Author's note- Not all of these couples will find love. At this point I think one has a really good chance. Beyond that I am not sure who might make it till the end of the story. But hopefully the ups and downs will be fun to read.
BEFORE any of the woman could cast a vote for the who brought the hottest Hottie, Robin's cell rang.
"Thought you might want a heads up," Epiphany said " Patrick's surgery is over. Noah just told me Patrick left here in a tux a while ago. He must have brought it to work and been planning to go with Blondie before they got in a fight."
"Crap! Okay, thanks for calling." Robin hung up. "I have to get back to Cruz before Patrick shows up. I do not want to see him tonight. God! Who do you think he is bringing? That peds nurse who has a thing for him? What is her name? Vanna. Who is named that? I expect her to starting flipping over vowels every time I see her."
"Calm down." Lainey said "You don't want to hyperventilate."
"I won't. Of course I won't. I don't care who he brings. Why would I care?" Robin said
They all gave her a sad look.
"Crap." she said again and then hurried out of the bathroom.
"How about brunch at our place tomorrow so we can finish the voting?" Lainey asked "Plus I want to hear all the dirt."
"That is the real reason you became a shrink." Kelly joked "You love gossip."
"I do not."
"You know more about TomKat, and why Brittany really dumped Kfed than anyone else I know." Kelly said smiling
"It's research. I am writing a book on celebrity relationships."
"Sure you are." Kelly said
Lainey rolled her eyes but smiled. "I have a date to get back to, heifer. See you at home later. That is if you make it there by brunch."
Emily's eyes widen. " I need a drink. See you all tomorrow."
She was out the door first, with Lainey close behind her.
Lainey asked Em, "Are you really okay with Kelly dating Nikolas?"
"Fine," she lied and then gave her friend a fake smile.
In the bathroom, Liz said to Kelly "Are you serious about Nik?"
"I could be. He's a catch."
"I was afraid you might say that." Liz thought about her messy romantic past.
Love can make your life worth living, she thought to herself, if it doesn't kill you first.
LIZ took a deep breath and pushed the door to the bathroom open. Back into the pool. At least Pete was just the shallow end , not someone she cared enough about to weep for if everything went to hell.
Like it always did.
KELLY turned back toward the bathroom mirror again. She studied her face, her make-up was fine. But her eyes didn't shine like they had earlier.
She liked Nik, wanted him. Could imagine his mouth on hers, then on her neck, shoulder...
But was it worth hurting her friend to get the guy?
Kelly frowned. Why did she always have to lose out in this game called love?
ROBIN scooted up behind Cruz, who sat at the bar next to Ned. Next to Ned was Nikolas, and then Pete. Carly and Jax chatted with Milo a few feet away.
"Hey, sorry, but we have to go." Robin said
He turned around and gave her a raised eyebrow. A small smiled curved his lips. His eyes gave her that sensual look that made her stomach drop.
Cruz murmured, "Chickening out?"
"No."
"Really? Then why do we have to go? Did you get a call from the hospital."
Robin glanced over her shoulder. Patrick could walk off the elevator with Bimbo Number Six at any moment.
"Something like that." Robin said. She slid her hand in Cruz and yanked him off the stool.
Cruz cried, "Okay, Okay, I am coming."
Ned chuckled at the sight of the small woman dragging the police officer toward the exit.
"We'll take the stairs." Robin said
"It is more than 30 floors!"
"It's good for you. A Cardio workout. I'm a doctor, believe me."
EMILY smiled when she rejoined Milo. He said, "Everything okay ?"
"Getting there." she said
Carly said, "So you two are dating now? What does Jason say about this?"
"Leave them alone." Jax said
Carly told him, "I will not. When Jason is not around, I look out for his interests! And she tops his list of worries." She looked back at Emily. "Are you going to worry your brother to death while you play with danger some more? And mess with Milo's mind at the same time, making him think that he has a chance when you still love Nikolas."
"Carly." Milo said, giving her a look. They were not as close as her and Max but still like family. A strange kill or be killed type of family, but family all the same.
"Be careful with her," Carly said "That is all I am saying!"
"I can handle it. Okay?" Milo said. Carly and Milo exchanged a look. Carly mouthed "Okay." back at him.
Milo said, "Now, if you'll excuse us. We're going to dance."
Once Emily was in his arms on the dance floor she said, "How do you stand working for her?"
"I work for Sonny and Jason."
"Who do you think pulls their strings? They are like a three way partnership in every sense of the word. It's bizarre."
Milo smiled. "It might be crazy but it's love. Carly's concerns comes from a good place."
"So, do you think she is right?" Emily questioned him, her words soft. She was well aware that his answer would help to decide her future. "You shouldn't take a chance on me?"
He met her eyes. Emily felt another shiver. Each one shocked her. This was not supposed to mean anything- this date. It was a dare, a bet, a whim.
But she waited, holding her breath, for his answer.
The song playing around them sang, "Forget what we're told, Before we get too old ,Show me a garden that's bursting into life." ( Snow Patrol)
Milo's eyes darkened and he told her, in a deep voice filled with danger,"I take chances everyday. What's one more?"