"Aren't you happy to see me, mate?" Ian said as he hugged Eddie.

"Absolutely," Eddie said as he hugged Ian back. "I just thought you were in the Orient for a few months."

"I was," Ian said. "The gig finished early. Wow, Loren," he said addressing her, "You look so different. I guess the makeover fairies got to you."

"Something like that," Loren said. She wasn't sure if she should be offended or not.

There was another knock on the door, and this time it was Mel. Loren let her in thankful for someone else in the room.

"Ian," Mel said. "Great to see you again."

"Have we met?" Ian asked clearly not remembering.

"Yeah, you met her at my party," Loren said.

"Oh, sorry," Ian laughed. "I was completely sloshed. That doesn't count. It's a pleasure to see you again . . ."

"Mel," she said.

Ian smiled and nodded. "So does anyone want to go to dinner? I'm famished."

"I was just gonna order in," Eddie said.

"No, c'mon, let's go to Rumor," Ian said. "I want something good."

"I'll order from Rumor then," Eddie laughed. "We've been at the studio all day, really all week, and we just wanna hang out here."

"We?" Ian asked. "Are you two cohabitating?"

"Just for now," Loren said. "I'll let Eddie explain. Mel and I are going upstairs to talk. Just order us whatever." Loren took Mel's hand and led her up to the loft.

"Was he always that big of a jerk?" Mel asked as they walked into the bedroom.

"He just moves in a different world than we do," Loren said.

"Yeah, but it's your world too now, Lo," Mel reminded her.

While Loren thought about Mel's words, Mel looked around the bedroom in awe.

"This room is amazing," Mel said. "Just like the rest of the penthouse."

A king sized bed with its gray and black colors was the focus, but even it was dwarfed in the massive room. An alcove extended off of the bedroom. It had a sunroof with a couch and two-story shelves lined with books, cds, and albums. The walls of the alcove were tall windows offering a view for miles. A window seat with its fluffy cushions beckoned someone to sit and stare at the Southern California landscape.

Across from the bed was a massive 52 inch television mounted on the wall. The other walls were decorated with contemporary art pieces with colors matching the room décor of black and gray. Occasionally a piece would have a splash of color like red or orange. A few key pieces stood out due to their cubist qualities.

"Does Eddie collect art?" Mel asked.

Loren laughed, "No, he said he hired an interior designer to do the penthouse. He doesn't even know what those pieces are."

"Okay, that's funny," Mel said.

On the opposite side from the alcove was the walk in closet about the size of Mel's bedroom. Mel walked across the plush carpet and peeked into the open door of the closet. It had rows of clothes including things she recognized from Eddie's photos and stage performances. A small couch was in the center of the closet where you could sit and think about what your look would be for the day.

"Seriously, this is sick," Mel said. "I need this closet." Mel paused for a minute and then said, "It's weird because sometimes when you're with Eddie, I forget he's this super huge rock star guy because he's so nice, but then I see this . . ."

"I know," Loren said. "But, that's one of the reasons why I love him."

"Yeah, he's a great guy, Lo," Mel agreed.

"So," Loren said as she walked over to the alcove and sat on the couch. "Tell me what happened."

Mel rushed over to the couch and told Loren about the almost car crash and how that opened her eyes to how ridiculous their fight was.

"And then he said, 'let's take it day by day.' What the hell does that mean?"

"Did you ask him?"

Mel huffed, "No. But what does that mean?"

Loren shook her head, "I don't know, Mel. I can't answer that; only Adam can."

"I don't want to ask him," Mel said standing up and pacing. "I mean, it's gonna sound desperate and all 'what are we doing.'"

"But you do want to know what you're doing," Loren pointed out.

"But I don't want to sound like it," Mel laughed.

"To me, it seems like you two want to have fun for now and deal with the future in the future."

"So is he still my boyfriend? Are we gonna break up when he leaves? What?"

"I don't know," Loren said shrugging her shoulders. "He's still your boyfriend for now. Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, I think so," Mel said sitting down. "I mean, this is what I wanted for him. You know, to go to NYU."

"No one said the right decisions were easy," Loren said.

"They suck," Mel said laughing. "Hey, does Eddie have any diet soda?"

"Yeah, I'll get some," Loren said.

"No, I'll get it," Mel said. "See if there's anything on TV. I could use a good "Housewives of whatever" backstabbing fix."

Mel started to climb down the stairs but heard Ian and Eddie talking. She knew it was rude to eves drop, but she heard Loren being discussed, and she didn't like what she was hearing.

