CHAPTER TWELVE


February 16th 2003

Dr. Janet Murray observed the young woman perched on the windowsill, dark eyes staring out toward a well-manicured lawn five floors below while slim fingers unconsciously played with the gold heart-shaped locket affixed to a chain around her neck. Her thoughts were practically on display for the doctor. She wanted nothing more than to be out on that lawn and free to run through the large iron wrought gates, which had held her inside these walls for the past nine years. Perhaps the twenty-eight year old would soon receive her wish.

"Nic?" Dr. Murray softly called.

"Jan?" Lips quirked upward into a vague smile, the patient looked toward the older woman.

The doctor indicated the chair placed before her desk, asking Nicolette Costa to occupy it. She watched the lanky young woman traverse the short length from the window to the chair, one long leg lifting so that her left ankle rested atop her right knee. Nicolette was dressed in her usual attire--black T-shirt, black jeans, black tennis shoes and even black socks. The only bit of color she wore was the tiny pink rose engraved on her locket, which she never removed. Dr. Murray wondered not for the first time how her patient would look if dressed in any color besides black. Even gray would be an improvement.

"Your birthday is coming up next month," Dr. Murray began, a smile on her face. "What are you intending to do for it?"

Nicolette shrugged indifferently. The last time she remembered being excited about her upcoming birthday was the year she turned twelve. After March of 1986 none of them mattered. This year was no different. "Same thing I do every year. Blow out the candle on the slice of chocolate cake the activity coordinators provide after I pretend to make a wish, eat it and then proceed with my usual mundane day." She paused. "Except for the time I spend in your most--mostly pleasant company Dr. M."

The psychiatrist chuckled. "You are a charmer Nic. Just wondering, when is my company not so pleasant?" The utilized leather chair creaked as she pushed backward, a head silvered from many years of often arduous dedication in this field pressing against the headrest. Out of the countless patients she had treated through the years, she considered Nicolette Costa as one of a few special treasures and would miss her when she left. However, Dr. Murray was thrilled that freedom was finally within her grasp and hoped to never see her return here unless it was only for a visit.

"When you want me to talk about things that I'd rather not," she grinned, "well, talk about. Other than that, I cherish our sessions."

"I see." Dr. Murray returned her grin. "So why don't you make wishes on your birthday cakes?"

Again she fingered the locket around her neck. "Because wishes don't come true."

Two dark brows lifted. She realized within the first couple months of their sessions that this particular patient would most likely never be 100% without cynicism. Regardless she habitually prayed that Nicolette would prove her wrong. "Never?"

"For some I suppose."

"But not for you."

A full bottom lip protruded as the younger woman contemplated her reply. "The last wish to come true for me resulted in my indeterminate obligatory residence within this institution."

"Although you're lacking faith in them, why don't you try making a wish now?"

"Not my birthday yet."

"We can bend the rules this one year." Nicolette smirked. "Try it. What is your wish?"

"Besides wanting my mother back, which I can't have?" She didn't wait for the doctor's response. "Freedom. I'd miss you Dr. M, but I'd like to get the hell out of here."

A nod. "Okay."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

With a bright smile in place, Dr. Murray stood up and walked around the desk, pulling Nicolette to her feet and promptly into her embrace. Not one for much physical affection, her patient was tense upon contact, but soon melted into the hug, a small part of her contented to have tender arms wrapped around her. "Happy early birthday Nic. You've got your wish."

"What?" Nicolette moved backward, her mouth gaped in surprise. "I'm being released?" Was this a sadistic joke? No, Janet wouldn't do that to her. Was she dreaming? She dropped back into the chair with a thump when her doctor confirmed that she had indeed been authorized for release. After a couple of years passed with no hint of freedom in sight, Nic had begun to believe that she would be spending her remaining years in this place. That was the reason she attempted on more than one occasion to find her own way out. Fingers grazed the thin faint scars on her wrists as she gazed toward Dr. Murray, who had reseated behind her desk. "Really? I can leave? For good?"

It hadn't been simple, but the psychiatrist had started fighting for her patient's release within a few weeks after taking over her case almost eighteen months ago. She would have began sooner had it not taken her ten days to get the stubborn young woman to open her mouth. However, once Nic Costa proved that she wasn't a stranger to speaking she caused Dr. Murray to question why she was still an unwilling resident of the state of California. Finally, her appeals to the court were listened to and as a result it was decided that Nicolette Costa who had for the most part been an exemplary patient of Recovery Road Institute had earned release.

"There's one provision," Dr. Murray slid a business card toward her patient. "Once a week for the next six months you're required to have a session with a therapist. On that card you'll find the information for a colleague of mine with an office in the Los Angeles area. I've known her since med school and she's excellent. I've discussed your case with her, so she's expecting a call from you."

Picking it up, Nic read the name on the card. "That's fine, but why can't I have these sessions with you?"

"You may if you don't mind returning to R.R.I. each week."

"I'll give your colleague a call on the day I'm sprung." She slipped the business card into her pants pocket, smiling when the other woman chuckled. "I'll miss you Dr. M. You um," Nic swallowed around the thick lump in her throat, "you helped me out of an intensely dark place. You showed me that I still have the propensity to trust people." She ran a shaky hand through straight jet-black hair as tears welled in deep brown eyes. "Not certain how appropriate this is to say to my therapist and honestly don't get a damn, but I can count all the people that I've ever loved on one hand and you're one of them. You saved my life and I'll be grateful to you for the remainder of it." Nic was pulled into another hug as salty drops of water spilled down the olive toned skin of her face. Dr. Murray didn't let her go until her body ceased to tremble.

A tissue was tucked into her hand. "So what about that birthday? Any ideas?"

Nic dabbed at her cheeks. "Am I allowed to leave the country?"

"I'll look into it, but I don't foresee a problem. Just as long as you don't miss your weekly therapy sessions."

"Great." The young woman softly smiled. "Because for my birthday I'd like to go back to Brazil to visit my mother."

##########

SPIRITED SADDLERS RIDE-- DAY TWO

Three minutes before Jaden's watch was supposed to alert them to get up and moving, Georgie reflected on the day ahead. There was sort of bad news and totally good news. The bad news was that now less than one hundred and eighty seconds they would have to leave the warmth and coziness collected in their tent. The good news was that the bicycle journey from San Bernardino to Holcomb Valley would be their shortest of the week--just a bit over fifty miles. Day four's trek was double that, a good old-fashioned century ride. Georgie threw her arm over her eyes with a sigh. She already loathed day four.

"What's with the early morning sigh Flip?" A drowsy yet still dang sexy voice inquired.

"Thinking about Wednesday." Turning onto her side, she reached under the cover for her companion's hand, easily finding and grasping it. "It's gonna be a bitch."

"Not too late for me to find that soap Bad Girl."

"Ooh, I'm quaking in my socks Ms. Evil."

Jaden laughed as she pressed a tiny button on her watch when it began to beep at precisely 5:00 a.m. "We have way too many nicknames." She pulled their joined hands from underneath the cover and kissed Georgie's. "Don't worry about it baby. You'll survive Wednesday. Tame the bitch."

The blonde snickered. "Now whose mouth needs soap?"

"It's your fault for being a bad influence."

##########

"Road stops aside, how long would it take you to reach camp today?" Sharon inquired of her tent mate as they waited in the omelette line for breakfast with trays in hand. Each already had their beverages, both having selected an individual sized carton of milk, Sierra orange juice and Sharon apple. The omelette line was akin to visiting a Subway restaurant. Volunteers and riders were able to choose from a generous array of toppings to add to their three-egg meal. After receiving their prepared omelette they moved along to be given an ample portion of bell pepper and onion flavored breakfast potatoes, a sweet refreshing bowl of mixed fruit and selected either a thick slice of wheat toast or a regular or blueberry bagel with four choices of cream cheese spreads.

"You mean if I didn't stop?" Sierra watched the taller woman's head bob back and forth. "Probably about three hours and fifteen minutes, give or take. Why? You thinking about going straight through?" She would have warned her against deciding not to stop for breaks, but because she didn't want to hear Grumpy's argumentative mouth, she kept hers closed.

"No." An abrupt frown wrinkled the nurse's forehead. "My therapist gave me homework to do while on the ride."

"Yuck. I haven't been fond of homework since kindergarten. Then it was mostly all about coloring within the lines and learning the alphabet. A for apple, B for ball, C for cat…" Sierra thought that the other woman was going to crack a smile--for a split second. Tough crowd. "What exactly is this homework?" A small sheet of white paper was wordlessly given to her. Upon unfolding it, Sierra noticed that it was a prescription slip as she began to read Dr. Townsend's assignment. Afterward, she handed the paper back to Sharon. "Sounds painless--even fun depending on what you choose and then you only have to write a couple of paragraphs about it. What did you have in mind?"

Sharon shrugged as they moved forward in the line, nearing the omelette buffet. "I don't know. I was hoping that you could help me. I figured since this was the shortest traveling day, that it would be a good time to complete my task. So what's there to do between here and the next campground?"

You can't stand me, but you want my help? She was so close to actually saying that aloud, yet again kept her mouth shut. They were being civil; therefore, she wouldn't be the one to ruin it. "Let me think on that."

Twelve minutes later, they were seated at a table with their breakfast. Sharon had opted for a simple cheddar and diced ham omelette while Sierra was convinced by a Team Grub member to try the Mega Grub Omelette, which consisted of Monterey Jack cheese, sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, green onions, black olives and diced ham. She moaned as she chewed on a bit of fluffy flavorful cheesy egg and tender mushroom. Tonight when she stepped in line for dinner she would have to thank the Team Grub volunteer for his yummy suggestion. After a sip of milk, she asked Sharon to tell her something that she wouldn't ordinarily do. Although they didn't know one another very well, Sierra would presume that there were many things that the nurse wouldn't do. Sharon didn't appear very…flexible.

Emptying her juice carton in three long gulps, Sharon dropped it on the tray while she shrugged. "Lots."

The younger woman smirked as she smeared original cream cheese over her bagel halves. "Helpful."

That went ignored. "What wouldn't you ordinarily do Torres?"

"This isn't about me. I don't have any homework. I'm asking you. Did your therapist give you any ideas on what she wanted?" A dark head shook negatively as Sharon followed a forkful of omelette with a bite of strawberry jelly lathered wheat toast.

"I just want to know if there's anything interesting between here and Holcomb Valley. Have you thought of anything?"

"Interesting? Well gosh lemme think…" Sierra tapped her fork against her lower lip while she pretended that she needed to ponder the question. "I'm not certain how interesting it would be to you, but there's this portion of today's ride referred to as the San Bernardino Mountains. And within these mountains we'll be traveling along a little highway called the Rim of the World, which happens to afford a terrific panoramic view of the Inland Empire as well as San Bernardino. But," she shrugged, "again perhaps that wouldn't hold any interest for you."

Sharon stared at her until it reached the point where she had to force herself not to fidget. "You're a real smartass Torres."

"Fine McDaniel. Better than being a fake one." Sierra winked in response to her tent mate's groan. "Mostly what I can think of in route to the campground involves sightseeing and that probably won't cut it for your assignment. You're better off waiting until we reach camp. Tonight's entertainment is karaoke. Ever did that? Sang in front of a crowd?"

"I sing in the shower occasionally and not that well. I prefer listening to others who know what they're doing."

"So you would say that singing is not something that you would ordinarily do for other people to hear."

Sharon nodded. "Yes, I would say that. And I'm not about to change my mind."

"Shy?"

"No."

"Nerve wracked?"

"No Torres. I just don't sing."

Head cocked to the side, Sierra studied her. "Your therapist said to do something you wouldn't ordinarily do. Karaoke happens to be one of those many things and you have an opportunity to change that tonight. They record the performances on video so you could show your therapist proof along with your written homework. It's a competition judged by four members from the Jolly Saddlers and the winners in each category receive a prize. I'll sing with you. We can perform in the duet category." Can someone tell me why I'm going out of my way to help this woman?

"We wouldn't win."

"So? We could still have fun."

"Fun." Sharon repeated the word as if she didn't comprehend what it meant. "Do you sing?"

A large grin on her face, Sierra readily replied, "Nope. But I'm willing if you're willing. Listen to this. Last year a group comprised of two women and two men--no well technically one of the guys was a drag queen--they won for the quartet category and the Fantabulous Four as they called themselves couldn't carry much of a tune if their lives depended on it. But they won because they were engaging, had oodles of charisma and a few nicely orchestrated dance moves. Had the crowd rocking so much, a lot of us wished they could give encores. So it's not totally based on the singing."

"I don't know…"

"I do know. Say yes and I'll go sign us up right now. Hopefully, there's still a duo slot left. I think they only accept seven or eight acts for each category." Sierra grabbed what remained of her bagel to take with her as she began to rise.

"Don't worry about…Torres. Wait, Torres! Come back…" Sighing, Sharon dropped her fork on the tray, hand underneath her chin as she watched her tent mate scurry off to sign them up for something she had no wish to be apart of. She couldn't sing, she wasn't much of a dancer…Great, I know in advance that tonight I'm gonna make an ass of myself. Retrieving the fork she resumed eating and had made a pretty tray by the time Sierra returned wearing a satisfied smile. Damn, she was successful.

"You signed us up." It wasn't posed as a question.

"Yes I did." She sounded far too proud. "But not in the duo category--that was filled up. So we're performing as a quartet." Although they had cooled off, she proceeded to finish her omelette and potatoes. Still tasty.

