The next morning, Teddi awoke with a smile on her face and the smell of coffee at her nose. Coffee? Coffee meant someone else was there, and she had a pretty good idea of who that someone would be. "Calvin," she muttered between a yawn and stretched her arms above her head. "Calvin!" She bolted up and began untangling the covers from around her body.

"That's my name."

She extracted herself from her sheets, relieved only partially that his voice was coming from the living room and not the bedroom of her suite.

She threw on her robe and tied it tighter than it needed to be before pushing open the door.

The boy she'd fought so hard to keep and so hard to push away sat near the room's picture window, pastries and steaming coffee on a service tray beside him, wearing the same clothes he had on last night. "Please tell me you haven't been here all night."

Calvin waggled his eyebrows in such an irritating and horrifying manner that if Teddi had been standing any closer to the tray of pastries she would have belted him with a muffin.

"What are you still doing here? You can't be here."

Calvin's eyebrows jumped high on his forehead. "Why not?"

"Why not?" Teddi thumped across the room, waving her arms. "Why not? Because it'll look like we... we...." Feeling embarrassed, she tightened the belt on her robe and looked away.

"We what?"

"Calvin!"

"Is that any way to talk to me after last night?"

Teddi's jaw hung low for a moment. She then snapped it up and folded her arms. "Nothing happened last night."

"I seem to recall a lot happening." Calvin crossed the room to her.

"Calvin," she warned, torn between taking a step back or a step forward. He still smelled good after sleeping in his clothes all night. How could that be? What was he trying to do to her? Her decision was made for her when Calvin moved closer and bent down to her ear.

"A lot happened, Teddi. Quite embarrassing, really. We danced. I should have been playing you Glenn Miller all along. Then we danced some more at another joint."

She glared at him.

He went on, "We talked. You got jealous--"

"I did not--"

"And that kiss," he whispered, brushing his nose along her ear, his lips hovering near her neck. "That kiss was amazing."

Teddi swallowed and forced herself to move away, a hot flush warming her skin. "Then what happened?" she asked cautiously.

"The piano bar downstairs. Don't you remember?"

"I remember going there. I remember the music was really nice. We had drinks, I think. That's all I remember. Did I drink too much? Please tell me we didn't--"

Calvin went on as if she hadn't spoken. "The way you snuggled up against me and ... fell asleep in my arms," he finished with a laugh. "It was a bear trying to get you up to your room quietly."

"So nothing happened."

"You snored a lot."

"No one saw us?"

"No one who cared."

"Are you sure?"

"We're not in Brookhurst." Calvin chuckled, making Teddi flush. Surely, he'd been in situations like this before. Probably with that Blue woman.

"Then why did you stay here?" she asked, frowning and still upset.

Calvin blushed and shrugged and moved back toward the table. "No reason."

"There has to be a reason," Teddi pressed.

"I put you to bed and I don't know. I guess I was too tired to go back to my room. Here, have some coffee."

"You decided to order breakfast?"

"Well, Laura called--"

"She called here and you answered?" Her eyes went wide and panicked.

Calvin held up his hands, moving to her again. This time she jerked away. "I didn't want you to wake up," he explained.

"What if it had been my grandmother? Calvin, I can't believe that you'd just think this was okay."

"Don't make me out to be some sort of villain, here. I was only trying to help."

"I don't need that kind of help."

"Fine," Calvin growled, ripping up his discarded jacket from the back of the sofa.

"Fine."

"Oh, and Laura says she can't meet you until after 1. I thought you might get hungry so there you go." Calvin ripped the suite door open. "Bye, Teddi."

Guilt swelled inside of her. What on earth was wrong with her? She was behaving like a monster to him when all she wanted to was to be with him. "Calvin, wait," she said instantly following him out into the hallway. "I'm sorry." Calvin stopped but did not turn around. The scene looked utterly familiar and utterly pointless. This had to stop. She would have to be the one to make sure of that. After all, she was the one pushing him away. He was making an effort at least. She owed him the same. "Please," she said with conviction, "come back inside and eat with me."

