Waiting on the other end of the line, Sharon waited for Rey to answer his phone. The sound of his voice mail, caused her to sigh as she disconnected the call.
"Where are you Rey?" Sharon worried.
"Mom?" Faith said, coming down the stairs, "Are you alright?"
Sharon turned to face her daughter. "Fine," she said.
"Did you and Rey have a fight?" Faith said.
"Why would you think that?" Sharon said.
"Because, correct me if I'm wrong, but he didn't come home last night, did he?" Faith said.
"No, he didn't," Sharon said, "But not because of a fight."
"You're worried," Faith said, "I thought all kinds of crazy hours came with his job description."
"You know, that has to be it," Sharon said, "He's working on a case and hasn't had a chance to check in with me. You had better hurry to get ready for school."
"I was just about to leave," Faith said, "Unless you want me to wait with you."
"That's very sweet of you to offer," Sharon said, "But you go. I'm sure I will hear from Rey soon enough."
"First period is just review," Faith said, "I wouldn't miss much."
"Are you trying to avoid going to school?" Sharon said.
"No, I would just rather be here," Faith said.
"Nice try," Sharon said, "However…" Sharon was cut off by the sound of the doorbell. Getting up to answer it, Sharon said, "Get your backpack."
Sharon smiled at Faith, an expression she lost, when she revealed Paul on the other side of the door. "Paul," she said, "Is something wrong? Is it Rey?"
Kyle winced buttoning up the top of his shirt, as he prepared to leave the hospital.
"Someone looks ready to go home," Dr. Hastings said, entering the room.
"You said, I could," Kyle said.
"You're getting ahead of me," Dr. Hastings said, "But you're physical exam showed a good sign that you're on the mend. So, of course you may go home."
"I can't wait," Kyle said.
"I expected to find your wife at your side," Dr. Hastings said.
"She just stepped out," Kyle said, "Should be back any minute."
"Make sure you take your medications and rest," Nate said, "No going into work for the next few days."
"Right," Kyle nodded.
"Understood?" Dr. Hastings said.
"I will rest plenty, scouts honor," Kyle said.
"I would like to see you at the end of the week for a follow up," Dr. Hastings said.
"Count on it," Kyle said, "But before I go, I want to apologize for my attitude yesterday. I know you were just doing your job and looking out for me. I really appreciate it."
"Get some rest, that's all the thanks I need," Dr. Hastings said, "It's good to have you back among the living."
"I'll second that," Kyle said, "Thanks." They shared a smiled as Dr. Hastings left the room.
Waiting for Rachel, Kyle paced the floor, looking out the window. Impatiently running a hand through his hair and rubbing his neck, he turned at the sound of the room door opening. "There you are…" Kyle trailed off, when he saw someone other than his wife, in the doorway.
Standing, with tears in her eyes, Summer stared at Kyle in disbelief.
"Kidnapping?" Sharon said, "And attempted murder? No, Rey, he wouldn't, he couldn't."
"I'm afraid he deceived all of us," Paul said, "Myself included."
"Why would he do this?" Sharon said.
"We may never know what he was thinking," Paul said, "I'm very sorry to have to bring you such bad news."
"At least I sent Faith to school and she didn't have to hear the horrible things you just told me," Sharon said.
"If there's anything I can do," Paul said.
"He lied to me," Sharon said, "About everything. How could do this to me? How could he torture another person that way? What kind of a monster did I allow into my home?"
"You can't blame yourself for Rey's actions," Paul said.
"I trusted him," Sharon said, "And Faith did too. Where is he now?"
"Rey was arrested and is in jail," Paul said, "He has pleaded guilty, so now we are waiting for a judge to pass sentencing."
"Do you think he will be sentenced to time in prison?" Sharon said.
"That will depend on the judge," Paul said, "But I think he will serve some time."
"I can't believe this is happening," Sharon said.
"Are you going to be alright?" Paul said, "Do you want me to call anyone for you?"
Sharon took a deep breath and said, "I will be just fine. Thank you for telling me all of this."
"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me," Paul said.
Sharon nodded, as Paul, headed for the door. Sharon turned away, as Paul opened the door, surprised to find Nick on the other side.
