2 months later as Cat knocks on the Vega house front door

"who is it" asks Trina

"it's Cat" says Cat rolling her eyes remembering they know her voice

"the doors open" says Trina as Cat walks in slowly

"is Tori home, I need to talk to her" asks Cat

"she's not really receptive to visitors right now, I tried giving her food this morning and got this in return" says Trina pointing to a big scratch on her leg

"I have to try" says Cat

"why wait so long" asks Molly

"the modelling business took time to setup, then the fashion show happened and I also needed time to think really hard about what I want, I need to talk to Tori" says Cat

"you can certainly try but she might fight back" says Molly having been bitten the night before by Tori

"let hope she's understanding" says Cat slowly heading up to Tori's room

"what do you think her chances are of getting in Tori's room unharmed" asks Molly

"they do have a bond, it was hurt by that date blowup but it should still be pretty strong, chances are high Tori will hurt Cat but it probably won't be as bad as what we got, Tori never had a good relationship with mom, granted for good reasons that I completely missed but we tried acting like her mother, which was probably part of the problem" says Trina sitting down with Molly to eat their lunch

With Cat

"Tori can I talk to you" asks Cat voice wavering

"that depends, on my terms or yours, the last time it was on your terms it didn't exactly go well" says Tori leaning against the door so it can't be opened

"whatever you want, I'm ready to tell you the truth about everything" says Cat her voice very much still wavering as Tori opens the door and sits as far away as possible

"come in and talk" says Tori her voice empty of emotion as Cat walks in terrified of Tori's tone

"my brother isn't stable, he trusts you as my friend and nothing more, for the brief time Andre and I dated before getting into Hollywood arts my brother found out and broke Andre's wrists, he couldn't drive, play keyboard or piano all summer, between that and his grandmother freaking me the hell out our relationship ended before it really had a chance to start, he will seriously hurt you Tori, I know you've been talking to him since I left, I didn't want you saying anything to him that might get you hurt, he can be very unpredictable" says Cat

"I guess that's fair, what about the moisturizer" asks Tori letting some emotion back into her voice

"same problem, it was being provided by my brother, if he found out we went on a date he would have cut me off, he has a medical weed card and until after your dad confronted me about it I didn't have one of my own because my parents thought it would lead to me abusing drugs" says Cat

"so it's not a store bought moisturizer" asks Tori

"I'm allergic to most brands in one way or another I don't really know why, one of the brands that I like the smell of and I'm not allergic to is mega expensive, I'm talking two hundred dollars and it sells out every time before I could get it and it's not available in Italy" says Cat

"do you get high from the moisturizer" asks Tori

"it's more of a hunger thing than an actual high, my brother likens it to a light alcohol buzz rather than a weed high though I don't drink much" says Cat

"were you hoping to stay for a few hours" asks Tori her voice returning to normal

"my house it getting soundproofing work done and the modelling agency buildings are getting remodeled so I don't really have anywhere else to stay at the moment" says Cat hoping Tori's wording was meant as an invite

"you can stay but we aren't dating just yet, you have to make it up to me first, it won't be just a quick fix, it will take a few weeks or months, you made me question everything, even my own existence, I thought the questions I asked were simple easy questions, all you had to say was 'don't tell my brother about us' and I wouldn't have, I only spent time around him at all because I wanted to get to know the real Cat, not the façade you put on back at Hollywood arts, just because he's schizophrenic doesn't mean his insight into you isn't valid and he's the only option I had, I'd tried to contact you first but you kept blocking me and changing your phone number, if I'd had another option I would have used it, instead of simply explaining things to me you got angry and left, I ended up getting kidnapped by the traffickers and they held me hostage for a week then Jade showed up with the feds and not only freed me but got them to a negotiated surrender, that week I only got scraps" says Tori

"I'm sorry, I didn't know until last week about that, Italy isn't exactly happy about the negotiation" says Cat

"considering Alessia's mother is the ring leader yeah I can't imagine they would be" says Tori

"wait what, is this confirmed or just rumors they're using to claim that" asks Cat surprised

"Alessia confirmed it after all American ring activity shut down, at least it won't cost Jade a fortune for much longer to send the teens back" says Tori

"what did Alessia say exactly" asks Cat

"the whole trafficking rings end goal was to get her and Bianca trafficked and killed without a link to her mother, which is the information Jade used to get the surrender in the first place, Alessia said that if she wasn't gay this whole trafficking nightmare would have never happened but she can't control who she loves or what other people do about it" says Tori

"that certainly sounds like an Alessia message, I'll text Rosella so she can get the Italian side sorted out, Alessia and Bianca being together and openly being gay is a big part of why the current government got elected to begin with, acceptance was a big party message" says Cat

