*James*

Julia didn't have the best day yesterday and it looks like her and Nate are already fighting this morning. She sits with me for breakfast and ignores him completely.  Maggie can sense it and is all over Nate while he leans against the kitchen counter.

"May I help you?" He looks down Maggie, who wags her tail the second she gets attention from him. Nate gives in and crouches down to pet my dog.

"You're a good girl, yeah, Maggie?" He scruffs her ears, and she rolls down on her back, wanting her belly scratched. "You're also a very spoiled girl. Are you gonna keep an eye on Jules for me today? Make sure she's happy? Safe. Make sure she doesn't jump off a ledge for me, ok?"

Julia glares at him and he knows he got a rise out of her and smirks. She can never stay mad at Nate for long.

"You think you're so funny, don't ya?" Julia squints her eyes at him. "You're not funny."

"Can we go shopping this afternoon, Jules? I want to take you. I can have Trish cancel my afternoon session or move it or-"

"I don't know Nate. I think you may be too busy shooting your shower scene and all."

"Jules. I'm sorry." Nate apologizes and I catch on their fight was about his music video.

"But you're not, Nate. And SO WHAT if I'm a jealous person. Look at Mila Giovanni. I mean, c'mon Nate. You knew I already had insecurities. Right from the start."

I nudge her help me with my utensil so I can start eating while they bicker. Julia quickly apologizes and puts the spoon in my hand the right way so I can grasp it.

"How did you think I'd react? I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong. I get it. It's your job. But the way you kissed her. And that was only a ten second sneak peek. What's the whole five minute video going to look like? That?"

"Yeah, love. I don't know what the finished product will look like. That's out of my hands. But I really don't think you should watch it."  Nate admits. I look at Julia who has a hard time hearing that.

"Jules... I have two more days of shooting. That's it. Then its done, and the producer and editors do their things with it, ok? Two more days. That's it. Now, can I please take you shopping? Hell, James can come too. I'm sure he'd like some new clothes, maybe some new sneakers and stuff, yeah?" 

I mean. If you're paying pal... I'm all for it.

"Would you like that James? Wanna come shopping with us today? Get some new clothes. New sneakers?" Julia asks while fixing a few locks of my hair. I shrug wondering if that would be awkward feeling. The third wheel.

"Shit. I gotta go . Can you text me later and let me know? I can be done by one." Nate quickly rinses out his teacup and kisses Julia on the head before rushing out.

Jonah joins us for breakfast, hands Julia  her medication, and me my vitamins. He has he chart to fill out to keep track of moods and everything, and is ready to start the morning.

"You know the drill." He pulls out the sheet.

"Ok. So, how was your mood before bed last night?" Jonah keeps his eyes on the sheet, ready to write.

"It wasn't good. Nate and I fought, I shut down and that's how I fell asleep."

I raise my eyebrows and my eyes dart from Jonah to Julia now. Me and Julia....we never fight. Nate and Julia...all they ever do is fight.

"So that's why you refused dinner and never went shopping while James's sisters were here visiting??" Jonah replays the night.

"I guess. Sorry James."

"Do you want to talk about it, Julia?" Nurse mode comes through in Jonah.

"I brought up the filming of the video and Mila Giovanni. Nate got all weird on me. Don't tell him. Please. It's over now."

"How was he acting weird?"

"He got mad fast, defensive, and then said I was being a jealous woman. I think something happened he's not telling me about. Something between the two of them." Julia opens up to Jonah now.

"I see. I get where you're coming from. Believe me, I do. I'd be pissed if Casey was doing a scene like that. That's just me. I AM a jealous man and will be the first to admit it." Jonah says.

"You should tell him how you feel though. You know he's in love with you. God, he's obsessed with you just as much as this one is." Jonah hands me a napkin when a little yogurt drops on the table and I just shrug at his obsession comment. Because I am SO in love with Julia and that's never gonna change.

"So, instead of communicating you shut down and he walked away?" He continues and Julia nods.

"Pretty much."

"Thank you for being honest with me though. I appreciate that." Jonah says. "And this morning? What have you eaten so far?"

Julia looks to me now and I furrow my brows at her. She hasn't eaten one damn things yet today.

"Nothing."

