~ Cherish ~
by Ambrosia



Disclaimers can be found in Chapter One.

Feedback: You wanna send me some? Ah gee, thanks! Please send your comments to
SumrBrezze@aol.com.

Extra Note: In Chapter 1 I made a boo boo by referring to Jaden's new home as having two stories. Since then it has grown, so it is now a tri-level ;-) Just thought I'd mention that. On to chapter 4…

P.S. I'm sorry that this chapter is so late. My pc went haywire and I lost some of it, so I had to rewrite. I'll be sure to copy every word to a hard disk from now on (smile)

CHAPTER FOUR


December 31, 1989

Their New Year's Eve concert completed, the members of the band along with their manager headed backstage while the high-spirited audience continued to clap and yell for an encore. Though they had already received one, they wanted another. None of the band members could explain how terrific that made them feel. They were wanted and that was such an awesome high.

Bursting into the large dressing room, J.T. sprawled in the middle of the couch placed against the wall with a huge grin plastered on his boyish face. His band mates Pirate and Diego followed, each taking a seat on either side of him while Jaden and Lucky occupied the other couch, which was separated from the guys by a coffee table.

"That was so fucking awesome!" J.T. bellowed, pushing hair out of his eyes for the hundredth time that evening. He needed a haircut. He always seemed to be in need of a haircut. Reaching into the pocket of his tight jeans, he pulled out a pair of flimsy red underwear, dangling them for his friends to see. "Some chick threw these at me!" He laughed. "I've seen it on t.v., but I've never had it happen to me. Too bad she didn't throw me her phone number."

Looking disgusted, Pirate pushed J.T.'s waving arm away from him. "Man, don't put those things near me. That's gross."

"No way. It's sexy as hell," the 25-year-old objected while he put the panties back in his pocket.

"Since when was hell considered sexy?" Lucky inquired, smiling slightly.

All eyes looked toward the door after there was a knock. Greeting them all, the owner of the club walked into the dressing room with a silver tray in his hand and a broad smile on his face. Thanks to the people in this room, he had received a lot of business tonight. He would be sure to book them for future gigs because if they kept weaving the magic they had tonight, they would surely make it big in the music industry.

"I just have to tell you guys again how great you were," the owner gushed. "The audience has never gotten that enthusiastic over a band. I do hope you'll come back. Here's a little thank you from me." Grinning, the owner placed the tray in the middle of the coffee table. Staring at the contents of that tray, J.T. was the main person salivating over them.

There were ten evenly spaced lines of a white crystalline powder and five small white tubes, which was now the only equipment needed to use the powder. "For myself I use some of the best out there and I've chosen to share it with you guys. Check this out--it's 75% pure," he smiled, obviously pleased with himself for finding a dealer who didn't skimp much on the product. After being thanked and telling them to enjoy, he left the room.

Before the door was fully closed, J.T.'s hand was headed for one of the tubes. His fingers had barely grazed one before the tray was pulled out of his reach. Frowning at the band manager, he placed his hand back on his knee. "What gives Lucky? It ain't yours. It belongs to everybody here," he argued, wanting to yank the tray from her hands, but not possessing the boldness to try.

"Act like a gentleman for once in your life and let the ladies go first." She shook her head in disappointment. "Damn, your mother didn't teach you any better?" The tray on her lap, Lucky turned to her girlfriend of two months. "Baby you wanna go first? I know you've never done this before, but hey it's New Year's Eve." Lucky grinned in spite of the younger woman's anxious expression. "Time for a celebration. You'll love it."

"It's fucking amazing," J.T. said, wanting to offer his two cents on one of his most beloved pastimes. "Jae, you've gotta try it."

Remaining wary of drugs, the college student shook her head in the negative. During the last couple of months she had witnessed Lucky, J.T. (mainly) and Diego using an array of drugs on what they called a recreational basis, yet she hadn't been tempted to join them.

"Come on Jae, just one line," J.T. persisted.

Annoyed, Pirate punched him the arm. "Man, back off. Damn!" Behind his ever-present aviator shades, he glared at the drum player, who was glaring back because of the pain Pirate's fist had inflicted. "She doesn't want any so just leave her alone."

J.T. rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, you're Mr. Clean now since you had that kid."

Pirate's hand clenched again. He really loved J.T., but often the punk just pissed him off. "My fiancée didn't have a goat, she had a baby and her name is Anna. Feel free to use it whenever you like."

"Fine. Ever since you had Anna it's like you don't know the meaning of fun no more."

"It's 'any' not 'no'. And you might find it hard to comprehend, but it's possible to have fun without the smoking, snorting, swallowing, or injecting of drugs. My daughter showed me that." Immediately after discovering that his girlfriend was six weeks pregnant, Pirate quit drugs cold turkey and also started attending meetings twice a week. As of a week ago, he had been clean for eleven months and the feeling he obtained because of it was amazing.

"Congratu-fucking-lations."

"Shut your trap before I shut it for you J.T."

The younger man snorted. "Bite me Henry."

His eyes narrowing, Pirate was about to punch the punk again when Lucky yelled for them both to shut up. "Stop acting like a couple of children." Her gray eyes trained on Pirate. "You're supposed to be the mature one, so don't you go sinking to his level." Diego, who was the poster boy for the strong silent type, let out a small snicker at his manager's statement. J.T. turned his glare on him, but Diego ignored it.

Smirking, the 27-year-old replied, "I'll be good from now on." A look at his watch telling him that it was 11:35, Pirate grabbed his bomber jacket from a nearby chair and headed toward the door. "I'm calling it a night guys. If I hurry, I can make it home to kiss Shelia before midnight. Be safe." After everyone except J.T who was still sulking wished him a good night, he walked out.

"Jaden, you sure you don't want any?" Lucky asked her, holding out a tube just in case she had changed her mind.

Not heeding the small voice inside her head, which advised her to keep saying no, Jaden slowly pulled the tube from her girlfriend's hand. She watched as the tray was placed in front of her on the table and thought about what she was going to do. A great part of Jaden realized that partaking in this activity was foolish and could be potentially harmful, but she didn't have it in her to deny Lucky any longer. She would only try it this one time. Lucky was right. It was New Year's Eve and they had just rocked the house with their short concert. They could celebrate. They should celebrate.

Since she didn't need any instructions because of her observations, Jaden leaned close to the tray. She would only do one line, although once she saw J.T. snort four within a couple of minutes. Closing her left nostril, she inserted the tip of the tube into her right. Her eyes closing, Jaden sharply inhaled as she moved the other end of the tube along a line, the powder disappearing into it as though it were a vacuum. The tube slipping from her fingers, she leaned back as the unfamiliar substance soared through her body. Barely ten seconds had passed before Jaden felt the effects from the cocaine. She had grown wings because she was flying high. Very high. And she hoped that she never had to land.

##########

Parked in front of the television, Vanessa surfed through the channels trying to find something acceptable to watch. A small frown etched her brow because it was Friday night and Craig had canceled their date to spend a night out on the town with his guy friends. Not that she minded him having a boys night out, but since they already had plans that were made Tuesday, she was a bit ticked at the last minute change.

Stopping on a movie airing on Showtime, she tossed the remote on the couch as the phone rang. Not wanting it to disturb Georgie, who was in her room doing research for houses that had recently been put on the market, Vanessa hurriedly picked up the phone. Her expression showed her delight at the voice she heard.

"Hey buttercup. How goes it?" Jaden cheerily inquired.

"Ah, it goes okay hot stuff, but I'm bored out of mind."

"Perhaps I have a cure for that."

"Oh, really? Do fill me in on this cure," the tone of Vanessa's voice had ventured into flirtatious territory. "Does it involve you and if so how many am I supposed to take per day?" She heard warm laughter from the other end of the line and smiled in response to it.

"Yes, I suppose it does involve me, but you're not allowed to consume me."

"That's a pity."

"When was the last time you and Georgie went to a pajama party?"

"Um, let's see." A thoughtful look on her face, her mind wandered back to their high school days and directly to the last pajama party they attended, which was at their friend Christy's house. Seven female seniors spent that Friday night along with most of the following day enjoying themselves and celebrating the fact that they were about to graduate before traveling their respective paths into adulthood and independence.

"About a week before our high school graduation," Vanessa answered, looking curious as to why the other woman had brought up pajama parties. "Why do you ask tall, dark and positively sexy?"

Jaden laughed again. "Careful there buttercup. Otherwise I'll have to tell your boyfriend that you're stepping out on him."

"Ah, it would probably intrigue him to know that I'm flirting with another woman." Vanessa rolled her eyes, once again thinking about how very irritated she was with her mate. "A 3-way would be right up his alley."

"So about the pajama party," Jaden swiftly changed topics. "You and Georgie are cordially invited to one. I apologize for the short notice, but the idea just struck me a couple of hours ago."

