After they had disembarked in San Francisco they found their driver and went straight to the address that Ryan had been given. He met up with the government officials and the developers of the project that he had come to look over.

Marissa had been nervous about meeting all these people in case they all thought her to be the “accessory” that had been mentioned in the newspaper article and that they would all treat her as some kind of bimbo. But Ryan introduced Marissa and said that he had asked her along because he “valued her opinion”. They obviously had so much respect for Ryan that they readily accepted Marissa and included her in all their discussions. She was amazed but completely enthralled at the same time.

Marissa watched as Ryan went in to work mode. It was obvious that this was very important to him and he was giving it his full attention while still glancing at her every few minutes to check that she was alright and still feeling included in what was going on.

They first inspected the actual housing development and then made their way to the health centre. As they went to walk in the entrance, there was a woman about Marissa’s age, struggling with a baby in a pram and another child about 4 years old trying to get through the doorway? The baby was very distressed and the woman was taking her stress out on the 4 year old.

“Emily, you have to help me here. Grace is sick and I haven’t had any sleep and I can’t cope with you when you’re in this mood.” She yelled.

Ryan rushed forward to open the door and help her with the pram. Marissa followed and said. “Would it help if I looked after Emily for you?”

The mother stopped and looked at Marissa doubtfully.

“I won’t take her away.” Marissa assured her, sensing the woman’s distrust. “Perhaps I could just read to her in the waiting room and keep an eye on her while you’re seeing the doctor?” she offered, watching the conflicting emotions run across the tired woman’s face.

There were a few moments of hesitation where the stranger looked over Marissa and indeed Ryan as well before she replied. “Thank you. I’m sorry for my outburst. I … I haven’t had much sleep lately.” She explained in her defense and then politely offered her hand. “I’m Cheryl and this is Emily.”

“Hi. I’m Marissa.” She replied taking the offered hand and shaking it. “Perhaps if we just get inside we can get you settled and then I could help.” Marissa looked up at Ryan. “You don’t need me for a little while do you? I think Cheryl needs my help more than you.”

“Sure. I’ll just do the guided tour and come back when I’ve finished.” Ryan suggested. “Call me if you need me.” He smiled as he left thinking that Marissa had her work cut out for her. Emily had been glaring at her. She was obviously not too keen on being expected to spend time with a stranger.

---

Ryan was gone about 45 minutes and when he returned to the waiting room he was shocked to see Emily sitting on Marissa’s knee playing with her hair, entranced in the storybook that Marissa was reading. A couple of other children were also gathered around listening to Marissa. She looked up at him and smiled. “Give me about 5 minutes and I’ll be finished. I don’t want to disappoint my audience by leaving before the end.”

“Okay. No hurry.” He replied, sitting down in an empty chair and watching as she kept the children mesmerized with the story she was telling. He couldn’t help but imagine what she would be like with children of her own. With children of their own, if he had his way. He hadn’t thought about it for a long time. Not since he’d been building the house at Newport. But somewhere, somehow he had always imagined having children with her. And that they would make a real family. The kind that they had both wanted for themselves, but had missed out on, for different reasons. But he knew he couldn’t rush things. It was hard to imagine that it was only a week ago that Seth had come to visit him at his office and encouraged Ryan to ‘make a move’. Part of him felt like he’d been moving ever since and that he was caught up in some whirlwind. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the reception staff who noticed this interaction came to Ryan and offered him a coffee while he waited. “Your friend is amazing. She looks like she could be model or something and yet it seems like she couldn’t care less what she looks like. The kids have been climbing all over her.”

Ryan smiled at the comment.

“I gather she works with children?” he was asked as he took the coffee.

Ryan frowned, puzzled by the comment. “Why do you say that?” he asked.

“Well you can tell by the way she relates to them. I mean a lot of the kids around here haven’t had the best start in life and they tend to be a bit defensive, especially of strangers. But somehow she won their trust in a very short space of time. I mean look at Emily. Usually when she is here, we draw short straws to see who will try to keep her amused otherwise, she throws a tantrum. But look at her now. If Marissa ever needs a job, I’m sure we can find her one here in a flash.”

