Tropical north Queensland, Australia Rainforest

 

Friday the thirteenth

This thing called life...

Sunrise: Jun 07, 1958 






Home going: Apr 21, 2016

Handle Me with Care

The Lyons Den 

Empire FanFiction

Who's the Boss? (Close the Door sequel) by DatNookieThang reviews

Now that Cookie and Anika are at Lyon Dynasty together, Cookie rules over everybody who works at her company - especially Anika. But who's REALLY in charge of their relationship?

 Healing  by destiney2cute reviews 

Olivia Pope isn't perfect and she knows that but when tragedy strikes, Olivia runs and when Fitz finds out he drowns in sorrow.  Their only way to heal is together.
Rated: T - English - Hurt/Comfort/Romance - Chapters: 2 - Reviews: 18 - Favs: 7 - Follows: 17 - Published: Mar 26

 Table Read 5x12  by ScandalAddiction reviews  What happens when Kerry is in Tony's shoes! This is a Terry fanfiction of table read 5x12.  Rated: K - English - Chapters: 5 - Reviews: 80 - Favs: 34 - Follows: 62 - Updated: Mar 15 - Published: Mar 1

#Jamela 1st #fanvid "From now on".. from Jamela on Vimeo.

 

Excerpt: I Want to Be With You Chapter 18 "Handle with Care."

A couple of hours later the presentation and speeches are well over.  Elle with company is well in the bag. When Jamie reappears, "Damn it baby I'm getting kind of worried we booked a guy who suppose to be here by now."  He's looking at the piano with no one behind it, "we been trying to get a hold of him for the last leg of this thing."  Now he's looking at Cynthia Sheridan whose looking more irritated with each passing minute. She expects no mistakes not if he is to get Sutton Place.  Yes Model Dave sealed the agreement but Sutton is contingent that this event is flawless.

"Everything is as planned, now this at the tail end?  I'ma strangle him."

All eyes turn to Rio, Jamie is disconcerted but catches it, "Wh  .. What?"

"Its me, I play the piano... and sing.  I mean that's what I do for a living...write music and sing."

Melanie butts in, "the girl is being modest she's a musical Einstein, she was a prodigy as a kid plays about five instruments."

In her uber lyrical soft tone, "she exaggerates but I can play that piano up there... what do you have in mind?"

"Nothing in particular, do your own thang."  Jamie talks into his bluetooth asks for someone to assist her.... when Rory shows up he explains the situation, he guides her through the crowd .. "Rio you sure?  I'll pay for your services."

"No, no you've been awfully nice to us James, your security transports us, you comp us drinks...its the least I can do."

Meanwhile Elle is in a corner going at it with David its round 1 of their nonstop battle of wills, "you'll come to me, I'll be there waiting, I won't turn you away.  You're still upset, bitter but there will come a time....  " 

Elle rares back, "you wish.  Don't hold your breath waiting for me you insufferable asshole."  

"It turns me on when you talk dirty to me."  Model Dave has had enough insults the  gentle in the austere English man is gone, "I'm sick of your little arse you went under in a very nasty way let me save you."   For once he walks off then pivots backwards like he's on the runway.   

"Elizabeth it'll be soon too ... but ....in the meantime," he tilts his head towards the blond.

"Why you lowdown...how dare you bring up my sweet Preston in the context of your dumb ass trick."  She gives him the finger then makes way to the bar just as Melanie and Angie catches up to her. 

"I will do things to your body you will wish you had the strength to deny.  But not before you beg me to."  David Gandy 

"Elle you need to rethink this....up your game before you lose out.  Time slips away we only have now it can’t always be the perfect time, and place...stop these childish tantrums. Sometimes, you have to just go for it if any of us knows that better than anyone it should be you a person who deals with life and death everyday.  You always say this life isn't promised its too fragile to wonder what could've been.  Look don't end up like me and Jamie, you can be with the man you want to be with right now.   We all know you've got serious feelings for David and you know it too."

Elle stares away, "OK you're all right, I'm attracted to him and I want to have sex with him but that's it, no relationship he's been the only one since ... that I've responded to... you know.."

"that rings your bell," says Melanie.

"In a sexual way; if I can go through with it, if I still respond ..  to ...  sexual stimuli,"  Elle stutters out.
An experiment, just like her when in a quandary to go scientific whatever she wants to call it, bottom line, she wants to do him.

 "Well say so get him out your system." 

"Angela you can't expect me to walk up to that man to say I'm just like all these other women world wide that just want to fuck him. I just don't have it in me, I can't do it."

"Yes you can." when Elle turns around its James St. Patrick.  "Look I don't know either of you very well but he's yours if you want him that much I know...so if you do... go get yo man."  

