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OHMOTHEROHMY. Hey, dudes. I am very excited to finally be at this point in the story. And even better late one night I managed to plot out a good part of the story. Oh, thank you insomnia.

Love&Lugnuts.SoSickPrincess



Chapter V

Bria filled her glass and took a seat at the kitchen counter. The Life & Style section had her enthralled. There was a
review on the new restaurant four blocks down. She made a mental note to try for a reservation. It would be a stretch,
but maybe she could pull a few strings.

"Morning, beautiful." E'jay sang as he entered.
"Morning."

He wrapped his arms around her waist. She smiled and continued reading her article. E'jay brushed aside her
hair and kissed the crook of her neck.

"What would you say if I cooked you breakfast in bed this morning, love?"
"Oh, I gotta get back to my place. Think boss has it in for me."
He smiled. "I'm sure he won't mind if you're late today."

Bria gave him a kiss then returned to the bedroom to finish getting dressed. There'd be just enough time to get home,
change, and grab a cup of Starbucks only if she left now. But first, she needed her blouse. Bria tore through the bed
sheets and clothes strewn about the floor, nothing. E'jay walked in, tucking his vibrant cherry colored dress shirt into
his slacks.

"'Jay... where's my top."
"Which one?"
"The one I wore last night. Violet, plumish one you said you loved."
"And quickly got rid of, you mean."
Bria sighed. "E'jay."

He smiled and dug her blouse out from underneath the cushion of the chaise longue. She didn't bother to question
how it found its way across the room.

This was E'jay's apartment. This morning was only one for many that followed her overnight stays. It was a year ago
that they met and seven months since they began dating. Initially, she hadn't given him a second glace, but his
English charm wore her down. They worked together at a record label and interoffice relations were frowned upon.
Not to mention office policy prohibited it. Still they managed to keep their relationship under wraps, while risking their
jobs at the same time. And seeing as the label went through hell and back to get E'jay from the London office, Bria
was seriously putting her ass on the line.


Half way through the work day, Bria snuck to the roof for a smoke break. She had quit cold turkey months ago since
her agent advised it, but for two weeks, the habit had reared its ugly head. Bria worked as a model in addition to her
assistant gig. Nothing high-fashion or red carpet worthy just print stuff, cosmetics, and the occasional swimsuit. But
after nearly three years of the modeling scene, it sparked a flame for another possible career choice. Photography.
She was twenty-four and on the fast track to somewhere.

"Don't jump. Believe me it's not worth it."

Bria was startled by the voice. She turned around to discover a man had joined her on the roof. He was tall, maybe
six feet, and his full, curly, dark brown hair immediately lead Bria to realize, this wasn't just any guy. This was
Ray Toro, who was supposed to be at a meeting downstairs.

"Jump?" Bria repeated curious. "Oh, no I was just ---"
"It's alright, I was kidding. Think you can spare one of those?"

She left her seat on the building ledge and handed him a cigarette. Apparently, she wasn't the only person desperate
for a break.

"Thanks. Got a light?"

He thanked her again after she pulled the lighter from her jacket pocket. Ray studied the initials inscribed across the
solid gold, windproof lighter.

"/B.M.M./." He handed it back. "B.M.M?"
"Bergin Mackenzie Morrow. My grandfather. And you're Ray Toro, right?"
He nodded. "Just don't tell anyone around here that."
"I spoke to you the other day on the phone. I'm E'jay Brandon's assistant."

To Bria's surprise, Ray remembered their short conversation. But he made a point to remember as many people as
he could. Assistants and spokespeople were too impersonal. They both sat on the ledge again to take in the view.
Bria held back from asking question after question. He must have answered them a hundreds of times before.

