Ellena stepped out from the dark hallway of the school into the bright afternoon sun. After letting her eyes adjust to the light for a moment, she clutched her bag tighter against her body and ran across the football field towards her home. Four blocks later, she slowed her pace to a walk and caught her breath. She stopped in front of a small pink house with white trim and opened the latch on the gate. She hopped up the steps and rang the doorbell. A small, white haired woman appeared at the door and opened it.
“Ellena, dear, come in. You needn’t ring to doorbell. Just let yourself in dear.” Ellena bent to give the woman a peck on the cheek.
“Hello Mrs. Craig. How was she today?” She followed the woman through the living room into the kitchen.
“She was a hand full as always. Where does she get the energy from?”
“Oh Mrs. Craig, she wasn’t too much was she? I hope she didn’t tire you out.” Ellena’s voice grew concerned.
“Oh no dear. We had a tea party on the patio and she is still out there pestering Sammy.” The old woman stopped in front of the window and gestured towards the tree in the yard. A small, blond girl was standing at the bottom of the tree encouraging an orange and white cat to come down from the branches. Ellena stepped out onto the patio and called to her.
“Lacey, honey! It’s time to go!” The girl rushed up the steps and into Ellena’s waiting embrace.
“Hi Lala. Sammy is being mean. He won’t come down from the tree to play with me.”
Ellena giggled and knelt on the ground. “Maybe Sammy doesn’t want to play today.”
The child frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. “Sammy never wants to play with me.”
“You have to be gentle with him, Lacey. He’s not a kitty.” Ellena pushed a stray curl off the girl’s forehead and wiped the dirt off her cheek. “You need to get cleaned up. Do you remember where we are going this afternoon?”
“Yup!” Lacey nodded and headed for the front yard. “We’re goin’ ta see the Backstreet Boys!”
Mrs. Craig, who had been watching from behind the screen door, piped up. “Ooh! That sounds like fun! Who are these Backseat Boys?” She stepped on to the patio.
“BackSTREET Boys!” Lacey corrected her.
Ellena giggled and stood up. “They’re Lacey’s favorite music group. They’re having an autograph signing at the mall today. I promised Lacey I would take her.”
Mrs. Craig looked down at Lacey. “Sounds fabulous! I remember when I went to my first Frank Sinatra concert. His blue eyes were enough to make my heart stop.”
“Mrs. Craig, I swear you are swooning!” Ellena laughed at the woman’s dreamy expression.
“That’s because I am dear.” The gray-haired woman whispered with a slight English accent.
“Okay Lala, stop talking and let’s go!” Lacey demanded as she impatiently bounced up and down on the sidewalk.
“You don’t seem to be as excited about this as she is Ellena.” Mrs. Craig observed.
“Oh, I am I guess.”
“That didn’t sound very convincing.” Mrs. Craig’s eyebrows shot up.
“I just think that I will be the oldest person there. There’s going to be a bunch of screaming teenagers there and I’m gonna feel so old!” Ellena replied.
“Nonsense! You are not old. In fact you are a beautiful, young girl. Maybe you will catch the eye of some handsome gentleman while you are there.”
Mrs. Craig winked at her before Ellena kissed her on the cheek again. “Thanks Mrs. Craig. One can always hope.”
“Now get going you two. You don’t want to be late!” Mrs. Craig waved at them and opened the door to go back inside the house.
“Thank you for taking care of Lacey today.”
“Oh, my pleasure dear. Bye Lacey.”
“Bye bye Mrs. Craig!” Lacey chirped as she placed her small hand into Ellena’s and they walked across the street to their brick apartment building. Ellena unlocked the security door and stopped in the lobby to pick up her mail.
“Is there a letter from Daddy?” Lacey stood on the first step expectantly.
Ellena flipped through the various flyers and bills. “No honey, I’m sorry.”
Lacey’s expression fell and Ellena swallowed hard. “Let’s have lunch before we go. What do you want to eat? �“ Oh wait! Let me guess. Grilled cheese right?”
Lacey jumped to the next step and nodded enthusiastically. Ellena smiled and followed her up the stairs. How easy it was for Lacey to forget disappointments.

***************************

By the time Ellena and Lacey arrived at the mall, there were screaming girls everywhere. Thankful that she had had the presence of mind to get there a little early, Ellena held tight to Lacey’s hand and took their place in the line up. Ellena tried to zone out the yelling and screaming. She listened in to the conversation taking place in front of her. One girl swore that she was going to marry Nick one day and have his baby. Ellena groaned inwardly. The girl looked no more than 13 years old. How could she possibly know what raising a baby could mean? Of course, Ellena had learned that lesson earlier than she had originally planned but her situation was different entirely.
“Lala! How much longer? This is boring.” Lacey tugged on Ellena’s shirt bottom and whined.
“It looks like we have about another twenty minutes before we get to the front of the line. You knew that we would have to wait in line, sugar.”
“Uh huh.” The child nodded but still frowned. “Can I go play over there until it’s time?” Lacey pointed towards the kid zone. Ellena thought for a moment and then let go of Lacey’s hand.
“Yes, but make sure you always stay where I can see you. I’ll keep our place in line and call you when I get to the front okay?” Lacey nodded and ran off to the ball pool.
Fifteen minutes later Ellena was second in line to meet the Backstreet Boys. She looked over at the kid zone and spotted Lacey climbing up the slide. “Lacey, it’s almost time.” She called. Lacey got to the top of the slide and waved at Ellena. A young girl who had been waiting in line behind Ellena tapped her on the shoulder.
“It’s your turn.” She pointed towards the table with the five young singers sitting at it.
“Oh yeah...um thanks.” Ellena replied and walked up to the table.
Kevin had been so busy signing posters, autographing CD’s and posing for pictures that he hadn’t really seen anything. He had been caught up in the frenzy of the day that he hadn’t even stopped to look at the fans. All the faces blurred together in his mind. A young girl shoved a CD in front of him and professed her undying love for him while he signed his name. He mumbled a thank you and slid the CD over to Nick. It had been like that for a solid hour. Flexing his wrist, he grumbled something about writer’s cramp to Nick, who was sitting beside him. Nick was busy talking to the girl for whom Kevin had just signed the CD. Nick was not listening. Thinking it was strange that he had had more than 10 seconds to breathe in between girls pushing photos in his face and proposing marriage, he lifted his head and, for the first time, looked at the crowd. Walking towards him was a tall, blond girl. She seemed somewhat hesitant to approach him and kept glancing at something to her right. When Ellena reached the table where he was sitting, she smiled shyly and leaned down on the table with her elbows. She unrolled the poster that they had carefully removed from Lacey’s bedroom wall before they left the house. She set it on the table in front of the first singer at the table.
“Hi.” Kevin smiled and took the poster from her hand. She turned to the side and called Lacey one last time. “Hey superstar! Are you coming over here?”
Nick’s head popped up from the page he was signing and looked at her curiously and then he looked at Kevin. “She wasn’t calling you, Nick. You’re just a superstar wannabe.” Ellena was oblivious to the exchange that was taking place between the two singers. She craned her neck to see if Lacey was coming or not. Kevin followed her gaze with his eyes to see a little blond girl wave at her from the play area.
“Well I guess she’s not interested anymore. Sorry about that.” Ellena smiled again. It was a shy smile, but a genuine smile. Kevin found himself looking into dark gray eyes. He could smell the faint scent of lavender as she bent her knees and squatted at the front of the table so that all Kevin could see of her was her head and shoulders above the top of the table. Her hands held up her chin as she rolled her eyes. “Leave it to me to bring a three year old to something like this.” Ellena mumbled to herself.
Kevin rolled out the poster and took the cap of off his pen.
“Just make it out to Lacey. L-A-C-E-Y.” Ellena spelled out the name for him.
“Lacey…that’s an interesting name.”
“Yeah, you’d be amazed at what you can come up with when you are strung out on crack.” Ellena mumbled under her breath.
Kevin shot her a curious look. “Pardon me?”
“Oh sorry �“ I said thank you but I didn’t pick it out.” Ellena brushed a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. Kevin wrote a quick message on the bottom of the poster and pushed it across the table to Ellena. “Thank you.” She smiled at him, picked up the poster and read what he had written. “Kevin - Thank you Kevin.” He was a bit taken aback that she had to read what he had written so that she would know his name. She obviously didn’t know as much about the Backstreet Boys as the other girls in the room.
“You’re welcome. Thanks for being a fan.” Kevin waited for her to ask for a hug or something. The older girls usually did, thinking if they could just get him to touch them, he would automatically fall desperately in love with them. Instead, the woman in front of him smirked and winked at him from across the table.
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
Speechless, Kevin watched Ellena as she stood up, turned on her heel and walked away from him.
“Ha ha Kevin. I think you just got burned.” Nick nudged him with his elbow. Kevin’s eyes remained on Ellena’s slender frame as she walked away. “You must have said something nasty to her. She didn’t even go down the table to meet the rest of us! She didn’t proposition you did she? Hmm…that thought is worth entertaining though. Look at that walk!” Nick laughed at Kevin’s bewilderment.
Kevin surveyed Ellena’s figure moving further away from him. Her body swayed slightly from side to side. She moved very gracefully and Kevin found himself wanting to know more about her. “Oh yeah, um uh huh…whatever Nick.” He turned his eyes to look at Nick and he ruffled his hair. “Aren’t you too young to think like that?”
Nick donned a devious smile. “I’ll let you believe whatever you want to believe about my innocence.”
“As nonexistent as that is.” Howie chimed in from the other side of Nick. Kevin ignored the two as they started to squabble �“ much to the delight of the fans. Kevin let his gaze fall to where he last saw the woman and he was surprised to see that she was still there. She was crouching down so that the young girl from the slide could put her arms around her neck for a piggyback ride.
“Hi Kevin. You are my favorite.” An overweight girl with glasses plunked a CD in front of him and blocked his line of sight.
“Oh yeah…um…thank you.”
The rest of the autograph session went off without a hitch. Kevin lifted his head to let his eyes search the crowd for a glimpse of the blond woman again but she was no where to be seen. He had guessed that she had left and he would never see her again. Still, though, he enjoyed the view for the fleeting moment that she had been within his sight.

Five o’clock arrived and the autograph session ended. Security escorted all five men to a private room in the back of the record shop and instructed them to wait there until the second bus arrived. The entire store was cleared out and the doors were locked.
The manager came into the room to thank them once again for appearing in his store.
“Thank you for inviting us. It was a lot of fun.” Brian answered and shook the man’s hand. “Is everyone gone?”
“Yes, the store is empty.” The manager replied. “That decoy bus trick really worked.”
Nick let out a low chuckle. “Gets them every time.”
Mitch returned to the room just then to let them know that the other bus would arrive within the next ten minutes and that it was safe to at least leave the cramped room and go out in to the store.
Ellena was sure that the store would be closed by now. It was fifteen minutes past five. She checked her watch again and then banged on the glass door at the outside entrance. “Honestly Lacey, I don’t know how you didn’t notice that you only had one shoe on.”
Lacey held onto Ellena’s neck a little tighter and whimpered. “Sorry Lala.”
Ellena patted her head and sighed. “I know you didn’t mean to. If I had been paying attention, I would have noticed before we left.” She pounded on the door again when she saw a figure move in the back of the store. A huge man in a black t-shirt that read ‘security’ walked to the front of the door and pointed to the ‘closed’ sign. Ellena rolled her eyes and shouted. “I just need to get back in for a few minutes.”
He looked her over three times and checked the parking lot in the distance for any other people. When he was satisfied that she was alone, he unlocked the door and let her in. “Thanks so much. I just need to look for my girl’s shoe. She lost it in the play area.”
She rolled her eyes again when she realized that the man wasn’t listening. He crossed his arms over his chest and grunted. “You’ve got five minutes Lady.”
Ellena smiled sweetly and patted his arm. “Well aren’t you just a sweet heart!” The security guard scowled at her sarcasm. “I’ll be out of here in three.” She turned on her heel and headed towards the kid’s area to the side of the store. “Okay munchkin, you stay here and I’ll go find your shoe.” Ellena turned her back to the table that the Backstreet Boys had been sitting at earlier and Lacey slid off her back to sit on the top of it. She turned around, set her wallet on the table beside her, and shook her finger at Lacey. “Don’t go anywhere.” She warned and went into the kid zone.
AJ emerged from the back room first and immediately spotted Lacey perched upon the table. “Who is that?” he asked the store manager. Kevin recognized Lacey from that afternoon and made his way over to talk with her. Lacey was running her finger over the embroidery patterns on her jeans and singing the alphabet to herself.
“Hello there.” He said when he got close enough for her to hear him. Lacey’s head shot up and she eyed him wearily. When she recognized him from her CD cover, she smiled.
“Hi! You’re Kevin right?”
“Yes I am. You must be Lacey.” Kevin sat on the edge of the table beside her.
“How did you know my name?” Lacey peered up at him.
“I met your mom today.”
Lacey’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “You saw my Mom?”
Kevin chuckled to himself. “Yes, but not as much of her as I would have liked.”
Ellena emerged from the play area holding up a small shoe. “Hey Cinderella, look what I found.” Lacey giggled as Ellena crouched down to help her get her shoe back on.
“Cinderella! My name is Lacey!”
Ellena smoothed the hair out of Ellena’s face. “Well you lost a shoe, didn’t you?”
Kevin watched Ellena’s face as she smiled at the child. The love that she had for the little girl radiated out of her. It was too apparent to ignore. Kevin stood in wonderment at the bond between mother and child. He could only hope that his children would have a bond like that with their mother. Her delicate figure straightened and she stood up.
“Oh! Hello again.” Ellena smiled at Kevin as if noticing his presence for the first time. “Kevin right?” She held out a slender hand that he quickly took in his.
“Yes that’s right. And you are…?”
“Ellena.” She pulled her hand away. It gave Kevin a chill as her fingers slid across the sensitive skin on his wrist.
“Your husband is a very lucky man to have two beautiful ladies to come home to.” Ellena laughed at his forwardness.
“Honey, there is no husband to come home to us. It’s just me and her.” Ellena raised her head from Lacey and caught her breath when her gaze was met with deep green eyes. “But I can see why you have so many fans with the way you can sweet talk.”
Kevin laughed as Ellena gave him the same smirk she had given him that afternoon. “Do you always speak your mind?” He asked.
“Always.” Ellena smiled shyly.
“Don’t you ever worry what other people will think?” Kevin asked, his interest piqued.
“With the life that I lead, I can’t worry about it. If I worried about what other people thought, I wouldn’t be able to take care of the important things.” Kevin thought about her response for a moment and opened his mouth to question what she had meant by it. Before he had a chance to speak, Ellena looked down at Lacey still sitting on the table. She brushed some curls off Lacey’s face and lifted her into her arms. She noticed a strangeness in Lacey’s expression.
“What’s wrong girlfriend?” Ellena asked, suddenly concerned.
“He said he knows my mom.” Lacey pointed at Kevin. Ellena’s expression immediately changed. She narrowed her eyes to glare at Kevin and hugged Lacey tighter to her body.
“What are you talking about?” She asked the girl in a stern voice. Kevin became confused as the girl shrugged and started to play with the gold chain around Ellena’s neck. She was avoiding eye contact with her. “Lacey, look at me.” Ellena placed her finger under Lacey’s chin and lifted her face till their eyes met.
“He says she was here today. Do you think we can find her?” A glint of hope shone in Lacey’s eyes that nearly broke Ellena’s heart. Ellena looked accusingly at Kevin.
“What did you tell her?” Kevin, becoming more confused by the second, shrugged his shoulders and took a step back. He had no idea what he had said that had brought about Ellena’s sudden change in demeanor.
“No Lacey, Mommy wasn’t here today.”
“But he said �““
“No. He was wrong.” Ellena replied sternly. Lacey’s chin began to tremble and tears formed in her blue eyes. Ellena’s expression softened. “Let’s go home sweetheart.” Lacey was crying now. She put her arms around Ellena’s neck and sobbed into her shoulder. Ellena could feel Lacey’s tears fall onto her skin at the neck of her t-shirt.
“I’d better get out of here before the security ogre comes to throw me out.” She gave Kevin one, last, hard look and headed towards the door. Kevin stared after her in shock. He couldn’t think of anything that he had said that would have deserved that reaction out of Ellena. He finally looked away from her when she closed the door behind her and disappeared into the evening.
Letting out a sigh, Kevin leaned back against the table. “Ouch!” He jumped back up and looked to see what he had sat on. He picked up a black, leather wallet and studied it. He didn’t recognize it as being one of the guy’s so he opened it. Staring back at him from the license photo inside were Ellena’s gray eyes. Squinting, he read the name and address on the card. “Well, Ellena O’Ryan, at least I’ll be able to apologize in person for what ever I did to upset you.” He closed the wallet and put it into his jacket pocket. He smiled at the newfound opportunity. To say the least, he was intrigued.

“So Kevin, are you going to come out with us tonight?” Kevin had been unusually quiet on the ride back to the hotel and Howie was growing concerned for his friend. “Kevin? Yo Kev? Hello?”
Kevin turned from the window to look at Howie. “Um… what?”
“Where have you been? I asked you a question three times.”
“Oh. Sorry. What did you want?” Kevin ran his hand through his hair and sighed. His mind had been on the scene back at the record store. He couldn’t figure out what he had done to upset Ellena, or what he said to make the little girl cry the way she did. No matter what he tried to tell himself, he couldn’t get rid of the guilty feeling in the pit of his stomach. The look of pain and heartache that was on the Lacey’s face replayed over and over in his mind. He tried to tell himself that she was just another fan and that many fans did strange things when he was around but it was no use.
Slowly, he reached his hand into his pocket and ran his finger down the smooth leather of the wallet inside. He could have just as easily left the wallet with the record store manager to return to Ellena. He could have handed over the wallet and forgotten all about her. He knew himself better than that though. Even if he had left the wallet at the record store, he would never have forgotten about her. He couldn’t explain it but he felt a strange sense of urgency to see her again. He needed to see her again to apologize. He needed to see her again simply to set the record straight. At least that’s what his head was telling him.
“Um…no. I’ve got some things I need to do tonight. Where are you going?”
“We’re going to the peelers! Woo hoo!” Nick exclaimed from the back of the van.
“Oh gee. As exciting as that sounds, I’m still going to pass.” Kevin replied sarcastically.
“Stop being such a puthay Kevin and come out with us.” Nick joked.
Kevin remained sullen and shook his head. “I’m not being a puthay. I told you. I have something I gotta do tonight.”
“Are you sulking about getting burned by that chick at the signing?” Nick donned a mischievous grin and laughed. Kevin rolled his eyes. Howie and AJ turned their attention to Nick in the backseat.
“Kevin got burned by a chick? Oh do tell!” AJ clapped his hands together and waited for Nick to relay the story.
“Oh dude! She was hot…..”
Kevin tuned out Nick’s chatter, rolled his eyes and turned away from them to stare out the window again.

*******************

“Lala, do you hafta work tonight?” Lacey had been sitting at the kitchen counter eating grilled cheese. She had breadcrumbs in her hair and cheddar stripes on her cheeks.
“Nope! I’m staying home tonight.” Ellena smiled at the mess of a child sitting beside her.
“Yay! Can we watch Aladdin?”
“Sure. You got get washed up and I’ll pop some popcorn.” Ellena helped Lacey off the high stool and set her on the floor. Lacey raced down the hall to the bathroom. Ellena cleared the plates off the counter and wiped the top. “Popcorn hmmmm. If I were popcorn, where would I be?” She mumbled to herself while opening and closing several cupboard doors. “Oh yes, in the very farthest back part of the pantry �“ of course.” She groaned and opened the pantry. Four tin cans came tumbling out as soon as she swung the door open. She managed to catch three but the fourth fell on her foot. “Ouch!” She yelped in pain and hopped around the kitchen on one foot.
Lacey turned on the water and splashed around in the sink for a while. Once she had managed to get water on every square inch of the bathroom counter, she turned off the tap and dried herself off, leaving the towel in a crumpled heap on the floor. She heard a faint knock at the door and decided that she would answer it for Lala. She opened the door after struggling with the doorknob. Her eyes grew wide as she looked up at Kevin standing in the hallway of the apartment building.
“Hi Lacey. How are you?” Kevin smiled down at the child.
“Good.” Lacey replied and remained in front of the doorway.
“Is Ellena here?” Kevin asked. Lacey remained silent and nodded.
“Can I talk to her?” Kevin smiled again.
Lacey grinned and turned her head in the direction of the kitchen. “LALA! COME HEEEERE!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.
Ellena barely heard Lacey from the back of the pantry, where she was still searching for the coveted bag of microwave popcorn. She spied a box behind a package of cookies on the very top shelf. She stepped on the bottom shelf in order to reach it as she yelled back to Lacey. “Hang on a sec, girlfriend. I’ll be �““ The bottom shelf broke away from the wall. With a loud crash, Ellena fell to the floor. Cracker boxes, cookie packages, tin cans and pudding cups rained down on her.
Lacey’s eyes grew impossibly wider as the crash came from the kitchen. She turned on her heel and ran into the kitchen with Kevin right behind her. They found Ellena sitting on the floor amidst the mess, laughing.
“Are you okay Lala?” Lacey asked.
“Who me? Ohhh yeah.” Ellena chuckled again. “I’m fine. Guess what?”
“Huh?” The little girl replied.
Ellena held up a box and laughed harder. “I found the popcorn.” Kevin watched as Lacey giggled. “I think that huge can of tomatoes broke my foot.” Ellena, still laughing, brushed cookie crumbs off her blue jeans and pointed at Lacey. “Don’t laugh girlfriend! How am I supposed to dance with a broken foot?”
Kevin cleared his throat. “Can I give you a hand up?” Ellena’s head whipped around to where he was standing.
“Oh! I didn’t realize that we had company!” Ellena’s heart jumped in surprise. Kevin held out his hand for her. She reached up and grasped it firmly with hers and he pulled her up from the floor. The same chills ran through him as did earlier that afternoon when she shook his hand at the record store.
Ellena’s eyes twinkled as she straightened her sweatshirt. “Hi um Kevin, you’ll have to um…. excuse the mess.”
Kevin chuckled. “I think I can handle that.” A brief, uncomfortable silence followed. Ellena looked at Kevin expectantly.
‘So…umm…what can I do for you?” She asked.
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot what I was here for.” He pulled her wallet from his pocket and handed it to her. “You left this at the record store today.” Ellena took the wallet from him and studied it as if she were seeing it for the first time.
“Oh my god! Thank you so much. I didn’t even realize that I had left it there �“ with Lacey being so upset and all I didn’t even miss it.”
“Yeah, about that I wanted to �““ Kevin began before Lacey interrupted him.
“Do you really know my mom?” She peered up at him with the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Before Kevin was able to answer, Ellena knelt in front of Lacey and put her arms around her.
“Lacey, We talked about this remember?” Ellena spoke softly to the girl. “He doesn’t know your Mommy. I told you where she is didn’t I?”
Lacey nodded and fiddled with the gold chain around Ellena’s neck. “She’s an angel in heaven.”
“That’s right.” Ellena pulled Lacey close to her. After a long hug, Ellena let go of Lacey and stood up.
“Why don’t you go and start the movie and I’ll bring you some popcorn when it’s ready.”
Lacey’s curls bounced up and down as she nodded and ran out of the kitchen. Ellena smiled at Kevin. “Sorry, she’s at that age where she questions everything.”
Kevin shrugged. “Don’t apologize. I have to hang around Nick all the time so I know what you’re going through.” He grinned.
Ellena crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Nick…the blond one right?”
“Yeah.”
“Here, have a seat.” Ellena pulled a chair out from the counter and offered it to Kevin. “Do you want something to drink?”
“Sure.” Kevin sat down and watched Ellena open the fridge.
“Let’s see….I’ve got Pepsi, cranberry juice, root beer, blue kool aid and sunny delight �“ ick. I don’t know how she can drink that crap. Ah hah! How can you tell I have a three year old?” Ellena reached in and grabbed a Barbie doll from the cheese compartment. She smirked at Kevin.
“I’ll just have a Pepsi.” Ellena pulled a can off the shelf and set it in front of Kevin with a glass full of ice. “Thanks.”
Ellena unwrapped a bag of popcorn and tossed it into the microwave. Then she knelt on the floor to begin cleaning up the mess. “I can’t thank you enough for bringing my wallet. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to realize it was missing but I would be lost without it. My life is in that thing, all of my ID, all my work schedules.” She stacked a row of cans back into the pantry.
“All your work schedules?” Kevin questioned. “How many jobs do you have?”
Ellena sat back on her feet and sighed. “I have three right now. One is finished in two months. Then I won’t go back to it until September.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a dancer.”
“What kind of dancing?”
Ellena smiled and pushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Every kind. I teach latin ballroom on weekends. During the week, I coach the cheerleader’s dance team at the high school down the street. That’s the job that will be done in two months. Then, three nights a week I work at a club downtown.” Ellena finished putting away the mess on the floor and stood up.
“How do you manage three jobs and a three year old?”
Ellena shrugged. “You do what you have to do to get by. Two more years like this and I should have enough invested to send Lacey to college in fifteen years and hopefully put a down payment on a house �“ maybe one with a small dance studio in the basement. Then I’ll quit the club and teach at home.” Ellena dumped the popcorn in two bowls and pushed one across the counter in front of Kevin. She picked up the other bowl and a juice box and took them into the living room to Lacey. She returned seconds later, poured herself a Pepsi from the fridge and took a seat beside Kevin.
“So tell me about Kevin.”
Kevin took a drink from his glass and shrugged. “Not much to tell. I’m on a break from touring with the group right now and we’ll be going into the recording studio next week.”
Ellena looked unconvinced. “Oh come on! There’s more to you than being Kevin What-his-name from THE Backstreet Boys.”
Kevin laughed out loud. “Richardson. It’s Kevin Richardson.”
“Richardson huh? Is that English?”
Kevin stared at her disbelieving, “Yes, yes it is.” “And you are Irish?”
Ellena giggled. “A wee bit! How did you know?…Oh right �“ my license. It’s pretty much a dead give away with a last name like O’Ryan.”
Kevin took another long drink of his Pepsi and then turned serious. “Ellena, I really wanted to apologize for this afternoon. I didn’t mean to say anything to upset you �“ or Lacey.”
Ellena set her glass on the counter and stared at it as she spoke. “No, really it’s okay. I guess I just get a little over protective of her from time to time. You had no way of knowing. Don’t worry about it.”
Kevin watched Ellena shift uncomfortably in her chair.
“Can I ask you a question?”
Ellena tilted her head to the side and thought for second. “Okay, shoot.”
“What happened to Lacey’s parents?”
Ellena’s expression changed slightly and then she covered it up with a sigh. “That is a very long story.”
Lacey emerged from the living room, dragging a blanket and clutching a worn, stuffed rabbit.
“Lala, I’m tired.”
Ellena brought her up to her lap and wrapped the blanket around her. She looked at Kevin with a little uncertainty. She wanted him to stay. She hadn’t had a decent conversation with another adult for a very long time and she didn’t want it to end so abruptly. “Kevin, I’m going to put Lacey to bed. I’ll only be a few minutes. If you want to stay, you can hang out in the living room until I’m done.”
Kevin made no move to suggest he would either stay or go. He got up from his chair and looked at the doorway. “Maybe I should just go and let you put her to sleep.”
“No.” Ellena put her hand on his arm. “You don’t have to do that. I won’t be long. I promise.” Before Kevin could answer, Ellena led him into the living room and waved her hand at the sofa. Without a word she carried Lacey down the hall to her bedroom.
“Ooookaaaaaay.” Kevin mumbled to himself. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Ellena helped Lacey out of her clothes and into her pajamas. Lacey got under the quilt and snuggled down close to the pillow. “Do you want a story tonight?”
Lacey shook her head. “No. Will you sing to me?”
“Okay pumpkin.” She pulled the blanket up around Lacey’s chin and began to sing.

Lullaby, Lullaby
Sweet little baby
Don’t you cry
I’ll rock my own sweet child to rest
in a cradle of gold on a powerful river…

Kevin sat in the living room and looked around at the many photos in the room. Every photo had Lacey in it. Some of them were pictures of Lacey and Ellena but mostly just of Lacey. Suddenly, from down the hall way he could hear Ellena softly singing a haunting melody that he had never heard before.

Sweet baby dear
Sleep without fear
Mother is here beside your pillow
Lullaby, Lullaby
Sweet little baby don’t you cry
Sweet baby dear
Sleep without fear
Mother is here with you forever
Lullaby, Lullaby
Sweet little baby don’t you cry

Less than ten minutes later Ellena came back into the living room. She smiled softly to herself when she saw Kevin studying a picture on the mantle.
“She’s beautiful. Who is she?” Kevin questioned Ellena.
“She’s my mother. Yes, she was very beautiful.”
“Was?”
“She passed away when I was sixteen.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Ellena smiled hesitantly. “You sure apologize a lot.”
Kevin blushed and sat in the chair across from her. “Sor- I mean um…I’ll try to stop that.” He replied sheepishly. “Lacey is already asleep?”
“Yes, she is. It doesn’t take her long.” Ellena sat on the couch and curled her legs up underneath her.
“I heard you singing.” Kevin smiled.
Ellena blushed slightly in embarrassment. “I didn’t realize my voice would carry out here!”
Kevin chuckled. “Don’t be embarrassed. It was a beautiful song. Where did you learn it?”
“It’s a traditional Irish lullaby. My mother used to sing it to my brother and I.”
“You have a brother? No sisters?”
”No, unfortunately I have no sisters. I sometimes wonder how different my life would be if I had a sister. Younger or older, sisters just have that…that best friend bond.”
“I take it you are not close with your brother.”
“No. We used to be but…well…stuff happened and now we aren’t anymore.”
“What about your father?”
“I never knew my father. He left my mother and brother before I was born.”
“I’m sorry.”
“There you go apologizing again.” Ellena scolded.
“Sor- I mean - I don’t understand how some men can leave their families like that.”
“He wasn’t a man. He was something less. Real men…don’t leave.” Ellena tried to hide the bitterness from her voice but Kevin still heard it. “My mother worked herself into an early grave, making sure Eric and I had everything we needed. I took it all for granted until Lacey was born. Then I realized just how difficult it must have been for her. She had two small children and no one to help her. It’s very hard to be a single mother. You have this stigma attached to you and every one assumes the worst.”
“How do you mean?”
Ellena thought for a moment. “Well, for example, last week I took Lacey to the grocery store with me. There was an older woman behind us at the checkout counter. She must have noticed that I wasn’t wearing a wedding ring because she starting shaking her head and muttering about young girls these days and how they hopped into bed with anyone before getting married and yadda yadda yadda. I just wanted to scream at her. I mean that is NOT at all what my life is about. She doesn’t know me. She doesn’t know my story. She just assumed that I was some teenage slut who got knocked up.”
Kevin slid forward in the chair, rested his elbows on his knees and stared at Ellena curiously. “So what is your story?”
The question caught Ellena off-guard and she squirmed under his inquisitive stare. She smiled nervously. “It’s a very long and pathetic story and I don’t think you really want to hear it all.”
Kevin shrugged. “Sum it up for me.”
“Lacey is my brother’s daughter. She’s my niece. He was not … able to take care of her after her mother died.”
“There’s nothing pathetic about that.”
“Yeah, well maybe someday I’ll tell you the whole story.”
Kevin could tell that that was a lot more to Ellena’s story but he barely knew her, and although he was intrigued and attracted by her, he didn’t want to pry into her personal life.
“Where is everyone else tonight?” Ellena questioned Kevin, glad to have the opportunity to change the subject.
“They said something about going to a strip joint downtown.”
Ellena laughed. “Boy will be boys!” Kevin chuckled in reply. “Which one did they go to?”
“I don’t know. They never said.”
“Tell them that Barbie Dahl’s on twentieth is the best place. Naughty Nadia is there on Thursdays.”
Kevin’s eyebrows shot up in surprise and he stared at Ellena in disbelief. “How is it that you know that?”
Ellena laughed again. “Oh don’t ask Kevin! Don’t ask!” Ellena’s laughter was contagious and soon Kevin found himself giggling like a schoolgirl. After the fit of giggles subsided, Kevin sighed.
“So where is it that you’re working tomorrow/”
“I have dance team practice at six in the morning.”
“Six in the morning?” Kevin asked incredulously. “Why so early.”
“We have to share gym time with the basketball teams and volleyball teams. Cheerleaders don’t get much respect. People think that they are just girls who couldn’t make it on to any other team.”
“That’s kind of harsh don’t you think?’
“Yeah, it’s unfair. I know how hard those girls work because I’m the one that makes them work that hard. We’ve got a really strong team this year and if we can win state, perhaps we can gain a little respect within the school. I bet all the girls would die to know that Kevin Richardson paid me a visit tonight. “ Ellena teased, her eyes twinkling. “I think every girl on the team has tickets to the concert tomorrow night and that is all I’ve heard about for the past month. I should hold you personally responsible for distracting them from the routine.”
“Are you going to the concert tomorrow?”
Ellena brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “Are you kidding? Do you actually know how much tickets cost for one of your concerts? There is no way I could take Lacey. I’d have to pick up another job. Besides, I have been working so much lately I haven’t had a full night of quality time with Lacey for a week. She’ll start wondering who I am if I don’t spend a little more time with her.” Ellena stifled a yawn and stretched.
“Well, I should get going.” Kevin stood up. “I have to be up early tomorrow as well.”
Ellena got up from the couch and walked with him to the door. “Thank you so much for returning my wallet. Like I said before, I would have been lost without it.”
“No problem, Ellena. Thanks for the conversation. It was nice.”
“Yes it was, wasn’t it.” Ellena leaned against the wall as Kevin opened the door.
“Well…I guess I’ll see you later?” Kevin looked at her.
Ellena chuckled. “You and I both know that we’ll probably never see each other again, Kevin. Take care of yourself.”
Kevin realized that she was probably right. “You too Ellena. Say good bye to Lacey for me.”
“Sure thing. Goodnight.” Ellena smiled as he closed the door. He walked down the hall to the stairs.
Ellena leaned up against the door back inside her apartment and closed her eyes. He was nice. Correction…he was very nice. Do something before he gets away, her mind screamed at her. Her eyes popped open and she whirled around to open the door. “Kevin!” She called down the hall. “Kevin! Are you still here?” Kevin stopped in his tracks and turned around. Ellena was walking swiftly in his direction.
“Ellena, is everything all right? Did I forget something?”
Ellena stopped in front of him and bit her lip nervously. “Yes, you …um…you forgot your reward for returning my wallet.”
Kevin smiled warmly. “Ellena I don’t need –“
Without waiting for him to finish his sentence, Ellena stood on her toes and softly kissed him on the cheek. She pulled her head back quickly and watched the shock register on his face. “There. Now we’re even!” She winked at him and turned around quickly to hurry back to her apartment.
Kevin watched her retreating figure return to her apartment and heard the click of the door behind her. He started to laugh to himself. This has GOT to be a dream. This day has been too strange for real life! He turned towards the stairs once again. Why do I feel that I’ve only been allowed but a glimpse of something extraordinary?

*******************
“Okay girls, you can stop now. That was…that was…awful.” Ellena had been at practice for a solid hour and the routine was not improving one bit. The cheerleaders stopped dancing and gathered around Ellena at the side of the gym. “What is with you guys this morning? I think you’re getting worse!”
A series of groans and giggles came from the group. “Sorry Ell, we’re too excited about the concert tonight to concentrate on the routine.” One girl piped up.
“The concert! Of course. How could I forget!” Ellena sat down in the middle of the group. “Okay, practice is over. I can tell you guys will be useless for the rest of the day anyway. Should I warn the teachers before you get to class?”
“Yeah, maybe you should.” The girl replied amongst giggles from the rest.
Ellena rolled her eyes playfully. “Cherry, I can always count on you for a smart-ass remark.”
“I’ll never let you down Ell!” The rest of the team gathered their things from the floor and headed for the change rooms. Ellena put her hand on Cherry’s shoulder. “Cherry, can you baby-sit Lacey on Thursday night? I picked up an extra shift this week and Mrs. Craig plays bridge that night.”
“You know I love to look after Lacey. What time, Ell?”
“Show up around six thirty. I’ll have to leave by seven.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at tomorrow’s practice.” Cherry bounded to door behind the other girls.
“You bet. Have fun at the concert tonight!” Ellena called after them. She gathered her things and walked out of the gym on her way home. She ran up the stairs to her apartment and opened the door quietly. Mrs. Craig was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea and a thick romance novel.
“You know those things will rot your brain if you read them too much.” Mrs. Craig closed the book and smiled.
“Oh Ellena dear. You startled me.”
“Is she still asleep?” Ellena poured herself a cup of tea and sat down at the table.
“Yes, quite soundly in fact. She must have had a big day yesterday.”
“Yes, she did. We had another episode at the mall.” Ellena rubbed her forehead. “She gets more curious about her mother everyday. What am I going to tell her when the angel bit isn’t enough of an explanation for her.”
Mrs. Craig reached her hand out and patted Ellena on the arm. “Don’t worry dear. She has a wonderful mother right here.”
Ellena smiled grimly down at her teacup. “Thanks Mrs. Craig.”
“I have to be going now dear. Sammy is probably wondering where I’ve gotten to.” Ellena got up and walked the woman to the door.
“Thanks for coming so early Mrs. Craig.”
“Anytime dear, anytime. Oh yes, I almost forgot. Something came for you this morning. I set it on the mantle in the living room.” Mrs. Craig grinned like a Cheshire cat. “You must tell me all about it later!” She winked at her and left the apartment.
Ellena made her way in to the living to see what had arrived. She thought it might be a package for Lacey from her Dad but she highly doubted it. She hadn’t heard from Eric for months. Ellena caught her breath when she noticed a large flower arrangement perched on the mantle. Ellena went over to study it. She closed her eyes and leaned in closer. Breathing deep, she let the perfume surround her. A small card leaned against the base of the vase. Ellena quickly tore it open. Two papers fell to floor. Ellen bent to pick them up and stopped quickly when she glanced at the writing. They were two tickets to the Backstreet Boys concert that night, along with full backstage access. Ellena looked again into the envelope and found a note. She quickly unfolded it and read.

Ellena,

I hope an evening at a concert can be considered ‘quality time’ with Lacey. I’ll be looking for you backstage after the show.

Kevin

Ellena was shocked at the amount of energy that five men could emit. The chemistry between them on stage was electric. Lacey danced for part of the concert and sat on Ellena’s shoulders so she could see when she got too tired. It felt so good to see Lacey happy. She had had so many disappointments in her short life. After three encores, the lights came up in the arena and fans started to file out of the building. Ellena remained in her seat until the crowd had dwindled a bit. The last thing she wanted to happen was for Lacey to get lost in the sea of people. Grasping Lacey’s hand firmly in her own, Ellena made her way towards the backstage area. Security was understandably tight and Ellena nearly had to empty her entire wallet of ID before they let her through. As soon as she got past them, she spotted Kevin talking to a group of twelve-year-olds. She smiled as she watched him pose for photos with them and hug each one. She found an empty piece of wall and leaned against it until he was free for her to talk to. That didn’t happen for another hour. Lacey quickly became restless and grouchy.
Kevin had seen Ellena from out of the corner of his eye but every time he tried to get over to where she was, he was intercepted by another fan. Internally cursing the amount of backstage passes that were issued, he signed yet another pinup and posed for another picture. Finally, there was a window of opportunity and he took it.
“Ellena!” Kevin walked towards her and held out his hand. “I’m glad you could make it.”
Ellena pushed away from the wall and extended her hand to him. “Yes, me too. Thank you so much for the tickets.” She smiled. “And for the flowers. I can’t remember the last time I got flowers sent to me.”
“You’re welcome.” Kevin smiled warmly and then dropped to one knee in front of Lacey. “Hi Lacey. Did you like the show?”
Lacey wrapped her arms around Ellena’s leg and buried her head against Ellena’s thigh. “She’s really tired.” Ellena apologized. “It’s been a big night for her.” She picked up Lacey in her arms. “Honey? Can’t you say hi to Kevin?”
Lacey turned her head away from Kevin and pouted. “No.” She replied to Ellena.
“Why not?”
“I don’t like him.”
Ellena’s eyes shot up in surprise. She looked at Kevin and then back at Lacey. “Lacey, that’s not a very nice thing to say. You have to be polite.”
“He said he knowed my mom and he tricked me.”
Ellena closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Kevin groaned inwardly. One small assumption on his part yesterday had really caused grief on Ellena’s part. Ellena tried to change the subject quickly. Kevin could tell that the subject of Lacey’s mother was not something that either Ellena or Lacey took lightly. He immediately felt bad again, for dredging up these feelings for Ellena and wished there was something he could do to make things better.
Ellena hugged Lacey close to her and replied to Kevin. “She danced for an hour and a half. The show was great. Your choreography is really impressive.”
Kevin smiled. “Thank you. That really means something coming from a dancer. Me and the rest of the guys are going out after we get out of here. Do you want to join us?”
Lacey closed her eyes and snuggled closer to Ellena. “You know what? I’d love to but I can’t. I have to get Lacey home to bed and I don’t suppose you would be going somewhere that I could bring her along anyway. She didn’t bring her fake ID with her. Besides, I have an early morning tomorrow.”
“Six o’clock practice again?”
“Yes. Although the girls are going to be useless because they were all here tonight.”
“You can hold me personally responsible.” Kevin chuckled.
Ellena laughed with him. “I will!”
Nick walked up behind Kevin and slapped him on the back. “Kev-man! Did you see that girl that just threw herself at Brian? Whew! She was h-o-t! I was thinkin’ that I would – Oh sorry, didn’t realize you were busy gettin’ bizay.“ Nick paused for a moment and looked Ellena up and down. He looked from Kevin back to Ellena and then at Lacey.
Kevin turned to Nick and then to Ellena. “Ellena, I’d like you to meet Nick Carter. Nick, this is Ellena O’Ryan.”
Ellena shifted Lacey’s weights and held out her hand to Nick. “Nice to meet you, Nick.”
Nick shook her hand quickly and pulled away. “Nice to meet you too. You look really familiar. Have we met before?”
Kevin grinned and nudged Nick with his elbow. “Nice pick up line, Nick. Try another one that’s a little more original.”
“No, I’m serious.” He turned back to look at Ellena again. “I’ve seen you somewhere before…where did you and Kevin meet?”
“We met yesterday at the record store signing.” Ellena replied.
Nick pondered for a moment and then his eyes lit up. “Oh! You’re the one that leaned on the table and – ow!” Kevin elbowed Nick hard in the ribs. “Ahem, you’re the one that shocked the almighty Kevin Richardson with mere words. What was it that you said to him anyway?”
A tinge of pink crept into Kevin’s cheeks and Ellena fought the urge to laugh. “I can’t think of anything I said that was out of the ordinary.” Ellena thought out loud.
Nick laughed. “Well when you remember what it was, give me a call. I’d like to know what it could have been to render him speechless for the rest of the afternoon. That could be a very valuable weapon.”
Ellena laughed. Kevin thought her laugh was so light and feminine. “I’ll do that.”
“Well gotta go, there is a nice looking honey over there standing all by herself. She needs someone to keep her company.”
“Hmm and you’re just the person to do that?” Kevin grinned.
“You bet!” Nick replied. “Nice to meet you Ellena.” Kevin shook his head as Nick sprinted down the corridor.
Lacey murmured sleepily as Ellena shifted her onto her other hip. There was a brief silence between them. Neither on knowing what else to say. Ellena craned her neck to see if Lacey was sleeping, which she was. Kevin wracked his brain for some recollection of his schedule for the next few days.
“Ellena, would you like to go out with me sometime?”
Ellena hid the shock on her face quickly. “I would really like that Kevin.”
“How about tomorrow night?”
“Tomorrow night…I can’t. I have to work from seven to eleven.” Ellena suddenly regretted agreeing to the extra shift at the club.
Not one to give up, Kevin suggested an alternative. “How about after you’re finished? I can pick you up from work.”
Ellena felt uneasy at him picking her up at work but she already had a sitter for Lacey for the night and it would be at least a week before she got the opportunity again. “Yeah, that would be great.”
Kevin clapped his hands together. “Awesome. I’ll pick you up at eleven o’clock.”
“I’m looking forward to it already.”
“Me too. I really gotta go though. Security is going to start rounding us up to get on the bus. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Kevin turned to follow Nick through the door.
“Kevin, aren’t you forgetting something?” Ellena called after him. Kevin turned and gave her a funny look, then walked back towards her.
“Oh yeah, um…okay.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across her cheek. He then turned back towards the door and hurried away. Ellena started to laugh out loud. She called after him again.
“Kevin!” He stopped and turned around to look at her. Confusion was obvious in his expression. “Aren’t you still forgetting something?”
Kevin thought for a moment and then shook his head. “No.”
“Um…well, Where are you going to pick me up tomorrow?”
“I thought I said I’d pick you up at work didn’t I? Maybe I didn’t say…okay so I’ll pick you up at work at eleven and….oh yeah, um I guess an address would be good.” He grinned sheepishly and blushed.
Ellena giggled and tried to reach into her purse without dropping Lacey. “Could you….?” She held Lacey out for him to take. Lacey whimpered from being jostled around and tried to get comfortable in Kevin’s arms. Ellena fished a scrap of paper out of her purse and wrote down an address. She gently took Lacey back from Kevin. He took the paper from her and read it aloud.
“Barbie Dahl’s. I thought you said that was a strip joint downtown?”
Ellena became uncomfortable. “It is but it’s not what you’re thinking. I’m a waitress there and that’s all.”
Kevin smiled and shook his head. “No, I didn’t think – “
“Yes you did.” Ellena said with a smile and a wink. Once again she had managed to render Kevin speechless. “You’d better get going. I just saw the security ogres coming this way. See you tomorrow night, Kevin.” She tucked her jacket around the sleeping Lacey in her arms and headed towards the exit, leaving Kevin staring after her in wonderment.

