*James*

I get woken up right before people begin to filter in for the afterparty. Julia isn't in the room so she must be with Nate or Paul but everyone else is here. Including that guy, Noah. I don't know what I think of him yet. Or why he's even here. Is Nate looking for a new friend? Is he trying to set Trisha up? Because by the looks of it Trisha is VERY into Noah and Noah seems to be into Trisha. 

"It'll be nice to sightsee for a few days before we need to travel again." Casey chats it up with me and Jonah while we eat a little. She helps me with my food seeing as Julia is MIA but I can't help watching Trisha flirt with this guy. He's a good-looking guy so I'm not surprised but there's a tiny part of me that's a little jealous right now.

"Yeah," I answer with my eyes still on Trisha.

"You don't sound very excited." Jonah chuckles with a mouthful of food. This dude is always eating.

"It'll be great. I guess I'm just a simple man. I don't need to go off and see the world. I'm content in my own little world." I admit and look away when Noah puts his hand on Trisha's knee, laughing at something funny she said.

"Yeah, I understand that. Are you enjoying yourself or are you getting a little homesick already?" Casey asks and I shrug. 

"I don't know. Yeah. I miss my family. But I'm also having a good time too. The soccer game was fun. I guess I'm just more worried about Julia more than anything else."

"Tomorrow evening when we get back from the guided tour thing Jeremy said he wants to meet with Julia virtually. I'm going to bring up how he wants us to start detoxing her. Maybe she will feel back to herself once she's off this shit." Jonah looks up and stops talking as Julia and Nate enter the room now.

"Hey, great job out there. Thanks again for everything today. I'm probably going to head out soon but wanted to wait to thank you first." Noah stands up and throws his hand out for Nate to shake and Julia sits next to me.

"You're welcome to stay, have some food and stuff. Sorry no real drinks are offered. I can't be around that shit." Nate says to Noah.

"No worries, neither can I. Kinda how I lost the whole wife and kids and dog and house and....well you get the jist of it." He shoves his hands in his pockets and looks down at the ground.

"I get it. Well, man. It was great getting to know you today. You oddly kinda fit right in with this crowd of clowns. Seriously. Stay, get some good. flirt with that blonde a little." Nate ticks his head to Trisha who is sitting down now talking to one of his bandmates. Nate leaves to grab some food and Noah goes back to Trisha. But one thing I notice. 
His eyes are always on Julia when she's in the room. I don't even think she notices but I do and wonder if Nate does too by the way he glances over at Noah every once in a while.

Julia lays her head on my shoulder and yawns as we watch Casey put Maggie harness on to take the dog out one last time before we leave.

"I'm so tired." She whispers to me, not exactly enjoying the afterparty. I nod in agreement, ready to leave and go to the hotel. "And I'm a piece of shit."

"Huh?" I lift my head and look down at Julia.

"I've been avoiding Nate all day. You were sleeping but in the middle of the concert he sang a sad song and dedicated it to his dad. Apparently today is the anniversary of his father's death."

"Oh shit. I had no idea. I knew Hollan seemed a little off today." 

"Yeah. I can't believe I haven't been here for him today. You and I both know how hard this day is every year." She continues and I nod my head. 

"Yep. Every Christmas eve I replay Carter's last breath." I swallow hard.

"Christmas eve????" Julia sits up straight now and gives me her attention.

"That's the day he died." I inhale sharply and close my eyes for a moment.

"Holy shit, James.  Oh my God. That's awful. I had no idea he passed away on Christmas Eve. That must be so hard for you and your family." Julia throws her arms around me to cheer me up and I accept her hug.

"Christmas Eve. The time of year everyone else is so happy is the time of year I dread. Carter didn't even get to open his gifts the next morning." I choke up as my words come out and Julia begins to cry. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be a downer." I laugh a little but my eyes water just thinking about that day.

"You're not a downer, James. You're a dad."

*******

*Trisha*

"Today was so much fun. I really enjoyed hanging out with you." Noah smiles at me but I see his eyes drift towards Julia right after the words come out of his mouth. Seriously? Does EVERY fucking Male have to have a thing for Moretti? God damn it.

