Knock Knock Knock
"Can you get that?" Will asked Paul. "It's probably my dad for Ari."
"Sure," Paul responded. He left Will and Ari in Ari's bedroom.
"I want this one," Ari told Will. She pointed to a bright green stripped shirt. "And this," she declared.
"Uh," Will glanced at the orange polka dot shorts. "It's a little too cold for shorts, baby girl. How about you pick some pants?"
"Fine," Ari sighed.
Ari agreed to a pair of black pants that thankfully coordinated better than the polka dots.
"What are you and grandpa going to do today?" Will asked.
With her shirt over her head, Ari responded, "We see dinosaur movie!"
"That's right," Will nodded. He helped Ari get her shirt over her head. "I forgot."
"Silly," Ari teased Will.
"I know," Will agreed. He held Ari's pants out so she could step into them. "Daddy is so silly. How could he forget the dinosaur movie?"
"Let's go sit on the potty before we put on your shoes, OK," Will suggested.
"Okie, Daddy," Ari jogged to the potty as fast as she could.
Paul, leaving Ari's room, answered the door with a polite smile.
"Lucas," Paul greeted. He swept open the door to let Lucas inside.
"Paul," Lucas nodded his head. "How have things been?"
"Better," Paul answered. He knew Lucas meant in regards to Will. "He actually was out by himself for a while yesterday. Just a short bit but he did OK."
"Good," Lucas felt a weight lift from his chest. "I worried that with what happened he might never recover."
"Will's a lot stronger than people give him credit for," Paul stated.
"I know," Lucas proudly agreed. "Oh," he said, setting down something on the couch. "This box was outside when I walked up."
Paul glanced at the box apprehensively.
'No return address again. Probably didn't even come through the mail,' Paul frowned. 'This is getting weird.'
"What?" Lucas questioned. He didn't know what to make of Paul's expression. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, yet," Paul said. "Yesterday, Will got something in the mail from someone calling themselves his secret admirer."
"Huh," Lucas' nose scrunched up. "That's…strange," Lucas settled on.
"What was in the box?" Lucas wondered.
"Some plant," Paul shrugged. "And a card about Will being beautiful."
"Right," Lucas grabbed the box he put down again. "We're opening this one."
Paul, noticing Ari running towards the bathroom, called out to Will.
"You got another creepy box," Paul informed Will. "Can we open it?"
"Yeah, sure," Will said before going into the bathroom with Ari.
Lucas popped out his keys, stabbed them into the box, and sliced along the tape. He riffled through the newspaper crammed inside. Inside the box was a large plastic bag full of bite sized individually wrapped chocolate.
"What the hell?" Paul questioned. He grabbed one candy to examine it. "I've never heard of this brand," Paul told Lucas.
"It's from Switzerland," Lucas countered. He bit his lip, concentrating.
"When Will lived with Austin," Lucas explained. "Austin and Carrie took him on some tours of chocolate factories. Will became obsessed with this stuff. After he moved back to Salem, Carrie would send him care packages once a month with them."
Paul turned the candy bar over in his hand.
"How would a stranger know that?" Paul wondered.
"They wouldn't," Lucas decided. "It has to be someone Will knows."
Paul opened his mouth to reply when Ari ran into the room.
"Grandpa, Grandpa," Ari yelled. "I go potty and I dress myself!"
"Awesome," Lucas praised. He held his arms open for Ari to barrel into him. "That's my big girl."
"I am big," Ari approved. She spotted the bag of chocolate. "Candy!" she shouted, grabbing a fistful.
"Whoa," Will said. "I don't think so."
"But Daddy," Ari complained. "I need candy."
"Grandpa is gonna buy you popcorn and an icee," Will reminded her. "You don't need candy too."
"Then why it here?" Ari asked. "It's mean not let me have none."
"Some, not none," Will corrected. "And you can take one candy."
Ari reluctantly put the other pieces of candy back.
"See my dinosaur?" Ari asked Lucas.
"Yep, one dino movie coming up," Lucas promised Ari.
"Yay," Ari hopped off Lucas' lap and ran to put on her boots and coat.
"Adrienne is probably joining us for lunch," Lucas told Will.
"I figured," Will nodded. "Don't forget we're going to see Gabi today. So, don't come back too late."
"We won't," Lucas promised.
"I ready," Ari declared. "Bye, Daddy. Bye, Super Paul."
"Bye, princess," Paul waved.
Will walked Ari and Lucas to the door, waving them off.
"What's with the chocolate?" Will asked. He closed and locked the door behind him.
"It was in the box," Paul said.
"It's my favorite," Will stated. He sat on the couch and dug through the box. Inside, Will found a white card like the one he received the day before.
"This is how I feel about you, your Secret Admirer," Will read out loud on the front of the card. The inside of the card contained a love letter from Leo Tolstoy.
"I already love in you your beauty, but I am only beginning to love in you that which is eternal and ever precious – your heat, your soul. Beauty one could get to know and fall in love with in one hour and cease to love it as speedily; but the soul one must learn to know. Believe me, nothing on earth is given without labour, even love, the most beautiful and natural of feelings."
