Jason sat his glass down on the bar and sighed, “I’ve got to tell Vicky that Ryan arranged an emergency hearing for this Friday to establish some sort of visitation rights. So, we’ll be flying to Minnesota too.”
“Jay, you do know that even if Ryan is unsuccessful in his full custody battle that he will probably get some form of visitation with Angel.”
Jason slammed his fist down on the bar, “He doesn’t deserve it! Where the hell has he been all of her life? He’s never been there for Vicky or Angel. We damn near had to black mail him to save his own daughter’s life.”
“Look man, I can’t even imagine what you guys are going through but you’ve got to keep it together. They need you.”
Jason closed his eyes for just a moment, “I know. I’m doing my best but I’ve got to be honest this is really starting to get to me.
“It would get to anybody. You’re doing your best that’s all you can do.”
“I just hope my best is good enough. Anyway, I need a time-out from this nightmare. If I haven’t said it already thank you for handling things for me at the office. I know it’s been stressful for you too. I’m just glad you’ve at least got your love life together and that Sandy is there for you.”
Now it was Franklin’s turn to pour himself a drink. “I think it might be an overstatement to say I have my love life together. As a matter of fact to say my love life is complicated is an understatement.”
Jason tipped his drink toward Franklin, “You better put a ring on that woman’s finger before someone else steals her out from under you.”
Franklin laughed sarcastically to himself, “I’m not like you, Jay. I was engaged once. It ended in disaster. I’m in no rush to travel that road again; if ever. There is no wedding in my future.”
“Look, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I love my wife and would do anything and everything for her. But, I hope you don’t let whatever happened with your last engagement to cloud this relationship.”
“April called me a couple of weeks ago.”
Jason raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
“We’ve been talking on the phone lately and have had dinner a couple of times.”
“Seriously? I can’t say I expected that. You’ve had dinner a couple of times? Why?”
That was a really good question that Franklin didn’t know how to answer. Initially, he thought it would help him get some type of closure. But, after having dinner with April he wasn’t sure if closure was what he ultimately wanted.”
“I…can’t answer you. April and I were together for a long time Jay. I can’t just turn my feelings on and off. I thought I could stay angry with her forever. I couldn’t and I didn’t. However, I didn’t realize that until she text me. When I finally heard from her, after she text, it was just good to hear her voice.”
“What really happened between you two? You only said the engagement was off. You didn’t offer any more details so I didn’t pry.”
Franklin took a long sip of his drink before answering, “Honestly, I don’t know. She went to visit her sister and when she came back she decided she no longer wanted to get married. She said it was her way of trying to get my attention. She never intended for things to get this far out of control. I’m not sure if I believe that.”
Jason took a seat behind his desk, “Me either. But, what surprised me the most was your reaction to the broken engagement. I thought you would be angry or hurt but you didn’t seem to be either.
“I wasn’t. I felt…nothing.”
“Hmm…that might be telling you something. Honestly, I never expected you to marry her. You dated for what…six years and I barely knew her. No offense but, you seemed more married to CkR International. So when you told me you were engaged to April…I was kind of shocked. But, I knew if you were going to take the plunge…you had to really care for her.”
“April and I have this unexplainable connection. Granted it’s no passionate love affair but that shit is over-rated and eventually fizzles out. She gets me and all of my issues. I don’t trust emotion. That’s why I’m a numbers guy. A fact is a fact is a fact.”
“Well there seems to be a lot of passion between you and Sandy? Is that why you never committed to her? Are you waiting for it to fizzle out?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it; Maybe? I didn’t really have to think about commitment because we were just enjoying our time together when we were together.”
Jason could see the strain on Franklin’s face. “Obviously, there is some unfinished business with April…and Sandy. Sandy does deserves to know what’s going on. From the looks of things, she might have some strong feelings for you. You’ve got to be honest with her and tell her what’s going on.”
“I know and I know she has feelings for me. I have feelings for her. Jay…I don’t want to hurt her but April…” Franklin’s voice trailed off. “I’ve got to be honest with myself too.”
