Mariah's POV

Once Noah left, I collapsed on the couch and hid my face in a pillow. I'm a horrible sister! Maybe I don't deserve to have a family. He's right. I should have been more loyal to him. But I finally had a friend who understood. "Oh, no."

"Sweetie," Sharon sat beside me; rubbing my back. "What is it?"

"After everything, I want to warn Tessa that Noah's out for blood. But…I don't know if I should."

My mother was quiet a moment. Taking a deep breath, she spoke. "What does your gut tell you to do?"

"Even after everything…I still want to warn her."

"Then do."

Taking out my phone, I hit speed dial number three. The phone rang a few times before going to Tessa's voicemail. "Noah knows everything. He's out for blood. I just...I wanted to warn you." Ending the call, I stared at the musician's photo. It was of us one night at The Underground.

"Come on, Mariah. It's just a picture." Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, Tessa pulled me close, snapping a few pictures until I finally smiled. "See? Was that so bad?"

"No…" I sipped my drink as she checked us in on FacePlace. "You're an addict."

A wholesome laugh escaped the taller woman. "Oh, you're one to talk. You're the Co-host of GC Buzz! You run their social media page."

"You always loved that picture." Sharon's voice was soft as she looked over my shoulder.

"Yeah, it was when we first started knowing one another. More than she's "the one who plays at the park" and I'm "Noah Newman's sister."" Tossing the phone gently on the coffee table, I huffed rubbing my temples. "I'm sure by now Devon knows. We just became friends again. I mean, I did right by him but I'm sure he'll still be hurt by this."

"Are you going to talk to him?"

"Yeah, I might as well." Sliding into my coat, I grabbed my purse. "If you hear Victor's put a hit on me, let me know?"

"Mariah," she paused knowing it could be a possibility. "I will."

Before going to HWG, I picked up a peace offering from Crimson Lights. Stepping onto Devon's floor, I knocked gently and waited. "Come in."

"Hey." My voice was small. "Can we talk?"

Closing his laptop, Devon leaned back in his chair. "Sure. Unless you're here to try and talk me into resigning Tessa. Which wouldn't make sense at this point."

"What?" I set the coffees on his desk. "No. I've not spoken to Tessa. Did you take her off the label?"

"Yes, she wasn't bringing in the money she needed. And if the lawsuit went to court, I would lose more money than I already am. Please, take a seat." Devon waited until I was seated to continue. "If you're not here on Tessa's behalf, what brings you by? I know it's not just a coffee run."

"You're right." I held onto the cup like it was a lifeline. "Have you talked to Noah today?"

"No. Why?" I was quiet. "Mariah, we're friends. What is it?"

"I wasn't totally truthful with you when we broke up. I didn't tell you something that I'd rather you hear from me than Noah."

"Okay." Devon's expression was calm as he sipped his coffee. "What is it?" Another long silence fell between us. "Mariah?"

"I kissed Tessa while the four of us were in San Francisco." I waited for an anger that never came. Finally gaining the nerve to look at my former boyfriend, I was shocked to see his expression hadn't changed. "Devon?"

"I thought that something happened between the two of you. It wasn't clear what happened but it was obvious that something happened. When you broke up with me, I knew it was because of someone else. You never said who but I'm not blind. I saw how close the two of you were. Then what happened with her song and your journal."

"I'm sorry, Devon."

"Don't apologize. You can't help who you fall in love with. I take it Noah doesn't feel the same way?"

"No. He's devastated. More so that Sharon knew and didn't tell him. So not only was I lying to him about having feelings for his girlfriend, his own Mother knew about it."

"Sharon's in an impossible position."

"That's what I said." Knowing that Devon wasn't angry helped. He should be furious but for some reason he's pretty chill about the whole thing.

"What are you going to do now?"

"Honestly? I don't know. Get out of town until everyone cools off a little? I mean, I know Hilary is going to be all over me once this gets out. "New Year New Hilary" or not, she smells drama she's going to make a segment about it."

"You're right." He paused a moment. "Why don't you take my jet and stay somewhere nice. Get out of GC for a while. I'll pay for it."

"D-Devon, I can't possibly do that. Especially on your dime." Is he insane? He must be.

