Indecent Proposal
Chapter Two: Indecency

She stood inside the large, luxurious penthouse, at the upper part of the city. When she had stepped out of the taxi there had been a man waiting for her. He had lead Joey to the elevators, rode with her up the lift, opened the door of the penthouse and told Joey to make herself comfortable. She had spent her time exploring the apartment trying to get an idea of who Jay Everitt was. Trying to find some trace of Pacey Witter within his home. She was disappointed. The penthouse was cold and immaculate and full of so many things that weren’t Pacey Witter. For the five hundredth time Joey wondered if she was making a mistake.

When someone knocked on the door around four, Joey jumped then hurried to answer the door. A young gentleman handed Joey several red bags and boxes before nodding his goodbye. She opened the boxes to find a beautiful, simple ice blue dress in classic style. It was sleeveless with a boat neck and nipped in at Joey’s waist before coming out in a full, slightly pleated skirt. There were matching shoes and accessories and a string of pearls to wear. Glancing down at her own formal dress that she was currently wearing, Joey suddenly felt inadequate and cheap.

In the final box were a bunch of fresh lilies - pure white – and a note.

Joey,

I’ll be home around six. You can use the bathroom to get ready. Take a shower or a bath. There should be an array of soaps and scents and shampoos for you. If there’s anything you need just call downstairs. They’ve been instructed to help you out with whatever you want or need. There should be some food and drink in the fridge if you’re hungry. Or get a drink for the bar. Help yourself. I’ll see you soon.

Pacey.

For one moment she hesitated. The idea that Pacey had taken it upon himself to dress her annoyed Joey immensely - grated on her nerves - as if she and everything that belonged to her was not good enough for his world. But the allure of the silky ice blue dress drew Joey in. In a sudden impulse of girlish need, Joey headed to the bathroom deciding that she could at least try the dress on; just to see how it looked.

The sunken bath was huge and decadent. There were numerous oils to choose from and Joey thought she might indulge herself in a bath before trying on the dress. She allowed herself the luxury of soaking in Pacey’s enormous tub and drank some red wine to soothe her jittery nerves. He had thought of everything, showered her with everything and part of Joey wondered if he had done something like this before. Finally she decided he hadn’t. Jay Everitt was a handsome, young, filthy rich man. Women of all ages were literally throwing themselves in his bed for free. He didn’t have to pay ten million for a one night stand. And it made Joey wonder why he was willing to pay ten million for a one night stand with her.

When she finally steeped out of the tub, Joey was considerably relaxed. She felt pampered and beautiful. Beautiful, intelligent and strong enough to take Pacey on. Beautiful enough to befit the ice blue dress. As she pulled the zipper up, the material hugging her curves, Joey decided she would wear Pacey’s choice of garment. After all, it was such a lovely thing and it would be a waste…

Joey was dressed and ready when Pacey came home. He looked tired and there were little bags under his eyes. In his weary state he looked more like Pacey Witter than Jay Everitt. He smiled in appreciation, ever charming, when he saw her.

“You look beautiful Joey. As always.”

“And you look tired.” Joey could not help but point out. “You’re overworked Pace.”

He shrugged dismissively. “That’s my life. It’s how I managed to make ten millions dollars. Enough money to afford you, if only for one night.”

There seemed to be some hidden meaning to his words and instead of being insulted Joey cocked her head and furrowed her brow trying to decipher his words.

“I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be ready in less than half an hour.” Pacey promised before walking away.

True to his word, half an hour later, Pacey emerged dressed in casual black slacks, a blue shirt and black jacket. His hair was a little damp from the shower but more importantly Pacey looked relaxed and refreshed.

“Shall we leave?” He offered his arm to Joey and she took it.

They exited his penthouse looking very much the beautiful and sophisticated couple.

*****

The menu was endless and filled with meaningless words. Joey frowned and sneaked a glance at Pacey from off the top of her menu. Quickly she averted her glance and pretended to be absorbed in the nonsensical menu when Pacey looked her way.

"Have you decided on what you'll be having?" Pacey asked.

Joey nodded. "Yes. I'll have that." She pointed randomly to a dish on the menu.

Pacey raised his eyebrows in amusement. "You're going to have brains drenched in a rich spicy sauce with steamed vegetables on the side?"

