Disclaimer : I still do not own Zoey101 or anything Santa Barbara related .

' Hey Zo, ' Nicole ducked her head into the open doorway of the suite that the Matthews shared ,' I thought I'd hit the hot tub before supper wondered if you wanted to join me ? '

Zoey considered .' Chase is playing tennis with Vince so I'm in , Nicole . Give me a few minutes to change into my bathing suit '

Nicole waited patiently while Zoey changed into a cobalt blue tankini then the two young women strolled down towards the empty hot tub sliding into the bubbling water with a sigh . Across the way in the exercise room, Lola who was mid- yoga pose recognized her friends through the glass double doors and lifted her hand in a greeting .

' I don't understand how someone who talks as much as Lola does can be quiet long enough to do yoga '

This was just the opening that Zoey had been hoping for to try to find out what exactly was going on with Nicole . Maybe it was just reaction to a bad break up and Nicole was accidentally taking it out on Lisa with the snide remarks . That was logical .

It bothered her , either way.

' Lola swears it calms her world ' replied Zoey, as the water lapped at her blonde hair lifting it slightly ,' I took it my junior year with Lisa but I got bored with it .' She took another breath,' Listen, Nicole , I know we haven't really had a chance to just talk one on one since we all arrived here what with all these crazy wedding plans happening and all but is everything alright with you ? '

Nicole pursed her lips as she eyed the telephone .' I bet if we called the butler he would bring us margaritas or a fancy wine if we wanted '

' Probably but I don't want one ,' dismissed Zoey , kicking her friend lightly in the leg,' Come on, Nicole, talk to me . What's with you and Lisa ? You were nice and chatty last year at my wedding and now it's all just…weird . I don't get it ..help me out '

Nicole made a point of adjusting the bikini top and not quite meeting her old best friends gaze . She'd been afraid Zoey would try to be the peacemaker but it just wasn't PCA these days , they weren't kids, and this was going to be a tough one to explain .

Zoey Brooks Matthews still lived in her perfect Zoey world .

It had never been perfect for Nicole Bristow .

' I didn't really know Lisa all that well to be honest ,' decided Nicole , moving around to find the jets in the tub ,' I don't suppose I know her any better now . We're just different people is all , Zo'

Zoey nodded .' So this Michael thing that has Lisa all upset is her imagination ? '

Nicole hedged on answering as she examined her manicure .' You shouldn't mix in, Zoey. Lisa and I don't have to like one another ..it isn't a rule or anything '

' I suppose not but it's awfully uncomfortable for the rest of us if your sniping at each other '

' Well if Lisa was maybe more secure in her relationship with Michael then there wouldn't be any bitchiness and sniping '

Zoey's brows furrowed together .' Lisa and Michael are fine '

' I just don't think that is true at all, Zoey, or Michael wouldn't have been checking me out earlier '

Zoey opened her mouth then closed it .' No! '

' Yes '

At a loss for words, Zoey went to the next item on her agenda .' You were kind of rude towards Quinn this afternoon ..about the rash thing and all . I know that she didn't say anything but you hurt her feelings , Nicole '

' Oh come on, it was a joke . Quinn is way too sensitive if she cant joke about how weird she used to be ,' laughed Nicole , brushing it aside ,' I just found it funny if she was that way with Logan cause he is nothing like Mark Del Figgalo '

' It was a bad , hurtful joke , Nicole,' said Zoey, trying to be mindful of her feelings knowing how easily Nicole used to be hurt by every little thing ,' not at all funny . You might have noticed but we've all changed quite a bit since PCA '

' Oh I know that ,' Nicole leaned over the tub to reach for the phone ,' Don't freak, Zo, I will apologize to Quinn though she's floating on her little love bubble with Logan, I doubt she would care all that much about me '

' I am sure Quinn would appreciate it still ' reitered Zoey, helpfully ,' hey if your calling Chauncey, I could use a apple berry Blix '

' Not a fruity drink ? '

' A fruity drink without the alcohol ' Zoey rested her head against the back of the hot tub with a heavenly sigh ,' I need to get Chase to come out here with me '

She and Chase were doing good in their first year of marriage though it had been bumpy a little bit a first but that was to be expected . It was nice to be back in sunny California and with their best friends , they helped to take some of the pressure away that was bills and school and finding a house which Chase was being really adamant about lately . She had been putting the discussion off a lot lately because of her own fears but she knew sooner or later , her husband would get mad at her about it .

