Kimberly looked up to the smiling face of her sister Parker. "At least the cat gave me some fashion sense." She cut back, noticing Parker's pajama pants and tank top.

"Next time you have a late night talk show that last till 1 in the morning we'll talk." Parker smiled, giving her sister a big hug.

"Have you been sleeping well darling? This talk show of yours is taking up so much of your time."

"I'm ok mother." Parker said with annoyance. "I just, um, had a late night last night, that's all."

"Well let's sit down and eat breakfast. Kimberly was about to tell me about her trip to Miami." Vivian said leading the girls to the breakfast nook.

"Oooo, fun architect stuff. I can hardly wait." Parker sarcastically said taking a seat and carefully putting her napkin on her lap.

"Believe me. It's not all boring business stuff." Kimberly cooed.

"Then darling please tell us. Jessica, please bring some more champagne." Vivian told the maid standing next to the table.

"Your father would have understood." Vivian assured her daughter. "You look happy. Your father wants to see you happy."

"I'm happy mother, but I have a job to do. That comes first right now." Kimberly declared, taking a bite of a bagel.

Jessica came in from the kitchen, pouring Vivian a Mimosa with champagne and orange juice. "Lighten up girl. Learn to have fun." Parker pleaded.

Kimberly smiled. Parker was right. She needed to lighten up a little more. Ever since Doug it seemed as though a part of her was missing. He hurt her more than anyone had ever hurt her and she hasn't been the same.

"Darling as much as your sister and I differ, I have to agree with her. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time."

Kimberly gave a slight smile and looked at the faces of the women in her family. She couldn't take this. The somber looks on their faces, as if they are wanting to apologize to her for her life. They shouldn't have to apologize for that. Kimberly had a great life! It just took one mistake and that's all people will see. Kimberly finished her glass of orange juice.

"So what happens between the two of you now?" Parker asked, interupting Kimberly's thoughts.

"I am really not sure. We just kind of left it at 'See ya later.' We'll see I guess."

Parker and Vivian just nodded their head and grinned.

"Well," Kimberly started, throwing her napkin on her plate. "I really should be going. I've got a big today." She went around the table and kissed her mother on the head. "Have a great day you too. Don't spend all your day shopping." She joked as she grabbed her purse and walked out the door.

Collins Arch

Doug Hudson strides along the hallway of Collins Arch with a defying skip in his walk. It was a great day. Work was going well and as for his personal life, well he knew he could be happy whenever he wanted. He walked through the doors to Kimberly Collins office and found a very attractive woman sitting at the secretary desk.

"Excuse me." Doug said clearing his throat, putting on the charm. "I don't believe I've ever seen you here before."

"I just started today." She said in a sweet, innocent voice Doug was always used to hearing from the ladies he usually hit on.

Doug gave a puzzled look. "Did Ms. Collins hire you?"

"No sir. Mr. Collins did."

Doug smiled. "Does Ms. Collins know this?"

"I don't believe sir. Mr. Collins informed me she was out of town on business and she has yet to arrive today."

Doug couldn't help but give the biggest smile he could have ever given. The look on Kimberly's face when she found out her father went behind her back, taking care of her job would absolutely drive her insane. He then looked again at the pretty woman sitting before him. "Please, there's no need to call me sir. I'm Doug. Doug Hudson." He extended his hand to shake hers.

"Courtney. Courtney Harbor." She said, batting her eyelashes as took his hand and shook it gently.

"Well when Ms. Collins comes in, please let her know I am looking for her. Or better yet, just tell her her son of a bitch ex-husband would like to see her. She might respond to that quicker." Doug smiled at a confused looking Courtney.

"Um, ok. I will do.

"Great. It was a pleasure meeting you Courtney. I'm sure we'll see each other around the office."

"I am sure we will." She smirked.

As Doug left Courtney's desk, he gave her one last winning smile. She was gorgeous. Good job Bennett, he thought. As he walked past the mailroom and the employees lounge, he couldn't help but thinking about Kimberly.

It was a nagging feeling really. She was so beautiful. Big beautiful hazel eyes, long flowing hair he liked to run his fingers through at night, and one of the best smiles he had ever seen. He felt his smile suddenly turn into a frown. He really screwed up, didn't he? Dammit!

"Hey my main man!

