CHAPTER ELEVEN


May 19, 2000

Seated behind the vehicle she rented after exiting the plane, she stared toward the large white building with tension written across her face. She hadn't laid eyes on her ex-girlfriend and manager in seven years; yet hearing her name on the phone early in the morning had easily erased those years. She reminisced during her twelve hundred mile plane ride about the good times they shared as well as the not so good.

A sigh passing through her lips, Jaden carefully lifted the bright arrangement of carnations, roses and daisies and headed inside the hospital. Her steps along the polished floor quickly led her to the nurses' station where she inquired of Carla Santino's room. Putting professionalism in front of her desire to ask for an autograph, the nurse tapped on a few computer keys to locate the patient. None of her friends and family would believe that she had come face to face with Jaden Connelly. She wished that she carried a camera in her purse.

Since Carla was on the fourth floor, she stood and pointed toward the bank of elevators. After she exited the elevator, Jaden was advised to make a quick right and about thirty feet from that point she would arrive at Room #4008. Nervous and needing something to occupy her mind, the musician actually counted the steps until she reached her ex-lover's room. The nurse's thirty feet estimate had been close--Jaden would shave off a foot.

Looking through the small pane of rectangular glass on the right hand side of the closed door, she momentarily forgot to breathe as she watched the patient sleep. Neither the developing age lines in her face or the streaks of gray in her closely cropped hair detracted from her beauty. She did appear older than her thirty-eight years yet Jaden still saw a stunning woman.

She hadn't been made aware of her condition when a friend of Lucky's called her that morning at 6:12. The friend--Marcie--would only give so many details over the phone. Lucky had been hospitalized almost a week ago and wanted to speak with her in person. She would even pay Jaden's travel fares, but of course the musician said that wasn't necessary. What Lucky wanted to speak with her about, she hadn't a clue, but Jaden knew the moment Marcie asked her to come that she would comply.

Quietly entering the single occupancy room, she practically tiptoed toward the end of the bed where she placed the flowers on the bedside table, which held a plastic pink pitcher of ice-cold water and an issue of Rolling Stone magazine from last month, which Jaden happened to be on the cover.

"Gotta admit I love that picture," a gravelly voice started. Jaden glanced up, catching the slight smile on the older woman's face, which the tubing of her nasal cannula lay against, tucked behind her ears. "'Cause I can see your stomach--ya got some nice abs these last years. Been doing some of those crunches and shit?"

The musician grinned as she pulled a chair up to the side of Lucky's bed. The years definitely hadn't softened her colorful vocabulary. "Yeah, a few crunches and some other…shit. How are you?" She asked although knowing that the answer wouldn't unfortunately be 'great'.

"The flowers are beautiful. Thank you Jae," Lucky murmured, watery gray eyes focused on the vivid bouquet. Replying with a perfunctory 'you're welcome' Jaden waited to see if she would continue. Within seconds, she did as a lone tear slipped from her eye, absorbed by the pillow beneath her head. "Two years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer." She managed a brief laugh. "That's a bit of irony for you. My Lucky Strikes are gonna take me out." Lucky finally looked at her guest, noticing the tears shining in her eyes. "I didn't want Marcie to tell ya over the phone. If you granted my request I didn't want you to come 'cause I was so sick. Shit, I realize that I don't deserve to see you, but I had to. I had to talk to you."

"Lucky…" The younger woman trailed off, unsure of what to say. Although she had wondered many times why Lucky was in the hospital, she had hoped and prayed and therefore ultimately convinced herself that her admittance wasn't due to a life threatening medical condition. "There isn't anything more the doctors can do for you?" Before Lucky could answer, Jaden was already mentally compiling a list of those she could call to find the foremost oncologists.

"No love, there isn't. Radiation, chemo, drugs…we've tried it all. They even took one lung, but it's spread to my lymph nodes and bones. They can't do anything but try to make me comfortable. Morphine." She glanced at the IV that she was attached to. "I fought using it at first 'cause I'd been drug free for six years, but I was convinced by my body and the medical staff to give it a try." Lucky smiled. "Morphine and I make pretty good friends."

Jaden didn't want to accept that. Scooting as close as she could, she folded her arms upon the bed, her glassy eyes meeting Lucky's. "Surely there's got to be something. More radical chemo treatments…I've heard a lot about alternative forms of therapy…"

"What? Like acupuncture?" A soft smile on her lips, she placed her hand on top of the younger woman's, relieved that she didn't pull away. "I've conceded that nothing is gonna help. I have a great doctor and he had to reluctantly tell me that we were out of options. The cancer has continued to spread despite all of our efforts. Ya know, I was pissed and afraid at first but now I'm at peace with it. It's okay." Lucky seemed so tranquil, so assured. Jaden on the other hand was anything but.

"Lucky please don't give up," she spoke, her voice breaking toward the end of her sentence. "Let me make some calls. We'll get you into the best cancer treatment facility in the world, okay?" Tears trailed several paths down her cheeks. "I can't…you're too young."

"Baby I've lived 38 years and I'm appreciative that I got that with all the drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other stupid dangerous shit that I've pulled through these years. Lookin' at the bright side almost four decades ain't too bad. My epitaph--"She lived until she died". Got a ring to it, don't it? My favorite so far."

"Lucky!"

Although the musician looked as though she wished to slap the taste out of her mouth, Lucky chuckled, covering her mouth as she began to cough a bit. She took a couple of sips from the cup of water Jaden placed in front of her. "Yeah, it's a morose subject but since I've got ample time to think, it's something that's crossed my mind. I like how it sounds. True…succinct."

Briefly closing her eyes, Lucky gathered further thoughts. "Jae, I didn't ask you to come see me 'cause of your contacts." Reopening them, her eyes settled on her visitor watching for a moment as she wiped at her cheeks. "I owe you an apology. I know a lot of time has passed but I'm a believer in the saying that it's better to be late than never."

Jaden quickly interrupted her. "None of that matters anymore. You don't need to apologize Lucky. Water under the bridge."

"No, you're very mistaken. I'm trying to fix the bridge." Lucky flashed a smile. "I've gotta get this done Jae, so shut those pretty lips of yours, ya hear?" Her ex only nodded. "Good." She took in a slow breath. "I'm sorry about how I left things between us. Writing you that letter was taking the cowards way out, but I couldn't stand to see you, tell you face to face that I was leaving."

"Lucky, I understand why you ended it that way," Jaden softly interjected. She watched the other woman place an index finger close to her lips as she shushed her. Hint taken, the musician switched into listening mode. She even went so far as to bite down on her lower lip in the hopes of keeping herself from interrupting again.

"I've always loved you Jaden. I realize that with the way I treated you through those years that it's hard to believe, but I loved you more than I could ever love anyone else. From the start you deserved better than me, but I was selfish, possessive, and I manipulated you more times than I care do think about. I ripped you away from your family, I abused you and I encouraged you to use drugs," pausing, Lucky thumped her chest as a shaky breath was expelled, "I'll never forgive myself for pushing you down a path you had no business traveling. You have," further tears stained her pillow as she tried to get remainder of her sentence out, "…you have HIV because of me. If I--"

Her upper teeth swiftly released her bottom lip. "No! You can't blame yourself for that Lucky. I didn't contract that until after you left. You were always telling me not to share--I grew careless."

"If I'd never gotten you involved with drugs in the first place you wouldn't have been careless and you wouldn't have gotten HIV. Don't put this all on yourself--I share a great deal of the blame."

Sitting back in her chair, Jaden shook her head. "So this is why you wanted to see me? To unload the guilt you've been carrying? Yes, you introduced me to drugs, but as an adult I was responsible for my own choices. I chose to indulge in that crap--I don't remember you putting a gun to my head. I won't sit here and allow you to berate yourself. I'd rather walk out."

"Please don't go yet." Lucky sounded so childlike in that moment, her eyes widening as she nervously glanced between her ex and the door that Jaden came too close to bursting into tears. Instead she rose from the chair, burying her face in the crook of Lucky's neck, kissing the pale skin. A hand stroked the middle of her back as she vowed that she wasn't going anywhere.

##########

Standing before the window, Jaden gazed toward the starlit sky while her friend slept. A glance at her watch informed her that it was nearing midnight. Convinced that apologizing definitely was unwanted, the two moved onto other subjects. A smile touched Jaden's lips as she recalled Lucky's surprising declaration that she had attended at least a dozen of her concerts. She had shown up at one of Jaden's book signings for her autobiography too, but couldn't bring herself to enter the line of those waiting to meet the budding music artist.

She mentioned that on that day she felt like a stalker because she arrived thirty minutes before Jaden and didn't leave the bookstore until the signing had completed. Lucky couldn't remember ever purchasing so much coffee--her excuse to occupy a table near the store's beverage nook.

"Jaden?" A voice thick from sleep called. Turning around, Jaden watched for a moment as the bedridden woman searched the room after finding the chair empty. She looked near panic.

Hurrying over, Jaden captured her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as she smiled down at her. "It's okay baby. I'm right here." She pointed over her shoulder. "Just admiring the view. Oh, and before I forget Marcie stopped by a couple of hours ago. We talked for a while--she's nice. She said to tell you hello--had to get home."

Lucky nodded, looking contented once again. "Like you, she's one special lady. She and her husband just had another baby and she still comes to check on me daily."

Given her hand back, Lucky rubbed at her eyes while asking Jaden to open the top drawer of her nightstand. "You see the Binaca in there?" Finding the small tube of breath spray, Jaden handed it to her. Removing the cap, Lucky inhaled three measured sprays. Recapping the Binaca, she tossed it toward the drawer, glad that she didn't miss it. She sent Jaden a grin. "That's a three-pointer isn't it?"

The musician grinned back. "Yep. You've got game." Lucky crooked a finger at her so she leaned down a bit. "Yes?"

She crooked the finger again. "More." Lucky had uttered the word 'more' two additional times by the time their noses touched.

Jaden's eyes were in danger of crossing. "Close enough?"

