CHAPTER EIGHT


June of 1991

Although she was under the legal drinking age, there wasn't any reason for her to show the fake I.D. that she had acquired early last year at Lucky's insistence. The bartender happened to be a fan of Beat Brigade, so when she ordered a beer all he did was smile while pouring the cold liquid from a tap. The moment he set a glass mug in front of her on a cocktail napkin, a redhead who looked to be in her late twenties slipped into the barstool next to Jaden's. Once she ordered a martini, she sent the teenager an interested smile.

"You probably hear this all the time, but I love to hear you sing." Her barstool produced a screeching sound as she inched closer to Jaden. "I haven't decided what takes my breath away more--your voice or that beautiful face."

"Thanks either way." A timid smile on her lips, Jaden deeply drank from her mug. When the foam tickled her upper lip, she licked it away. Unbeknownst to Jaden, that caught her admirer's attention.

"How skilled is that tongue of yours Jaden? It's Jaden right?" The redhead grinned, twirling a thick lock of hair around her index finger as she studied the young girl like she was a fascinating painting displayed on the wall within the confines of a museum.

Nodding, Jaden swiveled on her barstool searching the crowd for her band mates or Lucky. She spotted J.T. sandwiched between two women on the dance floor. Jaden would have called out to him to come over, but he was too enthralled with those women grinding against his front and back. She couldn't have begged the drummer on her hands and knees to rescue her.

"Are you looking for someone?" The older woman asked while seductively rolling her tongue around the small green olive that came with her drink. "The manager of your band is your girlfriend right?" She didn't wait for confirmation before adding, "You could do so much better. She's not right for you."

"I happen to think that she's perfect for me." She jumped when a warm palm touched her knee. Her protest was stifled when the redhead kissed her on the lips without invitation. She raised her hands to push the other woman away from her, but Lucky pulled the redhead away instead. If she hadn't quickly grabbed onto the bar for stability, she would have fallen on the floor.

Three seconds later she ended up there anyway when Lucky punched her in the jaw. Although the forceful blow didn't knock her out, the redhead forgot who and where she was for a couple of seconds. As a patron helped her to her feet, Jaden stared at her seething girlfriend. Others around them stared as well, wondering what was going on.

"Lucky, you shouldn't--"

Teeth clenched, Lucky informed her to shut up as she kept her eyes on the woman she caught kissing her girlfriend. Pulling the cocktail napkin from underneath the martini, the redhead wiped at the trickle of blood that had collected in the corner of her mouth. Despite the short assault, she didn't quaver under Lucky's murderous glare. "Keep your lips off of my girlfriend."

"Sure thing, although I'm not so sure that she minded." While crumbling the cocktail napkin, she audaciously grinned. "In return make sure that you keep your hands off of me. I'm going to let this go, because if I were in your position I would have wanted to hit me too because," brown eyes trailed to a terrified Jaden, "that is one amazing girl you have." She tossed the soiled napkin at Lucky's boots. "Of course I'm not too certain that you realize that." Reaching into her purse, she dropped a ten-dollar bill on the bar top, blew Jaden a kiss and then turned to leave.

The air kiss was about to earn her another punch, however, Pirate successfully held Lucky back until she assured him that she wouldn't follow the woman. J.T. had wandered over, but he stood close to Jaden, too worried about the band manager's quick temper to get involved.

"Jaden we're going home," Lucky said, sounding more like her parental figure than her partner. An incensed parental figure.

"Lucky, why don't you let me take her home?" Pirate asked, his worried gaze concealed behind his beloved aviator glasses. He was afraid of what might happen if Lucky and Jaden left the nightclub alone. "You've been drinking and you could use some time to cool off before you guys talk. Diego went home already and J.T.'s not in any position to drive either, so I could call you both a taxi."

"This doesn't concern you, so keep your goddamned nose out of our business Pirate. Jaden let's go. Now." Pulling her keys from her pocket, Lucky impatiently slapped them against the side of her thigh. Solemnly meeting Pirate's eyes, Jaden slightly shook her head as if to say 'please just stay out of it'. She then turned to the bartender who was pretending to wipe down an already spotless counter. When she reached for her wallet, he informed her that the beer was on the house. Quietly thanking him and bidding Pirate and J.T. a good night, she followed Lucky out of the nightclub. No one but she heard the rapid beating of her heart.

Neither of them said a word during the fifteen-minute trip home and the silence did nothing to quell Jaden's fears. She almost would have preferred Lucky to scream at her while driving. As it was, she had no clue was thoughts were running through the older woman's mind and what she planned to do once they arrived at the apartment. Lips firmly pressed together, her jaw set and chilly gray eyes focusing on the road ahead, Lucky gripped the steering wheel tight enough for her knuckles to turn white. The only time she opened her mouth was to sigh once.

Walking inside the apartment, Lucky headed into their bedroom, no words having passed her lips since being inside the nightclub. Afraid to follow her and at the same time afraid not to, Jaden hesitantly trailed after her girlfriend.

Her mouth dropped open as she stopped in the doorway watching Lucky carelessly toss her clothes in the two suitcases she brought when she moved in. Lucky said nothing as she pulled drawers open, searching through neat stacks for any clothes that belonged to Jaden. Two pairs of jeans flew into one of the suitcases. Jaden decided that it was time and now absolutely necessary to break the silence.

"What are you doing?" She asked in a voice barely above a whisper.

Dropping a pack of unopened undershirts into a suitcase, Lucky refused to make eye contact. "What does it look like I'm doing Jaden? I'm packing your shit so you can get outta here."

"But why?"

Snorting, Lucky slammed a filled suitcase closed and snapped the lock into place. "Don't act like you wanna be here. If you don't wanna be here then you don't have to be and I sure as hell don't want you here." Jaden flinched when she threw the suitcase in her direction. It landed about two feet in front of her but the teenager made no move to pick it up.

"You really want me to go? Lucky nothing happened with that woman. She kissed me but I didn't kiss her back. I swear!" She started to panic when her explanation didn't deter the lanky woman's packing. Of all the things she imagined Lucky might have done, she never expected that her lover would kick her out of their home. Jaden briefly tried to imagine her life without Lucky in it. The tears began to well. She would die without her. She just knew that she would.

"Oh really? 'Cause I could swear that I saw her touching your knee and you did nothin' about it. And then that bitch kissed you. Didn't look like nothin' to me Jaden!" Lucky hurriedly piled clothing along with shoes from the closet inside the second suitcase. "Is that the first time you messed around behind my back? You don't gotta do it anymore 'cause I'm letting you go." When she finally looked at Jaden the younger woman was taken aback by the anguish she plainly read on Lucky's face. She couldn't recall her lover ever looking so troubled. "If you don't want me and only me then I don't want you. You were never a prisoner here--you could leave whenever you wanted. I won't stop you. If you were afraid of me stopping you, you don't gotta be."

Angrily swiping at a tear, Lucky shut the second suitcase and locked it. Grabbing the handle she walked toward Jaden and deposited the suitcase at her feet. "There's your shit. Now go." Shaking her head, Jaden reached out for Lucky only to be rebuffed when the woman stepped away from her.

"Lucky please listen to me. I had no interest in her. I love you and you're the only woman that I want. You're the only woman that I'll ever want. You have got to believe me. I don't want to leave." Tears rolled down her face as Jaden walked passed the suitcases to stand in front of Lucky. "I need you Lucky. You're all that I need. Please don't let me go. Early on in our relationship you said that you didn't ever want to let me go, so don't."

Hesitantly, she pressed her palm to the other woman's cheek. Relieved that Lucky didn't slap it away, she inclined her head to kiss her. At first Lucky didn't respond, but after a few seconds she wrapped her arms around Jaden while possessively claiming her mouth. Their moans blended as they moved toward the bed, Lucky ending up straddled on top of her young lover. Leaving her lips, she hurriedly removed their clothes before drawing Jaden's hands above her head and linking their fingers together.

The dark curly thatch between her thighs felt tickly and warm on Jaden's stomach as she slowly grinded on top of her. The teenager found herself mesmerized by the breasts bouncing in front of her. Pinning Jaden's hands to the mattress, Lucky faintly grinned at her desired prey.

"Who do you belong to Jaden?"

