"So what's going to happen now?" Grace asked slowly, as she helped Emma put her clothes away into the closet.
   Emma shrugged, "I'm going to order pizza." She wrinkled her nose, "and hope that tonight at work there's some big spenders."
   Grace flinched, "You know, just because everyone thinks you're twenty-one doesn't mean that you have to work with alcohol."
   "I need money, Gracie. How else do I get to keep my apartment?" She asked dryly, "when selling cookies doesn't make enough."
   She smiled weakly, "I just wish you'd do something else."
   Emma smiled and slung an arm around her shoulders, "You just wish that I was much more sweeter and innocent, cause you don't like the fact that I'm jaded at nineteen."
   She nodded and sighed, "Yeah, that's about it."
   Grinning, Emma pulled her into the living room and sat her down on the previously owned couch. "I like being independent, and bartending and waitressing pays me well." She grabbed the phone, "which is what I need. I don't got loaded parents, girl."
   Grace blushed profusely. "I know." She murmured uncomfortably. She hated her parent's wealth more than she enjoyed it.
   Emma laughed sharply, forcing her friend to forget her embarrassment; "My parents are loaded in another way."
   Silence reigned after her bitter comment as she started dialing, "How about Chinese instead. Pork fried rice and Moo Goo Gai Pan sounds much better tonight than dough and sauce."
   Grace nodded absently, before getting up and going into the adjoining kitchen. "Whatcha want to drink?"
   "Umm, there's soda in there. I'll take that." She called out before abruptly putting in their order and giving her address.
   "You know, I swear that Chinese place is making all their business from me." She muttered as she walked over to the counter and sat down on one of the barstools.
   Grace looked up sympathetically. "You got enough for tonight?"
   Emma laughed, "I do. I've got enough for a little while, girl. So don't you worry none about me."
   Grace laid a hand on her friends on the counter, "You know I always do."
   She nodded and swallowed hard, "I know you always do. And I try to tell you that you shouldn't." She raised tired eyes, "but I'm glad you do."
   Sniffling, Grace gave a watery smile and Emma snatched her hand back and rubbed at her face. "Look at us. Blubbering for no damn reason."
   Laughing, Grace understood the barriers that Emma was throwing up. "I know. I'll have convert you yet."
   Emma shook her head, "God forbid."
   The sharp knock had her running. "That was quick." She exclaimed while opening the door wide and trying to stuff her hand into the pocket of her tight jeans.
   Isaac smiled at her predicament. "Need help?" He offered politely.
   Momentarily speechless, Emma snapped back to attention at the challenge. She smiled and looked up at him through half lowered-lids. "A girl could always use a little bit of help."
   She knew he would have taken her up on her offer if Grace hadn't shown up behind her, or the delivery girl behind him.
   Stepping back and managing to retrieve the money from her pocket by herself, Emma invited him in and paid for the food. "Join us. There's always leftovers when Grace and I eat."
   Appreciating her tiny figure, Isaac nodded. "I believe that."
   Clenching her teeth, but smiling just the same, Emma went to lie out the food. Grace hurriedly moving to help her.
   Isaac grinned at her meek friend, and knew exactly what Taylor would have seen in her. He always liked the quiet, sweet type. Any girl with more confidence then his low amount had him nervous and tongue-tied. And he never liked feeling inept.
   He laughed quietly to himself at what might have happened if he was forced into facing off with Emma. He could just imagine her making one of her sexual innuendos and his brother falling all over himself.
   He sat up when Emma and Grace returned with platters of food and silverware.
   Picking up a set of chopsticks, Emma raised an eyebrow at him and Isaac grinned as he took his own set, dismissing the fork and spoon that Grace favored. He winked at her and set to eating, listening as Emma forced a conversation that all three of them could join in. Staying in control the entire time.
   Sitting back, he gladly gave her the reins, knowing shortly he'd easily take them back and knock her off her pedestal.