Gwen had the car service pull on to her street and just as they approached the cul de sac she lived on, she noticed Connie's black Mercedes parked in her driveway. Gwen felt her stomach tighten. She wasn't in the mood to deal with her mother and her latest get rich quick scheme. The week in Detroit had been good for her. Reconnecting with Keegan had her on cloud nine and seeing Bobby doing well was an extra bonus.
In the back of her head, she feared her mother maybe going through her valuables. She wished she could turn back the clock to a time when she used to enjoy her mother's company. When Gwen's career was just taking off, she and Connie would go shopping and talk about the future. Connie's third husband introduced her mother to the country club scene and she had a lot of high profile connections in the country club crowd. She punched in the alarm code and opened the door. The driver set her bags in the foyer. Gwen tipped him and set out to find her mother.
"Richard, she isn't home yet. I can't ask her if she isn't here." Connie huffed in the cordless phone as she sat in Gwen's office chair, her blonde hair swept back from her perfectly made up face. Gwen stood in the doorway, waiting to see what else her mother was plotting. Her arms akimbo across her chest, she could feel the anger swelling. She didn't need this. Seven hours ago, she woke up with Keegan in her arms feeling happy. The happiest she had been in a long, long time. Keegan had called in sick and driven Gwen to the airport for the early afternoon flight she was able to get on. Leaning in the car window, Gwen promised Keegan she would call as soon as she got home. Her flight was delayed in Chicago, which was a normal event for anyone who dared to connect through O'Hare. Gwen leaned against the door jam of her office when she realized she didn't want to be here, nor did she want to deal with her mother's latest scheme. She wanted to be in Detroit with Keegan. As soon as she got rid of Connie, she'd get Hannah on the phone and see what her schedule looked like and if another visit to the motor city was a possibility.
"Oh she's here. I have to go." Connie set the phone on top of the desk top. "Honey!" She called out in greeting as she maneuvered around the desk to engulf Gwen in a hug. Gwen stiffened at the embrace.
"Connie, what are you doing here? And how did you get in?" Gwen knew she had given strict orders to the security company and the gate guards not to allow her mother in her home if she was out of town.
"Marlene was kind enough to let me in." Connie said with a sweep of her hand. Gwen rolled her eyes. Her cleaning lady had known Connie for years and would not hesitate to allow her madre to enter the home. "Oh, tell me about your trip? How is Robert?" Connie rambled on as she led Gwen to the office twin leather covered chairs. "There are a number of calls for you. That Dale McKnight from SNN. Hannah called a few times."
"Connie, why are you listening to my messages?" Gwen held her breath. Had her mother always done this? Listened to her messages while she was away and filter out the ones she wanted to? Keegan said she left a message to let her know she was sick.
"With your schedule, you are always busy. I thought I'd save you some time.."
"Was there a call from Keegan?"
"What?" Connie was caught off guard. She quickly picked up the half empty martini glass sitting on the desk.
"Keegan? Was there a call from her?" Gwen knew her voice was rising. Connie downed the rest of her drink. "Did you erase a call from her mother? Maybe not this time, but a time before? An important message?"
"I'm sorry dear. Who is that?"
"Keegan Garry, the woman I lived with for a number of years." Gwen knew Connie was tempting fate. Her mother hated Keegan and despised the fact they lived together.
"I thought she was dead." Connie turned to look at Gwen. Her expression was stone cold. "Cancer, if I'm not mistaken." Connie crossed her legs and turned her glass between her fingers. "She wasn't much. I knew you could always do much better. That woman was like a piece of gum stuck on your shoe. Always hanging on clinging to whatever she could." Connie's brown eyes were dead, soulless as she looked at her daughter. "Not that I would wish cancer on anyone, but I'm relieved she is out of your life."
Gwen got to her feet and went to the window. She was ready to pummel her mother. She needed to get a grasp on the situation. "The private investigator you referred me to for the pictures in tabloids, what was his name?" The details which her mother had kept from her were now piling up in front of her.
"Oh dear, that was a number of years ago, how am I supposed to remember something like that?" Connie stood and held up her drink. "I need another. Do you want one?" Connie didn't wait for Gwen to answer as she exited the office in search of alcohol. Gwen followed her and entered the game room. On the far side was an elaborate bar for entertaining. Connie stepped behind it and grabbed the bottle of Kettle One and poured a hefty portion in her glass. Lifting the glass to her lips, she took a swallow. "Did you want one?"
"No." Gwen came to stand across the counter top. "What was the name of the investigative agency that you encouraged me to hire and pay a fee of five thousand dollars? Do you remember this? Half up front, half afterwards? The agency that to this day still is unable to tell me who sold the photos to the tabloids."
"I told you he said it was that woman." Connie had years of practice in the art of deception. Unfortunately, Gwen learned to read her mother. Until now, there were pieces of information that were conveniently forgotten or just left out completely. "You have the photos of her with no hair and going through the treatments." Placing her glass down on the bar, Connie placed her hands on her hips. "Why are we talking about a dead person?"
"God damn it Mother! She's not dead. I spent the last week with her in shock that she was even sick. She's not dead. And I'll tell you what old woman, I'm tired of your games. You crossed the line with Keegan. If I ever find out that you purposely withheld information from me, I'll make sure the rest of your life is living hell." Gwen watched as her mother paled and faltered as she picked up her drink. Connie's hand shook as she took a sip.
"Gwen," Connie walked from behind the bar smoothing down her Dolce & Gabbana satin blazer pulling at the hem to straighten the line of her shoulders. The black and tan striped shirt beneath it revealing cleavage and the satin skirt landed mid thigh. An outfit a fifty year old woman should not be wearing. "I need to speak with you on a financial matter." Connie wanted to present her business side as the topic of conversation was changed.
"I'm not giving you money. You can tell Richard to shove it up his ass." Gwen almost reached for the bottle of Kettle One to take a swig from it. She stared at her mother. Connie just didn't get it. "Connie, you need to leave right now."
"But Gwen this business venture…"
"Out! Now!" Gwen grabbed the glass from her hands. "I'll call the police and have you arrested for unlawful entry and trespassing." Gwen could feel her blood pounding through her veins. She had never been this angry with another individual. Connie was sucking the life out of her. She didn't realize how manipulated she was by her mothers actions. She had seen Connie work her ways on others, but Gwen thought she was smart enough to recognize her mother's schemes.
Connie took a step back and jutted her chin out holding her head high. "When you begin to act like a reasonable person, you can call me and apologize for your behavior."
"Don't hold your breathe, mom." Gwen's sarcastic tone emphases the last word. Connie pounded into Gwen head never to call her mom. Connie breezed past her daughter and out the front door. For a moment, Gwen feared she would fall on the driveway and bring a lawsuit against her.
Dumping the rest of Connie's drink down the sink, Gwen fell into the routine of returning home after a trip. Dragging her suitcase into the laundry room, she sorted through the worn items putting them in piles for wash or dry cleaning. She hung her suits up near the dry cleaning pile. She didn't have someone who did her laundry or run her errands like Connie did or pretended to have. She had a strong work ethic which Christopher and Molly taught her from the summers of living with the older couple. She was running from school to practice to games. Molly made sure she had all her uniforms and practice jerseys cleaned and ready to go. Molly's lessons of being responsible for what was important to her always rang true. She could only blame herself if she had the wrong jersey or socks. She started a load of laundry and headed to the master bed suite.
Walking through the home she had lived in for ten years, she felt how empty it was. This was just a place she had her things in. There wasn't that home feeling she got when she sat at Keegan's kitchen table. Her house was a shell, empty on the inside, no warmth, no love. It was just a place to store her things and sleep. She put her makeup bag in the bathroom and went into her bedroom. The soft butter colored maple bedroom furniture set off the tans of the carpet and maroon accent colors. Keegan picked out the furniture with her just after they started dating. This was the only room she felt any warmth in. Hanging her garment bag in the closet, she picked up the cordless phone from off the side table. She paged through the calls noting who actually called verse the Connie version. There was a Michigan number on the digital read out. Hannah called numerous times. When was the last time she spoke to her agent, a week ago? A great number of changes had happened during the past week. Gwen went to the tall chest dresser across the room. Opening the middle drawer, she pulled out the small hidden half drawer on the inside. Light green velvet covered the bottom of the special drawer for jewelry or items of importance. She pulled the small crush velvet black box from the back corner of the drawer. She put the box there when she returned from the games in Greece. The lid screamed as she opened in it with a bit of force. Nestled in the warmth of its bed sat the diamond ring she had intended to give to Keegan. Touching the platinum setting, she wondered about the possibilities of Keegan actually accepting it. Quickly, she closed the box and put it back. She had barely skimmed the surface of the issues she and Keegan had to deal with. If Connie interfered with their relationship now, who was to say her mother didn't do the same thing years ago or worse.
Gwen didn't want to think of that possibility. She wanted a hot shower to get the airplane grit off her. She needed to wind down. Her head was reeling with possibilities. She'd check her messages and call Hannah later. She'd have to wait until later to call Keegan. She hoped she'd catch her awake. The time difference was a factor. She didn't want to call to late.
Fresh from a shower and dressed in a pair of nylon shorts and sweat shirt, Gwen sat in her office chair. Pushing play on the machine, she listened to her messages as she towel dried her hair. A total of twelve messages survived Connie's editing, three from Hannah, one from Bobby, another from Shannon asking about next week, Danny left two and the rest were from her attorney, a store in the city and SNN. The last message from Hannah had the hair rising on her arms. There wasn't a message from Keegan. If she did call, maybe Connie erased it. Gwen picked up the phone and called Hannah.
"Where have you been?" Her agent scolded in her ear.
"It was a blizzard. Snow everywhere. I couldn't get out." Gwen smiled. She really didn't mind being stuck in the snow or at least with Keegan.
"Who is Danielle Martin?" Hannah was tapping something on her end of the line. Gwen could hear the faint flitter of paper.
"A woman I became reacquainted with at the Emerald fundraiser. Nothing too special about it." Gwen was wondering why Hannah was asking about Danny.
"Well,, you made an impression on her and she has sent an invitation to attend a dinner party at her home for a tasting menu for Detroit's newest restaurant." Hannah paused. "It looks intriguing. What will your answer be?"
"I'd like to go. What's my schedule look like?"
"You can swing it if De-Con goes on schedule." Hannah thumbed through the calendar on her desk. "You never know with the show when you'll be done."
"Send it back as accepted and I will call Danny and let her know if there are complications." Gwen looked at her PDA. The dates for the De-Con shoot were just about three weeks away. The HGTV television series showcased celebrities assisting local groups to use recycled materials from homes or building which were scheduled for demolition and find new and creative ways to use the materials in other spaces. The show was one of Gwen's favorites and she had elated that she was asked to be part of the production. "What else is happening?"
"Your mother." Hannah began.
"Don't even go there. She was at the house when I got home erasing messages and asking for money."
"I thought you changed the locks."
"I did. She came in with Marlene this morning."
"Get a new service."
"I'd rather get a new mother." Gwen sat in her office chair spinning it slightly with the foot that rested on the floor. "Can you arrange that for me?"
"That, Gwen, is one miracle I can not pull off." Hannah laughed in the phone. "SNN is hot and heavy trying to get you to sign the contract with them. They are even mentioning Dale McKnight as a mentor for you."
"Well let's see what the money and the clauses state. The guy still gives me the creeps."
"Dale?"
"No. Dale is a sweetie. The heavy guy who is sweating all the time."
"Kirk Lane." Hannah supplied the name. "Also a name from your past has surfaced over the past week." Hannah hesitated. Gwen could hear the strain in her agent's voice. "Keegan Garry. Funny thing is most of the calls were asking if I represented her." Hannah waited for the usual attack that came after mentioning Keegan's name to her client. "In fact, I received a number of requests for Ms. Garry to do interviews." She still waited for Gwen to rip into her. "Gwen, what's going on?"
"What do you mean?" Gwen smiled, just the sound of some one saying Keegan's name gave her goose bumps.
"I can't usually get past saying Kee and you're jumping down my throat. I've said her name at least twice and you're being passive about it."
"I saw her Hannah. We actually talked."
"And?" Hannah was pressing. She had a number of options to consider if Gwen was coming out of the closet.
"And we're talking. She's been through a lot. Stuff I never knew about. Come to think of it, the private investigator I hired, do you have his name?"
"I told you not to use that guy your mother recommended. I'll have to dig. That was a few years ago. He didn't come up with squat regarding those photos."
"He didn't give me any information regarding Keegan either. If he had been doing his job, there should have been some information on her."
"SNN mentioned the assignment they want to give you." Hannah waited for a minute. "They want you to interview Keegan Garry as your first assignment."
"Did they get her consent?" Gwen asked knowing full well Keegan would never agree to an interview. "Shit, they want me to get it her consent and do the interview. Bastards!"
"Gwen, you don't work for them and you are under no obligation to take the assignment." Hannah reassured her. "How is she doing?"
"Keegan?"
"Yes Keegan. I always liked her. She made you smile." Gwen smiled despite the anger she felt towards SNN.
"She still does. She's stubborn as ever. Maybe worse."
"Sound's like she doing well."
"She is." Gwen hesitated. "Hannah, I want to think about spending time Detroit." Gwen felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She didn't want to be in California. She wanted to be in Michigan with Keegan.
"Missing Bobby that much?" Hannah teased. "I'm teasing. Take things slow Gwen. You're not in the same place you were five years ago. You have two gold medals, a league and a money generating poster now. People know who you are. The public may think it a little odd to see America's Sweetheart mowing the lawn and setting up house in Detroit's suburbs especially if Bob is no where to be seen."
"Can't I be happy? For once I find the one thing I know that will make me happy and I have to slow down."
"Gwen, just think about it. Don't forget you're not the only person that is affected by your decisions."
"You have a point." Gwen huffed. The natural high she was riding on was falling fast. "I just want to give it a try. Being twenty four hundred miles away is not going to help. I want to… I've got to give it a try."
"Be careful Gwen. It's not just your career. Think about Bobby also. He has a chance at winning the championship. That means a lot to him. He doesn't have the medals and endorsements that you do. Plus, his circumstances are not as understanding if things would get out." Hannah knew Gwen would never do anything to jeopardize Bobby, but she wanted to remind her client there was much more at stake.
"Understood."
"Okay with that out of the way, do you have your PDA?"
"Yes." Gwen groaned.
"Let's go over your schedule." Hannah said knowing it would be another forty minutes before they would finish for the night.
As if the magical spell was cast over them, the phone conversation wound down forty minutes later. Hannah was just about to hang up when she asked. "Are you going to speak to Keegan?"
"I planned on calling her after we were finished."
"Let her know if she needs an agent, I am willing to represent her."
"I'll pass the message along." Gwen chuckled. "I doubt she'll go for it."
"Just ask her Gwen. Have a good night. San Diego next week and don't let Shannon's kids drive you crazy."
"Just Missy…." Gwen growled in the phone.
"Yes, but you can leave and come home. Shannon has them forever." Hannah said laughing as she hung up the phone.
Gwen smiled know her agent was right. Once a child was born, there was no turning back. Even at the magical age of eighteen, they still clung to their parents. Keegan would have a baby and the responsibility way past the age of eighteen. Then there was college, careers and weddings to think about. Gwen felt uncomfortable for a moment. If she and Keegan would get back together, she would soon be a parent. To a child who depend on them for everything. Was she ready for that? Was she even ready to have a relationship with Keegan? She wasn't ready the first time they got together, why would she be ready the second time? Probably not, but she didn't care.
Gwen went to her bedroom and grabbed the receiver from the cordless next to the bed. She punched in Keegan's house number and waited. After three rings, she heard a breathy "Hello." Keegan voice on the other end.
"Hi!" Gwen said a smile on her face as soon as she heard Keegan's voice. "Am I interrupting?
"I was just getting into the house." Keegan said as she could be heard closing a door. "Snow has been falling most of the day. You were lucky to get out."
"I got stuck in Chicago for a few hours." Gwen said. "If I was to get stuck somewhere I'd rather it be in Detroit with you."
"O'Hare or with friends, I'm glad we rate." Keegan laughed on the other end. "Did you get in okay?"
"Yes. My mother was at the house when I got home. I wasn't happy about that." Gwen explained. "Did you happen to call and leave me a message?"
"I did. Did you listen to them?" Keegan had call Gwen as soon as she stepped inside the terminal. She dialed Gwen's house to leave her a message about how great it was to see her and how she hoped they say in touch. The second message was to see if she made it home alright.
"No, Connie erased them. You said you left me a message about being ill. Do you know if I was out of town when you did that?"
"You played in Atlanta that afternoon so I will say I believe you were out of town." Keegan paused. "What's going on Gwen?"
"Connie erased your messages." Gwen huffed. "And I don't think it's the first time, she has done it." Gwen thought about what else her mother could have done.
"I wouldn't worry about Connie, she is harmless." Keegan never got along with Connie. Gwen's mother tested her patience. Christopher and Molly were the best parental figures Gwen had. Keegan loved the older couple. She learned from Shannon they had both passed a few years ago.