It wasn't necessary to give her reply any thought. "You Lucky. Only you."

##########

"How do you like these?" She thrust a bouquet of red and white roses in front of her friend's face to gain her assessment.

Vanessa took the roses out of the blonde's hand as she started to beam at her. "Aw, you shouldn't have! However, you must know that just because you gave me roses doesn't mean that I'm going to sleep with you. Easy I am not."

Chuckling, Georgie retrieved her flowers. "You're a nut."

"So you've told me a thousand times before. She'll love them."

"You think?" Vanessa nodded, returning her attention to the television since the commercial period was now over. "I do. Now get out of here before you're late. This is your first date as a couple so you want to make a good impression. Us ladies do not appreciate being kept waiting."

"Um, you do realize that I'm a lady too, right?"

The CNA quickly perused her best friend's body and nodded in approval. "Yeah, you qualify." Grinning, she pointed the remote toward the front door. "Leave. And make sure that you come back with plenty of details. I want to know everything that you two did. Everything."

Smiling, Georgie leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Yes dear."

##########

With the bouquet hidden behind her back, Georgie walked onto the pool deck where she found her date lounging near the pool with a slim book in one hand and a mechanical pencil in the other. She lightly tapped the eraser tip against her lips while giving a page of the book a thoughtful gaze as though she were attempting to solve the puzzle to some great riddle. Georgie's face glowed with happiness as she observed her.

Although they had seen each other a mere two days before for their Thursday surf lesson, she had missed Jaden more than she could put into words. The blonde sighed. Her goddess had her so hooked.

"Do you know a six letter word for 'perceives' that starts with an 's'?" Jaden inquired without looking up. "I'm working a crossword puzzle and that has me stumped."

Georgie kneeled on the concrete to greet Sasha who had just emerged from the house with a squeaky yellow rolled up newspaper in her mouth. She dropped the toy in front of Georgie while she enjoyed having her head scratched. "How about 'senses'?" Georgie offered, having run through the short list of synonyms that she could think of for 'perceives'.

Grinning, Jaden filled in the small blocks. "You're a genius." Closing the book, she tossed it on the patio table and stood up to stretch before walking toward Georgie and Sasha and kissing both on the head.

When the bigger of the two looked up, her lips curved until a grin prominently shown. "Thank you."

"Are those mine?"

Unconsciously, the younger woman kept her eyes on a particular section of Jaden's anatomy. "Yes they most certainly are." Following her eyes, Sasha noticed what about her Mommy had Georgie's attention. Snorting through her cool wet nose she headed inside to take a nap. Those were nothing special. She had six of 'em.

Jaden chuckled. "I'm referring to the flowers--not the D cups."

Blushing as she became fully aware of her gawking, Georgie handed her date the bouquet when she stood. "Um, well…I was talking about the flowers too."

"Yeah, I really believe that." Grinning as Georgie's blush deepened Jaden thanked her for the flowers. "You want to come in while I put these in water? Then we can go." Following, Georgie inwardly lectured her libido to be on its best behavior, all the while admiring the butt cheeks intimately hugged by a pair of black low-rise pants. Whether she was coming or going, Jaden looked phenomenal either way.

D cups? Oh goddess.

##########

As she watched the scenery they cruised passed through the passenger side window, Jaden wondered where Georgie was taking her. She only knew that they were going to Los Angeles and that wasn't much of a clue. She figured that dinner was on the itinerary, but of course she didn't know where or what type of food. Jaden called her date's name several minutes later.

"Yes?" Her friend drew out the small word with a smile on her face. Georgie glanced toward her. "What's up J-Co?"

"Have you ever heard of the Spirited Saddlers Ride? It's a bicycle journey raising funds for California based AIDS organizations."

The blonde immediately nodded. "I have thought I don't know too much about it. It begins in Los Angeles and ends in Las Vegas, right? I remember seeing the riders last year heading down a street. It was amazing. There must have been hundreds of participants."

"If memory serves me correctly, there were about 970 participants in the 2002 ride." When Georgie asked if she was one of them, Jaden nodded. "I've participated in all of the S.S. rides beginning in 1999, which was the first ride. So this November will be my fifth time."

"Wow. And you really ride a bike from L.A. to L.V.? No other means of transportation? Do you use the interstates?"

"Just bicycles, but if you're tired or injured you may hitch a ride in one of the vans that volunteers drive. We use a lot of alternate roads, which means that it takes longer to reach our destination. In my opinion, riding on the I-15 with two wheels ain't a bright idea." Grinning, Jaden continued, "It's about a 470 mile journey--give or take a few. Camps are set up along the route and it takes six days to reach Las Vegas."

"Does anyone else you know ride?"

"Max joined me for the 2000 ride and we've been tent mates for the past three years. Either you choose someone to be your tent mate or a person of the same gender is chosen for you," Jaden explained. She tried not to think about the woman she had shared a tent with during Spirited Saddlers '99.

Deborah Hanover snored loud enough to awaken someone from a deep coma and she flung her legs and arms so much that each morning after the sun rose Jaden checked her body to make sure that she hadn't suffered any bruises. "My parents, Heather and Tom have been volunteers since 1999. Bell wants to get involved but the minimum age allowed is 18. She gets bummed about that each November but then I remind her that she gets closer to the age requirement with each year that passes." Smiling, Jaden removed her shades since the sun was preparing to set.

"Doesn't she still have ten years to go?"

"Yep. That's why my reminder doesn't alleviate her frustration of being too young much. My little lez bean wants to grow up." When Georgie began to chuckle she joined in.

"Jaden could I participate in the Spirited Saddlers Ride of 2003?" Though she hadn't ridden a bicycle in a while and hadn't traveled anywhere close to 470 miles on one, she was intrigued.

"I don't know. Could you?" The brunette grinned, pleased that Georgie had shown interest before she had the chance to inquire if she wanted to get involved, which had been her reason for bringing up this topic.

The driver sent her passenger a smirk. "Since the ride is in November, do you think it's too late for me to train? I don't think I've been on a bicycle in a year or two."

"It doesn't start until November 30th, so that would give you three months to train. That's cutting it close but I still think that we could whip you into shape."

"Oh, do you?"

Jaden winked at her. "Oh, I do. So you seriously want to do this?"

"Absolutely. Will you help me train? I should ride a bike a lot in the next three months, right? "

The musician nodded while chuckling. "By the starting day of the event you should have ridden many miles on your bike. However, there is more to training than bicycling. How about I come over tomorrow so we can set up a schedule and I can tell you more about the ride? I'll bring lunch."

"Awesome." Indicating what she intended to do by turning on her right blinker Georgie exited the freeway. "And speaking of food, we're almost at our first destination." Jaden asked how many destinations she had in store for their first date. Georgie grinned and wiggled her index finger. "You should know that I'm not going to give you the answer you seek to that J-Co."

##########

Once valet took possession of Georgie's car, they headed up the few steps leading into the Italian restaurant sporting a name that was familiar to Jaden, though she was sure that she had never been there.

Once inside the expansive one story building, which from the outside appeared to be two stories high because of the high ceilings, Jaden admired the paintings painted directly onto the walls, drawn frames surrounding many of them.

A few of the paintings replicated by a modern hand she recognized such as Leonardo da Vinci's the Last Supper and Mona Lisa. To the immediate left of the Maitre d' station was the Birth of Venus, originally created by Sandro Botticelli. Looking upward, she observed Michelangelo's the Creation of Adam with a great amount of awe. It was astounding that someone could create a masterpiece on a ceiling. A light tug on her shirt gaining her attention, Jaden smiled toward her date. After Georgie asked if she was ready to head to their table, she linked her arm through hers and they proceeded to follow the Maitre d' to the rear of the restaurant and out a sliding glass door.

A dozen patio tables, some with a pair of cast metal folding chairs and others four had been strategically placed along the cemented ground. Streetlamps surrounded them, effectively illuminating the tables for those diners who had chosen to eat outdoors. Next to the tables was the Italian restaurant's smaller version of a canal complete with half a dozen colorful gondolas, two of which were occupied, and an accessible arched bridge that led to the other side of the canal.

