Marina’s in the kitchen helping Tina, Did you talk to Shane?

Tina stops chopping the peppers, Yes. She said she had other plans and she couldnt break them. You havent seen her much have you?

Marian continues placing the veggies on the skewers, No, just an occasional in and out for coffee. Where did you see her? Trying hard not to show the hurt, the hurt of not knowing, not knowing where she is, why shes avoiding them, avoiding her.

I didnt actually, I caught her on her cell. I heard she isnt staying in the apartment anymore, her roommates say shes moved in with someone. No one could tell me who. Tina brushes her hand along Marinas arm, You and Shane, youve been close, havent you? Did something happen between you?

Not that Im aware, except, I wasnt very available for a long time there. Maybe she no longer needs my friendship. Maybe shes found someone else. Marina uncomfortable the emotions filling up inside, These are ready for marinade. We can put them on to cook in a half hour or so, theyll be quick.

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

Comfortable sitting on the couch with Al and Dana, So Jenny, tell us how the new book is going, has it gone to copy yet?

Jenny beams with her latest project, The promotional has been out for about three weeks now, theyve gotten great response, so theyve sent it on to be printed. They expect it to hit the stores before the holidays. Weve invited Temaru and Poema along with Amura here for the holidays.

Oh, cool.

Well, they said they couldnt, but they may let Amura come visit, she smiles at the thought of Amura and Marina together again. Theres been some talk of some book signings and they would really like it if Amura could be here. Great publicity with a five year old illustrator, you know.

Hey guys, look whos here. Bette steps aside as Tim comes in carrying a loosely wrapped gift almost as large as he is.

He smiles and nods to Jenny, then to Marina as she enters from the kitchen, Hello, Tim.

The door opens again with Kit bustling into the room, Oh my baby girl, I am so happy for you. She leans and hugs Jenny, then heads to Marina, Im sorry for being so late. I had to stop by and listen to the latest cut of my new song. Theyre impatient you know when it comes to making money. I love ya girl, I got something for you both, or rather all three.

She looks around the room, I guess were waiting on Shane now, she seems to be the only one not here.

Bette offers Tim a seat and takes Kits gifts placing them on the table, Shane wont be able to make it today. If youre all ready, we can have Jenny and Marina open gifts now. Then, well eat some dinner.

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

Marina offers a toast, A short comment by a writer, appropriate I think. Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. We love you all.

Quieted by her sentiment, rare the occasion they speak so bluntly of their caring for one another, the chi-chinks carefully reaching one to the other. Soft glances, soft smiles, exchanged between them, Marina speaks once more, And to Shane, wherever she may be to Shane.

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

Hey guys, I can bring this over, it certainly isnt going to fit in your car. Tim offers with the sincerest wish to be helpful.

Tim, they both say his name at the same time, smiling at the coincidence, Jenny finishes, The antique crib is wonderful. What a nice thing for you to do.

You should have seen it. I bet there were twenty coats of paint on it, I wasnt sure I was going to get it finished in time for today. But I think it was worth it, all the details hidden by the paint. It actually turned out better than Id hoped, beaming with pride, feeling good about himself, about them.

Bette sets another package into the trunk, Dont forget Thanksgiving next week, we all get together here, whenever your up and want to head this way. Tina, dinner around one?

Yeah, then we can relax the rest of the day together. She looks to Marina, Ill see what I can do about getting Shane here, too.

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

Exhausted from their lovemaking, lying cross way in the bed, Shane leans and kisses Lees ankle, Lee, I really want to go to Bettes tomorrow. I miss my friends.

Lee sits up, staring down at Shane, she sighs, okay. Well go together. I agree, its time.

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

Marina and Jenny are in the kitchen, putting their salad together. Tina is finishing up making the turkey gravy as Kit takes the rolls out of the oven, mmm mmm this all looks so good, I can hardly wait.

Tim comes walking in with a pumpkin pie, where should I put this? The bustle in the kitchen, friends happy to be together, season of thanks floating in the air. They begin to move the platters and bowls into the dining room, the table filling up, a feast transforming before their eyes.

Bette steps into the kitchen, Everyone, Shane is here. They all turn, at first numbed not believing she would actually show, their stares transforming into broad smiles. Marinas smile is quiet as tears form in her eyes and she turns back to the salad, eyes shutting for a quiet thank you.

Bette steps closer to Marina and Jenny, touching Tinas arm, speaking softly, Shes not alone Lee Frank is with her. Shocked looks exchanged, they take a moment, and then move the remaining food into the dining area.

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

Everyone is hugging Shane in turn, telling her how much theyve missed her, everyone but Marina. She stands back watching them, uncertain how to proceed, unsure she will be able to remain accepting and in control of her emotions.

