Something In Common by dndmom

[JRK Archiver]

This can also be found on The Source.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 1

Jesse looked around the pizza shack, hoping to spot Maxie, but not surprised that she wasn’t there. But it was almost 10 – they’d be closing soon, and he knew she didn’t like Georgie walking home alone. If he stayed for a while, though, Maxie might show up.

He heard Georgie’s perky voice behind him, “Hi? Did you want your usual? We’re going to be closing soon, but I think we’ve still got it.”

Jesse turned to face her and smiled – there was something about Georgie that always seemed to make him smile. “I’ve got a usual?”

Georgie smiled and started counting off his favorites, “Pepperoni pizza – not too much cheese, and you don’t eat the crusts, cinnamon twists and extra large Mountain Dew.”

Jesse laughed and sat down on one of the benches, “Have I been coming here that often?”

Georgie sat on top of the bench, folding her arms, “Only when you’re fighting with Maxie and want to just “run into her”,” Georgie traced quotes in the air. “So, yeah, you have been coming here that often,” she laughed.

Jesse laughed back, “You’re pretty observant.”

“Been hanging around cops and private detectives most of my life,” Georgie shrugged. “So – what’s the fight about this time?”

Jesse shook his head, “I’m not even sure. I wouldn’t do what she wanted, and she got mad, and I called her a spoiled brat…”

“Ahh,” Georgie said, nodding slowly, understanding completely. “First rule about Maxie,” she waived her finger at Jesse, “don’t ever call her a spoiled brat. Even if it’s true sometimes.”

Jesse leaned forward, resting his arms across his thighs, “So it’s not just me?”

Georgie stood up and looked at him in surprise, “Are you kidding? I grew up with her, remember?”

“That must have been fun,” Jesse said, glancing up at the clock – 9:55. She should be here soon.

Georgie started cleaning up around the benches, “We fought – a lot, but we helped each other too. She can be pretty amazing when you need her, you know?”

Jesse stood up and started helping Georgie pick up the trash around the tables, “Yeah, I know. I’m the guy she hid out when everyone was telling her not to, remember?”

Georgie went behind the counter and pulled out a trash bag, “She’s always been there for me.”

Jesse paused, an empty soda bottle in his hand, “You? You’re one of the most put together people I know – especially at your age. I’d have thought it was you pulling her out of trouble all the time.”

Georgie looked at Jesse for a moment, and then sat down on a bench, “There was a time,” she began, looking down at the table.

Jesse sat across from her, “What happened?”

“I…” Georgie began, hating how much the memory still hurt her, “Dillon and I broke up once – and I walked in on him that night in bed with another girl.”

Jesse reached out and touched Georgie’s hand – she reached up with her other hand to brush away a tear. “Seeing the two of you together – that’s kind of hard to imagine.”

Georgie sniffed, and looked at Jesse, “It was a long time ago. I don’t think I would have survived without Maxie. I was really insecure then – I’m still pretty insecure now, but I deal with it better. I don’t think I would if it weren’t for her. She was really there when I needed her.”

Jesse squeezed her hand, “You’re there for her, too, you know. How many times have you chewed me out for having a fight with her?”

“That’s the Jones sisters – you pick on one, you fight both,” Georgie said with a slight smile.

They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, which Jesse broke with, “So where is your boyfriend?”

Georgie shrugged, “I didn’t like him being stuck here just because I was working, so he went to a movie with Maxie.”

Jesse frowned – he’d remembered what the fight was about, “Why are you working when Maxie isn’t? Doesn’t she have rent to pay now?”

Georgie looked away from Jesse, a little guilty, “She’s doing ok,” she muttered, and started to get up, but Jesse reached out for her hand and pulled her back down.

“Oh no…are you paying her rent?”

Georgie shrugged again, and tried to stand up, but Jesse wasn’t letting go of her hand, “She’ll pay me back,” Georgie said with a weak smile.

“That’s what we were fighting about. She wanted me to skip work and spend the day with her – she just doesn’t get that sometimes you’ve got responsibilities, and you can’t always do just what you want.”

Georgie laughed, and pulled her hand away from Jesse, “Oh – that fight – I’ve had that one with her almost every day since she started noticing boys.” Georgie picked the trash bag back up, and put it into the trash bin in back of the shack. “You’re never going to win that one, you know,” she called from around the back.

Jesse watched as Georgie finished locking up, “You know, maybe I’m going out with the wrong sister?”

Georgie picked up her bag and laughed, counting out on her fingers again, “First, I love Dillon – so no one else would ever stand a chance. Second, my sister is going with you – so it would just be really uncool. And third, you’re way too old for me.”

Jesse smiled, “Well, I might not be able to compete with Dillon, but who knows how long I’ll be going out with your sister at this rate. And, in 10 years, I won’t be too old for you.”

“10 years?” Georgie gasped, pretending to be offended, “How young do you think I am?”

Jesse laughed, “Ok – maybe 5 years.” He checked his watch, “Hey – it looks like they got held up. Let me walk you home – it can be dangerous around here.”

Georgie nodded, said, “OK,” with a smile, and turned out the lights.




Maxie had insisted Dillon take her to the arcade after the movie, and Dillon had to drag her out of there so that they’d make it back to the Pizza Shack in time to take Georgie home. They got there a few minutes before it closed, and, Maxie stopped him just before he was about to call out for Georgie. Irritated, he raised an eyebrow, “What?”

Maxie looked angry and confused, and pulled Dillon in back of one of the large shrubs that surrounded the shack. She pulled the edge of the shrub back and pointed urgently to the benches in front of the stand. “That!” she hissed.

Dillon leaned around the edge of the bush – and his expression mimicked Maxie’s. Georgie and Jesse were sitting at one of the benches…and he was holding her hand…

Dillon started toward the bench, but Maxie dragged him away toward a shrub closer to Georgie and Jesse. She held a finger to her lips, telling Dillon to be quiet, as they listened to the conversation.

When Jesse and Georgie left, Dillon and Maxie moved out from in back of the shrubs to the benches. “What the hell is he talking about?” Maxie exploded, “Going out with the wrong sister!”

Dillon sat down on a bench and shook his head, waving his finger at Maxie, “That is the LAST time I leave Georgie alone to babysit you. There are just too many vultures out there ready to swoop in on her as soon as my back is turned.”

Maxie rolled her eyes, “Oh please – you heard her – he doesn’t have a chance.”

“And you heard him – dump you and wait 5 years, and then he can make a play for her,” Dillon ran a hand nervously through his hair.

“In 5 years you two will be married and cranking out kids,” Maxie said dismissively.

Dillon put his hands up to his head, feeling as if his head were about to explode – he’d sworn to himself that he wouldn’t ignore Georgie. And it had happened again. What if someday, there was someone like this who didn’t ignore her when she needed something?

“Maybe he’s just trying to make me jealous?” he heard Maxie wonder.

Dillon stared at her in disgust, “You’re kidding, right? That wasn’t about you – that was about your latest boy toy making a play for her! I have never understood how anyone could look at you and her and not pick her.” Maxie started to say something, but Dillon interrupted her, “And, while we’re at it – why is Georgie paying your rent? Why is MY girlfriend here, spending her time working to support you when she should be spending time with me?”

Maxie looked at Dillon, tears starting to form in her eyes. She turned, and ran back toward her apartment. Dillon took off at a dead run in the other direction for the Scorpio house.



Jesse and Georgie hadn’t gotten very far when they heard the running steps behind them. Dillon ran into Jesse and nearly knocked him down, but Jesse sidestepped, and Dillon ended up hitting the ground himself.

“Dillon!” Georgie yelled, bending down to check if he was ok.

“Sorry…I…was…late,” Dillon gasped, out of breath as Georgie helped him up.

Jesse nodded suspiciously at Dillon, “Well – I guess he can take you the rest of the way then. Thanks for the talk,” Jesse said, turning to go.

“We heard,” Dillon called after him, a little less out of breath.

“What?” Jesse and Georgie said at the same time, both confused.

“Maxie and me – we got back from the movie when you two were talking.”

“Ok,” Jesse said, confused about what Dillon was trying to get at.

“You said maybe you were dating the wrong sister…Maxie was pretty pissed…and you know – I wasn’t too happy about it either,” Dillon said, frowning. He tried to calculate the odds – Jesse could probably kick his butt, but he’d get in a good punch or two before he went down.

Jesse shook his head in disbelief, “You’re kidding, right? You two eavesdrop on a perfectly innocent conversation, and then get pissed off at a joke?”

Dillon grabbed Georgie’s hand and stood between her and Jesse, “Look – I really do not know what you see in Maxie. I don’t see why any guy would look at her twice after they’ve seen her sister – and I don’t care if it’s now or in five years – you never get to hold Georgie’s hand again!”

Georgie looked down at the ground, slightly embarrassed. Jesse smiled at the two of them – Maxie had tried to use Dillon to make him jealous, and he had wondered once or twice if it were real, and Georgie were just fooling herself. Now he was sure – Maxie had just been trying to get a rise out of him.

“Maybe you should go talk to her?” Georgie suggested.

Jesse nodded – he did need to talk to Maxie. But first he needed to talk to Dillon, “Look – you’re right – Georgie is pretty special. You’re a lucky guy – just make sure you don’t screw it up.”

Jesse turned to leave, and Georgie felt Dillon noticeably relax. He sighed and closed his eyes, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Georgie narrowed her eyes in confusion.

“I’ve been spending too much time away from you.”

Georgie shook her head, “I told you to go to the movie tonight.”

Dillon took both of Georgie’s hands, “I shouldn’t have listened. You know how much I love movies – but I love you more. I’d rather spend a night hanging out at the Pizza Shack watching you than watching a Bogart marathon.”

Georgie leaned forward and kissed him, “This wasn’t about trying to make you jealous – we were just talking.”

Dillon nodded, and hugged her, “And that’s why it worked. I realized that if you’re “just talking”, I want it to be with me.”

Georgie hugged him back, “Mac’s working tonight, and my mom is on a case,” she said with a suggestive smile.

Dillon smiled back, and kissed Georgie. “What are we waiting for?” he asked, as they changed direction and headed for Dillon’s room on the Haunted Star.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 2

Maxie was able to keep herself from crying until she was safely in her room, where she buried her head in her pillow and used it to muffle the sound. Dillon's words echoed in her head - "I'll never understand how anyone could look at you and her and not pick her". She didn't think she was jealous, but, maybe down deep she was. Jealous because Georgie didn't have to worry about being careful...didn't have to wonder if her heart would hold out long enough to have her own family. Why would anyone want to stay with her for more than just a good time, when they couldn't be sure she'd be around for more? Didn't they understand? She needed to live as much as she could now, before it was too late.

Maxie thought she heard something, and tried to stop herself from crying. She listened - there was a knock, and she heard Jesse ask, "Maxie?"

Maxie sniffed, straightened her clothes, and went to the door. "Yes?" she asked as she opened it, trying to keep him from seeing that she'd been crying.

Despite her efforts, Jesse saw the puffiness in her eyes, and the crumpled pillow, and knew. "Are you ok?" he asked with concern in his voice.

Maxie crossed her arms and glared at him. She heard his words as well - "maybe I'm going out with the wrong sister". "I'm fine," she answered coldly.

