"So…she puttin’ out yet?"

Wallace squinted at the sound of Jack’s words, as if someone had just flashed a fluorescent light in his eyes. A quizzical expression quickly tightened his features.

Only a hint of concern colored his questions as he returned to his work. "What…who?"

It was eight a.m. and he’d already been up for hours working on the game with Lucky. He had not the time or the energy for Jack’s fun and games today.

Jack slumped down next to Wallace at the worktable. The model he was making, shaking precariously as he did so. Wallace glared in annoyance as Jack moved aside Lucky’s coffee mug.

"Well…it’s just that Spencer’s been grumbling around here for the past couple of days…I figure he ain’t getting any."

Wallace looked up and yawned. Not even bothering to cover his mouth. "Are you offering your services Jack?…I’ll make sure and let Lucky know you’re willing to help out in any way you can when he comes back with the bagels. I’m not sure he’ll appreciate it…but it’s the thought that counts."

Faking a chuckle, Jack eased a hand through his hair. No, kissing Lucky’s ass was this shmuck’s job. Not his. Though if Jack had anything to say about it, Lucky was in for the screw of a lifetime.

"No, no" Jack laughed tightly. "I was just wonderin’…Just making friendly conversation that’s all. I’d just hate for him to miss out on that sweet little ass of hers," he finished, rubbing his hands together. "You remember that it don’t you Wally? I mean it’s kinda hard to forget perfection."

Wallace sighed and let his brayer drop from his fingertips. His hands smudged and caked with linoleum. The tool was used to gouge thick materials…but maybe he could pick Jack’s brain out of his skull instead…Yes…if he went in through his ears…and then…

"First off," he sighed. Cutting off his homicidal thoughts. "I think you know better by now than to call me Wally…Second – what the FUCK is your problem, exactly?! I mean seriously. Do you have some kind of disorder? For Christ’s sake Jack, you’ve got a knock down, flat out GORGEOUS fiancé that’s so in love with you that’s she’s completely BLIND to the fact that you treat her like shit.

"Secondly, for your own health – I’d advise you to stay away from what’s not yours. Lucky’s a pretty patient guy but he’s only gonna put up with this shit for so long before he makes it impossible for you to use that overactive member between your legs…

"I do realize that you’ve got a perpetual jones for things you can’t have, but I’d say you need to check that ego and jealousy of yours at the door before you get yourself into something you can’t get out of."

"Oh please," Jack hissed. "I am not, nor have I ever been jealous of that kid. And as far as Lucinda is concerned…please don’t insult my intelligence by thinking I don’t know what you’re up to. I mean I’ve known since the word ‘go,’ that you’ve had a little ‘thing’ for my girlfriend…

"It’s cute actually…I mean the way you moon over her……Just remember that’s MY paycheck on her finger ok?"

"And a big wad a chump change it is," Wallace grinned sarcastically. God, he wanted to hit this guy. "She could poke somebody’s eye out with that thing…Hell, if she was smart she’d poke YOUR eye out with it and call it poetic justice. But she wouldn’t wanna stain any of the big toys you’ve bought her right?

"You know what they say about men who buy big trinkets right, Jack?" Wallace finished. Turning back to his work.

Jack nodded to himself and leaned over Wallace shoulder. Speaking directly in his ear.

"Don’t you worry about that friend…Lucinda’s never had any complaints in that area. She didn’t complain last night, and I doubt she’ll do anything other than beg for it tonight…so that rock on her finger – just remember that’s the price of a good roll in the sack with a supermodel."

"Look, they had the onion but I didn’t wanna deal with your breath all day long, so I…"

Lucky’s voice trailed away as he paused over the threshold. The tension in the workroom palpable, as Wallace stared Jack down.

The old expression – if looks could kill…

His eyes shifted from one man to the next and he moved between them as discretely as possible. Placing the brown paper sack, down on the table and then facing them. Not one word spoken in the small room.

He turned after a moment. The self-important smirk on Jack’s face already annoying him to no end. It didn’t take much these days, and it looked like Wallace was at the end of his rope as well. Lucky cleared his throat.

"Jack, can I help you with something?"

Breking from the locked gaze he shared with Wallace, Jack smiled. "Nope…I just – actually," he paused. Smiling widely in Lucky’s direction. "I just came to see how you guys were coming along with the game. I know you only have a few days left before review…ALSO I came by to tell you how happy I am for Liz…I didn’t get a chance to tell her the other day at the game. But she must be ecstatic that she got that dancing gig. It’s a big – uh – step up after all.

Because he needed to occupy his hands instead of burying them in Jack’s smug face, Lucky tore his bagel in half and started chomping. "Thanks," he mumbled. "I’ll tell her – we have to get back to work."

"Cool, cool," Jack nodded walking towards the door. "Oh, are you two gonna have a party or anything like that?…I mean this calls for a celebration."

Lucky regarded him with suspicion. Why the Hell was he being so nice? "No," he began slowly. "We were going to…but Liz isn’t all that big on huge shindigs."

Jack nodded. "A private celebration…I got it. Ok, boys…adios."

The door finally closed and Lucky turned towards Wallace. "What the fuck was that all about?"

