Part 3

June 9th 2006

"Every one of them? Every single one?" He sounded like he was about to break down in tears.

"Jimmy stop harping on it. The movies are history." She stretched out her arm, palm up. "Hand me her lotion will you?" Given the bottle of lotion Dylan squirted some into her palm and started rubbing it into Robin's soft skin. The eight-month-old was the picture of contentment always thoroughly enjoying these massages after her baths.

"Tell me why you thought it was a good idea to throw them in the garbage?" Dylan's young cousin touched his chest. "Those were my babies, which I lovingly copied for you. And this is what you do."

Dylan turned her head away so that she could roll her eyes without him noticing. "I'm trying to be a better woman."

"For Layne?" She nodded while putting her niece's diaper on. "Has she told you that she doesn't like adult films?"

"No."

"Then dude for all you know she could have a collection of them back in NYC." His cousin looked doubtful. "You never know. Layne could be a freak!" Dylan gave him a warning look that plainly read 'you're treading on thin ice buddy'. Jimmy gulped loudly. "I mean that in a complimentary way dude! You're freaky and I'm freaky. Hey Robbie, you freaky?" He asked, gently tugging on her tiny big toe. She answered with a boisterous laugh. That had Dylan chuckling. "See being a freak can be a good thing cuz."

"Uh huh." Smiling, she ruffled a hand through the tight curls on top of his head. "You should invest in a perm sometime."

"Nah, the ladies think I'm cute this way."

Unable to hide her grin Dylan replied, "They think it's cute that you look like a dark-haired Shirley Temple?"

He smirked without comment. "Asked Layne to Pride yet?" Dylan didn't respond as she finished dressing her niece for the day. "What's taking you so long?"

"I have two weeks Jimmy. No rush."

"How do you know that she won't make plans with someone else? Don't wait until the last minute. Call her now. C'mon Robbie, let's give her some privacy while she locates her girly balls so she can call your Mama." Picking up the baby, he started to leave her nursery. When asked where he was going, he explained that he intended to feed his cousin her breakfast. "What Gerber meal would you like this morning beautiful? Want some oatmeal mixed with bananas or apples? Multigrain cereal?"

Seated in the rocking chair once they left, Dylan held her cell phone willing herself to dial Layne's number. It wasn't a date. She was a friend asking another friend if she wanted to celebrate Pride weekend together.

Since she was a teenager Dylan had attended the S.F. Pride. She along with a few of her family members looked forward to the parade each year. The last three years she had been smart by purchasing grand stand seat tickets in advance. Although the parade and festivities were practically free, these tickets assured parade goers a great view and a place to sit in the bleachers located at U.N. Plaza. Her mother kissed her the first year Dylan presented her with a ticket. Standing for so long and often having to move to look around others had been the only negative of attending the annual parade.

Gazing toward the small screen on her phone Dylan sighed. She felt vulnerable asking Layne out, regardless if this was a friendship date. She was aware of how the comic felt now. She knew that she loved her, so what if Layne took this the wrong way and as a result turned her down? Only one way to find out Dylan. Find your girly balls.

She held her breath as the phone rang twice. "Hello?"

"Hi, it's me. You busy?" Acquiring another client, Layne had been working diligently the last week on a mural for a small dental office.

"Hey you. I'm never too busy for you. What's going on?"

Swaying her body back and forth the chair began to rock. "I wanted to ask you something. Is your calendar free for the last weekend in June?"

"It sure is. That's Gay Pride weekend, isn't it?"

"Yes. Would you like to celebrate it together? Some from our family like to attend the parade on Sunday and it would be nice if you would want to join us. Since she's older and her attention span has improved, I know Robin would enjoy it. As for Saturday I sometimes just meet friends and I'd be delighted if you wanted to come then too. It's really a lot of fun. There are all kinds of food, dancing, concerts, games, exhibits--so much to take pleasure in." Surely her pounding heart would pop out of her chest.

"Oh, I'm a virgin!" She sounded very excited.

Dylan looked very befuddled. Virgin? "Oh, yeah? So Kirsten never figured out how to get into your pants, huh? She's more dim-witted than I suspected." She grinned when her friend took that good-naturedly with a laugh.

"I'm a Pride virgin silly. Never been to one."

"You're from New York--I know their parade has to be slammin'! How could you miss all of them?"

"Just never made the time I guess. But now I definitely want to go with you. Count me in for the entire weekend."

"I'll have your cherry popped in no time." Dylan slapped her free hand over her mouth although the words had already exited. I'd stick my foot in my mouth if I were flexible enough! To her surprise Layne laughed.

"Darling?" The muralist lowered her voice to a husky whisper. "Be gentle."

Her cousin had claimed that Layne could be a freak. Jimmy could be on to something. Dylan's grin mirrored that of the Cheshire cat.

~~~~~~~~~~

June 24th 2006

Anyone would have thought they were just another loving couple attending the pride fair together as they strolled through the populated Civic Center, their fingers intertwined as they held hands. At least half of the duo was content to allow others to gain that impression. Actually the remaining half didn't mind either. The remaining half suddenly gave the other half's hand a squeeze as she pointed toward a particular booth, which had a few interested customers.

"T-shirts Dyl! Want one? I'll treat you to a T-shirt."

"Only if you let me treat you back."

"You bought the tickets for the parade tomorrow. Come on, let me buy you a T-shirt and lunch."

The brunette beamed. "Yes on the T-shirt and I'll give lunch some thought." She laughed as her friend stuck a pink tongue out at her. She asked if they would change into their shirts while they browsed the assortment, some hanging from racks and others neatly folded on tables.

"We could wear them today or wait until tomorrow. Hey Dylan, what do you think of this one?" Snickering, Layne showed her the back of a black T-shirt where a coyly smiling feline wearing a rainbow-designed collar was printed. Dylan was about to say that it was cute when Layne turned it around so that she could see the front. The short phrase reminded her of those Got Milk commercials, but instead of asking if you had milk, it inquired about something else.

Instead of continuing with her 'that's cute' comment, Dylan changed it to, "That is so depraved. I love it!" A broad grin split her lips. Yes, she was freaky and proud of it! "And I dare you to wear that tomorrow so Mom can see you in it."

Layne smirked. She didn't even want to imagine how Madeline would react to such an insolent shirt. "It'll be a snowy day in hell before that happens. Are you trying to get me killed Tate? Or at least a spanking followed by a timeout in the corner?"

Laughing, Dylan chose a T-shirt. "What about this?" Hers was a pink baby doll T-shirt with a declaration written in bold red on the front. Layne read it aloud.

"She may wear the pants, but I wear the strap-on." Overhearing, a man glanced at the blonde with a knowing smile. She winked in return. "Funny thing is that's true." Dylan's mouth hanging open, she reached up to close it for her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What's Pink Saturday? I've caught snippets of conversation about it today." As she glanced over the menu, Layne couldn't recall ever seeing so many atypical varieties of pizza. This would be her first time eating at the California Pizza Kitchen where they were meeting a few of Dylan's friends not too far from the Civic Center Plaza. In fact, it was so close that they were able to walk there and arrive within minutes.

"It's a huge party with thousands upon thousands of guests that is held in the Castro District. It's hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Have you heard of them?" Layne indicated with a headshake that she hadn't. "They are a fairly large group--around forty members I think-- of modern very non-traditional nuns, most of which if not all are men. Although their dress is quite different from your standard nun, they partake in some of the same type of activities. They hold fundraisers and organize events, raise money for charity, visit hospitals to spread their cheer, go to schools to educate on topics such as the risks of unsafe sex…they actually do quite a lot.

"Pink Saturday is held every year the night before the pride parade and the money collected during that large party will go toward charities. Every time I've gone to Pink Saturday I've had a great time. You want to check it out?"

"Layne what does this bad girl want you to check out?" Elena inquired as she and her partner arrived at the long table. She took a seat next to Layne while her girlfriend Alexis sat with Dylan across from them. Clucking her tongue, Elena opened her menu. "And you want this to occur in public Dyl? Have you no decorum?"

Dropping the sugar packet she had been playing with, Dylan placed her hands underneath the table. "Yes El, I do have some decorum. See I'm flipping you off without having my hand in the public eye."

As if she didn't believe her, the Latina glanced underneath the table. Sure enough a middle finger was standing alone yet proudly just for her. Looking at her ex-girlfriend she grinned. "I repeat--bad girl." Since they had yet to meet, Elena introduced her partner to Layne. Reaching across the table, the two women shook hands while exchanging pleasantries. Dylan explained to Elena and Alexis that they had been discussing the Pink Saturday celebration.

"Are you going? We are. This will be Alex's first P.S."

"Layne's too." Twinkling blue eyes glanced toward the blonde. "She's a virgin." Layne decided to hide her reddened face behind her menu. The Pepperoni Pomodoro pizza nearest to her right eye looked tasty.

"A virgin?! Those still exist passed the teenage years?" Arriving friends continued to catch the tail end of their conversations. Lindsay pulled out a chair for Nancy on the other side of Dylan and then took her seat on Layne's right. After she said hello to everyone, she looked between Dylan and Layne curiously. "What's up with the virgin talk ladies?"

"Whose a virgin?" Everyone looked up as Adriana hooked her purse strap on the back of the chair next to Alexis. She remained standing as she looked over her shoulder.

"She didn't come with ya?" Lindsay sounded too jovial when she inquired about her longtime friend's partner.

Catching it, Adriana smirked finally sitting. "You know her name is Beverly and yes she's here. She spotted an old friend outside and they're talking."

"Did she bring Satan's youngest disciples with her?"

Adriana looked as though she were ready to hurl the salt and peppershakers at Lindsay's head. "No, she didn't bring her children and their names are Elton and John--not Satan's disciples." Silence reigned on the table until seconds later everyone except for Adriana began laughing. Sitting back in her chair she smirked, though she couldn't blame them for their laughter. During their first date when Beverly showed her wallet photographs of her children and mentioned their names Adriana had to excuse herself. She didn't know how she managed to get inside the restroom before the giggles erupted.

"Bev is a huge Elton John fan," she weakly defended. When she was invited into Beverly's apartment the amount of pictures and posters of the musician startled her. There was a life-sized cardboard cutout of Sir Elton John next to the dresser inside Beverly's bedroom that gave her a fright the moment she first laid eyes on it. However, with time she grew to mostly overlook the obsession. Adriana sent Lindsay a look, practically begging her to be nice.

Touching her chest, the Southerner batted dark lashes. "Nice? I'm nice to everyone except succubus's and their spawn." Forget throwing the seasoning, Adriana wanted to jump across the table at her.

"That's way harsh Lin," Nancy quietly spoke. "They're children. Forgive them already. You're the grownup." She murmured something about her girlfriend at least claiming to be a grownup.

"What did…they do?" Layne inquired. She was about to say their names, but at the last moment changed her mind because she didn't trust herself not to start laughing again. "Aren't they little?"

"Seven and eight years old, but don't let those cute little faces fool ya." Common sense evaporating, she had agreed to baby-sit Beverly's two boys while she and Adriana went out to celebrate their first year anniversary as a couple. At 8:30 Lindsay put them to bed, read them a short story and by the time she reached the end Elton and John had convinced her that they were asleep. Lindsay was an hour into a movie she ordered from pay-per-view when her car alarm went off.

Running into the garage with a baseball bat just in case she had an intruder, she found the boys marking her eighteen-month-old car with nails they found in one of her hardware cabinets. More inches were covered with white lines created from their 'artwork' than not. And if that wasn't enough damage, they pried open a bucket of yellow paint and had decorated her Lincoln with palm prints that were beginning to dry. Lindsay wanted to do away with Elton and John, but then reminded herself that temporary bliss wasn't worth going to prison for.

"Oh my God! Were you able to buff the scratches out?"

Lindsay shook her head. "The scratches were too deep and their palms prints didn't help, so I just had it repainted."

"Lin, they apologized profusely and I offered to reimburse you but you refused to accept money."

"They apologize every time they do somethin' wrong and why didn't Beverly offer to repay me?" Lindsay took a second to pretend thinking and then snapped her fingers. "Oh, that's right. She quit her job soon after ya'll started datin' so you could support her."

"She's working now."

"At your bookstore! What kind of interview did ya give her?"

"Am I gonna have to give you two a timeout?" Dylan's glare belied the question that could have been misconstrued as a tease. "This is supposed to be a day of celebration, camaraderie and love and I for one am not feeling the love at this damn table! So let's just try getting along and Lin for the love of God will you stop ripping into Beverly and her children? We get it; you don't like them but try keeping your opinions to yourself for once. You don't care for them but Adriana does so be a thoughtful friend instead of a freaking critic. Leave it be." Spreading her hands out on the table, Dylan tapped them against its surface as she drove her point home. "Let's make this our goal--more tranquility, less hostility."

Again there was a collective silence until Elena broke it with a jubilant 'preach sister' and began clapping. The remaining pairs of hands at their table soon joined hers. Customers from other tables looked toward them curiously as did Beverly when she walked up to the group. She asked if she had missed something while Lindsay rose and stepped over to Adriana, giving her a hug and whispering that she was sorry for her behavior. Dylan was correct. Although she didn't like her friend's choice in a life partner she didn't have to be so vocal about it.

"Ah, Lin and Adriana just had a slight disagreement," Elena answered the standing woman. "Please sit down and let's check out these menus so we can order. I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but I'm starving!" Every head at the table nodded, some mouths murmuring agreement.

Once the waiter had took their orders, Lindsay slid a ten dollar bill over to her girlfriend, asking if she would walk to the convenience store around the corner to buy her a Monster energy drink. Nancy incredulously looked between her and the money lying on the table.

"Are you serious? There's a full bar here with many beverages to select from and you want me to walk a block to get you a Monster?"

Lindsay smiled despite the scowl directed at her. "Yes. Please darlin'. And I like lo-carb, okay? Only twenty calories per can."

She still refrained from touching the money. "May I ask you what's suddenly wrong with your legs? They were working just fine earlier."

"Have you forgotten our motto that quickly? More tranquility, less hostility Nancy."

Nancy started to say something more hostile and less tranquil, but she didn't want to cause a scene. Instead she snatched the money and stood up to leave. " Fine, I'll go get the drink, but I'm keeping the change because I'm considering it my service fee."

When Nancy departed the restaurant, Dylan gave the young woman's partner a light kick to the shin underneath the table. "What the hell was that about? She's your girlfriend, not your servant Lin."

Lindsay wordlessly dropped a square blue ring box in front of her inquisitive friend. Dylan first stared at the jewelry box and then picked it up without opening it. "Is this what I think it is?" Eyes around the table stared in stupefaction, mouths hanging open. Did the used to be known as Sexy Stud actually have an engagement ring?

Visibly nervous, Lindsay softly sighed. "Look inside."

Dylan opened the box confirming that an engagement ring was indeed tucked inside. Three platinum set princess-cut diamonds sparkled beautifully on a yellow gold band. Inside the band was an inscription--'Marry Me'. When Dylan read it aloud the group oohed and aahed with Adriana and Elena getting up to come get a better look at the ring. Beverly had to roll her eyes yet she admitted (only to herself--inwardly) that it was a gorgeous piece of jewelry.

The box closed, Dylan held it within her grasp as she looked toward her friend in wonder. "Thought you would never ask," she reverently began. "Yes Lindsay. The answer is a resounding yes! I will marry you!" The resulting giggles were almost as loud as their earlier clapping.

Lindsay feigned shock. "You will?" She turned to Layne, putting an arm around her shoulder. "And what do you think of this sugar? Your baby's other mama has just agreed to become my old ball and chain?" With some quick footwork she managed to miss Dylan's next attempted kick.

"That's terrific Lin." The blonde started to smile. "If you need some entertainment I'd be delighted to sing at the wedding or the reception."

"Mighty kind. Do you happen to know that song Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Grinning, she made it a point to glance in Beverly's direction. "It's a song by Elton John." The third kick met its target. So did the Sweet 'N Low packet Adriana threw at her forehead, which was much less lethal than the salt and peppershakers would have been. Beverly smiled for the first time since arriving at the table. "You're being a hypocrite Tate. I'm certain that kickin' people falls underneath the category of hostility."

Dylan thoughtfully nodded. "Probably. Sorry."

"Accepted."

"When are you going to propose?" Elena inquired.

"I intended to do it at the parade, but since Nancy looked like she wanted my head on a platter when she stomped outta here, I think I'm gonna have to bump it up to tonight. I'll pop the question at Pink Saturday." An image of a less hostile Nancy appeared in her mind. "Ya know, I can't imagine ever lovin' anyone half as much as her. The thought of spendin' the next forty plus years with one person doesn't scare me so much anymore, so if Nancy lets me I might as well make an honest woman out of her." Further oohs and aahs ensued.