Dark blue eyes sparkled with a forming idea. "Two more people. My sister has a pretty voice. She used to sing in the church choir." Nina could be their headliner, leaving Sharon to still be in the group but as a backup singer. Perhaps she wouldn't make much of an ass of herself after all.

"She can't. There are other activities throughout the week that volunteers can participate in, but tonight's karaoke competition is only for riders." Sierra watched the sparkle materialize again. "No, not her either."

"Who?"

"Jaden. She's a saddler but it wouldn't be fair. That would be like putting an amateur basketball game together at the local park and Shaq shows up to play on your team with you and your buddies. Your opponents might as well forfeit." She wiped her mouth, explaining that she already secured them two extra members for their group.

"Who?"

"Max and Georgie."

The nurse recalled the trip she took with Georgie to see Jaden in concert in Hawaii. During the concert, the blonde randomly sang along--a verse here a chorus there. "Georgie doesn't sing well."

"Neither do we."

"So we should all suck?"

The younger woman sighed. This could very well be the longest week of her life. "Max doesn't suck."

"Oh!" Sharon smiled--vaguely. "She can--"

"No, she isn't. You're the lead Sharon."

"Why?" A frown etched her features.

Sierra tossed her napkin on the tray, also beginning to frown. "Because I said so." Dios mios. That sounded too much like my mother! Realizing that Sharon was about to protest, she quickly stood up and seized her tray so she could leave before an argument ensued. "I talked with Max and Georgie on the phone and we agreed to meet in the next campground at 2:00 in order to practice. I'll have a list of the songs available by then. Meet us at the aromatherapy kiosks. If you have trouble finding them call me. See you later Grumpy. Happy pedaling."

And she was gone without deliberately giving Sharon the chance to reply or dispute the plan. Groaning, the nurse tidied up the table while wondering if there was anyway she could get out of performing that evening. I was correct. I'm definitely going to make an ass of myself.

##########

As radical as it would be, at that moment she wished for nothing more than to be the recipient of a hysterectomy. Using her fanny pack for a pillow, which actually wasn't that comfortable, the afflicted young woman groaned when another spasm started in her belly quickly moving downward into her thighs. Damn. Why couldn't she snap her fingers, click her shoes together or wiggle her nose a la Bewitched to automatically appear in Camp #2 so she could disappear inside her tent to lick her wounds in private? At least, she was over halfway there.

Groaning most pitifully, Georgie rolled onto her side atop the cool blades of grass, tucking an arm underneath her head. This was an improvement over the fanny pack pillow. Even in her condition, she had to smile when her eyes settled on the road stop teammate dressed as a clown complete with carefully applied makeup, a tightly curled halo shaped neon pink wig and long red floppy shoes.

Around him was a small audience waiting as he attempted to juggle three oranges he probably lifted from the snack and beverage tables. Several tries later he finally developed a cadence, the round citrus fruits repeatedly soaring through the air and back down to capable hands. His audience grew and the clapping seemed to double when a court jester costumed member of R.S. #5 (the Tigers) tossed an apple toward the juggling clown and his rhythm remained undisturbed when he caught it and continued.

Since there were eight road stop teams and today's route was rather short compared to the other daily itineraries, the teams were working in pairs so there was a total of four rest stops between San Bernardino and Holcomb Valley. Twenty minutes ago, Georgie had arrived at R.S. #5 and #6, supervised by the Tigers and Coyotes in the parking lot of a general store in the quaint town of Running Springs. Permitted to do so since the first S.S. Ride, each year the owner of the general store looked forward to the extra business the event provided. It was his most lucrative day of the year and plus he and his wife looked forward to reacquainting with previous riders and volunteers and meeting newcomers.

"Haven't fallen asleep, have you sheila? Or are you away with the pixies?"

Rolling onto her back, Georgie looked up at a rather handsome smiling Australian. She tried to return the smile, but at the last moment it switched into a grimace. His smile replaced with concern, Riley knelt on the grass and reached out a hand to stroke her cheek.

"What's the matter? Injure yourself?"

"Not exactly." Georgie wished that he wouldn't pursue, but she could tell that her fellow purple teammate wasn't about to stop his questioning until he received an adequate explanation. How was she supposed to tell him? HIM. He was a man! And in Georgie's opinion men didn't tend to freely discuss topics such as this.

She suddenly thought of her father--well the man she used to think of as her father--and the day her first period arrived at age thirteen. Her mother wasn't home when she made the discovery on a Sunday afternoon, so she went to John for comfort and guidance, finding him in his home based office working as usual. Standing just inside the door, the young teen shyly told him what just occurred. Fingers pulling back from the keyboard, John looked at her, blinked several times and then informed his daughter to clean herself up if she hadn't already and to wait in her bedroom for Tina to come home. Before she could respond he returned to his typing, his way of ending the sixty-second conversation.

"What does not exactly mean? What's wrong Georgie? You pull a muscle?" She shook her head. "Take a tumble from your bike?" She offered him another negative headshake. "Not coming down with something, are ya? The flu?" He touched her forehead. She felt cool enough to him.

"No. I'm not sick Riley. Everything is fine. Just resting here for a bit."

"Hmm." Rubbing his stubbled chin, the man studied her. "I reckon you're fibbing to me sheila. What's up with you? I hate to be pesky, but I'm not convinced that you're just knackered." A prompt clueless expression from the young woman. "Means to be exhausted."

"Oh! Well I am knackered." When a sudden pain shot through her midsection, Georgie couldn't conceal the resulting groan. She rolled to her side and pulled her knees close to her chest as she closed her eyes, willing and praying for the cramps to go away. Seconds later her eyes reopened to find Riley scouring through his camelbak, a determined look on his face. Quietly, she asked what he was searching for.

"This." He extracted a six-ounce see through plastic bottle that contained a clear substance. "Massage oil. Figured I'd buy some in case myself or someone else required a rubdown during the ride and you my friend do, what with those nasty cramps. Aunt Flo is such a bitch."

Georgie couldn't have appeared much more surprised if Riley stood up and began to strip while performing a show tune. "You know Aunt Flo?"

He chuckled. "Unfortunately, I've seen her in action more times than I care to count. Grew up with four siblings--all females." He jiggled the bottle. "Want a massage? This might help to assuage what ails you."

"You don't…" She trailed off when the man gently guided her to lay on her back again with her legs stretched out. Then he wordlessly began to tug at her red and black jersey, lifting until it rested about an inch below her sports bra. Flipping open the bottle's top, Riley squirted oil into his palm as he asked his impromptu 'client' to shut her eyes, relax and breathe deeply. Although the oil was cool to her skin, her friend's hands quickly warmed it along with her exposed stomach. Somewhere within the back of her mind, Georgie reflected that normally she couldn't allow someone she didn't know that well to touch her in such an intimate fashion, but she felt so comfortable with Riley.

"Do you have siblings?" The Australian man inquired, his splayed fingers moving in circles around her navel, adding just a bit of pressure as they spread the oil, which had started to feel tingly and warm. Ooh, nice. It was like having a liquid heating pad on her stomach.

"No, an only child," Georgie murmured, relaxing as strong hands soothed the aches. Riley Cohen put Midol to shame!

"Your parents were content to stop at one?"

They didn't want the one they accidentally conceived. "I guess so. So you have four sisters? Ever wish you had a brother?"

Internally Riley wondered why she switched the topic back to his family, but he chose not to ask her. It wasn't his busy unless she opted to share. "I did whenever Aunt Flo came calling, which seemed like most days of each month with a total of five females in the house. Would have been as happy as a pig in sh--um…mud to have some testosterone backup. Even our dogs were girls."

The blonde chuckled at his response and the swift censoring. "What about your dad?"

"Mom and Dad divorced when I was nine, so he wasn't at the house except for when he came to pick us kids up when it was his weekend with us and the occasional dinner." Riley paused, a grin tugging at his lips. "And when he would spend the night and we'd pretend we didn't see him sneaking out in the early morning."

Georgie pondered that for a moment. And then the light bulb inside her mind flipped on. "Oh, he and your mom remained…friendly after the divorce?"

Chuckling, he nodded. "By the time I reached my teens I wondered why they didn't just get back together. The love never faded. Dad still calls her his one true jam tart."

"Translation please mate?"

"Of course sheila. Jam tart is equivalent to your sweetheart."

Georgie's nose crinkled as she grinned. "That's cute." Could end up being Jaden's 1000th nickname. I'm gonna give my goddess DID if I keep adding to the list. "Are Mister and the ex Mrs. Cohen still 'friendly'?"

"According to my youngest sister who's at Mom's house all the time, yeah. They've both dated other people, but they always find their way back to each other. Kismet I reckon." More oil added to his palm, Riley distributed it over her abdomen, using his fingertips in circular patterns. The more he kneaded, the more the pain seemed to lift away from her body. Georgie wanted to cry with relief.

Eyes shut, she murmured, "You are so good at this."

"If I had a nickel for every time a sheila told me that, I'd be able to retire and spend the rest of my days traveling the world searching for the biggest waves." He chuckled when a petite hand delivered a light smack to his arm. They lapsed into silence and within a few more minutes the massage was complete, Riley ending with a tickle on Georgie's stomach that had her giggling much like a schoolgirl. "How are you feeling now sheila?" Sitting back on his heels, he eyed her. "If you're still having any discomfort I'll go into the general store and buy you some Pamprin, Midol…whatever they stock to ward off Aunt Flo related symptoms."

Moving to knees, the blonde threw her arms around Riley's waist, giving him a hearty embrace. "I'm perfect now mate." She kissed him, the short hairs on his face a bit prickly against her lips. "You're a true jam tart."

##########

One hand keeping her bicycle steady as she cruised along CA-38, Sharon reached for the vibrating phone tucked inside the welt pocket of her shorts designed especially for petite communicating instruments. Having left the Rim of the World highway not long ago, she had taken her time traveling the twelve miles, stopping to admire the terrific views and to snap pictures with the camera she was glad that she had decided to pack. If they developed well, she planned to frame some of the photographs. Perhaps give a couple as Christmas gifts. Nina and Chris might appreciate them. Sharon also knew a fellow LVN at Sunshine Convalescence who loved to collect framed prints of places of interest from around the world. Maybe she didn't have any of this area.

"Hello?" Sharon greeted into the phone, trying not to press it directly against her ear since it was damp with perspiration.

"I see you." A faux deep gravelly voice answered.

The nurse smirked. "Is that supposed to be your creepy voice stalker? You don't need it. You're creepy enough without it."

"Anyone ever mention to you that you're a sweet talker? Nice buns by the way. Though I was hoping that I'd get to see them in a pair of spandex shorts."

Too bad she was cycling behind Sharon because she missed the crimson coloring her cheeks--her facial cheeks. The brunette cleared her throat before she replied. "Um, I don't do tight clothing."

"Of course you don't Sharon. What do you do? Besides bitch that is?"

"As pleasant as it is to hear from the likes of you I'm about to end this call…" Sierra muttered somewhat of an apology. "Is there a reason you're following me Torres?"

"You do realize there are thousands of others traveling this way, right? I'm not following you, I'm following directions to the next campground."

"Yes, but you're watching me." She glanced over both shoulders searching for the petite young woman among the riders surrounding her. She was unable to locate Sierra. Shifty little…

"Not that you'll believe me, but up until around five minutes ago I didn't know where you were. All the sudden I spotted you up ahead. And the last time I saw you was when we departed from Glen Helen."

"Do you want something?"

"You eat lunch yet?"

"I had a hotdog." She vowed that it would be the last time she purchased food from a place called Gunther's Gas & Mini Mart unless it was just something like a bag of chips or a candy bar. Between road stops and needing relief from her bladder, she spotted the lone gas station.

Once she emerged from using a rather clean restroom she noticed a sign for 'Gunther's Famous Jumbo Dogs--only $1.99'. Underneath the words was a painted hotdog topped with Sharon's favorite accompaniments. A growling stomach helped to make up her mind to head inside where she shelled out two dollars for the lousiest hotdog she ever tasted. The bun was so hard Sharon imagined that it had been sitting out on the counter for a couple of days and the wiener, which truly wasn't that 'jumbo' was a bit off color and overcooked. The best part was the prepackaged relish and mustard.

The only reasons she ate the lousy hotdog were because she was hungry and spent two dollars. Two dollars wasn't much, but Sharon didn't believe in wastefulness. And because of that Gunther's not so famous dog in return gave her heartburn. Fortunately, she soon met up with a pick up van of volunteers who happened to have Alka-Seltzer among their array of over the counter remedies.

"Doesn't sound like much. Could you eat again?"

"Wasn't. I could. Why?"

"Change of plans in that case. We're meeting the other half of our group at a restaurant to discuss our performance tonight. Jaden and her friend Riley will be there too. Maybe she can give us a couple of tips." Sierra heard a groan and chuckled. "Did you think I'd forgotten?"

"I wouldn't be so lucky. What restaurant? Is it near the campground?" Despite this being a karaoke meeting, the meal part sounded good. There couldn't be many foods that were worse than Gunther's hotdogs.

"Not too far. It's in Big Bear Lake. I'll text you the directions in a few minutes Grumpy. See you there."

"Wait! What time are we supposed to meet?"

"When you arrive!" And with that retort Sierra ended her half of the call.

Mumbling something about the slim chances of her tent mate surviving through the night, Sharon punched the 'end' button.

