"Oh, sure, I'll help you - when pigs fly in chariots of gold."

Jason reached out and placed his arms around Chloe's waist. As he pulled her to him, he stated, "You know you want me . . . to be happy."

Keeping her place in Jason's secure arms, Chloe reached her right hand up to his face and used her index finger to trace his strong jaw. Slowly, she stated, "Ah, you poor baby. Brady took away one of your playthings and won't give her back."

Jason moved one of his hands away from Chloe's waist and used it to capture her hand that had been caressing his face. Placing a kiss just above her knuckles, Jason vowed, "Mimi is not one of my playthings, and you know it."

Faking surprise, Chloe gasped and stated, "Tell me it isn't so. Jason Masters, playboy extraordinaire of Salem, has fallen in love!"

"Only you would think that love should be laughed at. Of course, I'm sure that'll change once you get Brady back."

Chloe's carefree smile fell from her face at the mention of her former love. Jerking away from Jason, Chloe stated, "Don't. Don't you dare insinuate that I want or need Brady Black, because I don't."

"Sure, you tell yourself that."

Chloe turned her back to Jason and his smug expression. It was only her first day back in Salem, and she was already beginning to lose track of rational thought. Walking to a nearby bench and taking a seat there, Chloe's gaze returned to the water. Even when Jason approached her and sat down, Chloe continued to stare at the peaceful ripples that played on the murky surface.

Placing his left arm on the back of the bench so that it was relaxed behind Chloe, Jason said, "Look, we've both wasted some of the best years of our life because we were too stubborn to admit we were wrong. I've wanted Mimi since our senior year of high school, and I'm tired of waiting for the right moment to have her. And, you can't deny that Brady Black is still lurking in that cold little heart of yours. You were in love with him, Chloe. I doubt that just faded away."

"Fade? No, that would imply that things ended in a peaceful, serene manner. The end of my relationship with Brady was anything but serene! It was more like a fatal blow to my heart."

"So, what's your point?"

Chloe tossed Jason her cruelest glare before asking, "Why are we even having this discussion?"

Scooting closer to Chloe and wrapping the arm that had been resting on the bench around her, Jason quietly answered, "Because, you and I must prepare ourselves for war. For all we know, Brady and Mimi might actually think that they love each other. That would make our job a lot harder. Although, I'm pretty sure Meems doesn't think that she's in love with Brady."

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, within the last forty-eight hours, I've made love to her twice."

Groaning, Chloe declared, "I didn't need that much information. But, since we're on the topic, what makes you think sex equals love? We were intimate, and I can guarantee you that I feel no love for you."

"First, what happened between me and her wasn't just sex like it was with you and me. And, second, Mimi loves me. I know it."

"How?"

Faced with such a simple, but complex question, Jason focused his own gaze on the water that had previously held Chloe's attention. His voice proud and strong, Jason answered, "She wouldn't just break her wedding vows for a good roll in the hay. Mimi's too good of a person to do something like that."

Chloe was tempted to ask Jason what made him think that he was a good roll in the hay, but the heavy mood that was settling over the two of them assured her that it was not the time to joke. Studying Jason's profile, Chloe asked, "What about you? How can you be so certain that you're in love with her?"

A sad smile gracing her lips, Jason quietly stated, "I know the scent of her shampoo, and I don't care that she agreed to marry Brady even after I begged her not to do it."

Chloe could conjure up no response. She had heard a great deal from Nancy about the speedy courtship between Brady and Mimi that had followed her own departure from Salem. Never had her mother mentioned that Jason had been part of the equation.

Jason saved Chloe from having to give a reply when he continued, "God, seeing them together makes me so sick. I'm willing to bet my life that they're both just faking it. There's just no way that Mimi and Brady can be in love. I saw him after you left, Chloe. He changed, and not for the better. He stopped being witty and just became a complete cynic. When you left, part of him died. Just the way part of me died the day I had to watch Mimi marry Brady."

Tears filled Chloe's eyes as she listened to Jason talk. Though she had known him since high school, she had never heard him speak in such a serious, heartfelt manner. He had always been the type of guy who kept his emotions bottled up while he put on a carefree facade. Somehow, whether she knew it or not, Mimi had found a way to break through Jason's facade and had revealed the person hiding.

"So, Jason, you want me to help you destroy Brady and Mimi's marriage?"

"Yeah, that's the plan. I get Mimi and you get Brady." When Chloe merely nodded, Jason impatiently asked, "So, are you going to help me or not?"

"I'm not sure. This is all happening way too fast. I just need some time to think."

When Chloe stood, Jason did the same, grabbing her arm. "Eventually, there won't be any time left. Even you

and I won't live forever. You have to make your decision - soon."

Pulling her arm away from Jason's demanding grasp, Chloe answered, "If I decide to help you, I'll call you later tonight. Otherwise, you know that I followed my better judgement and decided to leave their marriage alone."

