Marlene ran her fingers up and down Rebecca's arm as they faced each other on their bed. She was glad she decided to return home early.

"So are you going to tell me why you came home early?" Rebecca asked.

"I already told you, I missed you," Marlene repeated. "I grew increasingly homesick as the days passed. It's one thing to see you on Skype but it's another to actually touch you like this." She moved closer to give Rebecca a quick kiss.

"And Tony didn't try to convince you to stay? I imagined he would've piled on the charm and even ask you to extend your trip."

"It wouldn't have worked," Marlene said confidently. "Besides, I wouldn't want to be replaced by that cute blonde as your assistant."

"Who told you about her?" Rebecca wondered then realizing it must've been Kim. "Well, your job is safe because she's nowhere near as competent as you."

"What about in the sexy department?" Marlene asked when she didn't bring it up.

"Marlene, do you really even have to ask that?" Rebecca felt it was so obvious.

"You're avoiding the question," Marlene insisted. "Kim said she was turning heads at the office."

"Really? I didn't notice," Rebecca said getting her confirmation that it was Kim who was telling her about her temporary assistant.

"Good answer," Marlene said and moved closer to give Rebecca a kiss. She was hoping for more when she felt Rebecca shift away then get dressed.

"I'm hungry," Rebecca said when she saw Marlene's questioning look. "I'll get us something to eat."

"You're always hungry," Marlene pointed out.

"That's because you always give me a workout," Rebecca joked and gave her a quick kiss before heading out. "Hey, what was that for?" She turned when she felt the pillow Marlene threw at her.

"For you to hurry up and get back here," Marlene said and ducked when Rebecca threw the pillow back at her. She hugged the pillow as a surrogate until Rebecca returned.

.

"That was quick," Marlene said when Rebecca returned with a tray of food.

"Mrs. Linse already prepared a tray for us," Rebecca revealed. "I got to the kitchen and she handed it to me. It's like she knew what I wanted even before I got there."

"Justus," Marlene said and covered her face with her hand. "He saw me when I got back and must've told her." She started eating their meal.

"That's Justus for you, always anticipating what we need," Rebecca said following Marlene's lead.

"Has he ever been stumped?"

"I don't know, maybe we should try and find out."

"No, let's not. Anyway, so are you going to tell me what we're doing on our London trip? I want to pack the right outfits for the weekend."

"Since when do you pack ahead of a trip?" Rebecca wondered. "You usually pack a few hours before a trip." She knew why Marlene was needling her for details and wanted to see how she would convince her to divulge them.

"Why won't you tell me what we're doing?" Marlene complained. "Have you already forgotten your promise?"

"Fine, we're spending the weekend at a spa," Rebecca revealed. "We'll spend time getting massages, swimming in hot springs water and just getting pampered the whole time we're there." She saw Marlene's smile widen and knew she liked the idea.

"Bathing suit and robe," Marlene said. "This would be the lightest packing I've ever done."

"Well, not quite," Rebecca said with a smile. "I've taken the liberty of putting in another week for you so we can spend it in London and probably catch a West End show or two."

Marlene was obviously delighted but she restrained herself while they ate. She was quietly figuring out how to top Rebecca's surprise.

.

Rebecca was getting ready to head to the office when she found Marlene getting up. "Sorry if I woke you up; I tried to be quiet so you can sleep in."

"I had no intention of sleeping in," Marlene said. "I was planning to go to work with you."

"But you're still on vacation," Rebecca reminded her.

"Is there a reason you don't want me to go to the office?" Marlene asked suspiciously.

"Of course not," Rebecca said. "Hurry up then so we can have breakfast before we go."

.

"Welcome back Marlene," Elisabeth greeted her when she crossed paths with Marlene at the bottom of the stairs on her way to breakfast. "How was Salzburg?"

"It was lovely," Marlene confirmed. "Being surrounded by all those wonderful artists and music. It was heavenly."

"Well, you might consider going to the Berlin Music Festival then," Elisabeth suggested.

"I would and hopefully Rebecca will join me then," Marlene said and looked up the stairs as Rebecca came down.

