So sorry for the delay in post! This was a longer then normal chapter and needed a lot of editing , I wanted to make sure everything flowed well. I was unable to post last Sunday due to this so hopefully this chapter makes up it :) Thank you all again for the support and encouragement. Please enjoy and review !

Chapter 18 Pity Party

Maybe if I knew all of them well

I wouldn't have been trapped inside this hell that holds me

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

Cry if I want to (cry, cry, cry)

I'll cry until the candles burn down this place

I'll cry until my pity party's in flames

Pity party by Melanie Martinez

Waking up from his second nap of the day, Cal rolled over in his bed and stared at the clock. The clock was flashing seven p.m.

Holy shit, how did I sleep that long? Not sleeping…drinking…shower…activities that I did in the shower… well I'm well rested at atleast. And no more hangovers; look at that.

Raising up from the bed and grabbing his phone, he checked for text messages. One from Gillian, and three from Zoe.

Alright, Zoe, first, get it out of the way. I felt my phone vibrate a few times last night but thought it best not to reply with the amount of Scotch I had ingested.

Cal, we should talk. Delivered at 10 p.m. yesterday

Missed call Zoe 10:30pm yesterday

Missed call Zoe 11:30pm yesterday

Where are you? I have been knocking at your door for the past ten minutes straight and have called your room. Where are you? Delivered at 12 a.m. today

You can't keep ignoring me, Cal; we are going to be next to each other all night tonight. Delivered at 1pm today

Not as aggressive as I thought, honestly; maybe all that venting last night calmed her down. Chuckling at that thought. Cal opened the texts from Gillian next.

Hey, I know you're probably still sleeping, but don't forget the party starts at eight tonight. I've attached photos of the employees we want to question further. Remember, not all of them speak English; if you need me to come translate, just let me know; I'll be by your side. Delivered at 2 p.m. today

And she will always be by my side. No matter how many times I fuck up and push her away, she's always there.

Scrolling through the photos of the employees attached, Cal studied their images, preparing for the night. Satisfied with the refresher, he made his way to the closet. Opening the door and taking a look inside seeing a black dressing bag. Reaching inside the closet, grabbing the bag before unzipping it and pulling out the black suit inside.

Holding up the suit, Cal could not help but admire the pure craftsmanship. A seemingly simple black-on-black suit, noticing the label on the inside reading "Lavi." Taking off his clothes and putting on the suit that Perry provided, It fit remarkably well and was tailored to perfection. Sophisticated, refined, and a modern look.

Not a simple little suit at all. I look pretty sharp, if I do say so myself. How was he able to guess my measurements so well just by looking at me? That's a hell of a skill.

Reaching back into the bag, he grabbed his tie. A vibrant fuchsia pink silk tie. Placing it over his head and tying it in the mirror, he admired his dapper appearance.

OK, it's not as ridiculous as I thought it would be. I'm looking more like James Bond at a breast cancer awareness function than Elton John, like I thought I would. This is a hell of a suit.

A knock broke his train of thought as he made his way to the door, opening it.

Seeing Zoe standing before him in a tight black skirt to her knees, along with a black blazer and a very low-cut pink silk top underneath. Barging her way into his room, she turned around with a quick turn of the heel.

"So are you just going to ignore me?" She fumed at him, crossing her arms across her chest defensively.

"Darling…I had a very long night. I just woke up after said long night."

"Oh, I know….Need I remind you that I tried to see you last night, not that you ever called or texted back. Where were you?" Zoe seethed her eyes wide with anger.

"That's none of your bloody business! And you have some nerve after your behavior at dinner to come in here making demands." He yelled back meeting her anger with fire of his own.

Inhaling deeply to cool her anger she rocked her heels backward as she expelled a harsh breath.

"I shouldn't have said…everything that I said at dinner." She admitted , looking down and speaking softly.

"Nah, you feel bloody great about what you said; I can see it on your face. I could see it at dinner, and I can see it now. " Walking close to her and pointing his finger at her face, waving it over her features.

"I meant what I said….I've just never had a chance to say it to …you both." She snidely remarked. "It wasn't just me that felt that way, Cal. Do you know how many times we would all go out to dinner and Alec would ask me about you two? Do you know how threatened he felt by having your friend ship intertwined with his marriage? He asked me drunkenly one night if you were in love with her…Do you know how awful it is to have someone ask if your husband is in love with someone else?" Her eyes were watering by the time she finished talking.

