A New Promise

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Promise Trilogy #3
Title:                           A New Promise
Publishing Date:         1986
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, omnipotent
Chapter Count:           20
Page Count:               196

Chapter 1- Caitlin and Louise are at rehearsals for another school charity event show with guys dressed in drag (how original). Caitlin has a date with her new boyfriend, Julian Stokes, tonight but she also has a commitment to attend a sorority meeting at the same time. Guess which one wins? Happiness glows in Caitlin's eyes as she links arms with Julian and they stroll off to get a hamburger, together.

Chapter 2- Spring is just around the corner as Caitlin and Louise sit outside sunning themselves in the warm sixty-degree weather. Julian takes Caitlin out to a movie that night. While on the date, Caitlin reflects how warm, kind and understanding Julian is, nothing like Jed, her ex. Julian is smart and serious but underneath his calm exterior lurks hatred. Julian is only using Caitlin. With just a twinkle of his gray eyes, he can get Caitlin to drop all her extracurricular activities so they can spend more time together. Next day, Caitlin gushes to another classmate how incredibly romantic Julian is.

Chapter 3- Julian takes Caitlin on a picnic. He brings all the gourmet food. They take a quick stroll around the secluded meadow. Caitlin tries hard not to think about Jed. For the reader's benefit, she also recounts to herself how much she hates Colin Wollman who won't leave her Grandmother's side and his questionable sister who is practically her biological father's new girlfriend. She wishes she could find a way to stop them from weaseling their way further into her family. Seeing she is distracted, Julian takes her into his arms and they kiss passionately. Caitlin wishes it could last forever.

Chapter 4- Way out west in Montana, Jed Michaels' got mail. He hasn't heard from Caitlin since their fight over the phone Christmas Day. Jed is beginning to think maybe telling Caitlin he was phoning from his ex-girlfriend's place that day wasn't such a good idea. His classmate from Highgate, Matt, writes that Caitlin has a new boyfriend on campus. Jed isn't sure what to think. Eve plops herself down at the table in the student union where Jed is sitting and starts babbling. Eve smiles to herself as she thinks how Jed is going to dump Caitlin and fall into her arms while Jed is just annoyed by Eve's over-friendliness when he'd rather be brooding over Caitlin.

Chapter 5- Caitlin returns from spending spring break at Ryan Acres and is unpacking in her dorm when Julian phones asking to see her, inviting her to dinner at his place. He's cooking and it turns out he's pretty good. Amidst the romantic music and soft candlelight, Caitlin tells Julian she is taking his advice and will officially drop out of all her extracurricular activities; because he told her to. Julian kisses her with heated passion and declares his love. Caitlin promises to be his forever.

Chapter 6- Though she's not much of a runner, Caitlin slows to a walk during her sprint around campus. Playing Snow White, she talks to a bird hunting a worm before realizing that, aside from Louise, not one of her friends has been contacting her lately, begging her to hang out. Ginny hasn't spoken to Caitlin since Florida when Julian chose Caitlin over Ginny. Well, too bad. That was three months ago and for Caitlin, Julian is the most important thing in her life.

Chapter 7- After her run, Caitlin meets Julian for breakfast. He's been accepted to a summer program at Harvard for pre-med students. He won't be attending commencement but he does want Caitlin to come with him to Boston. One of his friends has a two bedroom apartment they can share. Julian really wants Caitlin to live with him so they can be intimate. Caitlin has to catch her breath. This is all happening so fast! Moving in together. Caitlin thinks, why not? Yes! She'll do it. Little does Caitlin know, after Julian sleeps with her for the first time, he plans to dump her (how original).

Chapter 8- Caitlin's father isn't so sure about her summer plans but agrees to write a letter of recommendation so she can get a summer job in Boston. Three weeks later, Caitlin gets the job, but first she has to spend a month at Ryan Acres. She invites Louise to join her. Caitlin exits the dorm room, leaving Louise alone who accidentally stumbles across a letter addressed to Julian from his mom in Rock Ridge. Julian is called "Jake." His poor, humble family is begging Jake to come home and visit. His father, a sick coal miner, is dying from black lung. His family needs him. Louise smiles at all this juicy info on "Julian," she tucks the letter into a safe place. She will keep this knowledge to herself and reveal all at her convenience at a later time.
Over pizza with Julian, Caitlin tells Julian her great news, including inviting Louise to Ryan Acres, while Julian worries Louise might spill the beans to Caitlin about their plan to destroy and humiliate her.

Chapter 9- The school year is over. Caitlin and Louise pack up their dorm room. Caitlin goes downstairs to get the mail where she finds a formal invitation and a long letter from her good friend, Jed's cousin, and their former classmate from Highgate, Emily Michaels who is engaged to be married. She's only seventeen but he's a good man, very rich (of course) who will treat her like a queen. Emily is very excited but also worried about Caitlin and Jed. She'd really like to see them get back together. Caitlin is reflecting on this when Julian comes up behind her. Caitlin says nothing about the letter and they go off to have dinner together.

