Chapter 26
"Luis," Sheridan giggled. As the man in question placed tiny kisses on her neck. "That tickles," she laughed lightly. Squirming out of his grasp. He grinned at her. A devilish glint in his dark eyes. "Tickles, huh? Why Ms. Crane.what are your other ticklish spots?" he asked. Advancing on her. His hot breath on her neck as he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. She turned scarlet with his softly spoken words. And trembled when he pressed her body up against her cottage door. Engaging her lips in a teasing kiss.
"Luis?" she whispered breathlessly. Unable to stop herself. "Would you like to come in?" she squeaked as he caressed her sides. Slowly. Tantalizingly. Great Sheridan, she scolded herself. Sound desperate much? Luis grinned at the expression of complete mortification on her face. He'd never seen anything more adorable. He cupped her jaw in the palm of his hand and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss on the lips. He reached his other hand past her and started fumbling with the door knob. "Dammit," he muttered softly against her lips in frustration.
He pushed harder against the door. But still it would not give. He soon forgot all about it, though, as Sheridan tangled her hands in his hair and pulled him closer. He felt his back hit the door, and his dark eyes widened in shock. Wow, was the only thought he could manage. The lady could kiss like nobody's business. And as much as he loved it.he didn't want things to get too carried away. "Sheridan," he gasped. A finger against her lips. "You don't know what you're risking. Kissing me that way," he said seriously. "Luis, I.Luis!"
"Ouch!" he yelled. Rubbing his head in agony. "What the hell happened?" he asked. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry! Did I kill you? I didn't kill you, did I?" a frantic voice babbled. "9-1-1! That's it. I have to call 9-1-1." He rolled his eyes. The voice could only belong to one person, and Sheridan confirmed his suspicions when she giggled, "Theresa! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like Catwoman?" "Catwoman!" he exclaimed in surprise. Whipping his aching head around to take a better look. Instantly regretting it. "Luis," Theresa trembled. "Don't get the wrong idea. But I hid in your car when you drove over here for your date," she rushed. "I went inside the Mansion, Ms. Crane," she said. Pleading to a more lenient jury. "And Mr. Crane was so nice. Showing me around. He even took me to his room."
"He took you to his room!" Luis bellowed. Sheridan imagined she could see the windows rattle with the force of his disgust. And anger. She placed a calming hand on Luis's arm. But he didn't seem to notice it. Theresa plowed ahead. Undeterred. "Then I went into Ethan's room. I heard the shower running, and I sat down on the bed to wait for Ethan. I wanted to tell him how much fun I had the other day. And give him this," she said. Producing one of Kay's hideous tee-shirts. "I thought he might like to keep it as a souvenir. Ms. Crane? Are you alright?" she stopped mid-breath. When Sheridan choked. Desperately trying not to go into hysterics.
"Anyway," she continued. "I heard.I found out Ms. Hotchkiss was with Ethan," she said. Disappointment in her voice. "I got scared and hid. The next thing I knew.Ms. Hotchkiss was screaming. And Mr. Crane come running. Then Mrs. Crane burst through the door with a baseball bat and hit Mr. Crane over the head with it. It was so awful," she said. Fat tears spilling out of her big brown eyes. "And then when he woke up and called her 'Catwoman', she hit him again. Ethan was so upset. I just wanted to go up to him and hug him," she sniffled. Luis shook his head. Getting to his feet. "I was too afraid. Mrs. Crane swung that bat hard," she said with wide eyes.
Sheridan couldn't help her laughter. She was concerned about her brother. But Ivy had wanted to do something just like Theresa had described for YEARS. She finally sobered long enough to ask, "Did they go to the hospital?" "Ethan and Mr. Hotchkiss took him. But Mrs. Crane didn't go. I had to escape out Ethan's window," she said. "I've been hiding in your cottage ever since. You aren't mad, are you?" she asked hesitantly.
"No, Theresa. I'm not mad," Sheridan reassured her. "But you don't have to sneak into the Mansion. Just call first." To give everyone fair warning. "Oh! Thank you so much!" she squealed excitedly. Nearly knocking her down with her exuberant hug. Sheridan winced as Theresa's cast covered arm bumped the side of her head. "Oh my gosh! I didn't hurt you, did I?" "Theresa!" Luis exclaimed in exasperation. "What?" she asked cluelessly. A smile blossoming on her lips as she watched Luis tend to Ms. Crane. She sighed blissfully. Proof that FATE existed.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Luis whispered. Smoothing a hand over her hair. Staring into Sheridan's twinkling blue eyes. "Yes," she laughed. "But I'm not sure for how long," she smiled. Glancing at Luis's giddy teen sister. "You know what we talked about earlier tonight?" he grinned. She nodded her head in comprehension. The smile on her face stretching wider. "I'm dying here," he groaned. "Will all our dates end like this, Luis?" she teased. He chuckled in response. "God I hope not," he sighed. Resisting the incredible urge to kiss her. "I'll call you," he said. Waving in goodbye. "Theresa," he called. And she watched 'til Luis's car disappeared from sight. Leaning back against the door and closing her eyes. Coming back home was proving to be the best thing she had ever done.
