A/N: For the past three chapters, I've put the journal entry before the day's events. This time, however, I'm putting Jess's journal after the night's events. The journal, basically, will be written right after the events about to take place. I just thought I would clear that up beforehand.

Jess was leaning against her car, having already cleaned up from tonight's performance, waiting for Flay. She had seen him in the audience and he had already texted her about seeing her after her show, so he could talk to her. She had been waiting for a few minutes now, and it looked like she'll be here all night. She huffed. It was cold, and Anna was probably worried, even though she had texted and told her she was going to be late.

She leaned her head back as her mind started to wander. She had been thinking about that Vayne boy since he left her house yesterday. The way he smiled at her, it was breath-taking but...it never penetrated those soulful eyes of his, so deep and lost. He had looked so happy, except for those eyes. Anna had thought something...similar. She chuckled lightly to herself as she remember that conversion...

"I tell you, Jess, the man had Shinigami eyes! How else could he have looked so happy with eyes like those?" The young girl crossed her arms. "Tell me, Jess!"

/He does not have Shingami eyes, Anna! That's a little silly, even for you! Maybe...he's just really sad about something?/ The mute shrugged her shoulders.

Anna narrowed her eyes at her. "Don't tell me you aren't the least bit interested!"

/I don't know! I just met him five minutes ago!/

However, she was interested in him. She couldn't think of anyone but him. She dreamed of him last night, she even turned down extra money because she couldn't stop thinking of him. She lightly pulled at her hair. This was driving her insane! How could she possibly let any man make her feel this way?She sighed. She just needed to calm down. It was probably because he was the only guy she'd met in a while that wasn't asking for something from her...Though, she was sure once he found out she was a stripper, he would jump at the chance. All men do.

"Ah, Jess. Deep in thought, I see." She turned to see Flay approach her. He was sauntering causally, a shit-eating grin on his face. "Tell me, what were you thinking about?"

She glared at him, although it was playful. / You are late, Flay./

"I was a bit held-up. But, I am here now and that's all that matters."

/Alright, so tell me why I'm here./

He laughed, the sound seeming to get under her skin. It was such an ominous feeling. "Yes, well...I have a proposal, of sorts." He crossed his arms. "And I promise I will pay for your time."

She arched an eyebrow. Flay had never asked for anything from her...She worked for him, of course; he was the owner of the strip club, Heart's Prison. So technically, he never asked for anything outside of work. Jess remained silent, unsure how to answer him.

Flay chuckled lightly. "It's really a win/win situation for all parties. I've decided to dabble a little bit in...match-making."

/Match-making?/

"Yes, match-making. Now, tell me, what do you think of Vayne?"

What did she think of Vayne? Was Flay...? Was this the "match-making" he was talking about? She loved Flay like an older brother, but he really didn't need to butt into her love life. She was a stripper, strippers have no love life. She covered her face in her hands. She didn't need this. She wouldn't be able to take another heart break. She swallowed the breath she was holding.

/He seems like a good guy. He's very quiet./

"Jess, is that all? Omission of the truth counts as lying."

She watched him grin wider, likely due to the stunned look she had on her face. He knew she never lied about anything. It almost felt like he trapped her. / Fine, I think he's cute, too. Happy?/

"My, Jess, are we getting testy? I'll just cut to the chase, then. I want you to get to know Vayne better. He needs a good girl in his life, and you need a boy that would treat you right. You and Vayne would be a perfect fit for each other."

She glared at him for real this time. /I'm a stripper, Flay. Of course the man is going to want to get to know me better./

"Don't tell him you're a stripper. Just tell him you work for me. Leave it at that. What do you say, Jessica? Like I said, I will pay for lost wages."

She blinked. /You never said I wouldn't have to work./

"Oh? I didn't? Well, I'll pay for days you don't work. I do have plenty of other women who would gladly strip." His nose wrinkled after that last statement. "You can spend more time with your sister and getting to know Vayne."

She frowned, raw emotion building up in her throat. /And if we fall in love? What, then I tell him I'm a stripper? No, I'm sorry, Flay. I'm not putting myself through that./

"Hmm..." Flay seemed to be in mock thoughtfulness. "Then, how about...Double your pay?"

It took her a minute to process that. Double what she's paid...to not strip? To be nice to a guy she was already interested in? Anna...would be thrilled she wouldn't have to do this anymore. But, she did have to do it again, eventually. What a situation she was in. It was a situation she was getting paid for, however.

/Fine. I...accept your offer./ She felt a way of defeat wash over her, oddly replaced with a sense of calm.

"Thank you. I knew you would see things my way." He opened her car door for her. "I'll send him over tomorrow morning with your paycheck."

She nodded numbly, climbed in the car and drove off.

Dear Diary,

What a night! I'm so numb and confused right now, I'm just glad Anna was asleep. What is Flay thinking? More importantly, what was I thinking to agree to do this!

I have a headache. I'm going to bed.

Jessica Philomele

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to get this out! Busy, busy, busy! And, please don't think the journal entry is a cop-out because it's so short. I just imagined that Jess wouldn't have much to say.