Cayden King stepped off of the elevator and glanced around in awe. The office was so much more vibrant than he’d ever imagined. The energy coursing through the place was exhilarating and the people seemed to ebb and flow seamlessly through the large space. He stepped aside to allow for a group of people to walk by. They were animated in their approach to conversation and Cayden smiled slightly, despite the intense emotion he was experiencing inside.

On the outside, he looked every bit the part of the eager new employee hoping to make a difference in journalism, but inwardly he was a mess. Thoughts of Szymon and the pained expression on his face kept racing through Cayden’s mind. He kept thinking about what he could have done, should have done, and didn’t. The very idea of Szymon being disappointed in him made him physically ill. He searched about for a bathroom where he could go and regain his composure, but as he stepped forward, he caught someone’s eye.

"Cayden," a man called out, waving toward him as he approached. Cayden recognized him from Xstatic and smiled back. As he approached, he stuck out his hand for a shake. "That was a wild night last night," Michael Carter said as he shook Cayden’s hand. "What happened with the police?"

"Nothing," Cayden responded. "It was all just a big misunderstanding."

"Good," Michael said with a nod. "If there’s one thing that Vivian hates, it’s bad publicity. I keep trying to tell her that even bad publicity is good publicity, but she doesn’t seem to agree," Michael said with a smile.

"I guess," Cayden agreed.

"Are you okay?" Michael questioned as he paused for a moment.

"I’m fine," Cayden responded, nodding his head. "Just a little nervous."

"Well, you should be," Michael agreed. "Vivian Powers can make anyone feel nervous," he explained. "Have you seen her yet?" He asked.

"No, not yet," Cayden said as he glanced around for a bathroom, hoping to find a moment to sneak away before he had to go and meet with Vivian. He didn’t want her first impression of his first day on the job to be him standing in front of her and vomiting all over her desk.

"Let me take you to her office," Michael said as he reached over and placed his hand on Cayden’s arm to guide him in the right direction.

"Oh, alright," Cayden agreed, resigning himself to the fact that he’d just have to take his chances when he finally stood before Vivian. He hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst.

"So listen," Michael began as he lead Cayden down a corridor. "Vivian’s got a mean bark, but don’t let that get to you. She’s really just a big softie," he explained as they stopped beside a small desk. "This is where the receptionist sits," Michael explained as his cell phone began to beep. He reached down and glanced at him. "Stupid people," he sighed. "Look, I have to go take care of something," he explained. "Vivian’s office is right through those doors," he explained as he pointed in front of them.

"Thanks," Cayden said as Michael raced down the corridor. Cayden paused and watched him go, then turned back toward the door to Vivian’s office. Gathering all of the courage he could muster, he stepped forward and knocked on the door.

He heard a response from inside and opened the door, stepping in slowly. He glanced across the room at the large looming desk at the other side and paused. "Ms. Powers?" He questioned curiously when he didn’t see anyone. "It’s Cayden King," he added.

Slowly, the chair behind the desk turned and a confused expression came over Cayden’s face.

"Sweet," a teenaged boy said with a smile as he took in the sight of Cayden standing before him. "My mom bought me some candy."

Mrs. Mulberry unwrapped a piece of candy as she sat on the couch staring at the television set shaking her head as she watched the news. On the screen, the lovely Eve Myers stood at a busy intersection with a smile on her face. She always smiled even as she delivered the most horrible information about fires, stabbings, shootings, and children being abducted. It always struck Louisa Mulberry as strange how anyone could talk about such things and still keep a smile on their face. Did they really think the smile could hide the fact that the world was going to hell?

"Hey," Mrs. Mulberry thought to herself, "we’re all going to be raped, maimed, or murdered, but as long as we smile, everyone will be happy."

Eve stared at the camera, "Police are investigating the disappearance of Luis Alvarez," she said as a picture of the man flashed onto the screen. "Details about Alvarez’s whereabouts are unknown, and the New York Police Department is asking for you help in finding him. Alvarez is believed to be directly involved with the D’Agostino family, an alleged local crime family. Back to you in the studio Brian . . ."

"Was that the guy they were searching for last night?" Sarah Mulberry said as she stepped out of the bedroom, "the one in the incinerator?" She questioned, getting slightly worried that the police would find something that would connect him to Cayden, Devon and Elijah.

"That was him," Mrs. Mulberry responded. "I still can't believe what you told me last night," Mrs. Mulberry marveled.

"Grandmother, you have to keep this a secret," Sarah reminded her. "You can't tell anyone, not even Devon."

"I won't say a word about what you told me," Mrs. Mulberry assured her.

"Good," Sarah said, "because if they found out that I told anyone, I just might be the next person to go missing," she explained.

"That's not funny," Mrs. Mulberry responded.

"You're right," Sarah agreed. "Anyway, I'll be back later," she said as she grabbed her keys and headed for the door with a smile on her face.

"Wait a minute," Mrs. Mulberry said as she turned from her daytime soaps and glared at her granddaughter. "Where are you going? You’re supposed to clean the bathroom," she reminded her. "You leave your stuff everywhere and expect me to pick it up for you?"

"I’ll clean it up later," Sarah promised. "I have an appointment that I need to get to right now," she explained.

"An appointment?" Mrs. Mulberry repeated. "What the hell is so important that you can’t take five minutes to clean up the bathroom? It’s not like you have a job or a life for that matter."

"Nice," Sarah said as she shook her head. "Everybody else treats me like crap, so I guess I shouldn’t expect you to be any nicer," she said as she rolled her eyes. "If you really must know, I have a job interview," she explained.

"Oh my God," Mrs. Mulberry shouted, "I’m going to have a heart attack!"

"Very funny," Sarah said, a smile creeping across her face as she witnessed her grandmother’s hilarious antics. "It’s nothing big," she explained. "It’s at a grocery store," she added.

"Well, it’s something," Mrs. Mulberry reminded her. "It’ll be good for you," she explained as she glanced around the apartment. "Hell, it’ll be good for me to have you gone for a few hours each day. I won’t feel like I’m knocking on death’s door," she explained.

"What are you talking about?" Sarah questioned.

"Don’t get me wrong," Mrs. Mulberry responded, "I love having you here, even if you are a pain in my ass most of the time," she explained, "but seriously, Sarah, the only reason you came to live with me was to take care of me because I broke my leg. My leg is fine now and you’re still here. It’s like you’re waiting for something to happen," she admitted.

"That’s not true at all," Sarah explained. "I just want to make sure that you’re okay."

"Well I’m fine," Mrs. Mulberry said as she got up off of the couch. "In fact, I have a date tonight," she explained with a smile.

"A date?" Sarah questioned enthusiastically. "With who? Is it with that guy who calls here sometimes?" She inquired. "Charles?"

"Of course it’s with Charles," Mrs. Mulberry countered. "I’m not a cheap whore, I just don’t date anyone," she explained.

"Well," Sarah said with a smile, "that remains to be seen."

"Oh screw you," Mrs. Mulberry laughed. "I’ll be out late tonight."

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Sarah questioned. "Being out late? A couple of crazy senior citizens out on the town?"

"I may be old, but I can still kick your ass," Mrs. Mulberry countered as she rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, call me if you need anything," Sarah said as she started for the door, "and good luck on your date tonight," she added as the phone rang.

Mrs. Mulberry walked over and answered it. "Sarah," she called out just as her granddaughter had opened the door. "It’s for you," she said as she held the phone toward her.

"Oh," Sarah said as she closed the door and set her purse down. "Thank you," she said as she grabbed the receiver. "Hello?" She paused for a moment. "Of course I will," she said with a giggle, causing Mrs. Mulberry to roll her eyes and return to the couch.

