40 Love Shack

(When I first saw you, I saw love
And the first time you touched me, I felt love
And after all this time, you’re still the one I love)

Looks like we made it
Look how far we’ve come, my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we’d get there someday

They said, “I bet they’ll never make it”
But just look at us holding on
We’re still together, still going strong

(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You’re still the one I want for life
(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You’re still the one I kiss good night

Ain’t nothing better
We beat the odds together
I’m glad we didn’t listen
Look at what we would be missing

They said, “I bet they’ll never make it”
But just look at us holding on
We’re still together still going strong

(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You’re still the one I want for life
(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You’re still the one I kiss good night

You’re still the one

(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You’re still the one I want for life
(You’re still the one)
You’re still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You’re still the one I kiss good night

I’m so glad we made it
Look how far we’ve come, my baby

---

Maya Fey and Pearl Fey
Empire Bellagio, Los Angeles
September 17, 2020, 6:30 PM

 

“I bet you’re super excited about seeing Trucy and the Gumshoes again, aren’t you Pearly?” Maya asked her cousin as the taxi headed to the stylish condominium. “I’m sure you’re all going to have a blast!”

Pearl nodded eagerly, her eyes shining as they always did whenever she spoke of her cherished cousin.

“She’s performing at The Wonder Bar tonight. We’re going to go see her show after supper, which Aunty Maggey said is going to be her special family la-za-nee-ha recipe!  I love watching Trucy perform her magic! She’s so much fun!”

“I’m so happy you two have hit it off the way you have, sweetie.” Maya smiled indulgently, feeling the same mixed pleasure and pangs she always did whenever her little girl spoke of her secret sister. “Did you make sure you packed the magician assistant hat that she gave you?”

“Yup, I couldn’t be her assistant tonight without it, though I hope she doesn’t try to saw me in half again! Maybe Aunty Maggey can do that part!”

“So who’s going to be the on-stage guinea pig – I mean, magician assistant – tonight?” Maya joked as they neared the luxurious building that was to be their home away from home for the next two nights, where both Edgeworth and the former detective lived. “Is Maggey going to step up, since Gumshoe refuses to ever do it again after the last time?”

“He says the box makes him klose-tra-fo-bic,” Pearl informed her. “But I don’t think it’s the real reason he’s probably going to be the one to stay home tonight with Gordy, so it will just be me and Aunt Maggey going to see the show.”

Maya raised a questioning eyebrow and the younger Fey clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles.

“I think it’s because the last time Uncle Scruffy and I went there, he practically fainted when Trucy did her Needle Through Thumb trick!”

“Sweet sizzling soupspoons!” Now it was Maya’s turn to snicker. “Gumshoe nearly passed out?! The big, strapping former Detective is scared of seeing a teensy, weensy little needle?”

Pearl nodded as they exited the cab then, which had dropped them off at the main entrance, dragging their small, wheeled suitcases behind them.

“Uncle Scruffy is scared to death of needles, Mystic Maya! Aunt Maggey said he almost
fainted for real when he saw the size of the epi-der-all needle they gave her when she was having Gordy at the hospital!”

“That gigantic man-baby is never going to live this down!” Maya joined in Pearl’s laughter. “Boy, am I ever going to bust his chops over this one – big time!”

However, both girls abruptly ceased their tittering then and their jaws simultaneously dropped as they stared up at the breathtaking building, which was to be their home away from home for the next two nights, where they’d arrived at last.

The Empire Bellagio consisted of two side-by-side buildings, connected by a beautiful
porte-cochère. The exterior, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, coupled terra-cotta roofs with authentic tile detailing to complement the rich history and tradition of being located in one of Southern California’s most posh and celebrated neighborhoods.

According to the Master’s online research of the place, the featured majestic gate had been inspired by Buckingham Palace, which was an original El Camino Real bell marker on the outside, and the surrounding gas lamps were brought in from Edinburgh, with the finishing touch being a cobblestone driveway of imported stone from Italy.

Stepping inside the lobby, the Feys both stared, awestruck, at the grand interior, which featured decorative copper ceilings, black marble tiling, and a baby grand piano off to the side in what appeared to be a lounge area, flanked by white leather sofas.

After telling the concierge that they were there to see Richard Gumshoe in suite 707, the girls headed over to the large, mirror-walled lift, and told the uniformed elevator operator they would be going to the 7th floor.

