Chapter Eight
After a rough week and a half of recording Four Play finally finished their next record, it was the best one yet. Finn was ready for a break from his band members that he had a hard time calling friends at this point. "Okay, so do we want to accept this gig for Halloween or not?" Puck spews out while he wipes the sweat off him face.
Finn put his drum stix in his bag, "I think I'm going to go home for a week or two." He tells the room, looking at no one in particular.
"This gig would be epic." Puck reminds Finn.
Finn stands up and puts his bag over his shoulder, "You know, I'm not really in the mood. We can start planning the tour after we figure out the dates the CD will be released, but I think I need a break."
"That's such bullshit dude. This is because of that Berry chick." Puck shouts.
Finn nods, "Partially, but don't think you're getting off that easy." Finn reminds, "I still am not all up for being around the dude who had a standing affair with my girlfriend."
"Well, maybe if you'd talk to me about it…" Puck starts.
Finn growls, "I am not ready dude. Listen, I'm over Quinn, but that isn't the point."
"Then what is, dude? Just help me out here." Puck says in his bad ass tone but something in his eyes makes it apparent that this is killing him too.
Blaine steps up, "Listen Puck, you hurt Finn. Just give him time. I don't think two weeks is too much to ask. He did finish the album with us."
Sam nodded, "Time away might help all the wounds." He agrees and Puck and Finn look at him in a sideways glare.
"Fine." Puck says in frustration. "But, we're going to have to talk about this eventually."
"I'm well aware." Finn tells Puck, starting to walk out.
As Finn walked out Puck looked at Blaine, "So what's up with this Rachel chick, she's having Finn talking all adult and stuff."
"She's just a really smart girl." Blaine shrugs, "Listen, you owe him understanding with this. He's been through a lot."
"I guess." Puck says annoyed.
When Finn got home he already had a bag packed so all he had to do was change his clothes and shower. He was excited to go home, to surprise Rachel, to help her through everything. She had been going through hell the last week and a half and finally he could help in some aspect.
She told him last night that Jesse already got a lawyer and they won't let Rachel put the house up for sale. Quinn started work on Monday and has been trying to eat lunch with Rachel every day this week. Not to mention they were both planning on hosting the dance and Rachel knew that Quinn would be dressed in something skanky, or at least Rachel assumed.
Rachel had been living back at her Dads who had always loved Jesse and every time Leroy saw her he would burst into tears. Kurt was still fighting with her, but more understanding as the time went on.
Finn made his way to the airport and called Rachel on his way.
"Hey Finn." Rachel answered, sounding a bit rushed.
"Hey baby, what's wrong?"
"Just a little busy, I'm about to head into a party planning meeting for that damn dance. How was recording?"
"Oh, I'm sorry babe." Finn frowned, but got excited at the possibility that he might be able to help. "It was great, Rach. We're all done."
"Are you doing that Halloween show?"
"Uhhh, we're not sure yet. Maybe." Finn lied. He always felt so awkward when he lied.
"Also, I was going to ask you. Did you send that ring? Jesse and his lawyer are asking for it back."
"Jesse is a dick." Finn growled, "Yeah I sent it." He lied again. It was in his bag.
"Okay, I have to go. Emma is giving me her bambi eyes."
Finn chuckled, "Okay, have fun. What are you doing tonight?"
"I don't know, can we talk about this later?"
"Yeah, sorry." Finn frowned, "Talk to you tonight."
"See you soon." Rachel said, remorse for her snapping at him all in her voice. Saying 'see you soon' had kind of became their thing. Upon hearing it, Rachel always felt a little better.
"See you soon." Finn said back, grinning as they hung up. She has no idea how soon.
How could today get any worse, Jesse had been down her throat all day. She had learned exactly what he meant by not giving anything up. He sure as hell meant anything. He wanted the house, his business, the cats, her car and his car and alimony. What man gets alimony? Rachel cringed in frustration as she packed her things for the day. Quinn walked into her office, knocking on the door frame but not waiting for an answer to come in.
"Rachel," She started with her small grin, "I couldn't help but notice that you seemed upset in the planning meeting today, have I done something to offend you?" Quinn asked, feigning concern. The concern could have been real, Rachel really had no idea. Rachel secretly wondered if Puck told Quinn about her. She couldn't worry too much about that now, though.
"No, Quinn." Rachel sighed, "I am just having a rough time in my personal life, I shouldn't bring it to work. I apologize." Rachel said in her the most professional voice she could muster. "I just don't think we should spend so many funds on a smaller dance. I want to make sure we hold onto money for Prom and Homecoming next year."
Quinn nodded, "Well, I think Halloween is important too…"
Rachel started packing up her things, "Well I agree, but most high schoolers just use it as a place to meet up before they go to the real party." She notes, "I've been here for two years, that's just the way things are." She put her bag over her shoulder before looking up, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Finn behind Quinn, walking past quickly, obviously looking for something. Probably her, but he wasn't looking in the right place because he was looking the opposite direction. He saw him turn into Emma's office and her eyes widened in fear.
