Jessie and Katie (in Friends and Lovers) - Episode 77 "SIX HUNDRED FUCKIN DOLLARS?"

Written by: TVM (mrtvm@mrtvm.com) & CJ Ames (cjames@mrtvm.com)

Archive: www.asstr.org/~TheVertManArchive/Stories/Celeb/JessieKatie/Index.html

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Two days later...

"Hey Mom" Zoe said as she came into the kitchen and Lily looked to see if anyone else was coming.

"Where's Mandy?" Lily asked after she realized Zoe was alone and seeing Zoe's face show the signs of missing her friend. "What's wrong you guys have a fight or something?"

"No" Zoe said as she sat down at the counter, looking even a bit depressed as she adjusted the pink cowboy on her head, Lily thought. Something else though caught her eyes as she noticed that again today, Zoe looked remarkably different than in the days before she became best friends with Mandy. Like for instance on this day, she was sporting a dark brown pin striped skirt that came 3/4 of the way down her legs and a t-shirt that Lily thought was a bit too tight. But you take what you can get she thought, and this was far better than the way she dressed when she was running around with Sam. "She hasn't been at school either, or at least I haven't seen her."

"Well, Zoe, Mandy is a little bit older" Lily said gently as she placed a glass of milk in front of Zoe.

"So?" Zoe asked as she thought to herself how her mother could possibly know that that was exactly what she wanted at the moment. Hearing a bell ringing, Zoe started to get up and see if anybody was at the doorbell as she asked, "You hear the doorbell ringing?"

"Zoe, the doorbell has been broken for weeks" Lily said as Zoe frowned and sat down at the counter and wished there was something to do to lift her daughter's spirit's. "And it's always a possibility that she found some new friends that were more her age."

"Not Amanda, she wouldn't do me that way" Zoe said, "We bonded Mom, we're really best friends. I'm not just her little buddy."

"I just hope you're not building this girl up to be something she's not sweety" Lily said as Passion came into the kitchen and saw Zoe sitting at the counter looking visibly depressed.

"What's wrong mate?" Passion asked as Zoe smiled. "You look like somebody stole your car."

"More like her best friend" Lily said as Passion smiled sweetly, and asked, "Wanna come and hang out with me and Cori?"

"Nah, I think I'll lay down for a while" Zoe said as she touched Passion's hand as if to say thanks, and got up as she left the room a moment later. Going over all the possibilities in her mind of why she hadn't heard from Mandy in almost two full days. She had figured she would have seen her at school, but she didn't. With such a hectic day of glasses, she barely got time to breath between glasses let alone look for her friend. Reaching the end of the hallway and getting ready to go up the steps, she saw a letter laying in the floor, thinking it must have fallen off the table by the door, she picked it up and finding it was nothing of interest laid it back on the table and glanced out the door as she saw what looked like Mandy's car sitting by the curb and saw to her shock that Mandy was walking back down the grass towards the car. Feeling her heart jump, she flung the door open and ran out on to the walk and screamed right as Mandy was getting back in the car. "AMANDA!"

"Zoe?" Mandy asked as she looked back and Zoe could swear she was happy to see her as she smiled a huge smile and leaned against the top of the car. For some reason, Zoe felt like the weight of the world had suddenly been lifted off of her as she practically ran across the grass and being met at the back of the car by Mandy as she hugged her. "Hey cutie."

"God I missed you, where were you?" Zoe asked as touched Mandy's face to see if she was real.

"Missed me huh?" Mandy said as she smiled, feeling much the same way that Zoe did.

"Yesss, what happened?" Zoe asked as she hugged her again.

"Car broke down" Mandy said as Zoe laughed at how simple the reason really was. "And Shady being a cunt cause her and Katie kind of got into it, wouldn't let me borrow hers. I called."

"When?"

"Last night, but some cute brunette I know I bet was on the phone" Mandy said as Zoe blushed. "Talking to your boyfriend?"

"Nooooo, it was the internet" Zoe said with a giggle as she smiled just from having Mandy pick on her, "Mom got me a dial up account as a trial to see if I'm mature enough to handle being online by myself."  

"Shady and Katie alright?" Zoe asked as she took Mandy's hand, not wanting to let her go just yet, and pulled her along as they walked towards the house.