“Be a good girl for your aunt and uncle, Pearly, even though I know you always are.” The necromancer dropped a kiss on top of her cousin’s head as they arrived at her floor. “Give my love to Gumshoe and Maggey and Gordy. Tell them I’ll see them tomorrow morning when I come to pick you up at 11:00 for the conference.”

“Bye, Mystic Maya. You have a good evening and hug Mr. Nick for me.” Pearl smiled and skipped off the elevator.

The diviner suddenly felt butterflies forming in her stomach at the thought of finally being alone with Phoenix after so long. Although she’d seen him just four days ago, and every day prior during her stay at the hospital since she’d awoken from her coma, they had essentially been chaperoned visits. They hadn’t had a moment alone, what with either Pearl or Mia or a slew of medical staff being around as well, making any sort of private moment between them impossible!

On top of that, aside from that one chaste good-bye peck they’d shared when Sasha had dropped him off, Maya hadn’t experienced the sweetness of her boyfriend’s lips on hers for the past nine months! What if things were all awkward and uncomfortable between them now? What if they’d been apart for too long and that magical spark between them was now vanquished? What if …

“The Penthouse, madam,” the elevator operator announced, interrupting her tormented thoughts, as the doors slid open. He bowed slightly. “Enjoy your evening.”

“Thanks, same to you.” Maya smiled politely. Then she grabbed her suitcase, stepped out into the thickly carpeted hallway, and headed towards her destination. The butterflies inside of her had now been replaced by giant, flappy-winged birds. As silly as it seemed, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt so incredibly excited … and nervous! Swallowing back her pang of trepidation, she walked over to the mahogany egress and knocked, breathless with nervous anticipation.

---

Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey
Edgeworth’s Love Shack, Empire Bellagio Penthouse
September 17, 2020, 6:35 PM

 

The door swung open, revealing a tall, dignified, well-dressed man in his mid-to-late 50’s. He greeted her with a pleasant yet perfunctory smile on his mustached lips.

“Welcome and good evening, Miss Fey,” intoned the dark-haired English butler, dressed in customary black attire with a white towel over one arm. He bowed to her in greeting, one arm going behind his back and the other remaining in front of him at the waist. “I am Hendricks, the longtime manservant of Master Edgeworth’s. I am here to see that you are the recipient of the utmost luxury and comfort for the duration of your visit. Please, allow me to take your valise and join your companion in the dining room. He’s been expecting you.”

“Thanks. I’m very pleased to meet you, Hendricks.”

Maya treated him to her customary sunny beam as she handed him her bag. Taking in her surroundings, she fought back the unladylike urge to give an appreciative wolf whistle as she got her first view of the home belonging to High Prosecutors Miles Edgeworth and Franziska Von Karma.

The interior design was rich and welcoming, with burgundy and grey color palettes, and crisp white accents, complete with maple hardwood floors, soaring 18-foot, cathedral ceilings, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

The living room, which was about the size of Phoenix’s entire apartment, featured a large hearth, hand-tufted, Tibetan area rugs, and hand-etched table lamps next to each of the sofas, comprised of regal-looking upholstery and carved wooden embellishments. Exquisite, gold-framed oil paintings hung on the walls, which Maya instinctively knew were original artwork. She swallowed back a shout of laughter as she took note of the several limited editions, Steel Samurai figurines in the lacquered display case to the side, with a discrete but can’t-miss lock on the glass door!

The dramatically long living and dining area had a full wall of windows with a magnificent 180-degree view of the northern cityscape, covered with trees. French doors lead from the living area to the step-out, wraparound balcony, allowing for a spellbinding panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles. Looking to her left, she noted the grand entryway to the dining room, as well-lit and large as the rest of the place. Walking to it, she marveled at the wall tapestries, huge, glittery crystal chandelier, and a long cherry wood table that was flanked by heavy chairs. Despite having seating for twelve, there were only two place settings laid out, with domed lids covering the meals.

It was here where Maya found Phoenix seated, dressed in his usual jogging suit attire, but for once without the detested beanie on his head. Her disquietude was gone and replaced by sheer jubilation the minute she laid eyes on him, her arms already stretched out as she walked over.

“Nick!” She called happily, quickening her pace, as she fought the urge to run into his arms for fear of bumping into one of Edgeworth’s valuable antique knickknacks by accident. “Nick, I’m finally here!”

He shot up from his wing-backed dining lounge when he saw her, striding forward with a sweet but slightly shy smile on his visage. He reached for her hands and held them clasped in his own for a moment as his loving gaze drank in the sight of her.

