Walking into the diner, Joey wonders if it was such a good idea when Leah glares at her.

"God, I could have slept with Satan and not gotten this much grief," she mutters to herself as she walks over to the counter.

"I never thought Martha would be your type," Leah says before Joey even had a chance to open her mouth.

"News really does travel fast here."

"Ruby was in earlier and she wasn't happy."

"Neither is Charlie. Look, can we talk somewhere less public?"

Leah nods, indicating that she should follow her. Closing the door to storeroom, Leah turns and faces Joey. "After everything I heard about you, I never expected to like you, but I do, which is why I'm so disappointed."

"Leah, the whole Martha thing was well before Charlie and I got together and it meant absolutely nothing."

"So why didn't you tell Charlie about it?"

"It's complicated."

Leah sighs. "You're still playing the woman of mystery."

"Leah, I was always going to tell Charlie about Martha and I do intend to tell Charlie everything." She shrugs helplessly, "I just can't at the moment."

"You were really going to tell her about Martha, even though you risked losing her?"

"Yes," Joey says without hesitation. "I can't tell you why I've kept Charlie in the dark, but I have promised her that I would tell her everything and I intend to keep that promise."

"I don't like to see Charlie hurt."

"Leah, I love Charlie and I never wanted to hurt her."

"Why did it have to be Martha, of all the people, it had to be her," Leah muses, more to herself than to Joey who remained silent. "Obviously there's a lot more going on than you're willing to tell me, so I'm going to take you at your word."

"You are?" Joey says in surprise.

Leah chuckles. "I've seen you two together Joey, it's so obvious how much you love each other, I just didn't understand the whole Martha thing."

"And now you do?" Joey asks warily.
"You're not going to give me any details, but if you were intending to tell Charlie about Martha and yet you still won't say why you kept her in the dark, then I'm guess it's because you and Martha was work related."

Joey just shakes her head, not surprised at all that Leah had read her again. "You ever thought of being a cop?"

"Nah, I hate the uniform. Joey, I've worked in a restaurant or diner all my life, I've seen all sorts of people and I've gotten pretty good at reading people and situations. You were brought here to investigate Trevor's death and knowing Angelo is involved, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Martha was as well."

"Please Leah, you can't say anything about your suspicions to anyone, not even Roman or Charlie."

"Another thing I also learnt quite early, is when to keep my mouth shut."

"Thanks Leah."

"Are you sure you can't tell Charlie the whole truth now though?"

"As much as I'd like to, I just can't."

Leah nods her head. "Ok, so what do you plan to do about you and Charlie?"

"There's not a whole lot I can do at the moment, unless I can actually get her to talk to me."

"Ok, so technically, you didn't cheat on Charlie if it happened before you got together, but because it was with Martha, it's made Charlie extra jealous which may make it harder to get her to talk to you."

Joey sighs, "That's what I was afraid of."

"We can still do this."

"We?"

"Charlie's my friend and I'm not going to sit back and watch her throw away what could be the best relationship she's had because of her jealousy of Martha. Now, I'm sure that if you can explain to her, at least as much as you're able to, she will forgive you, but to do that, we really need to get you two alone."

"And how do we do that?"

"I've got an idea."

"Freya, just leave me alone," Ruby says as she tries to shake off Freya's hand on her arm.

"Not until we've had a chat you little bitch."

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Oh we have a lot to say after you dobbed me in."

"I didn't."

"It was either you or one of your two little girlfriends, because how else would Bartlett have found out what happened before the dance."

"It wasn't us."

"I've been suspended for two days and have a week's detention, not to mention that my father is pissed at me, now someone is going to pay for that."

"I told you it wasn't us."

"Then who? That dyke of a cop?"

"Maybe someone else saw us or overheard us talking in the diner," Ruby says, feeling tears in her eyes as Freya squeezes even tighter. "You're hurting me."

Freya sniggers at her. "Awww, is Ruby going to cry." She digs her fingers into her arm even harder. "Where's your dykey protector now, Ruby?" She taunts.

"Standing right behind you."

The blood drains from Freya's face. She turns, finding Joey standing with her arms crossed, a less than amused expression on her face. "Didn't we agree that you wouldn't hassle Ruby or her friends again?"

"Yeah."

"I think this constitutes hassling, wouldn't you agree?"

Freya agrees again, completely unnerved by Joey's calm voice.

