"Well Ethan? I'm waiting. Just what in hell are you doing with a picture of Theresa in your briefcase?" Fox said angrily.
Fox couldn't believe Ethan's nerve. He had been married to Gwen for well over a year, lost his baby because he couldn't keep his paws off Theresa and now he still carried a picture of her.
The bastard.
Fox knew that Ethan still loved Theresa. It was always written all over his face no matter how hard he tried to deny it. Yes, moral upstanding 'do the right thing' Ethan was in love with his girlfriend.
Ethan knew he had the picture in his briefcase, but never removed it. He couldn't bring himself to not see Theresa's face everyday and he knew that Gwen would never look in the briefcase. He had to think quick because Fox was ready to pounce."That picture is old Fox. Look at the date on the back." Ethan said trying to cover.
"What does it matter how old the picture is? The fact is Ethan, you had it in your very new briefcase. You put it in there didn't you? Admit it Ethan. Stop being a damn coward and admit you're still in love with Theresa." Fox said, his anger ready to explode.
Ethan made him sick.
Theresa had done nothing but love him for years and years and he took her for granted. Now, not only is he still hung up on Theresa whom he dumped, he is mentally cheating on Gwen, another woman who loved him for years and years.
"I don't still love Theresa. I care about her and her well being and I don't want to see her or my Godson hurt."
"Oh come off it Ethan. You couldn't give a rats ass about Little Ethan. You didn't even lift a finger to help Theresa in her custody case. In fact, you were lawyering with Rebecca and her team of werewolves to take Theresa's son away from her, so don't try to play like this picture means nothing to you when you know it means everything."
Ethan felt defeated. He knew Fox was right, but he wasn't about to let him get off that easy.
"I don't give a rats ass about Theresa and her son? I wasn't the one that has been using her for a bedpost all these months just to get close to Whitney Russell. You remember her Fox? The one you are so in love with?" Ethan said pleased with himself.
"I am not, nor have I ever used Theresa. I love her and treat her a hell of a lot better than you ever did. As for Whitney, that's over. I thought she was the one, but I was wrong. It's Theresa."
Ethan laughed.
"You expect me to believe that Fox? Do you really? I've known you and your playboy ways all my life and you have andnever will change. You told me months ago that it was Whitney you loved, only and always Whitney and now I'm suppose to believe it's Theresa and only Theresa?" Ethan laughed bitterly.
Fox hated to admit it, but Ethan was right. He had told him it was always Whitney and up until he began dating Theresa, thought it was her. All this time he thought he loved Whitney Russell. He had told Ethan it was only her and now he's suppose to believe he loves Theresa? If sainted Ethan didn't buy it, nobody would.
Fox feared that if the truth ever came out, Theresa would never understand. She would never believe that she was the one he truly loved, not Whitney. The whole situation was so complicated.
"I don't know what kind of sick game you're playing Fox, but it's going to stop! I will not let you go around using Theresa and making her fall for you when it's just come cheap trick to get closer to Whitney. I will make Theresa believe you're nothing but scum. " Ethan said pointing his finger in Fox's face.
"Theresa hates you Ethan. She won't ever believe a thing you tell her. Not now. And I told you, I am not using Theresa." Fox said his anger ready to explode in the form of a right fist in Ethan's face.
"I love her, not Whitney. Theresa is the one I love and want to be with. Sorry Ethan, but playing two girls back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball is your style not mine."
"You make me sick. How you can lie so easily? So what are you doing this time Fox? Sleeping with Theresa for fun then switch back to Whitney? Is that the disgusting game you're playing?"
Fox saw right through Ethan. He was trying to find out if he and Theresa had made love yet. He approached Ethan very calmly.
"It just kills you doesn't Ethan?" Fox whispered. "That Theresa is in my bed and not yours. That all you have to keep you warm at night is this picture of her, while I have the real thing." Fox said tossing the picture in Ethan's face.
Ethan was ready to burst. Just the thought of Fox's slimy hands all over Theresa's body made him ill. He didn't deserve her. He would only hurt her.
