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The doorbell at 646 Holland Avenue rang and Tad hurried downstairs, approaching the door and swinging it open. Lucy stood there in a pair of flared jeans and a tee-shirt. Her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Can I help you?" Tad asked.

"Mr. Martin?" Tad nodded. "I'm Lucy. I just moved in down the street." She paused.

Jamie came flying down the stairs. "Hey," he said, grabbing his coat. "I'm outa here, Dad."

"Woah," Tad said. "Where are you going?"

Jamie sighed. "I'm showing Lucy around town... we're gonna get some lunch." Tad raised his eyebrows, "Dad, come on."

"You're still on thin ice, pal."

"I'm just getting lunch. BJ's. OK? Don't worry, I won't get arrested." Tad didn't answer as Jamie grinned. "Later," He stepped passed Tad and out of the house. "Sorry bout my Dad," he said to Lucy.

"I'm gonna guess he didn't know about your little party," Lucy said.

"Like he's never done anything like that when he was my age. And believe me, he did."

"He's just being a dad. That's his job."

"Yeah, well I wish he would lay off a little."

Lucy put her hands in her pockets as the began to walk to the car. "So you live with your Dad?" she said.

They got in the car and Jamie started the engine. "Half the time," he said. "I live with my Mom too."

"Your parents are divorced?" Lucy asked.

"I don't even remember my Mom and Dad being married. I was still little when they split. But that's a long and complicated story. Just like most of the stuff that happens in this town."

Lucy looked out the window as Jamie drove the streets of Pine Valley. "So are you an only child?"

"My mom's got another daughter, Laura. And then there's my brother, JR. They're both older. But uh... Laura left Pine Valley about a year ago. And JR... who knows where he is now."

"So you're really not too close with your brother."

"Oh don't get me wrong," Jamie said as he pulled into a parking space in front of BJ's. "JR and I were really close. We always were. I kinda screwed things up with him."

"Oh?" Lucy said as they entered the restaurant.

"Yeah. Not something I like to talk about if that's OK."

"Of course."

Jamie led Lucy to a table and sat, handing her a menu. "Yeah, I haven't seen him in a few months. Since he left on that steamer. He writes to my Dad every now and then. He's closer with my Dad than he is with his own."

"Oh I thought that your dad was..."

Jamie shook his head. "My Dad married his Mom," he smiled. "Now that was a match made in heaven. Dixie was the greatest."

"She was?" Lucy said, curiously. Jamie's face fell. "Oh, Jamie, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't even think..."

"It's alright," Jamie said. "Dixie umm...she died about a year ago in a car accident. Her and... my unborn sister." Jamie bit his bottom lip as Lucy's eyes widened, tears forming. "How did this conversation turn so morbid? We're supposed to be having a good time." He paused. "How bout we just drop the family stuff for a while . Tell me about you. Who is Lucy Carter?"

Lucy smiled softly. Well... I grew up in Salem. I went to school there. I spent most of my free time working for the school newspaper."

"You're a journalist?" Jamie asked.

"A photographer," Lucy said. "I take all the pictures. Pictures of anything."

"I'd love to see some of your stuff."

"They're really not that good," she said, going into her backpack and handing him some photos.

Jamie looked them over. "Who are you kidding?" he said. "Lucy, these are amazing. These are great. They're wonderful."

"They're just a hobby."

"Did you ever think of showing these to someone? I know the perfect..."

"Jamie," Lucy took the photos. "They're just pictures."

"OK, alright, I admit I'm no art buff," Jamie laughed. "But I know someone who is. And he's a cool guy. Just go talk to him. I'll go with you. Who knows. Worst case he'll rope you into working Christmas break."

"Why are you so set on this?" she smiled.

Jamie shrugged. "I just happen to think that they're nice."

"You really think so?" Lucy looked at the pictures. Jamie raised his eyebrows with a nod. "I don't know..."

"Stuart is a good guy. He'll be truthful with you."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Lucy said, looking Jamie in the eyes. She smiled slightly, reading him. "I don't know too many people here. I don't want to butt in to anything..."

"You're just asking for an opinion. You'll like Stuart."

"I'll think about it," Lucy said. "I'm just not too sure right now." They were silent for a moment. "So... what's good for eats here?"

Jamie smiled. "You're gonna wanna try the burger and chocolate shake.

"Cool," Lucy said. "Jamie... thanks a lot for this. "You're a great guy. "A waitress approached their table and Lucy turned to her with a smile. "I'll have a burger and a chocolate shake."