"Are you feeling a little better now?" Fen said, sitting next to Summer on the couch.
Dabbing her eyes with a tissue, Summer said, "I'm sorry to show up like this. I'm sure the last thing you needed, was to see me an emotional wreck."
"I'm glad you came to me," Fen said, "I wouldn't want you to be alone when you're so upset. Do you want to tell me what happened?"
"Kyle's jealousy happened," Summer said, "He knew I lied to him about where I was tonight. He was disappointed in me and thought I would rather be with you, than him. I feel like I'm always apologizing to him. I realized that we couldn't go on like that. It was time to walk away from the relationship."
"You and Kyle are taking some time apart?" Fen said.
"I gave him the engagement ring back," Summer said, "I told him we are over."
"How did he respond to that?" Fen said.
"He yelled," Summer said, "He protested and was convinced that you had persuaded me to break things off with him."
"He would think that," Fen said, "Kyle doesn't know how to take responsibility for himself."
"I know I hurt him," Summer said, "But we had drifted too far apart."
"I'm sorry it came to this," Fen said, "But you did the right thing."
"Did I?" Summer said.
"If you were not happy in that relationship, you don't have to stay," Fen said, "I know you love Kyle, but that obviously wasn't enough. Give him some time and he will realize it too."
Reaching out for Fen, he reciprocated Summer's embrace. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do now," Summer said.
"You don't have to do anything," Fen said, "You just take some time for yourself. In the meantime, it's late, you can stay here tonight."
Summer looked at Fen, prompting him to say, "Separate sleeping arrangements of course. I will take the couch and you can have the bedroom."
"You're always thinking of me," Summer said.
"You bet," Fen smiled.
"I can't kick you out of your own bed," Summer said, "I will sleep out here."
"I won't sleep, if I know you're on the couch," Fen said, "Take the bed, I insist."
"Alright, thank you," Summer said.
"I'm going to go fix it up for you," Fen said. Standing up, he paused and said, "Try not to worry about Abbott. He will get over it."
As Fen disappeared around the corner, Summer sighed sadly, leaning back, resting her head against the cushion.
"I'm sorry to come by so late," Kyle said, "I assume Diana is already asleep."
"Yes, I put her to bed early," Rachel said, "She slept so much today. I think she may be coming down with a virus. She was a little fussier than usual."
"I hope it's nothing too bad," Kyle said.
"Probably just a cold," Rachel said. "Since she is so young, it's bound to happen more often. I thought you were coming by to say goodnight to her."
"I had intended to," Kyle said, "Something else came up. Although, nothing should be more important that being there for Diana." He sat down on the couch with a sigh.
"What is it?" Rachel said, sitting next to him, "I can see something is wrong."
"It feels like the worst," Kyle said.
"Kyle…" Rachel said, "Did you get bad news about your health?"
"No, it's not that," Kyle said, "I'm okay."
"I'm glad to hear that, but you look so upset," Rachel said.
"Summer walked out on me," Kyle said.
"So, you two had a big fight," Rachel said, "I'm sure once things cool down, you will be right back in each other's arms."
"She gave me my engagement ring back," Kyle said, "She told me in no uncertain terms, we are over."
"Kyle, are you sure?" Rachel said, "People say things they don't mean all the time, in the heat of the moment."
Kyle shook his head, before saying, "Summer was crystal clear. She doesn't want to be with me anymore."
Putting a hand on his shoulder, Rachel said, "Kyle, I'm sorry you're hurting. Maybe, now you know how I felt."
Kyle stared at Rachel, raising his eyebrows before he said, "Wow, I came here for comfort from a friend, not to get kicked when I'm down."
"It floors me to know you left me for Summer," Rachel said, "It was what you wanted and now it's over between the two of you."
"Go ahead, say it," Kyle said, "I got my comeuppance."
"Nobody deserves to be hurt this way," Rachel said, "Not even my ex."
Kyle slightly smiled at her, with an exhaled laugh.
"If you want to change the subject, there is something else we need to talk about," Rachel said.
"What's that?" Kyle said.
"Diana's first birthday," Rachel said.
"Yes, I noticed that's coming up fast," Kyle said, "How has it been a year already?"
"I know, it seems like yesterday," Rachel said.
"We should do something special for her," Kyle said.
"Since it's only her first, I thought family could get together," Rachel said, "If the weather turns nice enough, we could sit by the pool and have a barbecue."
"Sounds like fun," Kyle said, "We haven't had a get together by the pool in awhile."
"I'd like to invite Susie, along with Chloe and Kevin," Rachel said.
