"So what are we going to do while you're gone," Sandy asks his wife. "You know we don't do the household management thing that well."

Kirsten kisses him on the cheek. "I'm only going to be gone for three days. I'm sure you boys can just eat some take-out like normal. You don't even have to do the dishes."

"Why do you even have to go anyway," Seth asks.

"The girls and I have been looking forward to this trip to Catalina for months. Julie and Marissa could definitely use it after everything they've been going through for the past few weeks. I need a vacation after dealing with my father last week, and I'm sure your girlfriends could use one last break before school starts next week."

"How come we don't know anything about this? Taylor never said anything to me." Ryan looks over to Seth, who shrugs his shoulders.

"Don't look at me, man. Summer didn't say anything to me about it."

"That's because they didn't know. Veronica, Julie, and I decided to keep it a secret, as sort of an end of summer surprise. Veronica is bringing Taylor, Julie is bringing Marissa, and, since your father couldn't be bothered to grace our household with a daughter," Sandy holds up his hands in a what-can-you-do gesture, "I'm bringing Summer. I talked to Neil yesterday and he was looking forward to having to weekend to himself." She almost dropped the glass she was holding in surprise as she was struck by a thought. "Ooo, I just got the best idea! Why don't you invite Neil, Jimmy, Carson, and Luke, and all you boys can get together and grill, or play some golf, or whatever it is that men do. Isn't that a great idea," she asks Sandy.

Sandy looks at Ryan, who predictably shrugs, and Seth, who flashes a smile and a thumbs up. "Sounds great, Sandman. Gives me a perfect excuse to dress like a gay pimp, and smack around some little white balls with the most idiotic look on my face. I love golf." Seth pours more milk into his bowl.

"Where did you learn how to play golf," Ryan asks his friend.

"Dude, I'm Jewish. The little, old Jewish man in all of us," he points at Sandy, who nods, "enables us to be good at things like golf, shuffle board, and chess without any practice. I think we're born with an innate appreciation for activities that don't actually require athletic ability."

Sandy shakes his head and laughs. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea, despite Seth's enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure Carson is out of town with his business partner, but it sounds like Neil is free, and I know Jimmy is probably looking for any excuse to get out of the house."

Kirsten kisses her husband on the cheek. "You boys have fun. I've got to go finish packing my bags. The limo comes in a couple hours to pick me up and then it's off to the harbor for the ferry to Catalina." She walks upstairs.

"Come on, Ryan," Seth says, throwing his arm over the other boy's shoulder, "we've got a little shopping to do. I'm thinking argyle."

"Argyle?"

"Yeah, for the socks. Pants, probably going with plaid. Maybe an ugly pastel color for the sweater vest." Seth grabs the keys to Ryan's jeep as he pushes the shorter, blonde boy towards the door.


Taylor considers a blouse hanging in her closet, eventually discarding it in favor of one with a lighter color. "Mom, do you want to tell me why I'm packing a bag for the weekend? You're not shipping me off to some random camp for the weekend, are you?"

"Absolutely not, Taylor. I guess I can tell you now, since we're about to leave. Kirsten, Julie, and I are surprising you, Marissa, and Summer with a weekend at the spa on Catalina." Veronica walks into her daughter's room.

"Is this some kind of trick?" Taylor narrows her eyes at her mother, trying to get a feel for her motivation.

Veronica pulls her daughter into a hug, much to Taylor's surprise. "Of course not. I just realized that we haven't really had much time together lately, and I want to remedy that." She lets Taylor go and walks toward the room's entrance. "Now, hurry up and finish packing. Kirsten called to say that the limo just picked up Summer, so we're next."

Taylor grabs a few more items, throws them in her bag, and drags it downstairs. Depositing it outside with her mother's bags, she sits down on the stairs leading to the door and dials her boyfriend's phone.

Hey, babe.

"Hey. So I don't think we'll be able to go out this weekend, like we planned. My mom is taking me to Catalina, with Julie, Marissa, Summer, and your mom." She huffs a strand of hair out of her eyes.

Yeah, I know. Mom told me a little bit ago. I was going to call, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise. A loud crashing sound emanates from the phone, along with Ryan's voice. Seth!