"Just think about it and let me know. I can have everything ready in a few hours." I sat staring dumbfounded at the man. There has to be something attached to this. Or a plan of some sort. I jumped hearing Hilary's ringtone. An amused grin played at the man's face as a brow rose. "You have "Bullshitter Alert" as her ringtone?"

"You know Hilary and I have a…strained relationship." Once a visual voicemail came through, I groaned inwardly reading it.

Mariah, we need to talk. I know about you and Tessa.

"On second thought, I'll take it."

Another chuckle. "She's made you change your mind that quickly?"

"I just…I can't." Texting Hilary back, I asked for my vacation and turned my phone on vibrate. "When do I leave?"

"In three hours. Meet me here and I'll have you sent on your way." Jotting down an address, Devon continued. "I'll handle transportation, hotel, food, everything. It'll truly be an escape to clear your head."

"Thank you, Devon."

"You're welcome. Go tell Sharon, pack, and try to relax."

Xxx

"Are you sure about this?" Sharon watched as I packed.

"Yes. I need to get out of here. Hilary is blowing up my phone with texts, emails, and calls. I need to clear my head and figure out why I wanted to protect the woman who stole my words and used them for profit. Tessa's whole life is music and Devon cut her from the label. I feel bad for her and I shouldn't." Sitting on my bed, Sharon gave me "The Look". "Oh, no. Do not. No."

"You're still in love with her, Mariah. That's why you feel the way you do."

"I don't want to be. I can't be. That's exactly why I can't be in GC for a while. If I see her and she's crying all I'll want to do is wrap her in my arms and tell her everything will be alright."

"Okay." Placing a calming hand on mine, she continued. "I hope this trip helps you."

"Thank you. I have to meet Devon in," checking my phone, I sighed knowing relaxation was close. "An hour."

"Where's he sending you?"

Pausing, I thought a moment. "I actually don't know. Hilary started calling me and I just agreed. It's Devon though. He's a nice guy. He's not mad about the kiss. He, actually, knew that something must have happened."

"Well, I hope you have fun." Starting towards my door, Sharon turned. "I'll make a quick lunch."

Xxx

"Hey," waving his hand in the air, Devon gained my attention. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah." Hoisting a bag onto my shoulder, I picked up the larger rolling suitcase. "Where are you sending me?"

"It's a surprise. Let me get your bags."

Now I'm getting suspicious. He's being too nice. "Come on, you can tell me."

"It's a surprise. Get in." Ignoring every red flag, I climbed the steps of the private jet. "Comfortable?"

"Yeah."

"Good. The flight takes about four hours so dinner will be served soon. You're favorite: fettuccini alfredo and wine."

"Okay, seriously. Where am I going?"

"San Francisco." With that, he shut the door and left me speechless.

Xxx

Tessa's POV

I barely got everything put away before Devon came in. "Tessa? Is that you?"

"Yes. I just got here. Coffee should be ready soon."

The man studied me. "We need to talk."

"What is it?" I tried keeping my voice from shaking.

"I know you slept here. Don't try to deny it. Security sent me an alert when there was movement in the office."

Hanging my head, I sighed. "I don't have a place to go. Noah kicked me out and I can't go back to Mariah's." I paused thinking about the redhead. "Have you spoken to her by chance? I know the two of you are friends."

"Yes, we've spoken." He's hiding something. Is she okay? "Before you panic, she's fine. But look, I can't have you sleeping here." He took a deep breath. "Hilary and the press are breathing down my neck, and soon yours, for anything about the scandal. I'm sending you away for a little while. You will come back, I promise. Everything will be paid for."

"Devon, I-"

"You have no choice, Tessa. If you want to keep your job, you'll go. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Good. You'll be gone for a week. Now, go to the athletic club and freshen up. Pack whatever you'd like and meet me at this address in about three hours."

Taking the sticky note, I gathered my things. "Okay."

A few hours passed, and I met Devon at the air strip. Climbing into the plane, I got settled. "Where are you sending me?"

"I'm sending you about four hours away to a place you can think." Before closing the door, he finished. "Have fun in San Francisco."

"What?! Devon!" I was thrown back into my seat as the plane started going down the runway. That's what he was hiding. This has to be a punishment. Once beverages were able to be served, I drank an entire bottle of wine on my own. Sadly, it didn't help my guilt.

