CONT.

Bonnie snuggled into her pillow then slowly opened her eyes and smiled meeting Stefan's. She doesn't remember falling asleep last night but she blames that on Stefan and the fact that they finally had a night where they weren't in an argument and she finally felt at peace. "How long have you been up?"

He shrugged, still lying on his side. "Not long. How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty good, how about you?"

"Same here."

"Stefan?"

"Yeah?"

Why are you spending so much quality time with Jasmine? I mean do you realize how hurtful it is for me to see photos of the two of you with her all over you like that? Are you trying to get back at me for Mason or do you have no idea how much this hurts? "I love you."

"I love you more." He sighed. "I have to get ready, I'll call you later okay?"

She waved then exhaled once Stefan ended the call before closing her eyes getting more sleep.

She narrowed her eyes at her phone seeing that Mason was calling but answered it, putting him on speaker. "Hey,"

"Hey, um. I'm not sure if you know or not but Care and I broke up last night."

She widened her eyes. "Wow, I uh- are you okay, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine, it was amicable. For the best."

"Wait, so where is Caroline now?"

"I told her that she could stay at my place last night and I got a hotel."

"Wow. I mean I know I gave my two sense in the matter but it's still a little hard to believe. Especially since she didn't even tell me yet."

"I'm sure she'll tell you later today. I just kind of needed someone to talk to."

She frowned some. "Well if you want to come over and talk, that would be fine."

"I just might take you up on that. How was your night with Stefan?"

"A lot better than usual. We talked for a bit but avoided talking about our lunch. He said that he was tired of being upset with me and I told him that it's never on purpose and then we moved on to other things. It was the first time we didn't fight and then went to sleep over FaceTime."

"That's great, I'm glad things are looking up for you guys."

"Yeah, me t—" she paused then walked towards the door heading knocking. She looked out the peephole and held back her gasp. "It's Caroline, I have to go,"

Mason nodded then ended the call in time for Bonnie to answer the door. "Hey, what a surprise." She welcomes her friend in.

"I just wanted to stop by before heading home," she walked in, wheeling her suitcase behind her.

"What do you mean, what happened?"

"Mason and I broke up last night. Or more so he broke up with me."

"What do you mean?"

"He said after talking to you, he did some thinking and decided that it would be best if we just ended things. What did you say to him?"

She exhaled. "I just told him to be a little selfish with his decision. He told me that you left the fate of your relationship in his hands and he was asking me what he should do. I told him what he would possibly have to deal with if he decided to stay with you."

"Like what?"

"Like the possibility of you never fully trusting him whenever it comes to me. How he may have to check in with you whenever we meet. Both things that I deal with with Stefan. I told him that it is two of you in the relationship and if he's unhappy then the relationship is unhappy and vice versa." She folded her arms. "Are you mad at me or something, are you blaming me?"

"I just feel like you had no right to talk about our relationship. Just because Stefan is like that, doesn't mean I would've been."

"I know that and he knows that. In not one word did I say this was how you were going to be without a doubt. And FYI, you're the one who wanted us to talk in the first place. It was completely unnecessary which was why we were talking about other things. He asked for my input and I gave it to him. If that makes me a horrible friend just know that I would've done the same with you if the roles were reversed."

"Bonnie, I didn't come here to argue with you or put bad blood between us, but I think we need to put a pause on our friendship."

She watched her eyes. "Are you serious?"

"Yes. Just as you advised Mason, I'm going to be selfish with this decision. I just feel like I can't have you in my life right now. I don't want to fall right back into your shadow anymore so I want to take a step back and get married and maybe even have a kid and if it's in the stars we'll meet again."

Bonnie stood there speechless for a moment. "I- I don't know what to say,"

"Goodbye, Bonnie." Caroline grabbed her suitcase and headed towards the door.

Bonnie wanted to say something but couldn't form the words, instead, she watched her best friend of eleven years walk out on her. After everything they've been through, Caroline's the one breaking up with her. She doesn't know how long she stood paralyzed in that spot when she heard more knocks at her door and tried harder than she's ever had to move her feet. She opened it and there stood Mason with a smile on his face, but it dropped seeing the look on hers. "Is this a bad time?"

