Marissa found herself at the door to Jackson's office. She was just about to knock when he beat her to it. Opening the door before her knuckles could strike the wood.

"Marissa!" Jackson exclaimed, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I was hoping to talk." said Marissa guiltily, "But it can wait if you're on your way somewhere."

"Nonsense." said Jackson, opening the door wide and beckoning her into his office. "I always have time for you. Why you're practically family!"

Marissa smiled at the comment.

"Thank you."

"So are Miranda and AJ excited by our sailing trip next weekend?" Jackson asked, leaning on the corner of his desk."

"Unfortunately Miranda has a counselling appointment but AJ is very excited! And thank you for for offering to take them. You know AJ and his boats." said Marissa with a smile. "They are now officially better than soccer!"

Jackson gave a gentle laugh,

"Smart kid! …But I'm guessing that is not the reason you are here."

Marissa smile turned into an uncomfortable grimace.

"I actually wanted to talk to you about Erica."

Jackson sighed.

"I thought so. She's been a little quiet about you and Bianca of late which means either one of two things. Either she has found a new distraction and has forgotten the whole business or…"

"Or?"

"…or she is planning something."

"And you think it's the latter."

"I don't know." said Jackson honestly. "She's getting busy planning the wedding. I was hoping that would be enough of a diversion."

"But what can she be planning?" said Marissa confused, "It's not like anything she said is actually true! I love her daughter with all my heart; I don't know why she would doubt it!"

"Well, I believe it," said Jackson, "But you have to remember Erica saw none of your romance. She came back from being abducted to find out her daughter was dating the daughter of her worst enemy. Add to that your history with JR. I think she is looking for an excuse to split you up. Sadly, it is easier for her to break you apart rather than have to face changing her attitude."

"I thought about going to talk to her in person." said Marissa. "Make her get to know me. Maybe then she would be able to see that I am incapable of hurting Bianca or breaking up our family… Bianca has vetoed it but I have to try. Bianca not talking to her mother is just making her so unhappy."

"I think you are right about Erica needing to get to know you better, but I think there are ways to be subtle about this. Erica never responds well to a full on assault. Persuasion and patience is what always wins out in the end."

"So what do I do?"

"First you need to find a reason, non-Bianca related, to talk to her. Aren't you working for Courtland now?"

"I am. Caleb has me working on the Chandler buy-out proposal."

"You do know Erica still has half shares in the business. Palmer left them to her in his will. She may have signed over the control of the company to Caleb but she kept hold of the shares. She has a marked interest in the outcome of this sale, if only in regards to their sale price. That is your way in…"

Marissa leaned in conspiratorially.

"So what do you suggest?"

"Well…" began Jackson "What I would do is…"

…

Dah.. dah... daaah ...and fade to black.