Chapter 9

It was so easy for Bo to ask her to forgive and forget but he had no idea what she'd gone through; watching him with Hope as if she never existed and losing their baby. With sad resignation, Carly put her dead child in God's hands; determined to go onward and shed off the agonising pain and humiliation of the past months. Whatever issues Bo had with Hope; it will be straightened out in no time, she wasn't going to be the "other woman" again.

With that in mind, she had no reservations accepting Tony's invitation; he was coming by to pick her up that afternoon so she carefully put on fresh makeup and brushed her hair when she was done with her rounds.

'Knock, knock...' Jennifer entered her office, just as Carly sprayed on some Givenchy. 'Hi.'

'Oh, hi Jen.' Carly muttered awkwardly, putting the bottle back into her purse.

Jennifer eyed her, agog with curiosity. 'Are you going out? Because I was hoping we could have lunch together.'

'Sorry, not today; I... I have a date.'

'Oh!' Jennifer stood behind her as Carly checked herself in the mirror again. 'Who is he, do I know him?'

'No, he's from out of town.' Carly adjusted the collar of her top, hoping Jennifer will not question her further.

No such luck. 'At least tell me who he is. What's his name, what does he do, how did you two meet?' she pressed.

Carly didn't want to discuss Tony with Jennifer of all people; just like she could never tell her about the drugs and her miscarriage. Jennifer never blamed her for Bo and Hope's estrangement but she too was blind to Hope's faults and made it clear she felt Bo and Hope belonged together, despite everything. Much as she still had a lot of regard for her old school mate, Carly simply didn't feel in tune with Jennifer anymore; not with her loyalties divided.

So with that in mind, she gave a nonchalant shrug as she faced Jennifer. 'I can only tell you that it's not serious.'

Jennifer bit her lip in frustration and, ignoring Daniel's advice burst out, 'What is going on, Carly? Why are you treating me like this?'

'What are you talking about?'

'We used to talk, all the time! We were like sisters; now you're slowly phasing me out and talking to Adrienne, always with Adrienne!' Jennifer cried. 'Just because Hope's my cousin doesn't mean we should stop being close!'

'I'm not doing this with you, Jennifer.' Carly said quietly.

'We are doing this; right here, right now.' Jennifer insisted. 'We've drifted apart, Carly and I hate it! I love you; you're my best friend. I can't stand watching you confide in Adrienne and not me!'

Any guilt Carly felt about the situation was replaced with anger.

'Maybe it's because Adrienne was there for me in the true sense of the word. Unlike you.'

Jennifer was shocked. 'What?'

'Bo and I break up barely a week and you pushed me towards Daniel.'

'I was trying to help!' Jennifer protested.

'Help with what exactly?' Carly snapped, anger rising. 'I loved Bo; I loved him far more than that cousin of yours ever could, did you honestly think I could move on and forget everything that happened just like that, so soon? Not only was it tactless, it was cruel! And you weren't doing it to help me; you were doing it to help Hope! To assure her that I won't be chasing her precious husband because I'll be dating Mel's father!How dare you, Jennifer; how dare you?'

Jennifer could only stand there as Carly made her accusation; unable to believe what she was hearing.

'You know me more than anyone else Jennifer; so I thought you would sense the pain I was feeling and comfort me.' Carly went on, her voice cold. 'And trying to set me up with another man instantly after Bo, the only man I've ever loved, was not comforting! Not only that, you thought I was upset about you dating Daniel, which proves we aren't connected anymore! You say you're my best friend. But you'll always be Hope's cousin first so I don't have the strength to get into a tug of love with her over you. Excuse me.' She walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Jennifer pressed her hand on her mouth, shocked and devastated.

::::::::::::::::

Carly refused to feel any remorse as she rode the elevator to the ground floor. What she'd said to Jennifer needed to be said at last; bluntly and honestly. And maybe she hadn't blamed her for Bo and Hope's problems like everyone did but her disapproval of their relationship had been her own way of judging her. Hope will always come first with her; just like with Bo.

The doors opened at last and she walked across the lobby into the sunshine, standing on the steps; keeping a sharp eye out for Tony's Jag. And all of a sudden, an avalanche in the shape of Hope Brady descended on her.

'Listen to me Carly Manning and listen good.' Hope said without preamble. 'Bo is my husband, and he's going to stay my husband. I dealt with one ex who tried to come between us by stepping over her and I'll do the same to you if you don't stop this game you're playing.'

Carly glared at her. 'Exactly what are you accusing of?'

'Don't pretend!' Hope shouted at her. 'It's over between you two; over and done! If you want to punish us for that, you'll have to get past me and I swear, I'll destroy you before I let you steal my husband again.'

Carly was a Lady; born and bred. What the point of verbally sparing with an overgrown self-centred spoilt brat?

