On the way back to the hotel Jake tried again to convince Marissa to dine with him but she resisted. He thought to himself that she would give in eventually but little did he know she was actually finding it easier and easier to say no and if he kept this up she didn't know if she could even continue to be polite to him.

When they arrived at the hotel they were met by a number of tabloid photographers all looking for a photo of them together. Marissa wanted to just ignore them but Jake pulled her back to pose with him. He told her all publicity was good publicity as far as he was concerned. She couldn't disagree more. But she gritted her teeth and then made her way inside.

Once in her room she took a long shower, ordered a sandwich from room service and then decided it was time to call Julie.

"Marissa. How was your first day?" Julie asked.

"Busy. I have no idea what I'm doing. I have to ask questions all the time but everyone seems to be very patient with me. I guess that will run out eventually but for the moment it's fine."

"Have you seen anyone?" Julie asked wondering if she would have tried to get in touch with any of them yet.

Marissa knew exactly what her mother was fishing for but she would not make it easy for her so she played dumb. "What you mean movie stars? Well Jake Hammond obviously, he actually asked me out to dinner tonight."

"Marissa that's great. He's a real catch. Well you go and have a good time and I'll talk to you later." Julie replied thinking that if Marissa had a man in her life then there would be less chance that she would try to contact Ryan.

"No. I declined. I'm really tied and still getting over jet lag so I just needed an early night."

"Well I hope you just took a rain check. You won't get offers from someone like him everyday." Julie replied.

"Well I've had one everyday so far and I swear the man thinks he God's gift to women so I don't think it has even entered his head yet that I am really not interested."

"Marissa, please don't do this again. How many handsome, eligible and rich bachelors have you just brushed off in the last few years? You know you may be attractive but there isn't a never ending supply. Even for you."

"I know mum, but I'm really not interested in him. When I find someone I am, I'll be sure and let you know." A picture of a certain someone came in to Marissa's mind as she said this, but she wasn't about to tell her mother about that. Not yet anyhow.

Almost as if she had ESP Julie asked "So you haven't spoken to him yet."

"Who?" Marissa asked innocently.

"Don't who me. You know who."

"Actually I have."

"What!..When… You've only been there 24 hours. You just couldn't help yourself. Even though I told you to keep away. He'll just break your heart again. I told you to have nothing to do with him. You should never have gone to LA in the first place." Julie was panic stricken. What would she do if it all came out?

"Whoa mum. Panic much? I barely said two words to him."

"I don't understand." Julie said trying to calm herself down.

"I got lost on the lot today and I actually stopped to ask someone directions and it just turned out the someone was Ryan. Interesting hey?"

Interesting was not the word Julie would have used. Disastrous was more what she was thinking of. "So did you talk to him?"

"Barely. He was just leaving. I guess you could say we exchanged pleasantries but that was about it." Marissa replied thinking back to her meeting with Ryan.

"And how does he look?" Julie couldn't help but ask.

"Better than ever. His hair is a bit darker. I guess he doesn't get to spend as much time in the sun as he used to but his eyes are even bluer than I remembered."

"Marissa. Just take my advice and keep away from him. Sure he might be rich, famous and good looking but you know he's not for you."

"I'm sure he is not interested in me mum so don't worry. Anyhow enough about me. How is Dan? Is his divorce through yet?" Marissa asked knowing the best way to change the subject was to get her mother started on talking about herself.

"No. Probably about 6 weeks the lawyer seems to think. His wife is being a real bitch."

"Well I guess she is entitled to. You pair have upset her life just a smidge."

"Don't you take her side. You know Dan wasn't happy with her but if you are just in one of those moods where you will say anything just to annoy me then I'm going to hang up and I'll talk to you later."

"Okay. I've got to go anyhow, my room service just arrived. I'll call you later in the week."

"Just make sure you stay away from him. You know he will only break you heart." Julie added wanting to do all she could to stop Marissa from talking to Ryan.

"Don't worry mum. I'm fine. That was all a long time a go. I've grown up a lot since then. He can't hurt me like that anymore." Marissa said as she hung up. She placed the telephone down and wondered to herself if she really believed that or not.

Knowing the affect just seeing Ryan had on her today she wasn't so sure.

---

The next morning Marissa had to spend some time in wardrobe with Summer, being measured and fitted for her costumes. She had been looking forward to it, hoping that Summer would bring her up to date with everything that had been going on. Marissa told Summer about her meeting with Ryan and how awkward it had been. She had been hoping that Summer would reassure her and tell her that everything was fine but Summer didn't seem to want to talk about Ryan at all. If anything Summer seemed to be more in to asking questions than answering any. She asked about what Marissa had been doing in Europe and how Julie was going and generally kept up small talk until their time together was almost ended.

Summer had been looking forward to the morning working with Marissa. She still seemed like the old Marissa but Summer wasn't going to let her guard down that easily. It was obvious that Marissa was interested in Ryan, very interested, but after all that had happened Summer was very protective of him. Sure he might seem like the handsome, rich eligible bachelor that he was, but Summer also knew the other side of Ryan. The side that he now kept hidden to all but his 'family' and she would do every thing in her power to make sure that Marissa didn't hurt him again. That was why she had planned for them to meet at her and Seth's apartment. She figured she could keep an eye on them. There was a part of her that could think of nothing better than the Fantastic Four getting back together but she would just have to wait and see.