"Jesus christ! Nothing happened, and nothing…will ever happen. I was in love with you. I loved you."

"Loved, meaning past tense?" She walked up close to his personal space, getting close to his face. "Do you not love me any more, Cal?"

"You broke my heart, luv," he admitted, defeated by his words.

"And you broke mine." Her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Why do you want to try again then, darling?" tipping her chin forward to better view her face. "What will make certain that this time will be different, huh?"

"Because I believe you." She all but whispered, looking down with a flicker of shame in her eyes.

"Believe what?"

"When you said…nothing would happen between you and her…When we were married, I was always worried about you two, no matter how many times you attested. My mind was assaulted by the thought of you two together, I would stay up night after night thinking about it. Then I heard she was divorcing… by Emily, mind you. My first thought was, "There it is." Finally he gets his chance at what he's been waiting for." Her voice was full of condescension as she spoke.

"Zoe-"

"But no. She has been single for going on two years now, and nothing has happened between you two. " She looked at him curiously. "Which means either you are very much in love with her and just a coward that won't act on it because you think she's too good for you…..Or, you are no longer in love with her. She was desirable when she was unobtainable, but now that she is available, that desire has …diminished. Maybe you got bored like you do with every other woman. Maybe shes no longer interesting to you like that because you have known her for so long now. You still have love for her; that's extremely clear, still protective and flirtatious yes… but maybe it's just that. Maybe you two really are just close friends…nothing more. I have narrowed down that option to the later…. You have never been a coward," she chuckled lightly. "And if that's the case, then I do want to try again because il know at the end of the day it will only be me in your heart." She looked at him with hope in her eyes. "if you will let me in again?"

His mind was reeling over everything she had told him. He could not speak, only think.

I am a coward. I am very much in love with her. And we have kissed… I have fondled. Bloody hell. I saw her nearly naked earlier today. I can't erase that from my mind. Not that I'd want to. I wish it was Zoes later option. I wish those feelings did go away and deplete, but they haven't; they have only gotten stronger. I wish they would just go away or lessen. My heart wouldn't ache everyday like it does now.

His thoughts were cut short as she pressed her lips to his in a heated kiss.

You don't want Zoe; you're just using her as a proxy for who you really want. Again like you have done countless times. Maybe if we do this enough times, it will screw Gillian out of my mind. Fuck the pain away…Wishful thinking, that is.

Kissing her back, his body took over before his mind could attest. She pulled his tie free as he pushed off her blazer.

"shit"

"What?" Zoe looked at him questioningly while zipping her skirt back up.

"We are late… It's 8:30" zipping up his trousers and tossing his suit jacket back on.

And Foster is going to have my head.

"For these kinds of parties, I don't think being thirty minutes late will even matter," she chuckled softly while tucking her shirt into her skirt.

"Well, I am supposed to be working here, being late might infact be frowned upon ." And again Foster is going to kill me.

Zoe grabbed his tie off the ground, pulling it over his head and tying it for him.

"You weren't worried a few minutes ago about being late" she flirted as she continued tying his tie. "and thirty minutes won't kill you… i didn't think I'd like you in pink, but I have to say Im kind of loving it." She winked at him while straightening his tie.

"Ei ei," grabbing her close and smiling down at her. " You could just come out and say I look sexy; I can see it on your face."

Cal and Zoe walked into the elevator, hitting the button for the top floor. A silent ride to the top as Cal leaned against the wall deep in thought.

You bloody idiot, you shagged Zoe again. You shagged Zoe after she was bloody awful to you and Foster both. Didn't apologize mind you, she never does…

The doors of the elevator opened, they could already hear the party taking place on the roof. Soft music got increasingly louder and louder as they walked down a short hall to the glass double doors of the roof. Two security guards opened the door for them.

Walking in, Cal was mesmerized by what he saw before him. The roof was a continuance of Perry's condo; the glass stares from inside, arriving up to the top floor. The roof was decorated in a sleek fashion. A bar located by the stairs leading down to Perry's main quarters. The top was covered in glass, while the rest of the roof was open to the sky. Lights hung throughout and above heads, as large pink balloons no less than five feet in diameter were sprawled out randomly. The party was full of Lavi's employees, all dressed in arrays of pink. From gowns to high-fashion t-shirts, everyone's individual style was on display.

"Wow, quite the party. This would have cost a fortune." Zoe quipped, taking in the scene in front of her.