~~~~~~~~~~

Despite Layne clinging to her, Dylan successfully unlocked the apartment door. Half carrying the inebriated muralist they shuffled inside the younger woman's home. Illuminating the living room, Dylan decided to pick her up and just carry her to the bedroom, because otherwise it might take them until sunrise.

Inside the mostly quiet blonde's bedroom, she pulled back the covers and gently set her cargo on top of the fitted sheet. She stood there for a moment as Layne wavered back and forth as though she would topple to her side. Within a few moments her friend was content that she could stay upright.

While going through Layne's dresser drawers searching for nightclothes, she had to snicker to herself about how the usually sensible woman ended up in this condition. She wasn't precisely sure how it came to be, but at one point during the evening at the Pink Saturday bash Layne and Elena participated in an impromptu tequila contest with twelve other people. The host and money holder of the contest explained that it cost twenty dollars to enter and the person to drink the most tequila shots within three minutes was the winner and would receive the pot. If more than one person emptied the same amount of shot glasses then they split the money. Lucky for her, Elena was in the lead all by herself, happily stuffing an extra $260 in her wallet. Although she lost, Layne had come in fifth place out of the group of fourteen.

Droopy gray eyes watched while Dylan pulled her shoes and socks off, a folded nightshirt lying next to her to be shortly put on. Her mouth felt dry so the blonde licked and smacked her lips before she spoke, her speech slurred yet Dylan could understand her.

"It was lotso fun." Layne smiled, obediently raising her arms so her shirt could be pulled off. "I had a blast."

Dylan returned the smile as she reached behind the younger woman to unhook her bra. "Hearing that makes me happy. You're a proficient limbo player." She tried her best to ignore perky breasts once their bra was removed. Staring was only allowed when the blonde was sober, which fortunately was 99.9% of the time. Grabbing the nightshirt, she helped her to put it on, relieved when they had Layne's chest fully covered.

"I'm flex…flex ball." She laughed falling backward with her feet still planted on the carpet. "Y'know what I mean Dyl. Dilly Willy!" She laughed harder because in her state the comic's new nickname was so clever and humorous.

"Yes, I'm picking up what you're putting down." Reaching underneath the nightshirt she unzipped her friends pants and then tugged them off, now trying not to think. Don't you dare fantasize about what her flexibleness could help her to do! She had to get Layne in the bed and then get out of there before she did something stupid. She had an unspoken rule. Something could only happen between she and another woman when they were both either sober or drunk together.

A couple of minutes later Layne was tucked underneath the covers. Her eyes were closed so Dylan placed a light kiss on her forehead and moved to turn off the lamp when she heard her name. Layne was probably too intoxicated to comprehend her sigh.

"Yes sweetheart?"

Eyes reopened, she tried to stroke the woman's cheek but missed, her palm falling on the blanket. "I love you."

You would have to finally say that when you're drunk and will undoubtedly forget your profession in a few hours when the alcoholic fog is lifted from your brain. Just my luck. Dylan put a smile on her face, succeeding in stroking Layne's cheek. "And I love you. So much."

Her eyes began to droop again. "Love was in the air tonight, huh? Nancy…Lin…gonna get married."

"They're an adorable couple." Smiling, Dylan settled on the edge of the bed thinking about the moment Lindsay finally gathered her courage to pop the question. Their group gathering for dinner at a restaurant near the party, she abruptly got down on one knee in front of Nancy while their table waited for the desserts to be delivered. The count was lost on how many times Nancy said 'yes', her body trembling with excitement as she cried, her fiancée gathering her into her arms, tears in her eyes as well.

The brunette looked down, watching as eyelids shielded those pretty gray eyes. "Goodnight Layne," she whispered, again reaching for the light switch. Her fingers were within two inches of it when Layne assured her that she wasn't sleep yet.

"Are you gonna go bye-bye?"

Dylan grinned despite her desire to leave. The muralist sounded like a five-year-old with that question. "Yes, sweetheart. So you can get some rest."

"I can't rest if you stay?" Layne retorted, vaguely smiling.

"You want me to stay?" Conflicted, she wanted her to reply with a 'yes' and a 'no'.

The blonde's head created a deeper dent in the pillow beneath it when she nodded while patting the empty side of her bed. When Dylan announced that she would sleep on the couch, Layne patted the bed again.

"Stay." Pat, pat, pat. "Here. There's room."

The comic gazed toward the vacant side with longing and trepidation. Longing won the battle within. "Okay." Standing, Dylan began to peel off her clothing while reminding herself to stay on her side of the bed. Every part of her anatomy would remain on her side. The bed was spacious enough to make that simple to accomplish. In her boxer briefs and borrowing a T-shirt from her friend's collection she settled on her side, pulling the covers up to her chest. Then she realized that the lamp was still burning.

"Layne could you turn the light off?" Obtaining no answer she leaned over, softly chuckling when she discovered that Layne had finally went to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Showered and dressed, Dylan returned to her friend's apartment the next morning a few minutes before nine o'clock to find her in the kitchen also dressed. Seated at the breakfast table, Layne's expression was one of misery as she sipped inky black coffee. If this was a hangover headache how must a migraine feel? She figured that she wouldn't be able to take that and would quickly perish. Slowly looking up, she waved two fingers at her visitor.

"Morning sweetheart," Dylan greeted, keeping her voice soft so she wouldn't make the woman's headache any worse. Putting a Thermos on the table she poured herself a cup of coffee, almost soundlessly pulled out a chair and sat down. She smiled upon looking at Layne's T-shirt. They had decided to wear the shirts that Layne purchased for them yesterday to show off at the parade today. Both lacked the courage to wear one of the more scandalous shirts, knowing that Madeline would see them. Neither might live to see Monday. Scratch that-- they wouldn't make it until Sunday afternoon.

Layne's choice was a fitted white T-shirt with a pair of bright blue eyes on the front. Underneath them was written 'I See Gay People', undoubtedly homage to M. Night Shyamalan's movie The Sixth Sense. Along with her deliciously clingy shirt she wore hip hugger blue jeans. Dylan's shirt was in a baseball jersey style, white with blue ¾ length sleeves. It read 'My parents said that I could become anything, so I became a LESBIAN'. The words 'my' through 'a' matched the blue in her sleeves while 'lesbian' had been capitalized, the pride colors blended through it. Dylan had started to wear a pair of jeans, but at the last moment decided on khaki pants.

Grabbing her Thermos, she twisted the cap off and then slid the dark container over to her friend. "Drink this. Fast."

The word fast made Layne instantly suspicious. She forced herself to raise her head and look across the small table. For a couple of seconds there were two Dylan's, and then they thankfully merged. The blonde inwardly swore for the thousandth time that she would never drink so much again. "Why fast? What is it?" She was afraid to sniff its contents. The smell alone might send her to the porcelain goddess again. Good thing toothpaste didn't bother her, because Layne had brushed enough times with it that morning.

"I can't provide you with the information on what it is exactly, but it's a magical hangover elixir, one I learned many years ago in college. All you really need to know is that it will eradicate that 'I feel like shit' feeling you're obviously suffering with. It's paramount for you to drink it fast because the taste is nasty as sin. You can't sip the M.H.E. like coffee. Just get it down like you're on that show Fear Factor." Layne remained skeptical. "Trust me honey. It'll work."

Layne wrapped her hands around the Thermos, taking a deep breath as she prepared to drink something labeled nasty as sin. "I've never had a hangover. Now that I know what one feels like, at least I can be assured that I'll never become an alcoholic."

Dylan softly chuckled. "You're all kinds of virgins."

Smirking, Layne raised the M.H.E. to her mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wearing the 'My Mommies Love Me' sweatshirt her grandma purchased for her along with the cutest little pair of blue jeans, Robin admired the freshly painted multicolored butterfly on the back of her hand. It was difficult to sit still so the nice man could create the image, but the beautiful butterfly was worth it. Although they had admired it before, Robin raised her hand for Layne and Dylan's appraisal. With her settled on Layne's lap, Dylan leaned over to lightly kiss her hand.

"You look gorgeous Robbie, but I don't think I really need to tell you that. You must behold your beauty in the mirror everyday." She winked and the baby giggled. "What ya reading sweetie? Someplace you'd like to go?" They were currently in one of the more family oriented sections of the festival. Called the Family Garden, it was the perfect atmosphere for children, and for the last hour or so the three of them--especially Robin-- had a ball. They couldn't decide which she had enjoyed more--the parade or the Family Garden. The myriad of colors and extraordinary costumes had her laughing gleefully and clapping her hands while people and floats moved down the street. Oliver had brought a video camera and taped the entire parade, promising Robin that she would get a copy.

Nodding, Layne tapped the brochure with a finger. "What's Leather Alley?"

Fortunately Dylan had finished her soda a few minutes ago. Otherwise, she might have choked if her friend asked that while she was in the midst of drinking. "You're interested in that?"

Layne looked up curiously. "Should I not be? Not much information about it here. Sounds like it would be a great place to purchase clothing. I know it's summer now--not hot yet but summer-- and I'd love to get a leather jacket to wear starting in the fall. Perhaps the kind with a length…" She cocked her head to the side while staring at Dylan. "What are you laughing for?"

Dylan apologized, wiping at her dampened eyes. She responded after taking a couple of deep breaths. "Are you interested in being…" The brunette trailed off, noticing identical blue eyes watching her. Again she leaned over, this time to cover Robin's innocent ears. "Are you interested in being or learning how to be a stellar top or bottom, to spank, flog or confine someone with objects such as rope, handcuffs, leather monogloves?" When she removed her hands, Layne replaced them with her own. A tiny scowl on her face, Robin would have asked them why they were diminishing her hearing capabilities if she were able to form a perfect sentence.

"I'm variable so being a top or bottom is fine with me, but no I'm not interested in learning anymore than I already do on the subject. Spanking seems simple, like something I could already do, so no. Flogging is definitely not my cup of tea. As for restraining, don't feel I need to be educated. Done the first, would be open to the second and have no idea what the third object is and don't think I want to know. Sounds complicated. I get it--Leather Alley is all about the kinky and sexual fetishes. Nope, my interest has taken a nosedive." Layne paused while lowering her hands from the baby's ears. Robin cooed with approval. "What? What is that look?" At least she wasn't laughing any longer, but Layne couldn't decipher that expression.

Dylan blinked, shook her head and then blinked again. She would be a top or a bottom, she wasn't opposed to spanking or handcuffing and she had tied someone up! So many questions. How and where had Layne tied someone with rope and how many partners had she practiced with? Did she enjoy it? Was she skilled at making a variety of knots? The comic shook herself out of her reverie just in time to view the blonde's knowing smirk.

"It happened close to a decade ago, she had a lot of toys designated for adults and she asked me to restrain her. I chose the rope. Not that I didn't enjoy myself, but I never did it again due to us breaking up a week later because I discovered that she was insane and addicted to her big girl toys and really wanted me to join her in that addiction. I'm all for spicing things up but she was one step away from asking me to hang from her chandelier." Dylan bit down hard on her lip. "It's alright. Laugh." Layne had barely cracked a smile before her friend took advantage of her permission. Although she hadn't been following their conversation, Robin joined in on her aunt's mirth.

~~~~~~~~~~

July 27th 2006

Mason stood near the front door just in case she decided to take her aggression out on him. Close to the door, hopefully he would have enough of a head start to make a run for it. Unfortunately, his bicycle was leaning against the couch. The courier wasn't brave enough to walk over and get it right now.

Swear words flew from her mouth as Dylan created a mess in her living room searching for the week's worth of comic strips, which was Mason's responsibility to mail. Growling low in her throat, the frazzled woman ran long fingers through her hair while she stared at her unusually disorganized desk. Obviously, they weren't there. So where had she misplaced them?

"Son of a bitch," she muttered, walking over to the couch and pulling the cushions out. Unfortunately, she only found a stale cool ranch Doritos chip, a marker she lost last week and a dime. Dylan tossed the marker in the direction of her desk and pocketed the dime.

"Um, Dylan?"

"What Mason?" She kept her eyes on the couch as if she expected the strips to materialize.

"Maybe the exasperation you feel isn't because of the missing strips." His client sent him an icy glare. Reaching up to his close shaven blond head, Mason rubbed his palm over the soft fuzz, which oddly had a way of comforting him--until today. "Is something else bothering you?"

Dylan threw her hands up in the air, a rough breath escaping her lips. "Just spill it Mason. Obviously you have something to get off your chest."

Since the courier had fallen mute, she continued talking. "I guess losing seven days worth of strips that I worked my ass off to create isn't enough to be pissed about, right?" She paced the length of her couch several times. "Where are they? This isn't right...I need them! They can't…they can't go away. I don't know what I'll do if they did." Dylan's voice broke toward the end of her frantic mini speech. Clearing her throat she collapsed onto the couch where she sat lower than usual because she had neglected to return the cushions to their rightful positions and crushed the chip underneath her right buttock. She didn't bother to rectify this. It didn't matter.

Although walking as if he were in a slow motion flick, Mason moved toward the couch, parking on the arm of it. "Sure we're still talking about the strips?" The young courier would have reached out to provide her with a hopefully consoling touch, but he didn't want to risk pulling back a stump. Luckily, she didn't feel the need to glare at him again.

"Of course! What else?!" And then she had a revelation. Springing from the couch, Dylan grabbed her keys and informed Mason that she would be back in a minute as she went out the door. She returned in six minutes with the thick portfolio containing her comics. She remembered that she had let Layne take them back to her apartment to read because her friend enjoyed reading them before they were mailed off for printing. Since Layne wasn't home, she had to call and ask her where the strips were.

"Layne had them," Dylan commented, handing the portfolio to Mason.

He tapped his heart with two fingers. "What else of yours does Layne have?" The courier asked, unintentionally sounding like a younger Dr. Phil. Oh, the icy glare had just made a comeback! It was time to make like a banana and split! Mason made a production out of checking his watch. "Oh, look at the time! I should get in motion. So many packages to pick up and drop off, so little time!" He was the only person in the room smiling and his was barely a smile. "Um, later Dylan." At least she waved as he walked out.

Damn, she might have a total meltdown if Layne and Robin leave next month. It's gonna be fun picking up those packages!

