(edited 5 Dec 2004)



*Chapter Eight*



LLLLLL



With a frustrated and almost pitiful moan Dana pulled away from Alice, their lips detaching with an audible smack, and she gasped for air. Jesus, she panted, as they both tried to get their breathing under control. They remained that way for the moment, the blonde laying between Danas open legs her forehead resting on the athletes upper chest. Dana combed one hand through blonde hair, the other remaining where it had slipped under Alices shirt, lazily stroking the smooth skin of her back. The brunette bit back a groan as Alice lifted up to brace herself on her elbows and readjusted her hips slightly, the move causing the zipper of Danas jeans to press into her already aroused flesh. Seeing the brunettes reaction as their eyes met Alice couldnt resist another small thrust of her hips. Dana closed her eyes with a hiss. Jesus, Al, she groaned. Dont do that unless youre prepared for the follow through.

Taking pity on her new girlfriend Alice backed off a little and leaned down to lightly kiss the tip of Danas nose. Sorry, I couldnt help myself, she apologised with a cheeky grin. And you were the one that said we should stay out here because the bedroom was too tempting.

I guess I forgot how resourceful you are, Dana replied dryly, trying to calm her racing heart and with it hopefully the persistent throbbing between her legs. God, Im so turned on and we were only kissing, she almost whined in frustration. Why do we have to be such good friends, couldnt we just sneak off to my place? Please? she pleaded, though she already knew the answer.

Baby, you know Tina needs us right now. Her world just fell apart Dane. Alice knew Dana understood, but her libido was another thing. And I know you really dont want our first time together to be a quickie on my sofa waiting for Tina to pick up her stuff from her house.

I know, Dana relented. Im just a little bit frustrated here, she moaned dramatically, letting herself sink into couch; bonelessly limp.

Alice smirked. Well, if it helps were both in the same boat.

Yeah, the brunette huffed playfully. And you were the one who rocked it. She reached up and tenderly threaded her fingers into the blondes hair before gently pulling Alice down into a soft kiss.

After only a second Alice pulled back slightly, murmuring, You know, Dane; that was actually kinda witty. Sometimes you surpmmm Dana pulled her into another kiss, this one a little bit more forceful than the last, effectively averting the writers babble.

Knowing they were headed for a no go area Alice wrenched her lips away from Danas with a gasp. Ok, if were gonna lay like this we need some safe, non-arousing topics to talk about. She looked pointedly at her girlfriend, nodding her head in a gesture for her to hurry up. Well?

Trying to think quick, Dana said the first thing that popped into her head. George Bush?

Appearing to seriously mull this over, Alice asked, Junior or senior?

God, does it really matter? Dana questioned back with emphatic disgust.

No, I guess not, the blonde answered thoughtfully. Hey, she smirked, slapping Dana on the arm. Youre from Republican pedigree, arent you supposed to love George Dubbya?

The tennis player frowned, Just because my parents are Republicans doesnt make me one. You know I never voted Republican.

Seeing that her jest had hurt, Alice quickly soothed, Hey, Dane, Im sorry, baby. I was just kidding, you know that, right?

Danas features softened into a weak smile. Yeah, I know. Just dont kid about that stuff. I mean, it still hurts that theyyou know?

Yeah, baby, I know. Alice understood Danas parents initial rejection and subsequent denial still burned and decided to change the topic. So, it looks like Shane will get her old job back, from the phone call it sounds like they’re pretty desperate for her. Steve Jaffes threats seem to have done nothing other than make her more sort after.

Thankful for the obvious change of subject Dana pulled Alice into a deliberately chaste kiss before commenting. Yeah, but its not surprising that good hair means more than reputation in LA.

Mmm, I guess, the blonde answered thoughtfully as she laid down fully resting her head on Danas shoulder. Maybe I should do a piece on her being the new It hairstylist for A-list LA, really piss Jaffe off. Unable to help herself she tenderly kissed the skin in front of her, then flicked her tongue out to taste, feeling the increased flutter at the pulse point.

Maybemmm, Al, came the breathy reply. Baby, we shouldnt, Dana whispered huskily even as she pulled Alice up to taste her lips with one hand while her other slipped back under the blondes shirt. As soon as their lips met they sunk into each other’s mouths, tongues striving to taste every surface, and wanting more. Dana groaned as Alice trapped her tongue and sucked on it, feeling the sensation run through her body and centre between her legs in a tingling throb. God, I have no self-controland I love it.