"That sounds great," Sarah said excitedly. "I’ll be there." With a smile, Sarah hung up the phone and turned toward her grandmother. "Looks like you’re not the only one with a hot date tonight," she explained.

"Which one of your Johns is it tonight?" Mrs. Mulberry questioned sarcastically.

"Grandmother," Sarah groaned as she picked up a pillow and tossed it at her.

Mrs. Mulberry swatted the pillow away before it could hit her. "I always knew you liked to beat on senior citizens," she countered.

"Whatever," Sarah laughed. "It was Joseph Lester," she responded.

"The police officer? You‘re going to see him? Sarah, he's investigating Luis' disappearance," Mrs. Mulberry said, turning toward her granddaughter with a shocked expression on her face. "Call him back," she said as she pointed to the phone, "and tell him you’ve changed your mind," she demanded.

"I will not," Sarah responded. "We’re going to dinner tonight. You should be happy for me," she explained.

"I think you’re making a big mistake," Mrs. Mulberry explained.

"Why? Because I finally met someone that likes me and wants to get to know me?" Sarah inquired.

"No, because he's probably the only one standing between your friends and their freedom," Mrs. Mulberry responded, "and if you get close enough to him and you start to have feelings for him . . . you just might wind up getting those kids thrown in jail."

Sarah Mulberry stared at her grandmother with mixed emotions. "Why can't you just trust me?" Sarah questioned. "Don't you think I know what I'm doing? Someone needs to get close to Joseph to throw him off the trail," she explained. "I'm not in love with him," Sarah assured her.

"Sarah, this is wrong," Mrs. Mulberry repeated.

"Whatever," Sarah said with frustration. "If I’m making a mistake, then it’s my mistake to make. I’m going out with him tonight and you’re just going to have to deal with it," she sighed as she turned, picked up her purse and exited the apartment.

"Where the hell is David?" Jacob Talbot questioned as he stepped out of his office into the lobby and glanced at his assistant’s desk. It was empty. "What the hell is going on here?" He questioned as he glanced around the office. "Does anybody work anymore?" He asked as the elevator doors opened and Victoria King stepped off.

She paused when she saw Jacob standing in the middle of the lobby. "Are you okay, Mr. Talbot?" She questioned curiously.

"No, not really," Jacob answered as he shook his head. "I have eight million cases to work on and no one seems to want to come to work anymore," he responded as he walked over to David’s desk and searched it for a file. "Where the hell is it?" He questioned aloud.

Victoria slowly stepped over to her desk and set her purse down. "Do you need some help?" She questioned as she approached Jacob.

"I can’t find the file on the Derringer case and I’m due in court tomorrow," he sighed.

"Let me help you," Victoria said as she walked around the desk and began to help him search.

"Forget about it," Jacob sighed, "it’s not here. Where the hell is David?" He questioned again with frustration.

"I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason why David isn’t here today," Victoria explained, hoping to calm her boss down. "He’ll tell you all about it when he gets here. David isn’t the irresponsible type," she reminded him. "If he’s not here, then there must be a perfectly good reason for it," she explained.

"Yes, well explain to my client why he might go to jail because my responsible assistant didn’t show up to work," he begged as he stared at Victoria.

"Well, I’m sure it’s here," Victoria said calmly. "I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I make a pot of coffee and look for the file for you," she said.

"Fine," Jacob said with a sigh as he turned and went back into his office.

"Jesus Christ," Victoria King said, "I just started the day and my boss is having a melt-down," she sighed as she headed for the kitchen.

After brewing a fresh pot of coffee, Victoria returned with a cup in hand and knocked on the door to Jacob Talbot’s office. "Come in," Jacob called out.

Victoria opened the door slowly. "I have your coffee," Victoria said as she crossed over and set it down. "Milk, not cream, and two sugars," she explained.

Jacob Talbot glanced up at her. "How did you know how I took my coffee?" He questioned with surprise.

"I pick things up here and there," Victoria said with a shrug, "and I have an excellent memory," she explained.

"That’ll come in handy," Jacob said as he reached for the cup of coffee. He brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. He paused. "Jesus Christ," he said with a sigh.

"What?" Victoria questioned quickly. "Is it too hot?" She asked.

"No," Jacob responded. "It’s excellent, but I feel like such an ass," he explained. "Here’s the file right here," he said as he pulled it out from under a stack of paper. "I asked David to leave it on my desk yesterday and that’s exactly what he did," he explained.

"Good," Victoria responded. "Crisis averted."

"Thankfully," Jacob agreed with a nod.

"So listen," Victoria said, "I’m going to get to work on the list of things you asked me to research," she explained, "but if you need anything, just let me know. I have no problem helping out until David arrives," she explained.

Jacob Talbot glanced up at Victoria and smiled. "Thank you, that’s very kind of you," he explained. "I’ll let you know."

Victoria nodded and backed out of the office, closing the door behind her. Smiling, she returned to her desk and sat down. She glanced across the room at David’s desk and at the name plate that read David Brooks. She paused for a moment. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad had happened to the man. "You’re just nervous about Cayden," Victoria told herself and she shook her head and got to work.

"D-do me a favor," Elijah Montessori said as he entered the lobby of the building and held the door open for his brother, "the n-next time you w-want to be concerned about m-me, d-don’t take it out on C-Cayden," he said.

"I’m sorry about that," Isaiah Montessori responded. "I already apologized to Cayden for my behavior, but I’m not sorry that I’m worried about you," he added as he stepped inside holding a bag of groceries. "I won’t apologize for that, Elijah."

"I’m f-fine," Elijah responded.

"Are you?" His brother questioned as he glanced at him. "Because the entire time we were in the grocery store, you seemed a little on edge," he explained. "What’s going on?"

"N-nothing," Elijah assured him as he crossed the lobby toward the elevators. "I j-just have a lot on my mind," he added with a shrug.

"Like what?" Isaiah questioned. "I’m not exactly in the loop here," he explained. "I don’t get to see you as often as I used to," he added. "Why don’t you come back to live with me?" He questioned.

"I d-don’t think so," Elijah said as he shook his head and pressed the button to call the elevator.

"Why not?"

"Because you h-have your f-family to deal with," Elijah explained. "Your w-wife and your kids. Y-you don’t n-need me around to c-complicate th-things," he expressed.

"You don’t complicate things," Isaiah assured him. "Gina loves having you around and the kids adore you," he explained. "Will you at least think about it? I mean, it can’t be easy sharing a one bedroom apartment with two other guys," he explained.

"I d-don’t live with C-Cayden anymore," Elijah explained.

"What?"

"I moved in with D-Devon."

"When?" Isaiah questioned.

"A c-couple of days ago," Elijah answered. "C-Cayden’s mother m-moved in with him and Szy-Szymon."

"Jesus, they’re like sardines in there," Isaiah said.

"It’s n-not so bad," Elijah shrugged. "H-his mother’s looking for a pl-place anyway."

"Just do me a favor," Isaiah begged. "If this doesn’t work out, promise me that you’ll come back home, okay?"

Elijah paused for a moment, then glanced at his brother and nodded. "Okay," he responded as the elevator doors opened. He glanced forward and paused, a smile coming across his face. "N-Nicolae," he said as he saw the man standing on the elevator.

"Hey," Nicolae Federov said as he stepped forward. "I was just about to leave. I thought you weren’t home," he explained.

"I w-went sh-shopping," Elijah explained. He could hear his brother clear his throat. "W-with my brother," he said as he pointed to Isaiah.

