XIX. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Author's Note: For the first time, you'll be getting Emma's POV in this chapter. Sean's will be coming too in late chapters. However, they're not as large, nor as frequent as the others. Thanks.
Bet you're wondering how I knew
'Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy that you knew before
Between the two of us guys you know I love you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday, oo
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oo, I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
You know that a man ain't supposed to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' you would end my life, you see
'Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you found someone else, instead
People say believe half of what you see
Son, and none of what you hear
I can't help bein' confused
If it's true please won't you tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy that you knew before
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oo, I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
Paige sips her peach smoothie, walking back and forth in the terminal, moving out of the way when a family drags luggage past her. The airport is crowded, more so than usual. She guesses it's because it's summer and people are traveling for vacations, reunions, honeymoons. She and Spinner couldn't afford to go anywhere. Sighing, while throwing the cup in the trash, she doesn't see a boy running quickly towards her. He bumps into her, has an annoyed expression on his face.
"Watch where you're going, lady!" he shouts.
"I had the right of way, hon," snaps Paige. "Maybe you need to look where you're going."
The boy smirks. "Pregnant ladies sure have some attitude."
He runs off, leaving Paige with her mouth agape.
"You can tell I'm pregnant!" she shouts after him, causing people to stare. "Am I that fat?"
"Oh yeah, you're definitely fatter," says a cheerful voice to her side.
She turns to see Hazel. They both squeal, and hug each other, jumping down.
"Oops, better be careful," says Hazel, patting Paige's stomach.
"Thank goodness, a non-dramatic friend," says Paige, hugging her again. "It's like 90210 plus One Tree Hill plus the one with Katie Holmes pre-Tom Cruise around here."
"So nothing's changed?" laughs Hazel. "You'll have to fill me in later."
"Fill me in on the man situation," says Paige.
"I'm happily single, okay? Not all of us have Spinners. Some of us shop around."
"As long as you're shopping at the right place, and he knows you're a quality buyer, Haze."
Hazel loops her arms with Paige's and they start down the terminal. It felt good to see her. They talked on the phone all the time, which Paige was thankful for, but having her in the same room was much better.
"How's New York?" asks Paige.
"It smells, but the buildings are pretty," replies Hazel. "Business is really good. I may not be an artist, but I sure have an eye for detail. CD covers are my life. I really want to get into management though, be a double threat. Isn't it weird how like half of us are in media jobs?"
"Snake was a really good teacher," says Paige. "Media Immersion equals success."
"Speaking of success," says Hazel, stalling and pulling out a newspaper. "I got Celebrity Canada when we touched down!"
"Now, Hazel, we're too old to read these self-absorbed celebrity rags," says Paige, shaking her head.
Hazel gives her a puzzled look.
"I'm playing!" exclaims Paige. "Open it!"
Hazel laughs, flips a couple pages, scowls. "Ashley Olsen's in rehab. Again?"
"No, that was the other twin," says Paige, turning the page for her. "And pink cashmere is not her friend. Star Jones gets lipo. Hilary Duff gets a nose job...good. Was needed. Jude Harrison and Tom Quincy, engaged!"
"Awww," they say at the same time.
Paige reads a few more blurbs, but her eyes pause on two particular pictures. Craig, singing at some concert, and right next to it, a picture of Ashley, behind the podium at a conference. Hazel blinks at her in confusion, then reads the blurb out loud.
"Based on recent information from a reliable source, we have exclusive news that rock star Craig Manning is wooing Toronto television personality, Ashley Kerwin, who is married to a local basketball coach. Once lovers, the flame has been rekindled and Ashley has even been sighted at Craig's studio. Rumor has it that she will be divorcing her husband in order to be with her past love. Stick with Celebrity Canada for the latest developments."
Hazel closes the newspaper. "Wow! I'm assuming this is the drama?"
Paige nods. "And I'm assuming Ashley and Craig haven't seen this yet."
"But Jimmy and Ash have a kid," says Hazel.
"Jimmy's asking for sole custody. It's really chaotic, hon. I can't wrap my head around it. I feel weird at home, because Spinner's siding with Jimmy, and I want to talk to Ashley, but she's not answering my calls."
"That doesn't sound like the Jimmy I dated," sighs Hazel. "That's insane."
"It's his dad, I think."
"Ugh, maybe I can talk to him. But if his dad's pushing all of this, it won't do much good, I'm pretty sure. But back to you, because I came for you. Are you happy? Scared?
