Author's Notes:
Hey everyone! Thanks for continuing to click on my story and for sticking with me through those couple of months where I didn't have a computer. I really appreciate everyone's comments. Your remarks are the antidote for writer's block. Which, thankfully, I haven't suffered through too much this story.
Anyhoo… In this chapter you'll get a bit more insight on Cameron Bailey (remember, the reporter from Chapter Three: The Elusive Ms. Taylor.) While creating his character bio, I always visualized him as James Franco from the Spider-man movies, though he certainly doesn't have Harry's personality.
I also wanted to take a couple of minutes to respond to some of your remarks and answer some questions.
Brenda and Dylan chapters… Well, there will be many, many of them. I promise. But it may take a bit for me to get to them. Brenda will be back in Beverly Hills very soon. But remember, Dylan just left… But don't worry. You won't have to wait too long. Once I get a better idea of how many more chapters before they're in the same chapter together, I'll let you know. But if you're anxious for anything, the next chapter is a Dylan-heavy chapter and he will be reflecting on his past relationship with Brenda quite a lot. So hopefully that will tide you guys over for a wee bit.
Brandon and Kelly hooking up. Yes, it's going to take quite awhile. Hooking them back up was about 75 of my inspiration for this story, so it's going to take quite awhile. I always torture the couples I love the most. So if that means bringing in many, many obstacles for them to overcome for them to be together, so be it. evil chuckle
P3h20, you had a couple of specific questions. Dylan knows Brenda is coming back to the US because Andrea mentioned it to everyone at the Peach Pit in the first chapter. As for what Dylan did to Brenda / what happened between them in London… Well, it had to be something pretty dramatic for him to return to Beverly Hills, right? Just sit tight. That mystery will be revealed…eventually. But there will be some more clues in the next chapter. And as far as Brenda knowing about the "choose me" bit. Well, she did stay in touch with her brother and he could have mentioned it. But mainly, she did get back with Dylan shortly after Kelly chose herself so it could have been mentioned there as well.
Anyway, thank you EVERYONE who has taken the time to read my story and comment. Your words mean more to me than you can know. I re-read everyone's comments before I begin writing a new chapter. I always find the encouragement great for getting the creative juices flowing.
Now enough of these ramblings, and on with the story!
Enjoy!
Jianna
Usual spiel – 90210, NOT MINE. Don't sue. :)
Chapter Ten
Strangers When We Met
September 2000
Santa Monica, California
"I really appreciate you agreeing to this interview, Ms. Taylor." Cameron remarked as he studied the striking young woman seated opposite him. She was dressed in a tailored black pant suit which subtly showed off her slim figure. Paring the suit with a pale pink blouse that set off her coloring perfectly, she had finished the outfit with gold and pearl accessories giving her a polished and professional look. She was perhaps even lovelier than her photographs had suggested.
She smiled at him politely as she took a sip of hot coffee. She pursed her lips together, obviously not liking that particular brew. Cameron hadn't cared for it either. He made a mental note that she obviously knew a little bit about good coffee.
"I apologize if it seemed I was putting you off last week." Kelly murmured, tucking a silky strand of golden hair behind her petite ears. "I've been extremely busy making the final preparations for The Martin House's opening."
"Not a problem." Cameron hastily accepted her apology. "Reporters are used to getting the cold shoulder. Most people aren't willing to talk to reporters because they're afraid their words will be twisted or something."
Kelly nodded with understanding. "That happened to a friend of mine once. She was interviewed by Back Story. Ever heard of them?"
"Sleazy tabloid television show that was cancelled in 1995? Yeah, I've heard of it." Cameron chuckled. When he had first graduated from UCLA he had applied with Back Story but thankfully was not hired. "Was your friend a celebrity or something? Daughter of a celebrity?"
"No." Kelly shook her head, demurely patting her lips against the fine white linen napkin. "They were doing a piece on growing up in Beverly Hills. They painted a far different picture than what my friend supposedly told them."
"Were you in the story?" He inquired, genuinely curious.
"Yes." She pursed her lips together into a thin line. "Unfortunately. It's not really something I like discussing, though."
"Understandable." Cameron made a mental note to hunt up the old television show. If there was even a slim chance that the show had any footage of McKay he should have his assistant look in to it. Though, honestly, he was far more interested in seeing the video of the blonde in front of him from back when she was in high school.
"So tell me about The Martin House." He stated, clearing his throat as if putting the interview back on track. "The opening is in what, two weeks?"