The CNA was glad that her newest friend was incapable of seeing her mouth hanging open. "A pajama party? At your place? In Malibu?"

"Yep. Thanks to your very talented best buddy that's where I now reside. My sister Heather and my friend Max are coming. I'm not biased when I say that they're a couple of great gals so I would love for them to meet you and Georgie who are another pair of great gals. Still no bias here."

"You flatter me!" She paused. "Please continue." Jaden's rich laughter sailed through the phone.

"So do you want to come?"

"Must you ask? I'm always up for that."

"You are so bad."

Giving confirmation to Jaden's statement, Vanessa devilishly grinned. "Bad, but bad in a good way right?"

"Of course."

Thinking that she should check with Georgie first before agreeing to go to the pajama party, Vanessa asked the musician to hold. Her palm covering the phone, she yelled her roommate's name loud enough for their downstairs neighbors to hear. A smidgen impatient, she yelled her name again when Georgie didn't respond within half of a second.

Running out of her bedroom, the blonde nearly collided with the wall as she emerged from the hallway wearing an anxious expression. Finding Vanessa on the couch, she hurried toward her, her eyes roaming over her friend's petite form as if expecting to find her injured in some way. "What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Vanessa calmly stated. "I just wanted to tell you that we've been invited to a pajama party."

"Pajama party?" One eyebrow lifted. "Van we're twenty-five years--"

"Jaden extended the invitation."

"When does it start?"

Vanessa smirked knowingly as she pressed a button on the base of the phone so that they could converse with Jaden at the same time. "Hot stuff when do we come? Er, I mean when does the party start?"

Jaden chuckled and Georgie had to smile at the joyous sound. She hadn't seen nor spoken with Jaden since Wednesday when their plane landed in Los Angeles. Two days had been far too long for the enamored young woman to go without a Jaden fix. A part of her had hoped that Jaden would actually show up at the restaurant today where Georgie had a lunch meeting, like she jokingly mentioned she would while they vacationed in Hawaii. During the lunch, she occasionally caught herself glancing around for the gorgeous musician.

"It starts just as soon as you two arrive. Heather and Max are already on their way over. Hey, why don't you invite Sharon? If she's not busy, maybe she would be interested in joining us."

"That's a great idea! I'll call her in a minute." Vanessa purposefully ignored her friend's rapidly shaking head. However, she did pinch Georgie back when she felt two fingers tweak her bottom.

"Hi Jae," Georgie softly spoke while she rubbed her left cheek. "Is there anything that we can bring?"

"Just yourselves and an overnight bag. I'll supply food and everything else. Oh, and do you guys own any clothing that you don't mind getting messy? If you don't it's no problem. I've got something you could wear."

Vanessa and Georgie shared a quizzical look. Would they be eating a meal that required special clothing? Perhaps bar-b-que ribs were on the menu for tonight. Georgie's stomach growled in anticipation. The chef salad she had for lunch had been gone for many hours. As for Vanessa, an hour ago she ate one of those single serving sized frozen pizzas that wouldn't satiate a one-year-old baby.

"We do, but what will we need them for?"

"Like I'm really going to tell you that now. Silly Flipper."

Georgie chuckled. "One of these days I'll learn better."

"So, I'll see you as soon as you get here then."

"Wait a second," the agent spoke quickly just in case Jaden was about to hang up. "We won't have any problems with security, will we?"

"No, I've taken care of that. You've been cleared. Anything else?"

"Nope."

"Okay. Drive safely you two. Can't wait to see you. Bye for now."

"Later hot stuff."

"Bye Jae."

Disconnecting the call, Vanessa turned toward Georgie. "Flipper? What's that about? Didn't you name the surfboard she bought you Flipper?"

"Yes, I did but while chatting one evening we discovered what our porn names would be. Mine is Flipper Birch." A broad grin on her face, Georgie stood and headed toward her bedroom.

Slowly shaking her head, the CNA watched her leave. "Dude, what kind of twisted conversations do you and Jaden have? I totally want in!"

##########

Parked in Georgie's Kia Sorento at the curb in front of Sharon's home, they listened to the radio while they waited for her to join them. A few minutes before, she had sprinted to the car with an apology because she wasn't ready. Having baby-sat her eldest brother's children, he had been late--not for the first time--picking them up, so Sharon didn't have the opportunity to pack until he arrived.

Mouthing the words to an older Madonna song, Vanessa's eyes shifted to her friend who was nervously tapping her fingers against the steering wheel as she stared at a nearby tree, which Vanessa failed to find anything fascinating about. "Georgie, what's bothering you?"

Georgie glanced in her direction. "Why would you ask me that, Van? Nothing is bothering me."

"You've been tense ever since we pulled up here. Something tells me that your sudden mood is linked with Sharon." The agent kept her mouth shut. "So? Talk to me girl."

Not requiring any further prompting, Georgie opened her mouth and sighed. "What am I supposed to say to her? How am I supposed to behave around her? I'm already tense and this night has just begun."

"I thought you and Ronnie decided to be friends after your…night of passion?"

"We had, but I was horny at the time which equals lack of brain activity. I wasn't thinking properly and I thought it would work." Her eyes narrowing, Georgie closely looked at her passenger. "Are you laughing?"

"No way dude." It was unconvincing.

"Then why did you just put your hand over your mouth?"

Dropping the hand being spoken of, Vanessa really tried to appear sober yet her betraying lips curved toward the sky. When emerald eyes narrowed again, she released a tiny chuckle. "Babe, I'm sorry. Just never heard you use the word horny before. Aroused, turned on and even inflamed, but never horny."

"Who's never horny?"

Both women were dangerously close jumping out of their skin as in unison their heads swiveled toward the passenger side window where Sharon unexpectedly stood with a backpack slung over her right shoulder and a bright and curious smile on her freshly scrubbed face. "So are you guys gonna tell me, or is it a secret?"

"Damn Ronnie, were you a cat in your last life? If you pop out of nowhere again, I'll be forced to put a bell around your neck." Having been quite startled, Vanessa pressed a palm to her chest.

The nurse shrugged with a grin. "Guess I'm just light on my feet." Her eyes strayed to the driver before returning to Vanessa. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

"Ah, it's okay. To show you there's no hard feelings, you may ride shotgun to Malibu." Unbuckling her seatbelt, Vanessa climbed into the backseat despite Georgie's softly uttered groan of disapproval.

Occupying the seat before it had the chance to lose the warmth created from her co-worker's body, Sharon started to drop her backpack on the floor between her legs when Vanessa reached out for it. Giving it to her, she asked how the younger woman was doing.

"I'm doing just fine. And yourself?"

"Good." Blue eyes once again drifted to the person sitting in the drivers' seat. Was it just her imagination or had Georgie managed to get even more beautiful than she had been the last time Sharon was in her company? Internally she admitted that after they parted at the Honolulu airport she started missing Georgie and with every minute that passed it seemed she missed her more. During the week not an hour went by when she didn't think of the gorgeous little agent and their brief time together in Hawaii. It was magical and Sharon knew that she would never forget it.

"Evening Georgie," Sharon greeted, sounding unusually shy. "Your hair looks good like that." Compliments never hurt anything.

Absently touching the French braid, Georgie softly smiled at her. "Thank you Ronnie."

Unable to stop herself, Sharon leaned toward Georgie and cupped her cheek just before brushing her lips across the pair she had been dreaming about. Although the kiss was almost over just as soon as it began, her sweetest dreams couldn't compare to it.

Observing from the backseat, Vanessa hadn't decided which of them--she or Georgie-- was more surprised by Sharon's display of affection. Well at least one of them is sprung. Now how do we get the other one in that same condition?

##########

"Hey ladies," Jaden cheerily stated as she moved to allow the three arrivals access to her home, which held a variety of aromas that were pleasantly mixing and causing her guests to practically salivate. "Heather and Max beat you by fifteen minutes." Winking, Jaden closed the door. "How are you all?" In reply, she got a 'great', 'fantastic', and 'just dandy'.

Whistling appreciatively, Vanessa glanced around the large tastefully yet cozily decorated living room. It seemed like the type of room that one would feel comfortable removing their shoes and kicking back in. "Nice pad sexy." She and Jaden flashed each other a grin.

"Thank you buttercup. If you want one I'll be happy to give you a complete tour later."

"Looking forward to it."

"Where are your sister and friend?" Georgie asked while she glanced around the room, as though expecting them to appear out of nowhere.

Pointing to her left, Jaden indicated for the small group to follow her. "Since they were begging to assist me in some way with dinner, I put them to work."

Entering the gourmet style kitchen, they spotted two women perched on barstools in front of a broad maple wood island busy at their task. Using cutting boards placed on the island's Black Galaxy countertop, Maxine finished dicing the last few slivers of a tomato while her culinary partner was stuck with chopping an onion. Occasionally, Heather had to take a short break in order to wipe at her watery eyes. She loved the taste of onions but preparing them could be a pain in the butt.

