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                        Swans Crossing: Coming Home
                                  By J.K.
                                  © 2000

                                 Chapter 4

         * This story contains some profanity and some adult content *

	"What?"  Sydney couldn't believe that Drew had just said that he 
wanted her back.  She stared at him with disbelief.
	"You heard me, Sydney.  Why did you break it off?"  His expression 
had become sad.  He tried to read her eyes to give him some hint of what 
she was thinking, but he couldn't.  Only Garrett could do that.  
	"This is crazy.  We were only together for four months.  How could 
you love me?"
	"I do.  You don't have to believe me right away, but I do.  And you 
haven't answered my question.  Why did you leave me?"
	"Sydney?"  Garrett called from the top of the stairs, where he 
couldn't see them.  Drew looked at her with a mixed expression.  Sydney 
sighed.
	"That's why," she said to Drew.  "Yeah, baby!" She called back to 
Garrett.
	"Who is it?"  He asked as he came down the stairs.  He reached the 
bottom and stared at Drew.
	"An old friend from school," Sydney said smiling.  She walked over 
to Garrett and kissed him on the cheek.  "Garrett this is Andrew Davidson.  
Drew, this is Garrett Booth… my fiancé."  She watched his expression go 
from confused to wounded.  She felt bad, she did.  But there was nothing 
she could do about it.  And the last thing she wanted was for Garrett to 
get unnecessarily jealous.  Garrett extended his arm to shake Drew's hand.  
After a long moment, Drew shook it.  Garrett looked at him, confused.  
Sydney noticed that Garrett was dressed.  "Where are you going," she asked. 
Garrett turned to Sydney and put his hand on the small of her back.
	"Oh, I have to run to the office.  I just got paged.  I'll probably 
be back before six, though."  
	"Okay.  I'll see you later."  She gave him a quick kiss and he 
headed for the door.
	"Nice meeting you Andrew," he said as he left.  Sydney and Drew 
stood there as Garrett's car roared down the street.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	Callie moved the last of her boxes into Jimmy's place.  She looked 
around and smiled.  Suddenly Jimmy came up behind her and picked her up, 
kissing her shoulder.  Callie laughed euphorically.
	"Clayton!  Put me down!"  Jimmy laughed and set Callie down, 
wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a long kiss on her lips.
	"You're sure about this right?  No second thoughts?"  Callie shook 
her head with a smile.
	"None."  Just then the phone rang.  Jimmy reached over and picked 
it up.
	"Hello?  Yeah…are you kidding me?  Crap…no, no…we'll find someone.  
Alright, thanks, man.  Bye."  Jimmy hung up the phone and rubbed his neck.  
	"What's up?"
	"Tim had to fire someone.  Now we're short staffed.  How am I going 
to find someone in time for Monday?  We've got a shit load of stuff to 
do."  Callie raised her eyebrow tentatively and cleared her throat.
	"You know…I, uh…I don't have anything lined up.  This freelance 
work isn't like an eight-hour-day thing.  I could cover for you until you 
find a replacement."  Jimmy looked at her and his face broke into a grin.
	"Baby, are you sure you don't mind?  That would really help out a 
lot."
	"No, I don't mind…it'll be like old times.  You and me fixing 
bikes, fighting over bikes, throwing parts of bikes at each other, riding 
bikes into each other," she joked.  Jimmy laughed and pulled her close to 
him.	
	"We weren't that bad, were we?"  Callie raised her eyebrow.
	"Jimmy, we almost gave Garrett and Syd some competition."  Jimmy 
laughed again.
	"So…we should probably start unpacking your stuff, huh?"  
	"Yeah…we should," Callie said smiling.  "Otherwise, it'll just sit 
here for weeks."  She started rubbing his chest and brought her face close 
to his.  "And we'll never move anything."  
	"Yeah," he replied, rubbing her back.  "So we should do that as 
soon as possible."
	"Yeah, like…in an hour?"
	"Or two."  Jimmy scooped her in his arms, kissing her passionately 
and moved them over to the couch.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	Sydney looked at Drew uncomfortably.  She didn't know quite how to 
explain the situation and he looked so hurt.
	"Your fiancée?"  He finally asked.  Sydney nodded slowly.
	"Yeah.  Garrett and I were together in high school.  It's sort of 
hard to explain."
	"Well, try.  Please."  Just then Dylan rode into the hallway on his 
toy motorcycle.  He stopped when he saw Drew.
	"Hey there, Dylan," Drew said.  Dylan looked at him blankly.  "Do 
you remember me?"  Dylan nodded slowly.  Sydney knelt down in front of her 
son.
	"Mom, why is he here?"  Dylan whispered.  Sydney smiled at how 
perceptive her son was and ruffled his hair.
	"He's just here to talk, 'D'.  Why don't you go ride that in the 
back yard…just stay away from the pool."  Dylan turned his bike around and 
wheeled himself into the other room.  Sydney turned back to Drew.  "Garrett 
is Dylan's father, Drew," she said simply. 
	"His father?  I thought you said Dylan's dad lived in New 
Hampshire?"
	"He did.  Garrett went to Dartmouth."
	"So what, you're getting married for the kid?"  Sydney looked him 
squarely in the eyes.
	"No, we're getting married because we're in love.  Garrett's the 
only man I've ever loved.  He's the only man I could ever love."  Her 
words hurt Drew and she could see that.  But she couldn't lie to him.
	"So why were you with me?"  Sydney sat down on the couch and 
explained as best she could, telling him about her history with Garrett 
and how they had parted after high school.

