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Timeline Addition 1939 -- Jérome Duprét was born in Marseille 1942 -- Claire Stevens was born in London, England 1968 -- Leslie Stevens was born in Chicago 1975 -- Claire married Peter Richardson, the founder of Richardson Inc. 1985 -- Peter died from a severe heart attack Cast of Characters
Los Angeles – Forrester Creations – Eric’s office – 6 weeks later Eric sat behind his desk and lost in his own thoughts he hardly paid attention to his son who was telling him about the latest sales numbers. The last few weeks had passed by in a flash and most of the things that had happened in Monte Carlo still hung over him like a deep, dark cloud. There were only a few highlights in his daily life that kept him alive but unfortunately he couldn’t share it with anyone in his family. It was almost insane that even now after Beth’s death he wasn’t free. At least not openly… emotions were another matter. Dreams were free and easy to live as long as he could hide them. Dreams and emotions couldn’t be seen by anyone else and were a difficult matter that needed a lot of sensitive preparing and attention before they could become part of his normal life… “Dad, are you here?” Rick’s eyes lay demandingly on Eric. His father really wasn’t himself these days… “Sure… just go on…” “The numbers are stable… we got a lot of sympathy from our buyers since Mom’s death. But actually they all start to worry. Diana’s condition hasn’t improved much and without her we only have you as a designer…” “I know… I’ve seen the press, Rick. They wonder about our reputation…about our future. They want assurance.” “Look, I’m not talking about ousting Diana… as soon as she is healthy enough she should work again but right now…” Rick shrugged and sighed. “She hasn’t spoken since that accident. Most of her wounds are healed but as long as her mental state is that fragile we can’t count on her… Dad we need help. From the outside!” “I’m aware of that, Son. But I don’t want to replace your sister right in this moment. Who knows what happens to her when she learns that someone else took over her job!” “Yes, I know it’s not an easy decision. But we should consider it.” “I will. Anything else?” Rick shifted from one foot to the other and looked down to his feet. Sensing his son’s uneasiness Eric got up and patted his shoulder. “What is it, Rick?” Rick shrugged again. A helpless gesture but it told everything about how he felt. “I don’t know… it’s all so damn difficult right now. Mom dead, Diana ill, Leslie…” He broke off and shook his head. “Forget it… I was raving!” “No, no… is something wrong with Leslie? Do you know where she is? “Well, no… I meant Connie. I mean she is fantastic. She gave up her job at the university to be there for me. She came with me to L.A… she even accepted that we postponed wedding until Diana is fine again to attend the ceremony. She’s marvellous.” “But…” “I’m a fool. And I have no idea how to tell her that.” Eric leaned at his edge astonished about his son’s surprising confession. “Well, the truth could be a good start!” “Have you never lied to Mom or us?” “It happened.” He had to admit it and avoided Rick’s glance. In fact he was lying to them for two months now. He didn’t like it but he had no other choice right now. “And how can one clean up the mess?” “Only by telling the truth, my son. Tell her the truth and hope she forgives you.”
London – a villa in Kensington Jérome Dupret heard the doorbell and looked surprised up from his folder. It was late and he wasn’t expecting anyone at this hour. Actually they had hardly visitors in their home because he knew how much Claire loved having her privacy when she wasn’t in the office. Not that she was a solitaire. Not at all but her home was her home and now playground for business or social events. If he was true he loved the calmness up here. The sounds of the city seemed farer away than they really were but what in life wasn’t based on illusions? He took his glasses off and rose from his chair. He crossed the grand sized apartment and his eyes widened in surprise when he opened the door to find a young blonde woman in front of him. The first thing he noticed about her was how tired and worn out she looked. “Leslie, my dear!” “Hey Jerome…” They embraced and then he picked up her suitcases and dragged her gently into the apartment. “We’ve been worried about you… why did you never call?” “I was busy… where’s Mom?” “Not here.” He said and brought her into the living room. Leslie looked around and said with a loving smile… “Things will never change in here, right?” “I don’t think so…” He smiled at her and asked gently… “What’s wrong, Leslie?” “I’m fine… Is Mom even in the city?” “No.” “And where is she?” He only shrugged and moved slowly to the small house bar… “Do you want something to drink? I could need one. I’m not used to late night surprises anymore!” “Just some water… are you and Mom having problems?” Leslie raised her eyebrows in astonishment. If someone knew about the whereabouts of her mother it was Jérome. He knew everything. “Your mother and I never have problems… just differences.”
