A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Twenty Two
William walks into his office after meeting with one of his salesmen. Picking up the phone, he dials the number for the South Town diner on Main Street. "Thank you for calling the South Town diner. How may I help?" A young woman asks.
"Yes, is your manager in?" William ask, sitting down at his desk.
"I'm sorry Sir. He's step out to make a delivery."
"Would you ask him to call me?"
"May I have your name Sir?"
"William Winslow."
"Your Highness!" The woman says.
"It's simply William now. Could you ask your manager to call me when he has time?"
"Of course sir, I'll tell him as soon as he returns from the delivery."
"Thank you." William says.
"You're welcome, Sir." The young woman replies.
William hangs up. Getting up he goes back to the floor to continue working on the contract for yachts being sold in Detroit and Savannah Georgia. An hour later, he assistant comes to find him. "Sir." She says, walking up to him as he's looking over contracts.
"Yes." William asks, still looking over the contracts.
"Sir, you have a phone call from a Lyle Lyceum. He's the owner of the South Town Diner."
"Yes, thank you." William says, putting the contract down. When he gets to his office, he walks over to his desk and picks up the phone. "Mr. Lyceum." William says.
"Your Highness, my girl told me that you called.
"Yes Sir. I wanted to know if I could rent your restaurant for the evening."
"Excuse me Sir." Mr. Lyceum says.
"I want to rent your restaurant for the evening. My fiancé and I had dinner there and she was very impressed with the place. I promised her a special evening tonight, so I want to rent your restaurant for the evening. How much would that cost?"
"I don't know, sir. We're very busy in the evenings after the kids get out of class. "
"How much do you usually make in one evening?"
"I would say probably two thousand dollars, between food and beverage sales."
"I will pay you five thousand."
"Sir that is two nights' profits."
"I realize that. But Ava likes your restaurant and I promised her a special evening last night and had to cancel due to work and then I was a little short with her about tasting our wedding cake. I simply want to give her a special evening."
"Alright, but I will only take three thousand five hundred."
"That will be fine. I'll be by to bring you the check."
"Will you need any special considerations?"
"No, I'm not a prince any more. I only want to use the restaurant for the evening."
"Anything in particular that I should tell the staff."
"No."
"Yes sir."
"I will be by with the money and we'll arrive around seven thirty."
"Yes sir."
"Thank you." William says before hanging up.
After seeing her patient, Sam walks into her office and closes the door. Going over to her desk, she sits down. She sits there debating on whether to make the call she's thinking about making. Finally she picks up the phone and dials the number for the Springfield DA's office. After a couple rings a young man answers the phone. "Springfield DA's office." He says.
"Yes, this is Sam O'Neill. I would like to speak to Chris please."
"Yes ma'am." The young man replies. "Could you hold please?"
"Of course." Sam replies, sitting back.
A few moments later, Chris comes on the line. "Mrs. O'Neill."
"Hello Chris. Thank you for taking my call."
"Of course ma'am, how may I help you?"
"I need to ask you something."
"Okay."
"During Ditkins trial there was a video tape that was played."
"Yes ma'am. It was a key piece of evidence during the trial."
"I know. I need to know if there is anyway I could see that tape."
"All evidence from a closed case is sealed at a separate unit downtown."
"Would you be able to get the tape and let me have it to watch?"
"Ma'am, I'm not sure you want to do that."
"Chris, I know what happened that night. Jeffrey has already explained it to me."
"Yes ma'am, but the rape of Olivia Spencer is brutal in a sadistic kind of way. It's quite obvious that she has no idea what is going on."
"I still need to see it. How would I go about doing that?"
"You would have to come to the DA's office. Only authorized personnel is allowed to take evidence from the evidence locker. So Frank, Jeffrey or I would have to sign it out for you."
"Would you be able to do that and how long would it take?"
"Would you not want Jeffrey to do this?"
"No."
"Alright, give me an hour. I will send one of my staffers to the unit to sign the evidence out of the locker. You will have to watch the tape here."
"I understand. I will be there. Thank you."
"You're welcome, ma'am. Are you sure you want to see this?"
