Welcome to the Madhouse

Woohoo! 100th Update! So, here's the latest update!


For two months, Irina saw Bristow off and on, dinner, lunch, coffee. She saw Sloane at a few functions, and the same woman she had met the night of the ball accompanied him. They regarded each other with a comfortable disdain. As Irina got to know Jack Bristow she began to like him more and more, but never in the way she had felt about Arvin Sloane. They were very different men.

In the late summer, Jack invited Irina over for dinner – just the two of them. “I’m going to cook,” he said, very proud. Irina laughed. She arrived at his home around eight o’clock with a bottle of wine. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“You look lovely, my dear,” he said. Irina could only smile at him. He had opened the door with a white apron tied around his waist.

“And you look…like a chef,” she said, then kissed him back. He took her hand and led her into the kitchen, where she settled on a stool and watched him stir pots of simmering liquid. “It’s smells fantastic! My compliments to the chef.” She was proud of herself, using one of the idioms she found so complicated in the English language.

Jack smiled. “I can only hope it tastes half decent.”

“I’m sure it will, darling.” Irina stood up and went over to the cabinet. She took out two wine glasses and poured the wine. She handed a glass to Jack. He took a grateful sip, then returned to cooking.

Shortly after, Jack had finished cooking. They settled at the dining room table and Jack served up the pasta. Irina took a bite. “It’s delicious, Jack. Why didn’t you ever tell me you were so talented?”

“I would hardly call this talented, Laura,” he said, but Irina could tell he was grateful for the compliment. “Now, this may seem a little sudden, darling, but I was wondering if you would like to go away for a weekend some time soon.”

“That sounds delightful,” Irina said with a smile. “Where were you thinking of going?”

“I thought New York City might be nice. Have you ever been there?”

“Only the airport,” she said with a smile. “But it was a very nice airport.”

“How about next weekend?” Jack said.

“Fantastic,” Irina said. “That would be great.” She took another bite of the pasta. It really was very good. She thought they would eat quietly for a few minutes before conversation started again, but Jack spoke suddenly.

“Laura, I don’t mean to be forward, but I think I love you.” Towards the end, Irina could barely hear what he was saying, and Jack’s cheeks had turned a bright red.

“I…I don’t know what to say,” Irina stammered, but couldn’t bear it when Jack looked crushed. She hesitated. “But…I think I love you too,” she whispered. Jack’s frown turned into a smile. Irina felt bad over having blatantly lied to Jack’s face, but she forced her face into a smile. She took Jack’s hand across the table.

At the end of the night, Jack walked her to the new car the agency had arranged for her so she wouldn’t have to keep taking taxis. “Thanks for stopping by, Laura.”

“Dinner was great, Jack. I can’t wait for the trip next weekend.” Irina got into the car. She rolled down the window and gave Jack a quick kiss. “I’ll see you soon. Call me tomorrow.” Jack nodded and watched as she drove away.

She called Kozlov when she got home and told him about the trip Jack had invited her on. “Great,” he said in response. “That means you’re gaining his trust.”

Irina hesitated, then whispered. “He told me he loved me.” She cringed as she waited for Kozlov’s response.

“Really?” came the amazed response from the other end. “Already? Bristow seemed to cautious for that. I thought it would take longer. Great job, Agent Derevko.” Irina smiled to herself. She had learned quickly that Kozlov did not hand out compliments often and had come not to expect them. That made it all the better when he said something like that.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “So you want me to go to New York.”

“Of course, Agent Derevko. We’ll send a team to trail you, make sure he doesn’t get any funny ideas, make sure he doesn’t suspect anything.”

“Good.”

“Call me as soon as you get the flight information. The more time we have to plan, the better. They’ll probably bring you in for a briefing along with the rest of the team. I’ll contact you if that’s the case.”

“All right,” Irina said and hung up the phone. She went into the second bedroom that she had converted into an office. She sat at the typewriter and wrote up her lesson plans for the next week. Professor Clarkson had all but turned the class over to her. He had even spoken shortly of arranging for her to have her own class the next semester, which Irina realized would make her a full professor.