Chapter 27
"Whit!" Theresa squealed. Racing down the hall. "Theresa! Watch." Theresa plowed over Charity without a second glance. Whitney groaned. "Out," she finished. "Oh Whit," Theresa bubbled. Swinging her cast covered arm around excitedly. "I have the best news! Guess what this is?" she squealed in delight. Whitney rolled her eyes. "Ethan Crane's lunch menu?" Her sarcastic question didn't even faze Theresa. "This is the list of nominees for Homecoming Queen." "So," Whitney said boredly after glancing at the list of names. "What's so great about that?" "See that space at the bottom? That's for write-ins, Whit. I am going to write myself in for Homecoming Queen! And I just know I'm going to win."
"Theresa," Whitney sighed in exasperation. "And just how do you plan on accomplishing this.this miracle?" Theresa grinned so big her face nearly split in two as she reached into her bookbag and pulled out a humongous stack of paper ballots. "Easy," she boasted. "There's 200 ballots here, Whitney." "Theresa.No! That's cheating." "Aww. Don't be such a spoilsport, Whit. I'm the most beautiful girl at this school. Not to mention the future Mrs. Ethan Crane. Who's to say I wouldn't win anyway? I'm just giving FATE a little helping hand. That's all." Then it's not fate, you crazy, silly girl, she had the insane urge to say. Instead she kept her mouth shut. And said nothing. When did Theresa ever listen anyway? Case closed.
She could swear she saw Ms. Crane physically brace herself when she saw her and Theresa walking towards her. "Hi, Ms. Crane," Theresa said breathlessly. "Here," she said. Thrusting a handful of copies of the Homecoming ballots in her hands. "Give these out to everyone and tell them to vote for me." "Um...okay," Ms. Crane said slowly with a puzzled expression on her face. Whitney glared at Kay when she twirled her finger around her head right in front of Theresa and mouthed "Nutso." Ms. Crane turned beet red when Theresa asked cluelessly, "What's that Kay?" "Neato!" Kay exclaimed in a monotone voice. "I'll be sure to vote for you.in the contest for dumbest female alive," she muttered under her breath. Only Whitney heard her. And this time.she couldn't help but laugh herself.
The bell rang, and Theresa skipped happily down the hall. Leaving Whitney standing there. With a helpless expression on her face. "There's no one else like her, is there?" Ms. Crane said. Waving at her as she pulled the door to her classroom closed. "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Gracious Almighty King!" she heard Kay shout. And a chorus of laughter echoed down the hall. She sighed and walked off toward the gymnasium. She had to discuss a few things with Daddy. On the way, she passed Miguel helping Charity to her feet. She shook her head as she noticed Charity limping down the hall. Another one bites the dust, she couldn't help thinking.
"Chad!" she jumped in surprise when she opened the door to her daddy's office and found him sitting behind his desk. "Whitney! Look.I'm sorry 'bout sitting in your pop's chair. Just 'magining how it might feel to be in his place, you know?" Whitney smiled at him. "I thought you liked music, Chad." "I do," he answered with a grin. "But if that don't work out." "I'm sorry, Chad," she laughed softly. "But I just can't see you as a high school P.E. coach." "Nah," he chuckled. "Guess I can't either. Coach Russell," he said in surprise. "Me and Whit.your daughter was just talking. 'Bout.nevermind. I'll be out here if you need me," he called over his shoulder as he walked out the door.
"Daddy," she began in a rush. "I was wondering.I want to.Daddy, I want to take some time off from tennis. Concentrate on school. It's my senior year, Daddy. And it's almost half over. I've missed everything because I've been so busy with tennis. I." "Whitney," her father said quietly. Seating himself at the edge of his desk. "I expected more from you. Tennis is your future, Sweetheart. Not a couple of dances or football games in high school. I thought you understood that. That you and I wanted the same things. Whitney.you're an excellent tennis player. You can go far. Be a success. Do all those things I wasn't able to do."
But that's you, Daddy, she wanted to say. This is me. I want to be.I want to be normal. Have fun. Throw caution to the wind. Like Theresa. Whoa!!! Wait a minute!!! Not THAT far. I just want to enjoy my last year of high school. "Daddy.I." "Coach Russell! Yo! Somebody's here to see you," Chad yelled. Her father walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "We'll talk about this later. Okay, Sweetheart?" "Okay, Daddy," she whispered with a tiny smile. She sighed in resignation. She couldn't let her daddy down. And she wasn't going to, she decided. She was going to give it her all. For him.
Chapter 28
Luis barely had time to knock on the door before Sheridan threw it open and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He kissed her back fervently. Slamming the cottage door shut and pushing her toward the sofa. "Wow," he gasped breathlessly. "What was that for?" "Shut up and kiss me, Luis," Sheridan panted. And Luis happily obliged. But then he remembered the flowers. "Sheridan," he mumbled against her lips. "Sheridan." "Argh! What now?" she groaned. "Luis," she whined. "You've been out of town on a case for weeks. And I've missed.oh, Luis," she said with a brilliant smile. "They're so beautiful. Mmm. Sweet and sexy," she purred. Tracing his lips with a brightly colored nail. "Beautiful," he laughed. "Maybe before they were crushed. There's something different about you," he teased. "Sheridan? Are you sure Suzie's spirit didn't take over your body?"
Sheridan blushed scarlet and laughed softly. Luis grinned and lifted her chin with a finger to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "Aha! She's still in there," he said. Laughing when she punched him playfully. "Tsk, tsk, Ms. Crane. I thought you were more grown up than that," he teased. Grabbing her in his arms and pulling her close. "Oh.I'm all grown up, Officer," she whispered. Settling on his lap and placing her hands on his shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkling with happiness. "Yes, you are," Luis answered. Cupping her cheek in the palm of his hand. He felt a strange sensation in his heart when she looked at him. With those incredible blue eyes. And kissed his palm sweetly before laying her golden head against his shoulder with a sigh. I've missed you, too, he thought as he stroked her back through the thin cotton of her top.
