Author's Note: A massive thank-you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter!! You guys are just too fantastic for words and it really means a lot that people are still reading this fic. Rom-com for anyone not familiar with English-Hollywood lingo equates to romantic comedy. If anyone is interested in reading more HM, I have a done a one-shot of them, it's called Facing Fear: A night in. It's set pre-Driven (#419) and well it's really not as serious as the title makes it sound, it's just a bit of fun that my muse was obsessed with. I think the chapter title sums up everything going on, it is a massive blend of emotion and reaction, anyway it's up to you guys to decide. Overall, I think this is definitely one of the shorter chapters. I hope y'all enjoy this chapter. Happy reading.
Disclaimer: The CSI:M characters you recognise here aren't mine and the subsidiary characters featured here belong to my muse.
Birthday Blend
The alarm clock woke Marisol up, although in a rather unusual way. It had fallen to the floor with a thud startling Marisol out of sleep: Just as bloody good as if it had gone off, she thought groggily. She turned around to where he should have been and was instead warmed by weak rays of sunshine coming through the windows. It struck her as funny that he didn't have curtains. She sensed that she was alone in bed and her eyes opened merely to verify this. She was more than disappointed. She had imagined what it would be like to wake up in his arms. Perhaps it was just not meant to be after-all. With all that had happened yesterday she had hoped to find him here with her, now. She let out a huge sigh that broke the silence. God! Could she sound any more needy? Sure there was insecurity but this was now bordering on ridiculous she told herself sternly. She stretched and buried her face in his pillow. She let out another loud sigh, it couldn't smell more like him, she could feel him everywhere but it didn't change the fact that he wasn't here with her now. Her eyes fell on a strand of hair that could only be his – unless he had a blonde girlfriend: Calleigh Duquesne maybe? He couldn't be that stupid as to not change the sheets since his last lover was here right? After-all they weren't technically lovers yet, so what were they then? 'Involved'? Marisol stop being paranoid, really! Think about it logically: the strand is short; Horatio has short hair, Calleigh Duquesne does not. It also has a red hue to it that makes it more strawberry blond and that could only be his and definitely not Calleigh Duquesne's. She played with it between her fingers, smiling, as the thought of Horatio balding skittered into her mind and replayed itself over and over. She swung her legs over and stood up to open the sliding door that led to the small balcony. As soon as her hand touched the cold metal of the handle she felt her knees go weak as she was transported back to falling on the cold, tiled floor at the spa. She forced herself to concentrate on what she was seeing: What a beautiful view to wake up to, she thought. The storm was over, and she like everything else her eyes swept across had survived it. She wondered if he ever realised the beauty here, right outside his window. She stood there for a long time, watching time being ticked away by each wave lapping onto the beach and the sun peeking through bursts of drizzle.
She was downstairs, searching his cupboards for green tea (which she highly doubted he had) when she saw the note on the counter,
'Marisol –I hope you slept well. I'm sorry I'm not at home but call me when you can so we can talk about today. Eric dropped some things off for you – I've put them upstairs. He also asked if you could call Isabella when you get up; she's been trying to get hold of you since last night. Feel free to help yourself to anything you like.'
I'd like you, she thought her eyes resting on the scribbled signature at the bottom.
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"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADISON!"
"Miss Marisol." Marisol gave an indulgent smile, "I mean Marisol. You came..." corrected Madison quickly, opening the door wider, "Mom!"
Marisol dropped to her knees to hug and kiss Madison, "Happy Birthday Kiddo. Here you go: this is for you."
"Thank-you Marisol." said Madison, her eyes shining bright as she took the present, her fingers twitched on the wrapping, but she very admirably restrained herself from opening it. She took Marisol's hand and led her into the house, "My friends haven't come yet. We're having it upstairs on the terrace. You know, I helped Mommy blow all the balloons up and then there's this game we're gonna play where the boys and the gir-" She looked back at the open door, "Where's Uncle Horatio?" she asked expectantly.
"Uhm…he's coming later. You look lovely, Madison."
"Thanks! Do you like my hair?" Madison gave a twirl to show off her hair cut.
Marisol smiled as she watched Madison do a little dance, "It's lovely Madison! When did you get it done?"
"This morning," she announced proudly, "Do I look like Mommy now?" she asked posing.
