A/N1:

*Charlaine H. owns all the characters. While some of the plot lines were inspired by the romance novel author Eve M.

** This chapter was so hurriedly written and unbeta'd… so there might be a lot of errors…my apologies…I really, really wanted them to meet already.

Semi-Charmed Kinda Life

Chapter 3: The beach gives a feeling

"Eric I'm so glad that we are together tonight. I've missed you so much, honey" said Sandy, the daughter of Felipe de Castro who owns of several Casinos in Las Vegas.

A twinge of irritation flared on Eric's insides when he heard Sandy's last statement. Eric called her earlier on a whim. He's bored and he didn't want to be alone tonight. They were having dinner at Crawdad Ristorante & Café, a posh restaurant in LA.

Sandy looked ravishing in her itsy-bitsy black, slinky dress that showed too much cleavage. If only she would stop telling him that 'she missed him sooooo much'. He found it so exasperating and phony. And why would Sandy miss him? Okay, maybe they had hot sex whenever they were both available but to actually miss him like they had more than active libido between them was ridiculous! He knew for a fact that she was also dating other men.

"Did you miss me too Eric?"

"I did call you", he fought the urge to sigh. He would be in a mad loop with Sandy tonight if he wasn't careful. 'Fuck'

Is marathon sex with her even worth it? It's certainly starting to lose its appeal on him. Maybe he's really getting too old for this.

"Eric…I…well… Lately…I stopped dating other guys…"

Eric looked intently at Sandy. There went the miniscule lust that he'd been trying to build for tonight. Kaput…it just evaporated. "Why?"

"Because I want you, Eric…only you" Sandy said.

He didn't believe her. Not even a little. "Sandy…"

"I know…I know…okay…we are just dating casually" Dating? Is she delusional? Dinner before sex isn't exactly dating…a booty call…a fuck buddy…that's more like it

Sandy continued, "I'm not pressuring you into anything…I just want you to know…where I am standing…with this…with us"

"Sandy, I won't lie to you…I…"

"You don't see me in that way…we are just…having fun"

"Yes, I'm sorry but I don't see us other than that"

"It's okay at least you miss me sometimes right?"

I didn't answer.

"Will you still see me?"

"When our schedules allow it" He was carefully phrasing his words. He didn't want to promise her anything. He didn't lie to her. She knew what she will be getting from him from the start.

"That's fine. Did you really miss me tonight? I've been calling you and you never returned my calls. That secretary of yours is a bitch, Eric. I don't know why you haven't fired that old bat. She never puts me through…it's either you're out, or in a meeting"

That old bat is not my secretary. Ness Payton is my ever reliable personal assistant who will be receiving a big bonus tomorrow. Clearly, her ability to discern and obstruct unwanted calls is commendable. Discernment- the ability that the woman in front of him seems to lack…

And that made him wonder because he knew that Sandy is not stupid or dense…she has never been this pushy or clingy. 'I wonder why…I fucking hate mind games'

"I've been really busy Sandy. A lot of problems developed these past couple of weeks" He was getting bored with this conversation. Now he fucking regretted calling her. 'Fuck, fuck, fuck'

"A close friend told me that he saw you the other day in a bar hanging out with Yvetta Levandi"

And...? Did she expect him to explain? He wasn't good at explaining or justifying his actions. Not that he will. He didn't give a comment.

"Is there something going on with you and that starlet?"

This time he really sighed, not caring anymore if his boredom showed. What the fuck is he doing with this woman? He's just wasting his time. Or Sandy was just wasting time on him. She would be better off dating some other guy, someone who would appreciate her brand of seduction because he was no longer interested. The sex has been good but that was all there was to it. He wanted more.

'More? Like hell! What more do I want?' That only confused him. And confusion was an alien emotion to him who knew from the early age that he held the world in his hands. He was always self-assured and decisive. He always knew what he wanted in life and he pretty much do what he pleased. But now he was a jumble of frustrations both mentally and physically.

He needed to get his act together. He was becoming a lousy company and an even lousier lover.

He ended up depositing a very furious Sandy on her condominium doorstep later. He was thankful that the night with her was over. He heaved an exasperated sigh as he leaned on the elevator wall. No woman had turned him on these past weeks. He followed Alcide's advice to abstain from sex. He shoved his head on his job. He did nothing but work. Work…work…and fucking work…The results? He felt like he's losing his mind

Before, when he felt pressured from work he would unwind at Asgard-his bar. There he would either play poker with his friends or get laid. But now, all his visits to his bar did not do him any good… at all. He just felt more frustrated because he was surrounded by all those beautiful women whom he had zero desire to fuck. He would go home frustrated and angry every time.

