This is going to be fun! As for the shopping, I have a little notion that Lizzy has talked to Rob about it and he told her to go carte blanche on the outfit for the gala  but not to let Tina know! Just a wild guess. :) As for Peter, I had a feeling he was kind of hoping they would work out but glad she was up front with him about how she is with someone. That way nobody gets hurt.

Author's Response:

Hi, Nancy!  They really do have a good time shopping!  I guess I didn't make it clear that Rob's time on set has been really, really hectic.  Even he and Tina are barely able to keep in touch, so he and Lizzy aren't any more connected.  They exchange brief messages but that's about it.  Lizzy and Tina have a friendship developing because Lizzy reminds Tina of Suzie, and Tina gives Lizzy a link to her brother.  They really want to form a bond outside of their common bond, since they both miss him (for different reasons, obviously!).  Besides, Tina is so stubborn she'd never let Lizzy pay.

I was glad she was open and honest with Peter and that he finally came clean about his intentions.  Now hopefully everyone can move on, right?  Right?

Thanks for reading and reviewing!  I'm sorry I've been so fail at getting back to people this week.  I have a new job assignment and I'm on the road a lot.  Good for reading but not so good for internet activities.

How fun was that?  Tina's dress sounds amazing.  I'm sure meeting the Royal Family is truly thrilling.  I wonder how Rob will react to this? 

Author's Response:

I'm so glad you thought it was fun!  A Rob-less chapter is always a risk.  Since we don't have royalty here, celebs are really the closest we have.  Hopefully now Tina has a small notion of how controlled and choreographed Rob's appearances have to be, since he has a lot of the popularity without all the protocols.  How will Rob react?  That's an interesting question... she TOLD him she was going.  Lizzy told him they were both going.  So it shouldn't be a surprise.  No reason to be upset, right, Rob?  RIGHT?  Oh, that young man can fly off the handle about little things, doesn't he?

I'm going to try posting the inspiration for the dress on the LOC thread this weekend.  Be on the lookout!

Monday we'll find out more...

Thanks for reading and reviewing!  I really appreciate your support, pirate51!

I decided to check out new RPF since I haven't looked since last fall and you're fic was at the top. I saw it was 45 chapters along and I jumped in. I've been reading it for 2 days! I LOVE it! I'm totally addicted to Need to Escape & On the Threshhold and now I'll add your story to it too. Your Rob is awesome and the lemons are super juicy! Great job! All this high quality RPF just makes me all aflutter!

Author's Response:

Oh, Mariposa, I feel bad about you losing two days of your life, but I'm so glad you're here!  And even better that you're having fun.  Lostluggage/aka Steph who writes NTE and OTT is my evil twin, so she'll be thrilled that you've wandered my way as well.  I love her stories.  We're convinced we were separated at birth and someday we'll find the records to prove it!

If you like Suzie, be sure to check out Taking Control.  It's a short, six chapter story that takes place right after Suzie becomes Rob's PA.  I think you'll enjoy it.  Not lemony, but heavy on the snark.  I think it's funny (and I actually think funny is harder to write than lemony, but that's just my opinion).  Thanks for considering my story "high quality RPF" - I'm really glad you like it!

I update on Mondays, so you won't have to wait long.  And NTE and OTT are enough to keep us busy, anyway, right?  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  I hope I see you Monday!

hmmm...isn't it suspicious to the paps that tina hangs out with lizzy? i mean if i was a good pap, i'd immediately catch on.

Author's Response:

Hey, Sarah!  Well... I'm sure she's in their suspicious person file because of the incident at the club before Suzie left, and the scene at the park.  But she's also Suzie's sister, so it's not completely out of line for her to be around.  And having her there when he's NOT there would serve to further the notion that she's a friend of the family more than someone who's an important part of his life.  But I believe that pictures of her are probably held in the "maybe" file for someday.  If/when something is confirmed or even implied more directly about them, I'd bet that all those pics, plus others of her (the Hobson premiere, the premiere for Lou's film before that - even before she knew Rob, and anything else they can dig up) will show up.  I hope she never had a bad hair day, you know?

I'm also not sure how much Lizzy is followed when they know that Rob is in the States filming.  It's hard for him to go unnoticed, but I'm sure she's not quite as stalked.

Interesting thought, though... we shall see, I guess!  See you Monday?  Thanks for reading and reviewing!

great chapter her dress sounds real beautiful. i would get real fluster too if i met royalty. soooooo just a quick question is there gonna be problems next chapter cause tina meation how she was not paying attention to the viberations from her purse, i so love a jealous man!!! to me there hot. thanks for updating. see you on friday i hope. :)

Author's Response:

Hey, Emma!  I'm glad you liked the dress... I found the inspiration in the John Lewis online boutique and made a few changes (color, length) but this is basically it.  I would be a mess if I met royalty, I'm sure.  Especially either of the boys - I had such a fascination with Charles and Diana (and I had a HUGE crush on Andrew when I was younger), so their sons really would intimidate me.  Now, she TOLD him she was going, and Lizzy was there too, so she's practically chaperoned, but we know that he has a problem with his jealousy.  And he's had an issue with Peter since the beginning... so we shall see.  Monday, in fact, we shall see.  *smirks and runs away*

Thanks for reading and reviewing!  I think I'm going to update Monday - I was on a business trip from Sunday evening until tonight and I just could use the weekend to get some writing and recovering done.  My val-beta and I need to talk about a good day for LOC updates after that.  But I think Memorial Day will be the day.  Hope to see you then!

