#anywhere

"No, five days since he said that on the TV. " She says

"We spoke twice since then" She admits

"But I take it, it was not conciliatory."

"Shredded flowers" She reminds "So no."

"No. Hm."

He tilts his head as an idea suggests itself. "So.... now, follow me here. I'm thinking of both points of view. He made a gesture to apologize which you, rightfully, rejected. You last rejected him, yes?"

A nod nod nod

"It might be said, then, the next gesture is yours. The lad was raised to respect 'no means no.' What if.... what if you were to invite him to dinner at the Club?"

"I guess the club would be fair. I can't KICK him out of it, and I can leave if it goes wrong"

She looks at him "Aren't you worried we might make a scene? It's a business, not a couple's therapy clinic"

"It's a public place, and I think Caesar knows better, even if he were in his cups, than to make a scene in Miss CC's Place."

"That's..true. he's a big teddy bear mostly, even in his cups" She nods and sighs "You're right. He deserves a chance to talk to me and vice versa. Thank you, Emerson. What would be a good slow night or the like?"

Emerson thinks. "We can accomodate whenever you'd like. What is -your- comfort level for this?"

"A semi private table would be best? " She admits "Something in a corner or out of the way? I'm less worried about HIM yelling than me at this rate. I can get my mother to do the babysitting"

"Yes, of course. And.... when?"

"Two nights from now ? That would give me time to make sure my mom can handle it and my job schedule is clear"

"It shall be as you say. Would you like one of us to carry the invitation, or how would you like to handle it?"

A frown then, "No. I'll have my sister deliver it. She'd do it for me and it would send the right message. I don't want him feeling you two have taken sides. He loves his mother with all his heart and you're like the cool step father who respects boundaries"

"I thank you." A seated bow "Is there anything else I can do?"

"I think between what CC told me earlier, and the support and ideas you have now, you've each done as much as possible. I've been so very angry I don't even LIKE myself" she admits.

"And that cannot be good for the babies." he reminds her gently.

"No" A guilty look "It's not."

"Tut tut, my dear. No harm done." he assures her.

"Well, I'm not sure I'm going to win a mother of the month award right now"

"It's not a contest." soothingly.

"We DeBukes get competitive " She jokes (?) "But you're right. It IS more reason to give amends a chance. Can I get you more decaff?"

"No, thank you my dear. It's time I were heading home, see if Miss CC awaits me. Ah....." he hesitates.

She tilts her head at the 'ah' "Yes?"

"Well.... in the face of greater concerns it seems silly but.... I stumbled across this and was pleasantly surprised. How you managed it, I will never know, not with the children to care for....do you think you might sign it for me?" sheepish, as he pulls the book she wrote out and offers it.

April gasps in surprise, "You.. oh goodness. You found it. I... mean, yes, it IS out, I just didn't think anyone I knew would be ..." She blushes but also perks up "You REALLY want my autograph?"

"I -really- do." firmly.

April takes the book, and rises to get a thin marker, and she puts her name on the interior, with a flourish

Emerson beams.

Then she hands it over "Thank you, Emerson. My ego needed that. I hope you DO enjoy it. There's a lot of wonder in Botany for me and I just wanted to share it"

"I look forward to reading it." he promises, and stands "You'll be in touch?"

"I will" She promises "And thank you again... and CC, for everything"

"When I see her, I'll give her your best." he promises, a squeeze of her hand, and off he goes.

It looks like he's put things on a path to peace, up to Caesar and April to walk it, of course, but promising, very promising

(End Scene)