SwordFIC

by Lady Jane T

Swordfish fanfic-spinoff...Stanley and Holly settle down,try to live some kind of normal life..Is Stanley really rid of Ginger and Gabriel? Can he cope with the imagery of that terrible day and how did Helga really effect him? Find out here!

19. A visitor or 2

Coming back to the shop on the following Wednesday was nothing what Stan had been expecting.. He couldn't believe the chaos. Some virus was spreading across the Internet and it seemed like everyone in the immediate area were bringing their computers in to sort out the problem. One good thing about the busy work load, Stanley had no time to dwell on Gabriel and Ginger, something he couldn't stop thinking about since his chance meeting with Roberts over the weekend. The one thing he couldn't knock was the stress headaches. They were back with a vengeance. Worse yet, in the middle of trying to sleep or rest, nightmares were jolting him awake. And they were not pleasant. Just when he got everything straightened out with Holly, his fragile little world seemed to start crumbling.

Brent and Stanley were overloaded with work and were relieved when Kyle waltzed in the door after school.

Kyle had completely forgotten about the disc, still stored in his front zipper pocket of his backpack. He had gone home on Saturday expecting to have the whole evening to mess around with it but Amy had called. For two hours he had talked to her on the phone and then talked to her on IM. He was in heaven. Worrying about Stanley's past was the furthest thing from his mind. And in the shop the workload was so overwhelming, he hardly had a spare moment to breathe let alone think about the disc.

Stanley stayed till 10pm that night, relieved Mary had offered to watch Holly and get her dinner. He found working on the computers was the best thing for him. But he knew he was trying to escape again. He hadn't even called Emma. He had promised they would talk. Now once again, he was pushing it to the back burner, concerned how she will deal with whom he used to be, and the mistakes he'd made, the prices he had paid. Emma seemed so understanding, but he had so much baggage he was carrying. Could she possibly accept any of it? He put on his headphones in the dark quiet backroom of the shop and began to work.

After a late night at the shop, he felt the guilt of every single parent. Being away from Holly, was something he tried to keep to a minimum. He tried desperately to make up for it the following morning. Almost to the point Holly couldn't bear his undivided attention at the breakfast table. The ride to school in the Suburban wasn't much better, and she couldn't wait to join her fellow classmates on the playground.

Stan contemplated his next move. Emma in such close proximity. It wasn't a hard decision to make. He parked the Suburban and made his way to her classroom. She couldn't help but notice his 6' plus frame walking past the windows, as she was getting out the math workbooks from a cupboard above the sink. When he actually sauntered in, Emma found herself distracted by his disheveled features. Causing some concern. He looked as if he hadn't slept in days. Before she even spoke, he started to prattle.

"I know you don't like me here, I just wanted to see you. And I didn't know if' I'd get another chance during the week. The shop is overrun with most of P.B's virus infested computers."

"Kyle mentioned it. It's just what you needed to come back to." How desperately she wanted to go to him and wrap her arms around him but she knew that was risky.

"I needed to come back to you." He moved closer to her and she backed up running into her desk. They both noticed. "Well, well, this is a familiar scenario. Emma, I think we need to do something about your inclination of backing into desks." They both laughed. What had he been thinking last night? Staying away from Emma was definitely not a possibility. He felt so relaxed with her. Everything seemed better in her presence.

She couldn't help herself, she reached up and touched his face, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand. "I haven't been able to get my mind off you."

" Now that is what a man likes to hear." Her touch produced a long tedious shiver and he closed his eyes, leaning into her even more, sighing, "Saturday...Kyle mentioned he and Melody were staying with their Dad."

"You want to come over?" the sound escaping from her mouth, full of temptation.

"Thought you'd never ask." They were unaware of the presence that had just appeared at the doorway. He placed his hand over hers and then drew it to his lips, kissing it gently. Their eyes were locked on each other oblivious to everything around them.

Both nearly jumped 10 feet when Meg began to speak, "Well, this is perfect, just the man I wanted to see."

Stanley backed off but also saw Emma's look of horror. Raising his eyebrows at her, he smiled. Knowing full well her expression would only cause more speculation he managed to get a smile out of her and then, in a fluid movement, turned to Meg to attempt to smooth over the situation. "I take it you're computer has picked up the virus?"

Meg didn't have a clue what he was talking about, but nodded, "Yeah, how did you know?...the virus...I've lost everything." She put on with his assumption, shaking her head, trying to look frustrated.

"Bring it by the shop. I'll take care of you." Stanley turned to Emma, and didn't catch Meg's expression. She did hear him right, she was sure. A triumphant smile appeared across her face.

"I need to go. I'll make sure Holly gets all that make up work done."

"There's no hurry." He winked at Emma and then headed out the door. Meg looked at the desk and saw the homework packet with Holly's name on it. She moved over to Emma and picked it up, waving it in front of her face.

"Isn't he forgetting something?" She smiled, "I'll take it to him."

Emma grabbed it out of her hand, "No, that won't be necessary, Meg. I'll do it." She headed out the door and caught up with Stanley in the parking lot. It was now packed with mom's dropping their kids off. She handed him the packet and he grabbed hold of her hand. He knew it made her nervous, whenever he showed any kind of affection towards her in public, but he quite enjoyed her squirming.

A mother rolled down her window, "Ms. Heyward," Stanley didn't let go of her hand and she quickly stood in front of him, her hand and his behind her back. Stanley smiled at the woman, "just wanted to let you know the meeting for the father daughter dance has been moved to Tuesday night at 7. Hope you can make it. I'm afraid the committee is a bit on the small side this year. It's a shame not more parents get involved."

"I'll be there. I'm sure we'll cope."

Stanley couldn't pass this opportunity up. "I'd love to get involved. If you could use me in any way."

The woman in the car was surprised, but not half as surprised as Emma." Mr. Jobson, isn't it?"

Stanley nodded. "Ms. Heyward can give you the details, it's all pretty straight forward."

"I'll see you on Tuesday then." The woman drove off.

Emma turned towards him, "You are too busy to get involved in a committee."

"I'll get to spend time with you."

"You're pathetic. Stanley, it's a bunch of mothers planning the dance, they will have you setting up decorations and serving punch."

"I can handle that, if you're there." He squeezed her hand, smiling, "I've got to get to work." With a twinkle in his eye, he smiled, "God, I definitely want to kiss you."

"Don't even think about it." He wasn't the same man who had walked into her classroom only a few minutes ago. Still looking tired, but much more alive. Was it her imagination or did she do this to him?

"You're thinking about it. You want it too. Just a quick one."

"Absolutely not. I'll talk to you later."



* * *

Emma couldn't resist stopping at The Computer Man after school. The few minutes she had seen Stanley this morning just didn't seem to be enough. She knew he was busy but Brent smiled when he saw her walk in the door, "You are just what the doctor ordered."

Emma looked a bit confused and he explained, "Stan needs a break. He took two bites of a sandwich for lunch and kept working. He's irate and a highly unpleasant bastard at the moment. That's being nice."

"Maybe I should go."

Brent headed over to her and pulled her by the arm, "Oh, no, you don't. If anyone could get him out of this funk it's you." He got her to the back room and she looked over at the worktable where Stan's back was to them, seemingly in his own little world. He had headphones on and was diligently running an anti virus scan through the hardrive on a computer. She couldn't help but notice the shelves full of computers, even overflowing onto the floor, waiting their turn. Brent gave her a nudge, "And you can't leave till I see a smile back on the boss' face. Whatever it takes..." he raised his eyebrows. Brent headed back onto the shop floor.

Emma slowly walked towards him. She heard a whispered cuss and he slapped his hand down on the table in frustration. She wasn't so sure about this now. The last thing she wanted was him snapping at her for interrupting him.

He had no idea of her or anyone else's presence until a gentle stroke down his back brought him out of his concentration. He abruptly stopped and didn't move. Emma continued the gentle stroking and moved closer to him. A hand reached back and took one of her hands in his, his fingers caressing her palm and fingers. He swiveled in his chair to face her and any earlier apprehension on Emma's part was gone. The welcoming smile was there, the warmth in his eyes evident. He pulled her closer to him kissing her neck. "I'm incredibly busy." He managed to say between kisses.

"I can see that." She smiled enjoying the sensation he was causing throughout her body.

"You're distracting me." He continued the kissing, slowly reaching her earlobe, she shuddered as he gently sucked on it.

