Disclaimer: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and KISS are actual persons, and they are property of themselves. The portrayal of them in this story is fictitious, and is the work of a fan, for entertainment purposes only, not to demean or harm the people mentioned. Other characters are copyright by Trynia Merin. My thanks to Eisencookie, Ms Starchild and Ilovepaul66 for help with this story!

For the last two days they had remained in New York City, performing interviews and talk shows. In between these sessions, Paul had taken Julia to many of the beauty spots of his birth city. It had been incredible to tour the town under the guidance of a native, seeing things you couldn't ordinarily see from the point of view of a double decker special.

Julia had even relaxed to the point of letting Paul give her his credit card for shopping with Mandi during the times Gene and Paul were working. She would rush back with her purchases much to Paul's delight and admiration. Her latest purchase she was modeling before a mirror, anxiously awaiting Paul and Gene to return from their taping on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Blue and purple silk whispered against her skin as she pulled on the stylishly patterned blouse with the blue wool above the knee skirt and matching blazer. Such clothes seemed suited far more for a girl a few years younger then she. Even her new hairstyle seemed something out of a catalogue, at the urging of Paul to visit some of the salons in Little Cuba. Soft layers and blunt edges framed her face in the cut that curved slightly inward. Even the platform Mary Jane's reeked of this new East Coast style. Before her was the glamorous woman she had always waited on, even if she WAS a generous size 14 she was beautiful.

And she had Paul Stanley to thank for it. Resting a hand on her hip she posed and turned around in the mirror to see how the skirt fit from the back, knowing full well Paul would definitely approve. How refreshing it was to feel proud of her appearance without the caveat of what her ex would think. Miles away from LA and his memories had all but banished her fears. What could stop her now? Ever since she and Paul had made love it had been wonderful, but a small doubt remained in her mind. What would happen after they returned to LA?

She quickly banished the thought by glancing back to the small laptop Macintosh Paul had loaned her for special projects. She had allowed herself to assist him in some matters, and even let Mandi guide her in the ways of being an assistant for the rich and famous. Far from medical matters, it was an equally challenging task, requiring a pleasant demeanor and a firm insistence on the best. A few talks on the phone with Paul's assistant Sarah, who was on maternity leave back in LA had filled in the gaps. Yet, she felt uneasy speaking to Sarah, who often spoke to her in an almost patronizing tone.

"I'll never get this done," she muttered as her eyes scanned the lines of questions for Paul Speaks. There were many, which she instantly knew would be groaners, including numerous sexual orientation questions. Why couldn't they give this dead horse with flies buzzing around it a rest from beating?

"Darn it Paul, why did you have to disappear?" she sighed, rubbing her hair. She had her back to the door, and didn't hear the knock behind it. When she heard the knock again, she muttered.

"It had better NOT be room service, we are staying here a whole other night..."

She heard the male voice behind her ask, "Excuse me, is Mr. Paul Stanley here..."

"Who is it?" she asked.

"I was told he was here... and I'm not room service... he knows me pretty well..."

"Hold on a minute," she said, rising from her chair and crossing over to slid the drawchain on and crack the door. Her eyes widened at the young man behind it.

Dark curly hair was cropped into a cut short on the sides, but a bit long and curly on the top. Sideburns framed his classically chiseled cheekbones, his face somewhat wider then Paul's. A trendy but neat goatee graced his handsome chin, and tinted glasses with thick black frames perched on his nose. He pushed them up a bit as his own eyes widened at sight of her.

"Can I come in?" he asked.

"Wow," she whispered, sliding the draw chain and opening the door to get a better look at him. His eyes were dark as Paul's, and his clothing, a wine colored wide lapel shirt with quilted stitching and the long black wool coat with striped scarf had a bohemian air. He held a stocking cap in his hand, his pants long and baggy with pockets up and down the sides, and thick black doc martin boots on his feet. The shimmer of a small silver ring in his right eyebrow didn't' daunt her much, for they complimented the piercing in his left and right ears.

His height put him an inch below Paul, but the features were unmistakable. Take away the retro seventies look and put him in long flowing locks and Greenwich Village bell bottoms and you'd have baby Paul from the early days.

"Uh, he's not here..." she fumbled, realizing he was intently regarding her with soul dark eyes, identical in shade of Paul's. If he was just a look alike, he was an uncanny one.

"I don't THINK I have the wrong room...." he smiled, making her giddy with nervous energy. "Please ma'am, I'm looking for Paul. You said he's not here? You see, I'm hoping to surprise him."

"Y... yes that's right..." she stammered, gaping at him.

A look of disappointment spread shortly over his features, skin dotted a bit with freckles, a shade or two lighter then Paul's. He ran hands through his hair chuckling, "Oh, OK...wow...I'm really not sure what to do..."

"I'm sorry you missed him Mister... Mr...." she said. "Wont' you come in?"

Taking him by the elbow of his coat, she ushered him in, and he dropped the duffel he carried just inside the door. She quickly closed it behind him, for a moment hoping he was alone. Shame momentarily filled her at this thought, and she suppressed it.

"I drove in from out of town, and it took...it took a LONG time." He smiled, as she held out her hand to take his coat.

"Here, I'll find a place for that... say, I didn't get your name..."

He shed his coat and handed it to her in one fluid moment. Those clothes hung nicely on a body that was slenderer then Paul's, yet still very nicely muscled. As she turned to hang the coat up, she felt his eyes on the back of her neck, and she hoped he was admiring her as much as she was admiring him. It still stunned her how much like Paul he looked. Whoever it was, it was incredible.

"I'm sorry." he blushed, when she turned around again. "Damn rude of me. I'm Elliott. Elliott Eisen."

"N... nice to meet you..." she gets out, still stunned at how much like Paul he looked. Surely, it couldn't be... could it? She did recall Paul had a sister by her name, and a niece, but perhaps this was a nephew or cousin?

"And Gene said my dad would be here, so I came up to surprise him. I guess the surprise is on me," he smiled.

"Your dad..." she gasped. "Oh my..."

"Yeah...uh...Paul," he said, eyebrow lifting in a way that made her heart jump.

"I'm sorry to be rude..." she breathed. "Why don't you sit down and relax... I'm sure he'll be back soon... Oh my god... I thought you were some fan or something..."

"I brought him some of these goofy almond candies he likes," he smiled, handing a wrapped package to her. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I'm sure you've got business to attend to."

"How rude of me... I'm Julia Bryce..." she extended her hand. A curious thought occurred to her. He certainly seemed unaware of who she was, and was it possible he had mistaken her for someone else?"

"Julia." he smiled, taking her hand in his to shake it. "You're very lovely, if you don't mind me saying."

"Thank you," she blushes, her hand in his. She didn't want to let go, because his hand feels so much like Paul's. Just how old was he? Older then 21, but perhaps even close to her own age?

"It's...it's nice to see a lady all dressed up," he smiled.

"You flatter me sir," she giggled, feeling her face flush warm. "And it's not everyday I see a gentleman with such manners as yours..."

"Most of the gang at NYU LIVES in jeans and sweatshirts," he laughed. "I'm guilty as the next guy when it comes to that."

"You're in school?" she asked. "Hey, nothing wrong with that... wearing jeans and sweats I mean..."

"Yeah" he sighs, "I've been there forever, it seemed."

"Won't you sit down?" she asked again, showing him the sofa in the living area of the rich suite. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Sure, if you don't mind," he said, following her toward the sofa, the chain leading from beltloop to wallet jingling with his step.

"What do you like?" she asked as he sat down. Julia almost tripped over her platform shoes as she stumbled over to the wet bar.

He smiled at her, "I'd love a beer, but my dad would blow a gasket. I'm still his little boy at heart."

"How about some Evian water... sprite... Pepsi... So Be Lean..."

"A Pepsi would be great," Elliott called.

"Pepsi... okay..." she smiled, bending over to extract one from the bottom shelf.

"I can get it if you want." he offered, admiring the view.

"Uh... well..." she laughs. "No let me..."

She leaned over to a soda. Her skirt lifted up and he sees a hint of the rose tattoo on one leg. Julia extracted his Pepsi, and leaned up to grab a glass and fill it with ice.

"If you don't mind me saying... Last time I talked to you, you seemed kind of distant, sort of mean. I never pictured you as so sweet" he blushes.

"Uh... I have never met you..." she stammered, almost dropping the ice on the floor.

"Oh! Well, oh...." he said, surprised. "Maybe dad got rid of her. You must be someone new."

"You must mean Sarah..." she laughed nervously, realizing he had assumed that she was Paul's assistant. Good grief, Paul had told him nothing. A moment of anger filled her, and it dissipated into a flirtatious glimmer of mischief. How far could she go with this little game?

"I never knew her name. She was kind of a bitch" he chuckled.

"I've heard," she laughed, handing him the soda.

"I don't get out to California very often," he sighed, taking a large gulp that made her actively watch the moving of the muscles in his sensuous neck. "Dad gives me hell about that."

"Why anyone would be mean to a gorgeous guy like you... oops... is beyond me," she said, then blushed profusely when she realized what she had just said. In her time with Paul, she had suddenly grown far bolder at flirting then she ever would have with Chad.

"I'm not gorgeous, " he grinned cheerily. "But thank you for thinking it anyway."

"Oh come on..." she laughed, sitting down next to him. "Look in the mirror..."

"I do every day," he chuckled, taking another sip of his Pepsi. "And somehow I've yet to see a female stampede heading in my direction."

