Let's Try it Again

Baby I'm Blue

Ali walked downstairs to see the guys surrounded by a few fans and they were snapping pictures and doing autographs. Danny noticed the look on Ali's face and walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Are you OK? Did you find Amelia?"

Ali turned around and nodded, tucking a dark piece of hair behind her ear. " Yeah, yeah I did."

Danny took his finger and tipped her chin up. "Babe, what's wrong?"

Ali let out a frustrated sigh and began to hash out what she saw upstairs and her fears for her new friend.

Joe was posing for pictures with a fan, when he heard the click of heels and he turned his head to see her stepping off the elevator. She was wearing jeans, a black halter top and boots. Her long hair was left down and curled. She looked so stunning, it took his breath away.

He had finished with the fan and was about to approach her, when he saw the man who had hit her before, step off the elevator and put his arm around her waist. He saw her stiffen and her features contort into a slight frown. She did not look happy.

Ali forced a smiled. "Well, we are all here. So we better get going."

Justin smiled. "Now, Amelia. Remember what we talked about. No cheesecake. I know how you love your cheesecake, but it goes to that ass of yours." He threw back his head and laughed.

Ali noticed Amelia's face turn red, than tears filled her green eyes. She looked over to see Joe glancing at Amelia, a sad look on his face, she returned his gaze and gave him a warm smile. She suddenly realized why Amelia took off like she did at the video and why she was reluctant to do the video with Joe.

They all arrived at an upscale steak restaurant and where led over to the VIP section. The waiter handed Amelia a menu and Justin cleared his throat.

"Actually she doesn't need one. Just a salad, dressing on the side."

The waiter looked at Justin and put the menu under his arm. "Very well. Any champagne?"

Justin smiled. "For me? Yes. But not for her. She gets a little crazy when she drinks. Just water with lemon."

Ali saw Amelia shaking with anger and humiliation and she glanced over to see Joe's blue eyes full of hate and anger. Never before in her life had she seen that in his eyes before. She cleared her throat to ease the tension.

"Well Justin, has Amelia told you about her promotion?"

Justin smiled. "Yes, she did. I think that' s awesome." He bumped Amelia. "Bout time you became the bread winner instead of sitting on your ass, watching soaps."

Amelia let out a slow breath and pushed her chair away from the table and stood up. "Excuse me."

Joe watched as Amelia left, following her out the door with his eyes. He then looked at Ali and she gave him a sad smile.

**
"Care if I join you?"

Amelia looked up from her cigarette to see Donnie standing above her and she scooted to make room for him. "Help yourself." She handed him the lighter.

Donnie lit his cigarette and looked at her. "Are you OK?"

She nodded and tucked a stray piece behind her ear. "I wasn't expecting him to show up here. As far as I knew, he didn't care."

Donnie let out his smoke and leaned forward. "I'm gonna be blunt here, Shorty. He's an ass. What the hell are you doing with him?"

Amelia shook her head, tears filling her eyes. "I..I don't know." She looked at her hands. "After you and I broke things off, I crumbled. Didn't think I deserved any happiness." She sighed. "But I'm glad to see that you are."

Donnie nodded. "Jen and I might have our problems, but I would never treat her the way that jerk treats you. Kick him to the curb."

Amelia shook her head. "It's not that simple."

Donnie looked at her for a long moment. "Does he hit you?" She didn't answer and Donnie looked at her. "Amelia. Look at me. Does he hit you?"

"I sometimes deserve it. I mouth off...." Amelia heard a noise and she turned to see Joe standing behind the bench. She jumped up. "JOE!"She ran into the restaurant and grabbed Joe by the arm. "Joe, please."

Joe spun around, anger in his eyes. That anger softened when he saw Amelia. "How can I just stand here and do nothing after what I just heard."

Amelia grabbed onto his arm, her eyes pleading. "Joe, please. You can't do anything or say anything. Please, I'm begging you."

Joe saw the fear in her eyes and his features softened. He went to touch her cheek, but stopped when she flinched away. He lowered his hand. "Our food is getting cold."

As they ate, Amelia was aware the Joe was looking at her. She sat there and stared at her plate, not wanting to look him in his eyes, not wanting too see the shame and anger there. She got that everywhere she went and she was so tired of it. But she knew she couldn't stand up to Justin, last time she tried, she was in the hospital for a month.

When they got to their hotel, they all retired to their rooms. Amelia was thankful that Justin had gotten his own room, his punishment for her he said.

Punishment because she got lippy with him during dinner. She laughed to herself inside, how would he take it when these punishments were a blessing to her. But he was like a time bomb, wasn't sure what would really set him off.