DISCLAIMER: This is purely fiction and none of it happened in real life. Nope, I don't own Paris Hilton, Tara Reid, The Simple Life, Tom Brady, New York Jets, New England Patriots or Hard Rock Café. I'm just writing for fun.
PART 6THE OTHER INTERN
In the next few days, Jessie and Katie barely had time to talk. If Katie wasn't locked inside her workroom all day, she'd be out with Joanna all night. Jessie, on the other hand, had started her internship at the New York General Hospital. Her work kept her busy and she rarely had time for her sister, more so, for other people. She usually comes home late and could hardly see Katie whenever she's home.
That night, after a tiring shift at the hospital, Jessie came home late, as usual. Chris had dropped her home since he's still in the city and would not be leaving until Sunday. She was hungry but didn't plan on having dinner with her boyfriend. She just wants to go back to the penthouse, take a shower, listen to music, get some sleep, and maybe, see Katie…
Grace was at their dining room when she heard their front door opened and close, followed by glum footsteps.
"Hey Jessie! Will you come over here for a second, please?! I'm at the dining room!" Grace called for her. Jessie, after resting her bag to the couch, headed to where Grace said she was.
"How did you know it was me?" Jessie smiled weakly. It had been a really long day.
"You're the only one who can walk so sadly. Katie usually flounces around when she comes home. She's the scandalous type, you're the quiet one. It's pretty easy to distinguish." Grace grinned. It was only then that Jessie realized that the table was set for two, and there was actually a delicious meal prepared on top of it.
"Is Tad coming over for late dinner?" Jessie assumed.
"No. You and I are. We're having a late dinner together. Sit down." Grace motioned to the chair near Jessie was standing. Jessie smiled and sat down. Grace sat opposite her.
"Wow, what's the occasion?"
"None. It's just that you've been really busy lately. And I noticed that you've been preferring sleep than food, which isn't really good for you. You've got to stay healthy." Grace started scooping food on her plate since she's really hungry. She had been waiting for Jessie for like an hour.
"I am healthy." Jessie said without that much energy. Grace eyed her wearily. She barely saw her sister smile or talk these past few days. Grace had always been awake when Jessie comes home at night. She tries to talk to her, get the scoop about her work at the hospital, but Jessie seemed to be always too tired to talk. She's supposed to be happy, enjoying her life as an intern, 'coz as far as Grace could recall, this is what Jessie had always wanted. But Jessie doesn't seem happy.
"I haven't seen Katie around lately." Jessie remarked while staring down at her plate. Grace observed her for a while before answering.
"She'd been working on a lot of paintings. I think she's planning to open a one-woman show next year. That's something she had been dreaming to do, and as far as I know, she had already discussed it with Marissa; her friend who owns the biggest art gallery here in Manhattan. So, she really has to work her butt off." Grace replied and Jessie finally looked up at her.
"She's at her workroom right now?" Jessie's eyes suddenly lit up. Even without smiling, Grace saw how different the shine in her sister's eyes were when she arrived, and now, when they're talking about Katie.
"Actually, no."
"No?" Jessie repeated, commanding Grace to elaborate. Meanwhile, Grace felt reluctant about telling Jessie where Katie is.
"Uh… It's Joanna's last night in the city. She'll be flying to Europe tomorrow and isn't sure when she'd be coming back. Her play had been really successful, and they are planning to bring it to Asia after their European tour, so…" Grace decided to stop there. She doesn't want to mention anything that concerns Joanna anymore, 'coz from where she seats, she could see the momentary glow disappear from Jessie's eyes again.
"So, Katie's spending the night with her." Jessie said, more to herself than to Grace. Grace merely nodded.
The two sat in silence. Grace tried to lighten Jessie's spirits, but Jessie isn't really coming around. In fact, she barely paid attention. Grace had practically babbled about everything that happened at the Coffee Park that day; about 'accidentally' spilling coffee at Tad's ex who decided to come unannounced; about Ira bitching about the political situation in the country which bored her to death; and, losing her cool with an employee who uses more of his mouth than his head (you know what I mean).
But, Jessie didn't seem to pay a bit of attention. She was lost in her own parallel world, which intrigued Grace.
"I'm going to bed." Jessie got up from her seat.
"What? But you haven't eaten anything yet." Grace complained. The last thing she wants was her sister to relapse. She knew Jessie wasn't doing it on purpose, but she doesn't eat much these days.
"Yeah, it's just… Grace, I'm really tired. I'll eat something tomorrow, I swear. Right now, I just want to go to sleep." Jessie forced a smile.
"Fine, I'll let you go. But promise me you'll eat something tomorrow." Grace said warningly.
"I will. Thanks for dinner." With that, Jessie headed to her room with Grace watching her as she left.
Katie came back to the apartment by lunch time the following day. She wasn't expecting anyone home since Grace was supposed to be at the Coffee Park and Jessie at the hospital. She has a load of paintings to finish. Everything was put on hold since she started to work on that one 'special' project.
After showering and changing into some work clothes, Katie headed to her workroom, this time, not locking herself inside. Both her roommates aren't around anyway. No one's gonna be barging in to bother her.
Again, she sat mixing colors and brushing it onto the surface of the canvass. The painting was starting to make sense now. Katie sat working on the eyes, trying to mix the color in the exact shade of blue. It took her a while to get the exact tone. She never realized how hard it would be for her just to portray those stunning pair of crystal blue eyes on paint.
And when she was done with the eyes, it looked perfect.