* Flashback *

	"Sydney, I don't understand.  Why are you doing this?"
	"Drew…I just…this isn't working out for me.  It's not you.  You're 
a great guy.  I just…this doesn't feel right."
	"Why?"  Drew looked at her, pleading for an answer.
	"Drew, please don't do this," Sydney said, trying to look away.  
She felt such guilt inside of her, but it was the only thing she could do.  
The way things were…it wasn't healthy.  Every look, every touch, every 
laugh…she wasn't seeing Drew.  She was looking at him, wishing he were 
someone else.  Everything that he did, she compared him to Garrett.  When 
he kissed her, she felt wrong, like she was being unfaithful.  She didn't 
know if this meant she would ever find Garrett and win him back.  All she 
knew was that when she went to bed every night, she wasn't thinking about 
Drew at all.  She cried.  She cried over Garrett and how she had hurt 
him, and how he had no idea of the beautiful son they had created 
together.  And she cried out of longing, for his smile, his voice, his 
arms, his smell…not Drew's.  "Look, I just…this isn't the right time.  
It's Dylan," she lied.  "He doesn't really understand any of this.  He 
knows you're not his father and I really think it's confusing him.  Maybe 
this isn't the best situation for him to be around.  And my first concern 
is with him, Drew.  I have to think of him first."  Sydney turned to Drew 
with a hard expression.  He studied her face.
	"Alright, Sydney.  If that's what you want, I can't force you to 
stay with me."
	"I'm really sorry, Drew."  
	"I'm not.  I'm not sorry for any time that I've spent with you.  
If you change your mind…you know where to find me."  He got up and walked 
away.

