Lyrics belong to the Dandy Warhols from "We used to be friends"

:A long time ago
We used to be friends but I
Haven't thought of you lately at all
If ever again A greeting I send to you
Short and sweet to the soul I intend:

Lucy's POV

I drop the keys to the Cadillac Convertible into the eager valet's hand. The kid's younger than me, but seems to have respect for the classics, cause he's practically salivating over the cherry red number the Debs hooked me up with for my stay. I meet Scud as he steps out of the car, smoothing out his suit jacket, underneath a catch a glimpse of his favorite t-shirt "without ME it's just AWESO".

"Ready for the Ex?" He asks as we push through the front doors.

"Not at all," I answer. I stop in front of the wall mirror, looking myself over again. Strategically ripped jeans, white tank top, leather jacket, evening wear only appropriate in LA. I turn to Scud, still fixing my hair.

"Do I look okay?" He gave me an exasperated look

"I've answered that ten times, you look good, you look hot, sexy, skinny, yummy, bootilicious. Whatever you want to hear, that's how you look."

"Thanks," I smiled at him, then looked back in the mirror, straightening my outfit one more time, and taking a deep breath. "Okay, let's go."

I strode in purposefully, scanning first the lobby, then the bar. I spotted them off to the back a bit; they had two of the tables four chairs rolled close together talking quietly. I made a quick stop at the bar then headed for them.

They were so deep in conversation, so into each other I wasn't surprised neither of them noticed me till I pulled out a chair and sat in it, brazenly putting my feet up on the table, crossing my legs. Scud followed behind, dropping into the seat next to me before either of them could respond.

"Hey Asha," I flashed her a big smile. "This a table for two, or is there room for four?" I pretended to count us all. "Oh looks like room for four."

"Hey baby," Asha smirked, leaning back in her chair, while Katia only glared. "Been a while."

"Sure has," I matched her stare, neither of us breaking eye contact. Finally she laughed, putting an arm around Katia.

"Katia, baby, this is Lucy Diamond. I'm sure you've heard of her."

"I heard she went soft," Katia answered with a glare.

"Oh, yeah. You know, I heard that too. What's up with that?" Asha spoke like she was just remembering, but I knew her better than that.

"Some girls are worth pretending," I shrugged, then leaned in confidentially, motioning them forward. Katia ignored me, but Asha leaned in to meet me. "Ever get a Deb in the sack? Believe me when I say nothing is better." I pulled back, trying not to laugh at the shocked expression on Asha's face.

Just then the waitress came up, setting a glass of wine down in front of me, a cosmo in front of Katia, and a long island ice tea in front of Asha. I handed the woman a hundred, courtesy of the Debs.

"Keep the change," I winked at her, giving her my most flirtatious smile. She nodded, looking a little scared. Asha began to laugh picking up her drink.

"How'd you know what we were having?"

"Always ask the bartender to set you up before you approach a pretty girl. Isn't that what you always said?" I asked, leaning back with my wine, feet off the table now. I watched as Katia sniffed at her drink, apparently not sure if I had poisoned it.

"Good to know you were paying attention," Asha answered, raising her glass in a slight toast.

"I learned a lot from you," I answered honestly.

"And you took a lot of shit, if I remember correct," Asha's smile was challenging. I shrugged.

"Someone always has to take shit in the relationship in my experience."

"Hmm," Asha nodded, twirling her drink. "How bout you Scud? You take a lot of shit from your girlfriends?"

"I take a lot of shit from everyone."

"I'll bet," Asha nodded.

"What are you doing here?" Katia asked me coldly.

"This woman is full of good questions," Asha added.

"I heard you two might be planning something big. Something worth my while. Cause honestly I am getting tired of playing the good girl. Not that I've been playing too hard at it lately," I added, taking another sip of wine.

"And the Deb? Where's she fit in?"

"The Deb's history. She walked out a while ago, right after everything went down with the insurance company."

"I thought that was just Scud," Asha cocked her head.

"I kept my name out of it, wanted to keep diddling the do gooder on the side, you know?"

"Seems a little messy for one of your projects."

"I left a little too much of it up to Scud. Now I know I can't have my cake and eat it too," I answered, shrugging as if it didn't matter, even though just speaking about Amy this way was making me feel guilty. "Now I think I'll just settle for having lots and lots of money."

"Asha can already do what I need. Why would we need you," Katia asked icily, finally taking a sip of the drink I had gotten her.

"Intimate knowledge of what the Deb's know about both of you. I have their complete files on both of you. Not to mention Asha knows I have contacts who wouldn't even give her the time of day." Asha glared at me, but didn't disagree. She couldn't, she knew my fathers contacts would never deal with her after our break up.

"Is this true?" Katia looked quickly to Asha, who nodded after a moment.

"We could have this done in a week or two with Lucy's help," she admitted, even though I could tell it was probably causing her physical pain to say those words.

"One week?" Katia turned a seductive smile my way, reaching a hand across the table. I took it quickly. "Ms. Diamond, how wonderful for you to join us."

Amy POV

Lucy came quietly into the bedroom, shutting the door softly and starting to make her way across to the bed. Her stealth was undone when she stumbled over something, tumbling to the floor in an ungraceful heap. I reached over flicking on the light; she smiled up at me from the floor.

"Hey you, I was being quiet."

"Very quiet," I nodded, stepping out of bed, and pulling her up.

"Whoops," she giggled stumbling close to me as I helped her up. I caught her, holding her close for a moment, her giggling stopped and she wrapped her arms around me, rubbing my back.

"Have fun with Asha and Katia?" I asked, not meaning it to come out as jealous as it did. She pulled away a bit, not looking at me.

"Sorry, I was drinking."

"It's okay," I felt like an asshole. I had gotten her into this mess in the first place; she wasn't the one who wanted to clear her name. She hadn't wanted to see Asha again at all. "Here let me help you."

I pushed her jacket off, then knelt to undo her jeans; she balanced on me stepping out of them. Looking over her I couldn't believe Asha could have walked away. I knew I never could. Mumbling thanks she crawled over me onto the bed, slipping under the covers.

"How did it go?" I asked, sliding in next to her, and switching off the light. For a moment it was pitch dark, and she was silent. Then just as the streetlights started to illuminate her she spoke.

"When dealing with people like Asha, and Katia, the fact that I came back at all, pretty much says it went well. I'm in. I have to set up some contacts for them in the morning. They're emailing Scud their list tonight." She turned, snuggling into me. For a few minutes we were silent, her breathing getting deeper as I traced lazy circles on her back. Just when I was sure she was asleep, she spoke quietly. "Still love me?"

"Always," I answered, kissing the top of her head. She wrapped her arms tighter around me, and this time she did fall asleep.

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