A/N:  I know the prologue was a bit short, but I just had to get the ball rolling. Now, it is so on with the story.

CH 1

   Joey stared out at the Creek that she had grown up around. She felt guilty for leaving Chris on such short notice but this had to be done. Joey picked up her small suitcase and headed up the steps of the Potter B and B, smiling as she imagined Bessie's face when she saw she had arrived early. The door to the house creaked open and Joey stepped in soundlessly placing her bag down beside the door.

  Looking around no one seemed to be home. Joey took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of the house she had grown up in. Stepping into the kitchen Joey suddenly felt the urge to see the rest of the town. She didn't know how much it could've changed in four years but she needed to see it nonetheless.

    An hour passed and Joey found herself in front of Capeside High School. She looked at the large building bewildered by how much time had seemed to have passed since she had walked those halls. Tucking her hair behind her ear she headed up the steps and pulled open the door. The halls were empty and Joey realized that most of the students were in class now. Quietly she found the last locker she had been assigned and traced the number. There were so many memories in this place. "Joe?" a voice brought Joey back from her thoughts. Turning Joey found someone she knew very well. A smile spread across her face.

"Jackers!" Joey exclaimed throwing her arms around her friend, "I almost forgot you taught here!"

"Well people tend to," Jack shrugged letting go of Joey, "What are you doing here?"

"Gale's wedding," Joey stated, "You knew that I was coming right?"

"Yeah," Jack nodded, "But there was a pool going between some of us for how long it was going to take for you to bail on your RSVP."

"Am I that predictable?" Joey wondered.

"Nah," Jack shook his head, "You're here aren't you?"

"That I am," Joey nodded.

 Jack glanced over his shoulder, "I hate to cut this reunion short but..."

"Got a class huh?" Joey glanced at the class behind Jack, "Mind if I sit through it?"

"Actually, that would be great," Jack smiled. Joey followed him into the classroom. She noted how fast the class had quieted when they had entered the room. Now, all the curious eyes were on her.  "Class I'd like you to meet Joey Potter. Miss. Potter is a dear friend of mine and she wanted to sit through class with us so, please, be nice."  The class muttered quietly still watching Joey. Joey motioned to Jack that she would take an empty seat at the back of the class.

   When class ended Joey was surprised to find a young student approach her. It was a female with long blonde hair and brown eyes. She stood in front of Joey nervously before finally speaking, "Ms. Potter?" Joey looked up at her.

"Joey, please," Joey sighed, "What's up?"

"I've heard about you," the girl shifted in her spot, "I've also seen your picture on the past Graduates wall. You're Josephine Potter."

"I am she," Joey nodded confused, "What have you heard about me?" 

"Stories," The girl shrugged, "They're kind of famous around here."

"Kate," Jack now stood behind the girl, "Are you bothering Joey with your inquisitive nature?"

"No worries Jack," Joey spoke up for the girl, "She was just telling me stories she's heard about me. Go on."

"Some of us kids used to get into trouble," Kate explained, "And once in a while some people used to tell us stories about three kids who grew up right here in Capeside. So, instead of running around causing trouble we used to head over to the Ice House and listen to the adventures of three kids just like us growing up in Capeside."

"Ice House?" Joey looked over to Jack now.

"Yeah," Kate nodded, "It's this real fancy restaurant that's owned by Mr. Witter. He lets us in as they're preparing for dinner and while we help out he tells us those stories. He says that causing trouble in Capeside doesn't get you very far."

"And he would know," Joey mused, smiling.

"Anyway, I'd just wanted to say that," Kate shrugged, "I guess, I kind of idolize you." Joey smiled at the girl. A bell sounded in the hall and a panicked look came across Kate's face.

"Don't worry," Jack spoke up, "I'll write you a late slip." Kate breathed a sigh of relief and when Jack handed her the slip she took off right after waving quickly at Joey.

"Wow, I didn't know I was famous in Capeside," Joey laughed.

"Pace did what he thought was best for the kids," Jack shrugged, "One day about three years ago they were getting into lots of trouble and Pace took them in and told them about a boy who once did the same things they did. They enjoyed it and he just continued to tell them. They showed up to help at the restaurant in return for more adventures of the Capeside Crew."

"So, where might I find this Ice House?" Joey wondered.

"I'll take you there," Jack offered, "I've got this period off and lunch hour is next." Joey smiled and linked arms with Jack. She had forgotten how much she'd missed him all these years.

  Jack and Joey arrived at the Ice House a little while later. Joey stared in awe. The place was beautiful. The walls were painted and elegant, warm, ruby red colour and the tables looked as if they were made of crystal. On the walls were painted wonderful story telling pictures. Joey hardly noticed the waiter Jack was talking to. Pacey owned this restaurant, it was hard to believe but yet he did. "Jackers!" his voice dragged Joey back form her trance, "I wasn't..." Joey watched as shock took over his features.

