Chapter 74：Antsy

Ever since Jordan posted a pic of the sonogram Lana's life was in chaos. The press wouldn't leave her alone. They camped outside her building and would swoop in as soon as she so much as stepped out the door. Although Jordan had increased her security considerably it didn't deter them.

"When is the baby due?"

"Who's the father?"

"Is it Jordan Carter's?"

"Is it true that you have filed for divorce?"

Then there were headlines in almost every prominent gossip column and entertainment channel.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE

A reliable source has informed us that the fairy-tale romance between bad-boy superstar Jordan Carter and small-town girl Lana Logan has turned into a nightmare. JC is rumored to be having an affair with on-and-off side piece DJ Lexie of ROCK FM. He was also spotted with a mysterious blonde at his hotel in Ibiza where he was on vacation with his close friends. Although his wife is pregnant it hasn't seemed to tame the bad-boy. Efforts to get a comment from both JC and Lana have been met with hostility from both parties.

"What is it, Ryan?" Lana sauntered into her living room and plopped herself on the couch.

"JC has an interview tonight." Ryan sat forward and placed his hands on his knees.

"Moral of the story.." She replied in an irritated tone.

"Actually it was supposed to be both you and him but-"

"Forget it. I'm not going on live television with him-" she rose to her feet and was about to leave.

"Wait!" Ryan pleaded. "Hear me out?"

"You want me to go out there and pretend like we're a happy couple? Well sorry to disappoint you Ryan but I can't and I won't." She folded her arms at glowered at him.

"I didn't want to play this card but you leave me no choice.." Ryan stood up with a regretful sigh.

"Let me guess? The Contract?" she said hotly after he had taunted her once more.

"Let's be civil about this Lana. We don't have to go there-"

"Then I let's not waste each others, time-send Michelle, over." He saw that her hands were clenched tightly and her lip trembled. "We're done here."

Ryan sank back onto the seat and rubbed his forehead. Lana was getting more and more difficult to talk to. It was probably the pregnancy hormones but someone had to reign her in. She couldn't go for the interview in this state-she would sabotage the whole thing.

"Jones."

"Yeah..you need back up?"

"Yeah."

"I'll be right up."

Jones stepped into the living room and Ryan's face lit up with relief. "She's in her room. Good luck." He patted Jones's shoulder as he rushed out.

Jones knocked softly on the door. "Lana? Can I come in?"

She swung open the door and scowled at him. "What do you want Jones?"

"Easy tiger! We're on the same team here." Jones eyed her skeptically.

"I'm sorry.." A feeling of remorse came over her as she stood aside and allowed him in.

"What's going on kid? You've been so antsy lately..a little terror..it's unlike you." Jones made himself comfortable on a seat close to the window.

"I..I don't know Jay.." she placed herself at the edge of the bed, wringing her fingers restlessly. "I guess I'm just confused..and frustrated and-I don't know..." She laced her fingers in her hair and sighed deeply as she stared up at the ceiling.

"So you've made Jordan your stress-ball." Jones stretched out his longs legs and placed his hands on his jean-clad thighs.

"What do you mean?" Lana asked, confused.

"You're clearly taking out your frustrations on him Lana." He stated, "and that's not fair."

"No! I'm not!" She shot back defensively.

"Yes. Yes, you are." Jones reiterated, his tone calm and level. His gaze unwavering.

"Look..I know you need to vent and let out your stress but it's misdirected this time. Jordan has been trying Lana. I mean I would know-"

"He's not ready to be a parent-"

"And you are?" Jones challenged and she fell silent. "I thought so." He replied with a smug look.

"You're right.." She stared at her hands and sighed in defeat. "I've been unfair to him.."

"Sorry-can you repeat that? Didn't quite hear you??" Jones put his hand behind his ear and leaned forward.

"Shut up Jones."

Jones roared with laughter. "You sound just like Jordan!"

Lana's face broke into a smile. "You're crazy."

"Come on-give me some love." Jones laughed as he cradled her head against his chest.

"Thank you," Lana spoke softly.

"Anytime kid." He broke away and ruffled her hair.

"Can I come in?" Michelle tapped her fingers on the door.

"Mich! Come in!"

"Hie Lana. It's been too long." The two women embraced.

"Indeed!" Lana agreed.

"I think I'm going to head out. My work here is done." Jones said his goodbyes and left.

"Right..let's get you ready shall we?" Michelle rubbed her hands together.

"Ready when you are." Lana sat at her dresser and Michelle began to work her magic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jordan was invited to participate in the annual Celebrity Models Benefit as usual. It was a modeling show where celebrities were invited to model various brands from prominent designers. All proceeds were donated to charity.

Every corner he turned there was a half-naked girl hitting on him. It felt good to be wanted for a change so he flirted a little with the girls that were bold enough to approach him, and basked in the attention. He felt like a king and pushed Lana to the back of his mind temporarily.

"Hey, pretty boy!" A finger poked him in his back.

Jordan turned around with a scowl. "Blue!" His face lit up as he encircled his arms around her and gave her a bear hug. "What are you doing here?!" he held her at arm's length.

"Looking for you sexy!" she winked at him and smiled, with the toss of her blue mane.

"I didn't know you'd be modeling at this show?" They walked backstage and stood outside Blue's dressing room.

"I wasn't..changed my mind at the last minute.." she bent her head slightly to the side and grinned. "So I guess congratulations are in order..huh daddy?"

"Yeah.." he sunk his teeth into his bottom lip and smiled sheepishly.

"JC you're up in five-" Ryan ran up from behind.

"Catch up later?"

"I'd be offended if we didn't. See you after the show, pretty boy." Blu punched him on the shoulder before he turned and left.