She poured another glass of wine and turned the volume up on her stereo. So, she was acting a little pathetic, couldn’t be helped. She was pretty sure if she had to watch Orlando with Kate for another minute she would be sick. So she stayed in, ordered room service and a lot of wine.

Yep, she was definitely a winner.

It was just her, the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, and a very good bottle of Pinot Grigio. Life could be worse. She had to admit with all the emotions swirling around she had written one kick ass song. After she finally wrote the lyrics out, and went over the music she smiled and went upstairs. She had noticed when she finished a rough go through she had an audience. She had tried her best not to look towards where she knew Kate and Orlando were. She’d waved at the group out and signed some pictures a few fans had. 

She’d gone down to the gym after that and literally kicked the shit out of anything she was near. If felt damn good, but still she knew she was probably overreacting. She tried to compare this situation to when she had a crush on Zach Morris from ‘Saved by the Bell’. She knew she could never have Zach. She knew it was the facade of Zach she liked. She’d never know the real guy. Mike imagined that was how some girls felt about the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC. Then again, how many of those girls got to kiss that ‘Zach’ in their lives?  Hmmm...

Mike looked down at her glass and shook her head. She was truly getting pathetic. Since when did she let a boy rule her good time? She was supposed to be on vacation. While this was relaxing, it wasn’t enough. It was past time to grow up and play nice with the grown ups.

Decision she made she put the wine down and switched her stereo to a sound that would definitely help put her in an uplifted-have-a-damn-good-time mood.

She was far too busy pulling on the way to tight leather pants that she stashed for moments just like this to even notice someone had been pounding on the door. Way to into rocking to Kylie Minogue to notice said someone, Mike opened the door. And there she was... bra, tight leather pants and her hair a mess from head banging. 

“Very impressive, Mischa.”

Her body movements stopped. Her hair fell to cascade around her shoulders. There was no way... Turning slowly Mike couldn’t believe her eyes. Just what the hell was going on?  Quickly, pulling her top over her head and patting her hair down in attempt to assume normalcy she turned to her intruder.

“What are you doing here?”

With a cocky grin, he stepped further into the bedroom part of her suite. “Well, I’m just glad I have good timing. Miss me, Misch?”

She stared at him, questioning his every move and word. “Seriously, what are you doing here?” Mike turned and yanked her brush through her hair. “And you know your girlfriend would kick your ass if she heard those words coming from your mouth.”

He scratched his chin and let his fingers linger a moment on his plump lips. “I swear to the Lord, Mikey you look hotter every time I get to lay my eyes on you. And you know damn well my girlfriend is down with our friendship. Where ya going looking so fine? Last I heard you were in hell and you needed a fun devil to party with.”

Looking heavenward she muttered, “they called you didn’t they? The whacked out fairy godmothers they think they are.”

“Jules put the call through, told me the going onsz. It just so happened that I’m staying in an inn, about 20 minutes from here. I’m just here as a friend, that and you know the publicity will kick some ass for both of us.” He took the courtesy of lying down on her bed as she brushed lip gloss on.

“Put the call through? Have you been watching some spy flicks…God truly, I don’t know who is more pathetic: me here thinking wallowing will make feel better, or you pretending like you’re working for the CIA.” Mike turned to face him, pushing herself up to sit on the ledge of the dresser.

“Pathetic that you’re locked up in a hotel room because you can’t bear to look at a guy you damn well could get if you truly want?” He asked cocking his head to one side. “Or pathetic that I’m here to help? The latter is definitely not pathetic because darlin’ you know you always have a damn good time around me.” 

A cocky smile adorned his face and yet somehow his eyes were endearing.

“How much did they tell you?” Mike asked carefully, no need to further make herself look like a fool.

“Pretty much that you’re hot for the boy. Boy is hot for you. Boy has a girl. You’re locked up in a room being depressed and you needed a pick me up. Wine only lasts so long, Mischa. I’m here to make sure your vacation is fun and that a certain guy notices how damn special you are.”

“This is so juvenile. J, I’m telling you it’s not a big deal. You know what its like to want someone you can’t have? God, I kissed him and I can’t stop thinking about him. I’m sure that’s happened to you plenty of times.” Scooting off her ‘perch’ she looked at him in all seriousness. “Honestly, if all you came here for was to get me out there and shove in his face that another male finds me attractive, you didn’t come for the right reasons.”

He stood from the bed and she was once again reminded of just how damn tall the man was. Reaching for her, he pulled her into his arms. “No, I’m here because I know damn well what it feels like to be a little lost when it comes to the other sex. I’m here because I know you’re thinking about Tim and it’s not the time to be doing so. I’m here because you were there for me when I needed someone. Now, how about we go dance our tails off and then relax in the Jacuzzi I know is in your bathroom.”

She nuzzled closer to him and for a moment just let herself be held by the one the guy she loved as much as any friend could. After taking the comfort she pushed away. “Ok, but I don’t know about the whole bathroom Jacuzzi thing.”

He ran his hands up and down her arms, “I’m sure you have one.”

She smacked his chest and stepped out of his reach, “no dumb ass I meant about us relaxing in it together. Where did you want head to?”

“How about Sable? I was there two nights ago and it was crunk.”

She stopped her motions and turned to look at him, laughter spilling out of her mouth. “Why, oh why, Justin do you have to say dumb words like crunk? Did anyone ever ask you to look in the mirror and realize that your skin is white?”

“Whatever,” he responded, brushing her off easily.  “Listen to me,” he commanded, immediately changing topic, and shaking his head in what could only be considered as disgust, “you’re not wearing that.” 

Mike looked down at the leather pants and top and back up to him, “why not?”

“Look at yourself. Do you normally put on leather pants like that? If it were just me and you going out, would you be wearing the same thing?”

