Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews. Please let me know what you think of this chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Tanya Tasteltof's abrupt departure sparked curiosity amongst the inquisitive minds of Beverly Hills' elite. Having been involved in more than her fair share of scandals, Evelyn stood silently by as gossip was spread and outlandish rumors were sparked. She highly doubted anything other than whimsy was to blame for the sudden relocation to New York. Besides, if Tanya had been involved in a scandal of the proportions people were speculating, she wouldn't be standing in the middle of an upscale boutique admiring a passion purple evening gown. Evelyn looks twice to make sure it's her then walks over to the blonde.
"Tanya?" Evelyn says softly not wanting to startle the other woman. The effort is futile because Tanya bounces slightly whirling around to see just who has said her name.
"Evelyn!" Tanya squeals, happy to see her friend. She pulls Evelyn into a hug, looking down at Evelyn's stomach in shock when she feels the firm rounding of Evelyn's stomach against her own.
"Are you pregnant?" Tanya gasps staring wide eyed at Evelyn's protruding stomach.
Evelyn can't help but laugh. All morning she has received similar looks from acquaintances she's encountered as she's shopped, no longer able to abide the angry red marks the waist bands of her skirts and pants leave on her stomach. At seventeen weeks, it is obvious she is pregnant, no longer seeing the point in trying to conceal what is so obvious. She does take comfort in the knowledge that, from the astounded looks she has received, everyone who knows about her pregnancy has kept their word and not told a soul.
"Yes," Evelyn chuckles, nothing more amusing than watching the questions flash across Tanya's face. The blonde has never been all that good at schooling her features.
"H...bu..." Tanya closes her mouth, taking a moment to compose her thoughts. When she thinks she can form a coherent sentence, she says, "I thought you were infertile!" Not the nicest way she could have said it, but Tanya remembers a conversation the two had several years earlier when Tanya's then husband had been pushing to start a family. Tanya didn't want children, and still doesn't, but the red head had relishes the idea of having another child. Unfortunately, that was no longer a possibility. Apparently, the doctors were wrong or there's been a scientific breakthrough Tanya hast heard about.
"As did I," Evelyn smirks, the idea of a pregnancy, after all these years, remains surreal.
"But aren't you and Adrian divorcing?" Tanya may no longer live in LA but she keeps up with her old friends. She has to make sure no one else has fallen into the same dark abyss she did.
"We are," Evelyn sighs, the mention of the divorce zapping some of her energy.
"So I'm guessing he isn't the father." Tanya asks carefully not wanting to alienate her old friend. Evelyn snorts derisively then answers.
"He is; we conceived during a drunken encounter on Memorial Day." she shakes her head at the snippets of that night. It is still such a blur.
Tanya narrows her eyes as she studies Evelyn. She remembers hearing something about Adrian suffering from paralysis after their house exploded. She is pretty sure she heard that around Memorial Day.
"Wasn't he paralyzed then?" Tanya is intrigued.
"He was faking paralysis so I wouldn't divorce him." The thought of her devious husband pulling such an underhanded trick causes her blood to boil.
"He was supposedly paralyzed but you didn't think it odd he could perform?" Tanya shakes her head in disbelief. Evelyn sighs heavily.
"Impaling Adrian on a skewer, setting him aflame, and severing off his head would not impede his ability to maintain an erection and achieve orgasm." People do not seem to fully appreciate just how much of a sexual deviant her husband is. Tanya continues to give her a bland, unbelieving look. "I was also incredibly intoxicated."
"You'd have to be," Tanya snorts.
Evelyn purses her lips deciding against commenting. She should probably get used to people commenting about the baby's conception and the fact she didn't question Adrian's abilities. Instead of furthering the conversation about the conception, Tanya asks Evelyn of her plans. Evelyn sighs heavily, motioning to her expanding middle as she explains her so far unsuccessful attempt at locating clothing which accommodates her growing her child as well as her own fashion sense. Tanya chuckles then suggests a day spent on Rodeo. Evelyn obviously isn't finding what she's looking for here, and Tanya could use the distraction. Evelyn agrees and the two make their way towards the exit.
