Kyle rubbed his forehead as he sat at his office desk, focusing on his tablet, while sifting through papers off to the side.
A knock on his door, caused Kyle to look up pausing when she saw his visitor. "Mariah," he said.
"Can I come in?" Mariah said.
"Of course," Kyle said, "Is there something I can do for you?"
"It sounds like you need someone to do something for you," Mariah said, "Are you sick?"
"Believe me, I sound worse than I feel," Kyle said, "I am better than yesterday."
"I will keep my distance then," Mariah said.
"Not that it isn't nice to see you, but did you come by for a reason?" Kyle said.
"I wanted to tell you, I sent the fall marketing numbers for you to look over," Mariah said.
"I got them," Kyle said, "They look good. Something tells me you didn't come by just for that."
Mariah closed the office door and said, "I wanted to talk to you. I'm sure you know why."
"I thought we decided to put this whole mess behind us," Kyle said.
"Yes, we did," Mariah said, "But I have new insight."
"What does that mean?" Kyle said.
"I had a memory dream," Mariah said, "It all came back to me, in bits and pieces."
"You remember what happened?" Kyle said, "Don't keep me in suspense."
"Nothing happened between us," Mariah smiled, "We didn't go through with it."
"How do you know?" Kyle said.
"I saw images of us getting to the hotel room, I was wearing and modelling your shirt for you," Mariah said, "We made our way to the bed, but before anything could happen, you passed out beside me. I must have too, soon afterwards."
"So that's it?" Kyle said, "Maybe this was just a dream."
"If you had experienced it like I did, you would know this was a memory," Mariah said, "So, you and I are in the clear."
"That is great to hear," Kyle said, "Thank goodness it was nothing."
"Well, we did kiss," Mariah said.
"We did?" Kyle said.
"Yes," Mariah said, "I don't really remember how it felt, but that's all it was."
"I can live with that, if you can," Kyle said.
"Agreed," Mariah said, "I've explained it to Tessa and we are in a good place now."
"I am glad to hear that," Kyle said.
"We even attended a wedding together yesterday," Mariah said.
"Anyone I know?" Kyle said.
"Actually, yes," Mariah said, "Lola and Austin got married yesterday."
Kyle stared at Mariah in surprise.
Lola felt a hand rub along her arm, causing her to stir from a night's sleep. "Good morning, my beautiful wife," Austin softly said, beside her.
Smiling Lola turned to face him, saying, "Good morning, husband." She snuggled close to him.
"I like hearing that," Austin said.
"I like saying it," Lola said.
Noticing she was quiet, Austin said, "What are you thinking?"
"I didn't know, I could be this happy," Lola said, "It was an amazing wedding and such a fun time at the reception."
"Who knew your brother had those dance moves?" Austin said.
"Poor Chance nearly threw his back out trying to emulate him," Lola laughed.
"I guess the detective needs to be in better shape," Austin said.
"Then we danced close together," Lola said.
"It was magical," Austin said, "Makes you wish we could stay like this forever."
"We need to get moving," Lola said.
"Sounds good to me," Austin said, pulling her close for a kiss.
"I didn't mean that," Lola said.
"What's more important on our first morning as husband and wife?" Austin said.
"We have a flight to get ready for," Lola said.
"That's not until later today," Austin said, caressing her neck.
"We need to pack up a few last minute things," Lola said.
"Uh-huh," Austin said, kissing her shoulder.
"I guess it could wait a little bit longer," Lola said, giving in to Austin's seduction.
"Lola and Austin got married?" Kyle said.
"The way you say that, as if you didn't know this was coming," Mariah said.
"I knew about it," Kyle said, "I guess the date sneaked up on me."
"Are you okay with this?" Mariah said.
"Of course," Kyle said, "I want Lola to be happy."
"She is, trust me," Mariah said.
"Then I wish her well," Kyle said.
"Would you like me to convey those wishes to her, when I see her later?" Mariah said.
"They haven't left yet?" Kyle said.
"No, Tessa and I are going over there to see if we can help last minute packing and see them off," Mariah said, "I want to say goodbye to Lola and Tessa wants to say goodbye to Austin. I expect tears."
Dabbing at her eyes, Mariah said, "Look at me. I'm getting emotional just talking about it."
"It's hard to say goodbye to people you love," Kyle said.
"Speaking of love," Mariah said, "Have you patched things up with Summer?"
"I haven't spoken to here since I found her at Baldwin's," Kyle said, "She hasn't reached out to me. I guess that means it's really over."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Mariah said.
"Me too," Kyle said, "However, I need to accept it and move on."
"I hope you still have your calendar marked off, for two weeks from now," Mariah said.
"Is something going on?" Kyle said.