"Hannah says hello. Also, umm…" Gwen hesitated. "She's been calls for you. People have been asking about you. Hannah's says if you would like her to be your rep, she would sign with you."
"No thanks. I'm not into interviews."
"SNN wants me to get an exclusive with you." Gwen said as she leaned against her headboard and crossed her feet at her ankles.
"I don't do interviews."
"I know. I know." Gwen replied. "I just wanted to give you a heads up in case they come a knocking."
"Thank you." Keegan said. "But I'm not doing an interview. I'm old news Gwen. No one cares what happened to me."
"You are so wrong." Gwen shook her head and wondered if Keegan even knew what an impact she had on people's lives. "Wrong on so many levels Keegan."
Chapter 17
The lights from the two story colonial home illuminated the neighborhood. The large circular driveway was filled with car after car. BMWs sat next to a Nissan 4x4. When the rented black Lexus pulled down the street, Gwen knew immediately what house the party was at. She looked for Keegan's black Jeep Liberty but did not see it. The invitation to attend a formal dinner party at the home of Danielle Martin was received by Hannah three weeks ago. The event was a sampling of the menu from Velocity, a soon to be opened restaurant. Danny was close friends with the chef and owner. Apparently, the women who owned Velocity were a couple, Deb was the chef and Hope ran the business side of the restaurant. Not sure why Danny sent the invite to Hannah, but it was smart of the CEO of Martin Industries. If the invitation went to her home, it could be weeks before Gwen even saw it, let alone opened the mail. She left Detroit two weeks ago traveling to San Diego for an appearance then back to Boston for an appearance as a guest on the HGTV show "De-Construction Homes." The home segment had the crews refurbishing a burnt out house. Celebrities assisted in salvaging pieces and parts from old homes and giving the material new life in another home. Gwen earned a few splinters and got a healthy dose of hard work. As part of the construction crew, she removed window frames, cupboards and doors from the partially burnt out home. With a little elbow grease and a coat of paint or varnish the materials were restored into useable resources for another house. Her proudest movement was when she took a solid oak interior door which had been charred in a fire and restored it to a beautiful showpiece which the designer placed as the front door.
The physical labor kept her busy and she needed that. Since reuniting with Keegan, her brain had been swirling with thoughts of the brown haired blue eyed woman. Memories of the morning after the game still gave her the warm feeling in the pit of her stomach. She woke with Keegan wrapped in her arms. It wasn't the first time she had work with Keegan in her arms, but it was the first time she felt as if she had come home. Her heart pounded against her chest. When they settled in the bed and Keegan leaned over kissing her good night, she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to scare Kee, but she didn't want to the moment to go by unnoticed. After debating with her internal voice, she flipped and flopped for a few minutes. Finally she pulled Keegan into her arms and held her through the night. In the morning, she found she was afraid to move, afraid to let the dark haired woman go. When Keegan did stir, Gwen loosened her grasp and waited for the fall out of the morning after. Instead, Keegan gave her a little smile and murmured something about a dream. She cuddled closer to Gwen and let her hand rest lightly on Gwen's stomach. She wanted to pull Keegan to her kiss her soundly on the mouth and put the past behind them. Yet, if she did that, she had the chance that Keegan would totally reject her. There was too much to lose. She didn't want one kiss, or one night of Keegan sleeping in her arms. She wanted a million kisses and a million nights with the woman cuddling next to her. She wanted the relationship back and was willing to take the time and make the effort to get Keegan in her life. Small steps, as Bobby advised. She needed to let Keegan take the lead. She didn't want to scare the Physical Therapist away.
Talking on the phone with Keegan on an almost daily basis she knew what her schedule was. Keegan talked about her plans to attend the dinner party Danny was hosting. After a couple of references to the Saturday night dinner party, Gwen knew Keegan was excited about attending. Still not sure of her schedule, Gwen had hoped shooting would wrap before Saturday. When she told Keegan she was going to Boston to be on the HDTV show, the brunette seemed a bit jealous.
"Next time, I promise you can be on the show with me." Gwen had confessed as she lay across the hotel bed. They had fallen into a routine since reconnecting. Sharing daily phone calls almost mirroring their early dating years when Keegan lived in Michigan. They talked for hours about their days, about what they found as personal joys. An interesting turn was Keegan's perspective on life. Keegan had always been in a hurry. Her life was rushed and there wasn't enough time. The Keegan of today spoke of simple things, like the flowers blooming in garden beds of her yard or the progress of one of her patients. Gwen could hear the smile in her voice as the therapist talked her work. She was seeing a different side of the partner she once had. She had become a patient, caring woman who took time to enjoy life. A prime example was Keegan taking Andy to the Museum of Natural History for the dinosaurs exhibit. The story about the little boy being scared of the large T-Rex exhibit had Gwen in tears.
Circling the rented Lexus, Gwen found a parking spot on the street across from the large home. A quick glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror made her sigh. She had stopped at Bobby's to freshen up before she went to the Danny's. Bobby was out of town for a weekend game in Baltimore and in Washington DC. There was a note sitting on the kitchen table.
Gwen,
Sorry I missed you. If things go well I expect you'll be moving soon. Remember what I said small steps. Little victories. She loves you. She needs to trust you again. Keep me posted.
Love,
Bobby
She knew the hockey player was right. She wanted this so badly, she would push until she got her way. This wasn't her decision. Keegan had said they needed to get their friendship back. They had been friends. Great friends before Gwen would let the relationship escalate to the next level. Once she caved to her desire to be closer to Keegan, she was even willing to for go the captain of the team role. Their teammates knew what had happened between the two players and agreed to have Gwen continue to be captain of the National team. The couple never let their relationship travel on to the playing field. On occasion, a celebration could have been misconstrued as being a bit more touchy feely, but there was nothing more than an instant high from scoring a goal.
Flipping down the vanity mirror of the rental car, Gwen checked her make-up and her hair. Dressed in a gold and brown toned blouse, with a pair of oatmeal color chinos wrapped with a decorative belt and brown boots, she slipped from the car and tried to brush the wrinkles out of her outfit. The front door was open with the glass storm door letting the lights filter out on to the cement apron. Gwen stepped up to the front door and debated to knock or just walk in. The loud noises coming for the home's interior confirmed that a knock would not be heard. Just as Gwen entered the foyer, Danny appeared in the hallway. A large toothy smile lit up the red heads face.
"You survived." The red head took in the freshly pampered blonde. She smiled, happy that Gwen took her up on the invitation.
"Yes, but it was grueling hot and sweaty."
"That sounds promising." A tall dark haired woman appeared behind Danny. "Holy.."
"Please Robin, shush. I need this to be a very discreet." Danny commented as she turned to the tall woman who stood at her shoulder. "There isn't any need to blow this out of proportion. Deb and Hope don't know." She turned her attention back to Gwen "I didn't tell anyone."
"Neither did I. The schedule for DeCon was a little off. I knew I wanted to be here, but I have to pay the bills." Gwen moved forward and gave Danny a hug. "Is she here?" Gwen whispered in her ear. She wanted to see Keegan badly. Her quick stop at Bobby's let her primp to look her best for Kee. She knew her slacks hugged her body and purposely left the buttons on her blouse open to reveal more cleavage than normal. She was now having second thoughts as the woman behind Danny was checking her out.
"Yes. Meg is here too."
"Really?" Gwen watched her redhead closely for any reaction to the youngest Garry girl being in town.
"Seems like she is here every weekend." Danny blushed slightly. "She's moving home soon. According to Ash, she is transitioning between clubs."
"Good to know." Gwen smiled a little brighter as the red head nodded. "Are you okay with her moving back?"
"It's complicated." Danny glanced over her shoulder to the woman standing a few feet away. "Let me introduce you. Robin Frost…Gwen Lerner." Danny let the women exchange hand shakes. "Robin is an attorney. So you are warned."
"So what are you doing now?" The attorney asked, giving the red head a smirk. She was obviously not happy that Danny had given away her occupation.
"Good question." Gwen said as she pondered her current employment situation. The burden of what her next career move would be weighed heavily on her. "I'm figuring that out." The look the attorney gave the hostess made Gwen a little leery of who was attending this dinner.
"At least let her in the door before you start cross examination." Danny pushed Robin into the other room giving her directive to. "Go bother someone else." Gwen breathed a little easier when the tall dark haired attorney left them alone.
"Good trip?"
"This is the best part of it so far." Gwen nervously pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. She felt the wave of butterflies swarming in her stomach. She wanted to see Keegan. She glanced nervously over Danny's shoulder.
"She's in the den." Danny gave her a small smile. "She doesn't know you were invited." Danny took Gwen by the elbow and led her further into the house. Gwen felt the beads of sweat run between her shoulder blades. Stretching her fingers out on at her sides, she let the stress go for a moment. As she walked into the den, her brown eyes were immediately drawn to the dark haired woman with azure eyes. Keegan's figure was silhouetted by the fire as fingers of light flickered over her bright blue blouse and black slacks. Gwen took a tentative step in the room, interrupting the group's conversation. A mousey haired fair skinned woman stopped speaking as Gwen entered. From her vantage point, Gwen watched as Keegan's attention turned from the woman to the doorway.
Time stood still for Keegan as the familiar figure entered the room. She had been fooled many times before by the same apparition. If Nancy hadn't stopped talking, she would wonder if she wasn't dreaming again. A bright smile crossed Gwen's face as she continued to move towards Keegan. With her heart in her throat, Keegan realized Gwen was actually here. As soon as the blonde got close enough, Keegan felt cocooned by strong toned arms wrapped around her neck and waist. The warm from Gwen's body permeated her senses. She leaned into the warmth. The greeting she had meant to utter was caught in her throat.
"Surprise." Gwen whispered softly as her lips grazed closely to Keegan's ear. "I didn't want to say anything because I wasn't sure I'd make it."
"Gwen." Keegan let the name slip from her lips. Her body temperature was sky rocketing and an involuntary shudder ran through her limbs. She wasn't prepared to see the blonde. She didn't have time to prepare. Taken totally off guard, she took in Gwen's scent, the sweet smell of jasmine and savored the feel of her body pressed lightly against her.
"Hey." Gwen pulled back to look into watery blue pools. "Are you okay?"
"Surprised." Keegan stepped back and swiped at her eyes. "Pregnant, emotional." Keegan offered a lame excuse. "I can't believe you didn't tell me. Where is Danny? Wait 'til I see that."
"No, I made her promise." Gwen's eyes danced over her body. Keegan immediately felt the weight of the baby and feeling large. She knew she looked horrible. The expression on her face must have conveyed her insecurities. "What?"
"I look atrocious." Keegan confessed as her hand passed over her womb.
"You're glowing and I've never seen anyone more…" Gwen never finished her thought as she was suddenly aware of the audience around them.
"You're being nice." Keegan said, then abruptly turned to the women she had been speaking with. "Let me introduce you. Gwen this is Hope Summers and Nancy Masters." Both women extended their hands in greeting. Keegan felt the heat on her face as Gwen's arm gently brushed against her breast. She knew she needed to keep a safe distance if she wanted remain in control of her emotions.
The small frown on Keegan's face made Gwen question if her presence was welcome. Maybe she had brought a date. The two women she was speaking with were pleasant, but neither looked as if they were on a date with Keegan. The large diamond ring sitting on Hope's finger and Danny mentioning the name in connection to the restaurant let Gwen know this was not a romantic interest. The other woman seemed a bit taken back by the greeting they exchanged.
"You and your partner own the restaurant." The personal knowledge Gwen shared had Hope beaming with a smile. "Danny says the food is superior."
"Deb would be on cloud nine if she knew you were here. She is such a fan. Oh we have to have you and Bob to the restaurant opening." Hope's ideas flew from one promotion to another. "You can't let Deb know, she'll burn the food."
"I'd love to be there. I can't speak for Bobby." Gwen was suddenly aware of the physical space Keegan created between them. "What do you say Keegan, do you think you could accompany me to the opening of the restaurant?"
"We'll see." Keegan felt the blood rush across her chest, up her neck and to her face. She tried to avoid looking Gwen in the eyes but she knew she was being watched by fawn colored eyes. "How was the shoot?"
"Fun, but a lot of work. I got a few splinters." Gwen held up her hand for Keegan's inspection. There were at least half a dozen cuts and scratches. An ugly splinter was still festering under her finger nail. "I tried to get it out a couple of times, but those worthless plastic twisters were too big to fit under my fingernail."
"Gwen, that needs to come out." Keegan grabbed her by the hand and tugged her to the second floor.
Keegan reached the master bedroom and walked into the master bath. "Danny probably has some tweezers in here. The other bathrooms are pretty empty." Keegan stopped short having Gwen run into her backside.
"This house is huge for one person." Gwen said as she took in the multiple rooms on the second floor. She had been into the den and in the foyer. She really wanted to see what the kitchen and dinning room looked like.
"Danny is from a big family. She wanted to make sure she had enough room in case her parents needed to come and live with her. She designed the house also." Keegan pointed to the commode and made Gwen sit on the closed lid. "Danny leaves her self open to people to use her. Sometimes I wonder how a person can be so smart yet so dumb."
"I met the lawyer downstairs." Gwen said as she watched Keegan search through the medicine cabinet. "Are they dating?"
"If you are referring to Frosty, I don't think dating is in her vocabulary. She has acquaintances. Danny's been spending time with her, but I wouldn't categorize it as dating." Keegan pulled out what she found, a pair of metal tweezers, a bottle of peroxide and needle.
"See if there are matches in that drawer." Keegan set the items on a clean towel for a moment and stepped into the master bedroom. Bringing a small seat back into the bathroom with her, Keegan set it in front of Gwen. "It's a little cozy." She settled on the seat and pulled Gwen's hand into her. "I can't believe you didn't have someone look at this."
"I was in a hurry. I wanted to get here." Gwen winced as Keegan touched the infected area. "Ouch."
"No kidding. It's infected." Keegan placed a towel under Gwen hand and poured the peroxide on to it.
"Damn." Gwen tried to pull her hand away. "That stings. I think you are enjoying this a little too much." She saw the corners of Keegan's mouth turn up in a small smirk. The chocolate haired woman was enjoying the pain she inflicted. "Just remember, pay backs."
"Can you light a match?" Gwen did as instructed. Keegan held the end of the needle in the flame for a few seconds. "Don't burn yourself?" Gwen pulled back the match and blew it out just before the flame licked her fingers.
"Would you kiss it if I did?" The blush that crept into Keegan's cheeks was the only answer Gwen received.
"Are you staying at Bobby's?" Keegan knew the Motors were out of town for a weekend series.
"I was wondering if I could stay with you." Gwen whispered quietly. "Unless, you don't have room with Meg in town and all." She fidgeted nervously she should have just stayed at Bobby's. Pushing Keegan was going to have the brunette putting the brakes on. "I'd like to spend time with you." Gwen lifted her brown eyes to meet Keegan's wide open sky blue ones.
"I'd like that." Keegan said quietly as she let the needle cool down. "This is going to be gross. So if you are still squeasmish, look at the wall."
"I'd rather look at you." Gwen reached up and touched her uninjured hand to Keegan's face. "What would you categorize us as?" Gwen felt her stiffen.
"We're friends Gwen." With that, Keegan lanced the infected area. She heard the hiss from her patient as she cleaned away the infected cells. She poured the peroxide on the wound. "We're friends who are trying to get to know each other again."
"Will you tell me if we get beyond that point?" Gwen smiled. Keegan nodded her head. She didn't want to answer aloud. She was afraid that her voice would reveal her feelings. She thought they were beyond that point now, but she didn't want to change the dynamic of their relationship. She needed to make certain Gwen was serious about having a relationship with her. She wasn't about to open her heart and get hurt by the blonde again. She flushed the cut and dried it with a part of the towel.
"You may want to have it air out or put some Neosporin on it with a band-aid." Keegan slid the seat back and stood up. "I think you'll make it."
"Thanks." Gwen held up her finger and stared at the ugly mark. "So how many people are here?"
"You're nine, but Deb doesn't eat. She cooks and lets us enjoy. I think she samples as she cooks just to make sure everything is perfect."
"That good?"
"That great."
Returning to the main floor, they mingled and socialized for awhile. Gwen was getting the majority of the attention. When Keegan saw the busty blonde approaching Gwen, she knew Kelly Davis had set her sights on the soccer player. Kelly flashed Gwen her brightest smile. The blonde had been thrilled to meet Gwen and let her know it at every turn. Keegan realized she was becoming jealous as Kelly laid her hand on Gwen's forearm. She actually felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Catching her reaction before she did something stupid, she excused herself from the group and sought the solitude of the sunroom. She sat on the davenport for a moment, watching the lights from the house dance on the spring lawn. This was her favorite place in Danny's house. She would sit here for hours letting the sunlight warm her body.
"Are you hiding in the dark?" Meghan didn't bother with the lights as she stepped into small room.
