Saturday Night
The banter was back. For months, the flirty thirty-somethings were replaced by solemn keepers of an ailing child. Since the ailing child was well, it was time for the cooing to commence. While Craig and Nancy flirted, Chloe sat in the back seat, fingering her blue topaz pendant, trying not to get lost in her thoughts, for getting lost would result in her finding herself thinking about him. She told herself that she wouldn't because her longing would ruin any promise for tonight. Throughout the day, Chloe's gratitude toward Nancy and her pushiness increased markedly. Without Nancy, Chloe would have remained in her black sweats, sniffing her shirt, breathing in the residual essence of him. Since that behavior can be construed as obsessive, any distraction was welcomed. She looked down at herself, acknowledging that, again, Nancy's pushiness was a lifesaver. Chloe would never admit it, but Nancy's selection of Chloe's attire was exactly what she needed. She was used to wearing pajamas and sweats, but she definitely missed the feel of satin and other finery on her skin. She also missed the preparation involved with going out. And the colors… definitely not the pale pajamas and black sweats she was used to. Her gown, a gorgeous shade of blue, shrouded by a sheer evening jacket of royal violet, made her feel rejuvenated. While she liked the colors, she wasn't sure about the style. The waistline of the gown and the jacket was cinched, emphasizing her minimized waist, but the A-line skirt, slightly plumped by a petticoat, gave her the illusion of being more curvaceous. Her calf-length skirt, concealed her legs, which she perceived as inadequate due to her weight loss and inactivity. And the necklace, a simple chain with a blue topaz pendant, was a lovely gift from Craig. All and all, Nancy's selection was perfect, just like her selection of the red dress. While wearing that dress was both a blessing and a curse, she hoped that this dress would attract better memories for her, although that possibility seemed remote, since the person she wanted to create memories with was at home, in bed.
Nancy: (looking at her) Chloe…
Chloe roused.
N: (smiling) We're here.
~*~
Maggie fluttered around the dining room, making sure the tables were set. She straightened the napkins and headed to the hostess station.
Waiter: Wow, Mrs. Horton, you're going through a lot of trouble.
Mag: Well, Marlena is my best friend. I'd do anything for her, including planning a party for Brady Black.
Wa: It sounds like you don't like him.
Mag: (sighing) Well… we've had some run-ins, but that's in the past.
Wa: (thinking) He's not allowed in the bar, right?
Mag: (smiling) Actually, no. He's twenty-one today.
Wa: You seem…
Mag: Relieved? Yes, I should say I am. He can belly up to the bar, without endangering our liquor license.
Nancy and Craig walked into Tuscany's, as Chloe lagged behind.
N: (turning around) Chloe, are you okay?
Ch: (nervous) Yeah. You two, go ahead. I just need a minute.
N: (concerned) Okay.
Craig escorted Nancy into the restaurant.
Mag: (looking up) Nancy an Craig. I glad to see you. We haven't seen you in months.
Cr: Well, you know how it is. (squeezing Nancy) Life happens.
Mag: That's true. (looking at the reservation book) A table for three? Would you prefer to wait for your guest at the bar or be seated now?
N: Actually, our party is here.
Taking a breath, Chloe cautiously joined Craig and Nancy, using them as her shield.
Mag: (looking up) Chloe? (stunned) OMG. Let me look at you.
Chloe cautiously stepped away from Craig and Nancy.
Mag: (stunned) Oh, Chloe… you are in trouble…
Chloe became tense.
Mag: You come in here, on one of the rare nights that Mickey's here, the very embodiment of two of his favorite brunettes. (taking her hand) The violet and the blue… peacock plumes… (smiling) Heddy Lamarr… Samson and Delilah. And the style of your gown… very classic… Dior… the violet eyes… (smiling) Elizabeth Taylor… A Place in the Sun. One look at you and he will be taken back to his youth, and I won't be able to get him back.