She stares him down without a trademark snappy retort.  James doesn't understand it  his lifestyle's label is of what she's tried to avoid 'privileged.'  She picks up a program reads his bio what it says he "fancies" in this snippet of his life is too close to how she grew up, private.  Clubs, schools, yachts, islands, streets, private this and that.  She reads the agencies that rep him...London, Milan, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, Seattle, New York, Miami, Los Angeles. Next he'll come at her with some jet set shit.   Her friends know she's impressed but will never admit it and Elle knows her friends just as well, she asks,
 
"So what is your scheme? That we all hold hands and take a house together by the sea?  We'll sit by the fire with our children all around and live our happily ever after?  Let me know when you are done with this nonsense.  I'm headed back to prep for a surgery tomorrow, have a nice nite." 
 
Melanie gives it one more try, "Elle you're tipsy and you never schedule a surgery after a night partying.  There's 1.90 meters of pure male satisfaction, enough to make your toes curl yours for the taking.  Take it Elle you need it."

"I'm not interested in this male."

Angela can't help it this has gone way too far for too long, since finding her way back to Jamie she has to press Elle forward,  "yes you are.  You're in love with him and if you don't stop this bullshit it'll be too late.  He won't wait eighteen years for you I'm surprised he's waited this long."

Elizabeth stops in her tracks. "My own homies he's turned against me.  Just for the record, its only been a little over a year good nite best friends."
     
"Its peeps homies is so 1990's," Rio yells out she found her way back after seeing Elle in a meltdown.

"What is this some kind of intervention?  I had two miserable relationships, how do I know this won't be the same?"
 
"You can't know Preston died its not like that relationship itself was miserable."  

"The outcome was." Elle begins to cry, "He died unnecessarily a passenger at the mercy of another man's ride and its all that bastard's fault he was going too fast for the conditions of the mutherfukin road in that tiny wretched ass death trap.  My sweet Preston was a passenger and didn't have a chance.  He's gone I'll never be the same without him he was perfect."

Funny after someone passes away how people forget the day to day.  Yes, Preston was madly in love with her but it seems he hesitated to marry.  Yeah he gave her a ring maybe eventually they would have but it seemed every time they got close to setting a specific date he got cold feet.  He was a great guy, a child star but a mediocre actor who made it big not only because of looks but being wise.  Starting at the ground floor in an action packed franchise that hit pay dirt with an international cult following he never looked back.

After her first fiancee, a gold-digger, she found that out in a very public humiliating way. He admitted his interest was her money and family connections. After leaking a provocative video that went viral before the word existed ...sex tape.  Years later, enters Preston larger than life even when she put him through her paces  he persevered.   Elle recounted in great detail the day she witnessed the love of her life, her golden pony, a trained race car driver, helplessly trapped hopefully unconscious in a burning car so its understandable she's shied away from model Dave.

Angela takes her friend's hand "I know, but you have to live again without Preston its been a long time.  There's no way we'd steer you to a guy that's bad for you.  But we like him and Jamie does too.  Look just give him a go, see what happens.  Why don't you both come to dinner?"

"A go?   When you start talking like that?  You've been hanging around his English ass my own best friends flipped, you're all on his side. I can't believe it and you?  Cooking dinner?"  

Angie explains, "I can cook Elle, besides I've spent time with him and he's not as he appears, he's humble ...  grateful."

"And conceited, you're not wrong about that one," pipes in Melanie, "but he's got it honest, just look at him."

Elle does just that with the young blond pop star, "Maybe its too late already; I've been pretty mean; I don't know how to fix it."

"Just be the real you, not this angry uptight wild woman you've been, let him see what we see it'll fix itself."

Elle's not backing down, "I figured it would be a bad idea to come out tonight.  I've done nothing but spoil your big evening with Truth's' important event.  I knew from the start going out on a Preston day wouldn't work .....I'm no where near ready for this....I gotta go."  

Rio says to Angie and Mel, "maybe orchestrating this to pull her out her shell behind that brick wall she's put around herself wasn't such a good idea, it was working up until whenever she sees Dave now look at her, she's a mess."




Elle is in a tailspin like no other since Preston's death, and she isn't ready to admit the real reason, she's jealous of Model Dave with his blond piece of fluff.   She plants herself at the back bar when a man slides on the stool next to her, "hey little mama how bout I buy you a drink?"

Elle hunched over nursing Martell's Gordon Blu slowly turns towards the voice of a man who looks like an unmade bed.  "I'm drinking one but thanks anyway; besides we get complimentary."

"Ahhhh... you a VIP too."

