"What is she doing here?" Rachel sighed.
"I know you and Fen are friends," Chloe said, "You invited him right? So he brought a friend."
"She's not my friend," Rachel said, "Maybe I can convince Summer to leave before Kyle gets to her."
"Looks like, he's already seen her," Chloe said.
"Then I will intercept," Rachel said, walking away.
"No, Rachel…" Chloe sighed.
Jack gave Summer a hug and said, "It's lovely to see you."
"Thank you," Summer said, "It's nice to see you as well."
"It's been awhile," Jack said.
"I guess it has," Summer said.
"Some may even say not long enough," Rachel said, appearing beside them, "Hello Summer."
"Rachel," Summer said.
"I see someone else has just arrived," Jack said, "Excuse me."
"Sharon," Jack said, getting her attention.
"Jack, how are you," Sharon said, sharing a one armed hug with him.
"Very well," Jack said, "You?"
"Day by day," Sharon said.
"We are very glad you came to join us," Jack said, "And of course you too Faith."
"Thanks," Faith said. Looking around, she continued, "Is…"
"She's right over there," Jack said, gesturing towards Susie.
"Great," Faith said. Addressing her mother, Faith said, "I'm going to go over and see her."
"Of course," Sharon said, "I thought you would." As Faith walked away, Sharon said, "Well, my daughter is occupied for the afternoon."
"She is more grown up every time I see her," Jack said.
"Tell me about it," Sharon said.
"I hope your brought your appetite," Jack said.
"I'm anxious to see the food selections," Sharon said.
"Right this way," Jack said.
"Faith, you made it!" Susie said.
"Looks like the party is a success," Faith said.
"All the people invited are here," Susie said.
"It's hard to believe it's been one year with your little sister," Faith said.
"I know," Susie said, "I wasn't sure how we were going to get along, but I like spending time playing with her."
"Just wait until she's older and wants to get into all your business," Faith joked.
"By then maybe I will be on my own," Susie said, "You know I was thinking. Wouldn't it be fun, when we are older, if we got an apartment together, be roommates?"
"It's a little early to be making those plans," Faith said, "But it's a nice idea."
"You sound like you don't really mean it," Susie said.
"It's a great idea," Faith said, "I just have to tell you something."
"Okay, go ahead," Susie said.
"I'm leaving," Faith blurted out.
"What do you mean?" Susie said.
"I'm moving out to go to college," Faith said.
"You mean you're leaving Genoa City?" Susie said.
"Yeah," Faith said, "I will miss my family and friends like you, but I'm really excited."
"I'll miss you too," Susie said, "But I'm also happy for you."
"I'll be home for holidays and summer," Faith said, "We can video chat all the time. I can tell you all about college and you can tell me all about high school life."
"Sounds good," Susie said, her attention distracted.
Following her gaze, Faith said, "And you can tell me all about Fen."
"What?" Susie said, coming out of her trance.
"You are not still pining for Fen are you?" Faith said, "He's your cousin."
"And friend," Susie said, "Can I help it if he's that handsome all the time?"
"What are you doing here?," Rachel said.
"Fen was invited," Summer said, "He brought me as his plus one."
"I should have deleted the guest option on his invitation," Rachel said.
"Like it or not, I was a big part of Diana's first year," Summer said, "I brought a gift for her."
"That's nice," Rachel said, "I'm sure she will like it."
"I don't see the birthday girl anywhere," Summer said.
"She's inside getting changed," Rachel said.
Chloe sauntered over to Kyle and said, "I don't like the look of those two over there."
"It looks like trouble brewing," Kyle said, putting his drink down and walking over.
"You've made your appearance and dropped off your gift, so you don't have to stay," Rachel said.
"Why do have to be so hostile towards me?" Summer said, "I thought you might have matured by now."
"The sight of you causes me stress," Rachel said.
"Ladies," Kyle said, "Let's not forget what we are celebrating today."