Ellena had been right. The girls were useless at dance practice the next morning. She really didn’t mind though. Her mind was not on the dance routine either. Her mind was on her date with Kevin that night. Her mind was racing about what she would wear, where they would go, what they would talk about. She hoped to the heavens that he didn’t find her boring.
She spent the afternoon with Lacey, flying a kite in the park. Then they met Mrs. Craig for ice cream. Mrs. Craig being the perceptive woman she was, could tell that Ellena was nervous about something.
“Ellena, dear. Stop fidgeting and tell me what has got you in such a dither.” Mrs. Craig scolded.
“Sorry, Mrs. Craig. I have a date tonight and I am really nervous. I haven’t had a date since…since...oh my god. I haven’t had a date for four years.”
Mrs. Craig’s eyes twinkled. “Oh! Is it with the young man who sent the flowers?”
“Yes.” Ellena wailed. “I think I’ll just call him and cancel. I’ll tell him that I have to work late or something.”
“Nonsense! You’ll do no such thing. Do you need someone to look after Lacey? I can cancel my bridge game tonight if you need –“
“No, I have a sitter. I have to work first and he’s picking me up there.” Ellena sighed and put her head in her hands. “I don’t even know if I have something decent to wear.”
Mrs. Craig took Ellena’s hands in hers and spoke softly. “You have spent the past several years being the person that everyone else leans on. It’s time you found someone to whom you can go for comfort and support, and maybe a little romance."
“Oh, Mrs. Craig, I don’t need anyone like that.”
“Yes you do. You just haven’t realized it yet.”
Lacey ran up to the picnic table where they were sitting and sat beside Ellena. “Messes Craig, wanna see me on the slide?” Ellena wiped ice cream off Lacey’s face and grinned. Mrs. Craig stood up and held out her hand for Lacey to take.
“Oh, I’d love to dear. Come and show me!”
Ellena watched them walk towards the playground and thought about what the older woman had just said. “I know what you think Mrs. Craig but you are wrong. I’ve been fine on my own so far and I always will be.” She said to herself before getting up to join them at the slide.

*********************

Ellena answered the door at six-thirty sharp. “Hi Cherry, come on in.”
“Hi Ellena. Where’s munchkin?” Cherry came in the apartment and closed the door.
“She’s about to take a swim in the bathtub. Can you take over from here?”
“Sure, no problem.” Cherry nodded.
“Cherry, I’m probably going to be late tonight. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, I have a spare first thing tomorrow morning so I can sleep in. Are you working a double shift?”
“No...actually I have a date!”
“Really! Ell, that’s great! With who?”
“Someone I met at the mall this week. I’m so nervous. I haven’t had a date since before I finished high school. Can you help me find something to wear?”
“Of course.” Cherry took Ellena by the hand and dragged her into the bedroom to the closet. Even though Cherry was only eighteen years old and still in school, she was one of Ellena’s best friends. Cherry reminded Ellena of herself when she was in high school – bright, popular, and sincere and a great dancer.
“How’s this?” Cherry held up a pair of red pants and a royal blue sequined halter top.”
“Cherry! It’s a first date – not a swinger’s party. I don’t think that outfit would give him the right ideas.”
Cherry giggled and added the outfit on the growing pile of clothes on the bed. “Then why do you have stuff like this in your closet?”
“Aargh! Cherry! I have to leave in fifteen minutes.”
“Okay okay, how about this one.” Cherry pulled a simple black skirt off a hanger.
“Yeah, okay and what do I wear with it?”
Ten minutes later, Ellena had packed the outfit that Cherry had helped her pick out into her bag, ready to change into it after her shift at the club. She kissed Lacey good-bye and left to catch the bus downtown.

******************

“You’re going on a date with a stripper?” Nick asked incredulously.
AJ slapped Kevin on the back and laughed. “Good for you man. We won’t wait up.”
Kevin rolled his eyes at his two friends. “No, she’s a waitress at a strip club. She’s not a stripper.”
“Yeah okay, but she still probably has no inhibitions…does she have any friends?”
“AJ, you never give up.” Kevin replied.
“Why should I? Which club is she at and can we come with you to pick her up?”
“Barbie Dahl’s and no you can’t tag along – it’s a date, not a gang bang.”
“Okay, so we’ll go in separate cars and then we can watch the rest of the show while you two can go on your date and get bizay.”
Kevin playfully smacked Nick on the back of the head. “Yeah, whatever.”
“What time are you picking her up?” Nick asked, while rubbing the back of his head.
“She gets off work at eleven.” Kevin answered.
“Okay so we’ll leave here at nine and you can catch the show before you leave for you date!”
“Kevin rolled his eyes. “Gee, I can’t wait.” He said sarcastically.

********************

Ellena had been extremely busy since she began her shift. Naughty Nadia had shows on the hour and she always managed to draw a big crowd. Kevin spotted her serving drinks at the bar as soon as they arrived inside. He waited until she looked their way and then waved. She came over and made sure they got a table in the area she was working that night. Ellena waited to take their drink orders as everyone sat down.
Kevin introduced everyone once they were seated. “Ellena, this is AJ, Brian, Howie and you’ve already met Nick.”
“Hi!” She smiled. “Nice to meet you. Can I get you some drinks?”
After each person ordered, Ellena glanced at her watch and grinned. “You guys are just in time to catch Nadia’s ten o’clock show.” She yelled over the loud music.
“You know all of the girls that work here?” Howie questioned.
“Of course I do. I’ve worked here for three and a half years.” Nick was already preoccupied by the half-dressed dancers on stage. “That one over there is Jaimie Bond, that would explain the 007 music they’re playing. Over in the cage is Sugar Lisa. She dances to Pour Some Sugar on me by Def Leppard. I think Candy is dancing upstairs tonight. She dances to Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground. And, as I said before, Naughty Nadia is on in five minutes. Nadia dances to, well - Nadia dances to everything.”
Nick started to laugh deviously. “So can you get me their phone numbers?” He joked.
Ellena’s eyes twinkled. “Sorry, Jaimie and Candy have been together for two years. Nadia is happily married with two kids and Lisa is just … just dirty.” She shuddered. “I’ll go get your drinks and be back in a few.” Ellena hurried away towards the bar.
“She seems nice.” Howie said to Kevin. “Where did you meet her?”
Kevin explained to everyone at the table how he and Ellena had met each other two days earlier. Ellena returned with their drinks. For the next hour, they watched the show and Ellena stopped by their table to chat whenever she got a chance. Eleven o’clock was fast approaching and Ellena was anxious to be done work. She stopped by Kevin’s table to tell him that she would be ready to go right at eleven o’clock.
“I just have to change out of my uniform and I’ll be right back.” She smiled while setting down another round of drinks.
“Okay, I’ll meet you back out here in ten.” Ellena left her drink tray at the main bar and hurried into the back to change into the clothes Cherry had helped pick out. She opened her locker and started to undress. She heard the door to the change room open and she called out. “Hey Nadia, you were pretty hot tonight! One guy at table six asked me for your phone number three times.” Ellena pulled her uniform shirt off over her head and searched her bag for her burgundy sweater. “Nadia? Are you still in here?” She called and listened for sounds of movement in the room. She turned around and gasped at when she realized the other person in the room wasn’t Nadia. “Mr. Dahl, what are doing in here? I’m changing!” She snatched her shirt from the locker and hugged it to her chest, trying to cover as much as possible.
Ken Dahl remained silent as he raked his eyes over her slender figure and licked his lips. “Ellena, I see you have matured since I first met you.”
“Get out!” She said through clenched teeth.
“I own this club and I can go wherever I want. And, in case you forgot, I also own you so maybe you should speak to me with a little more respect.” His black teeth glistened in the dim light as he grinned lecherously at her.
“As if you deserve my respect. What do you want?”
“Besides the obvious…?” He raised an eyebrow at her and Ellena suddenly felt nauseous. “I wanted to know if you had heard from your brother lately.”
“No I haven’t heard from him for almost three months. I told you that last week.”
“I just wanted to make sure you weren’t keeping something from me.”
“Of course not.” Ellena snapped back.
“You will let me know if you hear from him, won’t you?” He reached his hand out and caught a few strands of Ellena’s hair. She snatched it back from him and glowered.
“I’ll let you know.”
The club manager backed towards the door and looked her over one more time before opening it. “If you ever get tired of that lonely apartment Ellena, you know where to find me.” With a laugh, he left the room.
Ellena’s stomach lurched as the images he had just suggested assaulted her mind. She sighed and pulled the rest of her clothes form the bottom of her locker. She quickly changed after she made sure the door was locked. She did her best to push the incident out of her mind by thinking of her date with Kevin. With one last check in the mirror of her hair and make up, she left the change room and all nasty thoughts of Ken Dahl behind.

Ellena returned to the table just as Kevin was finishing his drink. “Sorry I took so long.” She apologized. “I had a … um… meeting with my boss.”
“Not a problem.” Kevin rose from his chair and said good bye to the guys. “Shall we?” He placed his hand on the small of Ellena’s back and led her to outside. Ellena stopped before they got to his car and turned to go back inside.
“I forgot to phone Cherry to check in on Lacey. She has trouble falling asleep sometimes.”
“You can use my cell phone.” He offered and then opened the car door for her. When she was seated comfortably, he handed her his phone and closed the door. Ellena dialed as he walked around to his side of the car and got in. Cherry picked up after four rings.
“Hello?”
“Hi Cherry! It’s me. How is everything going?”
“Oh hi Ell. Everything is…okay. Lacey is insisting on waiting until you get home to go to sleep.”
“Is she being bad?” Ellena asked and heard Kevin chuckle. He put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking spot.
“No.” Cherry replied. “She’s just laying in her bed but she won’t close her eyes and sleep.”
“Take the phone into her. I’ll see what I can do.”
Cherry sighed. “Thanks Ell. How’s your date going?”
Ellena glanced at Kevin. He was singing along to the radio while keeping his concentration on the road. “Just give the phone to Lacey and we’ll talk later.”
Cherry groaned and mumbled good bye before Lacey came on the line. “Lala?”
“Hi honey. How come you’re still awake?”
“Not tired, Lala. Cherry won’t sing.” Ellena giggled at the way Lacey pronounced ‘Cherry’. It sounded more like Chewy.
“Can’t she read you a story?”
“No!”
“Okay, do you want me to sing to you?” Ellena could almost see Lacey nodding. “If I sing to you, will you be good for Cherry and go to sleep?”
“Uh huh.” Lacey agreed.
“Okay.” Ellena rubbed her forehead and searched her mind for a song. She held the phone closer to her.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’d ever make it through,
through this world without having you
I just wouldn’t have a clue.”

Kevin switched off the radio when Ellena began to sing.

“Cuz sometimes it seems like this world’s closing in on me,
And there’s no way of breaking free,
But then I see you reach for me.

Sometimes I want to give up, wanna give in,
I want to quit the fight, and then I see you baby
And everything’s all right, everything’s all right.

When I see you smile, I can face the world
You know I can do anything
When I see you smile,
I see a ray of light
See it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
When I see you smile at me.”

Cherry came back on the line and whispered. “She’s asleep. Thanks Ellena.”
“Okay Cherry, see you when I get home.”
“I won’t wait up.” Ellena laughed as she pressed the end button and returned the phone to the console between the seats. “Thanks for letting me borrow your phone.”
“No problem. Is everything okay at home?”
“Oh yeah, Lacey just gets stubborn sometimes. So tell me…where are we going?”
“Well, it’s a little late for your typical dinner-and-a-movie date so I thought we could - what’s so funny?”
Kevin pulled his eyes off the road ahead of him and turned to look at Ellena when she started to giggle.
“Oh nothing. I’d just like to think that I’m not you typical dinner-and-a-movie kind of girl.”
Kevin laughed and dragged his eyes away from Ellena to concentrate on the road. “I’ll have to remember that!” Ellena laughed again and watched the streetlights blur by through the side window. Kevin softly hummed the tune that he had heard her sing to Lacey moments before.
Ellena’s mind replayed the scene from the change room earlier that night.
“I own this club and I can go wherever I want. And, in case you forgot, I also own you…”
Remembering the way Ken had looked at her made her skin crawl. If only she could quit working there and get away from him. If only it were that easy.
“Bad English.” Kevin said to her, bringing her mind back to much more pleasant things.
“I beg your pardon?” Ellena asked, shaking Ken out of her thoughts.
“Bad English. That song you sang for Lacey is by Bad English.”
Ellena grinned. “Yeah, gotta love the eighties big hair rock.” Kevin chuckled. “You still haven’t answered my question.” Ellena continued.
“What question was that?” Kevin asked as he maneuvered the car around a sharp curve in the road.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Oh! That question.” Kevin replied. “Have you ever been star gazing?”
“Star gazing?” Ellena repeated. “Not since I was a kid.”
Kevin steered the car around a corner and pointed to a hill in the distance. “There. You can see the stars above the city.”
“Wait a minute!” Ellena put her hand to her mouth in mock horror. “You’re not taking me out to make out point and then telling me to put out or walk are you?” Kevin’s eyes grew wide as he turned to look at her. He opened his mouth to defend himself but he caught the gleam in Ellena’s eye before he spoke. His mouth spread into a wide smile and he began to laugh uncontrollably. “I’m not wearing shoes that are very good for walking so if that was your plan, you’ll have to get a new one.” She started to giggle with him.
“Ellena you seem to think that I have less than honorable intentions.” He grinned at her.
Ellena replied. “Kevin, I have never met a man that had honorable intentions.” She gave him a wink and turned the volume up on the radio. “Oh this is a good song.” Ellena started singing to You Spin Me Round and dancing in the passenger seat.
Kevin listened to Ellena’s laughter filling the car but he was no longer laughing with her. Instead, he was trying to figure out what she meant by what she had just said. “I have never met a man that had honorable intentions.”

Kevin pulled the car up to the ridge and shut off the engine. She watched him through the windshield as he walked around to open the door for her. She had never actually taken a good look at him before that moment. Sure, she knew that he was a very handsome man and that girls everywhere swooned at his feet but she had never really looked at him, Kevin, as a man. A breeze swept a few wisps of hair into his eyes and he reached up to sweep them away. He turned to look at Ellena through the windshield. His emerald eyes pierced her stare and she felt herself blush slightly at getting caught admiring him. He opened her car door and held out a hand for her. She took it and got out of the car. She didn’t feel Kevin shiver involuntarily as her hand slid across his palm. He led her around to the front of the car. Ellena let out a gasp of surprise when she felt his hands on her waist. He snaked his arms around her and lifted her to sit on the hood of the car. Wordlessly, he hopped onto the car beside her and slid back until he leaned against the windshield. Ellena followed suit and leaned back beside him.
“Wow, this is so beautiful.” Ellena whispered as her eyes moved skyward.
“I like to come here and think. Sometimes I just need to get away.” Kevin told her.
“There’s the big dipper.” Ellena pointed to the stars.
“The little dipper is over there.” Kevin pointed in another direction. “And there is your constellation.”
Ellena frowned. “What do you mean my constellation?”
Kevin smiled. “It’s the Orion.”
Ellena laughed. “Yeah, my constellation. It’s just spelled a little different.”
“What is the Orion supposed to be a constellation of anyway?”
“I think it’s supposed to be a warrior or something. I personally can’t see anything for that matter. I think the Greeks were on crack when they named all the constellations.”
They spent two hours simply laying on the car and looking at the stars and talking. They talked about everything from ancient civilizations to the Caramilk secret. Ellena shivered as the breeze picked up a little. Kevin quickly got up and got a sweater from his car. Ellena whispered a muffled thank you as she pulled it over her head. Kevin laughed when she poked her head through the top. It was huge on her. The sleeves bunched all the way up her arms and the waistband hung down to her mid thigh. She giggled at Kevin’s expression.
“Is that better?” Kevin asked.
“A little.” Ellena said softly, suddenly aware of the depth of his green eyes. Without a word, Kevin reached his arm around her back and slid her along the hood of the car towards him. Ellena put her hand flat against his chest to steady herself, suddenly afraid she was about to fall. Kevin breathed in deeper as the faint scent of lavender in her hair slammed his senses. She lifted her gaze to meet his. Her dark gray eyes penetrated to his soul. Their breath mingled. Kevin leaned in closer and finally claimed her mouth with his. A muffled gasp escaped Ellena’s throat as his tongue gently pushed against her lips. She opened more to him, letting him explore her mouth. She could taste the sweetness of the rum and cola he had been drinking earlier that evening. Without realizing it, she moved her hand from his chest and slid it up the side of his neck to his hair. Kevin groaned against Ellena’s lips and she started to tremble. She let out a soft whimper and Kevin broke off the kiss. She opened her eyes in surprise. Kevin realized that he had pinned her against the windshield with his body. He kissed her lips again and straightened his back so as not to squish her. Ellena’s eyes never left his and she looked at him with question.
“What are you thinking Ellena?” He whispered, fighting the urge to ravish her right there on the hood of the car.
Ellena’s expression changed and there was a mischievous glint in her eye. She grinned and raised her arms above her head. “Woohoo!” She giggled. “I don’t have to walk home!”
Kevin rolled his eyes dramatically, grabbed her around the wrists and pulled her arms down behind her back. He leaned into her again and crushed her lips with his. He kissed her more hungrily than before, wanting to taste every bit of her. He opened his eyes and put a little space between them when he felt her trying wiggle her wrists free of his grip. Her breath was coming in shallow pants and her chest heaved against his with each gasp. He grinned at the sight of her swollen pink lips. “No, you don’t have to walk home.” He said with a throaty laugh.

It was two thirty by the time Kevin pulled the car up to Ellena’s building and walked her up to her apartment. He waited as she unlocked the door and motioned for him to keep quiet. He closed the door behind him and heard Ellena softly call out to the babysitter.
“Cherry? Where are you?” Ellena whispered into the apartment. There was no answer. Ellena slipped off her shoes and leaned around the corner of the living room. Cherry was sleeping soundly on the couch. Ellena took the blanket off the back of the couch and unfolded it over the sleeping girl. She smiled at Kevin on her way back through the hall and left him in the entrance to go check on Lacey.
Ellena smiled to herself when she opened the door to Lacey’s room. Lacey was sprawled out, on top of the covers, clutching her stuffed rabbit in one arm and her other arm hanging off the side of the bed. Ellena gently picked her up and placed her back under the covers. Lacey whimpered sleepily and snuggled down onto the bed. Ellena kissed her on the forehead and switched off the tiny lamp on the dresser.
She made her way back to the entrance. Kevin was leaning against the doorframe with his eyes closed. Ellena reached up and brushed her fingers along his jaw line. His eyes opened and he exhaled slowly. “Everything okay?” He asked, taking her hand in his.
“Yes, everyone is safe and sound and asleep.” Kevin brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “You should be sleeping too. Thank you for tonight Kevin.” He wrapped one arm around Ellena’s back and pressed her closer to his chest.
“No, thank you Ellena.” He bent and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Anything more and he wouldn’t have been able to let her go, babysitter and sleeping Lacey be damned. He could have easily set aside all of his inhibitions at that moment and he knew it. He also knew that Ellena was delicate and she deserved more than that. “Good night Ellena.” He whispered and opened the door to leave.
“Good night Kevin.” She squeezed his hand before he let her go and closed the door. “Sleep well.” He whispered before the door was fully closed.
“Yeah right.” Ellena whispered to herself. “Like I’m gonna sleep after that!” She sighed and padded down the hallway to her room.

Ellena yawned and stretched underneath the comforter of her bed. She smiled before opening her eyes. A contented sigh escaped her lips and she snuggled further under the covers with her thoughts of the night before. The butterflies in her stomach had made it very difficult for her to fall asleep the night before and they were still present in the morning sun. As much as she wanted to stay in bed and think about Kevin’s kisses, she knew that she had to get up. She flung the covers back and sat up. She rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock on her bedside table. “Oh hell!” She exclaimed on learning the late hour of the morning. With a slight groan, she jumped from the bed and threw on her robe while rushing down the hall to the living room. “Cherry! Cherry! Wake up! You gotta be in class in thirty minutes!”
The dark haired girl on the couch groaned and sat up. “Ellena, you really know how to scare the shit out of someone first thing in the morning!”
“I’m sorry, I overslept.” Ellena sprinted down the hallway to the hall closet and started pulling out fresh towels. Returning to the living room, she threw them at the sleepy woman still on the sofa. “Here, go get in the shower and you can borrow any clothes of mine you want. Just don’t be late for class. Your mother will never let you baby sit for me again.”
Cherry remained seated and began to laugh at Ellena.
“What is so funny?” Ellena stopped pacing the room and stared at her.
“Is there any special reason you overslept Ell? Maybe you should go close the door to your bedroom so Lacey won’t see that you brought home company.” Cherry’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
Ellena glared at Cherry. “Oh please Cherry! Gimme a break. I slept alone last night.”
“Sleeping isn’t exactly what I meant.”
Ellena raised an eyebrow at Cherry and grinned. “Cherry, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were implying that I might have….” Ellena trailed off and felt the colour rise in her cheeks.
“Done the dirty? The horizontal hokey pokey? “
“Cherry! Go get in the shower – you’re going to be late.”
“Okay but I’m coming over after school and you have to give me details. I want to know what he looks like, where you met him, everything. This guy better be good to my best friend or I’ll break his legs. When do I get to meet him?”
“Cherry, I don’t even know if there’s going to be a second date much less tell you when you’ll meet him.”
“Was it a good date?”
“Yes, it was…it was…really nice.” Ellena involuntarily smiled.
Cherry grinned. “Oh yes. There will be a second date. The look on your face tells me.”
Ellena threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. “Cherry! Go get ready for school!” She pointed towards the bathroom. “You know way too much for your age.”
Cherry gathered the towels and scampered down the hall to the bathroom. “Quit acting like an old woman Ell. You’re not that much older than me.”
“Then how come I feel so old?” Ellena yelled down the hall.
“Cuz you haven’t been on a date for three years and you’re afraid you’ve forgotten everything.” Cherry yelled back before closing the door.
Ellena sat down on the couch and thought about what Cherry had just said. Maybe she was right. It had been a long time since she had even been friends with someone of the male persuasion, much less had romantic thoughts about someone. Since Lacey had come into her life, she had had no time to pursue anything like that. In the past three years, any of the men she had come in contact with had been less than desirable, to say the least. Past experiences with men at her work and in her family had left her completely untrusting of all men in general. Up until this point it hadn’t bothered her. She had Lacey and a few girlfriends that were her family. She had spent three years convincing herself that was enough. Why, then, did the introduction of Kevin in to her life make her want to change her mind?
The sound of tiny bare feet padding down the hall brought Ellena’s attention back to the present. “Good morning sweetheart. How are you this morning?” Lacey rubbed her eyes and climbed onto Ellena’s lap. “Did you and Cherry have a good time last night?”
Lacey sleepily nodded and then yawned. “We watched Aladdin.”
Ellena groaned. “Aladdin! How many times have you seen that movie? I’m going to have to get you something new. Cherry’s going to have that thing memorized soon.”
Lacey giggled and started to sing Never Had friend Like Me from the movie. Ellena stood up with Lacey in her arms and walked around into the kitchen. She set Lacey down into a chair at the counter and started to get cereal and milk out for Lacey’s breakfast.
Cherry appeared in the doorway a few minutes later. “I stole some clothes from your closet. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No of course not.” Ellena set a glass of juice in front of Lacey. “I’m sorry I was so late last night that you couldn’t go home. I guess I owe you one.”
“No problem Ell. And yes, you owe me all the juicy details from your date last night. I’ll be here around three.”
“Okay, see you then.”
“See ya later munchkin!” Cherry ruffled Lacey’s hair before grabbing an apple off the counter and running out the door to school.

*************************

“So did he call you today?” Cherry asked. They were sitting in a corner booth of the Burger King and drinking cokes. Lacey was busy in the kiddie gym and Cherry was grilling Ellena for every detail of her date with Kevin.
“No.” Ellena said, obviously disappointed. “But it’s only been fourteen hours since I saw him last. He probably has a busy day.”
“What does he do? Does he have a job or does he go to the university?” Cherry leaned across the table in interest.
“He has a job. He’s in the…the entertainment industry.” Ellena answered carefully.
Cherry let out a gasp. “You’re not dating a male stripper are you?”
Ellena laughed. “No! Cherry, that’ s not really my style.” She took another sip of her coke and leaned back in her chair. “I met him at the mall on Tuesday – you already knew that. His name is Kevin. He has a job and he’s not a stripper. He’s..he’s…really nice.”
“Oh please!” Cherry exclaimed. “Don’t tell me this ‘he’s-he’s-he’s really nice’ crap. Details girl. Is he hot? Is he a good kisser?”
Ellena rolled her eyes and tried to hide the blush creeping up her face. “Yes.”
Cherry let out a holler. “Woohoo! You go girl!”
“Cherry! Keep it down! We’re in a public place here!”
Cherry took a minute to let her giggling subside and then asked Ellena. “So why do you think he hasn’t called you yet?”
Ellena chewed her bottom lip and replied. “We just went out last night. I don’t expect him to call for at least a day or two. A kiss is just a kiss. It’s not like we’re betrothed or anything. He didn’t say if he would call or not either. Besides he doesn’t even….Oooh!” Ellena stopped suddenly and splayed her arms out on the table in front of her. She dropped her head between her arms and knocked against the hard surface a few times.
“What Ell? What wrong?”
“He doesn’t even have my phone number. Damn Damn Damn!” She muttered, knocking her head against the table again.
“You okay Lala?” Lacey returned just then to the table and asked Ellena.
Cherry helped Lacey up on the chair beside her and tied her shoes for her. “She’s fine sweetie. She’s just realizing that men sometimes need a little more of a hint than she’d used to giving.”
Ellena playfully slapped Cherry on the arm and turned to Lacey. “I’m fine honey. Are you done playing?”
Lacey nodded. “Yep, I’m done. Can we go home and watch Aladdin?”
“Yes, we’re going home but I have to work tonight. You’ll have to ask Mrs. Craig to watch a movie with you.”
The three girls stood and gathered their things to leave. Cherry gave Lacey a hug and then hugged Ellena too. “I’ll see you on Monday at practice. I’ll call you on Sunday to tell you about my date on Saturday. Have a good weekend Ell and don’t work too hard.”
“Thanks Cherry. Be good this weekend.” Ellena grinned.
Cherry mocked innocence. “I always am!”

“So?” Nick asked expectantly.
“So what?” Kevin asked, bewildered.
“Soooo…how was your date last night?”
“It was really nice.” Kevin responded with a small smile.
“It couldn’t have been that great if you woke up at home this morning.” Nick grinned and ducked as Kevin swung at his head.
“If only people really knew what you were like, Nick. I bet all those screaming teeny girls would like to know that sex is on your mind twenty four seven.”
Nick scratched his chin and donned a pensive expression. “I bet they would…”
“Uh huh”, Kevin replied, unconvinced.
“So are you seeing her again? Will there be another date?”
“Yes, most definitely. That is…if she wants to see me again.”
“Well did you call her and ask?”
“No, I forgot to get her phone number.”
“Are you stupid?” Nick raised his voice.
“Apparently so – yes.” Kevin replied with a groan.
“Dude! I don’t believe you! You meet this girl who you think is really nice.” Nick emphasized the really nice with his hands. “And you ask her out. You have a really nice time. You involuntarily smile every time she is mentioned and you forget to get her phone number? You are not smart enough to be my friend.”
“Very funny Nick. I know where she lives – I’ll just have to go and see her.”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Go, man go!” Nick stood up and grabbed Kevin by the wrists, pulling him into a standing position. Kevin opened his mouth to protest but knew that Nick would hear none of it. Besides, he was anxious to see Ellena again.

*******

Sunday was the only day that Ellena did not have to work at any of her three jobs. She was enjoying the afternoon sun on Mrs. Craig’s patio while Lacey pestered Sammy in the back yard.
“Mr. Reynolds asked about you again yesterday in my ballroom dance class.”
Mrs. Craig set her teacup down and giggled. “Ellena, now don’t you go playing matchmaker for an old biddy like me.”
Ellena had met Mrs. Craig at the very first ballroom dance class she had taught. Mrs. Craig had known almost as much as Ellena did. They quickly became friends despite their age differences. It was Mrs. Craig who let Ellena know of the vacancy in the apartment building across the street from her house when it came up. It was also Mrs. Craig who insisted that Lacey stay with her rather than being put in a day care. There wasn’t a day that went by without Ellena thanking her lucky stars that she had found a friend like Mrs. Craig. She had been the most reliable person in her life since her mother died. And she adored Lacey. Mrs. Craig did have grandchildren but they lived half way across the country. She would tell Ellena that Lacey kept her in the habit of spoiling children so she wouldn’t be out of practice when she went to visit her grandchildren.
“Mrs. Craig, I don’t think you’re an old biddy. Look at you! You are one sexy mama. You should come to the singles dance at the end of the month. You can come with me – I most likely won’t have a date and maybe you’ll leave with Mr. Reynolds.” Ellena wiggled her eyebrows at the other woman.
“Oh go on child!” Mrs. Craig admonished. “Why wouldn’t you have a date for yourself? What happened to the young man you saw on Thursday night?”
“I thought everything went well but he didn’t ask for my phone number and it’s been three days so I guess that fizzled quickly.”
“Where is that confidence that you had when I first met you Ellena? Don’t go getting yourself in a tizzy over nothing. Oh goodness! Look at the time. I’m sorry to cut our visit short but I must go get ready. I’m meeting Lil and Morty for martinis in an hour.”
“Martinis! On a Sunday evening? Mrs. Craig, I take back that comment about you being a sexy mama – you are with it girl!” Ellena snapped her fingers and waved her arm in front of her. “Lacey! Let’s go!”
Lacey scampered up the step to the patio and gave Mrs. Craig an ice cream kiss. “Bye Messes Craig!”
“Have a good time tonight!” Ellena smiled as she took Lacey by the hand.
“Oh I will dear. I’ll be over tomorrow at three to watch Lacey.”
Ellena and Lacey made their way across the street and in to their apartment building.

**************************

Kevin knocked on Ellena’s door for a third time. No answer. “Damn!” He muttered to himself trying to remember if she had said anything about working on Sundays. He was just about to leave when he heard the familiar cheerful chatter of Lacey coming up the stairs.
“Can we have grilled cheese for supper Lala? Can we please?” Lacey hopped onto the top step and waited for Ellena to catch up.
“Lacey, that’s all you ever eat. Grilled cheese for breakfast, grilled cheese for lunch, grilled cheese for a snack. Aren’t you tired of grilled cheese?” Ellena reached the top of the stairs and searched her pocket for her keys.
Lacey jumped up and down and giggled. “It’s my favourite! I love grilled cheese.” She ran down the hallway ahead of Ellena singing, “Grilled cheese, grilled cheese, it’s my faaaaaaaaaaave’rit in the whole wide world!”
“Well hello there!” Kevin smiled at Lacey when she came around the corner. Lacey stopped singing and looked him over wearily. Kevin knelt if front of her. “Are you still mad at me, Lacey? I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn’t mean to lie to you.”
Lacey grinned at him and twirled around. “Do you want to hear my song? Grilled cheese, grilled cheeeeeeeeese. It’s my very very very very very faaaaaaaaaaaave’rit in the whole wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide world.” Ellena came around the corner just in time to see Kevin grab Lacey’s hands and dance with her in the corridor. She leaned against the wall and watched intently. Kevin started to sing Lacey’s song with her as they danced around. Ellena put her hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. She didn’t want to interrupt this moment of pure innocence. A grown man, a very handsome one no less, singing about a sandwich and dancing in an apartment hallway with a three year old. How sweet can you get?

Ellena watched Kevin and Lacey dance until she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Kevin immediately looked up to see her smiling at him.
“Hi!” He smiled as he swung Lacey up onto his shoulders.
“Look at me Lala! I’m bigger than you!” Lacey squealed from her high perch.
Ellena squinted and shaded her eyes. She peered up at Lacey. “Lacey? Is that you? I can’t see you! You’re so tall!” Lacey giggled and waved down at Ellena.
Ellena turned her attention to Kevin and smiled. His heart stopped for a second when her gray eyes met his. She looked glad to see him. This was good. She reached out her hand and squeezed his arm, sending chills through his body. “Hi! What brings you to this neck of the woods?”
“I heard a rumour that there were two beautiful ladies living in this building and I wanted to see them for myself.” Kevin grinned. Lacey giggled.
“I see. You should know better than to believe rumours.” Ellena replied and unlocked the door to the apartment. She stepped in and motioned for Kevin to follow. He whispered to Lacey to watch her head and ducked through the doorway.
“I usually don’t but in this case it was true.” Kevin reached around to set Lacey down on the floor. Her little feet shuffled against the hardwood.
“Lala, I’m hungry hungry hungry.” She sang.
“Okay munchkin, what do you want for supper?”
Lacey grinned slyly and replied. “Grilled cheese.”
Ellena fell to her knees in front of the child and held her head in her hands. “No no no no!” She wailed dramatically. “I can’t take any more grilled cheese.” Lacey giggled more as Ellena pretended to freak out. “I can’t do it any more. I’m going to turn yellow from eating so many grilled cheese sandwiches. Don’t make me have grilled cheese for supper. Please.” Ellena bowed down to Lacey’s feet. “Please don’t make me do it!” Kevin smiled as he watched the two play. Lacey continued to giggle as Ellena grinned at Kevin and stood up.
“You’re not going to ask me for a grilled cheese are you?” Ellena winked at him.
Kevin laughed. “No – I have seen what that request would do to you.”
“Pizza!” Lacey chirped from behind them. “Pizza pizza pizza, I wanna pizza!”
“Hey kiddo, that sounds like a good idea.” Ellena took off her shoes and helped Lacey do the same. “Should we ask Kevin if he wants to stay for pizza?” Lacey nodded enthusiastically. Kevin caught his breath as Ellena’s gray eyes met his again. “Well…what do you say? Are you up for an evening with a hyper-active three year old and her psycho care-giver?” She asked.
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do!” Kevin replied and followed the two girls further into the apartment.
“Okay Lacey, you go wash the ice cream off of you and I’ll get everything ready.” Lacey raced down the hallway to the bathroom with a squeal. Ellena motioned for Kevin to follow her into the kitchen. There, he sat down at the counter and watched Ellena pour three glasses of iced tea.
“So why are you really here?” She set one glass in front of him.
“I wanted to see you again.” He replied.
“I’m glad.” She smiled. “I was beginning to wonder if you forgot to ask my phone number on purpose.”
Kevin took a drink of his iced tea and sighed. “No, I didn’t forget on purpose. My mind wasn’t exactly on your phone number when I left here Thursday night.”
Lacey returned and took a chair beside Kevin. “It’s gonna be the bestest pizza in the whole wide world.” She stated matter-of-factly to him.
“It is huh?” He asked. Lacey nodded. “Where do you order it from?”
Lacey frowned at him and turned to Ellena. “What’s he mean Lala?”
“We don’t order it Kevin – we make it! Right squirt?” Ellena flipped on of Lacey’s blond pigtails in the air.
“Yep – wanna help? I get to sprinkle on the peppa-woni and cheese.” Lacey asked Kevin excitedly.
Kevin turned to Ellena. “How can I say no to that?”
“Believe me, it’s pretty tough.” Ellena answered.
Ellena busied herself preparing pizza dough as she listened to Lacey tell Kevin about her new kite. She smiled to herself when she heard Kevin talk just as excitedly as Lacey did. How many guys could engage in a conversation with a three-year-old and sound genuinely interested?
Once the pizza crusts were ready, Kevin and Lacey took turns putting mushrooms, green peppers, pineapple and pepperoni over the tomato sauce in silly shapes and faces. Ellena couldn’t help but laugh at Lacey’s shrieks of excitement over Kevin’s pizza monster that he had created. With the pizza warming in the oven and Ellena cleaning up the mess, Lacey led Kevin out of the kitchen by the hand and gave him a tour of their apartment. A few minutes later Ellena found them playing blocks on the floor of Lacey’s room.
“We’re building the awful tower!” Lacey announced when she saw Ellena enter the room. Ellena sat down on the floor next to Lacey and smiled at Kevin. Kevin’s eyes twinkled in amusement at Lacey’s interpretation of their block structure.
“Wow! That is the greatest awful tower I’ve ever seen.” Ellen said between giggles. Kevin picked up another block to add to the growing tower. As he placed it on top, the tower wavered and toppled to the floor.
Lacey frowned. “You’re not very good at this Kevin.” She put her chubby hands on her hips. “Do you wanna play Barbies?”
Kevin’s head snapped up to look at Ellena. Ellena was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep a straight face. “Yes, Kevin. You should practice your block building techniques more. Maybe you should just stick with playing Barbies for now. It’s more you speed.” She said with an evil grin. Kevin’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to make a witty comeback but couldn’t think of one.
“Yippeeeee!’’ Lacey squealed and jumped up from the floor. She struggled to pull a large box off her bookshelf and dropped it on the floor in front of Kevin. Lacey opened the box and pulled out two dolls. She dumped a mound of doll clothes on the floor and handed one of the dolls to Kevin. “You can play with this one.” Kevin broke off his gaze with Ellena and looked at the doll in his hand.
Ellena stood up and straightened her clothes. “I’ll go check on the pizza. Lacey you should let Kevin play with the Barbie in the pink dress. It’s more his style!” Ellena winked at Kevin, turned on her heel and left the room. Kevin was shocked speechless, yet again.
Lacey held up a Barbie to Kevin. “You like pink too? It’s my favourite colour. You can play with this one.” Lacey traded Barbies with Kevin. She walked a doll across the floor in front of her and spoke in her most grown up voice. “Hi! My name is Barbie what’s your name?”
“I can not believe this!” Kevin mumbled under his breath. He held his doll up in a standing position and replied in his most feminine voice. “My name is Jennifer. Nice to meet you Barbie.”
Lacey giggled. “Wanna go shopping?”
“Okay.” Kevin answered in a high voice.

“No!” Lacey reprimanded. “That dress is on backwards.” Lacey rifled through the mound of doll clothes on the floor and tossed a dress at Kevin. “This one is prettier.”
Kevin, once again, rolled his eyes and groaned. He held the dress in one hand and a naked Barbie doll in the other.
Ellena sneaked around the corner into the doorway of Lacey’s bedroom. Being careful not to be heard, she focussed her camera and clicked a picture. Kevin blinked at the flash, then swung around to face her just in time to see a few wisps of hair disappear around the door frame. He jumped up from his sitting position and yelled. “Oh no you didn’t!” He crossed the room in a single stride and looked into the hallway.
Ellena’s back was to him as she hurried towards the kitchen. She threw a devious smile over her shoulder. “I wonder what one of those teen pin-up magazines would give to see that!” She yelled. “I think I’ll – “ She ended the sentence with a shriek of surprise when she heard Kevin’s footsteps quicken on the hardwood. He followed her down the hall and into the living room. Ellena ran past the fireplace and knocked her shin against the coffee table. Kevin took the opportunity to grab her shirt. Ellena screamed again and yanked her shirt free from his grasp.
“I’ll get you!” Kevin grinned as Ellena ran around a chair.
By this time Lacey had caught up to them and was jumping up and down clapping. “Run Lala! Hurry!”, she cheered from the side of the room. Ellena threw two cushions at Kevin, hitting him square in the face but not succeeding in slowing him down. Kevin chased Ellena around the room three times when she finally stopped with the couch between them. She was laughing so hard she could barely speak. She held her hand up.
“Okay truce okay? I give. I give!” Her eyes widened comically as Kevin leapt over the back of the couch and grabbed her around the waist. She tried to back away from him. She wasn’t quick enough to get away but he was quick enough to catch her as she lost her footing. His strong arms tightened around her waist as she felt her back come against the wall. Ellena closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of him. Kevin steadied himself with both hands against the wall and leaned into her. Their bodies touched as their breath mingled.
“This will teach you.” Kevin whispered huskily. He bent his head to claim his prize. DING! The timer on the oven rang interrupting him before his lips touched hers.
“Oh goody!” Lacey cheered. “Pizza pizza pizza!”
Ellena’s eyes flew open to stare directly into his. She arched one eyebrow mischievously and smiled. “Saved by the bell!” She whispered, ducked under his arm and out of his grasp. Kevin groaned and sagged against the wall.
“What do you say Munchkin?” Ellena followed Lacey into the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
Kevin heard Lacey sing about how yummy the pizza would be as he made his way to the kitchen. Ellena avoided eye contact with him while she cut the pizza and put everything on the table. She knew that she would blush a hundred shades of red if she looked at him. Kevin kept the small smile on his lips as he watched Ellena pretend to be un-flustered.
“Kevin!” Lacey grinned. “You can sit aside me at supper!”
“I’d love to!” Kevin took a seat next to Lacey just as Ellena took hers.
“Kevin caught you Lala! Next time you hasta run faster!” Lacey advised between bites of pizza.
Ellena blushed and flipped Lacey’s pigtail. “Yes, next time I’ll have to run faster.”
Kevin never took his eyes from Ellena as he replied to Lacey. “Ellena can run as fast as she can but I will still catch her.” He meant it in more ways than one.

Two hours later, they were settled in the living room watching Aladdin. Ellena had strategically placed Lacey between her and Kevin on the couch, much to Kevin’s chagrin. Lacey had her knees curled up nearly to her chin with her head on Ellena’s lap and her arm around her bunny.
“Don’t you think this part would have more appeal if the song was Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf instead of this sappy Whole New World bit?” Ellena asked Kevin.
Kevin chuckled. “That would definitely make it more interesting.”
Lacey whimpered and shifted her little body. Kevin’s arm shot out and caught her before she fell to the floor. Ellena giggled as Lacey mumbled something inaudible and remained asleep.
“Looks like this one needs to go to bed.” Ellena stood up and gathered Lacey into her arms. “I’ll be back.” She smiled at Kevin and took Lacey to her room.
Kevin watched Ellena disappear down the hall and sighed. She was so amazing to him. He wanted to know everything about her. What was the story of her mysterious past? Why was he so drawn to her? Why wouldn’t she let him kiss her earlier in the living room? She had been so close that he could smell the lavender in her hair. He had been so close. Kevin ran his hands through his hair and cursed the timer on the oven out loud.
“Is everything all right?” Ellena re-entered the living room hearing Kevin’s stream of obscenities.
“Oh yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking out loud.” Kevin replied.
Ellena giggled. “It is way too late in the day to be thinking at all.” She leaned across the couch to the end table and opened the drawer. She took out a pen and paper, wrote something down and handed it to Kevin.
He read it and smiled. “Is this a hint?”
“No, it’s just in case you want to come over and play Barbies with Lacey again. You can call me first.” She replied with a grin.
Kevin rolled his eyes and put the phone number in his pocket. “I should be going. I have a hellish week scheduled.” They both got up and walked to the door.
“So do I.” Ellena countered. “I have dance team practice tomorrow afternoon and then another dance class in the evening. My boss at the club has been bugging me to pick up an extra shift during the week.”
“And you don’t want to?” Kevin asked.
“Not really. Lacey is left with a sitter enough as it is and Mrs. Craig doesn’t have the energy to keep her more than she already is.”
“So why don’t you just tell him you can’t take the extra shift?”
“It’s not that easy Kevin.” Ellena frowned. Kevin was about to question her but decided against it. Ellen changed the subject. “If you ever feel like eating pizza monsters and watching cartoons, you know where to find me.”
Kevin brought his hand up to rest against Ellena’s cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned in to him. He bent his head and kissed her gently. Ellena raised up on her toes to deepen the pressure of the kiss. She slid her arms around his neck and brought herself closer to his chest. Kevin pulled his lips away from hers and trailed kisses along her jaw line. A soft moan escaped Ellena’s throat.
Kevin straightened and gave Ellena one last kiss. “I really should be going now.”
“Yes, you should.” She replied breathlessly.
“Good night Ellena.” Kevin whispered, opened the door and left.
Ellena returned to living room and turned off the movie and VCR. Her mind replayed what Kevin had said at dinner. Ellena can run as fast as she can but I will still catch her. His double meaning had not been lost on her. If only he knew, she thought, if only.

