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Post by fluffysmom on Jan 24, 2015 15:09:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the previews heroicmuse. Looks like a great week ahead. |
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Post by unavitasegreta on Jan 24, 2015 22:01:18 GMT -5
I hope Eric runs into Nicole!
I also hope that Jill will be okay! I like her!
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Post by heroicmuse on Jan 26, 2015 7:46:48 GMT -5
Cole knocked three times in succession at Jeff’s door so Jeff would know it was him. Jeff let him in, silently, and closed the door.
“Glad you called, dude,” Cole said. “Got me out of a tiff with my loser girlfriend.” Jeff’s face was stone cold, with no hint of a smile. Cole sat down on the edge of the bed. “What’s up?”
“What’s up is this,” Jeff said quietly. “Thanks to you and your stupid idea to set up that stoner, I’m going to have to suspend the business. I can’t do much now because even the cops can figure out that Rory’s not guilty if I keep breaking into dorms while he’s in jail.”
“It’s not my fault he fought back,” Cole said. “How was I supposed to know he had it in him?”
“I was better off alone,” Jeff said. “Now I have to get the cops’ attention off me before I can do anything else. And when I get back in business, I’m gonna go solo for a bit. “
Cole’s eyes flashed. “You can’t do that man. When I gave you Rory you promised me a cut, remember?”
“And it failed, remember? A cut of zero is zero.”
“Going solo would be pretty stupid,” Cole said. “I could go to the cops and tell them all about your little enterprise.”
“Not when your prints got all over my knife. See, I’m smart enough to wear gloves when I’m working. Apparently, you’re not. Besides, the cops would never listen to you.”
Cole scowled.
“So we’re agreed,” Jeff said. “You’re gonna lay low and stay out of my way. If I need you, I’ll call you.”
Cole nodded. For now, he thought. But just for now.
Kayla turned towards Chloe and Daniel. “I don’t think I need to tell either of you that making a scene like that isn’t good for Parker’s recovery. If anyone bothers you, just page me or Maxine and we’ll take care of it.”
“I’m as much to blame as Nicole was,” Chloe admitted. She sighed. “I’m not really mad at her. It’s just… I can’t do anything about Parker’s condition, and I just found out about it, and instead of being here with us, Daniel was with her, and…”
“And you lashed out at her because you can’t yell at Parker’s disease,” Kayla said. “Look, what I said to Nicole wasn’t just a nice way of telling her to get out of here. It’s really true that both of you are dealing with a ton of emotions now. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through.”
“You’re lucky,” Chloe told her.
“I am,” Kayla agreed. “If it was Joey, I don’t know what I’d feel or what I’d do.” She hugged her clipboard to herself. “Look, I meant to tell you both this earlier, but you didn’t stick around so I thought it could wait. We have a counselor on staff who specializes in helping families deal with this type of news. Maybe it would help both of you to talk through your feelings with her.”
Daniel crossed his arms. “No.”
“I know you’re probably not comfortable talking with a counselor, but trust me, Daniel, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or crazy.”
“I don’t have a problem with shrinks,” Daniel said. “Sometimes they can be a godsend and I have referred a ton of patients who actually needed mental health services to Marlena. But me, I don’t need to talk to somebody, and even if I did, this, uh, this Dr. Harper, she is the last person I want inside my head.”
“So you’ve met her.” Kayla gave Daniel a sympathetic half-smile. “She may not be very impressive on first meeting, but trust me, she knows exactly what she’s doing. So if either of you are interested - “
“You can forget about it, at least as far as I go. Not with her, not with anybody.”
“Chloe?”
Chloe shook her head slightly. “All I need is to spend as much time with Parker as I can.”
Paige hurried up to the front counter, just in time to see T sliding out the back door. She followed him.
“Um, Tad?” Paige said.
T turned around. “It’s T, not Tad, and following people into alleyways doesn’t strike me as a good idea.”
Paige crossed her arms. “I came out here because I thought maybe you were upset, but now I don’t know why I bothered.”
“Neither do I.”