"Luis," she giggled. Sometime later. "We've been sitting here like this for nearly half an hour. And as much as I'm enjoying it." "Okay," he laughed. Releasing her and watching her contentedly as she strolled out of the living room and into the kitchen. If he didn't know better, he'd think he was.no. It was too soon. The woman was amazing. But they still had so much to learn about each other. Luis. Do you hear yourself, Buddy, he could almost hear Hank say. You're making plans for the future, my friend. Whether you admit it or not. And you see Sheridan Crane in it. He did, he realized. Smiling at her as she came back into the living room carrying an assortment of cartons. "I know you said you didn't care much for Chinese food," she said. Biting her lip nervously. "But.you've never had it Sheridan style," she laughed. Setting everything down on the coffee table before them and picking up some chopsticks. "Hmm. Sheridan style," he grinned. "I HAVE to try this."
"I have a new appreciation for Chinese cuisine," he teased. As she sat down beside him on the sofa after dinner. "So.what's next on the agenda for this already memorable date?" "A movie?" she asked hesitantly. "If that's too boring, we can go out. Do something else more exciting," she babbled. "Sheridan," he said. Hushing her. "A movie sounds great. Just not one of those sappy romances." "I hate to break it to you, Luis. But those 'sappy romances' are all I own," she revealed with a poker face. "Well.Ms. Crane," he said in mock disappointment. "I guess this is where we part ways." "Luis," she smiled. "I'm kidding. I have all kinds of movies. Take your pick," she said. Showing him a variety of choices. He finally made a decision. A compromise. But for the life of him, he couldn't remember the name of the movie. Or the actors in it. Because he was too conscious of her warmth beside him. And when she curled up against him and fell asleep halfway through the movie, he stopped watching the film and started watching her.
"Lady," he whiepered softly. Brushing her blond hair back from her face. "What are you doing to me?" he asked. Kissing her forehead and sighing as she snuggled deeper into his arms. He could hold her like this forever, he realized. And never get tired. His own lids drooped with fatigue as the closing credits scrolled across the black screen, and he switched the television and DVD player off. Plunging them into darkness. Except for the moonlight. "No," she mumbled. When he tried to disengage himself. And leave her. "Luis," she sighed in her sleep as he lifted her easily in his arms and carried her to her room. He pushed the covers back and lay her down gently. Caressing her cheek one last time and turning to go. Until he heard her soft whisper. So quiet he was afraid he had imagined it.
"Luis," she repeated. Her blue eyes shining in the darkness. "Stay with me. Please," she said sleepily. Looking like a little girl in her sleep rumpled clothing. At that moment, he realized he was a goner. She had him hook, line, and sinker. There was nothing he could do but comply with her wishes. And hold her 'til the morning sun rose.
Chapter 29
Pilar hummed softly under her breath as she walked the short distance from the Mansion to Sheridan's cottage. A curious expression on her face as she spotted Luis's jeep in the driveway. Early visiting hours, she thought. Maybe he was just stopping by before he had to go into work this morning, she rationalized. Continuing on her merry way. She stopped when she heard Mrs. Crane's almost frantic call. "Pilar! Pilar! I just have to talk to somebody. Oh Pilar," she gushed. "It's so awful."
Pilar listened with half an ear as she turned the knob to the cottage door and pushed it open gently. That's odd, she thought. Where ARE they? Maybe they were just enjoying a nice breakfast outside. She sighed wearily as Ivy continued to babble beside her. When was she going to learn? Sometimes she felt more like Ivy's Mammy than her housekeeper.
"Yes, Mrs. Crane," she said politely when Ivy questioned if she was listening. "Julian is having a fit, Pilar. Threatening to disown Ethan. Throw him out of the Mansion. Swears up and down he won't put up with Ethan's double life." "Double life?" she asked. Her brows knitting in confusion. "A dress!" Ivy exclaimed. "A hooker's dress and red high heels ten sizes too small for him, Pilar. Oh god," Ivy moaned. Raising a hand to her forehead. Like she was going to faint. "My son is a cross-dresser. You don't think Ethan's gay, do you Pilar?"
"Mrs. Crane," Pilar said calmly. "I'm sure you're overreacting." Although.Ethan had always had feminine tendencies as a child. No, she thought with a shake of her head. That was a product of too much coddling on Ivy's part. Ethan was NOT gay. "And Sam is such a manly man," Ivy sighed. Following her as she carried fresh towels to Sheridan's bathroom. "Oh my god!" Ivy exclaimed. "Way to go Sheridan!" Pilar took one look at her son and Sheridan tangled in each other's embrace and went ballistic. "DIOS MIOS! HAVE ALL MY CHILDREN FORSAKEN THEIR MOTHER?!?!
Luis shot straight up in the bed. Grabbing his gun from the nightstand and fumbling with the safety. And in the process.knocking Sheridan to the floor. Ivy winced at the thud she made. "Who's there?" he yelled. Squinting against the bright morning sunshine. "Oh," Sheridan moaned. "Dammit," she grumbled. "This bed's so hard," she said. Rubbing the remainder of sleep from her blue eyes. "Ivy?" she asked. A hilarious, perplexed look on her face. "What's wrong with Pilar?" she asked. Climbing to her feet with great difficulty and rubbing her sore muscles. "I think I know," Luis said. Startling her. "Oh god!" Sheridan shrieked. "She thinks.she saw.oh god," she screamed. Covering her beet red face with her hands. "This is almost as bad as getting caught making out with Matt whatshisface in the confessional booth by Sister Mary Agnes. It's worse!" she groaned in mortification.
