Omari

      "Where were you?" Chris asked as soon as he saw me.

      "On vacation," was my simple response.

      "Omari-"

      "Don't start with me Chris," I warned him. "I am not in the mood."

      He gave me a look and let it go. "I hope you were at least productive because I've scheduled some studio time."

Teresa

      "So how have you been coping baby?" I asked my son finally. Too many people had been inching around the subject and I didn't want to insult his intelligence by beating around the bush.

      He shrugged and said, "It is what it is ma."

      I wanted to ask so many questions and wrap him up in my arms the way I did when he was little but I knew he wouldn't appreciate that. Omari had always been one to deal with his problem internally. I just hoped that he would get over this.

Jacqueline

      "Girl I think you need a vacation," Nicole responded over brunch.

      It had been a little over two months since Omari had went back to the States and my boss had really been working me over. Apparently a couple of people I'd sold houses for had raved about me to their friends and their friends had specifically requested me to be their real estate agent. While I can't say I'm angry because that's money in my pocket, it's just that its a lot of work and the fact that I haven't had a real vacation since high school was really taking its toll.

      "I wish I could but I have three clients I have to find a house," I replied with a sigh before taking a bite of the pineapple on my plate.

      "How long will that take you?" Nicole asked curiously.

      I shrugged and said, "It really depends on how long it takes the clients to find the right house and get the paper work done."

      "You work too hard," Nicole replied with the shake of her head.

      "Mr. Madison is on line one Miss St.Clair," my receptionist called over the line. I switched lines and answered politely.

      "I need a huge favor Jacqueline," Mr. Madison started.

      "And what is that?" I asked.

      "The Darcy's are looking for a home in the United States and seeing as you sold them their last two homes they've requested you to help them on this sale," Mr. Madison replied.

      "You know good and well that I don't specialize in international sales. I work with high end listing in Australia only," I told him.

      "I tried to explain that and told them that the American branch had more than a few capable realtors who were more than ready to do the job but they refused," was his response.

      "There's a reason why I didn't sign on to these type of assignments," I told him.

      "You have to do this for me," Mr. Madison replied. "You know that the Darcy's are worth millions and their business is very important. Think not only of the commission you're going to get but the huge favor I'll owe you."

      "I just finished selling my last house on the books. I can do this one but after this sale I was a break. No I want a paid vacation," I replied over the line.

      "How long of a vacation are you talking about?" he asked me in a worried tone.

      "I don't know. I've been working for you for five years and have yet to take a vacation but I've made you the most money. I think that entitles me to quite a lengthy vacation," I told him.

      "Are you blackmailing me?" he asked.

      "Not at all. You and I both know that I deserve this vacation and I'm going to get it. So those are my conditions," I replied.

      He was quiet for a moment before saying, "Alright. I've already booked your ticket. You leave for Florida tomorrow. Meet up with Ted Washington from our Miami branch and he'll give you the listings that meet the Darcy's requirements."

      "Alright. I'm taking the day off to pack," I replied simply before ending the call and logging off my computer.

      I double checked to make sure I had everything before grabbing my huge leather hobo and made my way out of the office building.

Ted

      I was making my way down the hall after coming in from lunch with an old college buddy when I noticed a beautiful young woman at the receptionist's desk. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight bun that was a contrast to her slightly casual attire that consisted of well tailored white dress pants that sat low on her small waist and a white stripped tunic. Normally I would have bypassed her but her thick accent requesting a meeting with me caught my attention.

      "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," I started as I made my way over. "You wouldn't happen to be Jacqueline St.Clair would you?"

      "Yes, that's me. I just stopped by to get the files that you set aside for the Darcy sale," she replied.

      "Yes they're in my office. Follow me please," I requested.

      She followed me silently and I motioned for her to take a seat once we got in my office and began to sort through the files on my desk for the ones I'd set aside for her. "I'm actually surprised that you're Jacobs prize realtor."

      "And why is that Mr. Washington?" she asked me easily as she placed her purse in her lap.

      "You're what? Twenty-four? You have to be fresh out of college...you're still wet behind the ears," I replied.

