Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last chapter. You are all absolutely fabulous. This section was originally part of the previous chapter. However, when the chapter started approaching 9000 words during rewrites, it was time to split. Besides, that allowed me to flush out a few things during the revisions.

As mentioned in the last chapter, I am taking a little creative license with the star of Premier League soccer. They're starting a few days earlier than they did in 2010 in real life. But it's necessary for the plot.

Chapter 46: Conversations at a Football Game

XXXX

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Early afternoon London time.

Adorable fiancé: Hey sweetie, we're here. We even found our seats.

Betty: And you probably already hit the beer line.

Adorable fiancé: They actually have decent stuff here. I'm just having one. Besides, I'm not driving. Also, I have to spend quality time with my Co-EIC's husband. I don't know what type of person he will be, but having a little alcohol on hand could help.

Betty: Your last co-EIC's current spouse ended up embezzling a large amount of money from your corporation. So, I could understand being cautious.

Adorable fiancé: Yes, to get back at me for breaking him and Molly up even though he's completely in love with Wilhelmina. He probably would've run away the moment the cancer came back anyway because that's what he does.

Adorable fiancé: He better not run away this time. Wilhelmina's going to need him. The vultures are already out, and her father is a dick as always.

Betty: You didn't run into the paparazzi at the game?

Adorable fiancé: I ran into a few people outside the house. Thankfully, we didn't look like we were dressed for an exciting day of football. So I doubt that they followed us here, but just in case, we have taken precautions.

Adorable fiancé: [Image one attached]

Betty: Although apparently, you are now appropriately dressed for a soccer game. You two look adorable. You match.

Adorable fiancé: I figured we will be less likely to get asked really inappropriate questions if we blend in. Earlier was enough.

Betty: Did you answer any of them?

Adorable fiancé: I said that Wilhelmina was one of the strongest women I've ever known. Also, I learned many things from her during my time as her colleague. I look forward to putting those lessons into practice here at the European branch of Meade publications.

Betty: I don't think that's the soundbite that they are looking for.

Adorable fiancé: They're never going to get the soundbite that they want for me. My relationship with Wilhelmina was complicated. It still is, but she's helping with Amanda. I at least respect her on that front. So I won't throw her under the bus, especially not for this. I'm just thankful nobody has figured out I used to date Renée.

Betty: I'm very thankful for that right now. Amanda was really happy to have pictures of her mom during her pregnancy. It's helping her get through this. You know she's been extra emotional.

Adorable fiancé: I know it's all been a lot.

Adorable fiancé: How is she?

Betty: Grateful to be at work today and not at the zoo with Becks, baby Becks, and Candy.

Betty: Candy still doesn't realize that she's actually dating Becks? Because if you go with a guy and his daughter to the zoo, then you're probably dating.

Adorable fiancé: No. we're trying to let her figure it out on her own. Hopefully, she will get a clue before our wedding, but that's now more than a year away.

Betty: Your mom is annoyed at me for having Justin tell her and Hilda about changing the wedding date. It's barely morning in New York, and I've already got an angry phone call.

Adorable fiancé: Which I know you did just so you wouldn't have to call Hilda and have her not pick up again. I don't think my mom actually sleeps, so I'm not surprised she called you.

Betty: I just don't get why Hilda is avoiding me. She's not avoiding you.

Adorable fiancé: It was a work thing.

Betty: It was a Justin thing.

Adorable fiancé: A Justin thing that was work-related.

Adorable fiancé: As much as we need to finish this conversation, I think I see Sumreen's husband. I will talk to you later. Have a good day at work.

Betty: I hope this is my last Saturday for a while.

Adorable fiancé: Things will be easier once things are fully established. Your first few issues are always the hardest.

Betty: I hope so, at least. Have fun. Lindsay just got here, so I know I will have no fun.

XXXX

A few hours later

Sexy fiancé: Why did I accept this job? I just had to change so many things because of last-minute input from Lindsey.

Daniel: You're brilliant, and you deserve to have your own magazine. As the owner of a publishing empire, I can tell you that you sometimes have to change things. But that doesn't mean the person in charge is incompetent.

Sexy fiancé: it doesn't feel that way. It's obvious now that Lindsay only offered me this job to get me away from Mode, making things unstable. He wanted to take out the competition the easy way.

Daniel: Except instead of staying behind and floundering, I came here. I can work without you, but I can't live without you. This led to Monique taking over, which has been good.

Daniel: The August issue is already sold out and going back for a second printing, and it's barely been a day. That's not even counting the digital copies. Apparently, digital Subscriptions have increased by 25% in the last 24 hours.

Sexy fiancé: Because everybody loves trauma and drama.

