Part XIV

"What did you want to see me about?"

"Well I'm leaving for Europe for I don't know how long, and I thought that I would see you in person rather than call you on the phone."

Both Fox and Dylan sat at the bar and ordered a couple of drinks.

"Why are you headed back there?"

"Business for Father. I gave him so much grief over the years, that it's only normal that try to give something back!"

"Yeah, how noble of you. What's the real reason you wanted to see me? I know you, Dylan. you're not the mushy type. You never call to say where you're going, you just go. So what's up? And the truth will be nice for a change."

Dylan had a laugh. He looked at Fox for a moment and then looked back down at the bar.

"You know me, I do have an ulterior motive for wanting to see you."

"Well then stop beating around the bush and tell me what it is."

"Teresa."

Fox was startled for a second, then regained his composure. He looked at Dylan and waited.

"What about her, Dylan? I haven't gotten hours for this."

"You know that I like her, right?"

"You hardly made it a secret. I know you like her and I know you want to pursue her and I know all that stuff already, so unless we're here so that I can learn something new, you're wasting your breath, Dylan."

"Oh, well.aren't we getting all mean about the situation? This is for your own good Fox. You and I go way back, and I wouldn't be a true friend if I didn't say it the way it is."

"Say what?"

"That you either make the play for Teresa or you lose her. And if you want Teresa, then you have to put those feelings for Whitney to rest and make sure that no one finds out about her, especially Teresa. It will devastate her if she does and it will cost you your one real chance at been happy in life."

"I can be happy with Whitney as well."

Dylan signalled the bartender for a refill and took his glass to his lips.

"No you can't be happy with Whitney the way you cane be with Teresa. How blind are you?"

"Look, Dylan."

"No, Fox, you look. I don't understand what your sudden interest for Whitney is. You want to sleep with her? Fine, get it out of your system, but do not lose Teresa over this. Don't you see? Since you got back to Harmony, the only woman on your mind was her. Before you even set foot back in the mansion, the only woman on your mind was her. Whether you are willing to admit it or not, your feelings for her run much deeper, much, much deeper, Fox. And that is something that you have to explore."

"What if I don't?"

"Then you lose, Fox. Eventually, Ethan will divorce Gwen. There is nothing holding him to her anymore, and the second it happens, he will go after Teresa and he will try to win her back."

"Ethan will never leave Gwen, Dylan."

"You want to bet on it? Because Fox, you will. You will lose the most important person in your life. You will be miserable if you let her go."

"And why are you telling me all of this? If I go after Teresa then you and I will be in direct competition."

Dylan looked at Fox who was staring at him suspiciously.

"No, we won't because I don't stand a chance against you. You're the one she wants and how dense you are that you don't even see it."

Dylan got up and left a few bills on the bar.

"Look, Fox. As your best friend, I want you to do me this favour and consider it. Teresa is a terrific person. She is everything you ever wanted in a woman and now that you found that, don't let her go. You hold on to her with everything that you have. She is worth it, Fox. Trust me."

He got up and left Fox behind him.

"I was never in love with Whitney. I like her, but I don't love her. I can't afford to lose what I have with Teresa. She is too important to me to jeopardize everything that we built together."

Fox got up and left the bar. He walked slowly to his car and drove off. He took the long way around Los Angeles before arriving at the Courtyard. He stopped the car and walked in the building. He made his way to the apartment and just as he was putting the key in the lock, he heard someone screaming 'No' behind the door. He recognized Teresa's voice and felt panic come over him.