Hello dear readers. Do I really have to say that I do not own the characters, nor the show? I mean we all know that, right?

So well whatever this story takes places a few years after the second season, but in my version, Alex and Marissa never broke up and their relationship has only grown stronger since then. So yea, read and judge.

- Thanks for the reviews P (And thanks for the definition of PMS )

Chapter 5 – So, about Dean…

Alex got in her car and dialled Jody's number, to who she told everything that just happened, wanted to know her friend's opinion about Dean.

- Alex until when are you going to hide your relationship from him? Jody asked. This guy is definitely into you.

- I know, Alex sighted, but he did not officially try anything yet, he keeps using that "business" cover every time he speaks to me, so If I just randomly say " Oh, I'm taken" he could easily say " I wasn't trying anything", you know? And how stupid will I look then...

- You do what you want, Jody said, but inviting you to his apartment is definitely not business alike.

- I know, Alex said again. "

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Marissa stepped in Exotica with a huge smile. She really started to like being manager there, even though she was the only who did. First, she made a tour, making sure they had all the drink they needed. She then checked with Stephen if the new amplifications where fine, since they received them this morning. Stephen was really exited about it.

" - Man, he said, the sound is going to be SO MUCH better now! The bands will be glad to see that we have those, he added.

- Glad to hear it, Marissa said before heading to the bathrooms to make sure they were clean. She loved this club just as much as Alex did, Marissa realised. "

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Alex parked her car in front of the address Dean had given to her. In front of her, she had a palace. Alex could have been impressed, if her parents wouldn't have been that rich, or maybe if she wouldn't have lived in Newport Beach for this long... The house looked good, however, it didn't impress her. Getting out of her car, she walked through the front door and rang the bell. A tall man with a moustache opened the door and asked her her name.

- I'm Alex Kelly, Alex said. Dean Ashmore told me to come.

- Oh, miss Kelly, the man said with a reverence, my apologies. Yes, Dean mentioned you will be coming. Here, follow me. Alex followed who she guessed was Dean's servant to a greeting room that contained two beautiful white sofas and a table between them on which there already was a plate of hors d'oeuvres with two empty wine glasses. Alex sat down and waited a few minutes.

- Alex! Dean said behind her, I'm glad you came. He took her hand and politely kissed it before sitting in front of her, on the other sofa. How was your week? He asked.

- It was great, she answered. I used some of the tips I learned to book my bands and to deal with costumers. I also bought that new amplifications system you proposed me to.

- Oh, wonderful, Dean said. Trust me, you won't regret it. Your club will be twice more alive.

- ... So, Alex managed to say, what is this thing I would be so interested in?

- Work work work, Dean joked. This is today's diet, right? Oh hi Dean, so where is the stuff, goodnight.

- Oh I didn't mean to be impolite, Alex apologised right away. Dean gave her a wink.

- Don't worry about it, he said. I'll be right back with it. Take some hors d'oeuvres, he proposed before leaving. Alex looked at what was in front of her and finally took a canapé (flat salty cookie) with a white fish on it. It tasted really good, she noticed, and took another one that has a pink stuff on it as Dean re-entered the room with a binder.

- Here, he said, passing her a contract. Read it. Alex took the paper from Dean's hand and started reading it. It was a contract with a recording agency.

- I don't understand why you're giving me this... Alex started.

- It's a contract, Dean explained. They are offering to record all the concerts at your club. You know how much the bands like it? They are offering a week tryout for free, they will record two hundred samples every night for a week, and if you have trouble selling them, you can cancel the contract. On the other hand, which is what is more likely to happen, if you realise how successful your selling's are going, you could accept the contract and get them to record all the shows. They're offering a CD stand for free, Dean also mentioned. Alex thought about it.

- This could be interesting, she nodded. I'll give it a try.

- Glad to hear it, Dean smiled. You just sign this contract and I'll take care of everything. They should be at your club next monday.

- Great, Alex said as she signed the contract. Here, she handed the paper back to him. He put it back in his binder.

- Told you you would be interested, he gladly said. Alex smiled.

- Well, Alex said, getting up, I don't want to be impolite or anything, but I really have to head back home.

- Yes, of course, Dean said, getting up as well and walking her to the door.

- Thank you very much, Alex said as she reached the door. I really appreciate everything you're doing for me.

- It's my pleasure, really, Dean insisted, inches apart from her. I love to help new clubs grow stronger. Alex realised how beautiful his eyes were, blue, and dark, really dark. They stayed there, looking at each other for a moment. Slowly, Dean approached his hand. Alex knew she should push him away, but she didn't. She waited, panic growing in her. Slowly, he reached the doorknob next to Alex's waist and opened the door. Alex felt suddenly stupid and wondered if Dean had noticed anything.

- Here you go, he said, letting her pass.

- Oh, thanks again, Alex smiled before leaving the house. She was relieved that he didn't try anything, true, but she also felt a little guilty. For what exactly? For liking his eyes? He had beautiful eyes, and so? A lot of people did, it didn't mean she was unfaithful to Marissa. Marissa probably find someone else's eyes beautiful too, and it doesn't make her a bad person. Alex shook her head. She wasn't making any sense anymore.

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Marissa was standing next to Stephen who was taking care of the last details before the band would arrive tonight. She felt someone grab her by the wrist and pull her closer.

- I missed you, Marissa said without looking.

- You did a great job while I was gone, Alex told her, honestly surprised by the club's neatness.