"I think you need a distraction. Brent says you're being an unpleasant bastard." Emma said it lightheartedly, "I just can't imagine." She teased.

He managed a chuckle, "I suppose I could spare a few moments...although they seem to be multiplying." He waved his arm to the shelves of computers, "I'm never going to get these finished. I shouldn't have taken on this much. What was I thinking?" Emma kissed his cheek.

"You were thinking how you couldn't let your customers down. And you know that it will get done. You have Kyle and Brent...Stanley. Don't shut them out. They're here to help you." He let out sigh and squeezed her tight.

"You're right, as usual." She felt the tension in his shoulders and back; surely this wasn't just caused by the workload she thought. She hadn't really had a decent conversation with him since he got back from L.A. And he had promised they would talk. She knew not to push it under the circumstances. She was just glad she could relieve some of the stress.

He pulled back slightly and looked her in the eyes, a hand caressing her cheek, "God, I've missed you." The computers now pushed to the back of his mind for these brief moments, his lips enveloped hers and the burning desire only grew. He didn't let up and she felt herself having to gasp for breath.

He was a bit embarrassed, pulling away from her, "You have this effect on me..." He stood up and crossed the room, leaning against his desk. His mind racing with thoughts of her ,of what he wanted to do with her. He picked up the half eaten sandwich remaining on his desk and took a bite.

"I'm sure very similar to the effect you have on me." She slowly walked towards him, the look in her eyes sultry and sexy. She was standing inches from him, reached up and removed the sandwich from his hand. The tables were turned. He wasn't that surprised by her forwardness. She seemed to be gaining more confidence daily. He liked it. He smiled as she pressed up against him, causing the desk to jar slightly. They both laughed. "What is with you and desks, Emma?

"Now wait a minute, you're the one...." he didn't let her finish as his arms encircled her and his hands squeezed her ass, giving her a wicked look. She lifted his T-shirt slipping her hands inside, moving up his muscular chest. Stanley gazed down at her, enjoying her soft caresses, his lips met hers awakening the desires they both shared. Her thighs were rubbing against him, the excitement growing.

Stanley was the first to hear the voices from the shop floor. Emma totally absorbed in his touch and in their kiss, desperately wanted more. Stanley's hands moved up to her waist and pulled her off him, her look of disappointment evident, he smiled totally understanding. "Not my choice, but your son is here."

She pulled away from him just as Kyle entered the backroom. "Hey, Mom, what are you doing here? I hope not checking up on me." He saw her blush and couldn't help but notice Stanley's expression and demeanor, pretty obvious what had been going on in here. "Ah, not me you were checking out, I see." He headed over to the worktable smiling, he looked back over at his mom, who had turned her attention back to Stanley.

Stanley whispering in her ear, "do you think you can make it until Saturday night?" he teased.

"You should be asking yourself that question." She looked down at his jeans, his arousal evident. He followed her gaze, slightly embarrassed. Hoping to god Kyle hadn't noticed. He moved slightly, using Emma as a block, Kyle heard his mom let out a giggle and looked up. Wondering what the two of them were up to. Stan smiled at him, awkwardly.

"Lots of work to be done."

"And one of us is slacking..." Kyle could get away with this kind of talk. Brent, Stan and Kyle had an incredible repertoire, as Stan liked to keep the place relaxed. Brent and Kyle seemed as much part of his family as Holly did. He liked it that way.

Emma kissed his cheek tenderly, "You better get to work, Slacker. You have to set an example to the youth of today. Good work ethics, responsibilities."

"I'll call you later." He raised his eyebrows.

She whispered into his ear, "You want to talk dirty, don't you?"

"No, you have a one track mind, and it would be nice for just a few seconds that we could carry on a conversation that doesn't revolve around physical contact, if you know what I mean. I'm starting to think that I'm merely a sex object in your eyes." He knew this would get a reaction. He so enjoyed the teasing. Kyle had put the headphones on, so Stanley could speak normally.

Emma couldn't help but giggle, "Well...."

"That's it...well....I see how it is, Emma."

She snuggled close to him, "I think you do...you see how much you mean to me.and it's not just the sex, although that part is very good."

He smiled at her, "good?. that's it?" She gave his bottom a little squeeze.

"I better go." She stroked his cheek looking in his eyes, he leaned towards her gently kissing her, touching her face. He reluctantly let her go, and she headed towards the door, turning before she left, "Stanley,"

He turned to face her, "yeah?"

"You will call me tonight?"

"And talk dirty? You bet." She left him smiling.

* * * * * *

Stanley started making phone calls the following morning, he knew some people in the construction business through the shop and when he told them he needed a favor, and he didn't want to go through all the red tape and have it take months, they pulled some strings. He took off at lunch, and met with Michael O'Connor, who owned a reliable construction company. They did some measuring and drew up some sketches and when Stanley indicated money was no object, Michael said he would have a crew at the house the following day.

He had talked to Holly that morning about his idea. They were a team, anything he did had to be something Holly wanted too. And of course this idea was a hit. Holly wanted Emma and her kids to live with them. And when her dad mentioned it, she was over the moon. Of course, he had to explain...this didn't mean they were getting married, and he hadn't even approached Emma about it. He decided to go ahead with the home improvements. The other, he had to choose the right timing. He wanted her kids approval. That was something he still had to work on. He was pretty sure Kyle would be all for it. Melody was still warming up to him. If it were going to happen, it would have to be something all 5 of them wanted.

The virus continued to spread but it seemed it was something they could work through with a solution at the shop. It was going to take a little time, is all. So Stanley took off Saturday morning to meet with the contractors. If plans went well, they would be starting that afternoon.

He was in high spirits. He and Emma had plans that evening. He had suggested they cook together and have a nice candlelit dinner, probably watch a movie, and listen to music. Holly was staying with Mary. Her kids were at their dads. They would have the whole place to themselves. The thoughts of being with her again gave him a buzz.

Kyle and Brent had the shop running smoothly in Stanley's absence. Kyle was busy working on the virus-infected computers in the back while Brent was dealing with customers on the floor. He was just finishing up with the one with persistent questions, answering each with impressive results when the bell on the door rung. He looked up expecting any number of regulars returning to pick up there now virus free computers but was not prepared to see the striking beauty now in his presence. She confidently glided across the floor as if she owned the place, assured to find a conclusion to her question, one way or the other. Perching the sunglasses atop her head, she took in all details from around the shop. Seemingly to notice Brent's gaze, she smiled, then headed over to look at the merchandise on the shop floor.

Brent thanked his customer and then headed over to where the woman stood. She turned towards him lowering her eyebrows and smiling seductively. An aurora of intrigue surrounded her.

Brent swallowed hard, feeling very vulnerable, "Can I help you with anything?"

"I'm sure you can." He watched as her finger seductively caressed the counter. "I'm looking for the owner, Stanley Jobson." Her inquiry followed by covering him with an intense gaze, reading his body response as well.

"Stanley? He's not in yet. He's expected sometime after lunch." Brent wondered what the hell she wanted with Stanley. Kyle appeared out of the backroom, with a question for Brent but saw him preoccupied, so he leaned on the corner, waiting until he was finished, observing their interaction with interest.

Brent, being himself, was bold enough to continue putting his thoughts into words. "You're friends with Stanley?"

She smiled gaining advantage that was on her side, "I guess that's what you could call us...yes. I would like to think he considers me a friend."

Kyle found this woman mesmerizing. Dressed in a sheer figure flattering ruffled dress accented with high heels, it made her legs look as if they went on forever. Her long black hair was striking against her light brown skin. He was pretty sure it was a wig but it looked so real. She knew Stanley. Who was she? Was this part of the past he never spoke of?

"Stanley will be disappointed he missed you."

"Not half as disappointed as I am. I don't think I can get back this afternoon."

"I can give him a message."

"Just tell him an old friend stopped by.and I'll be in touch."

She looked over at Kyle aware of his stares that interestingly seemed to be followed by a scowl. Knowing she had Brent eating out of her hand, she tossed a smile at Kyle and got the desired reaction. He turned away. Her smile felt more genuine, ah. another notch in her belt.

"Who should I tell him was here?"

She had already turned and was striding away towards the door. Her hips swaying a motion that helped immensely with Brent's wildly growing assumption of what type of category her friendship might lay in.