Although Kevin had an extremely busy week in the recording studio, he managed to find time to call Ellena twice. He loved the way she laughed on the phone and he was quickly learning more and more about her.
Ellena had a busy week too. Ken had talked her into working an extra shift. Actually, it was more like he forced her into taking an extra shift, but Ellena bit her tongue and accepted it. She was just biding her time until she could quit that club altogether. The dance team was greatly improving. Regional competitions were not too far off and Ellena had a good feeling about this year’s routine.
Cherry had been over to look after Lacey on Thursday night again, as Mrs. Craig always played bridge that night. Cherry filled Ellena in on her disastrous date from Saturday night and took Lacey shopping while Ellena worked her extra shift at the club. Ellena agreed to give Cherry some extra help with her dancing before her competition in three weeks. Cherry was up for a dance award that was a full scholarship to study at the conservatory. Ellena couldn’t be prouder of Cherry if she had been her own daughter. Ellena vowed that she would do anything and everything she could to help Cherry achieve the dream that Ellena never had the opportunity to pursue.
Kevin mentioned during one phone conversation that he would be free for Sunday afternoon. Ellena seized the opportunity to invite him over for pizza with Lacey again. Lacey was still talking about the pizza monster he had made and wanted to make another one.
Sunday morning came very early after Ellena pulled another double shift at the club the night before. Cherry had slept over so she could baby sit Lacey. Ellena and Cherry worked on Cherry’s dancing all morning in the park across the street. Finally Cherry begged for a break and sat down in the grass. Ellena shut off the music and sat beside her.
"Are you nervous about you audition Cherry?"
"No. I know I have a good routine – how can it not be? You were my teacher! I really want this scholarship. It’s what I have been working towards since I started dancing."
"You’re going to do great. We still have two weeks to work out any wrinkles."
"Will you come with me to the audition, Ell?"
"I wouldn’t miss it for the world!" Ellena put her arm around Cherry’s shoulders. "What are your plans for tonight?"
"Just going home, I guess. Mom and Dad went to watch Jeff play football." Cherry shrugged.
"Jeff, your big brother? I didn’t know he was on a team."
"Yep, University of Orlando. My Dad nearly bursts with pride every time he brags to his friends."
"Trust me Cherry, I know all about living in the shadow of an older brother. Once you get this scholarship, you won’t have to worry about it."
"Yeah, If I get the scholarship."
"You will – Trust me. Now get your stuff. You’re coming to my place for supper."
"But I thought your new date was coming for supper." Cherry whined.
"He is. I want you to meet him." Ellena stood and held a hand out to help Cherry up.
"Cool!" Cherry picked her CD player up and fell in step beside Ellena.
After picking up Lacey from Mrs. Craig’s, the three girls hurried up to the apartment. Ellena and Cherry each took a shower after dancing hard for the afternoon. Cherry raided Ellena’s closet again while Ellena and Lacey made pizza dough in the kitchen.
The knock at the door came precisely at six. Ellena washed the flour off her hands and checked herself in the hall mirror on the way by. She held her breath as she turned the doorknob and swung the door open. Kevin stood in the corridor looking incredible in a cream sweater and dark blue jeans. He grinned as her eyes swept up his body.
"Hi!" She smiled shyly. "Come in."
He stepped into the apartment and kissed her on the cheek. "I’m glad you suggested this. I have had one hell of a week and I really needed to get away." He held both her hands in his and studied her face.
"Hey Ell! Where is that turquoise sweater with the yellow stripe?" A voice yelled from the bedroom down the hall. Kevin jumped in surprise at hearing another person in the apartment.
Ellena laughed. "Oh yeah, by the way – we are not alone. That’s my best friend, Cherry."
"Lala! I spilled!" Lacey yelled from the kitchen.
"Ellena? Did you hear me?" Cherry yelled down the hallway again.
"Uh oh, Barbie got tomaters in her hair." Kevin’s eyes twinkled when he heard Lacey from the kitchen.
Kevin kissed Ellena again on the cheek. "You go that way, I’ll go this way. Maybe we’ll meet again." He squeezed her hands and then let go.
"Thanks." Ellena whispered and turned down the hallway before Cherry started yelling at her again.
Kevin found Lacey in the kitchen in a puddle of tomato sauce. She was dragging her doll through it making marks on the counter top.
"Hi Kevin!" Lacey said excitedly. "Look! Barbie is skating." Kevin’s laughter could be heard all the way down the hallway and in the bedroom.
"Is that him?" Cherry questioned.
"Yes, he just got here." Ellena answered, slightly muffled because she was in the closet searching for the dreaded sweater. "Here. I found it." She emerged and threw the garment at Cherry. Cherry unfolded it and pulled it over her head.
"Thanks for inviting me tonight Ell. I’ve been wanting to meet this guy who’s put the twinkle in your eye."
"Oh shut up. I don’t have a twinkle in my eye."
"Yes you do!" Cherry argued. She turned her friend to face the mirror. "Look. See? There it is."
Ellena smiled at her reflection. "Oh there." She said bashfully.
"Now come on and introduce me to this stud." Cherry put her hand on the doorknob to leave the bedroom.
"Oh Cherry? There’s something I should tell you before you meet Kevin." Ellena stopped her.
"Oh and what’s that?" Cherry asked.
"Well, he’s kind of famous." Ellena replied.
"What do you mean kind of famous? What’s his last name? Maybe I’ve heard of him."
"Richardson." Ellena replied.
"Kevin Richardson…" Cherry thought for a moment. "Nope! Doesn’t ring a bell…Kevin Richar – oh my god!" Ellena scrunched up her face in anticipation of what would happen next. Cherry punched her on the shoulder.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Ellena whined.
"That’s for not telling me you were dating – oh my god – Kevin Richardson. Oh my god! Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys."
Ellena grinned as Cherry repeated "Oh my god." About forty more times. "He’s in the kitchen with Lacey right now. I’m going to go out and clean up whatever mess Lacey has managed to make. You can stay in here until you compose yourself." Ellena grinned evilly.
"I hate you, Ell." Cherry grinned.
Ellena opened the door. "You love me – I know you do!" She said with a wink.

Ellena found Kevin and Lacey in the kitchen. Kevin had already cleaned up the tomato sauce off the counter and was washing Lacey’s Barbie doll in the sink.
“If you don’t quit playing with Lacey’s dolls, I’m going to buy you one of your own.” Ellena said with a smirk.
Kevin gave out a low chuckle. “I have absolutely no comeback for that.”
“Hmm speechless again?” She giggled while helping Lacey off her chair. “Lacey, go get Cherry. Tell her there’s someone I want her to meet.” Lacey ran out of the kitchen.
Thankful for a little time alone, Kevin moved closer to Ellena and rested his hands on her waist. Without a word, she circled her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. He lifted one hand to her face and tilted her head to meet his gaze. Her lightning-grey eyes stared back at him. He chose that moment to study them. He didn’t miss the play of emotions in her expression; passion, innocence, fear, trust and most of all vulnerability. Ellena closed her eyes as he ran his thumb over her soft pink lips.
“Cough cough ahemahemahemahem AHEM!” Both Kevin and Ellena turned to see Cherry standing at the door way with a wide grin on her face. Lacey was on Cherry’s back with her tiny arms wrapped around her neck. Cherry cocked an eyebrow at Kevin and gave a knowing look to Ellena. Lacey covered her mouth and snickered. Kevin stepped away from Ellena and dropped his hands to his sides. Ellena pushed away from the counter and stood between Cherry and Kevin. She discreetly flipped Cherry the bird.
“Cherry, I’d like you to met Kevin.” She said turning to Cherry. “Kevin, this is my best friend, Cherry.”
Kevin took a step towards Cherry and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you Cherry.” Cherry shook his hand and nodded.
Cherry grinned evilly and replied. “You’re blushing.” She said flatly.
“So are you.” He countered with a smile.
“Touch�.” She laughed.
“Hi Kebin!” Lacey chirped and slid off Cherry’s back to the floor.
“Hi Kiddo! How are you?” He ruffled her hair.
“Good. Are you gonna help me make pizza monters again?” She peered up at him.
“Course I am!” He picked her up and set her on one of the barstools at the counter.
“Let’s make this one really really scary okay?”
The rest of the meal went off without a hitch. Cherry managed to maintain her composure and not dissolve into a puddle of screams and oh-my-god-it’s-Kevin-from-the-backstreet-boys’s every time she looked at Kevin. Around eight o’clock, Cherry got up to leave, saying she had an exam the next day.
After saying good bye to Lacey, she turned to Kevin, narrowed her eyes and pointed to him. “Don’t forget that there is a child in your midst. Keep it g-rated.” Kevin’s eyes grew wide.
“Cherry dear?” Ellena said sweetly.
“Yes Ell, honey?”
“Get out.”
“I’m going!” She giggled, heading for the door. “It was nice to meet you Kevin.” She yelled over her shoulder.
“Nice to meet you too.”
“I’ll see you at practice tomorrow morning Ell. Don’t be late.”
“Cherry?” Ellena chirped.
“Yes Ell?”
“Out!” She repeated and pointed to the door.
“Okay! I’m going! Gee! Tough crowd.” She giggled before she closed the door behind her.
Ellena sat back down on the couch and Lacey curled up beside her with her head on Ellena’s lap. Ellena pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and arranged it over Lacey’s tiny figure. She ran the palm of her hand across Lacey’s forehead to brush her blond curls out of her eyes. She softly hummed a melody that was unfamiliar to Kevin as she rubbed Lacey’s back. They sat in comfortable silence until the only sound in the room was Lacey’s rhythmic breathing. Ellena smiled up at Kevin and whispered that she was going to put Lacey to bed. She gathered Lacey into her arms, swaddled in the blanket and crept down the hall to Lacey’s room. She returned moments later.
“You look tired Kevin.” She stated matter-of-factly.
Kevin sighed and slouched further into the overstuffed cushions. “I had a crazy week.”
“I thought you were supposed to be on vacation.”
“We are but here are still appearances and interviews. I also work with a few charities myself. I never get a break.”
“I know how you feel.” Ellena replied grimly. “I’ve picked up more shifts at the club. Between that and practicing for cheer leader competitions, I barely saw Lacey this week.”
Kevin reached over and slid his arms around Ellena’s waist. He pulled her across the couch and into his lap. Ellena immediately brought her hands up to rest on his chest. “You work too hard Ellena. I don’t know how you do it all. Where do you find the energy?”
Ellena shrugged. “I do what I have to.” He was finding it hard to keep her mind on the conversation with Kevin’s fingertips drawing circles across the side of her neck and down her throat. “You’ve never told me why you feel it’s necessary for you to work three jobs.” Without waiting for a reply he dipped his head and tasted the tender skin at her collarbone. He felt her muscles go slightly rigid and he brought his head back up to look her in the eye. “Why are you afraid of me?”

“I’m not afraid of you, Kevin.” Ellena’s eyes wrinkled in confusion.
“Then why won’t you let me kiss you? That first night we were out together you said you had never met a man with honorable intentions. Is that what you think of me?”
“No, Kevin. I don’t think that at all.” She whispered. She lifted her head back up to look in his eyes. “To be honest, I haven’t had feelings like this for a very long time. It’s a little overwhelming, considering the circumstances.”
“What circumstances might that be?” Kevin was curious.
“Nothing big really. Just the situation my life is in right now. You caught me completely off guard, Kevin, I wasn’t expecting something like this to happen.”
“Something like what?” Kevin continued to press for answers.
“Something like this.” Ellena slid her hands up Kevin’s chest to the sides of his face. She boldly kissed him on the mouth, pulling away before he could respond. “Something like this.” She whispered again and flicked her tongue against the length of his throat. “Something like this.” She kissed the tender skin of his neck below his ear.
Kevin closed his eyes as a moan escaped his lips. He twisted on the couch until she was off his lap. His mouth found hers and seared it with a hungry kiss. Ellena tilted her head to deepen the pressure. She whimpered softly when his tongue gently flicked against hers. With one arm around her back and one hand fisted in her hair, he followed her down as she lay back on the couch.
Ellena slowly unbuttoned Kevin’s shirt and pulled it open to reveal a taut, tanned chest. She ran her fingers lightly along the skin, giving him goose bumps. Kevin drew in a sharp breath as she found the ticklish area at his waist and let out a soft chuckle. Ellena grinned to herself and bent her head to kiss him again. His lips were like fire and they branded her mouth, then her chin, and then her throat. Down to her collarbone, Kevin trailed kisses and tasted her delicate flesh with is tongue and teeth. Ellena moaned and ripped open the remaining buttons on Kevin’s shirt. She pushed it over one shoulder and then the other until his biceps were exposed. Kevin’s fingers found their way to the hemline of Ellena’s sweater and folded it back. “Kevin.” She whispered between his kisses. His fingertips grazed her flat stomach and he felt her muscles tighten as she tried to sit up. “Kevin, stop.”
He half expected this. He had expected her to try to shut him out again, just as she did when he asked questions about anything personal. “Ellena, let your guard down to me. I won’t do anything to hurt you.” He breathed. Then he heard too.
“Lala! Where are you? Lala!” Lacey screamed from her bedroom. Kevin immediately sat up. Ellena leapt of the couch and ran down the hall to Lacey’s room. Lacey was screaming and thrashing about the bed. Ellena pulled the blankets away and gathered Lacey in her arms.
“Lacey, it’s okay baby. I’m here, I’m here.” Ellena soothed and rocked Lacey back and forth. Lacey’s eyes were wide as she whimpered and wrapped her arms around Ellena’s neck. She squeezed Ellena in a tight bear hug. “It’s all right baby, you just had a bad dream.”
Lacey nodded. “You left me all by myself. I yelled but you didn’t stop. I saw you out the window.” She started to cry. Ellena continued to rock her and whisper words of comfort.
Kevin ran his hands roughly through his hair and got up from the couch. He buttoned his shirt up and tucked it back into his jeans. What was he thinking? Ellena deserved better than a quick romp on the couch. He had started it by pressing her for too many answers. Shaking his head at his own zealous stupidity, he crept down the hall to Lacey’s bedroom door. He watched Ellena cradle Lacey in her arms. He had never seen a bond between a woman and a child so strong before. He was in awe and admiration of the intensity of the love that Ellena had for Lacey.
Lacey sniffed and lifted her head off Ellena’s shoulder. “Why did you go and not take me Lala? I wanted to go with you.”
“Shh shh Lacey. It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere without you.” Lacey laid her head back down on Ellena’s shoulder as she rocked back and forth. Ellena tightened her arms around Lacey’s tiny body and closed her eyes. “I’ll never leave you.” She promised. Her face etched with pain and a tear slid down Ellena’s cheek. Kevin fought the urge to go to her and kiss it away. He didn’t want to interrupt this precious moment. He wondered why such a beautiful promise would cause such a look of anguish on her face. Making sure that Ellena wouldn’t hear him, Kevin returned to the living room and sat down on the couch.
Ellena cradled Lacey until he was once again asleep. She lifted her back on to the bed and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She whispered good night and kissed her on the forehead. She returned to the living room and sat down in the chair across from Kevin. She was quite certain that if she had sat next to him again, she would have let him go much further than she was prepared to go at this moment. She realized for the first time that she had been crying and quickly wiped the tears off her face. Kevin chose to pretend he hadn’t seen her tears.
“Is she all right?”
“Yes, she’s fine. She won’t even remember in the morning.”
Kevin nodded, not sure of what he should say next. A moment ago they were at the edge of something magical. “Ellena, I’m not sure of what to say to you right now. I can see that there are so many things below the surface that you won’t or can’t tell me about.” Kevin got off the couch and dropped to his knees in front of her. “I don’t know if I could help you but I would do everything I could to try.” Ellena’s mouth opened to reply. He put his finger up to her lips to silence her. “No, don’t say anything.” He took her head in his hands and kissed her gently on the mouth. “I’m going to go. I’ll call you tomorrow. Please say you’ll think about what I’ve said.” Ellena nodded. Kevin kissed her one last time before he rose. Seconds later, Ellena heard the door close behind him as he left the apartment. Only then did she let her own tears flow freely.

Three days had passed since Kevin had made his plea to Ellena. He had called her, just as he said he would. He hadn’t spoken to her though. He always got the answering machine. He left messages and his phone number but his phone never rang. Kevin was more frustrated than ever. The depth of the feelings that he had for her had completely blindsided him. He was worried that he was getting in over his head. He didn’t know very much about this woman and whenever he tried to learn more, he was met with a wall. He had decided to talk to someone about it. The first person to come to mind was Brian. Half way through the conversation, Kevin wished he had chosen to talk to someone else about it.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually considering having a relationship with this woman!” Brian asked incredulously.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m telling you.” Kevin replied, shocked at Brian’s reaction. “What would be wrong with that?”
“Where do I start? She’s a single mother, she works at a strip club…”
“First of all,” Kevin argued. “She’s not a stripper and the kid is her niece. I still don’t see what the big deal is.”
“The deal is you are a Backstreet boy. A Backstreet boy – if the press gets wind of this, do you know what they would do? Think of the fans Kev.”
“I’m tired of thinking of the fans. It’s time I thought about me for once. Don’t we all deserve a shot at happiness? Do you think I care if little Sandy Tweeters down the street kisses my poster every night and thinks she’s going to marry me someday? Get real Brian. Don’t you think there is more to our lives than the group?”
“No, right now my life is the group and I expect no less from the rest of you.” Brian stood abruptly and left the room.
Kevin let out a long breath. “No, tell me, Brian. How do you really feel?” He said sarcastically.
Maybe if Brian would spend a little more time around her, he would realize that she’s really a sweet girl. Maybe he would understand what it was about her that had Kevin completely hooked. Making up his mind that this was a good idea; he picked up his phone and dialed Ellena’s number. The machine picked up after two rings.
“Hi you’ve reached Ellena and Lacey.” Kevin chuckled to hear Lacey yell “Hiyeeee” in the background. “We can’t take your call right now but please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.” Kevin hung up. He had talked to her answering machine too many times since he had seen her last. Turning off his phone, he decided that he would go find her himself.

“Mrs. Craig, I managed to get Saturday night off to go to the Latin ballroom singles dance. Are you still coming with me? All my students will be there, including Mr. Reynolds.” Ellena wiggled her eyebrows at the woman across the table.
“Oh yes, dear, I’ll be there.”
“Great! You can be my date.”
“Tell me Ellena, why don’t you ask that nice young man who sent you flowers?”
Ellena grimaced. “I’m sure he’s busy and even if he isn’t, I doubt he would want to spend an evening ballroom dancing.”
“It sounds to me like you are making excuses.”
Ellena’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “No! I’m not. I’m sure he has plans for Saturday night.”
“You’ve spent so much time and energy building up your defenses that you forgot about the rest. Ask him to the dance. I bet you he says yes.” Mrs. Craig’s eyes twinkled.
“I’ll think about it.” Ellena replied. “I really have to go now. I only have another hour before I have to go to work.” Ellena stood up and walked to the door. “Lacey! Time to go.” She called through the screen. Lacey’s tiny feet tramped up the stairs and through the door. “Do you hasta work tonight Lala?”
Ellena knelt in front of the child. “Yes, I have to work tonight. Cherry is going to take care of you okay?”
Lacey stuck her lower lip out in a pout and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t want you to work tonight. I want you to stay with me.” She demanded.
“I know honey. Soon I’ll be able to spend more time with you. I promise.”
Ellena picked her up and said good bye to Mrs. Craig. Lacey continued to pout all the way home. Ellena’s heart twisted at the sight of Lacey like this. Once they arrived in the apartment, Ellena checked her messages and Lacey disappeared into her room. Ellena had expected Kevin to call again, even though she hadn’t returned his three calls of earlier in the week. She picked up the phone and dialed Kevin’s number from memory. She heard a phone ring on the other side of the apartment door at the same time.

“Hello?” Ellena’s heart melted at the sound of Kevin’s warm greeting.
“Kevin. Hi, it’s me. How are you?”
“Ellena? I’m fine. How-“
“Listen Kevin I’m sorry I didn’t return your call after what you said the other night. I wasn’t sure of what to say and I haven’t had time to take a breath in the last four days, much less have a decent phone conversation.”
“Are you at home right now?”
“Yes, but not for long. I have to be at work in an hour and a half. Are you-” She was interrupted by a knock at her door. “Can you hand on a sec? Someone just knocked on my door.” She set the phone down and went for the door. When she opened it, Kevin was standing in the hallway with his phone to his ear and a grin on his face.
Her face immediately brightened. She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside the apartment. Kevin found himself being squeezed in a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been so busy it’s been a little overwhelming.” Kevin brought his hands up to her waist and held her out at arm’s length. She looked tired and worn out.
He voiced his concern. “Ellena, how much sleep have you gotten in the last week?”
She shrugged. “Enough.” Kevin wasn’t convinced by her one word reply but chose to leave it alone, for now. A loud crash came from down the hallway. Ellena and Kevin both rushed around the corner to Lacey’s room. Books, dolls, and bedding were strewn everywhere across the room. Lacey was sitting on the edge of her bed, kicking her feet against the wall. Ellena went to her and sat beside her. She put her arm around her shoulders but Lacey shoved her away.
“Lacey, tell me what’s wrong.” Ellena bent down to pick up some books off the floor. Lacey slapped them out of her grasp and they fell to the floor again.
“I don’t want you to go to work.” She huffed. “I want you to stay here with me!”
“I know baby, but I have to work.”
“I don’t care.” Lacey screamed back. “I want you to stay here!”
Exhaustion and emotional stress was too much for Ellena to handle. Hot tears stung the back of her eyes and she blinked them back. “Lacey, please don’t be mad. I’ll be home on Sunday and we’ll spend the whole day together okay? We can go and fly the kite in the park.”
“No! I want you to stay home. I want to go fly the kite now.”
Ellena closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Kevin could tell that her patience were wearing thin.
“I’ll take you to the park, Lacey.” Both Ellena and Lacey turned their heads to face Kevin.
“You will?” Lacey asked hesitantly.
“Sure I will.” He smiled at Ellena who was staring at him in shock.
“Will you stay with me until Lala gets back?”
Ellena protested. “No, he probably has stuff to do and –“
“Sure I will. If it’s okay with Ellena.”
Lacey turned to Ellena. Her pout was replaced with the biggest pleading puppy dog look she had ever seen. She sighed, knowing that she had been defeated. “Yes, he can stay.” She said getting up. “I’ll go phone Cherry and tell her she doesn’t need to come.”
“Yay!” Lacey jumped off the bed and ran to her closet to get out her kite. Kevin helped her reach to the top shelf and get it untangled from the string. He heard Ellena moving about in the living room. After she had phoned Cherry, she didn’t come back into Lacey’s bedroom. Curious to know why, he left Lacey alone and went to find Ellena. He found her leaning against the kitchen counter with her head in her hands.
“Ellena? What wrong?” He brought her into a warm embrace and smoothed her hair with his hand.
“Nothing.” She sniffed. “I’m fine.”
“Liar.”
Ellena sniffed again and giggled at his accusation. “Thank you for doing this. I thought she was going to throw a five star tantrum in there. Are you sure you don’t have plans for tonight?”
Kevin shrugged. “I was hoping you would be free so we could all do something together but Lacey and I will be fine.”
“She’s right you know. I haven’t spent any time with her in the last week. There was a mix up at the club and I got more shifts than I was supposed to.”
“You’re doing the best that you can.” Kevin tried to comfort her.
“That’s the problem. My best has never been good enough.” Ellena rested her cheek against Kevin’s chest. She closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat. It calmed her to hear the steady, rhythmic beat.
“Listen, Kevin. What are you doing on Saturday night? My Latin Ballroom class is having a dance and I have to be there. Would you like to come? It will probably be over early. It’s being held at a retirement home.” She lifted her head to look at him.
“That’s cool. Brian is having a party at his house that night. We can go there after the dance. I’ll pick you up.”
“Great! Oh and do you mind if my neighbour, Mrs. Craig catches a ride with us too?”
“Not at all. What about Lacey?”
“Unfortunately, I have to leave her here again.”
“How long do you have before you have to leave for work?”
Ellena glanced at the clock. “Thirty minutes or so.”
Kevin kissed Ellena’s eyelids and held her close to his chest. “Why don’t you go have a quick sleep before you go? I’ll take care of Lacey.”
Ellena gave him a tired smile and kissed him back. “As much as I’d like to take you up on that offer, I’d rather spent this next half hour with you and Lacey. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” She laughed. She didn’t notice the concerned look on Kevin’s face.

Ellena got back to the apartment late in the night. All was quiet as she dropped her bag in the front closet and took off her shoes. After a check of the kitchen and living room to find Kevin, she wandered down to Lacey’s room. She caught her breath when she took in the scene there. Kevin was stretched out on his back with his sock feet hanging off the end of the bed. He had one arm around Lacey and one arm hung off the side of the bed. Lacey’s favorite storybook was laid flat across his stomach, forgotten in his slumber. Lacey was snuggled under the blankets clutching her stuffed rabbit in one arm. Her head was resting on Kevin’s chest. Her little blond curls were fanned out across the dark fabric of his T-shirt. Although Lacey looked very content, Kevin looked a little cramped. Ellena pulled the blanket down and gathered Lacey into her arms. Lacey whimpered a little and Ellena quickly hushed her. Kevin rolled over and hugged the pillow to him. Ellena, trying not to giggle too loud, pulled the blanket over his body and switched off the lamp.
She walked into her own bedroom and put Lacey in one side of her double bed. She quickly changed into a nightshirt and crawled under the covers beside the little girl. She drifted off to sleep with the image of Kevin reading fairy tales to Lacey.

Kevin woke with a crink in his neck. His feet were hanging off the end of the bed and he realized that Lacey was gone and he had been covered up. Remembering that he had a group meeting early that morning, he decided he’s better leave, even though Ellena and Lacey weren’t awake yet. He stumbled into the kitchen and found a pen a paper. He scribbled a quick note to Ellena and left it on the table beside his cel phone. He found his jacket and car keys and quietly slipped out the door.

He arrived 10 minutes late for the group meeting. Brian glared at him when he opened the door and took a seat in the last empty chair.
“Hey Kev, ‘bout time you joined us.” Nick laughed and set a cup of coffee down in front of him. “What the hell happened to you? I tried to phone you this morning but your phone was shut off. You look like hell.”
“Gee thanks, Nick. I always feel so much better after your compliments.” Kevin ran his hands through his hair. He knew he looked awful. He was still wearing the clothes he had slept in and his chin was covered in day-old beard growth.
“Aren’t those the same clothes you were wearing yesterday? What the hell were you up to last night Romeo?” Nick teased.
“I see you decided against taking my advice.” Brian said flatly from across the room.
Kevin turned the chair to face him and answered. “I believe I only asked for your opinion, which I got. I didn’t ask for your advice.”
“You were only late ten minutes for this meeting. How long will it be before you’re missing them all together? How much of an interference are you going to allow this to be?”
“I’m not going to let that happen Brian.” Kevin leaned back in his chair.
“You already have.” Brian gave him a hard look before shifting his attention to the meeting that was taking place in their midst.

(****************)

The morning came too soon for Ellena. She managed to drag herself out of bed and into the shower before Mrs. Craig arrived. She discovered the note from Kevin in the kitchen.

Ellena,

I had to leave without saying good bye. I didn’t want to wake you. You don’t get enough sleep as it is. I’m leaving you my cel phone so I can hear your voice whenever I want. Keep it on and I’ll call you today.

Kevin

With the regional competition only a week away, Ellena made the girls work extremely hard that morning. The routine was perfect, she just wanted to make sure it stayed that way for the competition.
“Kristen! Keep your arms straight! Nicole! Make sure you tuck properly for the basket toss!” The dance team ran through their routine and music while she shouted at the little imperfections that could be improved. “Okay, one more time and you can hit the showers.” Ellena cued up the CD for one last play and pushed the play button. The music blasted the gym and the girls danced with all their energy. Noticing that the red light on Kevin’s phone was flashing, Ellena picked it up and shouted over the music.
“Hello?”
“Hey Ellena. It’s me.” Kevin was silent for a minute, listening to the noise in the background. “Where are you?” He questioned.
“Morning practice. Competition is in a week.” Ellen replied, not taking her eyes off the dancers. “Can you hang on a sec?” Ellen dropped the phone and yelled. “Charlene! That’s a slide to your left, not a bounce! Kristen! Straighten your arms!” Kevin chuckled as he listened to her shout orders. It wasn’t that much unlike his dance rehearsals. He heard the phone being shuffled around and Ellena came back on.
“Okay I’m back.”
“I know you’re busy. I just wanted to see how you were and tell you to have a good day.”
Ellena smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Well thank you. You just made my morning. - Cherry! Three steps to your right! – Sorry. Can I call you later tonight?”
“No, I’m booked for the rest of the day and all tomorrow too. I’ll see you Saturday when I pick you up.”
“Okay.” Ellena knew he could hear the disappointment in her voice. “Kevin, thank you for what you did lastnight.”
“Any time Ellena. Bye.”
“Bye.” She hung up and watched the girls finish their routine.

Between shifts at the club and extra dance team practices, Saturday came faster than Ellena expected. She hadn’t gotten much sleep but had managed to spend some time with Lacey. It was only an hour here or there but it was all the time she could spare for now. Cherry had arrived to look after Lacey and Ellena was in her bedroom getting ready for the dance. She stood in front of the full-length mirror and looked her reflection up and down. She was wearing a classic, simple, black dress that showed off her shapely dancer’s legs. The gold chain she wore around her throat accented the wide boat neck. She fastened her favourite strappy dancing shoes and returned to the mirror. Turning from side to side, she criticized every minute imperfection.
"You look great. Stop worrying.” Cherry’s voice startled her.
Ellena sighed. “Thanks. Where is the brat?”
“She’s watching Aladdin again.”
Ellena snickered. “I gotta get her some new movies.”
“Kevin is here.”
“Here? Already? He’s early!” Ellena’s hands flew to her hair and she glanced in the mirror again. Cherry had helped her twist her hair up into a french roll and fastened it with a jeweled clip. Cherry wasn’t lying when she stated that she looked great. Honestly, she looked amazing. Cherry picked up the shimmery gold wrap off the bed and draped it around Ellena’s shoulders.
“Have a good time tonight. Don’t worry about anything. Have fun and relax for once in your life.” Cherry hugged her.
“I will.” Both girls emerged from the bedroom. Kevin was sitting on the couch laughing at Lacey, who was reciting every word of the movie from memory. Cherry crouched on the floor beside Lacey. “Hey munchkin! Whaddya say we go get some junk food?” Lacey nodded enthusiastically and climbed on to Cherry for a piggyback ride. Cherry galloped into the kitchen.
“No diet coke please – she’ll never go to sleep!” Ellena called after them. Kevin turned around at the sound of her voice. He hadn’t realized she was in the room. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head when he noticed how she looked. He stood up and went to her. “Ellena! You’re beautiful!” Ellena shifted her weight from one foot to the other, uncomfortable under his gaze.
“Thank you.” She replied softly. “You look great yourself.”
Kevin looked down at his khaki green, tailored pants and ivory dress shirt. “Thank you.”
Ellena caught Cherry peeking around the corner from the kitchen and giving her a thumbs-up. “We should go.” Ellena said to Kevin. “Mrs. Craig is probably waiting for us.”
Kevin nodded. They said good bye to Lacey and Cherry and left the apartment.
“You realize that we will be the youngest people there by about twenty years?” Ellena asked, once they were outside.
Kevin shrugged. “I sort of expected that so I didn’t bring any security with me tonight.” Ellena hadn’t thought about security for Kevin before. She had always seen him at her apartment in private, except for at the autograph signing and when he picked her up at the club. There must have been security with them at the club since all five of them were there, Ellena thought. She felt a twinge of sadness for Kevin. She had always been able to come and go as she pleased. She couldn’t imagine worrying about being mobbed while picking up milk at the grocery store.
They arrived at the dance on time. Kevin strolled into the dance hall with Mrs. Craig on one arm and Ellena on the other.
“Here comes Mr. Reynolds.” Ellena whispered to Mrs. Craig. “I told him you were coming.”
“Madeleine! Wonderful to see you.” Mr. Reynolds held out his hand as he greeted Mrs. Craig.
“Hello James.” Mrs. Craig replied and put her hand in his. Mr. Reynolds lifted it to his mouth and kissed it. He greeted Ellena in the same way.
“Mr. Reynolds, I’d like you to meet Kevin Richardson.” Kevin and Mr. Reynolds shook hands.
“How do you do? If you don’t mind, I’d like to take this beautiful young lady away from you.”
Kevin grinned. “Of course not.” Mrs. Craig dropped her hand from Kevin’s arm and proceeded to the dance floor with Mr. Reynolds.
Ellena grinned, “I think she’s blushing.”
Kevin looked out on to the dance floor. Ellena had been right. They were the youngest people there by at least twenty years. “So, everyone here is a student of yours?”
“Most of them. I’ve been teaching here for almost three years.”
“Miss Ellena! Miss Ellena, would you like to dance with me?” Ellena recognized the voice to belong to Mr. Greyson, one of her most enthusiastic students. Unfortunately he had two left feet when it came to dancing. Regardless, he was a sweet old man and Ellena had a soft spot for him.
“Of course I would. You don’t mind Kevin?”
“No, go ahead. I’m going to get a drink.” He took Ellena’s hand that had been tucked under his arm and put it into to Mr. Greyson’s. He watched as she followed him out to the dance floor and began to cha cha. It was a comical sight. Mr. Greyson was three inches shorter than Ellena but he had the energy of a five-year-old. He had Ellena boogie-ing across the floor in no time. Kevin chuckled at the look of determination on Mr. Greyson’s face as he struggled to remember the proper dance steps. After the music stopped, Ellena spied where Kevin was sitting and headed in his direction. She was intercepted by another one of her male students and hauled back out on to the dance floor.
Kevin couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was smiling and laughing and just looked so damn beautiful, he couldn’t help it. Most people her age would be embarrassed to be dancing at a retirement home on a Saturday night. Not Ellena. She was so genuine and sincere. Kevin was finding that out to be the truth in every aspect of her life.
After four more dances with other students, Ellena finally made her way back to the table. “Sorry I took so long.” She sat down beside him and stole a sip of his drink.
“You’re the most popular girl here.”
Ellena giggled. “Yeah but it’s supposed to be a singles dance. I’m not exactly…well. We’re kind of…Oh screw it! Do you want to dance?”
Kevin pretended not to notice her blush and stood up. Although she hadn’t admitted to anything, he was now sure that she had been thinking about the definition of their relationship. With Ellena’s hand in his own, he led her out the centre of the dance floor. The music started up and Ellena immediately recognized it as Tango to Evora*. Turning to Kevin, she gave him an out. “Kevin, if you don’t want to dance to this, we can sit back down.”
Kevin was confused. Didn’t she just ask him to dance? “Why would I want to do that?”
Ellena ran her fingertips down his arm. “Not everyone knows how to tango.”
Kevin’s eyes twinkled as he responded. “Yes, but I do.”
Ellena started to laugh. “You know how to tango? I never knew.”
“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.”
“Hmmm, but I’m looking forward to finding out.” She replied slyly.
Ellena was surprised at the skill Kevin demonstrated on the dance floor. She knew he did dance and she had even seen him dance, but that was on stage. That was completely different from this. He moved his body in perfect synchronicity with hers, like they had been dancing together all their lives. The music finished and the dance floor cleared, but Ellena and Kevin made no move to leave their place. They stood still, gazes locked, Ellena’s hand still held in Kevin’s.


*Tango To Evora by Loreena McKennit – great song!

A tapping on Ellena’s shoulder interrupted their reverie. Reluctantly, Ellena pulled her eyes away from Kevin’s and turned towards Mrs. Craig.
Mrs. Craig gave Ellena a knowing smile. “Ellena, dear, James has just gone to get my coat. We’re going to leave.”
Ellena grinned. “I knew you two would get along well!”
“Yes dear, you were right.” Mrs. Craig’s cheeks turned rosy-pink. “Nice to meet you Kevin and thank you both for bringing me with you tonight.”
“My pleasure.” Kevin replied, putting his arms around Ellena’s waist.
“You two look so darling on the dance floor together. Like you were made for each other.” Mrs. Craig stated with a glint in her eye. This time it was Ellena who blushed.
“Madeleine, I have your coat. Shall we go?” Mr. Reynolds helped Mrs. Craig put on her jacket.
Ellena gave Mrs. Craig a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you Monday.”
Mrs. Craig tucked her hand into the crook of Mr. Reynolds’s arm. “Good night!” The older couple said in unison. Ellena and Kevin both waved.
Ellena returned her eyes to meet Kevin’s. She pressed her body against the length of his. “Do you want to dance again or do you want to head to the party?”
Kevin chuckled. “I’d like to dance with you again but I’m afraid if I did, it might be more of a show than this crowd is prepared for.”
“Hmmm that could be…fun.” Ellena replied with a mischievous look. “Maybe we should leave.”
Kevin nodded.
Once they were in the car and speeding down the freeway, Ellena pulled Kevin’s hand into her lap and held it in both of hers. “Kevin.” She spoke very softly. “I want to tell you something.”
Kevin was a little taken aback at the seriousness of her tone. “Okay, what is it?” he asked with trepidation.
Ellena giggled. “Don’t look so scared.” He glanced in her direction and then back at the road ahead. “About what you said the other night…” She trailed off without finishing.
“Ellena, I didn’t mean to push you. I didn’t want to pry. It seems there is something right under the surface that you won’t tell me. If you don’t want to tell me, I understand, and I’m sorry that I made you feel that way.”
Ellena was silent for a moment. Was this guy for real? Was there actually sensitive, caring, understanding men in this world? He was right. There was something under the surface, something very ugly. She sighed at her fortune in finding Kevin – if he was for real.
“I’ve never met someone like you, Kevin. I’ve never met a man who treats me with such a tenderness that you do. It’s a very new and strange feeling for me. I’m usually very guarded around people. Ever since my mother died, I have found it difficult to trust people, especially men. The men in my life up until now have been less than trustworthy, to say the least. I feel that I can trust you and that scares me. I have been burned so many times by trusting the wrong person. If you are willing to have some patience and just wait a little longer, I will tell you everything. But I need a little more time.”
Kevin struggled to find the right words to reply. She had just left a piece of herself exposed to him. He could tell that she was not used to being this open and honest with anyone. He squeezed her hand in his.
“I’m not going to rush you into anything, Ellena. I won’t pry into anything that you aren’t ready to tell me.”
The rest of the car ride to Brian’s house was quiet. Both lost in their own thoughts. It seemed peaceful, nice, like they were comfortable just being in the each other’s presence. Ellena had kept her fingers laced through his for the entire trip. Kevin smiled to himself when he felt the shiver run up his spine. He had never met a woman who could give him chills with a mere touch. He drove the car through the large, wrought iron gate and up the driveway. Not wanting to let go of Ellena’s hand, he put the car in park and shut it off with his left hand. He shifted in the seat until his whole body faced the passenger side of the car. Kevin brought is hand up to Ellena’s neck and laced his fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck. She leaned closer and closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss. She was not to be disappointed. Kevin gently tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth. Ellena’s entire body responded to him. She arched her back and pressed her body closer. She felt Kevin’s arm snake around her back as he deepened the pressure of their kiss. Ellena let go of Kevin’s hand and brought her hands up to his hair, where she fisted it in her fingers. Kevin’s hand rested on her leg just below the hemline of her dress. He slowly moved it up so that his fingers burned the skin underneath. Ellena untangled one hand from Kevin’s hair and moved it down to rest on his chest. She fumbled with the button at his throat until it opened. Her fingernails grazed across the small piece of his exposed flesh, sending more chills through him. A sharp knock on the window penetrated the silence that engulfed them within the vehicle. Ellena jumped and let out a shriek. Kevin straightened and turned to look out the window. Two distorted faces were pressed up against the window framed with two set of hands on each side.
“What are YOU doing?” Nick screamed through the window.
Howie squished his nose against the glass and gave them a huge, goofy grin. “Yeah Kevin. What are YOU doing?”
Kevin’s face broke into a smile and then a laugh. Ellena’s hands flew to her racing heart. He opened the door and got out of the car. Ellena heard him exchange a few muffled words with Nick and Howie amidst laughter. He walked around the car and opened her door. He held his hand out for her to take, which she did. She straightened her dress and smiled shyly at Nick and Howie. She knew that her face was the darkest shade of crimson possible. Her chest heaved with each ragged breath she drew.
“Hi Ellena.” Nick and Howie said in unison. All of a sudden they seemed embarrassed that they had interrupted. The two of them standing bashfully in the driveway reminded Ellena of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. She started to glare at them but couldn’t keep a straight face long enough for it to be convincing. “Gawd! What the hell are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?”
Nick feigned innocence. “We didn’t know you were in there. We thought the car was empty.”
Ellena raised one eyebrow and deadpanned. “Somehow I’m not totally convinced.” Kevin grabbed her hand and they walked together to the house. “So what is this party celebrating anyway?” Ellena questioned once they reached the front step.
“We’re celebrating the first Saturday of the week.” Howie replied matter-of-factly. He was leaning on the doorbell. The door was jerked open and Brian reached his hand around to take Howie’s finger off the button.
“I heard ya, man. Must you always do that?” Howie nodded like a child. Brian slapped him on the chest and motioned for the group to go inside. Kevin followed Nick inside with Ellena in tow. Brian greeted each person as they brushed past him. He was about to say something to Kevin when he took notice of Ellena’s presence for the first time. He scowled and turned on his heel. “Everyone else is downstairs.” He said over his shoulder.
Kevin pretended to ignore his rudeness and Ellena tried not to notice. “He seems nice.” She whispered to Nick on the way down the stairs. Her sarcasm was lost on him and he agreed.
“Yeah, he’s a really good guy.” Ellena rolled her eyes and decided to ignore Kevin’s rudeness. Maybe he was just tired, she thought. Certainly he didn’t mean to be rude to her – he didn’t even know her!

People were scattered everywhere in the large, dimly lit room. Ellena recognized AJ playing pool with a girl and two other guys.
“Over there is Jimbo.” Kevin pointed to a man sitting on a couch. The man waved in his direction when he heard his name. “That’s Kathy, Charmaine, Steve, Christopher.” Kevin introduced her to several people whose names she immediately forgot. How was one expected to retain all that information?
“And this is Mitch.” Kevin slapped the large man on the shoulder.
“Oh yes, the security ogre.” Ellena grinned. Kevin started laughing. “Nice to meet you Mitch.” Ellena said shyly.
Ellena visited with Mitch for most of the night while Kevin did the rounds and mingled with everyone. Ellena found Mitch to be a very interesting person and they laughed all night at the tour stories he told her. The hectic schedule that Ellena kept that week had finally taken its toll on her. She was very tired and looked like a wilted flower. Her eyes scanned the room for a glimpse of Kevin but did not find him. She excused her self from Mitch and stepped out to the patio to get some fresh air. Leaning up against the railing, she was thankful for a little quiet. The party was getting quite loud and she felt an exhaustion headache coming on. It was a dark, moonless night and the stars twinkled in the midnight sky.
Ellena jumped as she heard a door slam to the side of the house. Two figures walked onto the grass in the yard. Ellena recognized the taller one as Kevin. Funny how she already knew how he moved. She wasn’t sure of the other’s identity until he started to talk.
“I can’t believe you brought her here tonight!”
“What is wrong with you Brian?” Kevin asked. “Why are you acting like this?”
“I told you what I thought of her.” Brian spat back. “Why did you bring her here?”
“Ellena didn’t do anything to you.” Kevin defended.
“She didn’t have to. I know her type.”
“And what type is that?” Kevin felt his anger flare.
“She’ll bat her eyelashes and pout her lips and win you over. Then she’ll take advantage of your name and fame and leave you. She’s a tramp.”
Ellena’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth to stifle a gasp. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She quietly slipped back into the house.
Kevin found her a few moments later, standing alone along the hall. “You look tired. Do you want me to take you home?”
“No, I’m fine. We can stay as long as you…” She finished the sentence with a yawn. Kevin grinned and put both arms around her waist. She rested her fore head on his shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Brian glaring at her from across the room. She quickly averted her eyes.
“I’m taking you home right now.” Kevin placed his hand on the small of her back and led her up the stairs.

~*~

As much as Ellena tried to forget what Brian had said about her, she couldn’t. She realized that she wouldn’t go through this world without having a few people dislike her but Brian hadn’t even taken the time to get to know her. Neither Kevin nor Brian knew that she had overheard their conversation outside. One thing that stuck out in her mind was the fact that Kevin had defended her. She wasn’t sure how she should feel. No one had ever defended her honour before. After hearing how Kevin defended her, she was now sure that she could trust him. She knew that she was ready to tell him everything. She was just waiting for the right time. Tonight had been close to perfect, save for the overheard conversation. She wouldn’t tell him tonight. It would wait for a while.
“You’re quiet.” Kevin observed.
Ellena laid her head back on the headrest and sighed. “Just tired, I guess. I’m so looking forward to having tomorrow off.”
“Did you have fun at the party?”
“Yes. Mitch is such a sweetheart. I suppose I could quit calling him an ogre.”
Kevin chuckled. “He probably would be offended if you didn’t call him an ogre. He’s got to keep his badass rep from being tarnished. Truth be known – he’s really a marshmallow but don’t let him know that you know that.”
“Hmmm…” Ellena closed her eyes.

~*~

Ellena felt a shock of cool air and a breeze blew wisps of her hair across her face. She groaned and tried to brush them away.
“Ellena, honey, wake up please.” She felt Kevin’s lips brush across her forehead. “Ellena, we’re home.”
Her eyes popped open and she immediately closed them to the brightness from the streetlight.
“Oh sorry! I fell asleep.” Ellena sat up and rubbed her face. Kevin helped her out of the car. Kevin steadied her on her feet and took her keys from her. He helped her up the stairs and into her apartment. She was so exhausted that she was stumbling.
“Ellena you have to stop working such long hours. You’re going to make yourself sick.”
“I don’t have time to sleep. I’ve got responsibilities to take care of.”
“You can’t take care of anything if you’re dead.” The concern was evident in Kevin’s voice.
“I’ve got all of tomorrow off. I’ll sleep in – I promise. Don’t worry about me, Kevin. I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for years. Are you coming for dinner tomorrow?”
Kevin frowned. “No, I can’t. We have a charity auction that all of us have to be at. Do you want to come too? You can bring Lacey and Cherry.”
Ellena shook her head. “No, I promised Lacey the whole day just us girls. You saw the fit she pitched this week. I can’t let her down again. I have another insane week so Sunday is just for her.”
“I wish you would come but I understand. Do you work on Monday?”
“Yes, dance team practice, then Latin ballroom and then the club.”
“Can I pick you up from the club?”
“Kevin you spoil me. I can just take the bus. You need your rest too. You don’t need to be driving around the city until all hours of the night just to pick me up.”
“I want to and don’t argue with me. I’ll pick you up Monday night at eleven.”
“You got it. See you Monday.” Kevin kissed Ellena on the forehead again and left.
As soon as Kevin closed the door behind him, Ellena stumbled down the hall to her room and fell into her bed, too tired to even change out of her clothes.

Sunday morning came very early for Ellena. She was woken by Lacey jumping on her bed.
“Lala Lala Lala! Get up! We’re goin’ to the park today. You promised!”
Ellena threw the covers off and sat on the edge of the bed. She glanced at the clock. 7:04am. So much for sleeping in. “Lala? Why are you still in your clothes?”
“I guess I forgot to change into my pajamas last night.” Ellena yawned.
Lacey giggled. “Lala, you’re so silly!”
Ellena ruffled Lacey’s hair. “Is Cherry still asleep on the couch?”
“Yep! Can I go jump on the couch and wake her up too?”
“No squirt, why don’t you play quietly in your room for a few minutes while I go for a shower. Then we’ll sneak out of here and go out for breakfast. Cherry can sleep in a little longer.”
“Yay! Can I have awfuls and ipped cweem?”
“Yes, waffles and whipped cream. Sure. Now go play and don’t wake Cherry up. I only be a few minutes.” Lacey hopped off the bed and tip toed down the hallway like Ace Ventura. Ellena shook her head at the energy the child emitted and shuffled into the bathroom.
The rest of the day was beautiful. Ellena took Lacey to the park and then they went shopping together. They caught an early evening movie before returning to the apartment. Lacey fell asleep on the bus on the way back from the theatre. Ellena put her to bed and then retired herself, too tired to even dream.