Luis smirked at her. Then burst into raucous laughter. "What's worse than that?" "Worse!" Pilar yelled at the top of her lungs. "I'll tell you what's worse!" Luis-and Sheridan-cringed as she proceeded to give them BOTH a tongue-lashing in a few carefully chosen Spanish phrases. Ivy stood there. Slack jawed. New appreciation for her demure, almost saintly maid.er, friend. "Brava! Brava!" she clapped. A Cheshire grin on her face as Pilar finished her piece and whirled out of the room. She followed. But not before sticking her blond head back in the door and giving them a few words of her own. "By the way.congratulations, Sheridan. You are one LUCKY woman," she swooned. "Tata." Sheridan threw herself face first into her pillows and released a string of very unladylike words. While Luis lay back. His hands behind his head. A wide grin stretching across his face. "Wow! You are so bad, Ms. Crane," he teased mercilessly. This was one incident he was NEVER going to forget.
Chapter 30
"Whitney!" Theresa squealed. "I'm so glad to finally get this thing off," she gushed cheerfully. You're not the only one, Whitney thought. Ducking. Theresa was dangerous enough as it was. But that cast.the casualty list grew everyday. It was a mishap waiting to happen. "And it's perfect timing, too. I can't wait 'til they announce that I'm Homecoming Queen." Whitney sighed loudly. Picking up a magazine to thumb through while they waited for Theresa's name to be called.
"Theresa. You are hopeless. HOPELESS, you hear? Who said you were going to win? You're not even on the nominees list" Theresa's dark brown eyes glazed over. Whitney groaned. Sure fire way to tell the girl was in Fantasy Land again. What was she saying? Theresa LIVED in Fantasy Land. "No.I'm not," she giggled. "But I AM going to win. Just you wait and see." You WILL see Whit. Scrawling Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald 289 times wasn't easy when you only had one hand. But she'd do it again in a heartbeat. After all.she was just giving FATE a helping hand.
"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald," the nurse called. And Theresa sprang to her feet. Bouncing over to her. "That's me," she bubbled. The nurse eyed her warily over the rim of her precariously perched glasses. "Okay, dear," she said in a rather condescending tone of voice. Then turned to Whitney and barraged her with questions. "How often does she have these manic episodes? Is she taking any medication? Has she.?" "Whoa! Wait a minute!" Whitney said. Barely keeping the laughter out of her voice. "She's here to get her cast off," she told the older woman. The woman's green eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Really," Whitney said in exasperation. Finally the woman took her word for it. But it took a lot of convincing. "Prozac," ehe muttered as she walked away. Thank goodness her mother showed up.
"Alright, Theresa," her mom said pleasantly. "I'll get you set up, and Dr. Alba will be in shortly." "Thank you, Dr. Russell," Theresa beamed. Jumping off the exam table as soon as Eve was out of sight. "Do you think Ethan will come?" "Ugh!" Whitney exclaimed. Covering her ears. If she had to listen to another word she'd scream. Theresa rolled her dark eyes at her. Trying to pry her hands off her ears. Was the girl for real, she wondered as she watched Theresa animatedly detail her latest plan to snag Ethan Crane. Good thing she couldn't read lips to save her life. The less she knew the better. But wait a minute.what was that strange, high-pitched beeping noise?
"Theresa!" she hissed. Glancing down and noticing the tube Theresa was standing on. That kind of looked like."CODE BLUE! CODE BLUE!" she heard someone yell. Theresa truly was hazardous to the health of Harmony's good citizens, she realized as she peeked around the curtain separating them from the next cubicle and witnessed the flurry of activity. "Ouch!" Theresa whined. Rubbing her elbow where it had hit the corner of the exam table when Whitney shoved her. "What was that for?" Whitney ignored her. How long was it before being Theresa's best friend cost her her life?
"Hello, Miss Lopez-Fitzgerald," Dr. Alba greeted in a monotone voice. "Lot of excitement going on next door, huh?" he asked with bland smile. "Time to rid you of this contraption," he said. Inspecting Theresa's cast. "Looks like you have yourself a fine collection of signatures here, young lady. Hmm. That's interesting. There's only ONE name on here. Ethan Crane. Who is he?" he asked curiously. Theresa raised a hand to her heart. Gasping in horror. "You don't know who Ethan Crane is?" she trembled. "Oh," she said. Shaking her head sadly. "He's only the greatest man that ever lived."
Dr. Alba arched a white brow at her and continued his handy work. "There you go," he said in a pleased voice. "All done. Good as new." Theresa was still in shock, though. The thought that someone, ANYONE, would not know the one and only Ethan Crane was almost too much for her. Whitney had never seen her so pale. But that was before.before Dr. Alba's next words. "Everything seems to be in order. A little pale," he smiled. "But that's to be expected. You've worn that cast for weeks. And you'll need to work a little.regain your strength. You'll be fine," he said kindly. Patting her on the arm. Obviously he had never met anyone like Theresa, Whitney thought. "Oh my god!" Theresa shrieked. Catching sight of her pale, scrawny arm. "Or not," Dr. Alba recanted. As Theresa's eyes rolled back in her head. And she passed out cold.
