A/N: Thanks as always for reading, reviewing and following! It's much appreciated. This is a bit shorter of a chapter than I had planned, but I picked up a cold somewhere which is playing havoc with my focus. It's also March Madness again which means tons of basketball, and my UK Wildcats are still dancing and on their way to the Sweet 16! This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Kendall watched as her sister went one way and her sister-in-law the other. She knew the couple fought and had even witnessed a couple of the blowups from time to time. Marissa lived up to stereotype of redheads having a fiery temper, but Bianca was no slouch in that department either. A great many people thought Bianca just rolled over, but when push came to shove, she gave as good as she got. She was Erica Kane's daughter after all. People often underestimated Bianca though because she tended to be quieter and hold things in more than their famous and temperamental mother. Her little sister, however, proved them wrong time and time again.

In Kendall's mind, fighting was normal, and it was something every couple did. You can't agree on everything all of the time. That just wasn't realistic. Lord knows that Kendall and Zach had their fair share of fights over the years. In fact, some of them were real doozies. Those fights didn't mean that she and Zach didn't love each other though. The same held true for Bianca and Marissa. If there was one thing Kendall was sure of, it was that those two women loved each other. That was never a question in her mind.

There was something that bothered Kendall about this fight in particular however, but she wasn't quite sure what it was. Maybe, it was because she felt a little responsible for it. Marissa was pretty much stuck at home because she was keeping an eye on Kendall due to the complications with her pregnancy, and Bianca was putting in long hours because she was filling in for her at Fusion. Kendall felt she needed to do something to help them. Not being able to drive or go anywhere by herself had her feeling out of the loop. This wouldn't do. She needed intel, and she needed it fast. That meant talking to Greenlee to find out exactly what the hell was going on with negotiations with the model, and after that, Kendall was going to have to bring in the big gun. She was going to have to call Erica.

/

"Red, are you alright?" Kendall asked when she found her sister-in-law cleaning up in the kitchen.

Marissa sighed. With all of the time they were spending together, she and Kendall had grown closer these last weeks, and the concern was clearly evident in her sister-in-law's eyes. "I honestly don't know. Did the kids hear any of that?"

Kendall shook her head. "No, they didn't. They did notice that something was up between the two of you though and were starting to ask questions."

"Dammit."

"Look, I know Bianca's my sister, and I love her more than anything. At same time though, I know she's not perfect, far from it. I also know that I love you and care about you even though you're not perfect either. Come on, tell me what's going on. Maybe I can help, and besides, I'm a pretty good listener."

Marissa thought for a moment and then sat down opposite Kendall at the table. "I feel forgotten and taken for granted. It hurt that Bianca forgot about my appointment, that she didn't even ask how it went. She was gone all day, and I got two texts from her. She only texted back once because I texted her wondering where she was. I didn't know if she was in an accident or hurt or who knows what. The kids kept asking about her, and I honestly didn't know what to tell them. I find out this morning that she had the time to call Susan and let her know about plans that she couldn't find the time to tell me about. How's that supposed to make me feel? How would you feel if Zach did that?"

"She what? No. She had to have texted you. There's no way Bianca would do something like that."

"Well, she did. When I called her on it, she finally realized that she didn't tell me. She just thought she did and ended up forgetting to send the text telling me. Again, it was a text and not a call."

Kendall sighed. "Yeah, she definitely screwed up there. If Zach did that, I'd be furious too."

"Then, there's Rafaela."

"What about her?"

"You remember the conditions that Bianca had before she agreed to help you, conditions that she came up with all by herself."

"I remember. There was a limit on how much time she was going to spend on this."

"Yeah, there was. Well, that's out the window. Now, she's spending all kinds of time with her. So much so that she's having to work late at the Center to make up for it. She got home late and slept through Danny needing to be fed and changed a couple of times during the night. And then this morning, she gives me a hard time about going for a run. I haven't done that or been able to do it in I don't know how long. I'm trying to lose this weight, but I can't do that if I can't get out and exercise."

