Behind The Scenes

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

CHAPTER 1
Eloise stumbled through the door of her apartment and threw her bag on the lounge. James, Sam, and Margot followed close behind, the boys arms filled with pizza boxes.

"About time guys," Sally called from the kitchen," we are ravenous".

She was Eloise' housemate and herself and her boyfriend Ben had been waiting impatiently for them to get home with dinner.

"Sorry" said Eloise in a bit of a fluster ,"we were held up at the studio. James couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror in the make up room."

"Buggar off," James said with a mock hurt expression on his face. They all laughed as he screwed up a napkin and threw it across the table at her.

This had become a familiar scene on a Friday night at Eloise and Sally's apartment. They had moved in about 6 weeks previously and it was only a 2-minute trip from the studio. It had become the local Neighbours hangout.

They all sat around the large table stuffing pizza down their throats, chatting and laughing for ages.

"So," Sam said, "how about we give these girls a lesson on who is really the king of the mountain mate".

"That sounds like a brilliant idea my friend," James said as he jumped out of his chair and went to set up the play station. Last week the girls had whipped them at the Bathurst car racing game and now the boys wanted revenge.

"You boys really can't stand getting beaten by girls can you," Eloise said with an exasperated look on her face.

"It's not that we can't stand getting beaten by girls. Just by you two" said James with a smirk on his face.

"And anyway…. we let you win".

"Pffftt! That's the lamest most unoriginal excuse I have ever heard" Eloise laughed. She dragged Margot up from the table "Come on girl, we have our reputation to uphold".

"Yes this is war," Margot announced loudly. The girls plonked themselves down between the boys on the long corner lounge and prepared for battle.

"Ok well we'll clean up the mess then," Ben said sarcastically from the table.

"Well we cooked" Margot responded in a flash. The others laughed and all Ben and Sally could do was roll their eyes and concede defeat.

"And there will be no repeat of the swearing tirade from last week either. The swearing ban is still in place," Eloise instructed.

After the previous Friday nights shenanigans they all realised they swore way too much and they decided on a self-imposed swearing ban. So far none of them were adhering too successfully.

The race began and James found himself lagging behind the others from the get go.

"There is something wrong with this fu.. " James began.

"Uh! No swearing," Eloise said as she poked him in the ribs with her elbow.

"Fine! There is something wrong with this pile of rubbish controller," he sulked, getting more frustrated by the minute.

"Well you probably broke it when you threw it on the floor last week," Eloise retorted, still trying to concentrate on her race.

"I didn't throw it. I just dropped it. Heavily," he added quietly.

"Whatever you reckon," Eloise said shaking her head, "I suppose you broke it last week so you could let me win this week."

"HAHA" James said still sulking.

When Margot overtook James he quit in disgust, again blaming his tools and as the end of the race approached Eloise was in the lead, but Sam wasn't far behind. With their egos on the line James knew it was time for action.

On the last lap he wrapped his hands around Eloise' eyes, completely blocking her view.

"Aaarggh…you little bas…" James covered her mouth before she could finish her abuse.

They continued to wrestle, both of them now in fits of laughter. As Sam's car passed the finish line, Eloise' car ended up in a crumpled heap after veering into a wall at 200 km/hour.

"And we have a new champion ladies and gentlemen," Sam said as he got up and pranced around the room.

Margot was laughing too hard and Eloise was still trying to wriggle free of James hold to throw anything at him.

"Oh My God, I can't wrestle anymore" Eloise said weak from laughter.

"So you concede defeat then" James said gasping for air mid laughter.

"Ok I concede defeat" she said panting.

"Good" he laughed and let her go.

"Only because our opposition are outrageous cheats," she said cheekily as she jumped up from the lounge.

He went to grab for her again but was interrupted by his mobile phone ringing.

He looked at his phone and saw the name Lisa flash up on the screen.

"Aren't you going to answer it" Eloise asked as she started packing up the play station.

"Hey Lisa" he said as he finally answered his phone.

"Um…. Well, I am at a friends place so I can't really do anything tonight," James said into the phone after a long spiel from her.

"I don't mind if she comes over here," Eloise said. Subconsciously she was curious to see what James latest squeeze was like. She realized then that she had never met any of his girlfriends before.

Again he was silent and Eloise could hear her voice whining down the phone. For some reason she found herself not liking this girl already.

"Ok well if you want to go to the beach then we'll go to the beach. Just pick me up from here," James said with little enthusiasm.

The beach, Eloise thought to herself, James hates the beach! And at night! It was pretty obvious to her what she had planned.

James gave her the address and organized for her to be there in 15 minutes and sure enough exactly 15 minutes later there was a knock at the door.

At least she's punctual, Eloise thought to herself as James jumped up and answered the door. Before any niceties could be exchanged Lisa had her arms wrapped around his neck and was kissing him passionately in front of everyone.

Eloise looked over at Sal and stuck her finger in her mouth mimicking a gagging response and Sal had to leave the room before she fell into fits of laughter.

Immediately Eloise summed up that punctuality was the only good quality this girl had going for her. The bleach blonde hair straightened to within an inch of its life, the fake tan, the fake boobs, and worst of all the fake personality all added up to one thing. A skinny, curly haired brunettes worst nightmare.

"Hi sexy…I've missed you" Lisa purred as James managed to prize her away.

"Let me introduce you to everyone" James said uncomfortably.

Introductions were made and after Eloise accepted her limp wristed handshake she quietly left the group and went out on the balcony leaving the others to make meaningless small talk.

She lit a cigarette and collapsed into one of the banana lounges. She could still see the others through the door and she found herself wondering what on earth James was thinking. She thought she knew him pretty well and was quite shocked that he would even consider going out with a girl like her.

James noticed Eloise sneak away and after a few minutes he quietly left the group to follow her onto the balcony.

"Are you OK?" James asked quietly as he leant against the doorframe.

"Yeah. I am just really tired. It's been a big week" she sighed.

"I thought you were giving those things away?" he enquired with raised eyebrows.

"Tomorrow" she said and smiled.

"Oh and don't forget that meeting we have with Susan Bower on Monday morning first thing. I'll pick you up if you like." James offered.

"Oh yeah. I wonder what she wants. Maybe we're getting the sack," she answered.

"Oh God! Don't say that," James laughed.

"Babe! Are you ready to go?" Lisa's whining voice shrilled from inside.

"I'll be there in a sec," he yelled back as Eloise subtly rolled her eyes.

"Well I have been summoned. I guess I'll see you Monday then," he said softly.

She nodded as they held each other's gaze for a fraction longer than they should have.

"Babe!" Lisa yelled again.

James smiled meekly as he was dragged out the door and Eloise was left trying to convince herself that it was the pizza that caused her uptight stomach and it had nothing to do with the sight of James leaving with another girl.

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 2

Eloise lit another cigarette and wrapped a blanket around her. She hadn't moved from the banana lounge and didn't plan to anytime soon. It was a beautiful balmy night and she loved watching the stars and hearing the faint sound of the traffic noise.

"Want some company?" Sal asked as she sat herself down in the lounge next to her. She had just seen Ben off and was ready to unwind.

"Not particularly," Eloise said cheekily as she smiled over at her friend.

"Charming! Well just pretend I'm not here," she replied as they both closed their eyes.

"James girlfriend is, um, different isn't she?" Sal asked cautiously.

Eloise smiled to herself. She knew Sal couldn't sit there for more than 2 minutes in silence.

"She seemed just like any other blonde bimbo to me," Eloise said deadpan.

Sal smiled knowingly and turned on her side to face her and rested her head on her elbow.

"Well this evening was interesting viewing for me anyway," Sal commented.

"What do you mean by that?" Eloise asked shocked.

Sally loved observing people and how they behaved. It was almost a sport for her and the relationship between Eloise and James had become quite fascinating.

"You know me. You know how I like to watch, " she said with a wink.

"Well I can't recall anything interesting occurring I am sorry to tell you. Would you like to fill me in?" Eloise said with a puzzled expression on her face.

"You know! The banter, the unresolved sexual tension, the jealousy," Sal replied with a cheeky grin.

Eloise sat up and looked over at her with a shocked expression on her face. "What!! Sam and Margot?"

"No you idiot. Playing dumb doesn't suit you either by the way," Sal said laughing.

"Well I have no idea what you are talking about," Eloise said as she lay back down folding her arms, not able to look Sal in the eye.

"You know full well whom I am talking about," Sal said not giving up on the conversation.

"No I don't!"

"Yes you do!"

"Look," Eloise said getting annoyed now "James and I are purely work colleagues and good friends. That's all."

"So you do know who I'm talking about after all," Sally teased.

Eloise just shook her head and reached for another cigarette. She began mentally chastising herself. She had been so good. She hadn't smoked all week, but now she was up to number 4 in the space of an hour.

"I am not trying to upset you," Sal began.

"Well you aren't having much success," Eloise interrupted.

"But," Sally continued, "I'm not blind. You two have this natural spark between you. Actually it's not a spark, more a lightning bolt whenever you are in the same room together."

"Well you are obviously not blind, but you are certainly seeing things that aren't there,"Eloise snapped.

