"It is so nice seeing the two of you together again," Gwen Mason remarked approaching Jude and Maura. Maura felt Jude tense at Gwen's proximity. Apparently, he still hadn't worked out his feelings for Gwen yet. He inched closer to Maura, almost using her as protection from his own mother. "I almost gave up the idea of you two ever working things out but I see I was mistaken. How are you dear?" She asked, turning to Maura. "I see your brother is home at last and he looks remarkably well."

"Jory's doing very well, thank you Mrs. Mason," Maura replied with a quick glance toward where she had seen Jory only moments ago. He had gone from the table he was sitting at and disappeared into the crowd of party-goers. No doubt, trying to escape the embarrassing antics of their father.

"Wonderful! And I am so sorry about Luke and Hallie...I thought they would last a year at least."

Maura bit back the comment she wanted to make. Instead, she simply nodded and smiled. If you haven't got anything nice to say, she heard her mother's voice saying, then don't say anything at all. And truthfully, she didn't have one nice thing to say about Hallie Lennox. She was a user and that was all. She was worse than Jillie when it came to men.

Gwen turned her focus towards Jude at Maura's silence. "I'm glad to see you, Jude. And I'm very glad to see you with Maura. Maybe you two can come to Four Winds for a nice quiet dinner...just the three of us," she added with just a trace of hope in her voice. Maura almost felt sorry for her. "We can talk about...your future."

"Our future isn't any of your business, Gwen," Jude said addressing her at last. Maura glanced up at his face, seeing the angry lines etched around his eyes. "Why don't you go pester Hallie or Dane. I'm sure they would appreciate it more than we do right now."

"So, there is no future between you, is that what you're trying to say?" She pressed, giving Maura a knowing smile. "I beg to differ. You should see yourselves. Such a beautiful couple with the world at your feet. You make everyone in the room jealous of what you two have..."

"I can't believe I'm standing here listening to this!" Jude snapped. "Would you just stop? Leave me alone. I never asked for you to be a part of my life, all right?" He touched Maura's arm gently. "I'm going to get myself a drink, would you like one?"

"Sure. I'll meet you over there. I'd like to freshen up a little," she answered giving his a reassuring smile. He stalked away, leaving Maura alone with his mother.

Gwen watched Jude walk away and sighed. "I guess I can't do anything right when it comes to Jude." She turned searching eyes back to Maura. "Are the two of you back together? Or did I completely misread your appearance here?"

"I don't know. I wish I did." Maura pulled at the shawl around her shoulders to keep it from slipping off completely. "He just showed up at my home this evening, volunteering to be my date."

"Then you must be together. I can't tell you how happy it would make me to see Jude happy and cared about by a good woman, Maura."

"Mrs. Mason...if I could offer you some advice about Jude?" Maura asked, hesitating slightly. Gwen intimidated her and just about everyone else in the town but someone had to speak to her plainly. Gwen raised an eyebrow and nodded in ascent. "Well, you seem to approach him as if nothing ever happened. But something did happen between the two of you and you should at least acknowledge that. He is your son and he knows it. But you're still treating him like a nephew. Now, I don't think he necessarily wants you to treat him like a son...maybe if you eased up on this whole 'one big happy family' routine with him, he might be more receptive to your peace offerings."

"I'll take your advice into consideration, Maura. Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me, I should find Dane and pester him as Jude so eloquently put it. And you should get back to Jude."

Maura exhaled as Gwen went off in search of her nephew. Far be it from Maura to offer advice to anyone but at least it was taken in the manner it was offered. She looked towards the bar where Jude stood and gave him a quick wave before heading off to the ladies room. She hated to admit it, if only because it would get her hopes up, but she was enjoying herself for once and it seemed as if Jude was as well. She stepped into the ladies room, laying her shawl across an empty chair.

She fluffed her hair a little and touched up her lipstick. Just as she finished up, the door opened and Gina entered the room. "Your friend said you were here," she said without greeting. "I need to talk to you. It's about your brother."