"What are you doing?"

We're at the golf store. Seth is picking out the latest in golfing couture, as he calls it. My mom suggested a golfing trip, and other man-things to do while you girls are gone for the weekend.

Taylor laughs. "Seth can golf?"

That's what I said. He's currently wearing the most ridiculous getup I've ever seen. Don't worry, I'll take pictures.

"Read my mind. You boys have fun. I'll call you later. Love you."

Love you too.

Taylor hangs up the phone as the limo pulls up to the front door of her house. Summer and Marissa pop out of the back and assault her with two big hugs.

"Oh my God, Townsend! How excited are you," Summer asks her friend. "I've never been to Catalina. I'm so excited!"

"I see Seth has been rubbing off on you," Taylor says to her, smiling.

"Sum wouldn't shut up the entire way here. I think Kirsten wants a little bonding time with her new son's girlfriend," Marissa whispers to Taylor. "I'm guessing that she's going to realize that Sum and Seth have more in common than anyone knows."

The driver grabs the last of the bags, placing them in the back, and the women pile back into the limo.


"Daddy? Where are you?!" Lindsey stomps through her house looking for her father before finding him in the garage, placing his golf clubs in his bag. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going golfing at Big Canyon this weekend. Taking some time off from The Newport Group for a weekend. My doctor advised that I take occasional time away from the office and lower my stress level." Caleb places his five wood in the bag, along with his driver.

"Is everything ok," Lindsey asks, looking concerned.

"Everything is fine. It's just a precautionary measure." Caleb kisses her on the head.

"Well, why don't you take Zach with you? He goes golfing a lot, and his dad is out of town this weekend. You guys could get to know each other."

"Well, I could use the company, I guess, and Sanford hasn't returned any of my calls since the party. Why not? Why don't you call him and tell him my tee time is tomorrow at 9:05?"

"Thanks, Daddy." Lindsey kisses him on the cheek. "Since you will be doing the boy thing, I was wondering if I could go to the spa for the weekend."

"I don't see why not. Which one should I call to make the reservation at?"

"The Spa at Catalina. I've never been there before and I hear that it's beautiful. Plus, it would be nice to get away from Newport, and a few specific people, for a couple of days."

"I'll call them right away. You should probably go get packed if you want to get there tonight. The last ferry leaves in," he checks his watch, "a couple hours."

Lindsey hugs her father, and makes her way upstairs to pack for a relaxing spa vacation.


"Neil. Sandy Cohen! How are you?"

I'm great, Sandy. How are you?

"As it turns out, I'm entirely not busy enough this weekend. The ladies have left, which leaves me with nothing but time on my hands for the next few days. Do you have any plans?"

Not particularly. I was planning on just enjoying the weekend without my daughter. I love her to death, but having teenage girls around the house all the time doesn't do great things for your blood pressure.

"I understand that, believe me. Seems like those girls grew up in four different houses." Sandy laughs. "Look Neil, the reason I'm calling is that I've got a couple tee times set up for tomorrow. It'll be me, my two boys, Luke Ward, and Jimmy Cooper. Having you would make it an even six. You in?"

Sure. I was actually just thinking about calling to inquire about tee times on Sunday, but this saves me the trouble. I'm not on call this weekend, and I can't think of a better way to spend my off days than enjoying the links.

"Great! We've got tee times at Big Canyon at 9:15 and 9:25. We'll be by to pick you up at about 8:15. Sound good?"

Sounds great, Sandy. Thanks for the invitation.

"Glad to have you, Neil. See you then."

Sandy hangs up the phone and is greeted by the sight of his son and foster son entering the house carrying a couple bags each. "Seth, how did you manage to drag Ryan to Fashion Island? He usually avoids that place like the plague."

The boys set their bags down and Ryan glares at his father as he raids the refrigerator, looking for a Mountain Dew. "We didn't go to Fashion Island. Seth needed some golfing gear, so I took him to the country club. Big mistake."

Sandy begins to looks through the bags and starts to laugh. "Seth, are you serious?"