Wallace shook his head slightly and sank back down in his chair. He knew that Lucky had just about had it with Jack even if he was trying to be nice to him since he’d gotten Liz the audition. Telling him what Jack said would only upset him unnecessarily. It wasn’t like Lucky didn’t already know what Jack was like…he knew to watch his back.

""Nuthin," Wallace sighed finally. Lifting the small brayer once again and attacking their model. "Just Jack being Jack…let's get back to work."

~~~~~~~

Lucinda lifted an eyebrow as Elizabeth held her hand in front of cigarette. Trying desperately to light it. "You smoke?"

"No."

When both eyebrows lifted, Elizabeth shrugged out a real answer. "I don't…I mean I used to."

"And ‘used to,’ means ‘right now,’ apparently?" Lucinda asked as they began walking towards Saks. She'd had to convince Elizabeth that even if SHE couldn’t afford anything, she had to tag along…well – just because.

The truth was, Lucky had called her and asked her to help him in his endless endeavor to get Elizabeth to buy something for herself. Since she'd started earning money, she'd spent it on nothing other than the basic necessities. Food, bills…a jukebox for Lucky.

And now it seemed – cigarettes had been added to the necessity list.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and pulled the white stick from her mouth. Letting it smolder comfortingly between her fingertips. "I just – had a craving for one. It doesn't happen very often. Just when I get…worried or stressed or something."

Lucinda turned to her and turned the collar up on her coat. The early fall breeze, chilling her a bit. "And why, pray tell would you be stressed at this very moment?"

She shook her head as she took another long puff. "Who knows? I stress out over everything. I stress out over the weather…It's not a big deal."

‘It's not a big deal.’

It occurred to Lucinda that the girl used that phrase just about 10 times a day. Always in reference to situations that probably WERE a big deal. ‘Don't go using the psychology 101 course now Luci, you were only a Psych major for like 2 minutes,’ she thought. Watching as Elizabeth puffed and puffed again. The cigarette nearly burnt down to the filter now.

It seemed Elizabeth was trying to get her money's worth.

"Is it stuff about the show?" She continued. Asking as Elizabeth remained silent.

"No…I…" her voice trailed off as she bent over to extinguish the cigarette in the cement ashtray that stood next to the entrance. The Mecca of all department stores standing before them. As they entered, the quick whiff of perfumed air caused her to choke…And they said cigarettes were bad for you – fragrance counters were the real killers.

"I'm gonna screw it up," she finished suddenly.

Lucinda's brow knit together as she moved through a rack of purses. ‘Damn, that red leather one…let's check the price tag on that bad boy.’ "What do you mean you're gonna screw it up? Screw what up?"

Elizabeth bit her lip and watched as Lucinda moved her way through the racks. They were having a sale. But the word ‘sale’ seemed to mean that a handbag previously priced at $150 was now $100. It was enough to make you sick.

She remembered wanting fancy things as a girl. Things that sparkled. Things that shined when the glowing store lights hit them. But she was an adult now. An adult that new better than to set her mind on high places.

Even if you got a chance to visit such places for a while – you could never stay long. It was like going to one of your friend’s houses where they had nice china. Sooner or later you knew they wanted you to leave.

""Me and Lucky," she said finally. Causing Lucinda to stop in her tracks.

Her long hair swished around her waist when she turned. Dropping a beaded black bag to its position on the shelf. "Why would you mess that up?…You two are happy right?…I mean, I wouldn't wanna presume to know what goes on behind closed doors but…at the baseball game you two looked……sublime."

"Sublime," Elizabeth whispered. Letting her fingers trail along a few of the bags. "Transcendent, or inspirational," she continued. Thinking aloud about what the word meant.

She felt that every time she was with Lucky. Every time she looked into those soft baby blues. The ones that could fill with electricity at a moment's notice and make her feel sparks fly through her own body. God she wanted it to be true. Was it so horrible to want a dream to be reality?

"Is that how we look?" She asked softly.

Lucinda noticed the school girl dreaminess that had slipped into her friends voice. Was reassurance what she needed? Was that what this was about?

The guy loved her more than life it’s self. How Elizabeth didn’t realize that was beyond her.

"Yes," Lucinda smiled. "You know Elizabeth…when I look at you guys…when I see how happy you are – I know that what you have is what everyone wants. I mean when I first started going out with Jack…I thought that maybe…

""Never mind," she said, interrupting herself. "There's absolutely no comparison to what you have with Lucky…The way that he looks at you. The way that he reaches for your hand even when he’s NOT looking at you. Sometimes it’s like he feels your presence…it’s like he can't stand to be away from you…

"Do you feel the same way about him?" She asked suddenly.

Elizabeth looked down at her feet and then back up again. She had never felt this way about another human being in her life. "Yes."

It was so true, that it made her shiver.

Lucinda's mouth turned up at the corners. "Then you won't screw it up."

Elizabeth bit her lip. Lucinda couldn’t be sure of that. "I mean what if…what if even though I'm happy with him – what if I can't handle it. I mean Lucinda I – you should see his face when I say certain things…or rather DON'T say certain things."

"Like what things?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "There are feelings that I don’t know how to…reciprocate or…Look," she stammered. "I just don't think that I'm really meant to be happy."

Lucinda placed her hands on her hips. "That's ludicrous. Everybody's meant to be happy."

"They are?"

Because the question came from a place of such total honesty it made Lucinda want to cry. What the Hell had happened to this girl? She bit the inside of her lip. "I think they are…why don't you think they are?"

"You sound like a shrink," Elizabeth sighed suddenly. Walking forward and towards the clothes. She found herself in a section of sparkling evening attire of every color.

"Sorry," Lucinda apologized. "I should probably get my own life together before I start analyzing yours, huh?"

"No, no," Elizabeth said, turning around with a sardonic grin. "I think maybe Lucky thinks I need one…so this is good. We can shop and analyze my head at the same time…much better than being on a couch I suppose."

Lucinda laughed and followed her. Holding up a sequined blouse in front of her self that Elizabeth crinkled her nose at. She smirked and put it back. "Well, I don't have a degree…but I'm a pretty good listener…Although…I do know from personal experience that your boyfriend is too."

A very obvious shutter ran over Elizabeth's frame. So THAT’s what it was. "That really bugs you huh? That title – boyfriend?"

"No…of course not…I just – you know I just don’t know we have to give each other titles. We were perfectly fine when we were ‘just friends.’"

"But you’re NOT just friends."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I know that…but…"

"But what?" Lucinda questioned.

"I just think," Elizabeth sighed. "If you're gonna break someone's heart it's much better to do it without the title don't you think? To do it when you're still ‘unattached.’"

"Why do you keep saying stuff like that?" Lucinda asked. "Why is that you think you’re gonna break his heart?…And Elizabeth honey – I got news – you ARE attached."

Elizabeth inhaled deeply as her eyes fell on a shimmering red evening gown. She touched it almost reverently. "I just have a history of messing things up, that’s all…ever since I was little."

Because she didn't wanna push, Lucinda backed up a step and simply watched Elizabeth gaze at the dress before her. "Well, with your body you probably wouldn't mess up that dress…Why don’t you go try it on for God’s sake. You look like you either wanna devour it or jump it and I don’t think either would be appropriate right here in public."

Elizabeth laughed. "You're kidding me right? Do you know how much this costs?"

"Bout your entire next paycheck, I'd assume. Try it on anyway."

"Luc –

"Just HUMOR me, ok? Jeez…if I get this Vogue gig there's going to be a MAJOR party at my place – you'll need something to wear and jeans just ain't gonna cut it girlfriend. My doorman wouldn't even let you in. So for the last time, go try the damn thing on."

'Be tough.’ That had been Lucky’s advice and it was good. She could tell Elizabeth was caving.

Elizabeth sighed one last time and rolled her eyes and she removed the dress from the rack. Toting it with her towards the fitting rooms and dragging her feet. Lucinda folded her arms in satisfaction.

Now for those dance classes she was supposed to talk her into…

