CJ eyes swept the room of yet another party. She hated being a guest, but Abby had insisted that she attend. So, she put on the full-lengthfd grey front-button gown and prepared herself for a long evening of small talk. Her eyes finally fell on Abby and she smiled to herself. The couture fit the brunette perfectly, hugging every single curve. CJ felt her mouth go dry at the thought of Abby stepping out of that form fitting number. She could imagine the garter belt that held up black silk stalkings and the matching bra and under ware. She licked her lips nervously.

"Don't worry CJ, you can leave soon."

"Huh…" CJ tore her eyes away from Abby and shaking the lascivious thoughts from her head. She glanced to her left to see Toby standing there. She quickly downed her drink trying to regain her composure. "Ummm. Hey Toby. What did you say?"

"You looked really far away, like you would rather be anywhere but here."

"Kinda. Its been a long day. I hope I wasn't too obvious."

"Not incredibly. Do you two have plans after this?"

"A weekend in Malibu. Then London. We haven't seen each other in a few weeks. I'm rather anxious."

"Noooooo CJ, I can't imagine that." CJ swatted at him with her purse. "Well, I am about to go detach the Governor from Asher Wells. I'll make an excuse so you can get out of here early. Why don't you head to the car."

"God bless you." Toby chuckled as he walked away. CJ made a beeline for the door and the car.

Abby opened the door moments later. "Toby said you looked anxious."

"Toby lies."

"You weren't anxious. Mmmmm. I was going to reward an anxious girl, but since you weren't anxious I guess you get no reward."

"I was a little anxious."

"Come collect your reward." CJ smiled slinking her way across the limo. Abby took her face between her hands giving her a deep passionate kiss. "Oh Claudia. I've missed you. Three weeks is entirely too long."

"For me too. You travel too much."

"Its how I make my money. And I have to keep you in the lifestyle you've become accustomed too."

"You're right you do. That gallon of fudge brownie ice cream you left in the freezer is completely gone. I need more." CJ snaked her arms around Abby's back, working her zipper down to allow the dress to slip from her shoulders. This exposed her full breast to CJs kisses. "But now that I have these I may not need the ice cream."

"Claudia…" She breathed. "We can't do this here. There might be press at the plane." At that very moment they pulled up outside of the plane. And as predicted the press had gathered. CJ giggled into her neck. "Stop laughing. And help me with this dress."

"I was helping you and you want to put it back on." Abby lifted the hair from the back of her neck.

"Zip me up." CJ did as she was told and placed a kiss at the top of the zipper. "Thank you. How does my make-up look?"

"Perfect as always."

"Ok. Lets go." Abby stepped from the car perfectly redressed. CJ followed, standing clear of press while waiting for the attendant to hand her her suitcase.

"Mrs. Bartlett where are you off too?" One reporter yelled.

"Malibu then London."

"Will the Governor be joining you?"

"Not this trip. State business keeps him very busy."

"Has the governor decided whether he will be firing Ryan Kilter from the board of education?"

"When the Governor has decided I'm sure he'll let you know." Several reporters threw out more questions, but Abby waved them off. "Sorry folks but the FAA keeps us on a pretty tight schedule. See you when I get home." Abby boarded the plane without looking back. She opened the curtain to cabin. CJ was sitting in a chair facing Abby with her eyes closed. The brunette pressed the button on the wall calling the attendant to the cabin.

"Yes ma'am."

"Tell Murphy we are ready to go." The young man turned to leave. "Also, I don't want to be disturbed for the rest of the flight."

"Yes ma'am." CJ opened one eye and peeked at Abby. Then shut her eyes tights trying her best to fight her smile.

"Claudia." Abby said seductively.

"Mmmm." CJ kept her eyes closed.

"Are you asleep?"

"Yes."

"That's too bad. I was going to let you finish collecting your reward." Abby undid her zipper and let the satin pool around her ankles. "But you're going to have open your eyes."

CJs eyes opened and nearly popped out of her head. CJ imagination did not do justice to the sight before her. Abby had on a lace bustier with garter. "Abby…"

"You like it. Its new."

"Oh I definitely like it." CJ tried to stand. She needed to touch it.

