Things Change Lunch At Krystal's, an all my children fanfic

A/N: First things first, I want to thank everyone that reads and reviews! I really can't say enough how much I appreciate it! Sorry about the delay in posting, but I got sidetracked by my twisted mind and had to write 'Night of the Living Minx'.

Now, I heard about Eden coming back as Bianca right after I posted the last chapter. To me, CBL made the role her's, and I think the pairing with SG was perfect. I am an avowed Minxaholic. To that end, I'm going to stay in my Minx bubble. Please join me if you'd like. The bar is open.

Now for this chapter, we've moved forward about a week. I could tell you more here, but I'll just let you read it for yourself. Hope you enjoy this update!

"Bianca, there is a Carmen Diaz from 'Pine Valley Now' on the line for you."

The brunette sighed as she braced herself. She'd been expecting this call since Greenlee had stopped over last week to tell Bianca about her being selected as Pine Valley's Most Fascinating Person. "Please put her through, Aya."

"This is Bianca Montgomery."

"Ms. Montgomery! Hello! My name is Carmen Diaz with Pine Valley Now. I would just like to say what an honor it is to finally speak with you. It's something I've looked forward to for a long time."

"Thank you, Ms. Diaz. What can I do for you?" If Bianca had learned anything over the years from her mother's dealings with the press, it was how to spot a phony. A tell-tale sign of one was how much they flattered you. Erica loved the attention but was always able to use it to her advantage. Bianca didn't care for it at all but took it in stride. She was tempted to stop the reporter from going any further, telling her she knew about the article, but knew if she did, Greenlee's friend could lose her job for letting the story leak.

"Please, call me Carmen. As I'm sure you're aware, Pine Valley Now publishes an annual 'most fascinating list'."

"I've heard of it."

"Yes, your mother has appeared on it several times in the past. This year, we at Pine Valley Now have selected you as our most fascinating person!"

"Thank you." Bianca said quietly.

The reporter paused expecting a more effusive response. When none came, she continued. "All those chosen are featured in articles for that issue with our most fascinating obviously being featured in a more in-depth article. Normally, we just go with the list itself, but this year, we've decided to follow a theme."

Bianca braced herself for what she knew was coming.

"This year, we are highlighting single working mothers. We feel this makes you a perfect fit as our most fascinating person given the wide array of things that you do and the fact that you are raising two children …"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Diaz, but I need to stop you right there. You have several facts wrong."

"Please call me Carmen. We do? What are they? I'll make sure they are corrected right away."

"First of all, you have my relationship status wrong."

"Well, you're not married, are you? That would make you single."

"I don't consider myself single. I'm in a long-term committed relationship with a wonderful woman by the name of Marissa Tasker. Second, Marissa and I are raising our three children together."

"Our research indicates that you only have two daughters, Miranda and Gabrielle, and that the boy is Ms. Tasker's adopted son."

Bianca took a deep breath in her best attempt to control her temper and gripped the phone tightly. "The boy has a name, Ms. Diaz. His name is AJ, and he is Marissa's son. Adopted or not, it doesn't make any difference and doesn't lessen their relationship one bit. I see AJ as my son as well and love him just as much as I love my daughters, just as Marissa loves Miranda and Gabby. We are a family. Anyone suggesting otherwise is sorely mistaken."

The reporter was taken aback by both Bianca's response and the vehement tone in her voice. If she didn't know otherwise, she would've sworn she was speaking with Erica Kane instead of her mild mannered daughter. "I apologize. We would still love to interview you for the cover."

"Are you still focusing on my relationship status? Do you still plan on classifying me as single?"

"Well yes, we are. Since you're not married, that makes you single in our book."

"Then, I'm sorry Ms. Diaz. Thank you for the offer, but I'm going to have to decline. I don't wish to participate."

"I have to be honest. I don't understand. It's kind of a big honor."

"I'm flattered, but honor or not, I'm going to decline. I've explained my status and the fact that I don't see myself as single. I feel that by participating in a story that declares that I am sends the wrong message and belittles my relationship with Marissa and that is something I will simply not permit."

"You realize that we can do the article without your cooperation? It's just easier for all those concerned if you do."

"I understand, but that is my decision."

"I don't get this. No one has ever refused to take part in this. Again, I have to be honest with you that we're still going to do this article, with or without your cooperation. In fact, your lack of cooperation doesn't put you in a very good light."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Diaz, but I believe I've made myself more than clear. Now if you'll excuse me, I really need to go. Goodbye." Bianca disconnected the call. She couldn't believe the nerve of that reporter. She shouldn't have let her to get to her, but she couldn't help it. Now, Bianca was left to wonder if she had screwed up. There was only one person who could reassure her and make her feel better at this point. She checked the time and picked up her phone.

Carmen Diaz stared at her phone in disbelief. No one had ever turned down the opportunity to be on the magazine's list. In fact, there had been cases where individuals had actually tried to bribe their way onto it. The reporter didn't get to where she was by taking 'no' for an answer. Given the fact that Bianca Montgomery was known to be as private as her mother wasn't, an interview with the woman would be quite the feather in Carmen's cap and help launch her career further. She wanted more than Pine Valley and the small market magazine she worked for. No, she had bigger plans and Bianca Montgomery was going to help her achieve them whether she wanted to or not. Time to do a little scouting on Ms. Montgomery.