"This is as good as it's gonna get." Katie said, staring at the painting, thinking about SOMEONE, and sighing to herself.
"I knew you'd lose it sooner or later." Grace stood grinning at the door, which Katie didn't even realize had been open for a while now. Surprised by the unexpected presence, Katie literally fell off her chair, spilling paint on her clothes. Grace made a run to her side, but Katie was quick and was now back on her feet, and turned the canvass around so Grace wouldn't see.
"Aww… Grace, what are you doing here?" Katie asked her while wincing in pain and wiping the paint off her clothes, as if it would work.
"I live here." Grace said as a matter of fact.
"You're supposed to be at the Coffee Park bossing people around and arguing with Ira." Katie frowned, took her shirt off (sorry guys, but she's definitely wearing a bra, haha), threw it on a corner, to Grace's disgust, and grabbed a big t-shirt from inside the small closet at the other side of the room.
"I don't boss around." Grace said defensively.
"Yeah right." Katie snickered and put the shirt on.
"You're supposed to be home by morning." Grace castigated her, her hands rested on her hips.
"IT IS morning." Katie walked back to the side of the canvass, making sure Grace doesn't go nearer and eavesdrop.
"Excuse me, it's 12:30." Grace lifted her left arms, gesturing to the wristwatch.
"Well, technically, it's morning in MY time. Stop acting like my mother, Grace. It's creepy." Katie then started pushing Grace to the door.
"Hey, stop pushing me. I'm here for a reason." Grace raised her hands in surrender. Katie stopped dragging her to the door.
"What?" Katie asked, trying to be patient. Grace then reached for her pocket and showed her something in her hand. Katie frowned. "You're giving me a celphone?"
"Of course not, you're not that special. It's Jessie's." Grace added. Katie crossed her arms, staring at her shrewdly. "She left it on the dining table this morning."
"Uh-huh… And my name is KATIE." Katie shook her head in disbelief. Grace could always find a way to put her time to waste.
"Jessie called and asked if somebody could bring this to her." Grace casually lied. Jessie didn't call at all. Katie waited for her to continue, though she has a clue where this conversation is going to. "Would you be so kind to bring this to the hospital?" Grace plastered an innocent smile on her face.
"Can't you do that yourself?" Katie said in exasperation.
"Uh, no. I've got a lot of things to do today."
"And I don't?" Katie glared at Grace.
"Just give this to her, okay? Her dad would be calling in two hours, so you better hurry up." Grace shoved the celphone into Katie's hands.
"I HAVE A LOT of important things to do!" Katie said as she watched Grace walk out of the room.
"Me too, I'm having lunch with the President of the United States!" Grace grinned at her, before running away.
"Oh come on! Grace!" Katie tried to run after her, but Grace was fast. She had already disappeared from the elevator when Katie reached the front door. She sighed.
Grace, you are so dead… Katie walked back to the apartment, thinking whether or not to go to the hospital to see Jessie. Then she stared at the celphone on her hand and shook her head in disbelief.
NEW YORK GENERAL HOSPITAL…
"Dr. Jessie Sammler, please proceed to the first floor waiting area… Dr. Jessie Sammler, please proceed to the first floor waiting area…" The female voice echoed all over the hospital
as Jessie was being paged. Jessie was walking with a fellow intern when she heard it.
"Why would they want me at the waiting area?" Jessie frowned.
"Only one way to find out." Sarah, her fellow intern, smiled.
Sarah Grasso, 27, Jessie's fellow ER intern at the New York General Hospital, and one of Jessie's few new friends in New York…
Since they were on their break, Sarah decided to come with her, and Jessie didn't mind. They just finished their light snack at the refectory, which happens to be in the first floor, so they reached the waiting area immediately.
Upon reaching their destination, Jessie searched the area, and her eyes stopped on one familiar brunette who had her back turned on them, just a few steps away. As if feeling her presence, the brunette suddenly turned around, mossy green eyes meeting crystal blue, for the thousandth time that week. A smile creeps through Jessie's flustered face, and Katie smiled back.
"Yummy…" Sarah's voice woke Jessie up from her trance.
"Excuse me" Jessie asked, appalled by Sarah's blunt comment. She wasn't sure what Sarah's 'yummy-ing' about, until she follows her gaze. What a surprise… Jessie thought sarcastically, as she realized that 'yummy' IS Katie. She sighed, then walked to Katie's direction.
"Hi." Jessie smiled sheepishly at Katie.
"Hi." Katie replied, with her charming smile plastered on her face. As if the world ceased to exist around them. They just stood there, smiling at each other. Sarah faked a cough, just to remind Jessie that there were actually other people around.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Sarah, this is Katie. And Katie, this is Sarah." Jessie introduced the two.
"Hi." Sarah smiled.
"Nice to meet you." Katie smiled back.
"She's hot." Sarah turned to Jessie, a mischievous grin plastered in her face. Upon hearing the comment, Katie immediately turned red. The other intern wasn't making it less uncomfortable for her.
"You do know that she's standing right in front of us and can hear everything that you're saying, right?" Jessie said in disbelief.
"That's why I said it out loud." Sarah said and looked flirtatiously at Katie's direction again. Obviously, the other intern was flirting with Jessie's roommate. And Katie was feeling more and more uneasy.
"Actually, I just came here to give you this. Grace couldn't make it." Katie handed Jessie the celphone, not realizing that Sarah had been staring at her, checking her out from head to toe. Jessie reached for the celphone, but before Jessie could even say thank you and ask why she brought it over, Sarah spoke it first.
