You made it past the kiss, didnt you, Dana? Alices voice popped into Danas mind, demanding the gossip.

You have no idea, Alice. No idea.

All right, girl! Im so proud!

Go away, Alice. Im busy.
Dana grinned as she slipped on her bath robe. She walked to the kitchen
and paused in the doorway, admiring the view. Lara was standing at the
stove in nothing but a pair of underwear and one of Danas sports bras.
Dana watched as her lover pulled a slice of bread out of the bag and
dipped into an oddly brown speckled egg bath. She leaned away from the
stove as she added the bread to the pan, which immediately began to
sizzle and spit. The smell of the food made Danas mouth water.
Good morning, she said as she moved behind Lara and wrapped her arms
around her. Whatre you making? she asked, peering into the pan. Oh
my God, are you trying to kill me?! The French toast was floating in
an enormous pool of oil.
Lara laughed. Dont freak out, Dana. I only made you a half a piece.
You have to try it; its the best French toast recipe Ive ever found.
When you tell me if you like it, Ill tell you whats in it. She
rested her head back against Danas shoulder.
Im going straight to *****. I cant eat that.
Lara turned in Danas arms and kissed her forehead. Hate to break it
to you, babe, but youre going to ***** for far worse things than eating
French toast. You might as well enjoy one more guilty pleasure.
I guess, if I dont die of a heart attack first, Dana grumbled.
Half a piece, thats all. Besides, theres more, Lara said and swept
an arm in the direction of Danas dining room. On the table was a plate
of fruits. Orange wedges, strawberries, melon slices, grapes. The fruit
was arranged on the plate to create a toothy grinned face. Dana
laughed. Lara poked her. Now, go eat before I burn my breakfast.
Thank you, Dana said as she sat down at the table. My absolute
pleasure, Dana, Lara said, fishing the last piece of French toast out
of the pan before turning off the stove. She had looked in the fridge
earlier and had discovered that Dana, understandably, didnt have any
of the good stuff like maple syrup, so she was going to have to suffer
with something that might or might not pass for fat free margarine on
her toast. She took her plate to the table and sat down across from
Dana.
Lara cut a corner off her piece of French toast and offered the bit to
Dana, who eyed her suspiciously before leaning forward and taking the
chunk between her teeth. She closed her mouth and chewed once, as
though waiting for the bread to explode. She chewed again. And again.
All her anxiety at eating something so incredibly unhealthy left her as
the flavor soared through her mouth. Oh. My. God.
Lara, that is ***** amazing.
Didnt I tell you? Lara said, laughing.
Wow. What is in that? she asked, indicating that shed like to try
some more. Ive never had anything so good. Wait–on second thought, I
dont want to know whats in it. It might be better that way.
Lara fed her another piece, watching as Dana savored the slice of
heaven. She didnt think shed ever seen someone take so much pleasure
from the simple act of eating a delicious food. Danas eyes fluttered
closed and she made all kinds of moaning noises, mostly playfully
dramatized, but the effect was the same. Lara felt her body suffuse
with a heat that spread at an alarming rate. Aw, *****, Lara groaned,
sliding from her chair and approaching Dana, who still had her eyes
closed. She leaned down and kissed the side of Danas neck, sucking an
earlobe into her mouth. Youre driving me crazy, she whispered. Dana
pulled Lara into her lap. Your breakfast is getting cold, Lara.
Im having something else for breakfast, Lara said, sliding her hand
beneath Danas robe. She kissed Dana with an intense hunger, pressing
their bodies closer. She could taste cinnamon on Danas tongue and
smiled into the kiss. French toast. Who knew.

Chapter FiveLara popped her now stone cold
French toast into the toaster. She was covered in a slow-drying sweat
and her limbs were quaking from exertion, but her stomach had begun to
cramp because she was so hungry. She knew an amused, highly satisfied,
Dana was watching her from the dining room table, one ***** slick naked
leg crossed over the other. She tried not to feel a little self
conscious as she wiped the crumbs off her hands onto her naked thighs,
and then cursed. It was a habit that she couldnt shake.
I like the way you stalk around my kitchen with nothing on, Dana
said, her quirky grin spread from cheek to rosy cheek.
I have to eat sometime, Lara said, pointing her finger at Dana and
shaking her head. Youre not exactly being a very good hostess.
Danas eyebrows shot up and she laughed. Oh, really? I promise you,
you do not want me to make food. My experience with cooking begins and
ends with cutting carrot sticks.
Then I think you should quit staring at my ***** and go do something
productive, Lara teasingly admonished. All right, Dana said, patting
Laras butt on the way by, Ill go check the mail.
