#Code blue | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sazanes · 2 days ago

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Yim played Open heart 🥰🥰🥰 and I love that they have a diversity in the Li's and sad that Tobias lost his nose ☹️ why people are so tied to beauty 🙄 I love Yim because they know to make we love the characters by the personality and make our taste on people to grow and be more diverse 😉

🏥 Interview with Yim (Code Blue)

Good day! Thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. How are you feeling today?

I'm doing quite well today. It feels like life is slowing down enough that I have a bit more time and space to recharge.

Let’s begin!

1. Could you tell us how you came up with the idea to write a story in the medical genre? Why did you choose to set the plot specifically in an emergency department?

I pitched several ideas for stories that didn't move forward, and I was encouraged to work on a medical story focusing on an EMS team. I proposed emergency medicine as an alternative because the scope of the medicine practiced there can be shallow or broad: it offers a lot of flexibility for writing. Patients often come and go from the department quickly, and their cases can be simple or very complicated, humorous or heartbreaking. The structure of work in the emergency department also seems well suited to work for a Romance Club story.

2. What inspired the storyline? Were there any particular films, series, or books that influenced you?

The storyline is the product of sitting with the subject matter for a while and considering what would be interesting and well-suited for an RC story. For inspiration, I primarily turned to television series, documentaries, and doctors’ memoirs, and also to the city of Seattle itself, where I lived for many years. I wanted to achieve a balance between the medical and romance aspects while keeping the visuals interesting. In terms of particular films, series, and books, as unlikely a pairing as it is, I think this story falls somewhere between Scrubs (which I enjoyed watching as a teenager) and The Pitt. Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt and numerous other sources have influenced me.

3. Why did you choose this specific title for the story? Were there any alternative options?

For this story, I proposed the title "Vitals," which I liked because it applied to more than just the medical aspect, but it was decided that it was not interesting enough, so it was given the title that it has now.

4. How much time did it take you to develop the plot?

The very basic premise and plot were developed over the course of a month. There are many minor plotlines that will develop organically over the course of the story to support the higher-level plot, though.

5. Is it possible to combine two stat paths in the story, or is it better to focus on just one?

No, it's best to focus on just one.

6. How many seasons are planned for the story?

7. Let’s talk about the characters! What made you decide to give players the option to choose the protagonist’s gender?

I was offered the opportunity to do so, and I jumped on it, much like including diverse body types in Hell and High Water. I think it fits very well with a story like this, where it's an aspirational story (many people are curious about what it would be like to be a doctor) and the story's plotline is not heavily influenced by the choice of gender (while sexism certainly affects modern medicine in Seattle, it has much less of an impact than it might on a historical drama about a monarch, for example).

8. How challenging is it to write branching storylines from both male and female perspectives? Do you find it difficult or rather easy?

It's somewhat challenging and rather fun. As a non-binary person, I "played" the female perspective (poorly and miserably) for more than 20 years and often wondered what it would be like to "play" the male perspective, though that didn't suit me either. So, it's certainly something I've spent a lot of time thinking about and talking to people about. And there isn't any one way to be male or female in terms of how one experiences the world, but I hope to write something that is relatable to many people.

9. What key qualities do your main characters possess as professionals in the medical field?

I think that dedication is a vital quality that they all possess, even if they show it in different ways. Medicine is a very difficult field in the USA, even for those who have ample opportunity, and it is an enormous commitment. Along with this, they possess patience in all areas: with themselves, others, situations, and systems. Not all of the characters are equally patient, but they are all probably more patient on average than most people. Also, the ability to work well under pressure and focus.

10. How did you choose their names? Why did you settle on the ones featured in the story?

This is a good opportunity to talk about Tobias and Trinh's names. I've seen a lot of comments about these in particular because these names also appear in Open Heart, which I enjoyed playing the first season and a half or so of many, many years ago.

When I originally designed Tobias, he had a distinctive nose. I thought it gave him some more personality, but it was determined that this wasn't conventionally attractive enough, and it was ultimately changed. However, when I was young, one of my favorite characters was Tobias from Animorphs, whose form is a hawk. I have always had a soft spot for the name, and when I learned it suited Tobias's origins, I decided to call him that. I felt that he was a hawk-like character, keeping an eye on the department and having his distinctive nose.

Trinh is a very common last name in Seattle. I actually chose the name because I had a wonderful doctor with that surname, and it seemed like a nice way to honor them, though the nurse in the story and the actual doctor have nothing else in common.

In general, though, the names mostly depend on the character's origin. In some cases, they are names the characters chose for themselves

11. What was most important to you when visualizing the appearance of the main characters? Did they turn out the way you had envisioned?

For me, the most important thing about a character's visual design is that it reinforces their life experience and personality. (Sometimes, this means that they don't look anything like one would expect, because people have a way of surprising us). I have learned that my idea of what is attractive doesn't match with what most people want, so for the LIs, I try to adhere to conventions for the most part, or what is seen as conventionally attractive for a given archetype. I'm very glad that Flint and Kenedi seem to be well received, because these are characters where there was less pressure to make them look a specific way and I was able to invest more in their designs (though I obviously made them very conventionally attractive within their own domains due to the extensive negative feedback I received on HHW's character designs). And with Jules, I'm also very glad that the many variations are being positively received. I was going for a very specific look with them, which will probably make more sense as the story progresses.

Given the circumstances, I'm very happy with how the characters turned out.

12. How long did it take you to create their character briefs? How old are they?

I could not easily tell you how long it took to create the briefs because it's spread out throughout the creation process. When the story is first pitched, the main cast starts to take form and their design starts, but it's not until after outlining and, in some cases, writing begins that they are fully developed and ready to be brought to life by the artists.

For ages, in order of appearance, here are a few:

Jules: 30

Flint: 26

Nahome: 33

Kenedi: 30

Tobias: 44

Gutierrez: 27

Malinowski: 28

Gail: 37

Eugen: 29

Dakota: 27

13. Will players have the chance to change the characters’ uniforms again, or will the current ones remain as final?

There will be more work clothing options as the story progresses (and some seasonal accessories), but these won't be very common.

14. We’re curious to know more about the romance options in your story! How many love interests are planned?

There are 6 full romantic routes planned. There will also be some romantic interactions with other characters, such as Gutierrez, Malinowski, and characters we haven't met yet. I have already seen many comments on Gutierrez and Malinowski, and they are intended to be developed further, but they are not "main" LIs.

15. If you could describe each love interest in one word, what would it be?

I would describe all of them as "complicated."

More seriously, though:

Flint: Chaotic

Nahome: Healing

Kenedi: Uplifting

Tobias: Harrowing

Gail: Bittersweet

Eugen and Dakota: Playful

16. Why did you choose marine creatures as pets in the story? Would you like to have one of them yourself? Or maybe you already do?

