Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.

"So, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, or the White album?" Gene shouted, as he rooted through Paul's CD collection.

"Gene, sit your ass down here and be a GUEST!" Paul scolded him from a few rooms distant. "Sheesh, can't you stop the leadership bit for ONCE?"

Gene turned his head at the sound of Paul's shout from the den. Trynia entered, carrying a tray laden with several glasses frosty with condensation. She had a shy smile on her lovely face, still flushed and glowing from the activity of a few minutes ago.

"Well isn't THAT a sight to see," Gene teased.

"Fresca?" she asked, holding the tray out to him.

"Hmm thanks," he said, taking the glass and sipping a bit of clear soda. "Don't change the subject doll, you're positively RADIENT from what Starchild did to you..."

"Is it THAT obvious?" she asked.

"A well f**ked woman is VERY obvious," Gene said bluntly. "When a woman's gotten a good lay she glows all over. The air crackles with her satisfaction."

"I'm sure you're well acquainted with that observation," Trynia said, and then stopped.

"Very true," Gene said, taking another sip, his wink showing that he was not offended in the slightest by her stray comment.

"Won't you come into the den and join the rest of us?" she asked.

"After I find something DECENT to put on," he laughed.

"How about this?" she asked, and rooted through several records. She pulled out a Rolling Stones album and held it up to Gene.

"Holy SHIT, you have THAT one?" he laughed.

"Yes, it's where the Stones went psychedelic..." she laughed.

"Tryn, I like your style," Gene grinned, rubbing his hands together as she handed him the record. Between the flats of both hands, he placed it, carefully and reverently transferring it to the turntable.

"Honey, WHERE are you?" Paul's voice called form the next room.

"I'm entertaining guests!" she called back.

"While you're up, could you get me a bottle of Asti Spumanti while you're at it?"

"He's got you domesticated, right?" Gene asked, setting the record up to drop into place after the first one, the White album by the Beatles, stopped playing.

"Like hell," she laughed back.

"C'mon, let me help you find that bubbly," Gene offered, taking the tray from her and holding out a folded elbow to her. "I believe he still has that bottle next to the Fresca in the fridge..."

Shyly she linked arms with Gene, and they strode out to the kitchen through the living room. It was difficult to keep up with his long legged stride, the awkwardness building between them again. Inhaling, she kept pace and followed him into the kitchen. However, she beat him to the fridge, opening it and tugging out the champagne bottle before he could.

"Tryn, can you do me a favor?" Gene asked.

"Sure... what?"

"Relax."

"What makes you think I'm not... after Paul's ministrations?"

"The fact you're all shy and prim and proper," Gene answered. "Look Tryn, I can be an asshole sometimes, but that doesn't mean I have to be on your shit list... right? Are we cool or not?"

"Well..."

"Just answer me, straight up, yes or no. I'm a big boy, I can take the truth."

"The straight truth?"

"Yeah, please. For Paulie's sake..."

"You can be a real asshole," she said with a deep breath. "And the fact that you and I... slept together once makes it really hard sometimes to be around you... especially when you say things that make me think it's MY fault that Paul would quit the band... I'm not Yoko Ono, Gene."

"Thank you for being honest," Gene said, laying a hand on her shoulder, and giving it a squeeze. "I'll admit that was a low blow, back there. But you have to understand my side of this. Paul and I... we brought ourselves up from nothing. KISS is our life... I can't just turn it off... and..."

"Gene, I know that. I'm a fan, remember? I don't WANT to be blamed for breaking up the hottest band in the world... it makes me feel rotten..."

"Good, I'm glad to know that," Gene said. "Look Tryn, I really do like you. I just want you to know... where we stand..."

"Honey, where is that bubbly?" Paul called from the den again. "We're getting DRY!"

"Then learn to be a camel!" Trynia called back.

"Only if I can be your sheik!" Paul answered.

"C'mon let's give him his damn champagne," Gene urged. "Before he bitches all night..."

"Sure... and Gene..."

"Yeah?"

"I really DO want to get along with you... honestly... but you do take getting used to..."

"I am an acquired taste," he laughed. "So, truce?"

Gene extended a hand to her, and she pursed her lips in thought. He raised an eyebrow, hand still extended as she stood there, fingering her chin. Finally she took his hand to shake it, and then leaned up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek that surprised him.

"You're forgiven, for now," she said, winking at him. Gene reached over and pulled her into a hug, which totally surprised her. Especially with the ensuing soft kiss on her forehead as she was squeezed momentarily close to his sturdy body. IT was purely platonic, surprising in nature for a man who thought of every woman as a possible conquest.

"Thank you," he said. "And now that we've totally descended into cheesiness... let's get this champagne to our significant others..."

He said this with a slight laugh, and Trynia laughed back, relief pouring over her like a cool waterfall. She slugged Gene on the back, and grabbed the champagne bottle as they walked out of the kitchen together.

"Now THIS is a real wine," Paul said, tipping the green glass neck of his Merlot towards Terri's emptied glass.

"And this is fake?" she asked, holding up the rest of the green wine, still half full.

"No it is wine, but this is VINO," he answered, waving the bottle's neck over her glass.

"Set me up then," she said, pushing the glass toward him across the coffee table.

"You won't regret it..."

"I have already had some," she laughed back, as he filled it to the top.

"Well then, why didn't you ask for more?" he drawled in a thick Queens accent.

"Oh, just pacing myself," she winked.

"Mm," Paul nodded. "Probably a wise policy... on second thought..."

Cupping the glass with both hands, Terri leaned forward in her chair and regarded Paul carefully. He lay back in the sofa, legs crossed and glass propped in his hand. A strange thought came to her mind and she chuckled, for he resembled an English lord in some high-class novel she had once read.

"What?" he asked.

"Oh nothing..."

"C'mon, spill, you! I have to know what's going on in that pretty little head of yours," Paul said.

"Flatterer. Well, you are the proper lord of all you survey, huh?" she joked. "You look like an English lord, minus the brandy, dressing gown and cigar!"

"Verrry funny," Paul chuckled. "Not as if I'd ever smoke a cigar. Not with Gene watching anyway."

Terri tucked one leg under her thigh, and shifted back into the comfort of the plush armchair. From her head to her toes a wave of warmth wafted, a pleasant buzzing behind her eyes accompanying it.

