It was a long and tedious day for Dani in the room. She spent most of it pacing and thinking. The camping trip felt like it was so long ago, and it just happened. She'd give anything to go back there.

She was stunned when she got a message that she was to meet Rocco at the office. It seemed like a weird place to meet, but she guessed they wanted to make sure it didn't look fishy. Dante had a company car come to pick her up and bring her there. 

The offices had a cool old-school brick-and-mortar look that she appreciated. She was guided up to the top floor, where a conference room sat in the middle, and three offices connected to it along with what looked like a break area. She was then led into one of the connecting offices where Dante and Rocco sat. She could tell it was Dante's office by its large mahogany desk and brown leather furniture. She wondered why they were meeting there instead of Rocco's.

"Hey," she mumbled as she sat down from them on the other side of the desk. Dante gave her a nod, and Rocco avoided eye contact.

"Have a seat," Dante said.

"What is this?" she asked, looking from one to the other.

"Rocco." Dante nudged him.

"Dani, we asked you here because if you can't nanny for Alyssa. I can't employ you," Rocco said slowly.

"I figured as much; it's fine. I'll figure something out," Dani said. The last thing he needed to worry about right now was her. She wouldn't let him do that.

"It's unfair and abrupt, so I wrote you a severance check." Rocco continued, and Dani shook her head.

"No, you don't need to do that. I won't take it."

"I do, Dani. I can't pay for Kevin's rehab anymore." He blurted out suddenly, and it took all her strength not to cry instantly.

Truth be told, she was counting on that. She didn't realize this would take that away, but she couldn't blame him. He had to be so careful here. Alyssa was so conniving. But why did everything feel so wrong between them right now? Why was he refusing to look at her?

Because he's going through hell, she reminded herself sternly.

"My funds will be heavily scrutinized for a while now."

"I get it. You don't have to explain. Or give me a check."

Dante cleared his throat. "Actually, Dani, we think the best thing we can do right now is remove you from this situation. The check will help. Take it and go back home. Rocco has also offered to pay for the flight. No one wants to drag you into this any further." Dani kept searching Rocco's eyes as Dante spoke, but he avoided her.

Dante pushed both a check and a plane ticket her way, and she pushed them both back.

"Dante, can you give us a second?" Rocco asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea-"

"A second," Rocco snapped, to which Dante held his hands up in defeat. He stood and quickly ducked out.

"I won't leave you, Rocco. Or Gavin," she whispered as soon as he left.

"Dani, you got to take the tickets and go."

"You can't even look me in the eyes and tell me that. I know you're worried, Rocco. I won't get in the way. I'll just be here in the wings."

"I've got a world of hell to get through." He finally looked up and met her gaze briefly. His eyes were bloodshot and but also cold, she couldn't find the usual warmth she;d find in them. 

"First things first is coming to grips with the fact I've been conned for the last several years."

"I'm so sorry..."

"Stop." He said harshly, and she did her best not to gasp as she clenched her fists tightly.

"How do I know you're not just like her? " he questioned, and she did gasp this time.

"Rocco, you know me!"

"I thought I knew Lys at first, too. You told Lexi about the mountain. Why would you do that?"

"It wasn't like that ..." she stammered, her face bright red and her eyes filling with tears. "You know how much that moment means to me. I was ... "

"You broke a promise the second you said anything, so how can I trust you now?"

"Rocco, please. I don't know where this is coming from." Dani 's eyes widened. She felt like she was in a nightmare and desperately wanted to wake up.

"Alyssa thinks you came here to get revenge on her."

"That's ridiculous!" Dani started feeling angry. Who was he to make these kinds of suggestions about her? How could he? "You can't be serious!"

"I don't want to be, but Alyssa made some good points. You are Katherine's daughter too."

She clenched her lips and glared at him. If she weren't so stunned, she'd slap him.

"Just take this and leave." He pushed the papers and the check toward her.

"I don't want your money." Dani snapped, forcing herself to remain calm when all she wanted to do was scream.

"It's not for you. It's so your brother doesn't have to suffer so much," he replied. "It would be selfish not to take it.'

He was already at the door and slipping out before she could react. Her heart was pounding, and her face was reddened with anger. She was stunned as she sat still at the desk. The sound of the door clicking once it finally locked into place sounded so permanent. That sound would haunt her.

"Who the hell was that?" She wondered out loud because that was not Rocco.

Was it?

Dani sat there for a long moment, completely stunned. She stood up to gather her things when she glanced at the plane ticket. It was dated this coming Friday. Only four days away. He was so anxious to get rid of her she was surprised it wasn't today.