"I'm surprised you're not fighting them off with a stick," she laughed, brushing her hair out of her face. A hot warmth spread from head to toe, the sexual tension escalating to the point that it almost made her faint then and there. Did this young man have no idea of the effect he could arouse in women?

"I'm not nearly as smooth as my dad," he blushed. "I tend to clam up. You'd never think that of a performing arts major, would you?"

"No," she smiled.

"I'm sort of not looking forward to this," he sighed, looking around the room as if awkward with the richness of his surroundings.

"Why not?" she asked. "I would think he would love to see you..."

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, reaching for his hand to pat it.

"He's going to ask about my mom, and she hates him."

"Uh oh," she commented, a warning bell sounding in her head. "Parent problems?"

"And she says she'll kill me if I say ANYTHING about her," he said, rolling his eyes. Clearly, he must be the product of an earlier relationship. Perhaps a girlfriend Paul had known well enough to have had a substantial relationship, beyond the usual groupie screw. Perhaps as intense as with Pam, or Samantha, or Donna.

"Elliott I'm sorry," she said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

"It's OK, Julia. I've been fighting it my whole life," he said with a sad smile, squeezing her hand back gratefully. "Or at least as long as I can remember. People tell me they WERE once in love."

"It's a shame. You have both parents alive... and they don't' talk..." Julia admitted. "My father left when I was young... And my mom passed away when I was 21... I guess my dad couldn't handle mom with her bouts of cancer..."

"Man that sucks," he shook his head. "Well with me, mom took me and left. My dad's done a great job staying in touch. He finances my education, as I'm sure you've figured out. And she's not real happy."

"Yes," she nodded. "Boy, that stinks. Actually, not to sound rude, but he didn't' say much about you... I mean I've met Evan... But you..." she stammered over her nervous words again.

"I guess maybe my dad wants to forget about that part of his life. I'm sure it's a big awkward."

"At least she's alive," she sighed. "Your mother that is... All I have left are memories, and this," she pointed to the Celtic cross visible around her neck.

"Yeah... I'm sorry," he said, patting her hand lightly. Goosepimples erupted over her skin at his slightly nervous touch.

"Thank you. It is hard when your parents can't' get along," she nodded. "I have never seen my father since age 12... That's when he bailed on me and my mom and my brother."

"Damn... My dad... He really wants to, Julia. I know he does, but she absolutely refuses to have anything to do with him."

"That's her loss," she said softly.

"When her dad died, he sent flowers and she refused to accept delivery. It's just DUMB," he gritted, eyes shutting shortly in sadness.

"Maybe she didn't get along well with her father?" she asked slowly, hoping to tease more information about Eliott's mother from the young man. "God knows I wanted to know my daddy and WHY he left me... but mom said to let it go."

"Nah, she didn't, but damn, dad meant it as a nice gesture and she wouldn't take them, just because they were from him," Elliott shook his head.

"My dad was finally he was tracked down and made to pay child support...

"But when he wanted to see us, my mom said NO. Turns out that he had already remarried... And he wanted me and my brother to come live with him, and she said absolutely NOT. She told us he was a horrible man."

"I'm GLAD that he paid something. I've been lucky in that regard. Dad's always been there for me," said Elliott. "Mom was remarried for awhile, but he wasn't really great, and now she's a little bit lonely. I DID invite her to come with me today and she said, "Elliott, don't be silly.

The word 'remarried' registered, making Julia's heart stop. Remarried, as in previously married. How many times was his mother married unless... perhaps Paul had a marriage secret from the press, long before Pam? It was a staggering possibility. And the evidence, living proof sat next to her now.

"Elliott, sounds like we have something in common," she said, steadying her shaking voice, stroking his hand.

"Your mom sounded like a strong woman... and yeah, I guess we both are kids of divorced parents..."

"She was... up till the end. It was cause I took care of her I became a nurse... And later I got my license in the area of plastic surgery... But that's over now... at least... for now..." she said, trailing off at the fear of revealing too much, in case Paul had told him who she was. Why was she so eager to hide that she was dating his father, she wondered? Was it because the sight of a handsome young Version of Paul admiring her and enjoying her company made her painfully aware of the age difference? Why was it suddenly an issue?

"Like mine, only I think mine might be a bit TOO strong," he chuckled. "Well, mom and dad met when they were really young... went through the leans times together. Very romantic."

"Was she from the Wicked Lester days?" she asked, again probing for his age.

"I bet you've heard that question lots of times."

"Yeah, they were REALLY young," he confirmed. "When they first met that is. They had me later... almost like a last effort to make it all work out..."

"Baby Paul," she laughed.

"First love." he chuckled.

"Yes," she sighed wistfully. "Never lasts."

"Interesting how dad got a plastic surgery nurse as an assistant' he smiled.

"Uh yes," she blushed. "My ex boyfriend kicked me out... and I had no place to go... no job."

"I'm sure the fact that you're beautiful had SOMETHING to do with it" he teased.

"Paul... offered me a job... Chad got me fired... I'm sure I'm boring you with the details..." she held up a hand to dismiss her past life.

"No, I really want to hear," he said, turning toward her eagerly.

"You do?" she asked levelly. A compassionate young man, to boot, this was so unfair! The struggle grew within her, to reveal her identity or to let this game continue for as long as it would.

"Besides, I sort of have time to kill," he smiled. "I'm here all alone, with no dad in sight, and a whole BOX of those almond do-dads..."

"Paul tried to tell me what an absolute bastard Chad was... I wouldn't believe him at first. But now I see what he's done to me... Why do men have to be like that?" she asked softly.

"I'm glad dad had something for you then. I'd hate to think that you stayed with someone who isn't good for you," he said compassionately, then teased gently, "We're not ALL like that you know..."

"I'm glad," she laughed sadly. "He seemed so nice at first... But then I gained a bit of weight back... And he stopped wanting to have anything to do with me other then helping pay rent and keep house."

"He's sounding like an idiot already. Go on..." Elliott urged, eyes darkening in annoyance and anger.

"And he started seeing these starlets. He's a producer... or a producer wannabe. And then he refused to even have anything to do with my daughter..." she blurted out. "I have a daughter, go figure... she lives with her dad... not me..."

"That's tough," he said, his eyes darkening like Paul's.

"I wanted to make her a good home. So I could have her," she admitted softly.

"Give her a father..."

"I went through a period where I really wanted to live with my dad. My mom would have none of it," Elliott nodded in sympathy. "My dad's a self-centered, money-grubbing, egotistical bastard, according to her." he chuckles, looking at the ground.

"Yeah, I guess I can see how people would think that," she sighed. "But they are so wrong."

"Tell me something, Julia...." he requested, looking up again with twinkling eyes.

"Yes?" she asked, looking at the ground. Was he about to ask what she thought he was?

"Christine told me dad's seeing someone new."

"She has?" she asked, her heart again skipping a beat. Fear crashed around her, and she realized this game had turned suddenly all too serious. It could become very dangerous if she were not careful. Still curiosity urged her to satiate it, and the need to know what people had been saying about her and her relationship with Paul.

"Yeah. Wouldn't tell me any more than that. Said I had to ask dad," he laughed.

"Oh," she said.

"So I did," he added with a smile. Her eyes widened in fear and she pulled away.

"What did he say?"

"I guess, from what he said, she's around a lot. I was just wondering what she's like."

"She's... very nice," Julia said carefully. "And your father... well he's fallen for her VERY quickly."

"He told me he met her at a party and that she's very pretty. A fan, I think."

"Almost too quickly," she muttered, tears in her eyes.

"He wouldn't say, but I wonder if she's living there." he smiled. Julia confirmed this with a nod, her heart growing sick and sad. How could she possibly deserve Paul when she desired his own son so strongly? Was she insane?

"I just hope... that she's good for him, because he's been through a lot of bad shit... err...problems," he said again. With each word, the little game she was playing sickened her. She had to tell him who she was herself. Yet, she had to find a way of letting him know gently before Paul returned, lest she upset the delicate balance of her error. She sniffed and wiped away another tear.

"Hey, am I bothering you?" he said suddenly with concern.

"No... It's nothing..." she stammered. "Just... something silly that's all."

"I don't want to get you in trouble. I won't say anything to dad."

"You're very nice," she sighed. Startled, she almost leapt up when she heard the clicking of a key card in the door. Like a guilty schoolgirl, she leapt up from the sofa.

"That might be him now," Elliott smiled.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," she said hastily. Leaning over she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Elliott sat there, shortly confused, his arm around her partly. He let her rush away, and then got up to walk toward the door to greet his father.

"Holy...oh, God, ELLIOTT!" he gasped. Julia opened the door a crack to hear their conversation and peer out to see their reunion.

"DAD!" Elliott laughed, rushing forward to hug Paul.

"You made it! But I thought you had an EXAM?" Paul said, in shock, scratching his hair in that cute way that stunned her in the doorway. IT was like seeing past and present. She ducked back into the bathroom to listen to them.

"It's actually next week," Elliott said, tears in his eyes. "I fooled you, old man."

At the mention of the words, old man, Julia felt sadness welling up inside, knotting her stomach. Soberly she realized she was far closer in age and experience to his own son then the man she loved. Shame filled her at this sadness, for Paul was the one who said he loved her... wasn't he. How could she be so ridiculous to think such things mattered?

"My god... he's SO much like Paul... He must be close to my age... oh GOD Paul's old enough to be my father..." she muttered, reality truly sinking in.