"Gail..." She smirked at him over her shoulder. It almost looked as if she was teasing his attention with a laughing sparkle in her eye. Replacing her sunglasses, Brent watched as she got into the Mercedes convertible and only then did he take a deep breath not realizing he had been holding. Once again his mouth replaced his brains. "My god, what was Stanley thinking leaving that striking woman? No man in his right mind would let her go."

Kyle was feeling a little irritated. "I don't see the big deal."

"You're a kid." He then realized Kyle looked upset as he headed into the backroom and went back to the computer he was working on. Brent followed him. About to put his headphones on, Brent stopped him, realizing he had been an insensitive ass with the comments he had made earlier.. Kyle had been thinking about his mom and Stan and a woman from his past was something he was sure no one had contemplated.

"You know you're right...she's no big deal. She probably used to work with Stan."

"Does she look like she has ever touched a computer in her life? I'm not stupid, Brent. If she knows Stan, it has nothing to do with computers."

"He's in love with your mom, Kyle."

"Until something better comes along? I know how it works. My dad loved her, too. And look how that ended up."

"Stan isn't anything like your dad."

"What do any of us know about Stan, Brent?" He finalized the conversation by jamming the headphones on to continue working.

The kid had a point. He decided to let it go. Give him some space. He walked back out onto the shop floor.

* * *

Stan sauntered in the shop about lunchtime, loaded down with Chinese food. He was in great spirits. He had left his house in good hands and Brent and Kyle seemed to be on top of everything at the shop. Kyle looked up just long enough to see who walked in with the food but chose to ignore him.

Stan wasn't sure what the cold shoulder was all about. He questioned Brent. "What's going on with Kyle? Girlfriend troubles?"

Brent shook his head, "I think you need to talk to him. He's having some issues and they're centered around you."

"Kyle's having issues with me?" Stanley seemed confused. They had always gotten along.

"Let me explain. You had a visitor today."

Stanley had begun to open the containers of food, setting them on his desk while listening to Brent.

"A female visitor."

This didn't seem that unusual to Stanley. He had a lot of female customers. It didn't faze him and he couldn't believe it would faze Kyle.

"Gail." Brent was watching for some kind of reaction but didn't receive any.

"Does she have a last name?" Stan dug into the noodles.

"She said you were old friends."

"I don't know anyone named Gail. What did she look like?"

"Beautiful."

Stan laughed, coming from Brent that could mean anything. "I need a little more detail I'm afraid."

"I don't know, about 5'7'', incredible legs, coffee color skin, long straight dark hair, classy.... beautiful."

The long straight dark hair threw him, but the rest could be pinned to a few faces he's done business with, the most recent was supposedly deceased, until confirmed otherwise by Roberts. But she didn't fit the name...Gail. He shook those thoughts, "What did she want?"

"To catch up. I don't think Kyle likes the idea of you catching up with someone that looked like that. Anyhow, she said she'd be in contact with you."

"She didn't leave a number?"

"No." Brent watched Stan's reaction. Something was going on in that head of his but he was awfully hard to read. "So.is your memory jarred any of someone from your past that fits the general description?"

"I'm not interested in my past...the present and the future are all that concern me." He was getting a little testy and was not interested in taking a stroll down memory lane. The good mood he had been experiencing was slowly fading so he had to refocus. Tonight he was seeing Emma. Standing up, he went over and lifting an earphone. "Come and eat something. Your mom will kill me if she knows you worked all day without a break." Kyle looked a little annoyed with him.

"You don't have to worry, I won't tell her. I just want to get these done." Stan didn't need an instruction manual to figure it out and could read the agitated vibes coming off the young man who had replaced the headphones and swiveled around to turn his attention to the main box. Stan surveyed the stiff set shoulders. Once again removing the ear attachments, he swiveled the chair around to face him. He didn't like this side of Kyle.

"Talk to me."

"I've nothing to talk to you about." There was definitely an irritation to his voice. Stanley was surprised he sounded very much like himself. "Just cause I work for you doesn't mean I've got to tell you everything."

"This is about your mom, isn't it?"

"I don't know where you're getting that idea from. I've been working really hard all morning and I just want to get the rest of the computers finished so I can go home. I have a date."

Stanley softened. "With Amy, I know. She's a nice girl."

"I didn't ask for your approval, Stan."

He drew his brow in with a worried look. He had tried, but didn't seem to be getting anywhere so he left him with his attitude and went back to his lunch, even though he still worried a little, casting a glance back at him.

The bell of the shop rang and Brent got up to get it. Stan decided to change the slight tension in the air and get back to what he originally intended. He was looking at the drawings he and Michael had come up with for the room extensions, while he picked up a piece of lemon chicken with his chopsticks. Kyle finished up the previously crashed computer that he just 'miraculously healed' and moved over to the desk to invade the stash of noodles. He couldn't help but notice the plans Stan was looking at.

Stan looked up at him, "Glad to see you eating something."

"What are those?" He had a hard time staying mad at Stan for long.

"I'm adding some room to my home."

"What for? I would think you're house is big enough for you and Holly."

"Well..." He paused, not knowing what else he should say about it. "It is for the time being...but things could change." Kyle gave him a wary look, wondering if this had anything to do with his mom. Stanley smiled, raising his eyebrows.

"Like how?" Kyle was now curious.

Stan decided to go for it. What did he have to lose? "I've been thinking about your mom a lot lately. We hardly have any time together."

"You're seeing her tonight."

"Well, yeah, but with Holly and myself here and you, Melody, and your mom in La Mesa...it's just not an ideal situation."

"Are you going to ask her to move in with you?" he was more than a bit surprised.

"We haven't gotten that far yet, Kyle. I know there's a lot of things to consider before that happens."

"But you're adding a room to your house, so it could happen."

"I would like to believe it could happen, yes. So what do you think about the idea?"

"It really has nothing to do with me." He was once again standoffish.

"It has a lot to do with you. You and Melody are the most important things in your mom's life. We all have to be on the same page here."

"I'm not sure how I feel. I mean...." was this bad timing! Oh, what the hell, he might as well get this off his chest. "That lady today... Who is she to you? Don't you think my mom needs to know these kind of things before she decides to live with you?"

Stan was not completely sure who had showed up at the shop today asking for him but he did not want to upset the basket of nerves sitting across from him. "Yes, she deserves to know and she will." Kyle wanted so much to believe him. "Kyle, I would prefer if you didn't mention this to your mom, right now."

"You mean about the lady?"

"No, not about the lady. About the house. I don't even know who that lady was." He could tell by Kyle's expression he wasn't buying it but he didn't really know what else to say. "Your mom is the only woman I give a damn about. Nothing's going to change that. Whoever this Gail lady is."

"I want to believe you."

"Then do." He plopped a fortune cookie onto Kyle's plate and smiled.

"You don't know how much my mom is looking forward to tonight, you coming over." Stanley smiled. "I've never seen her so happy."

"That's a good thing, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah, but..."

"I've never been so happy as when I'm with her either." Kyle saw the expression on Stan's face. It wasn't phony. He decided to let it go. Stan did love his mom and he really wanted to believe things were going to be okay. He had to stop letting his mind get carried away with scenarios straight out of the movies.

Closing time came quickly. They all felt their goal was in site as the piles of computers were dwindling. The mysterious Gail had been forgotten for the time being. Stan had thoughts of Emma filling his mind as the afternoon wore on and the sooner he got these computers sorted the quicker he would be going over to her place. It was an incredibly motivating incentive to say the least. Just one more problem child lay at his hands and he wanted to sort it out before he made that trek. Challenges were his mainstay and in most cases these metal boxes hardly proved to be any challenge. Brent and Kyle both had a go at this last stubborn hard drive and he was determined to have the job done before leaving.

Kyle and Brent were just leaving through the front door. Both had a set of keys, Brent pulled his out of his pocket to lock the shop. They didn't see Meg's Mustang parked around back. Or the silver Mercedes convertible across the street. Kyle was in high spirits about his date with Amy and they were both absorbed in their conversation.

Meg was actually sitting out in the car waiting for the guys to leave, hoping Stan would remain behind. She had been in this neighborhood before at closing time, and he was often known to work late. Of course, on previous occasions she hadn't been ready for this encounter. But tonight was different. As she saw Kyle and Brent locking the shop, she quickly looked in her mirror, reapplying her makeup. Before ambling up to the front door, she set her sites ready to play it up...for all it was worth it, knowing what awaited inside those locked doors.

"So where are you taking Miss Rickman this evening? Got any wild plans?"

Kyle knew Brent was teasing, "A movie...it's no big deal."

