Hi :) I have a new chapter for you :) Hope you'd like it Xx

3 October, 2011

'I'm searching for Jacqueline McQueen!' He was ready to pass away right here and right now. He needed to take a hold of the washbasin afraid that he'd fall down on the knees, and accidentally smashed a bottle of perfume on the tiles, before pushed the rest of the cosmetics down to the sink. He was breathing heavily and terrified looking around the bathroom, when the door suddenly opened and he stood face to face with Mercy.

'What's got into ya? You're redecorating the bathroom?' She asked sarcastically and frowned as she took a closer look at him. 'What's wrong? You're pale like your tiles.'

'Just be quiet!' He hissed and unceremoniously grabbed her hand and pulled her inside the room before closed the door with a slam.

'Oy, John Paul get off me!' She cried and pushed his hands away. 'What the hell got into ya?'

'Just, please, stay quiet and let me think!' He looked at her with pleading and hid face in hands.

'Why would I…' And then it hit her. She smiled slyly and put hands on her hips. 'I'm taking someone had a nice, Friday night.'

'Don't start it…' He begged and looked at her with one look.

'So, you have a new fella?' She grinned cheekily.

'He's just someone I met at the party and well, we spent the night…in our company.' He added noticing how her eyes lightened up and her grin widened. 'There was nothing more between us!'

'Is he handsome?' She suddenly asked with a sly smile, baffling him for moment.

'Don't even think about hitting on him!' He snapped, irate. 'He's mine! Well… kind of.' He said quieter and looked down at the tiles when his sister chuckled and rolled her eyes at him.

'Jacqueline McQueen? He thinks you're girl, ain't he?'

'I couldn't tell him I'm a guy!' He scowled and crossed arms against his chest as he stepped back with angry face. 'He wouldn't want to talk with me.'

'John Paul you don't need to play a chick to get a guy for yourself.' She sighed heavily. 'You're wise, confident, nice, good looking and strong. You don't need to use such a weak tricks to get your fella.' She stated firmly, like it was a problem.

'He's straight, Mercy. That's the problem.' He growled. 'Besides it's too late for turn it back. I need to play along.'

'What ya mean?' She frowned and looked heavily at him. He wanted to answer when he heard Jackie.

'In that case, why don't you come in, Mr. Dean? I'm sure Jacqueline would be back soon.'

'You need to help me.' He said firmly and looked panicked around the bathroom. 'He can't see me like that!'

'You mean that you're all wet and with a towel wraps around your waist, or that you should look more feminine?' He looked at her heavily.

'What do you think?' He snapped outraged and reached for another towel to dry his hair. 'So, would you help me or would you stand here and watch me?'

'Give me five minutes to take everything and decide what to do with ya.' She smiled slightly and to his dismay turned around toward the door.

'You can't go, now!' He was close to heart attack.

'Take a breath, John Paul.' She rolled her eyes. 'I would sneak into your bedroom and since he's sitting in the other room, there's no chance he'd see me. Although I still don't see the reason why he wouldn't.'

'He'd think I'm in home!' He replied panicked and stepped back.

'Because I came out from the bathroom?' She arched an eyebrow at him. 'Ya should go out for the fresh air, cause your mind isn't working anymore.' She stated and simply opened the door. 'Try to not faint .' She added with a smirk before she walked off.

'Easy to say.' He muttered and sat down at the toilet as with beating heart he was listening to the conversation going on for the other side of the wall. He just hoped Jackie wouldn't scary Craig and Michaela would not ruin his secret. If someone needs to tell Craig the truth, it can be only him.

4 October, 2011

She slumped down on the cheap chair and reached out for her lunch, when Lily announced the break after five hours of hard work. She felt her stylist behind her back, already working on her hair and discussing with her assistant which outfit would be the best for another round of photos. She bite down on her lip because of the pain when stylist's hands began pulling for another strands of her hair and tried to fasten them in a high bun, but she kept quiet knowing she doesn't has right to complain at her, when she was doing only her job. It's just how the things were working there. When some of them have the break, the others have to work.

'When you'd be doing a make- up, add more color to her cheeks. She's unhealthy pale.' She put the fork down, suddenly losing the appetite when she heard Pablo's voice behind herself.