"No, they're fine, Shady was being a cunt like always and called Katie on some shit that never happened and Katie let her have it" Mandy said as they stopped at the front entrance. "Katie forgave her though, something Joey seemed to never do."

"So they're OK?" Zoe asked as Mandy smiled at Zoe's worry over her sister and girlfriend.

"Why you care so much?"

"Because I like Shady, she's gotten the shitty end of the stick a lot" Zoe said, "And you shouldn't be so hard on her."

"Well then maybe you wanna go hang out with her instead of me" Mandy said as Zoe felt like she'd hurt Mandy's feelings.

"No, you're the only person I wanna be with" Zoe said, "But Shady has this sweet side that you sometimes don't wanna see, cause you're mad."

"Yeh I know" Mandy said. "I keep forgetting that you read people better than me."

"So from now on, make a effort to see her side of it?" Zoe asked. "Please? For me."

"Gotcha Chief" Mandy said with a salute as Zoe laughed. "So they're OK?"

"Yeh, all lovey dovey again" Mandy said before Zoe replied, "Good."

"So we stomping tonight?" Mandy asked with a nervous smile, "Didn't go and make other plans did you?"

"No, but my mom keeps suggesting you're gonna find other friends, you know, more your age" Zoe said with worry in her eyes.

"Listen, Cutie, that's not gonna happen" Mandy said as she trailed a finger down Zoe's cheek. Zoe felt her smile widen at that moment and knew she was getting lost in Mandy's eyes. But she couldn't or was it she didn't wanna break the moment as Mandy smiled at her. Not at someone else either, she thought, it was only her in that moment. "I'm here cause I wanted to hang out with you."

"You know, I really like your smile" Zoe said softly and felt herself blush and wondered why she felt the need to say that.

"And you are impossibly cute in that Cowboy hat" Mandy said with a smile as she seemed to step closer, Zoe noticed. "Do you ever take it off?"

"Only when you when you take it" Zoe said as Mandy took it and put it on her head and asked, "Like now?"

"Yeh, like now" Zoe said, "And now does that make you the impossibly cute one?"

"You tell me" Mandy said as Zoe grinned and said, "Nah, I don't really like girls."

"How do you like me now?" Mandy asked as she started tickling her as they both crashed against the door in laughter as Zoe fought to get away.

"Please, please, stop" Zoe said holding her hands up as Mandy marched after her into the house. Catching up to her at the bottom of the steps. "Please tell me, you don't have anything to do tonight?"

"That's why I'm here" Mandy said, "I mean, I missed you, so tonight is just us."

"No guys?" Zoe asked with a teasing smile.

"No I wanna spend some time with you" Mandy said, "Sounds weird huh?"

"No" Zoe said, "I feel the same."

"I'm gonna, say hi to your Mom" Mandy said.

"Grab my jacket and we be stomping" Zoe said as Mandy smiled and walked off down the hall as Zoe disappeared up the steps.

"Lily?" Mandy asked as she popped her head around the corner and saw Lily smile.

"Hey, thought we'd seen the last of you" Lily said as Mandy knew she was half-kidding, half-serious.

"Nope" Mandy said as she took her by now usual spot at the counter, "Zoe's gonna have to run me off."

"She was certainly down without you, why don't you go on up?" Lily asked.

"No, I saw her already, we're about to go stomping" Mandy said as Lily held the coffee pot up, offering a cup as Mandy said, "Yeh, please."

"What is stomping, I know I'm out of the loop again" Lily said as she blushed and sat down a cup of coffee in front of Mandy as she took it and began sipping at it.

"Actually this time you're not" Mandy said, "It's something me and Zoe say, it means like hanging out."

"Oh OK" Lily said still in confusion.

"Like, I'll say, we gonna stomp tonight?" Mandy said, "And it means, are we gonna hang out?"

"You teenagers and your weird sayings" Lily laughed. "I get so confused listening sometimes."

"At least you try to understand, my mom just screams and call me names" Mandy said as Lily touched her hand, "I like being here, just chatting with you, you make me feel welcome."

"Between you and me, I adore our chats" Lily said as Mandy smiled, "And when you're here Zoe doesn't act like I'm a hybrid alien, trying to extract information for my evil purposes."

"Alien?" Mandy asked, "You've seen the movie? I love Sigourney Weaver."

"We actually like the same movie" Lily said.