Marisol stood back and eyed the redhead critically, trying to keep the smile off her face, "Well…hmm…" Truth be told, the only similarities she could pick up on were that mother and daughter now had their hair at roughly the same length and that they were both petite. She had a feeling that the Caine genes were dominant in the pretty redhead's appearance. Marisol was saved from answering by Susie emerging from the kitchen.
"Hi Marisol." mumbled Susie, whose hands were overflowing with plastic plates, cups and utensils, stacked high on top of each other.
"Hi. Here let me help you with that." Marisol dashed forward to catch the toppling plates.
"Thanks. Glad to see you."
"Congratulations." replied Marisol, kissing Susie on both cheeks, "Can I help?"
"Thanks. Uh…yeah that would be nice, thanks. A friend of mine was supposed to come over earlier but she's not feeling too well. Oh what happened to your forehead?"
"Just had a bit of a fall yesterday. Isabella and I went to a spa that got robbed."
"Oh my God! Are you both ok?"
"Yeah, thanks. We're both fine." Marisol cleared her throat before addressing Madison, "Hey, how about a picture of you and your Mommy?" asked Marisol, taking out her camera. Susie and Madison both blushed, Marisol grinned and crouched down to get the shot, "Say cheese!"
"Cheese," they both chorused as she snapped away. She took some more of Susie holding Madison. Through the lens Marisol saw glimpses of Susie in Madison, maybe those Caine genes weren't so dominant after all.
"Thank-you." They both said when she finished.
Marisol noticed the younger woman still looked rather flushed, "Are you feeling all right, Susie?"
Susie ran a hand through her hair, "Yeah, thanks…I'm fine, really I'm fine."
"So what can I do?"
"Well…I've got the music upstairs already. The terrace is two floors up. Are you sure you don't mind."
"It's really not a problem, Susie. I've had plenty of birthday party experience with my nieces and nephews. Just tell me where everything needs to go."
"Thanks so much Marisol. Ok let's see…"
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An hour later, a slightly tired Marisol checked her watch. Horatio still hadn't turned up. She knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't blow off his niece's birthday, still it felt awkward to be here before him. She watched the kids sitting on the mats, enthralled by the magician. There were a couple of other moms there but she felt too much like an outsider. She couldn't help but envy them. If only Bella would get here!
"Here you go." Susie offered her a mug of coffee. Marisol took it gratefully. She held onto it for a second before wryly replacing it on the tray again. "No coffee?"
"I love coffee, believe me I do. I can't have any at the moment because it interferes with my…uh my chemotherapy and medication." She maintained eye contact with Susie and overcame the desire to look down. Somehow that hadn't seemed too hard.
"Oh…I'm…I'm sorry." Susie stammered looking away.
Marisol looked down briefly for a moment and gave a smile, "Not to worry, life still goes on. Madison told me about her own hospital stays. You have a great kid, Susie. I hope she stays well."
Susie looked at Madison, "Yeah I know. I know. I almost did mess it up Marisol, but I'm glad I didn't. When I think about it now, I'm glad Horatio found us. Madison adores him and he really gives the both of us stability." Marisol nodded, "Would you like to come and join us? I'll introduce you. " Susie gave a nod in the direction of the group of mothers.
Stop moping and start mingling her mind said. She smiled, "That would be great."
A little while later, Marisol was thoroughly enjoying herself. She wasn't made to feel an outsider and social skills had always been her strong point.
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The kids were sitting down and eating when Madison spied a flame of red coming up the stairs, "Uncle Horatio!" she squealed running up to the emerging figure.
"There she is! Madison, Happy Birthday Sweetheart!" he picked her up and enveloped her in a big hug. "Happy Birthday Madison," he whispered in her ear, kissing her cheek. Madison looked at him and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "You're looking very pretty today!" He hugged her again before setting her down. He crouched down to her eye-level, "These are for you Sweetheart." He presented the small bouquet of flowers to her,
Madison looked at him expectantly, "I didn't forget your present Sweetheart!" he chuckled, "It's downstairs waiting for you. All right?"
"Thank-you Uncle Horatio," she said happily, hugging his knees. "Come and meet my friends, Uncle Horatio." She tugged at his hands drawing him to the semi-circle of boys and girls. Horatio crouched down to their level and said 'Hi', greeting a couple of them that he knew by name. Horatio noticed a pink hemline floating some metres away, his eyes lingered for a moment before skimming down the slim legs to the delicate ankles wrapped up in strapped flats (Ah footwear without a 3-inch heel, indeed there was a first time for everything!). He couldn't help but smile as recollections of last night and waking up next to her came back to him. He was glad she was here and that he had worried for nothing. He focused his attention back on Madison.