"Hey, we didn't know you all had arrived! Good evening and nice to meet you," Maxine warmly greeted as the sharp knife in her hand ceased to move. Gregarious could have been her middle name because she was the kind of woman who never met a stranger. She found it quite easy to strike up a conversation with a person whom she had never laid eyes on before.

Glad for the distraction, Heather smiled and waved. "Hello," was her small yet polite greeting. The funny thing about Jaden's older sister was that during her work hours at the dental practice she co-owned with her husband, she could talk with her patients as though they were old friends, but outside of work she tended to be shy and reserved with those she didn't know. Eventually, if they were amiable Heather warmed up to them.

Once her newest guests gave friendly responses, Jaden walked over to stand between her seated helpers, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Ladies, I'd like for you to meet my sister Heather Fletcher." She stopped chuckling when eyes identical to her own, glared up at her.

"Tommy and I have been married for close to a dozen years and it still humors you that my first and last name now rhyme?" Despite the glare she sent her younger sibling, the tone of Heather's voice let everyone in the kitchen realize that she wasn't truly upset.

Jaden shrugged, her eyes twinkling with glee. "Sorry sis." Leaning down, she kissed the cheek nearest to her lips. "You know I'm just teasing you 'cause I love you."

"Uh huh. Just wait until I get you back in my dental chair." Grinning, she indicated for Jaden to continue introductions with a tilt of her knife.

"Ooh, I'm so scared!" Jaden turned to the dark-skinned woman on her left, who was wiping her tomato juice covered fingers with a damp dishcloth. "Shortly after seeking help for my drug addiction back in '93, I met this gorgeous lady who asked to be my sponsor. That relationship soon developed into a friendship that is still mighty strong." She squeezed the shoulder underneath her hand. "She's my pal Maxine Kerry, but we call her Max for short."

"Hi Max and Heather," Georgie was the first to speak, offering each woman a smile. "I'm Georgie Franklin." Following her lead, Vanessa and Sharon introduced themselves.

Max's brown eyes leveled on Georgie as she grinned. Jaden's description had been accurate. The little blonde indeed was adorable. "So I finally get to meet the superb real estate agent that Jaden's been talking my ear off about since the first day you two met."

"Max!" The musician attempted to look calm yet failed miserably.

"What?" Her friend was the picture of innocence. "It's true, isn't it?"

Evidently, everyone deemed this turn in conversation amusing. Wanting to get away as far as she could without it seeming suspicious, Jaden walked over to the stove and lifted the lid from a cast iron skillet. Grabbing a large spoon, she began to stir the contents that she was aware didn't require any further stirring. It wasn't necessary for her to turn around to know that Georgie was looking at her because she could feel her gaze. The last thing Jaden wanted was for the agent to suspect that she talked about her frequently.

Even it was true.

##########

Five women now considered themselves officially spoiled as they relaxed in the den with saucers containing generous portions of Jaden's homemade molten chocolate cake. It was decadent and rich, and according to Max the dessert was so good that it should have been a sin for them to eat it. They had never been so happy to break a sin in their entire lives. Although the appetizer of tortilla soup, followed by large heated oval plates filled with cheese enchiladas, shredded beef tacos, Spanish rice and cheesy refried beans had quenched their appetites, they managed to save room for dessert.

"Jaden, how did you do this?" Vanessa asked as eyes glazed with food lust watched the warm chocolate oozing from the rotund cake's center.

"I'd tell you but…I don't wanna." She grinned.

"Hot stuff is that anyway to treat the woman that you're so very much in love with?"

"No offense buttercup, but I must have some secrets!" Jaden dropped her empty saucer on a tray. "However, now that I've helped you all to consume about 5,000 calories tonight…" She trailed off as her sister groaned.

"I think I can speak for everyone when I say we don't need to be reminded of how much we've eaten." Four heads nodded in agreement. Heather hoped that she would still be able to fit into that swimsuit that she purchased for she and Tom's cruise starting that coming Sunday. Shrugging, she chewed another forkful of the chocolaty cake. Just more of her for the hubby to love, right?

Chuckling, Jaden picked up where she left off. "Now I do have one secret that I want to share. It's sort of why I called this abrupt pajama party." Eyes of various colors gazed in her direction with curiosity. "I need your help…"

Seated next to her, Georgie touched her knee. "Whatever you need help with, we're here for you." The others immediately nodded. They were such an agreeable group!

"Thank you." Jaden smiled as she brushed a palm against her friend's cheek, using the sweet gesture to covertly wipe away the smudge of chocolate on a corner of her mouth. "So who wants to help me paint?" Jaden focused on Max, who was busy sucking her fork clean. Except for a few crumbs, her plate already was. "I know you have major skills Max."

A highly sought after freelance architect, Max did possess artistic abilities. Jaden discovered those abilities the first time the older woman sketched her nearly ten years ago. After all of these years, the musician still had that sketch. She hadn't decided where in the large house she would hang it. "True," Max admitted with a smile. "What will we be painting?" Her eyes grew dramatically wide. "Certainly not this entire house."

Jaden laughed as she shook her head. "Nope, the house doesn't need it but one room in particular does. It's what will be the activity room on the third floor."

"So the Mexican food was a bribe hot stuff?"

Jaden looked at the smallest woman in the room. "Well, I wouldn't use that word, but umm sort of."

Pointing her fork at the musician, Vanessa grinned. "You may bribe me anytime you like if you feed me like that." Jaden chuckled as she added, "I'm in. Don't know how good a painter I'll be, but I'm in."

"Will we be painting the walls in one color or are we allowed to get creative?" Max inquired, already forming ideas for the activity room.

"Good question." All present could see the excitement dancing within Jaden's eyes as she filled them in on her plans for the room. The activity room along with the gym was the only room on the third level and it would be a playroom for her niece and nephews, although Miles might have to wait a couple of years before he could truly appreciate it. Until he was old enough to join his older siblings, she would set up his very own play nook in the den.

Weeks ago she ordered the items that were to be delivered tomorrow afternoon. Among what she purchased were pinball machines, arcade style games such as Ms. Pac-Man and Tetris, a 42-inch plasma television to either watch television or hook their X-Box up to and any board game that they could think of. Especially for Miles she bought a little red convertible sports car that he could 'drive' around the house and honk his little horn until his heart was content. Just in case he wanted to someday follow in his mommy and daddy's footsteps by entering the medical field, Jaden bought him a 20-piece doctor's kit. It even came with a tiny white coat he could wear. A playhouse was on its way that she hoped she would be able to put together in time for his, Nate and Bell's arrival on Sunday.

Jaden realized that she would most likely be reprimanded by Heather, yet the moment she began doing research for stuff to fill up the activity room and the baby's mini playroom she had an urge to buy everything her eyes fell on. She was addicted to spoiling her Nate, Bell and Miles. Now was that such a bad thing?

Since Bell and Nate were Disney fans, their auntie thought that they would get a kick out of having a playroom with a Disney theme. Every major character would have a place on the four walls.

Raising her hand as though she were in grade school, Sharon waited until she had everyone's attention. "What if they were underwater? We could paint the walls blue to represent the ocean and then have characters like Mickey, Goofy and Winnie the Pooh in scuba gear swimming around. Little air bubbles could float above them as they explored their surroundings." She smiled, as the group seemed to fancy the idea.

"The guys could have little trunks on while the ladies wear bikinis or one piece suits," Vanessa commented, rousing a few chuckles.

"Oh and what about Belle from the animated movie Beauty and the Beast? You know in honor of Isabel's nickname."

Jaden broadly smiled at the blonde beside her. "That's great Georgie. She happens to love that movie."

Smiling, Heather said, "So true. She has a large poster of Belle and the Beast dancing together above her head and could watch that movie everyday and never grow tired of it. She would love to walk in and see a painting of Belle."

"Do we have enough paint for this project?" Max asked. She glanced at her watch. "Stores might be closed by now."

"I might have purchased enough." Since everyone was finished with their dessert, Jaden asked them to follow her. Leading them to the third level, she pushed open the soon to be gym's door. Inside rows of paint cans holding various shades were neatly lined up along with different sized paintbrushes and rollers. Walking into the room, the group inspected the merchandise.

Straightening, Max sent a grin in her friend's direction. "I definitely think we have more than enough. Looks like you were initially planning to paint the White House. When you shop girl, you put the 's' in it. Now our biggest problem is the deadline. Delivery tomorrow at 3 o'clock?"

"Right."

The architect thoughtfully chewed on her bottom lip. "How many of us can draw? Even a little bit? Say, average?" Two hands raised--Sharon's and Vanessa's. "Okay, and Jae, Georgie and Heather, can ya'll paint within the lines?" The three women assured her that they were capable.

"Ever since kindergarten," Jaden boasted.

Max laughed. "Alright. Let's get started then."

