"What happened to you?" Summer anxiously said, on her knees beside Kyle, "Why won't you wake up?" She grabbed her phone to call for help, when she heard Kyle quietly groan.
"Kyle?" Summer said, touching his shoulder, "Can you hear me?"
Kyle stirred, reaching up his hand, to rub one eye. Opening his eyes, it took him a few seconds to focus, before he realized he was lying on the floor.
"Kyle?" Summer's panicked voice startled him, as he pushed himself onto his side, "Are you okay?"
Sitting up, Kyle said, "What happened? How did I get down here?"
"That's the question of the day," Summer said, "I came out of the bathroom and you were passed out on the floor."
"I was what?" Kyle said.
"I tried over and over to wake you up," Summer said, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I think so," Kyle said, pulling himself to his feet. Reaching down, he assisted Summer to stand.
"You scared me half to death," Summer said, "I thought you had a stroke or something."
Kyle slightly laughed, as he said, "I'm fine."
"How can you say that?" Summer said, "In case you're not aware, passing out cold, for no reason, is not normal."
"I have jet lag," Kyle said, "Plus I'm exhausted. You don't have to worry about me."
"I'm always concerned about you," Summer said.
"I think I'm just going to turn in early," Kyle said, "I have a busy day tomorrow."
"Maybe I should stay with you," Summer said. Kyle gave her a cautious look. "I only meant to make sure you are okay," she said.
"It is nice of you to offer," Kyle said, "But unnecessary."
"I could sleep over there on the couch," Summer persisted.
"You don't have to bother," Kyle said.
"It's no bother," Summer said, "What if you pass out again? If I left I would only worry about you all night long. Just to be safe I should stay."
"Summer!" Kyle said, annoyance in his voice, "As you can see I am fully conscious and perfectly fine. I don't need a babysitter. What I am, is fed up with you and your persistence. All I asked is that you leave me alone. You can go!"
Summer paused at Kyle's sudden anger towards her. "I was only trying to help," she meekly said, before heading for the door.
"Summer, wait," Kyle sighed, "I'm sorry." Summer turned to face him as he continued, "I don't know why I said those things. I know you were trying to help me and I appreciate your concern."
"Do you still want me to go?" Summer said.
"I think it would be best," Kyle said.
"Okay," Summer said, "Can I check on you tomorrow?"
"Sure," Kyle smiled.
"Ah, the business woman returns," Billy said, as Rachel arrived home. Rachel smiled at him. "How was your first day?" Billy said.
"Different," Rachel said, "But interesting. It's going to take some getting used to. The work and the person I work with."
"Was Ravi not accommodating?" Billy said.
"He was," Rachel said, "It's just that…he's different and interesting too," Rachel said.
Billy half laughed as he smiled. "I'm glad you're home," Billy said, checking his watch, "I wanted to talk to you."
"About what?" Rachel said.
Inviting her to sit with him, on the couch, Billy said, "I have been thinking a lot about your potential custody case with your daughter. So, I did something, that I hope you are going to be okay with."
"What did you do?" Rachel said, "You didn't stir things up with Kevin, did you?"
"I haven't gone near him," Billy said, "I found you a lawyer."
"You did?" Rachel said.
"Yes," Billy said. Checking his watch again, he said, "Actually she is on her way here now to meet with you."
"Today?" Rachel said.
"Is that not okay?" Billy said.
"I don't mind meeting her," Rachel said, "But I'm not even sure what to say. Plus Kyle's not here and he wants to be involved, he's a big part of this."
"It is only a consultation. I think she just wants to go over your options, nothing major," Billy said.
"What's her name?" Rachel said, "Where did you find her?"
"About that," Billy said, "I'm not sure you are going to like this."
"Why's that?" Rachel said, as the doorbell rang.
Standing up, Rachel watched Billy open the door and smile. "Hi," Billy said.
Rachel observed a blond haired woman enter the house and a familiar voice say, "I'm not too early, I hope."
