Thanks everyone for the reviews. They have been helpful. I hope you enjoy this installment. I don't own these characters, but I love them dearly.
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"Hardwood floors, granite counter tops and walk-in closets." CJ looked around the room leveling her gaze on the house. It was beautiful. Everything on her list. She looked over as Abby peppered the realtor with questions.
"She doesn't like it." Brooke said. Both the agent and Abby looked at CJ.
"You don't like it." The agent's tone was dejected. She had been helping CJ search for a house for over 3 months and so far she found something wrong with everything. She pulled herself together. She had dealt with tough clients before. "What don't you like about it?"
"It's a lovely house." Abby shook her head at CJs statement.
"Be specific Claudia. She can't help you unless you come up with something specific."
"It's not me."
"Claudia. Specific. I know you and I'm not even sure what that means."
"It's beautiful, but its not special. Sara, I get your frustration. I thought this is what I wanted as well, but its not. I want something raw and gritty. Something new, but not in the building. Just authentic I guess."
"Ok." The Agent nodded. "Ok." She said again. "I think I have something."
"I doubt anyone has built anything that matches her HIGH expectations." Brooke said in a sarcastic tone.
"Forget you, Brooke." The sisters had always been close, but over the last six months they had grown closer than ever before.
CJ had to face some hard realities recently. She wanted children, at first she wasn't sure she would have any - at least as long as she was with Abby. However, they had begun to talk about it. Either way it came out, CJ felt she needed something of her own.
Part of her frustration was with herself. Her relationship with Abby was very typical of what she had done in the past. Work and every thing about the other person. Now, the only difference was Abby was her work. Every day she thought about what Abby wanted. She finally thought that maybe, she needed something of her own.
So, three months ago she called a realtor and began looking for a home. Now she couldn't make up her mind. Nothing seemed right. Sara, the realtor, gave them an address and they got in the car to head to it.
CJ watched as they passed office buildings, even passing the Barrington building. They went further and came to a group of condos. CJ really hoped this is not what Sara had to show her. When they finally stopped it was in front of an old warehouse overlooking the water. CJ gave a small smile.
"It was built in 1896, surprisingly by the Barrington Company. It was sold to the Whitfield's for their clothing Mill. And then was used as a storage facility. Recently, it was condemned. Though let me assure you it's structurally sound." Sara raised the large garage door leading to the entrance of the warehouse. It was a large open area. In the back left corner there were some stairs.
"This is definitely different." CJ looked around, her face unreadable. She climbed the back stairs to see a few rooms that she assumed were used as offices.
Brooke leaned over to Abby. "She can't honestly be considering this." Abby shrugged. She saw the potential, but it was going to be a lot of work. Sara stood by nervously.
"It's special." CJ said as she came downstairs. "Very special. Sara you haven't told me the price yet."
"Well, that's the catch. Its about $150,000 over your budget."
"That's a catch. It's the whole fucking sea." Brooke said.
"Thanks Brooke. Always, helpful." She turned to Sara, "That's a bit high. How long has it been on the market?"
"2 years." CJ looked at her agent.
"Do you have the comps?"
"I put them together this morning actually. A colleague is the listing agent. There is no specific value the next closest property sold for about $475,000 about 10 years ago. With the added construction in the area I think it's worth at least $700,000. The sellers want 750,000"
"Write up an offer Sara, but for $115,000 less than asking. I trust you. You have all my financial statements. Tell the owner, I'm looking for a quick close and want my costs paid." She looked at Abby and Brooke. "I'm going back to the office."
Back in the office, CJ began to work when Abby and Brooke came in with lunch. Abby handed CJ a sandwich and sat in front of her desk.
"CJ are you fucking out of your mind. That warehouse is going to cost you about $685,000. That's not including the fact that you are going to have to pour another $200,000 into it."
"Probably $250, 000," Abby said.
"I know, Brooke. But it's going to look amazing when its done. Its not that far from Hayden's school, the office and the culinary institute its perfect for us all. I'll get an architect."
"Claudia do you have that much money?" Abby asked.
"I do. I've saved quite a bit since I've been working here. And even with a 20% down payment I'll still have about $150,000 left. I'm gonna try to pay for everything in cash."
"You've saved that much money," Brooke was shocked, Abby was impressed.
"I've worked here for 4 years. I make a lot. And I have virtually no expenses. Aside from what I send Mom and Dad every month. I don't spend a lot of money. So, I take a risk. I think it will be worth it. You don't?" She asked Brooke.
"I'm just trying to wrap my head around the fact that my sister is a wealthy woman." CJ chuckled.
"Brooke, tell me you don't like it. Tell me it wouldn't be fun to live in a warehouse." CJ was so excited. Like a little kid at Christmas. Brooke eyebrows were knit together. Then a slow smile crept across her face.
"It would be kinda cool. Oh My God. You're really going to do this."
"We're doing this. I know what I want, but you'll have to help me put it together."
Abby looked back and forth between the two of them. It was amazing that Brooke looked nothing like CJ, but their expressions were exactly the same. 'We're doing this.' They were together and Abby was out. She got up. "I have a meeting." She started to leave the office.
"Abby wait. Brooke can you give us a minute." CJ noticed the change in Abby's posture. The fear in her eyes. CJ got up and walked around her desk.
"Come here. What's wrong? You think me buying this is a bad idea."
"No, I'm happy for you. Really I am."
"But you're not happy?"
"I. I'm. I am happy, I swear."
"Abby?," CJ teased.
"Its silly."
"Maybe, but tell me anyway."
"When you're done with this house, are you moving out?"
"I don't know." Abby wasn't expecting her to say that. She came out of CJs embrace and headed towards the door. "We aren't going to talk about it. You don't get the answer you want so you leave. Is that what our relationship is going to turn into?"
"You're leaving me Claudia. What am I supposed to say?"