"Go make some waffles or eggs or something for breakfast please."

"I'm really not hungry." She starts and I glare at her. I purposely drop my spoon on the table, now on strike from eating until Julia eats. My yogurt splatters everywhere. I earn an eyeroll from Julia as she cleans up my mess.

"Fine, whatever. Keep eating James. I'm going to make pancakes. Anyone else want some?"

Both me and Jonah nod. My plan to get her to eat always works.  I don't need words. She gets me.

Nate underestimates the way I can still take care of her just as much as she can take care of me.

*****

*Trisha*

 Nate picks me up on the way to work and once again, we barely talk. He's still pissed with my mistakes and on edge with this whole filming thing with Mila. He gets over it once we are in the filming studio and I manage to get a good chunk of work done while in the dressing room in between throwing up.

"I should have just stayed home today." I come back into the dressing room sipping ginger ale.

"Still getting sick?" Nate looks at me with sympathy now. He can tell I'm barely hanging on so doesn't start shit. I sit across from him and study his face.

"You're looking a bit green yourself, playboy. You good?"

"Yeah. I don't think my breakfast settled very well. I can't wait for this shoot to be over with. It's more uncomfortable than I thought it would be."

"Eh. It's just for show. All make believe. Not like you're REALLY having sex with her or anything." I remind him while I  open  a sleeve of saltine crackers.

"Don't forget you have an interview next week with Mila. I'll set up a meeting the day before to go over everything so you're both prepared. She'll need her translator to join. Hey... you listening to me? Hellooo?" You know.. I get yelled at when I'm not all there. Nate is off in his own world right now and not even paying attention to me. Do I yell at him? Noooo.

"Yeah. Sorry, yeah that's fine. Just let me know when. Hey do you want to come shopping after this with me, Julia and James? Julia needs some clothes and James I'm sure would like some new things too. You could help him with sizes and stuff?"

"Sure. That sounds good. So you're gonna pay for James to go clothes shopping? Look at you, coming around." I tease Nate.

"It'll be good for him to get out of the house for a bit and yeah, why not? He can't work right now and money has always been tight for him. I don't mind."

"You're starting to warm up to him, aren't you?? You think of James more as a friend now."

"Maybe. He's never been the one to do anything wrong. It has always been me and Julia making the mistakes, not him."

"That IS true... He's a good guy."

"So.. I wasn't gonna bring this up but now that we're talking about James. You said in your fake therapy session that before everything went down with the accident..you and James..... Do you have feelings for him??"

Shit.

"I don't know what that was to be honest. We did have a moment. But didn't talk about it and then..the crash.."

"Trish.."  He leans forward and takes my hand. "You know that crash wasn't your fault, right? I heard you blaming yourself in the therapy session. None of that was your fault. It just happened, ok? It could have happened to any of us. You know that. It wasn't your fault."

I look down and close my eyes, thinking about the crash and how it could have been prevented if only I was behind the wheel. James would be fine right now. I cover my face and begin to cry in front of Nate. He stands up and hugs me.

I break down in his arms.

"Aww, doll, It wasn't your fault. All we can do is move on and pick up the pieces, right? And we are. James is recovering, Julia's recovering. You and me. We're good. We're always good, yeah?"

"Yeah."  I try to calm myself down and let go of him before anyone comes in to the dressing room. "Thanks, Nate. I guess I needed to hear that. And not from Jackass Jeremy. His words mean nothing to me, that disgusting pig." 

"This afternoon. We'll go shopping, you all can buy whatever you'd like and maybe even go out to eat after? Together?" 

"Should I have Paul join then?" I ask. If we are gonna be out and about in L.A. Nate is gonna draw some media attention. Plus- I want Paul to come.

"Yeah, maybe. See if he minds. If he wants the day off, let him have it. We'll be fine without. I just don't want to be bombarded with fans, either."

There's a knock on the door, and one of the assistants tells  Nate it's time to get back into the studio.

"Back to business."

 While he's gone I head outside for a breath of air. When I come back into the room I see Nate, in just a towel, pacing the dressing room.

"Why do you have your angry eyes on, Mr. Potato Head?" 

"She's fucking crazy. Insane! " He throws his free hand up towards the bathroom, clearly distraught. "Where the hell's her translator. I want her outta here."

