Time marched on:
The next couple of months passed in a blur of sadness, anger, pain and tears. David rented a studio apartment not too far from where he lived when he was single. He hated it. He missed his son terribly. Maddie never stopped David from seeing the toddler, but some days David would rather lose himself in a bottle of Tequila then spend time with anyone – including his son. He knew he was spiraling into an abyss of darkness but didn't know what to do to stop it. David had made many mistakes in his life but losing his family was more than he could bear. He had been a number one prick and he hated himself for what he had done. He still tried to talk to Maddie, but she basically ignored him. She only spoke to him when needed and it was usually about the business or the baby. Maddie wanted nothing to do with him. And he had to admit that he didn't blame her one bit.
Maddie had returned to work full time at Blue Moon. After losing David she knew that she needed to get out of the house and back to work or she would lose it. DJ was enrolled in the childcare center on the 2nd floor of the building so she could visit him whenever she had the chance. He seemed happy at the center and that made Maddie happy – well as happy as she could be under the circumstances. Although, she was glad to be back to work, she was not thrilled to have to see David on a daily basis. Maddie tried to avoid him as much as possible and when she did have to speak with him, she made it brief and businesslike. Some days she wished she never had to lay eyes on David Addison again. Maddie wanted to change her last name back to Hayes but hadn't had the chance to do it yet. She really wanted nothing to do with that cheating asshole.
The holiday season was approaching. Maddie vowed that she would give her little boy a happy holiday. She had decided to go home to Chicago to be with her parents for Christmas. Blue Moon had always been closed for the week between Christmas and New Years and this would give her a chance to get away from LA and David for a much-needed break. The man thought that looking at her with his sad, puppy dog eyes would make her forgive him – it just made her want to avoid him at all costs. Boo Hoo David was sad and hurt. Fuck you buster, it was all your fault she thought with venom as she watched him walk in his office with his shoulders slumped.
Maddie was still legally David's wife, but she treated him like less than a stranger. It was hard to see her every day and not be able to talk to her. He was standing by the elevator when he saw Maddie walking down the hall. His eyes drank her in like a man parched from the desert heat. She was wearing a yellow wraparound dress that he didn't recognize, and she looked so beautiful that he felt his knees buckle. How he wanted to wrap his arms around her and bury his head in her hair. But he had lost that right when he decided to be a dick. He threw her a lopsided grin as she approached him. She didn't meet his eyes as she turned her body to face the elevator.
"Hey."
Silence.
"Can I come with you to pick up DJ? I want to see him before you take him home." David usually visited his son at the center couple of times a day but that day he was busy with a case and hadn't been able to go.
Maddie shrugged, inside she was screaming 'go away David.', "whatever."
David nodded as they stepped into the elevator together. Maddie moved as far away from his as possible. She couldn't help but notice what a good- looking man David was. He looked young and hot while she just felt old and tired.
"So how are things?" David attempted to make conversation.
Maddie glared at him, "I'm not in the mood to make small talk with you." She spat out, "oh but before I forget I'm going to Chicago for Christmas. We're leaving the day before Christmas Eve."
David's heart plummeted, "you can't do that!" David insisted, "I want to be with my son on Christmas. I want to see him open his gifts."
"He's a baby and he can open your gifts to him another day. He won't know the difference."
"But I will!"
Another shrug. "Sorry, that's my plans. I'm telling you, not asking for your permission."
David's anger rose, "I didn't think you'd turn into a bitch who would try and keep me from my son." He accused pointing his finger at her.
Maddie looked at him with disgust, "and I never thought that you'd turn into a cheating piece of shit."
David had no words for that. They rode down in the elevator in silence.
The elevator stopped and he followed Maddie to the daycare center. DJ was thrilled to see his father. David realized with a pang that he hadn't seen the baby since the other day. He missed seeing his son every day and putting him to bed at night. "Hey DJ! Daddy missed you!" David told his son as he picked him up and kissed his head.
David held the baby and played with him for a bit before Maddie told him she had to leave. "Hey, let me take him home with me tonight." David suggested.
Maddie shook her head without looking David in the eye, "sorry we have plans."
David tried to catch Maddie's eyes, "plans? What plans?"
Maddie finally looked David straight in the eye; icy blue eyes that chilled him to the bone, "not that it's any of your business..."
"My son is my business!" David cut her off.
Maddie ignored him, "I take him to mommy and me at the Y on Thursday nights."
David ran his hands through his hair, he hated that he didn't know what was going on in the lives of his wife and son. "Since when?"
Maddie ignored him again as she took DJ from his arms and put on his jacket.
David stood in front of her, "I asked since when?"
Maddie sighed, "why do you care? You never seemed to care about what me and the baby did at night while you were out getting laid."
David looked around and saw one of the teachers nearby but pretending not to be listening, "shhh!"
A deadly glare, "do NOT shush me! Sorry if you're ashamed of dirtying sheets across town."
"It wasn't like that!" David refuted.
Maddie shook her head, "actually I no longer care."
"For your information I have been celibate these past couple of months!"
Maddie gave a short, bitter laugh, "do you want a medal?"
David shook his head as he followed Maddie out of the daycare, "of course not." He moved in front of him to stop her. "I just miss you."
Maddie looked at David like he just sprouted 3 heads, "well too fucking bad!" She hissed through gritted teeth, she moved passed him pushing him out of the way, "get out of my way or I will kick you hard!"
David knew she would so he reluctantly moved aside so she could pass him. He was left staring after his wife and son with a broken heart. He truly had lost them.
Christmas Day was one of the worst days in David's life. His misery made his entire body ache along with his shattered heart. He lay in bed all day stone cold sober and tortured himself with regret and the happy memories of the previous Christmas.
Maddie tried to put on a happy face for her parents and pretended she was enjoying the holiday but inside she was broken. Although, she tried to join in the conversation flashes of last year's Christmas kept running through her mind.
"Hey Maddie! You want to sit on this Santa's lap later?" David had teased as they headed to the mall so that DJ could see Santa. It was Christmas Eve and although DJ was still only a few months old, the couple was excited to be taking him to see Santa.
Maddie just giggled as she looked at her husband with a sly smile. "And what will I get if I do?" She could see the smirk run up the side of David's face.
"Oh, I got a nice big candy cane for you to suck on." He turned to her with twinkling green eyes, "I know you like that!"
Maddie hit David playfully on his arm. "and what else will I get?"
"Oh, I got a few ideas babe."