"Luis," Sheridan giggled. As the man in question placed tiny kisses on her neck. "That tickles," she laughed lightly. Squirming out of his grasp. He grinned at her. A devilish glint in his dark eyes. "Tickles, huh? Why Ms. Crane.what are your other ticklish spots?" he asked. Advancing on her. His hot breath on her neck as he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. She turned scarlet with his softly spoken words. And trembled when he pressed her body up against her cottage door. Engaging her lips in a teasing kiss.
"Luis?" she whispered breathlessly. Unable to stop herself. "Would you like to come in?" she squeaked as he caressed her sides. Slowly. Tantalizingly. Great Sheridan, she scolded herself. Sound desperate much? Luis grinned at the expression of complete mortification on her face. He'd never seen anything more adorable. He cupped her jaw in the palm of his hand and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss on the lips. He reached his other hand past her and started fumbling with the door knob. "Dammit," he muttered softly against her lips in frustration.
He pushed harder against the door. But still it would not give. He soon forgot all about it, though, as Sheridan tangled her hands in his hair and pulled him closer. He felt his back hit the door, and his dark eyes widened in shock. Wow, was the only thought he could manage. The lady could kiss like nobody's business. And as much as he loved it.he didn't want things to get too carried away. "Sheridan," he gasped. A finger against her lips. "You don't know what you're risking. Kissing me that way," he said seriously. "Luis, I.Luis!"
"Ouch!" he yelled. Rubbing his head in agony. "What the hell happened?" he asked. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry! Did I kill you? I didn't kill you, did I?" a frantic voice babbled. "9-1-1! That's it. I have to call 9-1-1." He rolled his eyes. The voice could only belong to one person, and Sheridan confirmed his suspicions when she giggled, "Theresa! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like Catwoman?" "Catwoman!" he exclaimed in surprise. Whipping his aching head around to take a better look. Instantly regretting it. "Luis," Theresa trembled. "Don't get the wrong idea. But I hid in your car when you drove over here for your date," she rushed. "I went inside the Mansion, Ms. Crane," she said. Pleading to a more lenient jury. "And Mr. Crane was so nice. Showing me around. He even took me to his room."
"He took you to his room!" Luis bellowed. Sheridan imagined she could see the windows rattle with the force of his disgust. And anger. She placed a calming hand on Luis's arm. But he didn't seem to notice it. Theresa plowed ahead. Undeterred. "Then I went into Ethan's room. I heard the shower running, and I sat down on the bed to wait for Ethan. I wanted to tell him how much fun I had the other day. And give him this," she said. Producing one of Kay's hideous tee-shirts. "I thought he might like to keep it as a souvenir. Ms. Crane? Are you alright?" she stopped mid-breath. When Sheridan choked. Desperately trying not to go into hysterics.
"Anyway," she continued. "I heard.I found out Ms. Hotchkiss was with Ethan," she said. Disappointment in her voice. "I got scared and hid. The next thing I knew.Ms. Hotchkiss was screaming. And Mr. Crane come running. Then Mrs. Crane burst through the door with a baseball bat and hit Mr. Crane over the head with it. It was so awful," she said. Fat tears spilling out of her big brown eyes. "And then when he woke up and called her 'Catwoman', she hit him again. Ethan was so upset. I just wanted to go up to him and hug him," she sniffled. Luis shook his head. Getting to his feet. "I was too afraid. Mrs. Crane swung that bat hard," she said with wide eyes.
Sheridan couldn't help her laughter. She was concerned about her brother. But Ivy had wanted to do something just like Theresa had described for YEARS. She finally sobered long enough to ask, "Did they go to the hospital?" "Ethan and Mr. Hotchkiss took him. But Mrs. Crane didn't go. I had to escape out Ethan's window," she said. "I've been hiding in your cottage ever since. You aren't mad, are you?" she asked hesitantly.
"No, Theresa. I'm not mad," Sheridan reassured her. "But you don't have to sneak into the Mansion. Just call first." To give everyone fair warning. "Oh! Thank you so much!" she squealed excitedly. Nearly knocking her down with her exuberant hug. Sheridan winced as Theresa's cast covered arm bumped the side of her head. "Oh my gosh! I didn't hurt you, did I?" "Theresa!" Luis exclaimed in exasperation. "What?" she asked cluelessly. A smile blossoming on her lips as she watched Luis tend to Ms. Crane. She sighed blissfully. Proof that FATE existed.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Luis whispered. Smoothing a hand over her hair. Staring into Sheridan's twinkling blue eyes. "Yes," she laughed. "But I'm not sure for how long," she smiled. Glancing at Luis's giddy teen sister. "You know what we talked about earlier tonight?" he grinned. She nodded her head in comprehension. The smile on her face stretching wider. "I'm dying here," he groaned. "Will all our dates end like this, Luis?" she teased. He chuckled in response. "God I hope not," he sighed. Resisting the incredible urge to kiss her. "I'll call you," he said. Waving in goodbye. "Theresa," he called. And she watched 'til Luis's car disappeared from sight. Leaning back against the door and closing her eyes. Coming back home was proving to be the best thing she had ever done.