      "Not quite," she answered simply. "I graduated early and I'm very good at what I do. If I wasn't I wouldn't have been specifically asked for and I wouldn't be sitting here right now. Can I please get the files you have for me?"

      I snorted and handed her the file. She quickly went over them and analyzed the pictures before looking up and asking, "How current are these photos?"

      "Very," was my response.

      "Then these two estates aren't needed," she replied tossing the files at me.

      "These are both multi-million dollar estates that have been getting quite a bit of interest," I replied knowing then that she wasn't the right person for the job.

      "Then you'll have no problem selling them with someone else," she replied as she stood from her seat. "Listen I've been working with the Darcy's for a while now and have sold them three houses already. I know what they're looking for and those homes aren't it."

      "They're prime properties," he pointed out.

      "Yes but they aren't modern enough and there isn't enough closet space for Mrs. Darcy in the master bedroom. Add to the fact that there isn't a dock for Mr. Darcy's yacht. Like I said, they won't work," she replied simply before saying, "I need the keys to the properties and are they already staged?"

      I had to smile at that and admit that I might have been wrong in my initial assumption. She may be young but she most definitely knew what she was doing. "Here you go Ms. St.Clair." She took the proffered keys and left without a word.

Jacqueline

      I was looking over the second house when my cell phone started ringing. I didn't even glance at the caller-id before answering it politely with Jacqueline speaking.

      "What's going on girl?" Jamila asked over the line.

      "Nothing, working as usual," I replied.

      "You need a vay-kay," she replied easily.

      "Oh, I'm going to get one right after this is done. Haven't decided where I'm going to go or what I'm going to do but once I finish here in Florida-"

      "Florida?" she asked. "You're in the US and your ass didn't call?"

      "I just got in not too long ago," I told her.

      "Still," was her answer.

      "Sorry girl. I'm just trying to get familiar with these properties I'm supposed to show my clients. I can't do my best if I don't know enough about the space and floor plans," I told her simply.

      "I feel you," she replied before saying, "you need to come over to Cali and spend some time with your girl."

      "Please you're working and have a life. I don't want to impose," I replied.

      "You're no imposition and I'm expecting to see you since you're so close," she replied.

      "Demanding are we?" I asked rhetorically as I glanced around the huge walk in closet.

      "I just want to make sure you have some fun. I'll introduce you to a couple of people, take you shopping...clubbing. Just have a ball," she replied. "How much time do you have off?"

      "My boss and I haven't discussed it. Longer than two weeks though," I replied.

      "Great. Call me before you fly out to LA," she replied before ending the call.

Jamila

      I was waiting for Jackie at the airport and couldn't help the excited feeling that ran through me when I thought about showing my home girl the town. When she was here for school, she was more of the focused one who went to the occasional party but spent more time doing her work than anything else. She really didn't get to experience the town except for the occasional eatery and I was about to change that. A flow of people un-boarded her plane before she walked out looking extra comfortable in a pair of denim Bermuda shorts, a soft butter colored tunic, and a pair of metallic flat sandals. She smiled over at me and waved before ending her call and making her way over. Jacqueline hugged me warmly before asking me how I was.

      "I'm good, just trying to put the final touches to my album," I replied happily as I lead her towards the baggage claim.

      "Speaking of which," she started. "How is Omari doing?"

      I glanced at her for a moment and answered honestly, "He's dealing. I mean his situation would be hard for anyone but its more intense because he's in the public eye. So where and how long are you staying?"

      "My company's west coast branch has several rental homes and my boss has acquired me a nice home on the outskirts of LA," I told her. "As far as vacation time...well my boss and I settled on a month long vacation but I haven't decided whether I was going to spend the whole time in LA or go somewhere else."

      "Do you want me to drop you off at your house so you can settled or what?" I asked her after we got her things and headed out to my car.

      "You can drop me off. I don't want to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you have something you should be doing," she replied.

      "You are not an inconvenience Jackie," I told her before asking for her address.

      Once we were parked in front of the rental house I told her to give me a call when she got bored and wanted to hang out. I did have a short session in the studio I had to get to but other than that I was free. She agreed and I pulled off so that I could handle my business.

