She didn’t say anything to him, trying to be strong, but when she looked into his sympathetic eyes, she began to cry.
“Oh Eve.” He said, hugging her.

“I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about, you didn’t do anything.”

“I never thought he would be this way Julian, Randy was always a good man, I don’t know why he had to be tempted by her.”

“Well, he’s a man darling, I’m not saying that as a general statement, there are some decent guys out there, but some, well they can’t help themselves. And I am always first to admit that I have been there, I’m not perfect Eve and either is Randy. But, I learned from my mistakes, look what it cost me all of these years, you.”

“Oh Julian.”

“But he knew what I did and he did pick up the pieces, but obviously Randy had other ideas. Don’t worry Eve, you won’t be alone, even if you’re not ready for anything with me at this point, perhaps I can be a shoulder to lean on. Hopefully Whitney and Simone can understand our friendship.”

“Maybe they will be able to.”

“I mean I’m known as the town bastard, well right under my father and I was quite blunt tonight in talking about him and his nurse, look, Whit even got in a few punches.”

“Are you okay?” she said, touching his face.

“Oh sure, it’s no surprise, how did she know her father was unfaithful? And to think I’m after you, well I would punch me too.” He said, smiling.

“No Julian.”

“Yes Eve, she was protecting you, Whit’s a good girl.”

“Anyway, I’m still surprised Randy would do this though, I thought he loved me.”

“He does love you, you have to admit that, but his anger got the best of him tonight, as did mine, but he does love you, but he wanted the nurse. But to be honest, I don’t understand why he would run around on you, I would give anything to be with you. He has a beautiful wife and he wants more, he is stupid. I would count my blessings these days to have a lovely woman like you.” He said, kissing her on the cheek.

“The fact that he wants to go to marriage counseling is beyond me.”

“Is that what you want Eve?”

“I thought about it, but I just don’t know Julian. If I said yes, then I would be a fool wouldn’t I?”

“No Eve, it depends how much you want this, but, I’m not sure if you would be able to trust him fully. Maybe Randy wouldn’t stray again, people can learn from their mistakes, but maybe he would.”

“You learned Julian.”

“Only from knowing you again. Seeing you every day, it never used to faze me, I was so angry and bitter with life that I didn’t care. Now I know what I gave up, now I want a better life for myself and to find happiness and love with my soul mate. I never thought I would ever find one; it was all about sex for me and getting it with as many women as possible. I know the real difference between hitting the sheets and love.”

“Do you?”

“Yes very much so, sex is just sex Eve, I used it as a way to block out emotions when I was having it, and I think sex like that is just selfish, damn I was selfish. But love, making love, it’s emotional and you want to please the other person you are with. Something we had and lost and I would give anything to get it back again.”

“It didn’t seem like you wanted to make love in that hotel.”

“What do you mean?”

“You seemed like just horny Julian to me.” She said smiling.

“Well that part of me will never die, believe me, especially being around you, God, you’re so stunning. But anyway, I was just having a bit of fun there as well. It can’t be just serious Eve, the majority of it yes, but of course nothing wrong with a bit of spice I say.”

“And I bet you just love it.”

“Of course I do, I’m only human, and it’s good to be spontaneous sometimes. Anyway, forgive me Eve.”

“For what?”

“You’re emotional and upset and here I am talking about making love.”

“It’s okay Julian, you know, I noticed something about you.”

“What’s that sweetie?”

“I don’t remember you ever being this communicative even when we were together.”

“I wasn’t, I mean I loved you, I was very much in love with you but I have also grown up some what, okay not completely, but I’m trying. All of a sudden, it just feels right to be open with you. You have that affect on me, you’re warm hearted and loving and I miss that so much about you.”

“Thank you for staying with me, but don’t you think Rebecca will be wondering where you are?”

“Who cares Eve, she’s not important to me.”

“She might think you were in an accident or something.”

“Becky, nah, even if she did, the first thing on her mind would be where’s the Crane credit card. Forget if I was hurt or pushing up daisies, she would want to know if they were able to save the plastic.”

“That’s not true.”

“Sure it is Eve, not to toot my own horn, but there are two things Becky loves about me, my money and little Julian.” He said laughing.

“That sounds right with her.”

“I’m not stupid Eve, she wants me for sex and cash, to her, there is nothing else worthy in life. God, I can’t believe I ever hooked up with her, what was I thinking?”

“What about her ex-husband?”

“Jonathon?

“Yep.”

“Oh who knows, but he didn’t have what I had, the last name Crane.”

“Anyway, now that I have sent my girls away for a bit, I’m not sure if I want to be alone all together or not.”

“I’m here for you Eve, if you need me.”

