Booking signings are set for the next two weeks. The first are this Saturday and Sunday, both at 4-8pm. The following week is Monday and Thursday, Monday 2-6pm and Thursday at 6-10pm

I hope you dont mind the one on Thursday being so late in the day I tried to get them to change it, but they werent very agreeable after I already had them change the days to work around my store schedule

Marina is so involved in reviewing the paperwork given her by the attorneys, she simply nods and mumbles.

Marina Marina Jenny rolls her eyes realizing she has been talking to herself. She heads upstairs to the desk, figuring if shes going to be alone, she may as well be upstairs working on the layout of the book.

She has copies of the stories and poems strewn about the bed with Amuras sketches laying with them, matching them up, and imagining the pages printed. She nods to herself, now all I have to do is mark them, put them in the portfolio and Ill be ready to start working with the publisher tomorrow.

Nearing completion, she realizes the hour is late and heads downstairs to see Marina, wondering what has kept her from coming up. Shes nowhere to be found, not the kitchen, the sitting room, the cars in the garage, Jenny heads for the roof.

She finds her asleep in the lounger, Marina she tugs her arm gently, Marina

She stirs, Jenny and sits up, what time is it?

Its after midnight. Is anything wrong?

No, I just fell asleep, I guess I was tired. She rubs her eyes, trying to focus as they burn from too short a rest.

You once told me, you come up here when you cant stand it anymore. Jenny frowns with concern and the questions forming.

She squints, her burning eyes, towards Jenny, Noo, nothing like that.

Earlier you didnt want to talk me, you hardly knew I was even here. Then, you dont come to bed, you come up here and I have to go looking for you. As her words fall out, so do the tears welling up in her eyes and the quivering shakes her words, Are you mad at me, maybe still from yesterday? Are you overwhelmed by all the added responsibility that came with me? Are you

Marina softly strokes her arms, Jenny Jenny I was just thinking about a lot of things, thats all. Im not mad at you. I have no reason to be upset with you. You shouldnt feel that way.

Marina smiles to herself, Jenny, do you think maybe whats happening is hormones? Hmm? You know, with the baby, you are starting to show a little, could be huh?

Now, youre telling me Im getting big, do you think Im unattractive? Is that why you didnt come to bed? Marinas eyes go wide open along with her gaping mouth, unable to respond, shocked at the continued barrage of ranting. Jenny gets up and heads downstairs.

Marina throws her arms in the air, Marital bliss, so this is what it means. Hesitant to rush to the next battering, she concedes and heads downstairs.

Jenny is finishing up with placing the writings into the portfolio, not even glancing in Marinas direction as she enters the room.

Do you want some help?

No, thank you.

Marina heads on into the bathroom and starts some bath water, brushing her teeth as it runs. She lights some candles and heads back into the bedroom, Jenny, would you like to take She stops realizing Jenny is sound asleep on the bed, curled up in a ball in the center.

She moves the covers back, gently rolling Jenny off the cover and onto the sheets. She covers her and leaves a soft kiss on her cheek heading back to the bath.

**********************************

Jenny opens the front door, juice glass in hand, to find Shane, Mornin, I got the second load.

Jenny steps back to let her in, Good morning, Shane.

Im pretty booked the rest of week, thought I should get this done for you. Marina let me in, she said Id better make it quick, you have an appointment this morning?

Jenny face goes white as she looks at the clock, Oh my God, I only have an hour to get ready and get there. She heads back up the stairs to the shower. She jumps in and jumps out, throwing clothes on left on the dresser, heading back down the stairs.

Shane stands up, How about I drive you, heading that way anyhow? Got the portfolio?

Jenny rolls her eyes and heads back up the stairs, Wait, Shane walks to the counter, Marina said it was Yep, here it is, shall we?

Jennys eyes go narrow as she walks towards the front door looking at Shane, Marina? Told you it was on the counter? Nodding her head and smiling, thinking about the clothes so helpfully laid out on the top of the dresser, the fresh juice waiting in the frig and the portfolio easily accessible on the counter.

She puts her arm through Shanes, Guess we better get going. We wouldnt want to disappoint Marina and have to tell her that her little helper didnt get me there on time.

**********************************

Marina sees them as they walk in the door, thankful for the smiles theyre wearing, Hello Shane.

She slips her arm about Jennys waist, Bonjour, ma chrie.

Shane stops, as she realizes theyre heading for the office and given Marinas plea for help earlier in the day, they might want the time alone.

Hey Shane, the woman waves but Shane isnt certain who she is or how she knows her. She nods and smiles, turning to leave, Wait, do you have time for a coffee?

The woman smiles, understanding now, You dont remember me do you? Its okay, we only met briefly. Im Lee Frank a friend of Bette Porters. She helped me commission Marina to do the HRC mural.

