Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

We'll See

Chapter 16

Zach let himself into the apartment. He smiled as he opened the door. He could hear his sister giggling and his mother was humming softly. It had been ages since he'd heard either of them so happy, and briefly wonder about the cause. He dropped his bag by the doorway to the living room, and entered the kitchen. He was surprised to see Eli Gold sitting at the island, chatting with Grace, while they watched as Alicia danced around the kitchen, cooking with a grace a flare none of them had seen before. He allowed the smile to stay on his face. He wasn't sure about Eli just yet, but his mother was truly happy and that was a major accomplishment.

"Zach. You're home early. Dinner is almost ready." Grace called happily. Alicia paused in her movements to take in her son. He smile was genuine, even if it didn't quite reach his eyes. She waved him over.

"Wash up, and you and your sister can set the table." She kissed him on the top of the head and nudged him over to the sink with her elbow, snapping the tongs in her other hand at him playfully.

"Sure Mom." He answered softly.

"How was your time with your Dad, and Grandma?" Alicia asked.

"It was ok. It took me a little longer to see what Grace was talking about with Grandma, but I wanted to spend some time with Dad, so I just ignored her. That is until Dad had to go out, and it was just me and Grandma. She's being really weird Mom. Could you get Dad to talk to her, or talk to her yourself?"

"Sure sweetie. I'll talk with both of them."

"Mr. Gold. Its nice to see you again. Did Mom invite you for dinner?" Zach asked. He was trying to keep things casual, but it was difficult.

"Yes, she did..."Eli started, but Grace interrupted him.

"Today was awesome Zach, you totally missed out. Eli took Mom and me to breakfast, and then we went shopping. It was so much fun." Grace said with energy.

"Well then I'm really glad I stayed with Dad. Shopping with you is a nightmare. Mom, and Mr. Gold are lucky to be alive." He joked, taking the information in stride. Alicia studied her son, and wondered if he wouldn't be as hard to crack as she thought he would be.

"Please call me Eli, Zach."

"Sure, Eli."

They sat down to dinner. The conversation was far from stilted and by the time Alicia walked Eli to the door, she was truly amazed at the maturity shown by her son, and her daughter. She kissed Eli gently on the lips, keeping things light.

"Today was wonderful." She said as the parted.

"Yes it was. We'll have to do it again sometime." He answered.

"Yes we will."

"Good night Alicia."

"Good night Eli."

Alicia rejoined her children in the living room. They were waiting for her expectantly. Well Zach was. Grace already knew everything that there was to know, as she'd spent the day with them. Zach looked puzzled and at the same time content.

"Zach, I know you have questions. Time to ask. I promise to tell you the truth, and answer your questions as best I can." Alicia said as she sat on the coffee table so she could face her children.

"How long have you been seeing Eli?" Zach asked.

"Well we had dinner last night, and he spent the day with us today, so since yesterday."

"Did he spend the night?"

"Yes, but not like you're thinking. We slept together, but we didn't have sex. Do you understand the difference?" He nodded.

"Are you in love with him?"

"I don't know yet. I really like him though, and I would very much like to see where this relationship is going to go."

"Does Dad know yet?"

"No, I haven't discussed it with him yet, but I think he might have some suspicions that Eli felt more for me than just friendship when he was campaigning, and when we were going through the divorce."

"Ok." Zach shrugged in acceptance.

"Ok? Just ok? No more questions?" He shook his head. "I'm surprised. I expected you to have a tougher time with this, or am I just not seeing it?"

"Nope, I'm good."

"I probably shouldn't ask this, but why?"

"He makes you happy." Grace answered for her brother, who nodded in agreement.

"How...?" She couldn't voice the rest of her thought.

"You were humming and dancing around the kitchen. You're wearing your jeans, and a t-shirt. You've kicked off your heels, and I saw your sneakers by the door. You haven't been this relaxed since before the whole think with Dad. Eli did that to you, so we are happy that you're happy."

"My observant children. You are too good to me."

"We love you Mom."

"I love you too my darlings." Alicia could feel the tears on her cheeks. "What would you like to do now?"

"Popcorn and movies?" Zach suggested.

"What kind of movie?"

"Horror movies!" Grace squealed. Alicia rolled her eyes but agreed. She was so happy to have such wonderfully accepting children