# Chapter 30

JJ reread the email:

Hey babe,

I tried to get through to you on ICQ but it wouldn’t let the message go through. I’m not sure why as it said you were online. Sam and I have talked and he knows everything. It’s such a relief. The weird thing is he’s being so nice about it. He even hugged me, completely threw me off track. He’s offered to help me study for the test. He may be able to teach me a thing or two - he’s a walking dictionary and good with numbers. I’ll take any help. I know I’m working myself up into a frenzy over this exam but so much rests on it. I just don’t think I can get the combined 950 points. Tomorrow I’m going to look at some of the math. Sam has offered to spend time before his golf game going over geometry and fractions.

I just wanted to let you know things are good – we’re even going to the cinema. I’ll let you know what I think of the film. Oh yeah he’s offered to take me to the airport – I’m getting excited babe. We both agreed we’d tell my parents about the split when I return – it makes sense as I’ll know what’s going on.

Anyway I have to shower and get ready. I miss you babe – I wish it were you I was going out with tonight.

Things are looking up. I love you very much.

Cory xx

JJ glanced down to her ICQ status and saw that she’d been timed out. She was pissed, Cory’s email had been sent an hour earlier. JJ had been busy loading software at the new lab and had logged on as soon as she had arrived. The volume had been placed on loud so she’d hear the system alert her to a message. She read the email again and banged her fist on the table, “Going to the movies? She’s going to the fucking movies with Sam! That bastard is just being nice to get her back,” She muttered. She couldn’t believe how sneaky Sam was being, offering Cory so much support. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. What if Cory changed her mind? What if Sam charmed his way back into her bed? She knew she was being stupid but the green-eyed monster had his grips in her. She continued to unpack the last computer, barely paying attention to what she was doing. As she lifted the monitor out of the box it slipped out of her hands, due to the plastic wrapping and her lack of concentration. Luckily, the drop was not that far but she was upset at herself as she didn’t have the money to replace the monitor had it broken. She grabbed one of the styrofoam pieces that held the monitor in the box, and threw it against the wall. That didn’t help her frustrations at all as the styrofoam barely went inches. Life was so unfair! She looked back at the email and counted how many times Cory had mentioned Sam’s existence. Practically every line plus she sounded so excited to be going out with him.

A glance at the clock on the wall above her desk told JJ it was close to quitting time. She looked back at the email one last time and closed down the programs. She needed to cool off before she replied otherwise there would be nothing but sarcasm in her email. As she gathered her jacket and backpack, her cell phone rang. Thinking it might be Cory on the other end, the brunette fumbled to get the device from inside her jacket. The caller’s ID only heightened her bad mood. She pressed the talk button. “What?”

“Geez! Have you lost the ability to be civil at all?” The caller asked.

“Look, Sarah, you’re lucky I even bothered to take your call. What do you want now?” JJ was still pissed at Sam. She didn’t need more grief from her own ex.

“Well I was calling to ask if we could talk. Maybe do dinner or go to a movie.” The silence on the other end told Sarah that JJ was at least thinking about her offer. She decided to play on the guilt trip she knew JJ felt about their split. “I’m feeling kind of down. I miss being in the house. Everything has changed in the last few weeks. Plus we do need to talk about what needs to be done to the house before it gets inspected. We don’t want someone offering to buy and then not be able to sell it because it fails inspection.”

JJ knew she had a good point. There were things that needed to be done on the house now that spring had arrived. Jobs they had left over winter because of the harsh New England weather. She mulled the idea of spending time with Sarah. They really hadn’t been nice to each other at all over the past few weeks, and if Cory could spend the evening at the movies with Sam; then she would do the same with Sarah. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp cough on the other end of the line. “Sorry, I was just checking my planner. I didn’t have any great plans for tonight. How about we meet at the mall, grab something to eat from the food court, and then go check out a movie?”

Sarah smiled. JJ was offering her more than she’d expected. “That sounds good. About 6ish then?”

“Yeah, sounds good to me but, Sarah, no funny business. I’m not in the mood for your games tonight.” JJ ended the call. She was a little wary of Sarah’s sudden desire to spend time with her. She’d bought the story about the house to an extent but there was something in the tone of her ex’s voice that set the hairs on the back of her neck to prickle. JJ headed out the door, she had plenty of time to get to the house, shower and meet Sarah.