Landing in San Francisco, a car was waiting to take me to the hotel. I groaned seeing the hotel and wanted to crawl into a hole when I realized he had me in the same room I kissed Mariah in. "He is so punishing me." Taking the room key, I made my way towards the two-bedroom suite. "God, help me."

Stepping off the elevator, I smelt a familiar perfume. Guilt clenched my heart thinking of the red-haired woman I secretly loved. I tried opening the door but the chain was locked. "What the-?"

"Hold on." My heart dropped hearing Mariah's voice. "Who is…" Her face fell seeing me. "It?" Her brow creased in confusion. "Tessa, what are you doing here?"

"Devon sent me. He said it was for work." My voice trailed off as the realization of his plan dawned on both of us.

"He set us up. Knowing neither of us could afford this type of break, he knew we wouldn't turn it down."

"He's forcing us to talk to one another." I added cautiously.

"There're two bedrooms. We don't have to talk." Her voice was cold.

"If that's what you want. I know I'm the last person you want to see. If I could afford another hotel, I would go."

Hearing her phone ring, Mariah looked over her shoulder. "Come in and take the other bedroom. That's Devon's tone." Doing as instructed, I listened to my former best friend's conversation. "You set us up. Devon, I can't believe you did this." Thankfully, she put him on speaker.

"Look, the two of you obviously need to talk. This was the only way I could get both of you in the same space. I'm giving you a week to figure whatever is between the two of you out. You can take it or spend a week in separate rooms. It's up to you." I know she has that adorable crinkle on her forehead. And she's rubbing her temple, I just know it. Glancing into the living room, I smiled seeing that I was right.

"Fine." Ending the call, Mariah leaned her head back with a silent scream. "I was about to order lunch. I haven't had time to stock the kitchen yet. I was going to do that afterwards. What would you like?"

"Uhm, I'll look at the menu." Cautiously, I walked out of my room. "I do want to talk…but only when you're ready to hear it."

Turning, Mariah caught my gaze. Hers was cold but there was something behind it. "Not tonight. Maybe not even tomorrow, or the day after." She paused realizing how harsh her tone had become. "But, we will talk before the week is up."

"Okay." We ate lunch in silence. I've never seen her so closed off before. I caused this. I've hurt her more than I ever thought. "Do you need help getting groceries?"

"No. If there's anything you want, write it down." Finishing her meal, Mariah set it on the cart. "I'm going to shower and go out. You can do what you want." She paused at her room's door, "my journal is off limits. If you ever want the chance of speaking to me again, you won't go snooping in my room."

"Understood." Leaning back into the pillows, I closed my eyes and sighed. I've really messed up. She said we would talk. I just need to wait until then. I know exactly how Mariah feels. She needs to know mine. Even the ones I can't say.

Sliding into her coat, Mariah spoke firmly. "Okay, I'm heading out. I need to do a few other things as well so I'm not sure when I'll be back."

Her voice is friendlier. That's a good sign, right? "Have fun. If you need my help bringing groceries up, let me know?"

Green eyes studied me a moment. "I'll let you know." With that, she was gone.

Since there was nothing to do, I brought out my guitar and notebooks. Every once in a while, I'd glance towards Mariah's room. It won't make things right, but maybe it's a start. Scribbling a quick note, I opened her door and tossed the notebook onto the bed. I didn't step inside the room so I didn't break any rules.

Xxx

Mariah's POV

I stood in front of the hotel staring up towards the floor Tessa was on. I have to go in eventually. The creamer and dairy will go bad soon. Gathering my courage, I made my way towards our room. I stopped when I heard her singing.

"There goes my heart beating because you are the reason I'm losing my sleep. Please come back now. There goes my mind racing and you are the reason that I'm still breathing. I'm hopeless now. I'd climb every mountain and swim every ocean just to be with you and fix what I've broken. Oh, because I need you to see that you are the reason." A bitter laugh escaped the musician's throat. "Love and pain, perfect motivators. I'm such an idiot." Knocking lightly with my foot, I waited for Tessa. "Hey, let me grab some of those." Taking an armful of bags, the taller woman allowed me entrance. "Did you have a good outing?"

"Yes, I got some things done. Probably had too much coffee doing so." She's been crying. I wonder who that song was about. Glancing towards the couch, I started unloading the bags in the small kitchen. "You were playing?"