Daniel: It's not exactly the reason why I would want an issue to sell out, but Wilhelmina was able to let the truth out on her own terms.

Sexy fiancé: At least Monique got to showcase the new Mode.

Daniel: Gender-inclusive fashion with a conscience.

Daniel: So, this is the point in this conversation where I tell you you're absolutely brilliant and can do this? It doesn't matter why you got the job because you are the best at what you do.

Sexy fiancé: That definitely helped even though I'm so when inundated with work that I didn't even get to go get lunch. Amanda shared some of her baby snacks with me after Lindsay left.

Daniel: Do we need to stop by after the game and bring you food?

Sexy fiancé: I'm not going to say no. Amanda will never say no to food, especially now that she's pregnant.

Daniel: That's obvious.

Sexy fiancé: How's the game?

Daniel: Sumreen's husband's team is winning, so it's been good so far. Also, I enjoy having conversations with actual adults, and I realize I need more male friends. Especially ones that can provide parenting tips for babies and teenagers.

Sexy fiancé: Becks is kind of just muddling through things too. Amanda told me about the fever freak out last weekend.

Daniel: I heard the same story from Candy. Again she still doesn't realize they are actually dating yet. If you run over to a guy's house at 4 AM to bring him cough syrup for his daughter, you're dating. They are hopeless.

Sexy fiancé: This is true. Then again, we were dating for years and never realize that. So we have to give them a little slack.

Daniel: I know. However, I'm giving Becks mostly slack when it comes to parenting. He's trying, but his dad was even worse than Bradford. So it's a struggle for him. I still can't believe that Becks managed to have a kid before me. Even Marc managed to get a kid before me. Although I do not wish the circumstances of that conception on anyone.

Sexy fiancé: I think we will be helping Amanda raise the twins for a very long time even if the Victoria situation resolves itself. Eventually, we will have more kids one way or another. We have time.

Daniel: You're right.

Sexy fiancé: Is DJ enjoying himself?

Daniel: DJ adores Rayan. They've been spending most of their time talking about various soccer teams I know nothing about. Apparently, DJ followed a lot of that in France. So I am hopeful that DJ will have somebody to hang out with once Justin goes back to New York. Otherwise, we're going to be flying your nephew out a lot.

Sexy fiancé: Honestly, if it wasn't for Austin, I think Justin would want to move here. Actually, he's already looking at universities in the UK and France. I've seen pamphlets and websites.

Daniel: I won't say that I wouldn't love to poach him away from Monique and Mode US, but I think Austin will need him. Despite what Tiffany wants, I don't think Matt will be able to keep his paternity from him for much longer.

Sexy fiancé: I think you're right. I am glad I'll be in another country when that comes out.

Daniel: Despite the reason you ended up in England, I am happy that we're here. If I didn't come to London, DJ would have been stuck with his horrible grandparents while Alexis is in Cleveland receiving treatment. We are also able to provide a safe space for Amanda. I'm even able to reconnect with Becks again, and we are going through parenthood together. Everything worked out the way it needed to.

Sexy fiancé: I just wish my sister wasn't ignoring me.

Sexy fiancé: I was expecting her to call me after finding out about the new wedding date but nothing. BTW, your mom is coming to visit in October. She's planning to be here when Amanda goes into labor.

Daniel: Mom can live at Amanda's house. Considering this is the second time we talked about this today, I know you're really hurt. I wish I can magically fix it, but I can't. I tried to convince her to talk to you last time I was on the phone while negotiating Justin's return in February, but she had a fashion emergency.

Sexy fiancé: As someone who worked at Mode for four years, that may not have just been an excuse

Daniel: True. OK, the game just ended. DJ is ridiculously happy. I think I'm gonna have to spend some quality time at the gift shop before leaving. We just have to pick up the jersey of his favorite player. Also, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to get a club membership. Actually, I think Meade may have a membership to a couple of football clubs. For client wooing purposes. I'll have to check with Candy.

Sexy fiancé: Probably. You owe me at least one game, Meade.

Xxxxx

They did spend an hour and at least £ 100 in the gift shop after the game. Daniel decided it would be best not to convert that to dollars right now. After saying goodbye to Zuwayhir and Rayan, they were currently waiting for the car service to show up. Honestly, it was for the best that they spent some time in the gift shop because they probably would have less time to wait now. Although the driver is still a good 20 minutes away because of the traffic. He really needs to work on getting his British driver's license. Candy already got hers because of Becks.

"Did you have a good time?" Daniel asked as they sat on a bench near the cab pickup area.