Across from her, Paul reclined and stretched his legs out on the hassock. The flickering light from his fireplace painted him in contrasting warm reds and oranges overtop the golden glow from the indirect lighting present in the sitting room.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Gene poking his head out of the dining room. He held a bottle of champagne in a silver ice bucket. Setting it down, he glanced at both sitting there relaxing. Terri glanced over and caught his eye. Paul didn't notice the silent intimation that she wanted to be left alone. Gene nodded. Just as quietly as his head and shoulders had appeared, Gene bobbed back out of sight. Paul heard his footsteps resounding on the hardwood floor out toward the direction of the kitchen again.

"I take it they don't want to be disturbed?" Trynia asked Gene as he entered the kitchen again.

"Yeah, I heard them actually talking. I have a feeling they need some quality time like you and me," Gene answered.

"Good, because I would hate to eat these chocolate chip cookies by myself," Trynia laughed, reaching into a tin and opening it.

"Oh you got my interest," Gene perked up his ears. "When did you make these?"

"I had a craving," she said. "And NO it wasn't for pickles and ice cream..."

"Get used to strange cravings," Gene laughed as he watched her arranging cookies on a plate. "How about some milk to go with those?"

He crossed over to Paul's large fridge and opened the door. He hunted around for a moment till he found the jug of milk. Next to her plate of cookies on the breakfast table he set two glasses with the glass jug and sat opposite her.

"Homemade?" he asked.

"Old Quinn family recipe, courtesy of my Nanna," Trynia explained. Gene took an experimental nibble and tasted fresh walnuts baked in with a hint of salt.

"Not just chocolate chip but toll house," he muttered, washing the mouthful of cookie down with a swig of milk. "Better and better..."

"Here's some more champagne," Terri offered, carrying the ice bucket over and setting it down on the coffee table near the emptied Merlot bottle.

"Now where did THAT come from?" Paul chuckled.

"Magic," she joked. She fiddled with the cork till Paul held out his hand and she passed the bottle to him to open. Expertly he did so, pouring them each a foaming glass of golden liquid.

For a moment, she contemplated him in silent, settling back into his seat and taking his glass in hand. Dark eyes fixed on the crackling fire, gleaming with contentment. Strange feelings welled up from the pit of Terri's stomach, and she felt a lump forming in her throat. That awkwardness settled in, as so many times before when she was alone in his presence, an exceptionally rare occurrence. It had been almost two years to the day since their first meeting, and even then, the feelings persisted. It wasn't a feeling of want or desire, but a haunting of old anger and old wounds.

Distant laughter met their ears, and Paul smiled warmly. Terri pushed away her musings and looked to Paul. She said, "Now WHY does the thought of those two retreating into the kitchen scare the hell out of me?"

"Because they're getting along?" Paul grinned. "And maybe they're after those cookies Trynia baked?"

She laughed, "At least Trynia has the excuse of eating for two. Gene, well...I guess we'll concentrate on that diet tomorrow."

"Watch out, or he'll be chugging all my milk," Paul laughed back, taking another sip of champagne. "And what was that about a diet for GENE?"

"I guess he's finally feeling the pinch to lose a few. He's even signed up for Tae Bo, for God's sake."

"You're kidding, right?" Paul raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that remark. "No wait, it does sound like something he'd do. Esp if it's taught by those instructors in their TIGHT little unitards..."

"No, he's really doing it. Maybe he's afraid of being referred to as Jacob's grandfather."

"Yikes," Paul laughs, and stares into his glass thoughtfully. Getting up, Terri crossed over and sat down next to him on the sofa. She groaned and slapped his leg a bit, "No, DON'T you start too."

"Well, look at me. I was mistaken for Trynia's FATHER..." winced Paul.

"Paul, I can't believe you would even be worried about that. You've always been in great shape. Hell, you look better than men half your age, even though I know you've heard that a thousand times."

"Yeah I hear it, but why can't I believe it always?" he asks, swirling his drink.

"But, it's true," Terri insisted.

Paul fixed his gaze into hers. "Terri, I'm getting up there. How can I toddle my babies on my knee if it's a damn replacement? I'm turning into the Bionic man."

"I get it. A midlife crisis for the Starchild. Can it be?" she teased.

"Go ahead and laugh," Paul says, sipping his wine. "Mr. Sexy Pants worrying about being past his prime. Some sex symbol huh?"

Terri snorted with impatience, "Just look at it this way. You and Linda did a great job raising Aaron through a bad marriage and all. You and Trynia will do an AWESOME job with your family, because you love each other. Am I right?"

"I hope to, Terri," he said, taking another sip.

"There are lots of kids out there who have youthful fathers who don't give a damn about them. Age doesn't mean a thing."

"But I have to confess..."

"Yes?" she looked at him with dark eyes.

"When I saw Trynia among those fellow graduate students at Villanova, I worried. And now that she's rubbing shoulders with young artists..."

"Oh?" Terri asked, raising an eyebrow this time. "Do tell... any one in particular?"

"There was this guy she knew at school... Art I think..." Paul said. "He came to a performance of Phantom. He's one of Trynia's best friends and well... I couldn't help but feel a bit... jealous..."

"Paul, Trynia's going to meet people. You can't keep her in a bubble. Heck, once we get our business off the ground, she'll meet good looking guys in business suits on a daily basis."

"She's a gorgeous woman. She's really blossomed," Paul said levelly.

"Does that mean that she's going to be unfaithful? You HAVE to remember whom you are dealing with. That girl fell HARD for you the minute she met you and she's never looked back," Terri rolled her eyes.

"Not that she wasn't always lovely in her own way... but every day she gets MORE lovely... you know what I mean?"

"Of course, I do, and she'd say the same about you, you know," Terri added, taking another sip of champagne.

"She would?" Paul lifted an eyebrow. "Jeez, I guess I sound like some neurotic mess right now. But I love that woman. Imagine ME, Paul Stanley being scared of a little old thing like getting older."

"She absolutely would, Paul. Just look at her. Wanting to drink wine from your lips? How much more romantic can you possibly get?"

"I have trained her well, haven't I?" he joked.

"And I think you'll find that the baby will make you feel much younger. I know that Jacob has done that for Gene. He's energized him to start taking care of himself, and how long have we been nagging him to do THAT?" she asked.

"Long before you two were an item," Paul began, and then stopped himself. "Sorry, that sounded insensitive..."

"Paul...if I can be very rude and insensitive..." she said quietly.

"Be my guest." Paul shrugged. "I seem to get a lot of it lately."

"I mean, if you don't mind going down this road...." she began, but her eyes widened discernibly at his last remark. "What do you mean?"

"Between Gene, and my own woman confronting me in the dressing room. Terri, I should have stopped that damn bunny putting her hands on me..."

"I think part of the problem you have, or HAD, is that you let your insecurity drive you into a state of.... I don't know.... Indecision, I guess."

