The RaynestormPt3
Blah, blah, blah, was pretty much all Rayne heard as Bette mindlessly, selfishly, and indulgently talked about Franklin, Stephen Levy, and herself. It amazed Rayne how self-absorbed Bette was and it help but think it was a contributing factor is the demise of her marriage. Additionally annoyed by her own lack of foresight, forced Rayne to revert to the side of her she thought shouldnt be public on a night like this.

Okay, enough! Rayne fiercely interrupted. Bette jerked back as the words flew out. Did you come here to see me, relax, and have a good time, or talk shop? Rayne asked unapologetically. Bette was too stunned to speaka first for the evening! When I invited you over, it was because I wanted to share some quality time that didnt resemble us creeping around. I wanted to talk about any number of things that werent work related. *****, Ive have enough of that ***** for a while, Raynes tone was still fierce and Bette receded into the depth of the cabana. And furthermore, did it not occur to you that I wasnt paying attention, nor did I say I wanted you to talk shop, Raynes usual soft tone was now resembled a fire breathing dragon.

IIm sorry. Im very sorry, I didnt mean to offend you, Bette leaned forward slightly, Rayne turned away. I guess I didnt realize I was still a little pissed over it and

And you didnt think Bette, chilling words cooled any attempts for pacification. Bette shuddered. Im starting to see that as a problem. I asked you not to blur the lines and you did it again anyway. Damn Bette, Rayne paused in an attempt to calm down. Is everything always about you and your needs? Rayne walked back to the bar for another drink.

Feeling the redness warm her cheeks and embarrassment consume her, Bette rose from the cabana and stood in front of Rayne; taking her hands into her own. Im sorry Rayne; really. Its a bad trait that I have and I guess its wearing you thin. In fact, its something that Tina always warned me about. Alice did too, Bette woefully admitted. Please. Is there any way I can make it up to you so we can enjoy tonight? Youve obviously gone to great lengths to make this night special. Bette looked around at all the lit candles surrounding the pool and patio, a dressed table was sitting off to the side, and the smell of food cooking was circulating. The house was illuminated also, casting a seductive glow into the night.

Rayne swallowed her drink in one gulp and cocked her head toward Bette. Rayne made a mental note and would allow Bette to redeem herself; however; she wouldnt be so lucky the next time. Bette ran her fingers up and down Raynes hands waiting for an answer. She was about to give Rayne the puppy dog look, but once she saw the severe stare in return, rethought it.

Bette, Im gonna tell you this one last time, Rayne led Bette to the table, dont blur the lines. Im not saying Im not interested in your work at the CAC, but you have to realize theres a time and place for everything. The world, contrary to your belief, does not revolve around you okay?

Yes, and again Im sorry. I guess I have to learn that Im in a new place and with a new person. Old habits die hard, Bette tried to joke, but judging from Raynes expression, she wasnt trying to hear it.

Old habits may die hard, but youll die lonely or in another unbalanced relationship if you dont fall back a little. Now lets eat, Im hungry and dont want to let this good food go to waste.

The ER
Shane shadowed the medics every move until she was asked to go into the waiting area until they found out what was wrong with Tina. Pained and full of confusion, Shane hunched her shoulders and walked away and Nya arrived minutes after parking her car.

I know theres probably no word yet, but dont worry, well know something soon, Nya comforted.

Where are your nurse and doctor friends?

Angela is probably in with Tina now, shes a nurse. Roger, not working tonight, Nya looked around to see if there was anyone she knew working. Shelly? Nya called out.

A short, stocky brunette, with piercing green eyes appeared from behind the nurses station and walked over.

Hey Nya. Whats going on? Shellys Irish brogue danced in Shanes ear.

A friend was just brought in and theyre evaluating her now. Tina. Tina Kennard, Nya pointed to the room.

Oh, okay. Ill just check in and see where they stand with her.

Shes Irish? Shanes libido kicked in.

Yes, shes been here for about three years. Nice girl. I met her at a medical conference, Nya volunteered. Judging from Shanes sudden interest and temporary leave of her recollection that Tina was being evaluated, Nya assessed that Shane had an interest in Shelly. Im sorry lover girl; shes not *****, and very happily married with two beautiful boys.