"Kinda." Keegan said as she sister sat down next to her. She knew she should give into her feelings for Gwen but there was something nagging at the back of her mind. She didn't want a few days here and there with Gwen. She wanted what they had had. If she could step back in time and call Gwen back into her hospital room and forget about everything else, they wouldn't be in the situation they were now.
"She's not interested in Kelly." Meghan quietly said as she touched her sister's thigh. Keegan leaned into her sister's shoulder. "I thought you wanted to get back together with her. She seems to be trying. Or she likes visiting Detroit. This is the second time she has been here in a month."
"I thought you were against me getting back together with her." Keegan felt the sting of tears in her eyes.
"You know when you were with Gwen, you were so happy. I was jealous of your relationship. I wanted to find that. After the leukemia, I thought Gwen was the most selfish person in the world to walk away from you." Meghan wrapped an arm around her sister's shoulder. "She's back Keegan. She's back and I don't think she is going away."
"I'm scared she'll leave me. If I let her in and she leaves, I can't take that Meg." Keegan confessed.
"Can you handle her being with someone else? And I'm not talking about Bobby." Meghan ran her hand along her sister's back. "It's not easy to see someone you care about with someone else. Believe me I know." The heaviness in Meghan's voice was evident. "Give her a chance Kee." From their vantage point in the sunroom, they were able to see across the house and into the living room. Danny was standing close to Robin, the attorney's arm casually draped around her waist. "Don't do what I've done."
"What have you done?" Keegan asked wondering what thoughts were going through her sister's head.
"Nothing and everything. That's the problem." Meghan's cryptic answer hung in the air for a few moments. Keegan was about to push her sister to answer.
"Ladies, dinner is served." Danny announced as a server appeared from the kitchen's swinging door. The siblings looked at each other.
"We'll talk about it later." Meghan elbowed Keegan's side. "Come on let's eat." They stood up and started towards the dining room.
"Meg, Gwen's staying at my place." Keegan wrapped an arm around her sister's slim waist wondering when Meg has lost weight.
"But there is nothing going on between you." Meghan mirrored her sister's hug.
"We're friends."
"Keep telling yourself that and maybe you'll believe it." Meghan said as she squeezed her waist.
The large table was covered with a white linen cloth. Eight china settings were set-up as the guests began to gather in the dinning room. Noticeably absent was Ashley. When Gwen asked Keegan about her sister, mischievous blue eyes looked at her. "Did you read the invitation?" Gwen shook her head. Hannah had received the invitation and passed the information along. Keegan laughed a little. "Ashley isn't here because this is a lesbian only party. You maybe able to get away with the "bi-thing" but believe me you'll have the Detroit lesbian community talking for awhile."
"I only care about what one person thinks in this community." Gwen said as she pulled out the chair for Keegan. Taking the chair next to her, Gwen settled down. "Besides, I am a lesbian. You should know that." Gwen leaned closer so her statement was for Keegan's ears only.
"I'm sure there are a number of women who would like to verify your status. You look like you may have a few offers tonight." Keegan referred to the earlier flirtations of Kelly as she lifted her eyes to the blonde seated across from Gwen.
"Again, I only care about what you think." Gwen sat down and scooted her seat closer to the table. Keegan avoided the comment as she turned to her sister at the head of the table. Meg sat on the opposite end of the table, directly across from Danny. She could see a flicker of sadness in Meghan's eyes. One day, she would get the story behind what was happening between Meghan and Danny.
"Tonight's service will be a five course meal. At each of these small sittings, we are trying out different menus. It will give us an idea of what works and what doesn't." Hope explained. A female server appeared with eight steaming bowls of a warm summer squash soup as the first course. Hope continued as she portioned a spoonful for consumption. "We had a service at Doctor Ford's house. Different menu but the group gave us some good feedback."
"I talked to Jonathan and he was raving about the food." Keegan said as she lifted a spoonful to her lips. "God, this is great." She heard a small chuckle at her side. Knowing Gwen was making fun of her, she elbowed her in the side.
"Hey." Gwen said as she eyed the spilled dollop on the table cloth. Each guest enjoying the savory soup as spoons clanked against the dish.
The first course was cleared and the second course of a cucumber radish salad with a vinaigrette dressing was served. Gwen relished the third course, a seared sea scallop with a black truffle pudding sauce. She scraped her plate, not wanting to let any of the creamy sauce go to waste.
"Do you advertise as a gay restaurant?" Gwen asked bringing the table to a stand still.
"I wouldn't say a gay restaurant but we are trying to cater to people who are like us." Hope stated. "Have a restaurant where every one is welcome. Some place where everyone can feel comfortable with the surroundings." The door swung open and a tall curly haired woman walked in with a white cap on the top of her head. The white uniform she had on had small smudges of color across it.
"Okay, Tami keeps saying Gwen Lerner was here and I told her she was full of it." Deb Logan declared. She stopped in her tracks as her gaze settled on Gwen. "Oh."
Gwen pushed her chair out and walked towards the chef.
"You have a very honest employee. It's a pleasure to meet you." Gwen extended her hand. "I was told not to let you know I was here because."
"You'd freak out." Hope finished her thought.
"Thank you. I hope you enjoy. I hope you all enjoy, but I want honest feedback. We need to know." Deb nervously wiped her hands on the apron. "I guess the tabloids were right. You're a lesbian, right?"
"She didn't read the invitation." Keegan added with a small smirk.
"My agent did." Gwen explained. "Yes, I am." She smiled as the Melissa Etheridge song title came out unexpectedly followed by an awkward silence around the table. The women at the table digested the declaration from the former Olympian until the main entrée of pan seared duck with Clementine and Tomatillo sauce and a wild rice risotto came out of the kitchen. Moans of satisfaction came from around the table as the course was savored by all the guests.
"God, I am stuffed." Gwen leaned back and placed her hands on her expanding stomach rubbing small circles.
"There is still dessert." Hope grinned as she looked at the satisfied grin on Gwen's face. Tami came in with the last course, Crème Brûlée. Kelly broached the subject of Gwen's relationship with Bobby.
"What about Bob?" Kelly asked as a rumble of laughter was emerging from around the table. "I know 'What about Bob'?" Kelly knew the group was laughing about the Bill Murray movie.
"Bob and I are friends, very good friends." Gwen said as she tried to look at the baby blues, but Keegan looked else where. She turned to see Meghan staring at her intently.
"Who was the woman in the photo?" Robin asked as the focus of the room turned towards Gwen. Keegan shifted nervously in her seat. The picture from Provincetown was sore subject with her. She had always thought the tabloids stole a part of her memory by creating a media sensation around the darkened photo. She remember their vacation together as long walks along the beach, a few careless jaunts down Commercial Street and nights of making love under a star filled sky.
"It was my girlfriend." Gwen quietly said. She dared not to look towards Keegan. She knew if she did her expression would reveal too much.
"Really, I find that interesting. Since you were in total denial in the press, why didn't you admit that it was your girlfriend?" Robin's inquiry sounded like a cross examination.
"We weren't together when the photos came out. They were a couple of years old." Gwen started she put her hands on her thighs to rub away the sweat. "There was no need to cause her unwanted publicity."
"So you did it to protect your ex-girlfriend or yourself?" Robin challenged again.
"Why don't you leave her alone Frost?" Meghan raised her voice in objection to Robin's picking on Gwen. A shocked Gwen looked over at the younger Garry. "She was aware of who was in the photo. What business is it of the press to push someone to out themselves?"
"The entire night, you've been mopping around and bitching. Now you are defending Gwen." Robin took a drink of her wine. "You're a piece of work, Meghan."
"Robin please let it go." Danny interjected trying to defuse the situation. Danny noticed the vein pulsing at Meghan's neck line. She knew the stubborn woman would bait the attorney into a corner. "Please for me." Danny slipped her hand on to Robins and gave a light squeeze.
"I'm sorry if I over stepped my bounds." Robin apologized to Gwen. Danny lifted her silver eyes to Meghan's. When Meg's shifted to Robin, their eyes met in a silent battle, assuring each other the war was not over. Suddenly Keegan pushed her chair back and excused herself from the table.
"I didn't mean to upset Keegan." Robin said as the truth dawned on her. "Keegan is your ex."
"Come on Frost." Meghan began to rise when Gwen placed a hand on her arm.
"Let me go." Gwen's voice calmed the younger sibling for the moment. "Give us a few minutes." Gwen set her linen napkin on her seat. Her brown eyes caught the surprised blues of the attorney giving her a hard look.
"I would have never guessed. Keegan never talks about her relationships." Robin's guilty conscience had her speaking out loud.
"Did you ever think there was a fucking reason behind that?" Meghan got up from the table. She threw her napkin down on the table. Lowering her head for a moment, Meghan lifted her eyes to meet Danny's. "Danielle, I'm going to leave now before I do something I regret. Ladies, have a pleasant evening." Meghan walked towards the front entrance.
"Damn it Robin." Danny said as she got up and followed Meghan outside. The night air had turned cooler. Trying to stop a fleeing Meghan was a task. Danny ran half the block to catch up with her. Her heavy puffs floated in the night air as Danny reached the van Meghan was escaping in.
Meghan stood for a moment at the door of Ashley's van. She was over dealing Robin Frost for the evening. When Robin turned her sights to scrutinize Gwen, Meghan had enough. The attorney spent most of the evening bragging about her latest victory or placing a possessive hand on Danny every time Meg walked in the room. Danny sent out invitations to all the women. It wasn't as if Robin was asked as a date. The attorney received the invitation just like the other guests.
"Meghan wait!" Danny was running down the sidewalk towards her. Meghan lowered her head and waited for Danny to reach her. "I'm so sorry."
Meghan sat silent for a few moments then turned her tear filled blue eyes towards Danny. "How can you date her?" Meghan asked in frustration. Robin made certain Meghan was aware of her plans for Danielle later that evening. The slick attorney stood behind Meg as she watched Danny from a distance. "You can look Garry, but remember I'm the one she'll be fucking later." Frost had hissed in her ear, than went to Danielle side placing a possessive arm around her waist. All night long, Frost's words invaded her thoughts. Maybe if she moved home, she'd have a chance to explore the attraction. Her plan was ruined if Frost was already seeing Danny.
"I'm not. Why do you ask that?"
"All night long, Robin's been baiting me, making small comments to me about being with you." Meg looked up at the stars shining down on them in the dark sky. "I can handle her picking on me, but not Keegan and Gwen. My sister has done nothing to deserve the shitty hand life has dealt her. The last thing she needs is a pompous lawyer rehashing old shit." Meghan put her hands to her face. "I'm sorry Danny. I'm sorry." Meghan leaned against the door. She felt the load of emotions fall on to her shoulders.
"Meghan, come back to the house." Danny reached up and touched Meghan's upper arm.
"Why Danielle? Why should I go back in there and be nice to a woman who is purposely trying to bait me and Gwen and hurt Keegan? Let alone watch her grope you all night as if you were some prize." Meghan lowered her voice. The lawyer didn't let Danny out of her sight for more than a minute.
"She isn't groping me." Danny defended Robin, knowing full well, she was annoyed by the attorney's constant touches. She felt Meg's eyes on her all night. Every time she met Meg's eyes, she was transported back to Ashley's house and the kiss they shared. She thought about that kiss many times. She thought about where it would lead and what it would feel like to be intimate with Meg.
"Danny, stop defending her." Meghan went to open the car door and found it locked. In frustration, she blurted out. "I can't believe you're sleeping with her."
"What? I'm not sleeping with Frost." Danny looked stunned.
"Than why did she tell me she was going to fuck you tonight?" Danny cringed and stepped away. The sting of Meghan's comment hurt. Meghan wiped a tear away and turned towards Danny. "Do you know what that does to me? Inside," She placed a hand on her chest. "To know that you are sleeping with Frost?"
"Meg, I'm not sleeping with her." Danny reached out and placed a hand on Meghan's cheek. Guiding Meghan to meet at her eyes, Danny continued. "I haven't slept with anyone since Dory." Danny confessed. She hadn't been interested in anyone since she shared the kiss with Meghan under the mistletoe. "I've gone to dinner with her but it was a work related dinner. Not a date."
"Then why? Why would she say that?"
"Maybe she wants to date me. I invited her because she is thinking of investing in the restaurant. Hope and Deb are looking for investors. Frost can help them." Danny was stepping closer to the line she said she would never cross. Meghan's presence tonight was driving her crazy. She followed her with her eyes all night. Every time Robin touched her, she was jostled out of her dream state. "She's probably jealous."
"Jealous?" Meghan's voice hitched.
"Yes jealous." Danny's voice dropped to a whisper. "Jealous because I can't keep my eyes off you tonight. I'm tired of fighting my feelings for you Meg. I'm tired of being jealous of the women you are seeing."
"I'm not seeing anyone." Meghan's eyes went to Danny's mouth, her full lips the color of roses and as soft as petals.
"What about Valentines Day?"
"I went to Denver to see my friend Sky. We went skiing and that was about it. We're friends Danny." Meghan gave a small shy smile. "I didn't tell my sisters on purpose."
"Trying to make me jealous?"
"Did it work?" Meghan felt Danny's hands slid on her waist. "You didn't look happy to see me at the hockey game." Danny's proximity was throwing her system into havoc.
"You need to understand that I wasn't expecting to see you. You threw me for a loop." Danny chuckled. "I can intimidate the hell out of CEO of Fortune 500 Company. Meghan, you scare the crap out of me."
"Good." Meghan slowly lifted her lips to met Danny's. A sweet simple kiss, small touches of lips against lips. Meghan wrapped her hand in Danny's hair and pulled her closer as she deepened the contact. When Danny's mouth opened against her probing tongue, Meghan felt as if she were whole again. Danny's body pressed against her as the kiss deepened. Meghan felt the hard coldness of the van on her back. She must have jumped from the cold because Danny backed away quickly. Their laughing eyes met quickly. "It's cold." Meghan rubbed the spot which touched against the vehicle. Her blue eyes danced over Danny's face. "Can I see you tomorrow?"
"Come back to the house Meg."
"No." Meghan shook her head. "I'll do something stupid." The small smile was back. "If you want Frost to invest, you better not have us in the same room."
"Then come back after everyone leaves."
"Are you sure?" Meg asked. The answer Meghan got was Danny pressing their lips together again. Meghan placed her hands around Danny's neck and pulled her closer. Under her hands she felt the muscular shoulder shiver. She realized Danielle had followed her out of the house without a jacket. The silk blouse she wore was thin. Ending the kiss, she rubbed her hands up and down Danny's back. "Go back to your guests. I'll be back." Danny nodded as she backed away.
"Can you tell Keegan to call my cell if she needs a ride?" Meghan started her car. As she was about to pull away she rolled down the window. Danny stood on the sidewalk her arms wrapped around her torso for warmth. "Danny, I..." Meg's voice faltered for a moment. "I'll see you later." She drove off leaving Danielle standing on the sidewalk on a cool April evening.
The back door had just closed as Gwen entered the Great room. She followed quickly through the closing door. "Keegan!" She hollered causing the brunette to pause. "Please Keegan." Gwen quickly ran to catch up with her. "I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?" Keegan wiped the tears away. Her frustration with Robin and Kelly boiled over until she didn't know what to do.
"Because you're upset and it's my fault." Gwen felt the chill of the night air. She knew Keegan had to be freezing.
"Did you publish the photos?"
"No!" Gwen nearly shouted.
"Then there is nothing you should apologize for. I hate..." Keegan paused as she tried to compose her emotions. "Our trip, our vacation, was so much more to me than a photo. Every time I see or think about the tabloids I hate that it ruins that memory."
"What do you think about?" Gwen's voice dropped as she suddenly remembered the week they spent on the cape. She remembered walking along the beach, searching the bay at low tide for interesting creatures, and dancing close with Keegan under the stars. When tear filled blue eyes looked up into brown eyes, Gwen knew she was thinking of the same memories. She wanted to take Keegan in her arms and take away her pain. "I never wanted to hurt you."
"You didn't hurt me." Keegan quietly said as she rubbed the cold away from her arms. "For the first time, I understand what you did and why." Keegan lifted her head to get a better look at the stars. "I was really sick at that time." Keegan paused as she remembered the treatment regiment she was enduring.
"I wish..." Gwen started. She pulled Keegan into her arms and she pressed her lips to Keegan's. Gwen's lips were soft and caring. Their meeting was full of the need to comfort. Keegan melted into Gwen's body bringing the couple into full contact. Their lips met again. Gwen let her mouth open slightly. She wanted to be back with Keegan. This was her home. Keegan held her heart. She wanted to taste and savor Keegan's essence. Her memory of previous kisses faded in comparison to this kiss. Gwen wanted more, so much more.
"I can't." Keegan pulled away quickly, afraid to let Gwen know her feelings. Keegan pressed her face into Gwen's shoulder. She was scared of feeling too much for Gwen. Scared Gwen would leave her. She knew her heart would break again and this time, she doubted she would survive.
"I'm not going away." Gwen sighed into her Keegan's hair. "I'll never make that mistake again." Her hand gently stroking Keegan's back. She wanted to protect the smaller woman.