'Of course, Mr. Hernandez. And would you like me to put a few fripperies to her hair?' To make me look like a Christmas Tree, she thought drily.

'I'd decide when you finish.' She shivered as his heavy hand rested on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly. 'So how's our little star feeling?' To her dismay he turned his attention to her.

'A bit tired, but fine.' She replied shortly and handed her stylist the bottle of spray she has been asking for.

'You look sick. Maybe you should eat more fruits or ask doctor for vitamins.' She rolled her eyes, already hearing about that three times today. 'There wouldn't be a problem with giving you an injection, if you need one for a quick recover.' He added almost in whisper as he bended over here, didn't want to be heard by her stylist.

'I don't need any of that.' She said firmly and pushed away from him. 'Just let me enjoy my break and I'd be fine.'

'And you better be. Don't forget this week you'd sign a contract with Jordan and that's the biggest chance you've ever got in your carrier.' She could see in mirror his pointed out at her forefinger and the row of white teeth as he was constantly grinning. 'You can't lose it.'

'Me or you?' She asked bluntly and winced when the stylist painfully tugged for the thick strand of her hair.

'Ah, Sarah. Sometimes you're such a sweet joker.' He grinned wider and patted her shoulder. 'Keep going with that. When you're smiling, you're bright as a star.'

'Thank you.' She said with a fake smile and reached for her fork. 'Now, forgive me, but I need to finish my lunch.'

'Oh, of course. Relax, babe. You need to look gorgeous for another round.' He straightened up and took his hand back. 'And you, don't forget about make up. And call me when she'd be ready.'

'Of course, Mr. Hernandez.' Sarah was ready to vomit, when he finally walked away and left her alone with her stylist, still fighting with her hair trying to put them in order. 'Do I hurt you, Ms. Barnes?' She asked worried.

'It's fine. Just keep doing your job and don't worry about Pablo. If he starts complain, I'd put him down.' The woman smiled back to her and she felt pleasant. 'He knows nothing about fashion.' She muttered and fished for pineapple on her plate.

'Thank you, miss.' She just hoped the next round would end as quicker it'd be possible and she'd be free. The last thing she wanted it's spending the whole day with Pablo and pretending she's the most happiest person in the world. She'd give anything to spend this whole time with the person in front of whom she wouldn't have to pretend to be someone else. 'Do you want me to bring a new outfit for you, Ms. Barnes?'

'No, but I'd like you to bring my coat for me.' She said as she made her decision, surprising her stylist.

'But, Ms. Barnes, what about your session? You can't go to home in the middle of it!' She cried above her head.

'I'd be back before it starts. I'd ask Pablo to call me a half hour earlier so I could change clothes and you'd do make up before I show up.'

'I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's not my business.' She stated, but quickly popped at the back toward the dressing-room.

'Thank you!' Sarah called after her and with wide smile stick the fork into her salad, finally being able to finish it in peace.

3 October, 2011

There was something scary about her and he even considered to give up and go back to home, but when he has finally sat down on the offered place on the couch it was shame to lose the chance to meet with his nymph. Not when he was so close to see her again.

'Jacqueline didn't say a word she met someone at the party.' The scary woman broke the silence when she sat across him at another couch with unreadable face. 'Strange, considering she's always telling us about new found guy.' Did she mean he's not enough interesting and taking serious to be worth mention by Jacqueline to her sisters?

'Maybe I'm so special, she didn't want to tell you she met me.' He fired back, not giving her a chance to put him down. 'Besides I believe mostly it didn't work out with the guys she mentioned to you, right?' He knew he was a bit too cheeky, but well, she started first!

'So you think she hopes you two could be together one day and she didn't tell me about you because she doesn't want to jinx it? And she knows that after spending one night with you?' She arched an eyebrow at him, small smirk playing on her lips. 'You think you're so special she'd fall in love with you for the first sight?' She asked sarcastically, surely didn't believe in the power of his seduction.

'I can be really persistent when I want something.' He retorted with a smirk, withstanding her stare. 'And believe me, I'm very charming.'

'And very modest.' The blonde chick who has opened the door for him snorted.

'But in contrary to other guys, I'm only saying the truth. And after one look at me I'm sure you'd agree with me.' There was another ghostly smile on brunette's lips and he felt that's a good sign.

