CHAPTER SEVEN


Early January of 1991

Locating a place in the crowded parking lot to park her new motorcycle that Lucky had given to her for Christmas, Jaden removed her helmet and shook out her hair. She knew that she was late without looking at her watch, but she did so anyway. She was supposed to meet her sister for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and it was 9:36. Walking toward the restaurant with her helmet tucked underneath her arm, the teenager sort of hoped that Heather had already left, but she was one of the first people she saw as she walked through the glass door.

Seated at a booth near the front entrance, Heather had just taken a sip from her glass of milk when she spotted the lanky brunette looking as though she wanted to turn around and run out of the restaurant. Setting her glass down with a sigh, Heather waved the younger woman over. Jaden hesitated for a moment and then obeyed.

Dropping her helmet on the booth across from her sister, she sat next to it. Before either of them could initiate a talk, the waitress walked up to their table sliding a menu in front of Jaden. Heather already had one lying next to her, which she had gone over thoroughly.

With a shake of her head, Jaden gave the menu back to the waitress. "Just coffee please."

"Jae you should get something to eat," her sister spoke up. She could have cried when the teenager walked in. The last time she saw her was Thanksgiving and then her weight loss had been noticeable. Nearly two months had passed and she could tell that Jaden had dropped a few more pounds.

"I don't want anything but a cup of coffee," Jaden replied in a quiet voice, her eyes cast toward the table.

"It's my treat."

"I said that I just want a cup of coffee Heather."

Her sister sighed again. "Fine." Looking at the waitress Heather ordered a ham and cheese omelette with a side of wheat toast. As the waitress walked away, Jaden reached over for a packet of sugar and began to nervously play with it. Heather observed with a dismal expression. What had happened to her little sister in the last year? What had this Lucky person done to her?

"Jae?"

"Why did you call me Heather?" She looked at her sibling, but only for a moment. It seemed that she was afraid to make eye contact. "What is this all about?"

"I want you to be straight with me."

"About?"

Keeping her voice low she asked, "How long have you been taking drugs?" When Jaden was about to stand, she quickly reached out, covering the teenager's hand with her own. "Please don't go Jae." Heather was taken aback by her sister's glare. Well, at least she was looking at her now.

"Then don't accuse me of taking drugs."

"So you deny it?"

Jaden just stared at her as the waitress returned with her coffee. Tearing the packet open, she poured its white crystalline contents into the black steaming liquid. When she added a couple more packets of sugar, Heather repeated her question. Still tight-lipped, Jaden picked up a spoon and stirred her coffee.

"Jaden?"

Eyes on her cup, she answered, "What I do is none of your business. You're my sister not my keeper." She blew before taking a careful sip.

"And as your sister I'm concerned." Heather paused to see if the younger woman would reply. She didn't. "Jaden the last time we saw you was Thanksgiving when you brought that woman--"

"Her name is Lucky," Jaden heatedly retorted, her sister being the recipient of another glare. "And don't you begin to talk badly about her because I will walk out of here. She's everything to me."

Heather momentarily closed her eyes as she deeply breathed. This small intervention wasn't going as she had expected. Usually so open with her feelings, Jaden had built a wall around herself that her sister was beginning to think would be next to impossible to penetrate. Hearing a tapping sound, she glanced beneath the table to find Jaden's leg bouncing up and down. She could think of two reasons the teen's leg was shaking and she doubted it was because she had to use the restroom.

"Are you all right?"

Jaden looked anything but all right. "Fine. Listen, I have to go 'cause I have things to do. This conversation isn't going anywhere."

"That's because you won't let it."

Jaden drained half the contents of her cup. "Heather I'm not using drugs. You happy now?"

"Not I'm not," was her sister's quick response. "Because if you aren't using drugs, then why did you put all the sugar in your coffee? I've never seen you put that much in and having an enhanced sweet tooth can be a sign of drug use. Also, why is your leg shaking so much--you need a fix? And lastly why have you lost so much weight?"

Jaden slapped a dollar bill on the table to cover the cost of her coffee. "I don't need this bullshit. You're not giving me an inquisition."

"Stay, I'll go," Heather dolefully stated as she reached for her purse and pulled out her wallet. Giving Jaden her dollar back, she replaced it with a twenty. Prepared to leave with her purse strap secured on her shoulder, Heather gazed into her sister's face. "If you saw this as an inquisition I apologize. My only intent was to help you because I love you and I hate what's happening to you. We both know what's going on even if you won't admit it. Mom, Dad and I are so worried…Jaden please don't shut your family out of your life because you mean everything to us."

Wordlessly, Jaden turned her head toward the window so that she would no longer have to see the tears shining in Heather's eyes. Standing, Heather took a few steps and gave the teenager a one-armed hug from behind. Remaining still with a stoic expression, Jaden felt the gentle kiss on the top of her head. A moment later the warmth was gone and so was her sister. Her vision blearing with tears, Jaden grabbed her helmet and hurried out of the restaurant.

##########

Seated behind her desk at Martin & Samms Realty Inc., Georgie had finished just finished a phone conversation with a woman interested in purchasing a duplex when alerted with a tiny bing sound that she had email. Though surprised, she was also delighted to see whom the email was from. The last time Jaden had sent her an email was during the time she had been a client and then only twice because she preferred real time conversations.

Clicking on the email, Georgie started to read, the smile on her face lessening with each word digested.

Good morning Georgie,

I hope that your morning is going well. I wrote this email to tell you that I will be out of the town for the next ten days or so. My flight is leaving this afternoon. Harmony is shooting their first video and I'm going with them. So that means I'll have to cancel our surf lessons until I return. Take care and I'll talk with you when I get back.

Jaden

She reread the brief email five times before closing it. It was brief and besides the 'take care' part it was devoid of Jaden's usual warmth. Also, she hadn't mentioned anything about being out of town. This was so last minute. Georgie was thinking about calling or replying in an email when Vince Pregger strutted up to her desk. She swore on the inside as he sat before her, occupying the chair instead of her desk this time.

"How are you Georgie?" He asked, although anyone with half a brain could tell that he honestly didn't care.

"Fine Vince. What do you want?" Today her mood had started out sunny enough, but after reading Jaden's email it had taken a turn for the worse. This lessened her chances of having any patience with the smug bastard.

"Something bothering you?"

"What-do-you-want?"

Eyes on his freshly manicured nails, Vince breezily questioned, "Any truth to the rumors about you and Jaden Connelly? First she's your client and then she's your what? Lover?" He made a face as though he were sucking on a tart lemon drop.

Frowning, Georgie thought up the title '101 Ways to Kill Vince Pregger'. She had five right off the bat and all the items she would need were on her desk. "Why would I discuss this with you of all people?"

He shrugged. "I just wanted to give you some advice Georgie."

"Thanks, but no thanks."

The blonde's eyes narrowed when he grabbed her rainbow colored slinky and began to play with it. Six. She was up to six ways to do away with him. "Georgie not only do I have more real estate experience than you, but more experience with relationships too." The various colors on the slinky blended as Vince held an end in each hand, quickly shifting the plastic coils back and forth. "And this possible relationship that you have with Jaden Connelly isn't going to work. I'll admit that she's great to look at, but I wouldn't touch her with that awful transmittable disease of hers."

The frown she wore deepened. Seven, eight, nine and ten. The tenth way to kill Vince was Georgie's favorite thus far. "Don't you have anything constructive to do?"

"Georgie, I'm just thinking of you." He tossed the slinky onto the desk. "How are you going to be a thriving real estate agent if you get AIDS too?"

Eleven involved throwing him out the window. Not quite as creative as number ten, but effective. "Jaden doesn't have AIDS."

"HIV…AIDS…tomato tomahto Georgie."

Green eyes narrowing, she forcefully pushed back her chair and stood. "You are such an ignorant son of a bitch!" Remaining seated, Vince slunk back in his chair while Georgie hurried around the desk. He was quite sure that she would strike him until she stalked passed him.

Relieved Vince along with others watched Georgie knock on door leading into Jacob Martin's office. Damn, he hoped that she wasn't about to get him tossed out of the Martin & Samms Realty Inc. family. Everyone was aware that she had a close-knit relationship with Jacob.

Closing the door, Georgie dropped into the chair in front of Jacob's desk. He asked her how she was doing although the expression on her face spoke volumes. "Uncle Jacob, I think it's time for me to move on."

Looking concerned, Jacob's chair creaked as he pushed back into it. "What do you mean honey? You don't want to work here any longer?" Why would she want to leave now that business had picked up for her? Although he was always proud of his kids, Jacob had been especially proud of Georgie during the last few months.