She stayed up until well past two in the morning working on the notes she would need for the class. She would have to see if Clarkson would let her teach a class on Russian literature. She had been studying that in Russia before her recruitment.

The next morning she woke up early to get to her office at the university. She called Kozlov from her office. They had checked the phone earlier and made sure it was bug-free. It was now deemed a secure line. She talked to Kozlov for a moment, but since there was nothing new to report, she got off fast. She reviewed her notes, pacing back and forth throughout the small office, preparing herself for the class. Irina still had trouble getting up in front of a whole room full of students. She had to prepare herself.

Students knew that Laura Ivanov was always in her office prior to class, and they often took the opportunity to stop in and ask questions. It sometimes frustrated Irina. She needed to do her work, but it was fun to watch the students, all leading normal lives. Sometimes she craved the freedom she had had before, but her freedom was nothing compared to the freedom her students had.
 
For the next week, Irina’s excitement about the trip grew to amazing levels. She met with Kozlov several times to receive the technology for her trip. She had been given a lipstick tube with a camera on the end, glasses with a camera on the nosepiece and a microphone on the earpiece. She had also been given two purses with cameras and tracking devices set in. Kozlov had also arranged credit cards and cash for her under the name Laura Ivanov to match the driver’s license she had been given two months before.

She had also met with higher-ups at the KGB, but they told her the same things that Kozlov had. She was supposed to do “whatever necessary” to gain Bristow’s trust. She was supposed to wrap him around her little finger, get him to do her bidding.

Finally, on Friday afternoon, Irina loaded her bags into the back of her car and set off for Jack’s house. She rang the doorbell and was promptly greeted by Jack. He leaned in for a quick kiss, and then guided her into the house. “The car will be here in a few minutes. Go ahead and set your bags down.” He gestured towards the foyer where his bags were sitting. Irina took the suggestion and set down her bags.

They waited a few moments until a black Town Car pulled up in front of the house. “That’s our ride,” said Jack. The chauffeur came to the door and loaded the bags into the trunk of the car. Jack then took Irina’s hand and they went outside to get into the car. Sitting down, Irina smoothed her skirt, then allowed Jack to take her hand. “I’m so glad we’re doing this,” Jack said.

“Yes,” Irina said. “I’ve been looking forward to it ever since you invited me, Jack.”

“Good,” Jack said. They rode in silence to the airport where Jack pulled the tickets out of his carry on bag. They checked in then went to the terminal. Boarding the plane, Irina started to move back towards coach, the only place she had ridden on the plane, but Jack stopped her. “We’re up here, Laura,” he said, gesturing to two seats in first class.

“Oh,” Irina said, moving back towards him. She settled herself next to the window. “This is nice,” she said.

“Only the best for you, darling,” Jack said with a smile. He took Irina’s hand and kissed her. “I love you, Laura.”

“I love you too, Jack,” she said. He held her hand until they were offered champagne by a stewardess. He accepted for both of them, then gave Irina a glass. “Thank you,” she said, sipping the bubbly liquid. She felt herself become more relaxed. She looked over at Jack, only to discover him looking back at her. She giggled. After takeoff, Irina leaned back in her chair. Jack took her hand again.

“You haven’t flown much, have you, Laura?” he asked with a smile.

“No,” Irina said. “My first flight was to New York from Russia.”

“Well, we’ll just have to get you used to flying,” Jack said, then lifted her hand to his lips. Irina smiled at him. She liked the attention he paid her. Jack took a book out of his carryon, and Irina followed suit. “Crime and Punishment?” Jack asked.

Irina looked down at the book. “Yes,” she said. “It’s for the class I’m teaching next semester. Well, hopefully I’m teaching it.” She smiled. “I have a certain weakness for the Russians.”

Jack nodded. “I find Tolstoy more enjoyable than Dostoevsky, I must say.”

“Oh. I adore Dostoevsky. But you can tell that by the condition of the book,” Irina said, gesturing towards her worn copy of Crime and Punishment.

Jack smiled down on her. “You are fantastic, Laura. I couldn’t be luckier.”

Irina found herself with her lips pressed against his. She hadn’t expected to initiate the kiss, but it had happened. “And I couldn’t be luckier either, Jack. You spoil me,” she said, grinning.

