# Learning to Trust

# By Jules Matthews

Part 2

Chapter 4

The heat was unbearable and just seemed to intensify Taryn's bad mood. She had barely slept. After leaving Jane's house she had sat in her car for a while. Part of her had wanted to go back into the house to support her aunt and control the amount of information Jace received. The other part just wanted to flee the house. It seemed to always be cursing her. She knew Jane would end up telling Jace the whole story. Taryn had been a little surprised that Jane hadn't revealed more to Jace sooner. When Taryn had made up her mind to leave, she'd driven around for hours. She had been restless and the driving seemed to help her focus. She had ended up in Marshfield, and had parked the car and taken a walk on the beach. In her mind, she knew she could always switch her assistantship. The college always seemed to have openings in various departments, but she liked the Achievement Center, and as hard as it was to admit, she admired Jace. She had already gained experience working there and she knew Jace had projects she wanted Cory and her to work on.

Marti had been in bed when Taryn had arrived home, and she was thankful. She didn't have the energy to face Marti's barrage of questions about her family. Her body had been exhausted but her mind still active. She had tossed and turned; in the end she had woken Marti who had grumpily sent her to sleep in the spare room. Taryn's mind had replayed the evening over and over again. She desperately wanted to know what Jane had told Jace. She wanted to know how Jace had reacted. She'd woken up crabby and had purposefully goaded Marti into a fight. Marti had left for work hurt and upset, threatening to sleep at her parents if Taryn wasn't in a better mood when she arrived home. Taryn had left for work earlier than necessary and had stopped to buy some coffee. Even though the air was already humid, her need for caffeine led her to the now familiar Dunkin Donuts. She'd unconsciously grabbed two coffees and donuts, and now sat in her car in the college parking lot, next to Jace's car. Just go inside. What's the worst that can happen? She tells you to find an assistantship elsewhere. Shit happens. Suck it up and get in there. Taryn held her cell phone in her hand. She tried one more time to reach her aunt to find out what had happened, but the call ended up the same place it had the last five times she tried, Jane's voicemail.

**

Jace looked up and smiled as she saw Taryn in her doorway dangling coffee before her. "I think you read my mind some mornings."

"It's your caffeine buzz. It can be heard through the state of Massachusetts." Taryn was pleased to see that her employer seemed relaxed enough to joke with her. She decided she'd wait until Jace brought up the subject of the previous night before she said anything.

Jace sipped the hot liquid. "Ummm...that hit the spot. I'm glad you're in so early. I have to go to several meetings, and wasn't sure we'd cross paths today. I have all the data from the freshmen testing in an Excel sheet. I need you to go through all the tests and pull up all the students who scored below 75 on the comprehension portion of the test. They will need their schedules printed out. Then I need you to print off a list of all those students that got put in the pre-college math and writing classes. I will need their schedules printed, too. It's a little tedious, but I'm hoping we can group the students by common subjects and find those that will benefit from a pre-college workshop." She handed Taryn a sheet of paper. "I've written it all down. Any problems e-mail me. I'll be up in the President's office for most of the day."

Taryn took the paper and looked at the strong bold strokes that Jace had written on the page. Jace busied herself by grabbing various folders from the shelf. "I'm off now." She said as she walked through the doorway.

Taryn wasn't listening to Jace. She was busy reading the instructions Jace had just given her. She glanced down at the last line. 'By the way, you still work for me!' She grinned and looked up. Jace was nowhere to be found, she ran out into the corridor and shouted to the tall woman, "Thanks."

Jace turned around and grinned, "Most people would groan after receiving a list of jobs that long. Have a good one. Remember to e-mail me or leave a message if you need anything. Jane's not in today, so you'll be pretty much on your own." She walked toward Taryn, the pull back toward her office irresistible. "Most people are leaving early because of tomorrow and Thursday's holiday. So don't work too late. Boss's orders!" She flashed a toothy grin to Taryn.

Jace was back down the corridor when she heard the question. "Is Jane okay?" She turned and saw the concerned look on Taryn's face.

"Is this your way of getting me to work off my donut? I walk back and forth along this corridor." She smiled to indicate to Taryn she was joking. "She's fine. I told her to take the day off as she has a lot to organize for tomorrow. I called her this morning, and she's worried that she doesn't have enough food. Bill's family all eat like bottomless pits so I think she'll be baking all day."

Taryn's face was unreadable, "Yeah, I remember. Have a good one."

Jace watched as Taryn turned and walked down the corridor to her own small office. If she hadn't been studying the younger woman, she would have missed the wistful look on Taryn's face.

**

Taryn took Jace's offer of leaving early to heart and was out of the office by 2pm. She had decided she owed Marti an apology and had bought some steak and a bottle of wine. Although steak was bound to be offered the next day, Taryn thought a cookout on the deck would help appease her girlfriend. She'd even bought a bunch of flowers. Since working at the Achievement Center and seeing her aunt nearly everyday, she had sometimes come home depressed. She wished things could be different between them. She wanted nothing more than to pull up to Jane's house anytime of day to see the kids and not have to worry about seeing Patrick or Bill. Her aunt had tried to tell her that Bill had changed, but Taryn knew better. Leopards rarely changed their spots and Patrick's influence over Bill still seemed strong.

The grill was warm and Taryn knew Marti would be home any minute. She placed the large steaks on the metal rack and covered them with the lid. The table was set and the flowers made a pretty centerpiece. She poured herself a glass of wine and settled into the soft deck chair. Their home was a small two-bedroom country ranch house off a main road. It was surrounded on three sides by tall trees, but the neighbors' houses could still be seen on either side. Taryn liked the feeling of security these houses gave her. Marti's father had given Marti the deposit when she'd graduated from college and passed her accountant's exams. Taryn looked up as she heard Marti's car pull into their small driveway. She heard the slam of the car door. " I'm out back, Marti."

The redhead came round the corner, a smile gracing her fair complexion. "This is a nice surprise. I expected you to be late. You've been putting in some long hours." She kissed Taryn on the lips. "I see your mood has improved. Do you want to talk about it?" She knew the answer before she even asked, but in her own masochistic way, she had to try. Getting Taryn to talk voluntarily was like pulling teeth: slow and painful.

Taryn wrapped her arms around Marti's slim waist. "PMS, babe."

"Yeah, and I'm the tooth fairy. You had your period last week. Don't worry; your secrets are your own. This looks nice. Are the flowers for me?" Marti was pleasantly surprised that Taryn had gone to so much trouble. It wasn't Taryn's nature to be so romantic. Marti began to get worried; maybe she should be concerned about what Taryn was keeping a secret.

"The flowers are my way of saying sorry. I know I've been a bitch to live with. I guess I've been a little uptight because Jane hadn't told Jace we were related. Well that changed last night. Jane told Jace she was my aunt and Jace was cool about it." Taryn let go of Marti and turned to the grill to flip the steaks.

Marti came up behind her. "You're forgiven. So that's why you were restless last night. Did you know Jane was going to tell her?" She nibbled on Taryn's ear.

"Nooo...Marti that tickles." Marti continued to suckle the sweet tasting skin. "Marti, cut it out or I'll end up setting the deck on fire."

Marti laughed sexily into Taryn's ear. "I know something else that's on fire!"

Taryn squirmed round in her girlfriend's arms and kissed her soundly on the lips. "Well, maybe that will keep you stoked, because we're eating first. I'm starving. Make yourself useful and go and get the potatoes out of the oven." She tapped Marti's ass and got a hundred watt smile for a reply. Life is good. Who'd have thought I'd be this settled? Maybe it is time to introduce Marti to the family. Who am I kidding? Bill would never let Jane visit me with the kids.

"Hey watch it, Emeril, the steaks are burning!" Marti placed the potatoes on the table and went back inside for the salad.

Taryn grabbed a plate and put the steaks on it. She carried them and the corn she had been cooking, over to the table. After they were both seated, Taryn poured Marti a glass of wine and held her glass towards Marti. "Here's to a good Fourth of July." They clinked glasses.

Marti cut up her steak and looked at the relaxed face of the woman she loved. Taryn was so complex in many ways and rarely gave herself time to wind down. "Taryn, I was thinking about tomorrow. Now that Jace knows about your relationship to Jane, there really isn't anything to stop us going over there tomorrow."

Taryn chewed on her steak. She'd had a feeling Marti was going to try and get her to visit the family. When the invitation had arrived addressed to the both of them, Marti had opened it. When Marti had initially asked if they were going to go, Taryn had given the excuse that Jace would be there. "But your mother is expecting us."

"She'd understand. We spend every holiday with them. If I explained that you were back in touch with your family, I'm sure she'd be okay with it." Marti watched Taryn as she physically squirmed in her seat.

"It's not fair on Jane. She won't be expecting us. Jane's a little weird that way, likes to know numbers and I already told her we were going to your parents. Maybe next week we'll invite her round for dinner." Marti nodded. Taryn breathed a sigh of relief as she listened to Marti recount her day.

**

Jace swam across the pool avoiding the errant splashes of water that came her way. "Good turnout. I think there are more Weston's this year than last. It's good to see the kids having fun, and Tom just looks so cute in his swimming trunks."

Jane looked at her son who was being cradled by his grandmother. "He was so excited. All I heard this morning was about Auntie Jace taking him swimming. I just wish Taylor had been as happy." Both women stared at Jane's middle child, as he sat in a chair under the big willow tree playing his GameBoy.

"He doesn't seem to mix with his cousins very well. Sammy and Zac are his age, but he doesn't want to play with them." Jace poured water over her shoulders. The afternoon sun felt good on her skin. Her tan had definitely deepened that day.

Jane kept her eyes on Taylor. "He's sulking. He kept asking all yesterday and today if Taryn was coming. I told him she wasn't, but he didn't understand as all his other cousins come and play. In the end Patrick shouted at him, and Taylor hasn't spoken to any of us since."

"The more you talk to me about Patrick, the more I want to hold his head under this water. I didn't know Taylor was so close to Taryn." Jace could feel her fingers pruning. She hated the sensation and lifted herself out to sit on the side of the pool.

"Taryn was to Taylor, as you are to Tom. He was turning two when she left. It took him a long time to get over his Ryn."