Marques

      The cookout I'd thrown was in full swing and everyone was in the back of the house chilling seeing as the main house had been cut off, for the most part, to avoid anyone's bad ass kids breaking anything. I'd just finished putting barbecue sauce on my famous ribs when I heard Jamila call out my name letting me know that she was back and her friend Jacqueline was with her. I had been anxious to finally meet the woman I'd heard great things about and hoped there wouldn't be any uncomfortable moments between her and O seeing as I'd convinced him to pass through.

      As Jamila got close I was able to fully take in her friend and realized that the two actually looked as if they could have been related. They had the same high cheek bone, similar eye shape, and hair texture. Jacqueline was just slightly taller and her coloring was more of a golden tan than Mila's was. Unlike Jamila who was dressed in a cropped multicolored top and white low riding linen pants, Jacqueline was dressed simply in a pair of fitted low riding denim jeans and a cream printed top.

      "Marques this is my friend Jacqueline that I told you so much about. Jackie this is my boyfriend Marq," Jamila replied making the introductions.

      "It's nice to finally meet you Marques," she replied simply as she shook my hand.

      "You as well. Why don't you make yourself comfortable and get a drink or something to eat?" I offered her.

      She smiled and nodded before heading over to the cooler to grab a soda.

      "Are you sure the two of you aren't related?" I asked Jamila.

      "Quite," she replied in amusement before going off to introduce Jacqueline to more people.

Omari

      I was making my way out of Mark and Mila's house when I bumped into someone coming in. My hands reached out to steady the person only to freeze when I realized who I was supporting.

      "Jacqueline?" I asked.

      "Hi Omari," she replied in a smile.

      "What are you doing here?" I asked shocked as she moved out of the doorway.

      "I'm on vacation. Jamila wanted to show me the sights," she replied.

      "That's cool," I replied not knowing what else to say.

      "So..." she started, "How's work coming along."

      "Slowly," I replied honestly.

      "Why?" she asked curiously.

      "I can't really get into it. I mean I've done a few tracks but nothing just felt right. I've been given a lot of dance type tracks because that's what I'm known for but I'm not feeling club songs right now," I answered honestly.

      "Is there a piano in here?" she asked me.

      "Yeah, why?" I asked her.

      "I wrote something a while ago. It was with you in mind and I want you to hear it," she replied.

      I nodded and told her to take off her shoes. She quickly slipped her feet out of the Nikes she was wearing and followed me through the house. I stopped at Marq and Mila's formal living room and motioned towards the glossy black Baby Grand piano. Jacqueline sat her shoes on the dark carpet before padding her sock covered feet over the piano and sitting down on the bench. She lifted the cover that rested over the keys and played a few notes to make sure the piano was tuned to her liking before starting a mellow melody.

Jamila

      "Have you seen Jackie?" I asked Marq.

      "No, why?" he asked.

      "She's been gone for about fifteen minutes and she was just going to get some ice," I told him.

      "She must still be in the house then," he replied not helping.

      I rolled my eyes and headed inside to see if I could find the girl and see what was taking her so long. My ears perked up when I entered the house and heard someone playing the piano, beautifully. The melody was amazing and one I didn't recognize. I headed towards the formal living room where the piano was and paused when I saw Omari leaning against the wall watching Jacqueline play the piano.

Omari

      It was clear to see that Jacqueline felt the music she was playing and I had to admit that the composition was beautiful. My vocal range wasn't fit for a ballad, which was what she playing for me, but I knew that I could tweak it and make it into something amazing with the right producer. As she played the last note she opened her eyes and turned to look at me.

      "That was beautiful Jacqueline," Jamila's voice called startling us.

      "Thank you," Jacqueline replied with a faint blush.

      "Can I use that?" I asked Jacqueline.

      "Sure," she replied with a shrug.

      "I'll get the papers set up so that you'll get royalties for it if it goes on the album," I started.

      "I don't want your money Omari. Call it a gift from a friend," she replied simply with a smile before turning to Jamila. "Ice right?"

      Jamila nodded and Jacqueline grabbed her shoes before leaving me to myself in the music room.