"I—" she managed to get out after a few seconds. "Caroline dumped me."

"What?" He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "What do you mean, what happened?"

"She came over here and told me about your breakup and asked about lunch and then she told me that she wanted to put a pause on our relationship. She said that she doesn't want to fall victim to my shadow so basically until she gets married and has kids, she wants nothing to do with me."

"Bonnie, I'm so sorry, I can't help but feel like this is all my fault."

"My relationship with Caroline was never the same after finding out about her and Enzo, but I tried so hard to get us back to where we were but it never really clicked. This is for the best."

He sighed then moved his arms around her, hugging her tightly.

Stefan abruptly woke up from his nap hearing knocks on his trailer door and moved to answer it, letting Jasmine in. "Is this a good time?"

"Yeah, sorry about the other night, I was on a virtual date with Bonnie."

She smiled, "No need to apologize. How did it go?"

"Pretty great, actually. We stayed on FaceTime and went to sleep together and woke up together. It was exactly what we needed,"

"That's great, I'm happy that you both are working things out. Anyway, um, I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing something for charity."

"Something like what?"

"Well, I'm hosting this charity event in a couple of months and we're going to be auctioning off different things and I was wondering if you could sign a poster of your movie. We're working on getting Elena, but if that falls through, we'll just—"

"I can talk to her,"

"Really? That would be great, I wasn't sure how good of terms you both are so I didn't want to ask,"

"It's no problem."

"Thank you so much. And if you have anything that you don't mind giving away, just let me know."

"I'll think about it, yeah."

"Thanks. Anyway, I'll go now and I'll see you later,"

"Yeah," he walked her to the door then closed it once she left. He went to lay back down then figured he should call Bonnie. He rolled to his side once the video started connecting and smiled seeing her face. "Hey, baby."

"Hey, babe, how's filming today?"

"Pretty great, one of our cast members is wrapping today so they're getting all his stuff out the way so I've just been napping really. What about you, how's your day been?"

"Uh, eventful to say the least. Caroline requested to no longer be my friend for at least ten years so I've just been going through the stages of a breakup."

"Wait, why would she do that?"

"She says that she doesn't want to fall into my shadow again so she's choosing to distance herself from me until she gets married and has a kid. She and Mason broke up last night and I don't know, I guess she was like 'why not one more'."

He frowned. "Babe, I'm so sorry, I know how much she means to you."

"It's just I feel stupid because I forgave her for betraying me in the worst way and I welcomed her fully back into my life and this is how it ends."

"You probably don't want to hear this but, I'm sure it's for the best. For both of you."

"Meaning what?"

"Being fully transparent here, I've always thought that once you start making friends in this industry, Caroline would fade and not that you would do it on purpose, but you'll realize that they're better friends out there. As for Caroline, she said she didn't want to be in your shadow anymore so this ensures that. You're better off without her. At least for the time being."

Bonnie let out a breath. "Yeah,"

"I'll be home in just a couple of days."

"If you have the chance to wrap early, please do."

He chuckled. "I promise."

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"We didn't fight this time."

He chuckled as she smiled. "I guess we just needed sleep together. We probably should've done a little more than that, huh?"

"Can I send you a photo?"

"Of course you can. And speaking of, I've been finding your little gifts for me in my suitcase and pants pockets."

"I hope you're enjoying them."

"Very much." He watched her set the phone down then move back to lift the shirt from her body. He cursed watching her breasts bounce for she went without a bra underneath his own shirt that she was wearing. His head fell back but he quickly returned it to normal as she stood, revealing that she only had a thong on. She rounded her hips, turning in a circle then shook her ass for him, looking over her shoulder. He reached his hand into his pants.

Knock. Knock. Knock. "Stefan, we're ready for you."

He cursed silently. "Right now?"

"Right now, let's go."

He sighed and even more so seeing her put his shirt back on. "Tonight, you and me."

"I'll be waiting."

"I miss your lips."

"Which ones?" She teased.