"Me too fella." She whispered as David finally pulled into a parking spot after riding around for a bit. Of course, the mall was crowded on the day before Christmas.
DJ was too young to be frightened of Santa, so they got a beautiful picture of the jolly old soul holding a smiling DJ who was dressed in a cute outfit with a bow tie and suspenders.
After the mall, the couple decided to stroll along Rodeo Drive to see the decorations. Maddie was a little sad that her parents couldn't make it in for Christmas but there was a huge blizzard hitting Chicago and there were no flights out. And wouldn't be for days according to the news report. But she was happy to have a beautiful child and a handsome husband to spend the holidays with. Who would have thought last year at this time that she would be married to David and have a child together. Life was strange – yet beautiful.
Maddie came back to the present when her parents' guests arrived. She hadn't realized her fingers were caressing the necklace that she still wore. Maddie was not happy to see the Crawford's entering and she was outraged to see Sam walking in behind them with a huge smirk covering his face. Surely, this was a nightmare and she would wake up wrapped in David's arms.
David kept thinking of what Maddie and DJ were doing? Did they miss him? He couldn't get thoughts of the previous Christmas out of his mind.
When they got home early evening on Christmas Eve, they put DJ to bed together. The baby looked so adorable in his Christmas pajamas that David had taken lots of pictures. He was saving the rest of the film for Christmas morning. David had of course gone overboard buying gifts for the baby, but Maddie looked the other way. So, DJ couldn't use a football or baseball glove yet – he would grow into them. David was as excited as a little boy and she didn't want to ruin his Christmas. She figured that growing up his holidays hadn't been very jolly after his mom died.
The couple put out the gaily wrapped gifts then sat back with cups of hot cocoa under the brightly decorated tree.
Maddie threw David a sultry look, "hmmm, I think someone promised me a nice big present for being a good girl this year." She moved closer to David.
"Were you a good girl? I think you may have been a little bit bad." David put his cup of cocoa down on the coffee table and took Maddie's out of her hand and placed her cup near his. He pulled her into his arms.
She looked up at him with her blue eyes luminous, "you like it when I'm bad." She whispered into his mouth as her hand reached into his sweats.
David gasped as her long fingers wrapped around his stiff member, "I love you bad and good honey – but bad is more fun." He purred as he pushed her down under the tree and began to undress her slowly as his hands caressed every part of her body. When Maddie was completely naked and writhing in passion, David pulled off his sweats and plunged into her. Maddie moaned and moved her hips to meet David's thrusts until the both reached heaven and back. They lie together silently for a few minutes until David stood up. "I got another present for you." He winked as he strode naked across the room. He opened the closet door and reached into his jacket pocket. He walked towards Maddie holding a gaily wrapped package in his hands.
"From Santa."
Maddie excitedly unwrapped the gift and when she opened the box her eyes filled with happy tears, "oh David, I love it." She told him holding the delicate necklace with a diamond encrusted locket in her hands. Maddie opened the locket to find a photo of their son. It was the most wonderful present she had ever received.
David took the necklace from his wife, Maddie pulled up her hair to allow David to fasten the necklace around her neck. His lips found that special spot as his hands moved over her body. They barely made it to the bedroom before they began to make love.
Although, DJ was too young to understand, David made a huge show of opening gifts from Santa. Maddie couldn't help but laugh as David used DJs small hands to open the gifts. David was a one of a kind father. His joy for life and carefree ways made him a great dad. The couple spent the rest of the day playing with the baby, watching Christmas movies and later making love. It was an ideal day and the best Christmas either of them had ever had.
And this Christmas was the worst for both of them.
David threw down a shot of tequila, then another and another until he was feeling no pain. He decided to call Maddie in Chicago. David needed to hear her voice. He couldn't remember ever feeling so empty and lost. His heart was in Chicago with his wife and son. He decided if Maddie didn't answer the phone, he would hang up and try again later. He knew that Alex would just slam the phone in his face, and he couldn't bear to hear the sadness in Maddie's mom's voice. Luckily, after dialing the phone with shaky fingers, the phone was picked up after a few rings by Maddie.
Maddie was in the kitchen trying to clear her head when she heard the phone ringing, Without, a second thought he picked up the phone. "Hello."
When David heard Maddie's voice, she almost hung up but then she heard his plea, "Um Maddie please don't hang up." He begged, "It's David."
Maddie's fingers tightened around the receiver, "What do you want?" She was tempted to hang up, but she needed to hear his voice; even though he had caused her so much misery she still loved him.
David laid his head back on the wall, "Merry Christmas."
Silence.
"How are things in the windy city?" His voice was low. He felt tears spring to his eyes as he spoke.
"It's fine."
"How's DJ?"
"He's fine."
"Good." David told her, "did Santa bring you anything special?"
Maddie felt anger rise up in her and she was about to slam down the phone when she felt a presence behind her. Sam! She had barely spoken a word to him since she saw him enter her parents' place and she had no intention of speaking with him at all if she could help it.
"Maddie." Sam said her name as he picked up a carrot from the counter and bit into it.
Juanita, the Hayes' maid, was putting together the last of the dinner before she was leaving for her own home. Christmas Eve at the Hayes' was a buffet meal while Christmas was usually spent at the country club. Maddie hadn't been home for Christmas since she met David and she had forgotten the traditions.
David heard a man's voice through the phone and his blood ran cold. Was that Sam? Is that why Maddie ran home to Chicago for the holidays? So, she could be with Sam? David felt his temper rise as he barked into the phone, "who is that Maddie? Is that the astronaut?"
Maddie ignored David's questions. She said a quick goodbye and hung up the phone. She turned to walk out of the kitchen, but Sam grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry about the last time we saw each other." Sam said contritely, "I had no right to say what I said about David."
Maddie gave a bitter laugh, "maybe I should have listened to you." She confessed, "David hasn't turned out to be the best husband." She ran her hand through her hair.
Sam was elated, "sorry," he wasn't sorry at all. Maddie belonged with a man like him not a good for nothing from south Philly. He hoped he now had a shot with Maddie – and he would be willing to raise her boy as his own.
Maddie nodded as she left the kitchen and ran smack into Annie. God was everyone invited to Christmas Eve dinner at the Hayes?
"Maddie!" Annie smiled at her cousin, "I just heard that you were here for the holidays!" She made a point of looking around the room, "where's David?" Annie knew that he wasn't in town and she had heard that the two were having trouble. Annie loved that!