"Yes, I've seen it 10 times I bet, they play it sometimes at that classic movie place downtown, I forget the street it's on" Mandy said.

"Me, you and Zoe should go one night" Lily said and then thinking how silly that invite sounded.

"Why not?" Mandy asked, "I'd love to see it again. Sometimes they play the second one and it's even better."

"I don't believe I saw that one" Lily said.

"It's got Sigourney Weaver in it too" Mandy said. "So cool, it's all sci-fi 80's style, so cheesy today, but I like it."

"I'll keep an eye on the paper" Lily said, "I know the place, if it's playing, we'll go."

"Be cool" Mandy said as Zoe came into the room and Lily immediately noticed the smile now implanted on her face as she sat down by Mandy at the counter. Mandy looked over and said, "Your mom and me thinking about going to see this movie, you stomping?"

"Me, you and my mother?" Zoe asked as Mandy laughed and said, "Yes, I invited her and you are going."

"And what if I don't want too?" Zoe asked.

"Then you're grounded" Lily said as Mandy laughed and Zoe looked at her in shock.

"But...why?" Zoe asked as Lily laughed.

"She was kidding cutie" Mandy said as she pushed her off the seat as Zoe came around and poked her in the stomach as revenge. "It sounds like fun."

"Fine" Zoe said as Lily sat back down at the counter. "She's cool now, but just wait till I come home with a 25 year old biker with two kids and see how cool she's gonna be."

"You really would be grounded then" Lily said as Mandy laughed.

"So you'd never let Zoe date anyone older?" Mandy asked.

"I didn't say that, it depends on who they are and how much older" Lily said, "And if they treat her right."

"So what 18 or 19?" Mandy asked, "Give me a time frame here so I know what kinda of guys to hook her up with."

"What about 20?" Zoe asked, loving this moment of having her mom on the spot.

"Zoe you're only 14" Lily said gently.

"But...ok I am" Zoe said with a giggle as Mandy laughed at her.

"I don't care if it's tommorrow you are not going out with a 20 year old" Lily said as Zoe shrugged.

"How about a 16 or 17 year old? Seriously" Mandy said, "That way I know who I can introduce her too."

"Well, I suppose I'd be ok with that" Lily said, "If the young man were willing to meet me before hand."

"Would it be the same for a girl?" Zoe asked in an attempt to get a real rise out of her mom. Mandy had to cover her face so as not to spit her coffee out in shock at Zoe's last question.

"Zoe Manning that is not funny" Lily said.

"Why not, Grace is with one and Jessie and Stephanie are...well...living together now" Zoe said, "I'm keeping my options open."

"Enough young lady" Lily said as Mandy couldn't resist adding to the fire just a bit.

"What about me?" Mandy asked as she covered her smile with a pretend sip of her coffee. Zoe almost burst out laughing at the look on Lily's face as she watched Zoe lay her head on Mandy's shoulder. Mandy playing along perfectly as she laid her head against Zoe's, "Am I good enough for your daughter?"

"Yeh, Mom, is she?" Zoe asked in a devilish tone of voice.

"You two stopped being funny a while ago" Lily said as she got up from the counter and walked back to the stove. Zoe and Mandy both laughed as she seemed to have been thrown by the twist in the conversation.

"I'm still waiting for an answer" Mandy said as Lily looked over at her and sighed. "I'm serious, I wanna know, I really do. What would you do if I asked Zoe on a date?"

"Are you planning to?" Lily asked.

"Not at the moment" Mandy said as Zoe got up and walked to the fridge, getting a soda, listening intently to the conversation as she returned to her stool by Mandy. "But say it did happen, could I?"

"Yeh Mom, can she?" Zoe asked as with a smirk on her face.

"I'm gonna match your fire with my own, young lady" Lily said, "If you wanna go out on a date with Mandy, you can."

"Seriously?" Zoe asked.

"Seriously" Lily said as she gave her daughter a determined look. "Now young lady, who's in the awkward position?"

"So to be clear, I have your permission?" Mandy asked with a smile, "This ain't gonna be one of those, I said you could so you would shut up and go away moment is it? But in reality when it happens you have a panic attack and need to be rushed to the hospital."

"Mandy, honey, if you and Zoe choose to date, I can honestly say I wouldn't even have a second thought about it" Lily said, "She's never had a friend that treated me with so much respect."