* End Flashback *

	"I thought that I'd ruined things with Garrett, so I was trying to 
move on," she finished.  "But the truth is…I was attracted to you 
because…you were so much like him."  She looked down at the rug.  "But you 
can't cheat love, Drew.  You're not him and staying with you just because 
you reminded me of him…it wasn't fair…to me or to Garrett …and especially 
to you.  You deserve to be with someone who's going to love you as much 
as you love them.  That's not me…it could never be me, Drew.  I'm sorry."
	"If you didn't call him or write him, maybe there's a reason, 
Sydney.  Are you sure it wasn't because you didn't want to be with him?"
	"I did want to be with him.  I didn't call him because of Dylan.  
If Garrett knew about him, he would've quit school and moved to Boston.  I 
couldn't let him do that.  He's my center, Drew…my soul mate.  I know this 
hurts you to hear, and I should've been more honest with you when I broke 
it off, but it's the truth.  I love him very much."  Drew stared at her 
for a long time, absorbing everything she had told him.  
	"Well, I guess I should go then."  He stood up.  "But this doesn't 
mean that I don't still love you, Sydney.  I'll always love you."  She 
looked away, feeling so guilty.
	"I'm really sorry.  I never wanted to hurt you."  He nodded, 
understanding.
	"I'll be in town for a while," he said.  "I hope we can still get 
together…you know, hang out…as friends?"  She smiled.
	"Sure.  That'd be nice."  She walked him to the door and watched 
him leave.
	Outside the door, Drew stood feeling broken-hearted.  She can't 
get married to that guy, he thought.  She has to be with me and I'll find 
a way to get her back.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	"Garrett, I paged you half an hour ago…where have you been?"  Mr. 
Booth looked at his son sternly.  Garrett grunted in annoyance.
	"I was at home…with Sydney, my future wife, attack me, why don't 
you," he muttered.  Mr. Booth's expression turned apologetic.
	"I'm sorry," he said.  
	"What's the emergency?"  
	"I need you to take over the meeting and brief everyone on the new 
structure."  Garrett stopped in his tracks.
	"That was the big emergency?"
	"I have a business meeting."
	"And Grant is paralyzed or something?"  Mr. Booth looked at his 
son in frustration.
	"Don't get like that.  Your brother's got a lot of other work to 
do."  Garrett dropped his files on his desk and began sorting through them.
	"God forbid you bother Grant for anything, Dad," he mumbled.
	"What?"
	"Nothing."  Mr. Booth stared at his son for a moment and then 
closed the door.  He sat down in the chair across from his desk and looked 
him square in the eyes.
	"What's the matter with you?"  Garrett sat down and ran his hands 
through his hair, sighing deeply.  "You've been edgy with me for the past 
three weeks and I honestly don't know where it's coming from.  I have you 
in charge of all of this because you're good at it Garrett.  You know 
that."  Garrett turned to look at his father.  
	"Did you ever stop to think about whether this is what I want?"  
Mr. Booth raised his eyebrows in surprise.  
	"I guess I always assumed you did.  You turn down a high paying 
job in New York City to come here…what am I supposed to think?"  
"Forget it," he said shortly.  "I'll take the meeting."  Garrett sat back 
with a frustrated scowl.  Mr. Booth rose from his chair in resignation. 
"I can't read your mind, Garrett.  If you want to tell me something, you 
have to talk to me."  
"It's been a while since you've listened, Dad.  You know, I'm not Grant, 
you don't hate Mila's mom, so…I guess I understand."  Mr. Booth walked 
toward the door, shaking his head.
"You've got me all wrong, Garrett…you really do."  With that he walked out 
and closed the door.  Garrett leaned over his desk and stared at the 
picture of him with his college baseball teammates.  He picked it up, 
remembering the smell of the dugout and the dust on the pitcher's mound 
and he managed a small smile.  Sighing heavily, he put the picture down 
and walked into the meeting room.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	"So he just showed up at your door?"  Mila asked.  She and Sydney 
were sitting out by Sydney's pool, watching Dylan play in the water.  
Sydney had just told her about Drew and his surprise visit.
	"Yeah," Sydney answered.  "I don't know what he thought would 
happen.  I just don't know if I should tell Garrett."  She turned her head 
to look at Mila.  "How are things with you?  Are things with your mom any 
better?"  Mila shook her head and stared out into the sky.
	"What would you do if it was you?"  Sydney looked at Mila with a 
humored smile.
	"What are you talking about, if?  You know what I did, I chose 
Garrett.  Eventually Mother realized what she was doing and apologized."  
Mila laughed.
	"I don't think that'll happen with my mom.  She doesn't even 
understand what I'm angry about."  
	"It might take some time, Mila.  She hasn't really made an effort 
yet, so it's good that you're sticking to your guns.  Just…if she does, be 
fair to her.  She does love you."  Mila nodded her head slowly.
	"Yeah."
	"Mom, look!  I can dog paddle!"  Dylan yelled from the pool.  
Sydney grinned widely as her son frantically paddled with his arms and 
legs in the shallow end.
	"Look at you, little man!  That's great!  Wait 'til your father 
sees that!"  Dylan smiled happily and continued to swim.  Mila smiled.
	"So how does it feel?  You've got your family together now."  
Sydney's lips curled into a smile.
	"It's paradise.  I was really scared when I had Dylan…I didn't 
think I could be a mother.  But I took one look at him and how much he 
looked like Garrett…it was almost easy after that.  And Garrett loves him 
so much, it's like he never missed a thing."  Sydney let out a small laugh.  
"Garrett was fixing his motorcycle the other day in the garage.  Dylan 
came out and sat there, watching him for like three hours and Garrett was 
just talking to him.  He adores Garrett."  Mila looked at Sydney.
	"Do you ever feel like it's going by too fast?"  
	"Sometimes.  We can't go out as often as I'd like or stay out as 
late, but that's really a small sacrifice.  I haven't missed out on 
anything.  I finished school and I'm going to be working and Dylan's going 
to have everything that he needs.  I'd walk through fire for that kid."  
Sydney smiled as she watched Dylan blow bubbles in the water.  
	"And you and Garrett?"  Sydney's eyes watered slightly before she 
answered.
	"I feel like I can breathe again.  Just holding his hand…I know I 
could never fall in love with anyone else.  He keeps me sane."  Mila 
smiled, thinking of Grant.
	"I know the feeling."  Sydney looked up at her.
	"Is it weird…being with Grant?"
	"You mean because I used to go out with Garrett?"  Sydney nodded.  

* Flashback *

	"I can't believe you!"  Mila yelled.
	"I'm just asking, Mila," Grant answered.  
	"No!  I told you that already.  You think I'm lying?"
	"I don't know.  You certainly did a lot to try to get him back!"
	"That was high school, Grant!  Besides, Garrett doesn't even look 
at other girls now."  Grant looked at her indignantly.
	"Is that all that's stopping you…cause he's in love with someone 
else?"  
	"Oh my god, I can't believe this!  Look, Grant…yeah, I'll always 
remember Garrett…he was my first boyfriend.  But…that's all.  I didn't mean 
anything to him.  He's always loved Sydney…even now.  He hasn't heard from 
her in over three years and he's still hopelessly devoted to her.  I 
realized that before I even met you.  I don't even think about Garrett like 
that anymore…I love you.  Why won't you believe me?  Why did you come all 
the way out here to get back together if you were just going to pick a 
fight about Garrett?"  Grant stared down at the floor and then looked at 
her again.
	"So say the impossible happened…and Garrett suddenly realizes that 
Sydney wasn't the one…would that change anything?"  Mila stared at Grant 
in disbelief.
	"No…I can't believe you would think that."
	"He was your first love, Mila…you never lose it for your first.  
It just…scares me."  Grant's expression suddenly changed and filled with 
worry.  Mila's eyes softened.
	"No, Grant.  He wasn't my first love.  I never loved Garrett.  I 
never really knew him…and he never really knew me.  I was sixteen, Grant, 
and for me, I may as well have been ten.  I didn't know anything about 
love…not until I met you.  I don't have any feelings for Garrett…not like 
that.  I love you."  Grant looked up at Mila and walked over to her.  He 
leaned down and kissed her softly, wrapping his arms around her.  
	"I love you too," he murmured.  "I believe you…I'm sorry."  Mila 
reached up and embraced him, relaxing against him.