As they shop, Tanya explains she is visiting Beverly hills while a sick relative recuperates after an unexpected surgical procedure. Evelyn listens, finding Tanya's subdued behavior out of character. The blonde is smiling and laughing as they gossip about the latest happenings in L.A. but she doesn't seem to be as robust as she once was. Evelyn decides she must just be tired and doesn't question it any further. They decide after shopping they will treat themselves to a day of pampering at their favorite spa then conclude the impromptu day out by enjoying a late lunch.
Tanya's arms are loaded down with bags as they conclude their morning shopping expedition on Rodeo. After extensive retail therapy, she is feeling much better, if only for a short while. Evelyn has enjoyed the morning as well even if she has only found two items that aren't in a garish print or reminiscent of a circus tent. It feels good to talk with someone about other things than just the baby or her pending divorce. She senses there is something troubling Tanya but she doesn't push the subject. The blonde seems quite content reminiscing.
Remembering a rather comical trip to Paris where their criticism rendered a new designer to tears, the two are laughing so hard they do not pay attention to their surroundings. It isn't until Tanya collides with a person that she stops laughing. At first she is annoyed, but when she looks at the person's face she noticeably pales. Even finds the reaction a bit odd. She isn't exactly happy to see the woman Tanya has bumped into, but she finds Tanya's reaction a bit extreme.
"Gail!" Tanya squeaks, earning another curious glance from Evelyn.
"Tanya," Gail smiles devilishly. She is rather surprised to apt Tanya in L.A.
Evelyn watches as the two women stand there giving each other the once over. The entire thing is odd. Before Tanya left town, Gail never really participated in any of their social circle's activities. The more Evelyn thinks about it, it wasn't until after Tanya left that Gail became a fixture at their social functions.
"It's wonderful to see you," Gail gushes, pulling Tanya into a hug. "What the hell are you doing here?" Gail hisses against her hair, so low Evelyn can't hear.
"Visiting an ailing acquaintance," she replies snappily in a hushed tone.
Evelyn remains silent as she watches the is display. Tanya has been a bit off all morning but now Evelyn can feel the tension radiating from her. Gail causes that reaction in many people, but this oils too extreme to write it off as just another person Gail has offended. Evelyn makes a mental note to discuss it with Tanya over lunch.
"Evelyn, look at you!" Gail gasps once she releases Tanya. Evelyn cringes inwardly but doesn't allow her feelings to show. Now isn't the time or place to dredge up the feelings she continues to harbor against Gail since the gala.
"Hello, Gail," she responds coolly.
"Wow, black really must be slimming; you're much further along than I thought.
Evelyn grits her teeth as she remembers Gail fishing for an answer as to how far along she was at the gala. Since then Evelyn has started showing more and even that black dress can no longer conceal her growing stomach. She didn't want to tell Gail how far along she was then and she most certainly won't be sharing that news now.
"When is this precious bundle due to arrive?" Gail's tone is sickeningly sweet as she reaches out and pats Evelyn's stomach.
"If you value your hand, you will remove it immediately!" Evelyn growls, her eyes narrowing in malice. Tanya and Gail exchange shocked looks. No matter what Adrian has done, whatever shenanigan he has perpetrated, neither have Evelyn look as murderous as she does at that very moment.
"I'm sorry, I…." Gail stutters, taken aback by the tone as well as the glare.
"Evelyn," Tanya begins gently, "we should probably get going if we're going to make it to the spa on time." She gently places her hand on Evelyn's arm hoping to defuse the situation. Evelyn takes a shaking breath then nods. Without another word, she turns away from Gail and heads towards the car.
"I'll be sure to let my father know I ran into you," Gail smirks, offering Tanya a knowing look. Tanya sighs heavily, dreading the phone call she is sure she will receive from Hugh Metzger or one of his many associates.
Lunch with Tanya was a lovely change of pace, but something obviously was bothering the blonde. Evelyn noticed it right after the two began talking at the boutique, but after running into Gail, Tanya was very distant. Spooked is the only way Evelyn can really think to describe her. As she waits for the elevator, Evelyn replays Tanya's abrupt departure from the restaurant after receiving a phone call. She said she would text, but Evelyn doubts she'll hear from the woman. Evelyn sighs heavily, exhaustion washing over her. She remembers the chronic fatigue she felt with Barret, and apparently, this time isn't going to be any different. The fact she is more than two decades older this time probably will not help with the exhaustion.