Their conversation stopped when Vicky knocked on the door.
“Hey, is it safe to come in?”
“Always for you.”
Jason watched her as she walked into the room. Although she looked tired, she was glowing with his child growing inside of her. She was round and getting fuller every day. “Hey beautiful.”
Vicky gave him a dazzling smile before remembering Franklin was in the room.
“Hey Franklin, Sandy finally made it. She’s in the courtyard.”
Franklin kissed her on the cheek, “Then I better get to the courtyard. Jay we’ll talk later.”
“Keep me posted.”
“Will do.” Franklin walked out and closed the door behind him.
Vicky walked over to Jason and sat on his lap. Then, she put her arms around his neck. She noticed the drink on his desk and smelled it on him. She didn’t like it but didn’t say anything. She’ll save it for another time.
“I’m sure you and Franklin haven’t eaten yet so I asked Willa to make us a lunch. I’m hoping I can pull you away for just a little while to have a late lunch with us.”
“Hmm…lunch with my beautiful wife or work? I think I’ll choose you.”
*****
Franklin and Sandy decided not to stay for lunch. So for the first time since Vicky and Jason returned from their honeymoon, they didn’t have a house full of people. Willa had prepared them a picnic lunch. Jason spread the blanket out on the grassy area of the courtyard. He laid out resting his head on Vicky’s lap while she fed him fruit.
Jason was loving the quiet, the sunshine, and being with his wife. “I wish I could freeze this moment in time.”
Vicky ran her fingers through his hair, “This is nice but reality has a way of rearing its head. I’m okay with that too as long as we are together.”
For just this moment, Jason didn’t want reality to intrude on them but thought maybe it was a good time to tell her about the hearing.
Jason exhaled, “Speaking of reality, Mr. Lucas called. Ryan’s attorneys have scheduled an emergency hearing for this Friday.”
Vicky didn’t bat an eye, “I know. He needs me to stop by his office tomorrow so he can continue to prep me for it.”
“How did you know?”
“I called his office.”
Jason sat up angrily, “Why did you do that instead of just asking me? Do you think I can’t handle this situation?”
Vicky put her hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.
“No. That is not it at all. It’s just this whole situation is about Angel and me. Yet, you will talk to everyone else about it but me. In order for me to get any answers I’ve
got
to call his office. When I try to talk to you the only response you give me is ‘I’m taking care of it’ unless you’re giving me orders about what I have to do that day. I’m not a child, Jason. I’m your wife.”
“You don’t think I know that? I’m doing the best I can to protect our family.”
“Jason, I know that. All I’m saying is you don’t have to do it by yourself. You don’t have to shoulder the entire burden. I want to share it with you. Don’t be angry.”
Vicky touched his cheek and then kissed him on the lips. He was angry and tense and didn’t want to kiss her. She would be patient because he was the love of her life. So, Vicky held his head in place until he began to return her kisses.
The drive over to Franklin’s condo felt much longer than the forty-five minutes it actually took to get there. She sat quietly in the car debating how to approach him regarding her place in his life. Before she could broach the subject, Franklin interrupted her thoughts.
“You’re awfully quiet. If you’re worried about Jason and Vicky…this storm too shall pass.”
“I have no doubt about it. I actually admire how much they love and care for each other. Vicky never has to worry about where she stands with him.”
“Hmm. That’s true.”
Franklin could feel her piercing gaze on him. Her voice trembled, “That’s all you’re going to say?”
He sounded tired “What else do you want me to say Sandy?”
“You are a very smart man. You know what I meant by that?”
“I’m not a mind reader. If you have something you want to say to me then say it. I’m too tired for games.”
“Fine, I’ll spell it out then. We’ve been ‘seeing where this goes’ for months now. Where are we going?”
The car stopped at a red light. Franklin rubbed his hands over his eyes “Sandy, don’t do this. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.”