"Paul," Nick said, "I didn't expect to find you here."
"I was just on my way out," Paul said.
"Is something wrong?" Nick said.
"I'll let Sharon explain," Paul said, "Good to see you." Nick frowned as Paul left the house.
Sharon stood with her back to Nick, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Sharon?" Nick said.
Not getting a response, Nick said, "What was Paul doing here?" Hearing her softly crying, Nick said, "Sharon, are you alright?"
Sharon turned to face Nick, walking to him, she wrapped her arms around him, holding on tight. Her sobs became louder, Nick frowning in concern as he hugged her back, saying, "It's okay."
"Summer," Kyle said.
"Kyle…" Summer said, walking to him, she hugged him tight.
"Easy," Kyle said, pulling back. Noticing the question in Summer's face, Kyle explained, "I've got a couple of messed up ribs."
"I'm sorry, I…" Summer stammered.
"Gentle hugs are okay," Kyle said, pulling her back in. Hearing Summer begin to sob, Kyle said, "Hey, it's okay."
Stepping back, Summer said, "I thought I lost you, for good." She fell into his arms again, as Kyle rubbed her back, in an effort to soothe her.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Kyle said, "I wish they hadn't caused all that grief for everyone, for nothing."
Looking up at him, Summer said, "I've never been happier to see you."
"It's good to see you too," Kyle said.
"You look terrible," Summer said.
"Thank you?" Kyle half smiled.
"I meant are you alright?" Summer said.
"I'm going to be fine," Kyle said, "It's nothing that won't heal."
"I can't believe you went through such a horrible ordeal," Summer said.
"You and me both," Kyle said, "It feels really good to be home."
"Let me be one of the first to welcome you home," Summer said, "You were missed."
"Thank you," Kyle smiled.
A silent pause presented itself, until Summer said, "Forgive me for staring. I just can't believe you are standing here, alive and well in front of me."
"Almost well," Kyle said.
"Lola, huh?" Summer said.
"Yep," Kyle said, "And her no good brother."
"Maybe next time I advise to steer clear of someone, you will listen," Summer said.
"Yes, you were right," Kyle said.
"Don't worry about work," Summer said, "Everything is under control."
"Did I say I was worried?" Kyle said.
"No, but knowing you, I'm sure you want to get back to it as soon as possible," Summer said, "Just promise me you will take some time for yourself first."
"Have you been talking to my doctor?" Kyle said, "All of this advice to rest, is wearing me out."
"Very funny," Summer said, touching his arm, "At least you haven't lost your sense of humor."
"It's nice to be able to have a little fun again," Kyle said.
Summer smiled and then said, "Oh, what am I thinking? You must want to get home. Where's your wife? Do you need me to drive you?"
"Thank you, but Rachel will be here soon," Kyle said.
"She must be thrilled to have you back," Summer said.
"No more than I am to be with her again," Kyle smiled.
"I will get out of your way then," Summer said.
"You're never in the way," Kyle said.
"It is really good to see you again," Summer said, "Listen to your doctor. I will hold down the fort at work."
"Yes ma'am," Kyle said.
Moving closer to him, Summer said, "I know I've already said it, but welcome home." Summer leaned in, to give Kyle a kiss. In an effort to avoid his injuries, her lips landed half on his, as Rachel opened the room door.
Austin strolled into Society, spotting Abby behind the bar he smiled and walked over. Abby's back was to him, as he sat down and using a gruff voice said, "Girl, get me a drink, would you?"
Insulted, Abby frowned as she turned around to see Austin smiling at her. He added a laugh to let her know he was joking. "Sorry," he said, "I couldn't resist."
"What are you doing here?" Abby said, "Maybe I should call the police, you are not supposed to be in here at this time of day."
"Things have changed," Austin said, "No more ankle monitor. I'm still on parole, but have more freedom."
"You look a little banged up," Abby said, "I guess that's the price you pay for being a hero."
"I've been called a lot of things before, but never hero," Austin said.
"That's what people are saying," Abby said, "I will say thank you for saving my cousin's life."
Austin nodded. "You know you look really nice today."
"Excuse me?" Abby said.
"It's your hair, I don't think I've seen you wear it like that before," Austin said.
