Walking into Grand Phoenix, Traci approached Phyllis at the front desk.
"Hello, Phyllis," Traci said.
"Good morning," Phyllis said, "What brings you by?"
"I have a spa appointment," Traci said.
"Yes, we are running somewhat behind," Phyllis said, "We've had a bit of trouble this morning." Phyllis motioned towards the seating area of the lobby.
Traci looked over to see Paul, talking to a couple who did not look pleased. "I will contact you as soon as I have more information," Paul said.
He walked towards the ladies, saying, "Traci, nice to see you."
"And you," Traci said.
"Did you get all the information you need?" Phyllis said, "I don't take kindly to car thieves in my parking lot."
"I am on it," Paul said.
"Someone stole a car?" Traci said, "Who would do something like that?"
"It's my job to find out," Paul said.
"I hope it wasn't a guest in my hotel," Phyllis said.
"I will need to take a look at your security footage from the parking area," Paul said.
"Of course," Phyllis said.
Focusing on Traci, Paul said, "Here to enjoy the ambiance?"
"Yes, I have a spa treatment today," Traci said.
"Sounds relaxing," Paul said.
"I imagine with your line of work, you could use some relaxation as well," Traci said.
"It's true things can get hectic," Paul said, "It's hard to find time to wind down."
"You should," Traci said, "It's not good for you to work so much."
"You know, she's right," Phyllis said, "How would you feel about a spa treatment, Paul?"
"I've never considered anything like that for myself," Paul said.
"I'm thinking of branching out, to offer spa services for men," Phyllis said, "Tell me, as a man would that peak your interest?"
"I suppose it would depend on the man," Paul said, "I don't think it's for me though. Maybe other age groups would feel differently."
"Perhaps," Phyllis said, "How would you like to be part of a test group?"
"I really don't think I have the time," Paul said, "I could put the word out, if you like."
"I would appreciate that," Phyllis said, "But Traci is right, you need to take time for yourself."
"You might surprise yourself, that you will enjoy it," Traci said.
"A half hour of your time," Phyllis said.
"I will think about it," Paul said.
"Good enough, at least you did not say no," Phyllis said, "Traci, I believe they are ready for you."
"Thank you," Traci said, "Paul, I was wondering, would you like to have lunch with me after my treatment?"
Phyllis looked from Traci to Paul who said, "What a lovely invitation, but I have full plate today."
"I understand," Traci said.
"However I am free tomorrow night, if you would like to join me for dinner," Paul said.
"Oh, I would like that very much," Traci said.
"I will be in touch with details," Paul said, "Enjoy your spa."
"Until then," Traci smiled, walking away.
"Smooth," Phyllis said.
"Excuse me?" Paul said.
"The way you just asked Traci Abbott on a date, it was sweet," Phyllis said, "Although, I can't imagine your wife would be too happy to know, you have a dinner date with another woman."
"No one said anything about a date," Paul said, "And my wife and I are no longer together."
"You and Christine split up?" Phyllis said, "For good?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Paul said.
"What happened?" Phyllis said.
"Goodbye Phyllis," Paul said, heading for the exit.
"Lola, this is such wonderful news for you both," Abby said, standing in Society.
"I'm very excited," Lola said.
"I will miss you," Abby said.
"We will miss all of you too," Lola said, "At the same time, I am very much looking forward to starting my life with Austin, as my husband."
"Congratulations," Abby said, "I guess I have to replace two of my employees. It won't be easy to find a head chef as good as you."
"Abby, I'm sorry to leave you like this," Lola said, "I really appreciate this incredible opportunity you gave me and all of the experience I gained."
"I should be thanking you, for helping to make this restaurant a success from the beginning," Abby said.
"If it weren't for you, I may never have met my future husband," Lola said.
"Something tells me, Austin had his eye on you before he was hired here," Abby said.
"So, you believe in fate," Lola said.
"I do," Abby said, "Some couples are meant to be together." Abby paused before adding, "And some are not."
"I hope you're not talking about your current marriage," Lola said.
"No, Chance and I are fine," Abby said, "I'm sure you and Austin will be fine."
"Why wouldn't we be?" Lola said.
"Well…you are aware of his past?" Abby said, "He hasn't led the most wholesome life."
"Neither have I," Lola said.
"I just want you to be sure," Abby said, "Some men have trouble with loyalty."
"What makes you think Austin would not be faithful?" Lola said.
"I trusted him once and it was a big mistake," Abby said.
"What does that mean?" Lola said, "You and Austin were together?"