"I'm bringing it back. Wait until you see me wearing it tomorrow." Seth takes Ryan's Dew, forcing his friend to retrieve another. "Thanks buddy. I'm parched."

"It's definitely interesting. He looks like he's going to a rager. Or an Easter party. I can't figure out which," Ryan says, removing another bottle from the fridge.

"I just called Neil and he'll be joining us tomorrow. Luke said that Carson is indeed gone, but that he'd be delighted to be joining us. Tee times are at about nine, so we'll be leaving at about 8. You boys can pick up Luke, I'll get Jimmy and Neil, and we'll meet up there. Sound good?"

"What about clubs," Seth asks Sandy.

"I've got an extra set you can borrow in the garage. You and I seem to be about the same height so they should work fine for you. Ryan and Luke have their own sets."

"Sounds like we're ready to go. Now what about dinner?"

The guys look at each other over the counter top.

"We could grill," Sandy suggests. The boys nod their assent. They leave the house and pile into the Rover to go to the grocery store.


"Oh, I can't believe we're here. This is, like, a dream come true," Summer says, walking as if in a daze. Kirsten laughs at the girl and leads the other women up to the desk to check in to their hotel.

"I thought we were going to the spa," Marissa asks.

"We are sweetie," Julie says, "it's just a day spa, so we have to have a place to stay when we're not there."

"And it's too late to start tonight," Veronica adds. "How do you ladies feel about dinner after we get settled into our rooms?"

The concierge finishes checking them in and leads them up to their rooms. The two mothers room with their daughters, leaving Kirsten and Summer to bunk together.

"Thanks for everything, Mrs. C. I really appreciate you inviting me along, even though I don't have a mother here with me." Summer sets her luggage on the bed and begins to unpack her clothes.

"Sweetie, it's my pleasure. I know that it's hard with Taylor and Marissa here with their mothers, and your father going through his second divorce not too long ago, but I understand how you feel. How about I temporarily adopt you for the weekend? That way, you have a mother here and I have a daughter?"

"That's totally cool, Mrs. C. Or should I call you 'Mom'," she asks.

"How about we stick with Kirsten? And it's the least I can do after my husband tried to give you the safe sex talk." She smiles at Summer's blushing.

"In the spirit of you being my adopted mother for the next few days, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Can we not mention Seth and sex? I'm kinda getting the parental lecture vibe and it's just a little strange."

"I promise that I won't bring it up this weekend," Kirsten says, hugging the shorter girl. "Now, let's go get the other ladies and we can go get some dinner. I'm getting burnt out on take-out."


Sandy grabs the tongs and flips the steaks over as he takes a swig of beer. We never have beer anymore, he muses to himself. He hears the door to the patio slam and turns to see Luke walking over. "Luke, how are you? Here for the cook-out?"

"I sure am, Mr. Cohen. Smells delicious." He takes off his shirt and tackles Ryan, who is taunting a swimming Seth, into the pool. "Gotcha, Cohen!"

Sandy smiles as Luke and Ryan begin rough housing in the pool, Seth yelling about collateral damage and climbing out. The skinnier boy joins him at the grill.

"How goes the grilling, Sandman?"

"Oh no. We can't have that. The only person that can get away with calling me that terrible nickname is Cal, and only because he won't…not."

Seth slides a piece of chicken off of a kabob and eats it, rubbing his belly in a satisfactory manner. "I'm gonna make it work. You'll be enjoying it in no time."

"We'll see. Stop picking at the kabobs," he says, slapping Seth's hand away. "They're almost done. You can eat them when everybody gets here."

Seth looks up. "Who else are we waiting on?"

"Jimmy should be here in a minute. We've got some work stuff to go over after dinner."

"Speak of the devil," Seth says and nods toward the patio doors, where Jimmy Cooper is currently standing, carrying a six pack of beer and his briefcase.

"Food's done!" Sandy puts the steaks on a platter and, along with the kabobs, places everything on the table. "Boys, out of the pool!"

Ryan and Luke join Seth, who is already sitting down, at the table and the men begin to eat.

Later

The boys have changed and are playing video games in the pool house as Jimmy and Sandy sit in the living room going over Jimmy's situation one last time.

