Episode 17

The next morning, Susan woke up in an excellent mood. After having breakfast, she was saying goodbye to Joanne, who would be attending the wedding.

"Don't worry, I'll make David's night miserable," Joanne said.

"Joanne Foster, behave yourself. I'll call you as soon as I return," Susan told her.

"Of course, you'll call me. I want to know all the details of what you've done with Gerard," Joanne insisted.

"I'm just going to have lunch with him, nothing more," Susan replied, looking serious.

"Susan MacMillan, I won't forgive you if you don't take this opportunity to have a good skirmish with Gerard. It would be a crime not to do it," warned Joanne.

Susan began to laugh and was on the verge of bursting into laughter when she heard him behind her.

"It seems like these beautiful ladies are having a great time," Gerard said.

"Excellent. We were talking about skirmishes," Gerard stared at her, not understanding, while Susan continued laughing and blushing, standing up.

"Joanne Foster, behave. I love you," Susan said, giving her a hug.

Gerard said goodbye to Joanne.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"Yes, I am," Susan replied, and they went out to explore the city.

...****************...

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Ava Cooper was packing her small bag to go to Los Angeles. She longed to see Mark.

Alexander Cavelli was reviewing the scripts they would start filming on Tuesday; these were the last two episodes, which meant they would return to Los Angeles in a few weeks.

"Alexander, if you don't need anything else, I'll see you on Tuesday," Ava commented.

"Of course not. Enjoy your break. See you on Tuesday," he replied.

Ava headed to the airport while Alexander continued getting everything ready.

He would be traveling to New York for his son Brandon's 15th birthday. His wife had been pregnant with Brandon when she left him; Brandon had grown up with another man. He had to admit that Bill was good, but damn it, he couldn't see his children grow up if only success had come a few months earlier. For years, he had asked himself the same question: if he had had money, would Grace have stayed with him? Had love faded away, or had the fear of the unknown been stronger? The fact was, Grace had abandoned him, and the strangest thing of all was that the more successful he became, the further he drifted from his children.

His first series had grown by leaps and bounds, and his trips to Los Angeles became more frequent. Even when he was in New York, he depended on the schedules and days that Grace had established, as if love and concern for the children understood day and time. How many times had he wondered if they were doing their homework or feeling well? So now, he traveled to New York at least once a month, and they spent their summer vacations with him, some holidays. And as they grew older, they grew further apart.

He closed his laptop, grabbed his jacket, and headed to the airport.

...****************...

Susan was enjoying her lunch with Gerard. They talked about everything for hours, and after lunch, they decided to take a walk in Central Park. Truly, Gerard was pleasant company.

"Do you want to have dinner with me?" he asked.

"It's very kind of you, but I don't want to be a burden to you. Perhaps you have something better to do," she responded.

"Believe me, the thoughts I have about you aren't so noble. I enjoy your company," he said.

"I'll have dinner with you," she replied. Gerard smiled at her, kissed her on the cheek,"and said,"I'll see you later, Susan. I'll come to pick you up at eight."She entered the hotel, smiling."

As she entered her room, she dropped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. The suggestion from Joanne came to her mind, and she couldn't help but laugh.

Alexander Cavelli was checking into the hotel. Finally, he was in the same city as his children. He went to his room, took a shower, and rested for an hour.

...****************...

Ava got out of the car; her flight had been delayed. She entered her building; she was living with Mark, although her parents still didn't know.

The elevator stopped midway between the elevator and the apartment door. Upon opening the door, she heard loud music, as she used to hear when Mark was around. She left her suitcase and headed towards the bedroom.

"Mark, darling!" she said. Upon opening the door, she found him having sex with a redhead. He looked at her in shock.

"Ava, what are you doing here?" he asked.

She closed the door, walked to the living room, grabbed her bag, and left.

"Ava, wait, please! I can explain," he shouted. She entered the elevator and left as quickly as she could.

...****************...

In Seattle, David was ready to attend Rose's wedding. While waiting for Chloe to finish getting ready, he poured himself a glass of whisky. Chloe appeared in the living room, and David couldn't help but admire her. She looked truly beautiful, dressed in a red dress that accentuated her curves.

"You look stunning," he told her.

"Do you like what you see?" she asked.

"I'm captivated by what I see, but I love what I don't see," he replied, sliding his hand along her hip.

"Shall we go?" she asked, and he nodded.

Upon arriving at the party, David looked around and indeed, Susan hadn't come to the party. As he walked through the hall one more time, he saw Joanne.

She smiled at him, and with that gesture, David knew the night was going to be a nightmare.

The evening began to unfold peacefully. David and Chloe were sitting at their table when Steve approached to talk to his friend.

"David, how are you both doing?" he asked.

"Very well," they responded. Chloe stood up and headed to the bathroom. "Rose looks very happy," David commented.

"She is. It's a shame Ava isn't here. Susan said she's in Vancouver working on a series. By the way, Rose and I watched the last episode and loved it."

"I've talked very little to Ava since that day, and the little I've spoken to her has been mostly out of courtesy. Ava has always been politically correct."

"How's it going with Amelie?" Steve asked.

"It's totally different there, you know. Amelie has always been rebellious and sassy towards me. I have to admit, it's completely different with Susan."

"They're upset, and it's understandable. You knew about it, give them some time," Steve advised.

"At least tonight, I don't have to deal with Susan," David commented.

"She had said she wouldn't come. Supposedly, she was going to New York with Joanne. That's what she told Margaret."

"Speaking of Joanne, there she comes with Margaret," David said.

"David, Steve, it's time for the waltz," Margaret informed them.

"David Cooper, how are you?" Joanne said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Very well, Joanne. I thought you were in New York," David commented.

"I arrived this morning. I wouldn't have missed the wedding for anything. You know how much I adore Rose and your daughters."

"I know, and they adore you too. You'll always be Aunt Joanne to them," David replied. "And why didn't Susan come?"

"Susan is still in New York."

"She stayed there alone?" he asked, surprised.

"No, not alone. She's with her friend or suitor."

"That's good," he responded, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Chloe returned and took David's hand. Joanne looked at her coldly. "Chloe, let me introduce you to Joanne. She's a friend of Susan's," David said.

"Pleasure," Chloe replied.

"The pleasure is mine, my dear. You're beautiful, like a brunette Barbie."

"Thank you," Chloe responded.

"Don't thank me, it's the truth. On the other hand, David, you still resemble Barbie's grandpa. Enjoy the evening," Joanne remarked.

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