(edited 5 Dec 2004)



Chapter Two



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The blonde casually stepped into the bar, her posture not giving away the mood that her eyes couldnt hide, and the door slowly closed behind her. Her eyes locked onto the figure of the scruffy brunette hunched over her drinks in a booth near the back. Keeping her moves casual she made her way to the bar, not taking her eyes off Shane, almost daring her to look up and see her, but Shane merely reached for her pack of cigarettes, and then fumbled in her jacket for her lighter. Shifting her focus to lean on the bar, the blonde ordered a beer not concerned about being IDd given what she was wearing and the establishment. She payed for the beer and made her way over to the booth, sliding in to sit uninvited she opened conversation before Shane could catch up.

So, is this how you celebrate ruining my family and humiliating me? she seethed openly slamming the bottle down on the table not having taken even a sip.

Shane jerked out of her semi-stupor and directed red eyes to the girl across from her, Clea? Remembering where she was she gaped at her, What the ***** are you doing here? How the ***** did you find me?

Cleas angry scowl turned momentarily to a look of sarcastic incredulity. I saw your truck parked at your almost-salon and followed you, how else do you think I found you, this place isnt exactly high on my choice of night spots. Her face reverted to a display of anger, she grabbed the bottle and slammed it down on the tabletop once again. I want some sort of explanation, damn it! Youre ***** my mother! Have you got any idea what youve done to my family? My father wants to send me to boarding school and my mother wont speak to me. Shes a married woman! Shes my MOTHER, *****! She threw herself back in her seat, looking more like a spoiled child than a force to be reckoned with. God, this is all your fault, youve ruined everything, for what, so you could tick off your Hollywood Wife ***** experience, she seethed vehemently, hoping for a low blow. She picked up the bottle and again slammed it down, spilling more beer. *****. I hate you!

Deciding this little tantrum had gone on long enough and thinking a little clearer thanks to the multiple thumps of the bottle, Shane straightened up and butted out her cigarette with an almost steady hand. She looked directly at Clea, who seemed more sulky now than angry, and said calmly, Firstly. She made a grab for the bottle and moved it out of Cleas reach. Stop with the ***** bottle. Having already downed the bourbon Shane reached for her own beer and took a pull before gently setting it down on the table, a raised eyebrow and a hinted smirk the only acknowledgment of the point being made.

Secondly, what your mother decides to do within the politics of her marriage is none of my business. She made it clear what she wanted from me and at the time I had no problems in giving it to her. Clea made to interject, but Shane held her hand up to stop her, taking another long swallow of the beer she continued, In hindsight it may have been a mistake, but given the chance I wouldnt change what I did. I would knowingly make those mistakes again, but that is my business not yours.

Shanes voice remained eerily calm and even detached, staying Clea from attempting a second interruption. And thirdly, maybe if you hadnt lied to your father about you and I sleeping together you wouldnt be so caught up in all of this. Im sorry my having been involved with your mother was disturbing for you, but its over now, and even if I hadnt been I wouldnt have gotten involved with you anyway. Sorry again to have to put it bluntly, but kids arent my thing. Realising that she was starting to lose what little focus she had Shane knew she had to leave, draining the beer and grabbing her cigarettes, she stood awkwardly and waited to find her centre of gravity. Look, Im just going to leave, and dont worry I wont be contacting any members of your family any time soon.

Shane oriented herself before moving, targeting the door she made sure to keep her eyes on it as she started across the room. Sticking her right hand into the pocket of her pants she located her keys, pulling them out and holding them in readiness. Paula watched her from the bar with concern and was about to make her move when a woman stepped into Shanes path blocking her sight of the door, and halting her progress with a hand to her shoulder. Where do you think your going? Im not letting you leave alone.

Not even bothering to look the taller woman in the eye Shane focused over her shoulder locating the door once more, she replied absently, Look Im really not in the mood for ***** tonight, I just want to go home and sleep, ok. Thinking shed diffused the situation Shane attempted to push past the woman and toward the door.

But the woman grabbed her shoulder again stopping her. Well, thats nice to know, because neither am I, but I am not in the habit of letting girls so drunk they can barely stand up drive themselves home, she said it in tone that left no room for argument. Shane finally looked up recognising the red head, wondering what she was doing in a bar like this. Come on then, give your keys. I got a ride with some friends, so Ill drive you home. She held her hands out for the keys, and although Shane wanted to argue, the no-nonsense look the woman was giving her had the brunette dropping the keys into the open hand without further comment.

The red head smiled victoriously, Ok, lets go. Giving the brunette a gentle shove in the direction of the door, Lara turned around to wave to her friends before following Shane out of the bar.



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Tonya slowly crawled toward waking consciousness, she stretched slightly and rolled over to find Dana still in bed. A glance at the clock revealing it was after 8am, and taking the fact that Dana was still in bed later than normal as a positive sign she snuggled closer and lazily slipped her hand under Danas top. Intending to wake Dana slowly she didnt realise she was already awake, wide awake, staring at the ceiling not having been back to sleep since she was woken at 4am. A hand lightly brushing against the underside of her breast pulled her back from her thoughts. She halted the hand with a firm grasp. Im awake.

And you waited for me to wake up, oh sweetie, how thoughtful, I know we have lots of arrangements to go over, but I think we can spare some time snuggling in bed too. I mean, everything is going to get so busy once we set a date, which we need to do, with arranging the details of the ceremony and all, then theres all the legal rigmarole that needs to be covered and dealt with to merge our lives completely. But this morning we dont have to think about all that, or dead cats, or needy, nosey friends, just us. Tonya plastered a smile on her face and tried to move her hand from Danas grasp. Sweetie? I need my hand back to do thi

Dana interrupted, Hang on, wait a minute, what are you taking about, I think I lost you in the middle. Ceremony? Legal rigmarole? Arent you moving a little fast? Dana removed Tonyas hand from her top and sat up. And what do you mean needy, nosey friends? she asked, directing a slightly confused questioning glare Tonyas way.

Arranging the wedding. You know, what the engagement leads too, sweetie. She gave Dana a somewhat patronising look, unsure if she was joking or really not understanding. And your friends are needy, Im assuming that was one that woke us up at 4am, she continued, irritatingly.

Uhhyeahit was, umit was Alice. Flustered all of a sudden and unsure how to explain to Tonya why Alice had needed to see her at 4am, Dana chose not to say anything further.

Tonya snorted, I should have known it was her, shes the neediest of the bunch. I mean, Im sorry, honey, I know shes your friend and you love her, but she does latch onto you a bit, and I know she hates me. I can see it in the patronising looks she gives me and the sarcastic little snips she throws at me. She does it to you as well, though I dont think you notice She kept going but Dana zoned out at the mention of love, thinking back again to the talk on her step. What was that? Was she serious? Ive never even thought about Alice that way, and now its all I can think about. I kissed her back, I mean, how could I not, and it felt so good. It felt real and alive and hot.

Dana looked to Tonya who had finished her rant and was looking at her for a response. I do love her, she said simply. Tonya gave her an odd look of confusion, not having placed as much importance on that tiny phrase in her larger rant, so missing what Dana was referring to. Before she could comment Dana continued, And I think we need to talk.




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