Chapter 10- Caitlin and Julian have another private picnic date together in another secluded mountain meadow. While they make out, Julian considers again how desirable Caitlin is but he can't let himself fall in love with her because he HATES her, darn it! Julian's thoughts unexpectedly shift to his father, that loser, who frowned on Julian's big plans to continue his education and become a doctor. Poor, misunderstood Julian.
Back in Caitlin's car (the red Nissan 280ZX) she presents him with a graduation present. Despite himself, Julian is touched at the expensive gold pen with his name engraved on the side but, this doesn't change anything. He will sleep with Caitlin and destroy her.

Chapter 11- Back in Montana, Eve continues to chase Jed who wonders why she's even bothering. He's not interested in Eve and why can't Caitlin understand that? He's determined to go east, visit his cousin, wish her happy engagement and hopefully get a chance to see Caitlin so they can get back together.
Caitlin pulls up in front of the impressive and formidable Ryan Acres mansion. Even Louise, who comes from wealth herself, is impressed.

Chapter 12- Even the Wollman's insincerity is not lost on Louise. It's so obvious they're not related and she even caught them hugging and making out the other day but she keeps this knowledge from Caitlin. Caitlin's anticipated happy reunion with her father, whom she hasn't seen in months, is ruined by the announcement that he's getting married. To Nicole. Caitlin quips, "Now isn't that just the big pickle on the giant crap sandwich that is my day!"

Chapter 13- Gordan Westlake is shocked, shocked I tell you, by his daughter's rudeness over his happy news. How could she be so disrespectful? Grandmother approves of the match, she tells Caitlin so over breakfast next morning. She's also curious about this new boyfriend, Julian Stokes, whom Caitlin plans to spend the rest of the summer with yet she's never brought him by the house to meet the family. (You'd think, after doing research on Louise Bates, Grandmother would've dug up all the dirt on Julian by now.) Caitlin lets Grandmother believe she will be staying in the coed dorm on campus while Julian lives elsewhere.
Yet Caitlin continues to be torn between her two boyfriends. Who does she really love, Jed or Julian?

Chapter 14- Whenever Julian calls, which is everyday, Caitlin notices he seems superficial, almost fake, in his declarations of love for her which is making her doubt her own feelings for him. Hoping it will smooth things over, Nicole and Dr. Westlake invite Caitlin to be a bridesmaid. Caitlin tells them they can take their wedding plans and shove it. Later, Nicole finds Caitlin in her room, dressing for dinner and confronts her. Neither are fooled for a moment by the other. This means war!

Chapter 15- Since Caitlin can't leave her guest alone at the mansion, Louise tags along to the engagement party where Ginny gives Caitlin the silent treatment all evening. Bored, Louise wanders around while Caitlin catches up with all her old friends from high school. Caitlin and Louise are outside, saying goodbye, waiting for the car to be brought around when Jed pulls up. He and Caitlin see each other for the first time this year.

Chapter 16- Caitlin gives Jed the cold shoulder while Louise simply stares. Jed is the sexiest, most handsome man she's ever seen in her life. Right then and there, Louise is determined to have him. Get in line, Louise. She hatches a plan to make Jed hers. (How original)

Chapter 17- Louise puts her plan into action immediately the next morning by arranging to meet Jed at a restaurant for breakfast where they can discuss how Louise will help Jed get Caitlin back by telling him to stay away from Caitlin until she's had a chance to talk to her. Meanwhile, he should start spending more time with her, Louise, until Caitlin comes around. Returning to the house, Louise tells Caitlin about meeting up with Jed who only wanted to talk about Eve. A few days later, Louise tells Caitlin Jed just called to ask her out on a date. Louise smiles at these two idiots, who are gullible enough to believe her lies.
Jed picks Eve up but their date doesn't last very long once Jed makes it clear, after Louise plants a big wet one on his mouth, that he's not interested in her. Seething with anger, Louise reveals Julian Stokes is really Jake from Rock Ridge and he and Caitlin have been sleeping together for months, SO THERE! To her surprise, instead of getting upset, Jed smiles and thanks her for the information. Everything suddenly clicks for Jed who is going to rescue Caitlin from the evil Jake who smashes little girl's dolls and seduces spoiled rich girls without permission. 

Chapter 18- Embarrassed, Louise packs and leaves the very next day with some flimsy excuse. Caitlin hardly notices as the maid informs her of a phone call. Ginny wants to meet Caitlin for lunch. Caitlin apologizes for what happened in Florida and they are best friends again. Now Ginny can share the real reason she felt compelled to ask Caitlin to this meeting: while attending a lavish party for the super rich, Ginny overheard her father talking with one of his friends who dropped the name "Colin" who, along with his blonde bombshell cohort, have been going around scheming rich people out of their fortunes.
Here is the proof Caitlin needs! She thanks Ginny and runs right home to confront the Wollmans.

Chapter 19- At first they're defensive but when Caitlin threatens to call the police, Nicole surrenders, agreeing to pack and leave immediately. Colin follows after Caitlin convinces him Ginny's father is a trusted and highly respected friend of the family. Grandmother will check Caitlin's sources; Colin will be found guilty. And just like that it's all over. Caitlin got rid of her enemies. Her thoughts turn to Jed. She decides to give him a call.