She slipped into the adjoining bathroom to freshen up and glanced in the mirror. She looked like she felt, like absolute crap.

The realization of everything hit her at once, and the next thing she knew, her tears were flowing down hard. She'd mourned for what never was with Rocco and worried about what would happen to Gavin. Once she started sobbing, they kept coming down harder. She had to sit back down until the sobs finally subsided.

Finally, when she regained composure, she washed her face and did her best to pull herself together. As she stepped back into the office, she heard noises and voices outside.

"I have to get out of here." She whispered to herself. How could she not have gotten out right away? Now she'd run the risk of running into Rocco.

She stepped out slowly and saw Breanna bringing her Alana lunch in that big conference area. She was chatting happily with her and their secretary. Luckily, she didn't see her, so Dani closed the door behind her as quietly as possible.

"Oh, thank god, it's been a long day, and we're starving." She heard Dante say, and she quickly ducked her head down and started walking fast down the hallway toward the stairs.

"There better be some booze in that bag." She heard Rocco's voice next, nearly breaking her all over again.

He just shattered her heart and was making jokes with his coworkers.

"Who was that?" She heard Breanna ask and nearly ran out of there. She couldn't face them. She wouldn't dare give Rocco the satisfaction of seeing her red puffy eyes.

"Miss, are you okay?" She heard a man say as she raced out the door.

Luckily the company car was still waiting for her, but she was almost too embarrassed to get in. The last thing she needed was Rocco and Dante finding out she never got in and coming looking for her. That would be the cherry on top she didn't need today. So, she climbed into the car red-faced and angry. The driver luckily didn't comment on it.

"Back to the hotel?" He asked.

"Yeah, I guess... actually, no." She said quickly, changing her mind. "There's somewhere else I need to go."

**

"Lys, someone is here." Rebecca looked out the window as Edward reviewed the most recent photos at the table. As usual, he was too picky and made a small task take forever. They'd spent the week moving Edward and Rebecca out of the studio as a precaution. It didn't take long for them to be on her last nerve.

"That's one of Rocco's company cars," Alyssa frowned.

"What is it doing here?" Edward asked, standing to peer over her shoulder.

"Oh, it's the little sister," he cooed, not even hiding his annoying attraction for her little sister as he stepped out from the back. She slammed the door behind her.

"She's all pissed off," Rebecca commented.

"I love when a plan works out," Alyssa smirked. She hadn't expected Dani to show up here; she'd thought she would have to go to her.

"The spunk!" Edward said gleefully as Dani started to storm towards the house.

"She's coming in through the kitchen. Go." Alyssa pushed Edward towards the pantry.

"Don't eat all the crisps!" Rebecca called after him.

"I'd be doing you a favor if I did." He called back to her.

"That is so rude, Edward. It's body shaming, is what it is," Rebecca huffed.

"Will you both shut up!" Alyssa hissed.

She opened the door just before Dani could knock, always making sure she had the upper hand.

"Dani, did you forget something?" She asked in her sweetest voice. "Lexi picked up Gavin already if that's why you're here."

"Good. I'm glad he's not here," Dani snapped pushing herself in.

"Excuse me. I don't think you were invited." Alyssa said.

"I don't care!" Dani yelled.

"I took good care of Gavin. You know that! I cared about him like he was my own--" Dani started.

"If you're trying to get your job back. I'd try another tactic." Alyssa raised an eyebrow.

"This isn't just about the job. How could you say all those things about me to Rocco? You know I'm not like Katherine! You know that better than anyone!"

"Rocco?" Alyssa asked, putting on a confused look. "I didn't say anything about you."

"Bull! I don't believe that for a second!" Dani 's face was flushed, and her eyes were a little crazed.

"Okay, fine," Alyssa held her hands up. "I said a few things. I was jealous."

"You had no right," Dani said angrily.

"I didn't like that he took you out of town." Alyssa let out a sigh as if it pained her to admit this.

"And you decided to trash me?" Dani was losing the fire she'd come in with already. As Alyssa expected, Dani wouldn't have hadn't expected a confession; she was prepared for a fight. 

And, as usual, Alyssa was two steps ahead.

"Oh, hardly." Alyssa sighed again. "All I said was make sure you trust her. She's Katherine's daughter too."

"He said you thought I came here for revenge on you."

"No, that's not what happened. I asked him if he brought you out of town to get revenge on me," Alyssa corrected.

Dani's face filled with confusion, and she shook her head slowly.

"No, that's not what... he."

"That's when I said, are you even sure you trust her? She's Katherine's daughter too."

"But?" Dani was shaking her head.