Lara turned her attention back to the French toast only after having
taken a good long look at Danas beautiful body as she disappeared
around the corner. Lara couldnt help herself, she did a little victory
dance. Every last disaster, every foolish move, and every
misunderstanding had been dealt with and they had overcome. It was
amazing to Lara, when she thought back on the previous evenings
events. How they had managed to end up here, together, this morning was
still a mystery to her. A cherished mystery.
As Lara was dancing, Dana hollered from somewhere in the vicinity of
the front door, I have practice at eleven today. Do you have to work?
Lara smiled. Yeah, I work at three. We have this big golf tournament
today and Im working on the banquet, she shouted back. She cut up her
toast into little pieces and popped one in her mouth. It was good.
Laras grin spread. She was definitely going to have to make it for
Dana again sometime.
Do you–? Dana began, but stopped mid-sentence. Lara, chewing on
another piece of toast, cocked her head, wondering if she had just not
heard the rest of the question. After a few seconds, she decided that
wasnt the case.
Dana? she called. When Dana didnt answer, Lara put down her fork and
went in search of her lover. She found Dana standing at the front door,
the days mail spread out around her feet. She was staring at what
looked like a photograph in one hand; her other hand held a blank
manila envelope. Hey, Lara said, her voice barely above a whisper,
whats the matter? She reached out and touched Danas bare shoulder.
Dana jerked away from her and the picture she had been holding
fluttered to the ground. Dont touch me! Dana snapped.
Laras heart immediately leapt into her throat and she nearly choked.
Whats wrong, Dana? she pleaded. She moved closer again, but Dana
backed up once more. Getting the picture, Lara stood away, suddenly
feeling extremely exposed and unsure. She wished she had a shirt or
something to cover herself with. In a self-conscious haze, Lara glanced
down at the photograph. Her hand came to her mouth as she realized what
had been immortalized there. Who took that? Where did it come from?
You have to go, Dana muttered, ignoring Laras question. I want you
to leave.
What? Lara was gaping openly at Dana now. Realization dawned slowly,
blossoming a hearty anger. Are you kidding me? In answer, Dana
marched away from her, back in the direction of the kitchen.
Lara stood staring at the photograph. She was angry at whoever had
violated their privacy, angry at the way Dana was behaving. Most of
all, Lara realized, she was angry because she was confused. She didnt
truly understand what was going on, although there was only one
possible explanation. It hadnt occurred to her before now, but as she
thought about it she knew it made perfect sense. Dana was still hiding
in the closet. *****! she growled, snatching the photograph off the
floor and following Dana.
Dana had slipped into her robe by the time Lara reached the table and
managed to snag the bra she had borrowed. She pulled it hurriedly over
her head, nearly getting tangled up in it. She stepped into the panties
she had been wearing. Crossing her arms across her chest, armored a
little better now, she glared at Dana who sank into a chair, her head
bowed. Im not leaving, Dana.
Danas head snapped up and she glared at Lara. Youre not staying
here! she burst. I knew something like this was going to happen. Get
out! Get the ***** out of my house!
The words stung, a sharp slap to Laras already burning cheeks. It
miraculously served to snap Lara out of her anger. Feeling deflated and
raw, Laras shoulders curled a bit. Baby, please, youre just scared,
Lara whispered. You know I didnt do this. Dont shut me out.
This cant be happening. Dana had begun to rock in her chair. I
cant do this. Lara closed in on Dana and caught the sitting woman in
her arms. Dana struggled, but Lara held tight, willing strength and
comfort upon the other woman. Fingers digging into the flesh on Laras
arm, Dana finally began to sob. She eventually relaxed like a rag doll,
Lara stroking her hair.
Thats it, Lara crooned, Let it out.
After what seemed an eternity, Danas sobs slowly died into agonized
sniffles. She seemed calmer now, her initial shock having vacated. In
its stead was a smoldering frustration. Im sorry, whispered Dana.
She pulled her head away from Laras shoulder and wiped the mess of
tears off her lovers flawless skin. Im so sorry.
Its okay. I understand, Lara said, kissing the top of Danas head.
Kissing her cheek. Kissing her beautiful lips. Oh my God, you are so
amazing, Dana said, eyes welling up again. What did I do to deserve
you?
You forgave me, Dana, for my transgressions. You deserve the same.
Lara used the pad of her thumb to wipe away Danas renewed tears.
Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction. Whoever did this is out
to hurt you, but you cant let them. You have to be stronger than
that.
What about you? Youre in the photos, too.