~*~

By the time Ellena got through a grueling dance team practice and taught her Latin ballroom class, she was dead tired to begin her shift at the club. Luckily it was never very busy on Mondays. Ken was unusually absent that night and Elena was grateful for small miracles. She didn’t have the energy or the patience to deal with his lecherous stares and suggestive remarks.
“Hi honey, How ya been?” A tall brunette with a tray of drinks greeted Ellena.
“Hey Carla, not bad. How’s it going tonight? Any chance I can get off work early?” Ellena replied.
“Yeah probably. It’s pretty dead in here. Come and find me at seven. If it’s still like this, you can get outta here and go see that little one of yours.”
“Thanks Carla.” Ellena tied on her apron, picked up her tray and started to make the rounds of her assigned section for the night.
It was a rather uneventful night and seven o’clock rolled around soon enough. Ellena spotted Carla across the bar and headed her direction.
“Hey Carla, do you think you can handle the rest of the night? I’m exhausted and I’ve got early practice tomorrow again.”
“Sure honey, no problem. Go get some sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks Carla. I owe you one.”
Relieved at the chance to put her feet up, Ellena made a beeline for the locker room. Before she got to her destination, Ken intercepted her path of travel. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“It’s not busy enough in here to keep both of us on. Carla can handle the rest of the night. I’m going home to see my little girl.”
Ken rubbed the stubble on his chin and surveyed the room. “You’re right, it’s not busy in here tonight. I think there’s only enough people to require one waitress.” He turned in Carla’s direction and yelled. “Carla, you’re done for the night. Go home.”
Ellena’s blood was almost to the boiling point. “Carla and I already agreed that I could leave early tonight. You have no right –“
“You forget, Ellena, I have every right.” He ran his hand over the back of her arm and walked away, leaving her standing alone. She glanced over at Carla, who smiled apologetically and took off her apron. Both of them knew better than to argue with Ken when he had made up his mind. Ellena swallowed the scream that rose in her throat and stomped off to the bar.
Ken had disappeared for the remainder of the evening. Most likely drinking with his cronies in his office upstairs. At ten to eleven, Ellena was dead on her feet. She saw Kevin walk through the door just as she was cashing in her tips. As tired as she was, she couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Kevin picking her up from work. She walked over to him and slipped her hand into his, sending tingles up his spine. With out so much as a word to each other, he took the bag from her shoulder and led her to the door. Ken chose this exact moment to materialize in front of them, blocking their way to the exit.
“Well well well. What do we have here?”
Ellena’s expression changed. Her eyes practically glittered with hatred. “It’s the end of my shift Ken. I’m going home.” Ken ignored her and kept his eyes on Kevin.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Do introduce me, Ellena.” He gave Kevin a hard stare.
Kevin returned his stare with an angry glare of his own.
Ellena sighed and struggled to keep her self-control. “Ken this is my friend, Kevin. Kevin, this is Ken Dahl, my boss and owner of the club.”
With a mocking grin, Ken looked Kevin up and down and grunted. Kevin clenched his fist but relaxed a little when he felt Ellena’s hand on his arm. “We should go now, Kevin.” She said firmly. Ellena yanked on Kevin’s arm and dragged him out the door. Without saying anything to her, he opened the car door for her and tossed her bag in the back seat. He took a few deep breaths as he made his way to the driver’s side of the car and forced himself to calm down. After all, what would Ellena think of him if he turned into the incredible hulk and ran back inside to beat the crap out of Ken? That is exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to protect her but he knew she wouldn’t want that. She had taken care of herself up until now.
“I’m sorry Kevin.” Ellena stated as Kevin started the car.
“Sorry? For what?” He asked.
“Sorry that you had to meet Ken. He’s such a jerk. I should have just taken the bus and you wouldn’t have had to deal with the unpleasantness.”
Kevin turned to face her. “I came here of my own free will. I came here because I wanted to see you. I came here because I wanted to make sure you are safe. You’ve gotten under my skin Ellena and there’s no way that I can stop it. I wouldn’t want to if I could.”
Ellena was wide eyed and at a loss for words after hearing Kevin reveal his feelings for her.

Lacey was asleep in her room when they got back to the apartment. Ellena thanked Cherry for babysitting and sent her home to rest up for her dance audition that week.
Kevin grabbed Ellena by the wrists and dragged her into the living room. “Kevin, what are you doing?”
“I just realized how long it has been since I kissed you. Care to refresh my memory?”
Ellena grinned and pushed him down to the couch. She straddled his thighs and sat in his lap. “It would be my pleasure, Mr. Richardson.” She ran her hands through his hair and pushed him back so that his head rested on the back of the couch. Kevin moaned as Ellena placed a wet kiss at the base of his throat and started to work her way up to his mouth. The shrill ring of the telephone interrupted her before she made contact. Ellena jumped at the noise.
“Hello?” She answered after the first ring. “Where are you?” She turned away from Kevin and slid off his lap as she spoke. Kevin had to suppress the urge to laugh at the all-too-familiar words. Ellena’s eyebrows furrowed together as she continued the conversation. “Do you have any idea what time it is? …No, you can’t talk to her. She’s sleeping...No! I won’t wake her up. I don’t hear from you for how long? and then you call in the middle of the night expecting to talk to her…It’s been more than a little while, Eric.” Kevin felt like he shouldn’t be there to overhear this obviously upsetting conversation. He went into the kitchen to get a drink and give Ellena a little privacy. She was trying to keep her tone down so as not to awaken Lacey but Kevin could still hear the stress in her voice. “Try three months! Do you know how many nights she cried herself to sleep waiting for you to call when you had promised?” Kevin stared down at the glass on the counter. He had deduced that Ellena was talking to her brother but he had no idea about the rest of the argument. “No I didn’t get any letter…My address has been the same for two years, so try another excuse…Yes, I got the cheque. It bounced.” A million questions formed in Kevin’s mind as he overheard the bits of the conversation. “Ken has been asking about you. I’ve worked an extra shift for three weeks in a row and he wants me to double shift permanently. I don’t think I can -…Don’t you threaten me!” Kevin’s head shot up and he immediately became angry at the person on the other end of the line. How dare he threaten Ellena? She had raised his child when he hadn’t been able to do so. In Kevin’s opinion he owed this woman so much… and he was threatening her? It didn’t make sense to him. He returned to the living room just as Ellena was saying good bye. He remained silent as she hung up the phone and began to massage her temples.
“Are you all right?” Kevin asked, his voice laced with concern.
He watched Ellena as her features softened slightly. “Yes, I’m okay.”
“Bad phone call?”
“You have no idea.” She replied flatly.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I don’t even want to think about it.” She whispered, scrunching her eyes shut.
Kevin sat on the chair across from her. “Are you sure?”
Ellena shook her head and replaced her dismal expression with a plastic smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Do you want a drink?” she asked. He had been watching the muscles in her hands move her fingers over her skin.
“No thank you. I got one when you were on the phone.” He held up his glass full of lemonade.
“No, I mean a real drink. I could really use a drink right now.” Ellena rose from the couch and went into the kitchen. Opening a cupboard, she yelled out to Kevin. “I’ve got vodka, rum, a little bit of rye and some khalua. Hmm…how about a paralyzer?”
“Not sure what a paralyzer is but sure.” Ellena pulled two glasses out of the cupboard and put them on the counter. Dumping in ice cubes, and taking bottles off the shelf she poured various bottles into the two glasses and shook her head while she opened the fridge. “Okay I guess they will be root beer paralyzers because I don’t have any coke. Okay with you?” She peeked around the corner with the same fake smile. Kevin smiled and nodded, even though he was more confused than before.

~*~

Several paralyzers later, Ellena’s spirits had greatly improved. Ellena’s plastic smile had been replaced with a genuine one that made her eyes twinkle. Partly because of the company and partly alcohol induced. Kevin had almost forgotten about the earlier questions in his mind. Almost, but not quite. He was rather curious about the phone call and about the story behind it. They were sitting on the floor in the living room trading stories about performance mistakes and screwing up dance steps.
“Oh Kevin! You should have seen it! It was so awful.” Ellena giggled and took another sip of her drink. “I was trying to finish the number and get off the stage as soon as possible but my dance partner didn’t realize that my skirt had ripped. He grabbed me and dragged me back on stage for an encore. I managed to finish without giving anyone a free show but it was tough. My brother teased me about it for a year.” Ellena laughed bitterly and picked up the two empty glasses on the coffee table. “Time for a refill!”
Kevin wrapped his fingers around her wrists and held her from standing up. “Why don’t you tell me about your brother?”
Ellena’s smile faded. “Nothing to tell. Everyone has their cross to bear and mine would be Eric.”
“Tell me why, Ellena.” Kevin was not about to let this go. “What did he threaten you with tonight on the phone? What control does he have over your job at the club?”
Ellena groaned and leaned her head back against the couch. She stared at the ceiling and grimaced. Kevin put his finger on her chin and turned her to face him. “Tell me Ellena. Maybe I can help you.”
Tears sprang to Ellena’s eyes and she quickly blinked them away before they had a chance to fall. “No one can help me Kevin. Not even you.” She whispered.
Kevin moved closer to her and circled his arms around her waist. “Try me.”
After a brief silence, Ellena swallowed hard and began to talk.

“I never knew my father. My mother died of cancer when I was sixteen. Eric was eighteen at the time so I was allowed to stay with him rather than go into foster care for two years. As it turns out I was the one that took care of him. Anyway, after Mom died, he went crazy. He got mixed up with a gang and came home drunk every night. He started gambling a lot and eventually got into drugs. Meanwhile, I was doing everything I could to finish high school. I was up for a scholarship to the dance conservatory and worked with all my energy towards that goal. I won that scholarship – it was the happiest day of my life. It was a dream come true.” Ellena got a far away look in her eyes when she spoke about the conservatory. She shook her head and continued.
“Eric met a hooker named Geena. I don’t think they had much of a relationship. They just got high together. Eventually Geena got pregnant. Eric left town a month before Lacey was born. Geena tried to stay clean after Lacey was born but she was weak. She died of an overdose the day Lacey turned two months old. Eric came back when he heard Geena was dead. Between the two of us, we took care of the baby. I was forced to drop out of the dance conservatory to look for a job. Eric said he would help me find one, lord knew he wasn’t bringing in any money. He convinced Ken to give me a waitressing job even though I was underage. A week later, Eric had disappeared again, leaving me at seventeen alone with Lacey.” Ellena shifted uncomfortably and pushed Kevin’s hands away from her. She cast her eyes downward, too ashamed to look at him.
“After working at the club for four weeks, I still hadn’t received a pay check. I went to Ken to ask what was going on. He laughed at me. Besides being a greasy club operator, Ken is also a loan shark. Before Eric disappeared, he borrowed thirty thousand dollars from Ken. Eric told Ken that I would work for him to pay off the debt.”
Kevin clenched his fists. “How did –“
Ellena held her hand up to silence him. “Wait, let me finish.” She hugged her knees to her chest and went on.
“I graduated high school and picked up two more jobs so I would actually get a paycheck. Ken found out that I was a dancer. He told me that if I would strip instead of waitress, he would double my salary, thus cutting in half the hours I would have to work to pay off Eric’s debt. I tried it for one night. It was so humiliating that I told him I wouldn’t do it again. It made him so mad that he doubled my shifts.” Ellena ran her hands through her hair and let out a laboured sigh.
“So here I am, three years later. Twenty years old and raising a beautiful little girl that’s not mine, working off a debt that’s not mine, living a life that’s not mine.”
“You are only twenty years old?” Kevin was shocked to find out she was so young.
“Yes, only twenty years old but I have seen enough grief to last two lifetimes.”
“What about Eric?” Kevin questioned.
“What about him? He never tells me where he is. He calls about every four or five months. He talks to Lacey and promises to take her places and spend time with her. When he leaves town without even saying good bye, I’m the one that has to dry her tears.”
“What did he threaten you with tonight?”
“I need refill…you?” Ellena stood abruptly and took the two glasses to the kitchen. Kevin followed her. She took ice cubes out of the fridge and dumped them into the glasses. “Oh damn, there is no vodka left…”
“Ellena, tell me. What did Eric threaten you with tonight?” Kevin said gruffly, a little irate that she was trying to change the subject.
She twisted the top off the pop bottle. Kevin came up behind her and took the bottle from her hands and set it on the counter. He held her hands still and repeated his question. “What did he threaten Ellena? Tell me.”
Ellena hung her head and let her hair fall around her face. “Ken is going to force me to take more shifts. I told Eric that I can’t do it. If I take them, I have less time with Lacey.”
“And if you don’t take the extra shifts?” Kevin pressed.
Ellena turned to face Kevin. She lifted her hollow grey eyes to meet his. “Eric will take Lacey away from me.” She whispered. Her shoulders sagged in defeat. “If I don’t work more at the club, Eric’s going to take my baby away from me.”

Brrrring! Consciousness faded in and out for Kevin as he shifted on the narrow…bed? Brrring! Again the annoying sound interrupted his peace. Thrusting his hand out from under the thick quilt, he felt around for the offending object. Finding it, he cleared his throat and answered. “Hello?”
“Oh my. I think I’ve got the wrong number!” A woman with a soft British accent exclaimed into the receiver. “I’m so sorry to wake you at this hour.”
“Uh huh.” Kevin grunted, dropped the phone back on its cradle and immediately returned to his peaceful slumber.
Brrring! There it was again. Good Lord! All he wanted was to sleep. He had a screaming headache and a nasty, pasty taste in his mouth that he couldn’t figure out where it came from. Brrring! He didn’t try to answer it again. It was probably the woman with the wrong number again. Just let it ring, he told himself. It will quit sooner or later.
The sound of bare feet striking against the solid floor made him open his eyes a crack. Where the hell…? This most certainly was not his own bedroom in his own house. The footsteps came nearer and a vaguely familiar figure swished past him on the couch and picked up the phone. Oh yes, now he remembered.
Ellena. Beautiful, soft-spoken, tender, innocent Ellena. Last night she had been so strong. He could tell that she wanted to break down and cry into his shoulder but her stubborn pride wouldn’t let her. Instead they had poured more drinks and talked until the wee hours. He had been too inebriated to drive. That would explain the headache. He didn’t even remember falling asleep on the couch.
Ellena picked up the phone before it rang a fourth time and whispered. “Hello? …Mrs. Craig. How are you? …Yes, I overslept. I’m so glad you called.”
Kevin groaned inwardly and checked his watch – five a m. Oh my god its five freakin’ o’clock in the morning.
Ellena continued. “It completely slipped my mind that I was supposed to call you yesterday…yes I still need you to look after Lacey this morning. I’ll see you in twenty-five minutes. Thank you for calling.” She hung up the phone and started back down the hallway.
“Ellena?” Squinting in the sunlight that flooded the room, he sat up and threw the blanket – where did that come from? - off his still jean-clad legs.
She turned quickly, startled. “I’m sorry, Kevin. I didn’t mean to wake you.” She whispered. Damn he looked good, sitting there all rumpled and sleepy eyed.
“You didn’t. The telephone did.”
“Sorry.” She whispered meekly. “I didn’t expect you to still be here.”
Kevin thought that was a strange statement. “Did you want me to leave without saying good-bye?”
“No, I didn’t want you to, but I thought you would.”
“Why would I leave?” Kevin studied her movements. Ellena looked out the window, down to the floor, across the wall. She was looking at everything in the room except him. Gone was the confidence that he had come to know in the short time since he had met her. It had been replaced by fear.
“Because you know the truth now.”
“Ellena, none of what you told me last night was your fault. You did what you had to in order to take care of your family. I have nothing but respect for that.” Kevin rubbed his forehead and winced.
“Do you have a headache?” Ellena queried.
“Yeah, I don’t know what was in those paralyzers but I think I drank too many.”
A small smile played on her lips. “There is Tylenol in the cupboard behind the mirror in the bathroom. I’ll put some fresh towels in there so you can have a shower. I don’t mean to be rude and kick you out but my baby sitter is going to be here in twenty minutes and I have dance team practice.”
The hot shower made Kevin feel somewhat human again. He stepped out into the steamy bathroom and found a towel. Neatly folded beside the towel was his sweatshirt that he had lent Ellena the night of their first date. He smiled to himself as he remembered how it completely engulfed her trim figure. He pulled it over his head and breathed in the scent of lavender. Even though she had washed it, the scent of her still lingered in the fabric. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. Everything in his mind screamed at him to run - this girl has too many complications. Run! Run! Run before your heart gets involved. He scrunched his eyes shut hoping to lessen the pounding ache at his temples. Too late, Kevin. He thought to himself. Too late.
Moments late, he came out of the bathroom and noticed Ellena standing in the hallway. She was leaning against the doorframe of Lacey’s room. He wondered what was going through her mind at that moment. Her lips were curved into a soft smile as she watched Lacey sleep.
“Feeling better?” She whispered.
“Much. Thank you.” Kevin stood beside her in the doorway and pulled her in towards his body. Ellena hesitated slightly before relaxing and resting her cheek on his chest. “Do you think your brother will make good on his threat?”
Ellena winced and closed her eyes. “It’s hard to tell with Eric. He’s never kept a promise and I hope this time is no different. I couldn’t imagine what I’d…” She trailed off before she finished the sentence. They stood there in silence. Kevin comforting Ellena the only way he knew how and Ellena never letting her composure falter. A knock at the door echoed through the silent apartment. Ellena stepped away from Kevin and walked down the hall to answer.
“Hello Mrs. Craig. Come in. She’s still sleeping and probably will be for a while. You’re sure you’re okay to stay with her until four?”
“Oh, yes dear. Don’t you worry. You work too hard.” Mrs. Craig came around the door and into the living room where she was startled to see Kevin standing by the fireplace.
Mrs. Craig’s eyes crinkled at the recognition of him. “I didn’t call the wrong number this morning after all! Good Lord! I thought I was losing my mind!” Mrs. Craig exclaimed.
Kevin blushed at the remembrance of the phone call earlier that morning.
Ellena glanced at the clock on the wall and picked up her bag. “Oh my god. I’m gonna be late.” She turned to Mrs. Craig. “I’ll be at the school until noon. Then I’ll be at the club. Cherry will be here to take over from you as soon as she gets out of school. Thank you so much Mrs. Craig.” Ellena kissed her on the cheek. “Give Lacey a kiss for me.”
“You kids get going. I’ll be fine here.” Ellena followed Kevin as Mrs. Craig shooed them out the door.
Ellena giggled after the door shut behind them. “I wonder what’s going through her mind right now. Seeing a man at my apartment at five thirty in the morning.”
Kevin chuckled with her. “I can give you a ride Ellena. You shouldn’t be too late then.”
“Are you sure?” She asked.
“Of course.” He opened the door at the bottom of the stairs and bowed gallantly. “Your chariot awaits.”
Once they were seated in the car and driving down the street, Kevin broke the silence. “Can I pick you up from work tonight? Do you get off at eleven again?”
“That would be nice, Kevin. Thank you. Oh turn left at the next corner.” Ellena unbuckled her seat belt and pointed out the window. “Just let me off at this door. Thank you Kevin – for listening last night and for not … for not letting the truth make you think differently of me.”
Kevin reached over and cupped her chin in his hand. “Anytime Ellena. I’m here.” He leaned over and kissed her tenderly on the temple. She squeezed his hand before letting go and getting out of the car. “I’ll see you at eleven.”

A week passed without another phone call from Eric. Ellena concluded that his threat to take Lacey away was another empty one and forgot about him. Cherry’s dance audition was coming up and Ellena concentrated all her energy on helping Cherry get it.
“Okay, just do everything like we practiced and you’ll be fine. Don’t be nervous and remember to smile.” Ellena gave Cherry last minute instructions before she went in to the studio for her audition. The stress was evident on Ellena’s face.
“Would you relax Ell? I think you’re more nervous than I am.” Cherry grinned and put her arm around Ellena’s shoulders.
“Sorry, I just know you’re going to get this. You’re going to be great.”
“Of course I am. You were my teacher.” The compliment was enough to send Ellena over the edge. Her chin started to tremble and tears spilled over onto her cheek. “Ellena, what’s wrong? You’ve been so emotional this morning. I’ve never seen you like this.” Cherry hugged her friend tighter. “You’re not pregnant, are you?” Cherry joked.
Ellena choked out a laugh through her tears. “I’m just so proud of you, hon. You’ve worked so hard for this. You deserve it.”
The large double doors to the theatre opened and a large woman dressed in shocking red strutted out. “Cherry Fischel?” The woman called.
Ellena wiped her eye with the back of her hand. “She’s here! She’s right here!” She piped up.
The woman turned in their direction. “We’re ready for you now Cherry.” She took her glasses off and squinted at Ellena. “Ellena O’Ryan? Is that you?”
Ellena froze in place. The woman walked towards her. “Please tell me you’re here to audition.”
“No Madame Corson. I’ve got a student auditioning today.”
“So you’re still dancing. I’m glad to hear that. You should be performing Ellena. We both know how good you are.”
“Thank you Madame but performing is behind me now.”
The woman looked unconvinced. She put her hand into the pocket in the gathers of her skirt and brought out a small white card. “If you ever want to come back here, you call me. I’ll pull some strings.”
Ellena accepted the card. “Thank you.”
Madame Corson peered at Cherry over her wire-frame glasses. “I have no doubt that the panel will be impressed by your student.”
“Neither do I.” Ellena stated confidently.
“Miss Fischel, follow me please.” Madame Corson turned with a swish of her skirt and opened the doors to the theatre. Cherry turned and gave Ellena a tight hug.
“Knock’em dead!” Ellena whispered.
Cherry’s audition seemed to take forever to Ellena, who waited in the lobby. Her heart was in her throat the whole time. Memories flooded her mind. Three years earlier it had been her in there dancing. Now she was on the outside looking in. It was the story of her life. Ellena furiously wiped away another stray tear that had found it’s way down her face. Cherry burst through the door later with a huge smile on her face.
“I did it! I did it! It was so perfect! I’ve never danced it that well before!” She absolutely glowed and Ellena couldn’t have been happier for her. “They said I’d get a letter within the week notifying me of how I did – but I know I did well!” She picked up Ellena and twirled around in a circle. Ellena let out a shriek and Cherry put her down.
“I knew you would. You’re going to be accepted. I can feel it!”
“I hope you’re right Ell.” Cherry replied.
“Let’s go out to celebrate! We should go dancing at Strobe’s!”
“Yeah but who are we going to dance with. I broke up with Scott.”
“I’ll call Kevin and invite him. Maybe he’ll bring a friend.” Ellena dug in her bag and produced a bright red cell phone.
“Are you still using Kevin’s phone?” Cherry questioned.
“No, this was a gift.” Ellena replied while dialing.
“Oooh, sounds like this is getting serious.” Cherry grinned.
Ellena smiled shyly. “It is – I think.”

By the time Ellena and Cherry went home and showered and changed, it was time to hit the club. Lacey was spending the night with Mrs. Craig and her other grandchildren. Lacey had been so excited at the opportunity to play with other kids. It made Ellena smile at the child’s zeal for life.
Strobe’s was packed full of people. Ellena surveyed the room hoping to catch a glimpse of Kevin over the crowd. She spotted him sitting at a table with Nick, AJ, Mitch and two more security ogres. Ellena pulled on the sleeve of Cherry’s dress and dragged her across the bar.
“Hi guys!” Ellena waved as she walked up to the table. She sat down on the booth seat and shoved over to be closer to Kevin. “Nick, AJ, Mitch, I’d like you to meet my friend, Cherry. Cherry – This is Mitch and I’m sure you know which is Nick and AJ.”
Cherry nodded.
“So, Kevin said you were celebrating tonight.” AJ shouted over the music, taking an interest in Ellena’s friend. Ellena turned her attention to Kevin as Cherry and AJ continued their conversation.
“Hi.” Ellena said shyly and kissed Kevin on the cheek.
“Hi.” Kevin replied. “I take it the audition went well?”
“It was fabulous. She was so great. She’s going to get in – I know it.” Ellena bit her bottom lip and looked away from him. Before he had a chance to question the emotions on her face, Cherry pounced on Ellena and gripped her forearm with both of her hands.
“Come on Ell! Let’s dance!”
Ellena grinned and allowed herself to be dragged to the dance floor rather than face the questions she knew were on the tip of Kevin’s tongue.
Once they were on the dance floor, Ellena started to talk. “What the hell are you doing? There are two very eligible, very beautiful men sitting at the table and you ask me to dance? What’s wrong with you?”
Cherry shrugged. “I didn’t want to seem like a dork. I just met them. Kevin is the only one I really know.”
Ellena’s eyes widened and she started to giggle. “Cherry, you ARE a dork. You choose the strangest times to get shy. Come on.” Ellena turned and headed back towards their booth. Once there, she splayed her hands across the tabletop and leaned in to the three occupants. “Okay men! We need dance partners. Get up and get yer butts on the dance floor.” She shouted over the music.
AJ started to laugh. “Does your friend prefer blondes or brunettes?”, referring to Nick and himself.
Cherry rested her chin over Ellena’s shoulder and replied. “I prefer Kevin.” She grinned and turned to Kevin. Kevin shrugged and smiled apologetically at AJ.
“Sorry guys, Cherry knows who’s the man!” Ellena, AJ and Nick watched as Kevin followed Cherry through the sea of people. Ellena donned an evil grin and leaned closer to Nick and AJ.
“Okay boys, shall we show them who’s got the moves?”
Nick raised an eyebrow and set his drink on the table. “Do you honestly think you can keep up with me, Ellena?”
Ellena tilted her head to one side and laughed. “Oh please Nick. I intend to dance the both of you into the ground.”
Nick and AJ exchanged devious snickers and stood up for the friendly challenge. Ellena put her hands on each of their chests and fisted the fabric of their shirts. “You guys are so beat.” She whispered as she dragged them to the dance floor.

Cherry and Kevin were dancing to Destiny’s Child and Cherry was laughing at something Kevin was telling her. Ellena walked up to where they were dancing with AJ and Nick in tow. She dropped her hands from the front of their shirts and winked at Cherry. The music switched to Rammstein as Nick, AJ and Ellena started to dance. Four songs later they were still going strong as the music changed again to an 80’s remix. Nick danced closer to Ellena and pulled AJ behind her.
“What are you doing Nick?” Ellena questioned, a confused expression washed across her face. She barely knew Nick and AJ and wasn’t sure why she was grinding with both of them on the dance floor.
“You’ve been dancing with AJ and I for the last 5 songs but you haven’t taken your eyes off Kevin once.” Ellena blushed profusely. “Have not!”
“Have too!” AJ interjected.
“That still doesn’t answer my question Nick. What do you hope to accomplish by dancing this close to me. I don’t…dance like this…” Ellena was getting a little uncomfortable.
“Ellena, relax. I’m not coming on to you. Just go with it. I guarantee Kevin will be over here any second.” Nick chuckled and aimed a devious smile in Kevin’s direction. Nick and AJ sandwiched Ellena between them and moved to the beat.
AJ started to laugh as he watched Kevin watching them. Over on the edge of the dance floor, Mitch and the two other bodyguards were watching as well and laughing at the melodrama unfolding before them. A large, two horned, green-eyed monster appeared over Kevin’s shoulder. He whispered something in to Cherry’s ear and she nodded. Kevin made his way through the writhing bodies and shouted over the music to Nick.
“Okay, beat it kid. It’s my turn to dance with her.” He punched Nick playfully on the shoulder.
Nick smiled at Ellena. “Told ya’” He mouthed as he followed AJ back to their table to get a drink.
Kevin shook his head and rolled his eyes. “The things I have to put up with.” He circled his arms around Ellena’s waist and brought her up to his chest. “I should have warned you about those two.”
Ellena lowered her eyes. “On the contrary, I think they should have warned me about you.”
Kevin threw his head back and laughed. They continued to dance until the DJ announced a Duran Duran song. Ellena froze in place. All she wants is… All she wants is… Her eyes clouded over and the smile faded from her lips.
“Let’s go sit down.” She said.
Kevin was more than confused by this sudden change in demeanor. “What’s wrong Ellena?”
“I just…don’t like this song, okay? Let’s go get a drink.”
Kevin shrugged and saw no reason to argue. “Sure.”
They returned to the table and ordered a round of drinks. Kevin rested his arm on the back of the seat above Ellena’s shoulders. The Duran Duran song ended and the scene was completely forgotten. Ellena, Cherry, AJ and Nick laughed and chatted the rest of the night away. No one noticed that Kevin was not taking part in the conversation. Oh, he looked good and interested all right and seemed to be listening to what they were saying but he wasn’t really. All he could concentrate on was the fact that Ellena had moved closer and closer to his side. Eventually, the entire length of her thigh was pressed up against his. Her hand innocently rested on his knee, burning through the denim to his skin underneath. As she leaned into the conversation taking place, the side of her breast brushed across Kevin’s side. Kevin bit off a muttered oath and closed his eyes. When he opened them he found four pairs of eyes staring back at him.
“Something wrong?” AJ aimed a knowing smile in Kevin’s direction.
Nick cocked one eyebrow. “Having problems concentrating?” He grinned wickedly. “Ow!” He shouted as Kevin kicked him under the table.
Ellena furrowed her eyebrows together. “Are you all right Kevin? Are you not feeling well?”
Cherry covered her mouth to stifle her giggle. She loved Ellena dearly but sometimes she was so clueless to what was going on around her.
“Do you want to take me home?” Ellena asked Kevin. This time it was AJ who had to stifle a giggle. Nick started to answer her but AJ elbowed him hard in the ribs.
“Ouch! What is this – beat up on Nick night?”
Kevin tried to ignore their teasing and answered Ellena. “Yeah, I’ll take you home. Are you sure you want to leave so early?”
Ellena nodded. “Yes, I have to work tomorrow.” Kevin stood up beside the table and said good bye to AJ, Nick and Cherry.
Nick watched them walk to the door. “Man, he is getting bizay tonight!”
“Hey watch it! That’s my best you’re talking about. She is so not like that.” Cherry defended.
“Oh whatever!” AJ chortled. “She just asked him to take her home. She might as well have said ‘let’s get naked!’”
Cherry rolled her eyes. “Ellena is totally not like that. She did NOT just invite him to her bed, she asked him to take her home because she has to work tomorrow. Why do men have to read too much into everything?”
“Ten bucks says he’s getting laid tonight.” Nick pounded his fist on the table.
“You’re on!” AJ held up his drink in a toast.
“I am NOT hearing this! I am not hearing this!” Cherry covered her ears and shouted over the music.
Mitch escorted Kevin and Ellena out to the car just in case Kevin had been recognized. He could never be too careful when it came to Kevin’s safety. Ellena put her hand on his forearm to get his attention. “Mitch can you please make sure that Cherry gets home safe? She came with me and I don’t want her to feel like I totally ditched her.”
Mitch smiled. “Of course Ellena, anything for you. I’ll see to it personally” He opened the car door for Ellena and she climbed in.
“Thank you, Mitch.”
Once the door was shut, Mitch turned to Kevin. “You are going straight home, aren’t you?”
Kevin grinned. “Yes Dad, as soon as I take Ellena home.”
He pointed at him and narrowed his eyes. “You better be telling me the truth. If you are planning on stopping anywhere – ANYWHERE – I’m coming with you.”
Kevin laughed and put his palms up. “Okay – I promise I’m not going anywhere that I have the potential to get attacked by screaming, pre-pubescent girls. Okay?”
Mitch studied him for a moment and then let out a sigh. “I almost believe you.”
“Good night Mitch.” Kevin waved and opened the car door.
Mitch shook his head and watched the car drive out of the parking lot.

Nick lost the bet. Kevin took Ellena home, kissed her goodnight and left her apartment. He had promised her the night of Brian’s party that he wouldn’t rush her into anything. Truly, he longed to hold her in his arms. He longed to have her lay beside him in peaceful sleep. He longed to make love to her but he had promised and that made all the difference. Besides, Ellena was different than any girl he had ever met before. She was fiercely independent - something that was forced upon her rather than being a choice. Kevin was not about to force anything upon her. If and when she wanted him to make love to her, it would be her choice.
Kevin maneuvered his car down the quiet city streets as thoughts of Ellena turned over in his head. How was it possible that one delicate woman had been through so much without turning to stone? He knew Ellena. She was so kind, so gentle and so honest. He marveled that she was able to stay that way after living the life that she had. It would have made so many other people bitter, but not Ellena. She was special. Kevin realized, as he pulled his car into his own garage, that she was quickly becoming one the more important people in his life.
He walked up the deck to the back entrance of his house. The motion sensor flicked on the light. Kevin gasped and jumped back as a face came into view.
“Jesus Christ Brian! You scared the shit outta me! What the hell are you doing here?”
Brian aimed a stony glare at him that made Kevin uneasy. “We were supposed to meet tonight to go over a few things before the tour starts.”
Kevin brought his hand to his forehead. “Oh man! I completely forgot! Ellena-“
“Don’t mention that tramp in my presence!” Brian interrupted. “I should have known that it was her fault. She’s got you so wrapped around her finger, you can’t breath.”
Kevin narrowed his eyes. “This is not her fault. It was my fault that I forgot. It has nothing to do with her. I’m sorry that I stood you up. Do you want to go over it now, since you’re already here?” Kevin unlocked the door and motioned for Brian to follow him. Brian shook his head, his feet firmly planted in place.
“I can’t believe that would let this woman”, he said the word in pure disgust. “This woman come between us.”
Kevin stood in the doorway of his house. “I’m not. You’re the one that’s letting that happen.”
Brian gave Kevin one, last, hard stare, then turned and descended the steps and walked into the night.
Kevin watched Brian’s back as he strode across the grass. “Damn damn damn.” He muttered to himself.

~*~

“Is there anyone else who can watch Lacey on Saturday night?” Cherry asked between bites of fried chicken and coleslaw. Ellena, Lacey and Cherry were enjoying a sunny afternoon in the park before Ellena had to go to work for the evening.
“How come?” Ellena asked. She was spread out across the blanket on the grass, staring up at the clouds.
“I’ve got a date.” Cherry smiled ruefully.
Ellena bolted upright. “Who? Where’d you meet him?”
Cherry laughed. “Actually, you introduced him to me at Strobe’s.”
“Omigod – AJ or Nick?”
Cherry laughed again. “Neither.”
“What do you mean neither? There was no one else there!” Ellena exclaimed.
“Yes there was. I believe you refer to him as an ogre.”
Realization hit Ellena. “Oh shut up! You’re going on a date with Mitch?”
Cherry nodded and blushed. “He asked me when he drove me home that night. That is, we have a date as long as Kevin doesn’t need him for security purposes.”
Ellena giggled. “Seeing as Mitch is busy Saturday night, then Kevin can’t go out. Looks like I’ve found my babysitter! I’ll call Kevin tonight and make sure he doesn’t mind looking after Lacey.”

~*~

“Yeah, sure I can look after Lacey. I wish you didn’t have to work every Saturday Ellena.” Kevin spoke into his phone.
“Thank you – I owe you big. Can you come over around six? I’ll have to leave at six-thirty for work.”
“I’ll be there early and give you a ride to work. Lacey and I will hang out at my house. Sound good?”
Ellena smiled. “Yes, that would be great.”
“Look, I really have to go. We’ve got a lot to do for the upcoming tour. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
Kevin shut off his phone. Brian cleared his throat behind him, which made Kevin jump. “Are you making a habit of scaring the shit outta me?”
Brian glared at Kevin disapprovingly. It seemed to be the only way that Brian ever looked at him lately, Kevin thought to himself. “So you’re ditching me again on Saturday night. I thought we were going to take care of a few things before the tour.”
Kevin looked at the ceiling. “Oh damn! I forgot again.”
“I figured as much.” Brian replied flatly. “Forget it. I’ll take care of it myself.” He turned to leave.
“No Brian wait! I’ll be at your place at seven-thirty tomorrow night.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Brian crossed his arms over his chest.
“No really, I’ll be there.” Kevin promised. Brian grunted some response and left the room. Kevin turned his phone back on and started to dial. “Time to call in a few favours, boys.” He muttered as the phone began to ring.

The knock on the door came precisely at six o’clock Saturday evening. Ellena’s heart jumped at the knowledge that Kevin’s smile and warm embrace were merely a moment away. She checked herself in the hall mirror and smoothed her hair down with her hand. She smiled to herself as she turned the doorknob and swung the door open. Her heart stopped at the sight in the corridor. Her eyes widened and the smile froze on her lips. “Eric.” She said, barely a whisper.
“What’s the matter Ell? Aren’t you happy to see your big brother?” A low voice boomed into the apartment.
“Daddy!” Lacey shouted from the kitchen. Seconds later she ran down the hall and catapulted herself into his arms.
“There’s my girl” Eric beamed and held her out at arms length. “You’ve grown so much!”
Ellena was unmoved by the touching reunion. “Yeah, kids do that in five months ya know.” She said sarcastically.
Eric’s eyes snapped at her. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” He set Lacey down on the floor. She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the apartment. “Daddy, come see my room. Come on!” He flashed Ellena a sinister grin as he brushed by.
Ellena stood at the door for a full five minutes before she had gathered her wits about her. Questions jumbled in her mind and she knew that Eric would provide no answers even if she was to voice them. She walked down the hallway and overheard the conversation in Lacey’s room.
“I can’t stay long honey.” Eric said. “I have to go take care of some business.”
“Will you come back and play a game with me Daddy?” Lacey asked. Ellena held her breath, knowing what was coming. A promise destined to be broken.
“Of course I will. I’ll take you out to eat at a fancy restaurant and we can go to a movie.”
“Really?” Lacey asked excitedly.
“I promise.” Eric replied. Ellena cringed at his last two words. Eric stood up and came out of Lacey’s room. He nearly collided with Ellena in the hallway. “How’s work?” He asked, a mocking grin on his face.
“Fine.” She ground out through clenched teeth.
“Hello?” A voice called out from the entrance. Ellena realized that she had left the door open. Kevin entered the apartment. “Ellena? Lacey? Are you home?” Ellena couldn’t help but notice the hint of alarm in his voice.
“I’m here Kevin.” Ellena called softly. She walked towards him. He smiled broadly and pulled her into a tight hug. He felt Ellena tense up and pull away long before he wanted her to.
“Who the hell are you?” A low voice growled from behind Ellena.
Once Kevin was over the initial shock, he found his voice. “I could ask you the same thing.” Kevin replied, his green eyes glittered with instant anger.
“Kevin.” Ellena said with a false brightness. “This is my brother Eric.”
Eric sniffed. “Oh yes, Ken was saying there was a new stud sniffing around my sister.” Ellena seethed. It was so like Eric to visit Ken before going to see his own daughter. “You better watch it boy.“ Eric pointed his index finger at Kevin. “I wouldn’t want to have to defend my sister’s honour.”
Kevin stepped in front of Ellen protectively. “A damn fine job you’ve done of that so far.” Kevin leveled a glare at him.
Eric let out an ugly laugh. “I’ll be back Tuesday, Ell.” He said and left through the still open door.
Kevin wrapped his hands around Ellena’s forearms. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Ellena shook her head.
Lacey ran out into the living room, dragging her bright red kite behind her. “Hey Daddy, I hasta show ya sumthin’!” She looked at Ellena and then at Kevin. “Where’s Daddy?”
“Daddy had to leave honey.” Ellena said soothingly.
Lacey put her hands on her hips. “He didn’t say goodbye again!” She huffed.
“I know baby. He said he would pick you up Tuesday.” Ellena replied, her heart breaking a little more with each word.
“I’m gonna show him my kite!” Lacey beamed.
“I bet he would like that.” Ellena choked before her voice broke. She felt Kevin’s hand on the small of her back. “I’ll go get ready for work.” She whispered without looking at him. She rushed down the hall to her room.

~*~

On the way to the club, Lacey sat in the back seat of Kevin’s car and talked about all the things that she was going to do with her Daddy then next day.
“Daddy said he would take me to a movie!” She said excitedly. “I’m gonna have pockorn and lik’rish.”
Kevin reached over and squeezed Ellena’s hand. She had been understandably quiet since Eric had left the apartment.
“Do you think he’ll really show up Tuesday?” Kevin whispered.
Ellena shook her head. “Let’s not talk about this in front of Lacey, okay?”
Kevin agreed. He stopped the car in front of the club.
Ellena kissed both of them and got out.
“I’ll pick you up at midnight. Don’t wait on the street, I’ll come in to get you.” Kevin called through the car window. Ellena nodded and waved as he and Lacey drove off.

Kevin pulled the car up to AJ’s house and shut off the engine. “Okay Lacey. You’re going to stay with my friends tonight okay?”
“Okay.” Lacey said and shrugged indifferently.
Kevin helped her out of the back seat and up the front step. The door opened before Kevin rang the doorbell. AJ and Howie stood in the foyer staring down and their pint-sized ward.
“You so owe us man.” AJ slapped Kevin on the shoulder.
“Yeah, I owe ya.” He led Lacey in the house by the hand. “Lacey this is AJ and Howie. Guys, this is Lacey – be nice and don’t get into trouble.”
“Are you talking to her or us?” Howie grinned.
“All three of you. I’ll be back after I pick Ellena up from work. She’ll probably go to sleep before we get here.”
“We can handle it. You better not be late to get to Brian’s. It’s twenty after seven.” AJ warned.
Kevin checked his watch. “Yeah, see ya later.” He hurried down the steps. “Bye Lacey!” He waved on the way to his car.
“Bye Kebin!” Lacey waved back. She turned her full attention to the two men standing in front of her. “Wanna play a game?” She asked.
Howie and AJ looked at each other and then back at Lacey. “Sure, whatcha wanna play?”
“Tag!” Lacey lunged forward and smacked Howie on the leg. “You’re it!” She screeched before racing around him and taking off through the kitchen. Her giggles could be heard through out the house. AJ shrugged and took off after her.

~*~

Kevin and Brian got almost everything done that they had wanted to accomplish that evening. He picked Ellena up at eleven sharp, as promised. Her spirits had greatly improved since he had dropped her off. She had pushed thoughts of Eric to the very back of her mind for the time being. She’d deal with it tomorrow. Tonight she wanted to enjoy what little time she had with Kevin. They drove straight to AJ’s house.
“She’s probably asleep.” Ellena said as they walked to the house.
Kevin rang the doorbell. When no one answered after a few minutes, he opened the door and walked in.
Music and shouting could be heard from the den. Ellena and Kevin followed the noise down the hall.
Ellena surveyed the room. It looked like it had been hit by a tornado. A crumpled chip bag lay on the carpet underneath the coffee table. Ketchup chip crumbs were ground into the carpet in little flecks of red. An empty coke bottle was overturned on the table beside another half empty bottle of cream soda. A small container of Ben & Jerry’s sat in a puddle of melted goo beside the phone. Every cushion had been taken off the furniture and thrown haphazardly on the floor. The TV blared the theme song to Power Puff Girls. AJ was stretched out across the floor in front of it, snoring softly. Howie was slouched in a chair, sans cushions, looking completely deflated. Lacey was jumping up and down on the couch that she had kicked the cushions off of.
“Hi Lala!” She shouted. “We’re havin’ a party!”
Ellena stifled a giggle. “Howie? Are you alive?”
Howie didn’t move from his position in the chair. “I don’t think so.” He said dully. “Is she always like this?”
Kevin could no longer old in his laughter and he burst out. “The last thing you said to me was ‘We can handle it’. What happened?”
“We were just hanging out, watching a movie when she like totally exploded! What did you feed her before you brought her over?”
Ellena gave Howie a knowing grin. “You gave her a coke didn’t you?”
Howie thought for a moment and nodded. “Yeah, so?”
Ellena started to shake her head. She moved towards the couch and gathered a bouncing Lacey into her arms. “This is what caffeine does to my little girl.” She looked at Lacey. “Did you tell AJ and Howie that you’re not allowed to have pop?”
The little girl shook her head vigorously. “Nope nope nope! Wowie said I could have some so I did!”
“Did you tell Wow – I mean Howie what coke does to you?”
Lacey grinned widely and looked at Howie. “It makes me hyper hyper hyper!”
By this time Kevin had to sit on the floor because he was laughing so hard.
“Finding this amusing?” Howie asked flatly, still in the same position on the chair.
“I so wish I had been here to see this.” Kevin waved his hand around the room.
Ellena looked at Kevin. “We should get going. Lacey needs to get to sleep.”
“Yay! I’m gonna see my daddy in three days!” Lacey clapped her hands. Ellena’s eyes clouded over.
“Yeah, three days.” She replied. “Say thank you to Howie and AJ for taking care of you tonight.”
Lacey wiggled out of Ellena’s grasp and hopped over to Howie’s chair. She crawled up on his lap and circled her arms around his neck. She squeezed with all the strength in her little body.
“Sank you Wowie. Next time can we play cops and wobbers?”
Howie gave her a tired smile. “Sure, can I tie you to the chair?”
Lacey giggled and shook her head. “No!” She approached AJ, still sleeping on the floor. She tip toed across the room, like Ace Ventura, and pounced on AJ’s stomach with a shriek of delight. AJ was awakened immediately.
“What the -?” He yelled as he bolted up. Lacey exploded into more fits of giggles.
“I scared you Heyjay!”
AJ raked a hand through his hair. “You sure did kiddo.”
“You were snoring. It sounded like this...” Lacey did her best impression of AJ sleeping. Ellena and Kevin both laughed. AJ turned to them, realizing for the first time that they were there.
“Did you know that your child is a psychotic maniac?”
Lacey peered up at AJ and wrinkled her nose. “I’m not a madiac.”
“Yes you are.” AJ replied.
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you are.”
“No!”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Okay, time to go munchkin.” Ellena interrupted their argument.
Lacey gave AJ a hug in the same fashion as Howie and giggled when he groaned. “Bye HeyJay!”