Ryan smiled. “Thanks for the offer. But she’s not looking right now. But I’ll let her know so she can keep it in mind for the future.” He offered.

“You do that.”

Just then Marissa closed the book and said good bye to the other children. She picked up Emily and walked over to Ryan. “I just have to take Emily back to Cheryl. She finished with the doctor a little while ago and Grace had fallen asleep so I told her I’d look after Emily until you’d finished. She’s just having a rest in her car. So we can go whenever you’re ready.” She explained.

“But Mawissa ... I don’t want you to go.” Emily pouted and the verge of tears.

“Em. I’m afraid I have to. I live a long way away from here. This is Ryan and he’s my …” Marissa hesitated and then looked at him and smiled “boyfriend and we have to catch a plane so that we can get home. But I promise that the next time I’m in San Francisco, as long as it’s okay with your Mom, then I’ll come and visit with you. Would that be okay?” Marissa asked giving Emily a big hug.

“I guess so.” Emily replied pouting and glaring at Ryan at the same time as if it was all his fault that Marissa had to leave. “Do you think it will be very long until you come back?” she asked.

“Well I actually have a job in LA that I have to go to. So it could be a little while. But I’ll come back as soon as I can.” Marissa assured the little girl. “Now let’s go and find your mom.”

---

After Marissa had said her good byes to Cheryl and Emily, she and Ryan got back into the limo.

“All set?” he asked.

“Yep. I even have Emily’s address so that I can visit next time I’m up this way.” She explained.

Ryan smiled watching her put the piece of paper safely away in her bag. “So … are you hungry?”

“I hadn’t really thought about it … but yeah I guess. Why?” she asked puzzled.

“Well I just thought that instead of going straight home we might go and eat at Fisherman’s Wharf first. There’s this restaurant there that I really love called the Crab House at Pier 39. Skip actually introduced me to it when we had to stay over one night a couple of months back because of bad weather.” Ryan explained. “And the other bonus is that, with a bit of luck the San Francisco paparazzi won’t be looking for us. So we may actually be able to have a meal out, without being pestered. What do you say?”

“Sure.” Marissa shrugged. “But are you having a go at my cooking? After only one night you’re desperate to eat out?”

“No. I love your cooking. I just thought this would be a nice change. We haven’t actually tried eating out since our little visit to the diner in Newport. Which wasn’t exactly a great success.” He pointed out.

“Yeah. That was … interesting.” She had to agree. “But eating out sounds great and you know I love seafood.”

“Okay. Then I’ll just call Skip and let him know what we’re doing. He may like to join us? Would that be a problem?” Ryan asked aware that if they were in a party of three then they’d be even less likely to attract attention.

“Not at all. I think he’s probably a lot of fun. Perhaps dangerous, if you were on your own, then I think he might lead you astray. But I’m sure that with me as chaperone, the pair of you won’t get into too much trouble.” She smiled.

“What us?” Ryan tried very hard to sound surprised at what she was suggesting.

“Yes … you.” She laughed and raised her eyebrows at him trying to give him ‘the look’ but failing.

---

They met up with Skip a short time later and made their way to the Wharf.

The restaurant they went to was extremely busy and for good reason. The food was delicious. They were all enjoying their meals when Skip asked how Ryan’s meeting had gone.

“Yeah. Good. I think we should be able to build something really worthwhile. I liked a lot of their ideas. Although it seemed as if the clinic needed to be about twice the size.” He turned to Marissa and asked. “That waiting room was bedlam. You spent a bit of time there? Do you think it’s always like that or did we just hit it on a bad day?”

Marissa looked at him. “Umm … I was actually going to talk to you about that.” She’d noticed the same thing and she thought that she had an idea for alleviating it. But she didn’t want him to think that she was telling him how to do his job.

Ryan waited, wondering why Marissa was hesitating and what she was about to say.

“Well ... I know you’re much better at all this sort of thing than I am … but I was … I was going to suggest that maybe you could think about somehow incorporating a child care facility into the community health centre. Most of that bedlam was being caused by the brothers and sisters of the sick children. Kids like Emily. The parents are having enough trouble coping with their sick children and unfortunately sometimes the wait is quite long, so the other children get restless with nothing to do. If you could maybe have a long and short term care facility either in the same building or at least close by then it would certainly take some of the pressure off the health clinic. The staff was getting involved in looking after the healthy children and keeping them entertained and I’m sure their time could be better spent caring for the sick children. If you had taken all of the healthy children out of there today, then I think things would have been quite a bit different.” She explained.

