Chap. 5


Brady glanced in the rearview mirror again. Belle lay with her head on Mimi's shoulder quietly sobbing. Mimi was stroking her hair and soothing her. Mimi caught Brady's eye in the mirror and she smiled at him. Brady winked back at her.

"W-w-why did he h-have to be so m-mean?" Belle cried. "Shh, it's okay Belle. He's behind you now. You just rest, we'll be home soon." They arrived at the penthouse and got Belle upstairs. John and Marlena were gone, so they didn't have to worry about them. Mimi waited for Belle to change into her pj's and then helped get her into bed. Mimi gave her a couple aspirin and a glass of water.

"He said he loved me, Mimi. And I loved him." It broke Mimi's heart to hear Belle sound that way. "It's his love that wasn't strong enough, Belle."

Mimi stayed with her until she fell asleep. Mimi made her way back downstairs. Brady was on the couch, feet propped up and he was asleep. The corner of Mimi's mouth turned up. He was gorgeous.

Mimi took off his hat, which was now covered in glitter, and set in on the coffee table. Next was his Doc Martin's. Mimi untied them and pulled them off one by one. She took off her earrings, and shoes and curled up against him on the couch.

She fell asleep with her head on his lap. Brady woke up at about 3 am. He rubbed his whiskered face. He had fallen asleep waiting on Mimi. Brady started to rise and realized she was laying on his lap. Brady brushed the hair from her face.

She was so beautiful. Mimi was everything. She was strong, funny, independent, but loving and fiercely loyal to those she called friends. Brady shifted and she stirred. "Brady?" she said, her voice thick with sleep. "Yeah, Meems. I'm here. Let's get to bed." Mimi sat up and rubbed her eyes. Brady stood up and realized that his shoes were off. He grinned at her. She had taken care of him too.

Mimi stood up and Brady pulled her into a hug. Mimi snuggled closer. "Hmm, what was that for?" Brady looked down at her still in his arms, "Because you're wonderful." Mimi blushed and buried her head in his shoulder.

They walked upstairs to outside Belle's room. "Stay with me tonight, Meems." There was no way Mimi could deny his request. "Okay." Brady handed her a t-shirt and shorts to wear for pj's. Mimi didn't want to risk waking Belle.

Mimi went into his adjoining bath to change. Mimi looked over his supplies. She picked up his aftershave and inhaled deeply. For as long as she lived, Mimi would never forget the smell of Brady.

Mimi slipped off her clothes and pulled on Brady's shorts. They were way too big for her. She put the t-shirt on and walked back into his bedroom. Brady had already changed. All he had on were boxer shorts. Mimi handed his shorts back to him.

"They were too big." Brady grinned sheepishly, "Sorry." Brady got into bed and motioned for Mimi to join him. Mimi slid in next to him. She turned on her side and Brady spooned her. And for the first time in a long time, both slept peacefully.

***

Mimi woke up to someone whistling. She pried open one eye. Brady was whistling while he dressed. "God, I hate people like you." Brady grinned, "What's wrong Meems? Not a morning person?"

Mimi glared at him. "Coffee," she demanded. Brady picked up a mug from his dresser and held it out to her. Mimi reached for it eagerly, but Brady pulled it away. "It'll cost you." "How much?" "One kiss." Mimi puckered up instantly.

Brady brushed his lips over hers and surrendered the coffee. He laughed, "That makes me wonder what else you'll do for your caffeine." Belle lay in bed staring at the ceiling. How could one night go so horribly wrong, she wondered.

Things had been going so well with Jason and then Shawn and Jan had shown up looking like happy expectant parents. It was enough to make Belle sick. Just then the phone rang. Belle answered it. "Hello?" "Hey." Belle smiled, "Jason. How are you?" "The question is how are you?" Jason was worried about her. "Better now that you called."