Dana, baby, Im already out. I have nothing to lose. I understand you
think you have everything to lose–and maybe you truly do. Those
photos, while degrading my privacy, cant hurt me.
You are amazing, Dana sniffled.
Maybe, Lara laughed. Look, there has to be something you can do. Was
there a note or anything?
No, nothing. Just a plain envelope. It wasnt even in the mail slot,
it was just poking under the door.
Okay, heres what I think we should do: well go down to The Planet
and ask the girls what they think. Im sure theyll know exactly what
has to be done. Lara stood up, the backs of her legs cramping from
having been crouched for so long. She ignored the pain and took Danas
arm. But first Id like to shower.
– x –
The shower took twice as long as it should have but both women emerged
clean and glowing and grinning, wrapped towels around themselves and
went looking for their clothes. Just as Dana was stepping into a pair
of shorts, the phone rang.
Are you going to answer that? Lara asked.
Depends. Dana walked over to check the Caller ID. God! Conrad! I am
SO not ready to deal with him today. He can talk to the machine. I need
to call Alice. She started picking up yesterdays clothes and
rummaging. Now where the ***** is my cell phone? From downstairs, in
the front hallway, came her answer. The cell was playing Beethovens
Fur Elise. God, remind me to change that ring. She threw on a shirt
and charged downstairs.
Hi, Alice! I was just going to Uh-huh, yeah, she isWell, actually,
I–we need to talk to you. Theres a bit of a um… situation
hereYeah, uh-huh, thats what Look, Al, I think Im being outted!
At the other end of the conversation, Alice covered up the phone and
whispered to Shane. She knows!
Shane jutted her head forward. For real?
Yeah, Alice mouthed. What makes you think that, Dana? She ruffled
her hand through the back of her expensively disheveled haircut. Oh.
Really?
She covered the phone again. She doesnt know the half of it, she
whispered to Shane, who shook her head.
Well, actually, um, Shane and I are already here so. Yeah, great.
Fine. See ya! She snapped the phone shut. Somebody dropped a set of
prints off in her mail slot.
And shes not having, like, a total cow? Shane looked incredulous.
Doesnt appear to be, Alice tapped her phone thoughtfully against her
chin. Maybe this wont be as bad as.
Alice, Shane shot her a huge frustrated glance. I know, I know,
Alice frowned. I was just hoping. Have Bette and Tina checked in?
Not yet, Shane said, finishing her first shot. Another one?
Huh-uh. Alice pulled out her list and a pen. LA Magazine and The
Daily News were both lined out. Shed convinced her editor that outing
Dana was a non-story and had called in a favor last night from Louanna,
the editor at The News. Thats my two, she sighed in relief. She drew
lines through The Press and the News-Telegram, shaking her head at
how Shane had handled those. Alice had gone with her to both
newspapers. The Press was just your routine drop-by snatch and grab.
Shane distracted the sweet young thing at the front desk, while Alice
cadged the mail cart, rifled it to find the right courier envelope and
slipped it into her bag. Shane gave the receptionist one of her
trademark winks. Later, she grinned.
Alice thought Jim Stratton, the sports editor at the News-Telegram was
gonna swallow his tongue when he saw Shane walk up to his desk.
Hey.. he paled and looked around, Whatre you doing here?
Relax, Sparky, Shane smiled in that self-assured way she had
right before she toasted somebodys ***** in that amicable way of hers,
Im not here to make trouble. She held her arms open as if to
demonstrate she wasnt armed.
Jim licked his lips and glanced around to see who might be listening or
watching. He nodded toward Alice. Whos your friend?
Oh, Shane turned around and winked at Alice, Thats my friend Alice.
She writes for the LA Magazine.
Nice to meet you, Jim nodded, then leaned forward and whispered,
What the ***** do you want?
Shane clipped her sunglasses over her shirt and sat down on Jims desk.
Well, Sparky, we got a little situation here. She looked down at the
stacks of paper littering his desk, reached over and tapped the Fed Ex
package. That one, to be exact.
Uh, the tennis player?
Yeah.
Whats the deal? A lot of the girls on the circuit these days are qu
I mean
Shane looked down at him.
Well, this girls not real large with the bein out and proud, if you
know what I mean.
Ohhhhhh, Jim gave a thoughtful nod. And shed really rather not be.
Is that what youre saying?
Yes. Sparky. Thats what Im saying.
She a friend of yours?
Yeah, she is. A small nod and a smile.
Standing behind Shane, Alice couldnt see the expression on her
friends face, but Jim looked scared shitless. What the ***** did Shane
have on him?
Well, Stratton gave a tight smile that went nowhere near his eyes, I
cant see us using it anyway. Not much of a story, really. He handed
the envelope to Shane.