“That’s very kind of you Julian.”

“Eve, perhaps we should get out of her for a while.”

“Why?”

“I think you could use some fresh air, don’t you, and clear your head darling?”

“I could probably do that, my stress levels are raised thanks for everything that has concurred.”

“I’m sorry for being the instigator.”

“You weren’t Julian.”

“Sure I was, I egged him on a bit, but I was just angry at how he was acting towards you. He acted as if you would just take him back, with the snap of a finger. Eve, you don’t need bull of any kind in your life. You’re a strong and independent woman who can do so much better than Randy, even if you were together for years.”

“And I could do so much better with you right Julian?” she said, touching his soft gray hair.

“Well, yes, but like I said, I’m not going to push you into anything, you’re right, we just can’t begin a relationship the minute your husband leaves, you have quite the history. But I still know you need someone who is going to take care of you, support you and most of all, not run around on you.”

“Well, I thought he wouldn’t, but he did.”

“I won’t Eve, I promise you that.”

“Julian, come on, let’s go out.” She said, taking him by the hand.

Whitney and Simone had taken her car, so Julian offered to drive, considering she wasn’t truly in a state of happiness at the present time.

“Where would you like to go?”

“I don’t know Julian, I just want some time to think, are you sure you don’t mind tagging along?”

“I wouldn’t call it tagging, it’s being here for you, like I said Eve, if I’m going to change, I have to start now, how about a coffee?” he asked.

“You know Julian, I’m not really in the mood for one.”

“A drink, perhaps?” he said smiling.

“Oh Julian, I don’t know and as I said you…”

“I know, I have to be a good boy when it comes to drinking, I will learn with the help of you to simmer down, but just one Eve, what do you say?”

“Am I going to regret this in the morning?” she asked.

“Depends on what you define regret as in being hung over or something else that could happen if…”

“Yes if, I don’t think so Julian.” She said, shaking her finger at him.

“I promise, just one.”

“Julian, you promise a lot of things, just one drink, just one kiss and then we end up in one bed.” She said laughing.

“Are you saying I can’t be trusted my dear Eve?”

“When it comes to drinking, no you can’t, you tend to let your animal instincts out just a bit too much I would say.”

“Grrrrr!” He said, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

“Julian.”

“Honey, I’m just trying to cheer you up, okay, it’s not like I should make light of the situation, but if I can do anything to bring that beautiful smile to your lovely lips, then one part of my job is done.”

Julian couldn’t help but smile at her, but she told him to watch the road instead of her, as they didn’t need any accidents of any kind. She reluctantly agreed finally to a drink, one drink and that was it. He took her to a small pub outside of Harmony, a place she thought Julian would never step into, and it didn’t seem to be a hangout for him. When they found a table in the corner, away from prying eyes, Julian put his arm around her.

“I’m surprised you like this place.”

“Why?”

“It’s not you Julian, you are used to the finer things in life, this is so casual, so unlike a Crane.”

“Eve, I’m here for you, I don’t care where I am, as long as I can hold you in my arms.”

“Julian, you’re so sweet.” She said, kissing his neck, ever so softly.

“I try to be, now if I tried to bring Rebecca here, my God, that woman would be kicking and screaming to get out the door. She wouldn’t have it; she would say that it was beneath her to be in such a place. I don’t understand how a woman like her who has no fashion sense or class of any kind can be such a snob.”

“I agree, but I guess if you wave the green under her nose, dollar signs flash in her eyes Julian and that is all she cares about, so the life she had at one time, she doesn’t care about now because she has the wealthy life with you.”

“Damn if I’m going to let that woman take all my money. She is a gold digger and she thinks she can suck my account dry. Well from now on, the only thing she will be using to suck anything is the vacuum cleaner.”

“She uses a vacuum cleaner Julian?”

“She will be soon, how else will she give herself a hickey, it won’t be by me.” He said laughing.

“You’re awful.” Eve said smiling.

“Well it’s true, I’m not giving into her just because she wants me.”

“Oh that would be a first, considering all the times we went to bed.”

Julian turned around to see a woman standing there.

“Don’t look so surprised to see me and I see that you have moved onto someone else?”

“This is Eve and you’re Heather right?”

“Hillary, glad I meant so much to you Julian.”

“I’m sorry, I’m kind of in the middle of something right here, my mind is elsewhere.”

“Honey, don’t let him sweet talk you, Julian Crane is quite the charmer, but he’ll get you into his bed, have his way with you and leave you in a hurry.” She said.

“That’s not true, we were together for a while.”

“We hit the sheets for a while, we weren’t together, I wanted that, you didn’t, Julian Crane, you’re nothing but a womanizer.”

“I’m sorry Hillary.”