Ch: (blushing) Thank you. (relieved) I should credit my mom. She picked this out for me.
Mag: Well, it was an excellent choice.
Chloe turned redder.
Mag: (embarrassed) Sweetie, I didn't mean to embarrass you. (getting agitated) Oh, I'd better seat you before Mickey sees you.
Maggie handed some menus to a waiter and she led them to their table.
Ch: (in a hushed tone) Mom… you told her to say that.
N: (offended) No, I didn't.
Ch: (whispering) You told her about my leukemia.
N: (turning around) I swear I didn't tell her. Why would I? We aren't friends and she does have a reputation for being a gossip, an even bigger gossip than me. (touching her cheek) Maggie said you looked like Hedy Lamarr and Liz Taylor, two of the most beautiful women who ever graced this earth. She meant it. (smiling as she took Chloe's hand) Come on, let's be seated.
Ch: (quietly) I really look okay?
N: (leading her to the table) Sweetie, you look beyond okay.
Ch: (sitting down) Well, you and Craig didn't say anything…
Cr: Would you have believed us if we said you looked beautiful?
Ch: (looking down) No.
N: Okay… case closed.
Mag: (approaching the table) I have to warn you. Due to our renovations, we're having problems with our power. We haven't had any blackouts tonight, but there's always a possibility.
N: Actually, we've heard about that, but that's one inconvenience we can endure.
Mag: Thank you for understanding. (tentative) And… we have a small birthday party planned. We'll try to keep it under control.
Ch: (looking at the menu) No problem… unless it's for a little kid or something.
Mag: (making a face) No. He's far from being little. (changing the subject) Well, I'll leave you to decide what you would like. Dan will be here, shortly, to take your order.
N: Thanks, Maggie.
~*~
After the Wesleys placed their order. Craig's beeper sounded.
Cr: (reaching in his pocket) Damn! (looking at his beeper) I need to take this. (checking his other pocket) Dammit, I left my phone in the car. Nanc, can I borrow yours?
N: Sorry, hon, mine's in the car.
Ch: And mine's in the charger.
Cr: (sighing) Well, I'll just have to go to the car. (standing up) Excuse me.
Nancy and Chloe watched as he rushed out of the restaurant.
N: (under her breath) Or… you can use the pay phone. ( looking at Chloe) So… how are we going to occupy ourselves until your father comes back?
Ch: (reaching for a roll) I don't know.
N: Well, we can freshen up, unless you want to finish your roll.
Ch: (dropping the roll) Naw, I'm not that hungry.
N: (standing up) Okay. Let's go.
~*~
As Maggie took a reservation over the phone, she noticed a blonde, standing in front of her. She gestured 'just a minute' as she wrote the entry in the book. As she hung up the phone, she looked up to see a bubbly Belle Black, standing in front of her.
Mag: (beaming) Belle…
Be: (chirpy) Hi, Maggie.
Mag: (hugging her) How are you, sweetheart?
Be: (pulling away) I'm great.
Mag: Where's your mother?
Be: She's coming. Maggie, where's the party favors?
Mag: (walking to the station) They're… (reaching) right here.
Be: (grabbing a favor and blowing it) Oooo… that sounds obnoxious… (devilish) Brady's going to hate this… (smiling) but he deserves it.
Mag: (reluctantly hands them to her) Well, you know him better than I do. I'll show you to your table.
Maggie directed her to the table, just as Marlena arrived.
Mag: Marlena. (walking toward her) How are you?
Mar: (hugging her) I'm wonderful.
Mag: I'm glad to hear it. (pulling away) When I talked to you yesterday, you seemed really down.
Mar: I was, but I'm glad to say that I'm up.
Mag: (getting excited) This is great. Two of my favorite people are here and feeling good. (feigning enthusiasm) So… where's John?
Mar: He's parking the car.
Mag: And when should we expect the guest of honor?
Mar: Soon. He was showering when we left.
