Two Steps Beyond
Part 88
Shortly after Brittany left for the day, Lexi came walking out of her office and into the family room. "Coop, what's that I smell?"
"Dinner."
"You're a…" Lexi looked over at her husband who was hushing her since the kids were playing next to him. "You know what you are."
"I know, but you love me anyway."
"That I do." She replied as she sat down next to him. "Please tell me you told them they didn't need to cook."
"I did, but they wanted to, so who was I to object."
"By chance, has my Dad called?"
"He has."
"Did you speak with him?"
"I did not."
"Then how do you know he called?"
"Brittany answered the phone and when she gave it to my Dad she told him who it was. Then once he took the phone from her he disappeared down the hallway and into the library."
"How long was he in there?"
"I'd say at least a half hour."
"Coop, why do I have a feeling they're preparing to drop a bomb on us?"
"Because I have the same feeling."
When they came downstairs with the kids, the table was all set for dinner. "We were just about to call for you." Mrs. Anderson said. "Wine?"
"Yes please." Lexi replied while she and Cooper got the kids settled. "It smells wonderful."
"Thank you." Mr. Anderson said as he put dinner on the platters for the table. Once they were all seated and had filled their plates Lexi and Cooper looked across at his parents. "Why are the two of you staring?"
"We're waiting." Cooper replied.
"What for?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"For whatever it is you and Dad want to tell us."
"What makes you think we have something to tell you?" Mr. Anderson said, but he was just greeted by a look from Lexi and Cooper. "Fine, we have something to tell you but not till dinner is over."
"Could you answer one question?"
"What would that be Lexi?"
"Does this concern whatever you and my Dad talked about?"
"It does."
"Fair enough."
Even though they were both more than curious, Lexi and Cooper made sure not to push the issue. While they were eating, Lexi's cell went off which was in her pocket.
Call me later; we need to talk – Cassie
Since they both wanted to get the conversation started sooner rather than later, Cooper and Lexi both helped Mr. Anderson with the dishes. "You really don't need to help." He told them.
"Sorry Dad, the deal around here is whoever cooks the others clean up. There is no reason the cook should have to clean up as well." Cooper told him. While the three of them cleaned up, Mrs. Anderson kept an eye on the kids.
"I know Blaine's not happy we're here. But it's nice getting to see these cuties again. They're growing so quick."
"Tell us about it. Can you believe they'll be six months old on Sunday?"
"No, I honestly can't." Once his Mom answered, Cooper looked at Lexi as she put the last of the dishes away.
"Should we get a refill on our wine before we talk?"
"I would." Mr. Anderson replied. With that Cooper got another bottle out of the wine rack. "Do you want to do this here or in the family room?"
"Here is fine."
After Cooper and Lexi sat back down, Mr. Anderson leaned against the island. "You know your Dad went to see Senator Jackson today, correct?" They both nodded. "Well, he politely asked the senator to keep his son away from Blaine and Seb." Lexi started to giggle. "What's so funny?"
"I appreciate that you're trying to be polite about it, but I know my Dad and he was in no way polite. He was probably bluntly direct but had a bit of finesse to what he did."
"Just cut to the chase Dad, what did he do?"
"He told the senator that his son needed to stay away from Seb and Blaine or else."
"Or else what?"
"That he'd see to it that the cover-up was exposed."
"Are you saying my Dad is essentially blackmailing a senator?"
"Yes."
"I'm honestly impressed."
"You're not upset?" Mrs. Anderson asked. "He was certain you'd be disappointed."
"If it means keeping Bas and Blaine safe, no. I can't believe he went to such lengths. Now, I'm assuming you both know exactly what he told him." They both nodded. "What happens if Trevor goes near either of them?"
"Everything will be out in the open." Mr. Anderson replied. "Trevor is to have no contact with them whatsoever."
"I like it." Cooper said. "But there is one problem."
"What is that?"
"You know Blaine or Bas will never call either set of parents for help. So, how will this little plan work if you guys aren't kept informed?"
"We thought of that which is why I'm talking to the two of you. We all know Blaine and Seb wouldn't call us, but they have no problems coming to the two of you. That is why you two will be the ones making the call to put everything in motion. That is unless Cassie finds out before either of you from Hunter that something happened."
"Cassie and Hunter are involved in this?" Lexi asked.
"Cassie is, but Hunter is an unknowing accomplice. We all know from talking to Cassie that she and Hunter talk about everything. So if Trevor was to approach Seb with Hunter around Cassie would know."
"Who are we to call?"
"Mrs. Clarington."
"Why Cassie's Mom, though I know you spoke with her?"
"Abigail has connections that the rest of us could only dream of. The only thing we all ask, is that if you guys make that call you call us immediately afterwards."
"We can do that Dad. Are you going to let Blaine and Bas know what's going on?"
"We're not. Alexander, your Mom and I prefer the boys not know the extremes we've gone to. We're not really walking the moral high road with this. And considering everything they've said, they'd say we're overreacting."