The mall was busy. Friday nights were always the same. Everywhere you looked there were lots of families, and plenty of teenagers all walking the mall or having dinner. She saw Sarah sitting at a small table for two. JJ sauntered over. “Hey. I’m sorry about earlier. I just had one of those days where it went from bad to worse.”

Sarah put her hand on JJ’s arm and squeezed lightly. “Hey that’s what I’m here for. You know you can always talk to me.”

JJ was puzzled by Sarah’s change of behavior. The previous week she’d been an out and out bitch, and now she was being nice. “Yeah, well it’s good you think like that as I have a few things to discuss with you too. Let’s grab dinner.” JJ headed towards the Taco Bell counter while Sarah headed to the Jambalaya food bar. Both women returned a few minutes later with full plates. As JJ took a bite of her taco she realized what had been nagging her since she’d met up with Sarah. “Where’s Chris?”

“She’s gone out with her ex. They meet up every Friday for dinner.” Sarah winked at JJ, “Maybe we could begin our own Friday night tradition. Can’t be that many ex couples that spend Friday nights together.”

JJ smiled. If only her ex knew. “And you don’t mind?”

“Not really, they do have a daughter in common, and it gives me a chance to spend time with you. I miss you.”

The sincerity in Sarah’s voice hit JJ. She looked into Sarah’s eyes and saw the old Sarah, the woman she’d loved once. “Yeah, I miss you too.” Realizing they were getting off JJ’s planned conversation she reverted back to the main subject she wanted to discuss with Sarah: the house. “So what do you think needs to be done to the house?”

Sarah chewed her food slowly. The conversation had been going exactly as she’d hoped and now suddenly JJ was back to the formalities. “I think we should replace the wood by the back porch. It’s beginning to rot and I’m sure they’ll notice it too. It shouldn’t take more than a weekend or two. Dad will pick up the wood for us so that will keep the cost down. I can’t think of too many things that will prevent it from passing the inspection, but we could tidy up the outside and clean the yard. You were never the gardener!”

“True. Okay we’ll fix up the porch and if you want to touch up the paintwork I’ll help. To be honest I think we need to discuss the price of the house.” JJ pushed her tray to one side.

Sarah dropped her head. “JJ, can we just spend one evening together without arguing.”

“Hey you were the one who wanted to discuss the house.”

“I know it was an excuse to see you. I just wanted us to try and mend some fences, no pun intended.” She grinned at JJ, “Please let’s just spend some time chatting.”

JJ couldn’t resist the pleading in Sarah’s eyes. It was true they used to be able to talk and just shoot the breeze. She needed to relax more. “Sure. So what do you think about the Bruins? I think they have a real chance of making the playoffs if they keep playing the way they are.”

They spent an hour discussing sports and Sarah’s job situation. JJ had begun to relax and felt bad that she’d judged Sarah. She really was having an okay time. They’d decided to watch a movie and had picked a comedy. This had helped to alleviate JJ’s foul mood. By the end of it she was laughing and joking with Sarah. The tension between the couple had dissipated. Sarah decided to try and extend their time together.

“Wow that was funny. I feel all energized now. I don’t suppose you fancy a beer at the club?” The Country Club was situated opposite the cinema. Despite its name the club was nothing like a country club but it was about the only gay club in the area. She could see the doubt flicker in JJ’s eyes. “Just the one. Chris said she might end up there and I don’t want to wait on my own.”

JJ knew Sarah would never be on her own in the club. She partied there too many times and knew most of the patrons. But as they had been getting on so JJ decided to take Sarah up on the offer. Plus she had a favor to ask and mellowing Sarah out a bit more wouldn’t hurt. “Sure but just the one, we’re both driving.”

The club was just beginning to fill up when they arrived. JJ ordered two bottles of Michelob and settled at a table with Sarah. They continued to chat amiably. The mood inside the club was contagious. JJ waved at a few people she knew, and dropped her head a few times when the predators of the club caught her eye. She was definitely not in the mood to fight off interested parties. One beer soon turned into two. As Sarah made her way to the bar, JJ went in the opposite direction to the restroom. Sarah ordered two more beers and a couple of vodkas. Back at the table she sipped from JJ’s bottle and then added the vodka. She knew JJ’s inability to handle spirits. If she played her cards right, JJ would be putty in her hands. She wiped the top of the beer on her sleeve and waited for her prey to return.