"We should get back." Keegan stepped away from Gwen. She needed to separate. Get some distance between them. Gwen nodded. When Gwen reached for her hand, Keegan did not protest. She felt their fingers intertwine and loved the strength she felt between them. Settling back in her seat, Keegan lifted her eyes to the table.
"My apologies." Keegan said in a soft voice. "Where's Meghan?" Her blue eyes sought out Danny's silver eyes.
"She left." Danny's voice quickly responded. "If you need a ride, she said to call her cell later." The redhead looked down at her plate for a moment. Keegan had the distinct feeling that there was more than going on than Meghan or Danny would tell her.
"Well, I'm intrigued about your relationship." Robin stated as she took a sip of Chablis. "Seriously, I had no idea that you even dated." The smug look that flashed across the attorney's face did not sit well with Keegan. "What happened?"
"Nothing to be intrigued by Robin." Keegan said quietly. "Things just didn't work out." The attorney was going to push. The thing about Frost was she never let anything go.
"I was unfaithful and I fucked up." Gwen stated bluntly. The table was quiet for a moment. Gwen held the eyes of the attorney. "You may think you're playing this game with me, but I'm too old for this shit. I fucked up a great relationship and I missed out on five years of Keegan's life. I'm not going to let someone like you belittle what I once had. If this is how you find enjoyment, I feel sad for you." Gwen squeezed Keegan's thigh in reassurance.
The tension in the room was broken when the chef, Deb, entered the room. Her presence was greeted by a standing ovation. Sweeping her hat from her head, she bowed gracefully. She went to Hope's side and kissed her partner on the mouth before settling in Megan's chair.
"How can you do this? If Keegan cooked like this I'd be huge." Gwen grinned knowing she was walking a thin line.
"Are you back together?" Kelly asked knowing her chances with the Olympian were demising by the minute.
"No." Keegan said.
"Yes." Gwen corrected her ignoring the blazing blue eyes boring into her. Gwen leaned back in her chair and caught the amused look on Danny's face.
"That's as clear as mud." The hostess said as she ate the spoonful of her Crème Brûlée. Gwen laughed at her comment and was immediately slapped on the thigh. "Tonight is definitely an interesting night."
The table was cleared and the invitation for wine was extended. Most of the women declined. Kelly and Nancy mentioned heading to The Angle for some dancing. Deb, exhausted from cooking and scribbling notes all evening, was looking forward to some down time with her partner at home. Danny walked her departing guests to the door. She watched as Gwen helped Keegan with her jacket. The pair was still a mystery to her. She had seen them interact and with the curve ball of a conversation echoing in her head, she wasn't sure what to make of them. Were they a couple or were they just friends? All night long, she was waiting for someone to yell April Fool's. Instead, Meg left annoyed. Frost was clinging to her like a dryer sheet. Gwen and Keegan had different answers to the question of if they were dating.
"Thank you for the invite." Gwen said as she gave Danny a hug and a kiss on the cheek. They held on to each other for a moment. "Everything will work out." Gwen whispered in her ear.
"You don't know the half of it." Danny said as she pulled back. "What about you, mommy did you enjoy your evening?"
"The food and company were fabulous!" Keegan's face turned scarlet. "I have to stop hanging with Sparky. He's wearing off on me. If you see Meg, tell her I got a ride."
"I think she was going to drown her sorrows in a beverage or two." Frost piped up from the opposite side. Danny felt Keegan's frame go tense.
"Robin, have we offended you in some way? Threatened you? Caused you grief in any way?" Keegan's voice was calm and direct. Gwen and Danny both began to fidget nervously.
"No, Keegan." The attorney shot her one of her courtroom smiles.
"Then I suggest you keep your commentary to yourself. If I know my sister, and I can honestly say I know her much better than you, she found a driving range and is hitting golf balls until her hands bleed. Unlike some people, if she is upset or frustrated, she doesn't enjoy targeting other people." Keegan moved to the door and felt Gwen's hand on the small of her back. "I know you are a very smart woman Robin, but you need to wise up as to what is really important in life."
"What is that Keegan?'
"Having people love you unconditionally." Keegan gave Danny a small smile then left. Gwen followed. They walked in silence until Keegan stopped in the middle of the drive. "Please tell me you have a car." Just as she said it, Gwen hit the button of the Lexus' lights flipped on. "Nice car. Someone is traveling in class."
"That's the only way you should travel." Gwen held open the door for Keegan then ran around the front to get in. Keegan smiled as Gwen slipped behind the wheel. "What?"
"You were a nice surprise. Thank you for that." Keegan's heart pounded against her chest. She reached across the counsel and laced her fingers with Gwen's.
"You're welcome." Gwen squeezed her fingers against Keegan's but didn't let go as she drove the car away.
Danny watched from the foyer as Gwen helped Kee into the car. Her heart soared at the sight of the building relationship between the women. It was a comfort that Keegan had found the one person in her life that was missing. When the car pulled away, she turned to look at Robin. The attorney had a strange look on her face as if she was still trying to digest Keegan's comments. "Robin." Danny got the attorney's attention. "You need to leave. I'll call you next week."
"Come on Danny. I didn't do." Robin stopped talking as silver eyes cut her way. Danny was a strong woman who challenged her in many ways. If she was going to try to salvage this night with Danny, Robin thought it best to change her tactics. She moved closer to Danny and placed her finger on her chin and lowered her lips to Danny's. Danny turned her face to receive a kiss on the cheek.
"Robin, I asked you to leave." Danny waited to see what the attorney's reaction would be. Blue eyes studied her face for a moment. After a moment a slight nod of her head and then Frost smiled.
"You really like her, don't you?" Robin ran a hand through her black hair. "I thought it was one sided, but you..." Robin waggled her finger. "If you can't get Ashley, you might as well go after the other one." The sound of Danny's hand slapping Frost's cheek echoed through the house. An angry red hand print could be seen as soon as Frost lowered the hand she had placed there.
"Good night Robin." Danny turned on her heel. Leaving her last guest on her own to leave the house. Robin rubbed her face and closed the door behind her.
~
"Why did you say we are back together?" Keegan asked as she pulled the comforter of her bed back. She had been resorting to wearing Meg's t-shirts to bed. Her clothing seemed to be restricting. Tonight's attire read, Golfers do it on the green.
"Because I want to be." Gwen said as she came into the room. She had changed into a pair of gray flannel boxers and black tee shirt. She took in the curvy female in front of her.
"Just because you want it doesn't mean it will happen." Keegan replied. She had been on the other side of that request too many times. Carrie had expressed the same desire.
"Maybe I wanted to let Kelly know she didn't have a chance." Gwen said as she slipped into the opposite side of Keegan's bed. She waited until Keegan looked at her. When blue eyes locked with hers she smiled. "She doesn't you know."
"She can hope." Keegan climbed into bed. Turning off the light, she settled against the mattress. Trying to find a comfortable position, she turned and tossed until she felt Gwen reach for her. Scooting her back against Gwen's front, she let herself become engulfed in the blonde's arms again.
"Comfy?" Gwen whispered in her ear. A tan muscular arm was draped across her waist and lightly touched her stomach. Keegan sighed and nodded. She was very comfy, cozy and safe. "Can you tell me about your treatment?" Gwen brushed her face against Keegan's soft dark hair.
"What do you want to know?" Keegan felt her heart start to pound.
"All of it. The leukemia. What you went through? How sick you were." Gwen wiped a rolling tear from her cheek. "I missed out on five years Kee. I want to know what it was like for you during that time." Keegan pulled Gwen's fingers between her own as she turned to face the blonde. The moonlight filtered through the window to silhouette the two figures lying side by side on the bed.
"It started with a lot of tests." Keegan said softly. She watched Gwen's eyes close slowly. "I didn't know at the time what type of leukemia it was."
"What did they do to test your blood? Did they draw blood or other things?" Gwen traced the side of Keegan's face with her finger tips.
"They poke you." Keegan kissed the bandaged finger. She ran her hand along Gwen's throat. "Check the lymph nodes."
"I wish I had been there for you." Gwen could hear the pain in her voice. Being excluded from her former partner's health was hurtful.
"I didn't want you to miss out on the most important thing in your life." Keegan saw the pain her answered caused Gwen.
"I did miss out on the most important thing in my life. I missed out on you." Gwen ran the pad of her thumb over Keegan's soft sensual lips. Pools of water formed in the corners of Keegan's eyes. "I'm sorry that wasn't fair."
"Life isn't fair Gwen."
"No it's not." Gwen pulled Keegan closer and tucked her chin on top of Keegan's head as the brunette continued to fill in the details of her illness and treatment. She missed this closeness they once had. Tonight, tonight was the night, they turned the corner and put the past behind them.
Chapter 18
The downtown Atlanta skyline shimmered under the afternoon sun. A pleasant May afternoon had flowers blooming and spring in the air. Gwen had arrived in plenty of time to meet the 2 o'clock appointment. It was a shame the party she was meeting was late. For the better part of an hour, she sat staring over the city of Atlanta. The conference room sat at the top of the home of Sports News Network building located in the heart of Atlanta. The twelve story building could be seen from Interstate 75 close to the former site of the 1996 Olympic Celebrations. The structure had housed numerous companies and business over the years. Currently, it had three hotels and eight restaurants and a multitude of stores.
The administrative assistant showed her to the large conference room on the tenth floor and provided a bottle of water and a glass. She tapped her finger along the glass as condensation dripped down its side. She wondered if the executives at SNN treated all of their appointments this way. She let her mind wander to Keegan. Their future looked promising.
Unofficially, she was back with Keegan. Gwen remembered waking to the familiar feel of Keegan wrapped in her arms, their bodies pressed close together and their legs entangled. Her nose nuzzled against the dark strands of Keegan's hair, breathing in the flowers and citrus scents of Keegan's shampoo. Her hand absently stroked over the fine hair on Keegan's arm and across the rounded contours of her abdomen. Inhaling deeply, she let out a sigh of contentment, she was falling in love.
The small red-headed assistant entered the room. In her arms she carried a stack of manila folders, her curly hair rudely falling into her eyes no matter how many times she tried to push it back. "Miss Lerner," She began. "Mr. Lane will be here momentarily. I apologize for the delay." She stepped away and looked back for a moment as if she wanted to say more.
"Are you alright?" Gwen asked the woman who looked as if she had just lost her best friend.
"Yes, I just wanted to say I was sorry to heard rumors of your relationship ending. You make a very dynamic couple." The red head said quickly, conveying her sympathy. Gwen nodded. Hannah was instructed to slowly leak information to the press regarding the couple's relationship troubles. By the time the Motors made it to the playoffs, Bobby and Gwen's relationship should be officially over. Odds makers were quickly stacking the opponents with an advantage. The bookies had the odds at 10-1 Motors would make it to the championship series. The rumors circulated about Bob going into a bout with depression.
As the redhead exited, a large balding man who had sweat pouring down his forehead entered from the hall. He barked a few words to the red head and dabbed his brow with a silk handkerchief. "I just got here." He hastily set his briefcase down on the teak finished conference table, then began to shed his blue suit coat. Swinging it off his frame and on to the back of a chair, he mumbled an apology. "Sorry to keeping you waiting, Gwen." The large man approached the blonde, extending his hand. Gwen took hold of the clammy palm and forced herself not to wipe it on the thigh of her slacks.
Kirk Lane was the Vice President of Operations for the Sports branch of SNN. The former head coach of Southern Christian Mississippi men's football program had invested in SNN during its conception and served on the board of director's for the past several years. "Jane…" He bellowed. The administrative assistant appeared at the doorway. "Diet Coke, lots of ice." He turned to Gwen. "Anything for you Miss Lerner?" Gwen shook her head and gestured towards the ice water in front of her. Kirk took a moment and settled his large frame into one of the leather high back chair as the bearings and frame squealed under his weight. Folding his hands on top of the table, Kirk took in Gwen's presence. "Let's start over." He declared extending his less offensive hand to Gwen. "Kirk Lane, Vice President Operations. Welcome to SNN. I hope you are finding our weather tolerable."
"Thank you, Mr. Lane." Gwen pulled her hand back for the second time, wishing she were able to wipe the sweat off. The man across from her had not seen the lower portion of the three hundred pounds for some time. His ragged breathing and red flush face made her want to check her own blood pressure. Obviously, being the VP of the Sports division had nothing to do with what type of shape you were in. She wondered if the man was aware of his risks. Offering a small smile, she set her concerns aside. "The weather is a little humid for my taste. I'm sure July and August are little worse."
"You're right on that one." The doors opened and in came his request for a Diet Coke. Taking it off the tray before the assistant could set it down almost caused a small disaster. With great poise, the red head was able to settle the tray and set it within reach of Mr. Lane. "So how are you holding up?" His puffy red hands made a swiping gesture across the table, leaving a sheer trail of condensation in their path.
"Excuse me?" Gwen asked, slightly confused by his question. This was her final step with SNN, her previous discussions were with department heads for broadcasting and development. The final interview with their boss, Kirk Lane, the VP, was not what she had expected.
"Holding up?" He downed the contents of his glass in a millisecond. Jane had been smart enough to have a back-up waiting on the tray. "The odds makers are banking on your boyfriend to fall apart during the game."
"I'm fine. Bob is fine." Gwen shifted in her seat for a moment. This was not the line of questioning she had been expecting. Where was the discussion about her career aspirations, her goals for working with the network? Instead she was being questioned about her love life at least her public love life.
"A woman of your age," The executive coughed slightly as he opened the second Diet Coke. Beads of sweat formed on his upper lip and he began to tug on his collar. "I would think this would concern you. Wanting to get married and settle down. Have a family."
"Excuse me?" Gwen felt the blood rush to her face. The 1950's had come and gone decades ago and this man was trying to make a June Cleaver out of her.
"Are you a Christian?" The VP continued his interview.
"Mr. Lane, with all due respect, I believe the questions you are asking me are a direct violation of a number of employment laws." Gwen spread her fingers and felt the vein pulsing in the center of her forehead. All she needed to top the day off was a migraine.
"Surely Miss Lerner, you understand with my background, I need people on my team. People who reflect the same integrity and morality I do. I need a team who is on my side. Not flapping for the liberals and heathens. The morality of SNN is at stake with every hire." "Morality or your version of morality?"
"We're talking about you joining the SNN team." He cleared his throat. "You're loved by the public. Your name alone draws an audience. Add to that your athletic ability and looks. You are an attractive woman." He leaned back in his chair and leering at Gwen. "You are well aware of how your presence draws a…. an..attraction." As the word rolled off his fatty lips, Gwen knew this guy was a pig. He had one thing on his mind and it wasn't morality. "Your agent…" He began again, taking his glasses off his face to clean the lens on a hanky from his pocket.
"What about my agent?" Gwen was well aware of Hannah's position on accepting the offer from SNN. The deal would wrap her into a contract for over fifteen years and gave SNN the rights to nullify any offers outside their realm. Her work with charities and foundations could be stopped. She would no longer be able to speak at universities or events. SNN would have to approve it all and on top of that take a percentage of Gwen's earning. Yet, Gwen still wanted to see what the network had to offer. She wanted to have some stability. Names of athletes came and went with the times. Where were the Bo Jacksons? The Carl Lewises? Fame was fast and fleeing. She wanted to have some type of career with a stable income.
"She seems to have some hesitation with our offer." Kirk tapped his finger on the smooth face of the tabletop. He moved his arms slightly and made a small grunting sound.
"I have hesitation. Including the fact I've been waiting forty five minutes, the line of questioning you've taken with me, which let me assure you is very illegal. As for the mortality of this company, I question that greatly by the way you've conducted yourself here today." "You should be honored we're considering you at all for this position."
"I think not. Have a good day." Gwen stood up abruptly and began to gather her belongings. She didn't need to listen to this executives crap. She could go the route they planned. It was the idea of working for a prestigious network like SNN that had her sitting across the table from sloth.
"You walk out that door, you can say goodbye to any chance of working for SNN. If it wasn't for the fact that every man on this planet think you're a gift from... " He stopped suddenly and grasped at his chest. She lifted her eyes to his face. His breathing was shallow. His face redder than it had been. His right hand was clutching at his chest.
"No …no…you son of a bitch." He was having a heart attack right in front of her. She should have seen the signs. Running to the door, she flung it open and screamed to the assistant. "Call 911, he's having a heart attack!" Gwen went back into the room to the slumping figure in the chair. She pulled the chair back and tried to loosen his tie. His body odor was over whelming and she tried to lift him so that he was lying on the floor.
The red head appeared at her side. "Do you know CPR?" Gwen asked the assistant. It had been a long time since had been trained and she really did not want to perform on Kirk Lane.
"No, but we have Paramedics on staff in the building." The administrative assistant offered just as three EMTs entered the boardroom. Gwen felt relief course through her body as the paramedics took over the situation. Kirk was lying on the floor, shirt wide open. The rolls of fat hanging from his chest bounced as the compressions were administered.
On shaky legs, Gwen got to her feet and made her way into the hallway. The assistant was at her desk speaking rapidly into the telephone. Gwen tried to compose herself as she adjusted her suit jacket. Her hair was pushed in all sorts of directions.