A silent pause presented itself until Rachel said, "Where is Diana?"
"Traci offered to take her inside to get her ready, after her pool time," Kyle said.
"I should make sure Traci puts the special outfit I had for her birthday," Rachel said.
Noticing Rachel was not moving, Summer said, "Well, don't let us keep you."
"Rachel, do you mind if I talk to Summer alone?" Kyle said.
"I don't know why you bother asking, you're going to anyway," Rachel said, before walking away.
"What is her problem?" Summer said, "I was trying to be nice and she throws all this aggression at me. She's impossible to…" Summer trailed off and calmed her tone. "I'm sorry," she said, "I'm sure you don't want to hear me gripe about someone else's attitude."
"I think Rachel was dealing with old wounds," Kyle said, "Anyway, I am surprised to see you."
"I wasn't sure if I should come," Summer said, "But I wanted to drop off this gift."
Taking the bag from Summer, Kyle said, "Thank you, that's very sweet."
"If this is too difficult for you, I don't have to stay," Summer said.
"You don't have to go," Kyle said, "I see you came with Baldwin. I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
"He and I aren't together," Summer said, "You misunderstood what you saw at his place. Yes, I spent the night, but we had separate sleeping arrangements."
"What you do with your personal time is none of my business," Kyle said.
"I want you to understand, I did not walk away from you, to be with him," Summer said, "I did it for me."
"I loved you," Kyle said, "All I wanted was to make you happy. I guess you didn't love me the same way."
"Kyle, I walked away, because I loved you," Summer said, "But we didn't have enough the build a future on. I couldn't understand why we felt so far apart, then I realized your heart was not fully invested in our relationship."
"That's not true," Kyle said, "I wanted to be with you."
"Your heart was still with your ex-wife," Summer said, "She was often the topic of conversation."
"I wanted to make sure she was okay," Kyle said, "That she wasn't having a hard time moving on."
"I know," Summer said, "And it's okay to care about her."
"Is it okay to care about you?" Kyle said, "Because I still do."
"I wonder if you need me to tell you," Summer said.
"Tell me what?" Kyle said.
"That it is okay for you to move on with someone else," Summer said, "You can stop clinging to what we had, in hopes it will reignite."
"It's really over for good," Kyle said.
"Yes," Summer said, "I'm sorry if this hurts you."
"I don't know if I fully understand it," Kyle said, "I have learned to accept we are over."
"I want you to be happy," Summer said.
"I am doing my best to move on," Kyle said, "I also would like us to be friends."
"I would like that too," Summer said, "Hopefully, this awkward feeling between us will fade."
"A hug might help," Kyle said, moving in to embrace her.
As Rachel held Diana, everyone sang Happy Birthday, after which Kyle encouraged Diana to blow out her candles.
Diana leaned forward, but needed Kyle's help to actually blow them out. However, a round of applause and accolades made Diana smile, feeling like she had done something wonderful.
"Ah, ma!" Diana exclaimed.
"Yes, you get the first piece," Kyle said.
"Let's sit you down first," Rachel said, placing her in the high chair.
Kyle placed a bowl with cake in it, on her tray that she eyed warily. "It's cake, it's really good," he said.
Diana put her hand in the cake, feeling the texture of it with her fingers. Grabbing some in her fist, Rachel said, "Here let mommy help you."
No sooner had Rachel picked up a plastic spoon, when Diana shoved her hand towards her mouth. Mild laughter was heard, as chocolate cake was smeared all over her face.
"Now, that's how you eat a birthday cake," Jack smiled.
"It's her cake, she can do what she wants with it," Kyle said.
"Kids and birthday cake," Fen chuckled.
"Always an adventure," Rachel said, "Although I think more is on her face and her bib than in her mouth. Would you like some?"
"Chocolate cake? Of course I would like some," Fen said.
"Are you glad you came?" Rachel said.