##########

Jaden the first to arrive at the restaurant that could have been mistaken for someone's log cabin home, only had to wait ten minutes before Maxine joined her. Within the next twenty-five minutes everyone included in the party of half a dozen had arrived with Georgie bringing up the rear. After a quick trip to the restroom to freshen up and wash her hands, she apologized for making them wait, although no one would accept it. Sierra good-naturedly teased her, claiming that someone had to be last. She was immediately slapped on the head with the blonde's menu.

"How are you feeling sheila?" Riley inquired as he drained his third glass of iced water. Raising his hands, he wiggled his fingers at her, a faint smile on his lips. "Need them and they're yours. Just ask." Chuckling, Georgie promised that she would if she did require his--or 'their' assistance.

Jaden glanced between the two, a dark brow curiously lifted. "What happened?" She touched her partner's knee below the long table they occupied. "You weren't feeling well sweetheart?"

Georgie covered and gently squeezed the hand on her knee. "I'm fine now Jae. Riley gives the most amazing massages."

"Oh does he?" The eyebrow lifted higher as she regarded Riley seated across the table between Max and Sharon. It didn't take him long to start fidgeting.

"You're not gonna offer me a knuckle sandwich, are you mate? Because what occurred between the two of us was completely wholesome. Georgie's a staunch lesbian and I'm a fellow who would never even entertain the idea of hitting up on another mate's girl. Aunt Flo was behaving like her usually bitchy self and I being the helpful bloke I am merely helped Georgie to kick her ass out." Riley sampled a smile and was reassured that all was well between them when his friend returned it.

She chuckled, raising her hand and folding it into a fist. "I'm fresh out of knuckle sandwiches today, so your mouth is safe. Just kidding with you. I realize you have a strong affinity for women, but I've always known you to stick with the single sheilas."

He made a point of wiping his brow. "Great 'cause I judge those lovely feminine guns of yours could pack a hell of a wallop!" Everyone at the table laughed as Riley leaned over to squeeze the musician's left biceps. "Oh, bloody yes. One blow and I'd be passed out on this floor."

"I remember when we first met," Max started, addressing no one in particular, "she was gangly, like a cute string bean. And now she's filled out in all the right places and is so very gorgeous." One brown eye winked at a steadily blushing face.

Georgie agreed with a fair amount of gusto. "Now she's a red hot chili pepper!"

On her left, Sierra nudged the blonde's shoulder while looking passed her to Jaden. "And she's turning red at this moment just to prove it to us!"

Blue eyes searched the restaurant and settled on an unoccupied booth on the other side of the room. She pointed toward it. "If you all don't change topics the chili pepper is leaving to eat lunch by herself."

"Ooh. She's spicy too!" Riley mischievously grinned ignoring a subtle glare, which asked him if he wanted that knuckle sandwich after all.

"Makes sense." A resolute nod accompanied Sierra's reply. "She is a hot chili pepper. Full of intense flavor and fire."

"Speaking of spicy, I'm thinking about getting this Cajun chicken wrap," Sharon commented while perusing the lunch section of her menu. It wasn't that she thought it necessary or of much interest to proclaim what she was considering to order. She just wanted to follow Jaden's suggestion to change the topic before the musician burst into flames with all of that blushing. Catching Jaden's gratitude filled smile, she winked. "Or maybe the turkey wrap. Could be healthier. What about you guys?"

And so the topic moved from embarrassing the breathtaking celebrity to selecting their lunch. Ten minutes later, their waitress was on her way to the kitchen to place the large order, her heart beating wildly as she thought of the woman seated at table seven. Out of all the restaurants in the world, Jaden Connelly had chosen to dine at the one she worked at. And to think she almost called in sick today!

Preparing their beverages, a glass of iced tea nearly overflowed due to her continuous glances toward the table. Georgie…something was the name of the blonde seated beside Jaden. Marsha remembered her face from the magazines. While slicing lemon wedges for three glasses of tea the waitress admitted that they made an attractive couple. Hopefully, they would last unlike so many romantic pairs where at least one half was famous. It seemed that no one could stay together these days. Although it had been a few years now, Marsha was still recovering from Bruce and Demi's divorce. On a positive note they remained on good terms and were even friends. She would keep her fingers crossed for Jaden and Georgie to remain more than that.

"Ladies we need to select a song so we can start rehearsing when we reach camp," Sierra said, glancing between her three group members. "Any suggestions on what decade you want to choose from? I have the list of songs available." While she searched for the two-page song list in her graphite and pink toned camelbak, Marsha returned with a carefully balanced tray full of their beverages. Giving Jaden her lemon iced tea last she lingered next to her as she promised to return soon with their pre-lunch salads and soup cups. A brief touch on the musician's shoulder and she left the table.

Grabbing two packets of raw sugar for his drink, Riley softly chuckled. "Not that it's much of a surprise, but I think someone has a crush on you cobber. If you innocently flirted with her a little maybe we could leave here with free lunch."

Jaden's only indication that she heard him was a smirk. She speculated that her knuckle sandwich wouldn't please Riley's taste buds as much as the house salad and turkey on sourdough he ordered but if he kept that up he might receive it. "Sierra, what kind of songs do you have on that list?"

Sierra scanned the extensive list before answering. There were songs from each decade starting with the 1960's until the present day alphabetically listed in groups according to their genre. Each song had the year debuted and the musician or group who performed it typed next to it. If they happened to choose a song that not everyone knew the words to by heart, once they made it to camp the Jolly Saddlers could print them copies of the lyrics.

Sierra asked them what their favorite music decade was and if they didn't necessarily have an absolute favorite, if they were only allowed to listen to a particular ten-year period for a full year, which would they choose. Max readily answered the 1970's and Sharon agreed, adding that she was not only a fan of the oldies yet goodies but 70's disco too. Sierra tried with all her might to envision the nurse doing the hustle out on a strobe lit dance floor or grooving to a Donna Summer tune, but her brain couldn't acquire a single image. A diplomatic Georgie explained that she was cool with performing a song from any of the decades stated on the list except for the 80's. She could think of very few music artists from that time that she enjoyed. Although she would have selected the 90's, Sierra went with the concurring Max and Sharon. She had done the hustle and listened to Donna Summer.

"The 70's it is." Sierra tapped a finger on the collection of songs between 1970-79. "Sharon, since you're our headliner who's your favorite from the 70's?" She softly chuckled when the other woman frowned at the mention of the word headliner.

"Too many to choose."

"Three you really like then."

Lips pulling apple juice through a straw, Sharon thought the question over. There really were so many amazing musicians for her to select from. She had a record or CD from just about every major singer or group from the 70's and played them so often it was a surprise that they hadn't snapped in half from overuse. Their waitress was enroute to their table with salad and soup as she decided on three. "The Commodores, Hall & Oates and The Ohio Players."

"I've wondered about this before. Why did so many artists back then start the name of their groups with 'The'?"

The nurse stared at her as though she were the perfect embodiment of stupidity. "Why would you think I'd have the answer to that Torres?"

Since she wanted to smack her, Sierra placed her hands in her lap. "A simple and polite 'I couldn't tell you Sierra' would suffice." She thanked the waitress when she placed a soup cup filled with hearty chicken noodle in front of her.

Sharon grabbed the peppershaker and liberally dusted her salad with it. "I couldn't tell you Torres."

"Why do you seem incapable of calling me by my first name?"

Because it drives you crazy. "You don't like your surname?"

"My surname is fine. No problem with it. It's just that most people refer to me by Sierra. Like my family and friends. When you call me, you manage to sound like a damn drill sergeant."

"We're not relatives and friends isn't the correct word to describe us either."

"Now is that the way for two people who are supposed to love each other and getting married to behave?" Jaden inquired, smiling at the bickering duo.

"Just a tic." His fork dropped, Riley held up his hand. "You two are engaged?" How did two people who so obviously could barely stand to be in the presence of one another prepare to tie the knot? Though Riley hadn't interacted with them much, he would never assume they were a couple. Heck, he and his cobber Jaden would be better suited to pass as a romantic item. Sierra along with a bit of input from her fake fiancée gave him the cliff notes version of how they ended up being 'engaged'. Laughing, he briefly choked on a cucumber slice.

"Sheilas I mean no disrespect, but isn't this arrangement too convoluted just to get the parents off your back about settling down?"

"It is," Sharon and Sierra simultaneously replied. When their eyes met Sierra chuckled, surprised when the nurse smiled in return. She just couldn't quite figure her tent mate out. After her announcement to Gabriel yesterday that they were now engaged in order to shut Sierra up when she tried to tell her brother the truth, Sharon referred to herself as an enigma. She never lied. All right, she lied, but not about being an enigma.

"But we're in too deep," Sharon continued solo. "We don't want her family learning about our mountain of fibs, so we'll break up after the ride." When Riley asked her how, she shrugged. "Haven't figured that out yet. Maybe we'll conclude that we make much better friends than lovers. It just wasn't meant to be long term, although we tried."

"You might want to wait until after New Year's sheila."

"Why?"

"It's the holiday season. You don't want to end your relationship just before Christmas. It might upset Sierra's folks therefore ruining or at least tainting their holiday." The remaining cucumber slice on his fork, he lathered it with dressing. "Not even the day after New Year's. I'd suggest January 3rd at the earliest to confess that the engagement has been broken." Riley bit into the forked cucumber. "Oh, and work on your reason for breaking up. Don't think that'll fly."

"I've got it!" Sierra wiggled an index finger at Sharon. "New Years Eve I arrive at your house to pick you up for a party we're invited to only to find you and your ex Mack making out on the living room floor, rolling around half-dressed. I keep this information to myself until the 3rd because although I'm in such a heartbroken state, I don't want to wreck anyone else's celebration." A set of deep blue eyes stared her down. "Or maybe not. Um, we'll think of something plausible. We have a few weeks."

"Yep." The nurse finally blinked. "So…I mentioned The Commodores, Hall & Oates and The Ohio Players. Anyone have a favorite song from one of those groups?"

"The Ohio Players!" Their waitress exclaimed, having returned with a tray of pitchers to refill beverages. "The song that sticks out for me from that group is 'Fire'." Smiling, she appeared thoughtful. "I remember being in nightclubs back in the day getting down on the dance floor to tunes such as 'Fire'."

"I never knew who sang it, but I like that song," Georgie stated as she raised her hand. "And I recall the lyrics. One vote for 'Fire'."

Sharon held up her hand, but not to exercise her voting rights. "Hold on. Is that song on the list?" Please don't let it be on the list. It requires too much movement. She couldn't just stand there like a statue and sing the popular Ohio Players song. It wouldn't look right. I could sit on a stool and belt out Hall & Oates 'Sara'. That's smooth and slow.

Of course she didn't receive her wish. Not only had 'Fire' made it onto the list, it was the only song there by The Ohio Players. Before Sharon could get another word out, Sierra and Max had offered their votes in favor of the song. Oh, well. Three to one so she didn't have a choice unless she decided to make a fuss, which she wasn't in the mood for. She couldn't sing and didn't make it a habit to dance in front of the observing eyes of others. Yes, big ass of herself.

##########

Resting her back against one of the many statuesque pine trees within the campground, Sharon was caught between laughing and bursting into tears as she watched the other members of Peach Cobbler animatedly discuss a dance routine. They came up with the name for their one night only group while examining the dessert menu after lunch. Although everyone was near salivation, their longing gazes on the pictures of delectable desserts that the restaurant offered, they settled on healthier options. The table cleared, Marsha brought out four bowls of orange sherbet and two fruit plates.

Not only was Peach Cobbler intending to dance during their performance, they had found costumes, which fit in with the song. Since the road stop teams dressed up everyday, Gabriel's team was more than willing to let them borrow four of the costumes they were going to wear on Wednesday. That day they would celebrate occupations and among those were costumes Peach Cobbler could use, including a firefighter outfit. However, because each member of the Eagles team would dress for a different line of work, they only had one fireman related costume.

It was decided that their headliner would don the firefighter costume while Max chose to be the police officer investigating how the 'fire' started, Sierra the sexy paramedic in dangerously close to daisy duke shorts tending to the 'wounded' and Georgie the criminal responsible for the blaze still holding the red-handled candle lighter she used to create it. A criminal wasn't your average nine to five job, but even those on the wrong side of the law needed an income to keep a roof over their heads.

"Hey headliner, are you gonna just sit on your butt all day or join us?"

"Yes Torres, I'm coming." Sharon inwardly sighed as she began to rise, careful to balance against the tree since her feet had fallen to sleep. Once the tingling and numbness passed she walked toward her group, accepting a copy of their lyrics from Max. "I'm thinking, why don't you ladies dance and I the firefighter can sway a little." She gave them a brief demonstration by moving her hips from side to side while humming an unintelligible tune.

"Or you the firefighter can dance too," Sierra replied with a super cheesy smile. "Think of it as extra credit for Dr. Townsend."

"You can do this Ronnie." Georgie offered her an encouraging smile. "Remember we danced at that nightclub in Hawaii. I thought you did rather well for someone who doesn't dance frequently."

Sierra's jaw collapsing to her feet, she marveled at the heat coloring her tent mate's cheeks, her head shyly ducking after the compliment. She was a hairsbreadth away from lightly kicking at the ground with the toe of her shoe and uttering 'aw gosh'. Hm, does Sharon like Georgie? Sierra sadistically imagined Jaden punching her lights out only to flip them back on and then punch them right out again.

"Thanks Georgie, but we mostly slow danced, which I'm better at. And uh, the alcohol probably helped."