"how will the president take the news" asks Tori

"with an immediate divorce and Lucia will be arrested as well as Bianca's mom, nothing happened to Bianca without her mother's approval and she and Lucia talked about everything, even about cheating on their husbands so if Lucia planned it Bianca's mom knew about it and approved it" says Cat

"I heard she was strict but I always thought it was just rumors" says Tori

"Bianca couldn't even use the bathroom without her mom saying it was ok, she'd never have been allowed outside the house let alone that café without approval from her mother and that café is well known as trafficker central so it wasn't blissful ignorance about the location being dangerous, if Bianca's mother can be linked to Bianca's disappearance here in America, she can be extradited for trial as both Lucia and Bianca's mother are Americans who married Italians" says Cat

"ok now you ask me a question" says Tori having her immediate questions answered

"do you think we could really work, I have it in my head that I don't stand a chance after how I reacted" says Cat

"it might take time, its not going to be a quick thing but yeah absolutely I think we could work, however my main problem is I don't have a job, every employer I've been in an interview said that I should be a singer not someone making minimum wage, the problem is no label wants me and I have no money to start as an independent artist, all my savings went to my university music degree, I have nothing left, I've been dependent on Trina's income to survive and I've barely managed that, if we are going to work I can't let you be the only one paying for things" says Tori

"for the first little bit it will have to be me, I can give you a set amount of money for music equipment and you can pay me back, trust me it won't take long for your career to take off Tor, everyone I talk to about my designs asks me when you're releasing new music, I pointed them to the small cache you've already released but they want more, they crave more, it's played on radios everywhere, oh and you'll be hiring Trina as your press secretary, she may not make much but her posts alone are making the company she works for millions of dollars per post, it's time to harness that ability" says Cat

"I had to return the equipment I rented the moment I couldn't pay my monthly bill in full because Trina's hours got cut in half, not even my dad's credibility is enough, the moment I walk in to ask them kindly for a second chance they laugh at me and don't stop laughing until I leave" says Tori

"the problem isn't your dad's credibility, it's his financial buying power, with me by your side and CASH on hand they won't turn me down, I've already been working on a deal, we just need to hand the cash over and sign for the equipment" says Cat

"wait why do you have a deal already worked out, that's suspicious to me" asks Tori

"as much as I love working in the modelling business, music is just as important to me, that's one of the reasons I bought a house here, I've already had the house wired for the equipment, you're not the only one that benefits from this, I just haven't pulled the trigger on it because my solar powered mini yacht has a mini recording studio in it, mind you it can't go anywhere fast while the studio is powered up because it draws so much power but hey I can record anywhere" says Cat

"ok this sounds like it's bigger than what I understand a mini yacht to be" says Tori

"it's a small regular yacht with many features removed that I don't need so I can save power, I had it custom built with solar panels on every possible surface, it's only thirty five meters long and a bit taller than average but only because I wanted a mini tanning beach on the top so I could always feel like I'm at home, the official capacity is six people plus three staff but I don't regularly employ staff on it, only hiring people for events where its present and its always in a port, the last time I had any sort of staff on it was a fashion show in Venice three years ago, I only hire drivers when I need it to go somewhere over long distances, I can legally drive it up and down SoCal so long as I'm well rested, which to be honest I haven't been since I got angry at you on the date" says Cat

"wait can we go there and see it now, I'd actually love to see it" asks Tori

"the batteries are dead because of the rain we've had the past week, the fridge is one of the only things that stay constantly running" says Cat

"I don't really mind so long as we eat first and bring water" says Tori

"well ok then" says Cat as Tori finishes getting dressed for the first time in a month

2 hours later in Cabrillo Marina

"we charged up your boat Miss Valentine, the batteries can't be drained that long, you'll probably need to replace them soon, they didn't really like being charged" says Marina manager Marissa Long

"yeah I know but I wasn't expecting the rain to last that long, I was expecting it to clear up pretty quickly, I had issues getting it here from Sicily, the batteries do definitely need replacing but the only company willing to service it is here in California and I lived in Italy for a five or six years so I had to make do with third party replacements that didn't work too well, they're getting replaced next week, luckily the sun's coming out so I should be fine till then, how much did it cost to charge up" says Cat

"with the electric set up fee it's about a grand a month over your slip fee for your spot" says Marissa as Cat writes up a check for four grand

"I can't guarantee that I won't need charging for the next few months to properly condition the batteries so here's a four grand check, I plan to take it out to visit family in San Francisco, hopefully with Tori in tow" says Cat handing the check to Marissa