"Yes."
"Then we will have everything set up in an hour."
"Thank you." Sam hangs up. After a moment, she dials Megan's number.
After a couple rings, she answers. "Hello."
"Megan, it's Sam."
"Oh, so now you want to talk to me."
"Where are you at?"
"I just left my new house. The boys and I will be moving in tomorrow." She says.
"I want you to come to my office."
"You can't order…."
"Yes, I can. I'm the older sister. I want you at my office within the hour." Sam says.
"Sam…."
"It's not a debate Megan. I want you at my office within the hour."
"Fine, I'll be there. But I believe you said everything you needed to say this morning."
"I'll see you in an hour."
Billy walks in to Jeffrey's office. Stace's at her desk. When he walks in, she looks up and smiles. "He's finishing up a meeting."
Nodding, he asks. "What do you want to do tonight?"
"I wanted to talk to you about that."
"Okay."
"My mom called me this morning "
"Your mom called. Why would she call?"
"She's in the country and will be in Chicago tonight."
"She's in Chicago tonight."
"Yes. And I want her to meet you."
"You want her to meet me. Are we at that point yet?"
"Well, I've met some of your family."
"You're friends with some of my family. You work for my brother. You haven't met the rest of them."
"We could remedy that." She says, looking at him. "It's only dinner. We'll be back before eight."
"Alright, call her and tell her we'll meet her in Chicago."
"Thank you." She says, getting up and walking around her desk. She hugs him as Jeffrey's door opens.
"Go ahead and make them an offer." Jeffrey says, as he and Richard walks out of his office."
"I will." Richard replies, as Stace steps back from Billy.
"I'm sorry Sir." She says, as Jeffrey looks up.
"For what?" Jeffrey asks, looking at her and Billy.
"Because… never mind. Mr. Lewis is here Sir."
"Yes. Richard you'll keep me up to date."
"Of course. Hello Billy?"
"Hello, Richard. How are Cassie and the boys?"
"Wonderful."
"And the baby."
"Wonderful as well."
"Good."
"RJ's playing this weekend."
"He is, where?"
"Rose park."
"Great, we'll see if we can make it to the game."
"He would love that."
"Then we'll be there."
"I've got a meeting. Have a good day." Richard says, as Billy steps out of the way.
"Come one in" Jeffrey says.
"Thank you." He follows Jeffrey into his office.
Jeffrey closes the door and then walks over to his desk. "What was she apologizing for?"
"She was hugging me as you and Richard came out."
"That's all!" Jeffrey says, sitting down
"Yes." Billy replies, as Jeffrey shakes his head and Billy smiles. "I've got the plans for the garage." He says, holding up the tube he had in his hand.
"Great." Jeffrey says, standing up and clearing off some files he had on his desk as Billy stands up, taking the plans out of the tube.
"I know you wanted the garage separate from the house, but that's really impractical for Springfield. However, I think we've compromised. It's not attached to the house, which will give you the separation you wanted for Sam's clinic, but it's close enough that you're not trudging across the yard in snow and ice."
"I like this idea. It's in close enough proximity to the house but separate."
"Great." Billy says, taking the paper up. "These are the plans for the actual structure. We have a three car garage. In the back along this wall will be storage units, built in. There will be a space for yard tools and stuff for Sam, should she decide to do any kind of gardening."
"I seriously doubt that will happen. She doesn't have much of a green thumb. In fact, she's killed just about every plant I've ever given her." Jeffrey says, glancing up with a smile.
"Alright, well it's there if she decides to try."
"What about the rehearsal space?"
"You're okay with this?"
"Yeah, it seems fine." Jeffrey says, as Billy picks up the plans.
He rolls them up and places them in the tube with the other plan. "This is the rehearsal place. I've split the area. There's a small apartment and if you wanted you could rent out or keep it for company. Since we didn't give you much guest space in the house."
"There's plenty of guest space in the house."
"There is now, but in a few years those rooms upstairs will be in use. Unless you and Sam are only going to have one child."
"No, we're not." Jeffrey says, looking at the plans. "So we have a small apartment and the rest is devoted to rehearsal space for me and the band."
