Happy Easter and Passover to all of you people out in computer land! I hope you had a good holiday, I know I certainly did. A little bit stuffed, but in one piece. Also I feel like I am on a bit of a sugar rush, which is probably why I haven't been able to sit down long.

The review button has finished with his therapy and no longer wants to throw himself off a cliff. Thank you to all of you that have reviewed so far on the whole story. As I have said before, there will only be a few more chapters left before this is finished.

Thanks to all of the people that have reviewed this story so far and especially to my beta VintageConspiracy.

Usual disclaimer: I own nothing

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Chapter 7 MPOV

We sat in an awkward silence for a while before I stood up quickly.

"I need to visit the bathroom really quick."

Natalia looked up from ogling Joey, "Um, down the hall. Fourth door on the left is the bathroom."

I nodded and left, but not before catching Joey's eye. He looked like he was just starting to relax, but was starting to worry about me and his parents liking me. I smiled, reassuring him that I was fine. Well, I think I was fine. I mean, slightly nervous, but fine.

I headed down the hall and searched for the door. One, two, three, fo… Suddenly a harsh whisper traveled towards me from the next hallway.

"I don't see what your problem is, Evie! She seems like a very nice girl, and Joey seems very happy with her. The happiest that I have seen him in years! There is no reason for you to drive her insane or starve them! I know you did that on purpose with the turkey."

I froze, puzzled. Where Mr. and Mrs. Parker talking about me? Half of me hoped so; I was the only girl that Joey was with as far as I knew.

"Rod, as his mother I have this sense about these kind of things! THAT GIRL IS NOT RIGHT FOR HIM! Who knows, she may stick this marriage out for a year, then run off with all of his money! Natalia was a much better girl; I always knew that she wouldn't do anything like that to Joey." Mrs. Parker was defiantly not trying to keep her voice down.

I unconsciously slipped into the nearest door and left the door open a little crack so I could still hear, but if they decided to move they wouldn't catch me eavesdropping. Normally I wasn't the type of person to do this sort of thing, but then who doesn't want to know what their in-laws really think of them.

"But Joey was never in LOVE with Natalia like he is with Mary. That whole relationship was seen as uncomfortable and forced. Everyone saw that. I know I did as well as the paparazzi, his friend Dustin, and all the band members. The only one who didn't seem to have a problem with it was you."

I smiled faintly. I cheered Mr. Parker on for defending me. It seemed like he had more backbone than I had originally thought.

"Don't forget Dominique! Don't you remember all the things that she has said about the girl when we found out that they left for New York together? She said how horrible and what a slut she was. Don't you think that Dominique would know everything about her after taking her in for over ten years?"

I was disgusted. Well, Dominique was to be expected. She must still be sour about me leaving her in her 'time of need'. She would tell them anything if that meant getting payback at me.

There was silence on the other side of the door for a moment and I was starting to think that they had moved, but then I heard Mrs. Parker say softly, "Rod, I don't want my baby to get hurt. If he marries that wretched girl, he will end up getting hurt."

"You think that I am stupid enough to believe that bull? I saw that contract you made with Natalia. I can read Eve. I know that you constructed a plan with her saying that if you help her get another chance at marrying Joey, you will receive everything incase anything ever happens to Joey instead of going to Natalia. You just want the money. Always have, always will."

There was another moment of silence on the other side and I could only imagine Mrs. Parker was giving him a look that could surely kill. I felt sorry for him, he was putting himself in this position for me.

"How dare you. I bring your child into the world, raise him, teach him, and do everything for him and what do I get? My ass of a husband saying that I want him dead just so I can have money!?"

"Oh don't pretend to be offended! I know who your parents are; they would have no trouble in getting rid of Joey if you wanted them to. And if your plan didn't work out and Joey and Mary ended up getting married, Mary too. That's what happens when your parents are in a secret mafia type group. They are cold and heartless, just like you."

I heard a loud slap, a thud, and the sound of heels walking away. I felt time freeze and I slid slowly to the floor. I took deep breaths, pulled my legs to my chest and rested my head on my knees.

This was not right. How could a mother be willing to kill off her only son, her only child, for money? It was unthinkable that someone could do that sort of thing.

I was in the middle of taking deep breaths when I heard someone walk up next to me, bend down and ask, "Are you alright miss?"

I looked up and for the first time realized that I was in the kitchen with an eager looking young waiter around twenty looking softly at me. I smiled at him, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just need some time to think."

He looked towards the door that I had been listening through. Then he understood, "They were talking about you, weren't they, miss?"

I nodded slowly. He quickly said, "It's going to be okay, miss. If you ask me, it's the first time that Mister Parker has ever stood up to the Missus. If my hunch is correct, he will make sure that nothing will happen to either you or Mister Joey."

I gave him a weak smile, "Thanks." Offering my hand, I said, "I'm Mary Santiago."

He took it, "I know, I've seen the magazines and heard the maids gossiping about you and Mister Joey. I'm Jake Watson."

I let go of his hand and looked at the clock that was mounted on the wall and jumped up. "I should probably go. I was only supposed to be in the bathroom. They'll get suspicious." I gave Jake one last smile and said, "It was nice meeting you. Thanks again." Then I ran out of the room.

I slipped back into the sitting room without anyone but Joey and Mr. Parker noticing me. Natalia was too busy concentrating on Joey and Mrs. Parker was deeply fascinated with a glass of champagne. Mr. Parker looked at me suspiciously, just as I had hoped they would not.

I looked at Joey, knowing that I would have to tell him soon. Tonight, I corrected myself. I gave a weak smile to him, but he didn't seem to believe I was okay this time. I sank into the seat next to Mr. Parker and told myself, well I'm not.

Little did I know, I was in for some big trouble tonight. Trouble that would jeopardize my relationship with Joey.

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*runs under rock to avoid death threats and other unwanted things* Please, I promise that I have a reason to all this madness. Hopefully it will be solved next chapter.

I don't really have anything else to say except if you do review, please no flames. And I have another week of spring break so if you guys convince me, there might be another update. *hint hint* ;D