Business was slowing down, close to the end of the day, as Rachel finished up a few last minute orders at the coffeehouse. Tessa cleaned up the patio and was apprehensive about approaching her co-worker. Tessa noticed Rachel was civil to her, but would only talk to her about business, other than that she hardly spoke to Tessa. They worked in silence, Rachel taking no notice of Tessa as she put things away behind the counter. Unable to keep quiet anymore, Tessa turned to Rachel and said, "Can we talk?"

Rachel sighed and said, "I suppose we should."

"I hate this," Tessa said, "The distance between us."

"Tessa, I should tell you, I'm leaving my job here," Rachel said.

"No Rachel, don't quit because of me," Tessa said, "If you're that upset that you can't work with me, I should be the one to quit."

"I'm not leaving because of you," Rachel said, "I got offered a job at Jabot. I'm going to be working there."

"Oh, I see," Tessa said, "Well, that must be exciting for you."

"It is," Rachel said.

"I miss you already," Tessa said.

"It's not like you'll never see me again," Rachel said, "I'll be in here a lot."

"But not as my friend?" Tessa said.

"I was harsh before," Rachel said, "Saying we couldn't be friends. You have to understand that I felt you violated our trust as friends."

"And now?" Tessa said.

"We can be friends, but I don't think we'll ever be as close as we were," Rachel said.

"It doesn't sound like you really want to be friends," Tessa said, "I am sorry for our kiss. I promise it won't happen again."

"Please don't call it our kiss," Rachel said, "You know, you say you don't have feelings for me anymore, but I have to wonder if that's true."

"I told you, I used to," Tessa said.

"That doesn't tell me about now," Rachel said.

"I was attracted to you," Tessa said, "There was a time I thought…" Tessa trailed off.

"Go ahead," Rachel prompted, "Tell me what you thought."

"I thought I could be better for you than Kyle," Tessa said, "That I could make you happier than he could. I knew you didn't want the same thing as me, so I was the best friend I could be. Your friendship is enough and that's all I'm asking you for now."

"You pretended to be my friend in hopes for romance with me," Rachel said, "Then you tell me that you're jealous of my boyfriend."

"I never pretended to be anything," Tessa said, "Being your friend was genuine. What I said was, I used to think about you and me, what it would be like. Not anymore. I see you and Kyle together and I see how happy you both are. As your friend, that's all I want for you."

"I miss how we used to get along too," Rachel said, "I would be willing to give our friendship another try."

Tessa smiled. "I would like that," she said.

"Me too," Rachel said.

"Hug?" Tessa said, holding her arms out. Rachel accepted, Tessa closing her eyes, reveling in the moment to hold Rachel close.

Tessa tried to hide her tears as they separated, but Rachel noticed. "Sorry," Tessa said, quickly wiping them away, "You know me, I get emotional."

Rachel smiled at her. "Listen," Tessa said, recovering herself, "Can I give you ride home?"

"I appreciate the offer but…" Rachel trailed off, nodding her head in the direction of the patio. Tessa looked to see Kyle entering from that direction.

"You already have an escort home," Tessa said.

"Evening ladies," Kyle said.

"Hi," Tessa said.

Noticing how quiet they were, Kyle said, "I get the feeling I am interrupting something."

"Not at all," Tessa said, "Just girl talk."

"Yes," Rachel said, "Everything's fine."

"Good," Kyle said.

As Rachel busied herself, cleaning up, Tessa said, "It's really great how you come here, to make sure she gets home okay."

"I don't like the thought of her travelling alone this late," Kyle said, "Not that I mind coming to get her."

"You really do love her," Tessa said.

"I thought that was obvious when we got engaged," Kyle said.

"I'm just amazed at what a special relationship you two have," Tessa said, "It's so great to see that connection, that spark between two people."

"I didn't know love could feel this incredible," Kyle said, "She's all I ever wanted."

"I'm pretty sure you're all she ever wanted too," Tessa said, causing Kyle to smile.

"What are you two talking about?" Rachel said, walking over.

"Love," Tessa said, "How great it is."

