-1Marissa watched Bianca as she was going over the latest proposals for The Miranda Center's fundraiser. She could see her friend's eyes starting to glaze over. "We need a break!"

Bianca's head jolted up. "What? We can't. We really need to have this finished by Monday morning."

"I wasn't saying that we didn't. I'm simply saying we need a break. I mean, how much of what you were just reading were you really getting? I saw your eyes glazing over. A break is definitely in order."

"Marissa…"

"Come on. I'm talking about just a couple of hours. It's a beautiful day outside. The kids are over at Kendall's. A break will recharge our batteries. Besides, I could use your help with something."

Bianca put down the papers she had been reviewing. Marissa was right. She couldn't remember anything she had just read. They moved today's brainstorming session to Wildwind and had been cooped up there for the last four hours. "You make a pretty convincing argument there, counselor. So, what do you need my help with? Is it JR?"

"Now why would ruin a perfectly nice day by bringing him up?"

"Sorry. Reflex. Something else then?"

"Yep. Something much more fun and interesting."

"Okay. You've got my attention."

Marissa pulled out the local real estate listings and handed them to Bianca.

"You're looking for a place?"

"Yes, I am. Don't get me wrong. It's been nice staying at Tad's, but it's getting crowded over there. Plus, there's a lot of drama going on. I want my own place. A place that AJ and I"

"A place the two of you can call home."

"Exactly! What do you think?"

"I think it's a great idea! Are you looking to buy or rent?"

"Rent for now."

"I'm guessing at least two bedrooms?"

"Yep. There's one I really like"

"Hold on! Let me take a look at what you've printed off." Bianca laughed. She could see the excitement in Marissa's eyes. She loved her friend's eyes and the fact that she could tell so much about her by just looking in them.

"Well? What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Don't leave me hanging here, Montgomery!"

"You know what I think we need to do?"

"What?"

"We need to take a field trip and check these places out in person!"

"Really? You'd do that?"

"Marissa, do you really have to ask?"

The redhead shook her head. "No, but I didn't want to take too much of your time up with this."

Bianca took Marissa's hand, looking her straight in the eye so there would be no doubt about what she was saying. "I'm going to paraphrase what someone very special to me once told me. Marissa, I'll never be too busy to help you. Whenever you need me, I'll be there. Got it?"

Marissa swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "Got it."

"Good!" Bianca pulled Marissa off the couch. "You drive while I read. Now, let's go find you a new place to live!"

/

"I'm sorry, Bianca. This is taking longer than I thought it would. We should get back to work."

"Stop it. We're not going back until we've gone through your list. Besides, we only have two more places to check, and your favorite is one of them. Let's check that one out next."

"Okay, if you're sure. With how my luck's been running today, it will either be gone or infested with bedbugs or mystery animals or have a chunk of the ceiling being held in place by duct tape or"

Bianca laughed. "Well, it's nice to see you're staying positive. I really do wonder how they thought they'd sneak that ceiling 'repair' by anyone. Even duct tape has it's limits. As for the one with the mystery animal, maybe you could make it a pet for AJ."

Marissa laughed for the first time in over 3 ½ hours. "You know you have a lot of people fooled. They think you're sweet and nice, but you're actually kind of twisted."

"It comes from being Erica Kane's daughter. Hope you're not disappointed."

"Oh no! I'm not disappointed. I like it. Twisted is very good sometimes." Marissa parked the car and got out. "If I remember correctly, it was actually animals, plural. I'm seeing pets for Miranda and Gabby too."

"You're funny!"

"Well, you started it!"

"You use that argument in court, counselor?"

"You know it! I just phrase it differently and use lots of big words!" Marissa snorted.

Bianca smiled brightly, just happy to make the redhead feel better.

"Sorry. I was being a bit of a downer, huh? I guess I was just hoping"

"That you'd find the perfect place right away. I get it. Feel better?"

"I do. Thanks. You always seem to know what to do to make me feel better, and you really need to stop finishing my sentences."

"I'll stop finishing your's when you stop finishing mine."

"But it's so easy."

