From the Streets - Chapter 18

When Destiny and Sophy were finally alone cuddling, Destiny giggled,  “So when do I get to see the artwork the doctors did?” she teased.

“About eight years from now when we’ve finished college, and I have a ring on my finger,” Sophie teased back and giggled.

“Uh huh, Ill just peek when we’re changing.” Destiny teased again.

“Na it’s still a bit rough down there though,” Sophie said, “But the swelling’s way down.”

“Im teasing you.  It’s fun to tease.” Destiny said and gently kissed Sophie. “I could go my entire life not knowing as long as I can hold you.”

“It’s funny, what Evie was talking about earlier,” Sophie said, looking at Destiny, “The difference in how guys approach relationships from how girls do.  I mean again, I’ve met fucking crazy aggressive girls, but in general she’s pretty on the nail.  I never really thought about it before.”

“Yeah,” Destiny said, “It’s one reason I had such trouble finding a girlfriend as a boy.  I mean I was this tough as shit aggressive boi on the streets, but when it came to relationships, I was always “too nice”, which is code for “Too girly” if you ask me.”  She laughed.  “I don’t understand why straight girls want a bad boi or a strong boi or whatever they call it.”

Sophie nodded.  “Exactly.  I don’t want someone who’s either going to treat me like shit, or try and impress me.  I just want someone who’s chill like you.”

“Yeah, I don't care if you have money or not, or who your related to, but it is kinda cool, that clan of yours is awesome.” Destiny said.

“All three of em,” Sophie giggled as she lay her head on Destiny’s shoulder.  “I never told you, but I’m really proud of you for taking the sidhe mark when you didn’t have to.  That took so much strength.”

Destiny actually blushed at that.  “You really think so?”

“Oh aye,” Sophie nodded and leaned up to kiss Destiny’s neck lightly.  “I mean I know how much it hurts, and I’m conditioned to it.  You’ve never had a tattoo, and you still came through it without painkillers.”

“It’s just crazy they accepted me so quickly like that.” Destiny giggled.

“You’re one of us,” Sophie grinned.  “I’m just amazed you were able to slip back to your old accent so easily.”

“I never lost it.” Destiny giggled, “No matter how hard I try to hide it, It was always lurking behind the door.”  She leaned closer and whispered, “I’ll tell you a secret.  Angela’s southern accent is lurking too.  When she stubs her toe I can hardly understand her.”  Destiny giggled.

“Wow.” Sophie giggled. “So tomorrow we have a fitting huh?”

“Yeah, I’m psyched,” Destiny nodded.  “I can’t wait to see what our costumes look like.”

“Me either.” Sophie giggled. “So you're going to peek tomorrow huh?” she teased Destiny.

“Maybe.” Destiny grinned.  She squealed when Sophie tickled her.

“Ashleigh Brown is ticklish,” Sophie giggled.  “I’ll remember that.”

“Just you wait till you’re fully recovered.” Destiny stuck her tongue out, “I will find out if you are and where.”

“Sadly, nope,” Sophie laughed.  “Others have tried and failed.”

“I will find a spot!” Destiny giggled and kissed Sophie.  “It’s getting late, and I’ve still got homework to finish.  See you at the costume thing tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Sophie giggled.

“Better not,” Destiny giggled, dialing a number on her phone.  She jumped slightly when it rang inside the house, in the kitchen, and a blonde haired woman of average height peeked into the living room.

“Sorry April,” Destiny laughed.  “I didn’t know you were already here.”

April grinned.  “It’s fine.  I was catching up with Nicole, gossiping about you,” she teased.  “Ready to go?”

“Yes, if you are,” Destiny said.  “I got homework to finish.”

“Hi April,” Sophie waved.

“Hi Sophie,” April grinned.  Sophie didn’t actually know April.  This was the first time meeting her, so she assumed April was Destiny’s bodyguard.  Destiny giggled.

“Oh, Sophie, this is my sister April.”

“Oh!” Sophie laughed.  “I thought you were her new bodyguard.”

“Nah,” April giggled.  “He’s chilling outside with a nic vape, so when are you two going to quit lying to the press?”

“Another couple of weeks probably,” Destiny said.  “We’ve got another Karen Cross photoshoot once Sophie gets well enough, and after that we’ll probably announce it.”

“Tomorrow we got a fitting for our costumes, and I’m debating on flying back to Ireland for a few days.” Sophie said.  “Since I can’t really work until I recover, but I’m well enough to fly.”