Chapter 27
"Whit!" Theresa squealed. Racing down the hall. "Theresa! Watch." Theresa plowed over Charity without a second glance. Whitney groaned. "Out," she finished. "Oh Whit," Theresa bubbled. Swinging her cast covered arm around excitedly. "I have the best news! Guess what this is?" she squealed in delight. Whitney rolled her eyes. "Ethan Crane's lunch menu?" Her sarcastic question didn't even faze Theresa. "This is the list of nominees for Homecoming Queen." "So," Whitney said boredly after glancing at the list of names. "What's so great about that?" "See that space at the bottom? That's for write-ins, Whit. I am going to write myself in for Homecoming Queen! And I just know I'm going to win."
"Theresa," Whitney sighed in exasperation. "And just how do you plan on accomplishing this.this miracle?" Theresa grinned so big her face nearly split in two as she reached into her bookbag and pulled out a humongous stack of paper ballots. "Easy," she boasted. "There's 200 ballots here, Whitney." "Theresa.No! That's cheating." "Aww. Don't be such a spoilsport, Whit. I'm the most beautiful girl at this school. Not to mention the future Mrs. Ethan Crane. Who's to say I wouldn't win anyway? I'm just giving FATE a little helping hand. That's all." Then it's not fate, you crazy, silly girl, she had the insane urge to say. Instead she kept her mouth shut. And said nothing. When did Theresa ever listen anyway? Case closed.
She could swear she saw Ms. Crane physically brace herself when she saw her and Theresa walking towards her. "Hi, Ms. Crane," Theresa said breathlessly. "Here," she said. Thrusting a handful of copies of the Homecoming ballots in her hands. "Give these out to everyone and tell them to vote for me." "Um...okay," Ms. Crane said slowly with a puzzled expression on her face. Whitney glared at Kay when she twirled her finger around her head right in front of Theresa and mouthed "Nutso." Ms. Crane turned beet red when Theresa asked cluelessly, "What's that Kay?" "Neato!" Kay exclaimed in a monotone voice. "I'll be sure to vote for you.in the contest for dumbest female alive," she muttered under her breath. Only Whitney heard her. And this time.she couldn't help but laugh herself.
The bell rang, and Theresa skipped happily down the hall. Leaving Whitney standing there. With a helpless expression on her face. "There's no one else like her, is there?" Ms. Crane said. Waving at her as she pulled the door to her classroom closed. "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Gracious Almighty King!" she heard Kay shout. And a chorus of laughter echoed down the hall. She sighed and walked off toward the gymnasium. She had to discuss a few things with Daddy. On the way, she passed Miguel helping Charity to her feet. She shook her head as she noticed Charity limping down the hall. Another one bites the dust, she couldn't help thinking.
"Chad!" she jumped in surprise when she opened the door to her daddy's office and found him sitting behind his desk. "Whitney! Look.I'm sorry 'bout sitting in your pop's chair. Just 'magining how it might feel to be in his place, you know?" Whitney smiled at him. "I thought you liked music, Chad." "I do," he answered with a grin. "But if that don't work out." "I'm sorry, Chad," she laughed softly. "But I just can't see you as a high school P.E. coach." "Nah," he chuckled. "Guess I can't either. Coach Russell," he said in surprise. "Me and Whit.your daughter was just talking. 'Bout.nevermind. I'll be out here if you need me," he called over his shoulder as he walked out the door.
"Daddy," she began in a rush. "I was wondering.I want to.Daddy, I want to take some time off from tennis. Concentrate on school. It's my senior year, Daddy. And it's almost half over. I've missed everything because I've been so busy with tennis. I." "Whitney," her father said quietly. Seating himself at the edge of his desk. "I expected more from you. Tennis is your future, Sweetheart. Not a couple of dances or football games in high school. I thought you understood that. That you and I wanted the same things. Whitney.you're an excellent tennis player. You can go far. Be a success. Do all those things I wasn't able to do."
But that's you, Daddy, she wanted to say. This is me. I want to be.I want to be normal. Have fun. Throw caution to the wind. Like Theresa. Whoa!!! Wait a minute!!! Not THAT far. I just want to enjoy my last year of high school. "Daddy.I." "Coach Russell! Yo! Somebody's here to see you," Chad yelled. Her father walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "We'll talk about this later. Okay, Sweetheart?" "Okay, Daddy," she whispered with a tiny smile. She sighed in resignation. She couldn't let her daddy down. And she wasn't going to, she decided. She was going to give it her all. For him.
Chapter 28
Luis barely had time to knock on the door before Sheridan threw it open and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He kissed her back fervently. Slamming the cottage door shut and pushing her toward the sofa. "Wow," he gasped breathlessly. "What was that for?" "Shut up and kiss me, Luis," Sheridan panted. And Luis happily obliged. But then he remembered the flowers. "Sheridan," he mumbled against her lips. "Sheridan." "Argh! What now?" she groaned. "Luis," she whined. "You've been out of town on a case for weeks. And I've missed.oh, Luis," she said with a brilliant smile. "They're so beautiful. Mmm. Sweet and sexy," she purred. Tracing his lips with a brightly colored nail. "Beautiful," he laughed. "Maybe before they were crushed. There's something different about you," he teased. "Sheridan? Are you sure Suzie's spirit didn't take over your body?"
Sheridan blushed scarlet and laughed softly. Luis grinned and lifted her chin with a finger to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "Aha! She's still in there," he said. Laughing when she punched him playfully. "Tsk, tsk, Ms. Crane. I thought you were more grown up than that," he teased. Grabbing her in his arms and pulling her close. "Oh.I'm all grown up, Officer," she whispered. Settling on his lap and placing her hands on his shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkling with happiness. "Yes, you are," Luis answered. Cupping her cheek in the palm of his hand. He felt a strange sensation in his heart when she looked at him. With those incredible blue eyes. And kissed his palm sweetly before laying her golden head against his shoulder with a sigh. I've missed you, too, he thought as he stroked her back through the thin cotton of her top.