“You deserve to be spoiled,” Jack said, and Irina could feel herself liking him even more. He treated her so well.

They got off the plane in New York about three hours later. Irina was still feeling a little lightheaded from the champagne, but she was enjoying herself. They got off the plane and were greeted by a chauffeur holding up Jack’s name. “Any baggage, sir?” the uniformed chauffeur asked.

“Yes,” Jack said, handing him the tags the airline had given them. “Four bags.” The chauffeur led them to the baggage claim where he retrieved their luggage. Jack and Irina then followed them to a waiting limousine.

“Oh, Jack. You shouldn’t have,” Irina whispered as she slid into the back.

“Of course I should have,” Jack said when he got in. The chauffeur climbed into the front and they took off, weaving in and out of the heavy New York traffic.

“Where are we going?” Irina asked.

“I thought we’d stop by the hotel first, then get some dinner,” Jack said. “We’re staying at the Plaza.” Irina had read about the Plaza.

“The Plaza?” she said, shocked. She couldn’t help herself. “Really?”

“Yes, darling. I thought you’d enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will.” They rode to the hotel where the chauffeur took their bags inside and gave them to the bagboy.

“I’ll return in half an hour, Mr. Bristow,” the chauffeur said, then returned to the limousine.

“Thank you,” Jack said, then took Irina to the front desk where they checked in. They went upstairs to the suite Jack had reserved, and Irina felt her stomach leap into her throat.

“Oh, Jack. It’s lovely!” she said, walking into the room. “I can’t believe how gorgeous this is!” She sat down on the bed. “It’s fantastic!” She then walked over into the sitting area. “Oh, it’s wonderful.” Irina was in awe. Jack showed the bellman where to set the bags, tipped him, then turned to Irina.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said, beaming. “Now what would you like for dinner?” he asked.

“Oh, I don’t know. Anything you choose will be fine,” Irina said, still in awe over the gorgeous room.

“We’d better change. The driver is waiting downstairs.” Irina nodded, then went over to her bags, opening them and removing a black dress and heels. She slipped out of her skirt and blouse and into the slinky dress, leaning over to fasten her heels. She took the lipstick the KGB had given her out of her bag and snapped a few photos as she applied it. She freshened her makeup, then added a necklace and a pair of diamond earrings.

Jack came out of the bathroom where he had changed into a suit. “You look lovely, darling,” he said, embracing Irina. “Are you ready?”

Irina picked up her handbag. “Let’s go,” she said, smiling.
 
Interesting... Irina had better not get too drunk and blow her cover. (Not that since this is set in the past that'll happen) I think. Okay now I'm confused. Going to go jump off my bridge now. Bye!!! :groupwave:
 
“Close your eyes, darling. I want this to be a surprise,” Jack said when they got into the limousine. He smiled at her, then kissed her.

Irina looked at him. “Fine,” she said, goodheartedly. She blinked twice, then shut her eyes. Jack took her hand and wrapped his arm around her, pulling Irina in close to him. He kissed her on the top of your head.

“I think you’ll like the place we’re going,” he said. “At least I hope you will, because it’s one of my favorite places in the city.”

Irina opened her eyes and looked up at him. “How many times have you been here before?” she said.

“Ah ah ah. Eyes shut, sweetie,” Jack said, seeing her eyes. Irina rolled her eyes, then shut them. “I come here a lot on business.”

“And what business is that?” Irina asked in a light tone. “You’ve never told me before.”

Even with her eyes shut, Irina could just imagine the look on Jack’s face. “Oh,” he said, pausing a moment before he recovered. “I work for the State Department.”

“Interesting,” Irina said, nodding her head. Jack pulled her closer.

“But we’re not here to talk about work,” he said. “This weekend is all about you.”

Irina laughed. “Oh, Jack. You spoil me too much. But I must admit I do love it, almost as much as I love you.” Irina leaned her head onto Jack’s shoulder, relaxing.

“We’re here,” said Jack, and Irina felt the car slow to a stop. “Now keep your eyes shut. I’ll help you out.” Jack opened the door, then took Irina’s hand. She stretched her legs out of the door and stood up.