Elle nods takes the last swig then motions the bartender for a bottled water.

"You got nice hair," he touches a tip that lays on her shoulder.

"Thanks," she yanks it from his fingers.

Unscathed by her coolness since defeat is not his style he carries on afterall he's a player use to getting his way, "long too ...Is this your real color?"  
   
Without looking at him directly, "What the fuck is that suppose to mean?"

"Aw I didn't mean nothin by it just a interesting color that's all. I use own part of this place, but sold out my share, the name is Tommy, Tommy Eagan, and you are...?"  Elle looks at him as if he's just exited a space ship. Not waiting for an answer he takes out a wad of bills from his pocket throws them on the table, "so hows about we get out of here have some fun."

"I'm having fun can't you tell?  Lets save us both a lot of time and cut to the chase," looking over to Model Dave and his babe dujour, "one, I'm not in the least bit attracted to you and two I'm not a prostitute. I'm a real rich bitch so take your little stacks and ease on down the road son."

Tommy has a well I'll be damn expression, "How about we hook up sometime?  You know dinner or something."  

"I don't mean to be rude but that's how I roll.  I'm going through something right now so dating is out."

"Oh, I get it, so I'm not your type."

Damn he's obtuse, "Duh, I think that's been well established," she meets him eye to eye.

Elle glances over at Dave with the blond who can't be a day over twenty-five.  She's decided to take her best friends advice to heart but does she have the patience for another high profile relationship.  One was a nightmare that not only publicly embarrassed her but her family as well putting out a video after that the bad romance.   Even with Preston it wasn't a slam dunk ... being followed around by fans and paparazzi  just staying out of his spotlight turned into a full time job.

The  tragic circumstance that she'll never recover.  Her body yearns for her soulmate, the man she still wakes up reaching for wanting to make love to gone in a blink, its been three years but she's just as angry and confused as the day she saw it happen... trapped ...  she still smell the smells of their flesh caught afire.

Elle begins to cry in her drink, a monogrammed handkerchief is in front of her... when her vision clears the unmade bed is gone and there he is DJG dapper Dave.  Her red rimmed green eyes are puffy, "you've been right all along I am attracted to you."  She takes his kerchief, perfectly folded.

"I know."

She frowns.

He cuts in before she hurls an expletive, "and you've been right all along, I am a conceited bloke but I'm working on it."

She gives as close to a smile as she can muster at the moment, "well the first step is to admit you have a problem."

She points to her drink for a refill the bartender is right on que, pouring in her sifter.
Dave goes on not knowing what to expect, "its the anniversary of his death, its hard, so you're getting pissed."

"You're close, his birthday .. my beautiful golden pony would be forty years old today but he's thirty-seven forever, instead of holed up thinking of him like I usually do;  I thought I'd try something different...I'm out here getting hammered, well pissed as you English say." 

She looks at him with teary eyes, "and, I'm sitting here trying to suppress the urge of wanting to fuck you in half just like nearly every woman in this room." She decided to take Jamie's advice, he's a man he oughta know.  Finally fessing up, she starts giggling, "tell the truth in Truth...get it?"

"I do and you're drunk," he nods to the bartender, to cut her off.

"Yep thats exactly what I am."

"Come with me, I'm taking you home."  

"Is that a statementh or a questhon?" Even in an inebriated state she realizes she's slurring words, sounding like Elmer Fudd.  In a moment of clarity she gathers her wits, "why would you do that, be bothered with some drunk older lady when you got that young..."

"Come on drunk old lady lets go."

"Wait... I'm not that old."  She gets some her of her feisty back he's pulling her chair trying to get her up, "What about the blond bimbette?"

"Don't be concerned .. come on".

She wrestles her arm free, "look David, I've embarrassed myself on more than one occasion, but I can no longer deny there is some connection between us.  Maybe its just sex I don't even know if I could go through with ... if I can complete the task.  I haven't even tried to have...a... an encounter  ... an appropriate response to sexual advances.

He shifts his stance, "Task?  Making love with me won't be a task Elizabeth there will be nothing appropriate when I  make love with you, you'll respond ...even now your panties are halfway down your thighs.  I've been in love with you since you operated on my foot"

"I was only there to assist; I'm not an Orthopedic surgeon since you have a heart murmur ... What did you just say?  That's almost two years ago...  maybe...."   

He bathes her in bolts of blue shakes his head, "not maybe, not possibly, not someday. But here, right now, tonight.  "That's the difference between you and nearly every woman in this room.  Now do you get me?"

"Get the fuck out of here."