"But it's like I become someone else..." Paul sighed, running his finger around the rim of his glass. "And a little smack on the ass to her isn't the same as screwing her for God's sake..."

"It's like with us," Terri said bitterly, and she was unable to stop the words that tumbled out next. "Why didn't you TELL me when we first met that you were in the process of mending a past relationship, but that we could have a one night stand?"

Paul sighed and stared into his glass. He cleared his throat and closed his eyes for a moment. "I don't know. I wish I could have a good answer for that one."

"I mean, I probably would have told you to get the hell out, but even if I did it, I wouldn't have sat around afterward thinking that you cared about me," Terri continued, her voice choking off with the unrequited issues. "And having my hopes dashed."

"The problem was, that I did care about you. And I guess... I got scared," said Paul slowly.

"That's not a good excuse..." Terri returned, breathe heaving in and out as her face flushed.

"And because of my screwing around I cost you your job. Your dreams..." Paul said, his dark eyes moist with regret.

"But you see, Paul, by not being honest, you make it WORSE. Do you see what I'm saying?" she asked, lowering her voice. Reaching over she touched his hand.

"Yes," he sighed, moving his hand away from hers. "Damn it."

She rubbed his hand a bit encouragingly, and smiled, "I think it turned out OK in the end, but for awhile there, it was disastrous."

"I just hate the thought of you carrying around that pain, because of something I did in a moment of weakness..." Paul shook his head. "I'm VERY sorry for putting you through that. I hope you believe it."

"Well, I'd be lying to say that I don't walk around with a bit of resentment toward you...and maybe just a bit of attraction."

"Same goes both ways," he said, finishing his glass. "Look at you. You're a powerful and attractive woman. What man wouldn't want you?"

She chuckled, "Oh, I'm sure there are plenty that I drive crazy."

"And Gene has brought out the best in you. I brought out the worst... In both of us."

She sipped the rest of her champagne, and said, "Very true. I like that. But look, Paul, the reason I brought this up isn't to make you feel horrible, I just wanted to.... I guess get you to learn from it."

"You're a scientist, who deals with figures and facts. Can you honestly logically explain just what happened with me and Trynia that didn't happen with you and me?" Paul asked, reaching for the champagne bottle. He poured more foaming liquid for both of them. "For example, the photo shoot. I think if you have told Trynia the parameters BEFORE you went in there.... Set some ground rules.... She would not have been so surprised when she walked in there."

"Well...." she started.

"Yes... that was pretty stupid, wasn't it?" Paul muttered.

"Part of it was probably that Linda was out of your system at this point, or was at least CLOSE to being out. And in a lot of ways, Trynia is much more patient than I am. Let's face it. Can you ever picture Trynia shouting at you in the dressing room?" Terri observed.

"I mean, she would NOW, but then?"

"Well. She did give me hell now... but not then." Paul recounted. "She's like an ocean. She absorbs so much..."

"Sure she gave you hell now. That's because she's comfortable that she won't lose you and she knows she can be herself. Not to MENTION that you were being a royal ass" she chuckled.

"I was, wasn't I?" Paul laughed ironically.

"My recommendation is you two need to sit down and talk through just what are the guidelines for the Starchild," Terri suggested. "Can he smack some ass? Can he give fans a peck on the cheek? A hug? A kiss on the LIPS? Can he transgress deeper, occasionally? Only you two can decide and you have to stick to it."

"Definitions and guidelines, huh?" Paul nodded.

"Gene and I had that talk. It hurt like hell, because you KNOW how Gene likes parameters, but I did get him to agree to some. No women at our house. No groping around the children. That sort of thing."

"I think that's what I need to lay down with her," Paul agreed. "Especially if I go on stage again... in ANY role."

"Don't expect it to be an EASY conversation, but I think it would help out a lot."

"Yes," Paul nodded.

"You know she's going to want you to do nothing" she laughed, "But you have to be realistic."

"Is she going to get jealous when the Phantom is kissing Christine?" Paul despaired.

"See, that's what you need to work through," Terri pointed her finger at him. "What are you BOTH comfortable with?"

"It's just hard to break the habits of a lifetime. Lord knows years ago... I would have been perfectly happy to have a wife, a home and kids. And then I tasted what it was like onstage and it was like eating chocolate for the first time..."

"But don't be afraid to speak your mind too. She's going to have to realize that you are a performer and part of being one is that you have to act on occasion," Terri relented.

"Suddenly thirty years of eating chocolate was giving me tooth decay..."

"Hmmm. I guess that's a call you have to make for yourself, but I can tell you that she won't sanction cheating on her in any form."

"I don't WANT to cheat on her," Paul said plaintively.

"I guess I'm a little envious of her in that regard. She's always stood firm on that issue," said Terri wit h a sigh.

"I mean when I gave up groupies I meant it. For real," Paul said firmly.

"But yet, you don't totally rule out the possibility, right? I mean, PAUL would never cheat on her, but would the Starchild?" she said. Terri looked at him thoughtfully and ran a finger down her glass.

"And it's hard not to look at other women. But that doesn't mean I want to go to bed with all of them..." Paul nodded, slapping his thigh. "Even if I might fantasize about it, what red blooded STRAIGHT male doesn't?"

"And I think you have to remember that even in the red hot 70's, I used to read articles about how you were not into taking groupies by the flock," Terri added. "You can't let yourself forget how all that "sugar" made you feel. It's not YOU, Paul."

"No, I wanted to get to know them. Have a connection with them... I was so busy in the damn makeup. And then come the eighties, and I was STILL randy and horny as hell. From the way I was onstage you'd think that, right?"

She laughed, "You still ARE, to a degree. Don't think I haven't heard about your nightly escapades. Not every man your age can still perform every night, if you know what I mean."

"True," he laughed back, blushing a bit.

"OK, so let's play. Pretend I'm Trynia. What do you think the Starchild should be able to do?" Terri suggested. She sat up straight and looked him right in the eyes.

"Crap I knew this was coming," he sighed. He suppressed an snort of annoyance when she giggled.

"It's the wine. Humor me. This will make it MUCH easier for the REAL conversation."

With a sigh he put down his wineglass and closed his eyes. Terri continued, "I think it's a given that you can't cheat.... No intercourse...am I right? Or am I presuming?"

"Mmm hmm," he muttered, sipping at his glass once more. He was half buzzed by the wine and suddenly felt very weary of all this talk.

"Don't sound so pained when you say that, love."

"Yes that is a safe bet, by all means," Paul half yawned, stretching.

