Chapter 1

'You and me, we were the pretenders. We let it all slip away…'

"No, don't tell me you're calling to cancel." Evangeline Williamson balanced the handset of the cordless between her shoulder and ear. She frowned as she waited for her cousin's explanation. This was the third cancellation in as many weeks. Worry crept up her spine. "Keesha, what is it?"

"Nothing," Keesha responded far too quickly for Evangeline's piece of mind. "I haven't finished packing Daddy's things. I'm too far behind to spend the weekend in Llanview."

Evangeline sighed. She tossed the duster into the hall closet and leaned against the door. "That was your excuse last week. I can come to you."

"No and stop frowning. I can hear it in your voice."

"I'm worried about you. If Justus and Faith don't get off their butts to see about you, I will. I know what it's like to lose a father. You don't have to grieve alone."

A lengthy pause followed Evangeline's declaration. Then, Keesha said, "I'll be okay. I just need a little more time."

"You left Port Charles to help take care of him," Evangeline said. "You never expected it consuming the next six years of your life. Now, he's gone, but that doesn't mean your life is over. You're a fighter. We get that from our mothers and our fathers. You can let down your guard with me, cuz."

"I know. Thanks, Vangie. Who knows, I may get this place fixed up and come see you."

"I'm holding you to it."

After the call ended, Evangeline returned the handset to the base. She looked around at her spotless condo. This weekend, she really hoped that her cousin would accept her invitation. Like her, Keesha carried too many burdens on her shoulders. She needed to relax and allow herself to enjoy life. Although they had family in Philadelphia, Evangeline hoped Keesha would join her in Llanview. Philadelphia held so many memories for her cousin and they weren't all good. A change would help, but Keesha's stubborn streak would never admit it. Besides, Evangeline needed to get her own life together before she attempted to fix someone else's.

She glanced at the clock. It was too late to call it a night. The stack of briefs on her desk begged for attention. But she knew better. Burying herself in work was her standard M.O. It was high time to shake up her usual habits.

She took a quick shower, donned her favorite little black dress and heels, and headed out to Ultra Violet. Some friends from the firm invited her out for a few drinks. Maybe later they'd hit a few other clubs. Normally, she wouldn't consider a night on the town. Spending time with her favorite cousin was one thing, but clubbing? But ever since that spontaneous kiss with John McBain and later the uncontrollable surge of passion in Mary Barnes's basement… Well, Evangeline had taken stock of her life and realized that maybe she was missing out on a few things. It was time for her to get out there and shake things up.

"So what do you have planned for tonight?"

John McBain cocked an eyebrow as he lifted his head to look at his friend and fellow detective, Antonio Vega. "Just finishing up some paperwork," John said. "You?"

"My mother is babysitting Jamie while Keri and I are going out."

Wife and baby. His buddy had the perfect family. John's throat constricted, yet he managed a faint smile. "Sounds like a good time."

"So, you'll come with us?"

John averted Antonio's hard stare. He glanced around the mountain of papers covering his desk. Frowning, he said, "I have work to do."

"Work is endless," Antonio said. "For one night, give yourself a break. Have a few drinks. Relax--"

"I don't want to intrude. You and Keri have plans to be alone. I know with a baby that's not always easy, so…"

Antonio laughed. "It's damn right impossible, but we never miss the chance to be with friends. Come on, John. One drink. Humor me and then if you'd rather spend time here in this dusty office with that bad, but lousy coffee…"

John gave up. He stood. "Okay, fine. One drink. Where to?"

"Ultra Violet. I have to swing by and pick up Keri. We'll meet you there."

Hesitation made John pause. The idea of spending time with a happy couple threatened to remind him of what he didn't have. A good woman by his side. Then, a sudden image of Evangeline Williamson flashed before his eyes. Her wide, bright smile. Her sparkling brown eyes. Her thick, glossy black hair. Her exotic, unique scent. A familiar ache flared to life inside his pants. He ran his hands through his hair and turned away again.

"Don't think about changing your mind," Antonio said. "If you're not at Ultra Violet when we get there, Keri and I will hunt you down. Believe me, you don't want to disappoint my wife. She's got quite a temper."

"Oh, I remember," John said, forcing himself to be open and receptive. "I'll be there. One drink is all I'm guaranteeing."

"Understood, boss. See you there."

Keesha hated lying to her cousin. She finished packing her father's things several days ago. When she accepted Evangeline's invitation for a relaxing weekend in Llanview, she truly believed that it would help. But as the days shortened and the date to leave loomed overhead, she knew that facing Evangeline would be a challenge that was beyond her. Her father's death hurt on so many levels. Although Evangeline understood that kind of pain, Keesha didn't want to face her. At least not yet.

Night fell and the streetlights beamed through the curtains. She turned off all the lights and curled onto the recliner near the window. It was her father's favorite chair. Near the end, sitting in it was the only thing that brought him joy. The pain of his illness wore him down. The anguish of watching her strong father diminish into a sickly man refused to fade from her heart. She tried to remember her grandmother's way of grace under pressure, but Keesha had lost far too much to accept his death with ease. When she left Port Charles, she believed that she'd return to the life she built there. But that would never be.

A loud knock startled her from her thoughts. She glanced at her watch. It was much too late for visitors. She held herself still, opting to ignore the unwelcome intruder.

Pounding replaced the knocks. Keesha's heart leapt to her throat. She snatched the cordless phone from its base and strode to look through the front door's peephole. The wounded blue eyes that stared back at her shocked her to the core.

"Jason."