Scene 2:

Jillie stood to the side of the country club's lavishly decorated banquet hall, her crystalline gaze roaming aimlessly amidst the crowd of guests at the Moonlight and Roses Ball. Her ears were assaulted with the sounds of chattering guests and tinkling glasses, practically drowning out the background music.

So this was what it was like to attend a social function stag. Tipping her empty wine glass upside down, she watched as the last drop rolled slowly down the concave inner surface. It wasn't a sensation she was ultimately sure she enjoyed. Placing her glass on one of the tables, Jillie glanced around again, a frown marring her beautiful face. It was a sad state of affairs when Maura had a date and she did not. Of course, she'd assumed Maura would be tagging along with Jory and Georgia, which was why she'd opted to go on her own. The idea of spending the evening with that trio was utterly dreary. Then again, her night wasn't turning out any better.

"You're looking incredibly...lonely tonight."

By the sound of that voice, Jillie judged that her evening had just gotten impossibly worse.

"Has the infamous Jillian Conlan finally worked her way through every available man in the Glen?"

Jillie spun around, her smile brittle as she gave Leo a once over. It would have been a much more pleasurable experience if the man didn't look so damn good in his tux, the crisp black and white stark against his dark complexion and even darker hair. "And even some of the unavailable ones. What's your excuse?"

"Who said I needed one?" Leo asked, nodding over her shoulder. Instinctively, Jillie glanced in that direction, instantly recognizing the chestnut haired, green-eyed female student who waved back at him.

"I'm glad to see you're not ethically challenged. Don't you think she's a little young for you?"

"Afraid of the competition?"

"Haven't we been over this before?" she smiled sweetly, turning away from the sight of the young woman. "If you were the last man on Earth, I'd seriously consider becoming a lesbian."

Leo's eyes raked over her, from the top of the wild array of golden curls gloriously piled at the crown of her head, to the tip of her far-too-expensive shoes. But it was the in-between parts where his gaze probably lingered the longest, her strapless gown of sapphire satin hugging every single one of her gravity-defying curves. "So...you're saying I have a chance?" he replied caustically, strategically waiting another moment before letting his eyes meet hers again.

Jillie rolled her eyes in disgust. "For the record...no."

"You know, I can't help but sense the overwhelming hostility rolling off of you in waves. Call me crazy, but even I'm not hot enough to bring you to a boil this quickly. What's gotten under your skin?"

She opened her mouth to reply, but snapped it shut quickly. "Why should I tell you?" Jillie asked, her gaze narrowing suspiciously.

"Forgive me for being curious," he grinned, shrugging carelessly. "Maybe I'm just looking for pointers."

"Sorry to disappoint, but class is out for the evening. Maybe you can pick up a tutorial at a later date and time."

"I suppose this is one case where sleeping with the instructor isn't going to earn me bonus points?"

Jillie rolled her eyes again. "Speaking of which," she sighed, changing the subject, "isn't your date waiting for you? Probably want to enjoy her while you've got her. I suspect you have to get her home before bed time?"

"Bed time happens to be exactly what I'm waiting for," Leo told her unabashedly.

"You're absolutely disgusting," Jillie groaned. Inhaling deeply, she straightened stiffly, suddenly riveted by something she saw in the crowd of dancers in the middle of the room.

Leo noticed the difference and asked her about it, but she shrugged off his hand. "What is it, Jillian?" he repeated more firmly.

"Nothing. I have to get out of here," she muttered, more to herself than to him. Not bothering to explain, she fled through the nearest open doors that led out onto the country club grounds.

Confused, Leo glanced back in the direction she'd been staring, his own blood running cold. But he had the feeling the man watching from the shadows hadn't been the key to sending Jillie running off.



Scene 3:

Noah took Piper's shawl and checked it at the counter, thanking the ticket girl quickly before returning to Piper's side. The country club was decked out in roses and more roses with the terrace doors thrown open for a view of Swan Lake just beyond the golf course. He slipped his hand in Piper's and gave her a smile. He was just glad they had stopped arguing at last.