She turned several shades of pale but glared at Pacey. "Yes. That's exactly what I'm having. I just happen to love brains."

Pacey nodded. "Fine. And your entree?"

Again Joey pointed randomly.

"Eel in sweet chilli sauce and cold slices of liver. Your tastes have changed, Josephine."

"My taste has matured." Joey retorted.

"Very well." Pacey called the maitre d' over and quietly ordered their meals.

"I've ordered us some red wine, if that's okay." Pacey said as he glanced at Joey. 'That's is unless you prefer something else."

"No red wine is fine." Joey muttered inwardly planning on how to kill Pacey. He was deliberately mocking her in that infuriating manner of his. So what if he was Jay Everitt and worldly and sophisticated and rich? Joey was determined to eat the eel, liver and brains and enjoy every single bite of it, even if it killed her.

"So Josephine, tell me what you've been doing with yourself."

She glared at him briefly. "Well I went to Worthington and majored in arts. I spent some time working at several galleries, painting in between. And now I'm trying my hand at being a full time artist."

"Hmm..." Pacey nodded. "And you and Dawson? How long have you two..."

"About a year. We lost track of each other during college. Then last Christmas we bumped into each other in Capeside and one thing led to the other. But enough about me. What about you? How did you make the transformation from Pacey Witter to Jay Everitt?"

"Sailing away for the summer with the Dean of Admissions for Worthington was the best thing I'd ever done in my life." Pacey stated.

Joey tried not to flinch at his words. Pacey had once told her that no matter what happened, the two of them sailing away on True Love would always be the best thing that happened in his life. Now it appeared that sailing away from her and their broken relationship was the best thing that Pacey Witter had done in his life. And he had the money and success to prove it.

"In Miami I got a job restoring old boats. Met a guy up there, Ol' Tim and the two of us started up a small business - tinkering away at boats. I went to night classes and got a business degree. Started managing the business thanks to the help of Ol' Tim. Three years later business was booming and we were expanding. Four years later and Ol' Tim had died. Turned out Ol' Tim was some rich millionaire who left me his fortune. Wonderfully cliched isn't it? So I continued with the boat business and with some help and tips dabbled in stocks. And before I knew it I had become Jay Everitt."

"So now you're Jay Everitt." Joey repeated slowly. "Do you still keep in touch? With your family? With Andie or Jack or Jen?" She tried to search his eyes, tried to find Pacey Witter. "Do you still remember Capeside? Do you still care? Do you ever think of us? The past? Or have you forgotten?"

"I remember everything Joey." His words were an echo of a past long ago. "And to answer your question, I'm still in touch with my family. Doug, Gretchen, Mom and Dad and all the rest of them. As for the others, well I send the McPhees and Lindley a card every Christmas. But they don't know I'm Jay Everitt. And they don't talk to you about me."

A waiter arrived preventing further conversation. He placed the a plate in front of them both without removing the silver lids. "Enjoy your meal M'am and Sir."

Joey watched jealously as Pacey lifted the lid and began earnestly munching on his chicken wings.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Pacey queried gesturing to her still covered plate.

Joey stared apprehensively at what was to be her entree - eels and liver. She gave Pacey and tight smile and slowly lifted the lid. She almost let out a scream when the lid was removed. Her right leg moved to kick Pacey in the shit. "I hate you!"

"What's wrong? You don't like chicken wings? They're really very delicious. I can attest to that fact. This restaurant is famous for them. If you don't want yours I'll eat them."

"What happened to my eel and liver?" Joey narrowed her eyes and glared.

"Well I didn't really figure you as the eel and liver type." Pacey explained calmly. "So I made an executive decision."

"I can order my own food, Pacey Jay Witter!"

"So can I." Pacey stated. "In fact I ordered my own food and yours too. Now are you going to shut up and eat or do you want me to call the waiter so I can really order you your eels and liver?"

Glaring at Pacey, Joey picked up the chicken and took a bite out of it secretly wishing that it was Pacey she was taking a bite out of. She pretended to hate every single bite despite the fact the chicken was absolutely delicious.

When the main meal arrived Joey raised an eyebrow. "Hamburgers and fries? I think I prefer the brains."

"C'mon Joey, you know deep down inside you're a hamburger and fries type of gal." Pacey stated.

Joey scowled. "I am not."

"You are too." Pacey replied affably. "Have some ketchup."