"I didn't even say it as a dig to you. I said that because he calls me that when we fight sometimes. In a derogatory way." 

"No, he wouldn't say it like - maybe you misunderstand because he doesn't like her." Dani stammered, doubt cast across her young, naïve little face.

"Dani, you think you know my husband, but you don't. He's not the perfect man you think he is," Alyssa had a surprisingly soft tone to her voice. "He can be downright cruel at times."

She could see Dani's lip quiver slightly. Whatever it was Rocco said to her upset her.

"You think I'm bad?" Alyssa pressed on. "I'm a bitch you see coming. He's a snake in the grass."

"She's right, dear." Rebecca chimed in, looking up from the table. "Both the Romano men are like that. They'll do anything for you when they care, but the second they decide they don't." she held her finger up to her throat like a knife.

"That doesn't sound right at all..." Dani mumbled.

"Well, something got you all riled up and storming over here to yell at me. What did Rocco say to you anyway?" Alyssa pressed.

"It doesn't matter anymore." Dani looked like she wanted to disappear, and Alyssa was thoroughly amused. Alyssa noticed she clutched a few papers in her shaky hand tightly. 

"What's this?" She grabbed them from her, ignoring the protest, and wasn't surprised by what she saw; she could read Saint Rocco like a book and knew he'd do this.

"This is a plane ticket for this Friday. And...I'm assuming this a severance check?"

"Right, 'cause you fired me." Dani's anger had subsided, and she now looked unsure and insecure.

Two emotions that Alyssa very much enjoyed in other people.

"I didn't fire you. I just said Rocco is the one that hired you. Since it was obvious to me, you were on his side. I figured you would want to be his nanny."

"It's never been about sides. It's about Gavin."

"I agree, which is why I told Rocco before he left to keep you on as his nanny. I admitted I overreacted and said it's what's best for Gavin. I copied Dante in the message too."

"But then why...I don't understand."

"I was obviously right; he has feelings for you; there's no other reason for his reaction," Alyssa guessed, and Rebecca made an affirmation sound from the table.

"I... I don't think... it's not like that..." Dani stammered. 

"It's not your fault," Alyssa said. "It's easier for him to vilify you for his attraction to you than accept it. So that's what he's doing. "

"I don't know what to think. But maybe Oaktown is where I need to be. I shouldn't have come here in the first place." Dani grabbed the ticket and check back from her.

Tears were brimming in her eyes. If Alyssa had a heart, she'd almost feel bad for her.

"Oh, sweet girl, don't cry!" Rebecca jumped up and offered a hug, but Dani awkwardly ducked out of it.

"I got to go. The drivers are waiting for me," Dani wiped a hand across her eyes and turned to walk out.

"Wait." Alyssa stopped her.

"None of this is your fault, and Becks isn't that good at babysitting."

"I am so!" Rebecca countered, but Alyssa shot her a look.

"If you want to come back as MY nanny. You can. I have to trust you, though, Dani. I can't think you're calling Rocco every night and talking about me."

"I -I need some time to think about it," Dani said.

"Of course," Alyssa agreed. "Just let me know soon, okay?"

"Uh, okay..." The car outside honked, and she jumped slightly. "I really better go..."

"Dani! Do it for Gavi. He needs you during all this! " Alyssa called after her just as the door closed.

"Wow." Rebecca looked at her with wide eyes. "How are you not a Hollywood actress?"

"As incredible as that performance was. What good did it do for us?" Edward said, looking cross, and he emerged from the pantry. "You've pulled them even further apart."

"I'm getting tired of you questioning me," Alyssa snapped.

"We'll then don't make such questionable choices." He retorted, stepping closer to her.

"I'll make whatever choices I want."

"I don't need to remind you what's on the line?" He hissed, his face inches from hers.

"I'm the one that's been playing this game for all these years, Edward. I know what I'm doing."

He grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her toward him roughly. "You better not have come this far to slip up now. "

"I know exactly what I'm doing. Don't test me." She positioned her knee into a rather precarious position as she spoke.

"Oh lord. I could have gone my entire life without witnessing the bizarre foreplay." Rebecca started making dramatic gagging noises as she fled from the room.

"Start packing!" Alyssa yelled after her. "My sister's in, and you're out."

"I don't understand why you want the girl here," Edward pressed. "Explain this to me."

"Can you just shut up and trust me?"

"I get frustrated, Ali-baby." He leaned closer. "It's been so long, so many years we've waited. I long for the days of you and I, dripping in money without a care in the world."

"We're almost there, Eddy." She pulled them back against the kitchen island, his body crashing over hers.

"We're so close." She promised as their lips crashed together.