The Future Meets the Past...(S10-E29)

Picking up where we left off, it's still that very same week. It's Thursday evening the night before Luke should be expecting Margot's men to come collect the cash. Luke hangs out in his motel room that has been paid up till the end of the month by Rufus. His Dad is there along with his newly revealed long lost brother Baz and Peter, who has insisted he can help out even though Luke is not too happy about it.

Baz, Eva, and Peter have just showed up. Baz hands out beers and gets back to helping Eva. Luke on the other hand is throwing a fit about Peter not respecting his wishes for him to stay out of it. "I told you not to fucking come here.", Luke mumbles and swigs his beer.

Baz chooses to avoid Luke for now and help Eva out, he has been steaming mad all day after he found out everything. Finding out you have a brother has been a major shock to him. "Is that everything out of the car?", Baz asks Eva. She nods as she sets the bag down on the table.

"I don't give a fuck man, I want to be here.", Peter pushes back. He has kinda been avoiding conversations with Willow, since she now has it in her head she really wants a baby. Plus he does miss getting into trouble with Luke. It's always been what the two bonded over throughout the years. "It'll be like the old days." 

"Fuck the old days..", Luke spits out. "We don't need you, go back home to Willow, or wherever the fuck you spend your nights now." Luke is hot, all these things culminating together have his head spinning. 

"Yeah you do! I can help man, let me be there when these goons show up. They don't know who I am, that gives us time to swoop in and stop these fuckers."

"He has a point.", David says as he lounges in the motel bed. "Luke, you don't know these sons of bitches like I do. We need all the help we can get."

"No!", Luke adamantly blurts out after swigging down his beer again. 

"It's a good idea!", Peter says getting a little defensive with Luke as the three of them try to work out a plan. Baz meanwhile continues to help Eva with the food she brought. This might be a long night. "These guys don't know who I am! So let me be the decoy." 

David continues to lounge back in the freshly made bed, it seems the motel maid came and tidied the place up while Luke was gone. "I think it's a good idea. I dunno why you're so opposed to it. We need a fourth man anyways. Four against two is much better odds."

"Are you fucking kidding me?!", Luke protests. "He doesn't need to be here. I don't fucking want him here. Baz can be the fucking decoy. It's the least he can do since this shit storm is all his fault."

"They know who Baz is, that is not gonna work.", David says. "Unless you know someone else who is willing to stick their fucking neck out for you, Peter is all we got right now son." Luke sighs, knowing his father is right. "Is this cause you found out he was fucking your mother?"

Luke looks shocked and puzzled to hear this, "How...How did you know?"

"Your mother told me what happened.", David pauses. "You need to forgive her son, she misses you." Even though David and Cynthia never stayed married the two kinda kept in touch over the years.

Luke scoffs and stutters, how dare his father try to give him advice after being absent nearly his entire life. "Fuck you!...", he blurts, anger building again like it did earlier when Rufus was here. "I...I...don't need your advice."

"We need Peter and you know it. C'mon Luke man the fuck up!", David pushes. "We don't have time to dwell on this fucking high school drama queen shit you're doing."

"I'm the one who has the most to lose out of all of you! My business, my family, my wife! So yeah, I'm fucking pissed about all of it!", Luke shouts. "Then to top it off, I found out my new employee is my fucking brother! So  yeah, maybe you should all stick your fucking necks out for me, cuz you all owe me!"

David just smiles and laughs, "That's the spirit! Fight for that pretty red head she's a keeper, son. Definitely not a fucking whore like your mother."

Luke glares at him like he wants to just choke the life out of his father right there as he lays back on the bed all calm and collected. He knows, how his mother is, but talking about Laura makes his blood boil "Sick bastard.", he mumbles. "I need some air...", then pushes past Baz and Eva, as he walks towards the motel door.

"Luke, what the hell man...", Baz blurts as he bumps into the couple. Luke just turns to look at them as he sees his father and Peter turn to watch him storm off in a huff. Luke needs to grow up, yeah he has got a lot going on right now, but he definitely needs to take a deep breath, calm down, and put his big boy pants on.

"Luke get your ass back over here!...", David shouts.