"I am not." She grabbed the bottle of bottle of ketchup and poured liberally on the burger.

"You are too Joey." Pacey said and took a huge bite of his burger.

Joey shook her head vehemently to show her disagreement as she munched on some fries.

Pacey put his burger down and grabbed his napkin. "Move your head to the right."

"Why?" Joey demanded.

"Because I said so. Now move your head to the right."

Joey tilted her head to the right as Pacey leaned forward to wipe away some food with his napkin.

"There it wasn't too bad was it?" Pacey asked.

"It was terrible." Joey replied.

"Don't be a smart-ass."

"I learnt from the best."

"And what exactly did you learn?"

Joey grinned mischievously as she slipped her right shoe off. Her stocking-covered foot crept up Pacey's leg as she casually and innocently ate her burger, licking her lips for effect. "Hmm...the food is delicious. You are right Pacey. I guess I am just a hamburger and fries type of gal."

Pacey grabbed the offending foot. "Don't."

"Don't what?" Joey asked innocently.

"Don't play games Josephine. Not with me. Because I play to win. And I don't think you can afford to lose." His thumb caressed the sole of her foot before he released it.

"How do you know you'll win?" Joey asked tartly as she slipped her foot back into her shoe.

“Because, my dear Joey, I always win."

They finished their meal in subdued silence and feeling rather full decided to forego dessert - at least for the moment.

*****

Around twenty minutes later Joey found herself sitting in a darkened theater with Pacey about to watch some unknown movie. The armrest between their two seats was the dividing gulf between the two of them. Switzerland was defined by the small box of popcorn and a large Coke. They munched on the popcorn during the start of the movie. Joey paid more attention on avoiding contact with Pacey and making sure they didn’t go for the popcorn at the same time then watching the actual show.

The hero was fighting with his love interest when Joey looked around for a tissue. Her hands were greasy from the popcorn and she didn’t think it was appropriate to wipe her fingers on her dress.

“Here.” Joey stared at several of the napkins that were offered to her. “I thought you might like something to wipe your hands on.” Pacey explained. He unfolded the napkins and carefully, surreptitiously began to clean her fingers. He threw the dirty napkins in the now empty box of popcorn. “There finished. Perfectly clean, grease-free hands.”

She smiled her gratitude and then made an effort to become absorbed in the movie.

Somewhere during the movie, the armrest had been moved up and the divide had been removed. Slowly, inch by inch, they gravitated towards one another. Joey’s hand covered her eyes during one particularly scary scene and she hid her face in Pacey’s shoulder, without really paying attention to her actions.

“Still the scaredy cat, I see.” Pacey noted as he lifted Joey’s face up.

"I am not a scaredy cat!" Joey groused and made herself watch the scene.

Pacey watched her blanch and her eyes fluttered open and shut several times. "Why do you persist on contradicting me?"

"Because you're wrong!"

"Josephine, I'm not wrong." Pacey replied mildly.

"Don't call me Josephine." Joey growled, using it as an excuse to turn and face Pacey - diverting her gaze from the scary scenes.

"I've been calling you Josephine all night and you haven't minded." Pacey pointed out.

"I was trying to..."

Pacey's face inched closer to Joey's so that their noses touched. "You were trying to?"

"Damn you to hell, Pacey Witter!"

Pacey chuckled and his fingers played with the ends of her hand. "Would you really like to see me in hell?"

"Yes!"

"I think you're lying." Pacey scolded. "If you keep that up your nose will grow and that would be such a pity. Seeing as your nose is absolutely adorable and cute the way it is." And with that he placed a kiss on top of Joey's nose.

Joey wrinkled up her nose declaring, "I do not lie!" Then she stuck out her tongue and sat back huffily against the chair.

"Well," Pacey began. "I've heard that when people lie they get black spots on their tongue. I'll have to check for black spots."

Using his hands he forced Joey's mouth open despite her struggles and protestations.

"Hmmm...so far doesn't look like any black spots but just to be sure..." He moved his hands away and replaced them with him mouth and tongue. She struggled against the kiss before giving into her instincts. His tongue swirled across her teeth, playing with her tongue. They dueled momentarily. Their lips smacked and their breathing quickened. Then Pacey pulled away.

"Internal examination finished. Looks like you'll be okay Joey. But regular check ups are recommended. And cut down on the lying."