He scanned his eyes across the room, unable to find Foster. With a huff, he made his way to the bar, ordering himself and Zoe a drink.

Observing the employees as they laughed, hugged, and caught up with one another.

"on to it darling" he nodded to her as he got up from the bar and made his way into the crowd, trying his best to make small talk with the employees.

He caught sight of Perry standing by the edge of the roof with his back turned. The large man was wearing a fuchsia pink suit that was very sleek, perfectly tailored, and vibrant.

Cal walked over to where Perry was standing talking to someone. Feeling his presence, Perry turned around to greet him.

With a large grin plastered on his face, Perry pulled Cal into a bear hug, embracing him firmly. Burying his face into his chest. At that time, Cal noticed the man was not wearing an undershirt. Just the pink blazer, held together with one button, and nothing under. His large pecs and abs showed where the blazer did not cover.

"Good to see you, mon ami!- my friend!" Perry joyfully spoke as he let go of Cal, who backed away quickly, taking a solid breath after being constricted so firmly by the man in front of him.

"Quite the party you got yourself here." Cal couldn't help but smile back at the man.

Damn this charming French bastard. He really has a way of winning you over. Could put a bloody shirt on though.

"Your late," a familiar soft voice spoke behind Perry.

The large man sidestepped so Cal could see who was speaking.

Gillian's body was resting against the edge of the roof. Her eyebrow raised and a small, knowing smile on her lips. Her hair was loosely curled and tousled. Looking down at her appearance, he was enamored. She was wearing a bright pink blazer dress. Long sleeve, low cut, tight, and short. Nipping in at her small waist making her look even more curvaceous. A solid gold pendent hung low on her sternum between her breasts, resting between her cleavage drawing his attention directly to it. The dress buttoned down the center, with the final buttons at the bottom of the dress creating a slit up the front. The already-short dress with an even higher slit made his mouth go dry immediately. Showing off her smooth, toned legs exquisitely. Wearing a pair of platform pink heels that matched her dress flawlessly.

Cal's eyes feasted on her hungrily. That's not fair for her to look that bloody good. The dress is so perfectly her, just more… provocative. And deeply distracting—how the hell am I supposed to be paying attention tonight?

He couldn't stop the words from coming out. "wooow." His mouth opened wide after.

"that's what I said!" Perry stated as he turned to look at Gillian. " Nothing is sexier then a woman wearing my clothing head to toe…I do remember this being shown as a full set however." Pointing at her outfit then turning to speak with Cal. "the model ended the runway by unbuttoning the dress revealing matching lace bra and panties. Hand sewn by yours truly. " he grinned before looking back at Gillian. "I do much prefer this look on you then the model I have to say…It is unlucky to break up sets you know?" His eye brow arched high in a challenge as a playful grin overtook his lips.

"Who said I did?" She grinned back looking between the men with amusement at there slack jaws and shocked expressions.

"As I was saying…your late" she pointed at Cals chest.

"Fashionably late!" he winked at her, giving her a cheesy smile. She shook her head and smiled, moving from the edge and standing beside Perry.

"Doctor, I'm so very glad your suit fits well. Look at you from head to toe in Lavi!" Perry stepped back, admiring Cal's appearance.

"You look good, Cal," Gillian added in a huskier voice, looking down and up at him with a coy gleam in her eyes.

"You just called me sexy again?" Leaning in closer to get into Gillian's face, she rolled her eyes and shook her head grinning softly to herself.

Turning to look at Perry, Gillian smiled warmly. "We better get started; let us know if you need us."

Perry hinged his body at the hips to bring his face to hers as he spoke.

"Et si j'avais juste besoin de toi?— what if I just needed you?" giving her a wolfish grin, locking eyes with her.

"Je suis ici si tu as besoin de moi— I'm here if you need me." She gave him a coy look as she walked away. Perry's eyes followed her as she walked next to Cal.

"So whos first luv?"

Stopping in place, Gillian stepped close into Cal's space, speaking softly so as not to be over heard.

"Mr. Roche is there in the corner." Her soft, low voice mixed with her close proximity caused a tingle to creep up his spine. She tilted her head to signify the direction of the man before continuing. "He has been very quiet. He has not talked to many other employees….He has, however, talked a lot with Elizabeth." Raising her eyebrow at the end.

"Really? Now that is interesting….Maybe they are close. What did you see on them?" he asked, continuing to walk in Mr. Roche's direction.

