So little time had really passed but it felt like different life and another world to Evangeline and John. Less than two weeks ago Evangeline had seen John kissing Natalie at the police station with Natalie wearing John’s jacket, "That’s clear," Van thought "they really are sleeping together." but there wasn’t much energy for Nat to boast to anyone about basking in the bliss. Even as an outsider Buchanan Natalie was forced to pay attention to the freefall downward spiral of Buchanan Enterprises, it was consuming the attention and time of everyone to the point that no one but her was aware of the irony when Asa insisted to Kevin that he retain Van’s legal services to help their legal department fight the takeover onslaught. The deal with Cano was supposed to have staunched the red ink all over their profit and loss statements. Somehow, the triumph had been fleeting and the infusion of capital a ruse or not enough, Van wasn’t sure which but she told Kevin and Duke as they lunched at the Palace she definitely wasn’t interested in getting entangled with the Buchanan’s and their woes.

Out of the corner of her eye Van saw John and Natalie enter the restaurant and head to their table, she was pleased that she only groaned inwardly, and noted that John was trailing along reluctantly and knew her face showed no awareness of their presence or the impact on her. As she turned Kevin and his son down for the third time during their meal Asa arrived, "Hell woman, we need you to bring a fresh eye and see what our lawyers aren’t catching about this takeover. You tell me what you need to come over to our team—money, I can pay you; a vacation home or two in the most exclusive havens in the world? Yours. That cop to dismiss my little niece like she doesn’t exist? I can make it happen. Tell me what you want and ole Asa’ll make it so."

Evangeline let out a full-bodied laugh sure that Asa was well aware that Natalie and John heard him. His legacy was at stake and he didn’t really give a rat’s ass about Natalie. She was crafty and somewhat feisty but didn’t come across as quick, intelligent and career-oriented as Asa liked Buchanan women to be; those born into the family and those that married into it. And she didn’t have her twin’s innate elegance and charm—not the little princess or cowgirl that he felt any strong connection to; she couldn’t possibly be Clint’s daughter. When this takeover was stopped he’d really look into that more aggressively.

"Thank you Asa, but I really don’t see how I can help you. Besides, my work plate is utterly full and I’m expecting company that’ll take up any spare time I may have. Why do you really want me working on this deal?"

"Probably because he’s finally learned I’m lead counsel on the takeover and he knows we have history." A coolly smooth male voice stated, "Hoping perhaps, that for old times sake I’ll spill all the details of the strategy of the run on BE."

Everyone looked around in surprise then Kevin regained his speech, "Justus Ward, isn’t it? With you leading the charge, Justus, I gather ELQ and the Quatermaines are expanding into Pennsylvania. Why? Don’t they have enough financial problems? Your family no longer has the assets to take BE, unless someone else is funding this endgame. I heard Skye went from our family to your family and has gotten into to bed, financially, with that South American criminal, Alcazar."

"Ah Kevin, you have no idea of the resources of the Quartermaines. Trust me; we have more than enough assets and skills to make BE a minor subsidiary of ELQ and we don’t need dirty money or help to do it. Hello Evangeline, I hope you haven’t gone to work for the losing team."

"Justus, it’s good to see you. I’m surprised, shocked really, but great to see you. I guess there’s no need to ask what brings you here."

"Actually, I’m wrapping up my brief visit for now but I got a call from a mutual friend who asked me to pass along a message to you." As he speaks Justus leans down closer to her, near enough to kiss and Van pulls back unsure of his intention but aware that all the restaurant’s diners and staff seemed to have turned to focus in their direction. Then she understood why.

"Hold up Justus, I’ll tell Evangeline what she needs to know. Hello love, I apologize for my delay." Jax says as he bends down over her brushing her cheek with a kiss, and running his fingers possessively through her hair. His eyes are bluer than the sky, so different and brighter than John’s, no shadows, no demons lurking. "I’m glad to hear you’re not taking on any more clients. I have major travel plans in mind for us and with my jet at your disposal to meet your court obligations we’ll be on the go and away a lot."

"Jax! You’re here," Van says laughing as she stands and jumps into his arms aware of the astonishment of all the Buchanans and how John’s eyes are suddenly hooded and downcast to cover his pain. Yes, seeing Jax was already having a wonderful affect on her world view.

"Baby, you say jump up and get here, I say how high and fast would you like that? Come on, I see you’ve had lunch, lets have dessert at that fabulous dessert bar we like so much." He says while setting her feet back on the ground and wrapping an arm around her neck and keeping her body close to his.

"Jax I don’t think I have time to jet to Paris, eat, shop—you know I’d have to shop, and get back in time to truly be prepared for tomorrow’s custody hearing. Raincheck?"

"Okay, never let it be said I messed with your hot shot career. We’ll go someplace close as soon as you’re out of court tomorrow. I know a dessert bar that’s almost as good as Paris in Malibu. I won’t take a ‘no’ on this one. I think there’s a boutique or three that we can hit so you can feed your clothing jones. And tell me what couture houses you like to hit in Europe and I’ll have them send you samples and designs to look over."