"So you are telling me you can't feel what everyone else around you sees?" Sal said quietly, trying to calm her down a bit.

Eloise fell silent as she finished her cigarette and threw the butt in the ashtray. She thought for a moment before she spoke.

"When I first arrived in Melbourne to start Neighbours I was terrified. I didn't know anyone, it was a huge step in my career, and it was for James as well. We supported each other during those early days and we did forge a really close bond. We worked closely together from the beginning and we just clicked. He is like family to me now and I know I can always count on him. We just aren't interested in each other, you know, that way, and even if we were I certainly wouldn't risk our friendship or our work relationship by going there. Now I really don't want to discuss it anymore okay?"

"I understand what you are saying," Sal said, "But you are telling me that since Bridget and Declan got together a few weeks ago, and with all that kissing you have had to do you guys haven't had, you know, a moment?"

Eloise started to get even more uptight now. They did have a moment, once, but she certainly wasn't going to tell Sal about it. She feigned innocence as best she could.

"No of course not! We are professionals for heavens sake. And I would like to think that I have a bit more maturity than to fall for the first guy I have to kiss on screen."

"Okay okay okay," Sal said sensing the annoyance building in her flat mate.

"I just don't want you to end up with a broken heart. You have become like a sister to me and I am just looking out for you."

Eloise softened and smiled. "I really appreciate your friendship, I really do, but you are way off the mark here."

"All right. If you say so," Sal replied, not convinced.

"Anyway I'm off to bed. I am totally exhausted," Eloise said yawning as she rose from the banana lounge, "And these stupid cigarettes have given me a headache. Are you turning in as well?"

"No I'll sit here a bit longer. Now that you are gone I might actually get some fresh air," Sal said and Eloise stuck her tongue out at her.

"G'night" Sal called after her. She knew this wouldn't be the last time they had this conversation, but she had no choice but to let her housemate live in denial. For the time being anyway she thought to herself.

Later in bed Eloise tossed and turned. Her body was exhausted but her mind was racing. The conversation with Sally rattled her more than she cared to admit, and she found her thoughts drifting back to that evening a few months earlier...

tbc...

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 3

Three months earlier at James unit.

James opened the fridge and sighed, "Well, I can offer you water, or…yuck…5 day old milk. What would you prefer?"

"Well normally I quite enjoy chunks in my milk, but just this once I will go for the water," Eloise answered cheekily.

"Aargh you're so funny," he said in a stupid high-pitched voice that made Eloise giggle.

"So lets read it," he said excitedly as he handed her a glass of water and sat down next to her on the lounge.

They had to hang around late at the studio to receive the script for the following week, and because Eloise had already planned to spend the weekend with her family in Brisbane, this would be the only chance for them to do a run through before rehearsals on Monday. It was the first scenes after the roof collapse and they were both keen to see what was to become of them. They only thing they knew is that they had scenes together.

They sat there in silence as they read through their lines. When they reached the end of the final scene they both looked up at each other.

"This is great," James said, "maybe they are planning on bringing Bridget and Declan together after all."

"Maybe," Eloise answered.

"Ok, well we really should set the scene," James said getting up off the lounge and lying on the floor. He patted the ground, coaxing her to join him. She rolled her eyes as she moved down onto the floor.

"What the? When did you boys last vacuum?" she exclaimed with a look of horror on her face.

"What?" James asked innocently.

"This is disgusting," she exclaimed as she patted the carpet with her hands and a cloud of dust and crumbs appeared.

"We're boys! We don't vacuum," he said in shock at her suggestion that they should be cleaning their living quarters.

James shared his place with Sam and Rob, one of the cameramen they had become mates with.

"Well I am not laying on that. Ugh and there is something sticky here. I don't want to even attempt to guess what that is," she said becoming more horrified with each grisly discovery she made.

"Now you are being disgusting," he laughed, "would you like me to get you a blankie so the delicate little princess doesn't get germs," he mocked.

"No thanks," she said drolly as she slapped his arm.

"Well stop insulting my carpet and just read," he said lightly whacking her on the head with his script.

"Oh I know the carpet is perfectly innocent. Its your hygiene habits I am insulting," she quipped.

He looked at her and rolled his eyes," You know this is better than the rubble we are going to be in when we film this scene so think yourself lucky."

"Yeah well something tells me I am going to be safer in the rubble," she said giving him a forced sweet smile.

She tensed herself up as she lay down next to him, waiting to be carried out by an army of ants or some other tiny creatures that may have made their home in what was once a lovely lush carpet.

They read their lines out loud to each other several times. Neither of them ever had trouble remembering lines, which in this business is a worthwhile skill to have.

"I really like this dialogue," Eloise said as she smiled over at him, "finally they are admitting their feelings to each other. This is a real moment for them."

James agreed "Yeah. We are really going to have to put a lot of feeling into this. Are you up for it?"

"Of course. Right, so, at the end here Dec says 'you're supposed to be with me', leans into kiss her, but then Dan interrupts. Ok got it," she said as she put her script to one side.

"I think you should lie on your side so they can look into each others eyes," Eloise instructed.

He did as he was told and they began acting out their scene. Both of them showing quiet emotion and not messing up one single line. They ran through the scene a few times over the next half hour, each time feeling it more and more until they were almost happy with their handy work.

"One more time for good luck and this time we should pretend to kiss" Eloise said matter of factly.

They started from the beginning but this time when Dec said, 'you're supposed to be with me' James ran his finger slowly and softly down her cheek. In that instant the mood intensified. Their eyes locked in that moment and they held each other's gaze for what seemed like an eternity. Were they still Bridget and Declan or was it now James and Eloise sharing this moment she wondered to herself? He slowly leaned in and kissed her ever so softly, never shifting his gaze from hers. He pulled away slightly and they searched each other's eyes, feeling both confusion and desire. Their lips were only inches apart and their hearts were pounding. His hand slowly returned to her cheek and he lightly brushed his thumb over her lips. She closed her eyes and inhaled. They both stopped thinking at that point and their lips met again. They kissed slowly and softly and when her hand moved up to touch his face they deepened the kiss. His hand began to move down her body as the passion between them continued to build until a jangling of keys in the front door interrupted them.

They sprang apart and jumped back up on the lounge as Sam entered.

"Hey guys," he said as he nonchalantly headed for the kitchen.

Luckily for them he didn't pay much attention, as he was on a mission to the fridge. Eloise and James sat on opposite ends of the lounge, both panting and in shock. They couldn't even look at each other.

Eloise couldn't take it anymore and she jumped up and headed for the door.

"Um, I have to go and um, pack. I'll see you both next week," she said awkwardly as she practically sprinted out the door.

"Aaargghh," James moaned under his breath as he threw himself down on the lounge and buried his head in his hands.

"Was it something I said," Sam asked, finally realizing that something wasn't quite right.

James grabbed her script she had left behind and ran out the door after her. She was almost at her car by the time he reached her.

"El, wait" he said panting

"No I can't. I really have to pack and get some sleep. I'll never get up in the morning and." She was rambling now.

"Stop," he grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around to face him, but she couldn't look him in the eye.

"Look at me," he asked softly.

She slowly shifted her gaze to meet his.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I guess I just got carried away in the moment"

They both stared at each other in silence.

"Please say something," James practically begged. Eloise finally managed to pull herself together

"Lets not make a big deal of it ok. Declan and Bridget were supposed to kiss. Its not our fault Fitzy didn't show up when we he was supposed to," Eloise joked. She always thought humour was the best ploy to get out of an uncomfortable situation, and she couldn't remember feeling more uncomfortable than she did at that moment.

James smiled as relief washed over him.

"So, we're good then," he asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, of course. It never happened. Deal," she held out her hand for a handshake but he grabbed it and pulled her into a hug.

"You know our friendship is so important to me," he said in a whisper as he held her, "and I would never do anything to risk that. I couldn't bare to lose you as a friend."

"I know that," she said, getting a bit emotional, "you will always have my friendship. But…. maybe we should just leave the kissing bits to the studio."

James laughed quietly as he released her from his tight grip.

"Maybe that's a good idea. Well you had better get out of here and get to bed. We both know you don't function unless you have had 12 hours sleep," he joked trying to lighten the mood.

She drove off as watched from the footpath, confusion still whirling around in both their minds and hearts.

And now 3 months on as Eloise lay in her bed reliving those memories, her confusion about her real feelings for James began to resurface.

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 4

It was 7 o'clock on Monday morning and James and Eloise found themselves in the green room at the studio waiting for their meeting with Susan Bower.

"This sucks having to come down here this early on our day off," Eloise groaned as she sat slumped on the lounge, her head leaning back against the headrest.

She managed to drag herself out of bed 15 minutes before he arrived, had a quick shower, and was still trying to find her shoes when James bipped the horn outside

"Well I've been up for hours," James chirped.

He had been for a 10km run, had a full breakfast and now delighted in bragging about it to his onscreen girlfriend.

"Tell someone who cares," she mumbled as she dozed. James just looked over at her and shook his head.

"So what do you think she wants to see us for," James wondered.

"How the fu…"

"Uh!! No swearing" he said sternly as he slapped her wrist.

