Ch. 7
 

Julian sat back in his chair and frowned. Jasolyn was there, that would be interesting. He loved all his children but that one, she always bothered him. When Ivy was carrying Jasolyn he had hoped for a boy, so he picked out the name Jason, it had a strong tone to it. But after she was born, Ivy just decided on Jasolyn, since she had wanted to name a girl Joshlyn anyway. This way they both won. The kid had always been ruthless, never caring about anything but power. Julian shook his head his father would be proud he thought with a larger frown.
Looking at the picture of his children Julian almost wanted to laugh. Ericka was the angel of the bunch. A young Sheridan. When she was born yet again he had hoped for a boy, so the name Eric was picked out. And yet again he still had his way with the name. But Ericka was too sweet to be anything like him. No this kid was indeed like her aunt. He knew she did her best to get along with Jasolyn, but it was hard. Loving a sister that never tried loving back must have broke his young girl’s heart. His face then turned to face the picture of his son. Jonah Crane was nothing like any of them. Perhaps he took after Ivy’s family, because he sure wasn’t ‘Crane-like’ The boy had no common sense and as much as he did love the boy, he had to admit he’d never be ever to run the family business. At 17 Jonah was just running free, which was his and Ivy’s fault. Neither of them had ever been good parents. Somehow all of their children had some type of issue, and he knew, it wouldn’t get better.
"But Chad. Chad will make me proud." Julian smiled. Yes that boy could be the very one to help with the business. If he’d just give in and accept his title as Crane.
~*~*~*~

"You’re Julian’s Daughter?" Eve questioned.
"That’s what I said." Jasolyn sighed.
"Well nice to meet you." Eve managed to say noting in her mind the way the girl was staring at her. So cold and bitter. Only one other person had ever looked at her like that. And that was years ago.
"So what are you doing here? I didn’t realize you and my father were friends." Jasolyn said her hand on the door knob.
"We have a son together. Of course I’m going to speak with Julian from time to time." Eve answered wondering why this girl even cared.
"Your son is grown. He doesn’t need Mommy and Daddy taking care of him." Jasolyn spoke matter of factly. He’s getting married soon anyway." She muttered.
"Look, what I speak with your father about is my business. Not yours. Now if you’ll excuse me." Eve said moving closer to the door.
"I hope you aren’t planning to wheel your way back into Julian’s life. Because that would be a horrible mistake." Jasolyn warned Eve.
Eve took a deep breath. "What I do, has nothing to do with you. Your father has another child that he care’s about. And I little lady, happen to be that child’s mother. So deal with it." Eve spoke defiently as she opened the door and headed into the Crane house.
"Oh Eve, you’re a strong one. I like that. It make’s things interesting." Jasolyn laughed as she followed in behind Eve.
~*~*~*~*~

Lori looked at Theresa and Chad. "I better get home. Mother will be home soon."
Theresa smiled at the girl, "It was so nice meeting you."
"Yeah, good meeting you. But I have a feeling we’ll see each other again soon. That is if Chad here really want’s me to help him with his parents."
Chad nodded with a grin. "You bet I do. "
"Well good. At least I have something to do now with my spare time." She laughed.
"And just what do you do with the other part of your time?" Chad quizzed.
"Keep my parent’s lives interesting of course." She smirked. "They really do enjoy it. They just won’t admit it. She smiled.
"Sure they do. So tell me Lori, who do you take after your mom or dad?" Chad asked laughing.
"Oh must be mom, Didn’t I tell you my father adopted me? " She asked.
Chad gave her a confused look. "But I thought." He began.
"He’s raised me from birth. No Biggie really. He’s my father. Who cares about blood right?" She shrugged.
"Right. " Theresa smiled.
"Anyway I better get home. See you two later." Lori smiled as she headed out Chad’s door.
Theresa wrapped her arms around Chad’s neck. "You better get that dinner plan started. " She smiled.
"Yeah, I guess I should." He said wrapping his arms around her tiny waist. "But first." He grinned as he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. "I wanted to do that." He said pulling away.
"Well I wasn’t objecting." Theresa smiled.
Chad kissed her again and then let a grin fall on his face. "I’ve gotta go call my parents." He said moving away from Theresa. "We’ve got to get this plan in motion."
Theresa sighed. "Yes. Of course. " She laughed as she watched Chad rush over to his phone. As much as she enjoyed her quiet moment’s with Chad, seeing the look in his eyes when he talked about his parent’s, made her want to put fixing them up at the top of her list. Romance would just have to wait. She laughed to herself as she watched Chad dial a number on his phone.
~*~*~*~

Eve stood at Julian’s office door as he looked up from his desk. "Eve darling so wonderful to see you." He smiled.
"We need to talk Julian." She said.
"Of course Eve. Is this about Chad?" Julian asked standing up.
"Yes. We need to talk about our son. " She told him stepping into his office.
"All right why don’t you have a seat." He said looking up at her, but his eyes moved to the figure behind Eve.
"Julian what are you looking at?" Eve questioned turning her head.
She frowned as Julian spoke. "Jasolyn, what are you doing here?"
Jasolyn rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you too Julian." She said as both Julian and Eve frowned.