"Can we share her?" Sarah asked Jessie, while smiling at Katie haughtily.
If Katie was drinking, she would have choked and died. Her face was redder than she could ever remember. Meanwhile, Jessie's eyes widen and her mouth opened.
"Excuse us for a moment." Jessie then dragged Sarah away from Katie where they were out of earshot.
"What?" Sarah whined.
"You're creeping her out, and me too." Jessie glowered at her.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it. I mean, look at her." Sarah threw a glance at Katie and noticed her fidgeting to where she stood.
"Are you mentally challenged?" Jessie still couldn't believe the way Sarah's acting and talking right now. Especially when she asked about the 'share' part.
"I was helping you make sure that she's faithful."
"YOU ARE mentally challenged." Jessie shook her head.
"There's nothing wrong with taking chances. I didn't mean to get you jealous. I promise you, I'm not going to make a move on your girlfriend again… Not when you're around anyway." Sarah joked. The red blush in Jessie's face suddenly matched Katie's.
"Katie's not… She's just my roommate."
"Yeah right, and I'm your mother." Sarah grinned and Jessie frowned in return.
"I have a boyfriend." Jessie said in a whisper as if she didn't want anyone to know.
"You're cheating on her?" Sarah's face contracted in disbelief.
"No I'm not cheating on anyone." Jessie said in exasperation. Sarah obviously had some loose screws in her head. "Weren't you listening to me? Katie is just my ROOMMATE."
"Really?"
"Really." Jessie sighed. "Any why would you even think that Katie and I are…"
"I just assumed. I mean, you talk about her a lot." Sarah shrugged.
"No I don't." Jessie said defensively.
"Yes you do. In fact, she's ALL you ever talk about." Sarah then mimicked the way Jessie talks. "Oh, I think she's the best painter in Manhattan, she's funny, she's sexy---"
"I didn't say she was sexy." Jessie growled at her while keeping her voice down.
"Maybe, but don't you think she is?" Sarah grinned at her again. She was having fun annoying her friend. Jessie glanced at Katie's direction then looked back at Sarah.
"It doesn't matter what I think." Jessie sighed.
"You wouldn't mind if I ask her out?" Jessie took a while before answering.
"No, just… Go ahead, be my guest."
"Thanks! You're a great friend." Sarah gave her a hug, and walk back excitedly to Katie. Jessie let out a deep sigh, then followed Sarah and joined Katie.
"Hey, are you doing something tonight?" Sarah asked Katie just when Jessie stopped walking behind her. Katie opened her mouth to say something, but wasn't really sure on what to say. Then she remembered she has a lot of paintings to finish.
"I'm sort of working on something tonight." Katie smiled apologetically.
"How about tomorrow?" Sarah smiled. She's not about to give up on Katie, both Jessie and Katie noticed. Sarah's a nice person in general: beautiful, fun to be with, and with a fiery personality. People get usually put off by her, well, if you're impatient, that is. Jessie's one of the few who can stand her, that's why they're friends.
Katie thought about it for a moment. Tomorrow's Sunday, so she's definitely not doing anything. She doesn't usually work on Sundays, unless she really needs to.
"I think I have time. Sure." She smiled at Sarah. Sarah looked pleased. Jessie took interest looking down at her shoes.
"Great. Hey Jessie, is that invitation still up for grabs?" Sarah winked at her, evidently thrilled about her upcoming date with Katie.
"What?" Jessie couldn't recall what invitation Sarah was talking about. Her mind was busy deciphering her feelings about Katie and Sarah's date.
"You asked me if I want to go see the Jets game tomorrow." Sarah reminded her. Katie's eyes widened in excitement. But before Jessie could answer, Katie interrupted.
"You mean the game against the New England Patriots?" Katie asked, and Sarah nodded in confirmation. "Wow, I'm a Patriots fan!"
"What a shame. My jets are going to kick your Patriots' asses on the game tomorrow." Sarah mockingly scorned Katie's team.
"Oh no, my Patriots are about to embarrass your Jets in their own turf."
"Wanna bet?" Sarah grinned.
"You're so gonna lose. What are the terms?" Katie flashed her charming smile. All of a sudden, Jessie felt like she had fallen off the face of the earth, while Katie started to feel more at ease with Sarah.
"If I win, you're going home with me." Sarah said seriously. Katie's jaw dropped. Jessie raised her right eyebrow in annoyance, then Sarah laughed. "I'm totally kidding." Katie smiled in amusement, and Jessie let out a sigh of relief. "So, Jessie, you still have those free tickets?"
"Yeah. Tad and Grace wanted to go but couldn't 'coz they're flying back to Chicago tonight. You can have the two spare tickets." Jessie said without looking at either of them. She decided not to mention where the tickets were from.
"Thanks, you're going too, right?" Sarah asked Jessie.
"Of course." Jessie answered without much enthusiasm.
"With your boyfriend?" Sarah wanted to make sure Jessie isn't going alone. Before answering, Jessie caught Katie looking at her in apprehension. Then she looked away.
"Yeah." Jessie said almost quietly. Katie shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans, and stood fidgeting in front of them, which nobody noticed. Sarah's eyes lit up.
"Why don't we all go together?" Sarah smiled.
"WE?" Katie and Jessie asked at the same time. Sarah shifted her eyes between the two.
"Yeah, like a double date. Me and Katie, you and your boyfriend."
"Katie and Jessie exchanged looks, both unwilling to succumb into Sarah's idea.