'You're full of yourself, eh?' Brunette asked with distance. 'So, you're saying you're Craig Dean?'

'That's right.'

'So, Craig, where are you working?' She asked with a smirk. 'Maybe on the stage, telling jokes?' He has believed there'd be some problems with getting into her good book, but he wouldn't think it could be so hard. She was a really hard player, but he knew that sooner or later he'd win her. There was no one who would be able to resist his innate charm.

'Or as a clown, in local circus.' The blonde added with a wry smile above her white mug with red hearts, and they both seemed to be very pleasant with her little jokes.

'Nah, I'm only ordinary business.' He replied with a small smile. 'Nothing interesting, really.'

'Ah, you don't have to be so shy, because we told you, you're full of yourself.' The blonde mocked. 'Or maybe it's so boring job, there's nothing good to say about it.'

'You have your own business or working for someone?' The brunette continued her investigation, ignoring the other woman.

'I have my own department, but it's not like I can do whatever I want. I still have a boss above myself and the company where I have my department.' He replied, didn't share with her too much details.

'What kind of work is that?' She was unmoved.

'Searching for big fishes who can sponsor the small companies we're having under our wings.' He shrugged off. 'And besides, we're doing a lot of other things. Like buying paintings from little-known artists and expose them in arts gallery or on the openings sponsored by our company.' He explained, feeling proud of taking a part in such big and important project.

'For whom exactly you're working? Is there any chance I could check if you're telling us the truth?' She looked at him suspicious.

'I'm working for B&J Company.' He finally said and frowned as the woman kept watching him intently, like she didn't hear what he said. In contrary to the blonde who squirmed on her seat and with a yelp of surprise poured her tea over the carpet.

'That B&J company?' She asked excited, didn't bother about the big stain forming on her sister's carpet. He nodded with a slight smile. 'Oh, my God!' She exclaimed and he couldn't help but chuckle. 'It's B&J Company!' She cried and looked at brunette who watched her with growing anxiety, like she still didn't get it. 'B&J!' She repeated slowly, noticing the lack of enthusiasm from her.

'So?' She frowned.

'Oh, for fuck's sake, Jackie! On which planet do you live?' She exclaimed and slumped down at her seat with a roll of her eyes. 'How could you not know B&J Company?'

'It looks like I can.' She replied irate. 'What's that?'

'It's the biggest company in whole England! I believe they own the all companies you can think about!'

'Nah, it doesn't look as good as you think.' He chimed in with a grin. 'We own only about 60%.'

'That's a lot.' Jackie stated carefully didn't show too much back, but he could tell she was impressed, even if she didn't want to admit it. 'So, you have money.'

'Enough to provide a good life and don't worry about bills.' He smirked. 'As you see Jacqueline would be in good hands.'

'And why it doesn't calm me?' She asked with a snort. 'I believe there was a lot of future Mrs. Dean in your life.'

'But any of them attain such an honor to be my wife.'

'You heard him?' The blonde snorted. 'He thinks he's bloody Brad Pitt!'

'I think I'm more like Ronaldo.' He replied cheekily and this time Jackie smiled.

'Only in your dreams, Shorty!' The blonde scowled at the same time as the door opened somewhere near and someone steps rang in the flat. 'Finally!' She shouted and rolled her eyes.

'Another sister?' He asked dumbfounded, couldn't believe there is another one, and seeing how hard it was with these two he was expecting to get a hit on the nose for the welcome.

'Judging by the heavy steps it has to be your Jacqueline!' She announced, ignoring Jackie's warning look.

'I thought you said she's off with her friends?' He frowned, feeling that someone was trying made an idiot of him.

'Well… Look.' Aha! Her self-assurance armor seemed to have a little break on its surface. 'She's sick and she doesn't want you to see her in that state… She doesn't look good.'

'Does she has a running nose?' He asked worried. The last thing he wanted is to have all jacket covered with the consent of her nose.

'No…' She replied shortly and looked puzzled at him.

'So, that's fine with me!' He stated and rubbed his hands together. 'She shouldn't worry about her look. I'm sure she looks gorgeous.'

'We'd see.' Jackie muttered and looked down at the carpet to avoid his questioning look. He wanted to ask what she meant, when he sensed the presence of another person in the room.