"What do you think?" He asked nodding towards the open room.

"Lots of roses," Piper laughed softly, slightly behind Noah as though he were her armor. The aqua colored dress made her a little self conscious. She tended to stick to basic neutrals at events like these, but Jewel had managed to make the dress within a short period. The design was simple, but the color noticeable. It made her eyes, which were accented by subtle blue-green eye shadow, shine bluer. Her hair had been tousled into soft waves by Jewel. Piper felt she belonged under the sea and she wished she were there away from everyone and their knowing eyes. Maybe coming had been a bad idea... Piper stopped in her tracks, hesitating. Noah looked back to see what was wrong and Piper quickly shook the feeling off. She didn't want Noah seeing just how pathetic she could be.

"I hope we don't bump into my dad," she commented.

"I think you should plan on it," Noah returned jerking his head towards the buffet. "He's over there. But I'll run interference for you so you won't have to talk to him. Okay?"

Piper nodded in agreement, "have you met his new....," she searched for the right word because the last word she wanted to say was girlfriend, "date whatever she is to him? Maura says she's awful."

"I waited on her the day Mr. Conlan met her. She's..." He searched his mind for the right word. "Opinionated. I can see why Maura doesn't like her." Which he could. Gina Corelli had stepped in and made Mr. Conlan a new person, something Maura had been trying to do for a long time. Noah actually liked Gina. More than any of the Conlans actually did at any rate. "Keep an open mind, though, Piper," he added. "Maybe she isn't so bad after all."

"If she doesn't try to play the role of mother to me, I'll be fine," Piper remarked, bumping shoulders with Melissa Cravens.

"Piper, wow, I can't believe you're here!" Missy cooed, glancing to Noah and smiling.

Piper's eyes widened, "yeah," she returned, holding the word out and hoping it would be enough conversation to satisfy Melissa Cravens.

"So, how are you?" Missy asked, brows furrowing in concern as she placed a hand on Piper's upper arm.

Piper frowned at Melissa and casually shrugged her off.

"Oh, I'm great," Piper answered dryly.

"That's great!" Missy laughed. "Me, I'm okay, what with the Tyler Jones thing and him kidnapping Dinah. Tell me, have you heard from Dinah any?"

"No, I haven't, but Dinah can take care of herself, you lying bitch," Piper replied, her words laced with saccharine. "Whoops, did I say that aloud? Didn't mean to, must be some psychological damage from being abducted." Piper smiled and breezed past Melissa, pulling a stunned Noah with her.

"Whoa," Noah said reigning Piper back after they were clear of Melissa Cravens. "Where did that come from?"

Not even listening to what Noah said, Piper released some of her restrained fury. "I can't believe that spoiled rich brat! Acting as though we both have something in common now that I've been abducted and she's been nearly raped. We all know she's just in desperate need for attention!" Piper snapped in a low whisper. Her thoughts suddenly turned to Dinah making her wonder if Dinah could take care of herself as well as she thought.

Noah nodded in agreement. "I don't think she was nearly raped at all. I think she made the whole thing up. I mean, I've met the guy and he's not that kind. If he was, Dinah would be in a lot more trouble than she is right now."

"I mean Dinah does some pretty dumb things, but her judge of character isn't that bad!" Piper remarked, nodding to some friends from high school. She tightened up suddenly, standing completely in front of Noah to where no one behind him could see her. "Is that her?" Piper demanded, when Noah turned, Piper grabbed him. "Don't let them see me!"

"Okay, okay," he muttered. He craned his neck to see who she was talking about, catching an eyeful of Mr. Conlan but she had disappeared. "They're busy anyway. Gwen Mason has them tied up. I didn't know your dad was even friendly with her."