~~~~~~~

Lucky looked up from this computer, long enough to see Wallace pace towards the opposite corner of the room once more. Halting to stand in front of the window. He glanced back down towards his screen.

"Dude your wearing a hole in the carpet."

"What?" He asked, turning around as if he hadn’t realized that he was still in Lucky’s office. "Oh…yeah – sorry man."

Sighing, Lucky leaned back in his chair. This wasn’t Wallace. Wallace was a talker by nature. If he didn’t talk his head would probably spin around and then fly off into outer space for God’s sake. "Ok…spill it. What exactly did the guy say? You’ve been all weird since this morning."

"What? Weird? I’m not weird...I’m just tired that’s all."

"No you are definitely weird. You were born weird…but today you seem a little extra weird. It’s hard to tell but I’ve developed an eye – now spill."

Wallace let out a breath and blurted the words that had been on his mind. "I’m asking her out."

Lucky blinked hard. "You’re what?"

"I’m ASKING – HER – OUT," Wallace repeated slowly. "The asshole doesn’t deserve her, he treats her like crap, and she really doesn’t wanna be with him anyway…so I’m asking her out."

"Lucinda?"

"No, Mr. Box from the Jack in the Box commercials – YES Lucinda!" Wallace shouted.

"Whoa…Lucinda McCloud – 5 foot 8 – long hair – enjoys -

"Lucky don’t make me hit you."

Grinning, Lucky rose from his seat. "Oh man…this is big. THIS is like a major development in the life of Wallace MacKenzie. This is…WOW. What the Hell brought this on? I mean could it be that Jack actually did something GOOD this morning?"

"Hell no," Wallace seethed. "But the asshole played his hand and now I’m gonna play mine."

Lucky rubbed his hands together. "Damn…this is good…this is real good. Ok…so what are you gonna do, how ya gonna ask her?"

Wallace shrugged, suddenly feeling nervous. "Shit…I don’t know. I hadn’t thought that far ahead…I mean – I guess I’ll just ask her if she wants to get dinner or somethin’. Maybe take her to Tavern on the -

"Strike one."

"What?"

"Nope, nope, nope" Lucky sighed, shaking his head. "Play up your strengths my friend."

"What do you mean?"

"Ok, let’s think about something." Lucky said. Slinging an arm around Wallace’s shoulder. "Walk with me, would you?"

Wallace followed as if they were in a strategy session and Lucky continued. "Why is Jack with Lucinda?"

Shrugging, Wallace answered. "Who the Hell knows, he obviously doesn’t love her."

"Exactly…but he sees her as a trophy. He likes the fact that he’s got a model for a girlfriend…Therefore – when they go out…where do they go?"