She bit her lip, knowing he was right, just not wanting the cocky bastard to know. “Probably not. Then again, I don’t ever feel like impressing you.”

If it were possible, that grin of his got cockier.  “Exactly.”  

“Alright,” she said rolling her eyes, “if you’re cool with me not giving a damn around you.”

“Which is a good thing; because I think you look beyond fine just wearing a t-shirt and jeans.” Suddenly he was serious, “Misch, what you seem to forget is that you’re one of those girls other girls hate. You wake up looking like a million dollars, even with that grouchy ass look on your face.” He approached her and smiled another cocky smile. “You can dress any doll up, and they will look good. Natural beauty is a kicker to a guy, reminds them there is someone up there looking out for them. You’re a natural, Misch, don’t mess with perfection.”

She looked at him blankly, “I don’t know whether to be sick or completely flattered.”

“Listen to me, what would you wear if I’d normally call you up asking to take you out for a few drinks?”

She bit her lip in thought and shrugged, “jeans, cute top, and very cute shoes.”

He rolled his eyes at the mention of shoes, but proceeded with his thought. “And you wouldn’t wear the make-up, just some gloss. Do you know what I love best about our friendship?”

“The opportunity to annoy the crap out of me, or the possibility that one day I’ll fall prone to your bizarre charm?”

“Besides that added bonus, I love you to pieces because we cut through all the bull shit and we just are.” He smiled as he laughed at what she was sure was more than one memory of them ‘cutting the bullshit’.

“What made you come to the rescue tonight?” 

“I’m a glutton for punishment,” he said easily.

“I missed you too.” She wrapped her arms around him and quickly pressed a kiss to his neck. Pushing back she looked up at him.

He brushed the hair away from her face and said, “Go get some clothes on so we can just be Justin and Michelle. No name, no fame tonight little girl. Just good times.”

“You sound like a really messed up Hallmark card,” she said with a giggle. Pulling a pair of jeans and a button down top she started towards bathroom. Turning back she asked, “are you telling me to change so maybe you can see me naked or you just don’t like the leather?”

He looked her up and down in predatory way and smirked. “First, those leather pants are like seeing you naked. Second, I’m trying to see you naked. Third, if you don’t get a move on we’re skipping straight to the Jacuzzi part.” He ducked down quickly to avoid the flying pillow aimed at his head.

Laughing she made her way towards the bathroom. Pausing she turned back to him, “by the way, how are things with you? I didn’t get to ask with all the breaking and entering.”

He smiled, “things are good. Go get changed and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Her hand on the doorway, “how did you get into my suite?”

“Jules had a key sent over to me, looks like we’re going to be spending some quality time together.” He waved the card key in front of himself.

“She’s sending a tip to the reporters tonight, isn’t she?” Michelle stretched her neck muscles and looked at Justin shaking her head. “She’s evil.”

“But she’s good. Now go!” He shooed her into the bathroom and grinned as the plan was going exactly as discussed.

~*~*~*

They had been at the club for a little over two hours. He’d kept an eye on Orlando just to survey the situation. All seemed to be alright, then again, Kate was with him every step of the way. Good distraction was always good for something. 

“So then I read this bullshit about me and Johnny getting together on the set. I just can’t believe the crap they print, ya know?” Kate said shaking her head.

“You think that’s bad? Try being linked to HIM!” Elijah pointed to Billy and the whole table erupted in laughter.

Dom was about to say something when his phone went off. He’d put it on vibrate while he was at the club, knowing he didn’t have a chance of hearing it. Reaching over the table and grabbing the small black phone he looked at the caller ID and grinned.

“Good phone call, Dommy?” Elijah asked with a sneer.

“Mike.” Was all Dom said before he picked up,” hello?”

“Hey you, having a good time?” He smiled at the sound of her good mood.

“I’m dying without you. You change your mind?” He was hopeful that maybe something could get Orlando to realize what was in front of him. Sure, Dom liked Kate, but there was something going on with Orlando and Mike. He’d always been a firm believer that you needed to take risks in order to really live. Ironic that Orlando liked extreme sports but couldn’t handle Mikey.

“No, I just, well, wanted to apologize for being such a dork lately. I’m kind of hoping we all could go skiing tomorrow?” 

The hopeful sound in her voice was so sweet he grinned. “Of course, I’ll let everyone know. You mean everyone right?”

She laughed, her husky laugh, and said, “yeah, D, everyone.”

“You sure you don’t want to join us? The night is still young!”

“Nah, actually, I have company. A very special friend is in town and dropped in on me.” 

His eyebrows shot up, what was going on? “Ok, so tomorrow then? I’ll give your room a call in the morning? But if you change your mind, we’ll be here.”

“Sounds good, thanks D.”

He hit the end button on his phone and turned to the rest of the table, “that was Mikey, she wants to go skiing tomorrow.”

“Is she feeling better? I know she stayed in because she wasn’t feeling up to it,” Kate asked sincerely.

Dom nodded, “yeah, she really wanted to make it up to everyone tomorrow.”

“She didn’t want to come out tonight?” Elijah asked curiously.

“I can only imagine she doesn’t want to be attacked by fans. I couldn’t believe how they stormed into the Inn’s ballroom. It’s got to be tough in her situation,” Kate said with a small smile. She patted Orlando’s hand knowing he went through at least half of what Michelle did.

“Actually, she said a special friend was in town, would see us tomorrow.”

“I wonder if that special friend is that guy that song is about? That song was, whew, ya know?” Kate said shaking her head.

Orlando nearly choked on his drink. While Kate was patting his back she casually suggested, “how about we head to ‘Sable’? I saw a flier for it at the Inn; it’s only about two blocks from here. Looked like a hot place to be.”

Chapter 11
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