From a distance the four differently sized connected buildings across from the restaurant appeared to be genuine, but on closer inspection they were merely well constructed props. Their main purpose was to give customers a feel for Italian architecture, but they also hid the parking lot from view.

"This is amazing," Jaden commented as the Maitre d' led them to the canal where a beaming man dressed in a black and white striped short-sleeved shirt and black trousers with a red sash wrapped around his waist stood waiting near the gently rocking gondolas.

Her blonde companion smiled up at her. "I'd hoped that you'd like this place."

Wishing them a wonderful evening, the Maitre d' turned and headed toward the restaurant.

"Good evening donne belle! I am Angelo and I will be your waiter this evening," he greeted in a voice thick with an authentic Italian accent. He swept his hand toward the empty gondolas parked between bright yellow and blue painted poles. "Would you like to choose your gondola?"

Jaden glanced at Georgie with a quizzical expression. "We're dining in a gondola?"

"We are unless you'd rather sit a table." When she made reservations two days before, Georgie thought that her friend would get a kick out of eating in one of the restaurant's gondolas instead of a table or booth. Plus, Jaden enjoyed being in water whether she was swimming, soaking or surfing in it. Georgie learned of her water fascination during their first outing months ago when she coaxed her into going skinny-dipping in the freezing ocean.

"No, I'd love to." She grinned. "This is very cool Gigi. Thank you for bringing me here."

Once they decided on a gondola, Angelo pulled it toward the edge using a large hook attached to a pole. He then assisted each woman into the boat especially made for two. Their favorite colors purple and blue blending along the gondola's exterior in a series of abstract shapes, the couple faced each other while relaxing on matching velvet seats. The table, which was a long wooden board attached to the gondola rested between them with a linen tablecloth covering it.

Pulling a flame lighter from the fanny pack on his side, Angelo lit the candle that set inside a small blue tinted jar. Although tiny, the resulting flame provided their dining vessel with adequate light.

Obtaining two menus the waiter/gondolier handed them to his customers with an amicable smile. "I'll give you a few minutes to look over the menu and when you are ready to order just let me know." Crouching to the ground he indicated the walkie-talkie next to Jaden's seat. "If I'm not close enough for you to get my attention, you may use this. I'll show you how." After he did so, Angelo stood up and asked them if they would like a bottle of wine or another type of beverage.

"Actually," Georgie started as she looked across to Jaden whose face like hers glowed due to the candlelight, "could we get a bottle of your best succo di uva? Do you have any that is a good year?" She managed to keep a straight face but Angelo couldn't stop himself from grinning. Meanwhile, Jaden attempted to figure out what her girlfriend just said and why their waiter wore a large grin because of it.

"We have the perfect year and that is a good choice. I will return shortly with your succo di uva." The grin remaining, he briskly walked toward the restaurant.

Leaning back against her plush velvet seat, Jaden studied the smiling blonde. "While I don't know what it is, I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume that succo di uva doesn't contain any alcohol."

Georgie slowly shook her head. "Then you would assume correctly."

"So…what is it?"

"Cod liver oil."

"Ew."

Her distasteful expression caused Georgie to chuckle. "Might sound fancy in Italian, but succo di uva is just grape juice--sparkling grape juice."

"Much better." Jaden asked her companion if she was fluent in Italian while putting her glasses on so that she could peruse the menu.

"No, I only know how to say grape juice because I found an Internet translator. Do you speak any languages fluently?"

"English." Her lips spread into a grin when Georgie laughed. "I wouldn't consider myself fluent, but I know a fair amount of Spanish."

"Say something in Spanish for me please. Like a sentence."

Closing her menu, Jaden looked toward the sky as she thought. Seconds had passed when she reached for Georgie's hand, which was a little chilly from the cool evening breeze. Stroking the back of it with her thumb, she gazed into the other woman's eyes as she softly said, "Su beso me pone en fuego." Giving Georgie's hand a squeeze she released it.

The blonde fought the urge to jump to the other side of the gondola so that she could attack Jaden's lips with her kisses. Though unfamiliar with half of the words in the musician's sentence, she wanted to hear her say it again. Her goddess's voice was so sexy whether she spoke English or Spanish.

"Could you umm…translate that into English?"

"Sure I could." Jaden's eyebrows danced up and down. "Later." Georgie's argument was put on hold when Angelo returned with a chilled bottle of sparkling grape juice partially immersed in a bucket of crushed ice. Removing the cork with a loud pop, he poured the deep red liquid into two wine glasses. Since they needed more time to pick what they wanted for dinner, he moved on to attend to his other customers.

"So you really won't tell me what you said?"

"Later sweetheart. Let's decide what we're going to eat so I can have an excuse to use this neat looking walkie-talkie."

"If that's your plan we better wait until Angelo isn't near us." Laughing, Georgie opened her menu to read.

##########

Using the oar attached to their gondola, Jaden followed Angelo's instructions on how to navigate through the shallow water. They took a stroll along the canal waving at other gondola diners during the leisure journey. By the time they returned to the parking area Angelo was ready to serve them their dinner. Once again moving out further into the water they settled near the bridge to eat.

"How did you find this restaurant?" Jaden inquired while plunging her fork into a now half empty plate of chicken parmigiana. If she had worn one tonight, her hat would be off to the chef for the taste bud pleasing dish.

Bringing the 'wine' to her lips, Georgie took a sip. "On the Internet I found a long list of Italian restaurants in the Los Angeles area and this one caught my eye so I went to the website and discovered a fact that cinched the deal. Guess what?"

"What?"

"You're supposed to guess."

"I don't know what I should be guessing."

"If you knew what you were supposed to be guessing then you wouldn't have to guess."

"Hmm?"

"Never mind. I'm starting to confuse myself. Two words--Maxine Kerry."

The brunette thoughtfully munched on a soft garlic flavored breadstick. Moments later her eyes lit with recognition. "That's why this place sounded so familiar! Max designed it! Now I remember her telling me about it a couple of years ago."

Georgie beamed. "Yup. Along with a brief biography they had a picture of her too. I called and told her that she looked sexy. Did you know that she painted the Michelangelo on the ceiling?"

"No, but I'm not surprised. My pal Max is very talented."

"Do you have any hidden talents that I might not know about?" Georgie caught two tubes of meat sauce covered rigatoni on her fork, which quickly disappeared inside her mouth.

"I know how to crochet blankets and pillowcases for the squarish pillows used for decoration. Mom taught Heather and I when we were kids. I haven't crocheted in a while, but I haven't forgotten how."

"That's cool. I tried knitting once, but I couldn't get into it. I marvel at what some people can do with yarn."

"I've never tried knitting, but it seems like it would be harder because two needles are required. So," wrapping her fingers around her glass, Jaden swirled the dark liquid within, "what is a hidden talent of yours?"

Putting her fork down, Georgie leaned across the table while asking her friend to do the same. When Jaden was close enough, she cupped a hand around her ear and began to whisper. By the time she finished and settled back in her seat, Jaden's face was as bright as the marinara sauce in her chicken parmigiana. Georgie's mischievous grin showed while she chewed a piece of breadstick.

Jaden cleared her throat before speaking. "Flipper I'm much too innocent to hear such things."

Green eyes rolled in disbelief. "Of course you are Sparkle. Of course you are."

##########

"Sure are a lot of ladies here. I can smell the estrogen wafting through the air," Jaden commented with a broad grin as they sat in a pair of roomy indigo blue chairs, which resembled recliners except they didn't have footrests.

Sitting on her left, Georgie returned the grin. "That makes perfect sense considering that this is a women's bar."

"Have you been here before?" Jaden's eyes drifted to the all female group performing on the small stage about fifty feet away from their table. The husky voiced lead headliner was singing a worthy rendition of Sarah McLachlan's Sweet Surrender while her band mates provided the music and backup.

Georgie nodded. "I've been here with Van a few times, but it's been a while." She watched a waitress moving around tables to get to them. "Would you care for something to drink? Every drink on the menu is non-alcoholic so you could get anything. They have the best herbal teas."

"Sure. Which tea do you recommend?"

"Could I order for you?" The blonde inquired just as the waitress arrived. Jaden acquiesced without hesitation.