* End Flashback *

Mila shook her head slowly.  "I guess it was a little weird for him in the 
beginning.  But I don't really think about it.  Garrett was never really 
mine, anyway," she said, turning to smile at Sydney.  Sydney looked down 
with a modest grin.  "He's always loved you, Sydney.  Besides, Grant is 
nothing like Garrett."  
	"Tell me about it."  They both started laughing. 

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	Sydney came back in the house with Dylan after Mila had left.  
Dylan ran past Sydney up the stairs, heading for his room.
	"Change your clothes before you sit anywhere!"  Sydney called 
after him.
	"Okay," Dylan answered.  Sydney walked inside to find her mother 
in her study looking through bridal catalogues.  She laughed when she saw 
what she was doing and gave her a hug.
	"You couldn't wait to dive in, huh?"  Margaret smiled sheepishly.
	"I only have one daughter, after all.  Have you picked out a dress 
yet?"
	"Actually, yes.  I found the perfect dress the other day.  I'll 
pick out the bridesmaid dresses next week."
	"What about the entertainment and flowers…oh, and the food?"  
	"Mother, relax!  We haven't even set a date yet!"  Sydney laughed 
again.
	"Sydney, it'll be here before you know it.  I just want it to be 
perfect for you."
	"I know.  I'll talk to Garrett tonight and we'll set a date.  
Until then, please try not to do everything at once, okay?"  She kissed 
her mother on the cheek and started to leave.
	"Who was that young man that was here this morning," her mother 
asked.  Sydney turned back around and looked at her.
	"That was Drew."  Her mother nodded, knowingly.
	"I see.  And he was here to try and win you back, no doubt.  What 
did you tell him?"  She stood waiting for Sydney to answer.
	"The truth.  I guess he had to know at some point."
	"Don't feel guilty sweetheart, it's better that he knows."  Sydney 
looked down.
	"I know.  I just didn't want to hurt him."  
	"Would you rather have him think that you felt the same way about 
him?  He deserves a little better than that…and so do you and Garrett."
	"You should've seen his face Mother…he looked so sad."  Margaret 
looked up at her daughter.
	"Sydney, don't make yourself crazy.  He'll get over it.  Besides, 
the last thing you and Garrett need right now is something else to delay 
your life together."  Sydney chuckled.
	"You're telling me.  Thanks, Mother."  She disappeared upstairs.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	Drew walked into the building of Booth Construction and got in the 
elevator.  He found Garrett's office and approached the secretary.
	"May I help you, sir," she asked.  He looked around for a moment.
	"I'm here to see Mr. Booth."
	"Which one?  There's Grant Booth, Jr., Grant Booth III, and-"
	"No, I'm here to see Garrett."  She picked up the phone and dialed 
a number.
	"Who should I say is here?"
	"Andrew Davidson."  She waited with the phone to her ear.
	"Mr. Booth, there's an Andrew Davidson here to see you."  She 
listened to his response and put the phone down.  "Go ahead."  He entered 
the office and stopped for a moment, taken aback by the size of it.  It was 
evident that Garrett was an important man.  Garrett sat at his desk, facing 
his computer.  He looked at Drew with a suspicious expression.
	"Hi.  Can I help you?"  He didn't know quite what to make of this 
guy.  Drew regained his control and looked at Garrett with an arrogant 
smile.
	"Yeah.  I'm just going to get straight to the point here.  You have 
something that belongs to me and I want it back."  Garrett raised an 
eyebrow and stood up.  He was already in a bad mood and now he had to deal 
with this stranger that just showed up on Sydney's doorstep.  "And what is 
that?"
	"Sydney Rutledge."  Garrett's expression darkened and Drew couldn't 
help but be a little intimidated.  Garrett had that kind of presence.  
"I'm in love with her and I want her back.  But she's a little confused by 
her feelings for you."  Garrett walked around his desk and stared at Drew 
coldly.
	"Maybe you didn't catch it the first time, but she's engaged…to 
me.  You're really not a part of the picture here, Andrew.  I realize that 
you're a little in the dark about our history, but believe me when I tell 
you that she is far from confused."  He paused for a moment in thought.  
"Is Sydney aware that you're still in love with her?"  Drew smiled 
confidently.
	"Yes.  But she's marrying you for Dylan.  It's only a matter of 
time before she realizes that she loves me."  Garrett's eyes danced with 
amusement.  
	"Is that what she told you?"  Garrett asked, raising a knowing 
eyebrow.  Drew's expression faltered.
	"Not in so many words, but…she belongs with me.  You don't know me 
very well, but you should know that when I set my sights on something, I 
get it."
	"Really?  Well, I think you'd benefit from understanding that you 
know even less about me.  Sydney never belonged to you and you don't really 
know her very well her if you believe that she did.  She doesn't 'belong' 
to anybody and if you try to convince her that she does, your little plan 
is going to backfire.  Nobody tells Sydney what she wants and I can't think 
of anything else that would make her see red.  She's made a choice, my 
friend and I'm afraid you've been passed over."  Garrett walked to the door 
and opened it.  Drew eyed him warily.
	"We'll see about that," he said as he walked out of the office.  
Garrett slammed the door after him and breathed deeply to calm his anger.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