Lucky smiled feeling the younger woman's warm breath on her lips. "Just back up one inch." Her ex did so. "Perfect."

"What are we doing?" Jaden's voice had transformed into a whisper. She closed her eyes as Lucky's fingers grazed her cheek. She hadn't realized how much she missed her touch--how gentle it could be.

"Kissing if I have my way." Jaden was all set to protest before an imaginary period could be added to the end of Lucky's reply. "I recently had a bout with pneumonia, but it's over now--I'm not contagious."

"But I'm not worried about catching something from you."

"Jae there's nothing else to be worried about either. Everything's okay," Lucky spoke, hoping that she would be able to comprehend what she meant. The resulting fresh buildup of tears convinced Lucky that she understood. A finger softly brushing Jaden's eyelash, she caught one of the tears on its tip. "Don't cry."

"How can I not?"

"Kiss me?" She pled as she pressed the button on the railing that would elevate the upper portion of her bed. Lucky continued to press until she was sitting about halfway up. A tug on the nasal cannula and it was lying in her lap. She looked up at Jaden, her eyes brimming as well. "Please kiss me."

Within seconds her wish was granted and in Lucky's opinion it had to be one of the finest requests of her life--no, it actually made the top of her list. That kiss erased the last seven years spent without having Jaden by her side. Her first kiss had taken place when she was eight and since then Lucky had kissed a lot of women, but none of those many kisses could ever compare to the lips interlocked with hers now.

Her heartbeat quickened as she brushed her tongue against the softest lips, desperately wanting them to open. Another request granted after a moments hesitation from the younger woman. Cradling the back of Lucky's head, Jaden granted access. The both of them released the tiniest moans when their tongues reunited, stroking so gently that it sent tingles along their bodies. Bittersweet tears mingling, the kiss deepened and neither of them paused even a second to breathe. Somehow they both were aware that when it ended, that they wouldn't have the opportunity for more.

Her chest screaming for oxygen, Lucky pulled away first. Smiling tenderly, she kept her hands looped around the musician's neck. Obviously starting to struggle with the generally simple task of inhaling and exhaling, she prepared to speak. "Ask me again…why I'm…called Lucky?" Each had a mental picture of the first day they met at the coffeehouse near Jaden's college campus.

Beginning to cry with more intensity, Jaden could barely get the question out. "Why are you called Lucky?" One hand still on the back of her head, Jaden subconsciously caressed her moist cheek.

A grin turned up a corner of her mouth. "I was privileged…to love you…an angel. For that I'm lucky." The fingers pressed against the nape of Jaden's neck relaxed, haunting gray orbs slowly shutting for the final time. The patient monitor that was hooked up to Lucky began a high-pitched whining sound, alerting that she had flatlined.

Jaden shook her head while tears continued to fall. "No…God please no." She was about to run out of the room to find a nurse or doctor when one of the former hurried inside. Appearing to be in her mid-forties, the kind looking woman squeezed Jaden's shoulder as she passed by.

The nurse used both her stethoscope and two fingers pressed against her patient's neck to check for a heartbeat. Shutting off the monitor, she glanced at the clock, memorizing the time so that she could log it and then turned toward Jaden with a sympathetic expression. She loathed this part of her job. "I'm so sorry Ms. Connelly."

The musician shook her head again. "No, no. She…we…she was just talking to me. She can't be dead. You have to do something! Use those paddles…do something…anything please."

"Sweetie since she's flatlined it's too late to use a defibrillator and I'm not allowed to try anything else because Lucky obtained a DNR months ago--Do Not Resuscitate. She was quite adamant that heroic measures not be used."

"But…" Her knees felt weak and without her immediately realizing it, the nurse had assisted her back to the chair. A tissue was placed in her hand as her shoulder was squeezed again.

"She was in so much pain…she's better off now." Jaden didn't respond. "Could I do anything for you?"

Focused on Lucky, she uttered a soft 'no'. A moment later she thought of something. Not taking her eyes away from Lucky, she asked the nurse if she could get in touch with Marcie Barnes. Fortunately, they had Marcie's information on record because Jaden hadn't written down her phone number.

"I'll give you some time with her sweetie." Blinking back tears, the nurse quietly exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Almost as if she were in a daze, Jaden held onto one of Lucky's hands while stroking her cheek. Five minutes had drifted by when she tightly shut her eyes as though that would effectively keep the tears from brewing. Her shoulders began to shake, rivulets of tears running down her face as she laid her head on the sheets.

##########

SPIRITED SADDLERS RIDE-- DAY ONE

She could have wept the happiest tears when she noticed the sign, which informed her and other bicyclers around her that Road Stop #3 was now a quarter mile away. Her throat had become so dry that she entertained ideas of swallowing a bucket full of ice water. So intensely were her legs burning that there simply had to be smoke emanating from them. She removed her eyes from the road long enough to check. No, they were just glistening with perspiration.

Yes, this was strenuous. Very strenuous. Despite her internal complaining Georgie displayed a grin. But man, was she overjoyed to be a part of that event! Also, she was riding high on what Jaden had declared minutes before over a thousand bicyclers took off down L.A. streets. She loved her. The incessantly grinning blonde didn't care if passing riders glanced at her as if they might have been wondering why she wasn't locked up in a sanitarium. She…loved…HER! Nothing had ever sounded so sweet.

So involved in her thoughts, Georgie almost whizzed by R.S. #3, which the Eagles Team was in charge of. She knew two out of the dozen consisting group--Jack, Mack's twin brother and Gabriel, Sierra's younger brother. Making a u-turn, she steered her Merlin toward the bicycle parking lot where she had to check it in with Gabriel. As she approached, she smiled while observing his outfit. The two road stop teams that she visited earlier had been dressed in a specific fashion. Obviously the teams discussed having motifs before the event started.

Georgie was enjoying discovering each one. R.S. #1 (the Lions) had an Old West theme going. Each one--male and female--was dressed up like cowboys. Or perhaps to be more politically correct, the ladies were dressed as cowgirls. They wore ten-gallon hats, plastic pistols in their holsters and even spurs on their boots. R.S. #2 (the Sharks) caused her to miss her surfing lessons with Jaden. Most of the men were shirtless (some buff, others not so buff) and had on colorful pairs of board shorts and sandals. The ladies were dressed in various styles of swimsuits. Some wore one-piece swimsuits; others two-piece with sarongs and a couple had chosen to wear board shorts. Positioned near their welcome sign was a gleaming surfboard with a smiling shark painted on it.

The Eagles had decided on a Hawaiian theme. Of course each member had a lei around their neck. Most of the ladies wore swimsuits with grass hula skirts and had a flower in their hair. The guys were either dressed in white pants or shorts with floral printed shirts. Having chosen pants, Gabriel wore a bright red short-sleeved shirt with large white flowers covering it. His red lei matched perfectly.

"Hiya Gabriel," Georgie greeted as the young man took her bicycle, inserting it in an empty slot.

"Hi Georgie. How's it going out there?" He jotted down her I.D. number and name on a ticket before giving it to her. She would need the ticket to reclaim her bike when ready to exit this road stop.

"Not too bad." Georgie carefully put the small ticket away in her fanny pack. "How is everything going here? By the way, I love that shirt."

"Thanks." He offered up a smile, which to date had caused quite a few ladies to swoon. "Everything is great. There was this one guy in need of an attitude adjustment who couldn't find his ticket, but we eventually straightened it out." Gabriel pointed toward the row of porta-potties, which had a line before them. "My sister checked in not too long ago. You might be able to catch her over there. She'd asked if I'd seen you."

Thanking him, Georgie practically sprinted toward the temporary bathrooms. All the Gatorade and water she had drank today was coming back to haunt her in a most wicked way. And this wouldn't be the first time. Earlier she had almost convinced herself to pull over so that she could seek relief behind a bush. Georgie's fear of being caught and snakes appearing out of nowhere stopped her from going through with it. The last thing she wanted was to be bitten on an exposed butt cheek.

Standing behind a tall muscular man whose arms were larger than her thighs, she looked around hoping to find the aromatherapy expert. She wouldn't be able to look more thoroughly until her blaring bladder was satisfied. She was thinking about calling her when her cell alerted to an incoming call. Pulling it from the fanny pack, Georgie sent the tiny screen a smile.

"Hello stranger," she greeted warmly. Hulk turned around with a bright smile on his face until he realized she had been talking on her phone. Displaying a smile that plainly read "too bad", he presented Georgie with his broad back again.

"Where are you?" Her caller inquired. She must have been in an awfully quiet place because Georgie couldn't detect any background noise.

"I'm fairly certain that I'm in Charter Oak--Road Stop #3." Georgie's smirk was good-natured as she asked, "Where are you? San Bernardino?" She estimated that she had around fifty miles to go until she reached that coveted city. Then it would be time to rest until they started again tomorrow morning at roughly seven o'clock.

Jaden laughed. "You think I made it to camp in less than three hours after we took off from Griffith Park? I doubt Lance Armstrong could pull that off!"

The blonde chuckled. "So where are you? It sounds quiet."

"That's because I'm inside a single person bathroom at a gas station in Upland. Which is approximately…twelve miles from you. Wanna meet here for lunch?"

"In the bathroom of a gas station? As tempting as that sounds, I'll pass J-Co."

"Haha." Jaden produced a smirk of her own. "If you decline I'll just have to ask my other girlfriend."

"Can't. Van's in a well…van on her way to San Bernardino. You're stuck with me."

The musician sighed as though that was the last thing she wanted to hear. "So are you going to meet me? I'll take you to a restaurant although this is a nice Arco station."

Chuckling again, Georgie moved forward in line. Only three people were ahead of her now. "Is there a restaurant near you? And are you sure you want to meet me for lunch? It's going to take me close to an hour to reach Upland."

"I'm a patient person, so I don't mind waiting for you. Take your time and be careful. What are you in the mood to eat?"