Quinn was saying something but Rachel couldn't hear it, she was focused on the fact that soon Finn's big beautiful mouth would open and Quinn would hear his voice. "You know, Quinn." Rachel snapped, interrupting her, "Can we talk about this over lunch tomorrow?" She asked loudly and quickly. "I need to get to…" She tried to think of something anything, "swim lessons." Why would she say that?
"You take swimming lessons?" Quinn asked in confusion.
Rachel spoke loudly again, "Of course I don't Quinn, I teach them…. Quinn… you're so silly. And I'm late. Thanks for your input though, Quinn." She spat out awkwardly, she hoped Finn could hear her, and know who she was talking to.
Quinn gave her a weird look, "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow." She furrowed her brow in confusion and maybe embarrassment for how Rachel was acting and turned towards the gym, towards Emma's office.
Please don't turn your head, please don't turn your head, Rachel chanted to herself and shut her eyes tightly. When she opened them Finn was in front of her desk, Quinn was nowhere to be seen. "Finn!" Rachel said in an excited whisper, "What are you doing here?"
Finn began to walk around the desk a big grin on his face, "I'm here for you." Finn said going to put his arms around her.
"No," Rachel pushed him back, "Not here."
"Are you ashamed of me, Rach?" Finn frowned.
Rachel shook her head furiously, "No, of course not, I just can't be seen with you."
"Rachel," Finn groaned, "That is kind of the definition of ashamed."
Rachel shook her head more, "No, if we're seen together I could get screwed in this divorce. I never told Jesse that I was with someone else, I simply said there was someone else. If they see us together, or prove my infidelity… I'm done."
Finn frowned, "Then let's get out of here. I'm dying to put my hands on you." Finn grinned widely, Rachel couldn't help but grin back.
"Did Emma talk to you?"
"She wasn't in there… it was weird, I thought I saw her and that old Spanish teacher and then I looked away for a second, and they were gone." Finn scratched his head, Rachel knew exactly where they were. They were under her desk, Emma's pregnancy hormones hadn't gotten the best of her in the worst way.
"Go out to my car, it's out in front." Rachel tells him swiftly. "I'll be right behind you."
Finn nods and steals a quick kiss. "Wait, what kind of car to you have?"
Rachel laughed, "A red Subaru, it's utter crap. Don't make fun of me."
Finn rushed out and Rachel kept her grin on her face, Rachel counted for about fifteen seconds before she couldn't take it any longer and left the room. She tried to walk slowly, but wanted to burst into a run to get to Finn. She didn't though, but when she got to the parking lot, she wished she had.
There Finn was standing next to the blue passat that was Quinn Fabray's car, with who other then Quinn Fabray. He looked like he was trying to turn away but Quinn had her grip on him.
Rachel tried not to swear under her breath, how could she show Finn she were there without making it obvious what was going on. Quinn would be the one to testify against her in fucking court just to get her back for dating her ex. Rachel made herself trip so Quinn would be forced to say something.
"You okay, Rachel?" Quinn yelled, running her way, Finn right behind her.
"What happened?" Finn was concerned, leaning next to her and Rachel held her breath, hoping Finn wouldn't make it obvious of their relationship. Why did this suck so bad?
"I'm fine," Rachel stated getting up, "I just-"
"You're bleeding." Finn pointed out. "You know, that looks bad."
Rachel looked at her arm, it didn't look bad to her. It was obviously a flesh wound but there was just a lot of blood. "No, it's-"
"I was going to the hospital anyway." Finn cuts her off, "To see my cousin, you know, why I am in town. If you let me hitch a ride with you, I'll drive. So you can attend to the wound."
"You know, I can take you both." Quinn states, her eyes looking deep into Finn's skull.
"No, we'll be fine." Finn snaps, "It was nice seeing you again."
"Will you come see me before you head home, Finn?" Quinn pleads, grabbing his arm again.
Finn shot a look at Rachel who tried to control her facial expressions of disgust, "I'll think about it, Quinn. I really must be going."
Quinn composed herself and backed away slowly, waving at Rachel, "Hope your arm is okay, see you tomorrow." She croaks and Rachel hands Finn her keys.
Rachel points to her car and Finn runs around to open her door, "Nice acting." Rachel commented as she let herself in, she grabbed some napkins from her center console and wiped her cut clean. Finn got in on her side and had to push the seat back as far as it could go to fit in.
"Nice fall. You okay?" Finn asked, stopping himself from reaching up to stroke her face, knowing that Quinn's eyes were on them.
"I'm good." Rachel smiles up at him, "Where are we headed?"
"I got us a hotel room, the Hampton Inn." Finn said with a grin. "I assumed your Dads wouldn't want me there with you, and I'm not certain my Mom would be okay with it either."
Rachel nods, "Can we drive to my house first, I need to pack an overnight bag." Rachel mentions and Finn asks for directions.
