Chapter Two

Bianca looked at the shocked expression on Lenas face, it was gone seconds later. Lena… do you two know each other?

Lena turned her attention to Bianca. Bianca… this, this is Marina Ferrer. Its still Ferrer isnt it?

Marina nodded.

Marina, this is Bianca Montgomery, my everything.

Bianca shook hands with the other woman as her eyebrows rose at Lenas introduction. How do you do.

Hello. Are you in town long? Marina asked looking at Lena.

No.

Two weeks… Bianca replied wondering why she had answered that way. What was going on?

I see. Well, enjoy your drinks.

Wait, Bianca said as Marina had started leaving the table. You never said how much I owe you.

No. Theres no charge – its the least I can do, Marina paused momentarily as she gazed in Lenas direction. For an old friend.

Are you sure? Bianca asked sensing there was more to what Marina had said.

Positive. Now, if youll excuse me…

Dont let us keep you, Lena said her voice hard.

Marina nodded and left.

Lena…

Can we go please?

Whats going on? Who is she?

Lena sighed, Bianca, Ill tell you everything, I promise but not here – please, lets go to the hotel and Ill explain then.

Fine. But remember our pact Lena, no secrets.

Lena reached out, taking Biancas hand in hers and brought it to her lips. No secrets, she replied.

Marina watched as both Lena and Bianca left. She wasnt surprised. She had seen the flash of pain cross Lenas features before they were buried under the cool exterior.

Bianca Montgomery… she whispered to herself. Perhaps if she ran into Alice shed ask her to find out what she could about the young woman who had obviously captured Lenas heart. Something shed held for a brief period of time before she had made a mistake.

Before she had broken Lenas heart.

Marina had gone over the situation time and time again and still came to the same conclusion. She was a wild spirit and knew that one day in the future she might be the woman whom Lena had hoped she would be.

After all these years Marina still wasnt sure if she had achieved the goal.

Hey Marina!

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she smiled and returned the greeting as Shane, Dana and Alice walked in. Hello everyone. How are you?

Great, Alice replied as she sat down.

The same, Dana answered.

Meaning she misses soup chef, Shane added.

Shut up, Dana grumbled, knowing Shane had hit the mark.

Im sure shell forgive you Dana, Marina ventured.

Shes crazy about you, anyone can see that, Alice said.

Theyre right Dana… give her time, Shane told her.

Yeah well…

Alice could I see you in my office for a moment?

Alice looked at Dana and Shane, who shrugged her shoulders.

Okay.

I wont keep her long, Marina promised.

Thats okay, Im sure Danes and I can think of something to keep us occupied.

Danes?

Yeah, you dont like it Dana?

I dont know…

Marina and Alice left their friends discussing the merits of Danas probable new nickname.

When they had gone into Marinas office, Dana looked at Shane, What was that about?

Havent got a clue, Shane answered distractedly as a brunette shed never seen before walked in.

* * *

Okay, whats the name again? Alice inquired.

Bianca Montgomery.

Montgomery… Alice muttered as she wrote the name down. The name seemed to strike a chord with her for some reason and she hadnt figured it out yet.

Alice.

Yeah, she replied looking up as she put her notebook away.

You mustnt tell anyone what Im asking you to do.

Of course not…

I mean it Alice. I dont want another Bette and Tina fiasco.

Alice winced briefly. She was never going to live that down. So, she had promised Tina not to tell anyone about the pregnancy at least not before Bette had found out. Well, it wasnt like she told everyone, Dana hadnt known.

Do you understand?

Yeah – yeah.

This is important to me, Im trusting you Alice.

Ill get you what I can.

Thank you, Marina said.

Id better get back.

Ill be there shortly.

Alice left the office and tried to think of something to tell Shane and Dana. Theyd want to know what the meeting was about. Oh brother.