Vicky smiles as she looks at her son.  "Oh, darling, having you here makes my homecoming to the Valley complete.  And I cannot WAIT for you to see your Uncle Cole and meet your cousins."

"Awesome," says the smiling teenager.  "It's great to be here with you guys."

 

"Come on, let's go get your bags,"  Jeremy says as he and his family walk toward the baggage claim area.

Meanwhile, on this unseasonably warm winter day, a shirtless Jonathon Lord is enjoying up a rousing game of tennis with one of the beautiful young women who works at Del Oro Spa and Health Club.  After a few moments, the game is over, and Jonathon walks over and kisses the young lady.  Hot and drenched with sweat after the exercise of the game, Jonathon heads over to a bench to sit down and relax. Many of the female patrons couldn't help but admire the buff young man's muscle tone and model good looks, and Jonathon is enjoying having his sculpted body on display for the ladies.  He happens to look up and sees Angela St. James walk onto the patio of the spa.  Smiling, Jonathon decides to try and get to know her again.  Standing to his feet, he walks over to her.  

"Well, hello, Angela," he says.  "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

 

"Well, it was,"  Angela says with sarcasm.  

 

"Ouch, that actually hurt,"  Jonathon says.  "Would you like to have a drink with me?"

 

"My answer is the same as it was the last time you asked me.....no."

 

"Why not?"  Jonathon asks.

 

 

"I just don't want to, that's all,"  Angela replies.  "And, umm, shouldn't you put on a shirt?"

 

Jonathon smiles.  "Why?  Does my body make you uncomfortable?  Or does it stir the desire within you?"

 

Angela gives him an angry look.  "You know, you really are the most arrogant, conceited jerk I have ever met.  Excuse me."  Angela turns and walks away.  Jonathon smiles as he watches her.  

 

 

At that moment, Kevin walks up to him.  "Hey, dude, what's up?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Oh, hello, Kevin.  Kevin, I have to ask you something."

 

"Sure, man.  What is it?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Do you see that hot little number over at the bar?  The blonde in the blue tennis shirt?"

 

"Oh, you mean Angela?"

 

"Yes, then you know her?"  Jonathon asks.

 

Kevin smiles.  "Of course I know her.  She's my cousin."

 

"Your cousin?  Really, now?"  Jonathon asks, ,more intrigued than ever with the gorgeous Angela.

Pilar driver her red sports car up in front of Falcon Crest and comes to a stop.  Getting out of the car, she takes out two bags of groceries.

 

Meanwhile, upstairs, in her daughter Gabby's bedroom, Gabby puts a CD in her player and turns it on.  Once the song Cool For The Summer, by Demi Lovato begins to play, Gabby walks over to a boy who stands beside her bed.  She smiles as the boy puts his arms around her and then begins kissing her.  After a moment, the two move to Gabby's bed, still locked passionately in the kiss as they begin undressing, Gabby unbuttoning her blouse and the boy unbuttoning and taking off his top shirt.

 

Downstairs, Pilar walks into the house.  Hearing her daughter's music blaring from upstairs, Pilar puts the two bags of groceries down on a table in the foyer and walks to the bottom of the staircase.  "Gabby?"  She calls up the stairs.  "Gabby? GABRIELLE??"  Pilar finally yells, but then realizes the girl is unable to hear her over the music.  She walks up the stairs and down the hall to Gabby's room.  She knocks on the door.  "Gabielle?  I need some help with the groceries!  Would you turn that music down?"  Still no answer.  

 

Inside the bedroom, Gabby and her boyfriend continue to passionately make out, when the boy hears one of Pilar's knocks. He pushes Gabby away.  "What was that?"  He asks.

"Nick, what is it?"  Gabby asks.  

 

"I heard something," the boy replies.  "Like someone knocking."

 

"Knocking?"  Gabby sits up in bed.  She too, hears the faint knock and Pilar call to her.  "My Mom!"  She says, quickly springing out of bed.

 

"Your......your MOM?"  Nick asks, himself springing to his feet as he grabs his shirt.  

 

"Just a second, Mom!"  Gabby yells as she hurries over and turns the music down.  She quickly grabs her shirt and puts it back on, then goes over and unlocks her door, opening it to find an impatient Pilar.  "Mom, hi,"  the girl says.  "I wasn't expecting you back so soon."