"It's a big deal, kid." He slapped him on the back, "But you'll have no problem. She's already smitten with you. And don't get to fresh on the first date. You know that was always my downfall."

They both laughed and then realized they had company. Kyle nearly bumped into her as he turned around.

"Hi, can I help you?" Kyle asked as Brent turned the key in the lock and looked at the woman. He remembered her from the other day. She had brought her computer in for Stan to have a look at. . She hadn't been satisfied with Brent's help, insisting that Stan was going to take care of her. Brent had not liked the look in her eye, but then she wasn't the first woman to have a crush on the guy.

"I'm afraid we're closed for the day." Brent added.

Meg peered around his shoulder with a worried look creasing her brow. "Oh, this is a nightmare. I really need my computer for the weekend. I just couldn't get in earlier...things have just been going from bad to worse. You can't even imagine." Kyle and Brent exchanged glances. Neither were experts on dealing with frantic women. "Stan said it would be done today. Isn't there anyway you can let me in to pick it up? I would be so grateful" She tried her best to sound exasperated and in dire need, wringing her hands back and forth.

Kyle looked at Brent. He was the one with the business sense, never wanting to turn a paying customer away. Brent looked at his watch and then towards the store wondering what Stanley would do under these circumstances. He wanted to make the right decision, especially in front of Kyle, who seemed to be looking to him for the answer.

She worry-rubbed her hands together, hoping for the best. "I drove miles over here. I really thought I would make it before you closed." Eye lashes batted, blotted full of mascara.

Brent knew what Stan would do. He would reopen the shop and get her the computer but he was kind of pressed for time. Chelsea had just called before they shut down and had dinner waiting on the table. One thing she couldn't bear was having her dinner grow cold. Brent knew that from experience. "Stan is still in the back. I'm sure he'll be able to help you." A thumb pointed behind his shoulder. "Just follow the hallway. We're supposed to lock up the front. He can let you out the back door."

She displayed the appropriate response and relief spread across her face. "Thank you so much. I do so appreciate this!" She slipped by, walking through the dark shop, heading for the backroom. Brent watched her figure and hoped he had done the right thing.

Kyle peered at Brent. "I don't know, Brent. Stan doesn't like to be disturbed when he's working."

Keys had turned the cylinder and then deposited the keys into Brent's pocket. "Stan will be fine. He's in a great mood because he's seeing your mom tonight. And it seemed pretty obvious that lady was in dire need of her computer. He'll be glad to make her weekend."

Kyle looked back over his shoulder still leery as Brent headed to his car. As Brent opened his car door he gave Kyle a look. There was worry written all over it. Ever since that woman had showed this morning he had been out of sorts. "Kyle go home and get ready for your date. Stan can handle himself. She's just a woman, for god's sake.!"

Kyle headed for his car. Amy...he should be thinking about his date with Amy. Brent was right; Stan could take care of himself. And what could possibly happen in the backroom of the shop? Kyle chucked to himself. He was being ridiculous. There was no way Stan would find her attractive. And Brent had been right about another thing. Stan had been thinking about his mom all day. That smile had been on his face for the most part of the day and even the heavy workload hadn't gotten to him. It was hard to think of his mom having this kind of effect on a man. But she did. And as along as she was happy, he could deal with it.

Meg stood at the backroom door, in the dark watching to make sure their cars drove away, before she continued to the back workroom. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her time had come. Being alone with Stanley Jobson was just about too much for her to bear. She heard music blaring from the overhead speakers in the backroom, a mid 80's number..."Some like it Hot". She had never been very good at recognizing bands and tunes...but she knew this one, only because she recalled being in the backseat of Daniel Pleasant's moms Honda Civic. When this song had played, Daniel's hands had been exploring every part of her body. It had been extremely pleasant! And it only made her crave it more. The song quivered down her spine, thinking of Stanley's hands where Daniels had once been.

~we want to multiply...are you gonna do it...I know you qualify...are you gonna do it...~

The words pumped into her veins. She actually was enjoying the buzz of good memories it brought back. Another voice had joined in, following the words.

~Don't be so circumscribe...are you going to do it...just get yourself untied...are you going to do it.... ~

'Stanley Jobson singing?' she queried to herself as each step carried her closer. There was only light coming from above the work area to light her way as she moved closer. The notes were blaring out in a low rumble. His voice kept a pretty good pace. She was impressed.

~feel the heat...pushing you to decide..feel the heat...burning you up..~

She was close enough to take in the view of the lit work area across the room from her. The rest of the room was dim...Walls were lined with shelving. Parts and computers filled them to their capacity. Empty boxes were tossed to the side but then as she made another step closer, she saw her soul purpose for being here. Standing.....no dancing?...in the middle of the room was that gorgeous hunk of a man. She stared belatedly at his complete, locomotion in motion, backside. Her jaw slacked in awe. His hips were gyrating while fingers were flying over the keyboard. Earphones wrapped around his head plugged him away into his own world. His prone form was a masterpiece in the making. She swore she was melting on the spot.

~ready or not.. some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on...~

Stan had just about finished downloading installations to the hard drive. This one had Kyle and Brent both scratching their heads. Brent estimated it would take him almost 2 days just to find the layout of the problem and then try to repair the damage. Stan had just finished the required procedures in about. glancing at the desk clock. 3 minutes and.. 38 seconds. Just about long enough for Robert Palmer to finish off 'Some Like It Hot'. Not bad for the old man of the bunch. He chuckled out loud. He liked to cut loose when he knew that absolutely no one else was around. And he was in incredible spirits tonight. Emma's long lanky legs, her beautiful silken auburn hair.... and just about every other part of her incredible enticing body filled his thoughts. He wanted nothing more that to take her in his arms and make love to her. It had been way too long...over 2 weeks.

~some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on.. some like it hot but you can't tell how hot till you try...some like it hot so let's turn up the heat till we fry~

Meg watched in awe at the display in front of her. He had to have heard her come in. His knees kept dipping in beat, on time, with that tight butt and hips following the motion. His fingers flying over the keys, so efficient, so fast. It was utterly amazing. She felt herself absolutely on fire. She felt this show was just for her pleasure and was quite turned on by it.

As Stan finished up with the computer, his body slowed down, the song was just ending and he sighed. A satisfied smile appeared on his face...the fact that the computer was actually working but even more importantly, the knowledge of what was waiting for him back at Emma's. He removed the earphones setting them back on their peg next to the worktable. It was the first he had realized the overhead speakers were on as well. He stretched his arms up and did a few neck rolls to loosen up when he was surprised by the touch of a hand on his back, stroking it gently.

He smiled... Emma...this would be just like her, coming to the shop, slipping in, as the boys left. Knowing her thing with desks, well, who knows what she had in mind. Whatever it was he liked it!

"You are full of surprises aren't you? Couldn't wait till I came to you?" He turned, expecting to see the woman of his dreams, he was surprised to see a different woman standing before him. A very hungry looking woman. His body jumped with a startled response.

But Meg's reaction was quite different from just listening to him acknowledge her. That's all she needed for her confidence to continue knowing that he couldn't wait for her. Since her first suspicions had been confirmed, she was in the betting mood that, secretly, this man preferred the female conquer and conquest variety of women. Since Emma couldn't seem to drag herself past first base while being accosted besides Stan's Suburban at the pub, and Stan showed every sign he wanted to round third base and continue onto home plate, well it just made sense. She was definitely in the mood. Something about letting the woman take control made them feel justified as to why they were placed on this planet. It was in some magazine she had read many months ago. This had to be the case with Stan.

"Hi". A big, huge hesitation slid in as he was at a loss for words or an explanation. What was her name? Then it came to him, Meg.... she worked with Emma and if memory served correctly he had been working on her computer yesterday. In fact, there had been nothing wrong with it. He had meant to give her a ring, let her know she could pick it up, but it had slipped his mind, with the amount of computers that had passed through his fingers in the last few days, and he had to admit Emma had him preoccupied the rest of the time. He wondered how she had gotten in.... Just as he was about to ask her what she needed, she sidled up to Stan, wet her lips, threw her arms around his neck and proceeded to plant a kiss on him. Opening her mouth wide, expecting Stan to respond accordingly.