"Come on, it will be fun. It's a football game, guys, the more the merrier." Jessie and Katie exchanged looks again, as if consulting each other on what to say. Katie merely shrugged.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. We can meet at the apartment." Jessie said, trying to hide the discomfort in her voice. "I got to go back to work."
"Me too." Sarah turned to Katie. "I'll see you" Sarah smiled, and Katie nodded. Jessie walked ahead, leaving them behind without giving Katie one last look. Katie watched her walk away. Then Sarah followed Jessie.
Grace was packing her things when she heard the knocks on her bedroom door.
"It's open." Grace continued putting clothes into her suitcase when the door opened and Jessie came in. "Hey." Grace smiled upon seeing it was her stepsister.
"Hi." Jessie smiled.
"You're home early." Grace remarked at the surprise.
"Yeah, well, I had an early shift. So, what's the sudden trip about?" Jessie asked while walking to the bed. She then sat on the edge, looking at Grace.
"Tad's father had a heart attack last night." Grace replied, the worry evident in her voice.
"Oh… Is it serious?" Jessie asked in concern.
"We're not sure… Hey, about the game, I hope we didn't put your tickets to waste. Extend Chris our gratitude, though is isn't the sincerest, it's still a gratitude." Grace joked. Jessie chuckled.
"That's okay. Sarah's going… And Katie too." Jessie said, biting her lower lip and not looking at Grace.
"Who's Sarah?" Grace asked frowning.
"My co-intern." She looked up to meet Grace's narrowed stare and raise eyebrow. Then Jessie continued. "Katie's date."
"Katie's DATE?" Grace repeated and Jessie nodded. "And the four of you are going together?" Grace asked incredulously. Jessie nodded again. "And you're okay with it?"
"I think it would be fun." Jessie replied but Grace wasn't convinced. She watched her sister stare at the hardwood floor while playing with her bedsheet. Grace eyes her suspiciously.
Jessie sat in silence and didn't say another work in the next few minutes. Grace had already finished packing when Jessie spoke again.
"When are you coming back?"
"I don't know, I'm not sure." Grace watched as Jessie got up from the bed.
"Well, take care, okay?" Jessie gave her a hug, and Grace smiled. When they let go, Jessie headed to the door. Grace's eyes were fixed on her stepsister, and she couldn't help but feel that something was bothering her.
"Jess, is there something you want to talk about?" Grace called after her. Jessie slowly turned around, stared at Grace's eyes for a while, before answering.
"Oh… It's nothing, really. I just wanted to see you before you go." . Grace studied Jessie's face before smiling again.
"Okay." And then, Jessie's out of the room.
It was Sunday, and both Jessie and Sarah had taken a day off. They'd been working really hard the whole week and they deserved this break. Jessie had finished preparing when she heard the buzzing in their front door. She hurried out of her bedroom to open it.
"Sarah." Jessie said in surprise. She was expecting to see Chris. Actually, she hoped that it was Chris. She just thought it would be weird if Sarah came first. Just the thought of it makes her feel like the third wheel already.
"Hi Jessie." Sarah gave her a hug.
"Come in. Katie's still in her room." Jessie walked back to the living room with Sarah tailing her. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll check on her." She smiled at Sarah before heading to Katie's door.
Upon reaching Katie's door, Jessie was reluctant to knock at first. She was having an internal debate, whether or not to inform Katie that her date was already here, or just wait until she comes out. After a few seconds of debating with herself, she decided that she shouldn't be acting stupid. It's just Katie, right? So why does she have to feel awkward and nervous and crazy around her? They're roommates, and they're friends.
Then I should be acting like one… Jessie sighed, then knocked on the door.
"It's open." Katie said, and Jessie flung the door open, her eyes locking on the brunette standing in front of the full-length mirror. Katie then turned to face Jessie, who was rendered speechless just by the mere presence of her. Katie seems to grow prettier every minute of everyday.
"Jess?" Katie called out her name for the nth time. Jessie realized she had been staring and finally blinked.
"Uh, yeah. Sarah's already at the living room." Jessie said, then cleared the lump in her throat.
"Oh… And Chris?" Katie tried to act casual.
"We still have to wait for him. Hope you guys don't mind." Jessie said apologetically. Jessie, you're supposed to check on her, NOT check her out, that's two different things…
"It's fine. We can wait." Katie flashed her charming smile and she didn't even realize her effect on Jessie. Jessie forgot to breathe for a moment there. They headed to join Sarah in the living room.
Jessie hated feeling like a third wheel, and she's definitely starting to hate Sarah right now, who's being TOO touchy-feely towards Katie more than Jessie would have liked. And what irritates her more was seeing Katie not doing anything about it.
Sarah and Katie were busy flirting with each other, so Jessie decided to just stay in her bedroom while waiting for Chris, trying to keep herself occupied by reading but it's not really working for her. The thought of Sarah all over over Katie downstairs was driving her nuts. When Chris finally arrived, Jessie was only-half relieved, 'coz Katie and Sarah continued flirting in the limo. Jessie unconsciously sulked in her seat and never spoke one word all the way to the Jets stadium. Chris, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice Jessie's mood and was rather lost in a conversation with Katie and Sarah which mainly involves football, the Jets and the Patriots. He seemed to like Katie, not only because she's a Patriots fan, but also because she and Sarah were two of the most interesting people he had met so far.
Despite the fact that Jessie's more into tennis than american football, she doesn't really have much choice but to sit between these crazy football fans, a.k.a. Chris, Katie and Sarah, and listen to their nonsense bickering as to which teams has better NFL statistics. Chris and Sarah sandwiched Jessie and Katie in the middle.