He turned halfway around, looking at her over his shoulder. "I should check on Riley."

She stepped forward and smiled, apology clear in her eyes. "Please?" When he bowed his head, and smiled bashfully, her heart ached and her stomach tingled. He really wanted to be with her. That mattered to her. Sure, she may have gotten caught. Sure, her grandmother could have called, ranted and raved for the next year about impropriety and ruined reputation, but she was not a child any more, and she refused to act like one.

Teddi tucked Calvin's hand between both of hers, and he faced her fully. They stood there, smiling like two idiots until Teddi brought his knuckles to her lips and kissed them softly. She heard his breath hitch, the sound of it making her head spin.

"I'm sorry too," he said. He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head.

After a few moments, they returned to Teddi's window and ate sweet pastries and drank warm coffee. The morning flittered away and Teddi left to meet Laura. Calvin had been invited too, but he declined, feeling like he really did have to check on his brother and make an excuse so he could spend the evening with Teddi. He also needed to see if he'd give him the loan for school.

Calvin arrived in the hotel room he and his brother had reserved. It was about a quarter of the size of Teddi's room and looked smack into an dull brick building. He found Riley on his bed with his arm slung across his face.

"So, I ran into Blue last night."

Riley sat up. "And you spent the night with her? I should have never told her you were going to be there."

"You told her I was going to be at the Copa?"

"I didn't see any harm in it. She wanted to tag along to the meeting Mitt and I arranged with Eustace Molloy. Do you know who Eustace Molloy is?"

"Not really. And I really can't say that I care."

"Well, I care, and so does Mitt."

"Mitt's Mr. Hollywood. He doesn't have to answer to anyone."

"We're talking about Broadway here. It's different." Riley got up and walked to the small table overlooking dull brick wall. It cast a shadow over the barely lit room. Riley's face looked sallow and dejected. His brother poured himself a tumbler full of scotch.

"Is that your breakfast or lunch?"

His brother grunted and shrugged as he downed the drink then poured himself another. He gulped a large portion of the second glass.

"What I wanted to talk to you about was school. I have some money, but I need a little bit more, okay a lot more if I'm going to pay for classes, books and cut back my hours for next term."

"You should be thanking me kid." His words a murmur over the rim of his tumbler before he dropped the last of the drink into his mouth. "Instead of chasing Donovans, you could be with someone who respects you."

"Respects me, I..." Calvin paused and watched Riley's expression darken.

"You think I'm stupid, Calvin? You think I didn't recognize Fuzzy Donovan as soon as I laid eyes on her?"

"I didn't think that--"

Reily threw the tumbler against the wall. "That's right you didn't think! But you know? I can't blame you. This is my fault. I shouldn't have left you in that damn town in the first place. I couldn't take care of you."

"There's no one at fault here. It just happened, and I am glad it did." Riley didn't understand. He couldn't stand the way people looked at him in Brookhurst, but nothing felt more right than being with Teddi.

"I knew after you came to California you'd been with that girl, but I let it go. It was over. Then you asked me for those tickets. I knew it was for her. Who else?"

"Why did you agree then?"

"I tried to let it rest in my head, but I couldn't. When I saw Blue and she asked about you, I sent her over there. Stop making a fool out of yourself, Calvin. That family wants nothing to do with us. They'll blame you for their sins time and time again."

Fury as hot as lava pumped through Calvin's veins and seared into every pore. "Don't," he said in low voice.

"Don't what? Tell you the truth? Her father murdered ours, and let me guess? Old lady Donovan treated you as if you were the scum in this scenario."

"I made a promise to Teddi."

"What about you, Calvin? Do you know what happened with Liza Donovan? She got Frank Jessup and his crazy father all riled up--"

"Doc Jessup is the lowest piece of filth in Brookhurst! If you want to point fingers, point them at him!"