Stan's shock of the forward advance left him dumbfounded. Had he done something to encourage her? He couldn't imagine what. He attempted to draw back and get away from this unwanted embrace. His backward advancement with a wanton woman attached gave him no room to miss an expensive computer on the floor. His boot tripped up, both arms were attempting to politely dislodge her from his frontal side. After freeing himself only by a scant second, the backward momentum flung him backward over the computer. Fortunately there was a short swivel-armed chair sitting directly behind that he landed squarely into. Unfortunately, it was only 2 inches from the wall. His head snapped back and hit with a smacking force. He saw stars and was on the verge of blacking out while sagging down in the chair.

Meg's sexual drive was in high gear. She had to look away a moment to watch her footing lest she fall, so she missed the smack. Looking up, he appeared to be waiting for her in the chair. Spread out all his glory for all of her attention. She dove in for the attack she just knew he wanted.

His senses were completely dull. His ears buzzed and the room was terribly dull of all colors. A weight moving across and then up and down on his chest was quite uncomfortable. A wave of nausea flowed over him, he couldn't focus, he was completely unaware of his surroundings.

Meg leaned into him fully unaware of his state moaning into his ear, "Oh, Stan, I've got to have you" Her lips sucked diligently on his earlobe as her hands rubbed up and down his chest undoing the buttons on his shirt.

A moan came from his lips. To Stan, it was from utter confusion. To Meg, it was a response to her advances. A sign he was enjoying her touch, her kisses. This only made her want him more.

"Let me get it up for you" she slurred into his ear. 'Get up, get up!' Stan's fogged brain froze. Memory seized his extremities and he was petrified as it all came back. with a vengeance. A living nightmare had materialized; part in the form of a hungry, sex starved woman and part in his frazzled memory, grasping for conscience to return. Gabriel's words flowed over. "Come on, Stan!. She's good isn't she?" His head lulled back and forth. A large gray circle encompassed his vision. Nothing seemed real.

She had been caressing him with everything she had through all of his clothes. His body was hard and muscled in all the right places. He had a coherent thought...to remove the weight on top of him. But as his arms moved in that direction they only managed to flop against her back.

He was responding, was the only thing Meg could think of and she knew It was time to get down to business. He seemed to just lie back for enjoyment. She groped his private areas trying to get a response. Kissing over his chest. The shirt already partly unbuttoned, she started to remove it.

A groan escaped from his mouth, "Patience, darling, give me just a little more time." She responded, then purred into his ear, "I know exactly how to please you."

Memories brought back his own words. 'More time, more time.'

His heart was in rapid rhythm duplicating the past knowledge of death looming near in the form of a silenced automatic shoved to his head, which was pushed violently off center to the right.

"No,no,no,no,no!" In rapid succession slipped from his battered lips. His first mumbled words since she started kissing him.

It didn't phase Meg one bit. Those words were known to mean yes, yes, yes... She started unbuttoning his fly. His legs tried to move and upright himself. They flexed as if rubber.

A click of debris on the floor from his boot. A click of death to his temple, eyes closed tightly, he knew he would never see his daughter again. The trigger was a hair's breath from firing. The crony was going to pull the trigger, he knew it. The smell the gunpowder wafted close.

A gulp of air invaded his lungs and he bolted straight up in the seat. Meg was taken back by the sudden movement of her 'conquest' she had straddled while fighting with the clothes.

His blank eyes stared ahead, lungs heaving for breath. Some form of recognition registered while taking in the surroundings. He looked down at his shirt in awry, jeans unbuttoned and her hands sliding into his pants. This wasn't Emma. He totally and completely lost himself within the nightmare playing out.

Kyle had only made it around the block, when he noticed he forgot his black denim jacket. The only one he owned, and he would probably need it tonight. So he spun his car around the corner and headed back to the shop. He noticed the Mercedes out of the corner of his eye, as he passed. Wasn't that the car the woman this morning had been driving? As he pulled into the lot, he turned back and the car was gone. That was odd.

He headed towards the backdoor, knowing it was open. He then noticed that woman's car still in the lot. Oh, well...he wasn't going to let his imagination get the best of him. He just wanted to get his jacket. And he knew it was hanging on the back of Stan's desk chair.

As he walked in he heard the noise in the back as if Stan were still working. He saw his jacket hanging on the chair, but as he moved closer, he realized the noises he heard weren't Stan working on a computer, in fact Stan began to yell

"Get off...get off.". Kyle come around the corner. and promptly had to duck back to miss a person hitting the back storage shelf. Luckily the doors on the shelf were shut. But a few boxes jostled on the top lost their perch and tumbled to the floor surrounding whomever had just landed on their derriere.

His boss was standing on the far side of the room with a look of bewildered rage. His shirt was torn open. Torn, as in a hurry to get off of his body. The jeans were partially open. Kyle was speechless. Stan's face had a dazed look about it and he wasn't able to hold himself upright. The nearby counter help alleviate his struggle to stay on his feet. The customer they had left behind then scrambled up from her ground zero landing. This type of scene was unheard of in Kyle's mind.

Kyle went to the woman and helped her up. Not knowing what else he should do, seeing Stan's state. Had he been drinking? He looked so angry and he had pushed her. Kyle had never seen him angry or violent. This was a side he never expected Stan to possess.

Their was a glance between them briefly, Meg incredibly embarrassed looked down at her feet. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect Emma's son to walk in. Stan had obviously seen him coming. It would be very awkward for him of course. She still was in a state of delusion about what had transpired between them.

The silence was too much, Kyle spoke up, "I left my jacket. I'll just get it..." he let go of Meg, "I didn't mean to interrupt." He gave Stan a glare, as he grabbed the jacket off the chair and started to walk back towards the door. All he could think about was his mom. And how this man, who he had felt so in touch with had betrayed both of them. He took a deep breath, the anger inside him building.

Stan's head was still spinning, but he knew he couldn't let Kyle go. He had some explaining to do. "Kyle...you're not interrupting anything. She was just leaving..." the look he gave her was one of disgust and Meg felt confused.

"but, Stan...I...."

he cut her off, "Get out." He pointed to the door. "I'll make sure Brent drops your computer off at school first thing Monday morning. I never want to see you in my shop again." His voice was firm, and alarming to Meg's ears. Where was this coming from?

"I can do a lot of harm. I don't think you realize, the clout I have in this community." Stan wasn't listening.

"I said out." he repeated, this time yelling it, putting his hand to his head, the throbbing was intense, nearly unbearable. Meg was not one to take defeat well, but this getting back to Emma was something she couldn't bear. And thought better of staying. The guy had pushed her. He had gotten violent. She could press charges. These thoughts were now going through her head. No,no...it was best to pretend it never happened.

Kyle stopped dead in his tracks, at Stan's outburst. Then watched as Meg held her head up and walked past Kyle towards the backdoor, she turned to Kyle before she opened it.

"You're boss is a complete lunatic. You might want to warn your mom." She then smiled and walked out the door.

Stan felt woozy again, but managed to stumble to the bathroom. Kyle torn between leaving, which he desperately wanted to do, and making sure Stan was okay. He seemed out of sorts. The stumbling, grasping onto the counter. He went with his first instinct, no matter how big of a jerk he was at this time, he couldn't leave Stan. He followed him to the bathroom.

Stan looked into the mirror seeing a white, drawn face peering back at him. His eyes bloodshot. He turned the tap on, dipping his face down , he splashed water on his face. When he stood back up he saw Kyle's reflection behind him in the doorway.

"It's not what you think" Kyle handed him a towel and he wiped his face. How could he possibly explain any of this to Kyle, when he himself didn't even know what had happened. He tried buttoning his fly, and then felt the slight head to toe tremors from the encounter. A wave of nausea passing over him again.

"Oh, shit...I'm going to be sick." Kyle immediately lifted the toilet seat just in time for Stan's dinner to reach it's target. He shook uncontrollably for a few seconds before he was able to refocus on Kyle, handing him a washcloth.

Stan plopped down on the tiled floor, wiping his face. Kyle standing over him. He didn't' know what to do. He felt awful for Stan, but he also felt mad as hell.

"I think you should go home." Kyle managed to say. "I can drive if you want."

"I'm fine." He tried to stand up and felt the dizziness again, so plopped back down on the floor.

"You're hardly fine. You went crazy in there." That's all he could say. He had no idea what had happened before he entered. He didn't want to think about it. How could Stan do this to his mom?

"I think I hit my head." He rubbed the back of his head and felt a bump emerging.

"Oh, when she undid your fly?" he wasn't sure why he had said that. It was sarcastic and really not appropriate. But he didn't care.

