Colorful Past

Chapter 1

Abagail & Alex

By Elise and Rose

Abagail caught a glimpse of the clock and swore softly as she rinsed her brushes and snapped shut the cover on her palette to keep t he paint fresh until she returned. Waving at the shift supervisor she grabbed her jacket and headed out wiping the paint off her hands with a wet wipe.

Getting to the exhibit floor she spotted Alex standing before a painting and smiled softly at the expression on his face as he looked it over. She walked up behind him. "It has a very impressionist feel don't you think? "

Alex hears her sweet voice and smiles. His eyes stay on the painting as he thinks about her question. He appreciated Abby's talent with art. Now if only he could get a handle on it himself. "Hmm, well it looks like the artist painted his dog's nails and let him run free over the canvas."

He chuckled and turned to kiss her cheek as his hand slid around her waist. Laughing softly as his greeting warmed her heart she looked over at the painting. "Yes, I think you just might be right. But then that's why art is in the eye of the beholder."

Smiling as Abby takes his hand and turning toward the door past a man with a familiar cologne, shaking her head she squeezed Alex's hand. "So where are you taking me I'm starved."

He grinned as he squeezed her hand. "Well you just have to know everything don't you? Can't I take you someplace as a surprise?"

Pretending to contemplate this smiling with a playful sigh she swings his hand. "Oh I suppose." She nudges him with her elbow lightly. "I think by now I can trust you not to take me out for raw fish or something."

Alex gave her a teasing smile. "Damn, I guess that place is out." He slid his arm around her waist again and held her closer. "Bosco's it is."

Her smile gets a bit wider as Abby remembers their first date. He was so cute feeding her a fried prawn. The further into their night the more she knew Alex Ross was a keeper. A chance at a whole new life. A good life. "Hmmm Bosco's... Have we been there before?"

"Hmmm. Bosco's...Bosco's...sounds familiar." Alex grinned and reached for the door, holding it open and gestured grandly. "After you, my painted sweetheart."

Abby smiles as he opens the door. Then when he says painted sweetheart she looks at her reflection in the glass panes of the door walking in and sees a spatter of paint on her face. Giving him a look as she pulls a wipe from her purse Abby shakes her head. "Alex! Why didn't you tell me I had more than just make up on my face."

Alex chuckled as he took the wipe from her hand and started to wipe her cheek. "Sorry, sweetheart. I like your blue freckles. Brings out your eyes." He wiped away the blue. "Look at that. They come right off. Who knew?" His fingertips rested under her chin. "You're beautiful, Abby." Alex dipped his head to kiss her. His lips softly brushing against hers then deepening the kiss. when the kiss broke, he kissed her ear lob gently. His voice dropped low and seductive, taking on a growl that he knew made her knees weak. "Forgive me?"

His voice in her ear and breath falling down her neck brought a shiver that had nothing to do with being cold. With at low tone he could ask her anything and she would melt into a puddle of yes at his feet.

Turning to him she tilited her head up whispering in his ear with a secuctive voice of her own. "I'll forgive you. But only if you're staying with me tonight."

She placed a soft kiss behind his ear before setting back on her feet to look at him a promise in her eyes.

Alex caressed her face as he grinned. "Now where else would I rather stay tonight but with you?"

He turned to open the car door for her. Before she could slide in all the way he reached over and tapped her bottom lightly. Abby gave him a teasingly chastising look as he closed the door. When he got into the other side Abby reached over and grabbed his tie pulling him to her for a sizzling smooch.

Alex kissed her deeply then eased back and looked at her. His tie was still in her hand as he smiled. "If that's what I get for smacking your butt, I should do it more often."

Playfully tugging on his tie until it slipped out of her hand. Alex put the car into gear and merged into the busy city traffic. He picked up her hand and kissed it then held her hand as he drove. They passed a few blocks and Alex looked over and saw the place he had arranged for a surprise later this week. Glancing over at her he gave an inner smile at his plans.