Jesse shook his head, and took her hand, and got her to sit on the bed in the cramped room she'd rented. He crouched down next to her, "You're not. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm fine," she avoided looking at him. Jesse put his hand on her chin, and moved her face so that she was looking at him. She saw that smile that she loved, and broke down. Jesse got up and sat on the bed, hugging her until she'd stopped crying.

When she'd stopped, he asked, "Is this about what you and Dillon overheard?"

Maxie wiped her eyes and looked at him in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"Dillon - he caught up with Georgie and me. Said that you'd overheard what I said to Georgie, and got mad."

Maxie felt herself get angry - only Jesse had ever been able to take her from being helplessly in love one minute to being pissed off the next. "Just what did he say?" she had an edge to her voice as she pulled away from Jesse and stood up.

Jesse laughed, "Nothing! Just that you'd heard me make a joke, and you were upset."

"A joke?," Maxie went over to the window and looked out into the alley below. "A joke about how maybe my sister was better than me?"

Jesse closed his eyes and shook his head - Maxie was the most infuriating woman he'd ever met, "I did not say that."

Maxie spun around, her hands on her hips, "I know what I heard! I was going to give you a chance to explain - maybe thought you'd even tell me about it before you found out that I heard - but, no, Dillon and his big mouth had to jump in and tell you that he was off babysitter duty, and it was time for you to take over!"

Jesse stood up and shook his head in confusion, "What in the hell are you talking about?"

Maxie glared at him, "I am sick and tired of having people take care of me like I'm still a kid -"

"Then stop acting like one!" Jesse interrupted.

Maxie froze...this was all Dillon's fault. All he needed to do was catch up to Georgie and walk her home, but NO....he had to butt in. She grabbed her jacket, and stormed out.



Georgie had her arms wrapped around Dillon, with her head snuggled against his chest. He had spent so much of his life alone - until he found her. And now, she was the only thing that mattered - more than anything, and he didn’t want to imagine trying to live without her. "I missed this so much," he laughed, hugging her tightly.

Georgie giggled, "Me too. We really need to make this a much higher priority."

Dillon brushed his hand over Georgie's hair, "Aren't girls supposed to be demure? You know, play hard to get and all?"

Georgie started to kiss Dillon's neck - just on the side where she knew it would drive him crazy, "Who me?" she whispered, "I couldn't even pretend I don't love being with you."

Dillon smiled, and leaned over to kiss Georgie - she began to reach over to the nightstand for a condom...

Suddenly, the door flung open, and Maxie burst in, shouting, "Just who the hell do you think you are?"

Georgie shrieked, and pulled the covers over herself - Dillon leaned over her to try to shield her from the door. "What in the hell are you doing here? Get out!" Dillon yelled.

Georgie peeked out from under the covers, and, seeing Maxie, pulled them back down from over her head, crossing her arms over the covers. "Maxie - what in God’s name are you doing? Trying to give me a heart attack?"

Maxie pointed at Dillon, "Him! He told Jesse that I needed a "babysitter"! That I was overreacting to a stupid joke!"

Georgie frowned, "Don't be stupid - he only said anything because he was pissed off that Jesse was holding my hand! And I was the one that told Jesse he should talk to you."

Maxie looked at Georgie in shock, "How could you?"

Georgie’s mouth dropped open, and she looked at Dillon – he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Georgie opened her mouth to start to respond, but was interrupted by Jesse, who ran into the room and grabbed Maxie’s arm, "Leave him alone, Maxie," he began - and then glanced at the bed. Georgie and Dillon, both with strained smiles, waved at him. His eyes widened a little, and he waved back uncomfortably. “Uh,” he said, turning to Maxie, “I mean leave them alone,” he corrected himself.

“Please! She’s my sister – I can talk to her anytime!” Maxie said, settling herself into the chair by the door.

“Actually, we would like to be alone,” Georgie prompted, hoping Maxie would take the hint.

“There you go,” Jesse picked up the hint, “We should leave.”

“You can NOT tell me what to do!”


Georgie quickly planted her hand over Dillon’s mouth, stopping him from joining in on the argument. “It’ll end more quickly with just two people arguing,” she whispered, removing her hand.

“But…,” Dillon looked at the firmly planted Maxie, and muttered, “Ggggghh,” his fists clenched in frustration.


Not hearing Georgie and Dillon, Jesse continued, “Look – you’re being a spoiled brat again,” Jesse began.


“Oooh, “ Georgie whispered to Dillon, unnoticed by Maxie and Jesse, “I told him not to call her that.”

Dillon shook his head and whispered back, “But she is.”

Georgie nodded, “Well, at the moment, yeah. But calling her on it only makes it worse. Now she’s got something to prove.”


“I AM NOT A BRAT!” Maxie screamed, standing up and planting her finger in Jesse’s chest, “And just what are you doing here anyway? Shouldn’t you be doing something more important than babysitting such a miserable excuse for a girlfriend?”


“So, she’s officially his “girlfriend”, then?” Dillon whispered to Georgie.

Georgie nodded, “Yeah – they started sleeping together when he was on the run.”

“But, she’d just met him,” Dillon said, surprised.

Georgie shrugged, “Sometimes she’s impulsive like that.”


“Maxie – ok – look, I was mad,” Jesse said, backing off to try to get her to calm down, “I didn’t mean “brat” – it’s just that you’re not really respecting your sister’s privacy here.”


“Well, you’re impulsive too – but it took us years before we had sex,” Dillon wrapped his arm around Georgie.

“I’m impulsive in different ways,” Georgie explained. “I’m more of a “kiss the guy” impulsive, she’s more of a….well…you know.”

“Yeah, “ Dillon chuckled, “I remember Kyle too.”


“They’re fine. The problem is that you don’t respect me enough to be straight with me! If you don’t want to spend time with me, just tell me, and stop giving me all these @#%$ mixed signals!”


“Ok – Jessica Simpson for Maxie?” Georgie offered.

Dillon shook his head, “Close – but more Ashlee Simpson, I think. Jesse, though – can’t quite picture that. Sort of a young Tom Hanks?”

Georgie squinted, trying to see the resemblance, “No – that’s just the hair. Maybe Orlando Bloom? The way he looked in Troy, not Lord of the Rings.”

Dillon squinted as well, “Nah – nose is wrong.”


Jesse took Maxie’s hand and pulled it down from his chest, “I never meant to give you mixed signals – I want you to be part of my life – the only girl in my life. But I can’t give up being a cop.”


“That was good – reassurance, but he’s making his point,“ Georgie observed. “Watch, she’s going to tell him she doesn’t want him to not be a cop.”

“You sure?” Dillon looked down at Georgie.

“Oh yeah,” Georgie nodded.


Maxie looked up at Jesse, “I never wanted you to not be a cop,” Maxie began.


“Wow,” Dillon admired, “You’re good.”


“It’s just this morning, you got so mad when I asked you to spend the day with me,” Maxie finished.

Jesse shook his head and moved closer to Maxie, “I had to work,” he said softly, “But I was at the Pizza Shack looking for you tonight – I wanted to tell you that I’ve got a couple of days off coming up – to see if you wanted to go up to Manhattan with me.”

Maxie smiled slowly, “Really?”


“Oh – that’s sweet,” Georgie whispered.

Dillon cleared his throat, “Uh – do you want to go to Manhattan?”

“Are you kidding? Mac would kill us.”


“Really,” Jesse smiled.

“Maybe we should discuss this somewhere a bit more private?” Maxie suggested.


“Oh, please, please, please, please, “ Dillon muttered.


Jesse turned to Dillon and Georgie, “Uh – we’re going to leave you two alone now – sorry about this.”

“Yeah – just, uh, close the door, ok?” Dillon said, waving as Maxie and Jesse left.

“YES!” Dillon yelled triumphantly as the door closed. He jumped out of bed, and wedged the edge of the chair under the doorknob.

“I thought you were going to get that lock fixed?” Georgie asked, with an eyebrow raised.

“I did – but Luke keeps breaking in to hide things in here.” He looked at Georgie, her arms still crossed over her chest. “Did this, um, kill the mood?”

Georgie smiled, and shook her head slowly as she crooked her finger toward Dillon. He smiled, and jumped on to the bed as Georgie giggled.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 3

Maxie let herself in to the back door of the Scorpio house – she and Mac might be fighting, but her Mom still wanted to know where she was, and Maxie figured if she came by in person and told her that she was going to New York for a couple of days, she might be able to get some breakfast. As she stood in the kitchen, looking through the fridge, she heard her mom’s voice behind her, “All I ask is that you don’t drink from the carton.” Maxie quickly stopped guzzling the orange juice she’d been drinking from the carton, and screwed the cover back on. Looking up, she saw Felicia peering over the refrigerator door with a disapproving look, shaking her head.

Maxie smiled sheepishly, “Hi Mom!”

“Hi baby,” Felicia said, closing the refrigerator door and hugging Maxie. “You want some breakfast?”

“Well, if you’re having some,” Maxie said, sitting down at the table as Felicia pulled a carton of eggs from the refrigerator. Maxie glanced over at Felicia’s laptop, next to her at the table – there was an email to Mac, saying that she was going out of town for a couple of days. “Where are you going?”

Felicia looked over her shoulder at Maxie disapprovingly, “What have I told you about reading other people’s mail?”

Maxie rolled her eyes, “It’s just to Mac –“ she began, but was interrupted as the phone rang.

Felicia answered the phone, and then covered the receiver, “I’ll be right back,” she said, going into the dining room for more privacy.

Maxie sighed and turned back to the laptop – her Mom was going out of town about the same time she was…she noticed that her Mom had hit “send”, but the internet connection had given out, and it was still in the outbox. Maxie smiled as she realized an opportunity like this was too good to waste.



Georgie and Dillon sat in Kelly’s, both yawning into their coffees. “OK,” Dillon said, stifling a yawn, “Rearranging our priorities is good – but we need to fit sleep in there somewhere.”

Georgie smiled, leaning over to kiss Dillon, “But – it’s a small price to pay…”

When he didn’t kiss her back, she looked at him and saw his eyes widen as he looked behind her. Then she heard Mac’s voice, “Well, you two are out early.”

Georgie turned around and looked up at him, “Hi Daddy – did you just get off work?”

Mac sat at the table with them, sipping his coffee, “Almost – I’ve got some paperwork to wrap up. Did you see your Mother this morning?” Georgie shook her head, and Mac continued, “She sent me an email saying that she was going in to New York, and she wanted to treat you and Dillon to a show.”

Dillon’s expression brightened, “Really?”

Mac looked at him suspiciously, “Yeah – really. And you - behave. Got it?” Dillon nodded, his expression still surprised. Mac shook his head and sighed – his beautiful, straight-A daughter….could have gone out with any kid in school…..and ended up with him.

Georgie pulled out her cell phone and checked her email – quickly reading the message from her Mom. They needed to be on the 12:15 train…she gulped down the rest of her coffee and kissed Mac on the cheek, “Thanks Daddy! Try to get some sleep – you look tired!” she said, grabbing Dillon’s arm and pulling him out of Kelly’s as he tried to gulp down the last of his coffee.



