Two Days Later

Adam’s POV
Penny and I went out to lunch and to one of her favorite art galleries. It was amazing to see the art through her eyes. I had a new appreciation and a new perspective of art. We were now under Brian's restrictions, so I would pick her up and drop her off at home. But this time there was a car at the front of the house when we pulled up.
“Whose car is that?” I asked.
“I have no idea, no one is in it either.” She said.
“I’m going inside with you, until I know you're safe.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.”

We walked into the house. A few moments later a man walked towards us.
“Mrs. Haner, it's about time you were home!”
“Jay!!” Penny ran over and hugged her ex-husband. “What are you doing here?”
“I had some time to take off work and thought I'd come see my favorite ex-wife.”
“I'm so honored!” Penny suddenly remembered me standing there. “I'm sorry, I am so rude. Adam, this is Jay Benton my former husband and now good friend and Jay, this is Dr. Adam Gabriel my Doctor and now good friend.” Penny smiled and looked at me when she said that and I smiled back holding our gaze with each other for a moment. I could see her exes face; he didn't look happy.
“So, where have you been Penny?” He probed.
“We went to lunch and to several galleries.”
“I'm sure you enjoyed that.” He said, raising an eyebrow at me.
“She did, it's good for her recovery to get out of the house occasionally.” I said, I could already tell this guy was on a mission.
“It's fortunate she has a Doctor willing to go above and beyond for his patients.”
“Somebody has to be here for her and as she just said, we're good friends.” The tension between us was increasing rapidly. Penny intervened.
“So Jay, how long are you staying?”
“I’ve got a week off, although I might have to login and do some work.”
“I'm so happy you're here!” Penny was very excited.
“I thought I'd take you out to dinner, if you feel like it and it's okay with your good friend and Doctor.” He looked at me and I was then sure that he was sent by Brian. Then he looked back at Penny. “We can catch up.”
“That sounds great.” Penny said with enthusiasm.

I took that as my cue to leave. “Jay, it was nice meeting you again. Penny, I'm going to head home. I'll talk to you tomorrow.” I hugged her and we said goodbye. I didn't bother looking at Benton, I could feel the daggers from his stare.

Penny's POV
Jay’s visit was great, although I had to wonder if it was spontaneous or if Brian was behind it.
“It is so great that you're here, but did Brian send you?” I asked.
“Why would Brian send me?”
“You really don't know why Brian would send you?”
“I haven't talked to him since right before he left on tour. Of course, after seeing you with the good Doctor, I have a hunch.”
“Oh my God, don't you start in on me too!”
“So Brian is upset about you and Adam Gabriel?” He seemed genuinely surprised.
“Yes, he's been a little jealous. He doesn't understand we're just friends. Let's not talk about this right now. Let's go out and have a nice meal and catch up.” I didn’t feel like hearing another lecture about Adam.

We went to a small little restaurant that Adam had introduced me to. He talked about Stephanie, their new house and fur babies (2 cats and a dog). He said that she wanted to come with him, but couldn't get away from work right now.
“That's too bad, it would have been nice to have some girl talk.”
“You can talk to me. So, what have you been up to?”
I told him about the last couple of months, even telling him about my low point and the wine incident. Then he pointed out something I hadn't realized.
“You know that everything you've told me has included your friend Adam.”
“I never really thought about that, I guess you're right. He's really all I have right now.”
“I can see why Brian is uncomfortable. If you were still my wife, I would be.”
“You didn't go out of the country for 4 months while I had to stay.”
“Penny, you know that's not his fault. You have other friends too, where's Val and the other wives?”
“They have all gone on the tour at some point and when they're not they are busy with kids.”
“Have you even tried to reach out to them?” He asked. His question made me realize something else.
“Well no, I just don't want to make them feel like they have to entertain the sick lady.”
“They are your friends and I am sure that wouldn't feel that way.”
“I guess I have sort of shut them out because I'm jealous that the got to be with the guys.”
“If you're jealous of that, why is it wrong for Brian to be jealous of Adam?”
“I see your point, but Adam is just a friend. I think if you got to know him, you'd understand.”
“Okay then, I'll get to know him. Why don't you invite him over for dinner tomorrow night? I've missed your delicious food.”
“That is a great idea and You'll be there so it won't violate my agreement with Brian.” I agreed.
I hoped Jay would be the one person that could help Brian see he had nothing to worry about. Jay was right about one thing; I did need to try to spend some time with my other friends who weren't on tour.