~~~~~~~~~~

August 1st 2006

It was official. As of that morning a judge finalized Robin's adoption and she was now legally Layne's daughter. The hearing, which went smoothly, took half an hour with Layne, Robin, Dylan, Madeline, Angela and Layne's attorney and social worker in attendance.

That evening all of them minus the attorney met up at a restaurant for a congratulatory dinner. Angela's husband Michael, their brood, Oliver, Jimmy and Reggie joined them.

Seated at the banquet table sipping a glass of celebratory champagne, Dylan sent the band playing tonight a glare. She swore that she would be tempted to throw each and every one of them from the nearest window if they played one more love song. Didn't they know anything that wasn't romantically based? Okay, so it wasn't right to blame them for her bad mood and to fantasize about tossing them out of windows. She realized this, but she still didn't want to hear romantic ballads claiming how beautiful love was. Yes, love could be beautiful but it could also be unrequited and that type of love sucked. It sucked royally.

People clapped as the band's latest cover song ended. Dylan groaned into the cloth napkin she used to wipe away the tickling bubbles from her upper lip. Someone--she wasn't sure who this 'someone' was, but someone must have thought it was hilarious to tease her. The band started singing about unrequited love with The Temptations hit single Just My Imagination. Usually Dylan enjoyed hearing the song, but tonight not so much. Maybe she would throw herself out of a window.

Sitting on her left, Evangeline tapped her on the shoulder. "Dylan would you dance with me?"

Turning toward her, Dylan found a brief smile touching her lips. "Your husband won't mind?"

The social worker searched her surroundings as if her spouse of twenty-two years would appear. "No, he won't mind. And if he did, he's not here to protest." She grinned. "Though he might enjoy watching me dance with another woman. Especially one as pretty as you."

Dylan blushed and chuckled at the same time. "In that case, let's get on the floor." Standing up, she took hold of Evangeline's hand and began to lead her away. When they reached the crowded dance floor, Dylan noticed Layne and Jimmy already there moving in time with the music together. She frowned over her dance partner's shoulder. If her cousin's hand drifted just a bit lower she would have to toss him out of the window too. Damn it, just rename me Dylan the Grouch. I'm annoying my own self!

"So Dylan, I see you haven't made any progress huh?" The social worker smiled gently. "What's going on there?"

"With Layne?" Her eyes temporarily drifted to the woman in question. Catching her gaze the blonde smiled with a great dose of cheer, most likely oblivious to Dylan's inner turmoil.

"Yes."

The brunette shrugged. "Nothing." Unfortunately. "She and Robbie are headed back to NYC next week."

"She loves you."

Dylan twirled Evangeline and then smoothly brought her back into her arms. "Did she tell you that?"

"Didn't have to. I can tell just by looking at her. Looking at the way she looks at you."

"Hmm. Could I borrow your eyes?" She wanted to believe that, but Layne wasn't giving her much to hope for.

The social worker chuckled. "No, sorry won't loan them to you. Blue suits you much better."

~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow was D-day. Departure. Layne and Robin's departure from San Francisco and their departure from her. Turning her pillow cushioned head, Dylan checked out the time. 11:29 p.m. If only she could freeze 11:29. She shook her head. No, that wouldn't work. They would remain in San Francisco yet they would be frozen. If only SFO would shut down early tomorrow morning for a non-lethal reason, therefore grounding all planes.

Dylan rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. There was about a snowball's chance of that occurring. And even if it did, Layne would probably book a bus or train ticket. She and Robin couldn't drive to New York in her truck because she paid for it to be shipped last week. She used UPS to ship the bulk of hers and the baby's belongings. Her next door neighbor called Friday to assure Layne that the boxes had arrived safely and that they would be waiting inside her garage to be picked up whenever the muralist returned.

11:34 now. Dylan concluded that she wasn't about to drift off to sleepy land, so she pushed the covers back, exited the bed and made a beeline for the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. If she couldn't sleep than she would do something productive like work on the sequel to her first comic book. Scrapping most of what she had created months ago, she was now on page five. Last week Jimmy had been delighted to learn that his cousin was at least working on her book again, even if she did have a long way to go.

While she waited for her coffee, she walked back through the living room and down the hall to Robin's nursery where the baby slept off her final night in San Francisco. Tomorrow she would start her new life as a New Yorker. Dylan hoped that she loved it there although she didn't want her to leave.

Easing the door open, Dylan tiptoed toward the crib. The variety of stars and moons on her mobile shed enough light for her aunt to see her face, little pink lips appearing pouty as she slept. Smiling, Dylan reached inside the crib to caress her cheek with two fingers. Now she had a difficult time understanding how she didn't fall for Robin the moment she first saw her face. November seemed like such a long time ago.

"Hey my little princess," the proud aunt whispered, eyes filled with both love and unshed tears. "I'm going to miss you terribly when you and your mama leave tomorrow, but I'll be visiting so much that you'll get sick of me. In fact, I don't think I can even wait until Thanksgiving to fly over. Maybe Halloween so I can take pictures of adorable you in your costume to tease you with when you become a teenager. Tease you in the most loving way of course." Dylan smiled through the tears falling down her cheeks.

"I love you Robbie. You arrived on my doorstep at the end of November, but I consider you to be the best Christmas present that I've ever received. You and your mama Layne are so precious to me." A soft kiss on the baby's cheek and Dylan quietly left the room. She was halfway to the kitchen when her doorbell rang. The first person she thought of who could be standing on the other side was a certain gorgeous blonde neighbor.

Hurrying toward the bathroom, Dylan ran her fingers through her hair to bring some order to it and then ran for the door, barely missing stubbing her bare foot on the couch. She suffered a slight case of déjà vu when she opened the door to find that no one was there. She slowly looked downward, breathing a sigh of relief when she found an empty doorstep. A soft chuckle brought her head up and toward the left where Layne stood. A few steps away she must have decided to leave when her ring wasn't immediately answered.

"Thought for a second there that another one of your ex's left you a bundle?"

Dylan found herself chuckling too. "The thought did cross my mind for a second, yes. What's going on? You can't sleep?" Unlike the comic, she was fully dressed in jeans and a purple NYU sweatshirt.

"No, so I took a chance that you were still up and…" She indicated Dylan's state of dress--plaid boxer shorts and a T-shirt that had noticeably seen the inside of a washer many times. A faded blue it had built in air conditioning with a couple of tiny holes. Yes, the T-shirt was an oldie but a goodie. "Obviously I got you out of bed and I'm sorry--this was silly. I'll see you in the morning." Layne turned to leave but the other woman quickly called her back.

"Actually I wasn't asleep and I wasn't in bed. I couldn't sleep either so I was already up putting on some coffee. Why don't you come inside and I'll pour you a cup?"

"No coffee, thanks."

"Okay. Anything else I can get you?" She grew curious when the blonde seemed to hesitate in answering what should have been a simple question.

"Um…probably."

One eyebrow rising, Dylan wore a quizzical smile. "Do you intend on sharing what that is? Whatever it is, if I have it I'll give it to you."

"You will?" Layne began moving toward the apartment keeping eye contact with the woman standing in such a position that she blocked access to the inside. Standing in front of Dylan she looked up. "And if I have something for you would you accept it?" This whispered question caused the butterflies within Dylan's stomach to awaken.

"In a heartbeat," the brunette responded in a whisper. She didn't understand where this conversation was going, but she was ten times as curious as she was when she first opened the door. She couldn't believe that she didn't melt or at least faint when Layne wrapped her arms around her neck right before she softly confessed.

"I want to give you me for tonight Dylan. Could I?" Since she forgot how to speak, the comic nodded instead. Her hands on the taller woman's chest, Layne gently pushed until she received the clue and began walking backward into the apartment. Securing the door, she pushed again until Dylan's back was pressed against the wall next to the door. Unconsciously, she rubbed tense shoulders as she searched blue eyes for signs of doubt. "Do you want this Dylan?"

"No offense sweetheart but that's a really obtuse question." She grinned in hopes of removing the sting from her response. And hey deep down there's a compliment in there.

Gray eyes narrowed. "You calling me dumb Tate?"

The grin spread. "I called your question dumb, not you…Bishop. You're smart as a whip." Her hands resting on Layne's waist, she prayed that this wasn't a dream. It didn't feel like a dream. Layne felt too wonderful to be a dream. Dylan's nostrils flared slightly as she breathed in her scent. She smelled too intoxicating, too exotic to be a dream. A blend of mixed berries, peaches and pineapple clung to her soft skin. However, if this was a dream she sent an extra prayer that she wouldn't awaken anytime soon.

She touched her forehead to Layne's, eyes closed as she deeply inhaled. "Yes Layne, I want this," she confirmed in a hushed tone. "I want--no, I need you." Dylan kept her eyes shut when a tender mouth brushed against hers. It performed the pleasurable action three times before the brunette drew it in for a more thorough kiss. The word 'bedroom' had never sounded so beautiful as it did when the muralist whispered it into her ear.

Her thoughts focused on what they would do once they reached their destination, Dylan hardly remembered the jaunt there. While her friend lingered near the bed she checked the baby monitor, quickly ascertaining that it was properly working. Dylan felt like she had drank a bucket full of coffee already. She reminded herself that there was nothing to be nervous about. Although it had been eight and a half months since her last sexual encounter, sex was like riding a bicycle--once learned, never forgotten.

Realization threading its way to the forefront, Dylan slowly placed the baby monitor back on her nightstand. So that was the problem. Her past encounters with women had all revolved solely around the sex. She wasn't familiar with making love because until Layne she had never been in love. Made total sense--scared the crappola out of her. Eyes shut she tapped long fingers on the monitor. This continued until the blonde walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around the taller woman.

"What thoughts are inside that head?" Layne gently inquired, stroking a taut stomach. "Changed your mind?"

A 'no' was uttered with much vigor. "Just thinking." Dylan shuddered thanks to the mouth kissing the middle of her back through the thin T-shirt.

"About?"

"You."

"And?" That mouth traveled higher making the owner of the T-shirt wish that she no longer had it on.

"And…" Dylan turned to face the woman who she would be overjoyed to spend the rest of her days on this earth with. "And how much I want to make love with you."

Smiling, Layne rested her hands on the comic's shoulders. "That's something we have in common."

"You want to make love with you too?" Her nerves beginning to settle down, Dylan chuckled in response to her friend's expected smirk. "There is something I'd like to see."

On tiptoes, Layne smacked her lips. "Why don't you see your way to that bed?"

"That's an easy enough request." However, despite the confidence in her words Dylan's feet refused to budge. Obviously, some of those nerves remained. Dylan you've never made love before but you're far away from your days as a virgin. Snap out of it! The internal scolding didn't help so Layne decided to nudge her toward the bed, gently pushing until the comic was seated on the side of it. Dylan looked up with an every tooth visible smile in place. "Here I am!"

"Very good!" Chuckling, Layne shook her head while she stood in front of the nervous woman. "You sure you're ready for this?" Dylan closed her eyes when she started to brush her hand back and forth across her cheek. "We don't have to. I'd be happy to just cuddle with you."

One blue eye peeked open. "Now that's something we don't have in common," she replied with a faint grin. "Although I'm pro cuddling there's another activity I'd like to indulge in first."

Smiling softly, Layne ceased stroking her cheek only to begin lightly tracing her lips with an index finger. Those lips parted as if they desired to draw that digit inside. "Then I suppose we should stop talking so much."

Dylan agreed with a wordless nod. Her thighs parted as Layne walked up further to the bed. Using her hands for balance, Dylan leaned backward and watched mesmerized as the muralist started to remove her sweatshirt, her heart racing more with each bit of tantalizing skin revealed. She checked her mouth for drool while admiring the push up bra, although in her opinion Layne didn't need that feature. When the blonde reached for her fly Dylan pushed her hands away.

"Allow me to do that." She wondered if Layne caught the breathlessness in her tone. Instructing her hands not to tremble, she unbuttoned and then seemingly in slow motion unzipped the jeans exposing an embroidered lilac satin thong, which perfectly matched the bra. I love it when Victoria decides to reveal one of her numerous secrets.

Instead of pulling the pants down and discarding them like was expected of her, Dylan began to rain kisses on the exposed flat tummy, beginning just below the velvety cups of the bra and leisurely trailing her lips down to a bellybutton, which she couldn't help but to explore with her tongue. Layne's response was a sharp intake of breath as the tongue slipped in and out of and around her navel. She was ready to tug the jeans off herself by the time Dylan moved on to her abdomen, tickling her along the waistband of the thong with that fleshy inquisitive organ.

The blonde was about to step back to remove the cumbersome jeans when the comic hooked her fingers into the sides and pulled them down her legs. Once they reached her ankles, Layne kicked them off. Before she could do anything else, Dylan had slid to her knees resuming her sweet torture with her mouth bypassing the thong and moving to an inner thigh. When her tongue swirled around a small area of skin the younger woman softly moaned, her fingers finding themselves immersed in dark hair. She had to release the long tendrils when Dylan's attentions took her further down the shapely leg. She didn't stop until she reached the inside of Layne's ankle and then switched to the other leg, slowly beginning her trek upward. Layne's legs had begun to wobble by the time that warm mouth nibbled at the apex of her thigh, having her hoping that she wouldn't fall on the floor.

Layne had enough of being on her feet when a pair of lips started nuzzling the crotch of her panties. Her fingers returned to Dylan's head, lightly massaging. "Dyl, your bed. Please." The moment that the tall woman stood up Layne reached for the end of her T-shirt and tugged upward. The brunette obediently raised her arms to make undressing her easier. Her friend would never recall dropping the shirt as her eyes were riveted to Dylan's naked chest. She yearned to touch but her hands were suddenly frozen at her sides. Within seconds assistance was offered to her when the comic reached for her right hand and placed it over her left breast. She stroked Layne's wrist for a moment before letting go to see what she would do.