"How's your mom?" Paul asked quietly.

"You KNOW better than to ask THAT question." Elliott laughingly teased him.

"She could have come here today, if she wanted," Paul said quietly.

"Dad...." Elliott started.

"I know," Paul interrupted him quietly.

Slowly Julia edged the bathroom door open, and tiptoed into the bedroom. They remained in the sitting room, and she could tell their position glancing at them in the mirror to one side. Father and Son regarded each other in mutual sadness, and she felt she was a foreigner who had no right to know the secret that had created this sorrow.

"Your assistant...she made me feel at home when I got here," Elliott said. Julia smiled wryly.

Paul looks at him with raised eyebrows, "MY assistant did?"

"Yeah, sure. She's MUCH nicer in person," Elliott said. He caught sight of her and said, "there she is now..."

"But that's..." Paul started out, before she interrupted him.

"Yes "Mr. Stanley... I tried my best to make him at home... I chose some questions for you for this month at KOL..."

"Good ones, I hope?" he says, eyebrow still raised, question filling his face.

She held a finger to her lips, shaking her head violently and mouthing, "please don't tell him."

"Why?" he mouthed back.

"Later," she whispered.

Elliott walked over to the dresser and is filing through Paul's pictures of Evan he keeps in his suitcase, commenting, "Damn, dad, he just keeps getting cuter and cuter."

"He wants to know when you're coming out to visit" Paul beamed.

"He does, doesn't' he," Julia interrupted nervously. "And you two have SO much to talk about... is there anything else you need Mr. Stanley? If not I'll be taking a break now..."

Paul rushed to stop her as she grabbed her coat and purse, throwing them on,

"Wait a minute Julia, we should talk about this..."

"Julia, you're welcome to come with us!" Elliott blurted out.

She stopped, cursing to herself, "I couldn't..."

"You are, you know, Julia," Paul said. "And I really think there are some things he needs to know... about you..."

"No, you need to visit him," she interrupted Paul, squeezing his arm tightly and pleading him with her eyes to stop. "You don't see him every day you know... you two need some father son time..."

Again, she felt like she was intruding, and saw Elliott smile at Paul for a moment. Grateful for his inadvertently timely distraction, Julia sighed in relief and buttoned her coat, crossing to the door to leave.

"I tell you what, I'll throw you a bone," Elliott said, pulling out his wallet and digging through it. He extracted a picture, and passed it to Paul. "Mom's latest snapshot, but DON'T tell her I showed you."

She turned to see Paul's reaction. Paul smiles broadly, with a hint of sadness.

"Your mother is a lovely woman," he said simply, unsure of what to say in the presence of Julia's awkwardness.

"She's very pretty Mr. Stanley," Julia muttered. Paul starts to say something to Julia, but stopped.

She mouthed, "It's ok."

Paul sighed a bit, "Is she OK on money?"

Elliott laughed, "Like she would EVER take money from you."

Paul broke up laughing, "You've got a good point. YOU on the other hand...."

"ME on the other hand...." Elliott smiled widely as Paul grabbed his checkbook and scribbled him a check. Elliott took it from him, and glanced at the dollar amount, his face lighting up gratefully. Father and son hugged again.

Julia smiled, admiring the view of BOTH father and son, in awe of how handsome they were. A naughty thought crossed her mind and she blushed. "Sometimes I can imagine it's hard to take money... from someone," she said softly. "But she must understand it's for the best... right, Mr. Stanley? Especially when he wants to help."

"Sooooo, I was half hoping you'd bring your girlfriend." Elliott said. Julia panicked for a minute. Paul blushed a bit in awkwardness, then smiled. Julia's look pleaded him not to tell Elliott. She wrung her hands nervously. Not sure of what to say.

"Actually, I did." he grinned.

"No KIDDING? So I get to meet her?" Elliott smiled conspiratorially. This was entirely too much for Julia. Feeling low and angry with herself, she realized she couldn't' stand to remain a moment longer in that room after what she had done.

"Excuse me, I REALLY have to go..." she whispered and rushed out of the room before Paul or Elliott could stop her.

Her heart pounded in her chest as violently as her feet pounded the carpet while she ran away. Somehow, she knew Gene's room must be nearby when she heard their voices calling after her. Scared and a bit overwhelmed, she didn't bother to look back.

Paul rushed after her, Elliott standing behind him, confused. He yelled, "JULIA!"

"No Paul, I can't... not now... I don't belong here, don't you see," she sobbed, brushing away tears. She had to find Gene and fast.

"For God's sake...stop..." Paul called after her, panting.

***

She reached Gene's room, pounding on the door. She yelled, "Gene please I NEED to talk to you!"

There was no answer. She heard the elevator door dinging open around the corner, and yelled again, "MANDI! PLEASE, for God's sake LET me in!"

The latch and lock fumbled, and Mandi opened the door. Her eyes widened when she saw Julia's fear, and she asked, "What is going on? Why are you so scared..."

"Please I MUST see GENE!" she pleaded.

"Let her in already!" Gene called from inside. Mandi moved away to let Julia run inside, and she reached past Mandi to slam the door shut.

"Good god, girl, what the hell is going on?" Gene demanded, buttoning his shirt.

"Please Gene, something HORRIBLE has happened and it's all my fault. I can't let Paul see me like this... not right now..."

"Now what on EARTH is the problem?" Gene demanded. "Take a deep breath. And START from the beginning..."

"Oh God Gene..." she gasped. "His son is here... and I made the biggest FOOL of myself!"

"Easy honey, breathe deep," Gene offered, and walked her over to the sofa to sit down. "Now start at the beginning...."

Before she could say another word, Mandi opened the door on Paul, who had Elliott standing behind him. Both exchanged words with Mandi in muffled confusion and concern, and Mandi glanced over her shoulder helplessly at Gene.

"I can't see him, I just... he thought I was Paul's assistant... and then he told me about their past... and then I felt horrible... and I just am not ready..." she stammered.

"Shit, he told you what?" Gene asked.

"I had no idea he had another son," she whispered. "I don't know WHY it has gotten to me... oh god I feel like I don't belong..."

"Julia is that you?" Paul asked, nudging Mandi out of the way.

"Paul what is going on here?" Gene asked, rising from the sofa and regarding him with confusion.

"Julia, I'm proud of you. I don't want to play some damn... game..." he panted.

"Gene!" Elliott smiled, entering the room.

"Hey kid," Gene smiles and walked over to shake his hand. "How are you doing?"

"Dad's girlfriend is here and his assistant just went ballistic." Elliott said.

"Oh?" Gene asks, confused. "But I thought..."

"Tell her I send my best," he winked. "I don't know... maybe Julia doesn't like me. Or...maybe she doesn't like dad's girlfriend."

"Now wait a moment," Gene gets out.

Paul turned to Julia, looking at her with dark eyes. He started, "This is...this is crazy..."

"Oh kay..." Mandi shook her head. "What exactly IS going on here?"

"Why does it matter if I have a SON? Why is this an issue?" Paul demanded.

"Paul... Julia what is this?" Gene asked.

"Uh..." said Elliott, backing away a bit.

"I'm intruding," Julia cried out.

"No, you're NOT!" Paul huffed. Gene looked confusedly at Paul and Elliott.

"I never knew Paul had another son," Mandi wondered aloud.

"Wait I think I know what's going on here..." Gene offered. "Kid, you think SHE is Paul's assistant?"

Paul looked at Julia silently, shaking his head. He said sadly, "You're mad because I didn't tell you?"

"No," she says. "I'm mad at myself... For being so stupid... And now I've made a big mess of it."

"She... uh... she TOLD me she was... " Elliott said, baffled.

Mandi chuckled, "He FINALLY got his way...you're his assistant."

"Oh for Christ's sake..." Gene sighed.

"Tell him who you are," Paul urged Julia quietly.

'I'm OBVIOUSLY intruding," Elliott said, backing away.

"I'm his girlfriend," she blurted out. "I'm sorry... okay?"

Elliott looks at her for a moment, then chuckled, "She's your GIRLFRIEND? This is the girl Christine told me about?"

Paul turned to him, saying in one breath, "This is Julia, and she's the one you heard about. She lives with me, and it's serious. And....that's the story..."

"Yes," she nodded, head in her hands in mortification. "Don't hate me for misleading you, Elliott... I simply thought you might feel... weird about your father dating someone... oh shit it's stupid..."

"Hey, I think you're great, Julia. I don't totally UNDERSTAND what went on, but you seem like a hell of a girl," said Elliott, combing his curls violently with his fingers.

"Watch your language," Paul muttered.

"This is too much," she muttered to Mandi.

"Dad," he chuckled softly as Paul grinned at him.

"His son is cute," Mandi chirped. Gene slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned.

"Oh god," she flushed, very embarrassed. Elliott grinned at her, then at Julia.

"Why don't you go to lunch?' Gene suggested, and nudged her toward Julia. "Mandi, why don't you join them? I think Julia could use a female friend right now... and I think Elliott could use some female companionship..."

"I don't have any money," she blurted.

"I have money" both Paul and Elliott say at the same time.

"OH for the love of..." Gene sighed, and fishes in his wallet for some money and shoved it into her hand. "Just go girl... ENJOY!"

She grinned at him and smiled. Paul walked over and put his arm around Julia. He whispered, "Where do you want to eat, love?"

She buried her head in his chest, whispering, "I'm sorry."