Tears started to fill hazel eyes, and Kendall reached out for Marissa's hand. "I'm sorry, Red. I …"

Danny started crying to let them know he was up. Marissa quickly wiped her eyes and stood. "I need to go check on him. He's probably hungry. Do you need anything before I go?"

"I'm good. Thanks."

"Okay, I'll be back."

/

Kendall's talk with Marissa definitely gave her some insight into what was going on, but she needed more. She also realized her sister-in-law was in desperate need of some time alone. Marissa was so busy taking care of everyone and everything else that there was hardly any time left for herself. Plus, she was probably still a little hormonal. Kendall knew all too well how bad that could be. She also had the sneaking suspicion that the same could be said of her sister, with the exception of the hormones. With her sister-in-law occupied for the moment, Kendall pulled out her cellphone and made a call.

"Kendall dear, how are you? Are you alright? Is the baby alright?"

"There's no need to worry, Mom. I'm good and so is the baby. I was wondering if you were free today, and if you are, would you be up for a visit over here at Bianca and Marissa's."

"Of course I am, and that sounds lovely. Is anything wrong?"

"Well, that's what I want to talk to you about. I really am okay, but I'm worried about Bianca and Marissa. I need your help and input."

Erica was on instant alert. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Great. Oh, and when you get here, don't tell Marissa that I called you."

"I understand, dear."

"Thanks, Mom. I'll see you soon."

/

With that call completed, Kendall next dialed Greenlee.

"Hey, Kendall. I was just going to call you. How are you doing today?"

"Not bad. How are the negotiations going?"

"Pretty well actually. Rafaela's people are great to work with, and she seems excited about this venture."

"How is she with Bianca?"

"Bianca? They seem to be getting along pretty well from what I can tell. Why? Is there something I should know?"

"I'm not sure. You haven't asked her to spend more time with Rafaela, have you?"

"No, I've abided by her conditions. Rafaela did ask her to accompany us on the tour of Fusion yesterday, and Bianca agreed. I didn't push it though. It was totally left up to her. What's going on?"

"Apparently, that's not the only tour she's giving her. Rafaela asked for a tour of the Miranda Center, and Bianca agreed. This was after she worked late last night, and my usually reliable sister didn't bother texting Marissa about a few things, like having Susan take the kids to school. Oh, and she found time to call Susan last night but not Red."

"Ouch."

"Yeah. She also forgot about Marissa's doctor's appointment, the one that would give her the all clear for resuming certain activities."

"Oh, that's not good. I'm guessing Marissa's not too happy with her right now."

"You guess correctly. They had a huge fight this morning."

"You don't think that something's going on between Bianca and Rafaela, do you?"

"No. I don't. I know my sister. That's not her."

"You're right. That's not. She's been on the other end of that and knows all too well what it feels like. There's no way she would put anyone else through that, especially Marissa."

"No, she wouldn't. Bianca loves Marissa with everything she has."

A thought struck Greenlee. "You don't think Rafaela is trying to pressure Bianca in any way, do you? You know, holding this deal over her head? Because if that's the case, this deal is off. No deal is worth Bianca doing something she doesn't want to. I'll drop this faster than a New York minute and run her tanned little ass out of Pine Valley so fast she won't know what hit her. You have to know that I would never …"

"I know. I know. You would never do that. I don't know that it's that." Kendall heard Marissa talking to Danny over the monitor and could tell they were on their way downstairs. "Look I've got to go. Don't do anything that might jeopardize the deal at this point because it might not have anything to do with it at all. We just don't know enough right now. But …"

"I'll keep an extra eye out on things, and if I see or hear anything, I'll let you know."

"Thanks. I'll call you later."

/

"Good morning. Welcome to the Miranda Center. How may I help you?" Jan asked the raven haired woman who had stopped in front of her desk. The woman looked vaguely familiar but the assistant just couldn't place her.