Marissa picked up her cellphone and grinned seeing the name and the picture programmed for it flash on the screen. "Hey, I was just thinking about you."

"You were, huh? Good thoughts, I hope."

"I never have any other kind where you're concerned."

Bianca sighed happily, already feeling better. "Talk like that, Counselor, will get you anywhere."

Marissa laughed. "I'm counting on that."

"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"Nothing important and certainly nothing that can't wait. What's up?"

"I was hoping you were free for lunch, my treat."

Marissa paused momentarily. She did have other lunch plans, but something about how Bianca sounded told her that she needed Marissa now and not later and that trumped everything else. "What's wrong?"

Bianca chuckled in spite of herself. "I can't hide anything from you, can I?"

"Nope, I'm afraid not. Stop avoiding the question and answer me please."

"Carmen Diaz called a few minutes ago, and it didn't go well. I just really need to talk."

"How does Krystal's in 30 minutes sound?"

"It sounds perfect as long as you're sure I'm not interrupting anything."

"I'm positive you're not. Bianca, there is nothing more important to me than you and the kids. Got it?"

Bianca grinned. "Got it."

"Good. I'll see you at Krystal's. Love you."

"Love you too."

She looked at the cellphone in her hands. She knew she needed to make the call but needed a minute to collect herself. Marissa really hadn't lied to Bianca. While the lawyer did have plans for lunch that afternoon that were fairly important to her, they were quickly discarded as soon as she heard Bianca's voice. She knew something was wrong, that her partner needed her. Anything else had to be put on hold. Bianca came first, especially when she asked to talk. Whatever had occurred between the reporter and Bianca bothered her enough that she needed to vent now and not tonight.

I can't put it off any longer. Suck it up, Tasker. Marissa found Erica's number in her contact list and made the connection. She had planned to meet with Bianca's mother today to discuss something important with her, but that conversation would have to wait for now.

"Hello."

"Erica, hi, it's Marissa."

"Marissa, dear, I was just about to leave for the Yacht Club."

"I'm glad I caught you before you did. I really hate to do this, but I'm going to need to cancel. Could we reschedule? Something's come up that I need to take care of."

"I have to say I was looking forward to our time alone today. You have me intrigued over what you wanted to discuss. I have to ask this. Is everything alright? There's nothing wrong with the children?"

"No, the kids are great."

"It's Bianca then, isn't it?"

Marissa shook her head. Erica seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to her daughters. The redhead didn't want to worry her unnecessarily, but she now knew she had to give the woman more of an explanation. "Bianca just called and wants to meet for lunch. There's something she wants to discuss."

"Is everything alright between the two of you? You're not having problems, are you?" Erica was immediately on alert.

"Bianca and I are good, trust me on that. You know about the article Pine Valley Now wants to do on her?"

"Yes, Kendall told me. She also told me that Bianca wasn't very happy about it either. I really can't say I'm surprised by that."

"You know how she is, Erica."

"Yes, I do."

"Well, the reporter called her today. I don't know what was said between the two of them. I only know that when Bianca called me that something was bothering her. She told me that it didn't go well and needed to talk. Obviously, I told her 'yes' which means …"

"You need to cancel our lunch plans. I understand. You need to be with her. Do you need me to do anything?"

"At this point, I'd like to talk with Bianca before anybody does anything."

"Meaning you'd like me to stay out of this and handle this yourself."

Marissa grinned, thankful Erica couldn't see her. "If you wouldn't mind."

"Of course, dear, for now."

"Thank you. Could we reschedule?"

"Yes, but only if you call me later and let me know how Bianca is doing."

"I will be more than happy to do that. We can set something up at that time. I really need to go meet her now."

"Of course. I'll talk with you later."

Marissa disconnected the call and sighed in relief before heading off to meet Bianca.

Bianca was chatting with Krystal when Marissa entered the restaurant. The brunette had to admit she immediately felt better after talking with her partner earlier. Bianca had been somewhat hesitant about calling her. She didn't want to bother her or worry her, but what the reporter had said disturbed her more than she cared to admit. The brunette was concerned what the ramifications would be as a result of how she handled the call. Bianca knew it was something she would dwell on which would allow it to fester and result in being her absolutely useless at work if she didn't talk with someone about it. No, that last part was wrong. She didn't need to talk to just anyone. Bianca needed to talk to Marissa. The couple had always been able to talk about anything, and had, more importantly, always been able to calm each other down, help each other see reason when they thought none was present or even possible. Now, the mere sight of Marissa made her smile and feel those butterflies she always got just catching a glimpse of her lover, and it erased everything else. Her partner always had that effect on her, and Bianca knew, without a doubt, she always would.

Marissa gave Bianca a quick kiss and joined her at their table. "Hey."

"Hey yourself."

"Hi, Krystal."