"Join you where?" Rebecca asked catching that part of their conversation.

"The Berlin Music Festival," Marlene repeated. "I want you to come with me then."

"We'll see," Rebecca said trying not to overpromise.

.

"Rebecca," Caro greeted when she saw her at the office. "I need to ask you something about the dress."

"Caro, can this wait until later?" Rebecca said trying to avoid discussing it with her.

Caro was about to continue when she saw Marlene arrive behind Rebecca. "Marlene, you're back."

"Yeah, did you miss me, too? Kim was just getting me caught up," Marlene said trying to explain her delay more for Rebecca's benefit.

"How lovely," Rebecca said. "Anyway, I'll see you later Caro." She started walking towards her office with Marlene in tow.

"What did she want?" Marlene asked sensing that Caro had wanted to speak with Rebecca.

"I've been giving her tips on how to handle Tanja," Rebecca fibbed walking behind her desk.

"Aren't you glad you're no longer in that pressure cooker?" Marlene saw the blonde assistant enter and brush past her.

"Ahh, can you please send these out by courier after you make copies?" Rebecca requested and handed her a stack of contracts.

Marlene walked over to stand beside Rebecca behind her desk and studied the other woman carefully.

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes, can you hold my calls?" Rebecca requested.

The temporary assistant nodded and started to head out but stumbled and dropped a few of the contracts. She bent over to pick them up which revealed her shapely behind.

Marlene saw the deliberate act and turned to Rebecca who was busy reading her e-mails for the day. She waited for the other woman to leave before getting Rebecca's attention and leaning in to give her a kiss.

"What was that for?" Rebecca asked bewildered by Marlene's action.

"For being my girlfriend," Marlene reasoned. "Is there something I can do to help you?"

"Not right now; why don't you sit over there while I finish up here?"

"Am I supposed to just sit around all day?" Marlene asked as she sat down on the office sofa.

Rebecca looked up at her thoughtfully and smiled. She got up and went to the door to lock it. She walked then leaned over Marlene on the couch and kissed her.

"You sure we won't be disturbed?" Marlene asked feeling excited about what she knew they were about to do.

"Why do you think I had my calls held?" Rebecca said with a smile and unbuttoning Marlene's top.

.

"Rebecca, are you in here?" Hagen called out from the closed door. He tried to open the door and found it locked. He was about to give Rebecca a call on her mobile when the door opened.

"Hey, what's up?" Rebecca asked him.

"I need to talk with you in my office," he said.

"Be right there," she replied and closed the door. "Duty calls." She gave Marlene a quick kiss before heading off.

Marlene decided she would do some work while she waited for Rebecca's return. She was busy riffling through the papers Rebecca laid out on her desk when the temporary assistant returned from her task.

"Should you be doing that?"

"Rebecca won't mind, she trusts me with this."

"She didn't tell me that you could," the temporary assistant insisted. "I think you should wait for her to return and confirm that you can."

Marlene found her zeal a little annoying but understood that she was just doing her job. She sat back on Rebecca's chair and waited for her return.

"Oh good, you're back," Rebecca said when she noticed her temporary assistant standing in her room. "Can you please add this to what you send out today?" She handed another stack of contracts to her.

"She was looking through your work earlier," the nervous temporary assistant reported to Rebecca.

Rebecca exchanged a loaded look with Marlene before responding. "It's alright, thanks for letting me know." She watched her head out to complete her new task. "Aren't you on vacation?" She guessed what Marlene was doing while she was away.

"I was getting bored," Marlene reasoned. "Besides, I figured if I helped you, you'd be done early and we can head home early."

Rebecca appreciated her initiative but knew she won't like what she was about to tell her. "Marlene, about next week, there's a slight change in plans."

"Hagen withdrew your time off?" Marlene didn't hide her disappointment.

"No, that's not it," Rebecca quickly assured her. "But I will have to take some time away from you to meet some clients in London."

"How much time?" Marlene was willing to concede a few hours if it meant they were still able to go.

"Just a few hours here and there," Rebecca replied. "I promise I'll keep it short ok?" She was relieved Marlene was amenable to it.