 

Hmm. Wonder if Rob gets upset because she isn't answering her phone when the pictures of her with Peter greeting Wills hit the internet? I would like him to be more sure of her than that, but we'll see, won't we? :D

Loved the chapter - but I missed Rob. How ever adorable Lizzie is, she is not Rob :)

Author's Response:

Hi, Irene!  It's been interesting... I usually get some grief when I have a Robless chapter or a "too much about work" chapter.  But this one was a MONSTER sized chapter and had to be cut.  Sadly, Rob ended up on the other side of the scissors, but he'll be in the other half, which will post Monday.  I promise!  The pictures could prove interesting, though.  Lizzy has taken some, as have the press, and of course the one she's going to get of the meeting with Peter and Wills... she told him about the event, and she practically has Lizzy as a chaperone.  Really, what is there to be upset about?  People keep asking if he'll be mad, but why should he?  Right?  *snicker* Silly boys.

So we shall see... Monday.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  I really appreciate it.  Hope to "see" you on the review pages soon!  Sorry it took me so long to respond - four day business trip this week really sucked the life out of me!  And there were time zone challenges, too.  Ah well!

 "It won't matter that it's your fault, Mum.  He can't kill you, so he'll kill me."

Oh, Clare! You know she wants the dirt soooo badly...but our boy would never be rude to his mum.

I liked how there were parallels to Tina being at an event like this with what she will be experiencing as Rob's girlfriend. The protocol would not be as rigid (heehee...I said rigid), but knowing that people would be as trained on her as they are on Rob...that must be unnerving. I like how she saw it as an opportunity to be there both with and for him...seeing them as a partnership. I think that's so important to her...that there is an equality between them.

Any chance you have a picture of the dress you had in mind, or was it just yet another part of your fictional delusion? It sounds beautiful...

I wonder if Rob (or his handlers) will have any problems with pictures that may emerge of Tina and Peter looking like they are on a date...hmmmm...

Another great job...and can I tell you how excited I am that you are currently only about 25 miles away from me at the moment! 48 hours my dear!

HUGS!

~Tracy

Author's Response:

Hi, honey!  I'm still smiling from our dinner and drinks last night!  Anyway, you're so right about Clare... she just wants to meet Tina, and it's frustrating to her that the woman is in her city and she can't.  If the tables were turned and it was Lizzy's boyfriend and Rob she was pressuring, he would totally cave.  He can't deny her, especially when she gives him "the stare" that all mother's have.  But Lizzy is somewhat immune.  She is really torn - as much as she knows her mother would be thrilled and that her mother would never be anything but gracious to Tina, she really wants Rob to be there for all those first reactions and introductions.  So she puts her off and deals with the consequences.

So glad you saw the similarities between Rob and Wills.  In a way, celebs are our royalty here in the states.  The protocols aren't defined to the smallest detail but the controls are strict and the security is serious business.  So now she's had a chance to see what that would look like without having her protective Mama Bear instincts color her viewpoint.  She really wants a partnership and is trying to figure out how she can be that equal participant without messing up his life and career, or hers for that matter.

I'll email you the inspiration for the dress.  I changed the color and the length a bit, but I actually found this dress in John Lewis' online boutique.  I was quite proud of myself, since I'm NOT a shopper, unless we're talking about power tools at Home Depot or casual clothes at Sports Authority.

The pictures of Tina... well, there's the ones Lizzy took, which have immediate impact, but there are those other ones.  Hmmm.... time will tell, won't it?

I can't wait to hear your reaction to the rest of this story!  You so GET IT!  Yay!  And I'm actually looking forward to my next trip to Memphis, whenever that may be.  Unless it's time for me to convince the base commander that New Jersey has serious band needs.  You let me know!  Love you!  Thanks for reading and reviewing, as always.  PattinScouts need a creed... "On my honor, I will try to respectfully honor Rob, my Tri-O sisters, and the fandom, and to live by the PattinScout law.  And to always have a clipboard and access to a white panel van."  How's that?

Hi Kris, I so look forward to your updates.... I keep thinking you were going to surprise us and have Rob somehow show up to surprise Tina.  Pout :-).... meeting Wils was fun tho.  Why am I sensing we have some angst coming, will Rob be jealous when he sees the pics of Tina and Peter, ut oh...... these two have been thru so much, I hope the trail continues on a safe happy path.... ....  as always LOC is one of my very favs, so thanks for the quick updates, I so look forward to a Tina /Rob reunion. 