Halfway home, Lacey fell asleep to the soft hum of the car tires on the road. Kevin reached across the seat and covered Ellena’s hand with his.
“Ellena, we’re getting ready to go on tour again for the summer.”
Ellena took his hand in both of hers and traced circles on his palm. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’m really going to miss you too. Both of you.” He glanced back at Lacey. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed each fingertip. “Would you ever consider coming with me?”
“You mean on tour?”
Kevin shrugged. “Yeah. Sometimes it gets rather monotonous travelling everyday and doing a show almost every night. As glamorous as it sounds, it’s tiring at times. I could fly you up to meet me in the middle of the tour. You could tour with us for a week or two.”
Ellena nodded, she couldn’t remember the last time she had a real holiday. “That would be so great!”
“It would give me something to look forward to…”, He added.
Then Ellena’s expression fell. “Ken will never give me a whole week off from work. It sounds like fun but I can’t go. Besides, Lacey would drive all of you nuts.”
Kevin parked his car in front of Ellena’s apartment building and shut it off. “Don’t give up yet. At least say you’ll ask him.” Ellena began to object when Kevin gave the most pleading, pathetic, puppy dog eyes that she had ever seen. He even quivered his bottom lip for the full effect. “Pretty please?”
Ellena started to giggle. “Have you been taking lessons from Lacey? I swear she gets me with that look every time. Okay, I’ll ask him but he’s gonna say no. I can guarantee it.”
Kevin kissed her quickly on the mouth. “Thank you.” He got out of the car and opened her door. “Do you want me to carry her up?”
“Could you? She’s getting too big for me to take up those stairs.”
As they climbed to the top of the stairs in Ellena’s building, they started to hear loud shouts. Kevin followed Ellena down the hall to her apartment. Large scarlet handprints were streaked across the dirty grey walls on one side of the corridor. Broken glass littered the floor. The distinct smell of hash assaulted Kevin’s senses. The shouts had stopped for the time being. Ellena stepped around the glass on the floor and unlocked her door. Once inside, she locked it again and held her hands out to take Lacey from Kevin. Kevin made no move to hand over the sleeping child. “You’re staying at my place tonight.” Kevin’s tone of voice left no room for argument.
“All right.” Ellena nodded. “Just give me a minute to grab a few things.” Ellena ran her hand through Lacey’s hair. Lacey sighed and cuddled further into Kevin’s arms. “You can take her back to the car and I’ll be down in a sec.” Ellena whispered to Kevin.
“I’m not leaving you alone in this building – there is blood in the hallway and it looks like some one was trying to get in your apartment. I’m staying right here until you leave with me.” Kevin stood solid waiting for her to argue. To his surprise, she didn’t. Ellena’s expression softened and there was some emotion in her eyes that Kevin could not identify. The sound of glass crashing against a wall, followed by screaming came from the apartment down the hall. Ellena’s head turned quickly to make sure that the door to her apartment was locked. She looked back at Kevin in alarm. “I’ll hurry” She said and ran to her room. She pulled a few clothes for herself out of the top drawer and stuffed them into a bag she took from the closet. She scooted across the hall to Lacey’s room and grabbed clothes for her. “One more minute.” She yelled to Kevin as she went into the bathroom to get her and Lacey’s toothbrushes and other necessities.
At the entrance, Kevin stood against the door wondering what he would do with Lacey if someone actually broke through the door, as she was still asleep in his arms. More screams came from outside Ellena’s apartment and they sounded like they were coming closer. Lacey awoke and propped herself up on Kevin’s shoulder. Her eyes grew wide when she realized that she was not with Ellena. Glass shattered against the door and loud footsteps hurried past. Lacey locked her little hands around Kevin’s neck and whimpered into his chest. Kevin cradled her head against him and used one hand to shield her from the violence outside. “Ellena, please hurry.” Kevin half whispered, half shouted to her.
“Yeah – I’m done.” She replied and slung her bag over her shoulder. Kevin opened the door and checked the hallway before letting Ellena out of the apartment. He stood guard as she locked her door. Together, they rushed down the staircase and out to the car. Kevin opened the back door and whispered to Lacey to hop in. Lacey shook her head and tightened her arms around his neck, her eyes still wide with fear. Ellena threw her bag on the back seat and put her arms around Lacey. “Lacey, honey it’s okay. We’re going to stay at Kevin’s tonight.” She whispered. Lacey went willingly into her protective arms.
Kevin opened the door and both Ellena and Lacey got into the passenger seat. Kevin went around to the other side of the car and got in. Lacey clung to Ellena and watched Kevin start his car and drive down the street, taking her away from the scary place. Once they were far enough away, she turned to Ellena and asked. “Was it my Daddy again?”
Ellena’s eyes darted to Kevin’s face. The lone question from Lacey had given Kevin all the information he needed to know about how Ellena had been treated by her brother in the past. Pain flooded her irises until Kevin could barely tell the colour of her eyes. He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Pure rage coursed through his veins.
Ellena turned her attention back to Lacey. “No, baby. It wasn’t Daddy this time.”
Unconvinced, Lacey put her hands on either side of Ellena’s face and pushed back her hair. She studied her nose, cheeks and forehead with her tiny fingertips. “I’m not hurt, baby. It wasn’t your Daddy.” Ellena assured the little girl. Satisfied, Lacey cuddled up to Ellena and let her eyes settle on Kevin again. “Sometimes my Daddy is mean to Lala.” Lacey said to him. Kevin did not respond. The muscle at his jaw twitched and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “I don’t like it when Daddy does that.” Lacey whispered. Ellena knew it would take along time for Lacey to fall asleep that night.

Ellena helped Lacey into her pajamas and into the double bed in one of the four spare rooms in Kevin’s house. Lacey snuggled down further into the covers as Ellena tucked them closer around her tiny body.

Kevin had remained downstairs after they arrived at the house. He’d told Ellena to take whichever bedroom Lacey wanted and he would wait for her in the living room. He tried to sit still but his newfound knowledge about Lacey’s father had him furious. The thought of someone – anyone – touching precious Ellena in any other than a gentle way had him seething. He returned to the kitchen to pour himself a drink. The ice cubes fell into his glass with a clink. He splashed the bourbon over them and set the bottle on the counter with a loud thud. Kevin leaned on the cupboard with his hands splayed across the cool marble. He waited for his breathing to slow down. He raked his hands through his hair and took his glass outside. The air was thick and muggy. The humidity clung to his skin. He took a quick drink of the amber liquid and felt it burn his throat on the way down. He wondered, offhandedly, if Ellena would stay with Lacey that night or if she would finally choose to share his bed.
From the open window above he could hear Ellena speaking to Lacey in hushed tones.
“You know there is nothing to be afraid of here, right?” Ellena asked Lacey.
Lacey nodded. “Can we stay here?”
“Just for tonight sweetie, then we’ll go home tomorrow.” Ellena explained gently.
“Lala, are you and Kebin gonna get married?”
Ellena smoothed Lacey’s hair across her forehead. “Oh baby, you have so much to learn. Don’t grow up too fast, okay?”
Lacey was a little confused but nodded just the same. “Lala, will you sing to me?”
The soft melody floated down to the deck where Kevin mulled over the child’s innocent questions.

When you're close to tears remember
Someday it'll all be over
One day we're gonna get so high
Though it's darker than December
What's ahead is a different colour
One day we're gonna get so high
And at the end of the day remember the days
When we were close to the end
And wonder how we made it through the night
At the end of the day
Remember the way
We stayed so close to the end
We'll remember it was me and you
Cause we are gonna be
Forever, you and me
You will
Always keep it flying high in the sky
Of love …

A new and unfamiliar feeling of protectiveness came over Kevin. Suddenly he didn’t want this woman and child out of his sight. He set his unfinished drink on the deck railing and went back into the house. He slowly made his way up the stairs. He turned down the hallway and stopped in his tracks when he came to the doorway of the spare room. Lacey’s breathing was deep and rhythmic. Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks in peaceful slumber. Ellena was sleeping beside Lacey, cradling the child against her body. Her arm curled protectively around Lacey’s tiny frame. Kevin, his earlier anger forgotten, felt his heart swell at the tender sight. Ellena tightened her arm around Lacey as Kevin covered her with an afghan from the end of the bed. He turned off the light and retired to his own room, where he would lie awake all night, thinking of a way to keep Ellena and Lacey safe while he was gone on tour.

“Lacey!” Ellena bolted upright when she realized that she was alone in the bed. She surveyed the room and found it empty. She threw the covers off her legs and raced down the hallway, checking each empty room on her way by. Visions of the three year old wandering outside and out of the yard raced though Ellena’s head as she leapt down the stairs, two at a time, yelling Lacey’s name. She ran past the kitchen door and stopped on the other side. Slowly, she backed up and looked in. Lacey was sitting on the island watching carefully as Kevin measured out ingredients and dumped them into a bowl. She was chattering non-stop asking questions about everything he put on the counter.
“What’s that for?”
“It’s flour.” Kevin replied. “It goes in the pancake batter.”
“Oh.” Lacey said. “Lala puts that in pizza. Can I stir it?”
Kevin set the bowl in front of her and handed her a wooden spoon. “Do you want to crack the eggs?”
Lacey shook her head. “Eggses get gicky on my hands. I don’t like it.”
Kevin noticed a movement at the doorway. He looked up and smiled. “Good morning sleepy. Hungry?”
Ellena, relieved to find Lacey safe and sound, placed her hand over her chest to still her rapidly beating heart.
“We’re makin’ pamcakes!” Lacey chirped. She jumped down form the counter and ran to give Ellena a flour coated hug. Ellena picked her up and squeezed her tight. She then sat her down on a chair at the island and took a seat beside her.
Kevin set a cup of hot coffee in front of her. Ellena wrapped her hands around the mug and breathed in the aroma deeply. “Hmmm…I could get used to this.” She sighed before even realizing what the comment must have sounded like.
Kevin grinned to himself and took more ingredients out of the refrigerator. “Did you sleep well?”
Ellena took a swallow of her coffee and shook her head. “Yes and no.”
Kevin laughed. “Could you be a little more specific?”
“Well, yes – it’s been a while since I fell asleep feeling completely safe. Maybe that’s why I fell asleep so quickly. And no because blue jeans aren’t exactly the most comfortable thing to sleep in.” She rubbed her hands on her denim-clad legs.
Kevin stopped what he was doing and looked up at her. “I’m glad you feel safe here.” He said very seriously. Little did he know that it wasn’t the house that made Ellena feel so safe. It was merely his presence.
After a breakfast of Mickey-Mouse shaped pancakes – what the hell? They were in Orlando – the three went into the back yard. Kevin and Ellena sat next to each other on the patio swing as Lacey ran around on the grass chasing bugs and other crawly things.
Kevin laid his head on Ellena’s lap as they watched Lacey play. “Tell me something.” He started.
“Hmm?” Ellena asked contentedly.
“Has Eric ever hurt you?”
Kevin felt Ellena’s body stiffen. She ran her hand through his hair. “Eric has a…unique way of getting his point across. Sometimes it’s not very…pleasant.” She said hesitantly.
Kevin struggled to keep his temper in check. “Why do you let him treat you like that?”
“He’s Lacey’s father, he’s my brother – I can’t break off all contact.”
“He’s not much of a father or a brother. What keeps you holding on to a relationship that you had with him six years ago?”
Ellena let out a slow breath. “Right before my mother died, she made me promise her that I would keep our family together. ‘Blood is thicker than water, she’d said. Promise me Ellena that you will always stay a family – remember without family, you are incomplete.’ “
Kevin rolled on his back to look up at her. “Do you believe that?”
Ellena closed her eyes and nodded. “My mother died five years ago. Eric was gone. Until Lacey was left with me, I was alone – I had no family and I was nothing. I need Lacey as much as she needs me. She is my family, she is my blood. If I was ever to lose her, I would be nothing again.”
“Don’t ever think that you are nothing.” Kevin said softly.
Ellena leaned over so she could look into his eyes. “I never feel like a nothing when I’m around you.” She whispered her voice thick with emotion. They sat in peaceful silence for a moment.
“You can stay here as long as you want.” Kevin said, hoping she would accept his offer.
Ellena shook her head. “I won’t be as presumptuous as to stay here and play house with you. It’s not as bad as it looks, Kevin. My building is rather safe, you don’t need to worry. I’ve been living there for four years and no one has ever worried about me before.” She leaned over and kissed him gently on the mouth. Both turned their heads to Lacey’s shrieks of delight. She was chasing a butterfly across the grass, hopping and jumping in hopes of a capture. Kevin grinned at the child in his back yard. If one was an outsider looking in, they would appear to be a family. The three of them, a perfect, happy little family.

Dance rehearsals for the tour started on Monday. On Tuesday, Kevin was still tired from not getting any sleep on the weekend. It didn’t help that Ellena had gone back to her apartment on Sunday night. No one has ever worried about me before. He thought about what she had said. Well all that was about to change.
He had spent the last two nights lying awake, doing just that.
Sheridan, their choreographer, had them practicing new dance steps. Brian had been having a small problem getting it completely right. Sheridan called a break so that he could work with Brian, one on one, for a few minutes. Kevin took the opportunity to phone Ellena. He let the phone ring four times and then expected the answering machine to pick up.
“Hello?” Ellena’s voice was quiet and strained. Kevin could tell right away that something wasn’t right.
“Ellena, sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Ellena didn’t answer right away. Instead, Kevin heard her whispering as Lacey’s sobbing became louder. “He didn’t show, did he?” Kevin asked, already knowing the answer.
“No.” Ellena answered, too miserable to say any more.
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Not unless you can find him and make him realize what a beautiful little girl he missing out on here.” Ellena was on the verge of tears herself.
“I can’t do that, Ellena. He has to figure that out for himself.”
“I’m afraid he never will. It’s almost too late now.” Kevin heard Lacey whimper Ellena’s name as Ellena shifted the phone. “I have to go Kevin. She’s been crying all morning. I think she’ll cry herself to sleep if I put her to bed.”
“Yeah, me too. We’re about to start dancing again.”
“Oh how’s that going?”
“Fine. The new choreography is really intense.”
“Need any one on one tutoring?” Ellena asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Not for my dancing, but I’ll take you up on the offer anyway. On the other hand, Brian could use a little help.”
Ellena’s mood darkened again at the mention of Brian’s name. “Yeah, I bet he’d like that.” She said dryly. This was the first time Kevin realized that Ellena was aware of Brian’s feelings towards her.
“He’s not a bad guy Ell, really he’s not.” Kevin defended. After all, Brian was his best friend, even though he had been acting like an ass lately.
“Does he know that?” Ellena asked sarcastically. Kevin didn’t answer. “Maybe someone should remind him.” She snapped, immediately regretting it. “Kevin, I’m sorry. I’m just mad at Eric. He’s broken Lacey’s heart so many times. She’s just a little girl. She’s so happy and innocent and…and…perfect. How can he not want to be a part of her life? I don’t understand it, Kevin. As hard as I try to, I can’t.”
“I can’t either, Ell.” Kevin replied. He could hear Ellena crying now too.
“I should go.” Ellena sighed and hung up the phone.

Since the regional dance competition was over (Ellena’s team placed second), and school was out, Ellena had more time to spend with Lacey and with Kevin. She had taken a few extra shifts at the clubs but managed to keep at least one day a week open strictly for that purpose.
The rift between Kevin and Brian had become bigger and was no longer easily ignored by the other members of the group. Ellena and Lacey had become permanent fixtures in Kevin’s life in the weeks leading up to the tour. Howie, AJ and Nick had accepted Ellena and Lacey, much to Brian’s chagrin. In fact, AJ seemed to dote on Lacey like a little grandmother. One afternoon when Kevin had picked Ellena and Lacey up for lunch, AJ actually volunteered to hang out with Lacey for the afternoon so as to give Ellena and Kevin some time alone. Unfortunately for AJ, he hadn’t learned anything from the last time Lacey stayed with him and Howie. Ellena began to protest when AJ presented Lacey with a tutti frutti lollipop bigger than her head. Kevin shushed her, stating that AJ would learn the hard way and escorted her out to his car.
“Where are you taking me?” Ellena asked as Kevin maneuvered the car down the highway.
“Well, I was going to take you to the look out where we went on our first date but it’s starting to rain so I’ve made a change of plans. I have one quick stop to make and then we’ll go to my place.”
Kevin stopped at a corner store and came out with two bottles of wine. He smiled at Ellena when he returned to the car and then, as promised, drove the rest of the way to his home.
Ellena had been to his house before but hadn’t really paid any attention to the d�cor. She had been to busy worrying about Lacey. And they had spent most of their time in the kitchen and outside in the yard. His house was not what Ellena had expected. It was a modest, four level split, tastefully decorated with expensive wool carpets and hardwood floors. Curious knick-knacks filled several shelves along the walls. The living room housed a gleaming baby grand. The red brick fireplace cast a warm glow across the sunken bamboo floor. A thick Oriental rug stretched across the floor in front of the hearth. Behind the carpet, sat an ivory, overstuffed sofa that made Ellena afraid to bring Lacey into the room. She would have muddy footprints on the cream coloured leather in record time. Kevin motioned for her to follow him into the kitchen. Green marble countertops capped rich oak millwork. Copper kitchenware dangled artistically from the large bakers rack hung over the island in the centre of the room. (Authour’s note: Hmmm guess what I do for a living?)
“You have a beautiful home, Kevin.” Ellena said, taking a seat at the island bar.
Kevin shrugged. “It’s okay. I don’t spend a lot of time here. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like a home.”
He uncorked a bottle of wine and splashed the burgundy liquid into two large crystal goblets. He offered one to her, which she took and tasted. “It seems to be missing something.” He added, leaning against the counter beside her.
“What’s that?”
“Noise.”
“Noise?”
“Yes, noise. After years of touring with so many people, I’m not used to the quiet.”
Ellena grinned. “Well if it’s noise you’re looking for, I could pack up Lacey and move in. You’ll be begging for silence after a week.”
“I seriously doubt that.” Kevin’s penetrating gaze met Ellena’s grey eyes. “Would you like to?”
Ellena’s eyes grew bigger at his proposition. “Oh whoah! Time out Kevin. How can you ask me that?”
“Easy – just like this – Ellena, would like to bring Lacey and come and live here, with me?”
Ellena looked away from him. Kevin took her hands in his. “I’m leaving on tour soon. You and Lacey could have the house to yourselves for three months. It would give you time to get settled in before I came back.”
“Kevin, I couldn’t. Lacey is my first priority. I don’t think it would be a good influence on her for us to be shacking up.”
Kevin frowned. “You make it sound so cheap.”
“Okay, poor choice of words. What I mean is I have to think of Lacey first. You know that Kevin.”
“I am thinking of her. Let’s face it Ellena, the area of town you live in isn’t exactly greatest place to raise a child. At least I’d know you were safe here.” He argued.
“I appreciate the offer Kevin, I really do but – “
“Don’t make this sound like a business deal.” The anger rose in Kevin’s voice. “I just want to help you, Ellena.”
“I’m not a charity case Kevin.” Ellena’s eyes glittered.
“That’s not what I meant. Let me take care of you. I’ll pay off the debt to Ken and you can get a better job teaching dance like you’ve always wanted.”
It was Ellena’s turn to be angry. “There is no way you are going to pay any of my debt! I can’t believe you would even think I would agree to that!”
“It’s not even your debt Ellena! Eric has pulled you into the vortex and he’s dragging you down with him. I care too much about you to see that happen.”
Ellena swallowed her angry comeback at Kevin’s confession. She stood up and took the wineglass out of his hand. “I don’t want to fight with you, Kevin. Kiss me and pretend we didn’t even have this conversation.” She pleaded.
Kevin’s face softened. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For the fight we just didn’t have.”
“Forget it. I have. Now kiss me.”
Kevin grinned. His lips and teeth were stained a dark red. “Getting impatient, Ellena?” He teased.
“Very.” She replied. Kevin picked her up by the waist and set her on the countertop. He pushed her knees apart and wrapped his arms around her back. His mouth descended up on hers hungrily. Ellena parted her lips to Kevin’s gentle prodding. He brought her tongue back into his mouth and sucked the wine taste from it. Ellena moaned softly.
Kevin pulled away and smiled at her. “I could drink wine like that all day.”
Ellena reached across the island and retrieved the wine bottle. She refilled both their glasses and took a sip of hers. “Ready for another taste?”

The afternoon flew by in a whirlwind of stolen kisses. When five o’clock arrived, Ellena didn’t want to get up. She and Kevin were lying in each other’s arms in front of the fireplace in the living room. Ellena had her head resting on Kevin’s chest. Kevin could feel the warmth of her cheek through the thin fabric of his shirt. They had been talking for hours. There was so much that he still didn’t know about her and so much that she wanted to learn about him. The conversation revolved around their own lives – Ellena’s dreams and aspirations for Lacey, Kevin’s ambitious business ventures. Funny, Kevin thought, how Ellena spoke of her dreams for Lacey but never her dreams for herself. He was saddened to realize that Ellena no longer had dreams for herself. People like Eric and Ken had done everything they could to steal them away.
The ride back to AJ’s was quiet. Each was thinking about what they had learned of the other person that afternoon. Kevin was the first to speak.
“Have you talked to Ken about getting time of to join me on tour?”
Ellena grimaced. “Yes, and I hate to say I told ya so but I did.”
“He said no?”
“Yes, he said there wasn’t anyone to take over my shifts and…” Ellena trailed off.
“Go on.” Kevin encouraged.
“And he said if I went, he would add more to the debt that I would have to work off.”
“Ellena, he can’t treat you that way. If you would just let me-“
“No! Kevin, we already discussed this and I said there is no way that I will let you pay off that debt. It is my business and I’ll deal with it. Please, this afternoon was so wonderful, I don’t want to ruin it by arguing.”
When Ellena and Kevin returned, Lacey was using AJ as her own personal jungle gym.
“Have you learned why I don’t give her any sugar yet?” Ellena giggled as Lacey wrapped her arms and legs around AJ’s left ankle and commanded him to walk.
“I’m beginning to understand.” AJ grinned and dragged Lacey across the floor of the kitchen.
“Lala! HeyJay teached me a new song!” Lacey shouted from AJ’s feet.
“Did he? Sing it for me!”
Lacey grinned up at AJ. “Okay HeyJay, you start!”
AJ looked at Ellena bashfully and smiled genuinely. “You have quite a kid, Ellena.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty special huh?” Ellena replied.
AJ nodded. “Okay Lacey, let’s try Ellena!”
Lacey and AJ started singing the name game together. “Ellena Ellena bo bellena banana fanna fo fellena mee mi mo mellena Elleeeeeeeeeeeeena!”
Lacey exploded into fits of giggles. “Let’s try Kebin!”

~*~

“Oh Ellena I think I’m in love!” Cherry gushed across the table. It was Thursday afternoon. Cherry was over to watch Lacey while Ellena went to work. “Mitch is so amazing. He’s so sweet! He calls me almost every day just to say he’s thinking of me.”
Ellena grinned at Cherry’s starry eyes. “That’s so great Cherry. I’m happy for you.”
“So tell me about you and Kevin…is it love or just lust?” Cherry smiled wickedly.
“Cherry! You know me better than that!”
“Well, I was just asking. So what’s up with you two?”
“He asked me to go on tour with him for a couple weeks. I couldn’t get the time off from work though so I’ll just have to wait until he gets back.” Ellena said with a tinge of sadness in her voice.
“Well that’s crappy. Damn Ken Dahl and that entire strip club. I’d like to see his head on a stick.”
Ellena giggled. “That would be the happiest day of my life!” Then she grew serious again. “Kevin asked me and Lacey to move in with him.”
“Oh my god! When are you moving?”
“I’m not. I told him no.”
“You what? Are you serious? What the hell did you do that for?”
“Several reasons actually. First of all, he’s going on tour in a few weeks. I don’t want to be left in a strange house. Cherry, what do you think would happen to Kevin’s rep if anyone saw an unknown woman and a young girl living in his house when he was on tour? Rumours would fly like crazy! I don’t want to do that to Kevin.”
“Ellena, obviously Kevin thought about those things before he asked you and decided you were worth the risk. Why can’t you accept the fact that this man might be in love with you?”
“I don’t need a man in my life right now. I said that before-“
“Who are you trying to kid? You don’t need any man in your life right now – I agree. You need Kevin Richardson in your life. Admit it! Why are you making excuses?”
“I’m not making excuses. I’m just trying to do the right thing for Lacey.”
“You’re using Lacey as an excuse because you’re afraid to be happy. You’ve spent so many years building up your defenses that you’ve forgotten about the rest – you’ve forgotten how it feels to be loved.”
“So you think I should have said yes to moving in with him?”
“It doesn’t matter what I think. It doesn’t matter if I disagree with your reasons for not doing it – only that you think they are valid reasons.”
Ellena thought about that for a moment. Cherry was right, she had been making excuses. She wanted nothing more than to see Kevin every waking moment, but there were so many things to worry about - in her and Kevin’s lives.

“Hi! I’m Ellena O’Ryan. I’m here to meet Kevin Richardson.” Ellena smiled at the receptionist behind the dark mahogany desk.
“Oh yes, Ms. O’Ryan. Kevin asked me to send you right in to the studio. Down the hall, two lefts and through the glass doors.”
“Thank you.” Ellena replied. Taking Lacey’s hand into her own, Ellena followed the receptionist’s direction. Kevin was leaving for tour in two weeks. He asked Ellena and Lacey to meet him at the studio so they could do something together that evening. Ellena had a rare free night and was looking forward to being with both Kevin and Lacey. Ellena heard the music before she opened the door to the studio. She opened the door and waited for Lacey to enter the room before she closed the door behind her. Their presence had gone unnoticed. Five men danced to the music while another watched intently. The sixth would shout orders occasionally. The beat of the music got to Lacey and she began to dance in the corner while Ellena sat on the floor. Sheridan called the guys for a break and talked to them in a huddle at the other end of the room. With the music still playing, Lacey danced on. Ellena giggled at Lacey’s exaggerated expressions – how funny is it to see a three-year-old sing ‘am I sexual – yeah!’?
Lacey spun around and Ellena helped her with the dance steps that she missed. As the music ended, Lacey had all but memorized the dance steps that the five men at the other end of the room had been working on for two days. Nick and AJ watched Lacey jump up and down as Ellena spoke softly to her.
“Always remember to bow after your performance, Lacey. Your audience must be given the chance to show their appreciation.”
Lacey pulled her feet together and bowed to all four corners of the room. Ellena then realized that they were being watched. AJ and Kevin clapped for Lacey. Ellena picked up Lacey and walked over to them.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She said to AJ.
“You didn’t. We just finished.” He held out his hands for Lacey, who went willingly into his arms. “That was pretty good dancing little lady. Who taught you that?”
“Lala did. I’m gonna be a dancer when I grow up!”
“Wow, really?” AJ grinned as Lacey nodded emphatically.
Nick called over to Brian, who was still running over a few dance steps. “Hey Bri, you should take some pointers from Ellena – she could teach you a thing or two.” He teased.
Brian scowled. “Yeah, I’m sure she could teach me many things that I’ve never seen before.” He flashed Ellena a sardonic grin. His meaning was not lost on Ellena and she felt her blood start to boil.
AJ, Howie and Kevin had been listening to Lacey ramble on about what she was going to be when she grows up. Brian made eye contact with Ellena and raised his eyebrow as if to challenge her to say something back to him or to tattle to Kevin. Nick had heard what Brian said - but Nick was Nick - and Nick didn’t sense the animosity between them. When Ellena remained silent, Brian mumbled something to Nick and left the studio. Ellena’s cell phone let it’s presence be known to the group. She pulled it off her belt and stepped outside the room for privacy.
“Hello?”
“I hear music in the background little sister. Are you at work or giving your new boy toy a private lap dance?”
“You have some nerve phoning me like this after ditching Lacey the way you did.”
“Lacey is young and she’ll get over it. She probably doesn’t even remember now. Don’t get so worked up about it, little sis.” Ellena cringed. She hated it when he called her that and he knew it. He had never treated her the way a big brother should take care of a younger sister. Ellena felt her temper rise.
“It’s all or nothing Eric. Either you start being a real father to her now or you can’t see her anymore.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“You bet your ass I am.”
“You seem pretty sure of yourself Ellena, maybe you should back down a little before you say something you’ll regret.”
“When it comes to Lacey’s happiness and well-being – I regret nothing!”
“Don’t you forget you said that, Ell. I’ll see you around.” Eric hung up.
Ellena screamed in frustration and then cradled her head in her hands. “How can I be related to such a cold, unfeeling bastard?” She said into the empty hallway.
“I don’t see how you are that much different.” A voice snapped behind her.
“Brian! I thought I was alone.” Ellena glared at him.
“Apparently. You wouldn’t want Kevin overhear you try to pawn Lacey off to an unfit father.”
“I wasn’t –“
“Trying to get her out of the way so you can concentrate all your energy on manipulating Kevin?”
“How can you say such a thing? The last thing I was trying to do was get rid of Lacey! She is my life!”
“You may have Kevin fooled but you can’t fool me. I know what you are.”
Brian was standing in front of the elevators wearing blue jeans and a sardonic grin. The indicator light came on with a faint bell ring and the doors parted. Ellena stepped between Brian and the open elevator before he could gain entrance.
“Brian, I know you don’t like me. Truth be known, you aren’t my favorite person in the world either but let’s get one thing straight. There is a little girl in there that is extremely impressionable right now. She’ll learn how to disrespect people soon enough on her own. I don’t want her learning it from you and me. If we can just agree to be civil to each other in her presence, that’s all I ask.”
“Oh how noble.” Brian sneered. “Do you not realize how much of a hypocrite that makes you?”
“Excuse me?” Ellena asked in disbelief. “How so?”
Brain snorted. “You run around talking about how morally conscious you are and how you want to raise Lacey with such strong values when you’re obviously sleeping with Kevin. What does that teach your young, impressionable girl?” Brian narrowed his eyes. He took a step closer to Ellena and jabbed a finger at her chest. “The only thing that little girl is going to learn from you is how to turn tricks.” Brain braced himself. He fully expected her to slap his face – he knew he deserved it. The slap didn’t come, instead, the corners of Ellena’s mouth turned upwards and she started to laugh. “Finding this amusing?” Brian asked, getting madder by the minute.
“Yes, now that I know what this is about. You think I’m sleeping with him.”
“If that’s what you call it.” Brian said flatly.
“Would you prefer the term fucking?” Ellena asked.
“I call it as I see it.”
“Kevin’s a big boy. He can take care of himself.”
“Kevin doesn’t know what you really are – I do.”
“Oh that’s right.” Ellena said with a mocking grin. “Tramp – I believe is the term you used the night of the party.”
“Tramp, gold-digger, call-girl…” Brian shrugged. “Pick one.”
“As if Kevin’s sex life is any of your business. He and I are not sleeping together.”
“Yeah whatever you say Ellena.”
“You know, I’m not going to stand here and waste my time trying to defend myself. You’ll never believe me anyway.”
“You got that right.”
The sound of small feet running down the hallway made Ellena look away from Brian’s angry glare.
“Lala! Kebin says we’re goin’ out for supper.”
Ellena scooped Lacey into her arms. “HeyJay and Nick and Wowie are comin’ too.” She peered up at Brain. “Are you gonna come Bwian?”
Brain looked down at Lacey’s cherubic face. She really was a sweet kid. He couldn’t be mean to her. It wasn’t her fault she had a slut for an aunt.
“No, sorry. I have a lot of things to do tonight.” He reached out and tussled her blond curls. “Have fun though okay?”
Lacey nodded. Brian brought his eyes to meet Ellena’s again. She mouthed a silent thank you and gave him a small smile. It wasn’t exactly a truce but at least Lacey wouldn’t have to see them exchange angry words. Brian stepped in to the elevator and the doors closed.
“I like him.” Lacey stated matter-of-factly.
“Ya do huh?” Ellena sighed.

It was early Tuesday evening, Kevin had picked Ellena up after her Latin ballroom class and brought her to his house. He had cooked her supper – demonstrating superb culinary skills – and they were now lying together in the hammock in the backyard, sipping red wine and memorizing each other before Kevin left on tour.
“Tell me you don’t have to go.” Ellena wrapped her arms around Kevin’s neck.
Kevin smiled. “I wish I could. Ten more days and I’ll be gone for three months.” He tightened his arms around Ellena’s waist, causing the hammock to sway back and forth. He brought his mouth down on hers for a tender kiss.
“You’re not going to forget me, are you?” Ellena whispered.
“Couldn’t if I tried.” Kevin replied.
“Were you trying?”
“Not a chance!” Kevin bent his head to trail kisses along her throat.
“There’s going to be girls throwing themselves at you everywhere you turn and you’re not going to forget–“. Ellena gasped as the hammock swung to the side and dumped both of them onto the cool grass.
“Ouf!” Kevin grunted as Ellena’s elbow collided with his head with a thud. After getting over her initial shock, Ellena ran her fingers through Kevin’s hair, studying the red mark she had left.
Once he assured her that he would live, she started to giggle. “Now, you won’t forget me. At least until that bruise heals.”
Kevin rolled across the grass and pulled Ellena closer to him. He propped himself above her on his elbow.
“Perhaps you’d like me to leave a lasting impression? Just in case you try to forget me…” Kevin whispered.
“How would you propose to do that?” Ellena grinned. She ran her hand up the side of his neck and pulled his mouth closer to hers for a deep kiss.
Kevin pulled away and whispered breathlessly into her ear. “Let me take you upstairs and make love to you all night.” (Author’s note: okay, so I realize that there are not a lot of men in this world that can actually last all night – perhaps not even the revered Kevin Richardson – not that I would have any way of knowing anything about his…ability – not that I would want to either, first of all he’s married and secondly, um ew, he’s married - but remember this is fiction folks! Thank you, now back to your regularly scheduled program.) He raised his head to look in to her eyes. Her expression was completely unreadable. She didn’t reply. “Ellena?”
She pulled his head down again and kissed him with more passion than she ever had before. Kevin moved closer yet to Ellena and held her tightly under him. Ellena found the weight of his body on top of her strangely erotic. Her fingers found the buttons of his shirt and fumbled to unfasten them. Kevin’s kisses became more demanding.
“Ewww!” Kevin and Ellena both turned to look toward the house. There, they saw Nick standing at the deck railing with his hand shielding his eyes. “I SO did NOT need to see that!”
Kevin looked down at Ellena with a twinkle in his eye. Again his lips found hers and he kissed her so completely and thoroughly that she felt that her flesh was composed of jell-o and her bones of crazy string.
“Get a room you guys!” Nick yelled again.
“We were just about to.” Kevin whispered to Ellena. She started to giggle and sat up. Kevin helped her into a standing position and they walked together to the house.
“What are you doing here?” Kevin asked Nick, once they were close enough that he didn’t need to yell.
Nick raised one eyebrow. “Obviously interrupting something.” He replied and looked Kevin up and down. Ellena turned three shades of crimson red and rubbed a lipstick mark off Kevin’s neck. Nick laughed at her embarrassment. It would take a very long time for Kevin to live this down, a very long time. “I’m here for the meeting.” Nick said.
Kevin gave Nick a blank look and then ran his hands through his hair. “Oh! The meeting! Damn, I completely forgot!”
“I can’t imagine why.” Nick deadpanned. Kevin slapped Nick on the back of the head and took a seat on the patio set.
“Where is everyone else?” Kevin asked.
“They’ll be here shortly.” Nick replied.
As if on cue, AJ and Howie ascended the steps to the deck. “Hey guys, where’s Brian?”
“He’s right behind us. Let’s get this meeting over with – I’ve got plans tonight.” Howie said, taking a seat beside Kevin.
“All my stuff is inside, in my office.” Kevin said standing up.
AJ looked at Kevin and then over to Ellena. “Any reason why both of you have grass in your hair?”
Nick started to laugh loudly and Ellena blushed deeply again.
“Okay, leave the poor woman alone. Let’s get started without Brian. He should be here soon.” Kevin opened the back door and motioned for everyone to follow.
“I’ll just stay out here and die of embarrassment if you don’t mind.” Ellena said as she leaned against the rail.
“Suit yourself.” Kevin shrugged and kissed her on the cheek. “We’ll only be about an hour. Then we can pick up where we left off.” He said with a wink that made Ellena blush yet again.
“Okay hormone boy!” Nick exclaimed. “In the house – I don’t want to witness any more!”
Ellena buried her face in her hands and groaned. The four men paraded into the house to commence the meeting.
Ellena sat down on the top step and took several deep breaths in an attempt to slow her racing pulse. Tonight would be a night that she would never forget.

Ellena let out a contented sigh and closed her eyes. A light breeze blew across the yard, cooling her skin. She opened her eyes again and looked out over Kevin’s yard. The shrill ring of Kevin’s cordless phone made her jump. She stood and walked over to the patio table where it sat.
“Hello?” She answered, expecting it to be for Kevin.
“Ellena dear, so nice to hear your voice.” The voice on the other end was sickly sweet and insincere.
There was a brief silence as Ellena struggled to find her voice.
“Eric! How did you get this number?” She whispered desperately.
“Don’t underestimate me, little sister. It would be a big mistake on your part to do so.”
Ellena cringed. “What do you want?” She asked, as calmly as possible.
“I’ve got a new job.” He announced.
Ellena’s voice remained flat. “How nice for you. Congratulations.”
“Aren’t you happy for me sis?”
“Ecstatic. I can only imagine how legal it is. That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“Patience sis, I’m getting to that. I’m taking Lacey with me. I’ll be at your apartment at ten o’clock. Make sure you have Lacey’s things ready to go.”
Another long silence followed. “What? What?…Eric, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I don’t believe you have been a fit caregiver for my little girl. I’m taking her to live with me.”
Ellena felt as though she had been kicked in the stomach. Her eyes darted towards the door of the house. She wanted to scream to Kevin but couldn’t find the words. “Eric, you can’t do this. You can’t take her away.”
“She’s my daughter, Ellena. I think I know what’s best for her.”
“No! No, you don’t! She is my daughter! It’s my hand that dries her tears, it’s my mouth that kisses her good night – she barely knows you.”
“Well I think it’s time she got to know her own father, don’t you?”
“I did everything you asked. I took the extra shifts at the club. I’ve worked off your debt for three whole years Eric. You can’t take her away from me!”
“You knew this day was coming. You should have worked harder to keep her, Ellena. You shouldn’t have threatened me.”
“And what about Lacey’s family? I’m the only family she’s ever known.” Ellena felt herself on the edge of hysteria. She raised her voice. “Eric, please don’t do this.” She begged.
Brian arrived at the house in the middle of the phone call. He ran up the stairs to the deck and stopped short when he heard Ellena shouting into the phone. He crossed his arms over his chest and watched in amusement.
“Please Eric.” She continued, unaware of Brian’s presence. “You can’t do this to me.”
Eric gave an ugly laugh. “Oh yes I can and I will – ten o’clock. Have my little girl ready.” He hung up the phone.
Ellena stared at the phone in her hand. Her complexion had changed from a healthy pink to a gray ash in mere moments.
“What’s wrong Ellena?” Brian raised an eyebrow mockingly. “Did an old trick of yours catch up to you?”
Ellena brought her eyes up to meet his. As much as Brian didn’t like her, he could immediately tell that something was terribly wrong. He almost felt sorry for her – almost.
“Kevin…Lacey…” She took a few trembling steps towards Brian. “Kevin?” She tried to focus her eyes but she couldn’t. Her vision became watery and blurred.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Brian asked, immediately becoming angry. He had no patience for this woman and her antics. “It’s Brian. Can’t you see?”
“No, I can’t see you… where… are… you?” She whispered between gasps for air. Her peripheral vision clouded over. An icy hand gripped Ellena’s throat and curled its fingers around her windpipe. She reached out to Brian but grasped at nothing. Her knees buckled as her entire world came crashing down. Ellena was engulfed in darkness.
Brian went from being pissed off to confused in less than a breath. He crossed the deck in one stride and managed to catch Ellena before her head hit the patio chair. He started screaming her name and then Kevin’s, hoping someone would hear him.

Ellena faded in and out of consciousness. Somewhere in the murky depths of reality, someone was calling her name. Struggling to focus, a familiar face came into view. Confusion set in as she realized she was lying on the couch. Kevin hovered over her like a disembodied spirit, his face stricken with concern.
“Ellena, what happened?”
Ellena brought her hand to her head and closed her eyes again. Words formed on her lips but no sounds came out. Then she remembered. “I think I’m gonna be sick.” She whispered and abruptly sat up. Her stomach lurched in protest. She stood on shaky legs and waited for the dizziness to subside. It didn’t. She found the wall with her hand and leaned against it. Kevin stepped forward to help her but she pushed his hands away. Using the wall for support, she made her way down the hallway to the bathroom. She slammed the door and locked it. Her knees thudded against the cold tiles as she fell in front of the toilet. After emptying the contents of her stomach into the white porcelain bowl, she leaned against the side of the bathtub and hugged her knees into her chest. Thoughts swam around her head without direction. A sharp knock at the door startled her back to reality. It was Kevin.
“Ellena? Are you all right?” She didn’t answer. She stood up on her still shaky legs and gripped the edge of the counter with both hands. Turning on the tap, she ran the water cold and splashed it on her face and neck. Kevin knocked again at the door. This time it was a little more urgent than the last. “Ellena! Answer me!” His voice barked on the verge of hysteria.
After patting her face dry with a towel, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. “He’s doing it again, Ellena.” She said to herself. She swung the door open suddenly and nearly ran into Kevin’s raised fist. “Will you take me home please?” She asked, barely a whisper. She brushed by Kevin and stumbled back to the living room. She pretended to ignore the concerned stares coming from Nick, AJ and Howie and the angry glare coming form Brian. Ellena picked up her purse and her shoes. She walked, barefoot, out to the car and waited for Kevin to follow her.
Back in the house Brian started to yell at Kevin. “She’s pregnant isn’t she? I knew it! I knew this would happen. You son of a bitch! You knocked her up didn’t you?”
Kevin glared flatly at Brian and replied. “Not now, Brian.”
Brian ignored the tone of Kevin’s voice and continued. “Do you have any idea what this is going to do to us? Did you even think of the group before you let your hormones take over?”
Kevin’s hands balled into fists as he leveled a deadly glare at Brian. “This is not the time Brian. I suggest you back off until you know what you are talking about.”
“I know what I’m talking about! She led you on and now she’s gonna make you pay! I warned you but did you listen? Nooo – you and your stubborn, pig-headed ideas…” When Kevin raised his fist towards Brian, AJ and Howie sprung into action. AJ jumped between them and tried to put as much distance between them as possible. Using up every last bit of self-control that he could muster, Kevin calmly left the house. He found Ellena leaning against his car with her head in her hands. Wordlessly, he unlocked her door and helped her get in. She was still trembling and shaky. As he walked around the other side of the car, he could hear shouting coming from inside the house. He got in the car and put his keys into the ignition but didn’t start the car. He turned to Ellena. She stared blankly out the windshield. Her complexion was pasty white, her skin almost translucent. Without blinking or looking at him, she drew in a shallow breath and told him. “He’s taking her away.”

Numbly, Ellena unlocked the door to her apartment and went in. Mrs. Craig greeted them and the expression on her face fell when she saw the state Ellena was in. Ellena walked past her without so much as a hello, straight into the living room to where Lacey was watching TV on the couch. Silently she gathered Lacey into her arms and buried her face into her hair. “Lala you’re squishing me.” Lacey giggled. Tears glided down Ellena’s cheeks as she breathed in the scent of Lacey’s hair. Mrs. Craig looked at Kevin with questioning eyes. Kevin motioned for her to follow him into the corridor, where he explained the situation to her.
“Lala, why are you sad?” Lacey asked with all the concern a three year old can show.
“I have some good news for you honey.” Ellena pasted on a tin smile and wiped her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. “Your Daddy is coming here tonight. He’s going to take you with him.”
Lacey bounced up and down on the couch. “Yay, Daddy’s coming!” She yelled excitedly.
Ellena checked the clock. Eight-thirty. Only an hour and a half left with her precious little girl.
She made her way to Lacey’s room and started to pack clothes and toys.
Having said good bye to a tearful Mrs. Craig, Kevin came back inside the apartment. Ellena finished packing Lacey’s things in silence. Kevin watched her in concern.
“You should go home Kevin.” She stated stoically. “Don’t you have to be in the studio tomorrow?”
“I’m not leaving you alone tonight.” He replied.
Ellena opened her mouth to argue but Kevin stopped her. “Don’t argue with me Ellena. I’m not going to let him hurt you.”
Her face showed absolutely no emotion. Her hollow eyes looked through him as she walked past him, back into the living room. She sat down and pulled Lacey into her lap. She held Lacey’s face between her hands. “I might not see you for a while. It might be a long time honey. I want you to always remember that I love you.”
“I love you, Lala.” Lacey replied with a giggle.
Ellena grimaced and repeated herself. “Don’t forget. No matter what happens, I love you. Even if I can’t always be with you, I still love you. Don’t let Daddy or anyone tell you different. Do you understand?”
Lacey nodded and smiled again. “Yes Lala.”
Ellena gathered Lacey into her arms and rocked her back and forth. Kevin watched as the look of shear agony washed over Ellena. He could have sworn he actually heard the sound of her heart being ripped to shreds.

