Kit sees Marina passing through the crowd, saying hello and being pleasant to her customers, as usual, as she works her way towards the front door. Hey girl. Marina. She stops and turns towards Kit and smiles. So howd it go? You enjoy yourself?

Marina quietly smiles, Yes.

Well, do we have a love connection goin on here? Before Marina can respond, someone tugs her by the arm, Where is she? Is she alright? Tim said she moved out but doesnt know where she went. Do you know?

Hello Robin, Jenny is fine. Shes with… Marina sighs, fighting her urge to dishevel Robin by implying Jenny is with her. Go out the front, to your left on the side of the building youll see stairs leading to an apartment above The Planet. Youll find Jenny there.

Robin turns and leaves.

Marina watches her through the window, Robin follows her directions perfectly.

Marina. You alright? Kit rubs the back of her arm, You wanna talk?

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

As Marina closes the door behind her, Jenny is left with a void, only the muffled sounds from below in The Planet and the streets outside. Void from the lack of her deep melodic voice, leaving her alone to sort all that was said and not said.

She moves about the apartment reliving the events of the evening, finding herself sitting on the side of the bed, imagining herself and Marina walking that path, wondering what they might find upon cresting that hill.

Startled from her thoughts, she hears a knock, immediately her thoughts run to the idea that Marina has changed her mind and has come back to her to claim what they both had left undone this night.

The knock is at the outer entrance, why would she do that. Jenny opens the door, Why did you She stops to find Robin, not Marina, facing her.

Robin. What are you doing here?

I got back earlier this evening went by your place only to find you had moved out. Tim suggested I try Gene, of course he didnt know where you were either. So, I thought I would try Marina. Truthfully, I never thought you would come here. It took several tries but she finally turned up, and, she sent me up here.

Robin, look, its been a long day and Im really pretty tired. Could we talk tomorrow, maybe have lunch when Im on my break at the store? Do you mind?

No, thats fine, I guess. Ill stop by, what around 11-11:30. Jenny nodded with a soft smile.

Robin leaned to kiss her but Jenny turns her head leaving the kiss to land lightly on her cheek.

Good night Robin.

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

Hello, Kit, the soft voice comes from behind Marina, that voice she knows so well. As Jenny had approached the table, she could see the concern in Kits eyes for her friend. Jenny lays her hands on Marinas shoulders, leans around Marina smiling softly, Hello again.

Kit jumps up from the table, Well, its getting close to closing time, and because its Marinas night off, I better go help the masses find their way to the door. If I dont see you again before we close, I wanna wish you ladies a good night.

Jenny moves to the chair next to Marina, facing her with her hands on her lap, Marina, I know how hard that must have been, to tell Robin where I was. Marina says nothing but looks to the ground and away from Jennys searching eyes. Were going to have lunch tomorrow. I told her I was too tired to talk tonight.

Seeing the tension in Marinas shoulders, Jenny reassuringly runs her hand down Marinas arm, I owe her that, at least. I want you to know I wont be going out with her, you know, as a date. Marina hears this and turns to Jenny with eyes narrowed in puzzled look, hoping this means Jenny wants to leave room for them. That she does not want distractions while they continue their journey of rediscovery.

Marina. Jenny struggles with her words, thick in her throat, Marina, I dont want to be alone tonight. Marinas look of confusion remains unchanged as Jennys words are slowly realized. Jenny stands and moves closer to Marina, placing her hands on her face and neck persuading Marina to follow her movement. Jenny kisses her wantonly demanding a heated response from Marinas lips, relentless in their search for acceptance. Marina hesitant at first does not deny an answer to her lips question. Pulling her close, closer, Marina wraps both arms around her vixen, surrendering to Jennys command, losing herself in the wave.

Someone clears their throat, once, twice, Ladies Ladies. Finally, they break their embrace and find Kit looking a bit awkward, Dont you think youd be more comfortable upstairs.

Marina looks at Kit, looks back at Jenny, wondering what her response may be to the obvious suggestion. Jenny runs her hands through Marinas hair brushing it back from her face, I agree.

Jenny takes Marinas hands motioning her up, turning towards the hallway leading to the stairs to her apartment. Marina follows slowly behind her wishing good nights to those final few leaving The Planet for the night.

Upon reaching the stairs, Jenny reaches back to take Marinas hand. Marina gently tugs Jennys hand for her to stop and turn. Holding her hands, Marina speaks slowly evenly in a whisper, Jenny, its too soon.

Closing her eyes, as if to stop Marinas words, You know this is not what we agreed, I wont let us risk what only time can tell us. We have to honor our agreement.