Zoey sighed wearily deciding to speak with Chase soon and then began to tell Nicole about the kind of wedding dress that she would love to design for Quinn if she ever asked .

************************************WB********************************

While Chase and Vince dueled on the tennis courts outside , Lisa cornered Michael in the huge game room pre-empting his solo game of Zelda by yanking the controller from his hands . Michael spluttered in protest looking up questioningly at his girlfriend .

' Michael '

' Now baby, why did you do that ? I was damn near about to beat Logan's score - gimme that , Lisa '

Lisa rolled her eyes upwards , annoyed .' Your and Logan's stupid video game war isn't important , Michael but our relationship is which is why we need to talk .'

Lisa hit a button shutting off the game as Michael groaned at the travesty before him .

He didn't understand why she was all fired up … he thought they were fine .

' You're a woman, you just don't get it ,' said Michael, casually ,' Do you want to talk now or do we need to go upstairs ? ' He waggled his eyelashes provocatively thinking of how they had been interrupted earlier ,' I swear I'll lock and bolt the door '

Lisa crossed her arms over her chest .' We're not having sex, Michael,' informed Lisa, without preamble ,' this isn't about our sex life so get that out of your pea-brain . I think we need to spend some honest to God quality time together or our relationship will be in serious danger of falling apart .'

Game forgotten, Michael stood , gaped at her , dumbstruck .' Lisa, did I miss something ? Honey , we see each other enough , we still do the date thing , our love life is good . I really don't see where you get the idea that our relationship is in trouble ..heck, babe, we see each other more often than Quinn and Logan do with their long distance romance and the whole college thing.'

He grasped her shoulders, gently .' It's the whole wedding thing isn't it ? Is Quinn's crazy rubbing off on you ? You know I love that girl that a sister but marrying Logan's enough to bring out the old crazy ..'

Lisa smacked his arm .' Quinn's just acting like a bride to be in love so leave her out of this , Michael Barrett . Sure you and I spend time together between work, school, my dance classes , but we don't take real time to be together . We need that, Michael '

Michael bit the inside of his cheek, listening but feeling confused .' Isn't that what this vacation is for , Lisa ? For us to be together with our friends too, I guess . Did you want to skip supper with the group and go into town just the two of us ? '

Lisa dropped her arms to her side meeting her gaze with his .' That's a nice start , yes , but this isn't high school, Michael. We hardly had any problems back then and when we did they were silly, stupid ones but we need to make more of an effort '

Michael leaned in, drawing her closer to him.' Lisa , honey, I am and always will be 200% all yours ! You have nothing to worry about from me '

Lisa desperately wanted to believe him . Michael had won her over with his funny sense of humor, his innate kindness , his overflowing heart , and what could she do but fall in love with the man . There had never really been anyone or anything to be jealous over for either of them . Her ex-boyfriend had sort of faded into the school background and Michael hadn't dated anyone serious until her so it hadn't been an issue for them .

It pissed her off that a perky brunette could set her off in a drop of a hat .

It bothered her even more than Michael didn't seem to believe her and she didn't know if bringing the matter up again would put more strain on their relationship . She trusted that Michael would never betray her but she didn't trust the wily Nicole as far as she could throw her . She closed her eyes trying to breathe through it and calm herself down .

' I love you with all of my heart, Michael '

' You'll always be my love, my Lil Lisa '

Michael kissed her and Lisa allowed herself to be drawn into the warmth and love he promised , pushing aside her worries , and relishing in being in the moment with him .

They would weather this storm and come out stronger in the long run , she just knew it .

*****************************WB****************************************

Detective Vega always felt as if he was out of place when he visited the palatial estate that belonged to movie mogul , Malcolm Barrett , and this time was no different . His daughters would have begged to come along for a ride had they known about it for the opportunity to meet the famous producer . Thank God , it was a work case .

Tori and Trina would have whined and begged generally driving him up a wall until they got their way or he caved in order to have some peace of mind .

It had taken him longer to reach the estate since Dean Rivers had requested to speak with him personally about protecting his students and his school as the man didn't want a repeat of the horrible stalking and attacks that had occurred at PCA years ago .

David had reassured the man that they would set up round the clock security for the boarding school though the detective didn't believe Bart Emerson would revisit PCA .