"Right on time," Billy said, gesturing to the living room.
When the woman turned around to face her, only then did Rachel recognize her. Standing face to face with her old arch rival, for Billy's affections, Rachel stared in disbelief. "Brittany?" she said.
"Hello Rachel," Brittany said, standing with her briefcase clasped in front of her. Rachel was at a loss for words, so Brittany continued, "I can tell you are surprised to see me. I trust we have all matured past the point of animosity."
"What are you doing here?" Rachel said.
"Billy asked me to come and meet with you," Brittany said, "As a potential lawyer for a custody case."
"You're a lawyer?" Rachel said, "You two are putting me on."
"No one is joking," Billy said, "Brittany really did come to help you."
"I am just very surprised," Rachel said.
"If this is too uncomfortable for you, we can cancel this meeting," Brittany said, "However, if you want to win your case, you might want to talk with me."
"Oh, I definitely do," Rachel said, "Defeat is not an option where my daughter is concerned."
"I'm going to leave you two to talk," Billy said, exiting by the front door.
"Have a seat," Rachel said, gesturing to the couch, "We may as well get started."
"Why don't we begin with you telling me what you're main objective is," Brittany said.
"You know all about my relationship and my failed marriage to Kevin," Rachel said, "He has custody of Susie, my daughter, and I feel she would be much better off with me and I want to sue for full custody."
"He currently has full custody?" Brittany said.
"He does," Rachel said.
"Your daughter's name is Susan Fisher?" Brittany said, "How old is she?"
"You have her name correct, she's twelve," Rachel said.
"How is that you don't have shared custody?" Brittany said.
"You must have heard," Rachel said, "I became unhinged when I fell into an obsession with Billy."
"You're talking about Billy Abbott?" Brittany said.
"That's the one," Rachel said, "I couldn't stand the thought of him with anyone else, besides me. I felt I was the only one who could truly make him happy. When I heard he was getting married to Victoria Newman, it was my breaking point. On their wedding day, I tried to harm them both physically. Luckily, I didn't do any permanent damage, except maybe emotionally. I never would have thought, I could do something so…crazy. I went crazy."
"What happened next?" Brittany said.
"I had my parental rights taken from me," Rachel said, "Declared an unfit mother, that's when Kevin got custody. I was sent to Fairview for 2 years. I had a lot of time to reflect on what I did, learn to overcome and become mentally fit once again."
"I find it interesting that Billy does not seem to resent you or have any hostility towards you," Brittany said.
"You didn't see him when I first came to town," Rachel said, "His attitude towards me was very unfriendly. It was the same with Victoria. Somehow, we got past it and they both forgave me. Billy and I are in a good place as friends now."
"That's good," Brittany said, "It's something we could use to speak in your favour."
"Does that mean you will take my case?" Rachel said.
"I will need a lot more information," Brittany said, "But I am confident we can build a strong case to reunite you with your daughter."
"That would mean everything to me," Rachel smiled.
"I do have one more question," Brittany said, "I can't help but notice your ring. You're engaged?"
"I am," Rachel smiled, "His name is Kyle and he has been nothing but wonderful to me."
"How did you meet him?" Brittany said.
"They say timing is everything," Rachel said, "He's Jack Abbott's son. I moved in here and Kyle lives on the property too. We hit it off right from the start."
"This is someone you met after you left Fairview?" Brittany said.
"That's right," Rachel said.
"When were you released?" Brittany said.
"September," Rachel said, "I know, Kyle and I have moved really fast, but I truly do love him and he loves me."
"Then that's all that matters," Brittany said, "How does he feel about you suing for custody?"
"Kyle fully supports me," Rachel said, "He is prepared to be a parental figure in my daughter's life. He's respectable, successful in his job, got a great sense of humor, not to mention he's extremely handsome." Brittany smiled. "I wish I could introduce you, except he's out of the country on business," Rachel said.
