Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 61
 

” Julian, what happened? What happened last night that you don’t want to tell me about?”

Julian looked at Eve. He knew that he wouldn't be able to hide this from her. He sighed and looked out on the water.

" Eve.."

" Julian. I've known you for a long time. I know when something is wrong. Was it Whitney? Chad?"

" It was Chad."

" What happened?"

" There was an incident."

" What kind of incident."

" Chad got into it with a client of Crane Industries."

" Why? That doesn't sound like Chad at all."

'" Well, let's just say that this client isn't the most enlightened one in the world."

Eve took a minute to digest and process it all.

" You mean you were STUPID enough to sit Chad down with a RACIST? WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM, JULIAN?!"

" I didn't do it!"

" Well then, ETHAN did it? He hurt his brother like that?"

" No."

" Sorry, Julian. But, I know how parties like that go. The seating is assigned, and it's done very purposeful. There is no way that CHAD would wind up sitting at a table with a bigot UNLESS someone wanted to make a point and my son's expense!"

" You are right. Someone did do it on purpose."

" Like I said…Ethan. He doesn't want any competition for the Keys to the Kingdom."

" Dammit Eve, it wasn't Ethan. It was Ivy!"

" Ivy?….IVY! That Bitch!"

" Exactly."

" Why?"

" Why do you think?"

" To protect her precious Ethan, of course. God dammit, I should have taken care of that bitch when I had the chance."

Julian looked at Eve curiously.

" How is Chad?", Eve asked.

" Mad as hell. He told us all off and wanted nothing to do with us."

" Damn."

" I know. But, I don't think it's as bad as I thought. "

" Why?"

" Because, he showed up for work with Sheridan and the radio station. I got that email before I landed. "

" I guess that's something."

" I have to hope it is. If anyone can get to him, it's Sheridan."

" Yes…Sheridan is very persuasive when she wants to be."

" For your information, Ethan is furious with Ivy. In fact, it's the first time in his life that I've ever seen him cross with her. Definitely not a place Ivy's used to."

" I don't give a shit what that bitch is used to. She hurt our son, Julian!"

" I know. I cut off her funds. Until believes her apology."

" Julian, she would lie til hell froze over if she thought it would get her money back."

" Eve, have some faith in our son. I'm sure he will be able to see through her. He's very astute."

" Yes, he is.  Julian, it's just that.."

" Every moment with Chad is precious. We've lost a lot, and we have a lot to atone for…believe me Eve, I KNOW why last night was such a disappointment. But, I think we have a chance. "

" We better."

Julian smiled at Eve. " Remind me never to get on your bad side." Julian moved closer to Eve. " You always were a hellcat."

" I know you mean that in the best way, Julian. " Eve looked at Julian and then turned serious. " Julian, I think I'm ready."

" Ready?"

" To go back home."

" Are you sure? You have a lot facing you when you return?"

" I know. But, I realize. My children need me. You were right about that. Above all else, I'm a mother. A mother who has been derilect in her duties. That's got to change. Even if my children don't want me in their lives, I'm going to be there."

Julian smiled. " That sounds pretty good. I had another stop for you before we went back to Harmony. I had planned it for a couple of weeks, but I'll move it up. We'll leave here day after tomorrow. "

" Another stop? Where?"

" It's a surprise. "

" I hate surprises."

" Liar. You always loved them."

Eve looked at Julian and smiled. " You do know me so well."
 

" I know Yves, but we can't budge on those figures for the plant. We won't make a profit if we do.", Gwen said to the speakerphone.  There is a knock at the door and then it opened. Nobody comes in for awhile, and then flowers began to fill the room. One bouquet after another. Gwen's smile grew as the flowers came in one by one.

" Yves, something has come up. I will call you later." Gwen didn't even wait for a response and clicked off the phone.

Once the flowers filled the room, two waiters rolled in carts with silver covered trays. They bowed to Gwen and then stepped to a corner of the room. Finally, Ethan came into the room, holding one red rose. He crossed the room to Gwen's desk and handed it to her.

" What is all this for?", Gwen asked, beaming.

" It's my way of trying to get out of the doghouse."

" Ethan….you weren't in it."

" Yes, I was. I'm sorry, Gwen. I jumped all over you at the dinner the other night. Accusing you of hurting Chad. I'm sorry I did that."

" Ethan, it's ok."

" No, it's not. "

" Ethan, I know you love me, but you've loved your mother longer, and it was inconceivable to you that your mother would EVER do something that would hurt you."

" You've got that right.", Ethan said sadly.

" So, she literally was the last person you'd suspect. I'm glad you know that I would never do anything to embarrass you like that. Even if I felt that you were threatened by Chad - WHICH I DON'T - I would never have taken that route. "

" Chad is my brother. I'm not threatened by him. We have BILLIONS, Gwen. Chad can probably make his own fortune."

" I think he will to. He certainly will if Theresa has anything to say about it.", Gwen said sarcastically.

" Gwen…."

" Ethan, please. I KNOW how much that dress of hers cost. She's very happy spending the Crane money. I told you.. NO other woman is going to get the chance to get their hooks into Chad. She's making sure of that."

" Gwen.."

" Which is ok, Ethan. I don't love Chad. I love you. And, if he loves her, then the better for both of them."

" You think Chad loves Theresa?"

" Why? Does it make you concerned?"

" No, Gwen. I want my brother to be happy. And, if that is with Theresa, so be it. The truth is, Chad knows all about Theresa's lies. She's 'honest' with him."

Gwen noted that sarcasm in Ethan's voice. " Good.  Then they are adults and we are too. I love you, Ethan."

" I love you too, Gwen. I know I can be an asshole sometimes. Regrettably, that's the Crane in me. But, I never mean to let it out on you."

" Well, I'm ready, willing and able to accept your best attempt at an apology."

Ethan laughed and pulled Gwen in for a series of steamy kisses. Then he walked her over to the food, and they spent the afternoon enjoying one another's company.