"I'm glad. Nate's a good guy. He doesn't do this often though. Invite strangers to hang out with him for the day." I laugh and Noah's eyes turn back to me now. "Actually....he's never done this before."

"Really? I thought it was something he must have done often by how nonchalant he was." Noah's focus is on me now and relief washes over me. Because I am REALLY into this guy. Not that it matters. We are here for just a few days before we travel again. Nothing will come from this.

"Yeah, no. Nate is a very private person. But he must really like you, Fireman Noah."

"Fireman Noah, eh? You make me sound so sexy." He smirks.

"Well, I mean...... you know you are..." I'm a pretty forward person and that catches Noah off guard a little. His face flushes up and he gazes at me before saying anything.

"You're not so bad yourself..." He says softly as his eyes drop down to my lips and back up again. Oh shit. I'm feeling all sorts of things right now.

"Hollan. Your driver is here." Paul mumbles tiredly. "Casey is on her way back from taking the dog out and then we should head out. I think both James and Julia are tired."

We both look over to where they are sitting, and Paul is right. They are barely keeping their eyes open. Neither are used to this lifestyle.

"Guess this is goodbye." I begin to stand but Noah takes me hand and I sit back down, now on fire just from his one little touch.

"Here. Put your number in my phone and I'll text you, so you have mine." He demands and hands me his phone. I'm no idiot. I definitely want his number. Even if nothing comes from this.

 Nate says goodbye to the band and everyone since we will be off for a few days and Paul escorts us out. 

"Hey. Thanks again Nate." I hear Noah say to Nate while we are walking.

"Hope you got her number." Nate says back and completely turns around and walks backways while looking at me. "What? You guys look cute together."

My face HAS to be ten shades of red right now. Is that what this was? I'm gonna fucking kill that bastard. Thank him first but then kill him!

***

"You're an ass." I say once we are piled in to the SUV.

"I think you meant to say. Thank you, Mr. Hollan." Nate smirks at me and pats my knee. "You're going to call him, right?"

"If you don't call him, I'm gonna." Casey blurts out then elbows Jonah. "Kidding, Kidding!!"

Jonah raises an eyebrow at her but then laughs. "Nah... like they say... once you go black you never go back."

The entire vehicle fills with laughter. Jonah is a pretty serious fella but when he cracks a joke, he's funny as hell. He even got Paulie to laugh a little at that one.

We pull up to the Ritz and I can see Casey, Jonah, James and Julia's eyes widen. The rest of us have been here numerous times but we can tell by the shock on their faces they have not been in a hotel like this before.

"Holy shit." James says under his breath to Julia once we walk into the main lobby. I check everyone in since I'm the one who made the reservations, and we all grab our keys. Of course, I gave Nate the usual. The presidential suite. We've been there before. We've had sex together in that room a few times actually. But tonight, I share a regular room with Paul. At the time I booked this, Paul and I were together. No one knows that though. Nate just assumed because Paul has always been with me since that whole Dave fiasco went down.

"Are you sure you don't mind sharing a room with me? I tried to get you a separate room, but they are sold out now." I look up at Paul as we walk away from everyone else with our rolling luggage.

"Do we share a bed?" He raises a brow while looking at me.

"Well, I can sleep on the couch. Obviously. But yes. There's one bed."

"If we share a bed then I don't mind." He flirts and I roll my eyes. Obviously, we are gonna have sex tonight. I think he knows that's a given even though we aren't together.

The second we walk in, and the door closes we can't keep our hands off each other.

"This is just a casual thing though, right Paulie?" I breathe out as he pushes me against the door and kisses down my neck. Fuck... he's got me all turned on within seconds.

"No strings attached. You can call that fireman right after if you'd like." He leans into me, and I feel his arousal against my stomach.

"Perfect." I look up into those smoldering sexy eyes and my hand travels down Paul's body.

"That dress is nice, but it needs to come off." He groans when I begin to palm him over his pants. I turn around to face the door and Paul unzips the dress, watching it fall to the floor, leaving me in just a red thong, black thigh highs and my heels.

"Jesus Christ, Banks."

*****

*James*

When Nate unlocks the door on the top floor both me and Julia's jaws drop. Literally. This suite is indescribable. As big as Nate's apartment.