"This is your final warning Freya, if I hear that you've so much as even looked cross-eyed at Ruby, I'll be talking to your parents, is that clear?"

"What's it to you?" Freya demands, finding a bit of defiance.

"Aside from the fact that I really hate bullies, Ruby happens to be a friend of mine. Now, are we clear on where we all stand?" Joey's glare completely unnerves Freya again as she promises to leave all three of them alone completely. "See that you do." Freya scurries away, privately hoping that she'd never run into Joey again.

Joey watches her retreat for a moment, before walking over to Ruby. She reaches out and gently wipes away a stray tear from her cheek. "You ok?" Ruby nods. "Let me look at your arm." Ruby winces when Joey gently touches her arm, a handprint prominent against her skin. "You're going to have a nasty bruise there."

"It hurt."

"I bet it did. Why'd she do it?"

"Someone told Mr Bartlett what happened before the dance."

"And she blamed you."

"I swear, we didn't say anything."

"It's ok Ruby, you don't have to convince me. Obviously Bartlett found out from someone else."

"Yeah well, Freya doesn't believe me."

"I don't think she will try again, but if she does, let me know and I'll speak to her parents."

"You don't have to do that Joey."

She tilts Ruby's head up, smiling down at her. "We're friends right and friends look out for each other."

Ruby throws herself into her arms, hugging her tight, "I'm sorry for earlier."

"I know you we're just acting out of disappointment in me."

"Why did you do it?"

"That's what I need to be talking to your mother about."

Ruby moves out of her arms. "I thought you loved mum, I don't understand why you would cheat on her and especially with Martha."

"Ruby, I didn't cheat on your mother."

"But you did sleep with Martha." Joey reluctantly nods. "Are you and mum breaking up?"

"I hope not Ruby."

"I'm going to miss you if you do."

"Ruby, whatever happens between your mother and I, I'll be there for you if you need me."

"But if you aren't with mum, there's no reason for you to stay in Summer Bay once the investigation is finished."

"I'll still only be a phone call away."

"You'll be staying here if you and mum stay together though, won't you?"

"It's not that easy Ruby," Joey says, really not wanting to have this conversation just yet but knowing she was going to have to say something. "We both have careers and if we are to be together, it will mean that one of us is going to have to make a pretty big change."

Ruby thinks that over for a moment, a smile appearing on her face. "I suppose we could always move with you to the city."

Joey chuckles. "Ruby, you're getting a bit ahead of yourself."

"I think the four of us would make such a great family and you already know that Harley likes us," liking the idea more and more.

"Whoa, Ruby, slow down. I still haven't spoken to your mother, so you may be getting excited over nothing."

Ruby looks disappointed. "You said you didn't cheat on her though."

"I didn't but your mum is still hurt."

"I really don't want you to break up."

"I love your mother Ruby and I don't want to lose her, but both of us have to accept that may happen."

"I'll talk to her, make her see that she's making a mistake."

"No Ruby. I'm the one who needs to talk to her, you just need to be there for her."

"Ok," she says softly.

"I really am hoping I can convince her to give me another chance, but I want you to promise me that if we do break up, you won't give your mum a hard time." Ruby shrugs. "Ruby."

"Ok, I promise," she mumbles. "It's so unfair, mum finally dates someone I like and it may be over."

"People break up Ruby."

"She stuck with him for ages and nearly married him, though."

"Because she believed in him but right at the moment, she doesn't believe in me."

"You will fight for her though, won't you? I mean, if I can forgive you, then so can she."

"I don't think it's going to be quite that easy."

"Just be honest with her Joey."

"Very sound advice Ruby. Are you sure you're only 15?"

"Nearly 16."

"Oh right, those extra weeks make all the difference. How about I walk you home?"

Ruby puts her arm through Joey's. "You can walk me to April's."

"Fine."

"And Joey, I really hope you don't give up on mum, because I really like the idea of you being a part of my family, Harley too."

For the rest of their walk, Joey listens in as Ruby gives all the reasons why she should be with Charlie, while wondering if she could live up to the expectations Ruby had for her.

Charlie arrives at the diner straight after work. "Leah, there was something you needed to talk about?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just a little busy at the moment." Leah rushes back and forth between the bench and stove. "Shit, I forgot to get the new table cloths out."

"I can get them, where are they?"

"That'd be great Charlie. They're in the storeroom, top shelf on the right."