* New York City *

	Sandy followed Sam, her manager, as he led her around the room, 
introducing her to all the big name recording people that were at the 
party.  Owen stood back, feeling a little neglected.  
	"Hey Owen."  Owen turned and saw Ryan standing next to him.  Ryan 
discovered Sandy.  He had heard her singing with Owen's band and 
immediately approached her about cutting a demo tape.  He was like a father 
to her.  
	"Hey Ryan."  Ryan looked over at Sandy.
	"Looks like our girl's working the room."  Owen followed his stare.
	"Yeah," he said, rather shortly.  Ryan turned back to Owen.
	"What's wrong, buddy?"
	"Nothing…really.  I'm proud of her, believe me…it's just…Sam.  I 
feel like he's…corrupting her or something.  He's really eager to pull her 
away from everything that doesn't involve him.  I'm just afraid she's 
buying into it."  Ryan nodded his head.
	"I know what you mean.  I haven't told Sandy, but…I think once the 
album is out…I'm out.  Sam doesn't like her working with us small time 
recording engineers."  Owen widened his eyes.
	"You're kidding, right?"  Ryan shook his head sadly.  "That's 
bullshit, man."
	"Yeah."  He sighed.  "So, are you sticking around for a while?"  
	"No…I'm pretty tired.  I have a rehearsal early in the morning 
too."  Ryan patted his arm.
	"I'll see you later, then."  He walked away.  Owen set his 
champagne glass down and walked over to Sandy.  
	"Hey, you ready to get out of here?"  Sandy looked at Owen.
	"Oh, baby…just a few more minutes.  Sam wants me to meet some other 
people that might be interested in directing the video."
	"Baby, I know this is important…but I'm really tired."
	"I know, sweetie…but Sam said-"
	"What else does Sam say?"  Sandy looked at Owen with hurt in her 
eyes.
	"You don't need to snap at me.  This is a really big deal Owen."
	"I know that.  But I haven't seen you that much in over a month, 
Sandy.  Sam says you should get rest, so you start skipping my gigs.  Sam 
says you need to fix some songs, so you cancel lunch.  I have a very good 
idea of what's important to you.  Thanks a lot."  Owen turned away angrily 
and started to walk away.  Sandy grabbed his arm and led him into the 
hallway.
	"What do you want from me?  I can't just walk away.  This is what 
I've dreamed of my entire life.  I'm not willing to jeopardize it when it's 
still so early."  Owen stared Sandy in the eyes.
	"Are you willing to sell out your friends?"
	"What does that mean?"
	"Why don't you ask Sam?  Ask him who's going to be recording your 
next album once you've hit it big.  I don't think it'll be Ryan."  Owen 
grabbed his coat and walked out of the party.     