It killed him.
It killed him that he was such a coward in their relationship.
It killed him that he had to abandon her.
It killed him that she hated him.
It killed him that she was moving on.
It killed him that she was moving on with his half brother Fox.
It killed him to think that Theresa could just stop all the years of loving him and just fall in love with Fox.
His heart ached.
He knew consciously that Theresa had to move on and he even encouraged her to find a new love so many times, but he didn't expect the reality of it to hurt so much.
"You're disgusting you know that? I love my wife, Gwen. I'm with her every night and that's exactly where I want to be." Ethan said.
"Good, then my business with Theresa has nothing to do with you, so butt out!"
"Oh no, I'm not going to stand by and watch you hurt her. I won't. Theresa and I may be over Fox, but doesn't it kill you that she will always love me?"
Fox swallowed hard.
Fox knew how powerful Theresa's love for Ethan was, he had witnessed her scheming first hand. Heck, he even helped her try to get him back. But it was an obsession. She never truly experienced real love until they were together. Theresa didn't love him the same way she loved Fox.
It's me she loves not you.
"What are you talking about Ethan?" Fox said trying to ignore the underlining tone of Ethan's words.
"You're a clever 'Fox', figure it out. You are nothing but the consolation prize. Do you really think if I wanted Theresa I couldn't get her back with the snap of my fingers? We share a long history together Fox. One that can never be erased."
Fox didn't like what Ethan was saying. He knew Theresa loved him with all her heart, but could he really just ignore the history Ethan and Theresa shared? Was Ethan right?
"Theresa loves me now Ethan. She is head over heels in love with me and that is not going to change no matter how hard you try to make me insecure."
"You should be insecure because you know it Fox. You know that if I divorced Gwen right this moment and came to Theresa and told her I wanted to be with her forever, she would drop you faster than you can say your own name." Ethan gloated.
"You're sad, Ethan, really. You keep on proving just how little of Theresa you really know. You don't know how she thinks or feels and this is exactly why you could never handle her. She was too much for you. Too spontaneous, too wild, too reckless, too unpredictable. Everything you aren't, which is why you settled for Gwen. Gwen was the easy way out, the predictable, happy safe life. But I know you yearn for what you can't have, but you don't have the balls to claim it and never will." Fox said sure of himself. " Theresa is over you. You, half bro, were a sick obsession that took her a very long time to get over, but finally you showed your true colors to her and she cut those strings."
Fox was right.
As much as Ethan hated to admit it, he was right. He choose the safe way out. He could never handle Theresa's high fevered lifestyle.
"Fox, wake up. I didn't abandon Theresa. I've been secretly funding her legal bills through Woody." Ethan blurted out.
He didn't mean to let anyone find out about that, but he was tired of Fox telling him that Theresa doesn't still love him. Theresa is only with Fox because she thinks Ethan abandoned her.
"You what?" Fox said stunned.
All this time Theresa was so mad at Ethan for not showing he was in her corner. What if she found out he had been helping her all along? Would she really go back to him?
No.
Theresa is in love with me.
"Look..." Ethan said softening somewhat. " I didn't want anyone to find out because it would upset Gwen and I didn't want to upset her. I was, for a brief period, helping Woody with precedents for previous cases and funding Theresa's legal bills because I do not believe a mother should be torn away from her child."
"What do you mean brief?" Fox said curiously.
"Rebecca caught me on the phone and threatened that I stop or else she would tell Gwen." Ethan said looking guilty.
"I see." Fox said thinking.
This bit of information will come in handy, Fox thought to himself.
"So you see Fox, if Theresa actually knew I was in her corner, she wouldn't have even considered being with you."
Ethan's words stung Fox.
He couldn't help but wonder if they were true. He loved Theresa so much that the thought of loosing her love, especially to Ethan, he couldn't even entertain it. He had always played second best to Ethan all his life. Would it happen again? Is it happening again?
"I'm getting out of here." Fox said as he packed up his things.
"What's the matter Fox? The truth hurts doesn't it? Ethan gloated.