Will swallowed and put the card aside.
"This is getting disturbing," Paul declared.
"Yeah," Will agreed. "I don't like anyone sending me that."
Before either could discuss it further, Paul's phone started to ring.
"One second, baby," Paul said to Will. "Hello?"
Will watched as Paul's face darkened.
Eyebrows furrowed, Paul hissed. "I'm not doing that," Paul clearly stated.
"No," Paul shook his head. "No, I'm not going anywhere."
"What is it?" Will asked.
"Hold on," Paul barked into the phone. In a softer tone, he told Will. "Your grandma thinks I'm going to Chicago."
"What?" Will frowned.
Paul heard a squawking in his ear before he rolled his eyes. He put his phone on speaker and tossed it on the couch.
"Grandma," Will questioned. "What are you doing to my boyfriend?"
"It's not my idea," Kate huffed. "I got an email last night that Paul, Jake, and myself are wanted at a charity gala in Chicago tonight. Then there's a bunch of interviews and TV appearances scheduled the rest of the weekend. So, Paul needs to get his butt moving."
"Tonight?" Will whispered. He crossed his arms and stared at Paul wide-eyed.
"I'm not going," Paul repeated. "I'm not leaving Will. Not now, just tell them I'm not going."
"I wish I could," Kate argued. "But we're all needed there."
Kate looked at her IPad. She had it opened to an online announcement from the charity gig. At the top of the list of promised celebrity appearances was Paul Narita.
"Besides," Kate complained. "Someone already promised the charity you would be there. Everyone is expecting you."
"How?" Paul wondered. "I didn't commit to anything. Who told them I'd be there?" Paul demanded. "I can't go."
"Everyone who is anyone is going to be there," Kate stressed. "All the proceeds are going to charity. If I could get you out of this, I would. But, it's exactly what this brand needs, your brand."
Will pressed his lips together. He didn't want Paul to go. He wasn't ready for that. He couldn't sleep without Paul pressed against him. Just thinking about Paul leaving made Will's breathing pick up.
"Hey," Paul wrapped an arm around Will. "Hey, it's OK."
Will shook his head, hyperventilating. He had been doing so good getting over everything. But the possibility of Paul leaving worked Will into a panic.
Kate sighed. She could hear Will's frantic breathing and Paul's quiet reassurances. As dedicated as she was to her job, she loved Will more.
"Come to the gala tonight," Kate offered. "And I'll figure out a way to get you out of the interviews."
"Can I take Will?" Paul questioned.
"I don't think that would be a good idea," Kate said gently. "There's going to be press, TV crews. I know you can handle that but I don't want Will put in that position again."
Will shook his head. He didn't want to deal with more paparazzi photographers and people shouting questions.
"Kate," Paul shook his head. "I don't know."
"The company will throw a fit if their spokesman isn't there," Kate insisted.
"They'll have to get over it," Paul insisted. "I can't leave Will here."
Will closed his eyes, face pressed to Paul's neck.
'Stop it,' Will ordered himself. 'I need to get it together. Paul's always supported me in everything I do. I need to get over myself and support Paul.'
"No," Will cleared his throat. "No, you need to go."
"Baby, no," Paul argued. "If you need me here, this is where I'll be."
"I can't let you do that," Will said. "I know how much working on this project means to you. I don't want you getting in trouble."
Paul grabbed Will's hands.
"Will, you're more important than a modeling job," Paul maintained.
"That's sweet," Will replied. "But almost all your proceeds are going to charity. They want you to go for a charity event. I can't hold you back from that."
"It's just one night," Will took a deep breath. "M-maybe we can handle it."
"You don't have to be brave about this," Paul said.
"I can't rely on you forever," Will decided. "I can have my mom come over and stay with me."
"I don't know," Paul thought it over. "I don't know if I'm ready to leave you."
"I think we should try," Will gave Paul a shaky smile.
Paul held Will's gaze.
"Alright," Paul finally said. "But if you need me or if I need you I'm coming right back."
Kate, who had quietly been listening, spoke again.
"We're using the company jet," Kate explained. "You can be home in under an hour if need be."
"OK," Paul agreed.
"Be ready in three hours," Kate told Paul. "A car will be by to pick you up."
In a gentle tone, Kate spoke to Will. "Goodbye, sweetheart."
"Bye," Will responded.
Paul ended the call and slumped against the couch.
"I guess I can't go with you to see Gabi now," Paul commented.
"Oh," Will collapsed against the couch. "I almost forgot we were going today. I really wanted Gabi to meet you."
"Well," Paul swallowed down his brief sense of relief. "You and Ari can go today and sweeten her up about me. Then later, I can go with you."
"Yeah," Will nodded. "That's good. I don't want to overwhelm her."
Will and Paul leaned against each other, relishing the moment.
"We need to find you something to wear," Will said after a few moments.
Paul nodded even though he made no effort to get up.
"Come on," Will smiled. "My boyfriend needs to be the hottest one there."