"Hey amiga," the petite brunette warmly greeted. "It's been way too long! How are you doing babe?" A flirt addict, she allowed her eyes to roam over her customer's body. "You're sure looking good."

Georgie giggled like a schoolgirl while her girlfriend quietly watched their interaction with interest. "I'm doing great and I see that time has only made you prettier Sierra."

The waitress dramatically batted her eyelashes. "Gracias honey. I try my best each day." She glanced toward Jaden as though noticing her for the first time. "Oh and who do we have here, hmm? This long-legged gal isn't Van, although she's just as gorgeous." Jaden hoped that the dim lighting in the bar concealed her blush.

Georgie smiled at Jaden. "I agree. This is my friend Jae." She wasn't certain that Jaden would approve of her telling people exactly who she was and the nature of their relationship. "It's her first time here."

"Oh, a virgin in the house." Sierra gazed at the silent woman salaciously. "Welcome honey. I'll take good care of you." Jaden uttered a quiet thanks. "You look familiar…" She moved closer to the seated musician. "I'll be damned." Sierra's boisterous voice hushed. "You're the spitting image of Jaden Connelly."

Jaden finally smiled. "That's what people always tell me." She shrugged. "Guess I just have one of those faces. I personally don't see the resemblance."

Brow slightly furrowed, Sierra sent Georgie a questioning look. "Didn't I read something about you and Jaden Connelly hooking up? Would have called you, but I lost your number."

"You can't believe everything you read."

"But you can believe that," Jaden interjected, her smile growing. "Those rumors spread among the media were false until recently. Georgie and I are a couple now." Wrapping an arm around Georgie's shoulders, she gently kissed her cheek. Even without an abundance of light, the blonde's delighted glow was apparent.

"Ah ha. So you are Jaden Connelly--you were playing a little joke on me. You might just be our very first celebrity." Sierra grinned at them both. "And congratulations to you gals. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Now your first round of drinks is on me. I insist," she added when Georgie began to cut in with a polite refusal. "What can I get you?"

"We'll have two Spirits of Love. Also Sierra I'd like to rent two aromatherapy stations for 25 minutes."

"Okay honey." Sierra removed a small pad from the pouch tied around her waist and began to write. "What scents would you like?" She reached back into her pouch for a laminated menu containing a long list of aromatherapy scents and handed it to Georgie. Jaden looked at the menu curiously. Not able to decipher the small writing without her glasses, which were in the car, she gave up. "And any particular colors for your nose hoses?"

After taking a couple of moments to study the menu, Georgie decided on four scents. She chose cinnamon, orange blossom, lemon verbena and ylang ylang for both stations. As for the nose hoses, purple and blue were of course chosen. Retrieving her menu, Sierra was about to leave when Georgie asked her if she understood Spanish fluently.

"Si honey." She winked. "Wanting me to be at least bilingual my parents purposefully spoke both English and Spanish to me starting from birth--of course I don't remember that far back but they've told me they did. Why?"

"Could you translate what su beso--" The next word out of her mouth was muffled due to Jaden's soft palm covering it. The brunette felt her growl vibrating against her hand and grinned.

Sierra laughed. "I suppose that your girlfriend doesn't want you to tell me whatever it was you were trying to say so I'm gonna leave before we're both in trouble with her. Sorry Georgie."

Jaden didn't remove her hand until the waitress was a safe distance away. "Why you tricky little twerp." Her smile assured Georgie that she was only kidding. "Couldn't wait for me to tell you, huh?"

"Are you going to tell me what you said now? By the way, I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear you call me little."

"Thanks so much. And I'll tell you after you tell me what an aromatherapy station is. When we entered I counted five kiosks set up with women wearing nasal cannulas sitting at each one. Are the colorful fluids in those machines sitting in front of them the scents? You inhale them?"

"You just answered your own question J-Co." Jaden inquired on the difference between scents and what was the point. "This is an oxygen bar. It's free of pollutants and irritants like smoking, which isn't allowed on the premises. Outside we breathe in about 21% oxygen, yet in here the oxygen level is up to 95%. Besides increasing your oxygen levels, pure oxygen is capable of giving you an energy boost, can strengthen your immune system, and alleviate headaches among many other things. You know I have asthma and though it isn't as bad as when I was a teen, one time Van and I came here and my chest happened to be feeling a little tight so I used an Infuser. I began to feel like a weight had been lifted from my chest as it became easier to breathe.

"Though pure oxygen can give you a natural high, the aromatherapy scents can produce specific emotions in you. This bar has around fifty scents to choose from, which can relax or rejuvenate you. How it basically works is oxygen and water mixes with any scents you've selected up to four at a time and the blended aroma travels through your nose hose or nasal cannula. You'll start to feel the effects of the scents within ten minutes."

"Hmm, I'm very intrigued Gigi. What do the scents you chose do?" Jaden attempted to keep a reign on being suspicious, but Georgie's sudden reddening face wasn't making it easy. "Something you want to tell me Flipper?"

Georgie used Sierra's return with two cups of aromatic tea as an excuse not to answer. "Two Spirit of Loves chicas." She grinned at the pair while she set the cups complete with matching saucers on the table. "Enjoy. I'll be back with your Infusers in just a sec."

Bringing the cup close to her nose, Jaden delicately sniffed while her eyes were glued to Georgie's. Among the scents steaming from the cup she detected an odd yet pleasant combination of cinnamon and roses.

Georgie paused in blowing the dark liquid to smirk. "Please relax Jae. I don't have any plans to poison you. The tea is okay to drink."

"I'm glad you don't 'cause I'm rather attached to life." She put her cup down on its saucer. "Why is it called Spirit of Love?"

"Because it's a lovely beverage?" Jaden's expression was an indication that she wasn't buying that so Georgie told her the truth. "Actually the herbs used to make Spirit of Love may enhance ones sensuality."

"I see." The musician's face was as blank as a washed chalkboard. "I can smell cinnamon in the tea so that's what the cinnamon scent does too?"

"No, that a stress reliever aroma that also warms your soul hence the red of cinnamon. The orange blossom is a refresher, which stimulates the immune system. Lemon verbena is a mood elevating aroma that alleviates exhaustion. Ylang ylang um…it has been known to act as an aphrodisiac. However, it helps with menstrual cramping too."

"Uh huh. And I'm sure you chose ylang ylang specifically for easing the discomfort of menstrual cramps."

Georgie watched Jaden take a sip of her tea despite her inquiries. "I'm sorry Jaden. You don't have to drink that. I'll get you something else."

"I want to drink it. It tastes good." Wrapping her hand around Georgie's, she brought it toward her and softly brushed her lips against the knuckles. "Why do you feel the need to apologize? I'm not upset." She grinned. "I'm actually curious to see how I feel after I finish my Spirit of Love."

"I don't want you to get the impression that I'm trying to take advantage of you," Georgie sheepishly replied. "I've had Spirit of Love before and I don't recall being aroused afterward but I do enjoy the tea. I was eager to bring you here for the aromatherapy because I do believe that it is beneficial for the immune system and it's invigorating. When reading the menu I took note of ylang ylang's description and before I could activate my brain, my mouth was ordering that aroma."

Jaden chuckled once she swallowed a mouthful of tea. "Sweetheart it's alright. I didn't get the impression that you organized this devious plan to get me horny from ylang ylang sniffing so you could take advantage of me in the backseat of your Kia."

"How could you think I would do that? If I went through all that trouble I would have enough class to rent a hotel room for the night." With one look at each other they started to laugh. Georgie shook her head as she recovered. "Jaden, I honestly didn't have any intentions despite how it may appear."

"Gigi it really is okay. There isn't anything wrong with wanting to feel sensual. Now tell more. How long is the aromatherapy treatment supposed to last?"

"The least I've heard of is 10 minutes and the most 40, but I bought us a 25 minute session, which is enough. Infusers would be great for the Saddlers Ride," she thoughtfully added.

"You mean the Spirited Saddlers Ride?" Their waitress asked, having returned with a pair of stainless steel rectangular Infusers.

"You've heard of it?"