##########

It was approaching four o'clock in the morning when the messy group decided to call a halt to their enjoyable project so that they could catch a few hours of shuteye. With the six of them vigorously working, the playroom was coming along quite well. Because Jaden had three bathrooms, they were able to take their showers and slip into their pajamas within half an hour. By the time everyone gathered in the den where they had sleeping bags set up on the floor, their host had steaming cups of hot chocolate with a bowl of a mini-sized marshmallows and two cans of whipped cream waiting.

Licking away a chocolate moustache, Vanessa leaned over and gently brushed her fingers along one of Max's ebony braids, which trailed down just below her shoulders. She had been admiring the hairdo all evening. "I love your braids Max. Who does them?"

"Thank you honey. My cousin did this last week. She's in beauty school and wanted to practice on a live head."

"I'd say she was passing." Vanessa smiled as did Max.

"She is. I'm proud of her. You want me to braid your hair? I'm not as good at it as my cousin, but I'm far from shabby."

"Really?" Vanessa's eyes lit up with interest. "As you can see my hair is curly. That wouldn't be a problem?"

Max shook her head. "No, your hair isn't that curly. All I need is a comb and some rubber bands for the ends."

"I have rubber bands," Jaden offered as she began to stand. "I have the regular tan kind and a bag of multicolored rubber bands. Red, blue, yellow…which would you prefer?"

Jumping up and down on the carpet, Vanessa lightly clapped her palms together. "Ooh, ooh you know I want the multicolored bands. Them be pride colors baby!" The group chuckled as Jaden went to retrieve the rubber bands, affectionately running her fingers through Vanessa's hair as she passed by.

Swallowing a mouthful of hot chocolate, Heather addressed the CNA. "So Max and I are outnumbered?" She smiled at the younger woman. "I didn't know you were on the team as well."

"She isn't," Georgie responded before Vanessa could. "She's just very gay friendly." She winked at her best friend. "You should see her when the pride parades roll around."

Laughing, Vanessa had to put her cup down before she ended up wasting the hot beverage on herself. "I swear I get more excited than Georgie does." Tugging her duffel bag over, she found her comb and gave it to Max. When the other woman moved to sit on the couch, Vanessa scooted between her legs. Coming back a minute later, Jaden dropped the unopened bag of rubber bands into her lap. "Thanks Jae."

"You're welcome buttercup." Jaden reclaimed her position between Georgie and her sister on the floor.

"You guys want to play a game?" Vanessa asked, feeling a slight tug. Already having parted a section of Vanessa's hair, Max was now working on the first braid. "I figure since this is a slumber party, we should play a game. It's only right."

Stretched out on her stomach, Sharon replied, "What kind of game?"

"The one I have in mind is called I've Never and it's actually a drinking game, but we can substitute marshmallows."

"How do you play it?" Heather inquired, having never heard of the game. The only ones familiar with the title were Jaden and Georgie.

"One of us starts off by announcing something such as "I've never had sex in the backseat of a car" and then we take turns seeing if anyone had actually done that. If you did actually have sex with someone in the back of a car then you eat a marshmallow." Her expression thoughtful as she looked at the bowl, Vanessa amended her last statement. "Maybe eat five marshmallows since they're so small." Guessing that they would need more than what was left in the bowl, Jaden headed to the kitchen to grab more.

Sharon chuckled. "If this game is adult themed I'm not going to be eating very many marshmallows."

"You could say something like I've never cheated on a test."

Dark blue eyes rolled. "Right. That's so interesting." Sharon grinned at everyone. "I'm letting you all know in advance that I will undoubtedly be the most boring player."

"Aw, Ronnie we love you even if you are boring," Jaden teased as she arrived with two bags of marshmallows.

Still in too much awe to smirk at one of her favorite musicians, Sharon only managed a smile. "Thanks so much Jaden."

Vanessa pried one of the bags open and refilled the bowl. "Who wants to go first? Should I do it?" The other women liked that idea. "Okaaaay…let me think…"

Georgie figured this to be the perfect opening. "Careful. You don't want to do too much of that less you give yourself a migraine." Smiling at her, Vanessa lifted a finger. However, she could have just been using it to innocently scratch her chin.

"I've got one. I've never--"

"Hold on," Max interrupted as she continued braiding. "We should make this more exciting than eating marshmallows. To substitute drinking we should remove a piece of clothing if the I've never statement applies to us. And then eat five marshmallows."

Vanessa tilted her head to look up at the architect. "Dude, I like the way you think!" Everyone else either groaned or moaned, yet they ultimately consented to the new rule.

"Okay. I've never introduced food into foreplay." Before chewing on five fluffy white marshmallows, Jaden and Heather removed a sock while Max kicked off one of her slippers. None of them offered to discuss what foods they had used, when and with whom. Snickering, Vanessa asked Max to go next.

"I've never had sex in a public place." She pointed her comb around the room. "And cars don't count." Looking down at the woman between her legs, she prompted, "Vanessa? You first. Oh, and if you are guilty you can name a place that you have done it in public instead of removing something."

"Aren't you nice?" Jaden smirked.

"I've always thought myself to a be a nice gal, yes. So Van? You have anything to spill?"

"Not if you don't include cars."

"Ah, so you have done the deed in the backseat of a car."

"Yes, I was just citing that as an example earlier. That's the closest I've gotten to public sex." She turned to look toward Sharon although she already knew that the other woman was innocent. "Ronnie, what about you?"

"I've never done that."

"Same goes for me," Georgie said as her head swiveled toward the right where Jaden sat with her legs folded.

Jaden chose to look at the bowl of marshmallows, which was where her hand would be in just a few seconds. "Dressing room of a department store," the words rushed from her mouth. Before any of the curious people around her could ask questions, she shoved more than the required number of marshmallows into her mouth. Jaden figured that Heather and Max wouldn't be surprised by her response, but she couldn't bring herself to chance a look at the young woman whose opinion had come to mean so much to her. So instead, she focused on her sister. "Your turn sis."

While Heather explained that the nearest she ever came to having sex in public was in the backseat of her husband's Dodge during their fifth date, Georgie companionably wrapped her arm around Jaden's waist, giving her a bit of a squeeze. A smile lighting up her face, the brunette returned the one-armed hug. More than one of the women around them thought that Jaden and Georgie appeared to be the happiest couple in the world.

"Do you want me to say something sexual?" Sharon was supposed to come up with the next statement and although she could offer an endless amount of 'I've nevers' pertaining to the subject of sex, she didn't particularly want to.

"Nope, you may say anything that you want Ronnie," Vanessa answered as she absently played with a tiny purple rubber band.

"Alright," she paused to think. "I've never taken something that didn't belong to me."

"Oh, the old thou shalt not steal question." Max smiled.

"That's right." The nurse smiled back. "And Max why don't you start us off? Ever broke that commandment?"

"Does finding a twenty dollar bill on the ground and pocketing it count?"

"Strip."

As new and old friends chuckled, Max removed her remaining slipper and then ate the marshmallows Sharon offered her. "Van?" Selecting a green rubber band to hold the end of a braid, she started to make another part in the CNA's hair.

Guilt written across her face, Vanessa nodded. "Yep." The five sugary sponges in her palm were introduced to her mouth. Baring her left foot, she glanced toward her best friend. "Georgie and I steal all the time."

The blonde mock frowned. "Don't bring Georgie into your confession!"

"Well we do..."

Grinning, Jaden's eyes flicked between the two. "If I were to ask what you steal, could I be made an accessory after the fact?"

Vanessa shrugged. "Nothing big enough to gain a police officer's attention, so you're safe hot stuff."

"So you're petty thieves?" Sharon asked, smiling a little in wonder. She never would have guessed that her coworker and Georgie had sticky fingers. This was proving to be a very informative evening.

"When we go to places such as restaurants and fast food chains we tend to stock up on packets of sweeteners, those miniature containers of coffee cream, straws, napkins, ketchup…" She shrugged again as though it wasn't a big deal. "You know, stuff like that. Georgie when was the last time we had to buy a bottle of Heinz ketchup or French's mustard?"

"We never have."

Vanessa smiled proudly. "Exactly. We figure that these business's that rake in loads of money from hungry customers everyday will not miss some condiments and drinking instruments."

Max clucked her tongue. "You are two very bad little girls." After a short pause she continued, "However, do you think that you could hook me up with some relish? I'm running low and I think I might like to put some hotdogs on the grill this Sunday." The den occupants erupted with laughter.

##########

Standing with them at the door, Jaden tugged on one of the silky braids. "I know I've mentioned it before, but your hair is so cute Van. Kind of reminds me of Bo Derek's braids in the movie 10."

Giggling, Vanessa once again thanked her for complimenting Max's work. "This was the best slumber party ever. Thanks for inviting me."

Jaden smiled down at her. "Even if I lured you over here to help me paint a room?"

"Hey, it was for the kids." She winked. "And I had fun doing it."