"Is this what she's done to you?" Ian said.

"She, Loren, has done nothing to me. I just don't want to go out and get drunk. Why can't you get that?"

Mel heard Eddie try to laugh it off, but sensed him getting defensive. She crouched on the stairs to hear the rest of the conversation.

"You want to be shackled at this point in your life?" Ian said. "I get it; you like this girl, but does that mean you can't go out with your best mate?"

"Ian, you are my best friend, so I would hope you could understand what Loren means to me. I love her. Going out and partying," Eddie paused, "That just doesn't interest me anymore."

Ian sighed. "I guess I don't get it. I could never allow my life to be dictated by a woman."

"You've never been in love," Eddie said. "And she doesn't dictate my life; it's just different. Love will change everything."

"Nope, not me," Ian laughed. "But Loren, even after her makeover, seems so wholesome. I remember a time when your taste ran a little more exotic."

"Yeah, and where did that leave me?" Eddie asked. "Trust me, that relationship caused more than a few problems; I was just too blind to see it."

"But on the red carpet . . ."

"Ian, stop it," Eddie said raising his voice.

Mel knew she needed to interrupt this conversation before it turned into a full blown argument.

"Hey guys, have you ordered yet? I'm starving."

"Uh, no," Eddie said grabbing his keys. "I'll head out now."

"Do you mind if I grab a diet soda?"

"Nah, go ahead," Eddie said. "I'll be right back."

"Eddie, let your driver get the food," Ian said.

Eddie looked over at Ian and shook his head, "I need to get out for a second."

Eddie walked out and slammed the door to the penthouse leaving Ian and Mel alone in the living room. Mel looked over at Ian who had helped himself to a glass of whatever was in the decanter. Mel watched as Ian plopped himself on the couch and put his feet up.

"You are a selfish jerk," Mel said.

"What?" Ian asked turning to look at her.

"You came this close to bad mouthing my best friend to her boyfriend who loves her. How could you do that?"

"You don't get it," Ian said turning back around.

"No, you're the one who doesn't get it," Mel said. "But I'm going to make sure you do."

"Thank you," Adriana said to the woman who opened the door as she walked into the house. She looked around and had to fight from letting her jaw drop. The house was twice the size of her dad's. The foyer had two staircases that curved up to the second floor. In the center was a huge chandelier that sparkled like a thousand diamonds. As Adriana looked straight ahead, she saw the living room which had a baby grand piano in front of a floor-length window. The window looked out into a backyard with a pool. Adriana was still looking in awe at the living room when her mother appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Adriana," she said.

"Mom," Adriana answered looking up from the foyer.

Adriana watched as her mother practically floated down from the top of the stairs. Her mother's blonde hair fell straight down her back. She was dressed in black slacks and a buttoned down purple long-sleeved blouse. She looked so perfect.

"You're not showing yet," Vivian said matter of factly.

Adriana looked down, "I'm only a few weeks. How did you know I was pregnant?"

"Your father called and told me . . . before he . . ."

Adriana felt her dad's loss more than she ever thought she would. When he was alive, Don and Adriana regularly clashed. She now regretted that she would never be able to apologize.

"Do you want something to drink?" Vivian said as she motioned to a woman who appeared out of the next room. Adriana assumed she was a maid apparently there for her mother's beck and call.

"No, thank you," Adriana said.

Vivian walked back in the direction of the living room, and Adriana assumed she was supposed to follow. She saw that the living room had a huge U-shaped cream colored couch in the center. Behind it was the baby grand piano she saw from the foyer. It was on a riser, making it the focal point of the room. The walls were dark wood, giving the room a traditional look.

Vivian sat down on the couch and motioned for Adriana to join her.

"That is a beautiful piano," Adriana said. "Do you play?"

"No; it's Trent's," Vivian said. "Now, why don't you tell me why you're here?"

Adriana knew that this was not going to end well. She had to try, however. Maybe it was her hormones kicking in a maternal instinct, but she wanted to see if her mother would be a part of her life, no matter how much the outcome may hurt.

"Well, with dad gone, I've been staying with the Sanders' . . ."

"That's nice of them," Vivian said.

"Phil has asked me to marry him, and I said yes, but . . ."

"Are you going to marry him?" Vivian asked.

"I want to," Adriana said. "But I was hoping that, at least until I had the baby, I could stay with you."

Vivian's expression revealed nothing. After what seemed like several minutes in painful silence, Vivian looked up behind Adriana at someone who had entered the room. Adriana turned and saw a man with sandy blonde hair. This must be Loren's father Trent.