She almost nodded dumbly at his words but caught herself in time. Instead Pacey was rewarded with an elbow in his chest, just as the credits began to the roll and the movie finished.

"Well we've done the dinner and movies." Pacey stated. "Now I do believe it is time for dessert. Mint chocolate is still your favorite? They have wonderful ice cream across the street."

"Mint chocolate is fine." Joey answered, her head spinning. She was unsure of everything. Her feelings. Pacey's feelings. What the hell she was doing here. And what insipid games was Pacey playing with her mind. Think of Dawson. Think of Dawson. She chanted to herself. It was a sobering thought and it brought everything back into perspective. Dawson. Pacey. Herself. And ten million dollars.

*****

Blackness filled the sky but the night was not dark but rather bright; bright with the glow of lamp lit streets and twinkling stars. They sat on the colored horses of the carousel eating their ice cream. The horses moved up and down as the cogs and wheels and mechanics ground. Music tinkered and lights danced and flashed. It was old and simple from a time of innocence.

Joey clung onto the pole and slowly licked her ice cream. Minty chocolate goodness. Pacey sat in front of her. His legs straddled the faded horse that was once colored bright blue, green, red and yellow and he had swung around so that he was back to front - facing Joey. Some ‘Death by Chocolate’ dribbled down the side of his hand and he frantically licked. His lips were covered in chocolate and his tongue darted out to swipe at the brown stains. He was much the young, eager, mischievous boy of her childhood.

He had almost finished his ice cream when the scoop inevitably fell from his hands and Pacey was left with an empty cone. He tipped his cone upside down like a little child trying to fathom what had happened to his ice cream. Slowly his face scrunched up into a childlike, adorable pout. Then his eyes twinkled and gleamed as he eyed Joey’s ice cream.

She began to realize Pacey’s intent when he stalked over to her horse. “This ice cream is mine, Pacey Witter! You stay away!”

Protectively Joey switched the cone from her right hand to her left hand and raised it high up into the sky. However years and experience had made Pacey swift and his reflexes had greatly improved. He was biting a chunk out of Joey’s ice cream even as she yelled in protest.

“Haven’t you ever learnt to share, Joey?” Pacey grumbled.

“Some things you just can’t share!” Joey retorted and quickly reclaimed her precious ice cream.

“And I suppose mint chocolate ice cream is one of them?”

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes at Pacey’s obvious stupidity about such important, vital matters. “Never come between a girl and her ice cream. In particular this girl and her mint chocolate.”

“I’ll remember that for next time.”

“Next time? There won’t be a next time. This is just for one night, remember Pacey? Just one night. That’s all I’ve promised. That’s all I’m being paid for.”

She sounded angry, bitter, upset and regretful?

“And you have a problem with that?”

“No. Not at all. Why are you doing this Pacey?” Joey spat out. “Why the ten million dollars? Why me?”

“Why not you?” Pacey stated simply.

“That’s not an explanation. There are millions of women who would be willing to spend the night with you for free. Why pay me ten millions when you can get it for free?”

“Nobody does anything for free. Those millions of women would want something more than just ten million dollars. Something I’m not willing to give. This way is everything is nice and nice and clean. You get what you want and I get what I want and then we both go our separate ways ”

“Then why me?” Joey persisted. “You could have gone to the professionals. That way satisfaction is guaranteed.”

“Au contraire, this way I know that satisfaction is definitely guaranteed.” His eyes glittered as he spoke and Joey felt shivers running down her spine. He stepped down from the carousel, carrying Joey down with him. His hand stroked her cheek.

“That’s not really any kind of answer.”

He was kissing her quiet before she could utter another word. And for the briefest of moments she let herself melt into the kiss, for the second time that night. Then she pushed him away.

“Don’t. Don’t do that again.”

He stepped back into her personal space. “I thought this was what tonight was about. Ten million dollars, remember Joey?”

Her nails dug into his flesh. “Not like this. No kissing.”

“Going ‘Pretty Woman’ on me Joey? Is it a trick you learnt from Dawson? Does it turn him on when you refuse to kiss him?”

“I,” Joey stated queenly, “Only kiss people I love. People who mean something to me. We are just fucking. Simple, sexual intercourse. Your penis in my vagina. Nothing complicated about it. I don’t have to kiss. I don’t have to tell you I love you and profess forever. I don’t even have to be nice about it.” Joey’s eyes glittered. “After all, isn’t that the way you wanted it?”