Shanes libido took an immediate nosedive and she returned to her senses and why she was in the hospital in the first place.

Im sorry. Force of habit I suppose. Plus its nerves too. I dont like hospitals, Shane toyed with the ripped hole in her jeans.

Nya, shes fine so far, Shelly came back out with the news. Angela said shell be out in a minute to get you guys up to speed.

Thank God! Shane stood up and paced. I was so scared and didnt know what to do. Im so glad she gave me a key cause theres no telling how long she wouldve been there otherwise, emotions were running high in Shane and the softness she rarely showed was coming through. You know, Ive rarely told Tina how much I care about her and how bad I felt for what she went through with Bette, but now, when I felt like I was losing her, it hurt like ***** that I never did, Shanes broken voice revealed everything she felt.

I dont know Tina as well as you do, but I know she has some good friends in you guys. Shes told me all about each of you. Dont worry so much; she knows youre there for her. Wish I could say the same, sadness filled Nyas voice.

Whaddya mean, Shane sat down. Are you and Tina still cool?

Nya didnt know how to answer that question. Things between she and Tina had taken a detour and now she felt as lost as Tina did.

Shane, Im sorry, Nya looked down.

For what?

I kind of feel responsible for what happened to Tina, Shane gave Nya a questioning look. UhwellTina and I kinda had a fight and I told her that I needed some space. And

Angela came out of the observation room and approached the waiting women. Nya and? Angela extended her hand.

Shane. Shane McCutcheon.

Oh, you came in with Ms. Kennard! Shane nodded. Im pleased to inform you that you friend is going to be fine. It seems like she suffered a stress-induced anxiety attack and was dehydrated as a result of the nausea. Her iron levels are a little low and it looks like she could use a more balanced diet.

Can we see her? Does she have to stay overnight? Shanes nerves got the best of her.

Id like to keep her overnight for observation, Shanes eyes widened and she gasped. Its okay Shane, its standard procedure, Angela comforted.

Shes right Shane, Nya cut in. Maybe Tinas better off resting here so they can keep an eye on her right?

Angela nodded and looked at her watch. Ladies, I need to go back in there and get her ready to go to a room. Ill send Shelly over to let you know where shell be.

This is fucked up! Shane slammed her hands against the wall. Things were going so great for her and now this? Why cant good things stay good? Nya rubbed Shanes back until she calmed down.

Shane, I know it looks bleak right now, but maybe all of this ***** has a purpose. Maybe

A purpose? Shane spun around. How can someone getting cheated on, fucked over, and now this be a good thing? How the ***** can it have a purpose? And now that I think about it, you were telling me something, so whats going on with you two? Shane ran her hands through her already tussled hair.

Lets go outside for a minute, Nya put her arm in Shanes. The air will do us good.

Shane and Nya sat on the rail outside and neither said a word for a while. They both seemed to be lost in their own pain and darkness and needed time to get through it. Nya jumped off the rail and stood in front of Shane as if she were on trial.

Its like this, Nya spoke softly. You know Tina and I hit it off and were taking things slow, but were still pretty close right? Shane nodded respectfully. Well, things were going well until Tina told me she slept with Bette.

She wh..what? Shane exploded.

Its okay. I mean, its not like it was impossible, they obviously still have feelings for each other, Nya rocked from side to side hoping it would keep her focused.

Howd you feel about that? Shane smoothed her hand down Nyas face, silently comforting her.

Not good. It hurt, but at least she was honest and I can respect that. Anyway, wed been hanging out a lot and Tina was drinking way too much. I think she was trying to dull her pain and kinda suppress her mixed up feelings for Bette and me. My mom died an alcoholic, so Im a little sensitive to excessive drinking and I told Tina that she needed to calm down.

Did she?