"Are you actually flirting with me?" Abby said.
"Is it working?" Austin said.
"No, it isn't," Abby said, "What happened, did Summer turn you down, so you're moving on to me?"
"I'm beginning to realize Summer and I are not good for each other," Austin said, "So, yes I am trying to move on. I thought it might be nice if you and I got reacquainted."
"I'm with someone," Abby said.
"You mean that thing with the detective is still going on?" Austin said.
"Yes, and it's going to continue for a long time," Abby said.
"If you ever change your mind, the offer still stands," Austin said.
"Don't hold your breath," Abby said, "So, if that's all you came by for, I have work to do."
"That's why I'm here," Austin said, "I wanted to apply for a job."
"I am not hiring any waiters at the present time," Abby said.
"I hear you are hiring for a dishwasher," Austin said.
"You want to give up your cushy job in Jabot's mail room, to wash other people's dirty dishes?" Abby said.
"You never know," Austin said, "Dishwasher today, waiter tomorrow, assistant manager next year."
"Are you serious?" Abby said.
"No," Austin laughed again, "I was just having some fun. But seriously, I would make a good bartender."
"I don't need one," Abby said.
"Oh come on," Austin said, "I'm sure with Lola out of commission you could use the extra help. The mail room job is okay, but this way I get to see people and serve them drinks to make their day a little brighter. I like talking to others and I can take care of a few tables when you need. I'm not afraid of hard work and long hours."
"What about your parole?" Abby said.
"I can change jobs, you would just have to take over reporting to the authorities about my attendance and performance," Austin said.
"I don't know," Abby said.
"Let me show you what I can do," Austin said.
"I already did before and look how that turned out," Abby said.
"I was talking about behind the bar," Austin said, "What do you say?"
"I'll tell you what," Abby said, "Impress me."
"Pardon?" Austin said.
"Make me a few drinks and then we will see what type of skills you have," Abby said.
"Right now?" Austin said.
"No time like the present," Abby said.
"On it," Austin said, standing up and scooting behind the bar.
Watching Kyle and Summer linger in their embrace, Rachel said, "Am I interrupting?"
Kyle immediately let go, as Summer stepped back from him. "I was just telling Kyle how amazing it is to have him back home," Summer said.
"Yes, it is," Rachel said, "And I have taken care of your paperwork. We can go home now."
"I should get back to work," Summer said.
"It was nice of you to stop by," Rachel said, giving Summer a stern look.
"Thanks for checking up on me," Kyle said.
"I'll see you later," Summer smiled at Kyle, as he nodded in return.
"Okay," Kyle said, "I'm ready to get out of here." Kyle headed for the door, but then noticed Rachel wasn't following. "Are you coming?" Kyle said.
"What was all that just now?" Rachel said.
"What are you talking about?" Kyle said, "You mean Summer?"
"What did I just walk in on?" Rachel said.
"Like she said," Kyle said, "She came to welcome me home."
"She was kissing you," Rachel said, "Or should I say you were kissing each other."
"We're friends," Kyle said, "She thought the same thing as everyone else and she was overcome to see me again."
"She was overcome alright," Rachel said.
"It was a friendly welcome back kiss," Kyle said, "Nothing more."
"You can't see how disconcerting it is to walk in and find Summer in your arms?" Rachel said.
"I'm sorry if you got the wrong idea," Kyle said.
"I don't want to argue with you," Rachel said, "Especially not today."
"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" Kyle said, "Because the only person I want to be kissing is you." Kyle pulled her into an embrace.
"The only reason I get so wound up, is because I love you," Rachel said.
"I love you," Kyle said, "Why don't we continue this at home?"
Walking towards the door, with an arm around each other, Rachel said, "Mr. Abbott are you planning to seduce me?"
"Count on it," Kyle said.
Austin was in constant conversation as he prepared drinks behind the bar. Swept up by his enthusiasm, Abby chatted along and shared a few laughs with him.
"Now," Austin said, placing a few shot glasses on the counter, "Tell me what you think."
Abby took a sip from each glass and said, "Not bad. Pretty good."
"Okay, but this…" Austin put another glass in front of her, "Is my specialty."
"What is it?" Abby said.
