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Andy Travis had a headache. It was one of those dull pounding things that hangs on forever, making it hard to think and even harder to stay calm. As he sat in Mr. Carlson's office, rubbing his fingers into his temple, he made a valiant effort to keep his temper in check.
Lillian Carlson was on a rampage. That in itself was nothing new. He'd had to endure these quarterly reviews for over ten years now. They came with the job and he usually was able to listen politely, tell her what she wanted to hear, and then get on with the business of running the station. Maybe it was because the old lady was growing even more cantankerous as she aged, but the last few years she seemed to have become more and more acerbic, and less likely to be cajoled or placated. Still, Andy could normally get through a session with his job and scalp intact. Today however seemed much more than just her typical harangue about money. Today her attack seemed personal.
His programming, his promotions, his ad campaigns, his choice of personnel -- nothing he'd done the past few months pleased her. He obviously wasn't devoting enough time to his job. Andy repressed a sigh at that accusation. He already spent way too much time at the station... time he would rather have spent at home with Cait and the kids.
Thinking of his family made the pounding in his skull worse. Today of all days his boss had to pick to go ballistic. Today was the day Andy had finally decided to swallow his pride and make an appeal for a raise.
He certainly deserved one. He couldn't remember the last time there'd been a change in his salary. A few years ago he hadn't minded sacrificing his own gain for the good of the station. He'd always figured the less Mrs. Carlson had to pay him, the more money she had to put into the operation. Besides, how much money did a single guy need? He lived simply -- not quite as spartan as Johnny -- but he didn't require much. He spent most of his time at work anyway. As long as he had a decent stereo system and a bed to flop on for the few hours he was away from his office, he'd been content.
All that had changed, however, three years ago on a cold, snowy day in Colorado. His marriage to Cait had created a need in Andy he'd never known he possessed. Suddenly it wasn't enough for him to just get by. More than anything else he wanted to give Caitlin comfort and security... something she'd never had in her entire life. A nice home, nice clothes... all those things he wanted to provide for her.
Then Trina arrived... and Danny a year later. Two wonderful, beautiful children who looked just like their mother. He loved them completely... and yet, they also created another drain on his already too small paycheck. He should have demanded a raise after Danny was born. Heaven knew they needed it. But he'd held off -- telling himself there would be a better time -- that maybe... just maybe... Mother Carlson would see the need and decide on her own to recognize his years of dedication and hard work.
It hadn't happened. Now they were expecting again -- and not just one baby. Twins. Twins. The doctor had confirmed it yesterday. They'd both been ecstatic, splurging and going out to diner to celebrate. But something had happened as the waiter brought the bill and Andy had dutifully signed his credit card. He panicked.
All the bills -- the cars, the house payment, groceries, formula, diapers... diapers! Because their kids were so close together, both Trina and Danny were still in diapers. Of course Trina would probably be trained before the twins came, but there would still be three kids in need of Pampers or Huggies or whatever the hell the latest brand was. Suddenly he felt totally inadequate to provide even the barest essentials for his growing family -- let alone all the other things he wanted to give them.
So he'd decided. After all these years of giving in, of making do and letting the old bat run roughshod over him, Andy had resolved to finally make a stand and demand what he felt he was owed.
Now, however, with Mrs. Carlson raging at him full bore, Andy wondered if this was a mistake. He shot a glance at the chair next to him, only to see the Big Guy slumped in his seat, his eyes on the floor. As always, there would be no help or support from that quarter. Probably better to wait until Mr. C left the office before Andy even broached the subject.
"...and I expect results before the next quarter," Mrs. Carlson threatened as she wrapped things up. As always, she blew through like a tornado -- her force deadly, but usually short-lived. "Do I make myself understood?" She glared at her son.
The Big Guy lifted his head on cue. "Yes, Momma," he assured her fervently.
"Andrew?" She turned her piercing eyes on Andy.
"Yes, ma'am," he stated evenly, not wanting to antagonize her until he'd had a chance to make his case.
"Good." She pulled a pair of elegant gloves out of her handbag. Andy noted they matched her dark fur exactly. "Then if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." She started to get up from behind her son's desk.