I had a pet fish, Ruvi, who was very near and dear to my heart. I've kept a few bettas over the years, so I wanted to include one. And I hope that I might keep another in the future. This happens in the story is mostly because Annette doesn't really see fish as much different from plants, which unfortunately seems to be a pretty common view. To her, they're more of an aesthetic element. Jules definitely doesn't have the motivation to care for anything demanding at this point, and I didn't want to leave players with something like a cat or dog that would suffer much more while Jules is working hard.

17. Does your workspace mean a lot to you? What items are a must-have there? We'd love to see a photo!

My workspace is incredibly important to me, but right now it is very much a work in progress, so I won't be sharing it right now. My absolute must-haves are an ergonomic keyboard and active sitting chair.

18. Do you have any rituals before you start working (if any)? Maybe you need to grab a cup of coffee or spend a few minutes in silence?

Yes! I almost always start by grinding some beans and making a cup of coffee in my French press, and I usually finish my coffee before I actually start working. Often, I'll also play focus music while I'm working: it's usually just white noise pomodoros.

19. What lessons did you take away from your previous story, “Through Storm and Fire”?

I think if I wrote them all out, it would be a few thousand words, so I'll simplify my answer: I learned a lot about the expectations of players, what works well on the platform, what I can control and what I can't, and what resonates with who and what doesn't.

20. Describe your new story in one quote or phrase (maybe from a famous person?).

I think Hippocrates has a very relevant quote for this story:

"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity."

Thank you so much for your thoughtful answers! We're really excited to learn more about the new story and about you! Wishing you continued success

Thank you for the interview, it was fun to share a bit about the behind the scenes of the story!

#romance club #rc code blue #code blue #open heart

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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 30 days ago

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Code Blue Ch. 72- Let the Good Times Roll

Summary: This chapter goes back and forth between Salem and Boston as Craig and Jo endure the highs and lows of his art class and Lee and Travis get their party started.

*Chapter Warnings* Strong language, angst, drug use, alcohol consumption, sexual content, mentions of date rape

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

March 25

Salem, Massachusetts

3:30 P.M.

With a fresh application of her cherry chap stick and a fluff of her long blonde locks, Josie raced her way up to Craig's apartment for his college student art lessons that she was thirty minutes late for. Although Craig had told her not to rush, she did so anyways with remorse for being tardy to something that was so important to him and that he deemed her special enough to be invited to, plus there was also the fact that she really wanted to see the sweet and spicy mob man.

Making her way to his door, she could hear the sound of muffled laughter and chatter in the hall and when Craig's voice came through, butterflies swarmed her stomach, stunning her, for it was the first time she had experienced them for another man since Lee.

"Geez," she whispered as she rummaged through her purse for the key Craig had given her, "What the hell? Get a grip Josie."

Quietly, she snuck in unnoticed and stood in the back, watching at least a dozen young students, all painting as they sat in a spread out circle upon the floor and at front and center was Craig, squatting down in his all black attire that consisted of a V-neck tee, painter's pants and combat boots while comically answering a question from one of the students.

"So what made you want to become an artist?"

"Ohhh, I don't know. I always liked to paint and create things. It's therapeutic for the mind and soul and honestly, it was the only thing I was good at really AND I didn't feel I had a lot of other options because I totally sucked at school."

There were smiles and laughs in response to his answer, including Josie as she covered her mouth to contain her uncontrollable giggle. He was so beautiful to her in that moment. She didn't see a man of organized crime. She just saw Craig.

Another student quickly asked a question, "Like, what inspires your work?"

"Well, for me, it's not a what. It's a who. A few who's actually whom I hold great love for. One being a very sweet little girl I call my daughter and another who helped me to regain my vision at a time when I struggled to find it and...."

He paused, brows furrowed, nose lifting as he smelled Josie's Jasmine perfume, then his blues darted up to meet the emotionally moved expression upon her face that his complimentary words had induced.

Standing up and plopping down on a stool, Craig smiled at her and while wiping the paint from his hands, Gael turned in the direction of Craig's beaming gaze.

"AND there's the strikingly gorgeous creature right now," Craig raved and proudly gave introduction, "Everyone, this is Jo, my beautiful friend and neighbor from across the hall who has thankfully chosen to grace us with her angelic presence."

Feeling shy, Josie gave a little wave, a smile and a soft greeting, "Hello," then as her eyes met Gael's, her smile fell flat.

That morning, when Craig had almost hit the guy on his bicycle, Josie had remained in the car when Craig went to check on him, so she had not seen Gael up close to realize he had an uncanny resemblance to Ethan and it made her skin crawl.

Noticing her reaction, Craig hopped up. "Excuse me everyone. Go ahead and keep painting. I'll be right back. Gael, will you take over for a minute please?"

Gael noticed her reaction too, but shrugged it off and happily obliged with a smile, "Yeah sure. No problem. So is that your girl?"

Craig couldn't control the smile that grew. He patted Gael's arm and winked, "I'm workin on it man."

Walking over to Josie, he gently placed his hand on her arm and led Josie to a corner where he gave her cheek a single, soft stroke with his fingertips, "Hey sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"You...you don't see it?" she whispered, peeking around his shoulder at Gael.

Brows furrowed, he turned, following her stare that led to straight to his new assistant, "Umm see what love?"

"Ethan!," she loudly whispered, jerking him back to her.

"What????"

"That guy, Gael, he looks just like Ethan, Craig."

Brow raised, he turned again, "Well, ok, he does have brown hair but it's curly and too short and," he turned back, "no Jo, I don't see it."

"Yeah well, I guess I've just had too many close encounters with the asshole to see that this guy looks a lot like him!"

Chuckling, "He's not Ethan Jo."

She firmly but softly smacked his bicep, "I know that! It's just...so uncanny and...creepy."

Hands on her upper arms, he smiled as he reassured her and pleaded his case, "Look love, I'll admit I see a teeny weeny little smidgeon of a resemblance but one thing I CAN assure you of is that Gael is nothing like that sewer rat. He's kind, caring, smart and even funny so could you please give him a chance and stop burning him at the stake with your eyes because I think he's feeling the heat. He's just too polite to say anything and I'd reeeeeally like him to stick around. Maybe just give him a chance?"

Shame, guilt and remorse found her, "Oh god Craig, I am so sorry. I'm being so selfish and overreacting and totally ruining this important day for you and embarrassing you as well and..."

"And you're rambling Jo. Sweetheart, don't apologize and feel bad. You're not embarrassing me or ruining anything, nor are you being selfish or overreacting. You're just having a trauma response after all Ethan has put you through. If anything, maybe I'm being insensitive to your feelings and making light of something that's really heavy for you."

"Ok, no, please don't do that. You did nothing wrong so just let me take responsibility for my utterly ridiculous actions."