"Shhhhh, it's forgotten. I want you to relax for me and just concentrate on having a good time. Elliott's a GREAT kid."

"Yeah, a kid," she muttered half to herself.

"There's a terrific pizza place not far from here." Elliott suggested.

"Mandi, you've got the rest of the day off," Gene said.

"Mandi, do you eat pizza?" Paul asked.

"Cheese... light sauce.... But Gene don't you need my help?"

"Nope, I've got some family business to take care of... got to pick someone up and take her out for lunch... Go have fun damn it..."

Gene nudged her out the door and pushes her coat into her hand with her purse.

She looked at him a bit sadly. "Go, have fun," he mouthed.

"ALL day?"

"Yes," he nodded, toward Elliott. "Just humor me ok honey?"

"Pizza OK, love?" Paul whispered to Julia, still with his arm around her.

"Yes," she confirmed, still feeling weird.

Gene whispered to Mandi, "I'll see you tonight ok?"

Elliott smiles at her, but with a hint of sadness and jealousy. "You can COUNT on it" she chirped back.

"Meanwhile, show this boy of Paul's a good time.... willya? So he stops drooling over Julia?"

Elliott smiled broadly at Gene. Gene winked at him. He put his arm slightly around Mandi, smiling down at her. He still made brief eye contact with Julia, then looked away. Julia wiped away a tear of regret.

"I wish," she mouthed at him.

Paul looked at the 3 of them and laughed. On the way out, he pulls Gene aside and teases, "Why do I suddenly feel like the chaperone? All these 20-somethings and ME."

"Paul, maybe I should just stay here..."

"It's OK" he smiles back, to cheer her.

"I think your kid has a crush on Julia," Gene whispered to Paul. "Hence my lovely assistant... What better to distract him then a lovely woman his age?"

"Can you say AWKWARD SITUATION?" Paul sighed.

"Mandi will help... I hope," Gene whispered to him.

Paul rolls his eyes at Gene and looks at Elliott, "Crap, wait until Karen hears about THIS."

"She won't. Mandi will distract Elliott, and that's the end of story... I hope... He's a younger version of you; he's not blind... I hope he likes blondes like you do!"

"I don't even know if he's ever had SEX yet" Paul hissed. "At least he's never TOLD me."

"He doesn't have to sleep with her, just pay attention to her and not to Julia."

He closed his eyes tightly a second. "Damn, and I was hoping this would be my lucky weekend."

"It still can be. Look, just humor me..."

"Gene where ARE you going... you can't leave me alone with this situation..." Paul hissed. "Please man... I'm asking you for HELP here..."

"I'm actually going to spend some time with my daughter," Gene whispered. "She's staying with my mom while we've been working..."

"Gene, WAIT, why don't you bring her to meet us there?" Paul whispered.

"Paul, please... "Last time I had her over for a visit she saw a pic of your kid, and was DROOLING over him."

"At this point, ANYTHING sounds good, and I would rather it be JEANNIE there too, so Elliot doesn't get some idea that uncle GENE is giving him a free fuck..." Paul hissed.

"Paul..." Gene sighed. "I'm TRYING to help..."

"Please Gene, this is heavy. Nothing like having something like this say 'you're dating an old man', and this reeks of it!"

"Yeah," Gene sighed, looking at Mandi. He realized she was about his daughter's age.

"I don't know, Gene. Maybe I don't do it for her. Maybe she's not attracted to me" he sighed, watching the 3 of them gathering in the hallway waiting for him.

"And now I get to be the old man who goes along to pay the bill."

"OH Christ Paul, stop it!" Gene scolded him.

"COME with us, Gene. God, please rescue me from this," Paul closed his eyes, shaking his head.

"Do I have to..." Gene groaned, slapping his forehead. "All right Stanley, for your sake. I'll bring HER here, but you gotta realize I need my quality time with her too! Let me get my coat..."

"Thank GOD" he sighed. "Elliott would LOVE to have Jeannie stop in, you know. He had quite a crush on her at one point. And besides, you want KAREN to bug the shit out of me when she gets wind of you throwing your ASSISTANT at my son?"

"Ugh," Gene sighed.

"Hey GENE!" Mandi yelled. "Are you coming?"

"I'll see you THERE!" Gene called.

Paul looked at Gene and suddenly grinned, "I'll bet it pisses the HELL out of Karen how much he looks like me."

As Julia and Mandi waited for Paul in the hallway with Elliott, Julia found herself glancing at him in small rapid turns of her head. "I REALLY am sorry to have fibbed," she said to Elliot.

"Julia, I'm not offended, really. I'm sure it's kind of odd for you, you living with my dad and all," Elliott said. "And here, I'm his son."

"You have no idea," she muttered. He blushed a bit.

"Let's go," Mandi urged. "Once Paul gets here..."

"God, I hope it didn't bother you, me talking about my mom." Elliott mumbled back.

"I would have found out soon enough, and NO it's not your fault. I guess I never knew you even existed till now..."

"I wish Paul would have told you about me," Elliott said sadly.

"No wait, that sounded so rude of me..."

"Hey, it's not every day that I shake people up," Elliott teased, trying to maintain a brave smile. She pulled Elliott's arm and motioned toward the elevator. Then she turned back around to see Paul and Gene exiting the room, both buttoning their coats.

"You forgot your scarf, baby," Paul said, draping it around her neck he caught up with her.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Paul, I AM sorry that I deceived your son... but I panicked..."

"We'll talk about it later. Right now, I want you both to get to know each other, all right? Can you do that for me..."

"Of course, love," she whispered. Her use of the endearment seemed to soothe Paul's ruffled feathers, especially when she leaned up and kissed his cheek softly.

"Paul, this is a nice place," Mandi whistled in appreciation. Wishing Gene was there; she looked at the three people behind her. Julia was pensive when they entered the pizza place, not far from NYU. Paul and Elliott bracketed Julia on either side, an uncomfortable reminder of the future and past that she now felt caught between.

"Would you get us a table?" Paul asked her, slipping his arm around Julia's waist to pull her closer to his side. Elliott backed away a bit and turned his attention to Mandi.

"Now, let me get this straight. She's Gene's assistant AND his girlfriend, right?" Elliott asked Mandi. However out of earshot, she did not turn around at his query. Paul's son watched as she flagged down the nearest waiter.

Paul poked him in the rib, "Shhhhh!"

"Uh, I don't think she wants it broadcasted," Julia nudged Eliot.

"Sorry," he reddened, then grinned impishly. "Mom..."

Julia put a hand to her head as she said, "Is our table ready yet?"

"I'll go and check," Paul offered, laughing loudly. He wandered over to the hostess, who casually pulled out four menus and passed them to him.

"Party of four or six?" she asked. "Your friend said that there were supposed to be six. Will the others be joining you..."

"Mom?" Paul chuckled to Elliott. Julia flushed bright red.

"C'mon I think our table's ready," she said, taking Paul's hand, and Elliott's in her other. She pulled them behind her, flushing beet red.

The waitress led them over, to where Mandi was waving them on. For a moment, Julia debated where to sit, at one of the ends, or somewhere in the middle. She chose the side by the window, and Paul automatically pulled out the chair for her before Elliott could move. He sat down next to her, leaving Elliott to ponder where he should sit. He chose the seat across from Julia, while Mandi sat at the head of the table. This left the foot and the other chair empty next to Elliott.

Mandi was cattycorner to one of the empty chairs, and next to Paul. He picked up his menu and smiled sweetly at Julia. She gave him the best smile she could, hoping he wouldn't see how nervous she was.

"They have sandwiches here, Dad," Elliott said, scanning the menu.

"Will we get something to share, sweetheart?" Paul asked Julia.

"What about Gene and his guest?" she asked.

"Well, we'll pick something we can all like," Mandi suggested brightly. "Now do they have low fat cheese as a topping?"

"Maybe broccoli and pineapple on freschetta would work," Elliott suggested. "Not for me..."

"Oh that's RIGHT!" Paul chuckles, "You don't like spaghetti sauce."

"What?" Mandy laughed, amused. "No way."

"Karen used to get SO mad...her Italian son and he doesn't even like spaghetti sauce!" Paul laughed. "Honey, anything jump out at you?"

"I'll have mushrooms but no anchovies," she said softly.

"She used to say, there's NO way my Italian son wouldn't like pizza," Paul nudged her, facing Mandi."

"That's really something," Mandi chuckled. "So, what's everyone having?"

"Son?" Paul asked Elliott.

"Oh... the cheese steak," he said. "With extra onions... dad?"

"How about two large pizzas, I know Gene will want everything on his... and maybe a large for you and me Julia..."

"I'll nibble off Gene's," Mandi said. "And get a small side salad."

They were interrupted by the young waitress, who gave Elliott and Paul a startled once over. "Hey Ell," she grinned, recognizing him. "Been a while!"

"Charlotte,' he smiled charmingly. "This is my father, and his girlfriend Julia..."

"Nice to meet you," she smiled. "God, your dad's as handsome as you are..."

"Thank you," Paul smiled charmingly.

"What will you have... I mean what can I get you to start with? Some drinks or appetizers? We have mozzarella sticks, potato skins... and chicken soup..."

"Coke or Pepsi products?" Mandi asked.

"Coke products," Charlotte said.

"I'll have ice water with lemon," Mandi said. "And a side salad to start out with..."

"Ell?" she asked Elliott.

"Some mozzarella sticks for me... Dad?"

"I'll hold out for the main course. Julia?"

"Me too," she whispered.

