Chapter 24

"Wow, talk about a twist last night, huh?" Kim asked when she, Lana and Cricket were sitting around the following morning

"Come on, Kim; Bri's been hinting at that for months; you if anyone should have seen that coming from miles away, even if it was scripted," Lana pointed out.

"Still, it's time something interesting happens. Wonder how far they will take it?"

Lana shrugged. "I guess it depends on the higher ups. I can't really say one way or the other."

"Speaking of which, how is King Crab Ass this morning?" Cricket asked. "No offense, Lana, but Paul was an even bigger bitch than Randy yesterday, and that goes without saying."

"I guess he's finally calmed down, though I haven't exactly put away the sharp objects yet," Lana replied.

"God, I never thought the day would come when you two would battle it out with each other. Damn!" Kim said.

"Hey, I think I scared myself doing it. Then again, I feel bad for being such a shrew," Lana sighed.

"Ha. That's nothing compared to the scream fest I had to listen to between him and Brian last night. I thought blood was going to be spilled. I had to end up staying with Cricket here to guard my own life."

"Greetings, ladies!" Brian called cheerfully when he came into the room. "You too, Kimberly."

"Hey, speaking of whom, if it isn't the short version of Satan himself in the flesh," Kim retorted. "I see you survived World War III."

"Yeah, and if any of you are concerned, PL made amends with me. All is well once again."

"Thank God," Kim said. "I guess this means it's safe to come back to the room and stare at your ugly mug."

"Kim!" Cricket cried, "that's terrible!"

"Really," Lana added. "He's about the only reason any of us are sane right now considering what went down the last few days."

"Ehh, guys; don't worry about it; I've put up with Kimberly's abuse for a year and a half, so what's another day? By the way, Red, PL wants to talk to you too."

"Oh shit," Lana rolled her eyes. "Do I really want to subject myself to this?"

"Actually, he was in one of his remorseful moments when he said it, so yeah, I think you're safe."

"All right," she sighed. "I'll be up in ten minutes, but if anyone doesn't hear from me within an hour, call the National Guard or at least the bellboy."

-------------------

"Oh good; I see you got the message," Paul said when he saw Lana at the door and ushered her in.

"I did," she replied cooly. "So what do you have to say?"

"That I'm sorry for being a total ass yesterday and putting everyone through shit?"

Lana thawed a little and managed a smile. "That's good for starters," she said.

"And I'm sorry for telling everyone within earshot that you're a frigid, uptight bitch and no wonder you couldn't get a husband."

Lana smiled wider; Brian was right, he was being remorseful, and how could she possibly stay mad at him?

"Well, while we're on apologies, I'm sorry for yelling at you and being a total fishwife."

"Don't apologize for that," Paul shook his head. "Looking back, I rightfully deserved it."

"I know, but I still feel guilty," she said.

"Got to admit, though, you have one hell of a redheaded temper."

"Ha! Like you're a fine one to talk about tempers!" Lana replied, laughing. "Does Latino heat ring a bell?"

"Yeah, yeah; you got me there, sweetheart. Of course, I must be a glutton for punishment because I kind of dig that trait in you. I never thought it would come out. But when it did, holy shit. And I thoughtBrian was a screamer. I'm beginning to think you two would tie for first place in a bitchfest championship."

"Yeah, Kim filled me in on the whole 'fuck you' and 'bite me' argument between you and him," Lana replied. "She had to end up staying with Cricket last night."

"I should apologize to her too," Paul said. "You know, I'm not usually like that with the help."

Lana nodded. "I know. We all have bad days; you just need a better outlet to deal with them instead of making everyone else around you miserable. You know, you're very lucky to have people around you that are understanding. This could have had an entirely different outcome otherwise."

"And you're right again. Jesus, woman, you're so smart, you scare the hell out of me. So are you coming back to the room tonight?"

"Maybe for a visit," she nodded. "Mine is paid for so I may as well keep it. Anyway, why don't we go back downstairs with the others for the time being before Kim thinks there's two dead bodies up here and calls out the state police?"

Paul let go a hearty laugh. "I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea, would it? Plus I don't want the midget tracking me down and nagging me again. I had enough of that the last two days to last me a lifetime. Meanwhile, I'll bribe him into buying us all breakfast."