In A New York Minute - By Olivia

[Annie]

{a/n}: okay have decided to make this dinner thing into several chappies…hey people that’s how the turkey floats…or doesn’t float…whatever…I know by now that you must think I am odd with this whole making Marat seem like an English bloke but seriously, I am American. I have no idea how Russian males act, or Russian males who grew up in Spain act lol. Hell I am a female so I really don’t know how men act at all…sigh…so just bare with me and enjoy my English Marat…because I sure as hell do!!

Disclaimer: I don’t own Marat, Andy, or Missy…you know the drill…no time for clarifications…email me or review if you want to know…



Chapter Fifteen: Part Three: Kissy Buncha Bananas:


Andy and I were having a ball on the dance floor. He really knew how to put a woman at ease, and I was becoming very jealous of Missy’s good fortune. He was such a sweetie and kept making me laugh, he really was the expert at it. But there was a slight problem…he kept looking at Missy and giving her the oddest looks.
“What Andy? What is it?”
“She sure is getting touchy-feely with Marat over there.” I began to watch them as we danced, to see what I could notice for myself. “She’s already had a few drinks in her before you two got here, and I’ve already had the pleasure of learning from the other night how she holds her liquor, so that could be what her problem is, don’t you think so?”
I glanced warily at them, “Yeah, probably…but I think I need a drink now.”
He pulled away a little to look into my face, “Worried are you?” he was grinning and I was not.
“No, not at all but you should be. I just need a drink that’s all.” I was getting upset and not sure why. For the most part I was confused and how oddly that it always happened to be around one particular man recently.
“Okay let’s go back to the table…I think I saw the waiter bring them awhile ago.” As we walked back to the table I made sure I didn’t have eye contact with Missy or Marat. Yeah they were being touchy-feely but so what. I knew Missy couldn’t be serious, right? And she just wanted to enjoy Marat being so close to her at this moment, before we headed back to the real world and never saw these guys again. Maybe I was jealous because I couldn’t do it…I couldn’t just enjoy being with these two wonderful guys.
But honestly it should’ve been bothering Andy more than me that is unless they share their women are something. No, they couldn’t be that crude could they? I sat down with a humph and drank my drink as quickly as possible.
“Whoa girl, take it easy.” He tried to take the drink out of my hand.
I snapped, “Leave me and my drink alone,” moving my drink far away from his reaching arms.
Andy held up his hands in defense, “Okay, okay, just wondering why your guzzling it down for…I think your letting them get to you too much if you ask me…they are just dancing.”
“Yeah well I didn’t ask you, and you are being a little under affected to suit me.” I said almost slurring my words already.
“What? You want me to go and grab her out of his arms or something?”
“Yeah something to that affect.” I loomed over my glass at him.
He grinned as if he knew something I didn’t, “Why? She is saving you from having to be stuck with him for awhile.”
“Yeah, bless her little cotton socks.” I said sarcastically, while I began to guzzle my drink and stare at the spectacle that they were making on the dance floor. It was like he was making love to her out there or something. Well but a bit subtler than that, but I knew what she was up to, or at least I thought I did. She had warned me that if I didn’t do anything about Marat that she’d take both guys but I knew she was only doing it to get me jealous. Well it worked and I was ready to punch her lights out. I knew that if I tried to do the same thing with Andy he wouldn’t do it…he was to far gone over Missy and wasn’t attracted to me like that, so it would be completely unbelievable. I couldn’t believe I wanted to make Missy jealous and let these two chumps come between us but dang it men had that affect on me. I hated that they did, I had been trying for years to become immune and this is what I had to show for it.
I stomped my foot on the floor as my drink was now empty and knew I’d have to wait for another so I grabbed Marat’s and guzzled it too.
“Girl there is no way we are carrying you home, you do realize that?”
“Grrrr!,” I growled at him as I guzzled.
He just laughed, “Okay its your funeral.”
I was finished with Marat’s drink by now and wanted another one already—I wanted to self-destruct at the moment and still not sure why. I jumped up and headed to the bar in the back of the restaurant, with a side ways glance at Andy, “I’ll be right back okay.” Andy just shook his head and tried to signal Missy and Marat, but they appeared too self-involved at the moment. I didn’t even glance at them as the bar was in front of me and the dance floor behind. I saw two shots sitting all by their lonesome waiting for someone to pick them up, well that person just so happened to be me.
“Hello fellas,” I said to them as I grabbed them and ran out of the restaurant, as the waiter yelled ‘Hey Lady!!” But he soon gave up, they were free after all so he couldn’t exactly stop me, and just turned around to make them again, mumbling loudly under his breathe that he was so tired of this freakin’ job and couldn’t wait to get out of it.
The humid air from earlier was beginning to cool off, and I shivered as I rushed out side and ran to the stern of the boat, downing a shot as I went. Yum, it was a kamikaze…someone had good taste in there. I didn’t stumble at all yet as I hurried back…not quite tipsy…which was good, so I didn’t make a complete fool of myself yet able to relax a bit. I set the empty glass in one the chairs as I took the full one and slowly approached the railing.
Railings always scared me no matter if it was a boat or a great height. I had this paranoia that it would be loose and give way, or someone would accidentally or purposefully push me over. I grabbed onto it checking it for its sturdiness before I leaned against it feeling safe enough to look at the skyline around me. It was so beautiful and even more so with a few drinks in me.
I held tight to my last shot, not wanting to lose it to the waters below. I tasted the lime on my lips from the last shot, making an audible groan of enjoyment. I grinned feeling like a kid stealing from a candy store and having gotten away with it. I thought of that Titanic scene where he screams, “I’m king of the world.” And for two seconds, bit my lip, and considered doing it for the laughs, but as I was starting to feel a bit tipsy now, I figured I’d just end up in the water. But the idea of it all had me laughing.
Then I heard movement behind me, “What is this a party for one or can I join?” I turned around already knowing by the sound of the voice who it was.
“Sure, the more the merrier,” I said sarcastically, “But you seemed a bit engaged a few moments ago, surprised you even knew I was out here.” Damn Andy—I thought—he told them and interrupted the love scene on the dance floor. Like I wanted him out here when I knew he was all over Missy five minutes ago. I just knew that they had sent him out on purpose for their little scheming other wise why didn’t Missy come out and yell at me for taking off. No, they had their little plans, of course with the hope that I would play along and make their lives easier. Well that wasn’t me I thought with pure evil delight.
“Actually I saw the whole scene.” He grinned and shrugged as he walked with in inches of me, “I wasn’t preoccupied at all.” You had me fooled—I thought, as I snorted and turned away from him to the railing. He came up behind me, his warm hand on the small of my back. Now why the hell did he do that? Was he playing games along with Missy and Andy? It made me angry yet the feeling of him touching me was weakening my resolve at the same time. Damn men to hell.
“Which drink are you on now? Fourth?”
“Yeah so?” I snapped.
“Just thinking you should take it easy…the night has only begun you know, besides I’m not carrying you home, if you pass out.” Why the hell did people think I couldn’t handle my liquor? I was the expert at knowing when was when.
I snorted, and stubbornly said, “Fine, Father, just leave me where I fall then.”
I think that angered him, as he swung me around to face him, I took a sharp breath in as he grabbed me tight to him, and whispered, “Love, I’m very far from a father figure,” then he grinned devilishly, “I’m the one fathers don’t want their daughters even close to, let alone breathe the same breath that I do.” I just looked at him, in his predatory mode, freezing like a deer in its tracks, only able to swallow nervously. His cocky grin grew as he said, “You know what, I still have no idea what a Vodka Collins tastes like. You drank mine, love.” His voice as soft as a whisper as he chuckled.
I grinned sheepishly, “Well here is a Kamikaze, its close but a lot stronger.” I lifted up the drink for him to see but he was too busy staring intensely into my eyes and making me uncomfortable.
“No thanks.”
“Fine I’ll drink it.” And I downed it fast so I wouldn’t have to be a like a deer in headlights anymore.
“I like Vodka better.” He said matter of factly. Wow that drink was good and completely distracted me from what he was saying so I replied not realizing that it probably wasn’t a good idea.
“Kamikaze is basically Vodka silly.”
He grinned, “Oh really? Well I think I’d like it after all.”
“To late—I downed it remember?” Before I could finish the last word, he had pulled me into him and captured my mouth. Oh the warmth and heat—it was killing me—and it wasn’t the alcohol this time at all. I tired to protest and back away but that was a bad move. His hands on my lower back held me to him, as he took advantage of my protesting mouth. I melted against him as I felt his tongue invade my mouth, caressing and tasting me. I was sinfully enjoying it to such a degree that when he pulled away it still felt like he was touching me.
My eyes stayed closed and mouth was still open, till I heard a chuckle, and my eyes flew open. He was smiling enjoying my reaction I assumed.
“Well why’d you stop?” I protested, then gasped, and covered my mouth realizing I said it out loud. He burst out laughing so hard he had to release me. “Damn I can’t believe I said that…forget I said that please…it never happened.”
“Sorry love, That did happen, and no way will I forget it.”
“Damn.” I said, then before I could make another decision he had grabbed me again, and I looked up in surprise. His arms were around my waist, so it forced my arms to sprawl across his chest. He decided to surprise me and flexed his chest muscles several times and my mouth dropped as I gazed at his chest. He laughed at my reaction.
I scowled and looked up into his beaming face, “Must you always tease me?”
He cocked a brow, “Must you always rise to the occasion?”
“I can’t help it, I hate being teased.”
His smile widened, “Okay, forgive me if I try and not do it in the future?” I so didn’t believe him but how could I resist his overpowering sexual charms while being this close in proximity.
“Fine, you be nice and so will I.” Was this a truce or just his way of getting me to be vulnerable so he could conquer me easier?
He leaned into me, “As I’ve said before love, what is the fun in that…but I will try.” He said before I could interject. Then he did the most surprising and endearing thing of all and leaned down and kissed me on the nose. I stared at his lips wanting more, then looked into his eyes, and finding that same look in it he had when we were in the pool, when I had come out the bathroom to greet him a few hours earlier, and then just a few minutes ago when he kissed me. He came down and granted my wish, tasting my lips again. I took a sharp breathe in as my insides started to churn.
He broke away, lips still within reach of mine as he whispered, “Hummm, I think I’m definitely going to try both of those vodka drinks of yours…they were intoxicating.” He hadn’t had one drop of alcohol yet tonight so I knew that he meant more than just the Vodka. Oh my poor stomach—the alcohol and butterflies weren’t getting along very well at all.
“Are you ready to go back in?” he said still whispering.
I frowned, “Why?” So I could watch him fawn all over Missy again, no way—I pouted to myself. Jesh, either I was getting drunk or acting like a two year old…probably both.
“So we can get some food into your empty stomach before I have a completely drunk woman on my hands.” He grinned as he paused to think over what he had said; “Now if we were at the hotel it would be a completely different story and would have no problems what so ever but here…no.”
I swatted at him for that last statement as it was making me blush and knew he would enjoy that way too much, “Fine, I’m ready to go in.”
As we made our way back to the table, I saw that our food had arrived and Andy and Missy had already started without us. I ignored Missy still mad till she said, “What took you two so long. I took the liberties of ordering you two both another drink, seems they were both empty when we got back to the table, wonder how that happened,” she said as she looked at me.
I opened my mouth but was to late as Marat spoke, “She was really thirsty, and I don’t mind sharing my drinks Missy.”
Everyone at the table looked at Marat in surprise including me. Missy’s mouth dropped surprised that he was defending me…probably thought that she was making better leeway than she thought she had been in our ‘love case.’ She got her speech back quickly as she spit out, “Thirsty huh? I think water would’ve quenched your thirst better than those shots at the bar.” I scowled at her.
“Some need water, others vodka.” Marat said jokingly, trying to break the tension. He then picked up his newly acquired drink, as if to say cheers I think, but I interrupted, “What is your point Missy? Do you want to start something? Because right at the moment I’m game.”
“No, I’m not, just trying to point out to you that something must be wrong if you feel the need to guzzle down alcohol is all.” Our eyes narrowed at each other from across the table.
“Okay you two enough…eat your food before it gets cold,” Andy paused then shook his head, “Crap, I’m beginning to sound like my father…knock it off you two, look what you’ve done to me.” He covered his face with his hands and pretended to bawl. We all looked over at him, and couldn’t help but laugh. He was so cute and the life of the party.
Once he made sure we were all laughing he peeked through his fingers and grinned, before he addressed us like children again.
“Okay girls we are gonna get along this evening whether I have to take you out back and spank you or not.” He looked over at Missy giving her a naughty look as if to say ‘and if we go back for a spanking then ‘father’ is gonna disappear quickly love.’ Missy gasped and I groaned, rolling my eyes.
“Yes, Father.” Missy and I chimed in together. I with a bit of sarcasm in my voice but Missy had something else in her voice that sounded like she wouldn’t discourage any attempt made on his part. Ugh, I thought.
“Humm, you know what Andy?” I turned to Marat who was looking at me with a predatory look again and not to whom he was addressing his comment to…or so I thought, “That gives me a great idea…what say you let me handle Olivia and you take Missy out if we need to make them behave,” my mouth dropped open and I gasped at him, “Because I think Olivia might need some extra attention as she has been a bit more naughty than Missy has tonight.” I was gob smacked. Me Naughty? Never!!
Missy and Andy died laughing, while Andy said through his laughter, “You have my permission Marat…and I think I am inclined to believe you there about Olivia needing more.”
I so didn’t know what to say now as I looked back and forth between the laughing Andy and Marat serious yet amused predatory look. Okay I had to get out of here.
My blush was spreading all over my body by now and I couldn’t handle it, “I’m going to the restroom…and not sure I will be back.” Getting up and as I did gave Missy a dirty look for being a traitor. I took off as fast as I could to the restroom…taking inventory of where I was in order to distract myself from what had just happened, my anger rising. Okay three more tables to go then the pass the dance floor then the bathroom. Okay now two…now one…now just the side of the dance floor. Okay half way there…hurry. It wasn’t like I was gonna burst into tears or something at any moment…I just wasn’t sure I could hold my anger in long enough before I got the restroom and pounded the wall with my fist…with a desire that it be Marat’s actual body.
“Ugh,” I half cry out as I felt myself being whirled around into strong arms, which proceeded to take me onto the dance floor, on my now left side. I looked up into the face I already knew it would be. My anger was now at a rising peak. He promised not to tease and there he went…not five minutes after his promise…with every one laughing at the whole thing. I hated that and I hated that I had actually trusted him a wee bit…well enough to let down my guard with him and give him a truce. Well the truce was broken now and I was ready for pay back.
I wanted to break off from him as I usually became like jello when ever in his arms…which hadn’t been that often but often enough to know I was in danger. I looked up into his eyes, both of us glaring at each other with anger shooting from our eyes. I pushed at him only to have my attempts thwarted off by his tight grip around me, as he continued to lead me across the dance floor. I had no idea what he had to be angry about as I had more rights than he. His unjustifiable anger, as I saw it, only fueled my fire.
“Why so angry love?” He softly purred as his arms tightened even more around my waist, stoking my lower back, as he used them to hold me firmly to him.
“I think you know why I am angry, and don’t call me love.” I glared at him, my arms still applying pressure to his chest. His stroking fingers stirring me up and causing me to falter in my thinking processes.
He leaned in and whispered to me, “But I wasn’t teasing at all love, I was serious as hell.” His eyes bore into me and I tried with great difficulty not to swallow hard. “And I’ll call you love as long as I care too.”
I wasn’t sure what to say so I let whatever I wanted to come out, come out, “Why couldn’t you let me go to the restroom?”
“And let you disappear in there all night? I think not…then I’d embarrass you by charging in there after you.”
“I wasn’t going to stay in there all night. If you think you have that much power over me then you are mistaken.” The fire hadn’t diminished between us…in fact he was encouraging quite another fire to begin as he started dancing closer and closer to me. I tired not to blush, realizing what it had looked like earlier with Missy and now probably looked like with me. I so wanted to believe what I had just told him but I was beginning to believe the opposite and I was sure he did too as a devilish smile appeared over his face.
“We both know that that is not really on the money as you Americans say…am I not right?” he said with a smug look on his face. He adored being right, I could tell. Well he just found his match in that category.
“Whatever power you may think you have, you only have because I allow it.” I replied as smugly as he had.
He chuckled at that, “Humm, if you need to tell yourself that, go ahead but I think I know different.”
I was really getting flustered and didn’t know what to do. I knew I couldn’t turn to Missy anymore as she had turned traitor in trying to get me to verbally admit that I wanted him. You just don’t go up to men and say ‘hey I want you…want to get married?’ That’s not part of the game! Humm, though I wonder what he would say to that? I inwardly laughed at the thought.
I chose to ignore his comment as it would only dig me further into the hole and tried to concentrate on not letting his dancing completely incapacitate me. The alcohol was streaming through my blood three times the normal rate as my heart rate increased. Good thing I had some food in my stomach or my disagreeable status would definitely fly out the window. The Toad, I thought as I looked up at him again. He was purely enjoying himself…smug wanker. I loved to call him that. It fits so well, don’t you think? Lol anyways….
Humm, my brain juices began to work again but not the way I desired…no they were going south and most of it had to do with the way he was stroking the length of his body against mine. I wonder if I could play this game too but without getting burned or trapped in the process of it all. Humm, not sure but the thoughts flying through my head were very delightful. I returned his smug smile with an evil grin. He cocked his brow wondering what I was up too.