An hour and three beers later, JJ could feel her body moving but had no control over it. Her mind just couldn’t concentrate on the beat of the song. She felt her arms swaying high above her head. Hands were roaming over her body. She knew it felt wrong but communicating this thought to her arms was causing a problem. Her head began to spin and she felt the arms around her tighten. She clumsily tried to keep her feet moving. “1, 2, 3…1, 2, 3…1, 2, 3 … wave hands in the air.” That’s it she had the beat again.

Across the room a couple entered the packed club. The aroma of sweat and smoke filled their nostrils. One of the pair cast her eyes over the heaving bodies on the dance floor. One particular person caught her eye straight away. “Babe, I thought you said JJ and Sarah had split up.”

Helen ordered the drinks and turned towards her lover. “They have. I told you that’s why I spent most of last week with her. Why?”

“Unless I’m mistaken, and I doubt it. Isn’t that JJ and Sarah gyrating together?” Helen followed Jo’s outstretched arm.

She nearly dropped the bottles as she watched her friend moving in the arms of her ex. “No way! The last time I spoke to JJ she was ranting and raving about Sarah. Something’s wrong. Honey, would you mind if I went to check on her?” She felt her partner push her towards the dance floor.

As she got closer she could see the glazed look on her friend’s face. She was loaded. As she approached the pair she caught the evil glare Sarah was directing her way. Ignoring the icy stare, she put her hand on JJ’s shoulder. “Hey there stranger.” JJ just smiled at her moronically. Helen had never seen JJ drunk. It wasn’t a pretty sight. The tall woman was having serious problems coordinating her arms and legs. The usually graceful woman was flailing her limbs in every direction and making a definite fool of herself.

“Fuck off Helen. She doesn’t need you here.” Sarah was pissed. Things had been going so well and now this thorn in her side had turned up.

“Well she certainly isn’t getting help from you. How could you let her get like this?” Helen yelled over the music.

“I didn’t do shit. In case you’ve forgotten we’re no longer an item. For your information, I turned up and she was here. I just decided to look out for her.”

Helen looked at Sarah. She didn’t trust her at all but she shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. “Well you’re certainly keeping a ‘close’ eye on her. I think we should take her home.”

“I’ll do it. I have to pick something up from the house. It’ll save me a trip tomorrow. That’s if you trust me.” Sarah put her arm further round JJ’s body and pulled her close. The brunette hadn’t stopped dancing since the third beer and vodkas. Sarah hadn’t realized JJ would get this drunk. She’d decided to spike JJ’s final beer when the brunette had spotted a teammate leaving the club.

Helen placed her arm around JJ and pulled her close to her. With both women flanked either side of her they made their way off the dance floor.

“Has to go potty! Potty!” JJ blared out as her legs wobbled slightly. She was trying her hardest to walk but her balance was affected by the amounts of liquor she’d consumed.

Helen pulled her even tightly to her. “I’ve got this Sarah. Back off.” Sarah dropped her hold of JJ. If she pushed too hard she knew Helen would make the decision to drive JJ home and that was definitely not part of the plan. “Sure. It’s probably your only chance of getting your hands inside her pants!” Score. She’d hit the sore spot right on the bull’s eye. Helen swung round. Her fists clenched. “You bitch. If she wasn’t in such a state I’d beat the shit out of you.” She grabbed at Sarah but her arm was stopped midair.

“Honey, ignore her. She’s trying to wind you up.” Jo whispered in her lover’s ear. She’d heard the whole incident. “I’ll help you with JJ. I hope we get her to the bathroom in time.”

Helen was pleased Jo had helped her assist JJ. The tall woman had no control over her actions and just getting her into the stall had been a struggle. Helen wasn’t looking forward to recounting this adventure to her friend. Plus the next hockey game was going to be fun as a few of the rival team players had watched JJ’s antics on the dance floor. After JJ had finished, they walked her over to the basins. Jo wet some paper towels and began to wipe JJ’s face. She smiled as JJ grinned at her.

“Hey there. Long time no see. What have you been doing to yourself?”

“Went dancing. Drank beer with Sarah. Feel….feel ..sick.” JJ mumbled, her head hanging over the basin.

Helen filled her hands with water and held it under JJ’s mouth. “Drink some of this. Please. Come on, JJ, try for me.” JJ took a few sips of the water and then turned violently and rushed into the nearest stall. Both women grimaced as they heard the heaving.

“She’s going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow.” Jo winced as she heard a second bout of hurling.