"Oh, he had to stay in town for the business." Maddie lied; she didn't want to talk about her marriage to Annie.
Annie looked at Maddie conspiratorially, "you know Maddie, despite what your husband told you, I'm not the one who pulled him into that room at the wedding." Annie lied smoothly.
Maddie's heart missed a beat. If Annie would have told her that months ago, she would never have believed her but now she didn't know what to think. David had turned into a cheater and a liar. So maybe Annie was telling the truth. But she would never allow her trampy cousin to know she cared.
"Oh really?" Maddie raised an eyebrow. "Well, I don't believe you. AND He's still MY husband." And with that Maddie strutted away regally.
Thinking of David with Annie made her feel like clawing out his eyes. Maddie had a few too many glasses of wine and spent way too much time with Sam.
Christmas dinner was spent at the Country Club. This year the Hayes' and the Crawfords' were thrilled to have their children spending the day with them. They had always thought that Sam and Maddie would get together. Both sets of parents watched Sam and Maddie talk and laugh at dinner. They were happy to see Sam interacting with DJ. They looked like the perfect family. Except for Virginia. She didn't like how her daughter was giggling with Sam Crawford. Virginia had never really liked Sam. And she didn't think that he was the right man for Maddie. And despite the terrible things Maddie told her about David – Virginia still felt that Maddie and David belonged together.
After dinner, Sam asked Maddie if she would like to see the decorations along the lake and she agreed. She needed to get her mind off her marriage and her errant husband. Although, Virginia wasn't thrilled to see Maddie go off with Sam, she agreed to take the baby home with her.
One thing led to another and Maddie wound up in Sam's hotel room. As soon as it was over, Maddie knew she had made a mistake. Sam did nothing for her. She carefully picked up her clothes and snuck out of the room without waking Sam. But her blood ran cold when she heard a tinkly laugh behind her. Maddie turned to see Annie with a wide smirk on her face.
"Well, well, well," Annie walked around Maddie looking her up and down, "isn't that Sam's room?" Annie and Marc were staying in the same hotel.
Maddie threw blue daggers at her cousin, "it really isn't your business."
"Is it still David's?" Annie inquired with a nasty grin.
"And that isn't your business either. Go back to your own husband and worry about your own marriage." Maddie once again turned her back on Annie and walked away.
But inside Maddie was dying. She knew her tryst with Sam was a huge mistake. And she hated that Annie knew about it. Oh well, she reasoned, what does it matter what Annie knows?"
The next morning David was woken up buy the loud ringing of his phone. Hoping it was his wife, he picked up the receiver and said hello in a sleep drenched voice. "David?" It was an unfamiliar female voice.
David sat up as he ran his fingers through his sleep mussed hair, "who is this?"
"Annie. Maddie's cousin."
What the hell did she want. "Oh, hello." Why was she calling him?
After he found out what Annie had to say, David was filled with a wild, jealous rage. Just thinking of Maddie with Sam made David see red. He was about to get on a plane heading to Chicago but knew he wouldn't be welcome. His heart splintered every time he thought of that ass Sam being around his wife and son. And when he thought of Maddie in Sam's arms, he felt a wild panic and rage well up inside. So, guess Sam was the true winner after all. And it was all his fault! What made David think that Maddie would take all the crap he threw at her. Actually, he was surprised that she had taken his crap for so long. Maddie was a proud, beautiful woman and didn't deserve how he treated her. And as the mother of his child, he should never have hurt her in anyway. He was a huge jerk and now was filled with regret and sadness.
Maddie was coming home the day after New Year. Blue Moon was reopening the following day. David couldn't wait an extra minute to see his son and to confront his wife.
Maddie had just finished unpacking when she heard the front door open. At first, she was nervous it was an intruder. Until she heard his voice calling to her. Her heart skipped a beat. Part of he was happy to see him while the other wanted him gone.
"Yo, Maddie! You home?"
Maddie came walking down the spiral staircase holding DJ and David looked up at her with blank eyes. The last week had been agony; but David wouldn't allow Maddie to sense that. She had cheated on him with Sam and he was more hurt and angrier than he could ever remember
"What do you want David? Why are you here?"
"I want to see my son. I missed him."
DJ began to squirm in Maddie's arms as he held out his chubby arms to David. David took the baby from Maddie and kissed his head as he hugged him close to his chest. "I missed you DJ." David crooned to his son.
Maddie walked into the kitchen to get away from David, but he followed her. "So how was your holiday?" David asked with meaning.
"Fine. How was yours?" She lied. She had spent a miserable week trying to hide her feelings from her parents. She had only wanted to hide under the blankets and cry.
David nodded. "Fine." He lied.
Maddie put on water to boil, "do you want some tea? Cocoa? Coffee?" She offered.
"No thanks."
The two just stood across from each other silently.
"So, I guess you were glad to spend time with Sammy?" David couldn't help the words that poured out of his mouth.
A scowl covered Maddie's face, "I didn't spend any time with Sam if it is any of your business."
David just stared at her with dark green orbs. "LIAR!"
Maddie ran her fingers through her hair, "What did you call me?" Her eyes narrowed sinisterly.
"I bet your dad was thrilled that you and the spaceman hit it off since he's the type of man you belong with."
"Stop the shit David!" Maddie's ire rose, "I have no idea if Sam is the type of man that I am supposed to be with."
"But you went to his hotel with him? And got laid?"
How on earth could he know? Then she remembered Annie. "And that is none of your damn business!"
"I see you must not remember but you're still my wife!"
Maddie gave a nasty laugh, "oh you have to be kidding! Being my husband didn't stop you from fucking around on me!"
David had nothing to say to that, but he tried, "so guess Sam is back in the picture?" His voice was snide and bitter.
"And again, NOT your business!"
"Well, I think that whoever spends time around my son is my business!"
"Just leave David."
"Is rocket man coming to LA again?" David had to know.
Maddie shook her head, "for your information no he is not. I am not with Sam."
"Good because that man is a sneak."
Maddie laughed, "really and you're one to talk? As far as I can tell that man is NOT a cheater or a bar crawler or and asshole."
"Like me you mean?"
"If the jockstrap fits!" Maddie pointed her finger at him like a sword. "You walk around like you're the victim! But you're the one who destroyed our lives!" Maddie spat at him almost with hatred. "You need to leave."
"I want to spend time with my son." David insisted.