"Yes. The game was good. Also, Rayan invited me to come over next week to play video games. Would that be possible?" DJ asked. He's surprised because Justin rarely asked to do stuff. He just does it, which is how he ended up going to a sex shop with Amanda. Then Daniel remembers that things were a lot more restricted with DJ's grandparents. Which explains why he ran away twice.

"Of course. I want you to do your own thing and make friends here."

"I've made friends with Candy," The crush has quieted down over the last month, but his 15-year-old has made a few excuses to go over and see Candy.

"Who has made friends with Becks. Actually, they're more than friends, but neither of them are acknowledging that at the moment." This is ridiculously frustrating, and now he knows what he put most of his friends through the last few years with his Betty denial. "They took the baby to the zoo today. I have pictures." He held up an image of Becks and Candy kissing the baby.

"I am aware." DJ frowned.

"I know that these last couple of months have been hard on you. You're in a new country with your uncle that doesn't speak French very well." In contrast, Alexis was fluent in French. Or at least she is now. Although that may have always been Breanna's influence.

"You're improving." DJ smiled at him.

"Yes, to the point where I know you're really upset about Amanda and the twins." Because he could at least now recognize the curse words.

"I'm not upset." DJ pouted.

"You are. This does not surprise me. I've heard stories about your mom being furious about me being born. Apparently, she placed a picture of herself in grandma Claire's hospital bag, so she wouldn't forget about her. This says so much about our relationship." Daniel explained.

"I did not know about that."

"There are so many stories I need to tell you about growing up with your mom. Alexis and I have always had a very complicated relationship with lots of jealousy, anger, and bitterness. We're trying to work through it, but it's taking a while." Daniel explained.

"I am aware. Mom is genuinely sorry that she's slept with Maman while the two of you were dating. I am too." The "because you would've been my dad' was left unspoken, but Daniel heard it loud and clear anyway.

"I know she is. I just don't want you to have that type of antagonistic relationship with the twins or even baby Lexus that I had with your mom. You deserve better."

"I like baby Lexus. I even sent her stuff from Disney Paris. Apparently, we have to take her after they moved to France." DJ rolled his eyes.

"But until that happens, the two of you are in different countries. You're not just a little angry that Alexis Junior gets to be in Cleveland with your mom, and you're stuck in London with Betty and me?" Daniel asked.

"I like being here in London with you and Betty." Because it's better than being with your grandparents.

"That doesn't mean that you can't be a little resentful. That's OK. You just have to acknowledge that. Then now, the twins and Amanda are here. I know you're a little bit upset about that. Just because I'm having twins doesn't mean I'm going to forget about you." Daniel tried to reassure DJ.

"I know."

"Are you sure you really realize that because…" Daniel started to say, but he was cut off by DJ.

"I know you're not the father of Amanda's babies. You're pretending to keep her safe from Matt's mother." Daniel was not expecting that. How the fuck did DJ know that.

"I am. How do you know?" Daniel asked. There was no point in him lying. DJ has had enough people lied to him in his life, and Daniel doesn't want to be one of those people.

"You didn't always send us away with Candy to talk about the plan. Occasionally we listen from the stairs. Lexus is too young to understand, but I understand perfectly." DJ's words are bitter.

"Your upset about this?" Daniel asked.

"You're willing to pretend to be the twin's father, but you weren't willing to do that for me." It's obvious to Daniel that is the actual issue.

"I was willing. I wanted to. I never wanted you to go back to your grandparents. Asked Betty how much I cried during those first few weeks." He was an absolute mess.

"But you sent me back anyway." The resentment broke Daniel's heart.

"I thought that's what you wanted me to do. I didn't want to tear you away from a happy family. If I knew that things were like they were, I would've never stopped fighting for you. I'm still fighting for you."

"Really?" DJ asked earnestly.

"I didn't want you to know all the nasty details, but I got your grandparents to agree to not force you to go to school in France by paying them $50,000." Like he decided earlier, DJ needed to know the truth. No more lies.

"What?" DJ asked, surprised.

"You know they're greedy, and they only care about you for the trust fund and for modeling gigs. Apparently, I have to book you for something; otherwise, we're going to be in court again." Daniel explained.

"I hate modeling. I like writing better." DJ told him.

"You are a true Meade. I think we'll have something you'll like that Candy and her not-a-boyfriend are helping me put together. It's probably going to be in the Christmas issue. A little father-son or, more accurately, nephew-uncle photo shoot." Daniel explained.

"You'll be with me?"

"The entire time." That's when DJ hugged him."I will do whatever I can to protect you from your grandparents."

"I know," DJ said, letting go.

"You haven't told anyone else what you know?" Daniel had to know. It was a matter of everybody's safety.

"No, I know that there's a reason you don't want Amanda to know."

