"How's Brownie?"

"She's good."

"And how's Little Man?"

"He's good."

"And Whitey?"

"They're all good, Ms. Lee." Jeff finally answered. The last thing he wanted to talk about was his dogs, especially with his ex-girlfriend. "Now what was it you wanted to address me about?"

Ariel took off her glasses and handed Jeff his appearance schedule. She was overcompensating for all the problems her and Dave were having and it was clearly showing. "Here are your appearances for the month. I can safely assume there won't be any problems with you showing up to them, correct?"

Get your licks in while you can, Ari. Jeff glanced down at the appearance schedule. He knew there were a lot of scheduled appearances and signings in the Eastern region of the United States. Yet, Jeff felt it was interesting how the bulk the signings took place in New York, where Ariel was from.

Getting the cheapest of hotel rooms proved to be expensive at times and Jeff often stayed with Ariel in her luxury apartment. He did not know if it was coincidence that Ariel gave him the New York schedule or if she was trying to tell him something.

But whatever it was, Jeff wasn't trying to hear it. "I won't have any problems, Ms. Lee. Is that all for now?"

Ariel quietly sighed. She wanted Jeff to ask her about her day and what was new in her life. She wanted to talk about the paranormal and supernatural. Instead, she accepted the fact she officially shot herself in the foot. She killed two relationships within a few months without even trying. Way to go, smart bitch. "That's all for now, Jeffrey."

"Thank you." Jeff nodded and then walked away. He stopped briefly and looked down at the concrete floor. He knew what he was about to ask was going to be dangerous and quite frankly, stupid. But he also knew he didn't have that much of a choice in the matter. Turning around, he walked back towards his ex. "If for some inexplicable reason I can't get a room, would it be okay that I stayed with you?"

Ariel smiled. She knew she shouldn't get too excited about Jeff staying with her. But she also looked at his would-be stay for potential of smoothing out rough feelings between the pair. "You're always welcome to stay with me, Jeff."

------------------------------------------------

Cold. Ariel always liked it cold. It could be thirty degrees outside yet her apartment would be a crisp 70 degrees inside. There was no rhyme or reason for wanting the apartment that damn cold; it was just one of thing that made Ariel that special. And fuckin' looney.

Everything was still the same. The fireplace in the corner with the enormous aquarium that was straight ahead. The candy paint color on the walls. The stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with the marble countertop. And then there was the master bedroom. The queen-sized bed that Jeff and Ariel spent many hours making love, having pillow fights and talks for hours on end.

After Jeff settled into his bedroom, he collapsed onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. His appearance tomorrow at the New York Sports Club was the first of throughout the month. Doing the quick mental math, he figured he would spend a lot of time at Ariel's place. This could be either really good or really bad.

"Knock, knock." Ariel said as she knocked on the door. "Are you hungry?"

Jeff stretched out across the bed. "I could use a bite."

"Chinese?"

"Sure."

Ariel smiled. "Okay. I'll make the call now."

"Thanks." Jeff nodded back. "Ari?"

"Yes?"

Jeff smiled. "Thank you for letting me stay here."

Ariel felt her heart flutter a million movements. She wasn't sure what she expected to happen that night but she was open to the possibility of anything else. "You're welcome, Jeffy."

---------------------------------------------

Elani Bautista was officially turning 17 years old today. She hated turning 17 for the sheer fact there was nothing to celebrate. Her parents threw her a blowout Sweet Sixteen, giving her a new Jetta for her birthday. Now she was in limbo, as she put it. Old enough to know better, but not legal enough to do anything. It would be another year until she could hit the clubs and buy cigarettes, if she wanted. She could vote and join the Army, but probably not on the same day.

The only silver lining in Elani turning 17 was the fact she was getting another birthday party, which meant more free gifts. Rock on, sister!

As Elani played hostess to her 25 guests, Dave and Tracy watched the action with their friends. Noticeably absent was Rae. "I thought you gave Rachel the invite, David."

"I gave it to her." Dave said as he took a sip of his drink. "She said she was going to be here."

"What is it about you and the women at your work, David?" Tracy smiled. "Either you make them quit, move to another brand, or get fired altogether."

"Tracy, you're on the bubble."

Before Tracy could retort with another wise remark, Rae walked in through the front door. She looked unsure, as if she wasn't entirely positive if she should be there. She closed the door behind her and waited around to see if anyone would approach her first.

"Rachel!" Tracy waved as she quickly walked over to her. "I'm so glad you came over, sweetie! Come on in! Do you need a drink? Are you hungry?"

Rae smiled uncomfortably as Tracy led her to the kitchen. "I could use something to eat."

"Good. Wait right here and I'll be back with a plate." Tracy then left for the patio.

Rae pulled up a stool as she waited in the kitchen. She knew Dave was right in front her, standing only a few feet away. But she also didn't want to make any contact unless it was absolutely necessary. "I don't bite, you know?" Dave interrupted the silence.

"I know." Rae said quietly.

Dave walked over to the breakfast bar where Rae was. He stood directly in front of her, and leaned in closer toward her. He placed a finger on her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. "Unless you want me to."