He smiles, "well I wasn't quite expecting that response saying I love you then again...you're you.  We don't have to do a bloody thing. Just let me take you home, let me hold your hand we'll start there.  You don't want to be alone tonight I don't want you alone on a night like this. Getting pissed won't cure loneliness.  I'll make a cup of tea."

"You English and a cup of fucking tea, don't tell me, Earl Grey."   

He raises a well arched brow, "round and round we go I don't want to have a row with you."

"Then don't play me, you're sex on a stick and you trying to sell you're taking me home to hold my hand and make tea. What do I look like an idiot?"

"Well I..."

Her emotions are all over the place, she changes course her past feelings colliding with present feelings. "Will that give me life again your cup of tea?   I wasn't like this ... before  .. the accident.  I was a happy person..I'm tired of feeling sad all the time being in this empty place." 

For the first time he finally gets it, feels her pain, "so am I Elizabeth."

"I'm not fucking you on Preston's birthday."

"I'm not looking for a shag Elizabeth but as you Americans say, Ok."

"How can you be in love with someone you've never had sex with?  Maybe we aren't compatible in the sack some people don't fit  ... maybe..."  

"It'll work out." 

She takes his hand, "you look really good in this outfit .. I mean it makes you look so nice.  And I never knew you did all these things ..until tonight ... giving part of the proceeds of your underwear to charities... and..."

"Then you are impressed?" He asks. "I'm just a poser, but its given me opportunities to branch out into other things.  So let's call a truce....Agreed?"

She looks up to sincere eyes, he could be bullshitting but this time she doesn't say that, Angela is right "its time to turn the page" and Jamie too, "go with the flow." 

"Agreed.  But why do this, its banging here don't you want to stay instead of being in sad company.  I .. it could be ... depressing.  Besides, I'm alone on his days...the day he was born...the day he died...the day he proposed... the day we...." 

"I shall handle it," he picks up her hand, "you still wear his ring to thwart getting close to anyone again I suppose."  He takes out the piece of paper Angela slid across a table from his wallet then reads to her,

"I'm not setting myself up to be hurt again
This is the last time
I'm the Ice Princess
All that's soft, warm and loving is now frozen solid
Never again." 

"So my very best friend gave you my inner most thoughts. You certainly have Angela wrapped around your finger."   

He looks down into fiery green eyes, "don't be cross Elizabeth ... please... it wasn't easy but I convinced the barrister I'm in love with you she actually believes me."
 
Elle hesitates then a long sigh, "Nooooo, I'm not just so tired of being cross..angry all the time.   I want my life back."  

"I have one too,

Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved.  Where there is deep grief, there was great love."

"That's a more pleasant way to look at what I've been through. I'm sober enough we get a ride home by Truth you really don't have to bother with ..."

"Have you heard what I've said?  I want to be with you tonight."

"David." 

"Yes Elizabeth?" 

"I'm not wearing panties."

He smiles widely, "lets get out of here," he pushes her toward the exit door."

"Not on the day Preston was born."

 Chapters Music Playlist @Spotify:  1-4   5-8 

  9-12  13  14  15-16

Addicted

Like a Lover

Chapters:  1 - Tonight, 2 - Zero Thirty, 3 - Here's the Boss, 4 - Memories of  Us,  5 - All Hands on Deck,  6 - Dream Catcher,  7 - So You Really Want to Party?  8 - The Road Not Traveled, 
 9 - A Matter of Time, 10 - Ice, 11 - Lover's Holiday, 12 Cookies and Milk, 13  - Rain, 14  - Sweet Tea and Sympathy,  15 - I'm Yours,  16 - Provocateur, 17-  At the End of the Day, 18  Handle With Care,   Coming Soon:  19 - Quicksand

Music Sheet:  Chapters:
 1-4  5-8    9-12  13-14  15-16 

Entire Chapters Music Playlist for "I Want To Be With You." @Spotify

One Last Ride

Come here to me.

Hottest Booty Call Ever
Olivia insists she does not do booty calls and that if she wants to summon Jake, she will. He starts to protest, but when she drops her coat... well, she's only wearing boots. Jake comes to her immediately. Watch this HOT Olake scene from Scandal Season 4 Episode 2: The State of the Union.
 

Rain

 Their story begins here:

Chapters: 1. Tonight , 2 Zero Thirty   

Elle makes a brief appearance in Chapter 13 Rain.

When Angela returns home  Elle is sitting outside her door Native American style in work clothes wearing ear buds. This is a hard time of the year for her.  So busy with work and Jamie she realizes how glad she is to see a friend.   She hugs her tightly as soon as she stands. 

"Whats that for," asks Elle.