"Oh, you totally are but I don't blame you. The truth really should come out. Could I ask you something?"
"Anything, you know that Cooper?"
"Do you think we're going to have to make that call or do you think he's going to listen to his father?" Mr. and Mrs. Anderson looked at each other after Cooper finished.
"We hope he's going to listen." Mrs. Anderson said.
"That's not what I asked Mom."
"Cooper, she doesn't want to admit it, but you and I both know the answer to your question."
"Sorry about that Mom."
"It's alright, I should've answered."
"You answered with what's in your heart." Lexi said. "Honestly, I hope for the same thing. Now, would the two of you mind doing something for me and Cooper?"
"And what would that be dear?"
"Would you mind watching your grandkids so Cooper and I can meet up with Cassie?"
"Not at all. You might as well take advantage of having us here. Plus, after everything that's happened a quiet evening sounds nice."
"It'll be quieter than you realize as we'll put them to bed before we leave."
"You don't need to, we can do it." Mr. Anderson told them. "So, go ahead and go."
This was one evening Lexi wished there was a more direct route to Cassie's. "Are you sure she doesn't mind us coming over?" Cooper asked as they walked up the steps from the subway station.
"Positive, she was actually thrilled that we were coming over. Said this wasn't a conversation she really wanted to have over the phone anyhow. She can't believe what my Dad orchestra."
"I can't believe it, nor can I believe my parents are going along with it." When they approached the building the doorman warmly greeted them. Once they were inside they headed straight for the elevator bank. "Do you know if Hunter is home?"
"I didn't ask, why?"
"Just curious."
"Coop, her place is big enough that even if Hunter is home we won't have to worry about him hearing us. Plus, Hunter cares about his grades so I'm sure he's busy doing homework like Blaine and Bas. He's determined to show his Dad that this was the right decision."
"I thought their Dad had come around."
"He has, but Hunter feels he has something to prove. Think, after you spoke with Blaine that day I said it didn't surprise me that he had lots of homework to do. Blaine, Bas, as well as Hunter are all over-achievers."
"True and I believed him, I was just frustrated." Cooper said as they waited for someone to answer the door. "A part of me thought he was avoiding them."
"Do you really blame him?" Before Cooper had a chance to answer, the door opened.
"Well, what do we owe this pleasure tonight?" Hunter said as he stepped aside so they could come in.
"I missed your handsome face." Lexi said before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Where's Cassie?"
"In the living room waiting for you."
"You look exhausted man."
"Thanks for noticing the obvious Cooper."
"He's as charming as Bas."
"I'll take that as a compliment. If you don't mind, show yourself the way because I need to get back to work. And try and keep your voices down."
"We'll try." Lexi replied before he walked away. "You're right Coop, he looks exhausted." She said as they headed for the living room. "I think it's safe to say he had a meet today."
"He did. Hey guys!" Cassie said from her spot on the couch. "Can I get you guys anything?"
"No, we're good." Lexi replied as they took a seat. "How'd his meet go?"
"They finished second and he's pissed off about it."
"Okay, but why does he look so tired?"
"He had to crew two more races than normal, so he's spent. His entire body hurts and he has a ton of work to do. Safe to say we probably won't be seeing him again. The only reason he answered the door was because he was on his way back to his room from getting something to drink. So, that's what's going on in my world. Let's talk about the craziness going on in yours."
"How much did your Mom tell you?" Cooper asked.
"That Lexi's Dad is blackmailing a senator to keep Blaine and Seb safe."
"She didn't cut any punches, did she?" Lexi said with a laugh. "That's essentially it in a nutshell. Please tell me you're as shocked as Cooper and I."
"Oh, I am, but after the way my Mom reacted when I told her what happened it really shouldn't surprise me. I think her ire only got worse when she found out that Hunter had become good friends with Blaine and Seb. The last thing she'd want is for his friends to get hurt. He doesn't let people in easily but for some reason he's bonded with them. And that's not to say he doesn't make friends, but he truly cares about them. You should've seen him after he came home that day, he was livid that someone would do something like that."
"The same could be said for Bas as well. I'm honestly thrilled that he's got so many close friends. After everything he's been through I was afraid he was never going to let anyone get close to him. Trust me when I tell you, how happy I was that Hunter was there when it happened. That whole confrontation affected Bas more than he'll admit."
"That I know from the last time we talked about it. Now, was my Mom correct that the boys aren't to know what's going on?"
"She was." Cooper replied. "Neither set of parents want them to know. But neither of them is stupid so if the news breaks after they happen to have a run-in with him they'll figure it out." Slowly the conversation switched to something that of a less serious nature. "Now, are you going to tell us how dinner went last night?"
"As you can see Hunter is still alive." Cassie said with a laugh. "But seriously, it went well. Thad and Hunter are talking the whole thing well once they got over the initial shock. The whole thing caught them off guard."