Turning to the assembled faces Jax’s smile widens, "Asa, I’d recognize you anywhere and of course, the disgraced ex-politico and the heir apparent, Kevin and Duke. I understand the next generations aren’t as equipped in holding onto the family business. Perhaps it’s time to let the Buchanan men rest and turn things over to the women." Glancing in Natalie and John’s direction he turns toward them, "Wrong hair color to be Jessica so you must be the twin no one knew about," turning back to Asa Jax grins "don’t you hate it when those long-lost, unasked for relatives make their presence known and bring nothing worthwhile to the bloodlines? And in case you haven’t connected the dots yet, I’m taking BE and since I’m on the ELQ board they will have some beneficial fallout from my acquisition. I plan to spend quite a bit of time in Llanview now and that company’s begging for a fresh infusion of focus and creativity. It’ll make a nice addition to my portfolio. Perhaps I’ll give it to Evangeline to play with."

Taking her arm Jax leads Van away from the table as Justus looks over everyone, sizes them up for future reference and waves his hand in causal dismissal and goodbye. He files away the impact Jax and Evangeline has on the guy the Buchanan girl’s clinging to; another ordinary joe who lost his heart to the elusive beauty, but clearly not in her league. Turning and leaving Justus wonders to himself just how close Van and Jax are and in what way. Justus decides he certainly wouldn’t mind seeing if they finally have their timing right to turn their law school rivalry into something more significant and substantial.

Arriving at Jax’s suite at the Bayberry Inn Evangeline squeals in delight at the dessert set-up he has waiting for her on the balcony, "I can’t believe the sugar rush you’re supplying me with, I won’t have to sleep until I get out of court."

"That’s the plan, keep you feed, focused and unbeatable tomorrow."

"Okay, when did you order this? We’ve been together since we left Asa and everyone at the Palace."

"I have a significant network of….informants. Don’t cross-examine me, dig in. All the ice cream’s hand made with unusual flavor combinations you’ll enjoy." Tossing his jacket on a chair and taking off his tie he beams his mega-watt smile at her, "So, did I do good back there? I noticed the ex was there with the Buchanan girl. I’ve never seen an unhappier man who’s supposed to be in the throes of an undeniable attraction."

"Yeah, yeah, he loves me so much he had to let me go," she sighs, "he doesn’t feel worthy. I’ve heard all that spinning before. I’m sick of it."

"Doesn’t change the truth of it; he’s heart sick with love for you no matter how weird a way he has of showing it. In the 10 minutes spent in his presence I scoped out that much at least. Stop being so hard on yourself, you didn’t do anything wrong. If he’s not ready to step up, let him step. He’ll be back. They always come back. He’s just taking a major risk that you’ll let him in again. Will you?"

"I don’t know I try not to even imagine the possibility. I don’t know what I’d do since I don’t even know what I’m doing right now. Why did I call you again? And I keep hearing that your love life ain’t grand, I’m sorry."

"Don’t be, I ignored my mother’s good advice and all the warning signs that I was stepping into another Brenda zone: different name and circumstances, so many of the same issues, so I’m a free man again. My only concern is for my child."

"The surrogacy, you’re prepared to be a single dad? Even with lots of money and help it’s work and a big change in your life and lifestyle, playboy Jax." Van said smiling to take the sting out her words, "I didn’t know you were ready to commit to parenthood."

"I didn’t know either until Courtney and I started talking about it, then I just knew I wouldn’t feel complete without a child. Yes, I know, then why marry someone who can’t have children? Why marry a girl not yet over her ex? Why marry when we had nothing in common except loneliness and a desire to be part of a couple? I’ve run through those questions a whole lot lately. I just wanted to be in something, with someone, I settled what more can I say? And that’s why I have real insight into that McBain, he has resignation written into his backbone judging by the way he endured that girl hanging all over him, didn’t even want to be seen with her."

"Well, the Palace is where we would go together so he probably knew chances were high he’d run into me. Your divorce is pending?"

"Forget divorce, I’m having this marriage annulled."

"Yikes Jax, like she never existed in your universe at all?"

"That’s right, a horrible nightmare I’ve awakened from and don’t need to look back on. The down side is it’ll make gaining primary custody of my child that much more difficult. The mother believes in a two-parent household, as if I don’t. But I believe it’s more important to have a child in a happy environment, no matter how many or few adults are in the home."

Rubbing his eyes and running his fingers through his hair Jax shrugs, "It’s an awful mess, no matter what happens in the end. I’m hoping it doesn’t turn into a court battle, but right now I’m not betting that it won’t."

"I can’t do another custody battle Jax, I can suggest some lawyers though."

"Oh no, I’m not going to ask you to represent me, for now Justus is handling things and if I need to I’ll bring on lawyers that just deal with this type of case. No, I’m here for YOU Evangeline, and I’m glad to be here."

"And to take BE."

"An extra bennie since I’m in town anyway. This takeover was going to happen whether or not you called me here, it just makes it that much sweeter to be here with you. Now, we’re friends, pals, buds right?"

"Yes, right." She answers cautiously.

"And when and if you’re ever ready we can also go back to being fuck buddies; but only if you want to, take your time no pressure. But remember that I do know what you want and need, in bed and out."

"I’m not trying to make John jealous, Jax."

"I know, you want him to regret, that’s all. And you want to claim your life for yourself." Lightly kissing her forehead, he looks in her eyes, "Just bring those memories back to the forefront of your mind, and remember it’s only if you want me, want to be with me in an intimate way again. And even if we don’t make love, everyone’s going to believe we’re having a hot affair just by the way I look at you, touch you. Every woman will want to be you; every man will know I’ll never allow him the opportunity to be me. Smile babe, good times ahead, I promise you. Lady Jane told me not to let you get away again, and from now on my mother rules my love life."