“Sounds fun.  Sorry I missed the last one,” April giggled.

“The last one what?” Sophie asked.

“The last trip to Ireland, Dest usually takes me on her trips.” April laughed.  “But I had a huge exam I couldn’t skip, so I had to stay back.”

“So what's going on that’s taking you back to Ireland?” Destiny asked, they hadn’t talked about that yet, she had no idea that Sophie was thinking about going back for a trip.

“Oh I just wanted to see family.” Sophie said.  “I was thinking I’d do a day at St. Margaret’s on campus, and then take a train to Cork. Spend time with my new Nan get to know that family, then head over and see Anj and the crew for a day or two.  Probably like four days, then fly home.  I haven’t decided if I should just go short notice or plan everything out so you and my moms can decide if you want to go too,” she giggled.

“Sophie, i’m in the same boat as you.” Destiny giggled, “I have just as much freetime as you do.  Except right now I can do more photoshoots than you, but I told Amanda to hold off on scheduling any till your recovered.” 

“Well, Cas and El already confirmed they won’t be able to do it this week or next because of their music thing.  And I wasn’t sure if you’d feel up to another trip soo soon,” she laughed.

“They have a music agreement.” Destiny nodded. “Yeah. That sucks. And to see my new sidhe family, you think i’d pass that up?”  She looked back at April, grinning.  “You free next week?”

“I’ll have to talk to my instructors, but sure,” April nodded.

“I think Angela’s free too,” Destiny said.  “She’s been going on about making a trip back too.”

“Perfect,” Sophie giggled.  “I really didn’t want to go alone anyway, to be honest.  Well I mean Nicole would be there, but I just feel safer in a group.”

~oOo~

“Call 911!” Sophie yelled. “I’m bleeding.” she was semi panicked, as she showed Katelyn the blood on her underwear, “I’m not supposed to have periods yet, they haven't gotten that part done...”

“Calm down sweetie.” Amanda said as Katelyn called Doctor Wilson. She handed Sophie a pad, “That will help with the blood, it might be one of the scabs came off.”

“Yes,” Katelyn said, “Yes we can get her in safely.  I don’t mind calling an ambulance if it’s urgent though.”  She looked at Amanda.  “How bad is it?”

“Not too bad.” Amanda said, showing Katelyn. “It could be a lot worse. I gave her a maxi pad it should hold till we get her in.”

“It’s not heavy,” Katelyn said to Doctor Wilson.  “Okay, we’ll be right there.  Nicole’s driving, so...”  Nicole already had Sophie in her arms, heading for the door.

“First time I’ve seen her panic before.” Amanda commented about Sophie as they followed.

Sophie blushed a little.  “Well now you know my dark secret.  Blood makes me squicky.”

“Little Miss Tattoo can’t deal with blood.” Nicole laughed as she laid Sophie gently in the back seat of her SUV.

Sophie stuck out her tongue and giggled a little.  “Tats are different.  It’s scarring the skin.  There’s a little blood sometimes, but it’s not gushing.”

Nicole jumped in the front seat along with Katelyn.  Amanda went to get her car to follow as Nicole took a radio that was velcroed to her dashboard.  the front gate.  ‘This is Nicole.  Code 3, coming in hot.”

“Copy that, opening the gate,” someone answered.

“What’s code 3?” Sophie asked.  Nicole grinned at her in the rear view mirror.

“Code 3 is ‘I’m late and need to get the hell past the gate right now’.”

Nicole blew past the gates doing 30 over the speed limit.  She reached over and turned on her radar detector and police scanner.  She had done this drill over a thousand times, but she never told her clients.  She had a special arrangement with the LAPD that if they saw her speeding through the streets, they could follow her, no lights or siren, to see what was going on and act accordingly.

Sure enough, by the time they arrived at the clinic there was a squad car that pulled in behind them. A nurse had rushed out with a wheelchair to get Sophie.  Nicole put a sweater over her head as the nurse rushed Sophie inside.  Nicole turned to the female officer once she was sure Sophie was in good hands.

“Code 3?” the officer asked.  Nicole nodded.

“Yeah.” Nicole stated. “Not sure whats wrong, but she started bleeding when she wasn’t supposed to yet.”

“Damn,” the woman said.  “I hope she’s alright.  You ran three stop signs by the way.  That’s a new record.”

