ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 118

Thursday September 11 , 2025

Winston signed to Joe as they ate breakfast out at a neighborhood cafe," I am not accepting any rewards, Joe. "

Joe shook his head at him in such amazed wonder that it made Winston want to laugh. " But.... But it was a lot of reward. Although I can see not wanting money from Richard Norland. Judge Norland. " He snorted. " His probably comes with a curse on it. But technically you saved the day. It's what they are all saying on the local news. And CNN. And in all the newspapers. You, sir , are a hero. A mute hero. I think they like the muted part most of all. "

Winston gave him a stubborn look as he finished his sausage and cheese croissant sandwich. Then he signed," I do not want it. I am just glad they got back Miracle. That is reward enough for me. You are the greediest man I have ever seen to be so rich yourself. "

Joe rolled his eyes at him as he nibbled on his nuts , berries and stems breakfast salad. " Of course I'm greedy. That's how I stay rich. I was just thinking of our future child. Speaking of that isn't Faith supposed to go to the doctor to do this whole space age techy egg sperm thing today? "

Winston rolled his eyes back at him as he signed," If you mean when one of her eggs is implanted with one of my little Winstons to form our baby that is tomorrow. Jeremiah Duncan even gave her the whole day off from work she said. "

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" I don't want a reward," Zipp said stubbornly as he and Ethan finished breakfast in the hotel room that was starting to seem more like home to him lately. " Not for doing the right thing. If anyone deserves a reward it's you or Winston Arnett. What I do want is you to represent Flower. She didn't mean to do what she did."

Ethan laughed as he took a sip of his black coffee. " Well I don't want it. Not for making a phone call. So it looks like Nicholas Volkouv , Reese Malden and....... Richard saved some money while a happy ending was had by all. Good. But I am not representing that woman. I can't believe you want me to. She stabbed you for God's sake ! You should have stayed in the hospital. "

Zipp leaned back in his chair gingerly and touched his bandaged stomach tentatively under his bathrobe. " I hate hospitals. You sound like my parents. They wanted me to go back to Richmond with them. I said no. Even if it is part of Volkouv Enterprises I have a company to run. We're working on a new shooter game. It's about urban gangs battling space aliens. And I hate Richmond as much as I hate hospitals. " He hesitated. " I want Flower to get help. I know her family. They're all about taking your responsibility as it comes but I don't believe Flower is in her true mind. She is in the St. Paul's mental health ward clinging to one of Diamond's dolls now. She says that's Diamond now. It could have happened to anyone after what we suffered. It could have been me. "

" But it wasn't. "

" It could have been though. I'm surprised it wasn't. I've always been weaker than her. I just want to help her. She needs time in a hospital where she can rest and get help. She doesn't need jail. Can you imagine Flower in a jail cell ? "

Ethan sighed deeply. " You are too good. Fine. I will ask Amanda to look at this whole thing. Best I can do really. All I can do. How are you feeling? I don't think you should be thinking about returning to work so soon. And why are you still here? You have a house after all. If you don't want to go back home you're welcome at my condo. I have an extra room. "

Zipp glanced at him for such a long moment Ethan almost got nervous. His stare was that intense.

" What, Zennis ? Do I have food on my face? " Ethan laughed self consciously and made a big gesture of wiping his face over dramatically. " There ! All better? Jeremiah is dealing with the Claire matter but alas so do I. She is stalling about sending me the remainder of my exit package from the firm. You may be principled about money. I'm not quite sure I am as good. "

Zipp finally spoke. " Why ? "

" Why what? Why am I holding her to a legally binding contract we all three signed? Her , myself and.... Richard ? "

" No. I don't care about any of that. Why are you here? With me? I know we are friends but.... Let's be honest. Our friendship hasn't been as close in a few years.  You have been wonderful to me. I don't know if I could have made it through the..... funeral without you. I just wonder why. That's all. "

Ethan looked at him. His own stare was just as intense as Zipp's. " I don't know. I just know..... you are very important to me. I don't like to see you hurting. You shouldn't be hurting. "

Then , almost instinctively, Ethan leaned forward and kissed the other man on his startled lips.