Before Sunset
by Senia
Chapter 6
The hallway was a madhouse of noise and activity. People scurried about to
find sharpened pencils, to look up last minute answers, to question more
experienced friends about previous examines... It was time for the bar
exam. Many of the people in the room had taken the test before, some two,
three, even four times. For Gregory Richards it was the first time. He
stood against the wall, looking calm and confidant in his modest suit and
tie. Some others had come casual, knowing that the exam would take hours
and wanting to be as comfortable as possible. Gregory believed in the ideal
that if you wanted to succeed you dressed the part. And no one wanted to
succeed more than he did.
The doors opened and everything went quiet. This was the moment they'd all
been preparing for. One young man turned and rushed to the restroom,
loosing whatever he had bothered eating for lunch. Gregory strolled
casually over and walked in, the first of the examanees to do so. He passed
his ID to the proctor, was wished luck, and pointed to a seat. As the
others were being checked in, Gregory sat calmly, appearing for all the
world as if he were here for nothing more than a classroom lecture.
Of course, no one could see inside Gregory's head... The poise and
confidence were well reahersed. He had determined long ago that looking as
if you knew were you were doing was very often enough to convince others you
did. Once in class, when arguing a case with another student, Gregory had
simply made up a reference for another case, getting the student judge to
rule in his favor. It was a week later before the instructor, after hours
of research and consulting with other lawyers, felt comfortable enough to
call the student on it. Gregory had smiled, shrugged, and insisted that he
must have confused the matter... He was, of course, warned against using
such practices in a real courtroom, but he hadn't needed the warning. He
wasn't an idiot and had only done it to prove to himself that the other
student was an ill prepared fool.
He didn't even bother to glance up when the test was placed in front of him.
Instead he arranged his pencils so that they were readily accessible and
stretched his legs out in front of him. As the proctor began to explain the
rules and time limit on the test, Gregory listened intently. He might be
trying to look confidant, but he knew that the majority of those in the room
would fail the exam. The percentage of those taking it for the first time
that would receive a passing score was significantly lower. He had to pass
it the first time. He'd developed a reputation in the academic community,
but it would only carry him so far. He refused to be some research
assistant, even for a few months, while waiting on the opportunity to take
the exam again. He had to pass. He had to get on with a law firm, and not
just any law firm. It had to be a successful, big name firm. He had no
plans to join the circle of high society in Sunset Beach. Gregory Richards
planned to rule it....
Sometime later Gregory placed the last answer on the form and glanced at the
clock and then around the room. Many had left, some within the first hour.
Many more remained, some with their heads on the desks as if they had given
up but didn' have the will power to walk out of the room. He started to go
back over the test, check his answers. Instead, he calmly picked it up,
walked to the proctor's table, and laid the exam in the completed pile along
with the address card that would ensure the results reached him if he missed
the posted results later that month. To Gregory's knowledge, no one had
ever misseed finding out well before the results were mailed. Even if he
didn't bother to check the postings himself he would know within a few hours
of their being placed on the bulletin board if he had made it. Either
someone would race to find him in hopess of being the first to let him know
he was know a full fledged member of the legal community, or he would see it
in their faces when they did see him. The same look that had been given to
hundreds of would be lawyers when their name wasn't on the list.
A month later - while Elaine slipped away for a weekend with AJ, Bette
charmed her young intern, and Olivia realized her chance at a social life
was slipping away in her effort to supply life's basic needs - a young,
first year law student slowly walked to the main bulletin board at City
Hall. In his hands was the sealed envelope containing the names of all
those who had successfully passed the bar. He glanced around, knowing that
soon the hall would be full of people anxiously searching for their name on
the list. He also knew that their would be a huge party somewhere tonight
with all of those whose names were in this envelope celebrating their
accomplishment. Somewhere else would be all those who hadn't passed, most
likely alone... He pulled the sheets out and quickly pinned them to the
board. Within an hour word would be out....
Gregory sat at the Waffle Shop sipping his coffee when he heard it. The
results are posted... Names flew by. Was Harrison on the list? Jones?
McIntosh? No one there seemed to know yet... They'd only just heard ot was
listed. Gregory glanced up. Should he go? He needed to know. He HAD to
know... But would going ruin his confidant air? If he was so sure he'd
passed, would he need to check the list for his name? For once Gregory
pushed aside the arguments. Sometime he would have to find out for certain.
