Its quarter to 7, Marina is pacing behind the counter. Thought youd left? Thomas said you werent workin tonight.

I did, I have a date, so Im back. What do you think of this wine, I bought a white and red, not sure what shes having so I thought I should be prepared.

Honey, youre like a cat on a hot tin roof, you gotta calm down before you melt down. Kit led her over to a nearby table, Now tell me, who is this date? I gotta know who could put you in such a state.

Jenny.

Really! Kit nods her head, as if realizing she should have known, That explains a lot. This have anything to do with her movin in upstairs?

No. Well, maybe Oh no, I better go. I dont want to be late.

You have a good time girl. Marina, remember what I told you, you deserve to be happy too.

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

Jenny opened the door; her eyes gleamed, Good Evening, Marina. Oh, thank you, I had some white, but we can have yours instead. I cant wait to show you some things Ive done with the apartment. I think youll like them.

Marina was taken aback by her, the natural physical beauties of this raven haired girl intensified by a beauty that can only come from within. Im certain your choice of wine is wonderful, we can save these for another time.

Look, look, I have my own writing desk by the window. The sunlight is especially beautiful in the mornings. Marina was pleased; Jenny was quoting her note from that first night. She noticed how Jenny had perfectly positioned what Marina presumed to be her personal treasures on the desktop.

Jenny picked up one of the frames on the desk and showed it to Marina. In it was one of Marinas hand-written poems, I realize I havent read all of your writings, but so far this is my favorite.

Marinas face grew somber, Jenny wasnt certain why, was she was upset with her for taking liberty with something this personal, You said I could have whatever I wanted, I hope you dont mind that I had it framed. It was one of her poems about friendship, the special friendship that exists between two women.

Marinas voice was soft near impossible to hear, No, not at all, I feel honored.

Jennys beaming smile instantly returned, Great! Then I have more to show you. She pointed to the walls around the window. On each side there were two sketches framed in black mahogany, Marina recognized them instantly as those she had done at a village near Malaga. Jenny grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom.

This is my personal favorite, hesitating a moment before going on, she took in its splendor as if for the first time. I want to see it everyday when I wake up and before I fall asleep.

I purposely put it on this wall so I could see it from the bed, do you wanna try it? Jenny plops onto the bed, pretending to be waking up faking a yawn then looks at the painting. A serene and peaceful look comes across her face. I do love this painting. It almost looks like us, you and me, doesnt it? I mean I know its not, you painted it long before you met me, but, you can see why I think that, right?

Marina could barely contain the tears involuntarily forming, this girl had touched her deep inside. She was uncertain if she could hold back the wave of emotions rampant within. Jenny sensed what Marina was feeling, got up and touched Marinas arm softly. Marina had not taken her eyes from the painting; she knew she could not look at Jenny and remain composed. I, I painted that during a break from college. Its the daughters of my fathers groundskeeper, my vision of them going home for the day. That is a trail you could see from my bedroom window. Just after cresting the hill, was their home. I too was especially pleased with it.

But, when I look at it, I think its you and me. I mean, look, two dark haired girls, one taller than the other, holding hands, dont you agree, it could have been us?

Yes, was all she could utter.

Jennys hand gently moved down Marinas arm to her hand, she held it softly while they stood fixed on the painting and Jennys view of it.

Okay, you came here to have dinner. Shall we?

We shall. Marina smiled warm and lovingly.

I dont know if you know this but Im not a very good cook. I hope you dont mind, but I bought this at an Italian restaurant over near the store. It was suggested to me, Ive never ate there, but everyone said it was excellent.

Im sure its fine, Marina couldnt stop grinning at Jenny. Whenever you decide youd like a home cooked meal, let me know and I will cook for you.

Jenny went about preparing the table, putting the Scaloppine di Pollo on plates while Marina opened Jennys wine. Jenny had put a table cloth over the old trunk in front of the couch to be used as their dining table. Large pillows placed on either side to be used as seating. After placing the plates on the table, she lit the three candles being used as a centerpiece. I hope you dont mind eating here, the table seemed so stuffy, I wanted something more personal and friendly.

There was a box wrapped in brown paper with twine tied around it lying to one side of their dining table, Where do you want me to put this?

Oh, I want you to leave it on the table. Its the last thing I want to show you, but not yet. Motioning for Marina to take her seat, Dinner is served.

They chatted about their day as they ate and drank their wine, clearly at ease. Jenny, I have to ask. The framing is obviously expensive, can I

Bette helped me with it.