The butler and servant of all trades showed him into an office where Malcolm sat behind the huge desk while his wife poured coffee from an antique silver pot into fine china cup as the lady of the manor . It reminded him of a scene straight out of Dynasty .

' Hello Mr. Reese , Mrs. Reese '

' Detective Vega, please come in ,' ushered Julia , gesturing to the sofa ,' Do have a seat . May I get you some coffee or perhaps some iced tea ? '

' No thank you, Ma'm, ' David chose to stand ,' I wanted to update you on the Bart Emerson situation as it is now . Is your son and Miss .Pensky joining us ? '

Malcolm folded his hands together , all business.' Logan and Quinn are busy planning their wedding , Detective , and I would prefer to keep them out of this until that bastard is back in prison ,' went on Malcolm ,' I don't want for them to have to worry anymore about this though you should be aware that Emerson has written to my son at his film school .' He handed David the letter that Logan had left with him ,' I don't know how he got my sons address but I do not want a repeat of what happened at PCA '

' Well , I am happy for them but Mr. Reese this concerns them . I have an APB out on Bart and my men are working around the clock to recapture him but this tells me that your son hasn't forgotten his brother or Quinn in all of these years . It puts them in danger by not making them aware of the situation '

Malcolm 's fist hit the desk , a scowl crossing his chiseled handsome face .' That son of a bitch isn't my son , Bart Emerson is a sick , twisted psychopath , Logan is my only true son . Those blood tests and DNA tests I had taken years ago proved that and I suggest you remember that when speaking of my family, Detective '

' Malcolm, don't be rude ,' Julia moved to flank her husbands side placing a hand on his shoulder ,' Detective, please forgive my husbands brusqueness , he is simply overwrought worrying about Logan . Quinn and Logan's engagement is new and we don't want this to mar the kids happiness , I am sure you understand that .'

David nodded . ' Of course , ' replied David , scanning the letter that was obviously written by an unhinged young man ,' I am sure it wouldn't have taken much for Bart to find Logan's information off of the net but we'll examine this further down at the station .'

' Do you suppose he is going to try to visit his mother ? ' asked Julia, quietly .

' Beverly is still locked up tight in the Women's penitentiary ,' this came from Malcolm, matter of fact,' I looked into that myself . Isn't that correct, Detective Vega ? '

Beverly Stuart was the adoptive mother of Bart who had woven a tale of lies and deceit of infidelity making her son believe that Malcolm had wronged her in every way enabling Bart to become obsessed with becoming Logan and taking all that he had including Quinn.

She had turned out being equally unhinged and in turn once Bart had been locked up in jail , created an elaborate plan of her own to replace Bart with Logan and rid him of Quinn once and for all that following summer . It had been a terrible ordeal for all .

' There has been no contact between Bart and Beverly ,' informed David , stopping to study a framed family picture on the table ,' There hasn't been any sightings yet of Bart but the man is smart on his feet . Given his obsession with your family , its likely he will try making his way into Santa Barbara '

' Do what you must to apprehend the man ,' said Malcolm, his voice hard,' I've hired extra guards for the premises and to keep an eye on my family and our guests . I would prefer that this not to be released to the news as I wont have Logan and Quinn alarmed by this '

' A statement and a picture could go a long way in helping us find Bart ' replied David , biting his lip to refrain from making a snide comment about the producer not wanting more publicity mixed in with the Reese name .

Julia gave her husband a reproachful look .' We would appreciate you keeping it low key as much as possible, Detective Vega. '

' I'll do what I can ,' said a somber Vega, tucking the letter into his pocket ,' Lock your doors, keep your eyes open and aware , Emerson is a tricky bastard but he isn't dumb , Mr. Reese . I'll be in touch '

As Vega left the estate , Malcolm turned his back towards the double doors, shoulders falling, the whole nightmare of the past running through his mind like his own film and the horrible things that Logan and Quinn had to endure all because of his past so very, very long ago. They had put it behind them once and he wouldn't let it intrude again .

Not when he had the power to stop it from happening again .

*******************************WB***********************************

'Logan '

Quinn stood in the doorway of the bedroom she shared with Logan watching with a touch of amusement and full of love as her less than studious fiancée was bent over a desk writing out a very detailed list of what he wanted for their engagement cocktail party .