Madison stood beside him, hands on hips, "Uncle Horatio, Bradley doesn't believe that you're a policeman. I told him you were but he doesn't believe me. So I said you have a badge. Can you show him your badge? Please Uncle Horatio?"
Bradley leaned forward intently, a look of scepticism on his face. "Um…Sure. See this is my badge." Horatio unclipped it and gave it to the youngster.
"It's not real." declared Bradley, authoritatively; the other boys nodded their heads in agreement.
"Don't be silly! Of course it's real!" replied Madison hotly.
"Now guys…You see Bradley…this-" he ran his finger over the insignia, "-this is the seal of the Sheriff's office, and you see the words here say 'Sheriff's Office, Miami Dade, Florida'. You see on a real badge, the star has to have raised ridges like these, otherwise it's not a real badge." Bradley examined it, as though an expert. He weighed it in his hands, before conceding with a nod that yes, Horatio was who Madison said he was. Bradley handed the badge back.
"See I told you." said Madison smugly sitting down and smoothing her dress out.
"Madison, have you seen Marisol?" The bright pink hemline that had caught his eye had disappeared.
Madison craned her neck to the side, "I think she's over there with the other mommies."
"Thanks, Sweetheart." He kissed her forehead before standing up. Horatio walked up to the group of adults, "Ladies."
Susie greeted her brother-in-law with a hug and made the introductions. Horatio Caine was given some very appreciative glances by the group. "You're just in time Horatio. The kids have almost finished. I need some help with the grill for the s'mores and marshmallows, if that's ok?"
"Sure. Excuse us, please." He followed Susie back downstairs to the apartment. Susie talked about the day and he listened happily.
"Are you feeling ok, Susie? You look a little flushed." He took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.
"Yeah, I'm fine Horatio, it's just the excitement." She grabbed the ingredients for the s'mores and some additional bags of marshmallows.
"Well you've done a great job, you really have. I'm sorry I didn't get here earlier."
"That's ok. You're here now. Thanks."
"Uh…yeah…I need to talk to you later about something."
Susie looked at him curiously, "Uh…ok then."
"MOMMY! Are we making the s'mores now?" asked Madison excitedly, running in circles around Susie and Horatio.
"Yep! Well just as soon as your Uncle sets up the grill."
Madison flashed Horatio a big grin. He smiled back. He had just finished setting the grill up in one corner when he realised that they had forgotten the toasting forks. He took the stairs, two at time as quickly as he could, not particularly wanting to die at the hands of some very sugar-deprived, s'more- hungry children. However he stopped stock-still when he saw Marisol emerge from the bathroom. All other thoughts other than she was his flew out of his head. She looked beautiful: the bright pink summer dress seemed tailored for her form. Her hair was up in a French braid. A lock of hair had been expertly let loose to hide the white bandage at the corner of her forehead. He had never seen her hair done up like this and it gave him a new perspective of the curvature of her shoulders and neck, a new perspective that he very much wanted to explore with his lips.
"Hi." She smoothed the hair around her forehead self-consciously.
"Hi. I…I um got your message." He moved closer to her, "I'm sorry about today, Marisol."
She brushed him off lightly with a kiss on the cheek, moving away from him immediately after it ended, "It's nothing, Horatio really."
"No, I'm really sorry, really sorry, Marisol. Something came up at work."
Seeing his big eyes and his hang-dog expression, Marisol felt guilty, she reached out for his head and pulled him closer, "Horatio, don't worry-", she kissed his lips, "-about it. No harm done."
His hand disappeared into his jacket pocket, "This is for you." He drew out a white carnation.
She plucked it from him and looked down at it for a moment, "Thank-you."
He remained silent, waiting for her.
She pushed him suddenly and quite roughly against the door, which shut firmly with his weight against it. She ran her hands up and down his torso before circling his neck. She could tell he was uncomfortable and decided to play her hand a little further. She also knew that for the moment she was entitled to have her wicked way with him and he should be damned if he didn't know that he would have to play by her rules for this one.
She saw his pupils dilate as she brought her lips close to his, torturously close to his. She could count each freckle right now if she wanted to, just to prolong everything.
