An Affair To Remember: Sisterly Love

by tarskeewee08

Kevin looks down at his watch. It's after 7 and Rex is late. He was desperate to get home and confront Evangeline, that he keeps checking his watch every five minutes. He hoped Rex had pictures of her betrayal. He needed to know who the bastard was that put his hands on her. Looking up he saw Rex's convertible SAAB pull into the BE parking lot. Rex jumped out with his shades on and no folder in his hand. Kevin grimaced that he didn't have evidence.

Opening the limo door Rex climbed in pulling off his shades "Sorry I'm late."
"What the hell kept you?"
Rex shrugged "Another job…" he looked at Kevin and saw the rage on his face. "What's wrong with you man?"

"What's wrong with me? Are you fucking kidding me! I paid you to follow my wife. I know something went down last night and you come to me empty handed!" Kevin growled his temper getting the best of him.

"That's right something went down and if you calm down I will tell you what I know"
Kevin stared at him sitting across from him in the limo. "Tell me now! Who was that asshole with my wife last night?"

Rex thought about his instructions. Apparently Kevin had gotten the jump on what went down. Amused at his role in this game that McBain was playing he put on his serious face to reel ole money bags in. "She came in as you said and met with a man around 8 o'clock."

"Who is he?"
"From what I've learned his name is John Thomas."
Kevin frowned "John Thomas?"
Rex nodded. "He's an ex-boyfriend from England"
"Evangeline was never in England!" Kevin hissed

Rex shook his head "Apparently you don't know your wife. She did a stint in England on an exchange program while at Princeton. This is why it took me so long to get with you today, I had to do some real digging to uncover this for you."
"So why is she seeing him?"
"She isn't. I listened closely to them and this John has burning need to get her back. She said she wouldn't betray you and fled from him. He followed her on the balcony and forced a kiss on her but she fought back and stormed out"

Kevin sat in the limo staring at Rex across from him. "Are you saying she ended it?"
"I'm saying that she is not looking to betray your marriage and John Thomas is fully aware of that."
"What makes you so sure?" Kevin asked
"I found him and put some of my boys on him. We delivered the message you requested if we found another mans hands on your wife. Hopefully he won't be bothering you again."
"I want to meet him!"
Rex smirked "Well I don't know…."
"I want to meet the asshole and you find away to make it happen"
"I don't know if he's still around but I will do my best."

Kevin smiled satisfied. "I will give you something extra for that effort Rex. You did a great job."

Rex grinned at him evilly "I thought you would approve"

Llanfair

"Evangeline?"
Turning around in the study Evangeline was shocked to see her sister. "Oh my god Layla!" she said running into her arms and hugging her tightly. "Mom said you would be here next week."

Layla kissed her sister's cheek. "I decided to come early."
Evangeline pulls her away and looks her up and down. "You look good girl! L.A. is agreeing with you!"
Layla nodded. "Well I'm in New York now."
"Really? Wow its been almost a year since we seen each other Lay, we have so much catching up to do. What are you doing in New York? Are you acting?"
"Yep got quite a few auditions lined up. That's why I came to Llanview for a couple of days." She said walking into the study and sitting down.

Evangeline runs her hand through her hair and leans against the desk in the study smiling at her sister. She needed this boost, Layla was always in her corner no matter what.

Lisa however was a card toting Kevin Buchanan fan. Her mother would drop in a dead faint to know that she was even considering leaving her husband.

"So Evangeline, what's been going on with you?" Layla asked crossing her legs studying her sister's face. Lisa had sent out an SOS that her sister was in a funk. When Layla told her she had auditions and couldn't come right away. Her mother dropped a bombshell about her sister and her marriage. Layla was hurt that she didn't know Vangie was living through this type of betrayal and pain.

She caught the train here immediately to help her, contrary to her moms beliefs everyone didn't see this union as a fairytale romance. Layla never felt that Evangeline was truly in love with her husband.

Before Evangeline could respond Kevin came charging in the study heading straight for her. He didn't see Layla in the corner observing as he snatched his wife up and pulled her into a passionate kiss.

"I love you so much!" he moaned after finally releasing her but still holding her tight.

Evangeline looked at him stunned. "What on earth has gotten into you?"
Kevin grinned "You told me to trust you and I did. I will admit watching you get dressed last night to meet another man tore at my heart, but when you returned to me and we made love I knew that you would never betray what we have. I am so grateful for our life together and our fresh start."

Evangeline looked over his shoulder to see Layla staring with a frown on her face. "We aren't alone Kevin…"

Kevin turned and saw his sister in-law and blushed "Layla, I'm so sorry I didn't see you"
Layla rose from the large black leather chair. "It's okay Kevin, can't fault a man for wanting to kiss his wife" she said smiling then fixing Evangeline with a curious look.

Kevin released Evangeline and went to Layla giving her a hug. Lisa walked in with Vikki and they all welcomed Layla asking her how long she was staying. Evangeline watched from the sidelines looking at her husband who kept grinning at her. Something had changed. She figured it was her initiating their make out session last night. Kevin winked at her and excused himself to make some phone calls. Layla broke away from Lisa and Vikki as dinner was announced and headed straight for her sister. "Okay Vangie…what's going on?"