"Nate. What the hell is going on?"

"Mila. She's in my fucking shower." He hisses and sits on the couch.

"Maybe she got confused and thought this was her dressing room. It happens all the time." I throw my purse on the table and sit next to him.

"Trisha. I was ALREADY in the shower! She came in and wouldn't get out." 

"Holy shit. So she purposely went in there? To what. Seduce you? Man, you got it made, Playboy. Jesus Christ." I begin to laugh, finding this hysterical. Only Nate. This would only happen to Nate.

"Trisha. This isn't funny. God, what if Julia ever found out. She'd have my head."

"Oh, relax, Nate. Shit like this happens all the time with celebrities, you know thaattt. I mean. You get the good ones.. Mila Giovanni. But you declined her and left the room. She's the one at fault, not you. Just get dressed so we can get outta here."

"My bag is IN THERE! I'm sure as hell not going back in."

Oh shit. I can barely control my laughter. "I always gotta do your dirty work for you don't I."  I get up and go into the bathroom. I  look at Mila who really is in Nate's shower and shake my head. 

" Lavoro per lui e sto solo prendendo la sua borsa." I say to the naked woman and grab Nate's bag. Mila laughs as I close the door. She's crazy.

"Wait. You know how to speak Italian?" Nate isn't very observant.

"I took it 4 years in high school. I wanted to someday spend a year in Italy. But then my internship dropped me off in your lap instead." I throw his bag on the couch.

"What did you say to her to make her laugh??"

"I told her "Hands off, he's taken and I'm carrying his baby." 

"YOU WHAT?!?" Nate jumps up, almost losing his fucking towel.

"Relax! I told her I work for you and am just grabbing your bag." I have tears in my eyes from laughing at him now.

"You think you're so funny. Ok so what the hell does 'Tornerai' mean??"

Oh my God.. I try to contain myself. This lady is something else!!

"Oh boy. She IS nuts. She said "You will come back."

"Jesus Christ, why do I attract all the crazy ones?" 

Nate gets dressed in front of me which we do without caring.  We've been together. Hell, I'm having his baby. I know what he looks like.

"I dunno. Ask Julia."

"Yeah, by the way. Don't you dare.. She's already on edge with this shit. Please, save my bathrooms ok?"

Ok now I'm REALLY crying laughing. Nate shakes his head and smirks at me. And just like that, our fighting is over, and we are back to being friends. 

*****

*James*

We all go out shopping together. If four months ago you were to tell me we'd all be doing this together I would have literally laughed so hard. But here we are. Nate, Julia, Me, Trisha and Paul. Paul will hang back with Nate and Julia just because of the fans. I can take care of Trisha, though I doubt we will bump into her ex. I haven't heard much talk about him at all lately.

We split up and me and Trisha go to a few stores. I've lived in L.A. my whole life, I know this place like the back of my hand so know what stores I want to go to. 

I had forgotten how fun Trisha is to hang out with.  It was  just like it was before the accident. We joke around and laugh and once again, Nate's card pays for my shit. Another thing we find hysterical.

Once we are done shopping we make our way back to Ren's SUV waiting for us. The driver puts the bags in the trunk while we get in the car.

"We did good James, right? Now clothes, new sneakers. You're fun to shop with! Unlike this bore." Trisha scoffs at Nate and I smile over at her. Our smiles fade when we both notice Julia has been crying. Something happened.

"Did you have trouble finding things you like, Julia?" Trisha asks.

"Nope. I found stuff. Even found out Mila Giovanni has been filming the music video completely naked while sitting on top of Nate. Had a lovely interview with Susan Hardy." Julia says boldly while keeping her eyes out the window. Holy shit. 

Trisha's eyes widen and she looks at Nate now. "Jesus playboy. I know she crashed your shower but didn't know she was naked all day."

Wait... what??? Did she just say  Nate took a damn shower with Mila Giovanni??? Oh boy. He makes this so easy for me to win Julia back some days. He really does.

"She what?" Julia swings her head to glare at Nate.  He obviously didn't tell her this part and I suddenly feel sick to my stomach for Julia.

"Oh....sorry, I thought that was already talked about since you were on the topic." Trisha turns around in her seat, knowing she wasn't supposed to say anything.