"I have a few suits back at the condo," Paul reluctantly said. "Let's go."
The card and the chocolate sat forgotten on the couch.
"How does it look?" Paul asked. He stepped out of his massive closet. He pulled on his sleeves, straightening them out.
Will, playing on his phone, looked up. He inhaled sharply and dropped his phone, jaw hanging open.
"Good?" Paul smirked.
Will nodded wordlessly. He got off of Paul's bed and started running his hands over Paul's shoulders.
"You look," Will swallowed. "So," Will shook his head.
When words failed him Will gave up and yanked Paul into a kiss.
"Mmm," Paul responded. He held onto Will's jaw, nipping at his bottom lip.
"You should dress up more often," Will decided. "Or not wear anything."
"Suits or naked, huh?" Paul laughed.
Paul wasn't low on self-esteem. But, there was something about Will's open adoration that he enjoyed.
"Yeah," Will insisted. "You always look good but I think that's when you're at your best."
"In fact," Will proclaimed. "I think you need to be naked now."
Will started pulling at Paul's clothes, pushing off his blazer.
"That so?" Paul asked, amused and turned on.
"Unless you want me ruining the suit," Will ordered. "Get naked, now."
"Whatever you say," Paul took everything off. He laid his suit aside carefully so it wouldn't wrinkle.
Will knocked Paul into the sheets, crawling on top of him.
Will collapsed onto his back, sweaty and sore.
"God," Will panted, eyes closed. "I love you so much."
"You love me?" Paul countered. He rolled onto his side and reached out for Will. "I'm pretty sure you broke my dick."
"You are going to spend the night glamming it up with celebs and models," Will pointed out. "I had to give you something to remember me by."
"You know I love you with or without sex," Paul reminded Will.
"I know," Will smiled. He reached over and traced along the bride of Paul's nose to his lips. "But the sex is nice too."
"More than nice," Paul kissed Will.
When they separated, Paul said, "I have to leave soon."
Will held onto Paul tighter.
"I can still back out," Paul reminded Will. "I could come up with some excuse."
"I don't want to hold you back," Will whispered.
"You aren't," Paul insisted. "Something horrible happened to us. It's understandable that we need time."
Will linked his hand with Paul's.
"I don't want to rely on you forever though," Will said quietly. "I love you and I appreciate all that you do for me. How protective you are of me. But I can't do that forever."
"Yeah," Paul grudgingly agreed. He knew eventually the two would have to rely on the other less. That didn't mean he had to like it though.
"Just don't stay away too long," Will said. "Just a few hours, please?"
"Of course, baby," Paul promised. He kissed Will one more time.
"Where Super Paul?" Ari prompted. She skipped over to Will in the town square. "I show yous my new toy."
"New toy?" Will questioned.
"Yeah," Ari lifted the dinosaur stuffed animal in her arms. "Grandpa and Grandma buy for me. I needed my dinosaur."
Ari held up a dinosaur matching the one in the movie she saw.
"Did you say thank you?" Will asked.
"Uh," Ari dragged her toe back and forth. "No."
"Arianna," Will gave her a look.
"Thank you," Ari said to Lucas with a big smile.
"You're welcome, kiddo," Lucas patted her on the head. "Thanks for going on a date with grandpa."
"Welcome," Ari grinned. She turned to Will. "See my mommy?"
"Yep," Will held out his hand. "Mommy awaits. Thank you, Dad."
"You know I love spending time with my girl," Lucas told Will. "I gotta get back to the Pub. Adrienne is still waiting there. Tell Gabi I said hi."
"Why Super Paul no come?" Ari asked Will again.
The two patiently sat at a table in the visiting room waiting for Gabi.
"Paul is with Grandma Kate," Will explained. "They're working in Chicago."
"What's Chigaco?" Ari wondered. She played with her dinosaur.
"Chi-ca-go," Will enunciated. "It's a city a few hours away. They both have to work. But he'll be back tomorrow."
"That's long time," Ari pointed out. "What if you get scared?"
Will smiled, pulling Ari against him.
"I'll call Paul and he'll come home," Will assured her. "He promised."
"Good, Paul be home," Ari nodded seriously. "Not far away."
A loud buzz permeated the room indicating the prisoners were entering the room.
"My mommy," Ari cheered.
Gabi waited in line with the other women before rushing over to Ari and Will.
Gabi scooped Ari into her arms, holding her tight. After a few moments, Gabi released Ari and clutched at Will.
"Will," Gabi breathed. "God, I can't believe what happened to you."
"I told you when I called that I was fine," Will patted her back.
"That doesn't matter," Gabi argued. She pushed Will away and examined him. "I can't believe that happened to you."
"I'm getting better," Will insisted. "My bruises are almost gone."
"Sounds like Daddy," Ari inputted.
"Yeah," Will chuckled as he sat down. "My voice is back to normal."
"That was the worst phone call I've ever gotten in my life," Gabi said. "But you do look better."
Ari looked between her parents before saying, "I have a new toy. Look at it."
