Marina covered the twenty feet to Sadie in three strides. Sadie, are you all right? She knelt down beside the fallen woman.

Shes putting onI didnt push her that hard. The woman whod backed into Sadie, drunkenly gestured to everyone around her. Wimp! She slurred down at Sadie, whod gotten to her hands and knees.

Marina looked up as Shane, Bette and Tina reached her side. Please show my guest to the bar and get her a complimentary drink. She nodded towards the drunken woman. Tina and Bette got the picture and began to break up the small crowd that had formed. Shane ushered the unruly woman towards the bar.

Sadie, whats wrong? Whats happened to you? Marina could tell the woman was struggling to catch her breath.

Im alright. Sadie panted through clenched teeth. Just help me up.

Marina reached under Sadies arm and helped pull her up to a standing position. Sadie leaned into her for just an instant before pulling away. Thanks. She started to walk away from Marina.

What happened to your leg, Sadie? Alice blocked Sadies path to the door. She was bent over looking at a crimson stain that was beginning to seep through on Sadies left calf. It looks like blood.

Dammit, it IS blood! Now, if youll excuse me, I think Ive had just about enough for today. Sadie snarled and pushed past Alice. She banged out the door and started down the street.

Marina caught the door before it closed and followed on Sadies heels. Alice and Dana watched quizzically from the door. Alice slyly propped the door slightly so they could hear the conversation. Bette motioned to Tina to get the two girls away from the door so that Marina and Sadie could have some privacy. Tina tried to move to the door through the crowd.

Sadie, please—can we talk? Marina was uncharacteristically abashed.

Sadie stopped, let her head hang for a moment, then turned. She ran her hand through her blonde hair and asked, wearily, What do you want to talk about, Marina? The kiss that obviously meant so little to you yesterday, the rude way you just treated me, or how much I owe you for the banged up table?

Marina bit her lip. Sadie, please tell me what is wrong with you? Your leg?

I was run off the road this morning by a ***** SUV while I was riding my bike. I bruised my ribs and gashed my leg. My bike came home in two pieces. The only good thing that happened to me this morning was that I reunited with an old college friend. After she helped me get back home, I spent the afternoon dreaming about seeing you again this evening. I couldnt get that kiss from yesterday out of my mind. So, when I get here tonight, Dana acted like I was a *****, you practically pretended I didnt exist, and then that ***** drunk rammed her elbow into my ribcage. That about covers it, Marina. Now, can I go?

College friend? You mean Lara?

Sadie nodded, You know her?

Marina put her hands to her mouth. Mutely she nodded.

Dana burst from the door. So you didnt do Lara today?

Tina burst out just after Dana. She looked apologetically at Marina. Then she looked at Dana. Sadies the woman you saw Lara with earlier?

Dana nodded, a grin slowly beginning to spread across her tan face. She peered around Marina at Sadie. So, is that a no on the whole doing Lara thing today?

Sadie looked completely flummoxed. What are you talking about? Why are you so worried about Lara? And, no, I didnt DO Lara today. My God, what kind of place have I moved to? She looked from Marina to Dana to Tina, who mouthed a silent Im soooo sorry. Sadies eyes returned to Marina, who finally took her hands from her mouth.

Sadie, this has all been a horrible misunderstanding. Can I walk you home and explain? You look as though you need to sit down. Please, give me a chance to tell you why weve been acting like this. I think I also need a chance to apologize to you. Please.

Sadie was silent for a minute, then simply nodded her acquiescence. Marina turned to Tina and asked, Please tell Kit that I will be away for a bit. If she wants to close up without me, thats fine. Tina nodded and ushered a beaming Dana back to The Planet.

Good night, Sadie.and by the way, Im not allergic to peaches! Dana was positively giddy.

As Marina and Sadie moved into the shadows, Jenny quietly slipped back into The Planet. She knew Marina had been acting odd all night. And now she knew why.