Nicole laughed.  “I knew you were back there so I wanted to show off my mad driving skills,” she teased.  “Nah, seriously I could see the oncoming traffic and made a judgment call.  I wouldn’t have jumped the signs if I thought Sophie could get hurt.”

“You know you could just ask for a police escort,” the officer half-teased Nicole.

“Last time I checked you guys weren't giving those out, unless it was to pregnant women.” Nicole laughed.

“Medical emergencies,” she said, “But I doubt you or your clients want the extra attention.”

“It’s not me, but yeah I’m sure Sophie does enjoy her privacy.” Nicole laughed.

A voice came over the woman’s radio.  “All units all units, shots fired at 7-11 on U street please respond.”

“Be safe Christine.” Nicole stated.

“Duty calls,” Christine sighed as she answered.  “This is Officer Michaels responding. I’m on my way ETA two minutes.”

“You can go back if you want,” the receptionist said to Nicole.

“Thanks, but I don’t want to get in the way,” Nicole said.  “I’ll just show my face, let her know I didn’t get a ticket,” she laughed, heading down the hallway.

Sophie waved at Nicole from the bed, she was in a hospital gown already, “Doctor Wilson thinks I accidentally tore a scab. She's getting a camera thingy to find out.  Not sure how.  I’ve been super careful.”

“I don’t think it’s anything you did,” Doctor Wilson said as she returned with a nurse, wheeling a medium sized TV screen on a cart, which also had a small, flexible tube on a sterile tray.  “The muscles in there are probably to blame.” she winked. “Have you been feeling any like light pulling down there?”

“A little, yeah,” Sophie nodded.

“This is going to be cold Sophie, and I need you to lay back for me.” Doctor Wilson stated.

Nicole let herself back out at that point.  She flagged down a nurse.  “Sorry, do you have a coffee machine or anything?”

“Yeah, there’s a fresh pot made too.” The nurse said. “Right over there in the waiting area.  Should still be fresh.”

“Thanks,” Nicole said, heading for the waiting area to pour herself some.  Katelyn had beaten Nicole to the coffee pot however. 

“I got it.” Katelyn laughed pouring Nicole a cup as well.

“Thanks,” Nicole said.

“So,” Katelyn asked, “What does code 3 really mean?”

“It really means I have a client that’s hurt.” Nicole stated.  “That’s the third time I’ve had to use it, but I drill with the LAPD every couple of months.  We rotate out.  Keeps the cops on their toes,” she chuckled a little.

“And that,” Katelyn said, “Is why we only use your hiring agency.”

“I’m just glad you took me even with my background check,” Nicole said.  Katelyn laughed.

“We hired you because of it.”

Doctor Wilson came out, “She’ll be fine, I told her she’s going to have to wait a couple days before she flys anywhere.  The other scabbing is healing nicely, but that one spot needs to heal over. The muscles are healing and it tore. You’ll have to get her some feminine hygiene products for abit, I told her she might want to start getting used to having them around anyway.” 

“So this is normal?” Katelyn asked.

“Yes and No.” Doctor Wilson stated, “It can happen, but it normally doesn’t. Your Sophie, is sexually active, not practicing, but her body wants to be.”

“Should we um,” Nicole said, “Not sure the polite way to say this, but keep her from seeing her girlfriend until she’s healed?”

“No that wouldn't be a good idea.” Doctor Wilson laughed. “It’s not going to kill her if they break like that.  I can give her a muscle relaxant, but I’d really prefer not to unless it becomes a major concern for her, anxiety wise. The more the muscles workout like that the better.”

“I’ll take Amanda’s car and go shopping for her,” Katelyn said.  Nicole nodded.

“I’ll stay with ‘em.  We might be able to get her out again without anyone noticing.  Oh, shit,” she said, looking toward the door where a woman wearing a press badge had just come through the door.  She breathed a sigh of relief when the woman went up to the receptionist, and asked about someone entirely different.

“Thank you,” the woman said, removing her press badge, which she apparently hadn’t realized she was still wearing, and put it in her pocket.  “She’s my niece.  I’ll just wait out here,” she said, taking a seat.

“Kids huh?” Amanda said.

“You’re telling me,” the reporter sighed.  “I was just at a press event when I got a call that my sister’s daughter was rushed to the clinic with rapid heartbeat and she couldn’t get away to come.”

“Ouch.” Amanda flinched. “Mine ruptured a scab after she just had some major surgery.”

“Oh, that must have scared you both half to death,” the woman said.