~*~

Eric was two hours late. By the time he showed up at midnight, Lacey was asleep. Ellena hadn’t said another word to Kevin and she hadn’t moved from rocking Lacey in her arms. The knock at the door was sharp and angry. Ellena closed her eyes and bit her lip. Kevin answered the door. Eric sneered at Kevin and brushed past him into the living room. He grinned at the look of pain across Ellena’s features.
“Enjoy this time while she is asleep, Eric.” Ellena warned. “When she wakes up and realizes that you have no intention of bringing her back to me, she will not be a pleasant child to be around.”
“Don’t try to discourage me from taking her. You brought this on yourself Ellena. You shouldn’t have threatened me.”
Kevin jammed his fists into his pockets, seething at the joy this man was getting from Ellena’s anguish. Eric took Lacey from Ellena and asked about her things. Ellena miserably gestured towards a suitcase at the door. Eric shifted Lacey’s weight to one side and picked up the suitcase with the other. He opened the door and turned to Ellena for one last jab. “Don’t try to find us.” With that he left the apartment.
Ellena sat on one of the barstools in the kitchen and held her head in her hands. Wordlessly, Kevin took her hands and led her down the hall to her bedroom. He folded back the comforter and motioned for her to get in. Ellena silently obeyed and climbed upon the bed. He tucked the blankets all around her and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be in the living room. Call me if you need anything.”
Ellena clutched his arm, her hollow grey eyes met his, begging him not to leave her alone. Kevin was motionless for a moment, and then he nodded and stretched out beside her on the bed. He enveloped Ellena in a warm cocoon of comfort. Sleep was a welcome escape from her own private hell.

Kevin woke and tried to focus in the darkness. The digital clock at the side of the bed glared angrily against the night. Four o’clock Kevin thought to himself. He stretched and rolled over to make sure his movement hadn’t woken Ellena. The other side of the bed was cold and empty. Kevin sat up and swung his legs over to the floor. He ran a hand through his hair and felt his way to the bedroom door.
Soft golden light spilled into the hallway from Lacey’s room. Kevin crept up to the doorway and peeked inside. Ellena was sitting on Lacey’s bed with a worn out blue rabbit in her hands. Her fingers stroked the fur absently as she stared blankly at the yellow coverlet. She spoke to Kevin without looking at him.
“I forgot to pack Mr. Hops. She’ll be really upset with me.” She murmured. Kevin walked across the room and sat beside Ellena on the bed.
“Ellena,” Kevin started. She stood abruptly and walked to the window. She traced an imaginary form over the glass. She watched the city below without actually focussing on one thing in particular. The man on the corner caught a taxi. The young girl up the street leaned suggestively against a lamppost and waved at a car passing by. She had watched so many nights, just like this one, pass by right through that same window.
“Lacey was a very fussy baby. I used to stand at this window every night, trying to get her to sleep. She would cry and cry, like her little heart was going to break. Usually I cried too. I was only seventeen and I was so alone. She would never go to sleep without me walking miles upon miles in this room. I’m surprised there isn’t a hole worn in the floor.” Ellena stopped tracing her finger against the window and leaned her forehead against the pane. “I was so mad at Eric for leaving her with me. I prayed he would come and take her back. All I wanted was to go back to the academy and become a dancer.” She whispered.
Kevin cleared his throat. “Ellena, this was not your fault.”
Ellena turned away from the window and faced Kevin. “Do you know what her first word was?”
Kevin shook his head. “Lala. Her first word was Lala. Not Daddy, not Mommy. It was my name. My name.”
She leaned against the wall and clutched the stuffed rabbit to her chest. “What am I going to do without her, Kevin?” She whispered. She slid down the wall to the floor, her legs twisted underneath her. “How am I going to live without her?” She buried her face in her hands as a sob escaped her lips.
Kevin came over to her and knelt by her feet. He knew that there was nothing he could say that would comfort her at a time like this. He wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her across the floor close to his torso. She sobbed into his chest, wetting his t-shirt with her tears. Kevin rocked her back and forth for what seemed like hours, while she cried until she had no more tears to cry. Kevin rained kisses onto he face and eyelids. She fell asleep to the sound of Kevin’s heartbeat and the gentle swaying motion of her body in his arms.

~*~

“What do you mean you’re not coming in today?” Brian almost shouted into the phone. Kevin grimaced. He had phoned everyone else before dialing Brian’s cel phone number. Unfortunately, Brian was the only one who had his phone turned on. “Where are you?”
“I’m at Ellena’s and I –“
“I should have guessed as much.” Brian interrupted. “Kevin, do you know what you are doing?”
Kevin was immediately angry. “Yes, I know what I’m doing. What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Brian forced himself to speak with more control. “I’m just worried about you man. Maybe you’re in over your head with this woman.”
“Maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself and stay the hell out of my private life.” Kevin snapped and hung up the phone. “Damn you Brian.” Kevin cursed.
“Kevin?” Ellena’s voice floated down the hallway to the living room. Kevin set his phone on the end table and walked down the hallway to her bedroom. Kevin had carried her back to her bedroom after she fell asleep in Lacey’s room. He opened the door and sat down on the end of the bed.
“Hi.” He said.
“Hi.” She replied barely louder than a whisper. She still had tear tracks down her face and her eyes were red and puffy.
“How are you feeling?” Kevin asked.
Ellena bit her bottom lip and shook her head softly. Fresh tears were already beginning to form in her eyes.
“You should go to rehearsal today.” She murmured, letting him know she had overheard his conversation with Brian.
“I don’t want to leave you alone, Ellena. Not when you are like this.” He argued. He wanted to protect her from all the ugly things in her life.
“I won’t be alone, Kevin. I have to work today.”
“How can they expect you to go into work after all that happened yesterday?”
Ellena stared blankly at him. “Ken will be expecting me to work. I don’t have a choice whether I want to go or not.”
A few tears spilled down Ellena’s cheeks. The look of hurt and loss in her eyes was almost too much for Kevin to see. He had to look away from her. He promised himself right then and there that that look would never be on her face because of anything he ever did. He would never hurt her that way. He turned back to her and smiled sadly.
“I guess I’ll go then. I’ll pick you up from work tonight.”
Ellena shook her head. “I have to close up tonight. I won’t be done until about three. Just go home and get some sleep. I’ll be fine.”
Kevin decided not to argue with her. He would do exactly what she wanted. He nodded and put his hands on her waist. He leaned closer to draw her into a hug but she stopped him by putting her hand on his chest.
“Please don’t. I don’t want to cry anymore.” She whispered. Kevin held her face in his hands and kissed her softly on the lips.
“I’ll call you tonight when you get home from work.” He got up to leave. He kissed her hair and left the room. A moment later, Ellena heard him leave the apartment. Blinking back tears, she rose from the bed and made her way to the shower. She had no time to grieve today. Ken would be expecting her at work in two hours.

“I see you’ve decided to join us after all.” Brian bit off sarcastically.
Kevin rolled his eyes and took his place on the floor between Nick and AJ. He had stopped at his house to shower and change before going to rehearsal. This had made him over an hour late and he knew that it would make Brian angry. He chose to ignore the comment and spent the next hour concentrating on everything Sheridan said and did. When he called for a break, Nick handed a bottle of water to Kevin and sat on the floor beside him.
“You look like shit.” Nick stated.
Kevin rubbed his hands over his face. “Thanks, man.”
“So what happened last night? Is Ellena all right? Did you take her to the hospital? She’s not really pregnant, is she?” Nick rambled off the questions faster than Kevin could comprehend.
“First of all, No, she is not pregnant. There is NO way it’s possible – if you know what I mean.”
Nick thought for a moment and then replied with a simple “Oh.”
Kevin took a drink of his water and continued. “I didn’t take Ellena to the hospital. She is fine – physically.” Kevin didn’t want to divulge Ellena’s personal problems. “Last night she got some very upsetting news and really, that is all I can tell you.”
Nick sighed. “Well as long as she is okay.” Up until this point Kevin had been unaware of how much Ellena had grown on the other members of the group. He was surprised to learn that Nick cared about her.
AJ, who had overheard the conversation, came up behind Nick. “And Lacey? Is she all right too?” Lacey had become a special friend to AJ and he had, as of late, began affectionately referring to her as ‘the maniac child’.
Kevin turned away from AJ and nodded. “Yes, she’s fine.” He couldn’t look him in the eye as he lied. But it wasn’t a lie really. Lacey was fine, physically. Kevin wondered about her reaction when she woke up to find herself in another city, far away from her Lala. Eric had gotten more than he bargained for.
Eric. The thought of that man made Kevin see red. Eric didn’t care about Lacey. How could he when he took her away from the most important person in her life? He didn’t care about Ellena either. He had used her in so many ways and now he was using Lacey to hurt her. If he wasn’t Lacey’s father, Kevin would have personally hunted him down and beat him till he was soft and mushy. He just hoped that he would take care of Lacey. If anything happened to the little girl, it would absolutely kill Ellena. Of that one thing, Kevin was positive.
Sheridan started the music again and Kevin stood up to begin. He pushed all thoughts of Eric out of his mind and concentrated on rehearsal. It was more difficult than he thought.

~*~

“Come on Ellena, pick up.” Kevin whispered into the phone. He had called her four times in the last hour and she still hadn’t answered. It was four thirty in the morning and she wasn’t home from work yet. Kevin was seconds away from getting in his car and going to look for her. “Go home and get some sleep” she had told him. Yeah right! Like he could sleep knowing that she was at that sleazy club alone. Or worse yet – at the sleazy club alone with Ken.
“Hello?” Ellena finally answered, a little out of breath.
“Ellena? Did you just get home?”
“Yeah, I just walked in the door to find my phone ringing off the hook. You’re supposed to be asleep, Kevin.” She scolded.
“I wanted to make sure you are okay. Why are you so late?”
“Ken and a bunch of his cronies were in the club late and I had to stay and serve their drinks.” Ellena replied, stifling a yawn.
“Do you want me to come over?” Kevin asked, hoping she would say yes. He wouldn’t sleep at home, worrying about her all night anyway.
“No. I’ll be fine. I have to work tomorrow at ten anyway.”
“You have to work at ten?” Kevin asked incredulously. “He expects you in at ten when you just got home now?”
“Yes. He knows that Eric…that Eric…has Lacey…” her voice trailed off and she choked back a sob. “He knows that I don’t have to be home for Lacey anymore so he’s doubling my shifts again.”
Kevin pounded his nightstand with his fist. “Ellena! You are not his possession! He can’t do that!”
“Yes he can, Kevin, and he already did. I’m on full days and nights for the rest of the week. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see you much before you leave on Monday for the tour. Promise me you’ll say good bye before you go.” Ellena’s voice was thick and sad.
“I’ll find a way for us to be together before I leave. Now please go get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow before you leave for work.”
Ellena agreed and said good bye. She hung up the phone and turned on the TV. She would never sleep without dreaming of Lacey. Staying awake would be much easier for her.

~*~

Across the city, Kevin hung up his phone and turned off the bedside lamp. He closed his eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was leave Ellena for three months. She would be alone and working for that scum, Ken. There had to be some way for him to help her. If only she could get a bit of time off and come on tour with him for a few weeks. That way he wouldn’t worry about her so much, if he could see her in the middle of the three-month tour, then he could have some peace of mind. If only there was something he could do.

Brinng! Kevin had been in a meeting since seven o’clock that morning. He had promised Ellena that he would call her before she left for work that morning. It was nine thirty and he hoped he would catch her before she left the apartment. Brinng! Ellena picked up after the third ring.
“Hello?” She sounded rather groggy.
“Good morning, sweetheart. I thought you’d be gone by now.”
Ellena sat up on the couch. “What time is it?” She asked, now fully awake.
Kevin looked at his watch. “Nine-thirty-eight.” He stated.
“Oh my God – Omigod!” She shrieked. “I’m late! I’m late! I can’t believe I overslept! I gotta go Kevin, I’ve gotta catch the bus in fifteen minutes. Ken’s gonna kill me! I’ll talk to you later.” She hung up the phone.
Kevin stared quizzically at the phone in his hand. He had to do something. Suddenly, Kevin bolted up right in his chair. The answer was so simple he wondered why he hadn’t thought of it before. All he had to do was make an offer that couldn’t be refused.

~*~

“Okay guys. Go home and get some rest. Relax for tomorrow. We’ll see you bright and early Monday morning.” The tour manager clapped his hands together and dismissed the meeting. It was late Saturday night and they were just going over the last details of the tour. Several chairs were loudly pushed back from the boardroom table as everyone stood to leave.
Nick came up behind Kevin and slapped him on the back. “Going to see your woman?” he chuckled.
“I’m going to see Ellena. Not sure if you could refer to her as mine just yet.”
“Okay, maybe after tonight you can call her that.” Nick replied mischievously.
“I don’t think I want to discuss my relations with Ellena with you.” Kevin rolled his eyes.
“Or lack thereof.” Nick added.
“Nick, shut up.” Kevin said with a grin. Nick had a way of appearing innocent, but Kevin knew what went on in his young mind. “What are your plans for our last day in town?”
Nick shrugged. “Spending the day with my family. My Mom is planning a big family dinner. Then we’ll probably just hang out at the house. Nothing too exciting.”
“Yeah, well see ya Monday morning.” Kevin said with a wave. Nick stepped into the elevator and the doors closed.
Kevin turned around and headed in the direction of the tour manager’s office. He hoped he would catch him before he left the building. He had a few travel arrangements to make.

~*~

Two more days and Kevin would be leaving for three months, Ellena thought to herself. It was three o’clock in the morning. Ellena yawned as she wiped the tables and then started to wash the shot glasses. She hadn’t seen Kevin since the morning he left her apartment. They had shared a couple hurried phone calls over the course of the last few days but hadn’t been able to really talk. Ellena was extremely busy working so much at the club. She was actually thankful for the diversion. If she had had any free time, she would have spent it thinking about Lacey. A luxury she couldn’t afford if she wanted to keep her sanity. Luckily, she still had Sunday free. She would have a chance to see Kevin one last time before he left.
“Ellena! Get your ass up here!” She heard Ken shout from his office.
“Great!” She mumbled to herself. “I bet I’m getting more shifts next week – just what I need.” She dried her hands on her apron and ascended the stairs. The door to Ken’s office was open and she walked in. Ken was sitting behind his desk with a lecherous grin on his face.
“What do you want?” She asked haughtily.
“Ellena, dear, is that any way to speak to someone who is doing you a favour?” Ken said sweetly.
“Ken, you don’t do favours for anyone. Now what do you want?” She repeated.
“You can have the holidays you asked for last week.”
“What?” Ellena asked, not believing her ears.
“Ten days – no more. And then you are back here working again.”
Ellena didn’t know what had made Ken change his mind and she didn’t care. She studied his movements. Nothing he did suggested that he was tricking her. He looked up from his desk, noticing that she was still in the room.
“That will be all. Now finish cleaning up and get out of here.” He grumbled and turned his attention back to his paperwork.
“Thank you, Ken.” She said meekly and hurried out of the room before he reneged on his offer. She finished cleaning the bar with a frown. She should have been completely happy but there was something bothering her. A little nagging voice was telling her that Ken would not be doing this unless there was something in it for him. What could he possibly gain from sending her on holidays?
That night, Ellena didn’t return to the apartment until four thirty. She crawled into bed without changing out of her uniform. Her dreams were filled with images of Lacey and Eric. Even in her slumber, she couldn’t stop worrying about the child she considered her own daughter. That is maybe what made her more of a mother.

It was seven thirty on Sunday morning. Kevin was not supposed to pick Ellena up for another hour and a half but he couldn’t wait to see her. He knocked loudly on her apartment door and hoped she would hear. After knocking the third time, he heard a muffled holler from inside the apartment and a loud thud. Seconds later, the door opened. Ellena stood in the entrance with her quilt wrapped around her waist. She still wore her uniform from the night before. Her hair hung messily down her back and she had dark lines under her eyes. She looked absolutely exhausted. Kevin immediately felt bad for waking her up. Her eyes widened at the site of him.
“Omigod! I overslept again didn’t I? What time is it?”
Kevin entered the apartment and wrapped his arms around her. “No you’re not late. I’m early. I couldn’t wait until nine to see you.” He cupped her chin in his hand and leaned in to kiss her. She put her hand over her mouth and stopped him.
“No don’t kiss me. I just got out of bed and have nasty morning breath. If you wait in the living room for me, I’ll go have a quick shower and get ready.” (Author’s note: just another reason why I think that fan fiction has a certain “realism” to it – have you ever heard about bad breath in a harlequin romance?)
Kevin kissed her on the tip of the nose and let go of her waist. “Sure you don’t need any help in the shower?” he grinned. Ellena swatted him playfully on the arm and pointed to the couch.
“Sit and be good.”
“Yes ma’am.” Kevin saluted and dropped onto the couch. Ellena padded down the hall to the bathroom. Kevin studied the familiar photos that were placed around Ellena’s living room. He had seen all of them before except a new one on the mantle with a pewter frame. He stood to look at it and broke into a smile when he realized that it was the photo Ellena took of him and Lacey playing Barbie dolls the first night Kevin visited their apartment.
Twenty minutes later, Ellena emerged from the bathroom looking fresh and almost awake.
She smiled shyly and plopped down on the couch beside him. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms as his mouth descended upon hers. He ran his tongue along her lips and then tasted her mouth. When she whimpered, he pulled back to look in her eyes. Warm grey spheres shone back at him intensely. A tear escaped and ran down her cheek. Kevin ran his thumb across her cheek to wipe it away.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” He whispered and kissed her forehead.
“Oh nothing.”
“Okay, I almost believe you.” Kevin gave her a small smile. “Has Eric called you?”
Ellena shook her head. “I don’t expect him to.” Kevin ran his hands through her hair. Ellena buried her face in his neck and sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m being stupid.” She whispered. “I promised myself that I wasn’t going to fall apart and cry. I’m just tired is all – makes it difficult to control my emotions. I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.”
He squeezed her in a gentle hug. “Lacey’s going to be all right. You’ve got to believe that.”
“I know, it’s the what if’s that keep me awake. Maybe Eric will realize that a three-year-old will cramp his style and bring her back to me. I can only hope.”
Kevin nodded in agreement. Ellena’s stomach grumbled loudly and she giggled despite her tears.
“Hungry?” He asked.
“I’m starving! I can’t remember the last time I ate anything.” Ellena replied.
“Breakfast?” Kevin stood and offered his arm.
“How about awfuls and ipped cweem?” Ellena suggested.
“Sounds good to me. Let’s go.” Kevin replied. Happy that Ellena was now smiling.

~*~

“I couldn’t eat another bite.” Ellena exclaimed as she threw her paper napkin on the diner table. Kevin smiled and touched her hand.
“So? How do you want to spend our last day together?”
Ellena glanced at the table across the room and grinned. “I say we ditch the ogres and make a run for it to your house.” She said referring to Mitch and Ralph.
Kevin laughed. “I like the way you think.” He extracted a few bills from his wallet and set them on the table.
A phone rang and both Kevin and Ellena reached for their cell phones. “It’s mine.” Ellena stated. She smiled and winked at Kevin as she greeted the person on the other end of the line. The smile immediately left her face. The phone call was short and she hung up with a sigh. “Carla called in sick. I have to go in and cover for her at the club.”
“But this our last day together!” Kevin whined.
“And if I had the choice, I’d say I wasn’t coming in but choice is a luxury I don’t have in this situation, Kevin. I’m sorry.” Ellena circled her arms around his neck. “Will you give me a ride to work?”
Once outside, Kevin grabbed Ellena by the hand and led her to his car. Before he opened the door for her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her up against the length of his body. He bent his head and buried his face into her neck. He breathed in deeply, trying to etch this moment indelibly into his memory. They stood in the embrace for what seemed an eternity, but when Ellena pulled away, eternity hadn’t been long enough.

Days at the club dragged on for Ellena. She was working every day, most of the time for a double shift. Ideally, she would have liked to quit her other job teaching ballroom dance classes but seeing it was the only job she had that was earning a pay cheque, she had to stay with it. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy it any more. She just had no energy for it after working at the club for so many hours.
The loneliness bothered her the most. Kevin was gone. Lacey was gone. Cherry had left for summer holidays and Mrs. Craig was visiting her family in another state. Ellena was truly alone for the first time since Lacey had come into her life.
Phone calls from Kevin were few and far between. Considering his and Ellena’s schedules, it was a wonder they ever talked to each other at all. Kevin had been ecstatic when Ellena told him she was able to meet him on tour. He had sent her the plane ticket and travel information the very same day.
The tour had started off well with sold out shows in nearly every stop. Kevin found that the days moved quickly. Sometimes so quickly that they blurred together. He would think it was Tuesday, only to find out that it was already Friday. He was glad though. Every day that passed was one day closer to Ellena.
Brian and he barely talked to one another any more. If they ever did, it was only in an interview where they wanted the fans to believe that there was nothing wrong with their friendship. It bothered Kevin that Brian had let it go this far. Brian honestly thought that Ellena was out to manipulate Kevin. He knew that Brian was losing out on a friendship with a very remarkable woman.
When Kevin was able to talk with Ellena on the phone, it nearly broke his heart every time. Loneliness resonated in her voice. She put on a brave front for him and told him that everything was going fine but he knew better. He knew that every time she hung up the phone, she would cry herself to sleep in her empty apartment. She hadn’t used the keys to his house that he had left for her. He was hoping that maybe she would feel less alone if she stayed there, but she had refused. Saying that she needed to be home in the slight chance that Eric would bring Lacey back.
Ellena had not heard from Eric since the night he took Lacey and walked out of her apartment, and out of her life. She had not tried to contact him either. Eric had grown accustomed to covering his tracks and hiding from people he owed money to. This time was no different. He had taken his daughter and disappeared without a trace.
Sometimes, in the shopping mall, Ellena would see Lacey. Then she would call her name and run towards her only to discover that it was some one else’s child. Each time this happened, it was like she had lost Lacey all over again. After too many cases of mistaken identity, Ellena quit leaving the apartment except to go to work. Some nights she would fall asleep on the couch rather than take the walk down the hallway and pass by Lacey’s empty bedroom. Sometimes she would wake up in the morning to find that she had wandered into Lacey’s room in the middle of the night, thinking that she had heard Lacey cry her name in the darkness. Sometimes yet, she would lie awake in her bed, listening to her heartbeats echo in the silent room. Ellena no longer had a life, she merely existed.
The day before she was to fly to see Kevin, she worked three six-hour shifts in a row before getting on the plane. Mitch met her at the airport. The sight of her alarmed him. The tour had been going for six weeks and after Ellena’s brief stay with Kevin on tour, she would be back home alone for another four. In Mitch’s opinion, it didn’t look like Ellena would make it through the rest of the day with out her body giving out on her. He stood in the concourse next to the baggage claim carousels. Her eyes immediately brightened when she recognized him. Ellena gave him a weak smile and rushed over to give him a hug. She looked so thin and frail that Mitch was afraid that he would snap her bones if he hugged her back. They quickly picked up her baggage and loaded into the truck he had brought. The ride back to the hotel was quiet. Ellena was asleep by the time they arrived. Seeing as Kevin wouldn’t be back from the radio station for another three hours, Mitch didn’t have the heart to wake her up. He simply gathered her up and carried her into the hotel room.
Kevin couldn’t get out of the radio station fast enough. They had an interview, then sang a few songs a cappella and signed some autographs. He was the first one in the van to go back to the hotel.
Once there, he rushed in and ran smack into Mitch. Mitch flashed him a knowing grin, handed him a room key and told him that Ellena probably needed the sleep she was getting right then.
Kevin unlocked the door and crept in as quietly as possible. He caught his breath as his eyes fell upon Ellena sleeping on the bed. She looked so small and fragile, almost childlike. All Kevin wanted to do was to wrap his arms around her and protect her from the world. He took his shoes off and lay beside her on the bed. He pulled her into his arms and breathed in the scent of lavender in her hair. He wouldn’t always be able to protect her from everything ugly but he could for tonight, and that would be enough for now.

~*~

Ellena woke to the sound of loud footfalls in the hallway. The room was dark save for a tiny sliver of light that was coming in through the vertical blinds from the streetlight outside. Ellena realized that she was not alone. Kevin’s strong arm was curled around her waist, trapping her against his body and the soft mattress. Ellena smiled in the night. She couldn’t have moved if she had wanted to. But that was okay. She didn’t want to. She planted a light kiss on Kevin’s chest, snuggled further into his embrace and immediately fell back into a contented slumber.

“Mmmmm” Ellena’s eye fluttered open to the morning sun. “Tell me I’m not dreaming.” She whispered as Kevin watched her intently. He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose.
“You’re not dreaming.” Kevin flashed one of his charming, boyish grins.
“How can I be sure?”
Kevin leaned down and captured Ellena’s mouth with his, kissing her thoroughly.
“I’m convinced.” Ellena grinned.
Kevin let out a low chuckle. “I was just waiting for you to wake up so I could say good bye.”
“Good bye? But I just got here!” Ellena feigned a pout. “We haven’t even said hello yet!”
“I’ll be back around six. Then I’m all yours. Now get some more sleep. You look…you look…”
“Like hell.” Ellena finished the sentence for him. “I know. I quit looking in the mirror two weeks ago.” Ellena sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair. “Do you have to leave right now?”
Kevin glanced at his watch and sighed. “I have to get back to my own room and grab a shower and a change of clothes before I meet the guys downstairs.”
Ellena put her arms around Kevin’s waist and rested her head on his chest. “Stay with me until I fall asleep.” She brought her eyes up to meet his. “Please? I’ve been aching for you to hold me. Don’t leave me so soon.” There was no way Kevin could turn down her request. Ellena laid back down on the bed and closed her eyes. Kevin stretched out beside her and kissed her temple. Within moments, Ellena was asleep. Reluctantly, Kevin eased his arm out from underneath her body and crept out of the room. He made his way down the hall to his own hotel room. The door next to his opened and a familiar figure stepped into the corridor.
“Good morning, Brian.” Kevin said quietly.
Brian donned his standard look of disapproval. “Just returning to your room now? Kevin, could you at least try not to be so obvious?”
Kevin left his key in the lock and turned to face Brian. “What is that supposed to mean? I’ve never chastised you for your philandering.”
“I heard your little tramp friend arrived yesterday. It’s no surprise that she hasn’t emerged from her hotel room. Are you sure that you are the only person she is entertaining behind that door?”
Kevin narrowed his eyes and glowered at the other man. “Don’t go there, Brian.” Kevin said in a low voice, struggling to keep control.
A sinister grin crossed Brian’s face. “Perhaps if I knocked on her door, she would oblige me to a quick roll in the sac before -
Kevin had reached his breaking point. He took two swift steps towards Brian and shoved him up against the wall. “You will never talk about the woman I love in that way again! Do you hear me?” He shouted, mere inches from his face.
Brian laughed again. “The woman you love! Man! You are not only blind but stupid too. Girls like that only care about one thing. When the day comes that you learn that about her, I’m going to be the one saying I told ya so.”
Kevin shoved Brian across the corridor and Brian lost his footing. He fell to one knee only to be yanked up violently by Kevin. “You stay the fuck out of my life! You got that? Stay the fuck away from me!” Kevin didn’t hear the shouts of Nick and Mitch as they rushed down the hallway and pulled him off of Brian. Mitch literally picked Kevin up off his feet. He was still shouting as Mitch pushed open the door to his room and slammed it shut. He deposited Kevin in the chair by the window, rather un-gently, and gruffly threatened his life if he didn’t stop shouting. Outside the room, Kevin could hear Nick and Brian yelling back and forth and then doors slamming.
Kevin leaned forward in his chair and cradled his head in his hands. How could his relationship with such a beautiful person bring such havoc into his life? Why was Brian letting his dislike for Ellena tear the entire group apart? Not only were Brian and Kevin arguing all the time, but now Nick and Brian weren’t getting along either.
Kevin took a few minutes to calm down. Mitch waited until Kevin’s breathing was normal before he broke the silence. “Did you really mean what you said out there, Kevin?” Mitch spoke in a calmer manner than he had a minute ago.
“Of course I meant it. I want him out of my life!” Kevin snapped, his anger renewed.
Mitch sat down on the end of the bed. “No the other part. Do you love Ellena?”
Kevin blinked twice as if to clear his vision, then a small smile spread across his lips. “Yes.” He replied simply. “Yes.” He repeated again. He was trying to get used to the fact that he had just confessed his feelings for Ellena out loud. “Yes. I love her, Mitch. I don’t know when it started but I do.”
Mitch, his earlier anger forgotten, smiled widely. “If you truly love her, then she is worth all this grief. She’s a special woman. Be patient, Brian will come around and realize that he is wrong about her.”
“I hope you are right, Mitch.”
Mitch grinned. “Of course I am right. Now go get ready and be downstairs in twenty minutes. Don’t give Brian another reason to hate you.” Mitch rose from the bed and left the room. Kevin remained in his chair playing the last few minutes over in his head. He loved her. He had said it out loud. He was only sorry that she hadn’t been the first to know.

The phone rang in Ellena’s hotel room, waking her from sleep.
“Hello?” She answered, trying her best not to sound too groggy.
“Hi Sweetheart. Feeling better?”
Ellena glanced at her reflection in the mirror at the end of the bed. It was amazing how much better she looked now that she had caught up on her sleep. “I’m feeling well rested for the first time in forever.” Ellena grinned.
Kevin laughed. It was so good to hear his laugh. She had missed it so much since he’d been away. “Feel like doing something tonight?” Kevin asked.
“Yes! I’ve been in this hotel room for twenty four hours straight. It’s time I got out of here! What did you have in mind?” Ellena asked excitedly.
“How about we go for dinner and then a walk down by the river? I have to shower then I’ll come to your room when I’m ready.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Ellena said in a sing song voice before hanging up. She catapulted herself off the bed and started going through her suitcase to find something suitable to wear. After a quick shower, she settled on a pristine white camisole with lace ties up the back and a raspberry coloured sarong. She brushed her hair and let it hang loose down her back. She finished her look with platform sandals. Ellena was too impatient to wait for Kevin in her own room. She opened her door and ventured out into the hallway. There, she nearly collided with Mitch. Mitch’s hands grabbed her waist to steady her.
“Hi Mitch.” Ellena chirped.
“Hey yourself. Where are you headed all dolled up?”
“Well I was going to Kevin’s room but I just realized that I don’t know his room number. I don’t suppose you’d want to take me there?”
Mitch held out his arm for her to take. “At your service Madame.” He grinned.
Ellena giggled and tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow. Mitch escorted her down the hall and around the corner. He stopped in front of Kevin’s room and knocked on the door. After waiting a few moments with no response, Mitch fished a key card out of his pocket and unlocked the door. His phone rang and he answered as he motioned for Ellena to enter the room. He held his hand over the phone and whispered to Ellena.
“I gotta take this call. You gonna wait here?”
Ellena nodded and grinned knowingly. Ellena could tell it was Cherry by the way Mitch’s voice had changed. “Go ahead. I’ll just watch TV until he’s out of the shower.”
Mitch nodded in thanks and left her alone.
Ellena surveyed the room. Housekeeping had freshly made up the bed that morning. She sat down and leaned against the headboard. One of Kevin’s t shirts was thrown hap-hazardly across the back of the chair. Ellena picked it up and held it to her face. She could still smell his masculine scent that lingered on the fabric. She folded the shirt carefully and waited for Kevin. Moments later, he came out of the steamy bathroom with a white towel clutched around his waist. Ellena watched the silver droplets of water cling to his tanned skin.
“Ellena, what are you doing here?” He asked, pleasantly surprised at her presence.
“I have something to give you.” She replied.
Kevin grinned boyishly. “What is it?”
Ellena aimed her smoldering eyes into his. Her lips formed the word before she even realized she was speaking. “Me.”
“What?” Kevin could pick the most inopportune times to be dense.
Ellena rose up on her knees and moved to the end of the bed where he was standing.
“Make love to me, Kevin. I want to be all yours.” (Authour’s note: Ewww! Did I actually write that?)
She had bared her soul in front of him. She held the air in her lungs captive in anticipation of what he would do next.
Kevin stood still for a moment, trying to determine whether she had really just said what he thought she had said, or what he hoped she had said. Silently he moved towards her. His eyes shone like flames as he enveloped her into his muscular arms. She kissed him hungrily and he responded with more yearning at each flick of her tongue against his mouth. Ellena trailed kisses along his jaw line and then his throat, lapping up the droplets of water still on his skin from his shower. Neither said a word as his hands found the lace at her back and worked to untie it. Ellena’s mouth found Kevin’s again and she kissed him until he felt as though all the air had been stolen from his lungs. Her cotton sarong that she had taken such care in choosing fell away to the floor. Her bra and panties were quick to follow. Ellena congratulated herself on wearing something so easily removed from her body. The soft light from the lamp caressed her flawless skin.
Kevin’s eyes drank in every detail. “Ellena! You are so amazing.” Her breath was coming in shallow pants now. His towel, since forgotten, crumpled to a damp heap on the carpet. She laid down on the bed as Kevin held himself over her. His lips acquainted themselves with every part of her body, growing more eager with every moan that came from Ellena’s throat. Ellena’s hands danced across his naked flesh until he could wait no longer. Kevin drew in a sharp breath as he finally joined their bodies. Ellena closed her eyes and arched her back. A strangled cry wrenched itself from her lips. Kevin felt her fingernails dig into his flesh and break the skin at his breast. “Ellena!” He gasped in surprise and started to pull away from her. She tightened her legs around his thighs.
“Don’t stop, Kevin.” She pleaded.
More gently than he ever thought possible, Kevin moved inside her. Realizing what she had just given to him, Kevin’s emotions churned inside him until he was overcome with raw desire. His pace quickened as Ellena rocked her hips underneath his, meeting his every thrust. Ellena was swept away to another dimension. Space and time crumbled around them until she and Kevin were the only two beings in existence. Stars exploded behind Ellena’s eyes. Kevin crushed her in his arms and felt his body free fall to ecstasy. He heard Ellena whimper his name, over and over, calling him back from the edge of the universe. He covered her mouth with his, breathing white heat into her lungs.
After what seemed like hours, Ellena opened her eyes. Kevin smiled lazily as his eyes danced across her face. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Kevin whispered, his lips only a breath away from hers.
“Tell you what?” Ellena replied and breathed his scent deeply.
“That you had never…”
Ellena brought her eyes up to meet his. “Would it have made a difference?” She asked pointedly.
Kevin thought for a moment. “No. Yes. I don’t know.”
“Yes you do. If you had known, you wouldn’t be here right now, would you?”
“I don’t want you to regret this.”
“I’m not going to, Kevin. There have been a lot of people that were willing to take my virginity, but there was never any one that I trusted enough to give it to. Until I met you. You’re the one I’ve been waiting for.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“Yes, with all my heart. I love you, Kevin Richardson. I love you more than anyone I’ve ever loved before.” Kevin closed his eyes.
“Ellena.” His voice was husky with emotion.
Ellena put her finger to his lips. “Shhh.” She didn’t need to hear him say it. She knew he loved her. It showed in everything he did and everything he said. He loved her long before she ever allowed her heart to let him in. Her name was now etched across his heart. Companions, friends, lovers, destined to be together.

“Whatcha readin’?” Nick plopped into the chair next to Ellena and grinned. Ellena held up her book so that Nick could see the cover. “The Canterbury Tales? Isn’t that like, educational or something?”
Ellena tapped Nick on the forehead. “You have to expand your mind Nick.”
“Sure whatever.” Nick replied flatly.
“Aren’t you supposed to be doing a sound check?”
“Yeah.” Nick shrugged. “But Brian was being a grouch so I came to visit you.” Nick turned his attention to the four men on stage working on their dance steps. Ellena had brought her book and tagged along with them that morning to the arena where the concert was to be that night. She was enjoying the opportunity to watch Kevin in his element. Nick studied Ellena as she glanced from the text on the book in front of her to the dark-haired man on stage. He laughed at her feeble attempt to hide the fact that she couldn’t keep her eyes off of Kevin. She turned to Nick with a confused look on her face.
“What are you laughing at?” She asked.
“You!”
“Why?”
“Because you’re devouring him with your eyes.” Nick smiled as Ellena blushed and looked away.
“Devouring. Hmm. Such a big word for you, Nick.” Ellena chided.
He looked at her pensively and cocked an eyebrow. “You look different today, Ellena.”
Ellena wrinkled her nose. “I look different how?”
“I dunno.” Nick shrugged. “You look…you look happy, content.” Nick trailed off searching for the correct word. Ellena rummaged through her bag on the floor and twisted the top off a bottle of water.
“Glowing.” Nick said triumphantly.
“Glowing? What’s that supposed to mean?” Ellena grinned and took a sip of her water.
“Something happened between you and Kevin yesterday, didn’t it?”
Ellena quickly pulled the bottle away from her lips and covered her mouth as she choked on the liquid. Nick grinned wider and patted Ellena on the back. After coughing for a bit, she held up her hand to show that she was okay. “What exactly are you getting at, Nick?” Ellena asked in a hoarse voice.
Nick held his hands up in response. “Nothing. All I’m saying is you look happy today.”
Ellena eyed him wearily and then nodded. “Thanks, I think.”
The two sat in the seats in front of the stage and watched as AJ and Howie chased Kevin around the floor before tackling him to the ground and emptying their water bottles on him. Brian walked on to the stage and stood over them. He mumbled something inaudible to the three men on the ground as they stood up like children being punished. Brian turned his attention to the theatre seats. “Nick!” He screamed. “Get your ass up here so we can finish. I don’t plan on spending the entire afternoon with these adolescents!” Nick turned to Ellena and shrugged.
“Gotta go. See ya later.” Nick stood and joined the group. Kevin strolled to the edge of the stage and smiled to Ellena. Ellena looked up from her book and smiled back.
“Can I ask you a favour?”
“Sure.” Ellena shrugged. “Ask away.”
“Can you go into the back and get me a dry shirt? Please.”
Ellena marked her page and stood up. “Yeah sure. Be back in a sec.” Ellena walked around the front row of chairs and through the stage door.
“You two make me sick.” Brian spat at Kevin.
Kevin rolled his eyes. “Drop it Brian, it doesn’t concern you.” He replied calmly.
Brian stomped his foot and huffed. He turned on his heel and left the stage area and returned to the back room. He could no longer stand to be in the same room as Kevin. Whether he was part of his family or not, Kevin had made it very clear the Brian’s opinion didn’t matter to him. He rushed past several open doors in the hallway and stopped when he saw a movement in one of the rooms. He walked in the room and watched as Ellena rifled through a hanging rack, looking for a t-shirt for Kevin.
“You deserve an Oscar for that little performance at Kevin’s house last month. I especially liked it when you passed out. Very convincing.”
Ellena turned around and gave a look of disgust. “Brian, can’t you just leave me alone?”
“How convenient for you that Kevin invited you here so you could seal the deal.”
“What deal? I don’t know what you are talking about, Brian. What could I possibly have to gain from manipulating Kevin?”
“Don’t pretend to be so naive Ellena. I know better than that. You get yourself pregnant with his child and all you have to do is sell your story to the first tell-all book deal that you get offered.”
“I told you before that Kevin and I aren’t sleeping together.” Up until yesterday, it had been the truth.
“I can only assume that those were your scratches down Kevin’s chest this morning. Was he a good fuck?”
Ellena’s eyes widened and she could feel her cheeks burn. What she and Kevin had shared last night had been much more than that, so much more. She refused to stand in front of Brian and let him cheapen it. She took a step backwards and shook her head. The door swung open and Kevin stepped inside. He looked at Brian and then at Ellena. His eyes darkened.
“Is everything all right in here?” Ellena jumped.
“Yes, I was just…just…getting that t-shirt that you wanted. Sorry I took so long.” Ellena smiled sweetly at Kevin. She must have been convincing enough because he smiled back and kissed her on the forehead. Brian grimaced and looked away. Kevin straightened and turned to Brian.
“We’re waiting for you for the sound check.” Kevin pulled his drenched t-shirt off, revealing four dark, red lines down the front of his torso. Brian glanced at them and leveled his eyes at Ellena.
“We’ll have to finish our discussion later.” He ground out.
“Yes, we will.” Ellena replied. “See you later Brian.” She called out as he left the room. She turned back to Kevin. Brian wasn’t an idiot. The scratches on Kevin’s chest were very obvious. One had to be a fool not to know what they were from. Ellena’s mouth descended upon them, kissing each wound down its entire length. “Kevin, I’m sorry I hurt you.” Kevin laughed, his pearl white teeth flashed.
“I should be the one apologizing. I hurt you.”
“Don’t.” Ellena replied, looking deep into his emerald eyes.
“Then you don’t.” He kissed her on the tip of the nose. He stepped back from her and pulled the clean t-shirt over his head. “I’ll see you after the sound check?”
“Of course.” She grinned. With that, he was gone.
Ellena fell back onto a chair and sighed. No matter what, she refused to go to Kevin and tell him about how Brian was treating her. She had dealt with men like Brian all of her life. It was just what he wanted, for her to run tattling to Kevin so he could deny the whole thing and make her out to be the bad guy. No way would she give him the satisfaction.

The next week flew by Ellena in a whirlwind of bliss. Never in her life had she experienced the feelings that she had for Kevin. He would kiss her goodbye every morning before he left, and hold her in his arms every night while they slept. And when they made love, Ellena realized what it was to be a complete person.
Almost.
Without Lacey in her life, she was still not whole. Lacey’s absence weighed heavily on her heart. No amount of love and tenderness from Kevin would ever be able to erase the pain she felt with every breath.
“Kevin, I think I’ll fly home tomorrow.” Ellena said softly as she traced lazy circles over his torso with her fingertips.
Kevin wrinkled his eyes at the corners and grabbed her hand in his, holding it still. “You’re supposed to stay with me for another three days.”
“I know but I should probably get back to work…”
“Ken said ten days! That was the agreement!” Kevin became angry.
Ellena became confused at Kevin’s immediate anger. “Calm down Kevin. I just don’t think I should stay that long.”
“Don’t you want to be with me anymore?”
Ellena caressed his cheek. “Of course I want to be with you, Kevin. I love you, can’t you see that?”
Kevin nodded and kissed her mouth. “Then stay with me for the next three days.”
“My presence here is putting more stress on your relationship with Brian. It’s starting to wear on the others too. I won’t be the reason for that.” She had had another run-in with Brian that morning, which she neglected to mention to Kevin. “I can’t take another day of pretending to be happy on that tour bus when the tension is so thick I can barely see my hand in front of my face.” Kevin knew she was the voice of reason. The breakdown of his friendship with Brian had worn on everyone else’s relationship with him as well. There was constant bickering and sarcastic remarks being thrown at each other. “You know it will be better this way, Kevin.” He nodded.
Ellena smiled sadly and kissed the middle of his chest. She then sat up, rolled across the bed and reached for her plane ticket on the telephone stand. “It should say something here about canceling and changing flights.” Ellena thought out loud as she studied the fine print. Letting her eyes graze down the page she mused. “Hmm. It says here that the ticket was booked three days before I even told you that I got the time off. That’s weird. Must have been a clerical error. Let me see…” She read down the page with out giving it a second thought. “Aha! Here it is: flight cancellation and schedule changes.” She skimmed over the text.
Kevin propped himself up on one elbow and quickly pulled the ticket out of her hands. Ellena frowned. “Kevin what are you-“ He kissed her. Kevin pulled Ellena closer to him and rained kisses down on her face.
“I’m kissing the woman I love.”
Ellena giggled. “Kevin!” She exclaimed. “I’m trying to change my plane ticket.” She said as she squirmed away from his tickles.
“You can change your ticket tomorrow.” He replied and began to nuzzle her neck.
“What about tonight, then?”
“Tonight, I want to give you something to remember me by.”
The ticket, now forgotten, dropped to the floor.

“Cherry!” Ellena pushed through the crowded airport. “Cherry! Over here!”
“Ell!” Cherry appeared in the sea of faces and squeezed Ellena in a big bear hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
Ellena hugged back and then let go of Cherry. “It’s good to see you too! When did you get back from holidays? I want you to tell me all about them.” Ellena grinned.
Cherry laughed. “Let’s go get your luggage and I’ll tell you in the car.”
Fifteen minutes later, Cherry maneuvered the car out of the airport parkade and onto the city street.
“Oh - love this song.” Ellena smiled and turned up Cherry’s car radio. She sang along with Cyndi Lauper until the song was finished. Cherry laughed at her friend.
“So is there anywhere we have to stop before I take you back to your apartment? I’m assuming Lacey is staying at Mrs. Craig’s.” Ellena’s eyes immediately darkened and the smile left her face.
“Nobody told you huh?” Ellena stated.
“Told me what?” Cherry frowned.
Ellena turned away from Cherry and looked out her window.
“Told me what, Ell?” Cherry asked again.
Ellena wiped away the tear that slid down her cheek.
“Told me what, Ell?” Cherry demanded.
“Eric has Lacey. He took her away from me.”
“Oh my god.” Cherry whispered. She felt as though a brick had dropped on her stomach. “When?”
“Almost six weeks ago, now.” Ellena replied.
“Wasn’t there anything you could have done?” Cherry said desperately.
“Cherry, you already know the answer to that. If there was anything I could have done, I would have done it. He took my little girl away and I was completely powerless to stop him.”
“Oh, Ell. I’m so sorry.”
Ellena nodded and diverted her eyes out the side window again. The rest of the half-hour drive was silent. Cherry pulled her car up to the curb at Ellena’s apartment building and shut off the engine. Both women got out the car and stretched. Ellena glanced up to her bedroom window and then across the street to Mrs. Craig’s little pink house.
“Let’s go visit Mrs. Craig. I’ll bet she has a fresh pot of tea.”
Cherry nodded. “Sure. I’ll help you get your bags to the apartment and then we’ll go over.” She said opening the trunk with her car keys.
Ellena shook her head. “No. Let’s go over now. I don’t want to go into that empty apartment just yet.”
Cherry shut the trunk again and nodded. She slipped her arm around Ellena’s waist and they walked across the street together to Mrs. Craig’s.

