. . .

Jo pushed the button with the number 35 and watched how elevator's door closed and numbers on the little screen change. She smiled at her thoughts, remembering all the wonderful things Mac had done to her in the morning. As many times before she thought she could totally get used to it. To him taking care of her on a daily basis. But this time she felt something more – she also thought about taking care of him. She could felt butterflies in her stomach as she imagined being with him every day, sharing everything with him, all the good and the bad. Before, she was trying to think about this relationships only through the prism of current day, without thinking about tomorrow. But now, she thought it would be so good to have him around, as his care-giving and his support were something she really wanted. And she wanted it to last. She smiled, a little surprised by her thoughts. She actually wanted them to be together, she wanted to be his... well, it was kinda hard to put a label on it, but she certainly knew she wanted to be with him.

The ding of the elevator brought her out of her thoughts. She walked through the hallway to her office, not skipping the opportunity to glanced over Mac's office. She slowed down, seeing he wasn't alone. There was a woman in there and Jo didn't know why, but she just knew she wasn't there on business. Everything spoke against it. She was wearing a lovely summer dress with a floral pattern, so different from the office dress-code. And the way Mac was talking to her. He was smiling and gesticulating and the woman was laughing, throwing back her head, making her curls bounce. Then Jo saw as he hugged her tightly and placed a kiss on her cheek. She opened her mouth in disbelief. The next thing she felt was a strange pinch inside her chest and she took a shaky breath. She quickly walked away, not turning around. Her mind was spinning, giving her too many ideas at the same time. She tried to push them all away and come up with some rational explanation, but her thinking was drowned by a mix of sorrow, anger and fear. She sat behind her desk and wanted to place her elbows on its surface, but there was no space for that. With an anger she pushed all things to the side, making some of them fall to the floor and she hid her face into her hands. This sudden rush of emotions was almost unbearable. She had sat like that for a moment, trying to compose herself, when suddenly she heard Mac's voice.

''Jo, is everything fine?''

She looked at him. He was standing in the middle of her office. Alone.

''Yeah.''

''You sure?'' He asked again, looking at her suspiciously.

''Yes, I'm sure.'' She confirmed. ''Is there something you wanted from me?'' She tried to sound casual but there was a slight hint of anger in her voice. He rose his eyebrow.

''Actually I did. I wanted to ask if you're free tonight.''

''What?'' She asked, as his words didn't make sense to her.

''We are going to grab a few drinks.''

''We?''

''Yeah, Danny, Lindsay, Don, Adam, maybe Sid. Only Sheldon can't make it, as he has a dinner with Camille's parents.'' He explained and she nodded.

''What's the occasion?''

''Stella has came to visit New York for a couple of days and she wants to hang out with us a little. You know, there is a lot of things we have to catch up.'' He smiled, but Jo stopped listening after his first word. Stella. Of course... She thought. She let out a sigh of relief, but immediately tensed, thinking it wasn't making her feel any better about what she saw.

''Well, I don't know.'' She hesitated. ''It will be some kind of reunion for you and I don't even know her. Wouldn't it be awkward?''

''I think it's a perfect opportunity for you to meet her.''

Jo winced a little. She wasn't really in the mood for that. But then, she couldn't imagine letting Mac go alone, as she knew, she would be freaking out imagining what could happen.

''OK then.'' She agreed.

''So... maybe I pick you up at 9 pm?''

''No. I'm going to see Tyler this evening, so I'll be in the center.''

''OK.'' He smiled. ''We're meeting at 'The Riddle'.'' He added. Then he leaned closer to her, placed a quick kiss on her head and whispered: ''I'm really happy you're coming.''

. . .

Jo entered the pizzeria, looking for Tyler. She smiled, seeing him sitting at the table near the window and walked towards him.

''Hi, honey.'' She greeted him, kissing his cheek.

''Hi, mom.''

She sat down at the table, in front of him and asked:

''You've ordered?''

Tyler didn't have a chance to answer as Jo heard low, familiar voice just behind her.

''Hello, Jo.'' She turned around and looked up. Great. Russ. She thought.

''Hi.''

''I ordered one big Capriciosa. Will it be OK?''

''Sure.'' Tyler answered. ''And some drinks?''

''Yeah, I forgot about it. Can you grab them, son?'' Russ asked and Tyler nodded.

''You look great, Jo.'' Russ said after Tyler left the table. ''Really great.'' His gaze unashamedly moved over her body, making her shift uncomfortably. ''I hope it's not for someone particular.'' He smirked. ''Unless it would be me.'' He teased, making her roll her eyes.

''Russ, seriously.'' She let out a sigh of annoyance. ''I didn't even know you'll be here.''