Chapter 20- But Emily has disturbing news of her own for Caitlin. There's been a death at Rock Ridge. Little Kathy Stokes' father passed away. Overcome with sympathy and compassion, Caitlin is already backing out of the driveway, on her way to offer her support to the grieving family; never making the connection between this family and her boyfriend who shares their surname. 
Jed pulls up at the mansion, ready to take Caitlin in his arms. Learning he just missed her, he jumps back in his car, making a beeline for Rock Ridge.
Caitlin is sitting in the shabby front room of the shack, comforting Kathy and her mother when Julian comes crashing through the door. He is followed by Jed who grabs Julian and hauls him outside to beat the tar out of him while Caitlin screams at him to stop. Julian reveals himself and the motive behind his evil plan to destroy the Ryan family. Caitlin's brain clicks on and she remembers that Christmas long ago when a dirty, ragamuffin, boy tried to touch her and she screamed bloody murder. Appalled by the memory, Caitlin offers a weak apology to Julian while Jed puts his arm around her. Realizing Jed loved her all along, Caitlin declares they are back and more in love than ever. Seeing his plan failed, Jake is so filled with rage he takes off running down the road, (probably going to drown himself in the nearest river) never to be seen again. (Actually, Julian does return in The Forever Trilogy Book #3, Together Forever)
Jed and Caitlin apologize to each other and share a long, slow, passionate kiss filled with promise as Jed whispers how much he loves Caitlin.

THE END

Promises Broken

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Promise Trilogy #2
Title:                           Promises Broken
Publishing Date:         1986
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, omnipotent
Chapter Count:           18
Page Count:               200

Chapter 1- The plane is landing! But it's not Caitlin's, Jed's come to Virginia to spend a week visiting his favorite girlfriend (as opposed to Eve in Montana) before school starts. They go sightseeing around Washington DC where Jed once again declares his love and swears his eternal devotion to his one and only Caitlin.

Chapter 2- In a somewhat erotic scene, Jed rubs sunscreen into Caitlin's back as they hang out by the luxurious pool at Ryan Acres. Caitlin frowns as, nearby she can hear her Grandmother laughing while playing tennis with that awful Colin Wollman. Caitlin changes the subject to the letter she received from one of the wives in Rock Ridge, the mining town where Caitlin organized a charity summer daycare. The woman apologized for the way little Kathy Stokes' brother (the one with the evil gray eyes) treated Jed. Caitlin wonders what the heck she's talking about. Jed briefly tells her about the fight, then changes the subject. He hates violence.
The next few days fly by as Caitlin and Jed spend every waking moment together enjoying incredibly romantic dates. They are already anticipating Christmas break when they'll see each other together again. As Jed's plane disappears into the sky, Caitlin resolves to focus on the present until she and Jed are reunited.

Chapter 3- Caitlin's college dorm roommate is a sophomore named Louise Bates who, according to herself, was the prettiest, most popular girl on campus last year. Then along came Caitlin. Louise can't believe Caitlin has no intention of hooking up with anyone this year but will stay true and faithful to Jed.
The two girls decide to get a soda at the student union and scope out the new crop of guys who waste no time surrounding Caitlin, begging her to go out with them. Louise's eyes turn green. Then she notices Julian Stokes sitting at a nearby table. His incredible gray eyes are looking right at her! Louise has to catch her breath. She is that turned on.

Chapter 4- At Julian's table, the handsome pre-med senior can hardly follow the conversation with his friend. He's too distracted by that beautiful Caitlin Ryan. How he hates her! Picking up on Louise's subtle displeasure toward her popular roommate, an evil plan forms in Julian's mind: he will gain the trust of everyone in Caitlin's social circle, starting with that blonde, and destroy Caitlin.

Chapter 5- It's Friday night. Louise talks Caitlin into going to an informal mixer instead of staying in the dorm, pining over Jed. Popular girls don't do that. At the party, Caitlin talks for a long time with a pre-law student who loves tennis. Caitlin and Hal make a date for the following afternoon at the court. They have a great time and make a second date to play again on Thursday. Caitlin is having fun without betraying Jed.

Chapter 6- Ginny is in town to visit Caitlin. Her best friend is currently attending the University of Virginia and has gotten serious with a boy on the polo team who claims to be as big a horse freak as Ginny. Caitlin won't be riding Duster unless she goes home more often. Caitlin gives Ginny a tour of campus. They pass one of the fraternity houses where all the boys whistle and call out to them. Caitlin admits she's considering joining a sorority since that's the thing to do in college.

Chapter 7- Weeks pass. For the first time, Jed has failed to write. Louise and Caitlin speculate why. Louise thinks how glad she is Julian singled her out and talked her into destroying Caitlin by telling her lies, making Caitlin believe Jed's just not that into her anymore. Ginny sends Caitlin an early birthday card which makes Caitlin smile. She picks up her pen and, after several false starts, composes a long letter to Jed with subtle hints as to how busy he must be to have neglected his correspondence to her.  