"She's right," Kyle said, taking one of Rachel's hands, "It is beyond great."

Tessa watched as Kyle kissed her, transfixed at their display of affection. As they parted, Tessa quickly averted her eyes.

"I just have a few things to finish up," Rachel said, "Then I'm all yours."

"I like the sound of that," Kyle smiled.

"You know," Tessa started, "I can take care of everything here. You two go ahead."

"Are you sure?" Rachel said.

"Yes I'm sure," Tessa said, "Your man is waiting, so go."

"Okay, thanks," Rachel said.

Tessa observed, Kyle outstretch his arm, inviting Rachel to walk close with him. With his arm around Rachel's shoulders, Kyle was making her laugh as they left the coffeehouse.

Tessa did some last minute tidying up and checking the locks on doors. Looking around the empty coffeehouse, tears were starting, as she dropped into a chair with a sigh. Hugging herself, Tessa sat and wept.

Kyle noted how tired he felt, as he finished getting ready for bed. Replacing a hand towel on the bathroom rack, Kyle paused, resting his hand on the towel. Stepping to the counter, he leaned forward against it, gripping the edges with his hands. Kyle looked at his reflection, wishing the persistence of his headache would ease. With a sigh of discomfort, Kyle momentarily closed his eyes, before reaching into the medicine cabinet to retrieve of bottle of pain relievers. Downing two of them, he paused to take a few breaths, before replacing the bottle. Rubbing his forehead he entered the adjoining bedroom, to find Rachel sitting on the edge of the bed, with her hand cream.

"Are you okay?" Rachel said, noticing Kyle's distress.

"What?" Kyle said.

"You look like you're not feeling well," Rachel said.

"Just a headache," Kyle said, "It'll pass."

"Do you need something for it?" Rachel said.

"Taken care of," Kyle said, climbing onto the bed beside her.

Rachel leaned close to him and said, "Can I do anything to make you feel better?"

"Your welcome to try," Kyle said.

Rachel kissed him. "Better?" she said.

"It's helping," Kyle said.

Rachel smiled and lay next him, propped on her elbow. "I have something to tell you," she said.

"I want to talk to you about something too," Kyle said.

"Good or bad?" Rachel said.

"Not particularly either," Kyle said.

"I'm not sure what that means," Rachel said.

"I have to go out of town on a business trip," Kyle said.

"Where to?" Rachel said.

"Dubai," Kyle said.

"When do you leave?" Rachel said.

"Tomorrow," Kyle said.

"Tomorrow?" Rachel repeated, "My first day at Jabot and you're not going to be there?"

"I know," Kyle said, "I wanted to be, but they need someone to oversee marketing and contract issues. I have to go."

"Of course you have to," Rachel said, "How long will you be gone?"

"Four or five days," Kyle said.

"I'll miss you while you're gone," Rachel said.

"I'm going to miss you," Kyle said.

"If you're going to be away that long, I'll have to make sure to give you a proper welcome home," Rachel said.

"I can hardly wait," Kyle smiled, "So, what did you want to tell me?"

"I did something today," Rachel said, "A proactive move about Susie's custody."

"You didn't get into it with Kevin again, did you?" Kyle said.

"I didn't talk to him," Rachel said, "I went to see Michael Baldwin."

"You consulted a lawyer?" Kyle said, "Why didn't you tell me? I would have gone with you."

"I was testing the waters," Rachel said, "I wanted to know what my rights were and let him know I am planning to sue."

"What did he have to say?" Kyle said.

"He was none too pleased when he heard that I was fighting Kevin and he was not very encouraging in the outcome for me," Rachel said.

"Did you ask him for representation?" Kyle said.

"I didn't have a chance," Rachel said, "He rescinded before I could ask. He is on Kevin's side."

"We will find a better lawyer," Kyle said.

"We will?" Rachel said.

"Rachel, you and I are getting married," Kyle reminded, "We are in this fight together."

"There was one other thing that was interesting," Rachel said, "Michael told me he never saw Kevin, when he was here that day. Kevin has moved so far away from his family and the one day he is in Genoa City, he doesn't even go to visit his own brother."