[Annie]

Andy kept looking at Olivia and Marat on the dance floor then back to Missy, with unease written in his eyes.
“Do you know what you are doing? Olivia looks pissed off, and she isn’t too happy with you either…you know that don’t you. I mean after all you DO share the same hotel room together. I wouldn’t piss her off much more.”
“Don’t worry love I know what I am doing. Remember there still in karaoke later that I have to plan for…she must be at the right frame of mind so that she will agree before she knows what she has gotten herself into.” Missy grinned mischievously out at the grinding couple. Andy shook his head worried that things were gonna blow up at any moment. He just wanted peace in the group…all this silent hostility was not his idea of fun. He downed the drink in front of him hoping that would loosen him up. Missy noticed and turned all her attentions back to Andy realizing she needed to be having fun for herself and ignore Olivia and Marat for awhile.
“What say we go out and enjoy some night air like the other couple got too and maybe spend some time not thinking about them?” Missy smiled softly at him, feeling sorry that she had let her friend’s problems get in-between them and their evening.
Andy’s face brightened into a smile, “Sounds fab.” He got up helped Missy out of her chair and escorted her out side not even glancing at the dance floor, where a panic stricken Olivia was pleading at their backs not to leave her with the beast of a man she was with.
As they met the night air, Andy said, “You know Olivia isn’t gonna like this either…us taking off.”
“Don’t worry about Ollie…she’s a big girl and can take care of herself, after all you trust Marat don’t you?” She laughed, merriment dancing in her eyes.
Andy looked down at her, returning her smile, “Well I trust him to a certain point but where Olivia is concerned I am beginning to wonder.” He chuckled and Missy joined him as they headed to the stern (back) of the boat.
Missy sighed taking in the sights of the city. She wished Andy would take advantage of them being alone and kiss her. He hadn’t kissed her at all tonight besides the groveling in the hotel room earlier and that so didn’t count. Well if he was gonna take his time she’d take matters into her own hands. After all, who knew how long their moment out here alone would last?
They were both standing at the very same rail that Marat had kissed Olivia not but a few moments earlier and didn’t even know it. Andy stood next to Missy enjoying the silence…well, what he called silence after being around Olivia and Marat, and all that damn sexual tension. He wanted to explode and he wasn’t either one of them. He didn’t know how they could take it.
Suddenly he felt himself being grabbed. He knew it was Missy but he wasn’t sure why. Then Missy who appeared to be having problems making Andy turn to face her, looked up at him to find him laughing at her.
“What are you doing?” He looked at her incredulously, enjoying the blush that was now spreading across her face.
“You were taking to long to kiss me and I was taking things into my own hands…well, trying to anyway, but your not helping.” She jerked at him in a pouty objection to him hindering her plans. He chuckled and moved around so they were now intertwined to each other. His arms went around her waist as Missy’s went around his shoulders hoping to eventually drift to his hair. She had been giving his hair the once over all week with the great desire to cut it, but had to be sure that it really was too long for him. She wanted to slip her fingers through it and explore every inch of him…maybe he would consider letting her cut his hair. It could be fun.
Andy on the other hand had no clue what Missy’s little mind was concocting …if he did, then he would truly understand the way a woman’s mind works, and as men never will…he had no clue what she had in store for him and therefore felt out of danger. Poor Andy. She grinned at him and his innocent boyish cuteness. Andy took that smile as an invitation leaning into her, and then he heard Missy sigh. He backed away looking at her in curiosity at what was the matter.
“You are so cute you know that?” She looked dreamily at him, still in awe at the fact that Andy Roddick was embraced in her arms…or was it the other way around? Oh who cares, what mattered is he was here and it was just the two of them.
“I have been told that more than you know.” He grinned, almost blushing.
“And you appear to not be used to it yet I gather?” He nodded looking in her eyes wanting something that didn’t include talking. Missy sensed it and encouraged him, “Okay sorry where were we?” She leaned into him hoping he would meet her the rest of the way as he was to freakin tall for her. He smiled and met her there.
Andy had wanted to kiss her all evening, but it had been a bit difficult with their evening preoccupation with Olivia and Marat. He was so relieved when Missy suggested that they get out of the restaurant but was surprised by his nervousness now with them being alone. He had been cursing himself, knowing full well that Missy more than likely would want him to kiss her, but he just couldn’t move for some reason. That was till Missy grabbed him, and told him how cute he was. He now desired to smother her with kisses till she couldn’t breathe any more…people be damned.
He thought he had died and gone to heaven the moment his lips were finally able to touch hers. She was so soft and oh so sweet, but all he wanted was more, yet not sure how he would go about it with our scaring her off. His hand went to the small of her back pulling her closer to him, relishing the feel of her pressed against him. He pressed on when she didn’t object to his demanding mouth that urged to delve deeper.
Missy’s mind was reeling as she felt Andy’s tongue invade her mouth. She never wanted this euphoria to end…ever. He was so gentle with her and seemed to really enjoy just tasting her and every inch of her mouth. Missy’s insides churned and she began to feel she could no longer support her weight. That was when Andy took her weight as she leaned into him for support. He grinned within the kiss…knowing it was affecting her as much as him. He slowly departed her mouth with regret yet a strong desire to taste her elsewhere. Missy moaned in protest from his departure desiring to taste his warmth again but only a gasp could escape for he had begun to descend down to her neck, and behind her ear, as one hand moved up to the other side of her head to hold her where he could get the best access. His kisses were desperate and quick, as if at any moment they could be disturbed. He tried to slow down and take pleasure in her more but it was getting too much for him to handle.
Suddenly a blare of a large horn from a passing by vessel sent them skyward and out of their desperate yearnings that had threatened to take an extremely intense road soon. Missy ducked her head and started laughing with Andy following shortly behind. Andy kept his eyes on Missy though making sure she was okay almost glad that the horn had interrupted their tryst as he wasn’t sure he would have been able to stop on his own power. He had a lingering fear that he might have taken things to quick and too far and scared Missy and he didn’t want to do that to her.
Andy held her close as she leaned into him, still chuckling somewhat, concerning the reality of what had just happened and where it could have lead…saved by the bell…literally. She desired him and she was sure he knew but here was not the place to be acting out on those feelings. Oh but at least he had shared himself with her and they seemed to be exactly the same feelings she had been dealing with.
As they got control of their raging emotions, they remained in each other’s arms…not sure if that was hindering the process or not, but they couldn’t release each other quite yet. Andy whispered to her, “I think we better go in and check on the other couple.” Missy closed her eyes and took pleasure in the reverberations his voice made through his chest and into hers. It was like a gentle wind lulling her to sleep. Yet she couldn’t sleep, just yet anyway. She imagined herself, sleeping in his arms, with his voice soothing her to a far away dreamland that included him by her side.
“Missy?” He said softly, after she didn’t answer. She with regret lifted her head off his chest to look at him questionably. Her eyes illustrated the affect he was having over her and he read every emotion as his own reflection for what he felt. He smiled softly down on her, “Ready to go in?”
Missy frowned like a child coming out of a lovely dream to which she didn’t want to leave, “I suppose we should,” she pouted. He squeezed her tightly then released her so they could walk hand in hand back inside…both with the thought that they dreaded having to face the two tantrum-filled children hidden within.




Clarifications: ok I have borrowed one to two lines from movie ‘Ever After”. Kudos to anyone who finds it lol. Very good romantic movie in my book!

[Annie]

Chapter 16: ¡§More Than One Brew Is Bubbling On The Stove¡¨ or ¡§Its Getting Hot In The Kitchen¡¨:


While Missy was in a lip lock with Andy, I was still in a vise grip called Marat Safin. He was being a bugger...he knew it and was enjoying every minute of it. Suddenly an idea grabbed hold of him that he knew all the answers to my problems (i.e. Him) and he was gonna share it with me. Oh happy day!! I thought sarcastically.
¡§You know what?¡¨ He paused wanting me to respond.
¡§No, I don¡¦t want to know what, thank you.¡¨ Suddenly I was being dropped into a dip, I gasped, and grabbed a hold of him not sure if he was gonna drop me, if he was teasing me again, or if he was mad that I wasn¡¦t responding like he¡¦d like. What worried me was that it was all three.
As I clutched on to him for dear life, I looked up into his highly amused face. Then he whirled me around and up to face him, our upper bodies clashed and he used his hand on my back to keep me close there to him.
¡§Bugger!¡¨ I whispered under my breath.
¡§What was that?¡¨ He said, knowing full well what I had said.
¡§Nothing¡¨ I said looking away in fury.
¡§That¡¦s what I thought¡Know where was I? Oh yeah¡K¡¨ his grip tightened even more and I gasped at the friction taking place due to my flimsy clothes. I felt my nipples hardening and hoped he didn¡¦t notice. I gave him a dirty look as he continued, ¡§you know if you loosened up a bit, relaxed in the moment¡Kyou¡¦d have more fun and not be angry all the time.¡¨
My eyes narrowed and I wanted to punch his lights out, ¡§I believe the reason for my anger is you preventing me from going to the bathroom, O wise one.¡¨
Suddenly he twirled me around and out of his arms.
¡§By all means, go to the bathroom.¡¨ He had stopped us a few feet from the bathrooms and I turned to go to them, glad I was finally free. But he still had a hold on my hand so I turned back around and gave him a dirty look as he whispered in a very threatening manner, ¡§But I warn you, I will come after you if you think about spending the rest of the night in there.¡¨
I shot him another dirty look, ¡§No power remember? You have none.¡¨ He let me go and I went as fast as I could before he could respond. He decided to only laugh softly at my departing figure rather than have the last word. Well damn it, laughing was the last word and he just stole it from me.



I entered the bathroom and slumped against the door, placing a hand out in front of me, noticing how it shook slightly. I grabbed it trying to stop it and also the pace of my heart beat.
¡§Get a hold of yourself Olivia,¡¨ then I scowled, ¡§Damn you Missy.¡¨
I had to blame somebody for my losing control of the situation and that traitor was an easy target.
Hummm I thought. There is no way off this tin can or I would try and escape, wuss that I am, but there wasn¡¦t one. Not unless I wanted to swim of course¡KI almost laughed at the idea of it¡Kpulling my drenched body and dress out on the shoreline only to find them there standing and waiting for me with their hands on their hips, finding me like a parent finds a child sneaking cookies out of the cookie jar or something.
I walked over to the sink and began to splash my face with water¡Xtrying to calm myself down as well as cool off the fire simmering with in me. I had this odd feeling that Marat knew that in actuality deep down somewhere in the recesses of what some would call a heart of a woman¡Kthere was a desire to stay in his arms, dance all night and at the end fulfill every woman¡¦s desire. I wasn¡¦t sure what scared me the most¡Kthat he knew I wanted him or that I knew it myself.




Meanwhile Missy and Andy had arrived to see Marat let me go to the bathroom and then see him resign himself to the table, downing a drink before he was fully in his seat.
¡§Great! What has she done this time?¡¨ Missy heaved a sigh, as she plopped down in front of Marat at the table; Andy soon to follow.
¡§Just being stubborn as usual.¡¨
Missy cocked an eyebrow at him and half-smiled, ¡§What? Giving up the hunt there, Davy Crockett?¡¨
¡§Davy Crockett?¡¨
Missy sighed, ¡§He¡¦s a famous dead hunter¡K.never mind¡Kso anyway are you?¡¨
Marat grinned with a twinkle in his eye and the devil just having appeared on his shoulder, ¡§I like being the hunter and as long as you don¡¦t mind Olivia being the prey then yeah that is what she is.¡¨
Missy returned his evil grin, ¡§I am all for it.¡¨
Andy groaned, ¡§Oh no!! Why do I see trouble on the horizon? I almost feel sorry enough to warn Olivia of your scheming plans.¡¨
They both turned to him giving him the death stare, and Missy growled, ¡§Don¡¦t you dare. Ollie deserves this for being a stubborn fart. Besides this is gonna be fun and you know it.¡¨
¡§Yeah till the shit hits the fan.¡¨
¡§There will be no shit hitting any fans, thank you very much. By the time she figures it all out she will be snuggling in Marats very capable arms too happy to care.¡¨ She looked at Marat, giving him the dopey eyes of a lover.
¡§What¡Kare you on acid,¡¨ Andy snorted and interjecting on their dream of a plan, ¡§She isn¡¦t stupid you know.¡¨
Marat and Missy were too busy giving each other grins and head nods to even listen to what Andy was saying any more. Andy looked back and forth between the two; his arms went flying up in resignation as he rolled his eyes, ¡§There is no use talking to you two when you are like this.¡¨ Then he headed over to the bar to get a drink¡Xnot wanting to hear their plans of destruction for Olivia. So what if she was stubborn¡Xit didn¡¦t mean that she deserved their evil plans. He decided as he sat at the bar that he would try to give her leeway on their doings somehow so she could be prepared.


Marat, once Andy was out of earshot, said, ¡§So you see her snuggling in my arms do you?¡¨ Missy was staring at Andy¡¦s departing figure giving his back a dirty look before turning back to Marat with a grin, nodding her head with a determination of sorts.
¡§Oh yes, and much more¡Kits all for the taking.¡¨
Marat cocked his head at her, ¡§You¡¦re really bent on her destruction, aren¡¦t you?¡¨
Missy¡¦s smile turned positively wicked, ¡§We are just tired of the sexual frustrations is all Marat.¡¨
Marat gave her a puzzled look, ¡§We? And just what do you mean by sexual frustrations? Not sure what that is exactly¡Kthough I have a clue.¡¨ He grinned.
¡§By we I mean Andy and I silly¡Kand sexual frustrations means you both are all over each other in every way but sex¡Kit means get it on already¡Kget a room¡Ketc. You both so want it so do it already.¡¨
Marat laughed, ¡§Easier said than done.¡¨
Missy mentally shook her head at herself knowing that she was now sounding like Kristin but she didn¡¦t care. Kristin had it right all along. Ollie just needed to get laid. At one time she thought Kristin needed help in even suggesting Ollie should get laid and it would solve all her problems but now she was beginning to understand why. That scared Missy more than she liked it too.
Missy sighed deeply, ¡§Well here goes nothing¡Kbut it better be something¡KI shall go bait that hook and catch me an Ollie fish.¡¨ She grinned at Marat as she got up to go to the bathrooms.
¡§Never had an Ollie fish before,¡¨ Marat said playing along, ¡§Wonder what they taste like?¡¨ He grinned up a Missy.
Missy who was walking around the table, dropped her jaw at that then grinned and decided to play along¡Kmaybe even baiting Marat a bit more for her Ollie girl. ¡§Wonderful I have heard¡Kreal delicacy¡Kyou must try.¡¨ Marat laughed as she headed off to find Ollie.