"I'm not leaving you. I'm buying property. The barn is too small for Brooke, Hayden and me. I want something bigger. Some place that I can raise a family. It doesn't mean I'm leaving you. I could never do that. You are so much a part of me, but I have to look towards the future for myself and my family."
Abby wiped the tears that were running down her face away. "Ok. Its just a lot. You have to look towards the future."
"But it doesn't mean I am going to leave you."
"ok," She said in a quiet voice.
"Say it, Abby."
"You're not leaving."
"I'm not. You're stuck with me. With us."
"I love you Claudia." Abby kissed her. "Ok. Go to work." She left CJ in her office. The ground had shifted.
XXXX
Elizabeth Whitfield Barrington stood in the window of her house. Over the last few months her son had been spending a lot of time with Millicent Griffiths. He had recently confided in her that he was ready to propose. And despite herself, Elizabeth found that she genuinely liked Millicent.
Elizabeth had prepared herself not to, but after a few, meetings following the ball, Millicent had cleared any doubt that Elizabeth had. She was funny and smart. More importantly she didn't hold her tongue. Millicent flat out asked whether Elizabeth liked her. Her first reaction was to say 'no', but instead she gave a truthful answer. The only people she was ever truthful with were Jamie and her sister Buggy (Barbara). However, this was the first time she ever given into that urge with someone else.
However, she still needed to protect her son. She had gleaned from some of the conversations that she had had with Jamie that Millicent's ex-husband was causing trouble. She looked at her the private investigator in front of her.
"He's middle management at the Whitfeild bank on the Northside of town. He's on his second marriage and has two boys with her. Three children from a first marriage. Two twin boys and a girl. Supposedly, he questioned the paternity of his daughter at his divorce hearing claiming she was not hers. Completely disproving."
"Is that all the information you could come up with Mr. Granger?"
"I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for."
"I am looking for any information that is relevant or irrelevant. Do your job Mr. Granger, that's what I am looking for." She turned back to the window and Jack Granger turned around leaving. Almost immediately a maid came in.
"Mrs. Barrington, Miss Whitfield is here to see you."
"Thank you, Annelle. Have her come in."
"Lizzy, come shopping with me. Laura is putting together the theatre fundraiser and it works better when I stay out of her way."
"She runs your life."
"She's better at it than I am. Why was Jack Granger here?"
"I'm having him look into to something for me. Who's the manager at the Northside bank?"
"Jeff Michaelson. Good guy. Worked his way up from a teller. Has the bank turning a profit 13 quarters in a row."
"I need him to fire someone."
"Lizzy. You know I don't get involved in personnel issues. Why are you?"
"I'm a Whitfield, I need this done."
"That may work on other people, but I'm not other people. So, I'm going to need an explanation."
"Buggy just do as I ask."
"No. Tell me who you want fired."
"David Griffiths."
"Do I know him? Start from the beginning."
"Jamie is thinking of getting married again. To a woman named Millicent Griffiths."
"And…"
"I want him out of the way."
Buggy laughed out loud. "Lizzy you really need to stop watching mobster movies. I take it the person you want fired works for the bank. Is he Millicent Griffiths husband?"
"No, divorced for more than five years. According to Jamie he is causing problems. Not taking the kids in accordance with their agreement. Making Millicent's life difficult."
"And you think firing him is going to make it better. Wait Millicent? The woman he brought to the Barrington Foundation ball?" Elizabeth nodded. "She's on Abby's board. You like her! Actually like her?"
"In spite of myself. She makes him happy. Seemingly has no interest in his money. His lifestyle hasn't changed. Its actually gotten quieter. No expensive cars, no crazy trips, nothing like when he was with Monica. The last time he traveled for pleasure he took her boys fishing at his father's hunting lodge."
"Sounds like he's in love. And maybe she loves him back. If so Lizzy, then stay out of it."
"He's my son, Buggy. I can't do that."
Buggy looked at her sister. Elizabeth often came off cold, mainly because most of the time she was cold, but Buggy remembered the little quiet girl she grew up with. As an adult her reserve came out as ice. Anyone that she let below the surface knew that Elizabeth loved her children, she didn't always show it in the right ways, but she would do anything to protect them. She had made a misstep with CJ.
Buggy knew that Elizabeth saw CJ Cregg as a threat to Abby and the image she'd built. Unfortunately, her tactic for eliminating the threat had only further alienated mother and daughter. Buggy would do whatever it took to keep Elizabeth from making the same mistake with Jamie. Especially Jamie. Her son was her life, her best friend. So, if she viewed David Griffiths as a threat then that's how he would be treated.
"Firing him is small and beneath you."
"Firing him is small?"
"Yes. It's something mother would have done. And if Jamie finds out he'll be devastated. WE have to do something that will get the message across that Millicent will be one of us. David Griffiths will be neutralized effectively. We're Whitfields, no one crosses us." Buggy smiled at her sister.
"Never have there been more devoted sisters." They shared the private joke.
"Ok. Now shopping, then lunch. I can't plot someone's destruction on an empty stomach."
XXXX
CJ stood in the middle of her new acquisition holding blue prints in her hand.
"Virginia which way do these go." CJ had finally hired an architect, Virginia Tulmal. The architect was shorter than CJ, only by a few inches though, with long dirty blonde hair that she kept pulled back in a pony tail. She came to stand next to CJ and readjust the papers.
"This way. See the doors are right there."
"I'm thinking we can raise the roof and build out the second floor."
"An actual second floor? You don't think it would be better to just create separate spaces within the space."
"I want privacy in this space. The problem with the barn is it wasn't built for more than one person to live in, so you get entirely to close for comfort. Can you do that with this?"
"Sure. We can make it one big open space with partial walls and big sliding doors. So, when they are pulled closed you can't hear anything." The doors opened to Virginia and CJ standing together lost in conversation, their bodies leaning into each other intimately.
