Only Time ~ Chapter 20
 by rockstar
 

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Alexis looked at Eve in astonishment. Was she serious? Her son and daughter had fallen in love? No wonder she held so much guilt not to mention either child wanted anything to do with her.

“I could have stopped this, Ms. Davis.” Eve said, wiping a tear off her cheek.

“No, Eve, you couldn’t have known.”

“But I had clues. So many clues and hints. I just didn’t want to see them because I knew that it would destroy the life I worked so hard to build. That’s why Chad doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

“He thinks you would much rather have your life intact than know he’s your child.” Alexis said, “He called me to help you. It shows he cares.”

Eve stood up and walked over to the window and looked out the window, “I just wish things could have turned out differently. Somehow. Anyway.” She turned back around to face Alexis, “Do you ever wish you could go back in time and do things all over again?”

Alexis gave her a sympathetic smile, “All the time. But if we could, we’d live in a perfect world. And how boring would that be? Especially having a perfect life in a small town called Harmony?” Eve couldn’t help, but laugh. Alexis was great comfort.

“I should get going. I’m meeting with a judge at the town hall today.” Alexis said, walking towards the door with Eve behind her, “Hopefully, I will get to meet this Noah Bennett that’s representing this custody issues your husband’s got on your daughter.”

“Thank you. Now, I don’t want Simone hurt. Or TC. I just would like to see my daughter in public without having to worry about going to jail.”

“Within a week, you won’t have to.” Eve opened the door and before Alexis stopped before her first step out the door. “You have mail here. They deliver on your doorstep?” she asked as Eve bent down the pick up the lone letter.

"Not normally.” She eyed the envelope with her name only, no return address, and then opened it up, “Oh, God, she’s kidding.”

“What is it?” Alexis asked.

“Ivy Crane is hosting some charity event at the Crane mansion.”

“You don’t get along with her?”

“She’s Julian’s wife, she manipulated me for I don’t know how long about my affair with Julian and our child.” Eve said, Alexis had told her that Chad had given in and confessed that he was Julian and Eve’s child, but it was confidential and to never to spoken to anyone besides Eve.

“She knew Chad was your son before?”

“No, no. She actually pushed me to find out for sure certain so to stop anything between Chad and Whitney before it began.”

“How generous of her.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t listen.” Eve shook her head, “But I hate her, I swear and she feels the same about me.” Eve opened the envelope to put the invitation back in when she saw the piece of paper and pulled it out, “Bitch.”

“When duty calls for it, yes.” Alexis said.

“Oh, no. Not you. Her.” Eve growled out as Alexis looked over at the note.

Eve – Please do plan to attend the event. The charity is for new research and possibly a new wing at the hospital. I’ve also told all the press announcements that you will be there, top hospital member. Can’t wait to see you. Ivy.

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“Okay here we go.” Chad said as he guided Nelly into the old cottage. “Well?”

“It’s nice.” She coughed looked around at the broken windows, dirt, cobwebs and chipped paint making the home first class in the wrecked department. “The cobwebs really add character.”

“Yeah, okay, I know it’s really nothing now, but I can fix it up. The club is actually looking to be a success. Besides, I’ve been living at the Mrs. Bennett’s B&B for way too long.”

“So you bought this place? And you’re going to make it your house?” Nelly asked.

“Yeah. My first house actually. And not only is it going to be a house, it’s going to be a home. And there’s plenty of room, you know for me or whatever.”

“Well, I like it.” Nelly said, walking around the living room and looking up the staircase, but stopped at Chad’s chuckle, “What? I am. I was just kidding about the cobwebs. Cobwebs could never add character.”

“I know. I know.” Chad walked over to her until he was right in front of her, “I’m sorry about last night, Nel. It wasn’t fair to turn off you like that-“

Nelly held up a hand, “Not necessary. You obviously have some things going on with people in this town and they are none of my business.”

“Even still, I shouldn’t have blown you off without as little as an explanation. You deserve that and a hell of a lot more.” Chad’s and somehow found its way to Nelly’s cheek as she fell against it. She immediately had flashbacks of her dream, but this wasn’t a dream, she realized as Chad slowly bent towards her. With one swift move she turned away from Chad and lost contact with his hand. “So when are you going to start on this place?” she asked changing the subject.

“Hopefully soon.” Chad felt that hurt pain in his chest again. Not that he hadn’t felt it too long again. He didn’t blame her for turning away. They didn’t exactly get started off well to begin with. “I’ve always wanted a little cottage like this. Nothing big and fancy.”

“Like up on Raven Hill.” Nelly said, walking towards the back door which was wide open.

“Yeah.” Chad said, joining her.

“Sorry.” She said quietly.

“No, it’s okay. Actually, as awful as the truth about who my father is, it’s nice to know I finally have a friend again.”

“Friend.” She repeated, looking up at him.

“I’d like to think this is just the beginning for us.” He followed catching her gaze.

Nelly stared deep in his eyes and without another second passing, threw caution and all her insecurities to the wind the pulled Chad down to her and pushed her lips against his.