'I'm sorry you had to wait, but I felt asleep.' He cocked his head and frowned a bit as he took a look at the pink hill standing few steps away from him with a shawl around the neck. He had to admit she has looked way more sexy and elegant the night he has spotted her than now, being wrapped with some ugly, fluffy and pink dressing-gown so long it was hiding her feet and she looked more like she was wearing some bloody kimono! He didn't know if he should laugh or cry. The only nice thing she had were her face, eyes and hair tied up in a messy bun. The other thing he noticed and now was sure he has seen right the night they've met, she was so fucking tall, it was unbelievable.

'It's fine.' He stuttered with a forced smile and raised up from the seat to approach her. 'You look…' He motioned at her and he realized he was loss of words. He knew she was expecting him to say how beautiful she looks and it doesn't matter she's sick and looking like his mother, but to be honest it does matter him, and he was afraid his voice and face would betray him if he tries to lie to her. But still he needed to say anything nice back to her, especially when her these two she-wolves were watching him intently and he believed Jackie would be ready to cut his balls off if he makes a wrong move.

He was trapped.

'You look…' He repeated and nervously rubbed the back of his neck under her curious, azure eyes. '…Phenomenally!' In every detail, he thought drily.

'Oh, thank you.' She seemed to be surprised and he wasn't sure if he chose the right word and it was a good reaction or whether not. She wasn't even smiling, only staring back at him and playing with her shawl. He stole few side glances toward Jackie searching for some approval from her side, but she only smiled slightly at him, seemed to be amused with whole situation. 'You look nice, too.' He wasn't sure what to do next.

'I'm sure you two would like to stay alone.' The brunette announced with a wry smile and heavily raised up from the couch. 'We'd give you a room.' She offered and shot a quick glance to her other sister when she noticed she wasn't in hurry to go anywhere.

'And close the door behind yourself.' Jacqueline added and shifted slightly on her feet before bestowed him with beautiful smile, seeming to be more comfortable and confident when her sisters made their way out of the room. 'I didn't expect to see you again.' She said softly with a little hoarse, deep voice.

'Well, if you didn't forget your book and didn't dazzle me with your presence, I'd probably didn't do that. But in that case…' He smiled and slumped down back at the couch, thinking she'd follow him and do the same so they could chat, but instead she just kept standing there and was watching him intently. He wondered if it meant he should go back to home or was she only shy around him. And there was only one way to find it out. 'You want me to go?'

'What? No!' She replied quickly and he couldn't help but smile when she hurried toward the other couch across him and quickly took a place on it like she was afraid he'd might go. 'Stay. You didn't come through these all to find me only to say hi.' She said with a smile, which suddenly dropped down as she realized something. 'How did you find me?'

'Well, that's a long story…' He replied with sheepishly smile.

'I have time.' She said firmly, fixing her intensive azure eyes at him like she was trying to see through him and now there was any doubts she was a typical woman.

'Every detail?' He hoped she'd change her mind, but she only smiled slyly at him, didn't leave him any illusions.

'Keep going.'

3 October, 2011

At the same time, at the same table in the corner. Unbelievable. He wouldn't thought he'd had an audacity to come here after what he has done. But then it looked like he would!

He gritted his teeth together and slapped the cloth on the counter, in protest wanting to get away and leave everything in the devils! Violently he pushed the cap more on his head and was going to grab his magazine before he'd inform other waiters he's on the way on his break, when he looked up and their eyes met. The bastard was staring back at him, like nothing happened, trying to put a spell on him. But he wouldn't give him that satisfaction once again. He'd show him up his tricks doesn't work anymore! Oh, yea, he would! And he'd never try to come back here, again.

'Would you stop eye flirting with this guy and focus at orders?' Marilyn's snapped behind him, wakening him up from the trance. 'Kitchen waits.' He blushed furiously.

'I'm not flirting!' He protested loud enough to be heard by all clients and got a small, sly smile from the bastard who cocked an eyebrow at him. Just great. 'I just flew away with thoughts.'

'Staring at him?' She arched her eyebrow with a smirk. 'If I don't know better, I'd think you're hot for this guy.'

'Yea, right. How funny!' He snapped after her and threw his cap angrily at the counter. 'Fucking day.'