"Of course," Kyle said, "I will put the word out to the family. It should be a good celebration."
"Are you sure you don't want to invite anyone else?" Rachel said.
"If you're talking about Summer, I don't think so," Kyle said.
"I know she loves Diana," Rachel said, "She might come to celebrate such a special day. And if she shows up, it would give you an opportunity to talk to her. Maybe smooth the waters and put things back together."
Kyle half laughed. "I never thought I'd see the day, when you encourage me, to be with Summer."
"I know you love her," Rachel said.
"I just wish Summer knew that," Kyle said.
Pouring himself a cup of coffee, Fen was wrestling with the decision to wake Summer, or let her sleep in.
"Good morning," Summer said, dressed in a robe as she entered the kitchen.
"Hi," Fen said, "I just made some coffee, would you like some?"
"That sounds perfect," Summer said.
Fen filled mug and retrieved some milk and sugar, for her to prepare the way she liked. Once Summer had the blend she wanted, the two headed to the couch.
"Did you sleep well?" Fen said.
"Not as much as I hoped," Summer said, "You?"
"Off and on," Fen said, "Mostly off."
"This couch couldn't have been the best place to sleep," Summer said, "I appreciate you letting me have the bed."
"It was my pleasure letting you stay here," Fen said, "Any plans for the day?"
"I guess I have to decide where I go from here," Summer said, "Mostly, where I am going to live. I could stay with my Dad, or get a room at my Mom's hotel."
"You have another option," Fen said.
"You mean stay here," Summer said.
"I would love to have you," Fen said, "We can keep things platonic, like roommates."
"Maybe, I have to think about it," Summer said.
"Just know you are more than welcome," Fen said.
Summer smiled, when they were both startled by pounding, on the apartment door.
"What now?" Fen said, getting up from the couch.
The hammering on the door continued, prompting Fen to call, "Hold on, I'm coming!"
Opening the door, Fen sighed with a step back, as he said, "Abbott, what are you doing here?"
"What did you say to her?" Kyle demanded.
"I don't know what your blathering about," Fen said.
"What did you say to Summer?" Kyle said.
"About what?" Fen said.
"About her with me," Kyle said, "I know you convinced her to break up with me."
"You know, if she broke up with you, that was her decision," Fen said.
"I know you had something to…" Kyle stopped in mid-sentence, when Summer, walked into view.
Standing with her arms crossed, Summer said, "Are you looking for me?"
Fen stepped back, causing Kyle to walk in. "Actually, I was looking for answers, from him," Kyle said, "I shouldn't be surprised, of course you ran straight to him."
"Summer needed a friend," Fen said.
"I bet she did," Kyle said, "I'm sure you were more than willing to be that friend. You planned this didn't you? Plant seeds in her head, to make her run back to you."
"I have my own mind," Summer said, "No one makes me do anything. Not even you."
"And after you told me, this wasn't about him," Kyle said, "Next thing you run into his bed."
"You are unbelievable," Fen said, "Not that we owe you an explanation."
"We don't owe you anything," Summer said, "You can think what you want."
"Look at you," Kyle said, "You obviously spent the night here. You expect me to believe that wasn't in his arms."
"Okay," Fen said, "You barged into my home and now you're disrespecting Summer. I want you to leave."
"I'm sure you two lovebirds want to be alone," Kyle said.
"Kyle, you should go," Summer said "I will make arrangements to move my things out of the house."
"Do you want me to bring all your belongings over here?" Kyle taunted.
"There's the door," Fen said. Walking to it, Fen opened it and said, "You've overstayed your welcome."
"Don't come crying to me, when this all falls apart," Kyle said, waving his finger between the two of them.
Kyle marched to the door, Fen slamming it shut behind him.
Searching through the kitchen fridge, moving items around, Mariah said, "Tessa? Did you see the breakfast sandwiches that were in here? You know the ones with the sausage." Straightening up Mariah continued, "I thought there was one left."
"There was," Tessa said, "It was delicious."
"You took it?" Mariah said, "I was looking forward to having that."
"Sorry," Tessa said, "You were sleeping in, so I had breakfast."
"I wasn't sleeping in, I was in the shower," Mariah said, "As usual, you were too impatient to wait for me."
"If it means that much to you, then we can go to the coffeehouse and get one," Tessa said.
"No don't bother," Mariah said.
"Boy, somebody's grumpy on an empty stomach," Tessa said.
"What was that?" Mariah said, "Of course, it upsets me when you keeping taking my stuff!"
"Excuse me," Tessa said, "I thought everything was now our stuff."
"You knew I was saving that," Mariah said.
"How was I supposed to know, when you never said anything," Tessa said.