“Tell me about it and we’ve got practice. I’m more concerned about how she got in this state. She rarely drinks. Something must have happened between Cory and her. Do you think we should leave her in Sarah’s hands?” Helen grabbed a few paper towels and held them towards the pale brunette as she staggered towards them. They helped JJ wipe herself clean.

“She’ll be fine. They looked like they’d made up. Ask her.”

Helen held JJ against the wall. “Hey buddy. How you feeling?”

“Like shit.” JJ muttered.

“Sarah’s going to drive you home JJ. Is that okay? Or would you prefer Jo and I to do it?” Helen pulled her friend into a hug. She smelt awful: a mixture of beer, smoke and vomit.

“I love you, Helen.” JJ mumbled into her friend’s shoulder. “I love Jo, too. I love Cory best of all.”

“Ssh I know. We love you too. So you want to go home with Sarah?”

JJ nodded, “She’s my friend too. We made friends and she danced with me.”

Helen shrugged her shoulders at Jo. “We’ll let her go but I’m checking on her first thing tomorrow.” They walked out of the bathroom towards Sarah.

“Took you long enough.” Sarah snapped.

“She threw up. She’s all yours.”

“She always was.” replied Sarah as she wrapped her arms around JJ and pulled her close. Turning her head towards Helen she winked and walked out of the club into the crisp night air.

“Bitch!” Helen yelled as Jo pulled her into a hug.

Cory checked her email. There was still no message off JJ and she was beginning to worry. It was midday and it wasn’t like JJ not to mail her. When she’d returned the previous evening there had been no mail. Cory had assumed JJ had been busy at work but there was always an email in the morning waiting for her. Sam had been keen to begin the tutoring session so Cory hadn’t been able to check her mail since then. She had just hoped the mails were delayed, that had happened before. But now it was getting late and still no messages. Sam had just left for his golf game. He wasn’t returning until the morning and Cory had decided she was staying home alone. Usually she went to her parent’s house but tonight she had plans for JJ and her. She looked at her watch five more minutes and then she’d call JJ just to check.

The morning had gone well. Sam seemed to be in good spirits. The trip to the movies had been fine. The film had been an action one about fishermen caught in a huge storm. Cory had enjoyed it but it reminded her too much of JJ. It was set and filmed in Massachusetts and every time the name Boston or Massachusetts had appeared on the screen her heart had fluttered. The constant reminder had hit Sam too. She was sure she’d seen his body go rigid a few times. They’d returned home and had a mug of hot chocolate. They’d said goodnight on the landing. She’d thanked him for his understanding and given him a hug. Sam had responded by kissing her lightly on her cheek and they’d both gone their separate ways. Things were definitely looking up.

Cory dialed JJ’s number. She knew it by heart. The phone rang four times before it was picked up. “Hello?”

Cory knew instantly that this wasn’t the voice of her girl. Her heart began to beat faster. It was just past 7am JJ’s time. Who visited that time in the morning? Then understanding hit her. “Is that Helen? Can I speak to JJ?”

“No. It’s Sarah. JJ is still sound asleep. I’ll give her a message when she wakes up. It could be a while though we made up and had a ‘very’ busy night.” Sarah knew from the accent who it was. She was loving every minute of it. “Can I ask who’s calling?”

Cory felt sick. “It’s Cory.” She managed to stutter before she hung up the phone and ran to the bathroom.

Sarah smiled with glee when she heard the line go dead. Her plans were going smoother than she’d expected. She turned her head towards the bedroom door. It was time to put her next plan into action. She peeled off the clothes she’d borrowed and threw them into the laundry. She scattered the clothing from the previous night across the hallway and into the bedroom. There in front of her, lying flat on her tummy sound asleep was a very naked JJ.

On their return to the house JJ had passed out. The mixture of the alcohol and air had been too much for her constitution. Sarah had struggled to get the brunette to the bed. There she had taken off her ex’s clothes and marveled at the body. She had hoped to keep JJ in a semi conscious state. She’d been sure her advances would have been welcomed. She would just have to make JJ believe they did it. She was sure the tall woman would have no memory of her previous night’s escapades. She climbed into the bed and wrapped her arms around the gorgeous woman. Even now she was still beautiful. The movements against JJ caused the darker woman to stir.