Los Angeles – The Four Seasons – Stephanie’s suite Stephanie stood in front of
the large mirror in her luxury bedroom and brushed her hair. It was her
third week in Los Angeles now. Out of respect for Beth and her grieving
family she had stayed away from Eric and Los Angeles as long as she could
but then he had called her one night and asked her to visit him in
California… It hadn’t taken much time and begging from his side to
convince her to follow him. Even though it was still a hiding game for
both of them. They had missed each other and the wish to be together had
been stronger than the wish to do the proper thing for once in their
relationship. He had spent every night in her suite since her arrival and
tonight wouldn’t be different. The time they were together these days was
precious. They’d become closer than ever. They talked more and learnt more
about each other than they had had in the past. Indeed they had become so
close that Stephanie was finally ready to say they had a relationship… no
affair but a growing relationship… the idea of that scared her a bit after
all those years but she was more than ready to give it a try. Actually she
had already started to act on her wish to extend her stay in Los Angeles…
University Hospital Diana Forrester lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling. It was her 6th week in a hospital. The first three she had had to spend in Monaco and France until the doctors finally had let her leave for California. She hadn’t attended her mother’s funeral. She never had had a chance to say goodbye to her. All she remembered was her hand at the steering wheel to avoid that the car crashed down the slope and then there had been a flash of light and her mother’s screams in her ear… and after that nothing. A hole of silence and darkness had had followed. She had lost conscious after their car had collided with the other car. She hadn’t seen the vehicle… it just appeared out of nowhere. They had told her later that her mother had been dead immediately. She hadn’t had to suffer. But Diana was suffering now on her behalf. And who had caused this mess? Her father and his mistress… they had chased her mother into insanity with their affair… and she didn’t believe one second that her father and this woman had separated. Sooner or later Stephanie would be back to sneak her way back into her father’s life. She had done it so too many times before. From her bed, her jail cell
as she called it, her chances to get even with her father and Stephanie
were limited. So far her silence was her only way to make her father pay
but as soon as she was healthy enough again she would strike back… her
father would pay and so would Stephanie, wherever she was. Stephanie’s hotel suite The smile that had been on her face all evening brightened when she opened the door and found him in front of her. They didn’t need any words as they fell into a tight embrace. He pressed her to him and rested his forehead at hers… and relaxed immediately. He inhaled her scent and enjoyed the utter peace around him. Then he kissed her face and picked her up to whirl her around… she started to giggle and he chuckled in amusement when he saw her blushing cheeks. “What are you doing?” She asked now laughing. “I’m going to kiss you hello!” He dropped her back on the floor before he kissed her hungrily. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she greedily returned his kisses. “Wow… why does your kiss always taste like the very first one?” He chuckled softly and kissed her again. This time more gently… “Don’t know… it’s a gift, I guess. I hope you’ll never get tired of them or me!” “I won’t … never.” The promise that glittered in her eyes made his day complete and he caressed her cheek for a moment. Then he stepped back and took her hands in his. He raised an eyebrow as he absorbed every detail of her appearance. “You’re wearing a Forrester original – again.” “I was shopping today… it simply jumped at me, you know.” “I see… you look beautiful.” “Thank you…” She gave him a smile and entwined her fingers with his. “Dinner? I’ve bribed the chef to cook your favourites…” The wink she gave him seduced him more than the promise of a luxurious meal ever could. He loved her eyes. This certain blue that made his heart jump with happiness and let his stomach knot… “The Lady still aims to please…” “Well, yes… do I succeed?” “Oh, definitely…” His husky answer faded slowly into an arousing silence and his decision was quickly made. Dinner could wait… for quite some time. “Let’s see what else you can do to please!” “You’ve no idea…” She replied and smiled as he quickly picked her up and carried her into the bedroom…