"I don't mean to pressure you Jimmy, but my attorney friend has been asking what your plans are. Have you talked to Julie about it?"

Jimmy takes a sip of his beer. "We did and she's taking this weekend away to talk to Marissa about it. I'd rather not go to jail, but if that's what it takes to keep my family comfortable, then I'll do it. One idea that Julie was wondering about would be divorce." He studies Sandy's face.

"Well, with a divorce, you could concede the house to Julie and Marissa. Of course, you wouldn't be able to sell it and use the equity toward the restitution claim, but it would keep the house from being foreclosed on, as long as your wife can make payments on it. I wouldn't recommend that avenue. Julie's earning potential is MUCH lower than yours, even with this hanging over your head, and she might get the house foreclosed on anyway." Sandy makes a realization. "Unless you're planning on paying Julie alimony…You sly dog," he says with a grin on his face. "Not a bad idea, I agree, but how are you going to afford to do this? You don't even have a job lined up!"

"I'll figure out something. For now, just tell your lawyer friend to go ahead and file the paperwork for the restitution deal. We'll burn those other bridges when we get there."


The next morning, all six women wake up early for their appointments at the spa. They grab their bags and head down to the front desk to catch the shuttle to the spa. Walking inside, they spot a familiar redhead.

"Lindsey? What are you doing here," Kirsten asks her much younger sister.

"Just wanted to take a weekend for myself," Lindsey says with a smile, thinking she'll have some time alone with her sister. That thought is quickly dashed when she sees the next arrivals on the shuttle: Veronica and Taylor Townsend, Summer Roberts, and Julie and Marissa Cooper. So much for her weekend away from those bitches, she thinks to herself. "I see you brought along some company?"

Kirsten fails to notice the change in Lindsey's demeanor. "We've had this weekend planned for awhile now, and with everything going on back in Newport, we thought this might be the perfect time for a weekend away from everyone. Why don't you join us?"

The three younger girls glare at her response. "Sure, why not?"

At the spa

The three older women are sitting in the sauna sweating out toxins, while the younger girls enjoy individual massages, when Kirsten decides to ask Julie how her legal problems are going.

"Terribly. Hopefully Jimmy is coming up with some kind of miracle idea that will keep him out of jail and us in our house, but I highly doubt it."

"What kind of options did he give you," Veronica asks.

"Sandy apparently told him that we can stay together, sell the house, and start over, or we can declare bankruptcy and he'll most likely go to jail."

"Well, I'm sure you know which one I think you should choose," Kirsten says, "but this is a decision only your family can make. Personally, I hope that you don't let Jimmy go to jail."

"We've already given up on the jail option. Jimmy would never survive jail and I don't know how Marissa would react to having a felon for a father. There is one other option though, that Jimmy came up with. If we get divorced, I could claim the house in the division of property and Marissa and I could continue to live there."

"That's true," Veronica says, "but, as a real estate agent, I have to ask: How much is the house worth and how much do you have in equity?"

Julie shrugs. "Jimmy said the house is worth a little over three million and we've got almost two and a half in equity."

"Julie, that's over half of what Jimmy owes," Kirsten exclaims. "If he used that towards the restitution claim, he'd only have a little to pay off!"

"I agree with Kirsten, Julie. This doesn't sound like a great idea. Not to mention what would happen to Marissa if she found out you were divorcing him. She'd probably end up hating you, just like my daughter hates me." Veronica studies her nails.

"Veronica, Taylor doesn't hate you," Kirsten says to the other woman. "She just wants to spend more time with you. I think she feels like you ignore her."

"I don't mean to Kirsten, it's just that sometimes she brings back memories of her father. I don't blame her for the divorce, but it often seems easier to ignore her than remember what happened."

"You've got to re-establish your connection with your daughter before it's too late, Veronica. These are hard times to be a parent. I remember what I was like as a teenager," Julie says, laughing, "and trust me when I say it was no vacation for my parents. Your daughter has a big heart, Veronica, and she's extremely intelligent. Tell her what happened; she'll understand."

"Why don't you two go talk to your daughters," Kirsten advises. "I'll spend some time with Summer and Lindsey and we'll meet up with you later for lunch."


