The wedding daze was upon Michael and Lisa in a frenzy of work, life, and evenings spent in good company of their friends addressing invitations, last minute adjustments to Lisa's gown as well as Zoey who had seemingly overnight began to show her pregnancy then early wedding presents began to arrive from friends and mostly business associates of Lisa's father along with a toaster oven from Dean Rivers. This amused Michael to no end especially since he knew what their old P.C.A. principal had given his friends as wedding gifts.

Much to the delight of Lola, Vince had gotten job at the sports desk at the station that Michael worked at in the city. Vince's love of the game along with his knowledge of sports translated well on screen and the former jock was a natural. Not to mention the money was better.

It wasn't playing pro but that boat had long ago sailed for Vince and he found he really enjoyed the work. It wasn't ESPN but it was a start for him. To add another cherry to the cake, Lola had been getting more screen time on the teen soap she was starring in making them a super happy couple with less drama. As for the Reese's , Quinn had submitted a prototype of an earlier invention for a patent while Logan was fitting in meetings with writers and other important people connected to his new project . A focused Logan was trying to get through all the important calls handled before everyone flew to Georgia for the wedding.

Chase had sold a short story to a local publisher and appeared to be working upon becoming a full time writer while Zoey was still focused on getting her sample designs out there to be noticed. They also had that bouncy, nervous glow of expectant parents.

It was a Sunday evening before they were bound for Georgia found Lisa sitting on the sofa with most of the contents of her jewelry box spread out across the coffee table while she debated on which accessories to bring with her. Two suitcases were spread out on the floor semi packed but opened for the bride to be to double check in case she had packed all wrong. Michael's lone duffel bag was thrown carelessly by the door while he texted the guys as the television was playing a marathon of Simon and Simon, Miami Vice, and currently Moonlighting .

Lisa examined the luster in a simple strand of pearls her Mother had given her on her 16th birthday then held up the chunky cream colored double strand of pearls that she and Quinn had found at a thrift shop two years ago. She bit down on her lower lip as she held them both p against her neck then glanced at Michael who was involved in the zany plot on the old show.

'Michael, what do you think about these necklaces? I thought I might wear that fancy pale yellow suit dress that Mom got me a few years ago …..Michael! '

On the screen, Maddie and Dave were arguing while chasing the bad guys as Michael swiveled his head to gaze at his woman. He flicked his face towards the jewelry making a point in actually looking at them as he didn't want their wedding called off if he picked the wrong one. The one and only serious fight they had back in high school had been because he had insulted an ugly necklace Lisa had worn and apparently made – oh no, not falling in that trap again.

They had been broken up for half a night …it had been a hell of a night.

Oh the trials of being 16! Hah! They had sure come a long way from that early coupledom.

' Ahhh they are both very nice ,' Michael mimicked Chase in a slow tone of voice ,' but I'm not the fashion guy . You should call and see what one Zoey thinks would go with the yellow dress that you hate ….'

Lisa rolled her eyes upwards in mild annoyance as she held the single strand against her neck.

'Pearls are classic. They never go out of style,' informed Lisa as if her fiancée had been an alien from another planet,' I don't hate the yellow dress, exactly. It's just a lot more sedate and conservative than I normally wear but it's suitable for the dinner party your Grandmother is giving us, Michael.' She attempted trying on the double strand,' I wouldn't want to embarrass your family '

Michael put his hand over hers, squeezing, lightly.' My folks don't have any Southern dress code, Lisa, it isn't the old times, you know. You would look absolutely gorgeous in any of the dresses in your closet , you don't have to wear that yellow 80's power suit without the Dynasty shoulder pads unless you especially want to listen to my Mama reminisce about her teen years like the Facts of Life '

Lisa placed the pearls on the coffee table then let herself relax in Michael's embrace shuddering out what might have been a nervous breath. She had always thought highly of his family, one that she soon would become a part of, found herself worrying over the strangest ideas. Oh, she knew that Quinn and Zoey had each had their share of pre-wedding freak outs so Lisa supposed that hers wasn't all that much different. She sighed against Michael's neck then relaxed.

Lisa thinned her lips, carefully.' Gah ! I am an idiot! I think I've got my Mom in my head painting me this picture of the kind of hoity toity dinner party off of an episode of Designing Women mixed in with wanting to please your family . …'

Michael pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he put his feet up on the coffee table pointedly ignoring Lisa's look of disapproval. It wasn't like it was solid wood; it had been a twenty dollar flea market find which he knew wouldn't make a bit of difference to her one way or the other.

' Yeah, and you call me the lame one in this relationship ,' Michael couldn't resist the jab but his tone teased ,' still if you decide to wear the power suit , I think I can still fit into my Miami Vice get up from way back when …what ? 'Lisa's eyes widened in utter disbelief.