Heavily, he sighed and smiled, then took her face in his hands, "Fine BUT, you sweet lady are in no way ridiculous. The only thing that's utterly ridiculous is how fucking crazy I am about you...." He paused, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "Annnnnnnd, I've totally done it again. Blurted out my boyish feelings without taking into consideration that it makes you uncomfortable because you don't feel the same way."

She gazed at him with a soft smile, "There's nothing boyish about it. I see a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and it's super sweet."

He gazed back, his thumb caressing her cheekbone until the tender moment was interrupted by the student's teacher calling out, "Craig, could you help us for a minute?"

Annoyed, Josie peeked around Craig again to see a quite pretty, plus sized woman with wavy blonde hair, burning a hole right through him with her intense stare.

Craig whispered to Josie with a frown, "That's Emma, their professor. She's quite pushy. Ok love, I gotta go finish up this class."

Craig squatted back down and assessed the situation, "Yep here's the problem. You just need a different brush."

As he got up and went to go get one, Emma very indiscreetly turned and ogled his backside.

"And clearly horny," Josie muttered, leering at the woman who then trapped him into an on the spot conversation upon his return. She already disliked the woman solely based on her name's closeness to her deceitful ex-friend Emily.

"So Craig, after the Boston art gala tonight, there's going to be a small after party of sorts at one of the campus houses. Drinks, snacks, music, games and just all around fun and shenanigans for the adults and older students. I'd really love it if you and Gael came. Maybe we could get to know each other better over some drinks?"

Craig's body language was an obvious sign that he was clearly uncomfortable and astonished even, for the woman was basically hitting on him right there in front of her students and Josie too, who was also shocked, but even more so over the fact that she was feeling an unexpected bout of jealousy.

The clever mob man handled Emma perfectly with his response, which in turn floored Josie, "Sure, why not. You won't mind if I bring my girlfriend? You can get to know her too."

She took the hit by simply downplaying the situation in order to not appear affected, "Oh no of course not. Sure. The more the merrier." She then glanced over at Gael, "So, would you happen to know if Gael is seeing anyone?"

Josie almost choked on the wine she was sipping as Craig's inner voice was rolling in laughter, "You'd have to take that up with him. I actually just met the guy this morning and haven't a clue on his personal life."

To add to her wound, Craig sat down and rubbed more salt in it, "Jo my love, we've been cordially invited by Emma here to an after party tonight following the art show. Does that sound like something you are up for?"

Josie sat down on the arm of the couch, head hung low, trying not to laugh as she played along while Emma, standing with her arms crossed, watched, "Why yes....babe, I would love to go."

Craig too, was trying to contain his laughter as he gazed at her, nodding and smiling. He even contemplated on going over to Josie and giving her a big, fat kiss but he didn't want to risk the he, in turn, could earn a big, fat lip.

"Alright!" Craig cheered, slapping his palms down on his knees, "It's settled then. Now, if you'll excuse me ladies, I must get back to class."

Boston

"This is far better than any hotel," Lee complimented as he carried his suitcases into Travis' living room, "but you should have told me we were coming here instead."

"Would you have wanted to come?"

"Considering you just split with some guy who lived here with you, probably not."

"Exactly. But I assure you, it's over with him. All he did was cheat. So um, why did you and your girl break up?"

Deflecting, Lee went to the fridge, "You got any beer?"

"Plenty, and there's booze in the cabinet beside it, now stop avoiding the question. Tell me man, what happened?"

Lee chose the Fireball whiskey instead and poured a double over ice, "First of all, she's not my girl anymore so don't call her that and second..." he paused, swirled the ice around in the glass, then knocked the fiery liquid back, "Wooooo that was good! Anyways, it was many reasons, one being another dude. She claims she never fucked him but yeah, I don't buy it. Now, can we talk about something else?? It's my birthday. Another year around the sun and time to start anew. Let's not do it by living in the past. Onwards and upwards from here is my motto on life now."

"Alright, deal. No ex talk tonight or any other night...well, I mean if we're still hanging out in the future."

Lee's thick brows furrowed as he poured another double, "Uh why wouldn't we? We're friends man. Have been for years."

"Well, because maybe I might want mo...."

Travis' phone rang which Lee was grateful for because he knew where the conversation was headed and he wasn't ready for another relationship. He simply wanted to have fun like he did in his med school days and the menu did in fact have casual sex as a main course. Whether it be with Travis or not, he didn't know and would just take things as they came, then decide.

Travis smiled and put his phone on speaker, "Hey girl!! My friend and I just got to my house. Are you in Boston yet?"

"I am yes!! Johnny's at the club doing boring boss man business shit."

"Well get your cute booty over here and play with us while he's working. Why sit alone in a hotel? Now that's boring."

"It's a penthouse suite so it's not that boring silly but I'll have his driver bring me over shortly! AND I will come bearing gifts."

"Oh you def know the way to a man's heart. Bring plenty for my friend too. I got plenty of cash to cover it."

"Yeah cool, I will. Does this friend have a name?"

"It's Lee, Go on and say hello Emmy, you're on speaker."

"Hi Leeeeeeee!!!!"

Lee chuckled, still not putting two and two together from the clues as to who she was, "Uhh, hi there."

Travis laughed too, "Ok. We'll see you soon babe! Bye."

"Bye Trav! Bye Lee!"

Lee was impressed, "Wow, look at you. Seems like you got some big wig friends."

He grinned, "It pays to be a bartender, especially in the big cities."

"Apparently. I'm certainly not complaining. What's this club called again?"

"Pandemonium. The title says it all. Trust me, this night will be unforgettable, although while you're there, you'll forget everything."

Lee chuckled, "I suppose so when the club's name has the word demon in it."

Travis laughed and went to the stereo, "What ya say we crank some tunes and play some drinking games until she gets here?"

"Sounds like a plan! Just no sappy shit."

Back to Salem

The art class was wrapping up with Craig talking about his work he had on display behind him and wanting to know the students' opinions on it.

"So, what do you all think about this piece?"

The group was silent as their confused faces peered up at the swirls of all blue on the canvas.

"Anyone? Don't be afraid. Your thoughts all matter."

Three of them finally spoke in turn, each agreeing that they didn't know what it even meant.

"Well, let me say this. Art is kind of like music. Not everyone understands it and it's interpreted differently from one person to the next. It's really more about the emotions you feel when you hear it and it's the same when you look at a piece of art. So what do you guys feel when you look at this?"

For Josie, she both felt and saw something in it, starting with his choice of color. He seemed to use blue a lot as she glanced around the room at his other work. It was even the color of the paint he once chucked at the wall in a moment of rage over Elizabeth keeping Blaise from him. The piece he was sharing had a sense of nostalgia to it. She saw a family in it that he once had and lost. A family that was happy unlike his childhood. A mother holding a child and a father embracing them both. She saw a dream to be loved and to love.

There was more silence and confused expressions. One finally found the courage to speak, "I don't feel anything really."

With the ice broken, another chimed in, "Same. Sorry. Like, I feel nothing."