"Sorry, baby," Gabi kissed the top of her head. "Mommy's listening."
Will watched as Gabi and Ari conversed. He loved watching the two of them interact.
'I wish they could spend more time together,' Will thought. 'They both deserve it.'
After a few minutes, Will knew he needed to bring up Paul. Thankfully, Ari brought the subject up herself.
"And then Super Paul and Daddy tuck me in," Ari explained happily.
"Super Paul?" Gabi frowned.
"Yeah," Ari said. She looked at Gabi like she was stupid. "Super Boyfriend Paul."
"Right," Gabi nodded before giving Will a strange look. "I heard something about that."
"He was going to come with us but he got called away for work," Will told Gabi. "I wanted you to meet."
"Uh huh," Gabi lifted her eyebrows.
"I wanted to tell you about him in person," Will continued. "That we've been seeing each other."
Gabi, being careful to remember Ari was listening, nodded. "I see," she said judgmentally.
"I know the last time I talked to you about Paul," Will fiddled with his fingers. "It wasn't good but things between us changed."
Gabi said nothing.
"Paul and I started getting closer in October," Will began. "It was just physical but it went from there. He's been there for me and for Ari."
Will caught Gabi's eyes and confessed, "I'm in love with Paul."
"Is true," Ari agreed. "Daddy loves Super Paul. Super Paul loves Daddy."
"Will," Gabi winced. "Are you sure about this?"
"What do you mean?" Will asked.
"Everything you ever told me about Paul was negative," Gabi reminded him. "You told me about what happened between you and him. Not to mention what went on between him and Sonny. And…" Gabi trailed off.
"And what?" Will wondered, confused.
"Don't you think you're just rebounding?" Gabi questioned. "Or you're just reacting to him, I don't know, rescuing you?"
"No," Will leaned away from Gabi. "No, that's not what I'm feeling."
"Are you sure?" Gabi queried. "The last time we talked about your love life in detail it was about how miserable you were without Sonny."
Will frowned.
"And I know," Gabi licked her lips, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I know that Sonny wants you back."
"How do you know that?" Will demanded.
"No Sonny," Ari crossed her arms. "He mean!"
"He came to see me this morning," Gabi admitted. "He told me all about what's been happening."
"Excuse me?" Will spat out.
"I have to agree with Sonny," Gabi reluctantly said. "He told me how Paul's been hovering over you. I think that you're just latching onto him because you're vulnerable. You've been that way ever since Sonny left."
"No, I haven't," Will firmly replied. "I've been getting better actually. I've been taking care of myself physically and mentally."
"I've been a better father, boyfriend, son, everything," Will added. "And that was without Sonny Kiriakis."
"Will," Gabi attempted to mollify.
"Sonny bad," Ari shook her head repeatedly. "I can't like Sonny."
Will gathered Ari in his arms. Ari hid her face in Will's neck. She kept repeating, "No Sonny."
"Instead of talking to Sonny about me," Will pointed out. "You should be asking him how he treats our daughter."
"What do you mean?" Gabi wondered.
"I mean the fact that he's been ignoring her," Will said flatly. "He saw her for a few seconds the entire time he's been here."
"That doesn't sound like Sonny," Gabi bit her lip.
"Look at your daughter," Will ordered Gabi.
Ari turned back to face her mommy. She wiped her eyes and nose with the sleeve of her shirt.
"I no want Sonny," Ari stated. "Sonny mean to us and make Daddy sad. I can't like Sonny."
Gabi inhaled sharply. Never once did she imagine that Arianna could be upset with Sonny.
'Never Sonny,' Gabi thought. 'He's always adored Ari. How could he stay away from her? How could she be upset with him? Why didn't he mention it when he saw me earlier? None of this makes sense.'
"Sweetie," Gabi extended her arms for Ari to come to her. "Why are you so mad at Sonny?"
"Sonny leave me," Ari explained. "He go away and not come back. He not have time for me. He not play with me like Super Paul."
"Super Paul?" Gabi repeated quietly.
"Yeah," Ari nodded several times. "Super Paul play with me and Daddy. We play games. He help put me in my bed. He keep Daddy safe."
"I love Super Paul," Ari continued. "No want Sonny, want Super Paul."
Gabi looked between Will and Ari. They both had the same sweet smile on their faces.
"You both love him, huh?" Gabi questioned.
"We do," Will guaranteed. "I know that it seems sudden but we do."
"I know that you're disappointed that I ruined things with Sonny. Just like you know that I wouldn't let Ari be around anyone I didn't trust," Will told Gabi. "I'm happy now. Ari is happy. Things are good for us. And I would appreciate it if you'd support me with this."
"I do trust you," Gabi promised. "I know you wouldn't let just anyone around Ari. It's just going to take some time to adjust to this."
"No take time," Ari countered. "Is easy."
"I'll do my best," Gabi promised Ari and Will.
Will and Ari walked into their apartment shivering. It had begun snowing again.
"I so cold," Ari told Will. "And hungry. My tummy is so empty."