“Franklin, I haven’t pushed or tried to put pressure on you in any way. I’m not asking for the moon and the stars although I think I’m worth it. I just want to know how you feel about me.”
His eyes finally connected with hers “I think you’re an amazing woman. You’re smart, funny, and I enjoy hanging out with you.”
The light turned green and the car started to move again.
Sandy’s heart was breaking because ‘he liked hanging out with her’ wasn’t the same as ‘I’m in love with you’ especially since she’d fallen head over heels in love with him. She broke eye contact first and did her best to focus on the car driving ahead of them. It took everything not to let the tears slide down her face.
Sandy didn’t respond. She wouldn’t even look at him. He could see how she held her body that she was hurt. Franklin kept stealing quick peeks at her. He didn’t know what to say to make her feel better. He could lie but she deserved better than that.
They drove along for a little while without any more words being spoken. It was too quiet in the car so he turned on the radio. When he pulled up into the driveway, Franklin reached for her hand and began to speak, “Sandy, I….”
She turned to face him with so much hope in her eyes, “Yes?”
“We started our relationship so soon after my breakup with April.”
She pulled away, “I asked if you were over her. I asked you over and over again. So
was
I a rebound then?”
“No. But, I….”
She interrupted whatever it was he was going to say.
“Franklin, I’m in love with you.”
Sandy had managed to knock the wind out of him. He knew she had feelings for him but love? The seconds ticked by without him being able to utter a word.
Sandy finally understood the phrase ‘the silence was deafening’.
“Well. I guess I finally know where I stand with you.”
“Sandy wait…”
Sandy opened the door and got out of the car with as much dignity as she could muster. As she fought the tears back, all she knew for certain was that this was the last time she was ever going to let a man hurt her again.
Alicia Foxworthy-Carter was sitting at Charlie’s restaurant waiting for her lunch guest. She was ten minutes late. Her friend was never known for being on time.
She finished her glass of wine, her second for the day. She really wanted something stiffer but had to remember she was in a fishbowl. The First Lady of Minnesota couldn’t be a lush.
The last few weeks had been hell. She was starting to wonder if the chance of being the First Lady was even worth it. The press and the paparazzi had her life under a microscope. She’d had to be on her best behavior which meant she hadn’t seen her lover in weeks. It was just too risky. And, having to look lovingly into Ryan’s eyes all the time was making her crazy. She was starting to get crazy ideas like sleeping with him. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. He didn’t deserve the opportunity to touch her.
Her guest finally arrived, “Alicia, I’m so sorry for being late. Dottie took extra time doing my manicure. You know how these things can happen.”
Alicia stood up and they exchanged hugs and mutual air kisses.
“Well Bridget, for you this is considered on time!”
The women sat down at their table and a waiter came over to fill their glasses, “Well, I’m hearing on good authority that Ryan is going to be our next Governor. You know you’ve got our families support.”
Alicia gave her a practiced smile, “And, thank you for it. Yes, he is doing well in the polls, considering.”
“I know I know. It’s in all the papers. I’m so sorry; this has to be difficult for you.”
“Not as much as it is for Ryan. He has an almost four year old daughter that he doesn’t even know.”
“Victoria Martin is a viper. How she could do this to poor Ryan is beyond me. You’re just lucky that Ryan came to his senses.”
“Well, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you. You’ve actually met her. I’m hoping you can give me some background; maybe even something we can use in court.”
“I don’t know how much I can help but I will tell you everything I know. My parents are furious with the Rutherfords. They haven’t really spoken since that dreadful anniversary party in Atlanta. They let Jason lead me on for years. Everybody knew we were getting married. Franklin’s ex-fiancé April let it slip to me that Jason had already bought the ring. Only he never proposed. I thought I’d force his hand and broke up with him. I’m guessing that’s when he met that whore. She probably was someone Jason thought he could save.”
Alicia listened intently. She’d met Victoria at the hospital but that was under an extreme circumstance. She wondered what the woman was really like…who did what she could never do. She gave Ryan a child. Every time she thought about it…she ached inside.