"Wow." Julia says under her breath as we walk into the massive hotel room

"I know, right?" I look around the elegant suite.

"You sure they don't mind dogs?" Julia kneels down to take Maggie's harness off.

"Usually, it's not allowed, but I paid extra to make sure Maggie would be all set. Trisha called ahead to make sure they would provide the brand of dog food for her as well." He points to the counter that has a bag of the exact brand of dog food along with two dog bowls, still with their price tags on them.

"Seriously?? Gee, money talks. Thanks again, Nate." I say gratefully.

"My pleasure. Make yourselves at home. Breakfast will be in our room for everyone tomorrow morning at 10 am. The rest of the gang will meet up here around then." Nate wheels our luggage in for us.

"You thought of everything." Julia looks around the room and Nate walks out to the balcony to check out the view of Paris.

"He went all out for us..." I say when I notice the lack of a third room and pauses for a moment. "Babe, you know I won't be mad if you choose to stay in his room. I get it." I don't want Julia to feel bad. She should enjoy the master bedroom. Even if her and Nate aren't together right now, we all know they will get over this eventually and be a couple again. 

"Stop making me love you more, James." She huffs, and I shrug with a smile.

"What can I say, I'm easy to love." I smirks, and I gain one of Julia's signature eyerolls. "Anyways, I just wanted you to know that. You're my best friend and I want you to be happy. Do whatever makes you happy, sweetie." 

"We'll see." Julia heads out on to the balcony with Nate and I look around the place a little. Maggie follows me, taking in the new environment. 

"So, this is how the rich and famous live, huh Mags?" I sneak a peak of the master bedroom and bathroom. "Holy cow. Look at this place."

I look at my bedroom which is just as nice, also with its own bathroom and see Nate pass by and go into his room. I walk out onto the balcony and stand behind Julia with my hands on her shoulder and chin resting on the top of her head.

"Hey, you ok? Friend mode. You can talk to me."

"Yep. Just standing here, enjoying the view." She sighs. "In Paris on a fully paid trip breaking Nate's heart on one of the hardest days of his life."

I think about that for a moment before I ask my next question.

"Sweetie, why are we here?"

"What do you mean?" Julia turns to look up at me and I drop my hands to her hips.

"I mean... You're not with Nate anymore. Why are we on this tour? Why are you putting yourself through this?" I ask with caution.

"I told you. I'm not gonna ruin it for everyone else. We can do all the things planned. Not my fault Nate screwed up. Let him pay for everything. Whatever."

"That's not you though, babe, and you know it. You don't take advantage of people's money. You don't care about this fancy hotel or sightseeing in Paris or traveling. It's just not you. And it's not me." Julia must know this. I know she does by the way her bottom lip quivers and she begins to cry.

"I don't know what I'm doing." She answers and I hug her, letting her cry in my arms. Because Julia knows. We don't fit in here. It is very nice and generous of Nate to do this. He's a good guy. But this isn't our scene and we both know this.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." I whisper but she shakes her head.

"No. You didn't. It's just the honest truth. But hearing it out loud is hard to swallow, ya know?"

"Yep. I sure do. Cmon. Let's go inside. I'm exhausted and need help getting ready for bed."

We do our usual routine, and I notice Julia sets up the couch to sleep in.  I've already told her a million times she can sleep with me, and I won't try anything, but she insists on keeping to herself tonight. She pulls the chair over to my bed and holds my hand to help me fall asleep and I doze off fast.

*****

My dick twitches and I open my eyes, slowly waking up to Julia- completely naked in my bed giving me a blow job. Why? Because she's Julia. This is Julia's world and we're all just living in it. At first, I thought I was dreaming because I've had a trillion dreams just like this but then I gasp, and my abs tighten as she takes me in deep. Ok, I'm fully awake now.

"Babe....oh God...fuck." I groan and tick my hips up from the sensation, resting a hand on Julia's head. Usually, I can hold it in forever until she has three or four orgasms of her own, but Julia learns quick if you wake me up like this by surprise it's not gonna take me long to orgasm.  I'm already right on the edge, close to losing it so I gently pull her off me. Julia straddles me and kisses me passionately making me now wonder if she just took an Ativan or something by how overstimulated she seems. I don't question her though. Everything happens fast now. I grab her ass and pull her in more needing to be inside of her.

