Before Sunset
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Before Sunset
AUTHOR: Senia

Chapter 30
Gregory leaned against the wall, watching the proceedings before him with barely concealed amusement. Bette, dressed in some sort of makeshift bunny outfit suited more for a bachelor party than a kid's Easter egg hunt, was helping Paula find the colored eggs hidden throughout The Waffle Shop while Elaine put the finishing touches on dessert. Meanwhile, Olivia attempted to complicate matters by moving eggs to spots that Paula had already checked. Bette caught her once, causing a bit of an egg fight before Elaine protested that she was the one that had to clean up the mess. He smiled as Olivia ran her hand through her hair for the hundredth time, trying to shake loose the remaining yolk that clung to the dark mass. Looking up, she caught his eye and returned the smile, confident enough in their relationship at this point that she wasn't too concerned with her appearance. When they went out she went to great pains to ensure she was immaculate, but this was a private party and even Gregory looked relaxed in his khakis and short sleeve shirt.

"How many more eggs are there?" Elaine called as she placed assorted desserts on a table.

"One, and I am beginning to think Olivia ate it so we wouldn't find it!" Bette called back with a lighthearted laugh.

"Are you sure she isn't wearing it?" Gregory walked over to the table, still amazed at the food Elaine had prepared. Dinner had been incredible, but it had been enough for at least twenty more people. That was an hour ago and he was still stuffed. Now he was facing a table full of dessert options that looked delicious and he couldn't decide which one he wanted. There was chocolate pie, apple pie, banana pudding, cookies, and ice cream. Elaine had explained that she would sell what they didn't eat in the restaurant tomorrow, but that didn't save him from wanting to try everything. Fortunately it was just the small group and he didn't have to worry about appearances. He'd just get a small serving of each, something he could well imagine his father frowning upon.

Suddenly Olivia was beside him, her arms circling his waist as he pulled her in front of him, "Are you going to help me get the egg out of my hair when we're finished here?"

"I thought I might ensure you weren't hiding any eggs..."

"Elaine, do you have a pitcher of cold water ready for these two?" Bette teased, swinging Paula in her arms as she approached. We found the last egg, but we can't reach it. Olivia, would you like to explain how you got an egg into the vent on the ceiling?" The question was answered by Olivia's giggles and Elaine's mumbling about her friends being more trouble than they were worth as she went off to find a ladder to get the egg down before it was forgotten and left a strong odor to remind her of its presence in a day or two.

Felicity glared at her brother across the family dining table. He had invited several of his associates for dinner and insisted she be there to act as hostess. He was laughing and talking, having a great time... Didn't he realize how pathetic they were? He had put together an elaborate dinner, invited the best people, and had his sister acting as hostess! They were both good-looking people, with excellent bloodlines, but they were basically broke. For her part, she was working on a plan to get some of the power and position that was rightly hers, but what was he doing? He was working at a law firm, not even a partner, and too busy being a playboy to pay much attention to any of the eligible women that might have accelerated him to a better position. He was, for all appearances, quiet content with his position in the world. That was enough to make her want to kill him. She heard someone at the other end of the table mention Gregory's name and her mood grew worse. He had been invited, of course, and politely declined. He already had plans with the Euro-slut he was seeing. Not for long... Not if she could help it. If things went the way she had them planned, Gregory would realize soon enough that he should never ally himself with the lower classes, and she would show that Olivia was among the lowest of them all. Just a few more weeks until the Spring Festival... An evil smile crossed her face as she thought of it. Gregory would have to be there, and he was certain to bring that woman with him. From across the table Timothy Prescott saw the look on his sister's face and felt a chill run down his spine...
Paris, France, and Del Douglas should have been on top of the world. He was on his honeymoon with a beautiful, wealthy woman; they were expecting their first child in a few short months; and he was set for life on the stock options he'd acquired with his new position at her father's company. He was also completely miserable... Madeline was no happier about the pregnancy than she had been when she first found out. On the contrary, she was even angrier. Although she still looked trim in her tailored clothing, she had begun to "fill out" and was suffering terribly from morning sickness. She swore, although Del couldn't tell, that she had gained 20 pounds already and that her ankles had swollen to the point that it hurt to walk. Del was starting to wonder if the benefits of this arrangement were worth the price he was paying, much less the price he sensed he was still yet to pay... "Happy Easter!" Del called out to the tower in the distance as he downed the drink in his hand. Behind him he could hear his wife mumbling something about too much salt and needing new clothes. He ignored her and poured himself another drink.
CHAPTER 31
The Spring Festival was being billed as the event of the year. The Deschanel family had matched the city's contributions and the ticket sales, at $75 a head, had ensured that money was no object in preparations. Olivia had taken no shortcuts in her own preparations, for herself or Bette. The money she'd gotten from Del was going fast, but it was still more than she'd expected to have, and the prospects of a future as Mrs. Gregory Richards was looking more and more certain. Bette had half-heartedly objected to her buying the dress, but she'd given in easily enough. Gregory had to work late so they would be meeting him a block from the hotel and going from there. "I wish we could have convinced Elaine to come..." Olivia mused as she and Bette stepped from the cab.