"Ryn is Taryn? Now it makes sense. Taylor asked me once if I was his new Ryn. I didn't have a clue what he was talking about, but Josie corrected him. She said Ryn had gone far away. I never gave it a second thought. He must love the fact that she's back in his life."

"Over the moon. He counts down to Monday nights and works so hard in school so she'll be proud of him. He just doesn't understand why she can't come to the house at other times. I went to tuck him into bed last week and he was crying. He said that Taryn didn't visit because he was stupid. He said he was going to try better in school. On Monday he came home with an A in math. We practically had to peel him off the ceiling. He told me when I tucked him in that night that Taryn would come and visit more because he'd done well. With those thoughts and Patrick's attack on him, he's miserable. I'm sorry, Jace. This is the last thing you need on your day off."

Jace splashed water over Jane's face. "How many times do I have to tell you I don't mind? I'm grateful you take me in. If it weren't for you, I'd be spending every holiday alone."

"I think I prevent you having a sex life!" Jane ducked under the water and swam as fast as she could. Five strokes later, she was struggling for air. She could feel Jace's strong fingers wrapped around her leg. As she turned to swim upwards, she felt Jace's arms on her waist lifting her up for air.

"Explain yourself! I could have a sex life if I wanted one." Jace swam to the edge pulling Jane with her.

Jane coughed the remnants of water out of her mouth. "Maybe. Don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way. I just think if you were on your own at these times of year, you'd get lonely and that would force you out into the world of dating." She looked at the frown on Jace's face. "Have I overstepped the mark?"

Jace ran her fingers through her ebony curls. "No. Maybe you're right, but I do enjoy spending the time with the children. I was never very close to my own siblings, and then I left Greece. I don't think I've ever had the opportunity to spend time with young children. It gives me a sense of belonging that I don't have with my own nieces and nephews." She sensed Jane was waiting for more. "Enough of the sensitive chats. I'm going to talk to the second man in my life!" She jumped out of the pool and grabbed her towel from the deck chair. She rubbed her shoulders and then wrapped her towel around her waist. Jane watched her walk towards her oldest son.

"Hi, Taylor. What are you playing with?" Jace really didn't know how to make small talk with a child. She struggled with adults.

"Star Wars. I'm Obi Wan. He's smart you know?" Taylor had yet to take his eyes off the screen.

"I bet you make a great Obi Wan because you're so smart." Jace replied.

Taylor threw the GameBoy on the floor. "No I'm not, I'm stupid. All the kids tell me so."

Way to go, Smartass. Get yourself out of this mess! Jace pulled her sunglasses off her face so Taylor could see her eyes. "That's not what Taryn told me yesterday. She told me how smart you were." Taylor looked at her wide-eyed.

"She did?" Taylor's little face looked questioningly at Jace.

"Yes, Taryn was very upset because she wanted to come here today to celebrate your A grade. She was telling me all about it. Unfortunately, she'd promised a friend that she would spend time with them. Do you know about promises?"

Taylor nodded his head, "Mommy says a promise is a promise. You shouldn't break one."

"That's right." Jace placed a hand behind her back and crossed her fingers. "Taryn asked me to pass a message on to you and I promised I would. She wanted to take you to Chuck E. Cheese's on Friday night."

"Really?" the little boy squeaked.

"I promise." Jace replied. Lying to a child now! You're going soft in your old age!

Taylor jumped up and ran to his mom. "Mom! Mom! Taryn's taking me to Chuck E. Cheese's!" he jumped into the pool and splashed water as high as he could.

The sudden uncharacteristic explosion of happiness from her son took Jane by surprise. "She is?" Jane looked at Jace who was still sitting on the lounger looking very guilty.

"Jace told me. She said Taryn promised. Can I go, mom? Please?" Taylor hugged his mom. "I'm so excited."

Jane kissed her son on the head. "How about you go and play with the other children and I'll go and find out the details. If Taryn promised you a trip, then she'll keep her promise." She directed Taylor to where all the others were playing chase. Then she turned toward her friend, "Umm, Jace, could you come over here, I think you have some explaining to do."

Jace shrugged sheepishly, and strolled casually toward Jane. She sat on the edge of the pool, dangling her legs in the cool water, "I just wanted to make him happy. I guess I didn't think it through, huh."

Jane put her arm around Jace's waist. "You're a wonderful lady, Jace Xanthos. Thank you. Now I suggest you call Taryn and see what she says! I just hope she can make it Friday or you've got a lot of explaining to do. She has the rest of the week off; I hope she doesn't decide to go away with Marti for the rest of the week."

"Do you think they would?" Jace hadn't even thought that Taryn wouldn't be available.

Jane shrugged. "I hope not for Taylor's sake, and yours! It looks like everyone's done eating, I'm going to make like the happy host and set up the dessert table. My pocket book is in the living room, Taryn's home and cell phone numbers are written on a piece of paper stored in the inside zipper pocket. Go do your magic or no dessert for you."

Jace passed pleasantries with Jane's sister-in-law and father-in-law as she walked through the kitchen area. In the living room she found Jane's bag and the folded bit of paper with Ryn written neatly on the inside. She tried the home number first and got the machine. "Taryn, this is Jace. I'm sorry for calling you outside of work hours. I need to talk you to urgently. Call me back on 508-555-1214, as soon as possible." Jace put the number back in Jane's bag and went in search of her dessert.

**

"The fireworks were awesome." Taryn locked the front door behind her. "I love the Fourth of July. No matter how old I get, the parade still gives me goose bumps."

"You're just an eternal child. I saw you beat down those children to get the candy pops." Marti pulled her girlfriend toward the bedroom. "Come this way, I have more candy for you to unwrap." The pair stumbled past the blinking answer machine and down the hallway leaving a path of discarded clothing along the way.

**

Jace paced back and forth across her living room floor staring at her cell phone. She was wishing it would ring. The Weston family had walked down the common to watch the town fireworks. Taylor had been in a happy mood. Jane had promised Josie that she would take her to Chuck E. Cheese's as well, and that Jace was going to be Tom's chaperone. Jace had tried Taryn's cell phone a few times, but it had gone directly to voicemail. Quit pacing. It's past eleven. Obviously she's not going to call now. You've certainly gotten yourself into a mess. Just go to bed! Jace turned off the lights and climbed the stairs to bed.

**

Taryn caressed Marti's skin. She liked the silky touch of it under her fingers. "That was great. You were giving me the eye all day! It drove me crazy." Taryn said, she kissed Marti's lips, and then continued. "And if you think I didn't notice the way you rubbed past me in the pool, you're wrong. If your mother hadn't been watching, I'd have taken you then and there."

Marti just flashed a bright smile and winked. Taryn swallowed. "I think you've drained all the liquid out of my body. I'll be back in a minute." Taryn climbed over the naked body of her lover, tweaking a nipple as she departed. "Paybacks are a bitch!" Taryn strolled down the hallway into the kitchen and got two bottles of water from the fridge, as she walked back toward the bedroom, the blinking red light illuminating in the dark caught her attention. Probably Gram and Gramps. I'll check it in the morning. She turned in to the master bedroom.

"What took you so long?" Marti whispered as she snaked her arm round Taryn's waist.

"I'm running on empty!" Taryn lay on the bed staring at the ceiling fans going round and round. The message on the answering machine was making her curious. She lay there for a while. "It's no use."

"What's wrong now?" Marti grumbled. "I'm tired, Taryn."

"There's a message on the machine. I think it's Gram, but if I don't check it out, I won't sleep all night. I'll be right back." She padded back down the hallway collecting the discarded clothes as she went. She pressed play. "You have one message. Wednesday, 2.44pm. Taryn, this is Jace. I'm sorry for calling you outside of work hours. I need to talk to you urgently. Call me back on 508-555-1214 as soon as possible" Taryn's heart began to beat faster.

"Who was that?" Marti asked from the bedroom.

"Jace." Taryn replied still in shock. The last voice she'd expected to hear on the machine was her boss. She walked back into the bedroom.

"What did she want?" Marti had propped a pillow behind her head.

Taryn shrugged. "She said it was urgent."

Marti took Taryn's hand. "Didn't you say she was spending the day with Jane?"

"Yeah. Oh my god, what if something happened to Jane or the kids." Memories of her father's anger burned in her mind. He wouldn't hurt the kids. He wouldn't. Tears blinded her eyes, as she fumbled for the bedroom phone and hit the redial button.

Come on. Pick up. "Hello?"

Taryn recognized the croaky voice of her boss. "Are they okay? What happened, Jace?" Taryn was frantic. Unconsciously, Taryn rubbed her cheek, memories of Patrick's hand hitting her face over and over again.

"Taryn?" Jace was trying to rid the fog of sleep from her head. "What time is it?"

"After twelve. Where are they?" Taryn was pacing and Marti couldn't understand what was causing the panic she could see on Taryn's face.

"Taryn, calm down. Where's who? You're rambling." Jace could sense the urgency in Taryn's voice.

"Jane? The kids? Are they okay? You called and said it was urgent." Taryn ran her fingers through her hair.

Realization dawned on Jace. "They're fine, Taryn. I promise." Stupid, Jace! Couldn't have worried the girl anymore if you'd tried. "I'm sorry, I needed to ask you something as soon as possible. I should have explained myself better." She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and yawned.

Taryn sat on the end of the bed. "They're okay?" She was shivering and could feel Marti come up behind her.

"I'm here, babe. What's wrong?" Marti held Taryn close to her.

Taryn shook her head and held a finger to her lips to silence Marti. "I'm sorry, Jace, I'm a little discombobulated."

Jace could hear the sound of a woman in the background. An ache she'd never felt before began in the pit of her stomach. "That's a big word for this time of night." She was trying to lighten the mood. "No, Taryn. I should have explained on the phone. It's a little embarrassing. Taylor was really upset today because you weren't at the party, and good old Uncle Patrick yelled at him. I was just trying to make him feel better."

"Patrick didn't hurt him, did he?" Taryn knew exactly what the man was capable of.

"No. Anyway, I went over to talk to Taylor and he has this inferiority complex. He kept saying you didn't come because he was stupid. So I lied to him."

Taryn could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She broke the hold that Marti had on her body and walked out into the hallway. "What did you say?" She sniffed and wiped the tears away.

Jace could hear the sniffles at the other end of the line. "I told him you had promised to take him out Friday night."

