Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Author: Kimberly21570
Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children
Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca
Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Ava Peralta and her late son, Max Harlan Lewis, Josh Lewis, Frank Cooper, Doris and Ashlee Wolfe, Phillip Spaulding, and Dr. Felicia Boudreau, are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena Kundera and Bianca Montgomery are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park. The character of Dr. Arizona Robbins is owned by Grey's Anatomy, ABC/Disney, and Shondaland Productions. The original characters of Detective Sergeant Langston Malloy, Attorney Danika Kováč, and their daughter, McKenna, Jacqueline (Jacqué) and Preston Morgan, Lorcán Malloy, Daněk Kováč, Commander Marc Daniels, Agent Sarah Shaw, Judge Bennett Thomas and her daughters, Rian and Lauren, Toni Martin, Dantéa (Téa) Rivera, Dr. Valerie Blaine, Dr. Maya Carter, and Dr. Kaitlynn Mackenzie are the property of this author, and any resemblance to fictional characters, or real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Grey's Anatomy, Shondaland Productions, or any other entity. With the exceptions of the Farmhouse of Love, Company, and Cedars Hospital, the settings, dialogue, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Many thanks to my friend and favorite FFW, WickedWanda926, and to my friend newfan64, for their ongoing willingness to edit my stories. Words cannot express how much I appreciate the two of you and your steadfast support of me, both personally, and as a would-be writer. Due to the rush to get you all this update, however, this content has not been edited. Thus, any mistakes contained herein are solely my responsibility. Thank you to all who continue to read and/or comment. I do hope to get back with you soon regarding the amazing feedback y'all have been leaving me. In the interim though, please know how much I appreciate the time you have invested in this story. I truly hope you continue to enjoy.
Rating: Chapter 18 is rated PG-13 for coarse language.
Author's Note: Chapter 18.7 picks up where we left off, after the birth of Olivia and Natalia's daughter Dantéa. A couple of scenes in, we fast-forward about 6 weeks into the future. From there, the story will bounce back and forth in time for several updates as we finish out Chapter 18 and move the story toward its conclusion.
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"For the greater the love, the greater the grief, and the stronger the faith, the more savagely will Satan storm its fortress."
C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed
Chapter 18.7 – What Price We Pay:
Friday, July 10, 2009… Natalia's room, Cedars Hospital—4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"I won't deny that I'm scared, Liv," Natalia admitted timidly.
Dr. Robbins had just left the room after reporting on Dantéa's current condition and her recommended course of action. Things didn't sound very good, though neither of them could articulate exactly what was wrong. The doctor had been patient and thorough, but the last thing either of them comprehended were the words "complication" and "surgical intervention."
It was scary to them both, how quickly things could change. Yesterday, their daughter had been doing well. Thriving, actually. And today, well, they really weren't so sure. The remainder of the doctor's explanation sounded like Greek wrapped in gibberish to them. And so they merely nodded numbly as she announced that she would leave them to discuss the recommendation, indicating that she would return in a few hours for their decision—unless things took a sharp turn for the worse beforehand. That only served to worry them more, but they appreciated her candor; especially Olivia, who had lived in a state of flux where Max was concerned, never for a moment expecting her newborn grandson would actually die.
Sensing more would follow, Olivia prodded, "But…?"
The corners of Natalia's mouth lifted in a faint smile. Olivia knew her far too well. "But I have faith that everything will be all right," she declared. "I just don't believe that God would bring us this far, only to abandon us when things get rough."
Reaching a new depth of appreciation for the solidness of Natalia's faith, Olivia couldn't help but smile. "If your faith is that strong, then I believe too," she joined. It no longer felt strange to her, this blind acceptance of Natalia's deeply-held beliefs. Instead, for the first time in her life, it felt… oddly comforting.
"Then we're agreed?" Natalia queried. "We'll go ahead with the surgery?"
Nodding, Olivia released a sigh of relief. "Yes," she replied. "I trust Dr. Robbins' judgment."
"What about Frank?" Natalia gently inquired. He had excused himself from the room the moment Dr. Robbins left, indicating that he needed a few minutes to process all that he'd heard.
"He'll be back," Olivia assured. "And I'm sure he'll come to the same conclusion. He seems to be much more amiable today."
"Thank the Lord," Natalia sighed. She didn't know how much more she could handle. She glanced at Olivia then. "You seem to be more amiable, as well," she noted.
Olivia just gave her that look.