"Anything edible." As if knowing that the topic had switched to food, Georgie's stomach growled. "I'm dang near starving. A girl can only eat so many energy bars!" Asking her to hold on, Jaden grew quiet except for occasional murmuring only meant for herself to understand. Georgie asked what she was doing as she purposefully walked toward and into the next available porta-potty. She would have preferred getting off the phone first, but her bladder wouldn't wait any longer. Besides, it wasn't like Jaden could observe what she was about to do.

"I'm using my PDA to locate nearby restaurants Flip. Let's see what we've got here…how about Mimi's Café? I've been there before--not the one in Upland, but the food has always been enjoyable."

"Is it close to your Arco station?" Her business completed, Georgie exited the surprisingly clean porta-potty and made a beeline toward the hand washing station.

"Yep. Less than half a mile." Jaden proceeded to give her the restaurant's address and the directions to get there.

"I hate for you to wait an hour."

"Don't worry about it. I'll spend the time exploring this area. See you soon sweetie."

Georgie smiled as she wiped her hands with a paper towel. "Bye Jae." Just as she put the phone into her fanny pack, warm palms covered her eyes. She chuckled although she didn't know who was behind her. This person was a female though based on the umm…two soft lumps pressing against her back. The words 'guess who' were whispered into her right ear. Grinning, she asked if she could have a hint.

The stranger used a whispery voice again. "I'm the sauciest, sassiest and let's not forget sexiest Latina that you know."

Laughing, Georgie turned around and pulled the other woman to her for a hug. "Hey Saucy! I've been looking for you. Your brother told me you were around here. When did you arrive?"

Sierra glanced at her watch. "Almost half an hour ago, so I better get my saucy butt moving. I don't want one of those sweeper van's picking me up later." All bicyclers had to check in by 5:00 each evening with their allotted color team. They could leave the camp area if they chose afterward, but it was mandatory to check in by five o'clock. Those found on the road when the deadline was approaching and it was obvious that they wouldn't make it to camp on time would be picked up. "How're you holding up your first S.S. Ride babe?" Sierra hooked an arm around her friend's shoulders as they walked toward the lot to pick up their bicycles. In return, Georgie's arm circled her waist.

"Legs aching a bit, but I'm fairing well. And you?"

"Same goes for me."

"I'm meeting Jaden in Upland for lunch. Care to join us? We're going to this place called Mimi's Café."

"Good food there but no thanks chica. I'm straight."

With her head shaking, Georgie clucked her tongue. "I don't know what it has to do with eating, but in that case remind me to repossess your toaster when we go back to Los Angeles next week."

Laughing, Sierra explained what she meant. "No, please leave my toaster alone 'cause I'm a proud member of Lesbian Inc. I'm declining your lovely lunch offer because my sweet little brother Gabe surprised me with a Subway turkey sandwich when I checked in." She patted her stomach. "So I feel well fed and I'm ready to pedal outta here."

"Then unless I see you at another road stop, we shall meet again at camp later." Bicycles retrieved, the pair rolled them toward the road. Another embrace and they headed out, losing sight of each other within a matter of minutes.

##########

"Mm, incredible. Simply incredible." Georgie licked her lips as she looked unabashedly at a plate so clean that the busboy could put it right back on the shelf. Satiated, she leaned back in the comfortable booth and smiled at her companion. "Great idea J-Co. Is there a Mimi's Café in Los Angeles?"

Jaden nodded as she swallowed the remaining slice of tomato from her chopped Cobb salad. Finished with her main meal, she picked up the honey bran muffin that came with it and offered Georgie half. She declined the first time yet when Jaden offered again she accepted it. Chuckling, she bit into her share.

"What?" The blonde had already devoured half of her piece. She hadn't realized how large of an appetite she had worked up riding that morning. Although the fast paced bicycling burned a lot of calories, if her stomach remained this demanding during the week, she wouldn't have to worry about losing too much weight.

"I noticed you eyeing my muffin all through our lunch G-Dog." Grinning, Jaden pulled iced tea through her straw. "Then you try to act coy when I offer you some."

Georgie blinked innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about Jae." The rest of the muffin disappeared. Dang. If she could fit them into her fanny pack, Georgie might have ordered half a dozen of the delicious muffins to take with her. Taking her wallet out, she slid it across the checkered tablecloth where it rested beside Jaden's glass. "I need to go to the restroom for the twentieth time today. In case our waitress delivers our check while I'm gone could I trust you to use my money to pay?"

"But I invited you--"

"Na ah." Georgie wagged an index finger at her. "I'm paying for lunch today. I know exactly what I have so when I return some of it better be gone okay?"

"No problem. I'll rob you blind."

Laughing, Georgie leaned across the table and kissed her cheek. "Also take out enough for the tip. 10% of our bill should do it."

The musician saluted her. "Yes ma'am. I will." Before Georgie could reach the restroom their waitress had returned with the check, which she placed in front of Jaden. Opening Georgie's wallet, she removed enough cash to cover the bill along with a tip, which might leave their waitress happy. She was about to close the wallet until she took notice of a photograph of Georgie and Vanessa possibly on a beach dressed in bikinis with colorful drinks in hand as they grinned for the camera. Smiling, Jaden guessed that they had to be teenagers in the picture. Pulling the photo out she checked the back for further description. She found one printed in purple ink.

Me and Van--1995 Spring Break in Baja

Hopefully those drinks don't contain alcohol, Jaden thought her smile remaining in place as she reinserted the photograph between its thin plastic casing. She proceeded to look at the other photographs as the waitress walked by to collect the money left on a small tray. Jaden thanked her and then returned her attention to the photo of a few years younger Jacob with his wife Nora. With a soft smile Jaden observed the woman who looked like an older version of Vanessa despite being a redhead. Mother and daughter had the same buoyant smile and brilliant hazel eyes. Although she never had an opportunity to meet Nora, Jaden knew that she had to have been a cordial and devoted woman considering her charming, sweet and so very lovable daughter.

She intended to shut Georgie's wallet when a slim colorful package caught her eye. Curiosity getting the better of her, Jaden pulled the item out of the wallet, her eyebrows rising upon discovering what it was. The package contained a dental dam and not the type that Heather and Thomas used in their dental practice because as far as Jaden knew dentistry oriented dental dams didn't come in a grape flavor.

Her thoughts taking a completely different direction from the wholesome place they had been just thirty seconds ago, Jaden slipped the dental dam back into the wallet, closed it and dropped it on the other side of the table. Several questions sailed through her mind as she waited for her companion to return. What was Georgie doing with a dental dam in her wallet? How long had she been in possession of said dental dam? Did she plan on using it in some way? Jaden doubted that she had decided to become a dentist.

Before she could come up with viable answers to her questions, Georgie had returned to the booth. She asked if she had been missed. Smiling, Jaden chose not to mention what she had found while snooping in her wallet. For now anyway.

Reaching across the table, she brought Georgie's hand to her mouth, brushing her lips across the slight knuckles. "Of course I did Gigi. I was about to get up and come search for you and call the FBI."

The blonde blushed through her grin. "I don't want to let you go, but we should get back out there, eh?" She half sounded as though she wished for the other woman to disagree. And in a way she did because Georgie had a feeling that after they left Mimi's Café she wouldn't see Jaden again until that evening at Glen Helen Regional Park. She wondered when was the exact moment that she had grown so dependent in her relationship with the musician. You should give her some space, she tried reminding herself. Don't want her feeling smothered by you do you?

Georgie didn't realize that their parting each other's company was just as difficult for Jaden. She wasn't in a hurry to get back on her bicycle because that would inevitably separate them. However, common sense told her that they should return to the road unless they wanted to be picked up by the sweepers. Hesitance showing, Jaden agreed, rising from the booth and stretching.

Gathering their belongings they headed out of Mimi's Café hand in hand. The couple didn't release each other until they stood at their bicycles. A couple of brief kisses on the lips they settled on the Merlins and rode out of the parking lot.

##########

Near exhaustion and drenched in her own sweat, Sharon had been catnapping for the last ten minutes under a large shady tree at Road Stop #6, her back pressed against the bark. Eyes closed she allowed her thoughts to drift in no particular direction. She thought about the miles she had left to travel, reminding herself that she was close to San Bernardino. Sharon guessed that it would take her seventy-eighty minutes to reach the campsite. Just a few more minutes of rest and she would resume.

She was thinking about the shower she couldn't wait to take when she felt something cold and wet brushing across her forehead. Immediately opening her eyes, she started to frown until she noticed who was standing before her holding out a plastic bottle of water for her to take. Doing so, she thanked her ex-girlfriend, tension running through her because she couldn't tell what Mackenzie was thinking. All that she knew was the younger woman seemed to be avoiding her on purpose.

"You looked hot." Biting down on her lower lip, Mack shook her head. Let's try that again. "I mean that you looked thirsty so I decided to get you a water. You don't want to be dehydrated."

"Thanks…again." Twisting the cap and breaking its seal, Sharon removed it and took a sip. "How has your day been?"

"Fine." The swift answer sounded borderline terse. However, despite her tone Mack took a seat on the grass in front of Sharon. It was then that the nurse noticed the Daffy Duck Band-Aid an inch below her right knee. She couldn't recall it being there when they were in the prayer circle at Griffith Park before the ride started. When Sharon asked if she was all right while indicating the small injury, Mack nodded. " I took a curve too sharply, fell and collided with a bit of gravel. It's nothing."

Searching for something to talk about, Sharon spotted the younger woman's blue bracelet. "Know who your tent mate is?"

"Colin."

"That's nice you're with a friend. Coincidence or on purpose?"

"On purpose."

Withholding a sigh, Sharon took another drink of water instead. Not making this easy on me, are you? Desperate, she was about to comment on the weather when Mack rediscovered her verbalizing skills.

"Not that it's any of my business, but what's going on with you and…what's her name? Ciara? Sera? Sarah?"

"Sierra?" This was not a conversation that she wished to have yet she wasn't surprised that Mack had brought it up.

"Yes, sorry. Is she--are you two dating?"