The six of them had the activity room finished an hour before the deliverymen arrived. Jaden had pretended not to notice her sister's increasing frown as purchase after pricey purchase was carried into the house. Considering how much she bought, Jaden could have opened her very own toy store.

"Do I get a hug before we leave?"

"As if you really need to ask me for one." Jaden spread her arms. "C'mere." While they embraced, Georgie smiled. Her smile broadened when the musician pulled her in for a hug.

"Thank you both for coming. I enjoyed having you." Looking over Georgie's shoulder, she smiled at the woman approaching them. "And you too Ronnie. You're one heck of an I've Never player. I'm impressed that by the end of the game you'd only lost your bra." Since she didn't have socks or slippers on, Sharon had to reach underneath her nightshirt to pull off her bra when Heather said 'I've never had fantasies about a platonic friend'. In fact, everyone except Heather had to reveal more of themselves and not a single woman found it necessary to name names.

Sharon grinned as she hugged the musician. "Good thing I decided to leave it on."

By the time Jaden returned from walking the three women to Georgie's car, she found her last remaining guest sitting in a patio chair out on the deck, which contained a pool and a Jacuzzi large enough for Dumbo the elephant to relax comfortably in. Two chilled bottles of root beer in her hands, Jaden offered Max one before occupying the chair next to hers.

Twisting the metal cap from her soda, Max took a thoughtful sip of the fizzy beverage. "So…" By the way she pronounced that one word, Jaden suspected that she had an agenda. "I like your friends."

"Glad to hear it," Jaden replied, trying to keep the suspicion out of her voice.

"Georgie's a cutie."

Uh oh. She knew where this was going. "Van and Ronnie aren't going to scare anyone either…" Raising the bottle to her mouth, Jaden barely tasted the liquid rolling over her tongue as she waited for her well-meaning friend's next words.

Chuckling, Max agreed with that. "What are your intentions toward Georgie?"

"Why? Are you thinking about making a move on her? I'm not sure how that fine husband of yours would feel about it."

The African-American woman grinned. "Believe me, if I were a lesbian…"

"Max…"

"Jae…" Setting her root beer on the glass table in front of her, Max studied her. "You've been alone for too long."

"I'm not alone. I've got my friends and family. For that I'm very blessed."

"As sweet as that is, I'm talking about romantic companionship. Don't you miss having someone to love?"

"I tried that once. You know how it turned out."

"Georgie isn't Lucky Santino."

"No one is."

"Jae…"

"Max…"

"How do you feel about Georgie?"

"We're not having this conversation."

"Really? Because it sounds like we are."

"It's over."

"It's just begun."

Feeling restless, Jaden started peeling the label from her root beer. "Damn it Max. I told you years ago that I wasn't getting romantically involved with anyone ever again and I meant it." Cerulean eyes filled with tears. "You don't think I want someone that I can love? Sometimes I lay awake at night wishing that I had someone to hold on to, but since I irrevocably fucked up during my college years I can't afford to have that. From what you've told me, you used drugs as heavily as I did, but you were fortunate enough to come out of it unscathed and now you have a husband and two beautiful children. Congratulations to you Max, but I can never have that and it's all my fault. I just can't!" She stood with such force that her chair skittered across the pavement. Storming toward the flight of stairs, which would take her to the private beach, Jaden headed down them as her friend hurried after her.

Max managed to catch up with her by the time she reached the shore, collapsing into the dampened sand and not caring that the seat of her pants were now grainy and wet. Max kneeled on her left side while she wiped away the tears with a hand. Jaden's voice sounded hoarse when she apologized.

Shaking her head, Max remorsefully replied, "I'm the one who should be apologizing Jaden. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just love you so much and I wish that you would be open to the idea of sharing your life with someone." She rubbed Jaden's back through her cotton shirt. "HIV doesn't mean that you're not allowed to have someone to hold at night."

"It's better this way."

Resigned, Max nodded. "Okay."

"Max…"

"Jae…"

"I love you too."

##########

After Georgie knocked a mini Jaden answered the door within thirty seconds. Dimples deep enough to use for cups shone as the little girl smiled up at her. She greeted Georgie like they were old friends as she pulled her inside the house.

"You gotta be Georgie." When she smiled again, the blonde woman noticed that one of her front teeth was missing. "My Auntie showed me your picture. She called you pretty and she wasn't lying."

Though she smiled back, Georgie arched a curious brow. It wasn't her imagination. There was more to those words than a compliment. She could have been wrong, but wasn't eight too young to be flirting? "Well thank you Bell."

The little one looked extremely pleased. "You know my name!"

"Yes, I do. Saw your picture too and you are quite the beautiful young lady."

"Thanks. Are you single?"

Now she's picking up on me? "Um, yes." Scanning the living room, Georgie didn't see her friend anywhere.

"My Auntie's single too. Mommy says that she needs a girlfriend." Her head cocked to the side, serious blue eyes performed a quick inspection of Georgie. "Are you a lez bean?"

"Isabel!" A precocious looking naked tyke in her arms, Jaden carefully walked down the stairs and toward the duo. Rearranging the giggling child because he was trying to wriggle out of her grasp, she gave her niece an 'I'm not too happy with you right now' expression. "Bell you just can't go around asking people that."

"But you need a girlfriend. If Georgie's a lez bean she can be your girlfriend." Isabel frowned, not understanding why her aunt was upset by the question she posed to their guest. "You said she was pretty."

"Bell honey," Jaden kneeled on the floor, which was quite a feat considering Miles, "I don't need a girlfriend and Georgie and I are just friends. That's all we will ever be and we both prefer it that way."

Speak for yourself. Georgie attempted to hide her disappointment as the two continued to talk until Bell understood that it wasn't her place to play matchmaker. Since they were going to the beach soon, Jaden suggested that her niece go put on her swimsuit. The little girl offered to take her younger brother upstairs to help him into his trunks, but Jaden thought it would be better if she did that. The blond cutie was in uncooperative mode.

"Good evening Georgie," Jaden finally greeted as her niece disappeared to the second level. She grinned. "So are you a lez bean?"

Laughing, Georgie lifted a hand to stroke Miles's soft cheek. He giggled his pleasure at the attention. "I've been a proud member of the lez bean club since 1992. What about you?"

"Eighty-something." Jaden winked at her before her attention returned to the squirming bundle in her arms. "Would you like to meet my youngest nephew? Miles say hello to my friend Georgie."

The friendly tot immediately waved, his little hand rhythmically opening and closing as he grinned at the visitor. He was rewarded with another gentle stroke, except this time Georgie paid some attention to the other cheek. "Hiya Miles. How are you doing?" She cooed.

He presented Georgie with a nice view of his short blond curls as he ducked his head as though he were suddenly shy. Miles shook his head in the negative when his auntie asked him if he was too shy to speak. She turned his head so that she could see his eyes, which were nearly the exact color of her own. "Then are you intending to speak to the pretty lady?"

He waved at Georgie again. "Hi," his small voice caused the taller blonde to smile. "I fine," Miles answered her question. Because he was in his auntie's arms, Miles took advantage of the height and looked through the glass door at the ocean. "Wanna swim." His auntie had promised that they could go to the beach just as soon as her friend arrived. The pretty lady must have been the friend she had been referring to.

"Okay pal, we're gonna go swimming, but you've got to promise to keep your trunks on." At Georgie's quizzical expression Jaden explained, "Notice that Miles is naked." The toddler chose that precise moment to giggle as though he found his nudity to be quite funny. "And he's naked because he took his clothes off, which is his favorite pastime. He's a baby flasher."

Georgie chuckled as she nodded. "I know where he got that from. Does Miles know that his auntie loves to strut around naked too?"

"If he didn't before, he sure does now!" They laughed and soon Miles joined in although he had mostly tuned them out. His bright blue eyes were looking outside again toward that swaying water. He wanted to go swimming.

He giggled. Going swimming naked would be nice.

##########

Once Jaden and Georgie finished their first surf lesson since their return to California, Nate, Bell and Miles were allowed to join them in the ocean. While the hour-long session lasted, Nate and Bell babysat their brother by helping him to build a sandcastle. Actually they did most of the work while he did his best to crash into the castle's walls with his red and yellow truck. If he had to wait yet again to swim, watching wet sand fly into the air although he was told more than once to stop occupied his time.

While Nate and Bell swam around on their boogie boards, showing Georgie a thing or two as they moved through the whitewater, Jaden took Miles for a ride on her surfboard. His tiny palms slapped at the water as he laughed, never wanting her to stop. This was more fun than stripping and annoying his siblings combined.

Afterwards, everyone took a shower before they settled around the table in the kitchen for dinner, which consisted of salad (the kids weren't too keen on that), ravioli and garlic bread. Looking at the four people who surrounded her, Georgie smiled to herself. This had been a very lovely ending to a very busy day and she wished that it didn't have to end, but she had to get home because tomorrow would undoubtedly be another busy day.

