DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters.
Chapter Twelve
Brenda woke up and felt worse than she did the day before. Things were spiraling out of control, which was the last thing she really expected from a man who hated her. She dug through her bag for a fresh pair of clothes and hesitantly ventured out of the bedroom. She was actually surprised to see how much decoration had gone into the place. Probably for the last girl he dated. She probably redecorated the whole place.
Brenda was wrapping a shawl around her as she walked downstairs when she heard the voices.
"You shouldn't be here," Jason said.
"I had to apologize to you in person. He was trying to take our son away from me. The only way to stop him was to tell him the truth. But it spiraled out of control," Elizabeth said.
Brenda stopped at the bottom step and cleared her throat.
Elizabeth, expecting Lulu or Spinelli, turned and was shocked to find Brenda.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Brenda needed a place to crash for a few days. I told her when she left she was always welcome," Jason said which caused Brenda's eyes to widen. What in the world was he talking about?
"Where is she staying? With Lulu and Spinelli … there's only your bedroom left."
"I think this is where I go get coffee," Brenda said heading for the door.
"Take Max."
"Thanks, but Brady's picking me up. You did say I could come and go as I please last night right?" she asked before opening the door and walking out of the penthouse.
"What's going on?" Elizabeth asked.
"Brenda's in some trouble," Jason said with a sigh. "As always. Until she's back on her feet, she's hanging around. But I don't want to talk about Brenda," Jason said. "What is this I hear about a second paternity test?" he asked.
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Brenda sat down on a bench in the park and watch from afar as parents played with their children. Once upon a time she thought she would have that life. Even as recent as a few months ago.
"Is this seat taken?" someone asked walking up.
Brenda glanced over behind her sunglasses and shook her head. "Nope."
"I always love coming to the park and watch the kids. Makes life seem easier somehow," the woman said.
Brenda didn't respond.
"I'm Sam," the woman said holding out her hand.
"Brenda," she responded shaking her hand.
"Jason's ex-wife," Sam said.
"And his ex-girlfriend," Brenda repeated. Sam looked at her slightly shocked.
"Jason's talked about me to you?"
"No. I just have friends in high places," Brenda said keeping her eyes straight ahead.
"I heard you were back in town," Sam said. "Which man are you here to get back?" she asked.
"I haven't decided yet. There are so many to choose from," Brenda said trying not to smile. This girl was fun to play with.
"You know they're all taken, right?" Sam asked. "Sonny and Kate, Jax and Carly, Jason and Elizabeth," she continued.
Brenda didn't respond. Something had caught her eye and she wasn't sure if she liked it.
"I would hate to have someone else's leftovers," Brenda mumbled.
"But technically weren't you?" Sam asked looking at her.
"I left them all for you," Brenda told her, her eyes never looking over at her.
"And here you are again, taking what was once mine," Sam said.
Brenda laughed slightly.
"Actually, I think I'll take something you would never be able to get your hands on," Brenda said. "Tall dark and handsome at twelve o'clock," Brenda told Sam.
Within moments he was approaching them.
"Excuse me," he said, "are you Brenda Barrett?"
"Who wants to know?" she asked.
"PCPD," he said flashing a badge. "I need to take you in on suspicion of conspiracy," he said.
"On who's orders?" Brenda asked standing up.
"Police Commissioner," he said. "Please turn around and put your hands behind your back."
Brenda did as asked and winked at Sam who looked more worried than entertained. She got off the bench and started to walk off.
"Nice talking to you Sam," Brenda called out as she disappeared the paths of the park. Brenda dropped her hands to her side and turned to look at her cop. "What are you doing here, Jagger?" Brenda asked.