Lisa tried not to laugh.' Honey, I love you, but that suit jacket was high school and unlike Logan, you are not a scrawny teenager anymore. Regardless, I will just go pick out another dress to wear which won't be from any era but our current one, Michael '

Michael jabbed lightly at her ribs with intent to tickle but Lisa was much quicker.

'I am sure Mom wouldn't have a problem if we decide to go for an 80's theme dinner party 'continued Michael on the proverbial roll,' she likes to say she lived it back in the day '

Lisa jabbed him with her fingernail, lightly.' Enough! Point taken! We will have a blessedly fun yet very normal dinner the night before our wedding which, Lord willing, my folks won't steamroll over your parents at the last minute. '

So far they had managed to skate nearly scot free of drama but the wedding was literally around the bend, Lisa was afraid she was creating drama was there was none. Maybe they should have had some, a little bit anyway, as to not jinx the big day.

Sensing her state of mind, Michael simply drew her to him, covered her mouth with his in a heart stopping, toe curling kiss that left her breathless leaving little room to think. Lisa simply wrapped herself around him, giving in, opening up to the delicious kisses, the world spinning around them; there was only warmth, passion, and love.

********************************Wedding Bells ************************

Lisa Perkins was fine , beyond fine , and Michael still couldn't get over being tongue tied maybe even a little stumped that one of his best girlfriends as in friend who was a girl aka Zoey Brooks had failed to inform him that she and Lisa were good friends . This was important information seeing as Michael was crazy mad in love with her since the first day he had seen her on the P.C.A. campus so long ago. Despite all of his macho posturing, he was nervous about approaching the breathtakingly beautiful young woman to ask her out on a date until he sucked it in, borrowed Zoey's stupid jet X then proceeded to track Lisa down as she was ordering a smoothie giving him his not so subtle approach to a conversation.

Lisa had laughed but found him charming and funny until Michael had accidentally gotten his jeans caught on the damn stupid Jet X as luck hadn't been kind to him. In a series of nervous bumbling failed attempts to get Lisa to notice him, the dancer had proceeded to date someone else until fate had intervened on Michael's behalf . They had had a few rough patches in couple land throughout high school but they had always been the steadiest out of their friends.

They had even survived the war between Lola and Lisa over the role of Desdemona in the school production as well as the horrible stalker that had invaded their lives terrorizing the female and the entire school. The first time they had been together had been magic.

It had occurred the night after Mark Del Figgalo had been beaten, Chase and Michael had found him taking him to the nurse. Michael remembered it as clearly as if it had happened only yesterday rather than nearly eight years ago.

" Honey ,' Michael opened the door , letting himself in the room, quietly shutting the door as Lisa's dorm advisor wasn't near as lenient as Coco was with them ,' Didn't you get the messages that I sent you ?'

'Yes, and I texted you back,' informed Lisa, aware that she wore a thin pink tank and a very brief pair of shorts,' what are you doing here, Michael? It's nearly eleven …'

He gazed hungrily at her , taking in the graceful curve of her neck, the smooth skin barred by the tiny outfit she was wearing and felt the blood rush to his head as the heat seemed to swell within the small dorm room . He could still catch a whiff of her perfume and he was stubbornly reminded of how long it had been since he and Lisa had spent quality time with one another. Not talking or doing homework or hanging with their friends.

'Michael, what's the matter?' inquired a concerned Lisa, stepping closer when he didn't speak,' did something happen?'

He skimmed a hand across her shoulder.' You are so beautiful, Lisa '

'Aw, I love you, Michael,' Lisa slid her arms around his chest, caught up in the intensity in which he was staring at her,' why are you looking at me like that?'

He stroked a hand down the silkiness of her hair, tracing a line over the thin strap of her tank top. She had the softest skin and she took his breath away.

'I do love you, Lisa, I think sometimes I get caught up in things and I forget to tell you how I feel about you,' Michael was the epitome of serious,' I shouldn't do that and I'm really sorry.'

Her smile lit up her entire face as Lisa nibbled on the corner of his lip, teasing him.

'What brought this on?'

Michael lifted his shoulders and let them fall as he led her to sit on the bed, thankful that she didn't have roommates and they had privacy. His emotions were high on the surface and he felt like he had been taking advantage of Lisa understanding nature and he didn't want to be a jerk. He was a lucky guy to have a great girl like Lisa.

' I've been thinking tonight and I wanted to see you is all, honey ,' His dimples widened as he pressed a kiss against her neck ,' I decided that honey suits my Lil Lisa so I hope you don't have a problem with that '

He could be incredibly silly sometimes but she loved him all the more.