"Fine! How the hell would I know? And anyway the swearing ban doesn't come into play until 9." She said grumpily.

"0h is that right!" he said incredulously, "I think someone is making up the rules to suit themselves."

"Well I made the ban, so I make the rules," she said almost smiling.

"Mmmmm typical woman," he muttered to himself.

"What?" she was awake now.

"Nothing," he answered innocently as he got up from the lounge, "Do you want a coffee?"

"Oh yes please," she said. The word coffee instantly made her forget any insult she suspected he threw her way.

"So how many scoops of coffee will it take to wake you up?" he asked mischievously as he headed for the kettle.

There was no response from her, until a pillow came hurtling across the room and whacked him in the back of the head.

"Hey!" he said as he spun around and eyed the pillow on the floor, "you are seriously going to regret that." He grabbed the pillow and made a beeline for her.

"Oh no!" Eloise exclaimed as James jumped on the lounge and began belting her with the pillow. She managed to grab the other pillow and in between fits of laughter managed to give back as good as she got. They were both doubled over in hysterics but neither would give up the fight, until a voice from the doorway interrupted them.

"Good morning you two."

They both stopped mid swing to find Susan Bower standing in the doorway.

"Oh…um…sorry," Eloise said nervously.

"Yeah sorry," James continued, "Its the only way to kick start her in the morning."

Eloise gave him the look of death and if Susan wasn't standing there the pillow fight would have been back on with a vengeance.

They followed Susan Bower down to her office, both of them still trying to control fits of giggles. An observer would have likened the scene to two naughty kids following the principal to her office.

"Firstly let me apologize for organizing this meeting on your day off," she said as they all sat down around her desk.

Eloise wasn't impressed but she forgave her. She had a huge amount of respect for Susan Bower. Not only did she epitomize a strong, successful career woman, she was also warm, caring, and approachable. Qualities not always easy to find bundled into one package.

"So I am sure you are both wondering why I called this meeting," she said smiling.

"Well we are either getting the sack or a huge pay rise." James said hopefully.

"No. Not quite," Susan laughed, "but I would like to think its exciting news for you both."

They looked at each other nervously.

"Stop worrying," she laughed " I need to talk to you about your future, yes, but I would like to think its all good. The production team had a huge brainstorming session last week to plan ahead for storylines. We are all absolutely thrilled with the way the Bridget and Declan relationship is coming across and we have big plans in store for them. The thing is you two have such a great spark between you and we plan to really capitalize on it so…….."

"Oh great", Eloise thought to herself "there's that 'spark' word again. Thank God Sal isn't here.

Eloise had tuned out of the conversation for a split second, but when her mind returned she was greeted with another word she wasn't fussed on, a four-letter word.

Baby.

"Um sorry I missed that last bit," she said nervously.

Susan laughed and repeated herself; "We are planning for Bridget and Declan to have a baby.

James was still taking in the news and was waiting for a response from Eloise. When there wasn't one he looked over at her and soon found out why. It's a bit hard to speak when your jaw has hit the floor.

"Well isn't anyone going to say anything? It is going to be huge for you both." She said excitedly.

James was the first to speak. "It's going to be massive, and yeah, it's going to be amazing…I guess."

Eloise was still struggling to make a sound.

"I thought you would be excited," Susan said to her.

"Um…I am…I suppose. It's just a bit of a shock that's all. But if you have that much confidence in us that we can pull off such a big storyline then I am really flattered." She paused before she spoke again.

"The thought of working with a baby is quite daunting though and I really would hate to see Bridget and Declan become boring pram pushers after its born. Oh and I am going to have to wear that horrendous fat suit."

The look of horror on her face at this realization made James burst out laughing.

"Aww don't worry. Dec will still love you," he teased which earned him a punch in the arm for his trouble.

Susan smiled at her, "Well its not happening for a few months yet so you have plenty of time to adjust to the idea. But what I really need to know is what your plans are. You are both off contract in July next year but I am hoping you will both agree to stay on for at least another year to really do the storyline justice."

"Well I'm keen," James responded quickly as he looked over at Eloise.

"I haven't really thought about it," Eloise said honestly, "I would like to finish my degree at some stage, but I guess that can wait."

"So that's a yes," Susan enquired with a hopeful expression.

"It's a yes," she said with a smile.

"Fabulous! Well I guess I will let you go and enjoy your day off. You know you two are going to be spending an awful lot of time together and be faced with some challenging material but I hope you will both love every minute of it. As I said before you work beautifully together and we wouldn't be giving you such a great storyline if we didn't have faith in you," she said earnestly.

When James and Eloise walked out of her office they were both lost in their own thoughts. They were both secretly thrilled that they would be spending so much time together for the next 2 years at least, but at the same time they both wondered just how they were going to keep their growing feelings for each other under control.

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 5

It was a Saturday afternoon and James was helping Eloise and Sal get ready for their house warming party that night.

"You need to cut the onion smaller than that," James said incredulously.

"Well you didn't say that. You just said to cut it up," Eloise bit back.

"They are mini meatballs you idiot. Do you really want to be biting into huge chunks of onion? You may as well stick the whole onion on the end of a toothpick, " he said exasperated.

"You'll be on the end of a toothpick if you keep it up," she said glaring at him.

"Well if you want my help you have to do it properly," he said

"Um excuse me. If I recall you said 'Oh I'll come over and help cook if you like' and I said 'Oh OK', that to me doesn't resemble me begging you for your culinary expertise," she responded harshly.

Sal was cleaning up in the lounge room and was delighting in the banter going on between them. When James was at the sink Eloise caught her watching them with a knowing smile.

"Stop it," Eloise mouthed to her with a frown.

"What," she mouthed back innocently.

"What on earth is wrong with you two," James asked nervously as he caught sight of the pair of them.

"Nothing! I just wish you kids would stop bickering and concentrate on whipping up some mouth watering delights." Sal answered

"We aren't bickering," Eloise said

"No," James agreed, "we always speak to each other like this."

"Well you know you can't carry on like that once the baby arrives," Sal said cheekily.

"Oh for heavens sake," Eloise said exasperated. When Eloise told her about the baby storyline she was over the moon.

"So have you told your parents the good news," Sal continued. She was like a dog with a bone.

"Noooooo," she laughed, "but I did speak to mum this morning."

"Aw that's good. How is she?" James enquired. He had met her a couple of times on her visits and he liked her a lot.

"Yeah she sounds fine, but I don't know. I think she's going through a mid life crisis or something. You won't believe what she is doing," Eloise said with concern in her voice.

"What? Golf," he guessed

"Nope"

"Witchcraft," he laughed

"I should hope not," she said shocked, "no she has decided to take up…brace yourselves…belly dancing."

James and Sal looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Well I am glad you both think its funny. Your mothers aren't prancing around half naked wiggling their…. you know…. bits," she said.

"Oh El for God sake. I don't think she is loitering around theme restaurants shaking her bootie. She is just going to the classes that's all. They are really becoming quite popular. Its great exercise. Actually you and I should go," Sal suggested suddenly becoming excited.

"Oh definitely. I can totally picture you wiggling those hips," James blurted out before he knew what he was saying.

Mmmmm I bet you could, Sal thought to herself.

"You are both out of your minds. Anyway you know how un-coordinated I am," Eloise stated, James slip going completely over her head.

"Actually you and me…later…belly dancing. It can be our new party trick," Sal said excitedly.

"Excellent! I can't wait to see this," James said laughing.

"Well you are going to have to get me blind drunk if that's going to happen," Eloise said unimpressed.

"Oh I plan to," she said with a twinkle in her eye as she left them to go and clean the bathroom.

Eloise and James continued cooking, chopping and bickering into the afternoon until a feast fit for a king was before them.

"OK so I guess we are done. We will put all this in the fridge and cook the meatballs later tonight," James instructed, "but before I go can I ask a huge favour."

"Of course, anything," Eloise said earnestly.

He sat on the stool at the counter and rested his elbows on the bench. He beckoned her closer as she leaned across from the opposite side of the counter.

"Can you please not mention to Lisa that I was here this afternoon?" James asked in a hushed voice.

"Oh! So she's coming then," Eloise said trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"Well you told me to bring her. Is it still OK," James asked worried.

Of course I told you to bring her, Eloise thought to herself, but don't you know that means I don't want you to bring her you idiot.

"Yeah of course it's OK," she lied "but why don't you want her to know you were here?" she asked puzzled.

"I don't know. She just gets a bit possessive sometimes," he said with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"You know she can't dictate who your friends are. That's just wrong. You need to nip that in the bud before you have no friends at all."

"Its not that she doesn't want me having friends…its more…. you know…us," he said cautiously.

"What? Why?" Eloise said, stunned.

"She just has this thing about …you know…you and I working so closely together," he said uneasily.

"But surely she knows the deal. She shouldn't be dating an actor if that's how she is going to be. And she must know your feelings about dating co-stars," she responded.

"What? That I would never do it," he said.

"Yeah," she answered, "I thought it was a definite no no in your eyes."