"What?" Natalia feigned innocence. "Just making an observation."
"Is there a point to your observation?" Olivia queried dryly.
Natalia just grinned. She didn't need to say a word.
Friday, July 10, 2009… The Chapel, Cedars Hospital—11:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Seven hours later, Dantéa was in recovery after an emergency surgery that had taken nearly five hours to complete due to multiple complications. Arizona had conferenced her trusted colleague, neonatal specialist Dr. Kaitlynn Mackenzie, in from Geneva, hoping for some sort of miracle procedure that would increase the baby's chances of survival. And though Kaitlynn had offered what suggestions she could, by the time they closed, things just simply looked bleak. It nearly broke Arizona's heart to tell Dantéa's parents how dire the situation actually was—that they should pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope for somewhere in between.
Immediately upon hearing the news, Natalia came unglued. Completely distraught, she ripped at the wires and tubes that shackled her to her bed, and scrambled to get loose from Olivia's arms, in a frantic attempt to get to their newborn daughter. Deeply concerned for Natalia's well-being, both physically and emotionally, Arizona called Dr. Blaine, who ordered a sedative to help calm her, lest she tear her stitches open, and cause complications to her own recovery. Within minutes, Arizona administered the drug, and though inconsolable herself, Olivia stifled her own tears as she held Natalia close, stroking her hair as Natalia soaked her shirt with a torrent of tears, until finally, she drifted into a deep, yet restless sleep.
Once she was assured by Dr. Robbins that Natalia would be out for several hours, Olivia pulled herself together just enough to go in search of the support they would need to make it through this latest complication. She found exactly what she needed in the chapel, in the form of her trusted friend and confidante, Josh Lewis.
"It's late," she commented, slipping through the door. Quietly, she closed it behind her. "What on earth are you doing here?"
Glancing up at her, he offered a faint smile. It matched the muted tone in his usually bright blue eyes. Any other time, he might've joked about what she was doing in the chapel at all, but tonight, he already knew the answer. "Rafe called a few hours ago, after the doctor sedated Natalia. He thought you could use a friend."
A cynical guffaw slipped from Olivia's lips. "I'll bet Reva just loved that," she said, emphasizing the emotion Josh's wife likely expressed with a biting sarcasm.
Josh's smile turned genuine then, and he stretched out his arm, beckoning her near. "Actually, she told me to come," he reported. "She didn't want you to face this alone."
"You know, don't you?" Olivia queried as she took his hand, settling on the pew beside him.
"That things with Dantéa aren't going according to plan?" Josh queried.
"Guess it depends whose plan we're talking about," Olivia answered.
"How bad is it?" Josh asked softly.
"Worse than Max," Olivia answered, tone flat, her heart breaking in two. She honestly never thought it could get any worse than losing her grandson. And yet, here she was again, ready to beg God for a miracle, and willing to take any scrap of mercy He might be inclined to impart.
Silently, the chapel doors opened, and Rafe slipped inside. Cautiously closing them behind him, he took extra care not to disturb Olivia and Josh. He had come there looking for Olivia when he didn't find her in his mother's room, and though he was surprised to see Josh there so late, he found the discovery pleasing. He trusted Josh, and he was grateful to him for the support he was providing to their whole family.
Leaning against the rear pew, he watched silently, waiting for an appropriate time to announce his presence. What he witnessed in the few brief moments that followed, would forever change his perspective on Olivia Spencer.
"I'm so sorry," Josh said mournfully. Gently, he pulled her into his arms.
Leaning against the solid strength of his body, Olivia finally let loose the torrent of emotions that had bottled up inside her in the wake of Arizona's devastating news. Clinging to him, she sobbed uncontrollably in Josh's arms. "I don't know what to do, Josh," she cried. "I have more money than God, but can't even save my own child."
"I know it seems overwhelming right now," he said comfortingly, as he stroked her hair. "I know. Earthly riches don't seem to mean much when God has His own agenda."
"I would give up every last bit of it to save our baby girl, and spare Natalia this pain," Olivia sobbed.
"I know you would, Darlin'," Josh comforted, pressing a firm kiss to the top of her head as he continued to rock her. "You love her so much you'd give up the whole world to spare the two of them."
"I would…" Olivia cried against Josh's chest. "I would give up everything for them. I would give my own life!"
"I know, Darlin'," Josh murmured. "I know…"
It was at that very moment that Frank made his reappearance in the doorway to the chapel. Spotting Olivia in Josh Lewis's arms, he sneered. "Well, that didn't take long," he muttered scornfully.