After parking he got out to help Abby out of the car. Alex stole a few kisses during their short walk to the restaurant. Ah love was definitely in the air for them.

Entering the restaurant they were quickly seated. The waiter brought over menus and filled their glasses with water. After he left, Alex looked across at Abby. The warm light in the restaurant made her look even more beautiful bringing a smile to his face. "Smells great in here. I'm starved now. I think I could eat half of the menu."

Abby gave him a soft laugh as she opened the menu. "It does smell wonderful. I hope my stomach doesn't growl and frighten away the other patrons."

As she looked over the menu Abby took a peek at him over the top. Alex sat with his head down studying the menu. Handsome, she thought, if you looked up that word you would find a photo of Alex right underneath. She was temporarily distracted by a dish that walked by on a waiter’s tray. The aroma filling the air around their table. "Oh I want that. The Cajun pasta, it looks and smells wonderful."

Alex smiled he loved her playful enthusiasm for things. "Anything you want, sweetheart. I'm going to do the guy thing and get a burger with cheese and bacon."

They took turns feeding each other from the appetizers until dinner arrived. Alex took a long-awaited bite from his burger. Washing it down with his drink and watched her filling her fork with pasta. "How was work today?"

Twirling the pasta she smiled. "A bit exciting actually. We have some pieces coming in from the Louver for restoration. Hush, hush on the exact pieces but rumor has it I'm in the pool to work on one of them."

Taking the bite she worked to curb her enthusiasm for the project there were others on staff who had a lot more experience than she did. Looking back at him twirling more pasta she grinned. "How about your day, do you have a new case you’re working?"

Alex finished another bite. The mention of his work made his shoulders fall a bit. Just a recent effect, this too would pass was his thought exhaling as he picked up his glass. "Another suspected cheating spouse case. Its common. They both deserve to the benefit of the doubt. But, they aren't the kind of cases I like to work."

After taking a drink, he set his glass down thoughtfully. "There's something different about this one, though. I can't put my finger on it...yet."

Listening to his voice she could feel how bothered he was about that. Alex seemed to have a sixth sense at times when he was working a case. "Something different in what's going on? Or is something giving you sense of something else?"

"Something different in what's going on. I've followed the guy. Saw him going in a hotel with a blonde. But they came out after a few minutes. She looked pissed and drove off before he could get into the car. It looked like a lover's quarrel but I'm thinking it’s something else."

They finished dinner and when dessert came, Alex got up and slid into the booth next to Abby. Looking around to make sure no one was watching then dipped his finger into the chocolate mousse, dabbed it on her cheek then licked it off with a swipe of his tongue. Giving her a mischievous grin as he spoke. "You taste good, sweetheart."

There was no way to contain the soft laugh that escaped. Abby loved how playful he was. Spooning some of the chocolate delight she fed it to him. Then leaning over she kissed him deeply. "Mmm you're not so bad yourself there, handsome."

As she smiled and was about to offer another bite she got a whiff of that cologne again. A man in an expensive suit cleared his throat softly. Looking at him Abagail startled. Not from the sudden sound but by the sight of the man.

He smiled kindly and nodded to her. "Angela. It's been a long time. How long have you been in New York?"

Moving closer to Alex she put on a grin and shook her head. "I'm sorry you have me mistaken for someone else."

The man shook his head still grinning. "No, I'm sure you're Angela." He looked to Alex. "How long have you been Angela's sweetheart?"

Alex offered the stranger a polite grin. "You're mistaken, for more than one reason. She says she doesn't know you. Don't suggest she's a liar. And, how long she and I have been together is none of your business. Now if you don't mind, you're interrupting our lunch."

Grinning back the man nodded his head toward Abby. "Begging your pardon. It's just that you could be this woman's twin" He widens his grin. "Or her doppleganger maybe. Forgive the intrusion and enjoy your lunch."