"A long time no see hug, that's all. Why are you sitting out here why didn't you use your key?  Never mind, come on let's play catch up."  When they walk in there's piles of papers everywhere...   Elle is not a snooper she throws her coat on the sofa  heads straight to get glasses and a bottle of wine. Angie always keeps her favorite on hand, St. Emilion, she speaks in the rapid Spanish Angie taught her, "Looks like you've been busy." 

"This case, its driving me crazy.  I'm relying on one source, all my eggs in one basket, he's all I've got and its not going well.  Its up to me to find a way to break him."

"And you will. How are things with Medina and Saxe?"

"Pretty much the same .... those DEA bastards think I got lead investigator by laying on my back, not by working my ass off.  Its been weeks and there's  nothing new."  She sighs deeply, "so not looking forward going in tomorrow empty handed."

It doesn't slip by her that Angie just made a perfect blunder DEA but she doesn't draw attention to it.

"So, what about you?" 

"Today is a good day, so, I'm OK."

"No you're not."   

Elle looks up from the glass with sad green eyes, "I'm trying to be; I  thought by now it would be different, but its not, so far.  I can't seem to move from this woe is me shit. I just can't forget ..."  Sudden prisms of colors reflect off Angie's neck onto the wall and the crystal glasses they're drinking from become a color board.   "Where in the hell did you get that?"

She can't fool Elle she was raised amongst jewelry like this probably played dress up with Barbie dolls in this kind of stuff on the upper east side.  Unlike Nomar, she knows the real thing this can't be passed off as a fake.

"James St. Patrick."

Angie nods slowly, tops off their glasses, "I can't catch my breath, he's mesmerized me, taken us by storm just like in eighth grade.  He presses the right buttons."  She goes on in more detail about the last few days sequestering themselves naked to make love. 

She glances at the ever present piles of papers she  sifts through day in day out, "this case has to get gone pronto. All I've ever done is the right thing, school, job.  For once, I need this for myself; I want to spend time with him." 

"So Greg is history."

"He was never to be long term, you know that, he kept me from being lonely we had good times in the process.  I never lied to him he knew the deal going in then he tries to flip the script.  I never should have gotten involved with someone at work anyway, it was a bad move on my part.   Is it so wrong that I want it all, like..." she almost slipped .. like you and Preston.

"He makes me happy its only been a short time, I know... but....It wasn't just nostalgia when we were together .. its everything...  he treats me like I'm the most important thing in the world to him, and nothing else matters." 

"And?"  Elle touches the necklace,  "Angela, you do have some idea what something like this cost?"  

Angela shrugs, "No, its expensive?"  You oughta  know.   

Her sense of innocence in such a tough profession is an oxymoron Angie is basically a sweet girl.  "Yep, real expensive. .. he has exquisite taste, its absolutely stunning."

"I think he's really rich Elle." 

"How really rich?"

"Like you."

"Exactly what are you dealing with here?" 

Angie is suddenly on defense, "I don't know, and I don't care that has nothing to do it."

"Money always has something to do with it somewhere down the line."   She pats the necklace, "but, you're happy right now, that's all that matters." She grabs her coat, "come on, maybe we can find something to go with that beautiful necklace other than your birthday suit and this track whatever you call it, the stores are still open,  there's a dress out here that's got your name all over it.  Let's find us something to wear to that Vogue thing you keep trying to talk me into.  Her tone turns quite serious, 'Angie you gotta enjoy happiness when you can because it can be snatched away in the blink of an eye."  

This is new, Elle hasn't socialized in this month for three years, not only that, she hates shopping

....she's trying awfully hard...progress?  

In the next excerpt Chapter Tea and Sympathy,  Model Dave will call upon Angela to get her take on why Elle refuses go out with him.  She'll reveal more than she should.  The setting is New York City.

As you probably guessed by now my favorite romantic themes are repressed love, or/and unrequited love.  I'm also interested in men who are in love with the woman they are pursuing but not aggressive where it would be categorized as threatening stalkerish...  Again I can't emphasize enough this is not an Elizabeth Webber as in General Hospital. 

My inspiration for this story is basic,  I didn't want Jamie stuck married with children its that simple.  It follows the theme of the show but a little bit different.  I wanted to include all the characters from Season 1 and  trying something new to challenge myself, 

My first attempt to blend hood fiction (aka Urban fiction) with my favorite dream couple.... Elizabeth and David will serve as plot points to help drive story.  I'm pretty nervous about this one hope you like it I'm publishing the Elizabeth/David centric chapters here ... And yes they will have a spin off fiction of their own. Where Jamela will serve as plot points...CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WELCOMED!   Its the only way to make the story better.  