"Forgive my brother for his rudeness," Isaiah said as he extended his hand for a shake. "He always seems to forget the rest of the world even exists when he’s enamored with someone," he explained, causing Elijah’s face to turn red with embarrassment.

"That’s okay," Nicolae said as he accepted the hand and gave it a shake. "I’m the same way," he explained with a smile as he stared at Elijah. "Nicolae Federov," he introduced himself. "Elijah and I work together at the magazine.

"Oh really?" Isaiah said. "I’ll tell you what, can you do me a favor and help my brother with these groceries?" He questioned. "I have an appointment across town that I’m going to be late for and I think I’ve lived out my usefulness for the day anyway," he explained.

"Sure thing," Nicolae said as he unburdened Isaiah from the load he was carrying.

"I will talk to you later," Isaiah said as he leaned over and gave his brother a kiss on the forehead. "You call me if you need anything," he added. "It was nice meeting you, Nicolae," he said before turning away.

"He seems nice," Nicolae said to Elijah as Isaiah stepped out of the building.

"Yeah," Elijah said with a nod. "He’s the only person in my family that ever gave a damn," he explained as he stepped onto the elevator. "So what brings you here?" He questioned as he pressed the button and the doors closed.

"You," Nicolae explained. "I wanted to ask you a question," he continued, "I wanted to know if maybe you would like to come to my place tonight. I’ll make dinner."

Elijah paused for a moment. "You c-cook?" He questioned.

"Don’t look so surprised, I can do a lot more than human resources at the magazine and stripping at the bar," Nicolae assured him. "Who knows, maybe you’ll like it at my place so much you’ll never want to leave," he added with a smile.

Elijah paused for a second, staring at him.

"I’m sorry," Nicolae said. "You’re freaking out, aren’t you? Please don’t freak out," he said. "I didn’t mean that I want you to move in or anything. Well, I do, but . . . this is going so badly," he noted.

"W-what are you saying?" Elijah questioned.

"I want you in my life," Nicolae explained. "I want you to be with me all the time, but I want you to be comfortable with me. I want you to trust me completely. I don’t want there to be any more secrets between the two of us," he explained.

"Me either," Elijah agreed, although deep down inside he knew that he was hiding the most awful secret of all.

"What?" Joseph Lester asked as he snapped his cell phone shut and glanced at his partner. "What did I do?" He questioned.

"You’re seriously making plans for a date when we’re sitting in the Chief‘s office?" Szymon inquired.

"Hey, I’ve got a life too," Joseph answered as he slipped his cell phone into his pocket. "Besides, Sarah Mulberry is hot," he added. "But I wouldn’t expect you to know anything about that," he explained.

"I’m gay, Joseph, I’m not blind," Szymon responded.

"Wait a second, are you telling me that you’re attracted to women too?" Joseph questioned.

"Of course not," Szymon explained. "All I’m saying is that I can appreciate a beautiful woman. It doesn’t mean that I’m attracted to her."

"I don’t get it," Joseph explained. "How can you like men, but claim to think women are beautiful and not want to have sex with one?"

"Because I love Cayden," Szymon said as he shrugged his shoulders. "It’s not that hard to understand if you stop to take a moment and think about it," he added. "Just because I think someone is hot doesn’t mean that I want to go to bed with them," he explained.

"Jesus," Joseph sighed, "not only are you a fag, but you’re barely even a man," he laughed.

"Don’t get me started, Lester."

"Relax," Joseph said. "I think I understand this gay thing," he added. "It’s a little different than what I’m used to, I’ll give you that, but I think I’ve been around you long enough to realize that it’s really not that different than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t understand how two guys would ever want to screw each other, but I get why you and Cayden are together," he explained.

Szymon Skubisz paused for a moment. "Thank you," he said softly as the door to the office opened and they each stood up.

"Good, you’re here," Chief Connor O’Shay said as he shut the door behind him and walked around his desk, sitting down in front of them and shaking his head. "What the hell is going on?" He questioned as he stared at Szymon. "I’m being told that your apartment was the scene of an investigation."

"It’s not what you think," Szymon began.

"Well, let me tell you what I think," Connor responded sarcastically, "so you don‘t have to do all of my thinking for me. I think your apartment was searched because of a possible involvement in a missing person’s case, and the missing person may just be dead," he announced.

"Then it’s exactly what you think," Szymon responded.

"No shit, Skubisz, but what I want to know is why? Who the hell is this kid, Cayden King?"

"He’s completely innocent," Szymon responded.

"I’m not asking you if he killed the guy," Connor began, "I just want to know what your involvement with a potential murder suspect is," he explained.

"He’s my boyfriend," Szymon said softly. "We live together."

"Jesus Christ, Szymon. You know what this means, don’t you?"

"Chief," Joseph Lester spoke up, "when we searched the apartment, we didn’t find anything," he said, coming to his partner’s defense. "We don’t think anything happened in Szymon’s apartment."

"What about across the hall?" O’Shay questioned as he glanced down at the file in front of him.

"We found evidence that Alvarez was there, but nothing else," he explained.

"And this bloody rug found in the incinerator?"

"It had Alvarez’s blood on it. We have his DNA on file from a prior conviction. It’s definitely his blood, but we can’t prove that he was murdered in that apartment."

"Who’s place is it?" Lester questioned as he flipped through the file. "Devon James. I need someone to investigate Ms. James," he explained. "Like yesterday."

"You‘re not coming in there with me," Devon James said as she sat in the chair in the waiting room glancing around at all of the other expectant mothers.

"Why not?" Gage Matthews questioned.

"Because I don’t think I can deal with two men looking at my vagina at the same time. It just seems wrong."

"So what, it’s not like an orgy or something."

"It’s my vagina," Devon countered, "and I don’t want everyone staring at it."

"Just relax," Gage said, trying his best to be reassuring as he glanced around the room at the rest of the mothers patiently waiting their turn.

"They’re all looking at me like I have six goddamned heads," Devon noted, much to the chagrin of some of the other women in the office. "What?" She questioned aloud when she saw a woman shaking her head at her. "Mind your damned business."

"There are children here," the woman spoke up, trying to shield her young toddler from hearing Devon’s profanities.

"So what the fuck’s your point?" She questioned. "Just mind your damned business," she said as she rolled her eyes. "How much longer am I going to have to wait here?" She called out, but there was no response.

"Calm down," Gage said softly. "We’ve only been here five minutes."

"That’s five minutes too long," Devon sighed. "I can’t sit still for five seconds, much less five minutes."

"Yeah, patience was never your strong suit," Gage chided. "If you can’t deal with it now, imagine how it’s going to be when the baby is born," he explained.

Devon paused for a second. "I haven’t thought that far ahead," she explained.

"Are you serious?" Gage questioned.

"No, I’m fucking joking," Devon retorted. "What the hell am I going to do with a baby?" She questioned.

"Raise it." Gage answered matter-of-factly.

"Oh, it’s so simple, why didn’t I think of that?" Devon said sarcastically. "I’m being serious here, Gage. I am carrying a baby. There is a little parasite growing inside of me. What the hell am I going to do when it arrives? I don’t know the first thing about children."

"Does anyone?" Gage questioned.

"Don’t start getting all zen on me," Devon sighed.

"Let’s be serious here," Gage said, "No one is ready to have a child. All the books and all the preparation in the world won’t prepare you for that moment when you come face to face with the tiny life you’ve created and wonder what in the world you’re going to do."

"Jesus Christ, he’s a fucking poet now," Devon groaned.