He could either walk over there and see for himself, or he could wait until
someone found him. He stood up slowly and approached the others, "I suggest
we all stop speculating and go see for ourselves..." he stated and turned
to walk out, leaving each of them to decide whether to follow him or not.
They all did. Every one of them...Chapter 7
By the time Gregory and his little band of anxious lawyer wannabees made it
to the Hall there was already a large crowd around the board, fighting to
see the names. Timothy Prescott, who came from a family of lawyers and had
failed the test no less than 6 times already to the eternal disgrace of his
family, finally took over. "Okay! Calm down, everybody... Trust me, you
are all going to get the results. If you will just shut up and step back a
second, I'll read the list off loud and clear. Those of you who were here
last year know that's the only way we are going to get this done in an
organized manner..." Prescott might not be lawyer material, but he was well
liked and respected. The crowd mumbled a little, but things were
significantly quieter. Prescott grinned the little boy grin he was famous
for, "Great... I love power." The crowd laughed and Prescott turned to
read the names....
Aaron, Adams, Anderson, Ascot... For the first time in his life Gregory
Richards whiched he had a different last name. He listened intently to each
name to be read off, placing a face with as many of them as he could, trying
to call up the argument style and personality of each one. These were the
people he might face in court...
Ramey, Randell, Reilly, Rienheardt, Roberts.... Gregory felt sick. They
passed his name. Prescott was still reading steadily and several people
were already turning to look at him. He hadn't passed? That wasn't
possible... He'd been confidant. He knew the information.. The test hadn't
even seemed particullarly difficult. Could it be a joke? Prescott wasn't
beyond that, but then he hadn't hesitated at all.. He hadn't had time to see
the name and decide to skip it, had he? Everyone who turned saw only that
Richards was still listening, as if waiting to hear what other friends had
made it. He still seemed calm and poised. Was it possible he didn't
understand? They were certain he would have been upset. Everyone expected
Gregory Richards to pass. If anyone passed, it should have been Richards...
"Wallace, Williams, Young... That's it. Congrats to all of you who made
it. The rest of you..." Prescott shrugged, "See you here next time." An
uneasy laugh went up. How long would Prescott's family put up with his
failure? "Oh..." He saw Gregory for the first time. "Soorry, Richards.. I
didn't see you back there. You are wanted in the Chancellor's office. Says
here you should report there anytime between 8:30 AM and 6 PM." He read
from a small note attached to the list.
Gregory frowned. Why the Chancellor's office? He knew the staff had
expected him to pass as much as anyone. Were they going to question him?
Try to determine if something was wrong, if something had kept him from
focusing? Wasn't he humiliated enough without being grilled by a bunch of
concerned buerocrats? He turned and strolled away from the crowd as if
everything in the world was waiting to do his bidding. The crowd watched
quietly. Some had looks of pity, knowing how it stung to not hear your name
called. Others had looks of stunned awe. They had respected and looked up
to Richards, knowing he would be a powerful force in the legal world. Still
others wore smirks, delighted to see the self-assured young upstart defeated
before he even got started. "Party at the Watershed!" Someone shouted,
breaking the silence. The hall was suddenly alive again with
congratulations and revelry. Slowly those who had passed made their way out
of the building to celebrate. Others went slowly home to descide their next
course of action. Gregory winced inside. Things were not going as
planned...
"Come in." Called the chancellor's voice at the sound of the knock.
Gregory hesitated for a fraction of a second and pushed the door open.
"Richards. I've been waiting for you. Didn't think it would take long for
word to reach you. Come in, please. Close the door." Gregory did as he
was told and took the seat that was offered. "I wish I cuold have found a
better way of reaching you, but I couldn't get anyone at your house."
Gregory nodded. He hadn't been at his apartment since early that morning.
"I must admit, the results of the exam caused a great deal of concern and
discussion among the staff..." The chancellor reached into his desk and
pulled out a file. "I defended you, but I'm afraid even I have my doubts.
You will have to explain..."
Gregory was confused. Since when was a student expected to explain his
inability to pass the bar? He picked up the file that was lain before him.