.

Rebecca and Marlene had a late lunch because she wanted to finish her work before they left.

"What do you want to do after?" Marlene asked as they finished eating. "I'd like to go shopping."

"Actually, I forgot something at the office," Rebecca said. "Tell you what, why don't you take the car and go shopping? I'll see you at home later."

"How are you getting home?" Marlene asked taking the key from her.

"I'm sure I can get a ride from one of my brothers," Rebecca said confidently. "If not, I'll give you a call ok?" She leaned in to give her a kiss.

"Why don't I just come with you and we can both go shopping?" Marlene suggested.

"It might take a while," Rebecca said. "I don't want you to get bored again. Besides, you're on vacation remember? Go have fun."

Marlene could tell that Rebecca wanted her to go on her own so she agreed. She watched her girlfriend leave to go to work again.

.

"Rebecca," Caro greeted her when she saw her approach.

"So, what did you want to talk with me about earlier?" Rebecca asked.

"Marlene?" Caro asked looking to see if she was going to show up.

"She's not here," Rebecca assured her. "But we probably should hurry and get it over with."

Caro motioned for Rebecca to follow her to the storage room. She unveiled the dress that she had been working on for Rebecca. "I made some modifications and I hope you don't mind."

Rebecca studied the dress by going around the mannequin it was on. She tried to imagine how it would look on Marlene. "I like it. That was a good move Caro."

Caro breathed a sigh of relief. "Would you like to take it home now?"

"And you're sure Tanja hasn't seen it?"

"She never comes in here," Caro reminded her. "And I've kept it hidden and covered."

"Good," Rebecca said and waited for Caro to pack the dress for her.

.

"Justus," Rebecca called out when she saw him. "Is Marlene home yet?"

"Yes, she just arrive a few minutes ahead of you," he replied.

"Damn," she cursed softly. "Can you do me a favor and take this up to my room later when she's not there?"

"Certainly," he accepted. "Should I place it in your closet?" He gathered that Rebecca wanted to keep it hidden from Marlene.

"Yes, of course," she replied glad he understood her intention.

"Hey, you're back," Marlene said when she came down the stairs.

"Yeah," Rebecca acknowledged. "So what did you get from shopping today?"

"A few things," Marlene replied without getting into details. She wrapped her arms around Rebecca and gave her a quick kiss. "What did you give Justus?"

Rebecca had hoped she hadn't noticed but since she did, she had to come up with a quick answer. "Just something he can hang in a closet." She tried to dismiss it quickly and was glad when Marlene didn't ask further.

.

"My God, this place is better than you described it," Marlene said when she saw their room.

"I hope you'll remember this if I ever miss the mark next time," Rebecca teased as she sat down on the bed.

"You know I'd be content with anything for as long as you are there with me," Marlene reminded her. "It doesn't always have to be fancy."

Rebecca knew that but felt Marlene deserved only the best. She noticed Marlene move away from her. "Hey, where are you going?"

"Now it's my turn to surprise you," Marlene said seductively.

Rebecca waited eagerly to see what Marlene had in mind. Her eyes grew big as she saw what Marlene was wearing when she returned into the bedroom.

"Do you like it?" Marlene asked when Rebecca didn't say anything.

"When did you get this?" Rebecca asked as she admired the sexy negligee on Marlene.

"When I went shopping without you," Marlene replied. "I hope you like it."

"I love it," Rebecca growled. "But I'm afraid it won't stay on you for too long."

"It's alright, it's done its job." Marlene said with a smile as Rebecca took it off her. "That look on your face was priceless."

.

The luxurious weekend was done in a flash and Rebecca had to get up early to do some work. She gently got out of bed so Marlene could sleep in. She was almost done when she heard her speak.

"What time is your meeting?" Marlene asked raising her head to look at Rebecca.

"In an hour," Rebecca replied. "Go back to sleep."

"I can come with you," Marlene offered getting up. "I have nothing better to do that wait for you anyway."

"I have a better idea, why don't you go shopping?" Rebecca suggested. "We'll get Hagen to pay for it."

"And what should I get?"

