Misunderstandings

Ryan got ready for his day at work thinking back to his conversation with Marissa. Why had she been so hesitant about coming to stay with him? He thought that after the weekend they'd shared that she would have liked the prospect just as much as he did. Was Seth right? Was he putting too much pressure on her? Maybe he should just give her a little space. He desperately wanted to see her but decided to go to work and get a few things done and then he would drop in to the studio and see if she might have lunch with him. He knew he couldn't wait til the evening to see her. He really needed to get a grip. What sort of power did this girl have on him? But he had to get to work. Sandy was coming to swap back cars this morning so he had to be there before Sandy turned up. Ryan picked up Sandy's keys and set off… all the time thinking of what he should do to set things right with Marissa.

Of course what he hadn't been thinking about was that there were paparazzi everywhere as he tried to leave the building. Luckily he still had Sandy's car because he managed to get through most of them before anyone actually realised it was him. But it didn't help when he got to the Atwood Industries building. Everyone was expecting him. Fortunately someone had obviously got in extra security because they were all being held at the main door and not allowed to get in. Ryan drove underneath the building and had to push past a couple of reporters with microphones just to get to the lifts where some of the office security were keeping guard.

"Morning Mr Atwood."

Ryan looked up and recognised Steve, one of the first security officers he had employed. "Hi Steve. Look thanks for doing this. I'm sorry. You seem to have your work cut out for you today."

"That's okay. It's what you pay us for."

"I guess so. But I'm sure you'd prefer a more peaceful life."

"I'm sure you would too. But we'll do our best to make sure that no one bothers you."

"Thanks. I appreciate it." Ryan said as the lift doors closed.

The other guard looked at Steve. "Do you think the papers are right and that he really is going out with that supermodel?" he asked.

"Who knows? But half his luck if he is. Did you see her? She's gorgeous. I wouldn't mind a chance with her."

"Yeah sure. As if she'd be interested in you. But then again, I mean, I'm a guy but even I have to admit he's got everything going for him. I feel kinda sorry for him that everything he does turns into a bit of a circus, thanks to the media."

"Yeah he deserves better. But I think he realises it goes with the territory."

"Yeah you're probably right. Still it could be an interesting day."

As Ryan got out of the lift on his floor he walked up to Annabel.

"Good morning, Ryan." She said not even raising her head. It was like she ignored him even though she was greeting him.

"Morning Annabel. I see we have a little extra attention this morning?" he commented waiting for her to look up.

"Yeah. Well that happens when you are front page news." She replied, again not making eye contact with him.

"That's not really my fault." He said wondering why she seemed to be so off with him. He felt like he was in trouble for something.

"Why? Was it someone else in that photo?" Annabel lifted her head and stared at Ryan, waiting to see his reaction.

"No. I mean it's not as if I asked to have my photo taken. We were actually trying to avoid it. Why do you think we were running away?" he started to feel defensive. Why was he actually defending himself to his secretary? This was ridiculous.

"I have no idea. But then I obviously have no idea of what you do in your personal life at all." She looked at him and glared.

Ryan couldn't believe he was having this conversation. Where was his normally pleasant and efficient secretary? He decided to try to change the subject. "Did you organise the extra security?"

"Yes. There were people everywhere when I arrived at work. I figured our security staff could not handle it. So I got in some contract staff otherwise I doubt you would have even made it into the building." She glared at him again as if daring him to make some complaint.

"Well, I just wanted to thank you. I appreciate you thinking ahead like that." He didn't quite know what to say so he started to make his way to his office.

Just as he reached the door, Annabel added "Of course, if you really are going out with her then we may have to put on extra security permanently."

Ryan turned to look at his normally docile employee and thought back to the issues he still had to sort out with Marissa. "I think it's a bit early for that." He replied and walked into his office and closed the door.

Annabel's face broke into a big smile. At least she knew that it was still early days. Obviously there was nothing serious going on yet. And if she had her way there never would be. Just that thought gave her renewed hope. When she had seen the paper that morning she had thought the worst. She figured that Marissa was the reason he had cancelled the meeting on Friday. But obviously from his comments there was really nothing going on. Maybe he had been out with her, but he probably didn't like her and was going to drop her. He usually didn't go out with anyone for more than a couple of dates. So why should this model be any different. She started to smile, happy in the knowledge that she still had a chance.

Just then the lift doors opened and Sandy walked out.

"Good morning Annabel. What's got you in such a good mood this morning?" Sandy asked noticing the big smile on her face when she was usually little Miss Efficient, pleasant, but that's all.

"I just had some good news" she explained "Were you wanting to see Ryan?"

"Yes if he's in?"

"Certainly. I'll just check if he's available."

She picked up her phone and called Ryan. "Mr Cohen is here to see you."

"Just send him through please, Annabel." Ryan replied still trying to figure out the reason for her behaviour.

She hung up and smiled at Sandy "You can go on through. He's expecting you."

"Thanks." Sandy said and made his way into Ryan's office.

"Hey Sandy."

"Hey Son, what's with Annabel today?"