Doug had insisted that Georgie work at least a few hours at the Pizza Shack, and she and Dillon barely made the train. They missed seeing Felicia on the platform, and, as the train pulled out, they checked the cars looking for her. In the fourth car, they found Maxie and Jesse, talking quietly and oblivious to everyone around them. Georgie stopped short, and Dillon, carrying both their bags, ran into her. He shook his head and Georgie pointed at Maxie and Jesse in response. Georgie cleared her throat, an eyebrow raised, “Um – hello?”

Maxie looked up at them and smiled, “Hi! You made it!”

“Um, yeah. Did Mom invite you and Jesse too?” Georgie hoped she hid the disappointment in her voice – she had hoped that this was a sign that Felicia and Mac were softening their stance on Dillon a little. She and Dillon had been together for what seemed like forever. Maxie and Jesse were just starting out – with all of them included, it was less about accepting Dillon than about Felicia trying to be fair.

Georgie saw that Jesse looked confused as Maxie answered, “Well…why don’t you two sit down?” she said, gesturing to the empty seats across from her and Jesse.

Georgie crossed her arms and frowned as Dillon started stowing their bags on the shelf over their seats. She knew her sister well enough to know when Maxie was scheming. “What’s going on, Maxie?”

Maxie pulled a water bottle out of her bag and took a gulp. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Georgie glared at her sister, sat in the aisle seat, and pulled out her cell phone, speed dialing 4 for her Mom. After the second ring, she heard Felicia’s voice answer, “Hi sweetie!” Georgie saw Maxie start to shake her head and mouth the word “No” to her.

“Hi Mom – just wanted to see how you’re doing,” Georgie continued to glare at Maxie, although her voice on the phone was pleasant. Jesse and Dillon looked at both girls in utter confusion.

“I’m fine, sweetie – did you get my note?” Felicia asked brightly.

“Geez, no, Mom. What did it say?” Georgie crossed her legs and started to tap her foot impatiently.

“I’m sorry, baby, I need to go out of town for a couple of days – I should be back by Monday.”

“Oh – ok – where are you going?” Georgie’s foot began to tap harder. Dillon now realized what had happened, and started to hit his head against the window.

“DC – the plane’s about to take off – but, if you need me, I can – “

“Oh no – Mom, please, I can take care of myself.”

“I know honey – but, just in case.”

“No problem – have a good time.”

“Love you, sweetie.”

“Love you too, Mom.” Georgie’s face was impassive as she looked down, closing her cell phone and putting it back in her purse. She glanced over at Dillon next, still tapping his head against the window. Jesse just looked confused – he hadn’t been around Maxie long enough to figure her out yet. But Georgie and Maxie had spent most of the past few years competing for the title of reigning master of stupid, impulsive behavior. Georgie was now ready to concede the title to her sister. “What were you thinking?” she asked angrily.

Maxie leaned forward, and tried to explain, “Look – I did it for you – you’re working too hard – you need to unwind. This is just so you and Dillon can have a couple of days on your own without Mac breathing down your neck.”

Jesse leaned over to Maxie and put his hand on hers, “What’s going on?”

Before Maxie could explain, Dillon interrupted. “Georgie and Mac got emails from Felicia saying that she was going to treat Georgie and me to a show in New York. Only Felicia didn’t send the email, did she Maxie?” Georgie was glad to see that he’d stopped beating his head against the window.

Maxie sat up straight, and looked aghast at both Georgie and Dillon, “What the hell is your problem? How about a ‘thank you’?”

“Thank you?” Georgie said, her anger beginning to show, “For what? You know Mac’s going to think this was my idea – or Dillon’s. Do you know how long we’ve been trying to get Mac to trust us? Here, “ she grabbed Dillon’s hair and moved the side of his head closer to Maxie, as Dillon winced, “Do you see that?,” Georgie pointed to a small scar just behind Dillon’s hairline, “That’s where Dad bashed Dillon’s head in the door when we first started to try to get Mac to like him. We’ve come a LONG way since then, and I am NOT going to let YOU screw it up for us!” Georgie let Dillon’s hair go, and he leaned back in the seat, rubbing the side of his head with one arm, and putting the other around Georgie. He hadn’t realized she’d noticed the scar.

Maxie pouted, leaning back in the seat with her arms crossed as she and Georgie stared at each other. Jesse watched them uncomfortably for a moment, and then looked out the window. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Dillon sighed, and pointed to a field they were passing. “You see that?”

“What?” Jesse asked, not seeing anything noteworthy.

“That field – that’s where they’re going to find my body.”

Georgie frowned, still glaring at Maxie, “No, they won’t. There won’t be enough left for them to find.”

Maxie stood up, her fists clenched in frustration, “All right – I screwed up – AGAIN. I’m sorry, ok?” she turned and made her way down the aisle away from them.

Jesse watched her leave, and then turned as Dillon kicked his shin. “Go after her,” Dillon whispered.

“What? Why?” Jesse asked.

Georgie and Dillon both rolled their eyes, “Because it will show her that you care about her,” Georgie explained patiently.

Jesse grimaced and nodded, “Look – I’m sorry about this.”

Georgie and Dillon put on strained smiles for Jesse’s sake as he left. “You know, “ Dillon observed, “It’s much easier to see that from the outside.”

“Sorry? See what?” Georgie said, her smile fading away.

“When to run off after the girl, “ Dillon pulled her closer, “I seem to remember there were a couple of times when I should have run after you.”

Georgie smiled, and looked up at Dillon, “It would have saved us some time.”

Dillon smiled back, “And sleepless nights.”

“You lost sleep over me?” Georgie asked, lacing her fingers with Dillon’s.

“Of course – didn’t you lose sleep over me?” Dillon pulled Georgie’s hand up and kissed it.

Georgie chuckled a little, “More nights than you want to know about.”

“Ok, “ Dillon kissed the top of Georgie’s head, “From now on – even if I think you want to be alone, I’m going to follow you around like a lovesick puppy.”

“Promise?”

“Promise…besides – we’ve got better reasons to lose sleep.” They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and Georgie had thought Dillon had fallen asleep until he asked, “So – what do we do about this?”

Georgie sighed, “We call Mac, tell him what happened, and take the first train back.”

Dillon nodded, “Ok – that sounds easy enough.”

“That’s the problem – it always sounds easy,” Georgie stretched her legs out, “but something always goes wrong.”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 4

Jesse found Maxie in the dining car, staring out the window and sipping a soda. She didn’t notice him, and jumped a little when he put a hand on her shoulder. “How you doing?”

She turned toward him, smiling weakly, “Sorry – didn’t mean to ruin our trip.”

Jesse sat down next to her, “You didn’t ruin anything. They’re just a little mad that you tricked them.”

Maxie shook her head, “You know, a year ago they would have thanked me.”

Jesse looked a little surprised, “They’ve been going out for a year? I mean, aren’t they a bit young?”

Maxie chuckled, “Closer to two and a half …well, off and on. They broke up a couple of times, but Georgie was always in love with him, and I think Dillon was always in love with her.”

Jesse leaned back, “Jesus – the longest relationship I’ve ever had was about 6 months.”

Maxie leaned forward, “Same here – why’d you break up with her?”

Jesse shrugged, “She broke up with me - couldn’t take the cop thing. How about you?”

Maxie grimaced, “He was such a creep – Georgie, Mac, even Dillon, they all tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen,” she brushed her hair back, “I guess I needed to prove something.”

“Did you prove it?”

Maxie leaned back and crossed her arms, “The only thing I proved was that I was an idiot – he used me, and I let him. But that’s not going to happen again, “ she smiled, “I’m much better at picking out guys now.”

“Is that a good thing for me?”

“Oh yeah – you pass the “nice guy” test. I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.”

“So…,” Jesse took Maxie’s hand, “Does the cop thing bother you?”

Maxie looked down for a moment, and then back at Jesse, “I’m not sure,” she said with a smile, “ask me in six months.”

“Four months – it’s already been two,” Jesse corrected.

Maxie leaned in and kissed Jesse, “Please,“ she said softly, “we can break that record without even trying.”



Georgie leaned against Dillon, and Dillon noticed that she was staring at her cell phone. “So – you going to call before we hit the city?”

Georgie sighed, “Yeah….the earlier we call, the more points we score. I just don’t feel like trying to explain this, you know?”

Dillon nodded, “You want me to call?” he offered half-heartedly.

Georgie laughed, “Oh, yeah – Mac would love that.” Georgie smiled weakly, sighed again, and hit speed dial 2 on her phone. After the fifth ring, she began to hope that voicemail would pick up, but Mac answered on the next ring, his voice groggy. “Scorpio.”

Georgie suddenly remembered that Mac had worked all night, “Oh – dad, I’m sorry – did I wake you up?” She frowned and looked over at Dillon, who took her free hand.

“S’okay – what’s going on? Are you ok?” Mac’s voice started to sound more awake as his instincts kicked in – Georgie wouldn’t be calling this soon unless something were wrong.

Georgie closed her eyes and grimaced, “We’re fine –it’s just that Mom couldn’t make it, and we didn’t find out until we were already on the train. As soon as we hit Penn Station, we’ll take the next train back.”

“Is she ok? What happened?” Mac’s voice sounded fully awake now.

Georgie looked at Dillon as she spoke, “I don’t know what happened – but I talked with her, and it sounded like she was ok.”

There was a pause before Mac responded. “Ok….thanks for calling. Be careful – New York City can be a dangerous place.”

“We’ll be fine, Dad – we won’t even leave the station.” Georgie said, hoping he wouldn’t start asking questions that would start dredging up Maxie’s trick.

“Ok, then,” he paused again, “Put Dillon on the phone.”

“Um…sure….,” Georgie’s eyes widened in surprise as she handed the phone to Dillon – Dillon mouthed the word, “No” to her, and tried to push the phone away, but Georgie insisted, and Dillon scrunched his face into a frown as he answered. “Um – hi?”

“Look – I don’t know what happened – but I’m glad you two are being responsible about this,” Mac said slowly.

“Uh, thanks,” Dillon said, his face relaxing a little as he looked at Georgie.

“I just want you to tell me that you’re going to take care of Georgie while she’s there.” Mac finished.

“Yes, sir – I promise. I’ll protect her with my life,” Dillon answered. Georgie rolled her eyes as she realized why Mac wanted to talk to Dillon.

Back in Port Charles, Mac rubbed his temple – why the hell did everything get so dramatic with this kid? “Look – you’re just going to be in Penn Station for a couple of hours – I don’t think life and limb are going to be at risk.”

Dillon swallowed nervously, “No – of course not…it’s just that, if it ever came to it…” his voice drifted off.

“Just put Georgie back on,” Mac requested with a tired voice.

Dillon let out a sigh of relief as he handed the phone back to Georgie. “I’m sorry we woke you up – please try to get back to sleep,” Georgie asked.

“I will, sweetheart – be careful, ok?”

“We’ll be careful daddy – I love you!”

“I love you too honey,” Mac said, and Georgie listened as the phone clicked off on the other end. She sighed, switched the phone ringer off, and put the phone into her pocket.

Dillon leaned back in his chair, his arm around Georgie, “Well – that wasn’t too painful.”

Georgie shook her head in disbelief, “I can’t believe he asked you protect me.”

“C’mon – his beautiful teenage daughter in a den of iniquity like that? I’m surprised he didn’t call out the National Guard.” Dillon leaned over and kissed Georgie, “There is your virtue to consider, you know.”