"Good morning. I am here to see Bianca. Could you direct me to her office?"

"And your name?"

"Rafaela." The model saw the look the other woman was giving her. She was waiting for a last name. Flashing a dazzling smile, she continued. "Just Rafaela. Bianca will know who I am. Her office?"

Jan plastered on a smile that those who didn't know her thought was genuine. Those who did, knew it was fake. Something about this woman wasn't sitting right with her. "Wait here. I'll see if she's available."

"It's fine. Just point me in the right direction, and I'll …"

"No. It doesn't work like that here."

Rafaela could tell she wasn't going to be able to charm her way past this woman. "Fine, I'll wait."

/

Jan was always protective of Bianca but more so today. She could tell as soon as she saw her boss that something was up. Bianca was not in a good mood. It was a rare occurrence, one that Jan had witnessed only a handful of times over the years. Bianca hadn't yelled at anyone or thrown anything around. She simply gave a curt nod in greeting, asked Jan to hold her calls with the exception of emergencies, and shut herself in her office, and that is where she had been for a couple of hours now. There was no way in hell that Jan would let someone she didn't know barge into Bianca's office and possibly make things worse for her. Besides, her boss didn't mention that she was expecting anyone. Taking a deep breath, Jan knocked on the door.

/

Bianca sat in her office lost in thought. She knew she should be working because she was practically buried in paperwork and sitting here just staring at it wasn't helping to get it done. No, it was only making matters worse, but Bianca found she just couldn't focus on it. Her fight with Marissa had been a nasty one, and it was still weighing heavily on her mind. What made it worse was when she had gotten to her office and pulled out her calendar. There, as big and bold as could be, was the reminder for Marissa's appointment with Dr. Abbott. It left the brunette wondering how in the hell she had missed it and feeling absolutely awful for forgetting it. Bianca was also kicking herself for being so inconsiderate yesterday and not calling or at the very least texting Marissa where she was and that she was okay. A cooler head was now prevailing, and the brunette was now able to put herself in her wife's shoes. If Marissa had been gone with no word and had forgotten an important appointment, Bianca would be hurt and furious, just like her wife was. Marissa was also dealing with hormones from having been pregnant and was exhausted. Not only was she dealing with everything at home and taking care of a newborn, Marissa was also on 'Kendall duty'.

Yes, Bianca was helping Kendall and Greenlee out. She wanted to help them and also felt like she owed them, but this left her with one huge question. Was she doing this at the expense of her family? Her family being Marissa, AJ, Miranda, Gabby and Danny. They were everything to her and her first priority, as they should be. Bianca had thrown herself into the task of helping Kendall and Greenlee, and in doing so, she had lost sight of what really mattered the most. Marissa's words were still ringing in her ears. She calls, you jump. Her wife was right. Rafaela had charmed and flattered her, and had said everything right. No, scratch that. It may have sounded right at the time, but looking back on it now, she felt there was a bit of a false note to it.

Well, no more. Bianca's eyes were wide open now, and she knew what needed to be done. She would do the tour, get as much work done as she could and then go home at reasonable hour. The evening would be spent with her wife and children, and once the kids were in bed, she and Marissa would talk. It was long overdue.

A knock on her door jolted her back to the present. "Come in."

/

Marissa willed herself to calm down and relax before she started to breastfeed Danny. She knew he would be able to sense if she was tense or upset in any way. After another deep breath, Marissa smiled as Danny immediately latched onto her right breast. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she would experience something as incredible as she was now. Others, especially Bianca, had told her about the connection, the bond that she would feel breastfeeding her child. It was simply indescribable. Bianca had missed out on this with Miranda but did have it with Gabby, and for that, Marissa was grateful.

The redhead's thoughts drifted to her wife. It was an ugly fight this morning, and Marissa winced when she remembered the things she had said. She felt she had every right to be upset with her wife, but she also now felt she definitely could have said them better and not been as hurtful. Her temper had gotten the best of her, and once that happened, things had quickly spiraled down from there.