"I told you about my and Tessa's wedding day!" Mariah lamented.
"Yes, I know," Kyle laughed, "I was only teasing. I will be there, I wouldn't miss it."
"In that case, can I ask a favor of my dearest, trusted, very best friend?" Mariah said.
"This sounds huge," Kyle said.
"It is to me," Mariah said, "Kyle, would be willing to officiate my and Tessa's wedding?"
"You want me to do it?" Kyle said.
"I really do," Mariah said, "It's really easy, you just get ordained online and you're set. Please it would mean so much to me."
"You know, I am happy to help you out this way," Kyle said, "As long as my voice is back to normal by then."
"Great," Mariah said, sharing a smile with Kyle.
Writing the word 'fragile' in magic marker on the side of a cardboard box, Lola said, "I should double check the bedroom. I don't want to forget anything."
Affixing packing tape to another box, Austin said, "Who knew we had so much stuff."
"It's easy to accumulate," Lola said.
Lola walked towards the bedroom, while there was a knock at the door. Austin pulled the door open saying, "Perfect timing." He paused when he saw Tessa and Mariah. "Oh, sorry, I thought you were moving men."
"Just us," Mariah said, as they entered the apartment.
"Walking out of the bedroom, Lola was holding a piece of red lingerie up to herself, saying, "I almost forgot…" She stopped when she saw the ladies, dropping the garment into her hand.
"Hi," Tessa said.
"Hi girls, it's so nice you came by," Lola said, walking to her luggage and tucking the material inside.
"We wanted to come by and see you off," Mariah said.
"And to help out with any last minute things you might have to do," Tessa said.
"Sure grab a box and start taking them downstairs for us," Austin joked.
"Funny," Tessa said.
"Wow, I've never seen this place so bare of stuff before," Mariah said.
"That's okay, we will fill it up soon enough," Tessa said.
"How's that?" Austin said.
"Mariah and I are moving in here," Tessa said.
"Oh, that's wonderful," Lola said.
"Yeah, we can just leave these boxes here then and you can ship them to us," Austin said.
"He thinks that's humorous," Mariah said.
"It is," Austin said.
Patting Austin's arm, Lola said, "My husband is working on his sense of humor. We have it all arranged for these boxes to be shipped to our new address in Miami. That way when we get back from our honeymoon everything will be ready for us to unpack."
"I don't know which is worse, packing or unpacking," Austin said.
"Can you tell he's excited?" Lola said.
"As long as you are there that's all that matters," Austin said, sharing a quick kiss.
"Well, Mr. & Mrs. Rosales, you seem to have everything under control," Mariah said.
"Travers," Austin corrected her, "Mr. & Mrs. Travers."
"Same difference," Tessa said, as Lola laughed.
A knock was heard at the door, causing everyone to look in that direction. Austin responded, opening the door to trio of men. "We're from United Movers, for the Travers move," one of the men said.
"You are at the right place," Austin said, stepping aside.
"Oh my," Mariah quietly said, noticing the fitness of the men.
"These boxes here, need to go," Austin said, prompting the men to start lifting them.
"Please be careful with these," Lola said, gesturing to boxes.
"We will take care of it," another man said.
As the men were loading boxes, into the hallway, everyone looked at each other, as Lola said, "I guess this is it."
"I'm going to miss you," Mariah said, giving Lola a hug.
"I will miss you both as well," Lola said.
Moving to Austin, Mariah said, "I'm even going to miss you, a little." Austin gave Mariah a quick hug.
"Take care of this guy," Tessa said, hugging Lola, "I wish you all the best."
"I wish the same for you both," Lola said.
Standing before Austin, Tessa paused, as her tears came. "Tess…" Austin said.
Taking his hands, Tessa said, "I'm going to miss having my brother around."
"I will miss seeing you too," Austin said, pulling Tessa into a hug.
Tessa lingered in his embrace, as Mariah said, "Besides you will both be back for our wedding."
We wouldn't miss it," Austin said.
Wiping a few of her own tears away, Lola said, "I knew it be hard to say goodbye."
Austin extended an arm forward, inviting Lola and Mariah into the hug. The ladies moved in as the four shared a group hug.
Kyle walked into Society, spying Sharon behind the front counter. "Hi Sharon," Kyle said, approaching her.
"Hi," Sharon said. She paused and said, "You're fighting a cold, aren't you?"
"Is it that obvious?" Kyle said.
"When you've been a mother as long as I have, you know," Sharon said.
"I'm slowly getting better," Kyle said, "Besides, I don't want to be sick for my daughter's first birthday. Are you still coming for the party?"
"You know, as much as I appreciate the invite, I think I will have to pass," Sharon said, "I know Faith wants to spend some time with Susie, so I will just drop her off at the party. I will come back here and work instead."