"Yes."
"What will be done about noise reduction?"
"We'll put sound barrier insulation through out both floors. That way if there is any sound that leaks out, it will be minimal."
"It looks good. How are things going at the loft?"
"Very good. I think in a few more weeks we'll be able to turn the keys over." He says, as Jeffrey nods as he rolls up the last set of plans. "How is Sam?"
"She's fine. Her sister just arrived in town." Jeffrey replies, standing up.
"That's good. Are you playing at Lizzie's bar Halloween?"
"Yes."
"We'll come to see you." Billy says, as Jeffrey walks around his desk.
"Thanks."
"Have you talked to Josh at all?" Billy asks, as Jeffrey walks towards his door.
"No, I haven't. I'm letting it alone. I can't change the way he feels and if he wants to continue, it's his choice."
"Alright." Billy says, following him. Jeffrey opens the door. "I'm going to lunch. Do you want to come?"
"No, but thank you. I have some calls I need to make."
"Alright." Billy says, as they walk out of Jeffrey's office.
"Stace, go ahead and take lunch." Jeffrey says.
"Yes sir." Stace says, looking up.
"I'll see you later." Jeffrey says, turning to Billy and holding out his hand. They shake hands. "Thanks for bring the plans by."
"You're welcome." Jeffrey goes back into his office as Billy walks over to Stace's desk.
Sam is coming out of her office when Megan walks in. "I'm here." She says. Her attitude saying she doesn't appreciate how she was summoned.
"I don't care if you liked the way I asked you to come over here." Sam says, turning back to get her purse and coat.
"Where are we going?"
"I've got something to show you." Sam says, walking towards the front of the office. "Leah, I'm going to lunch. The rest of you can go too."
"Yes ma'am." She replies. Sam turns around and Megan follows her. They walk out to Sam's car. She unlocks her side of the car and then gets in and unlocks the door for Megan. She gets in as Sam starts the car. A few moments later, they pull out of the parking lot.
"Where are we going?" Megan asks, as she heads towards downtown.
"I told you that I've got something to show you." Sam says, driving through town. Ten minutes later, she pulls up to office building. Parking, she opens the door to get out of the car and says. "Let's go."
Megan gets out and then follows behind her as they walk towards the building. When they reach the front door, Megan stops when she reads the sign and asks. "Why are we going to the DA's office?"
"I've got something for you to see. Actually we're both going to watch it." Sam says, walking into the building.
A few minutes later, she stops in the door way of Chris's office. She knocks once and Chris looks up. "Mrs. O'Neill." He says, getting up and walking around his desk.
"Just call me Sam, and thank you for seeing us. Is it ready?"
"Yes, we have it set up in one of the viewing rooms. If you'll follow me, I'll take you back there." He says, as Sam nods.
They turn to leave as Megan reaches to stop Sam and asks. "What is going on? Why are we at the DA's office?"
"You will see." Sam says, following Chris with Megan following them.
"It's right in here." Chris says, as they walk up to a solid wood door. He opens it. Inside are a few chairs. In front of the chairs is a TV. "If you will have a seat, we can start this." He says, glancing at Sam. She walks over to one of the empty chairs. Megan looks at both of them before she slowly walks over to the chair on Sam right. She sits down and then looks at Sam. "Are you ready?" He asks.
"Yes." Sam replies, staring at the TV screen.
He picks up a remote and points it towards the TV. Suddenly the TV comes on. He picks up another remote and pushes another button and a few moments later the video tape starts. "What is this?" Megan asks, looking at Sam.
"Watch and see." She says, as Chris walks up to her. "Can you give me the remote for the VCR?" He walks back over to the table and picks up the remote and then he goes back to her.
He hands it to her as he leans down and whispers. "Are you sure you want to watch this too? It gets rather graphic." He says
"I'll be fine. I think after we've seen the important parts we won't have to watch the full tape. Thank you. If you have work to do, you can go. We'll be alright." He nods and then glances at Megan before he walks over the door.
"When you're finished, stop by the office so that I know." Chris says.