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

	That night, Garrett walked into the house and found Sydney was 
already home.  His mind was clouded.  All he could think about was what 
Drew had said to him in his office.  'She's marrying you for Dylan…' the 
thought was starting to get to him.  He walked into the den and found her 
watching television with Dylan.
	"Hi, baby," she said, looking up at him with a smile.
	"Hi Dad," Dylan said.  Garrett gave his son a half smile.
	"Hi."  He stared at Sydney for a moment.  "So…are you going to tell 
me about this Andrew character, or were you waiting for me to bring it up," 
he asked, his voice biting slightly.  Sydney looked up from the television, 
her eyebrow raised.  
	"Dylan, why don't you go play in your room now," she said.
	"Okay."  He got up and headed up the stairs.  When Sydney heard 
him close the door to his bedroom, she turned back to Garrett and stood up.
	"Please don't snap like that in front of him," she said calmly. 
	"You didn't answer me, Syd…who is that guy and why does he think 
you're in love with him?"  Garrett started to raise his voice.  Sydney 
tried to control herself.  She knew Garrett was upset and he had every right 
to be.
	"Garrett, please calm down.  He's nobody.  I told you, he's just 
an old friend from college."  
	"Bullshit, Sydney.  He thinks he's got some kind of claim on you…
why?"
	"Are you accusing me of something?"  Sydney asked indignantly.
	"I'm not accusing you of anything, I just want some answers!" 
	"Don't yell at me," she shouted back.  "God, I hate fighting with 
you and I'm not doing this now!"  Sydney walked out of the room angrily 
and up the stairs.  Garrett took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling, 
sighing heavily.  He went after her into the bedroom and closed the door.  
Sydney was standing at the window, staring out into the sky.
	"I'm sorry," he said, forcefully.  Sydney looked at him with 
genuine hurt in her eyes.
	"You know I hate fighting with you," she said again quietly.  
Garrett suddenly felt so foolish.  He wasn't even that mad about Drew, but 
it had set him off.  Still, he was yelling at the wrong person.  He 
remembered the last time he lost his temper and got jealous.  He'd made one 
of the biggest mistakes of his life and they had ended up breaking up for 
a month, one of the most torturous months he could remember.  He'd spent 
the last four years wishing Sydney was back in his life and now he was 
risking losing her again…and over what?  His eyes softened and his angry 
scowl vanished.
	"Baby, I'm sorry," he said gently.  He walked over to her and 
cupped her face in his hands.  He kissed her gently.  "I'm sorry.  I'm an 
asshole.  I don't know what's wrong with me."  Sydney put her hands on his 
waist and sighed.    
	"I wasn't trying to hide anything from you," she said reassuringly.  
	"I know," he said sincerely.  He touched her face lightly with the 
back of his hand.  "I know that."
	"Drew's the 'someone' I was dating in school.  He came to try to 
get back together.  I told him it could never work out and why I broke up 
with him in the first place."
	"He didn't know?"  Sydney shook her head.  
	"I didn't want to hurt him, you know?  I still care about him as 
a friend and everything."  She looked into his eyes.  "How did you know?"  
Garrett looked down and ran a hand through his hair.
	"I…uh…I received a rather unpleasant visit from him today at the 
office.  He said some things…"  
	"What did he say?"  Sydney's eyebrows shot up.  
	"Something to the effect that…you were only marrying me so I would 
stay in Dylan's life."  Sydney's eyes widened with anger.
	"I can't believe he did that!"  She looked in Garrett's eyes.  
"You don't believe him, do you?  You know that's not true.  I love you, 
Garrett."  She put her hand over his heart and he covered it with his own.
	"No, I don't believe him.  I believe what you tell me.  I guess it 
just hit a nerve.  I just go ballistic when it comes to you, Syd.  The 
thought of losing you again…" Garrett sighed.  Sydney's eyes softened.
	"Baby, I'm sorry.  I would've told you, but you had to go and 
everything and I just didn't think to call you later-"  Sydney was 
interrupted as Garrett kissed her suddenly.  He put a hand on the back of 
her head as he pressed his lips deeply against hers.  As he pulled away, 
his hand came up to caress her cheek.  
	"It's okay," he said tenderly.  "I'm sorry I yelled."
	"What's wrong," she asked gently, taking his hand.  Garrett 
inadvertently smiled.  Maybe his father couldn't read his mind, but Sydney 
certainly could.  She knew something else was going on.  He sighed and ran 
his hand through his hair again as he sat on the bed, pulling her into his 
lap.  
	"I don't really know how to explain it without sounding completely 
idiotic."  Sydney squeezed his hand.
	"Baby, I always understand…c'mon…" Garrett sighed again.
	"You really love your job, right?  I mean…you like going to work 
everyday."  Sydney nodded.  "I really don't."
	"So quit," she offered.  Garrett shook his head.
	"I can't.  I don't love my job…but I'm good at it.  And if I can't 
be doing what I really want, I'd rather do this than anything else."
	"What do you really want?"  Garrett brushed a strand of hair out 
of her eyes and gazed into them.
	"My whole life, there were only two things in this world that I 
loved more than anything else …you and-"  
	"Baseball," Sydney finished for him.  She moved out of his lap and 
sat next to him on the bed.  
	"You know, I had them do so many tests on my shoulder, just hoping 
at least one doctor would tell me that the rest of them were wrong…that I 
could still play."  