Ryan and Seth pull up to Luke's house to pick the boy up for the day's round of golfing. Luke walks up to the Jeep, carrying his bag, but almost drops it, laughing, as Seth steps out to let the larger boy into the front seat.

"Corona, what the hell are you wearing?"

"What are you talking about? This is stylish."

"You look like a clown, bro."

Seth looks at his outfit, perplexed. He doesn't see anything wrong with the plaid knickerbockers, dark argyle socks, and lemon-meringue-yellow sweater vest over a pink polo shirt. Philistines, he thinks to himself, and gets in the back seat.

At the course

The boys are warming up on the putting green, waiting for their tee time, when they are greeted by laughter coming from the club house. Sandy is leaning against the wall, Neil and Jimmy checking on him as Seth walks up.

"It's okay, he's laughing at me," Seth says morosely. "Mr. Cooper." Seth greets him with a nod and rolls his eyes as Jimmy tries to hold in his laughter and fails. "Dr. Roberts." Seth holds his hand out to the father of his girlfriend. Neil eyes it skeptically.

"Seth, what are you wearing? You look like Payne Stewart dressed you while on LSD." Neil shakes his hand regardless. "Well, if your style of dress is any indication, today should be interesting." He chuckles to himself.

"Sanford? What are you doing here?"

Sandy stops laughing immediately and turns to look at his father-in-law. "I'm here for a guy's day out, Cal. Playing a little golf. I should ask what you're doing here. I thought vampires didn't come out in the daylight."

Seth snickers and Caleb sees him for the first time. "What is that…monstrosity doing on the golf course," he asks, looking horrified and pointing at the boy. "You're not going to play like that are you? I really need to talk to the General Manager about updating the dress code." Zach chuckles. "Well, since you're here, why don't we combine our groups? You've got six, we've got two; we'll do two foursomes."

"No thanks, Cal we've got-" Jimmy begins, but he's interrupted by Caleb.

"Nonsense, Jimmy. I'm not playing with that," he points at Seth, "distraction, so Sandy, why don't you grab Ryan and we'll play together."

Sandy walks over to Seth and pats him on the back. "Don't worry, kid. I love the getup. We'll pair you up with Neil and you can get to know him a little better. I kind of envy you, in a way. At least you don't have to play golf with the devil," he says, laughing, which draws a smile from Seth.

Seth grabs his clubs and places them in the cart with Dr. Roberts' bag. He joins him in the seat of the golf cart, where they wait for the first foursome to tee off.

"So…Seth, how are you at golf? Do they have any good courses in Corona?"

"I wouldn't know, sir. I've never played before."

"Well, that's quite alright. Never a better time to learn than the present. Now, one thing I've got to tell you is that it's important to relax. Golf is a game of controlling your emotions. If you can't do that, you might as well quit now."


Veronica & Taylor

"So are you having a good time, sweetie," Veronica asks her daughter, while they receive their mother-daughter massages.

"Yeah, this is fun Mom. Thanks. It's nice to do something relaxing before school starts up again."

"Well, I'm glad you're having a good time. I've been meaning to talk to you for awhile and I figured that we'd have some time while we were here." She looks over, into her daughter's eyes. "I'm sorry for the way things have been going with us for awhile. Watching you reconnect with your father at cotillion and then hearing about what is happening to Julie and Jimmy Cooper, I figured that I owed you the conversation that we never had when you were younger."

"Mom, it's okay. I know that you tried really hard to keep us afloat when I was younger, and I understand that you weren't always emotionally available. When Dad left, he left a hole in both of us, believe it or not. Sometimes, I wish that I could have talked to you instead of my therapist. That doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is that you're trying to reconnect with me, and that means more than anything." She smiles at her mother.

"Thanks so much, sweetie. You don't know how long I was thinking about what I was going to say to you. I just didn't want to mess it up," Veronica says, tears making her eyes sparkle. She holds her hand out to her daughter, who takes it with her own, to much clucking from their masseuses. Both women laugh and place their hands back on the chairs. "So, are you going to tell me what is up with you and Ryan? I haven't seen him over at the house for awhile."