"I'll be right back."

Charlie stops short when she opens the storeroom door and finds a table set up for a romantic meal. "What the?"

Joey steps out of the shadows of the shelves. "Charlie, please don't go." Charlie halts her retreat when she hears the soft plea in Joey's voice. "We need to talk Charlie."

Nodding, Charlie closes the door behind her. "I can't believe Leah set me up."

"Don't blame her Charlie, I just needed a chance to talk to you, to explain."

Charlie crosses her arms and leans against the back of the door, "So explain."

Joey takes a deep breath before starting. "I only ever slept with her twice and both times were before we were together."

"Only twice?"

"Yes."

"That's not what Martha said."

Joey rubs her temples, "That's what I was afraid of."

"She told me that you had been having sex quite regularly, the last time being only two days ago."

Joey strides over to her and before she could object, Joey takes both of Charlie's hands in hers. Gazing into her eyes, she lets Charlie read the truth there. "Charlie, I swear to you that it was just the two times. The first time was just after you had slapped me and we were barely on speaking terms and the second time you had just accused me of abusing Ruby, that's the only two times."

"Is that why you slept with her, because you were lonely or hurt at the time?"

Joey shakes her head. "Well maybe the second time, but that was more of a lack of judgement because I wasn't thinking straight."

"And the first time?"

Joey grimaces, "That's a little more complicated."

Charlie sighs, "It's another one of your secrets, isn't it?"

"Charlie, you don't know how badly I want to tell you everything, I just can't."

"I know you've promised to tell me but you keep saying that you can't, at least not yet and that it's complicated," Charlie says.

"Charlie, please don't ask me any questions, because I can't answer them and I don't want to lie to you," Joey says before Charlie can say anymore.

"Can you at least answer me one question; did you want to sleep with Martha?"

Realising Charlie was starting to put things together, Joey shakes her head and admits that she hated sleeping with her.

"I'm not going to like these other secrets, am I?"

Joey sighs, wishing she hadn't asked. "Probably not."

"I hate the secrets Joey."

"Believe me, I hate them too." She releases one of Charlie's hands and raises her own to cup her cheek. "Just remember that I love you Charlie, only you."

"I love you too Joey, it's just that it hurt so much when Martha told me and even more when you didn't deny it."

"I wish I had been the one to tell you."

Charlie looks deep into her eyes, seeing nothing but love and honesty, she shakes her head in annoyance. "God, I can't believe that I was willing to let Martha come between us."

Joey surprises Charlie with a hug. "I would never betray you Charlie."

Believing her, Charlie holds on to her tightly. "I'm sorry, I should have let you explain earlier."

"You were hurt and upset."

"That's no excuse. I knew you still had secrets and I know what Martha is like, so I should never have believed her version, not without talking to you first." She leans back in Joey's arms, reaching up and caressing her face. "I really am taking a chance in trusting you Joey, especially with my heart, so please, don't make me regret it."

"You won't." Joey leans in, capturing Charlie's lips, their kiss developing quickly as the emotions of the last day give way to their desire.

"I can't wait Joey," Charlie murmurs breathlessly against Joey's mouth, her hands moving quickly to Joey's breasts, squeezing them hard.

"God Charlie," Joey moans at the intense pleasure.

"I really can't wait Joey," she says between kisses.

Joey pulls back a little, staring at Charlie with a mixture of desire and surprise. "What, here?"

"We'll be as quiet as we can." Charlie moves over to the table, clearing it quickly by gathering the corners of the tablecloth and lifting it, plates, glasses and all. Setting it on the floor, she sits on the edge of the table, pulling Joey between her legs. Resting her palm against Joey's cheek, "Please Joey, I need you now." Smiling at her, Joey kisses her hard, ripping Charlie's shirt open, sending the buttons flying in all directions. "Sorry," she grins sheepishly.