Mag: Wow. A lot has changed in a year. Last year, if you told me that I would be planning a party for Brady Black, I would have said you were crazy…
Mar: (putting an arm around her) And last year, I would have agreed with you. But a lot of things have changed, including him, so I want tonight to be special.
Mag: (walking her to her table) We will do our best.
~*~
Nancy was touching up her mascara as Chloe sat on the couch.
N: (from the mirror) Sweetie, why are you so glum?
Ch: (rousing from her thoughts) No reason.
N: (to herself) Yeah, right. (to Chloe) Sweetie, did you want to touch up your lipstick?
Ch: (slowly standing) I guess…
Chloe reached into her evening bag and pulled out her gloss. She applied it, pressing her lips together. A smile flashed in her eyes, remembering her early morning prep session, in anticipation of seeing him. The smile disappeared, when she remembered the pact she made with him, and the new pact, she made with herself. Sighing, she placed the gloss in her purse.
N: (watching her) Chloe, can we talk?
Ch: (detached) Sure.
Chloe sat on the couch.
N: (sitting down) Sweetie… (sighing) I don't know where to begin… you are acting strangely… (stammering) I get the impression that…
Ch: (frustrated) Nancy, just spit it out.
N: (sighing) Okay… it's about Brady.
Ch: (covering) What about him?
N: Actually, my question is what about you and him?
Ch: What are you talking about?
N: I have the feeling that… (exasperated) Let's cut the crap. Something happened between the two of you, didn't it?
Ch: (avoiding eye contact) Mom, I…
N: Don't lie to me, sweetie. You don't have to tell me everything, but please, don't lie.
Chloe remained silent.
N: (touching her hand) I love you, Chloe, with all of my heart. I don't want you to be afraid of me. I understand that the ugliness with Phillip… compromised our relationship, but please, don't shut me out, not now. (embarrassed) It's funny… you were with Phillip for over a year and we never really broached the subject of sex.
Ch: (eyes closed) And please, let's not broach it now.
N: Sweetie, we have to. I know something happened with Brady and more than likely, it will happen again. I want to make sure that you're… prepared.
Ch: (embarrassed) Mom…
N: I'm not talking about birth control. I'm sure you know all about it. Anyway, we can talk about it later. I'm talking about something more important, something fundamental.
Chloe looked at her.
N: There's so many things I wanted to say to you, but it isn't the time or place, but here's a summary, in three words: IT IS YOURS.
Ch: (confused) What?
N: Your virginity is yours.
Ch: Well, duh, Mom.
N: I'm serious, Chloe. The way I see it, virginity is a lot like a child. It was entrusted to you by God. It is your responsibility to protect it, look out for it, never compromise it.
Ch: You mean, remain a virgin.
N: No. Like a child, virginity changes and grows, but in order for it to do so, you have to protect it, meaning never commit sexual perjury. Never use it as a bargaining chip, or as a pacifier… or as a method of repaying an obligation.
Ch: (offended) That is not what's going on with me and Brady.
N: I'm glad to hear it. The bottom line is, like anything in nature, if you misuse or abuse it, it will turn against you. And I don't want that to happen to you. (watching her) I, sort of, broke your spell, didn't I?
Ch: (looking up) What are you talking about?
N: (smiling slyly) It's impossible for you to play dumb, so don't try. Tonight is about celebration and gratitude. Don't let his absence mar tonight.
Chloe smoothed down her skirt as she stood up. As she approached the mirror to make some final adjustments, something flashed in her mind.
Ch: Mom…
N: Yes, Chloe?
Ch: Did Maggie say something about… peacocks?
~*~
Tuscany was darkened, per Belle's request. She was determined to poke the bear, in other words, tick off Brady, and few things got to him as much as hokey surprises. Since the restaurant has had some electrical problems, it wouldn't seem strange to Brady that the restaurant was dark.