“Yeah big time.” Amanda nodded. “Amanda-” she hesitated.  It wasn’t formal yet.  Nothing was formal yet, but it was now or, well, not ‘never’, but now or later.  “Price.”

“Regina Maxwell,” Regina said as she shook Amanda’s hand.

“Oh, you’re with Channel 3 news,” Amanda said.  “I thought I recognized you.”

Regina laughed a bit.  ‘Yeah, I’m usually the one stuck with soft news pieces, but it’s a living.  Today wasn’t so bad though.”

Amanda handed her a card, “If you ever want to get out of the news business, give that number a call, tell them I sent you.”

Regina looked at the card, a little surprised.  “WP Modeling?”

“Winters Price Modeling, we contract models, actresses, actors, we’re also getting into publishing.”

“Well I’m no model,” Regina laughed.

“No, but you were a photographer.” Amanda said. “I’ve seen your work.”

“Yeah, I love photography, but freelancing just didn’t pay the bills, and there was no way I was going to go sleezy paparazzi, so I took the soft news gig.” 

“There’s a lot of changes at the company, just give it thought.” Amanda said.  

“I will,” Regina said as a nurse emerged.

“Amber Maxwell’s guardian?” she asked, looking around.

“That’s me.” Regina stood up.

“Right this way.  She’s going to be fine,” the nurse said, explaining as they walked back, that Amber had a reaction to her medications, and that the doctor had adjusted her dosage so it wouldn’t happen again.  Meanwhile another nurse approached Amanda and Nicole.

“We’re ready to release Sophie if you want to bring your car around back.”

“Sure.” Nicole said, “We’ll be right there.”

“We packed some gauze to act as an interim scab, so she’s going to be a little uncomfortable,” the nurse said.  “She can remove it in a couple of hours.  Doctor Wilson explained that she just needs to flush the area with the antiseptic rinse to prevent it sticking.”

~oOo~

Sophie took it easy the rest of the evening, but she was up early the next morning and ready to leave before breakfast.  Like a lot of experiences lately, she had never been to a costume fitting and wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  If it was anything like getting fitted to model clothing, it would involve a lot of standing still while very sharp needles worked around her though.

“Have a seat.” A woman said and gave Sophie a smile, “I’m Jeanna and ill be doing all the makeup and prosthetic work for Trinity.” She winked.

“Yeah they told me you’d want to do some makeup work so I didn’t wear any this morning,” Sophie said as she took a seat.

“Actually we’ll be doing some fake skin to change your features a little first.” Jeanna said.  “You have a beautiful heart shaped face that’s just perfect, we just want to bring out your cheekbones a little more to make them look like someone sculpted them.”

“Can I get two A cup breast forms?” she called out as she began to apply the fake skin.

A college aged girl, around 19 or so, with bright red hair in tight curls, pulled up in a ponytail came running over with a small box.  “Sorry, they were buried under a crate.”

“I had asked for these a while ago.” Jeanna said, she was upset but not too upset. 

“I yelled at John for dropping the crate on the breast form box,” she said.  “I’m about to go spring cleaning on this place and organize everything myself.”

“Thanks sweet.” Jeanna said as she went back to work on the skin.  “I was told there was a tattoo we also had to cover right?”

“Aye, on my back,” Sophie said.  “Not sure if it’ll even be visible depending on the scene, but I don’t have permission from the clan to display it on TV.”

“That’s fine, yeah, you’ll appear ‘Naked’ a lot.  Don’t worry you’ll really be covered up so it’s safe.” Jeanna laughed.

“I really need to read that whole script,” Sophie laughed.  “I’ve just been so busy with catching up on homework.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not nudity, you’ll be mostly covered with a special cloth we have.” Jeanna said, “As it’s illegal for us to actually shoot film of you naked.”

“There’s a great scene,” the redhead said as she passed by carrying two very big boxes in her arms, “Where a lab assistant even mentions how unsettling it is that the ‘droids’ are naked.”

“Where’s that Ann Marie trunk?” someone shouted.

“I’ve got it,” the redhead yelled back.  “I’m bringing it and the Trinity trunk over,” she said as she lugged the two boxes onward.  “Two years of liberal arts for this,” she grumbled as she passed again.  “JOHN!  Get off your ass and help me or I’ll tell Stephanie what you were really doing last night!”

Sophie giggled under her breath. “This is actually fun.”

“Just wait till you have to be here at 3:30am for this.” Jeanna grinned. “And come back in about every 1 or 2 to get touched up.”