~*~

“Where is Ellena?” Nick asked, as Kevin entered the private banquet room of the hotel alone.
“Mitch took her to the airport this morning. She thought she would get back to work a little early.” Kevin replied while taking a seat beside him.
“I guess she did everyone – I mean everything – she wanted to do in the short time that she was here, huh?” Brian said under his breath, just loud enough for Kevin to hear.
Kevin blinked and pretended he hadn’t heard Brian. Mitch had warned him that Brian would eventually come around. In the meantime, Kevin had to bite his tongue and keep his temper in check.
AJ interrupted the tense silence. “So how come she didn’t bring Lacey with her. Didn’t you invite her too?”
“Of course I did.” Kevin replied. “Lacey was with her father.”
“Oh.” AJ and Nick said in unison.
“Just visiting though, right?” AJ questioned. “She’s going to be back with Ellena by the time we’re back in Orlando, right Kevin?” AJ’s voice had a hint of alarm to it.
“Of course.” Kevin lied. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for that little girl.” Brian scowled from across the table.
AJ’s cheeks turned pink and he shrugged in an attempt to cover it up. “So maybe I have. And you’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for her aunt.” AJ observed. “Nothing wrong with that.” He grinned.
Brian shifted in his chair. “What Kevin has for Ellena is far from being soft.” He quipped with a sinister grin.
Howie snapped his eyes up to Brian. “What exactly is your problem? You’ve been such an ass lately. Who Kevin chooses to spend his time with is none of your concern.”
“It is my concern when it is interfering with my musical career. Bad publicity for one of us is bad publicity for all of us. None of us have time to concentrate on our private lives. All of our time and energy should be directed towards the success of the group. We shouldn’t be letting our attentions stray to anything else, be it a little girl or a grown woman.” Brian said pointedly to AJ and Kevin. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t think I can stomach being in Kevin’s presence any longer.” Brian got up to leave.
“Don’t bother, Brian.” Kevin said as he threw his napkin down on the table. “You might as well stay. I was just leaving anyway.” Kevin nodded to AJ, Nick and Howie and returned to his hotel room.
Brian scowled again as the door slammed behind Kevin and then settled his glare on Howie.
Howie glared back. “I don’t know what you have against Kevin and Ellena being together but you really need to get over it.”
“If you were any kind of friend to him you would be glad that he has found happiness with someone.” AJ added.
“To put it simply, Brian.” Nick started. “We don’t agree with the way you have been treating Kevin since Ellena came into his life. I’m disappointed to see that you friendship with Kevin is suffering because of some preconceived notion you are stuck on. It is affecting all of us, not only you and Kevin, and it is your fault. Until you realize that, you are on your own.”
Nick, AJ and Howie stood up from the table. Brian smiled a little, not really believing that they were serious. “See ya around.” AJ said to a now confused Brian, as the three young men left the room.
Brian was left to his own thoughts. He was given a lot of time to think about what they had said to him too. When he made it out to the tour bus that he shared with Nick, he found that it was empty. It made him feel like a little child being punished and sent to his room. He sat down on the lumpy sofa and scowled out the window. It was an overcast day and all he saw out the window was his own reflection, which he scowled at again. He then turned away. He didn’t want to look at himself anymore. All he ever did lately was scowl, even to himself. What had gone wrong? What had happened to the brotherhood that he used to share with the others? Surely it wasn’t entirely his fault. Kevin had to share some of the blame and so did Ellena. Ellena O’Ryan. Even the thought of her made Brian scowl some more. He couldn’t even remember what she had done to make him hate her so much. He just knew that he hated her. Brian looked around the empty tour bus and glared at the space. Brian was alone for the entire day with only his thoughts to keep him company.

With Ellena back at the club and Kevin finishing up the last leg of the tour, the days once again seemed to drag on. Ken had increased Ellena’s hours at the club so that she was now working twelve hour days in succession. Although it frustrated Ellena to no end that Ken had that kind of power over her, she chose not to tell Kevin. He wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it anyway. The only thing telling him would do would be make him angry. Ellena didn’t see Mrs. Craig much anymore. Mr. Reynolds had been taking up most of Mrs. Craig’s time.
The day the Backstreet Boys were scheduled to return to Orlando was gloomy and overcast but that did not discourage Ellena. She had been on pins and needles all week. There was a small press conference planned immediately upon their return and then Kevin would be all hers. He had called her late the night before to make sure that she would be waiting for him after she got off at the club.
Ellena changed out of her uniform in the change room and cashed out her tips at the front till. She stepped out into the cool night to wait for Kevin on the street corner. Less than three minutes later, a white stretch limo slowed at the curb and stopped in front of her. Ellena smiled at the thought of Kevin behind the smoky glass. The window slid down and a large, middle aged man with several gold chains peered out at her.
“Hi baby. You waiting for me?”
Ellena took a step back and shook her head. “No.” She whispered, her eyes wide.
The man’s eyes never wavered form her slim frame. “I’ve got enough money for a girl like you. Why don’t you get in the car?”
Beginning to panic slightly, Ellena glanced up and down the street. Kevin was no where in sight and she had already locked the club up tight. She rolled her eyes at her own naivete. What did she expect people to think with her standing outside a strip club, late at night, wearing a miniskirt and leather boots? Truth be known, she had bought the outfit especially for Kevin’s homecoming. She wanted to look nice for his first night home.
“Come now Ellena.” A low, gravelly voice came from within the car. “We both know you could use the extra cash.” Ellena didn’t need to see a face to know who the voice belonged to.
“Go away Ken.” Ellena’s voice was strong even though her hands were trembling.
Ken Dahl’s thick fingers curled around the edge of the car window as he brought his face outside. “Waiting for your pop star, Ellena? He must pay you very well for your…favours. Or maybe you think that he’s in love with you and you give it to him for free. Tell me Ellena, when he is over you and he closes his eyes, do you really believe it’s your face he’s seeing?”
Ellena closed her eyes. The sounds of the city drowned out Ken’s insults. She took another step back and came in contact with the cold metal of the handrail. She gripped it with both hands to keep her balance. She heard Ken and the other man cackle as the limo drove off. She opened her eyes to see the tail lights disappear around the next corner. A black car pulled up across the street and a dark figure got out and leaned against the hood. Ellen immediately recognized it and ran across the street.
“Kevin!” She cried as he crushed her in his arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Not as much as I missed you.” He sighed into her hair. Ellena tilted her head up to meet his eyes and his lips sought hers out. He kissed her tenderly in the cool night air.
“Take me home and make love to me.” Ellena whispered.
Wordlessly, Kevin led her around the car and opened the passenger side door.

~*~

The next morning, Ellena was getting ready to leave for another shift as Kevin lay on the bed and watched her reflection in the dresser mirror.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Ellena grinned at him through the mirror.
“Like what?” Kevin feigned innocence.
“Like there’s something you want to say but aren’t going to.” Ellena replied, sitting next to him on the bed.
Kevin rolled over under the sheet and hoped that Ellena wasn’t able to read his expression. He had plans for that evening that involved Ellena and their future together.
“Why won’t you let me pay off your debt to Ken?”
Ellena sighed heavily and turned her eyes towards the ceiling. “Kevin, we’ve been through this.”
“I know, but if you could just look at it my way-“
“It’s my problem and I can handle it.” Ellena replied, quickly growing uneasy.
“Why? Why won’t you let me do this for you?” Kevin asked loudly.
“Do you know what it’s like to be indebted to someone? It’s like they always have something to hold over your head, something to control you with.”
“It wouldn’t be like that, Ellena.” Kevin argued.
“You’re kidding yourself if you think it wouldn’t be. Maybe at first you wouldn’t see it that way but it always turns out like that in the end. I’ll never give anyone that power over me.”
Kevin grew angrier. “What do I have to do to prove to you that I am not like the other men in your past? I’m not going to hurt you like Eric and I’m not going to manipulate you like Ken.” He shouted. “You have the opportunity to take that power away from Ken tonight so why won’t you let me?”
“Absolutely not, Kevin.” Ellena snapped. “I will not have you taking care of my responsibilities.”
“You’re being unreasonable, Ellena. I can have the money to Ken tonight.”
“I’m being unreasonable?” Ellena’s voice grew louder. “You’re being unreasonable. You don’t think I can handle this on my own.”
Kevin’s face grew red. “I never said you couldn’t handle it. I just don’t want you to have to deal with it when I can help you.”
“No Kevin. You can’t pay off my debt. That’s it – end of discussion.” The wall clock chimed the hour, reminding Ellena that she was going to be late for work. “I gotta go. Will you still pick me up tonight?”
Ellena asked apprehensively.
Kevin pursed his lips and nodded. Ellena quickly gathered her things and stuffed them into her bag. She whirled around and made her way to the bedroom door. Gripping the doorknob, she stopped and turned to Kevin, still sitting on the bed and breathing heavy from anger. “I love you.” She whispered before disappearing through the door.
Kevin waited until he heard the front door slam before he flopped back onto the pillow and sighed. She was the most stubborn woman he had ever met.

The club was packed when Kevin walked through the entrance. He spotted Ellena serving drinks at a table in front of the stage.
“I still don’t understand why you are picking her up from work if you had a fight this morning.” Nick complained. “I’d be like – see ya later.”
Kevin pointed to a table in the section Ellena was working that night and gestured for Nick and AJ to follow him. “Maybe that’s why you’ve never had a relationship that lasted more than three weeks, Nick.” Kevin replied bluntly. He had been brooding all day.
AJ took his seat and waved at Ellena across the bar. “Kevin thinks she’s worth it so give the guy a break would ya?” He whacked Nick on the shoulder.
Nick frowned. “Whatever.”
“Hey guys!” Ellena greeted Nick and AJ over the music. Kevin grasped her hand under the table and gave it a quick squeeze. Ellena yanked her hand away as if it had been burned. “You are early. Let me guess.” She grinned at Nick and AJ. “You came to see Nadia.”
AJ plastered on a fake smile and pretended not to notice the tension between Kevin and Ellena. “Busted.”
“Can I get you guys some drinks?”
“Sure, a vodka slime for me.” Nick replied.
Ellena raised her eyebrow at AJ. “I’ll have a bud.”
“Kevin?” She said coolly.
“No thanks.” He mumbled. She glared at him briefly before turning towards Nick and AJ. “I’ll bring those right away.” She turned around and left the table.
“Wow is she pissed.” Nick whistled. Kevin remained silent and glowered at the table in front of him.
Ellena made her way to the bar and ordered the drinks. “Ellena!” Another waitress walked up behind her and put her hand on her shoulder. “Ken has been looking for you. He wants to talk to you.”
“Tell him I’ll talk to him tomorrow. I’m the only one working section three tonight and it’s packed.”
“He sent me to take your section. He wants to talk to you now and you know that he won’t take no for an answer.” The girl shook her head and left her.
Ellena turned back to the bartender and rolled her eyes. “I’ll be back, Jay.”
“No problem, I’ll have your order waiting.” Jay replied with a shrug. Ellena left her drink tray at the bar and hurried up the stairs to Ken’s office. She knocked on the door before she walked in. Ken was sitting behind his desk with his customary lecherous grin on his face.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Dahl?”
“Yes Ellena, please sit down and do call me Ken. Mr. Dahl is so formal and we’re all friends here right?”
Ellena sneered. “What do you want?”
“Now now, Ellena, don’t be so sour. It’s unbecoming for such a pretty girl.” Ellena didn’t answer.
“I want you to dance tonight.”
Ellena’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “You what?” Her voice grew alarmed.
“I want you to dance tonight.” He said calmly. An evil grin spread across his face.
“I came here to waitress tonight – not to dance. I quit that part over a year ago - remember?” She sputtered in disbelief. “Besides, I didn’t shave my legs this morning.” She added, grasping at any she could think of.
“Oh come on Lucky. All the regulars were very disappointed when you quit dancing and no one will notice anyway.”
“I don’t care.”
“I’ll give you the rest of the weekend off.”
“No.”
“I’ll double your pay.”
“I said No.”
There was a long silence as the two glared at each other across the cheap laminate desk.
“I’ll send someone after Eric.” Ken said slowly.
“Eric is nowhere to be found.” Ellena spat.
“Oh really?” He replied sarcastically. He shoved some photos across his desk to her. “I’m a very resourceful man, Ellena.”
Without picking them up, Ellena caught a glimpse of Eric in the black and whites.
“Go ahead.” Ellena said flatly. “I have no warm fuzzies for Eric anyway.”
“Oh really?” Ken asked. “I think I’ll call your bluff.” He took another photo out of his top desk drawer and held it up.
The colour drained from Ellena’s face as she recognized Lacey in the picture. “You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
“You son of a bitch.” She whispered.
Ken flashed another one of his greasy smiles. Ellena fought the urge to vomit as he licked his lips and ran his eyes up and down her body. “You and Nadia are about the same size. You should be able to borrow an outfit from her. It won’t be staying on long anyway. I’ll make sure the DJ has your old music.”
Ellena closed her eyes and grimaced. “Gee, I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“Of course you do. You could not dance. You know how happy that would make me to give the order for an unfortunate accident.”
“I’ll do it.” She whispered, hate gleaming in her eyes.
“Thank you Lucky. I appreciate you doing this for me.”
Ellena glared at him. “Understand this. I am not doing this for you. I am doing this for the rest of the weekend off and for double pay. Some day soon you will have nothing to hold over my head.” Ellena turned on her heel and stormed out of the office. “And don’t you ever call me Lucky.” She yelled before slamming the door.

“Thanks for the outfit Nadia.” Ellena mumbled as the auburn-haired woman swept past her behind the curtain.
“No problem. Are you sure you want to do this?” Nadia was concerned. It took a certain kind of person to be a stripper and Nadia knew that Ellena was not the type. “Ken must have something big on you to force you to do this.” She stated.
Ellena’s remained fixed on the opening in the curtain as she replied with no emotion. “He does.”
The beginning of some familiar music followed the muffled introduction by the house DJ.
All she wants is… all she wants is…
“I hate this fucking song.” Ellena said under her breath. In one swift movement, she swept back the curtain and held her breath as she stepped onto the stage. The beat of the music pounded in her head like a sledgehammer. She squinted into the blinding spotlight, trying to focus on the room of people she didn’t really want to see.
Ken had been right, no one was close enough to notice minor imperfections in her figure. Thankfully, no one was close enough to see the tears of humiliation in her eyes either. Even if they had been close enough for them to see her face, nobody ever looked at it anyway. The men at these clubs came to see other parts of her body.
She willed her arms and legs to keep time to the music. Her eyes grew accustomed to the spotlight’s brightness and she was finally able to see into the lounge. Ellena watched as Kevin, Nick and AJ rose from their table and walked out the door. Blatant shock ran across the faces of Nick and AJ, but Kevin’s expression only showed sheer disappointment and anger.
Without waiting for the rest of the song to play out, she ran across the stage to the back. She grabbed the first jacket that she saw and pulled it over what little clothes she still had on. She opened the back door and ran into the pouring rain, after Kevin. She screamed his name as her stiletto heels dug into the mud.
“Kevin! Kevin! Wait!”
She ran past the rows of parked cars, her eyes straining to see him through the hard rain. The glow from the streetlight caught the reflection of a car door opening. Ellena pulled the jacket tighter around her shivering figure. “Kevin, please let me explain.” She said, coming up behind him. Nick and AJ got into the car and Kevin remained standing. He turned his eyes to Ellena and she froze to see the disappointment emanating from their emerald depths.
“What is there to explain, Ellena? You refuse to let me help you and then you do this?” He spat in disgust.
“I didn’t have a choice, Kevin. He said-“
“You did have a choice!” Kevin screamed. “You could have let me help you. That is all I ever wanted to do.”
“But Ken-“ Ellena tried desperately to make him listen.
“I don’t want to hear about Ken. Good bye Ellena.” Kevin yanked open the car door and got in. He ignored Ellena’s desperate pleas for him to listen as he slammed the door and ordered AJ to drive.
Ellena watched the car drive through the lot as the rain fell over her, matting her hair and making her makeup run down her face.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Ken came up behind her and grabbed her by the arm.
Ellen struggled to break free of his grasp.
“Ken, please let go. You’re hurting me.”
“Get back inside to finish taking off your clothes.”
“No. I’ll be back for my shift on Monday.”
“You’ll be back for your shift tomorrow night.”
“You said I could have the rest of the weekend off!”
Ellena dug her stilettos into the mud and tried again to yank her arm from Ken’s vice-like grip. “Let go of me, you son of a bitch. I am not going back in there to strip on your stage. You can’t-“ Her sentence was cut off by a hard and powerful blow to her face by Ken’s open hand.
AJ silently maneuvered his car out of the parking lot. In the corner of his eye, Kevin could see Ellena and Ken shouting at each other in the rain. “Just keep driving.” He said to AJ. Kevin looked back at the two blurred figures in the rain. He watched as Ken raised his arm to Ellena and slapped her hard across the face with the back of his hand. “Stop the car.” He said to AJ.
AJ started to protest. “But you said –“
“I said stop the fucking car!” Kevin shouted. AJ stepped on the brake and took the car out of gear. Kevin opened the door and got back out into the rain. Nick and AJ exchanged bewildered looks as Kevin sprinted towards the club.
Ellena tried again to shake herself free from Ken’s fist.
“I am through with being nice to you, Lucky. Either you get back in there and take off your clothes or-“
“Or what?” Ellena screamed.
A swift movement caught Ken’s attention in the lot behind Ellena. The pop star was coming to save his damsel in distress. Ken grinned. He was pretty sure he had the power to quash any chivalrous intentions that Kevin had. “Or you can get your boyfriend to pay for it again.” He smiled greasily at Ellena.
Ellena’s eyebrows furrowed together. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh did I let something out that I shouldn’t have? Oops! Silly me.” Ken covered his smile with his hand in an attempt to look innocent. “Come now, Ellena. You didn’t think I’d let you leave for two weeks without being compensated for the work you missed, did you?”
Ellena fought to find her voice as realization set in. “So you asked Kevin to pay for my time?”
Kevin ran across the muddy parking lot and up to Ken Dahl. He put his body between Ken and Ellena and shoved Ken’s chest. “Get your hands off of her.” He growled.
Ken’s eyes never wavered from Ellena as he was violently pushed backwards.
“Oh no honey, I didn’t have to. He came to me all on his own. Didn’t you Kevin? Tell her.” Ken could barely hide the amusement on his face.
Kevin turned to look at Ellena. She was covering her cheek with her hand. Her lip was split and bleeding. She looked up to stare at him with her hollow grey eyes.
“Tell me it’s not true.” Kevin gave Ellena a blank look. “Kevin, tell me it’s not true.” She had that look on her face, the look of hurt and betrayal. The look that Kevin promised would never be there because of him. “Please tell me you didn’t pay Ken for my time like he was my pimp.”
Kevin’s eyes widened with the realization of what Ken had just revealed to her. “Ellena, it wasn’t like that.”
“You don’t deny it then?” It was more of a statement than a question.
“You needed to get away.” He pleaded.
“So you thought you could buy my time like a two-bit whore?”
Kevin stepped closer to Ellena and tried to put his arms around her. Her grey eyes pierced him to the soul
She looked away and whispered. “Please don’t touch me.”
“Oh! Coming to her rescue are you?” Ken laughed arrogantly. “Take a look at her. I don’t think she wants to be rescued by you.”
Kevin’s hands dropped to his side. “Ellena, you know I never thought that. You know me.”
“No, I don’t. I don’t know you at all.” Ellen turned on her heel, ran past Ken and back inside the club. Kevin made a move to follow her but was stopped by Ken’s hand on his chest.
“It looks like she’s already made her choice. You should leave.” With that, Ken turned to walk back inside.
“Ken?” Kevin called behind him.
Ken twisted his head around to respond. “What do you want now?” He sneered. His question was answered by Kevin’s fist slamming against his face. Ken fell to his knees and brought his hands up to stop the blood that had already started to drop to the mud. Kevin pushed his wet hair out of his face and walked back to the car. Wordlessly, he closed the door and buckled his seatbelt. AJ and Nick sat in stunned silence as Kevin stared out the front window. After a moment of AJ and Nick staring at him with wide eyes, Kevin turned to AJ. “Can we go now please?” AJ nodded and turned the key in the ignition.
“Can you say lawsuit?” Nick sputtered from the backseat.
“What are you talking about?” Kevin asked in short, bitten off words.
“I think you broke that guy’s nose!” Nick replied. He had rarely seen Kevin act on his emotions with such violence. Usually he was so cool and levelheaded.
“Uh huh.” Kevin pointed at the stop light up the street. “Turn left there.” He said to AJ.
“But that’s the wrong way.” AJ corrected. “Your house is to the right.”
“I know that. Ellena’s house is to the left.”
Without hesitation, AJ signaled and changed lanes.

Ellena watched the rain fall against the windshield of the car. “Thank you for taking me home Jay.”
“You know I don’t mind. Are you sure you’re okay? You should have some ice on that.”
Ellena gingerly touched her bottom lip and hissed. “I’ll be fine.” She laid her head back against the headrest and watched Jay concentrate on driving. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“How is your marriage?”
Jay kept his eyes on the road and smiled to himself. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, how do you handle it? How can you deal with men ogling Nadia every night? How can you let them look at her?”
“Nadia is the love of my life. She’s my life partner, mother of my children and my best friend. Yes, she takes her clothes off for money but I know that she’s coming home to me every night.”
Ellena smiled and then winced as her lip started to bleed again. “Jay, you’re one in a million.”
Jay stopped the car in front of Ellena’s apartment building.
“Do you want me to walk you up?”
“Would you, please?”
“Let’s go.”

~*~

Kevin, AJ and Nick had been waiting in the lobby on the main floor of Ellena’s apartment building for close to an hour. Kevin was about to give up when he heard voices come up the walk.
“Thanks again, Jay.” Ellena said softly as she looked for her keys.
“Do you want me to come in and check the closets for monsters too?”
Ellena giggled and then winced and touched her lip. “I think I can handle it from here. I’m going to get some ice and –“ she stopped dead in her tracks when she rounded the corner and came face to face with Kevin.
Kevin’s heart twisted to see a large bruise forming on the delicate flesh below her eye. Ellena took a step back towards Jay.
“I just want to talk, Ellena.” Kevin started.
“I’m done talking to you.” Ellena replied coldly.
“Five minutes Ellena, Please.”
“Sorry, I’m on my own time now. Maybe you can strike up another deal with Ken for more of my time next week.” Ellena felt her anger and sorrow churn inside her.
Kevin clenched his teeth and tried a different approach. “I never meant for you to find out like this.”
“You never meant for me to find out at all.” She countered. “You know what hurts the most Kevin? The fact that I trusted you. You were the first person I have trusted since my mother died and you broke it.” Tears stung the back of her eyes and she furiously blinked them back. “It wasn’t enough for you. What is it with the men in my life? I’m just not good enough.” She threw her hands in the air.
“You’re good enough Ellena. Don’t be-“
“Oh thank you Kevin. I’m good at something! It’s so gracious of you to say so but remember, you paid for that.” Kevin’s eyes widened at what she was implying. “Yeah, or did you already forget? I was only doing my job. Scratch another notch on your bedpost. Move on down the line. I don’t understand why you had to pay for it. Someone in your station in life usually can get it for free.”
“Ellena, can we talk about this in private? I really don’t think –“
“Why would we need to talk in private? You told me that you tell them everything.” She waved her hand in the direction of Nick and AJ. She turned to Nick and sneered. “Tell me Nick. Did he tell you that he fucked a stripper? Did you high five him?”
Kevin’s head snapped up. “That’s enough Ellena!” He said through clenched teeth.
“Awww, what’s wrong Kevin? Did I damage your male ego?”
“You’re making a fool of yourself.”
“No, I had help with that. All those long nights, stolen moments, all those feelings, words, tender caresses – I wanted that. I wanted that with you. But now I realize that I was being a fool.”
“I didn’t take –“
“You didn’t have to take anything!” Ellena screamed. “I gave it to you willingly. And it didn’t mean anything to you. Tell me – Did you get your money’s worth? Was it enough bang for your buck?”
Ellena banged on the wall with her fist for emphasis.
“I said I’ve had enough!” Kevin thundered, his face contorted with anger.
Ellena drew herself up to Kevin’s chest and locked her glare with his. In his eyes, she saw no trace of the tender feelings she thought he had for her. She saw nothing but blind rage.
Kevin winced under her hard stare. In Ellena’s eyes he saw confusion, pain, betrayal and pure hatred. Ellena dropped her voice below a whisper. “So have I.” Ellena pushed the up button for the elevator. Hot tears burned her eyes and threatened to spill over. “You are not going to cry about this Ell. You will not cry over Kevin Richardson.” She firmly told herself. The elevator bell rang and startled her so much that her heart nearly stopped. She stepped into the elevator and waved at Jay in the lobby.
Kevin remained in the same spot for a moment. Nick and AJ exchanged worried expressions. Nick stood up and put his hand on Kevin's shoulder. “Kev, are you-“
Kevin raised his hand to silence him. With a forced calmness, he picked up the keys to AJ’s car and left. Nick started after him but was stopped by AJ.
“We’ll take a cab, bro. Leave him be.”

Two days had passed since Kevin had fought with Ellena. Every hour, on the hour, he dialed her number, only to hang up after half a dozen rings, knowing that she was never going to pick it up. The night he left her apartment building, he drove the city streets for hours. He knew he had been wrong by approaching Ken in the first place, but he wanted so much to be with her on the road. And when she had gotten there – it had been pure bliss. He had not eaten nor had he slept – much. A few hours on the couch maybe, but he couldn’t spend one night alone in his bed when the last time he had slept there had been with her.
Questions raced through his mind. Why did she dance that night at the club? He so wanted to hear that explanation. She had tried to tell him but he had been too angry to give her a chance.
“Damn!” He muttered to himself. Kevin sat up from the couch and raked his hands through his dark hair. He needed to know the answer and he needed to know now, but first a quick shower and some black coffee for cripe’s sake – he looked like the walking dead.
Less than an hour later, he parked his car outside Ellena’s brick apartment building and turned off the engine. The three dozen roses sitting on the passenger seat wouldn’t make up for anything but at least they might get him in the door, he thought to himself. He gathered the flowers and walked briskly across the front lawn, past the new vacancy sign. He climbed the stairs and turned down the hallway. Kevin smiled at the memory of him and Lacey dancing in the corridor and singing about grilled cheese. It seemed a distant memory now. He raised his fist and knocked on Ellena’s door, hoping she would have the heart to open it to him. After several moments of silence, he knocked again, this time with a little more persistence. Still no answer. He pounded on the door with the side of his hand. “Please, Ellena. Let me in.” He shouted.
The door across the hall opened and a small man with wire rimmed glasses and grey hair peered into the hall.
“You missed her.”
Kevin turned to face him. “What do you mean?” He questioned.
“She left yesterday. In quite a hurry I might add. Packed all her stuff into boxes and left in the middle of the night.”
“Do you know where she went?” Kevin asked desperately. Why hadn’t he come yesterday?
“Sorry, son. She didn’t talk to any one before she left.”

~*~

“Oh yes, dear. She came to see me yesterday.” Mrs. Craig said as she set a cup of tea in front of Kevin.
“Did she tell you where she was going? Did she leave a forwarding address?” Kevin fired questions faster than he could think of them.
“She was very upset. She tried to hide it from me but I know her better than she thinks I do.” Her expression turned grave. “You didn’t have anything to do with her leaving, did you?”
Kevin hung his head. “Yes, Mrs. Craig. I’m afraid it’s completely my fault.”
Mrs. Craig smiled and patted his hand. “It will turn out fine, dear.”
Kevin grimaced. “I hope you are right, Mrs. Craig.”
Mrs. Craig dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and clucked her tongue. “I’m sorry I can’t help you more.”
“Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Craig. I have to be on my way.” Kevin kissed the old woman on the cheek and swiftly left her house.

~*~

“Cherry, please. You have to tell me where she is.” Kevin begged. He was standing on the front step of Cherry’s house. Cherry stood at the door with her hands on her hips and scowl on her face.
“How could you do that to her Kevin?” Cherry snapped.
“I don’t know! I wasn’t thinking.” He defended.
“Obviously!” Cherry snorted.
“Just tell me what she said when she came here yesterday, please Cherry.”
“Oh all right.” Cherry conceded. “She said something about chasing a dream that she thought she had lost when Eric left Lacey with her.”
“Did she tell you where she was going?”
“No, she didn’t tell me where she was going and I don’t think I would tell you even if she did. You’re not going to find her, Kevin. She doesn’t want to be found. She is probably as far away from here as she possibly can get. She won’t call you. Hell, I don’t even think she’ll call me. She’s gone.”
“Gone.” Kevin repeated the word that stabbed at his heart.
“Ellena has been betrayed so many times that she has come to expect it from people. Even if you do find her, she still might not let you back into her heart. Ellena has learned to rely on herself. She will claw her way back to the top but she will close her heart, not only to you, but to everyone. She reached her breaking point. I saw it in her eyes when she left here. She’s numb.”

~*~

One last chance, Kevin thought, and he would go home. He pulled up to the front door of Barbie Dahl’s and shut off his car. The club looked quite different in the day. Inside, there were a few people watching the spikey haired blond dance on the stage. Kevin recognized the bartender from Ellena’s apartment building the other night and went over to talk to him.
“She was here late last night but she’s gone now.” Jay said without looking up from the glass he was drying.
“When is she scheduled to work next?” Kevin asked.
Jay looked up at him and smiled. “She came in here with fifteen thousand cash and threw it at Ken, told him off and said she would never set foot in this dump again. Made me almost burst with pride how she did that.” Jay chuckled. “She finally got herself out of here.”

~*~

Seventy-two hours ago, Ellena had been lying next to Kevin, enveloped in his strong arms. Now she was sitting on a hard, uncomfortable bus seat headed anywhere away from him. She played the events of the night at the club over and over in her mind. Many questions had been answered for her that night. It hadn’t been a clerical error that her plane ticket had been dated before she told Kevin she had time off. He had booked it before Ken had even called her into his office. She also knew why Kevin became so angry the night when she told him that she was returning to Orlando earlier than she had originally planned. He had paid Ken for ten days and she only stayed for eight.
She spent the entire night packing up the apartment. She wouldn’t miss it. It hadn’t been a home to her ever since Lacey had been gone. Once everything was locked up in a storage garage, Ellena returned to the club for the last time. She had withdrawn enough money from her savings account to pay off the rest of the debt to Ken. She had $7000, minus the price of her bus ticket, to take her far away from Orlando to start a new life for herself. The money had been to put a down payment on a house for herself and Lacey but her plans had been changed.
She almost let out a shriek of delight when she arrived at the club to see Ken Dahl with two black eyes and a broken nose. She hid a slight grin at the thought of Kevin punching Ken in the parking lot. Ellena almost wished she had been there to see it for herself.
Yes, she was running. Whether it was running away from Kevin or running to a new beginning, she wasn’t sure. But she was running all right. She was running as fast as her legs could carry her.

“I’m here to audition for the choreographer’s position.” Ellena spoke meekly.
“What’s your name?”
“Ellena O’Ryan.” She replied.
“You’ll have to speak up. Did you say Lenore Riland?”
It surely couldn’t be that easy, could it? Change your name and Ellena O’Ryan disappears from the face of the planet forever. Don’t do it Ellena, she told herself.
“Miss?” The clerk raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Lenore Riland. Spelled just like it sounds.”
Welcome to your life. There’s no turning back…
“You’ll have to fill out these forms and wait to be called for an interview. You can sit over there.” The clerk handed her a clipboard with the forms and pointed towards a row of chairs. She sat down beside a slim girl – very obviously a dancer – with flame-red hair and golden eyes.
“Hi!” The girl whispered. “Are you here for the dancer’s audition?”
“No,” Ellena replied. “The choreographer’s job.”
“Oh, good. I don’t want to go up against too many people. My name is Marci “ She held out her hand and Ellena took it.
“Lenore.” The new name rolled uncomfortably off her tongue.
“Well, Lenny, good luck. I hope you get the job. I’ll be your female lead dancer.”
“How can you be so confident?”
Marci smiled and shrugged. “No reason not to be.” The red-head’s positive energy was contagious. Ellena found herself smiling back.

~*~

Lenore Riland was settling in to her new position as dance choreographer quite nicely. Marci had been right, she was her lead female dancer. Management had pretty much given Ellena full control, with the only stipulation that the production had to be ready in three months for opening night.
Ellena quickly sprung into action. She had been toying with an idea for a musical for quite some time. The only thing she had lacked before was the talented dance troupe to pull it off. Well, now she had the opportunity to put the wheels in motion.

~*~

Ellena O’Ryan was no where to be found. Kevin had looked everywhere. He even went as far as hiring a private investigator, but to no avail. It was like Ellena had dropped off the face of the planet. Kevin’s life had returned to what it had been like before he met her. The only difference was that his heart was so heavy, he could barely get through the day without the dull ache in his chest nearly paralyzing him.
Christmas was just around the corner and Kevin was dreading it immensely. He and Ellena had made plans to escape to a mountain cabin in Montana to spend New Year’s Eve alone before they had fallen apart. Kevin had booked the cabin three months earlier. He hadn’t cancelled it yet. He thought he might go up there and spend some time alone. Maybe he could finally make sense of his emotions.
Nick’s mom had invited everyone to the Carter household for Thanksgiving dinner. Almost everyone was outside, save for Mrs. Carter in the kitchen. Kevin arrived at the house late. He came in the front door to Mrs. Carter’s warm greeting and a hug. “Kevin, I was wondering if you were going to make it today. Everyone is in the yard.” She smiled but it quickly faded when she finally looked at Kevin’s face.
“Kevin, are you all right? Nick has been worried about you lately. He told me about your friend, Ellena.” She clucked her tongue and shook her head. “Such an awful situation,”
Kevin wondered what exactly Nick had told his mom and made a mental note to kill Nick when the opportunity presented itself. Kevin plastered a fake grin on his face and walked with Mrs. Carter into the house. “I’ll tell Nick you’re here.” The timer on the oven rang and Mrs. Carter’s headed towards the kitchen. Kevin took a seat on the couch in the front room and cradled his head in his hands. The oven timer transported him back to Ellena’s apartment on the day that he had chased her through the living room. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the way her lips felt against his. He couldn’t, it had been too long. He heard heavy footsteps come in to the room.
“Nick, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Kevin said with out looking up.
“What you’re going to do about what?” Brian inquired.
Kevin’s eyes snapped open. “Oh, it’s you.” He spat. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” He said sarcastically.
Brian narrowed his eyes. “Don’t start. Maybe we can at least be civil to each other when we’re in someone else’s house?”
“You’re the one who started this, Bri. Now you’re asking for a reprieve? I don’t understand you Brian. Just because Ellena is no longer in the picture doesn’t mean I’m just going to forget the way you treated her and me for the past six months.” Kevin voice was progressively growing louder.
“Oh, give me a break!” Brian shot back. “I started this? I don’t think so. You’re the one who completely ignored my warnings. If you had listened to me, you wouldn’t be walking around like you’re half dead!”
“If I had listened to you I would have -!”
“You wouldn’t be feeling this way now. You’d be the Kevin that you used to be. You’d be the friend that I used to have!” Brian quit shouting and sat down in the nearest chair. “Kevin, what happened?”
Kevin stared at Brian long and hard. His sudden change in demeanor had caught Kevin off guard. “What do you mean, what happened? What happened to what?” He snapped.
“Out of all of us, you and I had the strongest friendship. Now it’s gone and you don’t even act like yourself anymore.”
“Life happened, that’s what. Friendships don’t always last forever, Brian. You should have figured that one out on your own.”
Brian grimaced and raked his hand through his hair. “Okay, I know I acted like an asshole when you were with Ellena, and I don’t know what happened between the two of you but I’m sorry that it didn’t work out. You haven’t been the same since she left and I miss the old Kevin. All of us do. Maybe one day you could find it in your heart to forgive me for the way I acted. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.” Brian’s chair grated loudly against the tile floor as he pushed it back and stood up. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here, man. That’s what family is for after all…without family you’re incomplete.” Brian quietly opened the door and left Kevin alone.
Moments later Kevin emerged from the house with a smile on his face. Nick and Aaron were trying to find two people to challenge in a game of volleyball on the back lawn.
“Aww! Come on Brian.” Aaron whined exaggeratedly.
Brian grinned and shook his head. “I told ya man, I’d play but I don’t have a partner.”
Kevin walked towards Brian and slapped him on the back. “You do now. I think the two of us can kick the Carter brothers all over the yard.” After getting over his initial shock, Brian smiled widely.
“You and me man! We’re unbeatable!”

~*~

An hour later, after Brian and Kevin had beaten Nick and Aaron in three straight games, Mrs. Carter announced that dinner would be served as soon as everyone gathered in the dining room for grace. Every person from the yard made their way into the house. Once gathered around the table, all joined hands and bowed their head for the blessing. Before Nick’s sister finished grace, she asked that all the family in the room be blessed. Kevin raised his head as they all replied amen. Kevin thought about what Brian had said. Without family, you are incomplete. Hadn’t he heard that before? The why, in a room full of his closest relatives and friends, did he feel like there was something missing?

November blurred into December as the New Year loomed ahead. Christmas had been, to say the least, shitty. Ellena spent three days watching cheezy black and white movies and ordering take out. She almost laughed at the memory of the pizza delivery guy on her doorstep. He looked at her as if she was crazy for ordering pizza on Christmas day.
She was no longer Ellena O’Ryan, single mother and waitress. She was Lenore Riland. And God! Did she hate her.

~*~

“I’m so nervous!” Ellena cried.
“You’re nervous! What about me? At least you get to stay behind the curtain!” Marci replied.
“Three minutes! Places people!” The stage manager yelled.
Ellena gave Marcie a quick hug and smiled. “Break a leg!”
Marci scurried to her place and Ellena watched as the curtain rose on the stage. The Aladdin set had been mostly her design. She had thrown herself into the entire production, spending every night at the theatre painting the sets and designing costumes.
When her boss, Ms. Carmen, had given them the news that they would be performing at Disney Land for a six week stint, Ellena should have been ecstatic. This is what she had dreamed of before the responsibility of Lacey was thrust upon her.
Ellena heard the music for ‘Genie in a Bottle’ and watched carefully as Marci executed her choreography perfectly.
“Congratulations Lenore Riland.” She whispered to herself. “You’re in the big time now.”

~*~

“Kevin? Kevin? Kevin!” AJ waved a hand in front of his face.
“What?” Kevin snapped, annoyed that AJ had interrupted his thoughts.
“Would you like to join the land of the living or are you just going to mope around the studio?”
“Whatever.” Kevin replied listlessly. “Isn’t it time for a break?”
“We just had a break twenty minutes ago!” Brian complained. “Maybe you could get your head out of your ass and –“
“Yeah, a break sounds like a good idea.” Howie interrupted. “How ‘bout lunch?”
“Lunch. Sure.” Kevin stated and opened the door to the hallway. Nick and AJ shoved past him, caught up in some silly quarrel they were having about Don Johnson and Miami Vice. They chased each other down the corridor, throwing insults and punches.
“You staying here?” Howie asked Brian, who hadn’t budged.
“Somebody’s gotta get some work done.” He said, exasperatedly.
Howie shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He walked briskly out the door and caught up with Kevin.
“Something on your mind today?” Howie asked, falling in to step with the taller man.
Kevin didn’t reply, only shrugged. “Still no luck in finding Ellena?”
Kevin winced at the mention of her name. “I’ve run out of places to look.” He sighed. “I’ve no choice but to give up. Cherry said that I wouldn’t find her if she didn’t want to be found. I guess she doesn’t want to be found.”
Howie put his arm around his friend. “Cheer up man. You’ll think of something. Where ya want to go for lunch?”
“I’m not real hungry. Let’s just get out of this building for a while.” Kevin suggested.
Ten minutes later, they were speeding down the freeway in Howie’s little blue sports car. Kevin sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window. Howie had not tried to engage in him a conversation. It would have been easier to carry on a discussion with a brick wall. He reached down and switched on the radio.

“Up next on KMAX, we’ll have the all request nooner but first traffic with the one, the only Jojo Jameson – just back from holidays. What’s happenin’ out there Jojo?”
“Well, we’ve got the usual volume delays tying up the downtown core. A three-car accident has taken place on the freeway by the airport exit ramp but has been pulled off to the side. The only thing holding up traffic there is your usual rubber- neckers. If you’re caught on the centre street bridge, sucks to be you – Construction has that reduced to four lanes for another four days. This traffic update brought to you by Pizza Pizza, where you can get two- four topping nine inch pan pizzas for only thirteen forty nine. Stop the hunger with Pizza Pizza. Now, back to the Rogue.”
“Thanks for that Jojo. Welcome Back! Do anything exciting for your holiday?”
“Actually, I did. I went to California to visit friends. They dragged me to a musical at Disney land.”
“Hahaha Jojo, why would you go to Disneyland in California when you live in Orlando.”
“My point exactly but I have very insistent friends.”
“Oh go on, I’m intrigued now.”
“Very funny Rogue. So anyway, my friends drag me to this musical and it turned out to be really great.”
“No dancing Mickey’s?”
“No, no sign of the mouse. It was actually a slightly warped production of ‘Aladdin’.”
Kevin closed his eyes as he listened to the radio. Aladdin was Lacey’s favourite movie. He remembered the first time he had watched it with her and Ellena at her apartment. Ellena had kept Lacey between her and him on the couch. Kevin realized now that Ellena had been afraid to let someone into her heart. And rightly so too. He had just broken her heart again, just like everyone else in her life.
“A dance troupe out of Bostono re-wrote the movie to incorporate classic rock songs to replace the Disney sound track.”
“Sounds interesting…”
“You know I really hate it when these DJ’s include us in their meaningless conversations.” Howie groaned. “Why can’t they just play some damn music.” He reached down to change the station as the Dj’s droned on.
“ The best part was when Aladdin took the princess on the magic carpet. Instead of ‘A Whole New World’ they danced to ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ by Steppenwolfe.”
“Are you serious? Oh I gotta go see this…”
“Stop!” Kevin yelled so loudly that Howie nearly jumped out of his seat.
“Kevin! What the hell is wrong with you? I-“
“Shh!” Kevin put his hand out to silence him as he turned the volume on the radio louder.
“Yeah, afterwards, I made a few phone calls and found out that they will be performing at Disney land for another month. So I talked with our promotions department…long story short – I’ve got two tickets to give away to the ninth caller through. Two nights accommodations, dinner, and tickets to the play by the Mixed Up Magical Kingdom dance troupe.”
“Sheesh! What’s up with you? You can go to Disney World whenever you want to.” Howie wrinkled his forehead and looked at Kevin as if he had cracked.
“It’s her.” Kevin replied, switching the radio off.
“Who?”
“Ellena.” He stated simply.
“Where?” Howie asked, still completely confused.
“The dance troupe in California. Ellena had a hand in that Aladdin production. I would bet any amount of money on it.”
Howie parked his car in front of Kevin’s house and turned to his friend. “Kevin, I really think you need to let this go. It’s been four months. She’s not coming back.” It bothered Howie to say those words to Kevin but he thought it was about time that Kevin heard them out loud.
“Do me a favour Howie?” Kevin asked as he opened the car door.
“Yes?”
“Keep you opinions to yourself?”
Howie was shocked for a moment, then nodded. “Sure thing, Kev.” He replied. He watched Kevin in his rear view mirror as he drove off. “Dude’s got issues, man.” He mumbled to himself.
Kevin rushed up the walk and unlocked his front door. He dialed his cell phone as he ran up the stairs. In less than half an hour, he backed his car out of the garage and drove to Mitch’s house. Mitch threw a bag in the trunk and got in the front seat grumbling.
“Where are we going? Need I remind you that this is supposed to be my week off?”
Kevin ignored his sarcasm. “L.A..” He replied, then turned his attention back to the traffic ahead. Three or four minutes of silence passed before Mitch spoke again.
“Are you going to tell me why we are going to L.A. or are you going to make me guess?”
“It’s your job to protect me wherever I choose to go. That’s why they pay you the big bucks.” Kevin looked over and smiled sweetly at the huge man seated next to him.
Mitch narrowed his eyes. “I get paid to protect you from the rest of the world. However, kicking your ass, I will happily do for free.” He muttered.

“Well, we might as well leave. It doesn’t look like he’s going to be here any time soon and he’s not answering his phone.” Four fifths of the Backstreet Boys had been sitting in the studio for three quarters of an hour waiting for Kevin to show up. Nick sighed and dialed Kevin’s number for the billionth time that hour.
AJ stood up and stretched. “You don’t have to tell me twice. See ya’ll tomorrow.”
“Kevin probably won’t be here tomorrow either.” Howie piped up. “We might as well not come back ‘til Monday.” He said as he shrugged his sweater on.
“Well, I’m outta here.” Nick waved and left the room, leaving Howie and Brian alone.
“You know something don’t you?” Brian looked accusingly at Howie.
“No. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Howie replied and turned his head away from Brian’s inquisitive stare.
Brian grinned. Howie had never been very good at keeping a secret. All he had to do was turn on the Littrel charm and Howie would tell him anything he wanted to know. Brian was very clever. He knew how to get information out of anyone. It was a gift.

~*~

“Do you have any bags to check?” The ticket counter agent asked. Kevin shook his head. “Boarding is in twenty minutes, gate 3A. Have a nice flight.” She handed Kevin his boarding pass.
He walked beside Mitch silently as they cleared security and found a place to sit.
“This is about Ellena, isn’t it?” Mitch said, breaking the silence between them. Kevin didn’t respond so Mitch kept talking. “I know you miss her but Cherry said-“
Kevin stopped Mitch there. “I know what Cherry said. I have to find out for myself. Can you understand that?” Mitch nodded solemnly and turned his attention to the airplanes on the tarmac.
“You know, I’ve always liked Los Angeles.” A familiar voice made Kevin look up. Brian sat down beside Kevin and grinned. “Something about that city just –“ He shrugged. “I don’t know, invigorates me.”
“What are you doing here, Brian?” Kevin asked in surprise.
Brian smiled sincerely. “I thought you might need a little moral support.” He replied. Someone’s gotta be there to pick up the pieces when the bitch breaks your heart again. He thought to himself.
“Sure. And how did you know I was here?”
Brian smiled smugly. “I have my ways.”
Kevin made a mental note to seriously maim Howie when he returned to Orlando. His thoughts were interrupted by the boarding call. All three men stood and made their way towards the ramp.