"I—" he grunted, hearing more knocks. "Fuck, I gotta go. I love you."

"I love you more, daddy."

He shook his head then the video chat ended.

Bonnie sat her phone to the side and sighed, laying back down on their bed, bending her right leg at the knee, filling up more space. She's starting to miss Stefan in more ways than one. His hands mainly on her ass but all over her body, his strength that she would feel as he held her in his arms or squeezed her waist and hips. His grunts and moans, his tongue. She turns her head so she's face first laying on his pillow as she slips her fingers between her folds, something she hasn't done in quite some time. She thinks about his body, his hair, and his eyes. His breath in her ear. His lips, his taste, his smell. His feel, his fingers, his mouth. She comes, fully turning her head to the side, breathing deeply and rapidly. She lays there for a bit before slowly getting up and turning on the water for a shower.

She washed her body several times and shaved underneath her arms before stepping out. She paused thinking that she heard someone knocking on the door and when a few seconds passed and she didn't hear it again, she started drying herself off completely. As she was reaching for the lotion, she clearly heard knocks and tied her towel securely around her before going to answer it. She opened the door and both faces expressed shock for she didn't check the peephole before she answered and he wasn't expecting her to be dressed in a towel.

"Sorry, I was just in the neighborhood and I figured that I'd buy us some dinner." He forced out a smile.

She looked down at the bags in his hand. "Um, sure, come in, I'm gonna get dressed."

He walked in and closed the door behind him as she went to go get dressed. He sat the bags of food on the table then started taking the containers out, setting the table and as he finished he saw her walking towards him through his peripheral vision. He sat down and she occupied the seat across from him. "I talked to Caroline."

"Yeah?"

He nodded. "I got her side of things and I don't know, I'm honestly confused."

"Join the club."

He chuckled.

"Did she say how she felt about the whole thing?"

"No, not really. She just said she wanted to be on her own for a bit. I wish her the best, honestly."

"Me too."

"So how's Stefan?"

"Still filming in LA, as you know but he's doing great. He seems to really enjoy it so hopefully, it gets picked up."

"And if so you both will move to LA,"

"That is the plan."

He nodded. "Did you ever picture yourself going back there?"

"Maybe to film a movie or TV show or something, but never living there again for whatever the reason."

"You've never been one to return back."

She narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"For instance let's say you worked at Macy's for a little bit then you quit and got another job and you said to yourself that no matter what you wouldn't go back there because you don't want to move backward. It's like once you moved here and your life exploded in a good way, it's like you quit LA so moving back there would be like going backward."

"You do have a point."

He chuckled and they started eating in silence for a bit.

"So how are your parents, assuming that's why you're here."

"Yeah, they're good. A little pissed that it's been forever since I've visited them but I kind of used our breakup as my excuse."

"Kind of?" She raised her right eyebrow.

He chuckled. "I'm sorry I showed up without warning. I honestly wasn't sure if I would go through with actually knocking on the door but I figured since Stefan is away this would be my only chance."

She smiled. "It's fine. I'm actually glad that we are able to have a civilized conversation."

"I don't think I've ever met anyone like you, Bonnie Bennett."

"What do you mean?"

"Even after all the shit I caused, you're still so forgiving and willing to talk to me. I don't get it."

She let out a breath. "I just don't see the point of being so angry and upset with people all the time. When I first found out about you and Caroline I was so angry all the time and it just consumed me and I hated it. And I'm sure Stefan hated it as well. So my choice was to either continue on with that anger and let it ruin my life and relationships or forgive and get over it and I chose to get over it."

He nodded. "I um, didn't exactly come here just to dine you, I wanted to also speak the truth about my relationship with Caroline. That is if you want to know."

"I don't think I want to know but now that I know I have the chance to know I think I want to know."

He chuckled then exhaled. "It started basically how these things do with just a kiss."

"Did she kiss you first?"