"This is true" Zoe said as she looked at Mandy, "Bugs me too."

"I'll bug you" Mandy said as grabbed Zoe off the stool and started tickling for a moment as Zoe squealed in laughter.

"Mom, help, Mom she's hurting me" Zoe said in a fit of laughter as she tried to get away.

"You started it, besides I like her more" Lily said as Zoe broke away and went running down the hall, soon followed by Mandy.

"Hey" Mandy said re-appearing at the door as Lily looked up. "Remember, keep an eye out for that movie, we'll go, seriously. I can bug Zoe into it."

"I'll do that" Lily said.

"Thanks for the coffee" Mandy said as she jumped back into the kitchen and rubbing her butt after Zoe slapped it, "And for the talk."

"Anytime" Lily said as Mandy started chasing after Zoe again.

"Oh, come on, Zoe" Mady said as she stood by the front door a few minutes later and waited for her to come back down the steps. "We got people to impress, let's stomp baby girl."

"Baby girl?" Zoe asked with hands on her hips.

"Come on" Mandy said taking her hand and pulling her outside. "It's not like calling someone my little monkey."

"Sounds like that" Zoe said as they reached the car and Mandy got in the driver's as Zoe did the same on the other side.

"No, it's seriously not Zo" Mandy said as she started the car and pulled away from the curb. "You never heard a guy call his girl a baby girl?"

"So you're saying I'm you're girl?" Zoe asked as Mandy blushed.

"Not in so many words" Mandy said, "It's not a bad thing, ok?"

"Cool" Zoe said as Mandy stopped at a red light and asked with a knowing smirk, "So when was the last time you rubbed one off?"

"Huh?"

"You know" Mandy said as she rubbed her jeans between her thighs and raised her eyebrows suggestively as Zoe blushed and laughed. "Made yourself happy."

"I'm not telling you that" Zoe said as Mandy laughed and pulled away from the light, "Why not? I'll tell you."

"Because that's embarassing" Zoe said.

"Yeh only if we let it be" Mandy said, "I think we've got that kind of relationship."

"What kind?" Zoe asked in a face that made Mandy laugh.

"Where we can talk about anything without worry" Mandy said as she turned on to her street and Zoe wondered where they were going.

"Well we do I guess" Zoe said and hoping to change the topic as she asked, "Why are we coming here for?"

"Forgot I promised to take Sam to the mall" Mandy said as she pulled up to the front door and blew the horn. "Don't mind do you?"

"I thought it was gonna be just me and you" Zoe said, "That's fine."

"Ok, we'll drop her off and go cruisin?" Mandy asked as Zoe smiled. "Now, back to my question, when was it?"

"Mandy, knock it off" Zoe said.

"OK, I'll go first" Mandy said, "Unless you seriously don't wanna know."

"Fine" Zoe said, "When was it?"

"Three nights ago" Mandy said as Zoe seemed taken aback by her admission, "Was watching these videos on MTV and they had one with these girls kissing and this fuckin hot ass bumping music and you know what music does to me. It just got me going."

"Watching girls kiss?" Zoe asked, feeling herself getting drawn into the conversation.

"Not really the girls kissing, although for some reason it was appealing at the moment" Mandy said, "That music, was like electronica, with a thumping beat."

"So what were you picturing? You know" Zoe asked.

"Various things" Mandy said, "That got me going and it leads to some great fantasies, when you need that release."

"It does" Zoe said, not believing she had actually admitted that.

"Now, Zoe, you're gonna tell me" Mandy said firmly. "When was it?"

"Do I have to? This is really..."

"Embarrassing I know, whatever" Mandy said, "Zoe I'm not gonna tell anyone and no one is listening but me. So come on...tell me."

"Fine, this morning" Zoe said, "I woke up and well I just..."

"Had to have it?" Mandy asked.

"Yeh I did" Zoe said and not believing Mandy could read her mind like that. "Bad. I hate waking up like that."

"Why?" Mandy asked, "Those make for some pretty good mornings I think."

"But..."

"Will you stop feeling guilty about doing that" Mandy said, "You are not doing anything wrong, no gets hurt when you do it."

"They don't do they?" Zoe asked. "Ok, you better not repeat this, but sometimes, I do it more than once."

"Promise" Mandy said, "Was this one of those mornings?"