Though there are no stars, no light, the souls in love will always shine so bright, even in darkness.

“My love,” he whispered. “I can’t believe you’re really here; that I’m finally getting to see you again.”

He reached up and stroked her face with his knuckles.

“Since that day Sasha dropped me off, all I could do was daydream about when I would be able to lay my eyes on you once more. I thought it’d be another near year. I never dreamed it would be so soon.”

“I still can’t believe this is real, either.” She caught his hand and pressed it against her cheek, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. “I feel like I’m dreaming, Nick.”

“Maya, I –”

“Supper is served,” Hendricks suddenly announced from his standing position next to the table, his countenance full of the dignity of his office as he grandly lifted the silver dome covers off the two plates on the table. “Chivvy along, get it while it’s warm!”

Goddamn it!

Maya stifled an irritated sigh as she reluctantly stepped away from her boyfriend and plodded back to the dining area. Despite her annoyance at the butler’s unintentional interruption of their private reunion, her eyes still lit up when she saw what was on the dinner menu.

“Sweet sassy molassy!” She clapped her hands like an excited child. “Hendricks is that monster-sized thing … a hamburger!?”

“And is this a grilled chicken sandwich?” Phoenix looked impressed. “Nice! How did you know what our favorite foods were?”

“Mr. Wright, Miss Fey, I have taken the liberty of consulting with the Master as to what meals might best be pleasing to your palates,” Hendricks explained as he held out Maya’s chair for her then placed Phoenix’s linen napkin in his lap. “For the lady, an Angus burger with chipotle mayonnaise, blue cheese, manchego cheese, and chargrilled red capsicum. For the gentleman, poached chicken with strawberry, mint, and lemon crème Fraiche. Both are served on garlic and rosemary focaccia, with a side order of hand-cut, oven-baked, Desiree potato fries, drizzled with truffle oil, and tossed with freshly shaved parmesan.”

The couple gaped at Edgeworth’s faithful servant, mouths agape with awed astonishment.

“Slappin’ Salamanders! ” The psychic breathed. “Hendricks, not that we’re aren’t grateful for this gourmet spread you made…but… you really shouldn’t have put yourself out like this!”

“Yeah, we’re neither of us the fancy, schmancy foodie types, to be honest.” The pianist smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck. “I mean, Maya here would have been right as rain with some pickles and ketchup on a regular slab of chuck beef, while I’d have been as happy as a clam with the grilled chicken and some mustard!”

“Mustard?” The butler echoed, as though affronted by such a heathen concept. “Mr. Wright, I don’t believe Master Edgeworth has anything of … that sort within the premises. However, if it pleases you, I could venture to my living quarters on the lower level where mayhap I could retrieve a jar of Grey Poupon for you?”

Poop grey on what now? 

There was the world’s most awkward pause as Phoenix stared uncomprehendingly at the Brit, whose salt and pepper eyebrows remained raised in a disdained semaphore. Luckily, Maya saved him from saying something even more undignified.

“We’re fine but thank you, Hendricks,” she assured him graciously. “This all looks wonderful!”

“Very good, Miss Fey. I do hope everything is to your liking. Please allow me to pour your beverage. I have taken the liberty of acquiring you a bottle of the finest…” Hendricks looked at the bottle and his brows, only newly returned to their normal position, threatened to nearly disappear into his hairline. “Sparking … grape juice. Please allow me to, ah, go … unscrew it for you. I shall be right back.”

The butler retreated to the kitchen then, the foreign bottle of pseudo wine held at arm’s length, as though he feared being contaminated by such uncouth swill.

Maya, who had just taken a hearty mouthful of savory scrumptiousness, nearly choked on her burger.

Sparkling… Grape juice?! Jeez, Louise, Edgy didn’t miss a single detail, did he?

She noticed Phoenix was happily munching his epicurean fries but still hadn’t taken a bite of his chicken sandwich.

“Nick!” She whispered at him, as discreetly as she could across the enormous table. “Why aren’t you eating your food?!”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Maya.” He dubiously eyed his plate and gingerly poked at the bun as if afraid it would bite him. “I’m a plain, mustard, mayo kind of man, not some shi-shi frou-frou gourmet kind of guy, like Edgeworth! I mean, who eats fruit on their chicken?”

Maya was fuming at her swain’s ingratitude.