"Two weeks from Friday. September 14th." Kelly confirmed. "Dr. John Martin's birthday. It's been a bit of a rush to be ready by that date, but we'll make it." She hesitated, the weariness showing in her eyes for a brief moment before she masked it. "Or at least I hope so."
"Now, from what I understand, Dr. Martin's widow, Felice, donated quite a large sum of money towards the charity. Correct?"
"Yes. The clinic was both her and her daughter's brainchild. They wanted to do something to honor his memory and his generous heart. He had volunteered at a free clinic for several years before he passed away. Unfortunately, funding fell through on that clinic and it was shut down a couple years ago."
"And you had been involved with that clinic as well, right?" He prompted.
"For a short time, yes."
Cameron pretended to jot down some notes on his steno pad as his mind worked furiously trying to think of some way to turn this overly-businesslike woman onto a more personal note.
She was very different than she had seemed over the telephone on Friday. When she had called him to set up the interview she had been extremely personable and friendly. Now, however, to say she was reserved would be an understatement. Everything word that passed her lips seemed forced and abrupt. Her distraction was obvious and Cameron was beginning to regret rearranging his entire schedule so he could attend this interview that afternoon.
After setting down his pencil he looked up from his notepad, meeting eyes with Kelly. They had one another's gaze for several long seconds, neither speaking, her face still a mask of cool professionalism. He had to get this girl to crack. Even for how badly this interview was going, she was still his best source for information on Dylan McKay.
"Now," He offered her a charming and what he hoped was a disarming smile, "If I've done my research right, you had just opened your own public relations firm in May, Ms. Taylor. Yet you dropped that so you could become involved in The Martin House."
"Your research has been very thorough." She complimented, abet a bit coolly. "However, I fail to see why you bothered to do any research on me. I am only managing the clinic. If you had wanted to learn about the heart and soul of the clinic, as you had suggested when we spoke over the phone, you'd have been much better off researching Felice Martin or Donna Silver."
"Don't sell yourself short, Ms. Taylor." He grinned recklessly, lifting his elbows to the table and resting his chin in his palms. He knew it was an extremely unprofessional posture, but that was exactly what he was going for. He had to set Kelly at ease. Somehow.
"My research has been thorough." He continued. "And everything I've learned has led me to the conclusion that if it weren't for you, there wouldn't be a Martin House. Mrs. Martin and her daughter are wonderful individuals, I'm sure, but neither would have been able to pull something like this together. Especially with such a short timeframe."
Icy daggers flashed in Kelly's eyes for a brief moment, forcing Cameron to hide a satisfied smile behind his hands. Anger, though not exactly the emotion he was going for, was still an emotion. He was beginning to wonder if Kelly Taylor was capable of displaying any emotion whatsoever.
"Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your estimation of Donna Silver." She stated coldly, glaring at him. "Donna has incredible organizational and business skills. However, she runs her own boutique, Now Wear This, and was recently married. She hasn't exactly had the time to dedicate to the clinic. I have."
Finally! She had given him an avenue to ask her a personal question or two. "Because you're not married?" He inquired.
Surprised, Kelly arched an eyebrow at his rather inappropriate question. "I don't see how the answer to that question could be of any use in your article."
Throwing caution to the wind, Cameron pretended to give up. "You caught me." He smiled ruefully, spreading his hands out flat on the table as if to show her he had nothing else hidden up his sleeve. "That question was for pure personal reasons."
A small smile crossed Kelly's lips and Cameron felt his heart give a small triumphant leap inside his chest. She had been very good at maintaining her professional façade but she could be broken. If he just applied a little pressure in the right place…
"Well," Kelly let out a long sigh, her posture relaxing slightly. "In answer to your question, no. I'm not married." A smile was ready on Cameron's lips before she added, "I am, however, in a very committed relationship."
"Oh. I see." Cameron let his face fall. Her words were of no surprise to him. Cameron knew she was dating Dylan McKay. That was the entire reason he had been pursing her so determinedly. He was still a little surprised that he felt genuine disappointment that she had shot him down so quickly, however.
"How committed?" He found himself asking before he could stop himself.
"Very." She returned.
"Well, you can't blame a guy for asking, right?" He chuckled, attempting to play his pass down a little bit to cover for his embarrassment.
"Can't I?" Her words were softened by a genuine smile.