Maddie nodded, "I think we need to seriously start thinking of divorce. And we need to set up a visitation schedule for you and the baby."
"I don't want to visit my own son!"
Maddie had enough, "well you should have thought about that before you were fucking around and drinking all over town!"
"I want joint custody!"
Maddie gave a bitter laugh, "dream on Addison."
The following day, Maddie paid a visit to a matrimonial lawyer that Blue Moon had done some work for in the past. Due to a conflict of interest, the lawyer told Maddie that he could not represent her in her divorce proceedings, but he would refer her to someone he knew that could help her.
Peter Craig had an interest in Maddie from the first time he laid eyes on her, but she had been married to her partner, David Addison, so Peter hadn't shown her any attention. But now that she was getting a divorce, he was going to ask her out. She was a catch and he wanted to catch her before someone else scooped her up again.
They chatted for a bit then Peter looked at his watch, "Mrs. Addison…"
Maddie corrected him, "please call me Maddie. And I plan to change my name back to Hayes as soon as possible." She told him.
Peter smiled at her. She had to admit he was a good- looking man with a pleasant smile. "So, Maddie can I treat you to a nice lunch? Although, I can't represent you I can give you advice off the record." His teeth gleamed in his tan face.
Maddie nodded her head before she realized it, but why shouldn't she enjoy lunch with a handsome man? Even though she was still legally married to David, she no longer considered herself his wife. "That would be nice." She smiled.
Peter and Maddie enjoyed a leisurely lunch at an expensive restaurant a few blocks from Blue Moon. Peter gave her advice on divorce and custody. Maddie realized that divorce wasn't as easy as it seemed. She inwardly sighed but still put on a smile for Peter. When Maddie looked at her watch, she was shocked to see that she had been out of the office for almost 3 hours. She had a client meeting in 20 minutes and had to rush away. But not before Peter took her number and asked her out for that coming weekend.
When Maddie blew into Blue Moon, David was talking to Agnes in the front office. Both of them turned to look at Maddie. David looked up at the clock on the wall, "we were getting worried Maddie. It isn't like you to leave work for so long without telling anyone where you are going."
Maddie ignored him and spoke to Agnes, "is my client here yet."
Agnes shook her head, "not yet Mrs. Addison."
"Please call me Miss Hayes, Agnes."
"Oh, so you're dumping my name too?" David was hurt and outraged.
Maddie turned to look at him, "I didn't dump you David," she told him acidly, "and since we're divorcing, I want my name back."
"I don't want a divorce."
Maddie looked around, the staff were all looking at her and David. "Let's discuss this later." She suggested to David as she turned to walk into her office. David followed close behind.
Maddie sat down at her desk, "please leave David. I'm expecting a client."
David approached her desk with a frown, "I don't want a divorce!" He repeated.
"I'm sorry you feel this way, but I want a divorce." She stared into his eyes with blue ice, "I deserve a man who will be a good husband."
"I'm sorry Maddie! I know that I was wrong. I wasn't a good husband to you but now that I'm losing you, I realized that you're the best thing that has ever happened to me besides DJ. And we have a son together." David stared into icy blue eyes. We can try again." David suggested hopefully, "why not?"
Maddie stood up in a rage, "you're kidding me Addison? Why not? Why not?" Her voice got higher as she repeated the words, "I can't believe you have the audacity to ask why not? You ran around on me! You became the man that I feared you'd be!" Maddie waved her hands in the air, "I was always worried that you would miss your carousing and barhopping!" She threw a disgusted look at him, "and you did!"
"I can change!" David vowed with a gleam of tears in his eyes, "I haven't had a drink or been to a bar since you threw me out!"
"You want a fucking award?"
David shook his head and walked around her desk to stand close to Maddie, "please baby. I love you. Please give me – us another chance!"
"Too fucking late!" Maddie pushed him aside and walked past him to escape from his closeness, "you love me?" She guffawed nastily, "you make me sick." She pointed toward her office door, "get out of here! I can't stand the sight of you!" She neared him and put her two hands on her chest and began to push him toward the door until David's back hit up against it. "Get out!"
"Maddie, please." David begged trying to reach her.
"Please get out! NOW!" She bellowed.
David knew when he was done, he turned opened the door then slammed it behind him. The staff watched David walk back to his office, David ignored them.
Weeks passed. David was lonely and bored. He missed his family. And having DJ only every other weekend and a night during the week wasn't enough. He wanted to be with his son everyday – he spent lots of time in the daycare center until Maddie found out and told him he needed to stop! The daycare teachers and staff were complaining that DJ would cry and fuss after his father left. Maddie relayed this information to her soon to be ex. David was miserable.
Maddie was unhappy but not miserable. She had gone out with Peter Craig a few times and enjoyed his attention and company. He was safe but not boring. She had even slept with him and although it wasn't the same as with David – she enjoyed the sex. Maddie also threw caution to the wind and began to date a man she had met at the dry cleaners. Matt was around her age and a music teacher. She slept with him too. And again, although the sex wasn't as red hot as with David and she didn't have mind-bending multiple orgasms it was still fun and scratched an itch. Maddie hated to admit it, but she missed David and she was horny.
David heard rumors that Maddie was dating again. His stomach felt as if had been punched by a battering ram when he overheard the girls in the office giggling over Maddie's "new men". Seems they were happy for her.
David blew into Maddie's office without knocking. He had to confront her about her dating habits. She was becoming a harlot!
Maddie looked up in time to see David blowing into her office like a tornado. His face was a thundercloud and his eyes were stormy as he stared at her.
Maddie sat back in her chair and played with the pencil in her hands to give her something to do with her hands besides strangle David. "And?" She threw out.
"And? And?" David began to pace in front of her desk. "Seems you're the talk of the town Maddie." His hands were emphasizing his words, "never thought the mother of my child would become a harlot!"
Maddie sat up straight. "What are you saying?"
David stopped pacing and put his hands on her desk and bent over to look straight into her eyes, "everyone is talking about your men!"
For a minute Maddie was spitefully happy that David was upset over her dating. But then she remembered what he had done to her and anger took over, "so?"
David stood up quickly and looked at Maddie like she had just sprouted horns. "So? So?" he repeated, "you know you're still a married woman!"
"We're separated and I don't consider myself your wife any longer."
"Well, the state of California still does!"
Maddie ignored him, "what is it you want David?"
"I don't want my wife running around with a lot of men! People talk! DO you want to be called a hoe?"