"Of course you can stay with us, Adriana," Trent said.

"Trent – "

"She's your daughter, Viv. We can show her some hospitality."

Adriana saw Vivian's eyes narrow. There was something else going on between her mother and Trent.

"It's nice to meet you, Adriana, finally," Trent said as he extended his hand. "I know we've talked on the phone before, but face to face is so much better."

"Thank you," Adriana said.

"You are welcome here, Adriana, for as long as you need. Just understand that we go back and forth between here and Las Vegas," Trent said. "Martha is our house sitter, and she lives in the guest house. She is always here and can help you with anything you need."

The woman who had opened the door for her reappeared as if out of the wall and nodded her head at Adriana. Adriana liked her; she seemed to have a warm personality.

"Mom, are you okay with this?" Adriana asked. She appreciated Trent asking her to stay, but wanted to hear it from her mother.

"Sure," Vivian said. "You are welcome here until you have the baby or as long as you want."

"Thanks," Adriana said standing up. "I have to go; I have school tomorrow, but I can bring my stuff over this weekend."

"That's perfect, Adriana," Trent said. "We'll see you this weekend."

Martha walked Adriana out and disappeared again.

Vivian turned on Trent, "What was that all about? You never wanted her here before. Plus, she's my daughter; I would think that I would make the decision about her staying here."

"You fail to see the big picture, my dear," Trent said. "Adriana goes to school with Loren."

"Yes, and from what I understand they hate each other."

"No, Adriana hates Loren, not necessarily the other way around. She can help us get close to Loren."

"You walked out on her years ago," Vivian reminded him.

"Yes, but these are new times," Trent said. "She is my daughter, whether Nora likes it or not, and her star is rising. She just may be the answer to our little . . . problem."

Loren lay in the dark slowly being relaxed by the rhythm of Eddie's steady breathing next to her. Ian had decided to stay in the guest room, and Mel left after dinner. Loren felt tension between Ian and Eddie all evening, but she never got a chance to ask him what that was about. She didn't want to be the cause of problems between them. Loren knew how hard it was for Eddie to make and keep true friends.

"You know I can hear the wheels turning in your head," Eddie laughed.

"I thought you were asleep," Loren laughed.

"Hardly," Eddie said.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Kinda," Eddie said sitting up adjusting a pillow behind his head.

"Tell me," Loren said as she put her head on his chest. Tonight he was sleeping without a shirt. Loren tried not thinking about pressing herself up against him, but he was hard to resist.

"You first," Eddie said.

Loren looked up at him, "What do you mean?"

"I know something is bothering you about your dad," Eddie said.

"Trent," Loren said as she put her head back on his chest. "He hasn't earned the right to be called my dad."

"Okay, Trent," Eddie said as he rubbed her back.

Loren hesitated to say anything, but she realized that this was a good first step in letting Eddie into her head. She needed to confide in him.

"He wants to see me this weekend. Oh wait, I guess I should tell you all of it," Loren said. She told him about the night of the concert at MK, and how angry she was at him. She didn't quite tell him how Trent's appearance only complicated her emotions even more since she was dealing with him being gone too. She couldn't burden Eddie with that.

"So now, he wants to, I don't know, make up for lost time?"

"He can never do that, Loren," Eddie said. "He made his decision fourteen years ago."

"I agree," Loren said. "But . . ."

"But?"

"I hate that I'm curious to talk to him and see what he has to say. Would that be betraying my mom?"

Eddie realized what Loren's dilemma was. It wasn't even about her own feelings, at least not yet. She was worried about hurting Nora.

"Nora will understand any decision you make," Eddie said as he continued to stroke her back. "He's still you're dad, and the only one you'll ever have."

"Max has been more of a dad to me than Trent ever was," Loren said.

"My point is, I think if you want to go see him, do it," Eddie said. "Just don't have any expectations. See what he has to say and then be done with it."

"What if this starts some kind of relationship with him?"

"Then you will get to decide how much you let him in, if at all," Eddie said as he kissed the top of her head.

"You make it sound so simple," Loren said.

"Not simple at all," Eddie said as he gently lifted her head. "Just offering perspective."

He kissed her as he cupped her face. Loren let her hands travel to his bare chest and slowly ran them across his taut muscles.

"Do you feel better?" Eddie asked as his breathing quickened.

"I think I'll feel even better in a few minutes," Loren whispered as she slid on top of Eddie and kissed him again.