An hour later, Abe was looking at her reflection. She was wearing the same outfit she had worn to the club with Nick and Mike. Both the patriotic themed shirt and black pants were looser on her. She scrunched up her eyes to study her reflection. Then relaxing her eyes, she tipped her chin down to look up in the mirror. She fluffed her hair around her face. Sighing, she shook her head. Nope she was still her. She was trying to figure out an excuse not to go, when they knocked. Before she could even form a sentence, she was pulled out the door.

She moved to the back corner of the elevator. Unfortunately, Nick stood beside her with Isabelle in front of him. Abe gave the girl a sideways glance. Yep, that's what a Swedish swimsuit model looks like; long blond hair, long shapely legs, beautiful face and body. A lump was pushing its way up Abe's throat and her eyes were stinging. She dug her nails into her palms trying to get her emotions under control. It was bad enough being around MainXpress, Leighanne and Lee every day, but this model was an even bigger example of what Abe wasn't and would never be. There was no getting out of this. No, she had to suck it up and go.

The elevator doors opened and she exited with the group. With each step she took, she retreated into herself. The part of her brain that registered the pain she was feeling was ignored. As strong as the desire was to run, the desire to not let them see her vulnerable was stronger. No she would go and far as they were concerned she was just the same old Abe they always knew. They would never get to see inside her. For them to see that would break her and Abe learned a long time ago about how never to be broken.

Nick introduced Abe and Isabelle in the car on the way to the club. Everyone was in high spirits. The paparazzi were outside the club and flashes went off like crazy when the photographers saw who exited the car. Pat made sure Abe stayed with the group. They were quickly ushered into the VIP section. The drinks were flowing. Abe decided to do a couple of shots. Nick watched her, surprised, but soon his buzz was going and Isabelle had his full attention. The group moved to the dance floor, pulling Abe with them. She never really danced, so of course she was stiff. A slow song came on she found she was the only one without a partner and eased herself off the floor. The waitress came by the table and she ordered water, because she was feeling the liquor.

Around Midnight, Howie and Lee said goodnight and headed back to the hotel, but promised to send the car back. Soon Abe found herself pulled to the dance floor again. She was moving to the music with her eyes closed. She heard Tony chuckle, opening her eyes she saw Angelica mimicking her. Abe smiled and shrugged, playing it off. When the song finished, she excused herself to get another drink, instead she headed for the bathroom. She was inside a stall when the outside door opened. She heard laughter she instantly recognized. She sat very still and waited. She just couldn't walk out there now. Not after what the girl had done on the dance floor.

"So you're group is opening for Nick," asked an accented voice.

Abe now knew who walked in with Angelica.

"Yes. We've been so lucky and they've been good to us."

"They are nice."

"So how long have you and Nick been a couple," asked Angelica, trying to be casual.

"Oh we aren't a couple�not anymore."

"That's cool."

"Yes. Right now our careers just make it too difficult."

"I hear ya."

"So Angelica may I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Who is this girl working for Nick?"

"You mean AB?"

"Yes AB. What a strange name for a girl."

"She's a strange girl."

"Nick calls her Abe, like she's some boy."

"Well did you look at her? She looks more like a boy than a girl."

Isabelle laughed and said, "Angelica, that is not true. She looks like a girl. A large girl, but a girl none the less."

"Come on and say it. She's huge. If I were that fuckin' fat, I'd have to kill myself."

"Stop," giggled Isabelle. "I guess she's a good choice to work with Nick."

"Yeah no chance of Nick being attracted to big mama. Although I wouldn't be surprised if she has a crush on him."

"Oh no! Maybe I will have to ask him about that," said Isabelle.

Both girls stopped talking and left the bathroom, when another patron entered. Abe remained in the stall for a minute. She didn't cry. She was too numb to cry. She quickly exited the bathroom. As she walked up to the table, she saw Angelica whispering to Tony, when they saw her they both burst out laughing. Abe knew she had a small amount of time before she lost it. She walked up to the table and leaned over to whisper into Tony's ear.

"Tonight you�ve won." Pulling back, she saw his smirk and fought hard to not smack if off his face. Turning to Nick she said, "Nick, I'm calling it a night."

"You're leaving?"

"Yeah. I'll grab a cab."

"Wait Pat will go with you."

Holding up her hand to wave Pat off, she said, "No. I'm going to have the doorman get me a cab. I'm fine. See you tomorrow. Night."

Nick held her gaze for a moment and saw that same not fine look he had seen after he threw her in the pool. He knew she wasn't fine, but also knew she wasn't going to tell him.

"Night Abe."

As she headed for the door, Nick asked, "hey man, what'd she say to you?"

"To watch after you," said Tony with a smile. Handing Nick a shot, he ordered, "drink up!"