"You're a remarkable woman, Kelly Taylor." Cameron stated, the words slipping past his lips before he could over-think them. "I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you. Not only are you absolutely gorgeous, your heart is just as beautiful as your face. You give yourself selflessly, completely wearing yourself out in the process. Yet rather than let your exhaustion show, you continue to excel!
"I have to admit, I am completely amazed by you and what you've accomplished. Most free clinics are tied up for years by government bureaucracy. Yet somehow you're going to be opening the doors of The Martin House in less than six months! Some would call that nothing less than a miracle."
Kelly looked down at her plate, her cheeks colored slightly by his words of praise. "Thank you, Mr. Bailey-"
"Please," He interrupted her, "Call me Cameron. I hate Mr. Bailey. It sounds so, well, old. And I'm not old. Yet."
"Alright, Cameron." She corrected. "But you must call me Kelly. I'm not overly fond of Ms. Taylor myself. I had a fourth grade teacher named Ms. Taylor and I hated her."
"Okay. Kelly." He grinned as he pushed away the urge to reach across the table and take her hand. They had just gotten on first-name basis. Now was not the time to try and hold her hand.
"It wasn't exactly a miracle getting the Martin House approved so quickly." Kelly steered the topic back to the supposed purpose of the interview. "Dr. Martin was well-known and beloved in the community. He had several friends in high places. All I had to do was make a few phone calls – a lot of phone calls, actually – and the right people pulled a few strings."
"Regardless, it's still pretty impressive. Six months is not a whole heck of a lot of time."
"Well, Felice really wanted the clinic to open on Dr. Martin's birthday. It was very important to her so I wanted to make it happen."
"Even if it kills you in the process?"
Her eyebrows shot up at his words. "How do you mean?"
Cameron shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "It's fairly obvious, Kelly. It certainly doesn't take a doctor to see how exhausted you are. Like you said earlier, my research has been very thorough. I know how much work you've put into this clinic. And honestly, I'm in complete awe of you. Hell, if I could, I'd nominate you for a Nobel Peace Prize or something."
"They don't give out the Peace Prize for what I do." She blushed.
"Perhaps they should." Cameron murmured softly, attempting to capture her gaze. "I hope whoever you're so committed to realizes what an amazing person you are."
Kelly looked up and smiled brightly at his words, an emotion that Cameron didn't want to interpret shining in her eyes. "He does. He's pretty amazing too. If I didn't have him in my life, I would never be capable of doing what I do."
"Lucky bastard." He muttered playfully. "Will I get a chance to meet him at the opening?"
"The opening?" Kelly echoed, suddenly becoming quite flustered. She bit down on her lower lip nervously. "He should be there."
"Should be or will be?" Cameron pressed, sensing there might be a little trouble in paradise after all.
"Will be." She stated vehemently, almost as if she felt the more force behind her words the stronger chance they might actually turn out to be true. "Dylan knows how important this opening is to me. And to Donna."
"And yet you sound uncertain." Cameron couldn't help himself. He knew it was counterproductive for him to try and drive a wedge between Kelly and Dylan, and yet since he had first laid eyes on her picture her face had haunted his thoughts. He couldn't understand what it was about this woman that fascinated him so much, but he knew he wanted to know her better. Far better. And with Dylan in the picture that was highly unlikely.
Kelly glared at him a retort ready on her lips when suddenly her cell phone began to ring. "One moment." She stated instead, glancing at the caller ID. She answered the phone, half turning her body away from the table in an attempt to give herself a little privacy.
Cameron pretended to misunderstand her body language and leaned closer in order to hear Kelly's end of the conversation better.
"No. I've not heard from him." Kelly was saying, her brow furrowed in deep concern. "I know it's only been since Friday, well, Thursday really. I didn't actually speak to him on Friday. Just got a message, but this is so unlike him. At least lately."
Kelly paused, listening to the speaker on the other end. "I don't know, Don. I really don't know what to do. Do you think I should call the police?"
Again, Kelly fell silent as she allowed her friend to speak. "You're right. It really is too soon. I guess I'll give it a couple more days. But if you or David hears from him, please let me know, okay?"
Kelly quickly concluded the phone conversation, a conversation that Cameron had found quite a bit more interesting than the majority of their interview had been.
After closing her cell phone and putting it back in her purse, she turned her gaze back to Cameron, her eyes sparking with anger. "That was extremely rude, Mr. Bailey." She stated.
"So was answering your cell phone in the middle of our interview, Ms. Taylor." Cameron shot back. He instantly regretting his sharp reply. "Look, Kelly, I'm sorry I was eavesdropping. You just sounded worried and I was concerned."