"She was very inappropriate. I told you that."

"When were you gonna tell me you took a shower with her?" Julia cries.

"Certainly not in the car with other people around, Julia. She came in to my shower saying hers was broken. I told her to get out. She wouldn't budge so I got out. Trisha had to go back in to get my clothes for me because I refused to be near Mila. Ok? She's crazy. But I didn't do anything."

"If you were so uncomfortable it should have been the first thing you told me. Did she do anything ELSE inappropriate? I rather hear it from you over Susan."

"Julia. Can we not do this right here. I rather talk to you in private about this stuff." Nate says lowly

"Great. I can't WAIT to go home so you can tell me ALL about your day."

The car goes silent. She leans her head against the door and closes her eyes, not wanting to even look at me now. Both me and Paul give Nate a nasty look.  Julia already has trust issues. Now to find all this shit out?  God, is so better off with me. No drama. She'd be able to actually heal emotionally. When will she see this for herself? How long of Nate's shit is she going to put up with before she realizes they are no good for each other?

When will she finally make the right choice? Me.

*****

We arrive at the Food Truck District, where everyone wanted to go, and where no alcohol is served for Nate, and Trisha finds us a picnic table. By looking at the pictures on the trucks, I'm able to show Julia  what I'd like to eat.  I smile down at her letting her how  I remember our first time hanging out together. We both ordered from this exact food truck. It was one of my favorite days with Julia that I will NEVER forget.

I notice Julia is still upset and not gonna  order food so I take it upon myself to order for her. I know her games. I can get her to eat.

Everyone orders different things, and we all sit together like we're a group of friends. In a way, we are. Well, more of family who sometimes can't stand each other.

Nate stays quiet while he eats a Taco Salad. I know something else happened and can tell it's weighing on him but I'm more concerned about Julia. She's not eating so I put my taco back down on my wrapper, on strike until I see her begin to eat her food. She catches on right away and lets out a little sigh before nodding.  She puts the taco back in my hand to eat and begins eating hers. I know the first few bites are the hardest for her but once she starts she is good to go.

"Jules. Please, just eat." Nate whispers while looking at Julia from across the table.  And she does, it just takes a little time to get over the eating disorder part. Halfway through the meal poor Trisha ends up feeling sick from her pregnancy. She rushes to the bathroom and I'm surprised to see Paul being the one to jump up and help her and not Nate. That doesn't sit well with me. Not at all. Apparently Julia feels the same way.

"I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be your job." Julia whispers to Nate.

"Whatever. He wants to deal with it, let him." Nate keeps his eyes on his food. He really has no interest in their situation, does he? Julia decides to give Nate the silent treatment the rest of the day and talks to me more.

Once back at Nate's apartment building, the driver helps me and Nate with the bags.

"You guys coming up?" Nate looks over to Paul, but Trisha says no, still feeling queasy after lunch.

"I'm gonna go down to the gym. Wanna come, James?" Julia pretends Nate is invisible as we walk to the elevator. We get down to the gym and she helps me with the treadmill. Julia never makes me feel embarrassed that I can't do things anymore. Not in the least. She gets me set up and puts my hands where I need to hold and then hops on the treadmill right next to me. Then Julia vents to me and makes me feel important. Not less then anyone because of my new shortcomings. I love that about Julia. She never judges anyone. She really doesn't.

"Why the hell wouldn't he have told me days ago that Mila Giovanni was walking around naked all day while they filmed? It should have been the first thing he told me. Not the first thing Susan Hardy tells me. I mean, I KNOW he's attracted to her. He'd be lying if he denied it. But he should have said something if she was being inappropriate. And then to go into his shower with him?? You can't tell me they didn't do anything. That's bullshit."

I agree with her 100% This is Mila Giovanni we are talking about.

Ten minutes into our walk, Nate comes down in his workout clothes to ruin our time together.

"Can we talk about this?" He asks.

"Actually, no. I'm walking with my best friend right now. I'm sure you have your own workout to do."