“Can I open them yet?” Irina said, stumbling over the curve.

Jack laughed at her. “Just a moment, sweetie.” They walked a few steps, then Irina heard Jack’s voice. “All right. You can open them now,” he said. Irina blinked and adjusted to the light. They were standing outside of café called “Terrace off the Green.” There were plants everywhere, growing right up to the door.

“Oh, Jack. It’s beautiful,” she said.

“I thought you’d like it,” Jack said, opening the door for her. He walked up to the maitre de. “Reservation for two. Under the name Bristow.” The maitre de nodded, took two menus, and led them to a table near a large picture window. Jack pulled out the chair for Irina, then took his own seat. The maitre de smiled, handed them their menus, and then left their table.

A waitress came to their table shortly after. “Could I offer you a bottle of wine?” the woman said. “Or an order of crab cakes before your meals?”

Jack took Irina’s hand. “Both sound lovely,” he said. The waitress nodded and walked away from their table to the kitchen. Jack looked at Irina over the flowers in the middle of their table. Irina blushed and smiled. Finally, she opened her menu, then decided on a filet mignon for her meal. The waitress returned with wine and the crab cakes and took their orders. When she left, Jack began to look nervous.

“Umm…Laura, I know this is a little soon, but I was wondering…I mean…” he looked down at the white tablecloth. He took a deep breath. “Laura Ivanov, would you marry me?” he reached down into his suit pocket and removed a black velvet box. He opened it across the table and showed the ring to her. Irina gasped.

“Oh, Jack,” she whispered, lifting her hand to her open mouth.

“I…I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I feel that there’s something between us. I…I love you, Laura, and I want to be with you.”

“Oh, Jack,” Irina said, then let a smile spread across her face. “Jack, I love you too. I would love to be your wife.”

Jack visibly relaxed, then removed the ring from the box and slipped it onto Irina’s finger. He leaned over the table and kissed her. “Thank you, darling.” He turned and got the waitress’s attention. “Could we get a bottle of champagne?” he said. The waitress smiled at Irina as she looked down at her hand, nodded and went back to the kitchen. Jack smiled at Irina. She squeezed his hand.
 
uh oh he poped the question!!!! go jack! way to stutter through it ;0) its so hard to picture jack nervous...kinda funny....

great chapters and thanks for the pm!
 
Irina was on cloud nine for the rest of the night, floating above the mere mortals surrounding her. Before they left the restaurant, Irina excused herself to use the restroom. She removed the lipstick from her purse and snapped a picture of her now diamond-clad finger, thinking Kozlov would get the message.

Back at the hotel, Irina was beginning to get a little tipsy from the champagne. She was giggling and hanging on Jack as they made their way up a marble staircase. Jack smiled at her then kissed her on the top of her head. Irina smiled up at him. "I love you, Jack," she said as they entered the suite.

"Oh, Laura," he said. "By now you should know that I love you too." They smiled at each other. Jack looked at the fireplace. "Would you like a fire?"

"That sounds lovely, Jack," she said.

"Good," Jack said. "I think I can figure this out." Irina laughed as Jack got down on his knees with a match. He fumbled around for a few minutes, going through two boxes of matches before admitting defeat. "I think I'll have to call down. Would you like them to bring anything else up?"

"Maybe a little more champagne," Irina said with a giggle. "We should continue the celebration."

"Sounds fantastic." Jack went over to the telephone on the desk. "Suite 243. Could we get someone to light the fire in the room, please? And a bottle of champagne." He paused, probably listening to the person from the front desk agreeing to send someone up.

Five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Jack answered it, and a uniformed employee entered the room with a bottle of champagne. He sat it in a bucketful of ice, then moved to the fireplace. Irina laughed when he was able to light the fire on the first try. "Maybe I agreed to marry the wrong man," she said to tease Jack. Jack laughed and took Irina's hand as they sat on the velvet sofa. Irina enjoyed the warmth of the fire and the music that soon swelled from a record player in the corner. She slipped off her shoes and leaned against Jack, sipping from her glass of champagne.

"So what's on the itenerary for tomorrow, darling?" she asked after a few moments.

"I thought we could look for a wedding dress for you," Jack said. "New York will probably offer more choices than Los Angeles."