"Yeah, beats me. Did she give you a hard time too?"

"What? No? She's smiling like a Cheshire Cat. I've never seen her like that."

"She's what?" Ryan shook his head. "I swear to God I don't understand women. She just gave me a bad time about having to put on extra security. You'd think I'd invited all the paparazzi to lunch or something."

"Well. You must have expected something like this to happen, once they found out."

"Yeah. I guess. I was just hoping it would take a bit longer."

"Why does it matter?" Sandy said and shrugged his shoulders.

"Because we haven't really had a chance to talk yet. I mean I don't know how Marissa really feels. I don't want to be answering questions about something that I don't really know the answers to myself."

"You spent all weekend together. What were you doing if you weren't talking?"

Ryan could feel himself starting to blush.

"Aw….. Okay….. I don't really need to know. Please don't answer that." Sandy added realising the answer to his question without being told. "But if that's the case then surely there is only one person you should be talking to and it isn't me. You two should have learnt by now that you need to talk to one another and be honest about your feelings."

"But…" Ryan stammered.

"Look I know she hurt you when she took off before but….I mean… I don't know what exactly happened then, hell…I'm not even sure if you do since you wouldn't talk about it…but…. I'm guessing that you at least….see some future in this relationship?"

Ryan looked at Sandy. He knew he could confide in him. "You know I've never felt about anyone, the way I feel about her."

"Well if that's the case then surely it's worth finding out just exactly how she feels. I'm not suggesting you ask her for a lifetime commitment. But from what I saw on Sunday, you are both still crazy about one another. I think that you're both just scared to admit it in case the other doesn't feel the same. But if one of you isn't prepared to go out on that limb and admit the depth of your feelings, then your relationship will never progress beyond where it is now….. Which I gather is between the sheets" Sandy added trying to lighten the mood.

Ryan blushed again. He let Sandy's words sink in and looked up. "Do you really think we might still have a chance?"

"Honestly?"

"Of course. That's all I ever expect from you." Ryan smiled knowing this man, who was closer to him than his own father, would never lie to him.

"Yes….. In fact, I'm surprised you ever broke up. I always thought you'd be together forever."

"Yeah so did I. But don't you see, that's just it. We weren't. She took off and moved on without me. How do I know that won't happen again?"

"Well, I think you are asking the wrong person. They're the questions you should be asking Marissa."

"Okay, I know you're right….. I guess I'm just scared I mightn't like her answers."

"Well, I think you're better off knowing one way or the other. You two have always seemed to be very good at imagining the worst. Have some faith in your relationship for a change. I have. Actually, so does Kirsten."

"You talked about it with her?" Ryan asked. He valued Kirsten's opinion almost as much as Sandy's. Maybe even more, when it came to Marissa.

"I don't think we've talked about much else for the last 24 hours." Sandy smiled.

"And what does she think?" Ryan couldn't wait to hear.

"Well we both agree that you should be together. I guess Kirsten's just a bit more protective of you. You know that mothering side of her. You can tell Marissa, if she does take off and leave you again then I think Kirsten will hunt her down." He laughed. "It wouldn't be a pleasant sight once she found her."

Ryan smiled. How did he get so lucky? To be taken in by this amazing couple.

"So have you heard about what happened with Jake?"

"Yeah. Seth called. I told him that I'm sure, on the basis of what happened, that we've got enough for Marissa to get a restraining order against Jake. Seth was going to talk to her about it."

"I'm not sure she'll go for it. She still seems to want to finish the film. And that would be a bit difficult if she had a restraining order in place. But I intend going over there soon to talk to her. I'd prefer it if she just quit, contract or no contract."

"Do you want me to take a look at it for you?"

"It's probably a bit early for that. I have to try to get her to at least consider quitting first. I thought maybe if I talk to her face to face I might be able to change her mind."

"Use those Atwood charms, hey?" Sandy teased.

"Yeah, when you put it like that, she'll probably bite my head off."

"Well just make sure when you get there, that you don't go anywhere near Jake."

"Why? You know I'd like to..."

"That's exactly why." Sandy interrupted him. "You're not 17 anymore. Use your brain not your fists. You have more to lose than he does at this point."

"I guess you're right." Ryan looked at Sandy. "I was thinking of having a talk with J.B. about Marissa's contract but maybe I've just had a better idea." He smiled.

"Do you want to share it?"

"Um ….Not just yet. Let me think it through. I may need to call in a few favours but if I can pull it off then hopefully everyone will be happy." He smiled thinking to himself.

"Okay. You know I trust you. At least as long as you have thought it through then I do."

"What are you saying?" Ryan asked.

"Well…let's just say that if it had been you that walked in to that hotel room this morning instead of Summer….well I'm not sure you would have used your brains? When it comes to Marissa Cooper, you have been known to react without thinking."

Ryan smiled and hung his head. "Unfortunately, you're probably right."

"Hm… So just remember what I said. If you're going to the set just keep away from Jake."

"Okay. Point taken. But I really think if he knows what's good for him, he should be keeping away from me, not the other way around."