A/N: My "H" key is acting up so if something appears funny that may be it. I try and catch all the missing "h"s, but I miss sometimes. The funniest one so far was "Victor's thugs and threats" said "Victor's thugs and treats."
CHAPTER 4
Paul dried off after his shower and wrapped the towel around his waist with about ten minutes to spare before room service arrived. For the hundredth time, he thought about how he really needed to find an apartment. Although, that would mean he'd have to learn to cook. Staying in shape meant cooking healthy, not quick and easy. He would have to look for some community classes that may be available. While eating breakfast, he got the text he was waiting for from Kate. Will was considering the article and would have an answer by the end of the week. Well, at least he didn't turn down the assignment flat.
~OXOXO~
"I don't have an alibi. I don't even remember what I did the rest of the night." Chad was explaining to Will what had been going with the recent murder investigation of his uncle's ex-girlfriend. While Will was relieved his uncle had a solid alibi, he didn't realize his friend had anything to worry about. "There were witnesses that saw me getting frisky and apparently Serena slapped me. I was pretty wasted."
"I can't believe Rafe and Justin are pushing this. You're not your father," insisted Will. "The DiMera name doesn't make you guilty. I'll talk to Rafe myself. And my dad."
"I can't ask you to do that."
"You didn't ask. I'm offering. I want to help. Sonny and I owe you."
"First of all, you don't owe me anything. Sonny deserved a break. But if you're dead set on helping me, you could help me with the books. You're great with numbers."
"Nice choice of wording. "Dead set.""
"Asshole," he said under his breath in a sarcastic tone that had both men chuckling a bit.
"I'm out of the loop with Sonix. Do you have any assignments right now? Do you even have time for this?"
"I'm in between assignments, but Grandma Kate wants me to write a promotion piece for her new product line for men. I haven't said yes or no."
"That could be interesting."
"Don't start," Will warned.
"I'm just saying there's at least curiosity and attraction still there. You know I saw it on the basketball court."
"So much for not starting anything," Will muttered.
Chad had a twinkle in his eye that annoyed Will.
"Obviously, you're not going to be any help with making an objective decision."
"Why you? Does Paul know this is a possibility… you writing the article?"
"Yes. Actually, he asked that I write it."
Chad looked like the cat that caught the canary.
"It makes sense," defended Will. "I won't try and get unnecessary information that is invasive and was already covered in the last article. He's moving on from baseball. There's more about him than his sexuality. You know?"
"Sounds like you already made up your mind."
"No. I need to talk to Paul first. I need to get a sense of what his attitude is about it. Even if he feels safer with my questions, will he be comfortable around me as it's conducted considering all that's happened?"
"I don't think that's going to be a problem," assured Chad.
"Chad…"
"I'm being serious. I hear people talk. It comes with the job."
"So what you're saying is that you're nosy."
"I'm not as bad as T. He's a gossip. I've caught him a few times."
"So Miss Busy Body, what have you heard?"
Chad gave him the evil eye. "I can still take you down. Easily."
Will shook his head and rolled his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, crossed is arms and propped his feet on the desk top to show a non-fazed attitude.
"Before you talk to him, you should know that he doesn't seem to be able to stay mad at you. He doesn't hold a grudge. If he did, he wouldn't be defending you to other people."
Will looked skeptical.
"Meet here in the TBD office. That way, it's neutral ground that's private, and since it's not at your own office, he doesn't get the impression it's a done deal. In the meantime, I'm going to a meeting with my lawyer, Aiden Jennings."
Will was already sending a text to see if Paul was available.
"Look, I know you're going to do it. I'm going to take off. So good luck. I know you and Sonny think he's hot, but maybe you shouldn't sleep with the guy this time."
"Tell me again why we're friends?"
"It's my charm and good looks."
Will barked out a laugh. "You're not my type."
"I'm hurt." Chad put a hand over his wounded heart. "But you definitely have a type."
"Excuse me?"
"Athletes: Rock climbers, baseball players, Salem U track stars… what was his name? Nate?"
"Neil. Of course, you would know about him. What's a juicy story without digging into the alibi's past? Didn't have to be pertinent to the story."
"See. That's why you're the perfect man for the article."
Chad opened the office door to leave and found himself face to face with Paul Narita.
Paul looked at the stunned faces and quickly gave an explanation. "I was already here to get a coffee to go. Caught me at the right time."
"Yeah, great timing. How, how much of that did you hear?" asked Will. Chad took off quickly.
~OXOXO~
A/N: Happy holiday weekend to my U.S.A. readers! And thank you for the wonderful comments :)