Jenny, do you think youll ever move in here with me? Do you think youll ever want that with me? Marina glides the loofah sponge over Jennys back, down over her hips enjoying the visual tracing of her lovers body; how the candlelight creates a warm glow of highlights and shadows emphasizing the contours of her beauty.

Three months now theyve been exclusive lovers, spending peaceful private moments together. They were learning, learning about sharing intimate details of themselves, discovering who they were together without losing who they were as individuals.

With their books scheduled to debut in a couple weeks, both anticipated with quiet unspoken reservations.

Marina wholly owned The Planet and the house, Francesca had done exactly as she had said to Jenny that night. She returned to the house only once, pre-arranged with Marina, and only to remove her personal items.

***********************************

I guess I knew this would happen someday. You might find this hard to believe but you were special to me. Guess its why I kept you tied to me. I will miss you Marina.

Francesca, Ive no doubt you have them waiting at the door for you, as youve always had. The movers take out the last few boxes. Marina walks her to the door.

Francescas fingers trace Marina’s face one last time, Good bye, Sweetheart.

Good bye, Francesca.

***********************************

They had spoke months ago about the huge commitment that moving in together presented, and agreed it was not to be made hastily or under pressure from the other. Its understood Jennys surprise to Marinas question. Seeming to come out of nowhere, having not been spoken since making their agreement.

There was nothing especially different about this Thursday evening. Although, it was their promised evening together, the evening they shared together and alone. The bath had become an unspoken part of that promise as every Thursday evening had come to include this shared pleasure.

Jenny leaned back against her lover, I love you, Marina. I cant imagine myself without you. Jenny ran her loofah sponge slowly over the long luscious legs encircling her.

Marina runs the tip of her tongue along the outline of Jennys ear, whispers, I love you.

Jenny rises up standing before her lover reaching out her hand, I want to make love with you. Marina sits up straight watching the water trail down along the soft rolling paths of Jennys body, runs hers hands along the outside of her legs, stopping as both have reached the crest. Desire forming in her eyes, Marina glides her thumbs down briefly stroking ever so lightly the evidence of her lovers desire for her.

Bodies left wet, they walk slowly, arms wrapped around the other to the bed. Marina climbs onto the bed as Jenny watches touching whatever part of her remains in reach. Marina turns on her back, reaching out to Jenny, full moist lips call out to her, Come, come to me.

Jenny climbs onto the bed, placing one knee between Marinas legs pressing against her, slowly lowering her body to Marinas. Marina runs her hands up and across Jennys bottom, resting in the small of her back, pressing her against her. Lips apart, mouths moist in anticipation of the delightful flavor of the other, tongues meet for a slow dance around across and into the mouth of their lover.

***********************************

Their lovemaking had been especially gentle, both seeming to only want to please the other with no regard to their own satisfaction, leaving them utterly satiated in each others arms.

Having both fallen asleep immediately after, Marina woke from a brief napping. Jenny was curled around her with her head resting on Marinas chest while her own arm lovingly wrapped around Jenny.

I once had referred to us living out our fantasy and it now seems that we are. Why does she not answer my question, I would have asked her before but it was clear she needed her time alone to rediscover herself. Could it be that she will grow beyond needing me, wanting me?

She moves, snuggling closer, a smile forms on her lips. Marina cups her face gently and kisses her forehead drifting back to sleep.

***********************************

4 a.m. Marina is already up, moving about, readying herself for another day at The Planet. Jenny stirs, eyes opening slowly, watching her outline move about the room.

She is the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen, long slender body, muscular definition but with all the smoothness and grace of a princess. Does she have any idea how beautiful she? How completely irresistible she is to me? When she enters my mind there is room for nothing else.

***********************************

Jenny heads down the stairs in her robe, to see Marina off for the day. They may or may not see each other again today, this has been their agreement. They are to have their own space without demands from the other.