"Drinks?"

"Beer... I mean Coke for me," Elliott said quickly, although he was on the verge of ordering a beer.

"You can have a beer," Paul smiled. "Since you aren't driving..."

"Thanks," he laughed, scratching his hair cutely. "A Budweiser for me..."

"A diet come... Julia?"

"Diet coke... make that two," she added.

"All right I'll bring those right out..."

"Wait, we know what we want?" Paul asked. Everyone nodded.

"Let's see. Pizza for 6, I guess. Two larges?" Paul said.

"One half low fat cheese," Mandi piped in.

"Six?" Elliott says, as Paul made a face at him.

"Gene and guest," Mandi winked.

"Mushrooms on half" Paul says, "For the lady."

"Got it... and you Ell?"

"I'd like a steak hoagie," Elliott said. "And do you put poppyseeds on your sandwich buns?"

"We have them without," the waitress smiled. Paul chortled.

"That would be fine," Elliott nodded, handing the menu to Charlotte.

"Good, and anything else?" she asked.

"Picky as ever." Paul grinned. Mandi noticed Julia's awkward looks at Elliott and Paul. She sighed.

"I'll be RIGHT back with your drinks, and for your other guests to arrive..." he smiles and walks off.

"So, Ell, any new young ladies in your life I need to know about?" Paul queried.

"None whatsoever." he smiled at his dad. Julia looked a bit shocked.

"What a gorgeous guy like you? No way?" Mandi nudged him.

"What happened with that one girl, the Spanish major?" Paul asked him. Charlotte put a glass of diet coke at his elbow, and placed the other drinks around them.

"She...umm.... She didn't come back to school this quarter. She transferred, from what I heard."

"Bummer," Julia sighed.

"That's too bad," Paul said, drinking his coke. Julia sipped hers pensively, making eye contact with Elliott. She sensed him looking at her.

Mandi smiled at Elliott and chirped, "You must hear this from EVERYONE... but you look JUST like your dad when he was YOUR AGE!"

Elliott grinned at her; "I do hear that, but thanks."

"You're.... Umm... your mom hear from any of the girls from the band?" Paul asked, noticing Julia's wince. Elliott takes a drink, then looks at Paul.

"Uncanny," Julia breathed. Paul's eyes pleaded her for help. She looks helplessly back.

"Dad, I promised her I wouldn't say anything." Elliott said sadly.

"Understood" Paul sighed.

"Where IS gene?" Mandi muttered, her skin beginning to crawl with the mounting tension in the room.

"Yeah, where is he?" Elliott asked.

"He'll be here in just a minute. He's got someone he's thinking about inviting," Paul smiled.

"OH?" Julia asked, momentarily distracted. The naughty thought crosses her mind, and she looks quickly away from Elliott. He looks so perfect, she thinks to herself. She caught him looking at her for a moment again.

"Wait" Paul smiled and whispered to her. "Elliott is going to FLIP!"

"Julia, you play video games?" Elliott smiled at her.

"Well I suck at them, but I did get into... um..." she flushed. "Well... I got into Mario's vacation..."

"There's a few in the game room upstairs if you wish to test your skill."

Paul looked at both of them for a moment, feeling suddenly out of his league. Mandi joked, "I did play Final Fantasy..."

"I played Kingdome hearts," Julia joked. "My daughter loves it... It's a kids game, but I do like that new mortal combat..."

'I love Super Mario Brothers" Paul laughed.

"Come on, let's play" Elliott winked at Julia. "There's a great Star Wars Clone wars game I think you'd dig. Two people can play it!"

"OH god I shouldn't'..." she sighed. "Paul?"

"Go on, sweetie. You two can get to know each other," he smiled, with just a hint of discomfort in his voice.

"Okay," she nodded, and rose. Before following Elliott, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. He rubbed her back in passing, looking at Mandi for a moment when they leave. She watched the two ascend the stairs to the game room on the upper level.

"GOD, when is Gene coming?" he muttered crossly.

"Can you say... awkward?" Mandi commented. "Like majorly!"

"This isn't happening" Paul groaned.

"He'll be here..." she urged him. "Don't look so sad..."

"It's like watching the love of my life fall in love with a younger version of myself. And how f***cking twisted is that?"

"Uh it's like something out of a harlequin," she shrugged. "I read them all the time. I thought they were crap till now."

"I'm about ready to just feign a headache and take her back to the room."

"Hold on..." she urged. "I think I see Gene..."

***

"I am such a baby when it comes to this," she joked, glancing at all the new fangled games. "I think I had enough trouble when Pac Man first came out..."

"Yeah," he laughed. "God, I remember Centipede, but I was so young..."

"You mentioned a Star wars game. Do you remember that original one that came out in the seventies, which you could be pilot and co pilot?" she asked.

"Yeah, this one's almost exactly the same. Except the graphics are way more high rez," Elliott laughed, taking her to the two-seater console. She sat next to him, fingering the controls. He fished out two sacagaweya dollars and loaded the coinbox.

"I had a time with PAC man..." she giggled.

"Easy, leave the flying to me, and just shoot at anything!" Elliott laughed.

For a time they flew across Tatooine, Corcuscant, and Naboo, fighting off imperial drones and clones. It brought back the strange nostalgia she could remember so long ago playing a similar game with her brother. When their last ship blew up, they threw their hands up and laughed, nudging each other.

"Aww crap!" Elliot groaned.

"I'm sorry... I blew it!"

"We took enough of them down!" he laughed, giving her a big hug. They parted from each other when they realized the long line waiting to play. He got up first, giving her his hand to help her up out of the twin console.

"That...was weird," Eliott said, pulling her away towards the windows, covered with venetian blinds, that afforded a nice view of the street below.

"What?"

"Downstairs... Dad was majorly freaked..."

"I should have told you that I was his girlfriend the moment you entered the room," she sighed. "I'm VERY sorry."

"To be perfectly honest, I wish you WERE his assistant."

"You do?" she asked. Elliott sighed and turned to glance at the window, leaning his face against the glass. He was pensive for a moment.

"What's wrong?" she asked, touching his shoulder. "I really blew it didn't I?"

"I can't...hit on my dad's girlfriend. It's NUTS," he sighed, shaking his head.

"You... actually were considering it?" she asked softly, rubbing his shoulder. He turned around in frustration. It amazed her how much the set of his jaw and eyebrows resembled Paul when he was frustrated.

"You seem like a really nice person. It's just so nice to actually talk to someone intelligent outside of the world we like to call NYU," he sighed, pushing his glasses up his face with one finger on the nosepiece.

"How old are you?" she asked.

"Twenty six," he sighed.

"How old do I look to you?" she asked him. "I won't be mad whatever you say?"

He smiled, "That's a trick question, isn't it? I mean are you old enough to have seen Star Wars come out the first time?"

"Yes," she smiled.

"Well then, I figure you're dating my dad... so maybe, I don't know, 30?"

"Bingo," she smiled. "Man, this is just so... strange... you look SO much like him..."

"Twenty one years difference," he smiled ruefully. "That would be wild. You probably haven't even seen the same movies or heard the same music. Talk about your generation gaps."

"Yeah," she sighed. "I often wondered why can't I meet a man who is my age who is nice sometimes... Paul is such a gentleman... but he's like a dying breed... and it's nice to see it's passed on to the next generation."

"Thanks," he laughed, then the smile vanished again.

"What's your fav band?" she asked. "I mean I am a KISS fan, but I do like Matchbox 20, and System of a Down..."

He smiled, "Me too, and John Mayer. Don't forget Disturbed..."

"Train, but I don't like Creed..."

"What a shame," he laughed. "And you're a good player of video games too."

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah really," he chuckled. "Getting back to music, I like classical guitar..."

"Like Glenn Campbell?"

"No way you like him too?" Elliott asked, with enthusiasm. "He was one of the things that got me playing... and my mom taught me to play guitar when I was REALLY young..."

"I used to play..." Julia smiled. "But Paul's teaching me how again..."

"Dad's amazing. Sometimes when I look around this city and think how he came from NOTHING to being a rock legend... It just overwhelms me."

"Damn why couldn't I have met you... before him," she mumbled.

"So do I," Elliott said.

"You heard me say that..." she gasped, turning away in shame.

"Yeah, I did..."

"It's not right... I just wish... damn... why do I feel this way?" she shook her head.

"Julia... it's okay," Elliott said, taking her shoulder and turning her around to face him.

"No it isn't!" she protested, tears in her eyes.

"Julia, what would you do if I kissed you? Just once, and it would never happen again," he looked at her darkly.

"I would... like it," she whispered as he moved closer, pulling her into a dark corner of the lounge. "That's the problem..."

"No one can see..." he commented, looking around nervously. "Back here..."

There were no windows there and it was well concealed by the casings of other video games. She turned to face him, looking right into his face. She slips his glasses up, "You shouldn't wear these... they hide your eyes..."

He grinned at her, saying, "My father's eyes."

"God," she whispered. "It's like looking back in time..."

He leaned down impulsively, and she felt his strong arm snare her about the waist and roughly pull her to his body. Lips descended on hers, and she gasped at their softness moving over hers.

She put her hands at his waist, feeling his back, and stroking it. He was leaner than Paul was, but muscular. He began to lick her lips lightly with his tongue. She chuckled to herself, realizing how sloppy and clumsy the kiss was. He slipped his tongue inside and gives her a too sloppy French kiss, not slow and experienced like Paul, groaning. For a solid minute, she forgot whom she was and where she was, kissing him back softly.