Chapter 38 Stephanie’s Hotel Suite Stephanie hung up the phone and turned on her chair to look at Eric who was still lying in bed. He was scratching his forehead and returned her smile… “I feel really spoiled by you.” “And why? Because I ordered some food?” “Because you pamper me night after night with…” “With what?” “With you… the food… everything.” She rose from her chair and climbed back into bed with him. He welcomed her with open arms and she snuggled up to him. “I’m sure a lot of women have done that for you over the years!” He pulled back and looked shocked at her. She had spoken the words with a tone in her voice he couldn’t estimate and highly irritated him. Was it just a certain façade of coolness she tried to keep up or was she really fooling herself? “Actually not…” He said slowly and added. “Why have you said that?” “Isn’t it true? You’ve told me about your marriage with Beth… We’ve known each other for how long now?” She shrugged and gave him a strange smile. “And you’re a man… a human being and you need…” “Yes, I am human but that doesn’t mean I used to sleep around over the last 20 years.” She swallowed and looked down. Still convinced that she didn’t believe him he made her looking at him again and said with more force this time: “Believe it or not before my daughter died you were the only woman I was with besides Beth.” “And after she died?” He didn’t answer her for a long time and then he said… “That was different and it’s over.” “It is?” “Yes.” “Who is she?” “Does that matter?” “Maybe it does. I don’t know.” He sighed and kissed her forehead. She never mentioned the matter before and he thought he could simply forget about it. He had never liked to talk about the past. What was done was done after all. And Leslie was gone. For which reasons ever. “It doesn’t matter. You matter. We do matter and no one else!” He smiled at her and after some moments she started to smile back. The glitter returned to her eyes and brightened her face. “Well…” She started and bit her lips. “In that case I have an announcement to make.” “Hu?” “I told you I was shopping today…” “Yes.” “Actually I found more than just one dress!” “I see…” She laughed when she saw his bewildered facial expression. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t clearing every shop in Bel Air… I was looking for a new place to stay actually and I found one.” “A place to stay.” “Yes, I bought a penthouse today. Not far away from your home…I’m sick of staying in a hotel and… ” “And what?” “I want to be closer to you.” “Closer than now?” He asked chuckling and she rolled her eyes. “Not like this, Stupid! Closer to your life… sitting here and waiting for you all day isn’t exactly what I was thinking of when I came to L.A.!” “Hm…” He believed that immediately and had often felt sorry for her when he wanted to keep her under the rug because he didn’t want to hurt his family. Wanting the cake and eating it was one of the weakest aspects of his characters and he sometimes hated himself for that. He hadn’t been quite fair against her and he knew that. And now she had taken matters into her own hands and he hadn’t expected she would. “So you decided to stay here in California. Because of me.” “For a while.” She blinked and after another kiss she climbed out of the bed again and slipped into her robe. “The food will arrive soon.” She said mildly and left the bedroom… A Restaurant in Downtown L.A. Connie Marone chewed on the last piece that was left of her steak and couldn’t help but glancing at Rick who had hardly touched his food and had only shifted the vegetables from one place of his plate to another one. He was pale and looked somehow sick. “I know I’ve asked you before but are you sure you’re alright?” “Yes, I am… just not hungry.” He said quickly and finally put his fork aside. “I see…” He wasn’t behaving normally for weeks now. At first she had thought it was because of his mother. Then she had comforted herself with the fact that it was maybe the company but she the more time passed the more she got convinced that something else was bothering him. And it was not his family or the business. It was she. He had never mentioned the wedding again. And that worried her deeply. “You know that you can tell me anything, don’t you?” She took his hand and gave him an encouraging smile. “I’m here for you.” “I know.” Could it be that he was looking sad right now? Not only sick to death but also sad and worn out? “Connie…” He started and the knot in his stomach tightened dangerously. “I’ve got to tell you something.” “Yes…” He took a deep breath and avoided her eyes. He seemed afraid and that wasn’t something she ever noticed about him. “I’m an idiot. A first class idiot…. And I don’t know how to…” “You don’t know how to what?” Her fear grew and she realized she was getting nervous. A bad sign. She tried to make eye contact with him what wasn’t easy because he looked anywhere but her. “In Monaco… I was so stupid… that one night…one stupid night! Can you forgive me?” Bewildered Connie started at him and waited for