HAUNTED

Chapter 6 – Epiphanies

Alex was pouring over the list Nicky had given her. It seemed her friend had everything under control. So far she had managed to secure a location, a contracter to make that location into what she wanted, furniture, appliances and most importantly a chef.

Damn Nick, I should have gone into business with you before I mean all I have to do, is put up the money, Alex grinned. And hit on the hot chef. Nicky glared at Alex and punched her in the arm playfully.

Dont you dare, she smiled shyly. I really like her. Shes so sweet and funny and and well, hot. She sighed. Too bad I dont ***** where I work. A mischievous grin spread over Alex face.

Well, technically you dont work there yet so if you she let her voice trail off.

Thats cheating.

No, its not. Its being creative with the rules, she replied and she stuck out her tongue at her friend. Alex glanced around her to see if Shane had come into the Planet yet. She was supposed to be out and about most of the day talking to suppliers.

So what are you going to do about you know who? Nicky suddenly asked. Alex looked back at her and then at the table. Her fingers were drumming a new beat that had been swimming in her head all morning.

Nothing. She came, she saw and hopefully shell ***** stay away. Nicky looked at her worriedly. This was not good. For as long as shed known Alex, shed had a whole in her heart which was eating away at the rest of her. When shed heard about her mom looking her up, shed hoped they could talk it out. Maybe work out some of Alex issues.

I cant even believe her nerve, Alex said with a hint of anger in her voice.

I mean, no explanation. No apologies. Just demands. Demands? Thats the first Nicky had heard of that. Of course the big gossip had been about Alex losing her cool, but shed seen her do that a few times before.

What demands? Alex looked up at her and shrugged.

She wanted me to donate something.

What?

I dont know. Something for her kid Alex voice trailed off and her face paled as the realization hit her.

Aw *****!!! Alex muttered before her head hit the table repeatedly. Nicky put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

Youre gonna have to fix this.

Yeah, no *****, sounded a muffled voice.

*****

Alex winced as she felt the needle enter. Talk about the story of her life. Things would be going good. And then something would pop up to ***** her over. And then to kick her while she was down. Now this. She didnt want anything to do with her mother, but she couldnt in good conscience let anything happen to a little kid.

I really appreciate this, Alex said when she felt the needle being removed. The young doctor had his back to her.

Youd better. This isnt exactly above board you know. Alex sighed.

Yeah, I know. I just want to know whether Im a match or not before The blonde guy nodded.

Dont worry about it Alex. Ill let you know as soon as possible. He walked over to her and knelt in front of her. Lighten up. Youre the big bad Ace, remember? he laughed and Alex couldnt help but laugh with him.

*****

Lara ran her fingers over the cold steel. She turned around and took in the sight of it all. She still couldnt believe it. She was now standing in her very own kitchen. Well, what was soon to be her very own kitchen. Like Nicky had said, it was going to need a lot of work. But in a few weeks shed be standing here making food that shed put on the menu. No one to tell her how to do her job. Just letting her do her job.

Lara let out a little scream just as Nicky walked in. She laughed and took in the sight of the gorgeous chef. Whenever she saw her she could hear her body screaming to be touched. She hadnt felt like this in a long time. But who was to say Lara felt the same. Besides it was never a good idea to sleep with people you worked with. Especially not if you were opening a restaurant. A chef is kinda important to the whole operation. Yet Nicky couldnt help thinking of touching her. Alex encouraging her had only made it worse.

Im sorry. Im just so happy. Lara was blushing a little. She hadnt thought anyone was there. She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled at her new boss. Her eyes briefly watched Nickys athletic body as she sauntered over to Lara and casually boosted herself on the counter her hand briefly touching Laras. Lara turned to face Nicky.

I really appreciate this opportunity. Nicky waved it away.

Hey, Ive tried your cooking I should be thanking you, dude. Lara lifted her eyebrows.

Dude?

Sorry, sometimes my roommate rubs off on me. Nicky laughed sheepishly.

How is she doing? When Nicky looked at her questioningly, Lara shrugged. Dana told me what happened at the Planet. Nicky shook her head.

Ah yes, the grapevine. She paused thinking exactly how Alex was doing. Ok, I guess. Its just hard for her.

Is she going to see her mom again?

I dont know. When she saw the pensive look on Nickys face she felt sorry shed brought up the subject and ruined the light mood that had been in the room only a few moments ago. Lara quickly gave Nicky a peck on the cheek and grabbed her hand.

Come on lets check out the rest of the place. Nicky allowed herself to be pulled away her other hand briefly touching the spot that was now glowing where Laras lips had touched it.

*****

Shane was leaning over her desk going over some papers, when she felt warm arms wrap around her and a body pressing into her back. She smiled and leaned back.

