds later, Diane drops the plant onto Emily's head and a blood curdling scream is heard.
Steve quickly rushes to Emily's side as blood begins to stream down her face. A smile soon covers Diane's face as she looks at Emily with utter satisfaction. She has just done something she has only dreamed of doing for years now.
Steve shakes his head and looks up at his ex-wife, "I cannot believe this, Diane…what has gotten into you?"
"Excuse me, Steve? It was simply self defense. That beast was trying to run me over with her damn wheels…she brought this completely on herself."
"You are going to pay for this! I swear, Diane…" Emily screams.
"Threaten all you'd like. It looks like you have more roots in your hair now than ever before..." Diane jokes.
"Both of you just stop." Steve shakes his head.
"Oh, this is far from over. I'll
be in contact with you soon, Steve." Diane flashes a quick smile at Emily. "We
have a lot of important things to discuss."
To be Continued...