 

Pilar looks past her daughter into the room and sees Nick.  "Yes, obviously," she says. 

 

"Ummm, Mom....."

 

 

Pilar brushes past her daughter and walks into the room.  "Well, what's going on in here?  As if I have to ask.  Hello, Nick."

 

"Hi, Mrs. Cumson,"  replies the nervous boy.  

 

"Mom, this isn't what it looks like,"  Gabby says.  "Nick and I were just....."

 

"Studying,"  Nick blurts out, interrupting Gabby.  "We have a chemistry test on Friday."

 

"Studying?"  Pilar asks.  "You were.......studying?  In my daughter's bedroom, with the door locked, and rock music blaring so loud you couldn't even hear me knock and yelling at the top of my lungs?  Nice try, Nick."

"Ummm, I should probably go,"  Nick says.  "Gabby, I'll see you at school."

 

"Yeah, sure, Nick,"  Gabby says.

 

"Bye, Mrs. Cumson,"  Nick says.

 

"Goodbye, Nick,"  Pilar says as the boy quickly leaves.  After he's gone, Pilar closes her daughter's bedroom door.  

 

"Mom, please, don't start with a lecture,"  Gabby says.

 

"You know the rules, Gabrielle.  You know how your father and I feel about you having boys in this house when we're not home, especially in THIS room, with the door closed.  You know that's strictly forbidden."

 

"Nothing happened."

 

"Of course not.  Because I came home earlier than you expected.  Gabrielle, you know why I feel this way, you know what happened to me when I was younger than you are now....."

 

"Mom, I KNOW.  I know you got pregnant with Lisa when you were a year younger than me.  But that's NOT gonna happen to me."

 

"How can you be so sure?"  Pilar asks.  "Because Nick brought a condom with him?  Honey, those things are not one hundred percent effective against pregnancy."

 

"Will you lay off, please?"  Gabby asks.  "Please, just leave me alone."  

 

Pilar looks at her daughter angrily for a moment.  "We WILL talk about this later.  You can bet on that, missy!"  Pilar turns and walks out of her daughter's room.  

 

 

 

 

Lance is working in the winery at Falcon Crest a short time later with an assistant when Pilar walks in.  

 

"Donna, would you take those samples over to storage for testing?" Lance asks his assistant.

 

"Sure, Mr. Cumson,"  Donna says, then walks out with the bottles of sample wine Lance had asked her to store.  

 

"What's up, honey?"  Lance asks.

 

"Do you have any idea what I came home to find our daughter doing?"  Pilar asks.

 

Lance looks at her.  "Well, from your tone, I assume it wasn't her homework."

 

"Lance, this is serious."

 

The smile disappears from Lance's face.  "I'm sorry.  What was she doing?"

 

"Oh, she had company.  Nick Fairchild."

 

"Mark and Susan Fairchild's son?"  Lance asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"He and Gabby have a couple classes together, don't they?"

 

"Yes, Lance, they do, but that's not the point.  I came home to find them up in Gabby's room, ALONE, with the door locked, and that damned Demi Lovato CD you bought her for Christmas blaring,  Nick claimed they were studying."

 

"Damn,"  Lance says angrily.  "Did you talk to her about it?"

 

"Of course.  Well, a little.  But we were both so angry I figured it best to wait until she and I both cool off."

"Maybe I should have a talk with Nick Fairchild,"  Lance says.  "Tell that kid to stay the hell away from our daughter if he wants to keep walking straight."

 

Pilar sighs.  "What good would that do?  If it isn't Nick, it'll be some other boy.  We can't keep them all away from her from now on.  Lance, I'm scared.  I am SO scared that Gabby is gonna make the same mistakes that we did when we were that age.  I was a year younger than she is right now when you and I made love that first time and I got pregnant with Lisa.  I don't want our daughter making that same poor decision.  And even though I have never regretted giving birth to Lisa, I DO regret giving her up.  What if Gabby........."

 

"Honey, listen to me,"  Lance says, walking over to his wife.  He gently puts his hands on each side of her face.  "Gabby knows all about the mistake we made when we were kids.  We have drilled into her the importance of waiting until she is absolutely ready for sex, and that she should make sure her first time is with someone she loves.  We've also drilled into her the importance of safe sex.  Ya know, as much as I'd like to, we can't lock Gabby up in her room until she's 25 to keep her from having sex.  And, again, as much as I'd like to, I can't rough up every boy that comes near our daughter.  It's just like with Eric. Pilar, we raised both those kids as best we could.  Taught them as best we could.  All we can do now is just trust that some of what we taught them will help Eric make the right decisions while he's living out on his own, and will help Gabby make the right decisions when it comes to having sex."

