Story Title: Cross Country with the PC and BB
Chapter Title: Jumping to Conclusions.
Disclaimer: If I owned The Clique, would I be here? Think about it.
"Good evening everyone. This is your captain Derrick Harington speaking. We have docked at bay. I repeat, we have docked at bay." Derrick turned the loudspeaker off and looked around the silent RV. Massie was seated in the passenger seat next to him, Claire had actually fell asleep on the same couch as Cam, Josh and Alicia were on another couch, Dylan and Chris were laying in recliners, and Kemp and Kristen had disappeared into one of the rooms long ago.
Derrick turned the loudspeaker back on. "I repeat, we have docked-." He was cut off by a small hand smacking the microphone away. "Derrick, could you please shut up. Some people like to sleep at night." An irritated Massie turned to face him. "You just better be glad I drove your shift for you," Derrick responded. "Anyway, we're at the hotel." He pointed out of the window at a hotel that reminded them of the Plaza Hotel in New York City. "Wow, this really is a five star," Massie said awestruck. She stood up and stretched her body, letting her long brunette curls tumble over her shoulders. Outside, bouncers and valets were waiting patiently on glamorous looking people.
Massie walked towards the back of the RV and shook Claire first. "Kuh-laire," Massie said shaking her arm. "Wake up." The only answer she got was snoring. Massie glanced at Derrick. "Desperate times calls for desperate measures I guess," she said. Derrick shrugged. "WAKE UP NOW!" Massie screamed. "Where are the robbers?" Plovert called. "Call 911," Kemp said. Cam jumped up, knocking Claire down in the process. The pair went tumbling across the floor.
"You people have issues." Massie shook her head. "We're here at the hotel," Derrick announced. Alicia was the first one up to look out the window. "I can get used to this," she said as she watched a long black limo pull up. "Josh, sweetie, could you please get my Vera Wang carry on?" She batted her long eyelashes at him. "Your wish is my command, princess," Josh said. Massie couldn't help but feel a small pang of jealousy for Alicia and Josh.
After everyone had grabbed their luggage (more like after the guys grabbed everyone's luggage) they made their way out of the RV. "We look like the Brady Bunch," Massie grumbled. "I'm starving," Dylan said, clutching her stomach. "I need a bath," Alicia said. "I need sleep," Kemp said.
Derrick threw the RV keys at a valet and walked through the hotel's revolving doors. "Wow, this is place is ah-mazing," Alicia gushed. "Tell me about it," Massie said, brushing hair out of her eyes. "So how are we splitting up the rooms?" "I want a room with Chris," Dylan blurted. "I call Josh," Alicia said. "I got Kemp," Kristen said. "That leaves me, Claire, Cam and-," Massie stopped abruptly. All ten of them became silent. Massie could feel tears spring to her eyes. Not now, she thought. Just wait 'til you're in a bathroom, and then you can cry yourself an ocean and two irrigation systems. "Wow," Kemp broke the silence. "Awwkwarrd."
"Kemp?" Alicia asked sweetly. "What?" he asked. "Remember when Duh-livia and Claire got into a catfight and Claire slapped her?" Alicia asked. "Yeahhhh," he drawled out the word. "And remember you said they looked liked they hurt?" "Yeah," Kemp said again. "Would you like to find out for sure?" she deadpanned, raising her hand. Kemp quickly shrunk behind Josh. "Dude, restrain your girlfriend," he said, Alicia glaring at him menacingly.
"Massie and Claire can share a room, and Derrick and Cam can share a room," Kristen said, breaking another awkward silence. Derrick nodded and walked over to the front desk. The gray headed man with a black tux on looked at them. "Awww, you poor kids," he said to them. "I'm sorry, but beggars are not allowed." Alicia jumped in front of the man. "Do beggars wear Ralph Lauren and have a father named Len Rivera?" she asked, glaring at the man. "You're Mr. Rivera's daughter?" the man asked, visibly paling. "Yes I am, and I'm tired and hungry and sweaty and dirty, and I WANT MY ROOM!"
"Okay, okay, whose name is the reservation under?" the man asked, flipping through a folder. "Harrington," Derrick said. "Five rooms."
"Yes, yes," the man nodded. He clicked at something on a computer. "Here are the keys," he said, dropping five keys on Derrick's hand. Five bellboys came out of nowhere and picked up their carry on's and duffel bags. Derrick dropped a key in Kemp, Josh, Chris, and Massie's hand. He kept one for himself and Cam.
"C'mon." Alicia led the way to the elevators. "What about the food," Dylan whined, leaning on Plovert. "Call room service," Kristen mumbled. Her eyes were shut tightly together. Kemp had his arm around her.
Massie felt so heartbroken. The one guy she loved was standing straight across from her, and the only thing she could do was look at his shoes.