I meanwhile was taking deep breathes still and doing self talk to the mirror, hoping against all hope that no one entered to find me babbling to myself. Ahh who cares¡Kmost are old foggies here anywho.
I chanted, ¡§Marat has no affect over me¡KI can do this and make it back to the hotel in one piece.¡¨ I bent one of my knees and it began to shake so I had to quickly put both of my hands on either side of the sink to catch myself. ¡§Damn him¡¨ I yelled.
¡§Damn who?¡¨ I whirled around to see Missy trying to hold in her laughter.
¡§Go away you fart. You¡¦re no help at all.¡¨ I scowled as I looked back to the mirror.
¡§Just one question and then I will go.¡¨ I snorted, knowing what it would be but couldn¡¦t stop myself from asking anyway.
¡§And I bet you¡¦re gonna tell me huh?¡¨
¡§Yes, I am,¡¨ She said coming over to the sink and looking in the mirror at me, ¡§When are you gonna jump this guys bones already? This tin can has excellent cubby holes everywhere¡Xtake advantage of them already.¡¨
I turned to her in fury, my eyes blazing, ¡§That is not the solution to all my problems Missy.¡¨ Then I paused, my eyes glazed over as if in la-la land, ¡§but I bet it would be really nice though.¡¨ I could feel myself starting to drool and breathe heavy again despite all my previous efforts to calm it down. I snapped myself out of it. My eyes once again becoming like fire and all if it directed toward Missy.
¡§No, I am not gonna pounce on him like a dog in heat.¡¨ I raised my head and pretended to sniff the air as if the idea was too far below me, when in actuality the more in Marat¡¦s presence I was, the more it became the level I wanted to be on. I acted all hoity-toity as I said, ¡§I am a human not an animal and prefer to act as such.¡¨
Missy rolled her eyes, ¡§Yeah whatever, but if you don¡¦t make your move then don¡¦t be upset or suddenly say he is all yours when I snatch them both up and take them under my tutelage.¡¨ (yeah I know you would never say that word missy as you prob have no clue what it means (heheehe) but hey I like the word¡Kgo look it up dear)
I snorted as if I didn¡¦t care knowing full well deep down inside I had claimed him as my own. Damn Missy for not helping me¡Xthe toadmuffin!
Missy gave a falsely resigned look, ¡§Alrighty then but don¡¦t say I didn¡¦t warn you.¡¨ She left the bathroom, leaving me in my sorry confused state.
AUGH I screamed in my head. This night was so not going as I had plan. Wait a tic, I had a plan for the evening of which I had no plans of attending?? Now I understood why men had such a hard time understanding women¡Ksometimes I felt the same way.
I looked at myself with confusion-my eyes welding up with tears. I hurriedly wiped at my eyes before they threatened to cascade down my face. I then gave myself the ¡¥stiff upper lip¡¦ lecture with in my head of course, as I continued to stare at myself.
I decided to splash my face with water a few more times to clear my thoughts. As I was doing so my mind did clear, but was replaced with a resolve for revenge¡Xnot Marat¡XI had forgotten about that revenge when Missy showed her face¡Xno this time it was for Missy. I grinned at myself in the mirror this time, water dripping from my face with out a care.
My spirits, and determination (I like to call it that instead of stubborn pride ƒº) returned as I headed back to the table. I found supper had been cleared and they were now eating dessert. Missy was busy with her attentions to Andy that she didn¡¦t even acknowledge my return. Marat did though and I quickly looked away when I read concern on his face.
¡§Lobster, soup, and now the Oreo Mountain with ice cream?? I swear Andy you¡¦re gonna burst already,¡¨ Missy said, her eyes bulging at the dessert in front of Andy.
Andy dove in immediately. Missy grabbed his side trying to figure out where the hell it was all going to. Andy squealed and moved away.
¡§Woman, don¡¦t touch me or I really will explode.¡¨ Missy bent over dieing in laughter.
¡§Ah ha!! I knew it couldn¡¦t be true.¡¨ She said trying to gasp for air as she was laughing so hard. I sat there with a smile on my face enjoying their interaction with each other, knowing Marat¡¦s eyes were still on me, wondering what was wrong I suppose.
I decided to quickly write Marat a note on a napkin while Missy was busy still in awe of Andy and his bottomless stomach. She kept trying to feel his belly and he kept inching away from her. I pushed the note nonchalantly toward Marat. He must have taken the hint that it was a secret as he put his elbow on the table, and leaned his head on his hand to read the note instead of picking it up.
He seemed in shock as he looked up to me then back to the note several times. I tried to ignore him as if everything was okay, hoping Marat would go along with the note that read: ¡¥Marat, in a few minutes ask me to dance, we need to talk. Don¡¦t give up if I fight you¡Xcan¡¦t look suspicious.¡¦
The curiosity must have been eating at him as he began to fidget seemingly not wanting to wait much longer to appease his growing inquisitive mind. He finally turned to me.
¡§Olivia, want to dance while these two are busy teasing each other?¡¨ He looked over at them just in time to see Andy feeding Missy a huge bite of Oreo with his spoon.
¡§Maybe later¡KI want dessert first.¡¨ Hoping he wouldn¡¦t give up and ignoring the dirty look I caught out of the corner of my eye from Missy, who was obviously listening into our conversation.
¡§Come on Olivia,¡¨ He got up and went behind my chair as if he wouldn¡¦t take ¡¥no¡¦ for an answer¡XGood Boy!! ¡§One dance then you can have all the dessert you want.¡¨
Missy was giving me a look that said get going you moron. I rolled my eyes, sighed as if being tortured and got up. Marat¡¦s arm went around my waist as he lead me to the dance floor and then once there twirled me around to his awaiting arms.
¡§So to what do I owe this debt of pleasure to? The Fates? Because frankly I am in shock.¡¨ His right hand caressed my lower back as if there weren¡¦t any material there at all.
¡§Well before I say anything you have to stop what you are doing right now.¡¨ I said looking him dead in the eyes.
He grinned, and looking all innocent said, ¡§What are you talking about?¡¨
I gave him a suspicious look, not believing him for a second, ¡§You know what I mean bubba¡Kthe hand on my back for one thing.¡¨ I cocked my brow at him.
He laughed, ¡§I can¡¦t help it, it¡¦s a habit I suppose¡Kthough I have never gotten any complaints before.¡¨
I looked away and mumbled to myself, ¡§Yeah well I am not one of your blondes either.¡¨
Marat leaned and whispered close to my ear, ¡§I didn¡¦t say you were one either.¡¨ Damn he had to have great hearing as well.
I looked up into his face, with my mouth wide open. I was truly embarrassed at what I had said about the blondes. I never thought I would have ever asked him about them because frankly I didn¡¦t want to know.
I quickly closed my mouth then, blushing from head to toe after I saw the look that went over his face when he had gazed at my open mouth. He wanted to kiss me, I could tell, and I unconsciously swallowed hard after closing my mouth, my heart rate increasing. Why did he do this to me?
Marat chuckled as he witnessed my reaction, still stubbornly stroking my back. ¡§What you still find it shocking that I desire you?¡¨
I almost lost my step in the dance but caught myself with his help. He actually said it to my face¡XOMG!! Not just that he wanted to kiss me but that he desired me!! How does one respond to that?
I almost snorted knowing how Missy wanted me too respond. Find the nearest cubby hole and **** each others brains out. For two seconds I saw us going at it in a bathroom stall. Hummm, I unconsciously licked my lips then was brought out of my daze by a smoothed honeyed voice whispering in my ear, ¡§Penny for your thoughts?¡¨
I looked up into his eyes and saw a reflection of my own wanton desires. He knew exactly what I was feeling right then and that unnerved me, sending me into fits of blushing again. He only chuckled, enjoying the effect he had over me.
¡§Marat, you¡¦re distracting me from the mission at hand. Please still your hand on my back so I can think straight.¡¨ Great! I once again openly admitted that he affected me in any manner whatsoever¡Xway to go!
¡§Yes, but I am so good at distracting beautiful women,¡¨ he said almost pouting, with a grin on his face. One side of my brain wanted to say ¡¥what the hey, lets do it¡¦ and then lead him to a back room and have my way with him but that voice never got the last word¡Xyet that is!
¡§Marat, be serious for once, I need your help.¡¨ He sighed.
¡§Help with what?¡¨ He tried to act all serious, but I could tell he preferred to tease.
¡§Well not that serious¡KI¡¦m talking about revenge here¡Kfun revenge that is.¡¨
He grinned, and cocked a brow, ¡§Revenge against who?¡¨ (yeah it should be Whom not Who but doubt Marat would say it that way¡Kyou know¡Khis English and all)
I smiled, ¡§Missy, of course.¡¨
¡§Oh, I was beginning to wonder if it was me for awhile there but really didn¡¦t think you¡¦d tell me if you were.¡¨
¡§Actually yeah it was you¡Kand I would still watch my back if I were you,¡¨ I said trying my best to give a threatening look.
He grinned down at me, ¡§How long to I have to wait for this revenge? How about we do it now and get it over with?¡¨ I pinched his neck, ¡§Ow!!¡¨ but he didn¡¦t release me to rub the now red area. Must not have hurt too much¡Kthe baby!!
¡§That is not the revenge I was gonna perform on you. It was gonna be painful,¡¨ He grinned again so I immediately clarified, ¡§and not the pleasure kind either you perv.¡¨ I laughed then at the idea of pouring hot wax on his chest and watching him squirming beneath me, with his hands tied to the bedposts with fluffy black handcuffs. (Liz-take a deep breathe hun)
¡§Uh hummm,¡¨ I said aloud, biting my lower lip. Marat leaned down to my ear pausing to breathe his hot breathe on me before he whispered to me.
¡§Thinking what I am thinking love?¡¨
I scowled at him as he straightened away from my ear, ¡§I very much doubt it.¡¨ How the hell can he read my mind like that? Men never have any clue what women are thinking.
¡§If it has anything to do with a bed then yes it does,¡¨ He crooned down at me.
¡§Okay, okay whatever¡Know lets get back to the matter at hand.¡¨ My ovaries were jumping at his hot breathe I still could feel on my neck and the way he said ¡¥bed¡¦ it made me want to melt, but had to realize that I wasn¡¦t in some ¡¥Gone with the Wind¡¦ special so I had to keep a lid on it.
He laughed as he twirled me around, ¡§I¡¦ll let you go this time¡Kso what do you have in mind?¡¨
¡§Public embarrassment that¡¦s what.¡¨
¡§How do you suggest we do that?¡¨
¡§You see that karaoke sign in front?¡¨
¡§No.¡¨
¡§Well you walked past it two times already tonight.¡¨
¡§Yeah, but both times I was with you now wasn¡¦t I?¡¨
I blushed, ¡§Okay, okay, well anyway,¡¨ I chose to ignore his insinuation; ¡§it said that there was karaoke tonight at midnight. Now if we get her to go along with this we should get her to agree to choose each others songs. I have the perfect one for her and Andy to sing together. The only thing is she will use this to give embarrassing songs to each of us. More than anything with them having to do with our little predicament.¡¨
He grinned, pouncing on the chance to tease me again, ¡§What predicament would that be?¡¨

[Annie]

“Grrrrr!! Stop that! Okay so if you can handle the embarrassment so can I…deal?”
“Did you just growl at me?” He smiled. I gave him a dirty look and could see the devil visibly appear in his eyes, “Okay, what do I get out of this deal to exact revenge on your best friend Missy?”
“Ummm, the joy of getting to see Missy embarrassed in public. Isn’t that enough?” Hoping it was, but doubting it was, knowing Marat. “What exactly do you want?” Humm, that was a stupid question but hey it’s not like he’d up and say ‘sex’ now would he? Or would he?
“Humm,” he said contemplating for a few seconds, grin spread on his face as if he was just asked what three wishes he could have granted…any three wishes he wanted at all. Grrrr!! “How about another date…just you and me tomorrow?”
I opened and closed my mouth several times thinking about what he just said and what I should say. “Hummmm.”
“That difficult huh?...and I thought I was being such a gentleman tonight.”
I snorted, “Ha…You? Never…not sure it’s in your vocabulary at all.”
“You wound me…well then give me tomorrow to prove it to you.”
I sighed not knowing what else to say, “Okay I agree so it a deal?”
“Do we get to seal it with another kiss? I enjoyed the last one though it was way to short for my liking.”
“Ha very funny…you are lucky you got one at all. Besides you know we can’t, they’d know something was up.”
Marat looked at the table then back at me, “What those two? They are way to busy with each other to even care.”
“Nice try Romeo. We don’t need to seal the deal with anything. I promise to go out with you tomorrow. I always go through on my word.”
“Humm, you’ve just given me an idea.” He grinned as if he had the biggest secret in the world...the plan to capture me most likely. I wanted to growl in frustration and most of it sexual but I remembered the last time that happened and I wasn’t about to turn him on a second time.
“You’re so dirty minded you know that?”
“And by the looks of it so are you love.”
I gasp, “I am not.”
“Are too.”
“Am not”
“Are too.”
“I will not argue about this any more as I know I am right.” I sniffed the air while he knowing different laughed at me. “We should head back to the table…they are gonna think I am actually enjoying dancing with you and we can’t have that now can we?” I wrinkled my nose at him.
“Yeah, we can’t have that…especially when we know it’s true.” He laughed, leading me back to the table while I stuck my tongue out at him for lack of a better thing to say.
Before we were completely within earshot he said, “Next time you do that you better be prepared for the consequences.” I scowled at him, making a mental note not to do that again, not knowing what the consequences were but doubt I’d want them.
I slumped in my chair acting as if I just had to endure WW3, while Marat gave me a dirty look.
“Oh come on Ollie, I went dancing with him before and its no where near torture…humm, well it is but not the painful kind if you get my drift.” Missy winked at Marat and he smiled. I just rolled my eyes, which came to land on Andy. He was giving me the oddest look I scrunched up my nose at him as if to ask why the hell was he looking at me that way. He just smiled as if he knew all and I was transparent to the world and especially him. I softly snorted at him…as if!! Time to change the subject I believe.
“Okay Missy what say we have a little fun huh?” Missy looked at me like I had lost my mind.
“What are you talking about?”
“Karaoke!!”
Missy was dumbfounded and almost dropped her jaw in surprise but was able to contain her self enough to not give Andy a sideways glance.
“Okay its sounds good to me—what you have in mind?”
“I say we chose each others songs.”
“Including the guys?”
“Of course.”
Andy interjected, “No way am I singing!” He was mad that he had to sing when there was no point for him to…plus he hated it.
“Shh! Andy you are.” Missy pinched him under the table as if to say don’t mess this up for me you fart. “Okay so are you teaming up with Marat? Bit odd don’t you think—this sudden turn around?”
“Well he is my date isn’t he? Well sort of,” I said as I gave him a sideways look, as if he repulsed me. Marat returned the look but repulsion was far from what I read in his eyes. More like a warning to me, that if I kept this up I was gonna get it already. I ignored it. What could he do exactly huh? Let’s not go there.
I continued, “But he will do. It would look odd guys against girls now wouldn’t it?”
“So this is a competition thing?” Missy raised an eyebrow.
“Well they are giving out prizes now aren’t they,” I said all haughtily.
Missy ignored the desire to make a smart comeback. This was better than she could have ever hoped—how the hell did Ollie play right into her hands? She didn’t think she mentioned this plan to Marat but she couldn’t be sure….No she didn’t…so what the hell? It must be a miracle…she would so take it and run with it.
“Okay we should go and chose each others songs. I’ll go first, and then we won’t tell each other what song we are to sing till we get up on stage…fair enough?” We all nodded then Missy went to find the honcho in charge to pick out songs for me and Marat. She didn’t take very long—must have been thinking about this for awhile. I began to be suspicious but not enough to care seeing as I had an ace or two up my sleeve as well.
Once Missy got back to the table I got up and yanked at Marat to come with me—the whole time giving Missy the evil eye. With Marat behind me we went over to the guy in charge and looked at the song list. It was mainly older classics but there were a few newer ones. I was looking for the embarrassing duo song I had been thinking about earlier but I was afraid they wouldn’t have it so I looked for alternatives just in case.
I whispered each aloud thinking about them, “Elton John’s ‘Don’t go breaking my heart’…no, not embarrassing enough…Ella and Louis’s ‘Let’s call the whole thing off’…humm, that is way too cute to be embarrassing. Marat do you have any ideas?”
“Techno?” he laughed.
“Ugh, your trying to kill me here aren’t you? That’s one thing you will never get me into—I hate techno. And when I am through with you, you will too.”
“Never love never…wait a minute…so you have plans for me do you? That would require you spending quite a bit of time with me you know.” He chuckled as if he had finally caught me.
I rolled my eyes, “Ugh” and chose to ignore him and get back to the list.
Marat didn’t try to fight me—we had a sort of truce going on and there was no way he wanted to spoil it—yet that is! Once he had her alone in an area she couldn’t escape so easily from him, then he’d see about changing a few things for him self. He grinned to him self as Olivia looked the list over, talking to her self out loud.
“Ah ha! I found it. And I was so worried it wouldn’t be here at first,” I laughed wickedly. “This is so perfect.” I almost turned around and kissed him I was so happy.
“What is it?” Marat asked.
I pulled him down to me and whispered in his ear the song, and explaining the movie it was from. I should have just said the name and gotten away from him as fast as I could but no I had to indulge in his nearness. His smell was the first weak point I arrived at…not to mention his proximity. I cursed myself for having done myself in. Damn I couldn’t blame him like I had been doing all night. Grrrr!
I fought the urge (to herbal hehee) to lean into him for strength and put my hand on a nearby table to steady myself. As I pulled away I think he could tell what was happening to me as his facial reaction had more to do with me and my body than the song selection.
He grinned knowingly, “Are you okay there?”
I scowled, “Yes, damn you.”
He chuckled as I turned to the honcho in charge to tell him the song selection. The I asked him if he could give me a hint as to what the funny irish chicka had told him.
The man smiled, “Sorry miss, it’s a competition, cant do that.”
“Bugger,” I said then whirled around and almost ran into Marat. I had to grab him or I’d seriously ram into him. He of course took full advantage of him being in my way.
“Need some help getting back to the table love?”
I looked up and scowled at him, “Shut up you.” The whirled past him and stomped back to the table, mad at men the world over. They never made things easier did they?
I plopped back into my chair not even caring about revenge at the moment for some reason. Missy took that as a failure of some sort of.
“Couldn’t find a song love? Too bad” Missy said sarcastically.
“Actually I found the bestest song ever—your gonna smoke.” I glared at her.
Missy snorted, “Your just covering…you have no song.” The tension built as we stared across the table at each other. Andy decided it was time to make his move, so he interrupted.
“Okay you two, this is suppose to be for fun not war—Olivia, care to dance with me?” He got up and away from Missy before she hit him under the table and also so Olivia couldn’t say no.
The whole table looked up in shock at Andy as if he had crossed battle lines and was gonna get killed or something. Andy went around the table to my chair with his hand out and waiting for mine. I was a bit speechless and looked over at Marat who didn’t look to happy. That right there put a smug smile on my face and made the decision for me.
I put my hand in Andy’s, “I’d be glad to Andy.” Andy grinned as he led me out to the floor—ignoring the positively red-faced Missy. He knew she wanted to blurt out something to keep him quiet but couldn’t or it would give something away.
“So Andy, what are you up too?” I finally asked on the second turn around the floor. I had begun to feel those jealously feelings again toward Missy about Andy. Why did he have to be such a sweetie?
“I just wanted to warn you that Missy in on the warpath. Not sure why but she is when it comes to you.” Aww! See what I mean by sweatheart? He’s Missy’s guy and yet he cares enough to warn me—I could kiss him and I did.
Quickly on the lips, “Thank you Andy.”
He looked frozen in shock for a few moments then laughed, “I see you are well prepared.”
“Yes, I am in fact, oh and I wouldn’t look at the table just now. Marat is having to hold Missy to her chair so she doesn’t come kill me.” I laughed as I snuggled closer to Andy. Humm, nice and warm. Now it was Missy’s turn to hold Marat to his chair—probably telling him that we were just trying to stir us up and not to let them. I chuckled in Andy’s shoulder enjoying his attentions.
“Girl you are so making them angry,” he laughed, “After what they have been planning for you they deserve it…Let’s give them a show, why don’t we?”
I grinned up at him, “Andy have I ever told you I love you?”
He laughed, “No but I think you just did.”
“Yes, I did…so was it the kiss?” he looked confused so I continued, “That made you want to stay and play along with me?” he smiled then understanding, and pulled me closer to him as we twirled around the dance floor.
“It didn’t hurt now did it?...oh wait don’t look now—it looks like Missy couldn’t sit on Marat and keep him down for too long. He’s coming this way and looks like he is out for blood.” He cocked his head at Marat then looked down at me, “”or something else entirely.”
I blushed and rolled my eyes to save my self from the embarrassment of what he was implying. Andy just laughed knowing better.
I completely ignored the fact that Marat was marching his way over in our direction. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction that I noticed him when I had all of Andy’s attentions to keep me busy. It didn’t last long though as I soon saw Marat behind Andy tapping him on the shoulder, his jaw clenched.
“Mind if I intrude?”
“Yes I do, but you can anyway.” Andy glowered at Marat, as did I. He was ruining all my fun making them angry at the table.
Andy handed me over to Marat but as he did the music stopped and a man was on stage ready to start the competition.
Evidentially there were only a handful of contestants that entered the competition so we didn’t have to wait to long for our turn. Marat’s name was called first. He looked nervous—I think it had more to do with singing than the actual lyrics of the song. I felt the same way.
Marat took a deep breathe in as he got up and headed to the stage. Poor baby—I felt sorry for him, not knowing what Missy had in store for him. Hell I should be feeling sorry for myself too! I was in the same boat as he was.
Marat talked for a few seconds to a guy on the stage then went over to the mike looking down at the TV screen ready for the words to come up, and he began.