Maddie couldn't help herself she began to laugh. "Go away David."
David's face became distorted with rage, "why the fuck are you laughing?"
Maddie laughed harder.
"Jezebel!" David spat at her, "how many men have you slept with since you threw me out?" David wanted to know, "guess its way more than a tennis match now?" David was livid, "as the mother of my child I would think that you would watch your actions and your morality!"
Maddie finally controlled her laughter, "sorry, it really isn't funny. More ironic than anything." She stood up and walked around her desk. She leaned her back against the desk as she looked purposely at David, "a man who is the King of one- night stands and God knows how many women you've screwed - wants to lecture me about morals and sleeping around?" Maddie smirked, "sorry David but what I do with my life NOW is my business and if fucking around doesn't make you a bad father then it doesn't make me a bad mother!"
Shock covered David's face, "so you're admitting you're messing the sheets with other men?" Maddie saw the hurt in his eyes and for a second wanted to wipe the hurt away but then she remembered how much damage he had done to her heart and their lives.
"Go away David! I'm done talking to you!"
The buzzer rang from the outer office, Maddie turned to push the button, "what is it Agnes?"
"The reporter from the Detectives Magazine is here to see you – both." Agnes' voice came over the speaker.
Maddie and David both were confused and then it dawned on Maddie, "ok Agnes, give us a minute."
"Reporter?" David asked with a scowl.
"Just some guy who picked this agency to do a piece on in Detectives in LA magazine."
"And you didn't think it would be necessary to clue me in?"
Maddie shook her head, "with everything going on it slipped my mind!" Maddie snapped, "so kill me!"
"Don't tempt me!"
"Ha ha!" Maddie looked at David pointedly, "let's try to be civil around this guy and NOT show him that we hate each other."
David looked stunned, "you hate me?"
"You know what I mean!"
Rod Singer was 25 years old and had worked at Detective World for over 2 years. He was ambitious and didn't plan on staying on at the magazine for much longer. Usually, he wrote about old, stodgy detectives but this time he was actually excited to be working on this piece. Maddie Hayes! The Blue Moon Shampoo girl! Former supermodel and from what he could gather she was still a stunner. This was going to be interesting.
When Rod entered Maddie's office the first thing, he saw was a green-eyed man leaning on the desk staring at him curiously. Then his eyes moved around the room and landed on a tall, shapely blonde who was walking toward him with a wide smile. She was a beauty. Rod threw her an adoring smile as he took her extended hand to shake. "Rod Singer." He introduced himself.
"Maddie Hayes."
David stood up straight and walked toward Maddie and the reporter. "I'm David Addison." He had seen the way the younger man was looking at Maddie and he didn't like it one bit. "Her husband and business partner."
Maddie elbowed David in the ribs sneakily, "my almost ex-husband." Maddie corrected with a fake smile.
Rod nodded; he was confused already. Maddie and David had that effect on people. "Okay!" Rod announced, "so where would you like to begin?" Rod looked at his notes, "how about at the beginning when you lost your money and kept open the agency." He suggested.
David pulled up a chair and sat next to Rod as Maddie walked around her desk and sat down. "Fine." Maddie and David interrupted each other as they each told their side of the story on why Maddie had kept the business open.
"She was crazy about me from the start." David smirked.
"I was crazy alright!" Maddie threw out.
David looked at her nastily.
Rod tried to get them back on track. "um ok well why did you keep this business and close and sell off the rest?"
Maddie took a deep breath. David looked at her intently waiting for her reply.
Maddie moved her fingers through her hair, "well this was the only business that I thought might be able to turn a profit." She heard David snort and threw him a mean look, "well look at Blue Moon now! The agency has become a successful, reputable business that supports over 50 employees."
David nodded, "yep and me and Maddie worked hard to make Blue Moon what it is today, but…" a smirk took over his face, he looked at Maddie, "you mean to tell me my looks and charm weren't a huge reason for hanging on to what was a money pit?"
Maddie laughed, "really? As I recall at the time, I wanted to strangle you almost every minute we were together, almost like now!"
Rod could see it wasn't going to be easy working with these two and for a second was sorry that he took this assignment but then Maddie smiled at him and he was hooked.
David's smirk grew larger, "honey, you wanted me!"
Overlapping dialogue:
"You wanted me from the start! You know it's true. I had you hooked from the first time you saw me. Sure, maybe you thought the agency had a lot of potential, but it was because of ME that you kept Blue Moon! I think you loved me even then!""
"I wanted you? That's a laugh! You were hooked on me from the first time you laid eyes on me! And I knew that the agency had the potential for success! You had nothing to do with me keeping Blue Moon! I think I hated you even then!"
Blazing green on icy blue. Maddie turned to look at Rod. She waved towards David, "Since we can't agree on WHY I kept Blue Moon maybe we can come back to this another time." She suggested.
Rod nodded. "Ok, I'd like to shadow both of you for a few days to see how things run around here."
Another snort from David, "oh seems she has been running around alright."
"Shut up Addison!"
Rod stood up. "Okay, guys I will see you both bright and early tomorrow."
David escorted the reporter out then headed back towards Maddie's office. The door was locked. Not wanting to make a scene, David turned away and strutted back to his office without looking at the staff.
Despite, his initial reservations, Rod was having fun. David was a cool guy who made him laugh when he was out in the field with him and when he was with Maddie, he felt happy. It was only when Rod was with both of them that things were tense and unpleasant. He wasn't sure if they hated each other or still were in love but Rod tried to ignore their pointed barbs toward one another and their nasty looks.
As the days wore on Maddie started to notice that the young reporter had more than a professional interest in her. She was flattered by the attentions of a younger man. She hoped that when the story he was working on was over he would ask her out. She liked Rod. He was cute and funny but not arrogant and crude like David. And why did she still have to compare every man to David Addison?
David could see that there was something brewing between Maddie and Rod. And he didn't like it one bit. After a day out with Rod and Maddie, David decided to broach the subject with Maddie. But David being David couldn't make it nice…
Maddie was annoyed when David followed her into her office after they got back to Blue Moon. She put her purse on her desk then turned to face him. "What is it you want Addison? I want to get out of here so I can pick up the baby."
David perched on the arm of the couch, "so you seem to like Roy."
"Roy?"
David waved his hands around, "the kid who is writing about us."
"It's Rod."
"Hmm…are you wondering if its big?"
Maddie's temper began to rise, "must you always be so crude? I have no desire to know the size of his rod."
