Chapter 51
"When's lunch? I'm hungry." Danny found his mother reading in one of the many downstairs rooms.
"Danny, we just ate breakfast a short time ago." Shirley glanced at her watch to realize that people should start showing up at any time now.
"No we didn't. That was at least 3 or 4 hours ago. A lifetime for a growing 16 year old." Danny hinted that he was now a year older. She'd totally ignored his hints at breakfast too.
"You're growing alright." Shirley easily agreed with him and totally ignored his reference to the fact that it was his birthday.
"I sure am. It's almost like I'm a year older….today." Danny tried a much more direct approach.
"Hmmm…." Was all Shirley said frustrating him completely and turning quickly back to her book to hide her smile.
He plopped down on the sofa across from her. "Mom."
"Yes, Danny." Shirley refused to look up. She knew she'd blow it if she did.
"Mom, how could you forget?" Danny huffed.
"Forget what dear?" Shirley looked at her watch and hoped the doorbell would ring. She didn't know how much longer she could hold him off.
"Mooommmm." Danny's whine was interrupted by the doorbell. He totally missed Shirley's sigh of relief.
"Who could that be?" Shirley got up quickly knowing that Danny would be close behind her.
"Happy Birthday!" Greeted Danny as he walked into the front hallway.
"You didn't forget!" Danny couldn't hold back the huge grin that split his face as he watched Laurie, Reuben, Gordy, Angie and Dina pile into the house with wrapped gifts in their hands. "Hey, where's Keith?"
"Don't worry brother dear, he's coming. Keith is finishing up an interview as we speak." Laurie had to reach up higher than normal to ruffle his hair, but she couldn't resist the urge.
"He's bringing a present, right?" Danny looked at the gifts with excitement in his eyes. He knew he'd love them all, but he had hopes for something really special from his brother now that he was old enough to get his hands on his money that had been kept in trust for him for years.
"I would guess so." Laurie laughed. "Should I take mine back?"
"No way! Hand it over." Danny reached for the large box in her hands and almost overbalanced when she quickly pulled it out of his reach.
"This is not Christmas. You will not be rattling packages before it's time to open them. Besides 16 year olds do not rattle packages." Laurie reminded him.
"Who's going to rattle them? A little shake as I set them down maybe." Danny grinned.
"Come on, we're set up in the solarium." Shirley could only shake her head at her middle son's antics.
"So, that's why Alfred was shadowing me everywhere. I thought he was afraid I was going to steal the silver." Danny threw a smile at the butler who did his best to keep a straight face, but did send him a quick wink.
"No, his job was to make sure you didn't see the setup for the party." Shirley assured him as she put her arm around him and pulled him along with her.
They didn't have to wait too long before the front doorbell rang again.
"That's likely Keith." Reuben put his hand up to everyone. "He asked me to keep you all here."
"Why?" Even Shirley was surprised by that request.
"You'll find out shortly." Reuben stuck his head out into the hallway and couldn't stop his smile from growing.
"Figures. Keith's going to make all of our gifts look like paperclips, isn't he?" Laurie huffed without malice. Keith had always given a lot of thought to his gifts. When he hadn't had money, it had been a challenge. She couldn't wait to see what he'd be able to pull off now that he had cash more readily available.
"Hey, Happy Birthday Red." Skizzy walked in the door first and quickly found the birthday boy almost dancing from foot to foot in his excitement to see Keith's surprise.
"Skizoid." Danny threw back. He hated it when they called him Red and they seemed to do it more often just knowing that. "Where is he?"
"Right behind me." Skizzy laughed at Danny's obvious impatience.
"Surprise." Keith said as he rounded the corner. Everyone gasped when they saw who he was pulling behind him by her hand. It was Gloria Hickey, wearing a huge grin. No one knew for sure if it was because she was happy to be here for Danny's birthday, the fact she was in Switzerland or, more likely, she was happy to be holding Keith's hand. She'd never tell.
"Gloria!?!?" Danny gaped in total surprise.
"Happy Birthday!" Gloria walked toward Danny as soon as Keith had dropped her hand.
"Keith, what a wonderful surprise." Shirley walked up next to her eldest and gave him a warm hug.
"Yeah, I thought he'd like it." Keith watched his brother hug the girl of his dreams while he grinned at the thumbs up that Danny was giving him.
As Shirley headed away to greet Gloria, Keith was quickly wrapped in a hug from Dina. "You are such a closet romantic."
"Care to find the closest one? I'll show you just how romantic I can be." Keith whispered in her ear.
"Don't tempt me. I think our absence would be quickly noted. This isn't the biggest party in the world. But, hold that thought." Dina pulled back to give him a kiss and then turned to look back at Gloria and Danny. She noticed that Gloria had been watching their exchange while Shirley had welcomed her to Switzerland.