“So,” Pacey asked conversationally, nonplused by Joey’s words. “I could take you here and now? At the bottom of this carousel? And then we’d be over and done with it?”

“That’s what the contract says. Although don’t forget the ten million dollars.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of forgetting your precious ten million dollars.”

Pacey nodded contemplatively then slowly surveyed the area. Then in five long strides he stalked over to Joey with a determined and dangerous look in his eyes. He stopped in front of Joey, leaving only breathing space between them. Joey’s breathing hitched, overwhelmed by their proximity. He was so close, dangerously close, close enough for all reason and logic and sense to disappear.

Yet somehow Joey managed to take two deep breaths, straighten her shoulders and back, step aside and lie through her teeth. “As appealing as the idea of having sex with you at the bottom of this carousel is, I think I’m going to have to pass. After all it’s costing you ten million just for me to have sex with you in your bed.”

“So you’re saying that different locations cost extra?”

“Yes.”

“And how did you figure that out? Add a million if it’s sex on his couch, add five million if it’s sex in the back of his limousine? Please tell me Joey. I’d really like to know how you do the math? Not to mention how much it’d cost me to have sex with you here and now, on the carousel.”

Joey shot Pacey a disdainful, snobbish look. “You couldn’t afford sex on the carousel.”

He mockingly shook his head in faux despair. “And here I thought my money could buy everything.” He stepped towards Joey once more, this time touching her arm with his hand. Joey flinched. “You needn’t worry. I’m not going to ravish you, not at the moment anyway. We’re just going to dance.”

Opening her mouth, Joey started to protest determined to mention the impropriety of their actions. “We look like idiots.” She hissed. “People will think we’re mad.”

“There’s no one here to see us.” Pacey reasoned; his hands rested on Joey’s back, at the edge of her hips.

“This is stupid.” Joey complained once more but her body swayed in tune with Pacey’s and the soundless music they both imagined.

Pacey held Joey in his arms and it felt painfully right that it was wrong. The past flashed through his mind and he remembered everything. He remembered when they were so in love, he remembered True Love, he remembered Senior year, he remembered walking away and vowing never to look back. And then Pacey remembered the numerous occasions, too many times, when he had broken his vow and looked back. Pacey recollected hearing second hand hearing about a kiss between Dawson and Joey, days after he left for Miami. He remembered coming to Boston to discover his fears of a Dawson/Joey reunion were unfounded and then the discarded bunch of lilies thrown in one of Worthington’s bins after witnessing Joey in a tender, embrace with another man. Memory brought Pacey to more recent times when a few months back Lloyd Wiloughby accidentally dropped Joey’s name and later Joey’s connections with one Dawson Leery.

“So Dawson never bothered to take you dancing in the starlight?”

“Dawson and I…”

He pressed his thumb against her lips. “I don’t care. I have this one night. I have ten million dollars in my bank account. Dance.”

“What? Pacey…”

“Dance, Joey. Dance with me.”

She was still a little stiff but Pacey swayed unrelenting and later became to hum. His head bent down and he whispered in her ear. “Dance.”

Her limbs and muscles slowly relaxed. Their movements went from stiff and awkward to fluid and smooth with still the underlying hint of tension. Slow motioned movements. Hand on hip. Head resting on shoulder. .

“How…how come this feels so right?” She whispered. Something within her had to ask because the rightness of the moment overwhelmed her. Her whole core trembled at the rightness of it all.

“Does it?” He asked; his eyes searching.

She nodded.

“Then don’t question it.”

And though neither told the other nor quite admitted it to themselves, they wanted this moment. A moment of emotion, in a situation where such things were only misplaced; a moment of peace, a fleeting time of simply being together; enjoying the other’s presence.

They danced under the stars. And when they stopped, they were holding hands. Fingers intertwined with fingers. The warmth of his palm pressed against hers.

They walked back to his penthouse hand in hand; darted, dodged and wove through the city’s night traffic never letting go of each other.

*****

“Could I get you anything?”