"Uh... Mrs. Carlson?" Andy sat up straighter in his chair. "Mrs. Carlson, if I can have a moment..."
The older woman lifted her eyebrows. "Station business, Mr. Travis?"
He squirmed a bit under her scrutiny. "Uh... well, sort of, I guess."
"Well then, I suppose I can spare a few more minutes." She sat back down.
The Big Guy had already made a beeline for the door. He stopped when he saw his mother wasn't leaving. Andy didn't turn, but knew the station manager's face would be crestfallen. He slipped back into his seat.
"Does this have anything to do with me?" he asked, his voice telling everyone he hoped not.
Andy spent a brief moment wishing his boss were of a slightly different make up, but then he shook his head kindly. No use in both of them suffering through this. "No, Mr. Carlson. Not really."
"Oh?" He smiled broadly and got up again. "Well, I guess I'll go and leave you two to discuss... whatever it is you're going to discuss." In a flash he'd made good his escape.
Andy watched him go then turned reluctantly to face his employer. She didn't appear happy. She sat tapping a pen impatiently, her mouth tight with displeasure at being made to wait.
"Well, Andrew? I really don't have much time..."
"Mrs. Carlson," Andy interrupted her tirade, before she could get wound up again. "I wanted to ask you..." His mouth went dry and suddenly he couldn't sit any longer. He got up and walked over to the window. It was growing dark outside and looked like it might rain. "Mrs. Carlson," he began again, "you know... in all the years I've worked here, I've never asked for much."
The older woman made a scoffing noise in her throat, turning Andy from the window. "You've been responsible for nearly every dime I've had to spend on this station," she countered. "Never asked for much? Hah!"
Andy bit back a hot remark. He had to keep his head here or his cause was lost already. "But always for the good of the station," he reminded her.
"Ah, yes." She smiled wryly. "I forgot I was dealing with St. Andrew the unselfish. He never wants anything for himself."
Andy closed his eyes for a moment and let out a long breath. "We both know that's not true," he stated wearily. Already this wasn't going the way he wanted.
"Of course not," Mrs. Carlson agreed and her smile grew smug. "We've both gotten what we wanted over the years. Of course, lately the rewards have been rather... sparse."
Andy shot her a sharp glance. Was she talking about what he thought she was? He'd thought those days long gone and forgotten.
"Mrs. Carlson..."
"Lillian," she corrected. "You used to call me Lillian."
"Mrs. Carlson," he continued pointedly, "I thought we both understood that when I got married, it wouldn't be right for me to continue escorting you places."
The older woman shook her head and clicked her tongue. "Only you decided that, Andrew. I don't recall ever agreeing with you."
Andy was definitely flustered. This wasn't what he'd planned at all. He had to get things back on track... and fast. He strode to the desk and resumed his seat.
"Mrs. Carlson, I'd like a raise." Straight to the point. There would be no avoiding the issue this way.
The woman sat there staring at him for a time, her face expressionless, until the silence grew heavy. Finally she leaned back in her chair and regarded him disdainfully.
"Pregnant again, are we?"
Andy felt his mouth drop at her astuteness, and he made a valiant effort to gather himself together. "Well... as a matter of fact, yes. Not that it's any of your concern," he declared hotly. "That's beside the point. You know how long it's been since I've had any kind of increase and..."
"I'd say you've increased more than most," she smirked. Her face grew curious. "Why is that, Andrew? Is this some frantic need to prove your virility?"
Andy felt his jaw tighten at her cutting remark. He and Cait had known from the start they'd be considered politically incorrect for having a large family, but they didn't care. Now he resented the feelings of defensiveness this caustic old woman caused to flood through him. It wasn't any of her damn business if he had two children or twenty and he had no intention of trying to justify himself to her.
"I don't think I need to explain my personal life," he informed her tersely.
Mrs. Carlson's face took on a knowing look as she continued, ignoring his remark. "Or is that the only way you can keep your lovely wife off the streets?"
