Well Tara wouldn't be very happy at my house right now. It's raining cats and dogs!

Sue's right, there is a plan.

Kim

Sue is right Tara, have faith in God

Tere

I agree with Sue, Tara!! God has a plan for this and everything is going to turn out perfect!!!

Joy

Tara... Don't give up... and there's no point imagining the worse. Everything will turn out the way it should.

tara listen to sue have faith cant wait for more
Lin

Tara just needs to have faith that everything will turn out in the end.

Well, I love a rainy day now and again as well...but I sympathize with the muddy floors and more laundry...not to mention the dog washing which also created more laundry and sopping wet floors...which create more laundry and....

I'm really curious about Melissa's reason for wanting to see the baby! While this may be true, it's often the hardest thing for us to remember when we're in crisis mod.

kav

What's up Melissa?

Riley’s phone rang one afternoon the following week. The bullpen was quiet and the noise startled all of them. Upon answering he was met with a joyful shriek and lots of giggles.

“What are you doing?” he asked Tess.

“I’m babysitting the Leland girls,” she told him, over the sound of more giggles.

“I thought you were babysitting Sophia and Evan after school,” he said.

“No, well yes but they are too old to call it that,” she explained.

“Okay, so what do you call it?” he wanted to know.

“I don’t, but since we’re watching Bethany and Natalie can you swing by the baseball field and pick up Evan after practice?” she wanted to know.

“Sure – what’s for dinner?” he grinned.

“Whatever you’re making?” she teased back.

He laughed and promised to think of something as she asked him to tell Myles that Tara went to work out and perhaps Myles should just take her to dinner. “She was feeling stressed out,” Tess ended with.

“I’ll tell him, what are you going to do with all the girls? I have visions of toes and fingers and lots of different colors,” he said.

“That’s an idea as well but I think we’ll paint outside – it is so nice out. We can paint in the driveway. Oh I better go, see you later, love you,” then she hung up before he could answer.

After explaining the situation to Myles, who frowned slightly at the words paint and driveway, Jack asked why Tess was there in the first place.

“Jenna’s out of town and Eric had a late meeting so we are babysitting, although apparently I’m not supposed to call it that,” Riley frowned as well.

“Where did Jenna go?” Jack asked.

“I don’t know I can barely keep track of my own wife. Eric asked if Tess would bring Sophia home from school and stay until he came home, today and tomorrow. I’m supposed to pick up Evan from baseball practice and make dinner,” Riley shrugged.

“And now Tess has my girls also – Tara has been feeling stressed lately so that was really nice of Tess,” Myles noted.

“They’re painting, I’m pretty sure that Tess is getting the better end of the bargain here,” Riley told him.

“You don’t paint?” Jack teased.

“Not so much,” Riley responded.

Paint and driveway... That could be pretty scary

Boy, I have to give Tess a lot of credit!! She's really got her hands full!!!

Joy

I just love how you write all these conversation...
Hope Tara will be ok...
Josy

I really hope taras going to be alright and tess really does have her work cut out dosnt she
Lin

Has anyone ever read the picture book I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont (I think). It's hysterical and that's what I'm thinking Riley is going to find when he gets home. Read another picture book today about a boy whose misunderstood by his mother. One of his laments is that his mom doesn't understand about sister-tinting. Poor Tess teaching kids all day and playing with them all night. Hmm...maybe they can paint Riley when he gets home.

kav

A/N: I had visions of the sidewalk paint you can make and use in the driveway (or on the sidewalk) but apparently you all had more creative visions. Sorry Kav - Riley said No, he did not want to be painted.

When Eric finally wandered into the Leland house that night to find his children it was later than he expected.

“Did you eat?” Riley asked as Eric flopped down in a kitchen chair and loosened his tie.

He shook his head no then wondered out loud “Why did I get a job where I have to wear a suit almost every day?”

“Because you’re wife was tired of being married to a baseball player and wanted you to get a real job?” Riley answered.

Eric laughed then warned “Don’t ever say that to her because you and I both know what kind of response we’ll get.”

“It always was kind of fun to get Jenna all riled up over things,” Riley grinned. Eric shook his head as Natalie came toddling into the kitchen. She immediately started jabbering away at Eric.

“Up!” she demanded of Eric reaching her arms out to him.

“Where’s Sophia?” he wanted to know as he picked her up and set her on his lap. She jabbered out an answer that neither he nor Riley could decipher.

