The Hurting Kind

Late Night Confessions and Phone Calls

"It feels so good to be back in your arms Rick. I thought... I don't even want to say what I thought out loud."

"I know. For a while there, I thought the same thing."

As they sat in front of the fireplace, Maya and Rick held each other as if afraid to let the other go. Being back home - in their home - all their problems seemed solvable somehow. All of their issues were so far away.

It was Rick's phone chiming in that brought them all rushing back.

He chuckled softly as Maya pouted when he removed himself from her arms. He didn't want to, but he had to see the latest headlines about FC.

"What are they saying now? Or should I say what garbage did Spencer pull out for the world to see?" Maya asked hotly. 

"Well, this time it isn't Spencer. It's Ridge. He's holding a press conference this Friday. I'm sure it's to announce that he is the new CEO." 

Maya watched as Rick got up to walk toward the fireplace and placed his phone on the shelf.

"Baby, I am so sorry. I wish that there was something that I could do." She said sincerely. 

"Don't be. This is not your fault. I meant what I said earlier - the Bill Spencer's of the world have to learn that they can't do and say whatever they want. Some people would put me in the line up with him too I suppose."

Maya's frown deepened as she tried to decode the meaning behind that last statement. "What do you mean?" 

Rick toyed with his phone while avoiding her graze. "Well, the past few months at FC, I have not been the most professional. Not even the friendliest. Maybe this is karma for all that I've done to everyone." 

Watching his head bow down and eyes brimming red, Maya rushed to be by his side.

"Rick, this is not karma! You did what you felt was needed to be done. Eventually you would have started to try to make amends with everyone that you somehow hurt. You did with Caroline. Do not let what Ridge and Bill did cause you to doubt yourself." 

Reaching for her left hand and entwining it with his own, Rick let out a shaky sigh.

"I just...I really felt like I was finally making my place in the world. All of my dreams were coming true. I was finally able to be myself - without relying on my parents, their money, or my last name. With you by my side... I had all that I could dare hope for. Now it is gone." 

As she saw the first tear roll down his face, she knew what he needed. And Maya was going to see that he got it - come hell or high water.

She held him tightly as he quietly cried. When he lifted his head, it was her turn to gently wipe away his tears. "Let me make us some dinner, okay?" Maya suggested. 

"Okay. Don't take too long." Rick replied. He reluctantly let her go to the kitchen as he headed out to the patio. When she made her way into the kitchen, Maya took out her cell phone and dialed a number that she'd ever thought that she would in this world.

"Well, hello Ms. Avant! I must say that I didn't think you'd have the brass to call me directly."

"Trust me Bill Spencer - you are the last person that I want to speak with."