"Surprise me," Rebecca said and leaned in to kiss her. "I should be back by lunch."

.

Marlene got back from her shopping spree just in time to order room service for lunch. She had just received the service trolley when she got a call from Rebecca.

"Hi, are you almost here because I'm hungry," Marlene said to Rebecca. "I got the whole shebang and it's going to get cold if you're not here soon."

"Yeah, that's why I'm calling," Rebecca said. "I'm actually still at the client's office and won't be able to make it for lunch."

Marlene was disappointed and looked sadly at what could have been a very romantic lunch.

"You're disappointed," Rebecca guessed correctly. "I can feel it over the phone."

"It's ok," Marlene said at last. "You can make it up to me later at dinner. You are planning to have it with me right?"

"Of course," Rebecca confirmed. "I have to go, they're calling me back in."

.

"Why did it take so long?" Marlene asked as she prepared for dinner. "Wasn't it supposed to be a routine meeting?"

"Yeah, until they started asking me why Hagen was now in-charge and not Sebastian," Rebecca said. "They needed reassurances that nothing would change and wanted to go over all the details of the deals then and there."

"Hagen owes you big for this," Marlene said. "I hope you'll tell him the trouble it caused."

Rebecca chuckled and pulled Marlene into her arms. "Don't worry, I'll make him give us another day we can use to spend together."

"And don't tell him where we're going," Marlene warned. "I don't want him scheduling another client meeting for you."

"I won't," Rebecca agreed. "So, are you excited about our trip to West End tomorrow night?"

"Are you kidding? I can't stop thinking about it," Marlene revealed. "Wait, you don't have a meeting that could take all day tomorrow do you?"

"Of course not," Rebecca assured her. "I made sure nothing gets in the way of that."

"Are you sure the dress I brought is good enough?"

"Well, if you want to be the 'belle of the ball', I may have something for you," Rebecca said moving towards the closet and pulling out a garment bag. She unzipped it and revealed the dress she had designed for her.

"Did you make this? When did you find the time?" Marlene was clearly pleased and loved it.

"I designed it for you," Rebecca explained. "But Caro did the rest with a little guidance from me."

"Of course because you're still the best designer I know," Marlene said.

Rebecca smiled as she watched Marlene try on the dress that fit her perfectly.

"I'll be the envy of everyone because I'm wearing a Rebecca exclusive," Marlene said happily.

.

Rebecca and Marlene returned home and found Hagen and Sebastian having an argument at the foyer. They watched Hagen storm off to his office while Sebastian storm off in the opposite direction.

"I have to go see what's going on," Rebecca explained.

"Go, your family needs you," Marlene agreed taking her bag from her. "I'll get our bags upstairs and wait for you there."

Rebecca gave Marlene a quick kiss and headed off to find Sebastian.

Marlene could guess what just happened and hoped Rebecca would be successful in making the brothers get along.

.

"Hey, mind some company?" Rebecca asked when she caught up with Sebastian.

"Sorry you had to see that," he apologized. "But because you did, you know I'll be bad company."

"Maybe I can cheer you up a bit or maybe find a middle ground for you two," she offered. "What were you arguing about?"

Sebastian explained how he felt left out of the company and how everything he tries to do seems like an attempt to wrestle control from Hagen.

"He's just new to all this; we all are," she tried to explain.

"I'm considering leaving the company," he said despite his sense of loyalty to the family.

"What will you do?" she asked trying to figure out how serious he was about that.

"I don't know but it's better than staying here."

"Please don't do that," she begged. "Let me talk to Hagen and see what I can do to help you."

"I don't think it'll change anything; he's very stubborn," he said.

"You once asked for my help to reinvent the company," she reminded him. "I failed you then, I won't fail you now. Trust me."

Sebastian studied his little sister a moment and decided it wouldn't hurt to have her try. He nodded his approval and got a hug in response.

.

Marlene had already unpacked when Rebecca arrived in their room. She could see the weight of the world on her shoulders and it worried her. "That bad?"

