Behind the counter at Crimson Lights, the server handed Kyle his coffee, with a smile. "Here you go," she said.
"Thanks," Kyle said. Noticing there was no cover on the cup, he said, "That was to go though."
"Oh, that's right," the waitress said. She affixed the lid to the coffee, spilling some as she did so. "Sorry," she said, grabbing a towel to wipe it up, "It's my first day, I guess I'm a little nervous."
"You're doing great," Kyle smiled at her. Leaning into the counter he continued, "But I think I have to pay for this."
"Of course you do," she said. She rung up his purchase and retrieved the proper amount from Kyle.
"Thanks again," Kyle said, offering her another smile.
Watching him walk away, her heart was beating a little faster. "Anytime," she said.
"So, how's it going?" Sharon said walking up behind her.
The waitress didn't answer lost in her admiration of Kyle. "Andi?" Sharon said.
Jolted out of her daydream, Andi looked at Sharon and said, "I'm sorry, Sharon. I didn't hear you."
Picking up on Andi's interest in Kyle, Sharon smiled to herself. "Getting to know the patrons?" Sharon said.
"Does that gorgeous guy come in here often?" Andi said.
"He's one of our regulars," Sharon said.
"Oh, is he?" Andi said, sounding intrigued.
"He's also married," Sharon said, "With a baby on the way."
"Of course, he's taken," Andi said, "I would have gone out with him in heartbeat."
"Well, he is a little old for you," Sharon said, "But it will happen for you one day."
"He's also coming back this way," Andi said, nerves in her voice.
"Sharon," Kyle said, "I was hoping to run into you."
"What can I do for you?" Sharon said, "I hope this isn't a complaint."
"Not at all," Kyle said, "It's kind of personal."
"I have some tables to wipe up," Andi said, giving Kyle a nervous smile, before walking away.
"You have an admirer," Sharon said.
"She seems like a sweet girl," Kyle said.
"What did you want to see me for?" Sharon said.
"I was hoping for some more counselling," Kyle said, "You helped me sort things out once before and I need some guidance right now."
"I hope, you're not still having nightmares," Sharon said.
"No, it's anxiety," Kyle said, "I can't get to the root of it, to make it stop."
"I'll have some time later this afternoon," Sharon said, "Does that work for you?"
"I can meet then," Kyle said, "Thanks."
Turning around, Kyle walked by Kevin, as he entered the coffeehouse.
"Hey, Kevin," Kyle said.
"Hi," Kevin said. Kyle was lingering, so Kevin said, "Did you need something, or are you staring at me for no reason."
"I wanted to ask you something," Kyle said.
"Don't keep me in suspense," Kevin said.
"Did you know, Rachel's sister, Susan?" Kyle said.
"Just casually," Kevin said, "I didn't really spend any time with her. My brother, knew her better, they were close."
"Maybe he knows," Kyle mused.
"Knows what?" Kevin said.
"Susan had a daughter, Miranda," Kyle said, "Rachel has lost touch with her and wants to find her. I know she wanted her niece to come to the wedding, but we couldn't locate her in time."
"Did you check with Rachel's mother?" Kevin said, "Miranda was living with her after Susan passed away."
"All I know, is once Miranda became of age, she moved out and no one has heard from her since," Kyle said.
"Sometimes people don't want to be found," Kevin said, "They are the hardest to track down."
"Why would she disconnect from her family?" Kyle said.
"Who knows why people do the things they do," Kevin said, "But look at her history. She lost both her parents the same way, at different stages of her life. That kind of thing would weigh on a person."
"All the more reason to stay close with family," Kyle said, "I thought maybe with some of your police connections you might be able to find her whereabouts. I hope nothing bad has happened to her."
"I'll look into it," Kevin said, "Anything for Rachel. I've been meaning to ask how she is. That due date must be getting close."
"Four weeks," Kyle said, "Although Rachel tells me it could be any day now."
"Getting nervous?" Kevin said.
"I'm both excited and anxious," Kyle said, "I only hope I can be a good father."
"You'll figure it out," Kevin said, "Sure, it's difficult at times and you will want to pull your hair out. Believe me, when I tell you, it will the most rewarding experience of your life."
"Tell me how, we accumulated all this stuff?" Mariah said, as she sorted through the apartment closet.