Nate turns away, defeated, and heads to the weights. This is how most of the evening goes. Julia ignores Nate and spends more time in my room. She takes care of me and then we sit on the couch in my bedroom together and watch TV. Of course Susan Hardy's face is on the news. And sure enough is the clip of Julia and Nate being interviewed by the nosy reporter. Julia looks like a pro now. She handles it well.  Afterward, they show some clip about Mila Giovanni during a separate interview awhile back, saying how Nate is her one and only celebrity crush. 

"Julia, can we please talk about this?" Nate comes into the room when he hears the tv on. Julia's head is resting on my shoulder and she's still pissed at him.

"Tell me, Nate. What else did she do inappropriate? And don't worry about James. He won't say anything." She holds my hand and gives me a little squeeze. Nate sits down on the other side of her, ready to talk.

"Seriously? She did something pretty inappropriate. Besides barging in on me in the shower...." Nate's face pales, and both me and Julia sit up straight and give him our attention. Nate tells us what happened. Everything. And for once, I feel bad for the guy. It sounds like Mila really is obsessed with him and taking advantage of this situation. I can tell  Nate is mortified by what she did to him and doesn't know what to do about it.  It was  uncalled for, especially in the middle of a shoot with other people around. He's nervous to bring anything up because it will for sure become public, and being a male could very well get turned against him, making it look like he did something to her. He's very distraught while talking about it, and now both me and Julia feel bad for him. He still has to work with this woman.

*****

*Trisha*

"Only Nate Hollan." Paul plops down on the couch while we watch everything unfold on the news. Paul was there with them but I wasn't  so watching this interview go south is new to me.  Boy did Nate dig himself in a hole. 

"For once, I'm glad I'm not at the Hollan Homestead." I hand Paul a well deserved beer, and grab a ginger ale for myself for obvious reasons. When I sit down next to him to watch tv, he wraps his arm around my should and pulls me in more. I look up at him and smile. We've been "together" together for about two weeks and everything about it feels right.

I lean up and peck Paul's lips softly while my hand rests on his stubbled jaw. Like always, one kiss turns in to another and another and before we know it, I'm back in Paul's bed having my third orgasm in one session.

"Holy shit, Banks." Paul blurts out while I'm still straddling him and his hands are still holding on to my thighs. I drop down to kiss him even though we are both out of breath.

"Right? We're good together, Paulie. Real good together." I smirk at him as his head falls back.

"I agree."

"But still don't tell Nate or anyone about us. Not yet." I remind him. Paul rolls us over so he is on top and then kisses up and down my neck. He's gonna drive me crazy with this different side of him. I close my eyes and breathe out.

"Whatever you say." He agrees. Nate will flip. Mainly because of how unexpected this would be for him to hear. I mean, we've been with Paul for years. But now that we are grown adults.... it's all so different. 

I look up at the attractive man and pull him in for a kiss.

"Thank you." My eyes close and I feel so content with Paul right here with me.  He's a quiet man but I can tell he is content with me as well. Like most nights lately. We sleep together in whatever bed we ended up in. Like most nights, completely naked.

It's like Paul has lived here forever. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

*****

We're ready to get to the studio for a session today but Nate gets a call that they need to redo some scenes in the music video.

"I'm gonna need a favor from you, Trish. Can you stay in the room? Come up with some shit about wanting to see what it's like behind the scenes or shit. Maybe she won't try anything if she knows my P.A. is in the room. She's not even supposed to kiss me. How the producer let that slide is beyond me."

"Good idea. And if she does anything inappropriate, I can watch out for it and be the one to ask the producer if that is something that is allowed. Make it seem like I'm curious but still bring it to his attention."

Nate nods and we head over to the set.

We get into the dressing room and the first thing Holly does is hand Nate his robe and the garment to cover him. He already looks tense, knowing it's one of the intimate scenes with Mila. 

"Looks like you get to take another shower with her."  I peek into the studio room and see them setting up..

Once we are in the hallway and alone, Nat goes over what to look for. To pay attention to Mila's hands. Apparently she's very handsy, that one. I can tell Nate is genuinely uncomfortable with this and it's no joke anymore. I nod when he is done going over things and take my seat next to one of the directors.  I can see everything from where I am, especially with the scene happening right in front of me and the screens on the cameras off to each side. There's no way I will miss anything out of the ordinary.