Marissa thought about what Bianca had said and that she had denied at the time. Was part of the reason for the blowup because she was jealous? To be sure, Rafaela was drop dead gorgeous, something no one could deny. Marissa wasn't feeling the most confident or attractive right now. She was struggling to lose the weight she had gained while she was pregnant, and now, her wife was spending time with a supermodel. There weren't many women who wouldn't be intimidated by that reality. It also didn't help that Bianca couldn't stop gushing over her. That was something Marissa didn't need to hear right now. It just added to her insecurity. Thinking back on everything now with a much cooler head now, Marissa knew Bianca was in a tough position. She was helping her sister and Greenlee and felt that she owed them because of everything the pair had done for the couple. Marissa felt the same way, and while she hadn't pushed Bianca into pitching in with signing Rafaela, she also hadn't exactly voiced any of concerns either. No, Marissa had actually encouraged Bianca to help. The couple seemed to have a problem putting the needs of those they cared about above their own needs sometimes. As for her concerns, it wasn't that Marissa didn't trust Bianca because she did. She trusted her wife. It was Rafaela she wasn't so sure about. Marissa knew she and Bianca needed to talk and would do everything she could to make sure that happened tonight. She couldn't through another evening that was like last night.

Danny's soft whimper drew Marissa's attention back to her son. "Are you done?" The redhead proceeded to burp her youngest before covering herself back up and changing his diaper. When that was done, Marissa headed downstairs.

/

"It looks great, Red."

Marissa stood back and admired her work. She had to admit that it turned out better than she had hoped. "Thanks, Kendall. I think you're right." The redhead turned when she heard someone knocking on the door. She glanced at her sister-in-law who shrugged.

"I'm not expecting anyone. Maybe Danny is." Kendall looked down at her nephew. "Are you, Sparky? Here's a helpful hint for you. If you're going to have your peeps over, you have to make sure no parents are around. You can't really party with them here."

Marissa raised an eyebrow. "You do know that I'm standing right here and will be more than happy to pass on the same advice to my future niece."

"Oh, I guess I really didn't think that through, huh?"

"No, I guess you didn't." The redhead laughed and opened the door. "Erica, it's nice to see you."

"Marissa, dear, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Just your oldest daughter trying to corrupt my son. Come on in."

Erica paused just inside the door, her eyes drawn to the wall Marissa has been working on. "This looks interesting. What is it exactly?"

/

After Marissa explained what she was doing to her mother-in-law, Erica smiled and nodded. "That is a wonderful idea. How did you come up with it?"

"Bianca and I saw it online a little while ago and fell in love with the idea. We just haven't had the time to do it. Since I'm home on maternity leave …"

"And Kendall leave." Kendall smirked.

Marissa laughed. "And Kendall leave, although I don't believe the firm covers that particular leave. Since I'm home right now though, I decided 'why not'. Kendall's been helping, not doing any of the painting though."

"In addition to corrupting my gr … Danny?"

Both Marissa and Kendall caught the slight slip of the tongue but neither said anything. They both valued their lives too much.

"Yep, it seems she's quite good at multi-tasking." Marissa glanced at her sister-in-law.

Kendall grinned. "I do what I can. To be fair, Red, you threatened to corrupt my little one."

Marissa shrugged. "I do what I can. Besides, turnabout is fair play."

Erica chuckled at the playful interaction between the two. As she did that, the diva was also carefully observing her daughter-in-law. There were some dark circles under her eyes, but that was to be expected somewhat because of the baby. With a newborn, your sleep patterns were disrupted and had you at their mercy. The thing that concerned Erica was that even though Marissa was smiling, it was a smile that didn't reach her eyes like it normally did. There was definitely something weighing on the redhead's mind, and Erica was left trying to figure out how she could help.