"You know, I bet if we tossed these over there's a good chance we'd
kill someone." He supposed, referring to the cigarettes.
"Uh, it's possible. No telling what the headlines would say."
"Deranged producer... innocent assistant ---"
"A modern Bonnie & Clyde, right out of history."
"Bonnie & Clyde, huh? Don't think the misses would approve."
"Oh, no, I didn't mean ---"

Bria shut up and suggested they head back downstairs before her bosses figured she took him hostage. She didn't
need any more opportunities to embarrass herself. In a matter of seconds after stepping off the elevator Ray found
himself locked away with the label execs in the private conference room. Her boyfriend was among the crowd of
industry 'sharks' looking to talk business. While they talked, Bria decided to return a few calls.

"Hell-o. Marin speaking."
"Marin, what's up? It's Bria."
"Darling, your timing is impeccable. Guess what?"
"Um... you got your test results back."
Marin laughed. "No, still another week on those. But what I have for you is even
better. How does a costume party sound?"
"That depends. What are we celebrating?"
"A birthday, what else? A friend of mine is throwing a not-so surprise shindig for her
boyfriend."
"Really. Do I know her?"
"Well, she sure knows you. She's the one that asked me to extend this pre-unofficial
invite."
"Oh, well a name would be helpful."
"You only think it would. So you up for it, darling? The clock is ticking."
"Sure, but I'll have to check with E'jay. Not sure if costume parties are his thing."
"Check with E'jay? Look, lover boy will be fine without you for one night, Bria. I miss my
best-girl. No more woe-is-me. You're going, understand."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Look, I do it because I love you. I gotta run, but we'll talk later."
"Okay, later Mar'."

After Bria hung up, she realized she forgot to tell Marin that Ray Toro bummed a cigarette off her. It would just have
to wait until they spoke again. Remember she had a job to do Bria went back to work. E'jay was heading out of town
tomorrow for a few days. The flight and hotel were both confirmed, but she was still working the kinks out of his
itinerary. Bria looked at the clock, 1:17 PM. Before getting lunch orders, she went into E'jay's office to return some
emails.

Was Marin right, she thought while typing away. Had she really been in a woe-is-me mood? There wasn't much she
had to complain about. Her job came with benefits some people kill for. She'd finally be done with school come this
winter and with that out of the way, photography could be her full time gig.

Being your boyfriends assistant had its up and dark down sides. The arrangement had been working thus far, but
there was no telling what E'jay would make of it if she ever quit. It was just that dirty look after dirty look she got from
other chicks around the office didn't make for a peachy work environment. They hated the extra privileges she got
and ultimately she was blacklisted. But Bria didn't mind too much. It was a catty, immature game, which pinned her
against them. And as always revenge is a bitch.

She opened the left hand desk drawer looking for his address book and discovered something else. Lying next to a
stack of Spin magazines was a sky blue box wrapped in a white bow. With her curiosity peaked, she decided to take
a quick look.

Bria gasped. "Holy shit!"

Inside laid a diamond bracelet, linked with round aqua colored stones. Just like E'jay to leave something like this in
near plain view. She studied the bracelet closer. It was defiantly gorgeous and definitely expensive. With her birthday
fast approaching, this might just be her gift. Bria quickly dismissed the thought and put the box in its place. Pricey
gifts didn't mean much to her and E'jay knew that. Anyone could pick up something on way home, that didn't make
it special.

"Hey, there you are."

E'jay walked into the office and around the desk to where Bria sat. He leaned over her shoulder, skimming the
computer monitor.

"What's this, love?"
"Taylor got back to you and she's too happy with the way things worked
out. This is damage control."
"An email. A bit impersonal, don't you think?"
"The email is just for anyone's feelings who got hurt. You, however, sent
her a very beautiful bouquet and letter with your most sincere apology, which
you will follow up with a phone call tomorrow before you leave."
E'jay smiled. "Tell me, what would I do without you?"

Bria smiled and continued typing. He was lucky, not to sound cocky, but Bria knew she kept nearly every aspect of
his life in order. E'jay wouldn't dare dispute the assumption. He wrapped an arm around Bria's neck and asked how
he could repay her.

She smiled. "I'll let you know later."