Inside were the results of his exam, the ones that should have been mailed
to him. He looked at the numbers and his heart beat faster. He hadn't
failed... He had done remarkably well. He'd not only passed the exam, but
had gotten a score that seemed incredile even to him. He looked up to see
the Chancellor's eyes on him. They thought he'd cheated... The realization
hit him. What had been relief at seeing his score and knowing he hadn't
failed turned to anger. "I don't believe there is anything at all to
explain." He stood up. "My academic record at this school more than speaks
for itself. Everyone expected me to do well...."
"Not that well. Mr. Richards, sit down. I don't think you cheated. I told
you, I defended you to the board. The fact remains that that is one of the
highest scores I have ever seen on an exam. Easily the highest by a first
time examanee. I don't think it is unreasonable that some members of the
board would like to ensure the numbers are accurate."
"And what do they want me to do?"
The chancellor pressed a button and within minutes the office was crowded
with members of legal staff. For two hours they grilled Gregory on points
of the law, recovering much of what was on the exam to see if he knew it by
heart or had carried a concelied crib sheet into the exam. Even those who
hated the younger man, those who found him threatening, had to admit that he
had a strong grasp on legal concepts. The chancellor smiled,
"Congratulations, Mr. Richards. I'm sorry for the manner in which this was
handled. I am relieved however that I will never have to face you in a
courtroom." He nodded and Gregory Richards, attorny-at-law, walked out of
the room.
Chapter 8Felicity Ascot pretended she was there to show her brother support.
Truthfully she couldn't stand him. Yes, his passing the bar would open
doors and possibly push them to a better position financially, but she hated
that he was a success. It only magnified her own failures. Not that
Felicity couldn't do better in school if she was interested. The fact was
she hated it. She had no desire to secure a degree and wouldn't havve gone
at all except that her father's will had stipulated she was only to receive
her monthly stipen as long as she was in school. What she was really
interested in were the other young men who would be there, particullarly
those whose fathers hadn't managed to gamble away the family fortune. She
was disappointed to hear that the young Richards had failed the exam. She
had found him rather attractive and jad spent a great deal of time
insinuating herself into his life. He had seemed promising. Everyone was
certain he would go far... Now she found she had wasted her time. Well,
she'd just have to see if one of the other recent graduates couldn't be
charmed into sharing his pending fortune with her...
When Gregory walked into the bar heads turned and conversations stopped. No
one had expected him to show up at the celebration. Not after having failed
the exam... They were even more shocked when he casually strolled to the
bar and ordered champaign for everyone. Timothy Prescott, a multi-failee
himself, strode over. "That's right generous of you, Richards... I didn't
expect to see you here... Me, I'm always looking for an excuse to party.
Fail or pass, this is a tradition for me. But you..." He shrugged, amused
that he had just put the ever so arragont Richards in a catagory with
himself. He knew Richards looked down on him for his failure, even if the
younger man was always polite.
Gregory smiled and quietly pulled an envelop from his pocket, "Well, I
believe this was a party to celebrate the entrance into the legal community
all those who had recently been added to the state bar."
Prescott frowned and opened the envelop. It contained Gregory's exam
results and the glass almost slipped from his hand. The scores were
unbelievable... He looked up at Gregory, stunned and respecting the man
despite himself, "Welcome to the party...."
Del had heard the exam results were out. The celebration parties were
always a good time. Especially when some of the social climbing females had
a little too much to drink and could no longer distinguish between promising
young lawyer and casual observer. Any man in the area was able to pass
himself off as a chance as an upper rung on the social ladder. Not that Del
needed the charade himself to atract females, but it was amusing to wonder
what the poor woman must think in the morning when she woke up with a
hangover next to the service station attendant. What Del was interested in
was the lawyers. Many of them would be starting businesses, or representing
thse already established. Del wanted those contacts. He needed them. And
so he was always there, to congratulate the men he hoped would make him
rich. And so, he left the house and went down to the bar.
Olivia looked around annoyed. Finally.. Finally she had a weekend off. And
what did everyone do? They left... Bette was out with her new boyfriend,
the intern... Elaine was away with AJ. That hurt more than anything. She
knew AJ was interested in her, but she'd blown it. Of course he was with
Elaine. Olivia certainly hadn't been available. She'd been too concerned
with working extra hours in an effort to earn enough money to buy the things
she thought she'd need to really attract AJ's attention. Real good, Liv.
