This is the second of two chapters uploaded today so be sure to read them both. :)

The Matchmakers

Chapter Seven: Scheme A Little Scheme...

The Book Cafe

"Good morning, Sam!" Pilar smiled brightly as she leaned over to fill his coffee cup. "Just let me get our food, and I'll be right back."

"I'll be right here waiting." Sam smiled at her and Pilar felt herself melt a little inside, then scolded herself furiously as she headed towards the kitchen. They were friends-good friends, but that's all it was, and all it could ever be with that witch Ivy in the picture. She sighed to herself as she went to pick up their plates. She was lonely-there was no denying that to herself now. She should get out, perhaps join the singles group at her church, just have some fun and maybe start dating again. She'd wasted so many years waiting on Martin and she wanted to fall in love again, to feel the excitement of the first date and the giddiness of a first kiss once more. Was it too late for her? Was she destined to spend the rest of her life alone?

Pushing the disturbing thought away, she returned to Sam's booth with the plates and slid in next to him, smiling. "Here you go, just the way you like it. I even added extra sausage."

"You know me so well." Sam said warmly. For a minute their eyes locked together and held and then Pilar flushed slightly, and quickly changed the subject. The smile didn't leave her face though, nor did the twinkle leave Sam's eyes.

xXx

"C'mon, Ivy, do I have to?" Jessica groaned as Ivy prodded her up the steps of the Book Cafe.

"Jessica, this was your plan, remember? You can't get Rina to open up to you unless you spend some time with her. Oh, and would you look at that?" Ivy peered through the glass door. "Paloma and Simone are in there as well. Go make nice with your friends."

"Some friends." Jessica grumbled as she watched Rina walk over to Paloma and Simone's table and begin laughing with them. "Two faced traitors is more like it, and look how chummy they are with Rina. Didn't take them too long to replace me, I see."

"Fine, Jessica. Why don't you just go home and pout, because that always does you so much good." Ivy folded her arms and gave Jessica a glacial stare. "I don't even know why I bother trying to help you."

"OK, OK!" Jessica exhaled noisily, then pasted a large, fake smile on her face. "Here we go." She headed into the cafe, still smiling. Ivy watched her, pleased, as she saw her make a beeline for Rina, Simone, and Paloma.

xXx

Gwen exited her car, checking her watch. Still running early-she had plenty of time for a quick bite at the cafe before she headed into the office. Besides, she needed some time to sit and think. Sheridan had called her the night before with the very interesting information that Luis has nearly blown a gasket when he'd seen her with Jared the night before. This opened up a whole new realm of possibilities that she needed time to think over. Getting Sheridan back together with Luis was rapidly becoming a priority for her. Sheridan had had such a hard time for so long. She deserved to finally have the man she loved, the man who clearly loved her in return, and Gwen was determined to make that happen. There was no way that Theresa was winning the bet they'd made, not a snowball's chance in hell.

Gwen started to cross the street towards the cafe but her attention was caught by Ivy and Jessica, deep in conversation in front of the door.

'Those two have been awfully chummy lately, especially considering a few months ago Jessica hated her.' She thought to herself. 'And look at the way they're whispering and looking through the door. They're up to something-I'd bet vital body parts on it.' She watched the two speculatively for a moment. She had a gut feeling that whatever Jessica and Ivy were planning, it had something to do with her and Kieran. She didn't buy for a second the lame secondhand apology that Jessica had made through Ethan.

'Well, whatever it is, I'm not just going to sit back and wait for it to happen.' She saw Jessica go inside, and Ivy wait for a discreet moment before following her. 'No, the best defense is always a good offense.' She smiled at the thought. 'Perhaps it's time for my ex mother in law and I to have a little chat.'

xXx

Ivy smoothed her hair gingerly and smiled coolly at Laura as the waitress tried to hand her a menu. As if she'd actually eat at this little pedestrian dive. "No, thank you. Just coffee for me. I believe my fiance' is here. I wanted to surprise him." She raised an eyebrow until Lauren realized that this meant Ivy expected her to show her to Chief Bennett's booth.