"Dad was old chums with Mr. Mason," Piper remarked absently. From what she could tell of Gina Corelli so far, she was exotic and striking, life just seemed to reverberate in her small, petite body. Nothing like Maeve Conlan...at all. Piper's pink lips formed a slight pout and her bottom lip almost trembled, but she kept it in, not allowing Noah the slightest glimpse into what she was feeling at the moment.

"I didn't know that," he remarked taking another glance at Kevin. "Uh oh. Look, just relax and don't say anything okay? Your dad is heading this way, but I don't think he's seen you yet..."

No way in hell was she staying around for this, sliding her hand out of Noah's. Piper slipped away and mixed into the crowd. When Noah turned around, all he caught was a glimpse of her blonde mane before the crowd absorbed her small frame.



Scene 4:

"My brother?" Maura repeated turning to face the older woman. "Which brother? I have two of them you know."

"I'm talking about Jory," Gina continued ignoring Maura's tone. "There's something wrong with him."

"Of course there is. He just got out of the hospital after almost dying. Maybe I'm reaching with that, but I think that could be the answer."

"It's more than that," she continued refusing to be baited. "I've heard what he was like before the fire and it isn't how he's acting right now. In fact, there is something really wrong. I think he might need to see a psychiatrist just to talk..."

"Oh! You know that is a great idea. Why not make Jory think he's nuts on top of weak. If I were in his shoes, I'd want some woman I barely know preaching to me that I need help just weeks after I survived the worst experience of my life!" Maura snapped maliciously.

Gina's eyes narrowed shrewdly considering Maura's words. "So...have you always been this sarcastic or is this a trait you've saved for my benefit? Your father thinks the world of you, Maura. He's told me how kind and generous you are. But he's warned me about your bad traits as well. Sarcasm wasn't one of them."

"Have I disappointed you?" Maura shot back. "God forbid that I should be rude to you! I mean...I barely know you at all."

"All right. That's it. I have had enough of the attitude from you and your siblings!" Gina snapped, the color draining from her face. "I haven't done anything to any of you and yet you are treating me as if I am your mortal enemy! Tell me what I did to make you hate me."

"I'm not having this conversation," Maura replied coldly. She turned back to the mirror and pushed a stray wisp of hair out of her eyes.

"Yes you are," Gina snapped spinning Maura back around with a vicious spin. Maura jerked her arm out of Gina's grasp, staring at the red marks Gina's fingers had left on her bare skin. "I'm tired of the way you are treating your father! You act as if he's a child you have to take care of. But he isn't!"

"Look, Gina," Maura began keeping her voice as low as possible. "For some reason you have this idea that what you say where my father is concerned is law. Well, it isn't. And for your information, I do not treat him like a child. I treat him the way he has wanted to be treated for the last ten years. Who are you to come in now and tell me it's wrong? You aren't anyone or anything except a big mistake on my father's part."

Gina's chin lifted defiantly. "A mistake? Right, let me just explain who I am to your father. I'm his friend and more than that. He's the first man I've cared about in a long time Maura. You might know something about that. And he cares about me. He's lived like you wanted him to live for the last few years and now it's time he lived his life the way he wants. Not how his children want him to. He wants to be a man again. Is that such a hard thing to let him be?"

"My father is a man," Maura countered. "And he isn't thinking with the rational part of his body."

"If you were my daughter I would slap you for that," Gina warned. "But since you're not, I'll just tell you this much...your father loves you and he's doted on you for the last ten years since your mother died. And he isn't going to do it any longer. I'll make sure of that. He's let you run his diner as he sees fit but it's high time you let him take it back. He's just been terrified of hurting your feelings. After this little conversation, I'll let him know that he needn't worry about that."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, it's a fact. The whole reason your father wanted Jude Fontaine to ask you to step down was because he knew you would take it better from Jude. Anyone can see that you're in love..."

"What did you just say?" Maura asked, unsure of what she was really hearing. Step down from Connie's? How could she do that? It was all she had had for ten years! All her father had as well, the saner voice in her head reminded her. How could she just let it go after ten years?

