As the story is based on the academic year of 2001/2002, I added in some reactions to 9/11, and the events that happened...just a little warning, I hope this doesn't offend anyone.

Learning to Trust

By Jules Matthews

Part 4

Chapter 9

Jane knocked lightly on Taryn's office. "Happy birthday!" She walked into the cubicle and kissed her niece on the cheek. "I can't believe you're thirty-one! It seems like only yesterday when your mom had you. I remember how excited I was to have a baby in the house."

Taryn turned round in her seat and gave Jane a solemn smile. "I thought I'd be able to get through the day without people knowing it was my birthday! What did you do put an ad on the notice board?"

It was Jane's turn to blush. "I may have mentioned it to one, two… or maybe a dozen people." "I'm surprised you came in today. How did Tom make out at the doctor's?"

Jane sat in the chair opposite, "Better than expected. The doctor said he just has a cold. Bill and I were worried for a minute that he could have something more serious. The little guy has been up these past few nights crying."

"Poor guy. So, are you still coming tonight? I'll understand if you have to stay home with Tom."

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away. I've missed your last few birthdays." Jane looked at the bunch of roses sitting on Taryn's desk. "Nice flowers. I wish Bill was as romantic as Marti."

Taryn blushed. "They're not from Marti. Jace gave them to me. She said it was an office tradition. Everyone got them on their birthday."

Jane coughed in surprise. "Oh…silly me, I forgot. Jace gives everyone flowers on their birthday." Taryn seemed oblivious to Jane's bumbling. Nice one, Jace. A little warning would be nice! Jane couldn't wait to see Jace's face when she confronted her. Jane took a little box out of her pocket. "Here's a gift from Bill, me and the kids. I hope you like it."

Taryn unwrapped the gift and gasped in surprise. Small diamond studs glittered back at her. "Auntie…Jane …they're beautiful! You shouldn't have…but I'm glad you did!" She hugged Jane and took the card that her aunt handed to her.

"Taylor picked the card. I promised him we'd have cake on Monday when you come over."

Taryn smiled when she read the card and saw the messages from each child. "Tom's very advanced in his handwriting. A little genius!"

Jane swatted her hand at Taryn, "He had a little help from a friend." Jane stood up, "I have to talk to Jace about some students. If I don't see you before you leave, 9pm at the club?"

"Are you sure it's not too late? The club doesn't get going until later. Marti is taking me for a meal beforehand, otherwise I'd invite you to ride with us."

"Don't worry about me. I have a date for the evening."

Taryn didn't get a chance to ask who it was, Jane left too quickly.

Jane went in search of Jace, as she wasn't in her office. Jane had passed Jace's on the way down. She retraced her footsteps to the front desk. "Hey, Terri. Do you know where Jace is?"

Terri waved at Jane and held a finger in the air, pointing upwards. She continued her conversation on the telephone.

"She's in the classroom?" Jane asked. Terri nodded in response. Jane knew there were no classes going on, it was Friday afternoon and the college was usually very quiet. Jane climbed the stairs to the small study classroom they kept specifically for Freshmen Seminar. She peered in through the small glass window and saw the hunched figure of her supervisor. She knocked tentatively on the door.

Jace was surprised to hear someone knocking. She looked up with a guilty expression on her face, a little relieved to see it was just Jane. She signaled for her friend to come in. "Hey. I told you not to bother coming in."

Jane smiled, "Good afternoon to you, too. What's up?"

"Nothing. Why?" Jace replied rather too quickly.

Jane pulled out a chair opposite Jace. "Just curious. It's a Friday afternoon and my boss is hidden away in a classroom."

"I'm not hidden away." Jace replied childishly.

Jane surveyed Jace's body language. The tall woman looked very uncomfortable in the small college uniform desk. Her legs were tucked under the chair and her knees seemed to be jammed under the desk section. Jane saw the edge of the book that Jace's arm now covered. "I just never expected to find you in here. Good book?" Jane could see beads of sweat forming on Jace's brow.

"Uhhh…it's okay." Jace swallowed and tried to calm her racing heart. She knew she had to tell Jane what she was doing. Her friend was nothing, if not persistent. "I was reading up on a subject, that's all."

"Couldn't do that in your office?"

Jace shook her head. "I couldn't concentrate. I…uhhh…I wanted some privacy." She removed her arm from the book to reveal the title.

Jane's eyes widened and she couldn't help repeating the title, "How to be a Happy Lesbian: A Coming Out Guide. Is it useful?"

Jace looked into brown eyes filled with compassion. "It's okay. I just grabbed the first thing in the diversity section of the library." Jace dropped her head to her chest and chewed on her bottom lip. "I…thought I should read up on tonight. I've never been to a gay bar before."

"Neither have I, Jace. I shouldn't imagine it's that different from a straight one. Are you worried?" Jane had been surprised when Jace had agreed to go to the club with her. It hadn't taken that much cajoling and Jace had appeared to be happy that Jane had invited her. She'd expected Jace to put up some resistance.

"No…Yes…I don't know. Maybe."

"Why?" When Jane got no response she tried again. "Okay, are you worried because there will be gay people there?"

Jace raised an eyebrow at that question. "Please, I'm not that immature, nor am I homophobic."

"Whoa, relax, I wasn't accusing you. So, if you're not worried about going there for that reason, what are you worried about?"

Jace looked at the board in front of her. She knew the reasons, but hated admitting anything that made her look weak. "I'm not sure what to do."

"When?"

"If I get asked to dance, if someone takes an interest in me…"

"You can say yes or no. Only you know the answer to that question. Jace, stop analyzing everything." Jane could see the worry lines across Jace's forehead. "Would it make you feel better if I masqueraded as your girlfriend?" Jane asked.

"Maybe. It might be simpler. I just want to go there and see how I feel. Regardless of my feelings for anyone, I need to feel comfortable with who I am. I think my sexuality question has been answered. I've been noticing that women seem to catch my eye more and more. When I'm out running, or on the television…just about everywhere."

"What else is wrong? I can see there's something. You look haunted."

Jace rolled her shoulders to try and release some of the tension. "I'm not sure how I'll feel seeing Taryn with Marti."

"Oh…but you've seen them together before."

Jace bit her lip until she could taste the rusty flavor of blood. "No. Tonight they…they might be smoochy."

"Smoochy! Now there's an adult expression." She looked at the hurt in Jace's eyes. "I'm sorry. Sometimes I forget you're a novice at this. I shouldn't have asked you to go. I never looked at it from your point of view."