"Fancy, shmancy, posh – gag me now- trendy – celebrity sighting restaurants in the city."

"Give the man a prize!……So what are YOU gonna do?"

One eyebrow crinkled on Wallace’s forehead. "Fast food?"

"Oh brother," Lucky sighed, scratching the back of his head. "No…no…let’s forget about food for a minute. You’re gonna be yourself and the complete opposite of Jack – you’re fun, you can show HER a good time…"

"Is this leading somewhere?"

"Follow me son…just follow me," Lucky said. Continuing to walk around the room with Wallace under his arm. "What’s your passion…besides her?"

Wallace rolled his eyes. "Baseball?"

"Oh another prize for the man! That deluxe washer and dryer will SOON be yours!"

"Lucky we just WENT to a game."

"Wallace…think outside of the box," Lucky said. Gesturing widely with his arm. "Break out of it….come on…….coooooooooome on…."

"The batting cages!?"

"YES!" Lucky shouted. "Close your eyes."

Wallace grimaced.

"Close your eyes!" Lucky demanded as Wallace complied. "Now imagine if you will…you and Lucinda at your very own diamond. You’ve got your arms around her… showin her how to swing…showin off your big, wooden bat."

Wallace eyes burst open and he nearly fell over laughing. "Ok…" he sighed. "Ok…yeah."

"Yeah?" Lucky encouraged. "You like that huh?"

"I like that…Yeah…sounds like a plan."

~~~~~~~

Elizabeth closed her eyes as the cashier slowly slipped the plastic garment bag down over the shimmering red dress. "I can’t believe I just did that…"

"Believe it," Lucinda exclaimed with giddy excitement as she patted Liz on the back. "Lucky’s eyes are gonna pop out of his head when he sees you in that."

"Lucky’s eyes are gonna pop out of his head when he sees the friggin PRICE TAG."

"Oh come on…would you loosen up?" Lucinda smiled as Elizabeth reached with trembling fingers for the bag that the cashier held out to her. "He’s not gonna mind given ya a little loan."

"Yeah Liz, I’m sure Lucky will be happy to pile that onto his credit cards just like everything else. What’s a few extra hundred dollars among friends…or whatever?"

Lucinda bit her lip and shook her head. Taking a step back as Elizabeth turned around. Each of them, rattling off a thousand silent curses when they came face to face with Stephanie.

"Hi…Stephanie," Elizabeth sighed. Forcing a smile. Was it her fate in life to run into this girl at every corner? The city was too damn small. "How ya doin?"

"Excellent," Stephanie nodded, turning then to Lucinda. For a chick that was supposedly a model she had the WORST taste in clothing. A big, black bulky sweater and a black skirt. ‘Oooh ,tre chic,’ Stephanie thought bitterly.

"And you Lucinda…how you doin these days? You know it’s such a shame that since Lucky and I barely see each other anymore, we hardly get to visit either."

Lucinda rolled her eyes. "Yeah that really is a shame…so Liz you wanna go grab some lunch or what?"

Elizabeth nodded. This woman was unfuckingbelievable. She couldn’t even admit to being BROKEN UP with Lucky. "Ye –

"Oooh, Lucinda are you still having that problem? I mean with your weight? You are watching that right? I mean I’d hate to see you have to lose all that again after you fought so hard to get it off."

Lucinda bit her tongue - hard. "You know…ever since I dropped the four basic food groups from my diet and started receiving soymilk intravenously…I’m fine. Thanks for asking though."

Trying not to laugh, Elizabeth covered her mouth at the look of shock that moved over Stephanie’s perfect face. Lucinda really got out some zingers sometimes. Kinda reminded her of someone else she knew…

Furious, Stephanie turned her gaze on the little princess who was now living in her kingdom. "And what about you Elizabeth? You’re no supermodel of course, but I’m sure in your line of work it’s beneficial to keep the pounds off right? Nobody wants an overweight stripper…You on the same diet as Lucinda here or does screwing my boyfriend provide all the exercise you need?"

Elizabeth’s grin faded immediately and Lucinda stepped out of the way – this would be good.

"What the Hell is your problem?" Elizabeth asked. Lowering her voice as another customer walked by.

"I don’t –

"No, I mean really," Elizabeth persisted. "You’ve had a stick up your ass since the day I met you. And as far as I can tell I’ve never done anything to offend you in any way…aside from the fact that I live with Lucky – which – I guess is good enough reason for the entire female population of New York to hate me. But guess what Stephanie?…I’m not leaving. I’m not moving out simply because you hate it, and I’m not gonna crawl in some hole and be invisible either. So what I suggest to you is that you get the Hell over it…and get on with life…

"Lucky has."

Lucinda had to bite her tongue again to keep from laughing as Elizabeth stalked off. Stephanie’s face, a blank slate of pale shock. When she walked over to her, she shrugged with mock sadness and made her eyes wide.

"Guess she told you huh?…Wow it is true though Steph …Lucky HAS gotten on with his life. You should just see the way he looks at her…I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him look at anybody that way…and Jeez, you know it’s almost embarrassing when you go anywhere with them in public – I mean they’re all over each other."

Stephanie seethed silently. Lucky used to hate public displays of affection.

Lucinda smiled in victory at the expression on Stephanie’s face. "Toodles."

"Wait a sec, Luc," Stephanie called managing to shake the fury off long enough to get in the last shot. "I’d keep my eye on her if I were you…especially with Jack’s predisposition for you model, actress…dancer – types…You never know what could happen…You can take the girl out of the strip joint – but ya can’t take the strip joint out of the girl."

And with a flip of her blonde hair she was gone. A whoosh of Chanel suddenly, filling the air.