Luke quickly looks at Baz, "Sorry, I just need some air...." Then opens the doors and shuts it behind him. 

"I should probably go talk to him.", Baz tells Eva. "We haven't really said two words to each other since he found out the truth about everything."

"Then go talk to him.", Eva replies. "He needs to understand that you didn't intend for him to be dragged into this, and that this is all one big misunderstanding."

Baz takes a deep breath and lets it out, "You're right, better to do it now and get it over with. I'm a fucking idiot for thinking this plan would work." He shakes his head in disappointment, knowing his mother is probably ripe with anger for the amount of trouble he has caused as result of all this. "I might as well be a dead man after all this is over..."

"Baz, your mother will get over it.", Eva replies not understanding the wrath that his mother might bring down on him or Eva for double crossing her.

"Babydoll...She will punish me somehow...", Baz says his voice trailing off too afraid to finish the thought. Then breaks away from her touch to follow Luke outside.

After Luke had stepped outside he grabbed his phone from his jeans pocket to see if he had any calls or text messages from Laura. Nothing...The door opens and shuts behind him and he hears Baz speak as he continues to have his back turned to him. "I don't blame for being angry, but I never meant for you to be pulled into any of this. The reason I didn't tell you who I was, was to protect both of us and Eva as well."

Luke scoffs, as he listens to the irony of his words. His brother sounds just like him as he tries to justify his lies. "Yeah?...", Luke sarcastically replies. "Welcome to the club seems everyone here likes to keep secrets."

"You know David is right, we need Peter's help.", says Baz.

"You call him David?", Luke asks perplexed assuming his brother has had more of a relationship with their father than he ever did.

"Usually, yeah...", Baz replies. "Why?"

Luke shrugs his shoulders, "I dunno I just thought that...Whatever it doesn't fucking matter.". He mumbles feeling stupid for even saying anything at all.

"Listen that man in there was never a father to me either. I mean, I knew who he was, and he came around often to do business with my mother. But that was basically it...", Baz explains. 

Luke nods in understanding, "So you really think we need Pete? You can't do this yourself?"

"All I know is whatever shit went down between you two is no where near as bad as what is coming if we don't band together, but I'll respect your wishes if you want me to do it instead."

Luke nods, "That's why Hayden showed up looking for answers."

"Exactly! If Lorenzo is in town then he is for damn sure stirring and tripping up their radar. He does all the major dirty work for my mother, and if he comes in tomorrow...Sees me. I'm either a dead man or a severely injured one. Lorenzo doesn't play around."

Luke nods again in thought as he mulls through the two different scenarios in his head. Baz has a point. It is better to keep this all hush, hush having him out there will ruffle feathers for sure. "Yeah last thing I need is Hayden coming around again...Last few times we were lucky."

"It's clear, you and Peter have a history with that detective, which is all the more reason to let Peter in on this. Because if this Hayden guy does come sniffing around again we can all have our stories straight and Peter will not feel compelled to say anything to the cops."

"Peter would never do that...ever!", Luke adamantly replies.

Baz raises his eye brows in a questioning manner he is not completely sure what happened between the two, but whatever it was must have been bad,

"He had a relationship with my mother, since we were 18...Lost his fucking virginity to her. I overheard them talk about all this shit to each other one day. It was fucking disgusting."Luke explains, embarrassed by it.

Baz laughs, "That's it? That's why you don't talk to him?"

"He's like a brother to me! And for twenty years that shit happened right under my nose.", Luke doubles down. 

"And what about that Rufus woman you know I've seen her with David and recently too.", Baz adds.

"Yeah I know...", Luke mumbles. Realizing his family is one fucked up tree. Now tacking on an actual brother who has a mob boss for a mother. The door creaks open and David pops out.

"What do you want?", Baz quickly turns his head to ask him.

"I came to bury the hatchet with my boys. I come bringing a peace offering." He holds out the bag of homemade sweets that Laura gave him earlier today. "Your old lady gave me these before I hit the road. She's a damn good cook, shit that was some good food." he grins remembering just how delicious that home cooked meal was.

"Bribery is not gonna change my fucking mind...", Luke says. 

