Previously on “The LOC Word”, Bette and Tina go to counciling, Tonya meets Lara at a party in Newport, Alex and Marissa prepare to move in with Shane and Jenny. And now…

Chapter 14:

Tina? asked Bette as she escorted Tina to her car.

Their session with Dan Foxworthy ended surprisingly well, with both women agreeing to another session. Painful memories were brought up and much apologizing was done, on both sides, but they both felt so much better after.

I dont mean to sound forward or anything, Bette continued, But, would you like to move back home?

Bette, I dont know.

I mean just so you can get out of Alices hair. I mean you dont have to stay in our bedroom if youre not ready for that. You could have the guest bedroom.

Ill think about it.

Thats all I ask. Bette opened Tinas car door for her. Tina smiled at Bettes chivalry and stepped in the car.

Bette watched Tina drive off before walking to her own car, which was three blocks away in the opposite direction. Bette didnt care, as long as she got to talk with Tina. It seemed like things were going well with Tina, well, at least Tina was talking to Bette.

Bettes phone rang in her purse. She fished it out and answered it, Hello?

I thought about it, Tinas voice came softly over the phone, I, um, Ill move back in.

Bette smiled and tried to contain her overwhelming impulse to jump around screaming. She took a breath, calming her nerves. Great. Uh, when do you want to move back?

As soon as I can. Alice has been overly, um, anal about me being out of the apartment. I stayed with Shane and Jenny last night because she had to do some cleaning.

Bette laughed, Ok. How about tonight, you can come over around six, Ill cook us dinner.

Make it eight and Ill bring over take out.

Ok, Ill see you then, Bette resisted the urge to tell Tina she loved her.

Bye.

Bye, Bette squeaked out before they hung up. A wide smile spread over Bettes face. She let out a scream and began trotting down the sidewalk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonya attacked Dana with a tight embrace when she walked into the apartment. Honey, you will never guess what Ive found!

Whats that? Dana muttered as she pulled Tonya off her.

I found us a caterer for the reception!

Oh really? Dana said, trying to sound enthusiastic. Tonya led Dana into the living room where a red headed woman was sitting on the couch. She stood up and faced Tonya and Dana. Danas mouth dropped and so did her heart.

Honey, I would like you to meet Lara Perkins, our new caterer.

Lara stuck out her hand, Hi, its a pleasure to meet you, Dana. Tonya has told me so much about you.

Dana took Laras hand and snapped out of her gaze. Obviously Tonya didnt know that Lara and Dana knew each other. Its nice to meet you too, Dana muttered acting if she had never met Lara before.

Dana and Tonya sat down on the couch while Lara sat in an armchair. So, Dana, Tonya tells me you play tennis?

Uh, yeah.

Yes, Dana likes to be modest about her amazing career. She has a contract with Subaru, bragged Tonya.

Oh, that was you in the ad. What was the tagline, Get out and stay out? asked Lara, smirking at Dana.

Uh, yeah. That was me.

So, I suppose that ad helped you come out to a lot of people?

Yeah, it did.

Yes, Dana came out to her parents because of that ad. Such a brave girl, Tonya nuzzled Danas neck.

Well, congratulations.

So what about you Lara, how did you become a caterer? asked Dana, coyly.

Well, after I broke up with my girlfriend, Lara locked eyes with Dana, I wanted a career move. So I decided to move to Newport Beach and start a catering business for all the rich people.

Ballsy move, replied Dana, not breaking the eye contact.

Im going to grab us a bottle of wine so we can finalize this deal, said Tonya, not picking up on the eye contact at all. She walked into the kitchen.

What the ***** are you doing here? whispered Dana once Tonya was out of ear shot.

I met her at a party I was catering in Newport. What the ***** are you doing with a ***** like her?

Hey, that ***** is my fianc.

You cant actually be in love with that woman?

Dana lied to herself and Lara, Well I am.

Lara looked absolutely stunned as Tonya walked back in the room with a bottle of wine and three glasses in hand.

Um, you know what Tonya, Lara said as she stood up, I think Im going to go and I will call you to finalize this deal.