LLLLLL



Setting the hefty bag near the front door Tina turned around to survey her house one last time wracking her brain for anything she might have forgotten. She had only gathered together one big bag of clothes and a few essential items, figuring shed deal with the more difficult tasks another day. She wandered through to the kitchen her mind awash with seven years of memories, five in this house, that shed made with Bette; some created and some accidental, some romantic and passionate, and some just plain slapstick funny. There were not only memories of her and Bette, but of all her friends in their numerous gatherings here and the house, Bette and Tinas, the designated place to get together, whether it be for a dinner party, poker night, or just pre-drinks before a night out. They had represented the safety and stability that their friends relied on, and that they all craved even if some of them would never admit it. But it had all been a front, sure they had both loved living on that pedestal their friends placed them on, they loved it so much they forgot how easy it was to fall off it.

Her gaze was drawn to the glass sliding door and more precisely the lone figure sitting out on one of the chairs by the pool, where shed retreated to after opening the door at Tinas knock. Bettes gaunt, pallid features and sunken tired eyes had not gone unnoticed by the blonde and regardless of her own pain the physical and emotional desolation that radiated off Bette left a dull ache in Tinas heart.

Bracing herself she moved to open the door, Cmon, you can do this, just remember youre an adult and act like it. Tina approached Bette carefully not sure what to expect, as she got closer she could see that the brunette seemed lost in thought, a white-knuckled grip on her untouched and now cold cup of coffee. Clearing her throat to announce her presence she sat down on an adjacent chair unnoticed. Bette? Still getting no response she reached out and touched her forearm. Bette felt the touch like an electric shock, she flinched and then glanced down at Tinas hand, noticing that she had removed her ring. That was quick. Is this it then? I wonder where she put the ring, she thought absently. Shaking her head in an attempt to think clearly she fixed her eyes straight ahead, unable to look at Tina as she spoke, her voice scratchy and her throat tight. Youve got everything?

Ah, yeah, I think so, Tina replied, her voice wavering with the emotions she was trying desperately to keep under the surface. I just grabbed some clothes and things. Just essential stuff really. Im staying at Alices for the moment, so theres not much room for anything else. Ah, is it alright if I leave sorting through the other stuff until I find my feet? She stopped there, realising that no matter how much she said Bette wasnt going to look at her.

So, youre really leaving? The question was forced, Bettes voice low and strained. For good? Its over then? she choked out, her voice cracking with a bit back sob. Just like that?

I dont know, Tina whispered huskily. I just know I cant be here right now. I am so ***** angry with you, and I need some time to come to terms with that and everything else.

Bette looked down at her hands, tears blurring her vision, but she couldnt bring herself to look at Tina and see the anger, regret and disappointment she knew would be written across her features. Iahh, dont youcant we talk about this first? Youre just going to walk out, end of discussion. Isnt seven years together worth more, worth at least trying to save? she pleaded, not trying to hide the tears streaming down her face when she finally turned to look at Tina.

The blondes head snapped up and her eyes locked with the woman she loved, her anger threatening to boil over. Dont you dare lay that at my door. I am not the one walking out on us, you already did that, remember? Did you thinking about how much our relationship was worth while you were ***** her? The question hung in the air not needing further comment as Tinas accusatory glare bored into Bette. Realising that the situation was threatening to spiral out of control the blonde gathered herself and stood. I really think it would be best if we give each other some space before we even consider working through this, she suggested with a controlled element of detachment.

Bette nodded, but couldnt help the spark of hope at Tinas words. Do you think we can work through this?

I honestly dont know, she sighed resignedly. Part of her wanted to rush to reassure her dejected lover, but realistically she knew it could just be false hope. I trusted you, Bette, and you of all people know how difficult that was for me. I might be able to forgive you for this, but Im not sure if I can trust you again, she said with finality before turning and walking back toward the house.

Im not him, Tina. Bettes firm declaration stopped Tina at the door.

I never said you were, she reassured before walking inside and collecting her bag, and then she left, quietly closing the front door on her way out.