"It wasn't like that," Abby said, "It was a foolish affair and looking back, I don't know what I was thinking. Summer and I moved past it."
"Summer?" Lola bristled.
"You know what," Abby said, "This is a conversation you should be having with your fiancé." Standing up, she continued, "In fact, forget I said anything. It's over and all water under the bridge." Abby made a hasty exit.
Abby's comments were resonating with Lola, when a voice said, "There she is, my beautiful fiancé."
Lola turned to see Austin smiling at her. "I saw you talking to Abby," Austin said, "You told her our news?"
"What happened between you, Summer and Abby?" Lola said.
Austin lost his smile.
Descending the stairs at the Abbott, house Summer caught Kyle, heading towards the back of the house.
"Kyle?" Summer said. Kyle stopped and looked back at her. "Where are you going?" Summer said.
"I am heading over to Rachel's," Kyle said.
"For your big talk," Summer said.
"Yeah," Kyle said, "It's overdue. Did you want me for something?"
"No, go ahead," Summer said, "I'll be waiting."
"Then I won't be too long," Kyle smiled, with a wink, before he left.
Summer smiled to herself, thoughts of time with Kyle, pushed away by the beeping of her phone.
Checking her message, Summer paused when she saw who it was from. "Fen…" she grumbled in frustration.
Deciding the see what he had to say, Summer read his words. "Summer, please call me. I would really like to talk to you."
Recalling how she had argued with Fen the last time they spoke, Summer sighed and said, "I might as well get it over with."
Connecting to Fen's number, he answered almost immediately, "Summer, hi," he said.
"Hi," Summer said, "I got your message, what is so urgent? If you're going to trash my relationship with Kyle some more, I don't want to hear it."
"That's not why I wanted to talk," Fen said, "In fact, I apologize for upsetting you. I was out of line."
"Yes, you were," Summer said, "Thank you for the apology though."
"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" Fen said.
"As long as it doesn't happen again," Summer said, "I forgive you."
"Enough to have dinner with me?" Fen said.
"Fen, you have to stop this," Summer said, "You're blatantly pursing me and you know I'm committed to Kyle."
"I meant completely as friends," Fen said, "No hidden motives. I feel like we got off track and I want to spend time with you, like we used to, when were friends before."
"I don't know if it's a good idea," Summer said, "Especially what happened the last time we got together."
"We won't talk about your fiancé and your engagement, unless you bring it up," Fen said, "Please Summer, I don't like the way we left things and I miss hanging out with you. That is if you don't already have plans."
"No, I can't say that I do," Summer said. Reminding herself that Kyle, was at present, with Rachel, Summer said, "You know what, I think I can make it."
"You will?" Fen said, "That's great. How about the athletic club?"
"Wow, I haven't been there in awhile," Summer said.
"Let's go see if it's as good, as we remember it," Fen said.
"Okay, I will see you there," Summer said.
"Kyle?" Rachel said, as she opened the her front door, "What are you doing here?"
"I told you we needed to talk," Kyle said.
"I can't imagine what about," Rachel said.
"Can I come in?" Kyle said, rubbing his hands together, against the cold air.
Rachel stepped aside, as Kyle entered the house. "Is Diana napping?" he said.
"Right on schedule," Rachel said, "We will see how long it lasts. Her naps are getting shorter all the time."
"I know," Kyle said, "Soon she will be able to stay up through the day, until her bedtime."
"She's changing all the time," Rachel said.
"Now, I know what they mean, by saying kids grow up fast," Kyle said.
"They do," Rachel said.
Spying the envelope on the table, Kyle said, "I see you got the papers too."
"The divorce papers," Rachel said, "Yes, I did."
"Are you okay?" Kyle said.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Rachel said, "I can get over you just fine."
"You say that, but you sound upset with me," Kyle said.
"You don't have to worry about me anymore," Rachel said, "It's official, you're free of your wife and you can move on with the next one."
"I don't look at it as being free of you," Kyle said, "I came over here because I care about you and wanted to make sure this wasn't too upsetting."
"Of course, it's upsetting Kyle," Rachel said, "My marriage is officially over. My husband left me for another woman."
"I know I hurt you," Kyle said, "I have apologized a hundred times and will regret it for the rest of my life. I thought we got to a good place, so where is all this hostility coming from?"
"I know," Rachel grumbled.
"Know what?" Kyle said.
"I went to the house to talk and came in the back way," Rachel said, "And I saw it."
"What did you see?" Kyle said.