The voice of his best friend Russ Bridges.

"Hey!" Doug exclaimed. "Not much. Just got in. Ready to start a fresh new week.

"Tell me about it. I could use a decent week of something challenging."

Russ was one of the best architects the firm had, but work was slow and not everyone was getting what they wanted with work. "How you doing?"

"I'm alright. Just came back to see if Kimberly was here. Met her new secretary. What a knock-out."

"Your waiting for Kimberly to get back?" Russ asked, ignoring Doug's last comment.

"Well yeah." Doug said sheepishly. Russ knew very well of his troubles with Kimberly. They've talked about it on several occassions. Russ was always there for him and vice versa. They were more like brothers than anything.

"That's the spirit. Keep trying. Something might come out of it."

"I don't know Russ. I really screwed things up. I've come to that conclusion several times I know, but I can never stop thinking about her. It might sound awful, but even when I did cheat on her all I thought about was Kimberly. She's like a bad habit. No matter how much I try to get her out of my head or curse her, it grows even stronger."

"Exactley. That's what love does. Your in love. Don't give up. She needs to see that you really are a good guy. That you would never cheat on her again. It's hard, but that's what she wants. She was once in love with you and deep down inside she might still be. You just gotta prove to her."

Doug shook his head. "Yeah, easier said than done."

Russ smiled and patted his friend on the back. "Just give it time man. That's what it's gonna take."

Russ patted Doug on the back. "Hey, here comes Bennett."

Doug looked up and coming down the hallway was Kimberly's father, Bennett Collins, walking down the hallway with an attractive woman at his side. The two were silently talking and laughing, slowly approaching Doug and Russ.

"Good morning gentlemen." Bennett said as he stopped in front of them. "I want you both to meet our new desinger here at the firm, Elise Mitchell. She comes to us from Arizona.

Doug put out his hand to shake Elise's. "Pleasure to meet you." Doug said, more cheerfully than he felt. Doug looked over to Russ and noticed his gaze on Elise. Like Russ couldn't take his eyes off of her.

"Pleasure to meet both of you gentlemen. I am looking forward to working here with such talents."

"Likewise." Russ said gleefully. "Bennett only hires the best." Russ couldn't stop staring at Elise.

"Thank you Mr. Bridges, I take that as quite the compliment."

"Anytime."

There was a moment of silence as Elise awkwardly looked at Bennett. "So I guess I better show your office Ms. Mitchell." Bennett smiled as he and Elise exchanged their goodbyes to Doug and Russ.

Doug noticed Russ watching the two walk down the hall until they turned a corner. Doug couldn't help but give a little smile.

"Hey Doug?"

"Yes Russ."

"You know that feeling you get when you can't think about no one but Kimberly."

"Yes Russ." Doug begin to let out a laugh.

"I think I know exactley how you feel." Russ smiled.

Collins Arch

Kimberly walked into the offices of Collins Arch saying hello to everyone who acknowledged her presence.  Thank goodness there were no looks of sympathy. Everyone in the office knew of her and Doug's relationship, but since the divorce was over it usually wasn't the topic of conversation anymore. Maybe if she got some work done today, it would take her mind off of Ken and Doug, for that matter.

Kimberly walked into her office not even noticing the attractive brown haired woman sitting at the desk in front of her office.  Kimberly walked into her office and walked back out.

“Um, hi.”  Kimberly said to the woman.

“Hi.”  The woman said with a delightful grin on her face.

Kimberly looked puzzled and finally asked.  “I’m sorry but um, who are you?”

The woman looked up and said “Oh I'm Courtney Harbor.  You must be Ms. Collins.”  She said that kind of strangely as if she expected Kimberly to know who she was.

“This might seem like a strange question, but what are you doing here?"

“I work here.  This is my desk.  I’m your personal assistant.”

Kimberly realized what was going on now.  She had been looking for a new assistant, but put it off due to her business trip to Miami.  The agency must still be sending applicants and this one is obviously confused.

“Did the agency send you?”  Kimberly asked.

“Yes.”  Courtney said nodding.

“Oh well Courtney,” Kimberly explained, trying to find a way to kick her out delicately.  “I have to interview you before you can actually get the job. So just pack up your stuff and we’ll set up an interview at another time.”