"No. I want to be there. I want to celebrate with her. I just don't know how to handle these feelings that keep running through my body. Thank you for not teasing me about the book." Jace's eyes returned their usual blue hue.

Jane grinned mischievously, "You're welcome…but you're not off the hook yet, Xanthos. I hear there's a new tradition in the Center."

"Huh? Tradition?" Jace had no idea what Jane was talking about.

"Yes, and an expensive one at that." She saw realization in Jace's eyes, and quickly countered with a sheepish look.

"The flowers?"

"The flowers." Jane confirmed.

"I wanted to get her a gift. I didn't know what to get her, so I thought a small bunch of flowers would be a simple gift. Nothing serious. When I gave them to her she seemed unsure and I got embarrassed, so I told her that I gave everyone flowers for their birthday. Did you tell her otherwise?"

"It was a great idea and I covered for you. But, Jace, a little word of advice, a simple bunch of flowers would be carnations, or some other nice generic garden variety. A dozen red roses…well they're more your lover's flowers."

Jace blushed. "The florist recommended them. She asked who and what they were for. It was a spur of the moment thing." Jace was flustered. Her mind had been on making Taryn happy and giving her a gift, not on the innuendos her gift might inspire.

"Slow down, you're fine. She didn't make anything of it. Just remember young lady when my birthday comes 'round I expect the same treatment!" Jane chuckled. "Seriously, it was a nice thing to do. If you need to leave early tonight just give me a whistle. Now, I have to go down and check my email and then go home, I have a date with a tall, mysterious, and fantastically good-looking woman tonight…if only I wasn't married." She winked at Jace.

"In your dreams, Weston! I'm finished here, I'll walk you to your office."

**

Marti clung tightly to Taryn's hand. She was nervous about meeting Taryn's new friends. "Do you think they'll like me?"

Taryn opened the door for Marti; "We've been through this at dinner. Just be yourself, what's not to like?"

"Do I look okay?"

Taryn signed the entry book, flashed her ID card, paid the cover charge, and moved through to the initial bar area. She waited for Marti to follow. "Marti, will you give it a rest. What does it matter what people think of you? You look wonderful. Your hair looks nice. Your make-up is perfect."

"I'm being a pain, aren't I?"

Taryn nodded. "I think we're meeting up in the main bar, but I feel like I should wait for Jane out here. It might be weird for her. I'm not sure how Uncle Bill will feel being here." Taryn glanced around at the other early clubbers. There were a wide variety of looks, ages, and cultures.

"What do you want to drink?" Marti asked, when she also finished perusing the crowd. She'd hoped to find somebody she knew, and could join Taryn and her with them. She felt more comfortable with people she knew.

"I'll have a beer. Remember, you promised to be the designated driver." Taryn quietly reminded Marti.

"I know…Oh my God…is that Jace?" Marti exclaimed. Taryn swung around in the direction Marti was looking. She smiled when she saw her aunt link arms with her supervisor. "I thought you said she was bringing Bill?"

"I just assumed. Hold on, don't go to the bar yet." Taryn called Jane's name and was met with a beaming smile.

"Taryn, you look great! Marti, it's nice to see you again. So, what do you think of my date?" Jane pulled Jace forward by her hand as if she was a prize stud.

Taryn found it hard to breath. Jace looked stunning. The curls in her hair were accentuated with either gel or wax and the additional shine emphasized the deep ebony color. Black Levis rose up her legs, a vest clung to the lithe body, and a white shirt hung loosely from her shoulders. Her tan was intensified by the whiteness of her shirt. The woman was gorgeous and Taryn's body was finding it hard to deny this fact. "Hey there. I didn't know you were coming…it's great you came."

Jace flashed a bright white smile at Taryn. Jane had been right. Taryn looked great. Loose fitting jeans, sneakers, and a polo shirt made Taryn look tomboyish, in a cute and very adorable way. The short-cropped hair was slightly disheveled. Small diamond earrings were the only visible jewelry. Jace could feel her pulse racing and she clung to Jane's hand. "I hope you don't mind. Jane asked if I'd be her date. I think I lucked out and got one of the prettiest women in the room."

Taryn grinned. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment, the looks run in the family." Taryn noticed the slight blush that rose on Jace's cheeks. She felt Marti's arm go around her waist.

"Come here, birthday girl, and give your aunt a hug."

Taryn could feel Marti's reluctance to surrender her hold. Subtly, Taryn removed the hand from her waist and pulled her aunt into a hug.

"The earrings look great, honey. I'm glad you like them."

"I love them. Thanks again." Taryn stood up and kissed Jane on the cheek. "Jace is right, you look wonderful."

Taryn looked at Jace. She smiled and then held her arms out. "It's my birthday and I'm allowed hugs off everybody." She pulled a surprised Jace into her arms.

Jace was breathless. She could smell the delicate scent that was just Taryn. Her heart fluttered and she quickly released the blonde. Taryn didn't look at Jace as they parted. She had felt something, being in Jace's arms. It was something very different than the last time "We…we were just about to order drinks. What would you like?" She stammered.

After taking everyone's order, Marti made her way to the bar. Her evening had taken a dramatic turn for the worse when she'd seen Jace. All she needed now was to find out that Cory was gorgeous and her night would be complete. She ordered the drinks and glanced back at the threesome. Jace towered above Jane, but Taryn was taller than her aunt by a few inches. She watched the way the women interacted and was pleased to see Jace had taken to holding Jane's hand again. Marti was sure there was more to their relationship than just friends. In a weird way, she hoped there was, as it would help sooth the green-eyed monster that she couldn't seem to shake when Jace was around.

Taryn took the bottles from Marti, "Thanks, babe." She kissed Marti on the cheek. Since talking with Jane, Taryn had tried really hard to involve Marti more. Taryn knew Marti felt insecure around Jace, and she hooked a finger in the loop of Marti's jeans. "I think the others may be in the main bar. Cory wasn't sure what time they'd be arriving.

Jace followed Taryn's lead and led Jane through the mass of bodies. Her eyes kept roaming over the myriad of people. She felt excitement stir in her body when she glanced at a couple that was absorbed in a very public display of affection. She held on tighter to Jane's hand and averted her eyes. She was relieved when Taryn stopped at an empty table.

"We may as well make camp at this table. It'll get really packed later on and we're not as young as we used to be. A seat will be very welcome." Taryn pulled a chair out for Jane, and then followed suit with Marti.

Jane spoke quietly to Jace. "I think you can let go of my hand now."

"Are you sure?" Jace whispered back.

"Please. I think the circulation will return this time next year." When she saw the uncertainty on Jace's face, she added, "I'm kidding. Relax. You'll give yourself a coronary otherwise. How are you holding up?"