The elevator dings, signaling the arrival and shaking Evelyn out of her thoughts. The doors open and she steps onto the elevator, surprised to see Geneviève standing in the elevator pecking away at her phone. Geneviève looks up from her phone, smiling to see the redhead.
"Evelyn, you look absolutely radiant!" Geneviève exclaims, taking in Evelyn's appearance. She is showing, there is a healthy glow to her skin, and she looks a thousand times better than she did the night of the gala.
"Thank you," Evelyn smiles shyly, pressing the first-floor button.
"You're showing," Geneviève smiles brightly, her eyes landing on Evelyn's stomach.
Evelyn tenses, expecting at any moment for Geneviève to touch the small baby bump. She isn't sure why it bothers her so much having people touch her stomach, but it does. James has hypothesized it might have something to do with the loss of Barrett making her possessive of this baby. Adrian quickly shot down his suggestion, explaining that during her pregnancy with Barrett she was the exact same way. The two men might find it odd, but thankfully Geneviève understands.
"I didn't like people touching my stomach when I was pregnant," Geneviève tells her, picking up on her discomfort. Evelyn smiles appreciatively.
While the elevator slowly descends, it occurs to Evelyn to ask Geneviève about Tanya. If anyone would know the truth, it will be Geneviève. At first, Geneviève is unsure whether she should indulge in gossip, but it is only Evelyn, and Evelyn was rather close to Tanya before she left. Just as she is explaining Tanya's departure had something to do with Hugh Metzger and Grant Mercer, the elevator stalls. Genevieve's face goes ashen as memories of the night Zoila went into labor flash through her mind. Panic settles over her and she begins smacking at the elevator buttons. Evelyn is a bit taken aback by Genevieve's behavior. This building is a historical landmark, the patrons of the restaurants and businesses occupying it, are accustomed to the frequent, unexpected stops the elevator makes.
"This can't happen. Not again! Please, no!" Geneviève whimpers as she continues to bang against the buttons.
"Geneviève, calm down. It i…." Evelyn tries to calm Geneviève but stops when she feels a light, fluttering sensation in her stomach. She places her hand on her stomach causing Genevieve's alarm to grow.
"Oh, dear God, not again!" Geneviève almost cries. "HELP!" She screams, banging on the elevator doors.
"Geneviève!" Evelyn hisses, grabbing her by the arm. "It is all right!" Evelyn tries to remain calm with the woman, but this outburst is a bit much.
"No, it's not! The elevator isn't moving and you just grabbed your stomach! Are you in labor?" Genevieve's eyes are wide with horror.
"What?" Evelyn blinks owlishly as she looks at the other woman. "No," she finally says. "It's too early for me to be in labor. I just felt the baby move for the first time, that is all." Evelyn studies Geneviève with a questioning look.
"So, you and the baby are all right?" Geneviève asks carefully, afraid of the answer she might receive.
"Yes, I just felt h…." Evelyn pauses, realizing that she almost revealed the baby's gender. She doesn't want to tell anyone what she is having, afraid that unwittingly someone would ruin the surprise for Adrian. For the first time in so long, Adrian is happy, almost giddy with anticipation. She won't rob of that.
Geneviève eventually relaxes while they wait for the elevator to start moving again. Evelyn is still surprised by her reaction, but doesn't dwell on it. She encourages Geneviève to talk about Tanya and whatever it was that drove her out of town. Geneviève shares what she knows but it isn't much. No one knows exactly what transpired, but whatever it was happened shortly after Tanya's one night stand with Tony. Evelyn inwardly cringes at the memory of walking in on her one-time body guard turned lover and Tanya having sex. Geneviève doesn't notice her discomfort or chooses to ignore it, continuing to tell Evelyn about what she has heard over dinners and martinis with some of Beverly Hills' most elite.