"Unfortunately, by the time I caught the interaction, they had already stopped talking. If only you were here sooner you could have helped." She teased as she smirked at him.

"Ya Neva, arrive early to a party, darling."

"You do if you are working at said party." She whispered back at him as they finally approached the man.

"M. Roche, ravi de vous rencontrer en personne— Mr. Roche, lovely to meet you in person," she smiled at the man before taking his hand in hers and shaking it. "Je suis médecin adoptif, nous avons parlé l'autre jour— I am doctor Foster, we spoke the other day."

"Doctor Lightman," Cal said, sticking out his hand and shaking it firmly.

"Ravi de vous rencontrer tous les deux— lovely to meet you both," he smiled back, a smile that did not make its way to his eyes.

Cal watched as the man looked nervous and concerned.

"Toi et Elizabeth sembliez vous rattraper. Ce doit être très agréable de voir tout le monde pendant que vous êtes en ville. You and Elizabeth seemed to be catching up. It must be very nice to see everyone while you are in the city."

Cal could only understand the name Elizabeth, but he saw how the man's body tensed and a hint of panic and fear showed on his features as Gillian spoke.

"Que c'est médecin nourricier— that it is Doctor Foster." Another forced smile, trying to disguise his panic.

"tre si loin de vos patrons doit être difficile. Est-ce que Perry et Elizabeth viennent beaucoup au bureau en France? - Being so far away from your bosses must be difficult. Do Perry and Elizabeth come to the office in France much?" Gillian tilted her head as she looked at the man, trying not to seem like she was prying.

"poiré non- Perry no" shaking his head no as he answered.

Gillian glanced at Cal, then back at the man.

"Donc Elizabeth visite souvent le bureau? So Elizabeth visits the office often?" Gillian watched the man carefully, seeing him tense up even more.

"Mr.Roche! Doctors Foster and Lightman! I hope you are all enjoying yourselves." Elizabeth walked up, smiling at the group. Turning to Mr. Roche, "Mr.roche samantha voulait vous parler des derniers textiles que vous avez envoyés- Mr.Roche Samantha wanted to talk to you about the last textiles you sent over."

Mr. Roche nodded before giving Cal and Gillian a small smile and walking away.

"My apologies, there is still work to be done even if we are celebrating. I hope you understand?" Elizabeth tilted her head, observing them, before taking a sip of her drink.

"Absolutely, there is always work to be done." Cal watched Elizabeth carefully.

"Isn't that the truth?" Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at him before looking at Gillian. "Doctor Foster, I have to say… just goddamn," she said, dragging the curse word out slowly for inflection, looking her up and down, licking her lips.

"Ken over there," she said, pointing her hand to Perry. "He told me to behave tonight; otherwise, I'd love to play with his Barbie." Brushing Gillians' hair away from her shoulder. Holding a tendril of her hair between her fingers.

Gillians' eyes were wide in surprise and amusement, looking over to Cal, whose mouth was hung open in shock at the woman's overtness.

"LIZ!" Perry yelled from afar, watching the interaction.

Huffing loudly, Elizabeth dropped her hand from Gillian's hair. "He can be so greedy some times when he won't share. I'm sure I'll be seeing you two more tonight." She smiled widely, turning away and walking to Perry, who was watching her intently.

"Well, that was interesting," Gillian stated, turning to look at Cal.

Interesting? yes, hot? Also yes. Great now I can't stop thinking about Gillian and Elizabeth.

"Interesting is a word for it."

"She didn't want us talking to Mr. Roche; did you see that?"

"Oh that!Yes…uhh yeah… and Mr. Roche was extremely nervous to talk to us."

"I asked him if Perry and Elizabeth visit the office in France, he said Perry doesn't but Elizabeth does. Interesting huh?" She tilted her head softly as he leaned in close to her.

So smart—smarter than me—and so beautiful.

"Very." He admitted, looking at her with an appreciative smile, that she returned with one of her own. Noticing a familiar man a few feet behind her, he quickly looked at Perry, seeing him watch the man growing angry. Robert. Balling his fist and puffing his chest as he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket to light.

"shit"

"What?" Gillian asked curiously, staring Cal in the eyes and knitting her brows in confusion.

Grabbing her wrist and spinning her around until her back was flush with his body. He held her wrist near his chest as she watched the interaction infront of her.

"Shit," she softly spoke watching Perry. Her body relaxed against his own in apprehension for what was to unfold infront of them.

