Walking into the recording studio, Fen found Devon, sifting through paperwork, while also checking information on his tablet.
"Devon?" Fen said, lightly knocking on the door.
"I'll be with you in just one second," Devon said, not looking up from his work.
Fen watched Devon tap onto his tablet a few seconds, before putting it down and standing up.
"Good morning," Fen said.
"Good morning," Devon returned, "It's been a stressful one for me. At least you are here."
"I have to tell you something about Rachel," Fen said.
"I know all about Rachel and why she is not available," Devon said, "She called me earlier this morning."
"Do you want to record my part and then Rachel can do hers when she gets back?" Fen said.
"No, we are not going to do that because Rachel is out," Devon said.
"You fired her?" Fen said, "With all due respect, you can't do that because she is suffering health wise."
"When I spoke with her, we came to a mutual agreement, that I would cancel her contract," Devon said.
"Does that mean you are not producing the song anymore?" Fen said.
"You know, I wanted to have this out months ago, but I put it on hold to accommodate both your personal lives," Devon said, annoyance in his tone.
"I'm sorry, I…" Fen started.
"Don't give me apologies," Devon said, cutting him off, "I didn't realize Rachel's heath issues and your non-wedding would cause such delay and I 'm not going to put up with it anymore."
Lola rushed into Society, heading for the kitchen, when Austin stepped in her path.
"Hi," he said.
"I got here as quickly as I could," Lola said. Austin raised his eyebrows at her, so she said, "I got a call, about an emergency situation."
"You're right, there is an urgent matter," Austin said.
"What?" Lola said.
"Me," Austin said.
Lola paused and said, "Excuse me?"
"It was me who sent you the emergency message," Austin admitted, "I wanted to make sure you would come, considering it's your morning off."
"Why would you do that?" Lola said, "Austin, I don't appreciate you playing these games. Making me run all over the place for nothing."
"Not for nothing," Austin said, waving his hand towards an area of the dining room.
Lola followed his motion and saw a table set for two, complete with candles.
"What is all this?" Lola said.
"Brunch," Austin said, "Today, you are going to be served a meal, instead of having to cook for others."
"You invite me for brunch by creating a fake emergency?" Lola said.
"I wanted to surprise you," Austin said.
"This is lovely," Lola said, "But customers will be coming in soon."
"That's the good part, you get to pretend to be a customer," Austin said, "Don't be mad at me."
"I'm not," Lola said, "Don't worry me like that again."
"My apologies," Austin said, "My heart was in the right place. With you."
"Okay, I guess I forgive you," Lola said.
"So you will stay?" Austin said.
"I will," Lola said.
"Before we go any further," Austin said, grabbing a vase of flowers off the counter, "These are for you."
"What's the occasion?" Lola said.
"Do I need one?" Austin said, "I just felt like getting my girl flowers."
"They're beautiful," Lola said, "You're a good boyfriend."
Cutting through the park, on his way back from lunch, Kyle stopped when a familiar voice called out, "Kyle?"
Looking over, Kyle sighed when he saw the woman approaching him. "Evelyn," Kyle said.
"Hello," Evelyn said, "I'm sorry to call out like that. I saw you and thought you would have time for a chat."
"Actually, I'm on my way to the office," Kyle said.
"Of course you are," Evelyn said, "You're in your office clothes, how silly of me not to notice."
"Is there something I can do for you?" Kyle said.
"I was curious about one thing," Evelyn said.
"What's that?" Kyle said.
"Did you catch the person who invaded your hotel room?" Evelyn said.
"Not yet," Kyle said, "Rest assured she will be found."
"You know it was a woman?" Evelyn said.
"From the surveillance footage it was obvious," Kyle said, "If you don't mind I have to…"
"You know, Kyle I was very upset you accused me," Evelyn said, annoyance suddenly in her tone.
"I didn't accuse you," Kyle said, "I simply thought of you, as someone I don't know that well."
"I don't know what makes you think I would do something like this," Evelyn said, "It's insulting and I had to talk to the police. I don't appreciate being treated this way."
"If you didn't do it, you have nothing to worry about," Kyle said, "I apologize if this upsets you."