"You, in front of Summer, on one knee," Rachel said. A look of realization crossed Kyle's face, as Rachel continued, "I heard her say yes."
"Rachel…" Kyle said, "Why didn't you say anything?"
"And ruin your big moment?" Rachel said, "It doesn't matter, you got what you wanted. I knew, you would probably want to marry her at some point, but I thought, you would have had the decency to wait."
"Our marriage has been over for some time," Kyle said, "How long did you expect me to put my life on hold?"
"You couldn't hold off even a day," Rachel said, "The minute you find out our divorce is final, you are on your knee in front of Summer."
"I proposed to Summer a few days ago," Kyle said, "What you saw, was me giving her a ring. It was a complete coincidence, that it was the same day the papers came."
"The finality of the divorce stung," Rachel said, "And then I had to see that."
"I'm sorry you found out that way," Kyle said, "I was going to tell you when I came by today."
"Well, I hope you two will be very happy together," Rachel said, her voice breaking.
"Hey, can I do anything to make you feel better?" Kyle said.
"Can you turn back time, so I don't have to let you go?" Rachel said.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't give you what you wanted," Kyle said, "I know we had something special and it makes me sad to think it's over."
"Then why did you do it?" Rachel said, "You took our idyllic marriage and threw it away." Rachel's tears started, as she continued, "Do you know how many times I play that horrible day in my mind and the image of you walking out that door!"
"Baby…" the word slipped out of Kyle, as took her in his arms, in an effort to console her.
Spying Traci rounding the corner, Phyllis said, "How was your spa treatment?"
"It was just what I needed," Traci said, "I feel like a new woman."
"We aim to please," Phyllis said, "Well, I won't keep you. I know you have to get ready."
"For what?" Traci said.
"Your date with Paul," Phyllis said.
"Oh, it's not a date," Traci laughed, "Just two friends catching up."
"I see," Phyllis said.
"You say that like you don't believe me," Traci said, "Besides, he is married."
"Oh, you haven't heard," Phyllis said, "Paul and Christine have split for good."
"How would you happen to know that?" Traci said.
"Paul told me," Phyllis said.
"I find it hard to believe, he would confide in you," Traci said.
"It came up in conversation," Phyllis said, "I didn't get all the details."
"Not for a lack of prying?" Traci said.
"I find it fascinating," Phyllis said, "I thought those two were in for the long haul. Oh, well, it works out for you."
"I am in no way happy about the heartbreak of a friend," Traci said, "Furthermore, keep your gossip about Paul to yourself. I don't think he would appreciate you announcing the demise of his marriage to everyone."
"Touchy," Phyllis said, "They say denial is the first stage of love."
"Clearly, I am getting nowhere in talking to you," Traci said.
"Come on, Traci," Phyllis enthused, "He's a free, attractive man. You like him, he likes you. Why not go for it?"
"That is something you would do, and thankfully I am not like you," Traci said, "I have far too much respect for my friend."
"A little flirting never hurt anyone," Phyllis said.
"Like you do with my brother," Traci said.
"We are not talking about Jack," Phyllis said.
"I see the way you look at him," Traci said, "The way your demeanor changes whenever you are around him. Yet, you protest you are only friends."
"I think you just admitted a lot," Phyllis said.
"I am not listening to this anymore," Traci said, "Good day, Phyllis."
"Enjoy your date," Phyllis called.
Traci gave Phyllis a frustrated glance before she left the hotel.
"Here you go," Kyle said, handing Rachel a warm drink, "This might help."
As Kyle sat next to her on the couch, Rachel said, "Thank you. I am sorry about breaking down that way. It just all came back up."
"Don't apologize," Kyle said, "I thought you might be feeling sad today, that's why I came over."
"A year ago, I would never have thought, things would turn out this way," Rachel said.
"Me either," Kyle said.
Rachel paused and then a smile came as she said, "Remember how crazy our honeymoon was?"
"If you're talking about food poisoning, the mouse and the unpredictable weather," Kyle began, "Yes, of course I remember."
"But all of that aside, it was still incredible," Rachel said, "A gorgeous location, a wonderful feeling of being married."
"It was amazing," Kyle said.
"You gave me a perfect honeymoon," Rachel said, "I will cherish those memories forever."
"It was an unforgettable time for me too," Kyle said.
"Which reminds me," Rachel said, getting up from the couch. She walked to a desk drawer, retrieving a paper item. Walking back to the couch she handed it to Kyle saying, "I came across these the other day."
"The tickets for our trip to Greece," Kyle said.
"It's still coming up, so I wanted to give them back to you," Rachel said.