Fox turned around, dropped his briefcase and delivered a right hook to Ethan's jaw that would have made Ali proud.
Ethan stumbled back placing his hand to his jaw in severe pain.
"Stay the hell away from Theresa and stay the hell out of my business or there is plenty more where that came from half bro." Fox said pointing his finger at Ethan.
Ethan tried to put his hand on his jaw to keep from bleeding.
He was furious.
He lunged after Fox and tackled him to the ground and threw a punch. The two wrestled around the floor and exchanged blows back and forth with the final blow being delivered by Fox to Ethan in the groin.
Ethan couldn't get up. The other board members arrived.
"What on earth is going on here?" Mr. Stevens said as he and Mr. Jefferson were struggling to pull Fox and Ethan apart.
"I dont know George, I just got here myself. Ethan what's going on here?"
Both Ethan and Fox straightened their suits and tried to catch their breath and compose themselves.
"All right, I see nobody wants to speak up. This is not Mr. Rogers neighborhood men. This is a place of business so whatever happened, I suggest you cut it out now." The old man said.
"I apologize, George, Lionel." Ethan said, " Mr. Crane and I just got carried away over a matter." Ethan said holding his ribs.
The two old men weren't sure what to believe as they stared back at both Fox and Ethan who were giving each other death stares.
"Gentlemen, our meeting will start in a few moments, I suggest you compose yourselves." Mr. Stevens said as he and his fellow board member went to get some coffee.
"This isn't over little brother. Someway, I'm going to find proof to show Theresa what a user and liar you are and when I do, she will want nothing to do with you." Ethan whispered, passing by Fox.
Fox closed his eyes.
Theresa can never find out about Whitney.
Never.
Theresa sat with Whitney for hours discussing her mother's betrayal. Whitney had opened up to Theresa about trying the drugs. Theresa was stunned and she had to try to get through to Whitney, that she would be destroying her life if she kept doing this."Whitney, everyone loves you. Your family, me, Chad. You have the love of your family and friends."
"Theresa, my family? Look at what my mom is doing to my dad. She's cheating on him with Julian Crane of all people. My dad doesn't deserve this. I just can't believe she would be such a whore. She doesn't love me. She doesn't love any of us.
"Yes she does Whitney. I think you really need to talk to your mother about this. You could be blowing this thing totally out of proportion. Please talk to her." Theresa pleaded.
Whitney was so tired. So tired of everyone in her life lying to her. First Chad, now her mother. She didn't want to hear anymore lies.
"Whitney, honey, tell me why you took the drugs. I'm so worried for you. Please promise me you're never going to do this again." Theresa said worried.
Whitney wanted to promise her she wouldn't, but she couldn't. Theresa had no idea the rush Whitney got from those drugs. The high made her feel so, alive and most of all, made her forget her mother's deep betrayal.
"Theresa, you just don't understand." Whitney said as she got up and walked to the window.
"Whit, help me understand. The Whit I know, would have never even thought about taking drugs of all things."
"Well maybe you don't know the real me Theresa." Whitney said stoically. "Maybe this is me. Maybe being in nightclubs, singing and doing drugs is me." Whitney said on the verge of tears.
Theresa grabbed her shoulders and rubbed them.
"Whitney, that is not true." She said crying herself. "You are nothing like that. You are an amazing person who loves her family and friends so much. We've been best friends forever and I will not stand by and watch you throw your life away for something you haven't even truly discussed yet with your mother."
Whitney was trying to wipe her tears away.
"I just feel so alone Theresa. I feel like my whole life is falling apart right before my eyes and I can't do anything to stop it."
"That's not true Whit. You have me and you have Fox and you have Chad. We are your best friends and Chad loves you so much. You know he called me to come over here. He's so worried about you Whit. He loves you so much."
Whitney knew Chad loved her, but love was not enough. He had lied to her and she could not live with someone who lies and keeps secrets.
"Theresa, Chad and I are over. He lied to me and I can never trust him."
"Look, I know Chad made mistakes but if you ju-"
"I said no!" Whitney snapped.