“When an irresistible force such as you, meets an ole immovable object like me, you can bet as sure as you live, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.”

Marat looked at me and grinned, easing into the lyrics. I gasped realizing what song it was and looked over at Missy. She was grinning to high heaven resting her head on her hand that was leaning on the table.

“When an irresistible smile such as yours warms an ole implacable heart such as mine”

He started crooning on stage as if he was Sinatra himself—well he was charming—might as well ooze it.

“Don’t say no because I insist, somewhere somehow someones gonna be kissed.”

Marat laughed and I gasped knowing that he had already kissed me several times already and I was sure he would try again. Not sure why but I could tell just by the way he was looking at me when he sang the line.

“ So on guard, who knows what the fates have in store, from their vast mysterious sky, I’ll try hard ignoring those lips I adore but how long can anyone try.”

OMG—I am gonna kill Missy for this. And never tell her when a guy kisses me again. Evidentially Marat figured out that I had told Missy about him kissing me thanks to the lyrics. UGH, now he was snapping his fingers to the music. I wanted to hide my face somewhere.

“Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might, chances are some heavenly star-spangled night, you’ll find out as sure as you live, Something’s really got to give.”

He finished and the crowd went crazy. He really was good—had no idea he could sing. Hell, now I understood why women tore off their undies and threw them on stage. Hummm…..nah. Not that randy…yet anyways.
As he was walking off the stage, my name was called so I got up to go—meeting Marat on his way back. He gave me a kiss on the cheek saying, “Easy as pie, good luck love”, and then he grinned as I headed up on stage. My heart racing more from the kiss than the fact I was standing on a stage in front of a room full of strangers.
The words started quickly, as I wasn’t quite ready to begin yet but promptly caught up. I recognized the song but I wasn’t sure of the lyrics exactly and that scared me.

“I’m a sentimental sap that’s all, what’s the use of trying not to fall, I have no will, you made your kill, cuz you took advantage of me”

I glared at Missy—ready to choke her.

“I’m just like an apple on a bough and your gonna shake me down somehow, so what’s the use, you’ve cooked my goose, cuz you took advantage of me.”

Marat was laughing his head off. Missy just grinned in her accomplishments, and Andy just shook his head at the idea of it all.

“I’m so hot and bothered that I don’t know my elbow from my ear, I suffer something awful each time you go much worse when you are near. Here I am with all my bridges burned, Just a babe in arms where you’re concerned.”

Yeah she was right about the hot and bothered part but did I have to admit it to the world and to Marat sitting right in front of me?? I don’t think so.
I was really starting to get into it though and crooned quite well if I do say so myself, just trying to ignore the implications of the words. Yeah I was horney but hey aren’t we all? But I about lost it all at the last two lines of the song.

“So lock the doors and call me yours, cuz you took advantage of me.”

Everyone clapped. My table gave a standing ovation. I was truly embarrassed—hoping Marat wouldn’t take the lyrics seriously. Hell, I didn’t pick the song so he shouldn’t but I was till worried as I headed back to the table. Marat got up to greet me, and kissed my cheek again.
“That was beautiful love.”
I blushed, “Thanks,” then growled under my breath, “But stop calling me love already.” He just laughed. Out of the corner of my eye I could tell that Missy was quite pleased with herself—the bugger!! I was gonna ignore her as if she wasn’t there. Otherwise I just might jump the table and choke her for certain.
The ringleader of this circus announced on stage that they had come to the finale of the competition—Missy and Andy in a duo performance. I grinned and looked at the two, ready for my revenge to finally materialize.
Missy gasped, “We have to sing together? That’s not fair…Andy can’t even sing.”
“Hey” Andy yelled out, then grinned mischievously, “You deserve this for all your scheming tonight woman.” He pulled Missy out of her chair, intending to immensely enjoy whatever Olivia had planned for her.
I covered my mouth, trying not to burst out with laughter as the place was relatively quiet now despite the meager applause the two got as they preceded to go up on stage. I almost wanted to embrace Marat and hold on to him during the whole performance—laughing together. You know, like an artist looks at a piece of artwork that he is about to finish…with pride and happiness of its completion. That is exactly how I felt and I wanted to share it.
Oh what the hell—why not bond a bit for revenges sake—couldn’t hurt right? As the lights dimmed once again for the last performance, I moved my chair to Marat’s left side and wrapped my arm around his, cuddling close as I watched them getting ready on stage.
I felt Marat freeze then look down at me. After a few seconds of his attentions I had enough, “What? Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m in shock that your willingly touching me is all.”
“Yeah well don’t get used to it bubba.”
Marat chuckled, “Never!”

[Annie]

Then I got to thinking about what he said and opened my mouth without thinking. You’d think I’d learn but no. “Wait a tic, I willingly touched you when we were in the pool…now didn’t I?”
Marat looked down at me in surprise again, and I just realized what I was implying and blushed and ducked my head. Great…why do I do this to myself…with no help from Missy at all mind you. Grrrrr!!!
Marat chuckled, “So you willingly kissed me did you? I think it had more to do with a certain deal me made than an eagerness to kiss me don’t you think?” I didn’t have a chance to retort as the music had started. It was good anyway as I couldn’t think of anything plausible or high-quality…he had that effect on me and I hated it.
After the first few chords of the music, Missy knew immediately what song she was to song with Andy. Her head snapped up, met my eyes, and glared at me. Andy started laughing, his eyes twinkling as if he was up to something. He looked over at me and winked as if I wanted him do something and he had caught on to it.

“Love, love is strange, lot of people, take it for a game, once you get it, you never want to quit, After you have had it, you’re in an awful fix. Many people, don’t understand, they think love is money in the hand, your sweet loving is better than a kiss, When you leave me, sweet kisses I miss.”

Andy was giving her moon eyes through out the first part. Missy was trying to get him to stop but finally gave up and joined in, being silly and enjoying it. Andy wasn’t that bad of a singer as he had made us all thought. Even Missy gave him a look of approval that he sounded fine, which fed Andy’s ego and he breathed on his knuckles and rubbed them on his chest as if he was a big shot. Missy just rolled her eyes.
Ah now the best part. Andy was all ready for what he wanted to do—he pushed Missy off to one side of the stage then he went to the other side ready for his cue. Missy shook her head ‘no’ at him but all Andy was saying was ‘yes’. Missy hid her head but it shot right back up to meet Andy’s eyes when he started singing to her.

“Slyvia?”
“Yes, Mickey”
“How do you call your lover boy?” (He put his hand up to his ear as if waiting)
“Come here Lover Boy!” (She crooned at him with a smile)
“And if he doesn’t answer?” (He turned away from her)
“Oh Lover Boy!” (She beaconed with her finger)
“And if he still doesn’t answer?” (Andy half turned and wrinkled his nose)
“I simply say, Baby, oh baby, my sweet baby, you’re the one” (She struted out to mid stage, went down on her hands and knees and crawled toward him while he did air guitar. Andy went out to meet her on his knees and they embraced, swaying back and forth to the music as they finish the song)
“Baby, oh baby, my sweet baby, you’re the one.”

They got up and cha cha’d till the music ended. The crowd went wild as did me and Marat. We jumped to our feet, cheering and whistling. Revenge or no revenge, that was the best performance of the night. Andy and Missy, who had risen to their feet, embraced and kissed again, then bowed to the audience before heading off the stage.
Missy was flushed with excitement but I could tell it was due to embarrassment more than anything. She didn’t complain though because she had had fun and she knew it. Andy came over a smacked a kiss on my cheek thanking me for the great song. I blushed and tried to move away from Marat’s side but he wouldn’t let go of my chair. I thought at first I was mistaken but when I looked up in his face all I saw was a black storm brewing. I gave him a quizzical look but didn’t fight it.
Next thing I knew they were on stage ready to announce the winners, and were yelling out Missy and Andy’s name for first prize. Missy and I gasped, our mouths wide open staring at each other then we screamed.
“Oh my god” Missy said, grabbing onto an exuberant Andy as they went on stage to collect their prize. I got mad then turned to Marat.
“Damn it, I picked that song for revenge not so they’d win something. I get no credit and no revenge. Why am I always getting screwed in my revenge endeavors?” I was so pouting. I wanted to win in truth—well, win something anyway.
“Love whatever happens when we get back to the hotel…I will give you all the credit if it will make you feel better.”
My mouth dropped open and I gasped, swinging my head up to look at his smug profile smiling at Andy and Missy on stage.
“You…you…you”
“Cant think of anything love?”
My eyes narrowed, “Anything evil enough that is.” I wanted to get up stomp out of there like a child but I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. I tried to move my chair away from him again but his hand was like a steel trap. So all I could do was glare at his smug face as the head honcho of this circus named off the prizes they had won.
“Dinner for two at Le Bernardin, a two hundred dollar shopping spree, and two Broadway tickets to a show of choice.”
Missy squealed and I knew it was the two hundred dollar shopping spree—she was probably thinking what designer shoes she could spend it on and what exactly would she have to shell out as most she wanted were way more than two hundred. Hummm there was always Andy. I could so read her thoughts as she look Andy up and down, thinking of ways to get it out of him. And I bet anything he would too. He was like a sick puppy and Missy was the master with the whip.
UGH was all I could think of…probably just jealousy as Marat seemed to be holding all the cards when it came to me. I wanted to be the whip woman…Catwoman was my hero and therefore I had a legacy to uphold…damn Marat for not relinquishing it to me.



On stage Missy was jumping up and down and finally dove into Andy’s arms. He lifted her high in the air twirling her around and grabbing the package from the guy at the same time. All I could do was growl as I watched the spectacle they made on the stage.
Marat turned to me finally as Missy and Andy made their way off the stage, and whispered close to me, “Save all your growls for me love as I am sure they could care less.”
I didn’t have time to reply as we heard announced over the speakers, “And second place goes to Marat with his amazing rendition of the classic Sammy Davis Jr. song, and third place to Mrs. Dottie Pierce for the lovely Rosemary Clooney classic as well. Come up and get your prizes.”
Our heads turned so fast to the man on stage that I was sure there would be permanent damage for each of us. We were in shock. We had no idea there was second and third place prizes too. And why the hell didn’t I win? I was damn good too darn it.
As a shell-shocked Marat went up on the stage, I pouted. Missy and Andy joined me at the table and were looked extremely happy. I couldn’t really tell as my eyes were only for the man on the stage receiving his prize. And they weren’t doe eyes either. I suddenly remembered that I wanted to put my chair back in its rightful place before he came back and prevented me from moving away from him again. I slammed my chair back in its place mumbling under my breathe, then slamming myself into it completely ignoring the couple next to me ohhing and ahhing over their prizes.
Once Marat came back, they made another announcement that the ship would be docking soon and they hoped that everyone had a good evening here on the Athena. All Marat could do was give me a dirty look for moving my chair…oh who cares what he wanted…I didn’t want it next to him anymore so that’s what matters.
Missy was all over Marat with questions as to what he had won. Marat’s eyes were on me the whole time.
“Do you want to know what is in the envelope, Olivia?”
“I could care less.”
He grinned, “And I so believe you too.”
Missy chirped in, “Oh who cares what she says, she knows she wants to see it too. She is just mad that we won something and she didn’t—she’ll be okay in the morning.” Oh I am gonna kill Missy. Andy gave Missy a dirty look but all Missy cared about at the moment was the envelope in Marat’s hand.
“Actually I would never have done this if not for Olivia so she gets half of whatever’s in the envelope.” I looked up in delighted surprise at Marat wondering just how serious he was by that statement. Then my eyes narrowed—and just what did he want in return for this nice gesture anyway. I already owed him a date. No way was I gonna owe him something else. He already had way too much control for my comfort level as it was.

Marat would still not open his envelope much to Missy’s dismay. I think at any moment now she’d blow a gasket. We all decided that it was time to depart the ship as were most everyone else. Some people stayed around on the ships deck looking at the city but I didn’t want to stay around any more. It was getting chilly out and I had to hold my skirt down for the breeze that would kick up every few seconds.
I think Missy was trying to make a move for the envelope on Marat as we walked out onto the deck. Andy realizing what she was up to, grabbed her and held her behind as he said, “You guys go ahead and get a taxi, and we’ll show up in a bit.”
“Okay” Marat said as he and I walked toward the plank. I must have unconsciously shivered because two seconds later Marat was putting his suit jacket over my shoulders. I protested but he held it firmly in place.
“Thank you” was all I could think of to say. He was being sweet and I was really grateful as it was getting colder.
He whispered close to me, “Looks like those two lovebirds want some space huh?” I half laughed half snorted knowing the real reason for Andy’s lovebird session with Missy.
When we reached the dock my curiosity had eaten me so badly that I threw consequences out the window.
“So why are you being so secretive with this envelope?”
He stopped as did I, and turned to me with his eyebrow cocked, “Do you want to know what is in it, Olivia?”
Yes, damn it. It was killing me as well but I wasn’t about to let him use it against me.
“Only if you want to share it. It’s only your being very odd about it is all…as if it’s a bigger prize than what Andy and Missy got or something.”
He grinned as he motioned for a valet, “It is.” Then he asked the valet if he could call a taxi for us while I stood in confusion.
How the hell could it be bigger than first prize pray tell? He was talking in riddles on purpose and I was gonna hit him soon if he didn’t knock it off.



Meanwhile Andy was trying to calm down an erratic Missy. She was jumping all around and whining as Andy held on to her.
“He is doing this on purpose because he knows that I want to know what it is. I thought we were in the same side and he goes and turns on me. No one turns on Missy Cahill and gets away with it.” Her anger was now building to a fevered pitch.
Andy kept saying, “Missy that is not the point at all…remember your mission? Missy…Missy…” but she wasn’t listening to him at all as she stared off into space in her own little world. Well hell Andy did the only thing he knew to bring her back to reality and out of the insane world she slipped into. He grabbed her to him and he kissed her.
Missy mumbled a protest in shock first then it slowly melted to a hum and a low groan as she gave herself over to him. Damn him, he was good. Once he felt Missy responding to him he loosened his grip some, being more gentle with her. It had been a long time since he’d been in a relationship due to the tour, and he was having more fun with Missy that he thought could possibly be with another woman. He had either matured quite a bit recently or it was all due to Missy. Humm he’d have to think about that one awhile.
Meanwhile all he could think of was how most of the women in his past were so different than Missy was. They were either overly clingy or way too nervous and distant. Well that was the vibes he had gotten from them anyway. No, Missy was different than all of them. She was a bit of a fart to be sure but that’s what made Missy, Missy and he liked it. (okay I realize Andy would not say anything like this…esp last sentence…I have been reading Bridget Jones again and its affecting my writing *grins sheepishly*…I love that…”bit of a fart to be sure” and so wanted to have in story so amuse me people please…)



As the valet went off to call a taxi for us, Marat turned to me, and immediately smiled at the expression (I assumed that was what it was) on my face.
“What?” He laughed knowing full well what was driving me crazy.
“You so know you fart.” I walked away from him wanting to punch him and having to hold my self back. He followed me from behind, so I just stopped, and looked in the opposite direction of anything but him, which happened to be over looking the river.
“If it’s the envelope love just ask for it.” He whispered to me. I swung around to face him, fire racing threw my veins, ready to chew his head off, only to find myself face to face with him. He had been way closer than I thought and it caught me off guard. I gasped in immediate surprise and went to move away but he caught me too him before I was able to break contact.
“You were about to say?” He smiled down at me. My hands went up between our bodies to try and give me some space but it didn’t work. Oh why didn’t I take that karate class in college. I could so have all the control right now if I could remember where that damn pressure point was on the upper chest—I would so use it now if I could.
I glared up at him, “Please let me go.” I said through clenched teeth.
“That’s not what you were gonna say as I wasn’t holding you before.”
“Well its what I want to say now.” He ignored me and began to dance me around as if to music. I stared at him oddly wondering what the hell he was up too.
I glared up at the ship and saw Missy and Andy leaning over the side smiling down at us. I put my arm up on top of Marat’s shoulder and gave them the finger where Marat couldn’t see. They only laughed and started down the gangplank toward us.
So in the meantime I went back to staring at Marat oddly again, who seemed to be having a fun time dancing me around in a circle. He was even humming some kind of odd music too…I had no clue what it was but at least it wasn’t techno.
I couldn’t help but smile at one point, “You’re so odd you know that?” He smiled not saying anything.
Missy though decided to make herself part of the conversation, having given up on knowing what ever was in the envelope. Andy was right, after all, that what mattered was that Ollie and Marat were finally together –it might be a weak truce but hell at this point she would take it.
“Yeah, but you love odd men Ollie.” My eyes grew large in surprise though after all that has happened tonight I wasn’t sure why.
“I do not…odd men are too…well, odd for me.” Marat started laughing and I gave him a dirty look.
“Ollie your odd, don’t forget that…it’s a perfect match.”
“Oh look the taxi’s here.” I said choosing to ignore her statement as false. Marat wisely said nothing through the exchange and almost seemed to regret having to release me to go to the taxi.
I went to get into the back seat but Marat blocked my way.
“No way are you gonna get car sick on me again woman…In the front now.”
“Fine” I said all pouting but wasn’t gonna fight him over it. Who the hell wanted to get stuck with a creepy taxi driver—ugh!