“Dinner?” Riley asked again.

“What did you make?” Eric wanted to know.

“Just burgers on the grill. Myles’ house is a little harder to navigate than yours but I did manage,” Riley said.

“Why didn’t you go to our house?” Eric asked.

“Kids wanted to stay here. It was okay. I managed,” he answered as he handed Eric a plate.

“How many burgers did Evan eat?” Eric wanted to know.

“Two. I had forgotten what it’s like to be 12 – this was a good reminder,” Riley said.

“Did Sophia eat?” Eric asked as he took a bite.

“Maybe half,” Riley frowned.

“Don’t take it personally. She rarely eats more than that. Since Evan eats so much I figure the grocery bill balances out,” Eric said. “These are good.”

Natalie was jabbering away again then ended her sentence with “Chip!” Eric laughed and handed her one from his plate. She ate it, signed thank you then squirmed down, jabbering again before ending with “bye” and leaving the room.

“She reminds me of Myles,” at Riley’s raised eyebrows, Eric continues “you know he is always giving some big speech that nobody really understands until finally the last sentence makes sense.” Riley laughed and acknowledged the truth in that statement.

“Where did Jenna go?” Riley asked.

“St. Louis,” Eric told him in between bites.

“What time does she come home tomorrow?” he asked.

“I think around 6:30pm,” Eric said.

“Are you picking her up?” Riley asked.

“She isn’t expecting me too,” Eric said.

“But are you picking her up?” Riley asked again.

“Depends – will you stay with my kids if I pick up my wife and take her to dinner before I come home?”

There is nothing like good friendships!

I love the interactions of the new team.

Wonderful, Pam!

That was so real life...the interaction between two guys chilling with the kids.

Kim

Hehe.... Paint.... Reminds me of when I was younger and I would paint rocks.


This part was the best. The perfect description of Myles.

that was wonderful love natalie shes a darling
Lin

I love this, Pam. Just read up to this point in one sitting, and I'm glad I did! Reading about these characters is like being reunited with dear friends.

As for what's going on with Melissa...I have faith in you!

Natalie is absolutely adorable!! I hadn't thought about Myles and his speeches, but I think you've hit on something there, Pam!! And, evidently Natalie thinks it's a good idea too!!!

I love the easiness you portray between Eric and Riley - good friends, good times!!!

Joy

Say yes Riley...please

Beautiful friendship...love Myles' description!
Josy

There is something so irresistable about men who get along with kids -- you know, take it all in their stride. Loved the way Eric just scooped Natalie up and over I love it!!!!!!!!!!

kav

“Jens,” she turned, startled when she heard his voice.

“What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” She asked as he bent to kiss her hello.

“I missed you and thought I would pick you up then take you to dinner,” Eric said. She smiled as he grabbed her suitcase, took her hand and led her through the fray. She waved good-bye to her co-workers then turned her attention to her husband.

“Bad week?” she questioned, once they were settled in the car.

“Had better – how was the conference?” he asked.

“It was good,” came her response.

“Dinner preference?” he asked as they left the airport.

“No, did you eat out all week?” she smiled.

“Actually only once. Matt was in town Sunday so we ate out with him, but otherwise we cooked,” Eric said.

“Who cooked?” Jenna teased.

“Well you cooked before you left, but we had to put it in the oven – I did make tacos one night and Riley cooked last night,” Eric grinned back.

“How’s Matt?” Jenna wanted to know.

“Good,” Eric responded. At Jenna’s raised eyebrows, he shrugged, “Long story for another day.”

“Melissa called me yesterday,” Jenna told Eric at dinner.

“Well,” Eric said when she hesitated.

“She’ll be here next week, still wants to see Natalie but wants to see Tara also, so I think that's good,” Jenna picked absently at her food.

“Then what’s the trouble?” Eric wanted to know.

“I don’t know, I’m missing something here and I can’t figure out what it is. The whole thing is frustrating and really hard. It’s a puzzle and I’m just not good at puzzles,” Jenna said.

“It’s supposed to be hard, if it wasn’t hard then everyone would do it,” Eric grinned, quoting a favorite movie line.

“I think that is just in regards to baseball,” Jenna sighed.

“No, you don’t. Everyone’s job is hard if you’re doing it correctly,” Eric reminded her.