''I know. Otherwise you wouldn't show up.'' He looked directly into her eyes. ''It was Tyler's idea, he said he doesn't have a time to meet with both of us separately.''

''Yeah, sure.'' She answered, not buying it. She was really thankful when Tyler came back to the table and started chatting about his studies. Then their pizza arrived and they started eating. Russ's eyes didn't leave Jo for the slightest moment. At some points, when she stretched her hand in order to get a napkin and he did the same, letting their fingers brush against each other, she started to wonder if he really still had some feelings for her or it was only his game. She didn't come into any conclusion before her phone rang.

''Danville.'' She answered it.

''Jo, I just wanted you to know we will be a few minutes after 9 pm, as we wanted to eat something first and we lost track of time.'' She didn't even have to ask who's 'we' as she could hear some woman's laughter and chatter in the background.

''Mac! Look, look!'' The voice said and Jo was able to hear some giggling.

''Wait a minute, Stell...'' Mac said. ''Jo, are you there?''

''Yeah, I am. It's OK, take your time.'' She said a little too bitterly than she was going to. Then she hang up, without letting him answer. She was pissed off. He hadn't told her he was meeting Stella earlier, alone. And they obviously were having a great time.

''You're having a date?'' Russ asked, smiling at her. Oh, screw you! Jo thought. Screw you both.

''It's not a date.'' She said, rising from the table. ''I'm meeting with a couple of friends for a drink.''

''Sounds like fun.'' Russ grinned. ''Can I come?'' He asked, teasing her. He was sure she would give him the bird. She looked at him with the 'are you kidding' me expression, but then she rose her eyebrows and said:

''You know what? Why not.'' She answered. She didn't have an intention to be the only one dealing with anger tonight.

. . .

When they arrived at the bar, although it was almost 9.30 pm, as they had to drop off Tyler to the dorm first, Mac and Stella still weren't there. Danny, Lindsay, Adam and Don looked highly surprised seeing Jo with her ex, but she didn't care what they were thinking. Russ offered he would buy her a drink and she agreed.

''What do you want, Jo?'' There was something about him saying her name that was making her feel uneasy. Like he was relished saying it.

''Whatever, choose something for me.'' She answered, not looking at him, as her gaze was glued to the doors.

''OK.'' He answered and disappeared in the crowd. Shortly after Jo could see Mac entering the bar. Stella was right behind him. She clenched his arm and looked around looking for familiar faces. Jo couldn't help but admit she looked beautiful. She had a perfect, olive complexion, with a lovely golden glow, which made a perfect contrast to the light-green dress she was wearing. It was quite short and completely backless. Her honey curls were softly framing her face and swaying with her every move. She saw Lindsay's raised hand and smiled widely, pulling Mac in their direction. They managed to walked through the crowd quickly, as people were stepping aside, looking at her with admiration.

''Liiinds!'' Stella squeaked, pulling her into her arms. Then she hugged Danny, Don and Adam. ''I missed you so much guys!'' She said.

''Stell, this is Jo.'' Mac said and Stella let go off Adam and looked at Jo, smiling at her.

''Hi.'' Jo said, giving her hand to Stella, not bothering to stand up. She shook it firmly and said:

''I'm so glad I finally have a chance to meet you. I've heard so much about you.'' She said quickly, still smiling.

''Oh, you have?'' Jo said courteously, glancing at Mac. But he was looking at Stella. His eyes were shining and he had a warm smile plastered to his lips. Jo smirked, looking in satisfaction as this smile faded away, when Mac saw Russ coming from the bar with two drinks.

''Hi, Mac.'' He greeted him, but Mac didn't answer, looking at Jo as if he was going to kill her. She rose her eyebrow at him and looked directly into his eyes, like she was throwing him a challenge. Jo knew it wasn't fair, but then, was this beauty still attached to his arm fair? She hated herself for doing that, but at the same time she was so angry at him and wanted to show him two can play this game as well. Mac watched Russ sitting next to Jo, so closely their shoulders were touching, and offering her a drink. He felt Stella pulling him down and he sat down in front of Jo. Their eyes were fixed, as they were fighting a silent battle. He felt Stella touching his arm, as she wanted to catch his attention, saying something directly into his ear and smiling at him. Mac broke the eye contact with Jo and looked at Stella smiling back. He turned slightly into her direction, placing his arm behind her for support and she leaned back in his sit, letting him see Danny and Lindsay. And presenting a perfect view of her cleavage. I need a drink and I need it now, if I want to survive this. Jo thought and she tasted her drink through a straw, wincing a little.

