In spite of her workload, Helen was in a very festive mood. Her mother had given her the world the night before. At last, she would be her own woman. She would not depend on her parents anymore, at least for a short while. Helen worked tirelessly, carrying boxes or handling the register, humming lyrics of her favorite songs, and smiling at everybody. Most of her customers were used to her cheerful attitude; she had always been a happy girl, but a rude customer could – and often did – ruin her mood. Still, when she did face one that morning, she managed to baffle the several bystanders and did not even argue with him. On the contrary, she flashed a smile to dismiss him.

She called Michelle in the morning and told her the news. As one would expect, she was thrilled that her friend would become her personal assistant. Indeed, Michelle was so ecstatic that she kept cheering throughout their conversation.

The remaining days were no different. Helen waited patiently for the moment that she would leave her uneventful life in Shandaken once again, eager to reunite with her friends. To her dislike, Michelle was too preoccupied with rehearsals to drive there and Helen was simply too exhausted to do the same. Nevertheless, they both showed understanding; neither of them complained to each other.

When the big day finally came, Helen hugged and kissed her parents and drove out of the small, mountainous town, with a mind filled with questions, but with a heart burning with anticipation.

Malibu, California, here I come! Long, sunny beaches; gorgeous sunsets; loads of Michelle’s concerts; I just hope I don’t have to deal with Mr. Grumpy too much. He may be a great guy, but I just want to punch him in his fat face when he complains about everything. Okay, that’s just wishful thinking, Helen. He’ll be there, too. There’s nothing much you can do to avoid him. Nah, who cares? I’m going to be on my own. Is there anything more important than that? Well, sure there is: an honest relationship with someone. One thing at a time, darling, one thing at a time.

Helen parked her car in the underground parking lot of “Reigns”, a luxurious hotel in Manhattan, but, as she made her way to the elevator, she heard a familiar voice, echoing in the space: Gina. As she swept the lot, she spotted Rick’s Mercedes, heading for the exit.

“No, it can’t be her.” She told herself. Seconds later, she stepped out of the empty car on the penthouse, only to discover that the door to the suite was wide open. Michelle was behind it, whereas Olivia was sitting on the couch, laughing heartily.

“Hiiiii!” Helen sang, easing her suitcase down.

“Hey, girl,” Michelle smiled at her, as they exchanged a warm hug. “Come on in.”

“Liv, welcome back!” Helen cheered, sprinting across the living room. “When did guys come back? How was Jamaica?”

“Amazing,” Olivia chuckled. “But not nearly as amazing as this.”

“They got back last night. Jesus, country girl,” Michelle protested, while picking Helen’s suitcase up from the floor. “What have you put in here, rocks?”

“Um, why’s she laughing that hard?” Helen asked, looking up at Michelle.

“Oh, yeah,” Michelle gave an amused snort. “Gina and Rick were just here.”

“Gina and Rick?” Helen exclaimed, as her mouth fell open in utter disbelief.

“Yeah,” Michelle affirmed, smiling down at her. “They’re a thing. Rick was about to say something smart about…” she paused, “his favorite part of a female body. Gina glared at him. He stopped right away.”

“When did they…?”

“Get together?” Michelle finished Helen’s sentence. “Barbados. They hooked up on Olivia’s wedding night.”

“Oh, my God!” Helen’s voice became even more high-pitched. “How’s this even possible?”

“It makes sense, if you ask me.” Michelle stated. “He’s wacky, and talks a little too much. She’s restrained, and a little too serious. They’re a perfect fit.”

“So, there’ll be no more ‘sweet ass’ jokes?” Helen inquired, her voice dropping an octave lower, as she waited for her friend’s reply.

“Nope,” Michelle said with a grin. “I’m going to miss that, to be honest. Not the comments; just that crazy look in his eyes. He sort of looks like a mad scientist, every time he talks about butts.”

“Finally,” Helen sighed in relief. “Where’s James?”

“On his way to Shandaken,” Olivia interjected. “He won’t go anywhere without his guitars and his sheet music.”

“I can’t believe I’m about to go on tour with ‘Jimmy X’.” Michelle gave a short laugh. “I mean, who would have thought?”

“He’s…” Helen faltered. “He’s not going to reveal his identity, is he?”

“Do you even know James?” Olivia spoke in sarcastic tones. “There’s no way in hell he’s ever going to do that. He’ll do exactly what he did that night in their first gig: Wear a hat and pretend like he’s just another pianist.”

“That was some night.” Helen commented. “I’ll always have you two to thank for that.”

“I don’t want to remember it.” Olivia confessed, her voice lowering to a soft whisper. “Too much pain, too much sorrow…”

“Don’t think like that, Liv.” Michelle advised, seating herself beside her. “That night, Mr. Grumpy declared his love for you to the world. It also put me on the map as a singer, not as a joke.”

“He still doesn’t like that name.” Olivia’s lips curled into a sweet smile, as she faced her friend.

“He’d better get used to it.” Helen teased. “Michelle, can I talk to you for a second?”

“Not really.” Michelle’s quick response and her devilish smile intrigued her. Still, before she could speak, Helen’s friend pulled a folded piece of paper out of her right pocket and handed it over to her.

“Oh…” Helen gasped, as she noticed the amount on the check. “Three thousand dollars?”

“Make that six.” Olivia’s words added to her profound shock. “You’ll get that after you guys come back from the tour. James said, --and I quote— ‘I’d still be alone, if it hadn’t been for that blonde girl.’ It’s the least we could do for you, sweetie. He’s right; we’d still be apart if you hadn’t been involved.”

“I can’t thank you enough for this.” Helen spoke in a shaking voice, staring down at Olivia.

“Actually, you can.” Olivia murmured, arising to her feminine, 5’6” stature. “Just be the same, loving friend you’ve been these past few months. You take good care of them in California, okay? Make sure they don’t fool around with each other.”

“Hey, that hurt!” Michelle’s loud voice echoed in the suite, bringing a smile to Helen’s face. “I would never…”

“Oh, stop it, will you?” Olivia interrupted her. “You know I’m just kidding. Get up.”

“Yeah, I do,” Michelle admitted, as she rose obligingly, while Olivia lifted her left arm. Olivia snaked it around Helen’s neck, as Helen opened her own arms. In an instant, Michelle was lost in a group hug.

“Be careful out there, alright?” Olivia whispered; “Both of you.”

“We will.” Michelle declared, leaning back. “Country girl, our flight’s in four hours. I suggest we get ready.”