"I've competed in it." A faint smile settled on Sierra's lips as she hooked up the cords leading from the machines. "My cousin passed away two years ago this December from complications with AIDS and the following year I wanted to participate in the Saddlers Ride in his memory. This will be my second time riding." While connecting the neon nose hoses Sierra glanced toward Jaden. "I saw you there last year at the first campsite in San Bernardino. I'd heard several times that Jaden Connelly was a regular S.S. rider, but I didn't have any proof until I spotted you for myself. You were talking with someone who looked a lot like you."

"That was probably my sister Heather."

"She's cute. You're taken--is she straight?"

Jaden laughed, trying to picture Heather in a relationship with another woman but unable to. "Very, with three children and a hubby."

Sierra snapped her fingers as she feigned disappointment. "Damn. And here I thought we could be sisters-in-law someday."

"You'll be the first person I tell if she changes her mind."

"Gracias chica. Miss Georgie you've never ridden have you?"

"No, but I'm gonna try this year."

"And I'm sure you'll do fine. You're right. It'd be cool to have Infusers within the campsites. Since pure oxygen increases endurance and energy, aromatherapy could be perfect for riders. I'll ask the boss lady about it." She pointed to the Infusers. "Now Georgie you know how to work these so I'll leave you to achieve your natural high. Holler at me if you need anything."


Deeply breathing in floral, fruity and sweet fragrances though the nose hose pressed against her nostrils, Jaden appeared mesmerized by the quartet of clear bottles containing vivid bubbling substances. Arms resting along the sides of her chair, she hadn't spoken a word in five minutes as she gazed at the Infuser. Georgie drank the remainder of her herbal tea before she tapped Jaden on her shoulder relieved when she immediately turned to her.

"What's going on G-Dog?"

Georgie smiled at the nickname she hadn't heard in a while. "Nothing. Just wanted to assure myself that you weren't in a trance."

The brunette beamed. "Su beso me pone en fuego. Your kiss sets me on fire," she said using a soft timbre. Reaching up, she trailed a finger across Georgie's cheek to her parted mouth stroking the supple pinkish lips. When she felt the younger woman's tongue graze the tip of her index finger she removed it. Leaning toward her, she expected to place a light quick kiss on her mouth. However, Georgie managed to hold it for a full five seconds, careful to keep her tongue inside her own mouth as her lips danced across Jaden's.

Her hands wrapped around the musician's neck, she tenderly smile. "Su beso me pone en fuego too," she whispered.

##########

Having heard her come in a few minutes past one o'clock in the morning, Vanessa was stretched out in Georgie's bed by the time she emerged from the bathroom after taking a shower, which was needed after dancing at the oxygen bar with Jaden and their rousing game of miniature golf later. Chuckling because she knew what her friend wanted, Georgie lotioned up and put her shorts pajamas before she jumped into the bed beside Vanessa and allowed the interrogation to proceed.

"First things first. Did you get any kisses? If you did how many, when and how hot were they?"

"Yes. Two. One at that oxygen bar you and I have gone to--that reminds me, Sierra said to tell you hello. The other happened when I dropped her off at home. I walked her to the deck where we exchanged goodnight pleasantries and then we kissed before I left. I could be biased but on a scale of 1-5, 5 being jalapeno pepper hot, I'd give our kisses a 5." Georgie wanted to get up to do a happy dance, but she was much too tired. Happy tired if that made any sense.

Vanessa seemed delighted by this news. "Dude that's great! Did she enjoy the gondola dinner?"

"Yes, she did." Leaning against her headboard, the blonde sighed. "The entire evening was perfect. Tomorrow she's coming over so we can discuss training for the Spirited Saddlers Ride in November. Hey, you wanna join us? Neither of us has ridden a bike in a while, but according to Jaden she can whip me into shape, so if she can do that I know she can whip you into shape." Smiling at her friend, Georgie reached out to gently run her fingers through her hair, which had recently been unbraided. She missed the braids so Vanessa promised to get her hair redone soon.

Georgie realized that the answer would be a no before Vanessa could respond based on her expression. "No thank you babe, but I'll gladly be your cheerleader. I sucked at P.E., so I might kill myself out there riding a bicycle from California to Nevada. It ends in Las Vegas?"

"Yep. We can celebrate in Sin City."

"Aren't there hundreds of people who register to be volunteers during the ride?" When Georgie nodded hazel eyes brightened with excitement. "Well shucks, I can do that!"

Georgie started to smile. "Really? You want to?"

Vanessa quickly bobbed her head. "Of course! I'm not an athlete, but I'd love to participate in any way that I could. This is such a remarkable event raising money to support the efforts of finding a cure for AIDS and I'm so proud of you for getting involved." She laid her hand on Georgie's knee. "I want to be there with you guys helping as much as I can."

Within seconds the petite CNA found herself laying on her back with an almost equally petite ex-real estate agent straddling her while hugging her tight. "Have I told you lately how much I love you Van?"

"You'll use any excuse to get on top of me." Vanessa wore the broadest grin. "Dude I love you too."

##########

She followed the accurate directions to an apartment building that happened to be five miles from her own apartment. She didn't know yet why she had been directed to come here, but here she was at the precise time she was supposed to be. Grabbing the key attached to a key ring with a gold-plated G on it, which she discovered outside of her door that morning along with typed directions, Georgie exited her car.

As she hurried up the steps, which would deliver her to the lobby, she assumed that this had something to do with Jaden, but she hadn't figured out why the musician would direct her to this particular place. According to the directions she still held, her final destination was apartment 8B on the eighth floor.

Georgie smiled at the doorman just before passing through revolving doors into an uninhabited and brightly lit lobby. The only sign that someone had recently been there was a fresh bouquet of sunflowers placed on a cherry wood finish accent table. Passing by four rows of mailboxes built into the wall, Georgie pressed an arrow pointing upward next to the elevator nearest the entrance. A soft ping alerted her that the elevator had arrived and a second later the doors opened revealing an empty car. Stepping inside, she listened to jazz music the few moments it took to travel eight floors.

There were only two doors on level 8--one leading to #8A and the other #8B. There was an enveloped taped to 8B's door with her first name written across it--Jaden's penmanship. Smiling, Georgie removed the envelope and pulled out the flashcard inside, quickly reading the typed message.

Use your key to enter and make yourself at home.

Unlocking the eight-foot heavy door, Georgie walked inside, instantly noticing that this was a studio apartment. The soles of her shoes tapped against the laminate red oak flooring as she walked toward the middle of the apartment. She looked around the sparse one-room apartment, which only had a small round dining table with two chairs as furniture. Huge, the window laden studio could hold much more furniture.

Following the message's advice to make herself at home, Georgie occupied one of the chairs, setting her key, directions and the flashcard on the table. She didn't have much time to wonder what she should do next when the bathroom door opened and out walked Jaden, a smile lighting up her face upon seeing her friend.

"Greetings earthling." She dropped a kiss on the top of Georgie's head on her way to the kitchen.

"Earthling? Are you one of those pod people? Did you take possession of Jaden's body?" Georgie turned around in her seat so that she could watch her girlfriend moving around in a kitchen twice as large as hers. From her vantage point there was more in the kitchen than in the rest of the studio. She spotted a refrigerator with a set of double doors that blended in with the cabinets surrounding it, a microwave, dishwasher and no big surprise, a stove. An electric stove--snazzy.

Jaden laughed as she opened one side of the refrigerator to retrieve a bottle of Ocean Spray cranberry juice. "Yes, and I've lured you here with the intention of taking you back to my planet. Do you have a problem with that Georgina Anne?"

The blonde cringed. "Just call me Georgie, Alf."

She filled two glasses with juice. "Okay Georgie Alf. That sounds strange but whatever."

"Cute."

Nodding, Jaden brought a couple of plates to the miniature dining room table. "I agree." She winked at Georgie. "You are cute." She returned to the kitchen for their beverages while a smiling Georgie examined what they were having for lunch. Each plate had sliced turkey, shredded lettuce, tomato slices and dressing smeared along the insides of half a loaf of wheat bread. Two small bowls of diced cantaloupe and honeydew were placed next to the sandwiches.

Georgie waited until Jaden joined her before taking a bite. "Mm, delicious. If you weren't a musician, you could be a chef."

"I thought I would be a porn star."

Georgie grinned while forking a cubed piece of cantaloupe. "That too Sparkle. So, why are we meeting in this apartment instead of mine?"