"Oh, my mom's back at the hotel. She's still jet lagged. Keith paid for both of us to come. Wasn't that nice?" Gloria explained to Shirley.
"Yes, it was. I have no idea how he pulled this off, but it sure is great to have you here." Shirley followed her glance to see Dina and Keith totally wrapped up in each other and then turned back to see Gloria turn purposefully away from the scene. Good, it appeared that Gloria was finally resigning herself to the fact that Keith would never be hers.
"Oh, Reuben called us about a week ago. We've been working with this travel agent named Trish. She was super nice about all the hassle such a long trip on short notice caused. I don't know how she did it, but here we are." Gloria glanced back and grabbed Danny's hand pulling him toward her. "It's extra special when you get to celebrate the 16th birthday with your boyfriend; especially when he's out of the country unexpectedly."
Danny beamed at Gloria's reference to his being her boyfriend. Here he'd been spending the whole summer trying to get Gloria to date him exclusively and all Keith had to do was fly her to Switzerland to get her to admit her true feelings. He owed him big time.
Shortly after Keith arrived, they were eating lunch followed quickly by the cake with sixteen candles burning brightly.
"Make a wish." Laurie urged when Danny made to blow the candles out before taking the time to follow tradition.
"That's kid stuff. Besides, mine already came true." Danny sent a meaningful glance in Gloria's direction and then turned back to the cake. He blew out the candles in one breath.
"Proves you're all hot air." Keith threw the insult at Danny while Dina snuggled happily into his side.
"Your insults will not bother me today. It's my birthday and I'm just too happy to be mad at you. Besides, you haven't given me your present yet." Danny reminded him.
"What? Wasn't bringing Gloria here present enough for you?" Keith watched Danny shake his head in the negative. "Well, too bad, that's all you're getting, Mr. Greedy."
"Aw, come on….." Danny wasn't beyond begging.
"Hey, did you see me come in carrying a present like everyone else was?" Keith reminded him.
"No, I didn't, now that you mention it." Danny frowned.
"Danny, I'm here. Isn't that enough?" Gloria turned his sad face to hers.
"Yeah, you know what. It is." Danny's frown quickly turned into a grin. "However, I know that everyone else brought one. So, bring 'em on."
"You never could wait for the presents to be opened." Shirley laughed as she began to hand him the presents that had been set on a table near him.
As Danny opened presents and thanked each of the givers profusely, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that Keith hadn't given him a gift to open. He did a great job hiding his disappointment, though. It wasn't too hard when you consider he got a new leather jacket from his mom, a business portfolio from Laurie, a subscription to Business Week from Reuben and assorted other gifts that were all things he'd wanted; even the unexpected stereo from Aunt Millie who promised to ship it to the States.
"Thank you all. Everything is just great." Danny smiled and looked around at the group of family and friends.
"Oh, hey, what's this?" Keith reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped box. "I don't know where this came from."
"I knew you'd get me something to unwrap." Danny's eyes had lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Oh you did, did you?" Keith returned his brother's grin and handed over the box.
"It's so small. Guess it's not your 'vette." Danny joked.
"In your dreams." Keith assured him.
He opened the box to find a ring identical the one that Keith had worn on his pinky for 5 years.
"Oh man, this is so great." Danny said in awe.
"Dad would have given you one on this birthday, so I thought I better continue the tradition." Keith felt the smile wanting to fall from his lips, but held it there.
He glanced over to see his mother dabbing at her eyes. "Oh Keith, that's just so thoughtful."
"Yeah, Keith, that really was special." Laurie too was feeling a little emotional.
"Stand up you big dope." Danny pulled Keith into a big bear hug as soon as he'd reached his feet. "Thanks." He whispered with feeling.
"You're welcome." Keith pulled back a little uncomfortable with the excessive feelings floating around the room. "It's probably not the right size, but you can just get it sized when you get home."
Danny slid it on his pinky finger just like Keith's. "Naw, it fits great."
"Hmmm, who'd have guessed? I bought it several sizes larger than I thought you'd need. I figured it was big enough to fit your thumb." Keith teased to lighten the mood.
"You really are a big dope." Danny punched him in the arm.
"Hey, no punching anyone but Gloria." Keith fell back overdramatically and rubbed his arm.
"We're way beyond that." Gloria reminded everyone to Shirley's chagrin.
"Hmmm….Danny's finally learned how to neck. Even without one." Keith kept it up.
"All he had to do was follow you on a date." Laurie decided to get in on the teasing.
"He'd know a lot more than necking, if that's the case." Skizzy reminded everyone and then quickly looked down when he got a sharp look from Shirley.
"So, who wants some cake?" Reuben broke the tense silence.
"Apparently you do." Danny went right back to teasing now that the uncomfortable moment had passed.
As the conversation flowed, Keith's performance at the benefit finally came up.