"No, I’m being serious as shit here," Gage responded before glancing at the woman across the waiting room. "I’m sorry," he said before turning back toward Devon. "I think you’re just nervous because up until today you didn’t really have to face the truth."

"Are you kidding me? I face the truth every morning when I throw up in the bathroom. How much more real could it get?" She questioned.

"As real as a picture of our baby," Gage explained.

Devon paused and glanced at him silently.

"You’re afraid of seeing our child for the first time," he explained. "Your scared that once you see the baby everything is going to change."

"I don’t know if I can do this," Devon admitted.

"Then we’ll do it together," Gage said as he reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

The door to the exam area opened and nurse stepped out. She consulted the chart that she was holding and glanced up. "Devon James," she called out.

"It’s time," Gage said softly.

"Come with me," Devon begged.

"There's nothing," Jesse Martinez said with disbelief as he glanced through all of the information Szymon was able to gather on Ryan Clarke. "There 's nothing to go on," he said with frustration as he glanced at documents tracking Ryan Clarke's life. "Who the hell are you?"

He glanced around his bedroom at all of the pictures of Julia Taylor. "I need some help here, Julia," he said aloud. "You told me to look for you and I did, but I found her," he explained. "Who is she? Why does she look like you?" He questioned.

Leaning forward, he glanced at the picture on the edge of his bed and picked it up. He turned it over and read the print on the back of it. "Jamie and Julia," he said softly.

"Is she your sister?" He questioned, "your twin sister?" He sighed with frustration. "It just doesn’t make sense," he said as he stood up from the bed and walked over to one of the pictures of Julia Taylor on the wall. "Why was there no record of a sister?" He questioned. "Why didn’t you ever mention having a sister before? What do you want me to do?" He asked as he stared into Julia’s eyes.

A knock at the door stirred him out of his reverie and he set the picture down on the bed as he scurried out of the bedroom, pulling the door closed behind him. He walked over to the front door and stared at it. When he heard another knock, he stepped forward and peered through the peek hole.

With a sigh," Jessie Martinez opened the door. "Abuela," he said as he saw his grandmother standing there. "What are you doing here?" He questioned.

"I came to apologize," Liliana Martinez assured him. "There is no excuse for what I did," she continued, "but I am hoping that somewhere in that heart of yours, you can find it in you to forgive me."

"You tried to have me recommitted," he reminded her.

"I know," Liliana admited, "and I’m sorry . . ."

"And you think that’s going to make it all better?" Jesse questioned. "What gives you the right to decide my life for me?" He questioned. "You raised me when my mother couldn’t . . . or wouldn’t, or whatever, but still, I’m an adult. I should be allowed to make my own decisions."

"I know that," Liliana said as she nodded her head. "I wanted you to be happy, and I thought I knew the best way to get you there, but I was wrong. The only way you’re going to be happy is if you find happiness for yourself," she explained. "I just hope that I can be there to see it," she added.

Jesse paused in silence for a moment. "I want you to be," he explained.

"I was hoping that you would come to the diner with me," Liliana said, "the one you always liked so much."

"The one with the juke boxes?" Jesse questioned.

"That’s the one," Liliana Martinez smiled. "You know what day it is, don’t you?" She questioned.

"It’s her birthday," Jesse said softly .

"It’s your mother’s birthday," Liliana repeated. "I went and saw her today. Her hair is so long and so beautiful," she explained.

"I remember," Jesse said with a smile.

"She looks good, too," Liliana assured him. "They’re taking good care of her."

"I hope so," Jesse said. "I wish I could see her."

"I know you do," Liliana explained, "but you know . . ."

"I know," Jesse said with a nod.

"Maybe we can get a cupcake and sing happy birthday. She always loved that song," Liliana smiled.

"Sure," Jesse nodded. "That’s sounds great."

"Ryan," Johnny said as she approached the bar, "you forgot to write down your social security number," she said as she placed the girl’s application down on the counter and pointed to the line.

Ryan Clarke paused for a moment as she glanced at the document. "Did I?" She questioned softly. "I must have missed that," she added.

"Yeah, Sebby was entering the information into the system and it won’t let us pay you without it," she explained. "So if you expect a paycheck, then we need it," she said with a smile.

"Sure thing," Ryan said as she reached for the paper. "Let me get a pen," she said.

"La Diva, what the hell are you doing?" Johnny questioned as she spied to towering drag queen standing up on a ladder at he center of the stage. "When you’re done, bring it to the office. Sebby’s entering payroll as we speak," she explained before storming toward the drag queen.

Ryan glanced down at the sheet of paper in silence before reaching for a pen. She put the tip of the pen to the paper and hesitated before writing down the nine digit number. She glanced at the stage where Johnny was yelling for La Diva Jackson to get down off the ladder and shook her head.

Stepping from behind the bar, Ryan held the paper in her hand as she walked to the back of the club towards the office. As she approached the door, she saw that it was open and she heard raised voices inside.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Sebastiano D’Agostino swore. "How the hell did he figure it out?" He questioned.

"I have no fucking clue," a man responded, "but he must have seen the officers with him or something. How the hell should I know?"

"Because I pay you to know," Sebby countered, "that’s why. You know what this means, don’t you?"

"It means that Vinny’s onto the cops," the man responded.

"And if he’s onto the cops then he could possibly be on to me," Sebby explained. "The last thing I need is my brother on my ass," he explained. "Vinny’s family, but he’s very clear when it comes to his enemies. Family or not, he goes for the jugular."

"So what do we do?" The man questioned.

"We do nothing," Sebby explained. "We lay low for a while, but we stay vigilant. We need to make sure that Vinny doesn’t expect any involvement from us and we do that by seeing what he does," Sebby noted. "Just go back and do what he says, but keep your eyes opened and report back to me when you can," Sebby said. "Now come on, get out of here. Use the back door," he explained.

Ryan waited until she heard the back door in Sebby’s office open then close. She waited a few more moments and breathed in deeply before knocking on the door to Sebby’s office.

"Come in," she heard him say from inside, and she pushed the door open and stepped inside with a smile.

"Hey," she said, "Johnny asked me to bring this to you," she said as she handed him the paper.

"Oh good," Sebby said as he reached for it. "Now you can get paid."

"Who are you?" Cayden King questioned as he stared at the boy sitting in his boss’ chair. "How did you get in here?" He asked as he took a step forward.

The young man smiled and sat back in the chair. "I used the door," he retorted. "Who are you?"

"I’m Cayden King," he responded. "Who are you?"

"Jody Powers," the young man responded. "This is my mother’s office," he announced. "Are you her latest boy toy?" He inquired. "I know she likes them young, but this is ridiculous. You’re practically my age, which is actually a good thing for me," Jody said with a wink as he leaned forward with a smile.

"Um, okay," Cayden said, something shocked by the younger man‘s obvious interest in him. "How old are you?" He questioned.

"How old do you want me to be?" Jody questioned.

Cayden paused for a moment. "I‘m sorry?" he questioned.

"Sixteen," Jody responded. "Jesus, you‘re like fresh meat. These bitches in here are going to eat you alive, my friend."

Cayden glanced around the room, searching for Vivian. "Where is your mother?"

"Who the hell knows," Jody said as he leaned back in the chair. "Paris. Milan. Pick a place."

"I‘m supposed to meet her here today," Cayden said softly. "We had an appointment…"

"So she bailed on you," Jody said. "Big deal, she bails on a lot of people. We‘re supposed to go shopping today, and where is she?" Jody questioned as he threw his hands in the air. "Who the hell knows, but whoever she’s with, I bet she’s showing him a really good time."