Later was too long of a wait for his taste. He trailed a line of kisses down her neck, starting just behind her ear.
Against her better judgment, she didn't stop him, so his move got a little bolder. E'jay lifted her right hand from the
key board and intertwined it with his. She stared intently at the partially closed door. If anyone walked in ---

"Relax." E'jay whispered.

Bria closed her eyes and tried just that. They inched further beneath her black pinstripe, a-line skirt. With her free
hand, she ran her fingers into his golden, sun-streaked tresses. A sudden knock from behind the office door caught
them like a deer in the head lights. Bria straightened her skirt and hoped to hide the urgency in her face. E'jay held
back a smile then picked up a random pad and pen on his desk.

"Yeah. Come in." He called out.

Ray peered into the office. They needed to get going if they were going to make their lunch reservation. E'jay agreed
and quickly jotted something down. He handed the sticky note to Bria.

"Take care of that for me."

She nodded. /Take the rest of the day. We'll finish up tonight. Dinner @ 8:00/. Bria posted the note on top of
her folders to be filed. Now she had an excuse to wear the latest dress Marin had crafted up.

"Shall we." E'jay said to Ray grabbing his jacket.
"Sure, but we need a third. Ryan's tied up."

Ray nodded in her direction. They did need a third and she seemed interesting enough.

"Hey. Bria, right?"
She looked up. "Yes, Mr. Toro."
"Ray. How about lunch?"

There was an amazing sushi place downtown and he was friends with the owner. Bria turned to E'jay. He didn't seem
to have an opinion either way, so the decision was her's. Bria agreed, but need a few seconds to wrap things up.

Ray and E'jay were waiting in the lobby when she finally came down a few minutes later. The restaurant of choice
was same restaurant Bria had bookmarked earlier today. On the short walk over, E'jay kept quiet while she made
small talk with Ray. Hopefully he wasn't upset she had accepted the invitation. It wasn't the first time she joined him.
When they arrived at the restaurant, they were shown to a table almost immediately. The hostess left them with
menus and time to make a decision. E'jay was busy looking over the choices when Bria laid her hand on his upper
thigh. He cleared his throat and brought his attention to Ray who was sitting in the opposite side of the booth.

"Tell me, Raymond, what looks good?"
"Can't say man, think ---"
"Yo! Toro, dude."

Ray, E'jay, and Bria all looked in the direction of the loud, wound up voice. Ray laughed and got up from the table.

"Mikey. Place looks good, man." He said.
"Yeah, thanks. Finally drug yourself down here, huh?"
"Hey, look at it this way; I brought you some business." Ray turned back to
the table. "Mikey Way, E'jay Brandon and Bria... sorry I didn't catch your last
name."
"Oh, Bria ---"
"--- Morrow." Mikey finished. "Damn, Bria Morrow. Haven't heard that name in
a while. Probably don't remember me do you?"

Bria begged to differ. There was no way she could forget either of the Way brothers. It had been just over half a year
since she last spoke to Gerard and as for Mikey a year if not more.

"How is Gerard anyways? Last we talked he was settling in California."
Mikey nodded. "Yeah, he stayed out there for a while, but things didn't quite work
out. He's been back almost a month now. You haven't heard from him?"
"No. Guess we haven't spoken in a while. He's been back a month?" Bria asked
taken aback.

Gerard arrived in New York exactly seven weeks ago. The cartoonist job in California wasn't cracked up to be all he
hoped, so he moved back. He hadn't avoided contacting Bria on purpose. It was just mere chance. No to mention
last they spoke she had began dating E'jay.

"Who's this Gerard?" E'jay asked curious. "An old schoolmate."
"Uh, yeah we were - he use to ---"
"Gerard tutored Bria here and like any kid brother, I stuck my nose where it didn't
belong." Mikey finished.
Ray shrugged. taking his seat again, "Guess that makes you a pure blood Jersey
chick, huh? I like you more by the second."
She smiled. "Um, Mikey where's your ladies room?"