He suddenly pulled back, a wild look on his face. She gasped, pulling away with a look of guilt. Tears filled her eyes, and she put her hand over her mouth, shrinking away.

"Ohhhh, jeez!" he gasped. She covered her eyes with her hands to block out his shock, and her own self-anger.

"I should be shot." he moaned, "I can't do this. My dad just told me you two were SERIOUS."

"I'm sorry," she cried. "I shouldn't have... oh god what have I done!"

"I'm terrible," he turns around, head in his hands.

"No you aren't. I am," she cried.

"I have to go" he gasps, "I just...have to...."

"I'll save you the trouble... I'm the one to blame, I've ruined EVERYTHING!" she sobbed, running away toward the ladies bathroom. Left behind, Elliott miserably collapsed onto the nearest chair and started to cry.

****

Elliott finally wandered downstairs to glance towards the window where their table was. He noticed it was empty of Julia, but two other occupants had taken the other empty seats when he rejoined them.

"Hello stranger," Gene laughed, sitting near Mandi. He looked at Gene, wild eyed and guilty.

Then his eyes fell on the dark haired girl to Gene's left, green eyes glancing into his with a sweet smile. A ray of hope pierced the gloom for a moment, and he was never so glad to see her as now. She wore a red dress with an above the knee skirt, long black leather boots with stiletto heels, and her hair loose bout her shoulders. It was almost the same texture as Gene's, but twisted into ebony ringlets with mousse. Her tanned skin was far darker then his own.

"Jeannie!" he said, still flustered.

"Hey there," she smiled at him. "Been a while..."

"You're right," he stammered, still at a loss for words as his eyes admired her long shapely legs.

"C'mon, why don't you tell me all about school?" she asked, taking his arm, and pulling him to sit next to her.

He looked at Gene again, feeling guilty, then upstairs quickly. He leaned over to her and whispered, "You have NO idea how glad I am you're here."

"Looks like two of us, Tiger," she winked. "So, are you in your artsy persona or what?"

"I call it NYU chic." he smiled, still very flustered. Her voice was a bit on the alto side, low and sultry like her dads can be.

"And LA is chopped liver?" she joked.

"How's your mom?" he smiled.

"Climbing on volcanoes," she laughs. "Risking life and limb as usual..."

Gene watches them, a bit concerned. He said, "Well what about me? You got a greeting for me kid? And where's Julia?"

"Yes, where IS Julia?" Paul asked. "Your sandwich is still in the kitchen..."

"Uh, she went to the ladies room after we played phantom menace," he blabbed. "Look Dad, you mind if I go out and get some air? I feel a little sick..."

"Stupid cigarette smoke will do that to you," Gene said.

"C'mon, let's go outside," Jeannie urged, getting up and tugging Elliott by the hand.

"Jeannie you just got here!" Gene said. "Don't you want something to eat?"

"Let the kids go," Paul threw up his hand. "They haven't seen each other in ages!"

"Thanks Dad," he said, and let Jeannie walk him out in a babble of excitement.

"God, that figures. Hey, my mom wanted me to give Gene her new number so he could tell Raina. I'll eliminate the middle man," he said, as he extracts a phone number from his lower pants pocket and handed it to her....

"Sure," she nods, taking it from him. Her fingers brushed his.

"You still playing that guitar?" she asked him.

"Every chance I get" he smiled, beginning to relax. In many ways, she was a female version of him, except she had some resemblance to Raina in the cheeks. Not to mention her mother's generous bust and hips.

"You know, I REALLY don't want to go back in there," he grumbled, gesturing toward the restaurant lobby.

"OH?" she asked. "Let's go outside..."

"LONG story" he puffed. She tugged him instantly out to the front, where there were a few benches for patrons who were waiting in line for takeout orders. They sat down side by side, and Elliott exhaled the breath he had been holding tightly in his chest for so long.

"You're in a mood, aren't you, tiger" she observed.

"TELL me about it," he snorted. "Everything's majorly screwed up!"

"Tiger, what's eating you?" she asked him. Her green eyes regarded his dark ones.

"Dad's got a new girlfriend, and well, let's just say, it's a little awkward."

"She's a young one huh?" she guessed.

"Dad usually likes them young. Pam was the exception."

"Figures," she rolled her eyes. "My dad isn't much better... What IS it with parents huh?"

He laughed for a moment, "You know, sometimes I stop and think that when my dad was my age, he'd probably had 10,000,000 sexual conquests."

"I don't think its that much," she laughed. "Can't be more then 4600."

"And here I am...I can hardly get a date."

She rolled her eyes, "Sheesh... what DOES he tell my brother and sister is beyond me."

"Funny because people tell me we look alike, but how did HE get so many chicks and look at ME?" he asked.

"Well being the daughter of some Demon isn't fun and games," she snorted, lip curling like Gene's when he gets agitated.

"Maybe I need to go shirtless for awhile. Seemed to do the trick for him."

"Mmm I'd LOVE that," she purred.

"Really?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Uh uh," she winked. "But I'm amazed my father is even LETTING me in the same room with you."

"Meaning..." he grinned.

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree..." she winked. "Or the star doesn't fall far from the galaxy..."

"Yeah, but if something were to happen, can you imagine how cool that would be? A KISS baby."

"Yikes..." she laughed, not a tittering giggle like Mandi's but a deep rich laugh somewhat like her father's. "A Star dragon? Or a Demon child?"

"A cute little starbaby with bloody vampire teeth," he chuckled.

"Sometimes I think I was cursed with his good looks," she muttered. "You got the good end of the stick, Tiger."

"You're beautiful, Jeannie. I don't know that I'd exactly call it a curse."

"Thank you," she smiled.

"Strange though, when you think about it. Both of us were products of last ditch effort relationships."

"Yeah, sad huh?" she nodded. "And we BOTH take after the male half."

"I remember mom telling me once that she worried a few times about getting pregnant really early on."

"So did mine," she sighed.

"And sometimes I think that might have been better, because I could have grown up with them in love," Elliot sighed, hands combing violently through his curls.

"Man, I guess you got shafted. I knew who my dad was early on..." Jeannie rested her hand on his leg lightly. "It was hard... cause she didn't want me growing up in the hills... but I was glad to know my dad... it was my mom who made herself scarce sometimes... ironic huh? I spent more time with big daddy Demon then my own mother."

"My mom's done the same thing. She's THERE for me, but emotionally, sometimes she takes off," Elliott nodded, glancing at the passing cars in the street before them.

"Life's a bitch," she sighed.

"I think I remind her too much of dad," he moaned, eyes shut with the burdens of the last few minutes. Jeannie rested her head on his shoulder.

"You ARE his spitting image," she commented.

"Because despite all the bullshit, I know deep down she still loves him and I KNOW he does," Elliott continued, arm around her shoulders.

"I know. My dad loves my mom," she laughed. "Figures... What DID go through their heads, Ell?"

"Sometimes you can want to be with someone, but fate won't let you," he said ruefully.

"Don't I know," she muttered. Then she glanced at his lips, covered in a pink shimmering substance. Two and two added up to four in her mind, and she gained an inkling of why he was so miserable. "Hey Tiger, what's this?" she asks, wiping away lipstick.

"Oh...yeah...I guess dad's girlfriend must have kissed me when we were introduced."

"You don't' have to tell me," she whispered, rubbing his lips with the back of her hand.

"I'm a terrible son!" he gritted, eyes shut.

"You are not!" she reprimanded him. "You're one of the nicest guys I know!"

"If I had known you were coming, this would never have happened."

"Tiger... don't do this to yourself... you're a red blooded male... and you have urges..."

"And I need to keep my damn urges under control when it comes to my DAD's lover." He sniffed, feeling miserable.

"I know..." she sighed. Elliott began to break down before her, wiping at his eyes.

"Hey shh now... easy," she whispered, pulling tissues out of her purse and wiping at his tears. He buried his head into her shoulder and she hugged him tightly to her for a few minutes. Finally when his crying was spent, she released him, fingering his cheeks.

"I don't even KNOW her, Jean. Damn, it's been too long."

"Can I help you feel better?" she asked, looking right into his eyes.

"You know, yes you can," he said softly.

She laughed, and asked, "A little TLC?"

"You can make me feel less like a snake."

"Stop the guilt trip," she sighed. "That's the Jewish half there... it gets you into trouble."

"NOT like I screwed her, right?" he winked a bit.

"No," she laughed. She ducked her head in front of him, stroking his cheek.

"Now stop pouting."

He pouted even further, purposely mimicking Paul. She groaned and curled her lip, "I HATE that."

"You DO? I thought all women thought it was cute."

"I do... but it's freaky," she shook her head. He laughed.

"I had a crush on your dad..." she muttered.

"Like doing my dad?" he winked. She shuddered playfully. "Well, it's been said I look JUST like him...and by some beautiful women too."

"Uh huh," she nodded. "And I've been told I'm the spitting image of a certain bass player... but it comes from the male half..."

"Jeannie, let me ask you something... you're not dating anyone, are you?" he asked, taking her hand and rubbing the back gently.

She laughed, "Who me? With my dad? Don't bs me!"

"Because I don't think I can deal with that again." he smiled.

"You can't?" she asked slowly, turning up the smolder in her green eyes.

"And you have to go back to LA, when?"

"Not for a week," she smiled, liking where this conversation was going.

"Because.... I was thinking..."