"Don’t talk about your mother like that," Cayden said as he shook his head. "It’s disrespectful."

"My mother’s a bitch," Jody said. "Deal with it."

"Oh shut the hell up Jody," Vivian Powers said as she stepped into her office, "and get the hell out of my chair," she added as she walked toward it. Jody stood up and shuffled over to the couch in the corner, throwing himself onto it.

"Cayden," Vivian said as she sat down. "I see you’ve met my hell-spawn," she said as she motioned to Jody. "Get your feet off of that chair," Vivian snapped at her son. "That’s a five thousand dollar piece."

"Well it looks like shit," Jody countered.

"Fuck off," Vivian spat.

Cayden King watched the interaction between mother and son with a mixture of shock and interest. He felt almost as if he had gone invisible. How could two people, especially a mother and son, be so mean to one another?

"Um . . . Mrs. Powers," Cayden said as he stepped forward. Vivian glanced up from her papers and stared vehemently at Cayden.

"Rule number one," she said, "Never call me Mrs. Powers. Mrs. Powers is my ex-husband’s old dried up crone of a mother. I am Vivian," she explained. "VIVIAN," she enunciated. "Nothing more, nothing less. If I ever catch you calling me Mrs. Powers again, I will have your nuts in a vice, do you understand?" She questioned.

Cayden’s eyes widened with surprise. "Jesus Christ," he told himself. "You just got the job and already you’re going to be fired."

Vivian glared at Cayden, then glanced at Jody and cracked a smile. Jody Powers began to laugh hysterically. "He’s so cute, Mom!" Jody said as he got up off the chair and walked over to Cayden. "I’m sorry," he said as he shook his head, "but you should have seen the look on your face," he explained.

"It really was priceless," Vivian agreed.

"What?" Cayden asked with surprise.

"Jesus, you’re so tense. Lighten up," Vivian responded as she shook her head.

"He’s so cute," Jody said as he reached forward and pinched Cayden’s cheek. "Can I keep him."

"Stop that," Vivian said as she waived her son away. Jody laughed and returned to the chair.

"What’s going on?" Cayden questioned.

"It’s called a test," Vivian explained. "My son thought of it. He’s actually quite incredible," she explained. "He wanted to see how you acted under pressure and intense circumstances. This job isn’t easy," Vivian noted.

"So you staged that whole thing to test me?" Cayden questioned. "Why would you do that?"

"Because my mother needs to be sure that she can depend on you," Jody explained.

"Have a seat, Cayden," Vivian said as she motioned to the chair in front of her desk. "Working at the magazine isn’t just fun and games," she explained. "It’s hard work, and I need to make sure that everyone I hire can get the job done. You’ve proven to me that you might have what it takes," she said. "Those other catty bitches out there would cut throats to be where you are, but not you," she said as she shook her head. "You have morals, and that’s what I like about you."

"Thank you," Cayden responded.

"Plus you’re hot," Jody chimed in.

"About this job," Cayden said as he opened the portfolio he had tucked under his arm. Where exactly do you see me fitting in? I can write just about anything," he said as he handed Vivian his work.

"No sweetheart," Vivian said as she closed the portfolio. "That’s not what I had in mind for you," she announced.

"Then what did you have in mind?" Cayden questioned.

"You’re going to be my administrative assistant," Vivian said with a smile.

"You’re what?" Cayden asked with surprise.

"Trust me, honey, I had a look at your resume and it’s not exactly up to snuff," she said, "but I like you and I want to give you a job. So what do you say, take it or leave it?"

Cayden paused for a moment. He really wanted to write and doing anything less was like a slap in the face, but as he thought about it some more, he realized that working at a magazine provided all sorts of opportunities. He would work as Vivian’s assistant until she realized that he was so much more better suited to be a journalist.

"I’ll take it," Cayden said softly.

"Good. Then welcome aboard," Vivian said as she extended her hand for a shake. Cayden accepted it with a smile. "First thing’s first. I need coffee," Vivian said. "Jody, show him were the kitchen is," she said as she pointed to her son.

"Sure thing, Mom," Jody said as he stood up from the chair. "If you’re good I’ll give you a blow job behind the coffee machine," he said to Cayden with a wink before leaving the office.

"That was another joke, right?" Cayden questioned Vivian as he stood up from the chair.

Vivian Powers glanced up at Cayden with a confused expression on her face. "No," she said as she shook her head. "I think he was serious."

Sarah Mulberry pushed open the door to the grocery store and stepped inside. She resisted the temptation to turn around and run out of there after seeing the dirt caked up on the floor. With fierce determination she stepped inside.

"Hello," she said to the woman behind the counter. "I’m here about the job," she said. "I’m Sarah Mulberry."

"Oh, that’s right," the beautiful woman responded. "I almost forgot about the interview. I’m sorry, it’s just been an incredibly busy day. I’m Serena Sidhu," she said as she extended her hand for a shake just as a group of rowdy children tore out of the store with bottles of soda and candy shoved in their pockets.

"You stupid little shits!" Serena shouted as she ran from behind the counter and raced out of the store after them. "Don’t let me see you here ever again!" She returned to the store and sighed, shaking her head. "I’m sorry about that," she said. "Kids these days."

"Does that happen often?" Sarah questioned with surprise.

"Sometimes," Serena admitted. "Wait a second, you look familiar. I’ve seen you before. You’re one of Cayden’s friends, right?"

"Yes," Sarah said with a nod. "He’s the one who told me about this job," she explained.

"Yes, after he deserted us," an older Indian man said from where he stood at the back of the store. "That little shit didn’t even give his notice."

"Oh Daddy, relax," Serena said, "go to the back room and count something," she said as she waived at him.

"I can’t," he explained. "You keep letting people take stuff. Pretty soon there will be nothing to count," he explained.

Serena rolled her eyes and turned back toward Sarah. "So what are your qualifications?" She questioned.

"I really need those?" Sarah questioned aloud, then kicked herself for actually saying it.

Serena laughed out loud. "Oh my God," she said as she shook her head. Her father, however, did not seem to appreciate the comment.

"You think this is easy?" He questioned. "You think running a store doesn’t take any skill. You saw those kids, you saw what they do. It takes a lot of dedication to put up with that," he explained.

"Oh Daddy, please," Serena said with disbelief. "If you can scan a bar code and you have a birth certificate, you can be a cashier," she explained.

"Bah," her father said as he waived his hand at her.

"I’m sorry about that," Sarah said with embarrassment.

"Don’t worry about it," Serena said. "My father likes to give everybody a hard time, me included, but I’ll tell you the truth," she said. "I don’t think it’s going work."

"Oh please don’t say that," Sarah said as she stepped forward to try and plead her case. She really needed the job and she didn’t want one slip of the tongue to prevent her from getting it. She didn’t realize, however, that there was a box of candy bars sitting on the counter mere inches away and she knocked it over, sending the box and the candy crashing to the ground.

"I’m so sorry," Sarah said as Serena knelt down to pick up the candy. "Here, let me help you," she said as she gathered the candy and neatly tucked them into the boxes. She grabbed the last few candy bars and handed them to Serena.

Slowly, Serena Sidhu reached for the candy bars, her fingers gently grazing against Sarah Mulberry’s hands. She paused and stared at Sarah for a moment. "Maybe I was a little to critical," Serena said as she stood up and placed the box back on the counter.

"Why don’t you come back tomorrow at six when we open?"

"Are you serious?" Sarah questioned. "I have the job?"

"You have the job," Serena responded.

"Thank you, you won’t regret it!" Sarah assured her as she turned and left the store.