* Flashback *

	"So what's the what, doc?"  Garrett sat up, holding his arm 
protectively.  The doctor sat down examining the X-rays and reading the 
chart.  He looked up at Garrett with regret.
	"I'm sorry, Garrett…the tests say the same thing they did last 
week, and the week before that…and the week before that.  If you keep 
playing ball like you do now…you're going to do some serious damage to the 
muscle tissue in your shoulder.  As it is, there's quite a bit of scar 
tissue.  In a few years, you might not even be able to lift your arm.  The 
training involved with going pro…your career will be over in a few months.  
I'm sorry."  Garrett lowered his head in frustration.
	"So that's it?"  He looked up solemnly.  The doctor nodded slowly, 
his face lined with sympathy.
	"That's it.  You could always manage, Garrett…run a team, maybe 
even coach."  Garrett shook his head.
	"I'm a ball player, doc."  The doctor looked up and smiled warmly 
at Garrett.
	"Your coach…he speaks highly of you Garrett.  He describes you 
very simply…young, stubborn, driven…passionately in love with one thing…
baseball.  But I think he believes in you off the field too, Garrett.  
You'll manage.  You're smart, you're at one of the top universities in the 
country.  Just take it one day at a time."  Garrett stared down at the 
floor for a long time before finally meeting the doctor's eyes.
	"Passionately in love with two things, doc…now they're both gone."

* End Flashback *

	Sydney reached for his hand and he laced his fingers through hers.  
He looked up at her. 
	"I'd only felt that devastated once before."  He put a hand on her 
cheek and ran his fingers through her hair.  "When I thought I had lost 
you…" He stood up and walked to the window.  "I miss it Syd…I miss the 
crowds, the smell, pitching in 90 degree heat, sliding into the bases…it's 
one of the greatest feelings."  He turned around to look at her.  "When I 
finally accepted that I couldn't go pro…school sort of consumed me.  I 
didn't have you or the game, so I dove into my classes.  When I got the 
job offer from New York, I figured…I'd rather work for a company that I 
have a personal stake in…than turn into just another suit.  So I came back 
home."
	"That's why you decided to work for your dad?"  Garrett gave her a 
half-smile.
	"Well…that…and I thought there'd be a better chance that I'd see 
you again."  Sydney smiled widely.  "Anyway…I guess I'm not really over it…
I thought I was cause I kept myself busy…but, now that I have you again…
it's in my blood, Sydney, it always has been.  Dad never even gave me a, 
'Tough break son, I'm sorry.'  He's never even mentioned it.  He has no 
idea what it's like to love something that much and then have it taken away 
from you.  He thought it was just a hobby."  
	"Talk to him, Garrett.  He doesn't know you feel this way…and he 
won't unless you tell him."
	"It won't matter.  What can I do about it now anyway?  I'll deal.  
I have you and Dylan…I'll get over it."  Sydney wrapped her arms around 
his waist and hugged him tightly.
	"You shouldn't have to get over it," she said softly.  Garrett 
closed his eyes as he embraced her, comforted by the fact that she 
understood what he was feeling.
	"I love you," he whispered.
	"I love you," she replied.  She looked up at him.  "Hey, just keep 
thinking about our March wedding…honeymoon in Venice…it'll be great.
	"March?"  He asked with a smile.  "When did WE decide this?"  
Sydney laughed guiltily.
	"Well, we don't have to have it in March…I just thought with 
spring and everything…" Garrett smiled.
	"That sounds perfect."
	
                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

* New York *

	Sandy tossed and turned in bed.  Owen hadn't been home when she 
had come back from the party and she was getting worried.  Suddenly she 
heard him come in and start banging the drawers and cabinets in the 
kitchen.  She pulled her robe on and walked straight in there.
	"Where the hell have you been?  I've been going crazy!"  Owen 
looked up at her as he ate a bowl of macaroni.
	"I went for a walk…I needed to clear my head."  Sandy was beside 
herself with worry.
	"And you forgot how to use a phone?  You scared the shit out of 
me!"  Owen gave her a look of genuine remorse.  
	"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.
	"We have an argument so you decide to give me a heart attack, is 
that it?"  Owen was starting to get angry now.
	"I said I'm sorry," he said rather forcefully.  Sandy relaxed 
slightly.
	"It's okay…you were tired and cranky…I understand."  Owen looked at 
her with a raised eyebrow.
	"I said I was sorry for making you worry, not for what I said at 
the party."  Sandy stared at him in shock.
	"You completely went off on me, Owen.  You had no right to do 
that!"
	"Gee, Sandy…I'm sorry, you're right.  My girlfriend is none of my 
business.  You've only missed like every gig I've had since Sam became 
your manager."
	"Owen, we talked about this.  I told you that my schedule was going 
to be insane and that we probably wouldn't get to see each other.  You 
said you could handle it!"
	"I can!  I can handle you needing to be other places, Sandy.  What 
I CAN'T handle is that you don't seem to care about what I'm doing anymore.  
Am I just scenery now?"
	"Oh, fuck you!  I've never treated you like that, how dare you!"  
	"What about Sam?  Haven't you ever noticed that he's so eager to 
pull you away from the other people in your life?  If it's not about him, 
you don't need to bother."
	"What are you talking about?"
	"I don't think Sam sees the rest of us in your future, Sandy.  Ask 
him…ask him about Ryan.  See what he tells you."
	"You're being paranoid." Owen nodded his head sarcastically.
	"Fine…fine.  I'm the asshole…I'm being selfish.  Look, I'm tired…
I'm going to bed.  We can talk in the morning."  He stormed past her and 
into the bedroom.