"You did?" Taryn hadn't expected any of this.

"I'm sorry, I had no right to plan your evening, but I just couldn't watch him beat himself up anymore. It hurt too much." The last words were whispered as memories from her childhood returned. "Jane said you might go on vacation and I panicked, hence the urgent message. I didn't mean to worry you."

"Aunt Jane was right. I was planning to go away, but Marti has to work Friday." Taryn replied.

"Oh...Good."

She must be uncomfortable about me mentioning Marti. I wonder what Jane told her. Taryn could sense Jace's discomfort. "So where am I going on my date?" She asked, trying to change the subject.

"How do you feel about Chuck E. Cheese's?"

Taryn groaned. "I hear it's a madhouse! What time should I pick him up?"

"You'll come?" Jace mouthed a silent thank you to the gods.

Taryn leaned against the wall. "I'd do anything for those kids. I know what living with Patrick can be like to one's self esteem." Jace could hear the bitterness creep into Taryn's voice. "Should I call Jane to make arrangements?"

"No. She said we should all meet outside the one at Brockton around five. If you couldn't make it, she said I was to grovel and offer you a promotion!" Jace relaxed back into the pillows on her bed.

Taryn laughed. "I guess I should have held out a bit longer. I think it would be fun to see you beg! Did I hear you say you were going as well?"

Jace groaned. "Yes. Your aunt said it wasn't fair to send you to that place without other adult company. Plus Josie sulked when she heard Taylor was going. We're triple dating. Your aunt is taking Josie. I'm escorting Tom, and you have Taylor."

"Good, I lucked out!" Taryn laughed as she tried to picture her cool, calm boss changing a diaper.

"How so?" Jace was enjoying the friendly banter between the two. She found conversation with Taryn often led to the two of them teasing each other.

"My date's potty trained." Taryn yawned. "I think the adrenalin rush is over. I should go back to bed before Marti sends out a search party. Thanks, Jace."

Jace felt the twinge in her stomach again when Taryn mentioned her partner. "Thanks for what? You're digging me out of a hole."

"For helping, Taylor. I'll see you at five on Friday. By the way, all the data you requested is on your desk. I hope it's okay. Goodnight, Jace."

"Thanks, Taryn, for the data that is. Sleep well." She clicked her cell phone off and closed her eyes. Deep, brown eyes haunted her.

Taryn heard the click of the phone and smiled at the receiver. She turned, banging straight into Marti who was leaning on the doorframe to their room. "What's going on, Taryn? One minute you're screaming and crying, the next you're laughing like you haven't got a care in the world. I heard you say the word 'date' and I got worried."

Taryn knew there was no way out of the conversation, so she relayed the story minus the bit about Patrick. Marti listened carefully. She wanted to ask so many questions, but it was rare for Taryn to talk about her aunt and the children. When she sensed that Taryn had finished, she began with the questions. "I thought we had a date Friday night?"

"I'm sorry, Marti, you cancelled on me last week for your family. Besides, I'm not canceling our date, I'm just changing the venue." She knew she'd said the right thing when she saw Marti's face light up.

"I'm invited?"

Taryn nodded. "You keep asking when you'll meet the family. Friday seems ideal. The attention will be on the kids so we shouldn't get the third degree from Auntie Jane. You'll get to meet the boss, too."

Chapter 5

Taryn had taken extra special care with her clothes, ready for the evening's activity. Marti had commented that Taryn took longer getting ready for a date with Taylor, than she did with her. Taryn had been thinking about that on the drive to the restaurant. When she'd been dressing, she'd been thinking of blue eyes appraising her body. She'd ended up choosing a pair of shorts that hugged her bottom, but weren't too short or too long. A blue long sleeved t-shirt, with Provincetown written across the back, hung loosely over the top of the shorts. She'd spiked her short blonde hair with gel and applied a very light layer of moisturizer and lipstick to her face. She'd kept her sneakers on, as she knew she was going to be chasing children all night. They were running a little late and when they pulled into the parking lot, they saw the family group standing outside the door. Taylor was sitting on the curb with his head in his hands.

"Hey, Taylor. Are you going to escort your date to the door?" Taryn shouted from her car.

Bright blue eyes came alert when he saw Taryn waving at him. "Ryn, you came. Jace promised me you would." He ran across the road toward his cousin.

"Taylor!" Three simultaneous cries of 'STOP' hung in the air as they watched Taylor run across the road without looking for traffic.

Taryn pulled the young boy to her. "Taylor, you have to remember to look for cars before you run across the road." She hadn't meant to shout at him, but the fear she'd felt when she saw him move took over. She could see the hurt and embarrassed look in his eyes as he shifted them back and forth between Marti and Taryn. "I'm sorry, Taylor. I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just I love you very much and if anything ever happened to you, I'd be very sad." She kissed the boy's head and took his hand. "Come on, let's go meet the others."

They stood at the edge of the car looking both ways before they crossed. "I'm sorry, Aunt Jane. It was my fault, I shouldn't have called to him. He just acted on instinct." Taryn hugged her aunt and then turned to Marti. "This is my aunt, Jane Weston. Auntie Jane this is Marti."

"Marti O'Neal, ma'am. It's good to meet you, finally. I didn't think Taryn was ever going to introduce us." Marti stuck out her hand, but was surprised when the older woman kissed her on the cheek.

"You two make a good pair. You could start the 'let's nag Taryn' society. Marti, this is my boss, Jace Xanthos."

Jace took the small hand of the redhead. She had to admit Taryn's girlfriend was pretty. Her red hair was held back in a ponytail and her freckles seemed to give her a youthful appearance. "Nice to meet you, Marti."

"Same here. It's good to put names to faces." Marti turned her attention to the little eyes facing her way.

Taryn pointed at the skinny brown haired girl, "This is Josie."

Josie looked at Marti. "Are you Ryn's girlfriend? Uncle Patrick said Ryn liked girls instead of boys."

Marti blushed and Taryn grimaced, "She's such a shy kid...not. As you can see, she has no qualms about speaking her mind." Taryn turned her attention to the impatient nine year old. "Yes, Josie, Marti is my girlfriend." She turned back to Marti, "You've already met Taylor." She smiled down at the seven year old who was still hanging onto her arm. "And the little man down there is Tom." Marti bent down to say hello, but Tom quickly hid behind Jace's long legs. "He's a little shy around strangers. He's still wary around me, but Jace seems to be able to handle him." Taryn looked at Jace as she said the words and didn't miss the slight blush that adorned the dark tanned face. "Shall we go inside? I'm starving."

As Jace opened the door to the establishment, the sounds of shouts and screams made her wince. What have you gotten yourself into? "It sounds like a mad house in there"

"No backing out now, boss. It was your choice." Taryn tapped Jace as she passed. Marti watched the interaction and smiled politely to Jace as she went by. Marti had tried to take Taylor's other hand, but he had pulled his hand away. They all waited patiently as the young man at the entry point stamped their hand.

"What's this for?" Taryn asked Jace curiously.

Jace led the group to a table away from the main games. "It's a number stamp. It displays the number under ultra-violet light. When you exit they'll scan your hand and the hand of the child you are with. You can't leave unless the numbers match."

Taryn was impressed. "Good security."

Jane nodded, "Jace and I thought so when we came a few months ago. It allows the children a little bit of freedom, and the parents can relax a little more, as you're not always searching for your kids."

Taylor and Josie had disappeared up the climbing frame that housed a little play area and had a huge slide attached to it. The rest of the group was seated at a table, all except Jace. "Okay, the evening is on me."

"No." Both Jane and Taryn echoed in unison.

Jace shook her head. "Please. It was my stupid idea that got us into this mess. No arguments." She glared jokingly at the group. Tom giggled. This made Taryn laugh out loud.

"He sees right through you, Jace! He knows you're not made of ice and stone." Taryn knew she'd overstepped the mark when she saw the hurt look flash across Jace's face. Marti kicked Taryn under the table. "Ouch." She shot a look at Marti and turned back to apologize to Jace, but Jace had left. Taryn looked from Jane to Marti.

"Good one, Taryn. I know you've told me she's a frigid ice maiden, but you didn't have to tell her." Marti said.

Taryn winced when she saw the hurt look on her aunt's face. When she'd first started working for Jace, she had told Marti that she thought Jace was a cold bitch. But her mind had been changed over the weeks by Jace's warm personality and kind heart. "I didn't mean anything by it, Jane."

Jane could see the remorse in Taryn's eyes, and she knew by the childlike sound of her voice that she felt bad about what she'd said. "I know you didn't, but she doesn't. Remember for all the fun and games she is still your superior, and my friend. I prefer you think before you speak."

Taryn dropped her head. You are such an idiot at times. Trust you to ruin the evening. You're no good to anyone, just like Patrick always said. A few moments later, Taryn lifted her head and looked at the two women she loved, "I'm going to find Jace. I owe her an apology."

Jane squeezed her hand, "I would expect nothing less."

Taryn got up and went in the same direction as her boss. She didn't have to look far. Jace's curly black hair was poking above the crowd waiting to be served. She pushed her way through the line, apologizing as she went along. She placed her hand on Jace's back and immediately got Jace's twin blue laser beams her way. "I thought you might need some help deciding what to order."

"I'm fine." Jace replied. She could tell by Taryn's expression and the light soothing back rub that Taryn was trying to apologize, but the hurt wouldn't go away. She thinks I'm cold, just like the rest of them. Well I'll give her what she thinks. "I think I know what the kids like, unlike you I've been around them long enough." Jace felt Taryn's hand pull away from her body and instantly regretted her words. She watched Taryn back away, hurt in her eyes. Jace was about to follow her when she heard the server ask for their order.

Taryn turned and ran diagonally across the restaurant. The Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant was separated into four areas. In one section there were many modern arcade games and rides. In the opposite section there were rides and games catering to the needs of the younger child. The farthest corner was a segregated area designed for hosting children's parties. That left the corner where food was ordered and toys displayed. Jane's attention wandered from her conversation with Marti, when she saw the trim body of her niece out of the corner of her eye. Marti noticed Jane's attention was no longer on her and turned her head to follow Jane's gaze.

"I'm guessing the conversation didn't go too well." Marti commented as she stood to go over to Taryn.