"Would you please just stop looking at that file and talk to me?" The voice of a young man questioned. "I’m trying to tell you something, Dad."

"Drake, please!" Jacob Talbot yelled. "I don’t have time for your pathetic nonsense right now, I’m right in the middle of a case. I need to be focused if I’m going to win tomorrow."

"That’s all you ever do," Drake responded. "You never had time for me or for mom. Why did you marry her and why did you have me if you didn’t want us around?" He questioned.

"Don’t speak to me like that," Jacob Talbot bellowed. "I’m your father!"

"Then start acting like it," Drake demanded. "Show me some respect. Give me a little of your time, Dad, that’s all I want."

"This neediness is your mother’s doing," Jacob responded. "She turned you into a whiny, clingy little brat."

"Don’t talk about my mother like that," Drake countered. "My mother is dead and I won’t let you talk about her like that."

"Just get out of here, Drake. I don’t have time to watch another round of your theatrics. Be a man and stop acting like a little girl for crying out loud. You’re like some whiny little fag," he announced.

At her desk, Victoria King straightened up as the door to Jacob Talbot’s office opened and his son walked out. She eyed him carefully and he slammed the door behind him and raced to the elevator.

"Dammit!" Drake shouted as he slammed his hand on the button.

"Are you okay?" Victoria questioned from her desk.

"What?" Drake asked as he glanced around and spotted Victoria sitting there. "Oh, I’m fine," he responded, then a moment later stepped in her direction. "No, I’m not fine," Drake corrected. "I’m furious. All I want is to spend some time with him and instead I’m pouring my heart out to some stranger in the lobby of his office," he explained. "This is what my life has been like for as long as I can remember," he said as he pointed to his father’s office, "him in there and the rest of us that should matter to him are out here."

Victoria stared into the young man’s eyes and managed a smile. "I’ll tell you what," she said as she stood up. "It’s time for me to go to lunch. If you don’t mind, I’ll spend some time with you," she explained.

"Thanks, but I’m not a charity case," Drake countered.

"Good, because I am," Victoria explained. "I don’t like eating alone and I really don’t know this city at all. I was hoping that someone could show me a good place to eat," she said.

Drake Talbot paused for a second. "Okay," he said with a nod.

"Good," Victoria smiled. "Just let me check in with him and tell him I’m leaving," she said as she walked toward the door to his office and knocked. When he asked her to come inside, she opened it slowly. "Mr. Talbot," she said as she stepped into the office. "I’m heading out to lunch and I was wondering if you would like me to do anything before you left," she said.

Jacob glanced up from the pile of papers on his desk. "I‘m sorry about that rather loud argument you may have witnessed," He said. "My son is a very special case."

"He seems like a wonderful young man to me," Victoria responded.

"Yes, well he’s a bit too soft, if you know what I mean," Jacob explained. "I’ve spent most of his life trying to make a man out of him."

"It’s none of my business," Victoria explained, "but maybe you should try a different approach if this one doesn’t seem to be working."

Jacob Talbot paused for a moment. "Is David here yet?" He questioned, choosing to step away from the topic of his son.

"I’m sorry," Victoria apologized. "I haven’t seen him. I’ve left messages at his home and on his cell. He hasn’t responded."

"Great," Jacob sighed. "The one day I really need him, he doesn’t show up. Let me ask you a question," he said. "Am I a difficult person to deal with?" He inquired.

"Not at all," Victoria said as she shook her head.

"Is that an honest answer?" Jacob inquired.

"Am I on trial, Counselor?" Victoria questioned with a smile, causing Jacob to laugh.

"I get into these crazy heated arguments with David all the time," Jacob explained. "Everyone else seems to afraid to say something to me, but David. I hate that son of a bitch, but I rely on him. Maybe that sounds crazy."

"It doesn’t sound crazy at all," Victoria said. "You don’t know what you have until it’s gone," she explained. "I know what that’s like."

"You do, don’t you?" Jacob questioned with a nod. "Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I’ll have something delivered. You go and enjoy your lunch," he said.

"Are you sure?" Victoria questioned.

"I am, thank you," Jacob replied. "It’s a beautiful day, enjoy it."

"I think I will," Victoria said with a smile, "but you have my cell phone number if you need anything," she added as she let herself out of Jacob Talbot’s office. She glanced at the elevator and saw Drake there waiting for her. "Let’s go to lunch," she said with a smile.

"So how are we going to do this?" Joseph Lester inquired as he stood beside the car glancing down at a file in his hands.

"Do what?" Szymon Skubisz inquired.

"Investigate Devon James?" Joseph asked. "She is, after all, your boyfriend’s best friend."

"So what?" Szymon questioned as he glanced up and down the street.

"So, it puts you in a tight spot," Joseph explained. "Are you going to be able to do it?" He questioned.

"Of course I will," Szymon explained. "What are you trying to say?" He glanced over at Joseph Lester and awaited an answer.

"Look, I’m not trying to say anything. I just want to be sure that you prepared for this."

"Why don’t you worry about the case and stop worrying about me?" Szymon said with a sigh. "What time is it anyway?" He asked with frustration. "I’m getting hungry."

Joseph turned his arm to glance at his watch and accidentally dropped the file onto the sidewalk.

"Jesus Christ," Szymon said as he walked over and knelt down to help his partner collect the sensitive information from the pavement. He gathered the documents and reached up to hand them to Joseph.

"Hey Skubisz," someone called out. "While you’re down there, why don’t you just suck him off too," Officer Patrick O’Leary said with a chuckle.

Szymon turned and glanced at the officer with hatred as he stood up. "Go to hell O’Leary," he responded.

"Nah, hell’s got a special place reserved for fags like you," Patrick said as he headed to his squad car with a hotdog from the vendor on the side of the street. "Lester, how are you liking your new partner? I think he’s sweet on you," Patrick laughed as he opened his car door and stepped inside.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Joseph said as Patrick pulled away from the curb.

"What are you talking about?" Szymon inquired, still angry by what Patrick had said.

"Don’t do that shit ever again," he explained.

"Do what?" Szymon questioned.

"Don’t ever pull that gay shit with me."

"What gay shit? I was picking up the documents that you dropped."

"I can pick up my own documents," Joseph explained with embarrassment as he opened the car door and threw the folder on the seat.

"Whatever," Szymon said with frustration. "Let’s just go get something to eat."

"Fuck you, I’m not going on a date with you!" Joseph responded.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I don’t want people getting the wrong impression of me. It’s enough that they run out of the showers at the precinct when I show up. It’s like they think that I’m gay too just because you’re my partner," he explained. Szymon paused for a moment and began to laugh. "What the hell is so funny?" He questioned.

"You’re my partner," Szymon chuckled at the irony of the word.

"Fuck off," Joseph retorted. "Let’s just eat."

"Fine Dear," Szymon teased.

Joseph stared at him for a moment and shook his head. "Don’t call me that," he said as he pointed his finger in Szymon’s face and turned away from him, pausing in the middle of the sidewalk as he saw two women approaching.

"Sarah," he called out and waived.

Sarah Mulberry glanced in his direction and smiled. "Joseph," she said as she approached him with Ryan Clarke at her side. "What’s going on? Hey Szymon," she said as she glanced at him. "What are you guys doing?"

"We’re getting ready to get something to eat," Joseph responded.

"Really?" Sarah inquired. "Well I just met up with Ryan here and we’re headed to get something to eat too," she explained. "Why don’t you join us?"

"I thought we had a date tonight?" Joseph questioned.