Ryan listened intently to every word she said. “That’s a great idea. I’ll suggest it to them tomorrow and see if we can get the funding to incorporate it into the same project. I’d be happy to make the extra land available for free so I can’t see the government baulking at the extra construction costs. I’ll make sure the difference is minimal.” He looked over at Marissa. “I knew I brought you along for something.” He smiled and leaned over to give her a quick kiss.

Skip watched the two of them and said “And I thought you brought her along to ...”

“Skip! We don’t need to know what you thought.” Ryan laughed. “You’ll get me in to trouble.”

Marissa felt herself start to blush. She realized that Skip knew exactly what they’d been up to on the flight. She smiled looking at the two friends feeling very self conscious.

Ryan noticed her embarrassment and said “How about we get out of here and go home?” he looked over at her and gave her leg a small squeeze under the table.

“Sure … Sounds good.” She was glad that he had rescued her. “I just have to visit the bathroom. I won’t be long.” Marissa said as she stood up and excused herself.

Skip looked at Ryan. “Is there any more of those where that one came from?”

“No I think she’s one of a kind.” Ryan smiled. “And hands off she’s mine.”

“She really is something.” Skip added.

Ryan was still watching her as she made her way across the crowded restaurant. “Yeah. She is.”

“So I gather she’s the reason you haven’t been up for double dating with me?” Skip asked wanting confirmation of his suspicions.

“Why do you say that?” Ryan responded puzzled.

“Because of the way you look at her. You can’t tell me that you haven’t fallen hard for her. And you don’t fall that hard in a week. There’s obviously history here that I don’t know about.” Skip pointed out.

Ryan smiled. “Yeah. You’re right. But don’t worry about the past; I’m hoping that there will be a future. So you’ll have plenty of time to get to know her.”

“Well from the way she looks at you, I’d be prepared to bet on it.” Skip replied finishing off his drink. “She doesn’t have any friends she could set me up with does she?”

Ryan laughed. “Not that I know of but I’ll check. Even if it’s just to make sure you don’t become my competition.” He pointed out.

“Nah … You know I don’t like to lose. And from the way she looks at you it’s a done deal. So why would I put myself though it if I’ve got no chance?” Skip asked his friend.

“Yeah well your turn will come.” Ryan smiled noticing Marissa coming towards them. “But here she comes. Let’s get out of here.”

---

When they were safely underway on their return to LA, Ryan turned to Marissa “I really like your idea about the child care facility. It makes a lot of sense. I knew there was a good reason for having you with me.”

“What? You mean other than the mile high club?” she smiled teasing him.

“Yeah. Mind you that was a good reason too.” He smiled and squeezed her hand. “See, you’re making yourself indispensable.” He informed her. “By the way, I forgot to tell you that you actually got offered a job at the Health Centre today.”

“What? You’re joking?” Marissa looked at him puzzled.

“No. Seriously. The woman in charge came and said if you were ever looking for a job that she was sure they could find one for you because you were so good with the kids.” Ryan explained.

“That’s silly. I was probably having more fun than they were. What did you say to her?” Marissa asked.

“Just that I’d pass on the offer. I wondered if I should try to talk you into it. At least San Fran is a lot closer than Paris when you’ve finished with the film.” Ryan pointed out.

Marissa looked at him. She didn’t like to think of the fact that all of this may be only temporary. “Yeah. But I don’t think the pay would keep me ‘in the way I’ve become accustomed’ as my mother would say.”

“How about if I employed you? Would you consider that?” Ryan asked scared to even consider the fact that she may leave him for the other side of the world in a few weeks.

“Don’t be silly.” Marissa laughed and added “I’m sure you’re much too astute a businessman to waste your money and I don’t have any skills that you need.”

“Ah. But that’s where you’re wrong. I need you very, very much.” Ryan’s eyes met hers and she turned away scared that she was reading too much into his offer.