 

Pilar looks at her husband, tears in her eyes.  "I know you're right," she says, putting her arms around him as they embrace.  "It just scares me.  Who knew being a parent in the 21st Century could be so hard?"

 

"It's no harder than it was for OUR parents in the 20th Century,"  Lance says.  He pauses a moment.  "Pilar?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Do you think that Gabby and Nick........do you think that they........you know......."

 

Pilar pulls away and looks up at him.  "She's said nothing happened."

 

"Good,"  Lance says.  "Because if anything HAD happened, I'd beat Nick Fairchild within an inch of his life and then go to jail for assaulting a minor."

"So happy that I'm here,"  Alex says, finishing his mother's sentence.  "Yeah, I get that."

 

Vicky laughs as she rubs her son's head, messing up his already messy hair.  "Okay, smarty pants.  Hey, I thought maybe first thing in the morning we can go and and check out some schools for you here in San Francisco.  And then, afterward, we can drop in and see Cole.  And then after that, I can show you around the Valley.  I'll show you where I use to live when I was a teenager."

 

"Sounds fun,"  Alex says.  

 

"Well, you get some sleep.  I love you."

 

"Love you, too, Mom."

 

Vicky kisses her son on the forehead, then walks out of his room.  After his mother is out of the room and he's alone once

again, Alex rolls over on his back and pulls the covers up over his stomach.  He stares up at the ceiling and sighs deeply.  "Yeah, I'm gonna love it here, all right," he says with sarcasm in his voice.  "Welcome to boredomville."  It's apparent that Alex Lord is not very pleased to be in San Francisco.

"Been thinking a lot about what we talked about on Christmas Eve,"  Eric replies.  "About us working together to get Falcon Crest away from my parents."

 

"I was beginning to wonder if you'd changed your mind,"  Angela says.  "After all, it's been a few weeks."

 

"I know.  But, as I said I've been doing a lot of thinking.  And I realize that you're right.  I think the only way my family is gonna find any peace is if they don't have to worry about Falcon Crest anymore."

 

"Well, I'm glad you finally came to see things my way,"  Angela says.  

 

"Yeah, well, Falcon Crest has never been anything but trouble to this family."

 

"I have a plan.  I have a plan.  I'll call you later.  In the meantime, you'd better go inside and say hi to your Mom or something, so they don't wonder why you're here."

 

Before Eric can say anything, Pilar comes walks out of the house and onto the front porch.  "Eric," she says.

 

"Hi, Mom."

 

"Hi, honey.  What brings you over here?"

 

"Eric, it was great seeing you again,"  says Angela.  "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work.  Bye."

 

"See you, Angela,"  Eric says as his cousin walks away.  

 

"Honey, come in,"  says Pilar.  

 

Reluctantly, Eric gets off his bike, walks up the steps and into the house

Pilar and her son walk into the living room.  "I'm so glad to see you, sweetheart.  How are you?"

 

"I'm fine, Mom.  How's everything here?"

 

"Everything is good.  We miss you, though.  Eric, I wish you would reconsider and come home.  This house........this family.......feels so empty without you."

 

"Even with all the fighting?"  Eric asks.

 

"Yes.  Even with all the fighting."

"That's actually why I stopped by,"  Eric says.  "Mom........." he pauses for a moment and lets out a deep sigh.  "If it's okay with both you AND Dad.......I'd like to move back home."

 

Pilar smiles, her heart overjoyed at her son's news.  "Oh, Eric.  Of course it's okay," she says, embracing her son.  As Pilar hugs her son with joy, the look on Eric's face shows that he doesn't seem to be at all happy about moving back home to Falcon Crest.

Meanwhile, as the bell rings at Tuscany Valley High School that morning, Gabby comes out of one of her classes and heads down the crowded hallway of the school to her locker.  Seeing Nick Fairchild at his locker, Gabby walks over to him.  

 

"Hi, Nick,"  she says.

 

"Oh, hey," he says with a smile.  

