In the old days there was pen and paper. Books passed between friends spanning classes and corridors. Today we herald the dawn of the digital era in book writing. Crap.

Following up on the idea that D and P had the other day at Mi's house. And found that multiple authors could be had on this site so decided to help the idea become a reality. So welcome one and all to this fraternity where imaginations run wild.

Enjoy.

From the snowy peaks of the Austrian Alps to the warm, sandy beaches along the coast of Hawaii, lives a legacy of joy and happiness. Inviting legions of people to celebrate in the union of love and families, the walls have become saturated with memories of music and vows of everlasting love and commitment.

In the midst of this saccharin sweet ideals, stand two young women determined to live their lives to the fullest while looking for that ever elusive love that seems to manifest everywhere they turn. It is not an ancient chapel that compels them to watch and not participate in the joyous festivities that so often, in this modern convenient times, end up in broken promises and messy separations. But I am degressing.

The legacy that holds these two young women is that of a novel idea created by their ancestors and kept strong by the generations after. Weddings and honeymoons, planned and carried out solely by the resorts and hotels, allowing guests and bridal couples time away from the daily hustle and bustle of their lives while still enjoying the wedding festivities. Heiresses to this empire though unlike Paris and Nicky Hilton, they must learn that the world is not all wedding cake and decorations but full of difficult decisions and harsh realities. Fortunately for them, their seemingly endless wealth does allow more icing on their cake than most of their peers would ever have. This is the Grissom-Owen Resort Empire, run by the two wealthiest families in America.


Ok fellow authors, I've started the story that we created that day. Now will the next person please come up with the hotel line name and are the names of these "two brave young women" to remain as it always has been in the past? My brain is pretty tired after that ra-ra introduction which I know you guys are shaking your heads at. Ha ha..But I can always edit and write more later...BWA HA HA HA!!!

And we shall work on the character list and description of the resort concept on a later date. Cheers!

THE VICTORIAN


Mostly based in New York but we fly occasionally to the other branch resorts and hotels.

The two families:
Grissom
Father - Gil Grissom
Mother - Deceased
Eldest daughter - Nicole Grissom (31)
Eldest Son - Michael Grissom (29) Currently a journalistic photographer for leading current affairs magazine
2nd daughter - Deena Grissom (26)
Youngest son - Tobey Grissom (21) Currently studying hotel management at an Ivy League College, is a varsity rugby player

Owen
Grandfather - Sean Owen
Father - Pierce Owen
Mother - Marg Owen
Eldest Son - Ralph Owen (39)
Second Son - David Owen (35) Professional Rugby Player
Youngest daughter - Paris Owen (23)

Job Description/ Character

Board of Directors: G. Grissom & Pierce Owen (Both Chairperson)
Retired Chairman/ Senior Advisor: Grandpa Sean Owen

Paris stood behind the ice sculpture, watching the wedding party in full swing. The band, led by Jay was playing a soothing jazz number, barely audible over the chatter and laughter of the guests. Her attention was suddenly caught by Dee in the corner, obviously miserable and stuck in a conversation with a gentleman, with an obvious bald patch at the back of his head. Dee couldn't help but notice the bad teeth and nasty breath, made all the worse by the smell of alcohol. Dee listened to him drone on and on about the exciting life of an accountant working on the prestigious Wall Street, or rather, working in the proximity of the Street...actually, more like a 20 min cab ride away from the Street. But obviously the connection was so close for the man to point out the important fact. With a laugh, Paris waited a few moments before mercifully coming to Dee's rescue.

Paris: (calling out to Dee as she walks nearer to them) Dee! DeeDee! Where have you been? Everyone's been looking for you!

Dee: Huh?

Paris: (pretending to finally notice the guy) Oh....was I interrupting something?

Dee: (quickly holding on to Paris's arma and slowly walking away and saying) Oh no! Of course you weren't. (turns to guy) Sorry..er..Alvin?

Guy: Alfred actually..

Dee: oh yes, that's right. Alfred. I'm so sorry, they must need me for some photos or something. It was lovely talking to you. And good luck at erm...Wall Street. (as they walk away and out of earshot) Oh thank goodness! Paris! You saved my life..or rather sanity. I was going crazy there!