Andy felt as if he'd been slugged in the gut. There was no way in hell this old bag could know about Caitlin's history. Or was there? His mind flashed back to an incident long ago when she'd revealed all the things she'd found out about Venus... and about Andy himself. He felt a stab of dread that it just might be possible and that Cait could end up being hurt by this bitter old woman.
"I... I don't know what in the hell you mean," he managed to get out, finally finding his voice. He knew he sounded weak, but he had to try and bluff.
Mrs. Carlson actually laughed at his attempt. "Really, Andrew, you never have been able to lie convincingly. Why start now?" Her eyes narrowed, but the amusement in them stayed. She was enjoying herself now. "I've seen your children. They really look nothing like you, do they?"
Andy felt his control slipping through his grasp. He rose indignantly, his face flushed with anger. "If you've got something to say, come out and say it," he demanded.
The older woman only stared at him, that damned smile still in place. "I'm not sure what you mean, Andrew. I was merely making conversation. Is there something you're not sure of?"
Andy felt all his anger drain out of him, leaving his legs suddenly weak. He sank into his chair, defeated. She was playing with his mind, keeping him on a leash. She wasn't going to reveal what she did or didn't know, but she was letting him know in no uncertain terms that if he forced the issue, she had leverage against him.
He ran a hand half-heartedly through his hair, to brush it out of his face. What he wanted to do with all his heart was to just tell this woman to go to hell... to quit and walk away. But he couldn't do that. As small as his paycheck was, his family was dependent on it. Somewhere along his career path, he'd made a choice to stick it out here... and now his options were limited. If he left 'KRP he'd have to start over again from scratch and he couldn't afford to do that. He knew that and she knew that. He was at a dead end.
He finally raised his eyes to meet her penetrating gaze. "What do you want from me?" he asked wearily.
Mrs. Carlson lifted her eyebrows with feigned surprise. "Why, Andrew... I only want you to keep doing the fine job you've been doing. That's all I've ever wanted."
"Right," he agreed sarcastically.
She smiled, knowing she was in total control here. "Well, that... and a little more... cooperation from you."
It was Andy's turn to raise his eyebrows. "Cooperation?" He eyed her suspiciously.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Andrew," she chuckled. "But there are business meetings, conferences, luncheons... events where you would be an asset at my side. After all, you have more of a 'finger on the pulse,' so to speak."
Andy breathed out a long sigh. She would get her way and she knew it. He would end up spending time with her... more time away from Cait -- and that was what the old woman had wanted all along. It had suddenly become clear to him and he didn't know why he hadn't realized it before. Mrs. Carlson was jealous of Caitlin.
Without another word, Andy got up and headed for the door. The meeting was over and he'd lost. But he wasn't going to escape that easily. The station owner had to have the last word.
"Do we have an understanding, Mr. Travis?" she asked sharply.
Andy stopped, his hand on the knob. His shoulders slumped, he turned to acknowledge her. "Yes, ma'am," he breathed softly.
Mrs. Carlson's face took on a triumphant glow, now willing to be magnanimous. "Then, in that case, I believe you're due for a raise. How does... 5% sound?"
Andy felt as if he'd just been slapped in the face. She'd manipulated him, basically blackmailed him and was now patting him on the head and tossing him a bone. His teeth ground together in suppressed indignation. But 5% was 5% after all. It was actually more than he'd hoped for and he couldn't refuse. It was with tremendous effort that he managed an even tone.
"That sounds fine," he murmured. He swallowed hard. "Thank you," came even harder.
He didn't wait for a response. He swept out the door, allowing himself the one satisfaction of slamming it shut behind him. She may have bought him, but at least she would know he wasn't happy about it. Without a word he strode through the lobby, hardly registering Jennifer or Venus as they stood by her desk. He was out the door and into the hall before he let the reality of what had just happened hit him.
He punched the elevator button, then leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes as he waited for the car. He couldn't go home yet... not in this frame of mind. He couldn't face Caitlin with the knowledge of how much he was letting her down.