Jane looked once more at Taryn and then turned her attention back to Marti. "I'd leave her alone if I were you." She saw Marti hesitate. "Unless she's changed over the years, she likes to be left alone to sulk."

Marti shook her head. "No, she's still the same."

Jane smiled, "It took her mother and me a long time to learn that lesson. I would try so hard to make her smile or pull her out of her mood, but she'd just redirect her anger toward us. In the end, we would leave her alone and her anger quickly dissipated."

"I'll have to remember that. You're absolutely correct. She still does the same to me. I wonder what happened." Marti had just gotten the words out of her mouth when Jace arrived back at the table.

"Marti, I wasn't sure what Taryn and you drank, so I got Sprite all around." Jace placed a drink in front of Jane and Marti. "I ordered three large pizzas: one pepperoni, one vegetarian, and a plain cheese. I hope that was okay. They had a deal and I got 25 tokens with each pizza. I hope that's enough tokens for the kids." Jace's eyes flicked to Jane, and then Marti.

"Thanks, Jace. Are you sure about treating us?" Jane asked.

"Yes." Jace replied tersely. "I think I'll go and take Tom into the ball pool. If that's okay with you?"

"Sure." Jane wanted to ask Jace what had happened but she knew she'd get no response while Marti was there.

Jane and Marti watched Jace walk with Tom over to the ball pool. Whether Jace had noticed Taryn leaning moodily against the side of it, neither woman knew. "I'm sorry, Marti. Family outings are never usually this traumatic. We may have the odd meltdown now and again, but it's usually the kids having one, not the adults."

Marti laughed. "Taryn said you were a funny lady. You should see my family. Taryn and I were dodging family arguments all day on Wednesday. We needed Thursday off to recover. No worries. I'm just pleased to meet you. Taryn doesn't speak much about her family."

Jane smiled at the young woman, Marti had just answered the one question that Jane had been thinking since the two had met. "So Marti, tell me all about yourself, Taryn's been just as aloof about you."

**

Jace placed Tom gently into the ball pool. "You like this, don't you?"

Tom nodded as he sat down and the balls enclosed his little body. "Dantie Dace, throw." Tom lifted one of the balls up and threw it in front of him. He giggled as it hit Jace on the leg.

"Be nice, Tom, or I'll be forced to tickle you." She smiled as Tom looked up at her.

"Tum in wiv me, Dantie Dace." Tom banged the balls by his side.

Jace was kneeling in front of the pool. "I'm too big, Tom. The man will tell Auntie Jace off if she gets in. There's another little boy over there. Why don't you go and play with him?" Jace looked at the mother that sat in a similar position to Jace for confirmation that it was okay. The lady smiled and Jace helped Tom to stand. She waited a few minutes making sure that Tom and the other child were playing amiably. Then she stood up and moved to the side of the pool. "I'm sorry." She said quietly.

When she got no reply, she peered around the corner of the wooden board and caught Taryn wiping a lone tear from her face.

Taryn hadn't noticed Jace walking her way, but she had heard Jace playing with Tom. Hearing her little cousin, who was still so reluctant to talk to her, play happily with Jace had just reinforced Jace's biting comment. Taryn had been shocked to hear Jace apologize to her. She had expected the woman to ignore her for the rest of the evening. It was what she had planned to do. When Taryn heard the taller woman sigh, she turned her head to face Jace.

"I didn't mean anything by it, Taryn." Jace walked closer to Taryn, but kept Tom in her peripheral view. Jace knew Tom was safe, as she knew Jane was watching from her seat.

"That's not true and you know it." Taryn whispered back. "I should be the one to apologize, I started this. I deserved everything you said. Unlike your comment, I really didn't mean my remark the way it came out. I was joking, Jace. I don't think you're cold or like stone. Well, I didn't until you threw my past back in my face."

Jace was struggling to breath. She hadn't felt this out of control since she'd faced her father for the last time. Her instinct for survival had kicked in when she'd heard Taryn's voice at the serving hatch. She hadn't purposefully meant to hurt Taryn, but she knew she had. "Taryn, I know you don't believe me but I am sorry. Old habits are hard to get rid of. I learned a long time ago that the best defense is to hit people where it hurts. I never intentionally meant to hurt you. I mean I did want to hurt you, initially but I just said the words without thinking." Taryn still didn't speak, but she hadn't looked away either. Jace took a chance and kept talking. "There are things you don't know about me, Taryn. When I heard your words earlier, they sent me back to times that were not nice for me. I was trapped in those times when you came up to me. You must know better than anyone in here what it's like to fight your demons. I lost my fight for a second and I'm afraid that moment may have cost me a friend."

Taryn listened to Jace. She knew the older woman was not used to giving soliloquies. Taryn's eyes softened when she heard Jace speak of her own past. When the older woman had finished speaking, Taryn saw the pleading in her dark blue eyes. She waited a moment or two to digest what Jace had been saying and then uncharacteristically she responded. "You haven't lost a friend, Jace. I came over to apologize to you earlier. My big mouth gets me into trouble more times than I can count. Sometimes I only open my mouth to change feet. I'll be honest with you. When I first started working for you, I heard a lot of rumors about how cold you were to people. You even glared at me a few times and you have to admit, we had a shaky first week. At that time, I did believe you were cold-hearted, but my opinion has changed over the past month. I really like you. In fact, some times I get pissed that I'm your subordinate, as I'd like to really get to know you better." She watched Jace's eyebrow lift in question and smiled. "Not in that way!" she playfully tapped Jace's arm.

Jace grinned back at Taryn. She was relieved that Taryn's anger had gone. "So, can we call a truce?" Jace held out her hand to Taryn.

"Sure." Taryn took Jace's hand and shook it. Both women unknowingly kept hold of the other's hand a lot longer than necessary, and this gesture did not get missed by the two women that sat watching them from afar, one with a surprised smile on her face, the other with an annoyed scowl.

Having made up with Jace, Taryn went in search of her date. She had seen Taylor come down the slide and wanted to make sure the boy was having fun. She had left Jace looking after Tom. Both women came back to the table with their charges when Jane announced the arrival of their food. Josie talked about all the games she was going to play when she'd eaten her pizza. Jane had to remind her several times to chew her food before swallowing.

After dinner, Jace took Thomas to change his diaper and Jane followed claiming she had to go to the bathroom. Taylor and Josie had left the table as soon as their mother had allowed it and were busy feeding tokens into the game machines. Taryn and Marti remained at the table. Marti hadn't said much over dinner. She felt a little out of place. The kids had each sat by their chosen adult and monopolized the conversation, leaving Marti isolated.

"Your aunt is very nice, Taryn." Marti said breaking the silence between them.

Taryn beamed, "She is."

"The kids are adorable. I can't believe you haven't spent more time with them." Marti was desperate to know why Taryn had stayed away.

Taryn shrugged, and took a sip from her drink. "I don't get along with my uncle. He's homophobic and didn't want me around the kids. I guess, Jane finally stood up to him because she says he's okay with it now."

Marti listened intently, expecting more information to follow. When none was forthcoming, she knew she was going to have to ask. "So when was the last time you saw him?"

"Before I left for Ireland. Come on I'm bored of sitting down. Jace got us a lot of tokens. We may as well use them. Want to race me on one of those driving games?"

Marti knew the conversation was over. She wished she had Jace's ability to get her partner to open up. She was jealous of the taller woman. After Jane and her had watched the two make up, Jane had commented on her surprise that Taryn had come around so quickly. Jane had half expected Taryn to sulk all night, but the laughter that had come from the ball pool area had proven her wrong. Marti had watched Jace closely over dinner. She had seen the way the tall woman glanced at Taryn when she didn't think she was being watched. The redhead had seen those looks before and she had a feeling that the tall, dark woman might have more than a professional interest in her girlfriend. Marti tightened her hold on Taryn's arm as she followed the blonde to the big machines.

Jane was having an easier time getting information out of Jace. "Did Taryn apologize to you?" She asked as Jace tickled Tom's tummy.

Jace nodded and continued to torment Tom with her tickles. "Yes. But not before I insulted her first."

Jane leaned against the wall. "I thought something had happened when I saw Taryn sulking in the corner. I just thought you'd reprimanded her."

Jace looked up at Jane. "No. We're not in work now. My childish side came out and I'm embarrassed to say, I used some of the information you told me to hurt her. I'm ashamed of that." Jace put a little bit of powder on Tom's bottom and covered it with a clean diaper. Jane didn't respond and Jace looked at her quizzically. "No comment?"

"You're both adults and you seem to have done a good job in apologizing. I've never seen Taryn come out of a mood as quickly as she did earlier. I thought maybe she'd matured in her time away, but Marti assures me that she sulks for hours even when she's in the wrong. I think it took you five minutes, if that. So what's your secret, Jace? I'll pay a hefty price for it. I haven't seen Taryn smile like that in a long time."

Jace blushed. She liked hearing that she had a positive influence on Taryn. "It must be my natural charm and good humor. I obviously have a shit load of it! I'll never tell, Weston. Watch and learn." Jace buttoned up Tom's onesie and pulled his jeans over his legs. When he was in a sitting position, she kissed him on the cheek. "You are such a good boy."

"Thank you, Dantie Dace. All clean. Mommy, Tom go play with Dosie now?" Tom wriggled in Jace's arms and she let him down.

Jace laughed, "We have got to get him to say his Js, I found myself nearly answering the phone with 'Dace' the other day." Jane laughed and followed Jace out of the bathroom.

Each member of the Weston group spent the next hour playing on the machines, even Tom. When they had all gathered together around the motor racing machine, Jace had challenged Taryn to a motorcycle race. Tom had been reluctant to let go of Jace, so she had placed him inside her legs and instructed the young boy to hold on tight. The boy had squealed with delight as the cycle had shifted left and right under their weight. Jace had diligently steered the onscreen bike around the country lanes and had narrowly beaten Taryn at the finishing line. "We won, Tom. We beat Taryn." Jace playfully stuck her tongue out at Taryn and Tom copied her.

"Jace, remember he's at the mimicking stage." Jane lightheartedly reprimanded her friend. "He'll be doing that all night..." Taylor's shouting to someone across the room interrupted her sentence.

"Daddy! Daddy's here." He ran to hug his father. Jane waved at her husband and then looked over at her niece. Taryn was staring at the computer screen. The only sign that she was upset at hearing her uncle was here was the white color of her knuckles, as she held the handlebars of the bike.