Shit is right, because now I can't think straight with you pressed against me.

"This is going to end badly," Gillian added, turning her head and looking at him, then at his hand firmly holding her wrist.

Don't I know it, luv? That's what I'm trying not to happen.

Letting go of her wrist, she spun around to face him, standing inches away from him.

"We need to talk to the other employees… and fast before something goes down. Mrs. Christensen is over at the bar." Backing away from him slightly. "You should talk to her; I'll work on a few other employees as well, hopefully we can talk to everyone on the list. "

"What are you two plotting?" Zoe interrupted, walking up to join them. With a sharp grin and wide eyes prepared for a fight.

"Trying to come up with a game plan for tonight." Cal said quickly looking her in the eyes and returning his gaze back to Gillians.

"You should have let me know earlier in your room, Cal… we could have come up with a way for me to… assist." She smiled smugly, looking at Gillian and then back at Cal.

Cal watched as Gillians' face showed recognition, frustration, anger, and sadness all in the span of a few milliseconds. She forced a confident smile back at Zoe.

"It's appreciated, Zoe, but not necessary; we have this under control-" Gillians voice was strong and unwavering.

"That's right I forgot you always like things very controlled, don't you? No room for improvisation. You should learn to be more…. flexible, Gillian. You could actually have a little fun like the rest of us." Zoe's eyes cut quickly to Cals, then back at Gillians.

"My flexibility is not an issue, I assure you. You should go enjoy yourself tonight." She smiled proudly in return to Zoe.

"Oh, I love this little spunk in you, Gillian. Finally tired of being the good little girl? And have I already enjoyed myself tonight? Thank you. You should do the same, might actually loosen you up. " The desire for a fight in Zoe lit up as she grinned in challenge at Gillian.

"Zoe," Cal warned.

"I love the dress, by the way; it really makes the implants look good." Zoe hit again, accenting her response with a wink as she eyed her.

"God given actually…" Gillian stated, waving a hand at her breasts. "It looks like he gave me yours too." Pointing at Zoe's chest, trying to conceal a full grin but failing.

Cal quickly closed his mouth, stiffening his laugh as he made a muffled, loud noise. Causing both women to look at him as he did his best to hide his amusement.

Zoe might have started the fight but Gillian won.

"We have work to do, Zo, if you mind," he said, grabbing Gillians' arm as they walked away.

"You are full of surprises." He couldn't help but grin proudly at her.

"I wish you were some times." Gillian said it softly, almost in a whisper, sounding upset.

Stopping her and turning her body with the arm still looped around her, they looked at each other in there embrace.

"What do you mean by that, darling?" He looked at her questioningly.

"Really? You and Zoe, even after last night… I'm just not surprised anymore."

She may not be surprised, but she is definitely hurt and disappointed.

"we…."

What do I say? We all have proxies when we can't be with the one we want, we shag someone else? That's bloody awful. Nope, what else do we have?

"you don't have to tell me Cal honestly I don't need to know." She looked down again not meeting his eyes.

Don't need to know or don't want to know darling?

"We all have needs, luv."

"We should find the other employees," she said, nodding and biting her lips back, wanting to say more but stopping herself.

"Of course." Cal tried to force a smile, but it was difficult to put his mask back on after seeing such disappointment in her face.

After an hour of talking with various employees, they stopped near the edge of the building. Standing close together as they spoke.

"I think all we really have left is Mrs. Christensen. We couldn't find her after Zoe came over. Hopefully we get a little more from Mr. Roche as well." Gillian looked up at him. He had been mostly quiet after their talk.

"Yeah, I think that should be everyone." He responded, looking around the room. "It looks like she is back at the bar."

"Why don't you go talk to her by yourself?"

"Already tired of me, darling?" She searched her face, seeing that his joke was kind of right; she was getting frustrated and exhausted with his behavior.

"Have you been watching Perry? He's been looking at Robert all night; every time he tries to approach the man, Elizabeth stops him."

I have noticed, in fact, but was trying not to pay too much attention. He has a right to do with Robert as he pleases. Our business is the truth not what people do with that truth.

"I just want to keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't do anything rash."

"I'm sure he would just love that darling," his jealousy spilling out.

"Really Cal?" She was growing frustrated with his annoyance.

"Just say it, darling, you want to make sure your designa is okay? Keep a watchful eye on em, huh?"