How applicable to him was the cliché- all work and no play…

Damn, he needed a break.

"AH THIS IS LIFE!" said Sookie.

She was lying* on a hammock & relaxing under the shades of palm oil trees at the shores of Viking Island. She was wearing a fuchsia two-piece string bikini and sipping leisurely from her glass of four seasons while gazing at the blue green expanse of the ocean. The sky today was an amazing cloudless blue and not hidden by any haze. This was indeed paradise, she sighed contentedly.

She was feeling so grateful… she felt very fortunate to be on the guest list of Sophie-Anne's. She vowed to make the old woman's party a very memorable event. She would give her very best to entertain Sophie-Anne and his husband. After all she was being paid an obscene amount of money for a relatively small job.

She felt so good. The island staff treated her like a queen. The food here is divine. It was delivered to her cottage by the staff. She would have to spend more hours in the gym when she comes back.

The small cottage that she occupies lies on east side of the island. There were several cottages along the island and she chose the farthest among them. She wanted to feel like she's the only person in the world. She wanted total privacy. She wanted to relax and reflect without anything or anyone disturbing herself introspection.

From the staff she learned that there were other guests here. She was even invited to visit the Northman's villa which was built on the highest part of the island. She had seen the villa from afar when the twin-engine plane that she was riding landed. It was a huge Mediterranean house, multi-leveled with white washed walls and red tilled roofs.

She has not visited the villa but she will go there before she returns to California. She has not left her small but very cozy cottage. Sophie-Anne has hired the best architect and interior designer for the cottages. The interior was designed with furnishings that were classy and very tasteful. 'Zen inspired'

She was also glad when the island staff didn't recognize her. She downplayed her looks. She didn't wear make-up and she's wearing ordinary clothes. There was no trace that she was a famous celebrity. She even used a fake name- Amy Carmichael…Amelia will sure get a kick out of that. She looks like any other guest unwinding at this beautiful island.

She felt so at peace with her surroundings. Here, she didn't have to worry about anything…not about what she was wearing…or about her appearance. No one would care. She felt free and no amount of money in the world can trump that feeling of inner serenity that she is experiencing now.

It is in Viking Island that she formulated her New Year's resolutions. She had worked hard all this years. Now that she's accomplished in that respect, this time she'll focus on her personal life. Thus she made her list of must do's before she hit thirty next month.

Number one- get a life. Hmmm…to put it more bluntly, a sex life! She'd find herself a boyfriend… and romance… plenty of it!

She had a lot to catch up in the sexual department. 'But it's never too late to get started' she thought determinedly and with bubbling anticipation.

And the first part of her plan was already set into motion. She called JB a few days ago and she asked him for a date! She was so empowered by what she did. JB agreed all too willingly. They had dinner together and watched a movie afterwards. The paparazzi didn't even get a wind of it! Isn't that a good sign or what?

Okay that was too enthusiastic of her. JB is…beautiful…no he is handsome… and sporty and… easy going…but he is about as sharp as a bowl of jello… 'body by Fisher - brains by Mattel'

She laughed when she recalled the ridiculous conversations they had over dinner. 'Oh JB thank God you are beautiful'

And he was a good kisser too. She was still unsure of how to proceed with JB. She really can't see herself with him in the long run. Good looks, hot body and a presumably above average sexual prowess can only take you so far as a few fun romps in the sack. And isn't that was she's looking for? 'A boy toy…perfect'

Now for resolution number two- get a bolder image. She really wanted to change her image. But she's scared and she didn't have the guts to portray sexy roles in her films. Usually she starred in movies that are romantic comedies. And so far only a hand few of them became box-office hits.

It's time for her acting to evolve. She wanted bigger challenges. She wanted to be recognized and respected as a serious actress.

She had been living the celebrated life of a diva, basking in the glittery world of fame and fortune…from the outside. Looking from within, she was a caged bird. Lafayette and Amelia were right she has not been living her life to the fullest. She has forgotten what is essential in her life because she concentrated more on her career.

She wanted more. She needed more.

Fireworks

Ah, she couldn't wait to start really living her life the way she wanted it to be. Free, fruitful, bold, adventurous, colorful, exciting and gratifying.

She couldn't wait to go back to California.

Eric expertly landed his private twin engine plane on the small airstrip of Viking Island. It had been a while since he last visited his favorite place in the world. He decided to take a much needed vacation because he had enough of his life in California. Pressures from work…his personal problems… they became too overwhelming for him. He was near breaking point because of his early onset midlife crisis…he needed his refuge…A safe haven to restore his spirit and to clear his head.

He got off the plane and when his feet touched solid ground, he breathed in deeply and smelled the fresh clean salty air of the island. A deep sense of serenity enveloped him. He has now reached his sanctuary.