So you can buy a new dress. Lot of good that will do while AJ and Elaine
watch the sunrise over the lake. She sat on the couch, a scowl on her face.
Felicity smiled. Gregory Richards... So, he had passed after all. And not
only passed but, from the buzz that was quickly spreading through out the
celebration, he had practically aced the exam. She quickly disengaged
herself from the already drunk Andrew Wallace and made her way over.
"Congratulations, Gregory... I was just heartbroken when they said you
hadn't made it. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what could have
happened. I wouldn't have been here at all if it weren't for my dear
brother... I so wanted to come find you. Now I'm glad I was here, so we
can celebrate together...."
Gregory smiled. He hated Felicity. She was so fake. She was, however,
incredibly attractive. And she had social standing. He was smart enough to
realize what she was after. They would make a logical pair. He would
provide her with the money her father had squandereed and she would provide
him entrance into the best homes. If only he didn't want to choke her after
spending more than a few hours in her company... Tonight, however, he was
feeling generous. He slid his arm around her waist, "Then let's get started
celebrating..."
Del for once found the party boring. Gregory Richards was the center of
attention as the girls tried to catch his eye and the guys questioned him
concerning what had happened with the test results. Del couldn't get even
the most ambitious of the young lawyers to discuss business with him. And
the girls.. Anyone worth spending time with knew exactly were to be,
fighting Felicity for Gregory's attention. He looked at his watch. Olivia
would be home by now. At least he could have someone here. And maybe he
could introduce her to someone that would prove profitable to them both...
He walked out, unnoticed.
Olivia glanced up from her book when the door opened. "Del! Thank God. I
am so utterly bored..."
"Well, my love, I am here to rescue you. Quickly.. Run upstairs and get
yourself changed. Put on the most... Forget it, let me pick something
out." He grabbed her hand and drug her upstairs.
"Del, I am perfectly capable of dressing myself!"
"Shut-up, Olivia. You have to look just right..."
"For what? And don't tell me to shut up."
Del ignored her as he pulled a dress from the closet and held it up, "Well..
It would be nice if it had a bit more cleavage, but I guess it will do. Now
go, change..." He pushed her toward the bathroom.
Olivia was too relieved to be going out to argue. She went quickly and
changed then came out, "Shoud I put my hair up?"
Del looked at her, lifted her hair and then let it fall, pulling it around
her face. "No.. But I wish you had let it grow..."
"I'm starting to wonder what you are up to..." She frowned.
"Olivia... Don't you trust me?" Del grinned. He was answered with a
knowing look that said he was the last person on Earth Olivia was liable to
trust. He didn't care. He just shoved her towards the door. She did look
great. She always did. Perhaps, just perhaps this evening would prove
profitable after all. Maybe Olivia could even get everyone's attention opff
of Gregory Richards for a few moments....
Chapter 9
Gregory was drunk. Even he couldn't deny it. Everyone wanted to buy him a
drink. Trying to get close right from the start, he thought. He didn't
mind. He thrived on the attention. And even drunk his mind worked well
enough to realize that he would need many of these people in the future.
Felicity clung to him possesively and he didn't care. She was popular and
atractive, and extremly attentive... He smiled when she whispered something
into his ear...
"Del, where exactly are we going?"
"To a party. The bar exam results were released today and there's a
celebration downtown."
"And why were we invited?"
"We weren't... But why should that stop us?"
Olivia smiled in response.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but I think it is time to say goodnight." Gregory
smiled, declining the last offer for a drink and a toast to everyone's
success. He left his arm around Felicity's waist as they walked out of the
bar. Funny, after a number of drinks she wasn't nearly as annoying...
Del drove into the parking lot just in time to see Gregory's car pull out.
Good. Maybe there was a chance to get someone's mind back on important
matters. Not that it wouldn't have been good for Gregory to meet Olivia,
but he was too concious of his fragile standing in society to waste time
with a nobody from England, no matter how attractive she was. The best
chance Del or Olivia had was inside. Gregory's leaving was a plus in their
favor.
Felicity didn't wait until they were at Gregory's apartment to let him know
exactly what she had in mind. She leaned her body against, kissing his neck
and nibbling at his ear as he drove. She removed his tie and giggled as the
thought struck her that she had never seen the man without one before.
