Truth Be Told

Chapter 5

Lee and Amanda entered the apartment that night slowly, their minds occupied again of the discussion they'd had at the house, and as Lee took Amanda's bag back to the bedroom, Amanda stopped him asking, "What are doing? I'm not staying there-"

Lee nodded. "Yeah, you are-"

Amanda stated, "No, I'm not! Put the bag over by the couch, please-"

Lee groaned, "Of course you are! Look-"

Amanda pointed to the end of the couch, near the fireplace, "Uh-uh! Over there, please."

Lee sighed. "Aw, for crying out loud, Amanda!"

Amanda shaking her head replied briskly, "You either put it where I asked you to, or I'm going home, whether my mother likes it or not-"

Suddenly Lee realized what Amanda had been assuming and commented softly putting up a hand, "Wait a minute, here. Oh my God...Honey, why would you think I'd do something like that?"

Amanda shrugged offhandedly, "Like what?"

Then Lee gestured towards the couch, answering, "Sit down and let's talk, please."

When Amanda didn't move a muscle, Lee sighed, "Fine," and picking up her overnight bag, brought it over to where she wanted it, and holding it high in the air, proceeded to drop it down to the floor! "Happy, now?"

Amanda did a slight eye roll to him and responded, "Well, that was certainly mature behavior-"

Lee growled, "It pales in comparison to you! If I wanted to do what you think I was gonna do, I would've started it in the elevator-"

Amanda gasped, and making a face remarked, "You're disgusting-"

Lee bellowed back, "And you're being ridiculous!"

After a moment of silence, Lee swallowed querying, "Amanda, why are we arguing? I simply wanted you to be comfortable tonight-alone,in my room-that's all. I'd never do anything like that to you. To be honest, the old me would done something completely underhanded to get his way! Look, believe it or not, you've changed me. I respect you, and love you. And for you to think otherwise after everything we've been through, including the stuff with Jamie...Well, it kinda hurts a little. I thought at least we had the trust and honesty thing down by now, you know."

Amanda nodded and going to the phone, picked up the receiver and began dialing as Lee looked bewilderedly at her asking, "What? You're calling a cab and going home anyway? Thanks a lot-"

Amanda sighed answering, "I'm calling Joe to tell him about the talk, and how hurt Phillip is. I need to and you know it, Lee..."

Lee twitched his mouth and went over to the bar replying, "Of course you do... I'm getting a drink. Want one?"

Amanda shook her head answering, "No, thank you...Joe? Hi, It's me. Yeah, the reason I'm calling is that Lee and I had a talk with Mother and Phillip earlier tonight to tell them about the real career I have. Yes, that's right. No, they didn't take it well, as I figured they wouldn't. They needed time to figure things out as you did, so I'm at Lee's place right now. Phillip's angry that you knew before he did, only because you aren't there any more, but I explained that you needed to know at the hospital first because of Jamie's fondness of Lee, and what they went through together, and-"

Amanda listened a few moments as Lee looked on after pouring himself a Scotch. Shaking his head Lee thought disconcertedly, Why does Joe need an explanation, anyway? You two aren't married any more. It's none of his damn business anyway what's going on!

But as he walked past Amanda and sat down on the couch, he inwardly kicked himself as he thought with a sigh, Because whatever crap happened between Joe and Amanda doesn't matter at the moment, but those boys and anything concerning them, will and should come first, Stetson. You've got one incredible lady here, so don't ruin it with your childish behavior, or you will lose her!

Still lost in thought, Lee didn't Amanda as she hung up and stated, "It's okay. I'll stay in the bedroom..."

His head snapped towards her suddenly as he broke then from his reveries, "What?"

Amanda went towards him, and kissing his cheek replied as she then took the bag, "You stay here, and I'll take the bedroom-"

Lee shook his head asking, "Wait, what happened with Joe?"

Amanda went into the bedroom and brought out a pillow and sheets and a blanket for Lee for the couch and remarked, "We're fine. I'm exhausted, though. We'll talk tomorrow, okay? Goodnight, and I love you, too."

Without another word, Amanda went into the bedroom and closed the door behind her, leaving Lee to wonder aloud, "What the hell just happened here?"

TBC