The Flytrap
Belle led Brady and Chloe back to the dining room, where the families were milling around between their tables.
Be: (smiling) Hey, everyone. Look what I found.
J: (approaching them) Good job, Peanut. We can't have a birthday party without the birthday boy… I mean, the birthday man.
Be: (rolling her eyes) 'The birthday man'? Geez, Dad, that was pretty cheesy.
J: (kissing her) Yes, it was, but there are other pressing issues to discuss, like, have Brady and Chloe made up?
Be: That's a good question, Dad. (looking at them) So, have you?
Brady and Chloe exchanged looks.
Br: (smiling at Chloe) Sure we have. But who knows how long it will last.
Ch: That's true. We may need to have several more 'conferences' before the night is over.
Br: Well, I'm up for anything that will maintain peace.
Nancy gave Chloe a knowing look, making her uncomfortable.
Mar: Well, I'm glad to hear it. Craig, Nancy, Chloe, you all are more than welcome to join us for dinner. We have plenty of room.
Br: (approaching the table) Yeah, but please don't seat the diva next to me. She'll snatch food from my plate.
Ch: (eyes widening) Excuse me?
Br: (hiding his smile) Well, you do have an 'appetite'… hell, I'll just say it… you're greedy.
Mar: (mortified) Brady, don't be rude.
Ch: (hiding her smile) He's not being rude. (sitting at her table) I suppose to some people, like Brady, I may seem greedy. But that's because he's stingy.
Br: (eyes flashing) Me, stingy?
Ch: (placing the napkin on her lap) Yes, you, stingy. (looking over her shoulder) Over the last few months, I've seen your generous, giving side, but there are 'areas' you need to work on.
Br: Like what?
Ch: (eyeing him) Well…that, we can discuss at another time. It's your birthday, after all. It's a time of celebration… not character assassination.
Be: Burn!
Br: (smiling) I assume that you won't join us, then?
Ch: Good observation, since I am seated at my family's table.
Br: Well, suit yourself, but don't cry to me if you don't get any cake.
Ch: (slowly standing up and turning around) Don't worry about me, Brady. I will get my 'cake', even if I have to take it.
Br: (slyly) I'd like to see you try.
Ch: (smiling devilishly) You will, before the night is over…
J: Okay, you two, enough trash talk. For a minute, I thought I was watching Smackdown.
Ch: (embarrassed) I'm sorry, Mr. Black.
Chloe took her seat. When she turned around, she saw a very skeptical Nancy, staring at her.
Ch: (uncomfortable) What?
N: Oh, nothing, sweetie. It's just that… I never seen you make such a ta-do about 'cake' before.
Ch: (covering) I like cake…
N: Don't we all? (sarcastically) But, sweetheart, don't worry. If you don't get any of Brady's 'cake', you'll just have to make due with what you have. You've been this long, without it, so what's one more night to you?
Ch: (glaring) I'll keep that in mind.
N: Please do. (looking at Craig) Craig, would you like another dance? From the look you're giving me, you were dying to ask, right?
Ch: (hiding his smile) Naturally. (taking her hand) Come on.
Chloe watched as Craig escorted Nancy away. Nancy gave her another knowing look, which disappeared as Craig whispered something to her. Cautiously, Chloe looked over her shoulder, noticing Brady talking to Marlena. His smile widened when he noticed Chloe looking at him. As she turned around, she noticed a man standing in front of her.
Ch: (looking up) Oh my God…
Mickey: (apologetic) I didn't mean to startle you…
Ch: (relieved) That's okay, Mr. Horton.
Chloe took a deep breath.
Mi: (kneeling) Please, don't take this the wrong way, but… you look absolutely lovely, tonight.
Ch: (blushing) Thank you, Mr. Horton.
Mi: I am, but no means, a dirty old man and I am well-aware that I'm old enough to be your grandfather, and am married, but… it's taking everything I have not to call you Angela Vickers. (looking at her) Wow.
Mag: (approaching them) Okay, Mickey. That's enough. (looking at her) You see, I warned you.
Ch: It's okay, Maggie. (looking at him) You are very sweet, Mr. Horton.
Mi: Have a good night, Chloe.
Chloe smiled as Maggie led Mickey away. She looked over her shoulder and noticed Brady, staring intently at her, despite Marlena's presence. When Marlena excused herself, Chloe noticed the amused expression on his face. She stood up, walked to his table, and seated herself next to him.