"This is not a bribe son. I'm fuckin' serious. We need to put all the bullshit aside. Margot is a heavy hitter she is not one to fuck with. We need to get a plan in motion. Even though Baz is her son, if she does not deliver justice on her end, then whatever Cartel she is in business with will come after him. I know I'm a shitty father, but this is where I draw the line." David shakes the bag, "C'mon now, seeing may boys together is making me kinda proud that you two turned out all right despite it all. Coopers are fighters, and we need to work together if this shit is gonna pan out in our favor."

"If this sentimental B.S. is just a scheme to save your own hide then say it...", Baz tells him knowing how manipulative his father can be. "I already told Luke I'm willing to do what he asks if that is how he feels."

"It's fine Baz. We can bring Pete in on this, you're both right we do need him and we need to work together.", Luke reluctantly admits. 

David nods and smiles, "Good it's settled then.", as he opens the bag and hands them each a cookie.

"Shit, this is good.", Baz blurts as he chews on the cookie. "Your wife actually made these?!"

"She has a culinary degree. In fact she had plans to open her own little bistro, but got pregnant with Phoenix. Now she does small catering jobs." Suddenly Luke feels years of guilt wash right over him for all the horrible things that have happened to Laura over the years just because she chose to follow her heart and stay with him. He thought he could escape all the insanity of his life and start fresh here but clearly his past is never gonna let him go. Now Laura and the boys are dragged into it.

"You hit the jackpot marrying that girl...", David says. 

Luke sighs, "That's if we stay married. She is fucking pissed right now. I've been on edge all week trying to keep them safe, but not telling her the truth just made it worse."

Baz heads over to the door, "Speaking of wives, I should go check on Eva...I think it's best if she stays close tomorrow. I don't want Lorenzo finding her."

"We'll be there, in a minute.", says David. The two of them hangout for a moment. After Baz shuts the door behind him David speaks again stepping up onto the sidewalk. "Hey you care if I crash here tonight?"

"No it's cool...I guess.", Luke shrugs, feeling the weight of the day and this entire week hitting his shoulders like a ton of bricks

"For what it's worth we'll get this shit all settled so you can get back home to your old lady.", David pauses. " You know, I thought keeping Baz a secret from you and your mother was for your own good. Turns out secrets have a way of really shooting ya in the ass...but I think you know what I mean."

Luke nods and hopes his father is right. Because keeping secrets from Laura has only made things worse. Luke sits and lets his mind drift off again, shit could really go sideways if they do not handle this right, and the last thing he wants is to put his family in danger. 

David chugs down his beer before the two head back into the motel room. They need to finish talking business. 

Fuck Your Feelings...Part 5...(S10-E27)

 

Picking up where we left off it is Thursday, still that very same week, around the middle of the day. Luke has just been informed by "Bobby" that Detective Hayden Jones is asking for him. Luke comes out from the back room to find the store is semi busy, and Hayden is standing their hands in his pockets waiting for him. 

Luke can tell by the look on his face that this is most likely not a casual matter. His face looks serious, his jaw tense, his eyes focused on Luke as he walks down the hall, and out into the main room of the business. Thankfully no reporters are here yet, but he knows they'll be coming around soon. He wonders if that is why Hayden is here.

"Bobby" is finishing up cashing out a customer while Hayden stands off to the side, "Where is Jacob?", he asks breaking the awkward silence immediately. He knows Jacob has worked for Luke for many years, so he finds it odd to not see him here.

Luke replies as he steps out into the open space, "He left. He lives in Paris with Colton Trudeau. Benjamin never mentioned anything to you?" 

Colton is Benjamin's younger brother. Once in a while Benjamin, Aric, and Hayden have a beer together and catch up. "Uh...", Hayden pauses. "Now that you mention it yeah maybe he did. It's been awhile since I've talked to Benjamin."

Luke nods, "So what's up?" trying to stay calm as he wonders why Hayden has made this impromptu visit today of all days for him to show up unannounced Hayden had to choose this one. 

"I saw you made big headlines this morning with Rufus Blue. What's the angle there? Cuz you know I know the truth...", Hayden reminds him. He was the one who had the paternity test sent out so that Luke would have evidence he was not Ruby's father. That paternity test revealed however that Luke was her brother.