"we don't usually take payments in advance but I suppose in this case I can grant it, I have to admit I've never seen a fully solar powered yacht before, supplemental power yeah but never solar power explicit, I'd like to take a ride on that with my girlfriend, she's a total boating nerd, she'd go nuts to ride a yacht like that" says Marissa

"maybe once I get it fixed Mari we can arrange for something but my priority right now is spending time with Tori on it" says Cat

"what all needs fixing, Melanie is a real good mechanic too" asks Marissa

"the silicone caps on the solar panel connections to prevent corrosion need replacing, I replace them every two years to make sure it's a solid seal, they can only be replaced in a humidity free zone, a hobby mechanic doesn't have that, anyway I have to show Tori around" says Cat waving Marissa away so she can spend time with Tori

1 hour later in Cat's yacht bed

"Cat this is beyond luxury, why have such expensive furnishings" asks Tori nuzzling Cat

"allergy reasons, turns out I get hives from polyester, I tried on a dress I'd had made with polyester and I ended up in the hospital for a month, my throat nearly swelled shut so yeah as much as I hate this boat looking like walking I to billionaires mansion I need specific fabrics in specific places, you seem to be enjoying that 'luxurious' satin bedsheet" says Cat

"wait why was luxurious in quotes" asks Tori

"because they're literal bargain bin satin sheets, they're low thread count end of manufacturing sheets, I have lingerie here more twice as expensive as these sheets" says Cat

"I wouldn't mind seeing you in those" says Tori hoping Cat gets the hint

"sorry Tor but those are reserved for when you're my girlfriend, you haven't said anything about asking me to be your girlfriend yet so it doesn't apply" says Cat playing the long game

"hey you managed to get me out of my bedroom and in an actual fast food restaurant today, Trina and Molly have tried that since I returned home with no luck, I thought it was obvious that I wanted you to be my girlfriend" says Tori

"what you think is obvious isn't obvious to me" says Cat

"will you be my girlfriend Cat" asks Tori

"sure but we're a little close to the shore for anything fun" says Cat

"can we go a bit north, do you think the batteries can handle it" asks Tori

"maybe but we have to stay in cellphone range in case we need a tug back to the Marina" says Cat

"if it's too risky don't let me push you to it, I just thought a little air gap between us and the shore might give us a chance to have some sexy fun" says Tori

"the batteries can definitely make the trip out a mile from shore but a return trip would depend on the weather" says Cat

"I'd be okay staying out there for a day if needed, I definitely want some assured alone time with you" says Tori

"you're sure you'd be ok stuck out a mile from shore, it's jot like going to the beach, sharks and killer whales are known to be in the area this time of year" says Cat

"I won't be leaving this bed with you unless I need to eat or use the bathroom" says Tori

"well ok then I'll start the boat" says Cat

45 minutes later a mile from shore

"how are the batteries" asks Tori

"holding their own for now, let's have some snacks before we do anything" says Cat

"ok" says Tori

Meanwhile With Trina and Molly

"Uhh Trina where's Tori, she's not in her room, I just went to check on her" asks David

"oh sorry, yeah Cat managed to get her out of her room, they went to see her solar powered yacht, I'd assume they went for a cruise in it" says Trina

"there's tremors at the top of the San Andreas fault, likely another quake is coming, they might have to stay out there for a for a few days, if it wasn't a fully planned trip they might not have enough food and Cat's yacht batteries are damaged, her fridge runs all the time, if we get another big rain week they'll be stuck out there" says David

"hold on let me call her" says Molly as she calls Cat

"what is it Molly, this is kind of a bad time" asks Cat

"Mr. Vega is worried about another quake as there's tremors at the top edge of the San Andreas fault, the same thing that happened last time, he's worried you don't have enough food to weather bad situations like loss of power or an empty fridge" says Molly

"the area coast guard team knows my situation, they're out patrolling, making sure any planned boating trips follow their plans so they know the general area of where to search, all I have to do is call a may day and they'll tow us back to shore if the worst happens, besides IF the quake comes at least Tori won't be in danger of a fuel tanker explosion, her medical debt is bad enough, if he has any more concerns he can call or text us directly but not for another hour as we'll be occupied" says Cat as she hangs up

"what does she mean by 'we'll be occupied', that worries me" says David

"either Tori asked her out officially and they're having sexy time or they're doing small boat tours of the coast, Cat has an international boating licence, she can operate the boat for short distances as long as she stays within two miles of shore, she could drive to San-Francisco but anything farther away requires a boat driver be on board" says Trina

"they didn't exactly say where they were and that's what scares me" says David

"they're on the yacht together, alone, you worrying about them doesn't show you trust them" says Trina

"Tori's only just getting over that brain inflammation, I need to know where she is so I know she's safe" says David