CJ turned around to see Abby standing there with three other women. "Abigail!" CJ was more than happy to see the head of the Barrington family.
"Claudia Jean!" She opened her arms as CJ leaned over to give Abigail a huge hug. Abby stood by catching the attraction in Virginia's eyes as she looked at CJ. "I can't believe you bought this place."
"Its gonna be great. We are just going over what I would like."
"Before you two get caught up in the possibilities let me introduce you to my Aunt Buggy." Abby took CJ's arm and brought her a little closer to her and further away from Virginia. "Aunt Buggy this is the Barrington Foundation's manager CJ Cregg. Claudia this is my maternal Aunt, Barbara Whitfieild."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Whitfeild." Barbara "Buggy" Whitfield was notoriously unmarried. Over the years she had been placed with many eligible bachelors, but she remained unmarried. She was the younger sister of Elizabeth Barrington and considered the jewel in the Whitfield crown.
"My, aren't you tall." CJ felt the look of appraisal and the small of smile of approval – it made her feel a little naked. "So, you bought the old Whitfield Mill. And is my niece right you're going to turn it into a house?" CJ nodded. "How positively scandalous. Mother would have thought that was the worse idea in the world."
CJ noticed the African-American woman with her head firmly in her blackberry. Never speaking or even trying to pretend that she cared what was going on. She couldn't be that much younger than Abby and was very striking in her height and beauty. Buggy followed CJs gaze and a knowing smile crept to her eyes. "Laura come meet CJ." The beautiful woman slipped the device in the bag on her arm. Coming forward with her hand out stretched.
"CJ this is my girl Friday."
"Laura." She gave a small smile and laughed at Buggy, coming eye to eye with CJ. "She likes to give people nicknames. I think a warehouse as a home is modern and chic. And Virginia is the best architect ever." She smiled at CJs architect who returned it.
"You two know each other," Abby said.
"We have friends in common."
"Show me what you're thinking Claudia Jean." Abigail led CJ away from the crowd and Virginia followed. Laura pulled out her blackberry and continued whatever she was doing.
"She's interested in your CJ." Buggy said to Abby.
"Claudia and I are co-workers and friends." Buggy laughed out loud.
"Yeah the way Laura and I are. What you are doing Abby is a long family tradition."
"Tradition, huh?"
"Yes, tradition. I told Elizabeth she shouldn't be surprised that you fell for the amazon. You come by it honestly."
"Buggy you're insane."
"Maybe. But that girl wouldn't get kicked out of anyone's bed. If you don't want her send her over this way."
"You have your hands full already Buggy." Laura said never raising her head from her blackberry.
"Hmmm. True." They watched as Abigail, CJ and Virginia discussed plans, then Abby asked a question.
"Have you spoken to mother?"
"Yes. She's not very happy about the Millicent and Jamie situation."
"Jamie is old enough to choose who he wants to be with. Why can't she stay out of things?"
"Because that's what Elizabeth does best." She waited a beat. "And its her job."
"To ruin her children's lives."
"That explains that. What portion of your life did she ruin Abby?"
"It doesn't matter."
"I think you are operating under some misconceptions about Lizzy."
"I have no delusions where she is concerned."
"Of course you do Abby. She's your mother. All girls have delusions where their mother's are concerned. She outed you Abby, its time to get over it."
"She tried to destroy my life, my husband's career, Claudia's reputation and my children's sense of security. I will never forgive her for that."
"You and Elizabeth are so much alike. Unnecessarily dramatic. Your mother has lived the life she was raised to live. Regardless of what she did you need to understand that she has and always will do what it takes to protect you."
"Protect me. Come on. Protecting me is not something Elizabeth Whitfield Barrington has ever been interested in."
"You don't know a lot Abby. Let's just leave it for now." They stood there staring at the three women across the room for a few minutes. Virginia has designs on your manager. I would be careful."
"I will be."
Abigail approached the group. "This is going to be a great house. The ideas Claudia Jean and Virginia are coming up with are amazing, I can't wait to see the finished product." She looked between Abby and Buggy. Buggy looked as always perfectly relaxed. Abby had her arms folded in a defensive manner. "Buggy you promised me lunch."
"Then lunch we will have. Is CJ and the architect joining us?"
"I don't think so," Abigail said.
XXXX
Abby wanted to tell Jed everything was going to be ok. She wanted to tell herself it was going to be ok. She wanted to tell herself it was going to be ok, but she wasn't able to.
They had been having the same fight for weeks. What would Abby do when CJ moved. Tonight, it was about the press. Of, course they would notice Abby leaving the warehouse at 3am.
"Jed, I'm always careful. You know that!"
"Abby you need to make a decision about what you are going to do."
"I promised you that I would see your career through to the end."
"What does that mean these days Abby? Another runa t the governor's seat; the senate. President! Because that could be 10-15 years. Are you willing to wait that long?"
"I don't know Jed, I didn't put an expiration date on it. Maybe."
"Maybe! My entire life is maybe Abby. Maybe I will run for re-election. Maybe my wife won't leave me. Maybe she'll have children with someone else. Maybe Maybe Maybe."
"Jed you're being unreasonable."
"Of course I am Abby. Because my being concerned about my entire life being turned on its head is completely unreasonable." He ripped his tie from his neck. "I can't talk about this now Abby I have other things to think about."
"You can't talk to me. ME! We talk about everything Jed. Now, you're not even willing to discuss anything. Your life isn't the only one falling apart. You aren't the only one whose life is changing."
"That may be true but you're the one with all the power." He waited a beat. "Abby, I knew from the moment you fell in love with CJ that I might lose you. And as much as I would like to pretend that nothing has changed, I can't. She wants a life with you. A family. And I'm not sure she doesn't deserve it."
"I'm sorry, Jed."