"Mmm Mmmm Claudia, you stay seated." Abby walked a few feet towards CJ. The brunette could smell her need. Abby placed her knee on one side of CJs thigh who reached out her hand to touch. "Keep your hands on the armrest. You don't get to touch me." She placed her other knee on the opposite side completely straddling CJ. "You are so beautiful."

Abby unbuttoned the dress kissing her way down the length of CJ's body. Taking off her underware, the brunette blew lightly on her clit. CJ arched into her mouth.

"Ugh… Please Abby."

"Someone's very ready. You want it slow, Claudia."

"No. Please Abby now."

"But you always like it slow."

CJ shook her head feverishly. Why was Abby talking? "Stop talking. Get to work."

"You are awful bossy. You're wish is my command." Abby made love to CJ with her mouth making her cum several times.

CJ panted, trying to regain her senses. "God Abby. Where the hell did you learn that thing with your tongue?"

"I picked up a book in New York last week. It said that it would drive your lover crazy. Obviously it was right."

"Reading is Fundamental." CJ pulled Abby to her; wrapping her legs around Abby's torso. "I've missed you. Hearing your voice on the phone has not been enough."

"Well you get to spend the next four weeks with me. We have quite a bit of travel ahead of us."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Tell me about the launching of the new board." The past two years they had been building to this point. In the next few weeks, the foundation would announce that they would be adding a new board made up of medical experts.

The experts would come from a wide variety of fields and the primary focus would be an improvement of healthcare to the working poor. Abby was more excited about the shift than she originally thought she would be. When CJ had first presented her with the idea, she imagined that they would pick some sexy portion of medicine and make a mark.

However, being the Governor's wife had shifted her perspective. Everyday she met people that said all they wanted to do was go to work and feed their families. She saw people with diseases that had progressed beyond where it could be fixed all because they didn't have access. It broke her heart. Jed always told her he could only do so much. CJ finally told her she could do more because she had money and influence. If the problem was important to her then she can make it important to others.

Jed thought it was a great idea and was thrilled she had not chosen something that would not hurt him politically. More importantly he thought it was good that she had something she could be excited about. He cheered her on.

"So, when we arrive in London you will meet with the five new candidates for the board individually. Their membership will be put up for a vote at the next general meeting. However, now you are looking to see whether you will get along with them. Because contrary to what you think it is important that you interact well with them."

"I'm not sure its as important as you think."

"Its almost essential. This is your money Abby. You need people that are going to have enough integrity and respect for you and themselves that they can be honest when its necessary. If you don't like them it will show over time. And you will be less likely to listen to their ideas."

"These people are well respected in their fields."

"Them and countless others. All I am saying is that you are not rating them based on your assessment of their skills, but on whether you can interact well with them."

"The last time I hired someone I hired them not knowing whether we would interact well and that turned out for the best."

"You can't strike gold twice, so this time the meetings are necessary."

"Ok, Claudia. Personality interviews they will be then. Let's not talk about work anymore. So, I spoke with father at the party. He said Jamie filed for divorce."

"Yeah, I heard."

"How did you know?"

"Secretary rumor meal. Carol and Jamie's secretary have become lunch buds. They gossip about their bosses. Before you say anything, Carol has a gag order about anything concerning us personally. And I trust her."

"I just don't want what happened a year ago to happen again."

"It won't."

"So, what happened?"

"It seems that Monica has been sleeping with the tennis pro. Though Amber believes it has been coming for a while now."

"She's sleeping with Chase. Ewwwe. I guess there is no accounting for taste."

"Your mother is completely against the divorce and has told Jamie so. I think he feels trapped. Though he did meet with a lawyer and the papers were filed a few days ago. Who knows how long it will take."

"I should call him." Abby paused. She hadn't actually had a conversation with her brother in years. And they haven't spoken it almost 6 months. "Would calling him now seem like I am being a vulture?"

"I guess it depends on what you say when you pick-up the phone. He's your brother Abby. Arrange to have lunch with him. Talk to him. If it doesn't work at least you tried right."

"I will." She kissed CJ passionately. "I love you." Deeper this time.

Someone cleared their throat. "Excuse me ma'am." Abby looked up with a hostile stare. The attendant tried to find a place to hide. "Murphy wanted me to tell you that we will be landing soon."

"Thank you." Abby's voice had softened. "I guess that means we should dress."

