Disclaimer: I don't own a goddamn thing

Authors note: Thanks for the reviews and not giving up on this story. I hope you all keep reading 'cause so far I've got up to 31 chapters. I'm editing them slowly though 'cause I don't have much spare time but I promise it won't be long til every chapter is posted and the story will be finished. Not too sure 'bout a sequel – doubtful.

Chapter 14

An hour later there was a knock at the door. I ran to the door and flung it open, grinning.

"Steph!" she shouted and hugged me tightly.

Jeez, you'd think it had been years since we'd last seen each other.

"Hola Cammy!" I managed to squeeze out in a raspy voice from lack of oxygen.

"Hola, bambino." I heard another voice and I pulled away sharply.

I looked to Cammy's left and let out a squeal.

"Amia! What are you doing here?" I said to her hugging her too.

"I came with Cammy, don't worry Rex is being fed, she told me what happened and that she was going to Trenton and I decided to join her. It's been a couple of days since I last saw you and I already miss you like mad." She said smiling.

"Please, you just miss coming next door and asking me and receiving free things. I haven't seen my Aerosmith CD for while, you know?" I teased her.

We went inside; I made some coffee and found some donuts for us while they looked around the apartment.

"Steph, this place is really cozy; I wouldn't have wanted to leave it." Amia said while Cammy flopped on the couch and looked at the photos on the coffee table.

"Val and Albert, Val's husband, patched it up to look like that. It looked like crap when I had it." I said bringing in the drinks.

Cammy was staring at pictures of Albert, Val and the kids. I looked at Amia with raised eyebrows and she shrugged.

"They look happy." Cammy said suddenly smiling weakly. She paused before continuing, "Me and Paul were happy before she came into the picture."

I put an arm around her shoulder, "You weren't happy, he pressured you and hit you. He was a jackass and I wished you'd gotten away sooner. You can't tell me you were happy with him hitting you?" I said soothingly.

She sighed, "No, not really. Your right, I don't need him. Stupid jackass." She said trying to sound confident but not really succeeding.

I shook my head, giving her a squeeze, "It will get better Cammy, over time."

She nodded, "I know." She murmured.

We talked for a couple of hours before I left the girls to get unpacked and to nap, while I went out in search for some lunch.

I was queuing at the drive through at Mac Donalds when I remembered I had to phone Rio to set up a date for tonight.

I fished his card out of my bag and dialed the number on it.

"Hello." A stern voice answered.

"Hey, is Rio there?"

"Who is this?" the voice said, again quite firmly.

"It's Vivian." I said, thanking the gods that I had thought of an easy-to-remember name.

There was a shuffle in the background and the phone was handed to someone.

"Hey Vivian." Rio said into the phone.

"Hi Rio, I was just wondering whether your available tonight to go out." I said in my best sex-kitten voice.

"Yeah, I'm free. Got a place in mind or…?"

"How about the new Phoenix club?" I said driving forward slightly as the queue moved, finally.

"Sure, I'd love to, see you around 9?"

"'kay. I'll see you then."

"Bye"

"Bye" and I hung up.

One thing off my list of things to do today.

I got some food and rode over to the office to see Connie and Lula.

"Hey." I said to them as I came in.

Both of their heads shot up and zoomed in on the little brown bag in my hand.

I rolled my eyes, took out my burger and fries then chucked the bag onto Connie's desk.

I flopped on the sofa watching in amusement as they both scrambled to get the bag.

Within a couple of minutes Lula had eaten hers and was looking at mine hungrily.

"They're mine and you just ate yours within a space of two minutes, why are you still hungry?" I said protectively.

"I'm a big woman, I need my food. Besides you eat like a snail, my dead grandma eats faster than you." She said raising both eyebrows.

"Oh please! You inhale your food. I take the same amount of time as a normal person. See, Connie hasn't finished yet."

"Thas 'cause Connie don't eat fast either." She said rolling her eyes like it was an obvious fact.

I smirked, "Whatever."

We were interrupted suddenly when the office door and in trotted Xena.

She was wearing a pair of well-fitted Levis and a beige jacket.

"Any files?" she said to Connie, then noticed me, "Well, well, well; If it isn't miss Plumpie, how does it feel to be piling pounds on when you eat that deep-fried shit."

I rolled my eyes but didn't respond, afraid if I did my voice would be high-pitched and loud.

"Sorry Xena, no files." Connie said, not sounding or looking very sorry. I smirked as did Lula.

"Yeah, whatever. Can you please give me the goddamn files or I'll tell Vinnie he's losing money because his fat ass secretary isn't handing out the FTAs' files to the bounty hunters."

I narrowed my eyes at that, as did Lula and Connie.

She was treading dangerous waters.

"Look, Xena, there really aren't any files. Check back tomorrow." She said suddenly her whole face scary and truthful making me remember that she was very well associated with 'The Family'.

Xena sighed loudly and rolled her eyes, "Yeah…whatever." And she turned to me, "Plum pie, why are you still eating those? You won't ever be able to see your jeans' top button if you carry on."

I mentally growled, "Just piss off Xena, like you can see yours anyway." I lied.

Xena was very slim.

But you never know, this might just piss her off.

"Why you little bitch." She spat at me narrowing her eyes.

I guess I was right.

"You think you're so cool; stealing Vinnie's bike, defending your stupid fat friends, hanging onto batman all the time and talking with a stupid, dumb Spanish accent.

You're nothing but a walking, talking, mess. You ran away from Trenton two years ago, so run away now, nobody wants you here!" she shouted at me storming out of the office and slamming the door behind her.

Connie and Lula both looked at me with held breaths.

Count to ten Steph.

1

2

3

4

Oh screw it, she had it coming.

I pushed myself up off the couch and ran out of the office after Xena.

"You have no right to tell me what to do. No fucking right!" I shouted at her and she turned around to see me.

She smirked slightly, "Plum pie, it's goddamn common sense to know when you're not wanted."

"Then why the hell are you still here?" I retorted.

She narrowed her eyes and walked closer to me.

"I am very well associated, I wouldn't anger me." She said silkily.

"Well associated? With who, Gabrielle?" I said smirking.

She lunged for me but I swerved out of the way and she grabbed air.

I laughed at her, which only seemed to aggravate her more, and she took a swing at me.

I grabbed her wrist as she did so and twisted it.

She let out an involuntary sound of pain but scowled at me and struggled.

"Don't try to fight me Xena, 'cause you won't win." I said, my voice low and threatening. I slowly let go of her wrist walking back towards the office, but I felt myself get pulled to the floor.

Xena lay on top of me punching me as hard as she could.

I grabbed her wrist and rolled over, so she was on the floor and I was on top of her.

"Don't." I threatened.

She brought up her leg and kicked me.

I scowled and punched her, hard, in the stomach. Her eyes bugged out slightly and air escaped from her mouth in a rush.

"I said don't!" I cautioned her before slowly getting off her.

I walked towards the Buick, my mood ruined, and drove away while Xena lay cursing and panting on the floor.

Authors note: Gabrielle is Xena the warrior princess' side kick and that wasn't the fight, it's coming soon. Thank you so much for the feedback – I love reviews!