"I'm renting it."

"Since when?"

"Since this morning. Found it on the Internet last night, called up the owner and we made an appointment to meet this morning. Twenty-four units in this building and this was one of three left. Never lived in and came with a microwave, fridge and washer and dryer. Plus, it's only a few miles from your home and three miles from a gym that we can venture to during our training, which was the reason I decided to rent an apartment in Los Angeles.

"We'll be training a lot--five to six out of seven days a week, and I don't want to commute from Malibu to L.A. on a daily basis, nor do I want you to have to do that. So tomorrow I'm moving back to L.A. with Sasha until December. Oh, and this place is pet friendly too." Jaden smiled. "I'm gonna purchase a couch and an inflatable bed and we're good to go Gigi."

"Jaden, you didn't have to go through all this trouble."

"No trouble. It's nice to be back here for a while. L.A. is a happening city, but the largest bonus of my return is that I get to be closer to you."

Georgie felt her face redden. "You just left."

The brunette shrugged with a smile. "Still nice." She tapped a blue three-ring folder Georgie hadn't noticed that she put on the table. "This is our Spirited Saddlers training book. We'll use it to schedule our training sessions, plan out our meals, and log important dates such as when we attend group rides. Riding our bikes alone is fine, but it's imperative that we find a group of other S.S. participants to ride with so that you can get a feel for how it will be during the event in November."

Georgie nodded. "I understand. Jaden I want to pay you."

Based on her expression Jaden was insulted by that statement. "Pay me for what? For helping you train? Are you and I friends?"

"Yes, but--"

"No buts Georgie," the musician seriously replied. "As your friend it is my pleasure to help you to get in form for this event--you're helping me too because you've given me a partner to work with. I would never charge you for anything. If I had a hundred dollars in the bank, I wouldn't take your money. I'm looking forward to these next three months and I can't wait to get started."

"I'm sorry Jae," her voice soft, Georgie fingered a bit of turkey peeking out from the side of her bread. "It's just that you've done so much already to help me."

"Do you hear me complaining about it?"

"No."

Jaden smiled as she laid a hand on top of her friend's. "Then let's discuss matters more important than money."

Georgie smiled back. "Deal."

The next couple of hours were spent on the subject of the Spirited Saddlers Ride of 2003. Having brought her laptop, Jaden went to the official website where she assisted Georgie in sending in her registration online. She didn't have to worry about coming up with the entry fee of $2500 and intended to donate more.

When they moved on to discussing the training period, Georgie discovered that there was good news and so so news. The good news was that their diet was very carbohydrate friendly, which she hadn't expected. She had imagined lots of vegetables and fruit in her future and though their meals would contain a great deal of veggies and fruit she didn't have to bid a temporary goodbye to pasta and breads. Jaden suggested that she drop beverages with caffeine and they couldn't consume much fat, but all in all Georgie was contented.

The so so news was the exercise portion. If it didn't kill her, it would have to make her stronger. Jaden assured her that they would start out leisurely for the next couple of weeks, leisurely meaning training a total of eight hours over four out of seven days and three of those spent on bicycles. After completing their second week, they would begin training five days with an additional two hours. The time spent on their training sessions and the distance traveled on their bikes would lengthen as the weeks progressed until the last week before the event. That was the rest only and set your mind in gear to cycle from Los Angeles to Las Vegas week. Georgie looked forward to that week already. Plus, it would give her more time to assist Jacob in planning the surprise party for Vanessa's 26th birthday, which was the day before the S.S. Ride began.

To further build up their strength and endurance, the couple spent ten minutes choosing two cross training activities. They settled on weight training and jogging. Georgie didn't consider herself much of a runner but she would try and hopefully learn to succeed at it.

Wanting to continue her volunteering at Sunshine Convalescence, Georgie altered the times and days she went to accommodate their training schedule. Instead of volunteering three days at two hours per day, she switched to three hours on Fridays and Sundays, which were her rest days.

She and Jaden made plans to go shopping for her bicycle and necessary equipment tomorrow. A dispute erupted between them when Jaden hurriedly mentioned that she intended to purchase all of Georgie's equipment. Somehow she realized that the younger woman wouldn't be in accordance.

"No, it was my decision to participate in the Spirited Saddlers Ride, so I'm buying my bicycle, helmet, water bottles, clothes and everything else that I'll need. You renting this apartment so that we could easily train is enough Jae."

"Georgie I guarantee you that your bike alone will cost a minimum of $500."

"I'm aware of that and although I'm not working you know I can afford it. With the total commissions I made starting with selling you a home, I was able to pay off my student loans, credit cards and put a dent in the balance owed on my car. After all of that I still have a nice amount left, most of which is in a savings account drawing interest. We're supposed to be discussing matters more important than money. You're the one who said that."

Sighing, Jaden reluctantly agreed. "But I get to pay for our meals. Except for those occasions where we may eat out, I'm putting myself in charge of preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner."

"I have a better idea. We can alternate weekly. I'll buy groceries one week and you buy the next. We'll shop for food items together. When we eat out, I'll pay the bill."

"How come you get to pay the bill every time?" If there were observers inside the studio, they might deem Jaden and Georgie two of the most stubborn people on the planet. "That doesn't sound fair."

"It's fair because you're doing %99.8 of the cooking."

Jaden raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm gonna let you cook %0.2 of the time?"

Georgie had a smirk ready for. "Quick with the jokes, aren't we?"

##########

As the toilet flushed with a mighty whoosh Sharon opened the stall and walked over to the rows of sinks, choosing the one closest to the paper towel dispenser. Mentally counting to fifteen while soaping her hands she glanced over her shoulder when Vanessa hurried into the bathroom. The nurse was about to say hello, but the CNA didn't give her a chance as she took occupancy of the stall nearest the door, slamming it shut seconds before the sound of retching reached Sharon's ears.

Rinsing her hands and yanking out a stiff brown paper towel to dry them, Sharon tossed it in the trashcan on her way to Vanessa's stall. On her knees she peered underneath the door where she spotted the petite woman kneeling on the cool tile with her head hanging over the toilet bowl. Her shoulders violently shook as she expelled the contents of her stomach.

After her vomiting ceased and she reached for a few sheets of toilet paper to wipe her mouth, her concerned co-worker and friend asked if there was anything that she could do. Although it was weak, Vanessa smiled as she cautiously shook her head from fear of the nausea returning. Tossing the soiled wad of paper in the toilet she flushed and emerged from the stall. At the sink she washed her hands and rinsed her mouth.

"Coming down with a stomach flu?"

Vanessa shook her head. "No, I think I just ate some bad Indian food last night. Craig and I tried out this restaurant that a friend of his recommended." She wanly smiled. "I won't be listening to his friend anymore and if I don't hear the word tandoori for twenty years, it'll be too soon."

Sharon's expression was sympathetic as she squeezed the smaller woman's shoulder. "You'll never hear that word from me. Do you want to take the rest of the day off? I'll talk to Marian."

"No. We're short staffed today and really I'm fine Ronnie. I feel better now." She actually didn't feel much better and the thought of going home and curling up in her bed was enticing, but she would feel guilty leaving before her shift ended.

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

"Well at least take your break now and follow me to the break room where I'll fix you a cup of tea." Evidently assuming that Vanessa would follow, the nurse walked out of the restroom, soon to hear the light footsteps of her co-worker a step behind. In the empty break room she quickly prepared a cup of ginger tea, which was beneficial in easing an upset stomach.

Thanking her, Vanessa blew the surface to help cool the liquid. "Did your sister tell you that we had a nice talk the night before last on the phone? Good thing we're in the same city because our conversation lasted nearly an hour. She was quiet at first but it didn't take long for her to warm up to me."

A smile blooming, Sharon nodded. "She told me yesterday. She said and I quote 'Van is a sweetheart. I hope that we'll become fast friends during the event'. I could tell she was excited about meeting the team at Shakey's restaurant this coming Friday. You specifically." She began to peel an orange that she packed in her lunch bag, tossing pieces of the thick fragrant skin into the small trash receptacle across the room. Sharon often played basketball with the boys in her neighborhood when she was a teenager and was just as good if not better than some of them. As each piece sailed into the trash she faintly smiled. Still had it.

