Friends and Lovers
By Misha

Author's Notes- This chapter is kind of short, I mostly just set up the date. I also introduce Brady, I haven't decided what role he'll play, but he will have a role in all this. Anyway, this chapter also includes the parents, who will start showing up more in the next couple chapters. That's it for now, enjoy.

Chapter Eleven

Saturday, November 18th 2000

The next night Chloe tapped her foot impatiently waiting for Phillip to pick her up. "We're going to be late." She told no one in particular.

Her mother, Nancy, stopped at the door and looked at her. "Chloe, honey, are you sure you don't want to come with us and meet up with Phillip there?"

"No. He'll be here any moment." Chloe said confidently. There was no way Phillip would ever stand her up.

"Nancy, Chloe's right." Her father, Craig, said from the doorway.

Nancy sighed and then picked up her coat.

Just then the doorbell rang. Craig sighed with relief, now maybe they could get going, and opened the door to reveal Phillip.

"I'm so sorry." He apologised to Chloe as soon as he steppe din the house. "Car trouble."

"It's okay." Chloe reassured him, walking to the door. She kissed her father's cheek. "I'll see you later Daddy."

"Alright Pumpkin." Craig agreed before Chloe and Phillip left.

"You look beautiful." Phillip told Chloe as he helped her into the car.

She blushed and smiled slightly. "Thanks. You look pretty good yourself."

Phillip smiled and leaned over to kiss her. "So, who are we sitting with tonight? My parents or yours? I don't think we ever decided."

Chloe looked down at her hands. "Actually, I told Belle we'd sit with her and Shawn." She said softly.

Phillip looked surprised. "Belle and Shawn, are they...?"

"Not really, but this is a step." Chloe smiled. "She really likes him Phillip and they'd be perfect together."

Phillip laughed. "I see you haven't dropped the idea of getting them together, have you?"

Chloe shook her head. "I guess not. So are you okay with this?"

"Well, I'm not thrilled about spending the entire night with Shawn, but sure." Phillip looked at Chloe tenderly. "I'd do anything for you, I hope you know that."

"I do." Chloe told him softly, leaning into kiss him again.

When they pulled apart Phillip started the car and pulled away from the Wesley's driveway.

Let's get this over with. He thought as he drove.
* * * * *

Belle nervously checked her hair one last time before running down the stairs to meet Shawn, who was being interrogated by her father and Brady.

"Daddy, stop!" She exclaimed when she heard him order Shawn to give him a complete itinerary for the evening.

Shawn looked grateful for her interference and smiled. "Thanks. You look beautiful, Belle."

"You look pretty good yourself." Belle said softly, trying not to show her joy that Shawn had noticed how she looked.

"You'll be sitting with us at the fund raiser, right?" John Black asked his daughter.

Belle shook her head. "No. Chloe's dad arranged for Chloe, Phillip, Shawn, and I to have our own table."

John didn't look to thrilled with the idea. "Isabella..." John began.

"I know this is family time, but..."

"It's more fun to sit with your friends, right?" Marlena asked as she came down the stairs.

Belle nodded. "Definitely."

John sighed. "On one condition, can you slide Brady in at your table?"

"I guess." Belle said. "I'd have talk to Dr. and Mrs. Wesley, but I'm sure it's fine."

"John." Marlena began in protest.

John held a finger to her lips. "Shh. It gives us time to ourselves without the kids around. You know, time for adult conversation?"

Marlena laughed. "Alright. Do you mind Sweetie?"

Belle shook her head. "No. Brady, you're going to love Chloe. She's the best."

"She is." Shawn agreed softly, trying not to think about how painful this evening would be, having to watch Chloe be with Phillip.

"I can't wait." Brady said with a nod. "And the guy, it's Phillip Kiriakis, right? My uncle?"

"Your uncle?" Shawn asked. "Which side. I mean Kate or Victor."

"Victor. He was my biological mother's father." Brady said, giving Shawn a curious glance. "Why do you ask?"

"We're cousins." Shawn said with a laugh. "It's complicated, but he's my biological grandfather as well."

"Neat." Belle said and then she turned to Shawn. "Let's go."

"Alright." Shawn agreed, offering his arm. "Brady, need a ride?"

"Sure." Brady accepted, following his sister and her date out of the penthouse while John watched with a sigh.

"She's growing up." He commented sadly. "She's not my baby anymore."
* * * * *

After arranging a fifth place at their table with Dr. Wesley Belle, Shawn, and Brady took their seats.

A minute later Phillip and Chloe arrived.

"Hey." Chloe said in greeting, than she eyed Brady in confusion.

"Hi." Brady said with a smile, eying Chloe appreciatively. Why hadn't Belle told him how hot this girl was? "I'm Belle's brother Brady."

"Ah. Chloe Wesley." Chloe answered, smiling as Phillip held out her chair for her. "And this is Phillip Kiriakis."

"We've met." Phillip answered. "It was a long time ago, but we met just the same."

"Really?" Chloe asked curiously.

"Phillip's my uncle." Brady told her with an easy grin. My mom was his sister."

"Your mom?" Chloe repeated. "Belle your Phillip's niece?" Belle shook her head. "No. Brady and I are half-siblings. We have different moms."

"Oh. Neat." Chloe said, she shrugged before turning her mind to other things. "What did you think of today's History quiz?" She asked Belle.

Belle made a face. "What do you think? Miss Gibson's quizzes have to be the worst."

"That's because you haven't had Mr. Rollins yet." Phillip said with a groan. "He'd make an awesome Drill Sargent."

Everyone laughed and they all began to swap teacher horror stories.
* * * * *