"Alright. Scenario number 2. Some gorgeous blonde lifts her shirt backstage. Can you touch?" she asked, then gulped half her wine. "That's a hard one. No pun intended. But I'd say thank you and not touch," Paul answered honestly. "I mean I can look, because I'm not blind, but I don't have to touch. To admire beauty. And it doesn't' count if they are giving me a rather affectionate hug with clothing between us."

"OK...no touching breasts for you. But what about, a fan in line says she's loved you for years and can she touch your chest?"

"I might say yes, but I'd remind her I'm spoken for," Paul says levelly. "It would have to be in a more platonic sense."

"So we've established that she can touch, but only on a professional level, so to speak."

"I can't believe I just used that word," he half joked.

"What about she asks you for a kiss?" Terri persisted.

"A kiss on the lips perhaps, but it does tend to smear the makeup. And nothing more intimate then a quick press of the lips mind you."

"I think that's a given. You really have to be able to do that, career wise," Terri agreed, a flush of heat passing over her face.

"Yes."

"Now the hard part. The ass slap. You did it once," she said suddenly.

"Does slapping my own ass count?" he asked, hoping she would stop the Spanish inquisition.

She grins, "No, not by a long shot. And what about her just about grabbing the family jewels?"

"Well I would think that I would firmly take her hand and ask her firmly NOT to do that. They're reserved for one woman only," he says in a deep breath. "Unless it's a photo shoot? Or else I'd tell her to back off... in a very polite but FIRM manner."

"Even and ESPECIALLY at a photo shoot."

"So you did learn something," Terri said finally, pouring herself more wine.

"Yes. I guess I did, even though I am pretty thick skulled huh?"

"So, my scientific conclusion, based on the data you input, is that you are not allowed any sexual contact with any woman other than Trynia. You are not allowed to initiate any type of contact with any woman, but if she initiates and it appears to be friendly and platonic, it is acceptable.

"Yes," Paul nodded.

"Up to the limit of touching private parts, or French-kissing," Terri further qualified.

"Exactly, as you said, baby," Paul nodded.

"See, now was that so hard? Can you live with that?"

"I can. Provided my lovely wife to be is on hand for the appropriate sexual release... Her man is ready to give her, getting all hot and bothered."

She laughed a bit, "Oh, I don't doubt that you will get what you want. Knowing Trynia like I do, I think she'll agree to those terms.... All of them. She might not LOVE giving her husband permission to kiss some sweaty groupie, but I think she'll see where it is coming from."

"Yes. She knows it goes with the territory, having been a fan herself for years."

"And here comes the even harder part. Would you be willing to grant Trynia the same courtesy?" Terri asked.

"Yes. I hope so," Paul says with another sigh. He closed his eyes and lay back, stretching. Then he sat up, and regarded Terri. "Well... I think in all fairness... yes."

"You have to figure, there will be occasions where she might have to take clients to dinner, and most are male."

"But heaven help them if they cross the line..." he started, and stops himself.

"And some nights might be late and I might not be there. What if he wants to give her a peck on the cheek at the end of the evening? Playing devils advocate, of course."

"There's that double standard again, huh?" Paul asked ruefully.

"I think you know that you can't hold her to a standard that you aren't expected to keep."

"Well then, considering I have seen a few of her male friends back in the old neighborhood, being Italian, greet her with a kiss I can live with that."

"And what if a guy wants to touch her, in say, a non sexual way?" Terri inquired.

"I mean hell, Gene greets her with a kiss on the cheek and I can hardly pummel my best bud right?" Paul joked. "I've got no problem with her hugging someone. Or giving her a pat on the back, or anything like that..."

"Hmmm. If you really mean it, then you guys should have no problems."

"Do I see doubt there, Ms. Mason?" Paul asked this time, looking directly into her eyes.

"Trust me, Paul. I know it's not easy. Gene and I went through this same exercise, but I really think it's needed because otherwise you will continue to push the envelope and Trynia will continue to get upset."

"I don't want to loose her, Terri," he said, looking very vulnerable for a moment. "Not like... I lost you."

"I know you don't, hon. I just hope that you really mean it this time, because as God is my witness, I thought you cared about me once too." she said quietly.

"Champagne?" he asks, holding the bottle near her glass.

"Yes...of course" she looks at him sadly.

"I suppose I deserved to hear that," he says softly with a sigh. Terri hit herself on the forehead and mutters.

"I'm sorry.... I.... I'm sorry. Here I am, in your house, drinking your wine, trying to be a friend and I just can't help but hurt you."

"No, you're not. I'm doing a fine job of beating myself up," he laughs sadly and poured for her. "For what it's worth, that week really DID mean something to me."

"You were...umm...very good," she grinned a bit, and sneaked more champagne.

"Thank you, m'dear," he laughed. "So were you."

"I was a damn novice, but thanks for the praise anyway."

"It was nice not to have to teach you everything," he joked. "Seriously, I've known ones who knew NOTHING."

"Au contraire, my love. I gather that you LOVE to teach."

"Uh huh," he said, and leveled his gaze at her. "And don't deny you don't like learning."

"I think that's part of your attraction to Trynia...her vulnerability... her sweetness."

"Yes... I guess I like to take care of my women... my WOMAN," he corrects himself.

She looked down and blushed, "No, I don't deny that. These last few years have been QUITE the learning experience."

"But Terri, you're really happy with Gene. I doubted it at first..." Paul reached out and touched her arm. "And now I KNOW you are."

"Gene's like no one I've ever met before. He's truly an original. And you're right. I've never been happier."

"Good, I'm glad," Paul smiled. "Because I can't think of you guys with anyone else."

"He's got his faults.... No DOUBT about that, but we have something very special."

"But I just want you to know, if you guys ever hit... a rough spot once in a while, if you need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on..." Paul offered. "Trynia and I would be the first to be there for you."

"Yes... I know. But you know, I mean, I trust him completely. Oh, I KNOW he cheats on me, but I trust him 100% that his heart is with me. Strange and twisted, I know, but in here, he's mine" she tapped her heart.

"Hell Gene has given me use of his guest house when things got bad with Linda..."

"Paul, it's not easy. No one has it down perfectly, and doesn't let anyone tell you they do. You just need to communicate with her, like you did with me today. You two just need to find some common ground and go with it. Maybe once you talk to her, you'll find she gives you permission to do MORE. Maybe she won't care if you touch some fan's chest. OR maybe she'll have a problem with you even... kissing someone. That's up to you two. Only you guys can decide."

"Yeah, I just have to be honest with her and myself," Paul nodded. "Thank you Terri."