"Why should you be concerned about me? You barely even know me."
'Ah, I know you better than you think I do.' Cameron thought to himself, but answered instead, "That's true, but from what I do know of you, I know that I want to get to know you better. And I hate seeing anyone distressed. Especially a pretty girl."
Kelly rolled her eyes, shaking her head. She was still obviously quite miffed with him. "Look, this interview really hasn't had much to do with The Martin House and more to do with your pathetic attempts at hitting on me. You've obviously done your homework as far as the clinic goes, so why don't you just make up a few good quotes and leave me alone. As you pointed out earlier, I'm extremely busy and I really don't have time to waste flirting with you."
With that, Kelly quickly rose to her feet, gave him a polite nod, then turned and deliberately made her way towards the front of the restaurant, leaving Cameron in stunned silence.
"Damn." He muttered, his eyes glued on her back. He couldn't help but admire the view, but he was determined not to let that distract him. Suddenly an idea hit him. It would be dirty and underhanded, but one of the most important things he had learned while working at the Tribune was that one had to be a bit ruthless from time to time.
Hurriedly, Cameron pulled out his own cell phone and scrolled through his contact list until he came across the right name. He dialed the number, pleased that it was answered almost immediately.
"Hello?" The familiar voice on the other end answered.
"Pete. It's me, Cameron. You been keeping an eye on that girl's car for me?" Cameron inquired as he flagged down the waiter so he could take care of the bill.
"Of course. It hasn't gone anywhere. It's still here in the valet parking lot where she left it. Why?"
"Vandalize it."
"What?! Are you insane, man? That's illegal. I'd do a lot for you, Cameron, but vandalize some poor girl's car? No way."
"Don't argue with me, Pete. You know I wouldn't ask you to do it unless there was no other way. I know this chick knows more than she's telling me. A lot more, if my hunch is correct. She could blow this story open for me. Wide open! But I've pissed her off pretty badly right now and if you don't move quickly and mess up her car, I won't get another chance to talk to her. So just do it, okay? And hurry. She's already leaving the restaurant."
"Fine!" Pete exclaimed, hanging up the phone.
Cameron let out a low sigh of relief as he leaned back against his chair. He hoped Pete would move quickly, otherwise Kelly would be at her car before he got a chance to touch it. He felt pretty bad about having her car vandalized, but he knew it was really the only way to get back in her good graces. Or at least the easiest and most opportune one at the moment.
As soon as the waiter brought him the bill, Cameron laid down a wad of bills, thankful his expense budget would be covering the luncheon. He then rose to his feet and followed the direction Kelly had headed only moments before. He had parked his own car, but the valet wait area was at the front of the restaurant and Cameron could easily pass through it on his way to his Chevy Blazer.
The moment he stepped out into the open air, Cameron could hear Kelly's now familiar voice arguing with the poor valet. She was obviously taking her pent up frustration out on the poor kid.
"What's going on here?" Cameron asked, purposefully striding over to where Kelly stood at the valet stand. "Is something the matter, Kelly?"
"My car. It's gone."
"Gone?" Cameron was a bit surprised by her response. He had told Pete to vandalize it, not steal it. "What do you mean gone?"
"That's what I asked him." Kelly glared at the valet. "He says they simply can't find it."
"Again, I apologize, Miss." The valet stated desperately. "The lot is under constant surveillance so we know it hasn't left the lot. However, one of the other valets could have moved it into the wrong spot. We're checking the lot now, but it could take some time."
"That's not acceptable." Kelly was very flustered at this point. "I'm running late for an extremely important meeting. I need my car."
"I can call you a cab." The valet put in hopefully.
"That's not necessary." Cameron interjected smoothly, taking Kelly by the elbow and steering her away from the stand. "I can give you a lift wherever you need to go."
"I couldn't possibly accept." Kelly shook her head. "I barely even know you, Cameron."
"But you do know me better than you do a cab driver." He pointed out with a smile. "C'mon, just let me give you a lift. It's the least I can do for you."
"Alright, fine. But only because I'm already running late." Kelly assented at last. She glanced back at the valet driver, passing him a business card. "Make sure I am called the instant my car is found. If it is not found within two hours I will be filing a stolen vehicle report with the police."
The valet nodded, swallowing hard as he accepted the card. "Don't worry, Ms. Taylor," He attempted to assure her after glancing down at her card. "We'll find your car and I will call you personally as soon as we do."