He watched her eyes. "You were out filming a commercial for that skincare brand and she had come over, your shoot was running late so I just invited her in. I was just going to offer her something to eat or drink then just go upstairs to our room but I didn't want her telling you that I was a dick to her so I joined her on the couch and we settled on something to watch. During the commercials we would talk a little then we started realizing that we had a good amount in common and suddenly we ignored the show and just kept on. I don't know what the fuck I did but next thing I know, her hand is on my face and she was looking at me how you did at the time and— it was mutual. I won't speak for her but I regretted it right away. I got up and walked away and only came back down again when you got home. You kissed me and I wanted to die, I felt so horrible and I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to lose you. You were going to be my wife I didn't want anyone else."

"And yet you fucked her."

He closed his eyes and bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, Bonnie."

"I want to hear that story."

He exhaled. "It was maybe two weeks after the kiss. The guilt was eating me alive so I went to visit her to tell her that I was going to tell you about what happened. She begged me not to tell and then she started saying how good the kiss felt to her and asked me if I felt the same. I didn't answer her so she moved her hand to my thigh and—" he shook his head. "It just happened."

"You honestly didn't love her?"

"No. I swear I only loved you as fucked up as that sounds. I don't even know why I kept things up with Caroline, especially when I knew she had feelings for me that I didn't have for her."

"Did you ever have sex on our bed?"

"No. It was always over her place."

"Did you ever sneak out on me to have sex with her?"

He looked away. "Yes."

"Was I just not that good at pleasing you in bed? I mean it's okay if that was it but I just don't understand,"

"No, you were perfect. Your body— I was afraid."

"Of what?"

"That you'd cheat on me with some actor or director. As you started getting more jobs the thought got stronger and I got angry so I acted stupidly. It was the kiss then two weeks past and then the sex and maybe a month or two had passed then you started gaining more attention and the sex started up again."

"Why would you ever think I would cheat on you?"

"Because you were talking about Dylan and how amazing he was and how he's one of the best people you've ever worked with and I wanted to be excited with you but the thought just kept fucking biting at me and I gave in. That's why when this whole thing with Stefan came about I was so opposed to it after I found out he wasn't gay."

Bonnie exhaled through her nose, closing her eyes. "Let's say I never thought you broke up with me after you visited me and I never slept with Stefan. Would you've ever told me about you and Caroline? Even if we would've gotten married, would that affair keep going?"

"I don't know. I want to give you all the right answers and it sucks that I can't because I don't know. I think eventually Caroline would've told you as she did for real. She loved me and I don't think that she would enjoy seeing our relationship continue. Or I would've called things off and she would've told you out of revenge or whatever."

She nodded once. "It's a lot more layers to this than I thought."

"I'm sorry. It's literally the biggest regret of my life but you're happy and in love and married so it- it doesn't make me feel better per se, but it makes me feel better." He smiled as she did.

"And as with Caroline, I do wish you the best, Enzo. Maybe if you haven't already, you'll find someone to be in love with and happy with and eventually married to."

"Maybe,"

They cleaned the table and put their dishes in the dishwasher before hugging in front of the door. He exhaled, pulling her closer, missing her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head before pulling away and reached for the knob, opening the door before walking out.

Stefan rushed back to his hotel after texting his wife that he was leaving and she responded back with three eggplant emojis and a splashing water one.

"Stefan, wait up!"

"Fuck," he curses under his breath then turned, forcing a smile. "Hey,"

"Hey," Jasmine caught up to him. "I just wanted to let you know that and cordially invite you to the cast wrapping party dinner tomorrow at eight. You in?"

"Yeah, definitely. Thanks."

She nodded. "Anyway I'm going to head to the hotel, what about you?"

"Same. I uh have a date with Bonnie."

She smiled. "Nice. Mind if I ride back with you?"

"Of course not."

They started toward the shuttle. He pulled his phone from his pocket hearing it ding and regretted opening the picture message he received from Bonnie. It was of her ass as she was bent over their bed. He swallowed hard then quickly texted her back how hard he was before putting his phone away. He folded his hands in his lap once they were inside and tried to stop his hands from grabbing his phone hearing it ding again but couldn't resist.

You have ten minutes.

He cursed in his mind knowing that it'll take eight to get to the hotel giving him only two minutes to rush up to his room which wouldn't be an issue if he was alone.