"Gwen." She turned at the sound of her name. Dale McKnight stood at the corner of the receptionist area. He gave her a slight smile. "Are you alright?" A friendly touch on her arm as her old friend offered some comfort. "Were you meeting with Lane?"
"Final interview." She glanced at the gurney being wheeled out. "I think I made an impression." The seasoned reporter did not miss her sarcastic tone.
"I think it was the blocked arteries, high blood pressure, the extra 150 pounds and the smoking. You know the south, tobacco is king." Dale gave her some tell tale signs that Kirk Lane did not take care of himself. "Do you need a bathroom to freshen up? There's one just down the hallway."
Gwen nodded quickly afraid she would cry. Not that she had any ties to Kirk Lane but watching a man die was not anything she wanted to do again. "That would be great, thank you." Gwen let the man lead her to the women's facilities. She had known Dale McKnight for over a decade. The reporter seemed to have a soft spot in his heart for her.
"I caught that spot of you and Keegan Garry in Detroit a few weeks ago." Gwen lifted her eyes ready to do battle. "If you see her, please tell her hello for me. Its good to see.." He hesitated. "Differences worked out."
"I'll tell her." Gwen whispered as she entered the facilities. She wondered just how much Dale knew. The nightmare interview with Kirk Lane meant her chances of signing with SNN were nil. She stepped in front of the sink and mirror. Her reflection showed how she felt, panicked. She had just blow the interview for her dream job. She had nothing to offer Keegan. She was unemployed ex-soccer players whose biggest income generation was a poster that boarded on pornographic.
"Fuck!" She yelled at the reflection. "I gave the VP a fucking heart attack." She shook her shoulders as if to shrug off the vision of Kirk Lane's flabby body on the floor. "There was no way I was giving that guy mouth to mouth." She smirked at the fact she was talking to herself and thought that Lane probably faked it to see if she would do it. Calling her hot one moment then dropping like a sack of potatoes the next.
"Sh…it!" The word came out like the old Electric Company skit. The entire experience with Kirk Lane was a nightmare. Her interview had been horrible. The fact he suffered a massive heart attack just as she was about to leave. Lane would have never offered her the job. Gwen was pretty sure she would hate working for a high and mighty bible-thumping bastard that he was. At least he wasn't dead. Gwen wanted to get home to Keegan. Leave Atlanta and the memory of Kirk Lane.
#
A shiver ran through her body as a flash of lightning skimmed across the darkened sky. Keegan felt the hair of her arms rise as the smell of burning ozone filled the air. She wrapped her arms tightly around her body for warmth. Stormy nights like tonight worried her. Especially when she knew Gwen was flying out of Atlanta. According to the latest report off The Weather Channel, a storm covered most of the country from the Midwest to the Rockies. The winds and lightning had grounded planes from Washington DC to Denver. Unless the pilot wanted to fly over or around, most chose not to. Gwen's flight connected through Dallas. Looking at the updated national map, Keegan hoped the pilot grounded the plane. The television flashed to the latest Detroit Metro area map. DTW grounded all flights. There were a few desperate planes allowed to seek refuge from the storm.
The morning after the dinner party, Keegan woke up wrapped in Gwen's embrace and savored the feeling. Through the night, they spoke about their lives. Keegan talked about her family, about Ashley and Andy and her sister's decision to have a baby after she was divorced. Her meeting Tony and the friendship that developed from there. Keegan told her of the women she dated and the limited relationships she had since they broke up. Gwen spoke of Christopher's passing, her mother's antics, and how she and Bobby found each other when they needed a friend. They spent the next day together, taking a picnic lunch to the park close to Keegan's house. They sat by the lake and enjoyed the day. Keegan read aloud from a book of poems with Gwen's head resting on her thigh under the sun filled sky. Keegan became a little depressed, because she knew Gwen would return home.
A little smile crossed Keegan face as she reconnected with Gwen on so many levels. Yet, Gwen was still living in California and she was in Michigan. She silently wondered if Gwen could adapt to life in Detroit. Her life wasn't glitz and glamour, but maybe Gwen could become accustomed to it. Keegan wasn't going to leave Detroit. She wanted her child to grow up with a support system in case her fear of the leukemia returning happened.
When a representative from SNN contacted her to do a cover piece, she thought it was a joke. She declined, stating the past was in the past and she didn't need to rehash something she could never change. The strange twist in the matter was Gwen's agent, Hannah, wanted to represent her. Keegan laughed when Gwen told her, but a few conversations with Hannah had Keegan thinking about representation. Gwen was wheeling and dealing with SNN, but kept most of the details out of their conversation.
Keegan couldn't change time lost with Gwen but the renewed friendship felt like old times. Every time the phone rang, she would get the same nervous queasiness in her stomach. She tried to blame it on indigestion or the baby, but she knew the cause was the thought of Gwen on the line. Disappointment washed through her when the person calling wasn't Gwen. Her disappointment was so obvious when Sarah called one afternoon, her mother questioned if she had the baby blues. When Keegan confessed about Gwen calling, Sarah told her she always liked Gwen, no matter if she did make a bad choice. They fell into a routine of late night calls just as Keegan would slide between the cool cotton sheets, the phone pressed to her ear, listening to the events of Gwen's day or telling the blonde about what the baby did or how her doctor's appointment went.
Standing next to her bed, she leaned her forehead against the windowpane, watching the sheets of rain fall from the sky. In the back of her mind, Keegan always thought they would get back together. Her heart ached for Gwen. She carried a physical pain that coursed through her body for so long, subsiding only when Gwen came back into her life. Another bolt of lighting lit up the night sky. She wished Gwen would call soon. The idea of her traveling on a plane in the middle of a storm was unnerving. She was worried. Isn't that what friends did, they worried about each other's well being? Who was she kidding? Ever since Gwen showed back up in her life, she was whipped. The feelings she was having were stronger and deeper than before. She knew she had loved Gwen before, but now she was in love with her, totally and completely in love with her. There was no second-guessing, no jealousy with Bobby, no insecurity with other women. It was just Gwen.
When they were younger and had so much going on in their lives, they were all about fun, playing soccer and being there for one another. Now, it was different. Maybe because of the leukemia, she wanted something real and feasible. Like the child growing inside her, this was serious. If she ever got involved in a relationship, she wanted it to be one where there was a need between herself and her partner and a dependency they would have on each other. She wondered if Gwen was feeling the same things or if it was her hormones playing tricks on her. At night, she tried not to dream of the blonde kissing her or holding her tight. Yet she did. Each time, the dreams seem to intensify. Just like it had been during the chemo treatments. Gwen was always there with her supporting.
Entering the master bathroom, she decided a bath was what she needed to unwind. Turning the taps of the garden tub on, she let the hot water run for a while before turning it down a bit and opening the cold water valve. Testing the water with her hand, she adjusted the temperature to where she wanted it. With a lighter in hand, she went through out the bathroom lighting candles and setting the mood. She wanted to feel the warm and soothing atmosphere she dreamed she would create if Gwen were coming home to her. She wanted to feel the blonde against her. She needed to be touched, wanted by her. The scented oil she dropped in the water reminded her of the fragrance Gwen wore on the night of the dinner party. She ran her hands down her forearms and imagined Gwen making love to her by candlelight. She wanted that so desperately. In fact, she had approached the subject with Dr. Simpson during her appointment last week. With her face flushed and her ears burning, the doctor smiled, stating that people had been doing it for thousands of years. If there were a concern, she would let her know immediately.
Lighting the last candle in the bathroom dressing area, she began to strip out of her sweatshirt and running pants. Her waistline was expanding so quickly she had limited her wardrobe to scrubs and elastic banded pants. Naked in front of the full-length mirror, she could see the dramatic changes in her body. Her breasts were fuller. Her stomach was still a small pouch but it was pushing farther and farther out. From behind, people could not tell she was expecting but from the side, it was obvious. She ran her hands over the expanse of her belly, smiling at the small kick she felt. Cold hands might have woken someone up. Quickly, she grabbed the soft midnight blue terry robe from behind the door and put it on before she checked the water level in the tub. Still needing more water, she went to the bedroom window and looked out over her back yard. A nice big back yard with a swing set and sand box where her child would play. The sound of the phone ringing made her jump. With a smile, she looked at the clock. Close to ten o'clock, Gwen was on the ground.
"Hello." She said as she picked up the cordless from the cradle.
"Hey. I'm glad I caught you. I was hoping you weren't sleeping yet." Gwen's static filled voice came over the receiver. "Are you busy?"
"Just filling the tub." Keegan thought she heard Gwen groan, but with the bad connection she wasn't sure. "Are you on the ground?"
"Finally. I've got to tell you, that was not a fun ride. Now I'm in a taxi." Gwen held her hand over the phone and gave the cabby directions. "Not sure which one was worse but at least I'm closer to the ground." She looked at the darkness closing over the familiar looking neighborhood. "I wanted to hear your voice. I've had a really bad day."
"How did the interview go? I miss you." Keegan told her, hoping Gwen didn't hear the need in her voice. The thoughts that had been running through her head minutes before were still reverberating in her brain.
"I don't want to talk about the interview." Gwen's voice was flat and the subject not to be discussed.
The storm outside went up a notch as the trees blew sideways and loose debris hit against the window. "We're having a really bad storm here." Keegan changed the topic as she sat on her bed pulling the robe down against her thighs. She thought about Gwen, and how it would feel to have her hands on her thighs. Caressing them softly and slipping her fingers into her. She closed her eyes tight as she visualized the blonde touching her, taking her to climax. A clasp of thunder filled the air and brought her back to her room. "Did I lose you?" Keegan got up and turned off the water in the tub.
"No, but can you hold on while I get my bags?" Gwen's voice was strained and the wind whipped around her. She spoke to the cabbie about his fare.
"Okay." Keegan took a lit candle with her as she cradled the phone under her chin. The front doorbell chimed just as the power flicked off. "Shit." Keegan said as she stared at the dead phone and tossed it on her bed. The bell chimed again. Not electrical, battery powered. Who the hell would be out in this weather? With the candle in hand, she headed to the front door. Taking her time down the steps, she pulled back the curtain but only saw pitch black. She set the candle down on the entrance table. When she opened the door, she stepped back in shock as Gwen stood on the front porch soaked head to toe.
"I wanted to see you." Gwen stood under the over hang out of the rain. Her hair flattened against her scalp. The light windbreaker she had on drenched. "Keegan, I need to tell you something." She crossed through the doorway and into the foyer. Candlelight illuminated their silhouettes. Droplets fell into Gwen's face as the rain dripped from her hair. Her body shivered from the drop in body temperature as she stood staring at Keegan. "I can't be friends with you."
Fear immediately grabbed at Keegan's heart, she didn't want to hear what Gwen had to say. Her mouth dropped slightly. She was not expecting Gwen to be at her front door. Nor did she expect the women she loved to voice a declaration to deny friendship. Since reuniting in March, they had become very close. So close, Keegan wanted to confess her love for the woman standing in front of her. "What?" Keegan's initial shock wore off. "Get in here." She grabbed Gwen by the arm and pulled her into the living room. Keegan stepped into the side bathroom to retrieve a towel. Returning to Gwen's side, she began to dry her off. The blonde stood shivering in a light cloth wind breaker, jeans, and a white cotton shirt. "What were you thinking?"
"I can't be friends with you Keegan." Gwen's chattering teeth stunted her words. The towel was placed over her head as Keegan began to dry her hair. "Keegan, stop." Gwen's shaking hand halted Keegan's frantic movements. Finally getting the shorter woman's attention, Gwen held on to the warmth of her hands. "I can not be friends with you." She repeated.
The words registered in Keegan's brain. Gwen was leaving, pulling away. Maybe this was why she didn't want to talk about the interview. The job with SNN had finally come through and she was moving to Atlanta. Keegan stepped back. She tightened the sash on her robe. From the phone conversation she was having with Gwen, the last thing she expected was for the blonde to give up on their friendship. She felt the joy she had been experiencing a few minutes ago slipping from her fingers.
"I don't.." Gwen began.
"It's okay Gwen." Keegan spoke with held her head high. She feared this moment, she was ready to confess her love and Gwen was leaving her. Keegan felt the tears pooling in her eyes. Turning away quickly, she would not let Gwen see her cry. She started to head her bedroom. "Did you come here to tell me this?" Keegan asked as she looked at the ceiling of her living room.
"No." Gwen's voice was in her ear and her wet body pressed against Keegan's backside. "I came to tell you I can't be friends with you because..." Gwen turned Keegan's teary face towards her. "I love you." Gwen wiped the tears from Keegan's cheek. "I want to be so much more than your friend Keegan. I want to be your lover, your partner, the woman who helps you raise your child. I want us Keegan. Us." Gwen repeated softly as she lifted Keegan's face and lowered her lips to cover Keegan's. She hesitated inches from Keegan's lips. "I want to be with you in every way, to be by your side in good times and bad. Tell me you want the same."
"I want the same." Keegan placed her hand behind Gwen's neck and closed her fingers in her wet hair, bridging the gap between them. Lips touched and hearts soared as time stood still. Their bodies leaned against each other savoring the heated attraction. The nervous tingling in Keegan's stomach disappeared as small exchanges of touches of lips against lips melted into a full blown kiss. As if in a trance, Keegan felt all time recede as if they had never been apart. Her mouth opened under Gwen's as their tongues touched. Every molecule in her body screamed for Gwen's touch, to be with her. Keegan felt the cold wet clothes press against her. Pulling away from the blonde slightly, Keegan opened her eyes to the searching doe eyes. "I love you." Keegan whispered as her fingers danced over Gwen's face. "I've always loved you."
"I never want to be away from you." Gwen felt salty tears mix with the rain water.
"We need to get you out of these wet clothes." Keegan uttered as she pulled on the wet material. Gwen's teeth chattered and her lips were turning an unbecoming shade of blue as she grabbed the hem of the windbreaker and pulled it over her head. Keegan stepped forward, fisting her hand in the wet mass of Gwen's shirt. She pulled it loose from the waistband and began to work the buttons open.
"Just rip it." Gwen growled as her hands were working her jeans down her hips. Keegan did. Buttons went flying as Keegan tore the shirt from Gwen's torso. The bluish hue of flesh warmed under her wandering hands. Keegan stepped closer, letting her lips kiss the frozen skin of Gwen's chest. She heard Gwen groan and lifted her lips to Gwen's. Pressing hard against Gwen's mouth, Keegan stepped into the wet arms of her visitor. Cold wet hands wrapped around Keegan's waist, pulling her closer. There was a moment of perfect completion as their bodies came together. Keegan was trying to gather herself. If they didn't stop now, they would be making love on the living room floor. She stopped at the intense gaze Gwen was giving her.
"What do you want?" Keegan's voice dropped to a soft sexy whisper. She twisted her hand in Gwen's soaked hair.
Standing in the living room, bathed by the light from the candle and a flicker of lightening in the background, Gwen knelt in front of her and spread open Keegan's robe. She placed her hands on Keegan's hip and pressed her face against her womb. Kissing the warm flesh, Gwen explored the expanse of Keegan's body. Her lips warming from the heated body she held. When pressed her lips lower and breathed in the scent of Keegan's need. Her lips touched softly against Keegan's upper thighs. "You." The answer was harsh and breathy.
"I've dreamed about you for so long." Keegan confessed as her knees buckled. Her hand settled against the dampness of Gwen's shoulder. Gwen's arms held tightly to Keegan's waist, as if she was afraid the moment was a dream. Keegan felt Gwen's lips explore her body as she pulled her close. She rubbed her hands against Gwen's naked back as Gwen pulled the robe from her body. Slowly, Gwen lowered her body to the floor until she lay in front of a kneeling Gwen.
"I want you."
Keegan felt the surge of desire through her loins as Gwen's brown eyes devoured her body. When Gwen lifted her once frozen flesh to cover Keegan's warm body, both women let out a groan, than laughed. "God, you're freezing, but you feel good." Keegan kissed the hollows of Gwen's shoulder. Her lips found Gwen's neck and she planted small kisses along the flesh. Gwen's head went back, giving Keegan better access to her throat.
"Love me." Gwen's request was the only prompting Keegan needed as her mouth covered Gwen's without hesitation. The energy Keegan felt through her body was overwhelming. She had never felt such elation. Sweetness exploded as Gwen's tongue touched hers. Keegan pulled her closer as her hands investigated Gwen's body, caressing the smooth slopes and curves of her back. Keegan's fingers skimmed and fondled lightly as she slowly explored Gwen's backside. Downwards, her hands glided across the small of her back and backside to the smooth slanting slope of her hips. Keegan wanted Gwen since the meeting in Ashley's kitchen. She ran her fingers over a small mole on Gwen's shoulder as she reacquainted her hands with Gwen's body. She needed to touch flesh again to know this was her Gwen. This was real, not a dream. She heard herself cry out as Gwen's hand stroked her breast. Still kissing, Gwen guided Keegan's hand to the top of her center. Lightly, Keegan grazed the hair covering her center. Keegan moaned louder as she moved her hand against Gwen's sex. She wanted to touch her. She needed to touch her.