Paris: I know. You owe me one HUGE one. Anyway, I did hear Nicole looking for you...but that was 20 min ago. hehheh...(looking around at the guests) Nice crowd huh?..actually..BIG crowd.

Dee: I know. I wonder who did the guest list..(after a pause) your mum...

Paris: (simultaneous with Dee) My mum... (laughs) I can't believe how excited she was about being in charge of the guest list. Of cos my dad had to intervene a few times or she would have gone crazy...literally.

Dee: Who did she invite anyway? The whole of Manhattan?

Paris: The whole of New York State...from the looks of it.

Dee: So, where's Michael?

Paris: (with an exaggerated shrug) I don't know. He went to make a call or get one..I dunno.  Him and his calls. Sometimes I think he has a better relationship with his job than with me!

Dee: I guess things aren't going too well for you guys huh?

Suddenly Tobey appears from behind them, a rose in each hand.

Tobey: Hello, ladies. What's with the gloomy faces? Isn't today the day our families finally merge as one? Come on! We're family now, let's celebrate!

Tobey hands each of them a rose before suddenly grabbing Paris by the hand and leading her to the dance floor. Though surprised at first, Paris finally relented and danced away her unhappy thoughts with Tobey.
The music began to fade as Gil and Pierce came up on stage to give a toast to the bridal couple.

Gil: The Grissoms and the Owens have always been like a family from generations ago. So it is a very happy moment for us now that Nicole and David decide to officially unite the family as one today.

Pierce: WE're not going to say very much. I know Dave's nervous that I'll let out some embarrassing secrets of his childhood life to all of his pals here...I just might, but you'll have to come talk to me individually. WEll, today, Gil and I just want to say that we're very very happy that Nicole and David found each other to spend the rest of their lives with, and we wish them all the marital bliss in the world. To Dave and Nic.

All the guest: (Raising their glasses) To Dave and Nic.

Paris sat down beside Jay, who was quietly sipping his drink.

Paris: Hello....

Jay: Hey.

Paris: Alone?

Jay: Yeah.

Paris: I'm grumpy...I know I shouldn't be. But I am...

Jay: Why?

Paris: Cos...(before she could continue, Mike slipped into the seat next to her.)

Mike: There you are. I was looking all over for you.

Paris: Really? That's a surprise.

Mike: (carefully) Are you upset?

Paris: No?! Why Should I be? Why should I be upset when my boyfriend leaves me for the 30th time this evening? Why should I be upset when I've danced with almost everyone else in the room but my boyfriend? WHy should I be upset when the first thing my boyfriend tells me when he comes back from his 100th phonecall that he's been looking all over for me? Pls Mike, you were on your mobile the whole time you were looking for me.

Miike: Ok, you're upset.

Paris: Mike, you're such a rocket scientist you know? So brilliant.

Mike: Are you gonna be like this all night? Maybe I should give you some time to cool down?

Paris: Yeah, maybe you should. Wat difference would it make to me? You were barely by my side all night anyway. C'mon Jay, let's dance.

Jay looked bewildered as Paris grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dancefloor.

Jay: I erm...I can't dance.

Paris: Just move. (buries her face against his chest. Thankfully he was wearing a navy blue shirt) I'm sorry. Just hold me here for a while ok. I don't want anybody to see me cry.

Jay: Oh....ok. (holds her against him, feeling the dampness on his shirt grow as she cried)

Mike took a swig of his drink as he watched Paris sway to the music in Jay's arms. Why couldn't she understand that he has a great responsibility to his work. That he was already putting aside too much just to attend this wedding?

Jay: (tenderly, unused to such intimacy w a colleague) ERm....Paris? Are you ok?

Paris: (sniffing) Yeah. I can't believe I'm crying. THis is supposed to be a happy occasion for my bro. I just hates the way he treats me. It's not even tonight. This whole week we were here preparing for the wedding he kept going on and on abt wat he is missing at work...for goodness sake, it's his SISTER who's getting married too! I can't believe he's being such a jerk abt this. Basically he's a huge jerk. Right now. And I don't know wat I'm doing with him.