Adam’s POV
I called Gwyn as soon as I was in my car.
“Your and Penny's ex is here.”
“Jay?”
“Yep, he just showed up out of the blue. Which I am sure is bullshit, Brian sent him.”
“You have to get rid of him! He will destroy your relationship with Penny. You also only have three weeks before she goes to Ohio and then the tour is over. Jay is taking away precious time you need with her.”
“How am I supposed to get rid of him?”
“Tell him if he doesn't leave, you're going to tell Penny about our affair. The last thing he wants is to lose her and Brian's friendship.”
“I can't do that.”
“You can and you will. You want Penny, don't you? He willkillthat chance.”
“Ok, I'll take care of it. I'm damn sick and tired of your thinly veiled threats. How do I explain knowing about it?”
“Everyone thinks we dated, tell him I confided in you.”
“You know blackmail really isn't my thing, it's your specialty.”
“I have faith in you. Think about Penny and your future together, happy and healthy.”
“Goodbye Gwyn.” This time I hung up on her.

I was very surprised the next morning when Penny called and invited me over to dinner that night. She said that Jay wanted to get to know me better and she thought it was a good idea. This was my golden opportunity, I just needed to get to talk him alone. My guess is that he had the same goal.

Jay’s POV
This guy and I were going to have a little “chat” tonight. Brian was right, she needed to be away from him for at least a few days. I was going to make sure he at least stayed away the rest of my visit and hopefully after that.

He arrived a half hour early. Penny was still busy in the kitchen, so it was a perfect time for a chat. I wasn't feeling like a lot of small talk and time was limited, I felt it best to just cut to the chase.
“I've noticed that you spend a lot of time with Penny. Is that normal for you with your patients?”
“No it's not, Penny is special. But let's not dance around this. You're here because Brian sent you to tell me to get away from Penny. You're probably supposed to convince her that she needs to stay away from me too.”
“Brian did not send me here. I care about Penny, I wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“Don't try to bullshit me, I am not Penny.”
“So what if I did talk to Brian? The point is the same, detach yourself from Penny.”
“Not going to happen.” He said in an almost cocky tone.
“You're pretty full of yourself, aren't you? You are in dangerous territory Dr. Gabriel.”
“You are in dangerous territory, Mr. Benton.”
“Really, are you going to run to Penny and tell her that I told you to get lost?” His threats were not going to get me to back off.
“No, she would forgive you for that. What she won't forgive you for is never telling her that you were secretly involved with Gwyn when you two started dating.” He said with a smug look on his face.
“What are you talking about? That's crazy.” I said, trying not to show my guilt.
“You're right it is crazy. You dated, married her, divorced her and became good friends with her famous new husband and never bothered to tell her.”
“There is only one person that could have told you this, but why would Gwyn tell you?”
“She and I dated briefly, she opened up to me.”
“So she trusted you and now you are going to use it against me?”
“Yes I am. Now I suggest you cut this visit short and head back to Ohio. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing the friendship ofSynyster Gates.”He said mocking Brian's name.
“You are a fucking prick!” I grabbed his shirt and was preparing to punch the mother fucker.
“Go ahead, punch me. Then you can explain to Penny why.” I let go of his shirt.
“Gwyn didn't tell her either, do you really want to have her mad at you?”
“I'm not dating Gwyn anymore; I really don't care. I care about Penny and you are not going to come here, get me to abandon her and then take off and leave her all alone again. The fact that Brian wants that is ridiculous and selfish.”
“Brian knows just as I now do that you are a fucking bastard. He wants to protect his wife from whatever you're up to.”
“My goal is to keep Penny alive and well. Brian left to further himself, she needs a friend who is here. That is what I am up to.” He said. “Are you ready to start packing?”
“What do you want me to tell Brian?”
“I would just tell him that you weren't here long enough to really get a feel of things. You are going to have an urgent matter with work and must fly out tonight. As a matter of fact, you already have a plane ticket.”
“You're so sure of yourself, I'm not sure what you think you're going to accomplish with Penny. I don't think you understand the bond she has with Brian.” I could tell I hit a nerve.
“I understand that he's been gone and she's been alone. Unlike Mr. Haner, I refuse to let her get to where she was a month ago. Would you like me to call your phone or send you a text so you can say it's work? You know, to move this along.”
“No Mother Fucker, I have it. I should just say fuck it and tell her you are trying to blackmail me into leaving.”
“You could, but let's think about this. You would have to tell her about Gwyn, she will be furious. You also knowingly let Gwyn go touring with her husband. Brian is going to be pissed too. The worst part is what it would do to Penny, it would likely propel her into depression again. That would also hamper her recovery.”
He had me cornered. I should have told Penny 10 years ago when we started dating, I thought I was protecting her. Keeping that secret all these years had now come back to bite me in the ass. Adam was right, it wasn't the right time for her to find out.
“I'll let her know at dinner that I have to leave. What time is my flight?”
“You have time to eat, then you need to go.”
Just then Penny walked in and told us that dinner was ready.