Layne was responsible for the soft moan leaving Dylan's mouth when she flicked a blunt thumbnail over the nipple, which positively responded. Because the sound was pleasing to her ears, she repeated the brief action. That time she received a moan and her name was whispered. Lifting her left hand, Layne graced the other breast with some attention, alternating between using her thumbnail and rolling the nipple between her thumb and forefinger.

"Sweetheart…you had a brilliant idea."

"I did?" The blonde distractedly replied, beginning to knead the warm heaving flesh within her palms.

Dylan nodded, jabbing a thumb at her bed. "You, me and the bed need to become acquainted." With a deep breath she placed her hands on either side of Layne's face, the hands on her chest pausing in their exploration only to inch toward her shoulders as her head lowered, moistened lips her target. "Immediately." The kiss wasn't a feather light brushing of their mouths; it wasn't a wisp of things to come. Dylan kissed her as though it were the final time that their lips would bond. It wasn't the last but the end was drawing near. This time tomorrow those sweet lips would be on the other side of the United States. Thinking of this had Dylan wrapping her arms around Layne, holding on tight while a kiss on the verge of being frantic deepened.

Discarding the remainder of their clothing, the pair at last made it into the bed. Unclothed bodies barely touching the cool sheets when their mouths reconnected, legs tangled, hands caressing every easily accessible part of one another. Gently prodded to lie on her back once Dylan's mouth abandoned hers, Layne's eyes drifted closed as she concentrated on the tender mouth moving along her jaw line and down her neck where it discovered a pulse point racing with a dollop of nervousness yet an abundance of anticipation.

Soon those lips departed from her neck and she moaned at the feel of Dylan's body brushing against hers as the brunette moved downward. Warm breath falling on the valley between her breasts gave Layne a great indication of where she planned to taste next. She opened her eyes when Dylan softly called her name.

"Don't keep those dazzling eyes closed sweetheart," Dylan pleaded while rubbing her hands along the smaller woman's sides. "Watch me love you." She winked in response to Layne's silent nod. However, the muralist broke her silence when she felt more than puffs of air between her breasts. Attaining a grasp on the back of Dylan's head, she moaned while a tongue laved the velvety skin. Her hold on the dark head tightened as Dylan's tongue began switching back and forth between each breast either suckling a nipple or sampling the pinkish areola. Reflexively, she arched her back offering more of her breasts to Dylan's voracious mouth.

Needing to taste more, Dylan soon moved further south showering her stomach with kisses and making sure to revisit that navel before she went lower drawing her legs up and underneath her so they wouldn't hang off the bed. Layne's legs hooked over her shoulders she gazed toward a triangle of blonde dampness. Leaning in she inhaled the combination of fruity scents along with Layne's natural musky essence, which Dylan noted with satisfaction had begun to overwhelm. She nuzzled and placed light kisses on her lover's exterior until she felt an encouraging hand on the back of her head. Meeting Layne's beseeching eyes she produced a half smile.

"Could I help you Layne?" She thought she heard a growl yet it could have been her imagination.

Raising her head, the blonde bit her lower lip, watching Dylan's mouth hover just above where she needed it most. "You could." Tiny shivers ripped through her every time the comic exhaled onto her mound.

"How could I?" Her hands on Layne's stomach, the brunette started a leisurely rub, fingers moving in small circles.

"Dyl, please." She hoped to successfully hint at what she desired with a quick hip jerk.

With steady eye contact Dylan lowered her mouth, her bottom lip grazing swollen labia when she spoke. "You want me to taste you baby?" She flicked her tongue against Layne before she could answer. A gasp preceded the reply.

The muralist nodded. "I crave you Dylan. Please." When a tongue teased the length of her, she began to close her eyes when she remembered her silent promise to watch. And she would watch until that moment when she could no longer concentrate and Layne was definite that as long as she had fantasized about making love with Dylan it wouldn't be long.

When a tongue began thrusting into her she spoke yet it was a language that she had just created so neither of them could figure out its translation. However, based on the way that the unintelligible words sounded she was headed toward a blissful place. Her hips moving upward, Layne pressed herself into Dylan's mouth while losing the will to observe. Half hooded gray eyes peered toward the ceiling and a heart pounded as she neared the cusp of her blissful place. Releasing the dark head, Layne grabbed handfuls of the bedding, moaning between soft pants. She was sure that her orgasm would be imminent within the next few seconds when Dylan stopped. Layne waited a moment, certain that she would continue. The muralist was wrong.

"Dyl?" She raised her head, looking at the blue eyes gazing up at her face. She thought she noticed Dylan's mouth turning upward into a grin, but it dissipated too quickly. "Is something--" She immediately shut up when Dylan started to shift around. '

Settling her lower body between the blonde's now outstretched legs, Dylan held her upper half above Layne, a hand braced next to her head. A fascinated young woman followed the free hand slipping between Dylan's legs, adept fingers parting her folds. Layne whimpered, zeroing in on the evidence of her lover's arousal. Envious of what the tongue peeking from the full lips above her had already done, she wanted a sample as well. No, she wanted to devour.

"Not yet baby," Dylan uttered, somehow acquiring access to her thoughts. Wearing a soft smile, the brunette slowly lowered until she was lying on top of the smaller woman, their breasts and tummies coming into perfect contact. "Am I too heavy?"

"Just right," Layne moaned, her level of pleasure soaring higher. In that moment she would have readily told Dylan that she could stay on top of her forever if she'd asked permission. A few words from her newly founded language slipped out of her mouth when Dylan began to grind her hips while she tasted an earlobe, drawing it between her teeth and bathing it with her tongue.

"Bend and part your legs wider for me," Dylan whispered against the damp ear. Layne wordlessly did as instructed, the soles of her feet resting on the bed and thighs wide open on either side of Dylan's rear. "Mm, much better sweetheart." Again, she reached between them and opened herself before pressing into the blonde, their slickness making it easy to glide against each other.

For a moment Layne thought that her eyes were about to roll back in her head at the feel of Dylan's sex thrusting into her own. Nothing had ever felt that incredible. Sliding her hands down the other woman's back, she cupped her backside, giving the cheeks a squeeze. She moaned into the mouth that covered hers, their bodies glistening with perspiration in the lamplight flooding Dylan's bed.

When the pace of their hips began to quicken, Dylan performed a pushup, keeping her upper body suspended with her palms flat against the sides of Layne's head. Arms trembling while emphatic hips rocked back and forth, Dylan watched the beautiful face before her. Lips swollen and moist from their kisses were parted, shallow breaths moving in and out of them. Eyelids tightly shut kept stunning gray eyes from view. Tiny beads of sweat dotted the hairline above a slightly furrowed brow and cheeks glowed with crimson heat. Dylan leaned down to press her lips to one.

Layne's eyes fluttered open, briefly meeting the comic's. "Dylan I…it's…"

The brunette nodded, understanding without Layne having to finish what she attempted to say. "Me too Layne." She collapsed on top of the petite woman when Layne grabbed the nape of her neck and pulled downward, crushing their lips together, greedily sucking her lover's tongue into her mouth. She wrapped her legs around Dylan as their bodies feverishly worked to deliver both to that blissful place.

It was Dylan's turn to produce the garbled language seconds before muting it when she buried her face in Layne's neck. Lips parted, her tongue stroked the skin finding its saltiness appealing.

"Bite me darling," Layne plead in a rasping voice.

That short request proved to be her undoing, the euphoric release sneaking up on her before she wanted it to. Her disappointment was short-lived as her body tensed with a series of spasms. Dylan kept her hips active, aware that Layne was right behind her. Attaching her lips to the blonde's neck, she suctioned tender skin into her mouth, declining to actually bite her since that could result in much discomfort. By the time Dylan had the area effectively reddened she felt Layne shuddering underneath her, exultant cries reaching her ears.

Immediately following them, Dylan's ears perceived a different genre of cries. "Layne? Sweetheart, are you all right?" She witnessed the tears sliding over flushed cheeks, becoming more alarmed with each passing second. "Did I hurt you?" She placed a hand against the younger woman's cheek and was somewhat quelled when Layne turned her head to give the palm a kiss. Looking up at Dylan, she smiled through the tears.

"No, you didn't hurt me. That was wonderful."

The comic agreed. "But why the tears?" Scooting over so that she was laying beside Layne, she wiped several of the tears away with her fingers.

Mirroring Dylan, she turned on her side facing the other woman. An arm draped across Dylan's hip, she leaned in to nibble her bottom lip. "Because you've taken my heart, brought it back to life, reintroduced it to warmth and made it soar. And I can't…" Layne shook her head against the pillow as another tear escaped and traveled across the bridge of her nose. "I can't explain how fortunate I am to have met someone so special as you Dylan. Everyday I wake up feeling thankful for you and Robin. I love you both so much."

Dylan attempted to blink away tears but they refused to be banished. A lump in her throat, she swallowed. "We love you too. More than I'm able to put into words." Unclothed bodies pressed together in an embrace, their lips met. Both tried to push away thoughts of their impending separation and just focus on loving each other until the sun was ready to greet them with a new day.

~~~~~~~~~~

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" She could swear that those blue eyes identical to her own were glaring at her. She threw her hands up in the air and then shrugged. "I've tried--really I have--but she's steadfast in her decision. She wants the two of you to return to New York and we should respect that. You'll grow to love it--I know you will. NYC has a lot of culture." And pollution and a high population, Dylan added within her mind. Have I mentioned that?

Her heart nearly shattered when a tiny bottom lip stuck out as if Robin understood her. "Aw Robbie, this isn't the end of the road. I promise that we'll see each other often. I'll come to New York and you and your mama will come visit me and the rest of the family." Leaning across the armrest between their chairs with her lips puckered, she smacked the baby's cheeks until Robin started to giggle. Puckering her own lips she smacked her aunt back.

Dylan grinned. "Thank you Robbie."

"Dada." Robin pointed a finger at her to assure the brunette that she was talking directly to her.

The comic was surprised, pleased and amused. Robin specified Layne as her mama two months ago, which Layne managed to document on her cell phone the second time she said it moments after the first spoken word. Dylan hadn't expected to be called anything until the baby was capable of saying her name, which she figured would happen sometime next spring.

"Me Dada?" She tapped a finger to her chest.

Bouncing in her chair, Robin clapped her hands. "Dada!" She turned toward the right watching as Layne approached, returning from her trip to the ladies room. "Mama!"

"Hey love," the blonde cooed, taking a seat on Robin's right. Running her fingers through soft dark locks she gazed toward the other woman with amusement. "Hey Dada."

Dylan chuckled. "I'm the man now. Don't you forget it baby."

Crossing one leg over the other, Layne laughed. "Oh, I won't man. I promise. But I must say that you are the most beautiful man I've ever seen. All S.F. drag queens must be green with envy."

The comic suitably blushed, her gaze drifting from Layne's face down to her neck. Gently her finger caressed the purplish area, tracing its skewed edges. "I'm sorry," Dylan whispered, filled with remorse from having caused it. Despite the remorse, flutters started in her stomach as she thought of how the mark arrived on Layne's skin and all that occurred afterward. Four times. The muralist had sent her on an exquisite voyage to heaven and back down to earth again four miraculous times. Dylan had been somewhat surprised that she was able to walk the next morning, although she had to bathe delicately in a certain location. It had been worth it. Well worth it.

Layne raised a hand to touch the bruise. "Please don't be Dyl. I asked for it didn't I?" Although she didn't need help remembering, the hickey would remind her of their lovemaking every time she looked in a mirror until it faded within the following week.

"True."

Layne sent her a smile. "So no regrets."

The dark head shook in agreement. "None at all." Dylan bit off a sigh as she checked her watch. Boarding for Layne and Robin's nonstop flight to JFK airport would be starting soon. Her heart felt heavy as she recalled that when she left the airport she would be walking alone. Dylan felt like bursting into tears right there.

She wouldn't have made it this far to wait with them since non-passengers were not allowed passed the security checkpoint, but Dylan thought in advance to purchase a one-way ticket. Yes, some would call it a waste of money but it afforded her more time with two people she loved dearly.

Robin had crawled into her lap and fallen asleep when a pleasant voice spoke over the intercom notifying passengers that boarding at Gate 72 would now commence. The baby woke up the moment Dylan stood up with her in her arms. When the comic spotted a smile created just for her from saliva glistened lips, she wondered how she was going to release her niece so that either she or Layne could place her inside the car seat. It was truly happening. They were about to leave.

Trying to keep her expression panic free, Dylan kissed the soupy lips causing that terrific smile to widen. "Okay Robbie, it's time for you and your Mama to go. Remember you love traveling in an airplane, so this should be a fun experience." She kneeled on the floor next to the car seat. "Be a good girl and take good care of your Mama, alright? I love you." Words trembling with her will not to cry in front of them, Dylan held the small body against her, rubbing circles on Robin's back. "So much." Eyes closing, she kissed the top of her head continuing the embrace a few more seconds until she managed to convince herself that she was holding them up.

Securing Robin in her car seat, she stood up and silently pulled Layne into her arms. Nuzzling her neck, she inhaled deeply trying to memorize the balmy perfume that the blonde had spritzed on. "Have a safe trip," Dylan mumbled into the warm skin. She couldn't let go. Layne might need to push her away.

"I'll call just as soon as we land at JFK," Layne quietly replied, tears pooling within her eyes. She shuddered as a mouth tenderly kissed the bruise on her neck. She originally thought when this moment arrived that it would be difficult to say goodbye and now realized that she had been incorrect. What she and obviously Dylan were going through made difficult resemble a piece of cake. Layne barely fought against the threatening tears when the other woman was the first to break the grasp they had on one another. A whispered goodbye followed with a brief touch of lips and Dylan hurried away never looking over her shoulder.

~~~~~~~~~~

A wreck she didn't feel capable of making it to her car, so Dylan headed inside Terminal 3's Burger King and ordered a coffee. She didn't want it but since she was about to occupy one of the fast food restaurant's most private booths to most likely weep she felt obligated to make a purchase. Handing Dylan the cup of hot java, the BK employee took note of her impending condition but kept silent. The brunette imagined that she was used to seeing people in or near tears at her job here within the airport--those being left or doing the leaving. And then there were the people shedding joyous tears because of being reunited with loved ones. How she wished that she were one of those people.

Hands around the heated cup, Dylan's chin rested against her chest as fat melancholy drops fell, staining the table. A neatly folded white cotton handkerchief embedded with satin stripes appeared underneath her nose. She was asked to take it and did so while looking up into a compassionate face, awestruck by eyes the color of which she couldn't pinpoint. They reminded her of a calmed ocean, stormy clouds, a thriving meadow and earth's richest soil--all concurrently.

The benevolent woman shut her mouth for her before indicating the empty booth. "Could I sit with you for a bit?"

Dylan needlessly pointed toward the booth. "Please. Thank you for the handkerchief."