He wanted to have it ready for as soon as her parents arrived in town and wasn't letting it sit and grow . Logan was a man with a mission . It had to be perfect .

' Hey baby , I've got it narrowed down to like 200 people , tops ,' replied Logan, looking over his shoulder as she joined him in the room, ' If I order like a seafood buffet is that too much lobster for you ? Julia can handle the whole catering thing for us but I want to have foods you and I love …there's a list of appetizers we can chose from on the dresser '

Quinn leaned around him to smile into his eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck , and kissed him .He caressed the side of her face lightly as he returned the kiss .

' It doesn't have to be full on fancy or you'll give me a panic attack, ' Quinn slid onto his lap, ' We could add like those little quiches , some veggies , homemade rolls or biscuits are always yummy . We don't have to have lobster for all our pre-wedding events '

Logan sat his pen down on the desk to push her glasses up on her nose .' This crowd isn't exactly the burger and barbecue bunch, Quinn . I want these people like Uncle George who isn't really my uncle but he directs with Dad and has since I was like 7 , I want him to be like wowed that I got the best girl and I can give her the world '

' That's crazy but sweet ,' Quinn played with the hair at the nape of his neck ,' Logan, you promised me you wouldn't go over the top. We don't need thousands of dollars worth of lobster just for our engagement party ….can we compromise with like mini hamburgers or steak or something '

Logan considered , taking his time feeling Quinn's eyes on him . It was hard tamping down his excitement for this party . He didn't want it to be stuffy and traditional because that wasn't him and Quinn and it meant a lot to him that she was letting him handle their party . Other brides would have wanted full say on the whole party but not Quinn .

' Yeah, we'll have lobster on our reception menu ,' agreed Logan ,' its probably overkill if we have it at our engagement party . Did you figure out like what kind of decorations and things you want for the tables at the reception, Quinn ? I don't really have any ideas other than like flowers on the table …..but I figure that's a chick thing '

A grin split across Quinn's pretty face with excitement .' Oh Logan I had the cutest idea - lab beakers filled with tulips on the tables . Isn't that me ? I called the science lab at PCA and I can get a bunch of old ones really cheap off of them because they just box them up and store them then buy new every year . Isn't that awesome ? '

Logan pressed a kiss to the palm of her hand .' Whatever you want works for me but Quinn, we don't have to buy used . I can buy new lab beakers for our wedding '

' I know ,' Quinn was all serious ,' However my parents want to help as well to contribute to our wedding . Please don't insult my parents …don't you remember how out of place Chase's folks felt when they were at odds with Zoey's parents on the planning ? '

' Mrs. Brooks got her back up with Zoey's high strung Mom's plans '

' Exactly ! Let my folks pay for the beakers ' suggested Quinn, always calm, ' it's such a little thing . I'm positive my mother will offer up suggestions for our wedding since I am her only daughter '

Logan's face scrunched up in thought . Suzanna Pensky was as free spirited as her daughter and just as open minded and loving , he couldn't imagine his future mother -in-law locking horns with Quinn or Julia on anything to do with the wedding .

' Sure ,' agreed Logan, easily enough ,' are you freaked out about your Mom becoming like a Monster mother of the Bride , babe ? Cause I don't see it anymore than I see her and Julia throwing down over like table settings and flowers either '

' Monster Mother of the Bride ? Really, Logan, where did you hear that ? '

' Last year when Mrs. Brooks went off her rocker fighting with Zoey and Mrs. Matthews over stupid crap like ice sculptures and fancy tuxedoes , us guys decided she was turning into the monster '

Quinn's sigh turned into a half laugh .' Well it's a bit much but apt considering however you know my Mom, she'll offer up suggestions but leave it up to me '

' Your Mom is the best , you know I love your Mom,' declared Logan , his list momentarily pushed aside for the time being as he put his arms around her waist ,' It's your Dad and mine that we have to worry about . I'll talk to Dad again before your folks get here , tell him to tone down himself '

Malcolm and Frank couldn't be more different - the successful, powerful movie producer and the college professor , and though they both wanted only the best for their kids, they always seemed to clash when put in a room together .

Despite the many years that Quinn and Logan had been together , their respective fathers still tended to clash often enough . Especially when it came down to the Reese fortune .