"What is the reason we decided to clean this out today?" Tessa said.
"Because…" Mariah started, reaching in to lift out a pile of scarves, "We have too much that we don't need."
"Like these?" Tessa said, finding a worn out pair of high heels.
"I thought I got rid of those," Mariah said.
"Judging by the junk we're finding, I think we just threw everything in here," Tessa said.
"And what's this?" Mariah said, reaching up on the top shelf, to retrieve a shoe box.
"Did you buy another pair of shoes you forgot about?" Tessa said.
"It's not heavy enough to be that," Mariah said. Setting the box on the back of the couch, she lifted the lid. Mariah suddenly cried out in fear backing away from the box, as a spider scuttled out.
Tessa grabbed the old high heel and brought it down onto the spider. "There," Tessa said, "The monster is gone."
"Are you sure?" Mariah said.
"Positive," Tessa said. Holding the shoe away from her, she said, "I'm going to throw this out now." Mariah peered into the box scanning for anymore critters.
"Oh, look!" Tessa exclaimed making Mariah jump. Reaching into the box, she lifted out a pair of tickets. "Remember this concert, we enjoyed it so much."
"Yeah, that was a lot of fun," Mariah said "It was a few years ago. Toss them out."
"Oh, no, we should keep them," Tessa said, "It's a nice reminder."
"This is why we have so much stuff," Mariah said, "You never throw anything away. You my love, are a hoarder."
"What you call hoarding, I call being sentimental," Tessa said, "I'll find a scrapbook to put these in."
"Do you want to put this in a scrapbook too?" Mariah said, holding up a small banner, displaying the name of a once popular boy band.
"That you can dispose of," Tessa said. Lifting some papers out, she continued, "We can throw this away too."
"What is it?" Mariah said.
"It's nothing really, just something I put on paper," Tessa said.
"A song?" Mariah said, "Can I see it?"
"I was never really happy with it," Tessa said, as Mariah looked it over.
"Why are you getting rid of this?" Mariah said, "These lyrics are beautiful."
"You think so?" Tessa said.
"Sing it for me," Mariah said.
"Right now?" Tessa said.
"We are due for break" Mariah said, "Grab your guitar, I'd love to hear it."
"Lola," Rey said, sitting across from her in the jail visiting room, "You have no idea how good it is to see you."
"It's wonderful to see you," Lola said, "I wish I could give you a big hug."
"That would be nice," Rey said.
"How are you?" Lola said, "I mean, considering the circumstances."
"I'm doing the best I can to stay in my lane," Rey said.
"That doesn't really answer my question," Lola said, "I hate the thought, that you are dealing with cell mates, that are in here because of you."
"Don't worry about me," Rey said, "I can handle myself."
"But I do worry about my big brother," Lola said, "I know, I should have come by sooner, but between my therapy and work, it's been hectic."
"You found a job?" Rey said, "That's great."
"Actually, I got my old job back," Lola said, "I'm at Society again."
"That is such great news," Rey said, "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Lola said, "But I don't feel right celebrating, while you are stuck in here."
"Don't stop living your life and finding happiness, because of my situation," Rey said, "Knowing you are doing well, helps me get through the days here. So, tell me, is the job the only good thing you have?"
"Are you trying to pry about my social life?" Lola said.
"Hopefully, you have some friends to spend time with," Rey said.
"I have some girlfriends that didn't give up on me," Lola said, "They've been really supportive."
"What about boyfriends?" Rey said.
"You ask too many questions," Lola said.
"Ah, so there is someone," Rey said, "Give me the details, so I can give you my stamp of approval."
Lola hesitated, before she said, "I don't think you're going to approve."
"Why not?" Rey said, "Lola, don't tell me you are getting back together with Abbott."
"Of course not," Lola said, "Kyle is married and his wife is about to have a baby any minute now."
"Is it Vanderway?" Rey said, "I know he was pursuing you. He is not good for you."
"I told Theo I couldn't see him anymore," Lola said, "He was hurt but it wasn't right between us. Last I heard, he is moving to Paris for work."
"Knowing Theo has left for good makes my day," Rey said, "But you are not off the hook to tell me who you are with now."
"Okay, I want you to keep an open mind, when I tell you," Lola said.
"I will try," Rey said, "Who is it?"
"His name…" Lola started, "It's Austin Travers."