"So, am I." He laid down on the bed, pulling her to his chest. "We can figure out how to make it work.
XXXX
Brynn came downstairs with her shoulders hunched her face on the verge of tears. She walked up to Jamie, who was sitting in a chair reading a book, and climbed in his lap. Jamie had become a fixture at Millicent's house. He came over most evenings. He had acquired a small condo after his divorce, and so far had not even unpacked. He felt at home here.
The children had adapted well to his presence. They sat a place for him at dinner every night and even asked him to check their homework when it was done. Brynn liked to sit in his lap and watch TV or pretend to read whatever he was reading. Sometimes, she just fell asleep there.
He wouldn't have noticed she was crying if he hadn't felt her shoulders begin to shake and her tears had not begun to soak into his shirt. He looked down.
"Brynn sweetheart. What's wrong? Did something happen at school?" Brynn was more introverted than either of the boys. She reminded Jamie a lot of himself at her age.
"No," She said in a quiet voice.
"Then why are you crying?" She shook her head no, but kept it buried in his chest. She had been home for a few hours, so he was sure nothing had happened, but he learned from Millicent that when the children weren't forth coming you had to ask questions. "Did Luke or Dillon make you cry?" She shook her again. He knew that was unlikely, because the boys were more protective of Brynn than anyone else. "You have to tell me what's wrong so that I can help." He took his fingers and lifted her chin. She yanked her face out of his hand. He got up out of seat holding her in his arms and walked into the kitchen.
The boys were sitting in the kitchen doing their homework. "Luke, what's wrong with Brynn?" Luke was the keeper of the information. Millicent looked up from the stove to see Brynn crying. She put down her spoon and went over to brush the hair out of her face.
"Dad said no about the father daughter pageant dance thing." Every year at Brynn' school, there was a talent show and dance for the father's and daughters. She had been talking about it since the beginning of school. Today, she had received the sign-up and Millicent told her to call her father and give him the information. It never occurred to the doctor that her ex-husband would actually say no to his child.
"He said no?" Millicent asked Brynn. Millicent bit the inside of her mouth when Brynn said yes. She would kill him. "I'm sorry sugar." She exchanged a look with Jamie.
"Does it have to be a father?" Jamie asked timidly. He had been very wary about asserting himself into the children's lives without being asked.
"I don't know."
Brynn had stopped crying and lifted her head to look at her mother. "Mommy, can Jamie do it?" Millicent smiled.
"I'll call the headmistress." That brought a smile to the little girl's face.
"You won't have to work?" Brynn asked earnestly.
"I'll move my schedule around." She wrapped her arms around his neck. Millicent kissed her forehead and his cheek.
"Ok, Dinner's almost ready. Boys clean off the table. And help your sister set it." Brynn jumped out of Jamie's arms. Millicent kissed him full on the lips.
"What was that for?" He asked.
"Being a really good man." They ate dinner together as a family.
XXXXX
Abby sat at her vanity. She unclipped her hair and watched it fall to her shoulders. She had been traveling for the last six weeks. Two weeks in the capital with Jed, 3 weeks overseas for the foundation and 1 extra week for the company. She was tired. More than anything she wanted to see CJ. She had called her at the barn and no one answered. So, she tried the office and Carol said that CJ had left to meet Virginia at 1pm and yet to return. That was 5 hours ago. Another call to the barn made it five hours CJ had been away.
She picked up the phone and called Jed.
"Governor's office."
"Hi Nancy. Is the governor in?"
"Yes, Mrs. Bartlett hold on, I'll see if he's available." Abby waited a moment.
"Hey hun," Jed came on the line.
"Hey. So, I'm home for the next few days. I wanted to go over my schedule with you."
"Hold on." She heard him ask the people in his office to leave.
"You sound tired."
"I am."
"Look, don't worry about me. Leo has everything under control."
"Ok. I'll see you when you come home." Her voice sounded dejected.
"Tell me what's wrong Abby."
"I called Claudia she's not home."
"Maybe she didn't get the message."
"I sent her a text. I called her cell, the office, and the barn. She's not answering. It's been five hours."
"Maybe she got caught up. I'm sure she'll call when she's free."
"'When she's free.'" She chuckled sadly.
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I know. She is just with Virginia. And…"
"She loves you Abby. She wouldn't do that to you."
XXXX
CJ stood behind Virginia going over the final plans for the warehouse. They begun construction a month ago, and CJ really enjoyed putting together her new home. Every time she moved a wall or talked about the number of bedrooms, she imagined her and Abby there. It would be there place. At least one day it would be. For now, it would be Brooke's and Hayden's. She was excited about the possibilities.
"Bathtub in the master, if you can find one that can fit my legs and at least two people and a really large shower."
"Sounds like you plan on having company while you bathe."
"I always try to plan ahead." CJ enjoyed the teasing between them. However, she saw it all in good fun. Unfortunately, Virginia did not. "Hey, you want some dinner. Carol's gone home but I can order us something." They had made it back to the office about an hour before.
"Sure dinner sounds good." CJ grabbed the phone and noticed the messages sitting beside it. She flipped through them noticing the two from Abby. They were 2 of the six she had received from the brunette today.
"Sushi ok." Virginia nodded yes. CJ ordered from her favorite place. Then picked up the phone to call Abby. She got the machine. So, she left a message. "Hey, it's me. Sorry I keep missing your calls. I'll call you when I am heading home – if it's not too late. Otherwise how about breakfast in the morning? K. Byebye." CJ wanted to tell her she loved her and missed her, but she had learned not to trust anyone when it came to Abby.
"Fund managers work 24/7 huh."
"I do. We have a couple projects going at one time and I have to catch Abby when she's not traveling. It's my job to make sure she's happy with the direction of the project."
"How do you have a social life?"
