The Beginning…of What?

A/N: These next chapters precede the rekindling of John's and Joss's relationship in Atlantic City. There are hints about their third and final breakup – the one that almost did them in as a couple. I will be sure to let you know when the story will switch back to the Atlantic City setting. But for now, let's fill in some blanks in their story.

What the fuck was he doing here? John thought. And with Zoe no less, whom he had had no intention of seeing again. John and Zoe had an "arrangement" that was mutually beneficial, one that had started years before, when she became a "number". If he were being completely honest, the times they got together were totally enjoyable to him. She was a wet and willing partner, up for almost anything. But after that stunt she pulled over the last Christmas Holiday, John had ended it – permanently this time. Before that he had turned to Zoe many times, out of habit more than anything else. Zoe knew about his feelings for Joss and didn't seem to care. So it was clearly up to him to put an end to things with Zoe.

What the hell had he been thinking?

Zoe had called him 3 days ago, pleading and cajoling him to be her plus 1 at a huge event thrown once a year by the Brazilian and Argentinian consulates. Great food, great music, dancing, she'd promised. "I know you can't dance, John, but maybe we can figure out something equally as enjoyable for you to do with me instead", she purred. John really hadn't cared about any of that. But he had been tired of the weekend nights alone, missing Joss, the emptiness in his soul threatening to overwhelm him. It was his own damn fault, he thought.

Still on the phone with Zoe that night, he had remembered that this past year was a jumble of fits and starts between Joss and him. He had left her, three times, attempting each time to cut her out of his life to keep her safe. After all, he was but a walking dead man, with no future, and with a past that was toxic to anyone he held dear. Twice, Joss took him back. Thinking about all of this, he'd sighed and informed Zoe that he would be her date. "Plus one only, Zoe. No games", he'd said.

"Of course", she'd replied, certain that she could change his mind once they got together. After arranging to meet at the event, they'd ended the call. So here he was nursing his drink, in a penguin suit (a bespoke Brioni, but a penguin suit nonetheless).

Zoe was on the dance floor again, this time with their tablemate Sebastian Almeida, the Argentinian/Brazilian artist, whose work was known worldwide. He had been in town for 6 months or so, originally for an installation of a commissioned sculpture, but had decided to remain indefinitely, according to him. John resumed his thoughts of Joss – about how he'd behaved badly toward her and then, the big and final break up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. He had spent 4 days after refusing her calls; after that, she refused his. It was now mid-May and here he sat.

But not for much longer, he decided. John had done his duty as the attentive plus 1, accompanying Zoe around the spacious ballroom, listening to her as she chatted with colleagues and business associates, as she promised dances, and set up business meetings. Smiling at being the butt of her jokes about his dancing ability, consenting to her dances with various and sundry partners. He would leave the limo for Zoe and take an Uber home where he should have stayed. He had had no attention of sleeping with Zoe again though it was clear she was angling for a private after party. Hell, his bad judgment with Zoe was one of the reasons why he was without Joss and miserable in the first place.

Zoe and Sebastian returned to the table and Sebastian, ever the gentleman, seated her. The artist had asked John's permission to cha cha with Zoe ad John had again nodded his head in consent. John sipped his champagne and tuned in to the conversation Zoe was having with her cha-cha partner. She had been flirting shamelessly with the man all evening and Sebastian would glance at John uncomfortably as Zoe would stroke his arm. She actually touched his face at one point! John smirked. Little did he care – Zoe could screw the guy in the middle of the ballroom if she wanted, though he might delay his departure to watch. John half-heartedly listened.

"I haven't seen you on Page 6 lately Sebastian", Zoe noted. "Where have you been hiding?

"Not hiding", he smiled. 'I met someone."

"Hmm, must be someone pretty special", she remarked.

"She is", Sebastian replied. I met her Valentine's Day at a private showing of some of my most recent work. She was breath taking. It's a funny story really. I saw her standing in front of the gallery staring into the windows. She wasn't moving -just standing there. I was intrigued, so I sat in the car and watched. I thought that she was probably waiting for someone. But suddenly, it started to rain and when she still didn't move, I jumped out of the car and opened my umbrella, holding it over her. Then we were both standing there staring into the gallery. I finally looked down at her and at the same time she looked at me, She had the softest eyes and the face of an angel. I was speechless but I was finally able to ask her if she was going in…"

I don't know – haven't decided yet.

You came to see the exhibit, no?

Yes.

So why not go in?

It's Valentine's Day and I don't know if I can take all those loving couples and the PDA.

PDA?

Public displays of affection.

Oh, I see. Well there's a bar next door. Let's get out of this rain while you decide.

Aren't you going to the exhibit?

I was – I am, but there's time for that later. Let's get out of this weather. My friends call me Maxim, by the way.

"We went in and spent the next hour talking. Just talking. I found her fascinating – a breath of fresh air. I suggested that we attend the exhibit together – that way, the couples thing might not be as much of a bother. She reluctantly agreed, saying that she so loved the artist's work and really did want to see the new pieces.

"I said that the artist was OK, but not my favorite by any stretch. She actually defended my work to me…brilliantly I might add. She clearly got my artistic vision. So we left the bar, and no sooner than we entered the gallery, the curator ran up, called me by name and expressed relief that I'd arrived.

"She gave me this look of extreme displeasure and I thought she was going to bolt and run, so I quickly explained that my full name Is Maximiliano Sebastian Armando Almeida, but my friends do call me Maxim. Once she was over the shock and anger we had a good laugh and she allowed me to escort her around the gallery.

"It was one of the best nights of my life, walking with her, showing her my favorites, explaining why. She showed me her favorites as well. I hated for the night to end. I found her to be intelligent, accomplished, sexy, articulate, beautiful-"

"And not here", Zoe interrupted.

"She'll be here…one minute, this might be her." Sebastian lifted the cell from his pocket and stood. "Mi amor…yes, yes, good, I will meet you at the entrance."

"She's here." Sebastian excused himself and left the table. Zoe looked at his retreating back appreciatively, as did most of the other women who were nearby. Indeed, Sebastian filled out his Tom Ford tux very nicely. He was at least 6'3, strong and lean, broad shouldered, narrow waist. His brown hair had natural gold highlights and was pulled back in a messy man bun that set off his sparkling hazel eyes and full lips. He had a slash through his left eyebrow, and a soul patch on his otherwise clean-shaven face. The whole package gave him an attractive air of intensity and a bad boy vibe that Zoe found extremely attractive.

Sebastian hurried to the entrance. Once he arrived there, John saw him lean down, but he couldn't see his date, the crush of people too deep around them. After a few moments, John spotted Sebastian at the dais, seemingly introducing her to the consulates general and ministers. But his date remained just out of sight.

John turned to Zoe. "Listen Zoe, once they get back to the table, I am calling it a night."

"Oh but John", Zoe pouted, "I am having such a good time."

John quickly replied, "You can stay. In fact, I'd rather you did. I will leave you the car, but I'm going home."

"I thought we were having a nightcap", she reminded him, while sliding her hand over his thigh.

"I thought I made it clear that WE weren't having anything of the sort", he reminded her, removing her hand.

Before Zoe could respond, Sebastian appeared at the table, his date in tow. "My friends", may I present…"

"Welllll….hello Joss", said Zoe, recognizing that the evening just became more interesting.

A/N Finally! The beginning to Not Just Another Day. So John cuts Zoe off, then out of loneliness and boredom steps out with her again, even if his intentions were honorable. Stay tuned. Next part coming soon! As always, keep reading and please review!