"It's complicated...", says Luke, ending the response there. 

Hayden nods, "Okay, I get it...", not pushing the subject anymore. He pauses for a moment then continues to speak.

"You have some place where we can talk in private?", Hayden asks.

Luke knows Peter is most likely still in the back, and he would prefer it if these two men did not see each other. "No I don't, back room is a mess right now, and I've got a lot of shit to do so lay it on me..."

Baz smirks a little, he is glad his brother is not giving in to the intimidation tactics from the detective, but it is also clear that these two have a history, and know each other as well.

"Have you ever heard of the DeRozen family or had any recent contact with them?", Hayden asks.

"Uh, no. I've never heard of them.", Luke curtly responds. "What's this about? Did something happen to another business nearby?". He asks confused not sure where this line of questioning is going.

Baz aka "Bobby" has heard the name, in fact he is a DeRozen on his mother's side. He too is not sure what is going on, but this Detective has definitely got him worried now. What if he recognizes him?! Baz needs to play it cool for now.

"Are you aware that your father David Cooper is in town?", Hayden asks.

"No.", he lies. "I haven't spoken to my father in years.", Luke knows David could possibly walk in that door any moment, but he's not telling Hayden that.

Hayden continues with the questioning, "Are you aware that he is a known affiliate of the DeRozen family as well as a member of the Devils Rejects MC club?"

Baz is getting more nervous by the second, thinking this cop might ID him and blow his cover at any moment. He begins to wonder if this "Detective" is on the take, and that maybe his mother and father have him working for them. For now though he plays it cool, but this can't be good his parents must have found him somehow.

"No man, I don't. Like I said I've never heard of them, and I haven't had any contact with my father in nearly a decade.", Luke snaps a little. "If he's here it has nothing to do with me, and I want nothing to do with him." Luke reiterates, but he has a feeling his father being here has everything to do with him.

Hayden nods accepting his response to his questions, "As of now nothing has happened. I just got tipped off that some major drug runners were in my area and I figured I would see if you heard anything since I know David is your father.", says Hayden. "In fact I should probably check with your mother to see if she has heard from him. You know if she is home right now?"

Luke's nostrils flare in anger as he breathes out, thinking about his mother and his best friend. He knows he needs to get over it. What if something bad happens to her with all this? What if his father gets her involved too? His mother is crazy enough to do something like that. "I have no fucking idea man. In fact I haven't really been on speaking terms with my mom much lately either."

Everyone's attention gets diverted as soon as Hayden sees Peter walking out of the back room. "Morrissey...I shoulda known you'd be here too.", Hayden says as Luke abruptly turns around to see Peter standing there. He glares at him for not listening to him about staying out of sight.

"Sup, Hayden?..." Peter says his tone flat and uninviting. Him and Hayden have never really gotten along too well. Peter of course has found himself in dire straits a time or two with Hayden. Him and Luke both have in fact.

"Have you been in contact with David Cooper?", Hayden abruptly asks Peter throwing him for a loop.

Peter looks at him with confusion, "No! Why the fuck would I?..." Peter nearly shouts back. Peter couldn't care less about what Luke's dad is up to. "Last time I saw that bastard was like over 10 years ago. Luke and I were still touring with the band."

Hayden nods again somewhat satisfied for now with the answers the two men have given him. He does not trust Peter, but for now he has no further reason to suspect they know anything. "Okay...well if you hear or see anything call me."

"Uh huh.", Peter says as he leans in against the counter, he too is suspicious of Hayden being here and wonders if it has anything to do with what Luke is not telling him. "Is that all?", Peter asks him.

Baz figures now would be a good time to maybe skip out for a small break. He needs to figure out what to do himself he might need to grab Eva and skip town ASAP. "Hey, Luke..."

Luke turns to face him, "Yeah?..."

"No, you know what?...One more thing...Did you hear that Nathan Doucet petitioned for an early release a month ago?", he asks him knowing that will ruffle his feathers.

"What the fuck?! No, I haven't...Can he even do that?", Peter asks.