Jace helped Tom off the machine, so he could run to his dad. She lifted one leg over the machine and watched as Marti came up to Taryn's side. The redhead placed her hand on Taryn's shoulder and whispered in her ear. Taryn nodded in response and followed her girlfriend to the table.

"I told him this would happen." Jane said, as if Jace knew what she was thinking.

Jace had a feeling she knew what was going on, but still asked for confirmation. "What would happen?" She watched Bill as he struggled to hold both his boys in his arms.

"Bill said he might meet us here. I told him that it might be awkward with Taryn. He said that was the reason he wanted to come. Taryn won't come near the house if she knows Patrick or Bill are home. He wants to clear the air. I told him if he was coming, not to come straight from work, as he would have Patrick with him. I didn't tell Taryn. I didn't want to spoil the evening." Jane walked up to Bill and kissed him on the lips.

The six-foot man then walked up to Jace. He always felt a little intimidated by the taller woman. "I see you're still alive, Jace?"

Jace smiled at Bill. "Just about. The kids will sleep well tonight. Josie hasn't stopped running about all evening. I'm tired, and I haven't done half the climbing and jumping about as Taylor." She ruffled Taylor's hair.

"Daddy, come and see Ryn. She's my date for the evening." The young boy dragged his father over to where Taryn and Marti were putting their coats on. "Ryn, where are you going?" Taylor let go of his father's hand and ran to Taryn.

Taryn looked from the young boy and up to the larger carbon copy, and then back down to Taylor. "I'm sorry, Taylor. Marti and I have to go. It's getting late."

Taylor looked at his watch, "But it's only..." He looked carefully down at his watch and his little fingers counted the digits. "It's only seven twenty three."

Taryn couldn't keep the grin off her face when she saw the earnest look on Taylor's face. "I'm impressed, Taylor. I didn't know you could tell the time so accurately."

Taylor beamed proudly, "Mrs. Lopez says I'm one of the best students when we do time. I'm also one of the only boys in the class that has a watch. But it's not late. Mommy and Jace let us stay here until eight o'clock." Taylor turned sad blue eyes Taryn's way.

Bill stepped forward and put his hand on Taylor's shoulder, "I need to talk to Taryn for a moment, Taylor. Would you keep her friend company for me?"

"My name is Marti." Marti glared at the man. This must be the homophobic uncle Taryn told me about. What a bastard turning up here and ruining the evening. Her negative thoughts were disrupted when Bill thrust his hand in her direction.

"Bill Weston, I'm pleased to meet you, Marti."

Marti took the hand and shook it firmly. "Likewise." She said a little confused at the mixed messages she was receiving. He didn't appear to dislike her and his smile seemed genuine. She looked to Taryn for confirmation of what she should do.

Taryn wasn't sure what to do. In her heart she wanted to run. Just looking at her uncle reminded her of all the times he had said spiteful things. Her aunt had promised he had changed, but how could she know for sure. She looked from Marti, to her uncle, and then onto her aunt. Finally, her eyes rested on Jace's concerned face. She looked beseechingly at Jace, asking a silent question. Should I talk to him?

Jace looked at the frightened face looking straight at her. She felt like she could see right into Taryn's soul. The tall woman knew Bill only wanted to apologize to Taryn. Jace nodded her head.

Taryn turned back to her uncle, "Okay, but I want Jace with me." Taryn heard the gasp of protest from Marti. She had no idea why she wanted Jace with her. Maybe it was because she felt safe in Jace's presence, or the fact that Jace stood a good two inches above her uncle.

Taryn looked back at Jace, and for the second time in as many minutes, Jace nodded her agreement. Taryn walked toward the front door of the building. She didn't want the children to see her arguing with their father if things got bad. They had heard enough of it when they were younger and although none of them remembered it, Taryn did.

The cool evening air felt good against her skin; Jace ran her fingers through her curly hair. She was unsure what she should do. Taryn had asked her to come with them, but she had no idea if she should stay by the blonde woman, or walk away and give the pair some privacy. Her thoughts were answered when Taryn took her hand. "Thank you. I don't trust my temper if I am on my own, and I didn't want Marti to hear any of his insults. I'm used to them from family, but she's not."

Jace squeezed Taryn's hand. She admired the fact that Taryn still thought of others before herself. "You're welcome, Taryn, but I think your uncle may surprise you. Jane says he's changed."

Taryn looked questioningly at Jace, "You believe her?"

Jace nodded. "You do, too. In here." Jace placed her hand over her heart.

"I know. I'm just scared."

Bill cleared his throat, reminding the two women that he was still there. "Jane is telling the truth, Taryn. I'm not the bigoted man I used to be." Bill walked toward his niece. "I lived my life on false beliefs and nearly lost my family because of them." He saw Taryn was confused. "Your aunt has never told you how close we came to splitting up. She nearly left me. She had her bags packed and a ticket booked for Ireland. She felt she had let you and Penny down. I begged her to stay and she did, but on her terms. We went to counseling and joined a support group for families of gay children."

Jace listened. She'd heard the story from Jane's point of view. Taryn's hand still gripped her own. Jace liked the feeling of Taryn's hand, it was soft and small just like its owner, but there was strength there. Jace could feel it pulsing through her. She could tell Taryn was listening to Bill. At the mention of the support group, Taryn had grasped her hand a little bit tighter.

Bill continued unsure whether his niece was listening or tuning him out like she had been accustomed to do in her youth. "The counseling and group helped me review what I had been taught as a child. The group sessions made me realize things, most importantly that all people are different but special. I thought about what it would be like if Josie or Taylor told me they were gay. I'd still love them. If I didn't, I'd be just like him. What I'm trying to say, Taryn, and making a mess of it, is I am so sorry. Can you forgive me?"

"It still hurts." Taryn whispered. "But I saw a different side of you in the restaurant. I'll try."

Bill blew out a sigh of relief. "Taryn, you are welcome to the house any time. Not just because you're a Walton, but also because I want you there. I've seen how Taylor is around you and I was a fool to try and prevent you seeing the kids."

"Bill, you and I both know the main reason why I stay away." Taryn reluctantly dropped Jace's hand. She needed to stand on her own and be strong. "While that bastard is in the house, I will never visit."

Jace could feel Taryn's anger rising. Gently, she placed her hand on the base of Taryn's back. Her action mirroring the one Taryn performed on her earlier in the evening. Her blue eyes connected with surprised brown ones. Silently, Jace urged Taryn to calm down and listen. When she felt the coiled energy in Taryn's muscles relax, Jace whispered, "Give him a chance, Taryn. A good leader listens before they speak. Get all the information before you make decisions." Do as I say not as I do. Jace was still angry with herself for not following her own advice and listening to Taryn before she lost her control.

Bill sensed it was his time to speak again. He'd seen Jace in so many different roles but never like this. He was beginning to see what an important role she played in his family. He could see why Jane leaned on her so much. "Taryn, by staying away you give Patrick power. He revels in it. Over the years I've seen Patrick for what he really is. A fake. By staying away, he holds power over you and that feeds his ego. He'll never admit he's wrong. He's too much of a coward, but like you, he's extremely stubborn. It's time we all stood up against him. He'll be one against an army, and we'll be the army. Think about it. We're hosting a Labor Day barbecue and I'd be honored if you would attend with your girlfriend. You're welcome in our house any time, Taryn." Bill took a step toward Taryn and opened his arms. "Forgive me?"

Taryn felt like a child again. She'd been so proud of her Uncle Bill as a child. Along with her Grandpa, Bill had been a male role model for her. He'd fallen a long way down when she'd knocked him off the pedestal that she had placed him on. Unsure of what to do, she walked toward him and let him hug her. Unable to stop herself, she wrapped her arms around the big man. "I'll try. No promises." She released him and stepped away. "You should go back in to Auntie Jane before she sends out a search party, she must be frantic with worry."

Bill nodded and walked toward the door, as he passed Jace he hugged her. "Thank you, Jace, for all you do."

Momentarily knocked off balance, Jace could not mutter a reply. She wasn't sure whether to follow Bill or stay with Taryn. She stood shuffling her feet on the warm concrete. When the silence made her even more nervous, she started to walk to the door.

"Stay. Please" Taryn asked quietly. She watched as Jace stopped her forward motion. "I'm a little taken back. You live your life hating people for their actions, and then suddenly they change and you get blown away. As if you're meant to forget the pain, shut out the hurt. I don't know how. It's been too long."

Jace walked toward Taryn and placed her hands on Taryn's shoulder. "It takes time. You never forget the hurt, but you use it to make you a stronger person. You don't have to be like them. You're better than that." Unconsciously, as if drawn by a magnet, she pulled Taryn to her. "I'm here for you if you need to talk about it."

Taryn melted into the tall body. She could feel Jace's strong arms wrap around her. She rested her head on Jace's chest. She smelled so sweet, a mixture of vanilla and soap powder. She put her own arms round the taller woman and pulled even closer; needing the contact, needing this woman's strength. Neither woman made a move to separate until a cough from over Jace's shoulder reminded them where they were. Jace turned her head and immediately dropped her arms from Taryn's body. She looked down into dark, brown eyes. "It's Marti." She mouthed.

Taryn took a step away from Jace, but still refused to release her hold on the dark haired woman. At this moment in time she wasn't her superior; she was her friend. Her mountain of strength. Loud enough to be heard by Marti, Taryn said, "Thank you, Jace. I needed someone who would be subjective. You knew Aunt Jane's side of the story and I felt safe knowing you'd give me an honest opinion."

Jace nodded, realizing Taryn was trying to explain her reasoning to Marti. Although Taryn still had her hands on Jace's hip, Jace could feel the all too familiar distance coming between them. Gone was the need to be close, to be held. Jace was back to being the boss and Taryn the subordinate. Jace had always enjoyed the distance that power afforded her. Now in the calm of the night, she wished her life were different. She wished Taryn saw her as something else.

Taryn stepped around Jace and walked to where a pissed off Marti stood impatiently tapping her foot on the floor. "Let me just go and say goodbye and then I'm all yours." She kissed Marti lightly on her cheek and walked into the restaurant.

