PART 8

Toby finally got Huck and Molly to bed, and walked back downstairs where Sam was playing with the trains.

"Nice tan." Toby noted and sat on the couch. "How's Orange County?"

"Warm." Sam smiled. "I hope it's okay I'm here. I can always stay at a hotel."

"Nonsense." Toby waved him off. "Besides, I think you're Huck's new best friend."

"They're great kids." Sam stood and stretched. "So, this is the house you bought for Andi?"

"Yeah, I wanted to sell it after she turned down my marriage proposal, but I couldn't seem to part with it. Then when the kids got older, they threatened me with bodily harm if I sold it."

Sam laughed and sat in the chair adjacent from the couch. He considered Toby for a moment before speaking.

"Josh told me about this morning."

"Yeah." Toby shrugged. "I guess I had it coming. I shouldn't have said some of the things I said."

"What are you going to do?" Sam asked.

"Nothing. CJ made herself clear that our friendship was over, and I believe her." Toby said, sadly. "I've screwed up before, but I think this time takes the cake."

"What about Helen?"

"I haven't talked to her since her visit the other day in my office." Toby looked over at Sam. "I kissed her."

"I know." Sam nodded. "And Matt?"

"Apparently he's my new friend." Toby stated. "This whole damn mess is confusing the hell out of me."

"Friend?"

"He likes my trains." Toby smirked. He looked over at Sam once again. "I've missed you Sam."

"Thanks." Sam said, shocked. "You've softened since the last time I saw you."

"Kids do that to you."

UPSTAIRS

"He's sad." Huck mentioned.

"I know." Molly nodded. "Do you think Sam will help us?"

"He said he would. What's the plan for tomorrow?"

"Donna is coming to get me in the morning, and we're going to go over to see Aunt CJ. Maybe we can get her to admit her feelings."

"What if she really hates dad now?" Huck asked, worriedly.

"I don't think she does. I think she's confused." Molly yawned. "Go to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."

"Yeah." Huck laid back. "Goodnight Molly."

"G'night Huck."

CJ'S APARTMENT

CJ was sitting on her couch staring at the television screen. CNN had Toby's face plastered on the screen. She took a sip of her scotch and shut her eyes. She was furious with herself. She believed the article about Toby having an affair with Abbey before even discussing it with Toby. Then she attacked him in front of his kids. It was nearly two in the morning. It was now officially Sunday, so she had one more day to think up a strategy to fix everything by
Monday. The Press she could handle, but she didn't know what to do about Toby. He hated her. His kids probably hated her now. She put her head back against the couch and closed her eyes. She royally screwed things up this time.

THE NEXT MORNING


Molly was the first one awake and snuck out without waking Huck. She checked on Toby, who was sleeping soundly in his bed. She checked on Sam, who was sleeping in the guest bedroom. She walked downstairs and went directly to the phone. As she dialed, she moved into the kitchen to avoid waking anyone.

"Hello?" A groggy voice answered.

"It's Molly."

"Hey girly. What time is it?" Donna yawned.

"Almost seven. Are we still going to go over to Aunt CJ's house?"

"Yeah, just give me time to shower." Donna got out of bed. "Why are you up so early?"

"I'm excited." Molly smiled as she stepped onto the stool in front of the counter to get a glass. "Do you thing this will work?"

"CJ's stubborn, but I think between the two of us we can handle her."

"I was talking with Huck last night. I think we should get Kate and Annabeth to help out." Molly suggested. "I think the more help, the better."

"Okay, but you're calling them." Donna smirked. "I don't want to get yelled at."

"Fine. Dad has their numbers next to the phone." Molly mentioned. "When will you be here?"

"Give me an hour." Donna answered.

"Okay." Molly hung up and ran over to the table with the phone numbers. She found Annabeth's and dialed. After about ten rings, she answered.

"Ummmm..." Annabeth moaned into the receiver.

"Hi. This is Molly Ziegler."

"Who?" Annabeth looked at the clock next to her bed. "It's seven in the morning."

"Toby's daughter."

"Oh...OH!" Annabeth jumped up. "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

"No, no. I just need your help. Can you be up and ready in about an hour?"

"Why?"

"Donna and I are going to try and talk CJ about my dad." Molly said, proudly.

"Why?" Annabeth asked, confused.

"She loves him."

"I guessed that much."

"Will you help?"

"Do I get free breakfast?"

"No, but I think Donna should have coffee."

"I'm in."

After hanging up with Annabeth, Molly called Kate. Lucky for Molly, Kate was already awake.

"I don't sleep much." Kate explained. "So, what's the plan again?"

"We all go over to Aunt CJ's house and try and get her to admit her feelings toward my dad."

"And after that?"

"Ummm..." Molly moaned. She hadn't thought that far yet. "I'm sure we'll figure something out."

"Fine. I'm in."

Molly hung up and smiled to herself.

"So, how's the plan working out so far?" Huck stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

"So far, so good." Molly smiled.

TBC