"I don't wanna."

"Don't worry, you won't be dressed long."

"You are so baaaad." When they emerged from the plane they looked like two professional acquaintances.

"Have a good weekend ma'am."

"Thanks Murphy."

XXXX

Another long boring meeting and Abby's mind had begun to wander. CJ had left early that morning to spend time with Abigail. Abby wanted these meeting to end, but she had 1 more after the one she was in now. The candidate droned on and on. She decided to end it now.

"Thank you for your time Doctor I have another appointment in about ten minutes." She shook the doctor's hand and placed a check next to the name. So far all the candidates had been boring, but amiable enough that Abby was fine working with them. CJ didn't say she had to be entertained by them.

There was a knock at the door. Abby opened it to a woman. "Millicent Griffiths?" The woman nodded. Abby extended her hand. "Hi. I'm Abby Bartlett. Come in doctor." Abby stepped aside to let the doctor in. "Thank you for coming, can I get you some tea or coffee."

"Tea would be great thanks."

"How was your flight to London?" Because Abby had to be in London for foundation business CJ had arranged for all the candidates to meet her there.

"Good. I slept through most of it; I just came off of a 10 hour surgery."

"Your specialty is emergency medicine."

"Yes, ma'am. Well, its more trauma surgery. I've been practicing for about 15 years."

"Please, you can lay off the ma'am it makes me feel incredibly old. I'm Abby."

"Then I'm Millicent or Millie. I chose trauma for the rush. It was invigorating."

"Was?"

"Well, I have two sons and a daughter. My life is invigorating with just them, you know."

"Yes, I do. My two definitely keep me on my toes. How old are your children?"

"My twin boys are 13 and my daughter is 6. She was a surprise and the last good thing my ex-husband gave me. I am really excited about being asked to join the foundation's board."

"Our fund manager believes you have a unique perspective on patient care. And giving that you are a working single mom, I imagine you know what a lot of the patients' experience."

"Don't we all? Children are pretty unforgiving when it comes to your time. They can be all consuming in a good way. And anything we can do to make being a parent easier, I'm all for."

"That's why this is so important." They spent the next two hours talking. It wasn't until she heard the key turn the lock that she realized how long they had been talking.

"Abby, you should see what I bought. It's so freaking cool. Abigail thought it was smashing. Her words not mine." CJ stopped in her tracks when she saw Abby and Millicent sitting next to each other. "I'm sorry I didn't know you had a guest."

"Dr. Millicent Griffiths this is my fund manager Claudia Jean Cregg."

"It's a pleasure to finally put a face to voice Dr. Griffiths." CJ shook her hand. "I take it you two have been getting along."

"I didn't realize we had been speaking this long. Millie I'm going to have to say good-bye we are meeting my grandmother for dinner."

"No problem. Thanks so much for everything. It was certainly a pleasure to meet you. Both of you." They said their good-byes.

Abby removed her shirt and skirt moving towards the bedroom of the suite. "So what did you buy that Grandmother thought was smashing?"

"A cape. Its adorable. So you like Dr. Griffiths?"

"I do. We had a really goodtime talking. She's refreshing after four of the most boring human beings ever."

"I'm glad you liked her. She was top choice. Do you think you can work with the others?"

"Sure." Abby stepped in the shower. "Come wash my back."

XXXXX

CJ was looking forward to getting back into a normal routine after four weeks on the road. After leaving London, they went to Johannesburg and Hong Kong and many other cities. The foundation had taking on a few students that were into making new sounds with classic musical instruments and Abby had found a few students abroad who did the same thing. She thought it was important CJ heard them. Of course they were added to the list for cross cultural exchange.

They also did a lot of shopping and ate quite a bit of food. And CJ got a glimpse of Abby in full club gear. It was an eye opening experience. More than anything it was nice to just be a couple without having to worry about someone seeing. In some cities she could even hold the brunette's hand in public.

Now she was back at work preparing for the launch of the Foundation's new mission. She walked through the door of her office to see Toby sitting on her couch.

"You're awfully far away from the capital aren't you."

"Traveling with the Governor. We have a few speeches in town. He wanted to see Mrs. Bartlett. How was your trip?"

"Good. Productive."

"Tell me what kind of affect the foundations new program is going to have on his political career."

