Alice Backer got back to her suite she and her father stayed in, practically kicking herself over what she had to do. Go on a date with that loser? Hell no! She knew he played guitar, but even that would not make her see anything in him. He was a dork, a goofball. Whatever, she thought as she sat down. It wasn't her fault…she'd had to do worse before when she was hired as other people's hitmans. Some guy named Jeff or whoever hired her this time…something about his girlfriend run amok or something. He didn't actually want the girl dead though; she was guessing he wanted his way with her. Oh well, it was her paycheck, so she didn't care as long as she got what she wanted. By dating Mike, at least once, she'd be able to get more information and get to the inside of the group, so it would be worth her time anyway. But never in a million years would she go out with a guy like Mike by her own count.

"Daddy!" she called.

"Yes dear?" asked Rick. He, of course, was clueless to his daughter's job.

"I'm going to order room service, you want anything?" asked Alice.

"No dear, I'm fine for now," said Rick. Alice nodded and picked up the phone to call in for food. She may as well enjoy the hotel as long as she was able to since she was staying there for so long.

Jeff was glad he had a concrete plan again. How could that Bill guy be so dumb to leave his store for just a moment to talk to Jane? It was all too simple. Jeff hadn't gotten too far away once Bill had left, so he did what was needed and ran into the empty store, finding Cara's records. Of course, the hotel she was staying at was listed. Once he saw that the owner of the hotel's daughter was none other than famed (but only in the criminals' world) hitman Alice Backer, he jumped on the opportunity. A fine hotel choice…

He wondered how well Alice was doing do far as he sat on the couch, beer in hand. He knew he could count on her; she wasn't a little girl like Jane. Alice knew her stuff, and he was going to leave this to her. He sipped his beer and sat and waited for a bite on the telephone line.

"Ooooh my God, what a night!" said a dreamy Mike, collapsing on the couch when the group got back to the room. Jane and Bill had left earlier, leaving just the original group. "I just can't believe I got a date with such a beautiful woman tomorrow!"

"This better go well or else he'll be moping for days," muttered Davy.

"It should," said Cara. "I mean, she did say yes kinda quick…but I guess some girls are like that."

"Nah, are you kidding, that was all me!" said Mike.

"Mike, calm yourself, you'll explode," said Peter, looking at the floor. He was probably still sad about Cara, especially while on the subject of girls and dating.

Cara had nailed it right on the money. Peter wondered what it would be in a world without Jeff where he still knew Cara…if Jeff just wasn't around. Cara would be in Peter's arms right now and not holding off a love that could grow stronger and stronger, strong enough to break Jeff apart. Lucky Davy, having Abigail. Lucky Mike with Alice. Of course, Mickey was single too. But it just wasn't the same.

"Good show tonight again by the way," said Cara, noticing Peter's unhappiness and changing the subject. "You all rocked it!"

"Thanks Cara," said Mickey. "So what do you think of that Rick guy? Rick N. Backer? Like the guitar, eh? Smooth."

"I think he's a creep," said Abigail. "Lucky Alice was there to stop him from drooling over me, Cara, and Jane!" They all noticed Mike's face get dreamy again after the mention of Alice.

"Let's call it a night?" suggested Cara.

"Good idea," said Davy. "Man I'm exhausted, I need to crash." Peter and Cara went off to their own room as the others disappeared into theirs.

"I'm glad I was able to hear you play tonight," said Cara, trying to cheer up Peter still. "That was a good gig to have."

"Thanks," said Peter, unfolding the couch. "Ow!" He clutched his shoulder where Jane had shot him. "Still hurts."

"Let me," said Cara, unfolding the couch herself. "Can I see your shoulder?"

"Oh, yeah," said Peter. He tried to move his arm to take his shirt off, but he winced again. It was very sore after playing today. Without much thinking, Cara reached over and took his shirt off herself. "Thanks," said Peter, slightly embarrassed. A girl just took his shirt off…wow…There were still bandages on his shoulder, but Cara still wanted to see how bad the wound was still.