Summer realised that Marissa had been happy to answer all of her questions and it really did seem like she was the same old Marissa, except that she obviously got on with Julie now, which had never happened when she had lived in Newport. That in itself made Summer nervous. Anybody that got on with Julie was a bit strange as far as Summer was concerned but the more she spoke with Marissa the more she came to realise that this was an older and more mature Marissa. She seemed to have accepted that Julie was her mother and nothing was going to change that but it didn't necessarily mean that they saw eye to eye.

Summer laughed at Marissa when she was relating her call to her mother last night. She didn't for a minute think that it was strange that Julie would be dead against Marissa seeing Ryan. Julie had never liked him.

"I mean she gets almost hysterical at the mere mention of his name." Marissa stated.

"So I guess you didn't tell her that we are all having dinner together tomorrow night." Summer laughed.

"Hell no! I think she would be on the next plane here to forcibly restrain me. I mean we are talking raving lunatic stuff here. Worse than when I lived here." Marissa added.

"It surprises me. I mean the old Julie Cooper Nichol would have greeted him with open arms now that he is made of money. She must have changed. Or maybe there is something more to it?" Summer mused. " I know. You know how she got together with Luke well maybe she put the moves on Ryan and he knocked her back. I don't think she would ever forgive him for that." Summer laughed at the mere thought of Ryan and Julie together.

Marissa was laughing at Summer's suggestion knowing that she was just being Summer and thinking of the most ridiculous thing she could but part of Marissa was concerned. Surely it couldn't be anything like that. But her mother definitely had an irrational fear of her spending time with him. She hadn't really thought about it before but surely there wasn't anything between Ryan and Julie.

Was there?

---

Wednesday afternoon came and Marissa went to check with Summer what she should wear tonight and to get their address.

"I just want to look nice for him." Marissa stated obviously getting nervous about the upcoming dinner.

"You could wear a sack and still look great so I don't know what you are worried about." Summer replied. "But if you are really concerned why don't you come home with me. I have to drop by the mall on the way home to pick up a couple of things for dinner and I'm sure we could fit in a bit of shopping while we are there. There is a new store there that you will just love. We could have a bit of the old Summer/Marissa shopping time and then you could just get ready at my place. What do you say?"

"I'd love it. It would also give me an excuse not to go back to the hotel with Jake. I mean that man is getting really creepy. He's a real jerk. But, are you sure it won't be too much trouble. Having to take me with you. I mean it's not that easy for me to go to a shopping mall anymore. Someone always seems to recognise me and then I seem to end up with a trail of people following me wanting autographs or photos or something"

"Listen … I'm used to it. Much as he tries to avoid it, Ryan has to shop sometimes, like Chrismukkah and birthdays and I often go with him, as advisor and to run interference. Let me tell you he resembles the Pied Piper. Although he always seems to leave a trail of broken hearts behind when they realise that he doesn't even notice them."

"I think I know what you mean. Yesterday when I was at admin, the girl behind reception didn't even notice I was there she was so busy falling over herself when he walked in the door."

"Yeah. That's Sarah. I think she has already picked out names for their children. She's been in lurrvv with him for about 3 years now…along with most of the other single females that work here, actresses included."

"But surely they have all the film stars to drool over. Why do they all pick Ryan?"

Marissa asked.

"Surely you of all people should know him well enough to know that he is in a different class?"

"Yeah. I know what you mean." Marissa replied thinking she had no chance of getting him back when he could have his pick.

---

They had a great time at the mall and Marissa had a lovely time with Summer spending up big. She bought a couple of outfits because they just couldn't decide which was best and shoes and underwear to match each outfit and then they headed back to Seth and Summers apartment.

After they had both showered and changed (Marissa ended up tossing a coin to decide which outfit to wear), Summer set about getting dinner started while Marissa set the table.

"I love your apartment. It's just beautiful. Even though it is in the middle of town it has a really open spacious feel to it. There is nothing like this in Europe, everything is pokey."

"Yeah. We love it too, but you can guess who designed it." Summer added.

"What? No?...Really?" Marissa stated as Summer nodded her head.

"Yep. He really is gifted. He didn't become successful by being just a good salesman. His designs are so good they sell themselves. He has whole projects sold out before he has even finished the designs. You should see his penthouse. It is absolutely gorgeous."

"Does he still live in Newport?"

"No. He has a house at Newport but he found he was spending too much time commuting so he now only uses it on weekends. During the week he uses the penthouse in town."

"I'm amazed, and I guess just a little nervous." She looked at Summer and laughed. "Okay who am I kidding? I'm shit scared. I mean I don't even know if I'll be able to think of anything to talk to him about. I could barely remember my own name when I saw him. He is a little intimidating."