"text Tori in an hour and ask, explain to her that you're concerned about her safety and that you want her to check in at regular intervals with you because of the quake risk, Cat has never been on a boat here on the coast during a quake period, she might have misjudged just how much a quake affects the water, either way don't make it look like you don't trust Tori, she needs to know you trust her, she couldn't be in better hands than she is with Cat" says Molly

"as long as they're not closer than a mile off shore they'll probably be fine but sharks are pretty active right now" says David

"knowing Tori they're staying pretty close to that one mile off shore limit" says Trina

"if the coast guard sees them they'll be forced out further or back to the Marina" says David

"either way Cat has a handle on it" says Trina

3 hours later as the coast guard signals to Cat's radio

"tines yacht, you'll have to move farther out to sea or head back to the Marina, a quake just hit off shore, damaging the Santa Monica Pier, the Ferris Wheel fell into the water, it's not a safe place this close to shore" says Coast guard officer Jenkins

"we'll move out further if my batteries can do it, they're being replaced next week and don't have a lot of power, if I can't start the engines can you pull us out further" says Cat

"I can pull you out further, I'm the only boat in the area, the rest of my team is helping rescue the people from the Ferris Wheel but I'll need your help, your boat is too big for me to pull you unassisted" says coastal officer Jenkins

"let me check the battery levels, how long do I have before I'm at risk" says Cat

"an hour max, the entire coastal area is damaged except for the Cabrillo Marina, there's a tsunami risk as another quake also hit out at sea" says coastal officer Jenkins

"let me check the batteries, I'll be right back" says Cat as she goes below deck to check the battery levels

5 minutes later as Cat returns

"I have enough power to go out further but personally I'd rather not, my girlfriend doesn't like going out that far so I think we'll return to the Marina" says Cat

"Roger that, I'll escort you in" says Coastal officer Jenkins

2 hours later back at the Valentine home

"oh shoot I should probably text dad to tell him I'm alright, he always panics in emergencies" says Tori as she texts her dad

Hey dad it's Tori, I'm back on land at Cat's, hoping you guys are alright – minnow

"ok let's do damage control here" says Cat

Meanwhile at the hospital

"has anyone seen Lola Martinez, she was on the Ferris Wheel, I'm her girlfriend" says Zoey

"down the hall to your right, she's been having memory problems" says nurse Jenna

"that's not new, we were figure skating last week and she hit her head on the ice, she only just recovered from a concussion" says Zoey as she looks for Lola room

"you're looking for Lola" asks David

"yeah why" asks Zoey worried that the LAPD police chief is at the hospital

"she's been fighting with my eldest daughter's girlfriend, it got so bad that I was called in to restrain her though I don't do so willingly" says David

"must be Molly Rene, they're childhood enemies, they never got along, we generally avoid the LA area because of Molly but Lola had a concussion and just got over it so we were celebrating at the pier when the earthquake struck and dislodged the Ferris Wheel, it was terrifying" says Zoey

"yeah lots of people were terrified, but the seismic activity quieted down after which didn't happen last time so quakes might me minimal for a few months" says David

"is Lola ok, the nurse said she's having memory problems again" says Zoey

"a minor problem at the moment, her combative attitude is worse, she won't let us treat her" says Doctor Maine

"let me talk to her" says Zoey

"be my guest " says Doctor Maine opening the door for Zoey

"what's the problem Lo, you're never this aggressive" says Zoey

"I don't trust them, I want to be transferred to Malibu general but they won't let me" says Lola

"Malibu general is packed and it also sustained damage that limits their capacity, that quake was the biggest we've had in a few years" says Zoey as Trina walks over

"Molly wants an apology from Lola, it doesn't have to be entirely sincere" says Trina

"they're childhood enemies, Molly bullied Lola, you won't get an apology from Lola unless Molly apologizes for all the bullying she put Lola through" says Zoey

"look Lo, my family situation wasn't very stable, I was seen as a weakling because I was the smallest of my family, I thought it made me look tough, then you moved away and I realized that I was only being mean, I'm sorry for how I acted" says Molly

"I guess I'm sorry for attacking you, bad memories aren't fun" says Lola

"we agree on that at least" says Molly

"you need to be treated Lo, we can't have you having to stay up again because of head trauma, you lost a lot of memories last time" says Zoey

"fine but Molly needs to stay away from us" says Lola

"hey I got hit by my roof on my new house, I'm suffering head trauma too, its never fun, Zoey is your girl, I respect that, I'm not a danger" says Molly

"wait you're Lola Martinez, we're cousins" says Trina in shock

"yeah and I do everything to stay away from family, you're even less welcome here" says Lola angrily

"may I ask why" asks Trina backing away

"no you may not, it's a private matter now scram" says Lola as Trina recedes to Molly's bedside