She suddenly slipped her arms around his waist and looks up at him, "Uh huh?"

"If you can break away from your dad's clutches, I've got a nice little place not far from here, and I even cleaned it this morning."

"Mmm," she smiled. Her lip curled a bit like Gene's, this time in desire. Showing her teeth a bit as she grinned.

"And I even have DAD money," he grinned as he pats his pocket, where the check is.

"So do I," she winked. She rubbed his back sensually.

"WOOOOHOOOOO!" he whooped.

"But we have to be careful," she teased. "Because you never know WHO is watching..."

"Birth control wise, or dad wise?" he teased.

"Take your pick, lover boy," she purred softly, looking intently at him. "But some guys say I come on too strong..."

"They're going to think we got lost," Elliott chuckled.

"So?" she laughed. "I mean you ARE 26 years old, and you CAN make your own decisions... even though our fathers may think otherwise. I hope I'm making you feel better..."

"You are, more then you know,' he sighed. He pulled her closer, arm around her shoulders. For a moment he half expected one of their fathers to come looking for them.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" she asked.

"I'm thinking what a weird night this turned out to be."

"Are you playing the wait and see game again?" she asked.

"And I'm hoping Julia doesn't tell my dad," he said softly.

"Uh... that you kissed her?" she asked.

He sighed, "Yeah."

"Hon, Julia's a knockout. Stop feeling guilty," said Jeannie. "You didn't bang her right?"

"I NEVER meant anything to happen, and it would NEVER have gone beyond that," he protested, stroking her hair with his hand, admiring its soft texture. "But shit, Jean, she's his girlfriend."

"I know..." she sighed, a look of regret in her eyes. "Stop punishing yourself."

"I guess... I don't know... I can't imagine she'll tell. She certainly doesn't strike me as stupid" he smiles.

"No. You know what I think?" she asked, stroking his leg softly.

He grins at her, "Nah, tell me."

"I think she's scared of your dad," Jeannie guessed, resting her head on his chest. "And seeing YOU... it floored her that she might find a guy who is close to her age and actually LIKE him."

"I think you might be right. Did I tell you she pretended to be his assistant when I met her? Isn't that strange?"

"No it isn't," she laughed. "She was scared of making you judge her... at first... She had no idea how you are about her dad dating younger women."

"I've met lots of my dad's ladies over the years. It's nothing to freak out about. I guess she was really nervous about me."

"Yes. It was unexpected," Jeannie said, crossing her legs. She shivered and buttoned her black leather jacket up a bit, unused to the chilly New York climate.

"There's nothing to be nervous about though. I figure, I'm out here and as much as I love my dad, he's got his life and I've got mine. I would think I'd be much more nervous about meeting Evan, if I were her," he confirmed. "Hell, if they marry, she'll be raising Evan. I'm already raised," he chuckled.

"Yeah, but she's close to your age..." Jeannie pointed out. "Having a stepson who is close to your age is VERY weird for some people."

"Hey, you cold?" he asked, looking at her.

"Uh... I'm ok," she muttered. "Damn New York is so cold compared to LA. How in HELL did my dad get along here when LA is so much nicer... climate wise?"

"We can take off, if you want. We can either go back inside and get free pizza, or...I can take us back to my place for some frozen ravioli.' he grinned, and Jeannie laughed at his audacity. "I think I've got Mac and cheese too."

"I don't' want to leave Paul alone with Gene do you?" she joked. "I think we should let them know we're going somewhere else don't you?"

"They're alone all the damn time." he laughed. "Besides if they kill each other, think of the financial windfall we'll get..."

"OH GOD, but I have to split with Nick and Sophie," she laughed, holding her sides at his joke.

"Let me take care of this. I'll think of something," he winked.

"Uh... sure..." she said. "But my dad... he's tricky."

"No, you don't. I was hoping...you'd stay with me tonight."

"Really?" she asked.

"Sure!" he nodded.

"I would say you're getting bold, Mister Eisen."

"I've got a decent place. Not HUGE or anything, but no roaches" he smiled. "And NO roommate."

"MMM I like it already," she winked, rising and taking his hand.

"That is, if you want to," he qualified it.

"Now what's your master plan?" she asked, rubbing up against him with her hip to his.

He chuckled, "I guess I don't have one. I just don't want to go back in there with Julia, and I don't really want to go home alone and for SURE, I don't want to sit out here in the cold."

"I have an idea..." she winked. "Let's go in..."

"I'm listening," he smiled, taking her hand.

"I'll sugar talk to Daddy, and see what I can plan..." she winked. " Sophie taught me how to wrap him around my finger..."

"Taking CHARGE, are we?" he teased, pulling her close for a quick kiss. She grabbed him impulsively. Then she planted a big kiss on his lips, teasing them with her tongue. She's getting very bold. Turning his brief kiss into a deeper one. He moaned a little in surprise and kisses her back. She pulled herself close, rubbing his back and stroking down to his backside to give him a pinch. He pulled away from her after the kiss and smiled down on her.

"Don't forget. I've got to snow MY dad too," he chuckled, touching his forehead to hers.

"So do we assume they're stupid enough to buy that we are leaving separately but at the SAME time..." she asked.

"Or do we roll the dice and lay down the law?" he asked. "Or is that a part of your master plan?"

"I'm gonna tell him I forgot something at grandma's..." she suggested.

"And MY lie?" he asked. "I'm taking you there."

"Even better then what I had in mind. You got a car, lover boy?" she winked.

"Yeah" he blushed. "Dad got me one when I got my undergrad degree."

"Hmm, so did mine," she laughed. "A Mercedes, right?"

"Sound like a spoiled rich boy, don't I?" He blushed again.

"Dad got me a BMW," she nudged him, rubbing his back.

"Uh, yeah. In retrospect, I wish he had gotten something that would blend in JUST a tad. I mean, I'm a COLLEGE student."

"Mmm," she laughed. "You could have asked for a mustang or a Honda."

Reluctantly they broke their embrace, and clasped hands. Taking a deep breath, Jeannie said, "Well let's do it..."

"I'm right behind you," he nodded, following her, then added with a wink just like Paul's, "And a NICE behind, I might mention."

She turned around, catching hold of his cheek and kissing them briefly. Down his sensitive neck she teasingly licked, and saw his reaction. "Jean..." he started.

"Paul's not the only one with the million dollar ass," she winked.

"What?"

"I'm going to look like a total loser, but I don't have any... any condoms at my place," he said, reddening.

"I have some," she said, patting her purse. "And no CRACKS about it buster!"

"I wasn't going to say a THING, Miss L.A." he laughs, following her into the restaurant, his hand in hers.

***

When they finally returned, Paul was munching pensively on some pizza, Julia at his side. She had hardly touched any of her food. Mandi was sharing a plate next to Gene, and both were talking intently.

"Where the hell were you?" Gene asked his daughter. "I was getting worried that you guys would have nothing left..."

"Mr. Simmons, I can explain..." Elliott started.

"Daddy, I'm a big girl," she said. Moving behind his chair, she kissed his cheek. Gene glanced at her a bit annoyed, but softened.

Paul looked at Elliott a minute. "Your sandwich is still here, don't forget," he said, regarding him with dark eyes.

"Paul, please don't start," Julia held up her hand.

"I might actually take that to go, dad," he said cautiously as Paul frowned.

"You're leaving already? Ell, I haven't seen you in MONTHS, damn."

"Mr. Stanley?" Jeannie interrupted.

"Yes" he sighs.

"I was curious about seeing some of his friends at NYU, plus there were some things I left at grandma's that I needed to pick up. Elliott here offered to drive me... How about we meet up tomorrow?" she asked. "I'm sure that we can find something we can all together... right Dad?"

"I'm supposed to have an early breakfast with your grandma, then head out, but I can rearrange plans. I don't know about Julia, though."

"I'm flexible," Julia said quickly. "Please Paul... go easy on him."

His expression softened. "I just don't get to see you enough and here you are, running off." Paul pouted slightly, with a smile. Julia takes Paul's chin and gave him a kiss. She tried valiantly to keep away her tears.

"Dad, I PROMISE...tomorrow for sure. All of us."

"Sounds good," Gene nodded. "Don't want you to forget any of your things before you come back home. And if this kid DOES want to show you around, he'd know BETTER then to try anything stupid. Now. I think I can arrange SOMETHING quality and family oriented..."

"Jeannie couldn't be safer with the kid," Paul protested. "Gimmie a break Gene..."

"Dad, knock of the G rating," Jeannie rolls her eyes at her father. "WE ARE over 21."

"Honey, can I be blamed for wanting to have you be a little girl a BIT longer?" Gene whined.

"You know I've been wanting you to come out and see me for spring break" he said, eyeing Elliott. Paul's son sighed.

"I'm sure he could stay with us, right daddy?" Jeannie pleaded.

"Dad, I'd love to, you know that, but mom sort of wants to go to Chicago with me for the weekend. Apparently, someone from the band is getting married.... Again."

"What about June, then? Evan's birthday?" Paul suggested.

"I'm there!" he smiled.

"Good," Julia said. She patted Paul's arm.

"That's six frigging months!" Paul pouted.

"Dad... Paul, you could come out here to visit him..." she starts.

"I'll come back out and see you again before the summer. I can't wait 6 months," he smiled.

Jeannie went over to Paul for a moment. "Mr. Stanley?" she asked.

He smiled at her, "Yes, Jeannie?"