Ch: (feigning indifference) So… how is your evening going?
Br: Actually, pretty good, well, not as good as yours.
Ch: What do you mean by that?
Br: You have… 'older' men, falling at you feet.
Ch: … starting with you.
Br: I'm hardly at your feet, Chloe.
Ch: But you will be.
Br: Whatever… Actually, I was referring to Mickey Horton, prominent attorney.
Ch: Is there a hint of sarcasm in your voice… or is it jealousy?
Br: Maybe a little sarcasm, but jealousy? No.
Ch: (pretending to pout) Aww, I'm a little disappointed.
Br: Don't be. It's not an indictment against your charms. It's just that… I know he's going home with a redhead tonight… (smiling) and coincidentally, so are you.
Underneath the table, she squeezed his hand, as she leaned on his shoulder.
Br: (kissing her head) Seriously, Chloe. This is shaping up to be the best night… so far.
Ch: So far?
Br: Uh huh. I'm not into hyperbole. They're too close to lies. And besides, I have a feeling we have many more nights to look forward to… (looking at her) don't you?
Ch: (snuggling him) Absolutely.
~*~
Nicole entered Tuscany's, heading straight to the bar.
Ni: (sitting on a stool) A martini, please.
Bartender: With or without an olive?
Ni: (glaring) It's safe to assume that an olive is pretty standard, when it comes to martinis. So if didn't say 'without olive', then…
Bar: With olive.
Ni: (calmly) Yes, with olive.
The bartender attended to her drink, as she sat the bar, stewing.
Ni: (to herself) Finally, a night to myself. No dining obligation with Brandon. No having to endure a tense dinner with Victor and Phillip. Finally, a Saturday night, where I can go to a bar, and meet interesting, worthwhile, well-to-do men… (glaring) like the bartender. (seething) Damn you, Victor. Damn you, for ditching me for some 'mysterious engagement', well, mysterious only to me. Phillip's in the know, hell, so is Henderson, but why not me? You say you want me to be a part of you life, yet, you continue to shut me out. Well, I have had it. While you and Phillip are playing Andy and Opie Taylor, you expect me to sit at home, on a Saturday night, darning socks, like I'm Aunt Bea? No way! I am too young, too beautiful, and too rich to put up with your crap. Well… there isn't such a thing as being too rich, but anyway, I'm through.
Bar: Your drink, Miss Walker.
Ni: (grudgingly) Thank you.
She took a sip and placed it on the bar. She slowly swirled the olive in the glass.
Ni: (to herself) He may not be the smartest man, but he makes one hell of a martini. (eyeing him) And he isn't bad-looking, eith-… Stop it, Nicole! You need to remain focused. 'Slumming' is not part of the agenda, although it could be fun, but the buzz wouldn't last very long. You know the only thing that can make you feel better is to ruin someone else's evening. I never thought I'd say this, but… I miss 'Princess' Greta. I never experienced quite a buzz as I had with her. With a minimal amount of effort, I could totally ruin her night, and the buzz from it would last for hours. (sighing) I hope she comes back. (perking up) But anyway, you need to move on, Nicole, to a new mark. (smiling) But who will it be? (taking out her mirror) Who shall it be?
As she maneuvered her mirror, she spotted John and Marlena, talking to Mickey and Maggie.
N: (to herself) Hmm…. John Black. Victor's former son-in-law, current business rival. Rich, sexy, and younger. It would really get under Marlena's skin if I… (sighing) Nevermind. She's the quintessential ice queen. It would take too much effort, on my part, to get under her skin. So… next!
She shifted her mirror, spotting Nancy and Craig, dancing and laughing.
Ni: (to herself) Dr. Craig Wesley. Brandon's boss. The chief of staff at University Hospital, a sexy one, at that. (smiling) And he's with his 'lovely' wife, Nancy, who is prone to making scenes. It could be delicious to set her off… except, she's kinda crass and crass people have a tendency to hit. And boy, she looks like she could hit hard… and I do have a meeting on Monday… Dammit… what has happened to Saturday nights? It was never this hard to find a cheap thrill.
Waiter (Dan): (approaching the bar) Hey, Ryan, keep the margaritas coming…
Bartender (Ryan): (sighing) It looks like it's going to be one of those nights.
Wait: Yeah, with lots of tips.