"It works out. It's not terribly active, but I love my job." That's right CJ keep it vague, it's safer that way. They chatted a bit more and the security guard buzzed up from downstairs. CJ told him to send up the delivery person and then ordered a bottle of wine from the liquor store in the building. Barrington building was definitely full service. She paid for both deliveries and grabbed some glasses. They sat next to each other on the couch.
"I can't believe you eat deep fried sushi. It's not even real."
"It's good. And I am sucker for anything deep fried. You and Abby are just snobs."
Virginia leaned over and pressed her lips to CJs. At first, CJ was shocked. Her moment of hesitation made Virginia think the kiss was wanted; so, she increased the pressure running her hands up CJs neck. CJ worked out of her daze, pushing Virginia back.
"Stop. I have a girlfriend."
"You what?" Virginia was confused.
"I'm in a committed relationship. I can't do this."
"I've never heard you mention a girlfriend before. Come on CJ if you're not attracted to me say it. But don't pull the letting her down easy by saying you have a girlfriend, I'm not naïve."
"Whether you believe it or not I have a girlfriend. And this is inappropriate."
"Then why isn't she helping you with this project. Where is she? Come one CJ. You've been giving off interested signals almost since the first time we met." Virginia smiled placing her hand on CJs shoulder. "Let's assume that you have a girlfriend. It really doesn't matter to me. She's obviously not around a lot. We could have a good time when she's unavailable."
"You need to leave." CJ stood up and opened the door.
"Ok CJ, I'm not that hard up. I'll send you the final changes." Virginia grabbed her laptop and left the room.
CJ grabbed the phone and called for a car. When she made it home, she stopped at the main house looking for Abby. She stopped Margaret.
"Where's Mrs. Bartlett?"
"In her bedroom. She's asked not to be disturbed."
"That's fine Margaret. I'll make sure she knows you told me that." Abby made her way to Abby and Jed's bedroom. She knocked lightly before she let herself in. "Abby." She called into the dark room. There was a single glow coming from the small sitting room. CJ assumed it was the TV. She made her way over that way. "Abby." Abby was sitting in the chair her feet curled up under her. CJ glanced at the TV, she was watching some old movie.
"I told Margaret I didn't want to be disturbed."
"Yes, she told me. I got your messages."
"Yes and I received yours."
"I didn't mean to ignore you. I just got caught up…"
"With Virginia." It sounded like an accusation. And CJ felt ashamed.
"Yes." CJ stared at Abby in the darkness. "She made a kissed me tonight."
"Did you rebuff her advances?"
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know CJ, I called you six times today and you didn't return one call." Abby hadn't called her CJ in years. It hurt. "That's not including all the times I've called you in the last six weeks and you have not been able to talk. Or return a phone call. I'm surprised you could return one tonight. And when I do get you on the phone all you talk about is her. So, I just wonder if tonight is the first time she made an advance and was it did you unwelcomed."
"Abby I'm so sorry. I just got caught up in building out the warehouse. I'm not interested in Virginia. I love you."
"Ok. CJ, but I need to get back to my movie."
"Abby talk to me."
"Not now. I just want to watch this."
"Ok, Call me. Whenever." CJ turned around and left. She didn't see the silent tears on Abby's cheeks. Abby had been crying since she spoke to Jed earlier. She had gotten CJs message earlier and heard the joy in her voice. It broke her heart.
XXXXX
CJ walked into the barn, seeing Brooke in the kitchen cooking and Hayden sitting at the counter doing some work.
"Hey, CJ. We're having salmon, now that I can fillet one," Brooke said.
"I'm not hungry, I'm going to bed." Hayden only had to take one look at her aunt to know she needed to leave.
"I'm going to see if Zoey can explain anatomy to me. I swear it's not even useful." Hayden left leaving CJ and Brooke alone.
"You wanna tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Ok, so you wanna go the hard way. I'll call mom." Brooke picked up the phone on the counter.
"Brooke, I just want to be left alone."
"I'm sure that's exactly what Mom will do when I tell her you've been walking around here moping."
"Fine I tell you and then you leave me alone." Brooke nodded. "Virginia kissed me tonight. I told Abby and she asked if it was the first time. She wouldn't even look at me. She didn't show any emotion."
"Did you kiss her back?"
"Of course I didn't! How could you ask something like that?"
"I was just curious. So, Abby's upset."
"Yeah."
"Mmmm."
"What does that mean?
"It means I can see why she's upset."
"I didn't do anything wrong."
"Maybe not tonight, but you've been distributing a lot of cheating like behavior."
"I have not."
"You have CJ. You don't return her phone calls. And I know that because I'm the one that takes the messages. You spend all of your available time with Virginia."
"I've been working on the warehouse."
"I know that, but look at it from the outside. You spend all of your time with someone. All you talk about is her, in relation to the warehouse, but her just the same. When Abby's been home, you don't have any of your 'working dinners'. I'm not saying you did it on purpose, but from the outside it does look like cheating." CJ sat down hard on the stool Hayden had just vacated.
"I didn't realize."
"I figured." CJ got up and headed towards the door.
"I have to go to talk to her."
"I'd leave it alone for now CJ. Give her some time. Make yourself available, but let her come to you."
"Ok." CJ took a deep breath. She would leave Abby a message and apologize. "So, you're making salmon."
"Yes with a mustard glaze, fennel salad and macaroni and cheese."
"Macaroni and cheese isn't very refined." CJ put her finger in the glaze as Brooke swatted her hand away.
"I made a deal with Hayden. She would try all the new stuff I'm learning to make if I infuse some of her favorites in every meal. I think she's really going to enjoy the baking classes."
"My waist line's not."
XXXXX
Message 1
Hey, Its me. I hope you're ok. We haven't spoken in a while; so, I just wanted to say hi. I miss you. *Beep* A while, Abby chuckled bitterly. It had been over two weeks, since they hadn't spoke about anything work or personal in over two weeks.
