| I woke the next morning to Jake knocking on my door. I jumped out of bed and ran to open it. I flung it open and let him in. "You ok, Jess? Your phone's off the hook." He asked. "Yeah, I'm fine. Must not have bothered to hang it all the way up after I talked to Tay." I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Jake chuckled. "You two are amazing." "What?" I asked. "His phone bill has to be monstrous...you couldn't wait? He will be here today, he'll probably spend the night right here in this bed.." he grinned. "Shit, Jake. Don't fuck with me now, I haven't even had any coffee yet." I grouched. He laughed and ruffled my hair. "It wasn't like that anyway... I couldn't sleep." I said. "Okay, Jess. I'll get you some coffee. get you ass in the shower and let's go. Gimme your key so I don't have to knock.." I tossed him the key and headed for the shower. I took a long one and then came out of the bathroom and found the outfit I had planned to wear for the TV clip. It was a workout ensemble, black shorts and a hot pink bra top. I wore my black high tops and hot pink socks to match the top and black fingerless gloves, that velcroed at the wrist. They were for wrist support during weight training. I actually used them alot. I dried my hair straight and parted it on the side, tucking one side behind my ear. I grabbed my black zip front jacket and went to the bedroom. I smelled coffee, Jake must be back. I stepped into the room to see Jake on the phone. |
| "Hey she's just rejoined the land of the living..wanna talk to her?" Jake smiled at me. "Take it easy, man." he said and handed the phone to me. "Hello?" "Morning sweetie. You sleep ok?" Taylor asked. I smiled. "Yeah, I did. After I talked to you. Thank you." I said and hoped he'd hear behind my small words what I meant. "I love you, Jess." "I love you too. What time are you coming in?" I asked. "Jess. Don't worry. I gave all that stuff to Ike. We'll be there. You just go do it, you'll rock baby." he said and I laughed. "Thanks. I can't wait to see you, though." "Me either." |
| The rest of the morning was a madhouse to sat the least. Finally I was busy enough to barely notice that I missed Taylor so much. I got through the interview, trying to inspire other women to take care of their bodies and mentioning briefly that I was engaged and was grateful for his support without having to say who he was. I was sure someone else would mention it anyway. I watched as Watts gave her interview, she did great. She was my toughest competition, but she was so sweet. I liked her alot. I had the feeling we would become close friends. "You were so good." we told each other at the same time and then laughed. "I got the stage now." I told her. "You're next after me..you can saty and watch if you want..I don't mind." "Only if you stay for my practice..' "Deal." |
| We both did a quick run through on the stage, to make sure we had placement down, then went to lunch. After lunch we had to go get ready for photos and competition. It took me forever to get my costume on right. I wished Lacey was here to help. I put my hair in a low ponytail and then went to the big dressing room to do my makeup. I groaned. I hated to put that much goop on my face. I put a short robe on over my sequined get-up so as not to get makeup all over it. I saw Watts and went over to her. "You look awesome Watts. If anyone beats me, it will be you.' I told her. "You look great, Jess." she said and hugged me. "Your fiancee here yet. " "I haven't seen him, but he will be. He's bringing his brothers and future sister in law. hang out after and I'll introduce you." I said. "No way! Really?" she asked. "Of course goofy. They're just guys. Dorky ones at that. 'Specially Zac." I grinned. |
| "I think they broke the annoying brother mold after they made him.." I laughed. She giggled and hugged me. "Good luck, Jess." "You too, Watts." I went looking for Jake but couldn't find him. I wandered around backstage, still looking till I accidentally bumped a girl tying her shoe. I hadn't seen her there. "Oh my gosh. I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention. I was looking for my brother." I said, giving her a hand up. "You're Jessie Lee." It was a statement rather than a question. "Yeah. And you are?" "Liz Jackson." She was immediately offensive to me and I had no idea why. I stuck my hand out anyway, but she just looked at it. I let it drop to my side and apologized again. I turned to walk away and was face to face with Eric. |
| I stood and stared, immediately on guard. I took a step to go around him but he moved to block me. "Is there something you want to say to me Eric?" I asked. "I see you met my new client. You better be really good Jessie. She'll beat you." he said. "If she does , good for her." I turned to her, "Good luck. My condolences on your choice of trainer, though." I said sarcastiaclly. She narrowed her eyes at me and smiled a cold fake smile. "Excuse me. I have things to do.." I tried to push my way past him but he blocked me again, and grabbed my arm. "If you do not take you fucking nasty hand off of me right now I will break your other arm." I said quietly. "You listen to me for a change you stuck up little bitch..you ruined my own career. Over what? A fucking dumbass musician... I will ruin you if it takes the rest of my life." he said fiercely. I yanked my arm from his grasp and kneed him in the stomach. "Do what you think you have to, but that will be the last time you EVER touch me without SEVERE consequences." I said and shoved him to the ground. I turned to Liz. "Nice meeting you." I started to walk away, but Eric got up and stood in my way again. I rolled my eyes. "What?! HUH? Haven't you had enough?" I asked and noticed that his arm hung twisted strangely at his side. |