"I know you can get someone to cover here," Kyle said, "Why aren't you coming?"
"I just don't feel right," Sharon said, "I don't think I'm ready for a social gathering yet."
"You mean without Rey," Kyle said.
"Seeing all those happy couples, when I am not part of one, makes me uncomfortable," Sharon said.
"You have given me some good advice over the years," Kyle said, "Can I give you some?"
"Sure," Sharon said.
"It would do you good to get out and see people," Kyle said, "Have some good conversation and we are having a barbecue. Lots of good food, and then don't forget the pool. I'm sure it will be put to good use. Not to mention the guest of honor, who will love all the attention."
"It does sound like fun," Sharon said.
"You could bring someone, like maybe Nick," Kyle said.
"Why would you suggest him?" Sharon said.
"I thought you two were close," Kyle said, "I didn't mean to overstep."
"You didn't," Sharon said, "I will take all your words under consideration."
"Good," Kyle said, "We all would love to see you."
"Thanks," Sharon said, "Now how about some tea to help you kick that virus."
"Sounds perfect," Kyle said.
Taking his tea from Sharon, Kyle turned around to see Tessa and Mariah entering though the patio. Once they were closer, Kyle said, "Hello ladies."
Mariah held Tessa back a few feet, saying, "Careful, he's loaded with virus. We don't want anyone getting sick before our big day."
"I'm getting better," Kyle said, "Everyone will be healthy for your wedding day."
"I for one, can't wait," Mariah said.
"That makes two of us," Tessa smiled.
"What are you ladies up to for today?" Sharon said.
"We just said goodbye to Austin and Lola," Mariah said, "They left for their honeymoon and the apartment is all packed up."
"It was harder than I thought to say goodbye," Tessa said.
"We will see them again soon," Mariah said.
"You can move in whenever you are ready," Sharon said.
"You're taking the apartment over Crimson Lights?" Kyle said, "That's great. Congratulations on the new place."
"Thank you," Mariah smiled, while Tessa gave Kyle a smaller smile.
"Speaking of the wedding, I have something I want to go over with you," Sharon said.
"I am all ears," Mariah said, walking over.
"You must be getting excited," Kyle said.
"Of course," Tessa said, "No thanks to you."
"Excuse me?" Kyle said, "Is something on you mind Tessa?"
"You bet there is," Tessa said, "How could you?"
"You're talking about the night with Mariah," Kyle said.
"Yes, I'm talking about that night!" Tessa said, "What were you thinking, dragging Mariah into you mess, to the point of ending up in bed with her!"
"I'm sorry this upsets you," Kyle said, "We both had too much to drink and things spiraled from there. I'm sure she told you nothing happened between us."
"That's not the point," Tessa said, "I was worried sick about her and then to find out she was in bed with you, that really hurt."
"I apologize," Kyle said, "I feel really bad that night ever happened."
"Hey, what's going on over here," Mariah said, "What are you two fighting about?"
"Tessa, was just tearing me a new one," Kyle said, "Not that I don't deserve it. She was telling me off over our night together."
"I thought we moved past that," Mariah said, "I didn't know it still bothered you."
"I know you didn't meant to hurt anyone," Tessa said, "But this is the first time, I've seen Kyle since then and it just brought it all back."
"If I could go back and change it, I would," Kyle said.
"Tessa, we've apologized," Mariah said, "We are both sincerely sorry."
"I believe that," Tessa said, "And I'm sorry Kyle, I didn't expect to react to you that way. I guess, I just had to let that out."
"Can we go back to being friends?" Kyle said.
"Because he agreed to officiate at our wedding," Mariah said.
"You did?" Tessa said. Kyle nodded.
"I appreciate that," Tessa said, "Of course we are still friends. This deserves a hug."
She moved towards Kyle, but he stepped back. "I'm loaded," he said.
"Right," Tessa said. She pulled out her phone and pressing a few keys, she said, "There, that should take care of it."
Kyle's phone beeped and he responded, to find Tessa had sent him a virtual hug.
"Thank you," Kyle said, "I'm going to exchange that for a real one at your wedding."
"Deal," Tessa said.
Walking in the front door of the apartment, Mariah said, "I can't believe this place is ours!"
"Me too," Tessa said, "Now we can make it anything we want."
"When do we start?" Mariah said.
"How about right now," Tessa taking her hand, "I think we should begin with the bedroom."
"I like how you think," Mariah said.
Tessa began to lead Mariah in that direction, when Mariah spied something on the kitchen counter. "Oh, wait," she said, "Look someone has left us a present."
Approaching the counter, Tessa picked up the bottle from the ice bucket and said, "Champagne."
