Chapter 2

"I think I've died and gone to heaven," Courtney groaned dramatically, toasting the girls with her champagne. "I can't believe you sent the corporate jet to pick me up! Not to mention the limo that drove me to the airport," she giggled. "You should've seen the guys in motor pool. I think their jaws might still be on the ground!"

Scarlett grinned. "Hey, nothing but the best for our Cover Girl," she said, clinking glasses with both girls. "It pays to know those in high places," she said, grinning at Jaye.

"Hey, I'm just glad Phoenix is doing so well that we can afford to do all this!" Jaye said with a sigh, leaning back in her seat. "I so needed this. You have to thank Shana for all this…it was her idea!"

"Well, the limo and jet were yours, of course," grinned Scarlett. "I was always the brains of the group though, wasn't I?" she jokingly told the girls.

They chattered on, catching up on things, as the plane started to descend. Flashing their passports, they made it through customs without a problem and were soon on their way to the house.

The term "house" was an understatement as the girls arrived at the front gates. "Holy shit!" exclaimed Courtney, eyeing the mansion in front of them. "You said 'house'….this is a mansion!"

Jaye grinned. "It's something my aunt gave me on my 21st birthday. She said everyone needed a beach house."

While the girls knew that Jaye came from money, they had never been sure exactly how much, but knew Jaye had never been too worried with spending before. With her family's money, as well as what she was making now as the CEO…..Courtney and Shana looked at each other wide-eyed.

They arrived at the front door and were met by the housekeeper. She instructed their driver to take their bags. She then turned and gave Lady Jaye a hug. "It's good to see you again, Alison," she said warmly. "We get worried that you are working too much."

"Thanks Greta," Jaye said softly, then introduced her to the girls. "This is Greta, who is like a mom to me. She's been at my uncle's house for awhile, but volunteered to come down here and get the house ready for us….and to spoil us rotten with her fabulous cooking!" she said with a cheeky grin.

"Ah, Miss Alison," said Greta with an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid your uncle knows where you are and wishes you to call him about some business. After that, though," she said, her eyes twinkling, "you are on a well deserved vacation and I will no longer be knowin' of your whereabouts!"

"Thanks Greta. Girls, let's get settled and let me get the business out of the way so we can start the pleasure!"

Jaye walked into the room that served as an office in the house. It also sported a view of the private beach, which she looked at longingly before dialing her uncle's direct line.

The conversation was brief. While he knew she needed a vacation, she still had to assure him things were going well at Phoenix, that Zartan knew what he was doing, and that she trusted him. She knew their contract with MARS was coming up for renewal and no, she didn't think there would be any trouble with that. Yes, she would be in touch after her vacation and would talk with him then. Jaye rolled her eyes when he inquired who was with her.

"It's a girls weekend, uncle, no boys allowed!" she teased. "Plus, we have Greta to chaperone, so I think we'll be okay."

"I'd still feel safer if you had guards with you while you are there," Destro said disapprovingly. "You do realize that with what you do, you are a prime candidate for kidnapping. And that business with the CIA…."

"Uncle, please. I can take care of myself. I understand the need for guards and if you would like to send some, than please do so. Only know that they might be bored since we plan on hitting the beach and going shopping. Nothing too strenuous," she assured him. She knew it would be a losing argument and if he wanted her to have guards, then so be it. His remark also had her a bit worried. Her relations with the CIA, especially after the last mission with Flint, were pretty precarious, and even though there was silence from that part, she knew that they sometimes worked around their own set of laws. Not that they would stoop to kidnapping. Or so she hoped.

She managed to get off the phone with her uncle and went to join the girls. They had already changed into bikinis and were ready to hit the beach. It didn't take long for Jaye to change and join them, and all three were soon relaxing in the sun, discussing plans for the trip.

"There's a pretty trendy club that we could go to tonight," Shana said, "that I found online. It's called Tres. I didn't know if we wanted to try out our French and hit the night life," she giggled.

Courtney frowned. "Not sure if I brought the right clothes for a club. Remember, I lead a dull military life!"

The girls then decided to go take inventory of what they had and go shopping. Jaye smiled. She had so needed this and the two girls were the perfect companions. She knew it would be a weekend to remember.