Return of a Broken Heart

Fourteen - Opposites Don't Attract

Angie and German knew about Antonio's death. No one at the Studio had been told, except Gregorio and obviously Pablo. This was why it had to be a secret. Neither of them had told Violetta. As for Ludmila... Well Priscila vaguely knew about the Studio. It would be too complicated if she knew.

What she did know about, however, was the ownership problem that had been presented. Since Antonio was technically the owner of the Studio, it was currently available to purchase. Pablo was interviewing new owners. German had convinced Priscila to ask for an interview. They could help the Studio grow. Everyone knew him and hopefully it would be a good move. What they didn't know was that Jade had already vouched for it.

That was why Priscila had gotten a call. They both agreed the lease should be under her name, it would be too risky for it to be under German's right now, so that meant anything to do with the financial deal, she would have to oversee. It would be lying to say that German wasn't a little bit worried about that. He loved her, he did, but they hadn't got into the place in the relationship yet where they shared everything. At times it felt like an unnecessary jump.

It had to be though. He was getting married to her soon. The thought chilled his veins. It wouldn't be a wedding! She wasn't going to wear white, well not just white. It wouldn't be a conventional wedding. They'd agreed on that. She'd be wearing a black and white dress. He'd seen it. German, however, had not even thought about his tux.

*    *    *

"But the Studio's mine!" Jade whinged.

Priscila and Pablo were getting very fed up with her. She'd been putting up the same flimsy argument for just about an hour. "As of now." Pablo stated irritably, "Priscila and German can offer more money. It goes to them." He was surprised at how blunt he could be. He had never treated the kids like this.

"It's the thought that counts, not the money!" How funny of you to say that. Thought Pablo.

He started writing out a cheque, "Money is what will save us." Ripping it out of the check book, he handed it to Priscila, "This is for you."

"Thank you." Priscila said, thanking him quietly for ending this dispute.

Whether it was expected from them, or unexpected, that couldn't be known, but it did have an impact.

Jade threw her hands in the air. Had she surrendered? With her perfectly manicured hand (as always, and - she would have liked this, rivalling Priscila's) she plucked out an envelope. Pablo and Priscila stood there dumbfounded. What did she want with that? They waited, their confusion only turning to astonishment when she flicked it towards Pablo.

Like he'd just seen a fly, he staggered in his spot, foolishly grabbing onto the envelope to regain his balance. Thankfully he didn't fall over. Jade waited, wanting him to open it. He didn't. She shrugged again and fished another envelope from her purse. This time, she flung it at Priscila.

Unlike Pablo, she was cool and collected. She didn't want Jade to feel like she had the upper hand. One tap from Jade's heel and she opened the letter, or, that's what she guessed it was.

Priscila's eyes opened wide. "I don't want it." She practically threw it back at Jade.

Jade tossed it back at her, throwing the growing ball into her court, "Not you, darling, German. Give it to your spouse."

She quaked in her stilettos. Jade had done an impression of her. And it was pretty good. She couldn't, however, throw her a marital remark. She could only say, "We're not."

Jade raised her eyebrow and added with a perfect peppering of sarcasm, "Oh, you will be." She thanked Pablo for his time and turned away to find Nicolas.