"Maybe" Zoe said as they both laughed. "I had this stupid dream about being stuck in the boys locker room and having to watch them change."

"Got your motor running?" Mandy asked as Zoe grinned sheepishly and said, "Like you wouldn't believe."

"Was it a toe curler?" Mandy asked in a quiet voice.

"A what?" Zoe asked.

"A toe curler" Mandy said, "You mean you never rubbed one off that was just so good. You like curl your toes up, your calfs strain, thighs close around your hand, stomach tenses up, your eyes sorta roll back in your head, eye lids clamped shut, your hand barely able to keep up the pace you need and when you cum, you feel it all over your body for like forever it seems?"

"Maybe I'm doing it wrong" Zoe said as Mandy laughed.

"No, Zoe, it's not like that all the time" Mandy said, "It's just when you hit the right spot, and it's magic almost."

"I need a cigarette after that" Zoe said as Mandy laughed.

"Sorry you get me to talking about sex and it usually gets detailed" Mandy said, "I really need to get laid."

"After that me too" Zoe said as both laughed. "I can't believe we are sitting her seriously talking about sex."

"Pretty cool huh?" Mandy asked with a wicked smile. "Told you, we had that kind of relationship."

"I guess we do at that" Zoe said as Mandy seemed to be holding her in place with a look. Their eyes trained on the others for a long moment before Sam tapped on the window and shaking both back to reality.

"We going?" Sam asked as Zoe opened the door and watched Sam look at her strangely and wait for something.

"What?" Zoe asked.

"I'm waiting for you to get in the back" Sam said. "My sisters car, I ride up front."

"Says who?" Zoe asked.

"Says her, right Mandy?" Sam asked.

"No" Mandy said, "She's not moving for you princess."

"Guess that answers your question" Zoe said.

"You mean I gotta ride in the back?" Sam asked in a stunned voice.

"Sam just be cool for once and get in" Mandy said.

"No I'm not letting Zoe tell me what to do" Sam said, "Why don't I tell her what you said about your little friend."

"That's it, Samantha your ass is mine" Mandy said getting out of the car as Sam backed away, "You're fuckin jealous cause she likes me more than you now, cause I wanna be her friend."

"DAD!" Sam screamed as she opened the door and Mandy felt Zoe grab her arm and then hug her from behind to hold her back.

"She's not worth you getting grounded over" Zoe said, "Come on, let's go."

"I didn't say anything about you" Mandy said with an honest expression. "She's just a jealous little bitch."

"Amanda, I know that" Zoe said with a smile, "Me and you, let's go."

"I like it when you call me Amanda" Mandy said as her father came to the door and saw Zoe hugging Mandy.

"What's the problem?" Donald asked.

"She's telling Zoe lies on me so she won't be my friend" Sam said, as Zoe thought about how much more mature she felt now than Sam.

"I've had it with your mouth" Zoe said as she moved from behind Mandy and said, "You're jealous. Mr. McCree, Amanda didn't do anything, Sam just likes to lie."

"Amanda?" Donald asked as Mandy smiled.

"Her" Zoe said as she pointed at Mandy as Donald laughed.

"It's what she calls me Dad" Mandy said, "It's her pet name for me, I guess."

"I know who you are, Amanda Gail" Donald said and then turning to Sam and said, "As for you Samantha Rose McCree, I'm pretty positive who's in the right here. So you apologize and I don't wanna hear no back talk."

"Sorry" Sam said in a bitter tone as she disappeared back into the house.

"You guys have fun" Donald said as Zoe and Mandy climbed back into the car and drove away a moment later. Zoe looked back to see if any traffic was coming and spotted a gorgeous leather jacket hangin on the hook by the side window in the back.

"Who's jacket?"

"Mine" Mandy said, "Look at it if you want."

"This is nice" Zoe said as she took it down and turned back around, holding it up. "Looks expensive."

"It is, it's a Romeo Vitilini leather" Mandy said as Zoe felt the smoothness of the leather under her fingers.

"Who?"

"Some italian designer guy" Mandy said as Zoe continued to admire it for the next few minutes. Mandy, finally finding a parking spot after a few minutes of searching in the mall parking lot. "You can try it on."

"Can I?" Zoe asked as Mandy turned off the car and got out. Circling around to the passengers side as Zoe got out and carefully took the coat off the hook and slipped it on. Feeling the weight of the coat across her shoulders and looking at Mandy's shocked expression. "What?"