further explanations but didn’t get any. To her own embarrassment she started only slowly to comprehend what he was telling her. She couldn’t even name what was worse – the feeling of being an utter fool or the cutting pain of the having her heart ripped out… “Forgive you for something you can’t even name?” Her mouth was spilling the words in disgust and she pulled her hand out of his sweaty cold ones. “I didn’t mean a thing. It was nothing.” “Who was she? No, forget it, I don’t want to know! Give me the keys.” She stretched her trembling hand out and waited. “No, let’s talk!” “I don’t want to talk. Give. Me. The. Keys!” “It’s my car.” “I couldn’t care less!” She had raised her voice and the people at the other tables were turning their heads in curiosity. She rose from her chair and then finally he gave her his car keys. “I wish you wouldn’t do that!” “And I wish you had had your pants zipped!” London – Claire’s apartment The slender figure that sneaked into the room in the early morning hours didn’t bother to switch on the lights in the grand-sized bedroom. She knew the room by heart and she even knew that even when she wasn’t there he never rolled over on her side of the bed. That was only one of the settled things between them. Others were respect and devotion… and love. Leaving her shoes and her jacket and her skirt at the door and dropping her blouse on her way to the bed the woman did her best to avoid making any noises. She didn’t want to ruin her plan for their reconciliation. Today she had done something she had never done before. She had cancelled an important meeting for the next day and had jumped on the next plane to London to make up for a huge mistake she made in the morning… She still wasn’t sure if he would appreciate her spontaneous act but she wanted to try. She owed it to him and herself. And she wanted to show him that she still loved him. God knew she should show and tell him more often but she was like that and she wasn’t easy to live with. She gathered some courage and slipped behind him under the blanket. She loved the fact that he never bothered to wear a pyjama top in bed and wrapped her arms around him. She started spreading feather light kisses on his shoulder blade and his neck. He moved and awoke slowly under her tender caresses. “What…” He shifted his position and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw who was lying beside him. “Claire!” “Yes…, I’m here.” She fondled his cheek with her hand and moved slowly above him. He didn’t encourage her when she started to kiss his chest and slowly made her way up to his mouth. “Why are you here?” He asked and swallowed. He knew he couldn’t resist her anyway but pretending to do so for some time could save his pride a little. “I wanted to see you…” She said lowly and he could feel she wasn’t about to apologize. But she came back. That was more than he ever could have hoped for. “And your meetings?” “Postponed…” Her lips touched his and involved him into a slow but passionate kiss. His defences went down in a flash when he felt the remorse in her kisses and touches. His arms flew around her and he rolled her on her back. Another battle that was lost before he even had the chance to fight… “I love you…” She whispered huskily and closed her eyes when his mouth started to worship every inch of her body with his mouth… Stephanie’s hotel suite “Tell me about that apartment!” Eric refilled their glasses with some wine. Dinner was over for some time and they were sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace in which a crackling fire spread some warm light into the darkened room. “It’s a cosy place with the best view over the city you can imagine.” She said and added with a wide smile. “I want a place where I can watch the sun setting in the evening.” “Sounds beautiful.” He sipped from his wine and then he kissed her. “You taste like Italy.” She smirked and ran with her thumb over his lips. “I love Italy. Spent some time there when I was younger. I designed my best pieces in Italy.” “I know.” “How?” “You mentioned it in one of those countless interviews you have given over the years.” “You read them? All?” “Everything I could find…” She admitted with blushed cheeks and drank from her wine. A flood of guilt and love overwhelmed him again. With Stephanie one could never know what to count on but somehow she always managed to amaze him. Would he ever be able to keep up with her? Her devotion, her love? Why did he have the constant feeling that she had to give so much more than he had? “You’re amazing, do you know that?” “You aren’t so bad either.” They kissed hungrily and Eric put his glass next to him on the floor and took hers as well. “Time to go to bed.” He said and played with the sash of her robe. She smiled and leaned into another kiss. His hands slipped into her robe and then a harsh knock at the door of