Message 2
So, I decided that you can't not talk to me. I need you to call me back.
*Beep* There was the slightest hint of desperation in her voice, but more defiance.
Message 3
Hey Abs. Its Jed. Call Charlie, he needs to talk to you about the Governor's ball. Or should he call CJ. Are you talking to her?
*Beep*
Message 4
Abby please. Don't shut me out.
*Beep*
Abby pulled up the contacts in her phone and scrolled down to Jed's office number.
"Hi Mrs. Landingham, is the Governor available?"
"He will be in a moment if you want to hold on. Are you feeling better?"
"I'm sorry?"
"The Governor said you weren't feeling well."
"Oh. I'm getting better."
"Hold on Mrs. Bartlett, I'll put you threw." There was a brief pause followed by.
"Sweet knees, I only have a second. You got my message?"
"Yeah. What about the ball?"
"Charlie is the point for my office, but he said your staff has not begun work."
"Oh. I haven't assigned anyone yet."
"Abby?" He sighed. She had not been herself lately. He took a deep breath. "It's six months away. Do you want me to have Charlie get the balling rolling."
"I'll assign someone."
"Why don't you ask CJ?"
"Jed," she said warningly. She heard the door close on the other end of the telephone.
"It's time to let her off the hook. She screwed up. Let it go"
"She kissed her!"
"Yeah." What else was he going to say? It broke his heart that CJ kissing someone else hurt her more than the plethora of women he had sex with over the years. "I have to go. Leo needs me. Let Charlie know when you're ready." He hung up.
Abby left her rooms and headed out to the sun porch. She looked out over what she had built and wondered why it felt so empty.
"Mrs. Bartlett. Miss Whitfield is here to see you."
"Tell her I'm out here."
Abby stood brushing the imaginary dust off her clothes. She squared her shoulders, pushing her feelings down and put a smile on her face.
"Aunt Buggy." She gave her aunt a hug. "Hey Laura. How are you?" She and Laura embraced. They were the same age, but lived completely separate lives. Laura had more in common with CJ than she did with Abby. Extremely organized and purely adept at keeping all the balls in the air.
"I came because your mother needs your help with the Jamie/Millicent situation."
"I will not help her break them up. He's happy. Why can't she leave him alone?"
"Why do you always think the worst of her?"
"Because it's usually true."
"Watch it. That's my sister you're talking about. You think you were unloved and tortured. You have nothing on Elizabeth."
"Ok, Aunt Buggy. Elizabeth Whitfield Barrington life was hard. It doesn't justify what she's done to me."
"From the day she was born she tried to live up to mother's expectations. And every day was brutally reminded how she didn't. Sometimes with the back of mother's hand. She wasn't sweet enough, she wasn't pretty enough. She would never find anyone of substance if she stayed in a corner her entire life, because she wasn't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention. Then she met your father. She had dreams and goals. She wanted to go to college, but she wasn't allowed. Then James married someone else, and mother reminded her she wasn't good enough. Then she was only second best, his fall back." She took Abby's hand wiping the tears away that had falling down Abby's cheek. "Abby she didn't know how to be a better mother because she didn't have one."
"But you?"
"I never had children so they wouldn't hate me."
"She never treated Jamie they way she treated me."
"Jamie was not a girl. You, Abby, were meant to take over as the face of your family. She taught you to do that the only way she knew how. And her ice created you. A woman that could survive anything."
"I didn't know."
"No you didn't. You want to know something she wouldn't tell you." Abby nodded. "She's incredibly proud of you. What you have accomplished." Tears were streaming down Abby's face. Buggy looked at Abby. Something beyond the revelation about her mother was wrong. "You and the amazon had a fight."
"Not exactly. You were right. Virginia kissed her."
"Did she kiss her back?"
"She said she didn't. But I don't have anything to offer her." Buggy placed her hand on Abby's knee. She knew that feeling. Knowing the person you love the most could walk away. She glanced to her left at Laura.
"You have yourself. I don't know CJ very well, but she strikes me as someone who knows her own mind. And if she loves you, she's made a choice and some compromises. But she didn't settle. Know that." Laura said.
"Thank you Laura."
"Just so you know Elizabeth likes Millicent." Abby sat back in shock. "I was shocked too, but she does. She realized she made a mistake with you. She doesn't want to do the same with him. But she has to help him." She told Abby the situation with David and Millicent. Buggy went over their plan. "Are you in?"
"I'm in." They said good-bye. Before they left, Laura turned to Abby.
"Look Abby talk to her. Cause if you're anything like Buggy you are avoiding instead of facing it. Virginia's a pariah. It's possible that CJ never led her on or gave any hints of attraction."
"Thanks Laura."
XXXXX
Abby hoped out of her car bypassing the press that was waiting to ask her questions and get a shot of her. She needed to get Zoey and Hayden new spandex shorts for volleyball. She had forgotten to do it three days ago and Zoey had made her promise she would do it today. Practice after all started tomorrow. And like Jed, Zoey hated to make a bad first impression.
As always wherever Abby went the press followed. It had been a long time since the state had had a first couple that was as beautiful as Abby and Jed. She had gotten used to the new people in her world.
She walked out of the store to flashing camera bulbs. "Mrs Bartlett do you have time to answer a few questions?" One of the reporters asked. She checked her watch and turned around to the reporters.
"Sure, I have few a quick minutes."
"Do you and the governor have anything special planned for this year's ball?"
"This year we'll be focusing on bringing some of the traditional elements of the ball back." Luckily Jed's phone call a few days before had forced her to consider what she would like at the ball. While she had started the process herself, with no help from staff, she had begun digging around in the make-up of past balls.
"Does that include inviting members of the general public?"
"Yes, though we have not worked out all the details. So don't ask me specific questions. But we both feel that the Governor's Ball is about the citizens if this state so why shouldn't they get to attend."
