Previously, On Concrete Shelves
- Deborah and Frank reconciled.
- Patrick and Kirsten came to an agreement.
- Catalina makes her way around town.
- Abigail is revealed to be Danielle...
[.....]
[.....]
Scene One:
Sage Garden’s
Alice’s Haven Cafe
Kirsten Thurlow watched as Abigail Jenkins served a tourist couple, her bright and girly demeanor made Kirsten uneasy today. For months she had worked with Abigail as one of her employees, but as of today it was a first to work with her as her step-sister.
The word seemed so foreign when she used it to describe Abigail--or Danielle for that matter. She still didn’t know what Abigail wanted to go by. Kirsten was sure the girl didn’t know either.
Once Abigail finished the order she approached Kirsten with a smile. “How are you today?” Kirsten pulled her towel, she had been using to wipe down the counter, over her shoulder.
“I’m doing quite well Abby, how are you?”
Abigail shrugged. “I’m getting along. That couple over there just love to chatter, they said that Stone Creek was one of the most miraculous and peaceful up-and-coming cities they’ve been to so far.”
The statement wrung true, there was something about Stone Creek that seemed to attract more and more people. “And you Abby? What do you think you are going to take from this city?”
“Are you talking about my parents?” She asked, the whole shift Abigail tried to steer away from the conversation as she didn’t know how Kirsten felt about it. “I really don’t know. This is still so new to me.”
Kirsten nodded. “That’s understandable. Have you talked to Caitlyn yet?”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“Well I think you should.” Kirsten replied, hastily. “Caitlyn Thurlow is a really good woman. I used to have my reservations about her, before she married my father. But she has done a lot for my family.”
Abigail looked down at the order in her hands. She felt bad for not seeking Caitlyn yet like she did to Damien Crenshaw. Their conversation in the back of her mind, she then looked back up at Kirsten.
“I respect your opinion.” Abigail spoke, scooting passed her and placing the order on a hook. “I guess it is hard getting to know one parent you haven’t met, let alone two. But you’re right, I need to see Caitlyn.”
[.....]
Scene Two:
Sisyphean’s Restaurant
She looked across at the man before her, Charlene Sutton made it so bluntly clear that she didn’t want to see him. But his voicemail he left her a couple days ago tugged at her feelings for him.
Taking a bite out of her salad, Charlene looked up at him, trying to find any means of a conversation starter. “I was talking to Deborah the other day and she was telling me that since Caitlyn’s news article the council have been up in the air about her position.” It wasn’t anything personal, but it was a start.
Patrick nodded along. “I’m sure nothing will change.” He looked up at his wife, her face fell. “You know that Penelope Wilkinson stepped down and awarded Caitlyn with the position in the first place.”
“Things do change.” Charlene bitterly responded, a swig of her champagne later. “I have been campaigning for a spot on the city council for quite awhile and now that Caitlyn’s chair is unstable-”
“Would you like me to talk to somebody for you?” Patrick interjected, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and sternly looked at Charlene. There was something new in her, a fire he had never seen before.
“What is with this position anyhow? When we first married, you didn’t even want to be apart of Stone Creek anymore and now you want to be on the city council?” He stopped himself from saying anymore. “I just- I mean, where is all this coming from Charlene?”
Playing with her food she shrugged. “I guess I just want to have something to do with my free time Patrick. Do you know that I spent the last three years alone in that mansion? I know the housekeepers more than I know my old friends.”
“You chose that.”
Charlene took a longer gulp of her wine. “Would it hurt if I just wanted a hobby? Something that I can claim as my own? I just think this chair on the council would be a great opportunity for that.”
Her husband sighed, he knew winning Charlene’s heart wouldn’t be so easy as taking her out to dinner and buying her expensive jewelry. She was a woman ruled by her heart and if this was what her heart wanted, he would get it for her.
“Consider it done.” He just needed to get rid of Damien Crenshaw first and then he would worry about destroying Caitlyn Thurlow’s credibility. They continued to eat in silence.
[.....]
Scene Three:
Thurlow Lumber Mill Building
Frank Nelson’s Office
That’s strange Frank Nelson thought as he looked out the window, hands in his pocket. It was already late January and for some odd reason their was a light layer of snow falling.
A knock at the door caused him to turn around, James Thurlow stuck his head inside the room. “Hey I was meaning to catch you earlier, but Isobel said you had taken an early lunch.”