"Luis," she giggled. Sometime later. "We've been sitting here like this for nearly half an hour. And as much as I'm enjoying it." "Okay," he laughed. Releasing her and watching her contentedly as she strolled out of the living room and into the kitchen. If he didn't know better, he'd think he was.no. It was too soon. The woman was amazing. But they still had so much to learn about each other. Luis. Do you hear yourself, Buddy, he could almost hear Hank say. You're making plans for the future, my friend. Whether you admit it or not. And you see Sheridan Crane in it. He did, he realized. Smiling at her as she came back into the living room carrying an assortment of cartons. "I know you said you didn't care much for Chinese food," she said. Biting her lip nervously. "But.you've never had it Sheridan style," she laughed. Setting everything down on the coffee table before them and picking up some chopsticks. "Hmm. Sheridan style," he grinned. "I HAVE to try this."
"I have a new appreciation for Chinese cuisine," he teased. As she sat down beside him on the sofa after dinner. "So.what's next on the agenda for this already memorable date?" "A movie?" she asked hesitantly. "If that's too boring, we can go out. Do something else more exciting," she babbled. "Sheridan," he said. Hushing her. "A movie sounds great. Just not one of those sappy romances." "I hate to break it to you, Luis. But those 'sappy romances' are all I own," she revealed with a poker face. "Well.Ms. Crane," he said in mock disappointment. "I guess this is where we part ways." "Luis," she smiled. "I'm kidding. I have all kinds of movies. Take your pick," she said. Showing him a variety of choices. He finally made a decision. A compromise. But for the life of him, he couldn't remember the name of the movie. Or the actors in it. Because he was too conscious of her warmth beside him. And when she curled up against him and fell asleep halfway through the movie, he stopped watching the film and started watching her.
"Lady," he whiepered softly. Brushing her blond hair back from her face. "What are you doing to me?" he asked. Kissing her forehead and sighing as she snuggled deeper into his arms. He could hold her like this forever, he realized. And never get tired. His own lids drooped with fatigue as the closing credits scrolled across the black screen, and he switched the television and DVD player off. Plunging them into darkness. Except for the moonlight. "No," she mumbled. When he tried to disengage himself. And leave her. "Luis," she sighed in her sleep as he lifted her easily in his arms and carried her to her room. He pushed the covers back and lay her down gently. Caressing her cheek one last time and turning to go. Until he heard her soft whisper. So quiet he was afraid he had imagined it.
"Luis," she repeated. Her blue eyes shining in the darkness. "Stay with me. Please," she said sleepily. Looking like a little girl in her sleep rumpled clothing. At that moment, he realized he was a goner. She had him hook, line, and sinker. There was nothing he could do but comply with her wishes. And hold her 'til the morning sun rose.
Chapter 29
Pilar hummed softly under her breath as she walked the short distance from the Mansion to Sheridan's cottage. A curious expression on her face as she spotted Luis's jeep in the driveway. Early visiting hours, she thought. Maybe he was just stopping by before he had to go into work this morning, she rationalized. Continuing on her merry way. She stopped when she heard Mrs. Crane's almost frantic call. "Pilar! Pilar! I just have to talk to somebody. Oh Pilar," she gushed. "It's so awful."
Pilar listened with half an ear as she turned the knob to the cottage door and pushed it open gently. That's odd, she thought. Where ARE they? Maybe they were just enjoying a nice breakfast outside. She sighed wearily as Ivy continued to babble beside her. When was she going to learn? Sometimes she felt more like Ivy's Mammy than her housekeeper.
"Yes, Mrs. Crane," she said politely when Ivy questioned if she was listening. "Julian is having a fit, Pilar. Threatening to disown Ethan. Throw him out of the Mansion. Swears up and down he won't put up with Ethan's double life." "Double life?" she asked. Her brows knitting in confusion. "A dress!" Ivy exclaimed. "A hooker's dress and red high heels ten sizes too small for him, Pilar. Oh god," Ivy moaned. Raising a hand to her forehead. Like she was going to faint. "My son is a cross-dresser. You don't think Ethan's gay, do you Pilar?"
"Mrs. Crane," Pilar said calmly. "I'm sure you're overreacting." Although.Ethan had always had feminine tendencies as a child. No, she thought with a shake of her head. That was a product of too much coddling on Ivy's part. Ethan was NOT gay. "And Sam is such a manly man," Ivy sighed. Following her as she carried fresh towels to Sheridan's bathroom. "Oh my god!" Ivy exclaimed. "Way to go Sheridan!" Pilar took one look at her son and Sheridan tangled in each other's embrace and went ballistic. "DIOS MIOS! HAVE ALL MY CHILDREN FORSAKEN THEIR MOTHER?!?!
Luis shot straight up in the bed. Grabbing his gun from the nightstand and fumbling with the safety. And in the process.knocking Sheridan to the floor. Ivy winced at the thud she made. "Who's there?" he yelled. Squinting against the bright morning sunshine. "Oh," Sheridan moaned. "Dammit," she grumbled. "This bed's so hard," she said. Rubbing the remainder of sleep from her blue eyes. "Ivy?" she asked. A hilarious, perplexed look on her face. "What's wrong with Pilar?" she asked. Climbing to her feet with great difficulty and rubbing her sore muscles. "I think I know," Luis said. Startling her. "Oh god!" Sheridan shrieked. "She thinks.she saw.oh god," she screamed. Covering her beet red face with her hands. "This is almost as bad as getting caught making out with Matt whatshisface in the confessional booth by Sister Mary Agnes. It's worse!" she groaned in mortification.