"Alright, well....anyone else?"

There were no more responses.

He gave a soft chuckle, "You know what? It's fine. Art, writing, fashion, music, it's all subjective. Not everyone will understand it and not everyone enjoys it. It can be an acquired taste for some. With that said, I think that's a wrap for today. I thank you all so much for coming and being bored out of your minds and I hope to see all of you again tonight in Boston."

In that moment, Josie really wanted to tell him how she saw it, for she could see it in his eyes that he was hurt. Even Gael looked sad for him. She loved that Craig had a sensitivity about him but she didn't enjoy his spirit being crushed. That was the entire reason he had lost his inspiration in the first place. She felt that she could help them all understand the piece but she too chose silence. It was his class and she didn't feel it was her place to speak out due to her opinion appearing biased. Craig wanted the thoughts and opinions of those who didn't know him or his work. It was all about objectivity.

Craig watched as they all packed up, then they said their thank you's and goodbyes and were gone which is when Gael tried to make him feel better.

"Hey man, don't sweat it. They're what? In their early twenties? Their still kids basically and don't have the appreciation for art like we do. Honestly, I think your work is brilliant and..."

"Gael, I appreciate what you're trying to do but as I said to them, not everyone is going to get it, no matter their age and to be quite honest myself...I don't get my work either."

He stood up, walked over to the painting and looked it up and down for a brief moment, then picked up a cutting tool and shockingly shredded it down the center with two aggressive swipes.

Hands over her mouth, gaping eyes, Josie watched alongside a frozen Gael as Craig quietly exited into his adjoined apartment. The silence was so deafening that the soft click of his door closing was heard at maximum volume, sounding and speaking louder than a slamming door which she had expected.

Finally, Gael found his words, "Uh....what just happened? Is he ok?"

After monitoring and studying the Ethan look-alike throughout the class, Josie had come to see that Craig was right. He was simply an overall good guy and the features of a monster had significantly diminished in her eyes.

"He will be. Let's just give him some space. I don't know what all you and he spoke about before the class but he's going through a lot right now."

"He was brief on his personal life but he did mention that his daughter was missing and even though he did his best to hide his pain, he failed miserably. I could see how broken up he was about it in the way he spoke about her. It's similar to how he speaks about you."

The guilt-ridden anxiety choked her once again about knowing what she knew about Blaise and she feared that once she told him, which would not be anytime soon for his own hot-headed good, that Craig's feelings for her would change altogether. He wouldn't understand that she was doing it to save him from himself. For the time being, she would have to trust Jeffrey and Jason's plan, although she really wanted to be in on it and help bring Blaise back to him since she felt she was responsible for her kidnapping in the first place. The problem was, how could she when she knew Jeffrey and her brother would never allow it? Not only that, but she had no way of knowing when the two Morgans were going to embark on Operation Wyndemere.

As far as telling him about Elizabeth's sister and her plan to gain custody of Blaise, that had to stay on the downlow as well. Craig would snap and Josie had a terrible feeling that Rebecca would go missing too because once he got his daughter back, there was no way in hell he was ever going to let someone take her from him again, especially one of his ex-wife's relations and from Josie's interaction with the counterfeit Christian, Rebecca was just as black hearted as her sister.

"Actually Gael, I think I am going to go check on him."

"Cool, no problem. I'll just clean up the place since we all need to get ready for tonight's outing. It was nice to meet you and I'm really glad I got to meet Craig. He's a great guy for helping me out."

Josie smiled and chuckled, "He really is. I'm just sorry you almost became road kill first."

His hazel eyes widened as he laughed, "I know right???"

After a few soft taps on the door, there was a muttered approval for entry, "Come in."

Once inside, Josie found him hastily rummaging through his closet, "What to wear, what to wear," he mumbled and pulled out two garments of the same color, black as usual, and held them up to Josie with a grin.

To humor him, she pointed to a black leather blazer and offered an idea for an accenting piece of clothing, "Umm, that one with one of your crisp, white dress shirts underneath, slightly unbuttoned over your chest."

He turned the leather towards him and gazed at it, then smiled, "Ahhh yes. Alright then. That will pair lovely together. I like your taste Jo March."

He continued on in silence, fumbling through a dresser drawer to locate a shirt, clearly trying to avoid conversation about his previous display of rage.

"Craig....are you alright?"

His quick movements halted and he turned to her with a smile full of teeth, "Never better," he piped, then he resumed his search.

She went to him, moved his hands from the drawer and closed it, then stood between him and the dresser, "Hey, take a breath and relax for a minute please."

With an annoyed sigh, he gripped her small waist, then hoisted her up and placed her down beside him, "No," he snapped and carried on, digging through another drawer.

Mouth gaping, her hands went to her hips, "Really???"

He sighed heavier and turned, his hands also on his hips, "Yes. Really. I need to get ready and so do you. The class went on ridiculously longer and pointlessly than expected. So how about you run along and do whatever it is that you need to do and I'll text you when it's time to go."

Her eyes narrowed, "Then why did you invite me in if you're just going to be a fucking dick??"

His mouth then gaped, "What did you just call me?"

"You heard me and don't you ever manhandle me again or I'll make an art display out of those big ass balls you have," she threatened and stormed out.

"Oh yeah!!??," he jeered as his door slammed, "I'd like to see you try, you...you....you....."

Hands back on hips, he paused in frustration over his loss for words. With a nose-flaring sigh, he slammed the dresser drawer shut with a swift kick of his foot as he bellowed, "FUCKKKKK!!!!!"

In slow motion, Gael's head turned, his wide eyes following Josie as she marched through the studio and stopped at the door to shout back before her dramatic departure, "YOUUUUUU!!!!"

As she stomped down the hall to her apartment and opened the door, his muffled retort sounded through the walls, "IN YOUR DREAMS BABE!!!"

"AAAARRRRGH!!!" she shrieked and hurled the door shut so hard that a picture frame in the hall crashed to the floor.

"I'm adding that to your rent!"

With a strong middle finger to the air, Josie began a frantic search for her missing journal to release her emotions or she feared she would run back to him and either try to strangle him like she did to Angel or tear his clothes off and fuck him stupid, for she was insanely aroused and highly deprived of physical intimacy.

She wasn't the only one aroused and lacking in the sex department. Craig scowled at the solidifying mass between his legs as he cupped and shifted it to ease the discomfort but the simple touch and movement only brought him to full attention.

"Nope," he snarled, refusing to pleasure his aching cock when he considered it to be a form of sexual manipulation that Josie had unintentionally done to him and it wasn't the first time. Once before, he had brought himself to fruition with impure thoughts of her and all it had done was make him yearn to be with her even more.

Feeling defeated by her wicked control over him and by life as well, Craig turned the shower on to cold only and with his clothes still on, he sat beneath the arctic waterfall, having an emotional breakdown.

