p class="MsoNormal"strongChapter 2 My Eyes Aren't Green, It's Just The Vegetables/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"strongSpencer/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Trina is taking her sweet time walking emthat guy/em out as if he needs an escort to his city provided vehicle. I don't know about him. He rubs me the wrong way./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emShe couldn't actually like him, could she?/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"emNah./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"She's just being nice. That's who she is./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emWait… was she expecting him? Is that why she got dolled up more than usual?/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I mean she always looks great, but something was different today. I can't help that frown that mars my face. I lean against the wall as I consider the possibility. I feel the painting shift beneath my shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emOh shit! /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I freeze not knowing what to do. If I move it could fall. If I stay still it could fall./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I can't leave you alone for five seconds you idiot!" Trina races over./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's been more like ten…twenty minutes." I retort controlling an eyeroll./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Exaggerate much?" She queries as she steadies the painting. I turn to help./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""This isn't too secure. Maybe we should take it down and secure it again." I look at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""To be on the safe side." She looks at me quizzically./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't know you cared." She just loved challenging me, I grin down at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh, I care. I happen to care a lot." Her eyes lock on to mine in search of sincerity in my words./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's not just a painting. It also costs a fortune." I can't help but roll my eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""One that I probably bankrolled." The trance is broken and I/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanregret my words. Only because I want to stay in that moment./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know that this may be hard for you to understand considering the way your girlfriends entire identity revolves around you but..." she looks up at me indignantly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Some women, I'll even go as far as saying most women can stand on their own two feet without the assistance of a man."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emAva has the assistance of men and her criminal empire, but I'll digress./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't mean it that way, Trina. I know that emyou/em are very capable. However, I'm not going to get into it about Ava with you. We're never going to agree." She acquiesces with a nod. One thing I've always been honest about is my unwavering disdain for that woman./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then, let's get this thing secure." We work silently in tandem as we secure the painting. I want to tell her the truth, but I feel like telling her the truth will blow my cover with Esme./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"So, I back off for my sanity. I do the menial tasks assigned to me as she texts on her phone. Whoever she is texting is making her smile. I want to be the one who makes her smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I was about to ask her to a movie when officer thirsty walks in out of uniform./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Trina, you ready?" She smiles then stands and retrieved her purse from her desk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Ready for what?" I ask, shocked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""The planetarium at night. They just opened a new series debuting tonight." He explains./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emOh hell no./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal""I am ready. Spencer, I am counting on you to lock up when you leave." She cast me a glance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's my first day. I don't think I'm ready for such responsibility. I'm sure Ava would agree." She sighs as though she remembers that Ava would not agree with the plan./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You can leave an hour early. I'll sign off." I purse my lips, finger on my chin,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Now wouldn't that be dishonest? Aren't you always telling me not to cut corners?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You're right." She pulls out her phone and shoots a text off then reads the response./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Spencer knows what's good for him. I trust that with that in mind he can lock up on his own." She grins at her victory, and I am losing ground fast./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You haven't even walked me through the process." She sighs heavier this time./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Rory, can you give me a few minutes?" He nods but I can see that he is not happy, and it delights me. He leaves and I take my chance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't go." She looks at me confused./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, what?" She crosses her arms./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't go out with that guy. We could catch a movie instead. Like old times." She laughs bitterly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Before or after I learned that we were on a path to nowhere since you are spoken for." Why does she always have to bring that up?