Jace roughly bit my lip, while pulling my jacket off and tossing it down onto the white linoleum flooring. Things were getting heated and I wanted nothing more than to be with him. "I want-"

We both stopped and looked up in shock as Jackie came strolling into the kitchen holding a huge box. She just eyed us both, with raised eyebrows and laughed. "Well... a little help."

Jace snapped out of the stare and playfully ran his hand through his hair. "Of course. Sorry," he said. He gave me an apologetic smile before pulling away from me and grabbing the box from Jackie's arms. "How did you know where Avery's apartment was? Did you have any luck on the job search?" he questioned. "And what's all of this stuff?"

Jackie walked over and grabbed my arm, helping me down from the stove. "Dex stopped over looking for you two. I told him that you were helping Avery move into her new apartment." She grinned and walked over to the box. "No luck yet, though on the job. I hope to hear back soon," she answered with a smile. "I went through some of mom's old dishes that she never really used, along with some other kitchenware."

She reached into the box and pulled out a toaster. "I found, a toaster, a can opener, some plates, silverware and her old microwave is in the car." She reached back into the box. "Oh and I even went and picked up a four pack of these purple cups." She smiled holding up the cups. "Purple is my favorite color."

Jace walked over toward the door and shook his head in disbelief. "Where did you find all of this stuff?"

Jackie laughed and gave him dumbfound look. "In your basement. You don't remember storing mom’s things down there?"

“I forgot.” Jace gave Jackie a grateful look and walked outside to fetch the microwave.

I just watched Jackie as she continued to pull things from out of the box. I couldn't believe that she was treating me so much like family. It made me feel... good. "Thank you, Jackie." I grinned and started helping her. "You really didn't have to."
Jackie brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "Anything for family." She looked me in the eye, making me feel like crying, before she opened the fridge and frowned. "You don't have anything in here. We're going to have to get you some groceries later. We'll just order pizza for lunch."

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. Then a smile crept over my face as Jace entered the kitchen, holding the microwave. "Thank you, both," I beamed.

Jace set the microwave on the black countertop and then watched as Jackie grabbed my arm and pulled me with her. "Show me around your new place."

I walked her through the living room and then into the decent sized bedroom. The bedroom was pretty much painted the same as the living room, except the carpet was a bright shade of white. It also had a walk in closet that was big enough to fit a single bed in and still have room. It was even bigger than the room that I had at Jace's. I loved it.

Jackie nodded her head and crossed her arms. "I like this place. Maybe one day, I will come and take this place from you." She paused and gave me a sad smile. "After I'm stronger of course. I couldn't manage to live alone right now. Joe has a very strong influence."

I reached out and gently grabbed her arm. "It will happen one day. You just have to be strong." I surprised, even myself with my words of encouragement.

Less than two months ago, I was the one in dire need of help. Now I was the one trying to give someone else the hope that I never had.

Jackie let out a small laugh and then reached out to hug me. "I know. I realized that, after seeing my brother and you at the bowling alley that day. I saw how happy you guys made each other and I missed being that happy. It made me miss my little brother." She smiled and then headed for the door. "Let’s see this bathroom of yours. Is it just as nice as the rest?"

She didn't even wait for me to answer before she took off, strolling to the bathroom. I followed close behind her as she stepped into the bathroom and ran her hand over the glass door that surrounded the shower. She nodded her head in approval and then stepped over to the oval sink. She reached above her and screwed in the fourth light bulb that didn't seem to shine as bright as the rest. When the light flickered and then brightened up, she grinned and waved her hand in front of it. "All fixed."       "The couch and bed are here."

Jackie and I both laughed and then walked into the living room together. It took the movers a total of twenty-five minutes before they had both the bed and the couch set up and ready for use. It was slowly coming together before my eyes and I felt so happy.

Jace walked the movers outside and thanked them both for their help before handing them each a ten-dollar bill. He really knew how to handle everything and make everyone happy. I was very thankful.

Jackie and I both went into the living room and sat on the couch as Jace started putting the entertainment center together. I had to admit, he looked masculine and sexy, down on the floor putting my table together. I could have sat there and watched him all day.

Finally, Jace glanced up from the table and looked over at Jackie. "Why don't you take Avery to the store and get her some stuff to put into the fridge. I'll order a couple of pizzas and everything should be ready before you two return."

Jackie stood up from the couch and grabbed my hand. "Perfect. We'll be back in thirty."

Jace stood up from the floor and dropped his tools. Then he walked over and grabbed me by the waist. "You girls take care of each other." He pressed his lips against mine and then playfully slapped my butt. "Have fun."

~•~

We arrived back at the apartment with soda, bread, butter, milk, cheese and a few frozen boxes of chicken. It wasn't much, but it was all that I really needed to get me through the next day. After work tomorrow, I would have to go and get a few more things for the house. It was exciting.

Jackie walked in front of me the whole time, pushing the door open for me and holding it open. I stepped inside to see Dex, Stacy and Jace all standing in the kitchen. The counter was covered with plates, cups, napkins and pizza boxes. It made me smile to see everyone.

I tossed the bags onto the empty space on the counter and laughed. I was completely surprised. "Hi everyone!"

Stacy grinned and bounced over to me. "I love your new place. Now we'll have to start hanging out more." She leaned in and gave me a hug. "It won't be as awkward as me trying to invite myself to the boss' house." She giggled and looked over at Jace.