The blue in his eyes was so intense that she unconsciously held her breath. She slid her leg, very slowly, up against his leg. She pushed her leg harder against him and stopped when she reached his hand, which instinctively flattened to rest on her thigh. He could feel the tautening material against his skin, delicate, any added tension would surely cause it to rip. She stretched up a little further until the fabric had no choice but to shoot over his fingertips. His fingers felt warm against her skin. Marisol felt a tingle shoot up her spine as she placed, again very slowly, a small kiss on his lower lip. It seemed like eternity to Horatio for that small distance to be closed between them and even then his mind was shouting that what she was doing wasn't fair. He couldn't get enough, every time he tried to draw her in she managed to escape and there was only so much teasing he could stand! He wanted nothing more than to pin her against the door and kiss her senseless. Marisol felt her breathing quicken as his hand moved slowly along her leg, taking its time to acquaint itself with the curvy, smooth, soft environment that she had willingly, given him access to, thinking she would be able to control herself. So much for that, she thought. She smiled coyly, her teeth biting down a little harder on him before standing on her tip- toes and whispering. "I think you have somewhere to be, Horatio."
Oh God! The toasting forks! He saw her sly smile and gave a weak smile of his own before dashing towards the kitchen, trying to desperately slow down his breathing and heart rate as he looked around for the toasting forks. By the time he found them he came back to an empty lounge and the front door was wide open.
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A while later when he had made sure that he wasn't going to die a painful death at the hands of his S'more-loving niece he looked around for Marisol who seemed to have disappeared yet again. He spied her at the end of the terrace, partially hidden by the water tank, her back to the party. Excusing himself as politely as he could from the group of women that surrounded him, he picked up a plate of marshmallows and s'mores and made his way over to her.
"Beautiful view from here," remarked Marisol casually her back still turned, eye glued to her camera. Click. Whir.
So much for being noiseless thought Horatio who had been hoping to sneak up on her. "Speaking of beautiful," he put the plate on the ledge next to her. He placed his hands lightly on her waist and whispered in her ear, "Do you know how beautiful you look today?"
She gave a giggle, reminiscent of the previous evening's 'in the dark' session. "Yes, but hearing you say it makes me know how right I am." She had expected an awkwardness because saying 'I love you' right before she fell asleep would not, even in the worst rom-com movie, constitute perfect timing, and every guy got spooked hearing the words, even men with the likes of the mightily-cool Horatio Caine would experience some kind of jolt. In her experience men always had some kind of commitment issues. Now it was just a matter of finding out his, it would be impossible if he didn't.
"You weren't playing fair earlier Marisol."
She felt her knees tremble as her name rolled smoothly off his tongue. Click. Whir. Damn! The shot was ruined because the camera had trembled ever so slightly in her grasp. "I don't like to play fair." came her flippant reply. Click. Whir. What the hell was she doing? Or more specifically what was he doing to her?
He reached for the plate, bringing his arm around her to offer the goodies. "Hmm. Soooo many calories," she said the words slowly, turning around to face him. She noticed the frown that appeared on his forehead with her words, his eyes quickly skimming down to her waist. She hadn't meant to be serious at all but then she noticed how the span of his hands were just able to enclose the entire circumference of her waist. It was a shock to her system, it was more than shock – it was frightening! She hadn't realised how much weight she had lost, but right now she had some defusing to do. "Take a chill pill Horatio," she put her hand against his chest and pressed it slightly, "I'm just kidding. I could never say no to marshmallows! Besides I have a dress to fill out into, I'm not exactly…" her eyebrows darted up quickly, a quirky smile appearing on her face, "you know… allowed to watch my waist line because Bella will kill me!" She saw the furrows on his face un-crease and felt him relax, slightly, "And, you made them right?"
He nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly as she bit into a S'more. Her tongue darted out to scoop in the chocolate sauce that was about to drip out from the corner of her mouth. "Mmm. That Horatio was divine."
"Better than vanilla?" he teased.
Marisol remembered her comment at breakfast and laughed, "Better than vanilla, Horatio." She put the rest of the s'more in her mouth.
He looks rather stern, thought Marisol, now what have I done? She picked up a marshmallow from the plate. "You know Marisol, you really can't eat a s'more like that!"
Marisol let out another laugh and gave an eye roll, "Right, because you're such an expert Horatio!"