Bar: (pouring the lime juice) For you. Mrs. Horton's giving away drinks, with every blackout. Everyone, in here, is just biding their time, waiting for the next blackout, meaning, no tips for Ryan.
Wait: All is not bleak. The Blacks are here and they are notorious for tipping well.
Bar: (pouring the margaritas in a pitcher) They're here with their kids, Dan…
Nicole listened.
Wait: Yes, but one of the kids is having a birthday, his 21st birthday, meaning…
Ni: (to herself) Brady's here!
Bar: (excited) Tips!
Ni: (leaning in her seat, to herself) Well, well, well. Brady's having a birthday.
Wait: (whispering) And the Blacks are expecting Mr. Kiriakis, 'Mr. Moneybags', himself.
Ni: (to herself) So this is the 'mysterious engagement'? (smiling) I would have come to this, if Victor asked me. But what is the deal? There is no way Phillip would come to a party for Brady, unless… something's up. (taking out her mirror) Where is he?
She maneuvered her mirror, searching for him. Finally, she located him, seated at a table, with Belle standing next to him.
Ni: (to herself) Brady, the dutiful brother. While that is a great quality, it is so wrong, especially tonight. It's your 21st birthday. You shouldn't be hanging out with your kid sister. You should be partying… (smiling) with someone older…
Belle slapped Brady's back, as she walked away from the table, revealing a laughing Chloe, seated next to him.
Ni: What the hell… (to herself) what is she doing here, with him? (smiling) Ooo… I smell something…
Chloe smiled at him as she squeezed his hand.
Ni: (to herself) It's getting riper… what is going on, here? Chloe is partying with Brady? Phillip hates Brady's guts, but he's coming to his birthday party? Does Victor know who Brady's keeping company with? So many questions… and maybe tonight, they will be answered. Maybe I don't have do anything. Those three are on a collision course and I'm just an innocent, but very interested bystander… I can live with that… (smiling) No, I can't. Marlena is too cold, Nancy is too hot, but I think I found someone just right. (studying the twosome in the mirror) Brady Black, Victor's totally legal grandson. Stands to inherit from both the Kiriakis and Black fortunes. Much younger and brutally hot. He's with Chloe Lane, his uncle's ex, well, in his uncle's mind, his current. She's kinda icy, but she is Nancy's daughter, so she could be easy to set off. Nicole, you are on the cusp of executing a triple play: pissing Victor off by flirting with his grandson, keying up Chloe, to such an extent, she can't hide the true nature of her feelings for Brady, even in front of Phillip, and Phillip will be positioned for a sucker punch. Is it risky? Yes. Will I get into trouble with Victor? Absolutely. But will it be fun? Damn straight! Go for it, Nikki baby!
She placed the mirror in her purse.
Ni: (leaning forward) Ryan…
Bar: (turning around) Yes, Miss Walker?
Ni: (kittenish) May I have another martini, please?
Bar: (smiling) Coming right up.
Ni: (to herself) Calm down, chief. You're just a warm-up.
As she adjusted her hose, she noticed a man staring at her.
Man: (to bartender) The drink is my treat.
Ni: (coolly) Thank you.
The man sat next to her, as the bartender handed her the drink.
Ni: (icily) Actually, the drink can stay, but you can go.
~*~
Be: (approaching the table) You guys, you better get your free drinks before it is too late.
Ch: Actually, I'm not thirsty.
Br: Come on, Diva, it's free. What would you like?
Ch: A flavored water, raspberry or peach.
Br: I'll get it. (standing up) Excuse me.
She smiled as she watched him walk away. Her smile disappeared when she spotted Nicole, perched on a bar stool, with her long, luxurious legs showcased for an approaching Brady.
Br: (to the bartender) Excuse me, but do you have flavored water? Preferably, raspberry or peach?
Bar: I'll see…
Ni: (seductively) My, my, my… someone's being a good boy.
Br: (glancing at her) Hey, Nicole.
Ni: (eying him) Hey, Brady. So… what's the deal. I heard you've turned 21.
Br: I have.
Ni: (smiling) Well, happy birthday.
Br: Thanks.
The bartender gave him the water.
Ni: (shaking her head) I can't take this…
Br: Take what?
Ni: (making a face) This whole… teetotaler thing. (smiling) Let me buy you your first drink.
Br: Actually, that honor is reserved for my father.