So all she said, and very disdainfully, was: 'Noted.' Before deliberately turning her back to her, which really infuriated Hope.

'I'm still talking to you!' she grabbed her arm and Carly shook it off immediately.

'You don't get to touch me, ever.' Carly hissed at her. 'Do that again and you'll be sorry.'

'You'll be the one who's going to be sorry of you so much as attempt to sneak around with my husband.' Hope hurled back. 'So just beware!'

'She's not sneaking around with your husband,' Tony suddenly appeared at Carly's elbow; eyeing Hope and not liking what he saw. 'Because she's with me.'

Hope stared at him, then at Carly who stared back impassively before swiftly changing gears.

'If you knew her well, you won't be so quick to defend her. Because I'm telling you...'

' I know her well enough,' Tony interrupted. 'So take a hike and don't you let me see you bothering Carly again; capishe?'

Hope gave them both a dirty look; Carly especially before stalking away.

'You okay, kid?' Tony asked solicitously.

'Yes. Thanks for doing that; but I could handle her.'

'I've no doubt but I couldn't watch her talking to you like that. She's Bo's wife?'

He shrugged at her raised eyebrows. 'Hey, I'm a New Yorker; I've seen worse scenarios. I'm not judging you; I'm still wondering why he left you for that. He's got to be out of his mind.'

Carly sighed, shaking her head. 'Do you actually want to hear the whole sordid mess?'

'If we're going to be close friends, yeah. And whatever you tell me won't change the way I feel about you.' Tony took her hand. 'I've got a bulging basket in the backseat. You'll tell me the whole story over lunch.'

:::::::::::::::::

Their date was a picnic at the park, under the shade of a tree. After the delicious lunch, Tony opened a bottle of Merlot and Carly began to talk; from beginning to end, including the death of her unborn child. Tony listened, hanging on to every word.

'Shit.' He said at last.

'Yeah.' Carly said, looking down at her half empty glass. 'That's my story. Verdict?'

'Carly, any other woman would've put a bullet through her brain. You're a survivor; the strongest woman I've ever met. And that guy's nothing but a bastard.'

'Bo's not a bad person.' Carly said, still feeling the need to defend him. He'd broken her heart but he wasn't Lawrence, or Victor.

'Okay then... a fool, chump, dumbass!' Tony replied, gruffly. 'Anyone who would treat you that way shouldn't get off easy like it's plain you aren't vindictive.'

'Try telling that to Hope and half of the people of Salem. They probably think I'm plotting revenge right now.

'Who cares what that bitch thinks? You ended it; only because Bo wasn't man enough to admit who he really wanted the whole time; it was cruel and you didn't deserve it, Carly; you didn't!' his black eyes glinted with anger at the thought of Carly sobbing herself to sleep every night; of the pain she hid away.

'What really hurts the most,' Carly turned her head to look at him. 'I really thought we were going to have a future; he always talked about our future... he offered me a future, Tony. I always felt so safe and loved by Bo.' An understatement. Bo was her everything; until he'd betrayed her. 'I guess I just have to face facts; I'm not meant to enjoy lasting love.'

'That's the biggest bullshit I've ever heard,' was Tony's blunt reply. 'If there's anyone who deserves to enjoy love to last a lifetime, it's you, Carly Manning. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met, inside and out! And I'm going to tell you straight out, I'm in love with you.' He touched her face, brushing back her hair. 'I love you very much. And I'm offering you my heart.'

'Tony, no... I can't...'

'Can't what? Bring yourself to love or trust again? You've got a lot of love left in you, Carly so don't tell me that.' He urged. 'Let me love you like you deserve. Let me heal you and make you happy again... please.'

Months back, Carly would've gotten up and fled for safety. But now Tony was a significant part of her life and part of her was telling her to open the door.

'We don't know what tomorrow will bring.'

'That's true. But we going to have to face tomorrow anyway. Why not together?'

Carly bit her lip, staring into his brilliant, black eyes. 'I can't make any promises right now, Tony. But at the same time... I somehow feel that I could really be with you.'

'We'll take it one day at a time.' Tony assured her. 'Time, space; no rush.'

Carly's mind was still clouded with doubt; not about Tony but at her ability to open out her heart to any man. She couldn't take any more pain or disappointment.

'Hey,' Tony cupped her cheek, looking deep into her eyes. 'Trust me. I'll never hurt you; ever.'

Tears filled Carly's eyes. He knew everything; still he wanted her to be in his life. It might just work between them. Before she knew it, she found herself touching his cheek as well. 'Okay.' she whispered. 'Let's give it a try.'

Tony's smile enhanced his staggering good looks. Leaning over, he kissed her; a gentle light kiss. When he felt Carly's response, he slipped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth. In time, she would give him her heart like he'd given her his. Bo Brady would then live with the knowledge that the woman he'd hurt so badly was capable of rising above the ashes.