"No he isn't. He is still the same old Chino. Just busier and he certainly doesn't need to wait tables at the Crab Shack anymore for money." Summer laughed.

"When I saw him on Monday, he didn't really seem like he wanted to talk to me. It looked like he couldn't get away fast enough." Marissa looked at Summer wishing she could have said the exact opposite.

"Well. Maybe he was just as surprised as you were at running into you like that. I'm sure you'll find that he is still the same old Ryan. Why don't we have a glass of wine to help settle your nerves while we wait for the boys."

"Okay. Sounds good."

---

Seth arrived home about 7:30 to a couple of giggly women. He topped up their drinks and got himself one and sat and watched and listened to them chatter on about anything and everything. He couldn't get a word in edgewise which was unheard of for Seth. It seemed to him, watching them, that Marissa and Summer had somehow found a way to turn the clock back. Anyone that walked in would think they were still in high school the way they were carrying on. He couldn't help but laugh at them. Little Miss Vixen and Cosmo Girl were alive and well.

As 8 approached he noticed that Marissa started to get a bit edgy. She kept looking at the clock and at the door obviously waiting for Ryan to arrive. She tried to keep the conversation going but it was obvious she had become preoccupied waiting for the door bell to go announcing his arrival.

At 8:30, Summer was just debating whether to call Ryan to find out what was keeping him, when they got a call from Annabel, his secretary, informing them that Ryan had been held up and that they should start without him. He would join them as soon as he could get away. They held on till 9 but then decided to eat as everyone was starting to get hungry plus the wine had gone straight to their heads so food was definitely in order. The girls gave Seth instructions to serve because he'd had the least to drink; hence he was probably less likely to fall over plus it meant the girls didn't have to move.

At 10:30 there was still no sign of Ryan, and Marissa thought she should probably go home. He obviously wasn't coming. She got up to go to the bathroom only to find she had a bit of a sway going. She had obviously had more to drink than she thought and she misjudged the edge of the table and ran into it with a loud thud.

"Ow!" she exclaimed looking down to survey the damage.

"That's going to leave a mark" Seth added.

"Thanks for that Seth. It really helps" Marissa replied.

"Do you want some ice?" Summer asked but then started to giggle. She couldn't help herself. "I mean for your leg not for another drink…..Sorry for laughing. I just realised we are all a little under the weather." She chuckled. "If we have hangovers tomorrow, Ryan will never hear the end of this."

"Ugh. I don't think I can imagine facing up to Jake with a hangover. He is bad enough when I am sober." Marissa giggled "but I really better get going. It'll still be an hour or more before I can get back to the hotel and to bed."

"Why don't you stay? Then we can just go to work together tomorrow. I'm sure I have some clothes that you can borrow or you can just wear the other outfit you bought. It'll be like one of our old sleepovers…. only Seth will be here." Summer suggested looking at him and frowning as if he somehow would spoil it for them.

"You say that in a bad way but surely I add a dimension to a sleepover that you could only have dreamed about back in high school?" Seth stated.

They all laughed together.

"If you're sure that it's all right, I'd love too." Marissa replied.

"Great. Just follow me and we'll get you sorted out." Summer said as she rose from the couch feeling a bit wobbly as she got to her legs. "Actually a big glass of water might be a good idea before we go to bed and maybe a couple of Advil's as well."

They stopped past the kitchen for the painkillers and the water and Marissa looked sadly at Summer. "Do you think he stayed away just because he knew I was here?"

"No. He probably just got held up with work. He is a busy man you know." Summer added trying to reassure Marissa.

"Does he often not show for these dinners?"

"Well. Not recently." Summer didn't want to admit that this was the first time Ryan had let them down and not turned up when they had been expecting him.

"I'm scared that he is avoiding me. I know he has moved on and I'm nothing special to him anymore but I was at least hoping we could still be friends." Marissa added looking sadly at Summer. "I don't want to upset his life. Maybe I should just keep away. I told you he didn't seem to want to talk to me when I saw him."

"I think you are just overreacting. Let's just wait and see what held him up. Go to bed. It will all seem better in the morning. Well maybe not our heads but everything else." Summer smiled and tried to brighten up for Marissa.

---

After saying good night to Marissa, Summer walked into her bedroom and turned to Seth who was already in bed. "That boy has some answering to do. You know she has decided that he is avoiding her and she figures she should just stay away from us because she doesn't want to cause any problems between him and us."

"Maybe that's a good idea" Seth added still not sure what this was all about. He liked the way his life was going before Marissa came back. He didn't know if they needed the complications she seemed to bring with her. Although he also knew that she was probably the only female that may be able to get through the wall that Ryan had built around himself.

"I can't believe you said that. I for one am having a great time with her here and I intend to see as much of her as possible before she has to disappear again. So if that boy wants to see me at all in the next couple of months, he is just going to have to get over himself and learn to cope with her being around and you better let him know it, because if it's left up to me I totally think I will rage blackout on him."

"Okay, okay. I'll have a talk to him tomorrow." Seth said looking at Summer who was still staring at him.

"First thing. I promise." Seth added.

---