Caitlin Travis peered out the window into the dark, rainy night. The driveway was as empty as it had been twenty minutes ago. She glanced at her watch -- nearly ten o'clock. Andy should have been home hours ago. She knew he'd had a meeting with Mrs. Carlson this afternoon and those things never left him in a good mood. It could have gone long, but still he should have been home before now... or at least called to tell her he'd be late.
She chewed on her lower lip anxiously, wondering if she was being overly concerned. He'd had late nights before. But he'd always called... and he'd been in a strange mood anyway since dinner last night. She wasn't sure what was going on with him, but she couldn't help wondering if it might have a bearing on his tardiness tonight.
She moved away from the window and curled up in the easy chair, hugging her knees tightly. The television was on, but Cait hadn't been able to follow what was going on. Her mind wouldn't rest and the over-dramatized crisis on the screen wasn't holding her attention. Trina and Danny had gone to bed long ago, so she only had her own troubled thoughts for company and they were taking her down roads she didn't want to explore.
Finally she decided she couldn't sit here like this anymore. She reached for the phone and quickly dialed in the number for the station. It was after hours, so she knew it would ring over to the booth. She hoped Venus was still there.
"'KRP," came the familiar voice and Cait breathed easier.
"Venus... it's Cait."
"Caitlin," the D.J. greeted warmly. "How ya doin'? We haven't seen you for a while."
Cait smiled, knowing that was true. Once the kids had come, her free time to visit Andy at work had been cut drastically. "I'm okay, Venus," she answered. "Just busy."
"Hey, I hear ya." He must have realized how late it was for his voice grew a little concerned. "What can I do for you?"
"I was just looking for Andy. Is he still there by any chance?" She tried not to sound as worried as she felt.
"No... at least I don't think so. Haven't seen him since..." Venus hesitated. "I saw him leave when I came in. He's not home yet?"
"No... and I'm a little concerned. Did he seem okay to you?"
There was a definite pause on the other end of the line. When Venus spoke again, Cait could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
"Well... he did seem a little... preoccupied. Hey, wasn't today the meeting with the big, bad momma?"
Cait let out a sigh. It hadn't taken her very long to develop an intense dislike for her husband's employer and her controlling ways. "Yes. I hope it wasn't too terrible." What she didn't add was how nervous Andy had been all morning... how he hadn't even eaten the breakfast Cait fixed for him. He'd merely gulped down his coffee and rushed out the door, barely stopping long enough to kiss her goodbye.
"It's always terrible," Venus declared emphatically, expressing what Caitlin knew all too well. "Tell ya what," he went on. "My shift's about over and I'm outta here. I'll take a look around. He may just be at Snookie's."
"Thanks, Venus," Cait breathed. "And please let me know whether you find him or not."
"No problem. Talk to you later. And Cait?"
"Yes?"
"Try not to worry. He'll show up."
Snookie's Tavern was a non-descript bar -- big enough to have a pool table and some pin ball machines. There was a juke box in the corner and sufficient floor space to allow a few couples to dance if the mood struck them. It sat across the street from the Flem Building, one of Cincinnati's older, more historic high rises. It's clientele used to be made up mostly of the office workers who poured out of the structure at 5 o'clock, ready for one or two quick drinks before heading home for the night. Recently though, with more and more public concern over drinking and driving, the pub had come to depend more and more on hard luck drinkers -- people who came in to make a night of it, trying to forget whatever had driven them there. These customers tended to sit at the bar, leaving the tables conspicuously empty.
As Venus walked into the dimly-lit room, his eyes searched for any sign of Andy. There were only a few people perched on the tall stools -- two men who'd obviously come in from a construction job, one older man and a young, attractive black woman. Under normal circumstances, Venus would have gravitated to this foxy number, but tonight wasn't normal. Reluctantly, he tore his gaze away from the shapely legs and scanned the rest of the room.
It didn't take him long to locate Andy. His friend sat alone at a dark corner table, his head resting on his arms, surrounded by several empty beer bottles. He'd apparently been here since he'd left the office in such an agitated state. Venus shook his head, angry that this place would just keep the beer coming, even after Andy had obviously had his limit. He made his way over to the table, pulled out a chair and straddled it.