“Phoenix Wright, you better eat your darn chicken,” she threatened. “Or I’ll…I’ll… go and tell Edgy you so discourteously balked at eating the delicious-looking fare his manservant went through so much trouble for! And you know that I know that you know that I know he will tear you to shreds for such a slight to his hospitality!”

“You’re kidding! My own girlfriend would seriously rat on me?” The pianist felt sweat forming at his temples as he pictured the excruciating mental affliction he’d suffer from a patently barbed Edgeworth reprimand if Maya made good on her threat. “You wouldn’t!”

“Try me, buster!” She glowered at him. “It’s not like you wouldn’t deserve it! Like you haven’t sold me out in the past! Or have you already forgotten about snitching to my sister just a couple of weeks ago?”

“Objection! Totally and completely different circumstances for the ultimate greater good! I was trying to prevent you from putting yourself in further peril! I was trying to save your life, Maya!”

“Overruled! I am trying to save you from the lecture of a lifetime!” She smiled triumphantly as his shoulders slumped in resignation, knowing she’d won this battle. “Stop being such a xenophobic twit and live a little! Embrace trying new things instead of sticking to the status quo, Nick! I’m you’re your dish is sublime! Mine sure is!”

Try new things, she says, Phoenix grumbled to himself as he gingerly took a bite of his food. As if revamping myself from being a bachelor defense attorney into a wannabe cabaret musician/single father wasn’t life-changing enough…

As he slowly chewed, however, he was both stupefied and amazed at the delicious sensation of savory sweetness blending in his mouth.

“My love, you were right! This fare is out of this world!” He enthusiastically tucked into his fare with gusto. “This is the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever tasted!”

“Seee?” She teased, sticking her tongue out at him. He rolled his eyes back at her, even though he was grinning. “Told ya!”

Even before she ever becomes Mrs. Wright, let the record show that she was already Ms. Right! I just didn’t realize her first name was “ALWAYS!”

Hendricks returned with their fizzy beverages, poured into long-stemmed crystal goblets, then disappeared again. The couple toasted each other before taking a sip of the cool, sweet liquid.

“To the man I love!” Maya clinked her glass against his.

“And to the woman I adore.”

Now that the two had sated their appetites, a whole glorious evening lay sprawled ahead of them, and the spirit medium became fully aware of an entirely different hunger unfolding within her. The lascivious look in the hobo’s eyes told her that he was thinking the exact same thing.

“You know, I still haven’t shown you around the rest of this place, Maya,” he noted with a sly smile, starting to rise from his seat. “I really should give you the full, grand tour.”

“Yes, and perhaps you could start said tour by showing me where the butler so thoughtfully put my bags?” She purred, getting up from her chair as well. “Maybe you could begin by escorting me to the general vicinity of the boudoir?”

“Your dessert, Mr. Wright, and Miss Fey.” The manservant cut in, putting a huge glass-domed platter down on the table. “I would you find it pleasing to both your palates, especially you, good lady.”

Oh, come on! Maya puffed out her cheeks sullenly at the ill-timed interruption. Now I think he’s just doing it on purpose!

She barely stifled back an angry mutter as she flopped dejectedly back into her seat, giggling silently in her mind at the withering look Phoenix shot the butler as Hendricks obliviously began to cut and serve the admittedly sumptuous-looking cake he’d brought out.

“The Master mentioned that you were quite the fan of The Pink Princess, Miss Fey.” The butler placed a generous slab onto a china saucer and placed it before her. “Ergo, I took the liberty of making a pink-themed item for pudding.”

Despite dessert not having been the kind of sinfully sweet temptation she’d wanted to sink her teeth into a moment ago, Maya’s gluttonous nature couldn’t help but be tantalized by the words.

“Oh really? What do we have here, then?”

Despite his frustration at being cockblocked for the second time that night, Phoenix couldn’t help but snicker to himself. Evidently, Maya’s six stomachs had spoken and accordingly, taken precedence over anything else that may have whetted her appetite! It looked like they would be lingering for dessert after all, even if the sole saccharine morsel he could have possibly been in the mood for at that moment was whipped cream.

And that’s only if it could be eaten off my girlfriend’s delectable body…

“Homemade raspberry cheesecake,” Hendricks told them, interrupting the former lawyer’s lewd thoughts.  There was a note of pride in his cadence. “It is a blend of Greek yogurt cheesecake and chunks of raspberry cake, with a graham cracker crust, and drizzled with real raspberry purée, garnished with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint.”