"Another time," Brittany said, "It sounds like you have solid and wonderful relationship. I will want to work with both of you, since he will be your husband. Which could be another point in your favor."
"Just wait until you meet him," Rachel said, "Kyle is the most wonderful man I've ever known."
Grateful to be back at his hotel room, Kyle set his briefcase on the floor. He undid and removed his tie tossing it and his suit jacket onto a nearby chair. Undoing the top button of his shirt, he reflected on his busy yet productive day of business. Walking to the mini bar he retrieved a drink and had only taken one sip, when there was a knock at his door.
Kyle paused, considering not answering, but the knock came again. "Let me guess," Kyle sighed, approaching the door. Opening it he confirmed his suspicion. "Summer," he said.
Holding up a paper bag, Summer smiled and said, "I have the perfect thing to offset a hectic work day."
"What's in there?" Kyle said, peering at the bag.
"Dessert," Summer said, "Something chocolate and likely not good for us."
Kyle couldn't help smiling as he stepped aside, inviting her in.
"You were so incredible today, the way you dealt with those executives," Summer said, "I could tell they were impressed with you."
"I feel good about the way things went today," Kyle said, "A little bit out of my comfort zone though."
"You were perfect," Summer said, "I never had a doubt you would be."
"What I want to know, is if you have the perfect dessert in there," Kyle said.
Summer reached into the bag to reveal two single serving chocolate lava cakes. "Impressive?" Summer said.
"Highly," Kyle said, "However, you are right. Those are not good for us."
"That's what makes them taste so wonderful," Summer said. Holding one out to him, she said, "You are not going to make me sit here and eat this alone, are you?"
Kyle smiled as he took her offering. Sitting across from her, he teased, "What are you trying to do to me?"
Summer waited for Kyle to try his cake first, watching him relish the taste. "I can't tell if you like it, or your having a seizure," Summer said.
Nodding, Kyle said, "I think it's both. These are incredible." Summer couldn't hide her laughter, as Kyle smiled back at her.
"How are you feeling?" Summer said, apprehensive to broach the subject.
"I'm good," Kyle said, "I have been fully conscious for an entire day."
"Please don't joke," Summer said, "You really scared me yesterday."
"Sorry about that, but I am okay," Kyle said, "It was just a fluke incident."
"So, it hasn't happened before?" Summer said.
"No," Kyle said, "I am perfectly fine."
"I am glad to hear that," Summer said.
"Since you bring it up," Kyle said, "Please don't say anything about my passing out to anyone."
"You mean your family?" Summer said, "Rachel?"
"Especially Rachel," Kyle said, "I don't want her to unnecessarily worry about me."
"My lips are sealed," Summer said, "Our secret."
Opening the front door, of the house Billy said, "Is it safe to come in?"
Looking back at him, Rachel said, "Brittany just left."
Peering at her, Billy said, "I don't see any bruises."
"Brittany has the bruises," Rachel said. Billy stared at her. "Only kidding," Rachel said.
"I was hoping you two would be able to put your differences aside and get along," Billy said.
"We don't have those differences anymore," Rachel said, "Not that you weren't worth fighting over, we have gotten way past that."
"That's good to hear," Billy said.
"Did you know she is married to Raul?" Rachel said.
"I know," Billy said, "It's funny how things turn out sometimes. You think you are going to be with someone and the unexpected happens, then you end up with someone else."
Rachel noticed the longing in Billy's eyes as he was looking at her. She shared the look with him for a few seconds, then quickly looked away, saying, "So, Brittany agreed to take my case."
"That's great," Billy said.
"She thinks I have a good chance of getting Susie back," Rachel said.
"You really want that," Billy smiled, "If there's anything I can do, I'm in."
"I might just take you up on that," Rachel said.
"Here's a thought," Billy said, "Why don't you and I, go out and have some dinner together."
"Go out?" Rachel said, "That sounds suspiciously like an invitation for a date."
"You know, people who are friends go out for dinner quite often," Billy said.