"Yeah, I know. It's a little scary, but only a little." Bianca smirked.

Marissa spotted an older woman and a younger man by the front door who had overheard their exchange. She approached the woman and extended her hand. "You must be Mrs. Walker. I'm Marissa Tasker, and this is my friend Bianca Montgomery."

"Nice to meet you, dear. This is my son Alex. Would you like to see the house?"

"Yes, please." The two followed the Walkers inside. Marissa grabbed Bianca's hand as they entered the family room and whispered, "Bianca!"

"I know. Let's take it slow and check the rest of the place out."

It looked exactly as the listing had described. It was a story home, and there were two bedrooms with a third room that could either be another bedroom or a small home office. There were hardwood floors, a small dining room, two full bathrooms and a newly renovated kitchen in addition to the comfortable family room. There was even a small patio in the backyard. In short, it was exactly what Marissa was looking for. As they toured the home, Mrs. Walker chatted and conducted an interview with Marissa.

At the end of the tour, Marissa and Bianca stepped out onto the patio to talk. Bianca looked at Marissa and could see the excitement in her eyes. "Let me guess. You love it."

"Am I that obvious?"

"No. I just know you pretty well. Do you think you'd love it enough to buy it someday?"

Marissa shook her head. "No. I don't see myself growing old here. I still want more kids, and I'm holding out hope for finding someone for me to share my life with. All of that would mean a bigger place. For now though, it's perfect for AJ and me. Think the girls might like to visit AJ here?"

"I'm pretty sure they would. What about there mom?"

"Well, she has an open invitation! Any time, day or night!"

"Thank you! I'll keep that in mind!"

"Let's go talk to the Walkers and tell them I want the place!"

Mrs. Walker had been watching the women talk. "I really like her. If she wants the place, it's her's."

"Are you sure, mom? She's only the third person to view it."

"I'm sure. When it's right, you just know it. It's kind of like them."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, they just seem right together. Don't you think they make a nice couple?"

"Wait! You mean they're a couple?"

"Of course they are. It's as plain as the nose on your face that those two are in love."

The two women entered the house again before her son could reply. "Mrs. Walker, I'd like to rent the home if that alright with you."

"That's wonderful! Here's an application and a form for us to do a credit check, but that's just a formality. As far as I'm concerned, the place is your's!"

Marissa beamed as she took the paperwork and started to fill it out immediately. Bianca stood back and smiled as she watched her. She was sure she had never seen her friend look as happy as she was right now. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Marissa, and Bianca was happy to be able to share this moment with her.

Marissa glanced up as she finished the paperwork and saw Bianca smiling. She gave her a brilliant smile in return along with a wink. "Here you are, Mrs. Walker. When do you think I might hear something?"

"We'll be in touch Monday morning, but I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"Thank you! It was a pleasure meeting both of you. I look forward to hearing from you Monday."

Goodbyes were exchanged as the women left. When they reached the car, Marissa couldn't hold her excitement in any longer.

"Oh my God, Bianca! Did that really just happen? Am I really getting a home for AJ and me?"

Bianca laughed. "Yep! It really happened. I could pinch you if you want."

"That's okay! Wow! Best day ever, so far! You know what made it so great?"

Bianca shook her head. "What?"

Marissa hugged Bianca tightly. "Having you here to share it with me!"

Bianca swallowed hard. She had never been as touched by someone's words as she was by Marissa's. "Thank you for letting me share it with you. Now, how about we go get the kids and grab something to eat?"

Marissa laughed. "Sounds like a plan. What do you think about us heading back to Wildwind afterwards? The kids can watch a movie while we finish our work."

"You don't have to do that. I can finish up."

"Oh no! I'm not letting you do all that by yourself. If we work together, we can finish it up in no time. That way, you can spend all day tomorrow with Miranda and Gabby."

Bianca smiled as she got into the car only slightly amazed that with everything going on that Marissa was still thinking of a way to help her. "On one condition. You let me help you shop for your new home!"

Marissa looked at Bianca and smiled. "My new home! I love the way that sounds! Deal! I could use the help of someone with a black belt in shopping!"