"Why don't you go talk to Mrs. Christensen, then sit at the bar with your ex-wife. She's been waiting for you to return for some time." The words harsh but truthful.

She walked past him directly to Perry. The large man was watching them talk and his smile grew as she came his way. Holding his arms out, he leaned over to bear hug her. Even in her heels she was so tiny compared to him, reminding him again of the big bad wolf and Goldie locks. His large arms in gulfed her as he kissed her on the cheek before placing his arms around the top of her shoulders and leading her to a group of employees.

Cal watched the interaction bitterly. He had seen them touch slightly but never a hug or a bloody kiss even if it was just on the cheek. Calming himself with a shallow breath he made his way to the bar, sitting next to Mrs. Christensen. Glancing at Zoe who sat at the far end watching him curiously.

"Hello, luv, fancy meeting you here."

The older woman grinned back at him. Responding sweetly.

"I fancy meeting you here, indeed, Doctor Lightman. What can I do for you this evening?"

"We were rudely interrupted last time."

"By that beautiful dark blonde woman with the blue eyes? I don't think that woman even knows how to be rude shes so sweet."

"figure of speech…. We were interrupted the last time we chatted. So tell me, does Mr. Lavigne stay in contact with any family or friends back home?"

Her eyes cut away and looked back at him. "No, he does not; once he became the man he is, he stopped. Won't even visit his poor mother… I know they had a rough past, but that's still your mother. Especially after the past few years she has had-"

"What do you mean by that?"

"She's been… very ill, dying the last I heard. My son lives in the same town as her, sees her often. Her health was really taking a turn she was near death. The next few times my son saw her he said she was looking so much healthier."

"good doctors maybe?"

"heavens no, not in that town, you would have to travel long and far for a good doctor or treatments for ailments."

"Do you know if Perry helps her out financially?" he questioned as he balanced his chin in his hand.

"Mr. Lavigne is many things but forgiveness is not in his nature. Hes such a large man in many ways of the word. But hes still that little boy whos mother was…how she was. From what I have heard he has not seen or had any contact with his mother since he left.. And that includes helping her out in any capacity."

"Interesting that is. I heard Elizabeth visits more frequently. Is that correct?"

"Oh yes, she visits once a month at least."

"Thank you, Mrs. Christensen; you have been wonderful." Cal smiled back at her before getting up. Pausing and turning back around he asked her one last question.

"your son, did he say how many years ago it was that she started looking better?"

"six years or so maybe less maybe five?"

"Thank you darling" he grinned again at her before leaving making his way to Gillian.

She was standing next to Perry, his body leaning into hers as they talked to other party members.

"Mind if I steel her for a minute?" Cal interrupted, grabbing Gillian by the bicep and pulling her away from the group before Perry could answer.

"What is it, Cal?" She was annoyed huffing lightly at the end of her question.

Pulling her arm closer to him, causing her to get within inches of his body, he leaned down.

"His mother was sick… and now she isn't."

"He hates his mother; he has shown only anger and hatred when he has spoken about her, even with limited discussions of her, that is. No love at all… He wouldn't have helped her." She shook her head as she spoke softly to him.

" that seems to be the shared consensus. So how does his mother once sick, near death infact make a miraculous recovery? In a small town with no decent doctors and started looking healthier around five years ago."

Gillians eyes grew wider and wider with each passing word taking in every new bit of information from his lips.

"Perry wouldn't have helped no chance, but she was getting help from someone. In fact, I don't think that big lug over there even knew his mother was sick."

"Who do you think?" Her eyes brows knitted tightly together hanging on to every word he had to say.

"Someone has been visiting his office in France every month. Someone I know for a fact is hiding a secret from her partner." He grabbed both of her biceps as he turned her around, facing Elizabeth's direction.

"You think she's been visiting so often to take care of his mother? He wouldn't want that …he would hate that-"

"Sometimes partners do something even though they know the other would disapprove." The words meant to relate to Perry and Elizabeth drew a little to close to home for Cal after he spoke. Seeing the recognition in her eyes.

"don't I know it" she solemnly added.

"Maybe the ice queen has had a heart this whole time. Helping her partner's mother, even though he would disapprove. Syphoning off company funds to pay for her medical care—" he leaned his mouth down to speak in her ear from behind.

"shit" Gillian exhaled.

"Shit is right, darling," he said, looking to the side of her face his mouth still close to her ear.