"Auntie Jae?" Nate asked, licking a bit of red sauce from the corner of his mouth.

"Yeah babe?"

"Could Georgie come with us to Knott's Berry Farm Thursday?"

"I dunno." Jaden's eyes swiveled to the person in question. A smile settled on her lips. "Can she?"

Georgie truly wanted to say yes, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to. The upside to her choice of employment was that business was starting to improve because of Jaden. The downside was that she had less time for other things. I wanna go to Knott's Berry Farm. She felt like pouting.

"She would--I mean I would love to go, but my Thursday is full. I have a lot of work to do." She smiled at Nate. "But thank you for inviting sweetie."

He smiled back although he was disappointed. He really liked her. Georgie was almost as cool as his Auntie Jae. "Maybe another time then."

"Gigi," Bell began, using the nickname that she had heard her auntie referring to Georgie as, "what's your work?"

"I sell people houses. I'm a real estate agent. What do you want to be when you get older?"

"A surfer and I'm gonna be a lez bean too."

While Georgie covered her mouth to conceal a smile, Jaden had to spit her cherry tomato into a napkin because she was in danger of choking on it. Eyes large, she looked at the little girl in surprise. Thinking that her ears might have deceived her, she asked Bell to repeat what she just said.

"I'm gonna make tons of money as a surfer and be a lez bean."

"It's les-bi-an," her brother corrected as he rolled his eyes. "Say gay if you can't say lesbian right."

Based on the expression on her face, it was obvious that Bell was annoyed with him. She felt like telling him that she already had one teacher. At least she would come September when school started again. And hopefully September took an unusually long amount of time to arrive. "I'll say lez bean if I want to Nate."

Dark green eyes rolled again. "Whatever." Nate resumed eating the delicious ravioli that he had assisted his auntie in making.

"Honey what makes you think that you're going to be a lesbian?" Jaden gently questioned.

Shrugging, Bell speared a piece of ravioli on her fork. "I just know I'm gonna be is all." She grinned at the two adults. "I'm gonna be like you and Gigi. Girls are pretty."

Georgie's face had grown red with her effort not to laugh. She was on the verge of excusing herself from the table. Glancing in her direction, Jaden knowingly smirked. "Yes, girls are pretty but honey you don't have to conclude right now that you're going to be a lesbian. You're only eight so during the next few years your preferences could change. Meaning you might start to like boys."

Bell looked as though she had either eaten something extremely sour or Jaden had insulted her. "I don't think so. I'm gonna be a lez bean. Now what about you and Gigi?"

Jaden was almost afraid to ask. "What about us?"

"When are you gonna ask her to be your girlfriend?" Reaching across the table, she patted the back of her auntie's hand as she gazed thoughtfully into her eyes. "You know you're not getting any younger Auntie Jae."

Not bothering to put her napkin down first, Georgie excused herself and quickly left the kitchen. She barely made it into the living room before she doubled over in laughter.

Still seated with her niece and nephews, one of whom was trying to take his suspenders off instead of eating, Jaden smirked again. Cupping her hands around her mouth she called, "Gigi we can still hear you!"

##########

The surfing lesson schedule they had chosen was for three days a week. For about one hour each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Georgie would come over to Jaden's house to slowly learn more and more about the water sport. They missed Thursday since Jaden took her niece and nephews to Knott's Berry Farm and Georgie was occupied with her latest client L.L., whose name she had yet to reveal despite the musician's persistence in asking.

The following Sunday they picked up where they had left of last Tuesday. Afterwards, they showered ate lunch and now were in Jaden's Hummer headed toward Los Angeles because she wanted to make what she called a very important purchase there. Georgie hadn't figured out what this purchase was yet.

"J-Co?"

The brunette glanced at her, a high voltage smile on her face. "Yes Gigi?"

"A guess please? As to what you want to buy."

"Okay. I'm feeling charitable today." That smile grew impossibly brighter. "It starts with a 'p' and ends with a 'y'. Five letters."

Georgie's eyebrows jumped into her hairline as one particular word came to mind. Because she already felt quite dirty for thinking it, there was no way that she was actually going to say it. However, she couldn't immediately think of another word to replace it with. To her embarrassment, Jaden started to grin as though she had full access to her thoughts.

"Georgie," Jaden slowly shook her head. "You're a naughty girl."

The younger woman's face reddened. "You deliberately made me go there."

"How did I manage that? Enlighten me o' naughty one."

The blushing blonde smirked. "Forget it. Could I have another clue?"

"Woof woof!"

She chuckled because of Jaden's cute little bark. "A puppy!"

Jaden nodded. "Someone tell the lady what she's won!"

"That's cool." Georgie smiled, happy that the other woman was including her. "What kind of puppy are you getting?"

"I haven't decided. I'll have to gaze into their little eyes first and then hopefully I'll be able to make a decision."

##########

"Aw, Jaden come here!" Georgie's voice was filled with excitement as she waved for Jaden to come toward her. "Look at these. They are so adorable."

Kneeling on the floor so that she could be closer to them, Jaden reached into the large crate and caressed the soft fur of one of the five 7-week old Akitas sleeping inside. Reading the chart attached the crate that listed a brief amount of information on Akitas as well as the price of those particular quintuplets, the brunette shook her head. "They are adorable, but according to this," she tapped the chart, "they tend not to get along well with strangers and I don't want my guests to be bolting toward their cars in fear of getting bit in the ass." Grinning, she gave the furry baby one last pat before standing. "I kind of wanted an approachable pup. They're competent at guarding but they're friendly to those that they inherently know mean no harm. Plus, I'd be nervous having the kids around one of these little guys." She was referring to Nate, Bell and Miles. "Doesn't seem like they're crazy about children either."

Georgie looked thoughtful. "How about a Labrador Retriever? I've heard that they're quite friendly."

Sheepishly, Jaden replied, "I have much love for Labrador Retrievers but um, I was thinking a little more…exotic. Does that make me sound like a pet snob?"

Her companion laughed. "No, never!"

"I think I might know what you're looking for." Both women turned in the direction of the person speaking to them. Carl, a kind looking rotund man in his late fifties had been the owner of the pet shop for sixteen years. He prided himself on being capable of matching potential owners with the pet perfect for them. Shaking hands with the pair, he asked them to follow as he walked to a crate further back in the store. "Now these are 6-week old Alaskan Malamutes and although they generally aren't spectacular guard dogs, I think you could fall in love with their personality. Perfect for children, they are affectionate, gentle, intelligent and even humorous. With champion bloodlines they would make an excellent addition to your home. They do require an abundance of affection and attention in return otherwise their mischievous side could come out and since they have a lot of energy, daily exercise is key."

Gushing over the four puppies, two of which were sleeping, Jaden and Georgie kneeled down to greet the pair playing with a red tennis ball. The boy's coat was wolf gray while his sister's was a mixture of black and white. Noticing the ladies looking at them, the female allowed the damp tennis ball to fall from her mouth before moving toward them. Reaching up, she pressed her white paws against the side of the crate as her dark almond-shaped eyes studied Jaden and Georgie. She managed to lick the brunette's cheek before her brother tackled her from behind, wanting to continue their play.

Chuckling, Jaden didn't bother to wipe the puppy spit from her cheek. One kiss was all it took. She had fallen in love. As Georgie smiled knowingly, Jaden glanced toward the pet store's owner. "Carl, I do believe that you're in the right line of work." She grinned at the man and he winked back. "I'll take the kisser."

##########

"Who's the cutie? Yes, you're the cutie! Aren't you? Yes…you…are!"

Jaden grinned at the human and canine bonding in the passenger seat as she pulled into the parking lot belonging to Petsmart. At that moment she wished that she had a camera. As if she were trying to give her a hug, the puppy had her paws resting on Georgie's shoulders while she gazed at the woman making her feel like the prettiest canine in the world. The agent had just been the recipient of a sloppy kiss on the nose when the Hummer pulled into a space near the entrance.

"We're here girls," Jaden stated as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Exiting the car, they located a shopping cart and put the yet to be named puppy inside. Arranging her red baseball cap so that the bill was in the front, Jaden slipped on a pair of shades, which hid her eyes so efficiently that one might question if she could see. Hands wrapped around the cart's handlebars, she started to push it toward the store as Georgie at her side, studied the taller woman.

"So let me see if I have this correct. Is putting your cap on the right way and donning a pair of designer sunglasses going to keep your famous identity a secret while you shop for your new daughter here at Petsmart?"

"You'll be amazed how effective a hat and shades can be."

"I'll bet you one hundred bucks that someone here will recognize you within 15 minutes." She checked her watch noting the time. It was 3:29.

"Oh, that is such a deal." Grinning at each other they shook hands just before they walked inside. Jaden's daughter had already fallen asleep.

"Where should we go first?"