"I remember the first time I visited you here." A nostalgic smile graced her lips. "You forgot your lunch so I volunteered to bring it over for Aunt Nora and because I kept asking questions you gave me the full tour. I remember thinking this is what I want to do. I want to assist people in finding the home that is perfect for them. So lately, I've improved and don't get me wrong--I love the feeling I have when I make a sell, but I don't feel as passionate about this job as I think I should. Vanessa loves being a CNA and you know that starting in the fall she's going to start working on obtaining her vocational nursing license. She's bone tired at the end of the day, yet she probably couldn't imagine doing anything else. I on the other hand don't feel that way about real estate," Georgie admitted in an apologetic tone.

His brow scrunched, Jacob looked thoughtful. "Well as much as I'll miss getting to see at least one of girls on a regular basis, I understand that you want to move on and discover what your passion is."

Georgie grinned at him. "Is that your way of hinting that Van should visit more often?"

Jacob attempted innocence. "Of course not!"

"You're very convincing."

The older man chuckled. "Is today your final day?" He would have liked to throw her a farewell party.

Georgie nodded. "Yes. I don't have any clients at the moment, though I did speak with a potential buyer just a few minutes ago. I'll call her back and refer her to Katie Phelps."

"Do you have any idea what you might want to do for a living?"

She was shaking her head before he could finish asking the question. "I don't know."

"You don't have to decide now. I know you've made enough commission that you could afford to take some time for yourself and relax." Jacob sent her a warm smile. "If memory serves me correctly you've constantly had a job since you were fifteen, kid."

Georgie smiled back. "I might just follow your advice Uncle Jacob." With a small sigh, she stood up and walked around his large desk to share a hug with a man who had been more of a father to her in the last nine years than her biological father in the first sixteen. "Why don't you come over for dinner Sunday? Maybe bring Todd with you if he doesn't have other plans."

Jacob pretended that he was terrified. "Are you cooking?"

"That's not very nice Uncle Jacob," she said, though she wore a bright smile. "I can cook a little, but to ease any concern you may have I'll order something."

##########

Georgie nodded in satisfaction as she completed the border of a thousand piece puzzle that she had started earlier in the day. Her first full day spent unemployed consisted of such errands as cleaning the apartment from top to bottom, taking a trip to the grocery store and going to Martin & Samms Realty Inc. with a couple of boxes to clean out her desk. Afterwards, she went to Wal-Mart where she purchased four thousand piece puzzles. If relaxation was in her future, so were more puzzles. Besides, working on a puzzle kept her mind off of Jaden. At least it did a little.

When the doorbell rang, she hurried into the living room to answer. She offered a smile to the taller woman standing on the other side of the door. "Good evening Ronnie. How are you?"

The brunette smiled in return. "I'm doing good. You?"

"I'm fine," Georgie replied, trying to sound upbeat. "Come on in. Van will be back shortly. She had to go to the bank. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"No thanks." Asking if Georgie would be joining them tonight, the LVN took a seat on the couch. Sitting beside her, Georgie shook her head in the negative. She wasn't in the correct frame of mind for a celebration. Sharon, Vanessa and a few people from work were throwing a baby shower at a downtown restaurant for one of the most beloved nurses on staff who was about to have her first baby.

"Is everything okay?" Sharon asked, noticing Georgie's unusual lack of vivaciousness.

"It is. How is everything with you?" Georgie asked in an attempt to change the subject. "Van tells me that you and Mack are getting close?" According to Vanessa, Sharon had gone out with the musician twice and she always seemed to have a bounce in her step the day after. Georgie was happy for her and relieved that the nurse seemed to be moving on with her life.

"We went out a couple of times," Sharon shyly admitted. "She asked me to join her and the group on their trip to Acapulco on Friday but I'm not ready for that. Plus I have a busy weekend ahead."

The blonde began to frown. "Is this for the music video shoot?"

"Yep."

"And Harmony doesn't have to be there until Friday?"

"That's right. Mack said that they could have it finished by Monday. What's the matter? And don't tell me nothing because you're not frowning for nothing."

"Nothing really is wrong. I was just confused because I thought they needed to be there yesterday." Georgie hadn't known where there was until Sharon just informed her. Jaden's email hadn't contained any information, except that she was going with Harmony to the music shoot. That was a lie because the members of Harmony were still in California and would be until Friday. Jaden's email made it seem as though their presence was requested yesterday or at the very latest today. The anguish that the ex-real estate agent was going through doubled.

"No. Are you going with Jaden? Mack mentioned that she had agreed to be on the set."

I can't go with her because she left yesterday. I'll stay here in L.A. and work on my puzzles. That's pathetic. Georgie wondered what she was doing pining after someone who was making it crystal clear that she couldn't have them. "No, I'm not going. I think Jaden had a flight scheduled for yesterday."

"Oh really?"

The front door being unlocked prevented Georgie from responding. Well it actually didn't prevent her. She just used the slight distraction as an excuse not to continue their conversation.

"Hello ladies," the chirpy Vanessa greeted as she walked in and shut the door. "Ronnie give me a second please. Georgie could you help me with something in my bedroom?" Not waiting for a reply, she headed into the hall. Excusing herself, Georgie followed.

"What do you need help with?" She asked while her friend quietly closed her bedroom door.

"I think you're the one who needs help. What's going on with you Georgie? You've been sullen since yesterday and I'm getting pretty tired of you telling me that you're fine. I'm guessing that this has nothing to do with you walking away from real estate, so what else could it be?" Vanessa pressed her back to the door. Georgie would have to throw her across the room if she wanted to make a getaway. "Neither of us is leaving this room until you tell me."

"You'll be late for the baby shower."

"If you don't give me a reasonable answer within the next five minutes I'll tell Sharon that she can go without me."

"Vanessa…"

Arms folded over her chest, Vanessa put on her serious face. "Talk. Now."

Sighing, Georgie tried to make a compromise. "How about I tell you when you return from the party?" She could tell by her disagreeable expression that her best friend was about to argue. "Please don't make me get into it now Van. I have a headache." It was the truth. Georgie was beginning to feel a slight pressure above her right eye.

Tongue pressed against the inside of her cheek and causing it comically bulge, Vanessa thought about this. She finally nodded her acquiescence. "Alright. Take two Advil and when I get back--I shouldn't be any later than ten o'clock-- we'll have that talk. Agreed?" After Georgie agreed, she hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek. "I love you babe."

Smiling, the blonde answered, "Love you too."

##########

The small puzzle piece held between her thumb and forefinger, Georgie searched the uncompleted jigsaw puzzle before her, looking for its correct place. She tried five fittings before the piece smoothly fastened into the top right hand corner. Aha! One more down and…she stared into the shallow box containing the loose pieces. Well, around 830 to go. Georgie was about to reach into the box to select another piece when she detected a soft knock. A glance at the digital clock informed her that it was eleven minutes to ten.

"Come on in Van." Entering, the older woman smiled and offered her a paper plate with a generous slice of chocolate cake on it along with a glass of milk. Thanking her, Georgie picked up the plastic fork and took a bite. "Mm, that's good. Let's share it though," she said while handing Vanessa the fork now covered with a bit of brown frosting. "If I eat that whole slice I'll be bouncing against the walls all night." After a slight pause she asked the CNA if this was her attempt at bribery.

Gently pushing Georgie's puzzle board out of her way, Vanessa sat down on the bed and sampled a piece of the chocolate cake. Although she consumed two slices at the party, eating a little of another couldn't hurt. Once she swallowed, she winked at her friend. "Now why would I do that Georgina Anne?"

The blonde smirked. "You think that giving me cake will get me to open up easier." Accepting the fork she filled it with the moist dessert and promptly deposited that into her watering mouth. "A promise is a promise so here…" Leaning toward her nightstand, Georgie pulled the top drawer open and grabbed a sheet of paper, which she gave to Vanessa to read. "Jaden sent me that yesterday. It's only the third email that she's sent me."

It took Vanessa ten seconds to read the short email. Laying it on the bed she looked quizzical. "Okay, so your mood shift is connected to Jaden. What in this email upset you though? You said that it's only third email she's sent. Are you hurt that she didn't call you instead to let you know that she would be going away for a little bit?"