"We better get you some dinner," Will decided. "What do you want me to make?"
"Make me," Ari tapped her finger to her chin, thinking. "Macaroni and cheeeeese!"
"OK," Will agreed. He could do that.
Feeling his phone buzz, Will pulled it out of his pocket. He smiled reading over Paul's message.
When they were with Gabi, Will didn't miss Paul so much. But here, in the apartment, Will wished Paul could be with them.
'Soon,' Will told himself. 'Only a few more hours and Paul will be on his way back home.'
As Will took out a pot and filled it with water, a knock sounded on the door.
"Who is it?" Ari shouted loudly.
"It's Grammy," Sami replied with a laugh. "It's cold out here. Let me in!"
"Daddy, Daddy," Ari giggled. "It's my grammy!"
Will put the pot on the stove and turned it on. Wiping his hands on his pants, Will took the few short steps to the front door.
"Mom," Will greeted. "Thanks for coming."
"Well," Sami said as she walked inside. She brushed some snow from her shoulders and out of her hair. "You know I'd never say no to a night with my babies."
"Not a baby," Ari wrinkled her nose. "I a big girl!"
"Oh, I forgot," Sami told Ari with a soft smile. "It's just Daddy that's a baby."
Will helped Sami get out of her coat.
"Yeah," Ari agreed. "You the baby," she informed Will.
Will smiled good-naturedly.
"Maybe I'll go hang out with Tate," Will teased.
"No," Ari yelled. "That's my baby!"
"Oh, OK," Will chuckled. "Maybe tomorrow I'll call Theresa and see if we can play with your baby."
"Yay," Ari clapped her hands. "My baby!"
"Grammy," Ari snatched Sami's hand. "I show you my new toy. Grandpa take me on date for dinosaur."
Sami, being dragged towards Ari's room, called out to Will over her shoulder.
"There's a package for you outside," Sami informed Will.
Will stomped over to the door and scooped up the small box.
'Oh for god's sake,' Will thought. He threw the box on the counter, annoyed.
Will knew who the presents had to be from. He should have realized it was Sonny when he saw the plant.
'Calla lilies grow at the Kiriakis mansion. I always told Sonny how much I liked them,' Will recalled. 'He knew about the candy. And who else would know a useless fact about Greek words?'
With narrowed eyes, Will ripped open the new box. Inside the small box was an IPod.
Will lifted his hands to cover his face.
'Why is he doing this now? Why couldn't he have done this when it mattered?' Will wondered. 'Not now when it's too late.'
Hearing the water in the pot boiling, Will pulled himself together.
'Later,' Will thought. 'Dinner first.'
Sonny watched from afar as Will stepped outside to pick up the box he left. Sonny wanted to call out to Will, announce his presence. But Sami's arrival threw Sonny off.
'I was counting on Will being alone tonight,' Sonny sighed. 'I know if I can just get him alone I'll be able to talk to him. Really talk, the way we used to.'
'I can't do that with Sami there though,' Sonny knew. 'I guess I'll just have to wait until tomorrow morning.'
Sonny turned and walked away.
'It's not like Paul's going to be back anytime soon,' Sonny smiled. 'Besides, after tomorrow's gift there's no way Will could ever go back to Paul.'
Will wiped Ari's face with a washcloth.
"Every meal," Will shook his head.
"I messy," Ari grinned.
Sami looked over at the clock on the microwave.
"I hope you don't mind but I invited someone over," Sami told Will.
"Who?" Will wondered. He tossed the washcloth into the sink before helping Ari down from the barstool. She ran off to her bedroom.
"The kids last day of school was today," Sami reminded Will. "I want to go get them tomorrow. But I can't exactly do that until I know they'll be safe here."
"Then who did you need?" Will asked.
Knock Knock Knock
Sami went to the front door and pulled it open.
"Hey," Chad DiMera greeted nervously.
"Hey," Will parroted back.
"Come on in," Sami swept her arm aside.
"Right," Chad came inside. He took off his coat and looked around the place.
"Do you want anything?" Will questioned.
"No," Chad shook his head. He was having a rough time looking at Will.
"Are you OK?" Will wondered. He hadn't seen or heard from Chad since his visit to the hospital.
"Of course," Chad said. "It's you that…"
"I'm fine," Will insisted. "Completely."
"But if it wasn't for what," Chad attempted to say.
"No," Will interrupted. He pushed Chad to sit on the couch. "You didn't know what Ben was going to do, who he was going to turn into."
"Look," Will told Chad. "I don't blame you. So, you shouldn't blame yourself."
"But," Sami smiled calculatingly. "If you wanted to make it up to Will I know something you can do."
Chad looked between Sami's fierce gaze and Will's earnest eyes.
"And that would be…?" Chad asked. He would do just about anything to make things right with Will.
Will wanted to be a better person. He really did. He didn't want to lie, scheme, or manipulate unless necessary.
'But I think this'll be good for Chad,' Will realized. 'It might help him get rid of his guilt. Plus, they're his family too.'