"Toys!" Jaden beamed like a child who had just found a ton of presents underneath the Christmas tree on the morning of the 25th day of December. Chuckling, Georgie allowed her friend to lead the way. She had already figured out that that puppy was going to be quite spoiled. She was in great hands but those hands would surely spoil her rotten.

They loaded up on squeaky toys, tennis balls, braided ropes, soft toss rings and more. Among Jaden's favorites was a colorful ball that bounced and jiggled when activated. She hoped that her puppy would love it just as much as she did.

Moving to the food aisles and after several minutes of deliberation Jaden and Georgie decided on Iams especially made for puppies that were destined to be large breeds. Jaden placed a twenty-pound bag of dry food, ten cans of wet food and two boxes of puppy biscuits in the cart.

"Excuse me?" A hesitant voice started from behind the shopping duo. Turning around they spotted a tall lean man who appeared to be in his early thirties wearing a faint smile. Shopping with him was a petite snow-white longhaired dog with a pink ribbon in its hair. Because of that pink ribbon, hopefully the canine was a female.

"May we help you?" Jaden pleasantly answered. Beside her Georgie inwardly smiled, just knowing that she was about to be $100 richer. She glanced at her watch again. If he had been two minutes later she would have lost.

"Aren't you Jaden Connelly from the band Beat Brigade? I loved your group," he gleefully added before the musician could answer his question. He purposefully kept his voice low enough that they wouldn't draw attention. "That's you isn't it? I would be mortified if I had the wrong person." He chuckled while trying to peer behind the dark shades, but it was a lost cause.

Smiling at him, Jaden nodded as she pulled her wallet from her back pocket and slapped a crisp hundred-dollar bill into her friend's palm. "Yes, I am though I haven't sung with them in a long time."

"I know. I was so bummed when you guys broke up. You were so much better than the original headliner they had." Grinning from ear to ear he admitted, "I think you kicked musical ass and you always had the house rocking!"

Jaden and Georgie laughed. "How many of our gigs did you attend?"

His eyes widened. "A lot! I mean I love you now, but I fell in love with your voice when you were a teenager. Before you were truly famous. Are you in contact with any of them? Excluding J.T. of course. I thought Diego was so hot."

Jaden nodded her agreement. "I saw Pirate and Diego about three years ago and I occasionally speak with Pirate on the phone and we've sent each other Christmas cards, but that's basically the extent of our friendship. What's your name?"

He seemed happy that she asked. "Oh, it's Dylan." As they shook hands his eyes strayed to her companion. He knew that face. Where had he seen her before? "And you're…"

Georgie smiled a bit as she began to gently rub the now stirring puppy's head. "I'm not a celebrity."

"Georgie Franklin!" Dylan smiled, relieved that he thought of her name and just who she was.

"How did you…?"

"You and Jaden were in the latest issue of Celeb Central," Dylan replied, feeling embarrassed for them to know that he had been reading a tabloid magazine. Ordinarily he didn't, but while he was at the grocery store the other day waiting in a long line, he spotted a picture of Jaden and a blonde woman on the cover. It intrigued him enough that he tossed the rag into his cart to buy and read when he returned home. Though it proved to be interesting reading, Dylan doubted that most of it was true. No matter how much he wanted to believe that Jaden Connelly had finally found someone to share her life with.

When the surprised women asked what the article said, he explained. "It said that after your concert tour was over that you and your possible love interest Georgie Franklin rendezvoused in Hawaii. You met in April when she became your real estate agent and the author of the story hinted that your client/agent relationship blossomed into friendship and ultimately love. There was a convincing picture of you two on the cover." He shrugged. "I'm no expert but it looked authentic to me."

Jaden touched the side of her head. She just knew that a headache was on its way to taunt her. Damn paparazzi. Did they have no shame? That's a dumb question Jaden. "What were we doing in the picture?"

"It was the after party of your last concert in Honolulu. Jaden you were sitting down next to Georgie and her hand was on your hat while you smiled at each other. Rather innocent really."

"I see." Jaden felt partially to blame for the article. If she hadn't outed her friend that evening at her concert maybe the article wouldn't have been written because she wouldn't have brought attention to Georgie by telling the concertgoers her name and where she worked. That was a dumb idea Jaden. "Just to set the record straight with you Dylan, Georgie and I are only friends. The client/agent relationship blossomed into friendship and it has and will forever stop there." Glancing toward Georgie who tried her best not to look disheartened by the resolute sounding words, Jaden smiled. "We're good friends."

It was the slender man's turn to say, "I see." Reaching out, he rubbed the musician's puppy underneath her chin and winked at her. "A newborn. She's so pretty. Is she an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky? I get the two confused."

"Alaskan Malamute. And what is your pretty girl?" Please don't say she's a he.

Dylan gave his baby an adoring smile. "My Princess is a Maltese. She's Italian but she doesn't speak the language much." The other two laughed as he pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Georgie. "I'm killing two birds with one stone with that card. Jaden if you're looking for a place to take your daughter for obedience training my partner owns a canine school. Only thing is it's here in L.A. and I'm not sure if you'll want to commute that far. However, it is my unbiased opinion that he is a terrific trainer so the distance might be worth it." Grinning, Dylan turned to Georgie. "And Georgie our home phone number is on that card and I would love you to call me when you get the chance. I want to set up a meeting with you because Oscar and I are ready to buy a house. Someone claimed that you were the best real estate agent in the world." He winked at her as she blushed in return. "So if you're interested in some new business call me?"

"Absolutely. Will I sound too enthusiastic if I say that I'll call you tomorrow? First thing in the morning?"

Laughing, Dylan shook his head. "Not at all. The sooner the greater. Okay, I've taken up enough of your shopping time. Jaden," he shook her hand once more, "it was an honor to finally meet you face to face. And Georgie," he shook hers as well, "pleasure to meet you too." Leaning toward the blonde, he whispered something in her ear, which had her blushing all over again. "Ta ta ladies." With a small wave he and his own daughter were gone.

"What did he say to you?" One eyebrow raised, Georgie silently stared at her. With a smirk, Jaden began to push the cart in the direction of the collars and leashes. She briefly wondered how the puppy would look in a collar studded with diamonds or at least cubic zirconias. "I know, I know. You're not going to tell me. Hey Georgie?"

"Yes?"

Jaden halted the cart's movement. "I apologize for us ending up in Celeb Central. It was stupid of me to tell everyone in that stadium who you were."

"Jaden I don't need an apology for that. It was sweet of you to give me some free advertising. So what if a magazine hints that we're more than just friends. It'll soon blow over. As far as I'm concerned it isn't a big deal." She chuckled. "It's kind of funny actually."

A smile on her lips, Jaden quickly hugged her. "You're such a little ray of sunshine!"

Georgie pretended to scowl. "Ease up on the little J-Co."

##########

"Jaden let me go inside," she pleaded.

"No."

"Please? I'm not sure that this is a good idea."

"Na ah. I'm doing it." There was a glint of mischief in the musician's eyes. "Now tell me what you want?" She maneuvered her large vehicle through the curving drive-thru, stopping behind the three cars that were waiting their turn to order. "Think I'll get a fish sandwich. Haven't been here in a while and that sounds good." Jaden glanced at the napping puppy in her passenger's lap. "And I'll get J.D. a cheeseburger without the bun and dressing." Until Jaden came up with a name for the Alaskan Malamute, they had decided to nickname her J.D. (Jane Doe).

"Let the spoiling begin." Georgie grinned. "Jaden you may give the McDonalds employee a heart attack if you drive up there and he or she sees you."

"What makes you think that everyone would go gaga over me? Not everyone likes me and not everyone would recognize me if we passed on the street or in a McDonalds drive-thru."

"I bet they will here…"

"I'm not betting you another hundred dollars. At this rate you'll bankrupt me. Let's have a non-monetary bet."

"Which is?"

"If the drive-thru window employee doesn't seem to recognize me, you must tell what our new friend from Petsmart whispered in your ear. However, if they do recognize me then you can have anything you want."

One of Georgie's brows arched. "What does that mean? You mean I could have a Big Mac, a 6-piece nugget and one of those hot apple pies?"

Chuckling, Jaden explained. "Think of me as your very own genie who will grant you one wish." She slowly grinned. "That is as long as your wish doesn't involve something illegal."

"Damn. And here I was going to ask you to pull off a bank heist for me." As they moved forward a few feet, she thought about the bet and since she doubted that she would lose, Georgie agreed to it. "Does my wish have an expiration date?"

"Yes. You must use it within the next year."

"Ah, so I have until June 29th 2004?"

"Yep. Now what do you want? To eat that is." Securing Georgie's order, the singer had to wait another minute or so for the Toyota in front of them to finish placing their order before she could pull up to the box with a disembodied voice asking if it could take her order. "Yes, please. I'd like a Filet-O-Fish sandwich, a Caesar salad, one cheeseburger--no dressing or bun on it."