"Sebastian is considering leaving the company and Hagen keeps second guessing everything he recommends." Rebecca plopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

Marlene sat next to her and leaned over her. "So what are you going to do?" She wished it wasn't her burden to bear but knowing Rebecca, she knew she had taken it on to find a solution for her brothers.

"I don't know yet," Rebecca admitted. "But I know papa wouldn't want Sebastian to leave just as much as he hadn't when Hagen wanted to leave."

"I'm sure you'll figure something out," Marlene said. "That's what I love about you."

"That I meddle in my brothers' affairs?"

"That you care enough to want to make things right," Marlene said. She wished she could help more but all she could do was encourage Rebecca to keep trying.

.

Marlene woke up in the middle of the night and found herself alone on the bed. She raised her head and recognized Rebecca's shadowy form seated across from the bed. "Hey, you should get some sleep."

"I can't sleep," Rebecca replied. "I'm worried that I can't fix the problem between my brothers."

"Of course you can," Marlene said getting out of bed to walk over to her. "You just need some time to find something that would satisfy both of them."

"But I don't have much time," Rebecca said. "You know how impatient both of them are."

"Rebecca, losing sleep over it isn't going to solve it any sooner," Marlene said. "You just need to rest and let the answer come to you. Do you remember when you had a creative block? It was because you were too stressed to listen to your inner creative self."

"So your advice is that I go to sleep and dream up a solution?"

"I'd rather that you have a restful sleep and wake up fresh in the morning for any possibility," Marlene explained.

Rebecca decided to give her method a try since she was obviously not getting anywhere. She followed Marlene back to bed and tried to go back to sleep.

.

"Is Rebecca in?" Jessica asked Marlene.

"Why?" Marlene asked trying to field as much as she could to give Rebecca time and space to concentrate.

"I need her help to make Tanja more reasonable," Jessica said. "She won't approve my vacation time."

"Did she say why she rejected it?" Marlene knew the upcoming fashion week could be a reason.

"What do you think?" Jessica confirmed for Marlene.

"Look, I know you need a break after all the changes here but you know how important fashion week is. Can't you postpone your vacation?"

"That's just it, I originally asked for the week right after and Tanja rejected it saying there's much to do after a show; then the week after was the start of a new collection that was crucial," Jessica complained. "Do you see a pattern here? There's just never a good time."

"Let me talk with her," Marlene offered. "You may have to be flexible with when but I'll get you your vacation time ok?"

"Fine, if you don't I'm going straight to Rebecca," Jessica warned.

.

"Here's your mail," Marlene said when she went into Rebecca's office. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you?"

Rebecca had her eyes closed as she leaned back on her chair. She was quite aware that Marlene had been shielding her from any distraction since they got to the office and was grateful but still unable to figure things out.

"Hey, at least tell me what you want for lunch," Marlene suggested. "We can make it a working lunch."

Rebecca opened her eyes and smiled weakly at her. She took the envelopes from her and started to skim through them. She found one that intrigued her and she stood up suddenly.

"Hey, careful," Marlene said startled by her abrupt movement.

"Marlene, you've just given me a great idea," Rebecca said cryptically. "I've got to talk with my brothers." She gave Marlene a brief kiss and quickly headed out of her office.

"What about lunch?" Marlene called out to her.

"You go ahead without me," Rebecca replied back not missing a step.

.

"And how exactly is this going to work?" Sebastian asked as he listened to Rebecca's solution.

"It's a new enterprise and right up your alley," she explained. "You can explore new ways to expand the company and Hagen can't argue that point. Imagine the unlimited potential."

Sebastian was interested but feigned indifference. "And you think Hagen will agree to this."

"Well, we need to get Elisabeth's support," she admitted. "But I think she will and so would Tristan. I'd do it myself if I wasn't already neck deep with work."

"When did you get good at this?" he wondered amazed at how different his little sister was now.

"I learned from you," she said and hugged him. "So is that a yes?"

Sebastian nodded his agreement and watched as Rebecca rallied the other members of the family.

.

"Hello Tanja," Marlene greeted her. "I need to talk to you about something."

"I'm surprised Rebecca even let you out of her sight," Tanja teased. "What brings you here?"