Penny's POV
Adam and Jay barely spoke at dinner.
“I thought you two were trying to get to know each other.” I said.
“OH we had a nice talk while you finished up dinner, until Jay had a phone call. Right Jay?” Adam flashed a strange smile at Jay. Jay turned his head and looked at me.
“I think our talk helped me understand what Adam is about.” I sensed a bit of hostility. Jay seemed to be looking up above my head when he said. “Penny, I hate this but the call I had was about an important meeting tomorrow morning. I have to fly home tonight.”
“No! You just got here! Can't you ask them to postpone just one day?”
“I tried, but this is a very important client. I'm not happy about it.” Then he looked at Adam.
“Well Jay, I am glad that we had the chance to meet and talk tonight.” Adam smiled.
“Well, I have to go pack. If you'll both excuse me.” Jay didn't even acknowledge what Adam said.
“Of course, I wish you didn't have to go. I hope we can spend a few minutes together before you have to leave.”
“I'll really only have time for a quick goodbye.” Jay immediately walked away.
“Wow, that was weird. What a letdown.” I couldn't mask my disappointment.
“I guess you're just stuck with me for the rest of dinner and for company.”
“I never think of spending time with you as being stuck. I guess I should try to spend more time with my lady friends, so you're able to have a life instead of babysitting me.”
“I like spending time with you and your friends all have kids that go to school or preschool. Do you realize all the illnesses kids bring back from those places?”
“I never thought about that, they wouldn't even have to be sick.” My disappointment increased.
“Let's finish this delicious meal. Maybe we can plan some things for us to do this week to take your mind off Jay having to leave.” He smiled. I was very lucky to have a friend like him.

About 15 minutes later Jay said his goodbyes and rushed off to the airport.
“Well, I guess I should leave since we lost our chaperone.” Adam said with a hint of sarcasm.
“I would love to have you stay, but I promised Brian. But the one really nice thing about Jay’s short visit is that it made tonight possible.”
“You're right.” He gave me a quick hug. “I'll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Have a good night.” Just after Adam left, Brian called.

Brian's POV
I was anxious to find out how it was going from Jay, but he wasn't answering his phone. I called Penny. She told me that Adam came over for dinner and Jay had to leave suddenly. What the hell? I'm guessing Jay wanted Adam to come over to talk to him. I hope he could before he left. I hoped he would call me back soon.
Other than that, Penny seemed in good spirits. I guess she was okay since she still had her buddy Adam to keep company. I am not sure if she will be happy if Jay was successful in getting him to back off.

Gwyn’s POV
I waited anxiously to hear from Adam, Jay called instead.
“Hello”
“Why the fuck did you tell Adam Gabriel about us?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don't try to act innocent Gwyn. He knows and you told him.”
“It was pillow talk, so what?”
“We agreed to keep that just between us.”
“NO, you wanted it to stay between us. Maybe I'm tired of being your dirty little secret.”
“You need to let it go, Gwyn. We were just friends with benefits, then I fell in love with Penny. I can't help that you felt more and wouldn't leave me alone even after Penny and I were married.”
“You kept that secret from her too.”
“Did you want me to tell her that her so called friend was coming on to me? I thought you got over this when Penny and I broke up. I wish you hadn't told Adam.”
“Why? Did he tell Penny?” I tried to fake a little panic.
“No, he used it to force me to cut my visit with her short.”
“I can't believe Adam would do something like that.”
“Well he did, he obviously has an ulterior motive.”
“I wouldn't worry too much; you know Penny will never leave Brian.”
“I just don't want her to get hurt. She considers him a friend.”
“Penny! Penny! Penny! Everyone is always so worried about Penny. It makes me want to vomit! You are such a fucking hypocrite; she considers us friends and we have kept a secret from her for almost 10 years. It fucking serves you right that it came back to bite you.”
“I may be keeping a secret from her, but you obviously have bigger issues with her.”
“I'm so sick of talking to you Jay. Have a nice day.” I hung up on the fucking cheating lying piece of shit. Once Penny and Brian are split up and Brian and I are together he will be sorry. I will also make sure Brian has nothing to do with him ever again.

Notes