Author's Response:

Hey, edwyna!  Sorry it took me so long to get back to you... business trip.  Need I say more?  Anyway... Rob is still suffering from the last time he left the set to surprise her.  Not sure that the handlers would take kindly to him leaving for a flight that takes half a day.  Plus, he's hard at work on the film I wish they weren't making, so he can't slip away.  He's got to be in virtually every BD scene, I'd imagine.  Now let's remember... she TOLD him she was going, and Lizzy had to have told him SHE was going, so Tina's practically chaperoned.  She's been totally clear with Peter from the beginning... so what is there to get jealous about?  Hmmm?  ROB??? What is there to get jealous about?  Silly boy.

So glad you enjoy this story.  I am still on track to keep my weekly posts... I'm just having trouble writing the end (*sniff*).  But this can't go on forever.  Besides, I had a dream where I saw the epilogue, and I can't write that unless I finish the story, right?  Probably about a dozen chapters left in case you're wondering.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  I'll see you Monday!

Hi Hun,  Great update as always.

Loved the interaction with Lizzy, especially this, "my brother and my mother are both pretty intense.  She will adore you because he does."  Speaks volumes about his relationship with his mom - always an important hurdle in any relationship.

Looking forward to the next update.

Cheers,

Leslie

Author's Response:

Hi, Leslie!  Thanks so much for the review!  I know a Rob-less chapter is a risky one, but this was a LONG chapter for me.  I think Tina secretly wouldn't mind meeting his mother, just because of how Lizzy has described her and interacted with her.  Maybe it would even be less nerve-wracking if Rob wasn't there.  But the RL Rob seems to be very close to his family, and in my LOC world, ficRob is extremely close to his mother.  Hence, her opinion matters a great deal to Tina (probably to Rob, too, although he is just optimisitic enough to see any reason why Clare wouldn't like Tina!).

The next update will either be Friday or Monday... it depends on my val-beta.  I'm not sure which day she wants to keep!  Thanks again for reading and reviewing!  *mwah*

Another great one Kris! Only Prince W could make up for a lack of Rob. And talk abt fantasy dress shopping! Loved it! Mwah! Teddi

Author's Response:

I'm taking a bit of grief for a Rob-less chapter!  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  There's a bit of similarity between the life of Prince William and the life of Rob... not lost on Tina at all.  But she got to watch it as an outsider and I think it gave her some perspective.  I hope nobody has a doubt that she's committed to him and to this relationship!  But she needs to really understand what she's getting herself into.  So now she has an idea.  Rob's appearances are equally choreographed, he has to be equally charming to complete strangers, he has to do things and go places he might not otherwise want to go... she understands it much better now.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Teddi!  I can't wait for you to see the rest of the party.  It's such fun!

I´ve been reding LOC on my Sony Reader on my way to work, it´s good thing my stop is the last one since I´m always completely engrossed by your story. The bad thing is that I dont leave any reviews since I had to pdf the chapters to bring them with me. Sorry about that...

I love the realism you´re portraing, reltionships are difficult, especially when you have a lot of bagage and need for control.  Managing ower long distance in the start of a relationship is even harden and bound for disapointments, missunderstandings and arguments over the phone. But sometimes it dose work anyway, I know :-)

Author's Response:

Hi, Cecilia!

I'm so glad that you dropped me a note... however you read it, I'm glad that you do.  The thing that makes me happiest is that you talk about the realism... that's the most important thing to me.  This is really a story about Tina and she should be real to you.  Real people (real adults) have baggage, and someone whose life is as "off the rails" as Rob's would certainly be challenging to integrate into a "normal" life.  So if I'm portraying that in a way that's realistic and still interesting, then I'm doing my job!

The long distance thing was just scary for Tina because she is not accustomed to a relationship that is "effortless."  Not that this relationship doesn't take work, but it's a different kind of work than what she's used to.  They really want to make it work, so hopefully they will figure all of this out.  More importantly, I hope they do that in a way that's still entertaining for you.

Feel free to ask any questions... and please let me know that you're still with me every once in a while!  Thanks again for reading and reviewing.  I love hearing from you!

now the ending to that chapter was AWESOME!!! I wish he would show up for my birthday!

Author's Response:

Oh, I hear you, Linda!  Sadly for me he was in Budapest for my birthday, so no special visit.  *sigh*

I'm glad you liked that little twist.  Imagine how hard it must be for a control freak to deal with that number of surprises all at one time?  Poor Tina.  I thought she handled it remarkably well, though.

As much as I hated their breakup, I really think that it level-set things for them more and made them appreciate each other in a way they otherwise wouldn't.  Stuff like this would not have seemed as important for either of them (at least to me).  Of course, I proved how much I prefer for them to be in the same physical space when it took me three chapters to cover the 24 hours that follow this one.  I know what you're reading right now and I'm blushing just thinking about it.  I think I'll go hide in the corner for a while.

Enjoy!  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.  I really appreciate it!