Rey closed his eyes and put his head in his hands.
Kyle walked into his office, stopping in his tracks when he saw Rachel sitting on the couch. "What a nice surprise…" Kyle trailed off when he noticed her wiping away a few tears.
"Rachel?" Kyle said, sitting next to her. Taking one of her hands, Kyle said, "What's this about? Is it the baby? Is something wrong?"
"No, she's fine," Rachel said, "I'm just feeling a little emotional today."
"Any particular reason?" Kyle said, "I'd like to make you feel better."
"I just need you to hold me," Rachel whimpered.
"Of course," Kyle said. Getting up from the couch, he closed the office door, before returning to his wife and putting his arm around her. "Do you want to talk about it?" he said.
"It's just…" Rachel started, "It's a sad anniversary for me."
"Why's that?" Kyle said.
"This is the day, my sister passed away," Rachel said.
"Oh, baby I'm sorry," Kyle said, snuggling Rachel closer, "Why didn't you say anything before?"
"I don't know," Rachel said, "Usually the day comes around and I think about my sister and it's sad, but I'm okay. For some reason, it's hitting me harder this year."
"You mean because of the baby?" Kyle said.
"I'm having my second child and Susan was supposed to be here for it," Rachel said, "Susie never got to know her namesake and now Diana won't know her aunt either. After all these years the fact that she's gone, still gets to me."
"It's only natural that your loss would stay with you," Kyle said, "I miss my Mom every day. Now, I have you and little Diana, to be with, it makes it easier. I'm here for you always."
"I know you are," Rachel said, "And I love you for it. I just can't help thinking, Susan must have been so scared. I don't even know how much she was aware of what was happening to her."
"It doesn't do you any good to dwell on it," Kyle said, "Your sister would not want you to be so sad."
"You're right," Rachel half laughed through her tears, "She would tell me to pick myself up and stop being such a cry-baby."
"Nothing wrong with a good cry now and then," Kyle said, "Feel better?"
Rachel nodded. "I do," she said, "Your love was just what I needed."
"You've got it," Kyle said, giving her a quick kiss.
The office door opened, as Jack stepped in. Catching the end of their kiss, he said, "Bad timing, sorry about that."
"It's okay," Kyle smiled.
"Am I interrupting something?" Jack said, noticing Rachel had been crying.
"No, I'm fine," Rachel said, as Kyle assisted her to stand up, "Emotions are running high today. It's Susan's anniversary."
"I'm sorry," Jack said, "I miss her too." He gave Rachel a gentle hug.
"Dad, about our meeting this afternoon, is it okay if we push it to tomorrow morning?" Kyle said, "I have a conflicting appointment out of the office."
"That's fine," Jack said, "We can reschedule. I am just grabbing some files and then I will be out of your hair."
"Before you go, we haven't told you the good news yet," Kyle said.
"If there's good news, do share," Jack said.
"We have a name for the baby," Kyle said.
'I'm intrigued," Jack said.
Kyle looked at Rachel who said, "We are naming her Diana." Kyle was beaming with pride.
Jack smiled as he said, "After your mother."
"And Dina," Kyle said.
"It's a wonderful choice," Jack said, "They would both have liked that very much. Diana Abbott."
"Diana Jacqueline Abbott," Kyle said.
Jack was clearly touched as he looked at Kyle with tears in his eyes.
"Don't you cry too," Kyle said.
"I might," Jack said.
"Of course we had to name her after you as well," Kyle said.
"Thank you," Jack said, "I am so looking forward to my first grandchild."
Rachel smiled as she watched father and son share a warm hug.
Mariah was transfixed as Tessa sang the last few lines of her song, to which Mariah said, "Wow, that was amazing."
"You would say that anyway," Tessa said.
"No, I mean it," Mariah said, "The melody, with the up tempo part in the middle, coming back around for a perfect finish."
"I'm glad you liked it," Tessa said.
"You should let Devon hear that," Mariah said, "He would probably want to record it."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Tessa said, "He doesn't want to work with me."
"I'm sure he would change his mind if he heard that song," Mariah said, "It has number one written all over it."
"Mariah, I said no!" Tessa snapped. After an awkward silence, Tessa said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to talk to you like that."
"Why don't you want to share this song?" Mariah said.