"I will." Sam says, nodding as the first scene plays. Chris leaves as Sam settles back. Megan looks at her before she turns her attention to the TV.
When Jeffrey and Olivia come on screen, Megan looks at Sam. She's staring at the TV. About ten minutes later, they see Jeffrey lean back and look down. Olivia's obviously passed out. He lays there for a moment and then pulls away. Getting up, he staggers a little bit as he leaves the room. A few minutes pass before the door opens again.
Standing in the doorway is Edmund Winslow. They see him look around to see if anyone is there and then he walks into the room. Closing the door behind him, he turns to see Olivia lying on the bed, still passed out. He reaches up and pulls his tie free before he walks over to the bed. For a moment, he stands there and then he moves onto the bed. The tape goes on from there. The moment Edmund's reaches to finish unbuttoning Olivia's blouse, Megan stands up. "What is this?" She asks, looking at Sam.
"It's the truth." Sam says, still watching the tape.
"I'm not staying here to watch…."
"Yes, you are. You wanted undeniable proof…."
"I didn't say that."
"It was implied. You wanted undeniable proof that Jeffrey didn't rape Olivia." Sam says, standing up. "There it is. Prince Edmund Winslow. He forced Olivia to have sex that night and when his father found out he protected him, to spare the crown the embarrassment of Edmund's actions. He walked into that room and he forced her to have sex while she was unconscious."
"She was unconscious because your husband got her drunk and tried to take advantage of her."
"I didn't say he didn't make a mistake. I said he wasn't the one that raped her. They both made mistakes. She went to that party, intentionally set on acting as though she was older than she actually was. They both got drunk." Sam says, looking at her. "If Jeffrey was going to rape her, why didn't he do exactly what Edmund's doing right now?" Sam asks, pointing to the TV. Megan looks over and then looks away. "He didn't. He got up and he left and then Edmund came in and forced her to have sex with him."
Megan looks at her and then at the tape. Edmund is getting dressed. He turns to look at Olivia and then walks out of the room. Sam reaches for the remote. "Do you want to see more? Perhaps you need to see what actually happened that night between J and Olivia for you to believe he did not rape her."
"No, I don't need to see the rest." Sam turns the tape off. "I can't believe you dragged me down here to see that. I can't believe you sat and watched it."
"You wanted proof. There it was." Sam gets up and walks over to the door. "Maybe next time you'll take my word when I say he didn't do something. I don't blindly follow people. You should know that from my father." Sam says, turning the TV off. As she opens the door, she lays the remote on the table and then walks out of the room. She walks down the hall to Chris's office. The door is open and she taps on the door. He looks up. "We're finished." She says, as he nods. 'Thanks for arranging that for me."
"You're welcome." Chris replies, as Megan walks by.
"Thanks again." Sam says, before turning away.
She follows Megan out of the building. "Are you coming home?" Sam asks, as they leave the room.
"No, I need to walk."
"Alright, then I will see you later with the boys." Sam says, turning to walk towards her car. Megan nods as she walks away.
Jeffrey pulls up to City Hall. Getting out, he locks his door and then turns. "Beca, what are you doing here?" He asks, as she walks up
"I can't come see my husband at work."
"Of course you can. I didn't see your car when I pulled in."
"I'm parked a couple spaces down. Have you had lunch?"
"Yes."
"Do you have any pressing meetings?"
"No."
"Then would you want to go home for a little bit?" She says, smiling as he looks down.
"Do you want me to ride with you?"
"You have to come back and I have patients this afternoon."
"Alright, I'll follow you home." He says.
"Then I'll see you at home." She says, leaning up to kiss him.
He holds her for a moment before he steps back. "I'll see you at home." He says, his eyes heavy with desire. She leans up and kisses him before they turn for their cars.
A few minutes later, they pull up to the house. Sam parks and gets out. When she pulled in, she notices that Megan's car was gone. Jeffrey pulls in beside her. She waits for him to get out of his car and then they walk to the house together. Jeffrey closes the door as Sam walks over to the couch. Turning, he watches her for a moment before he walks over to the couch. She's sitting at the end closest to the door with her shoes off and her feet tucked under her. He sits down beside her. "Maybe you should eat before we do this."
