I shook my head to get my mind to unscramble from an Earth shattering kiss some blonde stranger just laid on me. She caught me completely off guard when I was making my way out of the security check heading to baggage clam. Thankfully it was a woman and not some strange guy, that might of earned them a beat down. I guess that wouldn't of been a great way to make my place in LA. First day being apprehended by airport security, explaining to them why I knocked some asshole senseless. Nope, I liked my little introduction to Los Angeles a whole lot better. From the feel of her pressed close to me in our little passionate kiss, I could tell she had a tight compact body underneath her sweatshirt, soft perfect lips, and a sexy voice to go along with it. Did I forget to say blonde was my favorite color? Oh yeah, she had blonde hair hidden under her baseball cap. Too bad she was gone before I could properly thank her, or turn on the old Davies's charm. LA is defiantly looking up and I haven't even been here a full hour.

Waiting for my luggage to be dispensed, I took out my phone and turned it on. After getting service, it was quick to alert me I had 5 new messages. Doesn't take a genius to figure out most of them, if not all are from Jess. I will just save them for later. I quickly hit speed dial for my aunt.

She was quick to answer with a cheerful hello. "Hey, Aunt Denise, my plane made it in ahead of schedule. Just picking up my bags now. I can take a taxi if you're busy."

"Nonsense, I wouldn't hear of it. Actually, I am already here. I dropped off a friend since I was coming to pick you up." I felt a hand tap me on the shoulder, startling me for a second. Please don't be blonde stranger's significant other, I chanted in my head while turning around.

"You have an almost pained look on your face, Ash. Am I really that frightening?" Closing my phone and hugging my aunt while she was chuckling. I swear she amuses herself immensely.

I let go giving her a big smile, I had really missed her. "Nope, not at all. Just hoping you weren't some pissed off girlfriend seeking to paint my face black and blue is all."

She shook her head. "Okay, you will have to explain that one in the car. Only you could cause trouble in the short time you've been here. Grab your bags and let's hit the road, kid. I am sure you are hungry by now. I will take you home and make you some lunch." Never one to turn down my aunt's cooking, I did as I was told.

*****

As soon as my bags were tucked in the back of her Escalade, I shed my sweatshirt. I had been smart and worn a tank top under the sweatshirt so my arms could start getting color. Placing my dark sunglasses on, I was ready for what the world has in store for us.

Aunt Denise turned to me after she paid to leave the parking garage, a sly smile making it's way on her face. "You know, my brother is probably laughing his ass off at the site of his two favorite women together and the prospect of us living together none the less."

This is very true, dad was very close to his sister. They only went short periods of time between communicating in some way. He made a lot of business trips to California and always made time for his sister. He was so proud of her business plan for the club, that he went into business with her as a silent partner. "I bet dad couldn't be happier about that. I just wish he was with us right now." I couldn't help my voice from cracking when expressing that.

She took one hand off her steering wheeling, placing it on mine. "I know, me too. Raiff was or still is a huge part of my life. Having you here with me, gives me him back. You were his life. I couldn't get him to shut up about you when we had time together, there was always pictures included. Did you know you both have the same smile?"

Talking about him with someone who knew him about as well as I had makes me feel somewhat complete. The part of my heart that was taken when he passed is starting to repair itself. "Well, I am not sure about the smile but I do know we all have the same brown eyes, I am just glad I didn't inherit his hair, brown suites me so much more."

"Me, too. He has your grandfather to thank for his hair and we have ours luckily from my mother. We were a handful for them growing up. I would follow your father around and hear my parents rant, 'there goes trouble, oh and there is double trouble'. How I received the name double trouble was beyond me, your father was the real trouble maker. Speaking of trouble, what did you do back in the airport?" She has a good way of jumping from topic to topic.

"Oh, you mean when you scared me shitless with that tap on the shoulder?" She nodded. "Well I just got off the plane and was making my way out of security check when some blonde stranger, woman I might add, grabbed me and just began kissing me. Passionately like we have been doing this for a lifetime and just as quickly as the kiss started, she left, running through the security check to make a plane I'm sure."

"You should of seen your face when you turned to face me, priceless. So that whole business about being painted black and blue, your words not mine, you thought I might be a jealous girlfriend seeking revenge?" I nod. "Well, you certainly got the Davies's charm, ladies and in my case gentlemen do tend to throw themselves at us. Wow, here for less then a day and already getting action." She pulled into the drive and stopped the car. "We're here."