While Craig was numbing himself, Josie's scavenger hunt for the diary had been unsuccessful. As a last ditch effort, she went to an unpacked suitcase and rummaged through it, but still, there was no sign of her most private, personal thoughts.

Coming to the conclusion that she must have left it at her mom's house since that's the last place she remembered seeing it, she gave up and settled for a spiral notebook to scribble her muddled thoughts onto and it began with Craig.

March 25- Why? Why does that man make me feel this way? Both angry and aroused, although I'm not really even angry at all. Not at him anyways. I'm angry that I can't help him. I'm angry that I can't bring his daughter back. I'm angry that I can't tell him what I know. I'm angry that he's hurting and won't let me in. I'm angry that it's all my fault and I'm angry because I have these fucking feelings for him when I am still very much in love with Lee and I'm angry about that too because he certainly does not love me. His actions AND words proved that. It was all a big fat lie. I'm also angry at myself because maybe he wasn't so wrong to be worried about my closeness with Craig but...if ONLY Lee hadn't pushed me away, these feelings, whatever they are, most likely would not have...no...they wouldn't have developed. It's Lee's fault, not mine. All his secrets and how he is just fucking ghosting me now. I tried so hard to fix it. Did I not try hard enough? Should I keep trying when he won't even talk to me? Or should I let him go when he's certainly not trying to fix things. I know I can be happy with Craig. He loves me too and always shows it. He doesn't lie to me. He doesn't hurt me, not intentionally anyways like today. He didn't mean to explode. I triggered him. I pushed too hard when I should have just left him alone. He protects me. He's done things for me that I cannot write on paper. He's so sweet and kind. That's who he really is under that tough exterior. I want to protect him too, from his father and from himself. I've said it before, that maybe I was meant to be with him all along. There's even been signs. I've always believed that God will keep allowing a person to hurt you if they're not your person and that's all Lee does is hurt me. The things he told Orlando about me, I can't get it out of my head. HOW IS THAT LOVE???? And fuck Dr. Bloom. Might as well vent about that too. How could he go and screw Emily after I had told him what she did to me and my family???? She slept with my father!!! IN OUR HOUSE while my mom was upstairs sleeping!! Orlando knew who she was and still put his dick in her. It's unforgiveable. I guess that is all for now. I have to get ready for a night out with Craig. Ugh, I just got butterflies again thinking about him. There's something here and it's growing. I know I could love him too. Really, truly love him. I just wish I knew how to let go of Lee. I mean, hasn't God shown me enough??? Happy fucking birthday Lee.

Back to Boston

"HA HAAAA!!! I win again! Drink up!," Lee gloated and grinned as he gathered up all the playing cards from the floor where he and Travis sat Indian style and began to shuffle.

"You cheat bro," Travis claimed with an eye roll and knocked back his sixth shot of Tequila, "Let me shuffle this time."

Lee's lips curled up on one side, then he bent the deck between his thumb and other four fingers, "Ok sure. 52 pickup is all yours!"

As the cards showered over Travis, Lee stumbled to his feet and ran off to the bathroom laughing, "Muahahahahaaaa!!!"

After taking a long, pent up leak, Lee washed his hands and gazed into his glassy eyed reflection. The booze was priming him well but it still wasn't shaking off the habitual thoughts of Jo. He was going to need a hell of a lot more than whiskey to clear his head of her, for as the Nate Smith song went, her memory must be bulletproof..

Lee ran his hands through his dark hair and sighed, then opened the door and entered the hall where he was stealthily ambushed by Travis from behind and pushed and pinned against the wall, face first, by the buff bartender's pressing weight.

"Muahahahaaaa! Back at ya babe," he teasingly mocked and inhaled the scent of Lee's neck, "God damn you smell delicious. What cologne is that? I could literally drink you."

Lee's chuckle was sardonic, finding no humor in the forceful play and forward remarks, "Yeah ok, you got me back, now get off me."

Travis' lips grazed Lee's ear lobe, "But I don't want to. This feels nice. You feel nice."

Lee sighed, shaking his head, "You better slow down on the booze. It's making you thick."

He chuckled, tickling Lee's neck with the tip of his nose and grinded his groin into his backside, "No, you're making me thick. Feel that?"

Travis didn't even know what happened, for in a split second, he found himself in a firm choke hold by one of Lee's ridiculously strong arms with his arm was bent up behind his back, gripped at the wrist by Lee's squeezing hand.

"Fuck man," Travis squeaked, his face turning a mulberry hue, "I...I can har...hardly breathe."

Lee's teeth clenched together as he snarled into Travis' burning ear, "You're lucky I'm allowing you to breathe at all. Don't you ever touch me or hold me down in that way again without my consent or I'll snap that chubby of yours right in two, leaving you with a permanently crippled cock. Understood?"

Travis' head vigorously nodded.

"Good boy," Lee quipped as he heard a car door from outside, then pushed Travis into a stumbling tumble to his ass.

Coughing and rubbing his neck, Travis' eyes watered as his gaping eyes peered up at Lee's towering stance, "Who the fuck are you man?"

The doorbell rang.

Lee's intimidating eyes glared down his long nose, "Fuck around and find out. I'm going out back for a smoke."

After Lee disappeared and the back door slammed shut, Travis collected himself and let Emily in.

"Heyyyy Tra...oh my god. Why is your face so red??"

"Oh, that..." he coughed again and cleared his throat, gave a little lie of omission, "I was just doing a bunch of Fireball shots. Shit burns."

The petite brunette giggled, knowing he was fibbing, "Trav, sometimes I think you forget how long I've known you. I'm sure you and your buddy were doing a bunch of," she made quotation marks with her fingers and winked, "something." Did I interrupt some boy toy time?"

"Hardly. We're just friends."

Laughing, she headed to the living room, "Whatever. So where is he?"

"Having a smoke. So what did you bring me?"

From her handbag, she revealed a clear baggie with a handful of large and round white pills, then took one out and handed it to him, "I like to call these," she did the finger quote again, "Crazy Train." It will take you on one wild ride around the world in one night. The more you take, the better the thrill. All aboard!! Last stop, nobody knows! Choo choo!!"

"Hell yeah!" he cheered and instantly popped one, "just what I need."

He then handed her five one hundred dollar bills, one for each pill, "Will this cover it?"

"Sure will and there's plenty more where that came from."

"Sweet! I'm sure we'll make use of them. You want a drink to wash one down?"

"Yes please Mr. Bartender sir. Vodka rocks, double."

With a trembling hand, Lee puffed away in the chilly, evening breeze as triggered thoughts of his traumatic wedding night with Ethan plagued his mind, all thanks to Travis' bold pass. The anger all resurfaced, not only because of being roofied and raped by his ex-husband but also because of everything Ethan had done since his return to Salem. He had Lee fooled then, thinking he had changed and Travis was beginning to remind him of his abuser. He was willing though, to let this incident slide and give Travis another chance because like Lee, he was going through a bad break up too and was just looking for comfort and of course, Lee was pretty sure he put the fear of God into Travis so he didn't feel he would be stupid enough to try it again.