Hello Shane, a slurry voice spoke. Shane whirled around and looked in shock at the blonde woman in front of her like she were a ghost from her past.

Cherie, she whispered and her hands moved to untangle herself from Cheries arms.

What are you doing here? Cherie laughed and twirled around taking in her surroundings.

Youre doing well for yourself Shane. Cherie paused her alcohol muddled brain grappling for the right words. Shane had slightly recovered from the shock of seeing Cherie. She hadnt expected to feel this way seeing Cherie again. All those months ago when Cherie had broken it off with her, Shane had wanted to crawl into a little ball and whither away. What she would have given to feel Cheries arms around her. To get lost in her warmth and her scent. But now all these months later the funny thing was, she didnt feel any of the things shed thought shed feel.

Well enough, Shane replied starting to feel more like herself. She leaned against the desk her arms crossed over her chest.

Living off your little friends, Cherie spat out the words slightly slurred. Shane counted to ten in her head. She was not going to let Cherie get to her.

Better than living off my lover, she replied her voice devoid of any emotion. Cherie turned to Shane her eyes blazing. This is not how it was supposed to go. Shane loved her. She knew that. All she had to do was snap her fingers and shed be back at her feet. Why wasnt she at her feet?

Is that all I was to you Shane? Another lover? Cherie moved in closer like a hunter approaching its prey. Her tone changed from accusatory to flattering.

We had something special Shane. A real connection. I know you felt it. Shane let her eyes drop to the floor. Cherie closed the final two steps and was standing so close to Shane, she could feel her warmth. Cherie cupped Shanes face and lifted it, their eyes meeting. When Shane looked into those eyes, she knew Cherie was right. She had felt it. And part of her would always feel it, because shed allowed herself to feel with Cherie. Shed let herself get sucked into the delusion of belonging with someone who would not in a million years have chosen her. Shane shook her head.

But I dont feel it anymore. Cherie let go of Shane abruptly and turned her back on her. Shane instinctively reached out, but at the last minute she took her hand back. She could hear Cherie sobbing. What the ***** was going on? Why had she shown up after all these months? Almost as if Cherie had heard her, she suddenly spoke her voice barely audible.

Ive left Steven. I couldnt do it anymore. The sobs started to get louder and Shane could see her shoulders shaking. Shane moved over to Cherie and placed her hands on her shoulders gently rubbing.

Oh Shane, I dont know what to do, she cried softly turning around and burying her head in Shanes shoulder. She hesitated for a moment then wrapped her arms around Cherie.

Its ok everythings gonna be alright, she softly spoke holding Cherie tightly. Cheries sobs were starting to subside. She lifted her head from Shanes shoulder and gazed into her eyes. It was like the very first time shed met Shane. She felt that pull in the core of her being. Her eyes drifted over Shanes face resting on her gorgeous lips. Cherie leant in, but Shane pulled away.

No were over Cherie. Cherie untangled herself from Shanes arms. She looked at her with the same angry gaze shed had before. When she spoke it was almost like she were a different woman.

No, were not. I left Steven for you. For YOU!!! Cherie almost screamed. Shane had had almost all she was willing to take.

Then you should have left him the night of Provocations. Cherie moved up to Shane.

But I still love you Shane. Shane shook her head. She had wanted Cherie to say these things to her that very night. If only Cherie had chosen her then, maybe they would have had a chance. But things were different now. She was finally happy and at peace. She enjoyed being with Alex. With Alex she felt like she fit. It was almost like they were two of a kind. Granted Alex on occasion reading her mind still freaked her out, but she was starting to get used to it kind of.

Im sorry Cherie, but Im with someone. Cherie snorted making her sound very unladylike.

But do you love her? Like you loved me? Shane was silent for a moment her eyes gazing in the distance. She looked back at Cherie.

I love her different. Cheries face lit up as if Shane had made her point for her.

But do you love her more? Shane thought hard before a small smile crossed her face.

Yes Id die for her, she spoke softly. Cherie was almost as shocked at this as Shane. She hadnt done any soul searching until now. Shed just decided to take things slowly with Alex. She knew she loved her, but until now she hadnt thought about it too much. Shed just relished in the way she felt when she was around Alex.

I dont believe you, Cherie whispered almost desperately. She grabbed at Shanes shirt and pulled her towards her. Before Shane could pull away, she felt Cheries lips on hers. They tasted just as sweet as they had a few months ago only slightly tainted by the taste of alcohol. Instinctively Shane started kissing back before she regained her senses and pushed her away only to find a dark brown pair of eyes watching them from the doorway.

*****, I guess when it rains it pours, Alex voice a lot lighter than she felt.