David chuckled, "oh, I think you do. Seems you and the kid are hitting it off pretty well."
Maddie enjoyed the idea that David was jealous, "well, yes he's a nice man."
David snorted, "man? He's like 20."
"For your information he's 25."
"Oh, excuse me Mrs. Robinson."
Maddie threw David a nasty glare, "what did you call me?"
A smirk ran up the side of his face, but he remained silent.
Maddie pulled him off the couch by his arm, and moved him toward her door, "get out! Go home!"
David pushed her hands away, "gee I think I hit a sore spot." David laughed but inside he was hurt and jealous. How could Maddie be interested in that kid? "Does he even shave yet?"
Maddie walked over to her desk, picked up her purse and turned to leave. "If you won't leave then I will."
David blocked her way. Maddie stopped and stared at him with blue ice. But inside she was feeling things she didn't want to feel. Damn him! Would he always have such power over her body and soul? "Please move."
David reached out to push a tendril of hair behind Maddie's ear. She slapped his hand away and turned to the door. David spun her around to face him as he moved closer pinning Maddie against the door. "Can't we talk?" She could feel his peppermint breath on her face. She could smell his cologne and his musky scent that made her senses reel. She felt his lips move over hers. For a second Maddie was lost in David but then she remembered what an asshole he was and came out of the David trance. She felt his boner against her as she raised her knee – landing on David's erection.
David moved back in pain, "owww, what the fuck did you do that for?" He was bent over in agony, "it hurts like Hell."
"Good!" Maddie pushed him aside and quickly escaped into the outer office. She saw the entire staff staring at her. "Don't you people have some work to do?" Her eyes were blue darts as she stared back at the staff. Even Agnes pretended to be busy.
A few minutes later, David left Maddie's office. He was still in pain as he hobbled to his office and slammed the door behind him.
Maddie was interested in Rod but just for fun. She had never been in a relationship just for a good time and she figured it was high time she tried it out! Rod was young and fun, and he adored her. After a few dates to the movies and out to dinner, Maddie decided to invite him back to her house for a drink. Rod lived with two friends in an apartment in a seedy part of town and Maddie felt it safer if they stayed close to her neighborhood.
Rod felt he had died and gone to Heaven when Maddie invited him back to her house. He knew that her baby was with David and he was thrilled and excited to spend time all alone with Maddie. He adored her. And as respectful that he was of her, Rod wouldn't make the first move. So brazenly Maddie did. The sex was ok. Maybe she could teach Rod some of the tricks she learned from David. And why was that man in her thoughts again?
Rod was a bit embarrassed. He couldn't last as long as he would have liked. Maddie was understanding and blew it off as she began to make love to him again. This time he lasted longer and was able to bring her to orgasm. Rod was ecstatic.
The next time David was around Rod and Maddie he could tell that they had slept together. He was jealous, furious and hurt but hid his feelings behind his Addison persona. What the fuck was Maddie thinking? Every time Rod looked at Maddie with puppy dog eyes, David had the urge to kick him in the balls. And every time Maddie smiled at Rod with a cute expression on her face, David had the urge to throw her against the wall and remind her what she was missing. Surely, some wet behind the ears boy couldn't make Maddie feel the way he could.
And even though Rod couldn't bring Maddie to multiple orgasms or make her body feel like it was on fire with just one touch or make her loins twitch with the sound of his voice - he was fun and for now that was all she wanted. Maddie could see that David was upset even though he was trying to hide it. After all these years, Maddie could see behind the Addison mask. Maddie didn't feel bad for David at all – now was her time to have some fun! To Hell with David!
Maddie and David were working on another case of a cheating spouse. They had been hired by Frank Sterling to tail his wife who he suspected was having an affair. Rod was excited to be part of the team. The trio followed Mrs. Sterling all day.
Rosa Sterling was a Spanish beauty and used to the good life. She was brought up on a hacienda in Spain and came to America when she married Frank who was working on a deal with her father. Rosa's dad approved of the marriage and generously gave the couple a home and a large deposit of money into their joint savings account. Over the years Frank had made his own riches and continued to spoil his wife. The couple were married for 20 years and had two children together. Frank thought his wife was happy until he started to catch Rosa in lies and she often left the house at night saying that she joined a gym or a book club or whatever excuse she had for the night. Frank loved his wife but needed to know the truth.
Rosa left her home at 12. She did some shopping, had her nails done, went to the beauty salon for a trim then had lunch with a friend – a female friend. David couldn't concentrate on the surveillance – he was too busy watching Maddie and Rod.
Finally, after dinner Rosa left the house and drive to a small house in the Hollywood Hills. She parked. Rosa looked in the car mirror to fix her makeup.
"This is it friends." David spoke up, "now we get to see if she really is messing the sheets with another dude."
3 pairs of eyes followed Rosa as she walked up the driveway. The door was opened by a young man who looked to be half her age. He greeted Rosa with a huge smile as he led her into the house.
"Gee another Mrs. Robinson." David shook his head.
Maddie ignored him. Rod looked over at David with curiosity. "I thought her name was Sterling."
David threw Rod a look, "listen Rob,"
"It's Rod."
"Oh yeah big Rod." He smirked, "am I right Maddie? Is it big Rod?"
Maddie was turning on the audio device as David set up the cameras. "Shut up David! This isn't the time."
"Oh, there has to be a time now to talk about my wife boinking another guy?"
"I am not your wife," Maddie said through gritted teeth.
Rod was getting nervous. He didn't realize that David knew that he was having a thing with Maddie.
"Tell that to the state of California."
"You're beginning to repeat yourself Addison."
"Oh, maybe it's a sign of senility. Is that why you're going after a babe in the woods?" He asked snidely. "Does he even have pubic hair?"
Maddie ignored him as she put on the headphones to listen to what was going on in the cottage.
"So, Rod? You like older women?"
"Um, well I like Mad mad die." Rod stuttered.
David glared at Rod, "ya do huh?"
Before Rod could reply, Maddie took off the headphones and glowered at the men, "enough! Now is not the time. Rosa and the guy are talking, and I can't hear what they're saying!" She gave one last look then placed the headphones back on.
David got out of the surveillance van and took off toward the big picture window that took up most of the house front. He began to take pictures but so far it all seemed very innocent. Rosa was sitting on a stool and the younger man was positioning her in different poses. Wait, he was painting her! But why? Was this part of their love affair?