Chapter 8- Caitlin runs into Hal on her way to mail her letter. Then she stops to talk to Matt Jenks, an old classmate from Highgate who has disastrous news about Jed: according to his last letter to Matt, Jed has been spending a lot of time with Eve. Jed insists they're just friends but Matt isn't so sure. Caitlin turns pale and excuses herself; sick with images of Eve humping Jed while Caitlin is powerless to stop it. The horror! The humanity!

Chapter 9- Caitlin walks blindly across the dorm lobby, failing to notice the tall, dark and handsome young man Louise told her to look out for. She wanted Caitlin to meet her new friend, Julian Stokes, and wait for her so they could all go out to eat but Caitlin is much too upset to think about food at a time like this. Her life is over. She shakes Julian's hand and begs to be excused. 
When Louise finds out Caitlin reneged, she rushes upstairs, learns the news and returns to report their triumph to Julian; just chillin' in the lobby this whole time. His plan is working! With just one look from his mesmerizing gray eyes, Louise will do anything Julian asks of her. He's that good.

Chapter 10- Next morning, Caitlin can't stand the suspense any longer. She's calling Jed, even if it is early on a Saturday morning. Jed sounds annoyed when he answers and isn't happy being interrogated about Eve by Caitlin. She's just an old friend. No big deal. Caitlin ends the conversation on a terse note then turns to Louise to declare she (and Julian) was right all along. Jed is a tool. Let's call Hal and arrange a group date.

Chapter 11- The next night, Caitlin goes out with Louise and Julian to an upscale Italian restaurant (it has a jukebox and dance floor!). While Caitlin sways in Julian's arms, she notices how familiar he looks, is he related to anyone in Rock Ridge, West Virginia? Julian gets a little defensive, his hypnotic gray eyes unnerving, denying any connection. He's sooo sexy, but for some strange reason, he's not dating anyone. Word around campus, apparently, none of the girls here are good enough for him. Caitlin's curiosity is piqued.
Next day, a letter from Jed, but it's very condescending, accusing Caitlin of backsliding to her old flaky, party girl ways. He hints maybe they should both step back, define the relationship. Caitlin is devastated.
 A few days later, Caitlin is studying at a table in the student union when Julian sits down to chat. Feigning gentle concern, he probes Caitlin who tells him everything. His advice is not to give up on Jed, not yet, but try and reconcile. Caitlin smiles in relief promising to do just that.

Chapter 12- On a Saturday morning in November, Caitlin enjoys flirting with the boys during the traditional freshman hazing of sorority pledges; cooking breakfast in their PJs for both houses. If she ever wanted to break up with Jed, she'd have no problem finding a replacement.
Jed's next letter is more chatty, no mention of Eve. Caitlin takes that as a good sign. Louise agrees and later calls Julian to make her report on the war against Caitlin.
Next day, as the cover image shows, Julian catches Caitlin as she's exiting a campus building wearing a red pea jacket, (from J.C. Penny?) white fisherman sweater and asks her to go for coffee. Unable to resist his intense personality, (is it just me or does Julian give off a Christian Grey vibe?) Caitlin finds herself saying yes, sitting across from him at a cafe table sipping their lattes, begging him to tell her more about his red room what important information he has for her. Julian sighs. He regrets to inform her that, according to Matt Jenks, Jed and Eve are officially a couple. They spent the night at a ski lodge. Together. Caitlin sits in shock while a single tear rolls down her cheek. Julian rubs his hands and chuckles in delight. 

Chapter 13- Since it's her birthday, Caitlin asks Ginny to come spend the weekend on campus for moral support, in case Jed dumps her. Ginny has problems of her own. She just broke up with her new boyfriend. Turns out he hates horses. He's a closet horse hater. 
On their way back from grabbing lunch at the student union, Caitlin and Ginny run into Louise and Julian. Caitlin is happy to introduce Ginny to her friends. Ginny can hardly take her eyes off Julian and his incredible gray eyes. She wants him. Get in line, Ginny.
In the dorm lobby, Rollins is waiting with Caitlin's birthday gift from Grandmother. It's a fur coat. Caitlin is confused. Ever since her trip to Montana (see the last book) when she accidentally shot a cute, fuzzy, defenseless little animal, Caitlin has sworn off wearing fur. Grandmother knows this. Colin Wollman is to blame!

Chapter 14- Caitlin's long-lost father, recently reunited last year, sends her a lovely pin for her birthday present. Caitlin loves it. A few days later, she finally gets a letter from Jed but the news isn't good. Not only does he neglect to mention her eighteenth birthday at all, he is cancelling his Christmas trip to Virginia that Caitlin had been counting on to reboot their relationship. Caitlin just knows Eve manipulated him into staying. Her reply is short and brusque. They are both obviously too busy to see each other and that's fine with her.
Louise has to cancel her weekend group date with Julian. She suggests Caitlin invite Ginny to take her place. Ginny must've agreed to Julian's "contract" because, to Caitlin's surprise, Ginny's given herself a complete makeover; all to impress Julian. She looks great. 
Returning from the date, Caitlin has a phone call. It's Jed! The conversation does not go well. Ginny notices Caitlin looks very pale when she rejoins them only to quickly excuse herself and run upstairs.