The story can be read directly@ BooksieSilk website or as a PDF   Also RSS feed is available at  Booksie.   Zoom your browser window 125% if the font is too small.

This is gritty urban fiction based on Starz' Power so its a lot of cussin' and fussin' explicit sex scenes OK? So if you're not into that genre of storytelling this isn't the story for you. 

Chapters:  1 - Tonight, 2 - Zero Thirty, 3 - Here's the Boss, 4 - Memories of  Us,  5 - All Hands on Deck,  6 - Dream Catcher,  7 - So You Really Want to Party?  8 - The Road Not Traveled,
 9 - A Matter of Time, 10 - Ice, 11 - Lover's Holiday, 12 Cookies and Milk

Coming Soon Chapter 13 - Rain

Music Sheet:  Chapters 1-4 and Chapters 5-8  Chapters 9-12.   For those of you who live outside of US and can't get Spotify  like Latoya from Jamaica three of Ch 9-12 songs are here on the mix.

Chapter 1. Tonight

These are excerpts from a fan-fiction I'm writing...Elizabeth Webber "Elle" and David Gandy are supporting characters in the story...I found a way to get my dream couple via fan fiction. This first excerpt is when Elle and friends are out and about on a Friday night and... Beware: Elizabeth  is nothing like she is portrayed on General Hospital.  

Yes, this is a plot-point for their own story  ....  which is coming soon.

Excerpt I.  

He meanders  the space as he's done every night for the past six months...he's prepared for this all his life; midway he stops in his tracks, in the middle of the room his gaze sweeps to the left, the right...ahead, behind.

Yes, everything just so, by design, especially ordered, carefully selected, special editioned, attention to every minute detail from the shape of the expansive bar winding intricately throughout the room, the type of glasses and table tops.  Nothing but the best... from the interior designer to the DJ, even though noone will know they're best until after this night.... They're  fresh, every song specifically selected, a nice mix to suit the clientele, a little hood music, techno rock, old school disco beats, when tonight winds down a little jazz ... chilling music.

Pre determined, precision personified. Everything is up to code and then some. he shakes his head...this is it, damn, the grand opening the night he's dreamed about since his father ... stop it. He caught himself reeling backwards but not tonight, he can't go back to the past.

"Truth  is my present" this time, everything he's done has lead to this moment, he fist pumps high shouts to the ceiling, 

"Hey dad this one's for you. I did it." 

A lot is riding on tonight, all his eggs in one basket..his responsibility because in a few hours this place will be live...the players, ballers, the privileged and underprivileged all vying to pay homage to "Truth's" grand opening at zero thirty.  Tonight is validation of his turf on his terms. By sunrise, the New York Times will review this night with a vote, yay or nay. Its that simple. It will help make or break Truth but for this tonight he's got to make it happen.   He checks himself...stop thinking about your thinking but the words of his father rings true,

"Short term thinking creates short term results."

Its this trained meta cognition that drives him... it's how he got to this point. That and hard ass work. He tears himself away for some quiet time too much movement makes him nervous.

Six hours to go ......  

 

He punches in several digits to access a private area that no one yet knows about, not even his manager his partner.  It was constructed before anyone was hired, a living loft space that's accessed by his office office only   .. not much of a view, there's no full windows but its privacy is well worth it. The loft that no one knows exists, not yet anyway, and if he can swing it no one ever will; definitely not Truth's personnel the entry can only be assessed in a remote section of his office staff isn't aware of....its possible it'll  get out sooner or later but for right now it offers a privacy that's desperately needed. The stairs lead to a generic corridor, the far wall of book shelves  slides,

"Open sesame muthafucker."

He needs to calm himself down he's wired and knows it, he looks at his reflection in the mirror, haggard, he needs rest so he strips down, stretches out, sets the alarm for three hours, close his eyes and rests.  He's done all he can do it won't be a long night but an important six hour opening to introduce his vision to this big rich town. "Then leave them thirsty  for more"...he glances over at his specially selected suit,

"My oh my how things have changed."

Three hours later..

He's back on the floor, one of his carefully chosen waitresses approaches him tenuously,

"Mr. St. Patrick you're needed upstairs."

He sighs audibly, "Thanks Dominique let them know I'm on my way."

She speaks in a Bluetooth latched on an earlobe, "he's in motion."

Another meet and greet otherwise known as ass kissing time he hops up the steps..

"Got to keep it moving.".

