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Chapter Three
Luis' flashback, cont.
"Pregnant? How?" That drew a small smile from Beth.
"The usual way." Luis scowled. "That's not what I meant... who's the father?" "Don't worry,
it's not you..." she joked, knowing full well it had been at least three years since the last time they'd
slept together. "Beth..." he said in an ominous voice. Beth sobered. "It's Hank," she replied
softly. "Hank?" Luis was incredulous. "I didn't know you two were together... I thought he was still
determined to get Sheridan."
Beth gave a harsh laugh. "Yeah, he is. Seems that all the men in my life are nuts about her. What is it? The
bottled blonde look? Cause I could do that... no problem." Luis wasn't listening to Beth's rantings... he
was too angry. "I'm gonna kill him..." "No Luis, it wasn't like that," Beth sighed. "It
was just one night... we both wanted it... we were both wishing it were someone else..." She met his eyes
and Luis knew she was talking about him. "Does Hank know yet?" Beth nodded. "And?" he asked.
"He told me he'd pay for whatever I decided..." Luis was livid. "You mean he suggested an abortion?"
Beth covered her abdomen with her hands. "I could never do that Luis. I could never kill my baby." This
was a whole new side of Hank that Luis was seeing, and he wasn't liking it much. "That Bastard!" "Luis,
he's not worth it... promise me you won't do anything." She saw the determined glint in his eye and the set
of his jaw. "Promise me!" Luis reluctantly nodded, "Yeah, alright."
Beth sighed. "Chad is due here in a couple minutes. I'm going to go upstairs and lie down for a while. Can
you wait for him and tell him I'm not feeling well?" Luis nodded again. He stood and scooped Beth up again,
heading for the door to Beth's apartment. "Luis, put me down!" "No, I'm taking you upstairs, stop
squirming before I drop you."
Beth gazed at his strong handsome face and sighed. "There really is no chance for us is there? You love her."
"Sheridan?" Luis paused. "Well, I don't know about love, but she makes me feel things I've never
felt before with anyone." He saw the pain flash across her face. "I'm sorry Beth..." "It's
okay Luis. You can't force feelings, Lord knows, I've tried." "You know I love you Beth... we've been
friends for so long. I'd do anything for you." "I know Luis. I appreciate that more than you know."
Luis carried her into the bedroom and settled her gently on the bed. "You get some rest now. I'll go wait
for Chad." "Thanks Luis." Beth gave him a small smile as he left the room.
Luis went back down to the cafe, seeing that Kay and Simone had come in while he was upstairs. He gave them coffees
and then Chad arrived. It was then that he realized Sheridan was late. Had she shown up while he was upstairs and
left? He decided to check her cottage... the phone rang until her machine picked it up. Well, he would just go
over there... it wasn't like Sheridan to be late.
He was really eager to see her. He wanted to talk to her about Beth... he had to vent some of his anger at Hank.
Also, he knew Beth could really use a female friend right now. Sheridan would be glad to spend some time with her,
he figured.
Her car was in the drive when he arrived and he went up to the door and knocked. He knew she was inside... he could
make out her shape on the couch through her gauzy curtains. When she didn't answer he called her name and pounded
louder.
He saw movement through the curtain and the door swung open, to reveal Sheridan with a very hard expression on
her face. "What do you want Luis?" her voice was icy cold. Luis was surprised that she'd be so upset,
just because he wasn't there when she'd arrived at the Book Cafe. "Sheridan, I can explain..." She suddenly
looked furious.
end of Luis' flashback
Luis continued to pound at the bag, getting more confused and angry by the second. He just didn't get it.
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