Ten days later, Tina took Kurt into the back office, and sat him down on the sofa. Bringing up a screen on her laptop, she turned it to Kurt, her eyes enormous. 

The headlines read FRAUD HEARINGS START. Kurt skipped the article and his eyes zoomed right to the grainy photo of a bunch of people heading into a building, all dressed in suits. And amongst them, there was Blaine. 

His beard and glasses were gone, his hair trimmed short, and looking every inch the son of an investment banker. He was even smiling slightly in the picture, turned to look at the tall man walking beside him. 

And Tina was there to hug Kurt tight as he crumbled, a mess of emotions crashing over him. Relief warred with hurt and anger. 

-----

Kurt still checked for news on the hearing in the news every night on the web, hunting hard for any mention or picture of Blaine. He reviewed them critically, trying to figure out who Blaine really was. 

Since hed left, there had been only one email from Blaine to Kurt:

Kurt,

You have probably seen that the hearing has started, and it could go on for months. Im so sorry I couldnt talk to you about it, but the lawyers swore me to secrecy. 

The days are long here, sitting in the hearings, meetings with the lawyers, supporting my family. The stress of everything has taken its toll on my father, and Im very afraid for his health. Im trying to ease things off him as much as I can. 

Please know that you are often in my thoughts, and I hope I havent destroyed everything we had. 

I want to be there soon, to explain everything, and I can only hope you will understand. 

With all my heart,
Blaine

Kurt had replied, asking for more information, but there had been no reply. This vague email was almost as bad as getting nothing. If he was always in Blaines thoughts, why wasnt Blaine sharing this with Kurt? Letting Kurt be there for him? Why couldnt he just keep in contact better?

It was so frustrating. Kurt just had to push all of it to the side, and get on with his life.

----

Taking the pop can out of Kurt's hand, Tina set it on the coffee table. “Kurt, lean back and just talk to me, OK?” She tugged on his shoulder until he relented, and stretched out on the sofa, resting his head in her lap. 

Kurt closed his eyes. “I'm sorry, Tina. I know I haven't been pulling my weight at the store lately. I'll try to get more to my normal self.” 

Brushing her fingers through his hair, Tina shook her head. “I'm not worried about the store, Kurt, but I am worried about you.”

Opening up his stormy blue-grey eyes, Kurt searched Tina's dark, concerned gaze, and sighed. “I am just so confused, Tina. Lost.”

“So, Blaine hasn't contacted you since that email?

Kurt shook his head. “No, nothing.” And it was so frustrating. Why had he left? What was he doing now? So many unanswered questions. 

“Don't tell me you are actually considering that bullshit that Hunter was spreading? He's like Iago, planting bad ideas in your head.” Tina tapped on his temple.

Kurt chewed on his bottom lip lightly. “Ah, well…. No.” His tone was not too convincing. “Blaine says he was sworn to secrecy by the lawyers, and that he'll explain everything soon. But what can he say that will change anything?” 

Playing with Kurt's hair, Tina was quiet for a minute, thinking. “Are you saying you wouldn't take him back if he showed up? That you don't care about him anymore?” 

“Seeing him all cleaned up, back in a suit, and with his family in those news stories… it all just shows he has gone back to that world. It's where he belongs, Tina. And I don't fit in there.” Kurt closed his eyes, trying not to tear up.

Tina shook her head. "I saw the way he was looking at you when he sang Beautiful Stranger, Kurt. He really cares about you."

Scoffing, Kurt blinked up at Tina. "Its hopeless. Time to move on. My fling with the rich guy is over. Hes done slumming now, and hes back to his regular life."

Laying down on the sofa alongside Kurt, Tina wrapped her arms tight around him. He tucked his face against her shoulder, and hugged her back just as tightly. It hurt so much, but it was hopeless to continue to hold his breath for some unrealistic future with Blaine. He needed to face up to reality. He would just be hurt again later if he didn't.