"Well yeah," he said uneasily as he looked at his fingers, avoiding eye contact, "What's your take on the situation. Would you ever consider dating a co-star?"

Eloise felt herself becoming uneasy and wasn't sure she really liked where this conversation was headed.

"I don't know. There is a very high chance it could all end in tears, both personally and professionally," she answered cautiously.

He looked up and searched her eyes

"True. But what if two co-stars completely fall for each other. What if it became too difficult for them to hide their feelings? What if hiding their feelings was going to cause more problems than showing them? What then?"

Eloise didn't know quite how to respond. She felt hypnotized by his gaze and she could feel her cheeks beginning to burn as they stared into each other's eyes across the counter. What she wanted to say and what she should say were two completely different things.

"Um…" she began

"Oh are you still here," Sal interrupted as she came out of the bathroom, "it was so quiet I thought you had gone."

Eloise had never been go grateful for Sal's big mouth as they both snapped out of their intense moment. Sal noticed immediately that something must have been going on and she was annoyed with herself for interrupting.

"Yeah its getting late…I'd better get going," he stammered, disappointed that their conversation had been cut short, "I guess I'll be back later."

He headed for the door and Eloise followed him.

"Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it. Even if my onion chopping isn't up to scratch" she said.

He laughed softly and smiled, "Anytime. I'll see you in a bit."

They smiled gently at each other as he headed out the door. When Eloise closed the door behind him she rested her head against it and sighed loudly. Confusion consumed her mind as she tried to figure out what had just happened between them.

"You two so want each other," Sal said loudly from the lounge.

"Don't," Eloise said as she headed for her room to get ready.

Sal smiled to herself, as she knew this was going to be a very interesting night, very interesting indeed.

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 6
Eloise was trying to pin her curls up as Sal stood in the doorway of the bathroom interrogating her.

"You can't fool me El. I know there was something going on and now you're all…. broody," Sal said frustrated.

"I am not talking about it…. not now OK," Eloise said pretending to be preoccupied with her hair.

"Wow you look gorgeous," Sal said as she turned from the mirror.

After much deliberation Eloise decided on a simple pair of dark denim jeans, a midnight blue halter neck top, hoop earrings, and her hair swept up. They all combined to elegantly show off her pretty face and slim figure. Sal followed her out into the living area.

"Now please tell me what I interrupted? I am kicking myself," Sal said not letting up.

"Oh God! To be honest with you…. I really don't know. I think he was trying to tell me…." There was a knock at the door interrupting their conversation much to Sal's annoyance.

"Aaargghhh," she exclaimed, "don't think you are getting out of it that easily. I expect every gory detail later."

She answered the door to her nursing work friends and over the next hour a steady stream of guests began to arrive. It became a hotpot of Neighbours stars, crew, and…. nurses.

Eloise was sitting with Margot, Caitlyn, Nikki, and Jane talking shop as inevitably happens at these get togethers before Sal came and dragged her into the kitchen.

"James just called and said they are running late but they will be here any minute," Sal told her.

"Oh OK," Eloise had been wondering where he was and was trying desperately to hide her irritation.

"The girlfriend is probably trying to perfect her eyelashes," Sal said sarcastically.

Eloise rolled her eyes as she filled platters with biscuits and Sal went to answer another knock at the door.

She watched as Sal let James and Lisa in and she couldn't help but stare at him. He looked gorgeous. He wore jeans, a white t-shirt, a snug fitting v-neck black sweater, and his hair was all scruffy. As he headed towards the kitchen she had to drag her eyes away before he caught her staring.

"Hi!" he said chirpily, "sorry I'm late but…. wow…. you look gorgeous." He stopped and stared at her, mouth hanging open, and he had to mentally snap himself out of it."

"Thanks," she said shyly, "you look OK…. I suppose,"

He stuck his tongue out at her as they immediately fell back into a comfortable ease with each other. She was relieved. It could have gone one of two ways. They could have had an uncomfortable awkwardness between them, or they could have both pretended their earlier conversation never happened. She was glad it was the latter.
Sal came over as Sam, and Matt dragged James away with them, with Lisa following behind him.

"Well it certainly wasn't her wardrobe that made them late," Eloise observed, shocked, "she barely has anything on."
Her flimsy top barely covered what it should, and her skimpy skirt looked like a boob tube that had slipped south.

"I don't know. It probably took her hours to slink into that skirt," Sal said, "And the makeup. I wonder what she really looks like under that goop."

"OK we have to stop this. She is probably a very nice girl and we are behaving like a pair of bitches," Eloise said, "we really should give her a chance."

"Pfffftt!! All right then…let's go mingle," Sal said almost challenging her housemate to prove her wrong.

Soon the apartment was a buzz with music, laughter, and tale telling. Sal and her friends became engrossed in a raucous game of poker, Matt, Margot, and James were enthralled with the play station, Jane, Nikki, and Steve were happily chatting, and Sam, Caitlyn, and Kym were battling it out on the karaoke machine to see who would succeed in having the next failed post Neighbours music career. Eloise attempted to make small talk with Lisa as she clung to James arm, but she soon discovered that she was a cold fish and she just couldn't be bothered wasting her time.


As the night went on the food was going down quickly as was the alcohol, and Eloise found herself getting a bit tipsy. She noticed the food getting a bit low and Sal joined her in the kitchen.

"Can you believe she has been hanging off him all night," Sal said in disbelief.

"I know! She's like a…" Eloise searched for the right word.

"Leech," Sal finished the sentence for her, "except that would be an insult to leeches. And I am sure leeches wear more clothes and less makeup"

Eloise looked at her mouth agape, "that's a horrible thing to say. I was going to say she is probably a very insecure type of person…but…meh…leech is much more appropriate."

They looked at each other and burst out laughing until James started to approach them.


Eloise could tell immediately from his glassy eyes that he was well on the way to inebriation.

"El I need to speak to you about an important matter," he said trying not to slur his words, "Sal do you mind giving us a minute."

"Um…no! Not all," Sal answered excitedly, giving Eloise a wink as she left them.

"What is it?" She asked worried.

He hesitated before he spoke and looked her dead in the eye.

"I need you to help me put my balls in the oven," he said with a sickly sweet puppy dog look on his face.

She looked at him with a blank expression. Normally this kind of innuendo would receive a roll of the eyes from both of them, but in their tipsy state it became the funniest thing either of them had ever heard, and they both broke down into fits of giggles in the middle of the kitchen.

"You are such an idiot," she said as she finally managed to recover and retrieve the meatballs from the fridge. They managed to get the meatballs on the oven tray, but getting the tray in the oven was proving to be a task a bit beyond them.

"What are you doing?" he hissed over her as she battled with the oven rack.

"Buggar off! It gets stuck sometimes that's all," she hissed back as she pushed and pulled on the disobedient rack.

"Move, let me have a go," he instructed.

"Fine! Be my guest," she spat back.

He yanked on it as hard as he could and the pesky thing finally freed itself, flinging the back row of meatballs off the back and into the bottom of the oven.

This would normally have resulted in a tirade of swearing, but instead they were both now rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter again.

"Oh my God! I can't move now. My stomach is too sore," Eloise said panting.

James managed to get up onto his knees.

"Well we have to rescue my balls. The poor little things will turn to charcoal. Turn the oven off and get some tongs," he instructed.

"James the oven isn't on yet, and the tongs are where you left them," she said rolling her eyes.

"Oh…right," he said laughing uneasily.

"Now what are you going to do," she said deadpan.

"I'm going in," he said dramatically as he grabbed the tongs, removed the rack and stuck his head in the oven.

She watched over his shoulder trying to suppress more giggles as he chased his precious meatballs around the bottom of the oven without much success.

"These tongs are crap. They won't grab anything," he groaned getting more frustrated by the second.

"Oh for Pete sake! I think it's the driver not the tongs," Eloise laughed as she grabbed another pair and joined him in the oven. They soon both discovered that alcohol and giggling wasn't conducive to successful meatball hunting.

Margot stuck her head around the corner and was surprised to see her fellow cast mates on their hands and knees with their heads buried in the oven.

"Mmmmm you know if you guys wanted some privacy you could have just gone out on the balcony," she stated, trying desperately to hold her laughter.

They were so absorbed in their task the sound of Margot's voice startled them. Their heads clunked together as they looked up.

"Owwwwww," they both moaned holding their heads.

"Great! Now I have runaway balls and a sore head," James whined.

"What on earth..?" Margot looked in the oven and saw the offending meatballs. She stuck her hands in and pulled them out in 10 seconds flat.

"There," she said triumphantly, "mission accomplished."

Margot waltzed away feeling very proud of herself and James looked over at Eloise as they sat next to each other on the floor, "Why didn't you think of that?"

"Well I didn't think you would want me to be manhandling your meatballs," she said cutely.

"Haha. Yes well I am not commenting about that on the grounds it may incriminate me," he said as they smiled at each other.

"What the hell is going on?" Lisa asked suspiciously as she walked into the kitchen.

"They both looked up and sprung to their feet.

"Just a minor culinary hitch. Nothing to worry about," he said as he went over and kissed her on the cheek, much to Eloise's aggravation.