"Fuck me, Julia." I demand and she lines me up. Shit. She always feels so good.

We have probably the best sex I've had in a long time. Julia does all the work on top of me and her moans are loud. Too loud knowing Nate is right in the other room. I don't care about that though. All I can think about is what I'm feeling right now as Julia rides me faster than I've ever had her ride me.

"Oh God..." She arches her back, and I begin to thrust into her matching her pace.

"You're so close baby. You feel so good." I groan, feeling her tighten her muscles as she gets closer to hitting her high. "Keep ... God... keep going..."  I drop down to the mattress and let Julia finish what she started. We both come undone at the same time.

"Holy shit." Julia blurts out and crashes down against me completely exhausting her little body.

"Right?" I laugh a little and wrap my arms around her. God, I'm so in love with her. "Good morning to you too. Or good night."

I know not to ask Julia questions. I know she was high on her med or something and used me so she wouldn't make a mistake with Nate. I'm fine with it. It benefitted me too. And it felt really good. I clumsily grab the big comforter to pull over our bodies while she's still on top of me, while I'm still inside of her and we fall asleep just like this.

******

*Trisha*

"Shit. That was amazing." I exhale as Paul rolls off me one last time. We are completely worn out after going at it not once, not twice but three times in one night. Guess we both needed our release.

"Sure was." Paul rests his muscular arm behind his head, and I lay on my side facing him.

"Why did we break it off again?" I laugh and Paul closes his eyes.

"Cuz we're boring together." He says in the most unconvincing way making me wonder if he really felt like that or was just going along with it for me.

"Yeah." I trace figure eights on his chest and sigh. "But we're good in bed together, that's for sure. Nothing boring there."

"Nothing boring there." He repeats and begins to fall asleep from all the action.

I grab my phone off the nightstand and look at the time. It's after midnight but I don't care. I text Noah.

[I know it's late... and I know usually the girl is supposed to wait for the guy to text her first but I'm not your average girl.]

[No you certainly are not. Hi.]

Noah gets back to me right away almost like he was waiting by the phone for me. I smile like a goofy lovestruck teenager.

[Hi] I type and see the dots letting me know he's responding.

[ I really want to see you again. I had a really fun time today]

[I'm only here for another full day before we head to Berlin.]

[Berlin. Wow. That's amazing.]

[Perks of being Nate Hollan's Personal Assistant. But yes, I would like to see you again too. I wouldn't have texted ya if I didn't. Are you free tomorrow after six?]

[I am. I'll be at the fire station until five but free after that. Let's touch base tomorrow.]

[Sounds good. Sleep well.] I keep my goofy smile plastered on my face while typing.

[Goodnight!]

"You have a dopey grin on your face, and I know it's not from me, Banks."

I jump a mile and drop my phone when I hear Paul's voice.

"You couldn't wait two seconds, could you?" He cocks a brow at me and laughs.

"I really couldn't." I lay my body up against Paul and he links his arm around my leg to pull it up and over him before pulling the sheet over us.

I wonder if other people live so dysfunctional like this.

******

*James*

"I'm so excited!" Casey exclaims before shoveling a forkful of eggs into her mouth. Everyone met up in our suite for a ten am breakfast. Nate had the caterers come in at nine thirty to set up and we all gather around the huge dining room table to eat before our Eiffel Tower private tour.

Julia is having a hard time this morning though and it's noticed by both me and Nate.

"You ok, doll?" Nate asks. Julia's hands shake and she drops the fork while trying to position it correctly in my hand. I feel so bad for her. The addiction is really messing with her body.

"Sorry." She ignores Nate's question, picks up the fork and her cheeks fire up when everyone notices. "I... I don't know what my issue is."

"It's ok, babe." I patiently wait but Julia drops the fork again.

"Shit." Julia swallows hard now realizing her morning dose of Ativan didn't work. She needs more. She looks at Jonah but he shakes his head no, already knowing what she is implying.