Jace looked over at Taryn and Marti, they seemed to be involved in their own discussion. "I'm doing okay."

"Have you put your eyes back in?" Jane teased.

Jace blushed, "You saw?"

Jane patted Jace's back, "Your head nearly flew off and your eyes bugged out. It even made me a little hot under the collar. So, do I have to ask if you're okay with this?"

Jace shook her head. "No need to ask. I feel like a kid in a candy store. There are so many women. Where are all the guys?"

Jane looked around surreptitiously, "I don't know. Hey, Ryn, where are all the guys?"

Taryn chuckled at her aunt. "Geez, you straight women. Five minutes in a lesbian bar and you're asking where the men are!"

Jane blushed. "I meant gay guys, you tease. You said this was a gay bar."

Taryn leaned forward so Jace and Jane could hear her over the music. "It is, but the guys tend to hang downstairs. Some of them will come in here later if the music's better. A few transvestites come in occasionally; I think it's less threatening up here than downstairs. I'll give you a tour later." Taryn's head shot up when she heard her name being screamed. She waved back at Cory.

Jace looked over and did a double take. "Whoa."

Jane followed Jace's gaze. "Oh my Lord, you never said you had a sister."

"I don't." Jace said bluntly.

Taryn looked from JJ to Jace, then to Cory. "Definitely separated at birth I'd say."

Jace stood up and held out her hand. "Hello, I'm Jace Xanthos."

JJ took the hand of the woman in front of her. "Hi, JJ Matthews. Cory's told me a lot about you. I'm glad I got a chance to meet you, I know Cory feels very welcome at her new job."

Jace flashed a smile at Cory, "She's a credit to us." She stared at the two women behind JJ.

Cory moved to JJ's side. "These are our friends, Helen and Jo."

Taryn shook their hands. "Nice to meet you. Thanks for coming. Helen, I think you know Jane and this is my girlfriend, Marti." Everyone shook hands and Taryn returned her attention back to JJ and Jace. The two women side-by-side looked formidable. They just oozed sex and danger. She could feel the stares coming from other tables. "I think we're going to have to protect you two from the madding crowds."

JJ grinned. "We sure could have fun tonight!" Then she ruffled Cory's hair. "I'm just kidding. My heart belongs to you."

**

"Okay, It's my turn at the bar. Get your orders in." JJ yelled over the table. The couples had been chatting amongst themselves, everybody finding something to talk about.

Jace stood up, "I'll help you." Jace felt oddly drawn to JJ. She followed her to the crowded bar.

"It's not often I have to look up to another woman." JJ commented. "Sometimes it sucks being so tall."

Jace agreed. "Tell me about it. I got sick of being called 'stretch' through high school. So how did you and Cory meet?"

JJ glanced back at Cory. "The Internet." She saw Jace's raised eyebrow. "It's not as bad as it sounds. Just call us modern day pen pals. I went over to visit and things just happened. Best decision I ever made."

Jace nodded. She had no idea what to say. She couldn't get a date with a woman in the same country as her, what did she know about Internet dating. She watched JJ order the drinks and moved to the side as a woman pushed her way up to JJ.

"Hey. Long time no see."

JJ turned around. "Sarah… how are you?"

"Calm down, JJ, I'm not about to make trouble. I just wanted to say hello. Who's your friend?" Sarah asked as she looked at Jace. "She's not family. I've met all your cousins."

JJ paid the bartender, and passed some drinks back to Jace. "Sarah, this is Jace, Cory's new boss. Jace, this is my ex-girlfriend, Sarah."

"Hello." Jace took the cold drinks out of JJ's hands, "I'll take these over and come back for the rest." Jace wasn't sure what to do. She didn't know what the situation was between JJ, Cory, and Sarah. She carried the drinks back to the table.

Taryn glanced up and took a bottle from Jace's hands. "Where's JJ? You didn't leave her to the hordes of women. I knew it was a bad idea to let you two loose." She stopped rambling when she saw the confused look on Jace's face.

"She met a friend. I said I'd go back for the rest of the drinks." Jace looked back in JJ's direction but all she could see was the top of JJ's head.

"Need some help?" Taryn offered."

"Please." Jace was thankful for the offer. It would give her chance to talk to Taryn. When they were clear of the table, Jace put a hand on Taryn's shoulder. "JJ's ex-girlfriend is at the bar. I wasn't sure what to do. She looked aggravated. What's the deal?"

Taryn turned to see Cory deep in conversation with Marti. "I'm not sure. Cory's told me a bit. Sarah was mad for a while, but I think JJ and her settled things when they sold the house. Can you handle the drinks while I warn Cory?"

"Sure." Jace replied and she began to push her way through the crowd.

Taryn went back to the table. She felt a little foolish returning empty handed. Jane looked up as she approached. Taryn edged past her aunt and tapped Cory on the shoulder. There was no subtle way of asking, so Taryn just came out with a question, "How do you get on with JJ's ex?"

Cory paled. "Why? Oh…Is Sarah here?" She could feel Helen and Jo's attention on her.

"Yeah. According to Jace, she's talking to JJ at the bar." Taryn replied. "I just wanted to give you the heads up."

Helen stood up. "Cory stay here. I'll go and help Jace with the drinks, and check out the scene."

Taryn sat in the chair next to Cory. She could feel her friend shaking. She placed an arm around Cory's shoulder and massaged the growing tension. "It'll be fine." She saw Jace, JJ, and Helen return from the bar and surrendered her seat to JJ. Taryn watched as JJ placed her arms around Cory and spoke to her quietly. Feeling like she was intruding in a private moment, Taryn asked Marti if she wanted to dance. Jane grabbed Jace by the arm and followed her niece to the dance floor.

Jace felt the music move through her. She'd never been one to go out dancing but she had danced with her mother as a child. She could keep a good rhythm and she quickly watched Jane's simple step patterns. The songs were a mixture of nineties, eighties, and seventies music. Jace felt exhilarated and for the first time in the evening, she truly relaxed. Songs merged into each other, and Jace wasn't sure how long they'd been out there. She was always conscious of Taryn's presence but at the same time she was constantly reminded that Taryn had a girlfriend, because Marti hadn't left Taryn's side the whole evening. As the music slowed, Jace felt Jane pull her near. "How am I doing?"

Jane looked up into Jace's smoky blue eyes, "Wonderful. Are you having fun?"

"A blast. I can't believe I've missed out on all this. I love dancing. Don't tell anybody, but I dance in the living room when I need a little bit of stress relief."