"Yes, you do and you have to press her to get her to tell you honestly what she wants. I know that she likes to clam up sometimes, but don't let her."

"Like I do, right?" Paul asked.

"Again, not meaning to be rude...." she grinned.

"Gene has YOU well trained," he laughs. They suddenly heard laughter from the kitchen.

"But my observation on you is that when something bothers you, you get caught going around and around in circles, instead of moving forward. You wallow in self pity, my dear." She leaned over and kisses him with a friendly peck on the cheek.

"Gene tells me the same thing," Paul says sheepishly, moving away from her half jokingly. "Hey, am I allowed to have my best friend's woman do that?"

"I don't know if it's in your agreement with Trynia, but it's in mine with Gene," she laughed, then blushed for a second afterward. "Sorry...though..."

"Well you have to admit, I have to be careful, after your lovely lecture," he said.

"It's just that sometimes you remind me of a sweet big brother."

"That's nice," he smiled. "Considering what you probably thought of me for a good half of the year after you and Gene got together..."

"Well, I DID take my Love Gun poster that I've had since the 70's and I.... Uh.... Tore the Starchild right out of it." she grinned.

"Oh god," Paul starts to laugh, the tension breaking into relief.

"But it felt DAMN good" she laughs and drinks more champagne.

"You really DID hate me, didn't you?" Paul asked, laughing now.

"You AND her. I thought I was so close to have the All-American dream. The six foot, hot looking, all American Man."

"You were jealous of me and Trynia?" he asks with a slight laugh, and she hesitated a bit. "When you had every woman's dream in bed, the Demon? You can't deny that for every Paul fan there is a closet GENE fan."

"That's a hard question, because Gene was someone I never expected to fall in love with, and when I fell it was damn hard."

"But you just seem so NATURAL together," Paul pointed out.

"But still, it was a bit awkward to see someone come in and take you.... Someone who looks remotely like me, a chemist, an east-coast girl, an intellectual. It was just...strange, I guess."

"When you bitched me out in that dressing room I saw a part of you that was on fire... alive!" Paul observed. "And it was really weird, that I ended up with another person so much like you..."

"I wonder sometimes what I would have done if you had begged forgiveness that day and demanded I come back?" Terri asked pointedly.

He fell silent, and gets a sheepish look on his face, and said, "I wonder too. But I wasn't sure if there was any chance of that, after I saw you standing there next to Gene and I put two and two together."

"But I look back on it and I take it as a compliment that Trynia is so much like me. Hell, you could have gone out and found yourself another Linda" she rolled her eyes.

"God forbid that," he laughed nervously.

"I probably would have told you to screw off," she laughed. "But then again, I've always been partial to those big brown eyes of yours."

"For half a minute in that room when you came back I thought I had a chance, even when you screamed at me. And then I saw how you turned and looked at Gene. I knew there was no chance. He had gotten to you, and you had gotten to him. And the battle was lost."

She laughs again and looks at him, "I suppose you don't want to know what I did to your solo album, do you?"

"Oh god," he groaned. "Spare me."

"Don't worry. I replaced it later."

"If I know you, you probably used it as a dart board," he chuckled. "With my star as the bullseye."

"Well, there was a bit of contact with fire." she smiled, then winced. "And my Mego doll."

"Oh no, did you get Gene to show you his fire breathing trick? OH GOD," he groaned.

"Gene laughed his ass off when I told him. He told me he was going to tell you. Guess he spared me."

"Well, you should see what Trynia did with some Gene related merchandise..." he said. "After a couple of times when he got pretty obnoxious... And she did admit to taking her Gene Psycho circus figure and putting it into the fireplace..."

"Ouch! No PC Gene! Damn...."

"I had lit a fire in the fireplace, and I noticed a strange smell... and smoke... And then I realized there was that uh... action figure tucked in between the logs... and by the time I tried to rescue it, I saw her standing there watching me try to get it out of the fireplace with the tongs...

"I tell you what. Gene has boxes of those upstairs. Let me slip you another one for her, next time you're at our place," Terri suggested.

"That was shortly after one of the times Gene came down on me for something stupid... during the tour," Paul winced. "Also I noticed the most interesting arrangements of her Bendees during recent events with Peter and Gene..."

Terri laughed loudly, "Oh, God, those bendees are fun. One night Gene got hold of his and well.... Uh...DEMONSTRATED what he'd like me to do to him."

"What... with a bendee doll?" Paul suddenly busts out laughing and blushed.

"Bendee sex." she howled, "My mom would be SO proud."

"Bendee sex?" Paul gasped, hugging his ribs that hurt from laughing so hard.

"You see, he...takes the Bendee and uh...positions the arms and legs so that I know what he wants me to...."

"To what?" Paul asked. "C'mon here, you can't leave me in suspense, girl!"

"Oh FORGET it. Even I am getting embarrassed." she laughed, and finished her drink.

"Hang on a moment, I think I might have something to replace that mego figure..." he offered, getting up, and almost tripping over his own shoes.

"Whoa, sailor! Easy there," Terri said, grabbing his arm and steadying him. She helped him sit down again.

"Damn, I think that's the LAST glass of champagne for me tonight," he moaned, head suddenly spinning.

"Hmmm, I think that's best, or she's going to kill me if she has to go to bed wanting. After all, this ISN'T the Hotter than Hell photo shoot and I'm NOT wearing a silver chicken head" she grinned. "And I'm NOT shutting you in my car."

"What?" he asked, looking shortly confused.

"Oh, God, Paul, don't you remember? The Hotter than Hello photo shoot where you got so drunk? They had to lock you in your own car." she chuckled.

"Uh... I'd rather FORGET," Paul reminded her, shaking his head.

"And you were too drunk to figure out how to unlock the door and get out."

"Oh GOD," he groaned. "Gene's really showed you some of those damn memory tricks hasn't he? For remembering the most EMBARASSING things in my damn life!"

"I read Kisstory, sweets. And YEAH, he did. He doesn't miss a chance to laugh at your expense."

As if on cue, they heard more laughter booming from the kitchen. Leaning over he whispered, "I wonder what they're bonding over?"

"Gene, leave the poor girl alone. She's PREGNANT!" she shouted.

"Honey I'm telling her a story!" Gene shouted back.

"Probably the same thing we are. Your soon-to-be wife is probably getting sex advice from Gene Simmons, you lucky devil," Terri giggled.

"I imagine he's thinking that's our topic of discussion..."

"Does it involve goats and whipped cream?" she teased.

"Oh GOD FORBID," Paul groaned. "Or tire chains, pain and Twinkies?