"We've been through this, Toots. Elaine isn't comfortable high society and these stuffy parties and she never will be. Besides, she'd have to find a sitter for Elaine and we both know how she is about leaving that little girl with anyone."

Gregory arrived about 15 minutes after they had and found them sipping Champaign. Olivia had her back to the door. Walking quietly up to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck. Olivia giggled and turned to offer him her lips which he eagerly accepted. "Sorry it took me so long. Closing arguments got a little long winded..."

"You'll have to make it up by being particularly attentive this evening."

"I'll see what I can do..." Gregory kissed her again before taking her hand and leading both of them out to his car.

"What's gotten into you that it's suddenly so important that we attend this party?" Timothy Prescott crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door, watching his sister check her make-up one last time. "I thought you were never going to be pitiful enough to go to one a social event unescorted..."

The look in Felicity's eyes was less than friendly, "I'm not going unescorted, you are escorting me. You are escorting me to this party, and you are going to amuse yourself by keeping a certain British bimbo busy while I remind Gregory of where his priorities lie."

"British bimbo busy? Basically brother brings brunette bottle of bubbly to buy..."

"Shut up, Timmy!" Felicity snapped, not amused by her brother's game. "We both know you've got a thing for Olivia Blake. All I'm asking is for you to pursue that interest, being your usual charming self..."

"No sweat... As long as you keep Richards occupied, it could prove to be a most enjoyable evening..."

Gregory tried his best to stay by Olivia's side, but he was constantly being accosted by business men and associates. Olivia gave him a reassuring smile, but was noticeably bored with the discussions. Finally she excused herself, flashing a charming smile at the men gathered around Gregory, and went to refill her glass. She spotted Bette flirting in her usual manner with a crowd of young gentlemen and shook her head in amusement. Suddenly her glass was removed from her hand and she was facing the handsome face of Timothy Prescott. "What are you doing, Pres? Aren't there enough lovely young women following you about without your interfering with my goals?" She asked, her eyes laughing.

"Ah... But none so lovely as you. What a tragedy that Mr. Richards, bright young man that he is, seems too dense to realize where his attention should be focused."

"Gregory isn't dense, he's busy... And I assure you, I never lack for his attentions..."

"Touché... My heart breaks at the thought. Perhaps you will grant a pitifully inadequate substitute to at least refill your glass... I believe that you can write it off as a charitable donation, but we all know how I did in law school..."

Olivia laughed, taking his arm as they walked to the bar. She liked Pres. He was charming, funny, and never took anything too seriously. His only real fault, as far as she could see, was having the misfortune to be born into the same family as Felicity.

There was another trait that Timothy Prescott had that Olivia might not have been aware of, the trait that was the real secret to his success with women. Timothy Prescott was subtle... He was able to talk and to charm, to refill a glass, and make time pass without his companion ever realizing just how late it was getting. And he was persuasive... Olivia had long ago lost count of how much she'd had to drink. Her glass simply never seemed to be empty. Vaguely she remembered seeing Bette leave with someone but how long ago that was could have been anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Pres suggested they take a walk, get some air, see the gardens... It sounded like a good idea and Olivia agreed, letting his arm steady her as she stood, giggling at her own unsteadiness...
Gregory finally managed to get away from his associates, but he couldn't find Olivia. Instead he ran, literally, into Felicity. He tried to be polite, even dancing with her once, but she was starting to get on his nerves quickly. She clung to him, delayed him, and basically got in his way. What had he been thinking when he'd gotten involved with the woman in the first place?
Olivia giggled and leaned on his shoulder. "I need to get back... It's late... Gregory..."

