"Mariah, where are you?" Tessa said, speaking into her phone as she left a voicemail. It was one of several messages, as Tessa sat on the patio of the coffee house, her worry of Mariah's whereabouts was increasing.
"I don't know what's going on," Tessa continued, "If you are upset with me or whatever it is, please call me and at least let me know you are okay. I'm worried about you and I love you."
Sighing as she disconnected the call, Tessa closed her eyes and said, "Please be okay."
"Tessa?"
Looking up at the sound of her name, Tessa said, "Oh, Fen, hi."
"Hi," Fen said, "Is everything okay? You look stressed."
"Well, I don't know where my fiancé is," Tessa said.
Taking the seat across from her, Fen said, "Did you two have a fight?"
"No," Tessa said, "She took off for some alone time yesterday and I haven't heard from her since. I've left messages, but no reply."
"I can see why you're concerned, but I'm sure she's fine," Fen said.
"I hope you're right," Tessa said.
"One thing I know about Mariah, she can take care of herself," Fen said, "Maybe she's cooking up a surprise for you."
"That's a nice thought, but I don't think that's it," Tessa said.
"I bet she will show up with a logical explanation," Fen said.
"I keep hoping for that," Tessa said, "Anyway, I need a distraction. Tell me what's going on with you."
"Funny you should ask," Fen said, "I'm really looking forward to the future."
"Okay, I'll bite," Tessa said, "What's coming up?"
"I think I have a good chance of getting Summer back," Fen said, "Of us becoming a romantic couple again."
"Oh Fen," Tessa sighed, "You know she is with Kyle and they are engaged."
"You haven't heard then," Fen said, "They broke up."
"They what?" Tessa said.
"That's right," Fen said, "The engagement is off and they are over."
"Do you know that for sure?" Tessa said.
"Summer told me herself," Fen said.
"Just because they are broken up does not mean Summer is ready to move on with you," Tessa said, "Maybe you need to give her some space."
"When she left Abbott, Summer came straight to me for comfort," Fen said, "She spent the night at my place."
"You took advantage?" Tessa said.
"I would never do that to Summer," Fen said, "It was completely platonic."
"It's nice to hear you have some morals," Tessa said, "I hope everything works out for you. And for me."
Dressed in a robe, Mariah paced the hotel room. "How could I be so careless?" Mariah panicked, "This isn't me, I don't drink and wake up in hotel rooms with other people. What is Tessa going to think? What do I even tell her?"
"The truth," Kyle said, propped up in bed, "We had too much to drink and fell asleep at the hotel."
"It's what happened between the drinking and the sleeping that I'm worried about," Mariah said.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kyle said, "Can you please stop pacing? You're making me seasick."
"Sorry, but I pace when I'm panicked," Mariah said.
"You can rest easy, nothing happened between us," Kyle said.
"You remember?" Mariah anxiously said.
"Not exactly," Kyle said, "But we were far too drunk to do anything coordinated."
"We took our clothes off and I ended up in your shirt," Mariah said.
"And then we passed out," Kyle said.
"I wish I had your confidence," Mariah said. Running her hand into her hair, with a worried look she said, "What if it did happen?"
Getting out of bed and sitting beside her, Kyle said, "It was one irresponsible night. We are not having an affair, so why are you getting so worked up?"
"Don't you get it?" Mariah said, "If I slept with you and did…that, then I cheated on Tessa."
"You're getting carried away," Kyle said, "If nothing else stopped us, our deep friendship would have, drunk or not."
"You really think so?" Mariah said.
"I do," Kyle said.
"Oh, what if I've ruined everything?" Mariah feared, tears coming to her eyes.
"Nothing is ruined," Kyle said, "Yes, we shared a bed last night, but that's all. Let's put this behind us and you can go home to Tessa. Tell her you slept here because you had too much to drink."
"Tessa," Mariah said, standing up, "She must be worried sick about me!"
Mariah rushed to grab her phone. "Look at this," Mariah fretted, "She's left me so many messages."
Sitting at the coffeehouse, Tessa quickly responded to the indication of a call coming into her phone. Noticing it was Mariah, Tessa anxiously pressed the screen to connect. "Hello?" she said, "Mariah?"
"Yes, it's me," Mariah said.
"Oh, thank goodness, "Tessa said, breathing a sigh of relief, "Where are you?" Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Mariah said, "I'm sorry I didn't call you until now."
"I've been so worried," Tessa said, "Are you upset with me?"
"No, of course not," Mariah said, "I am on my way home and I will explain everything."
"But where are you?" Tessa said.
