“This guy is amazing…his name is Cliff, short for Heathcliff, which I’m not wild about but as long as it stays ‘Cliff’ I’m cool.” Alice sat at The Planet with Bette and Tina who looked at each other knowingly, the writer had been talking about Cliff for fifteen minutes now and it was obvious she was taken with the man from the bar. Tina squeezed Bette’s hand under the table,

                “So when do we get to meet young Cliff?” Bette smiled as she took a sip of coffee, Alice’s eyes slanted, looking over her shoulder to the front door.

             “Actually right now…Cliff over here.” Bette and Tina turned to get a good look at Alice’s new interest as he entered the door, Tina’s eyebrows rose in curiosity and Bette gave her ‘the look’.

            “What?” Tina squealed defensively cluching Bette’s hand tighter, Cliff had short dark hair and clear green eyes that made his tanned skin look even darker, he was lean and athletic with broad shoulders and a dazzling smile. Cliff wore a wife-beater and red hawaiian board shorts, a paper tucked under his arm and a cup of coffee in his hand, Alice, Bette and Tina stood as he approached the table.

             ”Cliff, this is Bette and Tina, Bette, Tina this is Cliff,” Cliff reached out and shook their hands and gave Alice a hug, “I’ve heard a lot about you ladies… It’s very nice to meet you,” Bette smiled placing an arm around Tina and leaning back in her chair, the alpha-male in every situation.

            “So Cliff, Alice tells me you’re an artist?” Cliff nodded cutting the sip of coffee he’d taken short,

             ”Graphic Designer…I know most people don’t consider that an artist, but I like to think we’re just pessimistic fine artists.” Bette laughed along with Cliff as they shared the joke no one else understood, Cliff looked to Alice who obviously didn’t understand.                  

             ”Oh I’m sorry Al…um see Fine artists tend to be the ‘starving artist’ quite a few of them go into illustrations or graphic design because it’s more…um universally profitable, graphic designers are more prone to do it for the money and not necessarily the vision. Actually I got my bachelor’s in fine art at UCLA, but found being broke more painful than being someone’s art bitch.” Bette laughed harder than before, suprising Alice and Tina, who still didn’t really get why it was so funny.

        Alice just smiled glad that Cliff was a charmer and had something in common with at least one of her friends, Cliff scooted a little closer throwing his arm around her smiling.

           “Where is…Angelica? I was hoping to meet the baby that makes puppies and teddy bears look hideous….Alice’s words not mine.” Tina chuckled at this, beginning to see why Alice was so smitten,

            “Actually she’s with Carmen and Shane, they should be dropping her off in fifteen minutes if you want to wait around.” Alice looked expectantly at Cliff wanting to spend as much time as possible with him, Cliff looked at her, silently asking if it was ok.

           “We’re both freelance right now so we can do whatever the hell we want right Al? Alice smiled goofily and rolled her eyes,

           “Neither one of us is freelance, Cliff does quite a bit of work. He gets the clients then passes the work off to junior designers then touches up the final work.” Bette looked impressed,

           “That’s a excellent idea Cliff, do you mentor students?” Bette sat forward a little enjoying the little time she got to talk about the ins and outs of art, even if it was general. Cliff soothingly rubbed his hand along Alice’s back, then caught himself quickly drawing his hand away, afraid he was moving too fast.

          “I do, I offer the position to undergraduate students who want to learn and actually make a profit. They receive college credit and a commission per project depending on how much I have to correct. So in a way I’m kind of like a tutor…excuse me ladies I will be right back.” Cliff carried himself to the bathroom Bette giving an impressed smile as he walked to the back of The Planet,

          “Wow Alice, he’s great you met him at the bar?” Alice looked down blushing a little,

         “Yeah he just walked up to me and said we had met back when I was dating Gabby…apparently he fired her.” Tina smiled at this,

         “Oh, I thought he’d slept with her…wait he didn’t sleep with her did he?” Alice shook her head her coffee to her lips,

          “No she was his secretary and not a very good one which is no suprise, but he’s fuckin sexy right?” As Cliff came walking back to the table Bette craned her neck to the side thinking maybe a different view might give her the same insight as Alice and Tina, She came up empty handed shrugging confused,

             “I guess I’m a REAL lesbian, and I don’t see it.” Tina smiled sweetly to Bette, “Well Bette, Alice and I can appreciate some of the world wonders like young Cliff…fortunately my bar-hopping days are over, it doesn’t get better than what I got….and I love Bette Porter…love you.” Bette nodded,

            “Yeah it wouldn’t hurt to say it louder.” Alice chuckled as Cliff sat back down next Alice, his cell-phone immedietly ringing the tune “Rhapsody in Blue”. Cliff answered it silently apologizing to the table,

            ”….Ok ok well what format are you using? It doesn’t matter as long as you didn’t touch my hard copy…you did touch the hard copy…ok um shit I guess I’ll be there in a little bit just…don’t touch anything else ok?…no you’re fine…no you’re not fired…ok…you’re welcome…ok…bye.” He hung up the phone pausing for a moment, then apologetically looking to Alice.