' If you insist , darling ,' murmured Lisa, against his lips.' I've missed us '

'So have I,' admitted Michael, caressing the skin visible beneath her tank,' and this is much better than video games with Chase and Logan'

Lisa lifted her gaze at him, archly,' I would hope so'

Michael wanted to get lost in Lisa as he took his time kissing her, drawing each kiss out with precision, careful to show her how much he loved and wanted her. He wasn't skilled in the romance department as Logan was and he had actually sort of given up his whole regal Lisa with romance thing but now he just wanted to be with her. His hand stroked the skin above the waistband of her shorts as Lisa pressed her body close to his, heat emanating from them both.

She rained kisses over his face, sighed into the feelings he evoked in her as she pushed him down on the bed, and reveling in their love. This wasn't the moment she had dreamed of her and Michael making love for the first time but Lisa knew without a doubt this was perfect.

It felt right and that was all that mattered.

She tucked her leg within his and pressed her chest into his warmth, needing to be closer.

'I think that. We should lock the door,' managed Lisa, running her hands up and down the strength of his chest,' better to not take any chances '

Michael tried to clear his head as he moved his hands lower to cup her buttocks, squeezing gently.' Lisa, are you sure? No pressure, honey, I swear, I….I'm good with some good old fashioned making out '

Lisa leaned forward to kiss him deeply,' Very, very sure '

His brown eyes gleamed with love and desire as he watched the graceful sway of her hips as Lisa walked over to flip the lock on the door then lifted the tank over her head, revealing herself to him as the top landed on the floor and she climbed onto his lap, wrapping herself all around him in a long, leisurely kiss that sat them both on fire.

Tonight they would become lovers.

**********************Wedding Bells **************************************

'That was incredible,' mused Michael, dropping a kiss on her collarbone as they cuddled together on the couch,' but I think I am sitting on the remote ' he scooted around, hand sliding under a cushion discovering not the remote but a large gold earring and a screwdriver,' ouch! '

He handed Lisa the large gold hoop earring.' Oh hey lookie isn't this the same earring you lost a month ago? That backing is dangerous and pointy …lucky if it didn't put a dang hole in my butt '

Lisa stifled a giggle as she began fastening back her blouse all the while adding the lone hoop to the pile of jewelry already laid out on the coffee table , the mate to it was sure to be here or with her other jewelry in the bedroom. She never could get herself to toss a single earring which is why she had a whole collection of mismatched earrings for just in case she decided to go retro and wear two different earrings. Or in case Zoey might need to add them into new designs, she could reuse them.

'Your butt is fine, Michael, 'grinned Lisa,' it was a small earring, not a pencil '

'Yes it is the finest butt ever,' Michael wiggled his brows comically at her,' or is it the cutest butt ever? Didn't you and Lola have a poll on this in college after you both dissected that chick flick with Tom Hanks... who didn't get any sleep and had the annoying kid .'

'You just never appreciate Sleepless in Seattle '

'Nope,' Michael yanked up his fallen boxer shorts before headed into the kitchen,' you hungry? I think we have some of that cold pizza leftover …..And a couple of Blix '

'How did we manage leftovers? I thought you fellas divided all of that up ' Lisa reached down on the floor picking up her purple bra ,' there wasn't much left as it was and I know Vince and Lola are still eating thin .'

Michael opened the fridge, moving around condiments to discover the hidden plastic bag with four slices of pepperoni pizza, holding it up like a prize. He could be sly when he had to be.

'I hid it,' announced Michael as the doorbell sounded, alerting them of company' it wasn't much to divide since Chase is already having Zoey's morning sickness with her. He almost gags more than she does lately …. '

He bit into the slice of pizza keeping it in his mouth as he held a slice out to Lisa, who shook her head as she finished dressing. She gestured for him to check the door; Michael swallowed the bite, chewed, and all the while sticking an eye in the handy peep hole on the door noticing a slick backed young man dressed in a tailored suit on a familiar face.

Michael stepped away from the door.' It's James Garrett '

James as in old P.C.A. roomie while Chase was off in England going to the fancy Covington, the ever so perfectly charming James who had briefly dated Zoey then later competed with Chase for her heart, the same James who had gotten downright ugly with him and Logan once Chase had returned, and who now was Zoey's boss at that high end boutique she worked at in the city. Michael hadn't seen the man since they had all graduated high school.

'Why would James be at our door? The man lives in the Hollywood Hills and we do not '

Lisa made a point of smoothing down her hair then rose from the sofa.' Go put on some clothes while I invite the man inside, Michael...we can't just let him stand outside our door '

'Why not? This is weird and not a good weird either '

Michael's brow furrowed, suspiciously as he went into the bedroom to put on some clothes while Lisa let the man inside their place. .' Highly illogical scenarios played around in Michael's overly suspicious mind as he threw on a pair of jeans and an old polo shirt while he listened to Lisa inviting the old roomie into their apartment. The golden boy still looked the same except he was clearly older, his blonde hair now more of a darker shade, of blonde but he still had that smugness about him. It emanated off the man like the five hundred dollar cologne he was wearing but his smile seemed sincere.

