We walk in the door laughing, and I immediately stop to stare when I see Aunt Vi coming down the stairs. She is dressed to the nines and I’m speechless.


“Whoa...you look...amazing.” I say, staring at Aunt Vi. And she does. Her dress is stunning and with the mask, she just looks...well...beautiful. She smiles.

“Your sister helped me out today.” She says, and I can tell she’s relieved and to be honest, so I am. Having Angela waging war on Violet had made the house tense for a few days.


“You guys are here for dinner?” Angela asks, joining us in the foyer. “You’ve been gone all day.”

“We are. And if you’re nice, we’ll even make some for you.” I stick my tongue out at her and she rolls her eyes.

“OK, ok. A few rules before I leave.” Violet says, interrupting us. We both look at her expectantly. The rules are as expected. We’re not allowed out since she isn’t home (and she’s trying harder to keep tabs on us). We’re not allowed guests since she isn’t home. Don’t burn down the house. The usual.

“NO guests.” She says sternly, looking from Angela to me. What she means is ‘no parties’.

“Uhhh….” Anthony chimes in in the background and gives a little wave. “Do I have to leave?”

Violet looks at him as if he’s appeared out of nowhere. “No OTHER guests.” She says. Anthony grins.


“I feel special.” He jokes.

“Just laying down the law?” Dave comes in from outside and I have to admit...he looks dashing. A vast improvement from his usual grungy, repair man look. He’s staring at Violet and I step out of the way so he can have a better view. She looks fantastic and we all just kind of stare for a moment.

“Ok! I think we’re ready to go.” Violet announces as she realizes we’re all just looking at her.

“Do YOU have a curfew? Should we wait up?” Angela teases.

Violet’s cheeks flush and she mumbles something about not being out too late. Work in the morning.


“Definitely don’t wait up.” Dave replies, squeezing past us and swooping Violet into a kiss that leaves the three of us staring open mouthed.


Angela clears her throat after a minute and once again, Violet is looking flushed. We all stare at them.

“Have a good evening kids.” Dave says grinning.

“Stay out of trouble.” Violet says, as they head out the door. She turns back. “Please.”

Angela and I smile and wave. We are really trying hard these days. Well…I am anyway.


When we get to the kitchen, Anthony goes into full blown teacher mode and I’m offended. “I’m actually quite a good cook.” I tell him. He gives me a side eyed look that says he doesn’t believe me.

“Hey! For real! Just because I’ve never CAUGHT my own meal, doesn’t mean I can’t cook.” I move closer and try to help.


He continues to narrate what he’s doing as he prepares the fish we’d caught. I give him some tips for flavouring but he ignores me and I shove him out of the way a few times to attempt to take over.


He of course just keeps cooking and I finally stand off to the side and pout. While telling him how I’d do a much better job.


I won’t say I’m happy about the fire because well...we were told not to burn down the house. BUT I can’t say I’m not a little bit pleased when Anthony burns the meal after ignoring all of my excellent cooking tips and advice.


“Be more careful.”


We try again this time and Anthony lets me do my thing. We’re laughing and having a great night.


“You guys going to cook all night? Or do we get to EAT sometime?” Angela grumbles, coming and standing in the doorway.


“You’re right on time.” I smile, turning around.


“Dinner is served!” And it looks delicious. I have to admit, the idea of eating food we caught has me feeling quite accomplished. As I set some plates down at the table, the doorbell rings. My eyes snap up to Angela with a glare.

“What?” She replies. “I didn’t invite anyone.”

It’s not terribly late but it is getting on in the evening. Who would be popping in? We look at each other for a moment.

“Whoever it is, no guests. Seriously. Just one weekend without getting in trouble would be nice.” I say to Angela. She turns and heads to the door and I set plates out for the three of us.




Rina Harrington smiles as she glances out at her guests. Another successful party was underway. And it meant that Chase was home for a few days before heading back to his shoot.


She’d been thrilled to see that Violet Swan HAD shown up. She’d really felt a connection when they’d met the other day and Rina warmed at the idea of having made a friend.


When the music slows, she feels arms lightly wrapping around her from behind and she leans back into her husband’s grasp.

“Dance?” He whispers. He doesn’t need to ask. She’d never pass up the chance. They move slowly to the music and she holds on tight. Life was busy, hectic, frantic even but she never minded if they could find these quiet moments to pause and just enjoy.


As the song ends, they’re approached by a handsome man that Rina doesn’t recognize.

“You told me your wife was beautiful but I’m not sure beautiful cuts it. Stunning is a much better descriptor.” He says as Rina holds her hand out to shake. Rina glances at her husband waiting for an introduction or explanation and Chase introduces her to one of the newest, hottest actors in Simswood; Cain Foley.

“They say I might even be the next Chase Harrington.” He winks at Rina and is standing closer than she’d like. “A younger, hotter...Chase Harrington.”


“Younger, maybe.” Rina replies, turning to her husband and tracing a finger down his arm. He grinned back at her.

“I’m going to grab us some drinks.” She says, leaning close and ignoring the young actor. As she turns towards the bar she stops and blinks. Lux Wilson is there, grinning madly and mixing his own drinks. Lux Wilson is standing IN her house, just steps away from her husband. He spots her and flashes her a smile that makes her heart jump.

“Everything ok?” Chase asks and she realizes she’s still just standing there. She shakes her head.

“Yeah, Sorry. Be back in a minute.”


“You can’t be here.” Rina says as she approaches Lux and starts mixing a drink.

“Oh, but I was invited.” She turns quickly to look at him. He had not been invited. He chuckles at her gaze.

“My date is just over there.” He gestures and gives a little wave when a brunette smiles at him. Rina recognizes her but isn’t sure where from. Definitely unsure of how she’d be on the guest list.

She pauses and looks him in the eye. “Not in my house.” She whispers. Something flashes across his face but it’s gone too quickly before she can quite name what it is. Annoyance? Anger? Jealousy? Lux certainly wasn’t known for lacking emotion, it’s likely he was feeling all three. Rina looks over at Chase who has finished up his conversation with Cain.

“I’m not here to spill your little secret, Rina. I’m just having fun.” His voice sounds light but his eyes are serious.


As she walks away she struggles to take a deep breath, trying to calm her sudden nerves. He shouldn't be here.


Lux watches her cross the room back to her husband. He knew she wouldn’t be pleased that he was at her party but he was tired of being in the shadows. He DID have a date. And he WOULD behave mostly. And maybe this would just make things all the more exciting.

He hears her laugh as her husband whispers in her ear and the jealousy he felt was palpable. He had no strong feelings against Chase Harrington but he sure as hell did not enjoy watching them together. Flirting openly. Laughing and acting like they owned this town.


“I need to take a breather upstairs for a minute.” Rina says as Chase pulls her close for another kiss. He looks at her quizzically, waiting for further explanation.

“Everything ok?” He finally asks. She nods.

“Just...need a moment.” She replies. He watches her closely but can’t quite figure out what’s wrong.

“Want company?” He asks. She shakes her head.

“No, I won't be long. Just need a quick, quiet moment.” She replies. He gives her hip a squeeze and kisses her lightly on the forehead.