By the time the elevator is moving again, Evelyn still doesn't know much more than she did before today. Her curiosity is piqued now, and she plans to delve deeper into this mystery, but at the moment, her only thought is of going home and sharing this latest pregnancy milestone with Adrian. Geneviève and she step off the elevator together, say goodbye, then head off in opposite directions.
"I've gotta stop riding in elevators with pregnant people," Geneviève mumbles to herself as she exits the building.
Adrian stands in the foyer sorting through mail when Evelyn arrives home. He greets her with a friendly hello but she ignores him. She tosses her bags onto a nearby table then grabs him by the arm. He willingly goes with her as she pulls him along to the study, confused by her actions. He is only more confused when she lies back on the sofa.
"Is everything ok?" He asks uncertainly. She looks perfectly fine but she is acting rather strangely.
"Sit down," she instructs, scooting over to make enough room for him to sit on the edge of the cushion.
Adrian sends her a questioning glance but does as told. Once he's seated, Evelyn takes his hand and places it on her stomach. Adrian still isn't sure what she is doing or what has prompted this, but he is enjoying the rare treat. She never allows him to touch her stomach. He likes being able to feel the proof of their child. During her pregnancy with Barrett they were on wonderful terms, over the moon in love, and even then, she shied away from his touch when he wanted to feel Barrett move. The only time Adrian was ever to really enjoy bonding time with his son while Evelyn was still pregnant, was in the early morning hours when she slept. He would lie there for the longest of times with his hand on her stomach, a large, goofy grin adhered to his face as Barrett moved and kicked. This time, he hasn't had that opportunity.
"Can you feel that?" Evelyn asks, looking up at him expectantly. Finally, realization dawns on Adrian. His eyes widen with excitement. "Press a bit harder," she instructs, taking his hand and pressing it more firmly against her swollen abdomen.
Adrian is reluctant to apply pressure to her stomach but he wants to feel their child's movement. Carefully, he presses down a bit more. He can feel the swell of her stomach but nothing else. Evelyn sighs heavily.
"I'm sorry. It's still probably too early for you to feel anything," Evelyn apologizes. She remembers now that it had been a few weeks after she first felt Barrett move that Adrian felt anything.
"It's ok," He offers her a reassuring smile.
Adrian doesn't remove his hand from her stomach. He sits there smiling at her, enjoying this moment. Her face is flushed with excitement over the baby's movement. Her eyes shine bright with happiness. He has forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful she is when she is happy.
"You felt the baby move?" He asks, looking at her adoringly.
"I did," she answers, her face erupting into a huge smile. Adrian doesn't bother to fight the goofy grin that tugs at his lips.
"Has it moved again?" He asks in a state of childlike wonder. Evelyn nods, continuing to smile at him. She also has forgotten something. Adrian is absolutely adorable when he is excited over something, especially something to do with a loved one.
It is obvious Adrian can't feel the baby movements just yet, but that doesn't stop the two from sitting on the sofa for a short while. Adrian's hand remains on her stomach with her hand resting on top of his. He might not feel anything, but he wouldn't be happier if he could. His wife and he are sharing a moment of awe over their unborn child who is growing and developing into a healthy baby.
"Evelyn?" He asks as his thumb strokes the slight baby bump. She looks at, encouraging him to continue with the quirk of a brow. "Are we having another son, or a daughter?"
Evelyn is surprised by this question. At the doctor's office, he was adamant about not knowing the baby's gender until the birth. Now, he is looking at her expectantly, awaiting her answer. Evelyn purses her lips, contemplating whether or not to tell him.
"Adrian, I tho…." Evelyn begins, pausing when she hears the footsteps in the hall.
Evelyn turns her attention towards the doorway where James, followed by a young black woman Evelyn vaguely recognizes from church gatherings, enters the study. Adrian's eyes follow Evelyn's, a scowl forming on his face at the man's untimely appearance.
Momentarily, no one speaks. Adrian is annoyed by James appearance but a slight smirk forms on his face as he realizes what this must look like. James has just walked in on them sharing a rather cozy moment. James is obviously taken aback by the scene. Evelyn is caught off guard by his appearance, still not having moved since she heard his footsteps.
"Have you heard from Zoey?" James clears his throat. Right now, there is more to think about than what he has just interrupted.