"Surprise!" Joey found herself beaming as she hugged Pacey who was still in a state of shock. By the time Joey pulled away Pacey had recovered.

"Well Jack, looks like you won," he smirked, "Joey Potter decided to show after all."

"Still making bets Pace?" Joey wondered, "If I remember correctly you're still paying off your last debt."

"Ah, you've been away too long Potter," Pacey shook his head; "I've paid Dawson off and am now able to run this beautiful place."

"You're right Pace, it is beautiful," Joey smiled again.

"Hope the name's alright," Pace added looking deeply into her eyes.

"It's perfect," Joey whispered. Jack cleared his throat from beside them, "Oh, yeah, lunch! I have to taste the food here. Jack tells me it's to die for!"

"That it is," Pacey nodded, "Take a seat and I'll bring you a special meal."

"You're not going to let us order?" Joey wondered.

"I already know what Jack wants," Pacey replied, "And you, I've known you long enough to know what you'll want." Pacey led them to a booth in the far corner of the restaurant.

"Wow, we get this one today huh Pace?" Jack teased, "I should get Joey here more often." Pacey laughed and said something but Joey wasn't listening her whole being was focused on the booth in front of her. She knew right away why this one was special. Although the booth was the only one in restaurant it was probably the most beautiful table. The seats were shaped like fan shells and were cushioned with sparkling white material. The table was like all other tables in the room, but seemed fit for a queen. On the wall beside it held pictures of a boat and a beautiful mermaid. Joey almost immediately noticed that on the side of the boat the words True Love were painted in elegant writing. This was Pacey's way of holding on to the past, the good times.

"The Little Mermaid," Joey muttered but Pacey was gone and only Jack was there to hear her.

"Joe, you going to sit?" Jack wondered. Joey remembered that this was something that she and Pacey shared together, their secret 'thing' from their summer on True Love.

"...yeah," Joey nodded taking the seat in front of Jack. It had been so long and being here seeing Pacey again had dragged up some feelings that seemed to have been buried pretty deep, especially after seeing this booth.

"Jen and Grams will be here tomorrow," Jack informed her, "Along with Madison. You haven't met her yet, have you?"

"No," Joey shook her head. Madison was Jen's little two and a half year old daughter. Jen had called her when she got pregnant and then later when Madison was born. They had never been able to configure their schedules for Joey to finally meet the little girl. Jen was a single mother and although Grams didn't quite approve Jen told Joey that Grams absolutely adored Maddy, as Jen called her.

"She's adorable," Jack stated, "Jen came down a few weeks ago and brought her. You'll love her Joe."

"And Dawson?" Joey questioned.

"He was here two days ago," Jack sighed, "Last minute shooting sent him back to LA. I think he's coming back tonight." Joey nodded. Dawson had gone places after his low-budget film they had set up four years ago. He was now the producer of a WB show called The Creek. It was a spin-off of his movie circling around their lives here in Capeside during their High School years.

"I'm picking up big shot tonight," Pacey put in returning with three glasses of wine, "Unfortunately he's not bringing the grand Katherine." Joey picked up on the heavy sarcasm in Pacey's tone when he spoke of Dawson's renowned girlfriend.

"What Pace she not into you or something?" Joey joked.

"No, Joe one affair is enough for Pacey," Jack piped in. Joey caught the scowl that Pacey sent Jack's way.

"Now, Pacey don't tell me you're reverting back to your old ways," Joey fake mocked, "Did Ms. Jacobs find her way back to Capeside."

"You wound me Joey," Pacey shook her head putting his hand to his heart, "And for your information Jack, the lustful Nathalie broke it off. Apparently her husband decided to stick around."

"Now that that's settled, what is so wrong with Dawson's girlfriend?" Joey asked.

"Pacey and Katherine had a 'few' words at New Years," Jack explained, "They don't quite get along."

"Seems like Pacey hasn't changed at all," Joey grinned, "Still hasn't polished up his social skills. Why am I not surprised that anyone finds it difficult to get along with you?"

"Now, now Potter if I'm not mistaken you did spend three long months on a boat with me," Pacey reminded her. The memories flooded back. Those three months had been three of the best months in Joey's life.

"How can I forget?" Joey returned.

"As much as I love seeing you two revert back to your old ways," Jack interrupted, "I do believe there was a reason you brought three glasses of wine to our table."

"Ah, yes," Pacey picked up a glass, "I would like to propose a toast to Miss Joey Potter who decided to finally take a break from her hectic life to grace us with her presence."

"Here, here!" Jack lifted his glass. Joey smiled as they toasted her arrival in Capeside. Then as she took a sip of the wine from the glass Joey watched Pacey from the corner of her eyes. Maybe it was a good thing that she returned to Capeside for this wedding because there were certainly unresolved feelings between the two of them. Feelings that weren't completely platonic.