[backstory: early 1990]

Last set of this double shift, finally, and Nicole promises herself she's never ever doing a favor like this again -- at least until next time she's got bills to pay. Timeka sways a bit as she leaves the stage, on a double shift herself (offset from Nicole's, so T's still got another four hours, and god-fucking-damn these ( Read more... )

"Jesus ( Read more... )

I wish I could figure out what it is about Johnny's new receptionist that has me so unsettled. Can't put my finger on it -- feels like a whisper just out of hearing range, and the harder I strain to hear it, the more obscured it gets ( Read more... )

[After Nicole meets NickIt's impossibly, ridiculously narcissistic, but that doesn't keep Nicole from lingering in front of the mirror, a slightly addled half-smile on her face. Most of his marks aren't visible -- her skin feels thinner, more sensitive than before, still anticipating the touch of hands and mouth -- but there's a single thumbprint- ( Read more... )

[Backstory: February 2003, immediately after Nikki leaves Viggo.She's nearly to Oxnard before she remembers her pet. "Jesus." She pulls over to the side of the road, ignoring the traffic streaming past, and steeples her fingers over her temples, trying to ease away the headache that threatens. The last thing she wants is to turn around and go back ( Read more... )

[Backstory: Early spring 1993]

( In which there are dirty old men, imaginary cats, and hot baths... )

Talked to Antonia this morning, and hung up feeling inadequate. As usual. And not just from her silent disapproval of what I do -- she and Mum have that down, just radiating it down the phone line without saying anything. I don't think anyone in the family has ever uttered a word about my career, not since Daddy put his foot down ( Read more... )

Nicole's mobile rings while she's stuck in traffic. It's been about the most miserable day imaginable, in the middle of a horrid week, and she sighs as she checks the display. If it's her director, she may well chuck the thing out the window unanswered, but it isn't. It's Lynette -- once her roommate, now her lawyer, still her friend -- and why ( Read more... )

Holy Christ ( Read more... )

He's a complete darling, and so polite. I opened the cage door when I came in this morning, but he stayed inside until I invited him up; too hot for the flannie right now, so I made a nest of it, and he's curled up at my elbow, watching me type. Can't call him Des, no matter how I try -- Pepper seems to suit him better ( Read more... )