Thanks to Carrie, I remembered I was writing a story. the song thing was just something I cooked up because it's been in my head all day.



"Where were you?"

"Normal. How many times do we have to discuss this? I live a very busy life. Now, you could learn to live with it, or you could fire my ass and lose one of your best workers. Gain a pissed off ex-employee too."

"Give the girl a break." It's the second time in 24 hours Alec's stood up for me. Normal is still in awe by the presence of Monty Cora. I'm beginning to think his being here isn't that bad.

He flashes me a quick grin as Normal walks by muttering. "Lemme guess. bad night, decided to sleep it off? Maybe not. You only drank the entire population of Seattle under the table." Underneath the mocking tone I catch a hint of worry,

Still feeling like I could conquer the world without breaking a sweat and maybe take down White causes me to do something I wouldn't do for money or glory.

"It's just a crush I'm feeling,

Walking on the ceiling

My whole world's upside down.

It's just a crush

I know it

Don't know where we're going,

But I like it where we are right now."

"Whatever Max. You sure you're alright? I'm sure there's at least one person in Seattle with the knowledge to heal all your problems."

"You hear something?"

"No, but there has got to be a psychiatrist somewhere close."

"Well aren't you nice. So my Boo spent all night at Wheels' place and nothing happened?" Original Cindy walks up.

"How did you know where I was?"

"Dogboy said he hadn't seen you so I called him. I'd like to know what happened. You say you're gonna spend the night at Joshua's crib and I dropped by to say hi. He tells me my Boo ain't been around in days. Terrified, Original Cindy drops the dime on your boy and he tells me you're SLEEPING!"

I scoff casually. "I wasn't sleeping. just sorta having a catnap." My weak attempt at humor hits its mark.

"Don't do it again or I'll have to lay the smackdown on your ass."

"Fine mom," I stick out my tongue. Something inside me clicked last night. Instead of worrying about things that could go wrong, I've focused on the positive. Some people would call it hope. I'm not that strong yet. But I will be.