"How would you like to go to a club with us... the last night you're here?" she suggested quickly. "I think there are some good bands playing..."

He grinned, "I'd love to. Which one?"

She glanced at Elliott, who rolled his eyes, terrified in place as she said, "Some new acts..."

"Shit" he murmured.

"Some good local talent. Sounds familiar," Paul winked at Gene, arm around Julia.

"Elliott, I'm sure we can find SOMETHING interesting for our dads to see huh?" Jeannie laughed, nudging Elliott who appeared more uncomfortable with each passing minute. He knew from her expression she was planning something.

"Oh, INTERESTING for sure" he sighed, still looking very worried. Paul looked quizzically at his son.

"Hmm," Gene rubbed his chin. "It would be interesting to go see some up and coming groups struggling to make it."

"Elliott, can I see you for a second?" Paul asked. Elliott looked at Jeannie in worry.

"Yeah, sure, dad."

"Relax," Jeannie whispered to him.

Paul pulls Elliott over to the corner and pulls out his wallet, "I don't want to hear you complain about it, but HERE, here's a little something for tonight." P

As Paul handed him a $100 bill, Elliott gasped, "Dad! Uhhhh..."

"You forget that your old man has been around the block a few times. I have no doubt that you and Jeannie are taking off together, and frankly you're 25 and don't owe me any answers." he winks. "I want you to have this, and I want you to promise me one thing. I want you to make sure you have protection."

"Oh GOD, dad" Elliott reddened.

"I'm not making any assumptions about Jeannie and if it doesn't end up that way, no loss, but just make sure you're ready just in case." Paul whispered to Elliott.

Jeannie looked at Gene, who motions her over. "Hon, what are you planning?" he asked her.

"Dad... what makes you think that?" she asked.

"I know that look. It's like mine when I got a plan," he said softly, taking her hand.

"Dad..." she starts.

"Jeannie, just be careful. You know how young men are. Trust me, I was one myself," Gene said firmly to her.

"Dad, please," she sighed.

"Jeannie..." Gene said slowly. "I trust you, but I want you to know that if you NEED to talk, you call me ok?"

"Thanks dad," she nodded slowly.

"Take care of the kid. I think he's going to need some moral support," said Gene, reaching for his wallet and folding a few bills, which he promptly handed to her. She took it without question, not even, looking at the amount as she put it into her purse.

"Thanks," she whispered. "And Please come to the club before you and Paul go. WE have a surprise for you..."

"So we WILL see you tomorrow? For Dinner?" Gene asked.

"Yes definitely. And the last night you're here... we have a surprise," she said. "When you go to see those local bands..."

Back a bit from the table Elliot and Paul continued their conversation, Elliott becoming more and more uncomfortable by each passing word. "Dad...." Elliott started again, totally embarrassed.

"There's more if you need it. You have your credit card right?" Paul stopped him with a smile. "You don't owe me any comment. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I will, dad" he whispered. Paul hugged him tightly and motioned him back to the table.

"$100 is too much, dad," Elliott hissed. "It's only Jeannie and I and it's only one night. NOT like either of us are going to the Russian Tea Room. You already gave me $5,000!"

"Quiet!" Paul winked. "I won't even miss it."

"Paul, these kids say they're going to join us for dinner tomorrow. I hope they make it," Gene said loudly.

"We will," Elliot promised. "But tomorrow night..."

"That's when we'll meet for the club," said Jeannie.

"Sounds intriguing," Gene smiled. "Give us a kiss Hon.."

He stood up from his chair, still towering over her a bit. Granted she was six feet tall, and in her platform boots, she was at his eye level. Father and daughter embraced. He kissed her cheek, hugging her tightly for a moment as if trying to hold onto his little girl a bit longer.

Mandi and Julia exchanged a smile. "Miss Bryce," Jeannie turned to Julia.

"Yes?" Julia asked.

"Make sure you get Paul to tone it down," she winked.

"I will," Julia nodded, trying to wipe away the tear that suddenly dribbled down her cheek.

"And if you need to talk... here's my cell number..." Jeannie whispered, handing her number to Julia, who takes it, a bit surprised.

"What is this for?" she asked. Jeannie leaned close.

"I know," she whispered. "And it's ok... if you need a shoulder, I'm here... and so is Shannon and the rest of my family. If you need a place to go, our door is always open..."

Julia caught Jeannie in a fierce hug, before Paul and Elliot returned to the table and sat down once more.

"Tomorrow night. You two PROMISE?" Paul smiled. "Dinner?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Mr. Stanley."

Gene held out his hand to Elliott. "Take care okay?" he said, giving him a hard stare for a moment.

"Of course, Gene. Nice seeing you again," he said, voice slightly cracking. Gene shook his hand.

"Take it easy kid," he says in a low serious tone. Elliott takes her hand affectionately, then drops it when he sees Gene notice him.

"Jeannie, take care of this boy." Paul winked.

"Dad, stop frightening him to death," Jeannie glared at her father. Gene backed off at her stare.

"We'll see you tomorrow, right, Jeannie?" Elliott said, backing away slightly. Mandi chuckled.

"Right," she nodded. Jeannie turned to Paul and hugged him. He embraced her in return.

"Good to see you, Hon," he whispered. "Take care of him."

"I know," she whispered. "I'll take good care of him, Mr. Stanley."

Paul winked at Gene for a moment as they prepare to leave. "Take care of Julia," she whispered to him.

"Julia, umm, it was NICE to meet you." Elliott says, holding out his hand.

She nods, and shakes his hand demurely, then took a step back.

"You'll see her tomorrow if we're lucky," Paul said. "If she wants to come."

"I will," she said. "Count on it."

"Great" he says, looking her with dark eyes just like Paul. She looked momentarily discombobulated. Mandi smiled and kissed Elliott's cheek goodbye.

Elliott waved to everyone, then backed away, with his hand on Jeannie's back. Jeannie walked out with him, waving. As they disappeared, Gene shook his head and sighed. Mandi seized his hand, and squeezed it in sympathy. Paul regarded Gene comically for a moment.

"They grow up so fast," he muttered. "What's that they say... be careful what you wish for?"

"Suddenly I wish I had something stronger," Paul laughed. "Damn kids."

"Why don't' we go back to the hotel?" Julia suggested. She rubbed his shoulder, feeling very guilty about kissing Eliot.

"Good idea," Paul sighed, leaning into her massage. "I think I'm just about spent."

"I'll catch up to you lovebirds later," Gene said. "Want to stay a while Mandi?"

"Wow, you must have been REALLY young when you had your son, Mr. Stanley. I don't remember reading anything in any of the old magazines about you having a son," Mandi blurted out.

Paul smiled at her, and Julia looked very uncomfortable a moment. He said, "You wouldn't. Some things are personal."

"God, I mean, were you MARRIED?" she asked. Gene put his hand to his head and groaned. Paul shifted a bit in his chair, uncomfortably.

"Yeah, I was and it didn't work out. End of story," he said hastily.

"But I never read anything about...." she started, then flushes red.

"Some things are better in the past, right Mandi?" Gene looked at her firmly.

"See you Gene," Julia said, getting up from her chair. "C'mon Paul let's go... I want a nice red wine and a nice soak in the tub now."

"She was famous and we kept our affairs as private as possible," Paul said to Mandi, as he rose to put on his coat. "And now, if you two don't mind, I think I'm going to hit the sack."

Gene grabbed Mandi's hand, gave it a squeeze, and whispered, "Don't ask him anything else about it please..."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, very sad.

"I meant we could share the bath," Julia smiled at Paul, as he helped her on with her coat and scarf.

"I know what you meant," Paul winked.

"Good," she smiled, and urges him out, tugging him behind her. He leaned down to kiss her lightly, but she grabbed his lapels and turned the breif kiss into a deep passion filled one, burying her sadness in the kiss. Paul smiled sweetly at her, putting his arm around her and leading her out toward the street.

Mandi looked at Gene for a moment, still feeling guilty. He sighed, shaking his head. She whispered, "Doesn't he just drive you nuts. He is SO secretive."

"That's him," Gene said matter of fact.

"It's not like he did something scandalous. He got married and had a son. Big deal. It was the 70's."

"MAndi..." Gene said, taking her hand. "LEt me tell you a little something..."

"Kind of like Andy Gibb did. No one ever knew he was married," she prattled on.

"I'm a big fan of 70's music. I study up on it a LOT."

"Mandi," Gene held up a hand. She withered.

"Shut up, right?" she guessed as she eyed her drink.

"Yes, because I'm giving you some background. Have you heard of sweet revenge?"

"Sure, absolutely! They were one of the trailblazers for the female groups that came later."

"Guess who Paul was married to?" he asked.

"Hmmmmmm," she thoguht. "I KNOW it's not Raina because she was with you."

"Yes." he nodded.

"Liz maybe? Trish would have been too wild," she mumbled, counting on her fingers.

"Three left. And it was before Toni replaced Trish."

"And Liz was CUTE and probably right up his alley," she wondered.

"Too hippie," he winced. "And she used pot and drugs."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot. I guess that leaves Karen," she said excitedly.

"Bingo," he said, sipping his sprite.

"Wow, they were MARRIED?? How did THAT happen?" she asked.

"My point exactly."

"No wonder Elliott is so cute. She was beautiful. Too bad they can't stand each other, from what I gathered," Mandi sighed tragically at the thought of two star crossed lovers breaking up in hatred.

"IT wasn't always like that," Gene said. "They were one time like me and Ray."