Paige turned, intending to walk away, but T said, “But I don’t think it’s you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look, I’ve seen a lot of pretty girls come into the club, and I’ve even tried to go on dates with a couple of them, but it just never works out. There’s always someone waiting in the wings who’s better than me, at least in their eyes.”
Paige sighed. “You might not believe this, especially since I’ve been pretty mean to you, but lots of girls think you’re cute. Daphne, the friend I’m with, she really likes you.”
“And you?” T sighed. “You don’t have to answer. Look, JJ’s a standup guy. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but if you’re ready to give him another chance, don’t let a second-class chump like me get in the way.”
Paige shook her head. “JJ and me… we’re like two ships that passed in the night. We should have been meant for each other, but we just… weren’t.” She pushed her hair behind her ears. “Look, the reason I’ve brushed you off isn’t because I don’t like you. It just really hurt when I lost JJ and I don’t want to go through it again. My mom, she’s always saying, all guys will hurt you, just stay home.”
“Your mom doesn’t know what life’s about if she thinks that.”
Paige scowled. T said, “There I go putting my foot in my mouth again. I just mean, I get not being ready, but don’t decide never to be ready again, you know?”
The back door opened just then and Ben stuck his head out. “Hey T, the afternoon rush is starting early. Sonny wants you on the register.”
“I gotta get back to work,” T said, “but, I dunno, maybe we can continue this conversation later?”
Paige nodded.
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Post by Kpatch on Jan 26, 2015 11:08:38 GMT -5
Poor T! I feel so bad for him.
Daniel shouldn't be so closed off to counseling. I hope he reconsiders. More than that, I hope Parker recovers!
Cole is a piece of work! I hate him.
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Post by fluffysmom on Jan 26, 2015 12:27:25 GMT -5
I feel bad for T.
Chloe needs a supportive friend right now.
I hope Jeff and Cole get caught.
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Post by heroicmuse on Jan 26, 2015 18:38:10 GMT -5
Cole is a piece of work! I hate him. I hope Jeff and Cole get caught. This is only the beginning for Cole... but I'm old school; the bad guys will eventually lose. (Stay tuned...it's gonna be quite a ride!  Glad I'm making Cole as hate-worthy as he deserves. I can't stand the way he is being used on the show atm. |
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Post by unavitasegreta on Jan 26, 2015 23:22:47 GMT -5
OMG, T!!!!!!!!!!!! Get him a girl and boost that self-esteem!
Is Jill the "loser girlfriend"?! Wishful thinking, probably, but I like the idea.
I like Kayla in a leader-role and seeing her be in charge and taking control of a situation. You go Kayla!
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Post by heroicmuse on Jan 27, 2015 7:58:06 GMT -5
Marissa sat across from the housing person, trying to smile. The woman’s face was all business, and she seemed robotic to Marissa, but there was no one else who could handle this.
“And why do you need to move?” the woman asked.
Marissa’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you think?”
The woman looked her up and down. “I’m trying to help you; don’t get snippy with me.”
“Look,” Marissa said, “I don’t feel safe, okay? I know the guy who attacked me is long gone, but every time I walk into my room, it’s like he’s there. I can’t keep checking my locks and lying in my bed thinking about the attack. If anyone ever needed another room, it’s me.”
“Let me see what I can do,” the housing woman said. She typed something into her computer. “Unfortunately, there are no more single rooms available. Now if you’re willing to take a roommate, there’s a room open. Wait, no, it looks like another girl has already taken that spot.” The woman sighed. “It doesn’t look like there’s anything available right now, Miss. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t understand,” Marissa said. “I can’t stay in that room.”
“If you find an apartment somewhere, we will refund your housing deposit, given the circumstances. Otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll just have to live with this room for the rest of the year.”
“I. can’t. stay. in. a. room. where. I. don’t. feel. safe!” Marissa said, emphasizing each word to try to get through to the woman.
“There’s nothing more I can do for you. If you can’t deal with it, see a counselor to help you get over this.” The housing woman turned back to her computer, making it clear the conversation was over.
Paige went all the way around to the front of Club TBD before going back in to sit with Daphne. “There you are,” Daphne said. “I thought maybe you had a change of heart and went back to your mom’s.”