the suite disturbed his vision of the rest of the evening. He pulled back and gave her a look. “Have you ordered some desert?” “No.” She fixed her robe and rose from the couch. The person outside the suite yelled: “Mom! Are you here?” and repeated her frantic knocks at the door. When she realized her daughter was the one in front of the door Stephanie hesitated at first and looked back at Eric but then she heard the urgent tone in Connie’s voice and opened the door. A crying Connie stormed into her mother’s embrace and sobbed: “Thank God, Mom! Can I stay here for tonight? Just for tonight?” Stephanie held her tightly and caressed her hair. “But of course, Honey. What happened? Did anyone hurt you?” She pulled back to have a look into her daughter’s face that was swollen from crying and her make up had run all over her face. “What happened, Darling?” Connie didn’t answer at first and she tried to dry her face with the palms of her hands. “It’s Rick… I was so stupid. Who could think that Daddy could be right about him after all?” She laughed bitterly and went inside the suite while Stephanie closed the door. When Connie noticed Eric she stopped immediately and her eyes widened in surprise. “Eric?” “Hello Connie.” He said awkwardly and rose from the couch. So his son really messed it up this time. Not to mention the fact that Connie shouldn’t see him here with her mother. Connie’s eyes searched for her mother and wandered back to Eric. She noticed the robes, the fire, the dinner table and the candles around… she laughed again and this time it sounded anything but bitter. Actually it expressed all the coldness she felt inside. “I guess I missed a lot of things, didn’t I?”
Chapter 39 LA – University Hospital – the next day Diana looked across the room and although the roses around her actually helped improving her mood she still couldn’t smile. Smiling was something she couldn’t consider right now. The doctors weren’t optimistic about her paralysis. Actually one of the specialists had told her that it was almost impossible for her to walk ever again. “I’ve talked to some doctors in Europe. They said they would give it a try.” Diana turned her head and looked at the man standing at the window. She hadn’t expected to see him again. After their last encounter in Monaco she had thought he would prefer to stay away and in fact he had done so over the last few weeks. But today he had appeared in her room all of the sudden. And with him a truck of red roses. They were really everywhere. The scent they were spreading was bewitching. Still it was hard to comprehend this kind of behaviour. Okay, they had had sex before the accident had happened but hadn’t it been more revenge that had actually motivated them than any kind of romantic feelings? “Why are you saying this?” She asked coldly. She couldn’t say she liked the fact that he saw her that way. He only knew her as an agile, sexy woman and not as the wreck she was now. “Because I want you to talk to them. They can help you.” “Why do you want to help me?” “I like you.” “And you hate my father.” “Is that a problem for you? After all I’m here telling you about possibilities to heal not he. When was he here the last time?” Diana turned her head to the wall and looked expressionless at it. He was brutal and honest. But at least he was here. She hadn’t seen her father in days and her brother seemed strangely distracted every time he was around. “My father is busy.” “Did you know that Stephanie is living in L.A. now?” Massimo stepped closer to her bed and sat down on the edge. He took Diana’s hand and played with her fingers. They were cool although it was a warm day outside. She slowly turned her head into his direction again. “According to the movements on her bank account it’s obvious that she just bought some place in L.A. She’s going to stay here. You know what that means, right?” Diana didn’t react to that. So after all she had been right. Neither Stephanie nor her father ever had wanted to give up on their relationship. And after all why should they? Her mother was dead and buried and she was in hospital unable to move or stop them. And her brother? He was a fool and busy with Connie. Stephanie’s precious little daughter. “You need some warming up. Italy is perfect for a vacation… and for some healing! Think about it, Diana… It could be your chance for a better life – and some justice. I can take care of you. I can hire the best doctors and bring you to a place where you will have enough peace to get better.” Diana eyed Massimo and nodded. His offer was tempting and she imagined the pain on her father’s face when he learnt with whom she was and why. The paleness had gone from her face. Her eyes glittered coldly but instead of being warned or worried Massimo only recognized the wish to survive. “Alright… I’ll come with you. But no word about it to my father. Not