            “Two hours?” Alice chuckled patting him on the leg,

           “It’s ok I totally understand, I could stand to do some work myself. See you for dinner?” Cliff bent down to give her a kiss on the cheek wondering again if he was pushing too far, he really liked the writer and wanted to make sure he didn’t slip into the ‘friend zone’ women were so acoustomed to placing him in. Alice leaned in and Cliff knew he made the right decision,

            ”We’re going out tonight, anywhere you want, just name it…I’ll call you” Alice waved goodbye as he back out of the coffeehouse staring at her the whole way. Alice’s lifted her shoulders as she sang bringing her coffee to her mouth,

            “Wow…hoooootttt.”

****

Four Months Later(yeah I know lame, but who wants to read two months of filler crap? I sure as hell don’t want to write it)


         Dana sat in a small conference room, tired and resting her hands on her head, she’d been answering stupid questions for hours, and her patience was dwindling. The newest reporter was a blonde girl that wasn’t hard on the eyes, a Britney Spears knock-off Dana wondered how she got a job in sports news writing. Evelyn (Evie) James took off her jacket and answered Dana’s question,

          ‘Gotdammit! those are some amazing breasts…Not as nice as Alice’s but pretty damn close.’ Dana tried to tear her eyes away from the reporters chest but as the blonde propped herself up on the barstool directly in front of Dana, the athlete was finding them very difficult to ignore.

          “Hi Dana, nice to meet you my name is Evelyn Jacks but you can call me Evie,” The reported extended her hand and Dana shook it unenthusiastically. Evie adjusted her top and drew Dana’s eyes back in, the reported smiled knowingly at Dana and continued her interview.

            ”Well Miss Fairbanks, Options Magazine is very excited to be able to speak to one of the only out lesbian professional tennis players. How are things on the circuit?” Dana looked at the reporter slightly amused,

           “Things on the circuit are good I’m only one game into this season but so far everything is running perfectly,” Dana answered vaugely, her agent told her to be cocky in her abilities but humble in her personal life, and since Dana had never played cocky she decided vague was best. Evie pulled a pen from behind her ear and ran it along the top of her shirt, the athlete laughed to herself, there was no way this woman was flirting with her.

           “What advice do you have for closeted women Dana?” Dana stared at the reporter, her eyes half-lidded. “I would say that if you really want something you do it, aggressively grab hold and claim it as yours. ” Dana leaned back cockily in her chair, a lot had changed over the past few months and her confidence in these situations was no exception.

         The athlete sipped her water slowly looking at the blonde with new feral intent, if she wanted to start the game Dana was going to finish it. Evie stood up and bent down to reach in her briefcase giving Dana an ample view of her cleveage, the brunette ran her tongue along the inside of her mouth and looked unrestrained down the blondes top. ]

          “So Dana do you have a habit of fucking women you don’t know?” Dana snapped out of ‘mack daddy’ mode a little stunned at how forward this reporter was being

          ‘what the fuck? it’s never been this easy…this bitch is a reporter…she’s trying to fuck with me…and not in the good way.’ Dana breathed slowly to calm herself down, there was no way she was having sex with some bimbo reporter. Dana’s eyes slanted, registering the possible set-up, disliking that this blonde thought she could manipulate her.

         “No actually, I don’t Miss James,” Dana sat up straight to further indicate she was ready to finish the interview. Evie looked up suprised at the sudden change of heart, the blonde reporter sat back down and began finishing the interview.

         “You’re only one game away from the highly anticipated match with Depams, with so much press snowballing this game are you feeling any stress?” Dana took another sip of water and looked Evie in the eyes,

          “None whatsoever, I’m at the top of my game, and I’m confident in my training.” The athlete challenged her by keeping eye contact, the moment growing intensely uncomfortable. When the blonde reached in her briefcase, for her final notes a small flyer slipped onto the floor. It would have gone unnoticed by Dana, but she saw a word she noticed “Alice” and her attention was immediately drawn, she snatched the flyer off of the floor.

            “What’s this?” Dana read the flyer for Alice and Cliff’s Super Bowl party, Evie peered over the edge and looked at her.