"I said he wants to run Connie's," Gina repeated slowly. "Hasn't Jude mentioned it?"

"No." And Jude was in on it? Her night had just gone from good to bad in a split second.

"Well, I'm sorry you had to hear it from me."

Maura laughed aloud at Gina. She was transparent. Worse than Hallie at insincere apologies. "You're not. I've never seen anyone look so pleased to be the bearer of bad news," Maura commented. "You know what Gina? Since you and my father are so close, you go tell Dad that if he wants me to step down as manager of Connie's he can come ask me himself without any mediaries. That's the last I am going to say to you on this matter. Now, get out of my way."

"Maura, wait...," Gina started.

"For what? So you can tell me how messed up I am or Jory? How about Jillie or Piper for that matter? Right now, Gina, I don't ever plan on discussing my family with you again. You have no right interfering in our lives so why don't you just go back to where ever it is you came from and leave all of us alone?"

She turned on her heel and left the bathroom, waiting until she was out of sight from everyone in the hallway to exhale. She turned over Gina's words in her head. Give up Connie's? How could she do that? It was all she had in her life. Even Jude seemed out of her reach just now. And he had played a part in it. She should be furious with him, she thought. She should let him know he had no right to agree to help Kevin. But he hadn't brought it up the whole evening. She was getting a headache. She spied a door leading outside and hurried toward it. Some air would be just the thing for her. Some air and some time to think.



Scene 5:

"What are you doing here?" Leo hissed, pushing the man into one of the banquet room's recessed areas.

"Leo. Don't sound so thrilled to see me."

"I'm not," he growled. "I told you, I'm working on getting more information about the diamond. I just need time - "

"Mr. Montgomery sent me down to check on his...investments," the man Leo knew simply as "Hunter" cut in. "Alex has spent a lot of money on you, Leo. What have you given him in return but excuses? I came to see the fruits of your so-called labors."

Leo raked a hand back through his hair, exhaling as he glanced back over his shoulder. So far he'd spent most of the evening ignoring Callie, although that was probably for the best. He'd only agreed to escort her because she'd insisted she speak to him about an upcoming field study. With his questionable schedule of late, this had seemed the only viable option. And, yes, he could admit now that the thought of running in to Jillie had crossed his mind.

But now the night seemed to be going inexplicably downhill. How was he supposed to do anything with Alex Montgomery's henchman breathing down the back of his neck?

"Look," Leo sighed finally, obviously frustrated, "I'm not going to be able to do anything while you're around. I've got a good thing going here. No one suspects anything, least of all Albert. Just a few more days, and I swear, I'll have a better grasp on the location of the Eye."

"Oh, I know you will. In fact, something tells me you won't need a few days at all," Hunter told him. "Twenty-four hours. That's how long you've got, Leo. If you can't show us some results by then, we're going to have to go with Plan B."

"Patience is a virtue," Leo reminded him dryly.

"Mr. Montgomery is not a patient man. We had an arrangement, Leo. If you can't keep up with your end of the deal then you're going to have to repay your debt a different way...if you catch my drift."

"How could I not?" He saw Callie milling about with a few other professors from the College. If he skipped out now, would she even notice? Did he really care? She'd probably ask questions, and he had no answers. "Fine. I'll go back to his office, have a look around. Maybe there will be something I overlooked before."

Hunter nodded, a satisfied smile flashing briefly across his face. "I'm sure you will, Leo."



Scene 6:

"Why, Piper!" Frank Farley said with no small amount of surprise as the lithe blonde literally bumped into him. "I haven't seen you in a while! How have you been? Getting by all right?" He asked, not wanting to bring up anything painful for the young woman.

Piper glanced up in surprise, but quickly covering it at the sight of Frank Farley. "Oh yeah, fine," Piper assured. "Did Jon tell you about the project he recently took on?"