Will gave Chad what he hoped was an innocent smile.
"I really want to spend Christmas with my brother and sisters," Will explained. "But we're afraid if they're in Salem your father might do something."
Chad nodded. He knew exactly what Will meant.
"So," Will licked his lips. "I was hoping maybe you could distract him or make sure that he doesn't find out about them being here."
"Yes," Chad agreed instantly. "Yes, I can do that. I can absolutely do that."
"Great," Will declared. "That's great. I know they'll be excited to see you."
"When are they coming?" Chad questioned.
"I have a flight back to LA tomorrow," Sami explained. "I'll be there long enough to get them and fly back."
"Paul and I are hoping to have a get together at his place," Will commented. "I'd like it if you came too."
"Something tells me Paul might not want that," Chad mumbled. He remembered the accusing gaze Paul tossed his way in the hospital room.
"Paul will get over it," Will dismissed. "Besides, his mom is going to be there. I'll need all the help I can get."
Chad guffawed. "Yeah, I think I'd pay to see that," he decided.
"Hey," Will complained. "If nothing else you can explain how I rescued you from jail. Pump me up a bit."
"Then we can all bond about being a victim of one of your articles," Chad teased.
Will squawked indignantly.
"If anyone can complain about that," Sami said dryly. "It's me."
"Oh, sure," Will crossed his arms. "Gang up on me."
Chad reached out and rustled Will's hair.
"I'm going to go call the kids," Sami declared. "You two talk."
Sami smiled as Will and Chad started pushing and shoving the other. It reminded her of their high school days. How she'd come home and find them arguing with video game controllers in their hands.
'It's good that Will is getting his friends back,' Sami thought. 'If only someone was there for him the past year. He might not have had to lose it all.'
'Then again,' Sami considered. 'He does seem so much happier now.'
Ari, hearing her daddy laughing without her, hurried out into the front room.
"Oooh," Ari giggled. "Is Chad!"
"Hey, kiddo," Chad greeted.
"You come to play with me," Ari ran over.
"Uh, sure," Chad agreed.
Ari rushed to her room and then came back with an armful of blocks.
"Now we all play," Ari decided. "Grammy," Ari screamed at the top of her lungs. "Play!"
"Where's Paul now?" Chad asked a few minutes later. "I didn't think he would be letting you out of his sight."
"He's got some Titan work thing in Chicago," Will explained. "He didn't want to go but I convinced him."
"What Titan thing?" Chad probed.
"I don't know," Will shrugged. "Grandma Kate said Paul had to go. It's for charity. There were press releases about it and everything."
"And he didn't know about it?" Chad lifted one eyebrow.
"Nope," Will popped out.
"Sounds like someone set him up," Chad remarked.
"Really?" Will thought it over.
'It is pretty convenient that Paul just had to go this weekend,' Will realized.
"Hello," Ari got their attention. "Play with me not talk."
"So sorry," Chad appeased with a chuckle.
After a hard night of playing and a warm bath, Ari easily went down to sleep. She didn't have Paul to help tuck her in but Chad was a good substitute.
Will walked out of Ari's bedroom, softly closing the door.
"I better get back to the mansion," Chad said. "I need to get started on distracting my father."
Will walked Chad to the door.
Putting on his coat, Chad waved at Sami.
"Thanks for having me come over," Chad told Will. "I've missed hanging around you, dude."
"Me too," Will agreed. "I miss you."
"Love you, dude," Chad kissed Will's cheek. "Let me know about your party thing."
"I will," Will assured him.
Will closed and locked the door after Chad left.
"Aw," Sami teased from atop the barstool at the counter. "You two are best friends again."
"It's nice having some friends around," Will agreed. He joined his mother at the counter.
Will placed his phone in front of him. He hadn't heard from Paul in about an hour.
"He's busy," Sami reminded Will. She saw the way he was looking at his phone. "I'm sure he's mingling with the rich and famous. He'll call you when he's done."
"I know," Will nodded. "I trust him. I just," Will wrung his hands together. "This is the longest I've gone without talking to him in a while."
"I figured," Sami mumbled.
Wanting to distract Will, Sami pulled the box with the IPod in front of her.
"Did you order this?" Sami questioned.
Sami lifted the IPod out of the box and turned it over.
"No," Will sighed.
"Is it an early Christmas present?" Sami asked. She found a small white card at the bottom of the box.
"It's from my 'secret admirer'," Will sneered.
"This sounds pretty damn intense for a secret admirer," Sami commented.
Clearing her throat, she read the card out loud.
"Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart…. I thought that I loved you months ago, but since my separation from you I feel that I love you a thousand fold more. Each day since I knew you, have I adored you more and more.
Napoleon Bonaparte"
Will groaned, running his hands through his hair.
"He needs to stop this," Will said.
Sami read the card over again before frowning.
"Oh," Sami pursed her lips, realization overtaking her. "Sonny."
"Yeah," Will laughed sadly. "Apparently now I'm worthy of him."
Sami opened her mouth to defend Will but Will cut her off.