"I'm everything. A part of me is happy. Contrary to popular belief, I want kids. But now? It can't be coming at a worse time. Of course, Spin feels differently. Spinner's all I want to name the baby after an action movie star last night. I am not naming my baby after Vin Diesel."
"He's hot, though," says Hazel, smiling.
"Okay, yeah, but his name's weird. Anyway, I'm terrified to tell him that I'm terrified. Now with all this mess, I want to focus on Jimmy and Ash. It can wait."
"Alright, Paige, but you have to tell him. You hold in how you feel and well..."
Hazel frowns, holds up the page with Craig and Ashley. "Well, you get this."
II.
Emma begins ticking off things on her checklist, nodding hello to a few interns rushing by her as she heads to her office. She isn't really paying attention to the words, just trying to stay focused on something, anything. Sean didn't come home last night, and he always called. She checked the garage first, and Merl told her that the last he heard from Sean was Sean calling for him to pick up a car, Ellie Nash's car to be exact. The thought of Sean being with Ellie almost made her want to take off work and lay in bed the whole day. But with Ashley missing all week, for whatever reason, she had to cover a lot of ground. He's going to call, she thinks, entering her office. He's going to call.
She stops, groans. Darcy and Derek were sitting in the plush chairs she reserved for visitors, watching TV on her monitor, passing a bowl of popcorn between them.
"What are you two doing?" exclaims Emma. "Get out!"
"Chillax, Em," says Darcy. "It's our lunch break and we just wanted to see the music video countdown."
Darcy pops a kernel in her mouth, smiles charmingly.
"Don't use your 2006 slang on me, Darcy!" says Emma. "You can't just come in and..."
"It's cheddar, your favorite," says Derek, handing her the bowl of popcorn.
Emma licks her lips, takes the bowl forcefully, and digs in. A music video with an artist Emma doesn't recognize ends, and a pretty, brown-haired VJ comes on the screen.
"Wasn't that sensational? And now, we have some juicy news about Toronto's very own superstar, Craig Manning."
"Oooh, turn it up," says Darcy, sitting up.
Derek presses the volume button on the remote, and all three of them lean in.
"Apparently," says the VJ. "We've finally learned the secret identity of the girl Craig's sprung on. It's none other than Ashley Kerwin, a journalist married to Jimmy Brooks, a coach and son of prominent businessman, Trenton Brooks."
The screen flashes a video of Ashley during one of her broadcasts.
"Dude!" yells Derek. "Whoa!"
"What!" cries Emma. "No way."
"Ashley's hair looks cute like that," comments Darcy.
" Craig and Ashley are giving it another go, thus prompting Jimmy to seek a divorce, and sole custody of his daughter with Ashley. It'll be a true battle between these well-known individuals. As for Craig and Ashley, is this a forbidden love affair worth the risk? Is this the elusive Dust girl, Craig's inspiration for his massive hit?"
"I bet she is," says Darcy, nodding at Derek.
" One thing's for sure. We're behind Craig, one hundred percent We love you, Craig!" says the VJ.
"Go Craig!" exclaims Derek.
"But poor Jimmy," says Darcy. "This is one hundred percent intense."
Emma shakes her head, rubbing her eyes. This had to be why Ashley was out of touch, and Emma couldn't blame her. Still, she felt a degree of sympathy for Jimmy. If Sean ever left her, she wouldn't know what to do with herself.
"Let's see if Judge Judy is on," says Derek, picking up the remote.
"Uh, hello?" says Emma. "Three of our friends are involved in some heinous court case, and you want to watch Judge Judy?"
Darcy and Derek glance at one each other. "Yes," they answer.
"We care," says Darcy. "But we only have thirty minutes left, and the preview showed Judy really laying into this guy that works as a mime so he can't talk back."
"Dude, we're missing it!" says Derek.
"You guys are so vapid!" says Emma, exiting.
"At least we're not vegetarians!" snaps Derek behind her back.
"I wish I was an Oscar Meyer wiener, that it what I'd truly like to be...," sings Darcy under her breath, causing Derek to laugh.
Normally, Derek and Darcy didn't bother her. They were harmless. But not being able to contact Sean just intensified the annoyance. She thinks to call him, but no, he should call her. Honestly, she felt bad about how she handled the Ellie situation. Eighty percent of her had good intentions, wanted to see her succeed with the ad. The other twenty, well, did want to know why Ellie ditched Sean. Whenever Sean went to visit Snake, she'd feel a sharp pain in her stomach, a pang of jealousy, knowing that Ellie was in that district, was closer to him. She had hoped the move to Millington would decrease these visits, but no, Sean had kept going. Was he going for Snake or something else, someone else? And now, it's pretty obvious Craig had moved on from Ellie.