"What's so funny?" He asked, smiling as she undid his shirt and ran her
hand over his chest.
"I was just thinking how formal and correct you are. Makes me wonder..."
Gregory looked at her, "I believe in being the best at whatever I choose to
involve myself in. Answer your question?"
She let her eyes travel down his body, "Completly..."
Perhaps bringing Olviia wasn't such a great idea after all, Del thought at
first. Then he thought ahead and smiled. She was stealing the scene just
as Gregory had done before. All eyes were on her. The men's with open
admiration, the women's with open disdain. He smiled. If Olivia could
catch one of the young heirs to a fortune it could open doors to him. She
would have to be greatful for his introduction... He stayed close to her
side, but left no doubt that Olivia was "like a sister" to him. The first
time he had insinuated such Olivia had given him an amused look. She chose
not to make the comments that came to mind.. They would wait until later.
"How long exactly have you been in Sunset Beach, Ms. Blake?"
"May I get you another drink, Ms. Blake?
"Olivia, you don't mind if I call you Olivia, do you...?"
Her head was spinning and she felt as if the smile would never again leave
her face. After a month of not going out for more than a quick lunch with
Bette and Elaine, Olivia was delighted by all the attention. She could have
kissed Del for bringing her here. And he was being wonderful, introducing
her to everyone, acting like the big brother he proffessed to consider
himself. She wasn't sure at first what that had been about. They both knew
Del no more thought of her as a sister than did any of these other men. But
she had quickly realized that Del's plans were far more long range than
whether he would ever convince her to sleep with him. Yes, he wanted her,
but he wasn't in love with her. And his own ambitions for the future were
more important. Fortunatly for her, he saw there was some advantage in
aiding her in her own quest for a place in the social elite. As for
herself, she would be delighted to help him, so long as it served her own
purposes.
Gregory watched Felicity move toward him. Maybe he could learn to get along
with her... She was intellegent and beautiful.. His eyes traced over the
scantily clad body and realized just how beautiful. She slid her hands to
his waistband and undid his slacks. As they dropped to the floor, he
stepped out of them and sat on the edge of the bed. Pulling her towards
him, he kissed the soft flesh of her flat stomach. She pushed him back on
the bed and lowered her body over his....
Olivia stretched and smiled. Last night she had felt much like she imagined
Cinderella had felt, only better... Poor Ciderella had only one prince
enchanted by her and had to give up all the beautiful music and dancing at
midnight. Olivia's ball had not been quiet so elegant, but it had certainly
lasted longer... Del had finally drug her home well into the wee hours of
the morning. She glanced at the clock and realized it was early afternoon
already. She got of bed and showered quickly. She wanted to find Bette and
tell her all about her evening, and see how her date had gone of course...
Gregory couldn't believe he had let this annoying creature spend the night
at his apartment. Sex was one thing, but he certainly should have shoved
her out the door afterwards. She'd practically taken over the bathroom and
then complained tht he had nothing in the house for breakfast. "And if I
did have something, would you cook it?" He'd asked sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, Darling.. " she'd crooned. "I'm afraid I have been terribly
spoiled. I forget you live here all alone with no one to tka ecare of you."
Gregory frowned. He was glad he hadn't eaten. If he had he certainly would
be throwing up by now. Couldn't she tell how patrinizingly annoying she
was. Annoying.. There was no othe word to describe her. Her parents
shouldn't have named her Felicity because she was making him anything but
happy at the moment. "If you are so hungry, Dear.." The word was obviously
meant sarcastically. "Why don't you go out and get something. I am certain
there are any number of cafe's just waiting to serve you."
Felicity was tactful enough not to push her luck to far. She kissed him
gently on the lips and smiled, "I suppose you are right... You must have so
much you need to do. I'll call you." She left quickly before he could say
anything.Chapter 10
"I had such a wonderful time. The cabin was right off the lake and
isolated..."