"Excuse me?" Josh said, regarding Frank with concern. If he was surprised to see Rafe standing nearby, his face showed no sign of it.
"She professes undying love for Natalia, and the first sign of trouble, she runs back to you," Frank said accusingly.
"Whatever you think this is, Frank, you're wrong," Josh said straightforwardly. He was careful to keep Olivia tucked safely by his side. "I'm here as a family friend. Rafe called me, because he thought Olivia could use some support. Now I see why."
"You never change, do you?" Frank hurled at Olivia. "You wrap people around your finger, take what you want, and then…"
"Enough!" Rafe bellowed, having heard all he could stand out of Frank. Not just for one day, but for good. While he still wasn't too keen on the idea of his mother being with Olivia, from what he'd witnessed out of Frank throughout this ordeal, he had quickly abandoned the whole idea of Frank Cooper being the answer to their problems. Tearing out of his spot, he moved swiftly toward the three of them, his face filled with rage.
The eruption startled them, and Olivia turned toward him, eyeing him with concern. "Rafe?" she said tentatively. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Rafe snapped, not meaning to sound so harsh. "I've just heard all the bullshit I can stand for one day."
He looked Frank directly in the eye then. "I get that you're my baby sister's father," he granted begrudgingly. "There's nothin' we can do about that. But that don't excuse the way you're treatin' Olivia—or me. I'm the one who called Josh, not Olivia. I called him because he's been a good friend to me since I've been out of prison, and because I know that Olivia trusts him. So you can either knock it off, and treat her with respect, or get the fuck out before I have you thrown out. This is hard enough without havin' to deal with your bullshit."
"You can't do that," Frank snarled.
"Watch me," Rafe challenged.
"Rafe—," Josh said in a cautionary tone.
"No, Josh," Rafe said adamantly. "I'm sick of it. Olivia ain't perfect, but at least she ain't tearin' people apart just 'cause she ain't gettin' her way."
Rendered speechless, Olivia blinked once, and then again. Never in her life did she think she'd hear Rafe Rivera defending her. And yet, in one of the darkest moments of her life, when she needed his support like never before, that was exactly what he was doing. Wonders never ceased.
"Fine," Frank huffed. "Have it your way… for now."
"Not just for now," Rafe responded, determination in his tone. Even he couldn't believe he was defending Olivia Spencer, and yet, deep down in his gut, he knew it was the right thing to do. "I can't stop you from visiting Dantéa, but stay the hell away from my mother and Olivia. I'll call the Mayor, and get a restraining order if I have to," he threatened.
Floored, Frank backed away toward the door. Doris Wolfe was a force, and she was also Olivia's friend. The last thing he needed was to have the big boss called in to reprimand him. Not with the potential of becoming Chief of Police hanging in the balance. Without another word, he turned and pushed his way out of the chapel, leaving them all behind. He may have just lost the battle, but once he secured the position of Chief, no one would stop him from winning the war.
Friday, August 21, 2009… Safe House near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada—6:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time
"Sorry to wake you so early, Malloy," Commander Marc Daniels said sincerely when Langston answered her phone on the first ring.
"No apology necessary, Commander," Langston replied. "I've been up since o-five-hundred."
Marc smiled, and his dark eyes rolled in amusement. The Detective Sergeant hadn't been on any official detail in weeks, and yet, her routine hadn't changed one bit. She really was an over-achiever. "Because… of course you have," he said, his tone teasing.
Langston felt her face flush, though not uncomfortably, at the familiarity that had settled between them. "Look who's talking," she teased in return. "You probably beat me up by at least a half-hour."
Laughing, Marc confirmed her suspicions. "Guilty as charged."
They had come to know one another well over the six weeks his team had been with her and her family, providing 'round-the-clock protective detail to them. She worked closely with him and his lead agent, Sarah Shaw, to uncover the identity of the person who revealed their whereabouts to the Irish mafia, nearly getting them all killed. Not surprisingly, the rat turned out to be Alan Spaulding, who used the fact that his son Phillip flew Langston and her daughter and aunt to Martha's Vineyard to meet up with her wife, Dani, after the takedowns in Springfield, Chicago, and across the State of Illinois.