“Oh I’ve already been interviewed.”  Courtney said, not really sure of why Kimberly was confused.

“You have?”  Kimberly looked even more puzzled than ever.

“Yes.  Mr. Collins said I had the job and that I started today. I guess he didn't tell you.”  Courtney said.

Her father she realized.  Of course, who else would do something for her without asking her permission?

"Oh did he? Mmmm.

Why would he do this? Daddy should know she liked to hire her own assistants. She has her own preferences and requirements. He knows this! Kimberly turned the corner to her father office and entered without knocking.

"What is this all about Dad?"  Kimberly said, almost yelling.

Her father looked bewildered and got up to close the door so no one could hear them.  "Kimberly, what is the matter?"

"That-that new personal assistant for me!  You hired her!"

Bennett thought about it for a moment and realized what she was talking about.  "Oh yes!  Miss Harbor!  That completely slipped my mind.  I'm sorry honey, I've been so busy I forgot to call and tell you while you were away."

"So you hired her?"  Kimberly asked shooting darts into her father's eyes.

"Well yes I did."

"You hired her without consulting me?"

"Yes Kimberly, but I interviewed her just as I would my own assistant and she's very qualified."  Bennett explained.

"Still I think I should know whenever someone hires MY personal assistant for me.  I was planning on doing all that when I got back from Miami." Kimberly turned her back towards her father.

"I know you were going to hire someone when you came back, but you seemed so busy already I just figured it would take some things off your heavy load."

Kimberly looked at her father and saw the care in his eyes and could already feel herself being pushed over.  "You could have least informed of this while I was out of town."

"I should have, you're absolutely right."  Bennett said apologetically.  He walked over to his desk.  "Now if you want, I can call Miss Harbor into my office and I'll have her dismissed at once."

Kimberly thought about it for a moment.  It wouldn't be so bad having a personal assistant already hired for her.  It would give her less to do and she trusted her father's judgment. She had just been on the edge with thoughts of Ken and Doug.  "No, that's ok." Kimberly said stopping her father from picking up the phone.  "I'll keep her as my personal assistant.  I trust you and I'm sure she's a great worker."

Bennett smiled at his daughter and walked over to her.  "Thanks Kimberly.  I think she'll work out just fine with you."

"However, next time whenever you do something like that, please let me know first."  Kimberly asked her father.

"Alright honey, I promise."  Bennett said smiling at his daughter.

Kimberly smiled back at her father, knowing really and truly that this wouldn't be the last time she would let her father manipulate her.

Mystique Cruise Ship

“And he didn’t even introduce himself,” Kip relayed to Danny and April as they sat by the pool. “He was so insolent.” “Well, I can’t complain about my roommate,” purred April as she pecked Danny’s cheek. Kip readjusted his sunglasses as he stared into space. “I know it won’t be as bad as it could be. He’s just a horny hetero.”

April and Kip giggled, as Danny rolled his eyes. “Can we stop with the hetero bashing?” he joked.

A handsome stranger walked past them as Kip sat up in his chairs. His eyes followed the brooding stranger over to the buffet table.

Mister Right, Kip thought with a smirk.

He put on his flip flops and straightened his hair. “You guys want anything from the buffet?” They shook their heads as Kip screwed up his courage and walked over to the buffet table.

Trying not to look conspicuous, Kip began perusing the drinks. He and the stranger were side by side, the electricity palpable, but Kips nerves were in the way. “Hey,” the stranger smiled. “I’m Zack.”

“I’m…” Kip began as he heard someone yell, “Heads up!” Within an instant, Kip saw Heath barreling towards him with his arms outstretched trying to catch a football in midair. Before he knew what was happening, Kip hit the punch bowl, dousing himself. Heath muttered a small apology as he grabbed the ball and ran off.

Beyond embarrassed, Kip turned and ran off.

Collins Arch

Kimberly approached the front of her office and saw her new secretary with a worried look on her face, sitting there, not doing anything.  When Courtney saw her coming, she looked up at Kimberly.  "Is everything ok Ms. Collins?"

"Yes Courtney, everything is fine and from now on please call me Kimberly."

Courtney's worried look disappeared from her face and she smiled.  "Great, thanks Kimberly.  Now is there anything I should be doing?"