“Oh lord,” Sophie laughed, but tried not to move as Jeanna worked.

“Wow,” she said.  “You’ve either done this before or you’ve got the patience of a saint.”

“Been told the latter, but I’ve had makeup artists work on me a couple times already for photoshoots.”

The red haired girl popped up in the mirror, carrying a large plastic case that she carefully set down off to the side.  Jeanna looked over.  “Is that the faux tattoo makeup?”

“Yes ma’am,” the girl responded.  “Stencils are in the inside pocket of the lid.”

“You’re a miracle worker Trace.”

“I have three sisters,” Tracy giggled.

Almost two hours in the chair, and Jeanna said, “Okay, we need to take a body cast, so I’m going to have to get you naked sweetie.  Don’t worry.  We’ll go to a private room.”

“Um, can we wait for a couple days on a body cast?” Sophie asked.

“Oh, you can leave your underwear on hon.” Jeanna laughed. “We can smooth that out.”

“Oh, well that’s okay,” Sophie said.

“Happens to the best of actresses.” Jeanna said as she lead Sophie to a room, “Oh sorry.” the one room was already occupied with Destiny.  She was up to her neck in some kind of plaster material.  Sophie giggled.

“So you finally got yaself a cement overcoat,” she said in a bad Italian accent. “Now we just need ta put you with the fishes.”

“You know the worst part?” Destiny giggled.  “My nose itches.”

“Here let me get that for you.” Sophie said and scratched it for Destiny.

“Mind if we share this room?” Jeanna asked the woman working with Destiny.

“Not at all,” Destiny said.  “I was getting bored.”

“Well my doll says sure.” The girl said.

“That’s your cue hon.” Jeanna grinned, and waited for Sophie to undress down to her nickers. “Okay I’m going to glue these on, the glue might be a little cold.”  she had a tube of medical glue and the breast forms.

“Oh don’t worry,” Destiny said.  “As cold as it is, the plaster of paris is worse.  Hope you’re not claustrophobic like Angela.””

Sophie said as Jeanna glued on the forms, while making the comment, “I see you’re starting to grow some, that’s very helpful.”

“Poor Angela,” Sophie giggled.  “We should have them wheel her in here,” she teased.

“She’ll be in here shortly.” Destiny’s makeup woman stated. “Kara had to do some things with her hair.”

“Okay sweetie step into the box.” Jeanna directed.  “Try not to wiggle anything.” once Sophie was in, she began to pour plaster of some kind in.

“We may have to do Angela’s in parts,” Destiny’s unnamed makeup woman said.  “If she’s claustrophobic, this can be pretty traumatizing.”

“Yeah, it takes longer, but we got the rig for it in the storage.” Jeanna said. “Jane you should have John get it while you wait to cut Destiny out.”

“Good idea.  I’ll have him put it in room two,” Jane said as she stepped out.  “Oh, Tracy good timing.  Have you seen John?” she said as the pair walked away. Jeanna continued to fill the box that Sophie was in till the plaster was just below her neckline.

“Don’t worry,” Jeanna said.  “This is a breathable plaster, so it’ll harden like rubber, meaning you’ll be able to breathe comfortably as it dries. Count down from 15 for me.”

Sophie began counting down from 15, only pausing to giggle when Destiny let out a cute little ‘choo’ sneeze. Once she reached Zero, Jeanna began to cut the box away.

“Apparently,” Destiny said, “The outside dries faster than the inside.  Good news is, see those little flaps by your head?” she asked.  Sophie looked, and then nodded.  “Those make it easy to separate the mold.”

“Yup, we only have to cut a little with a knife.” Jeanna said. “The box is a guide and allows to pour you in. Makes our lives a lot easier.”

“No kidding,” Jane said.  “Remember Mystique’s makeup for the X-Men movies?  Six hours of body painting every time she had to be on camera.”

“Yeah, we’re going to be using rubber suits for your Robotic bodies, but it seems that Trinities will be backless and I believe the director wants the tattoo on your side to be visible as well, that outfit will be later in the show though.”

“Okay,” Jane said as she returned.  “They’re setting up for Angela’s so I’m going to go ahead and let Destiny loose, so I can help with the final setup then I’ll be back.”

“You going to go be with Angela?” Sophie asked Destiny as Jena made her small cuts on the mold to peel her out.

“I can hang out here,” Destiny said.  “Don’t want you to get mind numbingly bored,” she teased.  “Plus you did scratch my nose.”