"I wrote this at a very low point in my life," Tessa said, "A painful time. A period I don't like to think of and playing this, just brings me back to it."
"I could hear it in the words," Mariah said, The heartbreak. I also heard the hope to find love again."
"The heartbreak was there alright," Tessa said.
"A bad breakup?" Mariah said.
"No, I was thinking about Austin, when I wrote it," Tessa said, "It was all those years ago, when he was in the hospital fighting for his life. The doctors had no hope he would recover. He was the only family I had left and I thought I was going to lose him. It was a very personal piece of music."
"It was also very beautiful," Mariah said, "A masterpiece. I have the perfect title for it. Heartbreak and Hope."
"So, now you're a song writer too?" Tessa said.
"I know a good line when I hear one," Mariah said.
"Let's just put it back in the box and store in on the shelf it came from," Tessa said.
"Okay," Mariah said, "Back on the shelf. Hey, that's a good song title too." Tessa laughed as she replaced the box.
"Now," Mariah said, "What are we going to do with all these scarves?"
"I say we keep them all and put them back in the closet," Tessa said, "There, we're done."
Mariah shook her head at her.
"You mean to tell me you are dating that scum Travers?" Rey said.
"I would appreciate it if you would not call him names," Lola said.
"You know what kind of person he is," Rey said, "What he's done."
"He is not like that anymore," Lola said.
"People like Austin Travers never change," Rey said, "Sooner or later he will be up to his old tricks again and drag you down with him."
"Did you know he almost died on that cliff?" Lola said, "That can change a person. He is determined to be a better man. He has a new job at Society as the bartender."
"Well, isn't that convenient," Rey said, "He can stalk you more closely now."
"Austin is kind, he respects me. He makes laugh and feel good about myself," Lola said, "He is one of the few supporters I have in my life right now."
"Lola, be smart about this," Rey said, "He's playing you."
"No, I don't believe that," Lola said, "He cares for me and I care a lot about him. I know you don't trust him, but I can."
"Did you know he came to see me?" Rey said, "When I warned him to stay away from you, he threatened to sic his father on me."
"I know you are just looking out for me," Lola said, "But you don't get to choose who I spend my time with. What I have with Austin is special. I think I could be falling in love."
"It's true I can't stop you," Rey said, "Keep your eyes open. If he hurts you, he will answer to me and he won't like that."
Sharon was sitting on the patio of Society, impatiently checking her watch. She was about to stand up and get back to work when she heard a voice enter the room.
"I'm sorry, I know I'm a little late," Kyle said.
"I thought maybe you were not coming," Sharon said.
"I apologize," Kyle said, "I got held up at work. Can we still talk?"
"Yes, we can," Sharon said, "You mentioned you are suffering from anxiety? What can you tell me about that?"
"Well, I can't relax," Kyle said, "I feel like I am behind in everything I do at work. No matter how hard I work or how many hours I put in, it never seems enough to get it all done. I never had a problem staying on top of my work before. If an issue comes up, I panic. Not about how to handle it, but it's more about will it get done. I'm snapping at people without cause. I worry about everything, not just work, but Rachel and her pregnancy. She's been fine, but I think what if something goes wrong? Will I be a good enough father?"
"How much sleep are you getting?" Sharon said, "I know that has been an issue with you before."
"It takes me hours to get to sleep," Kyle said, "I feel like my mind is constantly racing. Once I fall asleep, I get through the night okay, but I know I'm not getting enough."
"Have you considered getting a medical assessment?" Sharon said, "Not to worry you, but to rule a health issue out."
"I actually thought of that," Kyle said, "I worried the tumor was back. Thankfully the doctor gave me a clean bill of health."
"That's good news," Sharon said.
"I should tell you, Dr. Hastings thinks I have post-traumatic stress, stemming from the kidnapping," Kyle admitted.
"It's possible," Sharon said, "The stress of being held against your will, can manifest itself in all kinds of ways. If this anxiety stems from a deeper issue, I have to tell you, I might not be equipped to help you."
"Please Sharon, you're the only one I trust with this," Kyle pleaded.
"We will start some sessions," Sharon said, "But if we come to a point where I feel you need more intense therapy I will recommend you to someone else."
"Fair enough," Kyle said.
"We need to talk about the kidnapping," Sharon said, "I know it's a painful issue, but I want you to tell me how you were feeling at that time."