"Babe would you mind going down to the car and getting my jacket," she asked in a syrupy sweet tone.

Two things went through Eloise's mind. The first was 'God I can't stand women who call their partners babe', and two, 'Wow, she does own clothes'.

"Yeah of course," he said.

As soon as he was out the door she turned to Eloise.

"Do you mind if we have a word," she said in an almost accusing tone.

"No of course not. Fire away." Eloise said.

"No not here, in private.'

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 7

Eloise's heart was pounding as she led Lisa out onto the empty dark balcony. She knew it wasn't going to be pleasant. 'In private' conversations between two people who don't really know each other can only be bad. Eloise, even though she was partially intoxicated, was determined to play it cool.

"Is everything OK?" she asked, trying to sound kind and caring.

Lisa just glared at her with folded arms.

"What are you playing at?"

"Um…excuse me?" Eloise responded dumbfounded.

"I know he was here this afternoon," she said bitterly

Oh buggar, Eloise thought to herself, how did she find out?

"What makes you say that?" she asked innocently

"I overheard Sam and that housemate of yours talking about it when you were in the kitchen."

Dam, she thought, James obviously didn't tell Sam the deal.

"Oh! Well it was no big deal really. I'm a hopeless cook and I asked him for a hand

that's all," she lied "why what's wrong with that?"

"Well he lied to me about coming here that's what's wrong with it, "she said angrily.

"Where did he say he was going then?" she asked calmly.

"Well he just said he had things to do," she said flustered.

"Yes and he did. Helping me. How is that lying?" she asked shrugging her shoulders.

"Look…just…stop trying to confuse me," Lisa was becoming even more flustered.

Well its not hard, Eloise thought to herself.

"Maybe you are making a mountain out of a mole hill," Eloise said gently "he obviously didn't think it was important enough to mention."

"No! He knows my feelings about you," Lisa replied quietly.

"Oh really! And what might they be? You don't even know me," Eloise said confused.

"No. But I'm not stupid," she stated.

Eloise had to hold in a giggle.

"You think you have some sort of claim on him because you are a 'pretend couple' and I know what goes on at that studio. You can't tell me you don't enjoy kissing him all day".

Oh brother, Eloise thought to herself and sighed. The cold air was making her feel even more intoxicated then she did 5 minutes ago and this business was starting to get her back up.

"Firstly I don't feel I have any kind of claim on him and secondly a TV studio, surrounded by cameras, lights, silly fluffy microphones, and a crew of thousands is hardly the worlds most romantic setting. I can promise you that nothing inappropriate is going on there." Eloise said convincingly.

She actually meant what she said. When they were Bridget and Declan surrounded by cameras and crew, their close moments didn't make her feel uncomfortable at all. It was work and it just felt natural working with him. It was the moments they shared away from the studio that were the problem. But she of course wasn't going to tell Lisa that.

"Well I don't believe you, especially after tonight," Lisa said.

"After tonight? What do you mean by that?" she asked nervously.

"I'm not blind. You haven't taken your eyes off each other all night."

Eloise couldn't help feel a little bit excited by that statement. She secretly enjoyed the thought of James watching her, but on the other hand she was annoyed with herself for being so obvious. She made a mental note to herself to never drink again in his presence. She quickly had to snap out of it and continue pretending that her and James meant absolutely nothing to each other. She decided she had to get the spotlight off herself and turn the tables.

"Lisa if you ask me paranoia is rearing its ugly head here," she began.

"I am not paranoid," Lisa responded incredulously.

"Well from where I'm standing that's exactly what it looks like. Maybe you should take a look at yourself and stop blaming other people, or more to the point, me, for your relationship woes." Eloise was getting tired of this conversation and decided to go in for the kill.

"There is nothing wrong with our relationship I'll have you know, and I can assure you James is more than satisfied," Lisa said smiling smugly.

Ugh…too much information, Eloise thought to herself. She was really annoyed now, really annoyed, and she couldn't help raising her voice.

'Well if this relationship is so…what did you say…satisfying…why on earth are we out here having this conversation. It appears to me like you're struggling to hang onto him, and instead of thinking that maybe you two are completely incompatible, you blame the easy target…me! James and I are close friends and I won't tolerate you making these kind of ridiculous accusations just because you have insecurity issues."

"How dare you speak to me like that," Lisa said shocked.

"What the hell is going on out here?" James asked from the door. He was surprised when he returned from the car and couldn't find either of them. When Sal came racing up to him and said that they were out on the balcony his heart sank. He knew that Lisa wouldn't engage Eloise in a friendly tête-à-tête.

They both turned to face him and Eloise signaled wildly behind her back to make him aware that the secret was out. Lisa saw the strange look on his face and she turned back to Eloise sharply and gave her the look of death.

Eloise stopped immediately before she was caught, as James mouthed to her, "What will I say?"

Lisa spun back around to face him as Eloise mouthed back exasperated, "How the hell would I know."

"So! Why didn't you tell me you were over here this afternoon," Lisa asked accusingly.

"You didn't ask," he replied simply.

"Don't give me that. You know how I feel about you spending time with…her," she spat back.

Oh delightful, Eloise said to herself, that's what I have been reduced to...her!

"Look I'll go inside and let you guys talk in private," Eloise said desperately trying to remove herself from the awkward state of affairs.

"No don't bother. We're leaving. James lets go," Lisa instructed as she grabbed his hand.

"No," he said as he pulled his hand away.

"What," she hissed at him.

"No! I'm not going," he slurred.

"Well I'm certainly not staying here," she said as she looked at Eloise with disdain in her eyes, "I think you need to sort out what you want. I'll be waiting in the car."

She gave both of them a spiteful look as she brushed passed James and they watched her head for the door.

"I am so sorry," he said as he walked over to her in the dark end of the balcony.

"Don't," she sighed, "I really don't appreciate being accused of being a boyfriend stealer by your psycho girlfriend."

"I know! I really didn't think she would find out. I am so sorry," he said apologetically.

"Oh James. How could you possibly think she wouldn't find out? Women always find out eventually. Whether its next week, next month, or next year…we always find out."

James slumped against the wall and sighed.

"Hello are you listening to me," she said shaking his arm.

"Yes," he moaned

"Now you had better get going. You can't leave her down there in your precious car. God knows what she is likely to do to it," she told him.

As she started to walk passed he gently reached for her and pulled her towards him. In the darkness they searched each other's eyes.

"I don't want to go. I just…I just want to stay here with you,' he stammered in barely a whisper.

Her head was spinning and his intense gaze sent a tingle down her spine.

"No James. You have to go," she insisted softly. She was saying what she knew she had to say, but her body was saying the complete opposite.

He moved his hands up to cup her face.

"Ssshhh,' he said as he put a finger to her lips, "just say it. Just tell me that you want me to stay…..please."

Tbc…..

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 8

All that could be heard from the far end of the balcony was muffled music, talking, and laughter from the raging party inside. James and Eloise stood facing each other in the dark, their heads spinning and their hearts pounding.

"Aren't you going to say anything," he asked gently.

"Um…. I should… get back inside," she stammered. She knew if she was out here alone with him any longer she wouldn't be able to resist him. She tried to pull away but he wouldn't release his hold on her.

"Don't you want me to stay," he asked nervously.

"Of course I do," she sighed, "but we have both had way too much to drink and of course there is the minor issue of your girlfriend waiting for you in your car."

He sighed loudly and leant his head back against the cold brick wall.

"You know she really isn't my girlfriend…it's just a bit of fun that's all," he responded

This comment immediately got her backup and the mood between them changed suddenly.

She looked at him blankly.

"Fun huh!! Yeah it looks like you are having a wow of a time," she said sarcastically.

"Yeah well I'm a normal guy. I have needs," he snapped not liking her tone.

"What so you are just using her for sex? Is that what you're telling me," she asked looking him dead in the eye.

He looked at her shocked

"Listen. I'm no saint. I have never claimed to be," he said raising his voice.

"Obviously," she said coldly.

"Anyway since when have you been on her side…Jesus…. you are one difficult woman to figure out," he replied getting frustrated with her.

"James I can't stand the girl, but I blatantly lied to her tonight and I really don't appreciate being put in that position. Face it, you did lie to her and if a guy did that to me I would be furious," she practically shouted at him.

He was stunned at her outburst.

"What bought this on?" he asked shrugging his shoulders in utter confusion.

He looked at her waiting for her answer.

"I don't know," she said confused, " I guess I thought you were different,"

"Different! What are you on about?"

"I just never pictured you as the type to go out with someone only for one thing," she said softly.

Eloise had been out with a few guys in her time, but she had always had feelings for them at the time. She was not one to give herself to just anyone and she always thought James shared the same values as her. Finding out otherwise was a disappointment.

"I'm not some sleaze who goes out on the prowl all the time. Give me some credit. At least I don't have a different girl every night, and, I might add, I could if I really wanted to,"

"Oh please. I'm sorry but I can never understand how you guys can sleep with someone who means nothing to you, and I never will." she said still annoyed with him.

"Yeah well a guy usually behaves like that because the girl he really wants won't admit her feelings and keeps shutting him out," he snapped back.