LLLLLL



Shane stepped out of Lather and into the late afternoon sunshine with a somewhat smug smile plastered across her face. She had her job back, with a promotion and raise, and a line up of A-listers waiting to pay top dollar for her hair styling services. She couldnt help a small, deep chuckle that escaped as she thought of Johns desperate plea to get her back, complete with dangled carrots and ego stroking. Man, he really did kiss *****, she thought with a smirk. Internally celebrating her good luck as she walked towards her parked truck, she fished in her pocket for her phone intent on calling Alice to pass on the details. She hit the speed dial for Alice, looking up as she brought the phone to her ear and almost smacking into the man who had purposefully stepped into her path.

Sorry, she mumbled in a rushed apology not taking notice of who she had run into, planning to skirt around him and continue on her way. A hand shot out and curled around her bicep jerking her to a stop and reefing her around to face him.

What, I dont even warrant acknowledgment in the street, you dirty piece of whoring trash. You think youre so smart and devious, but you shouldve kept your nose out of what didnt belong to you. Steve Jaffe trembled with barely restrained anger as he confronted the dark haired woman instead of just letting her go by.

*****, what is it with this family? Im staying away from them, I just wish theyd leave me the ***** alone. Jaffe maintained a vice-like grip on Shanes upper arm while waiting for her to respond. Not willing to rise to the hastily thrown insults the woman kept her cool. Would you mind taking you hand off me, Im sure it wouldnt look good for you to be seen assaulting someone in the street. Jaffe released her with a shove and Shane flexed her hand at the resulting pins and needles. Look, I dont really know what you want. I havent approached any of your family and I dont intend to, Shane reasoned calmly, wanting this confrontation over as soon as possible. So why dont we both just get on with our lives and never speak again, ok?

Instead of calming the irate man Shanes demeanour seemed to fan the flames. You fucked my wife, you little *****! Jaffe hissed at her, trying to keep his voice low and forceful at the same time.

Yes, I did, Shane admitted, seeing no reason to deny the fact.

I should kill you for that, he stated with conviction. I should break every bone in your scrawny body, but youre not worth the risk. With hatred in his eyes and violent tension running through his body he leaned into Shane and spoke with cool confidence and threatening assurance, If you come anywhere near my family again the risk wont matter, believe me. I dont like to share Shane, especially with someone so far beneath me its pathetic, and I will do anything to keep whats mine.

Although Shane appeared cool, calm and collected on the outside, one the inside she was barely holding it together in the face of such sincere threats. She tried to keep her breathing slow and even but her racing heart was demanding more oxygen. Beginning to feel light-headed she thought it best to walk away before she did something embarrassing like faint. As she turned to go the man made a grab for her, Hey, where do you

Steve, its been a while. Caught of guard at the familiar greeting Steve Jaffe dropped Shanes arm and spun around to see who was behind him.

Lara, hi, Steve responded politely although his shock was evident, but he rushed to cover, smiling insincerely. Look, now isnt really a good time.

Ignoring his attempted deflection she looked to the brunette behind him, having to hold back a laugh as Shanes eyes bugged out in humorous disbelief. Whats going on here? she asked flatly, without a trace of humour.

Annoyed with her interference Jaffe replied bluntly, Thats really none of your concern. He was intent on dismissing her and continuing his discussion, but didnt want to be seen to impolite. Look, maybe you and your father could

Actually, Steve, she cut him off. It is more than my concern when you are confronting and threatening my friends on the street. The redheads usually sparkling blue eyes were dark and cold as she spoke to him with a sense of authority. Sidestepping around the confused man she approached the equally confused brunette and asked, Is everything alright here, Shane?

Noticing the way Lara reached out to touch Shanes arm reassuringly Steve Jaffe flicked his eyes back and forth between the two of them drawing his own logical conclusion. So its like that, is it? he snorted. Like mother, like daughter, huh? Should’ve known you dykes would all stick together? He smirked smugly at his own assessment, planning to use it for leverage. What does your father have to say about this little development then?

Lara just smiled at him. Thats really none of your concern, Steve, she replied mockingly, throwing his words back in his face. But Id be watching what I was saying if I was you, you know, glass houses and all that.

He opened his mouth preparing to reply only to see Lara raise an eyebrow in readiness. Thinking against an all out mud-slinging match in a highly public place Steve Jaffe turned and walked away trying to keep as much authoritative poise about him as possible.

Lara turned to face Shane encountering an abject look of stunned disbelief and confusion. She just smiled at her and shook her head, her eyes once again sparkling with mischievousness. Well, thats the second time Ive saved your *****, McCutcheon, I think you at least owe me dinner.



LLLLLL