“Of course not.” Paige was annoyed. “I just didn’t want that bartender to think I was following him back inside.”
“So you do like him.” Daphne smiled, showing off two rows of perfect teeth. “Oh Paige, this is going to be so great. A total new beginning for you. New home, maybe a new boyfriend…”
“It’s not that serious,” Paige objected.
“We have to drink a toast.”
“Aren’t you too young to drink?”
Daphne gave Paige a look. “With soda, Paige. Relax.” She called Ben over and ordered two ginger ales, asking for them to be put in champagne flutes.
The sodas came. Daphne picked hers up right away. Paige followed suit, looking off into the distance as Daphne said, “To starting again and living your life the way you want to!”
Jeff came into the club just then. He stood in the doorway, looking around. His eyes locked with Paige’s as she and Daphne clinked glasses.
After leaving the hospital, Nicole went for a walk to clear her head. As she headed towards the park, she saw JJ on one of the benches, holding his guitar but not playing.
“JJ,” she called, trying to smile. “Just the man I wanted to see.”
“Um...okay.” JJ plucked one of the strings, then turned a tuning peg. “I’m actually kinda glad I ran into you too. I didn’t want to bother Daniel, but um, I wanted to know how his kid was doing.” He looked at Nicole’s tear-stained face and said, “I’m guessing the news isn’t good?”
“Not especially, but I’ll leave that for him to tell.” Nicole watched JJ continue to tune his guitar while she debated whether it was the right time to bring up her proposition. “Listen, JJ,” she said at last, “I don’t know if Daniel told you...actually he probably didn’t, what am I thinking?...anyway, I’m supposed to be looking for a college kid to take up some space in the office, and if you’re interested, the job’s yours.”
JJ gave her a puzzled look. “What would you want me for? I’m not, like, a news major or anything.”
“Believe me, you won’t be doing anything that’s out of your league. And seriously JJ, don’t sell yourself short. Back when your mom and I were on speaking terms, she told me how you saw through Liam way before anyone else did. I need someone with those kinds of instincts. Besides, I heard a rumor your dad was one of the best reporters this sleepy little town has ever had--that’s got to be in your blood.”
“I guess.” JJ glanced down at his guitar. “My dad, he passed a lot of things down to me, but being able to write and stuff, that one he gave to Abigail, not me.”
Nicole was silent for a few seconds, thinking. “Tell you what,” she said. “How about I give you something to do, and if you get it done, the job’s yours?” She flipped through the pictures on her phone til she found the one of Jeff she’d uploaded the night before. “I need to find this guy. You get him to me, you’re hired.”
JJ glanced at the photo. “Jeff?” he said, surprised.
“You know him?”
“He’s in a couple classes, that’s all. All he ever talks about is how he’s gonna do a story that, like, blows you away so much that you hire him.”
“I hate to burst his bubble, but... no, actually I don’t. He tried to scoop me on my own story, so his chances have gone from zero to about negative 150 million.”
“So what do you want with him?”
“Do you really need to know?” JJ gave Nicole a look and she said, “It’s nothing nefarious, JJ, I promise. Stop looking at me like I’m going to stuff him into an empty refrigerator or something. I just want to let him know that I’m onto him and that his plan isn’t working. So what do you say? Will you do it?”
JJ put his hand to his chin, thinking. “I want something from you too.”
“I’m giving you a job, the ability to train your investigative skills under one of Salem’s top underused reporters, some experiences you can use to enrich your music. What else do you want?”
“I need to know what’s really going on with these robberies.”
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Post by Kpatch on Jan 27, 2015 12:36:49 GMT -5
I'm thinking Marissa is going to be moving in with Eve! I love the idea of putting ginger ale in champagne flutes. Very creative! But OMG Jeff and Paige??? I'm scared for her. But I love the dramatic possibilities! A news major! LOL at JJ. THANK YOU for the reminder that his parents were journalists! And I loved Nicole's self-deprecative remark about being one of the best underused reporters, as well as the refrigerator comment. Really clever dialogue. Great chapter. I love how you have different characters' paths crossing. Excellent job heroicmuse! |
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Post by fluffysmom on Jan 27, 2015 21:19:45 GMT -5
Poor Marissa. The housing lady was so insensitive.