Oh, yeah, I remember, you were here one night when the gang was all out. Im sorry, I didnt get to stick around long that night. Other… things you know how it is. Shane smiles remembering now how much her likeness to Jenny had struck her.

Sooo?

Shane shrugs not sure what shes asking.

Do you have time to join me for a coffee?

Shane glances around, taps her hands on her legs, sure.

They chat for awhile, Shane enjoyed her quick wit, her intelligence, and of course the sensuality oozing from her.

Remember, our little secret. Shane smiles and nods as Lee leaves The Planet.

**********************************

Lets go to Harvelles tonight, just a little blues club not far from here, unpretentious and warm. Well have our Thursday on Wednesday, make up for the book signing tomorrow night. Thank goodness, its the last one for awhile We can dance slow, what do you think? Marina refills their wine glasses.

Sounds nice, but how should I dress? Jennys never quite sure what kind of place Marina is taking her too, having experienced super elite to hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar.

*****. One of the outfits we bought in Spain. Marina raises her brows with a big smile.

Jenny thinks about the outfits for a moment, How about the silk brocade, with the amber beads on gold, with the brown leather pants you insisted on getting. Marina nods imagining with a soft warm smile and an almost breathless, yes.

**********************************

Still dark out when Shane comes strolling in the front door, Man, Ive missed our early mornings, glad to see ya.

Marina grabs her latte and Shanes espresso, Shall we?

They get comfy in their usual seats, Shane lying back on the couch and Marina leaned back in the chair, By the way I missed you, too. Its nice to have things starting to settle again. I think Jenny and I need the calm so we can focus more on the baby.

She turns her attentions to Shane, So tell me, what has you smiling so much here lately.

You. Jenny. The baby. Her eyes go misty, warm thoughts filling her mind.

Marina is certain, that her smiles have to do with more than just her and Jenny, and?

Shane, come on, Ive known you a long time now, whats her name? Tell me about her? Marinas head tilted, a soft warm glow portraying the peace found in her friends happiness.

Im into someone we been meetin up for a couple weeks I guess. Im just tryin to go with the flow, ya know.

Thats a good start, not usual for you to focus on just one, what makes her special?

Not sure exactly, smart, successful, not married but not out either and hot, very hot.

**********************************

Promoter I promote causes, music, books, whatever needs to be sold. Ive even dabbled in promoting images. You get a celebrity to endorse a product thus promoting the celebrity. You know magazine ads, in-store appearances, speaking forums, autograph signings, that sort of thing.

Cool… So uh, whyd you wanna meet up with me? Oh, and uh, why the secret?

Lee reaches across the table resting her hand on Shanes, leaning in, You see, I only recently transferred to L.A. and I well, Im not out to my employers or my clients. My job is high-profile any um, relationships would have to be kept low-profile at least until I figure out how Im going to handle it. Lee gives Shane her sincerest look, with a little sadness and uncertainty mixed, ensuring Shane sees her insecurity about it all.

Thats why the secrecy. Bette and Marina both know the people I work with, and if they even accidentally let something slip, well I dont know how that might affect my career. Lee searches Shanes face for acceptance, moving on to the final piece.

As for you You have the look, the attitude, hesitating only for a second, and, if you dont mind my saying, a sexual appeal Ive always found irresistible.

Her look is direct and warm, with desire, If we werent in this restaurant, youd already know that. She breathes deep and continues, But, we are here arent we, so lets have something delicious to eat, while you tell me about yourself.

**********************************

Shes not out and shes in a profession where that could be a risk, if everyone knew. I really cant say much more about her. Her own statement has made her uncomfortable, withholding from the one person shes never had to withhold, the one person who told nothing to no one but to her. Their shared confidence denied.

**********************************

Sipping wine, listening to the local artists rendition of some of B. B. Kings greatest hits, Jenny, I was thinking, with the baby on the way, with my mother coming here to stay in April, were out of room in the house. I thought maybe we should find a new home, with more bedrooms

Marina, you put your heart into that house. You designed the remodel I thought it was special to you The location next to the canals, not far from the beach, I thought it was your ideal home.

That was then, now, we need our ideal home, she rests her hand on Jennys arm, one that suits our life together. We could get a home near here with more bedrooms, maybe a studio for you to write and a place for me to paint.

Marina had been looking over their finances since returning from Spain, I believe we can do this with little impact on our monies. We may have to trade off getting a pool, although most places around here have them. But, if we found one with more bedrooms and no pool, there would probably be little need for any additional cost.

I guess we could look around, but I dont think we should go into debt right now. We just started getting returns from our books only recently exceeding the 25,000 copies required. We havent finished the editing the layout of the new book or written the promotional copy. I just think we should be careful.

Marina is hurt by Jennys insinuation she wants to spend recklessly, her voice takes a defensive tone as she pulls her hand back from Jennys arm, Jenny, I dont want us to go in debt either. Im not sure why you would even think that.

I just dont want us to get in the same boat you were in when you and Francesca were together. Thats all.