"Well, you kind of scare him, Mom. Not that you're mean or anything, you're just a little…severe. He's got Kirsten for a mother, come on. You and her are like black and white. Total opposites."

"That's true, I guess. Maybe that's why we get along? How is he doing with having a new family member?"

"I think he's taking it pretty well. Seth talks a lot, but he's been around me for awhile, so I think he's used to it already. The thing with Zach and Lindsey is kind of taking a toll on him, though."

"What thing with Zach and Lindsey?"

Taylor chews her lip worriedly. "Well, I guess it's time to tell someone." Taylor goes on to explain how Lindsey ruined Marissa's cotillion by working with Zach to out Jimmy Cooper.

"WHAT?!"

Julie & Marissa

"How's your massage, Marissa," Julie asks her daughter at their own mother-daughter massage.

"It feels great, Mom. Thanks for this little vacation before school. I definitely needed it."

"We both needed it baby. After everything our family has been through, I think we deserve a little vacation." Julie lets out a little moan as the masseuse works out a particularly tight spot on her lower back. "We really need to talk, Marissa. I've been putting this off for awhile, but we eventually need to discuss what's going on."

"I know Mom," Marissa says, opening her eyes. "What do you think is going to be the best thing to do? You know that I love you both and I trust you both to make the best decision, but you're not going to let Dad go to jail, are you?"

"Of course not, sweetie. I loved your father very much at one point in time and I won't let that happen to the father of my daughter. I think the best thing for us to do is to get a divorce."

"Mom!" Marissa sits up and covers herself with the towel. Julie dismisses both the massage specialists and sits up as well. "I thought you two were just talking about that?"

"We were, sweetie, but the only other option that didn't involve your father going to jail would be if we sold the house, and that still wouldn't be enough to cover his debts. He agreed that, since he was the one to incur them that he would take care of them without leaving us with nothing."

"Isn't there anything else? Can't you do anything more," her daughter asks, crying.

"I'm sorry baby, but those are our only options. Divorce happens when you marry for the wrong reasons. Neither one of us regret having you," she clarifies at Marissa's open mouthed stare, "we just should have waited. We were young, and in what we thought was love. And it wasn't all bad. We got you out of the deal, and I'm sure we'd do it all over again just to get that one result. I think your father might do a few things differently," Julies says, smiling. Marissa half smiles as well, and gives her mother a hug.

"So it's just you and me now, huh?"

"James will still help to take care of us, but, for all intents and purposes? Yes, it's just us now." Julie walks over, opens the door, and motions the two women back in.

"So do you think Luke and I have an actually chance, or is it doomed like yours and Dad's relationship was," Marissa asks her mom.

"Oh, sweetie, I didn't want to give you the impression that all young love is doomed to failure. Quite the opposite is true. I think that, if anybody has a chance at it, you and Luke are fine candidates. Ryan and Taylor are probably the same. It's really hard to imagine you four with anyone else."

"I think Seth and Summer are probably close to being in the same place."

"Really? I'm glad for your friend, Marissa. She always did have poor taste in boys. I'm happy she's found one that doesn't seem to be a total loss. Not much to look at, but his humor is…unique and Summer seems to care for him. I'm glad she finally dropped Zach. That little asshole was too arrogant for his own good."

"Actually, about that…" Marissa explains the situation with Zach and Lindsey to her mother, including their involvement with her father's public embarrassment.

"WHAT?!"

Kirsten, Summer, and Lindsey

Kirsten hears a simultaneous yell coming from the two rooms that her friends are sharing with their daughters. She looks to the two girls sharing the steam bath with her, one in one corner, the other in the opposite, both sending dark glances toward each other. "Uhm, I'm just going to go check on the others. I'll be right back." Neither girl responds.

"Bitch," Summer mumbles.

"Whore," Lindsey returns.

"Slut."

"Skank."

The insults escalate over the next five seconds, until they are shouting words that no young lady should ever say, let alone know. Summer hears enough when Lindsey refers to her mother as fermented female sex organ, and launches herself at the redhead. Much hair pulling and slapping is exchanged for a quick moment, until Kirsten and the other four women enter and separate the two wildcats.