I'm worried that Jeff will go after Paige.
Great interaction between Nicole and JJ.
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Post by heroicmuse on Jan 27, 2015 22:39:59 GMT -5
A news major! LOL at JJ. THANK YOU for the reminder that his parents were journalists! You're welcome! It drives me nuts that on the show that's never mentioned. Both JJ and Abigail have, at different times, struck me as being able to follow in their father's' footsteps if they so chose, but it's never ever mentioned. So I was very happy to correct that problem  |
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Post by heroicmuse on Jan 28, 2015 5:38:43 GMT -5
Abigail was sitting on the couch, eating pasta, when Jen came through the door. Jennifer smiled at her daughter, or tried to. “I’m glad you’re here, honey.”
“What’s wrong?” Abigail got up, putting down her bowl. “Want some pasta? I made a batch of tomato sauce to go with it.”
“Thanks, Abigail, but I ate something on the way home from the office.” Jen sank down into the couch. “I do need to tell you something...and your brother too. He’s not home, is he?”
Abigail shook her head. She watched her mother rubbing the bridge of her nose and said, “What’d JJ do now?”
“What?” Jen’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, Abigail, no. Your brother’s just fine. I just… could you do me a favor and text him to come home right away?”
“Okay…” Abigail took out her phone. “But why can’t you do it?”
“I can. He’s just more likely to listen to you.”
Abigail put the phone down and sat down next to her mother. “Okay, Mom. Spill it. What’s really going on with JJ?”
Jen stared into space. “I don’t want to say anything until I hear your brother’s side of the story,” she said, twisting her ring, “but between you and me, I think JJ is starting to make some bad choices again.”
“Oh no, Mom. You mean, drugs, and… and acting out, and…”
“No, Abigail, nothing like that. At least not today. Aunt Maggie says we have to concentrate on what’s going on now, not what he might do later, and I am really really trying, but honey, Hope gave me some disturbing news today.”
“What news?”
Jen shook her head. “I have made so many mistakes with him, Abigail. I think talking about what he’s done behind his back without even giving him a chance to explain himself is probably another one. When he gets home, I’m going to need you to give me a few minutes alone with him.” She took her daughter’s hand. “But just know that if it’s what I think is happening, we’re all going to have to be stronger than we were last time. We’re not going to let your brother start self-destructing again.”
Abigail’s eyes were wide as she nodded and squeezed her mother’s hand back.
“Take a number,” Nicole snapped. “Everyone wants to know, and the cops aren’t saying anything. Even I can’t get anything out of them.”
“Guess you don’t need me that bad, then,” JJ said. “I’ll just try to find out on my own. Have fun looking for Jeff.”
“Wait, JJ, come on. Isn’t there anything else you want to investigate, besides Salem’s number one sensationalized crime spree?”
JJ shook his head. “My friend’s life depends on it. Nicole, someone set him up. He got robbed the other night but whoever did it, they made it look like he’s the bad guy. You help me, we can be the first ones to break this.”
Nicole thought for a minute. “You drive a hard bargain, JJ Deveraux,” she said. “Okay, but only cause I’ve grown to like you and don’t want you getting killed trying to unmask a violent criminal on your own.” She took out her phone. “Give me your number and we’ll get this rolling.”
Marissa didn’t want to go back to her dorm room, or even stay on campus, after talking to the housing woman. She went to Horton Town Square and wandered around aimlessly, thinking about what the woman had said. She stood in the same spot where JJ had stood the other day, looking at the bookstore window. The article she’d seen online flashed into her head and she tried to imagine him smashing the bookstore window. In her mind’s eye, though, she came up just as the cops were taking JJ away, and tears started rolling down her face as she chased after him…
She snapped back to reality. I have to stop having these weird daydreams, she thought. She went to the coffee shop and sat down, slowly, not really sure of where she was or what she was doing. She picked up her phone and dialed a number. “Dr. Evans? This is… this is Marissa Hunter. You know, the… the girl you saw in the hospital who was attacked?” She swallowed hard. “I… I think I might need to make an appointment.”