"It shouldn't have any."

"Come on CJ. I'm all about helping people, but she has a responsibility to the man she married. If this is going to hurt him you have at least let me prepare."

"The Governor is not concerned."

"Of course he's not that's what I'm paid for. She wants to help people, but think of the number of people that will go without help if we can't get him reelected."

"Don't you think you are getting a little ahead of yourself. Besides his ability to get reelected is your problem. Running the foundation is mine. And I will not compromise to make it easier for the Governor to get elected. If he has concerns he needs to talk to his wife."

"I can see that conversation. 'Dear I know this is important to you but can you change everything to suit me.'"

"Toby I don't know what you want me to say."

"Just tell me this new program isn't going to blow up in our faces."

"How about I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't blow-up in anyone's face. And if I think it is I will give you a heads up."

He popped m&ms on her desk into his mouth. "I missed these little chats we have while you were away."

"You missed my M&Ms."

"Yeah those too." Over the past two years, Toby and CJ had become really close. Some would even say friends, but neither had identified each other as that. Mostly they kept all the balls for Jed and Abby in the air.

"Get out. I have work to do."

XXXXX

Launching a new sub-board of directors was difficult when it meant changing the direction of the foundation. CJ had to cajole board members, holding hands thru the entire process. CJ looked down at the papers on her desk absentmindedly picking up the phone when it rang.

CJ Cregg

Hey, Brooke whats up? CJ looked up from her work to smile. She hadn't talked to her sister in a while. You're where? Silence. Oh my God. I'm on my way. "CAROL!"

"Yeah CJ." Carol said as she stuck her head in the door.

"Get me a car. And find out whether Abby is in her office."

"Sure CJ." CJ never had to say now to Carol she always did it now. A few minutes later she stuck her head in the door, "Mrs. Bartlett is here, and the car will be here in five minutes. Where should I tell them its going?"

"Airport." Carol closed the door after Abby walked in. "Hey love."

"You wanna have lunch," Abby asked.

"I would, but I am on my way to the airport."

"Escaping?"

"Ha. Funny. Brooke is here; at the airport with Hayden and Jac. I need to go get them."

"Oh. Did you know they were coming?"

"No, Abby if I did, I wouldn't be rushing around right now."CJ snapped.

"Ok, Claudia."

"Sorry. I don't mean to be snotty. I'll call you when I get back." CJ took Abby's hands, looking up to see if anyone was around. She kissed her softly on the mouth. "I really am sorry. Don't be mad."

"I forgive you. Go get your sister." CJ rushed out the door without another word.

XXXXX

CJ jumped out of the car and raced across the airport looking for baggage claim. She didn't have to look long before she saw Hayden.

"Hayden. Hayden." They hugged. "Hey you. Where's your mom?"

"She's over there." She pointed to Brooke and Jac standing in line for food. CJ grabbed Hayden's hand as they walked to her sister and niece.

"Scared that I wouldn't have food in my house?"

"We've met; I didn't want to take any chances and the food on the flight was awful." They hugged and CJ hugged her niece.

"Your right you shouldn't. Cause I don't have food. But I do have access to a chef who makes these killer brownies. We'll call home from the car." The four of them headed out of the airport to the waiting limo. "So, sis. What's up with the impromptu visit."

"Why can't I visit my sister without getting the 3rd degree?"

"If I knew you were coming I would have gotten the info from Mom and spared you this portion of the conversation." Brooke looked away, avoiding CJs eyes. "Does Mom know you're here?"

"Yes. She knew I was coming; she didn't know with Jac and Hayden. Can we talk about this later?"

"Oh we will definitely talk about it later." CJ wondered why her sister was here. And what was she hiding from their mother.

XXXXX

Abby emerged from the board meeting none the worse for wear. The board took the new announcement well and set-up a schedule to meet with the new candidate, who attended the meeting for an initial introduction. Abby stopped Millicent in the hall to chat. Jamie approached. He had been staring at Millicent the entire meeting and needed to meet her.

"Jamie I'd like you to meet Dr. Millicent Griffiths. Millie this is my brother James Barrington the IV and COO of Barrington Corporation."