The blood drained quickly from Tessa's face. "Y-yes. There wasn't anything on TV so…I figured I could…" She squirmed under my gaze. "Anyway, thanks for going to the store."

"You're welcome." I smiled softly hoping to ease the woman's nerves. It was about me. I'm not going to let her off that easily but maybe I won't be so cold.

A relatively comfortable silence fell between us as we watched movies. She knows I'm not ready to talk and isn't pushing the topic. Maybe she really is genuine about wanting to fix things. But should I? She betrayed me and then tried to use my feelings to get what she wanted. I'm so confused. That familiar ache started in my temples. Ugh. Maybe I need to just sleep on it. The silence was broken when Tessa jerked awake. "You okay?" I couldn't help but chuckle at the deer-in-the-headlights look she had.

"Yeah, I guess I just fell asleep too fast." Yawning, the woman stretched. "I'm going to bed. I didn't sleep on the way here. I was too…preoccupied." Walking towards her room, she stopped at the door. "Goodnight, Mariah."

She's so timid. "Night, Tessa." I paused a moment. "Still like your coffee walking?"

A smile I've not seen in months broke free. "Is there any other way to make it?"

"Depends on who you ask. See you in the morning." With a nod, Tessa closed her door. I finished the movie and decided to turn in myself. After my nightly routine, I noticed a worn leather journal with a note clipped to the front on my bed.

Mariah,

I didn't go into the room. I threw it from the door. I know this won't make up for what I've done but maybe it will show you that I meant what I said about feeling a connection with you. In this journal is my soul. Everything I've felt since before I arrived in GC. It's yours to read if you'd like. -Tessa

I sat staring at the tattered brown leather debating whether I should read it. Should I? Even now, I don't want to invade her privacy but she's letting me. Tessa gave this to me to read. Throwing caution to the wind, I opened the book carefully. I skipped a few parts and started reading when Crystal went missing.

I finally met the woman with red hair. Her name is Mariah and she's just as beautiful up close as she is far away. I'm working with her half nephew or something? Maybe cousin. I don't know. She "forced" me to play The Underground at open mic night. Honestly, I wanted to play just to impress her. It doesn't help that she comes up to me when I play in the park with coffee. I sound like a school girl but she's...I'm not sure how to word what she is. I can see that she's been through a lot like me. She doesn't judge me for my clothes like everyone else in this town.

Flipping a few pages, I continued reading.

God help me if I see that woman in a tank top and tight yoga pants again. I saw her at the athletic club and about died. I'm not sure what's going on between us. We get along fantastically. But…I'm not sure what I feel about her. I feel warm and tingly when I'm around her.

I smiled reading Tessa's words. They took me back to that time of our friendship. Back when I wasn't sure what was going on with me. The awkwardness of not knowing how I felt or what I felt. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be around her more than anyone else. Not wanting my mind to linger, I flipped a few more pages.

I'm such an idiot! I panicked after we kissed and said it meant nothing. That it was just an impulse. I've wanted, dreamt of, kissing her for months and when it finally happens I panic and tell her we need to lock it in a vault. What the hell does that even mean? I'm such an idiot. Her lips were softer than I imagined and the tastes of coffee and peppermint…I know it's wrong because I'm with Noah, her brother, and she's with Devon but…I'm selfish. I wanted to get lost in that kiss. I wanted to pull her into my arms and just hold her.

I'm living down the hall from the woman I have feelings for but I'm with her brother. How did I get myself into this mess? I love Noah but it's nothing like what I feel for Mariah. I think she feels the same but I'm not sure. I'm finally safe. I don't have to worry if I'll have a place to stay. But I know this is wrong. I shouldn't be with him when I'm thinking about her.

Warm, salty tears streamed down my cheeks as I read. Feeling a lump starting to form in my throat, I leaned my head back on the pillows. God, she felt guilty for dating Noah. And she probably knew I waited for her to come home. I always stayed up just so I could see her one last time before I went to sleep.

I yearn for the moments we have together. She always brightens my day. They've been dark since Chrystal went off the radar. All the waiting is killing me inside. But the look on her face when I said she looked hot at the club was beyond adorable and cute. She's strong but in that split second, she wasn't sure what to think.