As Chloe walked away, Jason said a silent prayer that she would agree to help him. He was going to get Mimi back one way or another, but he was smart enough to know that Chloe could make the entire process much simpler.

~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~

As evening fell on the contradictory city, Chloe stared uncertainly at Shawn. After meeting in the lobby of the Salem Inn, the two had decided to move their conversation upstairs to Chloe's hotel room, which was located on the floor below Shawn's.

While Shawn chose to sit on the edge of her bed, Chloe sat in the plush chair a few feet away. She wasn't sure what exactly her friend was thinking, but she knew that it was serious. Though he had managed a warm smile when he greeted her downstairs, a melancholy expression was now dominating his handsome face.

Looking up, Shawn realized that Chloe was staring at him, waiting for an explanation. And, he knew that she deserved one. After all, he had insisted that they go some place private to talk, and when they were there, he had barely said two words.

Deciding that it would be best to slowly present his dilemma to Chloe, Shawn stated, "I definitely didn't expect things to change so much while I was away. It seems as if everything that mattered to me is either gone or transformed."

"I know the feeling."

"I'm not going to pretend that I know what exactly happened after I moved away, but I refuse to just pretend that I'm happy with everything." Moving his arms in a exaggerated gesture, Shawn declared, "This is not the same city I grew up in!"

"Places change, Shawn. People change."

Breaking away from his own opportunistic thoughts, Shawn took a moment to really study his old friend. There was, of course, her outer beauty. But, that wasn't what had him so enthralled. She was gazing at him intensely, and her eyes seemed to convey her own unhappiness. Behind that intensity and sadness, Shawn knew that there lay a great deal of knowledge. There was a fountain of secrets that Chloe had surely discovered.

As usual, Shawn found his feeble attempts at beating around the bush terribly pointless and decided to just come out and say what he was thinking. "You know something, don't you? Chloe, we've been friends for years, you have to tell me the truth."

"All I know is that no one stays the same. Time forces people to change. That includes not only you and me, but all of our friends from high school."

"You were in love with Philip in high school. In fact, the last time I saw you before leaving Salem, you were at the airport standing in his arms as I boarded the plane. Are you going to tell me that love changes, too?"

Her eyes drifting away from Shawn's unwavering glare and to the window, Chloe simply replied, "Maybe."

"No, Chloe, you're wrong. True love lasts forever and remains untainted. And, that's the type of love Belle and I share. I don't exactly know what she has going on with Philip, but it can't be as strong as the relationship she and I built."

The tension from her long day attacking her patience, Chloe stood and loudly asked, "What is it with people in this town and their misconceptions of love?"

Shawn felt regretful as he watched Chloe nervously pace the room. She had been his best friend in high school. In fact, she had been his entire support system after the revelation involving John and Hope. There had never been a moment that he couldn't turn to Chloe. Now, his impatience and rudeness were forcing her to turn away from him.

"Chloe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to act like I knew your heart better than you. I'm just so confused, and there doesn't seem to be any way of making things clear. I just need you to help me."

"Help you?"

"Yes, you've been the best friend I ever had. Now, I need your help. You know me, Chloe. You know that I would never hurt Belle if it wasn't necessary."

Plopping back down in the chair, Chloe rolled her eyes and asked, "Why do I get the feeling that you are about to tell me that it's necessary to hurt Belle?"

"Because, it is. In the end, you and I both know that she would be happier with me. And, as much as I believe in the sanctity of marriage, I think that hers and Philip's needs to come to an end - soon. That's where I need your help. If you and I work together, Chloe, we might be able to talk some sense into those two."

Chloe twirled her hair around her index finger as she considered what Shawn was saying. She knew that the world was becoming a vicious place when the nicest guy she knew was suggesting that she assist him in destroying a marriage.

"Chloe, I don't want to scheme and plot to destroy them. Despite everything, I love Philip and Belle. But, I know that Belle's still in love with me - just like Philip's still in love with you. That has never changed, and it never will. All that I want is for you to come with me so that we can talk to them together. Maybe, if we all sit down and have an honest discussion, they will admit that they just aren't right for each other."

"And, if they don't?"

"Then, we find a way to make them see it. Look, Chloe, I need you to help me. You might be the only person alive that is willing to be a true friend to me. What do you say?"

Chloe flinched under Shawn's expectant stare. She wanted to help him, but she wasn't sure. She needed some time alone to ponder the repercussions of such an action. Giving her best attempt at a smile, Chloe replied, "Why don't you let me think about it? If I decide to help you, I'll call your room. And, if I don't call later tonight, then you can assume that I just can't do it."

~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~

Toweling her hair, Chloe exited the small hotel bathroom and entered her dark bedroom. As she turned on the lamp beside her bed, she felt a scream catch in her throat. There, sitting in the chair that she had earlier placed her own body in while Shawn discussed his idea with her, was a very uninvited guest.