~~~~~~~

Lucky glanced towards Elizabeth and threw a package of cookies into the front of the cart. "You’re so quiet."

Her attention seemed miles away. Even now she wasn't hearing him.

Maybe the surprise he had planned for this evening wasn't exactly what she needed. Maybe he'd have to postpone…

"Elizabeth," he said again. Smiling a bit when she finally turned his direction. Her eyes having been riveted on the canned foods. "You ok?"

Though her first instinct was to pretend, she wouldn't do that now. Not when she'd already kept so much from him. She took a long breath. "I ran into your ‘x’ today."

The shopping cart's wheels came to a screeching halt in the middle of the aisle. "What did she say this time?…Damnit," he sighed, shaking his head. "I really don't know what the Hell I'm gonna do about her…I -

"Don't worry about it," Elizabeth interrupted. Placing a hand on his shoulder as he started walking again. Obvious anger in the way his knuckles turned white around the handle of the cart. "She didn't say anything I couldn't handle…Nothing I hadn't heard before."

Even so, the words had hurt.

Lucky saw it in her eyes. When was Stephanie going to get it through her thick skull that they were over? Was he gonna have to track her down and spell it out for her…AGAIN? Pretty soon she’d be showing up at his apartment with boiled bunnies.

"What does that mean?" He asked. "What did she say?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Just you know…the usual. The same kinda stuff she said when she came by our apartment that day."

'Our apartment,' the words rang in his head. He wondered if she noticed she was doing that now. Even if she didn't, it made him feel a little better. Even if Stephanie was doing her damndest to make Elizabeth feel unwelcome…it didn’t seem to be working.

"Like I said," Elizabeth continued. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

"Yeah," Lucky sighed. "But you shouldn’t HAVE to handle it…Jeez, I’m really sorry Elizabeth. I know I keep saying that and it must be pretty old by now, but –

"Hey, at least I know how to shut her up now," Elizabeth smiled. Getting Lucky to smile as well.

He grinned and loosened his grip on the cart. The tension leaving his shoulders a bit. "A vital skill to have."

"Can I ask you a question?" Elizabeth said suddenly, strolling along side of him. Funny how when she was living on her own she hated grocery shopping. It seemed an endless chore that simply had to be done in order to keep food in your mouth. But now…now it didn't seem so bad. Lucky did that though…tended to make things amusing. Even when they were talking about bitches like Stephanie.

"I mean it’s probably none of my business – I mean I KNOW it’s none of my business but –

"How did I ever end up with someone like her?" Lucky finished. His mouth tilting upwards again. "That's the million dollar question huh?"

Elizabeth sighed in relief. She had no right to question Lucky about his past history when she never gave up information about herself, but having met Stephanie several times now – she simply had to!

Someone as perfect as Lucky with someone like THAT?

'Oh like you're some big prize?' Her conscience asked silently. 'Ever thought that maybe Lucky just likes to fix people?…Maybe something to think about girlie.'

She shook the thoughts away as he started to speak. A new policy of hers: listen to real voices - not the ones in your head.

"We met at a company party," he began. "I was the new kid on the block and she was all smiles and flattery when no one else was…That shoulda been my first clue, but I was pretty naïve about the way things went around the company…Anyway, now I know that she was never interested in me for what I was – but what she thought I could be…See, her father is on the board at Game One and unbeknownst to me at the time, there was a buzz starting up about me – good stuff I guess…So Stephanie of course – being who and what she is – heard about it and decided to latch on to the gravy train so to speak…I guess she figured one that was just about to leave the station was even better than one that had already reached it's destination."

With a bitten lip, Elizabeth turned to him. Though she knew that Lucky had never been in love with Stephanie, a part of him did sound hurt. The human part that had simply been taken advantage of. "You know that I’m…that I’m not – I’m not interested in your money…right?"

Once again, Lucky stopped pushing his cart. Staring at her with wide eyes. "Where the Hell did that come from? Of COURSE I know that."

"Because I would never want you to think that I –

His lips slid against hers so effortlessly that anyone watching would have thought they’d been lovers for years. Yet the kiss felt so new it sent shivers throughout her entire body. Little sparks of reassurance ignited in her heart.

Lucky licked his lips when he finally pulled away. Tasting the fruity flavored lip-gloss that she wore. "Listen to me…anybody who insists on Hydrox instead of Oreos is DEFINITELY not after my money………She's a spoiled little brat Elizabeth - don’t listen to a word she says."

She could only nod as she gazed into those hypnotic blue seas. What she would give to just fall into them and never come out. Yet every time she felt herself falling, she pulled back.

There seemed to be a reminder of who she really was, at every turn.

Voices from down the aisle caught both of their attention. A father arguing with his little girl over which kind of juice they could afford. His voice getting louder and louder until suddenly the child was crying. Half because she was sorry, half because she was embarrassed.