"Nothing happened, Kyle. I hit my head, I saw images....I know this sounds crazy. She came onto me. At least I think that's what happened. I can't seem to think clearly." He rubbed his head.

"That's really convenient, Stan. Look, if you're okay to get home. I'm off."

"I'll tell your mom...everything."

"You better. Because if you don't I will." He turned and walked out, Stan heard the backdoor slam, holding his hand to his head. He just needed to get home.

He wasn't sure how he made it home. As he turned the key in the lock of his house, he had no recollection of being behind the wheel. Scrap came rambling up to him, jumping up on him. Stan pushed him down, "Down boy. Not tonight." He scruffed his ears and headed into the kitchen looking for the aspirin, he saw the message on the kitchen table written in multicolor felt tip pens...

Dad....Mary and I are making pies at her house. Don't leave till I get back. You know I can't go to bed without my hug...love you....Holly.

Stan smiled, as he filled up a glass with cold water and popped the aspirin in his mouth. He then headed to the bedroom. His only thoughts were his throbbing head, he needed to lie down. He looked at the clock, he needed to get to Emma's . But a few minutes of shut eye sounded so good. A few minutes, that was it...then he'd be right as rain, and he'd make the trek to Emma's.

He lay his head back onto the pillows, closing his eyes. He could already feel the splitting headache receding. He sighed deeply and drifted off to sleep.

* * * * * *

Kyle walked into the house, and found his mom in high spirits. She had the table set for two. With candles. She was looking at the clock. As she straightened the flowers in the vase one more time. She was wearing something new, a black skirt and a red tank top, bare legs and black sandals. It wasn't really dressy, but for his mom it was. She looked great he thought. Stan had made her feel great about herself, the last few months. The image of Stan with that woman, someone who worked with his mom...well, it wasn't sitting well with him at all. His mom was so naive about things, of course Stan was like all the rest. What made him ever think he was different? He was so angry with himself for being taken in by the guy.

He tried to sneak past her into his room, the last thing he wanted was to have to look her in the eye. He just knew he wouldn't be able to lie. Just as he was opening the door to his room, thinking he had made he heard her voice, "Kyle." When he turned she was standing out in the hall facing him.

"Mom, I got to run. I'm suppose to pick up Amy in a half hour. I got to go all the way back to the beach. Just wanted to take a shower. Really in a rush." He barely looked at her.

"Busy at the shop?" Great she wanted to talk shop...how was he supposed to get out of this?

He nodded. Something was wrong. He wasn't making eye contact with her. "Is everything okay?"

"Great. I'm just in a rush. Can we talk later, mom?"

Emma decided to leave it. He was obviously nervous about his date, tired from work. A mixture of things. "Of course. Get in the shower. Stanley should be here soon." He couldn't help but notice the smile on her face as she headed back into the kitchen. He took a deep breath. He hated this. Why the hell had he gone back for his jacket? He now felt he was betraying his mom.

* * * * * * *

Holly and Mary stepped into the house, and all was quiet. Her dad's car was out front. So he was around somewhere. Holly called his name and there was no answer. She peeked into his room, and he was fast asleep, still clothed, lying on top of the bed. Mary stood at the door, just as Holly was about to wake him.

"You should leave him be, Holly. He's probably had a rough day."

"But he has a date with Emma, Mary. It's important."

"I'm sure she'll understand." Holly looked at her dad in a deep sleep, he looked so peaceful. She took the spare blanket lying at the foot of his bed and covered him, and took off his boots and socks. He stirred slightly, sighed and repositioned himself. She walked out of the room closing the door behind her.

The phone rang. Holly raced into the kitchen before it rang again, "Hello. Jobson residence."

"Holly, hi.."

"Emma. Hi."

"Can I talk to your dad? I was just wondering when I could expect him. I know he was probably working late."

"He's asleep, Emma. I just came home and he's out like a light. Mary said I shouldn't wake him."

This seemed a bit odd to her."She's probably right, Holly. He's had a rough day. I know he hasn't been sleeping very well. You let him sleep." She couldn't help but be dissapointed. Her time with him was so infrequent, and both of them had been looking forward to some time together. "You will tell him I called?"

"I know as soon as he wakes up, he'll call you." She paused briefly, "I'm sorry about your date." She was pretty smart for her years.

"It was nothing." Emma took a deep breath. Of course she didn't believe that. It was everything to her. "Your dad's health is more important than a silly date."

"I just think he's tired. He's had all these people here this morning looking at the house and stuff..." she then realized she wasn't supposed to talk about that. Hoping Emma wouldn't catch it, she quickly continued, "and there is so many computers at the shop to fix"

Emma hadn't really heard the comment about the house. Her mind preoccupied with the fact she wasn't' going to see him tonight. "I know. I saw them. Look, I better let you go. If you or your dad need anything, call me okay?"

"Okay. Goodnight, Emma."

"Night, Holly." She hung up the phone and looked at the table she had carefully set. She closed her eyes tightly, fighting back the tears. Kyle was about to head out the door, when he saw his mom at the table, her head buried in her arms. He couldn't just sneak out. How could he be so thoughtless.

"Mom?"

She looked up and managed a smile, "Oh, you're off. Have a good time."

"Did you just talk to Stan?"

"He's not coming. I talked to Holly. He's asleep. I guess the workload has finally caught up with him" Kyle saw the dissapointment in his mom's eyes.

"I don't have to go out. We can get some stupid romantic comedy or whatever you fancy....I can order in pizza." He moved closer to her.

"No, you go. I'm fine, really." Kyle felt the anger coming back. He felt like punching something. Punching Stan, for doing this to his mom.

"You know, mom, you could do better than Stanley Jobson." This was a surprise. Kyle and Stan had gotten so close in the last few months. He wouldn't just say this out of the blue. Something had to have occurred to cause him to feel this way.

"Kyle, did something happen today at the shop? Something I should know about?"

The things he wanted to say to her. He guessed the best tactic here was to act as he normally would. Go on his date. "Just the same old stuff. I just meant that you are the best. And really too good for anybody. And Stanley Jobson is a fool to pass up anytime with you." She stood up and gave him a hug.

"That was very sweet." she was smiling. She didn't seem to upset about Stanley. Disapointed maybe, but accepting that he was tired She pulled away from him, "you better go. I'm just going to tackle that stack of math papers I've been putting off, have a glass of wine, watch Saturday Night live. I'll be fine."

He wasn't to sure, but he headed out the door.

* * * * * * *

Amy noticed Kyle's mood. He was quiet as they drove away from her house, when finally he spoke, "Hey...would you mind terribly if we skipped the movies.."

"Kyle, if this is a bad time. It's okay. We can do something another night."

"No...it's just I hate that my mom is home alone."

"I thought you said she was seeing Stanley?:" Amy was a bit confused.

"She was. I guess he fell asleep or something. He's been really overworked. Stays late at the shop." Amy sensed something else. But Kyle seemed very closed. "I just thought maybe getting a pizza, renting a DVD...I don't know something to cheer her up.""

Amy smiled, "I think it's a great idea. Does your mom like old movies?"

"Yeah...she likes Cary Grant."

"Perfect. We can rent North by Northwest or Bringing UP Baby."

"You don't care, really?"

"I think it's really sweet what you're doing, Kyle. You're not like any guy I've ever met."

"I don't think most girls would want to spend their date with a guy and his mom."

"I'm not most girls, Kyle. I can't think of anything I'd like better." She smiled at him. How did he luck out finding someone like her.

When Emma heard the car pull up drive she was surprised. She had poured herself a glass of wine and was sitting at the kitchen table going over the math papers. Not really concentrating. Why couldn't she stop thinking about Stanley?

Kyle and Amy entered the kitchen with pizza and DVDs, "Thought you probably hadn't eaten."

Emma smiled, "Kyle, you didn't have to come back here to keep me company."

Amy spoke up, "There's nothing really good playing at the theaters now anyhow. Kyle said you liked Cary Grant, I picked out some movies...you've probably already seen them all, but they're always fun to watch again."

Emma was glad for the distraction. She liked Amy already. And saw Kyle smiling at her. She looked through the DVD's, while Amy continued, "I wanted to get Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman...it's my dad's favorite. He loves Ingrid Bergman, but it was checked out. Have you see that one.....Ms. Heyward?" she paused not knowing what to call her. She knew Kyle had said she didn't use his Dad's name anymore.