“Yeah, I have been planning a meaningful dinner for Deborah and myself. It took me ages just to get reservations at Sisyphean’s for tonight.” Frank walked to his desk and sorted through some papers. “Can you believe how busy the place is at this time of year?”
James chuckled. “What are you talking about? That place is busy all year around! I’m just glad that Caitlyn doesn’t like eating out there, she says we could get the same luxurious meal at home for half the price.”
“A good woman!” Frank acknowledges. “Smart too. Have you seen the weather outside? Snow in late January? Fucking global warming has got the weather all screwed up.”
“It’s not highly unusual to get snow this late in the season Frank, don’t go scaring away all our employees with your global warming stories.” James warned, jokingly.
It had been awhile since he held an actual conversation with James that didn’t consist of business talk so Frank decided to keep the contracts he needed James to sign on the back burner. He looked at his old friend.
“How is Caitlyn doing?”
For a moment James wanted to say he was worried for his wife, but he decided not to include the detail. “Well she hasn’t seen Abigail if that is what you are wondering. I can’t believe that Damien would do this to her.”
“I could.” Frank spoke up, he caught James staring at him. “Well, come on James, the man isn’t exactly squeaky clean. Comes into town with all these accusations and ploys to get Caitlyn’s attention? I just want you to be prepared.”
“He’s not going to take my wife away Frank!” James warned, this time in a different tone which Frank knew he should have kept his mouth shut. But then James sighed, relaxing his shoulders. “Didn’t mean to yell.”
“Hey,” Frank spoke. “I would be defensive to. Caitlyn is a smart woman James, I think this whole Abigail detail is just only going to strengthen the two of you as a couple. This is a whole other side of Caitlyn’s life that you two get to share and bond over.”
James nodded. “Why don’t you go take the rest of the day off?” Frank perked up confused. “Relax, go plan the rest of your dinner plans with Deborah. Tell her I said hello, will you?”
Frank nodded. “Just keep an eye on Damien? Something tells me he wants more than to get amusement out of everyone else’s suffering.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that.” James replied, deep down he wondered if Frank was right about Damien and if he had plans to reunite with not only his daughter, but James’ wife too. There was a sour feeling in his stomach.
---
Our love. Our fights. Our friendships.
On Concrete Shelves.
Forever, they shall be remembered.
---
Scene Four:
980 Cutler St., Stone Creek. Faustino Cottages #7
Charlie, Kirsten & Megan’s Home.
Greta Wilkinson couldn’t believe what her ears were hearing. She gawked at the idea of what her friend Kirsten Sutton was presenting in front of her. “I didn’t think Patrick Sutton was up for making deals with anything Thurlow.”
“A man would go wonders for his family.” Kirsten spoke, she poured another glass of tea for the two of them. It felt great to tell someone what she had been keeping secret for so long.
“So what is he wanting you to do?” Greta asked. “I mean, it isn’t something that is going to get you in the red with Charlie is it? I don’t think I could trust Patrick Sutton as far as I could throw him.”
Kirsten went over his plan in her head, it seemed so simple to her. Patrick Sutton, just like the rest of town needed Damien Crenshaw out of the way. Kirsten looked at Greta. They had been friends for so long and she was used to telling her everything.
“Well right now Patrick is making peace with his wife, Charlene.” Kirsten knew it would be easy to reel Charlene back into Patrick’s life. She was a woman with little faith in herself.
Taking a sip of her tea, Kirsten thought of what she had to do to make the plan work. “All I have to do is convince Charlie to give Patrick a second chance. I mean, it sounds easy, but Charlie isn’t one to give second chances out so easily.”
The ringing of Kirsten’s cellphone caught the two off-guard. “One second.” She apologized to Greta, pulling the phone from her pocket she noticed that the caller id said Adrian Stone.
“Who is it?” Greta asked, noticing the troubled look on her friends face. “Is it Patrick already?”
But Kirsten ignored the phone call and smiled, trying to reassure Greta that nothing was wrong. “It’s nothing, really. I’m going to go check on Megan real quick, will you please excuse me?”
Greta nodded, perplexed by her friend’s actions.
[.....]
Scene Five:
420 N. Dayton St., Stone Creek.
Kevin’s Home.
“How was lunch with Patrick?” Kevin Saunders’ asked bitterly. He watched as Charlene placed her coat in the closet near the door and wandered over to him. She waited in the doorway. “Did he beg you to go back?”
Charlene returned the question with a look of perplexity. “Actually, no.” It was the first time that she was able to think about the interaction between herself and Patrick. Although it was tense at times, not once did he beg her to go back home.