"You okay?" She snapped him out of his mind.

"Yeah, sorry. I just uh gotta pee."

She chuckled.

"Sorry I might leave you behind when we get there."

"Trust me, it's no problem, I've been there. Too many times actually."

He chuckled and kept the smile slightly on his face glad that he thought of the perfect excuse to rush to his room. When they arrived he quickly said his goodbye and jogged up the stairs. He double-locked the door then FaceTime'd her with seconds to spare. As it was connecting, he started removing some layers and paused once she filled his screen. "Damn."

"Get comfortable, Mr. Salvatore, I want to show you a few things."

"Anything you say, Mrs. Salvatore." He got comfortably on the bed. "Why are you so sexy?" He shook his head as she rounded her hips, turning in a circle.

"I couldn't stop thinking about you all day." She moaned, touching her body.

"Yeah?" He watched her pout and nod. "I couldn't stop thinking about you too."

"I miss you."

"I—"

"My kitty misses you."

"I miss her more."

"Would you like a dance?"

"I would love a dance." He watched her smile then he looked up, hearing knocks on the door.

"You ordered food?" Bonnie questioned.

"No, it could be a fan or something, let me close my room door." He got up and heard knocks again then his name being called. He recognized the voice but closed the bedroom door anyway and walked back over to the bed, getting comfortable again.

Jasmine waited a minute longer before giving up and headed back to her room. She exhaled through her nose wondering why he's acting completely different from the first half of the week. He would talk to her and they would hang out a lot more but now it's as if they're strangers. She wonders if she did or said something wrong but thinking the week over, she noticed that the only thing that had changed was his status with Bonnie. They were fighting more and he spent more time with her but now that they are on good terms, he's spending less and less time with her. She tried to understand it but just couldn't. She's thought of him to be the only true friend that she's made here but she now realizes that it's only one-sided.

The next day on set she does her best to avoid him but they had scenes together making her tasks more complicated. In between takes though she wouldn't walk up to him as she usually would and he didn't seem to notice or mind at all since he was either on his phone or talking to Justin which seemed to be a private yet animated conversation with all the whispers and hand gestures, and head shakes. She walked closely past them to see if she could hear a little of what they were saying. Fuck, man I got so lucky with her. From that, she gathered that he was more than likely talking about Bonnie. Maybe that's the reason why he didn't answer the door last night. It just further proves her point that he wants barely anything to do with her as long as Bonnie's in the picture.

When the Director called the final cut, everyone was given champagne and a toast was made and some tears were shed by a few people. She ordered an Uber and rushed back to her trailer which she cleaned out yesterday and changed before heading out. Once she was out of the shower, she started looking through her suitcase and pulled out the outfit she only swore to wear if she hit it off with a guy on set and wanted to capture more of his attention. The skirt was dark purple, tight, with a high waist and she paired it with a lace black bralette. She pulls her hair back in a high but not too high bun and uses neutral colors to enhance her features with makeup. She smiled at her reflection before packing her clutch then headed out. She spotted the back of Stefan and decided to slow her walking down so he would ride the elevator alone without seeing her. She wanted him to arrive first so when she walks in, she could see the look in his eyes as he looks at her.

"Damn, Jas," Natasha said, walking up to her with Justin in tow. "You look amazing."

She smiled. "Thanks, you too, I love your dress,"

"Justin got it for me when we were out in the town, I'm obsessed."

They started walking toward the elevators having small conversations about various topics all until they reached the restaurant. Her heart skipped seeing Stefan standing outside the restaurant seeming to be texting on his phone. Justin called out his name leaving the two a few feet behind. "I swear if things didn't go so well with Justin and Stefan was single, I would be all over him," Natasha whispered. "You have to admit you'd do the same."

"Stefan is very handsome,"

"Oh come on, that man is sexy." She put on a smile, "Hey, Stefan," they hugged.

Jasmine smiled as their eyes locked while he was in his embrace with Natasha. She stood on her toes and hugged him next and her smile grew as he kept his hand on her back as they walked inside. More cast members started arriving shortly and suddenly barely anything was heard other than the ranging voices.