"I was hoping we would do the other before I ate anything."
"What did you do? Please tell me you didn't go to Laurel Falls."
"No of course not, although I do need to call Arianna's social worker and talk to her about testifying."
"So, what did you do?"
She looks at him and then sighs. "Megan."
"Did you read my note?"
"Yes I read it. And that's why I did what I did. That and I talked to Cassie."
"What did you do?"
"I called Chris and asked him to get the video out that was played at Ditkins trial and then I took Megan to the DA's office and we watched it."
"You watched it!"
"Not all of it." Sam says.
"Why would you do that?"
"It was the only way to do what you said in the note. It was the only way to proved to her that you were innocent."
"Sam that tape… It shows a side of me that I'm not comfortable with her knowing about. I didn't even want you to see what you saw on news casts."
"That tape does not affect how I feel about you. I love you. I didn't know the man in that tape and people change."
"I was an ass back then."
"I don't know many twenty something males that aren't asses back then."
"What did she say?"
"At first she didn't want to stay, but I forced her to. We argued and I repeated what I had already told her. And I pointed out that if you were going to rape her, why didn't you do exactly what Edmund had done."
"What was her reaction? Did she accept that I didn't rape her?"
"I don't know. She didn't really say anything after that. I asked if she wanted to finish the tape and she declined. We left shortly after that."
"Did you bring her home?"
"No, she wanted to walk."
"Her car's not in drive way."
"I know. Maybe she caught a cab. I don't know. I didn't do this to embarrass you. But she wasn't going to listen unless I forced her too."
"Meaning she's as stubborn as you are when you're minds made up."
"Yes, we do have that in common."
"What does Cassie have to do with this?"
"She called to see if you were still upset with her about loaning the car to me and we started talking about Megan and what happened this morning and she told me about how she and Reva fought over Richard. And she basically said that it's not worth fighting with your sister over a man. She told me about how she and Reva made up, which I'm sure you would prefer my way rather than what happened to them."
"What happen to them?"
"They were trapped in an elevator."
"So this was better. It is embarrassing knowing that, that tape exists."
"I understand you're ashamed of what you did. But you were young and it's not all your fault. We all wish we could change things in the past?"
"What would you change?"
"I would have insisted that I testify during the custody hearing when my parents split."
"You were a child."
"I still would've insisted. Maybe if that had a different outcome the rest would be different too."
"Your father wasn't going to change."
"No, he wasn't. But maybe Miah would be different. And I would be close to both my brother and my sister."
"We can't go back and change things. I want to go back and change that night with Olivia. But if I could do that, I probably wouldn't have Ava. You want to go back and change your childhood, but your childhood made you who you are and I like who you are." He says, leaning over to kiss her.
She leans closer. Reaching for her, he pulls her to him, wrapping his arms around her. He pulls away for a moment. "I love you." He whispers, leaning in to kiss her as the door opens and Megan walks in.
"Sam." She says, standing in the doorway.
"Megan." Sam says, releasing Jeffrey as she turns to her. Megan looks at Jeffrey for a moment before she turns to Sam.
"I've decided that the boys and I will be staying at the Beacon until our house is ready." Megan says, as Sam looks at her.
"I thought… You saw the video. He didn't rape her."
"No, he just used her after he got her drunk. How old was she Jeffrey?" Megan says, her voice rising.
"Hold on, you don't get to come into my house and attack my husband. "
"Your husband is as bad as the Edmund guy and he's no different than… I'm not getting into this. I only came to get our clothes…."
"Hold on, this isn't about the rape. You're pissed at him because of Mr. Rollings. Jeffrey and Mr. Rollings are two completely different people."
"Can I ask who Mr. Rollings is?"
"He was a member of our church. He paid attention to all the kids, but he paid special attention to Megan."
"Sam, this is none of his business."
"If you're going to accuse him of child molestation, he should know why?"
"You were molested." Jeffrey asks, looking at her.
"Yes, I was. I was young and I was naïve and I thought he cared for me. He took advantage of our relationship and when…." Megan looks away.
