Collision Course, Chapter 38
 

The Country Club was aglow with all the decorations. As usual, Crane Charities had gone all out. Anyone who was anyone in the state was there.

" Wow, they really did it up right.", Chad said, as the Russell family entered the ballroom.

" It's the Cranes. What did you expect?", Simone said, a little in awe.

" We have to go to the receiving line."

" Smile at Julian? I don't think so, Eve."

" TC. It's a few seconds, then we can enjoy the party."

" Ok.", TC mumbled.

" Well, well, if it isn't the Russell Family. ", Ivy said sarcastically.

" Hello, Ivy."

" Eve, you look lovely tonight. So do your daughters. Don't all the Russell women look lovely, Julian?"

Julian didn't hear Ivy because he was staring at Chad. " Julian?"

" Well, huh? Yes, whatever you said. "

Ivy and Sheridan looked at Julian. Julian's eyes met Eve's and she had fear in them.

Julian composed himself. " I'm sorry. What did you say, Ivy?"

" I said that the Russell women looked gorgeous and wanted your opinion on it."

Julian looked at Ivy, who had a twinkle in her eye. " They are lovely." It was about as neutral as he could get.

" TC, you must be so happy.", Ivy said.

" Poison Ivy, don't you have better things to do?"

Chad, Whitney and Simone snickered at TC's nickname for Ivy. " Well, Ivy, Julian, Sheridan. We'll be getting to our table."

The kids giggled while TC just glared at Julian on his way past.

" See, that wasn't too hard. Look! I see the Bennetts over there.  Sam..Grace!", Eve called out.

Grace smiled. " Hey, Eve. "

" You look great."

" Same back at you."

Simone went over to Kay, " Hey, I didn't know you were coming?"

" We weren't. But, Mrs. Crane called my dad and said that it would be bad for the Police Chief not to come and that we were all invited. "

" That's cool. "

" What's so cool about it. Miguel's glomming all over Charity. Look at them, they're disgusting together."

" Kay, you have to realize that Miguel loves Charity."

" Never. He will love me…I know it."

Simone rolled her eyes and lowered her voice and whispered to Kay, " well, why don't you get your mind off of Miguel and tell me how we're going to get our hands on some of that champagne."

Hearing something devious to do, Kay perked up and looked around the room. " Well, well, you're not as much of a stick in the mud as I thought Simone. We'll find a way. Let's go.', and they left the group.

TC, Eve, Sam and Grace found themselves at a table. " Grace, you hadn't told me that you were coming."

" We weren't, but Ivy called and said that it was important for the Police Chief to make an appearance. She wouldn't take no for an answer."

" I bet she wouldn't.", TC muttered.

" It's so beautiful. I'm glad we came. "

" Me too. "

Chad was in the Music Room of the Country Club, which held it's music collection. He couldn't believe the depth of the collection, and was just looking at record after record.

" They definitely have a collection, don't they?"

Chad looked up and saw Julian standing there.

" Mr. Crane, I was just looking at them."

" Oh, I know. You were appreciating them. Not many people do."

Chad looked around. It couldn't be. Julian Crane engaging him in conversation? He knew he must be in the Twilight Zone.

" Most only go for popular music."

" Definitely….what is your favorite."

" Well, I enjoy Ella Fitzgerald. I didn't even think a recording of this session existed. This is a rare album."

" Indeed. Well, enjoy the room, Chad."

Chad nodded and went back to looking at the collection.
 

Julian  was walking in a hallway when he saw Eve approach him. Before she could say anything, he had pulled her into one of the small libraries, and locked the door.

" Julian! What are you doing?"

" I…I don't know. I had to talk to you. Is he ok?"

" Who?"

" Eve.."

" Julian, everything is fine. If there had been some change, I would have notified you."

" Ok."

" Julian, you almost blew it this evening in line. I saw you staring at him."

" Well, I couldn't help it! It was the first time since.."

" I know…I know. It's not easy for me either. I nearly broke down in tears tonight. But, we both promised, Julian. We promised to keep our identities a secret. It's the only promise he asked."

Julian nodded. " I know. It's the only promise our son has asked of us. We have to honor it."

" Julian, I have to get back to the party. I can't have TC looking for me."

" You go out first. I'll follow in a minute."

" Bye."

Eve left the small library, and then Julian left about 2 minutes later. Neither Julian or Eve had noticed that they weren't alone. The third person in the room, who had been on the floor retrieving an earring that had fallen stood up in shock and walked to the door.
 

TC knew he would find his way there. It was like a muse calling him. He couldn't help it. The lights were dark, but he could tell the outline. So much of his childhood had been spent here, without the lights on. If he closed his eyes, he could hear his father call out to him..

" Ok, TC…hit the ball. I know it's the dark, but realize, if you can hit in the dark, then the light will be a breeze."

How many hours had he spent on this court? He didn't want to remember. It brought up too much pain. But, he and his father were so close. They were one, always talking about tennis and his dreams. How he loved winning on this court. Every victory was an  'in your face' to all the snobs at the Country Club who treated his father like dirt.

He closed his eyes and tried to think about all the good times with his father. All the happy times. His commemoration was broken when a voice called out to him….

" I thought you would wind up here."

TC opened his eyes and turned around.

" What the hell are you doing here?"

" Thornton, is that anyway to greet me?"

" Damn sight better than you deserve. Go on back to your 'friends'. I'm sure they miss your charming company."

" No need to be nasty Thornton."

" Don't call me that."

" Why not?"

" You need to just forget my name. Act like you don't know me. It's better that way.", TC said, walking off the court.