Jay: Erm...cos you...er...love him?

Paris: (laughing) Jay...you're such a doll. Maybe I do...maybe I don't....I don't know anymore. I can't draw the line between wat my family think is best for me, and wat I really want. I mean...Mike and I grew up together, our families are close...it's almost like...natural that Mike and I would end up together, just like Nic and Dave. You won't believe how many pple asked me tonight when's my turn w Mike. I do love Mike. But I don't know if I love him enough, if I love him in the right way....

Jay felt weird that Paris, the hotel heiress (no, not that one), should be telling him so much about her life. He could feel Michael's eyes boring thru him as he watched them from the side. He felt a sense of relief when Michael had to go answer another phone call.

The wedding party carried on late into the night but Paris left early, leaving Michael to his phonecalls. Ignoring the fact that it was almost midnight, Paris walked out of the hotel and strolled down the quiet streets of Manhattan to nurse her hurt feelings. Michael would be leaving the next day to another of those war torn countries...she didn't want to sound like a spoilt brat but why can't Michael stay for another day to try and deal with their already rocky relationship? It's not like the war there is going to end tomorrow and he'll miss out on something. SIGH.

She didn't where she was walking to until she saw the street lit up with neon signs and music blaring from the many bars and clubs. She decided to enter one of the quieter bars for a drink. Paris sat on one of the high stools at the bar and motioned for the bartender, who had been wiping drink glasses.

BarT: Hi, what can I get you?

Paris: Margarita please. Thank you. (Bartender nods and leaves)

Paris saw that the bar had few patrons and she was the only one sitting at the bar. The only group she saw was seated in a corner, laughing out loud and chattering non stop.  The bartender finally handed her her drink and continued wiping glasses. Paris sighed heavily and slowly sipped her drink. After a while, the group in the corner began to leave. Paris didn't bother to look and just sat staring into her drink. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Francine: Miss Owen? (Paris turns) It is you! What are you doing here? Has the party ended already? So soon?

Paris: Francine...no the party is still going on. I just felt like leaving. I wasn't really having a very good time.

Fran: Oh..(sees Paris obviously upset and decides to leave her group and stay with Paris) Can I sit down? (Paris nods) Is something the matter, Miss Owen?

Paris: Call me Paris. How long have you been working at the Victorian, Francine?

Fran: About 3 years, I guess.

Paris: Then you should know that most of the staff call us by our first names. Well, actually just me and Dee. But anyway, what are you doing here? Just finished you shift?

Fran: (nods) Came here for drinks with friends. (pause) So is something wrong, Paris?

Paris: Just man trouble. I was just looking to get away from all that. Let me buy you a drink.

Paris and Francine spent the next few hours drinking and chatting until closing time. Both were pleasantly surprised at the ease with which they had connected. Paris went back to the hotel with a lighter mood albeit a little tipsy.

The next day, Paris and Dee met up at the hotel lobby for brunch. Dee came down first in a bright sundress and hat. She waited for Paris by the concierge desk.

Nick: Good morning, Deena.

Dee: Morning Nick. We missed you at the party last night.

Nick: Oh yes, sorry about that. I had to run an important errand for one of the guests. It took longer than expected.

Dee: Ah, Mr Stokes. The ever capable concierge. (smiles) I didn't get to thank you properly for all your help. I still can't believe the ice sculpture broke two hours before the reception. How in the world did you manage to find a replacement in so short a time?

Nick: (smiles widely) A good concierge never reveals his trade secrets, Miss Grissom. (winks) Here comes Paris.

Dee: Well, I'd better go then.  Maybe I can buy you dinner sometime to thank you, Nick.

Nick: That would be very nice, Deena. Thank you. (Paris arrives at the desk. Nick nods) Good morning Paris.

Paris: (smiles) Hi Nick. Ready to go Dee? (Dee nods) See you later, Nick!

Nick:  Have a nice day, ladies.

Paris and Dee walk out into the sunshine and walk over to their favourite restaurant, De Luis. After ordering, they settle down at their usual al fresco table and people watch.

Dee: What happened to you last night? Michael was frantic looking for you.

Paris: (disinterested) Really? Well, I thought he was too busy to notice. I left early. Had a headache.