"And when my father found out about it, he stood with Mr. Rollings believing him when he said that Megan initiated the relationship." Sam says.
"He took advantage of me, just as you took advantage of Olivia. She was a child."
"Can I explain what happened that night?" Jeffrey says.
"I know what happened."
"No, you think you know." Sam says.
"Sam, let me talk to her. You are correct, by the time that I was with Olivia that night, I knew she was underage. I didn't know at first. But as the night wore on and the drunker we got, I realized that she was younger than she pretended to be."
"If you knew, why didn't you stop?"
"I don't know. I honestly don't. It may have been the alcohol, the pain, a combination of both. But at that point in my life, I was mad at everyone. Olivia made me forget that anger for that one night." He says getting up. He walks over to the window. "I knew I wasn't supposes to be doing what I was doing that night. I was on duty. I wasn't supposes to be drinking. I can't even tell you everything that was going through my head that night. I knew she made it better, so I ignored the fact that I knew she was underage." He says, turning back around to face them. "After she passed out, reality set in. I knew I had to sober up. If the Ambassador found me in the condition I was in, I would've been out of a job. So I left her there. I never thought Edmund would follow us up to that room. And I certainly didn't think he would rape her. He was annoying, but I didn't get the vibe that he was a rapist. When I got back to the room, I had every intention of telling her no and putting her in a cab and sending her home, but it didn't work out that way. And before you ask, I don't know why." Jeffrey says, as Sam gets up and goes to him. "I want to go back and change that night. But I can't and the truth is that night gave me my daughter. I wish the circumstances were different, but I wouldn't trade Ava."
"I appreciate what you said, but I'm still moving us into the Beacon."
"Megan." Sam says, taking a step towards her.
"Sam, let her go." Jeffrey says, reaching to stop her.
"She's my sister. We shouldn't be fighting like this. You need me." Sam says, looking at her.
"We'll still be a part of each other's lives. I just can't stay here." Megan says, turning for the stairs. Sam takes a step to follow her and Jeffrey reaches out to stop her.
She turns back to him. "I won't loose my sister too."
"You're not loosing her. She's still in Springfield and you'll see each other. She wasn't going to stay here permanently." He says, putting his arms around her.
"But she's my sister. We only have each other and she needs me."
"You will be there for her and she will eventually come around about me. What happened with Olivia was a lot to process, even for me and I was the one that did it." Sam opens her mouth to say something. "I know it's not totally my fault, but some of it is and what I'm responsible for, I accept. She will too, after a while."
Sam looks up. "I guess this changes our plans."
"I'll take a rain check." Jeffrey says, as she smiles.
"I have a patient coming."
"You have to eat first." He says, pulling away from her.
"I will, although at this point I'm not that hungry."
"Sam."
"I will eat." She says, leaning up to kiss him.
"Then tonight I get a rain check."
"Yes." She says, leaning up to kiss him.
He steps back after a moment. "Be sure to eat before you go back." He says, releasing her. She steps back and lets him go. Following him to the door, he turns to her as he opens it and reaches for his coat. "Let her go and things will work out. I love you." He says, leaning over to give her a quick kiss before he leaves.
"I love you."
By the time Megan is ready to leave, Sam is with a patient. Getting into her car, she pulls out of the parking lot.
When William walks into their room, Ava is helping Emma with her homework. She looks up as he closes the door. "Hi." She says, getting up to meet him.
The door closes behind him as he slips his arms around her, kissing her. "How are you both doing?" He asks, laying his hand on her stomach. He's rewarded with a strong kick." What was that?"
"He kicked." Ava says, as the baby kicks again.
"How long has he been doing that?"
"For a while now." She says, taking his hand and moving it to her side. The baby kicks again.
"That's amazing." He says, moving his hand. Where ever he moves his hand, the baby kicks. "Does that hurt you?"
"No, as long as he stays off my bladder." She says, as William looks at her. "When he kicks and it hits my bladder I usually have an accident."
"Did you get a sitter?"
"Yes. She should be here within the hour. Where are we going?" Ava asks, as William releases her and walks over to Emma.