Joey sat on his leather couch and shook her head. “I’m fine.” Her hands were no longer holding his. The magic was gone. Entering the penthouse, the reality of why she was there sank back dispelling the seductive, nostalgic moment of camaraderie and the past. Instead an awkward, nerve-wracking tension had set in and the cool, distant facade that was Jay Everitt was beginning to reemerge. She glanced furtively at the clock and Pacey caught her look.

"Ready to leave Joey?"

"No.”

“The atmosphere not to your liking? Would you like some music?” He moved to his stereo and filled the room with soft jazzy tunes. “Better now, don’t you think?”

“Pacey…”

“You sure I can’t get you a drink?” Pacey asked ignoring Joey. He fiddled around in his bar; grabbed a glass and filled it with ice before pouring himself some scotch.

“No. I’m fine.” She debated for a moment what to say, desperately wishing for the old Pacey back. Finally she decided to be blunt and get the rest of the night over an done with. ”I'm, uh, just wondering how do we go about this?"

He hovered over her; the drink of scotch in one hand. "Has it been that long?" She found herself pinned against the couch. Her legs had parted instinctively and her head tilted in anticipation. "Let me refresh your memory."

Pacey gulped the scotch down and then kissed her, hard and demanding, his hand kneading her breast and Joey gasped and her lips parted. Taking advantage Pacey's tongue darted in and exerted dominance. Breathtaking kisses that sucked the air out from your very being.

Paid pleasure.

Joey pulled away, standing up and straightening her dress. “We might as well go to the bedroom and get it over and done with?” Amongst Joey’s confident, assertive, nonchalant voice was a slight tremble that gave her away.

“What no foreplay?” Pacey’s hand crept up Joey’s thigh.

She closed her eyes and tried not to think. “There can be foreplay if you like. Or no foreplay. We can have sex right here on the couch if you want. It’s your choice. I’ll just do as you instruct.”

“That’s awfully one sided. Sex isn’t just about one person.”

“But you’re the one who’s paying. You have the money and the power.”

“I didn’t realize this was a power play.” Pacey stated mildly, his eyes shooting up to the right.

Joey gave him a look, scathing and disbelieving. “Liar. This whole evening has been about power. You’ve done your best to demonstrate that.” Joey paused staring into Pacey’s eyes, noting their telltale positioning. “There are reasons why you made the offer and there are reasons why I accepted.”

“I may have the money but at the moment it seems like you’re the one with the upper hand.” Pacey noted as he groaned to the feel of her hand stroking his crotch. She pinned him against the couch, her legs parted and straddling Pacey while his hands fondled her breasts.

Joey gasped and her lips parted, her mouth open. His hands fiddled with the back of her dress until the zipper noisily came down. Her fingers were frantically unbuttoning his shirt. The shirt fell to the ground and the dress pooled uselessly on the floor.

Joey found herself being pushed off the couch as she ran her nails down Pacey’s back. Her leg hit a small table and moments later she found herself banging against one of the walls. They stumbled over objects and each other as they walked towards the bedroom. Clothes continued to be discarded; tossed away as burdensome, unnecessary items. They were kissing and kissing and moving with aim.

She was pushed down and her back felt the softness of the bed as she landed with a soft thud. He collapsed on top of her and they rolled. Limbs tangled. Skin against skin. Hot, heated flesh.

Her eyes stung. And three tears fell. “I can’t.”

“Joey?”

“I can’t do this Pacey. Ten million dollars is not enough.”

“Not. Enough.” The words were drawn out, drawled, and said in a disturbingly calm voice that barely gave hint to the volcanic anger within Pacey. It was as if she had lashed out and him, hit him, drove a dagger into his flesh and stabbed him over and over and over again; as if the ten millions dollars was not just money but instead his arm or his leg, another part of him. “So what does it take to fuck Joey Potter? I never took you for a high-priced whore but if ten million won’t do it, then how about fifteen? Twenty? Thirty million? What is considered enough?”

"It’s not the money. It’s the person. He'd have to be talented, handsome, intelligent, sensitive...nothing which you are by the way." Joey's temper flared; a mixture of confusion, anxiety and the immorality of it all, and so Joey did what she did best – she lashed out at him. She had been searching for an excuse and a way out and now she had it. It was easier to get mad at Pacey than to examine the strange ache in her heart whenever he kissed her or touched her. "So since you don't fit into any of those categories we can both ascertain that all the money in the world wouldn't help you."

