"So that's about it guys. If you have any questions, just come see me in my office. I'll be here for the next hour or so." Nick stated rubbing his hands together.

All in all everything was going great; he had signed a deal with the publishing agency and business at the bar had never been better. He was even able to promote Javier to bar manager, so that he could have more time to work on his book. It was a nice change to finally have everything in his professional life under control, now if only he could iron out his personal life.

"Hey Nicky" Reagan called as he was about to return to his office. "How did your meeting go today?"

Dumbfounded, Nick turned his head towards Reagan as she made her way over from the front door, "Regan, hi. Umm... what are you doing here? I thought I told you not to come." he whispered taking her by the arm and pulling her over towards the side of the bar.

"Come on Nick, don't be like that. Can't you just take 5 minutes out of your busy schedule to talk to me?"

"No Reagan, I told you this..." he pointed between the two of them, "is over! We are done! And besides... I'm with Jess now."

"Oh you were serious about that. I thought you were just playing the other day."

"Why are you acting so desperate Reagan? This isn't like you. What happened to the strong willed independent woman I met last year?"

"I don't know Nick. I just thought that you and I had something really special. And since we had our fight..."

"You mean, since I kicked you out and broke up with you."

"Since "WE" broke up, I've been missing you and I wanted to see you again. You know for old times sake."

Nick shook his head, he couldn't believe the gall she had coming here. "Look Reagan, you have to go. I have work to do."

Reagan reached out to stop him just as he was about to walk away. "Nicky, please don't do this, I... I'm in love with you. And I... I don't...ahhh..." All of a sudden Reagan clasped her hands around Nick's neck and leaned in to kiss him. Nick seized her by the shoulders and pushed her away, but it was too late, Jess was standing right behind him.

"Oh, Reagan hi. Fancy running into you here." Jess hissed with a hint of hurt in her voice. "And Nicholas... I see that you have made your decision." Jess snarled as she pushed by them.

"No Jess, you've got it all wrong. Reagan here was just leaving." He wailed as Jess made her way over to the other side of the bar. "Isn't that right Reagan?" Nick barked snapping his head back in her direction.

He went to go over to Jess, but Reagan grabbed his hand. "Nick, please just talk to me for a minute."

Nick dropped her hand, crossing his arms across his chest. "Tell me Reagan, why do you think you're in love with me?" Nick glared at her, he was seeking her face for some kind of emotion. "Because all summer I had tried to get to know you better both emotionally and intimately, but you didn't really even seem to want me there. I felt like I was just there to entertain you when you got bored or wanted to fuck."

"Ummm... jeez Nick... I didn't even think that you really cared. You were always so enthralled in your writing, that I just thought we were having fun. You know... enjoying the summer together."

Nick placed his hands down on the bar, "Reagan, you can't honestly believe that we had fun together. You were gone most of the time and when you were around, you didn't even want to give me the time of day. And to top it off, when we got back to L.A., you became this controlling needy bitch."

"I didn't mean to come off so strong Nick, but I was jealous, because of what you and Jess had... I mean what you have together. And I want that, but I know that I will never get to have that kind of bond with you so long as Jess is around." Reagan wiped a tear as it rolled down her cheek. "And I was right to feel that way, because you cheated on me as soon as you got back and you didn't even have the balls to tell me."

"Listen Reagan, I'm sorry that I hurt you. What happened between Jess and I wasn't fair to you and I was a fucking selfish jerk for allowing it to go as far as it did. However I should have ended things with you before leaving New Orleans, but I was a coward."

"Nick, it's ok, I forgive you, we can work through this if your willing to."

"No Reagan, you dont get it! I'm not sorry for what Jess and I did together, because I'm head over heals in love with that woman... but now I've hurt you both. I'm sorry Regan we're done." Nick stated matter-of-factly as he raised his hands in defeat. "Now if you will excuse me, I need to go talk to Jess."

"Why do you even want to bother with that? She looks to be getting pretty cozy with that guy over there." Reagan uttered.

"What?" confused he turned his head towards Jess. He couldn't help but notice the sleek little black number she was wearing; it was see-through up the sides and barely covered her ass.

"See Nick, she doesn't want to be with you. You're just her play thing. The boyfriend without the benefits. Her emotional punching bag." Reagan jabbed.

"Reagan, get the fuck out of my bar and don't ever come back. I told you this was over and I'm not going to have you interfere with my affairs anymore. I can't risk losing Jess again just because your envious of what we have together."

"Whatever Nick, have a nice life. I hope whatever that is, works out for ya." Reagan snarled as she spun towards the door in a huff, allowing the door to swing wildly behind her.

"Hey Jess, can we talk for a minute." Nick whispered into her ear gently grabbing ahold of her upper arm.

"Oh Nicholas, do allow me to introduce you." Jess drawled as she lightly pulled herself away from his grasp. "Teddy this is Nicholas... my roomfriend." she jived.

"Hi man, nice to meet you." Nick spoke harshly. "Jess, please... I really need..."

"No Nick, I'm with a friend right now. And we have plans to go to the Pink Flamingo, so if you will excuse us... we have some pre-drinking to do."

"Oh no, not ahh... no freaking way, not happening... not in my bar."

"Fine then, if you won't have us, we are leaving. Let's go Teddy."

"Hi, I'm Teddy. It was nice meeting you." Donovan stated politely as he held out his hand.

Nick frowned as he looked down at the hand held out to him. The guy was at least 6'2' with long curly brown hair, which was pulled back in a man bun, and he had arms the size of pythons. Not typically the kind of guy Jess would normally go for, but Nick couldn't deny the fact that he was attractive.

"No Teddy, let's go. You don't need to be polite with this one." Jess grabbed Donovan and pulled him towards the exit. And before Nick could catch up with them, they were gone.