yet.” “Anything you say.” Stephanie’s new apartment To waste no time Stephanie had already hired the necessary people to turn the place she just bought into a new home. Although the style of the interior designer was a bit too cheesy for her taste they had come to an agreement. She really liked light colours and modern furniture but it was also her wish to have warmth and timeless elegance from her home in Lake Forest around her here in California. Connie had only reluctantly agreed to come with her to have a look at her new home. She was still devastated about Rick and angry with Stephanie because she had found Eric and her in an explicit situation the night before. And of course Eric being Rick’s father didn’t help much to ease the situation. After Eric had left Stephanie had tried to explain Connie the situation but eventually the idea had been pretty bad and today the atmosphere between them was still tensed but at least they could talk about uncontroversial things like carpets and curtains. “The bedroom is nice. Big and sunny… but you need some paintings at the walls. They’re quite high.” “Actually I wanted to ask your brother to take care of that,” Stephanie answered while trying to estimate the size and the motives that could fit. “He’ll be delighted to hear that. After all he’s always looking for a job. Will you ask him before or after you had told him about the new man in your life?” Stephanie gave her daughter a look. Apparently the peace was over. “I don’t see the connection of asking him for some painting and my relationship to Eric!” “Well… I can imagine he’ll be as confused as me to hear that you and my supposed-to-be-father-in-law are having an affair!” “It’s not an affair, Connie!” “You and Eric are hiding in a hotel suite. What would you call that? And don’t tell me he has already told his children about you! His wife isn’t even dead for two months after all!” Stephanie took her time before she answered. Connie just put her finger in the wound. As if she wouldn’t be aware of the fact that the circumstances for her and Eric weren’t exactly appropriate. But after all her being tired of a hotel suite was why she had bought this apartment… and Eric seemed happy that she was moving to L.A. for good. “We just don’t want to hurt anyone.” Stephanie stated and turned her head. The view through the panorama window over the city was breathtaking. Oh yes, she wanted to stay and enjoy that view every day. “I bought this place to start a new life. And when Eric will stay a part of it I’ll be very happy about it. If not…,” she shrugged. She hadn’t even considered that Eric could not be part of her life. But what would happen if… no, she didn’t want to think about it and pushed the idea quickly aside. Connie didn’t seem in the mood to discuss romantic entanglements and remarked dryly: “Rick said something similar last night and he’s Eric’s son. Hope and pray that Eric isn’t like that!” Stephanie sighed and wished her daughter would soon find her positive attitude back. “I’m sorry for what happened between Rick and you but Eric and I are hardly responsible for that!” For a second Connie’s jaw dropped and then she looked aside. Something had obviously snapped in her mind and she said defeated: “I know… and still. You can’t tell me that this can feel right to you! The woman is hardly dead and you plan a future with her husband! And what does Dad day to all this? I mean he was hoping for you and him to bet back together!” “Your father and I are not going to get back together in any way and he knows it.” “That’s why disappeared from the face of the earth I guess,” Connie concluded sadly. “Am I only one who thinks the world is pretty sick sometimes?” Stephanie took her daughters hand and stroked it gently. She felt sorry for Connie and what she was going through but she couldn’t deny that she was relieved that it was over between her and Rick. The young man was hardly grown up enough to be a husband. But Eric and she were another matter and she needed her daughter to understand that. “Look, it’s hard to explain but what Eric and I share is not just some kind of teenage daydream! It’s real and honest and I want it to work. I know I hurt your father what I do regret but it couldn’t work out between us. Massimo and I had very different expectations of our relationship… and I just wished I had stopped it earlier before it all became so damn complicated. Can you understand that?” “Sounds reasonable.” Connie agreed reluctantly. “And now? When this place is ready… what will happen?” “I don’t know. I really don’t know.” “I see… “ Connie allowed herself to crack a smile and asked: “Can I tell Rick? He’ll hate hearing my mother replaced his…if that’s the only way of payback I can get, I’ll take it!” London – Claire’s apartment – bedroom He woke up with the feeling of a warm body pressed at his. As always when