"We do, but there’s nothing that says we can’t have lunch and dinner," she added with a smirk. "What do you say, Szymon?" She questioned as she glanced at him.

"Sounds good to me," he said with a nod.

"Hello Szymon," Ryan said with an uneasy smile.

"Hey Ryan," he said as he stepped toward her. "Did you give your statement?" He asked.

"I did," Ryan nodded.

"Good. As long as we have you for a witness, they won’t let Steven back out on the streets, I promise you that."

"Great," Ryan said. "Because that’s the last thing I’d want."

"So where were you guys going?" Sarah questioned.

"I don’t know," Szymon responded. "How about you?"

"Just up on the corner," Sarah responded as she pointed to the place. "It’s a quiet little diner."

"Then let’s go," Joseph said with a smile.

"H-hello?" Elijah Montessori said as he answered his cell phone. "N-no, I’m almost th-there," he said. "I j-just got a little s-sidetracked. N-Nicolae came to see me," he said with a smile. "D-don’t worry, Devon, I’ll tell you all a-about it," he said. "I’ll be th-there in five m-minutes," he assured her and he snapped the cell phone shut and tucked it into his pocket as he walked down the street. Just up ahead, he spotted Cayden stepping out of the subway entrance.

"I’m not kidding, Cayden, this is the ghetto," Jody Powers explained. "I’m going to tell my mother that you brought me here, I swear to God."

"Jody, just relax," Cayden sighed. "It’s really not that bad."

"Why are we here?" Jody demanded. "If you wanted to take me to a hotel, we could have gotten a much nicer one."

"Would you please stop that?" Cayden pleaded. "I’m not interested in you, Jody. You’re sixteen years old, for crying out loud."

"Yeah, I’d bet you’d like to see me crying out loud, wouldn’t you?" Jody teased.

"That’s enough!" Cayden responded. "I’m here to meet a friend," he explained, "she has some good news to share."

"Cayden!" Elijah called out.

Cayden turned to glance at who was calling him and saw Elijah. "Elijah," he said with a smile. "Did Devon call you too?"

"Sh-she d-did," Elijah responded.

"Wow, stutter much?" Jody said aloud.

"Shut up," Cayden said as he reached over and swatted Jody on the arm.

"How did you know I liked it rough?" Jody questioned with a smirk.

"That’s enough out of you," Cayden said as he pointed to him.

"Fine, whatever," Jody said with a frown when he realized that his attempts to woo Cayden weren’t working. He rolled his eyes and glanced at Elijah. "Wow, you’re hot," he exclaimed when he realized how cute the other man was.

"Wh-who is this?" Elijah inquired.

"This is Vivian’s son," Cayden explained.

"Wh-why is he w-with you?" Elijah questioned.

"Don’t ask," Cayden said as he rolled his eyes. "It’s a long story." He glanced up the street. "Do you know where this diner is?" He questioned. "When she called me, she was so excited. I can’t remember the last time I heard her like that," he explained.

"Me t-too," Elijah said. "It’s a-across the street. O-over there," he said as he pointed to the diner on the corner.

"Great, let’s go," Cayden said.

"Hold up!" Jody shouted. "If you think I’m stepping foot in that place, then you are seriously off your Prada!" He exclaimed as he took a step back. "Look at it, it’s disgusting!"

"Would you just come on?" Cayden questioned as he grabbed Jody by the arm and proceeded to drag him across the street.

"Are you kidding me?" Jody asked as he glanced down at the sleeve of his shirt. "This is a twelve hundred dollar shirt and you’re tearing it!"

"Yeah well, I like it rough," Cayden responded. "Now shut up and be a good boy," he demanded.

"Yes Daddy," Jody responded with a smirk.

"Jesse," Liliana Martinez said as she stopped in the middle of New York City foot traffic and stared at her grandson. "Where are you going? The diner is this way." She said as she pointed up the street.

Jesse Martinez was in a world of his own. All thoughts had been forced out of his head as a sweet melody filled his consciousness. He walked, like a moth driven to a flame, toward the source of the melody. "I know that song," he said to himself. "Where is it coming from?" He questioned as he saw a group of onlooker gathered.

He pushed his way through them until he approached the center and the focus of the group. Sitting on the ground with a guitar in his hands, Sebastian Vaughn played the tune that struck a chord within Jesse Martinez. He watched him in silence as onlookers tossed money into Sebastian’s guitar case.

Slowly, Jesse knelt down before Sebastian and stared at his fingers as they manipulated the chords that entranced him.

"I know this song," Jesse said softly as he glanced at Sebastian. "I know this song."

"I play it every day," Sebastian responded.

"No, I know it from somewhere else," Jesse assured him.

"I made it up, dude," Sebastian explained.

"Really? It’s like I heard it before."

"I played it for you one time," Sebastian offered. "Maybe that’s what you’re remembering."

"Maybe," Jesse said softly as Sebastian ended the song and the crowd of onlookers began to disperse.

"Jesse?" Liliana said as she was finally able to combat her way through the crowd toward her grandson. She saw him knelt on the ground beside Sebastian.

"Hello Mrs. Martinez," Sebastian said with a smile.

"Ay Dios mio," Liliana said, "Jesse, you had me scared."

"I’m sorry," Jesse responded, slowly coming out of his music induced coma. He shook his head slightly. "I love that song."

Liliana shook her head with annoyance. "Don’t ever do that to me again," she said. Glancing at Sebastian, she frowned. "And you, what are you doing sitting on a street corner? Are you poor?"

"Abuela!" Jesse said with embarrassment as he stood up.

"No, it’s okay," Sebastian said as he placed his guitar back I the case. "I’m not poor, Mrs. Martinez. I just love to play music," he explained.

"Yes, well you look skinny," she said as he reached forward and grabbed him by the wrist. "You’re coming with us," she said.

"And where are we going?" Sebastian questioned.

"To eat!" Liliana declared.

"Jesus Christ, where are they?" Devon inquired as she glanced at the door of the diner and checked the clock on the wall. "I told them at noon, it’s nearly twelve-thirty," she explained with frustration.

"It’s okay, they will be here," Gage assured her. "And when they come, we’ll be waiting," he said as he placed his hand on her belly, "all of us."

Devon smiled at him. "Are you disappointed?" She questioned as she searched his eyes.

"No," Gage admitted, shaking his head. "I’m not. I’m going to be a father, that’s all that matters."

"I was so scared in there," Devon admitted. "I thought that the moment I saw the baby I wouldn’t want it anymore."

"And now?"

"And now I’m picking names!" Devon responded. "This is so exciting. I actually got to see my baby," she said, "it’s mind-blowing!"

The bell on the door rang as it was opened and Devon glanced in that direction, a slight frown on her face when she saw Szymon Skubisz and Sarah Mulberry. "What are they doing here?" She questioned. Gage glanced over at them and smiled, waving at them.

"What are you doing?" Devon questioned as she tried to stop him from getting their attention.

"I’m sharing the news," Gage explained.

"Big mouth," Devon sighed when she realized that he had gotten their attention.

"Hey guys!" Sarah said as she sat down with them and scooched over in the booth to let Joseph sit down next to her. "Can we join you?"

"Sure, the more the merrier," Devon said sarcastically.

Ryan sat down across from them and smiled. "Thanks," she said softly. Devon stared at her in silence for a moment before responding. "Don’t mention it," she said as she glanced at Szymon. "You can sit down too," she said finally.

"Look, Devon, I’m sorry," Szymon began.

"Don’t apologize," Devon explained. "I know you were just doing your job. Have a seat," she said.

Szymon nodded, then glanced over at Joseph, who seemed to be eyeing him. "So, what’s going on."