They stared at each other in an uneasy silence as Eloise took in and registered what he had said. Yet again the mood between them changed suddenly. The annoyance she felt melted away as fast as it had built up. And she knew why she became so irritated with him too. She hated the thought of him wanting anyone else but her. Even though she finally admitted her feelings to herself she was still plagued with doubts. She managed to gather her thoughts.

"Maybe the girl has a good reason for not admitting her feelings," she finally said hesitantly.

"Well the guy would really like the girl to share those reasons with him," he said softly.

Eloise hesitated again before she spoke. She didn't want to give too much away but she failed miserably.

"Maybe the girl is scared. Scared of losing the already amazing relationship she has with the guy. Scared of losing one of the most important friendships in her life." she said as she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

For some reason referring to themselves in the third person made it easier for both of them to express their emotions.

"But the girl should know that the guy would never do anything to hurt her," he whispered as he gently brushed away a tear on her cheek with his thumb.

"But the guy should know that sometimes things just happen. Things that are out of their control," she said sadly.

"The guy knows that. But no matter how hard he tries he can't stop thinking about the girl," he said as he slowly let his hands move up her arms and over her bare shoulders and up to her neck

Eloise closed her eyes as her whole body ached.

She opened her eyes as he traced her lips with his finger and their eyes locked.

Oh God," she sighed, "The girl can't stop thinking about the guy either."

They couldn't contain their desire any longer as they threw their arms around each other and their lips met hungrily. She had never experienced a kiss like it. It was passionate and intense as their tongues swirled around each other and their hands roamed each other's bodies almost in desperation. They were so lost in each other that they failed to hear a disgruntled 'bit of fun' leaning on the car horn out in the street.



Inside Steve and Jane could both hear the commotion and went out the front to investigate.

"Hey! Do you mind," Jane yelled as she walked towards the car.

"I won't get off this horn until James is down here in this car," she snarled out of the window.

Jane and Steve looked at each other and raised their eyebrows.

"I'll go and get him now but for God sake give it a rest," Steve said.

"He's got 2 minutes to get his arse down here," she said spitefully.

"Delightful," Jane commented to Steve as they headed back inside to pass on the charming message to James, minus the venom.



As they walked inside and headed for the sliding door leading to the balcony they were greeted with the sight of Sal pressed up against the glass, trying desperately to see outside. Much to her dismay they were too far up the dark end and she couldn't see a thing. But it didn't stop her from trying, and the only reason she didn't barge out there was the fear that she would interrupt something like she did that afternoon.

"Ahem! Hugging your reflection are you?" Steve asked trying to stifle his laughter.

Sal jumped out of her skin and as she pulled her head away, her cheeks , that had become stuck to the glass, stung like crazy.

"Aaarghh!" she moaned as she grabbed her face.

"What on earth are you doing?" Jane asked bemused.

"Nothing!" she said defensively rubbing her cheeks.

Steve and Jane just looked at her with their arms folded.

"Oh all right then," she sighed, " I have always fancied this door and ...well you know…I couldn't resist it any longer."

"Really," Steve said, "well if that's the case you really should get out more. Now we are looking for James. Is he out there?"

"Oh…um…. I'm not sure," she stammered standing protectively against her much-fancied door.

"Step aside," Jane sighed sounding like some sort of frustrated policewoman.

Sal conceded defeat and let them through, secretly dieing to know what they would find.



James and Eloise were oblivious to everything as they continued to kiss passionately. They couldn't get enough of each other, and when James let his lips move down to rain kisses all over her neck and shoulders she was in heaven.

"We shouldn't be doing this," Eloise said breathlessly as he kissed that special spot on her neck that almost made her knees buckle underneath her.

He stopped and looked her in the eye as they rested their foreheads against each other.

"I know," he whispered "do you want me to stop?"

They searched each other's eyes as she shook her head and smiled. Their lips met again and they both desperately wished that there wasn't a room full of people inside. Their minds were only on each other and they both failed to hear Steve and Jane standing there, in shock, watching them.



Tbc….


DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 9



Jane and Steve couldn't believe their eyes when they walked out onto the balcony, and they stood there in shock.

"Ahem," Steve said trying to get their attention.

It didn't work. Eloise and James continued kissing passionately, completely unaware of their presence.

"Hey," Jane yelled at them and they finally sprung apart startled. They looked at Steve and Jane, and then back at each other. The 4 of them stood there in shocked silence. They both knew this wasn't going to be good as a feeling of guilt overcame them.

"I cannot believe the two of you," Jane said quietly shaking her head in disbelief, "what on earth do you think you are doing?"

Eloise and James looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Eloise went for the good old humour again.

"Rehearsing," she blurted out, realizing fairly quickly that it wasn't that funny, even though James was fighting to hold in a giggle.

Steve and Jane weren't laughing though.

"Rehearsing ay," Steve said unimpressed, "Well I am telling you if you kiss like that on set, the director will throw a bucket of cold water over you."

Jane shook her head and folded her arms. James knew they were in for it.

"I thought you were both smarter than this," Jane said disappointment evident in her voice, "I knew something was going on. I could feel it."

James and Eloise stood there in silence looking at the ground, both deep in thought.

"You are playing a very dangerous game here," Steve told them, "one that always ends badly."

There was still no reply.

"You know we have both been in this business a very long time," Jane continued in a sympathetic tone, "and we have seen a lot of nasty situations. We would hate that to happen to you. Yes it's all very thrilling and exciting at first, but it doesn't last. Especially if you have an intense relationship both on and off screen, one of them gives eventually. Trust me I know and I can guarantee you both that you will regret it. And I know what close friends you are. I would hate for you to lose that. You both need to think very carefully about what you're getting into."

James and Eloise looked at each other sadly but still said nothing.

"Well one of you say something," Steve said getting annoyed, "how long has this been going on for anyway?"

"Oh it's not like that," James snapped.

"Well what is it like then? Eloise? It's not like you to be so quiet," Steve said.

She sighed loudly.

"There's nothing going on OK. We just…. I don't know…. made a mistake."

"What?" James said looking at her in disbelief.

Eloise felt overwhelmed by the situation and needed time to think.

"James I really think you should leave now," she said softly.

"What?…. No!" he turned to Jane and Steve, " can we please have a minute alone to talk please."

They looked at each other and shrugged.

"Fine. But Lisa is still down there waiting for you and if you don't get out there soon she will be wreaking havoc in your car."

As they left the balcony he gently reached for her, but she turned away, confusing consuming her mind.

"Don't do this," James begged.

"You heard them. We both know they're right," she said holding back tears.

"Probably…but we can't control our feelings for each other. We can't just turn them off," he said sadly.

"I know. But we can control whether we act on them or not. Tonight we gave in…but we shouldn't have. We both know that it just can't happen…not now," she said softly.

"Fine," he replied bitterly, "if that's how you want it then I'll go."

"You know full well it's not how I want it, " she said in a raised voice as he began to walk away from her, "but look at us. We are already at each other's throats after one kiss. It's already changed us."

He looked back at her, neither of them speaking, neither of them knowing what to say next.

The long silence was suddenly broken by a loud car horn. All Eloise could do was shake her head in amazement at the girls behaviour.

"Oh for Christ sake!" James sighed, 'Right I'm going."

All of a sudden the thought of him going home with that 'leech' sickened her, and she couldn't help herself.

"What? So are you going home with her then?" she asked accusingly.

He looked at her, stunned.

"Well I can't exactly drive home in the state I'm in can I, and if you think I could just go home after what we just shared and jump into bed with her…then…well you must have a very low opinion of me"

He turned and headed for the door.

"Wait! I'm sorry James…I just…"

"Don't! Just don't say anything. I don't want to talk anymore. I don't want to think anymore. Not tonight," he said dejectedly and he disappeared through the door leaving her alone.



"Aaarrrghhh," she moaned in frustration as she closed her eyes and fell into the banana lounge. In an instant Sal was out there. She saw James slip out the door without saying goodbye to anyone and she was anxious to find out what was going on.

She found Eloise hugging her knees on the banana lounge with her head buried in her folded arms.

"What the hell?' she began, "Why are you letting him leave?"

"Please don't start. Can you please just get me a cigarette? Not just one either…the whole pack…and a drink…a really really strong drink."

Normally Sal would have protested strongly at the cigarette request but the look on El's face told her she meant business. She did as she was told and returned with the goods. Sal had never seen her this upset before. Usually she was so poised and in complete control of her emotions…but not tonight.

Eloise took a long drag on the cigarette and collapsed back on the lounge, almost in relief. Normally she hated herself for needing the wretched things, but at that moment she couldn't care less.

"So," Sal said quietly, "are you going to tell me what happened?"

"I'm surprised you don't already know. I thought you would find some way to spy on us," she responded half jokingly.

"Well it was too dark, and you could have been a bit more considerate and stood closer to the door," she said seriously.

Eloise turned and looked at her, mouth agape.

"I'm just joking of course," she lied laughing nervously, "I'm not that desperate."

"Mmmm," was all Eloise could say as she looked at her friend suspiciously.

Sal was relieved to hear a screech of tyres out on the street as it took Eloise's mind off what she had just accidentally confessed to.