"I wish you would stop doing things like this," Mariah said, "It's irritating."
"Would you like to know what I find irritating?" Tessa said, "This selfish attitude of yours. Not to mention your dirty socks on the floor and your shoes, they are strewn everywhere, so I nearly trip when I try to walk around here."
"What about your dirty dishes piling up in the sink?" Mariah said.
"Well, it was your turn to wash them," Tessa said.
"No, I did it last time," Mariah said.
"You actually didn't, because I did," Tessa said, "But if you can't bring yourself to do them, then I will."
"So, now I'm lazy?" Mariah said, "I forgot I'm not perfect, like you."
"I never said, I was," Tessa said, "Did you not sleep well?"
"How could I?" Mariah said, "You stole the covers, so I nearly shivered to death."
"We have extra blankets," Tessa said, "You could have grabbed one."
"And we're back to me being lazy," Mariah said.
"Mariah, come on, why are we fighting?" Tessa said.
Mariah paused and said, "I don't know…I apologize."
"Accepted," Tessa said, "Do you want to go out for breakfast now?"
"I'm not really hungry," Mariah said.
Tessa hung her head and shook it in disbelief. "Okay," Tessa laughed, picking up flyer, "What would you like for dinner?"
"We were just talking about breakfast," Mariah said.
"This flyer came in the mail, with all these great deals at different locations," Tessa said, "I thought we could plan."
"You choose," Mariah said.
"So, Chinese?" Tessa suggested.
"Not that one," Mariah said.
"Pizza?" Tessa offered.
"No, you will just put pineapple on it," Mariah said.
"Nothing wrong with that," Tessa said.
"Pick something else," Mariah said.
"Mexican?" Tessa said.
"Are you kidding me?" Mariah said.
"Well, what do you want?" Tessa said.
"I don't know," Mariah said, "You make the decision."
"Okay, Italian it is," Tessa said.
"Uhh…" Mariah stalled.
"Are you determined to hate everything today?" Tessa said.
"I need to get out of here," Mariah said, "Go for a drive, for a walk."
"Good idea, let's get a change of scenery," Tessa said.
"Oh, I meant I need to go alone," Mariah said.
"Is something wrong?" Tessa said.
"I won't be long" Mariah said. She grabbed her coat and headed out the door.
Supporting his head with one hand, Kyle twisted a drinking glass in another, as he sat at the Athletic Club bar. Finishing off the contents of the glass, he gestured to the bartender for another.
Walking in the front door, Mariah spotted him. "Kyle?" she said, walking over.
"Mariah," Kyle said.
"It's a little early for a drink," Mariah said.
"Is it?" Kyle said.
"Okay," Mariah said, setting her coat down and situating herself on the barstool, next to him, "What's wrong?"
"Is it that obvious?" Kyle said.
"You look and sound miserable," Mariah said, "Summer trouble?"
Kyle exhaled a chuckle and said, "I don't have any problems with Summer. At least not since she broke up with me."
"Was this a fight?" Mariah said, "You two will get past it."
"She called off our engagement," Kyle said, "Gave me the ring back and everything. She made it clear that it's over. After this morning, it's pretty obvious she has moved on."
"What does that mean?" Mariah said.
"Let's just say, I caught her and Baldwin in the afterglow," Kyle said.
"Fen?" Mariah said.
"Please don't mention that name," Kyle said.
"Kyle…I'm sorry," Mariah said.
"Me too," Kyle said.
"You're not the only one, with relationship trouble," Mariah said.
"What happened?" Kyle said.
"I fought with Tessa, over nothing really," Mariah said, "Then I walked out on her."
"Why did you do that?" Kyle said.
"Truth is I don't know," Mariah said, "I felt like I was suffocating in that apartment. I'm having all these fears jumbled up together, it's hard to get a handle on them."
"Join me?" Kyle said, "They say misery loves company."
"I think I will," Mariah said.
"Ah, there she is," Phyllis said, spotting Summer walk into the lobby of the Grand Phoenix.
"Hi," Summer said, "I was hoping you had time to talk."
"I want to talk to you too," Phyllis said, "I don't like lying for you, so the next time you use me as a cover story, at least let me know. That way I won't blow it for you."
"I'm sorry I put you in that position," Summer said, "I should have been honest with Kyle."
"What is going on with you two," Phyllis said, "What were you hiding from your fiancé?"
"Kyle, isn't my fiancé anymore," Summer said.
"I beg your pardon?" Phyllis said.
"Let me start over," Summer said.
"Please," Phyllis said.