"I spent the night at the athletic club," Mariah said.
"The athletic club?" Tessa said, "Why would you do that?"
"Like I said, I will explain later," Mariah said, "See you soon."
"Okay, I…" Tessa said, when she noticed Mariah had disconnected. "I love you," Tessa sighed.
Mariah descended the stairs of the Athletic Club, and headed for the exit when she saw Devon sitting at a table.
Noticing Mariah, Devon smiled and waived her over. Mariah gestured towards the door, to indicate she had to go, but reconsidered and approached him.
"Good morning," Devon said.
"Maybe for some people," Mariah said.
"Are you having a bad day already?" Devon said.
"I have a really bad…" Mariah started rubbing her forehead.
"Hangover?" Devon finished for her.
"Yeah, I foolishly drank too much last night," Mariah said, "So, I spent the night here."
"I'm glad you did the responsible thing and not drive," Devon said.
"Responsible," Mariah said, "Yeah, that's me."
"Sounds like something is getting you down," Devon said.
"Do you mind if I talk to you?" Mariah said, "I need an objective third party."
"I am always ready to be good listener," Devon said, "Have a seat."
"I'm not sure where to start," Mariah said.
"The beginning is usually the best," Devon said.
"Okay," Mariah said, "Yesterday, I picked a fight with Tessa. I'm not even sure why I did it. I have been feeling overwhelmed lately, with work and planning the wedding. I want to marry Tessa and I'm scared to death at the same time. Every little thing set me off and I ended up walking out, instead of talking it out. I went for a long drive and was out most of the day. Later I found a friend, having an equally bad day, drinking here, at the bar. I joined him and eventually we had consumed a bit much. I knew we were getting more and more inebriated, but I kept going."
"It's hard to stop when you get in a state like that," Devon said.
"We were laughing and having fun," Mariah said, "The next thing I know, I woke up in one of the rooms and said friend, was next to me."
"Oh boy," Devon said
"A friend of the opposite sex, no less," Mariah said.
"That sounds complicated," Devon said
"Do you want to know what the worst part is?" Mariah said.
"It gets worse?" Devon said.
"I can't remember if anything intimate happened between us," Mariah said.
"Maybe nothing," Devon said, "If you were that drunk, perhaps you both just passed out."
"Let's just say, we weren't wearing the same things, we were at the bar," Mariah said.
"I can see why you are concerned," Devon said, "But it still doesn't prove anything happened."
"That's what Kyle says, but I…" Mariah trailed off, realizing she had identified the friend.
"Kyle?" Devon said.
"Please don't say anything," Mariah said, "He will be so embarrassed if he knows I told you."
"Mariah, anything you say to me in confidence stays between us," Devon said.
"I hate the thought that I might have cheated on Tessa," Mariah said.
"That's a tough spot to be in," Devon said.
"Since you used to work here, do you know if there's any type of security footage, I can look at," Mariah said, "If I can see what went on between us, maybe it will jog my memory or give me some insight to what we were thinking."
"Well, there will be some footage of the bar and outside the room, but certainly not what went on behind closed doors," Devon said.
"I know, but can you arrange it for me?" Mariah said.
"I can do that," Devon said, "I'll let you know when I have the footage."
"Thanks," Mariah said, "It has helped me to talk to you. Now, I have to go and try to explain this all to Tessa."
Walking through the front door of the Abbott house, Kyle shut the door with a heavy sigh. Stepping into the living room, Kyle rubbed his forehead with a grimace.
"Good morning, sunshine," Billy smirked, standing the living room.
"What are you doing here?" Kyle said.
"I have family in the house," Billy said, "I visit from time to time. Just finishing up a coffee before I head out."
Observing Kyle sit down, resting his head in his hand, Billy said, "It seems like you could use a cup."
"Maybe," Kyle said.
"Or maybe you tied on one too many last night?" Billy said.
"And then some," Kyle said.
"You have the look of a major hangover," Billy said.
"You're very observant," Kyle said.
"Was this a celebration between you and Summer?" Billy said.
"Not even close," Kyle said, "Summer broke up with me."
"So it was a wallowing drunken binge," Billy said.
"Why am I telling you any of this?" Kyle said.
"Because you need someone to talk to," Billy said.
"If I tell you anything, it stays in this room," Kyle said, "I don't want to read about it in an online article or have it reiterated in a podcast."
"It sounds like a juicy story," Billy said.
"Billy…" Kyle said.
"Alright," Billy said, I won't say a word, scouts honor."