"Who knows how his mind works," Kyle said. Pulling Rachel close to him, Kyle said, "We will work this out, that's a promise."

Snuggled up to Kyle, Rachel was soon dozing, while Kyle waited for the pounding in his head to subside, before he could drift to sleep.

Rachel stepped off the elevator, entering the hallways of Jabot. Smoothing out her new business suit, she heard a voice say, "Are you new here?"

Rachel turned around, to see Billy grinning at her. "Oh, it's you," she said, "At least you are someone I know."

"First day nerves?" Billy said.

"You have no idea," Rachel said, "I'd feel better if Kyle were here, but he's in the friendly skies on his way to Dubai."

"He's what?" Billy said.

"On a business trip," Rachel said, "I figured you were the one who asked him to go."

"Not my decision," Billy said.

"You are the CEO right?" Rachel said.

"Not at the moment," Billy said, "There's been a change in leadership."

"What?" Rachel said, "If you're not in charge then who is?"

"I am," Phyllis said, walking up to them. Rachel looked from Phyllis to Billy, who shook his head at the new situation.

"I hadn't heard about the change," Rachel said.

"I'll admit, there will be an adjustment period," Phyllis said.

"Some of us will take longer to adjust than others," Billy said.

"Some of you will also need an attitude adjustment," Phyllis said.

"Well, if you'll excuse us, we have new employee orientation," Billy said.

"About that," Phyllis said, looking at Rachel.

"Phyllis…" Billy said.

"I would like to see you both in my office," Phyllis said, walking past them.

"Is she going to fire me before I even get started?" Rachel said, "She can't do this to me!"

"She won't," Billy said, gesturing for Rachel to walk ahead of him.

Phyllis sat behind her desk, while Billy and Rachel remained standing. "I'll get right to this," Phyllis started, "Rachel, I understand Billy hired you, however, Billy is no longer in a position to make those decisions."

"She is the perfect person for the job," Billy defended, "Don't make her suffer the consequences of you and I not getting along. You cannot just let her go."

"Who said anything about letting her go?" Phyllis said, "No, I am planning to keep you on here. I understand you need regular reporting to the proper authorities about your conduct in the workplace."

"I can still oversee that," Billy said.

"I'm sure you can," Phyllis said, "But I'm delegating that task to our new COO."

"May I ask who that is?" Rachel said.

"Lauren Fenmore," Billy answered.

"Lauren?" Rachel said.

"Yes, she will be in charge of your legal matter," Phyllis said, "I have to be honest with you, with that criminal record, I would have hesitated to hire you. However, I know Billy has a strong belief in your talents in technology, so I will give you a chance."

"A chance?" Billy said.

"Rachel, you will be on a probationary period in your job for the remainder of your legal probation," Phyllis said.

"That's another 6 months," Rachel said.

"Is that a problem?" Phyllis said.

"I hired her full time permanent," Billy said.

"I am modifying the employment terms," Phyllis said, "To be honest you are lucky I am continuing to let you work here at all."

Rachel and Billy were looking at Phyllis, so she said, "That's all." She waived her hand towards the door.

"Rachel, would you mind waiting for me outside?" Billy said, "I need to talk to our new CEO for a few minutes."

"Of course," Rachel said, retreating from the office.

"I have a lot to do," Phyllis said.

"Just one question," Billy said, "What's this about, sending Kyle to Dubai on a business trip?"

"He is going to oversee some marketing issues and meet with some key executives to smooth over contracts," Phyllis said.

"The last time I checked, I was in charge of marketing," Billy said, "I was going to make that trip myself."

"I feel Kyle has the ability to handle this," Phyllis said, "It's good experience for him."

"Except that it's my job," Billy said.

"I'm sure he will fill you in when he returns," Phyllis said.

"You are either doing this just to aggravate me on a personal level," Billy started, "Or you want me to quit."

"I am trying to run this company," Phyllis said, "My decisions are based on what is best for business. If you want to leave, that is up to you."

"I'm not going anywhere," Billy said.

"Good to know," Phyllis said, sifting through folders on her desk. Looking up she said, "Is that all?"