“Shouldn’t it be easier if I’m doing it correctly?” she questioned.

“The problem with you Jenna, is that it is never just a job. You have never been the type of person to just walk away at the end of the day and that is what makes you good at your job yet it makes your job hard,” he explained.

“I’m trying to walk away at the end of the day,” she insisted.

“Maybe on some things but never anything as important as this,” Eric said.

“What if I’m wrong?” she asked.

Eric looked at her for a minute then picked up her hand and ran his thumb along her knuckles while he answered “You aren’t. You have good instincts. The pieces will come together, just be patient.”

“I’m hoping that Michele will be able to shed some light on the matter. I need to call her tomorrow,” Jenna said.

“Or maybe you could ask her now,” Eric noted with a nod and a glance over Jenna’s head. She turned to look out the window where she caught site of Bobby and Michele walking past. His arm was thrown casually over her shoulder and she was playing with the fingers on his hand while it rested on her arm.

“That’s interesting,” Jenna acknowledged.

“You’re surprised?” Eric asked.

“You’re not?” Jenna asked back.

Eric shrugged “Not really, I kind of thought something was going on.”

“And you kept it a secret?” Jenna was astounded.

“I didn’t know it was secret. I thought it was an FBI thing and no one talked about it,” Eric admitted.

“Trust me, if anyone at the FBI knew, then it would not be a secret and they would all talk about it,” Jenna told him.

So true and too funny!


Good advice - just hard to remember.

I love the fact Eric picked up on whatever is going on between Bobby and Michele while Jenna didn't have a clue!

Poor Jenna. It has got to be hard not to bring work home, especially the kind of things she has to deal with. Sometimes trying is the only thing you can do. I hope the pieces fall into place soon.

Kim

I think Jenna's been wrapped up too tightly in her own problems to notice Bobby and Michele. Of course, those two haven't exactly been broadcasting this so-called relationship that they're in, but still... it's noticeable!

poor jenna is so stressed out with her job I doubt if she would notice very much at all but cant wait to find out
Lin

Sorry, I'll try to contain my enthusiasm but...

And then there was: And all I can think about is how dense Jack is about these things and it's about his best buddy and he still doesn't notice.

I love you Pam. I baked chocolate chip bars yesterday and I'm saving a nice yummy piece for you...I'm sure all the nasty germs have been baked out of them. I only had time for one story this morning and I'm glad I chose yours to read!

kav

I love that... but I'm still very curious about Melissa... and I'm good at puzzles

So true and funny!!!

I hate puzzles since I am a kid...never been good at these...
Josy

A/N: Thanks Kav - it is rare that someone bakes for me. And your germs can't be any worse than the ones I had a couple weeks ago!

Jenna called Michele the next morning to see if she had heard from Melissa. She hadn’t so she was surprised to hear that Jenna had. Jenna called Tara next to fill her in. She figured that Tara could tell Myles and they could decide what to tell anyone else. Even thought there still wasn’t anything to really tell she checked with Sue also to see if she would be willing to visit with Melissa. Sue had acted as an advocate on Melissa’s behalf before they had found any of her family. She had also built a good relationship with Melissa’s dad and step-mom and Jenna knew that could prove to be invaluable.

Sue agreed to do whatever was needed. When asked if she thought Tara would feel betrayed, Sue quickly assured Jenna that she and Tara had already discussed the matter. Tara had told her that having both Jenna and Sue involved made her feel more secure. So the plans were set and now everyone was back to waiting.

The next week passed in a blur of work and activities but no phone calls. By Friday, Jenna was wondering if Melissa had changed her mind. She had left work just after lunch to start the weekend chores early as the weekend schedule wasn’t leaving much time for anything. Her phone rang as she was starting the second load of laundry.

Pam... Did you leave the rest of the post in the oven???? It might be a bit overcook, don't you think?

Ruh-roh

Kim

I think the computer got hungry but fantastic I feel so sorry
for tara Im hoping that alls going to be well and its just a formal visit
but cant wait to find out
Lin

Lindsy

Funny statement about the FBI and "secrets", Pam, but oh, so true!! I'm sure this little tidbit has already started the trip around the floors!!!

It's good that Sue is involved now!! Between her and Jenna, with their excellent instints, they will probably find out what's going on!!!

Now, Pam, what did you do with the rest of that post!! Just who is calling Jenna???