"Forget Gregory..." Timothy whispered against her ear, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tighter. "He doesn't appreciate you, not the way you should be appreciated."

"No..." Olivia started to pull away, but the arms tightened and the lips and on her neck sent chills down her spine. "No... He... He does... He loves me..."

"Then where is he? How could he leave you alone for so long? For hours... I'd never leave you by yourself." He turned her to face him and captured her lips in a demanding kiss, a kiss that was interrupted by his being roughly pulled to his feet. He barely registered who had grabbed him when Gregory's fist slammed into his face.

Olivia gasped and started to stand, but stumbled and sat down hard on the bench. Looking up, she saw the smiling face of Felicity Prescott and knew, despite the alcohol fogging her mind, exactly what was happening and why. She glared at the other woman and cursed herself for falling so easily into the trap.

Timothy crawled backwards away from Gregory, talking fast and assuring him that it was nothing, that he hadn't meant anything by it. The look on Gregory's face terrified him. He knew the man too well and he knew he may have just made the biggest mistake of his life. He managed to scramble to his feet and ran, as fast as he could, away from the hate he'd seen in his former friend's eyes.

Olivia alternated between protesting and apologizing as Gregory yanked her to her feet. She swayed and would have fallen if he hadn't pulled her too him. As he led her to the car, he literally was the only thing keeping her on her feet. She cried when he wouldn't speak to her, seemingly ignoring the explanations she tried to give him. All the while, all she could see was the look of satisfaction on the face of Felicity.

CHAPTER 32
"Gregory, please..." Olivia repeated for the hundredth time as he sped through the abandoned streets. He hadn't said more than 4 words to her since he'd found her with Prescott and that had been an abrupt "Get in the car." Her head ached and the sharp turns Gregory took in his anger sent her stomach churning. She was afraid she would be ill in his car before he stopped but her biggest concern had nothing to deal with the physical affects of the alcohol. Never had she seen him so angry and she feared Felicity may have accomplished what she'd set out to do.

Gregory clenched his teeth and looked straight ahead, shutting out the pleas from the woman next to him. He could have killed Prescott but it was himself he was most angry with. He had no doubt she had set up the little scene in the garden. Prescott loved the ladies, but he was no fool. He wouldn't have crossed Gregory if Felicity hadn't put him up to it. Olivia had walked right into the plan. How could she have been so stupid? The answer was clear... She was drunk and that made him angrier with her. They were fortunate he had been the one to find them in the garden. The gossip would have spread throughout Gregory's circle, making Olivia a laughing stock and him the object of pity. He stomped on the accelerator and heard Olivia moan when the car lurched forward. A few minutes later he swerved the car over to the cab and slammed on the breaks in front of her apartment.

Olivia waited a moment, partially hoping Gregory would say something and partially just taking a moment to ensure she would be able to stand without falling down in the street. When Gregory didn't say a word or even look at her she opened the door and stepped out slowly. She started to apologize again but he'd made it clear he wasn't listening. She just wished she'd been staying at Bette's, or Elaine's, because she sincerely didn't think she would make it upstairs on her own.

Gregory's eyes followed her around the car as she walked away. She was unsteady and didn't look like she felt very well. It served her right... Maybe she'd learn something if she spent the night clinging to some tree outside her apartment while fighting dry heaves... He stepped on the gas, but stopped a couple of feet from where he'd been parked. He couldn't leave her like that... He locked the doors and went to her side, putting a steadying hand around her waist. As soon as he reached her she turned and collapsed into his arms, weeping. "Shhh... You're going to be okay." I whispered into her hair and then lifted her into his arms.

Olivia could hardly believe he'd come back. She laid her head on his shoulder and tried not to think of the continuing turmoil in her stomach or the pounding in her head. Gregory hadn't left her and that made everything else insignificant. She would recover as long as he was with her. She handed him her keys at the door and he carried her to the elevator, not putting her down until he reached her bedroom. He first got her some Tylenol from the medicine cabinet and she took it without question. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she let him undress her without saying a word and then laid down, moaning as the room seemed to spin. The cool cloth he offered for her head helped a little and she whispered a sincere thank you.