Bette?

Yes, I hope you dont mind, but I found so many paintings and sketches in the top of the closet. They were astounding to me, but what do I know, so I took the liberty of sharing them with Bette, cause she would know, right. Any way, she thought they were great. She still has the rest and shes getting them framed too.

Jenny, how can you afford that, and what on earth will you do with all of them once they are framed. This apartment doesnt have enough walls, Marina chuckled fondly at the girl and her naivety.

Well, you see, we were thinking

We?

Bette, Shane, and I, were thinking, Marinas eyes narrowed with a sting of jealousy at Jenny having time with everyone but her. You could have a um. Auction. With the money, you could buy out Francesca and The Planet would be yours.

Jenny, dont be ridiculous. First of all, the money I owe Francesca is a lot. Second, there is no way a few paintings and sketches drawn by a amateur young girl long ago could possible raise that kind of money. Why are you discussing these things with Bette and Shane? These are my concerns not yours and definitely not theirs without my being involved. Marina got up and walked to the window, as if to get air but mainly to clear her head. Marina was supposed to be the strong one, the one to solve problems, the one to be the pillar of stone.

Besides, Francesca had made it clearly known to her that her work was amateurish, thats why she never showed them to anyone. Francesca warned her of the risk in taking herself to serious, she wouldnt want her to be too disappointed.


Never getting up, Jenny looked down as if she may loose her footing any moment and go spiraling into an endless pit. I just wanna help. Shane told me about you breaking up with Francesca and how she could take The Planet from you. I thought I might be the cause of all this and I wanted to help you like youve helped me.

Realizing she had lashed out at Jenny, when it was not Jenny she was angry with, it was herself, for getting into this situation where she may need to be rescued, again. Did Bette think they were amateurish? She probably laughed at the thought of using them to raise the kind of money I need? She wanted to get herself out of this mess, but there couldnt be any credence to this idea. Although, they are her paintings; it would be ironic if her work raised the money to buy out Francesca, if only Bette felt they were worthy.

Jenny got up and stood next to Marina, Bette thought they were special, really. Shes the one who is paying to have them framed. She said you could pay her when you sell them. Shes confident they will bring in a huge amount, contacting friends and colleagues that she wants to see them. After tonight, because she knew I was going to tell you this, she wants to talk with you about a showing or an auction.

Are you upset with me?

I guess Im just… overwhelmed by all this. Im not upset with you, how could I be. No one has ever honored me as you have tonight. Im just not accustomed and I guess I didnt know how to respond.

Marina, theres been a lot happen between us, Im just trying to show you how much I care about you too. You didnt tell me you broke up with Francesca. I realized when Shane told me, that this changed everything, the way I look at you. The way I look at us.

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

Jenny retraced the happenings of the week for Marina. Shanes revealing visit where she learned Francesca and Marina broke up, how Francesca wasnt someone to be messed with, and that she probably would take the house and The Planet away from Marina out of spite leaving Marina with nothing. How Shane had insisted they take the sketches and paintings to Bettes office. How Shane was relentless about Bette looking at them. Bettes reaction to the work and her surprise with Marina never having taken advantage of her position in the industry, and how a talent this promising had never been realized.

Finally, how special it was to have Marina there in the apartment at all times, no matter where she turned, Marina was there with her through her art.

Jenny. Jenny, Thank you for such a splendid evening, I had better go now.

But we still have some wine to drink, cant you stay a little longer. I did have one more thing to share. Marina was already to the door, never looking back at Jenny, Im sorry, Im sorry I hurt you. I will not be sorry that I love you, and out of respect to you, I must go now.

Jenny had stepped up behind Marina, with her fingertips she traced down Marinas back then resting her hand on her waist, Its hard isnt it. We went so fast so soon, its hard to resist. Marina turned, Jennys hand never leaving her side, and put her arms around Jenny. Yes, it is She leaned to kiss her, uncertain if she would be allowed to complete her task. Jenny turned her head slightly and leaned into Marinas kiss, raising her other hand caressing Marinas face leaving it to rest lightly against her chest.

Lips soft and warm, the kiss was slow and long as if they were remembering other times in this place in this moment. Marina gently pulled Jenny closer, body tight against body, heat building in them both. Marina pulled back, looking deep into Jennys eyes, I do love you, I will make you believe me someday. She leaned into Jenny one last time, placing a loving kiss to her head, Good night Jenny.