"You tell me," Austin said.
Abby took drink and smiling she said, "Oh, wow that's amazing."
"You remember?" Austin said.
"You made this for me a few times before," Abby said.
"And you always really liked it," Austin said.
They looked into each other's eyes, when Abby caught herself. "Well, that was a long time ago," she said.
"What is this?" a voice said from behind them.
"Summer," Austin smiled, "This is a nice surprise."
"I don't believe my eyes," Summer said, "Here you are, the two of you sharing drinks? Are you picking up where you left off?"
"Abby was kind enough to let me apply for a position," Austin said.
"I'll bet," Summer said.
"Did you want something?" Abby said.
"I came to pick up an order," Summer said.
Grabbing a takeout bag from behind the counter, Austin said, "This it?"
"What is going on here?" Summer said, waving her finger back and forth between them.
"Meet my new bartender," Abby said.
"Really, you're giving me the job?" Austin said.
"Yes," Abby said, "Don't make me regret it."
"You won't," Austin said.
"I'll get one of the staff to train you on cash and give you orientation," Abby said.
"Sounds perfect," Austin said, "Thank you so much."
"Congratulations," Summer sulked, "Now you get to spend much more time together."
Placing the bag on the counter, Austin said, "Here you go miss."
Summer took hold of the handles, when Austin said, "Before you go, I have something I want to say to you."
"I don't want to hear anymore about your undying love for me," Summer said.
"Good, because that's not what I was going to say," Austin said, "I want you to know that I won't be pursuing you anymore. I am going to respect your choice not to be with me. To be honest I would still be willing to try, but you have made it clear that is not what you want. I apologize for anything I've done to make you uncomfortable in the past."
Abby and Summer stared at Austin. "You almost sound sincere," Summer said.
"I am," Austin said, "I want to do my best to be a good person."
"Summer, I assume you've heard about Kyle," Abby said.
"Yes, I just came from visiting him at the hospital," Summer said, "Although he was just about to go home."
"How is he?" Abby said.
"He looks a little worse for wear," Summer said, "But he is in good spirits."
"I am glad to hear that," Abby said, "I imagine it will still be difficult to deal with what he went through. I am really anxious to see him."
"So what does this mean for Lola?" Summer said, "Did you fire her?"
"A little harsh, don't you think?" Austin said.
"Lola is in Fairview for the next few weeks," Abby said, "I haven't decided if I will keep her on."
"She was really good at her job and she loved it," Austin said, "You gave me a second chance, Lola deserves one too. Or is it against the rules to have more than one parolee on your payroll at the same time?"
Abby looked questioningly at Austin. "That was a joke," Austin said.
"As enlightening as this was, I have to get back to work," Summer said.
"See you around," Austin said. Summer quickly walked away.
"If you will excuse me I have to make a phone call," Abby said, "Why don't you stay here and familiarize yourself with where everything is."
"Will do," Austin said. He began to pick up bottles, reading the labels and putting them back. He reorganized some of the items to his liking, when he heard a voice say, "Care to explain what you are doing?"
Looking up Austin, said, "Detective Chance."
"You know, last time I was here, the bar was not self serve," Chance said, "I think you just blew your parole buddy."
"First of all, I am not your buddy," Austin said, "Second, Abby hired me to work here as her new bartender."
"Sure she did," Chance said, producing a pair of handcuffs, "Let's go. Fun and games are over."
Spotting Abby, Austin said, "There she is. If you don't believe me, ask her."
"Hi there," Abby smiled. Seeing Chance's handcuffs, she said, "What's going on?"
"Austin thought he would help himself to the contents of the bar," Chance said.
"No, you see…" Austin tried.
"So, he's violated his parole," Chance said, "I'm taking him in."
"Oh dear," Abby said, "That's too bad."
"Abby…." Austin said.
"You know if you arrest him, I will have to find a new bartender," Abby said.
"Come again?" Chance said.
"He's my newest employee," Abby said, "Austin is Society's bartender."
"I hate to say I told you so," Austin said.
"I just spoke to your parole officer and it should be a smooth transition of employment," Abby said.
"Excellent," Austin said.
"Have you lost your mind?" Chance said, "Trusting him to work here?"