"They even left us two glasses," Mariah said, "But who is it from?"
"Must be Austin and Lola," Tessa said, "A last minute house warming gift."
"That is so sweet of them," Mariah said, "Shall we?"
Tessa unwrapped the top and between the two of them removed the cork. Mariah did the honors, pouring two glasses. "What do we toast to?"
"Us," Tessa said, "We don't need anything else."
The couple clinked glasses, each taking a sip, when Mariah said, "Look, there's a card."
Picking it up Tessa said, "It has my name on it." As she undid the envelope she said, "I told you it was Austin."
Reading the card aloud she continued, "Tess, congratulations to you and your beloved, on your impending nuptials. Here is something to toast your future. All my love…"
Tessa trailed off fear coming into her eyes. She tossed the card on the counter and began to tremble. "Tessa?" Mariah said.
"Get it out of here!" Tessa cried.
"Tessa what is it?" Mariah said.
"It's from him, get it out of here!" Tessa screamed.
Mariah picked up the card and read, "All my love, your father S. Black."
"I don't want it in here," Tessa panicked.
"Okay, I will take care of it," Mariah said. She dumped the contents of both glasses in the sink. Taking the ice bucket with the bottle, Mariah placed it in the hallway, outside the door.
Mariah went to Tessa and took her, in her arms. "It's okay, it's gone," she soothed.
"He was here," Tessa sobbed, "In our new home, right…." Tessa paused and softly said, "What if he's still here?"
Their eyes scanned the apartment, Mariah saying in loud voice, "If you are here mister, I am calling the police. So, I am giving you a few seconds to get out of here!"
A bump was heard from the bedroom, but no one appeared. "Go, go," Mariah said ushering Tessa out the apartment door.
They ran squealing into the coffeehouse, where Sharon was immediately alarmed. She rushed to them, saying, "What is it?"
"He's up there!" Tessa cried.
Observing the scene, from where he was having a coffee, Chance walked over and said, "Ladies, what seems to be the problem?"
"My father is in our apartment," Tessa panicked.
"He's up there right now?" Chance said.
"We didn't actually see him," Mariah said, "But somehow he got in and left us a bottle of champagne with a note. Then we heard a noise coming from the bedroom, that's when we ran down here."
"You did the right thing," Chance said, "I can check out the apartment to see if anyone is there."
"Would you please?" Mariah said.
"I'll go right now," Chance said.
As Chance walked away, Sharon soothed, "It's okay, you are both safe now. Chance will take care of things."
"I can't believe this is happening," Tessa said, "The minute Austin leaves town, my father starts harassing me. I don't want to tell my brother about this either, not while he is on his honeymoon."
"How did he know where we live?" Mariah said, "We haven't moved in yet."
"Who else besides me knew you were moving in to the apartment?" Sharon said.
"Well, Nick," Mariah said, "I told Kyle…and Abby."
"We just told Austin and Lola today," Tessa said, "None of those we mentioned would tell a stranger our plans."
"Well, we talked about it here and at Society," Mariah said, "I guess you never know who is listening."
Chance re-entered the coffeehouse and said, "Well, I think I found the cause of the noise and it wasn't Mr. Black."
"What was it?" Tessa said.
"This little guy," Chance said, holding a small rabbit wrapped in a towel, "A window was open in the bedroom, he must have hopped in."
"Oh, he's cute," Mariah said.
"I'm going to make sure he gets properly relocated," Chance said, "In the meantime, I didn't find anyone up there."
"Great, we got spooked by a bunny," Mariah said.
"It's still likely your father was in there to drop off the champagne," Chance said, "I'm going to recommend, stronger locks on those windows. A secondary bolt on the apartment door would be a good idea too."
"I will get right on all of that," Sharon said.
"Good, those measures should keep you ladies safe," Chance said, "I'm going to take the champagne and the bucket as evidence see if forensics can tie anything to Black. If they can he will have his parole revoked. One more thing, did you two drink any of the champagne?"
"We each had a sip," Tessa said.
"You think it was tampered with?" Mariah said.
"No, I just want to be thorough," Chance said, "As long as you are both feeling fine, then there is no need to worry."
"Why don't you two come and stay at my house tonight," Sharon said, "I will get those locks installed first thing tomorrow."
"That's a good idea," Chance said, "If you think of anything else, or have any other interactions with Mr. Black, be sure to let me know."
"We will," Tessa said, "Thank you for your help."
Noticing Tessa was still worrisome, Mariah put an arm around her and said, "Don't worry, he won't bother us again, if he's smart. Plus we've got all these people who care about us and are looking out for us."
"You're right, maybe once word gets out that the police are after him, he will leave us alone," Tessa said.
"Stick with me," Mariah said, "I'll keep you safe."