Georgie laughed, “Sorry – no virtue left. Don’t you know I’m a wanton woman these days?”

“Well – I do seem to recall - “ Dillon began.

Georgie cut him off with a playful slap to his chest, “Careful, pal,” she said as they both laughed. They fell into a comfortable silence, and, after a few minutes, Georgie heard Dillon’s breathing slow down, and she realized he’d fallen asleep. Georgie smiled, snuggled closer to him, and closed her eyes.




Maxie and Jesse returned to their seats just before the train was about to pull in to Penn Station, and found Dillon and Georgie both asleep, their arms wrapped around each other. “Awww…” Maxie said softly, not wanting to wake them. She hurriedly pulled out her cell phone and took a picture of them before they woke up. They settled into the seats across from Georgie and Dillon, holding hands and staring out the window wordlessly.

Suddenly, the train stopped, and both Maxie and Jesse were thrown forward, landing on Dillon and Georgie, who woke, startled and confused. As they picked themselves up, they looked around the compartment, wondering what was happening, and saw the other passengers doing the same thing. Then, there was another jolt – this one stronger than the first, the crashing noise drowning out the passenger’s frightened screams…almost feeling as if it were in slow motion, the car began to tilt, and was then on it’s side.

Dillon looked around frantically, yelling Georgie’s name with a hint of panic in his voice, unable to hear his own voice. He barely noticed Jesse and Maxie to his left, pulling themselves out of a pile of luggage and overturned seats. Dillon began to throw the bags away from where he thought Georgie might be, and, after what seemed like an eternity, finally found her, dazed and struggling to get out from under the back of a seat. He pulled the seat away so that she could slide out from under it, and then helped her through one of the windows next to where they had been sitting, where the glass had popped away from the frame.

Dillon quickly looked Georgie over, asking, “Are you ok?” and praying that she wasn’t hurt.

Georgie nodded, staring numbly at the wrecked train. After the initial shock wore off, Georgie and Dillon hugged tightly, and Georgie whispered hoarsely, “Where’s Maxie?”

They looked along the tracks, but didn’t see either Maxie or Jesse in the crowd of passengers. They started to wander through the crowd, looking for Maxie, but, before they found her, the firefighters arrived, and began moving everyone further down the tracks to a small empty warehouse. Standing near the center of the room, they began looking for Maxie again – after a minute, Dillon tapped Georgie on the shoulder to get her attention and pointed near the door, where Maxie was standing. Georgie yelled Maxie’s name, and ran to her. Maxie heard her name, shouted to Georgie, and ran to meet her. They met in the middle of the room, hugging and crying.

Dillon ran a hand through his hair and looked around – it looked like this was where they were keeping passengers who weren’t injured. He thought back to a few months before, when Georgie had been in the hospital…it hadn’t looked bad when she fell then – but she’d hit her head…he looked back at Maxie and Georgie and remembered what Dr. Jones had told them when they discharged Georgie…she was well enough to go home, but the bones hadn’t healed completely, and wouldn’t for a long time – she needed to be very careful. Needed to be checked if she hit her head again, especially if she’d lost consciousness.

Dillon’s eyes widened, and he placed a hand over his mouth. She hadn’t been out of sight for long, but had been dazed when he found her – she might have passed out..he couldn’t be sure. Dillon saw a fireman by the door, and ran to him, “Um, excuse me?” he asked.

“Yeah, kid?” the fireman said – Dillon saw the name Antonelli on his jacket.

“Mr. Antonelli – my girlfriend, she needs to get to the hospital.”

Antonelli looked back into the room, his expression growing concerned, “Which one is she?”

Dillon pointed to Georgie and Maxie, “The girl in the blue sweater.”

“She looks ok – seemed ok when she walked in here.”

Dillon swallowed and tried to stay calm, “She’s recovering from a concussion, and hit her head again – the doctor told us that she needed to be checked out if that happened.”

Antonelli looked at Georgie again, and put a hand on Dillon’s shoulder, “Ok, kid, we’ll get her to the hospital – give me a minute to get an ambulance down here,” Antonelli said, reaching for his radio.

Dillon went back to Georgie, and put a hand on her shoulder. She looked away from Maxie, and he saw that they both had been crying. “Georgie – uh – I asked the fireman over there to get an ambulance for you.”

Both Georgie and Maxie looked at Dillon, confused. “I’m fine – “ Georgie began.

Dillon shook his head and interrupted her, taking her hand, “You might have gotten hit on the head again – remember what your uncle said when you got out of the hospital?”

Georgie shook her head, “I didn’t get hit on the head, I feel fine.”

Dillon swallowed hard, and held her hand a little tighter, thinking back to how scared he’d been when she’d been in the hospital, “Please – for me, ok?”

Behind Georgie, Maxie put a hand on Georgie’s shoulder, “He’s right – you should go.”

Georgie looked between the two of them and shrugged, “Allright,” she said reluctantly, with a half smile at them both.



Dillon sat next to Georgie’s bed in the Emergency Room – Maxie had let him ride in the ambulance with Georgie, and said that she and Jesse would catch up to them at the hospital. They hadn’t arrived yet, but one of the nurses told them that Maxie had called Mac to give him the details, and they were just waiting for the faxes of Georgie’s records to come through. A nurse poked her head into the room, “Excuse me, Miss Jones?”

“Yes,” Georgie answered.

The nurse smiled at them, “Your records came through, and there was a note,” she handed them the cover page from the fax, and written across the blank field in the middle was a note saying, “CALL ME! – Aunt Bobbi”.

Georgie looked at the note and chuckled, “Could you give her a call?” she asked Dillon.

Dillon looked over to the nurse – he didn’t want to miss the doctor, “Ma’am,” he asked the nurse, “How long do you think it’ll be before the doctor gets here?”

“He’s with another patient now – probably about 10 minutes. You can use your cell phone just outside the entrance.”

Dillon nodded, kissed Georgie’s hand, “I’ll be right back.”

“No – wait,” Georgie said, pointing to the bag holding her clothes. Dillon looked at her, slightly confused, and handed the bag to her. She rummaged through it for a moment and pulled out her cell phone. “She’s on speed dial 7,” she said as she handed the phone to Dillon.

Dillon nodded to her and took the phone. Going through the emergency room, he noticed it didn’t look too busy. Maybe there hadn’t been many injuries? Outside the entrance, he hit 7 on the phone – it picked up on the second ring. Bobbi’s worried voice came over the phone, “Georgie?”

“No – she’s still in the emergency room – it’s me.”

“Oh – Dillon – how is she?”

“She’s ok – she seemed ok after the crash, it’s just the Dr. Jones was pretty specific about what to do, you know?”

“Yeah, I know – it’s good that you’re being careful about this. Has the doctor gotten the CAT scan back yet?”

“No – not yet – we’ll give you a call when we get the results.”

“OK – could you make sure they send the scans back here? Tony wanted to check them.”

“Will do.”

“Oh – Mac said that Maxie was there too – is she ok?”

“She’s fine.”

“And you? You sound a little funny.”

“Just worried, that’s all.”

There was a pause on the phone, “You’re a good kid, Dillon. I’m glad you’re with her – and don’t tell anyone, but I think Mac is as well.”

“You’re kidding,” Dillon said in surprise.

“Well, Mac wants to be there himself, but he knows that you’ll take care of her….Look – why don’t you get back to her, ok? And make sure Georgie gives Mac a call when she can?”

“K – talk to you later, Bobbi.”

“Bye,” Bobbi said, hanging up the phone.

By the time he got back to the hospital room, Maxie and Jesse had arrived – Jesse stood by the door, and Maxie was in the chair next to the bed. Dillon stood on the other side of the bed, and took Georgie’s hand. “OK,” Georgie said, “You two can stop hovering – I’m fine.”

Dillon pretended to look hurt, “Hovering? I’m not hovering. This is the lovesick puppy thing I was talking about. Don’t worry – you’ll be used to it in a decade or two.” Georgie sighed, and laughed slightly as Dillon bent down to kiss her.

Maxie cleared her throat, “So – what did the doctor say?” she interrupted.

Georgie shrugged, “Nothing yet, but the nurse said he should be here soon.” Georgie looked over to Jesse, “Did you talk to the police? What happened?”

Jesse moved into the room a little more, “They’re still investigating – right now it looks like there was some sort of signal problem. Our train stopped when it wasn’t supposed to and got hit from behind.”

As Jesse finished, the doctor appeared behind him, and Jesse moved aside to let him in. “How are you feeling, Miss Jones?”

“Fine,” Georgie said with an uncertain smile. On each side of her, Maxie and Dillon took her hands.

“Good – that’s what I’d expect. The CAT scan did reveal a slight problem, though.”

“Slight problem?” Dillon asked, his voice worried.

“Miss Jones, you do have a very minor concussion – fortunately, it’s in a different area than your previous injury.”

Georgie nodded, “OK – does that mean it’s not a problem?”

The doctor moved over to the side of the bed, “Not entirely,” he pulled a blank sheet of paper from his clipboard, and drew a large oval. “Say this is your brain, “ he drew an “X” slightly off center, “This was your previous injury – it was a center of the brain that governed autonomic functions – that’s why you were unconscious for much of your previous injury.” He drew another “X”, this time on the front edge, “This is where you were hurt today – it’s in an area that governs reasoning and social behavior.”

Dillon looked at the doctor skeptically, “OK – so does this mean she’ll tell really bad jokes way too loud at parties?”

The doctor chuckled as Georgie playfully slapped Dillon on the back of the head, “No – normally an injury like this would have probably gone unnoticed. However, because of the previous injury there is still some residual pressure, so the effects may be a bit more pronounced. It is temporary, though – usually this will resolve itself in a day, but it could take a little longer.”

“What sort of effects?” Georgie asked hesitantly.

“Well, you’ve heard the expression “brain filter”? The instinct you’ve got that stops you from doing or saying things as soon as you think of them?,” Georgie nodded, “That might be somewhat suppressed until the pressure has decreased. So, yes, this could cause her to tell bad jokes too loud,” the doctor smiled.

Dillon raised an eyebrow at the doctor, “You’re kidding, right?”

The doctor shook his head, “Sorry – I’m afraid not. Please, all of you, keep in mind that this is a medical condition – she’s not really responsible if she says something that, well, that she normally wouldn’t.”

“Our Dad’s driving down here now – you’ll make sure he knows that, right?” Maxie asked.

“Of course. Now, we’re going to release you, Miss Jones, but – please be careful. There is always a chance that you could suffer a seizure, or that the pressure could continue to rise. I’d recommend that you stay close to medical facilities for at least 24 hours.”

“They’ll be staying at my cousin’s place for now – it’s just a couple of blocks away“ Jesse announced.

“Allright then – the nurse will give you a list of specific symptoms to watch for, and what to do. Do you have any questions?”

Georgie and Maxie shook their heads. Dillon said, “Doctor, could you send the CAT scans back to Georgie’s doctor in Port Charles?”

“Of course, “ the doctor answered.

Georgie and Dillon looked at each other, and then Georgie turned to Jesse, “Look – we really don’t want to impose. I’m sure we could find a hotel somewhere.”

Jesse shrugged, “My cousin’s out of town, and told me I could use the place whenever I wanted – and you need to stay near the hospital. Maxie and I will get a hotel room.”