Her first instinct was to tell the truth, however what would she say? That she and Sierra, someone she barely knew were pretending to be a couple because she didn't want to rock the boat by explaining to her parents that she had been lying to them for weeks about having a girlfriend? Although they were not on friendly terms, Sharon didn't feel it was right to tell her ex what was really going on. How did I get myself into this mess? A dark head nodded slightly. Oh, yeah. I opened my mouth and spoke.

"We're taking it slow," Sharon quietly admitted, eyes averting to the label attached to her water bottle.

"I see," Mack cryptically replied as she gazed toward the woman who still held her heart, regardless if she wanted it or not. A full minute was allowed to pass without any communication. "My brother is on a road stop team with…Sierra's brother and they're also tent mates. He was going on and on to my brother about you two having been dating for a while and with some coaxing Jack told me everything that he knew. Just how long is a while Ronnie?" That terseness had crept back into her tone, which had Sharon wishing that a deep hole would suddenly form underneath her that she could disappear into instead of giving an answer.

"Not that long." Before the vague response was out of her mouth, Sharon was certain that Mack wouldn't accept it.

"Mack, technically you broke up with me so…" Yeah, like this will work! I swear I can feel her starting to hate my guts.

"True, but technically I believe that I have a right to learn when this relationship started since it's so close to the ending of ours. We broke up three weeks ago and you're involved with someone else already. Does 'not that long' mean that this relationship just occurred like last week?"

By this time Sharon was sweating from a reason other than exertion. Where was a shovel when you needed it? "Yes."

"Last week?" Mack's eyes narrowed in suspicion. They both were aware that the older woman had been caught in an outright lie. "You began dating her last week?"

"Yes."

"So Gabriel's interpretation of a while is about a week of dating?"

The nurse shrugged. "Sounds like it."

"No wonder you took our breakup so well. You already had a little something on the side so losing me was no big deal. I can't believe you Sharon." Thoroughly disgusted, she stood up. "I mistook you for an honorable person. Shame on me for loving such an incredible asshole!" Her mini tirade completed, Mack stormed away heading toward the bicycle parking area.

Sighing, Sharon ran her fingers through dampened black hair. Mission unintentionally completed. She was officially hated.

##########

She could have cried out with joy as she traveled through the rolling hills of Glen Helen Regional Park late in the afternoon. She had made it! She conquered the first eighty miles of the journey to Las Vegas. Now there were only…well, Georgie really didn't desire to think about the balance of miles that she had left. The most important fact of the moment was that the riding portion of Day One was done.

The large waving purple flag looming about five hundred feet ahead was her destination in order to check in. Riders had to check themselves and their bicycles in with their appointed color team before entering the campsite.

Arriving at the short lines in front of a long row of folding tables with color team members seated at them, Georgie chose to stand in the line that Vanessa was in charge of. Eight volunteers on each of the six color teams, three from each were currently checking in riders while two more of their teammates expeditiously carted bicycles to the parking lot that had been set up for them.

Wondering where her girlfriend was within the camp, Georgie called her. Two rings later Jaden picked up.

"Hey J-Co. I've arrived! Where are you?"

"I'm at our tent going through my belongings for something to wear."

Although there were several voices blending in the background, Georgie was able to hear her. "Did you shower already?" She was concerned about taking a shower with so many people around. Georgie had been one of those students in elementary and high school P.E. classes not to partake of the showers within the locker rooms. No matter how much she exerted herself during class she waited until she got home that afternoon to take a shower in privacy. Jaden assured her that the shower trailers they would be using did offer privacy while showering and even dressing, yet Georgie remained anxious.

"No sweetie," Jaden answered, picturing the blonde's relieved expression. She hadn't intended to take a shower until she found Georgie and then they could go together. "I was waiting for you to get here. Have you checked in yet?"

"About to. I'm in line. Should I meet you at our tent when I'm done?"

"Yes ma'am. I'll wait here."

Ending the call and feeling much better about her impending shower, Georgie walked up to her best friend with a smile on her face. She greeted Vanessa and Nina who was seated next to her and busy with another rider. Asked for her I.D. number, Georgie showed the volunteer her bracelet, watching as Vanessa typed the keyboard of her laptop.

"How was it out there babe?" She inquired, hazel eyes studying the screen.

"Smooth as a baby's bottom."

Vanessa laughed at the unexpected reply. Looking up, she smiled at her friend. "You tuckered out?" It was posed as a question, yet she already knew the answer.

Georgie nodded. "Oh, yeah. I'd like a shower, dinner and some relaxation. Not necessarily in that order. How are you and junior/juniorette doing?"

"Just fine." Her smile grew as she thought of the bundle steadily forming inside her tummy. A few more days and he or she could officially be referred to as a baby. She hadn't realized until the last week or so how giddy that bit of information made her. "No nausea today, so I think the morning sickness is thankfully on its way out." Vanessa asked her friend if she was aware of the competition going on between the road stop teams. When Georgie shook her head no, the cheery volunteer began to explain.

"Apparently they've done this every year since the 2nd S.S. Ride," Vanessa started while leaning back in her padded folding chair. "Each day that bicycler's check in, they may cast a vote for their favorite RS Team out of the eight dispersed along the route. How you vote should depend on how courteous they were, their creativeness in choosing a theme, did the porta-potties make you think of the word yucky or were they sanitary, did the team serve good snacks, if you had questions were they able to answer them…etc.

"The team that has the largest number of votes at the end of the daily check in time receives a complimentary massage from members of the Cheer Team and of course bragging rights." The Cheer Team (or Jolly Saddlers as they had dubbed themselves) was comprised of two-dozen perpetually peppy folks whose job it was to offer motivation to the bicyclers during the hours of riding. Often dressed in outrageously funny costumes, they could be found along the roads holding up colorful signs of encouragement and giving snacks and trinkets to those riding by. Within the camp, they assisted the recreation team. "At the end of the week whichever team has accumulated the most points from five days of voting receives a $50 American Express gift card per member."

"Ooh, that's nice. You could use that type of gift card anywhere, right?"

Vanessa nodded as she pushed a sheet of construction paper in front of Georgie. On it were the animal nicknames of the RS Teams along with the real names of the members belonging to each. "Just about. Now babe if you'd like to fulfill your civic duty, could you vote for one of these road stop teams?"

Georgie scanned the paper until she came across Gabriel Torres listed alphabetically underneath Eagles--Road Stop 3. She tapped the name with her index finger. "My vote for today goes toward the Eagles." Because she was curious to know, she waited until Vanessa logged in her vote on the laptop before asking who was currently in the lead to win tonight's first massage.

The volunteer flashed her a grin. "You're my bestest buddy in the whole wide world, however, I'm not allowed to disclose that information until the voting period has ended. Then the results will be announced over the loudspeakers. So sorry."

"That's cool. I understand." Georgie smiled as she reached across to gently tug on one of the many neat braids on Vanessa's head. "You're good at your job."

"Dude thanks. That means a lot coming from you." Retrieving her list of road stop names, Vanessa handed the blonde a clipboard with several sheets of lined paper attached. The sheet on top held the names of cyclists along with their I.D. numbers, each set written in a different hand. "Although we have you checked in electronically, we want to have a manually written record of arrival, so please sign your Jane Hancock and your I.D. number next to it."

Using the pen connected to the clipboard by a thin cord, Georgie added her information to the bottom of the list in purple ink. Handed a rectangular map about the size of a placemat, she paid rapt attention as Vanessa pointed out various parts of the camp such as where the shower trailers could be located, the information tent, the medical tent, clusters of porta-potties and finally the 'housing' section of camp. To a pilot or bird high in the sky the tents might resemble a giant psychedelic flag without a pole.

Whatever color team a cyclist had been assigned to was the color of their tent, so Georgie and Jaden's tent was a royal purple amid circa 95 identical tents. The different colors served to assist everyone within camp in finding their particular tent easier. Color Team volunteers stayed within the same section as their large groups of riders while all other volunteers had tan colored tents.

"Any questions babe?" Vanessa inquired.

Georgie started to shake her head no but then thought of a question when her stomach growled. "Do you know what's for dinner?"

##########

Standing about a hundred feet away from the large white canopy where over a couple dozen people were busy preparing the first meal of Spirited Saddlers Ride 5, Brandon Sharp a top journalist from T.N.T. Magazine held a cordless microphone as he looked into the lens of the camera directed at him. He waited for Elton to give him the signal to begin speaking. After the count of three fingers, Brandon raised the microphone to his lips.

"Hello everyone. It's now 4:32 p.m. on Day One of the Spirited Saddlers Ride and we're standing in front of the camp's bustling provisional kitchen where cooks are hard at work preparing the first dinner of this event." Brandon sent the video camera a large smile. "I wish we had smell-o-vision so you could know just how delicious the food everyone will be dining on within the hour smells.

"In just a few moments we'll have the opportunity to speak with Rachel Connelly, co-leader with her husband Kevin of Team Grub a.k.a the Food Team. Fifth time members of Team Grub, Rachel and Kevin coincidentally are the parents of musical phenomenon Jaden Connelly, fifth time cyclist in this momentous event."

Soon after his introduction of Team Grub's leader, Rachel emerged from the canopy, headed in his direction as she discreetly tried to check her S.S. Ride T-shirt for cooking stains. Although she couldn't find stains, Rachel zipped up her jacket to conceal any that might have gone undetected and to ward off the evening chill. It was warm within the canopy, however the temperature outside seemed to be quickly declining and was expected to continue dropping until it reached the high 40's. This was her only concern with the Spirited Saddlers Ride. Rachel wished that it took place during the summer--preferably mid to late July.

Smiling almost shyly into the camera as Brandon reintroduced her, she shook the younger man's hand. Agreeing to sit during their interview, they walked side by side toward the vast dining area consisting of more benches, tables and chairs than Brandon had the time to count. Seated at a rectangular table large enough for four people to dine at, they sat across from one another.