Maddie heard enough. She was happy that Rosa Sterling was not cheating. She opened the window and called out to David. In the meantime, Rod was taking pictures of Maddie and David and taking copious notes on the procedure.
"David!" Maddie beckoned him closer.
David jogged toward the van, "he's painting her picture."
Maddie nodded, "for their 20th anniversary!" A dreamy smile covered Maddie's face, "how romantic."
"Remember that case with your portrait?" David liked to remind her of the good times.
Maddie ignored him. David jumped back into the driver's seat.
Rod looked at Maddie and then at David, "so she's not cheating on her husband?"
David threw Rod a look, "did you not hear our conversation?"
"No reason to be nasty David!" Maddie threw blue darts his way.
"Am I bullying the schoolboy?" David's voice was coated with derision. His eyes were two green bullets in his head. "Sorry Big Rod." David smirked, Maddie could see the spite in his eyes, "or is it Little Rod?" He winked at Maddie.
David dropped Rod off at his place and sped away. "So, this serious with Rodney?"
"Rod!"
"Whatever Mrs. Robinson."
"Don't call me that!" She sneered.
"Cougar? Cradle robber? Baby snatcher!" He laughed, "never took you for a woman who is attracted to a kid."
"Sooo, let me get this straight - it's ok for a man to go with a younger woman but not for an older woman to go with a younger man?"
"Right!"
Maddie scowled, "sexist!"
David snorted, "it's just the way things are babe."
"Don't call me babe! Sexist!"
"Now, now Maddie," David's husky voice was making her body feel things she didn't want to feel for him, "don't get your panties in a knot." His voice was like melted chocolate, "unless I can unknot them for you."
"In your dreams Addison!"
"You always are."
Now why did he have to pretend that he wanted her? He didn't want her when they were together but now that she was seeing other men, he wanted her back? Well, too fucking bad. Maddie knew his games. She wanted no part of them or of him. "Drive faster David. I want to get home."
"Can I stop in to see DJ?" He asked hopefully.
"I'm sure he's asleep."
"I can peek in on him."
David pulled into the long circular driveway and turned off the car. "So?"
Maddie opened the car door, "not a good idea David. You can see him tomorrow."
"Really? Tomorrow? I really don't like being told when I can and when I can't see my own son?" David was beside himself with anger, hurt and grief.
Maddie saw the sorrow in David's eyes, and for an instant thought of inviting him in but then she remembered all the agony he had put her through, and her heart hardened again toward him. "Sorry. Have a nice night."
David grabbed Maddie by her elbow before she was able to leave the car, "is the boy toy coming over? Is that why you don't want me to come in?"
Maddie looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk on her lips, "really David the jealous bit is getting a bit long in the tooth. And really, it's none of your business. We're getting divorced remember?" She pulled away from his grasp and practically ran into the house slamming the door behind her.
David was left alone staring at what used to be his home. He finally drove away with a heavy heart and deep regret for his actions.
Maddie entered her house with a feeling of sadness. She still missed David even after all that he had put her through. She felt tears prick her eyes but tried to hide them from Miss Molly who she had hired to care for DJ. Miss Molly was a rotund woman of about 65 years of age. She had been a single mom and understood what Maddie was going through. Molly had raised a bright young man who was now a very successful tax accountant. She was proud of her son but wished he would settle down. Molly ached for grandchildren. And that was one reason why she doted on DJ. Maddie could see that a bond was forming between Molly and her son. She was happy to have found someone who loved her son and took good care of him when she was out at night. During the day, DJ was in the daycare center, but Molly was there to pick him up when Maddie had to work late. Even David approved of Molly.
"Miss Maddie? Are you ok?" Molly asked with sharp eyes. She was not a dumb woman and she had been around Maddie and David enough to see that the two were still crazy about each other. Of course, it wasn't her business to pry but she had discovered the reason why the couple were separated and could see the regret in David's eyes. But again, it was not her business.
"Oh, I'm fine Molly." Maddie was distracted, "how was the baby?"
A smile covered Molly's round face, "fell asleep as soon as his little head touched the pillow."
Maddie nodded, "will you be staying over tonight?"
"It's up to you. Do you need me to care for DJ in the morning?"
Sometimes Molly stayed in the guest room – which had become her room.
Maddie shook her head, "no David will be taking him for the weekend." Maddie forced back her tears. She missed DJ when he was with David and the house felt way too big and empty without them. She had plans with Rod, but he didn't fill the void of missing her son –and husband.
Molly said her good night and left with a tear in her own eye. Why did people have to screw up their lives? That was a question she couldn't answer.
Time marched on. A couple of weeks later David was lying in his bed with his eyes open staring at the crack in the ceiling. He hadn't been sleeping well. The mattress felt lumpy and the bed felt too big. David hadn't been with another woman since Maddie had thrown him out – and he had no interest in anyone else but his wife. He couldn't believe that his pride, immaturity and spitefulness and caused him to lose the best things in his life. His eyes filled with unshed tears as he thought of what he had done to the only woman he had ever loved. He had been a very stupid man. His insecurities and feelings of unworthiness had led him to ruin his life. When Maddie made him feel that he wasn't good enough it brought back memories of Jillian and Tess who had also threw him over for people they were supposed to be with. Jillian left him for a rich man and Tess wanted a woman. David had no luck with women and that is why for many years he had steered clear from any sort of meaningful relationships – until he had fallen head over heels for his complicated boss. And then when he finally won her over – he had royally fucked it all up. David hated himself.
His eyes locked on the clock on his nightstand. 10 in the morning. He sighed. Agnes and Bert had invited him to their house that afternoon for a barbeque and to celebrate Agnes' pregnancy. They had gotten married a few months after he and Maddie, but they were still blissfully happy. David didn't know if he could stand being around such joy but then he thought that Maddie would probably be there, and his heart began to pound with expectation. Now, he had something to look forward to.
Maddie decided to take Rod with her to Agnes and Bert's. They had been spending a lot of time together and even though he wasn't David, Rod was good company and kept her sadness at bay. Agnes knew of her relationship with Rod and Maddie knew that she wasn't thrilled but it was her life. And for the first time, Maddie was choosing to live it her way.
David got to Agnes and Bert's house early which was very unusual for him. But all day he had felt like a cat on a hot tin roof as he waited for the time to pass so he could see Maddie. When he got there, he realized that he was the first to arrive, so he began to help Bert with the barbeque and putting out the table and chairs. The couple had bought a nice ranch house with a large backyard.
