CHAPTER 2

~Home is where you hang your Headphones~

-Two Days Later-

Nicole comes in from going to the store and makes her way down to what she and Jionni like to call their, "Family Man-Cave". She kicks her psycho heels off and plops down onto the couch after putting the food away in the refrigerator.

Jionni is upstairs with Lorenzo talking to his Mother for the time being, so she unlocks her phone to make a call in her alone time.

Elsewhere, Deena cleans up the little bit of toys scattered around the floor when she hears her ringer going off. She recognizes it right away and she dashes to her phone on the coffee table before it goes to voicemail.

Plopping herself on the leather couch, "Hi."

Nicole, "Hey. How are ya?"

Deena replies after sighing, "Exhausted. 'Leena is a ball of energy lately, I barely have time to hear myself think."

Nicole laughs, "She is very chatty. I wonder why…?"

Deena smiles sarcastically, "Very funny. You just wait until 'Enzo starts talking."

Nicole, "It'll be the best time of my life. He is already jabbering what sounds like Momma and Daddy."

Deena, "Sounds about right."

Deena shifts the phone in her hand when Nicole speaks again.

"So what were you up to?"

Deena replies, "I was just cleanin up a little bit. I'm still trying to get used to such a big place."

Nicole, "Yeah. I'm glad Jionni's Mom has a Maid to come through…She still wants us to clean up even before she gets here, which makes no sense. I just don't say anything, Jionni bitches about it though."

Deena, "Well, I'm thinkin about bringing one in myself. Especially since I'm the one that's here most of the time. I need a break."

Nicole responds into the phone, "I don't see how you do it Dee'. Did he say when he's comin home?"

Deena looks to the ceiling, "He was in Albany, New York the weekend of the fifth. From there, he went to Providence to visit with the 'Fam. He said the other day that he would be back today, that travel has let up since all the crazy shit goin on where you guys are."

Nicole, "Yeah. I know. People are insane… If I were President, I would decree that twice out of every month, people should just grab a drink and party or just find some way to relax. The world would be a better place, I feel."

Deena smiles, "Well so far, no Guidos have run for office so until then, I wouldn't hold my breath."

Nicole, "Well I think Lorenzo will be the first and 'Leena will be the First Lady."

Deena cannot do anything but laugh. She continues.

"I watched you and Jenni's show pretty much all week. They're still runnin it on MTV."

Nicole, "Yeah, Jenni and I have a meeting with the Producers next week. There's word that MTV is renewing us for a third Season."

Deena lights up, "That's great! I hope it runs for as long as The Shore did, longer."

Nicole responds, "I don't know how much excitement we can bring to the screen. Especially if Jionni holds off the wedding any longer than he has talked about doing so."

Deena, "What's up with that? First I thought you wanted an October wedding, now you're sayin a winter wedding, which I know you don't want."

Nicole, "Not at all but Jionni…I don't know. He's just bein extra picky and careful."

Deena, "Well it's too late to slow down now. Looks like Season three will be the anticipation of your wedding instead of Jenni's engagement."

Nicole agrees over the phone, when Deena hears Pauleena's tiny voice giggling like crazy and another laugh to match it. That could only mean one thing…

Deena smiles and announces into the phone.

"Uh-oh. The DJ has landed."

Nicole makes out the background noise.

"He's there?! Tell 'im I said hi."

Deena responds, "Will do."

Before Deena can hang up, Nicole yells into the phone.

"Do something romantic tonight! Make him dinner!"

Deena shakes her head, "Really Nicole? GOODBYE…"

Deena hangs up on laughter as she places the phone back on the coffee table. She doesn't know about doing anything romantic but the love is already present as the three embrace, united in a family moment.

A/N: *Terrific Tuesday my friends!* Great feedback so far, it is good to be back! I have to apologize in advance because posts will be slow starting out but nonetheless, here is another chap. (For all my followers out there, you know who you are, the new Banner is up, you should already have the link to view it. Inbox me & let me know YOUR thoughts on what it illustrates.)