The Planet makes money, it always has. The debt was due to how Francesca determined where those monies went, remember. Marinas face is tight, offended by Jennys innuendo that the debt was a result of Marinas poor management.

Jenny realizes the inference shes made, the damage done, she can only attempt to explain, No, thats not what I meant. Marina, Im no good with money, Ive never had the kind of money to be concerned with that you have. I probably need to learn more, work with you more when you decide what to do, so I can help. I just I just dont want to be the reason that you might decide to take risks I want you to be as sensible as youve always been, she caresses Marinas cheek, and not let your feelings for me decide.

I would never put us at risk, Jenny, her breathe catches, so unsettled by the implications of her words, she turns from Jenny.

Oh, Im so sorry I really didnt mean it that way her eyes begin to shimmer due to the wetness forming in her eyes, realizing the unintended hurt shes caused.

The older singer walked up their table, two beautiful ladies, looking so blue, do you have a song youd like us to play tonight? Marina offers him a smile, albeit sad, motioning to Jenny.

Jenny withdraws a little, unsure how to respond, I really dont know any.

Well then little lady, how about you tell us something about yourself and maybe I can help out. The older man smiles softly to her, comforting her, relaxing her.

She reaches for her, resting her hand on top of Marinas, looking first to Marina then to the older gentle man, Were having a baby.

He nods his head, then I think I know what might work for you. Lifting Marinas face to him, how about Sweet Little Angel. Now you gotta promise me, youll take her hand and dance.

He steps back onto the platform and begins his solo on the guitar. Shortly, the piano joins then takes over the solo, I got a sweet little angel I love the way she spread her wings yeass I got a sweet little angel I love the way she spread her wings

Jenny stands up close to Marina, You promised him

As Marina stands, Jennys hand reaches out to her, touching her back, her arm, her hand. Marina pulls her close, her hurt haunting her reaction to Jenny.

Jenny reaches up with both hands cupping her face, Marina, I love you, Im sorry. I didnt… I didnt mean… She stands on her toes and kisses her gentle, soft and loving. Moving her arms around Marinas neck, hands resting in her hair, Marina leans and yields to her soft caress her gentle cradling as others begin to join them on the dance floor.

**********************************

Wow, how much wine did we just drink? Shanes stride is slow and deliberate as they walk towards the parking lot.

Lee pushes the hair back from Shanes forehead, not rough but not especially gentle, I know you can handle more than a couple bottles of wine. Lee eyes and smile gleam almost smirking with hunger and intent.

As they near her car, in the back corner of the lot, she shoves Shane against the front grill and begins to kiss her. Her kiss tells Shane all she intends, her lurking hunger unleashed, her unrelenting need demanding surrender.

Shane wraps her arms around Lees neck opening her lips her mouth, demanding in return. She turns them both around pressing Lee back onto the hood, loosening the buttons on her blouse, unlatching her pants, pulling them down enough that theyre out of the way. Lee bites her lip, Shane reacts drawing back from her, looking deep into her eyes.

Recognizing the invitation, accepting the challenge, she bites Lees nipple as Lee rakes her nails along Shanes back. Rough, threatening, fearless, they dare one another with each touch, taste, bite.

**********************************

They leave just after the dance provoked by the artist, short polite conversation is all that is exchanged during their ride home. Not long after entering their bedroom, Jenny lifts her top, I am starting show. Soon Ill have to start wearing the maternity outfits, the designer ones, she smiles warmly remembering their day of shopping in Madrid.

Marina walks to the bed and sits beside her, tenderly placing her hand across Jennys stomach. She marvels at the small mound beginning to form, softly caressing it. She unzips Jennys pants, resting her face against the fragile rise of her lovers stomach, turns and kisses it.

She looks up at Jenny as Jenny leans in and kisses her, a wanting kiss, a needing kiss, I love you so much Marina. Jenny trembles, Marinas hurt rising from deep inside herself, I would never wish to hurt you.

They make love, cherishing the other, relishing in their being together, aware of their new love, soaring to that higher plane.

**********************************

Weeks pass by with only short visits from Shane, in and quickly out again, never taking the time to sit and chat with her friends, with Marina. Shane, Shane, why are you always in such a hurry. Come sit a while, please.

Marinas eyes quietly pleading with her, I cant, sorry Ive just been busy her eyes only briefly meeting Marinas, I gotta go.

Unlike herself, she accepts the blame, she presumes the cause her own lack of being available so many months, weeks, off and on again. Sad to lose her friend, her confident, she heads back to her office for a moment alone.

**********************************

So, should we act surprised? Jenny beams, slightly plump around the middle with a faint waddle having begun to appear.

The door opens, the gang peering out at them, each remarking on the telling signs of the new mother-to-be as they enter. Warm hugs, belly rubs, and loving kisses exchanged within their circle of friends, all there, but one.