I hopped out of her Escalade in front of her oceanfront paradise. From my spot, I could hear the ocean but that beautiful sound was overpowered by a loud bark. "Uh, Aunt Dee, when did you get a dog? Please tell me that is just some kind of alarm to keep people away." Me and dogs don't mix. I always wanted one until about the age of 10. I was staying at a friend's house and some idiot let go of their pet's leash. Some odd number of stitches in the arm later and I never wanted to own a dog again.

She handed me what looked like a mini steak about the size of a half dollar. "It's not my dog but my friend's. The one I dropped off at the airport. Cain is such a good dog. You have nothing to worry about."

"Sounds more like Cujo! I don't play well with dogs. Maybe I could just make my way to the guest house and stay there until Cujo goes home." Too late. My lovely aunt just decided to let the beast out.

I throw my arms around my face and waited for the worst. Somewhere in that time I dropped the small steak. I could hear my aunt say, "Sit Cain." After about a minute of praying for my sins and ready to meet my marker, I could still feel my limbs in tack, I opened my eyes and peered through my arms. There sat a very large dog, almost looking happy to see me and not a happy you will make a great meal.

I think I could see tears in my aunt's eyes, she was laughing that hard at the site I must of put on. She tried to compose herself but I could still hear laughter in her voice. "Ashley meet Cain, not Cujo."

I grabbed the still not eaten treat and gave it to Cujo, I mean Cain. Cain ate the treat fast and began sniffing me. Sniffing quickly turned in to licking. There was some petting behind the ears on my part. Some how we had bonded because when I started to walk into the house Cain was right next to me, never leaving my side.

My aunt busied herself in the kitchen, as Cain and I toured her house. I was only here once but I was too busy mourning my father's death to take anything in. Lots of light filtered in through the big windows facing the ocean giving her house a peaceful feeling. She had pictures everywhere, even a picture of Carmen and I that was taken on our first date. Once upon a time, it sat on my side table next to my bed. Pictures of my dad and his band, even one of him on his wedding day. Random shots of my aunt and those I was guessing must be her friends.

After covering the main house, I continued with the tour, my new buddy in tow. We made our way to the guest house. The guest house sat to the left of the main house with a pathway to get to it. Flowers of all kinds lined the path with a separate path to reach the fountain. It was complete with benches and small trees to give privacy. It was like a private garden. We finally reached the one bedroom guest house. It was perfect, complete with living room, small kitchen, full size bath and even a dinning nook. A view of the ocean from one side of the house and a view of the garden on the other. My huge bedroom had full size doors that opened up to a small porch with railings which over looked the ocean. Perfect was the only word that came to mind.

*****

I was lulled out of my thoughts by my aunt who brought me back to reality with the promised of food. We sat on the porch of the main house enjoying each others company, Cain close to my side.

"So I have made up the guest room down the hall from my bedroom. I figure your things will make it here by Wednesday afternoon. Don't worry, I don't snore…too loud." She said as I took the last bite of my sandwich.

"Oh, don't worry. As long as I have a tv with DVD player in the bedroom, I will be right at home." I wink and continue. "I snuck some porn in my carry on, so I will try to keep my moans down. If it does get pretty intense, I will use one of your dainty throw pillows to help keep the screams down." We never had a regular aunt-niece relationship, whatever that means. Our conversations tend to go in all directions, including sex. I'll let my aunt take the blame for that most of the time. Often asking me rather bluntly 'gettin' any lately'. She's one of a kind.

She looked deep in thought and then a mischievous smile played a crossed her face. "That's nice honey. Make yourself right at home. With you moaning down the hall, I won't have to keep it down when I am banging the gardener."

Okay, regardless of our relationship, the thoughts of my aunt and the 'gardener' going at it was not a visual I needed. I coughed on the ice tea I had been drinking. She looks so smug from the reaction she caused. After several deep breaths, thinking about scary clowns, and a confused look from Cain, I managed to speak. "You win. Lets not go into your torrid love life. Tell me about my exciting new job."

"I have extended the hours of the club so we could be open earlier in the afternoon with just the main bar open. This way the club can offer happy hour specials and get the crowd coming from work. I want you to work this shift for at least a week and get a feel of being behind the bar. My bar manager, Chelsea, will teach you all you need to know. We'll start there, how does that sound? Someday, I hope to have you running the joint." A wink followed this statement.