"Mrs. Bartlett, with the shift of health care in the country today do you believe the state is living up to its responsibility when it comes to health care."
"I think the state is doing the best it can."
"So, you don't believe the Governor is doing enough."
"I didn't say that."
"Your foundation has shifted focus from its art background to health care; so, can we infer that you don't believe the Governor is doing a good job." The reporter said in a condescending tone.
Her tolerance was low anyway, so the reporter's attitude was pissing off now. "You can infer what you want." Abby stormed off to the waiting car.
XXXX
Toby stood in the room he and Leo had converted into an office in the local office. He held a remote in his hand, stopping the DVR at Abby storming off and rewinding it.
"GINGER!"
"Yeah Toby."
"Get me CJ now!"
She walked out as Leo walked in. "Did you hear what she said?" Leo said.
"Yeah. 'You can infer what you want.'" He stared at the screen hitting record. "Whose going to tell the Governor?"
"That's why they pay me the big bucks." Leo said as he flipped through papers on his desk. "You better come up with a way to fix this."
"Yeah…" Toby said non-committal. "Cause that's always fun. Telling the press Mrs. Bartlett didn't mean what she said or that she wasn't really criticizing the Governor on live TV."
"Toby, CJs on line one." Ginger said. He hit the speaker button.
"CJ you made me a promise that you would stop this from blowing up in my face. Yet I just heard a kaboom."
"Hey Toby, it's nice to hear from you. I'm fine. How are you?"
"Well, I was having a normally hectic day until your boss started to answer questions. So, let me ask you CJ, is it the opinion of the Foundation that the Governor is doing a bad job with health care?"
"That's not what she said Toby."
"No she said 'you can infer what you want'. Just tell me you have a plan to fix this."
"Well considering I saw it when you saw it, all of 7 ½ minutes ago, I haven't gotten as far in my day as fixing it yet. I'll call you back when I do." She hung up the phone. Toby looked at Leo.
"We're going to have dial Mrs. Bartlett back. She's going to have to say she misspoke." Toby said.
"The Governor is not going to let her do that. You know he hates to qualify her statements. Stay in touch with CJ. Make sure you approve whatever she comes up with. I need to go keep the Governor away from the press." Leo walked out of the room.
"GIN…" Ginger appeared in the doorway like she was awaiting his call. "Get me every statement Mrs. Bartlett has made in relation to the Governor and the foundation." He would need to fix it, if CJ proved she couldn't.
XXXXX
Later Jed, Abby, Leo and Toby stood in Bartlett's den watching CJ leave the Barrington building. She was flanked by the press - calling her name, asking for an explanation. Once she cleared the building, so that everyone could see the building name behind her, she started answering questions.
"Does Mrs. Bartlett disagree with the Governor's policies regarding health care?"
"No she does not."
"The foundation has shifted it's focus so obviously she assumes so."
"The foundation has not exactly shifted its focus as much as it has added additional focus. Health Care is important to the Foundation, the Barrington Company and the Governor because it's an issue that affects our community."
"The Foundations announcement however came immediately after the Governor closed a few clinics."
"There wasn't a vast conspiracy folks. This addition has been over 4 years in the making. Mrs. Bartlett wanted to tangibly give back to a community that has given so much to her. That is why the foundation has gathered some of the best doctors in the country to help us with this project." She signaled Carol, who started handing out packets. "Being handed out to you now is the foundations complete plan. We will be accepting proposals for grants starting Monday of next week. The details are on our website. If there aren't any other questions, there is a crème brulee with my name on it." No one asked questions and CJ hopped into the waiting sedan.
Leo turned to Toby. "She's good."
"Yeah. I'll call Mike and tell him to dump the statement. I can't believe she made the press look like fools."
Jed waited a moment. "Guys can we have the room." Toby and Leo left.
"Have you spoken to her?"
"No not really."
"Abby. You need to apologize for being… you."
"Excuse me."
"You've ignored her for more than two weeks. Which is your basic M.O. You ignore people that can hurt you instead of letting them reject you. She went out there today and saved your ass. Both of our asses."
"Yeah she did."
"Though that's what she gets paid for, she didn't have to do it in such a way that wouldn't make my office have to explain your comment. What it says to me is that she loves you. She loves you enough to protect me not just you. So, stop ignoring her. Do a little groveling and get back to being happy. You're stressing me out."
"You realize that our entire world will change. She wants more and I want so bad to give it to her."
"I trust you Abby and I trust her. Just be patient with me."
"I love you, Jed."
"Me too. I'm heading out. I'll be back sometime tomorrow afternoon."
"Kay. See you tomorrow."
Abby picked up her phone and called CJ.
"Hello."
"Hi, where are you?" Abby said.
"Sitting in the drive way. I have some papers for you to sign. I sped up the grants, so you'll need to sign authorization papers work to bypass board approval." CJs voice sounded in complete control, but Abby detected slight tremor.
"I'm home. Why don't you come in?"
"Sure, let me park." CJ sounded reluctant to come in. It took a few moments, but eventually CJ walked into the living room. Abby was sitting in a wingback chair looking very much the lady of the manor.
"You realize that if I would have stayed at home this morning none of this would have happened."
"I doubt that. They would have backed you into a corner eventually. Here are the papers." CJ was careful not to touch Abby. She stood there with her looking like a kid that had been called to the principal's office.
Abby stood up as she took the papers out of CJs hand and laid them in the chair she just vacated. CJ let her hand drop to her side and wouldn't look at Abby. "As soon as you sign those we will begin accepting grants. I made some changes, they are tagged with stickies. I can fix anything else you need fixed," CJ rambled.
Abby reached up and brushed CJ's hair out her face. "Claudia."
"Please," CJ took a deep and shaky breath. She stepped back.
Abby took her hand and pulled her closer. "Claudia. I'm sorry." CJ began to take very shallow heavy breaths.