The water is running, the smoke machine is on. Nate and Mila are positioned the way the director wants them. Standing up and facing each other. The director then pushes their bodies into to each other and adjusts everything right down to Mila's fucking side boob. She's a model so it probably doesn't phase her, but I can already see Nate feeling weird about it. They look good together. Really good together. But he's right. She is not wearing ANY clothes at all. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

"Alright everyone. In five-"

The music plays  and I watch Nate quietly sing the words to his song. Then Mila kisses his neck and I can almost feel Nate tense up.  I know ALL of Nate's spots and the side of his neck, right under his ear, is  his soft  spot. I guarantee he's already hard now.

"Cut. Nate, gonna need more out of you. Try again."

Nate looks at me and I give him a little eyeroll making him smirk to lighten the mood up a little for him.  The music is restarted and Nate moves closer to Mila's ear while he sings. She tilts her head to give the camera a good view.  I don't see anything abnormal yet. then I watch Mila brush her lips against Nate's and he freezes. Ok. Strike one.

"Are her lips supposed to touch his like that?" I  ask the producer who is sitting right next to me. He nods so I drop  it for now. I watch her seductively kiss up his neck and across his jaw before kissing his lips. She's really kissing him. For real....

"Good shot!" The director calls out, loving the authenticity.

"Um... are they supposed to be kissing?" I furrow my brows now feeling not only uncomfortable watching this, feeling what I feel, but also  uncomfortable for Nate.

"Doesn't matter. this is perfect." The director responds. "Keep filming."

Nate gives in and open mouth kisses down Mila's neck, earning praise. I swallow hard watching this. Watching the way Nate is kissing her,  and shift in my seat a little while looking around. Everyone is loving it though. I'm fucking turned on which I guess is the point, but I'm also feeling.....icky.. about it all.  And the last emotions I'm feeling believe it or not, is a bit of sadness and jealousy.

But then, I squint my eyes when Nate says something in her ear, which hides his face a little. I can't tell what he said though but also can't see her hands with the smoke now.

"Need to see your face Nate." The director reminds Nate. Mila is literally gazing at Nate like she wants to take him right here and now with everyone watching. Nate seems distracted. So much so he can no longer sing the words. Their lips now just hover over each others and I can tell Nate is breathing heavier.

"Nate..Face." Someone says again. Another minute or so goes by before the director calls it.

"Great. That's a wrap."

"What the fuck was that?" I hear Nate say to her and glare at her. Mila says nothing, just gives him a little smirk and walks away. Nate looks pissed. He quickly leaves the room and heads to his dressing room. I follow him out.

"Did something more happen that I'm not aware of, Nate?" I ask while Nate gets ready to take his shower. I really couldn't see much with all the smoke filling up that small makeshift room.

"She needs to keep her hands to herself." He scowls.

"Well, it's over now. So just leave well enough alone. It's not worth it, Nate. She's not worth it." I remind him trying to put things into perspective a little.

"Yeah? How would it look if the tables were turned and I stuck my hand down her underwear?!"

"Alright, calm down. I get it. Just.. go take your shower. I'll grab us some food from the catering room and then we can leave, ok?"

I walk out of the room and close the door.  It sounds like Nate has had it with this obsessed woman. By contract he is required to see this video through to the end. He's kind of stuck.

******

*Trisha*

Once in the car, Nate tells me everything that happened with Mila today. Everything.  Right down to how she joined him in the shower again and went down on him!

He then drops his head in his hands, knowing it was all a huge mistake.  I don't know what to say at first. I'm shocked.  Mila not only got Nate all hot and bothered, she took care of it for him too. Sounds like he tried to tell her to leave the shower multiple times but gave in to temptation.  Or he was so aroused he came before he could do anything about it.

"I mean... You know you can't tell Julia. Not right now, Nate. She's not mentally all there right now."

"Well, what the hell am I supposed to do? I never lie to her. Shit."

"You don't tell her. Don't be an idiot Nate. You will push her right off that ledge, and you know it." I say in all seriousness.

"I fucked up so bad." Nate leans back in the seat and looks out the window.  I hold his hand and squeeze it. None of this is his fault. But I can see how Julia would think it is. I mean, just watching it live in that room made me uneasy. I have no idea what the finished product will look at but Julia may not want to watch it.

That much I know.