Mag: (to herself) I don't know how Belle talked me into this. The last thing I need tonight is an irritated Brady Black, blowing his top. I've been assured by John and Marlena that he's changed, but I haven't seen it. And couple that with the Wesleys and Chloe being here… they've caused more than a few scenes here too… although tonight, they seemed genial. I suppose they resolved their differences. They had plenty of time, since they kept such a low profile for the last few months. Come to think of it, another person I haven't seen for a while is… (looking up) Brady.
Maggie resisted the urge to touch her heart. She couldn't remember the last time she did it, until she looked at Brady. Over the years, her family and friends have had children and each of them were beautiful, but the only one, besides Melissa, who made her touch her heart was Brady Black. A lot of years have passed and he's grown a few feet, but she could never forget the adorable little boy who relished telling knock-knock jokes, even to an infant Belle. The little boy, who insisted that she join his and Marlena's Sundaes on Sunday, just so he could charm her out of her ice cream. She saw flashes of that little boy, whenever he was with Belle, but essentially, Maggie accepted that he was gone, until tonight. A look of peace softened his face, although a sparkle of mischief still lurked in his eyes. As she thought about it, she remembered another person who elicited that reaction: Isabella Toscano Black. She hadn't thought about her in years, because of the pain her loss still conjured. But before the cancer, something about her touched Maggie. She exuded calm, approaching everything, in life, with ease. Maggie never forgot the grace she exuded, even during her illness. She never expected to see anything like that again, but as she looked at Brady, she had a feeling that she might, soon.
Br: (smiling) Seems like I caught you at an inopportune time.
Mag: (nervous) Oh, no. I was just thinking… (looking at him) Wow…
Br: (looking at himself) What?
Mag: (smiling) You certainly look relaxed and devilishly handsome tonight.
Br: You seemed surprised.
Mag: I always knew you were handsome, but tonight, you seem… different. (embarrassed) Maybe it's just your shirt. I can't see it very well, but it looks like… is it peacock blue?
Br: (looking at it) I guess… Marlena got it for me.
Mag: The color suits you. (anxious) Anyway, let me show you to your table. (picking up a lantern) You know, that's the second time I've seen that color tonight. (smiling) I think you have a twin.
Brady followed Maggie into the main dining room. The tables were illuminated with simple centerpieces, adorned with floating candles. The room was surprisingly quiet, considering the number of cars in the parking lot. He grew suspicious.
Mag: (walking slowly) I apologize for the darkness. I don't know if your parents told you, but…
Br: You're renovating, and there's a chance that there will be blackouts.
As Maggie proceeded through the darkened room, Brady noticed a light bouncing off of a corridor wall. He saw a projection of a woman's silhouette against the illuminated wall. From her body language, she seemed surprised by the darkness. Uncomfortable, she cautiously walked through the hallway, toward the dining room. As the restroom door closed, her silhouette slowly faded, but at that point, Brady recognized her, specifically, he recognized her hips.
Br: (quietly) Chloe… (trying to walk around Maggie) Excuse me, Maggie.
The lights came on and the restaurant was filled with shouts of 'surprise' and 'happy birthday', causing Chloe to jump. Startled, she stood paralyzed, trying to readjust to the light. Slowly, she saw a group of people, surrounding a blond man, wearing a navy blue jacket, with his back to her. He was nearly tackled by a short blonde who leapt into his arms and blew a party favor in his ear. As he held the blonde, he seemed to be looking for someone. Chloe's heart began to beat. As Brady carefully placed Belle on the ground, he caught a glimpse of a brunette, wearing violet. Immediately, his mind flashed to Chloe, lying in her bed, wearing a violet bathrobe. He grew more anxious as each person greeted him. Within the same moment of Chloe watching the petite blonde backed away from the group, and Brady, hearing Belle's gasp, they knew they weren't going crazy.
Be: OMG, Chloe… (running to her and hugging her) I can't believe you're here. Hey, Brady. Look who's here.