“What things?” Lara said in a clipped voice.

Helena sighed.  “The push-pull that comes with an ill-fated love.  Just when you think you’re free of it….” There was no need to finish the sentence, Helena merely snapped her fingers.  Their eyes locked, and she knew she was right.  She might not have known, had she not experienced Susan for herself.  She could taste Lara in the heat of Susan’s desire.  She wasn’t above taking a partnered woman to bed for a night.  Casual sex could be very exciting.  But she’d tasted Susan’s power…and the depth of her love for Lara.  This was one thicket she wasn’t willing to explore.

Lara dropped her eyes, took the pillows and blanket with a softly murmured “thank you”.

Helena leaned down and kissed the top of Lara’s head.  The way a mother would kiss a child goodnight.  And it comforted her in some strange way.  For the first time in a long time, her sleep was dreamless.

She took the cup of coffee Helena was offering now, and smiled her thanks.  “What time is it?” she yawned.

“Almost one,” Helena sipped her own coffee, watched the redhead drink hers.

“Oh shit!” Lara jerked forward, nearly dumping the coffee in her lap.  “Oh hell.”  She said, her body slow to respond.

“What?” Helena tilted her head, brow furrowed with concerned.

“I’ve got to go.  I’m not even half ready for the open house tonight.”  Lara stated, her red hair falling into her blue eyes and she swept it back with impatient hand.

“But…you have staff, don’t you?”  The British beauty gestured, palm up.

“Yes, of course.  But I have to be there….”

“Yes, I’m sure you feel that you do.  But if they’re good staff, they’ve got things well in hand by now.”  Helena reassured her, but Lara felt only panic.

“Maybe but….”

“All right,” Helena smiled brightly, “finish your coffee, hop in the shower…there’s plenty of hot water…and I’ll drop you off at work.”

“Thanks,” Lara grinned.  “Helena, I…I appreciate….”

Helena glared her to silence.  “Please, Lara.  You’re doing me a great favor.  Taking on an event at the last minute.  Being willing to spend an evening with…well, with people you might not feel like spending time with right now.  I can’t thank you enough.”