Jace looked at Marti. She was sure if Marti could shoot daggers from her eyes, she would be dead. Jace walked toward Marti. "It was nice meeting you. I hope to see you again."

"Same here." Marti shook Jace's hand. "I'm sure we will."

Jace was sure she saw anger in Marti's eyes and that Marti knew her secret. When she glanced back and smiled a goodbye her thoughts were confirmed as Marti's green eyes sent a very clear message. She knows how I feel. But how? I only just worked it out! Jace was confused. She needed space and lots of it.

**

The silence in the car was deafening. Taryn turned the radio on just to break the monotony. She had looked Marti's way a few times but her jaw was set and her eyes stared ahead. I knew she was going to be pissed, but I didn't think she'd go for the full on silent treatment. Taryn began to tap out the beat of the music. She knew it would bug Marti even more, but any reaction was better than the silence. Her actions were paid off when Marti turned her head.

"Do you have to do that?"

"No. Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Taryn looked at Marti, and then returned her eyes to the road.

"What makes you think something is wrong?" Marti desperately wanted to argue with Taryn, but she had been hoping the conversation would begin when they arrived home. She didn't want Taryn to be distracted while she drove.

Taryn glanced at Marti, "Well, the silence for a starter, then there's the grinding of your teeth. If you hold your jaw any tighter your fillings will fall out. I think you've stared a hole in the windshield, and you have that 'pissy' look."

Marti turned to face Taryn, "What do you mean 'pissy' look?"

Taryn smiled. "Honey, we've lived together for over a year. I know your 'pissy' look. Look me in the eye now and tell me you're not in a pissy mood and I'll leave you alone." Taryn checked the road was clear and turned her attention to Marti. She counted to three, and then looked back at the road. "Okay, so what did I do wrong?"

Marti was silent for a few more seconds. "You asked her to go outside instead of me."

"And you're mad at me for that?" Taryn shook her head.

Marti pouted, "I'm supposed to be your girlfriend."
"You are. I think I made that very clear when I told my nine year old niece." Taryn had a feeling what was irking Marti. She had known Marti was going to be annoyed about her choice of Jace over her. She had planned her answers to the interrogation she knew Marti was going to give her.

Marti took Taryn's hand. "It hurt me when you asked Jace to go outside with you. I wanted to be the person that supported you. I should be the person you choose. Why didn't you pick me?"
Taryn squeezed Marti's hand. "Because you're my girlfriend and I love you." She put Marti's hand to her lips and tenderly kissed them.

Marti held her hand to Taryn's lips a little longer, she was enjoying the tickling sensation that ran through her arm and to her core, and then she pulled her hand away. "I don't understand, and quit kissing me. I'm still pissed at you."

Taryn knew Marti was thawing, she'd felt Marti hold her hand to her lips a little longer. "I wasn't sure Bill was being serious. If things turned nasty, I didn't want you to hear any of the insults. Your family has always been supportive of your sexuality. You've been out nearly as long as you've been alive." Marti giggled as she listened to Taryn joke about her childhood. Taryn grinned at Marti. "It's true. I've never met a family so embracing of differences. Unfortunately, Marti, not every family is as nice. My mother was accepting, disappointed, but she was happy I knew what I wanted. Aunt Jane was always honest with me and gave me the reactions I was likely to get from the world. She never figured those reactions would come from her husband and brother. I wanted to protect you." Taryn wanted to believe that this was the reason that she'd asked Jace, and not Marti. Ultimately, she knew it was because Jace made her feel safe. There was something about Jace that made her a kindred spirit. There had been times that Jace had dropped hints about her past. When Taryn had looked at Jace before her talk with Bill, she had seen understanding and compassion. There were depths to Jace Xanthos that Taryn hoped she would find out.

Marti nodded her understanding, "I was jealous."

Taryn spluttered. "You were jealous? Why?"

"I thought you might like her." Marti fiddled with her cell phone.

Taryn shook her head, but did not take her eyes off the road. "Why would you think that?"

"She's gorgeous. You never told me how good looking she is. You didn't really say anything about her. I pictured an older, plain looking woman, especially after your comment about her being an old dragon. What you forgot to mention were the striking blue eyes, natural curly hair most woman would die for, a body that many models don't have, a smile to kill for, and a tan that most Americans spend a whole summer trying to achieve. Did I miss anything?"

Taryn laughed out loud. "Not that you were looking or anything. Honey, if I didn't know better I'd say you have a crush on my boss!"

"Taryn, I'm being serious. You never told me she was drop-dead gorgeous." Marti whined.

Taryn lightly strummed the steering wheel. She had noticed Jace's good looks. Any person would. Marti was right, the woman was gorgeous, but Taryn had never looked beyond an initial admiration. The woman was her boss, friend, and straight. Jace had never given her any reason to think otherwise, and Taryn's gaydar hadn't registered anything on the 'pingometer'. "I didn't think it mattered. She's my boss, Marti. It's not an issue."

Silence filled the car for a minute or two. "She likes you." Marti whispered.

Taryn thought she had heard Marti, but she was shocked with what Marti had said. "Pardon?"

Marti looked at Taryn's profile. Her bangs fell unevenly over her forehead. Even in the light of dusk, Taryn's long eyelashes could be seen fluttering as she blinked. Her nose was smaller than most people's and didn't protrude too far from her face. She was definitely cute in a masculine/feminine way. She had a boyish charm that Marti found irresistible, but she had seen Taryn's body, and it was all woman. Her mind returned to the conversation. "I said she likes you. I can tell."

Taryn nodded. "Of course she likes me, we're friends."

Marti shook her head. "No, she really likes you. I saw her watching you over dinner. She seemed captivated. When I came outside and you went back inside, she followed you with her eyes and there was longing there, Taryn. I swear."

Taryn's mind replayed the hug she'd shared with Jace. She couldn't deny Jace's arms had held her possessively, but Taryn had returned the hug just as fiercely. "Marti, I think you're seeing things. But let's just say you're right. There are three reasons why the relationship would go no further." She paused waiting for Marti to look at her. "Number one would be the small fact that she's my boss. Number two would be the even bigger fact that I am a student and she is a member of staff. I'm sure the college has rules against this kind of relationship. Third, and probably the most important to us, I'm not interested in Jace that way. I have you, and I'm very happy."

Marti leaned over and kissed Taryn on the cheek. "Thank you, babe. I just got jealous. You seem to be so relaxed around her. Jane had commented about how shocked she was to see you come out of your mood so quickly when Jace went over. I told her I was surprised, too. You usually sulk for ages."

Taryn had been surprised at her own reactions around Jace. As hard as she had tried to remain in a mood with the tall woman, she couldn't. There was something about Jace that made Taryn open up and let her in. Taryn pulled into their driveway. "Marti, even though we were out for the evening she is ultimately my superior. It doesn't look good on references if she writes 'sulks like a baby'. I have to play nice if I want to survive the next two semesters. You told me that! Come on there's still time to watch a movie and maybe have some fun!"

Chapter 6

The rest of July had turned out to be a boring month for Taryn. Jane and Bill had taken the boys for a two-week trip to Florida. She had received a postcard with a photo of her grandparent's hometown depicted on the front and the classic 'Welcome to Naples'. Taryn had been jealous that Jane had a two-week vacation away from the monotony of the Center. To compound her misery, Jace had taken her vacation time a few days after Jane. Taryn had noticed Jace seemed to have put some distance between them since the night at Chuck E. Cheese's. It wasn't that Jace was unfriendly or ignored Taryn, she just didn't spend much time near her. The first few days after their Friday night outing, Jace had locked herself in her office, and e-mailed Taryn with tasks she needed done. When Taryn had been asked to help Jace out in her office, the older woman had been pleasant, but all business. Then Jace had uncharacteristically worked from home for a few days because she was ill. Terri had made a comment that Jace must have been really sick, because Terri had worked in the Center for years and had never known Jace to take time off. When Jace had suddenly taken her allotted vacation time, rumors were rife around the Center. Some people thought Jace was pregnant; others assumed Jace had met a man, and a few made more of Jace's recent illness than was necessary. Taryn had wanted to shake these people. Taryn couldn't imagine Jace pregnant and hypothesizing about whether their boss had a terminal illness or not, was morbid in Taryn's book. The rumor that upset her the most was hearing day in and day out about Jace's supposedly new man. Taryn couldn't explain why she was upset, but she had finally flipped out at one of the student workers.

Taryn woke up to bright sunshine streaming through the curtain. She nudged Marti awake. "We have got to get thicker curtains. Every morning I wake up before the alarm, it's not fair!" She grumbled.

"After last night's session, I would have thought you'd be too worn out to let that worry you."

Taryn smirked as she remembered how horny her partner had been the previous evening. "You were like a dog in heat. Anyone would think I'd been rationing you all summer." Her hand went to her neck and she rubbed it. "Ouch. Marti, tell me you didn't bite me?" Marti and Taryn had spent the evening on the back deck with a few friends, playing cards and drinking beer.

Marti pulled the cover over her head. "I wouldn't do that to you, babe. Are you getting up or are you going to chatter all morning?" She knew she would be in trouble when Taryn saw the huge bruise on her neck. The previous night, she had listened to Taryn talk about how excited she was that Jane and Jace were returning to work, and she'd finally be able to get her teeth into projects. Marti had wanted to send Jace a subtle message in case she was still harboring some feelings for Taryn. This morning her plan didn't seem such a good idea when she saw the huge bruise running down the jugular of Taryn's neck. Oh boy, she's going to kill me! Taryn kissed her on the cheek and then left the room heading for the bathroom. Marti waited. One...two...three...four...five...

"What the fuck? Marti!" Taryn rubbed her neck and looked back in the mirror. The mark was huge, about the size of a quarter. "Marti, come here!"

Marti pulled her sweatshirt and lounging pants on. If she was going to get her asshole chewed out, she wanted to be dressed. "Calm down! The neighbors will think I'm torturing you!" Taryn was still rubbing the bruise with cold water. "And quit rubbing it, you'll make it worse."

"I can't believe you weren't careful! Remember the rule, bite below the collarbone, not above. Fuck! I have no summer clothes to wear that go that high." Taryn rubbed the tender skin once more out of habit.

"Toothpaste. I heard once that toothpaste takes the redness out." Marti offered the tube to a disbelieving Taryn. "Hey, it's worth a try."