"Or BENDEES?" Terri giggled.

"How about KISS KONDOMS?" he asked. "Since he dropped that little bomb... What's next, KISS tampons?"

"Well, look at it this way, " she whispers to Paul, "At least you two can be official when you use our guesthouse. You KNOW he'll stock it well with Kiss Condoms."

"Hmm that is true," he grinned. "And that nice BIG bed..."

"By the way, next time you are over, Trynia must have left a bracelet in there the last time you guys were over. The maid found one in the guest house."

He snapped up to attention. "She did?"

"Yeah, sorry. It slipped my mind. I just know remembered it. I hope it's not one she's really missed."

"Hmm, she did get upset because she couldn't find a charm bracelet that I had given her..." Paul rubbed his forehead. "Did it have a silver rose and a star on it with some other charms?"

"Damn, I wish I had remembered to tell her earlier. I hate that I made her worry. Yes, that's it."

"I got her that when she came to see me in New York, one of the times she saw me in Phantom..." Paul sighed. "It was for the celebration of one month of us living together."

"That's sweet. You are quite the romantic, Mr. Eisen" she smiles at him, taking another sip.

"Why thank you," he smiles. Paul noticed the ruby and diamond tennis bracelet she was wearing. "And I remember when Gene got you that bracelet."

"I hope I haven't caused you to overindulge on the champagne. You are feeling OK, right?" she changed the subject.

"Yes I'm fine," he says, stretching as he lays back across the sofa. "Just... suddenly Very tired..."

"Well, I remember you telling me once I DID have a knack for wearing you out" she teased.

"Mmm true," he laughed. "But it seems like another lifetime, doesn't it?"

"I think it was. Things were SO much different then. Hell, it seems like a lifetime ago that you and Gene were fighting over being with Trynia.... And you going neurotic over the memory of Linda," Terri remembered wistfully. "And the mere MENTION of Gene's name would send you into fits."

"Yes, and I almost let that ruin what was developing. I worried that she thought GENE was a better lover then me," he laughed sheepishly.

"Can you imagine."

"You two are just DIFFERENT lovers. That's all," Terri said.

"Hmm yes, I have heard that from her end," he laughed. "I felt so stupid when I asked her about that. And I kept wondering HOW she could have been so foolish that night. But if she hadn't we never would have met."

"Gene's kind of like the fireworks display on the Fourth of July. You're more like a slow burning fire."

"That's an interesting comparison," he laughed.

"You know, one of those electric fire places that start out slow, but you keep turning the flame up and up until finally it's raging out of control. Nice and warm" she smiles, then looks down.

"Terri, are you REALLY happy?" he asks slowly. "What's with all this looking down all of a sudden?"

"You...uh...still make me feel a little awkward, to tell you the truth."

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "Want to talk about it?"

"God, Paul, I've never had this conversation with anyone. Not even Gene."

"Please tell me. Unless you don't want to, or don't feel comfortable."

"I...umm...damn.... I guess I need the champagne to nudge me into talking."

"Are you sure?" he asked. She took a heavy breath, not making eye contact with him.

"I can take it, I'm a big boy."

"Is this OK for me to be telling you this? I mean, is it REALLY OK?" she wondered.

"Yes. Sure. If it's bothering you."

"Here goes...I feel like...the reason we didn't work is that you didn't want me. And no one's ever totally rejected me before. There" she says with finality. She swirled her champagne and sighed.

"I'm very sorry," he said, touching her hand.

"No, don't, please. That just makes it worse" she chuckles weakly.

"I don't know if it would help you to know I didn't know WHAT I wanted then," Paul began, taking her hand and squeezing it. "But that week I spent in your apartment was like... an island of sanity. I felt SAFE. And I guess after my lifestyle safe wasn't what I wanted..."

A small tear came to her eye she wiped it furiously. Angrily she admitted, "But damn it, you were my fantasy for YEARS."

"When I saw you in that lab, I realized I was taking you out of your element. I didn't know if I could mean anything more to you then a fantasy."

"Why didn't you fight for me like you're willing to do for Trynia?" Terri demanded. She suddenly felt very foolish, gets up, and crosses the room. Wandering over she glanced up at Paul's artwork hanging near Trynia's painting by the fire.

"Because, you have a fire in you that I could never keep up," he says slowly. "You don't let anyone take care of you. You can already take care of yourself. You know WHAT you want out of life. I guess I needed someone, wanted someone who wanted me..."

"Maybe so, but why did it hurt to hear you making love to Trynia tonight?" she asked, whirling around on him.

"I don't know if it makes any sense," Paul said, straightening up in his seat.

"WHY, Paul, am I feeling like this? I am totally and madly in love with Gene."

"I don't know. Only you can answer that," said Paul quietly.

"It's the damn bubbly. I never babble like this," she says bitterly.

"I wish I had the words to tell you to make you feel better," Paul said, rising stiffly from the sofa and crossing over to stand behind her. "But I see that drinking is probably not the best thing you could have done tonight."

She turned to him, with resolve in her eyes, and he lay his hands on her shoulders, "Terri, you've got Gene... and a wonderful life. I can't change the past... God knows I could look at it over and over... but I can't change it any more then you."

"Look, Paul, I am very very sorry for bringing this up. You have enough on your plate without my neurosis, and I just want you to know that this is GOOD. Us talking, that is."

"I'm glad," Paul nodded, taking her by the upper arms and smiling at her.

"So, anyhow, let's just pretend I never said anything," she said, stepping back. Paul released her arms and they stood a distance apart, unable to meet each other's gazes for a time. "And I PROMISE not to rip apart any Starchild toys tonight"

"I really did care about you, you know," he said softly.

"What was that?" she asked, head snapping up.

"But I think it was meant to be like this. We'd NEVER work in reality," Paul smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You'd end up killing me the first month we were together."

"You're right. I'm too hard headed. I'd drive you nuts." She grinned bravely. "I guess I'm more of a fireworks gal."

"Yeah. You blow up all right," he laughed.

"But it does mean alot, you saying that you cared about me," she smiled.

"I've never had a woman read me the riot act like you did," Paul chuckled. "That was also when I realized that you belonged to Gene, not me."

"If you could have only seen your face..."

"I must have been the prize idiot," he said. "By the way, did you ever hear the song Gene wrote with your lyrics?"

"I'm sure you've had your share of girls bitching at you and slapping your face over the years, but not in front of everyone in the whole damn friggin' backstage area."

"The one that was SUPPSED to win... before I bitched and whined to use it?"

"You volunteering to play it?" she teased. "Well, I did stumble upon it."