Georgie was about to argue, but Maxie stopped her, “And you’re not going to argue about it,” Georgie smiled at Maxie, and Maxie began to shoo Jesse and Dillon out of the room, with the doctor beginning to follow them out, “Right – you two, out! I’ll help Georgie get dressed – we’ll be out in a minute.”

“Dillon can do that,” Georgie piped up, “I mean, it’s not like he hasn’t seen me naked before.” Surprised, the other three and the doctor turned to Georgie, who, realizing what she’d said, covered her mouth with her hands in shock as she looked at the startled doctor. “I didn’t really just say that, did I?”

The doctor shook his head and chuckled as he left, “As I said….”

“Hey,” Maxie said, sitting on the bed next to Georgie, “Don’t worry about it.”

Georgie nodded a little sheepishly, and then brightened as an idea occurred to her, “Maxie – do you think they have a planned parenthood clinic in the hospital? If Dillon and I are going to have sex tonight, we’re going to need condoms.”

Dillon closed his eyes and grimaced, and Jesse looked over to him, saying, “You are SO dead when Mac gets here.”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 5

Jesse’s cousin’s apartment was 4 blocks from the hospital, on the 3rd floor of a nicely kept up brownstone. Dillon made the trip with his arm protectively around Georgie, trying to keep her from getting distracted by the sights on the way. When they arrived, Jesse pulled out a large key ring and began to look for the correct key. “So - where’s your cousin?” Georgie asked, a little too loudly.

Jesse frowned, “Iraq - he’s in the Reserves. He should be home by Thanksgiving, though.”

“My God - your family must be scared to death!” Georgie said, again too loudly.

The door next to the apartment burst open, and, startled, the four of them jumped away quickly. The tenant, a middle aged man dressed in a flowered dressing gown and bunny slippers, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, brandished a baseball bat at them and, in a gravelly voice, yelled fiercely, “Get the Hell out of here, you punks!”

Jesse recovered quickly, smiled, and moved closer to the man, “Hi, Aunt Bunny.”

Bunny looked at Jesse quizzically, “Jesse? Little Jesse Beaudry?”

Jesse looked back at Maxie with a slight smile, “Yeah - it’s me. Denny said I could use the apartment if I ever made it up here.”

Bunny quickly broke into a smile, dropped the bat, and enveloped Jesse in a bear hug, “Awww - you remember your Aunt Bunny.”

Dillon unsuccessfully tried to suppress a laugh, while Georgie announced, "Oh - that's so sweet..."

Wrapped up in Aunt Bunny's arms, Jesse went limp, "There's no way I could forget you, Bunny,” he said hoarsely, “but....I…can’t…breathe….”

“Sorry,” Bunny said, breaking from the hug, but keeping one arm around Jesse’s shoulders. With his free hand, he pulled the cigarette from his mouth and gestured at the others. “So - introduce me to your friends.”

Jesse smiled, and pointed to Maxie, “This is my girlfriend, Maxie Jones,” Maxie moved forward as Bunny took his arm from around Jesse and shook her hand.

“Hi, Bunny!” Maxie said brightly.

“Well, hello sweetheart - aren’t you just the prettiest little thing.” Bunny said with a broad smile.

Jesse turned Bunny towards Dillon and Georgie, "And this is Maxie's sister Georgie and her boyfriend Dillon."

Georgie and Dillon both waved to Bunny, and said, “Hi Bunny.” With a surprised look, Georgie observed, "Do you know you look like Harvey Fierstein? Not from Independence Day or Death to Smoochy, but a whole lot like from Torch Song Trilogy."

Dillon looked at Bunny nervously, and put his arm protectively around Georgie's shoulders, relaxing only when Bunny laughed, "Why thank you sweetheart - I love him," he bent closer to Georgie to whisper in her ear, "but, between us girls, my legs are better."

Georgie giggled and looked up at Dillon, "I like her…or him?" she looked at Bunny inquisitively.

Bunny smiled, “Whichever you like, hon.” He looked at the four of them, and shook his head, “All of you aren’t going to fit into that closet Denny lives in…”

Jesse shrugged, “Maxie and I are going to find a hotel room.”

Bunny shook his head, “Please – Mickey’s room has been empty for months – he’s still trying to save the world one water purification project at a time.“ He leaned over to Georgie and Dillon, explaining, “That’s my son – he’s in the Peace Corps in some corner of the world dangerous enough to give me hives whenever I think about it.”

“Bunny, we really don’t want to intrude –“ Jesse began.

Bunny shook his head, “Don’t be an idiot, Jesse, Brad’s out of town, and I’m all alone for a few days,” his look turned disapproving, “And you know how much I hate being alone,” his tone sounding like an order. Bunny crossed his arms and turned to Georgie and Maxie, “You two girls – you look like you haven’t eaten in a week!” He wrapped his arms around Georgie’s and Maxie’s shoulders and led them in to his apartment, “Come on inside and let me heat up some of Mrs. Rabbinowitz’s homemade chicken soup.”

As Georgie entered the apartment, she asked, “Who is Mrs. Rabbinowitz?”

“Lovely lady who lives on the second floor – I cat sit for her when she’s away, and she feeds me when…”

Jesse and Dillon listened to Bunny’s voice fade away into the apartment as he led Georgie and Maxie in. Smiling, Dillon turned to Jesse, “Aunt Bunny?”

Jesse crossed his arms and stared defiantly at Dillon. “Yes. Aunt Bunny – AKA Benjamin Moscowitz. When I was growing up, my cousin and I used to hang out with his son after school, and he was the only adult who had any time for us. And, yes, he is….unique. But I’m going to warn you now, if you make one snide remark –“

Dillon put up his hands defensively, “No – no. No remarks. I – uh - just kind of wish my mom was more like him.”

Jesse smiled, “Ok, then,” he held the door open for Dillon, “Let’s go have some soup.”

Bunny suddenly appeared in the doorway, “Are you waiting for an engraved invitation?” He then frowned and grabbed Jesse’s hair. “You call this a haircut?” Jesse looked down suppressing a smile, “I’m getting Lupe up here to fix this before you go.” Bunny saw Dillon smiling, shook his head, and walked over to him, grabbing Dillon’s hair as well. “You’re just as bad….but I think Lupe can fix this too.” He pushed both Jesse and Dillon inside the apartment, “Jesse – show your friend to the kitchen!”




An hour later, they’d finished off Mrs. Rabbinowitz’s soup and moved on to Mrs. O’Brien’s cheesecake. Bunny had insisted on them at least trying to finish it off, since they were all too thin anyway, and he was on a diet, and it would have been a shame to waste such a nice cheesecake. Sipping coffee, Bunny leaned back in his chair, blowing cigarette smoke out the window. “Brad still doesn’t let you smoke in the house?” Jesse asked.

Bunny gave a non-committal shrug, “He won’t be back until Tuesday…if he’s going to leave me alone like this, then he deserves whatever he gets.” Bunny tapped the cigarette ashes into an ashtray, “So – how long are you in town?”

“Maxie and I were going to stay the weekend, but Georgie and Dillon should already be on the way home -” Jesse began to explain.

“Did you hear about the train wreck?” Georgie interrupted excitedly.

A concerned expression came over Bunny’s face, “My God – were you in that? Are you all ok?”

Maxie reached over and put her hand over Georgie’s, “The rest of us are all right, but Georgie has a slight concussion. We need to keep an eye on her for a day or so.”

Georgie rolled her eyes, “I’m perfectly ok…”

Bunny shook his head and took Georgie’s other hand, “No, baby – you can’t be too careful about this kind of thing.”

Georgie began to pout, and looked over to Dillon. “When are we going to bed?”

Dillon choked on his coffee, and hoarsely answered, “Um, soon…”

Georgie smiled, her eyes starting to brighten, “Well, I hope so, because I’ve been thinking about it and I’d really like it if you could do that thing with your –“

Dillon raced behind Georgie, covering her mouth before she could finish her sentence, and pulling her to a standing position. “Um, you know, I really am kind of tired,” he faked a yawn, “So – if you could get the door, Jesse, I think we’ll be going to bed, ok?”

Jesse wasn’t able to stop himself from laughing and choked out an “OK.”

“OK then,” Dillon said, swallowing nervously. “Say goodnight, Georgie,” he said, cautiously removing his hand from over her mouth.

“Goodnight, Georgie!” Georgie said with a giggle. Dillon placed his hand back over her mouth, and, with his other hand around her waist he half carried her to the door as she continued to giggle.

After they left, Bunny looked at Maxie and asked, “Head injury?”

Maxie raised her eyebrows and nodded. “Oh yeah. The doctor says she should be back to normal in a day or two.”

Bunny smiled, “I’ll bet you can’t wait.”

Maxie took a sip of coffee, “You have no idea.”




Dillon removed his hand from over Georgie’s mouth as Jesse closed the door, “Georgie – I’m sorry, but –“

He was cut off as Georgie spun around in his arms and began to kiss him enthusiastically. Surprised, he stepped backwards, and fell into an easy chair – Georgie jumped onto his lap and began to nuzzle his neck, “What’s wrong?” she whispered into his ear, “You seem a little reluctant.”

Dillon pushed her away a little, “Look – you’re not thinking straight right now…it’s sort of like you’re drunk…”

Georgie grabbed Dillon’s shirt and pulled herself closer. She smiled and raised her eyebrows, “I feel perfectly fine.” She began to kiss him again, slipping her tongue into his mouth…

Dillon pushed Georgie away and struggled to his feet, stepping away from her, “We…,” he gasped for breath, “We don’t have any condoms…”

Georgie moved next to him, and brushed up against him, smiling suggestively, “We’ll just have to think of other things we could do,” she started to reach for Dillon’s belt.

Dillon backed away toward the bathroom, “Georgie – can’t we just wait until you’re better?”

Georgie crossed her arms and pouted, “Are you tired of me?”

“What? No…of course not….it’s just,” Dillon stammered, “you’re not acting like you right now.”

Georgie’s pout turned into a frown. She nodded, “I know. I can see how I’m acting, at least intellectually. I just can’t help it right now. It’s probably freaking you out. I’m sorry.”

Dillon swallowed – she was starting to sound a bit more normal. He walked over to her and hugged her, “Don’t be sorry – it’s not your fault,” he said, pulling her closer. Georgie reached around and grabbed Dillon’s butt, giggling as she squeezed it.

Surprised, Dillon yelled, and jumped away, backing toward the bathroom. This was going to be trickier than he thought – Georgie could be downright devious when she wanted something. “I….I’m going to take a shower, ok? I’ll be right back.” Dillon closed the bathroom door quickly and locked it. He pulled the shower curtain back and turned on the cold water….Georgie wasn’t herself, and somehow it didn’t feel right. Almost like he was taking advantage of her. But, she was still Georgie, and she knew exactly how to get to him.




Georgie heard the shower running, waited a minute, and then tried to open the bathroom door, but found it locked. “Damn,” she muttered. She sighed and looked around the room. It was exactly what she expected a New York bachelor apartment to look like….

Georgie smiled. Bachelor’s apartment. Maybe Dillon was being so weird tonight because they didn’t have any condoms? Maybe Jesse’s bachelor cousin had a stash of condoms somewhere? She began to check every drawer and cabinet she could find, but came up empty. Pouting, she opened the window, sat on the edge and looked out. Finally made it to New York with Dillon, and someone had to throw a train on her head.