"Oh, yes, I think he's still here-let me-" Laura began but they were interrupted by a call from the kitchen.

"Laura! Order's up!"

"Just one moment-I'll be right back." Laura flashed her an apologetic smile and then hurried away. Ivy gritted her teeth. Didn't that no name waitress realize who she was? Was not the former Mrs. Crane a little more important then some common old lady who wanted her oatmeal? Impatiently, she looked around. She'd just find Sam herself, then. Her gaze swept the room then froze as she saw him. He wasn't absorbed in a newspaper or chatting with one of his cop buddies like she'd imagined.

Instead, he and Pilar Lopez Fitzgerald, her old housekeeper, of all people, were crammed into a booth together, their heads nearly touching as they talked and laughed. Ivy's lips tightened as she watched them. They were sitting on the same side of the booth, when the other side was empty and Pilar could have surely sat across from him. She couldn't help but notice how they only had eyes for each other, how easily Sam smiled as Pilar spoke, how playful the usually serious woman seemed. Ivy didn't like what she was seeing, not in the least. This couldn't be happening! Did her mousy ex-servant have designs on her man? As her temper rose, a merry voice behind her made her tense up even more.

"Good morning, Ivy." Gwen's voice was sweet-too sweet. Her eyes brightened as she noted Ivy's irritated expression. "What are you staring at with such fascination?" She looked in the direction she'd seen Ivy staring. "Oh my, would you look at that? It's Sam and Pilar, having breakfast together. You know, I hear they've been making a routine of that lately. It's rather sweet." She paused for a moment, then spoke again. "If I didn't know better, I'd think they were a couple."

"Luckily, you do know better, and you know how ridiculous that would be." Ivy spoke through gritted teeth.

"Why?" Gwen raised her eyebrows innocently. "Actually, Pilar and Sam have so much in common, and they are from similar backgrounds. Really, the odd couple is the socialite and the police chief, I'd say."

Ivy's face reddened. "As usual, you don't know what you're talking about. Excuse me." She started to make her way over to the booth, but Gwen stepped in front of her.

"Not so fast, Ivy. I saw you and Jessica outside. The two of you have been thick as thieves lately. It's really touching, how you're suddenly bonding with your stepdaughter the way you are." Gwen's voice grew a bit colder as she looked down her nose at Ivy.

"So what? I'm marrying her father. It's important that we get along." Ivy snapped.

"Right. Well, personally, I don't buy it. I think you're up to something. And if that something has anything to do with Jessica's little delusion that she's in love with my husband, I will find out, and you'll pay for helping her interfere in my marriage. Are we clear on this?"

"You're delusional." Ivy spat. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, of course not, Ivy." Gwen matched her non-chalant tone. "Just something for you to keep in mind. Oh, look at that." She smiled in Sam and Pilar's direction. "They're having a little food fight. Isn't that cute? You know, some things...they're just meant to be, no matter how hard you fight against them."

At that moment Laura returned. "Are you still waiting for Chief Bennet, Ms. Winthrop?" Her tone of voice indicated bewilderment at Ivy's lack of ability to walk across the small cafe by herself.

"No." Ivy snapped. "I found him, no thanks to you." She marched away indignantly.

Lauren looked slightly hurt for a moment. "I didn't mean to upset her."

Gwen shrugged, still smiling. "Don't take it personally. Her grapes are just a little sour, is all."

"Huh?" Laura looked at her, bewildered.

"Never mind." Gwen shook her head and smiled.

Laura handed her a menu and showed her to a small table, and Gwen took her seat, still smiling. For a moment she watched Sam and Pilar, still deep in conversation until Ivy stalked over, barely able to disguise her grimace. For a moment, Pilar couldn't hide her disappointment at the interruption, then she smiled brightly and stood up to give the two some privacy. Gwen watched her, her brow furrowed in sympathy.