Chloe attempted to mask her shock, but it was futile. There was just no way to hide her surprise at seeing him again. He looked much the same as he had when she last saw him, only older. His eyes, illuminated by the soft light of the lamp, were still as expressive as they had always been.

"Hello, Chloe," he greeted in his calmest, most confident voice. "It's good to see you again."

Chloe almost wished that his words did not sound so sincere. If he had been trying to hurt her, her innate defensiveness would have taken control. But, he wasn't there to hurt her, and she knew it. That meant that she would be forced to act just as calm and friendly as he did.

"I guess you're wondering why I'm sitting here in your hotel room, huh?"

"The thought has crossed my mind."

Acting as though facing the woman who had broken his heart was a daily occurrence, he casually explained, "The Salem Inn is actually under my control. My father bought it and gave it to me. He believed that it would be a good investment for me to keep while I explored other career options. Anyway, when you checked in, the desk clerk called me. He thought I might be interested in knowing you were back in town - he was right."

Standing, the man approached Chloe and locked eyes with her. From her own experience, Chloe knew that he was almost as much of a chameleon as she was. Though he could be weak, he was strong. And, though he gave with all his heart, he knew how to take what he wanted. He was a man that broke all the rules but never crossed the line.

As Chloe remained silent, the man simply stated, "You really are beautiful."

Chloe opened her mouth to speak, but there just weren't any words. It seemed like a lifetime had passed since she had been in his arms, now he was standing in her hotel room telling her that she was beautiful. She broke his heart, and he complimented her. Salem truly was an ironic city.

Refusing to allow herself to be charmed, Chloe questioned, "What do you want?"

"What makes you think that I want anything?"

"Well, usually people who are just stopping by to chat about the weather don't break into my room and sit in the dark while I take a shower. That honor is reserved solely for stalkers and ex-boyfriends who want something from me."

Chloe's trademark sarcasm forced the man to smile, his dimples sending slight shivers down Chloe's spine. Keeping his eyes focused on Chloe, Philip conceded, "You're right, I do want something."

"Why, Philip Robert Kiriakis, I'm shocked."

"You used my full name. Does that mean I'm in trouble?"

Chloe couldn't be sure if the light bantering was like the peaceful rays of sunlight following a storm, or merely the eye of a twisted hurricane. Either way, she opted to merely enjoy her ex-boyfriend's company while she could.

"I don't know, Philip. You tell me. Are you in trouble?"

Looking away from Chloe for the first time, Philip meekly responded, "I don't know. I might be. It actually depends on you."

"Me?"

"Yeah, I need your assistance. Since you probably came back to be with him, I assume that you know Shawn's back in town."

Chloe chose to ignore Philip's remark concerning her returning for Shawn. It certainly wasn't the time to open old wounds. Instead, she answered, "I've spoken to Shawn since coming back to Salem."

"Then, you realize that he is a threat to my marriage? I won't lose Belle. I can't."

Despite the feeling that she really didn't want to know the answer, Chloe asked, "How exactly do you think this concerns me?"

"Simple. I want you to work with me to keep Shawn's hands off my wife. You can seduce him or whatever while I find various ways to keep Belle from spending any time with him. Of course, there will be a few details to iron out, but that's the basics."

"You want me to turn against Shawn? How could you ever ask me to do such a thing?"

Searching Chloe's eyes for any sign of a loyalty to him, Philip whispered, "You owe me, and you know it." As he uttered the words, Philip could see Chloe's resistance weaken. Just as it had always broken his heart to deny her anything, Chloe was pained by the idea of keeping Philip from having what he said he wanted - even if she didn't think that it was in his best interest.

"I'll think about it," replied Chloe before she had the chance to lose her nerve. She just couldn't bear to tell Philip that Belle didn't love him the way he deserved to be loved. And, due to the innocent feelings that lingered from her high school days, Chloe adored being near Philip. He had been her first love, and the only man, other than Brady, who had really touched her heart. The chance to be near him and work along side him appeared quite enticing, if not a little absurd.

As Philip walked to the door, Chloe added, "If I do decide that I want to help you save your marriage, I'll call you. But, if your phone doesn't ring later tonight, then I don't want you to come back here and try to change my mind. Promise me that you will allow my decision to remain unchanged."

"I promise."

~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~ * * ~

Her hands pressed together in steeple form before her face, Chloe carefully weighed her options. There were three separate men seeking her skills in seduction and love to help them achieve what they had only possessed in their dreams.

So, now Chloe was faced with the tempting, the expected, and the ludicrous suggestions of three men from her past. And, despite her attempts to consider all three offers, Chloe knew in her heart that there was really only one thing to do.

She knew what she wanted, and she knew what she needed. Chloe could only pray that it would fit into the larger scheme of things.

Picking up the phone from the nightstand, Chloe dialed the number and listened as the phone rang. When he answered, Chloe knew that she had finally returned to the game.