"Like you were ever a boy scout," Kyle scoffed
"You were saying Summer broke up with you," Billy said, "Please continue."
"She walked out on me, gave me the engagement ring back and told me we are over," Kyle said.
"Back up," Billy said, "You two were engaged?"
"Yes," Kyle said.
"I've been out of touch," Billy said, "You must have really messed up."
"I guess I wasn't enough for her," Kyle said, "She would rather be with someone else."
"So, you went drinking," Billy said.
"I did," Kyle said, "And a friend joined me. The next thing I know, I woke in bed next to her."
"Far be it for me to interfere," Billy started, "Just tell me this friend wasn't Rachel."
"Mariah," Kyle said, "I can't remember if we did anything while we were together. She has always been one of my closest friends and I would hate to think I crossed that line with her."
"You certainly got yourself into a big mess," Billy said.
"Your compassion is overwhelming," Kyle said
"Give it some time, it might come back to you," Billy said.
"That's what I'm hoping," Kyle said.
Wringing her hands, Tessa paced the apartment. "You said you were coming home, so what's keeping you?" she fretted to herself.
On cue, the door opened and Mariah stepped inside. Relief washed over Tessa, as she quickly walked over and embraced Mariah, who lightly reciprocated.
"I've been so worried," Tessa said.
"I know, I'm sorry," Mariah said.
"Are you alright?" Tessa said.
"Yes, I'm fine," Mariah said, "Aside from a splitting headache."
"Well, you come and sit down," Tessa said, "I will get you some pain reliever."
Tessa returned with some water and the required medication. "How about a neck massage?" Tessa offered, "That usually does the trick for your headaches."
"Thank you, but this one isn't going to withstand a massage," Mariah said.
"Are you hungover?" Tessa said.
"Yes," Mariah said, "I wasn't intending to drink, everything happened so fast."
"You said, you spent the night at the athletic club," Tessa said, "Is that where you were drinking?"
"I ran into someone there and we got carried away," Mariah sighed.
"Oh, you really are suffering, aren't you?" Tessa consoled, "Why don't you go and lie down. We can talk later when you are feeling better."
"That sounds like a good idea," Mariah said, "And I promise, I will tell you everything."
After an unsuccessful attempt to rest, Kyle decided a visit with his daughter would lift his spirits. Arriving at Rachel's door he knocked a few times, before it was answered. The door opened to reveal a disheveled Rachel, with tired eyes.
"Kyle, what are you doing here?" Rachel sleepily said.
"I thought I would come by," Kyle said, "Something tells me this is a bad time. I didn't wake you did I?"
"I'd have be asleep first for that to happen," Rachel said.
"Are you alright?" Kyle said.
"Not really," Rachel said, "I told you I thought Diana was coming down with something. Well, she got a cold and shared it with me. We are both sick, so as nice as it is to see you, maybe you should come by another time."
"Rachel, you look exhausted," Kyle said.
"Thanks," Rachel said
"Do you need some help taking care of Diana?" Kyle said, "Or maybe just some company?"
"I appreciate the offer," Rachel said, "But I don't want you to get sick too. This is a nasty one."
"I can handle a cold," Kyle said.
"Okay," Rachel said, "Enter at your own risk."
Kyle stepped inside and said, "Where is Diana?"
"She's the lucky one, she is sleeping," Rachel said, "I've been up most of the night with her. I can't seem to settle in and rest myself. I thought of calling you, but didn't want you to catch this thing."
"I am here now," Kyle said, "Why don't you go, get in bed and I will take care of Diana when she wakes up."
"Kyle, you don't have to," Rachel said.
"You can't take care of an sick infant, when you are under the weather yourself," Kyle said.
"Bed does sound really nice," Rachel said, "Thank you. I would hug you, but it's probably not the best time."
"Hug intended, I get it," Kyle said, "Let me know if you need anything too."
"Tell me, when you are leaving," Rachel said, "So I know, to listen for her."
"What makes you think I'm going anywhere?" Kyle said, "I'm here as long as you need me."
"In that case, she will need another dose of children's medication when she wakes up," Rachel said, "I checked with the doctor, it's safe to give her the dosage for infants printed on the packaging."
"Does she have a fever?" Kyle said.
"Yes, not too high," Rachel said, "But enough to make her feel unwell."
"Noted," Kyle said, "Now, go to bed. I've got this."
"This officially makes you the best," Rachel said.
"I thought you knew that already," Kyle smirked.
Tessa was busy cleaning up the kitchen when she noticed Mariah emerging from the bedroom.
"Hi, how are you feeling?" Tessa said.