                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
 
	That weekend, everyone met at the country club to swim and hang 
out.  Sydney and Garrett sat at the edge of the pool with their feet in the 
water.
	"Hey little bro.  Hi Sydney."  They both looked up and smiled at 
Grant.  "Have you guys set a date yet?"  Garrett and Sydney smiled at each 
other.  
	"Yeah," she answered.  "Guys!"  Their friends all turned to Sydney.  
"March 20th…don't make any plans.  We're getting married."  
	Everyone cheered and applauded.
	"It's about time!"  Garrett and Sydney started laughing.  The 
girls called Sydney over and she left to join them at the table.  Grant sat 
down next to his brother and stared off into space for a minute.  
	"It's a little weird for me to know that you're getting hitched 
first," Grant commented.  Garrett laughed.
	"Well, Syd and I have been together longer than you and Mila.  You 
won't be that far behind."
	"You know, while we were growing up, I always envied you."  
Garrett raised his eyebrows in surprise.  After a brief silence, he spoke.
	"Not that it's not flattering, but why?  Grant, you're the Booth 
golden child.  You're the one that always has Dad on your side."
	"Is that why you were always so pissed off at me?"  Garrett let 
out an embarrassed laugh. 
	"Maybe," he said.  "I don't know.  Dad was just always bitching at 
me for one thing or another.  Why would you envy that?"  Grant smiled and 
looked over at the girls' table. 
	"Because you never let Dad tell you what to do.  I remember what 
he said to you when he first found out about you and Sydney way back when…
you just yelled back at him.  I've never yelled at Dad before…to this day, 
I've never stood up to him.  I felt like I was weak.  Dad's praises didn't 
really mean anything to me because it always felt like he was just 
congratulating himself.  When you finally got fed up and moved out…it was 
like you had done what I had always wanted to be able to do."  Garrett 
stared down at the water as Grant spoke.
	"That doesn't mean that he never got to me, Grant."  Grant nodded.
	"I know.  But you know, Dad never praised me because he thought I 
deserved it more.  You never needed it and he saw that.  You didn't need 
him to encourage you for you to be competitive.  It's something inside 
you."  Garrett looked down.
	"I never realized, I guess.  I figured he'd just lost hope in me, 
so I just did my own thing."
	"I know.  I envied that…and I think you were like that because you 
had Sydney.  What you have with her…it's something really special.  Even 
a lot of married couples right now don't have what you guys have.  I felt 
like I was behind in some ways.  I was three years older than you and 
single.  You were only, what, fifteen? …And you already knew who the love 
of your life was.  I'd see you guys together and think that maybe you were 
just better at love than I was…and at independence.  Dad was the only one 
telling me he believed in me, so I just did what he said."  Garrett fell 
silent, as he got lost in thought.
	"Are you happy, Grant?"  He asked suddenly.  "I mean, do you like 
doing what you do for Dad?"  
	"Yeah."
	"Do YOU like it, or do you just think you like it because Dad 
wanted you to work for him ever since you were born?"  Grant thought about 
it.
	"I guess I really like it…why?" 
	"Dad never told you that I got recruited my senior year at 
Dartmouth, did he?"  Grant's eyebrows shot up.
	"For what team?"
	"Yankees…I would have started practice right after I graduated."
	"But you hurt your shoulder senior year…oh."  He looked at Garrett 
sympathetically.  "Sorry, man."  Garrett let out a bitter laugh.
	"You know, I didn't even get that from Dad.  Even 'Sorry' took 
too much effort."  
	"Garrett…Dad isn't good at that emotional stuff, he never was.  
He's trying, but it's hard.  Everything else in his life is business."
	"Even his kids?"  Grant let out a breath and looked at his brother.
	"He's just a man, Garrett.  He's not perfect either."  Garrett 
sighed.
	"I know, man.  I know.  Thanks, Grant."  Grant looked at him with 
an amused smile.
	 "So can this brotherly feud be put to rest now?"  Garrett laughed 
and held out his hand.  Grant shook it and they both got up to join the 
girls, who were laughing about something.
	"I've made a decision," Sydney said jokingly to Garrett as he came 
up behind her.  
	"What's that?"
	"If Mother keeps bombarding me with wedding plans, we're eloping." 
Garrett laughed.
	"I think you'd kill me if I actually let you do that."  Sydney 
grinned and turned to face him.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and 
kissed him deeply.  He smiled as he kissed her back and pulled her toward 
the lounge chairs.  She lay next to Garrett and he wrapped his arms around 
her.  They both looked up, watching Dylan splash around in the water with 
J.T. and Glory.  Garrett kissed Sydney's shoulder and she settled back in 
his arms.


                              To be continued . . .

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