Kelly nodded, though clearly not pleased by the circumstances. Cameron directed her towards the self-park lot, attempting to mask how pleased he was at how things had turned out, knowing that would only irritate Kelly all the more.
As they approached his navy blue SUV, Cameron guided her towards the passenger side of the vehicle. He quickly opened the door, offering her his hand in assistance, but she pretended she didn't see it. He shrugged his shoulders then hurried over to his side of the car, slipping in behind the wheel, turning towards her before starting the engine.
"Where to, m'dear?" He grinned in an attempt to ease her out of her bad mood.
"Santa Monica." She sighed in resignation, shaking her head. "The northeast corner of Santa Monica and Bundy."
"The Martin House?"
"Exactly." Kelly pursed her lips together. "I'm not exactly running late for my appointment, but I will be soon. I'm supposed to have a phone interview with a potential doctor for the clinic."
Cameron shot her a surprised glance as he started the car, driving it towards the 10 freeway. "Doctor for the clinic? But I thought you had already hired Dr. Zuckerman."
"I have. But Andrea, I mean, Dr. Zuckerman is only one woman. Though we don't know what our patient load will be, no doubt it will be more than one person can handle by themselves."
"I see." Cameron nodded his head in understanding. "But isn't this sort of last minute to be bringing on another doctor? The opening is in just over two weeks."
"I've not had much luck in recruiting one." Kelly admitted reluctantly. "Dr. Goldman is really my last hope."
"Dr. Goldman?" Cameron repeated incredulously. "Dr. Ethan Goldman?"
"Yes. Why? Do you know him?"
Cameron couldn't help but chuckle, not quite believing his stroke of good luck. "Yeah, I should say so. Ethan and I go way back. We went to UCLA together. He was a few years ahead of me, but we've stayed in touch."
Hope shimmered in Kelly's lovely gaze. "Do you think that maybe you could put in a good word for The Martin House? For me?"
"After the way you've treated me today? Storming out on my interview. Don't you think you're asking a bit much?" Cameron quipped with a sideways glance.
"You're right." Kelly murmured softly, her eyes downcast. "I've been wretched to you. And it's completely not your fault. I've just been so worried about, er, well, my friend. No one has heard from him in days and I'm starting to think something bad may have happened to him."
Suddenly the conversation he had overhead earlier made a little more sense. "I'm sorry." He reached over and gave her hand a slight squeeze. He was more than a little surprised that she didn't shirk away from his touch. "Look, I'll be happy to put in a good word for you. I can probably do even better than that. I can pretty much guarantee you that Ethan will help you."
"You can do that?"
"I told you, we go way back. And Ethan owes me." Cameron smirked. "But it will cost you. At least a little bit.
"Of course. Reporters always have their hidden agendas." Kelly stated darkly. "What do you want?"
Cameron frowned at her comment, but let it pass. "Another interview. Kind of." He began, running his fingers through his sandy brown hair nervously. "Let me rephrase that. A date without the pretense of an interview."
"A date?" She repeated. "Cameron, I can't do that. I told you, I'm in a committed relationship. Dating someone else is something you just don't do when you're in a committed relationship."
"Okay, so not a date-date. Just coffee or something. That's all. As friends. I promise, I won't try anything."
Kelly hesitated, considering his proposition for several long minutes before replying. "I suppose that would be okay. Just as friends, though. Nothing more. I love Dylan."
"Great." Cameron grinned, excited that she had accepted his crazy proposal. He would have convinced Ethan to help her out even if she had denied his request, but he wasn't about to tell her that now. "So, what time are you supposed to be talking with Ethan anyway?"
"In about an hour and a half. Why?"
"Because," Cameron gave a dramatic pause, "If you really want Dr. Ethan Goldman to be The Martin Clinic's doctor you're not going to be able to convince him over the phone. You've got to do it face-to-face. And I'm just the man who can make that possible."
Author's Notes:
So there we go. Another installment complete. Hope you liked it. Though most of you are probably wondering when on earth I'm going to get around to getting Kelly and Brandon back together. And for that matter, Brenda and Dylan. Right now everyone's still on opposite ends of the country! Eeep. I love dragging things out and making them complicated, but I promise, it won't be a completely painful experience. For now, be satisfied with some spoilers (if you want to read).
!!SPOILERS!!
Coming up in Chapter 11: The Return of Nothing
Dylan, South of the boarder
Memories of the one who will always hold his heart
A scary test, much worse than the SATs ever were
A very important letter