“Having trouble sleeping?” she heard Bunny ask.

Georgie stuck her head out the window and saw Bunny sitting by his window, smoking a cigarette. She smiled. Bunny was a guy – maybe a little different, but still a guy – so he might be able to help her out. She climbed through the window, crossed the fire escape to Bunny’s apartment, and grabbed Bunny’s free hand, “Please, Bunny, I need your help!”

Bunny looked alarmed, “Come on inside, sweetie,” he said, helping Georgie into his apartment. He sat her down by the kitchen table, sat across from her and took her hand, “What’s wrong, baby? Tell Aunt Bunny all about it.”

Georgie looked straight into Bunny’s eyes, “I need condoms.”

Bunny paused for a second and then raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”

Georgie looked at Bunny earnestly, “Look – Dillon and I are going to be having sex tonight, but we don’t have any condoms. Do you want to be responsible for yet another tragic teen pregnancy?”

Bunny shook his head with a slight smile, “Honey, you have no idea how ridiculous THAT thought is.” Bunny leaned back, and crossed his arms, considering the situation. After a moment, he stood up and headed out of the kitchen into a short hallway, “Follow me, hon.”

Georgie followed Bunny into the bathroom, where he opened the top drawer of a small chest and stood aside. The drawer contained what had to be dozens of condoms, most wrapped decoratively. Georgie raised an eyebrow to Bunny, who shrugged, “I’m a pack rat. Most of the parties Brad and I go to give these things away – but we never really need them.” He leaned against the sink and smiled proudly, “30 years of monogomy – you know?”

Georgie smiled and nodded. She looked in the drawer, picked up a bright red package and read the label, “Strawberry?”

A nostalgic smile came across Bunny’s face, “Heh…heh,” he muttered, “Strawberry….”

Georgie giggled, “Oh…I get it…you –“

Bunny quickly shook his head, and put a finger up to stop her from continuing, “No, baby, lets not go there, ok?”

Georgie nodded and stuffed a handful of condoms into her pocket. She stood on tiptoe, kissed Bunny on the cheek, and squeezed his arm, “You are SUCH a doll!” she gushed, and then quickly turned and ran back toward the kitchen window.

Bunny smiled as she started to climb out the window, and turned back to his own bedroom. Then it hit him: Window…Head Injury…Balcony…Three story drop. He called after her, “Georgie – honey- be careful!” and awkwardly sprinted back to the kitchen. By the time he got to the window and looked out, he saw Georgie wave to him and wink as Dillon helped her back into the neighboring apartment.



Dillon, wearing just a towel around his waist, helped Georgie through the window and hugged her tightly. After a second he held her out and arms length and yelled, “Just what in the Hell did you think you were doing?”

Irritated, Georgie broke away from him, “Excuse me?”

“You could have killed yourself!”

Georgie frowned, and angrily poked her finger at Dillon’s chest, “I am not a fragile little girl – got it? I have survived kidnapping, geekdom, fire, trainwreck – AND a broken heart.” She reached into her pocket, and threw the condoms onto the table next to the couch, “And a walk across six feet of fire escape to get these is NOT going to kill me.”

Dillon sighed, his anger disappearing. “Georgie, please – not tonight…you’re not acting like yourself”

Georgie threw her hands into the air, “The Hell I’m not!” she moved toward Dillon, poking her finger at his chest again as he backed away from her, “How do you know that this isn’t me? Maybe this is how I’m going to be from now on?”

Dillon grabbed her hand and stopped moving backward, “And what if you’re not? What if we do something tonight, and you regret it after you get better?”

Georgie looked into Dillon’s eyes, “I could never regret anything with you.” She moved closer to him, and realized that his skin was cold. She smiled, “You took a cold shower…” she observed.

Dillon backed away from her, and started to pull the cushions off the sofa, so that he could unfold the bed, “I never said that I didn’t want to,” he avoided looking at her, “just that we shouldn’t.”

Georgie sat in the easy chair and drew her knees up to her chin, wrapping her arms around them, “Until tomorrow?” she asked, watching him as he made the bed.

Dillon nodded, still avoiding looking at her, “Until the doctor says you’re better.”

Georgie sighed, and thought for a moment, “So – what do we do tonight?”

Dillon shrugged, “I don’t know – get some sleep?”

Georgie shook her head, “I’m not tired.”

“Ok – maybe we could talk for a while?” Dillon suggested, looking through a closet for bedding.

“About what?” Georgie called to him.

“I don’t know. Is there anything you want to talk about?” Dillon answered from inside the closet.

Georgie thought for a moment, and then raised an eyebrow. “I’ve got a question.”

“Ok – shoot,” Dillon responded, throwing a couple of pillows out of the closet into the room behind him.

“Was Sage better in bed than I am?”

Dillon looked back out of the closet, his eyes wide, “What? Why would you think that?”

Georgie stood up, and began gesturing with her hands as she spoke, “Look – she spent every day from the day I met her until the day she died telling me that she was hotter than I was, and that you’d never be satisfied with me.” Georgie shoved her hands into her pockets and shrugged, “I just wanted to know if that was true.”

Dillon went over to Georgie, and led her back to the easy chair. She sat down and he knelt in front of her, “It’s not true…she,” Dillon stopped, trying to figure out how to answer, “It’s like comparing Plan 9 from Outer Space with Citizen Kane – technically, they’re both movies, but only one of them is worth anything.”

Georgie smiled, “Am I Citizen Kane?”

Dillon kissed her hand and nodded, “and Casablanca, and To Have and To Have Not, and the Maltese –“

Georgie put a finger up to Dillon’s lips, to stop him. “Thank you.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Dillon got up and started to make up the bed. “Ok then – if it was so bad, why did you keep hanging around her after?”

Dillon sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, “Guilt,” he shrugged.

Georgie shook her head in confusion, “Guilt?”

Dillon sighed, “I felt guilty because it meant something to her, and she knew it didn’t mean anything to me.”

“She knew that it didn’t mean anything? Even before we got back together?” Georgie asked, surprised.

Dillon shook his head and sighed, “She knew that night…it was just at the time…well, you know, while we were…” Georgie nodded, and Dillon sighed again, “I…I, uh, called out your name.”

Georgie’s eyes widened, and she let out a low whistle, “Wow…no wonder that Euroslut hated me.”

Dillon looked at Georgie uneasily, and went back to making the bed, “I..uh…I thought that you didn’t hate her now.”

Georgie shook her head, “I don’t hate her anymore, but there’s no way I’ll ever like her.” She shrugged, and stood up, standing behind the chair, “I guess I’m sorry that she’s dead, but I’m glad that she’s gone. I know that makes me a bad person –“

Dillon dropped the blanket he was holding and walked over the bed to where Georgie was standing, hugging her tightly. “You are not a bad person. Anyone who went through what you did would feel like that – it’s just being human.”

Georgie nodded and laughed slightly, although Dillon could hear that she was fighting back tears, “How many people do you think something like that happens to?”

Dillon hugged her more tightly, “OK – it was a pretty unique set of circumstances,” he said with a laugh.

Dillon started to pull away from Georgie, but she stopped him, “Please. Today’s been so weird – nothing’s really been normal since I woke up in your arms this morning. When we’re together…I feel safe, and that’s all I want right now.” Dillon started to shake his head, “And, please don’t tell me that I’m not thinking normally. I love you, and I want to be with you,” Georgie smiled, “How could anything be more normal than that?”

Dillon looked into her eyes, and brushed a strand of hair from her face. He leaned over and kissed her softly – she responded, and they slowly moved toward the bed. Dillon reached under Georgie’s sweater, and lifted it over her head, while Georgie loosened the towel around his waist. They slipped under the covers, and Dillon reached over for a condom. As he was about to open it, he looked at the package. “Strawberry?” he asked, breathlessly.

Georgie took it from him and opened it, “Bunny recommended it….” she said with a smile.



Maxie and Jesse lay next to each other, flat on their backs, each staring at the ceiling. “I didn’t realize they made walls this thin,” Maxie whispered.

“Yeah….” Jesse whispered back. “So – was Sage the girl Georgie walked in on Dillon with?”

Maxie nodded, “Yeah – and Georgie’s right, I can see why the Euroslut hated her.”

“Georgie said she was dead?”

“Yeah – she was murdered a little over a year ago.”

“Did they ever catch who did it?”

“Yeah, but, well, Sage was Lorenzo Alcazar’s niece, and it never made it to trial.”

“Ah,” Jesse said. They were silent for a few minutes longer. “So…they’re….,” Jesse paused as he searched for a phrase.

“Noisy?” Maxie suggested.

Jesse shook his head, “Active.” He sighed and sat up, “How long do you think they’ll be…you know?”

Maxie shrugged, “No idea.”

Jesse smiled, “You mean your sister doesn’t give you every detail of her sex life?”

Maxie raised an eyebrow, “Details, yes. Exactly how long it takes, no.” She sighed and rolled over to her side, covering her ears with a pillow, “And this is a lot more detail than I ever wanted,” she said, her voice muffled by the pillow.

Jesse sighed, and looked at Maxie, the pillow wrapped around her head to muffle the noise. This wasn’t how he’d pictured their weekend. He lay back down, grabbed a pillow, wrapped it over his own ears, and, thought that if he were ever going to be able to face his neighbors again, he really hoped the walls in his apartment back home were thicker than this.

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 6

Georgie propped herself up with her right arm, watching Dillon as he slept. He was exhausted – she smiled – after the last two nights he had to be. She, on the other hand, should be just as tired, but couldn’t sleep. She grimaced and rolled onto her back…her stomach didn’t feel right. Almost the way it used to when she was little and she ate too much ice cream…

Georgie closed her eyes and sighed as she realized: three pieces of cheesecake. Maybe Dillon was right – she wasn’t in her right mind, and did something she’d regret. He just hadn’t realized it involved cheesecake instead of sex. She crawled out of bed and felt her way to the bathroom, hoping to find something in the medicine cabinet that would help.

She looked through the cabinet – nothing. What the hell had Maxie been thinking? Maxie had been there when she was little and had been up half the night with stomach cramps. Maxie should have stopped her.

Georgie made her way back to the fold out bed, and turned on the lamp, tilting the lampshade away to keep the light out of Dillon’s eyes. He groaned a little and rolled away from the light, but stayed asleep. Georgie dressed quickly, shut the lamp off, and slipped out of the apartment, making sure the door was unlocked before she knocked on the door of Bunny’s apartment.

It took a few minutes before she heard Maxie’s voice cautiously whisper, “Who is it?” from the other side.

“It’s me,” Georgie answered back.

There was a slight pause, and then Maxie asked, “Me who?”

Georgie sighed impatiently, “Me your sister, you moron! Let me in, dammit!”

The door opened a little, and Georgie saw Maxie peer through the narrow opening between the doorway and the chained door. She closed the door quickly again, Georgie heard the chain unfasten, and then the door opened, “Are you ok?” Maxie asked, worried, “I mean, I kind of thought you’d be tired.”

“What?” Georgie asked, pushing her way into the apartment, and sitting on an easy chair, drawing her knees up to her chin as she tried to ease the pain from the cramping.