"You mean that dreadful musical?" Frank laughed. "Yes he told me about it. I was hoping if he chose a musical it would be something a little more...traditional. But you win some you lose some."

Piper laughed, "I'm surprised by you, Frank! After all, of all things to pick, this is definitely something for Jon...and Evan's Frank-n-furter. Who better than Evan?"

"And you? What part did he manage to trick you into playing?"

Piper rolled her eyes, "Janet. He held auditions for everyone else though."

"Good for you then. I'm glad you're sticking with acting, Piper." He drew her aside and lowered his voice. "I hope you don't mind me knowing this, but I did here about the falling out you and your father had over it. I had hoped it was just gossip but I guess it isn't, is it?"

Piper's face fell, "no...actually I switched my major to elementary teaching and my minor to acting. But, I didn't tell him because I didn't want him or anyone for that matter, thinking it was only to get back in his good graces," Piper explained.

"I see. Well, it's always good to be practical. But Piper, if I may? You have an extraordinary amount of talent. I would hate to think you wouldn't pursue it."

"It's not about being practical, before I discovered acting my intent was teaching kids. I love kids. I love acting, too, but I think I can help people more through teaching, rather than acting," Piper explained, "besides I might continue to pursue it on the side, who knows?" Piper realized as she was explaining this to Frank that she was happy with the crucial decisions that she had made regarding her college and future. Why couldn't she figure this stuff out in therapy?

"Good. Look, I wanted to let you know, I've accepted a position at the drama department at Hope. I think it's about time this town got a good dose of the arts, don't you?" He winked conspiratorially at her as Noah appeared at her side. "And who is this?"

"Oh, that's fantastic!" Piper exclaimed, enjoying the idea of working more with Frank. "Just don't expect me to stick to those more traditional roles all the time, Frank," Piper teased, knowing how Frank tended to turn his nose up at the more unconventional plays and pieces. Piper smiled at the sight of Noah. "Noah, this is Frank Farley, the director of Midsummer's. Frank this is Noah."

"Wait, I know you. You worked at the Performing Arts Center last fall!"

"Yeah, that was me," Noah replied with a slight flush of color. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Farley."

"Call me Frank. Any friend of Piper's is a friend of mine."

"Okay...Frank," Noah said with a grin.

"Frank made sure I didn't pass out on stage opening night of Midsummer's," Piper laughed. "Of course he highly disapproves of my next choice of roles. But, an actress has to have variety."

Frank's hand snaked out and landed on Piper's elbow, lingering a little too long, Noah thought. "But you were wonderful in Midsummer. The best I've seen in a long time. Actually, you're related to Katrina Ford aren't you, Piper. She is the best actress on Broadway right now. You could follow in her footsteps."

Piper laughed, red creeping into her cheeks. "We'll just have to see," Piper replied, catching her father and his new toy making their way through the crowd. She didn't know if they had any intent of speaking with her, but she wasn't going to find out. "It was great bumping into you...literally Frank, but I've got to find my sister," Piper lied beautifully with an apologetic smile, before disappearing with Noah back into the crowd.



Scene 7:

Gina picked up Maura's scarf from the chair and headed back to the ball room. She'd done a wonderful job of alienating herself from Kevin's children so far. Two down, three to go. She hadn't meant to. But they all seemed to determined not to like her. It was a little unnerving to her as well. She had always been well liked by everyone. Sure, her own children were less than fond of her at times, but that was just parent/child relationships. It was downright bizarre not to be liked by others.

She spotted Kevin talking to Jude and approached with a heavy sigh. "Kevin, I think I really blew it with Maura," she said slipping her arm into his.

"Why what happened?" Kevin asked.

Jude's eyes fell to the shawl in Gina's hands. She held it out to him, saying, "You better go find her. I think I may have just ruined your evening."

Jude took the shawl, touching the diamond rose with his fingertips. "Why? What happened?" He echoed Kevin.