"I can understand since I was shocked when the two of you walked into the house."
"I still can't believe you didn't say anything." Lexi said as she nudged Cooper. "And here we thought you two just hit it off."
"If you go back to the first time we met, we did hit it off if that makes you feel any better."
"Why didn't you guys tell us?" Cassie asked.
"It was a weird situation. The strange part was I swore Lexi had met him before since he and I started to hang out more once I moved to New York."
"Well, I hadn't. The only thing that would've made this situation stranger was if Hunter had gone to Dalton."
"Thad said the same thing; the only thing that pissed him off about the whole situation was that he was one of the last to find out."
"When did you tell Hunter?" Lexi asked.
"He still happened to be up when I got home that night so I told him then. And then we talked about it more over breakfast once he had time to process everything. He took it better than I expected, but then he told me Donovan looked familiar to him so it made sense. Then over dinner the other night he told Donovan that if he hurts me, he'll hurt him."
"How did Donovan take that?" Cooper asked.
"Surprisingly well. He thought it was sweet that Hunter was so protective of me. Then he asked Hunter if he was that way with his other sisters to which Hunter laughed. And once he calmed down Thad asked how old our other sisters were."
"That doesn't surprise me one bit. What answer did Hunter give or did he not give one?"
"He flat out said Elizabeth is a bitch and Bridget is too young for him so to not even bother."
"I really can't argue with him, Elizabeth is a bitch." Lexi said.
"Tell me about it. I was thrill that she decided to go to school out west. The less I see her, the better we get along. The same can go for her and Hunter as well; they get along like oil and water."
"Do I want to even ask what cause the animosity?" Cooper asked.
"She's simply a bitch and has been since she was about sixteen. Made me thankful I was in college so I didn't have to deal with her. And since she couldn't take her frustrations out on me, who she felt got everything. So, she took them out on Hunter who didn't deserve it. I mean, I'm not saying my brother is a saint, he's far from it. But he didn't deserve her crap for all those years. Personally I think she was ecstatic when he and our Dad had their falling out."
"This might be out of place and tell me if it is, but how's your relationship with your Dad?"
"It's actually really good which I think is part of the issue. Being the first born I'm always going to be Daddy's girl and she doesn't like it. She prefers to be the center of attention. And well, Hunter being the only boy, he got quite a bit of our Dad's attention as well."
"That explains a lot. What did she say when Hunter came to live with you?"
"It didn't surprise her at all, since I've always looked out for him. Living in a home with mainly women wasn't easy on him. I think that's why our Dad tried to spend as much time with him as he could when he was home."
"One last question."
"If after I answer you have another, I'll give you a pass Coop."
"Thanks. Blaine and Bas mentioned that Hunter was a gymnast, how'd that start?"
"It was an accident. With our Mom always busy doing her charity functions it left me babysitting a lot. I mean, we had a nanny to watch Bridget, but Hunter made a point of saying he didn't need a nanny. So, Elizabeth wanted nothing to do with him so I would take him with me most places I went if our Mom wasn't home. And one of those places was my gymnastics class. Once he started to pick things up pretty naturally I mentioned it to our Mom and she signed him up for classes as well."
"Are you good dear?" Lexi asked as she leaned against Cooper.
"I'm good. I was just curious how it came about since it didn't seem like something your Dad would approve of."
"He didn't, he was rather upset with our Mom when he found out. But she explained to him, that she wanted him to know what he was doing as he began getting a bit more adventurous and trying new things. Then before we knew it he was competing. Considering all the years I'd been doing it when he started, I was a bit shocked at how good he was in such a short amount of time. Even our Dad had to admit he was good and could see why we encouraged him so much. The first time he saw him flying around the high bar he flipped. I think he kept waiting for him to crash to the ground. But even after he told him he was proud of him, it was a little too late in Hunter's eyes. All the other things he'd said over the years were too much to overcome. Thankfully, they've gotten passed that part of their relationship. But I was almost certain Hunter's college decision was going to set them back more than it did."
"Did you know he was planning on applying to Columbia?" Lexi asked.
"I did and he even asked if he could live with me. When our Mom called and told me he was coming early, that's what surprised me. I didn't think our Dad would overreact as badly as he did. I know he wanted Hunter to follow in his footsteps, but that's not him. Never has been."
"Oh, I totally get that. It's like the stupid argument Bas has with our Dad over what type of law he should practice. Our Dad wants him to follow in his footsteps, but that doesn't interest Bas. And if it doesn't interest him, he won't be good at it. Scratch that, he'd be good, but he wouldn't be happy with what he was doing."
"Guess Blaine had it easy; our parents were thrilled with what he's chosen. I know they would've supported him if he'd gone into the arts like everyone thought he was going to, but his decision is much easier for them to handle. They had enough stress worrying about me. They didn't want to have to go through the same heartbreak with Blaine but they would've. All they care about is that we're happy."