A/N: Thanks for reading, following and reviewing as always! It is greatly appreciated. It's been a heck of a week. I know this is a shorter chapter, but I wanted to get something up today for everyone. That wouldn't have happened because of what I have planned. So, I'm splitting it up. If all goes well, maybe I'll have another one mid-week for you all, but no promises on that other than that I will try my best. The action continues in Shamokin for our merry band. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Greenlee got the group's attention. "Well, Kendall and I have been talking to Jimmy and we've got some news. You might consider it good news, bad news or a combination of both. It all just depends on how you choose to look at it."
Aya looked at the others and spoke. "Hit us with whatever you've got, Greenlee."
"Jimmy just heard back from the limo company. They won't be able to get another car that will fit all of us here until tomorrow morning. They can send another car tonight, but it can only fit half of us at a time which would mean it would take two trips to get all of us together again in Philadelphia. It's the best they can do given the short notice."
Marissa glanced at Bianca who nodded knowing what her fiancée was thinking. "There is another option. We could all just stay here tonight and head out tomorrow. I know it's not what the two of you had planned, but Bianca and I would really like to keep the group together and spend time with all of you. That's not possible if we split up for separate trips and who knows how long it will take for everyone to hook up again."
Kendall looked at Greenlee and smirked. "I told you they'd say something like that."
Greenlee rolled her eyes. "Yes, you did. I figured the same thing, and that's why I didn't take your bet."
"That was a very smart move on your part by the way. We checked with Terri to see what they had in the way of places to stay around here. She said there is an inn just down the street. It's not very big, but it's nice. Most importantly, they have enough rooms for us if we double up. Jimmy obviously is the exception and will get his own room. I know sharing a room will be a hardship for you and my sister, Red, but I somehow think you'll suck it up and take one for the team."
Bianca chuckled. "I think we'll manage just fine, Kendall. Seriously though, that's fine with us as long as everyone else is okay with it."
"Staying here works for me." Gail offered as the others agreed. "Besides, you shouldn't worry about us. This night is about you and Marissa. It's your night."
Stef nodded. "Gail's right. We're good with whatever you want to do."
Marissa smiled. "If you're all sure, Bianca and I wouldn't mind staying. We really are having a great time. Besides, I still have to kick Greenlee's ass in karaoke."
Bianca snorted in response. "I have every faith in you that that's exactly what you're going to do."
Kendall laughed. "Alright, Shamokin it is. Let's reserve rooms and then Greenlee and Red can duke it out karaoke-style."
While Kendall and Greenlee got the group rooms and Jimmy called his dispatcher to inform them of the group's decision, Marissa excused herself to run to the ladies' room with Lisa deciding to accompany her.
/
"So, Bianca, tell us more about the wedding. What all do you have planned?" Amanda asked.
"Give it up. We've tried to pry that information out of her. Neither she nor Marissa are spilling any of the big details. They're going for the surprise for everyone." Jan smirked. Both she and Aya had tried their best to get information out of the brunette with no luck. After comparing notes with Lisa and Stef, they found the redhead was being just as stingy with the particulars.
"We just want to keep a few details for ourselves. I will tell you that the kids will be in it, obviously, and so will Kendall and Greenlee. They're our matrons of honor. Kendall is mine, and Greenlee is Marissa's."
"I have to say I'm a little surprised about Greenlee being Marissa's matron of honor." Madison stated. "I didn't realize they were that close."
"Greenlee's been there for us a number of times just like Kendall. She and Marissa have just clicked as friends. They understand each other. It makes perfect sense to me."
"The ceremony is outside, right? How are you going to work that around the pool?" Randi inquired.
"We've already winterized the pool so it's been drained until next year. My mom found a company that can install a temporary floor that will cover the pool safely and not damage the pool itself or the concrete around it. Best of all, it gives us a really nice dance floor."
"Very nice."
"What about the honeymoon, Bianca? Are you going someplace exotic?" Gail asked.
"Right now, we're not. It doesn't feel right with the kids being in school. We are going away for a few days though, but we'll be close enough to get home quickly if we need to." Bianca spotted Marissa and Lisa making their way back from the ladies' room. A man stepped forward blocking Marissa's path. This wasn't the first time he had tried to talk to her fiancée which was why Bianca was keeping an eye out for her and was glad that Lisa went with her. She watched as Marissa took a step to the left and he blocked her path again. He then stepped forward said something to the redhead who simply smiled before shaking her head and saying something in return. When the man leaned in even closer, Bianca began to rise but stopped when Marissa quickly sidestepped the man causing him to stumble forward while she walked away without sparing a glance backwards. Bianca could easily tell Marissa was annoyed by what happened.