Chapter 15- Ginny races after her best friend, follows her into her dorm room where Caitlin breaks down and sobs on Ginny's shoulder. Jed loves Eve more than he loves her. It looks like their relationship is really over. Caitlin will most definitely not be joining them for dinner.
Julian tells Ginny they will go out to dinner anyway, to an expensive French restaurant, just the two of them. Ginny leans against a wall and gasps for breath. Over their delicious meal, Julian uses his the power of his seductive gray eyes to get Ginny to invite Caitlin to Florida over Christmas break. Once Ginny understands Julian is not trying to get in her pants, that this is a group trip and purely platonic, (yeah, right) she agrees.

Chapter 16- But Caitlin isn't too keen on going anywhere. She'd rather sit around and feel sorry for herself than indulge in a wild, MTV "spring/winter" break 1986. Yet, the minute Caitlin hangs up she does a 180, deciding she HATES Jed. The old Caitlin is back!
Louise can't believe how many dates Caitlin has been out on over the last two weeks. She tells Caitlin Julian is worried about her and is about to include herself until Caitlin announces she's got to get ready for her next date with a boy Louise has been crushing on since last year. That Caitlin!

Chapter 17- Christmas Eve at Ryan Acres. Caitlin celebrates with her grandmother and Colin Wollman who, dressed in their elegant attire, sit and watch Caitlin open her presents. Caitlin finds this a little creepy but she's too busy seething with anger over Colin's patriarchy; turning her grandmother against her.
Her father and Nicole arrive the following day for dinner and more gift exchange. The tension between Caitlin and the Wollman "siblings" is apparent. Grandmother and Father are not pleased by Caitlin's disrespectful attitude toward her elders. Her own family members assigned the task of shopping for her gifts to the Wollmans who have really bad taste. Caitlin is hurt. Nobody understands her. 
To top it all off, Jed phones but all he wants to talk about is how great it is to be spending Christmas at Eve's family ranch where they've been snuggling up in front of the fire together, drinking wine, celebrating their "friendship." 
Caitlin hangs up on him. Then she dials Ginny about that proposed Florida trip. She's in!

Chapter 18- Florida is hot and muggy as Caitlin and Ginny deplane. Julian sits brooding in the hotel lobby. Ginny spots him. Her heart sinks as she realizes he's not looking at her but the beautiful Caitlin Ryan, whom she could never compete with.
The winter break party for all the college students doesn't go any better for Ginny who prettied herself up especially for Julian. She's a wallflower while Julian steers Caitlin around the dance floor. Julian wants to ditch this hotel club party and take a secluded walk on the beach, just the two of them. Caitlin, her heart pounding in anticipation, agrees.
They sit in a double beach chair. Julian begins making out with Caitlin who responds with gusto until Julian moves his body erotically over hers and Caitlin panics. (Déjá vu, Caitlin?) In the middle of seducing her so he can destroy her, Julian is disgusted with himself. Caitlin is making him FEEL things! He might even be falling in love with her, darn it! He respects her "No, means no" and leaves.
Caitlin is confused by these feelings of arousal Julian has awakened in her. She almost had sex with him and that can't be right, because she's saving herself for Jed! Except she and Jed are over.
Maybe she should start going out with Julian.

The End
   



  

Tender Promises

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Promise Trilogy #1
Title:                           Tender Promises
Publishing Date:         1986
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, omnipotent
Chapter Count:           19
Page Count:               181

Chapter 1- As the cover image implies, Caitlin Ryan is content as a cat. She has Jed. What else matters? Now that unpleasant "Ian incident" from last summer, which kept them apart until now, is over and in the past, Jed and Caitlin can start focusing on a future. Together. In four weeks, they will be taking that Montana trip Jed promised her.
But first, Grandmother is in the process of selecting a new Ryan Mining attorney. Why Caitlin even cares about this is beyond comprehension. Caitlin is really hoping Regina Ryan won't choose Colin Wollman who, for some strange reason, gives her the creeps. (maybe he's Gordon Westlake's bastard brother)
Because this is such an unpleasant subject, Jed and Caitlin make out in the stables instead.

Chapter 2- As Caitlin drives her red sports car convertible, she reflects on having a real, honest to goodness father in her life and how old her Grandmother is getting. She meets Gordon Westlake for lunch where father and daughter discuss her idea to organize a summer daycamp/preschool program for the poor children of Ryan Mining employees in Rock Ridge. Her father loves the idea and is very proud of her. He also has no objections to her using his surname so no one will connect her with the big, bad, Ryan Mining corporation. Good thing her father isn't Sam Walton.

Chapter 3- Over breakfast next morning, Regina Ryan begrudgingly gives Caitlin permission to set up her little charity project. Caitlin leaves out her plans to use her father's name knowing it might start another feud between her father and the woman who kept his child hidden from him all these years. 
Grandmother is also happy to report that Mr. Wollman also approves of Caitlin's idea. She really likes him while Caitlin feels like she's going to throw up.
Mrs. Ryan and Caitlin play tennis the next day at the country club where Grandmother suffers a mild heat stroke, recovering in time to meet Colin Wollman for lunch to Caitlin's dismay.