And he was eager to see Loki. Eric loves to ride his prized Thoroughbred around the island. They have several Arabian stallions and brood mares here too but Loki is his favorite.

Rasul, the chief security of the island approached him.

"Eric, good to see you man…it has been a while" Rasul greeted.

They shook hands. Rasul led him to a Renegade Jeep. He sat on the passenger seat.

"So how are things around here?" He asked

"Okay, I guess. It's quiet. Everything's under control. No problems at all. Sometime I wish some minor scuffle will occur to spice things up around here" Rasul joked.

He smiled. He can understand Rasul's side. "Boring?"

"You have no idea…"

"Do we have guests?"

"Yup. A few…around 20 or so…most of them were quite reclusive…I don't see them often…but the staff checks with them every now and then…so far no one is missing" Rasul laughed.

"Right. So is anyone in the Villa?"

"Yes. Your cousin"

"Who?"

"Pam"

He groaned.

"She arrived three days ago with a certain blonde broad, she's hot"

"Which one?"

"The shipping heiress, I think? What's her name? I forgot. You know Pam. I've lost count of the number of women that she brings here in the Island"

"I think the name is Belinda Shultz." So Pam is vacationing with her, huh?

"Yup that's her name-Belinda. Oh and Dawn Greene is here too, I remembered because we talked for a bit when she landed yesterday…"

"Really?" Clusterfuck

"said she's your girlfriend…though I supposed she deleted Ex in that statement" Rasul chuckled

"Well…if you see her forget to mention me" They both laugh.

Girlfriend? Like hell! They dated before…and yes…it was longer than any of the other women he's been with. She's a ballerina…and you know how flexible and bendy they can be. She was also the daughter of a close family friend.

"I bet Livia invited her - they are like this" Eric held up his hand, index and middle finger crossed together.

When they arrived at the villa, he saw Pam and Belinda immediately. Pam was sitting by the pool with her feet on the water while Belinda dozed off on one of the pool lounge chairs.

When Pam saw him, she stood up and walked towards him. "Kusin!" [cousin] Pam said. She hugged him.

"What are you doing here, brat?" Eric hugged her back

"Nice to see you too, master".

"Pam, errrmm… master, -.." Rasul said. They laughed.

"I'm not that bossy…"

"Riiiiight" said Pam

"I'll see you guys later"

He nodded and Rasul took his leave. They walked back and sat on the lounge chairs. Bobby, the caretaker of the villa approached them.

"Bobby, nice to see you"

"You too Sir Eric…would you like a drink?"

"Scotch please"

"Right away sir" He watched Bobby's retreating figure for a bit before returning his gaze towards Pam

"You didn't answer my question, Pamela" Bobby returned with his drink then walked quickly back towards the villa.

"I need a break…we all do..." answered Pam. 'Well if that isn't vague'

"So how long will you be here" asked Eric. Not that he didn't want her here…In fact…although he wouldn't admit it out loud she is his favorite cousin. He loved her dark and often sarcastic humor. Pam was also loyal to a fault

"I know right? I want to hang out with you too" Pam said in her most saccharine tone.

"Turn off the sarcasm brat" Eric smirked at her

"Then stop being a party-pooper Eric… what has got your panties in such a twist kusin?"

"I saw my dear cousin here" He gave out his most sullen look.

"Awww… we share the same sentiments then…So why are you here?" Pam stared at him intently like she's trying to pry his mind open

"I need a break too" he said just as vaguely

"You? Why?" inquired Pam.

He shrugged. "Unwind…relax…bask in solitude…the works"

"You didn't bring anyone though…that's new"

"Solitude" Annoying brat

"Hmm…is it a girl?" Pam teased

He snorted. "What?"

"The only 2 things that concerns the mighty Eric Northman are working and womanizing… and since I didn't hear any major problems last time we attended the board meeting…it could only mean one thing…women…a woman" Pam speculated

Eric didn't answer. He shifted a little in his chair. Fuck Pam

"Well, fuck a zombie! Eric I can't believe it…you? No fucking way" Pam gave a tinkling laugh.

"You have a potty mouth…"

"And you're pouting…" Pam chuckled

He remained silent and just gave Pam a hard look

"This is unfuckingbelievable, come on spill it"

"I want to see Loki"

Eric stood up. Finished his drink in one gulp and walked towards the villa. He could still hear his cousin laugh.

A/N2

* Everything is set…Sookie and Eric has reached the shores of Viking Island… Sookie was also done with her self-reflection thingy…next chapter…the meeting… thanks for being patient

**Click the review button and get a teaser for Chap4: Those little red panties- they pass the test … ;-)

ciao