But while Spaulding, as it turned out, wasn't the real threat, his connections to the likes of Langston's father, Lorcán Malloy, Dani's father, Daněk Kováč, and their lackey, Preston Morgan certainly proved to be invaluable as they pressed him or information with the threat of federal prison hanging over his head. He fought it, of course, but in the end, he purged himself of all information regarding the deceased Kováč and Morgan, while denying any association with the still-living Malloy, all to save his own ass. And once identified, Marc and Langston strategized together on how best take out the remaining threat, making it safe for her to return home with her family.
"Listen, Malloy," Marc said, his tone turning serious. "We've neutralized the threat," he reported. "I think we're safe to return your family home."
"Are you certain, Marc?" Langston asked, her own timbre returning to one of familiarity. She'd grown to trust and respect the Commander in the time they'd been at the safe-house, but her concern for the safety of her family was paramount.
"Dallas has taken over operations, and we've got eyes on them," Marc reported. "I know it's been tough for you to stand down these past few weeks, but…"
"No 'buts' about it, Sir," Langston politely interrupted. "It was hell on earth."
"I can only imagine," Marc empathized. "But it's over now. I've turned the Dallas investigation over to the Bureau—at least for now. So tell Dani and Jacqueline to pack their bags. Wheels up on the Cambias jet at o-nine-hundred. You'll be home in time for brunch."
Langston could hear the amusement in his tone. He knew she wasn't exactly the brunch type, which was why he found it so funny to tease her about it. "Ten-four, Commander," she chuckled, acknowledging the orders as easily as his bantering. "We'll meet you in the car in two hours. And Marc?"
"Langston?"
"Thank you," Langston said sincerely.
Marc smiled softly into the phone. "I'll always have your back, Malloy," he said affectionately. After weeks of working with her, getting to know her, he'd come to respect her for her work ethic, and care for her like a daughter. "Always."
Nodding, Langston took him at his word. "I'm counting on it, Commander," she said softly. "See you in two."
Friday, August 21, 2009… Bennett Thomas's Residence—7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"So what's on your agenda for this afternoon?" Bennett asked as she set a mug of fresh black coffee on the table in front of Doris.
"Thanks," Doris said as she glanced up at her lover, looking a bit distracted.
"You're welcome," Bennett said, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "I'm free after one-thirty," she commented. "Time for a quick lunch?"
"Sorry, but no," Doris answered, sounding disappointed. "I have the BGRC board meeting at two."
"Ah, yes," Bennett recalled after Doris's reminder. "That slipped my mind." Sliding into her seat across the breakfast nook, she took a sip of her own coffee, and set the mug back on the table. "Do you think Olivia will make it?"
"Honestly, BJ, I don't know," Doris answered. "I have her proxy, just in case, but I really hope I don't need to use it."
Reaching across the table, Bennett gave Doris's hand a supportive squeeze. "That is my hope as well, Darling," she agreed.
"I really love you," Doris said softly as she gazed at Bennett across the table. She was beyond thankful for the unconditional love and support of this woman, especially given all that had transpired in recent weeks.
A quiet smile played across Bennett's lips. "I really love you, too," she murmured. Leaning across the small table, she pressed a tender kiss to Doris's mouth. "And after the girls leave tonight, I fully intend to show you how much."
Doris grinned, momentarily allowing Bennett to distract her from her concerns regarding Olivia. "I fully intend to allow you to," she said playfully, kissing her again.
"So what time will the girls be here?" Bennett asked of their dinner plans with their daughters when she sat back in her chair again.
"I told them all seven-thirty," Doris informed.
"Perfect," Bennett declared. "Will Ashlee be bringing that handsome young man of hers?"
"She invited him, but he's been through so much, of late. I'm not so sure Rafe will be up for that," Doris answered, her tone turning quiet. "Not just yet, anyway."
"I certainly understand that," Bennett empathized. She took another sip of her coffee, a means of distraction.
"But Lauren is bringing her new lady-friend," Doris grinned, hoping to lighten the mood that had settled over the space between them.
Gray eyes shifted upward, peering at Doris across the rim of that coffee mug. "Don't you mean Rian?"
Doris grinned, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nope."
Bennett just laughed. Wonders never ceased.
Friday, August 21, 2009… Rian Thomas's Apartment, Springfield—7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"So… I leave for Stanford next Saturday," Lauren mentioned, trying to sound casual as she traced a shaky finger around the rim of her coffee mug. They were curled up on opposite ends of Rian's sofa, their feet tucked up beneath them as they sipped their morning brew. She glanced up, almost shyly, hoping to catch a glimpse of Toni's reaction.