“Oh never mind, who cares, I found myself a man who treats me right and who wants more than just sex, he loves me Julian, you wouldn’t know the meaning of the word, good bye and good riddens.” She said, storming off.

Eve looked at him quite curiously.

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Ex-lover of course.”

“Yes Eve, but she makes it sound like I was only out for one thing.”

“Were you?”

“Actually, yeah, I guess I was, but never mind her, you’re the important one in my life right now.” He said, hugging her.

Julian gazed into her lovely eyes over the soft candlelight upon the table.

“You mean so much to me Eve, like I said I can’t change overnight, but I’m willing to try so much, if it means a chance to get to know you all over again. I miss being with you, I miss everything about you.”

As he leaned over to place a small kiss upon her, he felt a tap upon his shoulder.

“Julian!”

“Hi there.”

“I haven’t seen you in ages, how have you been?”

“Just fine and you?”

“Great, don’t be shy, give me a hug.” The woman said leaning down to him.

He stood up, looking at her, a woman in her early twenties, with stunning features, the looks of that of a model. When she pressed her body tightly against him, he cleared his throat, trying to keep his eyes upon her actual eyes. The red low fitted top she wore, quite sexy in it’s own right, not leaving much to the imagination.

“You do remember me?”

“Yes.” He said weakly, trying to avoid staring at her voluptuous figure, more than once.

“It’s Krystal, just in case it happened to slip your mind. I miss seeing you at the club Julian. Don was asking when you’re coming back; he wants to know if you want to renew your membership. He has hired on quite a few new dancers, but some of the originals are still there.”

Julian felt like he wanted to crawl under the table at that point, quite embarrassed that one of the strippers he used to see regularly was standing right in front of him. Not that she didn’t have a right to make a living anyway she wanted, but with Eve sitting at the table next to him, coming to this pub seemed to be a bad decision on his part.

“So are you coming back then Julian?” she said, playing with his tie.

“Actually, I won’t be.”

“Oh that’s too bad, I thought we might go out for a few drinks one night after I’m finished and we can…”

“Krystal, if you’ll excuse me, I’m busy right now.” He said, interrupting her.

“Oh I’m sorry, I’m being rude, hi there.” She said, putting out her hand to Eve.

“Hello.”

“Good luck.” Julian said simply.

She hugged him one more time and was on her way. Julian could feel butterflies in his stomach when he looked at Eve. Seeing these two women was sure to kill any chance with her now.

“I’m sorry darling.”

“You sure get around Julian Crane.” Eve said, touching him on the shoulder.

“I know how this must look.”

“Yeah, but anyway, all you can do is wipe the slate clean right?”

“I guess so Eve, this was a bad idea coming here. In fact, I never expected to run into anyone I know, especially two women, I’m so sorry Eve.”

“It’s okay Julian, you can’t help that you’re popular.” She said laughing.

“You’re being a good sport, thanks honey.”

“I try.”

Julian poured Eve a glass of white wine from the cold carafe, wanting her to be able to take her mind off of Randy for even the slightest moment. It wasn’t that he wanted her to drink her troubles away, nor him, but at least just sit there and enjoy some time together. After finishing off the half liter, Eve took him by the hand and when he opened the passenger side of his car, Eve shook her head.

“What’s wrong?”

“I want your keys.” Eve said.

“I’m fine, we only had a little bit to drink.”

“Julian, I had a little bit, you had more, the keys, right now.” She said firmly.

“I can drive, it’s no problem.”

“Don’t argue with me, sit down.”

“You know dear, you’re so demanding.”

“Do you have a problem with that?” she asked.

“Not at all, I love when you tell me what to do, it’s quite the turn on.” He said, smiling devilishly.

“You’re bad.”

“I know.”

When she started up the car, Julian leaned over to kiss her neck, running his mouth along it quite seductively.

“This is no time to get frisky Julian, I have to drive.”

“Who said we have to leave the parking lot?”

“You drive me crazy, first you’re all sweet and sensitive and now you’re just…”

“Horny?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t help it Eve, you make me that way, you’re so beautiful, how can I not be attracted to you.”

“Well we have to get going, what if my daughters are back, and you said you weren’t going to push me into anything.”

“I’m not Eve, but I just can’t help but want to be near you, in anyway.” He said, taking her hand.

She gave him a gentle kiss on the mouth before putting her foot on the gas. When they arrived back at her place, Whitney and Simone had left a note on the table, telling her they were staying away for the night, Whit going to Theresa’s and Simone to Kay’s. And if she needed anything or them, just to call.

“That’s so sweet of them Eve.”

“Yes, I guess they wanted me to have some time to gather my thoughts, I love my girls Julian.”