Emma was slightly dazed...Notorius...she had watched that with Stan. The night he had kissed her for the first time. She let out a sigh, and realized both Kyle and Amy were staring at her. "Oh...Amy, you can call me Emma, please."

She picked up a piece of pizza and she wasn't sure what came over her, as she took a bite. Kyle and Amy were getting sodas out of the fridge, she could hear sounds but she couldn't make out words, they were laughing like kids would. Her mind seemed foggy and cloudy. She thought of Stan, as she had gazed at him that night, in the dimly lit room, the way he had looked at her, the way he had touched her. And she began to cry. She wanted him here with her now. She didn't realize they had noticed. But both Kyle and Amy had turned around and watched as Emma's tears started to flow.

Kyle immediately went to her side, putting his arm around her, "Mom, what's wrong?"

"I watched Notorious with Stanley." Amy put her hand over her mouth, feeling she was to blame for this sudden outburst. Yes, his mom was known to be emotional. But crying because of a movie she watched with him seemed just plain weird. She managed a slight smile under the tears, "He teased me about Cary Grant."

Kyle was concerned. "Mom, I think you're tired. You've been bustling around this house all day...maybe you should just go to bed."

"I miss him, Kyle."

"I know." What else could he say?

She turned to Amy noticing her concern, "You meant well, Kyle's right, I'm tired and I should just go to bed. You two enjoy the movies, it was really sweet that you thought of me." She gave Kyle a kiss on the cheek and walked down towards the hall.

Amy moved over to Kyle taking his hand, knowing he was concerned, "Women have those moments, Kyle. I don't think you need to worry. It's probably that time of the month or something."

Kyle nodded in agreement. She was probably right. "This isn't the kind of first date I was planning you know."

She smiled, " Come on, we can still watch a movie and have pizza. The night isn't ruined by a long run. I'm with you ,right? And that's all that matters."

* * * * *

It was as if walking in a dream, every step was a far off echo. He fumbled his way out of the dark bathroom towards the kitchen counters looking for a glass. Then the refrigerator caught his attention. His stomach rumbled. Opening the door the bright light glared, causing him to shield his eyes with his arm. The light caused dizziness and was unbearable. He quickly shut the offending door, already forgetting why he opened it in the first place. He walked to the other end of the kitchen. A scrolled note in different colors caught his eye. As he picked it up the colors blurred away to just resemble a crumbled piece of paper and it dropped out of his hand onto the floor. Stumbling in a drunken like stupor, he weaved his way back down the hall. Holly's door was slightly ajar. He took a peek inside. At least he could make out Holly's sleeping form. She looked serene cuddled up with that old rabbit. Where did he come from? His dream took him back out into the hall to his bedroom of which the king size bed looked very inviting. He practically fell face forward onto the pillow, the dizziness subsiding as burrowed his face into the soft down .There's no place like home.there's no place like home.

* * * * * Stanley awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the kitchen. A typical Sunday. Holly was normally up before him and knew how he liked a cup first thing in the morning. He rolled over to face his clock and could barely focus on the hands. He rubbed his eyes and strained to see the numbers. They were fuzzy, but he made out the big hand on the 10, the little hand on the 2. That couldn't be, he rubbed his eyes again and this time they were clearer... 1:50? In the afternoon? He picked the alarm clock up and held it to his ear, thinking that it was dead. But it was ticking. He replaced it and began to sit up. His right hand went up to his hair, giving it a quick tousle, and as it reached the back, he felt the huge bump. What the hell? Where did that come from? His mind was blurry about the events of yesterday. How long had he been asleep? He was still in his clothes, except for his boots.

The door to his bedroom slowly opened and he saw Holly peering her head around it. He smiled at her, motioning for her to come in. She climbed up on the bed next to him. She snuggled up to him, his arm went around her.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Since about 7 last night, I guess. I came home and you'd fallen asleep with your clothes on." She found this fairly amusing and giggled.

"Really?" Stan found her amusement endearing, but round it hard to believe he had been asleep for nearly 15 hours. Then he remembered Emma, "My date with Emma.... shit, I didn't even call her." He moved rather quickly and regretted the decision.

"She called. She knew you were really tired from work."

"She wasn't mad?"

"No....but you better call her. She might be worried. I'll go get your coffee." She climbed off the bed and headed for the kitchen.

Stan reached for the phone. Dialing Emma's number, Kyle answered. "Kyle, hi...can I speak to your mom?"

"You're a little late." There was a sharp edge to his voice.

"I know. I just woke up." He was trying to piece things together. What had happened yesterday? Why was Kyle so pissed off at him? He closed his eyes, and images seemed jumbled. The events of last year, Helga, Gabriel...a gun at his head...he tried shaking these images, and the only other thing he saw was a woman undoing his pants...but it wasn't Helga...god, what the hell had happened? "Kyle, I need to talk to your mom."

"Maybe she doesn't want to talk to you. She cried last night, Stan...this is your fault."

"I'm coming over." He wasn't sure what this was about, but he needed to straighten it out, before it got out of hand.

"Don't bother. You're not welcome here anymore. Not by me anyhow." He hung up the phone. Stan looked at the receiver shocked by this outburst, Holly walked in and saw the confusion on her dad's face.

"Is everything okay, Dad?"

"No, I don't think so." He took the coffee from her hand and took a sip, them immediately put it down, and got out of bed. "We're going over to Emma's. I'm just going to hop in the shower." He felt a bit woozy as he headed towards the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He looked into the mirror as he undressed "What the hell have you done now?"

He stepped under the warm jets of water, and he remembered working on a computer in the shop, when he had turned around and one of Emma's fellow teachers had been standing there. Looking at him with those hungry lustful eyes. She kissed him....okay, it was coming back to him. He leaned his head back under the jets, running his hands through his wet hair. He was pretty sure he tried to push her off, but what had happened after that. An awkward moment of missing a computer on the floor, stumbling to avoid it....had he hit his head? God, what the hell was he suppose to say to Emma if he couldn't even recall himself.And that in itself sounded like a lie. No one in their right mind would believe he couldn't remember.

Emma kept busy Sunday morning. Doing laundry, finishing up the math papers, dusting. Stanley hadn't called. She wasn't sure what this meant. She felt a little disheartened. But she figured there was some logical explanation. The strangest thing was Kyle's behavior. After taking Amy home, he had chosen to stay with Emma and not drive up to his dad's house in Alpine. He had been hovering around all morning. Got up early and made her breakfast. Kept asking if she was okay. I suppose the crying fit he had witnessed last night concerned him. Emma wasn't sure why that had happened. Emma decided to pop out to the grocery store, since Gary was expected at anytime to drop Melody off. Gary was definitely the last person she wanted to see today.



It was shortly after 3 in the afternoon when Stan and Holly arrived at Emma's front door, and Kyle answered it. "What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you to, Kyle." Holly looked at a Kyle she had never seen before. He was scowling at her dad. And was being rude.

"My mom's not here." Melody had heard the bell and entered the hall

Offering information Kyle was leaving out, "She just went to the grocery store, doesn't like to see Dad. She should be back at anytime. You should come in and wait for her...." she turned to Holly, "You can come in my room if you want. I just got back from my Dad's so I have to unpack my stuff." Holly followed her leaving Kyle and Stan standing in the hall, looking as if there was going to be a showdown.

"I really don't think you should be here. After you dissapointed my mom last night."

"I didn't do that on purpose. You're mom will understand."

"and will she understand what you were doing with that woman?"

"I wasn't doing anything with that woman."

"Oh, yeah, that's right, you hit your head...she was coming on to you. I'm sure my mom will believe that." The sarcasm in his voice noticeable.

"I know you want to protect your mom, Kyle...that's understandable, but protecting her from me? Don't you think that's a bit far fetched. You know me better than that."

"I don't know you at all." Kyle crossed his arms determined not to let Stan talk his way out of this one. He began to fire questions...one after the other, not allowing Stan get a word in edgewise. "Where did you come from? What did you do before you moved here? You have no credit, you pay cash for everything. Everything in your house is new. That's weird." They didn't hear Emma's car pull up in the drive next to Stan's, opening the garage door and pulling in. She opened the door bringing a couple of sacks of groceries with her, she heard Kyle's raised voice, but didn't make out what he was saying.

Seeing Stan in the doorway made her heart race and she put the groceries down and went directly to him, "Stan, this is a surprise." She immediately put her arms around him and kissed him, she felt a bit of tension, and then he relaxed slightly returning the embrace and kiss.