"He's not the one who shot daddy."

"But he is the one who sent momma away! Don't act so high and mighty! You're right, you left me. But you know what? I grew up anyway. Funny how I thought you did the same."

Riley looked away, breathing viciously through his nose before turning back to his brother, his eyes clear and sharp. "Tread lightly, Calvin. You are grown up now. I can't live your life for you, but don't expect me to stand by and cheer you on. I don't have it in me."

"I've never expected anything from anybody."

That night, Calvin found Teddi in the lobby and took her to a quiet dinner. Afterward, he wanted nothing more than to take her back to her room and make love to her, to wipe what happened with Riley away, but he couldn't do that to her. He couldn't make it all about him. It wouldn't be right. Instead, they enjoyed Pastrami sandwiches at a deli in midtown and took a stroll through Bryant Park. They walked the many blocks back to the hotel not noticing the time pass, not noticing life was about to change for them very quickly.

Sunday arrived, as did Calvin and Teddi's train back to Brookhurst. Riley headed back to Los Angeles early, leaving the room to Calvin and a wad of cash for him. He fought the urge to burn it. The message behind it was clear. Get out and come back to California. No note was needed for him to know what his brother intended. Calvin didn't care. The money was enough to get him some new clothes and buy his books. But he'd have to find some other way to pay his tuition. He wasn't running away from anything. He would not be defined by the sins of someone else's past.

"Never heard of the school," Laura said as she drove Calvin and Teddi through the crowded streets of Manhattan with surprising expertise en route to Penn Station. No one drove in the city. Especially rich girls who had drivers. Calvin could see why Teddi had chosen her for a friend. Quiet and full of fire and purpose. That was a recipe for a very good friend. Calvin had never had one of those. Not really. He wondered if that made him unwhole. "Hofstra. I like the sound of it," Laura went on.

"It's only been around for about five years, and it's mostly commuter."

Teddi kissed Calvin's cheek. "I'm so proud of you." He looked into her eyes so full of naked adoration and maybe something more, and fed off the warmth it spread thoughout his body. He kissed her once then twice. "Who knows maybe you can convince me to take a couple of classes."

Laura's eyes widened as she looked through the rearview mirror at Teddi.

"You can't. You promised if you went to school, you'd apply to Barnard."

"I want to keep my job at the Observer."

"Career woman. You put me to shame," Laura said with a good-natured laugh.

On the train, Teddi sat by the window with Calvin beside her. The empty bench across from them held their coats as well as two shopping bags from Teddi's excursion with her sister and Laura that contained items that simply would not fit in her luggage no matter how hard she tried. They planned to tell anyone who happened by that the seats were occupied by another couple who had just stepped out. Fortunately, no one had tried to take the seats, and they made several stops already and were already nearing their stop.

So, they sat together peacefully. She had fallen asleep on his shoulder for about an hour, and for a while, before and after her nap, they chatted and laughed over stories Teddi related to him about her time at school. He told her he was happy to know that she'd had a good experience there, even if they had been apart. He was right. They needed that time to grow. Of course, he said if he had a chance to do it all over, he might have left a bit more gracefully. But Calvin was not the graceful sort, and he lamented that as a bumbling sixteen-year-old orphan, he did the best he could and what he thought was right. She was just glad they'd come back to each other.

"I had a nice time," Teddi said softly.

Calvin brushed the back of his hand along her cheek. "I wish we could go back."

Teddi closed her eyes and touched her forhead to his. She wished the same thing, but she would not say it out loud because it would force them to talk about the reasons behind that wish. They weren't home, and she did not have to think. Turning her head, she kissed his fingers then quickly placed a short peck on his lips. Calvin met her peck with a deeper kiss. Apparently, he was thinking the same thing. The freedom she felt in his lips urged her to open her mouth with a sigh. Slowly, he slid his tongue between her lips, making her to tremble. She opened her mouth a bit wider and heard Calvin produce a small grunt before he pressed closer to her, exploring her with his tongue gently and thoroughly. When they parted, his eyes held hers, his eyes full of questions and promises.