"No, I gave these to you as a gift," Kyle said.
"It was an anniversary gift and it was for both of us," Rachel said, "I thought you would prefer to get away with Summer."
"I want you to have them," Kyle said.
"I'm not going to Greece by myself," Rachel said.
"Take Susie," Kyle suggested, "Or maybe you and Chloe could have a girls trip. You can even exchange them for something else if you like. I'm not taking them back."
"Are you sure?" Rachel said.
"Positive," Kyle said, "You deserve to have some fun."
"Thanks," Rachel said. Checking her watch, she said, "I should get Diana up or she will never go to bed tonight."
"I will be on my way then," Kyle said, "I'll pop in later to say goodnight to her."
"I know she would love that," Rachel said.
"In the meantime give her a kiss for me," Kyle said.
Kyle put on his coat, about to head for the door, when Rachel grabbed his hand. With Kyle looking back at her, Rachel said, "Thank you for coming to check on me. I really appreciate it."
Turning to take both of her hands, Kyle said, "I am always here for you."
Nodding, Rachel said, "That goes both ways, you know. If you need an ear."
"I will keep that in mind," Kyle smiled.
Their eyes met, and Kyle instinctively leaned in to kiss her. Catching himself, Kyle instead gave Rachel small kiss on her forehead.
Blushing at his touch, an excitement built up in Rachel's stomach.
"See you," Kyle said, on his way out the door.
Rachel smiled back at him, with a small wave. Once she was alone, Rachel wandered the room, reviling in the delight she felt being close to Kyle. Although it was a small kiss, it stirred feelings Rachel had not had in a long time.
Reality setting in, that Kyle was not hers anymore, caused Rachel to shake her head, pushing it all away. Her focus shifted when she heard Diana babbling in her room and she ascended the stairs.
"Austin, did you hear what I said?" Lola said, as stood in front of him behind the bar.
"Why are you asking me questions about Summer?" Austin said.
"I understand from Abby that something happened between the three of you," Lola said, "I would like to know what that is."
"Didn't Abby tell you?" Austin said.
"She said, I should discuss it with you," Lola said, "You're avoiding the question."
"This isn't something we should talk about here," Austin said.
"So, there is a story to tell," Lola said
"I will explain everything when we get home," Austin said.
"How about you talk now," Lola said.
Austin paused and sighing he said, "I've…been married before."
"Excuse me?" Lola said.
"That's the thing between me and Summer," Austin said, "She was my wife."
"Is that so?" Lola said.
"It was a long time ago, we were both very young," Austin said, "It didn't work out and the marriage was dissolved. It was a mistake."
"You didn't think I would want to know?" Lola said, "As someone who is about to become your current wife?"
"Like I said, it was a lifetime ago," Austin said, "I put it in my past and wanted to leave it there. I wasn't intentionally hiding it from you."
"And how does Abby factor in?" Lola said, "Were you married to her too?"
"No," Austin said.
"Something went on with her," Abby said, "I want you to tell me, what it was."
"Abby and I had an affair," Austin said, "While I was married to Summer."
"You did what?" Lola said.
"I was young and stupid," Austin said, "Once Summer found out, Abby and I broke things off."
"You cheated on your marriage?" Lola said.
"I'm not that man anymore," Austin protested, "Please believe me, I would never do something like that you."
"I'm beginning to realize there's a lot I don't know about you," Lola said.
"At home, I will help you to understand," Austin said.
"No, I understand," Lola said, "It's not difficult to see that you don't think much of vows and staying faithful."
"I love you and promise to stay with only you for the rest of our lives," Austin said.
"I can't talk about this anymore," Lola said, "I have to get back to the kitchen."
Austin watched Lola walk away, throwing a towel onto the bar, closing his eyes with a sigh.
"There you are," Kyle said, walking into the Abbott living room, "You waited."
"I told you I would," Summer said, "Your visit took awhile. Did things not go well?
"It got a little intense," Kyle said, "But we came back to a good place."
"So, she didn't scream and yell?" Summer confirmed, "Hit you?"
"No, there was no battle," Kyle said, "A few tears, but I expected that."
"I'm sure you made it all better," Summer said.
"I tried my best," Kyle said.
"Did you get to spend some time with Diana too?" Summer said.
"She was napping," Kyle said, "Slept through my entire stay."
"She will be sad she missed you," Summer said.
"I was thinking," Kyle said, "Why don't we go out tonight?"
"Tonight?" Summer said.