Emma clutches her wedding ring protectively, her head throbbing. He'll remember, she assures herself. And even though marriages were ending, even Jimmy and Ashley, he'll remember. He'll remember our vows.
III.
A harp strums as Jimmy wheels to a table, covered in white linen with fresh, white roses set in the center. He hated coming to his father's country club, a scene he was never much into growing up. He went out of respect for his parents, but he could only fake comfort for so long. Unfortunately, it was the only place his father and his father's lawyer were able to meet for a quick powwow. His father and an attractive woman in a green suit stand as he comes to them.
"Jimmy, hi," says Mr. Brooks. "This is Carla Arrow, my attorney. The best in the region."
Jimmy shakes her hand lightly, not surprised that he can't be cheerful. "Hi."
They all sit. Carla asks him a few friendly questions, but then launches into legal speak.
"Jimmy, I can assure you that I have the best credentials. Based on the information your father provided, I believe we'll get a nice sum of money in the divorce settlement and sole custody of your daughter. This other lawyer, Liberty Van Zandt, she's young, green. Not a contest."
"Liberty's really smart, though. I knew her in school," says Jimmy.
"That was school. This is the real world. I know she's won a couple cases, but my record works in our favor. It's particularly beneficial to us that there seems to be a case of infidelity on Ms. Kerwin's part."
"Um, I don't know if they slept together...," begins Jimmy.
"Come on, Jimmy," says Mr. Brooks. "It doesn't matter, anyways. We just have to get the jury on your side. And we don't have much time. I moved up the case."
"You what?" exclaims Jimmy.
"After you told me that she didn't come around, I moved it up. I have a few friends in the legal circle, made some calls. Now, it was difficult, but I worked it out. It took some work getting those divorce papers to her at Kate's in the first place so fast, but this was much harder."
"Wait...how did you know Ash was at Kate's? I didn't even know."
Mr. Brooks takes a deep breath. "I called Kate and she told me. She called yesterday, upset. She's not on board with us, Jim."
Jimmy's heart sinks a bit. He didn't think Kate would support his decision, but he did like Kate a lot. He could imagine the look on her face when she heard.
"But we do need an in, a way to dig up what actually happened. So I hired a detective," says Mr. Brooks.
"Good move," says Carla.
"Dad! Don't you think this is a bit extreme?" shouts Jimmy, causing the harpist to miss a note.
Other people turn to them, and Mr. Brooks starts to speak in a hushed tone.
"He's just digging up things that will help us. Stuff on Craig, primarily. However, he did tell me about some camp, which you didn't tell me about. A performing arts camp sponsored by Leslie's school."
Jimmy looks down, not at all soothed by the gentle, beautiful harp music. Mr. Brooks eyes him sharply, while Carla drinks some water.
"Dad, I was going to tell you...," starts Jimmy.
"No, you weren't. That's okay, because I'm thinking it was Ashley's idea. But no, can't have that. It's eating away Leslie's practice time. That's why I feel this sole custody idea is a good one," says Mr. Brooks.
"And it's likely you'll get her," adds Carla.
"The camp was good for her, though," protests Jimmy, quietly.
"She had fun for one weekend. That's fine, but now it's time for her to focus," says Mr. Brooks.
"That's how I got where I am," says Carla. "Focus."
An image of an excited Leslie coming into the door after camp enters his mind. She looked so happy, happier than he'd ever seen her.
"Dad, I'm not sure about this custody thing," says Jimmy.
"Jimmy, don't back out now, especially since we know it'll make the difference in Leslie's future. Ashley is going to ruin all her goals with this music stuff, and Craig, he'll just encourage it too since he's a musician. You don't want Leslie to fail, do you? Become some girl singing in run-down clubs when she could've been the next Michelle Wie," argues Mr. Brooks.
"No, but..."
Just then, he looks up to see Kate, heading towards them, glaring at Jimmy.
"Kate," says Mr. Brooks, standing.
"Save it!" snaps Kate. "Jimmy, I can't believe you. That's my granddaughter too. Ashley's daughter. Ashley would die for Leslie, I would die for Leslie. She's been nothing but good to you, and I've always supported your relationship with her. If you go through with this, actually pull this off, we'll fight you in court again, appeal it, and I'll pay every penny until I'm broke. You will not hurt my daughter anymore."
Jimmy swallows a lump in his throat. He'd never seen that coldness in Kate's eyes before. He'd only seen warmth and now, he feels like he can't breathe.