'Not a good day, huh?' He jumped startled and terrified looked at the right only to be met by the pair of dark, hateful eyes. 'Mine either.'

'No that I care.' He said unfriendly and moved a hand through his hair.

'Don't worry, I'm here only to order a coke for Jasmine and I'm back to my table.' He snorted, eyes seeping with anger. 'I guess you can do that, without feeling an urge to throw up?' For a short moment he felt bad and was ready to apologize him, but when he remembered these teasing eyes and red lips from Friday's party, his hate came back.

'With ice?' He asked coldly as their eyes met for a short moment and there was hate written over them.

'No, with straw.' He replied using the same tone of voice as him and threw few coins at the counter. 'Do I need pay extra?'

'No, if it's for your daughter. I'd bring the coke to your table.' He said calmer and moved at the back without another look at him.

'Whoa, why so harsh?' Marilyn asked surprised as she joined him in the kitchen. 'I thought he's your favorite customer.'

'No, he's not. And he has never been! He's one arrogant pig and I wouldn't mind if from today you'd be the one who'd serve him the meals.' He replied and fished for a pink straw.

'Okay…' She shrugged off and stole a few side glances at him. 'You want me to give him the coke?'

'No, I'd do that.' He muttered and with gloomy face returned to the main hall. 'I thought I expressed myself clear when I told you to wait at your table.' He almost barked at him as he noticed the man standing for the other side of the counter with elbows on the blade as he tilted over to look closer at the camera he has left earlier at the chair.

'It's yours?' He nodded at the camera, ignoring him.

'It doesn't has anything to do with your order.' He replied annoyed and put the glass down with a slam. 'Your coke.' He added, trying to ignore the couple watching him with shocked faces.

'It's quite old, but still looks pretty good and I guess it's very professional tackle.' He continued dauntless, making him growl with frustration. 'Do you still taking pictures?'

'No, I've just I'm going to take it to renovation.' He replied casually, calming down a bit.

'Oh, shame. You can't take pictures anymore.' He said sadly and suddenly pulled back with a deep sigh.

'I can. It's nothing serious.' He stated, not sure why he again was talking with him. It wasn't his business. 'My mate borrowed me his old lens until I'd get money to buy a new one for myself.' He added and delicately picked up his camera.

'So, if someone asks you to take a picture of him, you could do it?' He traced the counter with his finger and fixed his eyes at the opposite wall, giving him a feeling there was something more behind his questions regardless of how much he wanted to sound casual and just being friendly.

'Yes, I could.' He replied carefully and looked at him with curious. 'But I'm not photographing people. I only did it a few times and decided it's not for me. I prefer to take a pictures of landscapes or buildings. But you already should know about that.' He added with a bit of sarcasm.

'What if I pay you?' He suddenly asked with serious face, baffling him. 'What?' He frowned as he took a look at him and he was sure he had to has a really funny face as he felt his lips curled uncontrollably into silly smirk.

'Nothing, I've just…' He scratched his head and chuckled a bit, thinking how silly he was. 'It's just, usually when you hear someone offering you money it usually means he wants to spend a night with you.'

'Well, if you feel disappointed, I can think about changing my offer for something more suitable for you.' He grinned cheekily and winked at him.

'No!' He cried and blushed furiously, realizing his stupid mistake. 'I was only joking.'

'So going back to my question, would you be able to do that? Like now.'

'Now, I'm working. Besides like I said I don't photograph people and I'm sure there's a lot of professionals around who can do that much better than me.' He stated with casual shrug, although felt flattered with his proposition.

'I don't have time to look around for someone else.' He sighed heavily and fixed his damn eyes at him. 'Besides I'd never find better artist than you.' He added quieter, small smile played across his lips.

'I'm not a photographer anymore.' He replied firmly and pushed the glass with coke toward his hands. 'That's everything. I'm sure your daughter is waiting for you.'

'Please, I'd pay you fifty if you take a few pictures of my Jasmine. I only have the pictures of her when she was a little baby.' It was insane. He didn't believe he's asking him for taking the pictures of his daughter.

'You really believe I'd take a pictures of your daughter for you?' He didn't reply only smiled softly at him and raised his eyebrows. 'Well, maybe...' He muttered, cursing himself in thoughts.