"You were hardly drunk Ronnie, but if it would help you we could try to find a nearby bar. I'll loosen you up lickety-split." Georgie winked and Sharon giggled.

Wait, giggled? Grumpy giggles? Sierra's forgotten jaw remained on the ground. She and Maxine watched the pair, Georgie offering further encouragement as she put her hand on Sharon's forearm giving it a squeeze. Raising her own, she stroked her fingers across the back of that hand before putting hers inside her pocket. Huh. Blushing, head ducking, giggling and now hand stroking. All from Grumpy. Peculiar.

Sierra picked up her jaw and replaced it so that she could speak. Before operating her vocal cords, she glanced at Maxine, noting that she appeared just as quizzical. "Did you go to Hawaii together?"

Georgie nodded. "Yeah, it was for Ronnie's big 3-0 birthday back in June. We went to Jaden's farewell concert." She smiled at the nurse and gently nudged her side. "That's where we became friends."

By any chance did you become more than that? Sierra found herself inquiring, glad that the question didn't actually slip from her mouth. Okay, so she realized that it wasn't her business, yet she truly would have appreciated an answer. Sierra didn't give herself the opportunity to reflect on why.

"Oh, okay. That's nice." Pulling the lyrics from her back pocket, she took a couple of seconds to look them over although she had every word memorized. "So back to the issue of dancing…"

##########

Another excellently prepared meal thanks to Team Grub threatened to emerge from her stomach for the third time in the last ten minutes. Trying to breathe deeply, she rubbed sweaty yet icy cold palms over the black T-shirt tucked into the black vinyl pants with yellow striping along the sides. She wanted to run away. She wanted to run as far and as fast as she could until her legs begged her to stop. Sighing, she pulled the lyrics from the pocket of a vinyl jacket, which matched her firefighter pants. Sharon read through the lyrics, though already knowing them. She knew the entire song before she entered her teen years.

Putting the lyrics away, she heard the applause as the second to last solo karaoke artist finished their performance and headed behind the makeshift stage. The large grin on the orange team member and his alternate pumping of both fists proved that his performance went well. As the saddler received congratulations from fellow bicyclers and volunteer crew, the last solo singer was introduced on stage through a speaker system, which carried through most of camp.

Because the performances were in order of first category and then at what slot karaoke competitors signed up, Peach Cobbler was in the last category of quartets and at slot #4 of seven. In other words Sharon had enough time to spare for a nap. Unfortunately, the tiny creature within her stomach industriously tying it into knots would make achieving sleep impossible.

Okay, we practiced. We can do this. Sharon nodded, trying so much to believe her internal pep talk. And practiced they had with a reasonable amount of input from Jaden, who had become their unofficial choreographer. They practiced until it was nearly time for dinner, afterward, then showered, dressed in their themed costumes and practiced further. If they weren't prepared enough by now they never would be.

Hearing footsteps, Sharon looked up to find Sierra walking toward her. Eyes discreetly (at least she hoped they were) roaming up and down the petite figure, the nurse contemplated that the word walking didn't do her justice. Hips continuously shifting from left to right, head held high with a tranquil expression in place, Sierra more aptly sashayed across the ground. Navy blue shorts fitting snugly around the upper half of them, smooth bronzed thighs had Sharon's attention. She didn't realize that she had been staring until those thighs were close enough to touch. So much for being discreet.

Chagrined, eyes traveled passed the shorts to a light blue short-sleeved button down shirt with a paramedics badge affixed on the upper left side. A genuine stethoscope borrowed from the medical team lay around Sierra's neck and a navy blue cap with the letters E.M.T. stitched in white covered her head. She also had a red and white first aid kit to go along with her costume, but she didn't have it in her possession at the moment.

"Sharon." Hands planted on her hips, Sierra wished that her psychic abilities would kick in so she could get an enhanced read on the other woman's thoughts. The slight squirming in her seat and apparent refusal to make eye contact weren't helpful. Nerves over their looming performance could cause the restlessness, but why were her eyes wandering everywhere except for Sierra's face? Wonderful. Not only does she not like me, but now she won't even look at me? She shook her head. Damn woman acts like I ran over her dog--on purpose. The recently shook head cocked to the side in thought. I'm the one who was almost run over by Grumpy here. Don't see me acting like an eternal jackass.

"Torres." Chin in her palm, Sharon focused on the waitress's blue tennis shoes and white ankle socks.

Sierra occupied the chair next to her and crossed one leg over the again. She missed when Sharon glanced toward her exposed thighs. "Something wrong?"

"Nope." She looked around, searching various faces. "Where's the rest of Peach Cobbler?"

"You're not changing the subject Grumpy."

The embarrassment beginning to fade, Sharon looked toward the face closest to her. "What subject? You've been here three seconds and had spoken a total of three words before accusing me of trying to change our non-existent conversation. Nothing is really wrong. I'm just thinking about us going on stage."

"That's the only thing on your mind?"

That's the only thing on my mind that you'll be privy to. She nodded. "Yes Torres, it is. So do you know where Max and Georgie are?" She hadn't seen either of them since the four split up after their last rehearsal over thirty minutes ago. Maxine was the first to leave after receiving a much desired call from hubby. A newlywed worthy smile on her lips, she practically skipped away while chatting on her cell. Those two crazy kids were twenty times in love with each other today as the day they swapped wedding vows.

Maxine was barely out of sight when Georgie mentioned that she would return soon. She wanted to check on Vanessa who had been feeling less than perfect when she checked in with her best friend earlier that day upon arrival in camp. No nausea, but the heartburn and a niggling headache were almost as bad. She refused to follow her team members and Georgie's advice to rest for a while, assuring them that she would be fine as she munched on a couple of fruit flavored Tums. Before she exited the line, Georgie wrote the slightly older woman an IOU for a head, back and even a foot massage--her way of 'paying forward' the incredible massage she was given by Riley to assuage her cramps. Vanessa definitely didn't refuse that!

"No, I don't. But they'll be here in time I'm sure." After a pause Sierra asked, "So what else is on your mind?"

"I already told you. The competition."

"Other than that. I know there's something else." When Sharon glared she chose to heighten her irritation with a resplendent smile. "Talk to me."

"No thanks. I already have one therapist."

"I don't want to be your therapist Sharon. Thought we could attempt to at the very least be acquaintances. Or is that too difficult for you?"

Glancing at her watch, the nurse stood up. "I forgot Nina wanted to tell me something. I'll be back." Neglecting to wait for a response, she left. Earlier Maxine almost skipped away--Sharon appeared as if she wanted to sprint.

Brown eyes watching her retreating form, Sierra sighed, positive that she had just been lied to. "Dios mios. What is Grumpy's problem?"

##########

She was going to start hyperventilating. She was certain of it. She would have been thankful had someone thrust a small paper bag into one of hands. Unfortunately, her hands remained unoccupied except for the dampness due to perspiration coating their palms. Nerves running near empty, she almost jumped out of her skin when the person seated next to her nudged her shoulder.

"Sorry Ronnie. Did I scare you?" Georgie asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Sharon allowed herself to lean into the genial touch for just two seconds before pulling away. She inserted a smile through her lips that she didn't feel, most of her thoughts focused on that stage. They were up next. "No, not really. I was just thinking too hard."

Instead of asking about what, the blonde answered, "It doesn't need an abundance of thought. Let's just go out there and have some fun paying homage to the Ohio Players."

"How does Jaden do this on tours, night after night with hundreds or thousands of packed seats?" She remembered the Hawaii concert well. The musician had been so laidback and relaxed as if she were merely performing for a few close friends and family instead of thousands of strangers.

"Well, if you do such a thing for a living you should eventually get used to it." Georgie smiled. "And Jaden loved performing and she was--no, is one exceptionally talented entertainer."

"Thank you for the compliment Gigi," was whispered into her ear. The smile already on her face broadened as warm lips grazed across her neck, sending a thrilling shiver through her body. Mm, what she wouldn't give for a repeat. She turned to peck those lips before the tall woman stood up. Greeting Sharon, she pulled a chair over to sit with them.

"Shouldn't you be in the front so you can see us Doc?" Maxine asked as she and Sierra joined the trio. At a glance anyone might have mistaken her for a true blue police officer in her getup. The architect was dressed in a crisp black button-down long-sleeved shirt tucked into an equally crisp pair of black slacks and polished black tactical boots. She wore a plastic silver badge clipped to her chest, the standard police hat, wraparound mirrorshades and a pair of handcuffs and baton attached to the belt around her waist. Officer Kerry was ready for duty.

Grinning, Jaden swiftly raised her hands high into the air. "Please Officer. Being arrested once was enough."

Fingers touched the cool edge of Officer Kerry's handcuffs. "I doubt that. You may not have learned your lesson, so maybe I should bring you in for insubordination Ms. Connelly."

Leaning forward to present Georgie with a quick kiss on the lips and whispering 'good luck', Jaden stood. "I'm on my way out Officer." She grinned toward each member of the temporary group. "Break a leg ladies."

Group #3 finished, the crowd applauding while they slipped backstage. Within a minute, Peach Cobbler was being introduced as a Jolly Saddler urged the four women up the few steps leading onto the stage.

Tossing her candle lighter back and forth, Georgie stood backstage pondering in her double-breasted two-piece pinstriped black and white suit, the pants flaring toward the ends. A black fedora and white tie, which took her forever to knot correctly, completed her costume.

Jaden's being arrested once was enough. Huh. Was she just kidding?

Fedora already cocked to the side, Georgie's head joined it. Does my goddess have a mugshot out there? The blonde head shook. Nah. Not very likely. I mean what could she possibly have been arrested for?

##########

When Elton counted to three, the journalist knew that the camera perched on the man's shoulder was ready for him to speak. "Good evening! It's now," he glanced at his watch, "9:17 in the evening on Day Two of this boisterous Spirited Saddlers Ride and the karaoke competition has come to a conclusion, producing winners from the single, double, trio and quartet categories. I imagine it was a tough decision for the panel of judges from the Jolly Saddlers." Brandon Sharp paused, glancing over his shoulder to notice the winners from the quartet category standing together talking with three others--two women and a man. One of those women he recognized as Jaden Connelly whom he had the honor of interviewing along with her life partner Georgie Franklin during orientation day. So tonight he wouldn't bother her. However, he would be grateful for the chance to speak with one of the winners.

Brandon indicated for the cameraman to swing his lens toward the group. "Speaking of winners, over there is Peach Cobbler who had everyone up and shaking booties as they sang 'Fire'." He grinned as the camera settled back on him. "Pun intended--it was smoking hot. Let's go over there and see if we can get one of these fine ladies to chat us up for a couple of minutes."

"Hello all. I'm Brandon Sharp from T.N.T. magazine and we're covering the ride this year with both a special issue dedicated to it…to you, and a documentary to be televised." The journalist decided to try slipping into the conversation by asking a question. "I watched the entire show and I loved it. So what did you ladies win?" And then he recalled that he already knew since the prizes were revealed to the ten winners on stage and Elton recorded it all. He wanted to thump himself over the forehead with his microphone. Tighten it up Sharp. You're a journalist remember?

Suddenly, most of them appeared a tad camera shy with the lens scanning over their faces. Although Jaden didn't have a problem with it, she kept her mouth shut since she wasn't a member of Peach Cobbler. The brunette inwardly grinned. She was just sleeping--well literally sleeping anyway--with one of its members. Yup, tonight she was a groupie!

Maxine broke the silent spell. "Hello back at you. We won these really cool portable CD players with built in am/fm tuning." A beatific smile ignited the dimples in her cheeks. "Also," She reached into the side pockets of her slacks pulling out a ticket and a laminated backstage pass attached to a white lanyard with Spirited Saddlers Ride 2003 stitched along it in red, a music note at each end, "we're invited to sit in the front row of a concert being held on Thursday, our final night of camping. Afterward, these backstage passes allow us the opportunity to meet the professionals kind enough to come to camp and entertain us. It's gonna be so much fun."

Brandon returned her infectious smile. "Congratulations. Could you tell us your name and have you ridden before this year?"

"Sure!" The architect touched her chest. "My name is Maxine Kerry and this is my fourth S.S. Ride. I missed its debut. And," brown eyes glanced toward the camera before Max turned to introduce the remainder of Peach Cobbler, "these are my group members, Sharon McDaniel our incredible headliner, Sierra Torres the sexiest paramedic around, and Georgie Franklin whose much too sweet to ever be a real criminal." Sharon waved two fingers at the camera; Sierra gave a five finger wave with the addition of a smile and Georgie just smiled, her face reddening from Max's compliment.

Not yet done with the introductions because she felt it necessary for all of them to be included, Maxine spoke of the trio outside of the band. Vanessa Martin, though a novice volunteer on the Purple Team was proficient at taking the utmost care of her bicyclers. Riley Cohen, a first time rider was visiting from Hawaii to show his support for the event. As for Jaden, well an introduction wasn't truly required due to the fact she was a well-known celebrity and Maxine remembered her longtime friend mentioning that this particular journalist had interviewed she and Georgie, prompting them to come out of the closet about their relationship.

"And now you may continue with your interview Brandon. Sorry. I'm done being a babbler for the night." Max released a self-depreciating chuckle. She hadn't realized how much she had uttered until she finished.

The journalist shook his head. "No, don't apologize Maxine. You took initiative and that is appreciated." He paused in thought. "So, this is your fourth event, I know from a previous chat with them Jaden's fifth and Georgie's first and Riley and Vanessa are also both new to Spirited Saddlers." Brandon glanced between the faux firefighter and paramedic with a smile. "What about you ladies?"