Next to her, Claire was feeling the same way. The obvious tension in the elevator was too much to bear. She felt as if she was going to faint at any moment. "Where are we going? The penthouse?" Dylan whined like a three year old. "I'm hungry." "Yes, you told us, oh, only about a hundred times," Kristen said.
After a few minutes, the elevator opened. The Pretty Committee, the Briarwood Boys, and the bellhops stepped out of the elevator. Massie and Claire grabbed their luggage and walked down the hall too room 257. Across from them, Kemp and Kristen went into room 267, Josh and Alicia went into room 255 on their left, Cam and Derrick went into room 258, and Dylan and Chris went into room 266 next to Kris and Kemp.
Claire flung herself onto the king sized bed as soon as the door closed. "I am a failure," she breathed into the Egyptian silk. "Kuh-laire," Massie walked over to her friend. "It is nawt your fault. Any problems you have with Cam are entirely his fault and that heinous bitch Duh-livia." Massie rubbed her back soothingly and let her body fall to the bed. "I am a failure," she said. "I mean, I sit next to Derrington for twelve hours and then, BOOM, if I think about being within two feet of him, I may as well sign my death certificate."
In spite of herself, Claire giggled. "Are we going to sit here and talk about our issues with our exes?" she asked. Massie shrugged and gave a small smile. "How about, instead, we get cleaned up, change into our PJ's, order hot chocolate and croissants and watch a Grace Kelly movie?" she asked. "I heart that," Claire said, jumping up. "I get the bathroom first!" she called as she ran towards the bathroom. "Me first!" Massie giggled, chasing her. Claire jumped into the bathroom and pushed her back against the door, giggling. "Massie's going on a massiecre," she laughed. "Okay, you take a bath first," Massie called in. "I'm calling the restaurant." She pulled out the hotels' phone book out of a dresser drawer. Massie picked up the phone on the nightstand and called downstairs. From her end, Claire heard, "Hello?" Then, "A dozen croissants, tow mugs of hot chocolate, and a pitcher of water." And then, "Uh huh, that's it. Room 257. Thanks." She hung up the phone and yelled, "Done!"
Massie grabbed her carry on and pulled out a pair of purple Juicy pajama pants and lacy white wife beater.
Claire came out wrapped in a fleece robe. "That jet tub is wonderful," she breathed as she pulled out her carry on. Massie picked up her makeup removing soap, pajamas, and a brush and made her way into the bathroom. It really was amazing in there. There was a shower stall on the left and a jet tub on the right. The tile was black and white marble and the sink went along half of the wall. The smell of Claire's strawberry body scrub completed the scene. Massie felt a small smile creep up on her lips.
Outside the bathroom, Claire was running a brush through her long blonde hair. She fastened her hair into a high ponytail, the way she and the PC always did for movie nights.
"Kuh-laire," Massie called from the bathroom. Claire could hear the sound of the jet tub whirling. "Yes?" she called back. "The food should be here in a few more seconds. Listen out for it!" Massie yelled back. "Kay," Claire said. She added a swipe of lip gloss and right on cue, there was a knock on the door. Claire stood up and went to answer it. A fat man with tux on was holding a silver tray and a silver bowl. "Thanks," Claire said, taking the tray and bowl from him. "Here's your tip." She handed him a five dollar bill. "Keep the change."
Claire set the croissants and hot chocolate on the table and sat on the bed. Massie had taken out To Catch a Thief and Rear Window. Claire smiled and settled back on the bed. As much as she was looking forward to movie night with Massie, she still wished she could be watching it with Cam.
Massie came walking out of the bathroom wearing her pajamas. Her hair had been sprayed with Pink hair shine, and her hair had been fasted into an identical ponytail as Claire with a purple Scunci. "Let's watch To Catch a Thief first," Claire suggested, scooting over to make room for Massie. "Kay." Massie jumped into the bed and grabbed her hot chocolate. Claire jumped up and slid the movie into the DVD player. Massie dimmed the lights and grabbed a croissant. "I love Cary Grant," Claire sighed, taking a sip of hot chocolate. "Yeah, me too," Massie sighed back.
Three minutes into the movie, there was a knock on the door. The croissant that Massie and Claire had grabbed at the same time split as they both dropped. "I don't want to pause it," Massie whined. "I'll go see who it is," Claire said. She popped her half of the croissant in her mouth and slid off the bed, Massie's eyes following her the whole way.
Claire pulled open the door, and there stood…..Derrick Harrington, with his hands jammed into his pockets.
"MMMMM!" Massie screamed with her mouth closed. I look like a circus freak. She swallowed her mouthful of croissant and hot chocolate and smoothed back a loose curl. After dusting off her mouth, she forced herself to look up. "Oh, hey Derrick," she said, giving a small wave. "Didn't see you there."
The smile on Derrick's face was one of the biggest as he waved back at her. "Hey, Mass." Massie nodded at him. "So, um, would you like a croissant?" she held up one she had just taken a bite from. Idiot much? "Um, sure," Derrick said, frowning a bit. Massie jumped up and nearly ran to him. "Oh, oh, here, here, take it." She went back to the bed and picked up all of the croissants. "Take all of them. We don't mind. Right Claire?" Massie turned her gaze to Claire. "Riigghhtt," Claire said, her face frowning a bit.