"Being a volunteer will be good for Nina," the nurse commented while pulling her orange apart. She offered Vanessa some, but she didn't have an appetite. "She can be so shy." Sharon grinned. "I don't know where she got that from considering our family."

"Sometimes you're quiet."

"True, but it isn't because I'm shy. Just reserved at times depending on the situation and my mood."

The first person in her family that Sharon mentioned to she would be participating in the Spirited Saddlers Ride was her eldest sister Nina, who was secretly her favorite sibling although she realized that it wasn't exactly right to choose favorite family members. Nina who was her heart and the apple of her eye just made it so simple to do just that.

Unknown to Sharon, her sister informed the rest of their family that she would be taking part in the 470-mile bicycle ride. Although she did have enough money saved up to cover the minimum entry donation, they decided to pool their funds together to help big sister, auntie and daughter Ronnie. They were aware that they didn't show their appreciation of her nearly enough as they should have so this was their way of going about it.

Imagine Sharon's surprise when she arrived home one evening last month to find cars belonging to her family parked on the curb and in her driveway. The only one of them to possess a key to the nurse's house, Nina granted them access and by the time Sharon showed up they had a bar-b-que going in her postage stamp sized backyard. Further imagine her surprise when they presented her with a check containing several zeroes. She hadn't been sitting on the couch at the time she would have fallen. However, she had burst into tears due to their thoughtfulness. Sharon had lost count how many times she said thank you.

Eager to go a step ahead of fundraising, Nina spoke to Sharon about becoming a volunteer. She was overjoyed when her sister mentioned that her co-worker Vanessa was going to be a volunteer too. Although she had only met Vanessa on a couple of occasions, at least she would be someone that Nina was familiar with besides her sister and her sister's 'very casual' girlfriend Mack who also intended to ride.

Friday Nina would finally meet face to face with she and Vanessa's team members. There were a few hundred volunteers disbursed over dozens of teams, one of which they chose during registration. When she registered within the first week of September, Vanessa joined one of the six color teams whose most important job was to daily check in and out a certain number of riders that were to be assigned to their team during the event. They were also in charge of setting up their portion of the campsites each day and hauling their specific riders gear to each camp. Eight volunteers were allotted to each color team and Nina luckily nabbed the eighth slot on the Purple Team.

Vanessa hoped that Jaden and Georgie and both she and Nina hoped that Sharon would be included in those riders assigned to the Purple Team, but none of them would know for sure until orientation, the day before the ride and also the CNA's birthday.

Finishing her tea Vanessa thanked her co-worker once more for it as she went to the sink to rinse the cup. "How is your training going?" She asked as they headed out of the room to resume work. She could tell by the look on Sharon's face that she was pleased.

"Very good. Sunday I broke my record of sixty miles--I rode about eighty miles on flat and hillier terrain. The elevated parts were demanding but Mack, Colin and I urged each other on. I don't think I could have completed it without their support."

"So you and Mack are getting pretty tight?"

Although she had claimed less than ten minutes ago that she wasn't shy, Sharon certainly appeared to be after the question. Her nod was barely perceptible. "Yes, sort of. We're taking it slow. You and Craig? How are you?" She perfunctorily inquired. Sharon remembered meeting Vanessa's boyfriend who she believed was her age. He stopped by once to take the CNA out to lunch. Their conversation lasted within the amount of time it took Vanessa to check herself out, yet Sharon concluded that the younger woman would be better off without him in her life. Craig had been pleasant and charming, but Sharon looked on in concern as they headed out of Sunshine Convalescence hand in hand. She never revealed her feelings to Vanessa because she didn't think it was her place to get involved. Vanessa was old enough to make her own decisions.

"We're fine," was the CNA's only comment as she swiped Sharon's last wedge of orange. Popping it in her mouth, her teeth pierced the sweet juicy fruit while she headed down the hall toward Room 10, which had a blinking light above the door. Claire probably wanted to use the bathroom. She always did right before lunch was served. Vanessa chuckled when Sharon accused her of thievery.

##########

The pain had receded to be replaced by an abundance of endorphins flowing through her body as she pumped her legs up and down traveling a stable fourteen miles per hour, which had her feeling very proud. At that point she felt as though she could keep riding and never stop. This was the ultimate high she had been craving. This feeling was better than chocolate, better than selling a house, better than sex! The corners of eyes hidden behind a pair of Oakley shades to keep them shielded from those pesky bugs and sunrays crinkled as she grinned. Alright that was taking it too far. Although not truly better than sex, it was pretty damn awesome.

Her trainer had been correct. The cost of her bicycle wasn't any cheaper than $500. In fact, after customizations and taxes the total was much, much more. However, after her first day of riding, she realized that her Merlin Extralight was worth every copper Abraham Lincoln. Introduced to Jaden's bike before they went shopping for hers, Georgie decided that she wanted to purchase a Merlin as well. Her mouth fell open when her friend warned her of the price, but she splurged anyway. This might have been her best splurge ever. Plus, it was for an incredible cause.

Although they had the same bicycle, Jaden's was a higher size and she had selected a Merlin signature paint called Blue Heaven whereas Georgie traveled out of her purple box and chose the saucy Signature Red. They were both beauties that were very well loved by their owners.

As Georgie's bike whizzed along North Coast Highway, she was both gladdened and crestfallen that she hadn't thought to bring her camera along on this century spanning ride to Crystal Cove Park. If she had brought it, she would have been compelled to stop and snap pictures of the many sites along the way including spectacular ocean views. During the Spirited Saddlers Ride she would definitely make time to take as many pictures of the scenery and her friends as her digital camera could hold.

She had learned early that Saturday morning when everyone met at the Staple Center in Los Angeles that most of the people participating in this training ride would be taking part in the S.S. Ride. She had spoken with a few of them who she looked forward to riding with, although it was doubtful she might see them again considering there was going to be circa 1100 riders.

This was Georgie's longest bicycle journey yet. Although she and Jaden had accumulated quite a few miles on their Merlins in the past seven weeks, they hadn't reached the one hundred mile mark. Nearing Laguna Beach, which was the lunch destination, the forty-five riders would be through the halfway point of their century. Once the one hour long lunch break was over they would head back to Los Angeles.

This was the longest group-training ride that Jaden could find in their area using her Internet skills. When she told Georgie about the total distance to be traveled the blonde thought about snatching her laptop and putting it somewhere that she could never find it. Now that she was accomplishing the ride and enjoying it Jaden's laptop was safe. Joining the couple on the century were their friends Max, Sierra and Oscar and Dylan who had already signed up when Jaden called them about it. Like her, Oscar and Dylan were S.S. veterans. Both men had been participating since the 2000 event.

The first thing most of the heavily hydrated cyclists did upon arriving at the vast park was to visit the restroom facilities. A particular group of six had planned a picnic, so obtaining their gear and lunch from the van that had carted everyone's belongings they set up on the beach. Oscar and Dylan had supplied them with a picnic blanket large enough to comfortably accommodate all six while Max's two beach umbrellas kept them in the shade.

"Have you ladies heard of my annual Halloween bash at Jungle Gem?" Dylan inquired of the four women surrounding he and his partner. Since Jaden, Georgie, and Max had only been to the nightclub once and Sierra never had, the answer was no. "Each Halloween you must wear a costume--a good costume to get in. Good meaning if you cut out a couple of holes in a white sheet, drape it over your body and call yourself a ghost, you'll promptly be turned away. Those who come as a couple dressed in the same theme are eligible to win $500, which you Jaden don't need, but you could win and donate the money." He grinned at her. "And speaking of donating, 35% of all proceeds from that night will go toward the S.S. Ride. So is anyone interested?"

Though they all were, Max and Sierra had previous engagements. Max was taking her girls trick or treating followed by hosting a sleepover where seven of their friends were coming to spend the night. With all the candy that would undoubtedly be shared among them, bedtime probably wouldn't arrive until the wee hours of the morning. Sierra had R.S.V.P'd to a costume party held by a close friend and the close friend's cousin was her date. She guiltily suspected that the Jungle Gem party would be ten times better, but she couldn't and wouldn't bail on her friend.