 

"I'm REALLY sorry about yesterday, and what happened with my Mom."

"It's no problem, Gabby,"  Nick says.  "My Mom would be the same way if she caught us together.  Look, what are you doing after school?"

 

"Nothing.  Straight home as usual."

 

Nick smiles.  "You wanna hang out?  Maybe go by the coffee shop for a while, then go down to the lake for a while?"

 

"I'd love that.  I really wanna see you.  But my Mom, she......."

 

"Just call her and tell her you're hanging out with one of your friends or something."

 

"I have an idea,"  Gabby says.  "I'll just tell her that I'm going over to my Uncle Richard's house to hang out with my cousin Angie.  Mom would tend to believe that more than me hanging with one of my friends after yesterday.  And I'm sure Angie would cover for me if my Mom asked her."

 

"Awesome.  Because I can't wait to spend some time with you."

 

"Me either,"  Gabby says as Nick gives her a quick kiss.  

 

Nick closes his locker.  "I'll see you in Chemistry."  

 

"You bet,"  Gabby says.  

 

As Nick turns to walk away, he notices a new boy in the hall.  "Hey, Gab," he says.  "Who's that kid?"

 

Gabby turns and looks down the hall, where she sees Alex Lord making his way through the crowd with his mother Vicky.  "I don't know,"  Gabby says.  "Never seen him before.  He must be new here."

 

"Yeah, well, I'll see you,"  Nick says, then turns and walks away.

 

As their eyes happen to meet through the crowd, Alex notices Gabby and smiles, then winks at the pretty girl.  Gabby can't help but return the smile of this handsome newcomer.

 

 

 

Jeremy Lord is walking through some empty offices in a building in downtown San Francisco early in the afternoon with the landlord, when Vicky steps off an elevator and walks into the offices.

 

"Hi," she says, greeting her husband.

 

"Hello, my darling,"  Jeremy says, kissing her.  

 

"So this is the office you're considering?"  

 

"Yes.  Darling, this is Mr. George Pennington, who owns this office space.  George, my wife Victoria."

 

"Mrs. Lord," the man says.

 

"Hello, Mr. Pennington."

 

"George, could I have a moment alone with my wife?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Of course,"  Pennington says.  He smiles, then walks out.  

"Well, did you get Alexander enrolled in school?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Yes, I did, at Tuscany Valley High."

 

"Wonderful.  So, darling, what do you think of the offices?"

 

Vicky looks around.  "I like it.  I really do.  I think it's lovely."

"I'm glad,"  says Jeremy.  

 

"It's even bigger than your old office in London."

 

"Yes, it is,"  Jeremy says, walking to the window.  "And I do like that view.  San Francisco is a lovely city, and I think this is the perfect setting for Lord Enterprises."

 

Vicky walks over and puts her arms around her husband.  "Everything is happening so fast," she says.  "Me getting Alex enrolled in school.  You finding an office so quickly."

 

"Well, I for one, am not complaining about how fast everything falling into place as fast as it is.  Now, our next mission is to find us a home.  But, that can wait until we're a little more settled.  After all, the Lords are going to be here for a very long time to come."

 

 

Eric walks into the winery at Falcon Crest and looks around.  

 

"Well, hi, Eric,"  says one of the winery employees as he walks up to him.

 

"Hi, Sam,"  Eric says.  "Is my Dad around?"

 

"Yeah, he's in the office."

 

"Thanks, Sam."  Eric pauses, then walks up the stairs to the winery office and knocks on the door.  

 

"Come in," he hears Lance say from inside.  

 

Eric walks into the office.  "Hi, Dad."

 

"Eric,"  Lance says, surprised to see his son.  "Hello.  What brings you by?"

 

Eric looks around the office.  "I haven't been in here since I was about 15."

 

Lance smiles.  "I know.  Remember how I use to bring you to the winery with me?  And out in the vineyards?  You use to love it."

"I know,"  says Eric.  "I remember I use to think this winery building was the biggest place in the world.  And those vineyards.  I felt like I was on a foreign planet.  In fact, I use to pretend I was."

 

Lance laughs.  "You wanna know something funny?  So did I when I was little.  I'm really glad you came by."

 

"Actually, Dad, I was hoping we could talk."

 

"Of course.  What's on your mind?"

 

"I already stopped up at the house and talked to Mom.  And, if it's okay with you, I'd like to move back home."

