Chapter 10: Fanning the Flames...

Things between Anderson and Tanya grew more and more tense each day.  She couldn't figure out what was going on, he was such a great kid until the last few weeks.  It just didn't make sense to her.  The cops had to bring him home two more times since she had grounded him right after prom.  This just wasn't like Anderson at all!

The two were constantly fighting lately.  Tanya had to harp on him to do his homework, to pick up after himself, help around the house, etc.  He didn't even seem interested in painting anymore.  Tanya was getting very worried about him, and even wondered if he had started using drugs or something.  She had finally had enough and told Anderson if he didn't straighten up his act, he was going off to boarding school where they would straighten it up for him!

Part of his punishment was to come straight home after school.  Anderson wasn't allowed to go to any friend's homes, the park, the museum, or extra curricular activities until he could earn Tanya's trust back.  He was only allowed to use the computer for schoolwork, so he spent a lot of his free time reading books to Brent.  He remembered when Tanya would read to him when he was little, and how much he loved it.

Tanya was still head over heels in love with Grady.  She couldn't believe how lucky she was when he walked through her door that day.  He came over once his work day was done and spent the night several times a week.  Grady had practically moved in, and things just fell into place.  Even Anderson seemed to enjoy having Grady there.  Maybe that's just what he needed...a father.

The two younger boys, loved having Grady around, especially Brent.  He was getting old enough to remember a time when Grady wasn't in his life.  Brent missed seeing Chris while he was doing his spy missions, so it was nice to still have Grady to curl up with when his imagination went wild and he scared himself.  Tanya began to wonder if Grady was planning on asking the big question soon, and she was so excited!

Grady had Anderson take the little ones to his house for a bit so the two of them could be alone.  Then he convinced Tanya to head out to the local dance club. Tanya refused at first, but he insisted.  She had earned a night out on the town away from him and the kids.  As soon as she left, Grady set to work.  He had a big surprise for her when she got back.  He just hoped she would say yes!

Tanya was very impressed with the bartender at the club.  He had all sorts of tricks up his sleeve, and made it seem so effortless!  Her favorite part was the flaming drinks, she loved to watch the flames flickering as he made them.  She had a lot of fun at the bubble machine as well, who knew there were so many flavors to pick from!  What a night!  She was definitely going to have to thank Grady when she got home.

Tanya hit the dance floor for a bit, and was pleasantly surprised when she got recognized by the local paparazzi.  She posed for several shots and signed a few autographs between songs.  She couldn't believe how many people knew who she was.  Just before closing time, Tanya decided to get one more of those flaming drinks.  As she watched the flames this time though, instead of excitement she felt pure fear.  Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong...