Buffy plopped down on her iron bed wrapped in black Egyptian cotton covers. Her limbs were spread as the BlackBerry in her hand rang. She glanced at the screen where the name "Boss" was flashing, before pressing the phone against her ear, and accepting the call.
"Wow. My bones haven't even settled in yet."
Kennedy's tiny voice came on the line. "I'm sorry?"
"You know, when you're in bed and your boss calls you while you're at that crucial part of twisting and rolling to find that spot where you can melt to sleep.."
That made Kennedy laughed. "You make sleep sound like a chore."
Buffy grunts and gets up.
"Not sleeping well?"
"Not since you called me."
"Ha-Ha. Do you want the gig or not?"
"Hit me."
"Garden variety kind. Famous band flying in to San Fran airport needs escort. I could give this to a newbie, but I know you don't have a life, so.."
"I'm pretty sure I should be offended.." Buffy got her eyes closed.
"Don't be. You're not the first and last girl to throw herself at work after a break up. I started this company after Willow, remember?"
"And now you're filthy rich. Girls are falling all over themselves to be near you."
"Except one."
"Aw. You said your break-up was the best thing that happened to you."
"It was."
Buffy was feeling like the conversation was heading in her direction. She tried to nip it in the bud. "So when and where, boss."
"Don't you ever miss Faith? You never talk about her. Not counting the incident in the restaurant.. I just don't think it's healthy." Kennedy was talking fast, she can feel Buffy closing up and activating her emotional force shield, right next to the proverbial wall she built.
"O-kay. We're really having this conversation."
Too slow. Shield and wall are activated. Buffy didn't allow herself to be seen as weak by anyone, not anymore. She closed herself up, avoiding any kind of connection, and threw herself at work. At her rate, she'll be wealthier than Kennedy.
Kennedy sighed, "You know, one of these days, you'll wanna open up and you'll find nobody will listen but not deliberately, it's because you're so far down, wallowing in your pain that no one can reach you. How do you think the old Faith or the new Faith, Simone, got started?" Kennedy paused for a breath. "The power that runs through our veins can be used for good or evil. Power is power, period. It doesn't come with its own package instructions. Nor does it come with its own morality. It's all up to us, Slayers. And we, well, a majority of us choose..."
Buffy sighed. "Of course - I miss her... Not even a question."
"To wield it for good..." Kennedy was so surprised. She has made a breakthrough. Now what. Silence on both sides.
Kennedy started again, "I'm glad you shared that feeling with me. Goes to show you haven't gone to the dark side... I appreciate it, Buff."
"I'll take that sentiment and raise you time and place, boss."
"Good enough." And walls and shields are back on, Kennedy thought. At least there's some progress. Baby steps. "San Francisco airport. Lunch time. Rendezvous with Vi an hour before. She'll take you to the private hangar."
Buffy hung up, not really wanting to get up from the soft bed. It's around 8 AM now, I got four more hours. Great. Just enough time to shower and eat. At the rate I'm going, I'll be wealthier than Kennedy. But I can't allow myself to stop. Must keep moving.
She laid back down and rolled over to her side. So sick of people asking how I'm doing, or how I'm feeling. I broke up with the first woman I ever loved, gee, how do you think I'm doing? Especially during the first few days. That was the worst. Either everybody was patting her softly, or giving her free desserts, or doing that stance where they feel sorry for you without saying a damn word. Why can't they just talk about her behind her back, politely ignore her and avoid being around her like other workers in offices or something?
Tsk. Did I love her? What kind of question is that- did I love her? Buffy rolled to the other side. She wouldn't believe me if I said, no.
At 10:30 AM, Buffy pulled over at the airport in her black 1965 Shelby Cobra with white stripes. Vi was there to greet her.
"Buffy. Glad you can make it. Really early too." Vi greeted behind her tinted glasses, glancing at her wristwatch, smiling.
Buffy took off her shades, and smiled back, remaining seated. "Hey Vi. What's the down low? Some big shot band from where is it again? I missed that part."
Vi hesitated. "England." She proceeded to board shotgun in Buffy's car.
"Ooh. British. A bunch of guys that talk like Spike. I am kinda missing him."
Vi opened her mouth to speak but changed her mind. "We should go. Have you eaten?"
"Yes. Breakfast."
Buffy backed up her car and drove off. They reached the hangar and started preparing. Vi handed her a communication link that Buffy placed in her ear, which connected to a portable mic on her wrist. She was wearing a long sleeved shirt topped with a black coat.
"Can you hear me?" Vi tested the comm links.
Buffy gave her the okay sign.
The private jet plane landed at around 1 PM.
Buffy glanced at Vi who merely nodded in her direction. They're an hour late. Although fairly common for rock bands, it's still irritating.
Six people stepped down from the aircraft, four men and two women.
Buffy approached them. "Welcome to San Francisco. We are at a private hangar and I will be the head of your security. We will escort you, protect you and save you, if the need arises, at all times. My name is Buffy."
A snotty blond girl stepped out of the crowd, of the same height and built as Buffy's. She looked her up and down, scoffing. She spoke in thick British accent. "You're the infamous Buffy, yeah?"
"Pleasure is all mine." Buffy smiled.
"Never said it was a pleasure." The girl snorted. The rest of the gang gave a soft laugh, their shoulders shaking.
Buffy was bewildered, thinking, What is her deal? She turned to Vi who only raised an eyebrow.
Buffy cleared her throat. "I apologize if I have offended you in any way. Our agency is comprised only of hand-picked professionals."
The blond girl chuckled, turning to her companions.
"I didn't catch your name." Buffy was trying to hide her annoyance, and failing. I've had zero sleep and now this. Icing on the fucking cake.
"Kennedy." A husky voice came from behind. "Tsk, tsk that's not the way you talk to Slayer Mom, babe."
"She's no Slayer Mum of mine."
Buffy froze. Her heart skipped a beat at the familiar low register. Turning around, she was welcomed by a smiling Faith in shorter locks. Her mind was racing, not too far from her heart. The hell is she doing here? And did she just call that girl, babe?
"Hey, B. You missed me?" Faith's dimpled smile was nonchalant. She walked up to a surprised Buffy who remained stiff, and gave her a big hug. Buffy soaked in all of Faith, her smell, the soft curls of her hair, and the tight grip of her hug brought back so many memories. She made sure she didn't look like she was enjoying it. But God did she miss the Boston Slayer.
Faith let go of Buffy, still smiling like old times. "I missed you, B." Faith winked. "You've met the rest of our band. I'm the vocalist."
Ann Marie appeared at Faith's side, and lovingly wrapped an arm around the brunette's waist. "This is Ann Marie, my girlfriend of two years."
Buffy's jaw dropped on the floor. Seven months passed since they broke up. They were together for five months, which means Faith and Ann Marie have been together long before and during the time they were dating.
"Whoah. Whose car is that?" Faith stepped away from Ann Marie, walking up to the Shelby Cobra, running her hand on its smooth waxed body. "I've always had a soft spot for Shelby Cobras. And black too."
Vi stepped forward. "It's Buffy's."
Buffy was staring blankly at the ground. She looked up at Vi, then Faith. "It's, uh, part of my collection."
Faith nodded in approval. "You got the idea from me, didn't you?" Faith pointed at Buffy, grinning, dimples and all. The nail in the coffin, and Buffy's in it drowning in proverbial water. "Remember, I told you how much I love classic cars when we were going out? Remember?"
Once again, Buffy was speechless.
"Yes I knew." Ann Marie crossed her arms as Buffy turned to her. "I knew she had a thing with you. And now it's over and she's back with me. Faith is not like other girls. She needs a longer leash. But she always comes back to me, no matter what, always."
Faith was looking smug at Buffy with crossed arms. You think you can hurt me, B. Not more than I can hurt you. You got no idea.
Buffy swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. She had to leave the place before her eyes gave away. "And more power to you guys. Your are two of a kind that truly belong together like wooden stake and vampire heart."
Vi stifled a chuckle. Faith pursed her lips. Ann Marie was pissed as she stepped closer to Buffy.
Buffy stood her ground. "Like garbage and trash can.. Like.."
Vi had to take control before things got out of hand. "NOW that all pleasantries are in order, please follow me. We have your limos out at the back. You will be driven straight to your hotel."
Buffy and Vi drove together in the Shelby Cobra and the limos followed behind. Buffy lead Faith and Ann Marie to their room. There was no way in hell Buffy would back down now. She survived the apocalypse four times, or was it five, and she was sure as hell gonna survive this.
"Should we tip you or something?" Faith had her arms around Ann Marie.
"That won't be necessary. It's all been paid for by the recording company."
Faith turned to Ann Marie. "You go ahead inside. I gotta go see Beats. We're working on something."
Ann Marie obeyed and gave Faith a big kiss, eyeing Buffy suspiciously.
Buffy turned around and left.
"I love your car." Faith shouted as she strode to keep up with Buffy.
Buffy ignored her, stopping at the elevator, waiting with her arms crossed.
"Cold shoulder. Classic Buffy." Faith chortled, leaning on the wall. "Any chance you could give me a ride? There's somewhere I really gotta go. I'll pay."
Buffy turned to Faith, her eyes red with a pained expression. She started sprinting toward the stairs, wiping her eyes. The Boston Slayer, although dumbstruck, was hot on her tail.
"Buffy!" Faith was panting as she followed Buffy swiftly moving down the stairs. "You seriously gonna sprint all the way down the stairs? Can't you just cold shoulder me while standing still like a normal ex? Why you gotta do it running?"
She reached for her arm. Buffy turned around, only this time, the red eyes were gone. There was only indifference on her face.
Now what, Faith thought. This is as far as her plan goes. Not even part of it really.
Buffy lifted her brows. "Yes? Anything else you need help with?"
"Ann Marie and I..." Faith paused and started again. "When... When you and I... It's like this.. It's just, I tried to break up with her, but she wouldn't let me go. It's not like I didn't try. I mean, what's a girl to do? She begged me to stay. I'm not a heart breaker. Not my style." Faith didn't realize it but she was talking fast. She reprimanded herself mentally for losing her cool and blurting out. Seeing Buffy again looking just like she did the day they parted, still beautiful but now with an air of sorrow and anguish. She'd make a great rock star. Shit. Focus Faith. Pete's sake.
Buffy merely nodded. "Okay."
Not really the type of reply Faith was expecting. She pushes through. "I guess, I just wanted to apologize for any inconvenience I might have caused you."
"Okay." Buffy looked at her with such resignation, then quickly descended the stairs, disappearing from view. This time, Faith didn't make any move to follow. She shouted after her, "Still got that Slayer stamina, I see."
Nice move, Faith. Really fucking smooth. Faith put her fist through the wall several times.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Buffy called Kennedy while out patrolling.
"Calm down." Kennedy winced from the other line. "Yes, I knew Faith was gonna be there. But she wasn't just Faith. She was a client, and she asked to remain anonymous. I did drop some hints, didn't I?"
Buffy exhaled loudly. "You know what. Whatever. I'm over it." Buffy grunted before hanging up. She was really worked up. She killed the vamps and zompires with such fury.
"That two-timing bitch." Buffy pinned a vamp to the ground. "I can't believe I ever loved her."
The vamp clasping his hands together, pleaded to the Slayer. "Please don't stake me."
"You know what she did?"
The vampire shook his head.
"She fucking stomped on my heart." Buffy made to stake the beast but stopped short, an inch above his chest. The vamp sighed in relief. "Ah-and then put it on display. As if she hasn't hurt me enough. She had to mock everything we had."
Buffy slammed her fist on the vamp's chest, then lifted him up by his collar. "I gave her my heart, my house, my time. My everything. She pretty much pissed on all that."
The vamp propped himself up a little after Buffy threw him back down. "Look lady. Clearly your ex is a big jerk. But did you ever try and take a step back? Perhaps you're looking at it too closely. You're being nearsighted and can't see the REAL picture..?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you said she broke you heart-"
"Stomped."
"Right, stomped on your heart. And then, mocked everything you had, or something?"
Buffy nodded and got off the vamp, slumping on the ground beside him.
"Why go to all that trouble? I mean, why put so much effort, right?"
"Holy shit." Buffy's green eyes widened as if having a eureka moment. "So what are you getting at?" Her brows furrowed.
"Well, effort always means something. If you were over someone, why go to all that trouble?"
"You're saying she still loves me?"
"It's a big possibility."
"I don't know. I mean, even if she did, she really hurt me, you know."
"You gotta be honest with your self, especially if you still love her. In order for the hurting to stop and the healing to start."
"I wish it were that easy." Buffy wiped her eyes. "I wish there was a switch that I could turn off, and boom I'm over her."
"There, there." The vamp gave Buffy a pat in the back, just as it turned to dust.
"What the hell?" Buffy started coughing from the dust enveloping her. "Kennedy? I was talking to that guy."
"You mean, you let him touch you?" Kennedy helped her up. "I thought he was gonna attack you."
"What are you doing here anyway? Thought you were in LA?"
"I flew here to see you and personally apologize. You sounded really upset." Kennedy was worried she might quit. Buffy was her best agent, obviously. She rolled in the big bucks. Female clients ask for her all the time. They love Buffy. She was beautiful and presentable, she was unquestioning, kept her distance and of course she had the strength of ten men. Male clients love her because she was pretty and didn't talk. Both clients have asked if Buffy was seeing anyone, or what her type was. But Kennedy has always known, Buffy likes women as much as men. She can tell from day one.
"You think?"
"I really am sorry. How about I take you to dinner? Make up for what I put you through." This way, Kennedy can also get her to open up like a normal person when they get drunk.
"Fine. But no less than a five-star restaurant." Buffy dusted herself off.
"I don't know. The last time I took you to one, you started bawling."
"Oh shut up."
The waiter smiled as he approached Faith and Ann Marie's table. "Are you ready to order? Or you need more time?"
"We'll order now." Ann Marie scanned the menu. "I'd like to have blackened tuna steak with mango salsa, please. Red wine for both."
The waiter nodded, and turned to Faith.
Faith put the menu down. "I'll have me some baby back ribs and corn."
"Okay, I'll be back with your drinks." The waiter smiled, took the menus and left.
"So did you talk to Beats?" Ann Marie sipped from her water.
"Yep." Faith was checking out the place. "So this grill has been here since 1849? Wow. I wonder if a vampire owns this place. I mean, really, 1849."
"And?"
"And... That's kinda awesome, unfortunately I'd have to kill him."
Ann Marie crossed her arms.
Faith gesticulated. "What?"
"You said you were working on something with Beats?"
"Oh, yeah that. Just the set list for the concert. Shit like that."
"You didn't talk to Buffy?"
Faith drummed her fingers on the table. "What made you say that?"
Ann Marie pointed to Faith's bandaged fist.
"Yeah. We had, uh, a dialog... Of sorts."
"That code word for fighting?"
"Slayers will be Slayers."
"Thank you for being honest." Ann Marie kissed Faith. "What did you say to Buffy?"
"I just apologized for two-timing her. Shit like that." Faith has no idea why she was being so honest tonight. She could get in trouble.
"And what'd she say?"
"She said, okay. And then left."
"Was that before or after hitting her?"
Faith was quiet.
"Did you kiss her? Hug her?"
"Babe, come on, give it a rest."
"You didn't say no, so it must be a yes."
Faith shook her head. "We're on a different continent, and you're still singing the same old song. Pete's sake. How about we actually try not to ruin this night?"
Ann Marie's eyes started to swell. Faith just seems so far away, farther than usual. She probably didn't kiss her, but that's not to say she didn't want to.
"Table for two, please." Kennedy said to the hostess of Tadich Grill.
"I wanted five-star." Buffy pouted. "Not that there's anything wrong with this one. It's just that, you owe me."
"We didn't have time to make a reservation."
"You still owe me after this."
"Fine."
"Please follow me." The hostess lead them inside.
Buffy walked ahead, Kennedy was not far behind. All of a sudden, Buffy turned around and bumped into her.
"Whoah. What? What's wrong? Why are you all backwards?"
"Shit." Buffy gasped. "Faith's here."
"Really? Where? I wanna say hello."
"Not funny."
"I wasn't trying to be. I haven't seen her in a while. It's good to see a familiar face from the old gang, every now and then." Kennedy paused. "Just not right now, I guess."
"Can we go?"
"Sure, yeah." Kennedy's eyes widened and then she cracked a smile. "Too late. Faith is waving at us."
"Shit."
"If we scram now, it would make you look weak." Kennedy lay on the reverse psychology thick. Cross fingers.
"Can't have that.." Buffy quipped.
"Hmm. I have an idea. Follow my lead. We'll make her head spin, the way she did yours. After this, I won't owe you anymore." Kennedy wiggled her eyebrows. A wicked smile was spreading across her face.
"I'm worried." Buffy stared at her.
Kennedy took Buffy's hand as they walk to Faith's table.
Faith's expression changed from smiling to bewilderment. "Hey... Kennedy and Buffy..."
Ann Marie was staring at Kennedy and Buffy's hands clasped together.