On the trip back I became reflective of the evenings events. I wasn’t completely sure what the hell had happened but it seemed to have turned around on me. Marat had gone from being a complete thorn in my side to being my partner in…well, revenge. I had no idea where the hell it left us now and was so confused on how I should act. Should I go back to how it was before or should I try and hook up with him? Hell I can’t believe I had to even think about it…what is my problem? I didn’t want to be used…even if it was by the one guy I wouldn’t have minded being used by. Oh hell shut up Olivia…you’re only confusing your self more.
Amidst my confusion I heard soft giggling in the back seat and turned around giving Missy a dirty look wondering what she was up to. Marat was leaning into her, smiling, while she was whispering in his ear.
“What are you two up too?” I directed the question at Missy. Andy put up his hands up in the air as if he had nothing to do with it and was gonna stay out of it…the wuss.
They quickly broke apart, looking all innocent.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Missy said sweetly.
I turned around realizing we had found our way to Central Park and I looked out at the darkness hoping that we’d have time to got there…just during the hours of daylight is all.
“Stop here please.” I turned at Marat’s voice, seeing him jump out once the taxi stopped. What was he up to? He shut his door, opened my and put his hand out. I looked at him like he was crazy.
“This doesn’t look like the hotel to me Marat.”
“Its not, it’s a surprise…get out or I’ll pull you out.” He said motioning with his fingers for me too move. I scowled at him ordering me around then he finally grabbed my arm and helped me out. Ha…more like pulled me out but hell I was getting super nervous super fast.
Before Marat closed the door and the taxi pulled away, I screamed at Missy that I was gonna kill her when I saw her next so she better hide. She only waved at me knowingly as they drove out of sight. I sighed and looked up to Marat for an explanation.




Missy leaned into Andy with a satisfied smile. “Well now what do we do now that we have gotten rid of the baggage?”
Andy laughed and wrapped his arms around her, almost ashamed he agreed with Missy about Marat and Olivia.
“You know I’ve been so distracted by your scheming…I didn’t even think to start some of my own…but trust me, I will think of something.”






Clarifications: Ha you love them…

Davy crockett: he is a famous frontier man from…hell if I know…only seen the Disney movie about him and that’s how I know…so if you want more info then look it up dearios…

Marat song is really sung by Sammy Davis junior…

My song is sung by Ella Fitzgerald (I think) hummm maybe Billie Holiday…crap…anyways…

[Annie]

A/n: just to let you know…I wrote andys break up before it actually happened. I have liz and missy to witness it if you don’t believe me…lol. Very odd how it came true after I wrote it.


Chapter 17: The Thong Strikes Back…




“Andy I want to go shopping…I must have my shopping spree NOW!” She became all figgity, and Andy held her down.
“Missy its in the middle of the night hun, they aren’t open yet remember? You have to wait.” Missy pouted, Andy wanted to kiss her but held himself back. She was so cute though when she pouted.
“Well you’re famous Andy…use it to my advantage hun.” She batted her eyes at him. Andy feigned shock.
“Ah so that is why you like me huh?—using my status for your own nasty deeds.” He said in a teasing voice, but Missy didn’t catch it.
“Andy if you think that is why I like you then I am gonna knock you upside the head you twit.” She frowned at him.
Andy ducked, “I’m joking…only joking…don’t hit me.” Missy about clobbered him…or at least gave the impression she was about to. He laughed, held her down and looked into her eyes—just gazing into them as he turned serious. Missy’s smile slowly faded…”What?” she gulped, “Don’t look at me like that.”
He softly grinned, ignoring her, “Why? Don’t like it when I look at you?”
Missy was too gone to care at the moment. Andy then got a odd look on his face as if an idea just struck him and he was a dolt for not thinking of it sooner. He started fishing for his cell phone in all if his pockets, while still holding on to Missy. After a few minutes of searching Missy was beginning to wonder what exactly he was up to, so she cocked her head to look up at him, “If you want to make out Andy just ask…don’t get all weird on me?” Missy was hoping to see Andy blush as he was soooo cute when he did it. She wasn’t disappointed as Andy was caught off guard by what she said, his face turning bright red. She giggled up at him, and he decided to attack her ribs with his expert hands. Pretty soon Missy was begging for mercy.
“All right just this once will I give you mercy…I was just trying to find my cell phone Missy…not frisk you…though I will if you want me too?” He wiggled his eyebrows in invitation.
His hands began to wander along her hips, caressing her as he moved slowly upward along the sides of her body knowing this time it wasn’t to make her laugh but make her writhe and beg for more. It also was partly to get back at her for making him blush. He never blushed at things…never. It was amazing what Missy could do to him in such a short amount of time.
Missy batted him away as if she was upset with him but they both knew better.
“Andy stop teasing me…now why would you want your cell phone when you have me for company?” she pouted up at him, sticking her lower lip out to its extremes.
Andy laughed, “Your so cute you know that…No, its for a surprise…for you.” He touched her nose as he said that it was for her. Missy’s face brightened up as a smile shot across her face, “For little ole me? Awww Andy you shouldn’t have.”
Andy went back to his pockets, distracted as he continued to look, “Yes I should…because you are the best…”
Missy acted as if she already knew that for a fact rubbing her knuckles against her chest and beaming, “Of course I am.”
“Ah ha I found it,” he pulled it out then gave Missy a dirty look, “and they said you didn’t have a big ego at all.” He shook his head at her while Missy pretended to blush, “and I believed them…shame on me.” Then he started dialing. Missy of course listened in to what she could…hell she wouldn’t miss this for the world. “Joe? You awake? Nope?” he laughed, “well wake up, I need a favor…yep its time for a late night visit again…can you work it out for me? Thanks man—we’ll be there soon—meet me at the west gate okay? Later.”
Andy put his cellphone away giving all his attentions back to Missy, wrapping his arms around her once again, then yelling at the cabbie, “Flushing Meadows, please.” The cabbie flew then with his foot pressed hard on the gas, as if he had been waiting for a destination for the couple and was tired of just wandering around Manhattan.
Missy grinned, “I know where you are taking me.”
“Oh you do, do you?”
“Yeppers.”
“Okay then I wont have to tell you.” He grinned but quickly squealed as Missy pinched him hard in the arm, which he in retaliation grabbed her and started tickling her.





“Okay Marat I better be freezing my ass off in the middle of the night in Central Park for a good reason.” I wrapped his jacket around my shoulders tighter, wishing I hadn’t bought a dress with such thin material.
He grinned, put his arm around me leading me down the street, “There is, don’t worry.”
I gazed up at him as I allowed him to lead me, “Does this have anything to do with the prize thing?”
His widening grin was my only answer…Bugger! I turned to look back to the road hoping for some clue. It soon appeared right in front of me after about a block—and my eyes narrowed as I was being lead straight to what I swear was the horse carriage central station of NYC. “Marat!!!” I said with clenched teeth.
He pulled the envelope out of his pocket and handed them to me to view. Just as I suspected…I read aloud, “Free Carriage Ride for Two in Central Park.”
“And it just had to be in the middle of the night didn’t it? Why not tomorrow when we have the date thing?”
He raised his eyebrows, “So your actually gonna keep your word huh?--No tomorrow I have other plans.” He grinned again, which I read to mean that he had evil intent on his mind.
I groaned, “Stop scaring me, I am already there.” Damn it all! Why do I have to make such confessions out loud…use your inner voice…Inner Voice!!!
He stopped me right beside a horse carriage, put his hands on my shoulders, and forced me to face him. I could tell he was upset by what I said, but there was no way I was gonna look at him in the face after such a declaration. “Olivia, look at me.”
“I cant.”
He whispered, “Olivia.” I couldn’t not look at him then. He looked worried.
“What?” I softly said.
“Are you afraid of me? Do you not want to go tomorrow? Because I wont make you if you don’t really want to.”
“No, I want to go, really I do.”
“You’re ignoring one of the questions.”
I sighed, “No I am not afraid of you…just afraid of the effect you have over me.”
He smiled softly, “You want my word that I will behave myself? Even though I find it very hard when I am around you…I can control myself Olivia.” I shot him a semi-nasty look then smiled, “I think I will be okay, thank you.”
“Oh ho! Now you say you have impenetrable forces huh? We will see about that.” He said as he led me to one of the carriages. “Marat!” I yelled. He just laughed.

Marat opened the carriage door for me, then went to talk to the driver. As I stepped up into the carriage I felt it—the thong had struck again. I screamed “damn it all” under my breathe. I decided to sit down real quick and maybe try to maneuver to see if I could retrieve it but alas Marat was already climbing into join me and I couldn’t. I tried not to squirm as Marat explained they had wool blankets in a cubbyhole, as he went to obtain one.
There was no way I could endure this agony again much less try to enjoy the romance of it all with floss up my bum. Damn why didn’t I take them off when I had the chance. Marat seemed oblivious as he wrapped the blanket around us, and snuggled next to me with his arm around me. I wanted to snuggle even though our history so far would suggest I wouldn’t, but I really couldn’t hold still enough to do it.
Marat finally spoke up, “Okay wiggle worm what’s wrong?” he laughed, “am I scaring you again?”
“Ha! Fat chance.”
“Well hold still then.”
“I cant” Time to fess up, “I am wearing a thong.”
He looked over at me, cocking a brow, “Really huh?—so what—oh I see” then died laughing. I glared at him.
“Well are you gonna be a gentleman and let me fix it or not?”
He stopped laughing to look at me again, “Your serious, huh?…A thong? What did you think you were gonna get lucky tonight?…tough luck lady!” My jaw dropped, then my eyes narrowed, “I wore it for me and me alone you buttmunch. I wanted to feel sexy for me and it had nothing to do with you…but now the idea is biting me in the bum…literally.” Marat bent over with laughter again as I squirmed next to him.
“Hmm so you did this for yourself huh…can I be guest later for the one woman show?” My jaw dropped again as I watched him smirk at me. Instead of denying though I scoffed and hinted to the positive, “Don’t you wish Romeo…now shut your eyes already and no peeking.”
As he covered his eyes he said, “Just take them off and it will solve everything.”
I snorted and quickly adjusted IT again, “You’d so love that.”
He grinned, “Yes I would but seriously think about it—you eventually have to get out of this monkey carriage…what then?”
“Okay you can uncover your eyes…I will just think about that bridge when I get to it.”
He uncovered his eyes looking disappointed at no free show. I shot him a dirty look then smiles as I snuggled comfortably under his awaiting arm.


The carriage was just about to enter the park when Marat spoke up, “so are you finally warming up to me, in more ways than one?” he chuckled at his own insinuations.
“Yes, you lucky bastard.”
“Hmm that answer was for what question now?”
“Both.”
“Good.” He wrapped me tighter to him and I pulled the blanket up over his shoulder knowing he had to be cold up there as I had his jacket on still. “Want your jacket back?”
“Only when you are done with it.”
“Right now I’m okay but when we leave I am gonna freeze again.”
“Just keep it.” I grinned as I looked out at the darkness of the park.
“You know what we should so this when the sun is out too so I can actually see what I am looking at.” He laughed.
“So you want to do this again with me? I really am lucky.” I grinned into his cocky face.
“Watch your step buster…your actions on this trip determine any future one.”
“Well I will make it a point to behave myself then.”
“Yeah right but I can hope.” He laughed letting me come to my conclusions.
We settled back and just enjoyed each other’s company. It was so romantic and right at that thought Marat entwined his hand in mine under the blanket. I smiled then my mind went to work for some reason, in really random directions. As usual I made the mistake of saying it out loud before I thought about it.
“Marat why are you always trying to get my goat, when it seems like you like…” I stopped before I could finish that statement. What the hell was I thinking? Of course he liked me otherwise he wouldn’t be practically stalking me all the time and picking on me like an eighth grader on the playgrounds at school.
“Because you are sexy when you are angry.”
“I am not sexy period Marat”, I scoffed.
He only pulled me closer, “Oh if you only knew Olivia.”
“No compliments please.”
“Why?”
“Because I wont believe them…men only compliment when they expect something in return…it’s a game.”
“So you think I expect something.” He chuckled.
“Not ‘if,’ its ‘what’ you expect.”
“Okay I will tell you…a kiss.” I looked up at him in surprise.
“And that is all nothing more?”
“Would you have given me more?”
“NO!”
“Okay but from the sounds of it you would at least kiss me.”
I stammered realizing I trapped myself, “I did not—only—I meant—damn it Marat.” I glared at him. He just looked me at intensely, “Kiss me Olivia.”
I cocked a brow, “Haven’t I already?”
He smiled but barely, the fire still burning in his eyes, and it was scaring me, knowing that it was soon it get heated.
“Did you do it cause you wanted to wanted to or because there was a deal to make? I thought it was mutual was I wrong?” I smiled at him hoping he would keep it lighthearted but his gaze still bore through me and my heart rate continued to climb. I wanted to tease and say it was so cold our lips would freeze together but I couldn’t. Not with the way he was looking at me, demanding me and enticing me to obey him.
“Oh it was very mutual during the kiss.” His eyes twinkled challenging me.
“So you want a kiss now and a kiss goodnight now?”
“Only two?” he teased.
“Behave you or you will go home empty handed.” I teased back. He pouted—his bottom lip sticking out. I rolled my eyes, Men! I thought and outwardly sighed with a smile, “Come here,” I grabbed his shirt and pulled him to me, our breath slightly visible in the chilly night air. Jesh, was this a cold front in the middle of August or what. Ahem, anyway back to the kiss. He let me rough handle him to me waiting for me to make the first move on him. I hated him for it yet loved it at the same time. I wanted the guy to make the first move but there was some energy that flowed through me from the power of the domination role.
I held him a few inches from my face looking into his eyes, his arms went around my waist slowly as he still waited on me. My gaze went to his lips. He decided right at that moment to lick them quickly and I involuntarily groaned, “Don’t do that.” My breathe quickened and he smiled enjoying the effect he had over me.
“What did I do”, playin the innocent.
I growled, “You know what.” His smile dropped at my growl and it was replaced with a hunger I hadn’t seen in him before. He didn’t wait for me to make contact, crushing him to me he claimed my mouth, ferociously, as if hungry for something he hadn’t had in years. Well and we all know that cant have been true in Marat’s case.
I know he wouldn’t have hurt me but his passion scared me a bit. Was this all for me or did he not have his entourage with him to ease his sexual needs? I almost laughed aloud at that idea but hell with Marat anything was possible. He had Russian mafia connections for crying out loud. God that made me want him more. I groaned and responded with as much intensity as he did.

[Annie]

“Andy, damn it are we there yet’ Missy whined, “I am getting antsy here.” She wiggled between his legs.
Andy groaned, “yeah I know and you are getting a desired affect for it too.” He shifted her in between his legs moving her away from the area she was greatly affecting at the moment before he completely plastered her to the cabbie seat with him on top.
Missy blushed, “Sorry Andy, wasn’t paying attention.”
“Well now you know I was.” He groaned trying to calm down. Jesh didn’t women ever realize the affect they had over men? I mean come on.
They soon arrived at the West Gate to Flushing Meadows. It was completely dark except for a few lights. Missy got even more excited at their idea of being alone with him in such a huge place. Millions of cubbyholes and all for her. The grin on her face spread wide.
The cab stopped at the stepped out, making sure the cabbie stayed around just in case—good thing too because Joe was waiting for them but he wouldn’t let them in. Security had been raised this year due to some attacks on a few different players. Not all of the stalkers had been caught so there for the president of the ATP wasn’t taken any chances. He had known about Andy’s little escapades by night at Flushings for several years and did little about it considering this was Andy’s home turf and felt a little favoritism toward him. But Joe had been getting to much pressure from other board members to allow for it this year.
Joe hinted to Andy as such and Andy about blew up about it but understood. Still its not like he was doing the stalking himself damn it. He raked his fingers through his hair wondering why Joe couldn’t have said that over the phone to him but he didn’t want to ask, and instead told Joe goodbye as he led Missy back the cab cussing slightly all the way.
Missy grinned watching him. He was so cite when he was angry. She was disappointed, yeah, but not angry and decided to make Andy realize he shouldn’t be either.
“Andypoo, don’t worry I can think of plenty of other ways to enjoy the evening.” Her voice full of merriment.
Andy stopped as he opened the door for Missy, his gaze immediately seeking hers. He read complete innocence on her face but he knew better than that and started laughing, “So can I!…by the way, did you just call me Andypoo??” his eyes laughing at her.
“Yeah, so deal with it.” She laughed then squealed as Andy half way chased her into the cab as if bent on revenge.