"How did Gene take it?" Paul asked. "He denied it right?"

"Yeah, he did, but I still knew the truth."

"That's Gene. He HATES showing his true feelings sometimes," Paul nodded. "I remember on the reunion tour when we sang happy birthday on stage and he was so overcome he had to turn his back...."

"I can read through Gene like no one else," she said with some pride.

"For example, I STILL say he's in there giving Trynia sex advice. You watch his face when I confront him with it..."

In the kitchen, Trynia giggled as Gene continued his present story.

"So I took the Bendee and showed her JUST what I wanted. Knowing that you scientist ladies like a model..."

"OH stop!" Trynia giggled. She reached over and filled Gene's glass again with more cold milk.

"Thanks doll," he nodded. "How about a few more cookies to go with that?"

"I swear you're a bottomless pit!" she commented as she gets more cookies from the jar for him.

"Now doll, you KNOW that milk goes VERY well with cookies."

"I know," she says. "And you liking my cookies is a sincere compliment."

"Not to mention, it's a great chaser for a wonderful night of hot sweaty limo sex," he grinned at her.

"Hah hah," she laughed, settling opposite him again. Trynia watched him dip a cookie into his milk.

"Compliments."

"Well I'm flattered all right. That's an old family recipe."

"Soooooo, those two were looking pretty intense out there," he casually changed the subject, taking another nibble of fresh crisp tollhouse.

"Yeah... I am worried..."

He laughed, "Why?"

She glanced nervously at the living room door, and whispered, "They might kill each other..."

"Nah, I guarantee you that Paul is being neurotic and Terri is acting as Dr. Ruth. Terri LOVES to psychoanalyze."

"Oh lord, I can imagine," Trynia gave him a slow smile.

"She's solving all your problems right now. Guaran-damn-teed."

"But I remember Gene when she first met me... and she gives me the big lecture..." Trynia recounted, sipping more milk to wash away her latest bite of cookie. "About how she was just like me, blah blah blah..."

"Terri was meant to be a mom, and I'm not just talking about Jacob. She mothers me, you, Paul, anyone who will listen," Gene laughed, patting her hand. "And you KNOW how damn psycho Paul can get. He's probably loving it too."

"Terri mothers YOU?" Trynia lifted an eyebrow.

"Ah, she tries, and I let her occasionally," he winked.

"Sort of like how Paul insists on fathering me?" Trynia winced. "Did I tell you about the clothing store incident?"

"Uncomfortable topic, sweets?" he asked. "No, I don't remember that particular story."

"Well he's always got his ideas about fashions. And he insisted I go clothes shopping..." Trynia shook her head. "As if it was something I should be doing... the first few weeks we were together..."

"Umm-huh...Spend whatever you want, right?"

"Yep. I TOLD him I didn't want to spend his money!" she slapped her hand down on the table. "I HATE spending other people's money."

"But that's Paul. He wants you to be impressed with his money. I don't mean that in a BAD way. Hell, I'm the same way, but it means a lot to Paul to be able to pile on the goods."

"I know. I learned that the hard way. Anyway... he takes me out to buy a new wardrobe... And he ends up arguing with the ladies in the store!"

"Hell, even back in the 70's, he'd meet some bimbo and the next thing you know, he's buying her a strand of pearls or something. Next thing you know it would be, "Hey, Paul, where's Stacy? "Uh, Gene, she's gone." Gene shakes his head. "Damn waste of money."

"Jeez. I'm standing there being embarrassed because I have NO CLUE about what is good fashion. Half the stuff the women wear nowadays is CRAP! Thank GOD Paul agrees."

"Paul's got good fashion sense," Gene nodded.

"Yes he does."

"So, what's wrong with letting the man spoil you?" Gene asked, waving his hand a bit.

"Not being like his other women. But good thing he set me straight."

"Not real sure you want to be like THAT pack of crazies," Gene commented.

"Yeah. Tell me about it. Especially that pair at your book signing in LA when I first met you guys. The blond doublemint twins..."

Gene licked his fingers and continued, "You got to let him do things for you, love. Who ELSE is he going to spend it on?"

"Aaron," she joked. "His son."

"TRUST me, Aaron's got plenty. He'll never have to work a day in his life and neither will HE" he pointed to her belly. "Paul's no idiot. He's got his investments in order."

"Or she," Trynia joked. "We don't know if it's a he or she yet. "

"If you don't mind me saying, whatever it is, it's big as hell...no offense, of course."

"God, was Terri this big this early? I feel like a goddamned elephant."

He shook his head, "No, she wasn't. She wasn't even in maternity clothes until the end of her fourth month. But look, Hon, it's not YOU. It's what's in your stomach."

"Oh I hope nothing's wrong..." she groaned. Grabbing her glass, she pushed it over by Gene. He filled it for her once more.

"It's not like you've got fat hips or anything," he said, concentrating on his next cookie.

"I'm eating like a damn HORSE."

"With the way you and Paul are screwing 24 hours a day, maybe you're further along than you think," he suggested.

"I don't know WHEN this baby was conceived. I mean our gyn has some good ideas... And I hadn't been QUITE as religious taking the pill sometimes..." she blushed.

"Well, your better half thinks it might be twins," Gene said between bites.

"Oh god forbid," she laughed.

"That's what he told me."

"It does run in my family..."

"Yeah, he mentioned that," Gene said, fixing his amber brown gaze into hers.

"But god... two babies... I just... I can't fathom it."

"He doesn't want to say anything because he's afraid you're going to cry and say, "I'm so faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat." Gene said, with a note of caution.

"Well hearing you say it isn't very insulting," she chuckles. "Considering you don't give a DAMN about the word diet."

"Frankly, m'dear, I personally don't see anything wrong with FAT. Not that YOU are, but...some people are and that's just the way they want it."

"Well before I came to TV wonderland... I wasn't that unhappy with my looks."

"I mean, which would I prefer? Two hours in tae bo, or two hours eating your cookies? Hell, I'll take the cookies each time," Gene snickered.

"But when you're surrounded with waifs that look like damn twigs..." Trynia pointed out. "And that is what Hollywood says is sexy... you wonder. And it seems to be okay for MEN to be fat, and date skinny women. What is up with that? Fred Flintstone and Wilma... I mean for crying out loud!"

"That's a cartoon," Gene laughed. "I think you like fine the way you are, doll, and don't forget, I've seen ALLLLL of you."

"True," she blushed.

"I can tell you.... That man on the couch out there...the one who is being picked apart by my lady.... He wants you terribly. Right here and now. So don't sweat it."

"Well I'm not worried about that anymore..." she laughed slowly.