"So, what did you decide to play?" Laurie asked him.
"I don't know, I hadn't really thought about it." Keith admitted.
"Hadn't thought about it? It's tomorrow night." Shirley reminded him.
"I know." Keith was unconcerned. He didn't need to rehearse, it was just him. He'd play something he was very familiar with.
"So, how many songs is he supposed to sing?" Reuben suddenly remembered he'd never asked that question of Millie.
"Nothing is set in stone. He can sing six or as many as he wants." Millie had set aside an hour or more if he wanted it. There would be a pianist playing quietly in the background most of the night, but other than a short stint by a magician earlier, there was no other real entertainment; just the auction which was the main source of revenue other than checks written directly to the hospital.
"Six or more?" Keith was now a little more concerned. He hadn't realized she wanted such a long set from him. "How many more?"
"Keith, you can do one and that's good with me. Your being there is the most important part." Millie laughed at his discomfort. "I didn't mean to make it seem like this was going to be a chore. If you want to just walk up and say 'hi' that's good too."
"Oh what a relief. All you have to do is say 'hi'. Thank god, no one has to suffer through your singing." Danny joked.
"Come on Gloria, we're leaving. If Danny doesn't appreciate his presents, he can give them back." Keith immediately went after his brother. One never let Danny get the upper hand.
Dina arched a brow at the quick look of pleasure that Gloria had tried to hide. It appeared that if given the chance, she'd still prefer Keith over Danny. And, here they all thought she'd outgrown her crush. Not that Dina could exactly blame her; she herself was totally hung up on Keith.
"Hands off my girlfriend." Danny immediately put himself between Keith and Gloria, both brothers totally oblivious to Gloria's continued feelings.
Dina shared a look with Laurie who'd seen the quick flash of feelings that Gloria had tried so hard to hide. They made a quick pact to keep Keith and Gloria far apart while they were in the same country. It was for the best.
"So, Gloria, will you still be here tomorrow night?" Laurie quickly changed the subject.
"Yes, our return tickets are for Tuesday. Keith left us a little time for some sightseeing. Wasn't that nice?" Gloria threw him a smile.
"It sure was. That's my brother, for you." Laurie decided to remind Gloria who she was here for. "Well, seeing Danny is too absorbed in his birthday haze, I guess I'll have to suggest it. Why don't you come to the benefit as his date?"
"Great idea." Danny immediately looked at Gloria for the hoped for acceptance of the suggestion.
"I wouldn't have anything to wear." Gloria's disappointment was evident. "It sounds very high-brow."
"It is – black-tie." Danny frowned as he didn't see a solution either.
"I wonder if something of my nieces would fit you. There are several closets full of dresses. Some might be simple enough to have aged well over the years and not be outdated. Care to come with me and check it out?" Millie offered.
"You'd let me borrow something?" Gloria asked in awe.
"Tell you what, if you find something you like, you can keep it." Millie left out 'she won't be needing it in the psychiatric hospital'.
"Keith, we need to be going." Reuben had glanced at his watch for the hundredth time that afternoon and reminded Keith that they had one more interview before they had to go to the venue.
"Right. I'll see you all later?" Keith waited to get the nods from everyone around the room. His glance finally fell on Dina. "Walk me to the door?"
"Sure." Dina let Keith pull her behind him.
Millie took Gloria out of the room shortly after Keith's departure with Dina, Skizzy and Reuben. They witnessed the passionate kiss between Keith and Dina at the front door.
"They make such a cute couple, don't they?" Millie, not knowing of Gloria's unrequited love for Keith, spoke only the truth.
Gloria swallowed hard and finally let go of the hope that someday he'd be hers. It was obvious to anyone who looked at them that they were in love. She also couldn't help but remember how nice Dina had been to her. Well, if she couldn't have him at least he had someone who was worthy of him. She forced the words from her mouth. "Yes, they do."
If Olivia could have seen it, she would never have understood how Gloria could admit that he would never be hers.
xoxo
Money could get you almost anything you wanted. Olivia couldn't help but smile as she glanced around the dressing room that she knew Keith would be in in just a couple of hours. It was his last show besides the benefit that she'd heard about at her aunt's house.
Things were falling into place beautifully. After tonight, her plan would be in motion. It was brilliant, if she did say so herself.
"Soon, my love." Olivia said as she brushed her hand over Keith's stage costume that Reuben had had delivered by Gordy earlier in the day. Right below it was Keith's ever present duffle bag. She picked it up and set it on a table. She hoped against hope that what she was looking for was there.
"Ah, there you are." Olivia said as she pulled it from its spot and slid it into the strap of her bra for safe keeping.
xoxo
She watched patiently as Keith walked into the room and was soon left by himself. Good, the information she'd paid for was so far holding up. She now had some time alone with him.
She waited until he walked away from the door and then stepped between him and his means of escape.