"He can, but it doesn't mean the judge will look at it or consider it.", Hayden replies. "His health has declined immensely after the confrontation at the hospital." Hayden adds, everyone knows he almost died, which is what probably kept Peter out of trouble.

"You mind if I take a lunch break a little early? I'm extra hungry today.", Baz explains, hoping this will give him a chance to skip out of town. He hates to do this to his brother, but he needs to go before David has a chance to show up.

"Sure, but can you first unload those boxes from the back and bring them out here. That way I can work on them while you're out.", says Luke. Baz nods as a customer stops them from talking and comes up to the counter. He turns his attention to her while Luke jumps back into the conversation with Hayden. "Did I hear you say something about Nathan?"

"I'll let Peter fill you in...I need to bounce.", says Hayden.

"Woah wait a minute...How come you find it important to ask us about shady shit yet fail to tell us about Nathan?! He almost killed Willow! She is gonna freak out if he is actually able to get away with this ya know?", Peter can feel his anger start heat him up. 

"It's not my job to tell you. You should have been notified by the court if he gets a parole hearing.", Hayden snaps. 

"Parole? Shit!...", says Luke. Shocked to hear about Nathan. 

"Isn't your girlfriend an assistant DA?", Peter asks, faintly recalling that Hayden was dating a lawyer when the whole Cade and Nathan situation went down.

"Yeah, we're not dating anymore...Remember call me if you hear or see anything. You owe me fellas...", Hayden says then walks out the door.

Peter turns to look at Luke, "Can you fucking believe this shit?!" 

"It doesn't mean he'll get out.", says Luke. "I've got to get to work. Maybe you should go home, and break this news to Willow. She needs to know." He has got his own shit to worry about. Luke walks around the counter to help the customer while "Bobby" grabs the boxes Luke was asking for. "Hi, just these two?", Luke asks the young lady. 

She nods and smiles while Peter lingers for a moment still in shock about Nathan and David. "Shit...first David, now Nathan?...", he mumbles raking his fingers through his hair. Luke is right he needs to tell Willow. She will not be happy if he keeps this from her. "Do you have any idea why your Dad would be here?", Peter asks him.

"I know exactly why he's here.", says Luke as he hands the customer back her credit card with a smile and thank you. "Oh um, do you need a bag for them?" Luke asks her.

The young woman looks up at him and ponders for a moment. "Uh, sure...thank you."

But before Luke can get a bag ready Peter is right there smacking his arm as he stares out the doors of the record shop. The sound of a motorcycle caught his attention. "Oh shit...Luke, look who it is! Holy fuck! Hayden was right!" Peter exclaims, he almost seems more excited than scared. Luke and young woman both turn their heads in the same direction as the door swings open and David steps inside.

"You and me need to talk...", he says. No hello, no smile, as he comes in the doorway. Peter stands there mouth nearly agape as he grips Luke's forearm the suspense of it all has him on edge.

"I don't need your help. I have it handled. I suggest you head back to Vegas.", Luke spits back.

The young customer intimidated by his presence gathers her albums and heads out the door. David steps up closer to the counter as another figure rounds the doorway coming out the back, two boxes stacked in his arms. "I got the two boxes you asked for...", says Baz.

"Oh I think you're gonna want my help, son after I tell you what's been going on.", David informs him as Baz tries to back up with the boxes still covering half his face so he can take off down the hallway, and out the back door. David though already knew it was him from the moment he saw him. "Don't you turn tail and run boy!", David nearly shouts as he points out Baz who is at the moment trying to hide his face behind the boxes. "Sebastian you sneaky little shit get the fuck over here."

Both Luke and Peter turn to look at him with confusion on their faces as he stops and sets the boxes down on the counter with a sigh, "Fine.", he says. "I give up trying to run...wasn't cut out for this shit anyways.", he sighs again in defeat. 

Luke turns back to his father, "Okay...what the fuck is going on here? How do you know him?"

David does not answer him directly, "I know you've been threatened with paying the so called money I owe.", David says. "But it's not me who owe's Margot either...", David's voice trails off as he stares back over at Baz who has now put the boxes down. 

