Chapter 15
"Wow." Audrey said after Fox finished telling her the recent Crane saga.
"Yeah- I know." Fox said. "It's crazy."
"So what I've been reading in the tabloids is somewhat true then?" Audrey asked.
"You can't believe everything they say." Fox leaned back in his chair.
"Yeah." Audrey paused before asking, "How well do you know this Theresa character?"
"Hmm?" Fox sat up straighter. He cleared his throat. "Well-uh- I think I have her figured out. She and I have found ourselves in many deep conversations since I've arrived in Harmony."
"Oh really?" Audrey raised her eyebrows. "I'm jealous. So, you two have been getting pretty close huh?" She teased.
Fox felt awkward. "Um- well not that close."
"Uh-huh. Sure." Audrey said knowingly.
"I need to stretch my legs. I'll be back." Fox said leaving hastily.
Hmmm. Audrey thought to herself. It's obvious that he likes this Theresa. But I want to get to know her myself. Memo to me: Get a chance to talk to Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald alone. I want to know what I'm up against.
"Ethan." Fox said as he passed his step-brother. "You look like hell. What's going on with you."
"Fox- I really don't want to get into it right now all right?" Ethan snapped.
"All right. Geez. Anyhow, I need to talk to Theresa." Fox walked off. "We can argue later." He called sarcastically.
Ethan shook his head. Fox just made his headache worse.
Fox cleared his throat to make his presence in the room known.
"Oh." Pilar looked up. "Fox."
"Hi, Pilar." Fox gave a little wave. He nodded to Theresa's brothers.
The three men nodded back. "Hello." They said in unison.
Theresa finally spoke up. "Hey, Fox. Um, guys. Could you give us two a minute to talk?"
"Sure, mija." Pilar said. "Let's go boys."
As Theresa's family filed out of the room, Fox went up to Theresa and gave her a hug. "I think you need this." He whispered into her ear.
"Mmm. Thank you. This has been a crazy day." Theresa snuggled against Fox. It felt good to be in his arms again. Although she felt secure, Theresa was still disturbed about the woman who was with Fox in his room. She pulled away frowning.
"What is it, Theresa?" Fox asked. In his heart he knew what was wrong. It was Audrey.
"Um, Fox. I may as well get to the point. Who was that woman that was with you?" Hurt was evident in her eyes.
"Oh" Fox paused. "That was- Audrey Wellington. She's an old-"
"Girlfriend?" Theresa interjected.
"Uh-yeah." Fox scratched his head and looked down.
"Thought so." Theresa mumbled.
Awkward silence followed. "Um." Fox finally said.
"Yeah." Theresa answered.
"Can I come in." Audrey asked softly.
Theresa looked at her. She was certainly beautiful. "You must be Audrey." Theresa said.
"Yeah. That's me." Audrey smiled. "Fox told you about me?"
"Not really." Theresa answered. She offered her hand. "It's nice to meet you." Theresa said. Not. Her mind added silently.
Audrey shook hands with Theresa. "Theresa, right?"
"Yeah. That's right."
Feeling audacious, Audrey snuggled up to Fox and linked her arms in his. She gave him a broad smile. Fox gave a weak smile in return, but it quickly left when he glanced at Theresa.
Theresa wanted to jump Audrey. Instead, she asked stiffly, "So- what's brings you to Harmony Audrey?"
"One thing- one man actually. Fox. I was hoping that he and I could rekindle an old flame." Audrey stroked the back of Fox's head.
Theresa was being pushed over the edge. She hadn't remembered being so infuriated and annoyed at the same time. "Oh, how nice." She said sarcastically. "An old flame-eh?" she mumbled as she raised her eyebrows.
Little Ethan's fussing provided the much needed distraction. "Ohh- it's okay honey. Mama's right here. Yes, that's my good little boy."
"Oh how precious!" Audrey cooed. "He's positively adorable."
"Thank you." Theresa said. "I just hope I don't lose him." Theresa began to tear again.
It hurt Fox to see Theresa so down. He wanted to comfort her, but Audrey stood in the way.
"Theresa- here's your prescription." Eve said as she entered the room. "You can pick it up downstairs in the pharmacy. If there's anything else, don't hesitate to ask all right? You're like a daughter to me. So, please, if you need anything at all call me."
"Thanks, Dr. Russell. I really appreciate it." Theresa smiled gratefully. "Do you have any idea where Whitney is? I really need to talk to her."
"I just spoke with her. She told me that she was going to stop by here." Eve said.
"I'm already here." A breathless Whitney entered the room with Chad. "Hey, mom. Theresa. Honey, you and I have a lot to talk about."
Theresa hugged her best friend tightly. "Yes, a long talk. Emphasis on long."
"Well, I need to go back to the studio anyway. I'll be seeing you. Theresa- come here." Chad gave Theresa a big hug. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Remember, I'm here for you."
"Thanks Chad." Theresa said.
"You're very welcome. Bye Theresa. By Whit." He gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Bye Chad." Whitney smiled.
"Theresa- why don't I take little Ethan to Pilar so you and Whitney can chat." Eve offered.
"Thank you. Bye sweetie. Mama's gonna see you later okay?" Little Ethan responded with a toothless grin.
Eve left the room leaving Whitney, Theresa, Fox, and Audrey in the room.
Whitney noticed Fox and Audrey. "Hi. I'm Whitney Russell." She said to them.
"Audrey Wellington." Whitney and Audrey shook hands.
"I remember you." Fox said. "Nice seeing you again." He smiled.
"Yeah. Same here." Whitney replied.
"Um, Fox honey. Why don't we get outta here. Leave these two alone." Audrey suggested.
"Uh-okay." Fox said reluctantly. He didn't want to leave Theresa.
Theresa watched sadly as she watched Fox leave the room. "Whitney. This is gonna be a really long talk. Let's go somewhere so we can sit."