Tears or not, I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my throat. I remembered that day and how I felt when she looked at me. I melted when she said I looked hot. There was a playful hunger in her eyes as a thin layer of sweat glistened on her pale skin.

I'm a terrible person. Every time I kiss Noah I think of Mariah. It's tearing me apart. I shouldn't lead him on like this. Or her. We've talked and I leveled with her. I said I loved her as a friend but that was a lie. I'm in love with her. But, I missed my chance. I should have told Mariah the truth but I…I couldn't. Seeing her cry like that rips me to shreds. I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms and never let go. Tell her the truth. That I want to be with her but I'm scared. I couldn't. I'm not strong like she is.

It's been months since San Fran and now Mariah doesn't even acknowledge me when we're in the same room. She'll be civil or tolerate small moments if we're around Noah or someone else. Devon wants me to come up with a new song but I can't think of anything that wouldn't basically be an apology to Mariah or expressing how I feel about her. If I was to do that…it'd destroy so many people.

Flipping the page, I was at the last entry. It was dated for when she sang my words on the show. I've made it this far. I might as well finish. Glancing towards the clock, I realized it was close to three in the morning. I've been reading for two hours. I'm still angry with her but less maybe? Turning my attention towards the tear stained page, I read.

I'm beyond disgusting. I stole Mariah's journal and read it. Not only that but I turned it into a hit song and played it on the Hilary Hour. The pain I saw in Mariah's face was…I don't know how to describe it. I betrayed my only friend. I don't blame her for hating me or what she said. I'm…

The ink was too smudged from tears to read further. I don't think she could finish. Seeing new drops on the page, I quickly wiped my face. I didn't realize I started crying again. Closing the book, I stared at my door trying to decide if I should say something now or wait. I'll put it outside her door at least. Then I'll go to bed. Quietly, I placed the journal by Tessa's door before retreating back to my room.

Xxx

The next morning, I woke to the smell of fresh coffee. Smiling, I half hopped we could make breakfast together like old times but I forgot to get blueberries for the pancakes. Stretching, I ran my fingers through messy hair making sure it wasn't sticking out before exiting the room. "Smells fantastic."

"I hope I didn't wake you." There was still caution in Tessa's voice but she seemed less anxious.

"Not at all. I got the salted caramel creamer we both like." Taking down two mugs, I waited for the coffee.

A smile tugged at the musician's lips when she saw my T.A.R.D.I.S. mug. "You bring that thing with you everywhere, don't you?"

"Don't hate. Just because you don't get all nerdy about sci-fi doesn't mean others don't." I paused with a devilish grin. "Besides, do I need to mention the fact that certain parties still play Pokémon Go?"

"Touché'." Tessa paused becoming serious. "I wish I had a T.A.R.D.I.S. sometimes." She mumbled as the coffee pot beeped.

"I know. But, sadly, neither of us have one." Hearing the other woman's stomach growl, I laughed. "Pancakes? There aren't blueberries but-"

"Actually, we do have some." Walking towards the fridge, the taller woman pulled out a carton of mixed berries. "I noticed you got everything to make pancakes and forgot them. I got up early to get some but all they had were these. On the walk, I hatched a ten-kilometer egg."

"You are such a nerd." There was an unspoken question between us that Tessa desperately wanted answered. "Yes, I read everything. You can stop freaking out."

"And?" Her voice was timid.

"It doesn't magickly make everything go away. You betrayed me in the worst possible way. But, it shows that there might be a chance to become friends again. Tessa, it will be a lot of work. I've had a crappy past. You know better than anyone that I don't trust easily."

"I know." Pausing, Tessa debated her words swaying from foot to foot. "Can I say something? I know you don't want to talk about things yet but, I need to say it."

Folding my arms, I braced myself. "Sure."

"Your journal was private. I had no business reading it. Let alone using it. I am so sorry for what I did. I was desperate and selfish. And I could not have been more wrong."

"Thank you for finally admitting that."

"Thank you for letting me say it. And I have something else to tell you." Tessa paused not quite sure how thin the ice she stood on was. "It might be hard for you to hear."

"Go ahead."

"Even though I completely mishandled it, we wrote a good song together. I didn't lie when I said what you wrote inspired me. It's like, I could hear your voice in my head and then the rest of the lyrics and music just came to me. We would have been terrific partners, you and I. If I would have been upfront and honest, a lot of things would have been different."