 

Lance smiles.  "Son, nothing would make your mother and I happier than to have you home."

 

"I'm really sorry for.........everything.  I know I acted like a real jerk."

 

"What made you realize that?"  Lance asks.

 

"Living alone at the spa.  I just did a lot of thinking.  Plus, I haven't been able to find much of a job.  So, I was hoping that, if I do move back home, you'd give me a job here, in the winery."

 

The look on Lance's face shows his surprise.  "Eric you.......you wanna work HERE?  In the winery?"

 

"Yeah.  I mean after all, Falcon Crest is the family business, and I have to learn it eventually, right?"

 

"Eric, are you sure this is what you want?  To come to work here, at Falcon Crest?"

 

"Sure.  It's what you've always wanted.  For me to join the family business when I grew up."

 

Lance stands from his seat and walks over to the young man.  "Son, that's not what I asked you.  I asked if that's what YOU want?"

 

Eric looks at his father for a couple of seconds.  "It is.  And I promise, I'm gonna behave myself.  No more embarrassing outbursts like what happened when your cousin Cole and his son came to dinner."

"Eric, this is wonderful,"  says a happy Lance.  "I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear this.  This would make your great-grandmother Angela very happy, to see another generation joining Falcon Crest.  Hey, why don't I take the rest of the day off here, and go help you get your stuff and bring it home?"

 

Eric smiles.  "Yeah, that sounds great."

 

"Okay then, let's go,"  Lance says.  "Your sister is gonna be so happy when she comes home from school and finds you here."  Lance puts his arm around his son and they walk out of the office together. 

 

"Uh, yeah,"  Alex says.  "Well, I really am sorry I made you drop your books.  But I'm not sorry I bumped into you.  I'm Alex Lord."

 

"Gabby Cumson.  Listen, I'm sorry for being rude.  You're new here?"

 

"Yeah, I am.  I just moved here with my folks.  Actually, we're staying in the city, but my Mom wanted to send me to school here in this.......what do you call it?  Valley?"

"Yeah, unfortunately, the Valley doesn't have a whole lot to offer.  Mostly grape vineyards and wineries."

 

"Great,"  Alex says.  "I imagine people around probably need all that wine to deal with the boredom."

 

Gabby laughs at the boy's comment as Nick walks up.  "Hey, what's going on?"  Nick asks.

 

"Nothing,"  Gabby replies.  "Nick, this is Alex Lord.  Alex, Nick Fairchild."

 

"Yeah," says Nick.  "Gabby's BOYFRIEND."  

 

"Nice to meet you, Gabby's boyfriend,"  Alex says.

 

"Alex just moved here,"  Gabby says.  "This is his first day at school."

 

"I see.  Well, hope you enjoy your stay here, bro,"  Nick says with a tone of insincerity.  He then turns his back on Alex and faces Gabby.  "So, babe," he says to her.  "Are we on for this afternoon?"

 

"We definitely are,"  replies Gabby.  "I called my Mom during lunch and asked if I could go over to Uncle Richard's this afternoon and hang out with my cousin Angie.  She said yes.  And, Angie said she'd cover for us."

 

Nick smiles.  "That is AWESOME.  Come on.  Let's get the heck outta here."

 

"Sure,"  Gabby says.  "Alex, it was nice meeting you."

 

"Yeah, you too, Gabby.  I guess I'll see you around."

 

"Wouldn't count on that too much, slick," says a jealous Nick, walking away with Gabby.  

 

Alex smiles as he watches them go.  "Oh, I WOULD count on it.........slick," he says quietly to himself after they've gone.

 

"I'm a  bit curious about something myself, Mr. Lord,"  Richard says.  

 

"And what might that be?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"When you and I met the other day and you made your rather interesting offer to buy my newspaper, you failed to mention the fact that you're married to my former stepdaughter and cousin, Victoria Gioberti."

"The subject never came up,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Come now, Mr. Lord.  Surely you had to have known that your wife was my stepdaughter.  I'm vastly curious as to why you felt the need to keep that bit of information a secret."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "Our meeting was a BUSINESS one, Mr. Channing.  Not a personal one.  I just didn't feel the need to mention the fact that Victoria is my wife.  And I'm guessing that you had me checked out, and that's how you learned of my marriage to your former stepdaughter."

