When All Seems Lost

Chapter 7. Ace in the Hole

Cate's House

Ryan sat on Cate's couch, rubbing his temples He had been alone in the house for the past hour. Abby and Laverne were out trying to return gifts and smooth over feelings. Trina had called minutes later, with scream and threats to the point that Ryan had hung up on her. When she called back, he had refused to pick up the phone. He had listened to her malign Cate and call her names, until his temper got the best of him. Picking up the phone, he had told her in no uncertain terms that he planned to resign, and his attorney would be in touch regarding the verbal threats she had made toward Cate. He slammed the phone in Trina's ear.

She had called a third time, leaving a message. "Just make sure you and "Miss can't make up her mind" are at the station at 9 AM sharp!"

Ryan sighed. If Trina's tirade and threats weren't enough, the wedding/reception debacle had made the front page of the Oregonian.

"CATE AND RYAN…NO, CATE AND BAZE?"

Every last word and action were laid out in black and white, and then some. There was nothing there actually libelous, but it was obvious to Ryan that someone with first hand knowledge had leaked the story to the press. He wouldn't have put it past Trina to have planted someone at the wedding and the reception. Cate had pointedly not invited her. Trina was known for coming on to any man married or not, who happened to be nice looking. Ryan hadn't been an exception, except for the fact that he didn't take her up on her offer. He was still on the air because the board knew they had a winner in the Ryan and Cate show. Trina didn't take rejection well, and she wielded her power like a sledge hammer whenever possible. She had become even more difficult, when Cate and Ryan's relationship had become public due to Lux's fateful announcement.

A weary Ryan called Cate at her mothers, and with a minimum of words, laid out what had happened. After the brief call, he put on his jacket and picked up his keys.

He opened the door, and sighed again.

"Hello Alice. Cate's not here. Come on in. If you're here to berate me, forget it. Trina's already done so. And that goes for Cate as well."

"Down boy. I may not be happy for what this break up means for the station, but I'm not the enemy here. I have to show you something."

"Come on in then, and have a seat. I have to call Cate at her mom's and tell her I have been delayed."

"Is Baze with her?"

"Yes."

"Tell them to come on over, and not to worry about Trina. She's about to get her wings clipped."

Ryan looked at Alice with curiosity. "What are you up to, Alice?"

Alice grinned in return. "You'll see. Now put on a pot of coffee for us. I guess you know your way around Cate's kitchen."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Come on, Alice. Give me a break."

Alice giggled. "Make that phone call, Ryan."

"Okay, Okay. Pushy woman."

Laverne's House

Cate laid down the phone on the kitchen counter. "I just got the strangest phone call from Ryan."

"Go on, " Baze encouraged. "Tell me what's up."

"Alice came over just as Ryan was about to leave. She has something to show the three of us. She told Ryan, and I quote, "Trina's about to get her wings clipped."

"Sounds like fun," Baze smirked.

"You're one to talk," Cate retorted. "Since I caught you ready to bang Trina on your pool table."

"Hey, that was the old Baze. This is the new Baze, baby." Baze gave Cate his best puppy dog eyes.

Cate whacked him on the back. "Come on, you big lug. Let's see what gives."