"Please Abby. Don't. I can't. I just needed to drop those off." CJ yanked her hand out of Abby's and headed towards the door before Abby could say another word.
"That went well." Abby said to the sound of the closing door. Abby waited a moment and went out the door CJ just exited. She made her way across the property to the barn. She knocked and heard a come in.
Brooke stood facing her.
"Where is she?" Abby asked
"So, you want to talk to her now," Brooke sounded pissed off.
"Where is she Brooke?"
"You don't get to do this to her. She's not your toy. You don't get to push her aside when it suits you and expect her to be waiting when you need to get off."
"You don't know anything about me or this."
"I know she made a mistake and you act like she murdered your best friend. You don't speak to her. You don't return phone calls. You let her talk to your machine and when she rushes to your defense then she gets you back. That's bullshit Abby. And I won't you treat my sister like she's your whore."
"How dare you call her that! I've never ever treated her…" She couldn't even say the word. "I love her." Abby had to admit Brooke was right. She did what she always does when someone hurts her. She closes herself off. Brooke was right. "I screwed up."
"Damn right you did."
"I love her so much. The thought of losing her is more than I could bare. Let me just talk to her. Please."
"She's in her bedroom." Abby headed towards the stairs. "Abby," The brunette stopped on the stairs. "If you hurt her like this again I won't be responsible for my actions."
"Your mother threatened to hunt me down."
"She won't get the chance." Brooke smiled. And Abby laughed.
"Got it." Abby ascended to stairs. She opened the door to CJs bedroom. She expected to see the redhead on the bedroom crying. Instead CJ was standing in her closet throwing clothes in the suitcase on the bed.
"You leaving?"
"I'm going away for a few days."
"Where?"
"I don't know." CJ didn't turn around.
"Do you want me to call Murphy? He can have the plane take you anywhere you want to go."
"I don't want anything from you."
"Ok. Claudia can I talk to you for a second?"
"I don't think we have anything to say to each other."
"Why don't I talk while you pack?" Abby felt her heart pounding in her chest. This is what she was always afraid of. What if CJ left and never came back? But CJ did not stop what she was doing. She moved around the room putting stuff in her suitcase. "I screwed up. Majorly." CJ didn't say a word or stop her movements. "I asked you once what you wanted and I forgot to keep asking. I should have kept asking. It was my job to keep asking. And when you went and got what you wanted it scared me. I thought she doesn't need me she can get what she wants herself. Without me."
CJ paused at the swimsuits she was pulling from the drawer, but she didn't say anything. "You don't deserve what I did to you. I shut you out, and I forgot to tell you that I just needed time. I needed time to get my mind together. To realize that you weren't buying the warehouse to hurt me. That it had nothing at all to do with me. I'm sorry Claudia. I was stupid."
"You're wrong." CJ said quietly as she slowly turned around.
"I'm wrong?" Abby looked confused.
"Me buying the warehouse had and has a lot to do with you. When you asked me what I wanted all those years ago I told you that I wanted to buy a house someday. Today is someday. I bought it for us. For you and me."
"Oh."
"I bought it because I want to own something. I hope someday I can bring our children home there. For now it will be a place for Hayden and Brooke until Brooke gets on her feet. That way you you and I can be together more, here."
"Oh. Now I feel more like an ass than I did when I walked in here. Forgive me Claudia."
"You hurt me."
"I know. I jumped to conclusions. I let my own insecurities get the best of me. I apologize for that."
"I'm sorry about Virginia. I didn't know she was going to kiss me and I didn't mean to lead her on."
"I know. I overreacted. Can we put her behind us?"
"You can deal with me working with Virginia?"
"I don't like or trust her Claudia. But I trust you. So, I will learn to deal with it."
"We aren't working together anymore. She gave the project to an associate."
"You did that on purpose."
"Yeah. You have to trust me Abby. In order for us to work we have to trust each other."
"I know. I do trust you."
"Ok."
"Ok." CJ sat on the bed. "Are you still going away?"
"No. It was an impulse. I was angry."
"Sometimes impulses are good. You've been working hard maybe sometime away is a good thing."
"Will you come with me?" Abby wanted to run home and pack a bag, but she couldn't.
"I wish I could, but I have countless things to do. Including planning the Governor's ball and figuring out how to invite the public without putting Jed at risk."
"I know. I talked to Charlie. We're putting together a list of potential invites. I am also assembling a planning team to throw around some ideas. Charlie is handling security and working with the troopers to make sure the Governor is protected."
"You anticipate all of my needs don't you," Abby said coyly.
"That's something else we need to talk about." CJs serious tone put a damper on Abby's needs. "I'm haven't been very good at telling you what I want. I work really hard at making sure I don't make my life about the person I am in a relationship with. With you that's hard, because you are my job. I know my title says fund manager, but we both know that I handle every aspect of your life." Abby chuckled. "Even that. With the expansion of the foundation, the added responsibility has made it harder for me to separate you professionally from you personally."
Abby wasn't really sure where this was going. "Umm. Ok."
"I think you need to hire an assistant. I mean an actual assistant someone; that can do more than take messages." CJ and Jed had often commented on the fact that Abby couldn't hire anyone that was remotely effective.
"I like Carly. She's nice."
"She's incompetent, but I have a solution. I talked to Toby, he suggested a young woman named Annabelle Schott. She has a communications background and even interned with Toby a for few months."
"Does he speak highly of her?"
"Toby speaks highly of no one. But he says she has some good ideas. I think it's what we need."
"Ok, I'll talk to her. Let's make a deal. We only talk about work at work or when we specifically arrange it. Otherwise it will be easy to be consumed by it."
"Deal."
"I love you, Claudia."
"I love you." They kissed for a long time. Recapturing what it was like to be this close. "Stay tonight."
"Ok."
XXXXx