"I have big news," Devon announced.

"Oh really?" Sarah questioned.

"Yes really," Devon mimicked sarcastically as the bell on the front door tolled again and she saw Victoria King step into the diner. "Victoria!" She called out, waving toward her.

Victoria smiled when she saw her and walked toward the table. "Hello everyone," she said.

"Join us," Devon said as she pointed to a chair. "I have some big news that I want to share with everyone.

"Oh, I don’t know," Victoria said, "I’m here with someone."

"Then invite him too," Devon said excitedly.

"Well, okay," Victoria said as she motioned to Drake Talbot. "Everyone, this is Drake Talbot. I work with his father," she said.

"Hello," Drake said with a smile as he sat down. As everyone introduced themselves to Drake, Jesse Martinez stepped into the diner and immediately saw the crowd. He walked to the back of the restaurant with Sebastian following.

"What’s up, bitches?" Jesse inquired, taking everyone by surprise.

"Oh my God, Jesse!" Devon called out. "Join us!"

"I’m here with Sebastian and my grandmother," Jesse explained. "Apparently we’re too skinny and need to eat," he explained.

"They’re a sack of bones," Liliana Martinez noted.

"Please join us," Devon begged.

Jesse glanced at his grandmother and smiled as he stepped up in front of her. "It would mean a lot to me if you got to know some of the people in my life," Jesse said softly. "They’re like my other family and I want you to meet them," she said.

Liliana glanced into his eyes and placed her hand on Jesse’s face. "Okay," she said with a smile.

"Everyone, I’m sure you remember her from when she kicked you out of my apartment, but this is my new and improved grandmother, Liliana," he said as he introduced her to the crowd.

"Oh Jesse, please," Liliana smiled as she sat down.

"We need more chairs," Gage noted.

"I’ll get them," Jesse and Sebastian said in unison as they turned to grab more chairs. They paused when they saw Cayden King standing there staring at his group of friends. "Hey," he said nervously as he eyed Szymon Skubisz. "Got room for a few more?"

Szymon Skubisz stood up from his chair slowly, and without saying a word, he walked over to Cayden King and grabbed him, pulling him close. He placed his lips on top of Cayden’s and kissed him. Cayden kissed him back and encircled his arms around him, never wanting to let him go.

When Szymon pulled away, he stared into Cayden’s eyes and said nothing. He knew that Cayden understood all that he wanted to say. Cayden smiled and nodded his head. "Me too," he said softly.

"Gross," Joseph Lester said as he shook his head.

"Oh, come on," Sarah said, "It’s romantic."

"It’s something, all right," Joseph agreed sarcastically.

"It was hot," Jody Powers said. "How come you didn’t tell me that you had all of these hot guys for friends?" He inquired.

"And who the hell are you?" Devon James inquired.

"He’s my boss’ son," Cayden responded. "Don’t ask. Jody, take a seat," he said as he pointed to an empty chair.

"Th-the gang’s all here," Elijah Montessori noted.

"How did you all find out about this?" Devon inquired as she glanced from face to face. "I only called Cayden and Elijah," she explained.

"Found out about what?" Jesse inquired.

"About the baby," Devon responded.

"What about the baby?" Sarah asked.

"You mean this was all just a coincidence?" Devon inquired with surprise.

"Wait," Gage said as he sat forward, amused by the entire situation. "You all just decided to come here out of the blue, not knowing that Devon and I just came from having an ultrasound?"

"You had an ultrasound?" Victoria question. "How exciting!"

"Did you find out the baby’s sex?" Ryan asked.

"We did," Devon said with a smile and a nod.

"Well, come on," Cayden said as he sat down. "Don’t keep us all in suspense. Tell us!"

Devon James smiled at her group of friends, an odd assortment of people. She reached over and grabbed Gage’s hand. "We’re having a boy," she said excitedly.

"A boy!" Cayden shouted. "Hell yeah!"

"Congratulations," Victoria King said warmly.

"She’s having a boy!" Cayden smiled at Szymon and kissed him again.

"So what are you going to name him? Have you decided?" Sarah questioned.

"Gage Junior?" Ryan inquired.

"Oh hell no," Devon laughed.

"I l-like E-Elijah," Elijah commented.

"Yeah, and how many E’s are in that?" Devon joked. "Actually, we just decided what we’re going to name him," she said as she glanced at Gage. "I thought for sure that I was going to have a girl," she said softly. "And I knew in my heart that I wanted to name her Julia," she said as she glanced at Jesse.

Jesse Martinez smiled. "She would have liked that," he said softly.

"So instead, we’re going to name him Taylor," Devon explained.

Tears came to Jesse Martinez’s eyes. "She would really like that," he said with a nod.

"Taylor Matthews," Cayden said softly. "It’s perfect."

"So what the hell," Gage Matthews called out. "We need drinks here! We need to toast," he called out as the waitress came with tall glasses of soda for everyone and began to pass them around.

"To Taylor," Devon said as she held up her glass.

"To Taylor," everyone repeated.

"And to us," Devon said finally. "No matter what’s going on or what happens, we always find our way back to each other," she noted. "Because this is where we belong. We’ve faced so much together," she said, "and we’ve all come out on the other side and we’re still together. It's us against the world, come what may, we'll still be together. To family," Devon said.

"To family!" Everyone cheered.

Mrs. Mulberry sat on the couch for a moment before reaching for the phone. She picked it up and dialed carefully. "Mark, it‘s your mother. Let me talk to your wife. Yeah, I love you too," she said, somewhat annoyed, "now put Cassie on the phone."

"Cassie," Mrs. Mulberry said when she heard the woman’s voice. "Your daughter is about to make one of the biggest mistakes of her life - and yours - if you don’t do something," she explained.

"Serena, what is wrong with you?" Sanjay Sidhu questioned. "That girl, why would you hire her? She’s a klutz! She knocked down the whole entire display!"

"Because I saw something when I touched her," Serena explained as she glanced up from her Tarot cards and stared into her father’s eyes. "And what I saw was really bad, Daddy. It was horrible."

"Answer the question, you son of a bitch!" Anthony Guzetti demanded as he cracked his pistol across David Brooks’ face.

"Please," David Brooks begged from where he was sitting, tied to the chair in the middle of the room with a single light shining on him. His lip was busted and his right eye was nearly closed. "Please stop," he cried. "Please."

"Answer the question. Who is working with Jacob Talbot?" He asked.

"I don’t know," David responded, tears streaming down his face. "I don’t know."

"Fine then," Anthony said as he pointed the gun directly at David’s face.

"Wait! Wait!" David pleaded. "It’s the cops! The cops!"

"Who are they?" Anthony questioned.

"Some guys named Lester and Skubisz," Anthony responded. "Joseph Lester and Szymon Skubisz."

"Thank you," Anthony Guzetti said as he began to squeeze the trigger.

"Wait," a man standing in the darkness called out. Slowly, he began to walk forward. "Did you say Szubisz? Szymon Skubisz?" He questioned as he stepped into the light.

"That’s what he said, boss," Anthony responded as he glanced over his shoulder at Vincenzo D’Agostino.

"Szymon Skubisz," Vinny repeated as he shook his head and walked toward David Brooks. "That’s my little brother’s friend. That son of a bitch is going down," he said with anger as he grabbed the gun from Anthony and fired one shot into the back of David Brooks’ head. Afterwards, he very calmly handed the gun to Anthony Guzetti, then reached for a handkerchief and wiped his hands off.

"Him and his whole family," Vinny threatened as he stepped back into the darkness.