"I can take over for you." Casey jumps right in and helps me so I can eat.  Thank God. I feel bad but I'm starving and just need someone to help me with my grip on the fork. That's all I need. The embarrassment on Julia's face is seen by us all though. She looks down tearfully and clasps her shaky hands together under the table.

"Jule. You gotta eat something." Nate whispers to her so Trisha can't hear. I love Trisha. She's a great person and means well. But she tends to look down on Julia. Now is not the time for her to have a snarky comment.

"I'm really not hungry. I think I'm gonna lay down for a bit until it's time to go." Julia begins to stand up but Paul shakes his head.

"Moretti. Sit." Paul stares at her from across the table. Surprisingly, even though she stares right back at him she nods and sits back down. He nods a little and she begins to eat. Wow. Paul has the touch apparently.

"When we're done eating do you want to come walk the dog with me, Julia?" Casey asks, trying to get Julia's mind off her addiction. She nods yes with a mouthful of food but immediately jumps up, startling us all and knocking the chair down behind her to run to the bathroom.

"Shit." Nate blurts out and both him and Jonah get up to help Julia.

"I had a feeling this would happen." Casey sighs and the nurse in her comes out. "Her body is telling her it needs more of what she's addicted to, and we aren't giving it to her."

"Oh no. Is that what that is? So, she's going to get sick like what......like when her and Nate detoxed?" Trisha asks with a frown and for once I see sympathy in her eyes for Julia. Because we all know Julia didn't ask for this. Not this time.

"Unfortunately, yes. She's reached the breaking point. But we can't give her more Ativan. That's just gonna make things worse. She's going to eventually have to detox soon." Casey suddenly loses her appetite now but continues to help me.

"While on tour?" I ask, now concerned and can tell Trisha is as well.

"How?!? On the tour bus? How the hell are we going to take care of her while traveling? And Nate can't stress out about this. His heart is already working overtime. Tour alone takes a toll on him."  Trisha pushes her plate aside, but Paul pushes it back.

"I don't need two Moretti's. Eat." He says and she side eyes him but continues to eat. "And she'll be fine. Julia. I'll make sure of it. Nate won't have to worry, ok?"

Paul doesn't ever say much but when he does, it hit everyone the same way. We all nod, knowing full well Paul has a handle on Julia from being at the Avalon with her. Still.... the timing is awful for this. Jonah comes out a little flustered.

"Sorry guys. I think Julia is going to have to stay behind. Nate is going to stay with her. He's seen the Eiffel Tower before. He doesn't mind." 

*****

*Trisha*

Nate has seen the Eiffel Tower plenty of times, so I'm not surprised he volunteered to stay with Julia. Maybe this will be good for him. Maybe he can rest a little today. OR maybe Julia will spiral out of control and stress Nate out more. Either way we all know we won't be able to sway Nate to come and Julia sure as hell can't be alone.

 James frowns and looks down when he hears that Julia isn't going to join us though and I feel bad.

"Hey. James the receptionist." I take Casey's seat while she takes the dog out for a walk before we leave. "She's in good hands and we're gonna enjoy the day, yeah? And I can help you with whatever you need, ok? I've got ya covered." I assure James he will be taken care of regardless. I never want him to worry about that. I'm sure we all would but wanted to let him know he can count on me. 

"Thanks Trish." James nods but is still disappointed.

I help him finish breakfast and do all the things Julia would do for him. He needs help with things most people don't think twice about. Like untwisting the cap and putting the toothpaste on the toothbrush. Hell, holding the toothbrush is a task. I help him get dressed, put the brush in his hand so he can brush his hair, take the cap off the deodorant so he can put it on. He doesn't need to ask me, and I save him from embarrassment by knowing exactly what to do. I've seen Julia care for him a million times and know what he can and can't do. and James knows I never mind. 

"I called ahead and made sure Maggie is all set to join us wherever we go today. I made a copy of her certificate showing she's a medical dog that I will keep in my purse too." I say and James looks relieved.

"Wow. You really did think of everything. Thank you!" He smiles brightly at me, and I melt. Shit. I had forgotten the way James makes me feel. 

Oh brother...

******