Rachel smiled at him. "They do," she agreed.
"So," Summer said, "Tell me what's new with you?"
"Things are about the same," Kyle said, "There's work and normal family stuff, wedding planning."
"A wedding?" Summer smiled, "Who's getting married? Is it Abby? Did her boyfriend pop the question?"
"Yes, he did," Kyle said, "They are getting married."
"Nice for them," Summer said.
"I thought you might have heard the news about the engagements," Kyle said.
"No, I guess I'm behind in my gossip," Summer said, "Wait, you said engagements? Is someone else we know getting married?"
"Yes," Kyle cautiously said
"Who is it?" Summer said.
"Me," Kyle said, "And Rachel." He braced himself for impact.
"You're not serious," Summer laughed.
Kyle nodded. "It's true," he said, "We got engaged over the holidays."
Summer's face fell. "For real?" she said.
"For real," Kyle said.
Summer was quiet and Kyle could see the disappointment on her face. "Summer…" he said, about to console her.
"Congratulations," Summer said.
"Thanks," Kyle said, "I have to admit, I thought you would react differently to this."
"You mean, why am I not pledging my love to you and crying my eyes out?" Summer said, "I knew the two of you were getting really close. I heard your public pledge to her at the coffeehouse, just before you got back together. If I didn't believe you loved her before, I did after that. So, I say, good for you."
"You mean that?" Kyle said.
Summer nodded. "I'll admit, I wish I was in Rachel's shoes. I always thought you and I would end up together."
"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this," Kyle said.
"Don't you ever think about us?" Summer said, "We were going to take on the world together. Between you and me there was nothing standing in our way. My feelings haven't changed. I still care deeply for you."
"I care about you," Kyle said, "But I am in love with someone else."
Stepping closer to him, Summer said, "Are you really? Is she really what you want? Because what you wanted used to be me."
"That is in the past," Kyle said.
"It doesn't have to be," Summer said, pulling Kyle into a kiss.
"I'm glad you suggested this," Rachel said, sitting across the table from Billy, at the club, "It is nice to get out."
"Don't let anyone find out you had only a nice time with me," Billy said, "It will ruin my reputation."
Rachel laughed. "We can't have that," she said.
Billy looked around for the waiter, saying, "Where do you suppose our server is?" Billy looked at Rachel when she didn't answer and noticed she was looking past him. "Rachel?"
Coming out of her trance, Rachel, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Where were you?" Billy said.
"I can't stop thinking about my meeting with Brittany," Rachel said, "I am more determined than ever to win this case."
"I can see that," Billy said. He was quiet for a moment, before he said, "I wasn't going to mention this, but I have a strange feeling Kevin is up to something."
"When has Kevin ever not been plotting things?" Rachel said, "You know, I have the same bad feeling."
"I ran into Esther the other day," Billy said, "I mentioned how nice it must have been for her to visit with Bella, when Kevin was here. Get this, she never laid eyes on her granddaughter that day. She didn't even know Kevin was in Genoa City."
"Well, isn't that interesting," Rachel said, "I talked to Michael and he never saw Kevin either while he was here. Why would he come all this way and not take the opportunity to visit with his family? Furthermore, if Esther was not with Bella, where was she?"
"Esther called Kevin to find out what was going on," Billy said, "Kevin told her, Bella was not feeling well and he had left her home with the babysitter."
"He lied to us," Rachel said.
"I think he lied to Esther as well," Billy said, "To all of us."
"He is involved with some kind of scheme," Rachel said, "He has my daughter all wrapped up in it. Susie didn't contradict anything Kevin said to us. He's got her lying too."
"It seems like it," Billy said.
"Billy, I have to get her out there!" Rachel said.
"I'm going to find out what is going on with Kevin," Billy said, "I promise you, I will not let him continue to manipulate your daughter."
As she checked her phone Rachel walked into the house ahead of Billy. Noticing her frown Billy said, "No message from Kyle?"
