Found – part 3

Previously…

Shane turned to Jenny and softly asked, Are you okay? Do you need to go?

Jenny looked over to where Marina was standing. No, Ill be fine. Everything is just fine, she affirmed, with an inscrutable look on her face.

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Jenny wasnt sure how she felt about Marinas reappearance. In some ways she held Marina responsible for ***** up her life, although her more rational side realized that only she could do that. Her body still craved Marina, but her heart… her heart was less sure if it wanted to open that door again. So she stood with her friends, deep in thought, unsure what to do.

Marina had spotted Jenny out on the dance floor and knew she needed to deal with the situation soon, so she would be able to resume her life in L.A. Her isolation in Italy had given her plenty of time for introspection, and one of the things she had really tried to think through was her relationship with Jenny. Never one to be less than forward, Marina made her way through the crowd of women to her friends table.

Hello everyone. She was a little nervous about how the women would receive her, but soon understood that her fears were misplaced. These women truly were her friends, and the hugs and kisses they showered her with told her that they loved her and were genuinely glad to have her back. Ive missed you all so much. It is good to be home. Marinas sultry voice washed over the group, filling them all with the warmth of her presence.

When the initial greetings were taken care of, Marina quietly turned to Jenny and asked, Can we talk? Everybody watched the pair in silence, unabashedly curious to see what would transpire. Jenny could never refuse Marina, and acquiescing with a small nod, she followed Marina into a quieter corner.

Jenny turned to Marina, an accusing look in her eyes. What are you doing here? she asked harshly.

Marina merely smiled slightly and cocked her head slightly to the side. Its good to see you, Jenny. How are you?

With some of the wind taken out of her sails, Jenny backed down. A bit. Im fine. Why are you here? Ever the reactive one, before she could figure out how she felt, she needed to know Marinas motives.

Secure in her own motives, Marina replied calmly and simply. This is my home. I missed my life here, so I have returned. Jenny seemed to think about this for a minute.

After a moment, Marina decided to let Jenny off the hook. Listen, I have not come back to cause trouble in your life. I will always care for you, but I did not return to pick up where we left off. I would like for us to be friends, she finished, looking into Jennys eyes. What do you think?

Jenny couldnt help but be disarmed by Marinas honesty and humility. She wasnt sure what she wanted from Marina, if anything, but she couldnt refuse such a simple offer of friendship. Reaching up and wrapping her arms about Marina in a hug, she replied, I would like that. I would like to be your friend.

Marina hugged her back and smiled. Good.

As the two friends returned to the table, the rest of the women tried to pretend they hadnt all been watching the entire interaction. Shane just lifted her eyebrow as the two women approached hand-in-hand. For once, Alice did not ask, So… whats up? Dana was so proud of her and spontaneously hugged her just for the omission, causing Bette and Tina both to laugh since they knew exactly why Dana was so happy.

Well, I had better get back behind the bar before Kit notices the customers piling up, Marina remarked. With a wave of her fingers, she disappeared in the crowd, walking as coolly and confidently as she always had.

Her momentary bout of tactfulness having passed, Alice turned back to Bette and grilled her for all the details on Marinas reappearance at The Planet. Once shed exhausted Bettes knowledge of the situation, she determined that she would have to explore other sources of information. Or just wait. Nah.