"First things first Rachel," the journalist started, remembering to use her first name after being advised that Mrs. Connelly was too formal. "What are you and your team cooking for supper? My stomach and I are dying to know!" Riding along the cycling route all day in the RV provided to him and his crew just for the event, the journalist was so busy interviewing volunteers, cyclists and a few spectators that he neglected to eat lunch. The only thing in his mouth since breakfast was the positively tongue pleasing double fudge brownie that a fortyish couple within the city limits of San Dimas was giving those in someway involved with the S.S. Ride.

Living in San Dimas, every year for the past four S.S. Rides Bo and Jeanette baked two thousand brownies, lovingly wrapping each one in wax paper and tying them with a red ribbon. Those repeating cyclists and volunteers who were fans of chocolate looked forward to seeing the couple along the route upon reaching San Dimas.

Her face showing excitement as she thought of the meal ahead, Rachel briskly rubbed her chilled palms together. "In the past--especially during the first two rides--our meal plans tended to be…well rather lackluster. So we're trying to change that by branching out as best we can while maintaining the high-carb low-fat diet beneficial to our riders. Tonight we are serving chicken parmigiana with a generous helping of tender pasta underneath, a tossed green salad consisting of mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, your choice of dressing and fresh baked garlic bread with oatmeal cookies for dessert."

When the journalist made a production out of wiping his mouth as though he were salivating, Rachel chuckled. "I love Italian so I can't wait to sink my teeth into it Rachel. How far in advance does your team start planning breakfast and dinner meals?"

"Most of us have worked together on Team Grub on past S.S. Rides, so we registered way in advance and started regularly meeting, talking on the phone or chatting through the Internet back in March. Our meetings usually began during mid summer, but for Ride 5 we wanted to kick it up a notch as Emeril from the Food Network would say." The pair shared a laugh.

"This year we went to the bank and set up a savings account where we planned on making frequent deposits until the beginning of this month when we withdrew what we had collected since March. That money went toward buying food and the cooking supplies we'll need."

"Doesn't the S.S. Ride give your team money for that?"

Rachel nodded. "Absolutely. We receive a stipend, but unfortunately we've had to stretch it out, which meant minimally appealing meals. Hence the reason we decided to start up our own fund to add to what we're given."

"So those deposits made stemmed from Team Grub's personal paychecks?"

"We would put our own money into the account, but the majority of it was accumulated by us working together. We created the first annual Spirited Saddlers Flea Market, which we held one weekend a month. What we did was actually went door to door throughout the L.A. area and asked people to donate their no longer needed or wanted items--clothes, furniture, collectibles for the ride. Thankfully a lot of the doors we knocked on had generous people behind them.

"Renting U-Haul trucks and storage facilities, we carted our loot out to an empty lot within downtown L.A. the first weekend of each month. After we began advertising more business picked up and soon we were selling just about everything. People found out that the money was going toward a good cause and they participated. It was great and a lot of fun, so I'm certain that we'll host another S.S. Flea Market next year."

"Already planning for Ride 6." Brandon shook his head with a bright smile. "Is it difficult preparing food for so many people? What is it--1800?"

"I believe the total number is 1688--give or take a few." One blue eye winked at the journalist. "And no, it's not as daunting for us as it may sound. We love it. Feeding close to 1700 mouths is a thrilling challenge."

"Any vegetarians amongst us? Speaking of challenges, is that one of them? Having to create alternate meals for people who are vegetarians or allergic to certain foods…?"

Rachel looked on thoughtfully as she visualized Team Grub's notes concerning those riders and volunteers with special eating habits. "We have about sixty vegetarians in camp. There were around five dozen who noted in their registration packet the foods that they didn't like to or just couldn't eat due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or dealing with severe allergies." She smiled. "For the most part preparation has been smooth sailing."

"Have you always enjoyed cooking?"

An enthusiastic nod accompanied Rachel's reply. "My mother introduced me to the stove back in--well, I'll just say quite a few years ago." She sent the interviewer a grin. "I'm retired now, but I'm an avid Ebayer and I sale my own baked goods online." Since Brandon promptly mentioned that she should plug her online baking business, Rachel revealed her Ebay member name and gave a short description of the foods she frequently sold.

"Tell me Rachel, what are your main reasons for your yearly participation in Spirited Saddlers."

"I love playing a part of such a significant and amazing experience as the S.S. Ride is. I doubt that I could make it a mile on a bicycle, so working with Team Grub is the next best thing." A smile on her face, Rachel placed her hands inside the pockets of her jacket. "I feel like I'm truly contributing and hopefully the funds raised during Spirited Saddlers will help toward education, providing medical services for those living with HIV/AIDS whose resources are meager and discovering a cure.

"I love the people, the atmosphere here. It's like adopting a family of thousands for a few days and my husband Kevin and I always hate for it to come to an end. There's a camaraderie found during the S.S. Ride that's so beautiful, so inviting." Pulling her right hand out, Rachel held up her index finger, eyes glistening with tears as she cleared her throat. "My main reason for participating is for my baby girl Jaden who along with my other remarkable daughter Heather who is also volunteering, is the light of my life."

Handing her a tissue, Brandon waited for the older woman to compose herself before he spoke again, his voice soft as he uttered her name. "Rachel?"

"Yes Brandon?"

Reaching across the table, he sandwiched her hand between his. "I know you don't want to reveal all of your meal plans, but I did hear a little rumor about steak possibly being served one of these evenings. Care to deny or fortunately confirm this?" The journalist started grinning when his interviewee snickered. Her hand still held between both of his, he stroked the back of it, forgetting for the moment that her nearby husband had a good five inches and fifty to sixty pounds on him. "Please Rach? I will be in your debt."

She took a few seconds to think about it, a mischievous gleam in her eyes when she finally nodded. "I'll answer the question on one condition."

"Anything."

"Team Grub could always use an extra pair of hands. Help us serve dinner tonight and I'll gladly confirm or deny." Brandon readily agreed. Behind the camera, Elton offered his services too. A pleased smile aimed at both men, Rachel took her hand back. "Brandy, I confirm."

Elton almost lost control of the camera perched on his shoulder when he began laughing in response to hearing Brandon's new nickname. He would have to remember to share it later with the rest of their T.N.T. crew.

##########

Dressed only in a pair of mesh shower slippers, Georgie stood underneath the spray of hot water, which she would have realized had an excellent pressure had her focus not been on the glorious woman lathering up next to her. Idle emerald eyes watched soapsuds sliding over the beautifully tanned curves of Georgie's goddess, who was humming a tune that she couldn't identify. Although, she wasn't trying that hard due to apparent ogling. Bath sponge forgotten, the blonde released a soft sigh. Kevin and Rachel Connelly sure did know how to make some lovely babies. Bless them.

"Yo Gigi?" Turning to face her shower partner, a resplendent smile lit up her eyes. "You do realize that we're supposed to be bathing don't you? Here, allow me to help you." While the younger woman blushed furiously, Jaden pulled the sponge from her limp fingers and squeezed a teaspoon worth of her honey mango gel in the center of it. She was 'roughing' it this week where her obsession with bathing products was concerned. Every year when Spirited Saddlers rolled around and she found herself packing, she collided with the same dilemma--choosing only two bottles of shower gel to bring. Luckily, Jaden always managed to survive on two fragrances and…only one set of shampoo and conditioner.

"Jae, you should save yours." Georgie pointed to the body wash placed on the small shelf attached to their stall. "I have my own."

The musician couldn't hide her dislike. "That's Suave."

"Yes it is. So? Got a problem with that J-Co?"

Embarrassment flitting across her features, the brunette shrugged. "Suave body wash won't do your wonderful skin justice. You should use something with more…depth. I'm not trying to knock Suave products, but there are many others that are much better for a person's skin and hair."

Arms crossed over her chest, Georgie regarded the woman with a raised eyebrow. "Depth? A body wash with depth?" She received another shrug. Starting to chuckle, she stood on her tiptoes to kiss damp lips. "Eccentric, neurotic and snobby about bathing products, but I still love ya."

Jaden smirked as she handed back a sponge now foamy with honey mango. "Now you've got me filled with the warm fuzzies."

"Aw, I wuv you Jae."

"Yeah. Go ahead and use your Suave. My honey mango and I will be just fine by ourselves." Pretending to pout, Jaden moved so that her back was to Georgie, which wasn't too bad. The blonde enjoyed the view from any direction.

"Aw, Jae don't be mad at me. You know I'm just playing with you."

"Humpf!" Grabbing her sponge, Jaden continued to bathe herself, bending over so that she could scrub all the way down to her ankles. She didn't realize that she had just put herself into quite a vulnerable position that her girlfriend wasn't above taking advantage of. Before she could straighten, the thumbs and index fingers of a pair of sneaky hands squeezed bits of flesh on each of her butt cheeks.

Screeching, she turned around to confront her attacker, noting the mischievous smile on Georgie's face. "Insults followed by sexual harassment? I think there are police officers somewhere within camp…"

The blonde remained unrepentant. "When you bend over you risk a goosing and the chances multiply when a naked rear is presented. Why do you think they say not to drop your soap in prison when you're taking a shower?" Georgie tapped her temple. "Think about it."

"Georgie?" A sweet smile caught the younger woman off guard.

"Uh…yeah?" She found herself backing up, although she could only travel so far in the intimate stall.

Jaden 'accidentally' knocked the Suave on the floor. Fortunately, the plastic container kept it from breaking. "I believe that belongs to you. You better pick it up."

##########

The sweat and grime washed away with a nice hot shower, Sierra carried her dinner tray toward the picnic table where her friends (and Sharon) were seated. While in the line to get her meal, she received a call from her brother Gabriel that he intended to dine with new buddies on his road stop team the Eagles. She stopped a few tables away from her destination checking out the seating arrangements.

Riley and Vanessa flanked one side of the bench with Jaden and Georgie between them while Max, Nina, and Sharon occupied the other side. Since Max was near the end of the bench, which didn't leave much room for another set of buttocks, Sierra didn't have much choice but to sit next to her tent mate. Expelling a loud breath, she proceeded toward them while hoping that Grumpy didn't accuse her for the millionth time of being a stalker.