Jennifer and Abigail were both sitting on the couch, eating, when JJ came in. “I got your message,” he said to Abigail. “What’s up?” He looked at his mother. “Oh God,” he said. “Did… did something happen with Parker? I… I’ve been meaning to call Daniel, but I…”
“That’s sweet of you to worry, honey,” Jen said. “Daniel got some bad news about Parker, but he’s fine… well, stable, anyway, and guess what? Parker’s mom came to town to help take care of him until he makes a full recovery.”
“Chloe’s back?” JJ asked. “You sure you’re okay with that, Mom? I mean, I know what she did to you and Daniel before.”
“Oh, we decided to bury the hatchet. Parker’s more important than all that old stuff.”
“Mom,” Abigail interrupted. “What’s going on with Parker?”
“I think Daniel should tell you himself, if he wants to.” Jen blinked hard. “I know it’s hard for all of us--” she gave JJ a pointed look--”but we have to adjust to the fact that I’m not his other half anymore.”
“Do you think I should call him?” Abigail asked.
“If you want.” Jen was too nonchalant, making JJ even more suspicious that something was going on with her that she wasn’t saying. “First, do me a favor and get your brother some of that delicious pasta you made. I want to talk to him for a minute.”
Abigail left the room. JJ, crossing his arms, turned towards his mother. “Okay, mom,” he said. “What’s really going on?”
“Come sit down, honey,” Jen said. Her voice was even, but her eyes were hard and her lips thinned, and JJ knew he was in trouble for some reason. “I think we should talk,” Jennifer said, “about how you almost got arrested today.”
Nicole let herself into Daniel’s apartment, since she’d promised to house sit after all, though there wasn’t much for her to do there. No one had been there since Parker had gotten sick, and Daniel’s apartment was as neat and tidy as ever. It all looked too normal.
When she sat down on the couch, she was suddenly overwhelmed with memories. She remembered the time she and Daniel had kissed by accident but decided to forget about it, the time Daniel had comforted her after Eric had accused her of rape, the discussions they’d had about JJ when he was newly sober and Nicole didn’t trust him yet. She remembered playing games with Daniel and Parker. She remembered the day she decided to move out and Daniel had kissed her cheek and asked her not to be a stranger. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks as she kept thinking about everything she could have had if she’d pursued Daniel instead of Eric.
Her phone rang. Nicole breathed deeply as she answered it. “Hello?” she said, trying to sound normal. “Miles! I was about to call you. I found a - No, Miles, I didn’t have any luck tracking Jeff Adkins down yet. What? No, we shouldn‘t reconsider him. In fact, I hired someone else. You know what? I know it’s a shock to you, but I have other things going on, so you’re just going to have to wait til the morning.” She hung up.
There was a knock on the door just then. I am not answering that until I get a glass of wine, Nicole thought. Whoever was there knocked on the door again while she was pouring it.
She opened the door, wine glass in hand… and found Eric standing on the other side.
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Post by fluffysmom on Jan 28, 2015 10:46:05 GMT -5
I wonder what Eric wants.
I feel bad that Jennifer is so overwhelmed.
I liked hearing Nicole's thoughts about Daniel.
I'm glad Marissa called Marlena.
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Post by Kpatch on Jan 28, 2015 11:03:11 GMT -5
This chapter was so soapy with all the cliffhanger scenes. I wasn't expecting Eric to be knocking. This should be really interesting.
I think Jennifer is being overly dramatic. She needs to lighten up if she doesn't want to drive her kids away.
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Post by sevenna92 on Jan 28, 2015 12:04:24 GMT -5
Good thing Marissa finally decided to seek help. I just hate the sight of seeing her so tortured.
Also did not expect to see Eric standing in Nicole's doorway. Wonder what he wants this time.
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Glad I'm making Cole as hate-worthy as he deserves. I can't stand the way he is being used on the show atm.