"What's going on here," Kirsten yells. Neither girl answers. "Lindsey, Summer, one of you better answer up!"

"I think I know what's going on Kirsten," Julie says, glaring at Lindsey. "Marissa just told me the most interesting story. One about how a little redhead ruined our family's life by sharing secrets with a certain escort to cotillion."

"I have to admit, Kirsten, Taylor just told me the same story. I don't think it's a coincidence that our daughters told us the same story. I think your sister is hiding something."

"I don't know what they're talking about Kirsten," Lindsey pleads. "Please, I'm your sister! Are you going to believe me or these girls that aren't even related to you?" She points to Taylor, Summer, and Marissa.

"I'm tempted," Kirsten says to Veronica and Julie, "but until you've got proof otherwise, I'm going to believe my sister."

"What about your deal with Zach, Lindsey? Marissa, Summer and I know all about it. Zach practically rubbed it in our faces at rehearsal." Taylor puts her hands on her hips.

"I don't know what you're talking about Townsend. I didn't make any deal."

"So you don't know anything about the deal you made with Zach regarding sexual favors?"

Lindsey's mouth drops open. "Why did he tell you that? It was supposed to be a secret!"

"Oh, he didn't. I just guessed that you would do something like that and you proved me right." Taylor looks at her mom and smiles. "I guess I am my mother's daughter. You really shouldn't mess with a Townsend."

It is Kirsten's turn to look surprised. "You did make that deal? Lindsey! How could you?"

Lindsey doesn't answer, instead crossing her arms over her chest, pouting.

"What I don't understand is how in the world you were able to get information like that."

"I don't have to stand here and listen to you all bad mouth me, listen to you sit here and tell lies. I'm going home." She stomps out of the room.

Meanwhile, Kirsten's brain is making connections, connections that she wishes she wouldn't be making. Everything seems to come together; Zach's conduct after Jimmy was assaulted, her father's attitude at his party. Oh Dad, why did you do this, she asks herself.


Jimmy totals up the final stroke counts for their foursome and hands the card to Neil with a smile. Neil takes a look at it and smiles as well. "Are you sure this is your first time golfing, Seth?"

"I did terrible didn't I?" Seth hangs his head, kicks the golf cart, and begins hopping in pain. The other three had made a point of not telling him par on each hole so he wouldn't focus on it, instead focusing on his own score.

"Actually, you did great Corona." Luke claps him hard on the back, almost knocking him over. "You beat my score AND Mr. Cooper's. Dr. Roberts only beat you by four strokes and he plays all the time."

"We might have to make some more trips out to the links," Neil says, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "One stipulation though."

"Sure," Seth says, elated.

"You never wear that ungodly yellow sweater vest ever again."

"Hey, you guys ready to go?" Sandy walks over to the club house, followed by Ryan, Caleb and Zach. "How'd Seth do," he asks Neil.

"He shot an 82. A very good score, seeing as how he's never played before."

"He's a much better golfer than my daughter's boyfriend," Caleb says with a scowl. "I've never seen anybody waste more balls!"

Zach turns a very peculiar shade of purple and Seth takes a mental picture, enjoying it immensely.

"We'll be taking our leave then. Sanford, Ryan, always a pleasure." Caleb glares at Zach, who follows the older man out to the parking lot.

"How bad did he suck," Seth asks Ryan, Luke standing close.

"He was BAD."

"So what are you guys planning on doing tonight," Sandy asks Neil and Jimmy. "The boys and I are grilling up some swordfish steaks. We've still got beer left over from last night. Interested?"

Both men answer in the affirmative and, seeing that the boys have already left, directs the other two in the direction of the Rover.

At the Cohens'

"Full house, Kings over sevens." Ryan lays out his cards, sure enough showing three Kings over two sevens. A collective groan goes up from the other men present as he scoops up the rather large pot.

"How did you get so good at poker, Cohen," Luke asks.

Ryan shrugs.

"I can't believe my own son is beating me at poker," Sandy laments. "I can't believe I'm gambling with my son. I'm a terrible father."