I never really gave it any thought, but it sounded fair to me. I needed something to keep me busy during the days. "Sounds fair to me boss." A mock salute followed.

"None of that now. You can call me Dee or Denise at work. We run a tight ship, but very casual. Just remember to wear your work shirt and the keep the customers happy. The staff is like a family to me, you will fit right in with your feisty attitude." She reached over and touched my hand. "I'm really glad you are here, even if you are trouble and a pain in the ass."

I squeezed her hand. "I'm glad to be here as well. I have only you and dad to thank for me being trouble and a pain in the ass. As far as the club goes, I know how important it is to you, I will give you my best." With that promise made, the three of us enjoyed the afternoon sun and each others company. Thankfully the 'gardener' was not brought up.

My first week and a half went by fast. Even though I missed North Carolina and all that was left behind there, California was starting to grow on me. Every morning I did my daily routine of running along the surf, now followed by playing ball with Cain. I think Cain enjoys the water more then I do. No matter how late my aunt was at the club the previous night, she made an outstanding breakfast which we ate together. By Wednesday night, I was sleeping in my new home. The sperm donors, I mean movers did a great job with the heavy lifting. All my belongings fit perfectly. My huge bed, which didn't feel so huge with Cain sleeping next to me, was placed across from the doors leading to the porch. At night I had a very lovely view of the moon reflecting on the water. Even though the acoustics were not the greatest with the wide open space, I felt at peace playing my guitar on the porch.

Aunt Denise gave me a couple days to get settled before I began my new job. The Office, my aunt's club, was bigger then I imagined. Only seeing pictures, I was blown away when I walked through the club for the first time. Two levels, three bars when weather permitted, dance floor, stage in the back of the main level, and VIP area on the second level. Anything you would want out of a place to enjoy yourself could be found at The Office. Chelsea, the main bar manager, was very patient and understanding during my training. She took me under her wing and we became fast friends. I learned during the day she was a talented artist, often showcasing her work in local galleries. At the beginning of my bartending adventure I learned two things. One, The Office was many steps up from Cocktails and Dreams, and that I was no Tom Cruise. Two, when in doubt about a drink, refer to the bartender's Bible. It saved my ass with more then one customer ordering drinks I have never heard of. By the end of the week, I was catching on pretty quickly, I told my aunt I would give her my best and that's what I did. My number of drink mishaps dropped, no longer needing to change my shirt during the shift. The wait staff no longer called me butterfingers. I read bartending drinks on the side, and was able to make suggestions to accommodate what a customer was in the mood for.

I could set my own work schedule since it really does pay to be related to the boss. Even though I liked having the evenings to myself, I volunteered my services for the busy weekend nights. My aunt must of thought I could handle it, because she gave no doubt in my abilities, and welcomed my help. I put in a few early shifts during the week, and when Friday came around, I saw the club in all its glory. Though there was a steady crowd for the early shifts I previously worked, they did not compare to the crowd the club took in on a weekend night. The line to get in wrapped around the building, and didn't let up all night. It appeared as if all of LA came to The Office to get their drink and dance on. Chelsea and I, with the assistances of a couple more bartenders, manned the main bar. When the bar began to fill with more and more customers, Chelsea was quick to inform me this was nothing compared to the crowd Saturday brought in. All in all, I was holding my own.

A couple hours into my shift, the main bar phone rang out. I could only hear Chelsea's side of the conversation over the music while I continued to serve drinks. "Not a problem. I hope you feel better Lucy. I will send your replacement up, then you can take off." When she hung up, I imminently felt her eyes on me.

I turned around and offered a smile. "What's up Chelsea?"

"Well kid, time to cut the ties. Lucy is sick and cannot finish her shift. I am sending you up to the VIP bar to replace her."

"Alright boss, if you think I am ready to man up on my own." I flashed her my cocky, over confident smile. On the inside I was a bit nervous, VIP bar was a smaller bar that was ran by one person. This means more responsibilities on my part.

She gave me a gentle push towards the opening of the bar. "Ash, you will be fine. The VIP customer's barks are worse then their bites." Always one with a quick joke and positive outlook. "I have complete faith in you. You run into trouble, just call the main bar."

Making my way to the VIP stairs, I pushed my way through the many bodies crowding the area, offering apologies and smiles along the way. I stopped upon the entrance of the stairs, giving the bouncer a quick smile. With his looks, he comes across as someone that should be named Killer. His name is Chris and honestly he is a real sweetheart. "Hey, Chris. Lucy is leaving sick. I am the lucky replacement for the evening."