Marissa saw the look on Bianca's face and smiled to calm her. "Miss me?"
"Always. What was that about?"
"He complimented me on my singing, which I find very funny because I've only done backup so far, and then offered to buy me a drink. I thanked him and politely declined."
"He didn't try anything, try to hurt you?"
"No, he didn't, and it was nothing that I couldn't handle. I'm okay."
Bianca nodded, trusting Marissa but not the man. She would have to keep an even closer eye on him than she had been. "Okay, just watch yourself around him. I don't trust him."
"I promise I will. So, what did I miss here?"
"Just a grilling for wedding details." Bianca smiled.
"Don't worry, Marissa, she really didn't tell us anything." Stef smiled.
"What didn't Binx tell you?" Kendall asked as she, Greenlee and Jimmy returned.
"She didn't give us many details about the wedding." Randi replied.
"I'm not surprised by that. They're very tight lipped about a few of the details."
"Let's get back to what's really important tonight, Rocky going down in karaoke." Greenlee smirked.
"Bring it on, Shorty." Marissa countered confidently.
"Okay, who's next?" Bianca pulled out the next name. "Greenlee, you're up. That means we're saving what I personally think is the best for last." Bianca grinned at Marissa.
"Jimmy, I'll let you do the honors. What song am I singing?"
"You've got 'Love Shack' by the B52's."
Greenlee nodded and took a shot followed by a second one. "Let's do this." She made her way to the stage and started singing. Midway through, she was joined by Kendall, Natalia and Stef who were the perfect backup singers for her. When she finished, everyone cheered, and several hands went up to order the table yet another round in appreciation for her performance.
"Okay, top that, Rocky!" Greenlee smirked.
"I'll do my best. Wait, why are there two pieces of paper left?"
"Madison and Amanda sang together. Remember?" Lisa answered.
"Oh, that's right. Okay, Jimmy, pick me a good one."
Jimmy nodded and smiled broadly when he saw the choice. "I have a feeling that you're going to like this one. Joan Jett sang it."
Marissa's eyes grew wide hoping it was what she thought it was. "Don't toy with me, Jimmy."
The driver chuckled. "I won't. You've got 'I Love Rock and Roll'."
"Yes!" Marissa did a fist pump.
Bianca grinned. She knew how much Marissa liked the song and couldn't wait to see her perform it. "Knock 'em dead, Rissa!"
Marissa winked at her fiancée, and after a quick kiss for luck, she headed to the stage.
Bianca turned to her sister's best friend. ""You are so going down, Greenlee."
I saw him dancin' there by the record machine
I knew he must a been about seventeen
The beat was goin' strong
Playin' my favorite song
An' I could tell it wouldn't be long
Till he was with me, yeah me, singin'
I love rock n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock n' roll
So come an' take your time an' dance with me
He smiled so I got up and asked for his name
That don't matter, he said
'Cause it's all the same
Said, Can I take you home where we can be alone?
An' next we were movin' on
He was with me, yeah me
Next we were movin' on
He was with me, yeah me, singin'
Bianca couldn't take her eyes off Marissa as the redhead commanded the stage. The crowd was singing and dancing along as Marissa moved across the stage and worked the room like a pro.
I love rock n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock n' roll
So come an' take your time an' dance with me
Said, Can I take you home where we can be alone?
An we'll be movin' on
An' singin' that same old song
Yeah with me, singin'
I love rock n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock n' roll
So come an' take your time an' dance with me
The crowd roared as Marissa finished giving her a standing ovation, and none cheered louder than Bianca. She loved hearing the redhead sing, and seeing her perform here simply blew her away. She'd seen her perform when they were on vacation down in Florida with the kids, but this, this was something else. Bianca was bursting with pride when Marissa rejoined the group.
"Rissa, you were brilliant, amazing and simply incredible. It was the best performance tonight hands-down. You brought the house down!" Bianca gushed as she hugged Marissa.
"I don't know about that, B."
Kendall shook her head. "Binx is right, Red. Joan Jett herself would be loving that performance."
"I have to agree with them. I mean damn, Marissa. You win. It's no contest. I bow to your karaoke greatness." Greenlee laughed.