Chapter 4- Jed, Emily and Emily's (new?) boyfriend Matt Jenks (continuity error! In book #1 LOVING, Caitlin introduced Emily to a boy named Terry; henceforth they were exclusive) arrive to pick Caitlin up for their first day as daycamp volunteers in the small mining community fifty miles away in West Virginia. During the entire drive, Caitlin is haunted by childhood images of her last visit to this place where people are so poor they live in old buses and shacks. The depression-era town's resemblance to District 12 from Hunger Games is almost uncanny. All the buildings are gray and stained with black coal dust. The threadbare-clothed people stare at Jed's four-wheel drive Bronco like it's something from the future. How fortune Caitlin and her friends are to be part of the 1% club!

Chapter 5- Caitlin finds her contacts, introduces herself as Miss Westlake, and is very discouraged at the conditions of the only structure the town could provide for her charity preschool/daycare. Save for one table, the room with hardwood floors is completely bare. Good thing they brought everything they might possibly need with them in Jed's 1986 Ford Bronco: TV, VCR, videocassette tapes and art supplies.
Taking a (well-deserved?) break from her duties, Caitlin sits outside in the sun recalling a vivid flashback of handing out Christmas presents with Grandmother as a little girl in her fur coat and trimmings to the surrounding poor, huddled, masses of children who wouldn't be having any Christmas if not for the generosity of her family. One boy reached out to touch her beautiful coat and Caitlin, repulsed by his unwashed appearance, screamed and threw a tantrum. As her Grandmother's limousine pulled away, Caitlin knew she'd never forget the way those cold, gray eyes, bore into her very soul. The Haves versus The Have Nots.
After dropping Emily and Matt off, Jed pulls over on the road leading to Ryan Acres so he and Caitlin can pat themselves on the back for today's noblesse oblige. One little girl, Kathy Stokes, was especially enraptured by Caitlin today, hanging on her every word in adoration. And why not? As Jed takes Caitlin in his arms for a long, passionate kiss, who could resist such a person? Jed realizes he's more in love with Caitlin than he's ever been. Nothing can ever come between them again.

Chapter 6- The next time Caitlin is taking a break from the school, outside, she overhears two wives complaining about the unsafe conditions their husbands are exposed to every day in the coal mines. Kathy Stokes' daddy is already suffering from black lung disease. But that don't mean squat-diddly to them Ryan Mining corporation people, that coldhearted Regina Ryan especially. Caitlin is appalled. She had no idea her Grandmother's business was the cause of so much suffering among the common workers. Caitlin talks to Jed. Together they will gather more evidence to make Regina Ryan aware of the conditions here. Open the gates and seize the day! (Newsies, 1992)

Chapter 7- Caitlin admires herself in the mirror, jeweled and gowned, with her hair piled on top of her head, dripping elegance, before descending to her Grandmother's party below where Jed and her father are waiting to greet her. Grandmother stops her, insisting she first come help receive guests. Two of them are Colin Wollman and his equally unpleasant sister, Nicole. Knowing the man isn't married and noting how unalike they are in appearance, Caitlin doubts they're related. She's not happy when Jed comes over to be introduced and Nicole starts making eyes at him. She's twice his age! Pulling Jed away, Catilin can't believe it when she notices her father talking intimately with Nicole. Her instincts are screaming at her not to trust those two impostors. Jed tells her she's overreacting.

Chapter 8- Jed is starting to have second thoughts about their unofficial union movement to improve conditions in the mines. Perhaps everyone was just exaggerating how bad it is, they must've known what they were signing up for; hazardous working conditions, lousy pay. The workers are just lazy and like to complain. Caitlin can't believe what she's hearing. They will talk to her grandmother the next opportunity they have. They are going to help these people and make a difference in this community, even if it kills them! Jed reluctantly gets back on board.
One afternoon, after all the other children have been picked up by their parents, little Kathy Stokes is excited to introduce Caitlin to her big brother, the best brother in the whole world who knows everything and can fix anything. Jake Stokes enters, sees Caitlin, and his gray eyes narrow in recognition. He has hated Caitlin Ryan for eleven years ever since that Christmas when she humiliated him. Knowing this is not the time or place to get his revenge, Jake calls from the doorway to his sister then turns and walks away before Caitlin has a chance to recognize him.