Joy

Should I be worry??
Josy

After hanging up, Jenna decided that this conversation needed to be held face to face rather than over the phone, so she headed across the street to the Leland household. Much to her surprise and relief Sue was there with her children. Tara immediately frowned upon opening the door, so much that Jenna said “I’m not sure I like this role anymore.”

“Why?” Tara asked.

“Because you aren’t happy to see me,” Jenna explained.

“No, I am. I just know you have news,” Tara admitted. Jenna told them both about her conversation with Melissa. She would like to see Natalie on Sunday with Tara and Myles, of course, and Bethany if they wanted to bring her along.

“Myles won’t go for that,” Tara said.

“She can come with us, to the ice rink,” Sue quickly offered.

“That would be nice,” Tara said, “Are Melissa’s parents coming?”

“She said she would come alone. I was hoping they would come. I would like to talk to them. Well, actually I would like to figure out how Sue can talk to them without being obvious,” Jenna said.

“I’ll think of something,” Sue promised.

“So Sunday about 1:00pm at my office. We can use one of the visitation rooms. I think it might be nice for all of you to be on neutral ground,” Jenna grinned.

“I agree. I’m not sure Myles would like it if Melissa came here. Although she was here, right after Natalie was born, but I suppose this is different,” Tara admitted.

When Sue explained the plan to Jack later that night, he couldn’t decide whether he liked it or not. “Maybe I should go hang out at Jenna’s office during the visit,” he said.

“Why? I think Myles can handle it and Jenna will be there,” Sue explained.

“Because then maybe I would get a chance to talk to Melissa – find out what is really going on,” Jack told her.

“What makes you think she’ll tell you if she hasn’t told anyone else? This isn’t a case for FBI interrogation,” Sue protested.

“Fine but when you figure out how to meet up with her parents can I come?” Jack asked.

“It depends on what the situation is,” Sue began as he started to interrupt she continued “Jack I will tell you anything I find out but I really think I’ll be much more effective alone this time. These people are not criminals.”

He sighed and gave in at that point.

Impatient Jack!
Now, I am wondering how that meeting will go...
Josy

I still have no clue what Melissa wants.

Poor Jack. He wants to protect those he loves. But Sue is right. Sometimes the fewer people involved, the better.

Kim

Me neither.

Lindsy

Very wise decision, Sue!! Jack means well, but he might not help the situation...

Nervous about this visit on Sunday...

I have to agree with marlo there shes up to something but what
Lin

The visit had gone so incredibly well even Myles couldn’t find fault with it. Natalie had been predictably shy at first, not wanting to do anything but cling to Tara. Tara explained to Melissa that this was a stage, totally normal for this age group. Then she sat on the floor with Natalie and Melissa and the three of them played together. Myles joined them eventually at Natalie’s continued insistence. He was trying to stay aloof but Natalie would have no part of that and truth be told he was glad.

By the end of the visit Natalie was tired and wanted no one but him. He should have felt a surge of joy but the fleeting look of sorrow on Melissa’s face made that impossible. She took her cues wisely though and quickly excused herself, thanking them for their time as she left.
“Well,” Jenna said after she returned from escorting Melissa out, “I think it went well.”

“Me too,” Tara agreed. Myles echoed the sentiments then asked “Did she say anything on the way out?”

“No, just thanked me again, said she was having a good time visiting her grandmother and life in California was fun,” Jenna shrugged.

“For having such a rough start in life, she has wonderful manners. I can’t say that I feel threatened at all,” Tara said.

“I don’t feel threatened either,” Myles agreed, slowly.

“But something is missing. There is some reason for this,” Jenna finished his thought.

“When you figure it out can you let me know?” Myles asked. Jenna signed in response as Tara gathered their things. Natalie was sound asleep on Myles' shoulder as they left the office.

Jack in protective mode at all times!! Sue's right this time though - I don't see what good it would do to have Jack involved!!!

Well, the visit went well, but what was the reason for it?? I don't have a clue as to what is going on, but I'm with Jenna - something definitely is!!!

Joy

You're portraying a difficult situation with such care and sensitivity! I'm glad the visit went well...it would have been hard for everyone...Melissa to see her child with someone else (even though she freely gave her up) and Myles and Tara to have Natalie's birth mother interacting with her. This is so realistic!!

I love how sensitive Myles is here. Amazing how far he's come from when he first met Sue.