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to sound unreasonable," Evelyn said, nearly pouting.
"It's okay," Kyle said, "I need to be going." He began to walk past her.
"Of course," Evelyn said, her tone pleasant again, "Have a good day dear."
Kyle bristled and turned back to her. "Uh…" Kyle started, "Please, don't do that."
"Do what?" Evelyn said.
"Call me dear," Kyle said, "It makes me uncomfortable."
"Because it reminds you of your mother?" Evelyn said.
"You are not my mother," Kyle said, "And why is it every time I see you, you find a way to bring her up to me?"
"I can see how that would bother you," Evelyn said.
"You know what bothers me?" Kyle said, "The way you have inserted yourself into mine and my father's lives."
"I happen to like your father very much," Evelyn said, "And he likes me."
"I don't want you to see him anymore," Kyle said.
"Isn't that up to Jack?" Evelyn said, "I will not stay away from him just because you say so."
"Listen, I don't know who you are, but I know you are up to something," Kyle said, "Leave my father alone, I don't want him to get hurt. He's had enough heartbreak in his life."
"I have no intention of hurting Jack," Evelyn said, "There you go accusing me again."
"I don't trust you," Kyle said, "You are nothing but a painful reminder of what I've lost. The best thing you can do, is go back where you came from."
"I am not going anywhere," Evelyn said, "And I will not let you continue to bully me."
Evelyn stormed away, Kyle frowning as he watched her.
"That was a cheap shot," Fen said.
Devon paused and said, "That was unfair of me to say, I apologize. I should not be taking my frustrations out on you." Fen nodded, as Devon continued, "I want to get moving and get this project off the ground."
"Does that mean I'm doing the song solo?" Fen said.
"You're getting ahead of yourself," Devon said, "You will have a singing partner, it still would work better as a duet."
"Who did you have in mind?" Fen said.
A knock on the studio door, interrupted their conversation as Devon said, "Come in."
As a familiar face appeared in the entranceway, she said, "Hello gentlemen."
"Tessa," Devon said, "I'm glad you could make it."
"I was surprised to hear from you," Tessa said, "Even more so, when your secretary told me we were meeting in the studio. Hi Fen."
"Tessa," Fen smiled.
"So, what do you think?" Devon said, to Fen.
"I think she's a perfect choice," Fen said.
"Do I get to know what's going on?" Tessa said.
"Absolutely," Devon said, "We are moving ahead with the recording of 'Hope' and I would like to offer you the other half of the duet, since Rachel isn't able to contribute at this time."
"Oh, has something happened?" Tessa said.
"Rachel is dealing with some heath issues," Devon said.
"It's nothing serious I hope," Tessa said.
"She will be fine," Fen said.
"She's not available for this project," Devon said, "Plus since you wrote the song and have an amazing voice, you were the obvious choice. What do you say?"
"You want me to record the song with Fen," Tessa said, "Then what?"
"Then it will shoot to number one," Devon said.
"And hopefully stay there for awhile," Fen said, "I think you and I could create something really special."
"There would be some small scale promotional appearances, a photo shoot," Devon said.
"Just your regular star treatment," Fen said.
"I don't mean to pressure you, but I would like to start putting this together today, if possible," Devon said.
Tessa looked from Devon to Fen, who smiled at her. "Well," Tessa said, "I am very interested. Barring any unexpected issues, I am inclined to say yes."
"Excellent," Fen said.
"Alright," Devon smiled, "I will have someone bring over a contract and we can get started."
"Now isn't this better than staying home alone?" Austin said, as he sat across from Lola, "Of course I would have stayed with you, but my shift starts soon."
"This was a lovely surprise and the food selections were perfect," Lola said, "But I get the feeling you are buttering me up."
"Who me?" Austin said.
"Yes, you are up to something," Lola said.
"My only goal was to spend some special time with you," Austin said, "It's amazing to be with you and…it would be nice if we were together a lot more."
"We see each other all the time," Lola said, "Are you afraid I'm going to forget about you if we're apart for five minutes?"
"No," Austin said, "I was thinking of a more permanent arrangement."
Lola stared at Austin and said, "You don't mean….are you about to…propose?"