Ni: Oh. (flirty) Well… how about your first nightcap?
Br: (coolly) Will it be on my grandfather's tab?
Ni: (withdrawing) You seem to forget that I have my own money.
Br: I know you do, but I get the distinct impression that this 'nightcap' will cost my grandfather something, which will ultimately cost me.
Ni: (derisively) Looking for conspiracies and hidden agendas is a consequence of sobriety.
Br: Maybe… but I'm not in the mood to be used.
Chloe approached the bar.
Ni: (under her breath) Speaking of being used…
Br: (handing Chloe the water) Here you go.
Ch: (taking a sip) Thank you.
Ni: (looking around Brady) Chloe… long time, no see.
Ch: (looking around him) Hello, Nicole.
Ni: (swirling the olive in her drink) You haven't been around the mansion lately…
Ch: (coolly) From what I hear… neither have you.
Ni: (terse) I've been working.
Ch: Good for you.
Ni: (feigning interest) What were you doing?
Ch: (taking a sip) Things…
Ni: (smirking) Well, whatever you were doing, it didn't agree with you.
Brady turned around and glared at Nicole.
Ch: (looking in her eyes) Generally, leukemia doesn't.
Ni: (shocked) Are you serious?
Chloe nodded.
Ni: (stunned) Oh… I'm sorry… I didn't know.
Ch: (coolly) Don't be. Few people knew.
Ni: I can't believe that Phillip wouldn't have said anything.
Ch: (detached) How could he? He didn't know either. (taking her drink) Excuse me.
Chloe returned to the dining room.
Ni: (thinking) Phillip doesn't know? (looking at Brady) And you didn't seem surprised.
Br: (glaring) Probably because I'm not.
He followed Chloe into the dining room.
Ni: (to herself) What the hell is going on here?
Belle rushed past the bar.
Ni: (getting off her barstool) Belle… wait.
Be: (trying to be polite) Nicole. What's so pressing that you would speak to me?
Ni: Don't be like that. (quietly) I just heard that Chloe was ill?
Be: (sighing) Yeah. I just found out today.
Ni: I assume that Brady did too.
Be: No. Actually, he knew about it from the beginning.
Ni: (wheels turning) Did he?
Be: Yeah… he stayed with her, throughout the whole thing.
Ni: And how does Phillip fit into this?
Be: I don't know. As far as I know, she still hasn't told him. (uncomfortable) Excuse me, Nicole, but I've got to get Brady's gift.
Ni: No problem.
Belle rushed out of Tuscany's.
Ni: (to herself) Chloe had leukemia and Brady knew. Phillip didn't know and I assume that he still doesn't know. ( laughing to herself) Oh, man. It looks like the house of Kiriakis is about to be shaken up. I wonder if I should…
Nicole spotted Maggie at the hostess station.
Ni: (rushing to her) Excuse me, Maggie, but what are my chances of getting a decent table, tonight?
Mag: Well, because of the blackouts… I say it's pretty good. But there will be, at least, a 30 minute wait.
Ni: (smiling) No problem. I can wait at the bar.
~*~
Chloe sat at her table, sipping her water as Brady watched, from his table. He knew, from the look on her face, she needed to be left alone. He was concerned, because, until now, Nicole's jabs never affected her. Chloe placed her glass on the table and headed to the terrace. Cautiously, Brady looked around, making sure no one watching. He slowly stood up and followed her.
~*~
Chloe strolled around the darkened terrace, trying to process the events of the night, when she heard cautious footsteps. She stood still, waiting to feel him standing next to her. As the footsteps ceased, she looked up at him and smiled.
Br: (concerned) Hey, Diva.
Ch: (quietly) Hey, B.
Br: Why would you come out here, without me?
Ch: I knew you would find your way here.
She sighed.
Br: Diva, I hope you didn't take Nicole's… 'observation', seriously.
Ch: (covering) I didn't.
Br: For some reason, I don't believe you.
Ch: It doesn't matter, anyway.
Br: What really doesn't matter is Nicole's opinions. You've got to remember that her credo and life mission is to be bitchy, for bitchiness' sake. You can't take her seriously.
Ch: But she is beautiful.