'Maybe Sheridan and Luis aren't the only couple I should be trying to get together.' She mused to herself as she looked over the menu. 'Pilar's been very good to me over the years, and she deserves a little happiness for once. Plus, if Theresa's not going to step up to the plate for her mother, someone has to. And I'd be doing Sam a huge favor, saving him from that coldhearted woman's clutches. Besides...' Her smile widened. 'Hmmm...I'm starting to think I like doing good deeds. Especially when they come with the bonus of making my dear ex mother in law completely miserable.'

Across the room, Ivy saw Gwen's wide grin out of the corner of her eye and felt a prick of apprehension. What was that schemer up to now? And why did she suddenly have such a feeling of doom?

xXx

"I'm really not hungry, Theresa." Fancy groaned as Theresa nearly pushed her inside the front door of the Book Cafe.

"Fancy, you need to eat. If you get any skinnier you'll fade away into nothingness. You can't starve yourself to death over my bullheaded brother." Theresa's voice was firm.

"You know, you two are a lot alike. Bossy, controlling, think you always know best..." Fancy mumbled.

"And you love us anyway." Theresa smiled as Laura hurried over to seat them.

"I'll think I'll just have the fruit bowl." Fancy was telling Laura a moment later as the waitress took her order.

"And she wants an omelet too. With cheese." Theresa chirped brightly. "I'll have the special with scrambled eggs, please."

Fancy rolled her eyes as Laura walked away. "Thank you, Mother." She said mockingly.

"Insults will get you nowhere, Fancy. You're just trying to distract me from what I have to say. You're acting like a wimp, and you know it. I'm sorry Luis pulled a stupid hero move in the middle of your reconciliation chat last night. But that's just him, and you know it's one of the things you love about him, how protective he is of those he cares about. He's concerned about Sheridan, but that's it. He's always going to care about her, Fancy. She was his first love. But you are the one in his heart now. Are you really going to throw that away out of jealousy?" Theresa looked across the table at Fancy.

Fancy sighed. "It's not just jealousy, Theresa. Now that Sheridan is free..." She stared at the tabletop. "I just don't think Luis is over her. He keeps choosing her over me, and how can I live like that? It's happened over and over. I'm started to understand how Gwen felt when she was married to Ethan. It really hurts."

Theresa scoffed. "OK, your relationship with Luis is NOTHING like Gwen and Ethan's marriage! I wouldn't lie to you about that. Luis is in love with you, and I know that in my heart. I've seen the way he looks at you. Maybe he's a little confused, and let's face it. Sheridan has been playing with his head for years, whether she realizes it or not. Now that she's free, she probably regrets ever letting him go. She's going to try to get him back, and if you don't speak up and let him know how you feel, that you still want to be with him, she'll probably get him."

"Oh, thanks!" Fancy sat back with a hurt expression. "I thought you just said he loves me, not her."

"He does, Fancy. But if he thinks you've given up, Sheridan could worm her way back into his heart. He's lonely and vulnerable right now. I want you to answer me honestly. Are you ready to lose Luis forever? Or are you going to fight?"

xXx

"I'm surprised to see you here, Ivy." Sam took a sip out of his coffee cup. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"Lost my appetite." Ivy snapped curtly.

"What's wrong?" Sam raised his eyebrows. "Have I done something to upset you?"

"Sam, how can you even ask? I walk in here to surprise you and have a nice breakfast together and what do I find? You and Pilar, practically glued together. She was nearly in your lap! And then I hear that not only were you with her today, but apparently you two make a regular date of this every morning. Is there something you want to tell me?" Ivy asked, her voice angry.

"Ivy, I don't have a clue what you're talking about." Sam's voice was angry now as well. "Pilar and I are friends, good friends, and yes, I do stop in here to have breakfast with her. Do you have a problem with that?"