"I can't believe I'm doing this." She placed a generous amount of paste over the red mark and gently rubbed it in. "You couldn't have lost control last week when no one was in the office. No, you have to wait until Jace, Jane, and the new girl are coming in. God, Cory's going to think I'm a hussy."

"I doubt it. They always say the British are stuck up and stuffy. She'll probably be jealous as hell that you're getting some!" Marti replied, pleased that Jace would see her warning mark.

"That's a sweeping statement if ever I heard one. Besides making me look stupid, I don't think the paste is working. We'd better shower or we will both be late for work. I still have to find something to wear that might cover this."

**

Taryn arrived at work right on time and as she walked through the Center's doors. Her heart dropped when she saw Terri standing in the entrance hall talking to another blonde woman. She'd hoped to sneak into the building and hide until Jace or Jane came looking for her.

Terri waved her over, "Taryn, come and meet Cory."

Taryn raised the collar on her polo shirt and walked towards the group. "Hey, it's good to finally meet you."

Cory shook Taryn's hand, "Nice to meet you, too."

"Taryn, why don't you give Cory a tour of the place while you wait for Jane and Jace." Terri suggested, and then caught sight of the bruise on Taryn's neck. "Oh my god! Taryn, you have a growth on your neck! Let me look, maybe it's a rash!" Terri giggled as Taryn turned a bright shade of red. "You should get down to the Health Center, that could be catching!" She tried to pull Taryn's collar down, but Taryn patted her hand away.

Taryn groaned. No matter how hard she'd tried, her polo collar only covered half of the mark. Marti had suggested a silk scarf, but Taryn had replied that she might as well stick a sign on her forehead and announce the bite. She never wore scarves. "Leave it alone, Terri. Come on, Cory. I'll give you the nickel tour. We're not all as juvenile, I promise."

They wandered round the Center and Taryn explained what each area was used for. She described what she'd been doing all summer and what plans Jace had for the two of them. Her hand kept rubbing her neck as she spoke.

Cory listened attentively to Taryn. She'd been extremely nervous about starting work so soon after arriving in America. She watched Taryn rub her neck. "If you keep on rubbing it, you'll break the skin." She could see the tender skin was broken in places.

"Thanks. I'm just embarrassed. This wasn't how I'd planned to start my morning."

Cory looked sympathetically at Taryn. "It could be worse, students could be here and then you'd never live it down."

Taryn returned Cory's smile. "You're right. So when did you arrive in America? Why did you pick this college out of all the colleges in the world?" Taryn lead the pair to the tiny graduate assistant offices and sat in her chair.

Cory looked at Taryn, she seemed very nice and was quite pretty. She was slightly taller than Cory and had much shorter blonde hair. Taryn's tan indicated that the woman had spent plenty of time out in the sun and Cory felt pale in comparison. She thought about Taryn's questions. After talking with her girlfriend, JJ, Cory had decided that she wanted to be open about their relationship, as open as she could be. "I landed on Friday. My girlfriend and I spent the weekend getting reacquainted with each other." Cory blushed.

Taryn tapped Cory on the leg. "Well, at least your girlfriend knows how to keep control!" She indicated the bruise on her neck. "Mine didn't! So your girlfriend came with you?"

Cory shook her head. "No. My girlfriend's American. We met online and have spent the best part of the year communicating by phone and e-mail."

"No way! Wow, you hear about it, but I never thought e-mail relationships lasted! She must be pleased to have you here." This day could just be getting better. At least I don't have to think before I speak around Cory, she's family.

"One of us had to make a move in order for us to be together. We both had things to sort out, but my teaching career allowed me more flexibility. I work at a small junior school and the headteacher offered me a two year unpaid sabbatical. It seemed an ideal opportunity. JJ and I get to spend two years together in the same country. There's always a risk that things won't work out once we see each other everyday, and I have the security of a job to go back to. How about yourself?"

Taryn was amazed that someone was willing to give up everything they knew for love. She verbalized this thought out loud. "You gave up everything for her!"

Cory nodded solemnly, "We both made sacrifices. JJ sold her house and is going to have to support me through these two years. We're prepared to do whatever it takes to be together. So, who's the woman that didn't get fed last night?"

"Huh?" Taryn didn't get the joke, and then it dawned on her. "Oh this." She rubbed her neck again. "Her name is Marti."

"Serious relationship?" Cory liked the blonde in front of her. She seemed very friendly.

Taryn thought about the question. She'd never analyzed her relationship with Marti. "We live together. An aunt of mine said that indicates we're serious! We do okay. Maybe, once you've settled in we could double date?" Taryn's question never got answered as a tanned Jane arrived at her cubicle.

"Hello, stranger." Jane said with her arms opened wide for a hug. Taryn got up and hugged Jane to her.

"You look great. I can't believe how brown you are." Taryn kissed Jane on the cheek. "Jane, this is Cory." Taryn lead her aunt toward Cory.

Jane greeted Cory with a handshake. "Welcome to America. I'm Jane Weston. It's nice to finally meet you, Cory. Has Taryn given you a tour?"

"Yes. She showed me around and filled me in on what's been happening. I'm very excited." Cory instantly liked the woman in front of her. Her eyes smiled when she spoke and her body language was relaxed. Seeing her greet Taryn with such enthusiasm, and seeing it returned, Cory decided that Jane must be a good person to work for.

"Good. I have some paperwork for you to fill out, but some of it won't get processed until you get a social security number. Do you know how to apply for one?" Jane asked. Cory shook her head. "How about you follow me to my office and we'll go over some of the paperwork and look at your contract. Taryn, I'll be back down for you later. One of the things we'll be discussing is the professional manner we expect from our staff at all times!"

Cory sensed the conversation had drifted from her to Taryn as she saw Jane's eyes widen at Taryn's bite mark. "Taryn, I think you might like to reread the employee's handbook again!" Jane winked as she walked by her niece. Then whispered, "I see you weren't lonely while we were gone. I'd keep out of Jace's way. She's been a bear to live with the past two weeks."

Taryn stared at the spot Jane had vacated. Jace went on vacation with Jane? How? When? Why hadn't she been invited?

**

Jace took a deep breath as she stood outside the door of the Achievement Center. Just walk in, you, wuss. Out of sight, out of mind. It was just a crush. You are in control. You always have, and you always will be. Jace straightened her shoulders and pushed through the doors. "Good morning, Terri."

"It's good to see you, Jace. I'll let you get to your office before I begin to bombard you with letters and questions." Terri responded.

"Thank you. Is everyone else in?" Jace knew Jane and Taryn were in, she'd seen their cars in the parking lot.

"Jane and Taryn are out back, and Cory has arrived. Patty will be in a little later, as she had car trouble. I've cleared your schedule for this morning. Taryn's been pretty good at replying to your non-urgent e-mail. There are a few meetings that need to be set up. I've sent you an e-mail of the main questions and things that need to be done before pre-college week." Terri grinned. "Welcome back!"

Jace frowned. "Now I know why I don't usually take time off!" She walked down the corridor to her office. She could hear Jane's voice coming from the office next to hers and what was clearly a British accent replying. She placed her briefcase on her chair and went to Jane's office.

"Good morning, Jane"

"Hi, Jace. This is Cory. Cory, this is the Director of the Center, Jace Xanthos. Jace, Patty won't be in until later. I've rearranged Cory's schedule so she can meet with Patty later. Taryn's in her office and they're all yours when you're ready for them. I've given Cory a few files to read through to acquaint her with the American college experience. I've indicated the freshmen pages as I think it will give her a good overview of what she may expect this next semester. I have a few more issues we need to talk about. It might be more time effective if you brief Taryn about what you want covered today, and Taryn can brief Cory. That should free you up to attend to your e-mail and phone calls."

Jace nodded. "Good thinking, boss!" She smiled at Cory. "Don't be fooled by what she says, Cory. She is definitely the boss! If not by title, she is by action."

Cory watched the interplay between the two women. She was a little stunned by the striking woman in front of her. For one brief moment, when she'd first looked up, she'd been sure it was JJ. The woman was taller than JJ, but the similarity in features was uncanny. Jace had the same color eyes and hair as her partner, was just as naturally striking and intimidating, but that was where the similarity ended.

Jace left Jane and Cory talking. She knew she couldn't avoid seeing Taryn. Maybe it was just a phase. You'll look at her and there will be no feelings. Go and knock on her door! Jace paused outside Taryn's door and looked at the back of the blonde. You are a chicken shit, just knock! Taryn was staring at her computer, lost in thoughts. Jace tapped lightly on the doorframe. "Hey there." Taryn turned to her. Jace's heart fluttered. So much for that theory! "How are you?"

Taryn tried not to grin at the sight of Jace. She realized how much she'd missed Jace's company. Her heart lurched when she saw Jace's eyes fix on her neck. Embarrassed, she put her hand over the bite and rubbed her neck. "I'm okay. How are you? How was the vacation?"

Jace's face took on a hardened look. Her mood had dropped. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Taryn's neck: from the ugly mark that reminded her that Taryn was involved with someone else. Breath. She's an adult. She's a student and your employee. Suck it up. Smile and make nice. Then you can go and crawl into your hole, and maybe hibernate for the rest of the year. Jace forced a smile to her face, "It was good. I need you to brief Cory about what's been happening since orientation."

Taryn hadn't expected the icy response. I feel like I'm back in the first week. What happened to our friendship? "I think I did that this morning. I told her most of it before Jane came in."

Jace focused on the wall behind Taryn's head. "Good. Well now that she's here, you two can pool your ideas and come up with some support programs. I need some kind of resource for at-risk students who are double dipping into the pre-college math and English. Then there are the students who scored poorly on their reading comprehension, but placed in college English. They should do a mandatory freshmen seminar. We have enough support staff that we can add in additional freshmen seminars. It will mean a few phone calls to add/drop classes and talk to the student about the schedule change. Probation students need to be notified that they can only take four classes of three credits. They will need notifying and their schedules adjusted. Leave them until tomorrow, as I may have more support programs for the probation students, I just have to talk ideas over with Jane." Jace turned to leave, then decided against it. She turned back.