 

"Of course I had you checked out, Mr. Lord.  That's not only a good but safe business practice to check out the background and personal life of any and everyone who crosses paths with you.  You offered to buy my paper, and I wanted to know if you had some ulterior motive for doing so."

 

"And what have you discovered?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Not a whole lot,"  replies a skeptical Richard.

 

"Because there isn't a lot to discover, Mr. Channing.  I have no ulterior motive for wanting to purchase your newspaper.  I simply think The Globe is a very profitable venture, particularly with your new online subscription option.  I am a business man, and my company often purchases  businesses such as your paper and incorporates them into Lord Enterprises."

 

"I see.  Well, as I made clear the other day, The Globe is not for sale.  Not now, and not ever."

 

"Yes, so you did make clear."

 

Richard looks at the man for a moment, as if sizing him up.  "By the way, how is Vicky?"

 

"She's just fine.  I shall have to tell her you inquired about her."

 

"You do that, Mr. Lord.  And maybe one night real soon, you and Vicky can come to dinner.  I understand you're making San Francisco your permanent home now."

 

"Yes, that's right, we are.  Victoria enrolled our son Chase in school today."

 

"Chase,"  Richard says.  "Wonderful name.  After his grandfather, Chase Gioberti."

 

"Yes."

 

Richard smiles, still suspicious of the man.  "Well, then, welcome to San Francisco and to the Tuscany Valley.  I'm sure you'll be very happy here."

 

"Thank you, Mr. Channing.  Now, if you will excuse me, Mr. Channing, I really must be going.  I have other business to attend to."

 

"Of course......Jeremy.  And you must call me Richard.  After all, we ARE family."

 

"Yes, so we are,"  Jeremy says with a smile.  "Good afternoon.......Richard."

 

"Jeremy,"  Richard says as his new 'frenemy' turns and walks out.  After he hears Jeremy leave the house, Richard walks over to his bar and pours himself a drink.  "I have a feeling, Mr. Lord," he says to himself.  "That you have some kind of agenda for relocating here to San Francisco.  And I intend to find out what that agenda is."

 

Meanwhile, outside, as Jeremy gets into his car, he looks back at Richard's rambling mansion.  "Family,"  he says quietly to himself.  "Family, you say, Mr. Channing?  Yes, but in more ways than one."  Jeremy smiles a devious smile as he starts the ignition of his car and drives away.  

Jonathon laughs, then takes his next shot, which wins him the game.  "Presto," he says.  

 

Michael smiles and simply shakes his head.  "Oh well.  Congratulations.  Wanna play another game?"

 

"Yes, but let's get a drink first,"  Jonathon says.  

 

"Sounds good to me,"  says Michael.  The two young men walk over to the bar.

 

"Would you order me a beer while I go to the restroom?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"Sure, man," Michael says as Jonathon walks away.  

 

"What can I get for ya, Michael?"  Asks the bartender.

 

"Hey, Joe.  Two beers, please."

 

"Gotcha."

 

As Joe the bartender hands Michael two beers, Angela walks into the bar.  Spotting her cousin, she walks over to him.  "Hi," she says with a smile.

 

"Oh, hi, Angela,"  Michael says.  

 

"What in the world are you doing here without your new wife?  Or is she in the ladies' room?"

 

"Nope, I'm here without Elena tonight.  We decided to do a guy's night and a girl's night out.  She went to the movies with Angie and I'm hanging out with a new friend of mine, Jonathon Lord."

 

The smile disappears from Angela's face.  "Jonathon Lord?"  She asks.

 

Before Michael can reply, Jonathon returns.  "Well, hello," he says, walking up behind Angela.

 

"Oh my God.  Can't I go anywhere in this town without running into you?"  Angela asks.

 

"Wait a second, you two know each other?"  Michael asks.

 

"As a matter of fact, Angela and I ran into each other a couple of times at Del Oro Spa."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yes, we did,"  says Angela.  

 

"Well,"  says Michael.  "It's great that you two know each other.  Angela, Jonathon is new to the Valley.  In fact, his stepmother is Vicky Gioberti."

 

"Gioberti?"  Angela asks.

 

"Yeah, Kevin's sister and Joseph's dad's sister."

 

Jonathon looks at Angela and smiles.  "So, what does that make us?  Kissing cousins?"

 

Angela simply looks at him and sneers.  