Really. Youre right. Jim, Shane took the envelope from
him, gave him a friendly wave. Thanks a lot. See ya around. Be good.
As they walked away from Strattons desk, Shane handed the envelope to
Alice. Put this in your bag. Well burn it. Right now I need to wash
my hands. She sauntered casually over to the Mens restroom, right
across the aisle from Stratton, and walked in like she belonged there.
Alice cringed and walked out to the hallway to wait by the elevator.
What the ***** was THAT all about? she whispered loudly when Shane
joined her.
Dont ask, dont tell, Shane gave her a long sober look, unclipped
her sunglasses from her shirt and put them back on.
– x –
Just as they were leaving Danas house, the phone rang again. Dana?
Conrad bellowed into the mouthpiece. I know youre there. Pick up the
damned phone! Dana rolled her eyes and opened the door. Kick that
redheaded piece of tail outta bed and answer the phone, Dana! Conrad
yelled, Weve got a real problem here! Dana gave Lara a shocked and
apologetic look. Im sorry, she stroked Laras arm, he is such a
dickhead sometimes.
He sure as ***** is! Lara snarled. Can we stop at my place so I can
change clothes and pick up my car?
Sure, babe, Dana gave her a kiss. Bye, Conrad, she said to the
angry voice sputtering over the answering machine.
Chapter SixHowd it go? Alice asked Tina and
Bette hopefully when they arrived. As both women sat down heavily on
their stools, Alice knew the answer.
No luck, Bette shook her head. The Times is already making phone
calls and leaving messages. Im sorry. She looked absolutely
miserable.
Oh, God, Alice dropped her head in her hands. The ***** dropped
off a set of prints at Danas house, too.
Tina groaned. What are we going to do?
About what? Dana asked over her shoulder.
Everyone jumped.
Hey! The other four women swiveled around on their stools and stared
at Dana. She looked around with a confused expression on her face.
What? Then she saw several envelopes lying on the counter in front of
Alice. She could see one of the photos half uncovered. Her face went
chalky. Lara grabbed her before her sagging legs dumped her to the
floor, and settled her onto a stool at the counter. Why? Her eyes
teared up, her lip quavered. Why?
Marina walked up from behind and stroked Danas head. Are you all
right? Dana just groaned and dropped her head onto her folded arms.
Oh yeah, Im fine for an ex-tennis player.
Lara held Dana in her arms, and everyone fussed over her while Alice
gave her the condensed version of what they knew, and what they had
done so far. Dana gave them each a weak smile. Thank you. All of you.
I guess I . The tears washed down her face and she started to shake
uncontrollably.
Tina reached over and patted Danas hand, Dana, its only one story.
Maybe itll die down. Maybe it wont be so .
I cant even cook! she wailed.
Tina blinked. Excuse me? Wha.
I cant cut hair. I cant write. I cant even type! I dont know
anything about art. I dont know anything about anything. I play
tennis. Its all I know, its all I am, its all I have–
Dana Fairbanks! Danas head jerked up as a familiar voice crashed
through The Planet. Every face in the caf turned to see her agent,
Conrad, striding angrily toward the counter where they sat. Dana
noticed Marina come to her full height, a deep scowl on her face. Lara
stiffened. Tina and Bette exchanged a glance. Shane glared. Alice
gaped. Dana hurriedly dried her cheeks, then spun on her stool to face
him.
He cut an impressive figure when he was seething. And he was at that
very moment thoroughly seething. His face was red, his cheeks ridging
out with each clench and unclench of his jaw. The suit and sunglasses
only made him seem much more menacing.
Conrad, whats up? Dana said, making a failed attempt at casual.
Cut the bullshit, Dana, Conrad said, shifting his gaze around at all
her friends. We have to talk. Now.
Dana felt Lara stir at her side, her little redhead bristling at the
mans tone. Dana patted her knee, and Lara relaxed a little, but Dana
knew she was killing Conrad with a look. Fine, Dana said, sliding off
her stool. Excuse me, ladies, Ill be right back. She squeezed Laras
hand before following Conrad. Outside the breeze was warm, lifting
Danas hair off the collar of her shirt and shifting it messily around
her face. She stuffed it back behind her ears, while watching Conrad as
he paced back and forth on the sidewalk. Are you– he paused, both
hands flexing and clenching as though aiding him in his speaking
ability, –trying to ruin everything weve worked for, Dana?
Dana felt her cheeks getting redder. If they continued to heat, they
would almost match the color of his and that would make them just a
fine pair. She stared cold and hard. Of course not, Conrad.