"Hello, my love." She said confidently.
Keith simply spun around and stood stock still. He was too shocked for words. She'd actually gotten to him.
xoxo
"They were closed when I called. I guess I won't know for sure until I get back to the States." Dina wasn't exactly pleased that she was lying, but until she could figure out how to tell Keith, she was not telling anyone else. Not even Angie who was only waiting for confirmation on what they had both discussed as if it were the truth.
"I'm not sure I can wait that long. Should we go by there? Maybe a security guard could give us the home phone number of the doctor." Angie suggested.
"We'll see." Dina hedged.
"Aren't you dying to know for sure?" Angie was a little puzzled by Dina's calm manner.
"Not really." Dina wished she'd heard something different. Oh, she was happy to be having Keith's baby, just not now. Not yet.
"You're a stronger woman than I am." Angie gave Dina a quick hug.
'No I'm not. I'm the biggest chicken in the world. I'm so chicken I should have feathers.' Dina thought as she took what comfort she could from Angie's support.
xoxo
"Don't you have anything to say to me?" Olivia began to advance on Keith who could not seem to shake his shocked paralysis.
"Stay away from me." Keith finally found his voice, though it wasn't nearly as loud as he'd expected it to be. The words were screaming in his head at volumes he found deafening.
"Now, how can you say that to the mother of your child? He's beautiful. You should see him. He looks just like you." Olivia stood within touching distance, but for some reason didn't reach out. She was waiting for something specific.
"No. It's not true." Keith could almost feel the strength leaving him. He was dreaming. It was a nightmare. He'd had enough of them three years ago. Hell, he'd had enough of them recently.
"His eyes are just as beautiful and expressive as yours. They change with his moods. It's funny to watch." Olivia watched the shock leave his eyes. It was what she'd been waiting for. If he was in shock, she wouldn't get a true reaction.
She reached out to touch his face.
As soon as her hand made contact, Keith reacted. He jerked back, grabbed her hand and threw it away from him. He was around her and through the door before she could blink.
"Get her out of here." Keith said to Tiny and Skizzy as he ran past them.
They shared a confused look and then turned as one to the room to see Olivia standing there stunned.
"Get Kincaid." Tiny instructed as he approached the young woman.
"On it, but that's Olivia Braddock. Do NOT let her get away." Skizzy instructed.
Reuben was on the phone with the police and the hospital within seconds of hearing about Olivia being found in Keith's dressing room. He was assured that he would not only have a police car there posthaste, but a doctor from St. Joseph's Psychiatric Hospital shortly.
Once that was done, he headed toward the dressing room, Skizzy right behind him. "Where's Keith?"
"I'm not sure." Skizzy suddenly realized.
"Find him." Reuben instructed and watched Skizzy run off, but shouted one last instruction to Keith's friend. "Quietly."
"Gotcha." Skizzy assured him.
He entered the room to find Olivia weeping quietly and Tiny standing uncertainly near the door.
"Just didn't want her to get away." Tiny explained.
"Good idea. Help's on its way." Reuben too kept his distance.
"Where is he?" Olivia surprised them by asking.
"Far away from you." Reuben told her, unable to keep his hatred out of his voice.
"Why? I love him. I'd never hurt him. Besides, Keith Jr. needs him." Olivia looked down quickly to hide the cunning look in her eyes.
"You are one sick puppy, aren't you?" Reuben spoke the words with a certainty that she had cemented with her delusional words.
"We'll be married and have a whole bunch of kids. Maybe they can start a band like Keith and his family did. Only now Keith will be Shirley and Keith Jr. will be the lead singer so a whole new generation can swoon at his looks and talent." Olivia hugged the happy thought to herself.
"You get to hold her if she tries to get away." Reuben quickly reminded the mountain of a man standing next to him.
"Ah, man, that's not fair. I didn't sign up for this." Tiny complained.
"Neither did I." Reuben assured him.
They were both happy when Olivia stopped talking but seemed to stay lost in her own little fantasy. They were also happy to see two policemen arrive.
They, too, kept their distance and waited for the doctor. Tiny, however, was happy to concede the pleasure of having to restrain her should she try to run.
They didn't wait too much longer when a man in a suit came through the door carrying a black doctor's bag.
"Olivia, where have you been?" The man said softly as he walked toward her.
"No! I'm not ready to go back. Keith is here. You can't take me." Olivia ran at the man as he tapped the syringe he'd removed from his medical bag.
There was a brief struggle with Olivia soon losing to the man's superior strength and whatever he'd injected into her arm. She soon melted into a heap.
The doctor picked her up and walked past the stunned men. "She won't be bothering you anymore."
"Thank God." Reuben wanted to sag with relief.
"Where's Keith?" Tiny asked.
Reuben felt his panic return – and his strength as he bolted through the door in search of Keith and Skizzy.