The father's voice became soft…placating.

Lucky watched as Elizabeth’s expression stayed motionless. Her eyes glazing over as she stared. He tapped lightly on her shoulder. "Hey…"

That fog that enveloped her slowly dissipated. The bright fluorescent lights of the grocery store bouncing off the linoleum. "Did you see that? The guy had 3 cases of beer in the bottom of the cart, yet he didn’t have a few quarters for her damn juice?…What the Hell is wrong with people?"

Lucky watched her. She was shaking, and he suddenly didn’t know what to say. Just as he was about to open his mouth…something else came.

"My dad and I used to come to the store for my mom sometimes during the week…and I loved it."

From the tone of her voice and the dreamy smile on her face he knew immediately that she was referring to her ‘real’ dad. Her biological dad.

He shut his mouth quickly. Anxious to hear the story and savor every syllable. These rare moments were pearls.

"My mom would be cooking or something…and sometimes she’d need like – more eggs or milk…or whatever. She’d send us to the store and my dad would always let me ride on the back…We never told Mom because – well…my mom was very…I don't know she was one of those really proper women, you know? I mean we barely had anything…but she was… well, she just woulda flipped if one of the neighbors had seen us racing around the store…She was always worried about what people would think…

"Most people just laughed though," she said quietly. Stuck somewhere in the past.

Lucky only nodded.

"Anyway, I'd step on the back of that cart…and I swear…It felt like the world was flying by. And you didn't care about anything, all you cared about was holding on."

She turned to him suddenly and blushed. Realizing she'd been babbling for minutes. He was staring…so she quickly looked down. "We better get this ice cream to check out before it melts. I don’t like soupy rocky-road."

Lucky removed the ice cream from the cart. "We'll come back down this aisle and pick up a new carton in a few minutes……Hop on."

"What?" Elizabeth asked. Shaking her head immediately when he gestured to the back of the cart. "Lucky…no."

"Oh come on…the carts nearly empty aside from our junk food…Get on!"

"Lucky I’m not 8 years old."

"No…you’re not," Lucky said softly. "But, God I can't even tell you how much I would have loved to have seen you at 8…Show me what an 8-year old Elizabeth would have been like on the back of a grocery cart."

Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips and contemplated the back of the cart. He made her act like such a child sometimes. It was ridiculous. "This is crazy."

Lucky nodded. "It’s already been established that we’re both a little unstable…GET ON ALREADY. Before I just throw you inside of it. Then you won't have any choice."

"Jeez! What’s with people bossing me around today? First Lucinda – now you."

Smiling wickedly, Lucky only raised one eyebrow and gestured towards the cart again. She narrowed her eyes and stepped on. Lucky making certain to keep the weight balanced on his end.

He bit his lip and watched her. "You’re so cute when you pout."

"Stop," she groaned.

"Oh no," he smiled. "We’re just getting started……hold on!"

And she did, leaning over to grasp the sides as he reared back and then took off at full speed. Cans, packages, frozen foods and faces flashing by in waves of color as they sped through the store.

The air was cool and colorful and rushed by her face in a gentle caress. It felt like it did when Lucky touched her cheek. It felt the way she did when she was dancing.

"This is great!" She squealed. Throwing her head back.

Lucky grinned and picked up some speed. "Ah, you ain't seen nuthin' yet."

~~~~~~

"Hello to you too," Jack sighed. Stepping back as Stephanie breezed into his apartment. Dropping her purse on the hall table like a ton of bricks. She thought she owned the place now.

Her eyes blazed when she swirled around to look at him. "You have GOT to do something about your bitch of a girlfriend."

Jack lifted a long necked beer bottle to his mouth. "Ooh, had a run in with Lucinda huh? Let me guess…Bloomies?"

"Don’t be cute – it doesn't matter where the Hell I was……I was just out, minding my own business when Superbitch and her sidekick little stripperbitch…got in my way. Ugh, I am so SICK of them."

With a sigh, Jack flopped down on his couch and clicked on the television. She was such a fucking drama queen. He seriously doubted she'd been 'minding her own business.' Stephanie never 'minded her own business.'

"Don’t you think you’re being a little overly dramatic here?" He asked. "I mean it’s not like you run into them everyday Steph."

"I don’t give a shit!" Stephanie spat, pushing her hair out of the way with manicured fingernails. "I don’t wanna hear either of their voices anymore – especially that little twit Elizabeth. The tramp thinks she’s got the world on a string or something because she’s living in a deluxe apartment in the sky or something."

Jack laughed. Not sure she actually KNEW she quoted a television theme song.

Stephanie continued unhindered by his amusement. "She’s still just a stripper from Vegas and it’s about time she learned her place…we need to step up this little plan Jack."

A long-suffering sigh came from his direction and he flicked his way through the channels. 150 stations and absolutely nothing was on. He lifted his beer again. "Soon."

"No not SOON – NOW."

Jack sat his remote control down and stared at her. She'd start stomping her feet next if she didn't get her way. "You know this would be a whole Hell of a lot easier if you’d just get your Daddy to pull a few strings. I mean he’s on the board for Christ’s sake."

"Oooh no," Stephanie said, wagging her finger. "This has GOT to be a lot more painful than Lucky simply losing his job. Everybody at that company knows me Jack and he fucking humiliated me. Nobody just breaks up with me like that and gets away with it. Nobody…

"He’s gotta pay."

"Ok…ok…" Jack sighed. "So you still wanna go with plan A then?…At this stage of the game? I mean the girl is fully ensconced in his life."

"All the better," Stephanie seethed.

"Fine," Jack sighed. "We’ll pick up the pace a bit then…but we gotta make sure we do it at the exact right time….Yeah," he paused. "I’m anxious to see him out the door – and you’re anxious to see him hurtin…Everybody wins…

"And as for Lucinda," Jack continued. "It doesn't take much…all she needs is a little persuasion. A little incentive to be nice to you…I'll give her one tonight."

Stephanie bit down on her bottom lip and tilted her head suggestively. "I think maybe I need some incentive too…to be nice to her…why don't you try…persuading me right now."

Jack pulled her towards him. "Get ready to be persuaded…"