"You're welcome. Keep it, I have plenty." Seated, she placed a basket filled with something unidentified on the floor. Fingertips forming a triangle on the table, her lips lifted into a comforting smile for the other woman. "Shakespeare mentioned that parting is such sweet sorrow."

Extracting the swizzle stick from her coffee, Dylan thoughtfully chewed on the tip of the skinny piece of plastic. "I'm unable to comprehend what's so sweet about it. How did you know that I've parted with someone?"

"Those reddened eyes aren't caused by allergies. I assume that either someone you love has recently boarded a plane or you're waiting to board one. Which is it?"

Although she had stopped crying for the moment another tear coursed down her cheek so Dylan used the so handkerchief to remove it, amazed at its scent. A blend of fruits the cloth reminded her so vividly of how Layne smelled last night. As though the blonde had sprayed this handkerchief with the fragrance she owned. Bringing the handkerchief underneath her nose, Dylan inhaled deeper, images from the night before filling her thoughts.

"Does that smell nice?" The woman added a wink to the end of her question.

"Uh," blushing from embarrassment, the comic put the cloth in her pocket, "yes, it's nice." She remembered the question posed a minute ago. "My friend and her daughter just left for New York."

Her acquaintance nodded. "I think what Shakespeare meant was--at least my interpretation of what he meant was that although parting ways with someone beloved is a sorrowful experience, it could be short-lived meaning that eventually you'll be reunited with your beloved." Kaleidoscope orbs melded with blue as if trying to resolve what lay behind them or convey a message. "Sometimes after we've said goodbye to someone special to us we find ourselves astounded at how expeditiously we're able to say hello again." She followed Dylan's eyes as they traveled toward the entrance. "Not that soon sweetheart." And then the saddened eyes traveled to the table between the two women.

"This isn't forever," the soft-spoken woman assured her.

"I know." Raising her head, Dylan managed a smile for her booth mate. "Thank you for stopping by to talk with me. You're very kind." Her spirits were given a jolt upward when a gentle hand caressed her cheek.

"I do my best." After returning the smile she checked her watch, voicing that she had to be leaving. "Before I go there's something I'd like to give you. I made these…" Retrieving her basket, she placed it on the table where Dylan was able to inspect its contents. The basket was filled with an assortment of origami created flowers, each with its own stem. They were crafted with such care that from a distance a person could believe that they were authentic. Disturbing her paper creations, she reached toward the bottom removing a bright yellow flower with red painted along the tips of its petals.

She twirled the stem between long fingers as she looked at Dylan. "What do you know about a yellow rose?"

"Uh…it's the flower of Texas?"

Her acquaintance shook her head while chuckling. "The state flower for Texas is the bluebonnet. A yellow rose alone can signify elation or platonic friendship. On the contrary, especially in other countries it could also mean jealousy." She waved around a dismissive hand. "But that doesn't apply here, so let's disregard that part. Now the reddened tips take this flower to another level. On its own it's mainly friendship, but the red symbolizes falling in love--two lives merging in order to begin a sparkling brand new one together. For you my friend." She held the perfect rose out for Dylan to take and was thanked in returned.

"You should present that flower to the person you love." She smiled. "And I'm not referring to a platonic love."

Instead of inquiring how this mysterious woman perceived that she was in love, Dylan simply replied, "She's on her way to New York." Twirling the origami underneath her nose she was surprised to note that its fragrance was as genuine as its appearance. Despite consisting of paper the flower smelled as though it were freshly plucked from a blooming garden. Someone took their craft seriously!

Sliding her hand across the table, she held Dylan's a few seconds. "Again it's not forever." Hand wrapped around the basket's handle, she stood up to leave smiling when the dark haired woman asked if she could have a hug. Her arms were spread wide by the time Dylan had exited the booth. The comic's spirits were bestowed another boost as a pair of strong arms engulfed her, a heartening warmth roving through her as though she had just arrived home chilled from a wintry evening and was finally able to bask in front of a roaring fireplace. A good squeeze and her new friend released her.

"Take care of yourself sweetheart." With that said she walked away, basket of origami flowers swinging at her side. Dylan watched until the woman left Burger King making a quick right and out of her line of vision.

Dylan slowly reclaimed her seat, taking a reflexive sip from her coffee while she thought about her visitor with the basket of flowers. Who was she? Did she make it a habit to approach strangers within the airport to offer comforting words and gifts? What was her name? Dylan took another sip of the strong hot liquid, her eyes on the beautiful art piece in her hand. A gentle smile tugged at her lips. The yellow rose of happiness and friendship and possibly more with the addition of crimson kissed petals.

The brunette's brow knit. A yellow rose. Rose. She glanced toward the entrance. Layne's Rose? She tried to convince herself with an adamant headshake. Couldn't be. The odds were too minimal. Sprinting out of Burger King like she had just robbed the cash register, Dylan turned toward the right searching the crowd for the origami creator. Of course, she was unable to find her.

Laughing and not fully understanding why, the comic began the long walk to her car occasionally taking a whiff from her rose. Wait until she shared this story with Layne.

~~~~~~~~~~

August 21st 2006

That morning at 8:37 she had officially reached her late thirties, which caused her to feel miserable. Well that and the fact that she couldn't share her birthday with Layne and Robin were responsible for the misery. Mainly the absence of the two caused her misery. Dylan would have stayed hidden beneath the covers of her bed all day if her friends hadn't come over to lovingly harass her into going out with them. She got up and hurried toward the shower when Lindsay threatened to toss a bucket of ice water on her and Dylan hadn't any doubt that she would follow through.

It started with the unveiling of presents in her living room (some of which her mother shall never see) before the group traveled to IHOP for a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, Dylan's friends had another surprise in store for her, which wasn't revealed until they pulled into the parking lot of one of San Francisco's most prestigious spa resorts. There they spent the day obtaining rejuvenation and being pampered--especially the birthday gal Dylan.

She had muscles massaged that she didn't realize existed and by the time her ninety minutes with the two expert masseuses was up she was so relaxed and tension free that she felt like a cooked noodle. This was followed by a facial, which lasted an hour. Dylan also hadn't realized how much time could be devoted just to a face. Hers was masked, massaged, steamed, exfoliated and moisturized. She had to admit that she was glowing afterwards.

Following a leisurely lunch at one of the resort's eating establishments, the group participated in a beginners yoga class where Dylan stretched those muscles she'd just found out about a few hours prior. Although it had been fun spending time with her friends, she was certain that she wouldn't be signing up for any yoga classes in the future.

And then her favorite part of the outing with her friends was spent at Adriana's house where they put on swimsuits and gathered into the hot tub with an assortment of fruit smoothie flavors. Beverly and Satan's di--er, her children Elton and John were nowhere to be found. Adriana threatened to drown Lindsay when she happily commented on their absence.

That evening an intimate dinner party was held at her mother's house where Dylan was given solely G-rated presents and had a blast with her closest friends and family. At the beginning of her birthday she felt miserable yet by that evening she was in a buoyant mood. Layne and Robin never strayed far from her thoughts, but she still felt like smiling and did so throughout her party. Being thirty-six wasn't so horrible and though they couldn't be here Dylan would be reunited with them before long. In the meantime she had a date with the two lovelies to look forward to via her webcam later on. Layne had text messaged her that morning to set it up to which Dylan readily agreed.


Was it her imagination or had Robin noticeably grown since the last time she saw her in person two weeks ago? Her niece had been asleep in her crib for a good while when she and Layne finally decided that they should call it a night. The comic recalled that Layne was three hours ahead of her now so it was technically the next morning there.

"So what are you gonna do now?" The blonde asked, stifling a yawn. She didn't want to leave Dylan, but her eyelids were demanding that she shut them for at least six hours.

"Hit the sheets probably."

She glanced toward the clock in the corner of her screen. "But it's 10:37 there!"

"And?" Dylan drew out the word with a smile.

The muralist started to grin into her webcam, a grin that showed nearly every tooth in her mouth. "I shouldn't have corrected you 'cause baby you are old now!"

"This is the part where I'd instruct you to bite me sweetheart, but I don't want to be offensive."

Not offended, Layne snickered.

~~~~~~~~~~

Having polished off the generous slice of birthday cake she brought home, Dylan was rummaging through her drawers for a particular pair of pajama bottoms when her doorbell rang at 11:04. Who in the world…

Hurrying toward the front door, a blue eye searched the peephole noticing a shock of wavy auburn hair framing a pretty twenty-something face. A pretty twenty-something face that the comic didn't recognize ringing her doorbell an hour before midnight. What if this was a setup? An innocent appearing young woman rings the bell of an unsuspecting person who answers and as a result armed robbers rush inside to seize their possessions.

Dylan shook her head. You've been watching too many crime flicks at night when you can't sleep. Just answer the door. The redhead pushed her doorbell again as Dylan unfastened the locks. Just in case she kept her foot pressed against the bottom of the door while holding it open about six inches and gave her visitor a polite smile.

"Could I help you?"

"Gosh, I sure hope so!" The woman laughed, sliding her hands into the back pockets of tight jeans. "I'm your neighbor Barbie from a few doors down. Just moved in last week."

"Nice to meet you Barbie." Where are Ken and Skipper? Dylan bit down on the inside of her cheek because she wanted to laugh. Beginning to trust that this wasn't a robbery, she pulled the door open some more. "Welcome. You've chosen a fine place to live. How can I help you?"

"Thanks!" The bubbly young woman bounced up and down, the full bosom inside her fitted blouse bouncing right along with her. Dylan barely noticed. "It's late I know, but I'm suffering from insomnia and thought I'd bake." She laughed again. "I wanna make chocolate chip cookies but I don't have any white sugar." Walking closer to Dylan's apartment, she leaned against the doorframe. "Think I could have some of your sugar?" Barbie inquired, her voice softening a fraction.

Dark brows skyrocketed. Was that suggestive or were her ears messing with her? Why do I feel like I've just stepped into a porno? "Um, sure you could Barbie. How much do you need?"

"How much can you spare?" Dylan's neighbor laughed--evidently she enjoyed laughing.

The brunette shrugged. "I have a large bag of the stuff so I can afford to be generous."

"A cup will be fine." She smiled, moving further into the apartment. Gazing upward into inquisitive blue eyes Barbie asked, "Would you be interested in sampling my cookies?"

All right, if that wasn't a question laced with flirtatiousness her name wasn't Dylan Tate! Inviting the vivacious redhead inside, Dylan hurried into the kitchen where she could measure out a cup of sugar and send Barbie back to her dream house. As she rifled through her drawers for the set of plastic measuring cups, she thought about how she would have reacted to her newest neighbor ringing her doorbell last year on her 35th birthday. Barbie would most likely have been out of those skintight jeans and in Dylan's bed unknowingly giving the comic her final birthday present.

The measuring cups located underneath a stack of dishtowels, Dylan poured a cupful into a Ziploc sandwich bag. As she sealed the zipper, music began to play from the living room. Had Barbie turned the stereo--no, wait. Dylan was quite familiar with that cheesy music because it was often played in one of her favorite adult DVD's. Beverly Hills Vixens? I could have sworn I packed that one in the box! And even if she had neglected to, what was Barbie doing going through her belongings and popping it into the DVD player?

Leaving the bag of sugar on the counter, Dylan headed toward the living room, immediately halting upon entering. There was Barbie doing things with her body that her plastic namesake was incapable of. Straddling a chair borrowed from Dylan's dining room set, she sensuously grinded into the padded seat with her fingers clutching the top of the backrest. Mischievous grin in place, she winked at Dylan trying to beckon her with a 'come hither' finger wiggle that was ignored because the brunette's feet remained frozen.

She unthawed when Barbie seated backward on the chair arched her back until her pierced bellybutton along with a teasing hint of bare stomach was revealed. The stereo switched off and Barbie's compact disc removed from it, Dylan wordlessly tugged the young woman out of her chair and escorted her toward the front door despite her obvious resistance. When Dylan started to open the door, the redhead had enough audacity to shut it and then press her back against it arms folded over her chest with determination.

Biting back a growl, Dylan sighed instead. "Look, I'm flattered Barbie, but I'm not interested. All I can and will offer you is my sugar. My granulated sugar." Because Barbie didn't offer a hand, she managed to slide the disc into the woman's pocket.

"I'm here to dance. However, getting a good look at you I'm open to more. You're as fine as a sharpened pencil Dylan." She grinned although understanding that her advances were unwanted. Too bad because she would have thoroughly enjoyed being unwrapped by this blue eyed hunk for her birthday. Or should that be hunkette? Either way, Barbie deemed her blazing hot.

"I never told you my name. Did you ask one of our neighbors?"

Barbie relapsed to laughing. "I'm not your neighbor--just made that up as an excuse to get into your apartment. I'm an exotic dancer who was hired for you--for your birthday." Unfolding her arms, she waved them around. "Surprise!"

The comic discovered that she wasn't that shocked. She could produce a list of people that she knew who might hire a stripper. Heck, she could have made it onto her own list. "Who hired you?"

"He asked me not to--"

"Jimmy?"

"Yeah." She nodded. "But even though I've been paid I really wanna dance for you Dylan. Come on. Let me finish."

Jimmy, I'm hunting you down tomorrow buddy. "That's sweet Barbie, but I'm really not in the mood for a dance. Hold on a second though." Heading in the direction of her bedroom, Dylan quickly returned with a twenty-dollar bill. However, obviously one of those unique exotic dancers Barbie refused the easiest tip considering that she didn't have to do a thing for it.

"I won't take the tip because you won't let me dance. I prefer to earn my money. And shucks, I just like you so much that if you had let me dance I might not have accepted that anyway." Before Dylan could generate a reply, the redhead stood up on her tiptoes and kissed her cheek leaving a perfect imprint of Scarlet Velvet lips. Smiling at her 'Barbie was here' signature, she bid her could have been customer a good night and left.