Not at first, but by the time she did, Id had enough. It was hard to keep being just her friend Shane she kept flirting and making innuendoes and I didnt want her like that. If I was gonna be with her, it had to be while she was lucid, tears rolled down Nyas cheeks. She tried to make things right with me, but I needed more time so I could control my feelings a little better. Oh God, I feel like a complete ***** for not seeing the signs and for not being there for her. And then she called tonight I was happy to hear from her, but then my boss called and I had to end the call and I suppose thats when she passed out and all that and now shes and I Nya finally lost it and began crying hard.

Shane jumped off the rail and held Nya until she stopped crying. Shh! Its not your fault. Tinas a gentle soul, but shes put up with so much ***** that she probably just didnt know how to handle things. Nya was still sobbing in spite of Shanes comfort. Aww, please dont cry anymore. Shes gonna be fine and were gonna help her through all of this okay? Shane eased Nya back and cupped her face. She looked her dead in the eye willing her to understand what she was saying. Nya, its not your fault and shes gonna get through this I promise.

Shane kept holding Nya until she finally stopped crying.

Youre a good person Shane, Shane blushed. No, really. You hardly know me, and youre being so understanding. Tinas blessed to have you. I know you were worried that she doesnt know, but maybe if we both tell her how we feel, itll help make her better. Whatcha say?

I say youre right, Shane smiled.

Then lets go inside and find Tina.

Meanwhile in Malibu
This is the best tuna Ive had in, *****, I dont even remember, Bette said between bites of her pan seared yellow-fin tuna.

Glad youre enjoying it, Rayne smiled as bit into her shrimp.

Howd you know? Seems like you have all of my favorites here. The spread look like Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck had been hired for the night.

I paid attention to what you ate every time we were out, Rayne winked. Its amazing what you can learn about someone when you pay attention, Raynes passive dig hit spot on.

Touche!

Excuse me for a moment.

Rayne got up and walked into the house leaving Bette alone to finish her appetizer. It was a picturesque night, with the perfect coloring in the sky, just the right temperature, and obviously the right company. Bette was feeling a little buzz from her third mojito and decided to drink water instead of another. Bette suddenly heard music and George Bensons Breezin tiptoed out to keep her company. Rayne reappeared pushing a smart cart with covered plates and an assortment of dishes.

Dinner is served!

Bette rubbed her hands together and sniffed to find out what they were about to eat. It smells so good. Rayne uncovered the plates and the aromatic fragrances wafted into the air and into Bettes nostrils. Oh my! She gushed. What did I do to deserve all this?

Almost nothing at the rate you were going, but fortunately for you, I was feeling charitable, Rayne put the plates on the table and grinned, dig in.

Rayne and Bette ate, talked (anything but work), and got to know each other better. After dinner, they sipped liqueurs and relaxed to the soothing musical selection Rayne had in the CD player. Rayne pulled Bette to her feet and they slow danced, their bodies moving in a slow, sensual, and symmetrical motion. It didnt take much for their dancing to turn into kissing, and kissing to caressing. Within minutes, Rayne and Bette were half-naked and dangerously close the edge of the pool. They swapped a knowing and telltale look, shed their clothes, and jumped into the pool.

The warm, soothing water complimented their mood and they began taunting and teasing each other, using the water as a bargaining tool to enhance their feelings. Rayne pulled Bette into her arms, kissed her fiercely, and without indication, slid her fingers as far into Bette as they would go. Bette let out a startled breath into Raynes mouth and then relaxed as the stimulation raced through her willing body. The water aided in Bettes weightlessness, which made it easier for Rayne to lift her up and continue to pleasure her into climaxing. After going back and forth pleasing each other in the pool, Rayne guided Bette out of the pool, into the house, and into the bedroom she was using. It too was illuminated with candles and scented with a delicate hint of musk and lavender. Rayne laid Bette down, kneeled before her, and buried her head between her thighs, mercilessly devouring her. Rayne sent Bette so far over the edge that she pulled Raynes hair to make her stop. Rayne laughed and wiped her mouth.

Oh, Im just getting warmed up lady, Rayne stood up and walked over to the dresser. I hope youre in an exploratory mood because Ive got something very different in mind for us tonight.

Whatever you say, Bette panted.

Okay, but dont say I didnt warn you.

And with that, Bettes curiosity peaked to an all time high and lay on the bed obedient and anxious.