"Hola muchachas y muchacho!" Sierra sent a wink toward the person in the group with the most testosterone. He sent her a wink back and added a grin. Everyone (except Sharon) simultaneously replied 'hola' as the waitress slid into the space next to the pensive woman. What was her current problem? Sierra asked her while nibbling on a sliver of raw carrot.

"Nothing." Sharon barely looked her way as she stabbed a bright cherry tomato onto the prongs of her fork with a bit too much vehemence.

"The sheilas and I have been trying to figure out what's bothering her, but we've been left out in the cold," Riley supplied, shrugging his shoulders as though he hadn't any idea what else they could do.

Georgie nodded agreeably. "All she offers are variations of 'I'm fine' and 'nothing's wrong'."

"Really Georgie, I am fine. Just fine." The nurse's expression was anything but. The punctured miniature tomato disappeared inside her mouth.

"Tell us what happened," Sierra persisted. "We're only asking because we care. Did someone upset you today? Tick you off, hurt your feelings? What?"

Dark blue eyes focused on a near empty plastic compartment tray. Sharon may not have been in a cordial mood, but there wasn't anything wrong with her appetite. Kudos to Team Grub and Jaden's parents for a delicious well planned meal. "Torres please drop this. I'm just tired. Bicycling eighty miles in one day as you should know can take a lot out of a person."

Neither Sierra nor the other dining companions could argue with that. Although Vanessa and Nina were volunteers who rode in automobiles instead of on bicycles, they empathized. "True, but I doubt fatigue is why you're so quiet Grumpy."

Riley quickly latched on to the pet name. "Grumpy? Are we acting like we're the seven dwarfs?" He counted each head at the table. "Ah, but there are eight of us."

Maxine joined in, wearing a broad smile. "Then someone has to be Snow White." She directed her smile at the brooding nurse while hoping that she could get her talking more. "What do you think Ronnie? Who among us should be Snow White?"

Just about everyone was capable of reading the 'please don't make me participate in this' expression on Sharon's face. However, none of them were willing to come to her rescue. Capitulating with a small sigh, she dropped her fork into the section of the tray perfect for holding utensils. Steeping her fingers together, she observed the faces surrounding the picnic table, ending with a shrug.

"Not sure. We should name the seven dwarfs first and then whomever is left over will be nicknamed Snow White." She pointed toward herself, lips twitching into a smirk. "Grumpy is already taken. That leaves," Sharon began to tick off a finger for each dwarf, "Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy and Dopey." With four young nieces and nephews, she was knowledgeable on a plethora of animated characters and probably owned just about every Disney video known to man. She nudged the young woman seated on her left. "I nominate my little sister here to be Bashful 'cause she can be kind of shy at times. And she's also sentimental and sweet like him." Nina proceeded to blush just like Bashful would while everyone else grinned. Sharon asked her if she would like to match up a dwarf to another person.

Nina initially answered with a nod as she had a piece of chicken in her mouth. Once swallowed, she did speak. "Happy and I choose Van because she's just a generally cheerful gal. She makes working on the Purple Team a true pleasure." More grins lifted several pairs of lips as Nina winked at her co-worker, passing the blush on to her. "Van I believe you're up."

"Mm, right." She wiped her mouth with a napkin as she thought. "I haven't watched that movie since I was a kid, so Ronnie could you tell me anything about Sneezy? Other than his constant sneezing of course."

"All I can recall is that he's allergic to flowers and seems to sneeze at the most inopportune times. He's grateful when the other dwarfs try to help him not to sneeze because his condition frustrates him. He's a good fellow as are all of them."

When Vanessa asked if anyone suffered with nasal allergies, Max raised her hand. "Hay fever and I know one another very well. I sneeze about five thousand times during the spring months." A good-natured smile arose. "I'll take Sneezy."

Vanessa smiled. "Well he's yours."

"Sweet. And now it's my turn." Rubbing her hands together, Maxine thought about the remaining dwarfs. Sleepy, Dopey and Doc. With little ones at home, she remembered a bit of information about each dwarf, but since the architect wanted to keep Sharon's voice box in commission she inquired on one of the mine employees. "What do you know about Dopey Ronnie?"

"He's the youngest and the quietest of the dwarfs. In fact, he doesn't talk at all. His name belies his true disposition, because he's more childlike than actually dopey. He's courageous and manages to show intelligence without verbalizing. He's a big believer in having fun and isn't afraid to act silly." Her dinner consumed, Sharon picked up one of her oatmeal cookies and took a bite. "Dopey is just adorable."

Perhaps Team Grub's cookies were magical because she began to smile. "Who do you think is most like Dopey? Jaden, Georgie, Torres or Riley?" She missed the smirk Sierra tossed her way for neglecting to use her first name.

Max thought about her choice for a good thirty seconds and then with a determined nod looked across the table toward Riley, beginning to smile as she caught his eye. A finger wiggled in his direction. "You're not the youngest of us and you do speak, but I get the impression that you're a fun lover and as an avid surfer you must be brave to battle all of those waves. So Riley I proclaim you Dopey."

The Aussie grinned, clapping his hands in agreement. "I'm all smiles 'cause I didn't wanna end up being Snow White. I've been called a pretty boy, but I'm still a bloke!" His seven female dining companions laughed. "Between Doc and Sleepy, I'll find which of the sheilas left is Doc." He asked Sharon for a description.

"The oldest of the dwarfs, Doc wears glasses and is their unofficial harmonious leader who's responsible for most of the decisions made. Although he's known to sometimes jumbles his words when he's excited or nervous, he's quite wise and offers sensible advice."

"You had me at 'wears glasses'," Riley stated, a grin raising the corners of his mouth as he gazed toward the woman seated on his left. She tried to smirk yet it melted into a smile. "Besides that, she's harmonious personified and makes excellent decisions." As if it were an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and Jae's a little bit smart too." Riley feigned a swoon when she kissed his stubbled cheek.

"Cobber, it's your turn. Georgie and Sierra. Who's Sleepy and who's Snow White?"

Before Jaden could inquire, Sharon began to speak about the last dwarf. "Despite his incessant sleepiness, Sleepy works just as diligently as his peers within the mines. Always relaxed, he could snooze just about anywhere at anytime. Surprisingly, he tends to be more perceptive than the other dwarfs and in one instance this aids them in rescuing Snow White from the wicked queen."

The musician revealed that she didn't want to choose without actually emitting the words when she claimed that everyone besides Georgie and Sierra should put it to a vote. Jaden hoped that it didn't end up tie; otherwise she might have to make a choice.

Having put her fanny pack back on after her shower, Vanessa looked inside for her memo pad and tore off six sheets. Since she only had two pens, voters had to wait their turn to jot down their nominee for Sleepy. Once completed, Jaden gathered the folded small sheets of paper, beginning to read off either Georgie or Sierra's name. Awesome. No tie. It was 4-2 with Sierra winning for Sleepy, which left the lone blonde among the contemporary dwarfs as Snow White. The group cheered their new nicknames by clinking their beverages together.

"Georgie, now you just need a prince--er--princess I mean." Taking a swig of cold green tea (oh, how he missed his grog) Riley grinned at the young woman.

The table shielded the hand Georgie used to stroke the length of Jaden's thigh as she grinned back at him. Jaden attempted to concentrate on chewing and thinking pure thoughts while busy fingers caressed her skin through her pants. When she wiggled her leg the fingers only became more insistent. Georgie was in for it. As soon as Jaden figured out what 'it' would be. "No princess, but I do think of the good Doc here as my goddess. Is that close enough?"

Riley chuckled. "Perfect."

Head cocked to the side, Sierra studied Jaden's face. "If Nina is Bashful what's going on with Doc's rosy cheeks?" Envisioning a certain animated rabbit, she beamed at Jaden's ever reddening face. "What's up Doc?" She and most everyone else appeared puzzled when the brunette in question suddenly released a short yelp as she jumped in her seat. Focused on the musician, they missed Georgie's roguish grin.

Riley was the first to query. "Did something just nip you on the arse Jae?"

I wouldn't be surprised if she tried. She did it earlier. Jaden laughed to help cover a moan. Those fingers had traveled far too high. "I'm fine mate. I think it was just a tiny splinter." Oh, yeah. Georgie was definitely in for IT!

##########

"I'm giving you the opportunity to choose your punishment, so come up with something quick," Jaden whispered into a pink ear. Having scooted behind Georgie on the picnic blanket, her legs stretched out on either side of the blonde's. She wrapped her arms around her middle and gently pulled Georgie's back against her front, eliciting an approving moan from her. Not only did it feel amazing to be enveloped by Jaden, but also she was the ultimate human space heater. On a chilly evening such as this one, that feature came in handy.

Georgie grinned as if she yearned for trouble. "What kind of punishment should I select Doc? Oh, and why am I being punished?"

"Need you really ask that? You're a bad girl."

"I believe you have an affinity for bad girls."

Eyebrows rose. "Do I?"

"Mmhmm." Georgie didn't bother to explain. Instead she changed the subject, asking the other woman if she would like to share a bag of popcorn. The smell of fresh popping corn wafted through the air from four popcorn carts several yards to their right. A slew of volunteers and riders were in each line waiting their turn to be poured a bag of the fluffed kernels before the first of two movies that would be shown that night started on the large outdoor cinema screen.

Each evening the Cheer and Recreation Teams worked together to provide a different form of entertainment and had chosen to begin with Movie Night--two flicks, beverages and free popcorn for everyone.

"No, I don't wanna." Jaden delighted in nibbling on an earlobe for a couple of seconds. "I'd prefer my own popcorn."
Tingling despite the nibbling having lasted an insignificant amount of time, Georgie glanced over her shoulder. "You don't feel like sharing?"

"Not popcorn." She grinned. "Could you sprinkle some nacho cheese seasoning on there?"

"Got ya. What do you want to drink?"

"Water please."

Because she replied in such a polite voice Georgie kissed her lips. Okay, that was just an excuse. She would have kissed her regardless because kissing was fun and kissing Jaden was triply fun. Turning onto her knees, the blonde began to rise. "Be back soon baby. Guard my spot."