I finally had to break away from Marat as much as I was enjoying it. It was all going way to fast—pretty soon I’d be sprawled across his lap ready for what he had to give me. I so didn’t want it that way—I wasn’t even sure I wanted it at all. Yeah I desired Marat but what woman—let me rephrase that—what intelligent woman would put herself through one night or one week stand just so she could say she slept with Marat Safin? I think I was beginning to get shakey on the answer to my own questions and that scared me.
We sat back breathless. He was first to break the silence, shocking me with his words, “Wow, I haven’t been kissed like that in a long time.”
I looked at him in awe. The most sexiest, charming, and eligible man on the ATP tour expected me to believe that line? No way. He smiled and laughed knowing what I was thinking, “So you think I’d be in the top ten if I was messing around with women in every city I went to?”
“Yes.” I said matter-of-factly.
“Okay well that doesn’t mean they all can kiss now does it.” Well he didn’t fight me on that for very long did he? No denying it at all. Hmmm how was I to take that? Best not to think about it at all…for now anyway.
We made it back to the horse carriage station, as I liked to call it, without making wild passionate sex right there in the carriage. I personally had mixed feelings about that and that fact upset me. I tried to not show it to Marat but it was hard when he kept looking at me oddly every few minutes due to my quiet behavior after the kiss. He asked me once what was wrong and I of course denied anything.
As the carriage stopped, we got ready to get off; Marat first so he could give me a hand out. It was so sweet I don’t think he realized what it meant to me. I thanked him giving my hand as I stepped out and onto the hard pavement, groaning as my feet hit the ground. I forgot about that damn thong again. That was it, I had to take it off soon or I would blow up. Marat evidentially figuring out why my face was scrunched up, leaned over and whispered into my ear, “Ready to take it off now?” His warm breath caused tingles up my spine, then my eyes closed in reaction. He started laughing his bum off while I stood there glaring at him.
“Not funny…you are so helpful you know.” He stopped laughing and continued to smile as he said, “Well I can be a lot more helpful if you’d only let me.”
I gasped, swatted him and went off to find a taxi, contorted in annoying pain in every step, knowing Marat would follow. He leaned out and flagged a taxi before I could do it. As we hopped in Marat said, “You are gonna use the cab for cover, arent you, you naughty girl?”
“Yes and your gonna cover your eyes like a good boy.” He pretended to put as he told the cabbie to head to the Red Lion Hotel.
Once we were settled into the ride I stared at Marat waiting for him to close his eyes so I could take them off already. I decided no more fixing them, that puppy was coming off already. Marat finally looked at me. “What?”
“I need to be out of my misery and your eyes need to be closed.” He sighed as he smiled.
“Okay but this better be the last time. All this teasing is killing me.”
“Well this will be the last time trust me.” I watched him as my hands found it and pulled the thong down my legs.
“What does that mean? Completely off?”
“Yes as if you had to know.” Marat grinned as I took my feet out and bunched it in my hands wondering where the hell I could put it till the hotel. “Okay you can open your eyes.” I quickly stashed them in Marat’s jacket pocket on the other side making sure he didn’t see. Hell no way was I putting that thing in my bra. My bra was usually my second pocket, where actually at the moment contained my hotel key, a credit card, and some money; but hell no would it contain my thong too. I would just have to remember to grab it before I gave his jacket back to him at the hotel.
“Okay just stay over there now or otherwise I think I might attack you…you tease.”
I smiled, “No problem.”
He groaned, and leaned his head back, in agony.







On the cab ride back to the inner city, Missy thought she had brought Andy’s spirits back up after his rejection at the gate but as she gazed over at Andy she could tell it still bothered him. He sat over there staring into space as if he had to solve the worlds biggest puzzle and he only had five minutes to do so.
Missy playfully poked him in the ribs, “Andy what’s wrong?”
Andy slightly squealed and came out of his daze and moved away from the offending finger that tickled him. “Hey I could still implode from that dinner we just had so watch it missy.”
Missy giggled, “Well come back to earth then.”
He smiled, “I just can’t figure out why Joe wouldn’t let us in…I mean he knows me…always has let me in before.”
“Maybe it was the fact you had a guest this time.”
“Trust me, it wasn’t you—I’ve brought other guests.” Missy’s mouth dropped in part shock at his implications. Other women huh—which other women? The side of Andy’s mouth creaked up into a grin as he gave a sideways look to Missy.
“To play tennis of course…which wasn’t what I had planned with you tonight.”
Missy tried to down play what she thought he meant, “Well of course not…you don’t expect me to play tennis in this outfit do you?”
Andy rolled his eyes then thought about it, “Hmm very sexy…and revealing from all sides.” Missy started batting at him, while he continued, “Hey that’s not a bad idea at all actually…”
“Oh please Andy, you would rather be on opposite sides of the tennis court gawking at me when you can be right next to me hun?”
He smiled pulling her into his body, “Point taken…now what do we do?”
Missy sighed, “Well I am getting tired. Why don’t we just go back to the hotel and watch a movie on the telly…”
“And cuddle till we fall asleep.” Andy finished her sentence laughing.
“Yes and besides we cant do anything to strenuous after that huge dinner you had. No throwing up on me buster.”
“Hun you don’t have to worry about my stomach now…practically all digested now.” He patted his belly softly as Missy rolled her eyes not believing a word of it.
They rested in each other’s arms till they reached the hotel going straight to Andy’s room—kicking off their shoes and surfing the telly for a movie to watch.
Andy fluffed the pillows while Missy sat at the end of the bed looking for something and not really finding anything till she came to the AMC channel. “Oh my god! My fave movie is on”…she looked at the clock, “at 2 am, dang! Andy please tell me you have seen this movie?”
“What is it?” He glanced to the telly quickly then back to setting up the bed.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
“Is that some chick flick? Cuz if it is I stay away from them. My last girlfriend made me watch a few but she was in all of those so that’s another thing altogether.”
Missy was facing away from Andy and her mouth dropped at that what he just said, then quickly closed it before he could see. Her eyes still remained like saucers for a few moments longer. He was talking about Mandy Moore, there was no doubt about it. She couldn’t believe he would do that and not realize that she would know whom he was talking about.
Hmmm there were still rumors flying as to how they broke up as the couple had been very hush-hush about it. Missy had to confess she had been very curious about it all but she wasn’t gonna press the issue even if he did bring it up.
“Well, I wont make you watch it then, god forbid I act like an old girlfriend.” She half laughed so he knew it wasn’t serious, yet she still kicked herself for saying it in that manner.
All activity stilled behind her. Uh oh! She bit her lip.
“Missy I didn’t mean it that way at all,” he sat down next to her and grabbed her into a bear hug, “watch what you want, all I really care about is being with you anyway. Besides, I’ll be watching you, not it.” Missy blushed yet knew Andy was avoiding talking about Mandy. Oh well, it would just ruin the mood anyway.
They both crawled to the back of the bed, curled up against the pillows Andy had pulled together. As their eyes slowly closed, Andy tenderly stroked small circles on her thigh till they fell asleep.






Unbeknownst to me, Marat and I arrived at the hotel after Andy and Missy, missing them by only a few minutes. I still had Marat’s jacket on; all I could focus on was making sure to get that damn thong out of the pocket. I was so worried I would get distracted.
As if right on cue, a loud voice suddenly called out to Marat, yelling at him in what sounded like Russian to me. He didn’t sound happy at all. Both of our heads popped up looking for the offending voice that was disturbing the quiet 2am lobby of the hotel.
It was Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Marat’s old friend and now recently acquired coach. My calculations were correct—he was fuming and I wanted to hide behind Marat just in case he decided to direct it my way. They exchanged a few words then quickly changed to English. I figured it was because of me, and Marat was being respectful of me. Plus it was nice so I knew what the hell he was being yelled at for.
“What the **** Marat? Do you realize what time it is and you have practice at what time in the morning before your match??”
Marat sighed deeply, “Yes Yk I know, 9am. I will be there and be awake too. Calm down dad.” I sucked in my breathe. Oh this wasn’t gonna be good at all.
YK raised his eyebrows, “Fine be a smart ass about it, but if you lose tomorrow don’t come crying to me. And another thing I am your coach not your father, so stop acting like a child and be more responsible and I wouldn’t have to talk to you like you are 12 years old.”
They just stood there fuming at each other silently. Dumb stubborn Russians!! They could never be wrong or admit when they were anyway…wait wasn’t that men around the world period?
I tugged on Marat’s shirt to remind him I was still there—or maybe for a little introduction. Hell it was Yk—I’ve always wanted to meet that little hothead. Who wouldn’t?
Yk noticed me at the same time, giving me an odd look as if I was to blame for Marat not being in bed asleep. I glared back at him. No way in hell was he gonna look at me as another one of Marat’s bitches.
“So Marat, is this your excuse for losing the US Open this year?” he half sneered in my direction. My jaw dropped. That asshole had the gall to say that in front of me? I quickly recovered and glared as Marat began to defend me—loudly mind you, making an even greater scene in the lobby. He didn’t even try to speak in English for me and they both went into another heated discussion in Russian for a bit, while I felt like tapping my foot and screaming at them to stop.
They finally came to some sort of resolution because they stopped suddenly and stared at each other for a few more moments before Yk turned to me apologizing for what he said and introducing himself, by offering his hand. Let me just say I was shocked, but I did take his hand even after what he implied about me, I was wiling to give him a second chance. His demeanor changed so dramatically toward me as if the clouds rolled to let the sun come through that all I could do was look at him skeptically as I gave him my hand. What the hell did they talk about?
Marat then wrapped his arm around me in a protective like manner, then proceeded to tell Yk that he was headed to bed right now. Yk smiled devilishly at that like he knew why I was there and he had been correct that I was just one of Marat’s many conquests. Well, think again Buster—Marat would never have me, so HA!
I didn’t make that comment out loud though as it wouldn’t help—he would still think what he wanted to. One things for sure though, Yk didn’t seem to think that women around Marat had any intelligence factor at all. It was now my turn to smile devilishly as we said goodnight and headed to the elevators. If I wanted Marat I would get him, even if I had to use Yk to do it, but who said I wanted him in the first place? Am I delusional to actually think I can try and convince you and myself that I don’t want him? Ah well let me remain in denial a few more chapters at least…

[Annie]

Chapter 18: Dickschilder Leads to Vagina Power.


I awoke groggy and disorientated, glancing around for the clock to find out the time. 5am! What the hell! And just why am I waking up now? I just went to bed. Might have something to do with the raging headache and stomachache I had. And for several reasons—my hangover and that kiss Marat gave me when he kissed me goodnight. But first things first, I had forgotten my two glasses of water and one Ibuprofen before I went to bed. That is the sure all way to never get a hangover…which is what I had right now.
I stumbled out of bed, mumbling the whole way to the bathroom. Half way wondering if I was going to throw up or be able to keep it all down till I could get some water and pain killers down me. I couldn’t find the IB but we were plentiful in water category. I growled, upset now that I had to search through my entire luggage to find some.
After not being able to find any I glanced angrily at the empty bed that was adjacent to mine. Missy better not have taken it and not told me or I would kill that woman later. It was also too bad that she wasn’t here to find it for me so I could just lie in bed. But nope, she gets lucky with Andy Roddick and I am here alone. I shrugged as I continued looking in my luggage—at least I wasn’t the only one. Marat slept alone not a few doors down from me. Well he better be anyway.
When he dropped me off at my door at 2am I could tell he really wanted to come into my room but I had to say no. That was going way to fast for me considering I went from hating him (well not really) to partners in crime practically in one night.
Ok where in the world did my IB go too. I started growling again, knowing full well that I always pack that darn bottle so why wasn’t it around here somewhere? Fine! You know what? I give up!
I remembered a little café downstairs, that I had ventured into, had single serving packets of IB so I decided it would be easier to just go down there and get some, and in my pj’s too—no way was I getting dressed just for two minutes of being out of bed. I grabbed my wallet and headed to the elevator.
Ignoring the looks from people, in my pink panther pajamas, I bought some IB and hot cocoa while I was at it. Why not give them a few more minutes of a show. So I sat down, took my pills and drank my cocoa with a smug look on my face.
I was just about to bring the burning hot cocoa to my mouth one more time to take a small sip, when I heard this soft sexy voice not two inches from my ear say, “hey sexy!” I moved the cocoa away from me expecting to turn and it be Marat but when I swung my head back to view the face who greeted me I was astonished to see a smiling Yevgeny Kafelnikov. He quickly joined me in the adjacent chair while my mouth hung open. Did he just say what I think he did? What the hell?!?
“You are bound to catch flies that way,” he chuckled at me.
I closed my mouth, giving an irritated look, “I hope you didn’t just say what I think you said?”
He cocked his brow, “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t…why would it matter? Ah you thought I was Marat didn’t you? Sorry to disappoint.” The smile on his face said he wasn’t sorry at all.
I half rolled my eyes, and ignored him, “What are you doing up at this god awful hour?”
“I could say the same for you considering I just saw you getting in with my boy at 2am. What, his snoring keeping you up?”
My eyes narrowed—nice try! I continued to ignore him—no way would I let on either way of what happened last night. “Actually if you must know I have a hangover and couldn’t find any IB.”
“So you decided to come down in your pj’s?” he looked me up and down as if he was enjoying it.
“Yeah, but lucky you I am not staying to bother you any longer,” I made a move to get up with my cocoa but he put his hand on my arm to stop me.
“I never said you were bothering me, in fact I thought I’d take this moment to talk to you about something.”
“You mean someone.” I said correcting him, knowing it was in reference to Marat. He sighed in resignation.
“Fine yes someone, and that someone is Marat.”
“What about him?” I said trying to be nonchalant.
“Exactly,” he said, his gaze suddenly becoming hard, “What about him? what are your plans with him?”
I glared back, “I don’t have any plans with him at all. But he seems to like making plans with me. I think that should be between me and him if there is anything going on at all, don’t you think?”
“As his coach his personal life is my business, especially if it affects his tennis career.”
“Seems to me that in Marat’s life on tour he can and has handled both the women and the tour at the same time. So I am not too worried about him.”
“Well I guess as one of Marat’s millions of hoarding female fans you are out of the loop when it comes to knowing how things are run with me as his coach now.”
My eyebrow raised. He was definitely categorizing me with the same trash Marat has been rumored…ok proven to associate with on tour. I took great offense to that of course. “I am sorry I am not that obsessive about his every move. I happen to have a life of my own too thank you.”
He smiled at that, “Good to hear.”
“So since I am so out of the loop as you say, why not update me from the horses mouth on how you got to be that crazy Russian’s coach?”
He laughed softly, “It’s simple really. I needed a job and he needed a coach, well in my eyes anyway. You know Marat, always fighting his coach’s. I think he just needed someone as stubborn as he was and willing to put up with the B.S. at times and at other times set my foot down.”
“In other wise be a father.” I didn’t want to bring that subject up again from this morning but that’s what it sounded like to me. He didn’t like what I said at all, not surprisingly.
“I don’t like that term as you know but if that’s how you define it then I guess I kinda am. But I think Marat needs it in his life right now. You don’t know what he had to deal with, without parents as a teenager in Spain. It was hard on him but he grew independent quickly despite people in his life that looked after him; like his coach or landlord. They of course can take the role of parents. He also grew very stubborn, about having things his way, from all of that. I guess you could say that I took on that role of a parent but late in life so to speak. Better late than never as you Americans say.” Ok after that long speech I wondered why he was telling me so much about Marat as if I wasn’t an obsessive fan like he just claimed me to be about two minutes ago. Weird!
“Does your taking this job have anything to do with your injury?” Touchy subject I knew that but my curiosity couldn’t be helped. He winced slightly and I tried not to take pleasure in his discomfort after how he had treated me. After all, his career was over pretty much. I should have been feeling more pity than anything.
“Well yes the knee injury did take me off the circuit yes…” he paused. I wished for the life of me I could remember how he got the injury but didn’t feel I could go that far and ask him about it…yet anyway. He seemed really sensitive about it. If I were in his shoes I would be too.
I quickly began to realize how busier it was becoming around us in the café and started to feel a little self conscious about the Pj’s I was in. Yk tentatively continued on with his sentence, “but I didn’t want to let it take me away from tennis completely. Being Marat’s coach allows me to still be close to the scene even though it’s behind the scenes mostly. That I can deal with, for the most part anyway.” He came out of his own little world then, wherever he was, and also noticed the growing amount of people in the café.
“Ok, its 5am, what the hell is with all the people here all of a sudden.” I put my hands protectively in front of me as I could cover up the fact I was wearing pink panther pajamas in the café of a very ritzy hotel. Yk smirked at me, then laughed. Well bugger these people and Yk too while we are at it.
I got up, “I think its time for me to head to my room now.”
“No wait,” he stopped me again. Jesh, he was being persistent and I wasn’t sure why but it was fishy considering what he said to me not three hours ago in the lobby, “Do you want to continue talking…say back at my room?” I gave him the oddest look. “To some extent I was enjoying the conversation we were having is why, plus I still want to know some things about you if you still plan on seeing Marat in the future.”
I almost rolled my eyes at him. He wanted me to go back to his room just to ‘talk’ about my intentions with his precious Marat? What gives here? I so didn’t believe him at all and besides I was getting tired finally and told him so. Only he had a come back for that, albeit a stupid one. We could talk and get to know each other till I fell asleep—there were two beds. What The Hell!?!? Now he wanted to get all chummy on me?
Ok maybe it was a European thing. Well a far eastern European thing anyway but it seemed a little off to me. But once again my curiosity got the best of me—I wanted to know what he was up too so I agreed. How little did I know how stupid that decision was as I headed to the elevator with him; I would have slapped myself right then and there.
His room was on the floor just below mine. I was sort of surprised he wasn’t on the same floor as Marat but it made sense why I hadn’t run into him before hand. When we reached his door my eyes started to droop shut and I jerked them open—Pay Attention! You are about to enter the Lions den! You have to come out of his alive!
He walked in behind me—he started turning on lights when it hit me, “you know you still haven’t told me why you were in the café at 5am?”
He looked at me and smiled mysteriously, “And there is a reason why you still don’t know.” I rolled my eyes and sat down on the edge of the bed he was farthest away from. He acted like I wasn’t doing anything abnormal, and plopped down on the adjoining bed. I took my eyes off his legs—shaking some reality back into the cobwebs that had started to form in my head. I really needed to get to a bed soon—wait I mean my bed…my bed.
“Fine don’t tell me but you are acting suspicious you know.”
He grinned, “ Yes, I know but you are still here, now aren’t you?”
“Yes, and I am not sure why, when I am about to fall asleep here.” I yawned uncontrollably.
“Good thing you are sitting on a bed then huh?” I threw him a nasty look and decided to stretch out on my side on the bed, legs still half way off just in case I needed to run. I didn’t completely trust him, yet I stupidly stayed where I was, my eyes threatening to close every other minute. I started talking to keep myself awake.
“We were here to talk about Marat now weren’t we?” Yk’s breathing had started to lose its regular rhythm and became more shallow, “yes we were,” his voice drawling the words out slowly as if he were falling asleep.
Great! Well I’d just wait till he fell asleep and then head out to my room. Just as I resigned to wait it out I heard a muffled ringing sound. I popped my head up trying to figure out where it was coming from. Yk’s eyes remained closed but he seemed to know immediately what it was. Eyes still closed he grabbed a cell phone out of his pocket and answered in Russian.
His eyes suddenly flew open and he jumped off the bed—ok now he was freaking me out again. He looked over at me as he headed toward the door, “I’ve been waiting for this phone call—one second I have to take this out in the hall.” Alrighty then I thought—the wait was gonna be longer than I thought. I sighed lying my head back on the bed. Who the hell would be calling him at 5am?



