Author Anon

“So glad you could come,” says Carol. “Steve and Laura are here already.”

“Things are quiet at the hospital right now,” says Amanda, as they walk into the living room.

“Does that mean Nicholas will pull through?” asks Carol.

“Oh, yes,” says Amanda. “He’s awake now.”

“When will he be released?” asks Frank, joining the conversation.

“Hopefully, in the next few days,” says Amanda. “They’ll give him a little therapy and make sure he can stand on his feet.”

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“Alex, how wonderful to see you,” says Ashley, coming up to Alex.

“Hello, Ashley. It’s been an age,” says Alex.

“Too long,” says Ashley. “I had every intention of going over to the ranch to visit since Tara could no longer come over. But Paul decided to give me some work to do.”

“I hope it isn’t too exhausting,” says Alex, wryly.

“Not anything physical,” says Ashley. “But I’m trying to round up some new writers for our publishing company.”

“That’s not too difficult for you,” says Alex. “After all, the group you run with is full of creative people.”

“Still, I’m a bit bored with the mental stimulation,” says Ashley, touching Alex’s arm, up and down. “Right now, I’d prefer some physical stimulation.”

“Hello, Alex,” says Michael, coming over to them. “I believe Tara is looking for you.”

“Thank you,” says Alex, walking away.

Michael turns to Ashley. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t know what you mean?” asks Ashley.

“Your flirting,” says Michael. “Why are you working on Alex, knowing Tara is interested in him?”

“It’s not like they’re married, or ‘an item’ even,” says Ashley. “I just wanted to have a little fun.”

“Your little fun may cause some problems for your sister,” says Michael. “Do you even think of that?”

“Oh, Michael! Ever since Stephanie dumped you, you’ve become so dull and straight-laced,” says Ashley.

“Maybe I’ve always been dull and straight-laced and that’s why Stephanie dumped me,” says Michael. “Whatever the reason, right now I don’t care. I just don’t think you should be another like David Golde.”

“At least he knows how to have fun,” says Ashley. “Maybe I should see to his comfort.” She walks away.

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“Everything is beautiful, Sylvia,” says Tracy. “I can see you becoming the next society matron.”

“That’s what your mother said before she died,” says Sylvia. “But I’m not sure I can do it like she did.”

“Maybe not, but you have your own style,” says Tracy. “I guess we never noticed it because you were always in her shadow.”

“I don’t want anyone to think I’m trying to take over,” says Sylvia. “I only did this to help your family out.”

“Don’t worry,” says Tracy. “People respect you for yourself. No one will think negatively.”

“Hello, Tracy,” says Dan.

Tracy turns around. “Happy Thanksgiving, Dan. I think we ought to put aside enmity, at least for today.” She thrusts her right hand out and Dan shakes it.

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“Where’s William?” asks John.

“I’m afraid he had some other engagement,” says Robert. “He didn’t give us any details.”

“I hope he’s not holed-up somewhere, drowning in grief,” says John.

“Actually, he seems to have been in very good spirits, recently,” says Tom.

“Yes, unexpectedly so,” says Robert, scowling.

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“That was a wonderful meal,” says William. “You’re a terrific cook, Melanie.”

“I’m sure it is nothing compared to what you’re used to,” says Melanie.

“No,” he says. “Better.”

“You are such a flatterer,” says Melanie.

“Not at all,” says William. “It’s been ages since I had a genuine home-made meal. It seems the meals I’ve had in the past thirty years are too gourmet for my tastes.”

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“How was Mr. Cole’s night?” asks Amanda to the nurse.

“Very quiet,” says the nurse. “I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.”

“Surprisingly, I did,” says Amanda. “I-” She was interrupted by the heart monitor beeping in Nicholas’ room.

The guard sticks his head out. “Doctor!” he calls. Amanda rushes in.

Nicholas is tossing in his bed, still asleep, repeating, “Red is black, red is black, red is black.”

“What does he mean?” asks the nurse.

“I’m not sure,” says Amanda, going up to the bed and trying to control Nicholas’ thrashing. “He’s got a fever. We need to bring it down.” As the nurse leaves the room, Amanda turns to Nicholas. He is breathing heavily and still groggy. “Mr. Cole, Nicholas, wake up.” He opens his eyes a little, but then falls back to sleep.

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Filed under: All That Glitters