"Because Matt's mom makes your grandparents seem pleasant," Daniel explained.

"I'm aware. I found Alexis Junior's aunt really creepy when we had ice cream together. She kept asking questions about you, but I answered nothing." Good kid. Also, he just realized that his niece had the misfortune of having Victoria as an aunt. It never really clicked before now—that poor child.

"Even though you're my nephew, you're still one of my kids. I even considered Justin as one of my kids. I may never actually get biological children, but I have all of you, and that's what's important." Daniel said as he placed an arm around DJ.

"OK," DJ said just as their car arrived. They both reluctantly pulled out of the hug.

"Since our car is now here, I think you have had enough deep conversations for one day. Also, we need to bring your aunt Betty food; otherwise, she's going to starve. Where do you want to go?" Daniel asked as they started to walk to the car.

"What was the name of the place Aunt Betty got dinner from yesterday?" DJ asked as he slid inside.

"We're not getting pizza again," Daniel responded as he followed behind him.

"You're no fun."

"You want me to be your parental figure. This is me being a parental figure. That means not letting you have pizza two days in a row." DJ smiled at him as the car drove away.

XXXX

A few hours later

Danny personal: I took DJ to a soccer game with the husband of my Co-EIC. I like him, and DJ has made friends with his son Rayan, so they have a teenager playdate next weekend.

Alexis: Good. Bree told me that you were planning some uncle-nephew bonding time. I think it's good for him for the two of you to have some bonding time. We never had that with Dad, so at least DJ should have it with you.

Danny personal: It is. Although you know I'm not trying to take your place.

Alexis: I am his mom. You are the dad figure. That's just kind of the way it is.

Danny personal: He still needs you, though. He already lost one mom. He doesn't need to lose another one.

Alexis: I am fighting as hard as I can.

Danny personal: Good. Due to our preferred wedding venue getting torch two days after we got engaged, we're not getting married until December 26, 2011.

Alexis: I guess I have to make sure I stick around that long, at least. Will I get to be the best man this time around?

Danny personal: I'm giving the honor to DJ. Justin is going to be Betty's best person.

Alexis: You're probably doing that just so you can put Justin in charge of wedding preparations.

Danny personal: He's the only one strong enough to fight his mother and our mom to keep them from completely taking over the wedding. Also, we need somebody in New York to organize things. It's hard-working around the time difference.

Alexis: That is a valid point. He's also going to have to fight Breanna. She's already sketching wedding dresses.

Danny personal: Christine is as well. We'll just have to negotiate that later or I get to convince Betty to have more than one wedding dress.

Alexis: I forgot she would probably be at your wedding. She is still friends with Betty?

Danny personal: Yes. She was here last month. She was scheduled to come back in a few weeks, but family drama is preventing that. Although she sent custom baby outfits already.

Alexis: She probably hates me.

Danny personal: Hate is a strong word. Although maybe you should send her an apology gift basket before the ceremony.

Alexis: Will do.

Alexis: DJ actually sent me pictures from today's soccer game.

Danny personal: That's good, right?

Alexis: Considering he hasn't really texted me since abandoning his school field trip to come to visit you, yes.

Danny personal: That's another reason I didn't want DJ to go back to that school. He keeps sneaking away on field trips in other countries. They are obviously not that good if he can keep running away.

Alexis: I heard about Mode academy UK. I actually think this will be best for DJ. If all goes well, I could be back in France by November or December. It will be easier for DJ to go back between the two countries if he's working with tutors.

Alexis: I assume you'll allow for three-day weekends?

Danny personal: Betty is his boss. You'll have to talk to her, but I think I can help convince her of the necessity of it.

Alexis: I'm sure you could. I think DJ needs you and Betty right now. But when I'm better, I want him to spend at least weekends with his sister and me.

Danny personal: We can work something out when the time comes.

Alexis: Thank you. Lexus says hi. She also says you have to send her candy. That kid asks everybody for candy.

Danny personal: No candy, but there are some more toys from Disney Paris on the way. We didn't send them express like the baby shower gifts, but hopefully, they'll get there soon. Shipping internationally is ridiculously expensive.

Alexis: I'm sure she'll appreciate the toys all the same.

Danny personal: So how is having another kid going?

Alexis: Better than I thought it would be. Breanna made sure Alexis always knew who I was. She's also comfortable having two mommies. I just wish I didn't screw things up so badly that Breanna waited till she had no choice but to tell me the truth.

Danny personal: A lot of mistakes were made there.

Alexis: So many, but I'm doing the best I can to make up for it now. I can't turn back time, but I can try to make as much time with my kids as possible.

Danny personal: That's all you can do.

To be continued…