Dylan locked her door as she quietly chuckled. She couldn't wait to enlighten Angie who loved the Mattel dolls as a child and teenager that Barbie wished to give her an erotic dance for her birthday.

~~~~~~~~~~

September 8th 2006

Dylan reflected on what color to make her heroine's blouse as she twirled a pencil between her fingers. It was a toss-up between navy blue and kelly green. Either color would compliment Tristan's leather pants. She had settled on the kelly green when a knock interrupted her reach for the correct drawing implement.

"I've come to rescue you," her brother dramatically stated as he strutted into the apartment carrying a duffel bag and a suitcase.

"Rescue me? From what?" Dylan curiously observed as Reggie dropped his luggage on the carpet, hands rising to rest on his hips.

"From yourself. I mean, just look at you…" He trailed off, noticing that his sister actually didn't look unkempt. She didn't look ready to step out in public what with the baggy sweatpants, oversized T-shirt and slipper socks, but Dylan appeared clean nonetheless. "Okay, you look okay but this apartment…" Again her brother ceased speaking as blue eyes perused the living room expecting to find much disorder and coming up empty. Nothing seemed out of place, no trash littered the floor and the air wasn't stale from tightly shut windows and blinds. The furniture appeared shiny indicative of recent polishing and the tracks on the carpet hinted that a vacuum was probably made use of that morning.

Saying nothing, Reggie marched into the kitchen, stopping just inside its entrance. Again, no trash except what could be found in the garbage can. No dirty dishes overflowed within the sink, sunlight filtering through the window glinted on a scoured countertop and the tiled floor was spotless from a fresh mopping. Reggie could smell the lemon in the air from whatever cleanser his sister used.

"What kind of depressed person are you?" The man asked as he turned around to view her, noticing the glasses perched on her nose. So she had a will to work on her strip as well. Based on her expression, Dylan was quite lost. "I expected to walk in here to find you and your home untidy. I imagined pizza boxes and Chinese cartons on the floor and you slouched on the couch having neglected to take a shower in days. You'd just be sitting there watching soap operas and talk shows through eyes red from constant crying, your clothes stained with dried up bits of cheese from the pizza and that bright red sauce from sweet 'n sour chicken."

"I prefer sweet 'n sour pork." Smirking, Dylan left the kitchen and sat on the couch. "Sorry to disappoint you bro, but I'm not quite ready for Paxil yet."

Reggie joined her. "I'm not disappointed, just surprised that you're managing so well. It's been a month now…"

Removing her glasses, the brunette set them on the table. "Hardly an hour goes by without my thinking about them but the sadness doesn't prevent me from daily showers and keeping my place clean. What's with the bags? Going somewhere?"

"Yep. Here."

"Nope."

Reggie slowly blinked. Was she saying that he couldn't stay? "Huh?"

"What happened with your apartment?"

"My roommates are getting on my damn nerves. It's a constant party and they both have women coming in and out almost every single night…early morning. I haven't gotten a good night's sleep since I returned to S.F. and lived with Mom." Trying to look haggard, the young man rubbed at his eyes for emphasis.

"Huh." A thoughtful expression in place she continued, "Twenty-four seven parties and a smorgasbord of women. That sounds right up your alley Reggie."

The youngest Tate child smirked. "I'd like to change, turn over a new leaf. If you can do it anyone can."

Dylan chuckled, nodding. "Touché bro. So why does this new leaf require that you live with me? Mom would be glad to take you back until you can find another residence of your own or to share with non or at least moderate party animals."

"I'll need roommates 'cause I can't afford my own apartment unless I get lucky enough to find a cheap place in S.F. and I doubt that'll happen. And I love Mom but I don't wanna move back home--again."

"How is moving in with your sister any better?"

"Please Dyl." Reggie pressed his palms together, pleading. "It could help you too. Having someone around. You're managing but I know you get lonely. Your little brother can brighten up your life." He gave her a large grin. "I can pay you seven-hundred a month and I promise that I won't be here any longer than two months." He patted the couch. "I'd happily bunk here or on the floor."

Chin resting in her palm, the comic thought about it. Her apartment was clean and she was accustomed to keeping it that way. Now Reggie wasn't the best housekeeper. His bedroom was always a disaster zone when they were children causing his sisters to steer clear of it. Perhaps the messiness was his solution to maintain privacy. On top of leading a cluttered life he tended to be noisy too. But maybe she could use some noise around there. Often Dylan caught herself leaving the television on just to hear other voices.

"All right, you can move in but I don't need seven-hundred." She slapped a hand over her brother's mouth to forestall his protest. "Two-hundred and we'll switch off weekly on who does the grocery shopping. For instance I'll take care of it this week and you the next. Cool?"

Two hundred bucks and pay for groceries every other week? Couldn't have an arrangement much sweeter than that. "Totally cool." Reggie's robust embrace had his sibling falling backward onto the couch.

~~~~~~~~~~

September 16th 2006

She just might go through with it. She might kill him. It was wrong, she knew it was wrong to want to commit homicide against one's own family member, but he was driving her directly toward Insanity Avenue! Eight days. Eight days her brother had been living with her and she was ready to kick his butt out. But he was family, she loved him and he needed a place to stay until he could save up a good amount of money so Dylan didn't have the heart to actually kick him out. However, sending him to their mother's house was better than sending him six feet below ground.

It wasn't that he was messy. Reggie was actually doing a superb job helping her to keep the apartment clean. He offered to wash, dry and put the dishes away daily, took out the trash, vacuumed and she found him using the feather duster on Thursday. Neither was he noisy. In fact, the apartment wasn't much louder than it had been when she lived alone.

No, instead of being untidy and raucous her brother had become intrusive. Dylan wondered when that trait had developed in him. She couldn't leave the house without having to give the young man an itinerary and often Reggie wanted to tag along with her. It was like having an unpaid bodyguard or a strict parental figure. Secret service agents protecting the President couldn't be too much more competent than Reggie.

So today she planned on slipping out without his knowledge for the first time in eight days. She didn't even intend to leave a note. Just leave and Reggie would see her when he saw her damn it!

Having taken her bath last night so the running shower wouldn't alert him that she was up, Dylan washed in the sink, dressed and quietly ate the granola bar and apple she hid in her nightstand yesterday. She didn't particularly care for room temperature fruit, but the comic had been afraid that a trip to the kitchen would awaken her brother who insisted on sleeping in the living room, an air mattress his bed.

Another journey to the bathroom to brush her teeth, Dylan scurried toward the front door, keys held within a tight fist. Not daring to breathe, she glanced at her brother who peacefully slept, body near the fetal position and cover up to his nose. Now came the most difficult part--turning the locks to get the door open. Because she didn't want to make noise, Dylan inwardly growled. It was a shame that she a grown woman had to sneak out of her own home because her little brother had decided for whatever reason to start keeping tabs on her.

Maybe I should help him with apartment hunting. She added getting newspapers to her list of things to do today. Dylan prayed for silence as she began to undo the locks. A glance over her shoulder assured her that Reggie hadn't budged.

One final turn and the door was prepared for the next stage. A hand slippery from moisture wrapped itself around the knob and painstakingly rotated it until the door could be pulled open.

Freedom! She deeply inhaled its revitalizing scent as she eyed the hallway, empty and quiet this time of morning on a Saturday. Snickering like a madwoman, Dylan tiptoed out to the hall and took a full two minutes closing and locking the door.

She was snickering as she awaited the elevator.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dylan enjoyed her leisurely spent alone time at the mall where she visited most of the stores regardless if she wanted to make a purchase or not because she wasn't in a hurry to return home. She spent the most time (and most money) inside Gymboree, a children's oriented store where just about everything she looked at she wanted to buy for Robin. She settled on a week's worth of outfits, two sets of pajamas, the most adorable pair of pink and white sneakers and a couple pair of pink socks to match. One set had tiny ribbons stitched on and the other little pink embroidered roses.

Depositing her booty in the car, Dylan returned to the mall and headed toward The Disney Store because what child wanted all clothes and no toys? That was unacceptable. Was she on a fast track to spoiling her niece? It was a definite possibility.

Dylan's original intention was to pack everything in a cardboard box and UPS it to their residence in NYC, but since Robin's first birthday was coming up next month she would gift-wrap and deliver them herself, keeping her visit a surprise. The thought of seeing Robin and Layne next month put a large smile on Dylan's face as she continued with her shopping and browsing.

Her MasterCard needing a rest, Dylan treated herself to a super steak sandwich at the Great Steak & Potato Company and then went to the cinema. By that time Reggie had left four messages on her voicemail asking where she was and why she slipped out of the apartment without telling him. The comic ignored his calls until the fifth and sent one text message in reply.

Wanted time 2 myself. C U later. Will bring dinner. Luv D.


One of Dylan's final stops was to a home improvement store. Months ago she decided to redecorate her bathroom, but hadn't bought anything but a new bathtub mat. Well today she was going to purchase wallpaper and whatever supplies needed to affix it.

Now that she was there pushing her shopping cart down the wide aisles of the vast store, Dylan just had to find where they kept the wallpaper. Coming to the end of an aisle filled with every type of screw and nail known to man, Dylan made a sharp left her cart colliding with that of another shopper's.

"Oops, I'm sorry!" The brunette's apologetic expression quickly switched to astonishment upon looking at the shopper's face and froze there. "Layne?" Moving around her cart Dylan held her arms out intending to give the blonde a hug. A hand to her chest prevented her from doing so.

"Hold on there," the blonde said, gracing the surprised woman with a slight smile. "You may wanna save that Dyl. Wrong twin."

Although hearing the words, Dylan didn't immediately believe them. It had to be her. "You're Layne. You…you look like Layne."

The hand on her chest patted gently before removed. "Remember we're identical babe. I assure you, I'm not Layne. Sorry." Celeste slid her hands into the side pockets of paint-splattered blue jeans. "How are you? You look good. Real good." One gray eye winked.

Dylan tried to conceal her disappointment without much success. "I'm fine. How're you? What are you doing in San Francisco?" And what was Celeste doing inside a store such as this one? She wasn't the type to show interest in improving a home. And the clothes so unlike her ex. Every color of the rainbow stained an obviously old pair of jeans and a gray sweatshirt. The blue baseball cap worn backwards on her head also held splotches of paint.

"Doing great. Just visiting a friend. I still live in Vegas. Got a promotion at that restaurant I told you about last time. Work the bar now--much better tips." Her nose crinkled a bit as she grinned just like her sister's.

"Congrats. So…have you taken up the arts or is the 'paint look' something new in the fashion world?"

Celeste laughed while pointing to the half dozen cans of paint in her shopping cart. "This isn't a look I'd recommend if you're striving for chic. My friend Alice is in the midst of a rather nasty divorce with her asshole husband of eleven years and she called me earlier this week upset and crying. Concerned, I resolved to come visit her for a few days, hoping that I could do something to cheer her up. Surprised her yesterday when I showed up on her doorstep.

"This morning I found her in the basement which was Ralph's recreation room to entertain with his buddies watching sports, playing pool, poker and whatever else. Alice mentioned that she never liked the room and now she hated it. So that's when we came up with the idea to redecorate it--make it her rec room. That's why I'm here buying paint."

"Why are you covered in paint already?"

"She had a few cans in the garage and we started with that although we knew we'd need more. Now I'm buying more." Smiling, Celeste wrapped her hands around the cart's handlebars. "I should finishing my shopping and get back before Alice does something foolish. When I left she was eyeing the pool table like she wanted to dismantle it with a chainsaw."

"Seems her soon to be ex would have taken that with him."

"He left a message on her answering machine last week telling her that he intended to rent a U-haul to pick it up and bring it to his girlfriend's house. The girlfriend who could pass for his daughter."

"Cold. He does sound like an asshole. It's great of you to travel all this way to take care of your friend."

Her cheeks blushing, Celeste shrugged her shoulders. "Alice hasn't deserved any of the crap he's put her through. She's a good woman." Abandoning her cart for a moment, the petite blonde walked up to Dylan and pulled her into a brief hug. "Layne tell you that we talk on the phone sometimes?"

"Mentioned it." The comic wanted to cry. Celeste's hug although short-lived reminded her of Layne. She felt like Layne, she smelled like…well paint actually. Dylan wished that Robin's birthday were tomorrow.

"She sent me pictures of Robin. God, she's so beautiful," the blonde stated, a tender smile on her face. "Just like you Dyl."

"Celeste?" This was too much. She had to get away.

"Yeah babe?"

"Have you noticed where they stock the wallpaper?"

~~~~~~~~~~

She couldn't stop herself. She wasn't certain why she was doing it, but the urge was too great to resist. It was as though she needed confirmation. Parked within her designated spot at the apartment complex, she scrolled through the alphabetized list of names and punched the 'send' button when she found one of the two people dominating her thoughts. Three rings later her call was answered.

"Hey babe," Celeste cheerily stated. "We spoke like three hours ago. Miss me already?" She spoke louder than usual so that her caller could hear her over the blend of voices and beat heavy music in the background.

"Like crazy. I want to jump through the phone and throw my arms around you never to let go," Dylan deadpanned. She heard Celeste laugh and someone in a baritone asking for a Corona beer with a twist of lime. "Is the painting done? You and your friend at a nightclub?"

"No. We're about halfway done. I'm at a sports bar near Alice's house getting us some buffalo wings. She had a taste for them, so whatever my buddy wants, my buddy gets."

Dylan stared through her windshield with a perplexed expression. "When did you start being so solicitous?"

"I guess a compliment resides in there."

"Sorry. That was rude. What I meant to say is I like the new you that you're becoming."

"Thank you Dylan." The comic could feel the smile through her phone. "I'm trying to rise above my evil woman status." She laughed when her ex failed to comment, most likely thinking about her accidental song dedication eight months ago. To fill the silence and because she was curious to know, Celeste asked why she called.

"Um, I wanted to say that it was good seeing you today and to wish you a safe trip home whenever you leave."

"Thanks again babe. It was good seeing you too." A pause. "Oh, my order is ready."

"Okay, I'll let you go then. Bye Celeste. Take care."

"You too Dyl."

Call ended, the brunette continued her scrolling until she found the other person four names later. She glanced between Layne Bishop and the 'send' button several times before she snapped her cell shut. Snap out of this funk, she scolded herself. You'll see her soon.

Getting out of the car, Dylan grabbed some of her purchases from the trunk and headed toward the lobby, knowing that she would need to make a few trips to get everything inside. Unless her brother was home and willing, maybe she could slip Henry a twenty to help out.

~~~~~~~~~~

October 2nd 2006

Cozy in a sweatshirt and flannel pajama bottoms with her slipper sock covered feet perched on the desk, long fingers lightly tapped the keyboard as Dylan patiently waited for her friend's typed reply. She had her webcam switched off because Layne's had taken a fatal fall last week and the muralist had yet to replace it. Dylan terribly missed seeing Layne and Robin's faces but then smiled as she looked at the roundtrip plane ticket lying near the computer screen. Next Sunday she would be on her way to NYC to celebrate a special baby girl's birthday.

[PaintByNumbers] Yes, I was selected for that job I told you about. The couple interviewed I think it was seven or eight muralists to paint a wall of their daughter's bedroom. It's to be a gift for her 10th birthday next week. This should be fun. She has a carnival fascination so there's going to be circus tents, clowns, acrobats, animals, amusement rides…

[StripTease] Congrats! (clapping) I knew you could get it! How long do you think it'll take to finish?

[PaintByNumbers] Her room isn't that large and I only have one wall to paint, so I'm estimating around seven to ten days. How is your work going? Are Tristan's adventures almost done for her latest book?

[StripTease] LOL, her latest book? I don't think the 2nd should count as latest ;-) However, yes I'm darn near finished. Thank goodness! And…(big sigh) After much deliberation I've decided to out our detective.

[PaintByNumbers] *dramatic gasp* Tristan's coming out of the closet?!

[StripTease] Uh huh. She's 33. About time, eh? (grin)

[PaintByNumbers] Is she going to have a love interest? I've noticed a hint of sexual tension here and there between Tristan and her partner in crime.

[StripTease] Maybe she will and maybe she won't. You'll just have to read the published work to find out.