Marissa thought to herself that she would love to be with him forever. But she didn’t think that was what he was offering. There was no doubt that they were good together sexually … hell they were great. But that wasn’t enough for them to consider being together forever. She didn’t want to be some sort of ‘kept woman’. That just wasn’t her. She wanted the whole shebang. Marriage, kids … the lot. But they still had a lot to resolve before they could even consider that. But they were definitely getting closer. It seemed the more time she spent with him the better things got.

Marissa looked out the window wanting to change the subject. “Wasn’t Emily adorable?”

Ryan realized that she had deliberately changed the subject. But he didn’t want to put any pressure on her. If she wasn’t ready to talk about what would happen when the film was finished then he wouldn’t push it just yet. But he knew he wanted her in his future. He would just have to wait until she was ready to talk about it. He smiled and said “Yeah I guess. But I don’t think she was a big fan of mine.”

“That’s only because she doesn’t know you like I do.” Marissa told him.

“I assure you that no one ‘knows’ me like you do.” Ryan admitted.

“Good. Let’s keep it that way. And any how I’m a huge fan of yours. Isn’t that all you need?” Marissa asked playfully.

“Yeah. That’s the most important thing.” Ryan had to agree. “I think Emily thought I was responsible for taking you away. I doubt she’ll ever forgive me.”

“I’m sure that’s not the case. I just ...” Marissa stopped what she had been about to say and turned and looked out the window.

“What?” Ryan asked surprised by the fact that she suddenly stopped talking.

“Nothing.” Marissa commented firmly. She obviously didn’t want to talk about it.

“No. It’s not nothing. What’s going through that head? I can almost hear the wheels grinding.” Ryan pointed out.

She turned and smiled as she shook her head. “I can’t tell you. You’d run a mile.”

“Try me.” Ryan offered.

She shook her head again.

Ryan didn’t know how but he knew that he couldn’t let this pass. “Remember we said we were going to be honest with each other?” he pushed.

She looked at him as if to say please don’t ask me this.

“Well. Be honest.” He added. “Whatever it is, it’ll be fine. I promise I’m not going anywhere. You’ve got me trapped. We’re on a plane and I’m scared of heights so I’m not about to jump.” He explained stating the obvious.

Marissa smiled. “Yeah. But what about when we land? You’ll take off as soon as you get a chance.”

“I assure you that’s not going to happen.” He squeezed her hand for reassurance.

She took a deep breathe. “I was just wondering …” she looked up at him not sure if she should continue. “what our children would be like? …. You know if we ever had any. Just,” Now that the words were out there she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to see his reaction. “You know sometime in the future, if everything turns out okay between us and you don’t get sick of me and throw me out on the street.” She knew she was rambling but she was nervous as to whether he would feel she was putting too much pressure on their relationship.

Ryan hesitated before he answered, measuring his words carefully. “As long as they took after their mother they would be perfect.” Ryan replied and leaned over and kissed her gently. “And don’t worry, I’ve already been thinking about it. When I was sitting watching you today, the same thoughts were going through my head.”

Marissa looked deep in to his eyes looking for any hint that he was trying to be funny but found nothing remotely like that. She thought she could drown in their blue depths.

She reached over and undid his seat belt and then took off hers and stood and pulled him with her.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Let’s go and practice making them just in case we ever decide we might want to do it for real. Cause you know they say practice makes perfect.”

He smiled and followed her willingly. “I’m definitely up for practice.”

28 - Julie panics

Julie was sitting with Dan after dinner. He was reading the newspaper and she was watching TV. He frowned and then looked up and said “Did you know there was some incident on the set of Marissa’s film yesterday? Apparently Jake Hammond was taken away by the police. It says here that it is thought that he may have attacked Marissa. I wonder if she’s okay? You should call her and check.”

“I spoke to her yesterday and she’s fine.” Julie informed him. “She told me about it. Apparently he attacked her twice.”