"Is it safe to take the bandages off?" she asked.

"Yeah, it should be fine," said Peter, almost trembling with anticipation.

"Okay, I'm gonna start, just let me know if I hurt you," said Cara. Slowly and gently, she began to unwrap the bandages from around Peter's shoulder. His bare skin was soft, smooth, and warm on Cara's hands. One was propped up against his chest as the other slowly worked the bandages.

It was almost too much for Peter; just the feel of her hand on his skin was driving him crazy. The slight tickle of her fingers on his shoulder, being ever so gentle to not hurt his wound was nearly enough to make the man in him want to hold her close, pull her onto the bed, and ravage her. Oh, how he wanted to, but he would not breach her trust of him. He stood there, trying not to accidentally touch her, patiently letting her take the last of the bandages off.

"All done," said Cara, taking her hands off Peter and having him relax. "Oh man Peter, you're purple!"

"What?" he asked.

"Here, look in the mirror," said Cara. Peter looked in the mirror on the wall only to see a blotchy, purple bruise across his shoulder.

"Ouch," said Peter, looking at it horrified. "Well, the doctors did say to expect this…"

"Peter, you can take the bed tonight," said Cara. Although she felt that familiar dull ache across her body come back at the sight of Peter's bruise, she still insisted.

"Are you sure Cara?" asked Peter. He wanted to say that she probably had more bruises than he did, but he didn't want to bring it up.

"Positive," said Cara. "You're hurt, and the bed will be better for you for a few nights."

"Alright…well…thanks," said Peter, going over to the bed while Cara lay down on the pulled out couch. "Goodnight Cara."

"Night Peter," said Cara. "If it starts to hurt again…just tell me, I don't care if I'm asleep."

"I'll try not to bother you," said Peter.

"It won't be a problem," said Cara. She reached over and shut the light off. "Anything you need, you tell me. Goodnight Peter." The two rolled over (not really in Peter's case, as his right shoulder was out of commission) and went to sleep. He has bruises just like me…Cara thought right before she drifted off.

Morning came, and although it was hours to Mike's date with Alice, he was ecstatic. "Oh wow, what should I wear guys, hat or no hat, should I wear my cool sunglasses? Those are pretty cool…what about—?"

"Mike!" said Davy. "Relax. Wear what you usually wear, keep the hat, no sunglasses."

"Why no glasses?" asked Mike, crestfallen.

"Because you'll be inside and of you wear em you'll look stupid," said Davy. "Right fellas?"

"Yeah," chorused the group.

"Just give it a rest Mike, you'll hurt yourself," said Mickey, sounding grumpy. He got up and walked to the other side of the room.

"Hey—hey, Mickey, wait!" said Peter, going after him. "Mick, what's wrong?"

"Man, Mike needs to cool it," said Mickey. "It's just a girl you know."

"Are you jealous or something?" asked Peter.

"It just seems everyone's getting paired up but me…even you Pete!" said Mickey.

"Cara and I aren't together…yet…I don't even know," said Peter. "Look, don't worry, we don't even know if Alice is gonna like Mike yet, and you know Davy, the ladies' man. A chick's not everything man, even if I'm crazy over Cara."

"You know man, you're right," said Mickey. "I'm just letting it eat at me…you never know."

"Come on Mickey," said Peter. "We'll try to shut Mike up."

"If we can," said Mickey. Peter was right…if Peter could talk to him and make Mickey feel better about it, then it had to be true. Especially when Peter was having his own issues with girls right now.

"Everything okay over there Mickey?" asked Mike.

"Yeah, I'm cool," said Mickey. "Man am I bored…anything to do?"

"No idea," said Abigail. "I'm sure you all can think of something, you are the kings of adventure if I ever saw any after all."

"Right now the 'kings of adventure' are run dry," said Davy. "Call back later."