Olivia really didn't care to hear anymore. She did love Elaine dearly, but
listening to her go on and on about her weekend with AJ was unnerving. It
should have been me up there with AJ instead of here with a bunch of legal
eagle-wanna-bes, she thought. Her evening wasn't looking nearly so pleasant
as it had this morning. She and Bette had gone to the Waffle Shop to get
breakfast and compare notes. Elaine had come in just as they were about to
leave so they'd sat back down. First Bette had told Elain all the latest on
her and the intern and now Elaine was gushing over how perfect things had
been. She tried to be happy for her friend, but the more she listened the
more convinced she became that AJ and Elaine didn't belong together.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." All three ladies jumped at the sound of
AJ's voice. Elaine blushed. Bette laughed. Olivia smiled slightly, her
eyes locking on AJ's. He hadn't seen her, even in passing, in about 3
weeks. He'd almost convinced himself he had imagined the color of her eyes.
Now, facing her, he felt an incredible guilt over his trip. He shouldn't
feel like that about someone else after spending the weekend with Elaine,
she deserved better. Worse than that was the feeling he had somehow
betrayed Olivia. He had rationalized that she wasn't interested, but
something told him now that it was something else. It hadn't been her fault
she'd had to work so many hours. If she had someone to take care of her
then she wouldn't have to work so hard.
The look that went between them wasn't lost on Elaine. AJ hadn't mislead
her about his feelings toward her but somehow she'd hoped, after their
weekend together, that those feelings might change. It was obvious to her
now that she couldn't compete with Olivia. She determined then and there
not to let whatever happened affect her friendship with her young friend, or
make her bitter toward AJ. He had, after all, been completly honest from
the start.
"Hello, AJ." Bette spoke first, sensing a growing tension. "You are
looking better than ever."
AJ grinned and turned to her, "And you, as always, are simply divine." he
bowed and kissed her hand. "Looks like I missed lunch."
"Breakfast actually. I'm afraid we've wasted the morning and only just
started." Answered Olivia.
"Then I suppose I'll have to settle for dinner. Are you available?" The
invitation included them all even though he was wel aware that Elaine had
other commitments.
Bette hesitated, knowing that Elaine couldn't go. Should she tag along as a
chaperone to make sure Olivia didn't get in the way of Elaine's hopes?
Where did her loyalties lie? Better yet, was it her business to get
involved at all? She glanced from Elaine to Olivia. Better to go with the
side that seems to have the best chance at victory and hope for the best.
"I'm sorry, AJ. I'll have to bow out of this one."
Elaine forced a smile, "I need to go check on Paula. I've missed her so
much this weekend." She hurried away before anyone could see the tears
threatening to spill down her cheeks.
"Olivia?" His eyes met hers. Her answer would tell him all he needed to
know.
"I can't think of anything I would enjoy more?" She responded, forcing the
memory of Elaine's hurt look from her mind.
"Bette, please do not lecture me. I know full well you had no plans for
tonight. If you were so against my going to dinner alone with AJ why didn't
you say anything?"
"Because I happen to be a realist. I can see the way he looks at you. The
only way Elaine has any chance at all is if you back off and make AJ see you
differently than he does now. And I'm not sure that would give her much of
a chance... I figure one of us should have a chance at the throne."
"What about you? You have your promising young doctor. I know Elaine will
meet the right man..."
Bette decided not to get into the discussion. She knew just how vulnerable
Elaine was. After the disasterous marriage it had taken forever for her to
show any interest in anything not directly related to her little girl and
the Waffle Shop. She wasn't likely to try again any time soon. "Here,
borrow my pearls. They'll go perfect with that neckline."
The doorbell signaled AJ's arrival. Bette winked at Olivia, "So, go charm
your prince..." Olivia grinned and moved gracefuly down the stairs.
Charmed was the perfect word to describe AJ. Or perhaps enchanted. Olivia
was stunning and her light, accented voice sounded like music as she spoke.
He forgot entirely that he was supposed to feel guilty about his weekend
with Elaine. He hadn't made her any promises, had he? It had been
enjoyable for them both. But now, back in Sunset Beach, he saw clearly
where he wanted to be. Elaine was sweet, but Olivia...
"Would you like any dessert?" He asked as the waitor cleared away their
dinner dishes.
"Not right away. I was thinking what a shame it was to be inside on such a
lovely night. I don't suppose I could talk you into a walk along the
beach?"
"I think that sounds perfect..." He stood and offered her his hand.
"Perhaps later we can have dessert." He smiled.
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