Andy lifted his head at the sound, regarding Venus with bleary eyes. His foggy mind took a moment to identify his friend.
"Hey, Venus," he greeted slowly. "Whatcha doin' here?"
"Lookin' for you, man," Venus answered. "Cait's gettin' a little worried about you."
"Cait... oh, God!" Andy pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes, but not before Venus saw the pain there. He reached out to lay a hand on the other man's arm.
"Hey, man... what's goin' on?"
Andy shook his head. "Nothin'," he muttered. "Nothin' at all."
"C'mon, Andy. This is Venus you're talkin' to. Tell me what's wrong?" There was no answer so he pressed a little more. "It was Momma Carlson, wasn't it?"
Andy still didn't answer. Instead, he reached for the half-empty bottle in front of him. Venus considered taking it from him, but something told him Andy would fight him over it. The last thing the D.J. wanted was to antagonize his friend. He watched worriedly as Andy downed the rest of the beer.
"Don't you think you've had enough?" he probed gently.
"Thas not pos'ble," Andy informed him thickly.
"What did she do this time?" Venus persisted, knowing the afternoon meeting had to be the reason Andy was here instead of home with his family. "C'mon, man, I wanna help."
"You can't help," Andy stated. His face grew suddenly stricken. "Nobody c'n help. 'Sa done deal. She wins and ever'body else loses."
He wasn't making a whole lot of sense, but at least he was talking. Venus knew it had to do with Mrs. Carlson, so that meant it was probably about money. It was no secret that the old crone was loaded. It was also common knowledge that she could give Ebeneezer Scrooge a run for his money when it came to stinginess. Venus also knew something not everyone else at 'KRP was aware of. He knew what kind of financial struggle Andy was going through. That knowledge helped things become suddenly clear.
"Did you ask for a raise?" he asked incredulously.
Andy snorted loudly. "I guess you could call it that."
Venus sighed. "She turned you down, huh?"
Andy's face fell and Venus was afraid his friend was going to start to cry. "I got it," Andy informed him. He dropped his eyes to the table and his voice lowered. "I got it all," he murmured.
Venus wasn't sure what exactly was going on here, but it was more than just a salary increase. Of that, he was positive. He was aware of some of the history between Andy and 'KRP's miserly owner. Not all of it, but enough to realize something much deeper was at the root of Andy's misery tonight. Mrs. Carlson was a master at mind games and she'd always managed to press the right buttons to make people do what she wanted. From her son all the way to the lowliest D.J. -- no employee of the station had the nerve to cross her. Of all of them, Andy had always seemed to have the most influence on the old lady, but Venus knew there had to have been a price attached to getting the changes and improvements for the station. It appeared Andy was still paying that price.
"Hey, man, why don't you let me take you home," Venus offered. There didn't seem to be much else he could do to help his friend.
Andy shook his head stubbornly. "Don't wanna go home."
"Sure ya do," Venus insisted. "Hey, if I had a sweet lady like Cait waiting for me, I sure wouldn't..."
"Shut up!" Andy shouted, startling Venus by his sudden anger. He rose on unsteady legs. "Cait loves me," he insisted. "Me... not you... not anybody else."
"Hey, hold on, buddy." Venus had absolutely no idea where this had come from. "Everybody knows you and Cait are crazy about each other."
"Yer damn right." Andy nodded emphatically. "She's mine. I'm gonna take care of her."
Venus reached up and tugged on Andy's arm to get him to sit down. "Okay, man. Nobody's arguing with you." Andy plopped on the chair ungracefully. "I just wanna get you home safe and sound so you can sleep this off."
Andy sighed heavily and ran both his hands through his hair. "Yer prob'ly right," he conceded wearily. "Guess I should go home."
"Sounds like a great idea." Venus got up and moved over to stand beside his friend. He took a firm hold on the program director's arm. "Come on," he urged.
Andy rose, staggered a bit, then grew a bit more steady with Venus' help. He started searching around frantically. "Where's my hat?"