Sharon opened her mouth but since nothing emanated from it, her tent mate answered for them both. "This is my second ride and Sharon's first. We're tent mates," she added after a tiny pause.

"And they're getting married!" All eyes in the group along with Elton's video camera turned toward the beaming young Latin man approaching. Her eyes briefly closing, Sharon whispered a certain word that would probably have to be edited out of T.N.T.'s documentary. Wholeheartedly gregarious, Gabriel winked at the camera and smiled at his sibling and soon to be sister-in-law. Or so he thought. He and the journalist shook hands as he was asked to introduce himself. "I'm Gabriel Torres, Sierra's criminally handsome little brother," he joked, giving the camera a wink with the opposite eye.

Attempting to keep a smile in place, Sierra wrapped an arm around his shoulders, wishing that she could wrap it around his neck instead. "Gabe our engagement was supposed to be kept a secret for now, remember? Remember when you promised that no one would find out about our engagement from you?"

Gabriel nodded but didn't appear remorseful. "Sharon wanted to tell, you're the only one that wanted to keep it on the down low. The uniting of two souls in love and matrimony is so precious. Why veil yours from the world's eyes? Rejoice in, be proud of and share the blooming love between you and your life partner."

Neither Torres noticed that they were the focal point of Elton's camera while they stared at one another. Both were bewildered, yet for opposite reasons. Sierra wondered why he found it difficult to keep this information to himself like she asked him to while Gabriel couldn't understand her reluctance to share her engagement. Finally, Sierra blinked, glancing away for a moment. "Veil our love from the world's eyes? Lil' bro have you been drinking or overindulging in Hallmark cards?" Removing her arm from his shoulder, Sierra folded it and its mate across her chest. "Which is it?"

Brandon wondered if he was about to record his first fight. Thus far, every interview he had given during the event was able to conclude without altercation. Presuming that months later when the documentary aired the two siblings wouldn't be pleased to find themselves on television arguing for the viewing of millions, he was about to ask Elton to shut the camera off when Sierra's fiancée stepped in to diffuse this situation.

"Honey, don't be upset with him. He's just excited." Sharon wore the brightest smile that she was capable of. "And so am I. I agree with unveiling our love for the world because I want everyone to know how much I love you and that we plan on sealing our love for eternity."

And then Brandon was struck with what he deemed was his best idea in quite a while. Eyes bright due to the light bulb switched on inside his head, the journalist turned to Sharon, his voice tranquil as he spoke. "Sharon, you love Sierra?"

"With every bit of my heart and soul." Look ma! No gagging! Perhaps she should trot over to Hollywood to pursue an acting career.

"And you want to marry her?"

"I do."

The journalist began to smile. "The sooner the better? To marry her I mean?"

Glancing down at Sierra, the nurse linked fingers with her. She managed to refrain from grimacing when Sierra's hand clenched hers a little too tightly. "That's right Brandon. I just can't wait to slide a ring on this woman's hand."

"How about tomorrow?"

Sharon blinked as the question roamed through her brain. "Huh? What?"

"You and Sierra can marry tomorrow at Joshua Tree. Meredith Hooper, another reporter on my team happens to be an ordained minister. She attained her license about six months ago because her parents decided to renew their wedding vows and wanted one of their children to preside over it. I'm sure if I asked her, she would be happy to wed the two of you. I realize that the state of California unfortunately wouldn't recognize it as an official union, but it could still be a touching symbolism of your love. And to have it televised--showing others your celebration of life through the incredible love you share."

Sierra was shaking her head within a second after he stopped speaking. "We appreciate that Brandon, but we--"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Gabriel interjected with a smile so grand that his mouth should have cracked into several pieces. "Sierra don't turn this down. What's the point of waiting? Sharon's ready."

Forget wrapping her arm around his throat. She would settle for smacking him upside the head a few times. "Uh, I don't know Gabe. Maybe we could wait to have a ceremony when the McDaniel's' and the Torres's can attend. We have other family besides you and Nina."

"Do the both of your immediate family members reside in the Los Angeles area?" When Sierra hesitantly answered that they were the journalist grinned, clapping his hands together in glee. "Just a moment." Pulling out his phone, Brandon stepped away with Elton choosing to join him, the camera shut off until they rejoined the group.

The second both men were out of earshot, Sierra punched her spurious fiancée in the arm. Ignoring the ensuing low growl, she glared up at the taller woman. "What were you thinking? You want to marry me as soon as possible?! Why would you tell him that?"

"Pardon me lover, but I had no freaking idea that the journalist was going to morph into our wedding planner suggesting that we tie the knot in the next three seconds. You're the psycho--I mean psychic."

Lover smirked. "That failed to be funny the first time you said it."

Sharon shrugged. "Tickles my funny bone good enough."

"Uh ladies," Jaden waited until the squabbling pair was looking at her before she indicated Gabriel with a subtle nod of her head in his direction. The befuddled young man missed it since his gaze was on Sierra and Sharon. Everyone knew what he must have been thinking. When the journalist and the camera temporarily left them, why had their love seemingly disappeared? Where had the abrupt animosity stemmed from? "You both are nervous and signals have been royally mixed up, but don't take it out on each other," the musician added, a soft smile on her lips. "Sierra if you don't want to get married during the ride, then just calmly say so. I'm sure Ronnie will understand."

Gabriel didn't give them the chance to respond. His raised index finger danced between them. "Sierra you punched Sharon and then you call my sister a psycho? And sis why would you be so pissed that she admitted that she wants to marry you ASAP? Of course she wants to marry you. She loves you!" The word 'duh' flashed across his forehead.

The nurse opted to explain her part with the best she could come up with on such short notice. "I was only teasing her about her special abilities. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to sound derogative."

"Yet you've said it before and apparently Sierra didn't like it then either." A scowl settled on Gabriel's face. Something was amiss here. He just couldn't figure out what it was.

"Yeah." Sharon drew out the word until it sounded like it had four syllables while bouncing on the balls of her feet. Again, she searched her brain for an answer. She was starting to convince herself that the truth looked pretty good when Vanessa tossed in her two cents.

"Gabriel, you ever heard of the generic tale of a young schoolboy who has a crush on a fellow classmate and so he for whatever reason decides to torment her instead of just admitting how he feels? You know, like throwing a mud pie at her new dress is his way of saying 'you have the cutest freckles on that pretty face." She heard a couple of softly discharged chuckles, but didn't see whom they belonged to since her eyes were on the young volunteer. When he nodded, Vanessa continued, "That's sort of what it's sometimes like between your sister and Ronnie. They argue, I've witnessed them in action--sometimes it's light-hearted and on other occasions earnest, but that's just the way they are. They're two passionate individuals who despite some bickering are committed to and love each other." The CNA gently smiled. "The adult version of the schoolboy and his crush." An arm looping around Vanessa's waist had her turning to find whose body was pressed against her side. Her smile broadened as she spotted Georgie's proud expression. Raising her arm, she mimicked her best buddy.

That commandment stating that thou shall not lie was being broken right and left within this group. Oh, well just a few white lies for the greater good scattered here and there right? Mmhmm!

Gabriel looked to Sierra and Sharon as though seeking confirmation and both gave him wordless nods. Slowly, his smile returned. "So is the ceremony on?"

"It can be!" Brandon heartily stated as he sauntered toward them, folded cell clutched in his hand. Elton followed, his camera perched on his shoulder and resuming its filming. He had adopted Gabriel's on the verge of cracking smile. "I have good--no, I have stupendous news! First, Meredith is on board. I could tell she was excited over the phone. Second, I called my boss at T.N.T. magazine. Once I explained everything to him, he's going to allow us to use his private jet so Sierra, Sharon, your family can attend your ceremony tomorrow! My boss's pilot can fly them all here tomorrow into Crosswinds Airport in Twentynine Palms."

"Although we are incredibly grateful for your help, Brandon tomorrow is so sudden. I doubt that our families would be able to rearrange their schedules that quickly." Sierra pretended to look disappointed that this was most likely true.

"What about a day or two after we arrive in Vegas?" Gabriel suggested. "The ride will be over so you can start your honeymoon immediately. Sis that gives ours and Sharon's family a few days to prepare." Based on his smile, which matched the younger man's, the journalist liked that.

"Perfect. My team and I were intending to stay in Vegas a couple of days after the ride anyway. Ladies how about it? Tell me yes!" Since dual yes's weren't forthcoming speedy enough, Brandon decided to sweeten the pot. If they allowed their ceremony to be televised, three thousand dollars would be donated to the charity or split among the charities of their choice. However, again quick yes's did not follow.

"Heck, if they are in accordance I'll triple that Brandon." Jaden wasn't sure whether she should run away or laugh at the looks she was receiving from the 'happy couple'. The grinning journalist appeared as though he wanted to embrace and spin her around for good measure. Everyone else in the group seemed amused with Riley trying not to laugh by chewing on his lower lip.

"Alright Jaden!" He glanced toward Sierra and Sharon. With a wink he added, "Now you must say yes. Are we gonna roll the dice in Vegas or what ladies?"

##########

"That was bad Ms. Evil. Very bad." Seated Indian style on their mattress, Georgie contradicted her reprimand with an ebullient grin.

"Would you expect any less from someone whose surname name is Evil?"

The blonde chuckled. "I suppose I wouldn't. You think they'll go through with it?"

Stretched out on her back, Jaden crossed her legs at the ankles. Hands linked behind her head, she gazed up toward the roof of the tent. "I think the promise of nine grand being donated to whomever they select seals the deal. The fact that it won't be an official ceremony makes it uncomplicated. Not like they have to get it annulled later on."

"Should be complicated." Her girlfriend's confused expression urged her to explain. "We should be able to have an official wedding ceremony just like a bride and her groom." Georgie's lower lip protruded in a pout. "I'm moving to the Netherlands. That country seems to be fond of gay people."

Blue eyes tracking to the younger woman's face, Jaden grinned. "I'll help you pack Flip. Gonna nab and marry you a Dutch girl?" She giggled when the bottom of her naked foot was tickled. "Amsterdam is one sinfully fascinating city."

"You've been?"

"Mmhmm, during my European tour back in 1999. It was wild."

One eyebrow arched. "Really? How wild love?" Jaden proceeded to emphatically declare that the closest she came to participating in any wild behavior was through observing. "And what did you observe my love?" Although she sounded sweet, the musician saw right through her.

"Um, stuff. And um, not much stuff."

"Uh huh. Isn't Amsterdam famous for a place called the Red Light District?"

"Technically there are three of the RL districts. In the regions of Walletjes, de Pijp, and Singel."

That one brow further rose. "What else do you know?"

Sitting up, she leaned in for a quick smooch. "I know that I love you." Long dark lashes batted as she stroked Georgie's soft cheek.

"Smooth Ms. Evil. Real smooth."

"I didn't do nothin', I swear."

Georgie chuckled. "I know you really haven't done nothin' in a decade."

"So I'm out of the doghouse?"

"Never knew you were in there in the first place, but sure step on out." Turning her head, she kissed the palm near her cheek. "When were you going to tell me that you're performing on Thursday?" She hadn't discovered until the end of the karaoke competition that Jaden was on the roster of mostly well known musicians due to perform during their final night of camping.

"I hadn't really thought about it. The concert I mean."

"Were you asked to participate?"

Jaden nodded. "A few months back. They've had concerts on past rides, but this will be my first time on the Spirited Saddlers stage."

Georgie began to smile. "Since I have a backstage pass, will I be able to get your autograph?"

"Yeah, sure I'll indulge you."

"Aw, you're so good to me." She returned the musician's smooch, however, hers lasted a few seconds longer.

"You know this." Winking, Jaden laid back down on the mattress. She snickered when casually asked if she had ever been arrested. "So you caught the snippet of information that passed between Max and I minutes before you all went on stage."

Georgie tapped both of her ears. "These work very well."

"Yes, I was arrested but the charges were dropped on the same night they were created." When asked what she was arrested for, the brunette snickered again. "Uh, solicitation." Georgie didn't utter a word, but if her expression was any indication she desperately wanted Jaden to continue. "You recall that Max was my sponsor?" She watched as the blonde head bobbed.

"Well I was out of rehab about," she closed her eyes while trying to remember, "three weeks when I had this insane idea. Max and I had lunch earlier that day and she revealed that she had been thinking about taking on another sponsee since I was doing so well. She hadn't so much as hinted at it and later I realized that I was completely wrong, but I got it in my head that she didn't feel needed by me. I was healing and doing a good program but that was due to my amazing sponsor, so in order for Max to recognize this, that night I went through with my insane idea."


She glanced between the payphone just outside of the quiet convenience store and the shiny quarter in her palm, trying to convince herself to use that quarter to call a taxicab instead because this was stupid, right? Half a minute later she shook her head. No, this was for her sponsor, her best friend, her Max. Removing the phone from its cradle, she inserted the coin and punched in the number she committed to heart on the first day they met. After the completion of two rings, Maxine's husband answered.

"Hey James. It's Jaden."

"Evening Jaden," the man jovially responded. "How are you doing honey?"

She was about to reply with 'just fine' when she remembered that she was supposed to be the furthest thing from it. She lightly cleared her throat. "Um, actually James…" a sigh, "could I speak with Max? Is she home?" Jaden readily identified the concern in his voice as he asked her to hold on a minute. It didn't take her sponsor ten seconds to acquire the phone.

