Thanks for your reviews, they mean a lot to me. Especially because I'm not sure if my english is good enough. Please continue reviewing ;) Elise, thank you, I really appreciated your suggestions how to make it better. I'll try...

Chapter 4

Ryan got out of his car and entered Atwood&Cohen Inc.. He got to the3rd floor, where his office was and his secretary Maggie greeted him.

Maggie: Good morning, Mr. Atwood.

Ryan: Morning, Maggie. Any calls?

Maggie: Yes, Sir. Your brother called three times with a request to call back. And

Mr.Kendalls secretary called. The meeting had to be deferred to tomorrow.

Ryan: Okay, thanks Maggie.

Ryan got into his office, took seat und dialled Seth's number.

Alyssa: Hello?

Ryan: smiling Hey, Alyssa. It's me, Ryan. Can you get you dad?

Alyssa: exited Uncle Ryan! I haven't seen you for such a loooong time. When do you come by again?

Ryan laughed: I promise to come by soon, Okay?

Alyssa: Okay, bye, Uncle Ryan.

Alyssa put down the receiver und yelled „Daddy it's uncle Ryan. He wants to talk to you".

Seth: Hey Ryan. I called you, how come you're so late?

Ryan: I had a little work to do from home for a meeting that supposed to be today, but it's referred to tomorrow anyway. Tell me what happened.

Seth: No wait, as your meeting is reffered, how about meeting for lunch. I have to tell you something really important.

Ryan: Sure, looking forward to it, we haven't seen eachother in a while. About 12 o'clock?

Seth: Okay, bye.

Ryan put down the receiver and worked the whole morning. He noticed how late it was when Seth showed up.

Seth: Hey man, ready to go?

They decided to go to the italian restaurant around the corner and after they ordered, Seth took a deep breath.

Seth: I have to tell you something. Guess who called yesterday.

Ryan: Who?

Seth: Marissa

For a second Ryan turned pale

Ryan: tries to sound normal, but you can tell he's nervous Fine, what's she doing?

Seth: laughing You've always been a bad actor. Unbelievable, after so many years, only her name makes you nervous

Ryan shot him a glare:"Don't get on my nerves! Well, why did she call? And why do you think it's so important to me?

Seth: Because she's coming back to Newport.

Ryan: shocked WHAT?

Seth: Yes, she's coming home. She was promoted to be the manager of her company's new office in Newport. She called Summer yesterday to tell her. Hey, do you hear me?

Ryan didn't hear the end of it. He fealt the blood rush in his ears. She was coming home to Newport! After so many years! Perhaps she forgave him? She never said that she blamed him for what happened, but Trey was his brother and because of him she was spending time with Trey when he left for Miami. And later he imputed her having an affair with Trey! But how should he know the truth when she didn't tell him and Trey lied to him about her making a move on him. But if he had gone to talk to her this night when he heard the truth instead of driving to Trey's appartment, nothing of it would have happened. She wouldn't have had to shoot at Trey to save his life. After that, he couldn't look at her. It was his fault that she had gone trough hell! And she obviously couldn't stand him anymore, because shortly after she moved to New York. How could she have been able to love him after all he did to her?

He frightened up from his thoughts, when he heard Seth say something.

Seth: Hey, helloooooo!

Ryan: I'm sorry, I have been distracted for a moment.

Seth: I try to speak to you for nearly five minutes.

Ryan: I'm sorry. What did you say?

Seth: She's afraid of seeing you again.

Ryan: Do you mind it? She was through hell because of me. She probably will never forgive me...

Seth: I don't think she blames you for what happened. Maybe she's only as nervous as you are because of seeing you again after such a long time.

Ryan: I wish we could at least be friends again.

Seth: I'm sure it will work out. Just wait and see! Okay, that's it. Hey, do you know what Alyssa did yesterday...

The remaining time Seth told storys about Alyssa and Summer, but Ryan didn't really hear them. He tried to listen but his thoughts always straid to Marissa. When they finished their meal, Ryan paid for it and said good-bye to Seth.

Ryan: I have to work, but I will try to come by, I promised Alyssa. And I'm sorry that I wasn't as attentive as usual.

Seth: laughing Not attentive? I don't think you heard a word of what came after I told you about Marissa.

Ryan: grinning I think, you're right. I'm really sorry. I have to go now, see ya

He hugged Seth und left for his office. But the rest of the day he couldn't concentrate on his work. He always thought about Marissa and that she soon would be near to him in Newport...