Well, you certainly made a ***** wonderful attempt at it! he
growled, throwing both hands in the air. They have pictures, Dana.
Pictures of you and your little ***** *****!
Danas hand shot out and the flat of her palm connected loudly with
Conrads cheek, rocking his head to the side and sending his precious
sunglasses flying. Shock registered on his face. Dont you ever dare!
Dana spat. I am aware of the pictures, and I am probably less pleased
about them than you are, but this has nothing to do with Lara. If you
ever speak about her–or any of my friends–like that again, you can
find yourself a new tennis playin babe, get it?
Dont threaten me, Dana. Youre not in any kind of position.
Oh no? Conrad, dont tempt me.
Dana, you and I both know youre not going to quit playing tennis, he
said. His face was red where Dana had slapped him and he was fighting
not to rub it to ease the sting. His tone softened. He was not prepared
to anger her further and risk another slap. Look, Im sorry, Dana, he
said, bending down to retrieve his glasses. Dana stood with her hands
on her hips, watching him through slit eyes. Fine, she said. Did you
have anything else to say or did you just come here to call Lara filthy
names and tell me things Im already well aware of?
No, I came to tell you that I cleaned up your mess.
Danas eyes widened. She tried to hold on to at least some of her
anger, but it merely ebbed away to be replaced with relief. How did
you do it?
It wasnt too difficult. Two magazines called me to ask about the
photos, but you were lucky because I have an excellent give-take
relationship with both of the sports editors. I gave them a couple of
tickets to see some matches and they agreed not to bother with the
photos. He looked expectant, like he should have won some great award
for saving the day.
If it was so easy to fix, why come down here, Conrad? Why the big
show? The nasty names? Why are you even in my private life at all?
Dana demanded.
Conrads cheeks rippled out. Your life is not private, Dana. Get used
to that. People will be snapping pictures and trying to smear your name
every chance they get. If you were wise, youd dump your little– he
paused, swallowing the word back. –youd dump Lara and make your
career your priority. Youll have plenty of time to notch your bedpost
when you retire. Conrad looked at his watch. Ill call you later,
Dana.
Dana, entirely speechless, her mouth hanging slightly open watched as
he disappeared. She was shaking. She was exhausted. She felt, somehow,
dirty.
Hey, are you okay? Alice stepped out of The Planet and put an arm
around Danas shoulders. Girl, youre shaking!
Danas head shook back and forth, cheeks hot and splotchy. She was well
past the point of crying. Past the point of speech. Instead she
shrugged Alice off and parked herself on a bench a few paces away from
the caf. She let her shoulders drop and planted her elbows on her
knees. Hunched forward, Dana rocked herself, her mind racing.
Who had the right to tell anyone that their career was more important
than everything else? Danas stomach knotted as she realized that shed
been telling herself that for a very long time She could no longer be
indignant. He knows me too well, she muttered.
What? Alice asked, sitting on the edge of the bench and fixing Dana
with a tender smile.
Conrad, she said, shaking her head, he knows me too well. He
just–he said my career should be the most important thing in my life
right now.
Dana, thats ridiculous, Alice replied. No one can focus solely on
their career.
Dont you get it, Alice? Dont you see? My career is the
most important thing to me. I play tennis. I play it well. None of the
rest of it means anything to me.
Alice sat back and contemplated what Dana had said for just a moment
before reaching out and cuffing her on the back of the head–not hard
enough to cause actual pain, but enough to maybe stimulate Danas
rationale. Hey! Dana cried, rubbing the back of her head out of
shock.
Im going to pretend I didnt hear that, only because I know youre
not thinking clearly, Alice said. Dont minimize what those women in
there did for you today. They tried their best to protect you. If your
career was the only thing important in your life, you would not have
friends like those.
Wha— Dana scrunched up her face, looked down, looked back up at
Alice with that quintessentially confused expression that only Dana
had. But. She looked down at her shoes, chewed on her lip, scrunched
her forehead in concentration, then lifted a finger and turned to Alice
What about., shook her head, slumped, chewed a nail, drummed her
fingers on her knees, tilted her head to the side and said, Huh! Her
face finally brightened into a broad grin. Ohhhhhhh. She stood up,
threw her arm around Alices shoulder. Really?
Really, Dana, Alice laughed, wrapped an arm around Danas waist and
walked her back into The Planet. But it wouldnt hurt for you to learn
to type. Just in case.
Dana scowled, flipped Alice the bird, walked back to her seat, and
planted an extra mushy kiss on Laras worried lips.
Awwww, how sweet, Shane grinned in approval.
Yuck, Alice slumped in her chair. Too complicated.