JJ could feel the worse pounding in her head. She tried to open her eyes but no matter what she tried they wouldn’t respond. Her body ached. She tried to swallow; her throat hurt. Her mouth felt like the Sahara: dry and rough. Fragments of the previous evening whirled round her head: the mall, the movie, the club and Helen. How the hell did Helen fit into the picture? As she moved, she felt something warm against her back. Something warm and something very naked. Adrenalin shot through her body enabling her to finally move. “What the fuck!” Her eyes flew open and she saw her worst fear. Sarah smiling back at her.

“Hey honey. Good morning to you. That mouth of yours never gets any better does it. You liked that word soooo much last night.” She winked. Her plan was working. The confused look on JJ’s face told her everything. JJ remembered nothing.

“Out!” JJ flung the clothes strewn on the floor towards Sarah. She grabbed the sheet and wrapped it round her own body.

“Hardly the time for modesty. I saw it all up close and personal last night. You do remember last night, don’t you?” JJ was trembling. She had no idea what had happened. Her head was pounding and her mouth tasted of sick. “Of course I remember last night, sort of. We went to the mall, watched a movie and then went for a drink. Then it gets fuzzy. You got me drunk!”

“You got yourself drunk. It’s not like I held you down and poured the beer down there. You were a willing agent. You kept whining about Sam and Cory being back together.” Sarah twisted the truth a little. She didn’t really know what had happened. JJ had been muttering Cory’s name in the car on the way back from the club. Something about Sam wanting Cory back. “Speaking of the little blonde. She called this morning. I gave her your regards.” Sarah was enjoying this moment. It was true. Revenge was sweet.

JJ crumpled onto the bed. “She called? You answered?” Tears glistened in her eyes. What had she done? “Out! Get the fuck out of my house!”

“It’s our house. I have just as much right to be here as you do.” Sarah gathered her clothing. Her mission was complete. She had planted the doubt in both JJ and Cory’s mind, and she had collected a few souvenirs along the way. She felt triumphant.

JJ rolled up into a ball. She felt sick. Her head hurt and so did her heart. She needed to talk to Cory but what would she say. She had no idea what had happened. All the evidence pointed to JJ’s worse fear. She’d slept with Sarah.

Cory sat by the toilet. She’d lost her breakfast. The sound of Sarah’s voice echoed around her head. ‘They made up! They had a busy night!’ What was that supposed to mean. Don’t jump to conclusions. It could mean anything. Trust her. Cory’s mind was split. One side was telling her to listen to JJ before she jumped to conclusion. The other side was telling her she didn’t need to hear about it. She wiped the tears that were staining her cheeks. She needed to get out of the house. She changed into her gym gear and headed out. As she slammed the door shut the shrill ring of the phone sounded. Cory paused for a second before continuing on her way to the car. She needed time to think.

JJ alternated between Cory’s home number and her cell. She’d risk the chance of speaking to Sam if it meant she could at least talk to her girl. She was beginning to get frantic. She’d checked her email and had found a morning email off Cory. It had been detailed. Cory had expressed her delight at having everything out in the open. She’d also expressed her love for JJ and how she’d wished that she’d been at the cinema with her, rather than Sam. JJ felt awful. She’d assumed the worse. She still didn’t trust Sam but she should never have hooked up with Sarah.

After trying Cory’s number one last time, she headed for the shower. Her head was pounding. She’d already drunk a gallon of water, and two aspirin. As she stood in front of the mirror she checked her body for marks. Sarah was notorious for leaving bite marks. JJ was elated to see there were none on her. Maybe nothing had happened. That still didn’t explain the nakedness, or Sarah’s affectionate embrace. She hung her head in shame. What would Cory think? She knew the blonde already thought something had happened. Her morning email had told JJ she would be home most of the day. The only reason JJ could come up with for Cory ignoring her calls was she was pissed. She wondered if Sarah had said more than she ought.

The shower had been a welcome relief to JJ’s sore shoulders. She had no idea what she’d done the previous evening, but it had to have included chest presses or something like that. She was just contemplating the idea of eating when there was a knock at the front door. She looked outside the window to see Helen’s truck. “Come in! The door’s open.” She yelled, then winced as the pain shot through her head. She needed to lie back down and soon.

“Well you’re a sight for sore eyes. I never thought I’d see you walking this morning.” Helen patted her friend on the back. “Head pounding?”

JJ nodded. “How did you know?”

“We were there.” Jo replied as she took a seat at the breakfast bar.

“That bad?” JJ asked.

“Worse.” Helen piped in. “So you got home okay. I had my doubts about Sarah’s intentions towards you, but I guess she really did have your best interests at heart.”