Abigail giggled. "Oh, you," she said to Davy.

"Nah, we'll think of something," said Davy. "I'm bored…"

Jane walked into Psychedelic Psycho on her break, hoping to maybe see Bill. It was weird not fawning over Peter like she had been, but it felt better not being the stupid, mindless fangirl. Maybe she was finally growing up. Of course, Bill was at the counter as he always was, waiting for more customers to drop on by.

"Hey Bill," said Jane, slowly walking up. "How're things?"

"Oh, hey Jane," said Bill, looking up from his work. "Just fine…no word from Jeff again. May have scared him off for good you know! Threatened to scalp him."

Jane giggled. "Yeah, you sure showed him…nothing from him on my side either," she said. "Gotta say it's making me nervous."

"Eh, I'm sure everything will work itself out," said Bill. "After all, good guys always win!"

"Yeah, that's why I switched sides," said Jane, attempting at a joke. Oh well, she better let the boys stick to that. "Say Bill, when do you get off today?"

"I'm outta here at eight," said Bill. "You?"

"Same time, actually," said Jane, growing anxious. "Do you…uh…wanna do something after?"

"Well, what kind of 'something'?" asked Bill.

"I dunno…hang out, have fun, do something?" asked Jane, biting her lip.

"Yeah, I can do that," said Bill. "How bout I meet you at your restaurant at eight and we'll play it from ear from there."

"Oh, great," said Jane. "Well…my break id just about over…I gotta get back. See you at eight!" She clumsily fumbled her way out the door, nearly falling about twice, waving Bill goodbye.

"Wonder what's with her?" asked Bill to himself as he polished a pipe for display while Jane was leaving. She was a silly chick, but not batshit crazy like he thought before. She could be fun.

"Okay Mike, you all set then?" asked Davy as he helped Mike get ready for the big night.

"I think so," said Mike, striking a few poses in the mirror. "Ya think I should bring my harmonica, ya know, serenade her a bit?"

"Trust me Mike, you shouldn't," said Davy. "Go as you are, you'll be fine."

"I still can't believe he got a date that quick," said Mickey. "The only one who that happens to is Davy."

"Eh, different places, different girls," said Cara.

"They're the same everywhere," said Mickey.

"I take offence to that," said Cara.

"Trust me, you may be an exception," said Mickey.

"What about me?" asked Abigail.

"Oh dammit, I didn't mean to get into this!" joked Mickey.

"Well good luck man," said Peter. "And remember, if you blow it, we're here!" He snickered to himself.

"Well I'll tell you one thing, Michael Nesmith does not blow dates!" said Mike. "I'm off fellas, I may be late." He winked as he walked out the door.

"Something tells me he's too confident," said Cara.

"It's a curse," said Davy.

"Not for you it's not," said Peter.

"While that is true, my good man," said Davy, "it may not be for Mike. Time will tell."

"Hopefully for more than just a few minutes," said Peter, laughing.

Mike pranced into the lobby like a little boy who shot his first deer all by himself. This was is! Oh man, Alice was so pretty…what a woman! This was going to go so well. He turned into the lobby and saw her standing by the counter. She looked lovely in a smart but simple black dress and her long hair in a knot at the nape of her neck. Mike waved goofily at her and went up to her.

Oh man, Alice thought as Mike approached her. This had better be worth it. She spoke to Jeff about this and he didn't seem to think it was a bad idea…Alice was going to regret this for the rest of her life.

"Why hello Alice," said Mike. "You look absolutely lovely this evening."

"Thank you Mike," Alice said sweetly. She was going to have to play the part. "It's nice to see you tonight. Shall we?"

"Oh, we shall alright," said Mike. He took Alice's hand. It took everything in the young woman's power not to recoil. "To my chariot my lady!" Oh…why did it have to be someone like this…

Mike brought Alice out to the Monkeemobile and the two were off. "This is…a nice car," said Alice.