Taking the last drag, Lee placed the butt between his thumb and middle finger and gave it a skillful flick across the yard, then went back inside where he headed straight for the whiskey without a glance at the girl Travis was handing a drink to.

"Here you go love. I made a triple."

Emily saw him though and she gasped as her ebony eyes widened, "Oh my god."

Her emphasized words drew Lee's sapphires to her and they widened too, then, their response was simultaneous, consisting of one identical word.

"You."

Travis' head moved between the two, brows furrowed, "You...know each other??"

Emily stood with a smile as she looked him up and down, "Yeah. We met briefly at the ice skating rink not too long ago."

Brows even more furrowed, Travis took his eyes to Lee, "You skate??"

Befuddled at the situation, Lee briefly answered, keeping his eyes locked on the much prettier version of the girl he once met, "No, I was there for a party. Wow, small world." His eyes also traveled up and down her small curved form, liking what he saw, "Nice to see you again Emily."

Travis didn't like what he saw though. He quickly picked up on the instant attraction and chemistry happening right before him and he made sure to innocently mention her boyfriend, "Yeah so Emmy, what time is Johnny opening up tonight? I'm so ready to dance my ass off and it's really awesome that Johnny will actually be there since he rarely ever is."

That's when it clicked for Lee, "Holy shit. That's right. Johnny came in to the rink that day to see you and you and Jo argued about it because of who he is. Zacharra's your fucking boyfriend??"

Now Travis was really baffled, "Wait, you know Johnny too??? Can someone explain what's going on here? and who's Jo??"

Eyes closed, palms out, Emily took over, "Everybody chill. I got this. So...I'll start with Josie, or Jo because that's what Lee calls her. She's my....or was my friend and she's Lee's girlfriend and...."

"Nope," he happily corrected, "Not anymore."

Her brow arched as she pulled her smiling, bottom lip in by her teeth, "Alright. EX....girlfriend then. Anyways, yeah, Johnny came there to see me but Josie was adamant he came there to see her and taunt her because he they had some fling years ago and she said he was still hooked on her blah blah blah and we argued because she didn't want me seeing him, telling me what a bad guy he was and all that and then he and Lee clashed and Lee got in his face and that was all she wrote."

Lee chuckled, "Well, I can see this is going to be one hell of a night when he sees me there." He then frowned at Travis, "So you're friends with a mob dude?? You could have fucking mentioned that."

He frowned back, "Well Emmy's dating him so what's the fucking difference?? He's always been good to me so I don't solely see him as that and going around announcing it either. I'd like to remain on his good side, not to mention he pays me very generously."

Lee tossed his hands up, "Alright, alright, whatever. Fuck it. It is what it is and I just want to have a fucking good time and forget a lot of shit for just one fucking night. It's my birthday damn it!"

Emily picked up the baggie and held it up, "Well I can make that happen. Happppppy Birrrrthdaaaaaay Leeeeeee."

"What is that?" he asked, then folded his arms and deviously smiled as she gave him the same description she had given Travis.

"Long story but it seems I'm destined in my life to ride a fucking train so why not?

Travis raised his hand, "Wait, so hold up. Are we going to have a problem tonight since you and Johnny aren't on good terms? I'd like to keep my job and all my body parts as well."

"If he don't have one with me, then I don't have one with him."

Emily quickly fixed the situation, "Look guys. I will call Johnny in a little bit and talk to him. I'll handle it. It's all good. Now, do you want one of these? Travis already paid for them so you might as well take advantage."

Lee's eyes moved to his friend for approval, considering what had just transpired between them.

"Yeah sure man. Go ahead. That's what I got them for."

Lee smiled, softening with him, "Hey...sorry about earlier."

Travis smiled back, "Me too."

Emily opened the baggie and took out one pill, and held it up to Lee, "Alright then, Now that that's settled, Iet's fucking get this party started. We have a few hours yet before it's time to head out."

With a pearly white smile, Lee moved to her, "Alright."

Standing before her, he opened his mouth, inviting her to serve it to him. She accepted and quickly placed the pill upon his tongue, then he swallowed it, along with a taste of her sweet perfume.

Salem

Feeling better after her emotional release onto paper, Josie stood at the body length mirror, looking over her primped and preened self for the impending party life. She felt like she was staring at a stranger. She was always so casual in appearance and there, looking back at her was a woman with a head full of hairspray and makeup that took almost an hour to do and would probably take even longer to remove. Then there was the bold, heavy and cheap accessory around her neck that to her, looked more like a dog choker and to complete the makeover, she was wearing a strapless dress, green in color, that barely covered her. She NEVER wore dresses. The particular child sized gown that she was currently freezing in was actually purchased for a night out with Lee that never happened and it was also chosen because green was his favorite color but there she stood wearing it along with a pair of black heels she had to practice walking in so she didn't end up in a cast like her sister and she had done it all to impress Craig.

Craig was in the same predicament as he jazzed himself up. The fancier attire and image wasn't the problem. He was used to being stylish from time to time. The issue was that he was doing it for Josie and wanted to look perfect, otherwise, he never would have put so much effort into it.

All lathered up in his Hugo Boss cologne, there he stood, also checking himself over in the mirror. Hair, brows, mustache and beard all finely groomed and wearing the white shirt with it unbuttoned to show his chest as Josie had suggested. Over the shirt was a black blazer and below the waist, black trousers and the infamous shiny black shoes. Last but not least, on his fingers were his usual sterling silver rings, three on each hand. It was all Craig approved but to him, it wasn't fully approved until he received one more opinion, which was going to be his way of apologizing.

Still before the mirror, Craig snapped a photo of himself. It was much easier to him to get a full body shot than the backwards camera since he was never really good at taking pictures of himself, nor did he ever desire to unless it was with Blaise.

Before sending Josie the photo, he first chugged down a large glass of sweet red wine and then typed out a short, apologetic text, "Hi. Do you still think I'm a dick? 😢I'm really really sorry."

As she went to her phone, it was the first time she didn't rush to it with hopes of it being Lee. After being ghosted by him all day regarding her long, heartfelt voicemail earlier that morning, she had come to accept that she was not going to receive a reply and that he just didn't care. This time, she actually hoped it was Craig.

Upon opening the text, her eyes lit up and she burst into laughter but at the same time, she felt bad, "No 😢I never did. I'm really sorry too."

"Music to my ears. Can I come over so we can talk?"

"Please do."

"Ok, but first....what do you think?"

Covering her huge smile in shock, she stared at him longer than she should have. He was just so truly beautiful to her.

"That bad huh?"