"Jae, it's me. What's up sweetie?" Maxine tried her best to sound relaxed, although the few words she exchanged with James combined with the time had her pacing the kitchen floor, one hand twisting around the tightly curled phone cord. The latest her friend had ever called was around 7:30 p.m. and it was now 9:23.

"Max I…I need your help," Jaden whispered. "I um, I'm somewhere I shouldn't be. I've been thinking about purchasing something I shouldn't have."

"So far, you've abstained?"

"Yes, but it's difficult."

"I know sweetie, but I'll guide you through this. Do you have your car with you?"

"No, I pretended to go to bed early and then snuck out and caught a city bus. There's this house not too far from here that has…I don't want to go there." Catching movement, Jaden glanced toward her left spying a disheveled man headed toward her. She thought she noticed a smile cross his lips, but with the thick shaggy beard and moustache it was tricky to tell for sure. Having an inkling of what he wanted, Jaden reached toward the back pocket of her jeans. Sure enough, the middle-aged man asked if she had any spare change. Although figuring that he was more likely to venture inside the convenience store for a bottle instead of something to eat, Jaden handed him three one-dollar bills. On a positive note at least the liquor might sustain warmth in his thin bones on this chilly night. That time she successfully identified the smile and a soft thank you before the man shuffled into the store.

"What street is it? Can you spot an address?"

Jaden heard the click of a pen, imagining Max seated at her kitchen table with a pen poised over her trusty canary yellow post-it pad. Fond of them, she routinely stuck the tiny slips of paper in a variety of places.

"Hold on." Putting the phone down, Jaden hurried to look at the numbers affixed to the front of the building. The phone retrieved, she gave her sponsor the address and the name of the convenience store.

"Hollywood? You're in Hollywood?"

"I am. You know what Max? I'll be okay. You don't need to come all the way out here. It's late. I'll call a taxi and then give you a ring in the morning so we can talk about this." Her original plan involved Max coming to pick her up, but now she felt guilty thinking about her friend having to get dressed and leave her husband and two small children--one of which was a newborn--to come collect her.

"No, I want to see you tonight, so I'm on my way there."

"But Max, it isn't neces--"

"Jaden Connelly you listen to me and good. I don't care what time it is. If you need some type of support at three in the morning I am there, wherever there is. I'm more than your sponsor. I'm your friend and I couldn't love you anymore if you were family. Hell, forget blood ties. You are apart of my family. Now I'm going to throw something on and come and get you so stop trying to sway me."

A soft groan escaping her, Jaden glanced toward the left observing as the man she donated three dollars to left the convenience store with a small brown paper bag. Keeping its contents hidden, he saluted her with the bag, smiled perhaps and then walked through the sparse parking lot.

"Max what if I take a taxi to your place?" Her allotted minutes almost up, Jaden reached into her pocket for another quarter so they wouldn't be disconnected.

"You'll take my Honda to my place." Her tone said it all. 'You have no choice but to comply with me'. "If you want to get in contact with me before I arrive, I'll have my pager with me, so just give me a beep and I'll search for the nearest phone." Believing that it would be useful, Maxine had been thinking about purchasing one of those car phones. Her birthday in two months, maybe she would hint to James. "Do me a favor while you wait. Go inside that store and get yourself a cup of coffee or hot tea and a memo pad. I want you to work on composing a song and I fully expect you to at least have the chorus finished by the time I pull up."

With a faint chuckle Jaden promised that she would complete her tasks. Moments later, returned the phone to its cradle and then walked toward the convenience store. Within five minutes, Jaden exited the building with a large Styrofoam of steaming coffee, a small red memo book, an ink pen and a prepackaged turkey sandwich that cost far too much. A growling stomach encouraged her to buy it regardless.

Back against the wall near the double door entrance of the store, Jaden devoured her sandwich while keeping a watchful eye on the street. She made it more entertaining by noting the colors of the vehicles that passed. When she tossed the empty container into a trash bin silver was to her surprise in the lead. At the beginning of her solo player game, she would have guessed the most popular car color to be blue.

Memo pad and pen in the left hand and coffee in the right, Jaden walked out toward the curb and took a seat. This way she would have a better view and so would Max when searching for her. Staring at the first sheet of coiled paper, the brunette cautiously sipped while wondering what to write Max's song about. While in rehab she finished twenty-seven songs but considered twenty-four of them below average. However, she had always been quite critical of self-written lyrics.

What to write? Tapping the pen against her lips, Jaden started to smile, images of Kendra the newest addition to the Kerry family entered her mind. Babies were so precious. An even bigger smile curved her mouth as she thought of her nephew Nathan. He was the first person she looked for whenever she visited Heather and Tom. The first time she cradled Nathan in her arms, she promised that someday she would spoil the boy rotten along with any brothers and sisters his parents may add to the Fletcher household.

What to write? Jaden smiled, pressing the tip of the pen to the top of the page and neatly printing one word--babies. A softly sung delicate track centering on those cherished tiny gifts. Perhaps the accompanying music could have a lullaby connotation to it.

The streetlamps along with the vivid lighting from the building behind her provided enough illumination as she began to create rough draft lyrics.

My baby was sent from up above
Cradled within these arms of love
I'm counting ten little fingers
Along with ten tiny toes
A pair of pure eyes and a button nose

An approaching set of headlights, which she spied from the corner of her eye, had Jaden looking up thinking that Maxine had arrived. Mistaken, she watched as a police car pulled up close to the curb near where she sat. The passenger window lowered, she spotted an officer who appeared to be in his mid to late forties. The first thing Jaden noticed about him was the Fu Manchu that looked as though it had been dyed to a coal black along with the hair on his head. His moustache twitched as he gave the young woman a smile deficient of pleasantness.

"Good evening there young lady," the Fu Manchu officer started. He glanced toward his younger partner who was staring at the steering wheel. After four months of patrolling the streets together, he remained as timid as a deer. What would it take to finally tug him out of that shell? "What are you doing out this time of night?"

"It's not that late actually."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-two." What could they possibly want? Was it a crime to sit on the curb during the night hours? Blue eyes searched up and down the street as Jaden wished that her friend would appear in the next two point five seconds.

"Huh." Mr. Fu Manchu stretched his arm out along the opening that the passenger window usually occupied. "I would have guessed nineteen."

Forcing a smile to her lips, Jaden closed her small notebook. The chances of Maxine receiving her chorus seemed slim right about then. "And you would have been correct three years ago." The boisterous laugh caused her to jump. With an inward sigh, she scanned the street again. Ah, Max where are you?

An index finger pointed toward the memo pad on her lap. "What were you writing in there? Is that your log of clients?" Another twitch of his dyed moustache with a sardonic smile. "The bookkeeping of your…transactions with them?"

A dark head shook in confusion. "I don't believe I understand what you're trying to hint at officer."

"Oh, I think you might young lady. You call yourself being clever working this street alone? Think you'll get better business than the group of girls strutting along the sidewalk two blocks away?" Motioning for his partner to do the same, he opened the car door and stepped out. Leaning against the automobile, he regarded his young suspect, allowing his eyes to roam over her. "Well?"

Jaden tried not to glare yet it was difficult. Jerks such as the one before her assisted in giving the LAPD a bad name. She glanced toward his silent partner, who was looking everywhere but in her direction. Obviously, he didn't want to be there. That was something they had in common. "You think I'm a prostitute?" She wasn't even dressed correctly! How many prostitutes wore a jersey shirt, jeans, sneakers and lip gloss as their only makeup to woo clients? And how could he suspect that she was a prostitute when she was just sitting on the curb drinking her coffee and writing? If Jaden was a hooker, she had a lot to learn about her chosen profession.

Officer Fu Manchu smirked. "If it walks and talks like a duck…"

The glare almost leaked onto her face. If it walks and talks like an asshole… "I'm waiting for a friend to come pick me up. That's all."

"How did you get here?"

"City bus."

"So why can't you take a city bus home?"

"Because my friend insisted on picking me up. She should be here any minute."

"And why are you here?"

Wasn't that the $64,000 question? Jaden's inability to come up with a quick and plausible answer doubled the officer's steadily increasing suspicion. Narrowed eyes glanced toward his partner who was studying his shoes. "Is there a reason you're unable to answer me young lady? Up to no good are you? What's your opinion Lee? Think she's up to no good?"

Lee's tense body language alluded to his discomfort with this situation. "Maybe we should just go," he responded in a quiet tone. "Doesn't look like she's bothering anyone. Just waiting for a friend."

Officer Fu Manchu shook his head. This boy was so gullible. "Sure we can go. Just as soon as the young lady tells us why she's sitting in front of a liquor store when it's almost ten at night." Dark eyes zeroed in on the cup and the officer inquired about its contents.

"Coffee. Just coffee." He declined when Jaden asked if he wanted to inspect it. Heart thumping wildly, she knew that he wasn't about to leave without a proper response. Unfortunately, she lacked such a thing. So she made up her mind to tell the truth--at least partially. "I'm a recovering drug addict and I just got out of rehab three weeks ago. The friend I've been waiting for--Max, is my sponsor and I needed her help because tonight I've been thinking too much about the poison that got me into this mess in the first place. I'm waiting for her to pick me up so I won't make a huge mistake by ruining my sobriety."

Sympathy evidently wasn't in Officer Fu Manchu's personal dictionary. "Ah, you're a druggie. What's your poison? Crack, coke, heroin, LSD, crystal meth?" Lee and Jaden wanted to punch the man when he grinned. Remaining seated, Jaden figured that he would love to bring her up on assault charges. "Salivating yet?" She didn't answer. "Where were you intending to purchase your poison young lady?"

"No particular place. I was certain that I could find a dealer in this area. But I've changed my mind."

"Oh, really? You're just saying no, huh?" When his eyes again roamed over her from head to toe, Jaden had an urge to take a long hot shower. His eyes flitted to the Styrofoam cup and then his partner. "Think I will inspect that container. No telling what's in it right Lee?" Lee didn't respond yet the older man kept talking. "That could be evidence. Bag that up will you Lee?"

Sighing, Lee ran a hand through his short hair. "It's just coffee Ronald." His fellow officer stared at him until he relented, moving toward the trunk of the car for a fresh paper bag. Snapping on a pair of disposable gloves, Lee graced the young woman with his most apologetic expression as he took her cup to place inside the bag.

"What's your name?" Ronald asked, his fingers grazing over his handcuffs. Telling him, Jaden wondered if he actually intended on taking her in. She only had to wonder for a few more seconds. She was ordered to stand up and place her palms flat against the car's hood with her legs spread apart. Doing so without commenting, Jaden listened as Officer Fu Manchu recited the Miranda Rights.

"I do," she quietly offered when asked if she understood. After a quick pat down, she searched the street once more before the officer handcuffed and then guided her into the backseat of the vehicle. Max might kick her butt, if she didn't have the opportunity to kick it first.


"What an ass!" Georgie exclaimed, interrupting her partner's story. "What's that officer's last name? When we get home I'm going down to that police station and see if he still works there. Give him a piece of my mind and my fist." She held up her tightly balled hand and shook it in the air. A slight smile tugged at her lips when the other woman chuckled. "For you I would you know."

A warm mouth touched her cheek. "I know you would baby, but let me remain the only person in this relationship to ever be arrested."

Head cocked to the side, Georgie fully smiled. "Guess I could let you uphold that privilege."

"I appreciate that."

"So what happened next?"

"Short end to a long story, after I was booked they permitted me to make my one call so instead of paging Max I called James and was about to tell him what happened when Max charged into the police station." Jaden softly laughed. "I was convinced that those big brown eyes were going to bore twin holes right through my body."

"How did she track you down? Did she arrive just as the car was pulling away with you in the backseat and followed it?" The blonde head shaking, Georgie replied to her own question. "No, she would have made it inside the building before you were booked."

Upon her arrival and noticing that Jaden was missing from the place she had promised to be, a somewhat fretful Max did a little detective work. She spied the payphone figuring that it was the one used by her friend as she went into the convenience store. Once she showed the cashier and owner of the store a photograph of Jaden and asked if he had seen her recently, she was freely given information a lot of which caused her stomach to churn.

The upside was that she knew of Jaden's whereabouts and that she was safe instead of within some stranger's home trying to purchase illegal stimulants. The downside was that based on what the observant owner had to say, Jaden's ass might be grass and she the lawnmower. Of course, Max intended to hear her side of the story first.

"What did he say that ticked her off?" Georgie asked between her giggles from the colloquialism her partner just mentioned. "Shouldn't Max have been upset with Officer Fu Manchu instead of you?"

Jaden nodded. "Oh, she was definitely ticked off with him and noncommittal Lee, but she had enough left over for me. She began to believe that something was fishy about what I told her over the phone after the storeowner informed her that when I departed the bus across the street I headed toward his store. When I got there I asked him if he could give me change for a dollar and then went directly to the payphone outside."

While she recounted this incident from ten years prior, Jaden was encouraged to move until her head rested in Georgie's lap. Now delicate fingers massaged her scalp as green eyes peered down into her face. "I don't get it. What's so fishy about that?"

The musician mewled like a sweet little kitten when those fingers began to apply a firm pressure to her scalp, repeatedly moving up and down. Tension was released, which she wasn't aware that she carried. "One could argue that during the ride to Hollywood that I warred with myself over my intentions and by the time I arrived at my designated stop I had decided to call Max to help me. However, there should have been some hesitation as that bus drove away. There wasn't any that the watchful storeowner could see. I purposely walked across the street and into his store."