"Are you okay with this?" Jane moved her eyes down to how close the two were dancing.

Jace looked around the dance floor. "Dancing with you isn't a problem. You're just a friend. I'm not sure how I'd feel if it was someone else."

"You should try it." Jane was thankful when the song came to an end. Her feet were beginning to ache. "But later, I need a rest."

Jace tickled the edge of Jane's ribs. "I keep telling you to join the gym."

"I hear you." Jane waved to Taryn as she exited the dance floor.

**

Taryn was relieved when Marti released her hold and went to the bathroom. As hard as Taryn had tried all evening, she couldn't get her girlfriend to relax. All she wanted was a few minutes to circulate and chat with people, but Marti hadn't made any effort to socialize. She watched Marti make her way through the heaving bodies on the dance floor, and then turned her attention back to the conversation around the table. Jace and JJ appeared to have hit it off immediately; Helen and Jane were catching up on college gossip, while Jo and Cory listened avidly. The beat on the dance floor changed and Taryn caught Cory's excited energy. "You like the Vengaboys?"

Cory jumped up. "Yes! You've heard of them?"

"They played them all the time at school discos in Ireland. Come on, I'll bounce with you."

The two blondes weaved a pathway to the dance floor, which had cleared significantly. The beat was strong and soon both women were jumping and bouncing, oblivious to the stares they were getting from around the room.

JJ shook her head. "Look at them. I can't believe my girl found someone who dances just the same as she does. The first time she started leaping and bouncing around the dance floor, I thought she was having a fit." Everyone giggled and watched the antics. "Gotta love 'em."

Jace watched Taryn leap and twist on the floor. Every now and then, Taryn would grab Cory's hands and they'd choreograph their steps. She wished she could just lose all control and go out on the dance floor. She wanted to desperately. The song changed and Jace watched as Taryn and Cory wrapped an arm around each other's waist and tried to do a little Latino dancing.

JJ stood up as she saw a familiar figure move onto the dance floor and head straight toward Cory. She bent down and whispered into Jace's ear. "I think I could use you on the dance floor."

Jace had seen Sarah heading in Cory's direction, too. "Sure." She rose from her seat and followed JJ.

Cory laughed out loud. "We're making idiots of ourselves. I can't dance to this music. My hips don't move like that."

Taryn lost her rhythm as she tried to keep her friend from falling over. "Just follow my lead." She looked over Cory's shoulder and met a pair of questioning brown eyes.

"May I cut in?" Sarah asked politely.

Taryn looked to Cory. The facial features that had been relaxed and happy a few moments earlier were tense. Taryn saw the slight nod of Cory's head and released her hold.

"Thank you." Sarah said and took Cory in her arms.

Taryn backed away and felt a solid body behind her. She turned and met friendly, blue eyes. "Hey."

Jace swallowed. JJ and her had taken up positions at the edge of the dance floor. "Sarah promised JJ she wanted to make peace. I'm just here for additional support."

Taryn looked back at Cory. She seemed to be relaxing and there appeared a nervous smile now and again on her face. "She seems okay." Taryn moved further back, and as the dance floor began to fill up, she was pushed further into Jace's body. "I'm sorry." She apologized when someone ran into her, causing her to step on Jace's foot.

Jace automatically put her hand out and wrapped it protectively around Taryn's waist. "No worries. It's a little crushed over here." She was thankful that she was leaning against the ceiling support because her body had begun to tremble. Having Taryn in her arms was tantalizing. She could feel the damp material of Taryn's shirt under her palm as her hand pressed gently onto Taryn's stomach. She knew she should remove her arm but it felt so right, and it kept Taryn away from the energetic dancers. Three pairs of eyes did not move from Cory's direction. Jace used her spare hand to tap JJ on the shoulder. "She seems okay."

"Yeah. I'll be okay here if you two want to dance, or go back to the table."

"We should stay here a little longer." Jace liked the limited contact with Taryn and was reluctant to give up this little haven until she had to.

Taryn looked up at JJ. Under the disco lights, she had time to really look at Cory's girlfriend. Her hair was a lot longer and straighter than Jace's. From a distance they had such similar features but close up, Taryn could see JJ's nose was more prominent and her cheekbones were very visible. Long, sinewy fingers were playing casually with a strand of hair, and Taryn could see why Cory had fallen for her. She sidestepped slightly and turned in on Jace, the arm around her felt comforting and sensual at the same time. She could feel the heat rising from Jace's body. She should have felt awkward standing this close to her supervisor, but she didn't. She heard Jace speak to JJ and took the opportunity to look at Jace. Her features were softer than JJ's. Long, dark eyelashes fluttered over her eyes, and her mouth curved into a wide smile when she laughed at the joke JJ told her. Taryn wanted to run her fingers through the loose curls that hung over Jace's shoulder. She imagined they were soft like silk. Her eyes returned to Jace's face and locked with dark orbs, sparkling in the dim lighting. "Would you like to dance?" Taryn asked a little embarrassed that Jace had caught her staring.

Jace desperately wanted to say yes, but her mouth refused to move. The few minutes they'd been standing had seemed like a lifetime. Jace had felt Taryn's eyes on her and had mustered all the strength she possessed not to look at Taryn. She didn't want to show her how she felt. She had tried hard to focus on JJ, but the ripple of Taryn's stomach when she moved had sent a small shock wave through Jace's arm. For the first time in her life, Jace understood what all the fuss was about and why people made such a big deal about sex. "I'm not sure I could dance to this rhythm."

Taryn took Jace's hand. "Just follow my lead." She gently pulled Jace the few steps to the dance floor and placed her hand on Jace's waist holding their joined hands to the side. "Put your other hand on my shoulder. Okay, now loosen these hips." She gently tapped Jace's hipbone. "More. That's it. Now feel the rhythm of the music and follow my lead."

Jace was struggling to relax. The more Taryn told her to relax, the more rigid she got. Her body was about to reach overload. The music energized her body and she could feel herself pulsing, although she wasn't sure it was the music doing that to her. Every step brought Taryn closer and closer and Jace could feel the heat move down to her core. She could feel herself getting hotter and hotter.

Taryn could feel the body in her arms tense up and shake. She gently rubbed Jace's back. "Just relax. Give control to me." Taryn had no idea what her gentle ministrations were doing to her usually stoic boss.

Jace shut her eyes. If she gave up complete control she knew there would be no going back. She desperately wanted to lower her lips and taste Taryn. Breathe. How long can one song last. Ignore it. Think of your budget. Do something, Xanthos before you lose it all. Thankfully, her prayers were answered when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw Jane standing behind her.