"No, no," Austin said, "It's not a bad idea, but I had something else in mind," Austin said.
"Go on," Lola said.
"I think it would be great if we lived together," Austin said, "I have to get out of that small apartment of mine."
"And live where?" Lola said.
"I was thinking of moving in to your apartment," Austin said, "Or we could get a new place together."
"It sounds like a nice idea on the surface," Lola said.
"But…" Austin prompted.
"What if we can't get along after seeing one another all the time?" Lola said, "What if we get on each other's nerves?"
"We probably will," Austin said, "But that's part of life when you're a couple. There will be an adjustment period, but just think of it. You and me, building a home together, not to mention the nights we will share. What do you think?"
Lola smiled and said, "I think I love you."
"I love you," Austin said, "Is that a yes?"
"It's an absolutely," Lola said.
"That makes me very happy," Austin smiled. Standing up he announced, "She said yes!"
Customers applauded, prompting Austin to say, "Oh, it wasn't that kind of yes, but I do love this woman."
Lola laughed as she stood up. While Austin took her in his arms, Lola said, "You are full of surprises."
"That's the fun of me," Austin said, as he kissed her.
"I'm looking forward to it," Jack said, into his phone, as he sat behind his office desk, "We will be in touch."
Concluding his call, Jack was distracted by a voice who said, "It's so nice to see a man hard at work."
Looking up Jack smiled and said, "Evelyn, what a nice surprise."
"I was close by and thought it would be alright, if I came by," Evelyn said.
Standing up and walking to the other side of the desk, Jack said, "It's more than alright. It's wonderful to see you."
"I've come with an invitation," Evelyn said, "To see if you are free for dinner tonight."
"It just so happens I am," Jack said, "I would be happy to accept."
"I was hoping you would say that," Evelyn said, "It will be so nice to be out with someone who appreciates me."
"You say that like someone has not," Jack said.
"Well, it's just…" Evelyn started, before reconsidering, "I shouldn't say anything."
"I hope you know, you can talk to me," Jack said.
"It's Kyle," Evelyn said.
"What about him?" Jack said.
"I don't think he likes me," Evelyn said.
"Why do you say that?" Jack said.
"I had an unpleasant encounter with him at the park earlier today," Evelyn said, "He said the most nasty things to me."
"Kyle did?" Jack said, "What did he say?"
"That I was untrustworthy," Evelyn began, "He thinks I am a horrible person, who does horrible things. I still don't think he believes me, that I didn't commit this crime against his hotel room. Then he ordered me to not see you anymore and to leave town. It was a little frightening."
"That does not sound like Kyle," Jack frowned, "I will talk to him."
"No, Jack, I don't want you fighting my battles for me," Evelyn said.
"If Kyle has a problem with you, I will get to the bottom of it," Jack said, "He should not be disrespecting you like that."
"Thank you for being there for me," Evelyn said.
"You can always come to me with anything," Jack said.
"I have another proposition for you," Evelyn said.
"Do tell," Jack said.
"Autumn is coming," Evelyn said, "It's so beautiful this time of year, I thought we could get away for a few days, see the fall colors and leave the world behind for awhile."
"That's sounds like the perfect get away," Jack said, taking her in his arms, "I know just the place too."
"I can hardly wait," Evelyn said.
Jack was about to kiss her, when Kyle came, bustling into the office, saying, "Dad, I have those numbers you…" Kyle stopped in his tracks when he saw Evelyn, in his father's arms.
Austin was busying himself behind the bar, with his back to the front counter, when a voice said, "How do you get someone's attention around here for a drink?"
Recognizing the voice, Austin smiled before turning around to see his sister. "Do you have I.D. miss?" Austin teased.
"Wow, no one has asked me that for a long time," Tessa said.
"I'm only looking out for you Tess," Austin said.
"Oh, he does remember my name," Tessa said, "I was beginning to think you fell off the face of the earth."
"Okay it has been awhile," Austin said, "But there is this invention called a phone and if you look for me, I'm usually in here."
"Touché," Tessa said.
"Are you really here for a drink or did you just miss me?" Austin said.