"Touch me." Gwen's voice crackled with desire as Keegan slowly cupped her hand over the soft curls. As she pressed lightly on the softness, her fingers curved gently and intimately probed the smooth silkiness of her sex. Her fingers slid easily through the valley. Gwen moaned as Keegan's fingers grazed over her clit. Keegan had never felt anything so sensuous. Her pleasure at touching Gwen was evident by the soft moans she expelled. As Gwen's hand went to her waist, she moaned, urging the blonde to touch her. Gwen's mouth found her breast and her tongue moved in sensual circles over her nipple. When Gwen's mouth broke the contact, Keegan cried out. When her mouth moved to the twin, Keegan held her head tight against her breast. Keegan's breathing was labored by the overwhelming sensation of Gwen touching her fulfilled her dreams. Keegan opened her eyes to see Gwen nuzzling her breast.
Lifting her mouth from Keegan's breast, Gwen leaned on her forearms, straddling Keegan's body. "Is it okay if I touch you?" The concern in Gwen's voice was evident. Keegan nodded as the tears of joy threaten to spill. "I love you Kee. I never stopped." Keegan pulled Gwen to her and kissed her fully and completely on the mouth. Tasting, touching, and teasing as Gwen's hips fell into a natural rhythm against her, moving her fingers to follow the rhythm they fell into. Keegan studied Gwen, her eyes were closed and her mouth held in a tight painless pleasure. Keegan did not want to quit touching her, but she stopped abruptly as Gwen's finger reached the place that sent her over the edge. Suppressing a scream of climax, she bit down on Gwen's shoulder. Keegan heard herself cry out as her arms wrapped around Gwen's neck. She opened her eyes and found Gwen's soft brown eyes staring down at her. She had never seen her look like that before. She kissed her fully on the mouth. The kiss was soft and sweet. Gone were the kisses of hastiness and want. These shared kisses spoke of love and commitment. Of a future they wanted together.
After catching their breath, Gwen got to her feet and reached for Keegan's hand. After a shared kiss in the middle of the living room, Keegan took the lead by guiding Gwen upstairs to the master bedroom. She had Gwen sit on the mattress. Leaving the blonde for a movement, Keegan went about the room gathering candles from the bathroom and placing them around the bedroom. Gwen watched, her eyes never leaving Keegan.
"You're beautiful." Gwen said as Keegan moved towards her. Holding a hand out to her, Gwen took Keegan's and pulled her close. With her other hand, she ran the back of it over Keegan's breast. Letting her knuckles graze her nipple. Gently, she retraced the path of her hand with her lips. She tugged Keegan gently down on the bed. Delicately planting kisses over Keegan's body. She always loved Keegan's breasts. She loved the weight and the feel of them in her hands. They were a little larger than she remembered, but they were firm and peaked under her touch. Gwen's mouth touched each one with reverence and her hand slipped between Keegan's legs. Gwen's fingers touched her lightly at first, her finger running the length and back. Wetness seeped from her body. Keegan moaned out loud as Gwen pushed her hips against her harder. Gwen's movement increased as she dipped a finger into Keegan filling her. Keegan's legs automatically wrapped around Gwen's waist trying to bring Gwen closer, deeper inside. "More." Keegan panted. Gwen slipped another finger into her and pressed her thumb against the bundle of nerves.
"Oh God!" Keegan screamed out as she threw her head back. Gwen sucked at her neck. Keegan pulled at her long hair, holding on as she rode the euphoric high. She ran her fingers down the wet mass, over the muscular shoulder, across Gwen's ribs to cup her smooth tight ass. Tightened her hands around Gwen's round bottom urging her on, she was going to come again. Keegan pulled Gwen towards her as her body jerked once again bliss running through her body. The blonde leaned on an elbow and kissed Keegan on the lips.
"I wanted to feel your body against mine." Gwen confessed. Keegan switched positions so Gwen lay under her now.
"I have been fighting the urge to do this." Keegan made small circles with her tongue on Gwen's breast. Suckling at one until the nipple hardened in her mouth, then moving to the other, giving each breast the same reverence. Her knee spread Gwen's thighs and she could feel the nectar spilling freely. She kissed her ribs and her belly, bringing her mouth to Gwen's center. Keegan's fingers touched the damp valley. She continued the kissing barrage on Gwen's body, finding the other small mole on her hip. Lowering herself on the bed, Keegan placed her mouth on Gwen's mound. Spreading her legs wider, she used her shoulders to leverage her position. Her hands pressed down on Gwen's hips, urging the pleasure as a deep and deeper contact was made with her elongated clit. Gwen squirmed and cried out Keegan's name. Keegan spread the valley with her tongue. The taste was invigorating. She couldn't get enough as she lapped her lover's juices. Probing in the cavity with her tongue, she felt Gwen's muscles began to spasm. She continued to focus on the spot, which made the blonde's hips lift off the mattress. Gwen lurched off the bed, screaming Keegan's name. She pulled Keegan up and begged her to stop. Keegan straddled her and continued the pleasure with her fingers. Their bodies moved in motion as they rode the waves. Keegan felt Gwen shudder and explode against her hand.
"I'm dreaming." Gwen said out loud. She lay next to Keegan with her arms wrapped around her. She ran her finger over Keegan's temple. "Wow." She stopped. "Are you okay?"
"We should have done that the night of the dinner party." Keegan laughed.
"The first night would have been better. God, I love you." Gwen confessed. "Keegan," Gwen turned towards Keegan and held her tighter in her arms. Keegan waited for Gwen to finish her sentence. Gwen's lips whispered against her hair. "I love you Kee. I wish I could go back and change what happened, but I can't. I can only promise you are the only one I care about. The only one I want. You're person who I want to share my life with." Gwen placed a finger under Keegan's chin so their lips could meet. Slow, soft gentle caresses of lips against lips led into probing tongues dancing together as they once had. When Keegan moaned aloud, Gwen pulled back, smiling.
"I missed you. I've been thinking about you all night." Keegan burrowed her face against Gwen's neck. "I was worried." Her skin, no longer cold, had a rosy color to it. "Come on, let's get you cleaned. I know how you hate airplanes." Keegan pulled Gwen by the hand into the bathroom, revealing candles and the water filled tub. Turning on the hot water tap, she waited until steam was coming from the faucet.
"Am I intruding on you?" Gwen saw the flush in Keegan's cheeks.
"I told you I was thinking about you tonight. I wanted to feel you, so this is how I was doing that. You're much better in the flesh." Keegan stepped forward and lowered her lips to a pert nipple. She looked at Gwen as her pink tongue contacted the rose colored nipple. "You're beautiful." Running her hands against the small of Gwen's back, she worked her way across the broad expanse. She feasted on the sight before her, kissing her way from one nipple to the other. She felt Gwen catch her breath. "I've wanted to do this since you walked into my sister's kitchen."
"I wish you had, it would've saved me time and frustration." Gwen said, as her breath hitched when Keegan's fingers grazed softly across her pulsing sex.
"You were frustrated?" The teasing was back and Gwen knew it well. She loved this about Keegan. The playfulness as they made love. She'd watch the dark haired woman straddle her hips and press light kisses over her body as Gwen begged her to take her.
"Yes." The answer hissed out of Gwen lips as she tested the warmth of the water. Keegan knelt in front of her, pressing her lips to Gwen's body. "Keegan." Gwen called out as the brunette's lips began to kiss a trail from her calf to her inner thigh.
"Yes…" Keegan could feel the tension in Gwen's body, taut like an archer's bow ready to fire. She was ready to soar free if Keegan would let her. "I've dreamed about you for so long." Her face rested against the springy hair between Gwen's thighs. "The way you smell, the way you feel." Keegan's fingers spayed the apex running lightly over her core as she continued her journey over Gwen's body. "Are you ready…" Keegan touched her lips to Gwen's willing the blonde to open her eyes and look at her. When Gwen did, Keegan smiled and finished her thoughts. "For your bath?"
"You're an evil woman." Gwen's eyes widened. "You're joining me, right?" Her hand went to the smooth creamy skin of Keegan's body. Her hands explored the plains of her stomach resting lightly on the small budge. A slight kick was felt. Gwen dropped her hand, having a moment of hesitation.
"Don't freak out." Keegan warned.
"Probably could read the thoughts I was having about its mother." Gwen placed both her hands on the baby. "And didn't like them."
"What are you planning on doing to me?" Keegan's voice dropped to a soft slow purr as she whispered in Gwen's ear. Gwen brought her mouth down hard against Keegan's, taking her with the passion that erupted in her veins. Her hand roughly cupped her breast, tweaking the nipple until it pebbled against her palm, touching her as the shivers ran through Keegan's body. Her thigh pushed between Keegan's, feeling the wetness pooling. Keegan's hands tightened on her waist, drawing her closer. Their mouths battled for dominance until the need for air drew them apart.
"Make love to you until you beg me to stop." Gwen eyes were blazing into the dancing blue eyes in front of her. "And then I'm going to cherish every moment we have together. I want forever. You're not getting away from me again, Keegan."
"I don't want to be anywhere else." Keegan let her lips roam freely over Gwen's neck and shoulder.
Chapter 19
Hannah handed Gwen the cancelled checks from Leonard Investigations, along with the information she dug up on the agency.
"He's legit." Hannah said. "And very reputable."
"Then why did I only get a minor report from his investigation?"
"That, my dear, is an answer I don't have." Hannah let her eyes roam over Gwen. Something had changed. Her client looked relaxed, gone was the defensive posture and the chip on her shoulder. She was happy. In fact, Gwen had been smiling since she walked in the office dressed very casually in a pair of worn Levi's and a soft peasant blouse. Her hair was down and the worry line on her forehead had disappeared. Not that Gwen always dressed up, but she looked great. "What's going on with you?" "What?" Gwen smiled the question back. She had Keegan back and she wasn't letting go. She didn't care if she took a loss on her house she was selling and moving to Detroit. The older woman with the hot pink lip stick sitting across the desk from her didn't know it, but Gwen was about to change plans on Ms. Hannah Marshfield. "Can't a person be in a good mood in your presence?"
"Yes, but you usually are not." Hannah flipped through her notes. SNN hadn't pulled the deal but they did revamp the offer. Gwen would never agree to give up her charity work, so SNN made the change. Kirk Lane was off on a leave of absence recovering from a triple bypass and Dale McKnight was acting VP. She let the smile reach her face as the realization dawned on her. Keegan Garry's name echoed in Hannah's head. She reached her hand across the table and touched Gwen's. "You're back with Keegan." The heavy blush in Gwen's cheeks had the agent slapping the desk top. "You're in love."
Gwen turned her expressive brown eyes towards Hannah. "I'm in love."
"Are we instigating the real break up plan?" Hannah asked as the wheels of the public relations began to spin her head. "Bob on board?"
"Yes, he adores her." Gwen replied as she thought about Bobby's smiling face when she finally told him they were officially back together. "I'm putting my house on the market and moving to Detroit."
"Are you sure Gwen? You just started talking to her in March."
"I missed five years Hannah. I'm not missing a second more." Gwen watched as Hannah's argument died on her lips. "Start the process. Home base is moving to Michigan."
"What are you going to tell Connie?" Hannah watched the play of emotions cross Gwen's face.
"She's a big girl. She can be on her own. God knows, she dumped me off enough times."
"What about the house in Redwood?" Hannah saw Gwen's face fall. The house Christopher willed to her was currently being rented by Stephanie Wheaton's family. Gwen sponsored Stephanie in the youth soccer program. She wanted to make sure the house was filled with the children Molly could never have.
"The Wheaton's are still renting. There is no need to sell the rental property. I still have the property management company taking care of it."
"I just asked Gwen. I don't think your aunt or uncle would frown down on you renting or even selling the home." Hannah walked over to the small refrigerator she had in her office and pulled out spring water. When she lifted one towards Gwen, the blonde nodded.
"I think the management company is doing a fine job." Hannah handed her the bottle.
"That is the only one of your mother's recommendations with which I would agree."
"I was young and Connie had the contacts I needed. Attorney, brokers….." Gwen waved her hand towards her agent. "Thank God you met Bob, otherwise that crook of a financial advisor would have you in the poor house." Hannah knew the broker was serving time in jail for insider trading. "Do you want to look a bit further into this PI? He was one of Connie's referrals."
"When is the last time we cut him a check?" Gwen picked up the canceled checks.
"About four years ago." Hannah said as she peered over her desk at the pieces of paper.
"I want to see what he did in Michigan, if he knew about Keegan being sick." Gwen said as she touched her signature on the contract looking at the date.
"And if he did?"
"Find out why I wasn't told." Gwen shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, what do I need to do so I can get my butt back to Keegan?"
"You're not going to like it but, you're going to have to change all of your travel plans and schedules. You're going to have to pay me back for this one."
"I always do." Gwen smiled as she leaned back in the chair. She didn't care if it got her back to Keegan quicker, she'd do it.
~
Gwen double checked the address in her PDA. She circled her pearl BMW Z4 around the two story stucco office building. She stopped at the corner and scoped out the neighborhood. The professional building and area had her second guessing her theory of Connie's private investigator being seedy. When she returned from Detroit, Hannah gave her with the name of the private investigator and the multiple checks that were cashed. When questioned about the multiple checks, Hannah stated an agreement with half up front and half when the job was completed. Glen Leonard was a highly respected private investigator and Gwen was questioning why the contract she had wasn't fulfilled. Hannah told her if the issue bothered her so much, then she was better off going to the source instead of driving herself crazy speculating. When she contacted Leonard's office on the pretense of being a client, his assistant had scheduled her for an appointment the following afternoon. She checked her watch and noted she was a little early. She spayed her fingers and let out a breath. The last week had been a whirlwind of events.
She stayed at Keegan's for the weekend and they talked about the SNN job interview. The mess with Kirk Lane and the comments from Dale McKnight.
"He is so family." Keegan said as she rolled away from Gwen's embrace.
"No he's not." Gwen argued. She had never seen Dale outside his work environment. He was always working.
"Plus look at the rug he wears. No straight guy would pay that much for a hair piece." Keegan sat up pulling the bed sheet around her breasts.
"You're stereotyping." Gwen said as she leaned over and planted a kiss on Keegan's shoulder. "He's in television, he needs to look good."
"When will you hear from them?" Keegan said in a half laugh as Gwen pulled the sheet away and covered Keegan's naked body with hers.
"Do you really want to talk about SNN?" Gwen ran her tongue against Keegan's ear lobe and blew a hot breath in her ear.
"Do you think that is working?" Keegan said as she squirmed from the feeling.
"Yes." Gwen said pushing Keegan on her back and covered her body with her own. They spent the rest of the weekend at Keegan's house. Taking time to watch the Motors reach the playoffs, plan for Keegan's upcoming visit and to make love every chance they had.
SNN sent a revamped contract to Hannah. The new agreement would give Gwen a contract for four years on the stipulation she could deliver the interview with Keegan Garry. They wanted a full twenty plus minute segment to air on their "What ever happened to?" segment. Plus there was to be a full four page article in the SNN Magazine after the television interview aired. Gwen would have a full time position as the commentator for all college and international soccer games, including the upcoming World Cup games in Australia. SNN was even willing to waive the professional morals clause. Gwen had the deal weighing heavily on her shoulders. She never wanted to push Keegan into doing something she wasn't comfortable with. Keegan's story was hers to decide whether or not to tell. Gwen got a little teary eyed thinking about the struggles her lover had been through. The decisions Keegan made were hard and she was one of the few people who had survived and was having a baby. Keegan didn't need that kind of pressure on her.
Gwen flipped open her phone and dialed Keegan's number. She knew Keegan was at work but wanted to hear the familiar voice asking her to leave a message. "Hey baby, it's me, just wanted to say hi. I miss you. Call when you can. Love you." Gwen shut her phone. She pulled her car around the block and pulled into the parking lot of Glen Leonard's office.
Stepping out into the California sun, she grabbed her bag and headed into the white building. The office was tastefully decorated and the receptionist greeted her with a smile. Gwen saw the moment of recognition on the woman's face.
"Aren't you?" The receptionist began as she looked between the appointment book and Gwen.
"I have a 2 o'clock appointment with Mr. Leonard. Marshfield." Gwen used Hannah's name as she set the appointment.
"I'll let him know you're here." The woman gestured for Gwen to sit in the waiting room as she quickly went down the hallway in search of her boss. Gwen nodded, taking a seat near the large aquarium. She chuckled as she thought about the scene in "Finding Nemo" as the fish plotted there escape. She had watched the movie with Keegan. As Keegan confessed, nephew and aunt watched the movie every time Andy spent the night.
In a few moments, a clean shaven older gentleman with salt and pepper hair appeared. "Miss Lerner, I didn't expect you." He offered his hand. Gwen took it noting the firm grip he gave. He wasn't trying to woo her with a soft limp shake. "Please come into my office. Is everything alright?" He said as he offered her a chair in front of his cluttered free desk. Gwen cocked her head to the side and wondered what the man was refereeing to. Settling behind his desk, soft gray eyes studied her face. "Your sister usually acts as the liaison, so please forgive me for being a little off here."