Baz nearly visibly swallows air as he nervously stares back at his father. He has been caught, David has figured out who stole the drugs off his bike. "Does mom know?...", he asks his father.

"You're damn right she does, but you know how she is, she refused to believe her precious little boy would screw her over like that. So I'm here to drag your ass back home so you can fix all this shit you started.", David snaps at him.

"I'm not going back home...She threatened Eva, and I'd like to stay here. Eva likes it here too, she's happy.", Baz explains to his father.

"Like hell you will! I have been through some shit in my life, but this one takes the cake! You not only put your mother at risk, along with the whole operation, but your brother as well. So you're gonna pay the price whatever it is your mother decides it to be. Cuz you don't fuck with family!"

"Woah, woah slow down...What the fuck is really happening here?!", Luke interjects feeling like there is an important part he is missing here.

David looks from Luke to Baz, "You gonna tell him the truth? Tell him why you're really here?..."

"Truth about what?", Luke asks looking over to Baz.

Baz places a hand on his abdomen gesturing to himself, "I'm your brother." Then points back towards David, "He's my father too."

Peter smacks the top of his head with the palms of his hands, "Holy fucking shit!..."

Instead of being happy about it, Luke responds in an angry tone as he questions Baz, "So you're the reason I'm in this fucking situation?! My own fucking brother that I didn't know I had?!" 

"Yeah, but I...I didn't know she would come after you. I thought my Mom and David would work things out.", Baz tries to explain.

"On the way here this morning I told you what was going on, I trusted you for some fucking weird reason, and all this time I'm talking to the asshole who caused all this shit!", Luke has already had a morning of fighting and yelling, staying aware of his current surroundings he tries to keep as calm as he can. "All I want to know is...Why?!", he seethes out in anger.

"I wanted to meet you...I didn't know my mom would come after you!", Baz tries to explain. 

Peter still remains in a bit of shock while the other three continue to talk, "I hate to break up this fucking family reunion, but we got your mother's muscle, and the cops looking for us. So I suggest you and me lay low for now, figure out a plan.", David suggests to them. 

"He's right. You're a liability to me now if you stay here, if Hayden fucking figures out who you are then we're all fucked.", says Luke. "I'll meet the both of you later tonight at the motel after I close up shop. I've got to keep things rolling here so nothing looks suspicious."

"Exactly! See that?!", says David. "Your brother has more fucking common sense than you have in your entire pinky finger! Do you not realize the shit storm you have brought down on all of us?! Heads will fucking roll if your mother doesn't get her way. Let's go shit for brains, we're burning daylight.", David snaps at him.

"Maybe if you'd have my back more often against Mom I wouldn't have to skip town after I married Eva!...", Baz fusses, as tough as he thinks he is. Margot has definitely babied her son a little too much.

David rolls his eyes, "That girl ain't nothing, but trouble for you. Trust me I know, son..."

"I suggest you both leave separately.", Luke says to his father, interrupting their small talk. "He can walk out the back like he's going on lunch break.", now realizing that Baz was trying to skip out on him right now. "I can handle things on my own for now."

Peter continues to scratch his head in disbelief while Baz nods at all of them and then turns to leave down the hallway. He can tell Luke wants both of them gone already. Baz is not sure if this is a good thing that his Dad found him and not his Mother. On the other hand David is pretty darn mad that Sebastian was able to devise such a plan, and try to get away with it, all for the love of a woman. 

"When are Margot's two coming back for the cash?", David asks his other son. Knowing it has to be soon, considering Margot's patience is no doubt wearing extremely thin now. 

"Tomorrow.", he replies.

David nods. "Okay, good..." Then he turns and walks out the front door without another word. Leaving Luke and Peter just standing there, both speechless for a moment as they process it all.

Peter is the one who breaks the short moment of silence, "Is this why you went to Rufus? She paid you didn't she?"

Luke finally admits the truth to Peter, "Yes she did."

"Fuck! What now?! You gonna pay her back?", Peter asks him.

"I dunno. I signed papers man, it's all fucking legit now. I gotta talk to Laura first.", Luke knows he can no longer make these types of decisions without her, especially if he expects Laura to forgive him.