Jaden patted the warm space just vacated by her girlfriend's butt. "With my life." She wasn't successful in guarding the spot for much more than a minute since Vanessa dropped into it. However, she faced Jaden, her legs crossed and a broad smile on her lips.

"Evening hot stuff."

The musician returned that smile within an instant. "Hello buttercup. Would you like popcorn? Georgie just left to get us a couple bags."

Vanessa shook her head while patting her tummy. "We're still pretty full from dinner."

"There's always room for popcorn." Reaching out she stroked the tummy, errantly thinking how exciting it would be when the baby started kicking. Jaden remembered the first time she felt Isabel kick inside of her sister's tummy. Knowing that her niece was moving around in there actually brought tears to her eyes.

The younger woman smiled. "You're right. I might steal a few pieces from Georgie's bag." Looking over Jaden's shoulder she waved and verbally greeted the women headed toward them. "Hey sheilas!" Vanessa had adopted the word from Riley's Australian laced vocabulary and was fond of it. Pointing toward the carts, she alerted them of the free popcorn. Jaden added that the drinks were free as well.

Maxine spread the picnic blanket out next to theirs while Sharon and Nina volunteered to get popcorn and beverages, heading off just as the architect settled onto the blanket. Wearing a thick jacket, she pulled a pair of gloves from a pocket and slid them over chilled hands. Then she tucked her French braided hair underneath her hood, pulling the strings taut and tying them into a knot so the hood wouldn't slide off.

"Gee, are you cold Max?" Her friend teased.

An outstretched tongue greeted Jaden for a second and then the cool air caused it to retreat. "Hush child. You should respect your elders. At my age my body easily feels a chill." She tucked her hands inside the pockets, anxiously awaiting Sharon and Nina to return, her decaffeinated coffee among the goodies they would bring with them.

"You're only 40 Max. That hardly qualifies you for senior citizenship."

"And dude you wear 40 well," Vanessa interjected. "If I didn't know otherwise, I would have guessed that you were Jaden's age." Grinning, she brought up a favorite subject. "I've heard that when women reach their forties, they can often experience a sexual reawakening. They're mature and they feel comfortable within their own skin and are primed to enjoy and be thoroughly fulfilled."

"Really?" The younger woman had Maxine displaying a bright smile. "Then I won't feel so depressed about turning 41 in January."

"No, forties are freaking fabulous!" The trio laughed.

##########

Dropping by hers and Sharon's sanguine tent, Sierra went through her luggage for one of the two roomy sweatshirts she had packed. She pulled it on as she headed toward the area of the park where the majority of campers were settling in to watch movies. During the good walk, her bladder demanded to be emptied so she stopped by an unoccupied porta-potty. When Sierra emerged, she was a bit startled to discover Mackenzie standing before the door.

"Oh! Hi Mack." She held the door open, thinking that the singer wanted to use it. "Nice and clean, there's plenty of toilet paper and a large bottle filled with waterless sanitizer." Folding her arms over her chest, Mack neither replied nor moved closer toward the porta-potty so Sierra allowed it to shut. "Are you all right?" Was she imagining it or did the girl look vaguely hostile? What could she have done to upset her? They had barely exchanged any words.

Finally Mack spoke up. "I happened to see you go in the porta-potty and thought I'd wait. I need to ask you something and I'd appreciate your honesty. This has been bugging me all day."

Sierra's face showed her confusion. "Okay…well, I'll do my best to help you. I was on my way to watch the movies with friends. Jaden and Georgie will be there. You want to come?"

"No." A frown wrinkled Mack's brow. "This won't take long."

"Okay." A thought filled paused. "What's on your mind Mack?"

"The truth. Were you aware that Sharon was already involved when the two of you hooked up?" Her hostility lessened somewhat when Sierra obviously remained confused. "She didn't tell you about me, did she?" Her voice had softened as well.

"You think she cheated on you?"

Mack nodded, her eyes beginning to water. "It's a fact. Sharon practically admitted it to me earlier today."

Shaking her head, Sierra wrapped an arm around the other woman's shoulders, now assured that a hostile fist wouldn't be aimed at any part of her body. "Honey, you are so misinformed."

##########

The popcorn and beverages demolished, the group laid or sat in various positions on their picnic blankets while watching the comedic flick. They had lost two and gained two since the movie began. A fatigued Nina decided to call it a night retiring to the tent she was sharing with Vanessa. Moments passed the opening credits Sharon was tapped on the shoulder, her ex-girlfriend asking if they could speak in private. They hadn't been gone long when Sierra and Heather arrived. The group was about to lose another.

"Will Petunia Vanderbilt please report to the Information Tent? Petunia Vanderbilt you have a visitor at the Information Tent."

Very few people were aware of her 'secret identity' and two of those people were with her now. One of them had just returned with her second cup of decaf coffee while a pair of siblings exchanged glances, one of them shrugging and the other quizzical.

"Maybe Mom or Dad?" Heather offered, keeping her voice quiet so as not to disturb other moviegoers.

"I don't think so." Jaden patted her pocket, feeling the slight bulge of her cell phone. "They would just call me. Besides, she said it was a visitor."

Pulling the plastic lid from her cup, Maxine blew on the steamy surface. "Could be Stu. If anyone knows P.V. he does. She was his idea."

The musician thoughtfully nodded. "Quite possible Max. I don't know what he could want, but I'll go find out."

Georgie overheard the tail end of Jaden's reply. Leaning toward her she whispered, "Are you Petunia?" Why did she have an alias?

Smiling, Jaden kissed her softly. "Yes. It's time you know the truth about me Gigi." She sighed dramatically. "I'm a secret spy. I've been practicing espionage since I was sixteen."

"Like Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible movies?" Georgie imagined her moving around stealthily in an all black outfit and wielding a duffel bag filled with high-tech gear. Sexy. Damn sexy.

"Yes sweetheart. Only better." Winking at the blonde, Jaden excused herself.

##########

The announcer had paged Petunia Vanderbilt once more by the time Jaden reached the navy blue canopy of the Information Tent. Her hand touched the flap to pull it back so that she could enter when she heard the deep voice of her agent call her name. Beginning to smile, she turned around and pulled Stuart Sullivan into a hug. He placed an affectionate kiss on her forehead as they released one another.

"What're you doing here?" Jaden asked, although happy to see him. "Is everyone okay?"

"Everyone is fine honey. I have a proposition for you that I couldn't wait to share and I didn't want to do it over the phone, so I drove here in record time." Grinning from ear to ear, Stuart led his client inside the near empty Information Tent.

One person sat before one of the five notebook computers available for riders and volunteers composing an email. Hearing their footsteps, she looked up, her fingers sliding from the keyboard's home row as she tried to keep herself from gawking at the striking woman. Jaden Connelly was standing seven or eight feet away from her. Never had she been so close to a celebrity before. She willed herself to focus on her email because she didn't want to be one of those people who hounded celebrities for their autographs, although she really wanted to ask the volunteer managing the Information Tent for a piece of paper and a pen.

She could have fainted when blue eyes caught her brown ones, the full lips on that beautiful face flashing her that trademark smile she had witnessed a thousand times on television. The rider thought she smiled back, but so mesmerized she couldn't remember for certain. Somehow she returned her attention (some of it) to the computer screen, placing her fingers on the home row and began to explain to her cousin how she had just met…well sort of…THE Jaden Connelly. Her cousin would kick herself for deciding not to participate in the Spirited Saddlers Ride. Bet she would get her languid backside on a bicycle next year to train for the 2004 ride.

"So Stu what's going on?" Jaden asked her agent as they seated themselves at a small round table with a copy of today's L.A. Times on it. "A proposition?" Grinning, she folded her arms on the table. "You know I'm retired."

"For now. You'll be back," Stuart retorted in a voice strong with confidence. "This doesn't concern music. It's another proposition." Leaning down, he unzipped the briefcase next to his leg and pulled from it a stack of paper attached inside off-white card stock with two brass brads. The newspaper pushed out of the way, he dropped his proposition in front of Jaden. She asked if it was a script although she hadn't opened it and the cover was blank.

The agent nodded, his excitement palpable. "Yep. A movie script."

"Someone wants me to make an appearance in their movie? Like a cameo?"

"You're getting warmer Jae." She looked confused so Stuart decided to spell it out for her. "They want you to star in their movie!" He sheepishly glanced between the I.T. manager and volunteer seated at a laptop, both startled by his outburst. "Sorry for that ladies."

Oblivious to his apology, Jaden pressed a palm to her chest. "Me? Star? Movie?"

"Yes. You. Star movie. You. Act." She smirked yet he grinned. "Don't tell me no Jae. Think about this and read the script. Now the scriptwriter who is also the producer, the director and other actors who have already signed on are all relatively unknown, but I think this film has serious potential. Blair and Roz--the director and screenwriter/producer--have their own movie studio, which is quite small and although they only have a couple of indie films under their belts, this movie could make it as a wide released motion picture. And you," Stuart pointed toward his client as he smiled, "agreeing to be the lead could greatly help. Come on Jae--branch out. Spread your wings."

"One thing Stu."

"What?"

"I have no experience with flying." He appeared clueless. "I can't act."

"Sure you can! You've done it before."

"A couple of movies years ago." Jaden held up two fingers. "And I may have had a combined screen time of five minutes with those movies. That's too insignificant for someone to believe that I can act. I appreciate Blair and Roz's interest in having me in their movie, but they should ask someone with true experience." Tapping her fingers on the script, the musician thought. "You should get in touch with the agent of Nicole Kidman or Julia Roberts or someone else of their caliber."

"Pshaw!" Stuart had a couple of reasons to negate his client's statement about Blair and Roz seeking other actresses to star in their movie. First and foremost, they had their hearts set on hiring Jaden Connelly. From the very first note she jotted down in preparation for creating her script, Roz Shepard had Jaden in mind to portray her main character. She thought the odds of actually getting the celebrity to sign on were slim to none, but she and her partner Blair Wade kept their fingers crossed while their movie took form on paper.