"Partly. But there is more to this than you know." Removing the fork from her fingers, Vanessa indicated for her to explain. Although she was trying to entice a tiny chocolate chip onto the fork, Georgie had her full attention. "You know I took care of her when she was sick Sunday?" Vanessa's braids bounced as she nodded. "Okay, so that evening I was about to quietly leave because Jaden was asleep, but she must have heard me moving around because she opened her eyes and asked me to be her girlfriend after I gave her a soft goodbye kiss on her forehead. So I--"

"What?!" The CNA not so surprisingly interrupted. "Jaden 'your goddess' Connelly asked you to be her girlfriend? What changed her 'I'm not gonna be with anyone else ever again' mind?" She shook the red fork at Georgie. "And how come it took you so long to tell me? This is news of monstrous proportions!"

"Monstrous? Who says monstrous?"

"Dude I'm in the process of expanding my vocabulary. Answer me please."

"Uh, let me see…so many questions." She ignored Vanessa's smirk. "Yes, she asked me to be her girlfriend. Now I'm not so sure that her mind was changed. And I wanted to wait in case it turned out too good to be true, which I'm positive that is has."

"Why are you so sure that Jaden didn't mean it?"

"We spoke on Monday and she didn't mention anything about it. It was as though she never said it so I was starting to believe that perhaps she actually forgot her proposal. That was until I received this email. She never commented about Harmony's music video shoot and that she was going. She neglects to say anything about it until the day she's supposed to leave. And then she doesn't offer a destination. Just that she would be away for ten days or so. I didn't learn until today that she didn't have to be in Acapulco yet--not until Friday when Mack and the rest of the group are going. She made it seem that she had to be there yesterday, but she just wanted to leave early." Taking a deep breath, Georgie wiped at her eyes. "Jaden is doing all that she can to avoid me."

Dropping the fork, Vanessa took a hold of her hand, gently squeezing it. "Baby don't cry. Maybe she was in a hurry and thought email was the best and quickest way to tell you. And she probably figured that you were working, so she didn't want to disturb you."

A salty tear escaped before her free hand could catch it. "She's avoiding me," the distraught blonde resolutely repeated. "If Jaden doesn't want to be my girlfriend then all she has to do is say so. Running away isn't going to solve a damn thing." Georgie shoved another forkful of chocolate cake into her mouth, crushing the innocent treat with her teeth. When Vanessa asked if she intended to call the musician, she shook her head. "If she doesn't want to talk, then we won't talk."

"I thought you said that running away wouldn't solve anything. A damn thing."

"I'm not running," Georgie paused to gulp down some of her milk. Using her thumb, Vanessa promptly wiped the resulting milk moustache away. "I'm right here. Jaden knows where I am."

"Why don't you be the adult and call her? Talk with her. All this speculation is going to drive you into a frenzy. Jaden most likely took her cell phone--call her Georgie."

The younger woman gave Vanessa's idea two seconds of thought before saying no. "Tell me I'm immature, but I have my pride. I'm not going to put myself on the line for someone who flew across the border to get away from me. Either Jaden makes the first move or no move is made period."

The CNA's brow arched. "You sound quite dramatic."

Her friend shrugged. "So be it."

Vanessa thoughtfully munched on a bit of cake. "You could at least send her an email reply. Unless you want Jaden to think that you have an attitude." She was pleased when Georgie brought her laptop over to the bed. As she logged on to the Internet, Vanessa shuffled around so that they were sitting side by side. Kicking her shoes off, she stretched her legs out on the bed. "I suggest that you keep it short and simple yet civil." Nodding, Georgie opened a return email to Jaden's email address.

Fingers settling on the home row keys, she glanced at her friend. "How should I begin? Hello Jaden?"

"That'll do. Write the message first and then we'll revise it if necessary." While waiting for Georgie to finish typing, she helped herself to the milk.

"Check this out." Georgie placed the laptop on Vanessa's lap.

Hello Jaden,

Just wanted to assure you that I received your email. Thanks for telling me of your plans just before you left town. Hope that you enjoy yourself. See you whenever you return. Take care too.

Georgie

Vanessa's head slowly shook as she finished reading. "Georgie I don't know about this. It sounds…cold. You sound like someone who has an attitude."

"What about it makes me seem to have an attitude?"

"Um, well," she pointed to the second line. "That reeks of sarcasm. Also, 'see you whenever you return' doesn't read pleasantly either. The word 'whenever' introduces further sarcasm."

"Alright." Georgie pulled the laptop back over to edit. A minute later, she showed the screen to Vanessa.

Hello Jaden,

Just wanted to assure you that I received your email. I hope that everything goes well at the music video shoot. Can't wait to see it on MTV (smile). You're traveling soon after your illness--please take good care of yourself. See you when you return.

G

The brunette snickered. "Just G, huh? We can let that pass. This email is much better--practically sweet. It's a complete turnaround from the last one. Are you trying to make her feel guilty now?"

"Absolutely not. That never crossed my mind."

Vanessa's snicker graduated to a laugh. "Dude, you may act innocent but I have your number."

##########

Eyeglasses perched on her nose, Jaden carefully reread Georgie's reply as she reclined on the balcony of her hotel suite. She hadn't expected her to reply, but when she noticed the email in her electronic mailbox, she didn't believe that it would be so congenial. The guilt struck her like a sledgehammer over the head. With a sigh she removed her glasses and dropped them next to her laptop on the table. She felt like the world's biggest creep for leaving Georgie such an insensitive email before flying over fifteen hundred miles away. It had seemed like an okay idea at the time.

Jaden was wondering what she should do next when her cell phone rang. Her heartbeat sped up as she questioned if the caller was Georgie. Only one way to find out, she removed the tiny phone from her shorts and checked the number. It was Heather. She was equal parts relieved and disappointed.

"Hola sis," she greeted, the phone pressed to her ear.

"Hola back at you. Jaden, we need to talk."

"Did Sasha do something wrong?"

"No, she's an angel. Right now she and Miles are taking a nap together on a pallet on the floor--quite the cute picture. We need to talk about you."

"Okay," Jaden sounded wary. "Um, any chance that this could wait until I get back to California?" Her sister's silence was her answer. "Right. Of course it can't." Taking in a deep breath while propping bare feet up on the railing, she asked Heather why they suddenly needed to talk about her.

"I've been wondering why you were in such a hurry to get out of California?"

"I told you. Harmony is shooting their first video and that's taking place in Acapulco. They wanted me to be here so here I am."

"Yet they won't arrive until tomorrow."

"Uh, how did you figure that out?"

"I have many ways of discovering what I want to know. Right this moment I want to know why you left Tuesday instead of Friday? I'm surprised that you took the time to carry Sasha to my front door before sprinting to the airport. If I didn't know better, I'd think that you had done something illegal and that's why you left the country in such a rush."

Jaden chuckled. "I promise you that I'm not a fugitive."

"What are you then?"

A coward. "What do you mean?"

"What are you running from?"

A piercing scream making its way to her ears, Jaden glanced toward the pool area, which was six stories below her suite. A young boy was squirting water from a large Super Soaker at a girl who Jaden presumed to be his slightly older sister. She allowed him to continue for a few seconds before she began chasing him. The musician didn't realize that she was smiling as she thought of her birthday when Georgie chased her with her a water gun in the foam pit at Jungle Gem. Although a week had yet to pass she missed Georgie already.

"Jae?"

"Yeah?" The brunette responded in a distracted tone. When Heather repeated her question, Jaden recalled that she hadn't said anything. Now how should she answer? Perhaps the truth was her best option, so she filled her sister in on what transpired Sunday and how she made the decision to make the trip to Mexico early.

"So what do you call yourself doing down there in Mexico? Are you trying to come up with a plan on how to dump your girlfriend of two minutes?"

Jaden sighed into the speaker. "Technically she isn't really my girlfriend. I was ill, feverish and groggy when I asked her to be my girlfriend and Georgie should understand that I wasn't thinking."

"Running away from the woman you love isn't thinking."

"What do you suggest I do?"

"I'm so glad that you asked me that. Hold on." Close to five minutes passed before Heather returned to the line. "Jae, you still there?" The musician nodded and then remembered to say yes. "Good. We're having a 3-way conversation now. I'd like you to meet my good friend Dr. Paula Nelson. She's a therapist."

What the hell? "Um, hello Dr. Nelson."

"Hello Jaden," a soft pleasant voice replied. "It's lovely to meet you--so to speak." She chuckled. "By the way, you can just call me Paula."

"Okay Paula. Um, ladies I don't mean to sound rude, but what is this 3-way about? Heather do you believe that I'm in need of a therapist?"

"It couldn't hurt."

"And just how would it help?"

"You need to work through your intimacy issues and I believe that Paula is qualified to help you with that."