Abby gave a soft sigh of relief as the heavy greasy looking man walked away. There was no way he could have recognized her. Giving her head a soft shake she turned and met Alex's eyes. Those beautiful eyes full of color that changes with his moods made her feel warm. His arm around her safe as she leaned in and kissed him softly. "My hero."

Grinning as he kissed her cheek and pulled her close to his side. "Anytime, sweetheart. Now, let's get you back to work. If you're late and they give you a hard time, you'll be in a bad mood tonight." He nuzzled her neck. "And I want you in a very, very good mood tonight."

Sliding her arm around his back she hugs him. "That's easy all I have to do is think of this really cute PI. And this wide smile just breaks out on my face for some reason. You wouldn't happen to know who that is, do you?" 

Alex kissed her cheek quickly and smiled as he got up. "Nope, not a clue. Sorry, sweetie." The waiter came by and Alex paid for their lunch and left a nice tip. He straightened his tie then offered his hand to Abby.

With a soft smile, Alex watched her take his hand as she rose to her feet. The drive back to the gallery was faster than he hoped. But the sooner she finished work, the sooner he would see her tonight. Getting out of the car and walked her into the gallery. Glancing over at a painting that hung on the wall he hugged her close. "Hey, it’s the dog day painting. I believe this is where I came in and unfortunately where I let you go for the day. But only for a few more hours then you're all mine again."

Caressing his cheek she gave him a warm smile as she thought of being curled up all night in his embrace. "Just a few hours and I'm all yours. Then you can investigate me."

Laughing softly she kissed him one last time before walking to the back. The rest of the day went by fairly quickly. Here and there she had been distracted by thoughts of that man coming to their table.

Finally it was time to go home as she cleaned her workspace Abby felt eyes on her like someone watching. Looking around there was only the supervisor and curator in the large studio. Slipping on her jacket she walked though the museum toward the doors. Just as she turned the corner to the bus stop a hand closed around her arm

Gasping she looked into the face of the man from Bosco's. He was grinning. "Hello Angela."

Pulling her arm away from his tight grip she rubbed it and shook her head walking to the bus stop. "My name isn't Angela. I told you before you were mistaken."

Following her with that disarming grin he tsked her. "Now Angela, is that anyway to treat an old friend?"

The bus pulled up and she quickly moved to get on as he grabbed her arm again and leaned close enough for her to smell the onion on his breath. "We thought you were dead. I guess there is such a thing as ghosts. Huh, Angela.

Pulling away she got on the bus. When she got off at her stop she ran all the way to the elevator in her building. Getting inside her apartment Abby tossed her purse and jacket on the sofa.

Her thoughts were in and out as she fixed dinner and waited anxiously for Alex to get there. That wonderful life she thought she could have suddenly felt precarious.

Alex clutched the small bouquet in one hand as he knocked on Abby's door.

Hearing the knock she moved to the door opening it and hugging him tight as he came in. The flowers brushed her face making her smile softly. "Their beautiful, honey Thank you."

With a smile he stepped inside and pulled her into a hug. He could feel the tension in her body. He eased back and looked at her, his arms tenderly caressing her waist. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Standing in those that strong embrace she felt better already. It would be alright nothing would destroy this happiness for them. Least of all a greasy man that smelled like onion. "Just a bit stressed. I guess I'm worried about getting that placement. It would be a really big deal."

Kissing him softly she took the flowers to the kitchen to put them in water. "How was the rest of your day? Did you figure out what happened at the hotel?"

Alex followed her. He stood on the other side of the bar watching her fill a vase with water. She fussed over the placement of the flowers as she put them into the vase. He recognized the body language. He'd seen it many times. Something had scared her. "Abby, what's going on?"

Setting the arrangement on the counter she grinned softly. The encounter today had shown her how fragile this life was. At any moment the good life she had finally made could come unraveled. That's what was going on, but, she couldn't tell him that.