Gregory sighed, wishing he could do more to make her feel better. She'd only feel worse in the morning... He stripped out of his own clothes and laid down beside her, letting her curl up in his arms and pillow her head on his chest. Her face was still wet from the tears she'd cried on the way home and he felt sorry for his attitude towards her. He knew what had happened, but it didn't make seeing her in another man's arms any easier to accept. Still, it felt good to have her in his arms now and he brushed the dark hair from her face and rubbed her back until she fell into a restless slumber.

Olivia awoke with a groan. Gregory still held her but as she moved he sat her up and pulled her to the edge of the bed. She protested the movement but a moment later was grateful. She'd never been so violently ill in her life. It was like her stomach was trying to rid itself of it's own lining. Gregory held her head and the trash can as she clutched her stomach and begged for it to be over. His voice was kind, comforting, with no sign of the harshness or anger from the night before. He kissed her hair and whispered encouragement until her stomach had settled and she was able to lie back. He left her only long enough to remove the trash can from the room and bring a fresh cloth for her face.

Gregory sat on the edge of the bed and gently wiped her forehead. She was miserable... "Do you have any saltines?" he asked, rubbing her stomach.

"I don't think so... I don't really buy food for here," she answered honestly. Most of her meals were with Bette or Elaine, or more and more lately with him.

"Okay... You lay still I'm going to check and if you don't have any I'll run out to the store to get some."

Olivia didn't want him to leave, but she knew she'd have to eat something and she was glad he wasn't angry with her any more. Last night she had honestly thought their relationship was over. Now she couldn't imagine what she would have done if he had driven off and left her alone. Most likely she would have spent the night outside until one of her neighbors had found her and helped her inside. She shivered at the thought.

"Are you okay?" Gregory noticed the shudder of her body as he came back in.

"I think so. No crackers?"

"No, I'm going to have to go out and get you some soup and ginger ale. Are you going to be okay until I get back?"

"As long as I know you're coming back..." She took his hand, "I'm sorry..."

Gregory interrupted her, placing his fingers over her lips, "We were setup. I know that... You don't think I'm going to let something like this take you away from me, do you?"

Tears filled her eyes and she sat up despite the agony it caused her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly, "I didn't know... Last night..."

"Hush..." I ran his hands over her back. "Not another word about it." He pulled her away from him and kissed her forehead. "Lay back down and try to rest. I'll be right back."

She did as he said, smiling as she closed her eyes and relaxed.

By the afternoon Olivia felt well enough to shower, dress, and convince Gregory that she would be able to go out for dinner. She was as aware as he was that people would have noticed that they'd left suddenly the night before. She was also certain that Felicity was spreading all sorts of tales of trouble, and probably believing most of them. If she and Gregory were to appear together, obviously as close as ever, it would put those stories to rest and ensure that if anyone looked bad it would be Felicity, like the vindictive, jealous woman she was.

Gregory hadn't stayed at Olivia's before and he didn't have anything to change into. It was one thing going out in last nights soup to get soup and crackers at a corner grocery store but he wasn't about to have dinner in them. Once Olivia was changed they drove to his apartment so he could change. She looked around the apartment while Gregory dressed. One day, whatever it took, she would be Mrs. Gregory Richards. Never again could she let something like last night threaten that future.

"Why are you so deep in thought, or are you not feeling well again?" Gregory came up behind her as she stared out the window.

"I feel fine." She turned to face him. "I was just trying to imagine how handsome you would look when you came out here. My imagination didn't do you justice."

"Are you trying to flatter me, Ms Blake?"

"No flattery. Maybe I just want to make sure I get invited back here this evening..."

"That goes without question..." Gregory kissed her lips, pulling her against his chest. Never would he let anyone take this away from him. Never.

CHAPTER 33
Del Douglas stared at the pink squirming thing in his wife's arms. A girl... Not that he cared, really, one kid was about as good as any other, but his father-in-law had been obviously disappointed. Apparently, having only had one daughter himself, he'd been counting on a grandson. Just another of Del's failures... He shrugged and accepted the whimpering infant as her mother held her out to him, a look of utter disgust on her face. Madeleine was not the motherly type and had only given birth to the child because to do otherwise would have angered her father. Now the kid belonged to Del and he had no idea what to do with it.