"I'm having a great time," Fen said, "Whoever says little kid's parties are not fun, has never been to one."
"Why did you bring her?" Rachel said.
"Summer wanted to come," Fen said, "I didn't see the harm."
"Of course she wanted to come, to see Kyle," Rachel said, "Now they are all hugging and laughing."
"It bothers me to see them together too," Fen said, "But I want Summer to be happy. Don't you want the same for Kyle?"
"Of course I do," Rachel said, "But without even trying, he and I were getting close again. Just when I was making inroads with him, she shows up."
"You deserve better than him anyway," Fen said.
"I could say the same thing to you about Summer," Rachel said.
"She has always been the one for me," Fen said, "I just hope one day I can make her see that."
"I'm hoping the same thing," Rachel said.
"Here you go," Kevin said, handing Chloe a paper plate, containing cake.
"Oh, thank you," Chloe said.
"Having fun?" Kevin said.
"It's a great party," Chloe said.
Noticing Chloe's despondence, Kevin said, "Okay, what's wrong? Don't tell me nothing."
"It's just…I'm worried about Rachel," Chloe said.
"Why, did something happen?" Kevin said.
"Not yet," Chloe said.
"Am I supposed to understand that?" Kevin said.
"Rachel is having feelings for Kyle again," Chloe distastefully said.
"And?" Kevin said.
"Do you really think it's a good idea for her to get back together with him, after what Kyle did to her?" Chloe said.
"They got divorced," Kevin said, "He did not do anything to her."
"He only broke her heart into a million pieces," Chloe said.
"Rachel worked hard to put her life back together and she has healed," Kevin said.
"That relationship is not good for her," Chloe said.
"Shouldn't that be up to them?" Kevin said.
"So, I should say nothing and let my best friend run headfirst into more heartbreak?" Chloe said.
"Look at Rachel over there," Kevin said, "When was the last time you saw her so happy? If Kyle does that for her, who are we to discourage that? I'm sure Rachel would appreciate your support in her life decisions."
"I don't want her to get hurt again," Chloe said.
"I know you want life to be perfect for all the people you care about," Kevin said.
"I do," Chloe said.
"You know that perfect doesn't exist and sometimes heartbreak is part of life," Kevin said.
"I do," Chloe said.
"And you also know this is Rachel's choice," Kevin said.
"I do," Chloe sighed.
As Rachel covered the remainder of the cake, Summer walked up behind her and said, "Do you have a minute?"
With her back to Summer, Rachel said, "Are you still here?"
"I have something to say," Summer said.
Facing her, Rachel said, "I don't want to hear it."
"If you would just listen to me…" Summer began.
"I don't want to hear all about how you and Kyle are back together," Rachel said, "I saw you talking and hugging and laughing together. You won him back, good for you."
"I'm sorry that was hard for you to see," Summer said, "But you have it all wrong. Kyle and I are not back together and we have no plans to be."
"Then what was that hug all about?" Rachel said.
"It was an agreement to be friends," Summer said, "And we were laughing as friends sometimes do. Considering everything that's happened, I am pleasantly surprised, that he and I are comfortable to laugh together."
"I see," Rachel said, "I apologize for jumping to conclusions."
"I get the feeling there is something brewing between you and Kyle," Summer said, "I want you to know, he is all yours. If you want him, you have nothing to fear from me."
Rachel watched Summer walk away, before shifting her gaze across the patio to Kyle.
About to walk over to Kyle, Rachel was intercepted by Chloe. "I was hoping we would get another chance to talk," she said.
"Chloe please no more relationship warnings," Rachel said.
"No warnings," Chloe said, "I was going to say, whatever decisions you make, if you do or don't pursue Kyle, I will support you."
"You will?" Rachel said.
"I promise," Chloe said.
"Just a little while ago you were telling me how Kyle was the relationship pariah," Rachel said, "How did you come to this new conclusion?"
"I spoke to a very wise man," Chloe said, looking across at Kevin, "My husband had some very good advice, not to interfere."
