Agh! I feel terrible! Due to what I'm guessing was server problems on I couldn't upload my story or even log in until now! I know I promised by Monday! But I tried from about 8:00 Sunday night to about 11:00 Monday night, and off and on since then, and nothing. So, here is the highly anticipated (if not delayed) chapter three of "Who is He Kissing!"

Chapter Three
Tell Me, What are You Tryin' to Prove?

From Chapter Two:

He was silent for a long while. I think I was holding my breath the entire time, waiting for him to respond in some way... If it kept going this way, I couldn't finish what I started!

Finally Rio spoke.

Jem
"Jem, I'm sorry I led you on."

"Rio, you haven't--if anything, I've led you on!" Is he being sarcastic or honest? I had to wonder.

"No, let me finish," he answered. "I have never, ever, had any intentions to break up with Jerrica or to explore anything for you and me beyond where we already are. I was using you, I think--not on purpose, but I've never thought of it that way." He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Jem, I feel awful about this. I mean, you're beautiful and talented. There's something magical about you. It would be hard not to be drawn to you. You know, I've wondered what kind of signals I've been sending you. Now I know. Thank you. And, I'm sorry."

I nodded. He understands! I did a victory dance in my mind. "Rio, I'm totally fine--we're equally guilty. Guilty of leading each other on, and guilty of putting your relationship with Jerrica on the rocks." I paused. "I've talked with Jerrica about us," I continued, "and she's okay with it. She understands. She told me our friendship, and your love, is more important to her than anything we may have done. We've talked long and deep about this."

"Are you sure? Because if it were me, I'd be..."

"The way you are about Riot?" I finished for him, half-joking.

"Touché," he replied, grinning. "You know I'm just looking out for you there. He's sleazy and I don't want you to get hurt." He squeezed my hand. "You'll always be my friend. I'll always care for you."

"Rio, I'm not even interested in Riot, at least beyond friendly competition in business. One of the reasons I wanted to talk about this to you is because I need to focus. My life is my music, and it's not fair to my fans for me to shirk my responsibility. I care for you, but I care for you and Jerrica enough to look inside myself and realize it's time to get back to basics."

Rio was quiet again. Damn it, what did I do now? I asked myself.

"I... I need to go. I need to see Jerrica. I'm sorry Jem." He pulled out his wallet. "Here's enough for dinner. I'll see you on Saturday for that benefit." He bent and kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Last one, I swear," he joked. "See you."

I was so relieved that all the energy was sapped from my body and mind. Then I realized. "Synergy, Rio's on his way to see Jerrica! Can you help?"

"It's all right, Jem. I've programmed a responsive hologram of Jerrica that will retreat for a shower when approached by anyone who does not know your secret," the supercomputer responded through the JemStar earrings.

"You're way ahead of me, Synergy. I knew I could count on you."

I left the restaurant and flagged down a cab. As I rattled off the address of Starlight Mansion for the tattooed driver, I hoped against all hope to beat Rio there. That way he would not even suspect anything... after all, there is a method to my madness.

Rio
My chest tightened. Anticipation, guilt, love, and relief fought for first place in my mind, each already having a firm grip on my entire being. The severity of the situation never hit me until I had been told face to face. I cannot believe I didn't realize that I was betraying Jerrica--the woman I love--by being with Jem. How obvious! I scolded myself.

I stopped at a high quality florist that is always open late. I selected a stunning mix: dark red roses, bright daffodils, baby's breath, and lavender. On a second thought, I also picked up two separate pink tulips. Those were for later.

"In the doghouse, eh?" the middle-aged florist asked as I paid for my purchases.

"No, I'm..." I tried to think of the proper phrasing. "I'm fixing to build it." I also selected a pair of magnetic kissing teddy bears. I labeled them with cards, one "Rio" and the other "Jerrica." To Jerrica's card, I added, "beautiful, talented, dedicated, sexy, & sizzling."

"Hey, good luck, buddy," the florist called as I walked out the door.

This is step one, I told myself. I'm doing these kinds of things from now on for my Jerri.

o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o

As the cab dropped me off at Starlight mansion, I noticed another taxi pulling away. Did Jem come back here? I wondered. I was hoping to talk with Jerrica knowing Jem was not around. I paid the driver and carefully balanced the bouquet and bears. I ended up ringing the bell with my elbow.

Aja answered the door. "Hey, b... oh, hi, Rio." She went from exuberant to disappointed in 1.4 seconds flat.

"I'm... sorry?" I inquired.

"It's not you. I was just expecting someone, that's all." She glanced at the gifts. "Who do you want first, Jem or Jerrica?" she jabbed.

"Ouch," I commented. "Jem didn't tell you, eh?"

"Tell her what?" Jerrica asked timidly, stepping into the entry.

I set down the gifts and swept her into my arms.

"I'm happy to see you, too," giggled Jerrica. I cupped her lovely face with my hands and kissed her passionately, paying no mind to anyone in sight. "Now I'm really happy to see you," she breathed.

"I brought you something," I said, presenting her with her bouquet.

"Oh, Rio," she breathed, inhaling the scent of the fragrant flowers. "They're gorgeous. Thank you, baby." She wrapped her free arm around my neck and kissed me lightly on the lips.

"Can we go somewhere a little private?" I asked, glancing at the giggling Starlight girls. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh, okay," she answered. She led me to her room.

Aja
I was kind of upset by now. It was already 20 minutes past the time Craig said he would be here. One of only a few nights he would be in town anytime soon, and the night was already half over.

I padded into the kitchen and cracked open a green apple Jones soda. I took a long swig, wishing it was Smirnoff green apple. But we couldn't keep anything harder than Red Bull in the house with all the foster girls. Suddenly, someone covered my eyes with their hands.

"Guess who?"

I grinned. "Craig, you're such a joker," I giggled, spinning and wrapping my arms around his neck.

He pulled me closer and brought his face close to mine. "I love your laugh," he murmured. Our lips met in a searing, passionate kiss. Craig's kiss was the only one I had ever savored and hungered for. I wrapped one leg around his and pulled him right up to me. I could feel how excited he was to see me.

"Oh, I brought us a little something," he announced as he pulled a paper bag from the counter.

I opened it up. "Dom Pérignon?" I marveled. "What's the occasion?" We walked out of the kitchen, stemware and bottle in hand.

"You," answered Craig. He pushed open the door to my room.