Once they get there Rachel tells Finn to stay put and rushes into her house. Her Dads aren't home from the office yet, she always gets home before them, being on school hours. When she gets back out to the car she leans over and gives Finn a much awaited kiss. It's quick, but full of passion and leaves them both with a grin.
They finally make their way to the room and Finn carries Rachel's bag to the suite he had gotten them. When Rachel entered the room she everything finally hit her. He had come here for her. He was here for her, how did she get so lucky?
And the guilt of still being with Jesse was gone. Because she wasn't with Jesse, not really. Okay, legally she was still binded to him, but they were separated.
Finn's arms made their way around Rachel's small waist and their lips connected immediately, "I can't believe you're here." Rachel whispered, "I am so happy you're here, I just cannot even believe it."
"I told you I'd see you soon." Finn reminded her, kissing her forcefully, backing up towards the bed.
Rachel pushed back a little, "Are you going to go see your Mom?" Rachel haulted their contact with a stern voice and Finn pouted.
"Okay, buzz kill." Finn complained but sat on the bed in a huff, "Yes, tomorrow while you're at work."
Rachel grinned and moved towards him to straddle him, her longer skirt slipping its' way up her thighs so she could move better, "Okay, just making sure." Rachel grinned, "I know she misses you." Rachel said as she leaned down to his lips and Finn turned his cheek quickly so she would miss his lips, "What was that?"
"Don't talk about my Mom while you're straddling me." Finn complained and Rachel laughed.
"I'm sorry, lover." Rachel teased, "I'll talk about things like sex and naked bodies and.."
Finn quickly cut her off, "Sounds like a proposition to me." He gave her his lopesided grin and her heart melted.
"It's more than that, Finn. It's a promise." Rachel said as she unbuttoned the top buttons of her oxford collared shirt.
"You look really sexy in this, it's like sexy librarian mixed with… Rachel Berry." Finn grinned widely, "Seriously, if you're hair was in a bun, maybe had some glasses on."
Rachel giggled, "Is the role playing or are we going to get naked? I did promise you." She said seductively, still unbuttoning.
Finn let his lips attack hers as he unzipped the back of her skirt, and Rachel tore her shirt off swiftly. Suddenly 'Jesse's Girl' was playing in the form of a ringtone and Rachel jumped off Finn quickly, "That is NOT your ringtone."
Finn laughed, "No, Rachel." Finn tried to do some damage control, "I swear it's not, it's just…" He grabbed his phone and saw who was calling. "It's just Puck, he set it as a joke. I just haven't gotten around to changing it."
"Finn Hudson, don't you dare lie to me." Rachel scolded. "Who is calling you, anyway?"
"It's Quinn." Finn admits and silences the call. "Of fucking course."
"You change that ring tone."
"I kinda like it." Finn admits, "It's was Puck though." He promises and Rachel makes her way back to Finn's arms. She whacks his arms away and forces his shirt off.
"I'm still a little mad, and weirded out." She warns as her phone's ring begins as well. It's just your average ring and Finn rolls his eyes at how boring it is.
She made her way back to her purse and grabs her phone, begrudgingly picking up the phone, "Hello?" Finn wondered who it was, her face wasn't really helping. It seemed nothing less than bored. Rachel had a great poker face, "I'm aware, and I'm willing to give him the ring." She said calmly and Finn grabbed it quickly to hand it to her, she gave him a grateful look, "How about I drop it by your office tomorrow… I still do not understand why you will not agree to mediation." She quickly rolls her eyes and the frustration becomes apparent in her voice, "I apologize, your client. Why your client will not agree to mediation." Rachel pauses sitting next to Finn on the bed, Finn can hear the mans' voice droning on. "Okay, I will be sure to have my lawyer contact you as soon as I receive one. As you're probably aware, our funds aren't up to par for a great lawyer." Rachel grunts, "Well, I'm sure he can afford you, since I'm paying all his bills." Rachel sighs, "I will make sure he or she contacts you when I find that lucky man or woman." She hangs up her phone and throws it on the ground.
"Talk about a buzz kill." Rachel complains and Finn takes her in his arms, "I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry. I am sorry you have to put up with this." Finn kisses Rachel's cheek softly, and then her neck, "You don't deserve this. Please please let me pay for a lawyer for you, Rach."
Rachel frowned, "I can't. It'll just be… too much. Too much eveidence against me."
Finn rolled his eyes, "Give him everything, give him the house. Give him the car. I will get you a new one. Quit your job so he can't take alimony. Come home with me." Finn pleads and Rachel falls into him.
"That sounds just about perfect." Rachel admits. "Can we talk about this more later? I just want to be with you tonight."
Finn nods and grins, "I just want to be with you too." He agrees.
"You made a really terrible day 100 times better." Rachel told Finn. Finn beamed back and connected their lips, everything else seemed to melt away. At least they had right now, at least they had tonight.