A little past 4, guests began to arrive. Most of the guests were Blue Mooners. David began to chat with the others but kept his eyes peeled for Maddie and DJ. Finally, he saw Maddie walk in and his heart leapt but then he saw a man holding his son and felt his heart drop to his feet. And really not a man at all but that kid – Rod! He couldn't believe that Maddie was still with him and that she had the audacity to parade that boy around their friends and co-workers. What the fuck was she thinking? David felt his temper rise as his eyes locked on the happy couple.
Rod was overjoyed to be invited to the barbeque. He was always happy when he was with Maddie and he had also come to enjoy her son. DJ was a smart and happy toddler. Rod took DJ out of the car as Maddie reached for the wine and cake they had bought. He held the boy in his arms as they strolled into the large backyard which was set up for a party. Rod was smiling down at the toddler but when he looked up the smile froze on his face. A pair of furious green eyes were staring him down. David! Why didn't he realize that he might be there too? Rod's joy left him immediately. This was not going to be a fun day he knew instinctively.
Agnes was shocked that Maddie had brought that Rod guy to the party, but Bert was furious! "Let me go Agnes!" Bert tried to escape his wife's iron grip. She was small but strong! "How dare Maddie bring that boy here! What will David think?" David had always been Bert's hero. Even after everything David had done to destroy his marriage, Bert still made excuses for his role model.
Agnes shook her head, "that is none of our business!" Her temper rose. Agnes hated drama! "But maybe if David had kept his vows then Maddie wouldn't be dating other men!"
"He is no man. Just a boy!" Bert was beside himself, "how can she be with other men after David?"
Agnes stood in front of Bert and held his gaze with hard brown eyes, "not our business and don't you dare make a scene today! Got it?"
Bert knew when not to cross his love muffin, he nodded slowly, "got it my dove!"
"Good!" Agnes finally loosened her grip on Bert's arm. He knew it would leave a bruise.
Maddie felt eyes boring into her as she walked in with Rod and was instantly sorry, she had brought him. She hadn't intentionally meant to make anyone jealous or angry but from the looks coming off Bert, Agnes, and the rest of the staff she knew she had been wrong to bring Rod. Maddie refused to look at David but could feel his angry stare glaring her way. Screw them all Maddie thought, this is my life and I can do as I want – when I want!
Rod was oblivious to the looks of the other guests. All he could see was David's murderous stare. Suddenly, he was sorry that he had come to the barbeque with Maddie. Maybe, it hadn't been a good idea.
Agnes wasn't one to shirk her hostess duties. She quickly strode toward Maddie and Rod with a smile. She directed her smile toward Maddie and DJ. She couldn't help but ignore Rod who was looking ill at ease as he stood next to Maddie holding the toddler. Agnes thanked Maddie for the wine and cake and told her to make herself at home.
DJ began to squirm in Rod's arms as the toddler spotted his father. A smile covered his face as he reached out his chubby arms toward David.
David walked purposely to take his son out of the younger man's arms. Seeing his baby in the arms of another man almost killed him. Was this a serious thing between Maddie and this kid? David was determined to find out. "Well hello there Roy." David knew his name.
"It's Rod." He hated his shaky voice as he averted his eyes from David's furious ones.
David put a fake smile over his face, but his eyes were still cold and angry. "So, I see you made the acquaintance of my son." David almost pulled the baby out of Rod's arms. He turned his back on the younger man and began to talk to his son lovingly. David moved away from Rod and took his son on the other side of the yard.
Maddie had seen the interaction between Rod and David and chose to ignore it. As long as David keeps away from her and Rod for the rest of the night she would be satisfied. But that was not to be.
When David saw Maddie laughing with Rod his green-eyed snake began to wake up in a rage. David tried to ignore the two as he helped Bert with the barbeque. He put on his Addison mask as he laughed and sang and was once again the center of attention. But when he noticed Rod putting DJ in his booster seat and placing food on the toddler's tray, his rage took over. David put down his grilling tools and stormed toward the happy threesome.
Maddie asked Rod to place DJ in his booster seat as she readied his food – he was now eating regular people food, but Maddie needed to cut the hot dog and hamburger into pieces he could pick up with his chubby hands. She also made sure the hot dogs were cut small enough as not to be a choking hazard. Maddie was very careful and protective over her son. She had just given Rod the food for DJ and sat down to eat when she saw David standing in front of the table. His face was a thundercloud and his eyes were icy green. "David?"
"What the fuck are you trying to prove?" David hissed. He nodded toward DJ. "Even though I know you probably still wish it isn't so – he is MY son!"
The toddler looked up at David with his brow furrowed. Maddie knew the baby was about to cry. David was too angry to notice anything but his fury and jealousy.
Rod wanted to dissolve into the ground. "Um, I didn't mean to overstep any boundaries..." He tried to explain lamely.
Maddie stood up and glared at David, but she directed her words to Rod, "you don't have to explain or apologize to him!"
"HIM?" David was beyond angry, "I'm just a him now?"
"Leave us alone David!" Maddie's voice was low, but everyone's eyes were drawn to the spectacle they knew was coming. "Everyone is staring at us! You're embarrassing me!"
David snorted, "well, don't I always embarrass you? Since I'm not the man you're supposed to be with!" He waved at Rod with his hand, "guess you're trying to get them young to mold the boy into the man you want to be with?"
"Enough David!" She turned toward Rod, "let's go." Maddie picked up the baby who began to scream in outrage. He had been enjoying his food until the big people began to yell!
Rod dutifully stood up.
A smirk covered David's face, "got him trained good huh Maddie?" He chuckled with derision as his gaze fell on Rod, "do you roll over and beg too?" Rod just looked down at his feet as David continued, "or is that just in the bedroom?"
Maddie furiously kicked David in the shin then walked with her head held high away from her crazy husband. The man was nuts and she needed to get away from his histrionics before she literally killed him! Then who would raise DJ?
David strode after them until Bert grabbed his arm at the urging of Agnes. "David. Sir. Please let them go. It will be okay."
David pulled his arm out of Bert's grip, but listened to Viola's advice. "No, Bertie boy. It's not gonna be okay." David's voice was coated with sadness.
David left too after apologizing profusely to Agnes and Bert. He congratulated the couple on their pregnancy then drove away. At first, he was going to stop in Hobnobs for a few drinks but then he convinced himself that he was no longer that man and instead went home to his lonely apartment.