“Well what did he want?” There was worry in Kevin’s words. That was something that Charlene caught onto so she sat next to him and kissed him on the lips to ease his fears. “Do I get kisses like that every time you see your husband?”
“There was something different about Patrick today, is all. But don’t you worry, once we get everything clear between us then we can worry about a divorce.” Charlene took a deep breath. Divorce was never a word that crossed her mind. It seemed so weird to be thinking it now.
Kevin pulled Charlene closer to him. “I like the sound of that.”
“Do you?”
“Very much so.” Kevin spoke, kissing Charlene once again. “With Patrick out of the way that means that we get to finally be together once and for all. Do you know how long I have been waiting for this moment?”’
Charlene was unaware of the relief that Kevin was feeling as she lay on top of him. Once Charlene was divorced from Patrick then Kevin didn’t have to worry about what his current business partner thought of Kevin sleeping with his wife.
“Soon you will be all mine.”
[.....]
Scene Six:
Sutton Enterprises
Patrick Sutton’s Office
Looking at the clock she knew he wasn’t due back at the offices for a couple more hours, but for Catalina Cortez she didn’t need to get caught. Managing to by pass Patrick’s sorry excuse for a secretary she made it her mission to execute her next plan. She need access to the company records.
But being a mere employee, Patrick never gave her that access.
To think, Catalina came to town at the insistence of Audrey Briggs. When Catalina met the CEO of one of the biggest corporations in the county, she knew she couldn’t pass the opportunity up.
She sat at his desk, so smug Patrick Sutton was. How could people be this way when there were so many people out there that didn’t have power or even money. How was Catalina digging around while Patrick was out having lunch with his wife?
The poor woman didn’t even know that Patrick was sleeping with Catalina. She groaned at the thought of their last encounter. There was something about the man that turned her on, but she needed to stay focused on the current mission.
“There we are!” She explained, she hacked into his computer and started typing away. She needed to figure it out quick before her boss got back. To think he really thought she was producing an actual product for him.
Once she was finished stealing his millions she would whisk out of town with her sister and never look back. It was a simple plan, one she had executed many times before. “One day I will be just like you and one day someone like me will take me down.”
Closing his computer she gathered her things. “But that day is not today.”
[.....]
Scene Seven:
Sisyphean’s Restaurant
“This is a nice dinner.” Deborah Nelson acknowledged, forking her salad around. She made sure to take notice how Frank was paying attention to her every word. It seemed so normal, something she wasn’t used to.
Taking a deep sigh she looked up at him. “What are we doing?”
There was a moment’s hesitation in Frank Nelson, for a moment he fidgeted with his fork, he wondered if he really should reply to her question. “Well, we are eating Deb what else does it look like?”
“We’re having a nice dinner.” She observed, dropping her fork as well. “This just seems too calm, like we need to discuss something.” She then found herself mentally slapping herself.
Frank scoffed in disbelief. “You mean we should be fighting? Do you always want to pick some kind of fight out of nothing? Is it your life goal to just tarnish our marriage? Because if so let me know.”
“It’s not that.” Deborah sighed, she lifted her fork but once again placed it back down. “This is just a weird experience. How do you honestly go from fighting all the time to a clam, nice dinner?”
Relaxing his shoulders, Frank placed a comforting hand on his wife’s. “Like this, let me show you.” He leaned in, kissed her lips and then pulled away and picked up his fork. Almost in a mocking fashion, he began eating again.
“We should go visit the kids sometime.” Deborah spoke, unwilling to disturb the peace again. “I feel like we haven’t seen them in ages.”
“I would love that Debbie.” Frank replied, he reminded her that she still had a few vacation days left from last year that she needed to use. As they both started up a civil conversation they planned their trips to see their children.
[.....]
Scene Eight:
505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek.
James & Caitlyn’s Home.
The ground was covered in layers of thick snow by the time Caitlyn Thurlow was ready to call it a night. As much as she hated sending Penelope Wilkinson back out into the cold, Caitlyn was growing exhausted.
Both women had exercised their opinions on how to make the city council much stronger. Penelope’s wisdom provided a foundation and her humor enticed the conversation. Even still, Caitlyn felt depressed.
“I’ve never seen anything like this.” Penelope spoke as she grabbed her coat, Caitlyn helped the woman into it and then handed Penelope her shaw. “Trust me, I’ve seen many things. But this snow. It’s dreadful. Wish I was in California right about now.”
Caitlyn grinned. “Call me once you’ve made it home safely.”