“Well I hope they throw the book at him. Is he the man in this photo with her? He is very good looking. I must say.” he asked as he continued reading. Julie started to moved towards him to look at the photo but before she got there Dan broke in “Ah … no apparently it isn’t. This is a photo of her and Ryan Atwood. And it says here ‘Also we have had confirmation that there is definitely something going on between supermodel turned actress Marissa Cooper and multi-millionaire architect/developer Ryan Atwood. The two were seen kissing on set yesterday and now speculation is rife that Atwood, one of America’s Hottest Bachelors may be off the market.’” Dan read out. “No wonder Marissa never seemed to be interested in any of the guys over here. She was obviously hanging out for something better. And she can really pick them. He’s a multi-millionaire and obviously good looking as well. I could get him work as a model any day. He looks more like a movie star than she does.” Dan pointed out.

Julie felt sick. She looked at the photo and much as it galled her to admit it, he really was gorgeous. How could she convince Marissa to keep away from him when he looked like that? The little boy had grown into a man and he literally oozed sex appeal. Even Julie had to admit it. “I think I might go and call her again. Just to check she’s okay.”

“Good idea.” Dan agreed.

Julie went in to the study and tried to call but just got Marissa’s voicemail. She tried again an hour later and still nothing. She needed to talk to her but she was starting to wonder why Marissa wouldn’t pick up. Was she screening and just refusing to pick up her calls after their little disagreement yesterday or what?

In desperation, she decided to call Summer.

“Hello?” Summer answered not recognizing the international number.

“Summer?” the distinctive voice greeted.

“Mrs. Cooper Nicol?” Summer was stunned. What would Julie be calling her for?

“Call me Julie. Please?” the redhead asked.

“Um … okay.” Summer replied feeling uneasy. Julie had never been this friendly.

“I’m glad I’ve got you. I wasn’t sure if you may have changed your number.” Julie said trying to put Summer at ease. She could hear the hesitation in Summer's voice.

“No … It’s always been the same.” Summer replied. She couldn’t imagine why Julie would be calling her. But she didn’t think it could be good.

“I’ve been trying to call Marissa. But I can’t reach her. I need to talk to her about something important and she’s not answering her phone. Do you happen to know where she is?” Julie asked pleasantly.

“Um … yeah.” Summer replied. “She’s in San Francisco.”

“What’s she doing in San Francisco?” Julie wondered out loud.

“Um … She went with Chino. I mean Ryan.” Summer explained. “We’ve got a couple of days off while they recast Jake’s role and Ryan had some work commitments up there.”

Julie felt even worse than before. Marissa was actually with him right now. She had to try to get in touch with her before anything happened between them. “I was just concerned about how she was doing … after the incident with Jake.” Julie added, hoping Summer would believe her little lie and tell her how to get in touch with Marissa.

“I’m sure she’s fine and that there’s no problem. Knowing her she probably turned her phone off for the flight up and then forgot to turn it back on.” Summer suggested. “They were only going for the day so they’ll be back sometime tonight. Do you want me to give her a message?” she asked.

“Um no. I’ll just try her again later or I’ll leave a message for her on her voicemail.” Julie replied trying her best to sound pleasant as she hung up. If she felt sick before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now. Summer had spoken about Ryan and Marissa as if they were a couple. A couple? Julie started to panic. She had to do something. She ran through things in her mind and then made a decision. She went back into the lounge and spoke to Dan.

“I’ve decided to go to LA for a few days. I need to see Marissa.” She informed him.

“She’s upset is she?” Dan asked. “I guess she would be. Of course you should go. I can look after myself. Just let me know how she is and if there’s anything I can do.”

“Sure.” Julie couldn’t say too much. She didn’t like lying to Dan. But the fact was she didn’t care at all about what had happened with Jake, all she was worried about was what was happening with Ryan. But she didn’t think that Dan would understand so it was better just to let him think what he liked about her little trip.

“When do you want to go?” Dan asked.

“As soon as possible.” Julie told him concerned. “Could you get on the net and book me a ticket and I’ll go and throw a few things together to take with me. Just get me the first seat available. Even if I have to travel Coach Class.”

“Whoa. You really are worried. I didn’t think you’d ever travel anything but first class.” She said surprised.

‘Well I just need to get there as soon as I can.” Julie explained.