Missy awoke after what seemed like only a few hours of sleep. She moaned and cuddled closer to the warm body next to her. Damn this was nice…she suddenly became aware of where Andy’s hands were at on her body. Hmmm, should she leave them there or move them before Andy woke up. Decisions, decisions! Well maybe she would leave them there just for a few more minutes she thought with a grin on her face.
She should go back to sleep for a little while as it was still early. Well it felt early anyway. She closed her eyes and swirled her finger on Andy’s bicep thinking about last night, waiting till sleep stole her again.
Andy had been so great with her. Could there be a perfect man out there and had she found him? That just cant be possible. If anyone found out they were bound to come steal him away from her, put him in a museum for all eligible women to gawk at. Hell no!…wait a minute, wasn’t that what was going on when Andy was playing on court? Her eyes narrow in jealously and she had to stop herself. She doesn’t own Andy, but she sure would like to know how Mandy had it.
Andy started to stir in his sleep, mumbling as he pulled her closer to him. Awwww, how adorable—she just wanted to eat him up. It still stumped her why she couldn’t have this for the rest of her life. She craved it so badly, that level of intimacy with someone for the rest of your lives.
His hands started stroking the places they had been resting on and Missy started to softly moan. Ok she was definitely not waking him up quite yet.
“Oh god Mandy,” Andy breathed into her ear. Missy froze. Oh my god! He so didn’t just say that. She looked at him—he was still out of it, deep in slumber. Should she slap him now or later she wondered. She decided later would be sufficient, as she slowly pushed away from Andy and off the bed.
She was already dressed so there was no need to do that. She took one last look at Andy in disbelief and anger, and then left the room as quietly as she could. Tears started to well up in her eyes as she headed to the elevator and her room upstairs.
Why had he said that? Was he still not over Mandy? It had only been a few months but still—to not know whom you are laying in bed with…oh my god! Did she remind him of Mandy? Missy…Mandy…Mandy…Missy…both started with M’s, ended with Y’s, and had five letters but that so was not an excuse at all. And to top it off he had no clue as to what he did. Maybe she should have stuck around staring at his sleeping figure then when he woke up slap him then leave. Oh god, when she saw him again how was she supposed to act like? Like it didn’t even happen at all or slap him just as she had been planning to do?
One thing was for sure, she was feeling very violent toward him right at the moment and she needed to get it out of her system soon. She wrapped her arms around her self as she walked into the room knowing that Olivia would help her figure out what to do. She stopped at the sight of an empty hotel room—bed messed up like someone was still using it, or left in a hurry for something. She peeked into the bathroom—no Olivia there.
Hmmm, so did she decide to pay Marat an early morning visit or what the hell was going on here. She needed to talk to someone badly who knew what was going on between her and Andy—only she would understand at this point. She’d just have to sit and wait…or maybe pace the room talking aloud to herself. That always worked too.




Meanwhile Marat was pacing the lobby floor waiting for Yk to show up for their morning practice session. He was already 20 minutes late, which was so odd as Yk was always on time and always giving him a hard time for being even one minute late. But this morning he wanted to show Yk that Olivia had nothing to do with his US Open performance by being early for practice. And what happens? Yk doesn’t even show.
Marat’s pacing grew more agitated as his Russian temper flared. He’d been doing such a good job of containing it the past six months he didn’t need to explode now and especially over something this trivial. Yet it didn’t feel trivial due to Yk’s coaching treatment since he acquired him as a coach. It had been hell or close to it but he endured it. One, because they were friends and he wanted to help Yk and two, deep down inside he knew the coaching had been good for him the past few months.
He stopped pacing and let out a row of curses in Russian then headed straight to the elevator doors leaving his practice bag sitting in the lobby. He better have a damn good reason for not being there at 9am on the dot especially after yelling at him at 2am this morning. Now who was the more responsible one, he snorted to himself as he rode up to Yk’s floor.
When he got to Yk’s door he completely forgot that he had given him a key to his room to use and immediately tried the door knob—it was unlocked, how interesting. He stepped into darkness so he called out Yk’s name and walked in looking for the light switch, his anger flaring at the thought that Yk was still in bed.





Meanwhile I was all nice, warm and cozy, all snuggled in what I thought was my bed. I was half awake, half asleep when I felt movement next to me. It didn’t even dawn on me I was in someone’s arms even after that person pulled me closer to them. It wasn’t until someone turned a light on and I vaguely familiar voice was demanding to know what was going on.
I opened my eyes and saw a furious Marat at the end of the bed, looking back and forth between me and the person next to me, that I suddenly became aware of. I looked over and it was Yk, my mouth dropped open, my eyes quickly looked down at the covers that covered us, and the close proximity of our bodies. I didn’t even remember climbing under the covers, “Oh my god, what the hell is happening here?” I pushed away from Yk immediately and crawled out of the bed. He didn’t say a thing, he was too focused on trying to wake up and being completely nonchalant about the whole thing.
Marat turned his anger toward me, “Yeah I think you know what’s going on—don’t play innocent with me, doesn’t look like you were putting up much of a fight so don’t even try that with me.” I tried to interrupt to explain but he stopped me with his hand, “you know what? It doesn’t matter anymore. I should have stayed away from you knowing all along you didn’t like me, but after what happened last night I thought things were different. I guess I was wrong….what did you give into me because I came on so strong or what?” he paused, I tried again to explain but he interrupted, “You know what, maybe that’s it—your mission was to be the slut of the Atp tour huh? Well count yourself one man shy.”
My mouth dropped in shock, and I watched him in horror as he stormed out of the room with out even the ability to slap my self back to reality and take off after him. Ouch, that was way harsh, and completely over reacting on his part. Nothing happened here and he was jumping to conclusions. Well I hoped nothing happened here. I wish I knew what was going on here, and why the hell it felt like someone was playing games with me? My shock turned into anger as I turned to face Yk on the bed. He looked strangely calm and satisfied as if mission accomplished—that Bastard!
“What the hell have you done?” my mind was racing with a million and one reasons as to why this happened and why he did it. I couldn’t stop to let one spill out and accuse him with it. “What the hell do you have to say for yourself? Are you just trying to hurt Marat? Because it was already clear you don’t like me.”
“Consider yourself tested.”
“What the hell?!?!” I screamed at him. “what the hell does that mean?”
He just sat there and smiled at me. I screamed again and left the room not sure of what to do but get as far away from him as humanly possible. I went to the elevator to head up one floor not sure if I wanted to see if Marat went to his room and talk to him or if I should head to my room. My mind was a wreck, and frankly I was ready to give up on men altogether. One was using me to get the other one to turn against me? Then the other one believing that I would even do something like that…well he didn’t know me well but still…I am not a slut damn it! I mean come on…did I give into Marat first chance I had? NO! I growled, my anger growing.
I stormed down the hall to Marat’s room bypassing my own, to pound on the door. I was so ready to give him a piece of my cotton-picking mind if he would just open the damn door.
“What the hell are you doing woman, making that much noise at this hour? What, did he kick you out after he had his way with you?” I turned to find Missy peeking around the corner at me with a smirk on her face. My anger was rolling big time that I hadn’t seen she had been crying too.
I gave his door one last pound then said **** him and went to my room to join Missy. “No he didn’t kick me out. I wasn’t there. I was in Yk’s room being set up by the sneaky controlling coach-slash-dad. Oh my god I want to kill all men right now.”
Missy sat down softly on the bed and looked up at me with sad eyes, “Join the club. I was angry earlier but now I am just to worn out to be all fired up.”
I stopped cold. “What happened? What did Andy do to you?” not even truly believing that Andy could or would hurt Missy. But hell I am in hate mode when it comes to men so any thing’s possible with them.
Missy started to sob again as she told it all to me. I went to sit next to her and gave her a hug. Even in my men hater mode though I was the devils advocate for Andy. I know he liked her a lot and there was no way I could see Andy doing that on purpose. Maybe he wasn’t over Mandy completely; it was understandable considering how long their relationship had lasted. I tried to reassure her as best I could, despite the selfish desire to want her to hate men as much as I did right at the moment, I didn’t want her hating Andy.
“All I can think about right now is punching him for what he said.” She continued to sob.
“That would accomplish nothing and might hurt Andy. It’s the US Open remember…we cant have him injured now? Now can we?” I rubbed her arm trying to calm her down.
Missy stopped crying then, wiped her face, and went to the bathroom to get some Kleenex to blow her nose, slowly calming herself down. “How did Yk set you up?”
I went about ranting and raving with my story, as I paced the room animatedly. “Oh my god Missy. And you know what bothers me most? That I actually care what Marat thinks. I shouldn’t should I? I know the truth whether he wants to see it or not.” I punched a pillow on the bed then plopped down on it face first. I became deathly calm then and just started to softly cry. He thought I was a slut now.
Missy came over and sat down next to me, rubbing my shoulder, “Aww hun, its ok.” It was now her turn to console me. Only I couldn’t be. I felt like my situation was worse. Andy still loved Missy but Marat would forever wonder if Yk and I did something…hell I would to.
Missy was glad for the distraction so she wouldn’t have to think about what Andy had said. Olivia was right, Andy probably just had unresolved feelings about Mandy or maybe she did remind him of Mandy somewhat. The point was that he was with her not Mandy…right? Her worried feelings got pushed aside when she heard Olivia sob out, “I want to kill Yk for doing this to me. I even feel dirty like I did something bad.”
“Yeah well Yk is a wanker and you know this so stop it right now. You will just explain things to Marat and make him listen even if I have to help you tie him down.”
I smirked at that, “I do need to teach you how to hog tie someone don’t I”, I started to laugh, and it felt oh so good.
Missy rolled her eyes, “I don’t know why but suddenly I feel sorry for him.” she started to laugh, “well maybe just a little.” She paused…”oh my god, we were supposed to pick up the t-shirts we made today.”
My eyes narrowed, “It can wait a day or two. Right now I am not really into celebrating my love for any male at the moment. I would rather just go back to sleep for a few more hours.” Missy yawned and agreed, heading over to her bed to crawl into it. As I pulled my covers over me I knew it would be some time for us both to fall asleep after the events of an already long day.

[Annie]

Chapter 19: The Boys Day Off…In Hell.




Missy threw her pillow at the phone trying to get it to shut up. It was now on its millionth ring it felt like and wouldn’t stop torturing us. Who was being evil and not letting us get our beauty sleep? Missy’s pillow didn’t muffle the ring so she got up to go answer it. Right as she got up to go over to it, it mercifully stopped.
She yelled at the phone, “You butthead, you WOULD stop ringing right when I get up out of the bed.” she sighed, put her hand through her hair and went to cuddle in her bed minus a pillow. Not two seconds later, the phone started ringing again. I have to admit it was driving me crazy too but not enough to go do something about it. I was getting slightly depressed I think, well I could hope it was just the hangover still.
Missy didn’t wait for the second ring before she was up and headed to the phone, I was sure to murder it. She only grabbed it forcefully and practically yelled into the phone for the person to stop ringing us as we were trying to sleep. Not two seconds later she calmed like wind before the storm, whirled to face me with her eyes wide open. It didn’t take a rock scientist to figure out it was Andy on the other end.
She looked like she didn’t know what to do so she just hung up on him. She stood there frozen, till the phone rang again not two seconds later and she jumped but ignored it. “What’s going on?” I whispered. She didn’t answer she merely pulled the plug out of the wall and went back to bed with out looking at me at all. Ok then, I guess we will wait to talk about it. I rolled over and tired to go back to sleep.
Five minutes later as I was just about to find slumber again someone started pounding on the door. This time I reacted before Missy. I sat right up in the bed and yelled out “What the hell? …someone wants to die.” I jumped out of the bed and headed to the door while Missy just sat up in bed waiting for me to kill who ever was bothering us. She probably half afraid it was Andy.
I swung the door open only to stop short. It was Andy and he didn’t look happy at all. “Is Missy here? She left with out telling me, and it worried me. Is she mad? Can I see her?”
All I did was stare at him and say, “Uhhhh!!” I had no earthly clue what to do. One, I thought they should talk, but two, I didn’t want Missy to kill me. “One second.”
I went back in and as I put some clothes on I told Missy it was Andy and that I was gonna let him in so they could deal with this now instead of later; otherwise he was gonna plant himself outside our door and I so didn’t want that. Missy just glared at me but knew she didn’t have a choice. She just sat there and huffed, and crossed her hands, knowing she had to do it but was too pissed at him at the moment.
I decided to leave as soon as I could, and as I walked out the door I pushed Andy into the room. I sighed deeply still wanting sleep but I thought it would be best if I just tried to find Marat and explain some things. I still wanted to kill Yk and didn’t think I could go talk to him to get some explanations of my own without wanting to kill him while I was at it.
I was just sure that Yevgeni poisoned Marat against me. The date would of course be off for tonight. A day ago I would have readily accepted that we weren’t going to go out but now I wasn’t sure. I grumbled under my breathe as I headed down the hallway wondering why in the world did I care if Yevgeni poisoned him or not. I had no control over it…right?



Missy didn’t even turn to greet Andy as he stepped or was rather pushed into the room. He stopped short wondering what the hell was wrong and waited till Olivia was gone before he ventured over to her. He had no earthly clue and he just tacked it up to being male and not paying attention. Believe you me he racked his brain all the way over to her room and still came up with nothing.
“Missy you have to tell me what is wrong….what did I do? I was so worried when I woke up this morning and you weren’t there…you wont talk to me on the phone and even now you wont.” He sat down on the edge of the bed…a few feet from her.
Missy sighed deeply, “Andy it really isn’t your fault I shouldn’t be blaming you at all. Its just me over reacting…I think.”
“Oh no you don’t. You arnt gonna tack it up to that…I want to know what is going on.”
She looked at him then looked away. She couldn’t look at him when she said it. “Well…”
“Yes?…” it was killing him.
“You remember this morning don’t you?” he nodded, like get on with it already. “well when you were waking up…while in each others arms you said someone else’s name as you cuddled me.” She didn’t think it was necessary that she name name’s.
He sighed heavily then ran his fingers through his hair, “Whose name did I say?”
“Mandy’s.” he would have to ask…isn’t it apparent. She really didn’t want to talk about her right now. She didn’t mind Mandy or anything but now that she was interested in Andy she was sure getting in the way for not having met her and all. Oh god, please don’t let that happen. Something in the pit of her stomach told her it was inevitable though.
“Damn it, Missy I am so sorry about that. It had nothing to do with you at all. You know I like you. I just have some unresolved things with her. Its been kinda hard to resolve them when you aren’t talking to each other now is it.” It was more of a statement than a question. He sighed deeply again. “I have been having a harder time with the break up than I thought I would. The public still doesn’t know why and we haven’t been talking at all to them. And all I have been doing is using the tour to distract myself from feeling anything right now.”
Missy so wanted to know what the public didn’t know but she wasn’t gonna push it. It was his decision to tell her but she thought he needed to get it off his shoulders in any case just so he could deal with it.
Andy paused. Missy tired to help him out, “You don’t have to tell me Andy. I understand enough already. But if its any consolation I think you need to talk to someone one about it before it eats you alive.”
He looked over at her, “it is eating me alive…I have to tell someone sooner or later…” he paused again. Missy still said nothing…just waiting. She knew that Andy wanted to trust her, and also knew that he could even if he wasn’t sure.
“Before I tell you anything I need you to promise not to tell the public or tabloids or anyone what I am about to tell you. It’s the last thing I need right now.” Missy half gasped.
“Andy I wont say a thing…trust me. I wouldn’t want to do that to you, ever.”
“I know you wont but I just have to say it. You will understand after I tell you what happened.” He paused then began with the story, “Mandy was doing a movie up in Toronto. I went to visit her between tournaments in United States because I missed her a lot. She always seemed to be in romantic movies with male costars about her age but I didn’t think a thing about it because I knew she loved me. I could even watch them kiss on set and didn’t bother me. And this time same way, I was there on set to surprise her. She didn’t know I was coming. I watched her do her scene then head out to her trailer. I was gonna wait till she got there before I showed up so we could have some private time.”
“Only on my way to her trailer I heard some stage hands talking about her and another guy and how cute they were together. Something about sparks…I don’t remember. I wasn’t really paying attention till I showed up at her trailer and it all made sense. Lets just say I found her in a very compromising position with him, slammed the door and left. I haven’t heard a word from her and I haven’t tried to contact her. Frankly the fact that she hasn’t, speaks enough of her guilt and that its over.” He sighed glad it was off his chest finally. “There was no hint at all to let me know that was gonna happen. It hit me like a ton of bricks.” He stopped.
Missy had been easing closer to him as he talked, wanting to comfort him. She put her arm around his waist and hugged him. She wanted to kill Mandy right about now. Yet at the same time hoping Andy wasn’t with her because she reminded him of Mandy and wanted to make up with her through her some how. She sighed and just held him in her arms.