Marina kisses Jenny softly but quickly, knowing it must be this way, anything more and she could no longer resist.

Jenny nods, turns and begins her ascent to the now seemingly lonely place. Marina watches her reach the top, Jenny, sweet dreams. Jenny smiles half-heartedly not wanting to go on alone but knowing she must.

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

Several days have passed with Marina considering the conversation she must ultimately have with Bette, over and over again playing out how it might go. Bette is one who Marina has been stung by repeatedly with her righteous views of life and relationships.

As she approaches the door, Marina sees Bette pacing at the entrance to The Planet. They exchange cordial good mornings with Bette following Marina into The Planet. Youre up early today to what do I owe the pleasure?

Jenny spoke to you? About your artwork?

Yes, she says in a placid tone, being purposely guarded about her reaction to the question.

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

Shane heads straight to the counter ordering up her usual, downing one immediately. She looks around to see if any of the girls had come in, not actually expecting to find anyone. It seems their daily routine had disintegrated into nothingness for a couple weeks now. Phone calls leading to nowhere, she has for the moment resolved to being left alone for her early morning visits to The Planet. Glancing about with her unwavering faith that one day someone will show up, shes pleased to spot Marina and Bette talking at a table near the back.

Good morning ladies, really good to see you, she hugs Marina and squeezes Bettes shoulder. So whats the word today?

Marina tilts her head and gives her a knowing grin, Bette and I were going over some of your ideas.

Cool, you mean The Planet, right? So what do ya think? Can we do it?

Both Marina and Bette start to answer, Marina motions to Bette, Go ahead.

Framing of the work completes in another week. We thought we could have the auction on Radar night, the 26th of this month. Now thats a lot of planning and organizing to be done in just a few weeks, displays thought out, advertising, private invitations and phone calls. We may need to split this work among us.

Cool, what can I do? Do you think we can really raise enough?

Well, Bette is certain we can raise quite a lot of money, not enough to buy out Francesca. Marina looks at Bette and smiles warmly, But maybe enough to pay for attorneys to fight her in court, if need be.

What? Court?

Bette interjects with determined sincerity, Francesca entered into a relationship with Marina, a relationship that I believe would hold up to the California Palimony Law.

The problem is Francesca has a lot of assets to fight me in court, long enough for The Planet to fall behind in payments, causing me to loose the very thing I would want from all this.

Yes, but with enough cash to retain reputable and experienced attorneys, and lets face it were in the right city, Marina may be able to convince Francesca its not worth a fight in a public court and the bad PR that could come from it, thus signing over The Planet.

Thats *****.

Yes and its speaking in Francescas language, if you know what I mean, said with a confidence that had been misplaced for these past several weeks. Marina’s eyes were shining with optimism, once again.

Bette even feels theres a chance I could keep the house. Francesca owns several homes all over the world, if that were considered, then the home here in LA would be a menial portion of her overall assets. Of course, if it puts owning The Planet at risk, she can have the house.

When this is over, we need to talk about your doing more work. You really shouldnt turn your back on this part of yourself, Marina. Bette has come to realize there is a hidden remarkable element in Marina never expressed in her interactions with the group, an aspect of herself she never shared with those she obviously holds dearest. This is a Marina that Bette would like to come to know as her friend.

In turn, Marina shares with glowing pride, grinning and raising her eyebrows, Ive already started.

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

Marina sees Jenny walk past the front window of The Planet. She hurriedly heads to the entrance calling out to Jenny, Hey pretty lady.

Jenny stops, Just got off work. What a busy day, I have got to get these shoes off.

May I come up, theres something I want to tell you.

Sure, come on up.

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

Jenny flings her shoes off as she enters the door, throwing them to the side, proceeding into the bedroom, Hope you dont mind, Im gonna change clothes too. She unbuttons her top replacing it with a tee, continuing on removing her jeans and replacing them with boxer shorts.

Marina lays out her conversation with Bette and Shane with childlike excitement, revealing a Marina Jenny was not accustomed, a more youthful Marina. Clearly this is a Marina that is speaking openly without the fear of criticism or triteness that she had learned to expect from Francesca.

California Palimony Laws, I thought that was only for movie stars or the rich and famous.

Apparently, Bette had spoken to an attorney because of her and Tina. Not that Bette wants to hurt Tina. She actually wants to help her but so far Tina has refused. Shes really just looking for definition of what she could and should do, if Tina refuses to reconcile with her.

Anyhow, Bette also spoke to her attorney about my situation. He wants me to come see him tomorrow. Sensing Jennys weariness, while forcing herself to remain focused, Marina changes the conversation, You know, youve never taken me up on my offer of that home cooked meal. I can see you are tired, maybe today would be a good day. Hmmm? Theres more I want to share with you, but I should give you a chance to rest your feet.