Evangeline gave her an innocent look and saw her mother look back at her girls expectantly. "Let's have dinner and talk later" she said side stepping Layla and following everyone else out of the study. Layla watched her sister sidestep her and folded her arms. Something was up and she would find out what.

The Next Day

Evangeline sat in the conference room going over the paperwork for BE to merge with McBain Industries for the Lantana Mountain resort deal. They were waiting on John and his attorneys to appear.

"Kevin…I don't think we need McBain Industries."
Kevin frowned "We do if we want to go global"
Evangeline shook her head at her husband's ambitions. She knew something was terribly wrong with allowing him to partner up with her exlover, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth.

Last night after dinner with Layla watching her like a hawk she played the dutiful wife. She saw how he relaxed with her attention directed at him and felt guilty for not making a concerted effort sooner.

Avoiding Layla she retired to bed with him and let him make love to her again. She was able to get through it without thinking of John and his touch. She was a master of closing herself off to that type of desire. Kevin was her past and present, no matter what she was not going to give up on her marriage for the uncertainty of John McBain. She'd fight him every step of the way.

The door opened and John didn't appear, but another older strikingly regal looking gentleman did. He stood about 6 foot 5 and wore a dark navy suit with a white shirt and navy tie. The sides of his masterfully cut hair were tinged with gray indicating he was older than he appeared. He looked at them with a half smile his grey cool eyes burning into Evangeline. He was fixated on her as he approached the table.

Kevin frowned. "Are you with Mr. McBain?"

The man smiled. "I am William Stratford, Mr. McBain's legal representation on this merger." the man said with a proper British accent dropping his briefcase on the table.

Kevin shifted uncomfortably "Where is Mr. McBain?"

Evangeline watches the man confused by his appearance instead of John's. Mr. Stratford goes into his briefcase and pulls out two black long envelopes placing them on the table. Evangeline reaches for one that has her name in raised gold letters. Kevin takes his and opens it. Inside is a complete itinerary for a flight to Ireland on his McBain Industries corporate jet. The paperwork includes where they will be staying and the meetings they will need to attend.

"Master McBain regrets he couldn't be here today to formally invite you to his country, but he wanted me to assure you that presence is mandatory. He has already left and will be sending the jet back to retrieve you."

Evangeline mouth dropped open "He left?"
Kevin looked at her hurt expression confused, then back at the man before him. "We can't up and leave for Ireland. We do run a multi-million dollar company you know."

Mr. Stratford smirked "Sir, it is my understanding that you wish to expand globally. Well with all due respect globally extends further than Buchanan Towers"

Evangeline saw the embarrassed look on Kevin's face and tried to take up for her husband. "That may be the case Mr. Stratford but this is short notice. My husband has every right to be concerned with this request. Our business dealings can be resolved here in Llanview."

Mr. Stratford fixed Evangeline with a knowing smile that made her feel the mischief in this request. "BE has asked that we invest 100 billion in developing a small mountain town into a ski resort. The agreement was to tap into our existing land deals in Dublin and Limerick that haven't faired as well and combine our efforts to move those projects toward a more lucrative outcome. My boss feels it's not only imperative that you come to Ireland to understand our business but critical to whether or not we should invest in such a risky venture. The decision is yours, the corporate jet leaves tomorrow at 9 am."

With that said Mr. Stratford closes his briefcase and rises from the table. Evangeline looks over at Kevin who is thumbing through the itinerary. She knows that John is setting them up and it pisses her off. He told her the next move was hers! Why the hell is he still playing games? Kevin looks over at Evangeline and smiles. "I want this deal baby"

Evangeline shakes her head "I think we need to consider all the factors Kevin"
"No, we are going to Ireland. I want to finalize this deal. I think it could also substitute for a mini vacation for us."

Evangeline looked at her husband frowned "You aren't serious."
Kevin moved his chair closer to her. "Ireland is a very romantic country this time of year. Can you imagine the fun we could have?"

Shaking her head no Kevin reaches and touches her hand. "Baby Please…"
"Kevin you don't understand."
Kevin jumps up and kisses her forehead "Got to make some plans…pack up everything and I will see you tonight"

"Kevin we need to talk!" Evangeline called after him
"Tonight baby! I promise" he said closing the door.

Evangeline sighs and looks at the envelope. Pulling the documents back out she saw that they were going to Dublin. That's where John disappeared to when he left her years ago.
Now he wanted to pull her back into his orbit.

Everything appeared to be in order. The meetings and tours they would take blocked off most of their visit. She didn't see how John could manipulate the situation with Kevin at her side all day like this. Maybe this was legitimate and he left to give her space.

She thought about what he said at her office of not wanting to cause her pain. Dropping the papers on the table she put her head in her hands. No matter what the outcome of this she would be in pain. She was trapped between these two men and helpless to resolve it.