He drew her closer to him, bringing his lips inches from her, "Actually Sweetheart I am. My niece and nephew can both verify that." He picked up another s'more from the plate, "You have to eat it in one go." He showed her how. Marisol laughed at his bulging cheeks. He couldn't look any cuter if he'd tried. She dipped her finger into the small pool of chocolate sauce in the plate and gave his lips a chocolate smudge.
She gave a slight pout, "Well I have a small mouth. Don't think I can fit a whole s'more into it."
"Betcha' can, Sweetheart." He picked up the last s'more on the plate and fed it to her. He pushed it further into her mouth, resting his fingers for more than a moment on her lips. He gave one final push allowing the s'more to disappear into her mouth. Amusement glowed in his eyes and flickered at the corners of his mouth as he let her appreciate a whole s'more, "I hate to say I told you so, Marisol but-" he shrugged his shoulders helplessly, the smile that he had been trying to keep from his face blossomed into a half smile-half smirk as he tried to keep a straight face – Something Marisol found too sexy for words.
She swallowed the last of the s'more and fixed an unreadable stare on him, her eyes were completely veiled.
Horatio suddenly found his back up against the water tank. He felt his head explode as her lips and tongue savagely attacked his mouth. Her body pushing and pressing against his. There was a taste of sweetness all around her that overcame him. Her leg was up, against him again and for a second he had no qualms about pushing the hemline further up. His hand picking up where it left off followed the natural curve of her leg. He felt her muscles tense. His other hand that initially clutched her closer loosened around her waist. He made a meagre attempt to push her away, "Sweetheart-" he croaked when she let him up "-Public place. Kids, people! They can see!" he hissed. All truths are relative and this was no exception: the water tank did offer some protection from the party but if anyone were to walk to the entrance of the terrace they would certainly be seen.
"I seem to recall that you said we both get off on risks, Horatio." she whispered seductively against his mouth.
Horatio quietly groaned her name and at the fact that he just didn't seem to be able to win today with her. Her lips crashed onto his again and he could do nothing but surrender as his body mutinously responded to her caresses, his mind hoping for the best. It wasn't long before his senses trampled over any control that his mind had. Her lips shifted to his neck, sucking and biting. His ragged breathing served only to encourage her.
She grasped his shoulders and pushed him away from her. "You didn't buy me another raspberry lollipop today, did you?" she asked slyly, her eyes shooting out sparks of luminous green as they flicked down and then back up, "Because you know, that is not me." She grinned at the ruby blush that coloured his neck. His eyes were dark with desire and she could feel the fire coming from them.
She stopped.
The abruptness with which she left him made his head spin for more than a moment. He tried to stammer out a comeback but it wasn't meant to be, because Marisol gave him another kiss, delicate, full and lingering...a kiss that hinted at unspoken pleasures. " I love you," she whispered.
His mind barely had time to comprehend her words, as his body immediately responded to the loss of contact - when his hands were drawing her back to him. He tilted her chin up, "I love you too, Sweetheart." He saw the effect his words had on her, her smile, her touch, her eyes which shone a little brighter as his heart skipped a beat. Marisol wanted desperately to say something but somehow she was too scared, too scared to say anything that may break the moment or make her realise that this was all a dream. He turned her around and enfolded her within him. "I really missed you this morning, Horatio."
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there." He placed light kisses in her hair and on her cheek. One hand moved up to caress his face, while the other stayed firmly clasped in his. She closed her eyes and moved her head to one side to let him continue his kisses down her neck. Everything within in her tingled/ When he reached the hollow of her neck he stopped. "We should get back now, Sweetheart." Marisol opened her eyes and let herself snap back to reality. He was right.
"Promise me, you'll let me take some photos of you, today?"
He grinned at her, "Promise, although you have to promise to stop having this torturous effect on me," He tried to grab her but she side-stepped him and let out a laugh.
"I promise. But you know I really can't help it, you smell so sweet…mmm…marshmallows, irresistible you know."
"So are we playing fair now?"
"Never Lieutenant," she teased, taking his hands and pulling him forward for one last kiss.
"Uncle Horatio!" shouted Madison, "We're going to cut the cake soon."
"Madison has perfect timing." remarked Marisol as she pretended to snap a photo of him. Horatio grinned back wryly.