Shane looks at her, eyes wide and searching, she steps to Marina. Staring one at the other, Shane wraps her arms around and hugs her tight, Marinas arms stiff at her side, unmoving.

Finally, she raises her hands shoving the hair back from Shanes face, looking hard into her eyes, the hurt of betrayal refusing to be contained, softly she speaks, dont ever stay away from me so long again. She kisses her forehead and pulls her close.

Assembled around the table, Bette turns to Marina, you always have the best toasts, would you please

Marina stands, raises her glass, looking first to Jenny, then to Shane, Virgina Woolf said it best, some people go to priests; others to poetry; I to my friends.

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

The chatter about the happenings in their lives, things missed by Shane in her absence, Marina and I just bought a new house. And, weve already sold our house. Well be moving in a week, right before the holidays. A little overwhelmed hearing herself say it out loud, it had all happened so fast. Can you believe it, we put the house up for sale on Monday and it was sold on Tuesday. Now, everything has to happen so quickly.

Marina takes her hand, We can do it, well get movers and with a little help from friends, well be settled in no time. Its a three story, four bedrooms, and only a few blocks from where we are now.

Beyond quiet chit chat with Al and Dana sitting closest, Lee had said little since arriving, so youre setting up house like the cute little married couple, domesticating. How very quaint… She looks to Shane, Shane and I are enjoying living together, but, ours is a very umm different arrangement. Not quite what I would call quaint, more along the lines of fascinating hot

Shane nods, Definitely, hot

Marina doesnt respond to the reference their life has become dull, Jenny however is shocked and offended, just because were domesticating as you call it, doesnt mean our life isnt fascinating, or hot for that matter.

Oh Jenny darling, I didnt mean to imply it wasnt. But being pregnant, well, its not the most appealing look, in my opinion, maybe Marina doesnt see it the way I do. Jenny stands and leaves the room heading for the bedroom.

Marinas glare is powerful, her words flowing, Jenny is the most beautiful woman Ive ever known and ever care to know.

Hey guys, its just her opinion, dont get so racked by it. Shane defends Lees honesty, bluntness, having come to expect it, familiar with it, not offended by it.

Marina stands, If youll excuse me. She heads to Jenny.

Bette turns to Lee, You know Lee, Ive known you a long time, I know what youre capable of, but that was uncalled for.

Lee stands, Im sorry if I offended anyone. I guess I am too blunt sometimes. I really meant no harm. She looks about the table, all glares but Shane, I need to go to the restroom.

Baby, its in the hallway off the great room, first door on your left.

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

Jenny, are you alright? Marina sits beside her on the bed, dont listen to her, she doesnt understand how we feel about each other, she probably never will.

Im not very shapely right now, I can see where you might find me unattractive. Her sad green eyes turn to Marina, begging her rescue.

Marina folds her arms around her, kissing her face, Jenny, when we made love this morning, did you not see the pleasure in my eyes, the pleasure only you can give me. I adore you, you know that. Dont let a woman like Lee Frank make you doubt that. She doesnt deserve your second thought.

Come, lets join our friends, not let her take our day from us. She takes her hand leading her back to their friends, stopping briefly in the hall, she tips Jennys face to her, I love you. With a tender kiss, I need to go to the restroom, do you want to wait for me?

Jenny smiles, strong once again, defiant to the likes of Lee Frank, No, I can handle this.

Marina watches her as she walks towards the dining room, out of sight, she enters the bathroom.

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

As Jenny heads towards the dining room, Shane rounds the corner, Jenny. You okay?

Im okay, but I wonder if you are. Maybe you should come by so we can talk. Jenny walks on, Shane hesitates for a moment before proceeding on to the bathroom, considering what Jenny has said.

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

Before she gets the door closed behind her, she realizes Lee is standing at the sink, numbed for a moment, she turns to leave. Lee grabs her arm, Marina wait. I was hoping to get to talk to you alone, for just a minute.

We have nothing to say to each other, Marina stops turns back, except, be careful with Shane, you dont want me angry with you should you hurt her.

Marina, you have to know why Im doing this. If I take away all that you have, leaving you nothing, but me waiting for you. Eventually, you will come to me.

You dont even care about Shane do you? Even Marina finds her methods her intent unbelievable, unfathomable, Why would you hurt her? How can you do this?

I am completely obsessed with you, Ive never wanted anything, anyone, the way I want you. I get what I want, one way or the other.

Im going to tell Shane.

That wouldnt be very smart Marina. She is completely infatuated with me, shell hate you for it.