"Hello, Dr. Griffiths. Abby speaks very highly of you." She had an amazing smile, James noticed. He pulled his hand out of the shake quickly, once he realized how long he had been holding it. 'She's gonna think I'm a dork,' Jamie said to himself.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Barrington. My sons are obsessed with your newly released video game." At Jamie's suggestion, Barrington Company had ventured into video game production about 15 years ago. Since then they had released quite a few top sellers.

"Well I am always glad to hear about a satisfied customer. Maybe they would like to product test the next one." Jamie reached in his briefcase and removed a disc. "They can email me their feedback."

"I hope its good cause they can be brutal."

"Then I hope its good as well." He couldn't wipe the goofy look off his face. Abby raised her hand to cover her smile. She'd never seen Jamie like this.

"Millie, Jamie and I were just heading to lunch would you like to join us."

"No thanks. I have to get back to the hospital. I'll talk to you later Abby. It was nice meeting you Mr. Barrington and thanks for the game."They both watched as she walked away.

XXXXX

"Can you bring me water and the chopped salad?" Abby ordered. "He'll have the NY strip medium, broccoli and mashed potatoes." She smiled up at the blushing young waiter.

"Considering I'm not 4 Abby, I can order my own food."

"Yes James you could, but then you would have ended up ordering a double order of mash potatoes. You need vegetables."

"Have you always been this controlling?"

"Of course I have Jamie. Isn't that what mother always says."

"I see we have gotten to the real reason you invited me to lunch."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I know you and mother are close. I don't want to come between that. I just wanted to see if you and I could be friends."

"What happened to us Abby? When we were kids we did everything together. How did we become enemies?"

"We let people convince us that we were each other's enemy."

"Can you refrain from attacking mother?"

"I'm not, I swear. I would love to blame it all on her. But the reality is she wasn't the only one. We just have to find a way to put it behind us. Can we move past all that's come before?"

Jamie took a deep breath. "I'm sure you heard that Monica and I are divorcing." Abby nodded. "How do you do it Abby? How do you and Jed make your marriage work given your situation?"

"We're always honest with each other. And sometimes the truth hurts."

"I never had that. I married a woman who was more interested in being a Barrington than she was being with me. Did you know Dad and I gave up our salaries when the company was experiencing some financing problems so we wouldn't have fire employees?"

"Yeah Daddy told me. He was proud that you suggested it."

"Well Monica flipped. And she told me that she spent all the money in our joint account as well as her private account. She has maxed out every single credit card we had. I am 2 million in debt thanks to her."

"I'm sorry."

"She's been taking birth control. She doesn't want to have children." He shook his head fighting back tears. "Its all I ever wanted. She doesn't think we would make very good parents. So, instead of having a conversation with me she just took birth control. Since, the day we got married. I've been for test. She even went to the doctor's appointments I set-up for her, and lied to me after every single appointment. She even said she didn't want to consider adoption because she wanted her own children."

"Oh Jamie. I'm so sorry. You would make a wonderful parent. You are so good with Zoey and Cullen." They sat in silence holding each other's hand.

"Do you know what its like to be lied to? Is this how Jed felt when you told him about your fund manager?"

"Her name is Claudia or CJ. And I never had to lie to Jed about how I felt. He knew before I did and told me to do something about it even before I was ready to admit it to myself. When I said we were honest, I was serious."

"How did you find that? I want it more than anything?"

"You'll find it. I know you will." She considered whether to say the next part. "If you like I can help you pay off the debt. I can talk to Jed about the amount I can give you immediately. But I can pull the rest out of my trust."

"No, Abby, I have the money. My lawyer has advised me not pay any of it until the divorce is final, or at least the separation goes through. We're going to sell the house."

"If you need anything please don't hesitate."

"Thanks, Abby. It means a lot. Your support means a lot. So, tell me about the fund… CJ."

"She's a great fund manager. For the first time in a long time I am excited about going to work. We have definitely taking things to the next level."

"That's great Abby. But I meant her. The person that has put that smile on your face."

"She's amazing. Funny, smart, sexy. And very very good with her hands."

Jamie held up his hands in protest. "OK you can stop now. I thought it would fulfill some fantasy, but it's disgusting imagining your sister having sex. With anyone." Abby laughed at him.

"Wuss. She makes me very happy." They finished their lunch chatting; hopeful about their future as siblings.