Luis smirked at her. Then burst into raucous laughter. "What's worse than that?" "Worse!" Pilar yelled at the top of her lungs. "I'll tell you what's worse!" Luis-and Sheridan-cringed as she proceeded to give them BOTH a tongue-lashing in a few carefully chosen Spanish phrases. Ivy stood there. Slack jawed. New appreciation for her demure, almost saintly maid.er, friend. "Brava! Brava!" she clapped. A Cheshire grin on her face as Pilar finished her piece and whirled out of the room. She followed. But not before sticking her blond head back in the door and giving them a few words of her own. "By the way.congratulations, Sheridan. You are one LUCKY woman," she swooned. "Tata." Sheridan threw herself face first into her pillows and released a string of very unladylike words. While Luis lay back. His hands behind his head. A wide grin stretching across his face. "Wow! You are so bad, Ms. Crane," he teased mercilessly. This was one incident he was NEVER going to forget.
Chapter 30
"Whitney!" Theresa squealed. "I'm so glad to finally get this thing off," she gushed cheerfully. You're not the only one, Whitney thought. Ducking. Theresa was dangerous enough as it was. But that cast.the casualty list grew everyday. It was a mishap waiting to happen. "And it's perfect timing, too. I can't wait 'til they announce that I'm Homecoming Queen." Whitney sighed loudly. Picking up a magazine to thumb through while they waited for Theresa's name to be called.
"Theresa. You are hopeless. HOPELESS, you hear? Who said you were going to win? You're not even on the nominees list" Theresa's dark brown eyes glazed over. Whitney groaned. Sure fire way to tell the girl was in Fantasy Land again. What was she saying? Theresa LIVED in Fantasy Land. "No.I'm not," she giggled. "But I AM going to win. Just you wait and see." You WILL see Whit. Scrawling Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald 289 times wasn't easy when you only had one hand. But she'd do it again in a heartbeat. After all.she was just giving FATE a helping hand.
"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald," the nurse called. And Theresa sprang to her feet. Bouncing over to her. "That's me," she bubbled. The nurse eyed her warily over the rim of her precariously perched glasses. "Okay, dear," she said in a rather condescending tone of voice. Then turned to Whitney and barraged her with questions. "How often does she have these manic episodes? Is she taking any medication? Has she.?" "Whoa! Wait a minute!" Whitney said. Barely keeping the laughter out of her voice. "She's here to get her cast off," she told the older woman. The woman's green eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Really," Whitney said in exasperation. Finally the woman took her word for it. But it took a lot of convincing. "Prozac," ehe muttered as she walked away. Thank goodness her mother showed up.
"Alright, Theresa," her mom said pleasantly. "I'll get you set up, and Dr. Alba will be in shortly." "Thank you, Dr. Russell," Theresa beamed. Jumping off the exam table as soon as Eve was out of sight. "Do you think Ethan will come?" "Ugh!" Whitney exclaimed. Covering her ears. If she had to listen to another word she'd scream. Theresa rolled her dark eyes at her. Trying to pry her hands off her ears. Was the girl for real, she wondered as she watched Theresa animatedly detail her latest plan to snag Ethan Crane. Good thing she couldn't read lips to save her life. The less she knew the better. But wait a minute.what was that strange, high-pitched beeping noise?
"Theresa!" she hissed. Glancing down and noticing the tube Theresa was standing on. That kind of looked like."CODE BLUE! CODE BLUE!" she heard someone yell. Theresa truly was hazardous to the health of Harmony's good citizens, she realized as she peeked around the curtain separating them from the next cubicle and witnessed the flurry of activity. "Ouch!" Theresa whined. Rubbing her elbow where it had hit the corner of the exam table when Whitney shoved her. "What was that for?" Whitney ignored her. How long was it before being Theresa's best friend cost her her life?
"Hello, Miss Lopez-Fitzgerald," Dr. Alba greeted in a monotone voice. "Lot of excitement going on next door, huh?" he asked with bland smile. "Time to rid you of this contraption," he said. Inspecting Theresa's cast. "Looks like you have yourself a fine collection of signatures here, young lady. Hmm. That's interesting. There's only ONE name on here. Ethan Crane. Who is he?" he asked curiously. Theresa raised a hand to her heart. Gasping in horror. "You don't know who Ethan Crane is?" she trembled. "Oh," she said. Shaking her head sadly. "He's only the greatest man that ever lived."
Dr. Alba arched a white brow at her and continued his handy work. "There you go," he said in a pleased voice. "All done. Good as new." Theresa was still in shock, though. The thought that someone, ANYONE, would not know the one and only Ethan Crane was almost too much for her. Whitney had never seen her so pale. But that was before.before Dr. Alba's next words. "Everything seems to be in order. A little pale," he smiled. "But that's to be expected. You've worn that cast for weeks. And you'll need to work a little.regain your strength. You'll be fine," he said kindly. Patting her on the arm. Obviously he had never met anyone like Theresa, Whitney thought. "Oh my god!" Theresa shrieked. Catching sight of her pale, scrawny arm. "Or not," Dr. Alba recanted. As Theresa's eyes rolled back in her head. And she passed out cold.