"Both," Tessa said, "I am celebrating."
"Is this one of those anniversary things with you and Mariah?" Austin said.
"Mariah is out of town on an overnight business trip," Tessa said, "So you get to hear my good news first."
"You know, you're not the only one with news," Austin said.
"Oh, tell me yours," Tessa said.
"No, ladies first," Austin said.
"Okay," Tessa said, "Guess who just signed a contract to record a song for the music division of Hamilton Winters." Tessa stretched one arm along the bar and smiled.
"That new Latin star? What's her name…?" Austin mused.
"It's me!" Tessa said, hitting her brother on the shoulder. Austin was chuckling, as Tessa continued, "It's a song I wrote called, 'Hope'. Devon signed me this morning!"
"That's incredible news Tess," Austin said, "Congratulations!"
"I'm so excited!" Tessa said.
"I can see that," Austin said.
"It's a duet, so I will be sharing the vocals with Fen Baldwin," Tessa said.
"That I'm sorry to hear," Austin said.
"Your hostility aside, I think it will be something really special," Tessa said.
"With you on board, I have no doubt," Austin said.
"Devon asked me to do it, because Rachel had to pull out for a health reason," Tessa said, "They didn't say what was wrong with her though."
"I know," Austin said.
"How would you?" Tessa said.
"Because I witnessed it," Austin said.
"What happened?" Tessa said.
"Rachel, flipped out, right here in the middle of Society," Austin said.
"What?" Tessa said.
"She had a breakdown," Austin said, "She saw Kyle and Summer as cozy as could be and she could not handle it. There was yelling and tears. She lost it."
"Oh, poor Rachel," Tessa said.
"It was so bad, Billy Abbott had to carry her out of here," Austin said.
"Is she going to be alright?" Tessa said.
"I haven't heard," Austin said.
"That's so sad," Tessa said, "I knew Kyle Abbott was not the right one for her."
"You're not still pining for Rachel are you?" Austin said.
"No Mariah and I are solid," Tessa said, "I just hope she can come back from this."
"I guess time will tell," Austin said.
"Let's talk about something else," Tessa said, "Tell me your news."
"I'm moving," Austin said, "Finally getting out of the dinky apartment."
"That's exciting too," Tessa said, "Where are you going to be living?"
"In the apartment above Crimson Lights," Austin said, "At least for now."
"Wait, isn't that….?" Tessa started, "Oh, you're moving in with Miss Rosales? That's a pretty big step."
"It is," Austin said, "Lola and I are ready to make that move. I know it's going to be great living together. Lola and I have something really special."
"You wouldn't be referring to my sister, would you?" A voice spoke from beside them.
Austin lost his smile as he saw Rey Rosales standing at the bar.
"Looks like I'm interrupting something," Kyle said.
"We were in the middle of a conversation," Jack said, "You remember Evelyn."
"I do," Kyle nodded his head at her.
"I think you owe Evelyn and apology," Jack said.
"Excuse me?" Kyle frowned.
"Jack, it doesn't matter," Evelyn said.
"It does, I raised him better than this," Jack said.
"What are you talking about?" Kyle said.
"It seems you said some unkind things to Evelyn earlier today," Jack said.
"I don't know what you mean," Kyle said.
"It seems you tried to run her out of town," Jack said.
"Is that what you told him?" Kyle said, "Is she serious with this?"
"Jack, I appreciate what you're trying to do," Evelyn said, "But this is a conversation between the two of you. We will touch base and I will see you tonight."
"You don't have to leave," Jack said.
"It's better if I do," Evelyn said, hurrying off before Jack could say anymore.
"Dad, I don't know what she told you…" Kyle said.
"Evelyn told me a lot of things about you," Jack said, "I would hate to think most of them were true."
"What did she say?" Kyle said.
"That you were rude and hostile, when you spoke to her," Jack said, "Particularly when you told her to stay away from me and threatened her to leave town."
"I never threatened her," Kyle said, "If that's what she told you, it's not true."
"Why don't you tell me what you did say to her?" Jack said.
"I never told her she had to leave town," Kyle said, "I merely made the suggestion."
"Why would you do that?" Jack said.
