CHAPTER 33

~ Resolving Unofficial Business? ~

When Vinny and Jionni talk, they acknowledge that they have had some problems in the past. Vinny apologizes for joking around and causing trouble. He says that he was just protective of Nicole because he really didn't know much about Jionni and what his intentions are.

Now that they are engaged, he knows he has to take their relationship seriously. He apologizes again and Jionni accepts. They can now eat today and be around each other without the tension.

Back inside Nicole leans over to Jionni to see how things went. Jionni says they are cool now and that the apology was just what he wanted to begin with. Nicole then asks if Vinny can be invited to the wedding and Jionni says yes. Besides that, Nicole is just happy that she and Vinny can hang out and be friends again.

It is now Jenni's turn to confront things with Jionni. After opening Nicole's baby gifts, Jenni says something after Nicole makes a comment that she wants Jionni to stay with her like they planned.

Jenni, "Jionni, I give you permission to come around more often."

Jionni, "Who, you?"

Roger instigates and translates what Jenni really means.

Jionni, "You're giving me permission?"

Jenni clarifies herself.

"I'm just sayin, you should come around more often to take care of your girl."

That offends Jionni and Jenni softens the blow she just gave.

Jenni, "You should do more dates with Nicole. Is that a nicer way to say it?"

Jionni doesn't really respond but she goes on with it.

"Take care of my girl."

Vinny jokes, "Yeah, or you'll have to deal with the wrath of Jenni."

Jenni, "Shut up Vinny."

Vinny laughs, "You gotta give me full permission to shut up."

Jenni tosses a balled up napkin at him and they laugh it off.

Dinner is now done and the Shower ends way better than it started. Nicole is happy with all her gifts and now the girls help her carry everything to the truck and everyone gets ready to leave.

-The Next Day-

Today ended some of the drama circulating in the house. Mike had finally, it seemed, made amends with Nicole. He apologized for the way he went about things between them and brought it home that Nicole has been the only girl that he has been that close to as a friend.

Mike said that he is willing to work on whatever else needs to be fixed because Nicole is an important person in his life. Nicole claimed that she is over it and it all came down to the most important question. Did Nicole forgive Mike?

She did but she said it would still be a process because of the damage that has been done. Mike was just happy that she agreed to sit down with him to talk. For now, it is okay between them and they can at least be around each other and talk.

Tonight is Aztec night and the party consists of Ronnie, Sammi, Deena, Mike, and Pauly. Vinny has a cold and Jenni's stomach is in ratchet pain for some reason, so she goes to bed.

At the club, Ronnie and Pauly get ready to go get drinks. Mike is in a corner somewhere trying to avoid a lurking Paula.

Ron, "I know what you want Sam. Deena, what will it be? After Merge, I'm guessing you're back on the drinking wagon again."

Deena, "It's because of Merge that I'm falling back off the drinking wagon. No drinks for me tonight, thank you."

Ronnie nods and then they leave the girls alone. Sammi studies Deena.

"You've been really quiet. What's the deal?"

Deena, "Nothing. I've just been thinking a lot through."

Sam, "Everything okay with 'Leena? Nicole swore that you were bringing her here last week."

Deena, "She's fine. I talked to my Mom last night and let her know how the shower went and then she told me that she is starting to sit up on her own."

Sammie's eyes widen and she smiles.

Sam, "You know, it has been really cool watching Nicole and listening to you. Yesterday was my first baby shower and you all make being mothers seem awesome."

Deena smiles, "Thank you Sam. (She sighs) Nicole is going to be an incredible Mom. I wish I was as ready as she is."

Sam, "You're a great Mom Dee'. I don't know why you bash yourself all the time. We've all said that you just need to go home and get the little Meatball."

Deena laughs a little, "I know. My Mom says that she cries a little bit more now that I'm not there."

Sam, "See. She misses her Mommy. Get her this weekend and we'll have a little slumber party at Nicole's. She'll love that."

Deena, "I'll see."

Just then, someone taps Deena on the shoulder and she receives a kiss on the cheek. Deena looks up and sees Chris.

Deena right away, "What are you doin here?"

Chris, "I called the house earlier and Jenni said you were goin to Aztec with everyone so I decided to surprise you."

Deena, "Oh…I thought you had to work."

Chris, "My Dad gave me the night off."

Chris sits next to Deena and Sammi and him talk after she greets him. Soon after that, the boys come back to the girls and see Chris.

Ron, "What's up Chris, when'd you get here?"

Chris, "Just got here."

Ron, "Oh man, I would have gotten you a drink if I'd of known you were comin."

Chris, "It's cool I didn't even think I was comin. Got the night off and decided to drop by."

Ronnie nods and sits next to Sam. Deena stiffens up when she feels eyes on her. Chris senses it and quietly talks to her.

Chris, "What's wrong Babe?"

Deena, "Nothing. My stomach is just churning."

Chris, "You sick?"

Deena, "Maybe. There's a bug going around I think. Let me use the bathroom and I'll be fine. Be right back."

Deena gets up and makes her way inside from the outside lounge. Chris looks as if he wants to follow but Sammi takes care of it.

"I'll go with her."

Chris nods and then he turns his attention to the guys. Pauly finally sits down but doesn't say anything.

Inside, Sammi finds Deena crying in the restroom.

She looks at her, "Dee? What the hell?"

Deena, "I'm fine Sam. Go on I'll be out in a minute."

Sam approaches her, "No way. You were just fine a second ago. Are you sure you're alright? Maybe you should have Chris take you home."

Deena continues to cry and Sammi just doesn't get it.

"Okay, I've tried to keep this to myself but… Chris is here now and you're still crying."

Deena, "What are you talking about?"

Sam continues, "Nobody knows what it is you want. When you first got here you were in tears because you missed him so much, then there was the Pauly thing. Now that it's resolved between them, you're still crying. Do you really think Chris is going to put up with much more of this?"

If it weren't for Deena being messed up in the head right now, what Sammi is saying would offend her. She continues.

"I'm not the only one who has said something. We feel like you are blowing this."

Yeah, Deena's thoughts exactly. However, there is no other way to address what Sammi is saying or help her to understand except to come out with it.

Deena cuts Sam off from talking, "I slept with Pauly…"

A/N: Aw snap! So...how will this come to light... Can you guess? Send back Wise Words for Wednesday and as always, we'll keep it moving.