 

 

 

 

Richard is seated at his desk at The Globe the next morning when his secretary buzzes his office.  

 

"Mr. Channing, Victoria Lord is here to see you."

 

Richard smiles.  "Thank you, Eileen.  Tell Mrs. Lord she may come in." Richard stands from his seat and walks over to the door to greet Vicky as she walks in.  "Well, hello, Victoria.  It's been a very long time.  How are you?"

 

"I'm fine, Richard.  I was very surprised to get your phone call saying you wanted to meet with me.  What is it that you want?"

"Now what makes you think I want anything, other than to see my former stepdaughter I haven't seen in many a year?"  Richard asks with a smile.  

 

"Come now, Richard.  You don't honestly expect me to believe you asked me down here just to get reacquainted after so many years."

 

"What else?"

 

"I know you, Richard,"  Vicky says.  "And I don't buy this whole getting reacquainted bit. What is it that you want from me?"

 

"My, my,"  says Richard.  "As astute as always, Victoria.  And you're right.  I didn't call you in here just to catch up on old times.  The reason I asked to see you is because I'd like to know more about your husband."

"Jeremy?"  Vicky asks.

 

"That's right.  I've done a little research, and for a man with such a vast financial empire as Jeremy Lord, your husband seems to have kept a pretty low profile."

 

"Yes, he has.  So?"

 

"So, I find that a little strange.  Lord Enterprises has holdings all over the world, and yet, no one seems to know much about the head of that corporation."

 

"Richard, why is it you're so interested in my husband?"  Vicky asks.  

 

"Isn't it obvious?  Jeremy Lord is relocating here to San Francisco, he made an offer to buy my newspaper, and he's married to my former stepdaughter, a fact he failed to mention to me in our meeting, so naturally, I'm curious about the man.  Why such a big mystery behind Jeremy Lord?"

 

Vicky smiles.  "No mystery, Richard.  Jeremy Lord is a man who values his privacy.  That's one of the things I love about him."

 

"The total opposite of your last husband, Eric Stavros, huh?"  Richard asks.  "Do you ever hear from him, by any chance?"

 

"No, nor do I have any desire to.  Richard, there's no mystery behind Jeremy, and I really don't have time for this.  Goodbye."  

 

Richard smiles as Vicky turns and walks out of the office.  He sighs deeply.  "Oh, my," he says to himself after she's gone.  "I think I may have struck a nerve there.  I don't believe a word you said, Victoria.  And I fully intend to find out exactly what makes Mr. Jeremy Lord tick."

 

 

Angela is working at the winery at Falcon Crest that morning when Eric walks in.  Surprised to see him, she walks over and meets him.

 

"Eric," she says.  

 

"Good morning, cousin."

 

"Your Dad isn't here.  He had a meeting in San Francisco with Collins Vineyards."

 

"I know.  I'm not here to see my Dad."

 

"Then why are you here?"  Angela asks.

 

Eric smiles.  "I'm here to start my new job."

 

"Your new......job?"

 

"Yeah.  My Dad didn't tell you?  Not only have I moved back home to Falcon Crest, but I'm also gonna be working right here in the winery."

 

"Eric, what the hell are you up to?"

 

"Just following through on our plan to get my parents out of Falcon Crest."

 

"And exactly how is you working here going to achieve that?"  Angela asks.  "I told you that I would be in touch to discuss my plan."

"Yeah, well, I decided not to wait for that,"  says Eric.  "You see, I came up with my OWN plan."

 

"Your OWN plan?"

 

"That's right.  You really underestimated me, cousin Angela.  I figured what better way to sabotage my parents here at Falcon Crest than to get as close to them as I can.  Living back home, working here in the winery.  That way, I can really make this work."

 

"Not bad.  Not bad at all.  Good plan.  But, just remember who's in charge in our little partnership here."

 

Eric smiles deviously at her.  "Oh, don't worry, cousin Angela.  I'm not gonna forget who's in charge of our plan."

 

"Good,"  Angela says with a smile.   "Meet me in the office."  Angela turns and walks away from him.

 

As he watches his cousin walk away and then head up the stairs to the winery office, Eric smiles again.  "No, I won't forget who's in charge, Angela.  And contrary to what you may think, it's definitely NOT you."  Eric begins to laugh as he thinks about the scheme he is about to put over on his cousin....