"Ms Buchanan?"
Looking up Evangeline saw Kevin's secretary looking at her concerned.
"Yes Gladys…" she said wearily
"I thought you should know that your sister is in your office waiting on you."

Evangeline sighed again and pushed away from the table. Grabbing the black envelope and its contents she thanked Gladys and headed toward her sister. She had a good idea what this visit was about.

Walking into her office she saw Layla standing by her window staring out of it. Evangeline smiled at how more mature Layla seemed since she returned.

"Hey Lay"
Layla turned around smiling. "Vangie, did I catch you at a bad time?"
Evangeline shook her head no and walked over to the couch next to the window taking a seat. "Sit down Lay, tell me what's on your mind"

Layla laughed sitting next to her sister and turning to face her "Just like you Vangie to get straight to the point."

"Funny I don't feel like much of a straight shooter lately."
"I wanted to know what's going on with you…that conversation between you and your husband was strange."
Evangeline cut her eyes "That was nothing. We are reconnecting."
"Mom told me about the affair."

Evangeline looked at her hurt "Why would she tell you something so personal! Why do you feel the need to bring it up after all this time? It happened almost a year ago!" she snapped getting off the couch and walking to her desk.

Layla felt bad for bring up something so painful but she was worried about her. Now she hears Kevin mention another man. Evangeline would never betray her vows, not after what they went through as kids.

She was so worried about her and determined to help. Her mom's objective was saving her sisters marriage. Well her number one priority was her sister. She was never a fan of that pompous arrogant jerk. Then that asshole had the nerve to cheat on her sister!

Rising she tried to choose her words carefully as she watched Evangeline plopping down in her chair turning to her computer. "I'm sorry Vangie, I'm not here to upset you. I want to help"

Evangeline looked up at her "You can't, me and Kevin are fine. As a matter of fact were leaving tomorrow for Ireland."

Layla frowned. "Ireland?"
"Yes…its business but we will squeeze in some personal time. I've decided to fight for my marriage so you and mom can stop worrying"

Layla shakes her head sadly "I think you should walk away from it."
Evangeline frowned "You think what?"
"Evangeline, I can see you aren't happy. Even momma can see it. Plus if you are dating again then what's the point?"
"I'm not dating…."
"I heard the man say you went on a date"
"No that's….."
"If it's come to that Vangie then what do you think you will have with Kevin?"

Evangeline put her head in her hands "Layla just go"
"What?"
"I can't do this with you. It's complicated and right now I have to prepare for my trip and a million other things, besides I'm tired of dissecting my feelings. I just need some space and air. Please!"

Layla sees she's not helping and it hurts her. Walking over to her sister she puts her hand on her shoulders, leaning over she kisses the top of her head. "Its okay baby, I got your back no matter what. I was hoping we could spend time together while I'm here but I see you got other plans."

Evangeline looked up at her with tears glistening "I really am happy you are here"
Layla smiled. "How about we leave and do a girl day. I promise no talking about Kevin or your mystery man. Just shopping for your trip and some spa treatment"

Evangeline nodded. "I could so use that"
"Good!"

Layla watches her gather her things and smile. She loved her big sister and her ability to be everything for everyone. Now it was her time to take care of her. She didn't understand what was going on in her life, but she saw the need for support and understanding. She would make sure Vangie had both.

Evangeline looked at her with her purse on grinning. "Let's go girl! Your treat"

Layla laughed "No mam, you got more money than Oprah…you are treating girlfriend."
Evangeline laughed and they walked out together determined to enjoy the day.

Kevin's Office

"Mr. Buchanan…"
Kevin looked up to see his assistant Gladys standing in the doorway.
"Yes Gladys"
"Mr. Balsom is here to see you"
Kevin frowned "Send him in."

Rex walked in smiling "Hey, Kevin"
Kevin sat back in his chair curious "What can I do for you Rex?"

Rex laughed "It's what I can do for you."
"Okay I'll bite"
"Do you still want to meet this John Thomas?"
"Meet?"
"Yeah, a face to face sit down."

Kevin twirled his pen between his fingers and thought about it. "How soon can we do this?"
"Tomorrow morning."
Kevin frowned "Can't! Leaving town."
"Really?" Rex asked amused. "Business or Pleasure?"
Kevin smiled "Both"
"You taking the corporate jet?"
Kevin shook his head "No a associate is flying me and Evangeline to Ireland"

Rex eyes grew big. "Ireland? Now that's cool….always wanted to go to Ireland"
"Can you set up the meeting for tonight?"

Rex looks at his watch "No sorry I can't it has to be tomorrow morning. Why don't you and Evangeline take the corporate jet later for this trip?"

Kevin thought about the strict demands of Mr. McBain. These foreigners took it as an insult if you didn't accept their hospitality. Plus he could tell that Evangeline wasn't fully on board, if he changed the plans she may want to pull out. Maybe he could fly out after her and make her think it was a last minute snafu. He desperately wanted to meet this John Thomas and make it clear that he is to stay away from his wife.

"How early can I see him?"
Rex smirks "9 o'clock"