Br: Well, so were Greta and Kate, and Nicole used any opportunity to slam them, especially when they were at the top of their game. And as for her being beautiful… she is, but will she still be beautiful, after facing a real crisis? I seriously doubt it, because she isn't in the place to face the fear, the anxiety, and the powerlessness, head on. She can't face it now, when she has everything, so what chance does she have when she really needs to, whereas you have, Chloe, and you did it beautifully. (smiling) And besides, you turned the head of the very happily married Mickey Horton. Nicole never did that.
Ch: (under her breath) But did I turn yours?
Br: What was that?
Ch: Did I turn your head, Brady?
Br: What kind of question is that?
Ch: A legitimate one.
Br: More like, a silly one.
Ch: Just answer the question.
Br: No, I won't.
Ch: (sighing) Fine, don't answer. (dejected) It's just as well.
He watched as she paced around the room.
Ch: (muttering) I don't know why you wanted me, in the first place. I was pallid, emaciated… for God's sake, I was wearing floral underwear. Hardly the gear, for a temptress…
Br: (annoyed) Are you finished?
Ch: (nervous) Yeah, why?
Br: Because, if you're fishing for compliments, you're out of luck.
She flinched, turning away from him, in an attempt to conceal her embarrassment and hurt. Seeing that his comment stung her, he approached her, tentatively.
Br: (touching her shoulder) Diva, I didn't mean it, the way it sounded.
He felt her trembling. He walked around her and faced her.
Br: (lifting her chin) Chloe, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just had the feeling that… you were trying to create, with me, the same dynamic, you had with Phillip. And the bottom line is… that won't work.
Ch: What dynamic are you referring to?
Br: The dynamic, in which, you are told, every five minutes, that you are extraordinarily beautiful and that you are loved, when in actuality, you are being worshipped. I won't engage in anything like that, not even with you.
Ch: (voice cracking) What's wrong with being told you are loved?
Br: There's nothing wrong with it, as long as actions support that declaration. Look at you and Nancy. She told you, for years, that she loved you. You didn't believe her, until you became ill. Then, you knew she would lay down her life, for you, at any moment, because she embodied it. Now, honestly, do you really think I was repulsed by your appearance?
Ch: (sighing) No.
Br: Do I seem repulsed by you, right now?
Ch: No.
Br: Okay. (touching her cheek) Again, I am sorry about what I said and how I said it. Please forgive me.
Ch: I do, Brady. It's just… I'm so unsure about a lot of things and you are one of the few people I can depend on to tell me the truth.
Br: And I will always tell you the truth, but this isn't the right time or place to discuss this.
Ch: Why not, Brady? It's not like I'm asking you the meaning of life. I just want to know if I… turn your head.
Br: (adamant) I'm not answering that.
Ch: (eyes flashing) Fine!
She attempted to storm off, but he grabbed her arm, leading her to the terrace railing.
Br: (guiding her) Come on. Have a seat… Oh, wait a minute. (taking off his jacket and placing it on the railing) Now, you can sit.
She sat on the jacket and stared at him, intently. He stared back. He smiled as she slowly grew impatient.
Ch: (exasperated) Well?
Br: (teasing) Well, what?
Ch: (stewing) Do I turn your head?
Br: (with a crooked smile) Sure.
Ch: (annoyed) Now, was that hard to say?
Br: No.
Ch: Then why were you being so difficult?
Br: Because I still think it was a silly question.
Ch: (imitating his crooked smile) 'Sure'. (sarcastically) Wow, Brady. You really know the words that can make a woman swoon. And you were even thoughtful enough to seat me, before uttering that knee-buckling, faint-inducing word. (sniffing) 'Sure'.
Br: Are you finished, Chloe?
Ch: Are you?
Br: Actually, no.
Ch: (anxious) Well, get on with it.
Br: (imitating her) Wow, Diva. You really know the words that can make a man swoon.
Ch: (getting angry) Brady…
Br: (pressing his finger to her lips) Shhh…
Ch: (fidgeting) Don't, Brady…
Br: (tenderly kissing her cheek) Diva… (breathless) Trust me. (looking at her) You need to be patient. Will you try?
She nodded.
Br: Now, I get the distinct impression that 'Do I turn your head?' isn't the question you really wanted to ask. Am I right?
She nodded again.
Br: Okay. You want to know how I feel about you?
She nodded.
Br: Okay, I'll tell you, and to say the least, 'you turning my head', barely scratches the surface. I will need some time to think about it, so again, you're going to have to be patient.