Jaden sent the phone a scowl. "Intimacy? What makes you think that I have a problem with intimacy Heather?"

"Romantically," her sister briefly explained. Jaden attempted to interrupt, but Heather wouldn't allow her to as she hurriedly continued. "Now I'm going to get off the line and let you and Paula talk. Jaden I implore you to make an effort. I love you," she added in a 'please don't be too pissed with me' voice. "Adios senorita." Before Jaden could reply, her part of the line went dead.

She thought about hanging up as well, but her conscious wouldn't allow that to happen. "Paula we can end this right now because I don't want to waste your valuable time when I'm certain that you have people who truly need to speak with you."

"Nonsense. My next two hours are free so let's talk. Heather went through the trouble of setting this up so let's not disappoint her." Jaden figured that she was truly saying 'don't you disappoint her'. She sighed. If it pleased Heather then it wouldn't kill her to go through with this phone based therapy session.

"Okay Paula. So um, what do you know about my so called intimacy issues?"

"Your sister just told me that you haven't been involved with a woman in a decade and though you currently have someone special in your life it isn't proceeding past friendship. According to Heather, you don't intend for it to do so. Is this accurate?"

"Yes. But that isn't because I have a problem. The reason I won't get involved romantically is because I have HIV. If I was 110% healthy, there's not a doubt in my mind that we would be a couple."

"And why is the HIV holding you back? Is it because you're fearful that she'll contract it?"

"Though that is a concern, it isn't my main reason. I was diagnosed in August of '93 and back then I would have guessed that by 2003 I'd have full blown AIDS or at least several opportunistic infections, but thank God I feel great and I continue to be thankful for each virtually healthy day that I'm given. However, I realize that eventually my health will began to decline and if she and I were to be involved, I would hate to have to lean on her so much. I don't want her to become my nurse. She deserves to be with someone who could spend the next fifty or more years with her. I don't have that to offer."

"And despite this reason, does she want more from you?"

"She's mentioned that she does."

"Jaden I'm quite aware of who you are, but I didn't have knowledge of your autobiography until Heather spoke of it two weeks ago. So at her insistence I went to Barnes & Noble and purchased a copy. After finishing it in two sittings, I believe that there is more to your not wanting to become intimately involved than what you're telling me. Possibly more than what you're telling yourself."

Jaden arched a brow. She wondered how long Heather and Dr. Nelson had been discussing her. "No, I'm pretty sure that's it."

"Could I throw my theory out there?"

The musician shrugged. She was a bit curious as to what the therapist would say. "Sure. Go ahead."

"I think forgoing romantic intimacy is a way for you to punish yourself. You've been doing it for ten years and yet you still see no need to forgive and allow yourself to share your life with someone."

"You think I'm punishing myself." The reply resembled more of a statement than a question.

"Yes, I do. You blame yourself for your drug use and for being careless with your drug related artifacts. You blame yourself for sleeping with women you barely knew or didn't know at all without using any protection. You blame yourself for shutting your loving family out of your life for so long. And you blame yourself for contracting HIV. After discovering you had the virus you dramatically changed your life for the better, however, you shut a part of yourself off. That part of you which could offer a potential life partner so much love.

"You say that this woman who you care so much for deserves to be with someone who could spend the next fifty years with her. It's my opinion that you believe that you do not deserve to be with her due to the faults in your past. Despite all that you have accomplished and the incredible person that you've blossomed into, the blame…the guilt still have a tight grasp on you." The therapist paused before asking, "Jaden what are your thoughts on my theory?"

Rendered speechless, Jaden didn't offer her a quick reply. Could it be true? All these years could she have been punishing herself for the severe consequences of her actions? "I guess that's possible."

"Have you forgiven yourself for these past mistakes?"

Long fingers drummed on the table in front of her as she ruminated the question. "Now that you've brought it to my attention, no I haven't forgiven myself. My choices caused permanent disablement to my life."

"And by having a relationship with this woman you believe that it will imminently disable hers?"

"I do."

"And you do realize that you are still allowing your choices to disable your life?"

"It's for the best."

"It's best that you continue punishing yourself? That doesn't sound fair to you."

Sighing, Jaden stood up and walked toward the railing, leaning against it. "Dr. Nelson even if I forgave myself for screwing up what might have been, I wouldn't be comfortable with starting a relationship with Georgie."

"I disagree. I think a huge weight would be lifted off your shoulders if you were to release the guilt. You aren't the first person to make mistakes and you won't be the last. Many years ago you made bad choices, but you've learned from them and you've grown. Now you need to look in the mirror, have a good talk with yourself and make the choice to forgive. You need to believe with all your heart that you are worthy and that you do deserve to love and be loved. Jaden are you willing to at least try?"

A tear slid down her cheek as she nodded. "Okay."

##########

Jaden ordered and ate her dinner, which was delivered by room service before she put Dr. Nelson's advice into motion. Taking a seat in the chair placed in front of the vanity, she stared at her reflection.

"Okay, so where to start?" She questioned aloud. "Jaden." The musician chuckled, feeling extremely silly for having a conversation with herself but if Heather's doctor friend thought it would help, then she was determined to keep her promise to try. "Jaden between years eighteen and twenty-two you misplaced your brain and the willpower to resist temptation. Why did you do it? Why did you take that first line of cocaine? Were you tired of saying no? Did curiosity get the better of you? That was your downfall. That New Year's Eve was the beginning of the worst four years of your life and I'm disappointed in you. You've been clean for ten years yet I'm still disappointed because of your choices, because you chose to follow the wrong path, you'll be lucky if you live to see forty."

She paused to drink from the glass of water she brought with her. "You have a wonderful family who has shown you nothing but love since the day you were born and after you started using drugs you neglected them. Without much thought you just threw them away and I've hated you for that. Your grandparents, your parents, and your sister--they never gave up on you no matter how much you behaved like an asshole. Over those years they reached out to you numerous times yet you slapped their hands away. They didn't deserve to be treated that way. You allowed the drugs to have control over you. Getting high became more important than family. Do you realize how lucky you are that they welcomed you with open arms after you finally came to your senses? You're very blessed. I wish that you had remembered that on the eve of 1990.

"Your stupidity seemed to multiply after the often rocky relationship you had with Lucky ended. It was as though you didn't care about your life at all. Although she introduced you to drugs, she did have one crucial tip to offer that you forgot to obey once she was gone. Or maybe you didn't forget. Maybe somewhere deep inside of yourself, you had decided to do anything you could to destroy your life. Lucky told you never to share your equipment because it was dangerous. That sounds sort of asinine considering you were shooting lethal substances into your veins on a regular basis, which is the epitome of dangerous.

"You would sit in a semi dark room and pass around a syringe with a group of strangers. Remember that there were times when you also passed yourself around in exchange for crack, cocaine, crystal meth, and pills--anything that would result in your getting high--even if it only lasted fifteen or twenty minutes. You were that desperate. I don't think that you're level of stupidity could have sank any lower then it did those last few months of your drug abuse.

"And then everything changed that one night in August of '93 when you chose to get behind the wheel almost immediately after smoking a joint laced with coke. You had the munchies and a hamburger sounded good yet you never arrived at the fast food restaurant less than two miles away because you wrapped your car around a telephone pole. Fortunately, it was late and there were few cars on the street so you were the only person that you hurt.

"You were bruised and battered but your prognosis was basically okay. Since you were in a coma for a couple of days, the doctor in charge of your case asked your family if you were aware that you had HIV--they ran a series of blood tests and it popped up. That was quite a way for them to find out. Your sister elected to tell you when you awakened. You seemed upset and scared for someone hell bent on destroying their self. Ironically, contracting HIV saved your life. That virus saved you because if you hadn't discovered that you had it, I'm certain that you wouldn't have lived much longer. Eventually you would have overdosed or had a fatal accident because of the drugs.

"Heather telling you that you had HIV was a wakeup call. You suddenly realized what you had been doing to yourself. So you sought treatment and turned your life around. I'll admit that I'm proud of you for doing that, but if you'd stuck to your morals in the first place your life wouldn't have ended up in such a mess."

Deeply inhaling, Jaden leisurely rubbed a palm along her face. Her eyes reconnected with those peering back at her. "So now you want my forgiveness? Should I forgive you for these things that happened ten plus years ago? I don't want to hate you--I actually don't hate you anymore. I want to look at you and like…truly like who I see." She nodded. "Okay Jaden. Let's work on it."