"It feels like I haven't seen you all day," she looks over and smiles as Stefan sits next to her.

"Same. It's been a busy, long day."

He nodded. "I'm glad that it's over just so that I can get back home, but I'm gonna miss LA and everyone. It was a great experience."

"Yeah, I agree, going back to NY will be so weird I'm wondering if I'd like it more compared or less now compared to here."

He nodded. "Do you think we'd get picked up?"

"I really hope so. I love my character and the cast and I just hope that they'll give us a chance, even if it's just one season."

"When is your flight tomorrow?"

"It's at eight-thirty LAX to JFK."

"Delta?"

"Yeah, you?"

"Same. We may be flight buddies."

She chuckled.

"Hey, I don't know if you have a ride or whatever when we get back to the east coast, but you can ride back with me."

She smiled. "Yeah, sure, that'll be great actually."

"What time are you leaving in the morning?"

"I was thinking about six. I don't know how traffic will be and everything."

He nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

"Stefan!" They looked over, seeing Justin wave him over.

"I'll talk to you later,"

She nodded then sighed as he walked away. She didn't stay calm for too long, realizing that he just invited himself to leave with her and also offered to drive her home. Maybe she was wrong after all, maybe the thought of him only liking her when things with bonnie were going bad was just all in her head. Maybe he just needed to approach her this time and realize how much he misses her company.

She left the restaurant before anyone else, making sure to say a collective goodbye and an added wave at Stefan. She knew her body and knew that she would sleep through her alarm if she didn't leave when she did.

The next morning, she checked to make sure that everything was packed before heading down to checkout. She smiled, locking eyes with Stefan who was drinking coffee in the lobby with his suitcase right beside him. She checked out then joined him on the couch.

"Good morning," he smiled at her.

"Good morning. Please excuse my bare face."

"Oh come on, you look beautiful."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"The coffee is pretty good if you want some."

"Yeah I'll get a cup and order is a ride."

"I got the ride,"

She smiled then walked over to the pot and poured herself a cup.

When they arrived at the airport and checked in, they realized that they would be sitting across from each other and chuckled at the coincidence. She wished they were sitting next to each other so they wouldn't be that much of a possible distraction to others around and could have more personal conversation but was happy that they were even near each other, to begin with.

Stefan had fallen asleep basically the whole way back so even if they were sitting with each other it wouldn't have mattered. When they arrived in New York and got their bags, she was shocked when he asked her to wait inside so that he and Bonnie could have a little privacy as they reconnected. So thought that he was going to drive her, not Bonnie. But she waited behind for what felt like an hour before he came back for her.

She followed him to the car and took a breath before getting in. She smiled, "Hi, I'm Jasmine,"

"Bonnie, nice to meet you," she reached her hand back for her to shake which she did.

"Nice to meet you as well, thank you for taking me home,"

"No problem," Bonnie faced forward and started the car. She watched as Stefan plugged in her address into the GPS then they made their way out of the airport. "So how did shooting go guys?"

Stefan moves his hand to Bonnie's thigh then moves his thumb back and forth a few times. "Pretty great actually, I think there's a great chance that we could get picked up,"

"Yeah and I know we probably won't have the same crew, but everyone was super nice so I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

He looked back at her. "Yeah me too."

She smiled.

"So if you do get picked up, are you planning to move to LA?"

She looked at her eyes through the rearview. "Just because I can't afford two places, yes, and if things don't work out, I'm thinking about staying there at least for a few extra months and see how things go."

"Nice, I lived in LA before I moved here with Stefan and at first I was really missing it but then New York basically became my home. Did you want to stop to get something to eat?"

"Oh no, I'm fine, I'm gonna order takeout, and while I'm waiting it'll force me to stay up and unpack instead of eating and going right to bed leaving my clothes in this suitcase for a month."

Bonnie chuckled. Minutes later, they were in front of her apartment building. She was surprised yet happy that Stefan walked her to the door and hugged her goodbye. She suggested that they get a drink sometime and he agreed before they said their final goodbye. Jasmine unlocked her door and exhaled, falling on her bed.