Penelope shook her head. “How about I just call you if I crash, seems that more convenient, don’t you think?” The older woman chuckled. “It was really nice catching up with you Caitlyn.”
Exchanging a hug, Caitlyn made her way to the door.
“I mean it, the people in this town are quite the characters. Most of them are too foolish to see that they’ve all got sticks where the sun don’t shine. Just trust your instinct and keep faith, you’ll be running the city council in no time.”
“Thank you.” Caitlyn spoke opening the door, but before she could do anymore the two stopped in their tracts. Standing before them was Abigail Jenkins, the woman who was meant to be Caitlyn Thurlow’s long-lost daughter.
Turning to Caitlyn, Penelope rubbed her shoulder. “Looks like we’ve received a bigger surprise than just the snow this season. I’ll let the two of you catch up, don’t you worry, I’ll call you if I crash.”
Wishing Penelope the best, Caitlyn returned her attention to the young girl in front of her. Inviting her into the house, she didn’t know what to do or even say, she began by shutting the door behind Abigail.
[.....]
Scene Nine:
2634 W. Parker St., Stone Creek. Callahan Condo’s #12
Miles & Greta’s Home.
“Are you sure we should go out tonight?” Greta Wilkinson asked as she peered out at the snow. Late February was known for it’s late winter snow storms, it was as much a tradition Stone Creek as the tree lighting ceremony or the Founder’s Ball.
Miles Fowler came around the corner, dressed in a winter coat and jeans. A scarf hung heavily around his neck. “We already promised your brother we would meet him for a couple of drinks. A little snow won’t kill us.”
She knew he was right, slowly Greta began getting ready for the evening. “I really do hope that Ryan is okay.” Miles face dropped at the mention of his name, but he regained his composure.
“I’m sure Ryan is fine wherever he went.” Miles spoke, wrapping Greta in his arms. “You know what I love about you? No matter what is going on you always worry about everyone else.”
A couple nibbles on her neck, Greta giggled. “I have to worry about them, they never worry about themselves. When did I become the normal one out of all my friends? Kirsten is meddling around with Patrick, Ryan is out of touch and my brother is head-over-heels with Emily.”
“You’ve chosen to be the normal one.” Miles responded. “From what I understand you’ve always been the level-headed one. But for tonight, how about we plan on being anything you want.”
Greta cocked her head and furrowed her brows. “Anything?”
“You want to get drunk and let loose? You’ve got it.” Miles spoke, handing Greta her scarf. “If you want to get up on the bar and dance, I might have to arrest you, but you’ve got it. Tonight is yours to enjoy.”
Greta smirked, wrapping her scarf around her neck, in deep thought. What did she want to do tonight? The mere chance to do anything was exciting enough. “Mine to enjoy?”
Miles nodded his head. He then began to tease her, making howling noises, in which he was mocking a full moon. Pouncing on her playfully, Greta couldn’t do anything else but giggle. Falling onto the couch in a fit of laughter as Miles kissed her neck and made his way down.
“You might have to arrest me tonight officer Fowler.” Greta squirmed.
Lifting his head to meet her’s, he kissed her gently on the lips. “I’ll make sure to bring my handcuffs just for you babe, you’re wish is my command.” He then continued to please her, his hands tracing her body that was hidden underneath her winter wear.
[.....]
Scene Ten:
2634 W. Parker St., Stone Creek. Callahan Condos #22
Catalina & Isobel’s Home.
As Catalina made her way into the condo she could tell something was off. “Isobel!” She called, setting her keys in their designated spot. She grumbled when she saw her sister’s entire wardrobe on the living room floor.
“Isobel!” She hollered, demanding the girl to show her presence. A panic that Catalina hardly let out was beginning to overwhelm her. She had always made it so easy to break into other people’s homes, but never thought someone would do it to her.
Not this soon.
But she was relieved when her younger sister came tumbling out of the restroom fumbling with a huge loop earring. “What are you yelling for?” Catalina shot her a look and pointed to the clothes. “I’ll pick it up.”
“Where are you going?” Catalina barked, slipping into parent mode. “It’s late out and there is about a foot of snow out there.”
“Relax momma bear this ain’t LA, some places are allowed to have snow.” Isobel grumbled. “Besides my boss told me to call it a day at the office, and some co-workers are going out for drinks.”
Catalina shook her head. “You’re staying in.”
Usually Isobel would listen to her sister, tuck her tail between her legs and start picking up her shattered plans. But not tonight, she stood her ground, folded her arms and shook her head. “No I’m not.”