"No," Rachel said, "I thought he would have checked back in by now. He must be busy wheeling and dealing with all those executives."
"He's only been gone a couple of days," Billy said, "And he'll be home in another two."
"I know," Rachel said, "I can handle it. So, tell me, what's the plan?"
"The plan?" Billy said, "Are you talking about your daughter?"
"No, I'm talking about getting Phyllis out of Jabot," Rachel said.
"We are working on it," Billy said, "Nobody has forgotten."
"No offense, but you keep saying that and nothing has been done," Rachel said, "I can't stand that woman she scrutinizes every move I make."
"Don't take it personally, she does that to everyone," Billy said, "As for getting her out, we have to be smart, stay one step ahead of her. Most of all we don't want to tip her off. You need to play it cool. Pretend she's the best boss you ever had, until we make our move."
"I can do that," Rachel said, "Knowing that she will soon be out, will put a genuine smile on my face."
"Mine too," Billy said, with a groan, as he sat on the couch.
"You okay?" Rachel said.
"Just my back," Billy said, "A little sore today."
"I could help," Rachel said.
"Excuse me?" Billy said.
Sitting next to him, Rachel said, "Turn around." Billy hesitated, so Rachel prompted, "Turn around."
Billy gave her skeptical look, as he positioned himself with his back to her. Rachel took hold of his shoulders and began to massage him. Billy groaned in discomfort, as Rachel said, "No wonder you hurt, you're muscles are so tight."
"That's because of my stressful new boss," Billy said.
"Did you not just tell me not to let her get to you," Rachel said.
"Easier said than done," Billy said, closing his eyes as Rachel continued to massage him. She continued for a few more minutes before she said, "How is it now?"
Billy moved his shoulders and stretched his neck, saying, "That feels better. I had forgotten how good you are at this." Turning back around, Billy became aware of how close she was to him.
"Better?" Rachel said.
Billy hesitated, looking into her eyes, before he said, "Much." He leaned forward and kissed her.
Kyle pulled out of his kiss with Summer. "We shouldn't be doing this," he said, taking a few steps away from her.
"Of course we should," Summer said, walking to him and taking one of his hands. "Here we are, you and me. Fate had brought us together, yet again. Don't walk away this time."
"This is not fate, this is a bad decision," Kyle said.
"If you would stop fighting your feelings for me and let them out, you won't be able to deny we are meant to be together," Summer said, "You and I both know it."
"Summer…I can't," Kyle said.
"Yes, you can," Summer said, "I am right here. Just like you've always wanted." Kyle didn't resist as Summer drew him into another kiss. Unable to hold back anymore, Kyle took her in his arms.
"Billy don't," Rachel said, pulling back from him.
"Sorry," Billy sighed.
"You shouldn't have done that," Rachel said, standing up, "Why did you do that?"
"Because," Billy started, getting to his feet, "I wanted to. Plus, you wanted me to."
"No, I didn't," Rachel quickly said.
"Rachel," Billy said, taking her arm, to turn her around to face him, "You and I have been dancing around our mutual attraction to each other for months. I'm tired of pretending, being careful of everything I say. You can't tell me you don't feel the same."
They stared at each other for a few seconds, old feelings of desire and temptation, hanging in the air between them. Rachel suddenly grabbed Billy, by his shirt front and pulled him into a more passionate kiss.
Top layers of clothes belonging to Kyle and Summer were scattered on the floor. Laying Summer before him on the bed, Kyle let his desire for her, come to the surface. There was no holding back as he put passion behind his kisses with her.
Standing before Billy, in his bedroom, Rachel closed her eyes as Billy continually kissed her neck. Whirling around to face him, they assisted each other with the removal of clothes. Caressing her cheek with his hand, Billy smiled, then kissed her, swirling her towards the bed at the same time.
Passion flew between Kyle and Summer, just as it was for Billy and Rachel. Old emotions with former loves had taken hold of Kyle and Rachel and they each felt helpless to fight them.