Dee: Oh don't be like that. You know how much Michael loves you. His job just..requires more of his time. (takes out an envelope from bag) He had to leave early this morning but he gave this to me last night when he couldn't find you. It's for you.

Paris: (curious) oh? Thanks. (keeps envelope in bag)

Dee: You're not going to open it?

Paris: Maybe later. I don't want to spoil my mood so early in the day. Can we talk about something else please? It's such a glorious day. We should enjoy it while we still can. After all, how often do we get a day off?

Dee: True. Oh and aren't we supposed to send Nicole and Dave off at the airport later?

Paris: I can't believe you forget so easily! They decided to leave this morning remember? Sigh..off to wonderful Scotland. Castles, vast fields, kilts...

Dee: (grins) You romanticize everything Paris. We'll go shopping then.

A comfortable silence descends as their food arrive. Paris picks at her plate, moving the food around while Dee tucks in. Both are lost in their own thoughts.

Paris with Michael and his work before pleasure attitude. She wondered if it was love that she was feeling still or had it just become a formality and a fulfillment of expectations.

Dee on the other hand had led her thoughts back to the conversation with Nick this morning. At moments of quiet of late her thoughts had been of him. Chance encounters at the front door in the course of an event, nights when she had to work late and the last person she saw when she left the hotel was Nick... His walk, his smile, his calm, ... She stole a glance at Paris who seemed lost in hear thoughts and wondered if she could tell. She was secretly pleased that Nick had appeared agreeable to the suggestion of dinner. Could this be it?
But she quickly shook those thoughts from her head like she normally did and brushed them off as wishful thinking on her part. Suddenly her phone rang.

Dee: Hello? Hi Aunt Marg. (pause) When?..(surprised) Now? But it's my...(pause) Alright then. I'll be there in 20 min. Bye.

Paris: (curiously) My mum? (Dee nods) What does she want?

Dee: There's an important meeting with some major clients at the hotel. And I have to go. Sorry dear. I guess you'll have to go shopping on your own.

Paris: But it's your day off!

Dee walked quickly into the hotel and received the usual barrage of greetings from hotel employees. She hurried up to her room on the second floor. This is the employees living quarters where they shared a lounge, a library and even the kitchen ( which normally isn't used as the Chef Tribb and Chef Renn normally provided great meals for them). There are three of such floors occupying the 2nd-4th floor and senior staff had a room to themselves while junior staff or interns had to share rooms. She stayed on the senior staff level so there are better facilities available. But for the moment, Dee didn't bother with any of them as she hastened to change and meet Aunt Marg.
15 min later, Dee appeared from her room all made up in a pastel pink pantsuit and had tied her hair up in a chignon. When the lift finally arrived to take her up to the corporate floor at the 6th level, she was surprised to see Nick in it. He smiled warmly at her as she entered the lift.

Nick: Deena.
Dee: Hi Nick.
Nick: Weren't you in something brighter than this just now?
Dee: My day off has just turned into my busy day. Meeting upstairs. (Nick nods) You?
Nick: (holds up package) Another errand. (pause) You look very different in that suit.
Dee: (grins) I hope that's a positive comment or I'm going to have to go back downstairs and change. (laughs)
Nick: Oh no, it's definitely a good comment.
Dee: Thanks. Very nice of you. (pause) So when do you get off work today?
Nick: At 6. I'm leaving early today. Meeting a friend.
Dee: Ah..finally you got yourself a date. I was beginning to wonder if you even have a life outside of this hotel. (grins)
Nick: (smiling) Not much, but I get by alright. I suppose you can call it a date.
Dee: (lift dings) Well, this is my floor.  I'll probably see you later but in case I don't, good luck for tonight.
Nick: Thanks.

As she got out of the lift and walked purposefully towards the meeting room she couldn't help but be intrigued by Nick's mention of a date. Shaking off these thoughts she knocked on the heavy wooden door, took a deep breath and steeled herself to work.

Paris meanwhile had gotten hold of Leo who drove up in a Merc CLK with the top down. He sprang out to hold open the door for her. She climbed in and sank into the rich leather with a sigh.