"Because something is off about her and it's not just the resemblance," Kyle said, "I don't trust her and get this really bad feeling about her."
"She wants to get along with you and has been nothing but nice to you," Jack said.
"When you're around she's as pleasant as pie," Kyle said, "But whenever I've been alone with her, she can be condescending and cold. When I was talking to her earlier, she was nice as could be and then suddenly her tone was icy and in a snap she was pleasant again."
"I would be icy too, if someone started accusing me and being unkind," Jack said.
"Accusing her of what?" Kyle said.
"What happened at the hotel," Jack said.
"Evelyn was the one who brought that up," Kyle said, "I told her, if she didn't do it, she had nothing to worry about."
"Not exactly a reassuring comment," Jack said, "I also don't appreciate you telling her to stay away from me."
"I am only thinking of your well-being," Kyle said, "If she's good for you."
"That is for me to decide," Jack said, "I am quite capable of handling my personal life and I don't want to hear of you trying to chase her or anyone else away again. Is that clear?"
"Yes," Kyle said, "I'm sorry if I crossed that line."
"I'm not the one you should be saying you are sorry to," Jack said.
"Alright, I will apologize to Evelyn," Kyles said, "There is one more thing though."
"I don't want to hear any more about your animosity towards her," Jack said.
"It's not the just the feeling I have," Kyle said, "She called me dear."
"Some people call everyone dear," Jack said.
"Does she say it to you?" Kyle said, "It was purposely meant to sound motherly. She always finds a way to throw it in my face that she looks like my Mom. Like my mother is just out of reach, but I can't have her. It's like she taunts me about it."
"I think you're reaching here," Jack said.
"I hope you're right and she's on the level," Kyle said, "But I can't shake this suspicion, she's hiding something."
"What are you doing here?" Austin said, displeasure on his face, "Why aren't you behind bars, where you belong?"
"I've been granted parole," Rey said.
"Have you?" Austin said, "That might be nice for you, but you are not welcome here."
"Lola, might have a different opinion on that matter," Rey said.
"You mean your partner in crime?" Tessa said.
"Lola and I made a bad error in judgement and we have both paid for it," Rey said.
"A judgement error?" Tessa said, "You nearly killed my brother! If someone hadn't been there to catch him when he slipped off that cliff, I would have lost him."
"But that did not happen," Rey said.
"No thanks to you," Austin said.
"Is my sister here?" Rey said.
"I wouldn't tell you if she was," Austin said.
"Rey?" Lola's astonished voice, spoke from beside them.
"It's me," Rey said, arms spread wide as Lola rushed into them.
"I can't believe….what are you doing here?" Lola said.
"I'm out for good behavior," Rey said, "Full parole."
"That's wonderful!" Lola said, "I'm so happy to see you."
"It's good to see you too," Rey said, "If you're busy I understand if you need to get back to it."
"No, I have some time," Lola said, "You just got here. You have to call Mom, she will be so happy to know you are free."
"I will be sure to do that," Rey said.
"We have to get together later," Lola said, "After my shift we can have a late dinner."
"Lola?" Austin said, "We had plans later remember?"
"Austin, my brother has just got out of jail," Lola said, "We have so much catching up to do."
"Am I to understand, the two of you are together?" Rey said.
"Lola and I have that boyfriend, girlfriend thing going on," Austin said.
"I told you we were seeing each other," Lola said.
"Yes, but I thought maybe you had come to your senses, and kicked him to the curb," Rey said.
"You don't do that to someone you love," Austin said.
"Love?" Rey said, "I seriously doubt…"
"No, Rey it's true," Lola said, "Austin and I are very much in love. In fact, we are moving in together."
"I did not just hear you right," Rey said, "This is not a good move Lola."
"I don't want to fight with you," Lola said, "Not today. Please just accept that I am happy."
"Of course, that's all I want for you," Rey said.
"I have to check on something in the kitchen," Lola said, "It's so good to have you back." Lola gave Rey a kiss on the cheek, before she retreated.
Rey walked closer to Austin shaking his head, he said, "You have had your fun and games, with my sister, but I am back now. I will be keeping my eye on you."