Maxie shook her head, “Nothing,” she said, not wanting to explain what she and Jesse had heard through the paper thin wall. “What’s wrong?”

Georgie looked up at Maxie, “How could you let me eat that much cheesecake?”

Maxie closed her eyes and sighed, sitting on the arm of the chair and wrapping her arm around Georgie, “Did you have seconds?”

Georgie leaned into her sister, “Thirds,” she groaned.

Maxie hugged her again, and kissed the top of her head – it was almost like being ten again, when seven year old Georgie had eaten too much ice cream. “Let me check the medicine cabinet,” Maxie explained as she headed for the bathroom. She returned a minute later, “Sorry – nothing. Was there anything next door?”

Georgie closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, “Would I be here if there was?” she whispered.

Maxie nodded, “OK – I’ll just ask Bunny where we can find a drug store –“

Georgie shook her head, “No – I don’t want him to know I’m sick because of the cheesecake…he’s been so great.” Georgie opened her eyes, and stood up slowly, “There was a drug store on the way here, about a block and a half. I’ll just go there –“ Georgie started for the door.

Maxie ran in front of Georgie and blocked the door, “No – no – no,” she spread her arms in front of the door, “You’re not going into the wilds of New York City, alone, at 1am with a head injury.”

Georgie rolled her eyes and shook her head, “Of course not!” she pulled Maxie’s arm away from the door, “You’re coming with me!” Georgie flung the door open and headed for the stairs as Maxie frantically grabbed her jacket and chased after her.

In his bedroom, Bunny looked at the clock – 12:50 AM. Five minutes there, another five back, and five in the store. A girl deserved a little privacy when she was feeling under the weather, and it really was a pretty good neighborhood, so there wasn’t a reason to bring either of the boys in just yet. If they weren’t back by 1:05, though, he’d get Jesse and Dillon looking for them.



Maxie watched Georgie start popping Pepto Bismol chewables before they got out of the store. Walking had started to clear up the cramps for Georgie, and the medicine went to work quickly. Before they were even halfway back to the apartment, Georgie was feeling much better, and, at the corner just before the brownstone she paused, grabbing Maxie’s arm. “Do you hear that?” she asked.

Maxie listened for a moment, “Music?” she asked as she watched the still heavy traffic, wondering where the best place to cross would be.

Georgie nodded, and smiled, “Yeah,” she said distractedly as she wandered away, trying to follow the sound.

Maxie saw a break in the traffic and turned to where Georgie had been, but saw her heading away – almost like a kid following the pied piper. “@#%$,” Maxie cursed under her breath, quickly turning to follow and calling out, “Georgie! Come back!”

Georgie had a lead, and had always been faster than she was, so Maxie didn’t catch up to her until they found the source of the music – a dance club? Maxie wondered – but then she looked more closely, and grimaced. Not a dance club. A strip club. A male strip club. Maxie grabbed Georgie’s arm and tried to drag her away, “No way, little sister.”

Georgie pulled away from her, “Oh come on, Maxie – you can’t tell me you’ve never wanted to go into one of these places?”

“Buh…,” Maxie sputtered, “Look - do you want to have Dillon wake up alone, and tell him it’s because you were watching naked guys?”

Georgie defiantly put her hands on her hips, “He’ll be asleep for hours – we can just slip in, watch for a couple of minutes, and get out.”

“NO,” Maxie grabbed Georgie by the shoulders, “We’re not going in there – for one thing, we’re both underage.”

Georgie grabbed Maxie’s arm and tried to pull her toward the entrance, “Oh, come on, look at this place, do you honestly think these guys are going to card us?”

“Look,” Maxie tried to pull Georgie away again, “We’re both tired tonight – we can do this some other time.”

Georgie froze in place, “When?”

“When? I don’t know – some time –“

“No,” Georgie vehemently shook her head, “My “wild youth” is over…when other girls were getting grounded for going to places like this, I was getting grounded for seeing Dillon. I’m NEVER going to have a “girl’s night out”, because I’ll always be out with Dillon…and that’s perfect – I’m never going to want anything else. It’s just that I want to see what I’m missing, just for a couple of minutes,“ Georgie begged, and, as she began to see Maxie soften, started in again, “5 minutes – I swear, that’s all.”

Maxie looked over at the club, and then back at Georgie. She had a point – as much of a pain in the ass as dating could be, you did get to do stupid cool stuff with your equally desperate girlfriends. And Georgie probably wouldn’t do any of that – she’d circumvented casual dating and went straight to the “love of her life” stage. Maxie closed her eyes, and, against her better judgement, agreed, “5 minutes.”




Dillon sat up quickly when he heard the pounding on the door, and looked around, disoriented. Georgie had been here…but – he glanced over to the bathroom – the light wasn’t on…and her clothes – he distinctly remembered they’d ended up somewhere on the floor, but they were gone now. “Georgie?” he called, wondering if she’d locked herself out. He wrapped the comforter around himself, and opened the door slightly, keeping the chain fastened, “Georgie?” he asked again.

Instead of Georgie, there was a worried looking Jesse, who muttered, “They’re gone.”

Dillon closed the door slightly to unfasten the chain and let Jesse in, “What do you mean, they’re gone?” Dillon demanded, his eyes widening in worry.

Jesse found Dillon’s shirt draped over a chair and threw it at him, “You better get dressed.” Dillon frantically started looking for his clothes as Jesse explained, “Aunt Bunny heard Maxie and Georgie talking – they were going to a drugstore because Georgie had a stomachache, but they’ve been gone too long.”

Sitting on the bed as he pulled up his socks, Dillon looked up at Jesse, “What in the hell were they thinking? And why didn’t Bunny stop them?”

Jesse shook his head, “It’s close, and it’s a pretty good neighborhood…I’d have done the same thing,” he explained.

Dillon finished buttoning his shirt, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door, “Which way?” he asked curtly, only a half step in front of Jesse.

“We passed it on the way over – it’s about 2 blocks,” Jesse answered, passing Dillon as they left the building, and both breaking into a jog as they headed for the drug store. When they reached the store, Jesse slipped into police mode, and quickly found that Georgie and Maxie had been there, and left, about 20 minutes before.

Dillon looked up and down the street after they left the store, starting to panic. Jesse noticed, and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Keep it together – we’ll find them,” he said calmly.

“This is New York! Do you know what could have happened to them?”

Jesse frowned, “Hey – I grew up here, and I’m a cop. I know a lot better than you do – but, even if she did get hit over the head – Georgie’s a smart girl. She’s not going to do anything stupid.” Dillon closed his eyes as he tried to calm down, until Jesse added, “And she’s got Maxie with her.”

Dillon’s eyes shot open, “And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” he asked in disbelief. “I’ve known Maxie for longer than you have, and no one can find trouble like she does. If you’re counting on her to be the voice of reason, then we’re in SERIOUS trouble here.”

Jesse grimaced, knowing that Dillon was right. He loved Maxie, but he’d never met anyone who could leave a trail of havoc and destruction like she could. He sighed, stuffed his hands into his pockets, and headed back toward the apartment. “OK – why wouldn’t they come right back?” he asked, hoping Dillon might have an idea.

“If they’re ok,” Dillon added.

“They’re ok,” Jesse muttered, heading for a cab stand. “Do you have a picture of Georgie?” Jesse asked.

Dillon nodded, “Uh – yeah,” he reached for his wallet and pulled out a small photo.

Jesse took the picture, ordered, “Stay here,” and walked to the first cab in the line. He returned in a couple of minutes and smiled slightly, “The cabbie saw them – he was a bit worried about them, said they reminded him of his daughters. He saw them go to the next corner, and then they turned right.”

“Turned?” Dillon said incredulously, “Why in the hell would they turn?”

“I don’t know,” Jesse said, beginning to get irritated – and appreciating how much easier Lucky was to work with on an investigation. He headed toward the corner the cabbie had pointed out, and looked toward the direction that he’d indicated, trying to figure out why they’d turned.

Dillon reached the corner a few seconds later, and broke into a smile as he got there. “Do you hear that?” he asked.

“What?” Jesse asked distractedly, still looking for a clue as to where the girls had gone.

“Music,” Dillon said, smiling as he followed the sound. After a second, Jesse noticed that Dillon was moving away, and ran after him, catching up to him as he reached the source of the music – a nondescript strip club in the basement of a old building.

Jesse looked at Dillon, shrugging, “What?”

“They’re in there,” Dillon said, smiling.

“It’s a strip club,” Jesse said incredulously.

“A male strip club,” Dillon corrected.

“And just what makes you think they’re in there?” Jesse crossed his arms impatiently.

Dillon crossed his arms and stared back at him, “Knowing the Jones sisters, that’s what.”

“They’re underage,” Jesse countered.

Dillon raised an eyebrow and gestured to a bored looking bouncer, “I don’t think that’s an issue at this place.” Jesse shook his head, and was about to argue again, but Dillon interrupted, “Just show him the picture!”

Jesse and Dillon approached the bouncer, and Jesse held out the picture. The bouncer nodded, and pointed toward the stage. Jesse and Dillon turned together, and both peered into the room. Georgie and Maxie were dancing on a table, each holding a longneck beer and yelling catcalls at the men on the stage. “Told ya,” Dillon muttered.

Jesse looked at Dillon and sighed heavily, “Stay here – I’ll get them out.”

The bouncer put up a hand to stop him, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, kid,” he warned.

“What? Why?” Jesse asked, confused.

The bouncer shrugged, “They’re like a pack of wolves, buddy.”

Dillon looked at the crowd, “You know – I think he may be right.”

Jesse shook his head, “I can handle a crowd,” he said, wading in to the room. Dillon and the bouncer stayed in the doorway and watched Jesse’s progress. At first, he made pretty good headway, but there was soon a small crowd around him and he had to turn back. When he got back to the door, he was pale and gasping for air. “They’re….”

“Yeah, I know..like a pack of wolves,” the bouncer finished.

“They…..” Jesse stammered.

“Tried to tell you kid,” the bouncer smiled.

“They were just….,” Jesse searched for a word, and settled on, “grabbing…,” he said, his eyes still wide, although the color started returning to his face.

Dillon looked into the room and considered the situation, “Is there a back way in?” he asked the bouncer.

“Sorry kid, only the strippers get in that way,” the bouncer replied.

Dillon raised an eyebrow and looked at Jesse, “Hey – “ he started to say.

“No – no way in hell!” Jesse vehemently shot back, “We’re not going in there pretending to be male strippers.”

“Kid, they’re not even safe in there. The only safe way into that place is wearing a skirt.”

Dillon smiled, grabbed Jesse’s arm, and started to drag him back to Bunny’s apartment. “I know how we’re getting in.”

[JRK Archiver]

Chapter 7

Dillon had sprinted ahead of Jesse and, as Jesse hit the top of the stairs, a worried Bunny pulled open the door, and looked at Dillon's expression, "My God! Did you find them? Are they ok?"

Dillon nodded and stepped into the apartment as Bunny moved aside, "They're ok, but we need your help Bunny."

Bunny took Dillon's hand, "Of course - I'll do anything I can."

"They're in a strip club about a block and a half away - Jesse tried to go in and get them -" Dillon began.

Bunny's eyes widened as he interrupted, "Basement club? Don't card the kids?"

Dillon and Jesse looked at each other, "Yeah," Jesse answered cautiously.