"But, isn't it bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress?" Irina said squeezing Jack's hand.

"You're adorable, Laura," Jack said, laughing along with Irina. "How do you do it?"

Irina glanced up at Jack. "Years of practice," she said, but knew the truth. It was only months of practice.

The next morning Irina woke up to find the space next to her empty. "Jack?" she whispered, looking around. She slipped out from under the covers and walked out of the bedroom. She found Jack sitting at the table in the living area. "There you are," she said, sitting down across from him. Jack looked up from the paper he was reading.

"And you're finally up," he said with a smile. "I thought I'd let you sleep in. Would you like some breakfast?" He handed her the room service menu.

"You know what I feel like?" Irina said.

"What?" Jack asked.

"A Belgian waffle .... with strawberries!" Irina laughed. She had developed a love for strawberries during her time in the United States.

"All right," Jack said, calling down to the desk. The breakfast arrived in no time. Irina devoured her waffle as she watch Jack drink another cup of coffee. After she finished her breakfast, Irina went to take a shower and get dressed.

Soon they were off in the city. Irina let Jack lead her into the first wedding shop they entered. She suddenly found herself in a sea of white -- invitations, envelopes, dresses, veils, flowers -- everything was white. She turned to look at Jack, who took her hand. A Italian woman with a strong accent came up to them. "May I help you?" she asked.

Jack spoke up. "Yes, thank you. We're looking for a dress. Anything that this lovely young woman desires." He smiled and kissed Irina.

The clerk was unphased. She'd seen it all before. "Let me start your registry first." She led them over to the desk where she pulled out a binder, opening it to a fresh sheet of paper. "Names?"

Irina spoke before Jack could. "Jack Bristow and Laura Ivanov."

"Lovely." The woman rang a bell on the counter and a younger clerk appeared from a room behind. "Now, Miss Ivanov, would you like to look at some dresses? Kathleen will take you to the dressing room and get your measurements. Your fiance can finish this paperwork."

Irina looked back at Jack as she got swept away by Kathleen. The dressing room proved to be simply a dress room. Racks of white dresses adorned the room. Kathleen lead her to an empty, white dressing room where she measured her. "What kind of dress were you looking for?" the young woman asked.
 
Back in Los Angeles, the first thing Irina did was call Kozlov. He answered the phone and she blurted out. "He proposed!"

"So we figured from your photos, Agent Derevko. I'm hoping to assume you accepted?" came Kozlov's voice.

"Of course," Irina said. "You said whatever's necessary."

"Good. Have you set a date yet?"

"Within a couple of months. Jack wants a small wedding. I think that would be the best way for things to work. He doesn't have any siblings, and both parents are dead, so we don't have to worry about that. Probably a winter wedding."

"Good. I want you to take a semester off from the university. Say it's for your wedding. Get to know Jack. Spend every moment you can with him. You also need to make some friends in LA. You'll need people of your own to invite to the wedding."

"All right," Irina said.

"And put your attention into the wedding. Jack needs to think that this is what you want. Get excited. Call me tomorrow morning," Kozlov said.

"Okay," Irina said, about to hang up the phone.

"Oh, and, Irina, they want you to come in some weekend this month to continue your training. We'll send your SOP shortly."

"What kind of training?" Irina asked.

"Just a continuation. Practice in situations that might come up as you got more closely involved in Jack's life. Ways to keep up your cover."

"All right. I can get away for the weekend. When do you want me to take my leave from work?"

"You have another week for this semester's class?"

"Yes. I'm supposed to teach my own class next semester," Irina said.

"You'll have to tell Clarkson that you can't teach next semester, that you're getting married and you want to take some time off. You'll spend more time on your training and the agency might send you on a few missions. We'll talk about it the weekend you come to the agency."

"All right," Irina said and hung up the phone. She took her bags into the bedroom where she unpacked, tossing clothes into the laundry basket. She looked down at her hand, smiling at the diamond. After she unpacked, Irina picked up the phone and dialed Jack's number.

"Hello?" he answered after three rings.

"Hi, sweetie," Irina said. "I just wanted to hear your voice."