Venus found it under the table where it had fallen unnoticed. He grabbed it up and placed it on Andy's head. "Ready now?"
Andy nodded and gave Venus a smile. "Thanks, man. Yer a good friend."
Venus chuckled lightly. "That's me," he agreed. "Let's get you home."
Cait pulled the blanket up around little Danny's sleeping form. This was probably the tenth time at least that she'd come in to check on the kids. They were fine, but she needed something to keep her mind busy. Left to their own devices, her thoughts tended to dwell on all the horrible possibilities that might explain her husband's absence. If she kept herself occupied, she was able to push those thoughts away. Andy would have a good reason for whatever was keeping him. She knew that, yet all the insecurities that sprang from her cold and lonely childhood had never completely disappeared. Usually she managed to laugh them away, but tonight they were running rampant.
The soft knock at the door brought her up sharply. Andy wouldn't have knocked... unless he'd lost his keys. With that thought, she raced down the hall anxiously... hoping against hope that she would find her husband at the door -- contrite and ready with a reasonable explanation.
She wasn't prepared for what she found when she opened the door. Andy was there all right, but he was leaning heavily against Venus Flytrap, his eyes were red rimmed and he smelled suspiciously of beer.
"Hiya, Cait," Andy greeted amiably, but he tripped over the threshold as Venus tried to lead him into the entryway.
She automatically rushed to help support him, recoiling at the stench of alcohol that assailed her nostrils. Now she was worried. Andy wasn't a heavy drinker. For him to come home this far gone, something would have to be terribly wrong.
"Let's get him to the couch," Venus suggested. Together they half-dragged the drunken man into the living room and lowered him onto the sofa. Andy immediately toppled over onto his side, oblivious to what was going on around him. "He was at Snookie's," Venus informed her. "Guess he'd been there for quite some time."
Cait's eyes moved between her besotted husband and her good friend. "But why?"
"Old lady Carlson." Venus' dark eyes met hers and she saw concern there. "She really did a number on him today."
"That old bloodsucker," Cait murmured under her breath, but Venus heard her anyway.
"You've been hanging around Johnny too long," he quipped lightly.
Cait shook her head, unwilling to see the humor. "I don't care, Venus. She's bitter and twisted. She uses people and then tosses them aside when it suits her." She closed her eyes and fought to regain some control of her emotions. She didn't want to start raising her voice and wake the kids. She felt Venus' arm on hers and she glanced up at him.
"I'm not sure what all went down," the D.J. stated. "Andy was pretty far gone by the time I found him and he wasn't making much sense. I think he asked for a raise though."
Cait's eyes widened in surprise. "A raise? He's never asked for a raise. Why would he suddenly do..." It hit her abruptly and she sank down into the easy chair.
"Cait?" Venus sounded alarmed at her reaction.
"I'm okay." She raised her eyes. "Did you know we're expecting again?"
Venus grinned widely and nodded. "Yeah, Andy told me last week. Congratulations."
Cait's answering smile was slight. "Thanks. Did he tell you the news we got the other day?"
Venus shook his head. "No. Good news, I hope."
Cait nodded slowly. "We both thought so when we heard it. We're going to have twins."
Venus' eyebrows shot up and he whistled appreciatively. "Twins! Wow! That's a lot to handle." His voice took on a note of understanding. "So you think that's what got Andy all worried about money?"
Cait sighed and smiled sadly. "I'm sure of it. He was fine until last night. We'd gone out to dinner to celebrate. I'm not sure what happened, but suddenly he was acting kind of... I don't know... distracted. He must've started trying to do the numbers." She gazed at Andy. Once off his feet, he'd succumbed to the effects of his over-indulgence and had fallen asleep. "The numbers have never worked out and we've always managed before. I guess he just got a little overwhelmed."
Venus knelt beside her. "I think this is more than money," he advised her. "I think the old lady started messing with his mind."
Cait glanced up sharply. "What do you mean?"
Venus shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't know exactly, but he was upset about something else. He wasn't in any shape to get into it though." He squeezed Caitlin's hand. "He'll probably tell you all about it in the morning."