"Sure, I have a lot of things for you to do actually."  Kimberly said motioning Courtney to follow her into her office.  "With this new account I just got in Miami, we're going to be swamped so be prepared."

"Well it is my job."  Courtney said.

Kimberly went to her desk and began shifting through files and documents Courtney could copy and type up to keep busy.  There was an uncomfortable silence that filled the room so Kimberly decided to spark up some conversation.  "So what was your full name again, I'm sorry it slipped my mind."

"Courtney Harbor."

"Harbor, Harbor.  Nope it doesn't sound familiar.  Do you have family around here?"

"Oh no, actually, um, I just moved here about a month ago.  I've been working at a restaurant since I've moved here, but I've been looking for a job like this.  I'm so happy I finally found one.  Maybe now I can move out of the hole I call an apartment."

Kimberly smiled.  "Small huh?"

Courtney nodded her head.  "Oh yes, very.  The costs of living here is pretty expensive and I can't really afford a nice place, but maybe with this job I can.  I'm also looking for a roommate which would it make rent so much easier."

"You should check the office bulletin board, there might be something available."  Kimberly suggested.

"Yes, I think I'm going to do that."

"So," Kimberly started again.  "Where you from?"

"Oh, um, out east.  It's different I tell you, but I'm really happy I moved here.  I like it better."  Courtney said with a glow on her face.

"Do you have any family?  Husband?"  Kimberly asked, wanting to know Courtney better.

"Nope, no family.  I was an only child and my parents have since passed on.  Both my parents were only children so I have no aunt, uncles, or cousins.  I was once married, but it didn't really work out, which is one of the reasons I had to move here.  We didn't have any children.  So it's just me, trying to make friends down here and start over."

"Well great, you're a friendly person so you shouldn't have any trouble at all making friends.  You've already made one."  Kimberly said smiling.

Courtney smiled back and nodded her head.  "Thank you Kimberly."

"Now," Kimberly started handing her some file folders.  "Here's some work.  I have some instructions telling you what you need to do inside.  If you have any questions at all about anything, don't hesitate, just ask."

"No problem."  Courtney said walking towards the door. She turned back around.  "Thank you for letting me keep this job.  I know your father hired me, but you gave it to me and well, just, thank you."

Kimberly gave Courtney a huge smile as she left her office. Great girl, she thought.  Doug will be all over her in less than a week.

Collins Arch

Elise smoothed her hands over her desk. Finally, her first real job as an architect. She couldn't believe the day was here. All that time and money invested into school for an actual job. It felt great. She couldn't wait to start actually working on projects. What a firm too! Collins Arch is a nation wide company that has had some of the best designs.

“Working hard?”

A voice from above her caught her attention and she looked up into the dark eyes of a very attractive man.

She smiled.  “I'm sorry?."

“You looked hard at work there.”

“Just taking a moment to breath it all in I guess.”  She explained.  “Now, Mr. Bridges? Right?"

Russ nodded and beamed at the thought of her remembering his name.

"Is there something you wanted?"

“Well actually I just thought I could come over and see if everything was going well your first day." 

“Yes, everything is perfect actually, thank you. That's very kind of you."

Russ smiled. "No problem."

There was another moment of silence as they both stood there smiling, that reminded him of earlier in the hall when they first met. I love these moments, Russ thought.

Russ decided to chance it already. "Actually, I was going to lunch now and I was wondering if maybe you’d like to join me.  I don’t have anyone else to accompany me and would like some company.  So what do you say?”

Elise looked at Russ with a blank expression on her face.  “No.  I’m sorry, but I really just can’t.”

“Why not?  Another date?  Engaged?  Married?”  Russ asked curiously.

“None of the above and no, I am not gay either.”  Elise responded with a slight laugh, but Russ couldn't tell if she was joking.

"Plus, I would like to get into the swing of things first."

"Ok, that's cool." Russ said. "Some other time then."

Elise smiled. "That would be fine Mr. Bridges."

"Please. Russ. He said cooly.

Russ turned around and walked back towards his office. Well, he thought, this was gonna be harder than he thought.

Collins Arch

Kimberly sighed as she began to packup her things for the day. She was hoping Ken would have called her at the office that day. He had her number. She couldn't keep doing this to herself. Waiting around like some schoolgirl, waiting from some guy to call her. If he wanted to call her he would.