"I found her in the ladies room and tried to talk to her about Jory. Kevin, I'm sorry. I just wanted to know why she disliked me so much." Jude sighed and set his drink down on a nearby table. "And I think I may have been the one to tell her you wanted her to step down from Connie's."

"Great. See, this is why I didn't want to do this, Kevin," Jude remarked. "I'll go find her." Jude turned off towards the foyer leaving Gina and Kevin alone.

"I'm sorry?" Gina bit her lip and waited for Kevin to respond. Kevin simply shrugged, his mouth thinned into a grim line. "What?"

"Maura...I don't know..." Kevin trailed off waving off the thought. "It's not your fault," he said after a moment, taking her hand in his. "Maura is stubborn and set in her ways. I should have talked to her before this." He kissed her hand and released it, staring after Jude. "I don't know what is going on Gina. A month ago, my kids were great and tonight...well, now they're being just terrible."

"Hey not all of them are terrible," Luke interrupted them. Gina studied Luke intently, seeing what Kevin would have looked like as a young man in him. Luke was attractive with dark eyes and hair, like Jory but with a definite look of competence about him. Luke was the kind of man she wished Georgia would fall for instead of the men she ended up with.

"That depends on how you behave," Kevin replied cautiously. "Luke, I'd like you to meet Gina Corelli. She's a special friend of mine. Gina, my son Luke."

"I've heard a lot about you already, Gina," Luke grinned. Instinctively, Gina took a step back preparing for whatever comment he would make. "Damn. Have they scared you that badly?" Luke laughed. "Which one was it? I'll bet it was Jillie."

Gina & Kevin exchanged quick glances before Kevin answered for her. "It was Maura."

"What? That's crazy. Maura was mean to you?" Luke asked Gina.

"I probably deserved it," Gina replied. "I mean, I did tell her that Kevin wanted to manage Connie's again."

Luke's eyebrows shot up in surprise and he turned to Kevin. "Was that the first she heard of that? And you really want to take over again?"

"Yes to both of your questions. I asked Jude to run it by her first..."

"Oh Dad...," Luke mumbled covering his eyes. "That's like the worst thing you could have done to her. You know she's totally obsessed with getting Jude back. Asking him to do that... Did he say yes?"

"I didn't know she was trying to work things out with Jude. I swear," Kevin answered. "I thought I'd give them a little push. Besides, I know she listens to Jude and he and I agree that she's wasting her life at the diner."

"Maybe Mo doesn't see it that way," Luke pointed out. "Where is she? Maybe I can do some damage control for you."

"Jude went after her...I...she ran off after I told her," Gina offered. "I'm sorry...do you think I've ruined any chance I ever had of getting to know her?"

"Nah. Maura's got too much sense to hold a grudge for too long," Luke soothed, giving Gina a friendly smile. "I better go see if Jude needs help with her though."

"Do you think he's right, Kevin?" Gina asked as Luke pushed his way across the dance floor. "Do you think Maura will ever be able to see me as a friend?" Kevin wrapped a comforting arm around her, embracing her gently.

"Of course she will," he said softly. "She'll come around." Gina nodded and leaned her head on his shoulder, glad that he thought so even if she thought he was dead wrong.



Scene 8:

The foyer was empty as guests began to filter their way towards the ballroom where Gwen had just made her way to the stage for her speech. Nice that she got to play benefactress all the time. She lived for it. Glancing around the foyer, he took in the dark red carpeting and fine wine and cream colored wall paper. She had made this country club, built it into what it was today. He should be proud of her, she was his mother after all. Instead, he felt repulsed by the opulence she had afforded an elite establishment.

His eyes fell to a door at the end of the hall that was slightly ajar. Perhaps, Maura had taken the easy way out and gone home, he thought, heading towards it. He pushed it open, letting the warm night air wash over him. The grounds of the country club spread out in front of him, still lush and green. Jude noticed a path that ran towards Swan Lake. With a shrug, he headed towards the path. Maura could easily have gone for a walk. It made more sense than hitching a ride back to her home.