"And that's it?" Georgie smiled when bringing her other hand into the massage caused those mewls to amplify until her felineness goddess purred.

"I was cordial."

"Cordial…"

"Mmhmm." Jaden privately commanded her eyes to stay open. Georgie's fingers dancing along her head had them desiring to shut their lids. "I was too cordial. He couldn't imagine what I could be arrested for when I had acted so friendly and laidback inside his store twice that night--the first time to get change and the second when I bought the sandwich, coffee and stationery. He even mentioned that I made a joke on the first trip. Now I don't remember what I said, but I do recall that we both laughed. Now would the average person in dire need of a fix act carefree and kidding around? That's what alerted Max that I might have been kidding with her, so she was ticked."

"And you confirmed her suspicions." The dark head nodded moving Georgie's hands with it. "And Max became the lawnmower?"

Winning the battle, Jaden's eyes slipped shut. "When I first laid eyes on her in that police station I would have thought so. She helped me clear things up and within an hour I was released much to Officer Fu Manchu's disappointment. I still haven't figured out what that man's problem was. Anyway, once we reached Max's car I was the recipient of a strong lecture and I quietly sat in that passenger seat and listened to every word because I knew that I deserved it." Beginning to smile, Jaden looked up at her partner. "When her reprimand concluded, she told me that she loved me, but if I ever tried anything such as that again she would turn into the lawnmower. Those weren't her precise words, but it was essentially what she meant." Both women laughed.

Silence except for Jaden's occasional delighted moans soon filled the tent as Georgie continued her scalp massage, a gentle stroking having replaced her previous vigorous technique. Warning that she might fall asleep and then given permission to do so, the brunette had almost nodded off when Georgie's cell phone rang. She instantly missed the fingers when they vacated her head to search for the phone. Eyes shut she heard Georgie say hello, one hand returning to continue the massage.

"Dude, we should totally surprise Ronnie and Sierra with a dual bachelorette party in sin city! You feeling that idea?"

The blonde chuckled, detecting the excitement in Vanessa's voice. "Why aren't you asleep missy? Our baby needs you to get plenty of rest." Georgie chuckled more when she received her very first phone blown raspberry. "That is so mature Van."

"Whatever dude. What about the party?"

Georgie shared her best friend's suggestion with Jaden who in turn agreed with a thumb up sign. "Jae likes it and so do I. Who are we inviting? Oh, wait. More importantly, where are we inviting them to?" She watched as one long finger pointed toward its owner's chest. "Oh, the place you found?"

"What place found by whom?" Vanessa inquired.

"I'm talking to Jaden honey."

"Dude it's rude to have two conversations at once," a pause. "Holler at hot stuff for me."

The blonde chuckled as she passed along the message. "She sends a holler back to her buttercup."

"Thank you. What's this place you were referring to?"

"The vacation home we'll be staying at while in Vegas. Jae says we can have the party there." She glanced toward the musician who used both thumbs to agree that time.

Instead of booking hotel rooms, each year following the ride Jaden, Heather and Maxine rented a vacation home together in either Las Vegas or nearby Summerlin. This year the trio along with Georgie, Vanessa and Sierra shared the cost of a five-day stay in a gorgeous four bedroom, three and a half bath home set within a mile of the famous strip. There was so much to do inside the house including visiting the movie theater, a fully equipped gym and an entertainment room with a pool table, air hockey, pinball machines etc, that some visitors might not be so eager to get to the casinos.

Instead of renting a house with their daughters and Max, Rachel and Kevin always opted to stay at the Mirage on the strip. Each year they made it a point to visit Siegfried and Roy's beautiful white tigers and the dolphin habitat. They also visited the casino, in particular the roulette tables where the couple tended to have the best luck at the Mirage than any other casino hotel.

Although they were invited to stay at the vacation house, which could accommodate up to sixteen people, Sharon and Nina had a room at Paris compliments of their sister Christine and her husband. Not only was it a room but a suite, which they tried to get her to downgrade to the standard room with two full or queen beds, yet she refused. It was her gift to them and they were going to accept it. Well then they shut their mouths, both secretly excited to check out their Paris suite. Oh la la!

Sierra's brother Gabriel had booked a room at MGM Grand that he would share with his girlfriend Carmen who would meet him in Las Vegas on Friday--unbeknownst to her parents who thought she had purchased her own room. What her six foot two inch father didn't know wouldn't hurt Gabriel. Coincidentally, Riley also had a room at the MGM Grand. Invited to the vacation house, he declined, jokingly stating that the testosterone under that roof would be greatly outnumbered by the estrogen.

"Strippers. Several female strippers with luscious curves and big…um chest assets."

Laughing, Georgie could just picture her friend salivating with a stack of one-dollar bills in her grasp. "Van?"

"Yes?"

"You're straight sweetheart. Step away from the closet and put down the toaster."

"Bite me," Vanessa replied in a singsong voice.

"Can't. You're too far away and I don't feel like leaving my tent. No strippers if Jaden, Ronnie and Sierra's mothers are going to be there. That would be weird." Jaden concurred with such a hearty head bob Georgie feared she might get a cramp in her neck.

"Agreed. It can be all of us ladies staying at the house plus Nina and of course Sharon. Oh, and any sisters of Sierra and Sharon that may come to their wedding. We can host the bachelorette party Friday night and Saturday everyone can celebrate together either at a buffet or sit down restaurant. Nina and I would gladly be in charge of putting the bachelorette party together."

"Is she awake too?" Georgie couldn't imagine sweet and demure Nina running a finger down the yellow pages searching for exotic dancers. "Oh, and I would love to help." Her tent mate pointed toward herself. "And you can count Jaden in too."

"You think she could sleep with my big mouth yapping?"

"You said it, not me." Georgie snickered. "Bachelorette party sounds great if the artificially happy couple choose to walk down the aisle. Let's talk about it further over breakfast okay?"

"Deal babe. The sweetest of dreams to you and hot stuff. I love you."

"Sweetest dreams to you, the little bun in your oven and Nina. Love you too." Closing the phone, Georgie tucked it back into her suitcase and then stretched out on the mattress next to her partner. Covers pulled over them the pair snuggled as close as possible, Georgie with her cheek on Jaden's shoulder. Since it was so easily accessible, the blonde kissed the side of a smooth warm neck. Three minutes later she half whispered the other woman's name.

"Yes Gigi?"

"Have you…do you have a lot of experience?"

"Experience in doing what?" Jaden had an idea of what she meant, but she wanted Georgie to confirm before she answered.

Georgie watched her fingers trailing up and down the musician's arm as she tried to force the words from her mouth. Part of her wished that she hadn't brought this up in the first place. "With…um…women." When Jaden hadn't responded after a single second, she amended with, "I understand if you'd rather not discuss it. That's fine love."

"I don't mind. You may ask me anything."

"Anything?" One brow raised, Georgie lifted her head to study her partner's face. "You're saying that I could ask you anything that I wanted to? No subject in this world is off limits?"

"Yep. Doesn't guarantee that you'll receive an answer though, so I wouldn't get too ecstatic." She chuckled as the fingers on her arm moved to her side and lightly pinched. She emitted a soft 'ouch' although it didn't hurt a bit.

"Will you answer about your experience?"

Jaden nodded, waiting until Georgie returned her cheek to her shoulder before she continued. "Yes, I would say that I have my share of experiences." She pulled in a deep breath and promptly released it. "You name it--I might have done it. And the fact that I was high when a lot of it was done makes me all the more disappointed in myself."

"Jae, I'm so sorry."

"Baby, you don't have a thing to apologize for. We're a couple now, so you have every right to learn about my sexual history and I had every intention of telling you. Just hadn't decided when yet."

"Well it isn't necessary right now."

Jaden softly chuckled. "Since it's already hanging in the air, we might as well talk about it now. I just hope you don't bolt from this tent."

The blonde abruptly sat up and folded her legs back into the Indian pose. "When you profess name it, done it, have you done "it" exclusively with females? Women?"

"Absolutely, just females. I've never been soaring above the clouds so high from whatever drug of choice that a man looked appealing to me." She paused in thought. "Would my just having sex with a man cause you to leave?"

"Uh, no it wouldn't." Her cheeks turning red, Georgie bit down on her lower lip as cerulean eyes stared up at her.

"Then what…" Trailing off, Jaden too sat up with her mouth falling open in surprise. "Georgie, where is that mind of yours at? Never mind. You don't have to explain, I already know." She tweaked the blushing petite woman's nose. "Allow me to clear that up right now." Jaden tapped her knees for emphasis as she spoke, "Every sexual encounter I have ever had involved exclusively women. No men or…anything else."

Wanting a glass of water to toss on her overheated face, Georgie nodded. She also wanted to bolt. Not because of Jaden, but due to her own absurdity. Where had her mind been? She nodded. "I thought so. Just wanted you to clarify and since you have there's no chance of me leaving regardless of whatever else you say."

Carefully keeping her expression blank, Jaden inquired, "Hypothetically speaking, what if I told you I'd participated in an orgy of seven? No, eight."

It was Georgie's turn for her mouth to drop open. "Uh, well I'd be shocked though I wouldn't bolt." Internally she asked 'have you', but her lips wouldn't cooperate to actually verbalize the brief question.

Jaden read her mind. "No, I haven't." A vague smile found her mouth. "You can relax sweetie. It truly was a hypothetical."

"Oh, thank goodness." She placed a splayed hand over her chest, feeling the thumping against her palm. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack Ms. Evil?"

"As evil as I am, I prefer your heart to be in perfect working condition. I was only curious to see what you'd say."

"Further clarification. No orgies?"

The musician hesitantly held up one finger. "Once. Instead of seven or eight, it was with two other women." The resulting look on Georgie's face was comical, but she managed not to laugh.

"A threesome." Jaden nodded although it wasn't a question. "What was that like? Um, if you don't mind…" Why don't you just shut your mouth? Do you honestly want her to answer?

For several moments, Jaden didn't respond as she thought back to that night--as much of it as she could remember anyway. "Lucky and I were still together when it happened," her voice remained composed although inside she was quaking, hoping that the younger woman wouldn't unzip their tent and leave regardless of her promise to stay, "Beat Brigade--our band had taken part in this incredible concert held at a park with about half a dozen other bands and since it went so well we were in the mood to celebrate.

"We had been invited to this huge party hosted by a friend of J.T.'s in the Hollywood Hills and everyone in the band except for Pirate decided to check it out. The house was packed full of people having a blast with every alcoholic beverage and illegal substance at their beck and call--for free. I remember thinking that J.T.'s friend was loaded--literally and figuratively. And soon so was I after being offered a couple of lines from the gracious host's sister…"

That must have been some premium fine powder, because the young musician couldn't recall ever experiencing such a mind-blowing high. She was sprawled on a couch while ten feet away her girlfriend and her latest drug benefactor quietly spoke, both occasionally glancing in her direction. Perched on the fluffiest white cloud, Jaden wasn't too interested in their discussion. That was until they walked over, asked her to follow them upstairs to a vacant bedroom where they filled her in.

Marina was quite fascinated with Lucky's girlfriend and wholeheartedly believed that her girlfriend would be as well. They were into adventures and since Lucky had agreed to allow it to happen (with the stipulation that that she could monitor), they just needed Jaden to get on board. Startled blue eyes tracked to Lucky, who refused to grace her with even the smallest glance. She had agreed to share her, loan her out as if she were nothing more than an object? That didn't make any sense. Lucky and possessive were synonymous. If she were nearby to overhear someone flirting with Jaden a threat of bodily harm to the unknown person was sure to follow.

Jaden initially refused until Marina removed a clear plastic sandwich bag from the nightstand drawer. It contained half a kilo of cocaine, which Marina stated held a purity level of 87% and was cut with methamphetamine and the finest anesthetics. Jaden and Lucky could have the entire one-pound bag in exchange for two hours of the younger woman's company in bed. Sure that her mouth would water, Jaden eyed the bag with her resolve beginning to waver.

With Lucky's encouragement and another free sample compliments of Marina she had agreed to the transaction once the woman's girlfriend joined them. After all, it would only cost her a couple of hours, which she might enjoy especially with those euphoria inducing samples working their way through her body. And who in their right mind would turn down a half kilo of snow when one gram could cost a minimum of a hundred dollars?

"It was," Jaden paused, images of her encounter with the couple floating within her mind's eye, "it wasn't something that I wanted to engage in ever again but I didn't hate it. Although my lack of aversion to sleeping with Marina and her partner could have been due to the coke, which made me very jubilant." After another pause she asked, "You bolting?"

Georgie had a pause of her own while she digested the unexpected information. "Told you I wouldn't."

"You could change your mind."

"Don't want to." The blonde scooted over toward her partner until she was comfortably seated in her lap. Wrapping her arms around Jaden's neck, she smacked the full slightly parted lips. "I'd rather be right here with you because I love you crazy."

A dark brow rose. "I may not be the sanest person on the planet but are you claiming that there's a certain screw in my head that is loose?"

Georgie laughed. "Sanity is overrated. You may be as nutty as a fruitcake for all I care Sparkle. However, I was saying that I'm so crazy in love with you. If you wanna get rid of me you'll have to get in touch with the police for a restraining order."

Jaden looked quite thoughtful. "Huh. You're crazy in love with me and I'm crazy in love with you too…but you might be plain crazy." She chuckled as she was pinched again. "Stop that. I'm not numb ya know. I feel."

