A/N: Ah, the difference between our characters' outward speech and their inner dialogue…

Since Monday is Thanksgiving here in Canada, the next chapter will be posted a week from today.

~ Chapter 18 ~

Alex and Marlena sprang apart like teenagers who'd been caught in a clinch by their parents.

"North!"

As John's voice rang out again, the duo noted with relief that the man calling was just emerging from the kitchen.

"That was close," Alex mouthed quietly to Marlena, before turning his attention to John. "What is it, Mr. Black?"

"Kate and I…" John's words trailed off as he noticed Marlena. "Hey, Doc, I didn't hear you come in."

"I just got home," she informed him, bracing for the inquisition she was sure would follow.

"That's great!" he responded. "You're just in time. I was about to invite Dr. North here to share the dinner that Kate and I put together. There's plenty for everyone."

A quizzical look passed between Alex and Marlena, both of them perplexed by John's apparent change in attitude. Alex shrugged, as if to say 'whatever the game is, let's go with the flow.'

"But I brought Chinese," Marlena protested, pointing to the bags of food sitting on the desk.

"We can have that, too." John picked up the bags and carried them off to add to the rest of the meal. "Come on, before everything gets cold."

Placing his hand unobtrusively on the small of her back, Alex guided Marlena towards the table, which had been set for four. Kate looked up and smiled as they arrived.

"Dr. North, Marlena, please sit down."

She pointed to the two chairs across from herself and John.

"Would you like some wine?" she asked, assuming the role of hostess.

How presumptuous. She acts as if she lives here. But of course, she did, for a while, Marlena reminded herself.

"Don't mind if I do," she heard Alex reply, as he offered up his glass to be filled.

"I'll have the same, thanks," Marlena echoed.

As Kate poured the wine, Alex held out Marlena's chair for her, giving her shoulder a discreet squeeze before taking his seat.

John entered, bearing the cartons of take-out and several serving spoons. Setting them down on the table, he turned to Kate.

"Would you mind giving me a hand with the rest of the food?"

"No problem."

With John and Kate momentarily out of earshot, Alex inched closer to Marlena so that his comments wouldn't be overheard.

"I don't know what he's got up his sleeve, but at least you didn't get a lecture from Father John when you got home."

Marlena stifled a giggle at the image his remarks conjured up in her head. The smile had not yet left her face when Kate and John returned, their arms laden with dishes.

Why the hell is she always smiling when she's with him? "Dinner is served," John spoke aloud.

"Let me help you with that," Alex offered, as he reached over to take the salad from Kate's grasp.

"Thank you, Doctor."

My, how civilized we're all being tonight, Alex thought, his mind at work trying to figure out John's latest tactic.

The next few seconds passed in silence as the foursome helped themselves to the scrumptious fare. When they had all filled their plates, Kate was the first to speak.

"You mentioned that you'd been out for a drive today, Doctor. Did you see anything of interest?"

Absolutely. The police officer your ex-fiancé put on my tail, for one thing. "Well, I saw a lot of the same streets, over and over."

"What do you mean?" Kate wanted to know.

"I hate to admit it, but I got lost several times," he confessed, a sheepish tone to his voice. "Clearly, I don't know Salem well at all."

You knew it well enough to find me. "The next time you want to go sightseeing, Alex, tell me. I'd be more than happy to show you around," Marlena proposed.

He shot an admiring glance her way, delighted at how she was playing along. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

I'll let her show you around over my dead body. "Sorry you wasted your time, North," John remarked, trying hard to sound sincere.

"It wasn't a waste at all. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it," Alex assured his host, flashing back to the kisses he and Marlena had shared.

You enjoyed getting lost? What kind of a nutjob are you? "I've probably got a map lying around here somewhere, if you're still into obsolete navigation tools. Maybe you could put it in your car to help you out next time," John recommended.

"Thanks for the kind offer. I'll take you up on that." In fact, I'll soon take a whole lot more from you than you even realize, Alex gloated.

Mentally exhausted from having to be polite to someone he loathed, John turned his attention to Kate. Now, for the easy part. He reached out and lay his hand over hers, as he complimented her on her contributions to the meal.

"This is delicious, Kate. I really appreciate your help tonight." The smile he directed her way was genuine.

I wish you weren't saying these things just for Marlena's benefit. "It was my pleasure, John," she responded, her gaze lingering on him a mite longer than was necessary.

Pivoting to a topic of interest to them both, Kate and John began discussing Basic Black affairs, as Alex observed them closely. A smirk crossed his face as understanding dawned, and he almost burst out laughing at the transparency of it all. Distracting him from Marlena hadn't worked, so they'd shifted their focus to her, hoping to arouse her jealousy. He took a quick peek in her direction, to gauge her reaction.

Just at that instant, there was an ebb in the conversation, and the background music that had been playing all evening became audible. Kate's eyes lit up.

"Oh, John, this song was one of our favourites. Do you remember?"

"I do. Care to dance?" John extended his hand and they moved to the centre of the living room.

"I sure hope this is having the effect we want," he murmured to Kate as they swayed together. "It's killing me, making Doc think there might be something between us."

And the fact that this is all an act for you is killing me, Kate reflected despairingly. Still, she couldn't deny her elation at being in John's arms, no matter the reason. She leaned her head on his shoulder and savoured the moment.

John was attempting, as slyly as possible, to assess Marlena's mood, just as Alex was. Both men were surprised by what they saw on her face.

Yes! My closeness to Kate is getting to her, John enthused silently, as he noted Marlena's pained expression. He pulled Kate more tightly to him, eager to press his advantage.

Alex's heart sank as he watched the woman he loved – the one who had, just that very afternoon, admitted that she remembered him and some of the past they shared. She looked like she was falling for John's ploy, if the sadness in her eyes was any indication. How could this be happening? Suddenly, the company he was in made him feel nauseous, and he was overcome by the urge to retreat to his room. He pushed his chair back abruptly.

"Sorry to cut this short, but I'm tired. I think I'll head up to bed."

"'night, Dr. North," Kate mumbled, still caught up in her dance with John. The latter simply nodded at the psychiatrist.

"Goodnight, Alex."

Marlena spoke so softly that Alex had to lean in to hear her. As he did, he noticed a gleam in her eye that hadn't been there a moment earlier. She had played him, and he had fallen for it. God, she was beautiful – and clever, too.

"Later," he growled in mock annoyance.

They exchanged hidden smiles, knowing that his one-word declaration wasn't a threat, but rather, a promise.