Chapter 9- Though it doesn't seem to make any difference, Caitlin takes the opportunity one day after school to gather all the mothers and reveal her true identity; saying nothing about her intentions to help improve conditions. The women mumble a few patronizing words, shake her hand and leave. Jed congratulates Caitlin on her success in making herself a trusted member of the community but Caitlin is still troubled. Kathy Stokes has been absent since the day her brother came to pick her up.
Because the Stokes' farm is so far out of town, and the rest of the community pretty much lets them be, Jed volunteers to drive out there and check on them. Caitlin gives Jed her favorite porcelain doll from her childhood as a special present to Kathy from her favorite teacher. She is sorry Kathy wasn't here for the last day of school. Jed is touched at Caitlin's kindness and promises to deliver the message.
The shack looks deserted when Jed pulls up. He knocks but no one answers at first until the door flies open. Jed recoils at the sight of two evil gray eyes that seem to bore into his very soul. Jake grabs the doll, smashes it and literally runs Jed off the property warning him to never come back, with a blow on the jaw to emphasize his words. Jed fights back until the sobs from Mother Stokes and Kathy stop them both. Jed climbs back into his car and as he drives away can hear Jake yelling threats of revenge on both him and Caitlin Ryan. He'll get them both if it's the last thing he ever does! What a psycho family.

Chapter 10- Their work done, the school closed until next summer when the next group of Highgate students will carry on this new tradition started by Caitlin, Jed keeps the truth of his unwelcome reception the Stokes family gave him from Caitlin, letting her believe Kathy loved the doll and continues to play with it today.
Jed is here to spend the weekend at Ryan Acres where they spring their information on Grandmother after dinner. They've just handed her the paperwork when Colin Wollman enters, unannounced, to ruin everything. He is quick to dismiss their information, insisting there's really nothing to worry about and since Regina is under his spell, she also believes him over her own granddaughter. Caitlin and Jed take their leave but Caitlin isn't giving up without a fight.

Chapter 11- In preparation for her upcoming trip to Montana, Caitlin goes on a shopping spree in the nearby town with plans to meet her father and his date for lunch. The lunch date is Nicole Wollman. (Like none of us saw that coming) Caitlin spotted both her and her "brother" on a side street, committing incest, before parking her car and entering the restaurant.
Caitlin is very quiet throughout the entire meal, picking at her food, forced to listen to her father and his new girlfriend recount the previous dates they've been on. Unable to stand it any longer, Caitlin excuses herself to the ladies room. While she's gone, Nicole reassures Gordon his daughter is only acting like any normal teenager (Caitlin is seventeen) and will come around to accepting their relationship, eventually.
In the powder room, Caitlin knows manipulation when she sees it but there's nothing she can do about it until she returns from Montana. Then, watch out!

Chapter 12- Ah, the days when airlines served REAL food to travelers. Jed and Caitlin fly first class in complete luxury eating steak and chocolate mousse just like that Seinfeld episode where Jerry enjoys all the fine gourmet food, wine, and VIP service while Elaine suffers in coach with her TV dinner. A tiny bag of peanuts is all anyone gets today. Jed and Caitlin laugh as both admit they've never flown coach in their lives. The horror! They accept their free headphones and relax back in their seats for the in-flight movie.
Caitlin is impressed to learn the Michaelses' ranch is over thirteen thousand acres. As the plane lands, Caitlin realizes she doesn't really know this young man very well. Ever since they met, Jed has never shared any of his past with Caitlin because, as everyone knows, the world has always revolved around her. Caitlin is starting to think her self-absorption may have been wrong and resolves to learn all she can during her month-long visit here about Jed and his family. She'll prove they're not so different after all.

Chapter 13- Eve Towers is tall, blonde, blue-eyed, skinny and as gorgeous as a model. She was crowned rodeo queen this year. All the boys in town are in love with her. She is Jed's ex-girlfriend. Her best friend is Jed's little sister, Melanie Michaels who reminds Eve that Jed has a new girlfriend in his life now. He wasn't interested in getting back together with her last summer because he was still pining over "that snobby, society girl" but Eve refuses to listen. She is going to steal Jed back from Caitlin Ryan and rekindle their old flame.

Chapter 14- Eve and Melanie are waiting to greet Jed, and to some extent, Caitlin, at the small municipal airport. Eve throws her arms around Jed, letting her golden mane of curls cascade over her shoulders, as she plants a big kiss right on his lips. To Caitlin's relief, Jed eases away from his ex to introduce Caitlin. They pile into the pickup truck. Eve chatters away all during the drive home to Jed's family ranch where Eve's Jeep Renegade is parked. She makes a dramatic exit, gunning the engine, gravel flying, as she drives away. Caitlin is not sorry to see her go. 
The house is as much a mansion as Caitlin's home at Ryan Acres. Rugged buildings, a stable, log cabins and other structures make up the station. Two wings adjoining the main house and lots of chimneys indicate many fireplaces in the two story home. Every room contains leather furniture, handmade rugs and expensive oil paintings. Caitlin is exhausted and wants nothing more than to take a hot bath and curl up in her robe for a nap. Melanie apologizes and cuts the tour of the house short. Jed catches up to them with Caitlin's luggage and gives her a big hug and kiss. He's very glad she's here. 