##########

A bowl containing only about a teaspoon of brown milk altered by Cookie Crisp cereal sat next to the yellow legal pad, which Georgie used to jot down types of possible employment. With only two thus far she wasn't doing very well. Releasing a heavy sigh, she dropped her pen and grabbed the bowl, taking it to the sink to wash. Though it wasn't necessary for the ex-agent to rush in finding employment, sitting around the house and constantly thinking about Jaden was sure to make her crazy.

Maybe she should get into volunteer work. Georgie knew for a fact that the hospital Vanessa worked for was always searching for volunteers to help with activities and entertain and spend time with patients--especially those who didn't have regular family visitors. Beginning to smile, she made a note to ask Vanessa about becoming a volunteer that evening when she came home.

Needing to get out of the house, Georgie decided to take a trip to the mall. She was tying her shoes when her cell phone played a familiar tune. As she glanced at the tiny screen, her heart skipped a couple of beats. Jaden. She wondered if the older woman had read her email. Only one way to find out, Georgie punched the talk button.

"Good morning Jaden." Her eyes dropped to her bedside clock. It was just past 10 o'clock. "Is it still morning there in Mexico?"

It took the musician several seconds to reply. "Oh, you know where I am?"

"Didn't I just tell you where you are?" Georgie forced herself to sound amused, although her expression didn't hint at it.

Jaden nervously chuckled. "Yep, I guess you did. Uh, it's 12:03 now. Mexico is two hours ahead of California."

"Okay." After a small stint of silence Georgie added, "Ronnie told me that the music video was being done in Acapulco starting today. Mack told her."

"Okay." An awkward pause befell them. "Georgie I'm sorry if I hurt you. I shouldn't have skipped town like that."

The blonde's funny bone was oddly tickled in that moment. "You did more than that. You skipped the country!"

"Er, yeah I did. I was scared. Still am," Jaden admitted, sounding more like a child than a recently turned 32-year-old.

"Of me?" Georgie softly questioned. Jaden's sigh reached her ears. Despite being ticked and wounded, she wished that she could climb through the phone and pull the stubborn woman into her arms.

"Sort of. You, us, this…" Of course Georgie asked her if she would explain what she meant. "I didn't remember asking you to be my girlfriend until Tuesday after I finished my morning jog. And then I just…panicked. Somehow I thought it was better for me to leave instead of confronting you, so I called Mack and accepted her invitation to be here for their first music video production. You found out that I didn't have to be in Acapulco until today, but I left early. I really am so sorry Gigi."

Georgie could feel the tears prickling behind her eyes. "You could have told me that you didn't mean what you asked. I would have understood. I never should have taken it to heart anyway. Your head was probably all fuzzy from your being sick."

"My head isn't fuzzy now."

"Oh…okay," Georgie replied as though she were in slow motion. "So…you're saying that because…"

"My sister called me yesterday and put a therapist friend of hers on the line and because of her I discovered that I had never honestly forgiven myself the heartache I caused my family, for using drugs and contracting HIV either because of lack of safety when using or promiscuity. She gave me advice to look in the mirror and actually have a conversation with myself and I did that yesterday evening. It was strange but I finished and by the time I was done I had decided to begin forgiving me. I haven't fully done so, but eventually I'll get there.

"My point is, this all ties into my thinking that it's better for me to be without romantically inclined companionship. Dr. Nelson's speculation is that I have been punishing myself for the past ten years and I agree that she's on to something. That hasn't been my only reason for abstaining, but I might have convinced myself that I don't deserve to have a woman love me."

"Jaden that's not true," Georgie vehemently interjected. "You deserve--"

"Ssh, sweetheart please let me finish before I lose my nerve." She took the younger woman's silence as her cue to continue. "I don't have a clue what the future holds for us, but I'm willing to found out if you still are. Butterflies have taken control of my stomach as I can't help but to question if this is rational, but I'm trying to ignore my mind and listen to my heart. And what my heart tells me is that I want more than anything to be with you. So Georgie again without the fuzziness, will you be my girlfriend? I'm thinking that we should keep it casual and proceed very slowly. But I really do want to proceed with you." She jumped after hearing a loud noise. "Georgie?" No answer. Was she so angry now that she had hung up the phone? "Georgie?!"

"Here. Sorry," Georgie sounded bewildered. "Dropped the phone. Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't joke about something like this."

"Just to assure that there isn't any misunderstanding, when you say girlfriend you mean going steady? Being a couple?"

Jaden quietly chuckled although the butterflies were vigorously flapping their little wings. "Yes, I do."

She needed to sit down. No, wait. Georgie glanced downward. Never mind. She forgot that she was already sitting down on her bed. So she stood up and began to pace. "Am I dreaming?"

"I hope not. Could I please have an answer before I freak out?"

Georgie's smile was so bright that surely Jaden could see it from Acapulco. "Yes, yes and YES!"

##########

The moment she heard her roommate's key in the front door, Georgie bolted toward it and unlocked it. A startled Vanessa greeted her on the other side. "Van you're home!" Rushing toward the CNA, Georgie threw her arms around her and proceeded to swing them both around in the hallway. They were on the verge of dizziness when Vanessa pulled their haphazard dance to a stop.

"Dude what in the medicine cabinet did you take?" Grinning, she pulled Georgie into the apartment and shut the door. "Or have you been drinking? I don't smell alcohol on your breath. Vodka is odorless isn't it?"

"I haven't been drinking. I have great news!"

"Really?" Vanessa's smile grew. She was relieved that her best friend seemed to have somehow been pulled from her funk. "What's your great news?" She chuckled while watching Georgie bounce. She had to place her hands on her shoulders to still the distracting movement. Her mouth dropped open when Georgie revealed her great news. "For real this time?"

Beaming, the blonde quickly nodded. "It's legit! My goddess and I are a couple!"

Her expression filled with wonder, Vanessa shook her head from side to side. "Wow. It's Friday evening and you and hot stuff are officially dating. This calls for a celebration. We're going out to eat and I'm ordering us a bottle of champagne! Then you can give me all the details."

Vanessa spent seven minutes in the shower and then wrapped herself in a towel before grabbing her cell phone. She had to repeat Jaden's name three times before tiny communication device would dial. Shaking her head, Vanessa pressed the phone to her ear. She smiled upon hearing the musician's nickname for her being uttered into the speaker.

Using an exaggeratingly Southern accent she replied, "And hello to you hot stuff. I just called to say congratulations. You've got yerself a purty fine girl in mah Georgie so ya best treat her right, ya hear?"

"Yes ma'am, I will," Jaden replied through her laughter. "How are you doing Van?"

"Just fine. And you?"

"Very good."

"I hope you don't mind my taking your little lady out tonight." Sufficiently air-dried, the CNA slipped on a pair of panties and selected a bra to match with them.

"We haven't been going together for 24 hours yet and you're already trying to steal her?"

Grinning, Vanessa pulled the straps of the bar onto her shoulders. "If you can't stand the competition hot stuff, get outta the kitchen."

Jaden chuckled again. "Bring it on buttercup."

##########

"So what do you think you might want to do now?" Jaden inquired through her cell as she sat at a table of an outdoor café nursing a mug of champurrado, which was a thickened Mexican hot chocolate. Though the weather was warm she had been in the mood for a steaming beverage and the champurrado hit the spot.

"I haven't decided," Georgie responded on the other end. "I'm determined not to let it bother me. Something will come to me soon. In the meantime I'm volunteering at the clinic Van works at. Although she didn't work today, I went there and offered my assistance for a couple of hours. From now on I think I'll go Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays around two to three hours."

"That's awesome. What will you be doing?"

"Today I was introduced to some of the patients and staff and I helped out during bingo hour. There was this one woman--she was so cute--86 years old and sharp as a tack. However, she has trouble with her eyesight so her daughter had ordered her a new pair of glasses but they weren't ready yet, so I assisted her with playing bingo by pointing out where the numbers being called were on her two cards."

Jaden chuckled. "Did you two win?"

"Once we did!" Georgie happily stated. "Glenn won a stuffed brown and white puppy with a yellow collar around its neck. She named her Georgie."

"Aw, that's sweet."

"I thought so too!" Georgie laughed. "So how was your day on the set? Is the video going well?"

"Yes, it is. It should be finished by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest."

"And then you'll be coming back to California?"

"Nah, I'm never coming back 'cause I've decided to move to Acapulco," Jaden joked, bringing the mug to her lips and gently blowing. "Heather is gonna book a flight to send Sasha to me."

"So we'll have a long distance relationship? I heard that those hardly ever work out, but I'm sure that you and I will be able to beat the odds."