"He went to visit Gabi too," Will told Sami. "To warn her that Paul was using me and preying on my vulnerability."
"Oh for god's sake," Sami hissed. "What is his problem?"
"He's winning me back," Will said in a mocking tone.
Will grabbed the IPod and turned it on. He flicked through the song selections.
"Asteroid Crush," Will mumbled. "Of course," Will said.
Will could remember how he and Sonny would listen to the band for hours. Get lost in each other and forget the music. Will hadn't been able to listen to any of Asteroid Crush's songs since the divorce. They brought up too many memories he needed to forget to move on.
"Why is he doing this now?" Will asked Sami weakly. "Why can't he just leave me alone?"
"I don't know," Sami put her arm around Will's shoulders.
Will rested his head on Sami's shoulder and sighed.
"I used to think Sonny was the best thing that ever happened to you," Sami told Will. "But now I know you're the best thing that ever happened to you."
"What does that mean?" Will smiled.
"You," Sami squeezed Will. "This past year has been horrible for you. You were lost and alone. But you still made it. You worked hard to better yourself and provide a stable life for Ari. You didn't let what happened with Ben break you. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," Will responded.
"You've always been my perfect son," Sami stated. "I think Sonny is finally realizing it too. He let you go and you moved on."
"Did he expect me to sit around waiting for him forever?" Will shook his head.
"When you hurt people," Sami began. "They react in different ways."
"I think you've proven that," Will mumbled.
Sami pinched Will.
"I'm just saying," Sami continued. "When Sonny left you were a wreck and now you don't need him. You've always needed him. Right now he's jealous and confused. Once it finally sinks in, he'll let you go."
"Getting over him was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," Will confessed. "But I don't regret it."
"You've got a good thing going on with Paul," Sami agreed. "Which is why you should tell him Sonny is your secret admirer."
"I know," Will made a face. "I just know he won't like it."
"Now, I'm going to get ready for bed," Sami let go of Will. "Why don't you go call Paul and see when he's coming home?"
With his mom setting up shop in his bathroom, Will sat on his bed. He turned his phone over and over in his hands.
'He said to call him if I need him,' Will thought.
Will found Paul's contact info and pushed dial.
"Hey," Paul answered after a few rings. "I was just going to call you."
"Yeah?" Will smiled. He felt something warm and gooey running down his chest hearing Paul's voice.
"Yeah," Paul responded with a forlorn tone.
"What is it?" Will asked. "What happened?"
"The storm," Paul explained. "It's really bad here still. The pilot said he can't fly us back until tomorrow."
"But," Will stood up and looked out the window. "But it's not even snowing here anymore."
"I know," Paul understood. "Chicago isn't Salem though."
"Right," Will slumped onto his bed. "You're there and I'm here."
"You don't know how bad I want to be with you, baby," Paul promised Will.
"I know you do," Will nodded. "It's just," Will inhaled shakily. "We've never been apart this long since everything."
"I know, baby," Paul agreed.
"Where are you now?" Will asked.
"In a hotel," Paul said.
"How was your thing?" Will questioned. He wanted to distract himself.
"It was OK," Paul explained. "There were a lot of people. Some ball players I used to know. Models I recognized. We ended up raising a lot of money for charity."
"That's good," Will confirmed. "It sounds like it went well."
"It was kind of fun," Paul admitted. "But I gotta say, sitting at home with you and Ari is better."
"Right," Will snorted. "I'm sure you'd much rather be with a toddler than rub elbows with celebs."
"I would," Paul asserted. "I love you two."
"I know you do," Will responded. "We love you too."
It was silent for a few minutes before Will blurted out.
"I got another package," Will said.
"From your secret admirer?" Paul mocked.
"About that," Will licked his lips. "I'm pretty sure it's Sonny."
Paul growled in frustration.
"Of course it is," Paul rolled his eyes. "Why can't he just leave you alone?"
"My mom thinks he needs time," Will said. "We had months to adjust to our relationship."
"Yeah, well, he should have gotten over you when he threw you away," Paul huffed.
"I know," Will nodded. "Sonny will figure it out eventually. I just wanted to tell you."
"Thanks," Paul reluctantly said. "I know it's not your fault. But he's driving me crazy."
"You don't have anything to worry about," Will reminded Paul. "I'm all yours."
"Don't I know it," Paul smiled.
"It's going to be weird sleeping without you," Will commented.
"Is your mom still there?" Paul asked, worried about Will.
"Yeah," Will responded. "She's been in the shower forever."
"She'll help keep you safe," Paul knew.
Paul looked at the massive bed in his hotel room.
"But sleeping without you will be weird," Paul agreed. "I don't like it."
"It had to happen sometime," Will pointed out. "I just wish it wasn't now."
"If you need me," Paul reminded Will. "Just call me. And the minute we can fly I'll be out of here."
"I know," Will smiled sadly.
Will shot up from the couch several hours later. He thoughtfully let his mother sleep in his bed. But now he wished he didn't.
Will felt tears lining his eyes, threatening to spill over. He pulled his knees to his chest.
