Chapter 478
SIDE-BY-SIDE SCENE: SALEM P.D./J & D LAW OFFICES
AIDEN: A party, huh?
HOPE: Yeah. We used to have one every year in the backyard for the longest time. We’d have a barbeque, all of our friends and family would come and bring side dishes, and we’d just have a relaxing afternoon and watch the fireworks that night. We haven’t done it for a few years now, and I’ve kind of missed it. What do you think?
AIDEN: Well, Commissioner, I think that that is a spectacular idea!
HOPE: Great! Only question is, who’s gonna do the cooking?
AIDEN: Well, I’ve been known to use a grill in my time. I could get a few others to chip in, as well. I’m actually really excited about this! I’ve been thinking we should do something for the Fourth, and a party seems like just the thing.
HOPE: I’m excited too!
Hope looked at the clock on the wall.
HOPE: Well, I’ve gotta get back to work. We’ll go over the details and tell the kids tonight?
AIDEN: Sounds great to me. I love you, Commissioner Brady.
HOPE: I love you, too, Mr. Jennings.
Hope and Aiden hung up their phones and went back to work.
CHEZ ROUGE
Nicholas, Hadley and Vivian had gotten a table at Chez Rouge and were eating lunch. Hadley was telling them a bit about herself.
HADLEY: So, that’s when I moved to Salem. Of course, I had to get a job, and when I heard that Alamain Industries was being built, and that they needed secretaries, I applied. I was thrilled when I got the job.
VIVIAN (thinking): I’m sure you were, you little tart.
Vivian smiled too politely again.
HADLEY: And then, a few months ago, I helped out in the middle of the incident where Alamain Industries got hacked and, well, you know the story from there.
NICHOLAS: I know that you’ve been a wonderful personal assistant since then.
Hadley smiled.
VIVIAN: Tell me, dear, what exactly is your goal?
HADLEY: I’m not sure I know what you mean.
VIVIAN: Well, obviously being an assistant is a good place to start, but I’m certain you didn’t grow up wanting to be Nicky’s assistant. So, what do you hope to be doing at some point in the future?
HADLEY: Oh. At some point, I’d like to run a company. I’m not really sure what kind. Probably one that promotes environmental welfare, like Ecosystems. But, for the moment, I’m quite happy to be Mr. Alamain’s assistant.
NICHOLAS: Well, I don’t want to pull the cat out of the bag too soon, but I’m currently working on something. I know the idea of taking Ecosystems from Titan didn’t pan out, but there may be something in the works that would put us in competition with Ecosystems. However, this stays between the three of us.
HADLEY: Of course. That sounds really exciting!
VIVIAN: What about the rest of your time, dear? You’ve mentioned your brother and father. Have you seen them recently?
HADLEY: Not really. Not since I moved out here, but I talk to my dad pretty regularly.
VIVIAN: Is there anyone else in your life?
Nicholas’ eyes narrowed in Vivian’s direction.
HADLEY: Just my cat.
Hadley chuckled slightly.
HADLEY: No, I’m kind of married to my work.
Vivian smiled again and nodded.
DIMERA MANSION
Tony had come home for lunch, but was just getting his coat on to leave.
ANNA: Good luck with the rest of your day.
TONY: Thank you, my darling. I’ll see you tonight.
Tony and Anna kissed, then Tony headed for the door. There was a knock on it just as he was reaching it. Tony opened the door and took a step back.
TONY: Oh my...Peter?
Peter Blake stood in front of Tony.
PETER: That’s right, brother. I’m back.