"Everyone deserves a second chance," Abby said.
"This has got to be his tenth at least," Chance said.
"This way, I am keeping an eye on him," Abby said.
"Are you sure old feelings, are not clouding your judgement?" Chance said.
"You did not just say that to me," Abby said.
"I cannot, for the life of me, understand why you would do this," Chance said.
"So, you don't trust me to make my own decisions, is that what you're saying?" Abby said.
"This is a bad idea," Chance said
"Talk about my judgement being clouded, how about yours in your choice of friends," Abby said.
"Now we're making this about Adam," Chance said.
"This is my establishment," Abby said, "I will hire whoever I please. If you don't like it, you can…"
"Leave?" Chance said, "On my way." Chance stormed out the door.
Abby sighed in frustration, glancing over at Austin, who gave her a sympathetic smile.
"Okay," Rachel said, as she eased Kyle into a sitting position on the couch, "How's that?"
"It's alright," Kyle said, momentarily closing his eyes, "Who knew ribs could hurt so much."
"Do you need some of the pain medication?" Rachel said.
"Not just yet," Kyle said.
"Are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable in bed?" Rachel said.
"I would rather be here with you," Kyle said.
"You look like it hurts you to sit up like this," Rachel said.
"Only if I move," Kyle said, "Maybe I will lie down in a little while."
Curling her legs underneath her, as she snuggled close to her husband, Rachel said, "Kyle, why do I get the feeling you are avoiding the bedroom?"
"When you have spent a few weeks handcuffed to a bed, the thought of lying on another one is not that appealing," Kyle said.
"Your poor wrists," Rachel said, gently caressing the bandage of one side.
"I do have to compliment you on that food we just had," Kyle said, "That was the best tasting meal I've had, in a long time."
"You look like you've lost weight," Rachel said, "Didn't they feed you?"
"A little bit, every now and then," Kyle said, "After a while, I lost my appetite though."
"I'm sorry, we don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to," Rachel said.
"I just keep replaying it in my head," Kyle said, "What I could have done differently to keep this from happening."
"Baby, none of this is your fault," Rachel said.
"Maybe if I had left a earlier or later, if I hadn't pulled into the side of road…" Kyle mused.
"Why did you pull into the side of the road?" Rachel said.
"There was a detour due to construction," Kyle said, "I was a little lost, on the wrong roadway. So, I pulled over to map it out."
"There was detour?" Rachel said, "Are you sure?"
"I saw the sign," Kyle said.
"Did you see any construction ahead?" Rachel said.
"No…" Kyle said, "You think Rey set that sign to get me off the road, so I would have to pull over?"
"Maybe," Rachel said.
"Rey must have been hiding in the back of my car the entire time," Kyle said, "When I passed the detour, he could have signaled Lola or someone to remove the sign."
Rachel affectionately rubbed Kyle's arm, saying, "Detective Rosales, lied to us. He kept saying 'we are looking into it.', 'we will find him', 'we found the car'. He set up every step and was controlling the outcome."
"Do you mind it we talk about something else?" Kyle said.
"Of course," Rachel said, "Is our impending little bundle a good topic?"
Kyle smiled. "A baby," he said, "I still can't believe, I'm about to be a father."
"It's going to be great," Rachel said.
"I want to go to all your doctor appointments with you," Kyle said.
"You don't have to do that," Rachel said, "I know how busy you get at work."
"I will make the time," Kyle said, "I want to be hands on and go through every step of this with you."
"I would love that," Rachel said, "I have my first appointment next week. I would have gone sooner, but with everything that's been going on, it fell through the cracks."
"You need to take care of yourself," Kyle said, "Now that I'm here, I won't mind taking care of you."
"I want you to remember that when I go into false labour at three in the morning," Rachel said.
Kyle gave little laugh that made him wince.
Reaching out, careful to avoid injuries, Rachel caressed Kyle's face and said, "I missed you something terrible."
"I missed you so much," Kyle said.
"Time to lie down?" Rachel said, "I can rest with you."
"Would you be trying to distract me?" Kyle said.
"Only a few kisses worth," Rachel said. Leaning closer she said, "How about a preview?"
"Yes, please," Kyle said, as she kissed him.