"It's about the workers' vacation. I heard you cancelled all of them."

"It's the busiest time of the year," Tanja said not missing a beat. "I'm sure Rebecca understands that. Did she send you here to slap my hand because she won't do it herself?"

"She doesn't know yet and she doesn't have to if you agree to let them have their vacation after fashion week."

"They're getting their bonuses; what else could they ask for?"

"Time off to enjoy the bonus," Marlene pointed out. "Look, even you need to recharge after a hectic fashion week. The workers will be grateful and reenergized for the next project if you let them have it."

Tanja considered it a moment before continuing. "Alright, I'll approve their vacations. But in return I need something from you."

"What could you possibly need from me? I'm no longer part of your division."

"But you are the assistant to the second-in-command of the company," Tanja said with a smile. "I need to know what Rebecca is up to especially with regards to Sebastian."

"All I know is that Rebecca is trying to help him," Marlene revealed. "Other than that, I haven't a clue. You'll have to ask Rebecca yourself because I'm not going to be your spy."

"I would never ask you to spy," Tanja said in feigned hurt. "Perhaps a little inside scoop now and then."

Marlene could only shake her head and smile at her persistent friend.

.

"Marlene, these came for you," the receptionist said and handed her a bouquet of multi-colored roses.

Marlene picked out the card and smiled after reading it. She was admiring the bunch that she didn't notice Tristan arrive.

"Wow, roses; what's the occasion?" he asked.

"Rebecca doesn't need an occasion to send me flowers," she countered. "She's sweet that way."

"Maybe," he said trying to place doubt in her mind. "But I'd wait for the other shoe to fall first in case this turns out to be not as sweet as you hoped."

"Is there a reason you're here?" she said trying not to let him get to her.

"I'm looking for Rebecca," he said. "She called me in for some family meeting."

Marlene directed him to where everyone had assembled and went back to work. She did find it harder because she kept thinking about what he had said. She was in an increasingly foul mood when a man approached her.

"Hello, I'm here to meet with Miss von Lahnstein," the man said.

Marlene checked the calendar and realized he probably didn't get the cancellation she sent. She felt bad for him and decided she would fill-in for Rebecca.

.

Rebecca returned to her office to find Marlene shaking hands with a man in a business suit. She had thought that Marlene had cancelled all her appointments for the day so she wondered who he was.

"Hey, you're back," Marlene said. "How'd your family meeting go?"

"Everything is set," Rebecca said proudly. "So who was that guy?"

Marlene explained what had happened and what she had done in her stead. She was worried when Rebecca didn't say anything after. "I know, I should've rescheduled."

"Not at all," Rebecca said with a smile. "I would've done the exact same thing." She chuckled when she saw Marlene breathe a sigh of relief.

"You scared me for a moment there," Marlene complained. "Please don't do that again."

"Sorry," Rebecca apologized and pulled her into her arms. "Anyway, do you like the roses?"

"Why did you get them for me?" Marlene asked letting her curiosity get the better of her.

"Why not?" Rebecca said simply and pulling slightly away from her. "What's the matter?" She could tell Marlene was bothered by something.

"I don't know why I even let him get to me," Marlene said with a hint of regret that she brought it up.

"Did Tristan say something to you earlier? I saw him over here a while ago."

Marlene felt bad that she could cause a dispute between the two. "Forget about it; I shouldn't have listened to him."

"What did he say?" Rebecca insisted not hiding her growing anger.

Marlene knew that intense look and told her what Tristan insinuated her motives were for sending flowers.

"If you must know, I sent them because I wanted you to know you're the best; you look out for me, you give me good ideas, you shield me when I need space, you encourage and support me, you …" Rebecca couldn't say anymore because Marlene covered her mouth.

"I get it now," Marlene said. "I'm so sorry for doubting your intentions." She felt ashamed for not believing in Rebecca more steadfastly.

"You can make it up to me," Rebecca suggested. "I want to go dancing."

"Where?" Marlene asked liking her idea. They hadn't gone in a while and it was high time they did again.

"I leave that to you," Rebecca said giving her the challenge.