"No, stop it lol. Far from it. It would have been better though if those baby blues of yours were looking at me. Oh and, where's the leather?? Otherwise, you Mr. Parker are a strikingly gorgeous creature. 😉😎"

His laugh was hearty over the use of his descriptive introduction to her at the art class upon him, "You're amazing and much too sweet for me. I'll change jackets and be right over."

As she placed her phone in her purse, staring back at her was the two playing cards she had forgotten about that Britt had given to her. The Queen of hearts and two of hearts.

She tucked them away inside her new makeshift journal and stuffed it under her mattress for safe keeping, then last minute, she decided to wear a different pair of heels that weren't so spiky and as she was slipping them on, Craig was knocking on the door.

"Coming!!" she shouted and successfully ran to the door without falling.

Swinging it open, her heart dropped at the sight and smell of him, for the photo did not do him justice whatsoever and instead of complimenting him up front, her anxiety chose her reaction, "Ummm, where's the leather?"

Unlike her, Craig had no words at all. His mouth dropped open but nothing came out. He literally had to bring his hand to his lips to close them and then he rested his fingertips upon them as his astonished blues slowly traveled from her head to her toes, then back to her worried face.

When he finally found his words, they were tongue-tied, "It's uhhh...it's...I forgot that...I um, left it in....yeah it's in the car."

Her giggle snapped him out of his verbal stupor, "But....wow. Just....fucking wow," he raved in awe of her stunning transformation, "Jo...you...you look insanely splendid. Absolutely and ridiculously glorious."

Another giggle as her smile glowed, "Awwww, right back at ya babe."

"Ahhh, babe huh? Well I'll take that any day over dick. So umm, may I...come in?"

"Oh my gosh, how rude of me! Of course! I'm so sorry." She moved out of his way, balancing herself on the door handle, for her knees had suddenly become weak, "Do you want some wine before we go?"

His grin was wide, "I think you know the answer to that."

"Ok, I'lllll....go get it."

Fearing the walk from the door to the kitchen, Josie took in a breath and let go of her crutch, then with one wobbling foot in front of the other, she slowly crept across the floor, praying Craig wouldn't notice her instability. It amazed her because she had just been able to run to the door. That's when she figured it out. It was because he was watching her and she didn't want to appear like a klutz.

Her prayers failed, "Jo, are you going to be able to walk in those things all night?"

With overconfidence, she loudly assured him with an unsure smile, "YEP! I'm goo......"

The mistake was that she looked at him and then her ankle buckled. With a gasping squeal, gravity pulled her down but her fall was promptly intercepted by Craig's agile arms.

Still in his strong arms, he steadied her. "I've got you love."

Giddiness consumed her as she gripped his brawny biceps. Was it his intoxicating cologne? Was it the brightening of his blue hues as they gazed into hers? Or was it the fact that his lips were in such close proximity to hers that his sweet and warm wine breath tickled her nose, making her thirsty to taste him? She felt she was about to from the way he was looking at her, for he was having similar thoughts about her cherry scented lips but instead, the big bad mob man chickened out, forcing himself to back away.

"Why don't you go sit down love, before you break your pretty little neck and I mean that sincerely, not as some patronizing dick," he assured her with a teasing smirk, "I'll go get us the wine."

He took her hand and helped her to sit on the couch and just as his hand was almost free to get the drinks, she clutched his fingertips, peering up at him with remorse, "Hey. I truly am sorry for calling you that. I swear I didn't mean it or to hurt your feelings."

His smile was kind as he placed his other hand atop hers, "Hold that thought, I'll be right back."

Knowing right where the wine and glasses were, Craig retrieved them and hurried back, sitting beside her and pouring the red vintage and respectfully handing a glass to her first, "Ok...now," he began with his eyes eagerly engaging hers, "I know you came in to console me after the students ever so kindly critiqued my work and I'd like to explain why I shut you down so harshly, or even at all. That particular piece that I went full Freddy Krueger on, I created the day I found out I was going to be a father and....all of it became a lie with Lizzy's infidelity with Ethan and finding out Blaise was most likely his, so when the students said they didn't feel anything or understand the painting, that only reminded of how true that lie really was, if that makes any sense? I guess the reality truly hit me for the first time with someone else validating it for me and I just didn't know how to process it but I never should have treated you as I did when you were just trying to be there for me and for that, I am whole-heartedly sorry. You had every right to threaten to Picasso my manhood." His brows raised, eyes wide, "What a sight that would be huh?"

Josie softly laughed, then took his hand, "Well, to be fair, I should have just given you some space but, apology accepted. Maybe if I had told you during the class that I understood the painting, it would still be alive and none of this would have happened."

"Wait," his brows furrowed, "You...knew?"

"I did. All the swirling strokes, they represented people, a family. I didn't need to know your backstory to see it. Those students are taking art classes for a reason. They're still learning and don't understand all the concepts yet and even as you said, not everyone will get it, so I'm sorry you took their opinions to heart and I also want you to know that the painting was beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you."

The fixed gaze they shared was interrupted by a call to Craig's cell, "Oh, it's Gael. Hello? Everything ok?"

"Yep, just wanted to let you know that the studio is all back in place, brushes cleaned, paint put away, oh and, I'm ready to hit the road when you are. Is....everything good with you and Josie?"

Craig chuckled, then smiled at Jo, "Yeah man, we're both good. Thanks for cleaning up. We'll meet you in the hall in just a few."

"Sounds like a plan. Can't wait for tonight. It's gonna be a night to remember."

Craig ended the call, then swallowed down the rest of his wine, "Well, you ready love? My car's out back in the garage. I'll swing around and get it, then pick you up out front."

She quickly downed her wine too, "Mmmm. Yep, I'm so ready for some normal fun stuff for once." She then chuckled, "So, about Gael. We actually didn't scare him off? I can only imagine what he thinks of me after my petulant tantrum."

He laughed too, "Yeah, he and I talked for a bit after you left and I apologized to him for my actions. I did get the vibe that he's a tiny bit intimidated by you, but rest assured, I set the record straight in your defense and took on all the blame. It's all good. No worries sweetheart."

"Well, I will apologize to him too because it was not ALL your fault Craig."

"Alright. As you wish. How about we put it all behind us and get the fuck out of dodge? You gonna be ok in those shoes love? Especially when drinking?"

Josie stood right up with Craig rising quickly to hold her arm, "Yep. Watch this."

"Should I hold your beer?"

"Ha...Ha...! Funny guy got jokes. No, seriously, let go. I got this."

Slowly but gracefully, Josie made her way across the room and picked up her leopard print coat, then spun around, posing with her arm in the air as if she were a Price Is Right model, "TA DA!!!! There, see? If I can do triple axels on the ice, then I should be able to walk in a simple pair of shoes. I just need to focus. And besides, I have your arm to cling to if I get too tipsy."

Craig went to her and helped her put her coat on, "You know, I sure would love to see you skate someday."

Her train of thought shifted, "That would be great but wait," She turned to him with concern, "if we're taking your car, especially being Boston bound and we're going to be drinking...."