"What are you looking for from me?"

"Being friends again would be cool." The musician's voice cracked as she swayed foot to foot.

She always does that when she's nervous. "I already told you we can't go back."

"And you're right. But maybe we can find a way forward."

"Tessa, I can't trust you. Why-"

"You were the first true friend I've ever had. And I can't stand that I lost you." Tessa's voice was choked as a tear ran down her cheek.

"You shoved me away. Even when you still had feelings for me. You knew how I…" Pausing, I tried calming myself. I could feel that pain coming back. "I told you how I felt about you and you told me we missed our chance." Something broke inside the taller woman when I said "felt." She took a step back. Did she think I'd come running to her after what she did? No. She knows me better than that.

"I broke us. And I would do anything," cautiously, Tessa stepped closer. "To repair that. And I believe, deep down, you want that too."

Seeing how hurt she is it's killing me. "We can't just hit the reset button."

"I don't expect you to forgive and forget anything."

"Then what do you expect?"

That familiar goofy grin tugged at red lips. "Hi, I'm Tessa. Do you not want to spend this entire week in your bedroom and maybe hang out? Or do you hate me too much to do that?"

Shaking my head, I couldn't help but smile as I took her hand. "I could never hate you."

Xxx

Tessa's POV

I finally got that out. At least there's hope to get back to friends. I don't blame her for not wanting more. Even though she knows I reciprocate her feelings. Maybe one day. For now, I'm perfectly content with having my friend back. Especially if we can joke like we used to. "Alright. Everything is ready for you to do your thing."

"You're just jealous that I can flip a pancake and it not hit the floor." Smirking playfully, Mariah started moving the skillet.

"You're right. I am jealous of that." I couldn't help but laugh as the redhead rolled her eyes. "I'll set the table. I don't remember them having plates last time we were here."

"Because they didn't." Carefully, Mariah flipped a pancake into the air and caught it. "I'm pretty sure Devon planned this entire thing. He just didn't stock the fridge."

Biting my lip, I leaned against the counter. "I'm glad he did." I continued watching each pancake being tossed expertly and every so often caught behind the shorter woman's back. "Now you're just showing off."

"A girl's gotta get her kicks somehow." She paused becoming serious. "I'm glad he did too. Forcing us to spend time together is making us get comfortable around one another again. And eventually, after coffee and not before noon, talk about the song."

"Our song?" I offered quietly. Mariah's eyes caught mine a moment.

"Speaking of Devon, is he keeping you at Hamilton Winters?"

"As an assistant, yes. I'm not allowed back in the studio until I regain his trust. Which, I understand. I'm just glad to still have a job."

"It sucks not having a job in GC. Trust me, I know. Thankfully, people gave me second chances after everything I did to Sharon." True regret washed over Mariah as she remembered her past. I wonder if that's why she's being so kind. She's never been one to act anything. "Since everything, where are you living?"

I can't lie to her. I want her to trust me again. "I'm-" Luckily, Mariah's phone rang. Oh, thank God. It's Sharon.

"Can you take over for a minute?"

"Yeah, sure."

Quickly, Mariah answered. "Hey, how are you?" I shouldn't eaves drop but she's not exactly walking into her room and closing the door. "We're making pancakes. Yes, blueberry pancakes." Taking back the skillet, Mariah finished the rest of the batter. "We're talking." I started to walk away only to be stopped by a spatula. Glancing towards the woman, she signaled for me to come closer and hold the phone.

"Oh? How's that going?"

"Good. I've leaned a lot in the past twenty hours."

"Such as?"

"She let me read her journal. Not to call things even but to give some perspective."

Sharon was quiet a moment. "And?"

"We have a long road ahead of us. Let me call you later, okay? Breakfast is ready." Taking the phone back, Mariah said her goodbyes. Making sure the call was disconnected, she spoke freely. "She won't be in your corner for a long time. If she ever will be. But, she is understanding. With everything she's done, she knows some people need second chances."

"Is that what you're giving me? A second chance." Bringing everything to the table, we sat to enjoy the view of San Fran from the small breakfast nook.