/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was thinking that we had a good time either way. I just feel like you've given up on me. I need you not to give up on me. Please." She stares at me for a long time./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I never give up on friends. You… You believe the worst in me, Spencer." Seeing her be vulnerable in this moment. The pain in her voice almost makes me come undone. I've got to find a way to expose Esme./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't believe the worst in you, Trina. I know you too style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI just…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Refuse to see the truth about Esme?" I turn away. I don't want to lie to her face yet again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why does me going out with Rory mean that I've give. Yo on you?" I wasn't ready for the shift in tactics./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh my gosh! You're jealous?" She giggles at the notion./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm not a jealous person." She laughs right in my face./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh please. Joss filled me in about Emma." I throw my hands up./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was a child. I didn't know any better. Esme had plenty of flirtations. It never bothered me." She shrugged as though she knew our secret./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The secret that Esme and I were codependents. Loners who didn't have family and were drawn to each other because of it. Held on to each other because of it. It was very unhealthy./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Yes, the idea of Trina dating that guy makes me feel something. I am not sure what it is yet. As I consider the possibility she leaves without a goodbye or a glance backward. She drives me completely insane, and I love every second of it. Well, almost. I hate to see her with him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Trina/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The nerve of Spencer Cassadine. Asking me not to give up on him! When have I ever given up on him? Has he ever returned the favor? He's been nothing but a pain in my butt! Ugh! Why did I concoct this stupid plan? Maybe I should face Esme head on./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am the daughter of the former commissioner. I can do this./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I hope that you are having a good time." Rory shouts Oder the music. We missed the Ireland show and decided to attend the laser show instead./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am being rude and unfair to Rory. A guy who has shown genuine interest in me and wants to take my mind off my problems. He doesn't deserve me not being fully resent during our outing./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am having a blast! " I dance to the beat. "This is wild."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And very loud. Not ideal for a first date." Rory shouts,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""This is a date?" I ask shyly. He takes my hand leading me out of the planetarium./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""If you have to ask then we need a do over." He smiles through his thick lashes. One of the things I love about Spencer is his eyes. I shake my head./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't want to assume." I rub my arms nervously./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Friday night, I'll plan the date. Just bring yourself looking beautiful as always." I smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are not going to tell me of these plans " he grins./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Typical first date stuff. Like, I'll take you to dinner. Then desert followed by entertainment." I smile liking the thought that he's put into the date./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Friday night it is." I agree./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Let's get you home in the meantime." I take his hand and we head to my house./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"*/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I wake up with renewed purpose. I have to catch Esme in the act, and I know just how to do it. I meet with Ava at the gallery first thing this morning./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I need your help." I look at her hopefully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"strongSpencer/strong/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Trina is taking her sweet time walking emthat guy/em out as if he needs an escort to his city provided vehicle. I don't know about him. He rubs me the wrong way./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emShe couldn't actually like him, could she?/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"emNah./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"She's just being nice. That's who she is./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emWait… was she expecting him? Is that why she got dolled up more than usual?/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I mean she always looks great, but something was different today. I can't help that frown that mars my face. I lean against the wall as I consider the possibility. I feel the painting shift beneath my shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emOh shit! /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal"I freeze not knowing what to do. If I move it could fall. If I stay still it could fall./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I can't leave you alone for five seconds you idiot!" Trina races over./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's been more like ten…twenty minutes." I retort controlling an eyeroll./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Exaggerate much?" She queries as she steadies the painting. I turn to help./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""This isn't too secure. Maybe we should take it down and secure it again." I look at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""To be on the safe side." She looks at me quizzically./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't know you cared." She just loved challenging me, I grin down at her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh, I care. I happen to care a lot." Her eyes lock on to mine in search of sincerity in my words./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's not just a painting. It also costs a fortune." I can't help but roll my eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""One that I probably bankrolled." The trance is broken and I/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanregret my words. Only because I want to stay in that moment./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I know that this may be hard for you to understand considering the way your girlfriends entire identity revolves around you but..." she looks up at me indignantly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Some women, I'll even go as far as saying most women can stand on their own two feet without the assistance of a man."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emAva has the assistance of men and her criminal empire, but I'll digress./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't mean it that way, Trina. I know that emyou/em are very capable. However, I'm not going to get into it about Ava with you. We're never going to agree." She acquiesces with a nod. One thing I've always been honest about is my unwavering disdain for that woman./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Well then, let's get this thing secure." We work silently in tandem as we secure the painting. I want to tell her the truth, but I feel like telling her the truth will blow my cover with Esme./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"So, I back off for my sanity. I do the menial tasks assigned to me as she texts on her phone. Whoever she is texting is making her smile. I want to be the one who makes her smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I was about to ask her to a movie when officer thirsty walks in out of uniform./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Trina, you ready?" She smiles then stands and retrieved her purse from her desk./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Ready for what?" I ask, shocked./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""The planetarium at night. They just opened a new series debuting tonight." He explains./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"emOh hell no./em/p