           “One of my co-workers is throwing a suprise Super Bowl party for her boyfriend. It’s actually really cute, I guess the Super Bowl falls on their five month anniversary so instead of a romantic dinner Alice, that’s her name, is going to suprise him with a big party.” Dana stared at the flyer for a while before snapping out of it, she’d moved on, she’d really moved on without even confronting her about the phone message. Dana was remotely angry,

           ‘I poured out my heart to her, why wouldn’t she say anything about it? I guess the phone message was pretty dumbass.’ Dana ran a hand through her hands frustrated as she tried to focus on the interview that was already running much longer than her liking. Evie looked down at her hands looking for the right thing to say,

           “Um Dana…I’m really sorry I was so…inappropriate, I’d really like to…I don’t know start over…is that even possible or did I already blow it?” Dana stared at the blonde thinking,

             ‘She is a knock out…I suppose I don’t have anything to lose.’ The athlete grinned extending her hand,

            “Hi, Dana Fairbanks.” Evie smiled and after a two hour interview Dana realized the blonde actually had an amazing personality to go with those amazing breasts.

****


            “I don’t think we have enough booze Al,” Shane walked though the grocery store eyeing the alcohol mentally licking her lips, Alice walked in front of the cart list in hand.            

          “We have enough if you get drunk somewhere else.” Alice said a little destracted she was looking for a specific item and the damn labels on the racks had been scratched off. The writer stood in the aisle scratching her head with her pen,

           “Do we really need more nacho cheese, I’ve got seven jars already and I can’t see forty people going through that much cheese, especially when there are other things to eat.” Shane shrugged inspecting the pickled radish she’d picked up curiously,

         “Honestly Al, there is so much to do at that house I doubt anyone will even be hanging around the food.” Alice nodded agreeing with her friend, the Green house was huge and had all the entertainment one could ask for. Ping-Pong, video-games, pool, cinema size television, full bar, Alice had gone out of her way to make sure this was the perfect anniversary.

            Cliff had gone out of his way to make sure he had everything she needed, and a lot of the things she didn’t. He was into gestures, bringing her flowers and taking her on romantic dinners, the writer had to actually convince her boyfriend of almost five months to spend Super Bowl Sunday at the house and not at some fancy restaurant.

            “Alice this is our anniversary, I want it to be special for you, the past five months have been special to me. I want to show you have much I-I…love you. I love you,” Cliff announced one afternoon they’d spent cuddling on the couch, Alice had made a comment that she wanted to spend their anniversary cuddled like this watching the Super Bowl.

               ”Come on Cliff you don’t want to go out with the guys you know, drink some beer, away from the ball and chain?” Alice giggled and Cliff grabbed her by the waist pulling her even closer,

               ”Well I’d be lying if I said I wanted to miss Bryce’s big Super Bowl party, but it’s on our anniversary and if I have to choose, you’re always going to win.” Cliff kissed Alice on her nose and leaned his head on her chest, and the blonde sighed.

          “Ok well we should watch the Super Bowl here then, I don’t want to go out and do anything fancy, this anniversary can represent how close we’ve become. So we’ll stay heeeeeerrrrrree.” Alice kissed him between comments,

              “We’ll get some beer…” Cliff placed his hand behind her head, to bring her in but Alice kept pecking him.

              “We’ll cuddle on the couch…” Alice ran her hands up his chest still impressed at how muscular he was,

            “…and there will be a special half-time show.” Cliff’s eyebrows rose and a devious smile hugged the corners of his mouth,

             “Special huh?….Ca…Can I get a little preview? Like the half-time show commercial?” Alice licked her bottom lip sensually.

           “We might be able to work something out.”


**** 

Almost six months ago (wow we’re jumping around a lot I hope you’re keeping up, if you’re not we can stop)


            “Why would you do that Al? I mean I just got people comfortable with the fact that I’m gay.” Dana paced the hallway in her apartment as Alice closed the door firmly behind them,

            ”Dana she was more than comfortable with the fact that you’re gay, she was pushing up on you and I’m not going to just sit there and let her, I’m going to let people know that we’re together…it’s something that I’m actually proud of.” Alice voice rose in anger, the writer stepping into the other room to cool down.

           They had attended a banquet for the Women’s Tennis Association and Dana got a chance to meet the new chairman. Debbie Rose exclaimed she was delighted to meet such a young and beautiful addition to the association, Alice simply agreed with the young attractive chairman and kissed Dana on the cheek. Dana followed Alice into the bedroom, not giving her time to calm down.

              ”That’s not fair Al, you know I have a career to think about I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.” Alice stared out of the window unable to look Dana in the eye,

             “…Anyone but me, I’m uncomfortable Dana… and what’s not fair is every time we go to a fucking tennis function or walk out of West Hollywood you act like you don’t know me…You’re gay Dana, they know it already, out of the closet means out of the fucking closet, not jumping back in when someone doesn’t agree. It just doesn’t work like that,” Dana nodded realizing that Alice’s anger was justified.