"Hi, Marissa." Krystal observed the couple and could tell something was going on and decided to make a hasty retreat and give them some privacy. "I'll get you both something to drink."

"Thanks." Marissa turned to Bianca and took the brunette's hands in her own. "How are you doing?"

"I'm better just seeing you."

The redhead laughed. "And you say I'm the charmer."

Bianca grinned. "You must be rubbing off on me."

"How are you, seriously?"

"I can honestly tell you that I'm much better now than I was earlier."

Marissa studied Bianca closely and could tell her lover was, in fact, telling her the truth and not holding anything back. "I'm glad to hear it. Now, tell me what happened. I want to know everything."

Bianca sighed. "She started the conversation by sucking up to me a little, and you know how much I love that."

The redhead chuckled. "I'm well aware of how you feel about that. So, she started off with one strike against her. What else?"

"She told me about the single working mother angle and said because I was a single working mother of two, they thought I would be a perfect fit for the article. I stopped her right away and told her that she had several things wrong with that statement. First, I didn't see myself as single. I'm in a long term committed relationship with a wonderful woman." Bianca smiled and gave Marissa a quick kiss before continuing. "I then told her that we were raising three children together. She stated that their research showed I only had two daughters. I know you're not going to like this, but I owe it to you to tell you. To quote her, 'the boy is Ms. Tasker's adopted son'. Before you say anything, I set her straight about AJ, trust me."

"I do. I have no doubt that you did. I'm also sure you set her straight about Miranda and Gabby too."

"You know me too well. I made it known in no uncertain terms that we are a family, no matter what anyone else says or thinks. When I asked her if they were still going to focus on my relationship status for the article, she said that they were so I told her I would have to decline. She didn't understand and proceeded to tell me that they were still going to do the article no matter what but that it would be easier for everyone if I did cooperate. If I didn't, it could reflect poorly on me."

"That sounds like a threat to me." Marissa's calm demeanor belied the growing anger bubbling inside.

Bianca, however, saw the brief flash of anger behind the hazel eyes of her lover. She had known Marissa would react this way, but Bianca had to tell her everything that had happened. They had promised each other they wouldn't have any secrets between them, and Marissa would've easily seen through Bianca if she had only told her part of what the reporter had said. "Well, she can threaten all she wants, but I'm not changing my mind. If they really want me to cooperate, then they're just going to have to change the focus of their article. We are a package deal. I waited a lifetime to find you. No one, and I mean no one, is going to make me deny what we have."

Marissa made a face. "I thought I was supposed to be the one making you feel better."

"Trust me, you did. I feel so much better than I did earlier, and that's all because of you." Bianca leaned in for another kiss.

"It's good to hear. Now, I don't give a damn what this reporter says. If you don't want to participate in this article, you don't have to, and I'll back you up all the way. I'll be watching her, and if she does anything to cross the line, she's going to be dealing with me."

"And she has no idea what she'll be up against. That's enough talk about her. Let's talk about what we're going to do this weekend."

Marissa grinned. "That sounds good to me."

While the couple finished lunch, they discussed their plans for the weekend. The lunch hour flew by and both women needed to get back to work. Marissa decided to make a quick trip to the ladies room while Bianca waited for her at the table.

The couple was so focused on each other that they didn't realize someone was watching them, intensely. When Marissa left the table, the woman made her move and walked over to their table. She smiled to herself and couldn't believe her luck at finding Bianca here. She, of course, knew what the brunette looked like. Bianca had been in the public eye for years. Not only was she well-known in her own right but she was also the daughter of Erica Kane. All of the photos she had seen did not do Bianca justice. The woman was beautiful which made this assignment even more enjoyable for her.

"Bianca Montgomery? Hi, it's Carmen Diaz from Pine Valley Now. We spoke earlier. I can't believe my luck in running into you here. Do you mind if I have a seat?" Not waiting for a reply, the reporter sat down in Marissa's spot.

"Actually, I do mind. That seat is taken so I would really appreciate it if you left." Bianca gritted her teeth.

"I'll only be just a minute. I think we got off on the wrong foot earlier, that you misunderstood me and my intent. Wow, can I just say that you are beautiful. I've seen many pictures of you, but none of them compare to meeting you in person. I really do want the opportunity to interview you. I think it would great, and I have to admit that I'm a fan of you and your work. Just think of all of the publicity for the Miranda Center if we did the interview."

Bianca cleared her throat. She resented the reporter bringing up the Miranda Center and refused to be coerced into an interview as a result of it. Most of all, she deeply resented her intrusion just when she had put their earlier discussion behind her. "Do you still intend on saying that I'm single?"

"Yes, I do because you are. If you're not married, then you're single which is quite frankly the icing on the cake for someone as beautiful, intelligent, accomplished and wealthy as you are. It makes you the complete package, and you'll have people lining up to ask you out. I wouldn't mind a shot at that myself." The reporter finished with a flirtatious smile as she reached across to touch Bianca's arm.

A/N: Yeah, I know. My evil side came out again and made me do another cliffhanger. See you soon!