The cake-cutting went off beautifully! Madison had an 'Aladdin' themed cake and Marisol was given the opportunity of being able to take lots of photos. They all sang 'Happy Birthday' and then the kids were all given the chance to plaster Madison with some icing off the cake before being served cake and ice cream.
"Hey Madison! Happy Birthday!" said Marisol, dabbing some icing on the little button nose. Madison gave a squeal of delight and gave Marisol a quick kiss on the cheek in thanks before dashing off towards some of her friends, her own fingers coated in icing. Marisol swiped her finger through some more icing before lifting the cake up and taking it over to Susie. She had just stepped away from the throng of children who had gathered around Susie waiting to be served some cake when a pair of strong hands closed around her waist. Marisol turned quickly and drew her finger over his cheek leaving a dark line of chocolate icing. She giggled. Horatio laughed with surprise, lifting her off the ground slightly, kissing her cheek. "No hands!" she said as his hand came up to wipe it away. She giggled as his tongue darted out to try and wipe off the icing.
"You know I read somewhere that red-heads are supposed to have the longest tongues in the world." She said watching him as he tried to unsuccessfully swipe the icing off for the fifth time. He drew her further out to one side.
"I have a better idea. Why don't I just let your tongue deal with it, because obviously my tongue must have mutated." He joked as her arms climbed higher to finally rest around his neck. She raised herself on her tip-toes and let her tongue deal with the smear. When she finished, Horatio sighed, "You know tongues or rather your tongue should be classed as dangerous?"
Marisol gave him a naughty smile. "Oh believe me, I've definitely heard that one before."
Horatio gave an overly-exaggerated sigh, "Why am I not surprised?"
"I hate to disappoint Horatio."
"Of that Sweetheart, I have no doubt." He replied nuzzling her neck.
"There you guys are!" said Isabella. They both jumped. "You guys are practically hiding in the dark. I mean I know Mari loves to play hide and seek but I never thought she'd get you to play too, Horatio!" the hint in Isabella's voice was clear and she was grinning from ear to ear.
Horatio blushed again while Marisol shot daggers with her eyes at her best friend.
"Isabella how nice to see you again. Are you feeling better?"
"You mean am I out of shock Horatio? Yep I'm as good as new."
Horatio cleared his throat nervously, he felt extremely stifled right now, "I'm glad, I'm glad. Uh, I think I'll go and give Susie a hand." He squeezed Marisol's hand and then let go.
"Isabella Sorenson!" exclaimed Marisol when felt he was out of ear-shot.
Isabella burst out into a fit of laughter, "Did you see his face?" she gasped.
"Bella you nearly gave him a heart attack!"
Isabella laughed loudly, "Isn't someone grumpy! What? Was the sex disappointing Ms. Delektorsky?"
"Bella Shh!!!"
"It was wasn't it?" asked Isabella in a conspiratorial whisper, "I knew it! He seemed to good to be true. He's rubbish in bed. Oh man that's so funny! Actually wait, I don't even want to let my mind go there."
"Bella you go too far sometimes!" said Marisol, whacking Isabella's arm, "Would you just give the guy a break?"
"Ok, ok," Bella grumbled back, "But c'mon you have to tell me! He's terrible in bed isn't he?"
"Isabella! We were involved in a robbery yesterday-"
"Hence the need for mind-blowing sex. You know for someone who used to excel in this field I think you're losing your touch with age, Mari."
Marisol laughed. She was a little flabbergasted by Isabella's obsession with Horatio's performance in the bedroom. "Bella…"
Isabella saw Marisol's face, "Oh shit! I don't believe this! Marisol Delektorsky…you haven't…"
"You know Bella I swear there are times when I worry about your one-track mind."
"Which is why you enjoy being my friend you need someone who's mentally ill along the same lines as you."
They both laughed.
"Bella," Marisol put on a lecturing tone, "There are some things that are classed as too much information, and this is one such situation."
There were few secrets between them and Marisol's reluctance on this matter merely acted as proof for Isabella that she and Horatio hadn't taken that step yet. It did surprise Bella that Marisol hadn't taken that step yet. Marisol wasn't promiscuous as she had been but Bella couldn't count on her fingers the number of relationships Marisol had ended because of what happened in the bedroom. " Anyway, kanoodeling at a kid's birthday party Marisol? Maybe you haven't lost your touch after all. Mari, It could only be you." teased Bella.
"Where is that patient fiancée of yours?" questioned Marisol wanting to change the subject. She really did not feel like discussing her sexuality right now even if it was Bella.