Walking over she slid her arms around his waist and kissed him. "I'm baking that casserole you like so much for dinner that's what's going on. Then I might just let you eat dessert in bed."

He looked at her and sighed. "Alright, Abby." He kissed her cheek then went to the cabinet, pulled out a few dishes then set the table for dinner.

Abby hated him upset with her. It pained her terribly, but, what would he say to the truth? Pulling the casserole from the oven she added a bit more cheese to melt over the top. The truth floating in her mind. The truth was the person she had been was dead. Would Alex think so?

Watching him set the table she felt suddenly torn and terrified of losing the best thing to ever walk in her life. Taking off the apron and laying it on the counter she tried to wipe away the falling tears she suddenly couldn't stop.

He heard her breath shuddering as she cried. He hated it when she did this. She held things in until they made her almost uncontrollably upset. Then he was expected to comfort her. Why couldn't she share things with him before they got this bad? Didn't she trust him? Get comfort from confiding in him? He supposed not.

Alex set down the glasses then walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug. They'd been through this dance many times. It was wearing on him. "Abby, tell me what happened today."

She knew she drove him nuts stressing over things sometimes but this was different. Abby was scared to her bones that he would push her to the side and head for the door.

Absently she rubbed her arm where the man had grabbed her. No, not just a man... Eddie. Right hand man to her personal devil. Looking into his eyes she tried to find words to ease it but there were none. "That man... in the restaurant. I did know him."

Alex eased back a few steps and looked at her. "You knew that guy?" A hundred questions suddenly filled his head. One in particular. "Abby...is your name really...Angela?"

Feeling dizzy as she realized it was there this is the moment of make or break. When she answers him will he walk out that door and leave her. Twisting the edge of her shirt with her finger Abby took a deep breath.

"It was.... Angela Hudson."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't know how to respond. A question came from somewhere in his mind. He shook his head in confusion. "What do you mean "was"?"

Swallowing she wanted to go to him. Wrap her arms around him and tell him this was the real her. The person he loves is who she really is Angela was the fake.

Afraid to move she stood and turned the bottom of her shirt willing him to believe her. "Five years ago, there was a fire in an art studio. The man I worked for thought Angela died in that fire. In a lot of ways she did."

Alex continued to look at her in disbelief. She wasn't exactly answering his question. Just offering some long story behind it. As though there was a good explanation for lying to him. Right now, he was in no mood for long explanations. He needed air. Maybe not fresh air. Maybe the smoky, liquor-scented air of the nearest bar.

Taking a breath he turned from her snatching his keys from the counter. Alex just walked past her and towards the door.

Seeing him grab the keys her eyes widened, this is what she feared he was leaving. Abby felt her heart ache at the emotions that played across his face. Confusion, frustration, anger.

Moving to him she reached out and gently touched his arm. "Alex... Alex please let me explain."

He pulled away from her. "Not now...Abby...Angela..." He sighed. "Whatever your name is." Alex opened the door and looked at her trying to see the sweet woman he loved. Suddenly, she was a deceptive stranger. "I...I'll call you."

He sighed deeply then stepped out into the hallway and closed the door. He had no idea how he ended up there, everything was a blur, but the next thing Alex knew, he was sitting in a bar pissed and disappointed that he had to put off proposing. Maybe indefinitely.

Abby stood for a long while staring at the door willing it to open and Alex be behind it. He would come back, he would call he had to. Every part of her ached with the burden she'd carried for the last five years.

This past year finding Alex, she had started to live again. That fear in the back of her mind had faded away as she became a better happier person. All because of Alex. Abby had even dared to hope for their future.

Turning reluctantly from the door she sat on the overstuffed chair facing it with her knees tucked under. The longing for a life with Alex had made her complacent allowing them to find her.

She leaned back trying to watch the door. After a while the fear and grief over the pain she had caused the man she loved wore her enough to drift off. Drifting into dreams filled with images of her past and of the life she hopes to have with Alex.