"Oh come on!" Chris and Katie screamed in frustration as their quarterback, Tom Brady, was tackled down, lost yards and lose the football. Sarah screamed in triumph along with most of the crowd. The score was 28-21 in favor of the Patriots, but time was running out.
The referee then announced the turnover, possession goes to the Jets. Chris and Katie, who were on either side of Jessie, got up from their seats and started booing. Sarah applauds, and earns a scowl from Chris and Katie. As this point in the game, the turnover could cost the Patriots the game itself.
"I can't believe this. They could actually lose this game." Katie's shoulders fell.
"What's so unbelievable about losers losing?" Sarah scorned her and grinned. Katie looked helplessly at her. When she turned to Jessie, she found her smiling at her.
"What?" Katie asked, intrigued.
"Nothing." Jessie shook her head, still smiling.
"Really, what?"
"Nothing." Jessie turned her head and focused back to the game, the smile still plastered in her face. Katie watched her for a while, before turning to look at the field again.
"They better win this game or they're fucking dead." Chris cursed for everyone to hear.
"Geez Chris, chill." Sarah said.
"Chill? How can I chill? My team is losing! Foster must be going really crazy right now." Chris was referring to the Manager of the Patriots.
"Jessie probably knows a way to calm you down." Sarah winked at Jessie. Jessie's jaw dropped, looking flustered. Sarah grinned and kissed Katie on the cheek, which surprised not only Katie, but also Jessie. Jessie tore her eyes away from the two and put her hands together, before one of it makes its way to Sarah direction and whacks her hard on the head. When she looked at Chris, he had absolutely calmed down and was smiling sweetly at her. Seeing this, Katie had to roll her eyes.
Eventually, the Patriots won because of an interception, and the game ended with the score 35-21, to Katie's and Chris' satisfaction.
At the limo, Katie and Sarah sat opposite Jessie and Chris, as before.
"Damn, what a great game." Chris snickered at Sarah's direction and Sarah glared at him mockingly.
"Sorry Sarah." Katie faked sympathy then grinned.
"Yeah, sorry Sarah." Chris said, then laughed along with Katie. "So, you guys are coming, right?" Chris wrapped his arms around Jessie, and Katie's eyes darted somewhere else to avoid looking.
"Coming where?" Sarah asked curiously.
"The Patriots' victory party at Hard Rock. Didn't mean to crush your pride, but I'd love you guys to go." Chris grinned. Sarah's too much of a party girl to pass this one up.
"I'm not sure. Sarah's made reservations at---" Katie didn't finish her sentence.
"We'd love to go." Sarah answered excitedly.
"But the reservations---" Katie was interrupted again.
"Forget the reservations. We're partying with the Patriots." Sarah was apparently thrilled. Screw the Jets pride. She's hanging out with the winning team tonight.
"I thought you're devoted to the Jets?" Jessie reminded Sarah.
"Jets who?" Sarah joked, and Chris laughed. He lifted his right hand for a high five and Sarah gave him one. Katie and Jessie caught each other's eyes and looked away simultaneously.
Katie sat in disbelief. Not only does she has to spend the night hanging out with Sarah but worse, Chris and Jessie had to be there too.
The chauffeur maneuvered the limo straight to Hard Rock Café, which was reserved for the New England Patriots.
The place was packed with the members of the team, their entourage, friends, sponsors, and 'football groupies', as Chris called them. After talking to some few important people and congratulating Tom Brady for his good throws, they headed to the table which was reserved for them. An expensive bottle of wine was already waiting. Chris did the honor of opening it and pouring a glass for each.
"To the Patriots." Chris proposes a toast. Katie, Jessie and Sarah lifted their glasses and toast. Katie sipped a little from her glass when something caught her eye.
"Oh shit!" Katie recognized the people standing not too far away from them. She immediately put the glass down and ducked under the table, to Jessie, Sarah and Chris' bewilderment.
"Katie, are you okay?" Chris was rather amused. Katie remained hiding under the table.
"Sure." Katie said hastily.
"Baby, what are you doing under the table?" Sarah asked. Jessie visibly flinched upon hearing Sarah call Katie 'baby', which luckily no one noticed,
"Just don't mind me, okay? Pretend I'm not here for a few seconds. Or, make that minutes." Katie said hurriedly.
"Katie, get up there." Jessie finally spoke, thinking Katie was making a fool of herself.
"I can't."
"Why not?" Sarah peeked under the table.
"Long story."
"Do I have to drag you out of there?" Sarah looked warningly at Katie. Katie, still crouching under the table, let out a sigh.
"Are they still there?"
"Who?" Sarah has no idea as to whom Katie was referring to. Katie sighed again. She didn't want to talk about it or let anyone know about it, but she has no choice.
"Paris and Tara."
"Paris and Tara?" Sarah repeated while frowning. Katie nodded. "Who's…" Sarah trailed off, then straightened herself up and looked around. Her eyes stopped on the two gorgeous celebrities flirting with Tom Brady at a distance. Jessie and Chris followed her gaze.
"Oh my God… Is that Paris Hilton and Tara Reid?" Sarah couldn't help her excitement.
"Yeah, we kind'a knew them." Chris grinned.
"This party rocks!" Sarah said.
"So, they are still there?" Katie's voice echoed from under the table. This time, it was Jessie who peeked under.
"Did you date her too?" Jessie narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Katie's kind of predictable when it comes to women.