"I did call." He gave Kyle a look over her shoulder. Emma looked back at the recipient of his glance. What was that all about? She wondered.

"I'll get the groceries, mom." Kyle attempting to escape to avoid his mom's inquisition. As he walked out to the car, she looked at Stan.

"What's going on?"

"I'll fill you in later, let me help Kyle get the groceries." Emma watched as he followed him into the garage. Emma began emptying the contents of the bags away . Her curiosity was now fueled by the behavior of these two.

Stan confronted him out at the car, "I'm going to talk to your mom. You're right about not knowing anything about me. I haven't been upfront with your mom, for selfish reasons." Kyle looked at him. He felt a little dizziness again and steadied himself against the car. "I don't want to lose her. And there are things in my past, that she might not feel very comfortable about." He didn't want to go into this with Kyle. but realized that it was adamant to get Kyle to trust him again.

"Are you going to tell her everything?" Kyle was thinking about the things he had read in that file...his involvement with the carnivore program and his imprisonment...and then there was that disc he had stumbled across in the desk.. Swordfish...that's right...he had almost forgotten about that. All that money in those international accounts. He glared at Stanley, awaiting an answer.

"In time."

Kyle raised his voice, "Why not now? Doesn't she deserve to know everything?"

"I have to do this my way, Kyle. I have some things I need to sort out first." He realized this wasn't what Kyle wanted to hear. But he had no other answers for him right now.

"I had more faith in you , Stan. I wanted to believe you weren't like other guys."

"I'm not going to leave your mom, Kyle." Kyle looked directly at him as he spoke those words. The sincerity behind them was unmistakenable. "You have to trust me on this one."

Emma showed up at the doorway leading into the garage, seeing the serious look passing between them. "I was hoping to put those groceries away today...having problems?"

"Arguing about how many bags each one of us can carry in." Stan quickly piped in.

"I guess that's a man thing...don't want to rush you two, but let's not take all day." She smiled at Stan, and he awkwardly smiled back before she headed back into the kitchen.

Kyle was still not convinced, he picked up a few bags and headed into the kitchen, Stan following behind him. The 3 of them were silent in the kitchen as Stan and Kyle started helping Emma putting away groceries. Emma found it all very odd. Kyle usually never helped put them away. Now it was as if he wasn't going to leave her alone with Stan. She excused herself for a moment, to use the bathroom, glancing over her shoulder, wondering if leaving them alone was a wise decision. .

When Stan heard the bathroom door shut, he turned to Kyle reaching into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet, taking out a $50 bill and placing it in Kyle's hand, then closing his fist around it, "Take the girls to the movies, I want some time alone with your mom."

Kyle quickly opened the fist and placed the bill back in Stan's hand, "You've got to be kidding. I'm not leaving you alone with her. I saw what you did to that woman, you pushed her Stan...you attacked her." Stan rubbed his head not remembering anything past the kiss.

"What? Are you sure?" Stanley had no recollection of becoming violent. Sure he was known to have a temper at times, but to shove a woman across the room, was something he wouldn't contemplate under any circumstances.

"Yes, I walked in as she flew against the shelves. I'm staying here with my mom. You can talk to her with me here."

"I don't remember any of it." Kyle had a hard time believing how anyone could not remember that. But he studied Stan's face. He still looked pained. Kyle had remembered that look last night. He had been so dizzy, and then he had been sick. As well as very disoriented. If he had hit his head, he could have had a concussion. Those symptoms all fit the bill.

Melody and Holly entered the room, oblivious to Stan's blank stare and Kyle's look of concern. Holly's excitement was evident as she tugged on her Dad's shirt to get his attention, "Dad, I told Melody that you said Kyle might take us to the movies. Can we go see Spiderman? Please....Kyle."

That face,the way she drooped her eyes at him. Great. He was now put on the spot. Stan gave Holly's head a pat, "I think Kyle's busy." Stan started to put the bill back in his wallet and Kyle thought the better of it snapped it out of his hands, before he had a chance to tuck it away.

"If it's okay with your Dad." He stuffed the bill into his pocket "It's PG-13, you know. You're still a kid."

Holly protested, "I'm not a kid, I'm a pre-teenager. And I know all about sex, foul language and stuff like that." Stan nervously smiled and put a hand over his daughter's mouth just as Emma walked back into the room.

"I guess I've missed something." She looked at Stan, smiling.

Melody giggled over Holly's remark and then told her mom, "Kyle's taking us to the movies. Is that shocking or what?"

Emma looked over at her son as he shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe he had given in so easily. What was it about that kid? He just hoped his mom would be okay alone with Stan.

Emma looked at Stan, and he raised his eyebrows. How did he do it? It seemed so easily for him to get her kids to do something. And the fact they were going out meant they would have some time alone. Had he planned this all along?

Kyle picked up the car keys laying on the counter, Stan gave him a pat on the shoulder whispering, "Thanks."

There was a mutual understanding between them at this point, it was apparent in the look that passed between them. Kyle had to trust him, wanted to trust him. Stan knew how much faith he had once had him, and he was determined to regain it. There was too much riding on it. He looked around the room at Holly, Melody, Emma and Kyle. This had become his family, after years of being alone...this is what made sense to him. And he wasn't about to give it up because of some stupid misunderstanding.

Holly reached up and gave her dad a hug, another reminder of all that was dear to him, "Don't miss me too much."

"I'll miss you loads..." he squeezed her tightly,then gave her a pat on her bottom as she strolled out of the house behind Kyle, Melody looked up at him, wishing she had that kind of relationship with her own father. Stan caught her glance and smiled, "I can give you one of those too, you know..." referring to the bear hug.

Melody feeling a bit embarrassed, almost like he could read her own thoughts, put a hand up against his chest as he teased, by moving closer to her, "Don't you even think about it."

Stanley laughed as she turned and ran out the door. Emma looked across the room at him. When he looked up and caught her gaze she was smiling lovingly at him. Oh, how easy it would be to skip the little talk, and move on to what both of them had been longing for these past weeks. But he had to regain Kyle's trust, and in turn couldn't keep anymore things from her.

* * * * *

As Kyle drove the Firebird out of the drive, both girls were fighting over what radio station to tune into and Kyle found their constant babble irritating and they hadn't even left the driveway. Why had he agreed to this? Swatting his sisters hand as she pressed the buttons to find a suitable station, and telling Holly to stop leaning over the seat, to put her seatbelt on, he missed the Mercedes convertible parked down the street. Anxious to get to the theater just so he could have some peace and quiet.

Gail had followed Stanley to this small quaint house in a nice little suburban neighborhood. The last 24 hours following him had been interesting. First, the woman in the red mustang storming out of the shops backdoor, screeching her tires as she headed out of the parking lot. Leaving a good set of tread marks behind. The the teenage boy doing the same, cussing under breath as he slammed the car door and drove off. But Stan's display of driving home was a sight to behold. Swerving back and forth in the short distance from the shop to his house had taken twice the amount of time as normal.. She wasn't sure how he had made it home. She had sat in front of his house for hours before deciding he wasn't going to surface, and retreated to the Hilton in the Valley to get a good night sleep.

She watched as the boy drove off with two younger girls,one of them she recognized as Holly. When her cell phone went off. She looked at the number flashing across the screen, it was Jake.

"Jake, I told you I'd call you with news. If I had any."

"Gail, this isn't like you....over 12 hours, and no contact? You're slipping."

"He's never alone, Jake. The shop is busy, Holly is with him at his house.."

"These are lame excuses, Gail. If you can't take care of this, I can get someone else on it. Someone with brawn."

'That won't be necessary. Give me a few days."

"A few days?"

"That's not too much to ask. The timing has to be right."

" I think it sounds like you still have a little thing for our man Stan. And don't think I didn't notice."

"I'm only interested in getting our money back."

"Now that's my girl... I'll give you a few days. But no results and then I will have to take some drastic actions, Gail. And I don't think either one of us really want that to happen."

There was silence, until she finally spoke, "You can count on me, Jake. I have to go. I'll be in touch." She hung up and slammed the phone into her handbag on the seat. Damn, him. Threatening her like that. Everything she had ever done for him. And now knowing what she knew. Stan was seeing someone...the boy from the shops mother. Someone nice, who lived in a nice neighborhood, with a picket fence and a backyard. Neighbors having barbecues. Carpooling, etc. Why would Stan mess with Jake now, when it looked like things were going his way. None of this made any sense to her.