~~~~~~~

Elizabeth sighed and leaned against Lucky. Looping her arms through his. "I can't believe you did this."

He kissed her forehead and then leaned forward to whisper something to the carriage driver. Sitting back against the cool leather a moment later. "You haven't even seen the best part yet."

He kept saying that tonight…but she thought she already had seen the best part.

The moon shown in through the windows of the white carriage he’d surprised her with out in front of their apartment. The clip-clop of horse hooves and the chirping of crickets the only sounds heard now as they made their way through the hills and valley's of the park, towards the secret destination.

Nothing could top this though…nothing at all. She’d been longing for a carriage ride since the very first time she’d ever read Cinderella. And here the night was…cloaked in fairytale.

Her voice was thick when she reached for his face. Shadows moving past his eyes as they pranced through the night. "I think I’m already with the best part…I think maybe it’s you."

Lucky laced his fingers through the ones lying against his face, and brought her hand down to his mouth to kiss the back of it. Letting his lips linger for a long moment. There were flashes – seconds, even minutes when a part of him said ‘screw’ needing to hear the words ‘I Love You.’

Times like these when it was obvious that even though she couldn’t say them…she felt them. But God help him for wanting to hear it – for craving it desperately.

"You didn't want a party," he said finally. Holding her hand against his thigh. "So I had to celebrate your accomplishment in some…other way."

Elizabeth snuggled against him. Pressing her forehead to the pulse point in his neck, and then finding the same spot with her lips. His skin was so warm, even as the air filtered crisply through the windows. She decided she needed to feel more of it. She needed to get warmer. Moving into his lap, she let her mouth travel towards his.

Lucky's arms instantly tightened around her and he groaned as she resituated herself. Straddling his hips as the carriage rocked slowly back and forth. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that a few minutes of this would be…

BAD.

But not bad enough to want to stop immediately. He wasn’t a fool for God’s sake.

His hands slowly moved up her back. Meeting the ends of her hair and tugging slightly in gesture for her to lean back. She did so, and Lucky untied the scarf that was fastened around her neck. Exposing the skin bared by her v-neck sweater. His mouth wasted no time in feasting. His appetite had been ravenous for her all day long.

The day before they’d barely seen each other. Her rehearsals becoming later and later as the days went on, and he having been up all night working at his office in the apartment.

Elizabeth sighed when she felt his tongue slide along her collarbone and slowly start to dip low. Retreating when he got too low for his own comfort. Using only his lips then to trail a line along the stitching of her sweater.

Her hands reached out for him. Slipping beneath his open coat and quickly untucking his shirt from inside of his pants. He wearing one of her favorite shirts under the long black trench…that sort of silverish-gray one with the…….anyway, it didn’t matter - it was currently in the way.

In a gesture that he knew was a mistake, he pulled her closer. His hands placed themselves firmly on her hips as he tugged her forward. His fingers not wanting to move an inch away from her thighs now that they were so comfortably wrapped around them.

His tongue sought hers as her fingers slipped like melting ice along his abs. He shivered and he felt her smile against his mouth. "You like that huh?"

One hand emerged from his shirt and reached behind his head to fondle the soft hair there as she kissed him. Mumbling her answer against his lips. "Yes…"

Her body was so close, her breasts pressed against his chest.

Lucky forced himself to keep his hands on her thighs. Nearly jolting out of his skin when her hips rolled against his growing erection.

Elizabeth heard him growl and wanted to hear it again. Never having heard anything like it before. She’d turned men on before – it had been her job to do that for quite some time - but this…for the first time this wasn’t about power or control…it was just…pleasure.

Yet when she ground against him once more, his hands quickly stopped her from doing it a third time. Wrapping tightly around her waist. "Sweetie," he panted.

She laughed throatily and he felt the need to call up to the driver for safety. His voice cracking when he did so. "Are we almost there yet?"

Her laughter continued as she returned to his neck, paying no heed to where they were. She only wanted to taste that salty skin of his. She no longer cared about the surprise.

Lucky hissed when her mouth closed over his Adam's apple. "Ugh…God…"

This time, when his hands moved around to her back, they slipped beneath the sweater. Unable to withstand the absence of her skin any longer. When his fingers grazed her bra strap they begged him to let them unfasten it…

Her skin was so warm…so impossibly soft…

If he could touch her…just once…

"Sir, we're here."

Irony showed itself with a curse sighed in relief by both of them. But Elizabeth quickly blinked away the lustful haze that enveloped her.