- Thank you, the brunette replied. Come on, she added, let's go get some ice cream. "

Marissa took Alex's hand and pulled her away from the club. As they got in the car, they both remained silent while Marissa was driving. Alex took Marissa's hand and started to play with it, her thoughts still confused. Did she love that girl? Of course she did. Would she ever leave her? Hell no, she kept thinking, but then, why that weird feeling with Dean earlier? Marissa squeezed the blonde's hand, causing her to smile.

- So, Marissa asked, did you see Jody today? The blonde looked up, but Marissa did not sound jealous, she had said it with a smile. She trusts me, Alex thought.

- No, she answered. Oh, you remind me, Dean talked to me about this contract... Alex told everything to Marissa who found the idea interesting.

- But how come Dean is helping you that much? Marissa wondered with reason. I mean, don't he have a school full of students to take car of? Why would he put all his efforts on you only?

- Well, Alex thought, firstly, we can't be sure that I'm the only one that he's helping this way...and, also, he said he likes to help small clubs to grow stronger. So I guess he chose me because I'm new in this job and he thought : what a nice challenge.

- Maybe, Marissa whispered, not really convinced, well, who cares. He's helping, right?

- That's the spirit! Alex joked as Marissa was parking the car.

- So, tell me, how is he? Marissa asked, closing the door.

- Rich, Alex replied.

- Yea I figured, Marissa rolled her eyes. I meant, you know, is he good looking?

- He's kind of old, Alex lied, knowing Marissa wouldn't ask any further question.

- Oh, Marissa said and, as Alex guessed, immediately stopped asking questions about him. So, she said once they got in front of the ice cream stand, what do you want to eat?

- I want something with a lot of sugar!

- That's something new, Marissa joked.

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The next morning, they both had the day off and spend the whole morning in bed Alex had decided to leave the whole club's management to Mike, in spite of Marissa's disadvise, and therefore, she had nothing planned for the day.

- Let's go somewhere, Marissa proposed, dressing up.

- Why, Alex mumbled. Let's stay home and watch some movies.

- Yea, that could be great too, Marissa thought. What movies do you want me to rent? She asked. Alex got out of bed.

- I'm coming with you, she said."

Both girls were walking through the stands, not finding anything interesting. Marissa totally refused to watch a scary movie, and Alex was turning down her own suggestions, which lead them back to the beginning. After a while, and with the help of the saleswomen, they finally agreed on 3 movies that seemed okay. Alex registered the movies while Marissa went to get junk foods for the night.

- Girl Interrupted, Alex read as she put the CD in the dvd player, this one looks interesting.

- Is it a romance movie? Marissa asked as she sat down.

- Maybe, Alex lied, knowing it was a highly dramatic movie. Marissa pushed herself against Alex and put the popcorn bowl in her lap. Alex's cell phone started ringing, but before she could answer her call, Marissa stole the phone from her and checked the caller ID.

- I can't believe him! She screamed.

- Mike? Alex guessed.

- Bingo, Marissa replied, flipping the phone open. Hello?

- ... Marissa? Mike asked in a confused voice.

- Yes, I'm answering Alex's calls since she did an overdose and is lying the hospitals bed in coma, Marissa seriously said while Alex was trying to take the phone from her girlfriend's hand.

- She did what? Mike asked, preoccupied.

- You heard correctly, and I have to stay with her so you deal with whatever is happening, okay? Marissa answered, keeping her down to earth voice.

- Of course... oh my god this is ... Mike started... you're so lying! He finally said.

- No I'm not! Marissa said in a defensive tone, ruining everything.

- Yes you are. Marissa, you get stressed over nothing, there is no way you would be still talking to me right now if Alex was in a life or death situation. Marissa bit her lip.

- Okay, she said, maybe I am.

- Jeez Marissa what kind of a sick joke is that! Pass me Alex.

- No, Marissa said.

- But I have to talk to her! Mike protested.

- Well, Mike, what if I wasn't lying? What if that really had happened? What would you have done?

- It did not happen! Mike said again.

- Pretend it did, and deal with your problem, Marissa said before closing the phone. Alex was laughing behind her.

- Can't believe you did that. What if there's a real problem at the club?

- He'll deal with it, Marissa said. Or else, he'll never learn.

- You're actually right, Alex nodded. Now come closer, she said, pulling back Marissa in her arms.

- And I do not get stressed over nothing! Marissa said in a sulky tone. Alex raised an eyebrow and chose not to answer."

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This monday, the recorder's company was suppose to pass by the club in the morning to install all the equipment, therefore, Alex had to be there early in the morning. Marissa, who wasn't working until later on that day, decided to go with Alex and take a look at the equipment.

As they arrived there, a huge truck was already parked in front of Exotica and some workers where taking out a huge stand of cd, along with some electronic equipments. Marissa got out while Alex left with the car to park it somewhere.

"- Where is this club's responsible? A worker asked with some forms in his hand.

- She'll be here in no time, Marissa answered. But I'm co-manager, so if you need any help...

- You're Alex's co-manager? A young man in a suit asked. Marissa looked at the man wondering who he could be.

- Yes, I'm Marissa Cooper, she said, presenting her hand that the man politely shook.

- Glad to meet you, Marissa, he said. I am Dean Ashmore. Marissa's eyes went wide. Dean Ashmore. The Dean Ashmore? He's kinda old? Yea Alex, very old, she though with anger. She felt Alex standing behind her. Slowly. she turned around, facing a speechless girlfriend.

- Alex, Marissa said with a huge fake smile that only the blonde noticed, look who is here.

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This is getting interesting, isn't it? Do not forget my precious reviews!

- Ethereal123