[PaintByNumbers] *sticking my tongue out at you*

[StripTease] Ooh, is that an invitation? You wanna cyber with me baby? (wiggling my eyebrows).

[PaintByNumbers] Tempting, but I'm already cybering with someone else so I'd feel like a floozy. Although I don't think I'm going to find release with this one. She's too bad of a speller.

[StripTease] LMAO. You see? That's why you should hook up with me. I average 52 WPM and baby I…spell very very well (saucy grin).

[PaintByNumbers] *purring* I know firsthand how very well you 'spell' Dylan. I think about it.

[StripTease] How often?

[PaintByNumbers] This often.

[StripTease] You'll have to tell me 'cause I can't see you.

[PaintByNumbers] In that case you'll just have to wait until I purchase a new webcam to see how often my thoughts are consumed by your…spelling capabilities :-D

[StripTease] Tease.

[PaintByNumbers] I'm a tease? That's half your name!

[StripTease] If you'd gotten your cute little butt to a Radio Shack by now I'd happily do the other half of my name for you right--this--moment.

[PaintByNumbers] *gulp* Really?

[StripTease] Maybe. Because of your negligence in going webcam shopping you'll never know for sure.

[PaintByNumbers] Tease.

~~~~~~~~~~

October 8th 2006

Dylan was checking her suitcase to make sure that she had packed everything she needed when she heard a light knock on her door. Beaming (something that she had been doing since the day before) she turned toward her brother asking him what was up.

"Your flight is 10:30 right?"

Nodding, she zipped up her suitcase and the duffel bag containing Robin's gifts. "You still driving me?" They had a deal. Reggie could have possession of her car while she was gone as long as he kept the gas tank full and it's body dent free. Her brother did have his own car but it was a hunk of junk and Dylan had breathed a sigh of relief that they safely reached their destination during the less than handful of times she rode in it.

Spotting his sister's keys on the dresser, he picked them twirling the key ring around his index finger. "Of course. Would you like breakfast first? I'm thinking McDonald's and I'm willing to buy and fly." Dylan readily agreed and after giving him her order, Reggie walked over to retrieve her luggage to put it in the trunk. "Be back in about fifteen."

In about fifteen minutes he wasn't back, but he did call via his dependable cell phone. Dylan quickly discovered that her younger sibling had never left the premises because he was at the bottom of the stairwell, having chosen to use the stairs instead of the elevator for some peculiar reason.

In short, Reggie had fallen and now couldn't get up.


There was good news and the unfortunate intermittently close by bad news. The good news was that Reggie was expected to make a full recovery and could go home the same day of the accident. Part of the bad news was that he suffered a concussion and fractured his right leg. The other bad news was that Dylan had missed her flight to NYC and after speaking with her brother's doctor decided that she wasn't about to reschedule. Because the post office would be closed tomorrow due to it being Columbus Day, she would have to mail Robin's gifts to her on Tuesday. In the meantime, she would call tomorrow.

"Honey, I know you were looking forward to this trip," Madeline Tate said, sandwiching her daughter's hand between her warm palms while they sat in the waiting room with her companion Oliver. He insisted on driving her to the hospital after Dylan called to tell her mother what happened. "You go ahead and try to get another flight. I'm certain you can find one leaving this evening. I'll take care of Reggie."

"And I'll drive you to the airport," Oliver helpfully stated, a smile on his still handsome face.

Dylan split a smile between them. "Thank you both but I'll go to New York another time. Perhaps within the next couple of weeks. He was carrying my belongings when it happened. I'll look after him. Plus you know how much of a pain in the a-- rear end Reggie can be when he's under the weather." She grinned at Madeline. "You were responsible for tending to him during the first eighteen years of his life so I can take care of my little brother this one time."

~~~~~~~~~~

October 14th 2006

Lying on the couch with his injured leg propped up with pillows, Reggie looked over to his sister who was diligently working on her comic book and then checked his watch. 3:49 p.m. The court television show he had been watching on a commercial break, he hit the mute button.

"Dyl?"

"Hmm?" She looked up, the light from the desk lamp casting a glare on her glasses.

"You hungry?" The young man patted his stomach. "I could eat a horse or better yet a hard shell beef taco. No, two hard shell beef tacos. And a shredded beef taquito plate."

Chuckling, Dylan dropped her pencil into the pickle jar. "Let me guess. You're in the mood for Mexican food? I'll go make a run to Del Taco."

"Del Taco?" Reggie didn't bother hiding his disapproval. "Dyl, my palate is in the mood for authentic Mexican food. Besides, last I knew Del Taco doesn't make taquitos. There's a menu in the kitchen drawer closest to the fridge. Get it and tell me what you want and I'll call Tacky Taco for a takeout order." He reached for his wallet on the coffee table and pulled out some money waving it through the air. "My treat."

"Tacky Taco on a Saturday? You know how busy that restaurant gets on the weekends."

Reggie produced a smile that could easily melt butter. "And that my lovely sister is why I'm calling it in so by the time you reach the restaurant our food should be ready. And don't forget to check the bags for chips and salsa. Just because we're not eating there doesn't mean we're not entitled to the pre-dinner freebies."

Dylan saluted her brother as she stood up to go find the takeout menu. She actually could go for a Tacky Taco carnitas plate. "Aye captain!"

~~~~~~~~~~

Dylan noticed the sea of cars parked in Tacky Taco's lot from the street. Once the arrow switched to green she made a left turn, within seconds driving onto the restaurant's property. While searching for a parking space she almost collided with someone's brand new shiny Chrysler when her eyes caught sight of one of the restaurants walls, which Dylan was certain had been unembellished the last time she dined at Tacky Taco.

Taking her foot off the brake, her car crept closer to the building. Was that…? Pushing on the gas, Dylan bounced over a couple of speed bumps on her way to the back of Tacky Taco where more parking could be found. Parked a bit crookedly yet within the white lines, the brunette hurried out of the car and raced toward the side of the building.

With shallow breathing she observed the wall, taking in every detail. Yes, it was. Somehow the sketched taco from last year had become a reality.


"A fully loaded taco. Doing a dance."

Layne stared in disbelief. "You want me to draw a dancing taco?" She watched as Dylan shrugged and thought she heard Jimmy faintly chuckle, but since she only had eyes for his accusatory cousin she couldn't be sure.

Dylan pointed toward the luminescent Tacky Taco sign. "In honor of one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Francisco."


However, this mural was different from the sketch Layne drew to hopefully get Dylan to understand that she wasn't Celeste. The basic concept of the dancing taco had been painted, but within the mural the hard shell ground beef taco was grooving on a checkered dance floor with his mate--a shredded beef taquito with gorgeous long eyelashes and full smiling lips. They were the only two…um…food items on the dance floor, but in the background couples, friends and families of enchiladas, tamales, burritos and other tacos and taquitos etc. dined at tables and booths.

A tortilla chip wearing a bowtie balanced a platter on top of slim fingers in front of a candlelit table where a couple holding hands sat. On it was a tres leches cake decorated with sliced strawberries. It wasn't the strawberries that fascinated Dylan so and caused a five second lapse of her breathing. It was the succinct question written in icing script on top of the cake.

Will U B Mine Dylan?

"Corny joke here, but I'm going to ask you anyway. What is a taco's favorite style of dance?"

Dylan froze. She was apprehensive about turning around in case this was a hallucination. However, she did reply. "I dunno. What is it?"

"The salsa," the familiar voice said with amusement.

A deep breath and Dylan turned to greet the person always within her dreams. She studied her from head to toe and then from toe to head. And then she focused on her face. That beautiful face wearing the gentlest smile, gray eyes shining as though she were near tears.

The comic beat her to it. Her knees buckled with the force of her tears, eyes becoming bleary yet able to see the blonde rushing toward her. Also kneeling on the concrete, she wrapped her arms around the taller woman, holding her tight as they both shed tears. Minutes passed before a word was spoken.

"You're here," Dylan hoarsely whispered. Placing her hands on either side of Layne's face, she looked as if she expected the younger woman to disappear. Leaning forward, she kissed her forehead, her lips warming on contact. "You're really here."

"Yes, I'm here darling." Eyes closed, Layne relished the lips kissing their way from her temple to cheek.

"Robin?"

"She's one years old now so we decided that it's about that she were on her own so I left her in New York City. Set her up in her own apartment and everything. And can you believe she already gained employment? Starts Monday." She joined in when Dylan began to tremble against her with laughter.

"So are you going to answer the question?"

"Question?" Dylan was sure that she looked like a big dolt. So surprised to be reunited with the woman she loved, had she forgotten a question that Layne posed?

"Mmhmm." Smiling, the muralist reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a gold colored heart-shaped ring box with a tiny pale blue ribbon on top. The lid removed, a gold band set with radiant diamonds arranged in a flower design was revealed. Layne kissed the bottom lip of a mouth opened in awe. "The moment that plane left the tarmac I knew that I had made a huge mistake. What was I thinking taking Robin back to New York when her home and what has become my home during the year is here with you and the Tate family?

"I was afraid. I was afraid of falling in love with you. Not because of anything you've done--you've been incredible-- but my past experiences have made me gun-shy and therefore I allowed that fear to override what my heart was trying to tell me. My heart says that you are one in a million and I'd be insane to pass up the chance of sharing my life with someone who has such an amazing and beautiful soul. You give me courage so I'm throwing that fear in the trash. I love you Dylan Tate. I love you, I love you, God how I love you." Again, both women were crying. "I've loved you for so long that I've forgotten when it happened, but I'm so happy that it did because the opportunity to love you has to be the best feeling in the world." Lifting the ring in a shaky hand Layne continued, "This is a promise ring and I'm asking much like the chicken enchilada in the mural, will you be mine Dylan?"

"I've been yours for the longest time. Absolutely yes." Swiping at the tears sliding down her face, Dylan beamed. This wasn't another dream nor was she hallucinating. Layne was here and she truly wanted to be with her. What a terrific day. October 14th should be noted as a holiday! Her beam surprisingly brightened more once Layne slid the promise ring onto her finger. She shook her head in wonderment, glancing between the ring and Layne.

"When did you and Robbie return? Must have been weeks ago with your painting this mural. I love it by the way."

"Thank you. I had a lot of assistance with it." Standing, she took the comic's hand and helped her to her feet. "We got back on September 12th. I didn't want you to know until I finished the mural. You should have seen me freaking out when Reggie told me that you were planning a surprise vacation to see us for Robin's birthday. I knew I couldn't finish before your departure date so I asked him to stall. Your brother has been a tremendous help."

Reggie? Stall? Help? Dylan's eyes widened as the curtains were raised and everything started falling into place. He was in on it! He was in on it from the beginning! This was why Reggie wanted to move in with her so badly--not so coincidentally four days prior to Layne and Robin's return. His peculiar intrusiveness was linked to his ascertaining that she didn't pop up in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Reggie's 'accident' Sunday had been another ploy to keep his sister from leaving the state. If Dylan went to NYC, she would learn that they weren't there any longer. How had he convinced the medical staff to put on a cast? And whose X-ray's were those that the doctor pointed out to them? Was he a doctor?

"I didn't want you going all the way to NYC to find the 'Sold' sign on what is now my ex-property, but I feel horrible that Reggie broke his leg."

"Isn't he faking?"

Layne shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. "The plan was for him to fake a broken leg and Dr. Meadows--Henry your doorman's uncle agreed to go along with it. But Reggie called me later that day and explained that things didn't quite go according to plan. He was able to stall you but he truly fell and hurt himself in the process." The blonde waved a finger in the air as she thought of something. "The fracture is real but Dr. Meadows did give him a bogus concussion. You know, on the off chance a broken appendage wasn't enough to stop you from leaving."

"Wow, this is one convoluted plan." Dylan grinned, pulling Layne in for a brief hug just because she wanted one. "So, Reggie and Henry were in on it. Anyone else?" The muralist expelling her breath with enough force to ruffle the short bangs on her head was a 'yes'. Dylan thought about her trip to the home improvement store last month. "Was that you? And I called Celeste later--so she's in on it too?"

Layne nodded, a proud smile fixed on her lips. "Yes, that was me you ran into. Man, did I not expect to see you there. I called Celeste the moment I left the store and told her what was up just in case you decided to get in contact although I thought my story sounded plausible enough."

Dylan smirked. "Ralph and Alice the feuding soon to be divorcees a.k.a the Honeymooners." She chuckled and so did the other woman.

"I wanted to smack myself after I named Alice's husband Ralph."

"Wait. My presents. I bought presents for Robbie and since I wouldn't make it in time for her birthday I mailed them Tuesday. I hope they're returned."

"She rarely lets Pooh Bear out of her sight. They're the best of friends. They sleep together, play together, 'eat' together and they'd bathe together if I let Robbie put him in the water."

"She got the package? If it went to your previous address how--"


Setting Reggie up with his breakfast in the kitchen, Dylan hurried into the living room when the doorbell rang. Throwing the door open she greeted her bicycle courier. What was he doing here? She wasn't scheduled for a pickup until Friday. Mason pulled his Palm Pilot from the ever-present red backpack slung on his shoulders to check.

"Oops, don't know how I messed that up. Since I'm here you don't have anything you wanna give me?" The courier asked, pushing his shades up to rest on top of his head.

"No, I won't have my strips ready until Friday."

Mason looked over his client's shoulder to the rectangular box placed on the coffee table. He pointed to it. "What about that? Is that an outgoing box or did you receive it?"

Dylan followed his finger and promptly shook her head. "Too big for you."

"Not today." Smiling, the courier showed her his bicycle, which had an empty cart perfect for her package attached to the back of it. "I could get that shipped off for you. No problem."

"I've never seen a cart on your bike."

"Yeah, the last few days I've had some larger deliveries. The cart won't be an everyday thing. Can't move like the silver bullet I usually am with it." Mason flashed her a grin as he readjusted his shades.


"Mason delivered her package to you directly," Dylan said, sounding confident that she was right. Layne confirmed this. "And you've been staying where in S.F. since September?"

Again, she appeared mighty proud. "Mom's house."

"Ah, Mom knew too. So I assume that Oliver did?" Layne nodded. "And heck, what about Angie, Mike and their kids?" Another nod along with a growing smile. "Let's cut this short. Did everyone in San Francisco know you were back?"

"Most people in San Francisco don't know me, so I'd have to answer that with a no." Her smile was in full bloom now. So was Dylan's. The wool had been pulled over her eyes for two months and she couldn't be happier. "Dylan, please do me a favor."

Moving closer, the comic's arms enveloped a petite waist. "Anything you want, consider it yours sweetheart."

Head tilted upward, a mouth far too close not to be inspected distracted Layne from immediately voicing her favor. "First I need a proper kiss." The word kiss barely passed her lips before Dylan's covered them. Mouths parted and tongues leisurely reunited, moans combining as two bodies pressed so tightly against each other that the cool bay air couldn't seep between them. A small group of replete co-workers headed toward one car because they were carpooling sent the couple cheers and whistles, yet neither woman looked up, ears deaf to everything but one another. They didn't part until the car had exited Tacky Taco's parking lot.

A dreamy smile graced Dylan's lips. "Your kisses remain 12-pointers."

"I do what I can love. Now my favor," Layne breathed, her fingers stroking the back of Dylan's neck. "Turn around for me."

"Shouldn't we wait until we get home for that? You know I love that, but I don't want to be banned from my favorite Mexican restaurant." She snickered after she was slapped on the arm and then dutifully she turned. Instead of the wool being pulled over her eyes again, a black mask was placed there. Dylan heard footsteps as Layne walked around to stand in front of her asking if she could see. "Not a thing. What's going on?" Like she's going to tell you that.

The muralist smirked without a witness. "Like I'm going to tell you that. You'll just have to wait." She linked her arm through Dylan's. "I'll lead and you follow. Promise that I won't let you bump into anything or trip."

Dylan softly smiled. "I trust you implicitly."