Unlocking the latch to the VIP rope, Chris gave a slight bow and waved me in. "Good luck Miss Davies. I'll check on you during my break in a couple hours."

The stairs lead to the top level and my aunt's office. The feel to the area up top was different from the main floor. My aunt had set of this area perfectly with the acoustics, making it feel as if everything on the lower level didn't exist, the loud music, and all the excitement happening below didn't transfer. Different music and dimmer lights set the atmosphere in the VIP level. The customers in this area were offered privacy, for many the main reason they came to The Office. A railing to the left allowed for VIPs to overlook the dance floor. Sofas replaced tables up here. Heading towards the back, I found an ill and very thankful Lucy behind the bar. The bar provided the main light source. We said our quick goodbyes. Let the fun begin.

I am not sure why I was so worried. The customers weren't what I expected. Many I didn't recognize, and those I had recognized did cause me to get all star struck. They were just people looking for a good time, granted most had fame or a lot of money, but they are people just like me. It's hard not think of Jess in a time like this, she would be in heaven right now. Most of our conversations over the phone since I arrived have revolved around if I met anyone famous and if I got laid. Often it was, did you get laid by someone famous? Well, two of her favorite actors were in the very room I was serving drinks in. Michael Storms, lead actor in CSI: Hawaii (why they didn't stop after CSI: New York is beyond me), and new arrival Spencer Carlin. I was a bit taken back by her beauty when she appeared. Offering up cheerful hellos and kisses to cheeks. I could tell for most that approached her, her smile didn't quite reach her eyes, like they were acquaintances giving pleasantries. Spencer was wearing casual attire, simply button down shirt and tight jeans. The dark blue in her shirt brought out the blue in her eyes, not that I was really looking. Who am I kidding? A fantasy figure, not that I would stand a chance, but successful and very openly gay actress was making her way to the very bar I was tending.

After closing out a tab and handing a couple beers to a customer, I wiped off the bar and gave my attention to the lady on the end of the bar. When I looked up my eyes met the very beautiful Spencer Carlin's, brown met blue. She tilted her head and gave me a once over. Words died in my throat before I could ask her what I could get her as her eyes danced over me. For an unknown reason I felt as if she was trying to place me from somewhere.

She sat upon the corner stool and leaned forward. "So, your not my normal bartender. Where is Lucy?" It almost came off as if she was offended.

I gave her a friendly smile, finally able to form words. "Lucy went home sick, sorry. I'm Ashley, your bartender for the evening. What can I get you?" I was a bit proud to get that all out. Not wanting to scare her, I will just save my pat on the back until later.

"Yeah, I'd like a long island ice tea." coming across more as a demand than a request.

Sure thing princess. I quickly made the actress's drink order. Her body langue making me feel as if I was taking a long time. "That will be 7 dollars. Do you want to open a tab?" I asked setting her drink in front of her on a bar napkin and adding a straw.

"Yeah, you're new here. The owner is my friend and we have an agreement, drinks are free for me." With her message out, she went to turn away, but I grabbed her wrist, effectively stopping her from leaving the bar area.

"I don't care who you are. I know of no such agreement, so just pay the 7 dollars." I gave her a quick smile, hiding all signs my patience were coming undone. The actress began to smirk at me. Looking down at the hand that I still had on her wrist. After removing it, I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Look…." The actress paused, already forgetting my name. Really, Ashley is such a common name. I gave her my name once again. "Right, Ashley. As I have stated, I am very good friends with the owner. I suggest you play bartender to some other lovely customers now and let me on my way. I understand you are new here, having never seen you before and knowing all the bartenders personally. I wouldn't want any trouble for you." Who the hell does she think she is. I could give a fuck if she is some star in box office hits. Her trying to intimidate me by pretending she could get me fired. Me fired, in my own aunt's club, the same aunt who asked for my help. Ha

"Spence, wow! When the hell did you get back in town?" Yup, that's my aunt. The same aunt that is giving the actress a hug as we speak.

"Flew in a few days earlier then expected. You are my very first stop from the airport. I was just going to come by your office and see you. It seems I have come into a little snag, I was just explaining to your hot new employee here our agreement. For the life of me I don't think she trusts this face." First genuine smile that showed on the actress face since she arrived.

Once again I find myself speechless. True my aunt did inform me The Office was a celebrity hot spot and also that she was pretty close to a lot of them. I just kind of figured she made it up. "Spencer, met my…"

"Yeah, we met." The actress said.