Kennedy let of go of the Buffy's hand and gave Faith a hug. "Fancy meeting you here. Been a long time, Faith." She turned to Ann Marie. "You must be Faith's girlfriend." Kennedy took her hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Ann Marie was smiling, pleased with herself. She figured Buffy wasn't a threat anymore now that she's dating someone else. "Have you got a table?"
"This lovely hostess was just showing us one." Kennedy motioned to the hostess. She then hugged Buffy by the waist. Pulling her closer, she cradled Buffy's face with one hand lovingly. "You all know this famous blonde..."
"Yes. We've met at the hangar." Ann Marie's face seemed more relax now, less scoff-y. "I didn't know you guys were dating..."
Kennedy chuckled. She pat Faith in the back a little too hard. The Boston Slayer almost keeled over. Good thing she was a Slayer and can handle being manhandled. "Well, I supposed we better get going now. I owe her this dinner. I've been a little naughty earlier." Kennedy winked at them, using her inside voice. "And maybe later tonight, I'd get to be naughty again."
Buffy playfully nudged at Kennedy. The both of them smiled sheepishly walking to their table.
Ann Marie followed them with her gaze. "Wow. Who would have thought?"
Faith quietly gulped her wine.
Kennedy was walking Buffy to her door. They were both tipsy but Buffy had her guard up the whole night. Damn force shield.
Kennedy blinked a few times. "I had a really good time. Surprisingly."
Buffy looked at her with a raised brow.
"Not that I didn't think you're fun to begin with. It's just that, I feel like I'm seeing you in a whole new light." Kennedy gesticulated, her arms flailing, landed on Buffy's arms. Whoah. I must be drunk. And Buffy must be drunker. She didn't kill me when I touched her accidentally, or was it? Kennedy shrugged at her inner monologue.
"I had a great time too." Buffy eyed her carefully. Is Kennedy putting the moves on her? Moreover, what was that shrug for?
"We should do it again."
"What?" Buffy did a double take.
"You know, go out again."
"You mean, like a date?"
"Why-naht? You're sh-ingle. So am I." Kennedy was slurring her words. "I can be your Mexican Faith." She clicks her tongue and winks at Buffy.
"But you're Willow's ex." Did she just wink at me? Buffy thought.
"And you're Faith's ex. What's your point?"
"It just feels weird."
"Oh, I get it. It's okay."
"What?"
"You're still in love with Faith."
"I am not." Buffy was feeling incredulous at what she heard. Indignation indeed.
"Liar." Kennedy gave her a peck on the cheek. Yep, she's drunk. She let me give her a kiss. "I should go." She sloppily walked back to her car.
"Should you be driving?"
"I'm fine. Been there, been that." Kennedy blinked hard. "Wait, I messed that up. Been there, DONE that."
Kennedy nods her head in agreement, hopping in the car, and in a sing-song voice claims, "Nailed it."
Buffy shouted after the moving car. "Hey! I'm telling the truth."
She wasn't.
Before going upstairs to her bedroom, as usual, Buffy went straight to the Emerson Victorian Square Grand Piano she bought from a known restorer of antiques. Pulling out the round swivel stool upholstered in red velvet fabric. Buffy sat on it. She gently pressed the keys. Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do. She smiled back at the framed photo of a brunette sporting a dimpled smile, displayed atop the piano, like they were exchanging hellos.
The piano was a thing of beauty with its dark finish, and carved legs and pedestal lyre in Rococo Victorian Style. Made of Brazilian Rosewood, and known as "cottage size" for its smaller dimensions as oppose to other square grand pianos, it was truly stunning and elegant-looking. Unique and exquisite. It took your breath away from first glance. Just like Faith.
With her six-figure earnings, Buffy bought a two-storey corner townhouse. A pretty brownstone located in Eddy Street, San Francisco. The property boasts a majestic high-ceiling solarium and huge windows where the sun pours in - vampire proof. It has two bedroom suites, two full baths and a powder room on the main floor, a spacious kitchen, two dining areas and a living room. It also has a laundry room, a garden and a two-car garage.
Looking around, she made sure the other instruments were accounted for. One acoustic guitar hanging on the wall, on the opposite side, a vintage Les Paul electric guitar. Between them was a huge glass cabinet where a trumpet, a trombone, a harmonica and a violin were inside. Beside it, underneath the Les Paul, a cello was nestled in its stand. It was carved with three letters.
My collection. More like a tribute... to Faith.