*Michael's Point Of View *

After finding what I needed, Bill, Rafael, and I took the kid's out for lunch. With Soho being quite a lively city, we had a hard time making a peaceful transition from a peaceful, quaint Mulberry Library to the bustling  Delicatessen restaurant. One of Soho's best family orientated of downtown. On the other hand, the transition was better than our procedure to fight off the pesky paparazzi; that hid behind nearby bushes.

I don't think I'll ever get used to the whole "Being watched by the entire state of California!", thing, as my father puts it. So to have to endure this in New York as well, just adds pain to my misery.  But of course I am learning to ignore it and continue on. "Alright, Who ordered the five piece chicken tenders with lightly salted fries?", Our bubbly, blonde waitress asks returning with a cart of different meals.  Dylan's hand takes no time for her to search for the owner of the order as it shoots up, waving desperately.

"over here miss! ", She giggles at the energetic Dylan before placing his plate in front of him. "Here you go handsome.", Dylan blushes. "Thank-you. Umm are you from Tennessee? ", He asks in a rather flirtatious tone. I chuckle, expecting instant rejection for my poor son. Instead the honey-blonde waiters let's our a small laugh as if she knew what was coming next. Flashing a smile, she replies in a terrible Texan drawl.

"Why no sir, I am from here, Born and raised.", Dylan stands up and walks over to her with a confident pep in his step. Taking her hand he searches the area of our two tables. "Are you sure? Because even if you aren't, You're the only ten I see.", He slowly pecks her hand. I can't even hold back my laughs right now. My little boy, charming women like a man. She blushes, holding her hand to her chest dramatically.

"My my, Aren't you quite the charmer? ", Dylan nods. "Yes I am. And if it's not too much, I would like to take you for milkshakes, My treat.",-"Dylan! Please stop hitting on our waitress I'm hungry! " , Jasmine complains. Dylan's cheeks turn a deep shade of red as he returned to his seat. The waitress gives him a small smile. "Well honey, If my boyfriend would allow me, I would love to. But I don't think that will happen.", She declines.

"Ha-ha! You just got rejected! Wow...Umm can I have my food please? ", Jasmine asks sweetly after her insult. We all join in with a few laughs as the waitress shook her head and passes out our order's. Within two minutes, the kid's and Rafael were moaning from the deliciousness of their meals while Bill and I talk of my newfound information. "Mike I really think you should just leave it. This can blow up in your face.", Bill warns, sipping at his tea. I roll my eyes.

"Bill this man lied about everything. His name isn't even Channing! I want to know why he lied.", Bill shakes his head in disappointment. "Okay, you're a grown ass man I get it. But that doesn't mean you do dumb ass thing's. ", He pushes onward. "Bill if thing's fall out of place, your salary says for you to pick up the pieces.",-"My salary also says for me to not interfere in my bosses personal life.", He huffs.

"Yet you still do it. Look, just have my back on this one, please?", He stares into his mug for a few long minutes. "Alright. I got your back but if this doesn't work out I'm going to personally kick your ass if he doesn't. ", I chuckle. "You wouldn't let him touch me.",-"Mhm...You know, I overheard Brandon and David talking about getting hitched next month.", I glance behind Bill, where Brandon, David, Jasmine and Dylan were sitting at the next table.

"I honestly almost forgot about that. I'm glad he isn't worried about the asshole tabloids. ", Bill glances up from his mug. "I think it does still bother him. But I'm happy he wants to go through with it anyways. ",-"Man it's crazy... ", I exhale, picking at my salad. "What's crazy?", Bill asks. I shrug. "I don't know. My son is getting married and the entire California will be on look out.", Bill stands up from his chair.

"That's why I'm here. Plus Michael it comes with the territory. You can't climb the ladder of success without tripping or slipping on a few steps along the way.", I nod and mirror him. "You're right now round up the monsters and let's get out of here", Bill chuckles and walks towards the kid's. I throw our bill on the table along with it's due amount plus a twenty-dollar tip. Once everyone was rounded up, Bill and Rafael escorts us out and we head home to our hotel.

*Marilyn's Point Of View *

I just returned to the suite from a eventful day at the Avon convention. Thank God this was the last day. I am pretty confident about my future with my new partnership with Avon. I am joining forces with them to start a new make-up line entitled Bella-Jackson. It would consist of all natural powders and cremes that won't pancake-up on your face and skin just give it a youthful natural glow; in a beautiful blend. I can't wait to tell Michael about this new project.