I think with a shower and a dinner prepared by my favorite chef, I could regain a little energy.

Do you wanna come to my house, or would you rather I fix something here? If you wouldnt be uncomfortable, I would like you to come to my house. Theres something there that I would like to show you.

Your house would be fine.

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

Jenny stands by the glass window, remembering her last visit when she had sent a wine bottle crashing into it. Watching Marina busy in the kitchen, she recalls not only that visit but previous ones. The days and nights spent making love after her break up with Tim. Remembering the horror that had filled her heart, realizing Marina had a partner. Anxiety begins to set in, then she reminds herself of the past few weeks and the intimate times theyve spent together, desperately trying to regain some of the confidence she had used to get herself this far. She breathes in and knocks.

Marina picks up the last dish and goes to answer the knock she happily anticipated, setting the dish on the table along the way. Jenny, how charming you look. She had worn her black dress with the low cut front and short hemline. Marina had a way of looking at her and speaking to her that always made her feel especially attractive. Tonight she wanted to know with certainty that she truly was enticing.

Oh, the package from our first official dinner at your apartment, what would like me to do with it?

Jenny took the package to the sofa table and laid it down, After dinner, Id like you to open it. Theres actually more in the box now than there was that night. I think you will be pleased.

Then lets have dinner, so we can get back to the package. As Jenny walked towards the dining table she couldnt help but notice the pictures of Marina and Francesca were gone. She stops and stares at the wall just as she had that day, nothing had been put in their place.

I packed them away the day Francesca left. Ive been working on a more appropriate display. Would you like to see? Its what I wanted to show you, but I thought we could wait till after dinner. Sensing that Jenny was uneasy, she asks Maybe now would be better, yes?

Feeling a little uncomfortable having relived all the events of this house just prior to entering, Jenny shakes her head, Yes, maybe now would be better.

Marina walks over to the closet nearest the door, reaching in, she pulls out what appears to be another painting covered by cloth. She proceeds to the empty wall and proudly hangs it, looking at Jenny as she carefully removes the cloth.

Jenny quietly gasps as she gazes upon the painting beneath. No words come to her that could possible express what her eyes have caused to happen inside her. A background, in hues of soft browns, reds and yellows, presents purposely dark strokes forming themselves into a cameo-like outline of herself and Marina lovingly embracing each other with their eyes.

Jenny shakes her head words barely making a sound, I dont know what to say.

Marina standing close behind her leans forward and softly whispers to her, You dont have to say anything. Come, lets have some wine and enjoy our dinner.

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

They speak again of Marinas visit with Bette and Shane, this time in greater detail with Marina answering Jennys questions along the way.

Well, we have to get a plan together so everyone knows what they need to do and how they can help. Im sure your friends will all want to participate as a show of their support.

Bette is already putting together a plan. She said she should have it finished tonight and we can go over it tomorrow.

Excellent. I am so glad for you Marina, you deserve something for all your efforts in The Planet and your patient acquiescence to Francesca terms. Can we have another glass of wine and move to the sofa? I want you to open the box now.

Of course, you have my curiosity peaked over this mysterious package.

As they sit, they place their wine glasses to either side of the package. Jenny motions to Marina with a big smile Open it.

Marina carefully unties the twine, lifts off the top, finding what appear to be bound documents inside. She takes them from the box now realizing there are two bound documents. Open the top one, so you can read what it says on the first page.

Marina reads the words out loud, The Demons That Tempt Me, by Jenny Schecter. Is this your final version?

Yes, but more importantly is the letter that goes with it. Jenny reaches in the back of the binder and pulls out a letter from a local publisher. They want to publish it. They want to publish my story. Can you believe it?

Jenny, I am so proud, so happy for you, I had no doubts about what you could accomplish with your skills combined with your heart and your desire.

Go on, look at the next one.

Marina starts to read, A Collection of Poems by Marina she stops, unable to believe the words shes reading, she looks at Jenny as if to question how, when.

I immediately started typing them into my computer. It took several days and nights before I could get through them all. Then, I took them to same publisher that wanted to print my story. They said they would look them over right away, they thought they were mine.

Couple days later, he called and said they wanted to get them printed into a collection ready to be published not long after my book hit the racks. Thats when I told him, they were yours not mine.

Marina, they want to publish your poems. Marina is stunned by what Jenny has done. She cannot believe the landslide of changes this young woman has made in her life just in the past few weeks, an auction for her artwork and now a book.