"For now," Billy said, before he stormed out of the office.

Immersed in the data in front of him, Ravi, quickly darted his attention from one computer screen to another continually making entries on his keyboard. Hearing a knock on his open office door, Ravi continued his work, as he said, "I'll be with you in a second." He rapidly punched computer keys and then looked up to see his visitor. "Mr. Abbott," Ravi said, standing up.

"Hard at work, I see," Billy said.

"There's always a lot to do," Ravi said, "What can I do for you?"

Inviting Rachel into the office, Billy said, "Ravi, you remember Rachel."

Recalling how irritating Ravi had found her to be when they first met, he said, "How could I forget?"

"It's nice to see you again too," Rachel said.

"I'm about to make your life easier," Billy said.

"How's that?" Ravi said.

"I hired Rachel as you newest team member," Billy said, "She's going to be working alongside you."

"Here?" Ravi said.

"We have had a vacancy in this department for awhile," Billy said, "It was about time we filled it."

"I've managed quite well," Ravi said.

"Yes, you have," Billy said, "I'm sure you will find Rachel's skills to be a great asset to you."

Ravi forced a smile as he nodded.

"I trust you will bring her up to speed on everything she needs to know," Billy said.

"Of course," Ravi said.

Turning to Rachel, Billy said, "You're in good hands. Good luck."

Billy left to office, while Rachel and Ravi shared an uneasy glance.

Kyle rubbed his forehead as he completed check-in at the front desk of his hotel. He bent over to pick up his bag, when he heard a familiar voice.

"Do my eyes deceive me?"

Kyle looked up to see Summer.

"Kyle?" she said, with a smile, "Is that you?"

Surprised to see her, Kyle paused before he said, "Hi."

Summer threw herself at Kyle as she hugged him. "I can't believe you're here!" she excitedly said.

"Same here," Kyle said.

"What are you doing here?" Summer said, "If you say you came to see me, I will die from how romantic that is."

"It's business," Kyle said, "That's why I'm here. Marketing contracts and stuff."

"I know all about the contract issues," Summer said, "I've been looking into them. I can tell you everything you need to know. Let me take you to dinner, we can catch up."

"Not a good idea," Kyle said, picking up his bag.

"What else are you going to do?" Summer said, following him to the elevator, "Sit alone and order room service?"

"Sounds good to me," Kyle said.

"Please, let me…" Summer started.

"Summer," Kyle said, cutting her off, "I appreciate the offer, but I have had a long flight and I have a splitting headache. I am not up for anything else right now. I am going to my room." As the elevator doors open Kyle added, "Alone."

Summer watched disappointed as Kyle disappeared behind the elevator doors.

"Your personal workspace is over here," Ravi said, leading Rachel across the room. Gesturing to his right he said, "My personal workspace is over there. They stay separate."

"We are going to have to work together," Rachel said.

"I realize that," Ravi said, "Just letting you know, there are boundaries."

"You don't like me, do you?" Rachel said

"I like you fine," Ravi said, "I know you are good at this kind of work, but I am used to working alone. It's better for me that way."

"Maybe we should start over," Rachel said, "Clean slate."

"Sure thing," Ravi said. Bringing up a file on her screen, he said, "This is where we log the most important issues we need to do. When you are working on one of these, please make sure you change the status of the file here, so I don't start duplicating your work. If at any time you need my help, just ask."

"Sounds good," Rachel said.

"Okay, so let's ease you into this with something uncomplicated," Ravi said, pulling up files on Rachel's computer, "See if you can check and set the sequence here for the…"

"I've got it," Rachel said, cutting him off.

"Alright," Ravi said, trying to hide his annoyance of Rachel talking over him.

Ravi walked back to his desk and sat down, when Rachel said, "Okay, that's done. What should I do next?"

With raised eyebrows, Ravi looked at her in surprise. "You're done?" he said.

"Sure, it was easy," Rachel said.

"Okay, feel free look into something from the queue…" Ravi said, trailing off as he heard Rachel's phone beep. Ravi observed Rachel pick it up and begin to read over a text message. Ravi sat back in his chair, watching her in exasperation. Rachel smiled and then giggled at her phone. Looking up she realized the way Ravi was looking at her.