Mikey gave her directions and Bria quickly excused herself. There was the slightest sense of disappointment tugging
at her heartstrings. How could he not even bother to get in touch, he thought. Of course, California drove a wedge in
their line of communication but that excuse wasn't relevant any more. She leaned against the stall door with it safely
locked behind her. A simple phone call wasn't asking much. But then again it worked both ways. Bria dug through her
bag looking for a cigarette while back at the table, the guys were reaching the end of the customary small talk.

"Hey, Ray, you got a second? When you said you were stopping by, I dug
something up?"
He nodded. "Sure man."
"Great. E'jay nice meeting you."
"Same here mate." E'jay replied shaking Mikey's hand.
"And don't bother with the menus. I'll have the best of everything brought out, on
the house."

Mikey led Ray to his office behind the kitchen. He opened the door as if revealing a great, mystic discovery. No
drumroll necessary. Lounging on the couch with his long, jet black hair hanging and sketch book in hand was
Gerard. He looked up as Mikey and Ray entered.

"Take a look at this motherfucker." Gerard said, laughing. "What going on, Ray."
"Just making a way, man. Welcome back."
"Yeah, thanks mucho. It's good to be back."

New York was enough to put California out of mind. The people, weather, everything drove him insane there. He
couldn't stand it for another day, so quit his job then jumped on the first flight possible back to the East coast. Rather
than tell everyone he bailed on the L.A. lifestyle, he claimed that he got canned. It was a lot less explaining to do.
Ray sat down so they could all up. So much had happened since the three had the chance to hang out together.
They had come a ways from the days living with their parents or renting crappy apartments back in Jersey. The hours
spent at practice studios, chasing rock n' roll dreams were great memories, but just that, memories. In the midst of
their reminiscing, Mikey was called away to handle some slight confusion with an arriving shipment.

"How are you and Christa doing? Possibly defunct?"
Ray smirked. "You know how it is, man. She's crazy, I'm bordering on clinically
insane."
"Happy as ever then."
"Wouldn't have it any other way. You know, that reminds me, I'm having lunch with
this girl ---"
"Uh-oh, don't let the misses find out."
"No, seriously. Come to find out she's from Jersey and you guys went to high
school together."
Gerard stopped drawing. "You're fucking around, right?"
"No, serious as a heart attack."
"Tell me, this girl, she wouldn't happen to have long, blonde hair..."
Ray nodded. "...blue eyes, the whole classic Bridgette Bardot thing working for her?
Most definitely, my man."

Gerard sat back, unconvinced. New York was too big a city for such a coincidence. But maybe, just maybe the field
of possibility had been downsized. He asked Ray where they had met. After his quick recap of the day's events,
Gerard was sure that Bria was in fact here. In addition to E'jay, who Gerard knew to be her current flame. He
wouldn't share that tidbit of information with Ray, since from the sound of it Bria and E'jay hadn't presented
themselves as a couple. Gerard's long silence bored Ray and brought about more questions.

"So, what's the story there?" He asked.
"No story." Gerard returned to his sketching. "She was just, you know, one of those
girls. Not so much the one that got away and not someone you forget."
"Well you know what that means then. Time you two get reacquainted."

Bria tossed her cigarette in the toilet and flushed it away. She walked over to the large mirror, studying herself. Time
to let it go Bria, she whispered. She pulled the pack of cigarettes from her bag again. There wasn't anyone holding
her back except herself. Without hesitation, she tossed the pack into the trash can.

"Grow up, babydoll." She said, smiling.

E'jay and Ray were probably noticing her long absence. She tousled her hair, spraying it with a light mist of perfume
and popped two breath mints. The hardest thing of smoking again was keeping it a secret. There were times E'jay
picked up the scent, but she had her way of coming up with excuses. But this was it, she was quitting again. After
touching up her lips, Bria declared herself presentable. She swung the door open then stopped cold.

"Gerard."