''Something wrong?'' Russ asked, leaning towards her. She was able to feel his breath against her skin.

''It's strong as hell.'' She groaned.

''And that's a bad thing?'' He asked.

''I guess not...'' She answered, seeing as Stella placed her hands on top of Mac's trying to cut into his conversation with Danny.

Mac was finding it quite hard to fallow Stella's talk. She was speaking too fast and too much, but it was usual for her. The reason was he was paying attention to Jo, trying to figure out why she was acting so strange. She had already almost emptied her glass and she seemed not be bothered by her ex placing his arms around her back.

''Mac.'' Stella said, touching his arm to get his attention.

''Hmmm?''

''Is it just me, or does Jo look kinda sad?'' She asked, her lips inches from his ear, as she wanted to keep it quiet.

''She does, doesn't she? I have no idea why.''

''And this guy, her ex husband. Gosh, he's really fine-looking! I would never divorce him.'' She laughed.

''Stell!''

''What? Come on, just because you've ordered, doesn't mean you can't look at the menu.'' She groaned making him laugh.

''I guess I have to keep an eye on you.'' He said, smiling at her and brushing a curl away from her eyes. ''Otherwise your stay here can end up pretty badly.''

''Well, that depends on what you have in mind when you're saying 'badly'.'' She teased and Mac smiled. Then he looked at Jo, seeing she was half way through her another drink. He leaned across the table and said:

''Jo, shouldn't you slow down a little?'' She didn't manage to answer as Russ said:

''No worries, buddy. She's in good hands.'' He said grinning. For a moment Mac thought about punching him in his face in order to wipe that cocky grin of his face, but bar fights really weren't his style.

''You're trying to get her drunk... buddy?'' Mac asked, mocking him.

''I know very well how much she can drink and she's fine.''

''Oh really?'' Mac asked angrily, leaning more towards him.

''Yeah, really.'' Russ answered. Jo couldn't hear their conversation, but from the body language she could tell it's getting too heated up, so she put her hand on Russ' shoulders, pulling him back.

''What is it, babe?'' He asked.

''I need to go to bathroom.'' Jo said, standing up. Russ stood as well, moving from the table and letting her out. She stumbled a little, so he grabbed her around her waist, steadying her. She instantly pushed his hands away. ''And if you call me 'babe' once more, you're gonna be dead.'' She added and walked away from the table. Stella noticed how Mac followed her with his gaze and she squeezed his hand.

''I'm gonna check on her.'' She said and Mac nodded.

In the restroom Jo leaned over the sink, studying her reflection in the mirror. She groaned looking at the wrinkles around her eyes. She felt old. Stella was at least 10 years younger. And she was gorgeous. She was like a summer breeze – full of life, energetic and so easy going. No wonders Mac was so into her. And there was no doubts she was a real tiger in a bedroom, which man wouldn't like that.

''God, what's wrong with me.'' Jo groaned. In the morning she was the one to who Mac was making love and now she was tormenting herself with an image of him doing it with another woman.

''You OK?'' Someone asked next to her and she turned her face from the mirror, looking into Stella's big green eyes.

''Yeah, I'm fine.'' Jo answered.

''Good.'' Stella said, nodding slightly. ''So... what do you think about the Big Apple? Was it hard to adjust?''

''A little.'' Jo admitted. ''But those guys made it a lot easier.''

''Oh yeah, they're great.'' Stella agreed. ''And Mac is really wonderful.'' She added, making Jo wonder why she suddenly was talking about Mac. ''I was kinda worried about him when I left. You know... he can be really harsh on himself sometimes.'' She said and Jo nodded. ''But he seems happy and I guess... you have to do something with that.'' Stella offered her a big smile.

''Me?''

''Yeah. You seem pretty great! It's a pity I can't stay longer, hang out with you some more and get to know you better. I'm sure we would get along well.'' Stella said, surprising Jo with her open statement. ''But they gave me only three days off, so I have to leave tomorrow.'' She groaned.

''Oh.'' Jo nodded, feeling really bad about being fine with that. ''So... you've came to New York... to meet your friends?'' She asked.

''Well, to be honest, I came here because of completely different reason.'' Stella said laughing and Jo forced a fake smile as she was wishing for that reason not to be connected with Mac. ''But still, it's pretty great to see almost whole team together again.''

''Sure thing.'' Jo nodded. ''I'm going back. You?''

''In a minute.'' Stella smiled.