"He has his moments," Rachel said.
"So, I say if Kyle makes you happy and that is what you want, then go for it!" Chloe said, "Just make sure you keep your best friend updated on all the details."
As Rachel strolled across the patio, with her daughter in her arms, Diana was fighting sleep. With her head on her mother's shoulder, her eyes would repeatedly close and then open again.
"Someone looks worn out," Kyle said.
"She's had a very busy, but fun day," Rachel said, "She's ready for a nap."
"Just as well, the party is winding down," Kyle said, "People are getting ready to leave."
Addressing the guests, Rachel said, "Kyle and I want to thank everyone for coming and making this such a special day for Diana."
"Thank you for all the well wishes and presents," Kyle said, "She will have fun with those."
"The guest of honor is tuckered out and ready for a nap," Rachel said, "If you will excuse me, I am going to put her down."
As Rachel retreated, Kyle took care of the goodbyes to guests, as they left.
"Thank you for coming," Kyle said, to Summer.
"It was a nice afternoon," Summer said, "Diana has really grown."
"Too fast," Kyle said.
"Say thanks to Rachel for us," Fen said.
"Will do," Kyle said.
"I will be on my way too," Sharon said.
"You had fun, right?" Kyle said.
"Yes, thank you for talking me into coming," Sharon said, "Bye for now."
"Bye," Kyle said.
"Thanks for the party," Chloe said, "It was fun."
"Thank you for coming," Kyle said.
Putting her hand on Kyle's shoulder, Chloe said, "You're a good man. I approve."
Confused, Kyle said, "Thank you?"
"She's tired," Kevin said, "Pay no attention."
Kyle tidied up the remainder of paper plates and party favors left out on the patio. Rachel walked out and said, "I was going to help you with that."
"All done," Kyle smiled, "Did she go to sleep easy?"
"She was out before I put her in bed," Rachel said.
"I guess we should head inside," Kyle said.
"It's such a nice day, I would like to stay out a little longer," Rachel said, "Susie is watching Diana, she wants to stay in and text with Faith."
"They spent the whole afternoon together," Kyle said, "What's left to say?"
"You would be surprised," Rachel said.
"I don't think I want to know," Kyle said. "Since Diana is taken care of, you should sit down, you have been on your feet all day." Kyle took her by the hand, leading her to the lounge chairs, where they sat sideways on one, to share.
"That feels good to sit," Rachel said, raising her legs and circling her feet.
"You need a nap too?" Kyle said.
"No, I feel strangely energized," Rachel said.
"It was a great day," Kyle said.
"The weather was perfect," Rachel said.
"How is she a year old?" Kyle said, "I remember when she was born."
"So, do I," Rachel said, "In the middle of Society, with Lola Rosales as our birth coach."
"It was a bit crazy," Kyle said.
"You know, you were going to say something before the party started," Rachel said, "You started to say we could…what was it?"
"I was going to suggest we spend some more time together," Kyle said, "By going out to dinner."
"That sounds suspiciously like a date," Rachel said.
"It does, doesn't it?" Kyle smirked.
"I like being with you," Rachel said.
"That goes both ways," Kyle said, "I like being with you. In fact, I couldn't stop thinking last night, about that kiss you gave me."
"That was a cheek kiss, it was nothing," Rachel teased.
"That was not nothing, it was a sweet thing to do," Kyle said, "A little surprising, since you wouldn't let me kiss you before."
"To be honest, I was kicking myself all night for not letting you do that," Rachel said.
"You were?" Kyle said. Their eyes met, as Kyle said, "We can rectify that."
Leaning in towards each other, they shared a tender kiss. Parting, Rachel said, "Yes."
"Yes to what?" Kyle said.
"Yes, I will go to dinner with you," Rachel smiled
Kyle smiled and with his hand coming up, to caress Rachel's cheek, they shared a more passionate embrace.