Secondly, unless someone such as Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts were willing to take a huge pay cut from their usual salaries of ten million plus, Roz and Blair couldn't afford them. However, there wasn't any guarantee that they could afford Jaden either. She wasn't a movie star, but they were aware that she too made millions with concert tours and record sales. Stuart didn't believe that the amount of zeros on his client's paycheck would be a problem, but he asked her thoughts on being in a film with a tight budget.

"I wouldn't require six, seven or eight figures to star in an indie film. If I enjoyed the script, could in some way identify with the character I would be playing and had enough time to commit to the project then I would do so."

"Roz and Blair will be able to pull together a five figure salary for you and a percentage of the profits provided that the film is picked up by a major film distributor." Smiling, Stuart glanced toward the script. "Yes, you will enjoy it and I do believe you'll mesh with your character. And it seems to me that your calendar should be open considering that you're 'retired'."

"And yet I still can't act."

"Yes, you can."

"No, I can't Stu. I'm a singer not an actress."

"In my opinion you're a triple threat Jae. You sing, dance and you have the propensity to be a great actress. Roz, Blair and I wholeheartedly agree. And we could always enroll you in a class to brush up on your acting skills if that would quell your uncertainty. Just read the script before you make a resolute decision. Read it slowly, carefully and then allow it to marinate. Then give me a call or just drop by my office or the house if you're back in town by the time you're done reading and reflecting. If at that time your answer remains a no then I won't persist. Promise. We have a deal?" Stuart held out a hand, pleased when Jaden clasped it and they shook.

Flipping the cover back, Jaden read the title typed above Roz Shepard, the screenwriter. Horizon of Hope. Based on the title alone it seemed that the story to unfold on the pages would lean toward optimism. In the lower right hand corner was Roz's contact information.

"So what is this about?"

"Put your glasses on, read it and you'll find out." Wary that she might have a conniption fit if given a synopsis of the screenplay, Stuart chose to keep his mouth shut. Jaden would make the discovery on her own as she delved into the story and hopefully she would become so engrossed that her imminent anxiety could be kept to a minimum.

"What's another word for smartass?"

"Put your glasses on, grab a thesaurus and you'll find out."

Smirking, Jaden closed the script's cover. "Real cute Stu."

"Thank you Jae. My wife thinks I am too."

##########

Feeling as though she were reclining on a cloud, Sierra lay on top of a twin air mattress with a flannel sheet covering her while her busy tent mate zipped up the side of her sleeping bag until she resembled a human burrito. Sitting up, Sharon put a hand into a pocket of the pullover she had decided to sleep in along with sweatpants.

"Are you comfortable?" Sierra asked, although if the other woman were to answer in the negative she wouldn't have much of a solution. It wasn't as though the both of them could fit on her air mattress. Plus, Grumpy probably wouldn't want to be that close to me anyway. As it was, Sharon wasn't anywhere close to invading her personal space. She could complete a 360-degree roll and there would still be room between them.

"I'm fine. You like chocolate?"

Sierra looked as confused as the nurse deemed she would after the question. "Uh, yes. Why?"

"This is for you." She pulled a wax paper covered brownie from her pocket and placed it on the edge of Sierra's mattress.

Pushing the sheet back, Sierra sat up with her legs crossed Indian style. She reached for the treat, absently playing with the ribbon tied around it. "I ate one of these earlier. Bo and Jeanette from San Dimas. It was just as good as the brownies they baked last year. Here. It's yours." Sharon refused it by putting her hands underneath her thighs. "You don't know what you're missing. You don't like chocolate?"

"I do. But I want you to have that." She heard the 'why' before Sierra's lips produced it. "Because you explained our situation to Mack and I appreciate that. So this is my way of saying thank you."

Taken aback she was indeed. "Wow. You're being nice to me."

"Don't get used to it. It's a phase."

Chuckling, Sierra shook her head as she began to unwrap the brownie. "I think you may have been trying to be funny yet I kind of believe that." She carefully split the chocolaty dessert into two equal parts and offered one of them to her tent mate. "Half? Since you're being nice I will too by sharing." She laughed. "I'm sharing with Sharon!"

Sharon took her portion as she rolled her eyes. "You know anything about suturing a wound?" Her teeth severed half the brownie. Damn. Now she was craving a glass of milk.

"Uh, no. Why?"

"Because that was so funny I'm about to bust my gut laughing." The nurse had mastered the art of deadpanning.

"Wow. You could make it into the Guinness Book of World Records Grumpy. Shortest phase in history."

##########

"J-Co, you should do this. Starring in a movie is a great opportunity." Seated on her side of Jaden's queen sized air mattress, she flipped the page and continued reading Roz Shepard's screenplay. "And so far I'm liking this. Sounds like something I would definitely pay to see."

"What is it about?"

"I haven't gotten very far, so I really couldn't say." Georgie didn't look up as she replied.

"But what do you know at this point?"

"It's about a woman." Again, her eyes remained on the page.

"Really? You don't say. Thought my character was a man." The screenplay tapped her on the forehead. "Ow." She rubbed the spot although it hadn't hurt at all.

"That didn't hurt."

"How do you know? It was my head."

Closing the script, Georgie sighed. "Guess I'll stop for tonight since someone won't allow me to read in peace."

Jaden looked on innocently. "Such a discourteous person that someone is. You want me to deliver a butt kicking to them?"

The blonde carefully tucked the script inside her wheeled suitcase. "Sure. If you're able to get your foot to touch your own ass be my guest." She yelped when tackled to the mattress, a warm pinchable tush occupying her stomach and fingers linked with hers as hands pinned Georgie's to either side of her head. The ends of long dark locks tickled her face as the musician leaned over her.

"I recommend a bar of soap for that mouth of yours." Jaden clucked her tongue. "Bad girl."

Georgie barely struggled since she truly didn't want to be set free. Her girlfriend's weight on top of her was most delicious. Although she would have preferred to have at least one hand free in order to reach out and touch her goddess. "I never chose my punishment." The grin wouldn't remain hidden. "Spank me."

Jaden kept her face devoid of all emotion. "With what and how many?"

Hm, what are you thinking J-Co? "Your hand and…however many licks you think I deserve."

The brunette thought it over. "Half a dozen sounds adequate." Since she didn't release her, Georgie asked her to so that she could turn over to receive her 'punishment'. "Oh no. I'm not spanking you right now Gigi." She leaned down further until her lips were close to Georgie's ear and whispered, "I want you to anticipate the palm of my hand tapping upon the tantalizing tissue which is a superb part of your perfect posterior."

"I see you comprehend alliteration. Nice Jae. You should have one proud Language Arts teacher." The petite woman smirked. "So what you're telling me is that you reserve the right to deliver my six spankings at any time?"

"You hit that nail on its head." Grinning, Jaden allowed her the usage of her hands, yet didn't remove herself.

"You aspire to keep me on edge, don't you?"

"You've driven that nail smoothly into the plank."

Georgie shook her head. "I've changed my mind. I don't need a punishment because I'm not as bad as you may believe."

"You can't change your mind. You've selected your punishment and it will be carried out--one spank at a time. Don't worry Gigi. I'll be gentle." Winking, the musician crawled to the other side of the mattress and settled beneath the cover they shared. She double-checked her watch to be certain that she had correctly programmed the alarm clock feature to wake them up at 5:00 a.m. She previously set it for 4:50, but Georgie persuaded her into giving them ten more precious minutes of sleep. A pouty lip combined with a couple of gorgeous pleading emerald eyes was enough to convince Jaden that they truly required those extra ten minutes.

The cover pulled up, Georgie switched to her right side with her cheek resting in her palm as she looked at her partner. "So we're getting up at 7:00 right?'

"If you don't care about eating breakfast sure." She grinned and the blonde leaned closer to kiss it.

"Okay, 5:10 it is."

"5:00."

"5:10 sounds good." Eyes beginning to droop, Georgie lay down, pulling the cover up to her neck.

"But 5:00 sounds even better Gigi. You'll get used to it. Just think toward the future. In a few days we'll be in Las Vegas where we can sleep in a comfortable bed for however many hours we want. And then once rested up," the mischief was easily read on her face before she could speak, "we can cavort in that captivating city!"

"Jaden…"

"Yes?"

"You receive an A+ for alliteration. Now you may stop." Jaden changed positions to lie on her back so Georgie quickly scooted over and into her arms, cheek resting on the nearest breast. She emitted a contented sigh. No pillow could hold a candle to her.

With a low chuckle, she wrapped her arms around the comfy one hundred plus pounds of weight nestled against her. Puckered lips greeted the top of Georgie's head. "Goodnight sweetheart." She received a murmured goodnight and was about to close her eyes when she noticed the light still burning within their tent. Jaden stretched an arm out toward the battery-powered lantern, but in her position couldn't reach it so she asked the dozing blonde to extinguish it.

Eyes barely open, Georgie rose to her knees and crawled toward the small blue lantern, clicking it off, bathing the duo in darkness except for the tiny bit of moonlight peering through.

SMACK!

She was wide-awake now as she turned around to face a snickering brunette, a hand protectively covering her butt. "Jaden!"

The snickering continued. "One down five to go Gigi."

Scowling, she returned to their makeshift bed and Jaden's embrace. "If I'm a bad girl, you Ms. Connelly are positively evil!"

"Great. We can produce a television show. The Amazing Adventures of Bad Girl and Ms. Evil."

Georgie snickered that time. "What's it about?"

"A variety of things--something new each episode. For example, in episode one viewers discover that Bad Girl likes to carry around grape flavored dental dams in her wallet and why it was she began to do so in the first place."

Silence--and then snoring. Pretend snoring anyway. A slight smile on her lips, Jaden closed her eyes. "I love you," she whispered.

Half a heartbeat later, "I love you too baby."

Not five more minutes had passed by when the couple drifted to sleep after wishing that 5:00 a.m. would take its sweet time disembarking.


Continued…