p class="MsoNormal"em /em/p
p class="MsoNormal""I am ready. Spencer, I am counting on you to lock up when you leave." She cast me a glance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""It's my first day. I don't think I'm ready for such responsibility. I'm sure Ava would agree." She sighs as though she remembers that Ava would not agree with the plan./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You can leave an hour early. I'll sign off." I purse my lips, finger on my chin,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Now wouldn't that be dishonest? Aren't you always telling me not to cut corners?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You're right." She pulls out her phone and shoots a text off then reads the response./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Spencer knows what's good for him. I trust that with that in mind he can lock up on his own." She grins at her victory, and I am losing ground fast./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You haven't even walked me through the process." She sighs heavier this time./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Rory, can you give me a few minutes?" He nods but I can see that he is not happy, and it delights me. He leaves and I take my chance./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't go." She looks at me confused./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, what?" She crosses her arms./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't go out with that guy. We could catch a movie instead. Like old times." She laughs bitterly./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Before or after I learned that we were on a path to nowhere since you are spoken for." Why does she always have to bring that up?/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was thinking that we had a good time either way. I just feel like you've given up on me. I need you not to give up on me. Please." She stares at me for a long time./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I never give up on friends. You… You believe the worst in me, Spencer." Seeing her be vulnerable in this moment. The pain in her voice almost makes me come undone. I've got to find a way to expose Esme./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't believe the worst in you, Trina. I know you too style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI just…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Refuse to see the truth about Esme?" I turn away. I don't want to lie to her face yet again./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Why does me going out with Rory mean that I've give. Yo on you?" I wasn't ready for the shift in tactics./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh my gosh! You're jealous?" She giggles at the notion./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm not a jealous person." She laughs right in my face./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Oh please. Joss filled me in about Emma." I throw my hands up./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I was a child. I didn't know any better. Esme had plenty of flirtations. It never bothered me." She shrugged as though she knew our secret./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The secret that Esme and I were codependents. Loners who didn't have family and were drawn to each other because of it. Held on to each other because of it. It was very unhealthy./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Yes, the idea of Trina dating that guy makes me feel something. I am not sure what it is yet. As I consider the possibility she leaves without a goodbye or a glance backward. She drives me completely insane, and I love every second of it. Well, almost. I hate to see her with him./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"Trina/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"The nerve of Spencer Cassadine. Asking me not to give up on him! When have I ever given up on him? Has he ever returned the favor? He's been nothing but a pain in my butt! Ugh! Why did I concoct this stupid plan? Maybe I should face Esme head on./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am the daughter of the former commissioner. I can do this./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I hope that you are having a good time." Rory shouts Oder the music. We missed the Ireland show and decided to attend the laser show instead./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I am being rude and unfair to Rory. A guy who has shown genuine interest in me and wants to take my mind off my problems. He doesn't deserve me not being fully resent during our outing./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I am having a blast! " I dance to the beat. "This is wild."/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""And very loud. Not ideal for a first date." Rory shouts,/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""This is a date?" I ask shyly. He takes my hand leading me out of the planetarium./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""If you have to ask then we need a do over." He smiles through his thick lashes. One of the things I love about Spencer is his eyes. I shake my head./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I didn't want to assume." I rub my arms nervously./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Friday night, I'll plan the date. Just bring yourself looking beautiful as always." I smile./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""You are not going to tell me of these plans " he grins./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Typical first date stuff. Like, I'll take you to dinner. Then desert followed by entertainment." I smile liking the thought that he's put into the date./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Friday night it is." I agree./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""Let's get you home in the meantime." I take his hand and we head to my house./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"*/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"I wake up with renewed purpose. I have to catch Esme in the act, and I know just how to do it. I meet with Ava at the gallery first thing this morning./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal""I need your help." I look at her hopefully./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p