"You look incredible in that" Mandy said as she hugged her. "Perfectly suits you Zo."

"Yeh, maybe Mom will buy me one for christmas" Zoe said looking in the side mirror and admiring it. "This fits me so perfectly. Hint hint."

"Come on, let's go" Mandy said pushing the door together.

"You mean I can wear it?" Zoe asked as Mandy took her hand and said with a laugh, "Want my girl to look hot."

"And tonight, I'm not even gonna argue if I am" Zoe said as she kissed her cheek and pulled her along.

"Let's hit LTI first" Mandy said as she touched Zoe's hand to get her attention to follow her to the second floor. LTI turned out to stand for Limited, Inc. a high end store that sold only the finest in leather goods, according to the sign on the door. Mandy stopped at the counter as Zoe walked on ahead to browse. "Hey Tony, can you let me see that Romeo leather."

"What are you doing?" Zoe asked as she watched the store clerk, climb a few steps on a foot ladder and carefully take the coat down. Zoe noticed that it looked remarkably like the one that Mandy had let her borrow, only a slightly different color. Tony came over and held it up as Mandy took off the coat she was wearing and slipped into the one Tony was holding for her.

"Very nice Mandy" Tony commented as he carefully adjusted the collar and her hair. "You've always been able to pull off Romeo's leather with such style. Few can."

"Thanks, you big suck up" Mandy said with a smirk as Tony smiled.

"You look hot" Zoe said as Mandy smiled. "WOW."

"Thanks Zo" Mandy said with a flirty smile. "You heard my girl, put it on my account?"

"We'll do" Tony said as Zoe was in shock at the rate at which she had bought the jacket.

"You mean you're buying it just like that?" Zoe asked as Mandy laughed and said, "Yeh I like this color better than that one."

"Tony, be honest" Mandy said as she had Zoe turn and face him as she said, "Perfect for her?"

"HMMMMMMMM" Tony said coming around the corner and looking Zoe over. "Switch coats for me."

"Ok" Zoe said as she reluctantly switched coats with Mandy. Both looking back to him as he seemed to be deep in thought at the prospect Mandy presented to him.

"This one really brings out the color of her eyes and sweety you have ones to die for" He said touching Zoe's face. "What a looker in that jacket."

"Ya think?" Mandy asked as Zoe wondered what was going on.

"Mandy you know me, I get paid the same no matter how many I sell" He said as he carefully adjusted the coat on Zoe. She had to admit it was fun being taken care of like this. "You two go strollin through the mall in these, and well...there might be an accident."

"Have you got another like that?" Mandy asked.

"I think so" Tony said as he quickly went to search through the rack of leather coats hanging just to the right of the counter. "Here we are, well it's a slighter lighter color, but I think it would be perfect."

"Here try this" He said holding it up as Mandy again took off the coat she was wearing and slipped into the new one.

"You like?" Mandy asked as she looked at Zoe.

"Beautiful" Zoe said as she smiled.

"I'll take both" Mandy said as Zoe's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"You're the boss Mandy" Tony said sweetly as he took Zoe's wrist and found the tag and scanned it and then doing the same to Mandy's. "It's on your account. Anything else?"

"Yeh can we leave these here?" Mandy asked as she handed him the coats they had worn in.

"We'll hang them right here" Tony said as Mandy smiled and asked. "So when are you gonna stop pretending to be gay and go out with me?"

"Mandy, you're a charmer, but you know I am perfectly content in my private life" He said as he handed her the reciept. "But what about you two?"

"What about us?" Zoe asked.

"Are we seeing young love bloom?" Tony asked.

"We're just friends" Mandy said as Tony seemed unconvinced.

"I dunno" He said knowngly as Zoe shook her head and walked out before Tony stopped Mandy and said softly. "If you haven't considered it maybe you should."

"Seriously?" Mandy asked as Zoe looked back and wondered what they were talking about.

"Since when do you spend 600 dollars on just a friend?" Tony asked as Mandy's mind reeled at why she had indeed done that.

"What was he talking to you about?" Zoe asked as after Mandy said goobye and came out a moment later.

"Nothing" Mandy said with a smile and in an attempt to distract her asked. "Like you're new jacket?"  
.
"I adore it...mine?" Zoe asked as Mandy shrugged and smiled, "No. Mandy I can't let you buy me a 300 dollar jacket, I..."