Teddi closed her fingers around his and smiled. "Let's eat lunch in here."

Calvin swallowed a few times, trying to get his vocal cords back in order. Finally after a rough clear of his throat he asked, grinning. "This time you'll eat it?"

Teddi laughed, remembering their last train ride. "I was being a real piece of work. Wasn't I?"

"Well, you've had your better days."

When they finally arrived in Brookhurst, Calvin left Teddi to wait for him on the platform while he gathered their luggage. She felt happier than she had in a long time. Still, she worried about their future and what being back in Brookhurst could mean for them. They were just beginning to know each other again, and building a relationship was not going to be easy. She was determined to try much harder than she had before.

"Teddi Donovan."

Perfect. Samantha Chatfield. Her shrill voice and arrogant attitude were the last things Teddi wanted to deal with so soon after returning home. Unfortunately, Samantha was already standing in front of her wearing an ugly smirk.

"I hear you were in New York."

"Yes, I was." Teddi tried to smile, but the muscles in her face just didn't seem to want to cooperate.

"That's a shame," the girl babbled on with a nasty air just as Teddi spotted Calvin heading for them with an uncertain look on his face.

Teddi waved him over, rolling her eyes so only he could see. Calvin slowed his walk but continued toward them.

"My cousin, Hugh, and his friend from school joined us for dinner at your house. They're Harvard men, you know?" Samantha said, glancing at Calvin from the corner of her eye. "Thought for the night, at least, you'd enjoy some civilized company, but I see civility is not a priority for you."

"Buzz off, Samantha," Teddi clipped out.

Samantha snorted huffily. "Is that what they taught you at Middleton? Well, I heard the school was progressive, but really!"

"Goodbye, Samantha."

Samantha shook her head and twisted her nose as if something terribly putrid had entered her nostrils and flounced away.

Teddi noticed Calvin's hardened expression. Samantha had obviously rubbed him the wrong way and with good reason. She was a meddlesome snob and if Calvin hadn't been standing so close Teddi would have really let her hear what she really thought of her. "Calvin? You okay?"

"I got your bags."

"Thank you."

"Maybe we should go our separate ways here."

"Don't be silly. Samantha is just full of hot air."

"What about them?" He pointed over her shoulder.

Teddi turned around to see her grandmother peering beneath her hand, apparently trying to spot Teddi in the crowd. Her grandfather was right beside her. For some reason, Teddi did not care.

"Calvin, we're adults now."

"I'll see you later, Teddi." Calvin, however, obviously did care. "I just wanted to make sure you got home all right. They'll take care of you."

"I want you to take care of me."

"I know," he nodded, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Someday. I'll see you later."

"Bye." Teddi touched the warm spot he'd left on her cheek, and did not notice her grandparents approach as she continued watching Calvin's retreat.

"Darling, how was your trip?" her grandmother asked, giving her a squeeze. She was certainly in a cheerful mood.

"I had a wonderful time," Teddi replied, giving her grandfather a hug too.

"We're glad to hear that. How are Liza and the baby?"

"Oh. Good. Mac too. We went to dinner with them last night."

"That sounds like fun," said her grandfather, before turning to instruct the Carrington on what to do with Teddi's bags.

Elizabeth Donovan, never one to let a slip of the tongue pass by, touched her granddaughter's shoulder. "We?"

"Oh, a friend and I."

"Oh," Elizabeth's face softened a bit. "You saw Laura, dear. That's nice. I suppose she's used to that sort of thing. Seeing that man with Liza, I mean. With her sister being in the line of work she's in."

Teddi frowned at the comment. Congenial cruelty. Her grandmother would probably never change. But Teddi. Teddi was ready for a full-fledged metamorphosis.