Meanwhile I was trying to decide the best place to find Marat and explain a few things. He had to be done with practice. That was an early morning thing. But then again we did get in late last night. I knocked in vain at his door so I thought I’d head up to the practice courts.
There were several groups playing so I had to do some hunting but I didn’t find him. He was playing some girl who I couldn’t identify till I got closer. It was Sharapova…long leggy and beautiful blonde that I knew was his downfall. Well if that’s how he wanted to play it so be it but I wasn’t gonna let him disappear before he knew the truth behind what Yevgeni did. Another surge of anger flashed through me at the thought of that ass of a man. I shook my head quickly of the thought of him. I had to focus on getting Marat’s attention.
His play was horrendous, and he was playing a girl too. She, as well as I and others watching could tell he was getting frustrated at everything in sight. Maria wanted to end play but he kept pushing it some more. Like he was trying to sweat some demons out.
As they switched sides of the court for the tiebreaker in the set he looked over at me seeing me for the first time. He didn’t look happy at all, so I didn’t say a thing. It was a sad thing indeed that one look from him could scare me and turn me on at the same time…wasn’t it?
One thing was for sure, the awareness of my presence wasn’t helping his game at all. In fact I think it was getting worse as his Russian was getting louder and I bet very foul. Almost glad I didn’t know Russian at this point in time, but I wasn’t about to back down and leave him alone. He would have to face me sooner or later.
After losing the set to Maria she walked to the net and said that was it. He joined her and I think tried to argue but she wouldn’t have it. He really was gonna injure himself with that much explosive energy out there at the moment. I was glad I wasn’t the only one observing that.
They went to grab their bags and headed to the entrance to the court. It was a few feet from me, strategically placed by me of course. He put his arm around her as they walked out of the opening, talking to her in Russian, pretending he didn’t see me at all.
“Marat,” I called out to him, starting to fall into step behind them. Maria tried to look behind at me but Marat wouldn’t let her, rushing her along, “Marat, you will talk to me sooner or later. We will resolve this.”
That got his attention. He swung around at me, fire in his eyes, “You got what you wanted—the date is off!—now go away!” and as he turned and walked away, ignoring the confused look on Maria’s face, he added, “I am sure Yk is free tonight…go bother him.” I stopped cold in my tracks, watching him walk out of my sight. That was way harsh considering he didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Typical! As I walked to the subway system I realized that he was just saying it out of hurt. God damn it and Yk screwed it up—I didn’t! he did! Up next on list, hunt him down and make him fix it now or he dies.

By the time I made it to the hotel my blood pressure was ready to explode, my will set on murder as I tore into the lobby actually thinking I would run into him. It would be easier that way of course. Hunting him down would only make me want to hurt him more. I stopped in surprise as I saw a angry Yk headed straight for me. What the hell did he have to be mad about…my surprise gone I stomped right up to him, looked up at him and both started in on each other, not even listening to what the other was saying we were both so furious.
“What the hell are you yelling at me for, I am out of his life just like you wanted!” I was seriously close to tears.
“What the **** did you do to him—after two hours he should have been over you and focusing on tennis or the next lay that came along.”
“What, do I hold a record amongst all the whores he has had on tour.” My voice screaming to be heard over his, my arms flying about in my rage, after all I was about a foot shorter than him. I had to let myself be known, “What the hell gives him the right to mess around on women yet women sooo cant do that to him, even though I didn’t…” I paused and looked at him again, “did I?”
“No you didn’t.” he calmly said, yet I could feel the rage radiating off him.
I went off again, knowing what he said was true but I wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth so to speak. “And just what were you thinking, you assmunch, by doing that? Yeah you didn’t want him losing the us open but I think you lost anyway.” I started to leave thinking we had said all there was to say, but he grabbed my arm.
I tired pushing him off me telling him to get his mitts off me, calling him every name in the book. He let me go, hands in air as if innocent, saying he wanted to explain a few more things if I could just calm down.
“Calm Down…Calm Down!?!?! I don’t think so. You are lucky you are still standing here in one piece mister. I am soo ready to kill you about now.”
Just as he was about to respond the concierge finally got our attentions by getting inbetween us. “Please, we cant have this kind of behavior in the lobby. Would you kindly take it to a room or outside.” My eyebrows raised at the “room” bit. No I don’t think I would ever go near a room that also contained this man I stood glaring at right now. Hell would freeze first.
“Its alright. I am finished anyway.” I left to the elevator mumbling ‘wanker’ under my breath as I left them both standing there.
Yk, of course, just had to have the last two cents in, “We are far from finished Olivia…we will talk later about this.” He yelled at me as the elevator doors closed in front of me. I screamed and hit the wall.
I walked to my room calmly, entered, made sure no one was there before I collapsed against the door crying. I slide to the floor holding my hands to my face trying to will the tears away. I had to get a grip. That confrontation with Yk was more than I was really ready for, not to mention my still confusing feelings over Marat. I was just so glad I could fall apart right now and no one was there to see it.







After Andy’s little confession he felt much better. A huge weight was lifted off his shoulders and Missy saw how it changed him. In a matter of hours he just seemed more free some how. They had decided to spend the day together enjoying what New York had to offer them. Besides you know Missy, she had to go spend her shopping spree as soon as possible. It made it ten times better just having him next to her to do it with.
They went up and down Fifth Avenue and some places that Andy wanted to go to. But it was down Fifth Avenue that Missy saw some shoes she wanted and had to have. She couldn’t figure out how she missed them the first time she and Ollie had been here but oh well. Point was she had them now. They were the cutest converse heels she had seen. Something J.Lo would wear but she would make it look hotter.
Well after a few hours of shopping and their late night last night they both were getting tired fast. Andy suggested they get to bed early tonight for the game tomorrow and Missy didn’t argue. It had been a long day for them both.
As they were about to separate for the night Andy just couldn’t leave her sight yet. He needed to be around her especially after reliving what happened with Mandy today and then how great Missy had been with him.
He stopped at her door when he suggested they go to the Jacuzzi and relax before bed. Missy wasn’t in any hurry to leave his sight so she hurriedly agreed. They decided to get their things together and meet down there in half an hour and then parted ways.





Once I could pull myself off the floor I crawled to the bed to lie down for a few moments. My head was raging and I couldn’t calm it down. If it didn’t stop soon I was gonna have to pull a drink out of that lovely little refrigerator over there just to shut it up. In fact that sounded quite nice.
I walked over to it and grabbed whatever I saw first and chugged it down, stopping only once to half choke/cough as it ripped my throat apart. Just realizing then that I hadn’t had anything to eat in awhile and needed something soon or I was gonna be drunk. Not a pretty sight at all after what I had just gone through. We didn’t have any food in the refrigerator though and no way in hell was I gonna go to that damn vending machine room where there were enough memories of Marat to choke a horse.
All I knew was that I needed to relax in a big way. Calm down so I could think rationally about all this. Well the pool was out…had memories of Marat too. Where the hell could I go in this bloody place that didn’t have a Marat memory stamped on it? Hmmm…well there was the Jacuzzi. I sighed deeply as I dressed and headed down to the elevator. As long as I was out of the hotel room…anything would do.
As I headed down the hall past the café to the Jacuzzi room I didn’t seem to notice at all that two familiar men were in there eating supper. Marat’s back was to me so it was only Yk who saw me venture down the hall, towel in hand, figuring out where I was headed as the pool was the other way. An evil grin spread across his face as his mind began to cook up things that weren’t really any of his business to begin with.
I stifled a yawn as I turned the jet on and sank deep in the water. I was so exhausted, emotionally and physically. My body had been tense all day and the kinks needed worked out badly. I placed my back against the jet, leaned my head back and closed my eyes. It would have worked in relaxing me if I hadn’t started tearing up a few moments later. Maybe it was relaxing me way too much, but all I could think of was my growing feelings for Marat and how stupid I was for falling for him. I was supposed to play it safe and now look where I was.
Not two minutes later as I wiped another tear away the door flew open and someone entered. I jumped, yet kept my eyes away from the door so who ever it was couldn’t see I was crying. Once I cleared my eyes up I realized this person hadn’t moved from just inside the door and looked up in shock to see Marat standing there glaring at me.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I exclaimed in surprise. I immediately regretted the tone of my voice, as if I hated him and didn’t want him any where near me when it was so completely opposite. Yk had just messed with my head too much, not to mention Marat’s but he didn’t know that yet. I still didn’t want to be around the male species very much at the moment.
“I don’t know.” Was all he said as he turned around and headed out. Only thing was that the door didn’t budge…at all. But I didn’t seem to notice that, just yet.
“Don’t play games with me Marat, I know you deplore my presence so just go already.”
“I cant,” he sighed then pounded on the door, “I could kill him,” he screamed at the door.
“Kill whom?” still not completely aware of the situation.
“Yevgeny!”
“Ditto.” I said in agreement.
“No you tit! He locked us in.”
“Yeah right, why would he do that when he doesn’t want us together.”
Marat turned and glared again at me, “There is no us.”
“Precisely why you need to find a window to climb out of and leave me in peace,” I said as I looked him dead in the eye, “I was here first.”
He looked around and sighed and sat down in a nearby chair, and with as much sarcasm as he could muster he said, “As much as you would enjoy watching that, its not happening.” He started taking off his shoes.
“Uhhh, what are you doing?”
He looked up with an evil grin, “Well I thought as long as I am stuck in here I am gonna try to relax as planned despite the company.”
I glared and yet started to wiggle uncomfortably at the same time remembering the last time I was in the watery depths with Marat. Good thing we hated each other at the moment or I would be on dangerous ground again. I gulped and looked as he started to disrobe and climb in slowly wearing only swimming trunks. Ok now how does one avoid looking at someone right across from them—especially one as delectable as Marat Safin? I made a soft whine I knew would be covered by the sounds of the jets.
I tried to concentrate on the water moving around me and ignore how hot I was getting. He seemed content with the silence that was killing me. It suddenly hit me that there was something I wanted to address Marat about but my brain was all fried right at the moment and wasn’t helping at all.
I tapped my fingers under the water, thinking, and waiting for it to hit me…ah ha! “I guess that since we are stunk in here for awhile that I can explain a few things to you and you cant run from me—even though I honestly don’t want to fight with you right now.”
He rolled his head back, “Oh my god, not you too.” I looked at him confused. “Yevgeny was trying to explain things to me before he convinced me to take a soak in the Jacuzzi…that bastard.”
“What did he say?”
He glowered at me as if I was Yk himself, “That he set you up, you had nothing to do with it. He didn’t want you near me to ruin my chances at the Open and say it was gonna happen even more so…” his voice lowered and I had to strain to hear his last words, “with us not together.”
He wasn’t looking at me at all when he said it. My mouth dropped open. So that’s what Yk was trying to get at in the lobby earlier—I still don’t trust him though I thought.
“What does he know—nothing.” Marat didn’t say anything, that worried me. I gulped after a few moments—what was he thinking?
“Care to tell me your side of things?” Ah, so now he wanted to listen. He quickly said, ‘Of course it doesn’t mean I will believe you but I wanted to know why you would jump into bed with him and not me.”
I immediately got defensive and started yelling, “I didn’t jump into bed with him.” All he did was shrug so I took a deep breath and went about explaining things.
“Ok…well I saw Yk in the café at 5am when I couldn’t find any IB in my room and went to find some. He seemed fishy but we started talking anyway. It was mainly about you, and him being your coach. I was in my Pj’s and wanted to leave when the café started getting crowded and he wanted to finish the conversation about you and me so he invited me to his room. I was getting really tired but I was curious as to what he would say so I went.” Marat snorted at that part but didn’t say anything so I continued, “ we sat down on opposite beds—it was clear right off the bat that he wasn’t gonna talk but sleep so I figured I’d wait till he fell asleep and then sneak out. But he got a phone call, left the room to talk, and I must have fallen asleep on the bed. That’s all I remember till you woke us up.” I paused.
“You know Marat I am not attracted to Yevgeny…at all.” I reiterated.
“I know that.”
“So why did you freak out so badly?”
“Because at the time it looked really bad Olivia—how else was I supposed to react—I wasn’t gonna be made a fool of.”
Did he just realize what he was revealing to me? My voice lowered in a whisper in uncertainty, half hoping it was true, “Its to that point where I could make a fool of you Marat?”
He glared at me, “I think we both know that is true.”

[Annie]

Still whispering I looked back at him, “You seem upset by that?”
He started to comment several times but seemed to give up. As if he would have continued he might give too much of him self away. “Do you want me to admit that you already have power over me? It bothers me that you do because that is dangerous for me. I have never been in a relationship that I wasn’t completely in control of the out come. Now I am not sure what is going on. Never been this confused in my life.” He laughed as if puzzled by his own behavior lately.
I wasn’t sure what to say after this revelation. How did I tell him that I was feeling the very same thing? I was a complete wuss. Here he had to balls to say it all and I didn’t. “Marat, I am not made of stone here.” I paused, willing myself to speak. “Cant you see how I practically melt whenever you touch me? You have power too, and that bothers me just as well.”
He just looked at me while I revealed my feelings. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking about what I just said. How could he keep himself so hidden yet I felt like an open book? And I thought I knew Marat so well just from his behavior on the court. Suddenly a look came across his face, brief but I saw it. He was up to something. My breath caught as he slowly moved in the water so that he became only a few inches from me.
“Marat, what are you up too?” I whispered. His hands were now on either side of my hips, holding him there in front of me. His eyes roamed my face, looking into my eyes then looking at my mouth. I could barely swallow much less think about …well about anything really.
My breathing became shallower, and I parted my lips to take in bigger gulps of air, which also sent an invitation for him to explore if he wanted to. And boy right at the moment I so wanted him too.
The moment I opened my mouth he looked at it then instantly claimed it. My hands went around his neck pulling him closer, as if afraid he would pull away and say ‘ha you fell for it, I have you under my power and now I am gonna screw with your mind.’ But he didn’t. His arms went around my back pulling me up off my seat and pulling me on top of him as he settled back down in his seat. His mouth exploring mine as if thirsty for it and couldn’t get enough. His tongue mating my mouth, and all I could do was moan and hold my legs tighter around him. Our hands were franticly searching each other’s bodies, the passion having built up to such a point that we could no longer hold back. At least that was the case in my book.
This time we didn’t even hear the door open. Only till someone coughed did we realize we were not alone. This time though, we didn’t jump apart; we stayed glued to each other, but broke our kiss, and glanced toward the door. A grinning Missy and Andy were staring down at us.
“Made up I see?” Missy said, “And about bleedin’ time. Andy and I were about to plot something, and I am sure you two would have hated it.” She frowned then looked at Andy, “Awww they are always ruining our fun.” She pouted and Andy petted her pretending to calm her down while all I could do was glare at their interruption. Ignoring the fact that they too had seemed to make up and that they had opened the locked door for us. All I wanted was Marat’s mouth on me again.
“Its alright love. I am sure they will give us many more chances in the future” he laughed and I stuck my tongue out.
“Do you guys mind leaving?” Marat finally spoke up, “we are a little bit busy here.” He grinned, and pulled me closer. “but leave the door unlocked before you go.”
Andy coughed, “And just what if we were gonna use the Jacuzzi too?”
Marat grinned like the devil, “Four’s a crowd mate, and we were here first.” He then shooed them out the door. Missy winked at me on their way out. I looked back to Marat who was already studying me.
He didn’t say a word so I did, “So do you believe me?” My fingers continued to rub a sensitive part of his neck. Knowing that he did but I wanted to hear it from him.
He cocked a brow and smirked, “So does this mean we have gone to the next level in our relationship?”
“To coin a phrase I heard recently…’what relationship?’” I said throwing his words back into his face, not nice but I was hoping for some reaction or apology for it.
He growled, pinched my bottom and I went squealing up off his lap. He grabbed me, pulled me down on him again and started laughing. I glared, “you are evil you know that don’t you?” He just smirked at me, “and you love me anyway.”
“Ohhh now arnt we getting cocky?”
“Getting? I think you know I have always been that way.”
I rolled my eyes, “Yes I do unfortunately.”
He became solemn suddenly. I saw the shift in his eyes, his humor was now gone, and I followed suit worried about what he would say next.
“I know I have been an ass lately about all this, and that things have been really messed up…beyond both of our control. And really its all in the past now.”
I tentatively nodded, “Yes.” As if not sure where he was going with this but it was beginning to freak me out.
“Well I was hoping we could set another time for that date of ours.” He grinned at me. I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled back.
“You are on.” I would have to decide later if I wanted to kill Yevgeni or thank him for bringing us back together.