"I hope so," Cait breathed.
Venus got to his feet. "Guess I'll be going."
Cait rose and threw her arms around the lanky D.J. "Thanks so much, Venus."
"No sweat." He kissed her cheek and made his exit.
Cait stared after him for a moment, then turned to Andy. She sank to the floor beside the couch and reached to brush the hair off his forehead. Tears of relief welled up in her eyes. She'd been so afraid... but he was home now and they could handle whatever was wrong.
Andy groaned and turned over, wincing as his body protested stiffly. He was vaguely aware he was on his couch, though he had no recollection of how he'd ended up there. His throbbing head was an all too vivid reminder of how he'd spent his evening. He threw his arm across his eyes, but that only served to shut out the early morning light, not the memory of drinking himself into a stupor.
How could you be such a hosepail? he berated himself. What's Cait gonna say? Cait... oh, God, Cait... I'm so sorry.
"Daddy?"
Andy lifted his arm and opened his eyes to see two big, blue eyes staring at him. As his fuzzy vision cleared, Trina's pretty two-year old face came into focus. She smiled brightly, seeing he was awake.
"Hi, Daddy?" she greeted cheerfully. "Whatcha doin' s'eepin' out here?"
Andy gave her as big a smile as his headache allowed and scooted over in an invitation for her to join him. The child climbed onto the couch and snuggled down under his arm, sighing contentedly.
"You forgetted to kiss me night-night," Trina informed him with a pout. "Me 'n Danny missed you."
"I'm sorry, Angel," he apologized. "Daddy didn't get home 'til late last night." Ignoring the pounding in his skull, he leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Is that better?"
Trina nodded. "Be sure an' 'member next time, 'kay?"
"I promise," he assured her, all the time wondering how many of his evenings Mrs. Carlson would lay claim to.
His daughter rested her head against his chest. As Andy held her close, he found himself studying her features -- from her long, dark hair, to her bright blue eyes, to her delicate face. In everything she was the image of her mother. Almost against his own will, he searched for even the slightest trait that would tell she was a Travis. He found none and he damned Lillian Carlson for planting those tiniest of doubts that had no right to be there. He hugged Trina tighter, feeling tears welling up in his eyes. She was his daughter -- of that he was certain. He'd never doubted it and had absolute faith and trust in Cait. But he was tired and frustrated and more than a little hung over. All those things conspired against his emotional control, making it hard to fight back the tears.
"I love you, Angel," he whispered huskily.
"Me too, Daddy," came the sleepy response.
Andy listened to Trina's even breathing as she gradually fell back to sleep. He loved his family with a fierceness that always surprised him in its intensity. He would never let anything... or more importantly, anyone hurt them. That included Mrs. Lillian Carlson. Whatever it took on his part to keep the old woman appeased, Andy would gladly do. He would never let Caitlin or his children be hurt by his employer's bitterness.
He let go a deep sigh, feeling better than he had since that night at the restaurant. He knew in his heart that whatever Mother Carlson exacted from him at work, he would always have his family waiting for him when he came home.
Caitlin awoke with a start. At the same time she registered Andy's empty place in bed, she remembered where she'd left him last night. She relaxed, knowing he was most likely still sprawled on the couch. She could hear Danny babbling to himself in his crib and she smiled. No matter what the crisis, life went on. The kids would need her this morning, the same as every morning.
Grabbing a few soda crackers from her stash on the nightstand to keep the morning sickness at bay, she got up and threw on her robe. She hoped she'd awakened before Trina. She didn't want the rambunctious toddler bothering Andy. He would need all the sleep he could get.
She glanced at the clock on her way out of the bedroom -- 8:30 a.m. Already it was past the time Andy normally left for work. She had no plans to try and rouse him and she hoped he didn't get upset. In Cait's opinion, her husband worked too hard as it was, and for a boss who didn't care. If Cait got her way today, Andy wouldn't go into the station at all.
She went to the kid's room first. Danny greeted her with a big smile as he stood in his crib. Trina's bed was already empty, the covers a lump in the middle of the mattress.