"Better," Mariah said, "The pain has subsided to a dull roar."
"Maybe you had better rest more," Tessa said.
"I feel like I can function now," Mariah said.
"Do you feel like talking?" Tessa said, "I am curious what's going on with you and why you felt the need to drink so much."
Mariah nodded. "Let's sit down for this."
Tessa followed Mariah to the couch, sitting next to her. "I can tell there is something weighing on your mind and I want you to tell me what it is."
"First of all," Mariah began, "I want to tell you how very much I love you and I want to marry you more than anything."
"I feel the same," Tessa said, "I can't wait to start our married life together."
"It's just…" Mariah struggled to find the words, "I have been having all these fears."
"About us?" Tessa said.
"I know what we have is solid," Mariah said, "But I worry, what it we don't make it? What if we mess it up and nothing is ever the same again. I guess, I am afraid of disappointing you."
"Mariah," Tessa said, taking her hands, "You could never disappoint me."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that," Mariah said, "I look at you and you're beautiful and smart and so talented. You make me laugh and I feel I pale in comparison. I think what does she possibly see in me?"
"I never knew you felt this way," Tessa said, "Well, let me tell you what I see. You are a beautiful, vibrant woman, with a wicked sense of humor. You have strength and just to look into your eyes, fills my heart with joy and love. You understand me and I know together we can get through anything life throws at us."
"I hope that's true," Mariah said.
"Why do you say that?" Tessa said.
"I have something I want to tell you," Mariah said, "I am afraid that fear of disappointing you, is about to come true."
"You know you can tell me anything," Tessa said.
"It was careless and foolhardy," Mariah said.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Tessa said.
"Yesterday…" Mariah began, "When I arrived at the Athletic Club, I was going to get something to eat and have a drink. I was going to sort out my thoughts, when I saw Kyle, sitting at the bar. Naturally, I went over and discovered that he and Summer had just broken up."
"I heard" Tessa said, "It's surprising news."
"According to Kyle, it's really over, the engagement was even called off," Mariah said.
"That's' too bad," Tessa said.
"Kyle was tying to lose himself in drinks," Mariah said, "Now, what I should have done was drag him out of there, try to sober him up and think more clearly. Instead, I joined him in drinking. I am sorry to say, we got carried away, becoming more and more intoxicated."
"That's why you got a room for the night," Tessa said, "To sleep it off."
"I'm not sure," Mariah said.
"What does that mean?" Tessa said.
"I remember being at the bar," Mariah said, "The next thing I remember, was waking up in the morning. When I did…I wasn't alone. Kyle as lying next to me."
Tessa flinched as she stared at Mariah. "So, what is your saying is, you both passed out in the room. Fully clothed and that's it."
"Not exactly," Mariah said, "We were in bed, I had his shirt on and Kyle was not wearing more than his briefs."
Tessa was wide eyed as she softly said, "You slept with him?"
"No," Mariah said, "I don't actually remember, neither does Kyle."
"You went into that room willingly and you don't remember if anything happened," Tessa said.
"Tessa, we were so inebriated, nothing could have happened," Mariah said.
"Something did!" Tessa said, "You both took your clothes off!"
"I would never do that to you," Mariah said, "I have to believe our love is deep enough that prevented me from going through with it."
"It doesn't matter whether you two did it or not!" Tessa said, "You still went into that room and the intent was still there!"
"I'm sorry," Mariah pleaded.
"I…I can't believe what I'm hearing," Tessa said, standing up, "You don't trust me or in us."
"How can you say that?" Mariah said, also jumping up from the couch.
"You were having all these fears and doubts and instead of talking to me about it, trying to work things out, you thought the best course of action, was to drink yourself into oblivion, with Kyle Abbott!" Tessa hollered.
"I know, it was a horrible error in judgement," Mariah said.
"That's putting it mildly," Tessa said, "I was so worried about and to find out you were in bed with another man…" Tessa shook her head.
"Try to understand, it wasn't like that," Mariah said, "Please tell me, you can forgive me."
"Forgive you?" Tessa said, "I can't even talk to you right now." Tessa turned away, holding her arms close to herself, tears beginning to fall.
"I didn't mean for this to happen," Mariah said, "Sweetie, please don't cry." Mariah tried to put a hand on Tessa's shoulder, but she flinched away.
"I have to get out of here," Tessa said, heading for the door.
"Let me come with you," Mariah said.
"No, I need some time," Tessa said, rushing out the door, leaving Mariah behind.
The knowledge that she had wounded Tessa, stung Mariah as she sat on the couch and wept.