"At first, I was angry, demanding to be let go," Kyle said, "Then I was confused, getting more worried by the day. In the end I was plain scared."
"What was the most worrisome issue for you?" Sharon said.
"That I was never going to go home and see my family again," Kyle said, "Lola was losing touch with reality and I knew Rey wanted to kill me." Kyle paused, "Sorry, maybe we shouldn't talk about this."
"It's alright, tell me everything," Sharon said.
"When I was on that cliff and the detective overpowered me, I never thought I would say this, but thank goodness for Austin," Kyle said, "If he hadn't shown up, I would be dead. And that's what I kept thinking, this is the end for me."
"Are you still feeling like someone is trying to hurt you?" Sharon said.
"It's hard to explain," Kyle said, "I thought once I was home, everything would be great and go back to normal. Don't get me wrong I am relieved to be home, back with my wife and family, but all that stress and worry came back with me. Everything I do, I get flustered and that makes me stress out. The slightest sound makes me jump and when I become stressed I get upset with other people."
"You're deflecting," Sharon said.
"How's that?" Kyle said.
"During your ordeal, you did not have control over your situation," Sharon began, "You were at the mercy of people you did not trust, which sent you into panic mode. Now you are very concerned about losing control again. You are angry with others as a defense mechanism. Your frustration with them is your mind's way of not letting them get the upper hand and therefore they can't hurt you."
"So, how do I fix that?" Kyle said.
"I want to give some exercises to help you relax," Sharon said, "I want you to tell yourself you are safe, you are in control and no one is out to harm you. Don't just say it to yourself, close your eyes and mediate on it. Believe it."
"And that will work?" Kyle said.
"I am also going to give you some breathing exercises," Sharon said, "Some of them may seem kind of hooky, but they do work to relax you."
"I'll try anything," Kyle said.
"I have some tools to help you sleep," Sharon said, "I'll send some information, for you to look over and ideas to try. Turn your phone off and don't look at work an hour before you go to sleep. Watch something you enjoy on TV, spend quality time with your wife. Enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy with her."
"I appreciate all the help," Kyle said.
"Let's leave it there for now and we will set another time to have a session," Sharon said.
"Can we discuss one more thing," Kyle said.
"Of course," Sharon said.
"Maybe I shouldn't say anything," Kyle sighed.
"If you want to talk now is the time," Sharon said, "But you don't have to tell me anything if you feel uncomfortable."
"I feel like a heel," Kyle said.
"Why do you say that?" Sharon said.
"Anything I tell you stays between us right?" Kyle said.
"Absolutely," Sharon said, "You have my word."
"First of all, I want you to know, I love my wife, with all my heart. She's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I am so excited to have this baby with her. I wouldn't want to do anything to hurt her."
"Why do you think you might?" Sharon said.
"Because there's something…someone in my life, that lately, I feel drawn to," Kyle said.
"Another woman?" Sharon said. Kyle nodded. "Is this someone from work?" Sharon said.
"I have worked closely with her," Kyle said, "I still see her all the time. I've known her for years and we are friends. She makes me laugh and of course she's beautiful."
"Has something happened between the two of you?" Sharon said.
"No," Kyle said quickly, "I don't want it to. I don't want to be unfaithful to my wife. It's just whenever I'm around this other person, it's hard to hold back."
"Does this woman have feelings for you?" Sharon said.
"I thought she did, but now she's engaged," Kyle said, "The thing is, when I heard about her engagement I felt this pang of jealousy. I have a wonderful life, with an amazing woman, and Summer is moving on with her life, so why can't I stop thinking about her?"
"This is Summer?" Sharon said.
"I didn't mean to let that slip," Kyle said, "But yes it's her."
"Have you talked to your wife about this?" Sharon said.
"I can't do that," Kyle said, "I don't want to upset her so close to her due date."
"Maybe you need to talk to Summer," Sharon said, "Find out how she feels and let her know there are boundaries."
"I'm afraid if I tell her how I feel, she will turn around and tell me the same thing," Kyle said, "Then I don't know if I could walk away. I made a commitment to my wife and I want to honor that. I love Rachel, I really do."
"Are you trying to say you are also in love with Summer?" Sharon said.
"I honestly don't know," Kyle said, "That's what scares me."