"Which one?" Katie asked innocently.
"WHICH ONE?" Jessie repeated in disbelief, unconsciously raising her right eyebrow. Katie looked like she was caught red-handed.
"I kind of dated them both…" Katie finally admits.
"Kind of?" Jessie narrowed her eyes on Katie even more.
"Wow, cool." Chris said upon hearing Katie. Jessie rolled her eyes.
"So, why are you hiding again?" Jessie asked.
"I dated them both… At the same time… And they didn't know it." Katie confessed. Jessie's jaw dropped. Katie never fails to surprise her.
"Oh crap, they're coming over." Sarah froze to where she sits as she stared at the approaching celebrities.
"What?!" Katie fidgeted under the table. Jessie straightened herself up. "Do something!"
"Do what exactly?" Chris frowned.
"I don't know. Distract them, don't make them look down." Katie squirmed.
"Yeah, 'coz if they do they'd probably recognize your butt." Sarah joked and then laughed. Katie scowled but Sarah didn't get to see it. Jessie wasn't pleased.
"Christopher." Jessie, Sarah and Chris' heads snapped into the direction of the sexy voice; it was Paris Hilton. Jessie felt a sting of resentment towards the smiling blondes. Sarah's jaw dropped in astonishment. Tara Reid looked more beautiful in person, but it was Paris Hilton who caught her attention. She looked like the real life version of Hollywood Barbie (if ever there is one, I'm sorry I'm not sure). Christopher got up from his seat to say hello. Katie froze under the table.
"Paris and Tara!" Chris said louder than he should to warn Katie. He gave each girl a kiss and a hug.
"Hey Chris." Tara smiled at him.
"I thought you're in LA taping The Simple Life or something." Chris asked Paris.
"I just flew in." Paris replied, and Chris noticed where she was looking.
"Oh, meet my girlfriend Jessie, and her friend Sarah. Girls, you know who they are."
"Hi." Sarah and Jessie said at the same time. Paris and Tara greeted them back and smiled at them. Sarah was stifling a laugh, while Jessie looked nervous. Paris and Tara exchanged grins.
"And who's your other friend?" Paris asked coyly, biting her lower lip, making her look sexier.
"Other friend?" Chris pretended innocent, but unknown to him, Paris and Tara had seen them when they first came in, even before Katie had noticed them.
Paris then ducked under the table, Jessie and Sarah exchanged surprised looks, and Chris threw a questioning look at Tara. Tara merely shrugged.
"Is it hot in here or is it just me?" Paris' sexy voice made Katie jolt in surprise, hitting her head on the table as a result.
"Aww…" Katie rubbed her head. Jessie heard the thud, and not being able to help herself, she peeked under the table again, her face a few inches away from Katie and the gorgeous Paris Hilton, who crept from behind Katie, a smug look plastered in her face.
"Katie, are you okay?" Jessie asked worriedly, hoping Katie didn't have a concussion.
"Yeah, thanks." Katie winced.
"Hiding under the table, baby?" Paris smiled playfully.
"I'm not hiding." Katie was frantically shaking her head, dreading the possibility that Tara might sneak up behind her too and trap the three of them in the most awkward situation.
"Oh, baby, don't fuck with me." Paris was so calm and suave and pretty, Jessie felt so insecure and out of place. She straightened up and left the two alone.
"Been there done that." Katie replied with a sigh. Paris is such a tease… After hearing Katie say that, she decided she's not up for hearing anymore about Katie's escapades with former girlfriends.
"Got to go to the ladies room, excuse me." Jessie left the table without waiting for Chris' response. Chris watched her walk away.
"Good to see you again, Katie…" Paris purposely moved closer to Katie and breathed on her right ear. Katie flinched after feeling Paris' warm breath beside her face. "The two-timing thing was kind'a hot…" Paris gave her a short kiss on the lips which caught Katie off-guard. Paris then pulled away, bit her lower lip and looked flirtatiously at her. "Call me..." With that, Paris got up, and left the table with Tara.
Finally, Katie was able to breathe.
After splashing her face with water a couple of times, Jessie walked back to their table. She didn't say any word. Chris and Sarah were busy grilling Katie at the moment and decided not to add into the mix.
"I can't believe she knew I dated them both." Katie said in exasperation.
"I think they knew from the start, Katie." Chris laughed. "And I can't believe she wants you to call. Paris must really like you."
"No she doesn't. She just thought it was hot to flirt with another girl. It's sort of an adventure for her. I'm just a fad."
"So you took advantage?" Sarah asked curiously. She should be angry by now after Paris hit on her date and she's not even gay. Oddly, she was amused.
"Hello, I'm human. I mean, have you seen her? Have you actually looked at her?" Katie said, not minding about what Sarah, her 'date', might think about her. Jessie rolled her eyes.
"She's a goddess!" Sarah said excitedly. It's not everyday you get to party with an heiress.
"I'm surprised you didn't pull her hair after that short kiss-stealing moment." Chris grinned at Sarah and wrapped his right arm around Jessie again. Jessie didn't move. Katie focused her eyes somewhere else.
"Like Katie said, 'have you actually looked at her?'" Sarah grinned at Katie. "So you slept with both of them?" Sarah's grin grew wider. Jessie threw a venomous look at Sarah's prying, which Sarah didn't even notice. Katie avoided everyone's eyes.
"That's not up for conversation." Katie stared at her glass.
"Oh my God… You did sleep with both of them." Chris looked at her in disbelief. "I worship you!" He laughed and high-five with Sarah again.
