Hank and Beth drove their way to Rain View's best steakhouse.
"Beth," Hank said, "I'm plan on returning to Harmony tonight, or at the very latest
tomorrow morning. Will you come with me?"
How he hoped she would say yes! He had truly missed having her around. She was the
only person he could come to when he was having problems with Theresa. Heck, God
knows he couldn't go to Luis, not when the problem was his sister! He had spoken to
Beth a lot on the phone but it wasn't the same. She needed to be there. He prayed for a
yes answer.
She stared at him, surprised at his question. She began to think what it would be like if
she DID return - how would Luis act around her? But no, she just couldn't. She had
just spent 4 years running away, why would she turn around and head back now? Why
now?
She shook her head no. "I can't Hank," she whispered, getting teary-eyed.
Instantly he felt sorry for even mentioning Harmony.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't even have asked. I wasn't being very considerate.
Come here."
She came to him and he enveloped her in a big hug.
She began to cry as images of Luis walking away from her and into Sheridan's arms
returned.
"I'm here for you," Hank whispered in her ear.
"Thanks, Hank." Beth mumbled. "I could always count on you, couldn't I?"
He nodded.
Beth isn't as strong as she used to be, he thought sadly. But then again, neither am I. I
guess love does that to you.
"We're alike you know," Hank spoke up. "You and I. We both have been unlucky in
love."
"Both with Lopez-Fitzgerald's." Beth laughed through her tears.
Hank cell phone rang just then.
Hank picked up his cell phone and said "Hello?"
"Hank!" shouted the voice.
"Noah?" Hank asked.
"Ya, it's me. Listen you have to come back to Harmony now! Kay's gone."
"Gone?" Hank asked, getting panicky, "what do you mean she's gone."
It wasn't a question.
"She left town, Hank. No one knows where she is. You have to help us find her. She
was always closest to you."
"I'm on my way."
"How far away are you?" Noah asked curiously.
"About three hours. I'll be there as soon as I can."
He hung up.
"What's the matter?" Beth asked, having overheard part of the conversation.
"It's my niece, Kay. She skipped town and I think I know why."
"Oh. You really should go then. I know how much you love your neice." Beth
answered. She had always liked Kay, who seemed to be the epitome of a strong and
confident person.
"I have to go now," Hank replied sadly. "Won't you please come with me?"
Beth thought about it. Why not, she considered. It has been a while. Besides this visit is
not permanent.
He nodded, happily.. "Let's go, Beth." he said. "I am so glad you decided to come with
me!"
"You better be!" Beth grinned at him.
He gave her a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek as they got up to leave.