It would be big for our family name. As of now, I'm preparing for a much needed hot soak. I am literally shaking from being on my feet all day. Therefore this soak in vanilla and coconut oil will do just the trick. I remove my pumps and toss them near the end of the bed along with my shoulder-length maroon blazer. Walking towards our suites Chester, I search for a nice nightgown with matching nude undergarments.

Finding these items, I grab my hotel robe from the end of the bed. Walking towards the bathroom, I grab my I-dock and plug it in. I turn towards the tub and turn the knobs, pouring in the vanilla oil along with the vanilla bath crystals. To top it off, I pour in an adequate amount of coconut bubble bath. Once the water was full with bubbles and at a warm temperature, I remove my clothes and switch on my I-dock to my Luther Vandross station.

I slowly climb into the tub, allowing the warm water to suck me in. Always And Forever is playing in the background.  I wrap up a towel and place it beneath my neck as I lean back in relaxation. I swear this is exactly what I needed. Closing my eyes, I slowly run a sponge over my arms, allowing the suds to claim territory over my skin. Not even ten minutes into my soak until I was interrupted by two voices. The owners; Michael and Bill. Here And Now is playing, drowning out most of their conversation. 

"Bill I'll tell her! We talked about this at the restaurant! Please just go get Jordyn from Darrel he can't handle a one year old by himself. ", Michael instructs, clearly agitated. I sigh and try to enjoy a few more minutes of peace. I hear the suite door close swiftly, before footsteps neared my sanctuary. "Mama? Are you in here?", He calls, softly knocking on the door. "Yeah. I'm in here.", The bathroom door slowly opens, revealing a tall, curly maned, ivory toned, tired, Michael. He smiles, glancing over my state.

"Why wasn't I invited for a bubble bath?", He grins, walking up to the tub. I giggle. "Well you weren't here. Therefore you missed out.", I tease, throwing a handful of suds in his direction. He chuckles and sits on the edge of the tub. Glancing at my exposed, pastel, pink painted toes, he chuckles lightly. "What are you laughing at?", I frown. He glances back at me. "Your piggies are wrinkled.", He laughs, shaking his head at his idiotic joke.

"Oh shut-up!", I splash water on his off-white V-neck. Michael glares at me playfully. "Don't make me come in there girl, with those damn prunes you call toes!",  I couldn't hold back my laugh anymore. "You're an asshole.", Michael nods and scoots down the edge of the tub towards my face. "And I love you too.", He teases, taking my lips captive. I bite down on his bottom lip just as he was breaking the kiss.

"I love you still I guess.", I tease, slowly releasing his bottom lip. "Don't start mama. Now how was your day?", I sigh and lean back. "Stressful but, I think Avon and I are going to be great partner's soon. ", Michael nods and claps his hand's. "I'm proud of you babygirl. So Bella-Jackson? ", I cheese and nod. "Yes. It's simple and elegant. Much like the collection. Now tell me about your day. I heard you and Bill, didn't sound too great.", Michael rubs his temples.

"Luther is giving me a headache... ",-"Michael... ", I scold. He sighs deeply. "We were talking about some information I found out...", I slowly sit up. "About? ",-"Channing.", I roll my eyes. "Michael would you let it rest. He's out but doing his own thing. Leave him alone.",-"He's not what you think he is... ", I close my eyes. I really don't want to hear this right now. Michael is obsessed.

"I don't care who he is...",-"You should because he lied about everything. He's not Channing, Not even close. He's Tatum Chanson Ashley, a past alcoholic with a violent history. ", I shake my head in disbelief. "Wait what? Violent history?", Michael nods and continues. "The man has a long list of charges filed against him, number one charge; identity theft.", I lean back again. This is a lot to process. I dated a criminal. That's a new low for me.

"He was around our children... He kissed me...he lied to me.", I whisper aloud. "Mama it's okay. I'm going to get justice for this. This man should be thrown back into jail.",-"Michael no..leave it alone. Let's just catch an early flight back to California. ", Michael nods. "But I want to pay him a little visit. Lying bastard.", He says lowly. "Michael leave it alone... ", He stands up.

"Not this time mama. I'm going to go get Jordyn. Enjoy your relaxation.", Before I could protest, he walks out with a wink. I sigh and glance up at the ceiling. No good is going to come out of this, I can feel it...

To Be Continued...