The Art Exhibit

SUMMARY: Jade hosts an art show. Meanwhile, Leah & Trixie go to their first ever Pride Parade.

Set in June 2015

CHAPTER 1:

Jade, Beck, Leah, Valerie & Trixie were sitting at the mall's food court, enjoying their Sunday afternoon. Jade was particularly excited about her upcoming art exhibit and sale, which she had been planning for weeks. She was hoping to sell enough of her paintings to afford a nice honeymoon in Cabo with Beck.

"So, Jade, how's the art exhibit coming along?" Leah asked, taking a sip of her iced tea.

"It's going well, actually," Jade replied. "I've got some really great pieces this time around, and I'm feeling pretty confident about it."

"That's awesome," Valerie chimed in. "I can't wait to see your work on display. Are you going to have any discounts or promotions or anything like that?"

"I haven't thought about that yet," Jade admitted. "Might end up doing a discount while it's on display, and maybe even some signed prints."

Beck, who had been mostly quiet during the conversation, finally spoke up. "I do hope this all turns out well," he said, reaching out for Jade's hand.

"I know, I know," Jade said with a sigh, feeling a little stressed. "That's why I'm really hoping this art sale will be a success. I'm putting everything I have into it. The art pieces are worth quite a bit. How else will we raise money so we can have a nice honeymoon together?"

"Where will you hold the sale?" Trixie asked curiously.

"The mall made arrangements for me," Jade admitted. "Good thing too, so I don't have to sell in the streets."

"What are you going to do if Kylie tries to sabotage it?" Leah asked.

"Val's already got that covered," Jade said.

"My dad hired extra security for the event. That'll keep Kylie out for sure," Valerie explained.

"And are you worried about you and Beck going to different colleges next fall?" Leah asked.

"Not really; Beck got into Berkeley and I got into Stanford. They're less than an hour's drive apart," Jade said.

Jade updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "Holding an art sale soon. Will keep details posted here… - MOOD = Determined".

Meanwhile, back in New York at Tori's and Andre's apartment, things had started to get difficult soon after Cat and Robbie moved in. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Tori and Andre were starting to feel the strain of having four people living in a relatively small space.

Tori was frustrated by the constant clutter and mess that Cat and Robbie seemed to leave behind. She couldn't help but feel like they were taking over the apartment with their wedding plans and constant bickering.

Andre, on the other hand, was mostly annoyed by the noise levels, especially when he was trying to come up with a new song. He often found himself having to retreat to the coffee shop down the street just to get some peace and quiet.

As Tori and Andre tried to relax in the living room one evening, Tori couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Andre," she started. "Cat and Robbie are nice and all, but I can't take much more of the mess and chaos. It's like they think this place is their own personal playground."

"We've got to find them a place to live…or at least have a talk with them," Andre said.

Tori sighed, feeling guilty for complaining about her best friend. "I know. Cat's got her job and Robbie's trying to find one. They also have their wedding in a couple of months. We can't just kick them out."

Just then, Cat and Robbie stormed into the apartment. "You just don't listen, do you?" Cat muttered, clearly annoyed with Robbie.

"What's going on?" Tori asked.

Cat and Robbie exchanged a quick glance before turning back to Tori and Andre. "We're having a little disagreement," Cat said, her tone a little too sweet to be real.

Robbie rolled his eyes in obvious frustration. "She's mad because I forgot to buy her favorite cereal at the grocery store."

Tori and Andre exchanged a weary look; this was just a typical example of Cat and Robbie's bickering.

"It's not just the cereal," Cat protested, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's that he never listens to me. I've told him a million times that I like that brand and he still forgets."

"I can't keep track of everything, Cat. You know I'm not perfect," Robbie scoffed, feeling unfairly attacked.

"Maybe," Andre interrupted them, hoping to avoid any more drama, "you two should just take a break and cool off for a bit?"

Cat and Robbie both nodded, although both were still clearly upset. As they headed off to opposite ends of the apartment, Tori spoke. "We've got to do something," she said, with a facepalm. Living with Cat and Robbie was never dull, that was for sure.

Tori updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "If I hear any more petty squabbles over cereal and love, I swear I'll lose my mind - MOOD = Tired".