Jaden mentioned that she had somewhere else to be early in the evening, but she and Georgie immediately agreed to attend Dylan's party. While munching on an organic potato chip, Dylan clapped his hands in glee.

Once he swallowed, the largest grin found its way to his lips. "Oh my God, I just had a stupendous idea. You two should go as Xena and Gabrielle!"

Oscar chuckled with a nod. "The height contrast is perfect. Georgie your hair is blonde like Gabrielle's and Jaden even though yours is lighter than Xena's, this could work."

"Yeah and you've got similar blue eyes to Ms. Lawless," Sierra helpfully interjected. Her eyes dropped to the musician's chest. "Those in a breastplate. Lovely image."

"Hey!" Georgie stretched her arm in front of Jaden's chest as though to cover it, which she wasn't very successful at. "Stop ogling them or I'll be forced to fight ya."

Sierra searched their picnic area. "You wanna fight bard? Where's your staff?"

"I don't need it. I'll use my hands."

"Those little things?"

Jaden emitted a low whistle. "Oooh, you uttered the 'L' word in reference to Gigi. She don't like that too much."

"Really? She don't like that too much?" Sierra repeated, brown eyes full of challenge gazing at the only blonde in their group. "What're you gonna do little bard?"

Five pairs of eyes looked toward Georgie as she unhurriedly picked up her bottle of Gatorade and took a thoughtful sip. Replacing the cap and putting it back down on the blanket, she delicately wiped her fruit punch flavored mouth with a napkin. Glancing between Sierra and the shoreline she softly chuckled. A moment later she commented that she was going to throw Sierra in the ocean. The Latina appeared unconvinced as though she disbelieved that Georgie could or actually would attempt to throw her in the ocean.

Her dubious expression hadn't waned when Georgie casually began to remove her shoes and socks. However, she yelped and fled from the picnic blanket as fast as she could when Georgie lunged at her. Unfortunately for Sierra she had only managed to get a few feet away when she was grabbed around the waist and half dragged toward the cool water rushing the shore. Others on the beach watched the wriggling pair in curiosity, but they didn't offer to help Sierra. In fact, some of them were chuckling.

"Please save me Xena!" The distressed maiden yelled at the top of her lungs.

Instead of getting up, Jaden leaned back on her elbows, long tanned legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. "You're outta luck Sierra. I've retired from the butt kicking business!"

Pulling her fanny pack over, Max extracted two twenties and a ten from her wallet. "I have fifty bucks on Georgie coming out the champion." She dropped the bills on the blanket.

"I'll take that bet," Jaden replied, finding fifty dollars in her own wallet. "My money is on Georgie too. In the last few weeks she's developed a couple of muscles due to our training." She glanced toward Oscar and Dylan. "What about you guys? Wanna bet on Sierra?"

Since both of them thought that Sierra was feisty enough to win, an extra one hundred dollars joined the pile. The foursome enjoyed the wrestling match and wished that at least one of them had thought to bring a camera.

##########

Fresh from the shower and casually attired in a pair of black silk boxer shorts and a white undershirt, Jaden was combing through her hair as she hit it from different angles with the blow dryer. She chuckled as she listened to Georgie singing I've Been Workin' on the Railroad in the shower. Reclining on the floor just outside of the bathroom Sasha's head was cocked to the side as she stared toward the shower curtain. No offense--she loved Georgie--but the girl just couldn't sing as well as her mommy.

Jaden had been quite sure that her girlfriend wanted to smother her when she arrived at her apartment at the ungodly hour of 5:00 am. Vanessa either refused to get up or didn't hear the doorbell ring, so within five minutes a half sleep Georgie answered having haphazardly tied a robe over her nightgown. Because Jaden had warned her against caffeine, Georgie looked regretfully at the Taster's Choice before she poured herself and her trainer a glass of orange juice.

Jaden explained that they were getting an earlier start that Monday morning. The Merlins would be able to rest because today they were cross training instead of cycling. Jogging followed by working with weights at the gym where over the weeks Georgie had spotted several celebrities. From the outside Jaden's gym of choice didn't catch one's eye--an old warehouse was more decorative. Yet the inside of the gym made up for its lackluster exterior. With three levels it had just about anything a fitness conscious person would want.

The third level contained a polyurethane running track so Georgie assumed that they would use it to jog a mile or two, which she was proud to say that she could now complete without stopping. Of course her assumption was incorrect. Instead of using the gym's track, Jaden wanted to jog to the gym from Georgie's apartment, which she estimated to be around seven or eight miles away. The younger woman wondered why she even bothered to look surprised.

Gulping the rest of her juice, Georgie dropped the glass into the dishpan. "Just when I think I have you all figured out, you throw me a curveball." A smirk on her face, she headed toward her bedroom to get dressed for their expedition. Jogging through the busy streets of L.A. on a Monday morning. That was just crazy.

Jaden laughed, watching her walk away and idly wondering how short her nightgown was. "Now Gigi don't grouch. You should know that I strive to remain unpredictable."


Pushing the shower curtain far enough back to stick her head through, Georgie asked Jaden if she would hand her a towel after she finished with her hair. Nodding as she finished braiding the thick dark mane, Jaden rolled it into a bun and slipped a couple of bobby pins in her hair to keep it in place. Sasha moved out of the way so that she could get to the linen closet and kept away from the bathroom's entrance until her mommy returned with a towel.

"Here you are sweetie," Jaden said as she passed the towel to Georgie over the shower curtain. She was unprepared for when the blonde suddenly pushed the curtain to the other side of the shower stall so that her entire body was revealed. Unable to move or at least look away, Jaden's goggling eyes traveled from head to toe and then made a u-turn. She hadn't seen Georgie naked in weeks so she considered this a delightful treat.

Instead of wrapping the towel around her body, Georgie rolled it up and placed it around her shoulders as she watched her love's face, a knowing grin on her lips. "See something you like Jae?" As if they were in a library she spoke in a whisper. When the other woman didn't answer, she gently tugged her forward by wrapping the towel around her neck. The blonde repeated her question, her mouth a hairsbreadth away from Jaden's yet she didn't try to kiss her. She wanted to find out if her girlfriend would make the next move although she ached to touch her lips.

Unusually silent, Jaden tossed the towel onto the sink a moment before cupping Georgie's cheeks. A dreamy smile crept across her mouth. "As if you really need to ask," she huskily replied, brushing her mouth against Georgie's enough to ignite them further. She didn't recall how she got in the shower, but Jaden did recall the feel of certain areas of Georgie's anatomy when she trailed her hands across defined biceps to forearms to soft palms, bestowing light kisses on each up to their fingertips. She suckled the tip of a thumb while Georgie's free hand slid between her undershirt. For a second Jaden was alarmed until the hand headed north instead of south.

A warm palm took possession of her right breast, kneading it through a sports bra. Unused to the touch of another, Jaden's nipple happily rose. The musician groaned into Georgie's neck as her nipple was teased between a thumb and index finger. She was debating on whether to examine this lovely neck with her mouth when excellent hearing detected the doorbell. As she pulled back Jaden wasn't certain whether the interruption of their first make out session disappointed or relieved her.

She grinned at Georgie's cute little frustrated growl. A kiss on the nose had the blonde smiling…a bit. "You dry off and get dressed. I'll see who it is." Jumping out of the stall, Jaden wiped her damp feet on the bath rug before leaving the bathroom. She found Sasha curled up on her air pumped bed as she walked to the front door. Glancing through the peephole first she then quickly opened the door.

"Hey buttercup! Sorry it took so long. I was in the…" Jaden trailed off, taking notice of her younger friend's red-rimmed eyes and tearstained cheeks. She looked smaller than usual as she stood there wiping at her nose with a crumpled tissue. "Van? What's wrong sweetheart?" Jaden had to lean close to hear her when she asked if Georgie was there. "She's in the shower, but she'll be out soon," Jaden said, keeping her voice soft. "You can talk to me you know. I'm here for you too."

One might have thought she was all cried out by the look of her, but Vanessa began to sob as she tried to speak, though Jaden couldn't understand most of what she said. "I wen…went…the doctor…he…he…"

"Sweetheart come here." Drawing the petite woman into her arms, Jaden held her tight as hot tears fell, soaking a small portion of her shirt.


Continued…