"Chris… Chris!" Jessie tried to get Chris' attention.
"Yeah honey?" Chris grinned at Jessie. Katie secretly scowled at him.
"Let's dance." Jessie grabbed Chris' hand and dragged him to the dance floor. Katie followed them with her gaze and then sighed.
Why do I feel like this? Katie focuses her eyes back to Sarah, who was smiling wickedly at her.
"What?" Katie felt conscious under Sarah's stare.
"I knew it." Sarah grinned.
"Knew what?" Katie frowned, not having any idea on what Sarah was talking about.
"You are Katie Singer."
"Yeah, Jessie already introduced us." Katie chuckled in amusement.
"I mean, you are THE Katie Singer." Sarah emphasized. Being a native New Yorker, of course she's heard of her. Katie just didn't know she was that popular. Katie didn't know how to react.
"Uh… Is that a bad thing?" Katie sipped from her glass of drink. Sarah shook her head and paused for a while before speaking again.
"How do you do that?" Sarah asked curiously.
"What do you mean?" Katie emptied her glass and poured another.
"Get all the girls." Sarah watched Katie gulped another glass and poured another one. Katie let out a chuckle.
"No I don't." Katie gulped her glass of wine and poured her glass full again. 'Coz if I can, I'd be with Jessie right now… Sarah couldn't help but notice Katie's sudden interest in alcohol. The bottle was almost empty when a waiter replaced it with a new one. "Thanks." Katie smiled at the waiter.
"So… If I happen to sleep with you tonight, it's right to assume that I'll probably never see you again, right?" Katie's reputation precedes her. Katie merely looked at her, not knowing what to say. Sarah wasn't being harsh, she was just being honest.
"I don't know…" Katie's eyes met Sarah's. Sarah smiled.
"Is it more yes than a no?" Sarah asked, knowing what Katie's answer would be.
"Are you going to hurt me if I say yes?" Katie looked guilty and sorry, but Sarah deserves her honesty, at least. Sarah chuckled.
"No... Then maybe we should just be friends." Sarah smiled sincerely at her. She really liked Katie, but realizing now that Katie is THE Katie Singer, Manhattan's notorious heartbreaker, she'd rather prefer to be her friend than one of her infamous one-night stands.
"I'm sorry…" Katie said earnestly.
"Me too. I'm the one who asked you out."
"I don't want you to think that---" Katie was interrupted by Sarah.
"Don't patronize me. I might actually fall for that one without you even trying." Sarah joked, and finally, a smile crept through Katie's face. Sarah saw when Katie stole a glance at Jessie's direction.
"Do you want to dance?"
"As friends?" Katie joked.
"Yeah, as friends." Sarah got up from her seat and offered her hand to Katie. Katie looked at it for a while before taking it.
"Oh, wait." Katie stopped Sarah before she pulled her to the dance floor and grabbed her glass of wine. She gulped it at once, to Sarah's surprise.
"Geez, Katie, are you trying to kill yourself?"
"Let's go." Katie somehow felt energized. Then she and Sarah headed to the dance floor. From where Jessie and Chris were dancing, Jessie saw Sarah and Katie hand in hand walking to their direction. Her heart was suddenly enveloped with resentment towards Sarah, and longing for Katie. She wished it was her holding Katie's hand…
"Jessie?" Chris woke her up from her stupor.
"Huh?" Jessie shifted her eyes back to her boyfriend.
"I was asking you if you want to stay with me tonight. We can order champagne, have a nice bubble bath, you know…" Chris said sweetly, and leaned closer to her, whispering to her ear.
"I can't. I have to work early tomorrow." Jessie said hastily, her eyes still fixed on Katie's direction.
"Then I'll wake you up. I'll take you to work… Maybe after breakfast in bed?" Chris was not about to give up on Jessie.
Jessie, meanwhile, had a clearer view of Sarah and Katie who were dancing only a few feet away from them. Her face turned livid upon seeing Katie's arms all over Sarah this time, with Katie's face rested on Sarah's left shoulder. Realizing the proximity of their faces together, Jessie was riled.
"Jessie? Jessie!" Chris pulled back a bit to look at Jessie's face.
"What?" Jessie said, and remembering what they were talking about, she continued. "Oh, I really can't. I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to pass up."
"We can stay in your place if you want?" Chris really wants to spend quality time with Jessie, but Jessie just has a lot of excuses.
"No. I mean, Grace has this ground rules on sleepovers." Jessie was of course lying.
"Really? What rule?" Chris frowned.
"Simple. There are no sleepovers allowed." Jessie, aside from the fact that she's completely avoiding to be alone in a room with Chris, she knew Grace would kill her if she finds out she brought him home. Grace would probably be a little tamer if she happens to bring someone else. But she has no one else. Well, there's someone she wants to be alone with…
And that particular someone has her arms all over Sarah right now. Shit… Jessie cursed silently.
"Can we go home? I think I'm having a migraine." Chris didn't argue with Jessie. They left the dance floor and walked by Sarah and Katie.
"Hey, I'm taking Jessie home. You guys want to stay?" Chris was asking Sarah, but his eyes were focused on Katie who seemed to be already sleeping in Sarah's shoulder.
"I'd love to but Katie's sort of wasted." Sarah motioned at Katie's taller body that she was practically hugging really tight right now to prevent her from falling.
"She's drunk?" Jessie asked in disbelief. She lifted her right hand and tucked the strands of Katie's hair that was dangling in her face behind her ear.