In the meantime she had to finish up the Miami project, but for now she needed some rest. It had been a long day and a nice long sleep was the perfect thing for her. She clicked off her desk lamp and picked up her bag. She was walking out the door when the door opened for her and in popped Doug.

"Going home?"

Ugh, she did not need this right now. "Yes Doug I am going home. It's late and I am extremely tired. What are you doing up here so late?"

"I was doing some work for Bennett and I just realized what time it was. I needed some information on the Miami project and I was hoping you'd be here."

"Look you can have all my information. I'm not going to work anymore on this until tomorrow."

Kimberly put her bag on her desk and pulled out all the file folders containing information about the project. She handed them to Doug.

"You can look over them and let me know what you think."

"Great." Doug said.

Kimberly stood there, waiting for him to say something. "Is there anything else Doug?"

"I just wanted to say, um, Kimberly...Well since the divorce, we haven't really talked about this, but I would really like to make an effort to have some sort of decent friendship"

Kimberly looked into Doug's eyes and realized how nervous he was. He was being serious. "I think so too Doug."

Doug smiled and looked into Kimberly's eyes. "Thanks. I think that's something we need right now."

"I do too. I would like to be friends with you Doug. I think it's the best way to work. We share a past and that makes it harder, but we're two grown adults. We can get through this."

Doug looked down at the floor. "Great. So we call a truce?"

"A truce." Kimberly said smiling up at him.

Doug reached and put his arms around Kimberly, giving her a big hug. Kimberly put her arms around him.

Suddenly Kimberly remembered what it was like to be held by him. Kimberly recalled all the times Doug told her that he loved her and that she was the most important person in his life. She felt blasted back to the past where she would melt in Doug's arms. It was happening now. She wanted this with Ken. She could have it with Ken.

Doug pulled away from Kimberly and looked deeply into her eyes and Kimberly returned the loving gaze. Suddenly, all her thoughts were about Ken. Doug reached up and touched her face and suddenly Kimberly felt trapped. Don't do this, she thought but he was just so charming she couldn't resist.

Doug held her face to his as he pulled in closer to hers.

Suddenly she found the strength to back away. She couldnt go through with it. She moved her face and broke away. "Doug, no, we can't do that again." She replied.

A disappointed Doug looks at her. "I know we can't. I'm sorry, it just felt right for some reason."

"I know it did. It felt right to me too." Kimberly admitted, looking away from him.

"So why don't we let it happen Kimberly? If it feels right, then why not go with the feelings?" Doug asked, moving in closer to Kimberly.

Kimberly put a hand in front of her. "Doug, it felt right because it used to feel right. It didn't work then when we gave into the feeling and it's not going to work now. There were just so many things wrong when we were together and you know that."

"Kimberly, we've grown, we can work these things out."

"No Doug. It's over. It has been over for a long time. I don't love you anymore. I just want to be friends."

A look of disappointment came across Doug's face and he nodded his head. "Ok fine Kimberly, we can be friends. If I can't have you as anything I want you as a friend."

Kimberly smiled. "Thank you Doug. That means a lot."

Doug smiled back. "Thanks for all this information." He said motioning to the file folders in his hand. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night."

"You too Doug." Kimberly said watching him open the door.

Before Doug walked out, he stopped and turned around. "I just want you to know you are the first person I've ever loved and I am always going to love you."

Kimberly just stood there, emotionless, not knowing what to say. Doug looked to the ground, turned and walked out, shutting the door behind him.

Kimberly's eyes began to tear up and soon began to slowly fall down her cheek. "Oh Doug, it hurts me more than anything to hear you say that and I can't say the same in return."

She had to move on and moving on didn't involve Doug and it didn't necessarily mean with Ken either. She was so confused. Kimberly had to move on by herself and she couldn't spend it waiting for someone to call. Kimberly wiped her eyes, grabbed her bag and walked out of her office. They can't run your life, she thought.

KQTY 106.5 Radio Station

Parker opened the door to the radio booth and smiled. Being at work drove her and now was the time for everything to make sense. She sat down in her chair, when the door flew open.

“Hi,” she murmured to Derek.

“Hey. What happened to you this morning? I was hoping we could’ve had breakfast or something.” he said as he moved towards her.