Theresa was taken aback by her attitude.
Whitney quickly apologized. "I'm sorry Theresa. I didn't mean to yell, I just don't want to talk about Chad and me okay?"
"Okay. You do know Fox and I are here for you Whit. We love you and we want you to get better." Theresa assured her.
Fox.
Whitney remembered what a great friend he had been to her all throughout the Los Angeles fiasco. He was such a wonderful man, perfect. But any chance Whitney had with Fox was over. Theresa had him now and he loved her. Whitney was so jealous, but she wasn't about to go after her best friends man just because she needed someone perfect and stable in her life. Someone that wouldn't lie to her like Chad did.
"Fox is wonderful Theresa. You're so lucky." Whitney said saddened.
"I know I am Whit. He's the most amazing man I've ever met in my entire life." Theresa said content that she had found her one true soul mate.
"Hey Theresa." Chad said as he came into the Russell home, but couldn't take his eyes off of Whitney.
"Hey Chad. Glad you're here." Theresa said waving him to come inside.
"Yeah ,well I...I saw the door open and I wanted to see how Whit was doing." Chad said as he approached the girls and took off his gloves.
Whitney tried to look away, but she couldn't.
Chad looked so handsome.
The way his chocolate brown skin glowed to reveal his cute dimples. His lips were full and succulent. She remembered kissing those lips, that body, making love in the studio every night. God, she was so happy back then she thought.
No I have to forget him.
He lied.
"I'm fine Chad. Now you need to leave." Whitney said trying not to show emotion.
"Oh no baby girl, I'm damn well not going anywhere. We need to talk whether you like it or not." Chad said with such strength.
"Umm, I have to get back to work." Theresa said noticing Chad's need to talk to Whitney alone.
She grabbed her jacket and purse, trying to creep out.
"I'll talk to you later okay Whit? Remember, we will always be best friends till the end. Love ya." Theresa said kissing Whitney on the cheek.
"Thanks Theresa. Love you too." Whitney said with a faint smile.
Theresa quietly waved to Chad good-bye and rushed out of the Russell home.
"Chad, we have nothing to talk about, so I suggest you don't waste my time and yours." Whitney said gathering her tennis rackets up.
Chad grabbed her wrist.
"Drop 'em Whit. Now."
Whitney had never seen Chad this serious before. The tone in his voice was strange. He was a bit demanding and even though she should have just left the room, it turned her on.
He turned her on.
Fox entered the Crane Mansion and threw his briefcase down and headed for a scotch on the rocks. He loosened his tie. What a day it had been. It started out amazing being with Theresa, then turned into a nightmare having to listen to Ethan's holier than thou attitude about Theresa.
What a loser. Fox thought as he gulped down the liquid as it burned in his throat.
"Hello Fox." Rebecca said as she pranced into the room.
Fox looked down at himself. "As far as I can tell, I'm not a pirate, baby new year, an elf, Louis XII, Henry VII, or a herd of sheep. So what do I owe the honor Rebecca?" Fox said dripping with sarcasm.
"Very funny. I would watch that attitude of yours Fox. I am your new step mother you know. You should treat me with respect." Rebecca said smoothing her dress out.
"You're right Rebecca. My apologies, we'll move your doghouse in for the night. But only for tonight. You are neutered aren't you?"
Rebecca was getting angry. How dare this little twerp talk to her this way.
I'll fix him.
"Fox, I'm not, but apparently word on the local street is you are." Rebecca smirked.
"Cavorting with locals again Rebecca? I'm stunned. Wasn't walking around the Lobster Shack handing out invitations to your joke of a wedding, begging people to come enough? Fox said pouring himself another scotch.
"So how does it feel to be another one of Tacocita's bed toys? I mean first there was Ethan, then there was Julian and now there's you." Rebecca said counting on her fingers.
Fox was getting angry. He wanted to slap her.
"Rebecca, you proved me wrong. I didn't think you could count that high." Fox said smiling.
"Oh I can count zero and that will be the amount of money you will ever receive. Oops wait, didn't you empty out your trust fund for Terrorcita? Awww is Foxy Woxy in wuv?" Rebecca mocked.