Ok, Tonya said, setting the glasses and wine on the coffee table, I will talk to you tomorrow, I guess.

Yeah, Lara said as her eyes lingered with Danas before she headed for the door.

Dana watched Lara leave before reaching for the glass Tonya had poured for her. She downed it in one gulp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alex sat in her Jeep half asleep, waiting in the parking lot of Harbor High School for Marissa. The bells rang and students gradually filled out of the school. Alex scanned the crowds and spotted Marissa talking to Ryan as they headed towards the cars in the lot. They walked over to Ryans SUV parked a couple of cars down. Alex watched as Marissa kissed Ryan on the cheek and then headed over to the Jeep.

It didnt matter what Marissa told her, she knew Marissa still loved Ryan. And even though Alex knew Marissa would never act on her feelings, it still hurt to see them together.

Marissa climbed into the Jeep and kissed Alex on the cheek, Hey babe.

Hey, Alex sighed as she started the Jeep. They backed out of the spot and drove off.

Marissa studied Alex. She seemed depressed, which was odd for Alex, and for how excited both of them had been to move to WeHo. Whats wrong? Marissa asked once they had left the parking lot and were headed back to the apartment.

Hmm? Alex said in a daze, Oh, nothing.

Marissa had seen that look before. She clued in to what was wrong. You saw me and Ryan.

Alex nodded, focusing on the road ahead instead of on what Marissa was saying.

You know theres nothing between me and Ryan, Marissa protested. Alex nodded again. Marissa sighed, So then what the ***** is your problem?

Alex sighed, still watching the road, You know its hard for me to see you with him.

Marissa turned away from Alex to watch the buildings pass them by. They had had this conversation thousands of times; the first time almost ended their relationship.

It had been a month after they had started dating when Marissa asked Ryan to help her with a school bonfire. Alex had thought Marissa was cheating on her and brought two guys to the bonfire to beat up Ryan. Alex told Marissa that they should break up because they didnt fit together. She told Marissa that she was going to leave and go back to school. Alex left the bonfire and headed back to her apartment to pack. Marissa showed up later that night and begged Alex to stay, saying she loved Alex and only wanted to be with her.

Since then they had fought almost weekly about Ryan. It was the only thing they ever fought about. Both knew it would amount to nothing but neither stopped arguing about it.

I suppose once we move to WeHo, Alex broke the silence, We wont fight about this every week.

You know Alex, it almost seems like you want to argue about this.

I dont.

Then why the ***** do you bring it up every time. Youre the one who starts it.

Alex kept her eyes on the road, ignoring Marissa and her comments.

What do you need from me Alex? pleaded Marissa, Do you need me to tell you that I love you? Huh? Do you need me to say that I cant live without you, or that youre the only one I want to be with? Alex sighed but still didnt look at Marissa. Do you want to know why I could never be with Ryan again?

Alex grunted something that sounded like a Why?

Because Im a *****.

Alex broke eye contact with the road and looked wide-eyed at Marissa.

Yeah, Marissa responded.

Are you serious? Alex asked.

Marissa nodded, Thats why I want to move to WeHo, to get away from all the Republicans here and, I dont know, become free. So trust me, theres nothing going on between me and Ryan.

Are you sure? asked Alex, still not convinced.

Yeah. Alex, when I was with Ryan, there was something missing. I thought I could fill that with alcohol. And then when I met you, it was like everything that was wrong in my life went away. It was like being able to please you filled whatever was missing. I love being able to make you scream my name. I could never go back.

You really mean that? Alex asked, but she didnt need an answer. The desire, passion, and love in Marissas eyes told her everything she needed to know. Alex took Marissas hand and kissed it. Do you think well be alright in WeHo?

Oh yeah. Well be great. I just worry about everyone else. My friends were kinda worried about me, but I told them that I really needed this. Marissa kissed Alexs palm, trailing kisses up her fingers and stopping to suck on the tip of Alexs pointer finger. You know what I want to do tonight? Marissa asked seductively, while kissing the tips of Alexs fingers.

All Alex could do was smile.

Next time on “The LOC Word”, Alex and Marissa move in, Tina moves back with Bette, and Alice tries to get Dana to break up with Tonya.