The musician smiled. "Me too Gigi."

"I miss you," Georgie said in a shy tone.

Jaden wanted to grab her luggage and sprint to the airport right then. No, forget about the luggage. She had more clothes at home. "I'm missing you as well sweetheart. It won't be long."

"Oh, I should get going now J-Co. Van's dad and brother just arrived for our casual little dinner party."

"Alright then," Jaden cheerily replied although she hated to end their conversation, which had nearly lasted an hour. Her cell phone service provider would be receiving quite a few bucks from her on the next bill. "Have fun and please tell Todd and his dad who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet that I said hello."

"I'll do that. How about I call you tomorrow?"

Swallowing the bit of hot chocolate in her mouth, Jaden broadly grinned. "My cell phone will remain by my side."

##########

"Guess what?" Stretched out on her bed, Jaden placed her left palm beneath her head. Yesterday Georgie had given her a call around seven in the evening and just a few minutes ago on this Tuesday evening she had returned the favor. Feeling like a schoolgirl with a major crush, Jaden had forced herself to wait all day before she called her new girlfriend. After a ten-year hiatus she had a girlfriend. That was still hard to believe.

"Um, the video has been finished?" Georgie guessed after a five seconds long thoughtful pause.

"Oh, you've earned one point Gigi. You're so good! Now for another point guess what else?"

"And," the younger woman slowly drew out the tiny word, "you're catching a plane home tomorrow?" When Jaden informed her that she was sizzling she laughed. "What can I do with these two points? Are they redeemable for prizes?"

"Yep, they can be. What would you like to have as your prize?" Jaden had to wait five more seconds for an answer.

"I'd like to know what you're wearing."

The musician looked dumbfounded. "Uh, you want to use your points on that? I'd tell you for free."

"No thanks."

"O-kay." Studying her outfit for two seconds Jaden responded, "Since I'm in the comfort and privacy of my hotel room, I'm wearing gray cotton biker shorts and a red tank top."

"Is that all?" Georgie asked, her voice dropping an octave. Jaden raised both eyebrows as the question echoed through her mind. Why was she suddenly so interested in clothing?

"Er, well I have on a pair of plain silk white underwear too. No shoes, no socks."

"And no bra?" Her voice seemed to lower further. She sounded…seductive.

Oh, my God. Is she trying to start what I think she is? Do I want her to? "Um, no bra," Jaden paused before choosing to tack on, "My breasts are without constraint."

Georgie softly sighed. "I remember them." Her voice was a step above a whisper. "They're beautiful. More than a handful--round and supple. Do you recall that time I touched your breast in Hawaii while I was asleep?"

As though she could ever forget such a deliciously dangerous memory. "I recall Georgie."

"Did you like it? I felt guilty when I discovered what I had done, but I'd be lying if I said that it didn't affect me sexually."

Jaden was sure that the other woman detected her loud gulp. "I liked it."

"Do you have a headset for your phone? I'm lying in my bed wearing mine. It leaves my hands free to do anything I want them to."

"Just a second." Jumping to her feet, Jaden went in search of her headset, which she rarely used anymore. However, she tended to keep it close by. Finding the lightweight accessory in a small leather pouch in her suitcase, she attached it to the phone and hooked the earpiece on her right ear. She returned to the bed lying in her previous position, except both hands rested on her stomach. Now what? Jaden's heart noisily thumped.

"Jae?"

"Yeah?"

"I want you. You've occupied my thoughts all day. I've thought about doing this all day."

Jaden bit down hard on her lower lip to keep the moan contained. "And uh, what exactly is this?"

"Sure you're 1,600 miles away but I've devised a way to make love to you regardless," Georgie boldly explained. The musician wasn't privy to her reddened cheeks. Having zero experience she was a bit shocked that she was going through with her idea. "Ten years is far too long to go without having an orgasm, don't you think?"

Jaden glanced toward the bathroom. If Georgie kept this up she would need a cold shower. "Well I uh suppose so."

"Have you ever done what I have in mind?"

"Never," her voice had drifted into a hoarse whisper. "You?"

"No, I'm a novice. At least I will be if you want to try. Do you?" When Jaden seemed to hesitate, she explained, "Anything we would do over the phone would be 110% safe. The safest you could have next to abstention." Georgie lightly chuckled.

The brunette managed a chuckle. "Okay…well, um…okay."

Her friend chuckled again. "Is that a yes?" Jaden quietly confirmed that it was. "How are you laying?"

"I'm on my back. What about you? How are you laying?"

"Baby I'm not laying. I'm sitting on top of you only wearing purple bikini panties and a purple and white sports bra. Am I too heavy?"

Her mouth had grown dry, but Jaden didn't feel like getting up for a glass of water. Plus, then Georgie would have to move and she rather enjoyed pretending the blonde's weight rested on her. "No Gigi, you're perfect."

"With my bottom pressed against your phenomenal abs, I lean over to brush my lips against your forehead. Do you feel me Jae?"

"I do. Your lips are so soft."

"My mouth trails kisses from your forehead, to the tip of your nose and over to your cheeks, giving each equal attention before I teasingly bypass your full lips to lightly nibble your chin. My hands are stroking your sides over your tank top. I can feel your heat."

Jaden closed her eyes in order to obtain a more vivid image. "I'm placing my hands on your waist, my fingers caress your exposed skin." Unbidden, her hands slipped underneath her tank top beginning to stroke her belly.

"I need to kiss you Jaden," Georgie huskily declared. "I think I've been wanting to kiss you since the day we met. Could I taste your lips?"

"My hands glide up your back, the nape of your neck and finally the back of your head. Gently, I push you toward me and press my lips against yours as my fingers sift through your soft blonde locks."

"Moaning, I flick my tongue across your lips silently begging for you to open for me."

Her lips parted. "My mouth opens waiting for you to enter," Jaden dutifully replied. Her pinky slipped in and out of her navel as she imagined Georgie's tongue between her lips.

"Mmm, Jaden you taste so sweet. Your lips are so warm. I can feel your shallow breathing as I coax your tongue into my mouth. I'm grinding on top of you now. The crotch of my panties is damp…all because of you." Jaden heard a faint moan and as a result released one of her own. "I'm touching myself Jaden. My hand is inside my panties and my fingers are playing with my outer lips. Mmm, are you touching yourself baby?"

"Georgie it's been a long time since I've done that."

"It's like learning to ride a bike. You can do it," she encouragingly stated. "Remove your biker shorts and underwear. I'm taking my panties off too. And my sports bra."

Asking her girlfriend to hold on, Jaden tossed the headset off and stood up to strip, carelessly tossing her clothing to the floor. Placing the headset back on, she lay down against the sheets kept warm by her rising body heat. "Done." When Georgie asked if she was touching herself, the musician almost shyly cupped her heated mound with her right hand. Just that caused her to shiver as thoughts of the young blonde touching her there raced through her mind.

"Could I taste your lips?"

"Um, sure. More kissing would be nice."

Georgie waited a beat before clarifying, "Baby I have a different set of lips in mind."

"Oh, yeah?" She started pressing the palm of her hand against herself, small traces of her growing arousal coating a bit of her palm.

"Oh, yeah," Georgie growled her return. "With the both of us naked now, I'm leaving your mouth and kissing along your strong jaw line to your left ear pulling the lobe into my mouth and gently sucking as my fingers tweaks your right nipple."

Damn, for someone who's never done this before she sounds like a natural, Jaden thought before the blonde regained her attention. "Rivulets of pain and pleasure flow through me as your fingers continue to manipulate my hardening nipple."

"They look so inviting. Would you like me to suck them?" Georgie moaned while half of two fingers disappeared inside her vagina. For the time being she forced herself to keep them still. Her other hand busied itself by playing with her nipples.

"Please do."

"Moving down your gorgeous body and kneeling between your outstretched legs, I first nuzzle your breasts with my cheeks before I envelope the yet to be tweaked one in my mouth, my tongue performing a brisk dance across and around it. Mmm, unless I'm imagining it Jae, every part of you tastes sweet. A minute later I release your nipple with a loud pop and switch to the other, giving it the same treatment. Tell me how you're touching yourself."

"I'm grinding my palm against my vagina. And you're words are making me so wet sweetheart. You're good…so damn good."

She missed Georgie's smile. "Then I should continue. I leave a damp path from your breasts to your stomach, making sure to lick your navel and softly blow on it."

"Mm, I shiver."

"Pausing, I glance toward your face with a grin plastered on mine. Are you cold?"

"Quite the opposite. I'm hot."