JJ sank down into the seat next to Jo. She felt like shit. Not only had she made a fool out of herself but also she’d done it in front of her best friends. “I’m not sure about that.” She blushed as she said it.

“You didn’t! No way!” Helen couldn’t believe it. She felt just as much to blame. She’d had her chance to get rid of Sarah and she hadn’t.

JJ shrugged. “I’m not sure. I have no recollection of last night prior to the second beer. It was meant to be a quick drink. The next thing I know I’m waking up in bed with Sarah draped all over me.”

Jo patted JJ on the back. “That doesn’t mean anything.”

JJ looked her straight in the eyes, “We were both naked.” She hung her head in shame. “I can’t believe I cheated on Cory. She’ll never talk to me again.”

“JJ, did Sarah actually say you’d done anything?” Helen looked at her friend. She looked like shit. Her skin was pale and her beautiful blue eyes bloodshot. JJ shook her head. “To be honest I don’t think you’d have been conscious. You could barely stand after you’d been sick.”

JJ groaned. “I was sick. You were there. Please tell me I at least managed to do that in the restroom.”

Jo nodded, “Yeah after we’d helped you pee.” She couldn’t resist. There weren’t too many opportunities to embarrass JJ and she was enjoying it.

JJ buried her head in her arms. “Kill me now!” She lifted her head; her face had definitely turned a redder color. “Are you sure?”

Helen and Jo both nodded. “You were wasted. I would bet my last dollar that with the cool night air you were sleeping like a baby by the time you left the parking lot. Sarah is just playing with you.”

“I hope you’re right. Not that Cory will ever believe this. It’s just like you see in the movies or read in a book.”

Helen and Jo both looked confused. “What has Cory got to do with this? She’s 3000 miles away. Unless you tell her, how’s she going to find out?” Helen asked.

“She called.”

“And?” Helen still didn’t get it.

Jo jumped in, “And Sarah answered.”

JJ nodded, “You got it. I was still unconscious. She’s now not taking my calls so I have no idea what Sarah said to her. I know one thing the next time I see Sarah I’m going to kill her. What I don’t understand is how I got so drunk. I swear I only had three beers.”

Helen had been mulling something over in her head. “What I don’t understand is why you went out on your own?”

JJ looked confused. Her right eyebrow had risen in an unspoken question. “I didn’t go on my own. I went with Sarah. Where did you get that idea from?”

Helen banged her hand on the table. Jo had also fitted the pieces of the puzzle together, and she rested her hand on Helen’s back. Jo raised her eyes to JJ. “When we asked Sarah last night how she’d let you get into this state she told us she’d found you in that state. She made no mention that she went to the club with you. So what happened? Last Helen told me you two weren’t even speaking.”

“We weren’t until yesterday. Sarah called saying she wanted to talk to me about the house. We met and had dinner. That went well so we saw a movie and then ended up at the club. She said Chris was meeting her there.” The light finally came on in JJ’s head. “Chris never showed did she?” Her friends shaking heads answered her question.

“Who bought the drinks?” Helen asked.

JJ thought about that for a second. “I got the first, Sarah got the second while I went to the bathroom, and I think I got the third. I’m not sure as that’s where the evening gets fuzzy.”

“Did you leave your third drink at any time?” Jo was beginning to understand the full picture.

“Yeah. Marie was just leaving and I wanted to check the arrangements for Monday’s game. Why?”

“I’d have to say I think Sarah spiked your drink. She may have planned to get you a little drunk and hoped your hormones would do the rest. Looking back on it, I have to say from the look on her face at times she got more than she bargained for.”

JJ clenched her fists. “You wait until I get hold of her. She’ll wish she’d stayed far away from me. I have a mind to call Chris and tell her exactly what her girlfriend was up to last night.”

“I don’t think she’d mind. I know someone who dated Chris once. Apparently, so long as the person earns a decent wage and has a beating heart she’ll date them. I think Sarah’s realized that she may not be the apple of Chris’s eye. Her eye has a habit of roaming. I tell you there are no secrets in the gay world.” Jo stated. She’d been part of the little incestuous world of lesbian gossip when she’d had an affair with a woman shortly after arriving in the US.

Helen suddenly became very animated. “Oh that reminds me, JJ. You might want to wear your thick skin on Monday. Half the Bears team saw your attempts at dancing last night and may take their shots at you during the game.”