Sophie giggled, as Jane said, “Angela’s pouring will go faster since we’re doing sections.  This way is just easier on us.  Either way we’ll create a positive mold from these to form the suits around.”

Almost a half hour later, Jeanna popped back in, “Okay time to get you out of that.”

Destiny and Sophie were watching Netflix with Destiny’s phone.  She turned it off and stepped back so Jeanna could do her work. She made acouple cuts on each side and began to peel it off. “Orlando, I need to have you smooth out the panty area.” she called to a guy walking by.

“Sure thing,” he said.  “I’ve got Destiny’s mold on the table right now, shouldn’t take too long to smooth that out and then I’ll get right on this one.”

“Thanks Orlando.” Jeanna said, “Why don’t you get dressed Sophie and you both go get lunch, and after we’re done with Angela, we’ll make the hard molds and then get you a rubber suit made.”

“Wow, you can do all that in a day?” Sophie asked.

“Yup.” Jeana said. “We’re all ex Industrial Light and Magic employees.” she winked.  “Well, except for the college interns.” as Sophie finished getting dressed.

“Yes?” Tracy spoke up, hearing ‘college interns’.

“Can you take these two and show them the lunch area?” Jeanna said.

“Oh sure!  We’ve got fast food and catered today,” Tracy said.  “It’s pretty much a buffet,” she laughed. “It’ll probably be like this all the time when you’re here too, it’s just easier that way, unless you want something special that is.”

“I don’t want to put anyone out,” Sophie shrugged.

“Nah, that’s what we’re here for,” Tracy said.  “Go on, ask me, and if it’s not on the menu I’ll run out and get it.”

“Irish Tuna Melt?” Sophie asked. “On a Irish Hoagie?”

“Now I want one of those.” Destiny giggled.

“God me too now,” Tracy laughed.  “There’s a deli a few blocks up the road.  I’ll call and see if they can do it.  You want veggies or anything on it?”

“Onion.” Sophie said, “A Good Irish Tuna melt has onion in it.”

Tracy pulled out her phone.  “Hi, this is Tracy Spencer at West WP Studio.  Do you do Irish tuna melts?  Perfect.  I’d like to put in an order for three-”

“Four,” a tall guy about her age said as he walked by, carrying a heavy trunk on one shoulder.

“Four, with onions.  Can you caramelize the onions on one?  I think you have our Credit card on file.” Tracy stated. “Thanks I’ll be there shortly to pick them up.  No thanks we have stuff to drink already thank you.”

“I like you already,” Sophie giggled.

“This Intern job is paid, so we do a damn good job.” Tracy grinned after hanging up the phone.  “Getting to work with former ILM I should be paying them,” she laughed.  “Okay, I’ll be back in a flash.”

Jessica was standing at one of the food tables with a paper plate in one hand, grazing on some chicken strips and fries, and occasionally picking up a Dixie cup for a drink.  “I am going to get so fat,” she said to herself.

Sophie noticed a unopened Can of Pepsi in an open cooler on the table and snagged it, “I hope this didn’t belong to anyone..” she looked around before she opened it.

Jessica laughed, “If it’s on the table it’s fair game.  How are you liking the movie industry so far?” she asked as she dipped a french fry in some ketchup.

“So far I’ve been painted, had silicone glued to my face and body, and dipped in plaster,” Sophie laughed.  “It’s bloody weird.”

“Smoke and mirrors,” Jessica giggled.  “Lisa says it’s like being a magician, a whole lot of small things fall into place to create this beautiful illusion.”

“I’m back,” Tracy called, “And they made us extra Irish tuna melts.  Four are spoken for, but six are fair game.”

“Oh that sounds good,” Angela called as she came over, dressed in a thick pink bathrobe.  Tracy gave one of the foot long sandwiches to Angela, Sophie, Destiny, and John, keeping one for herself while she put the rest on the food table.

“Mmm,” David said, biting into a taco.  “Nicole has no idea what she’s missing.”

“Well she needs the time off.” Sophie said. “She’s got her first doctors visit today.”

“That’s true,” David said around a mouthful of taco.  “Hopefully it goes well.  I know she’s been a lot more mellow the last couple of days.”  He looked at his phone at that.  “Speak of the devil.  She wants me to take over for a few days.”

“Can you handle me for that long?” Sophie asked between bites of her Irish Tuna Melt.

David laughed.  “I used to be on Britney Spears’ security team.  That is my answer to that question,” he teased.