"Yeah, of sorts. I wasn't sure if I'd give you a second chance so quickly but Devon didn't give me a choice. I'm glad he set this up. Otherwise, I don't think I'd have read your journal. You know how stubborn I can be."

A genuine laugh escaped my throat. "Only because I'm the same way."

"Now," pointing a fork in my direction, Mariah narrowed her eyes. "This is when you're supposed to be all "no, Mariah. You're not stubborn at all.""

"Yeah, okay. Says the woman who forced me to watch Warehouse 13 to prove that there, in fact, was a female H.G. Wells."

"Oh, you loved the show after the fourth episode."

We're back to bickering like friends. That's good. "Yeah, whatever."

"You said you were sick just to get out of playing at The Underground and had me making up an excuse just so we could finish season two together." She grinned triumphantly. "And you said Sci-Fi can't be historic."

"It's a rule. You can't finish a show alone that you started with someone else." Sipping the orange juice, I shook my head being under Mariah's gaze. "Fine. You win. Jaime Murray did do a fantastic job." I paused remembering the good times we had watching TV late at night. "We never did finish the show. Did you?"

"No. But I read spoilers online. According to some fans, the fifth season doesn't exist."

"Why is that?"

"The show got cancelled so the writers just "tied things up" in a nice little bow and shoved it in everyone's face."

"That really sucks."

Xxx

The next few days were filled with more jokes, bickering, and enjoying one another's company. We were becoming friends again. Devon texted to make sure we've not killed one another yet and was quite pleased to hear that we were getting along.

Exiting her bedroom, Mariah stared at her phone. She looks upset and confused. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Where are you living back in GC?" Concern was clear in the redhead's voice as she sat beside me on the couch. "Last time I asked, Sharon called."

"Why…" My voice trailed off when Mariah showed me her phone. "Oh."

"Apparently, Devon bought GC Buzz and was moving some of Hilary's stuff in. He found the sleeping bag and toiletries. There's only one person I know who uses that brand of hair spray."

Hanging my head, I clenched my jaw. "I'm homeless." Leaning forward, I covered my face with my hands. "There. I said it. I can't afford a place in GC even with the money I saved from my paychecks. I can't afford a deposit and two months of rent upfront. And it's too cold to live in my car."

"Tessa," placing a hand on my back, Mariah tried to sooth me. "I'm sorry."

"I feel like I deserve it. I stole from you, ruined our friendship, lost Devon's trust, and hurt Noah. Karma really bit me." Tears burnt my eyes thinking about what I did to Mariah.

"You don't deserve to be homeless. That's overdoing the punishment. Let me text Nick and see if there are any openings at Rainbow Gardens. You'll have to deal with construction but-"

"That…that's fine." Leaning back, I met Mariah's soft gaze. "Why are you helping me after what I did?"

"Because everyone deserves a second chance. The past few days have shown me that you really do regret what you did. Everyone makes mistakes."

"Thank you, Mariah." Before I could stop myself, I wrapped the shorter woman in a strong embrace. I'm not sure if it was impulse or not, but she reciprocated the hug instantly. Realizing what I had done, I moved back quickly. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"As long as you don't mention a vault, you're fine." Smiling, Mariah wiped away my tears. Choosing her words carefully, she spoke again. "Tessa, I forgive you. For everything. But, that doesn't mean I can forget it. I still need to figure out if I can trust you again. That will take a while. All of that being said, I still care about you."

"I care about you too." I whispered fiddling with the corner of a pillow.

"Yes, I read. And I've heard you singing."

Warmth rushed up my neck to burn my face. "Oh…" Oh God. How much has she heard? She must realize by now I'm still in love with her. "How much did you…"

"Enough to know how you feel. One thing we have in common is: we can't portray our feelings well in person but we can though music or writing. I've heard some of the songs you've been working on while we've been here. Running water and a hairdryer only cover so much." Taking my hand in hers, she continued. "We can't be together, right now." Bowing my head, I braced myself for the worst. Here it comes. I deserve this. "But, Tessa, look at me." Doing as I was asked, I waited. "Maybe once we're in a better place we can revisit the subject."

"R-really?" I can't believe what I'm hearing. She's serious, right?

A/N: Song Used: You Are the Reason by Calum Scott watch?v=ShZ978fBl6Y

Some dialog (used before making pancakes) was used from the show.