"Hey, little man," Cait cooed as she picked Danny up. Her son grabbed her nose and laughed. He was a happy baby, even when he first woke up. She quickly changed him and walked out to the living room, to see if she could catch Trina before she pestered Andy too much.
The sight that greeted her brought a lump of emotion to her throat. Andy was still on the couch, but Trina was with him, sprawled across his chest. Both father and daughter were sleeping soundly, tucked under the blanket Cait had draped over Andy last night. She smiled at them tenderly, then moved into the kitchen. Settling Danny in his high chair with some Cheerios, she set about starting coffee and breakfast -- with emphasis on the coffee.
It wasn't long after the bacon started frying that she heard movement in the living room. A few minutes later the bathroom door shut and the shower came on. Cait knew that meant Andy would be in soon. She only hoped he wasn't feeling too badly. They had a few things to talk about and she wanted him at full capacity.
"Mommy, I'm hung'y," came Trina's sleepy request. Cait turned from the stove to see her tousle-haired daughter climbing into a chair at the table.
"Just a minute, Angel," she told the toddler. "Mommy's got some scrambled eggs for you."
Cait had just finished serving both children their eggs and toast when Andy walked into the kitchen. The shower and shave had helped, but he still seemed a little bleary-eyed as he kissed the tops of the kids' heads before coming over to Cait.
She wasn't angry with him... not really. But even if she had been, the look on his face would have melted away any hard feelings. He stood before her hesitantly, obviously unsure of the reception he was going to get.
"Cait... I'm so sorry," he began, but got no further before she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She felt his arms envelope her as well.
"I was just so worried," she whispered. She pulled away slightly and ran a hand lightly through his wet hair. "Are you okay?"
Andy shrugged self-consciously. "Yeah, I guess so. I... I musta let the old lady get to me, is all. I'm really sorry."
He wasn't telling her the whole truth. She could see it in his eyes. There was more to this than he wanted her to know. But Cait had enough trust in her husband not to question his evasion. She knew that if he was keeping something from her, it was because he felt it was for her good. She would let him have this secret, knowing that from Andy it would be more an act of nobility than a deception.
"Breakfast is ready," she announced brightly. "You feel like eating?"
Andy eyed the eggs on the plate she held uncertainly. "I dunno..."
She pushed him towards the table. "You need to eat," she informed him firmly. "That's the best thing for you right now."
"Yes, ma'am," he answered meekly and sat down at the head of the table. He reached for his coffee and noticed the clock for the first time. His face grew alarmed. "Gosh dog it! Look at the time. I gotta get to work."
He started to get up, but Cait was a step ahead of him. Her hand on his shoulder kept him in his seat and she set a plate in front of him.
"You need food in your stomach," she insisted. "The station will still be there tomorrow."
Andy's eyebrow shot up. "Tomorrow? I can't take the whole day off... especially since we're going to Lee & Amanda's next week for Thanksgiving."
Cait sat down with her own plate and frowned. "Those are regular holidays anyway. That old hag can't find fault with you for that."
Andy sighed wearily and Cait's dislike for Mrs. Carlson edged a step closer to outright hatred.
"I just can't be taking a lot of time off right now, honey," Andy told her gently. "I gotta go in... after breakfast," he concluded, granting her that at least.
Cait bit back the retort that was on her lips. It wasn't Andy she was angry with and there was no sense in letting the old lady come between them at home.
"All right," she relented with a smile. "If that's the way it has to be."
Something flashed across Andy's face that Cait couldn't identify. It was only there for an instant before he returned her smile and reached across the table to squeeze her hand.
"It won't always be like this," he promised.
Cait returned the pressure on his hand. "Even if it is... that's okay," she told him fervently. "As long as we're all together." She patted her stomach with a laugh. "And I mean all of us."
Andy chuckled, then leaned over to kiss her.
"I love you, Caitlin Travis."
"Me too, Mommy!" Trina piped up loudly, while Danny banged on his high chair to remind his parents he was there as well.
Andy's laughter was a welcome sound. It rang in Cait's soul long after he'd left for the office.