"Gael's the D.D. He don't drink. Stop worrying and let loose. Tonight is going to be a ridiculous good time."

"You're letting him drive your classic, mint condition Chevelle???"

" I sure am. It will be nice to have a chauffeur and although it will be very odd to be sitting in the back seat of my own car, it will be absolutely delightful because it will be with you. Oh!!," he reeled and snapped his fingers, "I almost forgot. I cleared out a spot for you to put your car in my garage where it will be locked up and safe and out of view from those rednecks as well. It's coded entry AND I'm changing this complex to that as well. Anyone that doesn't have it will have to be buzzed in. Installing it next week. No more unwanted people will just be walking in here like my fath...damn it, I mean Cyrus has or Lee has...sorry. Didn't mean to mention him. Anyways, I never used to have any need for all of that security here until Cyrus was released from prison and Ethan came back around so now, I think it will be best. I want you to be and feel safe Jo. That's all I care about."

"I do feel safe with you. Always. Thank you Craig, for everything. You...IT means more to me than you know."

Craig grinned at her slip of the tongue, then he leaned down and tenderly kissed her cheek, "As you do to me Cheri lady."

With Josie blushing on his arm and the bottle of wine in his other hand, Craig escorted her and Gael outside where they waited for him valet style and Josie used the time to apologize for her obnoxious behavior but during her rambling attempt at making amends, her words were cut short by a car driving by at a high rate of speed, basil green in color. Unable to see the driver with the tinted windows, she certainly recognized the make and model of the vehicle, for she had been inside of it once. It was a Dodge Charger.

After the car passed by, going fast enough to give her hair a whirl, she watched it tear around the corner, tires squealing, until it was gone and all was silent.

"Luke??" she whispered as her confused eyes remained locked on the empty corner.

"I'm sorry?" Gael responded, also confused.

"Oh...oh nothing, I...I...," she stammered and paused, still fixated on the street corner, "I...I just thought I saw someone I knew. No biggie."

It was then that Craig came whipping around the corner.

Upon pulling up, Craig hopped right out of his black beauty, leather blazer now on, and sweetly displayed a gentlemanly mannerism of opening the door for her, "Your chariot my lady."

Once everyone was seated in their places and buckled in, Gael turned the key and the engine rumbled and purred which enticed him to pump the pedal a few times just to hear the beastly growl but then he gasped and turned around to look at Craig, "Oh shit, sorry man. I just got a bit carried away. Never been in a monster like this, let alone drove one."

Craig reassured Gael that it was ok as he chuckled, "Go on man, don't be afraid of her. Give this car some love. She was meant to roar. Just whatever you do, don't turn on the fucking radio."

With perplexed brows, Gael just smiled and gave a nod, then revved up the engine and made an announcement before he sped off down the road, "Alright ladies and gentlemen, Boston here we fucking come!"

Boston

Walking on clouds of medication induced euphoria, a glassy eyed Lee readied himself in the bedroom as Emily did the same in the bathroom, feeling rather high as well. She had made the call to Johnny about Lee, explaining the situation and surprisingly, the mobster bully didn't seem to have a problem with Josie's ex partying in his club or hanging around his girl.

Laughing as he stumbled out of the bedroom, Lee returned to the living room, took another shot of tequila and plopped on the couch, arms sprawled out on the back and legs crossed as he grinned from ear to ear, "What do ya think Trav??" he asked, referring to his attire.

Travis, also high and grinning, rolled his eyes up and down Lee's six foot five form that was wearing all white. A white tee, a white blazer, sleeves pushed up to the elbows, white trousers and even his loafers were white.

"You make a better God than Morgan Freeman did in Bruce Almighty."

Lee winked with a wicked smile, "Only I'm the devil in disguise."

"Ooooh, me likey."

Emily then entered, dark hair pinned back and wearing an extremely provocative dress that barely covered her ass and breasts and coincidentally, it was white as well. Lee's lips parted as his enamored eyes ran up her endless, tan legs and over all of her curves, then made a stop at her cat-like eyes that her winged eyeliner and false lashes had converted them to.

"Well now....did it hurt? When you fell from Heaven?"

Travis frowned as if he had smelled an egg fart.

Emily giggled as she eye-fucked him back, "It did and now I think I need a doctor."

Lee patted the couch beside him, "Well you happen to be in luck. Dr. Pace here, at your service."

As Emily sat down beside him, Travis' eyes rolled, "Are we ready to go now?? Or would you rather fuck each other right here on the couch first?"

He got up, shaking his head and went to the kitchen for more booze.

Lee gave Emily a wink, "I'll be right back."

He went to the kitchen and leaned on the counter, folding his arms, "So what was all that?"

Travis gulped down a double whiskey neat, "Gee, I could ask you the same thing. Did you forget that she has a man who also happens to be in the fucking mafia?? Or are you trying to get your knees shot off if he's feeling nice?"

Lee nonchalantly chuckled, "Is that supposed to scare me? If you knew my past, you'd be worried for Johnny, not me."

Travis turned to him, changing the subject and his tone to a kinder and more caring one, "Speaking of your past, did...did someone do something to you that caused you to react to my advances the way you did?"

Lee sighed and poured a drink, then reveled in the burn as it rolled down his throat, "They did and we're not talking about it."

"Alright. I'm sorry though and again, I'm sorry for coming on so strong. I'll back off but just be careful around Emmy ok? I know you can hold your own since I was almost turned into a fucking pretzel by Hulk fucking Hogan but Johnny plays dirty. I mean, if you really know him, then you know that already but, I just don't want to see anything bad happen."

"Yeah well," he tossed another drink back and placed the glass down with a hard clunk, "I play in a league of my own and it's much dirtier. So are we going or what? I'm losing my buzz."

"Emmy!" Travis shouted, "You ready???"

As they all walked out the door, Lee's eyes popped, "A fucking Limo??? I really AM in Heaven!"

They all climbed in and his eyes widened even more. It was like a perfect man cave. Small but spacious. The plentiful, black seating looked like a leather couch that wrapped around the walls and they were heated as well. The floor was covered in a black shag carpet. The ceiling had soft dim lighting in every corner and LCD lights over the doors and there was a TV and a stereo system and to top it all off, there was even a mini bar which Lee delved right in to.

"Champagne anyone????"he cheerfully asked as he popped the cork.

Emily's squeal and all of their boisterous laughter exploded as the bubbly volcano erupted over his hand and onto the floor. With real crystal glasses, not the cheap plastic ones, Lee poured the fizzy gold goodness, one by one, all the way up to the rims and Travis turned on the music, cranking up a classic The Cars song which was a perfect for his birthday celebration.

Sporting a grin of pearly whites, Lee raised his glass with the others following suit, "Cheers my friends! Happy fucking birthday to me. Now drink up and let the good times roll!!"

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