Hearing the young girl's name, Evelyn quickly sits up. Adrian's hand falls away from her stomach, and for just a second, she misses the contact. Unfortunately, whatever is going on is serious. James sounds worried, and the young woman behind him looks equally concerned.
"What happened to Zoey?" Evelyn asks, patting Adrian's leg with the back of her hand so he will move. Adrian stands and so does she.
"She ran away," the woman behind James supplies. She sounds frantic. Evelyn understands considering everything Zoey has already been through in her young life.
"And this affects us how?" Adrian asks with more than a little hostility in his tone. He isn't the least bit amused by this current little drama, or the man who is responsible for bringing it into his house.
"Adrian!" Evelyn hisses, digging her heel into his foot. The woman narrows her eyes at the two and their antics.
"This is Violet, Zoey's sister," James explains, placing his arm around the woman's shoulders. Evelyn nods, recalling the few times she James has interacted with the woman.
"Does she have Ayda?" Evelyn asks, her alarm growing as she considers the baby. Zoey is doing very well caring for the little girl, but she is just a child herself, after all.
"Of course, she is," Violet snaps, glaring at Evelyn. James is shocked by the outburst. Violet drops her head as he gives her a sideways glance. "Sorry," she mumbles.
"It's all right," Evelyn assures her. James nods appreciatively at her understanding. "Please, have a seat," Evelyn invites them, motioning to the sofas.
James leads Violet to the sofa and the two take a seat. Evelyn sits on the sofa across from them, surprised when Adrian sits as well. His attitude has changed slightly since Evelyn asked about Ayda. On a few occasions, she has spoken of the baby. It is only now occurring to him that Zoey is the young teen mother she has mentioned. He remains unhappy that this little, poverty stricken drama is unfolding in his house, interrupting a rather nice moment between Evelyn and he, but she appears concerned.
Violet, in a hyper, speedy tone, explains that their grandmother has once again been admitted to the hospital. Their Aunt Tawny suggested due to the woman's declining health and her busy work schedule, along with Violet's erratic work hours, as well as having to care for Zoey and Ayda, a nursing home might be the best solution. Zoey was immediately opposed to the idea. Tawny and Zoey began arguing, an argument which ended with Tawny slapping Zoey after the young girl called her a 'bitch'. The girl then took Ayda and stormed out of the house. No one has been able to contact her in nearly two hours.
"Could she be with her boyfriend?" Evelyn asks, remembering the surprisingly nice young man that picked Ayda up from the youth gathering.
"She dumped him." Violet sounds exasperated. Evelyn purses her lips and nods, unsure of what else to do or say.
"We were hoping you might've heard from her. She really likes you," James smiles the memory of the tough as nails teen crying in his socialite girlfriend's arms.
"I haven't," Evelyn replies sadly. Truth is, she is quite fond of the girl. No matter how much she has experienced, she is turning into such a strong person. What the girl has survived, most grown women wouldn't handle as well.
"We need to go find her," Violet says, standing from the sofa. She wasn't keen on the idea of asking the Reverend's girlfriend for help in the first place, but now that they have, it is obvious Zoey hasn't been in touch.
"Good luck," Adrian offers, feeling he should say something.
Violet turns to give him the coldest, most evil glare he has ever seen. After all the things he has done to anger Evelyn over the years, that is saying a lot. Evelyn rolls her eyes at Adrian's lame attempt at sincerity and sees them to the door. She promises to call if she should hear from Zoey, then kisses James goodbye. She turns and heads back into the study.
"Did he say her name was Vi-o-LET or Vi-o-LENT?" Adrian asks from the bar.
"She's upset over her sister and niece, Adrian," Evelyn replies with a roll of her eyes. "So am I," she admits. Adrian studies her as she takes a seat on the sofa.
"Tell me about it, about the sister."
Adrian carries over his glass of bourbon, bringing with him a wine glass filled with apple juice for Evelyn. He takes a seat beside her and looks at her expectantly. She gives him a questioning look, finding it hard to believe he cares about a poor, young teen mother, but his words seem sincere. Evelyn accept the glass from him, takes a sip, then begins telling Adrian about Zoey and baby Ayda.