"That is a good question. I think he's having some cake."
"Did you see Madison? Doesn't she look really cute?"
"She really is very pretty. You know who she reminds me of?"
Marisol shook her head
"Carla Zannachi! Remember in grade school?"
Marisol bobbed up and down excitedly, "You're right Bella! Yeah she does. What did happen to her?"
"London. Something to do with Formula One racing a.k.a. Italian playgirl."
"Hi Christian."
Christian was in deep conversation with another parent, "Excuse me, Uh, Angela this is my fiancée Isabella and our friend Marisol. Ladies this is Angela, uh, she's a friend of Ms. Barnham's."
"Pleased to meet you Isabella, Marisol." she replied shaking hands. "If you'll excuse me; I think that's my son over there chasing the girls."
"Not to worry." said Isabella, "It was nice to meet you."
"Yes, nice meeting you." said Christian, shaking hands again.
"Marisol, pleasure as always," Christian kissed her on both cheeks, "Bella you know this is lovely cake."
"Christian please, do you want to get married or not? I'll never get into that dress."
"In that case I'll have your share." quipped Marisol, dishing out a slice of cake onto a serviette.
"How are you feeling Marisol?" he asked sympathetically,
"Oh I'm fine," she replied airily.
"Bella, Ms. Barham is amazing. Good choice, Darling. And this cake…mhmm." He helped himself to another piece.
Isabella rolled her eyes, "Is Susie Barnham ok? Because she looked really flushed."
"I think so." replied Marisol looking around for Susie. "How was counselling?"
This time Christian rolled his eyes, "Oh fascinating," he said dryly, "We learnt how to make a boy or a girl." Marisol arched her eyebrows and smiled. Isabella just shrugged. "You know I was thinking, maybe later you and Horatio could come for dinner with us?" asked Christian.
Isabella nodded in agreement. Marisol thought about later and decided that anything that would delay the awkwardness that would surround them when they got home was welcome. "Sounds great. I'll just ask Horatio."
Noticing that neither Horatio nor Susie were on the terrace and that the crowd of kids had dwindled Marisol went downstairs. She walked in to find Madison handing out doggy bags to her friends. She caught a glimpse of Susie in the kitchen. She made her way to the kitchen and found both Horatio and Susie in a close embrace;
"I don't know what to say Horatio."
"It's been long overdue Susie. I'm glad he's becoming responsible and facing up to Madison."
"Thank-you so much." She sobbed dropping an envelope on the counter.
"Hey, come here." He hugged her again, "You're a great Mom. You don't have to thank me for anything. We're family remember? I could never do enough."
Susie nodded against him, "That's not true Horatio." she cried softly into his neck.
Marisol felt she was intruding and backed away from the kitchen.
"Marisol would you like one?" asked Madison, holding up a doggy bag.
"Do you have any extras Madison?"
"Uh-huh!" she nodded handing a bag to Marisol.
"Thanks Kiddo. Which is your favourite?" Marisol asked peering into the bag.
Madison pointed at the big coloured ball, "Jawbreaker." she said simply.
Marisol handed Madison the jawbreaker. Madison shook her head, "C'mon Kiddo. I don't think that will fit into my mouth. You know I have a very small mouth."
Madison laughed as Marisol stretched her mouth open. Just then Horatio and Susie emerged from the kitchen.
"Hi." said Horatio as Susie turned her attention to the kids in the house and tried to shepherd them back upstairs.
"Hey yourself. So Isabella and Christian were thinking that we should do dinner later."
"That sounds good."
"Great then. They're upstairs. Christian loves cake and I don't think Madison will have any left."
Madison heard Marisol and promptly left the apartment to go check on her cake. Marisol laughed as she saw Madison scurry away. "Guess what I got Horatio?" she asked, sidling closer to him. "A raspberry lollipop!"
Horatio groaned in desperation allowing her to fall into his arms and kiss him.
"Caught in the act, again!" shouted Bella.
Marisol heard the familiar Click. Whir. Horatio let go of her. Marisol grabbed the camera from Isabella. "Bella if you've done anything to my camera…"
"Oh chill Mari."
Marisol felt her heart stop when she saw the picture Bella had taken. It was so perfect. Her and him completely immersed in their own world – like nothing could ever happen... right?
The answer sent a shiver shooting up her spine. And then there was black.