~~~~~~~~~~

Although her eyes were out of commission for the time being, Dylan could still rely on her ears and nose to give her an idea of where they were headed. Based on the array of sounds, conversations and salivate worthy odors she figured that they were now inside Tacky Taco. Had her brother really called in an order for their lunch? She doubted it. Perhaps Layne had secured the both of them a little private romantic table to dine.

Dylan's heart could have given out the second she and Layne stopped walking and a multitude of voices screamed at the top of their lungs, "YOU'VE BEEN PUNKED DYLAN!"

"I didn't know Mr. Ashton Kutcher-Moore knew me!" The comic laughed as Layne removed the mask. Blinking, she looked around noting that this was Tacky Taco's banquet room, large enough for a party of one hundred, however theirs was closer to a party of thirty-five. A sea of teasing smiles was aimed at Dylan and she cheerily smiled back, the smile increasing when she read the strung up festive banner.

Happy Belated Birthday Robin & Dylan. We Love You.

The banner held the signature of just about every adult and child in attendance except for the smallest Robin, because she was after all the main birthday girl. Every one of Layne's already named conspirators had shown up along with Jimmy, a newly single Adriana, Lindsay, Nancy, Elena and Alexis. Laurel, Dylan's longtime friend and Evangeline, Layne's social worker was also there along with their spouses. Laurel brought her brood of six who were looking forward to having a lot of fun with Angela's four youngsters. Henry and Mason were among the conspirators who brought a guest of their own.

"Dada!" Held by her grandma, Robin left one arm around Madeline's neck and stretched the other out toward Dylan, wearing a soupy grin. The guests chuckled at her enthusiasm, yet most were tickled by what she called Dylan. Carefully placed on feet tucked within the new shoes from her birthday package that Mason delivered Tuesday, she toddled toward her aunt and since she was proceeding surely yet slowly, Dylan met her a little more than halfway. Scooping the small child into her arms, she littered her cheeks with kisses earning a good share of belly laughs.

"How's my big girl?" Dylan cooed, so thrilled to have Robin back in her arms. Her niece didn't vocalize how she was, but she did plant a kiss on the tip of the brunette's nose. Grinning, Dylan turned toward Layne half-whispering, "I love what you've done, but it isn't my birthday sweetheart. This little lady right here though," she indicated Robin by pecking her cheek again, "should definitely be honored as she just turned the big one!" Robin giggled when long fingers tickled her tummy.

"We're honoring you both. So what if your birthday was in August? We weren't here to celebrate it with you and I never gave you an appropriate gift so this is your party with Robin." The muralist grinned, pecking them both on the cheek. "So just deal and prepare to have fun."

"You and Robbie are a gif…" She didn't finish her reply, as the dimming lights were a distraction. And then the grandest smile touched she and Robin's lips when they saw the substantial candle-laden sheet cake being wheeled toward them on a cart by Jimmy. Large enough that surely everyone could go back for seconds, the cake had been professionally iced to resemble a birthday presents, complete with ribbons and a bow all made out of frosting. The only part of the cake inedible was the small cluster of multicolored plastic balloons in each corner, which would be removed before Robin could get it into her curious mind to swipe one.

"Happy birthday big cuz and lil' cuz." Beaming, he turned toward the other guests and counted to three. On cue everyone began to sing the traditional Happy Birthday song while Robin clapped her hands with glee. Once they were reminded to make a wish, aunt and niece simultaneously blew out what had looked to be around a hundred candles from a far, but was actually thirty-seven, their combined ages. However, once a candle's flame was quenched a second later it ignited once again. It took them a few moments to catch on.

"Hey Robbie?" The baby sent Dylan a quizzical look, confused as to why the hot stuff wouldn't go away so that she could sample the sweet stuff it was holding hostage. "I think we're being punked again."

~~~~~~~~~~

With all of the scrumptious food served buffet style that Layne ordered for the birthday party, Dylan wondered how there could possibly be enough food left to feed customers in the main dining area. Seemingly, everything on Tacky Taco's menu was within the banquet room and every guest could take some leftovers home. She knew that she would be grabbing a couple of those carnitas.

Unwrapping the Jolly Rancher candy, which fell from the piñata that Laurel's eight-year-old son successfully broke once it was his turn, Dylan dropped it into her mouth. A hand appeared before her eyes and she silently placed a red Jolly Rancher in its palm. She nodded at the thank you she received, hearing the chair across from her screech against the floor a second before it was occupied.

"Dylan, we need to have a chat." Fingers quickly untwisted the ends of the wrapper and removed the small piece of hard candy, slipping it between glossy lips.

One eyebrow lifted, the comic regarded her. "We do?"

"Mmhmm." The blonde nodded. "Concerning you and my sister. About your intentions toward her."

She was officially amused yet didn't reveal it. "All right. I'm listening Celeste."

"I realize that I'm lousy when it comes to relationships, but even I can see how perfect you are for each other. I haven't known Layne for long, but it didn't take me too long to figure out after we started really communicating that you make her world ten times brighter. She's been through too," pausing, Celeste glanced around them to confirm that no one under the age of eighteen was listening, "through too much shit and I've learned that it's difficult for her to open her heart. She's strong…much stronger than I could ever imagine being, but she's also delicate, so please treat her right. Be good--no fantastic to her. Always show her how much you love her and how much she means to you. Layne gave you a tremendous gift when she offered her heart, so take that and cherish it."

Dylan's amusement was replaced with a new respect for her ex-girlfriend that she previously wouldn't have believed was possible. Respect and Celeste hadn't belonged in the same sentence until now. Dylan wasn't the only person fortunate enough to have Layne in her life. Perhaps unbeknownst to the muralist, she was cultivating all kinds of wonders.

"I promise that I will Celeste," Dylan soberly responded. Raising a finger to her chest, she drew an imaginary cross there. "I'm crossing my own heart that I'll take the best care of hers. I love your sister and the only way that'll change is by growing."

Celeste smiled. "That's what I wanted to hear. Now let me see that ring up close." Dylan's left hand held in her right, her thumb grazed the diamonds as gray eyes revealed delight. "Don't fall asleep. I might be tempted to grease your finger and steal this gorgeous rock." The brunette laughed. "I've never seen diamonds formed into a flower pattern. That's sweet Dyl."

The mention of flowers had Dylan scooting to the edge of her seat, preparing to depart it. "Celeste if anyone asks my whereabouts, could you tell them that I'll be right back?"

"You leaving the restaurant?"

"Yes, but I won't be gone long. Need to go get something."

Celeste didn't ask what, although that nosy part of her wanted to. Instead she nodded. "Okay. See you in a bit."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello darling. Where are you?" Layne asked through the speaker of her phone while moving further away from a lively game of Musical Chairs so she could hear well and wouldn't have to shout. Since he was in a cast, Reggie elected to be the music controller, having a ball playing different types of songs while children and a few of the adults scrambled to occupy chairs to stay in the game. It was now down to Mason and Evangeline versus five of the kids. At the beginning of the game, the children formed an alliance to defeat the over eighteen players. With an original seven against seven it was an obvious success.

"The parking lot."

"They won't let you back in? What did you do this time?" The blonde teased, relishing the voice on the other end and reveling in the fact that she would now get to hear it on a daily basis.

Dylan chuckled. "Will you come to my car? I'm parked in the back lot under a shade tree."

"Be there in a minute." The cell dropped into her purse, Layne grabbed her sweater pulling it on as she headed toward the back door exit, which would lead her to the parking lot quicker than going through the entire restaurant, out the front and around the large building. Dylan's car was easily recognizable what with the battery powered lantern seated on its roof, used to illuminate since the sun was about to leave. Although if the lantern wasn't there, Layne wouldn't have had any trouble spotting the tall drink of water perched on the trunk.

Dylan parted her legs as Layne stepped between them to greet her with a kiss. "I don't want you to freeze, so I'll hurry. Just wanted to do this privately." Pulling her arm from behind her back, the comic revealed what she held.

"Is that the flower?" Layne gingerly ran her fingers across the synthetic red tipped yellow petals. "This does look real."

"And it's for you. My friend from the airport advised that I should give this yellow rose to the person that I am in love with." She trailed the flower across Layne's cheek while gazing into her eyes. "And I could never love any woman as much as you. You Layne Bishop are a godsend. Dance with me?"

"No music," the muralist answered, her voice drifting into a whisper, as there was a lump in her throat warning of the joyous tears threatening to break through.

"Taken care of." Once Layne moved, she jumped off the trunk and walked around to the driver's side. Leaning in, Dylan turned the key in the ignition and then hit the play button on her built-in CD player. A song familiar to them both began to play. "Remember this?" The brunette asked, gently pulling Layne against her.

The smaller woman nodded, a smile on her face as she remembered that night. "Ribbon in the Sky. We danced to it on that wonderful cruise Valentine's Day." She pressed her cheek to Dylan's chest listening to her heartbeat. Hands around Dylan's neck, she twirled the flower's stem between her fingers. "You really think that woman who comforted you at the airport that day Robin and I left was Rose?"

"Should be impossible but possibly it was her."

"You think we'll ever see her again?"

Chin resting on a blonde head, Dylan looked thoughtful. "Somehow I doubt it. I think her work is done."

Layne gazed up into warm blue eyes. "Because we're together." She puckered her lips when the comic lowered her head for a kiss.

"Always."

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what is that was always meant
Is our ribbon in the sky for our love

~~~~~~~~~~

Epilogue

"You see this cookie?" Dylan enticingly waved the soft oatmeal cookie through the air, watching the fascinated blue eyes follow it on its invisible course. "It can be yours. That's right. All yours. And all you have to say to get it is Mommy. Who am I?"

Robin didn't hesitate. "Dada." She smacked her lips together waiting for the cookie to be dropped into her hand.

Dylan shook her head. "No Robbie. No Dada. Mommy." She pointed toward herself. "I am Mommy." And she was officially the baby's mother through a second-parent adoption completed last month. Doing things a tad backwards, she and Layne's wedding was coming up next month. Oliver, who was ordained, had been honored when the couple asked him to perform the ceremony.

Robin disagreed despite wanting that cookie. "No, Dada." She looked up when she heard her other parent laughing as she entered the living room. "Mama!"

Smiling, Layne pinched her cheek, sitting next to her on the carpet. "Dyl, honey, face it. She's not about to call you Mommy. Give her a few more months. She'll learn."

The comic glanced at their grinning daughter. "I think she secretly knows what she's doing." Dylan took a deep breath, preparing herself to try again. "Robbie, listen to me all right?" The toddler nodded. "Are you a girl?" She nodded again so the brunette indicated Layne, a crumb falling to the floor as the cookie continued to be waved. "Is Mama a girl?" Another nod, little fingers itching to grab that crumb. "Is Uncle Mike a girl?"

"No."

"Is Uncle Mike a boy?"

"Yes." Robin stuck her finger in her mouth wishing that it were a cookie as she nodded.

"Is your big cousin Calvin a boy?"

The toddler smiled at the mention of his name. Calvin had the neatest big kid toys and he was sweet about sharing and showing her how to play with them, just as long as she didn't try to put anything in her mouth. "Yah."

"Am I a girl?"

Robin nodded with enthusiasm. When was she gonna relinquish that dang cookie already? "Yes."

"So that makes me Mommy right?"

"You Dada!" Hah! She hadn't just fallen off the turnip truck. Robin giggled along with her Mama. Dylan playfully rolled her eyes at the pair.

"Aw, Dyl. Take a walk on the bright side. At least she's aware that you have girly parts." Layne paused, observing the uneaten cookie in her fiancée's hand. "Are you attempting to bribe an eighteen month old?"

Dylan quickly explained herself. "I was going to give it to her whether she called me Mommy or not. I swear. I'll prove it." She held the treat out for the baby to take, which she happily did. Before Robin bit off a piece of her cookie, she thanked Dylan although it sounded more like 'tank you'. Smiling, the comic kissed her cheek. "You're very welcome Robbie." Shoot, one more time and then she would drop it for the remainder of the day. "You Robbie and I am…?"

The little girl shook her head. Would she never learn? "You…Dada."

Dylan threw her hands up in defeat. Perhaps she should just wait until Robin was ready to replace Dada with Mommy. It wouldn't be much longer, right? "Okay little princess. You win." She touched her forehead to Robin's. "For now." The baby giggled around the cookie in her mouth. Once she finished her treat, it was time for her daily nap, which she usually didn't protest and today was one of those days. Getting a tender hug from her Mommy, she took Pooh Bear by his paw, both following Mama to their nursery.

Layne had barely finished reading the second page of one of Robin's favorite fairy tales before the toddler drifted to sleep, Pooh Bear tucked at her side. Returning to the living room she found her partner seated on the couch with another cookie in her hand.

"Who are you intending to bribe with that one?"

"My fiancée."

"Oh, you're getting married?" She straddled Dylan's lap and tried to take a bite out of the cookie. The brunette's reflexes allowed her to move it away from the choppers just in time.

"Yes, I am." She bent her arm so the cookie was hidden behind her neck. "Next month."

"Is it fancy?"

"No, we wanted a casual intimate ceremony."

Layne nodded her agreement. "That's nice. Cuts down on the stress of planning. What about a honeymoon? Will you have one?"

Dylan grinned as she replied," Eventually if she ever makes up her mind. Every other day she's showing me a new brochure. You know some women and their inability to come to a decision within a reasonable amount of time."

The muralist smirked. "Uh huh. And you wouldn't know anything about that being a Dada. You men are capable of making a decision like," she snapped her fingers, "that."

And then Dylan smirked. "Cute."

"Yes you are Dada."

"It's Mommy."

An eyebrow rose. "You want me to call you Mommy? Is that the bribe? If I call you Mommy will you give me the cookie?"

She slapped the cookie into Layne's hand and promptly pulled her closer. "Call me whatever you want. Just kiss me."

The oatmeal cookie was dropped on the couch and forgotten. "Of course darling. You want a 12-pointer?"

"As usual."


THE END