“Derek, I had some errands to do,” she quickly lied. “Besides, it was just a little fun. No harm, no foul, right?”

Derek shifted his weight uneasily. “I was hoping it could be more,” he said in a small voice.

Parker turned her attention to a stack of papers. “Look, I have some work to get done before I go on the air. Do you mind closing the door on your way out?”

Derek simply nodded and left. Outside, he knew how much he wanted Parker. He could do nothing but shake his head as he walked down the hall.

Mystique Cruise Ship

As midnight quickly approached, Danny and April lumbered back after multiple trips to the ice cream buffet. “I’m stuffed,” April sighed as they rounded the corner to their room. Danny gasped at what lay in front of their door.

There lay Kip rumpled and disheveled, like a puppy seeking a home. April knelt down and stroked his hair. His eyes popped open to her surprise. “It’s about time,” he snapped in a husky voice. “That jerk is doing heaven knows what in the room and I can’t get in. The deadbolt is on the door. Ass,” he murmured.

Danny and April, sympathetic to his plight looked at each other. “We can get a cot,” Danny sighed. “Come on. Let’s get some rest.”

With that, the three of them made their way into the room.

Kimberly lay on her bed, flipping through a magazine trying to find something interesting. Oh great, she though as she found an article about what to do if your man is cheating on you. Get out while you can now! She yelled at herself. Kimberly slammed the magazine shut and tossed it on the ground.

Her thoughts soon reverted back to the ever so handsome Ken Foster. Kimberly fell for him, plain and simple. He was a very caring, loving man who seemed to care more about other people than himself. It seemed like it was meant to be when she ran into his car that night of his sister's wedding. At first she didn’t like his attitude, but then she got to know him.

She hadn't felt this way about any man in a long time, not since the first time she met Doug. These feelings she had for Ken seemed much stronger than her feelings for Doug. Why did she allow herself to fall for someone on a business trip? It just happened, she told herself. You can’t help feelings like that, they are just too strong to mess with. She wanted to talk to him, to hear his voice. Call him! Her mind told her. You know you want to hear his voice, so call

Without another thought Kimberly picked up the phone and dialed the number she had already memorized. It rang once, twice, three times.

“Hi you’ve reached Ken Foster, I’m not able to make it to the phone right now, but leave a message and I should get back to you. Thanks.”

The sound of his voice made Kimberly smile and her mind daze before she realized the beep had already sounded.

“Oh, um, hi Ken.” She began nervously. “It’s Kimberly, Kimberly Collins. I just wanted to call and say hello, see how things are doing. Um, if you want you can call me back. You should have my number. Bye.”

Kimberly hung up the phone and sighed. I miss you Ken.”

Airplane

Ken Foster looked out of the window as the plane soared through the sky. He let out a slightly defeated sigh as he closed his eyes. I’ve left behind everything to be with you…I know this is right…We will be together, he assured himself as thoughts of the woman of his future danced through his mind.

KQTY 106.5 Radio Station

“This is Parker coming live from KQTY 106.5. All right, we have Melinda on line one. Melinda, what’s going on,” Parker cooed into the microphone.

“Am I on?”

“Yep,” she smiled. This was Parker’s life. Her dream, her ambition. She propped her feet onto her desk. “What’s going on?”

“I…I think I’ve done something wrong.”

“And what was that, honey?”

Silence.

“Hello?”

“I really think I’ve done something wrong…”

Parker sat up with delight. “What?”

Dial tone.

Parker shrugged. Probably a prank, she deduced as she put on the next caller.

"This is Parker!"

A Dark Room

His face was shrouded underneath the dark light, but Brett Abshire knew exactley who he was.

"You know what you have to do. I don't think we need to explain it to you."

Brett peered into the darkness, looking for the whites of his eyes. "Yes I know exactley what I have to do and it will be done. I will find her and I will bring her back here, dead or alive."

"Very good. Keep in touch. We don't want to mess this up." The voice warned.

"Right. I'm leaving now. Don't worry, it will get taken care of."

Brett turned around and walked out the door leading to the outside world, hoping that he could go through with this.

Next Time On Every Time It Rains
--Kip becomes the butt of yet another of Heath's pranks.
--Ken and Kimberly reunite.
--Courtney and Elise strike up a friendship.

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