"I was just thinking about you," Jack said. "I'm glad we're doing this, Laura. I can't wait for us to be together."

Irina felt herself smile. "I can't wait either, Jack. I want to see you again soon."

"Good," Jack said, "because I want to see you too. I can't do dinner tonight, but how about coffee tomorrow morning?"

"That sounds great. What time?"

"How about 8:15? The same place we met last time," came Jack's voice.

"Fantastic," Irina said. "Love you."

"Love you too, Laura." Jack hung up and Irina followed suit. She smiled to herself, then decided to go for a jog, just to relax. Fleeing the building, Irina smiled as she jogged, welcoming the now-familiar burn that ran up her legs. Her legs beat faster and faster on the pavement. Running, Irina felt free. She didn't need an identity. She didn't have to pretend. Faces flashed by as Irina ran; faces she didn't know. Finally, Irina reached her nirvana. Thoughts were beyond her. The only thing that mattered was the sound of her feet, the pain that controlled her muscles.

Back at the apartment Irina continued her exercise. If she was going to continue her training in a few weeks, Irina had to get more in shape. She let herself pass through the pain, work through it. Her training almost a year earlier had let Irina gain control over the pain of exercise. She needed the control, and she knew she would need it more as she moved into another man's home and had to keep her cover as Laura Ivanov almost twenty-four hours a day. Irina didn't know if she was ready.

The next morning Irina got up early and dressed nicely. She called Kozlov and told him about her meeting with Jack. "Good," came Kozlov's standard response. Irina also told him that she would inform Professor Clarkson that she would need some time off. Kozlov acknowledged her, then let her get off the phone to meet Jack.

At the coffeehouse Irina waited for Jack to pull up. He arrived five minutes late. "You're late," Irina said as she kissed him.

"Sorry, darling. I had an important call." Jack took her hand and they walked inside. They ordered coffee and muffins then sat on a couch. Irina cuddled up next to him.

"I've been thinking about the wedding," Irina said. "I thought it might be nice to have a Christmas wedding."

"That sounds nice," Jack said. "I'm sorry we didn't find you a dress in New York." Jack's words brought back the memory of trying on row after row of fluffy white dresses.

"It's okay," Irina said. "They weren't quite what I was looking for. I'll find something here."

"Good," Jack said, taking a sip of his coffee.

"I was thinking that I might take some time off from work, get things together for the wedding. If we only have two months, we'll have to get the work done fast, and I know you'll be busy with work, so I thought I'd do it and show you what I come up with."

"That sounds great, Laura," Jack said. He looked down at his watch. "Oh, darling, I've got to go. I've got a meeting at a quarter to nine." He leaned down and kissed Irina's forehead. "I'll call you tonight."

"Great," Irina said with a smile. Jack got up and left the coffeehouse. Irina finished her muffin and coffee before leaving a few minutes later. She drove to college, where she went to Professor Clarkson's office. She knocked on the door. "Professor Clarkson?" she said, opening the door.

"Oh, Laura. Nice to see you. How was your trip to New York?" Clarkson set down the book he was taking notes on, informally gesturing for Irina to take the seat next to his desk. Irina obliged.

"It was fantastic," Irina said, then took a breath. "I...I got engaged," she said, showing him the ring.

"Congratulations," Clarkson said. "Have you set a date yet?"

"Probably some time in December, but this means that I won't be able to teach next semester. I need to take some time off to plan things."

"All right," Professor Clarkson said. "I think I can arrange that as long as you'll be back for the spring term."

"I will," Irina said, standing to leave.

"Congratulations, again," Professor Clarkson said as Irina shut the door behind. She breathed a sigh of relief. She thought he was going to fight her about leaving, but apparently not.
 
Been in a writing mood lately? Cause that was the fourth update you've posted today and they've all been fantastic!!!
 
Yeah. I get a little bored late at night in the early afternoon. (In between those I have a job, but other than that I'm just sitting at home with nothing to do, so I end up writing.)

All right. Let's see how this one goes!