~*~

The performance that night was perfect, as usual. Ellena’s dancers were highly skilled and trained. Still she was rather testy that evening and didn’t bother hiding it from her troupe.
“No partying tonight! Tomorrow’s show is sold out and I don’t want anyone dancing off a hangover!” Ellena shouted as dancers scurried about the dressing room after that evening’s performance.

~*~

Kevin studied the theatre program for the third time. There was no mention of an Ellena O’Ryan anywhere. And none of the dancer’s pictures even closely resembled her. He sighed. Maybe this was a wasted trip, he thought.
Mitch heard Kevin sigh and waited for the house lights to go up. The performance was over and Ellena had not shown up on the stage. Mitch grabbed the program from Kevin’s hands, flipped over three pages and set it back in Kevin’s lap.
Kevin looked at the program and then back at Mitch quizzically. “You know,” Mitch started. “Just because her name is not on the program, doesn’t mean that she didn’t have a hand in the play.”
Kevin narrowed his eyes. “I’m not following you here.”
Mitch rolled his eyes. “Look.” He ordered and pointed to a name in the book.
Kevin read the name out loud. “Lenore Riland, writer and choreographer. Yeah, so? I don’t know any Lenore Riland.”
“Frankly, neither do I but chances are, she knows Ellena. Maybe people are more connected than you realize.” Mitch grinned.
“Have you been watching ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ again?” Kevin arched an eyebrow.
Mitch looked at the ceiling exasperatedly. “Just go and talk to her. You’ll never stop the ‘what-if’s’ if you don’t”
“Okay.” Kevin said skeptically, although he knew Mitch was right. By that time, the theatre was nearly empty. Kevin wanted to talk to this woman alone, especially if she could tell him something about the whereabouts of Ellena. “You two can go ahead and take the rental car back to the hotel. I’ll catch up later.” Mitch and Brian nodded.

~*~

“You on your way home, Len?” Marci asked hesitantly.
“No,” she replied. “I’m going to stick around and use the studio to work on a new routine. Can I borrow your boom box?”
“Sure, it’s in my locker.” Marci shrugged. “See you tomorrow night!”
After Marci left, Ellena changed her clothes and took the boom box out of Cherry’s locker.
“I wonder what’s with Lenny today.” One of the dancers mumbled to another.
“Yeah really! She’s being a real bitch!” Another dancer agreed.
Ellena pretended not to hear them as she and walked down the corridor to the practice studio and set up Marci’s boom box in the back.

~*~

Marci stepped into the alley behind the theatre and walked around to her car.
“Excuse me.” A deep male voice said from close behind her. Marci shrieked and turned around. Her eyes widened as she saw a tall man standing in the shadows by the building.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” The man laughed and stepped into the light. “I’m looking for Lenore Riland. Do you know where I could find her?”
Marci looked Kevin up and down before responding. He didn’t look like a serial rapist so she nodded.
“Yeah, go in that door, take your second left and follow the sound of the dance music.”
“Thank you.” Kevin replied and re-entered the theatre.

~*~

Ellena turned up the volume on the CD player and took her place in front of the mirrors in the studio. She glared at her own reflection. Yes, she was bitchy today – but she had good reason to be. Today was Lacey’s fourth birthday and she knew that Eric would forget. She had called the last phone number Eric had given her but all she got was a recording explaining that the number had been disconnected. So instead of being at a party with screaming kids and pink frosted cupcakes, she was here in the dance studio chasing down the dream that she wasn’t sure was hers anymore. “Hmmph” she narrowed her eyes at the mirrors as the music began to play. She concentrated on the dance steps, hoping they would distract her until she was too tired to think.
It had been six months. Six months since she had seen Lacey. Four months since she had seen Kevin and three months since she had been able to block thoughts of either of them from her mind.
Every idle moment, scenes from last summer seeped into her mind like black ink spilled across white paper. She would just close her eyes and the memories would replay like a VCR on continuous loop. Lacey flying her kite in the park and pestering Sammy. Lacey begging for another grilled cheese sandwich. Lacey dancing with Kevin in the corridor of her old apartment building.
The first song on the disc was something that Ellena didn’t recognize. She lost her self in her dancing, forgetting everything but the way her body moved to the melodies in the room.

~*~

Kevin did just as Marci had said and followed the sound of the music. It took him down a long hallway and around a corner to an open practice studio in the back corner of the building. An odd feeling crept over him, making the hair on his arms stand up. The faint scent of Lavender hung in the air. He peeked his head around the doorframe. Absolutely nothing could have prepared him for what he saw inside the room. There, dancing across the floor, was Ellena O’Ryan.

Kevin’s emerald eyes followed her every move, drinking in every detail of the woman that had haunted his dreams for the past four months. Kevin suddenly realized that he had never seen her dance before. The emotion brought forth in her dancing was unparalleled. Maybe he would have been able to understand her better if had sooner. Maybe he should have realized a lot of things sooner.
After half an hour of her vigorous work out, Ellena stopped for a break. She grabbed her water bottle from beside the boom box and lifted it to take a drink. Her entire body froze before the bottle reached her lips. The first strains of ‘Show Me the Meaning’ filled her ears. Violently, she jammed the stop button on the disc player and popped the CD out. She frisbeed it across the room where it hit the wall. She watched as it clattered to the floor. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glance of Kevin’s reflection. She closed her eyes and shook her head. When she opened them again, only the empty room showed through the glass. “Now you’re seeing things, Ell. Talk about power of suggestion!" Ellena started to giggle at her own absurdity. She giggled because she was so miserable that if she didn’t laugh, she would cry. “I need a drink.” She said as she knelt to the floor and touched her forehead to her knees.
Kevin chose that exact moment to let his presence be known. He cleared his throat and stepped out of the shadow. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Lenore Riland.” He said in a voice that even he didn’t recognize.
Ellena jumped up and spun around, her grey eyes wide in surprise. The silence in the room was deafening. After a moment of utter shock, Ellena found her voice.
“That’s me.” She squeaked.
Kevin took a step closer to her and immediately, Ellena took one step back. “I was wondering if you could tell me where Ellena O’Ryan is.” He asked seriously. He took another step closer to her and brought his hand up to cup her cheek. How he had missed the warmth of her skin next to his. Ellena took another step backwards and out of his reach.
“Please don’t touch me.” She whispered, her eyes betraying the confidence in her voice. Kevin’s hand fell to his side. He remembered a time when she begged him to touch her, as if the feel of his caresses on her skin were as necessary as oxygen in her lungs. Ellena cleared her throat and brought him back to the present.
“What makes you think I know her?” Ellena asked back. Her eyes remained steadily on his face. She had managed to hide the gut wrenching turmoil she was feeling inside.
“The song, in the performance tonight – I thought maybe she had given you the idea. She used to speak about it, when I knew her. It seems a long time ago now.”
“She’s not here.” Ellena said sternly.
Kevin flinched at her ice-cold glare. “If you see her, can you give her a message for me?” Ellena eyed him warily, then nodded.
“Can you tell her that I would really like to see her? Tell her that I’m sorry I wasn’t more honest with her, and I never intended to hurt her. Tell her that I really miss her. Can you do that for me?” Kevin asked, his eyes pleading for her to acknowledge him.
Ellena swallowed hard, the lump in her throat remained.
Kevin reached into his pocket and produced a small, white slip of paper with a hotel address written on it. He handed it to her. “This is where I’ll be staying until Thursday.” He then calmly turned around and headed for the door. Ellena ran her finger over the black ink on the paper. She was trembling so much that she could barely make out the words.
Kevin stopped at the doorway and turned to her again. “Oh, and one more thing.” Ellena lifted her head to meet his penetrating stare. She parted her lips to respond but her throat was too dry for her to speak. “Tell her that I still love her.” Then, in a blink, he was gone.
The lights and colours of the studio all blurred together in a kaleidoscope of emotion as tears welled up in her eyes.

~*~

Brian heard the card key slide into the slot and the distinct click of the door being unlocked. Kevin entered the room and made his way to the chair by the window. By the look of shock and heartache on Kevin’s face, Brian immediately knew what had happened, without Kevin even telling him.
“You found her, didn’t you?” Brian observed. Kevin nodded and stared silently at the traffic below. “Why isn’t she with you?” Brian asked.
Kevin leaned his elbows on his knees and cradled his head in his hands. “It’s a very long and complicated story, Brian. I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Kevin replied, his voice muffled by his hands.
“Then start at the beginning.” Brian sighed. Even though he didn’t want to know it, or didn’t care to know it, it was time he knew the truth about Ellena O’Ryan.
As the night wore on, Kevin found himself telling Brian everything. He told him about Ellena’s brother, Eric and about Geena. He told Brian about Ken and how he and Eric had manipulated Ellena into working for him. He explained how Eric had used Lacey as leverage to make Ellena do anything he wanted her to. Kevin wasn’t sure why he was telling Brian, of all people. Before he met Ellena, he and Brian had been best friends. His relationship with Ellena had torn a rift between them. Since she had been gone, Kevin and Brian had slowly repaired their friendship and rebuilt the trust between them. Kevin knew that although he and Brian had mended their friendship, Brian still had a strong dislike for Ellena. Brian had actually been relieved when she disappeared.
The two friends spoke into the wee hours of the night straight through until dawn. Kevin ended his story with the truth of his betrayal of Ellena. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon, Kevin was spent, emotionally and physically. Somewhere in the darkness, Brian learned a new understanding of Ellena O’Ryan. He no longer thought of her as a conniving, manipulative tramp who was out to find a free ride. He thought of her as a strong-willed, independent woman who had struggled through the past three years to take care of her own. He had gained new respect for her.
Kevin had quit talking sometime around six-thirty and fell asleep on the other bed in Brian’s hotel room. Brian quickly showered and phoned Mitch to meet him in the lobby. It was time he took matters into his own hands.

~*~

Ellena awoke in the living room, curled up in a fetal position on the couch. Marci bounded down the hall and yanked back the curtain, letting streams of yellow sunshine spill through the window. Ellena scowled and covered her face with her forearm. Marci didn’t notice her displeasure in her excitement. “What’cha doin’?”
“You mean, besides praying for menopause?”
“Huh?”
“You know? Menopause? The change? Hot flashes – bring’em on because I can’t take much more of this.”
“Eeeewww, you’ve shared too much.” Marci bounced on the edge of the couch for a moment. “You know what’s sposta be good for that?”
“Four Midol and a shot of vodka?”
“Nope – sex!” Marci replied and laughed deviously.
“Oh Marce! You are evil personified!” Ellena whined and tried to push her onto the floor.
“Oh Lenny! Stop being so whiny! What’s with you lately?”
Ellena sat up and scowled at her friend. “I’m bitchy and PMS’ing. That’s what’s with me.” She replied.
Marci sighed. “Oh!” She exclaimed, just remembering her conversation with the man in the alley. “Did that guy come in to talk to you last night? He asked me if I knew you and I sent him into the studio. Did he find you?”
Ellena shook her head. “No, I was alone in the studio, all night.” She replied.
“Hmm too bad, he was kind of cute. And it looked like he really wanted to talk to you.” Marci shrugged. “I’m going to meet Serena for lunch, then we’re off shopping. Care to join us?” Marci questioned.
Ellena shook her head again.
“Okay, suit yourself. See ya later.” Marci rolled her eyes and exited the room.
After last night, Ellena had barely been able to think through all the unanswered questions in her head. One question seemed to stand out the most. Did he really still love her? And why?
Ellena got up from the couch and headed for the kitchen. Maybe a hot cup of tea would help her get her thoughts in order. The phone rang just as she opened the cupboard door. Ellena grinned to herself. It was most likely Marci, calling to make sure hadn’t changed her mind about shopping. She picked up the receiver.
“Okay, Marci. I still don’t want to go shopping. But thanks for asking anyway. I-“
“Is this Lenore Riland?” A deep voice asked expectantly.
“I – uh – yes, it is. Sorry, I thought you were someone else.” She smacked her forehead.
“I saw your performance last night and was very impressed. I’d like to discuss with you the possibility of my sponsoring of more experimental theatre projects. Would you have time to meet with me this afternoon?”
Ellena’s stomach did a flip flop. More sponsors for the dance troupe meant more opportunity for her to create productions such as Aladdin. “Absolutely. There is a pub on the corner of fifth Ave and second street Northeast. I’ll meet you there at two-thirty.”
“Perfect.” The voice on the other end of the line replied. “I’ll see you then. Bye.”
“Wait!” Ellena said loudly into the phone. It was too late, the man had hung up before she was able to get his name.

Ellena arrived at the pub fifteen minutes later than planned. “Someday I’ll be able to stop using public transportation.” She grumbled to herself as she opened the door to the lounge. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness as she scanned the room for someone she had never met before. Her gaze swept past several tables, two lovers locked in a tight embrace, three young girls playing darts by the video games, a light haired man talking seriously with a large black man that immediately reminded Ellena of Mitch. “Wait a minute.” Ellena said out loud as the black man turned his face towards her and smiled. “That is Mitch.” Her eyes narrowed as she realized he was sitting with Brian Littrel. She slowly walked across the room, wondering what the hell she would say when she reached her destination.
“Well, well, well, what a freakin’ coincidence.” She said sarcastically. Mitch got up and gave her a great big bear hug.
“Missed you sweetheart.” He whispered and held her out at arm’s length so he could look at her. Tears sprang to Ellena’s eyes. The unexpected hug from Mitch had threatened her composure. She smiled weakly, not able to say anything. Brian cleared his throat. Mitch let go of Ellena’s hand and glanced towards the door. “I have to um…visit the little boys room.” He grinned and scurried off. Ellena would have laughed if she hadn’t been left alone with the person who despised her most.
“Sit down, Ellena.” Brian ordered, then less sternly, “Would you like a drink?”
Ellena nodded and glared at Brian. “I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
Brian signaled for the waitress, who came and took their order, and quickly disappeared. They sat in uncomfortable silence for a few moments. Ellena wondering just what he wanted with her and Brian wondering how to approach the subject of Kevin.
“How have you been?” Brian initiated the conversation.
“Absolutely peachy.” Ellena replied with a sarcastic cheerfulness. “I’d ask you the same question but I just remembered – I don’t care.” She clasped her hands together and leaned back in her chair. More silence. “You know, it was very cruel of you to lure me here in the hopes of a new sponsor for the dance troupe.”
The waitress reappeared with their drinks and set them on the table. Brian waited until they were alone again to reply. “Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would come if you knew it was me.”
“Damn straight.” Ellena snorted and took a swig of her beer.
“Ellena,” Brian started, not sure of what to say next. “I think that we got off on the wrong foot.”
Ellena’s eyes widened and she slammed her bottle down on the table. “Oh cut the crap, Brian!” She bit off. “Kevin sent you here, didn’t he?”
Brian shook his head. “No. He doesn’t know I’m here.” Brian raked his hands through his hair and frowned. This was not going well at all.
“Then why are you here?” Ellena’s angry eyes burned through him.
More silence, and then. “I know about your brother and what he did to you.”
“So now you feel sorry for me, is that it?”
“No, I just think it was unfair. Nobody deserves to be treated like that.”
“No, nobody does, but I got through it on my own. Do you think I want your sympathy/”
“No, Ellena. Would you give me a chance?”
“The way you gave me a chance when we first met?” She paused. “Fuck you, Brian.” Ellena’s eyes never wavered from his.
Brian broke into a smile. She may have changed her name, but the same determination was still there. “I guess I deserved that.”
“Yeah, you did.” There was a long, tense silence.
“Brian, I know you don’t believe this but I was never out to hurt Kevin. I was never going to take anything from him.”
“I believe you now. But when you left, you stole his happiness, you stole his heart.”
Brian’s last sentence hung in the air like a thick black fog threatening to consume her.
Ellena peeled the label off her bottle and finally asked what she was dying to know. “How is he?”
“He misses you.”
Brian didn’t miss the faint glimmer of hope that surfaced in Ellena’s eyes before fading out. “I’m out of his life now, that’s what you wanted in the first place – remember?”
“Why did you let your brother treat you that way? Why didn’t you leave years ago?”
Ellena sighed. “If I tell you will you leave me alone?”
Brian nodded. The waitress came with another round of drinks and set them on the table.
Ellena then proceeded to tell Brian everything about her childhood. She had grown up without a father and didn’t want Lacey to feel the way she had when she learned her father never wanted her. She told him that it would break her mother’s heart if she ever turned Eric away. Ellena made a promise to her on her deathbed that she would take care of him and that they would always stay close. Her mother knew that Ellena was strong and Eric was as weak-willed as his father. Before she died, she left Ellena the responsibility of keeping the family together, no matter what the cost or sacrifice.
“My mother seemed to think that I was strong enough to handle it.” Ellena finished her story bitterly. She was caught between loyalty to her deceased mother and a good for nothing brother.
“You know Ellena, you and I aren’t that different.” Brian stated, once Ellena stopped talking.
“How so?” She questioned.
“We both would do anything to protect our families.” He replied, besides, that’s all he was trying to do when he warned Kevin about how she could have hurt him.
“That is where you are wrong, Brian. You might do anything to protect your family. I don’t have a family anymore. You and I have nothing in common. Don’t presume to know what it’s like to live my life. You have no idea.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But I know what I see and I see two people who belong together, being kept apart by their foolish pride.” Ellena winced.
“Why did you really come here?” She asked, trying to change the subject.
“I wanted to apologize, to say that I was wrong about you.”
“Well, now you’ve said it.” Ellena stood up and picked up her purse. “I trust that you know your way back to your hotel? I’d escort you but I’m not in that line of work anymore.” She added sarcastically.
Brian watched her retreating figure as she left the pub. Mitch took the seat Ellena had just vacated.
“So, how’d it go?”
Brian shook his head. “I don’t know, Mitch. I honestly don’t know. Two days ago I wouldn’t have cared, but now that I know what I know, I haven’t been able to get this sick feeling out of the pit of my stomach whenever I think of her and Kevin not being together again.”

~*~

Ellena threw her duffel bag on her bed and began to throw clothes out of her closet. She didn’t know where she would go this time but she had to get away. There was no way in hell that she was going to let Kevin Richardson find her this time. There was no way she was going to let him back into her heart again. She didn’t care about him, she didn’t care about anything. And if she kept telling herself that, maybe one day she would believe it too.
Marci came home and heard Ellena talking to herself in her bedroom. She walked down the hallway and peeked in the doorway to see Ellena struggling with the zipper of the canvas bag that held all of her worldly possessions.
“Fuck!” Ellena screamed, shoving the bag on the floor and kicking it repeatedly.
“Lenore? Are you okay?” Marci ventured further into the room.
“My name”, Ellena yelled. “Is not Lenore!”
Marci sat down on the bed and looked at Ellena like she had cracked. “Lenny, what are you talking about?” She asked carefully.
Ellena took one look at her friend and crumpled to the floor. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed against the bed. Marci walked around the clothes thrown across the bedroom floor and knelt beside Ellena. She put her arms around Ellena and smoothed her hair with her hand. Ellena moved so that she was crying on Marci’s shoulder. “Shhh, honey, it’s okay.” Ellena listened to her friend’s soothing words. Ellena lifted her head to look at Marci. “My name isn’t Lenore.” She whispered, then buried her face into Marci’s shirt as hot tears spilled down her face.

Marci pulled the curtains shut in the house that she shared with her best friend, who, up until an hour ago, she had known as Lenore Riland. Ellena sat at the kitchen table with a blank expression on her face. Marci set a glass of water in front of her with three Tylenol.
“Take these. You must have a headache from crying so much.” She said softly and took a seat across the table.
Ellena obeyed and took the pills in one swallow. “Thank you.” She whispered and wiped the tears from her cheek. She looked across the table at Marci and grimaced. “Oh Marci, I ruined your shirt. There’s mascara all down the front.”
“That’s okay.” Marci shrugged. “It’s your shirt.” She grinned wryly.
Ellena broke into a smile and then started to giggle. She sighed and rubbed her hands over her face.
“So what are you going to do now?” Marci asked.
Ellena leaned on the table with her elbows. “I honestly don’t know.” She murmured. “I can’t go anywhere until ‘Aladdin’ is finished at Disney land. Then there’s always the possibility of the show going somewhere else. Even if it doesn’t, I don’t want to leave the dance troupe. We’ve got a really good thing here and I think it can be even better with a little bit of planning and a lot of work.”
“And what about your niece?” Marci questioned.
Ellena closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “It’s always a waiting game with Eric. When he runs out of money or places to hide, he’ll call me. Until then, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Which brings me to my next question…” Marci trailed off and raised her eyebrows at Ellena.
“Kevin.” Ellena stated quietly. Marci nodded. “It’s too late for him and me.”
“But Lenny! He came to find you! That should tell you something.” Marci argued, still using her familiar nick name.
Ellena shook her head. “No, it’s too late.” She replied as the tears welled in her eyes again and threatened to spill over.

~*~

Kevin remained at the hotel for the next three days, waiting for Ellena to show up. She never did. Brian and Mitch disappeared for an entire afternoon, leaving Kevin alone to brood in his room. He told himself that he would wait until Thursday, like he told her the night before. If she didn’t call him by then, he would put his tail between his legs and head back to Orlando. Once there, he would never call her or try to see her again. If she didn’t come to see him, he would consider her out of his life and that would be the end.

~*~

She didn’t go. She couldn’t go. She didn’t what to say, didn’t know how to feel, didn’t know what she wanted or what she needed. No, she couldn’t see him again.
Six weeks flew by as Ellena’s dance troupe finished up their stint in Disney Land. The Backstreet Boys were finishing up the last leg of their tour. It had been a year since the ill-fated meeting of Kevin and Ellena at the Orlando mall. It had been eight months since they had first professed their love for one another. Kevin had not tried to call or see Ellena again. Ellena had not called him either.
She decided that she wasn’t mad at him anymore. She forgave him for paying Ken for her time off. Kevin was only thinking of her when he did so. She didn’t phone him to tell him though. It felt good – letting go of her hurt and anger like that. It gave her a new sense of peace.
Her dance troupe was getting more popular by the day. They had been signed for another eight weeks in Atlanta. Ellena and Marci packed up their clothes and closed up the house.
“Len! Are you ready to go? The flight leaves in an hour and a half.” Marci called up the stairs.
“Yeah! I’m coming. Don’t get your panties in a knot!” Ellena yelled from her room.
“I’m not wearing any!” Marci giggled and yelled back. Ellena appeared at the top of the stairs laughed.
Before she had a chance to make a smart comeback, the telephone rang.
“That’s probably Maria, wondering why we haven’t picked her up yet.” Marci rolled her eyes.
Ellena descended the stairs as Marci picked up the phone. “Tell her it’s my fault we’re late.” Ellena said, dropping her suitcase by the front door.
“Hello!…Ellena?…yes…can I tell her who’s calling?…okay, just a minute please.” Marci covered the mouthpiece with her hand. “It’s for you, Len.” Her eyes were wide. “Says its your brother.”

Kevin peered out from behind his dark sunglasses at the mass of people passing by.
“Do you see her anywhere?” He turned to Mitch beside him. Mitch shook his head without taking his eyes off the crowd.
A short twelve hours earlier, Kevin had been on stage in New York, performing for a sold out show at Madison Square Gardens. After the concert, he had returned to his hotel room to shower and change before going out on the town with AJ and Brian. An unexpected phone message had completely altered the course of his evening.
“Kevin, it’s me, Ellena.”
It was her. Ellena; not Lenore Riland, not Lenny; but Ellena – the woman that he knew, the woman he loved. The woman who stole his every breath when in his presence.
“I need you.”
Three small, monosyllabic words that, when linked together, had the power to stop his heart from beating inside his chest. Before she even had the chance to tell him where she was, he knew he would go to her. He needed her like oxygen. He would have crawled across the desert if she had but asked him. She left no explanation in the message, only a Los Angeles address and telephone number. Kevin called it. The woman who answered told Kevin she would meet him at the airport and she would take him to Ellena.
Amazingly, Brian encouraged Kevin to go, saying that he and the others would cover his engagements the next day. Kevin promised he would meet up with them in time for the next show on the tour. Convincing Mitch to go with him was not a difficult task, as Mitch had felt a fierce protectiveness towards Ellena ever since the night he met her Brian’s house party. Funny how she could bring out those feelings in some one she barely knew.
The airplane couldn’t fly fast enough for Kevin. He would have walked out on the wing and flapped his arms himself if he knew it would get him to her faster. (Authour’s note: Amusing visual Autumn! Teeheehee)
Mitch dozed off during the two-hour flight but Kevin was too restless. He wondered what it was about him that she needed. Was it his money? Was it the influence that came with his name? Or was it the love that had been hers for the taking the moment she realized that it was what she wanted? For the sake of his heart, he hoped it was the latter.
An auburn haired woman approached them at the LAX and introduced herself as Marci. Kevin recognized her from the performance the night he found Ellena. She wouldn’t answer any of Kevin’s repeated questions. She merely gestured for them to follow her and led the two men to her car.
The car ride was quiet save for the hum of the tires on the street. After an hour of driving, Marci stopped the car in front of the General Hospital. Kevin and Mitch immediately became worried but still weren’t offered any explanation. They quietly followed Marci into the elevator and down a pristine white hallway. Marci stopped in front of a room and turned to Kevin.
“You should go in alone. But don’t wake her if she’s asleep. She needs her rest.”
Kevin nodded and entered the room Ellena sat, looking rather uncomfortable, in an orange plastic chair with her head resting on the soft mattress before her. Her full pink lips were slightly parted as she slept. Her long, blonde hair spilled across the white sheets like spun gold. Her slender arm was thrown over the top of the bed protectively. Lying in the bed, looking as fragile as a porcelain doll, was Lacey.
Kevin drew in a sharp breath as he felt his knees go weak. Even in sleep, Ellena’s face was creased with worry. He wanted to go to her, to run his fingers through her hair and hold her in his arms. Lacey stirred, moving her legs and waking Ellena.
“Lala.” She whimpered softly in her sleep. Ellena bolted upright, now fully awake, and watched Lacey carefully. She ran her hand over Lacey’s forehead, brushing her curls away.
“Shhh baby. I’m right here.” She whispered. Lacey’s hand reached across the sheet and grasped Ellena’s. She sighed contentedly and fell back into a deep slumber immediately. Ellena stood and kissed Lacey’s forehead. When she turned to leave the room, she saw Kevin for the first time. Neither one hesitated for even a fraction of a second. Kevin held his arms open as Ellena walked straight into his embrace. Kevin had forgotten how perfectly she fit against his body. They held each other silently, each drawing strength and comfort from the other.

“She came out of surgery this morning. The doctor said everything went well. All that’s left to do is wait for her body to repair itself.” Ellena finished. Marci came into the ICU lounge and handed a Styrofoam cup to Ellena, Kevin and Mitch. Ellena smiled sadly. “Thank you Marci.”
“And what about Eric?” Kevin questioned.
“The airbags deployed upon impact. He only received minor injuries. He was discharged two days ago.” Ellena replied.
“Has he been back to see her?”
Ellena shook her head. “When Lacey was brought in by ambulance, she needed a blood transfusion. Eric was type ‘O’ positive. Lacey is ‘AB’ negative. Eric was livid. If Geena wasn’t already dead, I’m sure he would have sought her out and killed her himself.” Ellena closed her eyes and shuddered. Kevin took a sip of his coffee and shook his head.
“I don’t understand.” He said to her.
“It means,” began Mitch from across the room. “That Eric isn’t Lacey’s father.”
“Oh.” Kevin said simply. “Then who is?” He asked, wondering how this newfound information was going to affect the little girl in the hospital bed down the hall.
Ellena put her head in her hands and stared at the floor. “Kevin, Geena was a prostitute. There is no way of knowing who Lacey’s father is. It could be anyone.”
A voice floated into the room from the hospital intercom announcing that visiting hours were over. All four occupants of the room stood up and stretched. Mitch noticed that Kevin and Ellena’s hands had been intertwined since they had emerged from Lacey’s room.
“Did you have time to check into a hotel?” Ellena asked Kevin and Mitch. Both shook their heads. “Marci will take you to where we are staying.” Ellena said softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She took a step towards the door. Kevin remained in the same place and still held on to her hand.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“I’m staying in Lacey’s room.” She stated, trying to pull her hand from Kevin’s grip.
“I’ll stay with you.” He said, still holding her hand tightly.
Mitch grinned. He knew exactly what was going on. Now that Kevin had found her, he was never going to let her out of his sight again. Marci noticed the hint of amusement in Mitch’s eyes.
“Lenny, why don’t you come back to the hotel tonight? You’ve been here for three days straight.”
Ellena looked at Marci and then at Mitch. “What is this? A conspiracy?”
Kevin slid his arm around Ellena’s back. “If I promise to have you on the doorstep of the hospital at six a m sharp, will you come to the hotel with us and get some sleep?”
Ellena sighed and agreed. “Just let me go back and check on Lacey one more time.” Kevin reluctantly let go of her hand as she rushed out of the room. She returned fifteen minutes later. “She’s still sleeping and heavily sedated.” Kevin immediately laced his fingers around hers as the four of them made their way to the parking lot.

~*~

Mitch handed Kevin a hotel key and bid both he and Ellena good night. Marci had already returned to the hotel room that she and Ellena had been sharing for the past three days. Kevin and Ellena sat in the hotel lounge, neither one wanting to sleep just yet.
Kevin’s hand covered Ellena’s on the small table between them. Oh, how he wanted that table to disappear. She watched him intently, knowing that there was something he wanted to say but didn’t know where to begin. So she sat in silence and studied his features. God! How she had missed him. The moment she saw him standing at the end of Lacey’s bed, she immediately felt better. Just having him there beside her gave her a new hope that everything was going to be okay. The emotions played across his face like a silent movie. Ellena knew what he was thinking.
Finally, he broke the silence. “Ellena, I’m sor-“
“You’re forgiven.” She said before he got his apology out. His eyes widened for a moment and then twinkled. He smiled. That charming, boyish grin that she loved.
“You look tired.” He stated.
She ran her hands through her hair. “Honestly? I’m exhausted.”
Kevin stood from the table and pulled Ellena out of her chair. “Stay with me tonight.” It was a question, not a command. The look in his eyes told her that she could decline if she wasn’t comfortable with him just yet.
“No place I’d rather be.” She breathed and planted a kiss on his neck.

A persistent knocking at the door roused Ellena from a deep, contented sleep. She went to sit up, only to have her movement hampered by a thick, tanned arm tightening around her middle. The more she tried to wriggle out of his grip, the tighter he held her.
They hadn’t had sex that night. They had made love – slow, sensuous, emotionally healing love – and then fell asleep with their bodies tangled together in the sheets.
The knock became louder and Ellena let out an exasperated sigh. “Kevin, let go of me.” She whispered. “There’s someone at the door.” Kevin groaned and rolled over, freeing Ellena to answer the door. Ellena picked Kevin’s t-shirt up off the floor and pulled it over her head. She checked the peephole and opened the door. Marci stood on the other side, her face still red and creased from her pillow.
“Lenny, the hospital just called our room. Lacey is awake and asking for you.”

~*~

Kevin, Mitch and Marci walked briskly down the hospital corridor, trying to keep up with Ellena. Ellena walked ahead of them, speaking with the doctor about Lacey’s condition.
“She’s awake, but still a little groggy from the sedatives. She was very scared and confused when she awoke but her father got here about twenty minutes ago.”
Ellena became alarmed. If Eric was actually back, that meant he could take her away again. Her footsteps quickened as the group rounded the corner. She practically ran to Lacey’s door. She stopped in front of it and took a deep breath. There was no need for her to alarm Lacey by bursting through the door. She was trembling and she clutched her hands together in a feeble attempt to stop. She turned the doorknob slowly and quietly stepped into the room.
“I spy with my little eye, something that is blue.” A deep voice said playfully.
“I know what it is!” Lacey giggled softly. “It’s your hair!”
Ellena stepped around the privacy curtain to see who owned the voice. It certainly wasn’t Eric. Lacey was the first to spot Ellena in the room and she smiled. “Hi Lala.” She chirped. She was sitting up in the vast hospital bed, leaning against two pillows. She looked pale and fragile but she still had the twinkle that Ellena had always loved. The man sitting beside the bed stood up and turned so Ellena could see him. She immediately smiled and gave him a great bear hug.
“AJ. It’s so good to see you.”
“Hey girl. I’ve really missed you.” AJ hugged back.
Ellena pulled away quickly and sat on the bed. “Hi baby. How are you feeling?” Lacey only smiled and held her arms in front of her. Ellena gathered Lacey in her arms and kissed the top of her head. “I promise I’m never going to let you go again.” She whispered.
AJ sensed it was time for him to leave the two alone. He quietly stepped outside the hospital room and into the hallway. Kevin was standing guard on the other side of the corridor, waiting to pound the piss out of Eric as soon as he exited the room. Instead, he blinked a few times before breaking into a grin.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
AJ shrugged. “Oh, you know how well Nick can keep a secret…”
Kevin frowned. “How did Nick know?”
AJ smiled and sat down beside Mitch. “Well it seems that my man, Mitch here, tells his girlfriend everything. Cherry, in turn, phoned your house, wanting to know how Lacey was. Anyway, Nick went to your house and just happened to be there when the phone rang. To make a long story short, she told him, he told us and here I am.”
Kevin shook his head. “I should have never trusted him with that extra house key.”
“Yep!” AJ agreed. “I bet your entire playstation game library is cleaned out by the time you get back.” AJ stood up and peeked through the window in the door. “I had to tell the woman at the nurse’s station that I was Lacey’s dad before they would let me see her. Sorry man, didn’t mean to give you a heart attack.”
“What was everyone doing back in Orlando? We have a concert tomorrow night in –“
AJ shook his head. “We’ve already re-scheduled for the end of the tour.”
Kevin slapped AJ on the shoulder. “Thank you.”
AJ shrugged. “We had to. This was a family emergency.”

~*~

“Feeling okay?” Kevin asked.
Ellena leaned back in her seat and smiled. “Yes, I’m good. I’m better than good. I’m great. And you?”
Kevin lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Never better.” Ellena sighed and closed her eyes.
Across the aisle of the airplane, Mitch, AJ and Lacey were playing ‘Fish’. Ellena could hear Lacey giggle as Mitch groaned and handed over his last card. Lacey was almost fully recovered from the car accident. The doctor sent her home with the name of another doctor in Orlando who could oversee the rest of her recovery. Ellena had taken a personal leave from the dance troupe with the promise that she would be back for the beginning of the next season. She had already called Orlando and made arrangements for Cherry and the movers to take her belongings out of storage and put them in Kevin’s house. Everything would be finished by the time they arrived.
“Can I ask you a question?” Kevin began.
“You just did.” Ellena quipped.
“No really.” He said seriously.
Ellena opened her eyes and looked at him quizzically. “Okay, what do you want to know?”
“Why weren’t you more upset when you found out that Eric isn’t Lacey’s real father?”
Ellena leaned forward and lowered her voice. “When Eric left the hospital, he said he never wanted to have anything to do with me or Lacey again. Eric is gone and out of our lives for good. Don’t you see, Kevin? Lacey doesn’t have to be my niece anymore. She can be my daughter.”
The light bulb came on for Kevin. “You’re going to need a lawyer. I have-“
Ellena grinned and patted him on the arm. “Paperwork was started a week ago, my dear. I’m way ahead of you.”

Cherry peered out the window for the thousandth time that day. Seeing that the driveway was still empty, she sighed and let the curtain drop back in place. She walked over to the piano and studied the framed photos perched on the glossy black top. She started to giggle. “Kevin has some ‘splaining to do about this picture.”
“Oh no worries, Nick and I already scanned copies of it into my computer and emailed it to half the planet.” Howie replied deviously without taking his eyes off the TV screen.
“You do realize that Kevin is going to kill you.” Cherry stated with a grin.
Nick shrugged. “That’s what you get when you play with Barbie dolls and Mr. Carter and Mr. Dorough find out.” Cherry giggled and crossed the room again to look out the window.
“Cherry dear, sit down. You’re making me nervous pacing about.” Mrs. Craig patted the seat beside her.
Cherry giggled. “Sorry, I’m just excited to see them.” She explained as she flopped on the couch beside her.
“You’re just anxious to see your main man, Mitch.” Nick teased without looking away from the TV screen. Cherry picked up a pillow and threw it at Nick, doffing him in the head.
“Hey! You just made me lose the race. I was this close to beating him.” Nick glared at her. Howie laughed. “You had no hope in hell of winning that race. You’re just using that as an excuse.”
“Is that all you guys do is play video games when you have a break?” Cherry asked. “Booooring!”
“What would you suggest Mrs. Cherrywinkle?” Howie grinned.
“Ugh! Don’t call me that!” Cherry shouted and threw another pillow at him.
“When Kevin finds out you’ve been throwing his furniture around the living room, he’s going to be really mad!” Howie glared at her.
“Oh yeah, I’m really scared of that scrawny-assed, goatee-wearing, hippie-haired –“
“Hi Cherry.” Kevin’s voice came from behind her.
Cherry’s eyes widened as she whirled around to face him. “Kevin! Hi! I was just…”
Ellena grinned. “I agree with you about the hair but I kinda like his ass.” She patted Kevin’s backside as she walked into the room.
“Ellena!” Cherry exclaimed and rushed to hug her friend.
“Excuse me? What’s wrong with my hair?” Kevin demanded.
“Oh! Where do we start?” Nick said dramatically. “First off, it’s kind of stringy. You know, not like crazy string but you know – stringy stringy and it looks a little greasy. Maybe some blonde highlights might help. Perhaps you should consider getting some Grecian formula, to cover the grey, of course –“ In the next instant, Kevin had Nick is a headlock.
“Damn, I missed you guys!” Ellena smiled as she hugged Howie and then Mrs. Craig.
“Where’s the little one, dear. I bet she’s grown.” Mrs. Craig said with a hint of tears in her voice.
“AJ’s playing with her in the yard. I should probably tell him to take it easy with her. She’s still a little weak from the accident.” Ellena left the room and wandered down the front steps of the house. She could hear Lacey and AJ laughing. She smiled to herself as she watched AJ spin Lacey around in circles.
“AJ! Please be careful with my little girl.” Ellena yelled from the fence.
Lacey giggled as AJ stuck his tongue out at Ellena and promptly picked Lacey up to spin her again.
A friendly voice came from behind Ellena. “If she pukes on him, I want to be here to see it.”
She grinned without turning around. “Hello Brian.”
“Hello Ellena. Welcome back.” He said with a smile. “What made you change your mind.”
Ellena turned to face him and replied. “I met a guy in a bar one night who said some really hurtful things to me, but the more and more I thought about what he said, the more I realized that he was right and I had been wrong.”
Brian grinned sheepishly. “I bet he was a handsome devil too, no doubt!”
Ellena shrugged. “Hm, he was okay. He bought me a drink though so I guess he was all right.”
Brian threw his head back and laughed. “Come here you!” He said as he grabbed Ellena around the waist and pulled her in for a giant, squishy hug.
The front door burst open and Nick flew down the steps with Kevin in hot pursuit. He took one glance at the two hugging by the fence and stopped dead in his tracks. Kevin failed to take notice of Nick’s abrupt stop and immediately ran in to the back of him.
“Geez Nick! You could warn me.” Kevin whined.
Nick pointed to Ellena and Brian. “What the hell is going on here?” He yelled loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear.
Ellena and Brian pulled away from each other and laughed at the dumbfounded expressions on both Nick and Kevin’s faces.
“What? Can’t a friend give a friend a hug?” Brian asked.
“Speaking of which…” Ellena took her arm from around Brian’s waist and ran over to Nick with her arms outstretched. Nick embraced Ellena and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey girl. Where have you been?”
Ellena shrugged. “It doesn’t matter where I’ve been. I’m here now, and this is where I’m staying.”
She walked back over to where Kevin was standing and circled her arms around his neck. He wrapped his strong arms around her and whispered in her ear. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”

Ellena finished dancing and shut the music off. “That’s really starting to look great, Cherry. I knew you and Marci would work well together.”
“Thanks, Ell. You’re not so bad yourself. I still don’t understand why you prefer not to perform. You’re good, better then Marci and I combined. You should be the one on centre stage.”
Ellena shrugged. “Well, I have my reasons. Maybe next season. I already have some ideas for re-writing ‘Tarzan’.”
“Let me guess.” Marci grinned. “The opening number will be ‘Tarzan Boy’ by Baltimora.”
Ellena laughed. “Now you’re getting the hang of it!”
Marci glanced at her watch and started throwing her stuff in to her bag. “I gotta go! I have a date tonight.”
“Yeah, me too. Mitch will be here any minute to pick me up.” Cherry replied.
“I suppose I should go find out what Lacey is up to.” Ellena turned to follow the two girls up the stairs. Kevin had begun construction almost immediately after Lacey and Ellena moved in, converting his basement into a dance studio.
Ellena and Marci said good bye to Cherry and wandered into the kitchen to get a drink. Brian descended the stairs.
“Are the guys still in that meeting?” Ellena questioned.
Brian shook his head. “It’s pretty much finished. I skipped out early. I’ve got a date.”
“You?” Ellena asked incredulously. “You have a date?”
“Yep!” He nodded and then turned to Marci and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
“Marci – Brian – you’re going out – together?” Ellena asked, still shocked.
“Pick your chin up off the floor, dear.” Marci grinned. “It’s very unbecoming.”
The couple laughed and exited the room. “Hey Brian, I thought the Backstreet Boys didn’t have time for a personal life!” Ellena yelled out to him.
Brian shrugged. “People change, ya know.”
Ellena smiled and shook her head. “Yeah, I know.”
Ellena left the kitchen to search for Lacey. As she ascended the stairs, she heard Lacey’s giggles floating down the hall, which could only mean that AJ was still in the house.
She entered the den, where Nick and Howie were sitting on the couch. Kevin was at his desk on the other side of the room, going over paperwork for their new contract. There were two framed photos perched on his desk. The first one was of the two most important women in his life. It was of Ellena holding Lacey in her arms with their cheeks pressed together. Lacey had a huge grin on her face with her short arms wrapped around Ellena’s neck. Ellena’s eyes were squeezed shut and she was hugging Lacey back, equally as tight. The picture had been snapped on the steps of the courthouse mere moments after Lacey had become Ellena’s legally adopted daughter. That night AJ had thrown a huge party at his house in celebration. It was that same night that Kevin had proposed to Ellena.
The other picture on his desk had been taken six months after the first, on their wedding day. Ellena looked absolutely stunning in her dress of embroidered satin and ivory chiffon. The ceremony was beautiful. Cherry and Marci were the bridesmaids. Brian was the best man. Lacey, of course, was the flower girl and she skipped down the aisle holding onto AJ’s hand. Mitch gave the bride away. Kevin remembered how he had trembled as he held her hands and recited his wedding vows to her. Ellena’s voice never wavered as she pledged her love to him.
“Hey Ellena.” Nick brought her to attention.
“Yes?” Ellena replied.
“Do you remember the first time you met us at that record store?”
“Yes, Nick. Why?”
“Do you remember what it was that you said that rendered Kevin completely speechless?”
Ellena grinned wickedly. “Yes.”
“I bet you can’t do it again?” Nick challenged.
Ellena rolled her eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Uh huh! In fact, I’ll bet Howie here five bucks that you can’t.”
Howie’s only response was a laugh.
Ellena donned a determined look at set her sights on Kevin. “Watch and learn boys. Watch and learn.” This was going to be too easy. Ellena turned on her heel and sauntered over to Kevin’s desk. She came up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. “Oh Kevin?” She beckoned sweetly.
“Uh huh, just a second, I’ve just got to finish…” He replied without taking his eyes off the paper in front of him.
Ellena began to massage the tension out of Kevin’s shoulders. He moaned in response. “Oh that feels so good. Don’t stop sweetie.”
“I just wanted to let you know that your family will be waiting for you to take us out for dinner tonight.” Kevin nodded distractedly and flipped to the next page. Ellena glanced at the two men sitting across the room and smiled.
Nick watched with a vested interest. “She can’t do it anymore.” He said to Howie beside him. “You owe me five bucks.”
“Kevin?” Ellena repeated.
“Uh huh?” He replied, still not looking away from the contract in his hands.
“I said your family will be waiting for you, downstairs.”
“Yeah, I heard you. Family dinner…uh huh.“
Ellena leaned down and whispered into his ear. “Yeah, a family dinner, just the four of us.” She kissed his cheek and straightened up.
Ellena called to Lacey as she walked towards the door. She curtsied before Nick. Lacey appeared in the hallway with AJ in tow. “Lala, can we have grilled cheese for supper? Please mommy?”
Ellena waved to Nick as she walked past him and counted backwards under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear. “3…2…1” She shot him a smile that would make Satan himself squirm in suspense.
Kevin’s pen fell out of his hand and dropped to the floor. His head shot up and his eyes widened comically. He jerked his head towards Ellena and Nick. He pushed his chair back and stood abruptly. He pointed at Ellena as he spoke. “Ellena…You’re…I’m…we’re…?” He stared at her dumbfounded. Nick and Howie burst into laughter.
“Yup, I’ve still got it!” Ellena held her hand out for everyone to high five her on the way by.
“What did you say to him?” Nick asked incredulously.
Ellena smiled at him over her shoulder. “I’ll never tell.”
Nick turned to Howie. “I bet it was something sexual, something really kinky.” He wagered.
Lacey skipped out the door as she yelled good bye to AJ and the rest of the guys.
Kevin watched his wife sashay out the door behind Lacey. He stood there in shock as his friends laughed at him from across the room. Ellena winked at him from the doorway. He stood still by his desk, completely, totally and utterly, speechless.

Finis

* Please click ahead for the letter to my readers *