"At least you have a son to play cards with," Jimmy says. "Neil and I raised little girls. We didn't get cool things like comic books and video games and action figures. No, no, no. We had Barbies and ponies and make-up."

"It could have been worse, Jimmy. I had to explain my daughter's period to her." The remaining men look at Neil, horrified. "Oh yes. That was interesting. Gloria had just left me and Summer came to tell me that she was hurt and bleeding." He chuckles and takes another drink from his beer.

"Quick request here," Seth says, raising his hand. "I'm going to have to ask for a change of topic. I've only been seeing your daughter for a few weeks, sir, and I think it might be a bit early to discuss her menstrual cycles."

Sandy laughs as he takes a drink of beer and ends up spraying it everywhere, causing everyone else to erupt into laughter.

Luke takes a look at his watch and stands up quickly. "Uhm, Mr. C? It's getting kinda late and I gotta get home." Ryan reaches for his keys, but he's stopped by Dr. Roberts' words.

"I'll take him Ryan. He's on my way." The two men say their good-bye's followed by Jimmy, who makes his way down the driveway to his own place. The remaining two boys help Sandy pick up the card table, along with the poker chips, cards, and snacks.

"So did you boys have a good time," Sandy asks the two. "It's kind of nice to get a few days away from the ladies every now and then."

"Well, I seemed to hit it off pretty well with Summer's dad. He gave me some really good advice on the links and pretty much gave me his blessing with his daughter. Golf is indeed a game of bonding."

"And it wasn't too bad watching Zach make a fool of himself on the course and Grandpa yell at him for it. Kind of made up for all the crap he's been putting us through for the past few weeks." Ryan notices his slip-up and tries to ignore it, but his father has already caught him.

"What do you mean, 'the past few weeks'? What was he involved in after the model home fire?"

"You may want to sit down, Sandy," Kirsten says, walking into the living room with her bags. "Apparently my sister has been whoring herself out to Zach Stevens, and in return he retained my father's services in making a fool out of Jimmy Cooper. Get me a glass of wine and we'll share our stories. I'm exhausted."

The Nichol mansion

Lindsey composes herself before entering her house, squeezing her eyes just enough to make them water. Feeling the tears running down her cheeks, she opens the door and runs in to the house.

"Daddy! Daddy! Where are you?" She runs in to his study and sees him drinking a whiskey. Time to pour it on girl, she thinks. "You'll never believe what happen-"

"Save it, Lindsey. Kirsten called me and told me she knew about everything. Apparently, she found out what happened at cotillion, along with something else. That you were whoring yourself out to your idiot of a boyfriend. The same idiot that embarrassed me on the golf course today." He stands up and walks over to his daughter. "You know how I don't tolerate being made a fool of."

"Please, Daddy, I'm sorry, I am, I didn't-"

"Shut up," he roars as he reaches back and slaps her across the face.

"I'm so sorry Daddy, please stop!"

He reaches back and slaps her again, this time knocking her out of the chair she was sitting in. He picks her up off of the ground and drags her to the stairs, where she lays for a second before crawling up them to her room. He walks back to his study, righting the chair she fell out of and, sitting back at his desk, he picks up his whiskey and takes another drink. It soothes his throat. He was Caleb Nichol. He'd be damned if he was going to let his whore of a daughter and the idiot that was banging her make a fool of him. Nobody embarrasses Caleb Nichol. Nobody.


A/N: Wow, what a dark way to end that chapter. Totally not the way I wrote it out, but that's what got put up on the screen, so that's what you get. Sorry if any of the financial or spa things were totally wrong, but I've never spa'd in my life and I don't do finances. Apologies. For those who were wondering, yes, Neil is divorced. He divorced the step-monster a few years earlier here than in canon. And, no, there is no Kaitlyn here. Those that read 'Pieces' know that I dislike her as a character. Random fact of the chapter: Knickerbockers (sometimes called plus fours) were introduced to America by Edward Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII of the United Kingdom) during a diplomatic trip in 1924. They are often seen on golf courses, and frequently worn with argyle socks, silk ties, and dress shirts/sweaters. Some plus fours even came as complete suits. Please, please read and review and I hope you enjoyed reading! AZ