"Just cheese and meat ma'am?"

"That's right."

"Sounds like J.D. is on the Atkins diet," Georgie amusingly commented.

Softly laughing, Jaden continued. "Also, I want the Big Mac combo with medium fries and a diet Coke. Oh, and one milk. That's all." Obtaining her total, Jaden drove toward the window.

"Is the milk for J.D. too?"

"Nope, it's for me. Milk does a body good."

Georgie's eyes raked over her friend's body. Jaden must drink a lot of milk. A gallon of it a day. "You make me feel guilty for getting fries."

"If it'll make you feel better, I'll be happy to eat a few of them."

"You'll do that for me?"

Jaden offered the smaller woman a wink. "Anything for you."

##########

During the short ride from McDonalds to Jaden's house, Georgie hummed the theme song from the 60's television show I Dream of Jeannie. She won their second bet of the day. The woman at the drive-thru window had accidentally dropped Jaden's change on the ground because had been paying more attention to her face than her outstretched hand. Apologizing, she found it necessary to run outside and gather the change from the ground although Jaden informed her that she could open her door and get it.

"Do you have a pink sheer costume you could put on until I make my wish? Also how would you feel about calling me master?" She teased as she carried J.D. into the beach house while Jaden had their bag of food and drinks. "Though that doesn't sound feminine enough." Georgie glanced over her shoulder at Jaden as they walked into the den. "How about you refer to me as your mistress instead?" Taking a seat on the couch, she held the dozing puppy to her bosom.

The brunette snorted. "Don't hold your breath Gigi." Excusing herself, Jaden hurried to the Hummer to retrieve J.D.'s belongings. Deciding to go through the bags and find a place for everything later, she rifled through them until she found a shallow pink dish. Getting a steak knife from the kitchen, she rejoined her daughter and friend in the den. As she cut J.D.'s bunless burger into bite-sized pieces she asked Georgie if she would be interested in spending the night since it was almost dark out. Although to be honest if it were 2:00 in the afternoon Jaden would be delighted for Georgie to sleep over.

"I'm supposed to meet L.L. at eleven in the morning--she's narrowed it down to two houses and I think she might choose one of them tomorrow. So I can probably leave here by 8:30 and make it on time. Go home, take a quick shower and change into a suit." Nodding, Georgie bit the end of a fry that was still warm. "Yes, I'd like to spend the night." She smiled, already wondering about the sleeping arrangements.

"You should leave some of your clothes here. That way if you decide to stay over you won't have to go back to your apartment for fresh clothing." Geez Jaden, why don't you just give her a key and ask her to move in with you?

The agent chuckled. "Next time I come to visit you I'll bring a suitcase." Biting into her Big Mac, Georgie thought that she should call Vanessa.

Wanting to check her landline for messages, Jaden first gave J.D. her dish of diced cheeseburger on the carpet before she left the room. There were four messages on her answering machine. Pressing the play button she listened.

"Hey Jaden, it's me Mack. Hope everything is going well and you're enjoying your retirement! The reason I called was because we're going to start recording our first album on Wednesday at the studio. If you wanted to drop by, we'll be there at 9 a.m. Again Jaden thank you for all that you've done for us. You're proof that there are angels on earth. Take care and I'll talk at you later."

The musician tenderly smiled. "Such a sweetheart."

"Jae this is Mom. I was watching one of those entertainment shows and guess who they were discussing? Yes, you! And your love life…which I thought you had decided not to have. Is there really something going on between you and your real estate agent or is the speculation just that? I must say that she is a pretty girl. No need to call me back because we can discuss it tomorrow over lunch. Unless you have other plans I'll pick you up at noon. I love you."

Jaden managed to groan and smile at the same time. She would look forward to lunch tomorrow with her mother if they weren't going to discuss the media's sudden interest in a love life that didn't exist. Sipping her small carton of 1% milk, she listened to the next message.

"Hi Auntie Jae." That voice belonged to Isabel. "Is it true that you and Gigi are girlfriends now, cause last week you said you were only friends? So is she gonna be my Auntie-in-law?" She sounded very excited by this. "I wanna be the flower girl at your sera…ah sera moan…your wedding! I love you Auntie Jae. Call me. Bye bye."

Jaden had to chuckle as she slowly shook her head. "Note to self. Remind Heather and Tom to monitor her phone privileges."

"Jae it's me," a male voice started, sounding urgent. "Call me as soon as you get this message. We need to talk."

She groaned again. Picking up the phone she dialed a familiar number while suspecting what they needed to talk about involved the rumors circulating about she and Georgie. The phone was answered before the first ring completed. She imagined him sitting behind his desk, one hand hovering over the phone's receiver while the other nervously twirled that sterling silver rolling pen, which he loved so much because it had been an anniversary present from his wife of sixteen years. "Hey me. It's Jaden. What's up?"

"Are you trying to give me a coronary?"

"Not lately."

"Ha! You're asking me what's up? What's up with you and Georgina Anne Franklin? Isn't she your real estate agent?"

"Georgie please," Jaden corrected, cool as a cucumber. "And she used to be my real estate agent. I bought the house, escrow closed and I'm all moved in. Well nearly moved in. I have a touch more decorating to do."

"Thanks for the update Martha Stewart."

"Insults aren't called for."

"Jaden are you romantically linked to her?"

She was about to answer with a resounding no when the words, "What does it matter?" spilled out of her mouth. Sitting on the arm of the couch, she waited for her agent's reply. She could hear him gulping through the phone. He was probably on his second bottle of Maalox.

"It doesn't to me, but you're the one who claimed that she wouldn't become romantically involved with anyone at anytime ever again. Remember that? You stated it in your book and in numerous interviews early on in your career. You see that's why people are so interested in your relationship with Georgie Franklin because up until now you've seemingly been living like a nun. They think that abstinent Jaden Connelly might be trying to have a personal life and that's juicy. The public wants to know."

Jaden sighed, knowing that she would have to pop a couple of Advil after this call ended. "Stu, there isn't anything for the public to know. No matter what they say, no matter what pictures they print of us, we are nonsexual friends. The closest we've come to having a romantic relationship is hugging each other." She chose not to comment on their sleeping arrangements in Hawaii. "Besides even if we were involved, it's no one's business but ours."

"That's true, but Jaden…"

"What? What do you want me to do? Make a public statement? Ladies and gentlemen I've come here today to squash these bogus rumors. I'm still not getting any." Hearing Stuart Sullivan laugh, a hint of a smile appeared on the musician's face. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"They keep hounding you and claiming that Georgie Franklin might be your life partner."

"We can handle that. Eventually they'll move on to something else when they realize there really isn't anything juicy going on with me. My dinner is getting cold."

Her agent laughed again. "That's so subtle. Are you going to the studio on Wednesday? The kids are putting their record together." Since Jaden had insisted that they were talented, Stuart believed her and took the members of Harmony under his wing. Liking to take chances on new talent, he was enthused at becoming their agent. He considered Jaden his best risk ever and loved her as though she were one of his own, although there was only a ten-year difference in their ages.

"Mack called me about that. I'll most certainly be there."

"Okay, see you Wednesday then. Until then have a good one."

"You too Stu. And promise me you won't overdose on Maalox." Grinning, she stood up and stretched.

"Ha!"

##########

Placing the puppy in her very own bed with a fleece interior that would provide warmth and comfort through the night, Jaden slipped into the king-sized human bed with Georgie. Dressed in their pajamas, not too long ago they had finished watching a DVD while reclining on Jaden's bed and somehow it was resolved without words that Georgie would just stay there until Mr. Sun made his next appearance.

Turning out the light, the two faced each other. Each wanted to get closer, but neither dared to make the first move. "Jae?"

"Yes?" The brunette softly answered.

"What are you going to name the puppy?"

"I don't know yet," Jaden thoughtfully replied. "You have any suggestions?" Before her friend could answer, Jaden heard a tiny moan of protest. Turning over, she switched on the lamp and looked down at the adorable furry face gazing longingly into her face. Her paws anchored against the adult bed's mattress, J.D. cried again. Evidently, she was lonely on the floor all by herself. "Aw, you wanna be up here with us honey?" As though responding to Jaden's question, she released a cry pitiful enough to melt the coldest person's heart.

Peering over Jaden's shoulder, Georgie softly smiled at the baby. Catching her eye, J.D. whimpered again before she lost her balance on the bed. "Put her between us J-Co. I don't think she wants to be down there if no one else is."

Carefully picking up the Alaskan malamute, Jaden placed her between she and Georgie, covering her with the sheet. Requiring more contact, she crawled closer to Jaden since she seemed to be generating the most heat. Nuzzling her new mommy's side, J.D. quickly fell to sleep as the two women on either side of her observed with smiles on their faces.

"Is this not the perfect American family or what?"

Georgie's quiet chuckle was her reply.


Continued in Chapter 5




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