There was music coming from somewhere…Violins.

"Ok," Lucky said quickly. Trying to catch this breath. "Come on…Let's go."

He clasped her hand in his and Elizabeth licked her lips. Lips that ached for him now. Hell, her entire body ached for him. Couldn't they just…

Every thought in her head disappeared in an instant. The twinkling white lights strung through every tree that lined the fountain reflecting the immediate tears in her eyes. Three musicians playing their respective instruments. A violin, a flute, and a piano.

"Thank you," Lucky whispered, handing their carriage driver a tip before he walked away to some discrete place, in order to give them privacy.

Elizabeth shook her head as she took it all in. "Lucky what is this?…This is…"

"I already told you," he said softly. "We're celebrating."

He quickly moved to a table where two champagne flutes waited for them. The bubbles sparkling in the moonlight just as his eyes did.

Elizabeth looked down at herself. A sweater and blue jeans. "Lucky why didn’t you tell me…I woulda dressed up – I woulda –

He moved towards her and placed a finger to her lips. "It’s just you and me here…and I think you’re beautiful."

When she failed to speak again, he handed her a glass and gestured for her to sit on the bench that the pianist vacated. "Have a seat…right here," he instructed. Sitting down next to her.

He raised his glass to her then. His lips turned upwards at one corner. "I know we agreed that there were certain things that we wouldn't say to one another…for awhile. But even when I can't say them…I need you to know them - for me," he added at the look of uncertainty in her eyes. "Simply for my own benefit.

"So," he paused. "Letting something as monumental as you achieving a dream come true just go by, without any kind of fanfare was unthinkable…

"I am so, so very proud of you and when I see you smile like you are right now…I want to make your every dream come true…here's to the beginning of dreams…may we make them all come true – together."

When their glasses clinked against one another and Lucky lifted his, she could only watch. So entranced by him that she couldn't think of a word to say. Couldn’t even think enough to actually take a sip.

It was too much. Her heart actually…hurt.

She tried hard to clear her throat. But the lump wouldn’t go away. "Do you…you play piano…too?"

"A little," Lucky said quickly. A bit sheepishly in fact.

"That's what you said about the guitar," she smiled. Remembering how he'd wailed away on it at Sullivan's that night. Completely blowing her away. Everything he touched turned to gold.

"Actually," he smiled. "I was hoping maybe you could help me…like write this song that I've sorta had floating around in my head. There’s a melody that won’t leave me alone…but I can’t seem to finish it…or put words to it. Hopefully one of these days I’ll be able to do that…I’ve got tons of inspiration now," he finished with a sigh.

Elizabeth's brow creased. "Lucky I can't even read music."

He chuckled. "No…I mean………here," he paused. Stopping mid explanation to simply reach for her hands. Placing them lightly on the keys. He maneuvered then, so that he could sit behind her on the bench. His legs wrapped around hers, and his fingers draped atop of hers. She inhaled deeply at the contact from behind.

God he smelled so good…

His hands were so warm…and his breath lightly tickled her ear. When he reached up to brush her hair aside she nearly melted right there in his arms. How could you shiver and be hot all at once?

"Ok," he whispered. "I'll play something…and then you'll just help me add to it…whatever you think sounds good – trial and error…

"Good things usually take awhile," he finished. Staring at the side of her face.

And when he started to play, he took her fingers along with his. Pressing lightly on the keys, moving from ebony to ivory and back again. The keys were smooth, and soft as his voice. But there were more notes in his voice…more beautifully composed sounds that she could now close her eyes and imagine anywhere, at anytime.

She had to close her eyes now, as their hands moved tortuously slow down the keyboard.

"What next?" He asked then. His voice quiet yet deeper than she'd ever heard it. It melted like butter against her skin.

Her eyelids slowly fluttered open. Heavy with intoxication of some kind. "Huh?"

Lucky smiled against her neck. "I said what's next…it's your call Elizabeth."

"I…"

She couldn't speak. The only movement she could make was the small one that involved turning her face towards his. "I don't…I don't know…"

"You don't know?" He asked. His voice so rich it vibrated in his chest, and by extension - hers. If the velvet that covered the night sky could make a sound…it would be Lucky’s voice.

Elizabeth shook her head absently. Her eyes like that of a deer caught in the headlights. And beautiful blue beams of light, they were.

"Good," he said quietly. " Because neither do I….."

His voice faded as he kissed her. Deeply and intensely. She tasted champagne on his lips and though she hadn't even taken a sip from her own glass she felt drunk with it. Heady with his taste, his scent, his touch, his very being.

Maybe Dom Perignon had been right after all. Maybe he had ‘tasted stars,’ but she knew stars weren’t what made her so full inside right then. She knew it was something else.

Something she'd been trying to deny from the moment they met. From the moment he'd told her that the suite in the Bellagio hotel was all hers. That he wouldn't be expecting anything for his ten grand that night.

She was drunk with him…completely and totally. And being drunk was scary. You were absolutely powerless. Just like she was when he stepped into a room. When his fingers brushed through her hair like they were now.

God, if she could just focus on this…and nothing else…

"Eliza -

"No," she mumbled around his gentle lips, as the violinist and flutist began to play once more. "Just keep kissing me…don't stop."