“Oh is this day ever going to get any better?” She went to the fridge. “I wonder if I can keep any breakfast down?”

It was 3pm by the time Cory returned home. The weather outside was dismal and put pay to any plans she had for the garden. She wanted to keep her mind busy. As she was planning with Rachel the next day she decided to just chill in front of the television. She was feeling better. Most of her anger had gone. She really had no evidence except Sarah’s presence at JJ’s house. As she placed her gym bag in the hallway she noticed the flashing lights on her answer machine. There were four messages. She pressed play.

‘Cory, it’s JJ. When you get this message could you call me.’ Cory pressed the erase button. The next message began to play.

‘Hi Cory, it’s JJ again. Your email said you would be around this morning. I was hoping we could talk.’ Cory noted there was a slight panic to JJ’s voice. She deleted the message and listened to the third message.

“It’s 8am my time- give me a call when you get this. Please. J’ Cory decided the American sounded very frustrated. She deleted it and listened to the final message.

‘Hello, Cory, Sam just called and said you’d be alone tonight. Your father and I wondered if you and Holly wanted to come over for dinner. You can stop over if you want. Let me know. I tried your mobile but it’s switched off.’ Cory wasn’t sure if she fancied spending the evening with her parents but it was at least an option. She ran upstairs and grabbed her mobile. She hadn’t even thought to take it with her. She switched it on and plugged in the security code. She’d begun to use a code when she’d found JJ’s first message on there. It would prevent anyone else using her phone or reading her text messages. The display informed her she had three messages. She called the voice mail service.

‘Cory, it’s JJ. Give me a call when you get this. I love you.’

‘Cory, I’m worried about you. I know you spoke to Sarah. It’s not what it sounds like trust me.’

‘Cory I’m going frantic. Helen and Jo have filled me in and I think Sarah set me up. Call me please. I love you so much.’ The final message had been left ten minutes earlier. Cory couldn’t hold out any longer she needed to hear what JJ had to say. She picked up the cordless phone and called JJ’s number.

JJ had given up calling Cory. She’d tried numerous times and left six messages, plus two emails. She’d fed the two women and tried to eat herself but her stomach wasn’t quite up to solids just yet. Helen had gone to hockey practice but Jo had offered to stay with JJ in case Sarah returned and tried something. Jo had figured JJ was safer in the company of others. JJ wasn’t sure whom they were more worried about: Sarah or her. They’d talked computers and work most of the morning as JJ was keen to move jobs if Cory managed to get into the college. She’d need more money in order to support them both and Jo had some good contacts in the computer world. They’d just settled down to watch some Buffy reruns when the phone rang. JJ’s face lit up, she hoped and prayed it was Cory.

“Hello?” JJ asked as she picked up the phone.

“Hey there.” Cory answered shyly. She was feeling a little embarrassed at jumping to conclusions.

JJ blew out her breath. She was so relieved. There had been a moment earlier in the day when she’d been sure she’d screwed up her relationship. She walked into the kitchen to give her and Cory some privacy. “I am so glad you called. I have been worried sick.”

“So have I. I needed to think. I got a little worried when I had no morning mail. Then an even bigger shock this morning when I called and spoke to Sarah!” Cory could feel all the emotions coming back and gulped down the tears.

JJ felt a surge of guilt. She’d been petty in not sending Cory an email. Jealousy really wasn’t her best quality. “I’m sorry, Honey. I got jealous.”

“Of what?” Cory couldn’t believe she was hearing this right.

“Sam. Your email yesterday got me all scared and worried.”

Cory was confused. “Why?”

“Because things were going well, and he was being so nice. I just jumped to the wrong conclusion. I got scared you’d realize what Sam could be like and go back with him.”

Cory began to get angry, of all the stupid reasons. “J, I thought you’d be pleased things were going well. It means life here will be a little easier. Living in the house this past week has been a nightmare and so I was a little excited that things went well. I can’t believe you’d think I was that shallow. I love you.”

“I know that now. Yesterday was just a shitty day. I missed you so much. I know there’s no excuse. I was jealous you went out with Sam. It sounded like a date.”

“So how did Sarah end up at your house so early this morning?” Cory bit back.

JJ winced as she heard the accusatory tone in Cory’s voice. “Point taken. I got a call off Sarah and she wanted to meet. We ended up going to the cinema and then to a bar.”

“And?”