"Not that… Look at Perry," she said, thrusting her chin forward at the large man's direction.

Perry was standing up on a table in the center of the party, tapping a knife against his glass.

"Shit," Cal murmured as they both walked forward, getting closer to the group that gathered around Perry. Still standing behind Gillian with his hands on her arms.

"I'd like to thank you all for gathering." Perry spoke loudly as Elizabeth translated standing below him for the French employees.

"I cannot say how happy I am to get everyone together again; our collection is something I cannot be more proud of. I hope you all feel the same."

The audience clapped and cheered.

"As wonderful as tonight has been, something has really been bothering me. The press found out about some very personal information, about myself, this company, and… some new friends."

He looked forward, catching Gillians' eyes and nodding softly before continuing.

"We can't have that now, can we? Where is Robert? Anyone, can you see Robert?"

The crowd parted as Robert stood to the left by himself, looking petrified.

"Robert! I do hope you got paid handsomely." Perry gave him a fiery glare.

"pe- per-" Robert stuttered nervously, unable to form words. "Perry I don't know what you are talking about-"

"There is no sense of lying, not when I have professionals here. You have all met, Doctors Lightman and Foster, I hope?" He grinned widely, looking back and forth at the audience.

"They are here to find out which one of you… or ones of you have been embezzling funds. I thought we were all a family, all friends, but it appears that is not the cause, just a room of sycophants."

The audience grew silent as people showed shock and worry while listening to their boss speak.

"We built this company on honesty and loyalty. Where is that loyalty now huh? The name Lavi has been smeared all over the news. They make a mockery of us." Perry spat the words out bitterly his anger ever present on his face.

"Robert, you are fired. Please leave. Oh, and I slept with your ex several times, not just the once she told you. God it feels good to admit that." He chuckled as security grabbed Robert and escorted him from the building.

"hold on!" Perry belted pausing the security guards. "Your sister works for us as well doesn't she? Just started not too long ago what was her name again, Margaret right?"

Robert's eyes grew wide as he nodded, Margaret Stepped out of the crowd to stand near her brother.

"aw yes hello Margaret, you are also fired" signaling to the security guards to escort her as well.

"that's not fair!" Robert yelled as his sisters eyes watered.

"I had no idea-" Margaret said through tears trying to defend herself but was cut off by Perry.

"I highly doubt you had no idea about any of this. And If you have a weed …you remove it… root and stem." Holding his hand out signaling to security, they escorted the brother and sister from the building.

"She had no clue about any of this." Gillian softly spoke speaking more to herself then Cal.

"that she did not luv." Squeezing her arms a little tighter as they stared ahead at Perry.

"Now that has been dealt with, does anyone have anything to admit? Anything you want to tell me? Cause now is the time to tell me."

Silence swept over the crowd as they looked at one another.

"Nope, no one? No one has the courage enough to admit the truth?" He yelled loudly.

Gillian grabbed Cal's hand that was still on her biceps as they watched the man grow angrier with every passing word.

"What's he gonna do fire the lot of them cause he's angry and throwing himself a pity party?" Cal scoffed in disbelief.

"hes upset, he feels betrayed-" Gillian turned around facing him.

"Your defending him?" He was puzzled, lightly angered by the idea.

"How would you feel if you where him Cal? Of course he feels betrayed-"

"Because he is being betrayed… and by the person he trusts most."

"Well he doesn't know that…yet. His own partner, his friend, he's going to be crushed." Closing her eyes and shaking her head sorrowful.

"We all would be if the rolls where reversed, darling. But if they mean enough to one another they can get past anything." Giving her a reassuring smile.

"can they?" Gillian countered asking in disbelief watching his face intently.

"no one has anything to say huh?" Perry yelled again looking wildly at the crowd.

Lighting a cigarette and placing it in his mouth. Perry inhaled deeply before speaking.

"Well, thank you all for a fantastic night. But the Party's over."

Reaching his hand up towards the hanging lights, his cigarette wafted in front of the spoke detector on the strand. The sprinklers started as the crowd was covered in water, everyone running to the exits to get out of the rain and leave. Perry stood with his arms out, cigarette in mouth, as he inhaled with his eyes closed. Opening his eyes and looking around he smiled to himself as the once full party was cleared of inhabitants. Jumping down from the table Perry looked out and saw Elizabeth, Cal and Gillian still standing. Drenched in water, as the sprinklers continued drizzling. A large grin making its way on his water covered face.