    

In the VIP room, Joshua Kantos is pacing trying hard not to let it show.   He's also a man with a plan ..... and a past. He's good at what he does and that is running the business of Truth.  Before the doors open he's already been about the process of taking it to the next level, national exposure.  After a few years, the islands … a few Caribbean joints.  For this, they also need high end venues to entice more clientele to book the club, … he's been in contact with Simon Stern the guru of successful nightclubs. Making noise with him will rain nothing but positive publicity, and money.  But tonight, he's laying the ground work for another important connection.

"He should be here momentarily Ms. Sheridan would you like a drink?" She nods her head affirmative, "You certainly have put a lot into this Mr. Kantos."

"Kantos."

He makes a Cosmopolitan without asking he read its one of her favorites. Cynthia Sheridan, a cool as a cucumber red headed, exquisitely dressed, early forty something high brow type who never stops flirting,

"Kantos it is." 

As a powerful business prospect he has a promising proposition, Cynthia Sheridan was especially invited to meet them prior to the opening hour for a look-see. She brings to the table the A-List crowd, that gives that elite status, a definite  must have to compete in this business,  without doing all the grunt work.  Her co signing Truth hands publicity on a silver platter without spending a dime.

He hands her a Cosmo, prepared exactly how she likes it, then treads lightly, the woman is a pro she's use to this shit,

"The lifespan of a club is hard to predict some stay on top for years, even decades … while others fizzle out. 

Ms. Sheridan, we don't want that for Truth."

"Cynthia."

"Cynthia it is."

While Cynthia walks about the VIP section sipping he pulls back on the hard sell, flips through a magazine he'll leave for James to peruse at his leisure.  James St. Patrick gave him this second chance, a new beginning he literally wiped his tainted slate clean. He respects the man, so yes, tonight must go without a hitch and he's done everything possible to make sure that happens.  That means no hiccups, no missteps, he's got a lot riding on tonight, his future with Truth. Yeah he took a chance on him, but Jamie is new to the nightclub game his philosophy,  "we stay in business if the music is hot, the women hotter and make it damn near impossible to get in this fucking door."

Those are parts of it  but eight out of ten night clubs fail within the first eighteen months and they had hot music, hot women with a best location, his job is to make sure Truth isn't one of them.

And it begins tonight with Cynthia Sheridan.

 

 Earlier that day 

Angela picks up the vibrating cell from her coffee table, its a text from her college roommate.

"Its 2:30 so start thinking about what you're wearing tonight."

She texts back in capital letters, "WORKING."  A few minutes later, the damn thing rings.She props both feet on the edge of the table to brace herself she already knows what the script will be, shit.

Here we go....

"Nope not tonight you're taking that pony tail down and going out with us, this time. I'm your mejor amiga, no excuses."

Its times like this she wishes she never taught her Spanish, "Don't start, I've got piles staring at me .. this is a working weekend, I have no..."   She's cut off.

"All of ours are working that's the whole point besides I'm wallowing in self-pity and I need a come up."

 Oh oh, she's using street lingo, trying to be fly, its serious. "What wallowing?  Why?"

"I'm breaking off with that male model person from across the pond."

Angie shakes her head, "How can you break up with a man you've refused to go out with."

"I'm breaking from the thought of going out with him is what I mean. Seriously, lets party. its been months for both of us, we need it; I want to escape."

Can't argue with that, this new position is zapping the wind right out of her, there hasn't been much of a personal life to speak of, with her friend in the same boat, her point is well made and E. knows it, but Angie can't help but turn the screw,  "I'll think about it."

"Some place hot: music blasting, good drinks, eye candy, dancing, lots and lots of dancing.  Did I say lots and lots of men?

Poor Elizabeth, the Ice Princess wants some heat, she's desperately trying to win but its a losing battle,

"Elle, and when was it exactly, the last time you got sexed?  Umm.. A year ago?   Lots of hot men  won't make you forget him.  He sounds sincere enough, give the guy a break, see what he's about."  She doesn't need to see it to know Elle is wearing her bitch please face.

 "You're being mean to me I'm hanging up; 2230 hours I'll be downstairs, see you later."

She isn't surprised the subject was changed, Elle is not only the porcelain princess of ice but the queen of digression. Why won't she go out with that fine specimen behooves her. The woman has issues.... her eyes drift to the variety of stacks before her.  By 10:30 she'll be too exhausted to go anywhere ... maybe playing hooky for the rest of today is a better idea …. get a quick run in...maybe by tonight.....

She does as she's told, sprints to the closet to sort out something to wear, maybe that new dress she bought a couple of years ago.

 "güerita," Angela mumbles.  

Kantos eyes James heading to the back of the club,  "Where you going?  What happened?"  Kantos left the meeting to give James his space to size up Cynthia Sheridan.

"Yeah...she lost a venue at the last minute."  He escorted her through the club.... pointing out advantages, answering questions, allaying concerns.  