Marina leaves the room, closing the door behind her, staring straight into the eyes of her friend. She breathes deep taking a step towards her, Shane motions silently for her to stop. Shane closes her eyes, shaking her head, looking back to Marina, not now.

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

Shane opens the door to the bathroom wide, standing staring at Lee.

Sweetie, she reaches for Shane, pulling her close, did you come to check on me, maybe you wanna play a little.

Actually Lee, I want you to leave. I want you out of my friends house, out of my life, she roughly pulls Lees hand from her, stepping aside for her to leave.

I heard it all, straight from your own mouth. You need to leave, now.

Lee smiles at Shane, youre gonna miss me. You have to admit its been a fun ride.

Lee walks unaffected through the house, her head high with indifference, Bette, would you mind calling me a taxi. Its seems my presence has outlasted my welcome. Ill wait out front.

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

Jenny is frozen in place, phone still in her hand, Marina, that was the publisher. Theyre not sure theyre going to be able to continue to represent us. They want to see us tomorrow.

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

Lees next appointment walks in the door, she does a double take, the woman reeks of sensuality. Long auburn hair, full ***** peaking from her top, age has treated her well, Hello, Im Francesca Wolff.

Lee stands and extends her hand, Im Le..

Yes, of course I know who you are, why else would I be here. Sit down Miss Lee Frank, you and I need to have a frank conversation. Francesca sits down, uninvited and comfortable, leaving Lee unsettled, still standing with her hand extended.

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

I guess I need to find a place to live, disturbed by all that has just happened, Shane stands motionless as she hears the taxi drive away.

Why dont you stay in the apartment above The Planet, Jenny offers, unaware of past happenings.

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

Francesca had taken a liking to the young street urchin, her tough-girl attitude, her immunity to love, her attention to giving pleasure. Here let me show you how that works, Francesca leans into Shane reaching her arms around her, causing her to press against the counter.

To make a good espresso, you must press the coffee hard, like this, leaning harder into Shane as she does, shifting for a better a view, rubbing her ***** firmly against her back.

Then you have to lock it in, otherwise, the pressure building up would cause it to explode, everywhere, her lips close to Shanes ear, neck, caressing with her warm breath.

Grab the cup, hold it under the spout to catch the coffee. Shane obeys, under the spell of Francescas commanding presence. As she holds the cup, Francesca kisses her ear, licking inside, behind it. Her hands glide around Shanes small frame, rubbing across her nipples, reveling in the peaks. She begins to kiss her neck, long wet kisses, licking, tasting her.

Finally, the coffee stops pouring Shane sits the cup down, hard on the counter, turning into Francesca. Wanting, her mouth open, welcoming the assault, losing herself in the heat. Each reaches for the other, pressing their hand between, grinding hard against each other. Francesca pulls back, taking her hand leading her into the bedroom of the apartment.

Hesitating, Shane pulls back, What about Marina? Francesca pulls her close again, lips sucking lips, tasting deep inside Shanes mouth, lust filled eyes speaking to her, Marina and I have an open relationship, its okay and besides she wont be back for awhile now. We have the time.

Again, she pulls her towards the bed, lifting off Shanes shirt, Shane in turn lifting off hers. They reach for each others pants, unfastened loosened they remove them. Grabbing at each other once again, groping for that heated place, rubbing, friction hot like fire, both demanding to be cooled by the other.

Shane hungrily trails down Francescas body, sucking hard one breast then the other. Licking and tasting her skin, biting her nub through the underwear, reaching and pulling them down and out of her way. Hungry is her mouth, for her taste, her pleasure, Francesca pulls her up, causing them to fall onto the bed.

Mouths brutally seeking out the enjoyment of the other, their hands move to the entrance of the other, Shane. Shane, stop. Horrified at hearing her voice, knowing what she is seeing, Shane quickly moves away from Francesca. She gets out of the bed, scrambling for her clothes, Marina I I

Marina look is disbelieving, disappointed, Shane, just get dressed and go. Marinas eyes burn into Francesca, her anger barely contained. As Shane steps towards the door, quick to escape, uncertain of the harm she has caused, so Marina goes with her.

Marina stops her before she hurriedly steps out, grabbing her arm hesitating, forming the words. With her other hand she brushes the hair back from Shanes face, This has nothing to do with you. It has only to do with Francesca and I. I expect to see you in the morning for our coffee. She presents a warm smile, along with her soft caress, Shane breathes deep and nods.

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

Shane looks down, remembering why she never lived there, not allowed, not permitted, not safe, No, thats okay, Ill find something, no big deal.

Marinas voice low and soothing, I think the apartment is a good idea, a perfect location for you Shane.