---

Once in the gate lounge Julie tried Marissa’s phone once again. It went to voicemail but this time she waited and then at the prompt she said. “Marissa it’s your mother. I can’t believe that you didn’t tell me that you are spending time with him. After all I’ve said to you. I’m coming to LA to try to make you see sense. I don’t know where you are staying so could you please just get me a suite in the same hotel. I’ll call you when I get in to get the address. I should be there early Friday morning your time. So I’ll see you then.” Julie said and then added. “Just don’t do anything stupid before I get there.”

Julie felt sick. She didn’t know what to do. Marissa hadn’t bothered to tell Julie that she had actually kissed him. There was obviously more going on than Marissa had revealed. She decided she would have to come up with a way to break them up again somehow. And if that wasn’t possible then she would have to see if she could some how cover her tracks about the last time before it all came out.

---

It was late by the time Ryan and Marissa got back to the penthouse and when they entered the apartment they noticed the flashing light on the phone. Ryan walked over to it and pressed the button to listen to the message.

“Hi it’s me.” Summer’s voice filled the room. “I hope you had a good day … Um because I’m not sure if I might have done the wrong thing or not? Um ... Coop your mum rang looking for you. I guess your cell must have been turned off or something but anyhow I told her you were with Chino. I hope that was okay? If it wasn’t, I’m really sorry. And now... thinking about it ... I probably shouldn’t have said anything. But I did and I’m so sorry if it causes problems for you two.” Summer was starting to ramble. “Please forgive me. But I guess she sort of caught me off guard. I mean I haven’t spoken to her for years. Anyhow, the more I think about it the worse I feel because I think I really shouldn’t have said anything so please forgive me ... And when I asked did she want me to give you a message she said she’d leave one for you on your cell. So I’ll talk to you tomorrow. That’s if your still talking to me I guess? … Um … Bye … and sorry.” And then the line went dead.

Marissa felt herself go weak in the knees and sat down and reached into her bag for her cell.

Ryan walked over to press the erase button on the machine and said “She’s sure got herself in to a state over nothing. You should probably call her and let her know that it’s not a problem.” He turned and looked at Marissa who was now sitting down. She had gone quite pale. “Riss are you feeling okay? Was there a problem with the seafood?” he asked.

“Um. I just need to listen to this message.” she said as she turned her cell on so that she could connect to her voicemail.

Ryan was concerned about her and went into the kitchen and got her a glass of water. When he returned Marissa was deathly white. All the color had gone from her face and she looked like she was about to pass out. “Riss? Riss? Are you okay? Do you want me to call the doctor?”

“No. It’s just…” she put her phone down but was unable to process what was happening.

“What? What’s wrong? Is something wrong with Julie?” Ryan asked. Marissa was white as a sheet.

“No…..” she shook her head. “It’s … She’s …” Marissa started not sure how she could tell him. She knew that she was going to have to tell Julie that she was back with Ryan but she had hoped that they would have a little more time before she had to reveal it. She knew that her mother was going to go off the deep end when she found out. Marissa needed to warn Ryan. “She’s coming … to LA. She’ll be here in the morning.”

“So what’s the problem? I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” Ryan asked puzzled by her reaction.

“Ryan. It’s my mother. She still thinks I’m staying at the hotel and she wants me to book a suite there for her.” Marissa explained.

“Well she can stay here. We’ve got plenty of spare rooms. She can take her pick.” He said. “As long as it’s not ours of course.” He laughed.

“Ryan don’t you understand. This is my mother we’re talking about. Don’t you remember she’s not one of your biggest fans? She’d have a coronary if she thought we were sharing a bedroom.” Marissa pointed out.

“Riss, that was a long time ago. We’re 25 years old now. I think that Julie of all people would understand that we are sleeping together. It’s not as if she is the type to recommend celibacy. That would be fairly hypocritical given her track record.” He said stating the obvious.

Marissa said nothing just shook her head. He obviously had no idea how her mother felt about him. She didn’t know how she could tell him about how her mother reacted whenever he was mentioned.

“It’ll be fine. Really.” Ryan tried to reassure her.

There was no easy way to say this but he needed to be told before Julie arrived. “Ryan. Don’t you understand? She hates you … with a passion.” Marissa added trying to get through to him the intensity of Julie’s feelings.

“No. It’ll be fine. Julie and I came to a sort of understanding after …” He stopped he didn’t want to think about the last time he saw Julie.