"I knew it was soon," Toni said, sounding disappointed. "I just didn't realize it was that soon."
"I'm really gonna miss you, ya know," Lauren confessed. For the first time since starting college, she was actually regretting the choice of universities.
Toni felt the heat of tears collecting in her soft brown eyes. "I'm gonna miss you too," she said quietly. She swallowed hard around the lump in her throat, as the truth of it settled in her heart. "I've never really had a friend like you," she shared. "I'm gonna miss you a lot."
Her heart swelling with empathy, Lauren set her mug on the coffee table, and moved across the sofa, taking Toni into her arms. After everything she'd learned about this woman's history, she couldn't even imagine how she must be feeling, but she knew she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy, let alone someone she cared for so deeply. "It's gonna be okay," she whispered soothingly against Toni's ear as she held her close.
"When you say that, I actually believe it's true," Toni admitted. It was so hard for her to trust, but somehow, Lauren had broken through all the barriers she'd built around her heart, exposing her vulnerabilities.
"That's because it is," Lauren whispered reassuringly as she pulled Toni impossibly closer, holding her for a few moments longer.
It certainly wasn't the first time they'd embraced since meeting at the Bauer Barbeque, and it definitely wouldn't be the last. But uncharacteristically, Toni was the first to let go this time.
Surprised by the shift in roles, Lauren leaned back. Their eyes met, sky on earth, instinctively searching. And a moment later, together, their universe tilted on its axis. Suddenly, Lauren's throat went dry, and she nipped her bottom lip nervously. "I don't… really know what this is, Toni," she admitted. Her voice was quiet, shaky. "This thing between us…"
"I don't know what it is either," Toni whispered on a fettered breath, her brown eyes searching oceans of stormy blue. "All I know is… I don't want it to end."
"It won't," Lauren promised. Tucking a wayward strand of wispy brown hair behind Toni's ear, gentle fingertips feathered across a soft cheek, drawing a soft gasp from parted lips.
"You can't know that," Toni contended, afraid to believe it was really true.
"Yes, I can," Lauren whispered. Her gaze still locked on Toni's, she felt her breaths grow more labored, even as she heard Toni's catching in her chest. Nervously, she scraped her teeth across her lower lip. And then she leaned closer, lingering for a moment, their lips mere centimeters apart.
Lauren's breath blew warm across Toni's lips, and her belly somersaulted in response. "Lauren…" she whispered shakily.
A soft hitch marked Lauren's response to the sweet tension that ignited, lingering between them as the moments ticked by. And then, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, Lauren smiled, her blue eyes flashing with excitement. And finally, she leaned in, eradicating the space between them, as her mouth brushed lightly across Toni's for the very first time.
Friday, August 21, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—7:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Rafe!" Josh exclaimed as he topped the staircase from the farmhouse garage. Quickly, he moved across the room toward him.
Dripping with sweat, his breathing labored, Rafe seemed almost frantic as he unloaded what looked like the third or fourth pallet of materials into the space that would be transformed into his apartment over the next several weeks. It was a job he'd been eager to begin, Josh recalled. But suddenly it seemed more like a mission to be conquered, than an experience to be savored.
"Hey, whoa, man, just... take it easy, okay? We're not in a race here," Josh reminded. "We don't have to finish this all in one day."
"Maybe you don't," Rafe snapped. It sounded much harsher than he'd intended, and immediately, he regretted it. "But I've gotta get out of that house."
Reaching out, Josh gave Rafe's shoulder a supportive squeeze. "I get it; things are really tough right now," he said knowingly. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it had been like for Rafe over the past several weeks, but he knew from experience that running away, whether physically or emotionally, never solved anything.
The pounding of Rafe's heart began to calm the moment he felt Josh's hand on his shoulder, and he wondered briefly if this was what it felt like to have a supportive father. Not that Gus hadn't done the best he could in the time that he'd had, but Rafe had to admit he wasn't exactly a model son back then. "That's putting it mildly," he grumbled noncommittally.
"To be honest, I'm actually surprised I didn't find you tearing the place to shreds, rather than unloading materials," Josh commented.
"Yeah, well, that would've put us further behind," Rafe said, sounding more reasonable than ever had in his life. It sounded strange, even to him.
"We definitely don't want that," Josh said.