***********************************

Marina leans back against the counter and sits down her cup as Jenny approaches, eyes still only partially open. Jenny lies against her, their arms wrapping around.

Good morning sleepy head, Marina kisses the top of head taking in her scent.

Morning its so dark still when you leave, Jenny raises her head for a kiss.

Its Friday, busy day today, long day today. Think you will come by later this evening?

I dunno I need to write. Her face forms into a small frown, I havent been able to do that lately. Then she smiles looking into Marinas eyes, I seem to have been distracted.

Well, if you change your mind, come see me. Ive gotta go.

***********************************

Hello, Im looking for Marina Ferrer, can you help me. Marina was stunned at first, it was uncanny how much she reminded Marina of Jenny, long dark hair, round green eyes, full lips, only a little taller and a little larger in frame, Im Marina, can I help you.

Bette Porter told me I could you find you here. I would like to speak with you about some business, something I think we could find mutually beneficial. Is there a time we could talk? Her tone was soft but the words were spoken by someone who obviously expects a yes response. Marina found this somewhat amusing, but on Friday, also annoying.

Who are you? Spoken equally soft, Marina was clearly undaunted by the insistence in the other woman.

She extends her hand to Marina, I am Hesitating only for a second, realizing the woman before her is unusually astounding, her presence captivating, her accent charming, hers eyes mesmerizing, an admirer of your work. She waits for a moment, looking to see if there is an indication of interest, no, she remains stoic. Im Lee Frank. I would like to talk to you about a commission.

Marina never takes her hand, something about this woman has truly annoyed her. She cannot put her mind to what, but something.

A commission? What are you talking about?

Wow, that accent really is something else and with her low sultry tone, down right *****, I want you to do a painting. Do you have time to talk?

No, you can see were very busy.

Ill wait, when you get a break, come on over. The woman turns and goes to a table against the far wall, gets out a cell phone, notebook, and begins making calls.

Half hour passes, an hour, two hours, shes done with her calls. She smiles to herself, I think maybe I upset her, not sure why but she has no inclination to come talk to me. I can wait a little longer, after all I have enjoyed watching her move about. She charms them with graceful movements, soft touches, and that alluring voice. I can see why she loves women, she cant help but be a woman other women love, and who wouldnt love that.

Marina catches her once again starring at her smiling at her. Damn, who is she, why doesnt she just leave.

Bette walks in, smiles and nods at Marina then goes to Lee Franks table and sits down. They begin talking immediately, Bette is obviously comfortable with her.

Marina walks up to her friend, hugs her shoulders, Hello Bette, you look lovely today, but then as usual, huh? Marina smiles warmly at her friend, knowing how tough it has been for her these past months since her break up with Tina, the love of her life.

Marina, Id like you to meet

Weve met, I havent had time to speak with her. Marinas face remains in a smile but the warmth has left it.

I really think you should listen to what she has to offer. This would be a great opportunity for you to express your art. Bette has been encouraging her to do more work, to continue with her painting. Its apparent this was arranged by Bette and seems to be important to her, Marina goes to the counter says something to Thomas, returns to the table and sits down.

***********************************

As much as she hates to admit it, over the course of the conversation, this woman has begun to intrigue her. She volunteered to organize a gathering in LA for the HRC and wants help with the artwork.

I have a business to run, so I dont have a lot of time to give, but I do admire the work the HRC has done and would like to contribute. Im not saying I will and Im not saying I wont, I need a little time to discuss this, with Jenny.

Speaking of a business to run, I had better get back to it. Bette, will I see you here tonight, I think Tina is coming with Al and Dana?

Tina and Bette had spoken only a few times over the past months, mostly about splitting things up and getting Tina setup in a new condo. She had allowed Bette to help with moving her things from their house to the condo. It was on that day they had come to an understanding, they could never go back to where they were, but maybe they could move on to a new place, a place where they could at least be friends.