Massie silently cursed herself.
"Actually," Derrick said, taking a bite from one of the croissants, "I want to speak to Claire for a moment." Massie raised an eyebrow. Kuh-laire? "Oh, oh well, Mass and I were watching a movie together," Claire said when she saw the look on Massie's face.
"Just for a moment," Derrick said. "Please?"
Claire looked at Massie. "Go ahead, I'll pause it," Massie said. "Thanks," Derrick said. "No prob," Massie answered. Derrick lingered in the doorway for a moment. Claire nudged his arm. "Oh, right, um good night Block." Massie blushed. Awww, he called me Block. "Night, Derrick," Massie said. Derrick and Claire walked back out into the hallway. Massie frowned for a moment as she watched them. What did Derrick want with Claire?
* * *
"So what did you want to talk about?" Claire asked. She and Derrick had gone downstairs to the bar, pajamas and all. Derrick took a deep breath. "I miss Massie," he blurted. "Yeah, I kinda figured that." Claire smiled. "So can you help me?" Derrick asked. "With what?" Claire responded. "I dunno. You're her best friend."
"Massie loves when people come and apologize to her," Claire said. "You want me to apologize to her?" Derrick asked. "I take it you're not one to do that," Claire said. She shook her head and laughed. "You and Massie are a perfect match."
Derrick smiled. "You think so?" he asked hopefully. Claire nodded. "I know so."
Claire sighed. "Look, I'm not supposed to be telling you this, but Massie misses you too." "She does?" Derrick asked. Claire nodded. "She does."
"Look, Derrick, if you want something, you have to go after it. You don't wait for someone to bring it to you. If Massie is what you want, then you have to follow your heart and seek what it wants." Before she knew it, Derrick had enveloped her in a hug. "I can see why Massie loves hanging around you," Derrick said.
"You know, when I first broke up with Massie, I never was fully over her. Everyday I would think about her, I would talk to the guys about her, I would get jealous every time I saw her with another guy, and basically I turned into Cam." Derrick chuckled until he realized what he had just said.
"Oops," Derrick said. "Sorry." "No, it's okay," Claire said. The look on her face said she was not okay. "So I'm guessing you haven't got over the big breakup yet either?" Derrick asked. Claire shook her head and wiped away a small tear. "You want to know something?" Derrick asked. Claire shrugged. "Cam hasn't got over you either. In fact, he told me tonight he wish you and him were still together."
"Yeah, but what we had is over not that he has Olivia," Claire said, her voice dripping venom when she said Olivia's name. "Haven't you heard?" Derrick asked. "Cam and Olivia broke up two months ago. I though for sure Alicia may have mentioned it."
Claire shook her head and wiped away another tear. "Can we not talk about this?" she asked. "Sure," Derrick said. "So, do you think Massie would take me back?" he asked hopefully. "It depends on the way you do it," Claire answered. "But I'm telling you, Massie is a sucker for an apology. It gives her a sense of power." "I can see why," Derrick answered. He stood up and left a tip for waiter. "C'mon, let's go back up." He led the way over to the elevators.
The pair rode in silence to the sixth floor. "So Cam wants me back," Claire said. Derrick nodded. "He's a good guy. You should give him a second chance." Claire shrugged in return.
There was another silence as they made their way back to the rooms. "See you tomorrow," Derrick said, giving her a small hug. "See you tomorrow," Claire replied. "Can you not tell Massie?" Derrick asked. "Can you not tell Cam?" Claire asked. She knew how to make a deal. "Our secrets are safe with each other," Derrick responded. He held his palm out and gave Claire a high-five before opening his door.
Claire stepped back into her room. Massie was snuggled up under a cover with her eyes closed. A frozen picture of Cary and Grace were on the TV screen. "Mass, are you still awake?" Claire asked. Massie's eyes popped open. "Yeah, I'm awake," she said. She scooted over to make room for Claire on the bed and handed her a cover. "So, what did you and Derrick talk about?" Massie asked when she realized Claire wasn't going to tell her.
"Oh, nothing," Claire answered. "Just, never mind, nothing," she said. "Oh well, it's 'kay," Massie said. That's what she said, but truthfully, she wasn't okay. She had heard Derrick and Claire talking outside their door. She'd heard Derrick say their secrets were safe with each other. And she'd heard the smacking noise, which, to her, sounded like a kiss. It all pointed to one thing.
But Derrick and Claire didn't like each other, did they?
So that's it for now. I there a certain place you'd like the PC and BB to visit. If you do, REVIEW. Please, please, please? Do it for me? And make sure you go and check out my new story: What To Expect When Massie's Expecting. The first chapter is posted. And again, please REVIEW!