DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters.

Chapter Two

Brenda leaned back in her chair, back facing the door, waiting for someone to pick up the other end.

"Hello?"

"Is this Kate Howard?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Brenda Barrett with L&B Records. I was wondering if you had some time that you could meet with me," Brenda said.

"I hope you don't mind me asking what about," she said.

"I have a business proposition for you. I recently read that you were let go from you magazine and might be open to a new opportunity." Brenda took a breath. "I will be in Port Charles tomorrow if that is convenient for you," she suggested.

"There is a new café in the warehouse district. I'll be there at 10am," Kate said.

"I'll see you then," Brenda said with a smile. She swiveled around in her chair and came face to face with Jax. Her smile faded. "How'd you get in here?" she asked.

"You forget so easily. I can get in anywhere," he said making himself at home by sitting down in a chair across from her desk.

Her assistant slowly poked her head into the office.

"Sorry, Brenda. I thought he was your 1 o'clock," she said.

"It's fine. Double check next time," Brenda said casually. "What are you doing here, Jax?" she asked.

"I'm actually meeting Lois for lunch, but when your assistant said you were ready for me, I figured why not stop in," he said with a smile. Brenda nodded as she picked up her ringing phone. "Hi," Brenda said casually. "Yeah, thanks for the heads up." Brenda moved the mouse around on her computer. "Nope, but I did get the appointment set up tomorrow. Ten. I think I'll just take the bike over and back. Quick trip." Brenda nodded silently. "Well, hurry up, because I have an appointment and your lunch date is here."

Brenda hung up the phone and looked at Jax.

"Lois?" he asked.

"She's pulling into the garage," Brenda told him, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms.

"Looks like you and Lois are having success with the relocation to New York," he said, making small talk.

"Things are going really great, actually. We've signed on four new bands in the past six months. We have a lot of things in store," she said. "Don't even think of touching any of it," she warned.

"What do I know about the music business?" he asked casually.

"Enough. Heard you're the big family man now. Married Carly and inherited two kids. Must be nice."

"Being a parent is a great experience. Hopefully one day you'll know."

Brenda raised an eyebrow. "And a hotel. You always had the motto go big or go home," she said.

"The hotel belongs to Carly. I just helped her achieve her goals."

"I'm sure you did," Brenda said as her phone rang again. She quickly picked it up. "I can't talk right now," she said quickly before holding the phone away from her ear and covering the receiver after a minute it died down. "I love you too," she said before hanging up the phone.

"I am so sorry I'm running late," Lois said walking into Brenda's office and hugging Jax as soon as he got up. "Parent teacher conferences are not fun."

"You're just in time," Brenda said not moving from her chair.

"Are you ready?" Lois asked Jax giving Brenda an apologetic look.

"Of course. Good to see you Brenda," he said.

"Tell Carly I said hello," she said with a smile as they walked out of the room.