           The athlete was trying to please so many people that she wasn’t taking care of the one she cared about, Dana walked behind Alice who hung her head leaning against the windowsill and slid her hands slowly around her waist. She leaned in close to the writers ear holding her close and whispered into Alice’s ear sending shivers down her spine and disapating her anger instantly.

           “You’re right… I’m sorry, I should be proud to know that you get jealous over me.” Alice paused and smiled slow and turned in her arms,

            “Please you think I was jealous of that floozy dyke? She didn’t stand a chance, that was just my ‘step off bitch’ move” Dana chuckled turning Alice back around and unbuttoning her pants,

              “You’re right, you know, she didn’t stand a chance, with an ass this fine you never have to guess where my eyes are.” Dana further emphasized by shifting one hand around to Alice’s ass roughly kneading, her blunt fingernails sending a jolt to Alice’s core. The writer moaned in response throwing her head back allowing Dana to breath in the scent of her perfume and shampoo. The athlete growled as the tension in her belly grew

           “Bend over a little bit baby.” Dana positioned Alice’s legs wide, the writer having to hold on to the windowsill she was facing for balance. Dana kept her left hand firmly gripped on her ass and the other trailed its way beneath the band of silk underwear, migrating toward a heat that was unmistakable. 

           Alice bucked her hips toward Dana’s questing fingers dying to be filled by the athlete but Dana dictated the blondes movements. Her left hand guiding Alice, firmly cupping her behind while simultaneously pushing three fingers into her. Alice groaned loudly as Dana continued to conduct her motions, a slow grind that the writer tried in vain to speed. 

            ”You’re trying to make this quick but I want you to last Alice,” Dana changed the tempo of her thrusts, sending Alice into a frenzy.

           “Please Dana,” the athlete shut her eyes tightly, there was something about the way Alice said her name she’d do anything the writer asked. Alice was gulping air trying to get enough to sate her burning lungs, but her heart was beating too fast , she called for the athlete again.

            “Dana…Please,” Dana decided she’d teased enough, turning Alice around and pulling down her pants she leaned the writer against the wall and kneeled in front of her. The brunette held Alice’s hips against the wall and took a long slow lick at Alice’s opening, causing the writer to moan her name constantly. Dana smiled as Alice ran her fingers through her hair gently urging her on,

             “My, my, aren’t we impatient?” Dana flicked her tongue along the writer’s clit, Alice’s chest heaved and her shoulders slammed against the wall behind her. The athlete took her time exploring Alice, her tongue spelling words the writer couldn’t comprehend in her passion-hazed state. Dana licked her way up Alice’s body and kissed her roughly, their lovemaking was subtly tasted and the blonde moaned at the combination. Dana removed the rest of Alice clothes throwing them in a pile on the floor and running her hands up and down her sides slowly she whispered in her ear.

           “How do you want me to finish this Alice?” Dana let the words slide through her lips sensually, Alice biting her lip in response.

          “How do you want it Alice? Up against the wall with the strap-on? My fingers inside you with your hands pinned above your head? Anything Al…I’ll do it.” Dana watched Alice’s face contort in rapture, too far gone to decide so the athlete gave her the answer, grabbing the strap-on from the nearby dresser drawer.

            The brunette removed her pants quickly, still teasing Alice, and attaching the phallus with ease. She easily lifted the blonde against the wall and pushed in deep, a long moan escaping Alice’s throat filled her ears.

          ”Dana…God!” Dana fucked Alice against the wall, holding her hands out and biting along her neck, not caring about leaving marks. The athlete grunted gaining speed and crushing their bodies together, the writer held on tightly her fingers clenching into Dana’s back the sting exciting as hell.

           Alice began gasping quickly, a sign she was close. Dana slowed to a grind, knowing exactly how to extend the moment. Alice looked down to the athlete, her face a mixture of feelings, she watched as Dana worked hard to please her, and for moment she was overcome by love for the brunette. Alice guided her hands to Dana’s face and kissed her passionately, the athlete immediately understanding the intent and kissing her slow and deep. Alice hands suddenly gripped Dana’s arms as she screamed in orgasm, a moment that lasted much longer than any of the previous.

          Dana stared at an exhausted Alice, afraid, this session began the same but ended much different that the others, she’d felt something strong and it scared her. Dana carried Alice to the bed and laid next to her, looking at the ceiling, the writer cuddled up to her content in their lovemaking. Dana stared terrified at the ceiling, this was new to the athlete, she wasn’t used to emotions this intense and when Alice screamed ‘I love you’ Dana felt it to her core and she laid there afraid she didn’t love Alice enough.