"Yes…you…are," Georgie replied, slowly enunciating each word. Unbeknownst to her, Jaden's cheeks heated because of the compliment. "Soon I'm at the entrance to your womanhood with my hands resting on your hips. In no hurry, I rub my lips against you while breathing in your essence. Have you penetrated yet Jaden? I have. I'm imagining my tongue gliding along your outer labia now. It's stroking up and down like a leisurely artist with her paintbrush on a canvas."

The musician groaned into the tiny speaker located near her mouth. For the first time in years, she slipped her index finger between swollen lips. Her lubrication made penetration very simple. "I've done it." Her voice sounded shaky. Jaden had a feeling that soon it would be difficult for her to communicate at all.

"Desperate to sample more of you, I keep my eyes on your beautiful face, wanting to see your expression as I slide my tongue between the soft moist folds of your sex. Just as I had suspected--your taste is amazing. My tongue continues probing you while my hands slide toward your rippled stomach, fingers splayed against the bronzed skin."

Jaden moaned as she added another finger, covering the digit in juices from tip to knuckle. She was both relieved and disheartened that the woman turning her on so much was over fifteen hundred miles away. "My hips start to rotate…my ass pressing into the mattress. Oh, Georgie," she softly called.

"Yes love?"

"Come here. I wanna feel you on top…on top of me. Please." Finding her blood infused clitoris, Jaden brushed her finger against it, immediately eliciting another moan.

"I'm coming--in more ways than one." A small giggle was sent through Georgie's speaker while her hips gyrated, fingers temporarily moving at a steady pace. "After giving you one last deliberate lick, I kiss my way up your body until my mouth reaches yours. I smile at you so tenderly before capturing your lips for a heated kiss as I carefully settle my body on you, our breasts making contact. Wrap your legs around me Jaden."

Rhythmically tapping her clit, Jaden found her voice. "I taste myself on your lips as I wrap my legs…'round your waist. Your…God," she trailed off. Forget communicating--it was difficult enough to just think.

"My hand slipping between our glistening bodies, I open myself so that you can feel my aching swollen clit against you. Leaning up on one hand I begin a slow grind, my essence blending with yours."

Collecting some of the slightly thickened substance on her middle finger, Jaden coated her clit with it, circling the puffy bud. Though a long time since she had an orgasm, she knew that climax was near. A large part of her wanted to hold on longer, but Jaden felt like a horny teenager desperate and zealous for release. That smaller part prevailed. Her fingers quickened as she moaned.

"G…not gonna last…sorry," Jaden uttered the last word in a hoarse voice.

"That's fine baby," Georgie assured her, beginning to sound as though she was competing in a marathon. "Coming is the goal after all and I'm close too. Your bed starts to shake as I thrust harder against you…moisture coating my inner thighs, though…I'm not sure if it's yours, mine or…ours…ooh, Jae…I'm coming."

"Me too," the brunette whispered. It was doubtful that Georgie heard her response. Filling herself with three digits, her back arched, eyes tightening though Jaden swore that twinkling stars danced before her. She heard her name huskily spoken several times through the earpiece along with a couple less intelligible words. Continuing to tingle, Jaden removed her hand and pressed her thighs together.

"This just proves how corrupt you are," Jaden quietly teased. "You've earned the name Flipper Birch."

"I owe it all to my many years spent as a phone sex operator." Georgie chuckled. "Don't act like you're so innocent Sparkle."

"I didn't say I was innocent. I said that you were corrupt."

"Is calling me corrupt your idea of proper afterglow? You really are rusty," the grinning blonde teased back.

"You wanna know a secret?"

"Sure."

"Baby I like your corruptness," Jaden sensuously replied. "Actually I like everything about you."

Georgie sighed, wearing the biggest smile. Filled with so much happiness, she felt like getting up and dancing around her bedroom naked. "You're good for boosting a gal's self-confidence. So um, did you enjoy our little liaison?"

"Duh!" She smiled as her girlfriend laughed. "I hope that I don't sour the mood by reminding you that we couldn't really act out the things we imagined that we were doing. I'd love to, but you know it isn't safe. So if you want to end this now and go back to just being friends I would totally--"

"Jaden my motivation isn't sex. I'm in this relationship because I want to be with you. I love you and honestly I'd be overjoyed just to hold your hand and spend lots of cuddle time with you. I want to make up silly cute nicknames to call you such as…Pumpkin Cheeks."

Jaden started to laugh. "My ass isn't now nor has it ever been orange."

The younger woman snickered. "Okay, I'll have to work on better names. That's a very bad example. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that although I'd be thrilled to actually make love with you, it's not a requirement. I realize that we couldn't actually have oral sex or share deep kisses and if you're not ever comfortable with anything else that's fine. It doesn't change the fact that I want to be with you."

"Georgie, I can't do this to you. You shouldn't have to sacrifice making love."

"Being with you isn't a sacrifice. It's a pleasure and I intend to enjoy showering you with my affection starting now Sugar Tush."

"Um, no one else is going to be nearby when you call me these special pet names, right?"

##########

Parking her Hummer between the two cars had been such an ordeal that Jaden felt a little warm as she set the brake. Parallel parking had never been her favorite thing, but it was difficult to find a space near Sunshine Convalescence. The good news was that this space was in close proximity to the entrance of the clinic. However, in order to occupy it she came dangerously close to bumping the new Nissan parked behind her. Getting out of her Hummer, Jaden apprehensively checked the front of the sparkling Nissan, relieved to confirm that she hadn't harmed it.

Tucking her car keys into a pocket of her jeans shorts, she strolled toward the entrance and walked inside the air-conditioned two-story building. She pushed her sunglasses to rest on top of her head as she headed in the direction of a nurses station where a slightly heavyset Hispanic woman sat talking on the phone with a patient's family member. Not wanting to intrude, Jaden stopped a few feet away from the nurses station, waiting for the woman to hang up. Less than a minute later she did and Jaden quickly approached before she could rise.

"Excuse me, do you think that you could help me find someone?" The first stop she made after the plane landed was Georgie's apartment, only to discover after knocking, ringing the doorbell and checking her carport to find that her Kia was missing that the younger woman wasn't home. Recalling that Georgie intended to volunteer at the hospital Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she entered her destination into her GPS navigation system. A feminine voice directed her to Sunshine Convalescence. Now Jaden hoped that her friend was here.

"I'll try my…" As the nurse looked up her voice lightened until she her words were no longer audible. As if she couldn't believe her eyes, she blinked several times but Jaden remained standing in front of her with a friendly smile on her lips. In that case could she be a very convincing look-alike? Lupe couldn't think of a reason why a celebrity would be at Sunshine Convalescence. "Are you Jaden Connelly? The singer?"

The brunette's smile grew as she nodded. "That I am."

"You were at my daughter's wedding!"

"I was? Did I catch the bouquet?"

Lupe laughed through her awe at coming face to face with a famous person. "No, I didn't explain that well. I mean that we played one of your romantic ballads softly in the background while she and my son-in-law became man and wife on the altar. She selected the song because she loves your music."

"Well I'm touched," Jaden genuinely replied. "How is the married life treating them?"

The nurse's bright smile spoke volumes. "Very well. Their second wedding anniversary is in October and they're going to give me my first grandchild in mid December." If possible, her smile turned brighter. "The best Christmas gift ever."

"Congratulations Lupe," the musician stated after reading the badge hanging from around the older woman's neck by a thin colorful rope.

While thanking her, the nurse decided that they should get back to the reason for Jaden's visit. "You said that you were looking for someone? Is one of our patients your relative?"

Before Jaden could answer a pair of strong hands gripped her shoulders squeezing just a bit before releasing them. As she turned to see who was behind her, she was enveloped in a brief hug. She smiled at the familiar face looking back at her. "Hey Ronnie, what's up?"

The LVN shrugged. "Just working. Surprised to see you here." Dark blue eyes widened. "Oh, did Georgie call you concerning our dire need for entertainment? Activities booked a local musician but he called half an hour ago to tell us that he wouldn't make it due to car trouble. I think it's so incredible that you would offer to help us out."

She couldn't possibly say no when she glanced between Lupe and Sharon's hopeful expressions. "Do you have any music that I can sing along to?"

"No, the closest is a radio. The entertainers usually bring their own equipment. However, there is a piano in the activity room."

Nodding, Jaden smiled. "A piano will do."