"My turn." Jane took Taryn's hand from Jace's and placed it in her own.

Jace blew out a relieved sigh, "No problem. Taryn was trying to teach me to dance. I don't think I have the rhythm."

Taryn looked up to Jace's reddened face. "She did fine, Jane. Maybe I'll have to give her private lessons in her office." She winked at Jace and took her aunt into her arms.

The image of Taryn dancing with her in her office was too much for Jace. She decided she needed some fresh air. She'd only taken a few steps, when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Want to dance?"

Jace was relieved to see JJ smiling back at her. "Okay."

"I'm actually rescuing you from the woman over there. From the predatory look on her face she's a hunter and you, my friend, are her intended dinner. Unless…I'm interrupting."

Jace followed JJ's gaze and met the steely stare of an intimidating, very buxom woman. "No. Thank you." Jace followed JJ's lead and found herself relaxing. Holding JJ felt nothing like being with Taryn. Her heart began to return to its normal rhythm, and she allowed JJ to twirl her gently.

"Having fun?" JJ asked as she pulled Jace back into her.

"Yes. You're a great dancer. I may have to copy a few of these dance steps myself." Jace grinned.

"Be my guest. Thanks for coming over with me. I didn't think Sarah would do anything, especially with the two of us so near. I'd have brought Helen with me, but she tends to rub Sarah the wrong way; however, I think two songs is enough time for Sarah to say what she had to say, so now it's time I reclaimed my date." JJ let go of Jace and walked toward Cory.

Jace didn't want to leave the dance floor, as she could feel the stare of the predator lady. She decided it was time to get Jane back on her arm.

**

Taryn was having a great birthday. She'd never felt so popular. Everyone had wanted to dance with her. After a long stint on the dance floor she made her way back to the table where she saw a lone figure sitting. "Where'd everybody go?"

Fierce green eyes bore into her. Marti clenched her teeth and forced a smile on her face. "JJ took Jane and Jace downstairs. Helen and Jo are over there playing pool, and Cory was dancing with you."

Taryn didn't need any more warning that Marti was pissed with her. "Why didn't you come out and join us?"

"You seemed to be having fun without me."

The comment stung Taryn, more because she knew it to be true. While on the dance floor, she hadn't given much thought to where Marti was. "Does it bother you that I'm having fun on my birthday?"

Marti didn't answer her. She looked at her watch. "It's late. I want to go home. Are you coming?"

Taryn's fist hit the table. "Why do you always do this? Every time we go out it's on your terms. You decide where we go, whom we go with, and how long we stay. For once, on my goddamn birthday, I want to be in charge. What is your problem?"

"You are. I've been sitting here for over an hour, while you've danced with practically every woman in the place. You never looked over here once."

Taryn strummed her fingers on the tabletop and tapped her foot on the floor. Her temper was building. This couldn't go on for much longer. They were tearing each other apart. Taryn didn't think she could be in a relationship with someone if it was just on their terms. "Marti, you have a pair of legs, you could have joined us."

"What…and you would have fitted me in between your two Amazon protectors, your new little buddy, and your aunt." Taryn stood up. "I'm going to get some fresh air. When you come to your senses I'll be outside. Otherwise, I'll see you at home." Taryn needed to get out of the room. Everything was closing in on her.

**

Jane kept Jace from following Taryn. The two women had left JJ downstairs talking to a work colleague and had just turned the corner of the bar when they'd seen Taryn leave by the back door. "Let her cool off first." Jane advised her. It didn't take a genius to work out Marti and Taryn had fought.

"Should we go and sit with Marti?"

Jane shook her head. "No. Let's just pretend we saw nothing and hang out over here. She may follow Taryn outside. Let's give them five minutes. If she doesn't move, then I'll go and talk to her and you can tackle Taryn."

Jace leaned against the wall. "Why do I get to go outside?"

"No offence, Jace, but I think you'd make the situation worse if you talked to Marti." Jane stopped, and then continued, "Unless you'd feel awkward talking to Taryn."

Jace ran a hand through her hair. "You're right." She was of two minds. She half hoped Marti would go looking for Taryn, and on the other hand she hoped she didn't, as Jace would get a few moments alone with her. "It's been an interesting evening."

Jane nodded in agreement and sipped her water. "You appear to be enjoying yourself. I'm happy for you, Jace. You seem totally at ease here."

Jace scanned the crowd. She could see that JJ had rejoined Cory on the dance floor. The blonde was wrapped tenderly in JJ's arms, and they were swaying to the music. Each lost in the other's eyes. She realized she did feel comfortable. "I've really enjoyed the evening. The dancing was an eye opener. Dancing with Taryn was incredible and scary…" Jace's mind replayed the moment.

"I noticed." Jane replied quietly. "I hope you didn't mind me interrupting, but you looked like you were either going to faint or kiss her."

Jace laughed. "Your timing was perfect. I was beginning to lose control. I've never felt my legs so shaky, even after a long run. She just makes my body feel new things, and it's not just because she's a woman. I've danced with you, JJ, and Cory; and I didn't feel the same things."

Jane nodded. "I understand, Jace. Are you going to say anything to her?"

Jace shook her head vehemently. "No. It's not the right time or place. I want her to see me for who I am. I don't want her to think of me as her boss, supervisor, or superior. I want her to see me simply as a woman. I want her to choose me because she likes me, not as an excuse to leave a bad relationship. I don't want her on the rebound. I can wait."

"I don't think anyone could see you as simply a woman, Jace. There's so much more to you." Jane checked her watch. "Our five minutes are up."

**

Jace buttoned up her shirt. The autumn wind felt cold against her sweat soaked vest. She glanced around the parking lot and saw Taryn standing under a tree. She braced herself and walked forward, unsure of what to say. Just listen. Be her friend. "Hey." Jace said quietly as she kicked a stone near her foot.

"Hi."

"Do you come here often?" Jace gave Taryn a quirky grin.

Taryn smiled. "I think you need to practice those chat up lines, or you'll be going home alone."

"You'll have to give me lessons. Am I interrupting something?" Jace leaned against the tree, purposely keeping her distance from Taryn. It would be so easy to take the blonde into her arms and hold her.

Taryn shook her head. "No. Just cooling down my body and my temper. Women…I'll never understand them. No wonder you and Jane stick to men."

Jace struggled to keep her mouth shut. She wanted to admit to Taryn she was gay, but it wouldn't help. She had no advice either way. It would direct the conversation onto her and Jace wasn't ready. "I don't think the gender matters. Relationships are difficult either way."