Georgie slid her hands along the musician's sides until they rested dangerously close to braless breasts. "Yes, you do feel love. You feel really good," she growled, leaning forward to nibble on an earlobe. Her sampling lasted all of three seconds before she was gently pushed away.

"You have any thoughts?" Jaden smirked at the salacious grin. "Besides those. About what I just told you. The threesome."

The petite woman's naughty countenance was swiftly replaced with a gentle smile. "Only that I thank you for being so open and honest with me and that you needn't be afraid because although I would like to learn all I can about each phase of your life nothing you could relay to me concerning your past would negatively impact our future. You could earnestly tell me anything and Jaden I will only continue to love you a little more each day."

Swiping at a couple of tears that were too stubborn to stay inside their ducts, Jaden softly kissed her. After a long embrace, she asked her partner if she wanted to learn anything else.

"Mm, the inquisition is over…for now."

Jaden chuckled. "Okay. You may pick it up again whenever you like."

"Anything you want to ask about my past?"

"Let me see…" Jaden drummed her fingers against her chin while thinking. "I already know that you've slept with three people. How old were you your first time?"

"19."

Jaden nodded. "That's close to the age I lost my virginity. I was 18." She glanced at her watch. "Oh, we should hit the sack sweetie."

"That's it? That's the only thing you want to know?" Not that there was all that much to tell. Probably the best story she had to match Jaden's threesome was a heavy make out session in the backseat of her car at a drive-in. They would have gone all the way if Georgie hadn't been so tentative, believing that the inhabitants of the cars on either side of them could and would watch their play instead of the large screen ahead.

"For now." Grinning, she gently slid Georgie off her lap so she could pull their cover back. After stretching out, she opened her arms in invitation. Georgie was about to delightfully join her when hastily asked to switch off the light first. A case of déjà vu rushed over her as the blonde kneeled on the mattress, one arm stretching out toward the lantern. The moment her fingers produced a small click that took away most of their ability to see, another's hand came flying toward her bottom.

SMACK!

With her left cheek stinging, Georgie turned toward the laughing the musician. When Jaden's ears registered the growling, her laughter intensified.

She held up every finger of her right hand in the air except for the thumb. "Two down four to go Bad Girl."

Muttering something underneath her breath, Georgie settled back onto the mattress on her right side facing Jaden. "You really intend to give me half a dozen butt slaps don't you?" Even without direct light she spotted the woman's large grin.

"Ooh yeah baby," she purred, unknowingly causing Georgie to want to start growling for an entirely different reason. "You bet your…hehe…bottom dollar."

Georgie smirked as she moved into her favorite position, Jaden's arms secure around her as she rested a cheek on an inviting breast. "Oh, that was clever. My poor rear. I'm gonna get you Jae."

"Did you not realize that you've had me for a while now?" She began stroking the small of her partner's back. "And I'd love it if you kept me."

Lips smiled against the warm mound beneath. "As long as you keep me too."

"That's a contract I never intend to break."

##########

"Do you have any boots I can borrow?" Sierra inquired, seated inside their tent. Those were the first words she had spoken directly to Sharon since they disbanded from the group and Brandon Sharp the journalist near the concert stage.

"No." Sharon frowned. "Why?"

"Because the caca is starting to get very thick and will eventually hit the fan if we don't stop adding to our web of lies."

"Look how smart you are. You've combined two shit proverbs into one sentence."

Her quick response in the form of a glare, her tent mate only shrugged. "Sharon this is serious. My family is one thing, but how will your parents believe that you're getting married? I mean they know you were recently dating Mack don't they? And now you're suddenly marrying a woman you've never mentioned to them? Won't they find that strange?" Sierra impatiently waited the next ten seconds for her reply. "Aren't you gonna answer me?"

The nurse unhurriedly nodded. "Every intention of it. I was just waiting to see if you wanted to fire any further questions at me counselor."

"Is it your objective to be the biggest asshole on earth?"

"Can't say that's on my priority goal list."

Running nervous fingers through her hair, Sierra sighed. "What will your family think about you marrying someone you haven't told them about?"

Sharon shrugged. "I didn't share much of my relationship with Mack with them, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise."

"But marriage? They'll just accept it without question?" Instead of answering, Sharon pulled out her phone and began punching in numbers. "What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm calling tent service in advance to put in my order for breakfast to be delivered at 6:00 am. Think I'll have Belgium waffles. What about you?" Ignoring the smirk she could practically feel, Sharon earnestly replied, "Calling my mother to allay your concerns Torres." She put the phone to her ear as it began to ring.

"It's late." Fingers threading through her hair once more, Sierra would have desperately wanted a hairbrush had she access to a mirror.

"Mom rarely goes to bed before eleven. Hey Mom, it's Sharon." She smiled into the phone. "How are you?"

"Hi baby! I'm fine." Based on the cheerfulness in her reply, the older woman's smile was most likely twice as large. "How is everything going there?"

"Great. Some parts of the journey have been arduous, but I've beheld some incredible scenery. I'll have a lot of pictures to share with you all. Mom, I called because I have important news." Sharon glanced toward her tent mate, surprised that she wasn't biting her fingernails or attempting to pace under the low roof. "I'm getting married."

"You and Mackenzie reunited?"

"No, I've met someone else and we don't want to wait any longer, so we've decided to marry when we get to Vegas. I would love for you to come. It won't be anything fancy. Just a small intimate ceremony with a few close friends and family." The silence from the other end had Sharon wondering if her mother hung up or was disconnected. "Mom, you there?"

"I'm still here." Darlene McDaniel sounded a little less cheerful. Her oldest child was never this impulsive so something had to be wrong. "Who did you meet? What's her name?"

"Sierra Torres, the most beautiful woman in the world--inside and out. I'm so excited for you to meet her Mom. If you love her even a quarter of as much as I do, then that'll be a lot." The nurse ascertained that her tent mate was watching before she rolled her eyes. An outstretched palm slapped her on the forehead.

"Is Sierra pregnant?"

Blue eyes widened in shock over the unexpected question. Her mother was never much of a drinker, but had she tipped the bottle too much that night? "Pregnant!" Sierra's carefully sculpted brows flew upward in response to the shouted word falling from Sharon's lips. "Mom, I realize you haven't seen me naked in quite a few years but I don't have a penis."

"Sharon Angelica McDaniel, don't you get fresh with me. I'll fly to Vegas just to put you over my knee." Her thirty-year-old daughter apologized immediately. "I meant have you taken responsibility for someone else--a male who Sierra may have conceived with? Perhaps you met her, discovered that she was pregnant without the baby's father in the picture and somehow took it upon yourself to come to her rescue. I know how incredible and thoughtful you can be tending to the needs of others. You showed me that when you were only thirteen."

"She's not pregnant. I just love her. She means everything to me and although it's early in our relationship, we're both ready to make the commitment. Also, besides solidifying our love this ceremony will inevitably help other people."

"In what way?" Darlene spent the next few minutes learning about Brandon Sharp and his proposition. Her trip to Las Vegas free, she wouldn't even have to drive to the airport because a car would pick her up at her home. "So you're marrying a woman you barely know for charity sake?"

"No, because I love her. The charity donation is just an added bonus. Mom, please say you'll be there. I'll even invite Rebecca although she's a pain in the a--uh, backside."

"Of course I'll come honey, but I'm still trying to figure this out. How long have you known Sierra?"

Sharon closed her eyes as a dull ache began in the back of her head. This wasn't going quite as smoothly as she deemed it would. "Almost two months, but we didn't start seeing each other until after Mack and I were over. Mom, some people meet and get married within a week or less of knowing each other. Dang, we're going to Vegas. I'm sure scenarios such as that have taken place in that city hundreds, perhaps thousands of times."

"I'm not concerned with what other people do. I want to understand how my sensible daughter thinks it's such a wonderful idea to marry a woman she's been seeing for less than a month. This isn't like you Ronnie."

"Of course it's not like the usual me. It's the me in love--deeply, undeniably in love. It's fast, God I know it's happened so fast but it's real. What's really the point of waiting? I can't wait to spend the next fifty or sixty years as Sierra Torres's spouse. Down to core of my being I know that this is right. She's right for me. She's the one."

Sierra's eyebrows sailed toward her hairline again. The other woman had appeared so passionate and genuine as she spoke. There was a slight flush to her cheeks as she clutched the tiny phone to her ear. If Grumpy can spout all of that without liking me, imagine what she could say about someone she truly loves.

"This is what you honestly want?" Darlene softly asked.

Sharon glanced toward her tent mate, noticing how beautiful her eyes were. Mocha chocolate came to mind as she gazed into them. And then common sense smacked her on the head and she looked away. What was that about? Nothing. Nothing at all. "Yes, it is. She is."

"Then baby I support you. I just want you to be happy and it sounds like you are."

The nurse smiled. "Thank you Mom." Their conversation continued for the next ten minutes with Darlene making the suggestion that she invite the rest of her children to the wedding on Sharon's behalf. She figure doing that as well as paying for the wedding cake and reception desserts (she wanted to pay for the entire reception but Sharon wouldn't hear of it) was the least she could as a mother of one of the brides.

"Oh Mom," she started just before they were about to say their goodbyes. "Like I said earlier Rebecca is invited but not Ray. I don't want him anywhere near our wedding." Don't want him anywhere near my sister either, but he's like a stray animal she can't--actually won't get rid of.

"Baby you didn't have to tell me that. It'll be a cold day in that place way down below before I invite that man to a family function. Now I know that you have to be up very early so you get some rest. I'll call you tomorrow evening to discuss more details. I love you Ronnie."

"Right back at you Mom and thank you much. Goodnight." Slapping her cell shut, Sharon tossed it to the side. "There. It's done."

"So we're having a reception?" Why couldn't they just have a quick ceremony and be done with it?

Nodding, she stacked her hands underneath her head. "We are now Mrs. McDaniel."

"Hey, why can't you be Mrs. Torres?"

The dark-haired woman smiled for one and a half seconds. "Because out of the two of us I'm the most butch."

Sierra held up a hand. "Question."

"Ah Torres it was only a joke. Keep your surname."

"Not that. Since we're having a reception what happens if our families get to chatting and mine mentions that you and I have supposedly been seeing each other longer than your family believes, which would mean that you were seeing both Mack and I concurrently?"

"I don't know Torres." Moaning, Sharon shut her eyes as the dull ache in her head increased. It was beginning to feel as though she were wearing a much too tight sweatband. "We'll cross that bridge if we come to it. Please be quiet now. My head hurts."

Snatching her jacket, Sierra unzipped the tent and left without further comment. Sitting up, Sharon pulled the flaps of the tent apart and watched the younger woman scurry through rows of crimson homes. She pissed? Are her feelings hurt? I did insert a please in there when I asked her to stop talking. She shook her head while letting the flaps close. Damn, maybe I should go after her. And say what? Sharon glanced at her watch, making a promise to herself that if her tent mate hadn't returned within the next ten minutes she would go out and search for her. Where to begin searching she wasn't sure, but she was determined not to return to their tent until she tracked down her pushy little fake fiancée.

Eight minutes later she was about to reach for her shoes when Sierra crawled into the tent, her small body shivering from the chill outdoors. In her hands were a miniature paper cup and a sixteen-ounce hot beverage cup, a black plastic lid keeping its contents hidden. Putting the beverage cup down, she placed the other in Sharon's hand and pulled a bottled water from her jacket pocket to give the woman.

"Two aspirin for your headache. Swallow those with a few good sips of water." Looking at the pair of round white caplets inside the pill cup, Sharon asked where she obtained them. "Relax Grumpy. I'm not trying to poison you…yet. I went to the medical tent where a licensed nurse recommended those. Swallow and sip." Obeying without argument, Sharon thanked her after finishing half the bottle. "You're welcome. This is for you too."

She accepted the beverage, which quickly warmed her palms. "You didn't have to go through all that trouble Torres."

"A zero amount of trouble. You're suffering with a headache and I your loving fiancée just wanted to help you." Smiling, Sierra reached into her pockets, scattering a plastic spoon, stirring straw and napkins along with two packets of sugar, Equal sweetener, lemon juice and honey on the floor. "It's green tea, which the nurse said could be beneficial toward relieving headaches. Didn't know what if anything you like to add to your tea so here's a small selection."

Sharon took both of the blue packets of sweetener. "Thanks again. This was very thoughtful of you." Tearing them open, she emptied both into the steaming beverage before using the skinny red and white straw to stir it. Taking a few seconds to blow on the surface failed to protect her tongue when she took a sip burning the edge of it. Sharon winced, reaching for the spoon to sip with until her tea cooled some. "Hate when that happens."

"Aw." Sierra appeared sympathetic for two whole seconds. "Want me to make it better with a kiss?"

The nurse lowered her cup so her tent mate could view her smirk. "No dear. I'll take a rain check on your kiss until our wedding day."

"Our wedding day." Sierra winced without burning her tongue. "We're really going through with this?"

"Yep." She blew on a spoonful of tea.

"We don't have to create our own vows right?" Because most of the time I can barely come up with anything positive to say about you Grumpy.

The spoon raised to her mouth, Sharon shook her head. "Traditional is optimal." How would I center a speech on how much love there is inside of me for my fiancée when most of the time I can barely stand you Torres?

Silence slipped between the pair while Sierra pensively lay on her twin mattress and Sharon drank her tea. If her parents discovered the truth, they would most surely do away with her since she was too old to be grounded. "You realize that this ruse of ours is ridiculous don't you?"

"Yep." Slurp!


To Be Continued…