"Remember, you're getting REALLY close to forsaking all others, better or for worse, blah blah blah. The rest shouldn't matter."

"If he was that willing to give up his livelihood for me... I mean DAMN... he must be serious." she looked sober for a moment.

"Yeah, and he needs you. You know that. I guess he had another nasty go-round with Linda the other day, so I think he's a bit on edge."

"Yeah. She needs to get a life, and stay out of Paul's." She grumbled.

"Stay with that hot shot lawyer hubby of hers."

Gene gulped another large swig of milk, and said, "She needs to quit being a pain in the ass."

"I'd LIKE to stick my boot up HER ass," Trynia muttered, holding a cookie in the palm of her hand. Her fingers wrapped around it and crumbled it to cookie crumbs.

He smiled, "I'd like to see that too. God, I'd buy front row seats."

"I'd love to take her skinny ass and break it in two over my knee." She muttered.

"But hey, that's good news for you. The more she's a f**ckup the better you look."

"True..." she laughed. "But I shouldn't speak ill of Aaron's mother. Stupid though she could be."

"The two of them just need to work it out so they can have a civil discussion and not kill each other," Gene nodded.

"Yes. I think she gets off getting Paul pissed."

"And he needs to learn to hang up on her ass if she gets out of line," Gene muttered.

"Before I hang up her ass for him?" Trynia smiled sweetly.

"She's not worth the energy, sweetheart. Not energy that could be spent baking more cookies."

"Thank you Gene," she laughed. "Beside you'll burn all that fat off anyway banging your woman."

"Let me ask you something seriously though. Your buddy out there.... He treating you OK?"

"Yes... he is," she smiled. "It's just sometimes he gets so wrapped up in work I miss him. But that's silly, because he's right there."

"But he really needs his downtime and that's where you come in," Gene pointed out.

"I know. I'm his recreation," she laughs, and looks a bit sad.

"Me? Screw downtime. Give me more work."

"How do you and Terri do it?" she asked. "Oops I mean, how do you make it work?"

"Hmmmmmmmm. Do I detect a problem here?" he asked with a look of suspicion.

"I mean... Terri seems so confident and badass... compared to me."

"Good question. I guess neither one of us takes any shit off the other, nor we try to squeeze in time when we can. Terri gave up sitting and waiting around for me a long time ago."

"Well I guess I need to get a life," she commented soberly.

"Which is exactly WHY she and Paulie boy combusted. Paul sort of likes a honey in the wings, you know," Gene explained. "He gets off knowing that you will be there to spend time."

"I don't mind waiting as long as I'm near him. Hell I'll sit at every damn show... With my easel and pencil if that is what it takes to be with him... I'll even bang him in his hotel room and at lunch or the dressing room halfway across the country if he wants. I just don't want to be left out of his life."

"Well, I think that would suit him just fine. Heck, we go out on tour again and you could always get yourself a little job with the crew. But then again, that leaves the issue of the baby."

"I would of course be perfectly happy being stuck with the kids," she said hastily. "I always wanted a family. But I wouldn't want them subjected to some of the backstage shit. But if families can work in the circus... why not with KISS?"

"You get yourself a nice nanny and it's not a problem. I'm assuming you and loverboy want to have a couple."

"Well I don't' want NANNY raising my children," she says stubbornly.

Gene chuckled.

"I'm not going to be running around in an evening gown and diamonds... While my children need to be tucked in."

"Oh, you DON'T, huh? Now tell me, who's going to watch Baby Paulie when you're at the shows, giving Paul treats?"

"Good question," she sighed.

"Or are you figuring he'll go without?" Gene's eyes sparkle as he eggs her on.

"He'll have to be satisfied with what he can get," she said slowly.

"And what's wrong with him playing Daddy with that pent up energy, huh?"

"You're going to have no problem rocking his world all night, PLUS getting up every two hours with a newborn." Gene grinned. He rolled his eyes teasingly.

"Once in a while he's going to get up and change that diaper," she laughed. "But having help wouldn't be bad..."

"He'll HAVE to be satisfied with what he can get" Gene repeats. "He'll just LOVE that."

"Oh god now you're going to tell him I said that," she groaned. "I'm doomed."

"Perhaps you haven't had the experience firsthand of hearing a new daddy whine."

"I can imagine."

"Grab my another cookie and my lips are sealed" he grinned.

"So, is that what the nanny business is about?" she asked, picking up the plate and refilling it with cookies.

"Let me break it down for you. Here are the complaints you are going to hear.... 1) The new baby likes YOU more than me.

2) YOU aren't paying ME any attention.

3) Six weeks is TOO damn long to wait without sex.

4) What happened to the sex?

And 5) Repeat #4 again and again"

"You're evil," she groaned. "But of course you're right..."

"Seriously though, it's going to be tough as hell on the road with no nanny or sitter."

"So there is no shame in having one then. It won't make me look like a bad mom will it?" she flushed. "That I'm passing the kids off to some sitter while I live as some seductress for my man?"

"Nah, just use her for what you need her for. I agree with you that you don't want another woman raising your baby. Paul wouldn't stand for that. But you COULD use a hand, even if it's just to help with the car seat and such."

"Especially if it's twins," she sighed, and shivers in fear.

"Maybe get a friend to come along and help out. Carry stuff. Hold the baby while you go to the bathroom. Occasional nights out. You could still keep the baby in your room."

"Maybe Gina?"

"Besides, don't forget. If you NURSE, you're going to get HUGE and you'll have Mr. Stanley pawing you all day and night."

"Chris' wife? I mean she is my secretary, but she could help. Or maybe Christine?" Trynia muttered. "Christine's been a big help when Aaron was here..."

"Either one would be great. Gina would be thrilled to get to go on the road with Chris," Gene said. "Same with Christine."

"I might need BOTH of them," she said thoughtfully.

"You think I might be right, don't you?" Gene asked.

"Christine bless her has been GREAT with the housework, and Gina's kept my head screwed on with all my appointments and stuff."

"And don't underestimate what a chore it is going to be to take a baby from city to city," he added, gesticulating with a cookie.

"Oh brother..." Trynia sighed. "This is giving me a headache..."

"Don't worry doll, Uncle Gene will be more then happy to provide you with a wealth of life advice..."

"For a price?" she teased.

"How well you know me. And I thought we were getting along," he grinned. "But seriously, I'm just teasing. Feel free to consult me whenever you need questions answered regarding life on the road with kids... or if Paulie's being a pain in the ass... as a new dad. And he WILL be a pain in the ass, just you wait..."

"Great..."