"I'm beginning to see that."

"Marti?" Jace waited silently. If Taryn was anything like herself, she would need to feel it was her choice to release information, not feel pushed into it.

Taryn kicked some loose pebbles into the hedge area. "I'm beginning to realize she's not the person I thought she was." Taryn didn't look at Jace, but she sensed the woman was willing to just listen. When Jace didn't say anything, Taryn decided to tell her the problem. "She gets very jealous if I'm not with her. I never noticed it before. Since July she's constantly been on my back about who I spend time with and what I do. I feel like I'm being interrogated when I get home."

"Is she jealous of the family? I thought she was excited to meet the kids and Jane?"

Taryn continued to kick at the pebbles. "She was at first. But she doesn't like it when I go alone. She thinks I'm seeing someone."

"At your aunt's house or does she think you don't go there?"

Taryn turned away from Jace. She wanted to be truthful, but she was embarrassed at the same time. "She thinks I'm seeing someone at my aunt's…she thinks I like… you." Jace was shocked. Her heart was pounding. She hadn't expected that answer. "Whoa. I thought you were going to say Cory's name."

Taryn turned around when she heard Cory's name, and smiled sadly, "She thinks that, too. Don't take offence, but any person that is female comes under scrutiny. It's driving me crazy! Jane thinks it's because I haven't had my own friends since we met. She has a point. I tried to run from my past when I got back from Ireland. Now I want to live again, and I'm beginning to see that Marti and I are very different."

"Are you talking to each other?" Jace had edged a little closer to Taryn.

Taryn walked toward the tree and leaned next to Jace. "We're in a vicious circle. She accuses me, I get defensive, we shout, I run off, we make up, we end up in bed, and then we're fine until the next time she accuses me. It's happening so often. We used to never argue. The only time we make love now is when we're both hurting…and I don't enjoy it."

"How come?" Jace had no idea where that question came from. She didn't want to hear about Taryn making love with another woman, but her morbid curiosity got the better of her.

"She's becoming rougher…" Taryn looked across to Jace. The compassion on Jace's face made her want to talk, to open up. "She bites me… and becomes very …demanding."

Jace couldn't keep her hands by her side anymore. She reached out and touched Taryn tenderly. "Taryn, I'm not very experienced with all this…but I know that's not right or healthy. Some people may get off on that but it has to be reciprocated, otherwise it's abuse."

"I know." Taryn dropped her head.

Jace moved toward Taryn. "Come here, birthday girl." Jace enveloped Taryn in her arms. She just wanted to hold her and give her comfort. Every time she held Taryn there was a different emotion released inside of her. She increased the pressure slightly and smiled when she felt Taryn do the same. "Let's go back inside and see if your aunt has managed to talk some sense into Marti."

Taryn stepped away from Jace. "Thanks. It's different when I talk to you. You never judge me or offer me advice. You just listen. I feel bad that I always use you as a sounding board." Taryn looked away as she spoke the words. She suddenly felt shy around Jace. She'd never relied on someone as much as she was beginning to rely on Jace.

Jace shrugged. "I don't think it would be fair to offer advice when I've never been in your situation. Come on, you have nothing to feel bad about. Remember, I offered my ear any time you needed it. I wouldn't have said that if I didn't mean it. You can chew my ear off anytime."

**

Jace walked up to Jane's office and knocked on the door. "Good morning."

"Hey there. Did you get my email?"

Jace nodded. "That's why I'm here. Without Taryn or Cory we're going to struggle to cover the support sessions."

"Taryn emailed me a set of review questions. I've posted them in the classroom upstairs and left a note on the board. It's all sorted out."

Jace sat down in the armchair. "Are they sick?"

"No. Cory is helping Taryn move out while Marti is at work." Jane knew Jace would want all the details.

"But they appeared to be getting on much better. Taryn said your talk with Marti on her birthday really helped." Jace was a little shocked. "What happened?"

Jane opened up her email. "All I know is in here. Apparently, Marti didn't like the amount of time Taryn has been spending with Cory. Since they started working out at the college together, Taryn hasn't been home as much. Apparently, last night Marti accused Taryn of sleeping with Cory. To cut a long story short, Marti asked Taryn to quit working at the Center and return to the Education Department or they were over. Taryn wouldn't be emotionally blackmailed and packed her bag. She stayed at Cory's last night. JJ offered their spare room indefinitely, and Taryn accepted. I wanted to call her this morning, but I didn't have Cory's number, and Taryn's cell was switched off. I'm worried about her."

"She's strong, Jane. She'll be fine. We've spent the last couple of months talking more and she's working through some of her fears. I think this was just the next step. The relationship wasn't healthy, but Taryn was determined to try. Did she talk to you about Thanksgiving?"

Jane beamed at Jace. "Yes. I couldn't believe my ears when she agreed to come to dinner. She knows Patrick is going to be there but she still said yes. What magic did you work?"

Jace blushed. "It wasn't magic. We…just seem to be able to talk, nothing too in depth, but enough. I just got Taryn to think about her future. If she keeps running away she'll never move forward. She has to face Patrick sooner or later. Next week seemed the best time. She'll have all her family around. Even more so now that you invited Cory and JJ." Jace looked at her watch. "I have a meeting. Get Cory's number off Terri, and we'll go around later to make sure Taryn is settled."

**

Taryn surveyed her new bedroom. It was small, but luckily she hadn't accumulated much over the years. Her clothes were already hung in the oak wardrobe JJ had picked up earlier. The few boxes remained scattered around the room. Taryn knew she had done the right thing moving out, but it still hurt. She looked at the empty shelves and desk, and then back at the boxes. They could wait a few more minutes. She needed a drink. Taryn opened her door and heard JJ muttering obscenities. She left her room and went to see what was causing her new roommate problems. "Hi. Problems?" JJ was trying to squeeze her tall frame behind the computer desk she had just rebuilt in the corner of the dining room.

"No. If I could just reach the outlet, I'll be all set." JJ croaked as she stretched her arm further up the narrow space.

Taryn crouched next to her. "Let me try. I can squeeze in there and you can feed the extension cord to me. Please, I'd feel better. You moved all your equipment out of the spare room to accommodate me."

"Okay. Let me get out." JJ crawled back out of the gap and changed places with the smaller woman. She untangled the extension cord and waited patiently as Taryn squeezed her body into the space. "Don't worry about the stuff. If the truth be known, you're doing me a favor."

Taryn felt the outlet with her fingers and held out her hand for the cord. She orientated the end of it and slipped the pins into the correct holes. When she saw the red light on the power bar brighten, she backed out and leaned against the wall, a questioning expression on her face. "What favor?"