“I know you do, well, why don’t I let you get some rest then?”

“You aren’t going anywhere.” Eve said.

“No?”

“You can stay here tonight.”

“Oh Eve.”

He leaned forward to kiss her again, but she placed her hand over his mouth.

“You were drinking, that is why.”

“Oh.” He said with slight disappointment.

“Eve?”

“Yes Julian?”

“Are you sure it’s only because I’ve been drinking that you want me to stay?”

“Well of course and the fact that I don’t want Randy to try to come back in this house, lock the door Julian please.”

“Yes dear, maybe you should change the locks.”

“I don’t know if I should go to those drastic measures Julian.”

“Hey, you never know, he might just want to reconcile again. But then again with me here, forget it, he won’t get that chance.”

“I do appreciate you protecting me Julian, but I can honestly handle this situation, this separation.”

“Well, if you are okay with it, but you know I’ll be here to support you.”

“I know and thanks, why don’t you come upstairs with me?” Eve said.

Julian smiled at her, his mind turning to lovely thoughts of Eve in a negligee or without, lying in bed together as they did in the hotel, but going even farther. He couldn’t help but fantasize about her.

“Julian, are you there?”

“Pardon?” he said, coming back to reality.

“Let’s go upstairs.”

“Alright.”

When she opened the closet door at the top of the stairs, she handed him a blanket and a pillow.

“Do you think we’ll really need this?”

“We, this is for you to sleep in the spare bedroom.”

“What?” he said, surprised.

“Julian, it’s not a good idea tonight.”

“But Eve.”

“I don’t want anything to happen, I’m very vulnerable at this point and I know we got very close to, well you know, but this will be better tonight, I hope you understand.”

“Sure.” He said, lying through his teeth.

She kissed him on the cheek and he closed his eyes for one moment, how he wanted to kiss her so passionately, but he didn’t want to act how he normally did with woman before her, bedding her in an instant, so he just hugged her.

“I hope you have a good night’s sleep.” Eve said.

“Not without you beside me.” He said, under his breath.

“Pardon?”

“Nothing, sleep well.”

Eve shut her bedroom door and Julian stood in the hallway for a moment, finding hard to believe he was in the same house with Eve, a wall only separating them and not able to share a bed together. He sighed and sat down on the lonely bed, reserved for what he thought was mostly relatives or friends. That is what he felt like at that moment. He turned on the small bedside lamp and picked up a magazine that was lying there.

“New home decorating ideas, this ought to help me fall asleep in two seconds.”

As he flipped through the pages quickly, his head was nearly ready to hit the pillow until he noticed a page with a bedroom set, complete with a king size bed that reminded of him of the nights he shared with Eve so long ago.

“Oh God, this is not helping at all, damn magazine.” He said, sighing.

Julian tossed and turned for quite some time, looking at the clock, nearly ever hour it seemed. When he finally drifted off in what he thought was more than a bit of shuteye, he jumped a mile when the doorbell rang.

“What the hell, it’s four in the morning!” he said, getting out of bed.

He entered the hallway to see if Eve was there and when he peeked in her room, she was still fast asleep. She must have been quite tired, not to hear it. When it rang again, he ran down the stairs as quickly as possible, wearing only his boxers. He looked through the peephole, not being able to see whom it was.

“Who is it?” he said, through the door.

When they didn’t answer, he decided to chance it and open it to see a young man in his early twenties standing there.

“What do you want?” Julian asked.

“I’m looking for Sara.”

“Sara who?” Julian asked.

“Sara Cray, you’re not her.”

“First of all, do I look like a Sara to you? And what the hell are you doing ringing the bell at anyone’s house at this hour?”

“She’s supposed to give me a ride to work her mom said, we work together, and I thought she lived here.”

“Well I think you’ve got the wrong place buddy.” Julian said.

“Apparently I do, sorry.”

“Next time, why don’t you check the house number more carefully before venturing out at this time of morning.”

“Relax dude, it’s an honest mistake.” He said.

Julian slammed the door, quite irritated. Sure people did make mistakes, but he also didn’t want to wake Eve, she needed her rest. Now that he was wide-awake, he went into the kitchen and opened the fridge, taking out a pitcher of orange juice.

“Too bad, I don’t have any vodka for this.” He said to himself.

Julian poured the glass and sat down at the table.

“I’ll never get back to bed now.”

He sat there for a while, watching the hands on the clock that seemed to go by so quickly, it was hardly worth getting any sleep that night anyway. But after a few glasses and a trip to the little boy’s room, he ventured back upstairs. He was about to crawl back into the bed when he heard what he thought was another noise. He opened Eve’s door and was surprised when she looked up at him, with tears in her eyes.