Bette had stopped seeing Candace immediately after that night. She realized she had become overwhelmed by all that had happened in such a short time and the distance that had been growing between her and Tina. Candace had been an available distraction, an escape. Its partly why she was able to see another side to Marina and they have been able to develop a deeper friendship. Marina knows theres nothing more important to Bette than Tina.

I um might, yeah, I might be by later.

***********************************

Come on Sarah, I need some help. Since weve become one, weve been lousy about writing. Well, you know, we have a few things on our mind, like uh Marina, the monies from her artwork, that took awhile to figure out what to do with it. Then, theres Tim and the divorce, thankfully that went smooth and he seems to be doing okay. We developed a new friendship or at least we evolved our friendship with Tina, shes been a great ear for us and maybe our questions have even helped her, and how she feels about Bette. Of course, theres working at the store that takes up a lot of our time. Then there are the books, preparing for the promotions, all the time with photos and bios.

What if they flop, what if no one likes either of them. What if no one likes ours? What if Marina is the only one of us that can ever make an income, we sure cant count the little we make at the store as income. If Marina charged rent, we wouldnt have the money for food much less anything else. I, we, have to write, the book has to succeed.

Now that weve recapped the past few months and summarized a nice collection of distractions, did it help? Of course not! Why is it, we always seemed to need a tragedy, a sorrow, a loss, to be able to write anything worth reading?

***********************************

The Planet is packed, the music is loud, and the crowd is unusually happy and rambunctious. This is the kind of evening that Marina loves to see.

Hello. Hello. Marina turns smack into her, Lee Frank. Its loud, sorry to have to scream. Marina tries to step back, but finds no room, so she steps to the side.

I didnt mind. She grins, enjoying the fact that she made this fantastic beauty uncomfortable with their closeness, certain that most do not have that affect.

Bette is with the girls, Marina points to them, over there.

Are you joining them? still having to yell her words over the crowd, just as the song ends and sounds quiet, she yells, Id love to have a drink with you, looking a bit amused by her own awkward outburst.

Marina smiles, Maybe later, walks back behind the counter to help with drinks.

***********************************

This is my friend, Lee Frank, she and I went to school together. Shes staying in LA to work on a gathering for the HRC. Bette goes about introducing everyone, Shane, Al, Dana, Kit, and Tina. She notices Tina offers an especially pleasant smile, a ting of jealously shoots through Bette.

Theyre all chattering about the other ladies in the room, who likes what whos wearing, who wants to hitch up with who, with Bette watching Tina, listening, noticing whomever she might point out. Now, shes pretty hot, Tina smiles to her self as Bette tries to be nonchalant about turning to look at who shes pointed out. When Bette turns back, she realizes Tina is smiling at her knowingly. It occurs to Bette that shes flirting with her.

Tina nods her head towards the dance floor, Bette, though somewhat taken aback gets up and goes to her. Tina stands up and without a word or a touch they go to the dance floor.

Marina had joined them, but didnt comment about the attraction of other ladies in the room, simply smiled and listened to her friends enjoying their imaginations. Lee Frank could hardly keep her eyes from Marina, she hasnt been this overtly attracted to someone in a long time.

Al leans over the table so Lee can hear her, Hey, Lee, I was just telling Dana how much you look like.

Jenny runs her hands over and across Marinas shoulders, leans down and kisses her ear, I think thats a good idea, looking at Tina and Bette on the dance floor. She leans back, Marina stands and turns, bodies close, she takes Jennys hand.

***********************************

She is shocked; we look so much alike, were not the same but close very close. So thats why the reaction from Marina, too familiar, too close to what she wants. She watches them, theyre stunning together. It almost feels vain because of the likeness, but they are stunning, absolutely stunning.

They move in unison, like grass swaying in a soft wind, a perfection of nature. Shes running her hand along her thigh under the edge of her skirt, its as if they are completely alone, making love as they dance totally unaffected by those around them.

Shes mesmerized by them.