##########

Seated behind the upright mahogany finished piano located in the activity room, Jaden waited for her mainly wheelchair occupying audience to enter. She had signed quite a few autographs after word of her presence at Sunshine Convalescence spread like wildfire through staff and volunteers. Speaking of volunteers, she had yet to find Georgie though she knew from Sharon that the little blonde was around there somewhere. Perhaps she would make an appearance during the concert, which was supposed to last an hour.

A few minutes later they were ready to begin and Jaden offered her audience a warm greeting. Only two of the patients recognized her and they appeared to be in their mid to late fifties. She asked if anyone had requests as she noticed Vanessa entering the room. She smiled and waved, as did the cheery CNA.

One petite elderly woman with an IV pole attached to her raised her hand. She reminded Jaden of Estelle Getty during her years spent on Golden Girls, except this woman had platinum blonde hair, which might have been recently acquainted with a box of hair dye. Smiling, the musician pointed to her.

"Honey do you know the song Crazy by Patsy Cline?"

"What's your name?" Jaden asked her while poising her fingers on the keys.

"It's Sally honey."

"Well Ms. Sally I certainly do know that song and I'd be happy to play it for you. Is there anyone that you're dedicating it to?"

"Gerald--my first late husband honey." She lightly chuckled as she shook her head. Sally must have used a good amount of hairspray because her coif didn't budge a centimeter. "Half the time I asked myself why I loved that man. And the other half I asked myself how I couldn't."

A bittersweet smile on her face, Jaden's thoughts drifted back to her college days and more specifically her years spent with Lucky Santino. "I know exactly where you're coming from Sally. This one is for you and Gerald." Her fingertips tapped the keys perfectly as she played the opening notes to one of Patsy's most popular songs.

Crazy, I'm crazy for feelin' so lonely
I'm crazy, crazy for feelin' so blue
I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted
And then someday you'd leave me for somebody knew…

##########

A box filled with markers, colored pencils and crayons in her hands for the art class scheduled for 3:00, Georgie stopped midway on the stairs as she faintly heard a hauntingly beautiful voice performing Crazy. As far as knew Jaden had never recorded a rendition of the song, so most likely what she heard wasn't coming from a radio. A grin splitting her face, Georgie hurried down the remaining stairs and promptly crashed into Sharon. Fortunately, neither of them fell. However, drawing utensils of all colors catapulted to the carpet.

"I'm sorry Ronnie," the blonde apologized, giving the taller woman the once over. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Sharon smiled to assure her. Leaning down, she helped Georgie to collect the markers, pencils and crayons. Once they were done, she confirmed that Jaden was indeed singing for the patients in the activity room. Taking the box from Georgie, she told her to go enjoy. "She came here looking for you and I put her to work." The LVN broadly grinned. "I 'booked' Jaden Connelly for a gig at Sunshine Convalescence. This could get me a raise." She winked while Georgie started to laugh. Inclining her head toward the activity room's direction, Sharon said, "Now go ahead. She's in retirement so there's no telling when she'll give another concert."

"What about you?" They heard loud applause. Jaden must have finished Crazy.

"I'll pop my head in soon. I have meds to pass out." Sharon pointed toward the box. "I'll take this to the arts & crafts room. See you later Georgie." As she walked off, Georgie watched her for a moment before heading toward the small concert.

When she arrived Jaden was performing a song that she didn't recognize. It sounded like something, which had probably been recorded before either of them was born. As the song came to an end, their eyes connected and the brunette began to smile. The adorable blonde leaning against a side of the double-doored entrance was her girlfriend. Blessed couldn't begin to describe how Jaden felt.

"Would you like to request a song little lady?" She inquired, her eyes remaining on Georgie. Numerous eyes strayed to her waiting for an answer.

Georgie nodded. "I'd love to."

"One stipulation--we've decided that requested songs must be pre 1970 and if I don't know it, I have to give you five dollars." Grinning, Jaden added, "Gimme your best shot little lady."

The younger woman sent her a mock scowl. "Understood, but ease up on that 'little' stuff pardna'." Chuckles rang through the room.

Blue eyes twinkling with amusement Jaden tipped her baseball cap to Georgie. "Understood back at ya."

##########

A success, the concert lasted close to thirty minutes longer than it should have. At the end Jaden took a bow as those around her cheered. One gentleman in his eighties offered her a red rose, which she tucked behind her ear as she leaned over to kiss his cheek. Frank would probably blush for the rest of the day.

"I'll walk you to your car," Georgie said while she and Jaden stood in the lobby. Others within the lobby pretended that they weren't paying attention to the couple. "Just let me get my purse first, okay?"

"You're on your way out too?"

"Yep, I'm done for the day. Be right back."

Once Georgie rounded the corner, Vanessa entered the lobby from another direction, her gaze settling on the musician looking out of a window. Walking up to her, she slapped her on the bottom. Quickly turning around, her look of surprise turned into a smirk.

"You are so fresh buttercup."

"Are you cheating on me hot stuff? With my best friend of all people? Be honest." Folding her arms against her chest, Vanessa feigned hurt. "I thought we had something special, you and I."

"Oh, buttercup we do. Don't you ever doubt that. But you know what they say. Two are better than one." Both women began to laugh as Georgie returned ready to leave. She glanced between two of them, smiling.

"Alright since the other woman has returned, I'm getting back to work. But you know that I need my obligatory hug first." Vanessa outstretched her arms. "So give it up hot stuff." Their arms wrapped around one another, the CNA gave Jaden's upper body a good squeeze before she released her. "Take good care of my Georgie here. She's a treasure." She reached for the blonde's reddening cheek and pinched it.

Her eyes on Georgie, Jaden nodded. "Don't I know it."

They held hands during the all too brief journey to the Hummer. Leaning against the drivers' side door, Jaden pulled the smaller woman into her arms while she planted a kiss in her hair. "I've missed you," she murmured, though Georgie understood each word.

"I've missed you too." She kept her hands on Jaden's waist wanting to remain in contact until she drove away. Georgie was pleased that her friend didn't fully release her either. "What you did today for those patients was very kind. They and everyone else in attendance enjoyed it."

A smile touched Jaden's lips. "I enjoyed myself. Reminded me of the many years spent performing," she wistfully replied.

"You miss it." It sounded more like a statement than question.

"Ah, sometimes I do. But I love being retired."

"Sometimes musicians claim that they're retiring and this and that one are their farewell concerts, but before you can blink they're back in the limelight with a new set of tracks raring to go."

Jaden grinned. "Is that a subtle way of asking if there's a possibility that I'll choose to come out of retirement?"

Georgie wore a tiny grin. "I suppose that's what I was doing."

The brunette gave her question a few moments of thought. "I'd say that there's about a 25-30% chance. Would you have a problem with it?"

"Of course not. Singing is your passion."

Staring into the face of this earthbound angel, Jaden's first instinct was to censor her next words, but her heart won this particular battle fought with her head. Bringing her hands up to cup Georgie's face she whispered, "You're becoming my passion."

Georgie barely registered urging Jaden's head toward her, however, within seconds lips she ached to kiss were just a scant distance. Their eyes slowly closed as theirs lips met in a delicate kiss. Though short-lived, in their opinions it was worth the wait. Her forehead resting against Georgie's, Jaden regretfully said that she had to get going.

"My first stop is to pick up my daughter from her Aunt Heather's house."

Georgie smiled up at her. "Please tell everyone hello for me."

"I will. You want to come over tomorrow for your next surf lesson?"

"I'll definitely be there. I hear Flipper calling me. Now that I'm not working I can come earlier if that's alright with you."

"You wanna swing by around noon? I'll fix lunch."

"You spoil me."

"Love to." Winking, Jaden kissed her cheek. Beeping the Hummer, she moved into the drivers' seat and shut the door. A moment later, she rolled the window down. "Does anything in particular sound good to you to have for lunch?"

As a matter of fact you do, but I'll refrain from telling you that. "Surprise me J-Co. You're good at doing that."

"Yes, that's totally true." Jaden lowered her shades to cover her eyes as she beamed. "Gigi as soon as you take your cute little rear safely to the sidewalk I'll pull out."

Georgie glanced behind her where cars zoomed by. "Oh, right! I'll go right now." She leaned into the window to kiss Jaden once more, their lips producing a smacking sound as she pulled away. "See you tomorrow Jae."

"Bye sweetheart."

Standing on the sidewalk, Georgie watched the Hummer heading down the street until it disappeared from view. Walking across the street where she had parked her Kia, she slipped inside. A minute later, she was headed in the opposite direction. A large smile was affixed to her lips as she joyously sang along to the radio, not caring if other drivers thought she might be crazy. She was a woman in love and nothing had ever felt this incredible.


Continued…