"Connie?" Gwen's eyebrow rose slightly as she watched her question register with Glenn Leonard. "My sister sometimes oversteps her bounds Mr. Leonard, which is why I am here." Gwen noted the man's agreement with her assessment. "Please excuse the false name, sometimes I need to have pseudonyms to protect my privacy."
"Of course." He set back in his office chair. "What can I do for you today? The other project is going according to schedule. I hope everything is to your satisfaction." Glenn watched as brown eyes danced across his desk and over his face. He had never expected Gwen Lerner to actually come to his office. After the number of dealings over the last couple of years, he wasn't surprised. She had paid him a healthy sum of money to keep the transactions discreet.
"Mr. Leonard," Gwen began. "Since we have worked together, would you mind if you pulled the records on all the projects I've hired your services for?" Gwen got to her feet and walked behind her chair. "You see, I've run into a few issues with my record keeping and I want to make sure we are on the same page."
"Understood, but Connie always keeps the original contracts. What I have is the copies we negotiate in case the IRS audits the agency. You understand that although our transactions are legitimate, I will not falsify records."
"I would not do business with you otherwise." Gwen quipped she moved to the window, hiding her expression from Glenn Leonard. Her mother had another scheme working. This one seemed on a large scale and involved a lot of money. She gazed out the window at the parking lot below. She had earned every penny of her money. She worked hard. She was not about to let her mother manipulate her career for financial gain. She heard Leonard pick up his phone and ask his assistant to pull the Sherman files. Gwen could narrow down the time frame by her mother's last name. Connie married Matthew Sherman about seven years ago in a whirlwind Vegas wedding. They were divorced in less than six months, but Connie kept his name and a quarter of a million dollars of his money.
"Mr. Leonard, have you and Connie been close?" Gwen turned to see the scarlet color spreading up the man's neck. Surely he did not expect Gwen to question his relationship with Connie.
"We have gone out a few times, nothing that would jeopardize your anonymity, Ms. Lerner. I know that our agreement is to be extremely discreet, and I hope you visiting my office will not change our relationship."
"Let's go over the file first." Gwen didn't like toying with the man, especially since he seemed genuinely concerned for her well being. There was brief knock on the door and the woman from the front desk swept in with multiple bulging manila folders.
"Set them on the table Audrey." Glenn said as he moved from behind his desk to the table where a number of his case work files sat. "It may be easier to go through these at the table. You don't mind do you?"
"No." Gwen said as she settled in the seat across from the pile of files. "Can we start with the first case?"
"Of course." He smiled a bit. He was so taken aback at the jobs he had with the soccer player, the term "easy money" came to mind. "Needless to say, this one always makes me question what the tabloids are thinking." Glenn opened the file and flipped back the cover page. There were the photos of Gwen and Keegan in Provincetown. They were blown up and distorted, but she knew the photos. "You sister received the negatives back of course." Glenn said as he watched in fascination as the woman known as America's Sweetheart flipped through the photos of her and her former lover.
Gwen was in shock. She knew the negatives were still in her office. She kept her emotions under control until about half way through the file. She came upon the signed contract with Look Magazine. Although the names on the page held no significance, Gwen knew her mother had made a deal to sell the photos to the tabloids. "Can you remind me, what percentage did you get?"
"Twenty. I'm not one to follow celebrities, Ms Lerner. I was quite surprised that you would put yourself out there for the tabloids. Most people are trying to stay out of them. Instead, you used them and took the money for yourself. It's genius." Glenn steepled his fingers together and pondered the woman in front of him. Connie Sherman was a beautiful woman on the outside, the ugliness he discovered on the inside was what caused him to steer the relationship back to a professional one. Gwen, on the other hand, seemed a bit miffed at the file in front of her.
"Do you have photos from Michigan?" Gwen knew her voice cracked for a moment. She had bad days before but this meeting was turning into a nightmare. If the tabloids actually paid out the amount in the contact, Glenn Leonard received over five hundred thousand dollars for brokering the deal.
Glenn slid a second file towards the blonde at the table. He heard the quick intake of breath as she paused on the photo of her former girlfriend. He remembered coming back from the assignment and calling his doctor. He wanted a full physical. The photos of Keegan Garry revealed a shadow of an athlete struggling to live. He had seen many people fall into the world of drugs and destroy their lives. This was the first time he witnessed a person going through the ultimate hell of battling a disease like leukemia. When tears freely flowed down Gwen's cheeks he retrieved the box of tissues from his desk. He usually reserved them for the spouse after he confirmed the actions of a cheating husband.
Gwen took the tissue without thinking. She let her finger trace over Keegan's face. Hollow like a victim of starvation, she was a shell of a person. Frail like a child, her hair was gone as her bald head gleamed under the hospital lights. There was photo of the familiar smile as she donned an Atlanta Rhythm ski cap. The date stamp in the corner confirmed it was the day she and Washington argued in the center circle. Gwen closed her eyes and whispered Keegan's name.
"Those photos are what we sold to Look Magazine." Glenn watched as his comments registered in his clients head. "They are waiting to see if interest in Ms. Garry increases before they run the story." Glenn rubbed his chin. He never liked this part of the job, but it was what he was paid to do. He took pictures and what the client did with them was not his concern. "I'm really surprised she recovered." He cleared his throat as brown eyes lifted to his face. Anguish would be the term to describe the look Gwen was giving him.
"My god Connie, what have you done?" Gwen said aloud. Her mother had found a way to make money, a lot of money without even getting her hands dirty. She'd watch from the sideline as people's lives were destroyed.
"Miss Lerner?" Glenn questioned his client. "You are aware of the deal with Look Magazine?" When the woman didn't answer him, he continued. "This won't affect the search for your brother?"
"My what?" Gwen stared at him for a moment. She needed to get a grasp on the situation. "I need copies. I need copies of everything, Mr. Leonard." Gwen felt as if she was suffocating. She needed a few minutes to collect her thoughts and to get her attorney on the line. She didn't know how big Connie's net was. As she stood, the private investigator looked at her a bit confused. "If you have copies of the payments you've received along with any contracts we've agreed to."
"Miss Lerner, that is not a problem, I am concerned though with what's going on?" Glenn stood and gathered the files into order.
"Again, Mr. Leonard, Connie sometimes oversteps her bounds." Gwen placed her hand to her head as the migraine hit full bore. "If you give me a few minutes, I need to contact an associate." Gwen walked towards the office door. "I'm not holding you up am I?"
"Miss Lerner, there is nothing I have for the rest of the afternoon. I was actually planning on going to San Francisco to work on your pending case." Glenn tucked the files under his arm and walked Gwen to the reception area. "Take your time. If I'm not here, just have Audrey page me." Glenn nodded to his assistant as the tall blonde walked out the office door. Turning back to the woman behind the desk. "Pull everything we have on the Sherman file. Checks, receipts, dates, phone calls…. contracts, if you can think of anything I am forgetting, put it in there. Get Allen Winter on the line, I need to speak to him asap." Glenn wanted his attorneys involved with this in case things went bad. There's no such thing as easy money.
Gwen felt violated as she slipped into her car. Tears were spilling from her face. Her mother had taken her private memories and sold them for profit. Connie was slick. The negatives were back in place as nothing looked disturbed. Connie hired this competent man to do a job and he did. He took the photos, doctored them a bit and sold them to the tabloids under the pretense he was doing working for Gwen. The photos of Keegan during her treatment felt as if someone had hit her in the stomach over and over. Each photo was gut wrenching. Keegan looked empty, like death was just around the corner. How could have no one have told her? Gwen hit the heels of her hands against her steering wheel and screamed. Tears flowed freely. Her mother had caused all of this. If Connie had never sold the photos, Gwen would never have been angry with Keegan. She would have gotten the message Kee left for her if Connie hadn't erased it. Connie, acting on her behalf had sold the photos of Keegan to Look. The tabloids like Look did not mess around, once a contract was signed, the magazine held on to the rights.
Her concerns turned to Keegan. Connie sold the story. Keegan's story was going to be printed, like it or not. Her mother was no longer going to control her life. What had Leonard said, the latest case, a brother? She didn't have a sister, let alone a brother. She needed to remove all traces of Connie Sherman from her life.
Gwen pulled out her phone and dialed Hannah's number. The receptionist put her right through. "Gwen. I didn't expect to hear from you so soon." Hannah said.
"Call Michelle and free your calendar, my mother has reached a new low." Gwen said as she flipped her vanity mirror down and checked her mascara. Crying usually gave her raccoon eyes. "I am at Leonard Investigations. Apparently, my sister has been acting on my behalf for a number of years and if I don't do something, Keegan is going to get hurt."
"You're kidding me?"
"Hannah, it's bad. Really bad." Gwen felt the anger swell in her chest. "I need to see Keegan as soon as possible. Can you get me on a flight?"
"As soon as we hang up, I'll get Michelle on the line and see what flights are open. Are you coming back to my office?"
"Yes, I need to get some files copied first. I should be there in the next couple of hours." Gwen looked at the afternoon sky. She didn't expect this. She didn't think her mother would actually stoop this low.
"Gwen, I am so sorry."
"It's not your fault Hannah, she's my mother." Gwen hung up the phone and went back into the agency. She wasn't going to let Connie ruin Keegan's life.
When Gwen got to Hannah's office, her attorney Michelle Patton and Hannah's administrative assistant were waiting in the large conference room. Gwen carried in a banks box full of files from Leonard. They were going to go through it all. There would be no more surprises for Gwen when it came to Connie.
"If I didn't before, it is official. I hate my mother." Gwen said as she placed the box on the conference table. "There is just so much I didn't know." Her head hurt as a full blown migraine hit with gale force. She sat at the table and eyed her attorney and agent. They were two very powerful older women who cared about her. She paid them but they genuinely cared for her well being. While her own flesh and blood manipulated and sucked cash right from under her nose.
"Gwen, come on deep breaths. We'll see what we have before we jump to any conclusions." Hannah touched her hand gently.
"Did you get me on a flight?"
"Not until tomorrow morning. You should be in Detroit by seven." Hannah knew by the look on Gwen's face she wanted to get there earlier. "Sorry all the flights were booked."
"It's okay. It will give me time to explain to Keegan why her picture is going to be in Look Magazine."
"Keegan?" One of Michelle's eyebrows perched upward. The attorney was well aware of Gwen's former relationship. "Someone want to fill me in?"
"It's good Michelle. Very good." Gwen smile widened at the thought of Keegan's body pressed up against hers. "Connie's little stunt may throw a monkey wrench into the mix, but I think we can get past that. I hope we can." Gwen said her confidence fading with the setting sun.
Chapter 20
"Ms. Lerner! Ms. Lerner!" The reporter continued to follow the tall blonde through the terminal to the luggage carousel. In the back of her mind, Gwen had hoped her appearance at the airport would go unnoticed. "Rumor has it your home is on the market. Are you moving to Detroit?" The heavyset reporter sighed as he dabbed the sweat from his brow and thinning hairline. He had been huffing after her ever since she cleared the security checkpoint. "Any comments?" His pen stood posed above a small pad of paper.
"No." To Gwen's relief her brown eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark Oakley's. There was no way the press had already gotten hold of her house being on the market. She hadn't even told Keegan yet. The private broker she hired signed a confidentiality agreement. Her foot tapped impatiently on the hard surface as she waited for her suitcase. At least this trip she didn't have to content with snow.
The weatherman promised clear sunny skies all across the country. She was grateful for the pleasant forecast. Keegan's parents changed their plans and were heading to Michigan to pick up Ashley's van. This was the next step in bringing Gwen back into the family. Meghan had come around after the dinner party at Danny's. Ashley was the cause of the reunion and wanted Keegan and Gwen together. Keegan's parents were another story. Sarah seemed happy for Keegan. Bill on the other hand, never voiced an opinion. With their three girls living in Detroit, it was easier for Bill and Sarah to travel north. From the conversations she had with Keegan, Gwen knew Bill was excited about meeting Bob Finch and going to a playoff game. The Motors made the playoffs and Bobby was playing great.
"Ms. Lerner, are we looking at a June wedding?" Now this guy was searching for a needle in a haystack. Gwen's eyes darted towards the offices of Select Air. She prayed someone would see this idiot bothering her and remove him from the terminal. When the tall clean shaven man in the Select Air uniform approached her, she let go of the breath she was holding.
"Ms. Lerner, on behalf of Select Air, we like to invite you to wait in a private office." This was the man that had run past her on a way to an emergency her first visit to Detroit. When was that, two months ago? Two months since Keegan came back into her life. She was the happiest and the most miserable. She didn't want to lose Keegan. She needed to have a hard conversation with her. She hoped the idea she and Hannah planned would work. The key was Keegan, she needed to agree.
"Thank you." Gwen turned her back to the reporter who wasn't certain if he should follow her or not. The hand on his arm halted his steps.
"Sir, are you authorized to be here? Can I please see your credentials?" The airline employee waved security over.
"You've just saved me a whole bunch of frustration." Gwen smiled at the employee who escorted her to the Select Air office. He smiled out of the corner of his mouth as if he enjoyed watching the reporter scramble.
"Not a problem the boss asked me to rescue you. Here you are." He opened a door and revealed Alexis Redding sitting behind a desk with Keegan lounging in the visitor chair. Gwen's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of her lover in the office.
"Oh you are such a sight for sore eyes." Gwen walked in dropping her coat on the empty chair and embraced Keegan tightly. She never wanted to be away from her. After talking with Hannah and Michelle, they came to a consensus that it would be best to tell Keegan in person.
"I know you hate flying." Keegan said used the arms of the chair to lift herself up. Her belly was growing.
"Look at you." Gwen touched her protruding stomach. Keegan had taken to wearing baggy shirts to cover her midsection.
"Don't. I feel fat and I don't want to hear anything else." Keegan groaned as she covered Gwen's hand with her own. "I'm as heavy as I was when I played in college. I'm not happy about that."
Keegan's touch immediately sent Gwen's senses into hyperdrive. Gone less than a week, she had missed the small woman at her side. Things could get strange this visit. After the meeting with Michelle, they agreed Hannah should fly to Detroit and meet with Keegan as soon as she could. If Look was going to exploit Keegan, Gwen wanted to make she had representation. She contacted Danny to get Robin Frost's number. Keegan needed a good attorney, a great attorney. If Frost wasn't interested, she could recommend someone in the area. The bottom line was, someone was making a lot of money off both of them. Gwen didn't understand her mother's decision to make a profit off her personal life. Her mother had no scruples when it came to money. When Gwen went back into the agency, she asked to look at the latest service she was paying for. Her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw the contract and photos of Keegan attached. Connie sold the story of Keegan's illness to Look. Although she covered most of her tracks with system loop holes, Connie was guilty of forging Gwen's name on the contracts. She and Hannah would leave the digging to the attorneys and try to maintain Gwen's innocence. The last thing either woman wanted was to have Gwen's name dragged through the mud.
Gwen wrapped Keegan in her arms. Her face press against her hair, she whispered "You're beautiful." She felt Keegan arms tighten in appreciation of her comment. "How is the little girl behaving?"
"Kicking like a true mid-fielder."
"You know the sex?" Alexis was immediately on her feet looking at Keegan suspiciously.
"No. I don't want to know but the family is set on it being a girl. Except for Dad. I think it's a guy thing."
"I vote for healthy." Gwen lifted her head to meet Alexis. "Thank you for your help with the reporter."
"Still on you about your hockey player?" Alexis had known Keegan too long to know which way the wind blew with the fiery player who her son coached through college. She was a bit taken back when she saw Keegan was expecting.
"That and everything else." She explained to the helpful woman as she lifted Keegan's chin so she could look in her eyes. "We need to talk." Gwen saw the concern in Keegan's eyes.
"At home.
Outside the terminal, the moonlight danced across the sky, casting shadows and bouncing around the parking garage. Gwen piled her two suitcases in the back of the back hatch of the black SUV and hung her garment bag on the inside hook. Keegan started the car and waited for her passenger.
"Ready." Gwen said as she slipped into the air-conditioned cab. Keegan sat there for a moment.
"What's wrong?" Keegan was almost crying, her hormones where running wild and she didn't know why Gwen was being short with her. "Are you breaking up with me?"
"No….no. God, no Keegan." Gwen groaned, she had run scenario after scenario of how to tell Keegan about her mother. She could hardly believe the deception of her own flesh and blood. Keegan would hunt Connie down and kill her. "I love you. I'll never leave you." Gwen leaned towards her placing her hand on the back of the driver's seat. She touched her lips to Keegan and let all her doubts go out the window.
"You can do that again." Keegan smiled as Gwen pulled back.
"At home." Gwen ran her finger up Keegan's arm watching the hair rise. "I get to tease you the entire way."