Delivered with a touch of humor, Josh's comment helped to further settle Rafe's agitation. "No, we don't," he agreed. "I'm losin' my fuckin' mind livin' in there. All the tension 'n shit… Fuck, I can't even…" he sighed.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, Josh tilted his head as he contemplated his worlds. "Well, I won't tell you that everything will be okay, because no one knows that but God," he said honestly. "But I will tell you that I'm here, if you ever want to talk."
Turning his head, Rafe caught Josh's concerned gaze. He offered a faint smile. "Thanks, man," he murmured. Just the mere offer of a safe place to unload his own tension was enough to bring him a sense of relief. "Sorry I snapped at you. I've been kind of a dick lately."
Josh smiled, his sincere blue eyes warm with affection. "We all have our moments, right?" he normalized.
"Right," Rafe agreed, feeling infinitely better for the exchange with is new boss. Nothing had really changed as far as circumstances were concerned, but somehow, he felt a load lifted from his shoulders. "How long do you figure this'll take?" he asked, more out of desperation than excitement about living a more independent existence.
"Oh, I'd say… longer than Emma's treehouse, less time than the Beacon renovation," Josh answered vaguely.
The teasing grin that played across his mouth drew the first genuine smile he'd seen from Rafe in weeks, and Josh's eyes sparkled triumphantly. "I can pull a couple of guys off the Spaulding project, if you're really adamant about getting in here," he offered.
Pausing mid-lift on a stack of two-by-fours, Rafe leaned them against the nearby wall, contemplating the offer. "No," he said decidedly. "I'd rather just work this one with you. You know, in case I wanna talk or somethin'."
Josh gave a simple nod in response. "I think that'd work just fine."
And with that, he pulled his worn work gloves from the back pocket of his jeans, and donning them with practiced ease, he reached toward the stack of lumber. "Grab the other end," he instructed. "I'll give you a hand with these, and then we can get started with the framing. This place'll have walls in no time."
"Yes, Sir," Rafe said, his tone of voice sounding almost like a salute, as he set to work, doing as Josh instructed him to do, because for the first time in his life, he was beginning to feel like he had a real purpose, and that had everything to do with having Joshua Lewis as his mentor and friend.
Friday, August 21, 2009… Olivia's Office, The Beacon—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"Have you heard from Olivia this morning?" Tracy inquired of Jen as she stepped through the doorway into the hotelier's office.
Glancing up from the mound of paperwork spread out across the desk, Jen met Tracy's concerned gaze. "Not a word," she answered. Not that it was unusual. Since Jen and Tracy had taken over daily operations of the Beacon in Olivia and Natalia's absence, the hotelier rarely checked in more than once a week; though she always made herself available if either of them called with questions or concerns.
Tracy nodded. "Okay, I'll try her cell again," she said, knowing that it was imperative that they speak with her before the board meeting scheduled for later that afternoon. "Lena is on her way from the airport. Lawrence just called to confirm pickup. And Phillip and Doris will be here by one o'clock."
"That's perfect," Jen declared. "Thanks for taking care of all the arrangements."
A faint smile flitted across Tracy's lips. "Any time, Cara," she said softly. And then she slipped back out of the office, closing the door quietly behind her.
Friday, August 21, 2009… Dr. Felicia Boudreau's Office, Cedars Hospital, Springfield—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
"The last time we crossed paths, you were certain God didn't exist."
The familiar swish of nylon resounded in the quiet of her office, as Dr. Felicia Boudreau crossed shapely legs, and leaned back into the plush black leather of her thickly padded office chair, with the practiced ease of nearly three decades in practice. Steepling her fingertips in front of her, she surveyed her patient with keen eyes, taking in the designer clothing, the perfectly coifed hair, and flawless makeup. Even at her worst, Olivia Spencer was a force, as physically stunning as she was intimidatingly powerful.
But she didn't look very powerful in that moment, jade eyes flashing with anger and pain, and something else that Felicia, for all her years of experience in reading people, still couldn't quite recognize. And despite all that Olivia had lived through, still, she wasn't broken, only wounded.
Olivia offered a faint smile. "With Natalia Rivera as a partner, it's kind of hard not to believe," she shared. "She's a walking example of faith in action."
"And yet, her faith is wavering now, and you're the one keeping it alive," Dr. Boudreau noted. There was no question in her tone, only certainty.
"Yeah, I guess I am," Olivia agreed with a sigh. "But honestly, Doc, I don't know how much longer I can hold on…"
TBC in Chapter 18.8…