Ivy opened her mouth to say yes but snapped it back shut at the look on Sam's face. He wasn't just annoyed-he looked furious with her. The feeling of doom she'd had earlier magnified. Why was he getting so upset over Pilar? She was playing this all wrong, backing him into a corner, making him defensive, when she should be showing him her good side and making him forget all about that nobody.

"Sam, I'm sorry." She allowed her voice to soften. "It's just...well, I know Pilar is lonely and you're a very attractive man. I wouldn't put it past her to make a move on you, and I'm a bit jealous, I suppose. Silly of me, I know. You would never be unfaithful to me. I promise not to lose my temper like that again."

To her surprise, Sam didn't tell her it was alright, or kiss her, or even let his face soften the way hers had. He leaned forward, his eyes shooting angry sparks. "Pilar isn't like that, Ivy, and I don't appreciate you insinuating that she is. You know, I'm starting to feel like there's a lot of things about me you're not happy with. First you try to get me to quit my job to become an executive at Crane, something you must know I'd never do, and now you want to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with. Loosen the leash, Ivy. You know who I am. You knew who I was when we got back together. I'm a blue collar guy, with a blue collar job, and regular, every day people as friends. Like Pilar. And if you can't deal with that, why the do you want to marry me? I suggest you think about that, because I'm not going to change." Standing up, he threw some money on the table.

"Sam, wait, please...you misunderstood!" Ivy stood up, her voice strained. This conversation had spiraled completely out of control. Never had she expected that Sam would get so upset with her. What was happening here?

"I didn't misunderstand, Ivy. I just-we'll talk about this later. I have to get to work." Without a backwards glance, Sam stormed out the door, leaving an open mouthed and very upset Ivy staring after him.

xXx

As Fox pushed open the front door of the Book Cafe, he nearly missed smacking it into a figure on the other side. "Oh no, I'm sorry-Mother! What are you doing here?"

Ivy looked at her youngest son with teary eyes. "Oh, Fox, it's you." She sniffed audibly.

"Mother, what's wrong?" Fox took her by the arm and pulled her back inside. "Come sit down with me and tell me about it."

"Fox..I...look, it's nothing. Nothing I want to talk about, anyway. Actually though, I do need to speak to you." Ivy straighted up and adopted her usual crisp tone.

"What about?" Fox looked confused.

"The dinner party in two days with the Montgomerys', remember? You've been trying to woo Chase Montgomery and Montgomery Industrial into a partnership with Crane for months! He and his wife are flying in from Houston and you asked me to make this special. I've put a lot of work into it. I just wanted to make sure that you remembered, first of all, and secondly, that you have a suitable date."

"A date?" Fox groaned. "Why do I need a date?"

"Fox, Chase is bringing his wife and the other Crane executives we've invited will have their spouses as well. You don't want to be the odd man out, plus this is the time to make an impression. I understand that Chase Montgomery is very casual and friendly. He won't want to feel like this is a business meeting." Ivy sighed. "That's alright, Fox, don't worry about it. I somewhat suspected that you would let that little detail slip, with all you've been through lately. Don't worry about it. I can get a very nice date for you, someone respectable. Perhaps even someone that you might consider for more than a date to a dinner party." Ivy's eyes brightened.

Fox rolled his eyes. "Respectable, Mother? I know what you mean by that. Someone rich, uptight, snobbish, and dead boring. One of those perfect society princesses you're always shoving at me. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll find my own date."

"Fox, you're impossible! Who do you think you're going to find at the last minute that will be suitable?" Ivy's voice rose impatiently.

At that moment, Rina walked out of the kitchen, bearing a tray. Not noticing Fox or Ivy, she walked over to a corner table with a smile, putting down the tray and chatting casually with the elderly couple she was serving.

Fox's eyes lit up as he watched her. "Oh, I have someone in mind, Mother. Someone perfect...just perfect."

TBC
Coming Soon

Whitney struggles with her feelings for Chad.
Gwen and Theresa plot separately-and together.
Jessica manipulates Rina for information.