Quinn rested her forehead against his .' I'll speak with Dad as well and ask him to be on his best behavior for my sake '

Logan nuzzled her neck .' Mmm, sounds good ,' He nibbled tiny kisses up her jaw line as she tilted her head to give him better access ,' you know all of this wedding planning is making me want you even more, Quinn '

Quinn tightened her arms around his, yanking his face down to hers for a simmering kiss .

' Why are we still talking "

' Beats me ' Picking up her , Logan managed to get them to the bed and they fell together in a heap on the soft duvet as passion gave away in a tangle of bodies , heat like molten lava coursing through them as they came together in a fervor .

She melted under his touch , each touch, each caress, each kiss bringing them closer .

Together they soared touching the heavens then came back down together on a crest of blissfulness . Later after they had loved once more, Quinn rested her head against Logan's bare chest , content to listen to his heartbeat steady against her ear .

' I can't wait until we're married ,' murmured Quinn as Logan caressed her arm, tenderly ,' I'm excited to become your wife but I'm a little afraid too . I felt so out of place at that high brow bridal shop with that snobby woman fawning all over me because I was marrying you …..she thought I was a nobody bride until I mentioned we were marrying '

Logan brushed a kiss across her temple .' Quinn, baby, you know there are always gonna be those jerks who want to suck up because of the whole Reese thing but you just gotta be yourself . Put them in their place like I have learned to do '

Quinn caught his hand in hers, twining their fingers together .' I know we have to have our engagement picture taken for the paper but can we not put it in all the tabloids ? We managed to avoid all of that craziness when we first started dating and now that we're getting married , I want to keep avoiding it '

Since this was the second time Quinn was broaching the subject , Logan knew it was important to her . They had never had to deal with the press at PCA because they hadn't cared who Malcolm Reese's son was dating but them getting married would capture the press attention . He was after all Malcolm Reese's only son and a wedding was huge .

' I mean it Logan, I mean, its bad enough I am sort of expecting all of these hot Santa Barbara debutante's to come out of the woodwork once we put it in the papers of our engagement ,' rambled on Quinn ,' You know the one last effort to get you away from my clutches '

Logan burst into a fit of laughter that bubbled up from his throat .' Quinn, that's just insane ! I mean your always super hot when your jealous but babe, I love you . I am marrying you- I don't care about those debutante's from around here '

Quinn heaved a wry sigh .' Don't make fun of how I feel ! ' She smacked his chest with her hand ,' I cant even look for my wedding dress in this town without being made to feel like I am less than who I am '

' I'm sorry, I'm sorry ,' Logan kissed her gently ,' Quinn, I love you for all that you are , I always have . I'm sorry the dress shopping was bad but why don't you just have Zoey make your wedding dress ? I bet she would be thrilled to death and she knows what you like and all '

Quinn settled against his chest .' She's one of my maids of honors- well, I guess she would be my matron of honor since she is married , and I don't want her to feel like she has to make my dress for me . Like its an obligation or something , Logan '

' I think you should just ask her , Quinn ,' declared Logan ,' I bet Zoey will be thrilled to design your wedding dress for you . Plus you know, good practice for her as a designer '

' I suppose that is true ,' Quinn closed her eyes ,' I'll ask her later '

' Good ,' Logan drew her closer ,' our wedding will be the best day of our lives '

Meanwhile in the town of Santa Barbara, Bart covered his tracks , lying low and being as nondescript as possible , the hair dye and change of clothes had made him look like a surfer dude , someone no one would think twice of if the police came snooping around looking for him. He'd snagged some cash easily enough mugging some low life on the docks , hating that a man of his stature and wealth had to resort to stealing off the street .

He had gotten excited when he had stumbled upon Quinn and all of her lovely lady friends having a little shopping spree , there was beautiful Quinn, so full of life and the old desire for her resurfaced . Bart had to reign himself in from taking her then and there but he needed to think this thing through and be thorough .

He had been so sly, so cunning, she hadn't recognized him even when he was brazen and in the same shop , observing her , with a watchful gaze .

Quinn was marrying his brother .

Anger boiled to the top - it should be me she is marrying, not Logan - he doesn't deserve Quinn . I need to take back what is mine .

Bart unfolded a old picture from the inside of the pocket of his shirt , it was a photograph of Logan taken in the quad of PCA , looking every inch the arrogant player .

' Protect what you got, brother ,' vowed Bart under his breath ,' cause I'm back '