"Yeah, I thought we could paint the town," Kyle said, "Dress up in our best, have a romantic dinner, maybe even a little dancing." Taking her hands, Kyle playfully moved her arms around, as he said, "When we get back home, we can continue the romance of the evening."
Kyle pulled her close, causing Summer to smile. "It sounds amazing," she said.
"Good," Kyle said "Then let's get ready to go."
"I can't go," Summer said.
"Why not?" Kyle said.
"I made plans," Summer said.
"You did?" Kyle said.
"With my Mom," Summer lied, "I had forgotten all about it. I promised to have dinner with her."
"Time with you Mom is important," Kyle said.
"I really don't want to cancel on her," Summer said.
"No, of course not," Kyle said, "I can occupy myself while you're out and we will do our evening another time."
"Your not disappointed?" Summer said.
Kyle shook his head. "I will look forward to your return and we can salvage some of the evening. Let me give you a preview." Kyle pulled Summer into a kiss.
Walking into the living room, Jack spotted Kyle, sitting on the couch with his tablet.
"Are you still working?" Jack said.
"Just browsing a few things," Kyle said.
"No plans with Summer tonight?" Jack said.
"Summer has plans with her mother," Kyle said, "So, I am on my own tonight."
"Wow," Jack suddenly exclaimed, catching sight of Traci, coming down the stairs. She shimmered in a blue sparkle dress, with earrings to match. She had applied a little more makeup than usual, accompanied by a pendant necklace settled on the collar of her outfit.
"Aunt Traci, you look beautiful," Kyle said.
"Incredible," Jack said.
"Thank you," Traci said.
"Hot date?" Kyle said.
"I am meeting a friend for dinner," Traci said.
"Is that what they call it nowadays?" Jack teased.
"This must be some friend," Kyle said.
"Don't you two start," Traci said, before changing the subject, by saying, "I thought you and Summer might have plans of your own."
"Girls night with Mom," Kyle said.
"Always important," Traci said, "Since you are free why don't the two of you go out for dinner together."
"That's a great idea," Jack said.
"I'd be up for that," Kyle said, "Aunt Traci, where would we be without these great ideas of yours."
"Apparently sitting home, staring at your tablets," Traci said.
"So Traci, is this friend of yours anyone we know?" Jack said.
"Oh, look at the time, I have to go," Traci said.
Jack and Kyle shared a knowing smile as they chuckled.
Traci pulled out her coat, prompting Kyle to walk over and assist her putting it on. "Thank you," Traci said.
Kyle opened the door for her, surprised to find someone standing on the other side.
"Oh," Phyllis said equally surprised, "I was just about to ring the bell."
"Phyllis, come in," Traci said, "I am on my way out, so I will leave you in their capable hands."
"That's right, your big date," Phyllis smiled.
"Big date?" Jack said.
"Goodnight everyone," Traci said.
As Traci walked down the pathway, Phyllis called, "Should we wait up? No? Okay then."
"You seem to know a lot about Traci's date," Jack said.
"She confided in me," Phyllis said, "If she wants to tell you, she will."
"Phyllis, what are you doing here?" Kyle said, "Summer's gone already."
"I didn't come to see Summer, I came to see if Jack had some free time," Phyllis said.
"Aren't you meeting Summer tonight?" Kyle said.
"What are you talking about?" Phyllis said.
"I thought you and your daughter had plans," Kyle said.
"I don't…" Phyllis said, confused as she checked the calendar on her phone, "Summer never said anything to me about wanting to get together. I haven't even talked to her in a few days."
"Is that right?" Kyle said, pacing a few steps away.
"You could have misunderstood what she said," Phyllis said, "She must be out with a friend."
"Must be," Kyle said, starting to fume inside.
Fen sat at the restaurant table, trying to quell his nerves, by smoothing out his tie and repeating the action with the napkin. He surveyed the table, making sure everything was perfect, when the vision of Summer's arrival caught his eye.
Fen immediately stood up, transfixed by how beautiful she looked. Summer's hair was pulled back, in a style Fen had always liked on her. The sight of Summer's approach took Fen's breath away.
"Hi," Fen said. Summer smiled back and they stood unsure of how to proceed.
Fen suddenly darted over and pulled out Summer's chair for her. "Thank you," Summer said, as she sat down.
Sitting across from her, Fen said, "You look very beautiful."
"You look quite handsome yourself," Summer said.
"I'm glad you could make it," Fen said.
"I'm starting to wonder if I should be here," Summer said.
"Our friendship is important," Fen said, "We need this. I promise you this will be a night we will never forget."