"She's a real piece of work that one," Sal commented shaking her head.

"Yeah! She was certainly AWOL when God dished out class," Eloise said deadpan.

"HA! Good one," Sal knew with that comment that her housemate was back. She now thought it was safe to probe further.

"Right lets cut to the chase…how was it?" Sal never liked to mince words and now that Eloise had just sculled her double strength vodka and orange she was more likely to volunteer juicy information.

Eloise looked at her and as she thought back to their kiss she couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

"It was…amaaaazing," she sighed, "he made me feel so…"

"Turned on," Sal finished for her excitedly.

"Well I was going to put it a bit more eloquently that that…. but I guess turned on fits the bill," Eloise laughed.

"Then why can't you two just get it together then? You care for each other, you enjoy each other's company, and you want each other. It should be simple," Sal said as she sat on the other lounge.

"But its not. You just don't understand," she sighed as she became serious and depressed again.

"Oh for heavens sake don't give me that 'actors code' crap again. People all over the world in every different profession have relationships with workmates. What the hell makes actors so special?" Sal said in frustration.

"Because normal people don't have to rock up to work pretending to love someone after they have just had a huge break up, that's why. Do you know how hard it is to look someone you can't stand in the eye and be nice to them," she retorted.

"Pfftt!! I do that everyday. You don't think I actually like those people sitting around our table do you," she said with a serious look on her face.

Eloise couldn't help but laugh "Oh God! I give up. You know I have missed way too much of our party and I am sick to death of sulking and talking about this."

"Well I will let up for now, but I won't let it rest. You know me too well," she said poking out her tongue.

"Yes I do don't I," she said as she got off the lounge and pulled Sal up with her," but for now I need another drink…a really strong drink, and then I think there is some belly dancing to be had." She was determined to push the happenings with James way back in her mind and alcohol and making a fool of herself seemed like the perfect way to do it

"Eeeekkkk," Sal squealed with excitement as she grabbed Eloise's hand and dragged her inside to really get the party started.



The next morning James head started thumping as soon as he drifted back into consciousness. His eyes flickered open as he tried to figure out where he was. He started remembering the events of the night before. Working backwards he remembered grabbing a 6 pack of rum and coke from the fridge and setting himself up on the lounge in front of the TV. This is where he found himself, cans scattered on the floor around him. Sam had obviously turned off the tele when he arrived home. Then he remembered the car ride home. Lisa had been furious when he finally got in the car, but that was nothing to the fury he copped when he told her to go home and to not come back. It wasn't pretty, but being rid of her was worth the screaming. Then he remembered the most important bit. Kissing Eloise! He smiled gently to himself as he relived that moment. It felt so good and so right. He wished that they were just normal people with normal jobs. But they weren't. He hated how he left things the night before, hated that he let his guard down, and hated that she probably didn't like him much right now. He felt an overwhelming urge talk to her, to hear her voice, to know that she didn't hate him. He slowly sat up and the pounding in his head doubled.

'Serves yourself right idiot," he said to himself.

He grabbed his phone and was stunned to find it was almost midday, and there were 5 missed calls...from Sally's phone.

Great, James thought, she probably wants to give me an ear bashing. Just as he was about to dial El's number the phone rang and scared the life out of him. Once he composed himself he answered only to find himself at the end of a tirade from Sal.

"Don't you answer your bloody phone?" she barked at him.

This immediately got his back up, but what Sal told him next made his heart sink.



Tbc….

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 10

James swore under his breath as he frantically tried to find a park at the ridiculously busy hospital carpark. Sal had left him feeling panicked after their phone conversation. All she shared with him was that Eloise was in hospital and that she needed him, before abruptly hanging up. He floored the accelerator when he spotted someone leaving but had to wait an age for them to reverse out. He seriously wondered how some people got their drivers license as he again cursed under his breath. After finally parking the car he sprinted across to the emergency entry where he found Sal waiting for him out the front.

"What happened to her," he asked in a state.

"Just calm down. It's just a broken ankle," she said casually.

"What?" he bellowed, "Why didn't you tell me that before? I had horrific images of her on life support or something."

"Yeah well if she doesn't stop complaining she may well end up on life support before the days out. Come on I'll take you to her," Sal said as she stifled a yawn.

James didn't follow however.

"Come on," Sal encouraged

"But…" James stammered, "I really don't think she will want to see me. I'm not exactly her favourite person at the moment."

Sal walked back over to him.

"Look, no matter what is going on with you guys you will always be her favourite person and I can guarantee she will be glad to have you with her OK."

He smiled nervously and followed her into the hospital.



Eloise sat up in bed in the noisy emergency room, still in the same clothes she had on the night before, but with an ankle 10 times the size it should be. She was in pain, tired, hung over and miserable. When she saw the curtain pull back however she couldn't help but smile at the sight of James standing there. He saw her smile and a wave of relief washed over him. He wasn't going to get kicked out after all, at least not yet.

"Hey," he said nervously as he stood quite a distance from the bed.

"Hey," she responded sadly, "What are you doing here? No don't answer that, Sal called you."

"Yep" he smiled.

They stared at each other awkwardly before Eloise spoke.

"I didn't think you would want to be around me right now, after...you know."

She couldn't stand the weight of his gaze and she began to study her fingers in a desperate attempt to avoid eye contact with him. He grabbed a chair and sat down, leaned on the bed and took her hands in his.

"I'm here because I am your friend, and because I care about you. Nothing would have kept me away. OK," he said sincerely.

She looked at him again, "I'm so sorry…I"

"Ssshh," he said, " yes we have got some serious talking to do, but this isn't the time or the place. Lets just worry about this huge ankle of yours for the time being."

She smiled appreciatively and it was at that precise moment that she realized just how strong her feelings were for him.

"Now tell me...are you really OK," he asked with raised eyebrows.

As she looked at him a wave of emotion came over her and she burst into tears.

"No," she sobbed, "I feel like such a fool."

"Come here," he said as he sat up on the bed and held her in his arms while she cried uncontrollably on his shoulder.

After a few minutes she calmed down enough to speak again.

" I feel like such an idiot. And it hurts…like it really hurts. And I broke the swearing ban. I broke it many times over…and," she broke down in tears again as if breaking the swearing ban was the worst possible thing that happened that night. He wondered if he should confess his swearing tirade in the carpark, but he thought better of it…maybe later. He smiled to himself as he held her tightly. After she calmed down he released his hold on her and gently brushed the tears from her face. She moved over gingerly on the bed and he moved up to lie next to her, wrapping his strong arms around her as she let her head rest on his shoulder. They stayed that way for a few minutes as the last of Eloise's tears dried and before Sal barged through the curtain.

She couldn't help but smile at the sight of them snuggled on the bed together.

"Geez you could have at least waited until you got home before jumping into bed together," she teased.

They both looked at each other and rolled their eyes, but neither of them attempted to move from their current position.

"So! Who is going to tell me what happened?" James asked looking from one to the other.

"Well it was her fault, maybe she should tell you," Eloise said accusingly

"Oh it was not my fault. It was an accident," Sal said exasperated

"Well you pushed me off the table and it was your shoe I landed on," she hissed back.

"What the hell? What were you doing on the table?" James asked becoming more confused by the second.

"Nothing," Eloise answered guiltily. She hoped that James would just accept her standing on the table as part of her normal every day activities.

"Belly dancing," Sal chimed in.

James couldn't control himself as he burst out laughing. It didn't last long though as he caught sight of El's evil glare which was aimed directly at him.

"Well I am glad I am such a source of comedy for you," she said as she moved away from him and folded her arms.

"Oh come on. You have to admit it is kind of funny. I am sure you will look back on this in a years time and laugh," he said smiling.

"I am sure I won't," she responded deadpan.

He looked at her and shook his head.

"Anyway I want the full story. Come on…I'm waiting," he said.

"Promise you won't laugh," she asked quietly.

"Promise," he answered sweetly

"Well after you left I decided to have a bit more to drink…a lot more actually," she began.

"Oh great so now it's my fault," he responded incredulously.

"Do you want to hear this or not?" she asked annoyed at the interruption.

"Carry on," he said.

"Anyway, Sal decided to start some belly dancing on the coffee table," she began again.

"Excuse me, the belly dancing was totally your idea," Sal scoffed.

"Not on the table!" Eloise exclaimed, " If the table wasn't involved we wouldn't be here."

"OK OK. We have established you were belly dancing on the coffee table. How did we get from the coffee table to the broken ankle." James enquired.

"She pushed me off," Eloise sulked.

"I did not!" Sal said amazed, "unfortunately there ended up being a bit of an overload of people on the coffee table and Eloise accidentally got pushed off the back."

"Yes and I just happened to land on her shoe. And it wasn't just any shoe either. It had the heel the size of a …oh I don't know…something very big. My head hurts too much to think of witty comments. Anyway I landed on it and …SNAP!"

"You should have heard her swear James, it was a disgrace," Sal teased

"Yeah yeah I have covered that part already," she sighed.



