Author Anon

“Welcome back, Amanda,” says Dr. Shimmer. “I hope the short suspension did not affect you negatively.”

“Thank you, Dr. Shimmer,” says Amanda. “I’m only worried about how this affects my residency.”

“There shouldn’t be any problems. I anticipate a June graduation for you.”

“And afterwards?”

“I am sure the hospital would be happy to have you stay on here.”

——————————————————————————————–

“The court is asking for a hearing in regards to the custody of Lucas Silverman,” says Michael. “Uugh. I have nothing against the kid, but he’s not mine and I want that cleared up.”

“But he’s got no one,” says Sylvia. “Do you really suppose David is going to take him?”

“If he thinks it will get him Amanda, he will.”

“And what does Amanda think?”

“I haven’t asked, but I’ve already said I will not use Lucas to win her.”

“Lucas is very attached to Amanda, now. And her family. They’ve been keeping him at their offices.”

“I know he’s attached, but he’s still young enough for us to break those attachments. Lisa and Rick are considering adopting him as well. It might be better since they have Eileen.”

“You can’t just force a break on him. He’s been neglected and he’s finally found someone to trust.”

“What are you suggesting?” asks Michael.

“You and Amanda should adopt him yourselves.”

“I don’t think Amanda’s ready for marriage. She wants to move slowly.”

“How slowly? Rumor has it you’ve practically moved in.”

Michael blushes. “I don’t think that’s anyone’s business.”

“I think you and Amanda need to have a long talk.”

——————————————————————————————–

A man knocks on a door in a back alley. Carl answers it.

“I have a delivery for a Carl Black,” the man says.

“There’s no one by that name here,” says Carl.

“I’m sorry. This was the address that was given,” says the man.

“Who’s it from?” asks Carl.

“Let’s see,” says the man, looking at his invoice. “Diamonds Express.”

Carl looks perplexed. “I’ll take it, then.”

“It’s for Mr. Black.”

“I’ll take it for him,” says Carl, impatiently.

“You’ll need to sign here,” says the man.

Carl signs the book and takes the box inside. Opening the box, he discovers a single note surrounded by foam peanuts. “Well, Carl, I’ve found you. Nicholas Cole,” he reads. “Damn him!”

Meanwhile, the messenger drives around the corner and meets Gavin and Nicholas, relating to them what happened.

“Looks like we’ve found our man,” says Nicholas.

“Now, we wait to see what he does,” says Gavin.

——————————————————————————————–

“I’ve found a good-sized cafe with a bar next door,” says Mark. “The cafe’s for sale, but the bar’s not. At least, not yet. I’m thinking if I can turn the cafe into a success, I might eventually buy the bar.”

“Not a bad plan,” says Jason. “But how are you going to finance it.”

“Mr. Silverman’s agreed to help me get in with his bankers. Ashley’s agreed to provide occasional entertainment. Would you like to come in on this?”

“I don’t know. It’s like everybody’s abandoning ship.”

“Tracy hasn’t. David will probably go back, for all that’s worth. Dan’s still there. Uncle Tom and Robert can manage.”

“That’s just it. How long can it survive without us carrying it on?”

“If you’re worried about the Golde name being carried on, David probably has a ton out there. Uncle Robert can marry and have kids. Maybe Uncle Tom will bring Aunt Lucy into it. Maybe now, Rick and Lisa will have a share in it. I’ve had enough.”

“I feel mom has been betrayed and we’re allowing it to happen.”

“If she was still here, I think she’d support me in this.”

“Probably. But I feel obligated to help Tracy carry on for now.”

“Suit yourself.”

——————————————————————————————–

Melanie is searching the attic with her girls. “The Goldes never threw anything out,” she says. “Maybe you can look through to see what you want to use at the shop.”

They separate into different rooms. Melanie sees an old trunk and curiousity prompts her to open it. Inside the lid is a little vanity mirror. She checks and admires her reflection. She reaches in and pulls out some fancy gowns, fashionably outdated. As she replaces them, she glances in the mirror and is startled to see someone behind her.

“Leave my stuff alone!” says the other woman.

Melanie turns around, but sees no one. Frantic, she runs out of the room.

——————————————————————————————–

Filed under: All That Glitters