"They're only buttons Joey," not really caring when Joey's lips claim hers again, Joey's hands caressing her breasts through her bra. "Joey, we don't have time for this," she complains, sliding her top off and letting it fall on the table next to her, before reaching behind and unhooking her own bra, letting it fall. She gasps when Joey's mouth immediately latches on to a nipple. Joey spends the next few minutes devoting her attention to each nipple, Charlie's moans getting louder. "Joey...please," she begs. Capturing Charlie's lips again, Joey continues to torture Charlie, her feather-light touches as her fingers draw patterns over Charlie's naked skin driving her wild. Just when she thought she could die with the pleasure Joey was giving her, her body tenses in anticipation as one of Joey's hand traces its way down, over her breast, pausing briefly to pinch her nipple softly, then down further still. Growing impatient, Charlie stands and unbuckles her belt, her pants and knickers quickly divested. Joey grins at Charlie's impatience as she resumes her position on the table. Grabbing a handful of Joey's top, she drags her closer. "If you don't hurry Joey, we'll be interrupted."

Unable to deny her wish, Joey's mouth descends on Charlie's as her hand cups Charlie between her legs. "My god you're wet," Joey murmurs, thrusting two fingers inside her, her mouth stifling Charlie's cries. "I can never get enough of being inside you," Joey groans into her mouth as she starts to thrust her fingers in and out, keeping the movements fast and hard, wanting Charlie to reach her release as quickly as possible. Despite their attempts to keep the noise down, their groans grow louder. "Please Joey, before...oh god," Charlie forgets where they are as Joey's mouth leaves hers and joins her fingers. Charlie falls back against the tabletop her breasts thrust out as her back arches. "OMG," she grabs her shirt, stuffing it in her mouth just moments before she climaxes, the shirt stifling her cries as Joey's tongue and fingers continue to bring her indescribable pleasure, bringing her again and then again before finally relenting. "Oh god," she gasps, lying dreamily on the table, her chest heaving hard, trying to regain her composure as Joey leans over her, kissing her passionately. Charlie groans again as she tastes herself on Joey's mouth for the first time. The sound of voices nearby reminds them that they weren't alone.

Joey stands up straight, pulling Charlie into a sitting position. "You are so beautiful Charlie," she says as she gazes lustfully at Charlie's naked figure.

Still incredibly aroused, Charlie nearly climaxes just with the way Joey was staring at her. "God Joey, please, turn around."

Joey grins before reluctantly doing as Charlie requested.

"Can I turn around?" Joey asks a minute later.

"Yes," she says, as she finishes putting her tattered uniform shirt back on. She frowns as she surveys the damage.

"They're only buttons, right," Joey jokes.

"If you hadn't just given me such an amazing experience, I could cheerfully strangle you."

"Here," she takes her jacket off, "Put this on."

"How come I ended up totally naked and yet you were still completely dressed."

"Just luck, I suppose."

Charlie chuckles as she takes the jacket. "You don't think it'll look odd if I walk out wearing your jacket, do you?"

Joey smirks as she stares at Charlie's chest. "I'd say it would look a whole lot more odd if you walked out flashing your bra."

Sliding Joey's jacket on, Charlie loves the softness of the leather and the scent she identified as Joey on it.

"Wow, you in leather, that is sooooo hot," Joey says, admiring the view.

"Please Joey, don't say it like that."

Joey circles her hands around her waist, pressing her body against hers. "Guess I shouldn't say that I want to make love to you again right now."

"Definitely not." Charlie holds her hips, amazed at how quickly things had changed that day. "This is certainly not how I expected the day to turn out."

"Me neither." Joey smiles shyly, "I was half expecting to lose you."

"I was half expecting to dump you."

"I wouldn't have blamed you."

"But I would have. You didn't cheat Joey and though it hurts that you never told me about Martha, I would have hated to have lost you because of her."

"You won't lose me. I love you Charlie and each day, I fall a little more in love with you."

Touched by her sincerity, Charlie hugs her. "I love you so much Joey."

They both jump when there's a knock at the door. "Are you ready for your meal in there," Leah calls out from the other side of the door.

"I've already eaten," Joey says quietly, wriggling her eyebrows suggestively at Charlie.

"Joey!" Charlie blushes bright red.

"Are you guys ok?"

"We're more than ok Leah and food sounds wonderful," Joey calls back.

"It'll be ready in five."

"Thanks Leah." Joey grins, "So we have five minutes to fill in."

Charlie grins back, leaning in to kiss again, their lips nearly touching when Joey's phone starts screeching. Charlie chuckles, "I knew that would happen."

"It's probably Georgie or Graves wondering where I am."

Joey brings the phone to her ear, her smile dropping as she hears the panicked voice on the other end. "Whoa, Graves, slow down."

Charlie leans in closer.

"What do you mean, Dex is in the hospital?"