“She spiked my drinks and got me drunk.” JJ wasn’t sure how much to tell Cory. She knew the blonde trusted her. But the distance made it hard to show that honesty. Eyes were always the best tool to judge someone’s honesty and Cory couldn’t see her eyes at this moment. In all truth she had no idea if Jo and Helen’s speculation was correct. The only person who knew the truth was Sarah and JJ hadn’t been able to track her ex down to ask.

“And?” Cory was beginning to feel the same panic she’d felt when she’d heard Sarah’s tone on the phone earlier. Her stomach began to recoil.

“And I woke up this morning naked…. with her beside me.” Tears were tracking down both women’s eyes. “I’m sorry babe.” Sobbed a distraught JJ. She felt the phone being lifted from her hands and saw Jo behind her.

Cory had curled herself into a ball. Pains were shooting through her body. She placed the phone back to her ear, and heard a voice that wasn’t JJ’s.

“Cory? Cory, it’s Jo, Helen’s partner.” Jo waited. She could her the ragged breathing of the person the other side of the phone. “I just wanted to tell you that from what Helen and I saw last night JJ was set up. She was barely conscious when she left the club. Sarah was so keen on taking JJ home we’re sure nothing happened. Talk to her please. She loves you so much. Please?”

Cory listened to JJ’s friend. She had already decided that JJ could have hidden the truth from her but hadn’t. That in itself spoke volumes to Cory. “Hello Jo, nice to speak to you. I would have preferred it to be in a few weeks time under better circumstances. Can you put JJ back on?”

Jo passed the phone to JJ. “Speak to her. I’ll be nearby.” JJ took the phone.

JJ wasn’t sure exactly what to say. “Cory I never planned any of this. I swear I was out of it. We never did anything I’m sure I would remember it. I promise.”

Cory’s heart melted. “I know, J. I trust you. From what Jo says you were in a pretty bad way. How are you feeling now?”

JJ groaned, “Like a bulldozer is banging around inside my head. I made quite a fool of myself last night. If I ever show my face around there again it’ll be a miracle!”

“Well now I’m disappointed. I thought you were going to take me out to my first gay club.”

JJ smiled. It looked like things were going to be okay. “Well if you ask me nicely I could be persuaded.” She was so happy things were going well. “Cory, I was so scared I’d lost you. It made me realize how much I love you and how heartbroken I’d be if you left me. Freaky really when you consider how long we’ve known each other.”

“I know. Scared me too. I don’t think I even thought about it. I was just so shocked when Sarah answered. She sounded so smug. I know I shouldn’t have thought the worse. I went to the gym to blow off steam. Once I got back I heard your messages. I was pretty shocked to hear your messages on the home answer machine. I knew it must be pretty serious if you were risking Sam hearing the message.” Cory leant against the wall. She was relieved the misunderstanding was behind them.

“I really didn’t think about it. I was close to catching the next plane to England!” She chuckled. “This is the worse part of being apart. I can’t even give you a make up hug or kiss.”

Cory blushed. The plans she’d had earlier for their evening entertainment came back to her. “Errr well you could kind of.”

Picking up on Cory’s suddenly shy, girly voice, JJ inquired further, “Care to tell me more?”

“Well I was kind of thinking that we could have a date tonight? Err soft music, candles and each other. Sam’s away, and I was hoping we could have a long ICQ or try the new messenger thing. I have a microphone. We could try chatting over the Internet. It’d cut the cost down as we could hear each other’s voices and it would be free. Then we could finish with a phone conversation. What do you think?” Cory was still blushing. She knew that JJ didn’t quite understand what she had in mind but she was sure it wouldn’t take her long to click onto it.

JJ liked Cory’s ideas. “Sure sounds good. What time?”

“About 9ish my time. That should give you time to do the things you have planned. That’s if you don’t have company.”

“No. Jo is just waiting for Helen to return. Then we’re heading to the shops, mall and home. So I should be back well in advance. I’ll send you an email. I’m looking forward to our date. What should I wear?”

Cory grinned, “Nothing but a smile! I love you J.”

“I love you too.” JJ was blushing as she switched the phone off. She’d finally caught on to what Cory had in mind. She turned to Jo. “Thanks. You helped a lot. I owe you big time.”

“No worries. I can guess by your rosy complexion that you and your girl are fine?”

JJ nodded. “Yeah. We’re great. She’s calling later. We have a date.” JJ blushed again. She couldn’t wait for 4pm to get around.

Part 31

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