“Sounds superlative.” Maya was pretty much drooling now, and Phoenix was certain her reaction would have been the same even if the Englishman hadn’t mentioned the beloved theme that had inspired the dessert, which, he had to admit as he took a bite, was divine.

“I shall be taking my leave for the evening now, Mr. Wright, Miss Fey,” Hendricks informed the couple as they finished off their last bites. “Don’t worry about clearing up, I shall take care of that when I return in the morning to make you breakfast. How does 9:00 sound?”

“That’s perfect.” Maya beamed. “I’m to go downstairs to get my cousin at 11:00 and need to be downtown for a conference by noon. Thank you, Hendricks.”

“Yes, thank you. Everything was fantastic.” Phoenix told him, even though he was wondering why the meticulous butler was content to leave cleanup till the next day rather than doing so right away.

Hendricks appeared to be reading his mind and the ghost of a smile flickered across his austere features.

“I live within the building, on the 6th floor, so there’s no issue nor great delay for when I tidy up, Mr. Wright. However,” the butler gave him a knowing look. “I get the feeling if I were to stick around another moment, the two of you may very well murder me in my sleep! The Master did indicate to me how long it had been since you saw one another and I have no desire to be a hindrance to your private reunion a minute longer!”

Holy testicles and great balls of fire! Maya desperately wished she could disappear into the floor at the sight of the manservant’s twinkling eyes. I am going to kill Edgy!

Hendricks caught her stunned, embarrassed expression and gave a hearty chortle.

“Rest assured, I also have no wish to be witness, in any way, shape, or form to your grossly long overdue reunion…which I imagine will be commencing the instant you lovebirds leave this table, hence my desire to leave these premises, post-haste! Might I humbly request though, that you please allow an old man to at least get a head start out the front door before the reconvening celebrations … commence?”

Phoenix shut his eyes, dreadfully wishing he hadn’t forsaken his beanie that night, which he yearned to pull over his entire face at that moment more than anything in the world! This was almost as bad as it’d been with the mischievous Mia and her racy japing about his love life with her sister! As if having a taunting future sister-in-law wasn’t enough of a nightmare, now they were subjected to a suddenly overly chatty butler with a wonderfully, awful sense of humor?!

Why, oh, why couldn’t Edgeworth have hired a stoic, zip-lipped, tight-ass instead?!

“Oh, come on now, I was a young man once too, you know!” Hendricks chuckled, unabashed in the slightest. “As much fun as it’s been serving you both whilst pretending to not notice the woeful, homicidal looks exchanged between you all evening, I do need to put an end to my torturous actions at some point now, don’t I?”

The butler ignored their crimson cheeks and gave a jaunty wink before turning back to Maya and bowing slightly.

“Your valise is in the master bedroom along with Mr. Wright’s, Miss Fey. The bathroom is fully stocked with any essentials you may require and the refrigerator is chockfull should either of you get a mite puckish later … after the, ah … rejoicing festivities. Now, I am going to take my leave. Good evening to you both.”

With that, he then bowed, turned on his heel, and as promised, left the suite thereafter, leaving a mortified Maya and still blushing Phoenix in his wake.

“Holy mayonnaise and all the little condiments!” She glanced over at her boyfriend, who had walked over to the living room and flopped onto the sofa with an embarrassed hand now tightly clapped over his eyes. “I wonder how much of this will get back to Edgy?”

He grunted in response, which she supposed meant: all of it!

“I mean, if Hendricks wanted to ensure I never wanted to have sex again, he did a great job!” The psychic continued, pressing her hands against her still-burning cheeks. “I mean, is it that evident how badly I wanted to completely devour you the minute I laid eyes on you tonight?”

The hobo lifted one finger off his eye and turned his head towards her.

“Sweet sweating sailors! You thought he was calling you out? I figured it was me the old guy was mocking because it’s been glaringly obvious that I’ve been fantasizing about getting you out of those clothes before you even walked through that door!”

Her pulse quickened at the words; her embarrassment was now vanquished.

“Have you truly been thinking that, Nick?” She asked coyly, a naughty glint in her eye now.

“You know I have, Maya.” Phoenix sat up and looked at her longingly. “Whether you’re with me or not, day or night, I always want you. I crave you.”

“Well, Mr. Wright…” she tilted her head to the side and gave him a coquettish smile. “If you wanted to still play tour guide things…rest assured, there are indeed certain things I am most eager to explore…”

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The B-52’s – Love Shack

Shania Twain – Still The One

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