they slept together Claire laid spooned against him. He still couldn’t believe that she had cancelled an appointment to be with him. It was worth more than every apology that could come across her lips. He knew that only too well and he wouldn’t abuse it. Claire Richardson was a pride woman. Pride and very beautiful… there had been times in his life when he could only hope for some signs of affection from her side and now he was sharing her bed. If that was the closest he could get to her he had to take what she offered him. “How long do you plan to stare at me that way?” “Depends…“ he answered and caressed her naked back with his full hand. She was full of surprises as well. How long was she awake by now? “On what?” “How long do you plan to stay in bed?” “How late is it?” She turned on her back and he gave her his watch from the nightstand to check the time. “Too late to be early in the office and since on one is expecting you there anyway…“ he took his watch back and bent over to kiss her. “Good morning,” she greeted him with a smile when he pulled back. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” “I can’t complain.” She slipped closer to him and kissed his jaw. He closed his eyes when her lips explored the way down to his neck. Actually he should tell her about her daughter being just two rooms away from this but the idea faded more with every kiss she spread on his body. She certainly was a treat and knew how to play him… just as she did last night and as she was doing now. “And you?” She asked while pushing him gently on his back. “Restless.” “Then you need some distraction.” LA University Hospital Eric and a big Panda bear made their way through the hallway to Diana’s room. Before in the office he had been thinking about a present that could cheer his daughter up and he had remember that as a child she had loved panda bears. In all sizes and shapes. Stuffed animals, cups, cushions… even lamps with the motive of a panda she had had in her room. So he got the biggest and cutest he could find and had brought it here. Diana’s depression worried him deeply and he was sure that it was one reason for her paralysis. He reached Diana’s room and opened the door with some difficulties because of the big panda he was already carrying. He froze in the doorframe when he saw the empty bed. Confused he turned and stopped one nurse on her way down the hallway. “Excuse me… where is my daughter? Is there another examination today?” The nurse looked at Eric and shook her head: “Miss Forrester has left the hospital.” “What? Why, when?” “Actually today. The doctor told me you got informed… apparently she has decided to leave the hospital on her own free will.” “And where is she?” The nurse seemed rather uncomfortable now. Her cheeks became red and she had to clear her throat: “Well… a man I didn’t know by name had ordered a medical transport for her some hours ago.” He couldn’t believe his ears and put the bear on the floor. His voice turned louder and louder while panic overwhelmed him. Kidnapping scenarios popped into his head and he glared dangerously at the nurse: “A man you didn’t know?” “No, but the doctor knows him… I can call him if you want me to!” “Call him now!” He bellowed and paced her down the hallway to the counter. Impressed with Eric’s sudden anger the nurse dialed with trembling fingers a number and stomped with her foot while waiting for someone to answer her call. Eric stared at the panda that leaned at the wall and tried to ignore the knot in his stomach. Why should Diana leave the hospital? She was hardly in the condition to do so… and who was the man the nurse had been talking about? “Yes, Doctor Hardy… that’s Michelle… Miss Forrester’s father is here. Apparently no one informed him about her leaving the hospital… Yes… and the name of the man you talked to?” Eric took a deep breath and his impatience increased. “What was the name again? Ma-ro-ne?” She looked up to Eric whose jaw dropped. “Marone?” He repeated in utter disbelief. “Is he sure?” “Are you sure, Doctor? … Absolutely.” She hung up and shrugged. “Mr. Massimo Marone organized your daughter’s transport and said he would make sure you would be informed. Your daughter absolutely agreed with him. She wanted to leave on all costs.” The nurse eyed him with compassion. His anger had gotten replaced with sadness and yet desperation. “I’m sorry Mr. Forrester… is there anything I can do for you?” “Can I make a call?” He asked lowly and she nodded. She put the phone on the counter and left to give him some privacy. After he dialed a certain number he only waited with closed eyes until finally someone took the call… he felt as if hearing her voice was the only thing that could stop him from becoming insane… “Hi… oh Connie… can I talk to your mother?… Thank you. Steph?… Can I see you?