JJ looked back at Taryn, "I had to make some quick decisions when Sarah and I sold the house. The first thing was finding a place to live. There were apartments in my old town but that would have required getting Cory a car and insurance. We talked about it, but she wasn't sure if she could handle driving on the right-hand side of the road so soon. I decided to get an apartment close to the College. This place is ideal as she can walk to classes and work. The other decision was whether to rent a one or two bedroom apartment. The one bedroom was definitely cheaper, but it also didn't leave much doubt as to our relationship. Cory has had a really stressful year and found ending her relationship with Sam difficult. I know she's told you some of this. She has yet to tell her family about us. I didn't want to add to her stress, so I went for the two-bedroom and kitted it out with the bare basics. The only problem is money." She looked away from Taryn. "I haven't told Cory this, but the past few months I have had to dip into the savings account to help pay the bills. It was getting to the point where I would have had to get a second job or an additional housemate."

Taryn listened. She could hear disappointment in JJ's voice. She patted the computer tech's leg. "Thanks for telling me. I feel a little better knowing I'm not a charity case. I thought Cory had offered because she felt sorry for me."

JJ stood up and stretched the kink out of her back. "She'd never do that,Taryn. You're very welcome here, for as long as you want. Besides the money thing, I really am pleased it's you we have for a roomie. Cory made a huge sacrifice coming here. She left all her friends behind and I see how well you two get along. As for work, my new job is going well. So well, in fact, that they are talking about me doing tech work for some out-of-state reps. You'll be good company for Cory."

Taryn stood up and pulled out one of the dining room chairs. JJ had taken all the computer equipment from the spare bedroom and had rearranged the desk to fit the corner of the dining room. She looked at the desktop computer and two printers that were scattered on the rug. "I can definitely tell you work with computers. This is pretty impressive."

JJ grabbed two sodas out of the fridge, and passed one to Taryn. "I just finished building this monster. We're running Microsoft XP at work and some of the software we use is unstable. I wanted a machine at home that matched my machine at work, so I could play with the software and try to work out the kinks."

Taryn opened the soda and rested against the back of the chair. She'd slept in her new room the night before, and the new bed was going to take a little time to get used to. She liked the small apartment, though. Cory had definitely stamped her character on it. She glanced at the huge flag that hung on the wall. She felt JJ turn to look at it, too. "Very patriotic!"

JJ snickered and gazed at the Union Jack flag. "She wanted to hang it from the window this summer but I persuaded her the wall would be better. She's threatening to hang it on the flagpole when England plays in the soccer World Cup next summer. Hopefully, having another American around the house will rub off on her…" The door buzzer interrupted her sentence. JJ pressed the door release to let the visitors in. "Shit! I forgot to tell you we were having visitors, Jane called. You were in the shower, so Cory took the message before she left for class. I got so involved in moving the computers, it slipped my mind."

"No worries. I had a feeling she'd be over."

Taryn walked from the dining room, through the living room and to the front door. She expected to see her aunt and was surprised when her gaze met sky blue eyes. "Hey."

"Hello." Jace handed Taryn a small bottle of champagne. "Your aunt and I wanted to make sure you were settled and doing okay." Jace was knocked off balance when Taryn uncharacteristically hugged her.

Taryn released Jace and waved her arm into the apartment. "Come in." She hugged Jane and kissed her on the cheek. "We're a little disorganized. JJ has graciously given up her computer room."

At the sound of her name, JJ poked her head around the corner of the dining room wall. "I keep telling her it was no big deal, but she doesn't believe me. Can I get you guys a drink? We have Pepsi, Sprite, or beer."

"Sprite for me." Jace said. She was still looking at Taryn and the dark circles that stood out against the pale skin.

"I'll have the same. Where's Cory?" Jane asked.

"She'll be home soon. She has class on Tuesdays." Taryn replied. "Let me give you a tour." She led the two women through the living room that had a huge entertainment center against one of the walls. It had a large screen TV, video, DVD player, and a variety of DVDs and videos. There were two sofas, a rocking chair, small coffee table, and a taller sofa table, which was pushed against another wall. On the table were many different photos. One particularly large photo stood out from the rest. It showed Cory dressed as a bride standing next to an older man. Taryn caught Jace's questioning look. They continued to the dining room where JJ was placing glasses of soda on coasters. "I'm just showing them around. Do you mind if I show them your room?" Taryn didn't think JJ would mind but she knew it was polite to ask.

"Be my guest! Any incriminating evidence or kinky stuff belongs to Cory!" JJ winked at Jace, and was surprised to see the tall woman blush.

The two bedrooms were situated on either side of the bathroom. Taryn liked the décor of their bedroom. The comforter on the bed was beige with deep maroon pillows. The bureaus were painted in similar colors, and a large flat screen TV rested on top of one of them. Another video and DVD player were to the side of the TV. Taryn turned to her colleagues, and chuckled. "You can tell two techno nerds dwell here. Marti moaned when I bought the video recorder for the house. JJ and Cory seem to have every kind of gadget." Next to the bedroom door there was a large walk in closet.

Jace was impressed with the neat room. She looked closely at the picture frame on the wall. A long black frame held two paper certificates, which had large shields, painted on them. One shield had the name MATTHEWS written under it and the other WILLIAMS. Definitions of the names and a brief history filled the rest of the paper. In between the two certificates was a large photograph of JJ holding Cory. Both women's eyes sparkled with joy and Jace could tell they loved each other.

Taryn paused at the door. Jane had gone ahead but Taryn had noticed Jace's fascination with the picture. The blonde continued to study her boss as she read the short passages of history. She had spent the past few weeks confiding in Jace a little more. The tall woman had often been around Jane's on a Monday evening, and the three women would watch TV. When Jane left to read stories with Josie, Taryn had occasionally discussed her troubled relationship with Jace. The older woman's expression was wistful as she looked at the photo. "They make a nice looking couple, don't you think?" Taryn stated. She had seen how comfortable Jace was around JJ, and wondered if there was more than just mild interest in the curious expression Jace had on her face. Taryn had assumed Jace was straight, but the more she talked to the woman, the more she wondered. Jace never discussed her own relationships and getting any gossip out of Jane had been a fruitless endeavor.