'It was just a nightmare,' Will scolded. 'Just a nightmare.'
Will searched for his phone on the coffee table.
'I need to talk to Paul,' Will panicked. 'I need to talk to him.'
Will held his phone to his ear. He hoped Paul would answer. He needed Paul to answer.
"Baby, what's wrong?" Paul asked, wide awake.
"I had a nightmare," Will said in a soft tone. "And I need you."
Paul hated that he wasn't there for Will.
'Why did I go on this stupid trip?' Paul cursed himself. 'I knew I should have stayed at home.'
"It's OK," Paul urged. "I'm here. Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," Will decided. "You know what it was about."
"Yeah," Paul took a deep breath. "I know."
"Did I wake you up?" Will questioned.
"No," Paul said. "I couldn't really sleep."
"We're kind of pathetic," Will commented.
"Yeah," Paul agreed. "But I kind of like it."
"Me too," Will smiled.
"Tell me about the rest of your day," Paul requested. "What happened when you went to visit Gabi?"
Will explained his day and troublesome visit with Gabi.
The two talked until the early hours, falling asleep listening to the other breathing.
"Daddy," Ari screamed from the bathroom.
Will jumped off the couch, eyes blurry. He had only gotten a few hours of sleep.
"What is it?" Will asked. He rubbed his hands against his eyes.
"I go potty all alone," Ari excitedly proclaimed. She sat on the toilet, little legs kicking excitedly.
"Aw, baby," Will praised. "That's amazing."
Will cleaned Ari up and the two walked into the kitchen for breakfast.
Sami, coming out of the bedroom, greeted the two.
"How did you two sleep last night?" Sami asked.
"Good," Ari said. "I wake up and go potty!"
"Good job," Sami acknowledged. "How about you? Rough night?"
"Yeah," Will nodded. He put a bowl of cereal in front of Ari then got started on some coffee.
"It should be better tonight when Paul comes back," Sami reminded Will.
A honk sounded outside.
"There's my cab," Sami said. "I need to get to the airport."
Will helped get his mother's carryon bag.
"It's pretty snowy out there," Will commented when he opened the front door. "Are you sure you'll be OK?"
"Yep. I already checked with the airport," Sami explained. "Actually, they said that there weren't any delays last night. So, that must mean Paul will be here soon."
"Good," Will grinned even though he felt confused. "You be careful and get back soon."
"Next time you see me I'll be swarming with children," Sami promised.
'Why wouldn't Paul be able to fly last night then? Was it really snowing that hard in Chicago?' Will mused.
Just before he closed the door, Will noticed something near the front door. It was another package without a return address.
Will picked it up, tossing it on his desk to deal with later. Will wasn't interested in whatever Sonny sent now.
Will closed the door, walking over to the couch. He folded the blanket he used and put it over the back of the couch. He grabbed his phone and took it to the kitchen to plug into his charger. It died sometime during the night after he had fallen asleep.
'I hope I have a message from Paul saying he's on his way back,' Will thought. He waited for his phone to turn back on.
"How's the cereal?" Will asked Ari.
"S'yummy," Ari said around a mouthful. "Thank you for feeding me."
"I wasn't going to let you starve," Will laughed. He turned to pour himself a cup of coffee.
While he was pouring, his phone sounded like it was blowing up.
Will set down the coffee pot and the mug. He picked up his phone and grimaced. He had several missed calls and messages from Paul.
'What the hell?' Will thought.
Will read the last text containing a number to reach Paul at.
Paul bounced his leg up and down while on the jet. Kate was in the seat next to him yelling into a phone. Jake sat next to her on another phone.
'Come on Will, call me back,' Paul thought, antsy to assure Will it wasn't true.
The airplane phone next to Paul's seat began to ring. He answered it instantly.
"You know it's not true," Paul shouted into the phone.
Will pulled the phone away from his ear, confused.
"I know what isn't true?" Will asked. "What are you talking about?"
"You haven't seen it yet?" Paul questioned.
"Seen what?" Will wondered.
"Fuck," Paul mumbled. "Baby, you know that I wouldn't."
"Wouldn't what?" Will demanded. "Paul, what are you talking about?"
"Look at True Vista's website," Paul told Will. "You'll see."
Will put his phone on speaker and went to pull open the website.
"What exactly am I looking fo-," Will stopped talking. "Oh. What the hell?"
"You know it's crap," Paul pleaded. "Tell me you know it's crap."
Will read over the top headline with a frown.
Narita Gone Wild!
Accompanying the article was a large picture of Paul with a drink in hand. He was clearly laughing with a fellow model hanging off of his arm. A gorgeous model staring at Paul with a dangerous look in his eyes.
Will bit his lip, fists clenched, trembling.
Author's note:
Sonny's been busy in this chapter. Anyone remember when Sonny referred to Will as Tolstoy?
Any thoughts?
Thank you for reading!
A huge thank you going out to iluvh0rs3s for giving me some suggestions on gifts. You're definitely my lifesaver!