"Emptied a bottle of wine and ordered another. Is she an alcoholic?" Sarah frowned. Katie's weight was getting to her. "Uh, a little help?" Chris took Katie's left arm and wrapped it around his shoulders.
"We'll take care of her. You're very welcome to stay." Chris told Sarah.
"You wouldn't mind? I mean, you guys probably have plans of your own and I'm supposed to be Katie's responsible date."
"You are being responsible, unlike some who shouldn't be drinking more than they could handle." Jessie scoffed at Katie who most likely didn't hear any word that she said. "We don't have other plans. "Chris is just taking me back home."
"Okay. Thanks." Sarah smiled.
"I can meet you again later. I still have to come back since Jessie's not letting me stay for the night." Chris mockingly glared at his girlfriend. Sarah chuckled.
"See you later then." Sarah then headed to join a group of people not so far from them. Chris brought Katie to the limo, with Jessie tailing behind him.
The three reached the penthouse apartment in just a few minutes. After bringing Katie into her bedroom, Chris headed to the door to leave.
"Are you serious about the ground rules?" Chris whined, as he faced Jessie who was standing by the door frame.
"Yeah." Jessie hoped Chris would leave sooner.
"Come on Jessie, can I stay? Please, pretty pretty please?" Chris was trying so hard to be cute, but Jessie's not falling for it. All she wants to do right now was run into Katie's room and make sure she's feeling well, maybe hold her hand for a while 'til she's sleeping soundly, or and watch her while she sleeps.
"I'm sure Katie won't tell Grace." Chris added.
"Goodnight Chris." Jessie smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. He didn't have much time to complain about the 'peck' when he was expecting for a real kiss, 'coz Jessie had already slammed the door closed and was already rushing to get to Katie's room. And she found her standing near her closet, taking her clothes off while looking for sleeping clothes. She swayed, so Jessie ran to her and pulled her to the bed to sit.
"What are you doing?" She reprimanded Katie.
"I'ma get dressed..." Katie mumbled incoherently. "You smell kind'a funny." Katie snickered like a kid. Jessie scowled at her.
"No I don't, you're the one who smells funny. Stay there, I'll get your clothes." Jessie rummaged through Katie's closet and found a pair of pajamas and a big t-shirt. Then she sat beside Katie who was balancing herself by holding on to the sheet of the bed. She was tipsy and smiling stupidly at no one.
"Here." Jessie gave her the clothes. Katie didn't make an effort to reach for it. She just sat there staring at Jessie. Jessie sighed.
"Do you have ex-girlfriends all over New York?" Jessie finally asks the question she had been dying to ask Katie.
"Mhmh..." Katie mumbled something again and Jessie didn't understand anything.
"First, there's a Broadway actress, then there's a DJ, a video shop clerk, a top model, a Hollywood party girl, and an heiress. They seem to be everywhere." Jessie said in exasperation, thinking of the others she hadn't met. A student probably, a lawyer, a flight stewardess, a scientist, a professor, a secret agent, and who knows what else and how long the list would go.
"People love me that much?" Katie giggled. Jessie stared in disbelief at cockeyed Katie.
"Don't be condescending." Jessie chided her. Katie's eyes feasted at the sight of Jessie's face, and eventually locked in Jessie's lips. Jessie didn't notice, since her mind was still pondering about the incident at Hard Rock with Paris.
Whenever one of Katie's ex's is around, Jessie's confidence level drops. And Jessie hated feeling that way. It had only been a short time since she met Katie, and as confusing as it is, the atmosphere had always been charged between them, in a good way, of course. Jessie likes feeling that way with Katie. It's as if she's more alive when she's with her like now, sitting beside Katie makes her feel like she's on the edge. She could feel her heart pounding hard on her chest…
"Is there anyone you haven't dated at all?" Jessie asked in aggravation.
"You..." Katie smiled, her eyes drooping.
"I don't want to be one of your ex-girlfriends, Katie..." Jessie looked affectionately at Katie. She had been fighting the urge to touch her, but now, she let her hand make its way to Katie's face. She caressed her cheeks, and tucked the loose strands of Katie's brown hair behind her ear.
"I don't want you to be..." Katie moved closer, her eyes still locked on Jessie's lips, and finally closed the gap that was separating them. Jessie closed her eyes and didn't move away.
The kiss was electric, powerful, sensual but gentle at the same time. Katie didn't force her to return the kiss. It was rather short, 'coz Jessie pulled away in shock of the unfamiliar feeling; feelings that she would love to feel again soon. She stared at Katie, and Jessie isn't even sure if Katie still knows what she's doing. The wine had really smashed her.
Jessie couldn't help but smile adoringly as Katie murmured something incoherent again. It looked like she was fighting really hard to keep her eyes open. Just watching Katie increases the desire that was building inside of her, along with the confusion. Her mind was debating with her heart, telling her to do the right thing, to leave Katie's room and go to sleep, maybe dream about Chris, but her heart wouldn't give in.
She kissed Katie, and if felt even better than the first time. And before Katie could even return the kiss, Katie pulled away, smiling but still droopy.
"Katie, we need to talk." Jessie knew it wasn't the right time, but she figured she has to mention it to Katie. There's something between them that needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
Katie mumbled something again then passed out. Jessie managed to catch her before she slid down the bed to the floor. Jessie couldn't help but sigh.
Great... Now how am I supposed to change her clothes?
A/N: Told you it's a long chapter… Anyway, watch out for the next chapter, it's entitled "In The Heat of Passion", I guess the title says it all…