While the two are talking a young couple comes up to the counter ready the checkout. Peter knows Luke is going to need help around here if he is gonna get through the rest of the day. "Lemme take the till. I don't have work today and you're one man short. I'll page you if I need anything." Luke does not argue, but instead accepts Peter's help. He trusts Peter and knows he can handle it. Luke nods and heads off to the back room, and immediately grabs his phone so he can Laura again hoping this time she'll answer. Phineas should be taking a nap right now before she leaves to get Phoenix from preschool.

"Please pick up the phone...", Luke mutters to himself as the line rings several times.

Laura stands in the kitchen taking care of some laundry while Phineas is napping. Her phone nearby of course, it has been ringing all day almost nonstop with calls and text messages from family, friends, and even the media. 

Upon seeing who is calling she ponders for a moment if she should answer, that image of him showering at the motel flashing in her mind. She is not even sure if Luke is aware that Rufus snapped a photo of him. She grabs the phone and answers it before it goes to voicemail. "Are you coming home tonight?", she says softly.

Luke sighs, somewhat relieved that she actually answered the call, "That's why I called...I need you to give me one more day..."

"One more day for what?", she asks confused. "We need to talk face to face this can't wait anymore." 

"I know, but this shit with my Dad is major. I dunno how much detail he went into, but it's bad babe, even Hayden came by here asking about my dad. 

Laura walks and stares up at the chandelier it needs a dusting, "All I know is he owes money for missing drugs and that his boss came after you because he couldn't pay up. How is Hayden involved?"

"Hayden doesn't know anything, he's just fishing right now. All he knows is that my Dad is here in town. So please if the cops come asking don't tell them anything.", he pleads with Laura.

"Fine, but will you at least come home tonight?", she asks again.

"I told you I need one more day. I'll be home tomorrow, I promise.", Luke explains to her again. The line goes silent, Laura does not respond right away. "Laura?"

"I'm here.", she says quietly with sadness in her voice. "My mom thinks I should get a lawyer ya know." She adds recalling her conversation earlier with her parents. 

Luke rubs his face with frustration, Krystal has always been skeptical of their relationship, "Yeah I'm sure she does.", he snaps a little. "Is that what you want?"

"I don't know...I'm hurting right now Luke, and I'm not sure I can keep doing this.", her voice cracks like she might start crying, but she holds it together. She decides to bring up the message from Rufus "I got a text message from Rufus basically threatening to take you away..." She struggles to go into detail about the message and the photo and instead goes silent again.

"Ignore her, she is just blowing smoke.", Luke says as he softly scratches his chin time for a trim again. "I know this may be hard for you to believe, but I don't want to be with her. I made it clear to her that this situation was all business."

"So is that why you let her take nude photos of you in the motel shower?", she asks getting frustrated with him.

"What!?!", he says. "Is that what she sent you?! Fuck, I'm sorry babe I didn't know..."

Laura runs her hand across her belly, remembering again that she still needs to take a pregnancy test, but has been too upset to even bother with it, "I don't want to talk about her anymore...", she says sadness still dominating her voice. "There's something I...Luke I...", she pauses. "The boys miss you.." she says instead not wanting to bring up anything about a possible pregnancy just yet. 

"I mis them too, and you...I promise I will be home tomorrow night. Once all this shit is settled with my father, we will talk.", Luke leans forward and sits up in his desk chair as Laura stays silent on the other end of the line. "Babe, I love you. I meant what I said yesterday in the kitchen. It's always only been you, you're the only woman I want."

Laura cannot hold them back anymore, as the tears just instantly hit her, "I know you do, but I can't keep this up anymore. You have one more day, Luke...One! If you're not home tomorrow night then don't come home at all...I have to go now.", she says realizing it's time to get ready to get Phoenix.

"Laura, I...", Luke begins to speak, but Laura hangs up on him before he can finish. She sets the phone down onto the counter as she takes a moment to regain her composure before she heads upstairs to wake up Phineas.  

Luke pulls the phone away from his ear to look down at it, he has managed to make a real mess of their relationship this time. He worries that Rufus might be right. As sincere as he may be about how much he loves her, it might not be enough. 

To Be continued!...

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See you back here on November 24th for the next episode!