Michael didn't know what to make of him. Jimmy Garrett, my foot, it was strange.

'I know this visit is somewhat unexpected,' James was saying as he stood, hands stuffed in his pants suit pockets,' but Zoey mentioned the two of you are finally tying the knot soon ….i understand it's been a long time but I wanted to offer my congratulations '

Ever gracious , Lisa sent him a kind smile over her shoulder as she poured a Blix over ice in a glass , feeling strange and a bit awkward herself . She had visited Zoey at the shop more than once with James usually only offering a polite hello, not attempting conversation. That he was here now in their apartment was curious to say the least. He could have done this any number of times during her visits to Zoey's workplace which was quite frequently.

'It has been a long time,' acknowledged Lisa, handing him the drink then offered him a seat. He chose the comfy chair,' yes, well, Michael and I thought the timing was finally right for us to get married. Besides there wasn't a betting pool on us ... that we know of at least '

She hoped it would break the ice or that Michael would hurry his butt out here.

James laughed, lightly.' That surprises me '

Michael strolled into the living room, feeling like a damn teenager instead of the man that he was, a little swagger in his movement , a wide smile stretched across his face as he nodded at his former roommate .' James '

'Michael, 'said James, 'it's good to see you '

' Been a long time ,' replied Michael, pausing as if debating on whether to shake the man's hand or give him a manly hug . He felt as if with all of their history, a hug was out of the question then settled on the simple handshake,' lots of changes. Never expected you to be into the whole fashion gig ….figured you for some stockbroker or business man '

James chuckled, thinking back to his teenage self.' I am a successful businessman, Michael. You are aware of all the successful men that rule the fashion business like Dennis Basso or Isaac Mizrahi '

Michael settled beside Lisa on the couch, folding his hands together as he leaned forward, hoping he managed to appear both aloof and casually nonchalant. This wasn't the cocky roommate who reveled in charming all of the girls at school or slyly dissing Logan, there seemed the be a new sort of slickness to this man that hadn't been there before. Hell, the old James had worked summers in his uncle's hardware shop, now he was a hotshot designer dude.

'I have no clue about either of those dudes but I'll take your word for it '

' Thanks ,' replied James, dryly , thinking he should have changed into a pair of jeans and a button down shirt instead of the suit ,' Look I know we parted ways a long time ago drifted apart even though I get that the rest of the clique is still intact . 'He ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair in frustration,' Your friendship meant a great deal to me, Michael, especially since you always gave me the benefit of the doubt when Reese never would, the asshole '

Guess there was still some old bitterness where Logan Reese was concerned.

Michael chuckled as he nodded his head.' I know you might not believe it but Logan is a lot less of an ass since he married Quinn. He starts directing his first movie after the wedding '

'Of course he isn't,' said James, taking a drink of the familiar drink of his youth. He hadn't had a Blix since his senior year at P.C.A. preferring instead mineral water,' Quinn was always a miracle worker with that moron but I didn't come here for a walk down memory lane.'

Lisa resisted the urge to clean up the scattered jewelry all over the coffee table.' We honestly don't mind,' insisted the dancer, politely,' it's a nice distraction from the wedding countdown. Those were some of the best times of our lives at P.C.A., James '

James flashed her devastatingly irresistible grin.' They were memorable '

The air stirred, there was almost a heaviness mingled with the awkwardness that was nearly forced making them all uncomfortable. James hadn't expected it to be a reunion for the books or anything that dramatic now it appeared that they were all miles apart.

'I can see that you are busy,' replied James, standing and pulling an envelope out of his suit jacket,' I didn't come here to finagle a wedding invitation or relive our past history but here …congratulations on your upcoming nuptials '

Michael rose, accepting the envelope.' Thanks, man, that was cool of you but not necessary '

'Just please take it …..It's just a gift certificate as a token of our old friendship '

'Thank you; James,' Lisa pressed a kiss against his cheek,' it was thoughtful of you '

'You were always a classy woman, Lisa,' James flicked a glance towards his Rolex,' be happy. Now I really have to go ….dinner meeting '

James was gone as quickly as he of appeared. The couple exchanged shared looks of confusion before returning to their separate work.

'Well…that was interesting '

'It could have been worse,' teased Lisa, picking up the pearls again, eyes glinting with amusement,' it could have been one of my ex-boyfriends '

'Don't even joke about those jerks, lil Lisa '

' Or Del Figgalo ,' commented Michael of Quinn's very first high school boyfriend and world class idiot ,' Thank God, we didn't invite him to the wedding but Stacey's coming to '

Then like the blast from the past that was James Garrett, the man was gone leaving a bewildered Michael and Lisa exchanging shared looks with each other. As long as no respective ex- girlfriends or ex-boyfriends showed up out of the blue, they were well on their way to the countdown to the official wedding day.

Destination: Georgia