Jace turned away from the photo and smiled shyly at Taryn. "They make a striking pair. The contrasting colors: dark versus light." Jace looked carefully at Taryn. They both had similar features to JJ and Cory. Jace was sure they'd make a handsome couple. They had even more contrasts. Jace knew her blue eyes were more prominent against the black hair. She saw its effect even more when she looked at JJ. Jace had a small wallet photo of Taryn, Taylor, Tom and her that Jane had taken on Labor Day. She looked at it every evening before she went to bed. One day, she hoped she'd be as happy as the couple in the photo. "We'd better find Jane before she rearranges your room."

Jane had settled herself on the edge of Taryn's bed. She had been tempted to unpack the boxes but had no idea where Taryn was going to put it all. She had desperately wanted her niece to come back to the house where she had every right to live. They had more than enough room but Jane knew it was futile to ask while Patrick still lived there. She wondered what was keeping the other two. At times she felt torn between being Jace's confidant and Taryn's aunt. In her heart, she wanted them both to be happy and had thought about meddling in their friendship, but she knew it wouldn't be right. If the two were meant to be together, then nothing would stop them. She looked up as Taryn entered the room.

"I have a little rearranging to do. I ordered the wardrobe this morning, and JJ picked it up from the Mill store on her way home. They've both been wonderful."

"Have you spoken to Marti?" Jane asked.

Taryn looked at Jace, and then her aunt. "Yes. She's in denial that we're over. She's asked me to lunch this weekend to talk it through."

Jace didn't want to hear any more. She had tried really hard over the past few months to deal with Taryn's feelings for another woman. She knew Taryn had no idea of her own feelings for her, and Jace was content to keep it that way. She had read many books on relationships over the weeks and she knew that rebound relationships rarely worked out. She had hoped that Taryn would see her differently now that Marti was not around, but she hadn't considered the fact that Taryn might go back to her. "I'll go and keep JJ company and leave you two ladies to the unpacking."

"Coward." Jane stated. "Any excuse not to have to do cleaning." Taryn laughed and was pleased that the atmosphere had lightened in the bedroom.

**

Hunger had driven JJ and Jace out of the apartment. They had decided on Chinese food and JJ had volunteered to collect it before she picked up Cory from school. Jace had offered to keep her company while Taryn and Jane finished up in Taryn's new room. "Cory says the Center is really busy. You must look forward to the weekends?" JJ commented as they pulled out of the parking lot.

"Sometimes. We are definitely busy. The students are trying to meet with their advisors so they can register for spring semester. Jane does a very good job in coordinating all the advisors. I haven't been as involved as much in the day-to-day running of the Center as I would like to be. If I'm not in meetings, then I'm stuck in front of my computer answering emails or phone calls." Jace answered solemnly.

"I hear you. The User Support desk gets so many phone calls that by Friday I shudder when the phone rings. Luckily, my boss has been putting me out on the floor and I'm becoming more of a technician. That's what I love doing." JJ waved at the security guard and drove over the ramps. She turned right and headed toward the shopping plaza. "I get my stress relief every weekend when I play hockey. Do you play?"

Jace examined the woman that sat next to her. Although she was the taller of the two, JJ definitely had a more athletic build. The woman's muscles had been evident when Jace had helped JJ lift the monitor onto the desk. JJ's muscles had rippled under the t-shirt and bulged around the shoulder. "No. I run, but that's about all I do. I used to play a little basketball in college, but nothing serious, despite the coach's enthusiasm. I was more into studying. I do like watching sports on the TV, especially hockey."

JJ nodded in understanding. "We're playing this Saturday if you'd like to come along. Nothing fancy. Helen plays on the team, and Cory and Jo are coming along. We usually have a meal and a few beers afterwards."

Jace wasn't sure whether hanging out with JJ and Cory was a good idea. She liked the tall woman, and Cory was interesting to talk with, but Jace didn't feel entirely comfortable.

JJ sensed Jace's hesitation, "You don't need to give me an answer today, I was thinking of Taryn really. You know what it's like when you finish with someone. It's hard socializing again, especially with other couples. You always feel like a third wheel. Originally she was coming with Marti, so I just wanted to invite someone she knew, without making it look like I was trying to set her up with someone. She seems very independent."

Jace nodded. "She is. It's good of you to think about her like that. Jane will be pleased to know how much you care about Taryn. Do you think it would help her?" Jace had no idea what it felt like to end a relationship. She'd seen things in movies and read about it in books, but she didn't possess any first hand knowledge. She liked the idea of spending an evening with Taryn, especially if it meant helping Taryn transition. Without thinking any further, Jace blurted out her answer. "Sure. Just give me the time and destination and I'll be there."

JJ pulled in front of the Chinese restaurant. "We're playing in Falmouth. We usually leave our place at five. Why don't you travel down with us?"

**

Jane helped Taryn put the last few books onto the shelves. "It's beginning to look lived in. Taryn, you know you're welcome at the house." Taryn didn't answer her, so Jane pushed a little more. "If things get too much. Just think about it."

Taryn sank down onto the bed. "Jane, we both know I'm not welcome by everyone. I feel bad all around. I feel lousy that I couldn't work things out with Marti. I feel like shit that I'm invading Cory and JJ's lives…and I feel like I've let you down by not coming home with you. This wasn't a rash decision, it's been building up for a while. Cory mentioned the possibility a few weeks ago. I think this will be good for me." She could see the disappointment on Jane's face. "It's not a forever thing. I'm just not very strong emotionally at the moment. I don't think I could bear Patrick's taunting. I've just had six months of mental torture from Marti."

Jane sat next to Taryn and took her hand. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to add to your troubles. Was it really that bad at the house?"

Taryn noticed that Jane never referred to Marti's house as home for her. When she thought about it, the house had never felt like hers. Marti always ruled over what they did, where they put things, and what they could buy. She felt this would be a good opportunity to be independent. "Let's see what happens next week. If things go well, then I'll reconsider my options. It's nice here, and Cory and JJ are my first real friends since Ireland."

Jane nodded her agreement. "They're a lovely couple. I just hope their togetherness doesn't get to you. It's hard getting over someone, and it's even harder when you see other people being happy."

"I know. I'm trying to be positive. This was my choice. I'm going to meet Marti on Saturday. I feel I owe her that. There are still some things we need to sort out. We were both going to watch JJ play hockey but I don't want her to come along. She may read too much into it. Are you busy Saturday night?" Taryn asked. She didn't want Marti with her, but she didn't want to be on her own.

Jane shook her head. "I'm sorry, Taryn. Bill is taking me out for a meal and a movie. The kids are staying at their grandparents." Jane wiggled her eyebrows. "I have a busy night planned for him."

Taryn blushed when she imagined Jane and Bill together. "Too much information! The poor guy has no idea what you're planning! I think I should warn him."

To be continued...

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