"Rebecca, you really are pathetic. Don't you have a bone to chew on or something" Fox said.
"Why? Are you offering yours Fox?" Rebecca said as she brushed her fingers along his suit jacket seductively. "I could show you a thing or two Terrorcita can't, if you know what I mean." Rebecca flirted.
Fox wasn't impressed. He was about to throw up. He looked down at her in disgust.
"Great, now I'm going to have to have that dry cleaned. I'll send you the bill in the morning."
"You're no fun." Rebecca pouted as she was about to leave the room when Fox stopped her.
"Rebecca wait." Fox said as he approached her.
"Did you change your mind?" Her eyes fluttered.
"Rebecca, I would have to loose my mind first."
Rebecca frowned. "I will not stand here and be insulted by you Fox, so say what you're going to say and hurry up."
"I know what Ethan did." Fox said as Rebecca tried to protest. "Rebecca save it. I know he tried to help Theresa secretly and I know that you know." Fox said.
"What are you getting at Fox?"
"Come on Rebecca, you're not that stupid are you? You know exactly what I want."
Theresa came back into the book cafe ready to get down to work. She put her keys back in her purse and their song came on.She smiled and remembered.
"That was delicious." Theresa said wiping the corner of her lips with her napkin. "What's next Nicholas?" She said smiling as she stood up and placed her soft, small hands in his strong, powerful hands.
"You'll see." Fox said as he grabbed her hand to the center of Sheridan's cottage.
Antonio had allowed Theresa to use the cottage anytime she needed to see Little Ethan. Fox had set up playtime so Theresa could spend time with her son and then when he went to bed, Fox had prepared a romantic evening just for the two of them. He went over to the wall and shut the lights.
He watched Theresa standing there looking so beautiful in her black strapless dress as her hair cascaded along her shoulders.He smiled.
She smiled.
He turned the CD player on to the tune of Crazy Love by Cassandra Wilson.
Fox reached for Theresa's hands and pulled her so close to him he could feel her.
I can hear his heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open every time he smiles
And when I come to her that's where I belong
Yet I'm running to him like a river's song
He give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She felt so good.
They danced cheek to cheek feeling the music. Their bodies slowing swaying to the beat.
He's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feeling low down
And when I come to him when the sun goes down
Take away my trouble, take away my grief
Take away my heartache, in the night like a thief
He give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He smiled as he closed his eyes and they danced cheek to cheek breathing each other in and placing her hand on his heart.
Yes I need him in the daytime
Yes I need him in the night
Yes I want to throw my arms around him
Kiss him hug him kiss him hug him tight
And when I'm returning from so far away
He gives me some sweet lovin' brighten up my day
Yes it makes me righteous, yes it makes me feel whole
Yes it makes me mellow down in to my soul
Theresa pulled back and looked into his eyes. She could feel his heart beating
"Fox, I love you." She said brushing his chin with her fingers. It was the first time she ever told him she loved him. She meant it. "I love you too." Fox said as his heart melted.They closed their eyes once more and danced in the dark.
He give me love, love, love, love, crazy loveHe give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
"Theresa? Theresa?"
"Rob, hey." Theresa tried to compose herself out of the daydream.
Hearing Crazy Love brought Theresa back to one of the most amazing nights of her life. The night she told Fox she loved him for the very first time.
"You were lost there for a minute. Where were you?"
"Umm I-"
"I understand." Rob laughed. "Well whomever you're dreaming about, he's a lucky guy."
"Thanks Rob. Hey, wait up. Thanks for covering earlier, I appreciate it." Theresa said slipping her apron on.
"No problem, Theresa. Make sure you don't forget the new customer at table four."
"Okay, I'm right on it." Theresa said enthusiastically.
She walked up to table four and got her pen and pad out to write down the man's order.
"Okay sir, how may I help you today?" Theresa said smiling until the man took the menu away from his face and revealed himself.
Her face turned into full blooded red anger.
"Hi Theresa."