"Hi, sweetheart." He says, leaning over to hug her.
"Hi, William." She says, looking up from her homework."
He stands up and turns to Ava. "I made reservations at that diner we ate at the other day after helping your Dad and Sam move."
"Oh, I loved that place."
"I know. Are you almost through with your homework?" He asks, turning to Emma.
"Yes sir."
"What are you doing?"
"Learning my numbers and colors."
"Did you get your story back?'
"Not yet."
"I'm going to take a shower." He says, turning to Ava.
"Okay." Ava says. "Emma, finish that while I get ready?"
"Yes ma'am." She says, as Ava turns to follow William into their suite.
An hour later, someone knocks on the door. "I'll get it." William says, leaving their suite. He opens the door to a young woman.
"Good evening, Sir. Ms. Peralta asked for a nanny this evening. My name is Anna." She says, holding out her hand.
"Yes. Come in." William says, stepping back to let her in after they shake hands.
Anna walks in as Ava walks out of their suite. "Anna." Ava says, walking over to them.
"Good evening, Ms. Peralta."
"Good evening, Emma is getting ready for bed. She can watch TV after she eats her dinner, which is waiting for her in the living room." Ava says, as Emma comes out of her room. "She can watch TV until bedtime. That's eight o'clock, if we're not back. No later." Ava says, looking at Emma.
"Yes ma'am."
"I'll make sure she's in bed by that time."
"I don't know when we'll be back. "William says, going over to Emma.
"Yes sir."
He leans over and hugs her. "Be good and eat all of your dinner."
"Do I have to eat the veggies?" Emma asks, as Ava walks up.
"You have to eat all of it to get cookies and milk." She says, hugging her.
"Yes ma'am." Emma says, as Ava stands up. "You look pretty tonight." She says, looking up.
"Thank you." Ava turns to Anna. "She has to eat everything before she gets the milk and cookies."
"Yes ma'am."
Ava leans over and hugs Emma again. "We will be back later." She says, as Emma nods.
When they reach the restaurant, Ava looks at the empty parking lot. "Are they open?" She asks, looking at him.
"Yes, they're open. "He says, pulling into a parking place. Turning the car off, he says. "Wait for me to come around." Opening his door, he gets out and walks around the car. Opening her door, he helps her out of the car and then closes the door and locks it.
"Are you sure they are open? We don't have to eat here. We can go to Company." She says, as he slips his arm around her waist, he leads her towards the restaurant. "William?" She asks.
"Sweetheart, they are open. I promise." He says, as they walk up to the door.
"The sign says they are closed for a private party." Ava says, as he knocks on the door.
"I know." He says, as the hostess opens the door.
"Welcome to the South Town Diner Mr. Winslow, ma'am." She says, stepping back.
"Thank you." William says, leading Ava into the restaurant.
"If you will follow me, I will take you to your table." The hostess says, leading them to their table.
"What's going on? Why are we the only ones here?" Ava asks, looking at William.
They walk up to a table in the middle of the room. It's set for two. The hostess puts their menus down as William helps Ava with her chair. He walks around the table and sits down after she's comfortable. The hostess says. "Whenever you're ready to order, I will be your server."
"Thank you." William says, as she nods and turns away.
"William?" Ava asks.
He looks at her and smiles. "We are the private party."
"What do you mean we are the private party?"
"I mean that I rented out the restaurant for the evening."
"You rented out the restaurant for the whole night." She says, staring at him.
"Yes for the whole night or until we decide to leave."
"I don't know what to say. How did you do this?"
"Being the former Prince of San Cristobel has certain perks. This is one of them."
"The owner closed the restaurant simply because you're the former prince of San Cristobel."
Yes." He replies, as she looks at him.
"You don't have to impress me."
"This wasn't about impressing you." He says, as she looks at him. "Not totally. I also wanted to make up for cancelling last night." He holds up his hand when she opens her mouth. "And for my reaction the other day concerning tasting the wedding cake."
"Thank you for wanting to, but you didn't have anything to make up for."
"Maybe not." He says, reaching for her hand. "But I wanted to." He says taking her hand as the hostess walks up.