"Kate, you leave my son alone!" exclaims Mr. Brooks.
"Gladly," replies Kate. "And Trenton, I'm too much of a lady to tell you what I think of you in front of your friends, since I know you're pulling the puppet strings. But when we get into the courtroom, you can best believe my demeanor's going to change considerably."
Kate shoots Mr. Brooks one more cold look, and walks out, her heels clomping against the floor.
"Seems like we're in for quite a rumble," says Carla.
Jimmy bites his lip, stares at the harpist, who is no longer playing. No sweetness for the soul.
IV.
Craig rubs Ashley's head, the only sound in the living room the scratch of a pen. Neither of them had slept the night before, and going back and forth between here and the studio was taking a toll on Craig. Mickey finally did offer him a hotel room, but Craig declined, thinking that money could come in handy if the legal fees got too big. Liberty said not to worry about it, to pay her later.
Ashley can barely keep her eyes open, watching Liberty leaf through some paperwork. She, Liberty, and Craig sit on her mother's sofa, Craig stroking her knee as Liberty reads a yellow piece of paper. Ashley gives him a quiet smile, then turns back to Liberty.
"He'll argue the infidelity angle, that's for sure. We're going to need some character witnesses, so start thinking about that, Ashley. Craig, maybe you can aid her with that."
Craig nods. "Yeah. Whatever I can do."
"And think of some for yourself as well," says Liberty, putting the paper into a folder.
"Me?" says Craig. "Why me?"
"Um, the jury will be looking at Ashley, sure, but if you guys are permanent, which I thought you were, they'll want to know how you'll fare as a potential stepdad. You guys are permanent, right?"
Craig looks at Ashley, who grins at him.
"No pressure," she whispers. "We aren't even technically dating, I guess."
Craig starts to say something, but can't.
"That's alright. I shouldn't pry, but it'll come up," says Liberty, noticing Craig's awkwardness. "Okay, Ashley, I think we should talk about the financial side of things."
Craig stands, still a bit startled. "I'm going to get you guys some lunch, okay?"
He stoops, kisses Ashley, and goes outside to his car. On the way there, his phone rings. Please don't be Mickey, thinks Craig. Nope, Joey. Craig smiles, answers.
"Hey, long time, no see," says Joey, after Craig says hello.
"Same here," says Craig.
"Actually, I'm lying, Craig. I'm seeing you everywhere, it seems. The papers, the TV."
"The album isn't out yet. That's strange. I did a couple shows. Is that what you mean?"
He hears Joey laugh nervously on the other end.
"I'm doing a bad job of playing it cool. Listen, I know about Ashley."
"How could you...," says Craig, then he feels something crunch under his foot.
Craig picks up the newspaper, sees his face on the back page. He nearly drops the paper as he scans the words. Her visiting the studio, the divorce, Leslie...it's all there. He wishes he was invisible right then and there. He'd find Mickey and kill him. Hopefully, Leslie hasn't seen it.
"So are you guys really together?" asks Joey. "Because I support it if that's what you want."
"Yeah, it's what I want," says Craig.
"What's the status? This is for keeps?"
"Of course!" says Craig, his face flushing. "Why is everyone so concerned about our status? It's between us."
"I'm sorry, Craig. It's just...you guys don't have the best track record. That's fine with me. Look at me and Caitlin."
Craig gets into his car, the heat of the seat burning his butt. Now, not only was he mentally in a pressure cooker, but he was in one physically too.
"I want it to be permanent," says Craig to Joey. "I...wait, I have an idea."
"Craig, am I going to like this one?" asks Joey.
"Yeah!" says Craig, defensively.
"This won't be flying to England, part two, will it? I know how impulsive you can be."
"No, no, this one's good. Really good. Give me Sydney's number, will you? You guys are still friends, right?"
"Yeah, but...okay, here it is."
Joey checks his address book, providing Craig with the number. He thanks Joey, speeds towards Sydney's office, a grin plastered on his face. He knows he has enough money, and Mickey owes him, big, so actually getting the money would be easy. He practically floats as he walks to the office, Sydney's secretary letting him in.
"Craig!" greets Sydney. "This is a pleasant blast from the past. Now you're all famous and really, really tall."
"I'm stretchy," says Craig. "It's nice to see you."
She gives him a small hug, then asks him to take a seat.
"What can I do for you?" asks Sydney.
"I'm looking for something really private, really nice, really permanent," says Craig.
"Okay. I can do that for you," says Sydney. "What kind of space are we talking about?"
"Something big, something that'll be ours," says Craig. "I want a house."