"I had a dinner date with Fen," Summer started, "I hid it from Kyle, because he is insanely jealous of my friendship with Fen. We fought when I got home and I realized Kyle and I don't have the trust it takes and we have drifted too far apart, therefore, I called off the engagement and broke up with him."
"Let me get this straight," Phyllis said, "You lied to your current fiancé, to have dinner with your former fiancé. Then you broke up with your current fiancé, to be with your former fiancé."
"And I thought this would be hard to explain," Summer said, "You're almost right. I'm not with anyone right now and for the time being, that's the way it needs to be."
Mariah giggled, causing Kyle to smile and laugh, as they drowned their sorrows in drink after drink.
"It's Summer's loss," Mariah said, "I mean, look at you."
"It is her loss," Kyle agreed, "But you need to talk to….to…what's her name again?"
"Who?" Mariah said.
"You know," Kyle said, "That girl…your fiancé."
"Oh…you mean Tessa?" Mariah said.
"I think that's it," Kyle said.
"You know, I do talk to her," Mariah said, "It goes in one ear and out the other." She burst into laughter.
"Do you know," Mariah continued, "Tess-a, puts pineapple on pizza. Who does that?"
"Pineapple," Kyle chuckled, "She's lucky to have you."
"Why does she want me?" Mariah said, "What qualities do I have to be a spouse?"
"You have a lot of good points," Kyle said.
"Name one," Mariah said.
Kyle paused, before he said, "Your hair."
"What?" Mariah said, "My hair is awful. Look, it's all wrinkled."
"Not only that, it's crinkled," Kyle said.
"Did you ever notice crinkle is such a funny word?" Mariah said, causing them to break into another fit of laughter.
"You know what else is crazy?" Mariah said.
"Tell me," Kyle said.
"How insanely cute you are," Mariah said, "I mean these arms," she reached out to touch them. "…and those eyes, they're so…so…blue. You could get lost in there."
"As a matter of fact," Kyle said, "You are utterly cute too."
Mariah giggled, before grabbing Kyle by the shirt front and kissing him.
They stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds, before Kyle said, "Did you just kiss me?"
"Yeah," Mariah said.
"Why?" Kyle said.
"I think you just got cuter," Mariah said.
Sharon offered a smile as she handed a coffee, to a customer, at the front counter of the coffeehouse. It was then she spotted Tessa walking towards her, with worry in her face.
"Sharon, have you seen Mariah?" Tessa said.
"No, I can't say I have," Sharon said, "You look concerned."
"Mariah never came home last night," Tessa said, "She was in such a strange mood yesterday. She was argumentative, and aloof. She wanted to be alone, so she left the apartment for a drive and I haven't heard from her since."
"Have you tried to call her?" Sharon said.
"It just goes to voicemail," Tessa said, "I'm really worried."
"There has to be a logical explanation," Sharon said, "Planning a wedding and getting married is stressful. Maybe she needed some time alone to take a breather and collect her thoughts."
"No, she would have told me, she knows I would worry," Tessa said, "I don't understand where she could be."
Pain struck Mariah's forehead as she tried to open her eyes. Pausing before opening them fully, Mariah blinked and took in her surroundings. Confused at first she soon realized she was in a hotel room. Pushing the covers down, she noticed she was robed in a man's shirt.
"What?" Mariah whispered to herself. Looking beside her, Mariah's heart leapt, when she saw there was a man asleep beside her. His back was to her, as she searched her mind trying to think who he could be.
He stirred, causing Mariah to jump, rolling over onto his back. Looking into his face, recognition came to Mariah.
"Kyle?" she said, in surprise.
Reaching up to rub one eye, Kyle sleepily mumbled, "What?" Fully opening his eyes, he focused on Mariah, exclaiming, "Ah!" as he jumped awake.
"Mariah?" Kyle said, "What's going on?"
"That's what I would like to know," Mariah said, "Do you remember how we got here?"
"Not a clue," Kyle said, grimacing as he rubbed his forehead.
"Hangover?" Mariah said.
"Yeah, I guess so," Kyle said.
"Me too," Mariah said.
"How much did we drink last night?" Kyle said.
"Apparently too much," Mariah said, "I woke up next to you, this is horrible."
"Just what every guy wants to hear," Kyle said.
"This isn't funny," Mariah said, "Kyle, we are in bed together."
"I'm aware of that," Kyle said.
"I'm wearing your shirt," Mariah said.
"If it makes you feel any better, I still have my boxer shorts on," Kyle said.
"Kyle…did we…?" Mariah said.
"Honestly I don't remember," Kyle said.
"I don't either," Mariah said, "What have we done?"