At that moment the doctor came in with the X-ray. He held it up for them all to see and the break was very impressive. According to the doctor anyway. Eloise was far from impressed. The good news was that it was a clean break and they felt that surgery wasn't required. This meant she could go home later that day. The bad news is that she was going to have to wear a giant boot for 8 weeks and get around on crutches.

"Great," Eloise sulked.

"Look its not that bad. I'll help you at the studio. I will be at your beck and call," he said sympathetically.

"Yeah and after one day you will think I am even more of a pain than you think I am now," she sighed.

"Trust me…that's not possible," he said bravely.

"You little …." She began mouth agape as she slapped his arm.

'Tut tut tut! You reached your swearing quota last night. We need to get you back on that wagon," he said cheekily.

Sal came back before she could get another swipe in but at least she had some good news for Eloise.

"I checked with the doctor and they will fit the boot very soon and you should be allowed out around 4. But, obviously as punishment for me for breaking your ankle, the boss saw me before and asked me to work this afternoon, so I won't be able to drive you home.

"I'll take you home," James volunteered quickly.

"Are you sure?" Eloise said concerned, "I have already taken up your whole weekend.

"No its fine. I just have to go and do a few errands but I'll come back around 4 o'clock to get you."

Immediately he started conjuring up a surprise for her that would not only cheer her up, but also make her realize just how deeply he cared about her.

"Yeah that would be nice," Eloise said appreciatively.

James gave her a gentle smile as he left her and in his mind he began planning a night that he hoped would be special for both of them.



Tbc….

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[belxox]

LOL, love this, read it on Nfans.com

[suse]

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

Chapter 11
James drove into the hospital carpark and he could see Eloise at the pickup zone practicing on her crutches. Of course now there was a park right outside the front door, and he felt like parking in it, just to see what it felt like, but he refrained.
"Nice shoes", he teased as he hopped out of the car to help her in.
"Shut up," she said miserably, "if you don't watch it you will have this nice shoe up your backside."
"Really," James laughed, "and you would probably end up with a broken neck in the process."
"Yeah probably...knowing my luck," she said with a hint of a smile starting.
They headed back to her place and Eloise let out a sigh of relief as they pulled up outside.
"Thanks so much for the lift. You don't need to come in I can manage. I have ruined your weekend enough I'm sure," she said as James turned off the ignition.
"No you haven’t”, he answered, "and anyway...we've got plans."
"What? Oh James I really don't feel like going out anywhere tonight. I just want to go inside and vegetate and feel sorry for myself."
"Who said anything about going out? We are staying in…. and you can vegetate. But there will be no moping," he said as he got out of the car.
She stared at him in confusion, but all he did was smile as he got the crutches out of the backseat and helped her out of the car.
"Oh God! The house is going to be a mess from last night. There will be crap everywhere to clean up."
"Well Sal told me she was going to clean up after you went to get your boot on, so it shouldn't be too bad."
"Oh thank heavens. Knowing her though she will think I broke my ankle just to get out of cleaning up," Eloise commented
"Well we all know you would do anything to get out of it" he teased.
'You enjoy living dangerously don't you," she said after she poked her tongue out at him, and he returned the favour.
"Right give us your house keys and I will unlock the door," he instructed.
"Oh God...keys," she said looking a little worried. When they left for the hospital she just grabbed her bag and didn't bother to check its contents.
"You have got your keys haven't you?" he asked incredulously.
"Ummm..." she said as she frantically rummaged through her handbag."
"Great!" James moaned, until she finally found them hiding at the bottom.
"Ta dah!! Of course I've got them. Was there ever any doubt," she exclaimed mischievously.
James rolled his eyes. He wished he'd had a dollar for every time Eloise had locked her keys in the car, so being locked out of the house wouldn't have surprised him in the slightest.
He opened the door for her and went back to the car to fetch the goodies.
"What’s all this?" Eloise asked as James came in with quite a few bags of shopping."
"Dinner!" he replied smiling," and not just any dinner...all of your favourites."
She watched as he unpacked all his ingredients, leaving the best for last...marble chocolate, cookies and cream ice cream, fresh prawns, and her absolute favourite...oysters.
"So what do you think? Will you have dinner with me or do I have to down this all by myself."
Eloise couldn't believe the trouble he was going to. Couldn't believe that he remembered all of her favourite foods. She felt overcome with emotion and all she wanted to do was throw her arms around him. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to try and pull herself together. When she opened her eyes he was watching her, a concerned expression on his face.
"Are you OK? I thought you would love it," he said nervously.
"I do! I do love it! Very much! I just.... I just don't know what to say," she stammered, struggling again to keep her emotions under control. He gave have her a relieved smile. He could see the effect he was having on her and he loved it.
"Why don't you go and have a shower and get into some comfy clothes while I cook," he suggested.
She loved the sound of that.
"That sounds like heaven," she sighed until she remembered the huge boot she had attached to her.
"Oh! Hang on. How am I going to do that?" she wondered out loud.
"Surely they gave you instructions at the hospital," James said surprised.
"Pffft! Get real! This is a public hospital we are talking about remember," she said rolling her eyes.
"I can come and help you if you like," he blurted out before he realized what he was implying. She just looked at him with raised eyebrows, and she certainly wasn't going to let on how much the idea of that excited her.
"Oh I didn't mean...Oh forget it," he said, "I'm sure you'll figure it out".

Forty-five minutes later Eloise emerged from the bathroom, wearing her favourite tracksuit and her damp curls in a loose ponytail, feeling refreshed, and hungry. She could smell dinner from the bathroom and she realized that she hadn’t eaten anything since the night before.
“Aargh perfect timing,” he said as he took the oysters Kilpatrick out of the oven, “how did you go?”
“Well after a couple of false starts I rang Sal in desperation. Apparently I can take the boot off to bathe. It was still interesting trying to get out of the bath though. You nearly had to undertake an emergency rescue mission at one point,” she said.
“Well I was hoping,” he said as he pretended to concentrate on placing the oysters on a platter.
Eloise immediately mentally chastised herself for saying it, but knew deep down that she got the exact response she was fishing for, and she felt a little tingle in the base of her spine at the thought of it.
“Are you hungry,” he asked looking up, letting the moment go…for now.
“Starving,” she said, relieved he had changed the subject, and she watched him place the oysters on the offending coffee table.
“Ugh! Do I really have to eat off that thing,” she said moaning.
“Oh for God sake you can’t blame the poor innocent coffee table,” he laughed, “it probably didn’t appreciate getting danced all over anyway. There is only a certain amount a coffee table will put up with you know.”
She gave him a dirty look as they both sat together on the lounge and got stuck into the oysters.
“Oh God,” Eloise sighed deeply closing her eyes, “James this is amaaaaaaazing.”
He felt arousal building in him as he watched her, his mouth hanging open, and he couldn’t help but think of what he could do to her to make her react like that. He quickly looked away when she opened her eyes but she was too busy enjoying the oysters to notice him drooling over her.
After polishing off the oysters, they soon went through the plate of marinated prawn skewers.
“I feel like I am going to explode,” she said as she slouched against the back of the lounge,” I haven’t enjoyed a meal like that for ages. Thank you so much for going to all that trouble.
”My pleasure,” James said smiling as he got up to clear the plates away, “Drink?”
“As long as it’s not alcoholic. My drinking days are over…well for this weekend anyway,” she sighed.
“El, its Sunday night,” he laughed.
“Yeah I know,’ she giggled,” but I always fancy a glass of wine on a Sunday night. You know that.”
He looked at her intently. “Mmmm I know you pretty well don’t I?”
She met his gaze but quickly turned away. He could sense he was making her uneasy so he decided it was time to reveal his final surprise.
“I have one more surprise for you,” he said as he grabbed another bag off the counter and bought it over to her.
She smiled at him as she reached into the bag and pulled out a DVD.
“Oh My God. I can’t believe you got this,” she exclaimed as she saw her favourute title…The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
“Yeah either can I,” he commented sarcastically.
“Aw, you really hate this movie don’t you,” she laughed as she studied the cover like she had never read it before, “You were lucky it wasn’t rented out.”
He looked at her like she had completely lost her marbles.
“El has that pain medication melted your brain. You would be the only person in the entire city…actually make that country, that would purposefully pay money for this movie.”
She playfully whacked him over the head with the case and he grabbed her hands, prized it from her grasp and threw it on the floor.
“Hey,” she protested as they continued to wrestle playfully, “you can’t tease me with it and then not let me watch it.”
“Oh we’ll watch it,” he said, still holding onto her hands, “but we’re not doing anything until we’ve talked.”
They stopped wrestling then, their hands still entwined, and they searched each other’s eyes in silence.
“We’ve talked all night,” she said quietly not able to stand the intensity between them any longer but not able to look away either.
“We have…but not about this,” he said as he slowly leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

Tbc…

DISCLAIMER - This story is fictional and in no way reflects the actions or day to day activites of the characters involved. In other words..ITS MADE UP!!

[smilelino]

I just love this story. Keep it going.

[maggi1980]

Up to chapter 6 but just have to say that I am so loving this!!!

[maggi1980]

Ok just finished. Please let there be another installment!!! I am sure there are plenty of people out there who can give ideas.