"That's frustrating." Keegan said through gritted teeth. She had forgotten what it was like when they traveled with the National team together. Sneaking touches, waiting until the room door was shut. She was almost thirty and going to be a Mom. She didn't want to hide who she was. "I'm sorry." Keegan apologized and pressed her lips against Gwen's. Letting the kiss linger for a moment she savored the contact. "Hi." She said as she pulled back and smiled at her passenger. "Be warned, I've been a bear."
"I heard." During her absence, Bobby and Danny reported Keegan's moodiness. Both explained how Keegan was jumping on everything they did. Even Andy could do no right. "I was told to get my butt back here asap."
"Damn right." Keegan kissed her again. This one full force, pedal to the floor letting all her frustration out through the contact. She ended by nipping at Gwen lower lip as the blonde moaned reflecting their desires. "We need to get home now."
Whatever clothes they had on were quickly discarded somewhere between the front door and the bedroom. They lay in Keegan's bed as the moon light shone in through the curtains. Gwen slowly ran her fingers along Keegan's side and over her hip. She smiled as giggled as she cupped Keegan's butt in her hand.
"You do have a very cute bottom." Keegan buried her face in Gwen's chest.
"Stop." Keegan begged as she settled against Gwen. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Keegan knew the blonde tried her best to stop the trip to the bedroom. Gwen wanted to talk as soon as they got home. Keegan had other plans.
"Now you want to talk." Gwen suppressed a giggle. She tried to decline Keegan advances as the walked into the house, but the small woman was hard to resist. "Don't I get a rest period?" Gwen's stomach bounced a little as she let out a laugh.
"You had four days away, that counts as a rest period." Keegan trance her finger along Gwen's ribs. "I missed you."
"I'm glad and I missed you too." Gwen leaned forward and kissed the top her hair. She thought about the photos of Keegan bald from the chemo. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes. "Kee, I met with the private investigator while I was in California." Gwen let her fingers stroke Keegan's dark lush hair. "There are some things that happen that I can't change. Hannah is coming here. She needs to get some stuff settled, but she needs to meet with us."
"I'm not signing with Hannah. I'm not doing any frickin' interviews, Gwen." Keegan felt the surge of anger course through her body. She felt the hesitation of Gwen's hand as the soothing motion halted for a moment.
"I'm really sorry." Gwen's voice cracked as tears started to fall. She pulled her hand away from Keegan's hair. Turing on her side, Gwen curdled into a fetal position. Keegan leaned on her hand and wondered what had just happened. Gwen turned away and started to cry.
"What is it?" Keegan draped her body across Gwen trying to look into the dark quiet soulful eyes she knew well. "Talk to me Gwen."
"I love you." Gwen said and pulled Keegan into her arms. "I'd never do anything to hurt you." Gwen looked away in shame. "I found out who sold the pictures to the tabloids."
"Who?" Keegan felt the stress radiating through Gwen's body. If she didn't relax, she was going to have another migraine. "Turn over." Keegan rolled Gwen on her stomach and began to massage her tense muscles. "Try to relax and talk to me. I'm not going any where." Keegan whispered in her ear and dropped light kisses along her neck as she pulled the blonde hair to the side. "Better?" She felt Gwen nod before she continued to work the knots out of her shoulders.
"My mother." Gwen said in a matter of fact tone. Keegan's hands stilled for a second. There was no changing the outcome, her mother had taken private moments and sold them for big bucks. "She was pretty sneaky about it, getting the trail off her by convincing me to have you investigated. I signed a contract with Leonard Investigations." Gwen huffed out. "On paper it's all nice and neat. Leonard sold the photos to the magazine and was given a percentage to act as a middleman."
"Your mother is a piece of work." Keegan growled. "How much did she get?"
"Since I was the hot celebrity at the time, the contract is for close to two million dollars." Gwen let the number roll off her tongue. She had seen the contract, she knew the amount of money that Leonard took and what was given Connie in a number of certified checks.
"Fuck!" Keegan yelled as she pushed hard on Gwen's shoulder. The groan from Gwen stopped her motion. "I'm sorry. What the hell did she do with the money?"
"I'm not sure. Blew it, off shore accounts. This is my mother we are talking about." Gwen rose up and looked over her shoulder at Keegan. "There's more and you're involved."
"Gwen I didn't even talk to a reporter or a private eye." Keegan sat back and looked at Gwen's tear streaked face.
"I know, but Leonard did come to Michigan." Gwen's voice faltered. She reached a hand out to Keegan and gathered in her arms. They lay on the bed wrapped in each other's arms. "He took photos of you when you were sick. Really sick Kee." Gwen stopped to wipe a tear away. "I saw them." Biting her bottom lip she felt helpless. She could do nothing to take away Keegan's pain. "I didn't know. If I did, I would have been at your side. I wish I could have been there."
"I'm better." Keegan touched her fingers to Gwen's face trying to push away the distress. "I'm here with you." She wiped a lone tear. "Tell me Gwen. What ever it is, we can get through it."
"Connie made a deal with Look and sold the photos of you during your illness to them. They are going to run the story and there is nothing we can do." Gwen watched as the blue eyed woman registered her burden. Gwen stroked Keegan's back with her finger tips.
"Is this the reason for Hannah's visit?" Gwen nodded. "Anything else I should know?" Keegan asked as she lowered her lips to Gwen's torso. She snuggled against Gwen's belly. She slowly trailed kisses lower and lower until Gwen caught her breath. "I don't." Keegan kissed her belly. "Love." She continued the trail of kisses. "Your mother." Keegan finished as she kissed Gwen's center and showed her who she did love.
#
The early morning sun filtered through the windows of the master bedroom, the occupants of the bed cuddled closer. Clothing discarded carelessly around the room. There had been no further discussion of Connie and tabloids. She needed Keegan to touch her, love her as if nothing else mattered and she did. Keegan snored softly as Gwen quietly watched her sleep. With Keegan's head resting on her shoulder, it was easy for her to lean over and kiss her lips. Her heart soared. She had not felt this happy in a long time. She smiled as Keegan cuddled closer. Her fingers absently stroking her arm, feeling the fine downy hair covering it. Keegan face tilted up towards the warmth of the sun. Her bare stomach pressed against Gwen's hip. She was amazed as the skin flicked up and down quickly. Scared at first, she realized the baby was pushing against Keegan's skin. "Definitely a mid-fielder." Gwen whispered as she kissed the spot where the baby kicked. She knew they would be busy for most of the day. If Keegan could sleep as long as possible, she might not be crappy. Kissing the baby one more time, Gwen pressed her lips to Keegan's and slipped quietly from the bed. They were meeting with Frost today to discuss a course of action and possible retain the attorney. Hannah would be in by Thursday. The worry line in her forehead made an appearance. She promised Keegan she would make things right. Connie wasn't going to get away with this one.
#
Gwen placed box after box was placed in the back of Ashley's mini-van. Bill and Sarah were coming in this weekend. Per Sarah's request, she wanted the van packed and ready to go with the boxes they still had stored at Keegan's. Gwen just checked on a sleeping Keegan a few minutes ago, but swore she heard noise in the kitchen. Pulling the last box out of the storage closet, Gwen carried it down to the garage. As Gwen set the box in the van, she walked back into the mudroom and ran into a tall sandy haired man with a crew-cut.
"Shit!" She screamed at the stranger in front of her.
"Shut up. You'll wake Keegan." She recognized Tony's rich voice. Her hand covering her heart, she took in the crisp cut and clean shaven teacher.
"Clean up nice huh." Tony's smile twinkled at her. He did. Gone was the John the Baptist forty days in the desert look and in front of her stood the cover of GQ magazine. Dressed in a nice cream colored button down oxford, a pair of worn Levi's and deck shoes. His hair cut in the style Christopher wore, the military high and tight.
"Man, you had me fooled with all that hair. I didn't know what Keegan was thinking until now." She took in his deep brown eyes and the crooked smile he was giving her. He looked like a younger version of her great uncle. The eyes, the smile, the slight bump in his nose, these were all familiar features Christopher had.
"That's gonna be one good looking kid. Don't ya think?" He blew on his fingernails and rubbed them on his shirt as if he were polishing them. "You look a little spooked?'
"A little. I didn't know it was you at first." Gwen stepped closer and pulled Tony into the light of the kitchen. "You look a lot like Christopher."
"Who's Christopher?"
"My adoptive grandfather of sorts. He was married to my great aunt. He was the closest thing I had to a grandfather."
"He was this good looking?" Tony teased as he motioned his hand across his torso.
"Better looking than you." Gwen slapped him on the arm. "What are you doing here?"
"Making breakfast for you guys. Don't want my best girls hungry after a night of playing." Tony teased as he quickly turned and ran for the kitchen. On the counter was the start of waffles, water was on the burner and the coffee maker was pumping away. He had been trained to put the water on for tea. Gwen moved towards him and punched him lightly on the arm. She stood by the phone and gazed over the list of numbers. Tara's number and address were listed along with Dr. Dev and Dr. Micah. Keegan hadn't said too much about Carrie lately. Gwen hoped the good doctor had gotten the hint. She noticed Bobby's number written on the list. Since moving to Detroit and meeting the Garry clan, as he referred to them, he was happy. He had friends he trusted and people who cared about him. The move to Detroit had been good for both of them.
"Want me to wake her up?"
"As if your scream didn't do it already." Tony challenged. "You're the one sleeping with her. Please tell me she is in a better mood."
"I'm in a fantastic mood." Keegan stood dressed in her robe barefoot in the kitchen doorway. "Hi." She pulled Gwen down by the back of her neck and kissed her fully.
"Ewww. Not in front of the help." Tony waved a spatula at them. "Did you hear her scream?'
"Yes, but your smart ass voice followed, so I figured she didn't recognize you. I've got good taste." She kissed Gwen again. Running her finger along the buttons of Gwen's shirt, she played with the one in the centered between Gwen's breasts. "Don't I?"
"Yes." Gwen hissed in her ear. "Are you wearing anything under this?" Her fingers touched the dark robe at her waist. Keegan's answer was to run her tongue along the sensitive part of Gwen's ear. Gwen physically sagged at her touch. Keegan smile and withdrew from the room saying something about a shower. "It's going to be a long day." Gwen mumbled under her breath.
"I've never seen her like that." Tony leaned his backside against the counter. "You're good for her." Tony lifted the coffee mug to his lips. "Not like the other ones she dated." He studied the tall blonde woman in front of him, wondering if she colored her hair or not. Washington said she did. He wanted to be a fly on that wall when Keegan's best friend and girlfriend had their reunion.
"What are you smirking about?" Gwen asked as she moved to the stove to pour a cup of tea.
"You and Washington in the same room." He chuckled.
"Shit." Gwen leaned against the counter mirroring Tony's pose. Mugs in hand they stared at each other. "I'm in so much trouble."
"It's funny." Tony hid his smile with his cup. "You know your Mr. Finch has a big following at the Badlands. It's the bar I play at during open mic night." Tony explained. Keegan had mentioned going to see Tony play, but not the name of the establishment. "Business is booming with people who think they might catch a glimpse of him. You're welcome to join us one night." Tony explained. Keegan had mentioned going to see Tony play but not the name of the establishment. "Business is booming with people who think they might catch a glimpse of him. You're welcome to join us one night."
"I feel like I've missed out on this big experience everyone has had. I hope to change that soon."
"There are lots of students that hang out there now. I heard a female student telling her friends that she was out on date with him the other night." Gwen raised an eyebrow at him. "It wasn't a date. He was at one table and she was sitting at the next one over. I think he asked for a napkin."
"People do strange things." Gwen said as Tony turned his attention to the waffle iron. "Including family." Gwen expelled a breath as she thought about her mother.
"Speaking of strange." Tony motioned his head to the front window where a silver BWM pulled up. The sun reflected off the windshield, preventing her from seeing the driver. "You better make sure Keegan has clothes on."
Gwen saw Dr. Micah exit her car, dressed for the links, awful plaid pants and bright pink shirt. She let out a groan. Although Keegan was friends with the doctor, Gwen still had a hard time being nice to the woman.
"I'll go check." She said a little faster and harsher than she intended to. The last thing she wanted was Keegan standing in the kitchen dressed only in a bathrobe with Carrie in the house.
Gwen moved upstairs and knocked on the bedroom door. She slipped inside when she got no answer. Was this appropriate? Should she walk in on Keegan showering? With a slight bit of hesitation, she tapped on the bathroom door and called out. "Hey you decent?"
"You're late, I'm done. I really wanted you to join me." Keegan tugged her into the bathroom and wrapped her in arms.
"You're getting me wet."
"That was the idea." Keegan nuzzled her face against Gwen's shoulder.
"You have a visitor." Gwen rubbed her hands up and down Keegan's wet back. She picked up a towel and started to dry the shorter woman
"Who?" Keegan turned to look Gwen in the face.
"Carrie's here." Gwen put the toilet lid down and sat down on the seat. She watched as Keegan ran a brush through her hair. "Looks like she is heading to the golf course." Gwen put her chin on her hand and leaned on the vanity.
"Can you tell her I'll be down in a couple of minutes?" Gwen nodded and got to her feet. "What time do we need to be at Frost's office?"
"Ten." Gwen felt Keegan's hand on her arm stopping her from leaving. Keegan pulled her back and kissed her.
"I love you."
"Thank you for last night." Keegan pushed her hair behind her ear, her face coloring at the memory of making love to Gwen.
"I'm glad you're home." Gwen nodded. Keegan framed her face with her hands. "Home Gwen. I want this to be your home. If you'd rather Carrie not be here, I'll ask her to leave."
"I'd rather she not wear the pants she has on." Gwen smiled at Keegan's shocked look. "They're different." She kissed Keegan. "You are my home Kee. Not a house. I'd live with you in a van.."
"Down by the river." Keegan finished her thoughts, a line from a SNL skit they used to laugh about.
"Exactly…I'd like to get out of here in the next hour. Tony can do the dishes."
Gwen kissed her again and headed downstairs.
At the bottom of the steps, Carrie stood staring up at the blonde. Gwen put on her best camera smile. "Good morning Carrie."
"I was looking for Keegan." The doctor noted the familiarity of the blonde in the house. Dressed in a pair of khaki shorts and a stone denim short sleeved shirt, shoeless stocking feet, Gwen came down the steps.
"She'll be down in a few minutes. Would you like some breakfast or coffee?"
"I've got a few minutes, coffee would be great." Carrie pushed the visor on her head back a little. Her tee time was at ten. "Do you golf?"
"A little. Meghan has something planned when the Garrys get into town. I'm sure I'll get my ass kicked."
"You're going golfing with Mr. Garry. Why don't you just move in?" Carrie snipped.
Gwen took her mug from the countertop. She grabbed another cup from the cupboard. Filling it, she passed it to Carrie who sat at the table. "I plan on it." Carrie's face registered the shock. Gwen snickered as settled as the table and snagged a hot waffle from the bottom of the stack Tony had piled on a plate.
"You're moving in." The anger in Carrie's voice was evident. Gwen raised her brown eyes to the burning hatred in the doctor's hard gray ones. "What kind of game are you playing here?"
"Carrie." Tony stepped up to defend Gwen. He could see this meeting was not of a friendly nature.
"It's okay Tony." Gwen touched his arm. "Carrie, this is not a game. At least not for me." Gwen folded her hands on the table. "I've been in love with Keegan since I met her."
"You're engaged to Finch." Carrie practically screamed the accusation across the table. She pushed her chair out and stood up. "I love her. I love the baby. Everything was going great until you showed up." The blonde hair above her visor flopped back and forth. "I'll tell her about your little side dishes."
"She knows." Gwen said as she looked at the bright red face of the doctor. "I told her. I told her about hitting on her sister and using escort services."
"What?" Tony blurted out. Gwen shot him a look that this was not the time to discuss the subject.
"She's mine. You need to back off. Go back home." Carrie's blood pressure had to be through the roof. Her eyes bugged out of her head. The veins in her neck were sticking out. "You're not wanted here."
"No Carrie." Keegan's soothe voice drew the room attention. "She is home. I want her here." Keegan walked behind Gwen and placed her hands on her shoulders. "I love her. I've never loved anyone else. No one." Carrie's mouth dropped open slightly. "I've told you that the only relationship I can have with you is a friendship." She felt Gwen cover one of her hands and squeeze. "If you can't accept that, then I need you to leave."
"Keegan, understand she'll use you." Carrie tried to twist the information she had and use it against Gwen. "She uses women and throws them away."
"Carrie, you need to leave. I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but I don't think your intentions are honorable." Keegan watched as her words registered with the doctor. "I'd like you to leave." Keegan leaned over and kissed Gwen's forehead. She heard Carrie retreat through the house her slamming the front door behind her. She heard Carrie retreat through the house, slamming the front door behind her. The squealing of tires echoed through the house.
"That went well." Tony said as he slid into the chair across from Gwen. He quirked an eyebrow up at the couple standing across from him. "You asked Meghan out?"
"Shit." Gwen said and threw a napkin at him. Tony gave her an innocent look. "You're a shit." She repeated as Keegan wrapped her arms around her waist and hugged her from behind.