"We just need you to go in there and get the girls out - that's all," Dillon added.

Bunny closed his eyes, and then shook his head, leaning against a chair as he lit up a cigarette, "I wish I could, boys - I really do - it's just I sort of...sort of got banned from that place."

"Banned?" Jesse asked, crossing his arms disapprovingly.

Bunny shrugged, "Well - Miguel was trying to earn some extra money, so he took a job there - you know..." Bunny paused trying to bring himself to continue.

"Stripping?" Jesse suggested, surprised.

Bunny glared at Jesse, "Yes- stripping,” he admitted, “I didn't like it, so I tried to get him out of there."

"And that's why they banned you?" Dillon asked.

Bunny shook his head and shrugged, "Well, more for the riot that broke out after I tried to get him off stage. Some of the audience members were a little upset, and pretty drunk, and...well - you know..."

"Yeah, we know," Jesse said, defeated. It had been a good idea....

Dillon thought for a moment, chewing nervously on a fingernail. Suddenly his eyes widened, "Plan B," he muttered. "Bunny - can I borrow a dress?"

Bunny raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"If you can't go in, I will," Dillon said determinedly.

"Are you insane?" Jesse shook his head, "You're never going to pass for a woman!"

"You'd be surprised," Dillon muttered.

Bunny stood up excitedly, "You don't have to! You just need to look like someone who's trying to look like a woman!"

"Bunny - you can't be serious!" Jesse looked at them both in disbelief.

"Please," Bunny smiled, taking Jesse's hand, "If anyone can get the two of you in there, it's me, honey."

"Two of us?" Jesse asked, backing away defensively.

"I can handle this on my own," Dillon assured Bunny.

Bunny solemnly shook his head, "Don't be an idiot - you're going to need someone to watch your back." He stepped back slightly and looked at Dillon, "OK - we're going to be able to use my clothes for you, but," he turned to look at Jesse, "I'm going to need to get some of Lupe's things for you."

Bunny reached for the phone, and Jesse glared at Dillon, "This is the stupidest idea I have EVER heard of," he said, shaking his head.

"Hey - I'm improvising!" Dillon defended himself, "And you don't have to go - I'll get both of them."

"There’s got to be another way....I mean, can't we just wait for them to leave?" Jesse asked desperately.

Dillon shook his head, "You want to take the chance that they make it back here sober before Mac hits town? You know he's on the way, right?"

Jesse put his hand over his eyes and groaned softly, defeated, "Yeah, I know.....this is still a stupid idea."

Dillon shrugged, "You got anything better?"

Before Jesse could answer, a knock came at the door, and Bunny answered, "Hola, Lupe!"

Lupe, thinner than Bunney, and a foot taller, handed a garment bag to Bunny and kissed his cheek, "Bunny! You look great - have you lost weight, honey?"

Bunny laughed, and pointed Lupe toward Jesse, "You remember Jesse? Mickey's friend?"

Lupe shrieked and reached down to hug Jesse, "My God," he said, shaking his head, "What have you done to your hair!"

"Hi Lupe," Jesse said, moving his head away from Lupe's grasp, "This is Dillon."

Dillon smiled and held out his hand for a handshake, "Hi," he offered.

Lupe ignored the extended hand, and pulled at Dillon's hair, "A Dios mio!" he exclaimed, "You're just as bad!" he shook his head disapprovingly. "When this is over - both of you," he gestured at their hair, "I'll take care of these."

Dillon looked at Jesse uneasily, "Uh, thanks," he said, uncertainly.

Bunny handed the garment bag back to Lupe and took both Jesse and Dillon's arms, dragging them toward the bathroom, "OK, boys," he announced, "Lets make you two look fabulous!"



Within 30 minutes Jesse and Dillon found themselves heading back to the club, both walking unsteadily as they tried to adjust to heels. As they stepped up onto the sidewalk, Jesse's foot slipped, and Dillon reached out to stop him from falling. Jesse pulled away angrily, "I'm ok!" he muttered.

The bouncer glanced at them when they walked up to the door, and then did a double take as he recognized them, chuckling softly and shaking his head.

Jesse crossed his arms and frowned, "So, you think we can make it in this way?"

The bouncer tried to suppress a laugh as he opened the door for them, "Well, I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole."

Dillon and Jesse paused as they entered, letting their eyes adjust to the light, and then they looked around the room. Dillon spotted Georgie and Maxie first, near where they had been before, standing close to each other and talking excitedly. He tapped Jesse on the shoulder, pointing them out. Jesse nodded, "Stay behind me," he advised, bracing himself for the crowd that had surrounded him the time before. This time, however, they passed through the room unnoticed, and reached Georgie and Maxie as the music from one set finished up. Jesse tapped Maxie on the shoulder, and Dillon placed his hand on Georgie's arm.

Both girls turned toward them, Maxie shrieking and throwing her arms around Jesse's neck while Georgie kissed Dillon and hugged him - then backing away as she realized what he was wearing. "Um, first, why are you here? And, second, why are you dressed like that?"

Dillon sighed, "I'm here to bring you back to Bunny's before Mac shows up -"

Georgie's eyes widened, "Oh my God! I forgot he was on the way - we've got to get out of here!" she began to look around frantically, and Dillon tapped her on the shoulder, shrugging. "Purse!" she said.

Dillon nodded, looked around for a moment, and found both Georgie's and Maxie's purses hanging from the backs of their chairs - he grabbed them and handed them to Georgie, who gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Georgie tapped Maxie on the shoulder, and handed the purse to her, "We've gotta go, Maxie."

"Uh-uh," Maxie whined, giggling with her arms still around Jesse's neck, "I LIKE IT HERE!" she yelled. The women at the table in back of her cheered her on and raised their glasses.

Jesse smiled patiently, "You're drunk," he observed.

Maxie's eyes widened, and she shook her head, trying to look shocked, but then broke down in a fit of giggles, "Maybe a little..." she said, holding her fingers a couple of inches apart. “I just had a little teeny-tiny drink.”

“And the drinks I didn't want,” Georgie added.

Maxie giggled again, “Oh yeah, them too....”

Jesse spun her around and began moving her toward the door, “C'mon, sweetheart, let's get you back before Mac shows up.”

Maxie and Jesse headed to the door, Georgie and Dillon following, when an arm suddenly appeared in front of Dillon, blocking their way, “Where do you think you're taking her?” a man's voice accused.

Dillon turned toward the voice, and saw one of the dancers, dressed as a cowboy, who rather disturbingly resembled Lucky. Dillon cleared his throat, and tried to stay calm, “Look, I'm just trying to get her home, ok? It's a little late, and -”

The cowboy shook his head, “Unh-unh. I been buying drinks for beautiful here since she got here, and if she goes home with anyone, it's me.”

Georgie moved between the two of them, “I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea – but I've got a boyfriend,” she said, gesturing toward Dillon, “and -”

The cowboy interrupted, “Your'e kidding, right? You're not seriously going home with that,” he gestured at Dillon, “instead of me.”

“Hey!” Dillon said, starting to move toward the cowboy, but was cut off by Georgie.

She pushed the cowboy back with a finger in his chest, “Yes – I am going home with him – and it doesn't matter what the hell he's wearing – because, believe me, his is more than twice the man you are in every conceivable way.”

The crowd around them quieted slightly, and a few members of the crowd looked at Dillon appraisingly. Dillon looked around nervously and decided a strategic retreat was in order. Jesse, noticing the problem, went back to Georgie and Dillon. “Hey, she's underage anyway, ok?” Jesse said, trying to push the cowboy away. “Jailbait – you don't need that kind of trouble.”

The cowboy looked at Georgie angrily, “She's a @#%$ skank – just like all the other bitches in this place!”

The crowd grew silent, and Maxie, behind the cowboy, spun him around, “Take that back! You can't say something like that about my sister!”

The cowboy smirked, “You saying I'm wrong? That I should take the word of a drunken slut like you?”

Without thinking, and before anyone else could react, Jesse spun the cowboy back around again, and swung at him, connecting with his jaw. One of the other dancers, dressed as a biker, lunged at Jesse – Maxie jumped on the biker's back, trying to pull him away.

The crowd, already angry at the cowboy for his remarks, erupted. Dillon began to wade in to help Jesse, but Georgie saw a chair flying directly at Dillon and pulled him away from it. Dillon looked around and decided that Jesse and Maxie could take care of themselves – he needed to make sure that nothing happened to Georgie. Dillon grabbed her, and they moved away from the stage, tipping a table over and wedging it into a corner so that they could hide. Georgie peeked out, trying to find Maxie, and thought she caught a glimpse of her in the middle of the crowd that was trying to storm the stage. Dillon pulled her back under the table, “Are you ok?” he asked worriedly.

She smiled weakly, “Yeah. You?”

Dillon nodded, “Don't worry about them – Maxie and Jesse can take care of themselves.” A chair crashed beside the table and both of them flinched.

“Um, Dillon? What's with the dress?” Georgie asked.

Dillon sighed, “Jesse tried to get in here before, but the audience attacked him – I guess they thought he was one of the strippers or something.”

Georgie shook her head, “Couldn't you have gotten Bunny - “ she began to ask.

Dillon smiled, remembering Bunny's story of how he'd gotten banned from the club, “That was the plan, but he couldn't do it. Said he'd been here before and caused a riot. At the time, I thought he was exaggerating...” Dillon laughed slightly.

Georgie smiled back, and the two of them crouched under the table, Dillon's arm wrapped around Georgie protectively as they waited for the rioting to subside. Several minutes later, when the noise had died down, Dillon peered out, just as an NYPD officer began to look behind the table. The officer reached down and grabbed Dillon's arm, pulling him up, “Come on, ma'am - “ he began, and then corrected himself as he took a closer look at Dillon, “I mean, sir. We're going to need the two of you to take a little trip to the station along with everyone else until this gets sorted out.”



Bunny paced nervously as the time dragged on. He'd insisted that Lupe leave – there wasn't anything more that he could do, and besides, Lupe had to get up for work the next day. And now, alone, he alternated between watching the clock and the phone, wondering what could be taking Jesse and Dillon so long. Nearly 45 minutes after the boys had left, there was a knock on the door, and Bunny flung it open, “Jesse – what the hell,” Bunny began, stopping short when he realized that it wasn't Jesse at the door, but rather a 40 something dark haired man. Bunny pulled his robe a little more tightly around himself, and crossed his arms, “I'm sorry – I was expecting someone. Can I help you?”

Mac Scorpio nodded, “I hope so – one of my daughters' friends left this address as a contact location while they were in town, and I was hoping to find them.”

“Your daughters?” Bunny asked, desperately trying to think of a way to stall Mac.

Mac smiled and took out a photo of himself, Georgie and Maxie, with him in the middle, his arms around both of them, “Georgie and Maxie Jones?” he said, offering the picture to Bunny.

Bunny took the picture and smiled, thinking of how he'd felt when Miguel had tried to hide things from him. He looked at Mac and smiled, “They should be back any minute. Would you like to come inside for some coffee?” Bunny offered.

Mac nodded, “Thanks – I'd appreciate that.” Mac extended his hand, “I'm Mac Scorpio.”

Bunny shook Mac's hand, “Ben Moscowitz – but please, call me Bunny.”