"She's wet." Madeleine sneered at her husband. "Where's that nanny person you were supposed to hire?"

"She's at the house. I don't think she's supposed to work at the hospital..."

"Then get a nurse or something, and see she's fed. I need a nap." Madeleine turned away from him.

"She still needs a name..." Del reminded her. His wife refused to acknowledge him so he took the baby into the hallway. He was relieved to see that Bette was there, dancing excitedly from one foot to the other in front of the nursery, waiting for a first glimpse of her new niece. Bette would be more than willing to help with the kid, he decided and headed her way, only to be stopped by a nurse. No one had told him the baby had to stay inside the ward until she was released.

It only took a few minutes to get Bette permission to come back there but it was long enough for the nurse to change and feed that infant. Del took her to see the baby and wondered how anyone could find the wrinkled thing to be at all attractive. For one thing she was almost bald with a ridiculous tuft of red hair standing straight up on the top of her head.

Bette couldn't have been more tickled. Her new niece was an absolute beauty, tiny and pale with the red hair characteristic of their family. She could tell Del still didn't know quite what to do with his new child, but she had every faith that the little treasure would still his heart in no time. "Well, have you decided on a name?"

Del looked at the creature again and shrugged, then grinned a devilish grin. "We decided that the honor of choosing a name should go to her aunt..."

Bette practically leaped into his arms, squealing with delight. "Oh... Oh my... Really? I mean, this is your first child and Madeleine may have something already..."

"No... Honestly, we couldn't be happier to have you choose a name for her."

"I'll have to think about this for a day or two." Bette clapped her hands together. "She has to have the perfect name..."

Olivia stretched and sighed contentedly as Gregory's hands touched her shoulders and massaged gently. He stepped onto the couch and slid down behind her so that she was between his knees. "That feels wonderful, Darling..." She approved gratefully.

"You feel wonderful." I mumbled a response against her neck before nibbling gently at her earlobe.

She leaned back against him and turned her head to offer him her lips. After a sweet, sensual kiss she pulled away and smiled, relaxing into his arms. "Bette called while you were out. Del is a father... A little girl..."

"Poor kid." Gregory laughed and was rewarded with a swat on his leg from Olivia. "Oh come on. You can't tell me that you don't feel sorry for a child that's stuck with Del and that dragon he calls a wife for parents..."

"I'm still hoping that the child will change them." Olivia admitted and then grinned, "And that she won't take after either of them..." They both laughed until Gregory cut her off with a passionate kiss and pushed her back onto the couch.

"Oh Bette, that's wonderful!" Elaine was glad her friend had called rather than coming over. She really was happy for Del and his wife, and for the excited aunt that sounded as if she couldn't have been prouder if the child were her own., but she couldn't deny the ache it brought to her heart when she thought of her own baby, gone for just at one year.

"I can't wait for everyone to see her. She's absolutely gorgeous! Red hair, light her favorite aunt... And I get to name her. I've already decided, though I suppose they'll have to approve it. Annie... Annie Douglas. What do you think? You should see her, Elaine! She looks like an Annie."

Elaine laughed, Bette's excitement enough to drive away the darkest thoughts. "I can't wait to meet her, Bette..."

Gregory and Olivia walked hand in hand down the beach, watching the sun set on the waves. He smiled at her, constantly amazed by how incredibly beautiful she was. They'd gone to see Del's new daughter earlier, even getting to hold her for a brief moment each, and he couldn't get the picture of her with the infant out of his head. He wanted her to be holding his babies, their babies... He'd thought about it in the past, but had never seriously given it much thought. Now he was certain. He'd have to plan it out perfectly for her, get just the right ring, arrange for some romantic setting, dancing maybe... No, he wanted them to be alone when he proposed. His apartment then... He'd have dinner catered and then dismiss the help. It'd be much like that first time when he'd come home to find her asleep in his bed. The next day he'd had to work, but she had prepared a special dinner for them and they had danced to the record player before making love all night.

Olivia turned and caught the distant look in Gregory's eyes, "Am I boring you? Gregory, we can go back whenever you want..."

"No..." He quickly corrected her, pulling her into his arms. "You could never bore me, but I would like to get you home..."

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