"Sorry," she said, although she read the message over again and smiled to herself.

Standing up and strolling towards her, Ravi said, "You know, you are here to work. Not to text message with your friends."

"The message was from my fiancé," Rachel said, "He's out of the country on business and he was checking in. Letting me know he got there okay."

"If you feel the need to chuckle at your messages, could you do it elsewhere, on your own time?" Ravi said.

"Noted," Rachel said, putting away her phone.

Ravi started to walk back to his desk, when he turned back around. "Did you say, you have a fiancé?"

"Yes, I do," Rachel said, "It's Kyle Abbott, you met him that day in Billy's office."

"I remember," Ravi said, "He was just your boyfriend then. There's been progress."

"We got engaged over the holidays," Rachel smiled.

"I should have picked up on that," Ravi said, gesturing to her hand, "That's one heck of a ring."

"I like it," Rachel said.

"Congratulations," Ravi said.

"Thank you," Rachel said. She was quiet for a few seconds, before she said, "I want this working situation with you and me to be to be successful. I would like us to get along."

"I would like that too," Ravi said, "Just understand I am used to working alone. Nothing against you, but it is going to be an adjustment for me."

"For me too," Rachel said, "My stomach is in a thousand knots of nerves."

Ravi nodded and said, "First day jitters, I get that. Plus you miss your fiancé and I am not making this any easier for you. My apologies."

"I guess we both need to learn to accommodate each other," Rachel said, "We should get back to work." She turned her attention back to the screen in front of her.

Ravi paused and watched her for a few seconds, smiling to himself, he shook his head.

Standing in the hallway of the hotel, Summer smiled to herself, as she knocked on one of the room doors. "Kyle?" she called.

Not getting a response, she tried knocking again, "Kyle?"

"Are you trying to disturb the entire hotel?" Kyle said, walking down the hallway, coffee cup in hand.

"I thought you were in there," Summer said.

"About to be," Kyle said. He unlocked the door and stood in the entrance way. "What do you want?"

"You could be a little more hospitable," Summer said, "Being so far away from home, I came to see if you needed any company."

"No thanks," Kyle sighed.

"You're just going to sit in there alone?" Summer said, "That's kind of sad."

"I'll survive," Kyle said, proceeding to shut the door.

"Wait," Summer said, "Can I come in?"

Leaning his head against the edge of the open door, Kyle said, "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Even if I just…" Summer started.

"I'm not up for your games," Kyle said, cutting her off, "Have a good evening and goodnight." He shut the door with a sigh. Kyle took no more than two steps when he heard the knock on the door. He momentarily closed his eyes in frustration. Walking back to the door, he opened it saying, "What is it going to take for you to realize I want to be alone?"

"I wasn't playing games with you," Summer said, "I was only trying to be a friend."

"Understood," Kyle said, "Goodnight."

"Can I use your bathroom?" Summer said.

"What?" Kyle said.

"Please?" Summer said.

"Don't you have one you can use in your room?" Kyle said.

"Yes, but it's on another floor and all the way down another hallway," Summer said, "It's kind of urgent."

Sighing Kyle, stepped aside. "Thank you," Summer said, rushing past him.

She shut the bathroom door and paused. Not really needing to use it, she waited a few seconds and then flushed and ran the water. Exiting the room, she said, "Thanks, that's a relief." She looked around, but Kyle was nowhere to be seen.

"Kyle?" she said. Not getting a reply, she frowned and said, "Kyle, are you still here?"

The room was quiet as she stepped further in. Summer gave a frustrated laugh. "You took off on me…," she said, trailing off at the sight that appeared before her. Her eyes wide, she realized Kyle was lying face down, on the floor. "Kyle?" she cried, running to his aid. Kyle's eyes were closed, and Summer could see he was unconscious.

"What happened?" Summer worried. Panic setting in, she tried calling his name several times and gently shaking him, but Kyle remained still. "Kyle, please wake up," Summer pleaded, "Kyle?"