"Taryn, as your supervisor I need to talk to you about professional conduct. What you do in your own time is none of my business, but if it affects your job, or makes the Center appear less than professional, then it becomes my concern. We have many faculty members that come down here in the summer, or I may need you to accompany me to other offices. While we do not dictate what students wear, we do ask that body piercing and body art be kept to a discreet minimum. I think a love bite, hickey, or whatever you want to call it, comes under the description of body art. To be honest I have never had to deal with this issue, most graduates and staff members have matured beyond teenage displays of affection. As there are no students in at the moment, I will let it pass this time." Jace paused. This is the reason you do not become friends with the subordinates! It makes doing your job harder than it should be! Hating what she was about to say, Jace stared straight into Taryn's soulful eyes, "But if you come to work with a mark on your neck like that again. I will not hesitate in sending you home and giving you a written warning. As a potential education leader, you need to understand that employees will look to you to make the rules and keep them. A good manager leads by example." Jace couldn't bear to see Taryn's sad eyes any longer and she sought refuge in her own office.

Taryn banged her head on her desk. Why me? Marti, you have so much to answer for later! Taryn wanted to run into Jace's office and vent her temper, but she knew Jace had been correct and had every right to reprimand her behavior. It was Marti she needed to shout at, not Jace. This thought didn't make Taryn feel any better. She'd been hoping Jace's attitude toward her would be back to normal. She'd wanted to ask Jace if she was feeling better. She had wanted to offer Jace the same support that Jace had offered her. She knew from Jace's attitude that it wasn't going to happen that way.

"Are you okay?" Cory asked as she watched Taryn bang her head one more time on the desk. "You could lose valuable brain cells doing that!"

"I'm fine, the boss just chewed me a new asshole. I'll recover. Did you meet her?" Taryn pulled the spare chair out indicating to Cory they were staying in her office.

Cory took the seat. "Yes. I had a strange dÈj‡ vu when I did. She looks so much like JJ it's spooky! Do you have a warehouse in Massachusetts that churns out tall, dark, and gorgeous women?"

Taryn laughed. She had needed the humor to help her alleviate her down mood. "Too funny! I wish! So you think the boss is gorgeous? Huh! You don't waste any time!"

Cory blushed, "What can I say? She looks so much like JJ that I have to go with the gorgeous comment, but I'm a one-woman lady! It has given me an idea though. JJ's hair is the same color as Jace's, but very straight. I think I may have to work on JJ wearing curls in her hair! I didn't think I'd meet anyone taller than J, but Jace looks like she's over six foot. I'm glad I was sitting, I'd have felt a right short arse, otherwise."

Taryn grinned. She liked Cory's straight forwardness and humor. "She definitely catches the eye. Marti made similar comments to me. I must be immune to tall, black haired, blue eyed women, because she's just the boss to me."

Cory laughed, "Keep telling yourself that, mate! So your girlfriend has met her? No wonder you have a bite mark, she's marking her property." Cory saw Taryn's face change instantaneously. "I'm kidding. JJ says I have to learn when to stop the humor."

Taryn shook her head. "I'm not mad." She smiled at Cory but her mind was racing. Marti had known Jace was returning and she had made comments now and again about Jace liking Taryn. She wouldn't have bitten me on purpose? She wouldn't be that mean, would she? Taryn made a note to talk to Marti about it as soon as she got home.

**

Jace had spent the morning answering e-mails and phoning students. The academic separation letters had been sent out, and many students wanted to discuss their options and the appeal process. A few parents had left some choice messages on her voicemail. Jace rubbed her temples. The headache she was developing was nagging and interrupting her thought processes. She had known the day was going to be tough, but made tougher by the fact she rarely vacationed. When forced to take her vacation dates, Jace usually just worked from home. Her desk looked like a war zone. She had stick-it notes scattered everywhere. Her need to get away from the office had been so strong she had taken Jane up on her offer to join the family in Florida. Taryn had broken through Jace's defenses. For years, she had controlled her feelings. Jane was a good friend, but Jace still controlled the amount of information Jane knew about her. Taryn was a different story. When Taryn was around, Jace found she wanted to open up. She wanted the blonde near her and that was too dangerous for Jace. She couldn't be with Taryn for many reasons. Jace had read a story a long time ago. It had mentioned falling in love with untouchables. According the author, untouchables were people that you just shouldn't fall in love with. Jace finally understood what the author meant. Taryn was her untouchable: she was a student, she was an employee, she was a woman, and she was in love with someone else. The hickey mark had sent that message loud and clear.

Jace had enjoyed her vacation, but reminders of Taryn had been constant: Jane's eyes, Taylor's constant chattering about Ryn, and Jane's parent's photo wall. Jace had finally managed to erase Taryn's image from her mind. It had taken a lot of mental willpower and finding as many activities with the children as she could to keep her busy. Just when she had felt she was moving forward, Jane had taken Jace to her parent's rooms in the residential home. On one wall, Jace had a constant reminder of the blonde woman. From Taryn's very first photo as a naked baby to the most recent one of Taryn and Marti holding each other. In different circumstances, Jace would have loved to look at the photos with Taryn. But besides all that, Jace had enjoyed her first family vacation.

Jane knocked on the wall of Jace's office, and peeked inside. "Are you up-to-date?" she asked.

Jace gestured across her desk, and then snapped at Jane. "Does it look like it?"

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm going to grab a snack. Do you want anything?" Jane looked at the creases that had appeared on Jace's forehead. She couldn't believe that one morning could erase what two weeks in the sun had undone. Her friend looked more wound up now, than she had when she'd arrived in Florida.

Jace stood up and stretched her back. "I could take a break. Where are you going?"

"We have to go off-campus. The cafÈ is open during August. I asked Taryn and Cory if they wanted to try out the Thai restaurant." She could see indecision in Jace's actions. "I promise, we'll be gone for an hour maximum. It might help Cory feel a part of the team. It must be hard coming to a country where you hardly know anyone. We ate with the other graduate students on their first day."

"Give me five minutes. Is Taryn coming?" Jace asked as she wrote herself a reminder list.

"Yes. I heard you two had a few words."

"Jane, I had every right as her supervisor to reprimand her. She shouldn't be crying to you. I don't need you coming to her rescue."

The brunette was hurt. "I wasn't going to defend Taryn. I was about to thank you for doing it. Taryn certainly hasn't moaned at me. She told me you had already spoken to her and she understood she'd broken rules when I approached her about it. I am just as much the professional as you are. My personal life does not affect my working life. If you're still coming to lunch, we're meeting in the foyer in five minutes."

Jace slammed her fist onto the desk. She hadn't meant to snap at Jane. She knew Jane's comment about keeping personal and working life separate had been aimed at her. Jane had tried to pry out of Jace what was troubling her, but Jace had kept quiet. The thought of lunch with two women who were mad at her was less than desirable, but she wanted to learn more about Cory.

The four women met in the foyer. Jane drove to the restaurant. Jace sat beside her coworker, while Cory and Taryn sat in the back. Taryn gave Cory a running guide to the small college town. She pointed out good restaurants, bars, and where the local shops were. Jace listened intently to the lilt of Taryn's voice. She found her eyes following Taryn's directions as she pointed out various items. Jace noticed that Taryn and Cory had settled into a friendship that belied the four hours they had known each other. At that moment in time, Jace wished she were Cory.

The restaurant was quiet. With the college clientele dramatically decreased over the vacation, the usually busy restaurant had only locals visiting it. They chose a table in the corner. Jace hung at the back of the group deciding to wait for the others to sit and then she would take the remaining seat. Taryn and Cory sat side by side. Jane sat opposite Cory, which left the seat opposite Taryn free. Great plan, Jace. Now you get to be tortured the whole time. If you'd picked the seat next to Taryn, you wouldn't have to look at that mark all lunch. Jace was thankful that Jane was so good at small talk. She asked plenty of questions and Cory seemed to enjoy answering them. Jace looked from Taryn to Cory. They had similar features, but there were plenty of contrasts. Whereas, Cory had shaggy blonde hair and emerald green eyes, Taryn had shortly cropped blonde hair and brown eyes. Jace liked the unusual coloring. The brown eyes seemed to stand out more. She knew it was the same with her. Besides her height, her eyes were usually what people remembered. Against her dark hair, the blue seemed to shine more.

Jace continued her appraisal of the two women. They looked to be the same age. Cory's arms displayed toned muscles whereas Taryn's were long, lean, and tanned. Cory definitely needed some sun. Realizing she had been quiet much too long, Jace tried to think of something to say that Jane hadn't already asked.

Taryn was miserable. The meal had been great, and the conversation pleasurable, but she had the distinct feeling that Jace was avoiding her. She had watched Jace's eyes flit back and forth between her and Cory, but every time she tried to catch Jace's eyes, the older woman looked away. Deciding that she hadn't the energy to deal with Jace's mood swings, she turned her attention back to Cory and Jane.

"How was your vacation, Jane? You told me once you had family down in Florida. Did you visit them?" Taryn asked, although she liked Cory, she didn't feel it was the time to reveal the fact that Jane was her aunt.

Jane looked at Taryn. "Florida was excellent. The kids loved Disney World. They missed their older cousin, who couldn't make it down, but I promised them that we'd try to get her to come with us next year. I did spend a lot of time with my parents. They look very good."

"I'm sure your niece missed the children, too. I hope your plans for next year work out." Taryn winked at Jane.

Cory watched the interaction and noticed Jace hadn't mentioned her holiday. "Terri told me you have been away as well, Jace. Did you go anywhere exciting?"

Jace was caught off-guard. She hadn't thought about telling people she met up with Jane. She took a few moments and then decided to tell the truth. "I actually vacationed with Jane and her family."

Cory was surprised. She wondered if there was more to the story. She glanced at Jane's wedding finger and saw a gold band. She looked at Jace's hand and saw nothing. Taryn saw the quizzical look on Cory's face, and decided to jump in before Cory asked a question Jace wouldn't like.

"Jace is a godmother to one of Jane's children."

Cory looked from Jane to Jace. "That must be great for the children. I don't think I spent any time with my own godparents."

Jane checked her watch, "I think we should get back to the madhouse. Cory, it's great to have you with us. I think you and Taryn are going to make a great partnership this summer."

Taryn caught Jace's eye, there was something there, if anything else this summer, Taryn was determined to find out what was lurking in Jace's past, and get closer to the mysterious woman.

Part 3

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