He followed the path to its end where the path split into two directions. One headed towards the other side of the lake and the other towards the golf greens. He paused for a moment before turning towards the lake. Maura would head that way, he reasoned. After a moment, he saw her, drifting along the edge of the lake aimlessly. He took a hesitant step towards her, not wanting to break the beauty of her against the water.

"Good evening Maura." Jude stepped back into the shadows as another figure emerged and greeted her. Maura turned towards the voice but made no immediate response. "What? Not even going to say hello?"

"Rick...I'm having a really bad night. Couldn't you go away and leave me alone for a change?"

Great, Jude thought as Rick came into view, the ever present Rick Upton. At least she didn't seem to want his attention tonight.

"What's the matter? Something happen?"

"It's none of your business," Maura snapped turning back to the lake.

"Come on. I can be a good listener. Besides, once upon a time you told me everything." God, he was laying it on.

"Fine, you want to know? My father is dating a woman I can't stand. And now I've just learned from her that he wants to run Connie's again. Which means that I would have to step down. And on top of all of that, I found out that he sent Jude to tell me."

Jude shifted uncomfortably at the hurt tone of her voice. Agreeing to that had been a mistake, he could see that now. And not telling her about it right away was an even bigger one.

"Oh? So Jude Fontaine isn't as perfect as you thought he was. About time you figured that out," Rick added. "I've always thought that guy was a little thick."

"Leave Jude alone. He didn't do anything wrong," Maura muttered. Rick stepped closer to Maura, putting his hands on her bare shoulders. Jude clenched his fists, holding them to his side at the sight of Rick touching her. Maura glanced over her shoulder at him, frowning at him. "Get off me."

"Maura, come on. Why don't you just admit that Jude Fontaine was a mistake. You and I both know I'm the one you belong with. I know I've been gone for a while but I had to sort out my feelings about this Tristen business."

"Really? Well, I'm glad it only took a couple of weeks," Maura snapped. "I've been dealing with it for ten years. As for Jude...He isn't a mistake. Never was, never will be."

"Really? Could have fooled me..."

Maura shrugged out of his grasp and inched away from him. "You don't know anything about Jude. Or me for that matter. I happen to be in love with Jude. I know you can't imagine it but it's true. And it would take a lot more than this to make me change my mind about that. What you don't seem to realize is that I'm not giving up on Jude. I've screwed up beyond belief with him but I'm not going to just disappear and forget him."

"Like you did with me?" Rick asked, his anger showing through. "How does he rate the extra consideration and I didn't?"

"I don't know! All I know is that Jude has never judged me, never demanded anything but honesty from me, and never made me feel like my life was less important than his. You did that to me all the time. Why do you think I left? Why do you think I gave Tristen away? For me? Hardly. For you! Because it wasn't what you wanted. Nothing I wanted was what you wanted. For once in my life, I want something and I don't care what anyone else wants."

"You know this is quite amusing. Because last I heard, he didn't want anything to do with you." Rick loomed over her. He wouldn't hurt her, Jude decided, but he readied himself to intervene just in case. "And yet, here you are ready to waste away waiting for him to come to his senses. That's a pity, Mo."

"Go away Rick. I don't want you anymore."

"It's not that easy Maura," Rick returned.

Jude took that as his cue and stepped out of the shadows. "Well, what do we have here? I think she asked you to leave, Upton," Jude said taking Maura's side.

"Have you been lurking in the shadows, Fontaine? This is a private conversation between Maura and I. Butt out."

"I don't think so. Maura is my date for the evening and I am claiming her," Jude replied evenly. "I let you have enough of her time, Upton. Get lost." He wrapped an arm around Maura and pulled her closer to his side ending any argument from Rick. He glared at Jude for a moment but took a step back.

"We're not done, Maura," Rick said pointing at her.

"Yes, you are," Jude cut in firmly. "You're finished."

On the next Episode of Secret Horizons...