Irina sat up late one night, browsing through the wedding magazines Jack had sent her. Early that evening a large basket had arrived, adorned with books and magazines, all about weddings. The magazine was even fitted with a white lace lining. Jack had put in bags of coffee, cookies, a bottle of champagne, scented candles, and a bottle of aspirin. Attached to the front of the basket was a note:

Laura-

Everything you'll need to plan the wedding!

Love always,
Jack


Irina answered the phone. "Hello?" she said.

"Hi, darling."

"Jack!" Irina sat up and set down the magazine she was glancing at.

"Are you reading those magazines yet?" Jack asked.

Irina smiled. "Yes. That basket was great, Jack. Thank you!"

"No problem, sweetie. I really appreciate the fact that you're doing all this, but if you decide that you want to hire a planner, that's fine."

"That's a nice offer, Jack, but I want to do this myself."

"That's fine," Jack said. "Like any of the dresses in those magazines?"

"Any of them? I like all of them!"

Jack laughed. "Well, you can only wear one, darling. You'll have to choose."

"Oh, I can only wear one?" Irina joked.

"Adorable," Jack said. "How would you like to have dinner tomorrow?"

"Great!" Irina said. "I'd love to!"

"Great. I'll pick you up at eight!" Jack said and hung up.

Irina went back to reading her magazine, eventually falling asleep on the sofa. The next morning she woke up to the ringing of the phone. Groggily, she grabbed the phone next to her. "Hello?" she said sitting up.

"Agent Derevko. It's Agent Kozlov." Damn! Kozlov! Irina looked at the clock on the wall then breathed a sigh of relief. 7:50.

"Umm...hello, Agent Kozlov. It's not eight o'clock yet," Irina said, trying to wake up.

"I know, Agent Derevko. I just wanted to let you know that your training session would take place next weekend. You'll meet the agents at the KGB's front company. Your SOP will outline the procedure. It will arrive in today's mail. If you have any questions you can call me. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow morning," Kozlov said and hung up before Irina could say anything. Irina set the phone down and relaxed. The day before had been her last day at the college. She now had time to relax and think about the wedding.

Irina looked down at her finger. She found relief in the love Jack had shown for her, even if the woman he loved was Laura Ivanov, not Irina Derevko. At eight o'clock Irina got dressed for a quick jog. She was determined to get back into shape so she would succeed in her training session the next weekend.

At ten o'clock Irina was showered and dressed. She had a ten thirty appointment at Monica's Bridal Boutique in downtown L.A. She didn't know what to expect, but the store was mentioned in several of the magazines Jack had given her, and since Jack wanted Irina to find everything she wanted for the wedding, Irina was determined to find it.

She drove to the store. She was relieved to find that Monica's seemed slightly less white lace than the first store she had visited in New York. "You must be Miss Ivanov," said the woman at the front desk. Irina looked over at her. The woman's light brown hair was pulled back into a French twist. Irina decided she would try to wear her hair like that for her dinner with Jack this night.

"Yes," Irina said smiling and entering the store.

"Good morning," the attendant said. "I spoke to your fiance earlier this morning. He wanted to make sure everything was ready for your arrival." Irina smiled at the thought that Jack would call the bridal boutique. She had only mentioned her appointment once. "Where would you like to start, Miss Ivanov? Dresses? Veils? Invitations?"

Irina looked around the spacious boutique. "How about dresses? You seem to have some gorgeous ones here."

The attendant smiled and nodded. "I think we'll be able to find you something, Miss Ivanov. Did you have anything in mind?"

Irina shook her head. "I didn't really have anything in mind yet. I thought I'd just see what I liked here first."

The attendant smiled then brought her to a private dressing room adorned with white satin drapes. "I'll bring in some styles for you to try, Miss Ivanov." Irina nodded and sat down on the cushioned loveseat. Shortly, the attendant was back with a large stack of wedding dresses. "How about a nice empire waist?" The dress was gorgeous, Irina had to admit. She obliged the attendant and slipped the satin dress on.

"This is lovely," Irina said, swirling around. She felt like a princess. It was hard to believe that she was getting married!
 
Okay. I just updated quickly, trying to change the dates a little. If you see any big errors, please point them out and I'll try to fix them. It just made sense to me that Irina would need more training in the beginning, so I added some time there. Hopefully it will make things a little more logical.
 
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