“You know, I love being able to sit here with you.”, Luis said, as he gave Sheridan a backrub in the bathtub.

“ Hmmmm…your hands are magic, Luis.”

” I aim to please.”

“ Did I tell you that I love you?”

“ Only a couple of times today.”, Luis laughed.

” Well, I do.”

” Back at you, Sheridan. So, did you have a good talk with Julian? What did he have to say for himself?”

” About what?”

” Sheridan, about what? Man walks out on his wedding, and you don’t think I’m curious?”

” Oh, that.”

” Yeah, that.”

“ Well, Um, Julian said he was helping a friend.”

” Sheridan, Julian doesn’t have any friends.”

” I know..that’s what I said. At first.”

” At first?”

” Yeah, then we got to talking. I realized that there was more to my brother than I thought.”

” Like what?”

” Like a man who’s been in love with a woman all his life.”

” Sheridan, Julian….love? These are not two words that I would use together. “

” Neither would I. But, he loves this woman, and she needed Julian’s help.”

” Damn. How could anyone be desperate enough to need JULIAN’s help?”

” Sometimes, things happen like that, Luis.”

” Sheridan, you can’t believe him. You can’t think that your brother has this secret soft spot. He’s the same sonuvabitch that he’s always been. Don’t get suckered!”

” I’m not an idiot, Luis. But, he’s my brother.”

” When it’s convenient TO HIM!”

” Please, Luis. Julian came to me. He’s never come to me.”

” He wants something.”

” Yes, a sister.”

” He doesn’t deserve you. Not your sympathy. Not your ear. Not your heart.”

” He’s my brother, and I’m going to be his sister.”

” It’s useless for me to debate this with you, isn’t it?”

” Yep.”

” Why do you take up worthless causes?”

“ They’re the most fun, Luis. Julian’s not worthless.”

” If you say so. But, you have to promise me that you’ll be careful with him.”

” I promise.”

“ Well, why don’t you get over here and try and persuade me…”, Luis said with a devilish grin. Sheridan let her hands and lips do the talking.
 
 

Eve looked around the living room. It had taken all day, but she had finally gotten all of the damage cleaned up and was vacuuming the last remnants when the doorbell rang.

She went to the door and opened it.

” Julian?”

” Hello, Eve. May I come in?”

“ Sure.” Julian stepped into the foyer. “ I…I came by because I wanted to make sure you were alright. Did you go to the hospital and get checked out?”

” No. But, I had a doctor friend come by and look at me. She said I was fine.”

” Good. I….I took a chance that TC wouldn’t be here.”

” No. He won’t be coming back anymore. He’s moved out.”, Eve said sadly.

” I’m sorry. “

” You don’t even like TC.”

” True. But, I know you’re hurting, and that’s what I’m responding to.”

Eve noticed that they were still standing in the foyer. “ Why don’t we go to the living room. Julian nodded and followed her. He sat down on the couch, while Eve sat on a chair.

” Sorry the room’s a mess.”, Eve said quietly.

” Was it your doing?”

Eve nodded. “ I guess I got a little upset.”

” No kidding.”

” Julian….I…I need to thank you for the time at the Cabin. I needed that space. I needed the chance to collect my thoughts.”

” I’m glad I could help you, Eve.”

” Why did you help me, Julian?”

“ I had to, Eve. You know I had to.”

“ But, why?”

“ You…you know what you mean to me, Eve. I had no choice.”

Eve looked down at the floor. She didn’t know how to respond. As it was, she didn’t have to.

” Mom, I was wondering…..Oh…hello, Mr. Crane.”

“ Whitney. Nice to see you again. “ Julian turned to Eve. “ I’ll be going.”

” That would be best. I’ll see you to the door.”

Julian and Eve walked to the door. “ Thank you, Julian.”

” You’re welcome.”

Eve closed the door to find Whitney waiting for her. “ Mom, why was Julian Crane here?”

” We had things to discuss.”

” What things? You know that Daddy..”

” Whitney. Your father doesn’t live here anymore. So, if I want to invite Julian into the house, I’m going to do it.”

Whitney  stared at her mother, then reached out to her. “ Mom, you’re right. I didn’t mean anything by bringing up Daddy, it’s just that I thought you hated Julian Crane as much as he did.”

” My feelings towards Julian are complicated, and not something that I want to discuss right now. I’d rather concentrate on you. How are you?”

“ Ok. I looked at the calendar and realized that I have a big tournament in a week. I don’t know what to do.”

” Whitney, I don’t expect for you to drop all contact with your father. He’s your father, and he loves you. I can’t argue with you about anything right now. I’m too drained.”

” Mom, I don’t want to argue either. But, I don’t know how I can separate tennis from my anger with Daddy right now. I think it’s best that I leave both alone.”

” TC isn’t going to like that.”

” Too bad. Not my problem.”

” Whitney…”

” Mom, no. We all have to rebuild, and I’m questioning everything in my life now. Including my involvement in tennis. I’m not picking up another racket until I’ve had time to think. I…I thought I’d go over to the Durke house to see Simone. She might not need a big sister, but I need her.”

Eve hugged Whitney. “ I think it’s a terrific idea. You and your sister need time.”

” You’re not coming?”

” No. I have something of my own that I need to take care of first. Give Simone a hug and kiss from me.”

“ I will.”

Whitney left the house, and Eve took a deep breath and sighed.

” Well, Grace Bennett, I think it’s time we had a little talk.”