---

After that, the store did better than ever. Seeking distraction, Kurt was throwing all his energy into it, working long hours. He scrubbed, painted, rearranged, giving it a fresh, updated look. He hunted for furniture options and ended up finding some stools at a good price. They stacked well in the back room, easy to pull out for extra seating on music nights. 

Remembering Blaines suggestions, he discussed them with Tina and Mandy. Mandy was eager to work on the social media profile for the store, and Tina was experimenting with toast and other menu options. Kurt worked on the liquor license and pricing for it.

Within a few weeks, they were looking at hiring more staff to help handle the increased business. Kurt was going on small road trips to buy lots from estate sales and closing stores, to ensure they had enough stock of books on hand. 

Even though he was pleased at the results of his work, Kurt would still lie awake most nights, physically tired, but still thinking about Blaine. 

And even though he wasnt admitting to anyone, Kurt missed him. 

--- 

FRAUDSTERS FEMME FATALE...
Charles Parker charged...
SEX SCANDAL...
Swiss Bank Accounts...

Kurt read over the news article, shocked at the revelations. Keith Andersons partner had confessed to being behind everything, with input from a senior staffer Tanis Penford and a handful of others. He and Tanis were secretly involved for the last six years, and the criminal activity started five years ago. Moving funds from inactive accounts, faking documents, embezzling to Swiss bank accounts. 

When the SEC was closing in, Charles had cut a deal with them. He was still on the hook and would serve time, but a lesser sentence for testifying. Five other people were convicted. The Andersons were cleared of all charges. 

Kurt breathed a sigh of relief. Blaine was free, clear, now. So was his father. 

But what would the future hold? Charles Parker was serving time, Keith Andersons health was poor from the stress of everything. Was Blaine going to have to step up in a leadership position in the company? Would he have to stay in Chicago?

---

It was another long month of little news. The newspaper and websites had lost interest now that the investigation was resolved. 

Kurt was taking a break in his office, sipping a latte when Tina entered, carrying a beautiful vase of red roses. 

"Are those from Lucas, Tina? They are lovely." Kurt got up, and pushed his face into the blooms to inhale their light scent. 

Tina smirked. "No, they are for you." She pointed to the envelope with his name on it. 

Kurts brow dipped as he grabbed the envelope and opened it. Instead of a tiny card like arrangements usually had, this was a full size envelope, with a card and papers inside. Kurts hands shook as he looked it over. 

Tina watched with unhidden curiosity. 

"Its from Blaine," Kurt glanced up at Tina, his expression confused. "Hes in San Francisco and he wants me to meet him to talk." He waved a piece of paper, giving a half-laugh. "This is a map to the location!"

Kurt sunk down on the sofa, still clutching all the paper. Tina pulled them away and put it all on the coffee table, taking his hands in hers. 

"So, will you do it? Meet with him?" Tina asked softly. 

Kurt but his lip, trying to control his emotions. Hearing from Blaine like this, after so long, it was overwhelming. 

Who would he be meeting? Blaine, the rich businessman who is stepping in to run a nation-wide investment firm? Or Blaine, the grocery-bagger, the busker? 

Kurt looked over at the flowers. They sent a message. They were a romantic gesture. Blaine wouldnt have sent flowers if he just wanted to meet as friends. 

How did Kurt even feel about Blaine after all this time? They hadnt even called each other boyfriends back then, had never confessed their feelings. And Kurt had been so quick to doubt everything, after a few comments from Hunter. If he truly loved Blaine, could he have doubted him like that?

"Tina, Im so confused about everything. I dont know what to do." Kurt leaned his head against her shoulder, and she hugged him tight. 

Letting out a big sigh, Tina pulled back. "Kurt, I dont want you getting hurt again, but I think you have to go. Hear what he has to say. For the sake of closure, if not anything else. Can you imagine how youd be kicking yourself if you didnt go, didnt find out what his explanations are? Youd die of curiosity. Or I will, at least." 

Kurt gave a half-hearted laugh, and picked up the papers. "Ok, Ill go to save you from that fate." 

----
Disclaimer: I own nothing.

A/N:  Thanks for sticking with this story so long!  I love all the support.  :D  4 more chapters to go.