"Is that so?" Pacey stood up and moved away from the bed. "I’ve been told that I fit it all those categories, in fact, many a woman have found me to be satisfying to their needs."

"Yeah well I'm not one of those many women who don't know better." Joey retorted as she smoothed her dress.

"Apparently not." Pacey looked her up and down with a sly smile.

His look sent shivers down Joey's spine and suddenly she was angry - angry at Pacey, angry at Dawson, angry at herself. She had no idea how she, Josephine Lillian Potter, had allowed herself to get into this ridiculous situation in the first place. Sex with Pacey Witter for ten million dollars. Dawson and Pacey had created the contract and she had stupidly signed her name at the bottom line. The Three Musketeers. Well she was bailing out of this eternal damnation and getting the hell out of here. "I am not your whore." She pushed Pacey as she said the words. "And I'm not Dawson's whore. And I'm sick of this perverted triangle that has continued endlessly until even now. I'm not for sale. And you can both shove your ten million bucks up your asses or whatever. And go fuck each other!" With one final push that sent Pacey toppling to the floor, Joey marched out of the bedroom and headed for the door.

Pacey gathered himself together and followed Joey before she could leave the apartment. "You signed a contract, Miss Potter. I expect services rendered for the price I pay." His voice loomed over the living area.

"I'll say that I didn't sign it of my own volition." Joey snapped back.

"What's the proof there, Potter?" Pacey was calm and collected. He was being smug.

"Fine! You want sex. Then go ahead." She stalked up to him, advancing in such a dangerous manner that he backed away, stumbled over his table and toppled onto the floor. Casually she straddled him, unbuckling his belt. "Is this how you wanted it Pacey?"

She caught him by surprised. He gasped. He shook his head. "Damn it, Joey." He took her hands and moved them away from him. "Go to your beloved Dawson. We can fuck some other time. I'm tired of your games." He removed himself from under her.

"You're tired of MY games! You're. Tired. Of. My. Games? Fuck you, Pacey. This has been your game all along. You've been the one with the power, the money, sitting smugly with all those damn aces! You even said it yourself...that this was a game you were playing and you wouldn't lose. That you always win."

"That I do. I get the girl in the end. I get what I want. I've worked too damn hard not too." He laughed; bitter, ironic resonance.

"And then you discard them? Or do you still have them around as trophies you can take out and show, every now and then to impress your gorilla male friends?"

"That's my secret. I don't kiss and tell. My private dealings stay private."

"Well good for you. It's so nice to see you have some morals."

"I always have. You should know that, Jo."

"Ha! Tell me another one," She pulled herself off Pacey, "Well, if we're not going to fuck I might as well leave."

"You do that." Pacey walked to the door and opened it to let Joey out. "I guess we'll leave the sex for another day then?"

"The stipulation was for one night. This night. It's not my fault if you backed out of the contract." Joey shrugged, "It's your loss."

"You kissed me," he stated simply.

"I kissed you?" Her eyes were riddled with confusion.

"Yes, you kissed me," he reiterated. "In the bedroom. Your mouth on mine. Tongues dueling. Kisses. You kissed me. I kissed you."

"So? What does it have to do with anything?" Her body trembled as she waited for his answer.

"You said back at the carousel that you only kiss people you love." No real emotion came out of his voice. He was simply stating a fact. Or so it seemed on the outside.

"I lied." She looked down at the floor not wanting to look into his soulful, searching eyes.

"So now Joey Potter lies. Oh, wait. I believe she has lied before." Pacey's eyes showed angry disappointment.

"What do you want from me Pacey? Why did you even suggest this ridiculous proposal in the first place?"

"Satisfaction guaranteed. Remember?"

"You could get your satisfaction anywhere. There's something more to this. Why me, Pacey? After everything...our past..." Her voice cracked, "Why?"

"I wanted the painting."

"Then take it have. Take the goddamn painting and screw you." Joey grabbed her fallen belongings and rushed towards the door, tripping over her heels, "Damnit. Damnit!"

"Need a hand?" He was hovering over her. "Here." He bent down and gave his hand to help her up.

"No I'm fine. It's just these stupid heels." Joey kicked them off and brought her body upright without Pacey's assistance.

He retracted his arms. "So be it. So the painting?"

"I'll have it delivered to you," stated Joey as she walked towards the door, "Oh and you can keep your stupid ten million dollars."