"When all was said and done she agreed to let Truth host the Vogue event."  He high fives Kantos, "We're in."

Standing still has always made James uncomfortable,  "Look we'll have a sit down, go over details, bottom line, its the same ole shit warmed over.  Lets make a deal. She's impressed,  we can work together, so hey, how about you give me a big fat discount...I agreed to some concessions to pull her in, we'll still make a stack of money, and..... if we do well with this one who knows."

Kantos keeps  pressing it, "we've had the best new club intro all year the buzz for tonight has exceeded my expectations ..."

He's half-ass listening, while Kantos goes on and on...

"This. Cynthia Sheridan can take us to paradise ... with venues like her Sutton Place Party, Tribecca films, Fashion week, Hot Lists, the Vogue deal will put us on the....."

"Man slow the fuck down, lets get this club open, and do tonight,"  James looks at his watch even though its a big clock, on the wall.

"Its Showtime."

Angela quickly takes a last look, grabs keys coat and rushes out to a waiting taxi with Elle in it, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, so Missy where are you taking beautiful me."

"We're meeting the girls there, well, two of them anyway, West 46th Street midtown."    

Half an hour later they're sitting with Rio, Melanie has drifted off somewhere barely finishing a first round, waiting for another when, she returns whispering, "Don't look now but Mr. Tight ass is right over there and he's coming over here."  

"What the... ,"  she's rattled, but beautiful, true Elle, she got over it real quick pulling herself together for battle.  

Rio bucks her eyes. "Are you sure?  You wanted hot, damn girl, there's 6'3 inches of it coming right at ya."

"He looks like he's got a big dick."  Melanie added to the conversation, 

Elle rolls her eyes while trying to think of a derogatory remark that'll take him down a peg she confronts him without a hello,

"Well, well if it isn't Model Dave standing tall in all his glory, my mistake, that was when you were wearing your bespoked drawers." 

The statement irks the Englishman not because its crass but he knows what she's doing stooping to name calling  to hurt his feelings he's not flustered,   

"Most of my profession is about playing a part, you know, an image but that's not necessarily me."

"Oh Applesauce, cut the bullshit, I Googled your ass and you're in categories, year, girlfriend each year its a different woman." 

"Well I guess you missed the book I wrote."

Oh shit, its on....Rio, and Angela fall back; Melanie stays put front and center  .... ding, ding, ding.

"Well guess again playa, I'm not the one, this years' version won't be me. So you might as well go on about your business of peddling  underwear."  Elle huffs and puffs, green eyes blazing.

Angela looks back at model Dave, he's left an indelible mark on her, its not a matter of if but when ...  and how she's going to fold ...  got to give her props though she's fighting it every step of the way.  Where's the popcorn.

"We're not compatible."

"How would you know?"  He retorts.

Angela is on the sidelines watching them go at it, on anybody else this would be a bad look, however on petite Elle, she makes motherfucker sound ethereal.   Angela's head whips from left to right like a tennis match at each slug,   Mr. Male Model is winning this round.  

With lack of a snappier comeback Elle gives it all she's got,  "You're stalking me."

Poor Elizabeth after all the machinations, the source of her frustration stands right before her. Elle' picking up coats and purses concedes as best she can, "We won't have fun here, lets' go somewhere else there's a new place across town opening tonight."  For someone who doesn't go out much she's well informed. 

Elle flips her auburn blond highlighted mane not waiting for the verbal cue

Rio's eyes questioned "Why?"

she looks at Melanie, Rio, then Angela,

 "Why can't you all see  it.  "He's a heart breaker."

Fifteen  Minutes Later

 "Wow, this place looks crowded it seems like a pretty big thing." Angela says.

There's a long line stretching several yards down, people hopping out of SUV's cars, limos, vintage European, restored American: Jaguars, Bugatti's, Corvettes, Cadillac,  ...cabs, the press out in full force with microphones, flash bulbs popping...but Elle is still determined to have a good time. They look lost in the shuffle.

With her bitch face on full display, "Angela we're fine, we'll get in don't worry about that; I'm dropping names.  The music sounds good and I'm ready to dance that limey off me.  He's not spoiling it for us tonight."     With determination, she hands over the fare, jumps out and marches to the head of the line like she has a reservation. After a few words, Elle returns,

"We're in, well, I mean when it opens we are.."

Angie knows the names she used. In all the years they've been friends she's never known Elle to throw her family's weight around.  Yeah, the girl's got it bad.  "So what's the name of this place?"  asks Angela.

Rio points to the lighted sign, "its right here..... Truth."  


Chandelier