… Please… I really need to see you… I need you… as soon as possible… thank you.” He finished the call and went slowly back to the panda bear. He picked it up and looked sadly at it. It had been chosen with so much love… and now? On his way to the elevator he passed the waiting area. In the corner of his eyes he saw a small dark-haired girl sitting on her mother’s lap cried loudly and heartbreakingly. “I want Daddy! Where’s Daddy?” The girl kicked and hit her mother with her legs and fists and the poor woman could hardly keep the child under control. Watching the scene didn’t help to improve his sad mood. Did Diana ever cried for him like that? “Daddy’s ill! The doctors are with Daddy. We can see him soon!” The young woman who was hardly in her twenties almost cried herself and without further ado Eric turned to them and put the big panda next to the seat of the woman and her daughter. “See what I just found?” He said and smiled at the girl who suddenly gave him her full attention. She looked at him with big wet eyes and touched the panda’s nose with her small hand. “Will you take care of him for me?” The woman stared at him and swallowed. “But Sir…” “No, no… it’s okay. Just take good care of him and Daddy. And be nice to your Mom, okay?” The girl only nodded under some last tears that fell down her cheeks and finally allowed her mother to clean her face. “What’s his name?” Eric thought for a moment and said then: “Benny. Very well… goodbye then.” He turned but the woman put the girl on her feet and grabbed Eric’s arm. “Sir? But why…?” He shrugged and smiled at the girl that tried to hug the big stuffed animal. “My little girl doesn’t need him. Not anymore. Good luck for your husband.” The woman nodded under tears and whispered: “Thank you.” Eric but himself loose from the little girl and rushed to the next elevator that opened its doors. London – Claire’s apartment – bedroom “We have a visitor.” Jerome announced as Claire climbed out of the bed to search for her robe. She stopped wrapping the sheet around her body and lifted her head. “And who?” “Our little angel.” Clearly surprised Claire sank back on the bed almost forgetting about the sheet around her… “Leslie? She’s back?” “Since last night… she isn’t exactly in the best shape if you ask me.” “Is she ill?” She asked immediately alarmed and rose quickly from the bed. “I think the decease is called heartbroken… but I didn’t ask her. That’s Mommy’s stuff!” “And your own heart was important I guess, “she scoffed. “But I see… That damn Forrester guy! I told her so! They’re all the same! Have you seen my robe?” Knowing that the tirade had just started he sank back into the pillows and covered his eyes with his hand. As much as he loved the lioness in her at times she was just too impulsive. Like now… “You don’t know that, Claire.” “My robe?!” “Bathroom.” Stephanie’s hotel suite She was nervous. He had sounded strange at the phone. She had never heard him like that before and she had the feeling that something terrible had happened. Fortunately Connie hadn’t started again to pick on her for her relationship with Eric and had simply left after Stephanie had hung up. She knew she was living an adventure here and the last thing she needed was a constant voice telling her that what she did was wrong. She was aware that she and Eric had only the weak basis of a one-night-stand and an extramarital affair, on which they were building their relationship on. No need of reminding her constantly. She threw the book she was reading aside and rose from the couch. Waiting for him was usually a pleasure because the anticipation was sweet and teasing but today it was different. He seemed desperate… for what reason ever. Finally, finally, she heard someone knocking at her door and rushed to the door to open it. As expected she found Eric in front of it. He had loosened his tie and the first few buttons of his shirt were open. His eyes were expressionless. “Hey… come in.” She took his hand and pulled him gently into the room. But instead of following her he was the one took unexpectedly action and swirled her into his arms. She hardly knew what happened to her when he involved her into a passionate kiss but she gave in and kissed him back with growing hunger. “What’s going on? Did something happen?” She asked after she could catch her breath again. Eric kicked the door close with his foot and kissed her again. He pressed her to him and ran with his fingers through her hair. His kisses grew wilder and she felt that her bewildered attitude was turning into passion. Her arms flew around his neck and she bent her head back to allow him access to the crook of her neck. “I just want you… I need you.” He whispered at the sensitive skin under her ear and tore with his trembling hands at her clothes until buttons flew around and seams got torn apart…
To Be Continued ...
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