"Thanks," said Mike. "This thing is my baby, she's beautiful! Well, not as much as you." Uhg…smooth? Okay, not really. Mike soon pulled up in the valet parking loop of a nice restaurant called "Lilly Lake." Could Mike really afford places like this? Maybe Alice could get used to this…

"You know, I usually don't to valet, to protective of Monkeemobile here," said Mike. "But I figure tonight's different. You deserve only the very best, Miss. Backer."

"Oh, call me 'Alice' Mike," said Alice.

"Oh, okay then," said Mike. "Getting familiar! I like that." They got out of the car and the valet driver took it.

"Let's go inside Mike," said Alice.

"Sounds good to me," said Mike. The got inside and went up to the front counter. "Hello sir, I've got reservations for two here, under 'Nesmith' if you please."

"Ah, yes sir, of course," said the man up front. "Right this way…" They followed the man over to their table. They were seated, and Alice tried to be alright with Mike gazing into her eyes. She had to play the damn part of the deal was ruined…

Once the food was served, Alice thought she'd have a break from talking to Mike and having to listen to silly stories about the band, the boys in the band, and just so much stupid stuff. But no…food did not stop Mike from flapping his jaw.

"So then, I went to the store to buy some oranges cause we were out, and Mickey just loves those things but all the oranges there weren't ripe or anything cause it wasn't orange season! You believe that? Cause I didn't not for a minute," Mike chatted in between bites.

"Oh, that's funny," said Alice, trying to sound sincere. "Say, Mike—"

"And then there was that time when Peter accidentally swallowed a quarter—"

"Mike, you're very nice and all, but there's something I have to tell you," Alice butted in. She couldn't do this Mike thing, she just couldn't! It was a living nightmare. Now was the time for drastic measures…

Mike slumped through the door to the hotel suite where everyone was waiting for him to come back. Instead of seeing happy, giddy Mike who was swooning over Alice Backer, in came a depressed-looking Mike. "Did something happen?" asked Cara.

"Oh, well you'd surely love to know what happened Cara, for sure," said Mike.

"Aw man, did you blow it?" asked Davy.

"Yeah, and then some," said Mike. "I don't understand! She seemed so interested!"

"Ya wanna talk about it Mike?" asked Mickey.

"I should, shouldn't I?" said Mike.

"Come on man, stop stalling," said Peter. "What happened?"

"Oh, I'll tell you what happened," said Mike. "Turns out Alice is bisexual…and she has the goddamn hots for Cara!" All eyes turned to Cara, who looked around at everyone frantically, shrugging.

"Uh…sorry Mike?" she said, not quite sure how to react.

"Nah, it ain't your fault," said Mike. "I was this close…seriously, Cara, what do you have that I don't?"

"Well, for starters she has—" started Davy, but he was cut off by a smack from Abigail.

"This is just what I need," said Cara. "More crazy shit…"

"Well I can't say I blame Alice," said Peter.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" asked Mike, blowing up.

"No, not you," said Peter. "I meant Cara!"

"Oh," said Mike, cooling off. "Yeah, right…Cara's pretty…"

"Yeah, thanks," said Cara flatly. "Well, I'm gonna have to face it…who's the ladykiller now, Mike?"

"Oh, cool it," said Mike. "I think I'm gonna go away for a while…"

"Wait, did you have to drive her home?" asked Mickey.

"Nah, she took the bus," said Mike before slamming his door going inside.

"Ouch," said Mickey.

"That sucks," said Peter. "Oh well, live and let live I guess."

"You said it Peter," said Davy. "It'll blow over soon enough…"

Alice went back to her room, scatterbrained. Surely hitting on Cara, although Alice was not interested in girls after all would be easier than dealing with that chatterbox-idiot Mike. She slumped on her bed, holding her head. This job was going to be much more trouble than it was worth. She just hoped she could avoid the still lovestruck Mike.