Chapter 15-  Caitlin has her bath and a short nap. After a delicious dinner, Jed's father begs Caitlin will excuse his son for the evening as they have important ranch business to discuss. Caitlin understands. She wants to retire early tonight anyway; jet lag. Jed tells her to sleep as long as she wants tomorrow morning. As Melanie walks her back to her room, she advises Caitlin to set her alarm so she can join the family for breakfast, thus making a good impression on her father. Breakfast, she tells Caitlin, is at 8 am. Caitlin thanks her and next morning is up at 7:15 precisely to shower and dress.
Meanwhile, Eve and Melanie are out riding their horses this morning. Jed is riding ahead of them, checking fence line, unaware he's being followed. Just as Eve instructed her, Melanie lied about the breakfast time which was eaten hours earlier at 5:30. Poor Caitlin. Aside from their housekeeper and servants, she'll be waking up to an empty house. Eve chortles at how easy getting rid of this tenderfoot from the East is going to be.
Caitlin is disappointed discovering Melanie lied to her. She finds her way to the stables, mounts a horse and catches up to Jed. He kisses her good morning just as Eve and Melanie come galloping up. The furious look on Eve's face makes Caitlin's day.        
The next few days are very enjoyable as Jed takes Caitlin on several outings into the wilderness, just the two of them, with picnic lunches packed by the cook. He shows her how to mend fence and shoot a gun. He wants to take her on an overnight camp out to Glacier National Park and he's throwing a big barbecue this weekend in Caitlin's honor so she can meet all his friends.

Chapter 16- As Caitlin dresses and arranges her hair for the barbecue, she's glad she took Melanie's advice not to dress "cowboy" tonight as everyone will be wearing dressy-casual. This turns out to be false, of course. Making her entrance in a silk pants suit, seeing everyone in their western shirts, jeans and cowboy hats, Caitlin is very overdressed. Jed winces, then smiles and introduces everyone to Caitlin. Two girls immediately come over and befriend Caitlin, telling her not to pay any attention to Eve, the local mean girl. They happen to love her outfit and want Caitlin to feel very welcome to Montana.
Eve comes over to talk. Jed and some of his friends join them. A friendly horse racing competition has been developing since the first day Caitlin arrived. Eve suggests the race would be more fair if Caitlin rode Jed's horse instead. Jed and Caitlin accept the challenge.

Chapter 17- Anyone who has seen The Parent Trap (the 1961 version) knows exactly what Melanie is doing the night before the big camp out, warning Caitlin to beware the seemingly harmless little forest animals that are actually very poisonous and extremely dangerous. Like the naive fool she is, Caitlin believes her.
Very early next morning, Eve and Melanie ride in the dirty, smelly, horse trailer (with the animals) just so they can roll out their sleeping bags, slut-slam Caitlin in private, and sleep through the four hour drive which just doesn't make any sense but that's how everyone chose to travel. Up in the cab of the pickup truck, Jed and Caitlin are also free to talk in private about Jed's future plans. His father wants him to stay here in Montana, study at the state university and stay on at the ranch while Jed always wanted to get his law degree back east. Caitlin is upset because she wants to continue to date Jed while they attend their preferred Ivy League colleges.
As Jed, Eve and Melanie make camp, Caitlin takes a walk, At Melanie's insistence, she brings along a rifle. Sure enough, Caitlin surprises a cute, furry little woodland marmot, one of the creatures Melanie warned her about. Caitlin takes aim and fires. Jed comes running up. He can't believe Caitlin killed a defenseless animal. Caitlin can't believe she was stupid enough to fall for Eve and Melanie's prank.

Chapter 18- That was probably the shortest camping trip on record. As Eve and Melanie plan their next move and gossip, they reveal that Jed packed everything up and they were back on the road two hours after Caitlin's shoot-out. To her credit, Caitlin has said nothing to Jed about her treatment by the girls. Next up is the state fair and the horse race in which Eve plans to sabotage Caitlin's saddle. Caitlin's vacation will be over the following day when she and Jed fly back to Virginia.
Jed kisses her and wishes her luck. Caitlin mounts the horse and joins the other riders in the starting pens. That's when she notices her saddle is slipping. As the race begins, Caitlin jumps out of the saddle, letting it fall to the ground, remounts the horse and rides the race bareback, passing Eve to win. Eve curses Caitlin as the crowd cheers.
Jed is furious when he discovers someone tampered with Caitlin's saddle. She could've been killed. Caitlin begs him to just let it go and he storms off. Melanie approaches and bursts into a tearful apology. Caitlin forgives her and they are now officially friends. Caitlin finds Eve and informs her she was on to her the whole time, but Eve better watch herself because Caitlin won't keep silent next time. (that's telling her, Caitlin)

Chapter 19- Jed and Caitlin enjoy the rest of the fair together, riding the midway and eating greasy junk food. The night before departure, Jed watches the sunset with Caitlin and gives her the bad news. He won't be returning with her to Virginia. He's made his decision to honor his father's wishes and stay here. Caitlin is upset but makes the pact with him that they will continue to stay faithful to each other. She also isn't happy about what's waiting for her upon her return, she'll have to expose Colin Wollman all by herself.
Someone else is also looking forward to Caitlin's return. His gray eyes peer at the society page clipping announcing Caitlin Ryan's acceptance to the fictional Carlton Hill University (unless she's planning to study abroad in the UK. Wonder what happened to her plans to attend Brown?) 
Reclining back in her first-class seat, Caitlin thinks about Jed and how much his love will be sustaining her this next year.

The End