"Well, good. Spence, how about you and I head to my office. There is a fresh bottle of wine chilling with your name our names on it. I can't wait to hear all about your adventures in Canada." Traces of excitement shown on her face.

"Best offer I've had all night." She said more to me then my aunt, giving me a wink before adding, "Lead on."

With that, they headed to my aunt's office. Leaving me speechless again and with impatient eager people waiting for a drink.

*****

The rest of my shift went by fast, with no problems. I also didn't see the actress again, which I am actually glad about. When I made it home, there was no barking. It was a bit saddening not being greeted by my four legged friend. My shadow grew on me after I got over the whole fearing for my life at the beginning. After my run when I wake up, I would have to ask my aunt where Cain was. After getting some water from my kitchen in the guest house and making quick work getting out of the bar clothes, I settled in for the night in my bed. The doors to the porch open, allowing the sound of the waves to relax me.

Soon as my eyes began to grow heavy, and sleep was taking over, my bedroom filled with music. "This one's for North Carolina! C'mon and raise up! Take your shirt off, twist it 'round yo' hand. Spin it like a helicopter. North Carolina! C'mon and raise up!" Petey Pablo's Raise Up, a ringtone set by the one, the only, "Jess, what are you doing calling me so early. We had this talk the last few times you called. Member about the 4 hour time difference. The whole don't call me until the big and little hand reach the 11, unless it's an emergency?" I said with slight irritation.

Laughter was the only thing that could be heard. Finally a voice. "Now Ash, not a great way to great your best friend. I missed you. Coach canceled practice this morning, forgetting to tell his players. Some cute girl on a golf cart relayed the message. I figured checking up on you was my next thing to do for the day."

"I am glad you still think about me here and there. I am alive and well. Just tired. Had my first weekend shift. Thanks for waking me up, ass." I am happy to talk to her, just not so early.

"How was it? Meet any famous people? Any numbers? Did you get some in the last couple days since we talked?" She is just like a child with the questions.

Answering in the order of the questions. "Good and busy. Yes. A couple. No." Short and to the point.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself at work. Now to more important matters. Going to call the numbers you received?" She sounds more excited about my personal life then I do.

I shook my head but quickly realized she couldn't see. "No, I am not going to call them. Just friendly flirting. Probably trying to score free drinks."

"Regardless if I see you as a sister, we both know you're hot. Plus if you were getting some you wouldn't be in such a bitchy mood." She laughed and then in a serious tone, "Now who are these famous people you met?"

She is going to yell when she hears. "Promise not to yell when I tell you? And before you ask, I did not get autographs."

"I am not some obsessed person, I have you know. Just because I am up to date with the latest news and read the magazines, does not mean I am obsessed. They are just people like you and me."

So she says. I am not convinced. "Sure you're not. Keep telling yourself that. But as a promise to you in the event I did run into someone of importance to you, to inform you, I will not go back on my word. Tonight the main VIP bartender went home sick, so I had to replace her. You know very important people." Last part said slow.

"Ha ha very funny. You are taking me up there when I come to town. Anyways, continue."

As a precaution I hold the phone away from my ear. "Michael Storms and Spencer Carlin." Before Spencer Carlin was out, my ear were already ringing from her screeching.

After a few more oh my God, she quieted down. "Don't fuck with me Davies. He is in my favorite show and she well shit, it's Spencer Carlin. Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously. Michael Storms is actually really nice in real life and so gay I might add. Spencer Carlin, well better looking in real life, but damn what a bitch."

After recapping the events that transpired between Spencer and I, Jess was filled with laughter. "Let me get this straight, okay straight not the right word. You, Ashley Davies, tried to get Spencer 'fucking' Carlin to pay for her drink? Wow. I would give her a lung right there on the spot if she asked me for it."

Why am I friends with her? "Jess, you are so not even right. She is so smug. Why is my aunt even friends with her?"

"At least she called you hot. I'd be her friend. I have put up with you for so many years now, being her friend would probably be a lot easier. Seriously now, I'd give my right tit, lets face it, I am rather found of it, to her." Sad thing is, I think she would.

"And with that said, goodnight Jess. I will call you Sunday with an update. Who knows, maybe she will come in again, and I can relay the message to her about you giving away body parts. I love and miss you hooker face."

"Talk to you later, twat." With that the line went dead. Finally, peace at last.