"I didn't ask" Mandy said as she covered Zoe's mouth with her hand. "It looks great on you."

Zoe's mind reeled at the thought of what this meant and why Mandy insisted on buying her this. Thinking back a couple of minutes she could swore she had read Tony's lips when he said something to Mandy about maybe she should consider it. Mandy pulled her along, oblivious at this point to the thoughts bouncing around inside Zoe's head. Another hour or so of shopping and Mandy dragged her to the car as it got near 8 o'clock and the sun began to go down as they made their way back to Sammler-Manning Manor. Mandy looked over as she turned on to Zoe's street and saw the look of worry on her face quickly figured she may be worrying about something.

"Anything I did?" Mandy finally asked as she pulled up in front of the house. "Come on I'll walk you to the door."

"This whole night and this jacket" Zoe said as she walked across the lawn. "I'm wondering..."

"I want you to have it, please just let me be good to you for once?" Mandy asked as they stopped at the front door. "It doesn't mean anything, I'm not trying to buy your friendship. I just wanna be good to you."

"You're always good to me" Zoe said softly. "But this...people are gonna think things."

"Thought you said it didn't bother you?" Mandy asked.

"You're right, it doesn't" Zoe said with a sweet smile. "I love this, thank you."

"Good, your welcome" Mandy said as she spun around and asked, "You like?"

"WOW" Zoe said as her eyes showed a certain twinkle that Mandy noticed as she watched her, "I don't know what to say. Perfect on you."

"By the way, it's not 300" Mandy said as she showed Zoe the tag and her eyes went wide with shock as she saw the price read, $589.95.

"600 HUNDRED FUCKIN DOLLARS?" Zoe screamed as Mandy covered her mouth as she laughed and said, "Yes, now chill."

"But..that's...insane" Zoe said. "I am not keeping this."

"Yes you are" Mandy said confidently. "I bought it, not you, and you don't have the reciept."

"But... it's..." Zoe started before Mandy cut her off.

"Come on, Zoe, please, let me spoil you just a little" Mandy said, "I want my girl to look good, I mean my best friend."

"You said I was girl again" Zoe said as she saw Mandy get nervous and walk a few feet away on to the grass. "Amanda, wait, I'm not mad."

"Slip of the tongue?" Mandy asked. "I don't wanna make you uncomfortable."

"I'm totally comfortable with you" Zoe said, "You make me feel so confident."

"You make me feel like I don't have to buy you something to be my friend" Mandy said, "Which makes me wanna spoil you a little."

"I feel so special right now" Zoe said as she covered her face with her hands as Mandy smiled. "Thank you."

"I can't resist that smile" Mandy said as she put the cowboy hat back on Zoe's head and said with a flirty smile, "I am in so much trouble."

"Yeh?" Zoe asked as Mandy took her hand and said, "Yeh."

"Can I ask a question?" Zoe asked.

"Sure" Mandy said with a smile.

"If I asked you to kiss me goodnight would you?" Zoe asked.

"Do you want me too?" Mandy asked with a teasing smile as Zoe thought for a moment and grinned.

"Answer the question, Amanda" Zoe said.

"You answer the question first, Cutie" Mandy said.

"Please, just tell me" Zoe asked as Mandy took a deep breath and knew she couldn't resist those pleading eyes.

"Yes Zoe, I would" Mandy said. "Now why do you ask?"

"For future reference?" Zoe said as Mandy smiled and asking simply, "Yeh?"

"Yeh" Zoe said with a nod of her head. "You never know it might come sooner than later."

"I'm gonna go before I do something" Mandy said as Zoe smiled and watched Mandy turn to walk away before asking, "What were you tempted to do, Mandy?"

"What?" Mandy asked as she stopped and turned.

"Amanda" Zoe said as Mandy smiled and said, "Let's see how tommorrow nights double date goes and maybe...just maybe..I'll tell you."

"Night, Amanda" Zoe said with a small wave as Mandy smiled.

"Night, cutie, I mean Zoe" Mandy said before she literally went bouncing down the grass. Zoe laid her head against the door and couldn't remove the smile from her face.

"Brian who?" Zoe asked as she watched Mandy drive off and breaking into a fit of giggles a moment later.