“What?” Catalina gasped.
“I’m so sick and tired of you always hiding me away from the world!” Isobel yelled, she turned away from Catalina, making her way to the bathroom once again so she could finish getting ready.
But her old sister made a bee line for the bathroom. “You are staying in, not because I asked you to, but because I told you to.”
“I’m not your daughter!” Isobel scoffed, pushing her sister out of the way. “I agreed to move out of LA with you so that you could attend to some business. I agreed to take that lousy job for you. All I do is agree to everything you want Cat, but I honestly don’t know what I’m agreeing to.”
“What?”
“What are we doing here in the middle of nowhere?” Isobel pointed out the window. “This place, it reeks of boredom, so excuse me if someone wants to take me out and show me a little bit of fun.”
Catalina sighed. “Be back by midnight.” She could see the excitement in her sister’s eyes and knew she was doing the right thing, even if she didn’t agree with it. “You better not be doing drugs Izzy, you know what that shit does to you.”
“I promise.”
A slight smile later, Catalina allowed her sister to have fun. Retiring to her room, she needed to continue working of her plan, her “business” proposal made by Audrey Briggs and her scandal involving Patrick Sutton.
[.....]
Scene Eleven:
505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek “Thurlow Cottage”
James & Caitlyn’s Home.
Abigail looked around the home, it looked so cozy and full of history. Sometimes while she was a child she would close her eyes and imagine what her childhood home would have looked like.
The maroon’s and the dark mahogany floors brought about a comforting feel to Abigail, one she had felt in her imagination when she dreamt of the childhood home she had once lived in.
“Is there anything I can get you?” Caitlyn Thurlow asked, still in shock that Danielle was in her presence. Abigail could tell that Caitlyn wanted to hug her, the younger woman shrugged. “How about I just get us some tea?”
She focused her attention on Caitlyn and nodded. “That would be great.” She then watched as Caitlyn disappeared into the hallway and what she assumed, later the kitchen. Abigail continued to look around the living room.
It was so well put together, pictures were covering the mantle. Some of James and Caitlyn and other’s of his children. She smiled solemnly at the life she missed out on with Caitlyn. Of all the memories she never made.
There was a picture of Caitlyn with a much younger Kirsten Sutton, she couldn’t imagine how much of her boss’ childhood was shared with Caitlyn. A sting in the back of her throat produced tears, but she pushed them back when Caitlyn arrived with tea.
“I didn’t know what you liked with it, so I brought a couple things.” She sat the tray down and watched as Abigail cautiously made her way to the couch. “I just want you to know, if I knew you were still alive, I would have looked for you Danielle, I would have found you.”
Abigail looked up at Caitlyn. “It’s Abby.” She knew she had every right to correct Caitlyn, since she had never went by the name Danielle. But it still made her feel bad doing so.
Caitlyn’s lip quivered as she realized that Abigail was no more Danielle than Caitlyn was the woman that raised her. “Abby.”
[.....]
Scene Twelve:
Thurlow Lumber Mill Building
James’ Office.
“Excuse me, you can’t go in there.” Emily Roscoe hollered, catching the perpetrator at the last minute. “Listen, Bentley I’m going to have to call you back.” She said into the receiver and then walked towards the woman.
“Mr. Thurlow doesn’t want any visitors, he has a lot of work to do tonight.” Emily informed the woman. She grabbed her by the arm, but the woman shrugged her off and turned to face Emily.
“You have some nerve.” She scowled. Looking the younger woman up and down. “Where did they hire you? Sluts-R-Us? I think you should go back to phone-sex operating you seem to have that talent down right.”
Emily gasped at the allegations, turning around and stomping to her desk. “I’m calling security. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to escort you off the premises.”
But the woman belted out laughing. “I’d like to see them try.”
Dialing the number, Emily looked up to see her boss standing behind the woman. She immediately dropped the phone. “I’m so sorry Mr. Thurlow, I tried to keep her away but some people just don’t know when to listen.”
James smiled, knowing all too well. “Oh yes, Helen Schmidt has always had a problem with that. What do you want Helen, I’ve got too much to worry about without my ex. wife riding my ass.”
Helen turned on her heel and stormed into James’ office. “Well you better make room, I have a lot of riding to do tonight.” A wicked smile on her face.
Next Time, On Concrete Shelves
- Abigail and Caitlyn try to bond.
- Cassie encourages Marina to go out with Ian.
- Adrian surprises Gail at the hospital.
- James and Helen have a confrontation...