"What will Dawson say?" He leaned against the door gazing at Joey. "Won't he be disappointed there's no money?"

"I'm sure he'll understand." Joey made a sweeping nonchalant gesture and as she moved her skirt got caught on a nail that had jutted out from beside the door. A large screeching rip could be heard. "Damnit! Aren't you rich enough to have your doors properly fixed?"

"Looks like your skirt needs the fixing. Shall I call a tailor?"

"It's the dress you bought. And I was going to throw it out afterwards, anyway."

"Fine then. Do you need a ride home?"

"I'd rather walk." Joey hissed.

"It's pretty dark out."

"And I'm so afraid of the dark."

"You never know the psychos out there. Why can't you just accept the offer for a ride home?"

"What so you can pass me back to Dawson in your oh so macho fashion? No thank you."

"Did I say I would do that?" He shook his head amused. "Don't put words in my mouth, Potter. You're not going back to your supposed soulmate by yourself."

"Or really? So pray tell what exactly you mean."

"You will be driven home. The dark night is not a place for a beautiful woman like yourself to be walking alone."

"And have your driver think of me as your discarded skank? Not even good enough to stay the night? I think not."

"Then I will personally drive you home."

"Thanks but no thanks. Like I said I can walk."

"So be it. Goodbye, Potter." He watched her move towards the elevator doors and then closed his door.

Joey got down the first flight of stairs, refusing to take the elevator, before she sat down and cried. The tears just kept on coming and they wouldn't stop and she felt like she was seventeen again or at least that she had never grown up, just spiraled herself deeper and deeper into an emotional blackhole of confusion.

Pacey didn't here the ding of the elevator doors. He looked out the peephole of his door. She wasn't there. He ran to the window to see her shoulders move up and down. She was crying. There was no way he would let her walk home alone in that condition. He would follow her.

Pacey grabbed his coat and keys and ran down the steps. Once outside he trailed Joey's every footsteps until she arrived to her home. To Dawson. Leaning against a tree, Pacey spied the most precious prize money couldn't buy. Joey

She contemplated going up the stairs to Dawson but she couldn't. Instead she turned around and walked away, searching for a nice hotel to spend the night.

"What the hell is she doing? Go home, Potter," he whispered. His night wasn't over. Her detour is confusing. "What are you up to, Joey." Pacey pushed himself away from the tree and began to once again follow her.

Joey knew she looked like hell when she entered the lobby of the hotel. "A room please." As she waited, she fumbled around in her purse, looking for her credit card.

"Let me." Pacey pushed his credit card across the marble toward the hotel clerk.

"Pacey? What are you doing here?" Her voice was cold with anger but Joey didn't want to make a scene.

"Making sure you’re safe. What's wrong with your own apartment?"

Joey ignored Pacey's question and repeated her own, "What are you doing here?"

"What's wrong with your apartment?" He repeated.

"What are you doing here!?!"

"Answer me first."

"You answer me first!"

"Why?"

"Because I asked first!"

"That doesn't mean anything!"

"Ahem," The receptionist cleared his throat, "Um if you two aren't going to rent a room maybe you should take this elsewhere?"

Pacey turned his attention to the receptionist. "Fine. We will." Pacey gave a tight smile and grabbed Joey by the arm and led her outside.

"What are you doing?" Joey hissed, "Are you insane? Mad? Did you have to go embarrass me like that?"

"Well, you're being stubborn as hell. All you had to do was answer the damn question," he replied.

"All you had to do was answer my damn question!"

"I'm making sure you were safe. I wanted to make sure you returned to your apartment unharmed. Ok? Now you answer my question."

"I didn't feel like going home. Are you happy now?"

"Why not?"

"I didn’t feel like it."

"Why didn't you feel like it?" He continued his interrogation.

"Because. Are we done now?" snipped Joey as she began walking as far away as possible from Pacey, with no direction or location in mind.

Pacey ran after her. "Because isn't an answer."

"Why can't you just leave me alone? I swear I'm going to bring harassment charges against you Pacey Witter, Jay Everitt or whatever you call yourself."

"Joey..." Pacey shook his head and relented. "Fine. You want me to leave you alone I will." Pacey turned his back on her to walk in the other direction. "Goodbye, Josephine Potter." He raised his hand and waved it never looking back.