Marissa chuckled. "Thanks! That was such a rush and so much fun! I wouldn't mind doing that again. This is great. I know this wasn't what you guys had planned, but damn if I'm not having a great time."
Bianca smiled brightly. "That makes two of us. This is the best."
Other restaurant patrons made their over to the group's table to compliment the women on their performances with more than a few asking if any of them would be performing again, especially Marissa.
Out of the corner of her eye, Kendall saw their server talking to a man who pointed in their direction. Terri shook her head repeatedly. Kendall could tell whatever point she was trying to make to him just wasn't getting through.
"I think I want to see what else they have to sing. Anybody else interested?" Marissa looked at the others in their group.
"What the heck, I'll take a look." Aya shrugged.
The pair walked up to the karaoke station. Kendall noticed that as they did, the man she had seen talking to Terri followed them. She also noticed that Bianca's eyes followed them as well. What Kendall didn't know was that he was the same man who had annoyed Marissa earlier and that was why Bianca was on the lookout regarding him.
/
"Hey you were really great."
Marissa smiled politely even though inside she was cringing and not happy at all about seeing the man again. "Thank you."
"Let me buy you a drink."
"Thanks but no thanks, again. I don't know you and don't feel comfortable about it."
"Well, I can fix that. My name's Todd and you are?"
"Not interested. Like I told you earlier, I'm not drinking tonight so thanks but no thanks, again."
"Oh come on, a pretty little thing like you not drinking? That's just not right. Have one drink on me. I'm sure you'll have lots more fun if you do. Besides, I'm a really nice guy. Ask anybody here. If you just give me a change, I'll show you how fun I can be."
Marissa resisted the overwhelming urge to roll her eyes. "Look, Todd, is it? I'm not interested, and I'm not available."
"I don't see a ring on your finger."
"That's because you're looking at the wrong hand." Marissa waved her left hand in front of him. "This is my engagement ring. It means I'm taken."
"An engagement ring isn't the same as a wedding ring, and I don't see the fiancée around. What he doesn't know won't hurt anybody."
"Again, you're not looking at the right thing. He is a she." Marissa gestured towards Bianca. "Do you see that stunning woman over there, the one who looks like she'd like nothing better to do than rip your head off? That's my fiancée."
Todd laughed and grabbed Marissa's arm. "So, you play for the other team. That's cool. I'm not worried about her. As for you, you just haven't met the right man yet. Give me a chance and I'll get you back on the right team."
Aya tried to step in. "You really need to let go of her. She's clearly not interested in you so you should go find someone else who is."
"You should mind your own business. This is between me and this pretty little redhead here."
Marissa pulled her arm free. "Well, this pretty little redhead isn't interested."
/
As soon as the man grabbed Marissa's arm, Bianca was on her feet and off like a shot from their table.
Kendall and Greenlee were a split second too late in reacting to stop her. They scrambled to their feet to follow her with both muttering, "Oh crap."
The movement of the three women had the rest of the group look around to see what had caught their attention. Upon seeing what was happening across the room, the rest of the group followed the others, ready, willing and able to aid their friends.
/
"Come on. One drink. You'll never know what you're missing if you don't give it a try."
"Trust me. I know, and I'm not missing a thing."
Todd reached for Marissa again.
"I wouldn't do that if I was you." Bianca appeared behind Todd, the tone of her voice stopping him.
The man turned and was met with a steely gaze that matched that of the voice warning him away from the redhead. The look made him hesitate briefly but backing down was out of the question because other patrons were now paying attention. "Well, you're not me." Todd moved towards Marissa.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll stop right now." Bianca's glare intensified as she stepped closer.
Todd scoffed, turned and lightly pushed Bianca away.
/
A/N: Again, I do not own the songs mentioned in this chapter. They are owned by the artists mentioned in reference to them. Oh, a piece of news I picked up on the internet. Thorsten Kaye who played Zach on AMC is going over to The Bold and Beautiful. I have no clue what that means for AMC 2.0 and Zendall fans. Maybe, they can at least write something where they can have a happy ending of some sort whenever the show comes back since they won't let Minx have one. No date on when it's returning, and it doesn't matter to me anymore because I stopped watching some time ago. It wasn't just because of what they did to Minx, although that played a big role in it. I also didn't like a few other things they'd done. This is also why my little tale continues to chug along in its bubble! See you soon!