Jo walked out of the restroom, but instead of heading for the table, she sat at the bar, ordering another drink. She wanted to think for a moment. All those things Stella said... It was almost like she knew about her and Mac and like she was happy about it. That didn't make any sense, as she was still all over Mac, catching his attention and flirting with him. Jo sighed and sipped on her drink. It was somehow more quiet at the bar, then at the tables across the room and Jo was able to hear the song that was played. It sounded strangely familiar, probably it was one from this CD Ellie was playing over and over again lately. Jo almost choked at her drink, catching up the lyrics of the songs, it seemed it was just a perfect piece to be played in the bar.

I'm going out,
I'm gonna drink myself to death
And in the crowd
I see you with someone else,
I brace myself,
Cause I know it's going to hurt,
But I like to think at least things can't get any worse.

She jumped feeling someone's hand sneaking around her waist. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, praying silently that it was Mac's, but unfortunately she heard Russ's low voice in her ear.

''You run away from me.''

''I wanted to drink some more.'' She answered, feeling his other hand on her thigh. ''Russ...'' She warned him.

''God, you look so beautiful today. Breathtaking.'' He whispered. She tried not to pay attention to his words, as she knew him too good – to him it was only words, nothing else. She knew one moment he could tell her she was beautiful, and the other he could check some girl which was barely twenty. But somehow she felt so insecure, she needed to hear some compliments tonight, even if they were coming from him, not from the man she really wanted them to come from.

''What was the reason we separated?'' He asked, moving his fingers higher and higher, caressing her leg.

''Divorced.'' She corrected him and pushed his hand away, as it was moving in the dangerous direction.

''Do you ever think about us coming back together?'' Russ asked, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead and trying to look into her eyes. Jo was looking across the room, her gaze fixed on Mac, who was chatting with Stella again, not even aware Jo was gone.

''Have you lost your mind?'' She asked rhetorically.

''Is that a 'no'?'' Russ chuckled. ''Well, you can say what you want, but... ten years have past and you're still single.'' She was just about to tell him he was wrong, but she bit her tongue. She didn't want him to know about her and Mac, and what's even more, she didn't know if after this evening she wouldn't end up being single again. ''For me it's almost the same. I've dated lots of women, some really great. But yet, none of them was as gorgeous as you.'' He finished and Jo noticed he start to lean closer in a clear attempt to kiss her. This isn't happening. She thought, forcing herself to slip from the bar chair and stand up.

''I'm leaving.'' She made a decision and tried to head for a door, but suddenly she felt very dizzy. She gasped, feeling Russ's tightening his hold on her, as he led her outside.

''I'll be back in a minute.'' Mac muttered to Stella as he saw Russ dragging Jo towards the door. He caught them up on the street, in front of the bar.

''Jo! Are you alright?'' He asked concerned.

''Never better.'' She answered sarcastically, then pulled her phone out of the bag and tried to call for a cab, but the phone slipped out of her hand and landed on the pavement.

''Crap...'' She muttered, reaching down to get it and holding to Russ's arm for support.

''I've got it.'' Russ said, quickly reaching for it.

''Can you call a cab for me?'' She asked.

''Jo, I can take you home.'' Mac offered, grabbing her by an elbow and tugging gently, but she jerked her arm back.

''No, thanks. I'll be fine. Go take care of Stella.'' She threw out breathlessly.

''Jo, come on. Don't do that.'' He asked gently.

''Didn't you hear? She doesn't want your help. Back off.'' Russ hissed.

''How about you shut the fuck up?'' Mac offered, glancing at him angrily.

''Watch your mouth!'' Russ said, pushing him. Jo was able to see anger flickering in Mac's eyes and she was sure he would start fighting with Russ any second now. She knew very well what Russ was capable of, as she had seen many times how he had taken care of business with his fists. She didn't want Mac to get hurt, so she clenched to Russ's shoulder, pulling him back.

''Hey! Stop it!'' Mac froze hearing her scream. ''Go back to her, Mac.'' Jo repeated, looking at him, her eyes shiny with tears.

''You really want to leave with him?'' He asked in disbelief, but she didn't answer. He felt hurt. Why did she let this jerk come out with her in a first place? And now she's leaving with him?

''Fine. You've made your choice.'' He said and Jo got an unpleasant feeling he wasn't taking about her decision with who she was leaving. She wanted to stop him, but it was too late as he spooned and headed back to the bar.

. . .

A/N OK, so here's my idea how to involve Stella in this story. It was kinda hard to find a balance between showing Stella as she used to be in the show and how I and other fans loved her and showing her as Jo sees her. I hope that none of Stella fan will kill me for that - really! I love her too, but I also needed her like that for this story.

As you can guess there will be huuuge twist in the next chapter, which I really enjoyed to write and it's almost ready now.

I'm dying to know what you think! Please leave some review, good or bad, to let me know!